By the time you read this, the dust from the elections will have settled and we’ll have confirmation of who you have chosen to represent you around the table following what is probably one of the hardest ‘interview’ processes in existence!
To those who were unsuccessful, I know how you feel - I’ve been there three times previously and it’s a huge disappointment. But thank you for entering the fray and ensuring our community had a choice of candidates to consider. To those who were not re-elected, I thank you for your service to your communities.
My take away from the election is that if we are felt to be ignoring community sentiment, we do so at our peril. Standing in the shoes of others, understanding their needs, pressures and hopes has to feed into the direction that we set going forwards. That will vary from person to person, community to community and across ages and other demographics. Part of the ‘listening’ process has to be constantly asking who haven’t we heard from and how can we best reach them?
All of which makes it incredibly difficult to quantify. But that is what we will need to do as the new council starts to build the next 10 year plan in the coming months whilst ensuring the hard facts and figures of debt levels, budgets, pipes, roads, waterworks, parks, playgrounds and our environment are seen to act on that sentiment.
The issues that all candidates heard on the hustings were around trust, the cost of rates, how we engage and communicate, and the impacts of rapid housing growth without the things that are necessary to ‘grow well’. These impact every sector of our community. We must address all of these as matters of urgency.
Rebuilding trust and establishing better communications has to be first otherwise people will continue to disengage from the organisation and processes that will, at the end of the day, shape our district. We have to turn the understandable ‘why bother’ into “fomo” when if comes to voting in three years time.
Councillors understand this, and we will work to rebuild trust around the table and from the community. As a personal example, I will ensure my diary is public with details of who I am meeting and the basis for so doing. Baby steps on a long journey.
On a personal note, I am humbled that you have chosen me for this job, which is my first change of career in 25 years. This week has felt very much like the first day at school with a massive amount to take on board. But it was never going to be easy.
John Glover - Mayor-Elect
Beau, Lucia, Eli, Layla, Kevin the Kea, Jessie & Sammie enjoying the free icecreams from The Remarkables crew and Mr Whippy
ON THE APP THIS WEEK
2degrees Queenstown Business Awards finalists announced following record number of entries
The judges’ results are in, and the Queenstown Business Chamber is excited to announce the finalists for the 2degrees Queenstown Business Awards 2025.
The number of entries and excellence on display broke a record number at 154 entries across the nine categories which Chamber
Chief Executive Sharon Fifield says show the calibre of business in our district.
The finalists are:
Excellence in Sustainability and Environmental Business Practice sponsored by Destination Queenstown
- The Headwaters Eco Lodge
- Queenstown Airport
- Country Lane
Excellence in Community Contribution sponsored by SkyCity Queenstown
- iFLY Indoor Skydiving
- 45South Foundation
- Pivotal Point
Excellence in Customer Experience, sponsored by Kingpin Queenstown
- Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
- Glenorchy Air
- Ziptrek Ecotours
- NZSki
Excellence in Innovation, sponsored by Polestar
- Kauati Ltd
- EpicShot
- Canyon Brewing
Excellence in Marketing sponsored by Shotover Creative
- Cardrona Alpine Resort
- AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
- NZSki
Employer of the Year sponsored by RealNZ
- Kinross
- Hotel St Moritz Queenstown
-MGallery Collection
- Future Hospitality Group
Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Queenstown Airport
- Ben Hudson Architects
- Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours
- The Boat Shed Bakery
Excellence in Professional Services and Business Solutions sponsored by Lane Neave Lawyers
- Jane Guy Coaching
- Medenterprises
- Both Brains
The Good Sort Award, sponsored by Hamish Walker of Walker & Co Realty
- Jenni Powell
- Richard Thomas
- Stu Clark
- Michael Sly
WAI Wānaka Strengthens its Governance with New Trustees and Board Observer
Local non-profit organisation, WAI Wānaka is thrilled to welcome Richard Burdon and Stephen Stuart as our newest members to our Board of Trustees, each bringing a wealth of experience, insight and dedication to our mission. Their diverse backgrounds will help guide our strategic direction and strengthen our governance.
We are also excited to introduce Chris Bowie, who is stepping into our Board Observer role – a unique and valuable role that enhances board engagement without formal voting responsibilities.
“We are very fortunate to have such a high calibre of expertise and knowledge in our rohe, let alone in our Board of Trustees. We are pleased to welcome Richard, Stephen and Chris into their new roles. They’ve each made an impactful contribution already,” says Cat Dillon, WAI Wānaka CEO.
WAI Wanaka works with individuals, community groups, farmers, catchment groups, councils, schools and businesses to improve ecosystem health, reverse biodiversity loss and keep the water healthy.
Queenstown was illuminated with colour, music, and joy last Saturday, 11 October, as the community gathered to celebrate Diwali – The Festival of Lights, organised by the Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust. Held at the Queenstown Event Centre, the event attracted a large audience who enjoyed a night filled with vibrant performances, delicious Indian food, and a strong sense of unity.
The evening marked a special milestone — ten years of community service by the Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust. The Trust has been at the heart of promoting cultural awareness, supporting families, and strengthening community connections across the region.
The Queenstown Diwali Festival continues to grow each year, becoming one of the district’s most anticipated multicultural events, celebrating not only Indian heritage but the shared spirit of community in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Wai Wānaka Trustees: Chris Bowie, Stephen Stuart and Richard Burdon, Credit Deanna Gerlach
2023 Supreme Business Award Winners, Active Adventures
Korean Day brings the spirit of Korea to Queenstown
Experience the vibrant colours, flavours, and rhythms of Korea at Korean Day 2025, proudly hosted by the Queenstown Korean Association (President: Hana Kim) with support from the Korean Embassy in Wellington and Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Join us on Saturday, 1 November 2025, at the Queenstown Memorial Hall for an unforgettable afternoon of music, dance, and delicious food. Doors open at 12.30pm with performances starting from 2pm, featuring the elegant Korean fan dance, vibrant performances, and an exciting K-pop contest showcasing local talent.
