The decision by inland Otago councils to pursue a Regional Deal with Central Government marks a pivotal moment - not just for our region, but for the South Island. As one of only three initial city and regional deals nationwide, it’s a big vote of confidence in Otago Central Lakes and a recognition of our potential to lead the way in shaping New Zealand’s future.
This Regional Deal is about more than just funding - it’s about fixing a broken system. It aims to deliver long-term infrastructure solutions tailored to our unique needs, transforming transport, energy, and healthcare through a strong partnership between local councils and central government. By blending public and private investment, the proposal promotes smarter, more efficient funding models. Growth should also pay for growth, while keeping things affordable for ratepayers and taxpayers.
New Zealand currently faces a staggering $100 billion infrastructure deficit - a drag on our economy and a daily frustration for communities like ours. This didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of decades of poor planning, underinvestment, and inefficient delivery across successive governments. Despite being among the top 10% of high-income countries for infrastructure spending, we’re in the bottom 10% for outcomes. As Ernest Rutherford famously said, “We haven’t got the money, so we’ve got to think.” However, for too long, we’ve been spending - but not thinking - enough.
The National-led Government is changing that. Its 30-year infrastructure plan embraces both new and under-used tools, like public-private partnerships (PPPs), time of use charging, value capture, and performance-based contracts. These models can accelerate delivery, improve outcomes, and reduce the burden on public finances. Almost all public infrastructure in New Zealand is built by the private sector, but the key is in how that infrastructure is financed and co-ordinated.
Regional Deals are central to this strategy. They allow for long-term coordination, tailored solutions, and innovative financing. Special purpose vehicles, for example, can ring-fence infrastructure projects from council balance sheets, ensuring those who benefit - such as from new housing - help fund them over time.
We’ve already seen public private partnerships work. The Ultra-Fast Broadband initiative brought fibre to 87% of New Zealanders. Locally, Wakatipu High School was financed, built and is maintained by a private consortium in a 25year partnership with the Ministry of Education - freeing educators to focus on teaching. The high school will be returned to the Ministry after 25 years in excellent condition.
Asset recycling can also be part of the funding mix. But to be clear, there’s been no discussion - and no expectation - that QLDC sell its shares in Queenstown Airport. This is our moment to lead - to be imaginative, innovative, and courageous. Let’s seize the opportunity. Joseph Mooney, Queenstown’s MP
Coffee crew... Kanysha Bax, Macy Hill, Daniella Surian and Heidi Fraser kept the hot drinks flowing as a weather bomb hit The Remarks ski field on Saturday
Fast-Track fail for mega development
by Paul Taylor
Plans for a Queenstown funicular, new ski field, convention centre and housing development will not be Fast-Tracked.
Bowen Peak Ltd, owned by Australian-based cancer surgeon Dr Guy Hingston, applied to have its $200 million-plus development between the One Mile Roundabout, Ben Lomond Saddle and Bowen Peak put on the controversial planning pathway.
But Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has declined to refer the submission to the Fast-Track panel.
The news has been welcomed by Forward Whakatipu, a group of locals representing mountain bikers, hikers, runners, and families, who launched a petition against the plans.
“We’re really pleased with the Minister’s decision,” Callum Wood, on behalf of the group’s board of trustees, says.
“With over 2,600 signatures on our petition against the mega-development, we’ve shown the influence and power of community voices coming together to protect our environment and stand up for a sustainable, liveable future in Tāhuna Queenstown.”
Wood had said the application would have set a dangerous precedent for fast-tracked developments on scenic reserves, “where private profit is prioritised over long-term community wellbeing and the environment”.
But Bowen Peak Ltd pushed its environmental credentials with the aim of “restoring Te-taumata-o-Hakitekura Ben Lomond Reserve’s birdlife, native forest and freshwater eco system” to the “pre-pakeha state”.
The plans includes a two-track funicular railway, new commercial ski field, 1500-delegate convention centre, wildlife sanctuary, outdoor education centre, a new 1300-property suburb, and associated developments.
According to the documents, the Minister believed he did not have enough detail about the project, and so was not satisfied it would deliver significant regional or national benefits.
There were also substantial concerns over the project’s feasibility, “especially in relation to three-water infrastructure servicing, risks associated with natural hazards, a conflict with QLDC’s Arterial Bypass, and the viability of the proposed ski field”.
Hingston, meanwhile, says his company is now looking at alternatives.
“We are ‘back to the drawing board’, and are now assessing a pylon-based funifor aerial railway passenger transport system (instead of the groundbased funicular) to see whether or not this can function with minimal ground and ONL [Outstanding Natural Landscape] disturbance as well as generate the long term international tourist income stream to help ‘Restoring the Reserve’ as close as possible back to its original native state.”
He thanked the wider community, councils, consultants and NZ Government for taking the application seriously.
The Bowen Peak website has been updated and Hingston is welcoming feedback on the new plans by Friday, 28 November, via feedback@ bowenpeak.co.nz
Writers festival a big draw
Award-winning writers, big personalities and a slew of talented southerners are all in the mix for next month’s Queenstown Writers Festival.
The festival, which has cemented its position as a fixture of the Aotearoa literary circuit, announced its programme at Te Atamira, on Sunday, 31 August, after artist Dick Frizzell chatted about his new memoir with Sir Grahame Sydney.
Damien Wilkins, who won New Zealand’s top literary prize this yearthe Jann Medlicott Acorn prize for fiction - for his acclaimed story of families and ageing, Delirious, is one of the stand out writers coming to the 2025 festival.
Literary legend Owen Marshall is also signed up to talk about his writing career, while Steve Braunias will discuss his much-anticipated Polkinghorne, and Dr Monty Soutar will tell attendees about his acclaimed Kawaii trilogy.
Duncan Sarkies with his novel on democracy and alpacas, and Josie Shapiro with her new novel following up on the runaway success of Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts, are also on the programme.
Interviews with memoir writers including former deputy prime minister Grant Robertson, former Listener television reviewer Diana Wichtel, journalist Mike McRoberts and master of reinvention, Brodie Kane, are expected to draw in the crowds.
And some of Central Otago poet Brian Turner’s closest friends and family will present The Life of Brian, celebrating the life and works of one of most beloved poets and environmentalists.
Festival chair Tanya Surrey says that the 2025 festival - held between 30 October and 3 November - has something for people of all ages.
“Our last festival was the biggest in the festival’s history and showed that there is a thirst for the storytelling showcased in our festival events. People love hearing and reading great tales.
“Queenstown has been named New Zealand’s second most creative city
(after Wellington) three years in a row and events like ours are growing and enhancing the local arts scene.”
Many other writers are lined up for the festival, which also includes workshops, a short-story competition, and schools programme.
Tickets are available from www.qtwritersfestival.nz, where there’s also the full programme, with early bird discounts available until midnight on 30 September.
Dick Frizzell and Sir Grahame Sydney discuss Frizzell’s memoir Hastings, at the programme launch
CLASS – Central Lakes Arts Support Scheme
Funding is now available for community–based arts groups, with the aim of the scheme is to increase participation in the arts at a local level, and increase the range and diversity of arts available to communities.
A guide and the application form is available online to assist with the funding process - scan the QRcode.
