Over the past seven months our team, our partners, and hundreds of Queenstown families poured themselves into the Atlas High School application. The goal was to prove that a community-owned, not-for-profit, fees-free model could give our young people real choice in a one-school town that is loudly asking for it. I’m proud of the work we did, and even prouder of the community that stood up for it.
Last week we announced that our proposal was rejected.
After strong local coverage and many heartfelt letters, the Charter School Agency wrote to us confirming decisions are final for now and that feedback will follow when the overall process concludes. We appreciate the acknowledgement and recognise they’re making hard calls under real constraints.
Two things drove Atlas from day one, innovation in education and serving a clear community need.
To us, engaging students meant community-powered learning that was relevant, purposeful, and future-focused. Atlas would have met young people where they are as our region grows fast and the world shifts at speed. The community was ready to engage too - through our networks and pledged support, students would have worked alongside hundreds of local experts across current and emerging industries, all eager to back the next generation. Our model linked learning to each student’s interests and to practical applications solving real local problems, earning credits through authentic learning, and built the confidence to take risks and fail forward in pursuit of great things.
Families have asked for secondary educational choices that didn’t depend on fees or moving away. Philanthropy stepped forward so public funds would be protected. Our community built this proposal, and gutted is an understatement as to how it turned out.
Thank you to the scores of people who wrote a message on our public forum or reached out to our elected representatives. What I have read is raw, devastating, and specific. Atlas was never “ours” alone. It belonged to this place from day one.
Where to from here? We’ll read any feedback from the Agency carefully when it comes. If a new round opens, we’ll decide together whether to step forward again. In the meantime we’ll keep advocating for choice, excellence, equity, and community ownership in secondary education here in the Whakatipu.
To everyone who invested time, ideas, resources, and heart: thank you. You turned a proposal into a movement. We gave it our best shot, and we’ll keep showing up, together, until our young people have the options they deserve. Daniel Cooper, Atlas High School
Justine Mahon, Chair of the Charter School Authorisation Board, explains the decision - p23 inside
U12 Basin Bulls team - Global Games Champions for the 2025 rugby festival that took place in Queenstown this weekend
At the World’s Edge Festival began in 2021, born from the shared vision of internationally renowned Kiwi violinists Benjamin Baker and Justine Cormack. Both had deep connections to and strong reputations within both Aotearoa’s musical world and international performance circuits, and they shared a belief that chamber music could thrive in a setting where the beauty of nature and the intimacy of performance were inseparable. The festival was conceived during a challenging moment, when pandemic restrictions were still reshaping cultural life. Against this backdrop, its launch was an act of determination: a belief that people would be eager to listen and share music in an inspiring environment as soon as possible.
From the outset, the Southern Lakes and Central Otago were more than just spectacular backdrops; they helped shape the festival’s identity. Te Atamira in Queenstown serves as the festival’s vibrant hub, hosting rehearsals, performances, and workshops that anchor its creative life. Alongside it, venues such as Rippon Hall in Wānaka and the Coronation Hall in Bannockburn have provided spaces where chamber musicians and audiences can connect intimately, an experience that is both hard to come by in the region and impossible in larger venues.
Since its inception, AWE has placed equal weight on artistry and community.
Skiers swept away in avalanche
It’s super-rare to see video of people caught in an avalanche.
But that’s exactly what Jeremy Blake captured in the Treble Cone backcountry on Saturday, as he watched four skiers on the edge of a nearby ridge.
Three were swept into a gully by the avalanche when the cornice gave way, but fortunately all survived with no injuries. The human-triggered avalanche was one of two reported in the Wānaka region that day.
You can watch the video on the Queenstown App and lwb.co.nz.
“[These] incidents are a sobering reminder that avalanche danger is very real,” New Zealand Mountain Safety Council boss Mike Daisley says.
The NZ Avalanche Advisory is currently forecasting a considerable avalanche danger in the Wānaka and Queenstown regions, following recent spring snowfalls combined with high winds and poor snowpack stability.
(MSC) is urging backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and climbers to exercise extreme caution, avoid avalanche terrain, recognise signs of instability, and always carrying the essential rescue gear—beacon, shovel, and probe. Visit www.avalanche.net.nz for the latest updates.
Justine and Benjamin wanted to create an experience that was not just about concerts, but also about impact and inspiration. Partnerships with local schools and with initiatives such as the Turn Up the Music Trust have become a hallmark of AWE. Musicians have visited classrooms and early childhood centres, performing for and speaking with thousands of students. This outreach has created a huge sense of pride and ownership within the community, weaving the festival into the region’s cultural fabric rather than standing as an isolated event. Young people see and hear world-class artists up close, often for the first time, and in turn the musicians gain a connection to the place that extends well beyond the stage.
Now, as it marks its fifth anniversary, AWE has grown into a draw card for arts and chamber music lovers from across Aotearoa and overseas. Its unique group of international musicians and thematic programming, composer residencies - to date Salina Fisher, Gareth Farr, Victoria Kelly and Eve de Castro-Robinson and, this year, John Psathas - and commitment to showcasing emerging talent have earned AWE a global reputation for both exceptional quality and originality. This year’s festival also sees the participation of two towering figures in the classical world: New Zealand pianist Michael Houstoun and British violinist Anthony Marwood, whose involvement underscores the festival’s stature on the international stage. Visitors travel not only for the music but for the complete experience of art working in tandem with landscape, people, and place.
What began as a fledgling idea in the most uncertain of times has become a fixture on the world’s cultural calendar, drawing together music, community, and the natural beauty of its setting in a way that is unmistakably AWE in character yet always new and always evolving.
At the World’s Edge Festival runs from 4 – 12 October 2025, with performances in Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell and Bannockburn. The AWE+ series offers free events across all festival venues, culminating with a tour of schools throughout the district between 13 - 17 October. www.worldsedgefestival.co.nz
A still from the video by Jeremy Blake
Sachin, Holly and Graham on Saturday at the Altitude x Small Planet Thirst Aid Spring Slushy Ski Party (these are not the avalanche skiers, obvs!)
CRIMELINE
Burglars target Skippers
by Sue Fea
Burglars went out of their way at night to target Skippers businesses, making off with up to $5000 worth of goods.
A portable diesel heater, batteries and a solar voltage regulator were among the items stolen from Skipper Jet’s large portable boat jetty, about 20kms in the Skippers Road at Deep Creek, overnight Tuesday / Wednesday, 26/27 August.