Visitors can indulge in a range of authentic Korean street foods, from Korean fried chicken, homemade kimchi, and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to otoki jin ramen. Local restaurant Hikari Restaurant & Bar, led by Director Kwangyong Song, proudly supports this community
event as a key sponsor — reflecting the strong friendship and collaboration between Korean and local communities in Queenstown.
The event will also include interactive cultural booths where you can try on hanbok (traditional Korean attire) or experience Korean calligraphy and crafts. It’s a perfect day out for families, friends, and anyone curious about Korean culture.
Entry is free, with gold coin donations gratefully accepted — all proceeds will support ongoing Korean language education and cultural programs for local children.
This event celebrates the vibrant multicultural spirit of Queenstown, bringing locals and visitors together to share in the beauty, warmth, and energy of Korean culture.
Don’t miss this opportunity to taste, see, and feel Korea right here in Queenstown!
CRIMELINE
by Sue Fea
Crashes
French driver charged
A 20-year-old Frenchman, who allegedly lost control of his vehicle on the Glenorchy Road crossing the centreline and careering into an oncoming vehicle, has been charged with careless driving. Shute says the accident happened at 3.40pm on Friday, (10 October). “The driver was travelling along Glenorchy Road when he approached a moderate left-hand bend and his vehicle allegedly veered to the left hitting a concrete curb, causing him to lose control of the vehicle,” she says. The young driver then allegedly crossed the centre line and collided with an oncoming vehicle. Shute says both vehicles were extensively damaged, and the occupants of the oncoming vehicle suffered minor injuries. The man will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 14 November. Ute rolls into ditch
Both the Arrowtown and Frankton Fire Brigades raced to the aid of a driver whose ute rolled off the main Queenstown to Arrowtown highway at Lake Hayes at 5.30am on Wednesday, 15 October. Frankton Volunteer Fire Brigade senior station officer Paul Halsted says the ute had left the road and landed on its side in a ditch on the side of the main Queenstown to Arrowtown highway at the Queenstown end of Lake Hayes. It was just past a sharp bend in the road. Thankfully, neither of the brigades were needed and nobody was trapped.
A St John Ambulance also responded. One patient, in a moderate condition, was assessed at the scene and transported by ambulance to Lakes District Hospital, a St John spokesperson says.
“Regardless of what may have happened here, it’s a good opportunity to remind people to take heed of general road safety rules and always wear seatbelts,” Halsted says.
Public dob in drink drivers
Members of the public helped Police net two alleged drink drivers on Saturday, 11 October, after dobbing them in, one a driver aged 70.
Shute says they received a driving complaint just after 12.30am after a 46-year-old local man was allegedly seen “swerving over the road and almost colliding with a parked vehicle”.
The driver blew 926mcg and had his licence suspended for 28 days. He will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 14 November.
Police also received a driving complaint about a 70-year-old local man, who allegedly blew 792mcg when stopped at just before 5pm. He also had his licence suspended for 28 days and will appear in court on 14 November.
Other drink driving
A 27-year-old local man blew 469mcg after allegedly being spotted tail gaiting an ambulance on Kawarau Road just before 1am on Sunday, 12 October. Court, 14 November.
A 26-year-old Auckland man allegedly blew 400mcg at 2.49am, on Beach Street on Sunday, 12 October. Infringement noticed issued.
Rescue helicopter plucks two men from Pisa Range
by Sue Fea
Emergency services and rescue volunteers are warning backcountry hikers to stick to their capabilities, know the terrain and carry a reliable communications device after two Queenstown men had to be rescued from near the top of the Pisa Range last Saturday evening (11 October).
Constable Amanda Shute says the Police received a 111 cellphone call just before 7.45pm from two local men who’d become stuck on a mountain ridge on the steep and challenging hike up Tinwald Burn Ridge Track, near the top of the Pisa Range which has an elevation of about 1740m.
“The two men were unable to move from their location due to slippery ice and had already suffered scrapes from previous tumbles,” Shute says. Police were able to send a mobile locator message to their mobile phone which provided the coordinates for their exact location, she says.
An Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter was sent to retrieve them as they were unable to make their own way down safely.
Chief executive of HeliOtago, which operates the rescue helicopters, Graeme Gale says it was snow-covered, mountainous terrain up where the pair were, up near the top of the range. “I understand they needed to be picked up due to the conditions at the time. They got into strife and needed to be lifted out. They couldn’t get out,” he says.
Darkness fell while Police kept in contact with the pair, who were located at around 10pm.
St John Ambulance teams were notified of the callout at 8.15pm but a spokesperson says the pair were uninjured.
Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Team members and Search and Rescue specialists have been warning backcountry hikers heading into the hills recently to take all the right precautions, especially with extended snowy conditions around the tops.
“Take the right equipment and make sure you’re experienced for the terrain you’re heading into,” Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue coordinator Russ Tilsley says. He advises carrying several reliable forms of communication, including either a personal locator beacon and/or inReach satellite device. “You can’t guarantee cellphone coverage in the mountains, especially up there, so carry at least two reliable forms of communication,” Tilsley says.
“Make sure your skill level and experience match the terrain you’re heading into and be sure you can cope with it,” he says. It’s also vital to carry the right equipment in case it’s needed.
Police are stressing the same message as summer approaches and more people plan adventures in the outdoors.
