What a year it’s been! Our district has shown just how ready it is to embrace creativity, culture, and heritage. Across festivals, workshops, exhibitions, and hui, participation has been high. This past year showed what a shared vision can do: more people than ever are turning up, creating work, forming collectives, testing ideas, and putting this place on the map as a home for innovation and expression. And the numbers speak for themselves: $34 million contributed to the Queenstown Lakes economy, reflecting the sector’s growing role alongside tourism and other industries. 5.64% of the local workforce now work in creative industries - second only to Wellington.*
This is where the Three Lakes Cultural Trust (TLCT) comes in. As the district’s Regional Arts Organisation, we connect people, places and resources to keep creativity and culture visible, valued and viable. We listen district-wide and turn ideas into action.
In June, we hosted the Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata Hui, a first here. Creatives, cultural leaders, innovators, producers, businesses, and organisations came together over four days to connect, collaborate, and elevate the conversation around creativity and culture. “Thank you for creating this space. It’s invaluable professional development for creatives who rarely get time to step back and connect,” was one response that stayed with us.
Beyond the hui, TLCT continues to back the sector through capability-building programmes, mentoring, and partnerships that strengthen creative practice.
Through Te Wāhi Toi, our digital platform, we’ve connected 2,000+ creatives and events to audiences and sent 100,000+ newsletters - helping people find, support and celebrate what’s happening across the district.
But let’s be real: creative communities face shared challenges - under-resourcing, shrinking public funding, lack of spaces, uneven access, and the struggle to earn sustainable incomes. Yet a shift is underway. Councils and governments globally recognise that creativity, culture, and heritage are more than entertainment; they’re strategic assets that drive connection, innovation, stronger economies, and resilience.
With key partners Queenstown Lakes District Council, Lakes District Museum & Gallery, and a network of community-led groups and organisations, we’re building a district where creativity and culture are part of everyday life, visible, valued and accessible for everyone.
What happens next matters. We know that when opportunities are created, people show up. The Creative Spaces Project is next, connecting creatives with under-utilised spaces so people can make and show work now while we plan for what’s still needed. You’ll see this taking shape across the district in November. If you’re a creative looking to connect, head to TLCT for capability resources and the latest opportunities. For everyone, sign up to Te Wāhi Toi to stay across what’s happening. When creativity and culture thrive, everyone benefits.
Samantha Kirk - Chief Operating Officer / Three Lakes Cultural Trust
*Sourced from Infometrics NZ
The Charu Chutani dance group from Christchurch (founder: Kathakars.nz) performing at the magical Queenstown Diwali 2025 Festival at the Event Centre on Saturday night. Event by Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust.
Photo credit: Dhrumil Desai Photography & Films
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Queenstown’s new mayor has pledged to stay grounded in the community’s wishes and to empower councillors to perform at their best.
John Glover won more than half the preliminary votes, to unseat incumbent Glyn Lewers, following three earlier unsuccessful bids for council in 2013, 2019 and 2023.
Glover credited his success this time to “giving people hope, and being authentic.”
by RNZ
New Queenstown mayor: It’s ‘getting our own house in order’
Glover campaigned on restoring public trust in the council, listening to the community and ensuring better value for ratepayers.
“It’s essentially getting our own house in order, and we need to do that because we have some big challenges coming and we need the community to have our back,” he said.
“What we’ve seen today with the results is people want things to change, and they want us to act on all the things we’ve heard during the campaign. It’s a great honour to be chosen to do that.”
Glover said he wants to look into bringing in a Crown observer to investigate the council’s handling of issues at the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant, as well as its management of the $130 million arterial road project and other contentious developments.
He has also proposed a “financial reset” for the council and said he would like to draw on members of the community to help.
Glover is the co-owner of a wilderness retreat in Kinloch, near Glenorchy, with his wife, and is the former chief executive of the community group Shaping Our Future.
Joining him on the new council were Heath Copland, “Q” (Samuel) Belk and Melissa White for the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward; Matt Wong, Gavin Bartlett, Stephen Brent and Jon Mitchell for Queenstown-Whakatipu; and Nicola King, Quentin Smith, Niki Gladding and Yeverley McCarthy for WānakaUpper Clutha.
For the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board, Simon Telfer, Kathy Dedo, John Wellington and Chris Hadfield were elected.
Just 32.9 percent of eligible voters took part in the election, with 10,248 votes cast.
Read the full story online on lwb.co.nz or on the QT app.
Five Mile After Hours Night Market
Five Mile retail centre is holding its very first Five Mile After Hours Night Market this month and is encouraging everyone to pop along and join in the fun.
The market will be held on Thursday, 23 October, from 5pm – 8pm in Five Mile Place (between Moinho Café and Boardertown).
The family-friendly celebration of food and community is being held to kickstart the build up to Labour weekend and will showcase Five Mile’s food and beverage outlets while also welcoming a lineup of food trucks and pop-up stalls, creating a lively night-market atmosphere. Moinho Café on the corner of Five Mile Place will turn up the sizzle with a traditional Brazilian BBQ, Tanoshi will bring its tasty gyoza and Podium restaurant from Sudima Queenstown will delight with hot chocolate and mocktails.
Indian street food is on the menu from the team at Boliwood, Billy’s Espresso will serve coffees, chai and hot chocolates from its new Kombi van, Domino’s plans to add sampling and vouchers to the menu, Curious Minds childcare brings the sweet treats with a bake stall charity fundraiser and look out for Hikari’s sushi.
No-one’s going to go hungry when they can have a culinary trip around the world with street food from Italian Way, Bao Wow Bao Buns, Excuse My Creps, The Fishery, Habebes, Pasta Ta, Muchas Empanadas, Central Scoop, El Cordoba, Wandering Elephant and Kai-In Tayo.
Retailers in Five Mile Place staying open throughout the evening with special offers include Brandland, O-Studio and Zenith, while Moss Spa will have beauty products to try and buy, Queenstown Natural Health will offer Ayurvedic Drinks tastings and Bivouac is supporting the Search and Rescue Dogs Avalanche team – pop in store for a meet and greet with German Shepherd Rocky and handler Taz.
Five Mile manager Regan Allington says the evening’s aimed at encouraging locals and visitors to socialise and have fun as dusk descends.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the precinct to life after hours as a celebration of Five Mile, and the market’s set to become an annual fixture,” he says.
Live DJ Mountain Beats will round out the fun for the evening.
Brazilian BBQ from Moinho Café
Sun sets on AWE 2025
The Four Seasons may not have featured in any of the programmes during the At the World’s Edge Festival last week, but the visiting Festival Artists certainly got a taste for the unpredictability of spring weather though not even downpours of rain could dampen the spirits of audiences and performers alike.
From Wānaka to Bannockburn and Cromwell to Queenstown, the Southern Lakes and Central Otago played host last week to some of the world’s finest chamber musicians. Highlights included the world premiere of John Psathas’ new double cello string quintet, Jagged Stone; the keyboard focussed programme Claviers, which featured Erin Helyard on the harpsichord and Aotearoa’s own Michael Houstoun on piano, and the closing piece of the festival, Enescu’s rousing string octet which saw more Festival Artists perform together in a single AWE piece than ever before.