Skippers Jet owner Ben Hohneck says they never get burglaries or dishonesty offences in the canyon. “It’s very rare,” he says. “We’ve been here for 25 or 30 years and it’s the first time anything has happened.”
Not far away at Blue Slip on the Skippers Road the same night, contractor Trevor Jones had batteries stolen and diesel siphoned out of his digger parked there. He says the keys were also stolen.
Constable Amanda Shute says Police are investigating and those responsible are believed to have been driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, but there is no description.
Police are urging anyone with information that can help find those responsible to report that to them on 105, file reference - 250827/1332.
Queenstown Primary bomb threat
Police have been unable to establish any actual threat to Queenstown School after a bomb threat was allegedly emailed to the school office on Friday, 29 August. While Police wouldn’t name the school or nature of the threat, Queenstown School principal Fiona Cavanagh confirmed the school was one of about 40 around the country targeted with the threatening bomb scare emails on Friday.
“We followed our crisis procedure and called Police who came and checked and advised us,” Cavanagh says. “We then contacted the presiding member of our Board of Trustees, staff were informed, and we sent a brief statement to parents in the newsletter. Police determined it was probably a hoax,” she says.
Shute says Police enquiries are continuing. “We know emails of this nature can cause significant fear and concern, however, it is important to note that so far we have not established any actual threat to any school.”
Two serious crashes
Southern District Police are investigating a serious crash in Wānaka and are seeking witnesses.
Emergency services were called to Cardrona Valley Road, around 4pm Wednesday, 4 September. One person was critically injured, two people sustained serious injuries and a further two sustained moderate injuries, in the multiple vehicle crash.
“We would like to speak with anyone who saw the accident, or witnessed the manner of driving prior to the crash,” Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts says.
Contact police via 105, either over the phone or online. Reference file number 250904/6697. Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
It was the second serious crash in less than 24 hours. Emergency services had been called to the Nevis Bluff, Gibbston, at 5.45pm on Tuesday evening. Investigations are ongoing but early indications suggest an 85-year-old Queenstown woman travelling home from Cromwell encountered sun strike, crossed the centreline and collided with an oncoming Toyota ute. The ute rolled onto the driver’s side ending up in the oncoming lane where it was hit by a third vehicle – a Toyota Vitz, driven by a 28-year-old Luggate woman. She was cut free from her vehicle by emergency services, and airlifted to Dunedin Hospital with an open leg fracture and other suspected injuries.
Big Buddies needed
Aregularsmallamountofyour time each week could make a lasting di�ference to the life of a young person who needs extra adult support.
Boundary St blocks
Auckland developer Kurt Gibbons has submitted plans for a 68-unit development in a prime spot near downtown Queenstown.
Gibbons, who’s behind the high-density Five Mile Villas in Frankton, and several other developments in town, wants to build the apartment blocks on Boundary Road, near Queenstown Recreation Ground.
The site, which borders Boundary Road carpark off Gorge Road, reportedly sold back in June for $6.3 million. It was two sites, each featuring old houses, combined into one development 2,334sqm lot.
Gibbons-owned Boundary Road 68 Ltd wants to build two linked two-storey buildings featuring 68 compact studios, with the flexibility to be used as either homes or year-round visitor accommodation. There’s 28 parking spaces tucked underneath, as well as landscaping planned.
The facade is proposed to be clad in off-white brick with bronzed nickelcoloured windows.
Fresh new clinic for QMC
Queenstown Medical Centre’s brand-new clinic is now open.
The modern facility, in Remarkables Park, comprises nine consulting rooms and has 14 general practitioners available for consultations, in addition to specialty clinics such as sexual health, vasectomy and minor surgical procedures. The new practice has longer opening hours and convenient lunchtime appointments available, as well as easy parking and accessibility, with lift access and wheelchair-friendly corridors and door openings.
QMC has served the Wakatipu community since 1972, and has expanded its facilities as the population has grown.
“The vision for the new Remarkables Park clinic is to continue to provide a modern, conveniently located facility with dedicated health teams in a purpose-built space that’s accessible for everyone,” QMC chief executive officer Ashley Light says.
“There has been a lot of consideration and passion gone into the design of the new practice, which has stemmed from our goal of improving the patient experience and journey. This is evident throughout the new facility.
“With increased space and rooms, we are able to accommodate more services – including the free service of health improvement practitioners and health coaches – plus more nurses and increased GP availability.”
With 85 staff across all locations, Queenstown Medical Centre is the largest integrated family health provider in the lower South Island, blending the science of medicine with patient-focused general practice.
Light says the new facility, at Level 2, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Remarkables Park, sets QMC up for the next 25-30 years of health support for our growing community, and now is a great time to enrol.
QMC continues to offer urgent and after-hours care to enrolled, casual and visitor patients. Enrolled patients pay discounted fees for this service at the longstanding Isle Street clinic, which offers the only 365-days-ayear urgent care in the district. Isle St also offers immigration medicals, travel medicine, sexual health appointments, fracture, musculoskeletal, nutrition and contraceptive device clinics, and facilitates access to radiology and ultrasound, pharmacy, and physiotherapy. The Jack’s Point practice continues to operate as normal.
Revised plans have been drawn up for Arrowtown’s next golf course clubhouse and apartments.
The family of Queenstown tourism pioneer Sir John Davies, who owns NZSki and various other businesses, is developing an 18-hole course and resort on around 159 hectares at Hogan Gully, just south of the historic gold mining town.
Monday to Friday 7:30-5:30pm Level 1, 30 Grant Road, Five Mile Shopping Centre www.curiousminds.co.nz qt-manager@curiousminds.co.nz | 03 974 4650 Find us on Facebook
Hogan Gully Farming Ltd has lodged a resource consent application with QLDC to shuffle the layout approved back in 2018. The main switch? The clubhouse and the visitor apartments have swapped places. The new clubhouse will be bigger and bolder (1,064sqm) with schist and Corten steel finishes, nestled low in the land beside the 18th hole. In its old spot, 42 apartments across 10 buildings will step down the slope, keeping under height limits and blending into the landscape. A gym is also on the cards, tucked in beside a new carpark.
The course, being designed by the acclaimed Hanse Golf Design and Greg Turner, is due to open in 2028.