“It’s essential to pack extra food and water, stick with your group and carry a personal locator beacon,” a Police spokesperson says. “While a cellphone with sufficient battery is essential, you can’t always rely on having reception,” she says.
“Know the route and make sure you have the skills for it, check the forecast and prepare for bad weather and a possible unexpected night out, sharing your plans with a trusted person.”
PREMIUM, CINEMA-GRADE SOUND
Delivering an intense sound experience in an elegant package, Klipsch floorstanding speakers provide soaring highs and rich lows while complementing your home décor. The redesigned Klipsch Reference Premiere Series fuses legendary acoustic craftsmanship with the latest audio technology - setting a bold benchmark for premium home theatre and hi-fi sound.
COMMUNITY NOTES
What is Band Lab?
Kids stepping into the Spotlight with Band Lab
Created by Turn Up the Music, Band Lab is a new, fun, and inspiring way for singers and musicians aged 10–13 to experience the thrill of being in a band.
Students will be grouped into mini-bands of up to four singers/musicians. From band names to song choices, outfits to stage style — it’s their chance to create their band identity. After nine weeks, they’ll take the stage at a well-known Queenstown venue in front of family, friends, and the public. The classes will run on Saturday mornings, 10am-12pm at Wakatipu High School (except for Saturday, 25 October).
Local musicians and performers Violet Hirst and Anna Dorsey will mentor students, helping them to build confidence, work as a team, and shape their sound. Violet Hirst, is a locally born singersongwriter and musician who performs and tutors with voice, piano and guitar. Violet has performed all over Aotearoa and further with her own music and with several alternative/indie music bands and has experience working as a band mentor with Aotearoa’s Girls Rock organization. Anna Dorsey is singer and pianist who has been in several choirs, vocal groups and sings in a band. She is a performance coach for Te Atamira and enjoys helping others to find joy through music.
“Band Lab for us was born out of a shared desire to help more young musicians access the joy of creating and performing music with others. By helping them to experience the fun, creative energy of being in a band and giving them a chance to perform to a crowd, we are giving young musicians a great opportunity to take that next step in their musical journey.
They will learn about working as a team, listening, finding their creative voice, and growing selfconfidence. It’s exciting to be working with local young talented musicians on this new adventure and to help them shine,” Dorsey says. Spaces are still available. Register at turnupthemusic.co.nz
We believe music can brighten each day and bring people together. That’s why we sing to pass on one smile at a time and spread those smiles a little further into the world.
At our concert on Saturday, 25 October, we’re joined by the Turn Up the Voices kids’ choir, plus some duets, a ukulele group, and a quartet, celebrating community and the joy of singing together.
Wasabi Choir is a local Queenstown group made up of people from around the world, connected by our love of singing. We perform songs in English, Japanese, and Māori to share joy and connection through music.
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!
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.
It’s Christmas time at The Church!
Raise a glass to local brews, wine, great food, and good company.
Savour our famous pizzas, platters, sandwiches, salads, and festive bites in Gibbston’s best outdoor spot — with views, games, and space for everyone! (children are welcome).
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
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART
THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES
Central Lakes Polyfest
COMMUNITY
Central Lakes Polyfest is a two-day, non-competitive cultural performing arts event held at the Queenstown Events Centre. This event runs in October of each year, featuring over 1,000 participants from around Central Otago, as well as occassional non-local special guests. Performers range from early childhood through to secondary school students, as well as various Māori and Pasifika community groups. It will be a gold coin to enter on the day and more information can be found at miharo.co.nz
Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton
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.
When: Saturday, 25 October, 12pm
Where: Brecon Street Steps, Queenstown
Church Spring Fair
The Wakatipu Presbyterian Church, present in the basin for more than 156 years, proudly brings in a very special event. The Spring Fair will take place on 1 November in the car park at St Margaret’s Presbyterian Church. There will be a market selling plants and produce, as well as second-hand books. Come and enjoy with Brazilian-style BBQ, homemade cakes, Korean food and coffee. They will also have games for children. You, your friends and family are all invited to come to this event to have lots of fun.
When: Saturday, 1 November, 10am – 2pm
Where: St Margaret’s Church, Corner of Ross and McBride Streets, Frankton
2025 Rotary Queenstown Annual Duck Race
It’s time to fluff up your feathers and mark your calendars – the Rotary Queenstown Annual Duck Race is back! 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. 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. Businesses can sponsor a duck, which they can then dress to impress. If you’d like to get involved you can email tim@ctbs.net.au
When: Sunday, 2 November, 2.45pm
Where: The Village Green, Athol Street, Queenstown
After Hours Night Market
Five Mile is getting lit up with their very first afterhours night market. On Thursday, 23 October, gather your crew for an evening of street eats, pop-up stalls, live tunes and all your Five Mile favourites. It’s free, it’s family-friendly, and it’s the perfect way to kick off Labour Weekend.
When: Thursday, 23 October, 5pm – 8pm
Where: Five Mile Centre, 28 Grant Road, Queenstown
EVENTS
Cromwell Street Party & Fireworks
On Labour weekend, The Cromwell Street Party & Fireworks will once again transform Cromwell Heritage Precinct into a vibrant hub of music, food and family fun. Gather family and friends, pack a picnic blanket and chairs, and head down to the Heritage Precinct for a night of live entertainment, street performances, night market and more in charming surroundings. Get ready as the night sky illuminates with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Dunstan. The entertainment line-up features the Filipino community showcasing their cultural dancing flair, Desert Roses belly dancers, Latin Soul, line dancing, and more – all guaranteed to get the crowd moving. Rachel Hirabayashi & Emporium’s Exquisite Corpse returns by popular demand with a collaborative art project, while the Circus Space aerial acrobats – a mix of junior and adult performers – will amaze with breathtaking displays throughout the evening. Families can enjoy a mix of heritage lawn games, bouncy castles, face painting, hula hoop fun, roaming magicians, and the ever-popular fairies with their giant bubbles.