In addition to the 11 performances of seven programmes, AWE included a vast and varied array of free community events that included conversations with this year’s Composer in Residence, John Psathas, Wānaka freeskier Jossi
Wells, and architect Fred van Brandenburg. There were open rehearsals, Emerging Artists and Composer showcases and performances of additional, off-programme pieces, all of which fed into this year’s theme of nature. Festival Director and CSO Concertmaster, Justine Cormack, said this year’s AWE Festival really demonstrated how AWE has come in its five years. “It’s been a fantastic festival with more people than ever joining us not just for the ticketed programmes but also for our free AWE+ events. We’re so fortunate to have world-renowned musicians join us in Aoteatora for the festival and performing in such intimate, beautiful and varied venues is an amazing experience not only for them but also for our audiences who can enjoy these incredible artists up close.”
While the public-facing part of AWE has drawn to a close, this week sees some of AWE’s Festival Artists take part in the AWE Schools Programme, bringing a taste of AWE to schools around the region. “Community and education,” says Justine, “lies at the heart of AWE. Our Festival Artists love being able to perform for and alongside budding musicians and it’s a wonderful way to connect with the next generation of music lovers.”
And what next for Justine and the AWE team? “Once we’ve wrapped up AWE2025, we’ll be turning our minds straight away to what 2026 will hold for AWE.” No rest then for the organisers who’ve worked tirelessly to bring chamber music to the Southern Lakes this spring, but a whole lot of excitement lies ahead.
Summer Golf
with FREE access to short game practice area
Enjoy unlimited golf and discounts at the driving range and Inspire Golf Shop all summer long!
$319 only
Valid until 31 March 2026
Early Bird Special
Join in Oct/Nov and receive one FREE half-hour lesson
CRIMELINE
by Sue Fea
Three car pile-up Lower Shotover Bridge – Flying object
Frankton and Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigades, Police and St John Ambulance rushed to what was effectively a three-car pile up on Lower Shotover Bridge just before 6pm, Wednesday, 8 October, in peak rush hour traffic after an object flew off a vehicle.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) Otago group manager Bobby Lamont says fortunately those involved escaped with what appeared to be minor injuries, but all three vehicles were damaged.
“It appears that something came off the first vehicle in front and into the second vehicle travelling behind, which was then hit by a third vehicle,” he says. It was still not clear what the object was, but it was fortunate that there were no more serious injuries.
Chimney fire at Eichardt’s
Both Queenstown and Frankton Volunteer Fire Brigades were kept busy late Wednesday, 8 October, also attending a chimney fire at Eichardt’s Hotel, which was fortunately out by the time firefighters arrived on the roof of the five-star lakefront hotel. “We checked there was no smouldering around the flue and up through the building, Lamont says.
‘Gnome’inated to a dare – Prank ends with assault
They usually hang out in gardens but a Queenstown gnome, that hangs out on the bar in a Searle Lane late night spot, caused quite a furore after a 28-year-old local man was dared to a gnome prank.
Sergeant Tracy Haggart says the gnome is a normal feature on the bar and the 28-year-old allegedly took it and hid it outside after a dare from his friends around 11pm Wednesday, 1 October. “He then went and retrieved the gnome when asked to by the staff,” Haggart says.
However, while he was outside getting the gnome she says he was approached by a 57-year-old local man, and a disagreement arose over the gnome being removed from the bar. The older man allegedly grabbed the younger man’s hood, threw him on the ground and against a parked vehicle. “The offender pulled the victim back up and the pair had a brief verbal argument,” she says. “The offender then allegedly punched the victim in the face before members of the public intervened.”
The 57-year-old man has been charged with assault and appeared in the Queenstown District Court on Monday, 6 October. He was remanded on bail to reappear in January 2026.
Picking fights at McDonald’s
A 42-year-old Christchurch man allegedly trying to pick fights first at McDonald’s Restaurant then nearby on Frankton Road just before midnight on Tuesday, 7 October, has been charged with disorderly behaviour. Constable Amanda Shute says Police arrived at McDonald’s after the first report and separated two parties, including the man. “Shortly after Police were called to Frankton Road after receiving more reports of a male trying to start a fight and the same man from the earlier incident was identified and arrested, she says. He will appear in the Queenstown Court on Monday, 13 October.
Crash at Lower Shotover intersection
A 36-year-old Queenstown woman has been charged with careless driving causing injury after allegedly failing to give way at the ‘Stop’ sign at the Domain and Lower Shotover Road intersection, causing her to collide into another vehicle at 8.40am on Monday, 6 October. Shute says the woman’s vehicle collided with a vehicle travelling east on Lower Shotover Road and then crashed into a fence.
LAKES WEEKLY POLL
LWB regularly polls locals on issues affecting our region. This week’s responses are below.
Have you had two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine? Yes - 49%
- 17%
one - 1%
- 33%
Should there be more awareness around avalanche risks and hiking in the spring? Yes - 75%
- 25%
Will you drive your kids to school if their school bus is axed?
Have you voted yet?
- 57%
yet - 29%
and not going to - 8%
applicable - 6%
What do you want to do for your work Christmas party?
relaxing - 11%
day off - 6%
- 29%
There were 112 respondents this week. If you would like to take part: you can sign up on the LWB Facebook page.
COMMUNITY NOTES
Quack Attack! Rotary Duck Race is Back – November 2
It’s time to fluff up your feathers and mark your calendars – the Rotary Queenstown Annual Duck Race is back!
On Sunday, 2 November 2025 at 2.45pm, The Village Green will transform into a sea of colour, laughter, and cheering as hundreds of ducks take to the water in Queenstown’s quirkiest and most entertaining race of the year.
This isn’t just a race – it’s a celebration! Think cheeky costumes, community spirit, prizes galore, and ducks racing for a cause. And the best part? Every dollar raised will directly support the Whakatipu Youth Trust and the Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust/Whakatipu Wildlife Trust – two incredible organisations doing vital work for our youth and environment.
Be Part of the Action – Sponsor a Duck! Corporate Duck Sponsorships are now open:
• Standard Corporate Duck – $280
• Limited Edition Super Duck – $450 (only FIVE available – these sell out quickly!)
Dress your duck to impress – sunglasses, bow ties, tutus, you name it! The crowd loves creativity, and this year we’ll be awarding:
Got a prize worth $300 or more? Donate it to the Duck Race and enjoy the exposure of being featured on the day. It’s a great way for your business to highlight their support while backing a great cause.
After-Party
Once the ducks cross the finish line, we’ll head off for a lively after-party (venue to be confirmed) – a chance to toast the winners, celebrate the community, and share a laugh or two.
How to Get Involved
Simply contact Tim at tim@ctbs.net.au and let him know one of the following:
1. I’d like to sponsor a Standard Corporate Duck – $280
2. I’d like to sponsor a Limited Edition Super Duck – $450
3. I’d like to donate a prize worth $300+
4. Please send me more information about how I can help
The ducks are lining up, the water’s waiting, and we can’t wait to see who takes home the trophies (and the glory!). Let’s make the 2025 Rotary Queenstown Duck Race the splashiest, funniest, and most successful yet.