Celebrating Welcoming Week – Building Stronger Communities Together COMMUNITY NOTES
This September we are celebrating Welcoming Week. In its second year in our district, Welcoming Week offers us a powerful reminder: communities thrive when everyone feels they belong. In Queenstown Lakes, where the landscapes are breathtaking and the people are just as remarkable, Welcoming Week is more than a celebration –it’s a commitment. It’s a time when we pause to recognise the richness that newcomers bring to our region, and the shared responsibility we all have in fostering inclusion, understanding, and connection.
Whether someone has arrived from across the globe or moved from another part of Aotearoa New Zealand, their journey is woven into the fabric of our community. This year’s Welcoming Week theme, ‘Building Stronger Communities Together’, means going the extra mile to make sure everyone in our community is included and valued for the person they are and the unique talents they bring. It’s about ensuring that our policies, practices, and everyday interactions reflect the values of empathy, equity, and respect.
Our Council is a proud participant of Welcoming Communities | Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori, a programme to support newcomers to feel welcome and able to participate in the economic, civic, cultural, and social life of their new community. Over the years, Council has supported ethnic communities and Pacific peoples to access information, funding, and strengthen themselves. There are now 20 different active cultural groups from different countries in our district. Representatives from these groups recently met in Queenstown with the Hon Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities, and they were commended for their dedication, leadership, and
aspirations to work together to ensure our district is truly equitable and inclusive.
Last year, Council launched the Queenstown Lakes District Welcoming Plan 2024-2027, which includes several actions to make our district more welcoming, initially identified by community and business stakeholders. One of those actions is Welcoming Week. This year we have more than 20 organisations participating and 23 activities across Queenstown and Wānaka. Next year, we would love to see the business sector get involved. The week-long celebration provides opportunities for interactions among residents, old and new. We’ve seen firsthand how small acts – like a smile, a shared meal, or a translated sign –
can make a big difference. Collaboration between Council, iwi, community groups, and residents can transform good intentions into lasting change. No matter what language you speak, who you worship or where you were born – we’re glad you’re here! Let’s continue building a district that is not only beautiful, but truly inclusive.
Welcoming Week runs from September 5 - 14. A full calendar of activities is available at qldc.govt. nz/welcoming-week
QLDC Welcoming Communities Team
Love Arrowtown Riverside Reserves?
We’re asking for community feedback on a draft development plan for Arrowtown Riverside Reserves. The aim? To improve connectivity between the reserves and waterways, and create opportunities to enjoy shared spaces. See the plan and have your say by 21 Sept at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
How would you like to use Widgeon Park?
Have your say on a draft development plan for Widgeon Park Reserve near Lake Hayes Estate. The plan aims to provide greater community connection with improved access and a trail network. Provide your thoughts on the plan by Sunday 14 Sept at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
Get to know your candidates
Nominations are in for the 2025 Local Body Elections. Check out who’s standing and read their profiles at www.qldc.govt.nz/2025-nominations
Elevate democracy and cast your Highest Vote!
Local elections run from 9 Sept to 11 Oct. Vote by post or at ballot boxes across the district, including at Cardrona and Treble Cone whilst open. More at www.qldc.govt.nz/elections
Climate & Biodiversity update
Thanks for everyone’s feedback on the draft Climate & Biodiversity Plan. It helped shape the final version which sets out 50 actions to reduce emissions, restore biodiversity, and build local resilience. More at https://climateaction.qldc.govt.nz
Welcoming Week 2025
Join a celebration of diversity and inclusion at this year’s Welcoming Week (5-14 Sept) with free community activities in and around Queenstown, designed to foster mutual understanding, stronger connections, and deeper belonging among all of us. More at www.qldc.govt.nz/welcoming-week
Bus fares changing on Monday 29 September
To meet new government funding rules, Otago Regional Council is updating fares from Monday 29 Sept, including the free fare for children (5-12 years) becoming $1.50, and the adult fare increasing to $2.50 for all registered Bee Card holders. More at orc.govt.nz/fares
‘Get Good and Ready’ for a disaster or emergency!
Join us at the Queenstown Events Centre on Tuesday 16 Sept (5.30-7.00pm) to learn practical tips for getting your household, loved ones and flatmates ready for an emergency. Register at www.lakesmulticultural.org/emergency-preparedness
www.qldc.govt.nz
QUEENST SUN-TR BRUN LOCAT
QUEENSTOWN’S SUN-TRAP BRUNCH LOCATION
AP CH ION
8am-5:30pmdaily
8am-5:30
ON THE APP THIS WEEK
Passengers took nearly two million trips on Queenstown buses over 12 months.
Figures show the number of trips from July 2024 to July 2025 was up 4% on the previous period, and up 33% on 2018-19.
August 2024 and January 2025 were the busiest months, and there was record patronage across 10 of the 12 months.
However, revenue was down 4% to $3.1 million, due to NZTA subsidies declining, and there are fewer people travelling on the ferry.
The Queenstown ferry operation saw a 4% decline in patronage to 71,123 passengers for the year, while revenue was down 1% to $772,775.
Love Queenstown and Love Wānaka Community Funds are distributing a combined $85k to a dozen local organisations working to protect and regenerate the natural environment.
Funded by donations from local businesses, industry partners, and visitors, these grants have been allocated to projects across the Whakatipu and Upper Clutha regions.
The grants will enable a mix of native habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, predator control, waste reduction, wetland protection, and community engagement projects.
The recipients are Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust, Te Kākano Aotearoa, Planetary Accounting Network, Plastic Free Wānaka, WAI Wānaka, Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust, Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Skies, Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, Whakatipu Wildlife Trust, and Friends of Bullock Creek.
Beyond these grants, a further $19,000 has been invested into the Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown endowment funds.
LWLQ Industry Planting Day. Photo: Dave Oakley Two
Professional interior plasterers & custom lime based finishes
• Venetian Plastering
• Micro-Cement
• High Quality GIB Stopping
Acupuncture
Catalyst Kōrero on butterflies and moths
New Zealand’s native butterflies and moths may be small, but they play a mighty role as pollinators and food for native birds.
Jacqui Knight, of the Moths and Butterflies of NZ Trust, says more than 90% of our moths and butterflies, or Lepidoptera, are found only in this country but they are largely overlooked taonga and many species are struggling to survive.
“All of these beautiful species, not to mention our monarch butterflies, are seriously struggling due to development, and herbicide and pesticide use. Even pet flea treatment can kill them.
“But the biggest threat is that most people don’t even know they exist.”