When: Sunday, 26 October, 5pm - 9pm
Where: Cromwell Heritage Precinct
Bill Bailey - Vaudevillean
Before streaming, before tv, before cinema, before even radio… There was Vaudeville! This was the primetime entertainment of its day. A celebration of comedy, songs, and multifarious skills. Bill Bailey returns with a show that celebrates this great tradition, as the versatile multi instrumental, multi-lingual, purveyor of humour and musical prowess, who could lay claim to being perhaps the foremost practitioner of this great tradition, an entertainer, a performer, a modern Vaudevillian!
When: Wednesday, 29 October, 8pm
Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe O’Connell Drive, Frankton
ARTS
Queenstown Arts Society Life Drawing
Class with Kasia Hebda
Join Queenstown Arts Society for eight weeks of classical figure drawing, guided by artist Kasia Hebda. Enhance your observational drawing skills and deepen your understanding of composition, line, mass, and texture through drawing with a life model in a relaxed atmosphere. The class on October 22 is free, reserve your spot at teatamira.nz
When: Wednesdays until 26 November, 6pm – 7.30pm
Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
Dale Frank – Nobody’s Sweetie Screening followed by director Q&A
A visual extravaganza showcasing the life and work of one of Australia’s most successful and prolific contemporary artists, Dale Frank. It offers a rare view of what it takes to be a professional artist at the top of their game. The stakes are high, the art world is fickle, and Dale spends as lavishly as he creates. On top of a crushing workload, Dale has inner demons and health struggles to contend with.
When: Friday, 24 October, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Where: The Lodge, Arrowtown Lifestyle Village, 224 McDonnell Road, Arrowtown
EasyAdmin Queenstown
Looking for O ce Administrator? Get in touch now!
$35 per hour + gst
Enquires at hello@easyadmin.co.nz
Phone: 021 0823 7381
www.easyadmin.co.nz
NEW GROUT FOR TILE & PAVERS
Free Quotes: 03 421 7788
www.groutperfectnz.co.nz
Qtown - Wanaka - Otago Wide
Our Services: • Phone & Email Handling
• O ce Management • Payroll • Administration
• General Accounting – Bank Reconciliation, AR & AP, Invoices
Professional interior plasterers & custom lime based finishes
• Venetian Plastering • Micro-Cement • High Quality GIB Stopping
WATCH REPAIRS
NOW
For all your repairs, watches, clocks, batteries, key cutting & straps.
T&Cs apply, contact us on 03 442 9995 or email queenstown@lonestar.co.nz to plan your next function.
T&Cs apply, contact us on 03 442 9995 or email queenstown@lonestar.co.nz to plan your next function.
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
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST
TUE (21 Oct) @ 6.30pm, ‘Nurturing Peace’ with Grant Rix SUN (26 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
HOSPOGUIDE
OCTOBER
Wednesday Quiz Night
Bookings are highly recommended. To book contact info@lokalqt.co.nz or ring 03 442 5444 Happy Hour Happy hour prices on house beers, wines and spirits Mon - Thu 5-6pm Fri - Sun 4-6pm
Join our Lokal’s loyalty scheme, sign up in store today and start earning points
Everyday Café 1904 Coffee and Scone $10
Tuesday Free to Watch Ice Hockey from 6.15pm7.45pm
$6 Beer handles 7 days a week
Everyday Bar 1904 Cocktail & Bowls $25 Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm
Café 1904 Daily Coffee and Bowls for $15 between 10am and 12pm
Public Skating AllDay long from 12pm-6pm Thursday Free to Watch Ice Hockey from 6.15pm8.45pm
Everyday Bar 1904 Beers and Bowls for $20 from 4pm to 6pm
Everyday Café 1904 Waipiata Pie and Bowls $25
Everyday Bar 1904 $8 Premium Beers $8 Spirits & $10 Gibbston Valley Wine
Pug Duo 9pm
Attention Hockey Players - Stick & Puck Session from 6.15pm-7.15pm Saturday Ice Skating Disco with Games & Prizes from 6.15pm-7.30pm
Everyday OPEN TO PUBLIC Everyone Welcome
Trad Session 5.30pm Sunday Roast $27
Sunday Free to Watch Ice Hockey from 5.15pm8.45pm
Closed for Public Sessions - See you Wednesday!
Come Try Our New Menu Provided by Smoke & Pickle Open 12pm to late everyday
Wednesday POOL COMP from 9pm $200 CASH PRIZE FREE ENTRY
Late Service - Hip Hop / Garage / RNB $25 Special Birria Nachos Friday Yard SaleCommunity Movie Night from 5pm - free entry $25 Special BBQ Ribs Saturday All Gas No Brakes from 9pm Sunday Live music from Danny Atkinson from 6 - 10pm DJ Teo from 10pm Everyday 8am - 9am Coffee Happy Hour 50% off when you byo keep cup Happy Hour - 3-5pm
QUIZ NIGHT Bar tab prizes from 9pm $25 SpecialBeef Quesadilla
Yonder Sessions free live music from 8pm Saturday Brunch club - live DJs from 10am Yonder Sessions free live music from 8pm
HOSPOGUIDE
Monday & Tuesday Slow Cut of the Day OPEN FROM 12pm
Wednesday & Thursday $15 Singer Chicken Burgers from 4-6pm OPEN FROM 4PM
Mon-Sat 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
$9 house beer and house wine 4-6pm R20 Venue. Drink Responsibly
Crazy
Live Music with Black Pug 9.30pm $15 Burger Special O’Fish Al
Thursday COMING SOON… The return of our monthly trivia nights on the 3rd Thursday of the month!