Funding rounds close on the 15th of each month
For any enquiries
CRIMELINE
‘Assaulted’ by a doorway
by Sue Fea
An intoxicated Australian teenager called for Police assistance for a head injury after claiming he’d been “assaulted”, when he’d really had a fight with a doorway. Sergeant Tracy Haggart says the 18-year-old claimed to Police that he’d been assaulted at McDonald’s Restaurant just before 3.40am last Thursday, 21 August. CCTV footage showed the intoxicated young man had been allegedly “harassing customers” and was asked to leave. “He tripped in the doorway on exiting and hit his head on the doorway splitting it open,” Haggart says. He was treated at the scene by St John Ambulance and transported to hospital with concussion.
Uninvited guest beds down in foyer
A 36-year-old man, who went to sleep on a couch in an Earl Street accommodation foyer and refused to budge, awoke and began abusing staff, urinating on the floor at 4.30am on Thursday, 21 August.
Haggart says staff had asked the man to leave a number of times, but he had refused. Police were called when he woke and started abusing staff and urinated on the floor. He was removed, issued with a trespass notice and taken back to his own accommodation, ordered to pay a cleaning fee before he left.
Drink drivers’ high readings
A 55-year-old Queenstown man allegedly blew five-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit when stopped at Arthurs Point, after someone complained to Police about driving at 1.30pm last Wednesday, 20 August. Haggart says the man allegedly blew 1375mcg. He’d been “swerving within his lane, crossing the edge line and centre line and mounting the kerb of pedestrian islands” near Powder Terrace and McChesney Road, according to the complaint.
The man allegedly admitted to drinking a large glass of vodka before bed the night before and will appear in the Queenstown District Court on Monday, 5 September, charged with drink driving and careless driving.
Meanwhile, a 32-year-old Queenstown man, who tried to avoid a Police alcohol checkpoint on Coronet Peak Road just before 8.45pm the same day (Wednesday), blew 986mcg. He was convicted, fined $1000, and disqualified from driving for 10 months, in the Queenstown District Court on Monday.
A 50-year-old Queenstown man was caught at the same Night Ski checkpoint, at 7.58pm, and allegedly blew 454mcg. He’s due in court 5 September.
And a 37-year-old Queenstown man seen driving at “high speed” with a flat front tyre and smoke pouring from his Hyundai Hatchback, allegedly blew 708mcg on Frankton Road just before 1.30am on Sunday, 24 August. He also has a 5 September court date.
Teenage driver in crash
A 17-year-old Marlborough man allegedly drove into the back of a vehicle in front, which was slowing for a vehicle ahead waiting to turn, in a nose to tail crash near Kingston just before 11am on Sunday, 24 August. Haggart says the young driver had been following too close and failed to see the vehicle in front slow down. Thankfully, nobody was injured, and infringement notices were issued for ‘failing to stop short’ and driver’s licence breaches.
Another young driver, a 22-year-old Queenstown man, had eight people loaded into his Nissan Skyline despite having a breath alcohol reading of 387mcg. He was seen reversing along Coronation Drive just before 5am on Sunday, 24 August, before driving into a nearby carpark, where his passengers got in. He failed to give his details to police so was arrested, taken to the police station and breath tested. He got an infringement notice for exceeding 250mcg but not more than 400mcg, and also one for overloading his vehicle.
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Celebrate diversity and inclusion in our district with free community events.
Calendar of Events | Queenstown
Date and Time
Friday 5 September 10.15–11.30am
Friday 5 September 11.30am–1.30pm
Saturday 6 September 9.00am–12.00pm
Saturday 6 September 10.00am–1.00pm
Monday 8 September 10.00–11.30am
Tuesday 9 September 10.30am–12.30pm
Tuesday 9 September 6.00–7.30pm
Wednesday 10 September
5.30–7.00pm
Thursday 11 September 5.30–7.30pm
Saturday 13 September 9.00am–12.00pm
Saturday 13 September 10.00am–12.00pm
Saturday 13 September 12.30–3.15pm
Saturday 13 September 5.00–7.00pm
Scan the QR code for more details, including Wānaka events.
Event
Mihi whakatau Mana Tāhuna
Diversi-TEA cake picnic Arrowtown Library
Community planting day
Whakatipu Reforestation Trust and Queenstown Lakes District Council
Diseña el futuro de tu negocio
Design the future of your business – workshop in Spanish The Forward Room
Community connect: ways to wellbeing Headlight and Lakes Multicultural Collective
Plunket playgroup Plunket Queenstown
Kōrerotia - an introduction to Māori Southern REAP
Community connect: ways to wellbeing Headlight and Lakes Multicultural Collective
Find your perfect volunteer match Volunteer South and Lakes Multicultural Collective
Community planting day
Whakatipu Reforestation Trust and Department of Conservation
Open day at OneBike Hub Lightfoot and OneBike
Let’s move! Alpine Health & Fitness
Tiny music festival Frankton Library
Hockey girls take the win
by Sue Fea
Wakatipu High School’s first ever First 11 Girls’ Hockey team blitzed the field at last week’s National Secondary Schools Tournament Week, despite battling driving Southland hail for a quarter of the final in Invercargill.
The hardy Wakatipu side beat West Coast Combined 2-nil in a proud moment – the first year that the school has entered an all-girls’ side.
School Director of Sport Bruce Hunter says the school had had mixed boys’ and girls’ hockey teams prior to this year so it was a great achievement.
While the Girl Power hockey stars brought home the top spoils, the school’s Boys Hockey team placed third after taking out their semi-final against Timaru’s Roncalli College – 6-4, in Cromwell.
In a nail-biting semi-final, the Senior Boys’ Basketball team, coached by Wakatipu High principal Oded Nathan, beat Logan Park High from Dunedin 74-70, taking third place and playing strong throughout their matches. Nathan, a graduate of UCLA renowned for its American College basketball prowess, has been coaching basketball in New Zealand for 25 years.
The basketballers had been on a winning streak prior, winning four out of four games, including an 82-35 win over their Dunstan High neighbours. Junior Boys’ Basketball also impressed taking third place with a 74-63 win over Christchurch’s Burnside High.
The school’s premier Wakatipu Gold Ice Hockey team beat the school’s Wakatipu Blue side taking first place, Blue taking second, while the Boys’ Football First XI placed sixth.
Fourteen premier Wakatipu High teams made up of 170 students competed all over NZ.
Nathan and Hunter were super proud of the efforts from all the teams at the end of a long winter.
“We do a lot of travelling within our region and it’s the end of the season, so the students are quite tired, but it was a nice positive way to end the season,” Hunter says.
He says it’s “definitely a challenge” for Wakatipu teams competing against big city schools, some of which have paid coaches and well- resourced sporting programmes.
“We definitely punch above our weight,” he says. “We’re obviously operating under a voluntary system, and the kids, parents and our wonderful volunteer coaches always step up,” he says. “This is a closeknit community and people are always so positive and willing to give their time.”
Triumphant - Wakatipu High’s First XI Girls’ Hockey National Tournament Week winners
Placed third at National Tournament Week, Wakatipu High’s Senior A Basketball team
WANT TO FEEL MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT BIRTH? WANT TO KNOW HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR PARTNER?