At this Thursday’s Catalyst Kōrero, Knight is joined by lepidopterist Brian Patrick and University of Otago teaching fellow and native bee expert Connal Maclean, to talk about their research and give actionable advice on how to make our gardens and towns safe places for our beneficial insects.
They’ll also be giving out free packets of wildflower seed to help us make our gardens more butterfly and moth friendly, promoting their community ‘Moth and Butterfly Garden corridor’ project.
Tickets are free for the event, this Thursday, 11 September, 6pm7.30pm at The Rees Hotel, but registration is required for seating. Koha to Whakatipu Wildlife Trust and Whakatipu Reforestation Trust for their invaluable work supporting habitat for our at-risk native butterflies and moths.
Check www.facebook.com/catalystnzQT for a link to the Humantix page.
On the look out for rooks
It’s the last “kaah” for rooks in Otago, and the Otago Regional Council is calling on locals to help finish the job.
The large, glossy black members of the crow family are now down to very low numbers thanks to years of control work by ORC, Environment Southland, and the community. Southland is officially rook-free, but occasional sightings still pop up around Otago.
Spring is the peak season for rook activity, and sightings are crucial for mapping nests and targeting the final birds. “We need the public’s help,” ORC biosecurity lead Simon Stevenson says. “If left unchecked, their population could climb again.”
Rooks are crop-raiders, drawn to freshly sown paddocks where they can cause significant damage. People are urged not to shoot at them, as failed attempts only make them more elusive. Instead, report sightings directly via ORC’s new pest form: orc.govt.nz/rooks
Make your mind up
Have you decided who you want to be the next mayor of Queenstown Lakes yet? We’re not going to tell you who to vote for! But if you want to make a more informed choice you can check out the video of the Catalyst Trust Mayoral Candidate Forum, on YouTube.
About 300 people were there at the Wakatipu High School auditorium on Thursday night, to see candidates Al Angus, John Glover, Nik Kiddle, Glyn Lewers, Darren Rewi, and Daniel Shand pitch in on the many issues facing Queenstown.
Dog-with-a-bone Newsroom South Island editor David Williams, the former editor of Mountain Scene, was keeping them honest, as they answered questions, including some set by local high school children. Al Angus brought along a bottle of Shotover River water, taken from downstream of the discharging wastewater plant. No one took up his challenge to drink from the bottle. Well, would you?
Voting papers will be delivered this month, with voting open until midday on Saturday, 11 October.
The video is due to go live on Monday evening. We’ll upload a link on the Queenstown App and lwb.co.nz.
HOSPOGUIDE
Live music with John 4pm
DJ Stubacca 7pm $15 Parmi
Quiz Night Bookings are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. To book contact info@lokalqt.co.nz or ring 03 442 5444
Ass Tuesdays with Mitch E.P
Live music with Danny Atkinson 5pm DJ Danilo 8pm $15 Burger & Fries
Hour Happy hour prices on house beers, wines and spirits Mon - Thu 5-6pm Fri - Sun 4-6pm Takeaways available burgers, BBQ smoked ribs, gourmet pizzas and more! Order online www.lokalqt.co.nz
Live music with TJ 5pm DJ Rinkha 8pm $15 Chef’s Special Sunday Live music with TERE 4pm DJ Eoin 7pm $15 Spice Bags
Brunch & Lunch Specialslimited time offers Brunch - eggs Benny, Breakfast stack, Fri, Sat & Sun 12-2pm Lunch $28 BBQ meat platter, Fri, Sat & Sun 12pm to 5pm
music with Nic $15 Fried Rice
Join our Lokal’s loyalty scheme, sign up in store today and start earning points
Bax & Ribera Monday Après Monday with Ribera
POOL COMP FROM 9pm $200 CASH PRIZE FREE ENTRY DJ Benji Reid 10pm - 4pm
$10 Pav Wine, Beer & Aperol Spritz Every day 4pm to 6pm Saturday 2 glasses of champagne + 6 oysters $65 Available all day Sunday Pav Apres hour
$10 Pav Wine, Beer & Aperol Spritz Every day 4pm to 6pm
Women’s World Cup Rugby Qrtr finals: midnight
OFFICIAL SNOWMACHINE AFTER PARTY SPECIAL GUEST DJ + AYEEDEEG 9pm - 4am Thursday LOCALS NIGHT Live Music 6pm - 9pm DJ 9pm - Late
$20 JUGS | 1/2 PRICE PIZZA | BIG PRIZE DRAW AT 11PM
EVERYDAY UNTIL MIDNIGHT ASIAN FUSION Tuesday Bump, Skate & Frisbee All-Day for $45 per person!
HOSPOGUIDE
9 SEPTEMBER- 15 SEPTEMBER
Monday & Tuesday Pork Tonkotsu Ramen OPEN FROM 12pm
Mon-Sat
OPEN FROM 1PM DAILY
Wednesday & Thursday $15 Singer Chicken Burgers from 4-6pm OPEN FROM 4PM
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 house wine 4-6pm daily R20 Venue. Drink Responsibly
Friday
LIVE MUSIC. Hosted by Nemo Gent OPEN FROM 12pm Smash Burger Fridays
Wednesday Darts & Beers, Social Games Night from 6pm - free entry / drink offers / prizes
Thursday Keep a lookout for upcoming monthly trivia nights, Queers & Beers rainbow social and even more fun for your Thursdays!
Enjoy our Cocktail of the Week Only $16 Available daily R20 Venue. Drink Responsibly
Tuesday Live Music with Je Marco 9pm $15 Burger Special Southern Bell Wednesday Live Music with Blake 7pm DJ Mad 10pm $15 Burger Special Bacon Me Crazy Thursday Live Music with Je Marco 9.30pm $15 Burger Special O’Fish Al
Daily $20 Lunch Special
Sunday $36 SUNDAY ROASTS from 12pm DJ Doolittle from 5pm
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!!
Delicious House Combos Meal + House Drink for only $35 Wed, Thu, Sun From 6pm till late R20 Venue. Drink Responsibly
Live Music with Dynamo 9.30pm $15 Burger Special Classic Cheese
Live Music with Black Pug 9.30pm
Sunday Closed for now… but watch this space!
Saturday Watch the All Blacks Live in Wild Thyme Bar & Kitchen R20 Venue
Live Music with Eby 9pm
Live Music with TJ 9pm $15 Burger Special Streaky Cow
TRIVIA
Every Monday at 6.30pm $200 Total Bar Tabs for 1st & 2nd Place!