21 OCTOBER- 27 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!
Sunday $36 SUNDAY ROASTS from 12pm DJ Doolittle from 5pm
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!
Responsibly
Live Music with Dynamo 9.30pm $15 Burger Special Classic Cheese
Live Music with Mandates 9.30pm
Live Music with Eby 9pm
Live Music with TJ 9pm $15
booking essential! Quote ROASTS Also serving Lamb Shanks, Blue Cod and other delicious southern classics
Expect the unexpected… That’s what Kiwi sailor and songwriter Andrew Fagan is telling fans about his upcoming tour, Passage of Time –Solo Songs and Stories from Swirly World. The frontman of legendary NZ band The Mockers will present a unique show blending spoken word and storytelling at Sherwood this November.
Fagan will share tales from his sailing and music adventures, performing an intimate set of songs spanning his entire career from classics to prolific solo work. He’s got a couple of world records under his belt – and the stories to match – which were achieved on his wee boat, Swirly World. Sailing since he was a teenager, Fagan started off with competitive racing.
“Then I morphed into living on a boat when I started performing with The Mockers back in the early 80s,” Fagan says. “We moved to Auckland and instead of moving into a flat, I bought a little 18-foot boat to live on. I read all the books as a teenager about solo offshore sailing, and always wanted to do that.”
"It took me 17 days to get there and 17 days to get back – I came last because the boat’s only five metres long"
And do that he did. Between performing and song writing, he’d sail offshore, trying to emulate his solo-sailing hero’s adventures. In 1985 he found Swirly World and headed off on his first big adventure.
“I did my first offshore solo trip up to the Kermadec Islands, which is about 650 mikes northeast of Auckland. After that I got bitten by the bug. It was everything I wanted. The jeopardy and the self-reliance of solo sailing – I just loved it. I still do.”
He carried on in bands and writing songs while also sailing as much as he could. In 1994 he competed in the Solo Tasman Race, where sailors head from New Plymouth to Mooloolaba, north of Brisbane, 1,200 miles all in. This is where he picked up his first world record, which still stands today – the smallest sailing yacht to have ever been to Australia and back from New Zealand.
“It was something I’d always aspired to as a teenager and then I finally did it, and my boat Swirly World was the smallest in the world to ever have done the race. It’s actually the smallest in the world to have ever raced off shore. It took me 17 days to get there and 17 days to get back – I came last because the boat’s only five metres long, 17 feet long.”
Following this he headed to England for his band, hoping to expand beyond a New Zealand audience. Returning in 2007 he sailed Swirly World down to the south Antarctic Falkland Islands and back, circumnavigating New Zealand solo and snagging his second world record. These days much of Fagan’s time is still spent in boats, jokingly describing his day-to-day as an “aquatic slave”. He started a career in talkback
radio after his second world record in 2008 and fell into the maritime world after finishing up in 2015. He picked up a commercial qualification marine ticket in 1995 when he used to teach sailing.
“I’ve sort of come to it late in life, to be honest. It’s very different to the rest of my life, or what my life was.”
In 2022 he attempted to sail Swirly World around the world, but sadly only managed to get halfway across the Pacific. He had prepared for 14 months, but the ocean and Swirly World had other plans. Throughout all his sailing adventures, however, he’s continued to write and record music, which is what his next tour is all about.
“What I’ve found is that people seem to be quite interested in this solo sailing stuff, because they either can or can’t get their head around it, and maybe in their own minds they don’t really understand the compulsion. So for those that would be interested, I’m going to talk about that and show a few images that are relevant to it,” Fagan says.
As well as his fascinating sailing tales, Fagan will share some poems from his four poetry books and sing songs – originals and those he likes from others.
Andrew Fagan will bring his Passage of Time show to Sherwood on Wednesday, 5 November. For more information and to grab tickets, head to sherwoodqueenstown.nz or scan the QR code.
PHOTO PAGE
Creativity in full bloom. Locals and visitors alike soaked up the colour, talent, and inspiration at the Queenstown Art Show at the Events Centre this weekend
Marivonne Griffiths, Nesa Prasad and Judy Stephens at the open weekend of the Wakatipu Croquet Club
Brian Skerten, Charlotte Low, Alan Best and Sophie Elliot at the open weekend of the Wakatipu Croquet Club
Jess McLeay, Jess Wilson, Murray Grace and Alan Best at the open weekend of the Wakatipu Croquet Club
Queenstown Year 7 Boys team at the first Touch Southland Junior Development Tournament held in Winton on Sunday
The Remarkables crew and Mr Whippy hit the Queenstown streets on the weekend handing out free icecreams
Melissa, Adrian, Gemma & Ben enjoying the icecream shout thanks to The Remarkables & Mr Whippy
health MENTAL
Life after breast cancer: why connection matters more than ever
by Katherine Froggatt
When I was rst diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, my world was turned upside down. Between surgery, chemotherapy, and countless hospital appointments, it was easy to feel lost in fear and uncertainty. What made it even harder was the loneliness. I didn’t know anyone who had walked this path before me.
What I needed most was hope. Someone to say, “You’ll be okay.” But instead, I was trapped in my own thoughts, that critical inner voice whispering that somehow this diagnosis was my fault, that I had failed, that I was now even more imperfect.
One day, I decided to silence that voice and reach out. I posted in my local community Facebook group, asking if anyone who had been diagnosed with breast cancer would be willing to share their experience. It felt like an enormous risk, exposing such a personal part of my life to strangers. But to my surprise, three women responded.