Upcoming in-person, Queentown dates in August and October. Future dates TBC, and live-online and private sessions available. Reach out for a chat
Contact Meredith for more information or to sign up mamagaiabirth.co.nz and @mama_gaia_birth
Queenstown
You’re invited to join us to Enjoy complimentary drink & a local fav - delicious Skyline pizzas
Relax & listen to the Chair welcome, operational update. Guest speaker: Hon Denis Marshall QSO-NZ Nature Fund
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART
THEATRE - AT THE
GALLERIES
Community Knitting Group
COMMUNITY
Community Knitting Group is back, and Happiness House would love for you to join them for a cosy, creative morning. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced knitter, this is a welcoming space to connect with others, learn something new, and unwind. There will be knitting supplies available, friendly folks to teach or chat with, delicious food and warm drinks, a relaxed drop-in style vibe – come for as long or as little as you’d like. No need to register, just pop in and enjoy the morning.
When: Wednesday, 3 September, 10am – 12pm
Where: Happiness House, 4 Park Street, Queenstown
Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week New Zealand - Te Wiki o Manaaki
Aotearoa - is an annual campaign to showcase and celebrate how communities across Aotearoa and the globe are working to be more welcoming places for all, including migrants. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our welcoming values through local events and initiatives that foster mutual understanding, stronger connections, and deeper belonging among all of us – particularly long-time residents and newcomers. There will be a range of events on offer throughout the week including a cake picnic at Arrowtown Library, a community connect event at the Salvation Army in Frankton, and a tiny music festival at Frankton Library. You can find a full calendar of events at QLDC’s website.
When: Friday, 5 September – Saturday, 13 September Where: Various locations around Queenstown and Wānaka
Community Planting Day
Whakatipu Reforestation Trust invite the community to Whitechapel Reserve to kick off their spring planting season. The hard work of digging holes will already be done and the job on the day will be to get native plants into their forever homes. As is tradition, they will have a yummy morning tea part way through the morning and a BBQ lunch will be provided. They’ve been planting at this site since 2015 and this spring, the total number of plants will reach over 26,000 planted in the past ten years. Whitechapel Reserve is an important grey shrubland planting site where we plant key species such as coprosma, olearia, corokia and kowhai making it a favoured habitat for birds, lizards and also native moths and butterflies.
When: Saturday, 6 September, 9am – 1pm
ARTS
Slow Stitch Bears with Dianne Van Brandenburg
Join highly respected textile artist and long-standing member of the Embroiderers’ Guild, Dianne Van Brandenburg, for a hands-on workshop exploring the gentle art of slow stitching. You’ll be guided through a variety of hand embroidery techniques to create a beautifully embellished fabric bear. Drawing on her extensive teaching experience, Dianne creates a relaxed and supportive environment that welcomes both beginners and those with stitching experience.
When: Tuesday, 2 or Tuesday, 9 September, 10am – 12.30pm
Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
Take a Chance on Me
Remarkables Theatre annual production is Take a Chance on Me. The warm, funny, and relatable comedy by beloved Kiwi playwright Roger Hall follows a lively group of characters as they navigate the ups and downs of love, loneliness, and starting over later in life.
When: Thursday, 11 September – Saturday, 20 September at 7.30pm or Sunday Matinee at 3.30pm
Calling all Barbie Girls, Teenage Dirtbags and All Stars: join No Scrubs for a 90s and early 00s party that will be Larger Than Life! You’ll be Dancing in the Moonlight, Spinning Around and Jumpin’ Jumpin’ as we Pump It with all the best throwback tunes from 1990 - 2009! If you Wannabe Livin la Vida Loca with us on the dancefloor then Say You’ll Be There and get in quick for tickets!
When: Friday, 5 September, 9.30pm
Where: Yonder, 14 Church Street, Queenstown
Red Bull Homerun
Red Bull Homerun is simple, boarders and skiers sprint from a starting line to strap in and throw themselves down the mountain, partying that evening at the Après shindig of the season. This year’s edition also includes a Beginners Run. There will be prizes for the fastest skier and snowboarder (male and female). You’ll not only get to claim the prestigious title and bask in the Red Bull Homerun glory atop Coronet Peak, you’ll also win a prize pack. Sign up at redbull.co.nz/homerun
KPCA invites you to join our annual fruit tree pruning workshop, with fruit tree expert, Alex Huffadine from Thrive Consulting in Cromwell. Starting in the Croquet Club rooms, Alex will share his knowledge about the basics of pruning and caring for a variety of fruit trees to maximise production and minimise disease. This informal session will be full of practical advice for the novice or experienced home gardener. There will be plenty of time to ask questions. Cost: koha ($30 per person recommended), spaces are limited so booking early! Morning tea is included so please let us know of any dietary requirements. What to bring: Pen, paper, gloves, clean, sharp secateurs & loppers (if you have some). To book your place please email: talk2kpca@gmail.com or phone Chris on 0274717786 for more info.
When: Sunday, 7 September, 10am - 12.30pm
Where: Jardine Park Croquet Club & Community Orchard
Snow Machine
More than 7000 people will descend on Queenstown for the epic Snow Machine in September - but festival organisers want locals to join the week-long party too, and are offering discounts for Queenstown residents and throwing a huge downtown night party. Claptone, Amyl and the Sniffers, Netsky, Mallrat, Luude, and Cyril, are among two dozen international and NZ acts set to perform. Local Discount Code: LOCAL25 - head to the booking website and pop that in - tickets are selling fast so get in quick to secure your spot. snow-machine.com/nz
When: Tuesday, 9 - Sunday, 14 September
Where: Various locations around Queenstown
If you would like your show, event, exhibition or meeting promoted in Goings On drop us a line at info@qmg.co.nz with the details
• High Quality GIB Stopping Professional interior plasterers & custom lime based finishes
• Venetian Plastering
• Micro-Cement
Let’s deliver great growth
When MC Katie Bradford asked candidates at the Chambers’ Mayoral debate last week “Would you consider a moratorium on future development until our infrastructure issues are sorted?” there was an audible ripple of support just for the fact that she asked the question.
That’s telling, and an indicator that we need to have the open, honest conversation about growth that we haven’t had. We’re constantly on the back foot, trying to catch up but going backwards. Our leaders boast about the size of our growth - but does it feel like something we are doing well and can be proud of?
We shouldn’t fear growth - we should be on top of it and be comfortable that it will happen because we know what it will look like and we’ve co-designed the outcomes.
We’ve spatial plans, blue-green plans, climate and biodiversity plans and a long term vision - but we’ve never really decided what the picture on the top of the jigsaw puzzle box should look like in terms that we can relate to. What will have been built by 2050? What does a finished, mature district look like? The spatial plan describes outcomes but it’s out of date and understates growth.
How do we make best use of our land to build well rounded, complete and uplifting neighbourhoods? What does ‘good urban design’ really involve? What alternative solutions exist for wastewater management? What’s the plan to deliver infrastructure to enable the development we want to see or do we just carry on hoping for the best?
It’s untenable to adopt a “no growth” position. Government is driving growth. Growth will continue one way or another but we must manage our growth well and influence the outcomes.
Our environment and way of life shouldn’t come second to growth. These aren’t either/or binary outcomes. They can co-exist if we take control. Let’s work out what we want growth to look like and what it should deliver for us. And if we need to temporarily pause some growth by not providing connections to already overloaded water or wastewater connections, then we should consider that. Just like other councils are doing.