Thank you for your support – together we’re making a difference in our community, one duck at a time.
Wakatipu Anglers Club Announces Annual Comprehensive Fly Fishing Course
The Wakatipu Anglers Club is excited to announce the details of their annual fly fishing course, a notable event eagerly anticipated by angling enthusiasts and novices alike. Set to occur at the Queenstown Event Centre, this one-day course
Scheduled to take place on Saturday, 25 October, from 9am - 5pm, the course will present a comprehensive curriculum encompassing various vital aspects of fly fishing, including:
1. Gear: An in-depth introduction to the necessary gear, facilitating a rewarding angling
A closer look at the study of insects vital to the fly fishing ecosystem. Masterclass sessions to enhance casting proficiency, directed by veteran
Detailed instruction on crafting durable and effective knots essential in fly fishing. Finding, Stalking, and Landing Fish: Expertguided techniques to proficiently locate, stalk, and the proper technique to land and release
As guardians of the rivers, how anglers can care for the special freshwater environment we all cherish.
This exclusive course invites enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the enriching world of fly fishing, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, nurtured by experienced members of the Wakatipu Anglers Club.
Participants can secure their places by registering through email at wakatipuanglersclubnz@gmail.com
A fee of $150 NZD applies for this enriching experience, promising not only knowledge but also a chance to connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
To add a touch of excitement, the club is pleased to announce a raffle which will see one fortunate registered participant being awarded a brandnew fly fishing rod, generously donated by Hunting & Fishing Queenstown and Manic Tackle.
We warmly invite all interested individuals to join us in this endeavour, fostering a community where expertise meets passion, and where every cast brings us closer to nature.
We look forward to welcoming you to a day of learning and camaraderie.
About Wakatipu Anglers Club: With a rich tradition in the angling community, the Wakatipu Anglers Club stands as a beacon for enthusiasts, fostering education, conservation, and community in the heart of Queenstown.
Contact Information: Wakatipu Anglers Club Email: wakatipuanglersclubnz@gmail.com
Lock it in now and get 20% off your entire group booking.
If you’re keen to get zipping, please contact Jess Willow with the subject line ‘XmasGroups20’ E: jwillow @ziptrek.com | P: 03 441 2102 Offer
Give the team a reason to leave the Santa hats at home and do Christmas di erently this year. From $231/pp, you can pull on a life vest, get soaked in the Christmas spirit, and give the gift of team bonding thrills. Dry o at Canyon Brewing afterwards with wood-fired pizza and hot chips included in the deal.
Contact our events team to secure your spot events@realnz.com
functions Christmas
Plan the Perfect Christmas Function
The festive season is just around the corner, and it’s time to gather your team, friends, or family to celebrate in style!
functions Christmas
From cosy dinners to lively parties, our Christmas Functions feature showcases some of the best local venues ready to make your end-ofyear celebration truly memorable.
Celebrate your Christmas Function with a difference
Savour the tastes of Central Otago in a breathtakingly-beautiful location
Get in touch now! Email: enquiries@stoneridge.co.nz
Check with Cat or Kylee the best options for your advert
Cat 027 777 2785 or email cat@qmg.co.nz
Kylee 021 044 2968 or email kylee@qmg.co.nz
ON THE APP THIS WEEK
New Remarkables Park clinic officially opens with community celebration
CHRISTMAS PARTY VENUE
Queenstown Medical Centre’s new clinic at Remarkables Park was formally opened on Monday night [October 6], marking a significant milestone in local primary healthcare development.
The event began with a welcome from QMC board chair Chris Bailey, followed by a karakia led by Matapura Ellison, Pou Tikanga for Te Whatu Ora and chair of Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, to bless the building and its spaces. Mayor Glyn Lewers also spoke about his experience as a patient and thanked QMC for its investment into primary healthcare.
“This is not just about cutting a ribbon – it’s about celebrating vision, teamwork, and an enduring commitment to the health and wellbeing of our community,” Bailey told the attending guests, who made up various areas of the community.
“With a 15-year lease for this facility, we are demonstrating our long-term intent to continue that journey. QMC’s vision is to deliver better health outcomes for all.”
From beers & snacks with the team to a fully exclusive event, we can design a Christmas function for groups of all sizes & budgets. We also have onsite accommodation for up to 48 guests if you’re keen to make night of it. Contact us on 03 443 8153 to secure your date.
www.cardronahotel.co.nz
Designed with purpose and patient comfort in mind, the clinic features additional consulting rooms to meet growing demand. QMC’s new Remarkables Park clinic is now open and accepting patients, with same-day appointments frequently available – a rarity across the country.
Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant costs council $1.8 million in repairs, then $600,000 in legal bills
Queenstown Lakes District Council spent more than $1.8 million on repairs to its troubled Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant before racking up almost $600,000 in legal bills over compliance failures.
Figures released under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA), which have also been made public, show the council had carried out years of costly repair work between January 2021 and March 2025 before the Environment Court ordered an urgent fix this year.
The legal proceedings cost a total of $596,519.94, including $235,000 in court-awarded costs.
The council told RNZ that sum also included more than $144,000 spent on legal representation, more than $180,000 spent on planning and technical consultants and more than $36,000 on environmental monitoring.
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART
THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES
EVENTS
Foundation of Good Governance with Dr Jo Cribb
Kickstart your governance journey with huddl’s Foundations of Good Governance workshop, led by experienced board director Dr Jo Cribb. Learn practical skills for not-for-profit boards, including your duties, how boards add value, and what makes a great board effective. The cost is $35 GST inclusive and you can register and find out more information at huddl.nz
When: Friday, 17 October, 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Where: Salvation Army Queenstown, 8 Pin Oak Avenue, Frankton
Wakatipu Croquet Club Open Weekend
Wakatipu Croquest Club invite you to their open weekend. Come along anytime between 10am to 4pm on Saturday, 18 or Sunday, 19 October and enjoy a game of croquet in a stunning friendly environment. There will be a sausage sizzle and tea and coffee. Please contact Diana McIlwrick with any questions at dianamcilwrick1@gmail.com
When: Saturday, 18 and Sunday, 19 October, 10am – 4pm Where: Jardine Park, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown
Ethel & Bethel Bingo Babes
Queenstown Art Show
COMMUNITY
The Queenstown Art Show returns for its second year at Te Pūāhuru Queenstown Events Centre! This year’s event features 100 talented artists from across Aotearoa, showcasing more than 4,000 artworks including painting, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and more. From bold large-scale works to intricate treasures, with prices ranging from $200 to $20,000+, there’s truly something for everyone. Meet the artists, watch live demonstrations, enjoy the open bar and onsite café, and immerse yourself in an extraordinary showcase of talent from the Central South Island and across Aotearoa. Don’t miss Queenstown’s premier art event of the year!