One of them, Annette, turned up at my door the next day. I didn’t know her from a bar of soap. She simply hugged me and said, “You’ll be okay.” Her warmth and compassion broke through the fear I had been holding inside. I cried, not from sadness, but from relief. For the rst time, I felt supported and understood.
That simple moment changed the course of my recovery. It reminded me that healing in isolation is not healing at all. We need connection, people who understand, who can sit with us in our uncertainty, and who remind us that we are not alone.
Tickets are available now through Humanitix: events.humanitix.com/from-burnout-to-balance-threepractices-that-changed-my-life-after-breast-cancer
Community healing gave me three invaluable gifts:
•Belonging. Hearing from women with similar experiences reduced my anxiety and gave me con dence about what lay ahead.
•Normality. Coffee catch-ups and shared laughter reminded me that life could still hold moments of joy beyond treatment.
•Hope. Seeing others thrive after cancer showed me that recovery was not just possible, it was within reach.
That is why I am passionate about creating spaces for connection and shared healing.
I’m partnering with Queenstown Natural Health to host a special evening this month:
From Burnout to Balance: Three Practices That Changed My Life After Breast Cancer
Thursday, 31 October, 5.30pm - Queenstown Natural Health
This will not just be another talk. It’s a chance to connect with others who “get it,” to share space with people who understand the challenges, and to leave with practical tools you can use right away.
As a gift, everyone who attends will also receive a free 30-minute one-toone chat with me to design your own recovery blueprint and take con dent next steps in your healing journey. Partial proceeds from the event will go directly to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, so by attending, you’re investing in your wellbeing and supporting others too.
If you are longing for connection, encouragement, and hope, I’d love to see you there. Come along, bring a friend, and be reminded that you don’t have to walk this path alone.
by Sue Fea
My Life story
MIKE MEE
Growing up in ‘the best place in the world’
He hails from one of the Wakatipu’s bestknown farming and original tourism pioneering families, their family farm now probably the largest expanse of untouched greenbelt and spectacular hill country in the Wakatipu. And that’s the way Mike Mee and his family want it to stay.
Protecting that ‘special’ area and sharing what they can with others has been paramount for Mike, twin sister Liz and their families as they carry on the legacy left by their parents, Deer Park tourism pioneers Frank and Jean Mee. With Mike managing the process, they released 170ha of their prime Kawarau Falls Station beneath The Remarkables to the QEII Trust for protection from development in 2021.
“When the first big fourengine Boeing 747 jet arrived in New Zealand they drew an outline of the footprint on the Rec Ground to show the size, pretty exciting for us kids.”
“It was the right thing to do,” Mike, 68, who grew up on that family station, says. “It’s a special place and we need to look after it. You don’t want housing all through that valley. It’s the gateway from Fiordland and Southland, too precious a place.”
He and wife Bridget also reopened the Mee’s popular Deer Park Heights tourist attraction, first opened in 1970 by his father, Frank, who battled bureaucracy for years to operate the park. It had been closed for 11 years as his parents got older, and Mike says since reopening, the park, with its spectacular 360-degree panorama, has been
hugely popular again. “It’s always fully booked the whole time. Asian visitors especially love it,” he says. “That too is such a special place, and we wanted people to be able to go up there and enjoy it again.”
As a kid Mike’s school holiday job was ensuring the animals’ feed containers were always full.
“I’d be incredibly bored sitting up there all day.”
“I’d bike into Queenstown on my one speed, aged about 10, from our home off Boyd Road and catch eels off the pier,” he recalls. “Meteor skipper Frank Haworth had a little Vespa parked down by the pier. That did a few trips around town when his boat went out,” Mike grins.
Wide-eyed, he watched Air Force Iroquois helicopters lift hay donated by local farmers from the Queenstown Rec Ground and carry it to stations like Coronet Peak during ‘The Big Snow’ of 1968.
“When the first big four-engine Boeing 747 jet arrived in New Zealand they drew an outline of the footprint on the Rec Ground to show the size, pretty exciting for us kids.”
At John McGlashan boarding school in Dunedin First XV Rugby was big, and he was a prefect, often going hunting at Monowai in the holidays with his Uncle Bob.
After a year’s studies at Lincoln, Mike worked on a Lake Hawea farm, playing rugby for Upper Clutha, and getting into some backcountry skiing and hiking in the mountains.
In 1979 he headed off on his OE, California first before catching a bus to Canada. “I’d planned to work in the building boom in Calgary. I stepped off the bus into howling sleet and snow and thought, no way!” he says. “Then one night in New York terrified this country boy.”
Mike paid $NZ100 to fly to London with Freddie Laker Airlines, working in pubs and driving trucks and limousines, including chauffeuring Qatar’s ruling Thani family and their luggage.
Frank was selling the farm and needed a worker so after a year Mike flew home to the “the best place in the world” after “the best adventure of his life”. “That travel was the best part of my education. It built confidence,” he says.
Frank didn’t sell and by 40, Mike, the experimental adventurer, was at the helm.
“I tried hang-gliding off the Deer Park when aviation rules permitted it, stalling a wing and plummeting into a deer fence.” An attempt to parapente off Skyline Hill also landed him stuck up a tree. “I called out to Carl Selby walking beneath me to get me a ladder. It was Friday night, and he said: ‘You’ve got to be joking. I’m off to the pub!’”
Mike also got into ski touring and climbing in the late 80s, early 90s – Mount Cook’s Tasman Glacier, Mitre Peak and Elie de Beaumont.
Frank got into sailing buying a yacht, and after sailing with his dad Mike won the ‘100-Mile Race’ from Queenstown to Glenorchy, Kingston, and back to Queenstown with Stephen Harvey and Hamish McCrostie.