I believe we should construct a set of outcomes that will define “smart growth” and use these to influence growth. In my view, smart growth:
• increases economic diversity
• minimises environmental impacts
• increases productivity and profitability
• pays its way without placing new financial burdens on the existing community
• retains and recycles cashflow within the district
• increases career and qualification opportunities
• makes the district more affordable for everyday residents
• delivers neighbourhoods that are well-designed, diverse, vibrant and connected places to live
It’s time to think differently, time to control our future, time to lead the change.
Catalyst Trust’s Mayoral Candidate Forum
Get beyond the social media soundbites and political slogans with Queenstown’s only free and fully independent Mayoral Candidate Forum this Thursday, 4 September, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, at Wakatipu High School Auditorium. MC David Williams, Newsroom’s South Island correspondent and former editor of Mountain Scene, understands our community issues and is independent of business and current local politics. All six candidates have been invited to tell us the background, knowledge, policies, skills and values they’d bring as leader of our council and community. Register via events. humanitix.com/our-vital-native.../tickets
HOSPOGUIDE
Live music with Eby 6pm $15 Bao Buns
Wednesday Quiz Night Bookings are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. To book contact info@lokalqt.co.nz or ring 03 442 5444
Double Points all night and DJ Mad from 9pm
ROCK NIGHT 3 bands from 6.30pm
Happy Hour 5-7pm $12 cocktails/ $10 Pints/$14 Jugs Pool Table / Open Fire / Sky Sports
ALL
Live music with TJ 5pm Stubacca on the deck from 7pm DJ Rinkha 8pm Sunday Live music with TERE 4pm DJ Eoin 7pm $15 Spice Bags Monday Live music with Nic $15 Fried Rice
Weekend Brunch & Lunch Specials Brunch - eggs Benny, Breakfast stack, butty Fri, Sat & Sun 12-2pm | Lunch $28 BBQ meat platter, Fri, Sat & Sun 12-5pm
Join our Lokal’s loyalty scheme, sign up in store today and start earning points
DJ
@ 9pm Monday Free wings (t&c) DJ Rinkha from 9pm
7pm Monday / Tuesday Karaoke (with Patty) from 8 pm
v
Tuesday Pav Apres hour
$10 Pav Wine, Beer & Aperol Spritz Every day 4pm to 6pm
Wednesday Bump Night Margherita or Pepperoni Pizzas + Pint $30 6pm ‘til close
Wednesday John Healy 8.30pm Wednesday Brett Walker 8.30pm
Tuesday Bump & Skate All Day from 9.30am4.30pm
Wednesday Free to Watch Ice Hockey from6.30pm-10pm
Thursday Evie & The Radiophonics LIVE 6pm to 9pm Bookings Essential
Danny Atkinson 8.30pm
Thursday All-Day Ice Skating & Bumper Cars from 9.30am-4.30pm
Friday Pav Apres hour
$10 Pav Wine, Beer & Aperol Spritz Every day 4pm to 6pm
Saturday 2 glasses of champagne + 6 oysters $65 Available all day
Sunday
Celebrate Father’s Day at Pavilion Enjoy slow-cooked Savannah beef short rib with white bean cassoulet and salsa verde - $39
Monday Madd Monday Hospo & Mountain Staff Night 20% off total bill
Calico 9pm Saturday Dave Bell Duo 9pm Sunday Trad Session 5pm $27 Sunday Roast Monday Oliva Eady 8.30pm $6 Beer handles 7 days a week
Friday Stick & Puck followed by 2 Free to Watch Ice Hockey starts from 6.15pm
Saturday Open for AllDay Bump & Skate until 6pm, closed in evening for Private Event
Sunday Sunday Social from 5.15pm-10pm Last Regular Season Games!
Monday Free to Watch Ice Hockey from 6.15pm9.45pm
$20 Chicken Parmy & fries Friday/Saturday DJs in the beer garden 4pm till late
Tuesday POOL COMP FROM 9pm $200 CASH PRIZE FREE ENTRY
COCKTAIL HAPPY HOUR 9pm - midnight
DAILY 3 - 5PM
$30 HAPPY HOUR FOOD COMBOS
Thursday LOCALS NIGHT Live Music 6pm - 9pm AYEEDEEG 9pm - Late $20 JUGS | 1/2 PRICE PIZZA | BIG PRIZE DRAW AT 11PM
TAP BEERS 5 DRAFT BEERS TO CHOOSE FROM
MONDAY TO SUNDAY 3PM - 12AM EVERYDAY
Tuesday QUIZ NIGHT - bar tab prizes - from 9pm $25 Special Beef Quesadilla
Wednesday Silent Disco 3 DJs | 3 Channels | Free Entry $25 Special Cheese Steak Burger
Thursday Snow Industry night - classic ski films, guest backroom store and $12 Aperol Spritz (5 - 6pm
DAILY 3 - 5PM $10 BEERS $10 WINES $14 COCKTAILS LATE NIGHT EVERYDAY UNTIL MIDNIGHT ASIAN FUSION
Party Bangers from 9pm $25 Special - BBQ Ribs
REI - Electric Hip Hop artist from Wellington
Live music from Danny Atkinson from 6 - 10pm DJ Teo from 10pm
HOSPOGUIDE
2 SEPTEMBER- 8 SEPTEMBER
Mon-Sat OPEN FROM 1PM DAILY
19 delicious craft beers, tasting paddles, bar food & takeaway Rigger bottles available daily. Offers for QMTBC and HIVE pass holders all week!
HAPPY HOUR
$9 house beer and wine 4-6pm daily R20 Venue. Drink Responsibly
Wednesday Darts & Beers, Social Games Night from 6pm - free entry / drink offers / prizes
Thursday Queers & Beers: Monthly Rainbow Social. Live music, drag performance, fun mixers & games, hosted by Queenstowns one and only Miss Kaysey Leigh!
ENJOY OUR COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK
Only $16 Available daily R20 Venue. Drink Responsibly
Friday OPEN MIC 6.309.30pm, Every Friday, Elle & Alex Music and Beech Tree kitchen. Pizzas, Burgers & Fries, the ultimate pub grub!
Saturday On its wayfestivals, DJs, comedy, bottomless brunches, new kitchen takeovers and much more!!
Saturday WATCH THE ALL BLACKS LIVE IN WILD THYME BAR & KITCHEN R20 Venue
Sunday Closed for now… but watch this space!
Saturday JE MARCO LIVE in The Peacock Lounge 8.30pm – 10.30pm R20 Venue
Arts+Culture
Take a Chance on Me
by Jessica Allen
Remarkable Theatre’s latest production is Kiwi playwright Roger Hall’s Take a Chance on Me. The funny, warm and relatable comedy will take over Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall next week and follows a lively group of characters as they navigate the ups and downs of love, loneliness and starting over later in life.
The show features a smaller cast of eight, including Natalia Brown who is playing Fleur and Peter Waaka, playing Dan. Both are very excited to take to the stage. Brown is a high school teacher and has lived in Queenstown for nine years. She auditioned for the role not thinking she’d be a part of the show as English is her second language and there’s quite a bit of dialogue, but is thrilled to have been selected.