Also serving Lamb Shanks, Blue Cod and other delicious southern classics
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART
THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES
The St Joseph’s Eras Tour
COMMUNITY
Join St Joseph’s Primary School as they travel back through time to explore different eras of music. They will dance and sing their way from the 1914 back to the 2000s. Watch them perform some of the biggest hits of each decade in genres such as country, pop and rock. Every child from their ‘small school with a big heart’ will get a chance to shine and our term of learning, hard work and new skills will culminate in one huge celebration on stage. Arrivals from 6pm for a 6.30pm start. There will be a snack bar so please bring cash.
When: Wednesday, 10 and Thursday, 11 September, 6.30pm – 8,45pm Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown
Community Planting Day
Wakatipu Reforestation Trust invite you to join them for a community planting day as they continue revegetating this former grazing land with the plants that were once common here. Slopehill Reserve is a 33 hectare DOC recreation reserve right in the middle of the Whakatipu basin and a catchment area to Lake Hayes where we have planted over 40,000 native plants to date. Together we will add 1,000 more plants to this site –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 take some time to catch up and enjoy the view.
When: Saturday, 13 September, 9am – 12.30pm Where: Slope Hill Road, off Speargrass Flat Road
WCG Annual Community Reporting Night
Whakatipu Wilding Control Group chairman Grant Hensman will update the community on its conservation work controlling wilding pines, which helps protect biodiversity, landscapes, waterways, historic and recreational assets, and prevents wildfires. There will be complimentary drinks and delicious pizza generously provided by Skyline Queenstown chefs. Guest speaker is Hon Denis Marshall QSO - NZ Nature Fund Founder. Please RSVP to srose@whakatipuwilding.co.nz - all in the community are welcome.
When: Monday, 15 September, 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Drive, Queenstown
Community Craft – Scottish Ceilidh
Dancing with Erica
Erica Hastie is back for another fun and lively community dance class, where you’ll learn traditional Scottish Ceilidh dancing! Whether you’re a beginner or experienced dancer, this class is open to everyone. Ceilidh dancing is all about having fun, connecting with others, and embracing Scotland’s group dance traditions. No partner or experience is needed. Just bring your enthusiasm, comfortable shoes, and a water bottle.
When: Tuesday, 16 September, 7pm – 8pm
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
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
Good and Ready Workshop
This disaster and preparedness workshop will give practical tips for getting your household and loved ones ready for an emergency. It will cover understanding local hazards and risks, how to create a household or community plan, resources and templates to take away and use in your own groups, and time for discussion and questions. This will be an engaging and interactive session designed to help introduce emergency preparedness in a way that is relevant and meaningful, especially for our migrant communities.
When: Tuesday, 16 September, 5.30pm – 7pm
Where: Meeting Room at Queenstown Events Centre, Joe O’connell Drive, Frankton
The Good Life Expo
All are welcome to The Good Life Expo, bringing together a vibrant mix of local organisations, community groups, and businesses dedicated to supporting living well and enjoying retirement. Discover a wide range of exhibitors offering health, advocacy and care services, financial planning and legal advice, volunteering opportunities, information on philanthropy and legacy giving, local clubs, social groups, and arts and heritage organisations. There’s also sustainability and cost saving technologies, transport support and driving confidence tips, technology assistance, creative small businesses and handmade goods - including candles, jewellery, woollen wear, and more. Free entry.
When: Wednesday, 17 September, 11am – 3pm
Where: Arrowtown Lifestyle Village, 224 McDonnell Road, Arrowtown
Kevin Bloody Wilson Aussie Icon Tour
The much-loved and outrageously funny comedian Kevin Bloody Wilson is coming back to NZ with his new Aussie Icon Tour. He’ll be performing his funniest songs, hilarious stories and shooting down political correctness for his Kiwi fans, and supported by Jenny Talia from Australia. He’s fair-dinkum funny helping to prevent global boring.
When: Sunday, 21 September, 7.30pm – 10pm
Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Drive, 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
Arts+Culture
Dubbing through time
by Jessica Allen
The premise for DJ Hot Dub Time Machine is pretty simple; play hits across the decades, starting in the 50s and coming all the way through to present day. The Aussie-based artist is coming to Queenstown as part of Snow Machine, playing two shows this week.
Tom Lowndes is the man behind the moniker and he’s looking forward to performing once again in Queenstown, a place he’s grown quite the affinity with. This will be his second time performing with Snow Machine here, and in the 2010s used to play shows around town at bars, and did a show for the Queenstown Winter Festival.
“It’s such a beautiful part of the world,” Lowndes says. “And Snow Machine is awesome – it’s like the offspring of a festival I used to be involved with deeply called Hot Dub Wine Machine, which is kind of where it all started in Australia.”
The aforementioned festival ran for a few years before Lowndes decided that running a festival was “a dreadful idea,” and one best left to the professionals, so he got out and Snow Machine is the remnants of that. He’s more than happy now to come over to see how big it’s got and to be a part of it, without any of the stress of the behind-the-scenes. He always constructs his sets before each show but when he’s up on stage he’ll often change things up based on what he thinks the crowd are feeling. He explains that while retro DJing can be considered daggy, when you’re playing some of these older artists alongside modern ones, it makes them all the more cooler by association.
“I kind of know which songs are the best and which songs people want.”
Starting out, Lowndes was DJing for about 10 years in his bedroom, not making too much progress, when he came up with the idea of playing songs in chronological order. He focused his attention on Fringe Festivals – Adelaide and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals are where he cut his teeth, before breaking into the mainstream and doing it fulltime.
“I was 35 when I started making a living from DJing, so it took a long time, but I love it.”
Now, he has a huge catalogue of songs and tailors his sets to where he is performing. For Kiwis he often chucks in some Crowded House, Th’ Dudes, Bic Runga, Margaret Urlich and Split Enz – he went to school in New Zealand, so has a good grasp of our music culture. In addition to great, tailored, tunes, Hot Dub Time Machine is known for high-energy and engaging sets, something a little different to what you might usually expect when going to see a DJ.
“I really think that if you’re performing and people are looking at you, it’s your job to make everyone happier and create a joy feedback loop where you’re having fun and they’re having fun, and then it just, kind of, feeds back on itself until everybody is having a great time. And I think that performing is about connecting – you should be connecting with the crowd.”