When: Opening Night and VIP Preview: Friday, 17 October 5pm - 10.30pm, weekend pass: Saturday, 18 October, 10am - 8pm and Sunday, 19 October, 10am - 5pm
Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Queenstown
Bayleys Brecon St Grunt
Queenstown locals, it’s time to take back your town! Dreamed up by local journo Scoop, he’s taking over the Brecon St steps for a dash reminiscent of classic Queenstown madness, all for charity! How it works: Two at a time, competitors will charge up and down the Brecon St stairs in a head-to-head knockout. Win and you’ll move on to the next round. Lose and you’ll join the sideline action at Lone Star, Harry’s, or The Locker Room, the official spectator zones, for a cold drink and prime viewing. Think you’ve got the legs? Queenstown’s ultimate bragging rights plus $1,000 cash is waiting for the ultimate champion in three categories. Numbers are strictly limited, so lock in your entry before they’re gone. There’s a men’s, women’s and relay race – you can get tickets at Eventfinda with all proceeds going to Hato Hone St John’s Ambulance and Queenstown neurodiversity charity, Pivotal Point. If you’re not racing come to cheer, heckle and celebrate.
Ethel & Bethel are a couple of old biddies who thrive on tea and bingo. The comedy duo offer a delightful blend of adult entertainment with humour and spontaneous performances, infusing every occasion with laughter and a sense of community. Join them for an epic evening of bingo, raffles, auctions and hilarity as they fundraise for Arrowtown PreSchools playgrounds. R18, cash & Eftpos at the bar, Bingo dress up encouraged. $65 which includes supper and first bingo card. Enquiries to: arrowtownpreschoolfundraising@gmail.com
Spring Sessions: Queenstown Funk Orchestra & Louis Koopman
Spring Sessions are a series of original music evenings showcasing local Tāhuna artists. Come along on the first evening in the gallery for jazz compositions from Queenstown Funk Orchestra and Louis Koopman. QFO call themselves the alchemists of nostalgic rhythm in jazz, funk, dub and soul. Their colliding instrumental compositions feature a revolving door of musical talent including: Campbell Reid, Alex Pyle, Louis Koopman, Thom Bentley, Nigel Hirst, Alex Yvestefeev, Henry Boyle and more. An engine room of bass, drums, guitar and keys topped off with percussion and a mighty brass section. Opening the evening will be Louis Koopman (piano) and friends delighting with his semi-improv jazz sightings. Tickets are available on Te Atamira’s website.
The Evangeline Brown Trio | Live Jazz Night Thursdays are for jazz and good times at Pavilion. The Evangeline Brown Trio will deliver smooth sax, velvet vocals and guitar grooves that hit just right. Pair it with cocktails, pizza, and that unbeatable Pavilion energy. Sharp sounds, strong drinks, all vibes – bookings essential.
A fun way to make a difference to a child, and their family, in the Pacific Islands – by filling a shoebox with gifts. It may be the only gift they’ve ever received. Please include $12.50 to cover transportation costs. The children also get invited to do a 12-week programme about Jesus Christ and his amazing love. Boxes and information available at Fresh Choice and the Salvation Army Family Store at Pin Oak Ave (below High School), or contact Sharon 027 642 7575. You can also fill boxes online at operationchristmaschild.org.nz
When: Boxes to be returned by Saturday, 25 October Where: The Salvation Army, 8 Pin Oak Avenue, Frankton
Call for Entries, Dreams & Schemes
Queenstown Arts Society invites artists to submit works for Dreams & Schemes, an exhibition exploring the creative process in all its mystery and mischief. Whether your work dives into dreams, sensory impressions, or social themes, we want to hear your voice. There are three prizes up for grabs, thanks to the sponsors. This is a chance to celebrate and reward artistic excellence within the community. Opening night on Thursday, 30 October, is open to everyone. Entry forms are available at queenstownartsociety.co.nz
When: Entries close Friday, 17 October, 5pm, event Thursday, 30 OctoberFriday, 28 November Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
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
PHOTO PAGE
Mangal Behal (President of Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown), Marveli & Siyaansh at the Queenstown Diwali 2025 Celebration on Saturday night
Katy and Jack, at the Dishery
Josie, Rhia, MaryClare, Rosie, Stella, Emma, Alice and Catrin at the Dishery
Monique, Meg, Bethan and Olivia at the Dishery
The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra concert was held at Arvida Queenstown Country Club On Sunday
Kanik, Nisha, Anshu, Mireya & Davinda - Queenstown Diwali 2025 Celebration on Saturday night
The White + Wong’s Spring Classic 2 day golf tournament was played at Arrowtown Golf Club at the weekend. The winning team was Steve Gerken and Geoff Shepherd pictured here receiving their prize with sponsor Ferg Spary (left) and Arrowtown GC Club Captain Reece Borbely (right)
U10’s girls QAFC team won the Old Boy’s AFC Junior Football Festival held in Invercargill on Saturday
U13’s QAFC team won the Old Boy’s AFC Junior Football Festival held in Invercargill on Saturday
HOSPOGUIDE
Live music with TJ 5pm DJ Rinkha 8pm $15 Chef’s Special
Tuesday Pizza Night 15% off large pizzas, dine in or takeaway Wednesday Quiz Night Bookings are highly recommended. To book contact info@lokalqt.co.nz or ring 03 442 5444
Tuesday Double Points all night and DJ Mad from 9pm Wednesday Open Mic with Dave Arnold from 9pm
QUIZ NIGHT With DEREK 8pm $400 worth of prizes
Burger & Fries
- Thu 5-6pm
- Sun 4-6pm
Pizza Night Quiz @ 7pm then Sean live
cocktails/ $10 Pints/$14 Jugs
Live Music with Matty then DJ Rinkha
Live music with Aidan 5pm $15 Spice Bags
Brunch & Lunch Specialslimited time offers
$15 Fried Rice
DJ Swarms all night
Join our Lokal’s loyalty scheme, sign up in store today and start earning points
Après Monday with Ribera from 11pm
DJ MAD @ 9pm Monday Free wings (t&c) DJ Rinkha from 9pm
/ Tuesday Karaoke (with Patty) from 8pm
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
Thursday Live Jazz Night with Harriet McDonald 6pm to 9pm Friday Pav Apres hour
$10 Pav Wine, Beer & Aperol Spritz Every day 4pm to 6pm
Calico Live 9pm
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
Monday Madd Monday Hospo & Mountain Staff Night 20% off total bill Wednesday Danny Atkinson Live 8.30pm
No Public SessionsFree to Watch Hockey from 6.15pm
Summer Hours! Public Skating & Ice Bumper Cars from 12pm-6pm
Summer Hours! Public Skating & Ice Bumper Cars from 12pm-6pm
Dave Bell Live 9pm Sunday Trad Session 5.30pm Sunday Roast $27
$6 Beer handles 7 days a week
Hour 7-9pm $12 cocktails / $10 Pints / $14 Jugs
COMP from 9pm $200 CASH PRIZE FREE ENTRY Thursday LOCALS NIGHT Live Music 6pm - 9pm DJ AYEEDEEG 9pm - Late $20 JUGS | 1/2 PRICE PIZZA | BIG PRIZE DRAW AT 11PM
$20 Chicken Parmy & fries Friday/Saturday DJs in the beer garden 4pm till late MONDAY TO SUNDAY 3PM - 12AM
Tuesday QUIZ NIGHT - Bar tab prizes - from 9pm
$25 Special - Beef Quesadilla Wednesday Silent Disco 3 DJs - 3 ChannelsFree Entry $25 Special - Cheese Steak Burger
Thursday Locals
Fool’s Lagoon
Patio DJ from 7.30pm Saturday Call of the TribePsytrance from 9pm
HOSPOGUIDE
Monday & Tuesday Pork Tonkotsu Ramen OPEN FROM 12pm
Mon-Sat
Wednesday & Thursday $15 Singer Chicken Burgers from 4-6pm OPEN FROM 4PM
OPEN FROM 1PM DAILY 19 craft beer taps, takeaway rigger bottles, discounts for QMTBC and HIVE members! Bar food available Monday-Weds & fresh full menu for Thurs-Sat, offering fresh pizzas, quesadillas, burgers, fries & Searchlights special IRISH SPICE-BAG!!