“Out of the eight characters, two of them are facilitators and six of us are people struggling with dating after their 30s. My character is Fleur, she is divorced and a primary teacher and she’s looking for love – like a corny love,” Brown says.
For Brown, representing her South American community is something she’s really proud of. She’s enjoyed rehearsals, which always make her laugh, and being part of the team of people all making the production happen.
“You don’t see that many people, where English isn’t their first language, to be a part of something like this and given this opportunity – it’s a big deal for everyone.”
Waaka has been here for just over 30 years and has acted in a number of musical theatre productions in that time, but this will be his first time just acting with Remarkable Theatre. He’s enjoyed trying something a little different.
“My role in the play is the oldest person on stage, an elderly gentleman who finds himself a widow, and the entire show is about people meeting each other and dating,” Waaka says.
Take a Chance on Me is written by Roger Hall, one of New Zealand’s most famous playwrights and was originally aimed at an Auckland audience, so director Ryan Brennan has worked in some more Queenstown-relevant dialogue to get people laughing. Waaka says it has been very cleverly written.
“The six people, three males and three females, find themselves single. There are also two other parts that play multiple roles – they’re very challenging roles and it’s fantastic to watch both Marty Newell and Janey Bytheway acting out all these various roles and interacting with us all.”
Both Waaka and Brown agree that we get so little live theatre here in Queenstown, so the show is the perfect way to experience some.
“We don’t have many opportunities to go to the theatre, it’s only on a few times per year, and this is the greatest opportunity to enjoy a show that’s prepared with love and dedication. It’s a perfect way to poke fun at your own problems, by laughing at them as they play out on stage,” Brown says. And if you’re thinking of auditioning for an upcoming production, they each encourage people to do so. Waaka explains that in his time on stage and on different committees, he has seen many people grow and develop. “We always manage to find really good talent here in Queenstown, a lot of raw talent, people who perhaps hadn’t performed a lot but have been able to be brought out of their shell by performing”. Keep an eye on Remarkable Theatre’s socials to see when the next production and audition dates are. Take a Chance on Me will run at Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall from Thursday, 11 September until Saturday, 20 September with shows each night at 7.30pm and a Sunday matinee at 3.30pm. The show is PG13, tickets and more information can be found at humanitix.com/take-a-chance-on-me-2025
COMMUNITY NOTES
Spring is in the air - so native planting season is on!
The Whakatipu Reforestation Trust has been operating since 2013, working to grow and plant native trees and shrubs throughout the Whakatipu Basin. With 129,000 plants in the ground to date, the impact is starting to add up.
The Trust’s keystone sites are located on public reserves and are prepared each spring and autumn for the community to plant native trees and shrubs. As these sites become established, they will help to form an ecological corridor through the Whakatipu Basin, providing food and shelter for native wildlife.
The organisation’s success is powered by volunteers. From propagating and nurturing plants at the community nursery in Kelvin Heights to arriving at planting days in force, volunteers have been the superpower driving the action. Thanks to their work, the vision of a basin that hums with native biodiversity is becoming a reality
This spring the trust is running three community planting days across their keystone sites which they welcome Queenstowners to join. All run from 9am - 12.30pm (drop in style). No dogs at these events due to pindone in the vicinity of some sites.
Spring Planting Dates:
• Saturday, 6 September: Whitechapel Reserve, Whitechapel Rd. This is a Conservation Week event in collaboration with Whakatipu Wildlife Trust, with a free BBQ lunch and a talk from a NZ moth and butterfly expert over lunch.
They’re all about sharing the knowledge of what grows here and why. A lot of the hard work is done, with all holes pre-dug. All you need is a pair of gloves and everything else is provided, including a delicious morning tea provided with support from The Hilton and Crowne Plaza hotels.
For those interested in contributing to local conservation efforts, these events offer an opportunity to make a difference while learning about native plant species and their importance. Planting days are a fantastic example of community spirit and a great way to meet like-minded people. If you would like to get involved at the WRT nursery or come to a community planting day, check for more details on social media or their website www.wrtqt.org.nz
Lakes Weekly gives community organisations in Queenstown Lakes the chance to address our readers directly though our Community Notes page. If you’d like to take part, email Jess at info@qmg.co.nz
by Sue Fea
My Life story
MICHAEL WYATT
‘Drawing’ on that horsepower
Legendary Queenstown award-winning architect Michael Wyatt doesn’t just love drawing. He’s pretty keen on cars, now the proud owner of seven classy classics, including a 1968 4.9-litre V8 Maserati - his “babies”.
In fact, ‘car’ was the first word he uttered from the cot in Temuka in 1947, his dad freshly back from WWII. “I’m told a rotund lady was cycling past and I pointed outside and said, ‘Car!’,” Michael grins.
At 10 they moved to Christchurch where Michael continued his love of making models, more advanced aeroplanes and boats while at Burnside High.
He was realising his creative gift by 15 when he won a radio competition with his illustration of a Deuce Coupe. “I won a Beach Boys record then I had to buy a record player and got into Beatles records.”
Moved up from the trades class due to his intake marks, they didn’t know what to do with him. “It was all about rugby and sport,” he says. “It took six months to persuade the headmaster to let me swap music lessons for art.
“The careers advisor said, ‘Work for the Railways. They won’t sack you’.”
However, an aunt encouraged him into Art School where he studied painting and sculpture at Canterbury Uni, before doing industrial design for a year then passing the rigorous physics test for the School of Architecture in Auckland. Once in, Michael scored straight A’s. About 40 of his 66-strong intake passed, Michael one of just three with Honours.
Not that confident of his ability, he won the drawing prize in his last year and a Queenstown Elizabeth Award for an aircraft museum he designed, building an impressive model. Graduating in late 1974, by then married to his
first wife, Michael worked at Lucking and Vial in Christchurch, an economic slump making him redundant after a year. Thankfully he’d already upgraded the Ford 100 E Prefect for a classy MG Midget by then.
A blast down to Queenstown had him sold, working here for John Blair from 1976.
“I was a bit slow once and he said, ‘Kick it in the guts, Trev!’” Michael grins.
He was granted great freedom, but no hope of a partnership, branching out on his own in 1980. “I earned $10,000 in my first year. I charged $500 for one house job, which should’ve been $2000.”
It was all about earning enough to feed his family until Michael’s historically aesthetic design for the new Arrowtown Library catapulted him to a new level, winning him an Institute of Architecture Award in 1983. “Alan Brady interviewed me for TV’s ‘Town and Around’,” he says. “I agonised over contemporary, or close to an historical feel. I thought my colleagues would think I’d lost the plot, but I opted for something in keeping with the neighbouring Miners’ Cottages.
“It was entirely my choice as long as the Arrowtown Borough Council agreed, which they did,” he says. “They even had advice from a city library expert who said it can’t be on the Village Green as a library should be ‘in the middle of the town centre’,” Michael smiles. “Town was only one block then, but they took it literally.” Thankfully the council ignored that advice.
His Central Otago vernacular architectural style was catching on, Millbrook co-founders John Darby and Graham Smolenski approached him in the early 90s to design Millbrook, initially jointly commissioned with Murray Cockburn. “They asked me to write the design rules, pretty much locking in the look of Millbrook today,” Michael says.