Tom, aka Hot Dub Time Machine will play at the Rees Street Takeover Party on Wednesday, and the main arena on Thursday. For the full Snow Machine lineup, times and tickets, head to snow-machine.com/nz
WATCH REPAIRS NOW
For all your repairs, watches, clocks, batteries, key cutting & straps.
Mon - Fri, 9.30am till 5.30pm. Closed on Saturdays. Phone/ text: 027 217 0442
per hour + gst
Enquires at hello@easyadmin.co.nz
Phone: 021 0823 7381 www.easyadmin.co.nz
Relax
Guest
new builds | renovations | maintenance rob harvey rob@houseelectrical.co.nz
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST
TUE (9 Sep) @ 6.30pm, ‘Nurturing Peace’ with Grant Rix SUN (14 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
by Sue Fea
My Life story
PETER NORRIS
The good old days - Queenstown of old
Peter Norris is what you’d call ‘old school Queenstown’, born just before World War II broke out in 1939, in a town of just over 1500 people, the solo local cop never far behind him and his mates and their boyhood antics. His earliest memory was at six: “Two aeroplanes came roaring across the town and there was lots of hilarity. People were yelling and carrying on downtown.” The war had ended.
Growing up in his mother’s family home – Grand View on the Western Terrace at the top of Lake Street where his aunties had run a boarding house, Queenstown was no place for sissies back then.
Sold 15 years ago, the house was lovingly restored as a winery building – the worn wooden groove in the front step untouched. There was no insulation, just scrim. “If you didn’t get the windows up before winter, they’d stay partially open, frozen until spring, as they went up and down with weights.”
Peter’s mum had played the piano at the picture theatre for the silent movies. “If the cowboys were chasing the Indians she’d play faster. She played the whole score.”
Before marrying Peter’s dad – a Coronet Peak Station musterer and Skippers truckie, she’d head up to Skippers on a horse-drawn dray with about 23 others where their band played all night at the Skippers Hall, arriving back just before sunrise.
A strong sportsman, Peter represented Queenstown District High School in rugby around Central Otago. School skiing wasn’t as classy as now, a nutcracker rope tow – Peter and his mates skiing the tow wide to dislodge the “upmarket Canterbury people” behind, sending them flying off into the snow.
Training with the New Zealand Junior Race Squad, a serious accident at 15 put paid to that when Peter crashed into the rocks at Rocky Gully, missing a corner. He spent five months
in hospital with a fractured hip, then flown to Dunedin for surgery, followed by six months’ rehabilitation.
At 19, he narrowly escaped death when heading to a rugby match in Cromwell with teammates. “Just before Roaring Meg the car steering wheel gave way and we went over the side, rolling four times and bouncing down towards the Kawarau, miraculously stopping in a rosehip bush. I flew out the back window and landed in bushes.” It took a week for the two black eyes to appear. Growing up was one big adventure, the Fire Brigade once having to rescue Peter at 10 after he climbed a tall pine tree and got stuck.
“Us kids caused havoc in the town, but we always had a pact not to go far enough to ruin our family name,” he grins. “It was either us or the Hood boys.”
Sergeant Leo Daly was unimpressed. No drinking within 200m of a dance hall, but somehow they always sneaked in.
However, as youngsters Daly usually won. “We made a makeshift bomb with an old glass marble top lemonade bottle, putting carbide and a bit of water in it,” Peter says. “We shoved it under Horne Creek bridge when the trout were spawning and ‘Boom’! Up a couple would float.” Once they raced up to the cemetery, to light a fire and cook them up. “Then we heard, ‘Norris! Come with me!’.” The policeman and fisheries officer marched us down to the station, showed us the cell and Daly threatened, ‘Next time you’re spending time in here’.” No more fish explosions.
Peter had to abandon his carpentry apprenticeship after the ski accident, but worked at the old stone Buckham’s Brewery, later working as a builder in Invercargill and at Makarewa Freezing Works. He met wife of 57 years Christie in Invercargill. He did maintenance work at Travelodge and was a part-time barman at the White Star Hotel,
working nightshifts for some years on the Post Office manual telephone exchange.
On New Year’s Day, 1970, Peter spotted smoke pouring from the White Star across the road, hitting the fire alarm and sending his switchboard alight with fire volunteers ringing to ask where the fire was.
The hotel was badly burnt, but Peter managed to retrieve stone from the fireplace and built a barbecue on his own Lake Street property. Exchange operators harboured many town secrets. “Some of us would listen to people’s juicy conversations,” he says. “A well-known man once rang and said, ‘Pete, dial this number and if a guy answers say it’s a mistake. If it’s a woman put me through.”
In 1980 Peter and Christie moved to Cambridge beginning a career managing rest homes, turning their beautiful historic Matamata home into a rest home, making several North Island moves, before growing Leucadendron’s for the Japanese market at Te Puna.
They’ve been retired in Papamoa, near Tauranga, for 10 years.
While he doesn’t miss the cold winters, Peter unfortunately had to return to his old home base last month (August) for the funeral of his elder brother Beau, just Peter and and the youngest of his two sisters, Eileen, flying the family flag now.
Peter, a regular volunteer at the Tauranga Community Foodbank, has a bit of fun with other volunteers during his shift
Peter heading off to St Jospeh’s School, aged 6
Peter, right rear, with his family, Christie, left rear, Leon, front left, Scott, right and Peter’s mother in law, Parrie, act the part for a historic mock-up photo - early 1980s
Eichardt’s manager Bill Traille congratulates Peter, right, on winning the Wakatipu Gun Club Claybird Shooting Contest in the early 1960s
Peter and Christie after renewing their vows in Las Vegas in 2009
health MENTAL
Why mental wellbeing was my first step after cancer
by Katherine Froggatt
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, I thought the hardest part would be the treatment itself. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and medication all took their toll, but what I wasn’t prepared for was what came after. The world around me expected me to “bounce back,” yet inside I was running on empty.
What I’ve come to understand, both through my own recovery and my work as a health coach, is that mental wellbeing and nervous system regulation are the very rst steps to real healing. Without it, everything else such as nutrition, exercise, even sleep, feels harder than it needs to be.
When the nervous system is constantly in “ ght or ight,” the body cannot repair, energy stays low, and emotions often feel overwhelming. Learning how to calm and regulate the nervous system was the key that helped me rebuild my energy, con dence, and hope.