Daily HAPPY HOUR
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 COMING SOON… The return of our monthly trivia nights on the 3rd Thursday of the month!
$9 house beer and house wine 4-6pm R20 Venue. Drink Responsibly Daily
14 OCTOBER- 20 OCTOBER
Saturday OPEN FROM 12pm
Friday OPEN MIC 6.309.30pm, Every Friday, Elle & Alex Music. Serving up our NEW MENU… the perfect accompaniment for a night of awesome music!
Coffee & Cake Combo Only $6 R20 Venue
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Saturday KÖLSCH SERVICE DAY! 2-6pm
Experience all the charm of Cologne with an afternoon of traditional Kölsch table service. $8 Kölsch Stanges with continuous refills delivered to your table, delicious food & live music! FREE ENTRY! Prost!
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Shanks, Blue Cod and other delicious southern classics
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8am-5:30
This month, as spring is rolling in with lots of weather, I thought we could focus on doing one thing really well.
Let’s try growing broccoli like rockstars. My plant for growing this month is broccoli. Broccoli is a plant that is easy to grow, very nutritious and can be used in many ways in the kitchen.
Broccoli is in the Brassica family and as a general rule prefers cooler growing conditions. It flourishes in spring and autumn. That said, it can do well here in the summer months and even over winter months with a little protection. So it’s an all year-round versatile crop to grow here in our upside down climate. It can cope with the random frosts and heat spikes.
With a little love here and there, it will reward you with a crunchy healthy crop.
There are lots of varieties out there with mini space saving to side shooting ‘broccolini’ style versions.
I’m a fan of all of them and I often plant multiple types, this leads to different varieties ready for harvest at different times. There are also varieties that specialise in sprouting, other varieties that are better in the cold and some in the hot, some green, some purple and so on.
Once I’ve harvested the main head of broccoli, I leave the plant as I will get some side shoots coming up for a secondary and third crops. Some varieties are better at this than others, most will go on to give you some side shoots.
There are dedicated ‘broccolini’ type varieties, most garden stores are selling a punnet version these days. From seed I’m a big fan of the heritage variety called ‘purple sprouting broccoli’. These sprouting varieties often won’t give you a main central head. They just send up sprouting shoots. Harvest these and they will send up more. If you look after this plant it can go onto feed you for months as long as you keep cutting those fresh shoots. I’ve met gardeners who have kept a broccoli plant going for two to three years, continually harvesting the fresh shoots. Now’s a great time to be planting brassicas, so get out there and plant yourself some Broccoli this week.
Top Broccoli growing tips.
1. Broccoli plants are what we call heavy feeders. To get a good crop, we need to show them love. The biggest Broccoli heads I’ve ever grown came from a garden bed I had buried Bokahi compost into. These broccoli were monsters the size of my big head. Monsters. If you’re not using Bokashi, be generous with the compost. Premix three generous handfuls into the planting hole.
2. When planting the seedling, if the seedling is a little leggy, plant it up to the first strong leaves, burying some of the main stork. This might include picking of any lower, small and unhealthy looking leaves. Then carefully using either palms or fists compact the soil around the freshly planted broccoli plant. Broccolis like a compacted firm soil around their roots when first planted.
3. Mulching with straw or chips is perfect for weed suppression and protecting the soil from rain events. But, in the spring months we want the soil to heat up quicker, hold back on the mulch for now to help get that heat into the soil. Instead you can mulch with some compost around the base of the plants.
4. Frost cloth is a great way to even out temperature highs and lows, especially when your seedling is freshly planted. Your seedling has been in a cosy environment and then you chuck it out in the garden to face the elements. I tend to use frost cloth on broccoli
in the summer months too. It takes the edge off on those scorching days. The broccoli plants thrive under the frost cloth. Don’t despair if you don’t have any, I’ve grown great broccoli without it too.
5. Frost cloth part two. I find for summer-grown broccoli the frost cloth keeps those pesky white cabbage butterflies at bay for a lot longer. Keeping your plants and you happier.
6. Bokashi bucket. As mentioned earlier, supersize your broccoli with some buried bokashi compost. Those who know, know. This system is amazing at turning food scraps into compost growing magic for your veggies.
7. Any compost is good to use. Backyard compost or worm castings, they’re all great for adding nutrients and biology to your soil. Using Compost is much better than using a commercially bought fertiliser. It has a good balance of nutrients that a plant needs.
8. If growing from seed, grow in pots first, then transplant once they’re five to ten cm tall.
9. During the life of your broccoli plant give it a couple of handfuls of compost every four weeks to keep the goodness flowing. They’re hungry plants.
10. The whole plant is edible, once you’re in production, harvest a few leaves here and there, great in salads or fried up with some butter, garlic and lemon.
Happy Composting and Gardening
Big winter spike in local search and rescue callouts
by Sue Fea
Wakatipu Search and Rescue and Alpine Cliff Rescue volunteers have been called out to at least a third more, close to twice their usual number of rescues and searches, in what’s been one of their busiest extended winter periods in some years.
Wakatipu Land Search and Rescue volunteer Johnny Franklin says their 80 or so local volunteers have helped with 14 operations – averaging more than one a fortnight, rescuing or assisting 22 people during the past six months.
“It’s been a busy six months for the team this winter, which is traditionally a quieter period,” he says. He estimates it’s probably roughly “at least a third more, if not twice as much” as they’d normally assist with during that period.
The teams have totalled 3,800 volunteer hours deployed on search and rescue operations around the Wakatipu and wider region. Franklin says that’s included 146 ‘volunteer responder attendances’, representing each individual response to a search and rescue operation.
A large proportion of the huge number of hours was spent supporting the massive search at Milford Sound for missing British tramper Eli Sweeting. He failed to return from a planned solo day trip to climb Mitre Peak.
Wakatipu LandSAR and specialist Alpine Cliff Rescue Team volunteers joined the large team of search and rescue specialists from around the lower South Island in the extensive search which covered extremely dangerous and challenging terrain.
“I think these figures reflect the dedication of the search and rescue volunteer responders in our community,” Franklin says. “They reflect the hard work the volunteers put into their training, knowing that they may have to venture out late at night in miserable conditions to assist someone they don’t know.”
While it’s hard to predict if the increased callouts will flow through into summer, the team is ready. “The team is coping well. We have a good reliable team, which is quite big compared to other places, bigger because of our workload and availability,” Franklin says.