Michael resigned from that and worked for John Davies on The Station Building, leading to a long-term commercial relationship that continues today.
Refurbishment of the rundown Hermitage Hotel, including a new 60-room wing, café restaurant, audio visual theatre and museum, followed, as did the Coronet Peak and Remarkables skifield buildings.
Probably Michael’s largest job is Skyline’s redevelopment – a huge long-term job over five projects, still continuing today.
Along the way in 1994 he married second wife Roz and became stepdad to triplets, adding to his three sons who were living in Australia.
Offroad motorbike riding has been Michael’s saving grace, heading into the hills, hills he was initially introduced to by old friend Jim Childertsone.
He bought a Honda 200cc in 1987 exploring Skippers and Central Otago, gold mining relics and tussocklands up to 1524m (5000 feet).
Their Dunedin holiday house is his seaside escape, two of the classic “babies” garaged there, rotating now and then.
Merging with Mark Gray in 2017, Michael’s largely retired now and took that celebration trip to Italy this year where his favourite 1950s and 60s “babies” were born, Fiats, Alfas, a Lancia and the Masarati.
In the past 10 years Michael has beaten cancer twice, surviving against all medical prognoses. While Roz was understandably upset the night of his first ‘terminal’ diagnosis, Michael went off to bed as calm as a baby. “I said to her, ‘Well, I’m not going to die tonight, and the doctor could be wrong’.” Thankfully he was. “Roz now calls me Lazarus,” he grins.
Michael relaxing on holiday in Sicily earlier this year
Michael as a student in 1974
Michael at the drawing board in the early 80s
Michael on an offroad motorcycle trip into the Nevis Valley in the late 80s
Jammin’ it with the big time
by Sue Fea
They may have grown up in one of the country’s most popular party towns amid a wealth of musical performers who’ve been entertaining for decades, but Wakatipu High School’s star-studded jazz band Best Served Chilled has had to fight harder to get to the top.
The 24-strong group of talented young musos recently took out top South Island honours fending off some 200 other young jazz musicians from 12 South Island high schools, named Overall Best at the annual Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival in Blenheim, bringing home a huge haul of wins. It’s the first time Wakatipu High has won top slot in 20 years of competing, taking out Best Overall, Best Combo and a gold grading, with its Big Band winning silver.
Haru Kuroe took out both Most Outstanding Bassist and Most Outstanding Musicianship; Joel Winter was named Most Accomplished Rhythm Section and Small Group Drummer, while Louis Buchanan was Most Outstanding Keyboard Player.
Three of the six successful Combo winners, Haru, Joel, and Bethany Argyle also earned a spot in the Jazz Festival’s prestigious All Stars Band – a huge honour, Haru also mastering the baritone saxophone in the Big Band.
Alice Davis and Mala Januszkiewicz were also part of the winning Combo band, which had to play a half hour programme of five pieces before top level judges from the New Zealand School of Music at Victoria University.
Wakatipu High School principal Oded Nathan says they’re “super proud” of their champion musicians and school Head of Arts Alison Price says it was an “incredible achievement”. “These are the top schools, many of them private city schools with great teaching resources at their fingertips,” she says. “You’ve got to be up there to compete in this Festival, so they did particularly well, given that our school is quite isolated from those bigger city resources.”
She says Turn Up The Music has been trying to attract more good music teachers but it’s a challenge. Some of the kudos must go to the fantastic itinerant teachers who helped take the kids to the top - Chris Mason-Battley, a saxophone player who had his own band in Auckland and plays lots of local gigs, and Alistair Monteath, from Roxburgh, who has extensive experience with jazz bands, Price says.
Ways to Wellbeing workshopsLet’s talk about death
The Lakes Multicultural Collective and Headlight Trust are partnering to deliver Community Connect: Ways to Wellbeing workshops for migrant communities during Welcoming Week 2025 in Queenstown.
Based on the internationally recognised 5 Ways to Wellbeing framework, the free workshops offer practical tools to safeguard mental health, build connections, and strengthen resilience. Migrants often face challenges such as culture shock, language barriers, and social isolation, and research shows that culturally tailored support improves settlement outcomes.
“This partnership demonstrates how community organisations can work together to create meaningful change,” Liz Kaloudau of LMC, says.
Headlight’s Niamh Shaw added that combining wellbeing expertise with lived migrant experience makes the sessions both relevant and effective.
Workshops run 10am–11.30am, 8 September, at Salvation Army, Frankton, and 10 September, 5.30pm–7pm, Hato Hone St John, Frankton. Light refreshments provided. Register via events.humanitix.com/lmc_5ways_0925
Dying Matters Week Aotearoa returns from 1- 7 September, encouraging open conversations about death, dying, caring and grieving.
This nationwide event features more than 250 activities across 11 regions and 26 towns and cities, supported by practitioners, community groups, hospices, libraries and businesses. Its aim is to normalise discussions around death and remind us it is a natural part of life.
Locally, Queenstown Community Hospice on Yewlett Crescent, Frankton, is hosting an Open Home from 1 - 5 September, 10.30am–2.30pm. Residents are invited to drop in, meet the team, and share a cuppa.
Hospice nurses Marie Wales and Rebecca Davey will also speak at Frankton and Queenstown Libraries on 1-2 September. On 1 September, Frankton Library will host a practical session on wills, power of attorney and probate, with Mactodd Lawyers, ASB Queenstown Tāhuna and the hospice team.
Event coordinator Susie Redmayne says the week is vital as New Zealand faces a “silver tsunami,” with deaths projected to rise nearly 50% by 2043. Hospice demand is expected to grow 53%, with an annual funding shortfall reaching $196 million.
“There is an urgent need for individuals, whānau and communities to reclaim this last stage of life, starting with gentle conversations and planning,” she says. Grassroots movements like Compassionate Communities are responding with initiatives such as Death Cafes, Coffin Clubs, DIY Funerals and NODA (No One Dies Alone). These efforts aim to restore dignity, agency and connection at life’s end.
How to advertise
Ph: 03 409 2800
Email: enquiries@qmg.co.nz
Place your ad online: www.lwb.co.nz
Advertising Deadlines
Display Advertising: 12pm Thursday
Situations Vacant: 12pm Friday
Queenstown Media Group PO Box 1546, Queenstown 9300
Kylee De Suza Account Manager 021 044 2968 | kylee@qmg.co.nz
Patricia W. Becker Graphic Designer
Kanika Sethi Finance
Paul Taylor Editor/Journalist
Sue Fea Journalist
Jessica Allen Journalist/ Content coordinator
Dying Matters Week is led by Go With Grace, supported by Hospice NZ, The Eldernet Group and ELDAA. For details, visit gowithgrace.nz/dyingmatters/
RUGGED OUTDOORS TYPE, TALL AND SLIM, SEEKS FUN LOVING LADY. @TAKE A CHANCE ON ME.
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST
TUE (2 Sep) @ 6.30pm, ‘Nurturing Peace’ with Grant Rix
WED (3 Sep) @ 6.30pm, ‘Sadhana Practice’ with Grant Rix SUN (7 Sep) @ 10am, ‘Cultivating Awareness Practice’ followed by ‘Social Sunday’
All are welcome.