Around this time, he met Wā naka heliski guide and nurse, Bridget, marrying in 1994 with two kids to follow.
Frank built a holiday house at Jackson’s Bay on the West Coast that year (1994), where they’d go whitebaiting every year, Mike also diving and fishing.
It’s still Mike’s ‘happy place’, along with hunting in Fiordland.
In recent years he and his family have developed a small number of sections at Peninsula Hill in Kelvin Heights.
While there have been many highlights he sees being a good steward of the land he’s in charge of as his most important task. “That QEII Trust covenant was the biggest and best decision I’ve ever made. It’s a legacy,” he says.
Mike heading out on the boat near Jackson’s Bay recently
Mike with twin sister Liz in January 1963
Mike, Jean, Liz and Frank in the 1960s
Mike enjoying his favourite pasttime - fishing, in his younger days
QLDC Libraries Librarian Profile
Lakes Weekly Bulletin and Queenstown Lakes Libraries are profiling our librarians. This month it’s Rosalind Devlin, who is a library assistant at Frankton Library.
Kia ora! I’m Roz. I am an almost reformed resource management planner, having started as a casual library assistant at Frankton Library at the end of last year.
I’m a Frankton resident, and I enjoy the short walk to the library from my home. I love greeting our regulars and visitors, and making myself useful to help the wonderful library team and library users. I also like taking photos of book recommendations to add to my long list!
I enjoy reading detective novels, especially gritty British ones, and I also have an interest in personal finance. If you’re interested in your finances, I recommend Frances Cook (books and podcast) and The Happy Saver website and podcast.
Recent reads and recommendations:
The Burning by Jane Casey (Maeve Kerrigan series)
The media calls him ‘The Burning Man’ - a brutal killer who has beaten four young women to death before setting their bodies ablaze in London’s parks. And now there’s a fifth.
Detective Constable Maeve Kerrigan is determined to make her mark on the murder task force. Her male colleagues believe Maeve’s empathy clouds her judgment, but the more she learns about the latest victim, Rebecca Haworth, from her grieving friends and family, the more determined Maeve becomes to bring her murderer to justice. To catch a killer no one has seen - when every trace of evidence has gone up in smoke - Maeve must trust her instincts before the fire burns too close.
Your Money Your Future by Frances Cook
The biggest goals can be achieved when you’ve got a road map in hand. Quitting your job and living a good life, on your own terms, for decades to come? You can do it! In this book, top New Zealand finance podcaster and journalist Frances Cook shows you how to change your money so that you can live your ideal life. Learn how, on an ordinary income, you can plan for and achieve true financial freedom, with expert advice and step-by-step information on: The basics of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early); Your magic number: Learn how much money you need to design the life you want; Finance 101: Change how you handle your money to gain control of debt and simplify your life; […] and more!
Queenstown Lakes District Libraries
I find it oddly satisfying to straighten out the shelves in the library, so you might see me tidying in the kids’ section (especially) if I’m not on the front desk.
When I’m not working or spending time with my family, I volunteer with the local Girl Guides unit, would anyone like to sign up as a volunteer?!
When a child’s bones are discovered near a prehistoric henge on the windswept Norfolk salt marshes, archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway is called in to investigate. DCI Harry Nelson believes the remains could belong to Lucy Downey, a girl who vanished ten years ago. Since her disappearance, Nelson has been haunted by strange anonymous letters quoting the Bible and Shakespeare, speaking of ritual and sacrifice. When another child goes missing, Ruth and Nelson must race to uncover the truth before the killer closes in - and Ruth finds herself in grave danger on the shifting edge between past and present, earth and sea.
The
Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins: Revised & Expanded 2025 Edition
The classic guide to financial freedom - newly updated with the latest data, FAQs, tools, and a Simple Path Punchlist. Drawing from fifty years of investing experience and the letters he wrote to his daughter, J.L. Collins lays out a clear, proven roadmap to build wealth, achieve independence, and live life on your own terms. Forget stock-picking or market timing - this is a refreshingly simple strategy that actually works. Beloved by the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community and praised by Morgan Housel as “beautifully written” and “profoundly impactful,” this edition is your key to cutting through the noise, eliminating debt, investing wisely, and finding freedom through simplicity.
The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths (Ruth Galloway series)
Kia Ora!
Final election results
Thanks to everyone who supported local democracy by casting their vote in the recent elections. The final results for Mayor, Council and Community Board are available on our website. Find out who’ll represent you for the next three years at www.qldc.govt.nz/elections
How’s life?
QLDC’s annual Quality of Life survey is open until 16 November, and we’d love to hear your thoughts about life in the district. Learn more and take the survey at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/qol
Plan ahead for Frankton Track changes
Work on a new wastewater pipeline running between Queenstown and Frankton, and underneath Frankton Track, will begin in January. Sections of the track will need to close for several months at a time to complete this long-term investment in key infrastructure. If you’re a regular user sign up for project updates at www.qldc.govt.nz/frankton-track-ww
Cemeteries and Crematoria Week
Keen to learn more about our local cemeteries or honour those who have departed? Head along to one of the many events during Cemeteries and Crematoria Week from 31 Oct – 9 Nov. Learn more at www.qldc.govt.nz/cemeteries-week
Grants for heritage assets
Do you have a heritage asset (natural or built) that you’re looking to preserve or enhance? Do you need professional advice or support with a consent or maintenance work? Find out how to apply for a Heritage Incentive Grant by 31 Oct at www.qldc.govt.nz/ach-funds
Celebrate Korean Day
The Korean Association of Queenstown and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea warmly invite you to join the inaugural Korean Day: Saturday 1 Nov, 12.30 – 5.00pm at Queenstown Memorial Centre (downtown). Enjoy traditional food, games and hanbok clothing. Stage performances from 2.00pm will include percussion, dancing and K-Pop! Full details at https://facebook.com/share/p/16SFgpUJ91
Sign up and Let’s Talk
Want to make sure your voice is heard on the important decisions that matter to you? Check out our dedicated web portal Let’s Talk. Register and start having your say at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
Don’t bin batteries or vapes!