Here are three simple practices you can start today:
1. Breathe to calm the storm
When we are stressed, our breath becomes shallow and fast. Try pausing for just two minutes to slow your breathing:
• Inhale gently through your nose for a count of four
• Hold for a count of two
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six
Repeat ve times and notice the shift.
2. Ground yourself daily
Stress pulls us into our heads, worrying about the past or future. Grounding reconnects us to the present. Step outside barefoot on the grass, or simply
notice ve things you can see, four you can feel, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
3. Prioritise rest, not just sleep
True rest is not only about hours in bed. It also means giving yourself permission to pause. That might look like ve minutes with a cup of tea, closing your eyes, or even saying “no” to one thing on your list. Small moments of rest add up to big reserves of resilience.
These practices might sound simple, but I have seen time and again how they shift people from constant survival mode into a calmer, steadier state where healing can nally take root.
If you are navigating life after cancer, or even just feeling overwhelmed by stress, I want you to know this: you do not need to push harder to heal. The rst step is learning how to slow down and regulate your nervous system.
To help you get started, I have created a free “Tap & Breathe” worksheet
To download, scan the QRcode and use it as a daily tool to calm your nervous system and restore balance.
If you want to learn how to listen to your body’s signals and reclaim control over emotional eating, book a free clarity call with me. Let’s chat about how this simple technique can support your health and well-being. Schedule your call here: katherinefroggatt.co.nz/claritycall
Our tough decision on AtlasDo you
I want to acknowledge the effort Wakatipu Community Trust put into its application to open a new charter school in Queenstown.
The Board recognises the strength of the Trust’s proposal and the vision it outlined for students and their communities.
The Board was impressed by the level of community passion and support for this proposal. So why didn’t it get across the line?
The simple truth is although it was a great application, the Board received 52 applications for new charter schools this year, leaving it in the unenviable position of having to decline strong candidates.
The Wakatipu Community Trust’s application was of a high standard and the case it made for a new school in Queenstown was credible and compelling. However, it was one of many high calibre applications.
The quality of proposals means our task is not one of separating strong applications from weak ones, but choosing between sponsors who have all demonstrated capability, vision and convincing community support. This means some excellent applications won’t be approved, not because of shortcomings in their quality, but because of the limited number of places available and the difficult trade-offs that have to be made.
As the Board moves through the application process, it will continue to face the same difficult decisions, and it recognises there will be disappointed applicants.
What is heartening is that the high-quality applications the Board receives demonstrates there is real support and commitment to providing different educational opportunities for our country’s young people.
The strong response we’ve received to establishing new charter schools clearly indicates that families and communities are signalling that one size doesn’t fit all in education, that existing options don’t meet all students’ needs and that charter schools offer more choice, flexibility and innovation in education.
Declining a worthy application is never easy. We hope the Wakatipu Community Trust remains engaged in future opportunities as the charter school network grows.
Justine Mahon, Chair, Charter School Authorisation Board
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
Meet the team
Catherine Mercer Account Manager
027 777 2785 | cat@qmg.co.nz
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
Local elections are upon us – the three yearly national opportunity to elect our mayors and councillors.
When you find your voting papers in your letterbox you’ll note different voting instructions and profiles for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Otago Regional Council (ORC). The District Council generally has the higher profile in Queenstown Lakes – the importance of infrastructure, housing density rules, community facilities etc usually grab the headlines. The Regional Council is also really important too but, it’s less visible to many and its purpose not so well understood.
ORC is basically the environmental guardians of the region and is also largely responsible for planning and operating our public transport systems and natural hazard mitigation including flood protection. It plans, regulates, monitors, advises and implements to improve air quality, water purity, soil quality, biodiversity and public transport.
So it funds things like air pollution monitoring, predator animal control and wilding pine removal, as well as natural emergency planning, coastal planning, flood mitigation and climate change readiness. Where business, people and even Territorial Authorities like QLDC break the rules about pollution into air or water they become enforcers. ORC has recently taken QLDC to Court over the Shotover Wastewater discharges to the Kawarau River.
ORC has a council of 12 representatives from 4 wards. Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago combine to form the Dunstan ward. This election the Dunstan ward has increased from 3 to 4 representatives to elect (in other words 33% of the ORC councillors) to reflect the increasing population of our region, particularly in Queenstown, Wānaka and Cromwell.
In this election there are two candidates willing to bring the voice and ears of Queenstown to the Council. That’s us, Ben Farrell and Matt Hollyer. We are standing independently but are determined to both be able to represent this community with relevant knowledge and connections to much of what happens in the Wānaka, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Kingston and Arrowtown areas.
The ORC voting system is a ranking one (use numbers when you vote!) so there are up to 7 people to choose from. It would be great to make sure there is a strong Queenstown presence around the council table. So please consider rating us as 1 and 2 on your voting paper, we are determined to do you proud! To find out specific information about us and all the candidates check out www.orc.govt.nz
The most important thing about local elections is to participate, it is a postal election (yep, old school envelopes and post boxes are used) so get informed and cast your vote before 11 October.
Otago Regional Council candidates Matt Hollyer and Ben Farrell
Otago Regional Council Dunstan Ward candidates Matt Hollyer and Ben Farrell
1. Which rapper and fashion mogul legally changed his name to 'Ye'?
2. What is the world’s largest species of lizard?
3. Which social media app, known for its short videos, is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance?
4. Within the nearest 50m, what is the maximum recorded depth of Lake Wakatipu?
5. Which celebrity couple is nicknamed 'Bennifer'?
6. Which New Zealand volcano erupted in 1995–96, damaging nearby ski fields?
7. What is the name of the galaxy closest to the Milky Way?
8. What is New Zealand’s southernmost regularly inhabited island?
9. Who plays Wednesday Addams in the Netflix series Wednesday?
10. Which international celebrity bought the leasehold for land around Motatapu Station in 2004?
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
NEW TO THE AREA OR got more time on your hands & looking to give back to your community? Altrusa International Qtwn is looking for volunteers just like you to join our women’s charitable & service organisation supporting our local community. Want to know more? Email: president.queenstown@altrusa.org.nz or message us on Facebook.com/AltrusaQueenstown
WHAKATIPU DRIVE MY LIFE ARE seeking volunteers to become mentor buddies to help our vulnerable people achieve their drivers licence. If you are interested or have any questions contact Louise Ward louise@reap.co.nz
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.