Donations for the teacher/centre are gratefully accepted. See www.dharmacentre.org.nz / FB
Best Served Chilled’s Combo band, front, from left, Mala Januszkiewicz, Bethany Argyle, Alice Davis. Rear from left, Louis Buchanan, Joel Winter, Haru Kuroe
WATCH REPAIRS NOW
For all your repairs, watches, clocks, batteries, key cutting & straps. Level One, Stratton House (Below Sky City), 24 Beach Street, Queenstown Mon - Fri, 9.30am till 5.30pm. Closed on Saturdays. Phone/ text: 027 217 0442
Colon Hydrotherapy - Infrared sauna
ww w .thegut c li nic quee ns t ow n. co .nz
Phone: 027 248 7695
Popular foodie Cherie Metcalfe is heading to Queenstown as she launches her latest cookbook Seasoned.
The Pepper & Me founder will be at McKibbon's of Royalburn, in the former Raeward Fresh building on Gorge Road, on Saturday, 20 September, and Lakes Weekly Bulletin has a giveaway to celebrate - which includes a copy of the book and $120 of products (see below).
Seasoned is the third cookbook from Cherie and is packed with more than 90 no-fuss, big-flavour recipes to help anyone struggling with the ever-present "What shall I cook for dinner?” question.
What shall I cook for dinner?
to ignite a love for food and cooking in people across Aotearoa and hope these rock-solid standouts will inspire and give you confidence in the kitchen.”
Seasoned is on sale 12 September, 2025 from selected bookstores and www.pepperandme.co.nz. RRP $49.95.
The Seasoned giveaway pack includes a copy of Cherie's latest cookbook, Seasoned, and a bunch of their most popular Pepper & Me products, including Sanders Seasoning, Man Grind Flakes, Tik Tok Trending, Sunshine Salt, Goan to Bombay, Blow My Coals, Italian Stallion, Sweet Sesh, and Wok Sauce - valued at $120.
"This book is basically our greatest hits," Cherie says. "These are the recipes we make at home, the ones people rave about, the ones that work even when you don’t want to because you’re knackered and hangry and down to your last onion."
Recipes include bangers like Cheeseburger Loaded Potatoes, Bang Bang Chicken, and Instagram sensation, Marry Me Chicken. For dessert, you might launch into a Biscoff Mousse, Lemon Posset, or Self-Saucing Caramel Apple Pudding.
From market stalls to a thriving business with a 100k online following, trained chef and mum-of-two Cherie has built a brand renowned for bold flavours and straight-up tastiness.
“Our whole purpose is to connect people with food,” Cherie says. “We want to take the stress out of cooking and put the joy back in. Seasoned has recipes that are rock solid, low-stress, and full of flavour. We want
To enter, visit the Queenstown App and click on the Win Stuff icon
LWB QUIZ
1. Who directed the 1993 film Jurassic Park?
2. Where is the Queenstown Marathon full distance starting line? 3. Which is the only U.S. state to have a one-syllable name? 4. Who was the first man to walk on the moon?
5. What is the world’s most spoken language by native speakers?
6. What is the largest internal organ in the human body?
7. Which New Zealand university has its main campus in Palmerston North?
8. What is the square root of 64?
9. Which bird is the fastest on land?
10. New Zealand’s highest waterfall is located in Fiordland. What is it called? USED FRENCH OAK WINE BARRELS for sale from Central Otago winery. Size: 225Lts. $200.00
For Sale
Everything Else
QUILTS ON DISPLAY. Come seeour creative ladies at work. Queenstown Quilting and Patchworkers. Lake Hayes Pavilion, 5–7 September 2025, 10am till 3pm. Visitors welcome. Quilt fabrics for sale. Ask us questions about our techniques and projects.
FLATMATE WANTED. WARM ROOM inThompson St. $300 per week including wifi, power, firewood and cleaning products. 0274426933. ONE BEDROOM FLAT. FERNHILL ROAD, close to bus & shop. Small, tidy & warm. $450 all inclusive. Txt 021 1258187 for viewing
WHAKATIPU BEEKEEPERS SUPPORTING LOCAL BEEKEEPERS with sharing knowledge, mentoring and maintaining best practice. Most importantly a group of likeminded individuals who love bees. Meeting regularly, for more info or to join us whakatipubeekeepers@gmail.com
SPCA OP SHOP – 51 GORGE RD. Open 7 days a week 9am- 5pm. Pre-loved goods and clothing at great prices. Help support the ongoing work done by the SPCA. Accepting donations now. Call into store now to enquire about Volunteering. Your old goods, or your time, could help save a life.
CASIO SILVER WATCH. Woolworths /Frankton beach.. Much loved, but in big trouble when she gets home :) Thanks ahead. Kyle Mackay 0210729232
TOASTMASTERS. FOR NO FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING. Learn in a safe, supportive environment. Call Nicole 02041931441 or David 0272298681. See you soon!
ANNUAL FRUIT TREE PRUNING WORKSHOP with Alex Huffadine from Thrive Consulting in Cromwell. This informal session will be full of practical advice for the novice or experienced home gardener. Sunday, 7 Sept, 10am-12.30pm. Jardine Park Croquet Club. Cost: koha ($30 per person recommended), spaces are limited. Morning tea is included, bring: Pen, paper, gloves, clean sharp secateurs & loppers (if you have some). To book your place email: talk2kpca@ gmail.com or ph Chris on 0274717786
Secure self storage units – various sizes available Phone: 0800 297 786 | www.xsstorage.co.nz FOR SALE 2014 VW GOLF HIGHLINE
1.4 TSI BlueMotion $13,999. Super tidy Volkswagen Golf Highline, only 58,5xxkms. 1st NZ owner. Fuel efficient. Wof (08/26) rego (03/26). Genuine sale. Call or message Ivan on 027 3869394.
JOIN THE TEAM AT GIBBSTON VALLEY WINES
CELLAR DOOR ROLES
– must love people interaction!
Host / Runner – Start your journey, support the team and keep service flowing.
Tour Guide / Salesperson
– Share our story, host tastings and connect guests to our wines.
KITCHEN HAND – Help keep our kitchen humming. Support the chefs and learn on the job.
FRONT OF HOUSE - Be the face of our Restaurant. Deliver warm, genuine service in a stunning setting.
What we offer:
• Guaranteed hours (min 30 per week)
• $26–$30 per hour (role dependent)
• Staff discounts on wine, dining & spa
• Supportive team & ongoing training
• Just 25 minutes from Queenstown
Scan the QR Code to apply.
Applicants must have legal work rights in New Zealand. A minimum 6-month commitment is preferred and a reliable vehicle is required.
Dental Assistant
Remarkables Dental is seeking a passionate and experienced Dental Assistant to join our team in Frankton, Otago. This full-time role, rostered across Monday to Saturday, will support our dentist in providing high-quality dental care to our patients. Immediate start.
The successful applicant will be:
• Assisting the dentist during examinations and procedures
• Sterilising and preparing dental instruments and equipment
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records
• Ensuring the dental surgery is clean, organised and well-stocked
• Providing exceptional customer service to our patients
• Participating in regular team meetings and training sessions
What we're looking for:
• Experience is preferred but not essential.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency in using dental software and equipment
• A genuine interest in patient care and dentistry
• A positive, friendly and professional attitude
What we offer:
At Remarkables Dental, we are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer a competitive salary, opportunities for ongoing training and development, and a range of employee benefits including health insurance and dental discounts.