Police warn extra caution –School holidays and extra overseas drivers
by Sue Fea
Police are warning motorists to take extra care with a number of drivers clocked speeding at over 140km/hr in the last few weeks, school holidays and extra international drivers on local roads due to Chinese Golden Week.
“Plan your trips, allow yourself time for delays and ensure you’re well rested and not fatigued as that’s when people make mistakes,” Otago Lakes Road
Policing Sergeant Bruce Martin says.
“We’re in two really busy periods with an increase in international drivers on our roads,” he says. “The last thing we want to see is a momentary mistake that can end up with a long-lasting result and serious injuries for someone.”
Meanwhile, he says it was “very fortunate” that there were no more serious injuries after a two-car crash on State Highway 6 about 11km south of Kingston at 11.10am on Monday. One driver was an overseas person living in New Zealand and the other a New Zealander, who both knew our roads, Martin says. One was heading towards the Te Anau Fiordland area. “This accident is still under investigation but as far as we’re aware speed was not involved.”
Police initially classed the accident as “a serious crash” that had blocked the Kingston Garston highway, later notifying that one lane of the highway was open to traffic.
Three people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, two to Lakes District and one was understood to be taken to Southland Hospital. All were still recovering, Martin says.
FOR SALE: A VERY EFFECTIVE METHOD OF ADVERTISING
Line Ads in the Lakes Weekly Bulletin are a very effective method of advertising.
Take the first step to your successful business advertising by going to www.lwb.co.nz and place your ad online. Pricing starts from $9.50
www.queenstowncroquet.com
Arts+Culture
Queenstown Writers Festival returns
by Jessica Allen
The Queenstown Writers Festival starts at the end of this month, presenting a diverse programme filled with award-winning writers, big personalities and a slew of talented southerners. Highlighting some great literary talent, the festival is for anyone who loves books, words and insightful conversation.
Duncan Sarkies
Sarkies first got into writing when he wrote the movie Scarfies, a Kiwi black-comedy classic. He’s always loved writing and his latest novel, Star Gazes, is a timely satire, reflecting on the political climate around the world: an allegory about the collapse of democracy within a society of alpaca breeders.
“It’s a response to being concerned about the world that I’m living in and the way people are just watching democracy fragment,” Sarkies says. “My natural response is to do it with comedy because it never feels like a lecture.”
He’s taken what he’s seen happening in the world and placed it in “the smallest organisation I could imagine, which is an alpaca breeding organisation”. During his research he spent quite a bit of time talking to people within the organisation, describing it as such an interesting world to step into.
“It was so cool and interesting, and the creatures themselves are so remarkable. It just felt like the perfect vehicle to use to explore these concepts.”
His In Conversation, Serious People, is on Sunday, 2 November at 10.30am and will dive into all things Star Gazes, as well as when to be serious and when not to be, how you can use comedy as a tool, and more. He’s also doing a script writing workshop on Monday, 3 November.
There’s something for all ages and interests, with workshops, panel discussions, an award-winning illustrator doing a live sketch of a story, and some of Aotearoa’s finest writers taking a deep dive into their work. Three of the writers who will be talking about their works are Duncan Sarkies, Diana Wichtel and Olivia Spooner.
Diana Wichtel
The Listener’s television critic for more than three decades, Wichtel’s latest book is a memoir Unreel: A Life in Review. Born in Vancouver, she was the daughter of a Polish Jewish Holocaust survivor and a Kiwi mum. Her parents met when her mum had travelled to Canada for her OE after the war. Her family fell apart when she was 13 – Wichtel, her brother and her mother moved to New Zealand, her father was meant to follow but never joined.
Wichtel’s first book Driving to Treblinka: A Long Search for a Lost Father was a family memoir, where she tried to find out what happened to her father after they moved to New Zealand and contact was lost. Unreel: A Life in Review is a memoir through the lens of television, which she always loved.
“I grew up with television in Vancouver from babyhood, and when we came to New Zealand in 1964 television was just starting up here, quite belatedly, so I was able to watch – not that I knew what I was doing – but watch it being constructed again,” Wichtel says. “I ended up somewhere with one channel that started in the afternoon and finished at 10.30 on Sundays with a prayer – it was very different.”
The two books look at the same life from different perspectives – the latest one a bit of a slice of cultural life through TV. Wichtel’s Remote Control In Conversation will be on Saturday, 1 November at 9am, and she will be on the Everyone’s a Critic panel discussion at 5.30pm.
Olivia Spooner
Historical fiction writer Olivia Spooner will release her latest book The American Boys just in time for the festival. It centres around a vivacious young woman navigating life in Wellington during World War II. It explores what’s happening on the fringes, the impact of American servicemen on New Zealand society during this time and the cultural changes and personal conflicts that arose, particularly among young women.
“We were a fairly conservative, largely British society and the arrival of the American servicemen certainly brought about some pretty big changes,” Spooner says. “And the effect it had on young women in New Zealand, who suddenly there were these very wealthy, sweettalking Americans in town and a lot of the Kiwi soldiers were overseas at the time, so it caused quite a bit of conflict as well.”
Spooner now lives in Auckland, but had her first two children in Wellington, so feels a connection to the city and really enjoyed bringing 1940s Wellington to life on the page. In her research she was able to read through many old papers, look through photos of the time and chat with people who grew up there.
At her In Conversation, The American Boys, on Saturday, 1 November at 1pm, she will be delving into bringing the time to life, and the aftermath –what happened after the Americans left and what happened to the war brides.
The Queenstown Writers Festival runs from Thursday, 30 October – Monday, 3 November.
The festival is a run
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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
YOUNG PICASSO KIDS ART CLASS TERM 4 ANIMALS & MYTHICAL CREATURES.
Have fun sketching animals & mythical creatures then turn these into a creative self portrait! What creature would you be? Key skills explored through mixed media, watercolor and sketching. Great Fun! Book Now!
Contact LISA DUNCAN BA HONS/ DIP TEACH E: lisadspaintparty@gmail.com
DATE: FRIDAY 3.30- 5pm, 17 OCT - 5 DEC
VENUE: Te Atamira Queenstown $280pp including art materials
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST
TUE (14 Oct) @ 6.30pm, ‘Nurturing Peace’ with Grant Rix SUN (19 Oct) @ 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
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Fill a shoebox with gifts (new) for a Pacific child in poverty, and change a life! Boxes/info at Fresh Choice, Frankton Library & SA Family Store, Pin Oak Ave. Or contact Sharon 027642 7575. Please return by 25 October.
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
Sue Fea Journalist
Jessica Allen Journalist/ Content coordinator
by Sue Fea
My Life story
IVAN CLARKE
From Kiwi farmhand to Hollywood
From teenage Kiwi farm hand to the Hollywood fi lm industry, even for him, Ivan Clarke’s life has been “surreal”.
One of New Zealand’s most highly acclaimed artists, painting was always his “backup option”, but he never imagined it would see him recognised in art circles around the globe, nor negotiating movie deals, dealing with Hollywood greats.
“We were a working class, sailing, musical family. My great grandparents ran Auckland’s largest music academy. Dad was an artist and sign painter. I knew early on I could draw,” Ivan says.