WSCA – ROOMS FOR HIRE - Spacious, sunny rooms are available for hire to Queenstown Community Groups. The rooms hold up to 90 people, with seated dining for 40. Located on the 1st floor of Malaghan House, 10 Memorial Street, Queenstown with lift access. There are kitchen facilities, toilets, Wi-Fi, media equipment for projection onto large screen plus large screen TV. Contact us on 03 4429214 or info@wsca.org.nz for more details.
THE BITCOIN BASIN COMMUNITY MEET up. Come along for chats, connection - All welcome no experience in Bitcoin needed. Thursday September 18th 5.30pm @ BARDEAUX Bar, Queenstown
Everything Else
TOASTMASTERS. FOR NO FEAR OF public speaking. Learn in a safe, supportive environment. Call Nicole 02041931441 or David 0272298681. See you soon!
INTERNATIONAL BUYER RULES CHANGES MEANS local opportunities. Call us to help you benefit from the new International buyer rule changes. Our Europe and USA based Berry consultants give us an excellent understanding of these customer’s needs. We have expert knowledge on how to position local properties to meet the $5m international buyer threshold. Including overseas buyer targeted House and Land developments and improvements to optimise potential. If thinking of selling contact Graham Berry on 021 320920 or gb@berryrealestate.co.nz for discreet and experienced real estate advice. Berry Real Estate Licensed under REAA 2008
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.
1. Kanye West |
Komodo dragon |
TikTok |
About 380 metres | 5. Ben eckAffl and Jennifer Lopez | 6. Mt Ruapehu | 7. The Andromeda Galaxy | 8. Stewart Island / Rakiura | 9. Jenna Ortega |
10. Shania Twain
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
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.
Caregiver Required
Our client is looking for a caregiver to provide in-home care for a gentle lady with moderate dementia. The role will work in tandem with the current caregiver to provide care over 7 days a week.
Based in central Queenstown, you must have flexibility to work days, evenings, and weekends to provide care on the current caregiver’s days off.
Duties include providing individual needs such as:
• Assisting with mobility, therapy exercises, walks, outings if requested
• Simple household duties such as light cleaning, linen changing etc
• Grocery shopping and preparing light meals
• Personal hygiene
• Keeping track of medication
We value the following qualities:
• Ability to work well in a home environment
• Ensure safety, privacy and comfort always
• Great sense of humour and genuine empathy
• Reliability
• A caring, calm, cheerful and helpful personality
• Have discretion and maturity to work in a confidential environment
• Be confident in interacting with other family members, passing on relevant information in a timely manner
Previous experience in a similar role would be desirable. Must have a current driver’s licence.
Only those with the current right to work in this job will be considered, sponsorship is not available.
To express interest please contact kerry.stevens@trojanholdings.co.nz or mobile 0274-331-357.
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
Casual Driver Guides
Looking for experienced and professional Driver Guides for daily guided tours and transfer work. NZ Class 1 & P Licence required. Full training provided. Apply to: bookings@limousinesouth.co.nz
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
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.
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.
RETAIL DUTY MANAGERS FULL TIME
We are a locally owned and operated liquor retailer based in Beach Street and we’re on the hunt for warm, welcoming, customer focused, self-motivated individuals to join our friendly team.
What
sort of people are we looking for:
• 20 years of age or over
• Happy, positive, full of energy, a real people person
• Understand the fundamentals of working in retail
• A self-starter capable of working well by yourself
• Passionate and knowledgeable (or keen to learn) about local wine and beer
• Willing to obtain an LCQ and Managers Certificate
• Committed to Queenstown for the foreseeable future
The role:
• Look after our customers in a sole-charge position
• Maintain a clean, well-stocked, beautiful looking store
• Engage with customers, ask questions, and drive sales
• Comply with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act and Host Responsibility policies
• Support the store manager with an array of operational tasks and projects, including stock ordering, stocktakes, banking, cash handling, merchandising, and much more!
What
you get:
• A starting rate of $25 per hour (more if you already have your LCQ and Managers Certificate)
• Work and play in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand
• Work with a great bunch of people who love what they do
• Fixed hours right through the year
• Staff discounts and product training
• The opportunity to learn and grow in the industry
If you already have your LCQ and Managers Certificate and you love your current job but want to earn extra money, our casual positions let you accept shifts as they become available.
If this sounds like you please send a copy of your CV and a short email telling us about yourself to nicky@bettys.co.nz
Community Connector - Queenstown Lakes District
Love people, community, and making things happen?
We’re looking for a Community Connector to help strengthen and support local initiatives across the Queenstown Lakes District. This is a part-time role (25 hours/week) where you'll be the key link between volunteers and organisations. You'll help build a vibrant volunteer community by:
• Connecting people with meaningful opportunities.
• Supporting local groups with their volunteer programmes.
• Organising events and promoting the value of volunteering.
• Working as part of a passionate, region-wide team.
If you're an organised and proactive communicator with a passion for community, we'd love to hear from you.
This is a flexible position with the potential for additional project hours based on your skills in areas like marketing or training.
To apply, email Sarah Kalmakoff at sarah@volunteersouth.org.nz with your cover letter and CV by 23 September.
Connecting communities through volunteering across Otago and Southland
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
REQUIRED NOW!!!!!!
Skilled 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
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
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
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
We are seeking hospitality professionals who value a high-performing culture, flexible working arrangements, work-life balance and a caring work environment to join our team in the following roles:
• Room Attendant
• Food and Beverage Attendant
• Front Office Duty Manager
Benefits and Rewards
• Starting rate $25.00/hour-$30.00/hour
• Flexible Work Options available
• Heavily Discounted Food and Beverage
• Well-being initiatives
• IHG Room Discounts at over 6,000 hotels worldwide!
When you're a part of IHG, you're more than your job title. And that's what we love – the individual talents, interests and dreams that make you who you are.
Please email your resume at manager@holidayinnqueenstown.co.nz
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!
We are hiring!!!
Balls and Bangles are looking for people to join their team!
We are on the hunt for FOH/Baristas/Duty Managers
This person will need to be an all rounder and enjoy working in a fast paced environment. Must be reliable, a good team player and have a fun can-do attitude.
Full time hours , daytime shifts, staff meals and you get to be a part of the best team in Queenstown! Ideally available for an immediate start with a commitment of 6 months or more. Current work visa essential.
To apply, drop into our Shotover St store or email your CV to ballsandbanglesjobs@gmail.com