Apply now to become part of the Remarkables Dental team! Please email your CV and cover letter to: manager@remarkablesdental.co.nz
Front of House
Odelay cafe is looking for Front of House staff. Immediate start.
Barista experience would be an advantage but not necessary. Full training given.
Email odelaycafe@yahoo.co.nz or call Ed 021 280 2425
Join our Team as a Part-Time Reliever!
We’re looking for caring, reliable, and enthusiastic relievers who would love to work with children in a supportive early childhood setting. You need to be passionate about supporting the our youngest children as they grow and learn.
What we’re looking for:
• A natural love for infants and young children
• Patience, kindness, and a willingness to learn
• Someone who is dependable and enjoys working as part of a team
If you’re looking for a place where you can grow and make a di erence every day - we’d love to hear from you!
Please email Tash recruit@gems.net.nz
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
Lead Cook – Gems Educational Childcare
Queenstown - Hours: Permanent, Part-Time/Full-Time (to be discussed)
At Gems Educational Childcare, we believe mealtimes are just as important as play and learning. Guided by the philosophies of Emmi Pikler and Reggio Emilia, our centres place strong emphasis on nature, community, and nurturing environments. We’re looking for a passionate Lead Cook to join our team and create nutritious, delicious meals that fuel our tamariki each day.
About the Role:
As our Cook, you will play an essential role in the daily life of the centre, preparing healthy lunches, morning and afternoon tea that cater to a variety of ages and dietary needs. You’ll manage the kitchen with pridekeeping it clean, safe, and well-stocked - while bringing care to every dish.
Key Responsibilities:
• Prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks for children.
• Plan weekly menus that reflect seasonal produce and support children’s learning.
• Cater for dietary requirements with clearly labelled alternatives.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, in line with the Food Act and Gems’ policies.
• Manage weekly shopping and work within set budgets.
• Keep accurate records (menu plans, fridge temperatures, cleaning schedules).
• Build positive relationships with sta , families, and children—whanau is at the heart of what we do.
We’re looking for someone who:
• Has experience cooking for groups, ideally children.
• Holds (or is willing to obtain) a Food Hygiene & Safety Certificate.
• Has a current First Aid Certificate (or is willing to complete one).
• Can manage time e ectively to ensure meals are ready on schedule.
• Is creative, organised, and enjoys working as part of a team.
• Shares our philosophy of care, respect, and fun.
What We O er:
• A warm, supportive team environment.
• The chance to contribute to a centre that values quality, community, and nature-based learning.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• The joy of making a real di erence in the lives of children and families.
• Relocation assistance to join us in breathtaking Queenstown.* To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruit@gems.net.nz or call us on 03 428 2862 for more information.
*Relocation conditions apply.
HOUSEKEEPERS
Are you motivated, reliable, and ready to work in a high-end hospitality environment? We're looking for Housekeepers to join our growing team in beautiful Queenstown.
What we’re looking for:
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Efficient and calm under pressure
• Experience preferred, but not essential
• Available to work any day of the week
• Full-time and part-time roles available
• Full driver's license required
• Must hold a valid work visa
• Immediate start available
Email your CV to operations@staysouth.com with your CV and cover letter.
Barista
Experienced Barista wanted for our Frankton and Queenstown cafes, Odelay & Marmolada. Looking for a skilled and passionate full time barista to join our team in a lively local cafe.
Must have 2 years of relevant experience.
Minimum 33 hour to 40 hours per week
Pay rate $26 - $28 per hour. Will be expected to prepare espresso based drinks in line with our cafes standards with consistent proficiency in latte art; clean and maintain coffee equipment, including calibration and dialling in; provide an excellent level of customer service, nurturing friendly relationships with local customers and proactively working to resolve any issue that may arise.
Contact Ed odelaycafe@yahoo.co.nz
Joiners Wanted
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
• Must have NZ residency or valid work visa
• Must be trade qualified in cabinetry and timber joinery
• Must have minimum 5 year’s experience in a similar position
• Must hold current full drivers licence
• This is a full-time role
• Remuneration by negotiation is relevant to experience
To apply please email your CV to: queenstown.joinery@xtra.co.nz
Front of house - all rounders
We are looking for people to join our team, who are passionate about what they do with proven experience in hospitality to start immediately!
Full and part time positions
Full training provided, early finishes and a great work environment!
Apply now and become part of our incredible team!
marmoladacafe@yahoo.com
Only visas with work rights.
Qualified Senior Hairdresser Wanted
Frankton Hair is a friendly local salon and we're looking for a new stylist to join our team.
What we offer:
• Supportive, down-to-earth salon environment
• Loyal clientele and flexible hours
• Ongoing training and growth opportunities
What we're looking for:
• A fully qualified stylist with senior experience
• Confident in cutting, colouring & styling
• Friendly, professional, and great with people
If you're passionate about hair and want to work in a welcoming, community-focused relaxed salon, we'd love to hear from you! Franktonhair@gmail.com
Looking for part-time worker to join spa/hot tub cleaning crew. Experience desired but not essential as training will be given.
Must have clean full driving license, able to work alone and in all weather conditions. Please send CV to tuispasqt@gmail.com
Full and Part time positions available
Amazing individuals required to join our fun team as:
• New Build & Commercial cleaning experts
• Air b n b & residential cleaning professionals
• Full training given! Great Pay Rates!
• Travel and vehicles provided!
Email us for full details and a trial! slithytoves33@gmail.com and check out our website www.slithytoves.nz
Committed to a healthy work/life balance!
AVIS & Budget Queenstown
RENTAL SALES AGENT
Do you enjoy working in a fast paced environment where the days go quickly?
Do you enjoy meeting and talking to people from all over the world?
Do you appreciate a consistent working roster because your life outside of work is important too?
If you answered yes to any of these then maybe this customer service, sales and office administration based role is the new job for you.
Full Time contracts available with set days off, Shifts are mostly 8am to 5.30pm with at least one evening shift per week. The role also requires you to work weekends. You'd be based out of our Queenstown Airport office in Frankton or our downtown office
What you need:
• Full drivers licence
• Good command of the English language
• Working rights in New Zealand
Please send a CV to: garry.mcdougall@abg.com
and Unskilled Labourers
Traffic Controllers
Looking for casual, temporary or long term work??
Queenstown Personnel and Labour Hire are looking for labourers for a variety of jobs around Queenstown with an immediate start.
Contact Sharleen - 027 778 7377 or email sharleen@qtplabour.co.nz
Smiths Craft Beer House requires a LINE COOK
The successful candidate must have: A VALID WORK VISA good for at least 6 months and be prepared to start within a week or two.
Please pop up in person talk to Fraser or email your CV to Chris@smithscraftbeer.co.nz
LANDSCAPE GARDENERS
Mountain Landscaping & Maintenance are looking for experienced team leaders, supervisors and motivated newcomers with a great work ethic and a passion for outdoor work. Experience preferred in pruning, weed control, power tool use and plant knowledge.
Competitive pay rates, full training & PPE provided.
A NZ work visa and current drivers license are essential. Immediate start
Please email your CV and references to roy@mountainmaintenance.co.nz