The now internationally renowned, whimsical fantasy world of his ‘Lonely Dog’ creation, in its special editions and various forms, fetches big money as a popular collector’s item. “It’s sort of Dr Suess meets Van Gogh,” he grins, of his Lonely Dog creation, borne by chance as the family left on holiday in 2000. “I turned to see our long-haired Dachshund, Arthur Snout, looking forlorn and said, ‘That dog looks lonely’.” That ignited a fantasy world of fl ying steam planes and dogs in dive suits and cat side clubs, depicted in over 200 artworks, writings, and drawings.
Despite being wooed by top producers and publishers who’ve printed his Lonely Dog novel in three languages, Ivan’s not let it all go to his head. Warner Brothers acquired the movie rights in 2009. Akiva Goldsmith, Oscar-winning screenwriter of The Da Vinci Code and A Beautiful Mind, was set to produce and write the script.
“When Variety Magazine broke the news, I got a very early call from Warner Brothers to say prepare for the rollercoaster. I was out pruning apple trees, unsure what to expect. Media from everywhere started calling me. It was even on TV.”
But Ivan remained grounded.
After a wild ‘stop start on off ride’, the rights reverted back to Ivan. Film-makers have now optioned until 2030. “With AI, there’s never been a better time. Once again, I’ll just wait and see.”
In 2019 Lonely Dog was licensed for a familyfriendly multimedia immersive experience in Orlando, sprawled over 2,000-plus square metres. This ran from 2022 to 2024 featuring altered-reality theatre, art gallery, café, virtual reality, and event spaces, with laser projections, CGI animation, original artwork, and over 50 original Lonely Dog songs produced, many using lyrics from his novel.
But Ivan’s still happy strumming his guitar on the back porch, tucked away in the seclusion of his Bob’s Cove property, where his diverse range of paintings are viewable by appointment. He paints a new Lonely Dog piece annually, kept in his private collection, not for sale, also spending the last few winters in his beloved yacht exploring the Pacifi c Islands.
He still has a successful downtown gallery, all a far cry from his humble beginnings as a landscape artist from his home studio in Malaghans Road in the early 90s when he, wife Kerry and their three small kids moved south from Auckland.
Ivan took one of his paintings into Queen’s Gallery of Fine Art in O’Connells Pavilion. “The owner was busy with an American couple, so I sat it up against the wall,” Ivan says. “He proceeded to sell it before even being introduced to me. I left quite encouraged.”
Since then, Ivan’s been invited to do solo exhibitions in the likes of London, San Francisco, LA and Hawaii – Maui a hit for this keen
windsurfer. “We did 14 winters in Maui with the kids.”
His commissioned artworks remain in demand, and he’s developing the process of gilding with 24-carat gold amidst the textured brush strokes. Despite the success, Ivan’s most treasured prize is a local People’s Choice Award won at a Lakes District Museum exhibition celebrating 100 years of Wakatipu artists. “I was exhibiting with great artists, dead and living. I was chuffed,” he says.
All quite a contrast from his Northland farm cadet days, leaving school at 14 – a city boy drawn to the hills. “We were a working class, sailing, musical family. My great grandparents ran Auckland’s largest music academy. Dad was an artist and sign painter. I knew early on I could draw,” Ivan says. At 11, he sold a painting for $40. “That was considerable for a kid back then. They included mine in an art show, never letting on my age”. Despite his obvious talent the hills beckoned. “We’d yell at the farm dogs to ‘get on the tray,’ used to riding on trailers and trucks,” he says. “But when the boss got an old Mahindra Jeep with a roof carrier and no tray, they got confused. I gave the command, and they leapt onto the roof, six dogs hood-surfi ng on top of the Jeep.” Not so good for ‘Dick’ who sprawled onto the bonnet at 50km/hr and into the briar. His father’s success as a sign painter out earned Ivan’s cadet wages. Ivan reluctantly returned to the city when his father retired, taking on a signwriting apprenticeship, running the business within six months. “Everything was hand painted then.”
But Ivan had been wooed by Queenstown as a kid – the lure of hunting and skiing too much. They sold up and moved the family south. “Queenstown seemed to me like Eldorado - the land of milk and honey,”. Turns out it was.
Ivan and dog Molly sailing off Great Barrier Island
Ivan, the dog lover, makes friends on holiday at Oakura Bay Store around 1968
Ivan shearing as a farm cadet in the 1970s
Ivan with one of his works at his Bob’s Cove art gallery studio - 2012
LWB QUIZ
1. Which country has the most natural lakes? 2. Which ancient wonder was located in Egypt? 3. Which movie features the song My Heart Will Go On?
4. Which animated film features toys that come to life?
5. How many teeth does a normal adult human have?
6. In which year did the Berlin Wall fall?
7. Who was known as the “Maid of Orléans”?
8. What is the hardest natural substance on Earth?
9. Who won the first season of American Idol? 10. What part of the human body controls balance?
TRADES & SERVICES
Trades & Services
BACK 2 BUSINESS LTD - Experienced Bookkeeping - bogged down with accounting tasks that distract you from what’s important? Want to free up your time, reduce stress, improve your cashflow, AND have more money in the bank? Call Toni on 027 5357610 for a free chat.
FORD ESCAPE - 2007 SUV-XLT V6 SPORT. 4WD - 172,000kms, very tidy, tow bar, new WOF $4500. Ph 021 441 400
AP
THREE ROOM GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT with wood-burner, full kitchen & laundry, with double bedroom. Located on a large wooded section on top of a ridge overlooking Lake Wakatipu, 8km NW of Queenstown CBD. $385/wk + power. +64277531469.
COMMUNITY
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
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.
&
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
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.
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
EVERYTHING ELSE
BESPOKE GUIDED GARDEN TOURS IN Wānaka. Visit up to 4 beautiful private gardens of your choice! Experience for visitors and locals. Daily departure October to April. $100 - $179 per person. Gift cards. Florence 02102792481 | beautifulgardenswanaka.com
RURAL PROPERTY WANTED. I’M HELPING a rural couple who are cash buyers looking for a farm, lifestyle block or subdivided land in a rural setting. Could be a large block. If thinking of selling or subdividing please 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
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
Personal Assistant to High-Performing Real Estate Agent
Seeking a proactive, detail orientated Personal Assistant to support top-performing Sales Consultant, Feleki Uhrle, in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
You will assist uploading property listings, managing databases, organising communications and marketing, and other general administrative duties.
The role could suit school hours and term-time schedules. If you’re highly organised, confident with words and tech, and enjoy getting things done in a high pressure environment without needing to be micromanaged, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll bring to the role:
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an excellent command of the English language
• Solid admin experience with high attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency in Microso O ice, Canva, and social media platforms. Experience using InDesign is an advantage yet not essential.
• Comfortable with data entry, document formatting, and managing Outlook and calendars.
• Confident, professional, and solutions-focused with a ‘can-do’ attitude.
The ideal candidate will be committed to the Queenstown community and looking for a long-term role where they can grow with us.
If this sounds like you, please send your CV and cover letter to priscilla.uhrle@harcourts.co.nz explaining how you think you’d be a good fit. All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.
EXPERIENCED METAL ROOFER
Watertight Metal Ltd is a new division of Watertight Systems the local waterproofing company. Watertight Metal specialises in metal roofing and cladding, operating across the Southern Lakes and Central Otago regions.
Due to our growing work load, we are looking for an experienced metal roofer to join the team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to become an integral part of a motivated expanding new company.
We can provide:
• An interesting, fun, and challenging work environment.
• The opportunity to upskill and further extend your leadership and management experience.
• Competitive renumeration.
• Flexibility to enjoy the Southern Lakes lifestyle.
The ideal candidate:
• Will have a between 2 to 5 years metal roofing/cladding installation experience.
• Is highly motivated, organised, has an eye for detail and consistently takes pride in their work.
• Works well within a team, has proven leadership skills and initiative.
• Is seeking a full time permanent employment opportunity. Like to know more? Call Brad on 0211962509 or drop us an email at brad@watertightmetal.co.nz
We’re looking for a Property Inspector to join our operations team. This is a casual role, giving you the freedom to fit it around existing commitments.
You’ll be responsible for inspecting our portfolio of holiday homes to ensure they meet our presentation and maintenance standards. This includes checking cleaning quality, identifying maintenance issues, restocking amenities, and preparing properties for guest arrivals.
We’re looking for someone who:
• Has excellent attention to detail and takes pride in presentation
• Is organised and proactive, with good communication skills
• Can work independently and manage a busy daily schedule
• Holds a full NZ driver's licence
Please email your CV to riki.brown@alloggio.com.au
Join the Team at Southern Lakes Laundries!
Southern Lakes Laundries is a linen hire and industrial laundry facility servicing accommodation and hospitality clients throughout the Southern Lakes region.
We are based in Frankton and operate 7 days a week.
We have full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions available. Candidates must be:
• Physically fit (the job involves lifting and repetitive tasks)
• Reliable and punctual
• Legally entitled to work in New Zealand
• Friendly, with a positive attitude
• Committed to safe work practices
If you’re interested in joining our team, please email your CV or resume to: silvi.locatelli@southernlakeslaundries.co.nz
PART TIME RETAIL JEWELLERY SALES POSITION
We’re looking for a friendly, motivated, and enthusiastic person to join our small team in Queenstown Central Shopping Centre, Frankton.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meeting people, working with beautiful jewellery, and being part of a supportive team
About the Role
You’ll be helping customers find the perfect piece, making every visit to our store a special experience. The role also involves keeping the store looking its best, processing sales, and learning about our products so you can share your knowledge with customers.
What We’re Looking For?
Ideally, you’ll have at least 2 years’ retail experience and be:
Confident and proactive, happy to work independently when needed.
Reliable and trustworthy
— someone we can count on.
A great communicator, comfortable chatting with people from all walks of life. Computer savvy and able to pick up new systems easily. Willing to learn, with a positive, can-do attitude.
Good with your hands and have a sharp eye for detail.
Most importantly, you’ll bring a passion for customer service and a genuine interest in helping people.
Why Join Us?
A welcoming, supportive and fun team environment.
Staff discounts on our jewellery. Training to help you feel confident and succeed.
Location:
Queenstown Central Shopping Centre, Frankton, Queenstown
Hours: Part-time, rostered
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a short cover letter telling us a little about yourself to clyde@jamies.co.nz
Applications close midday 31.10.25
Only those shortlisted will be contacted. Applicants should have NZ Residency or a valid NZ work visa
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.
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
Seasonal Greenkeepers
Jack’s Point Golf & Glendhu Golf
Join our greenkeeping teams at two of the South Island’s most spectacular courses. Jack’s Point Golf is a renowned championship course in Queenstown, and Glendhu Golf in Wanaka is now in its final stages of construction.
We’re looking for Seasonal Greenkeepers to help at both courses from Sept/Oct through to April next year, with the possibility to extend longer. At Jack’s Point you’ll be integral in helping maintain an established, award-winning course, while at Glendhu you’ll contribute to the final stages of shaping a brand-new world-class course.
What We Offer:
• Competitive pay and great benefits
• Learning and development opportunities
• Supportive, professional teams and great camaraderie
About You:
You’ll ideally bring a turf qualification (or similar), strong attention to detail, good communication, along with a positive, team-focused approach. Physical fitness, reliability, and flexibility for outdoor work with early starts is essential.
Apply Now:
Apply online now to be a part of a leading team jackspoint.com/employment
www.slowcuts.co.nz
Slow Cuts Restaurant is an Arrowtown institution for quality diners and staff members alike. We have been dishing out the goods to our fans for over 10 years. We take pride in being a company where staff member’s happiness is paramount while always remembering that food is fun!!
We breathe a culture of individual creativity in an environment where staff are continually learning practical skills as well as how the business works through our policy of open book management. We provide performance incentives for ALL STAFF when weekly targets are met with extra bonuses for management positions. If you love food and hospitality we currently have the flowing position available.
HEAD CHEF
• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or higher necessary.
• Full time running a small team of 4-7 chefs with support and coaching from our executive chef.
• 2-3 hours administrative work per week.
• A desire to showcase your love for healthy food, family favourites, handmade burgers and of course, slow cooked delights.
• Sponsorship available to the right candidate CHEF DE PARTIE
• Full time
• Minimum of 2 year’s experience in a busy kitchen as a Commis Chef or higher.
• Desire to learn and be part of an award winning team. Both positions will be a mix of evening and day shifts, your own transport to Arrowtown is essential.
Please send your CV to pj@peoplelikeus.co.nz
Are you sick of working your weekends? Working long hours and different shifts? Would you like your Birthday off every year? Do you like the idea of free medical insurance? Want a job where you can enjoy some banter with your colleagues and customers?
Then REDPATHS have a job for you! Inwards goods/Driver
REDPATHS Queenstown is an Electrical goods wholesaler with branches across the South Island supplying electrical equipment to the trades.
REDPATHS has a full-time role as an Inwards goods/Driver and is looking for an energetic, enthusiastic team member with great communication skills to work with our fantastic customer base and to fit in with our branch team.
Applicants must have full time residency and valid Manual Driver’s Licence.
So, if you’re keen for a change and want to join a fun team and carve a career path within the company email or drop your CV with a covering letter to:
jack.niven@redpaths.co.nz
105 Glenda Drive, Queenstown
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.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
ROOM ATTENDANTS REQUIRED
Attention to detail for 5 star Hotel
Provide exceptional customer service and high cleaning standards
Good hourly rate
Please apply to kim_haynes@evt.com
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 (no sponsorship available)
Please send a CV to: claire.hampson@abg.com
VACANCIES
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
We are looking for a full time Chef in our central Queenstown cafe.. Daytime hours, great team. Must be experienced and have excellent English. Call Ed on 021 280 2425 or email marmoladacafe@yahoo.com
We are looking for a Sales Assistant to join our friendly team at Queenstown Airport Paper Plus.
This is a full-time role working Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday with shifts starting 12pm and finishing at 8.30pm - 35-40 hours per week.
You’ll be serving customers, restocking shelves, handling transactions, and helping keep the store looking its best. We’re after someone who is:
• Friendly and approachable with great customer service skills
• Reliable and punctual
• Comfortable working on their feet and handling a busy retail environment
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you - apply today and join our team for the summer season!