Batteries and vapes, especially those containing lithium, are highly flammable if damaged or mishandled. Please keep them out of rubbish and recycling bins. Household batteries and vapes can be recycled free of charge at Queenstown transfer station.
www.qldc.govt.nz
LWB QUIZ
1. In which country would you find the Great Barrier Reef?
2. What is the world’s longest river?
3. Which New Zealand town is known for its Art Deco architecture?
4. Who was the first President of the United States?
5. What ship famously sank after hitting an iceberg in 1912?
6. What is the name of the wizarding school in Harry Potter?
7. Which famous explorer is credited with being the first European to sight New Zealand in 1642?
8. Which planet is closest to the sun?
9. What is the main gas found in the air we breathe?
10. What year was gold first discovered in the Queenstown region, sparking the gold rush?
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.
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
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.
Lost & Found
LOST
UNCLAIMED ITEMS SITTING AT THE Police Station, at 11 Camp Street, this week include:
- PORTABLE TABLE AND BRIEFCASE belonging to a market stall holder, left outside Night and Day 15th Oct.
- BLUE OPPO PHONE, FOUND in Arrowtown
- SMART P24 PHONE, BLACK, belongs to Ryan
- RING, SILVER WITH LARGE blue stone, surrounded by clear stones. Lost in 2023 in central Queenstown.
- CALEB REID – WALLET
- BLACK EAR BUDS AND charging case, ANKO brand
- IPAD IN BLUE CASE, found at the Airport
- JAIDAI YANG – CARDHOLDER
- DYLAN CHARLES – WALLET, found at Remarkables Ski field
- RYAN GREEN – WALLET, found at Remarkable Ski field
- ABIGAIL RODEN – WALLET
- DANA BURTON – BAG
- WHITE IPAD WITH IPAD pencil
- BLACK ‘MOYORK’ POWER BANK
- CAROLYN WENLIN FOO – wallet
- EVIE TROTTER – IPHONE
- ELISE GLEDHILL – WALLET
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.
THE HOLLOWS BOYS by
Ph: 03 409 2800
BOOK REVIEW BOOK REVIEW
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
by Miranda Spary
jobfix.co.nz
Peta Carey
VACANCIES
Peta Carey’s heart is very much in Fiordland. She wrote the wonderful biography of her late husband, Dave Comer who was the location scout for THE LORD OF THE RINGS. She followed that with TAMATEA DUSKY, a history of both the European and Maori in the world’s largest national park. Now she’s just published THE HOLLOWS BOYS. For the huge number of people who listened to the DEER WARS podcast, this new book will be equally fascinating. She’s a great story teller and any longtime Fiordland and Queenstown residents will know many of the characters, especially the three Hollows brothers - and WHAT characters! Living and working in such beautiful but dangerous terrain makes for thrilling but heartbreaking reading. Everyone lived on the edge and many fell off. I remember well the day that local girl Janey Blair, our own Olympian skier was killed - she had become a helicopter pilot and Peta’s words had me sobbing.
Many of the LWB readers will have been to the Fiordland Cinema and seen the excellent short film ATA WHENUA. Dave Comer and Kim Hollows were responsible for its production - it’s still screening several times a day after more than twenty years and it’s still just as beautiful. The photos in THE HOLLOW BOYS are simply brilliant - they describe a New Zealand era that just doesn’t exist anymore. While we often complain about all the health and safety pernicketyness these days, it’s certainly comforting to have a much less lawless environment.
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
THE HOLLOWS BOYS came out on 1 October, and Peta will be speaking at the Queenstown Writers’ Festival.
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
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.
Redemption Song General Property Hand
We are offering a unique opportunity to join part of a small team of professionals, that caretake an exclusive privately-owned luxury lodge in Dalefield, set on 129 acres.
The dedicated team is a collection of diverse individuals with a shared passion for excellence. We care for one another, work hard, and have a lot of fun doing it! We seek equally passionate individuals to join our team, understand our vision and help us achieve our goals.
If you are looking to join a dynamic team, then jump on board!
The Role
We look after the property to ensure it is kept to a high standard, this adds key value to the overall operation. The successful candidate will need to be reliable, have a strong eye for detail and a great can-do attitude.
•care of native plants & assist in the formal gardens
•pest control (traps and bait stations)
•fence & general property maintenance
Experience is essential, as we working outside and in all seasons. We are offering fixed term contracts until May 2026.
If you have a great work ethic, are motivated and physically fit with excellent communication skills and enjoy working outdoors unsupervised.
We would love you to join our small team, please email your CV to Donna Stewart-Freemantle donna@rsqt.co.nz or call 027 5522 545
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.
Diversity is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re looking for passionate drivers to join our team for the summer season. This role o ers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Fiordland and beyond, while working with a company that celebrates variety and adventure.
What your summer could look like: On your 4-day roster, you’ll be driving luxury touring coaches into the stunning Fiordland and transporting thrill-seekers through the renowned Skippers Canyon. With an average workweek of 45 hours over 4 days, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your days o exploring or relaxing.
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
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
AVIS & Budget Queenstown
RENTAL SALES AGENT
Do you enjoy working in a fast paced environment where the days go quickly?
Do you enjoy meeting and talking to people from all over the world?
Do you appreciate a consistent working roster because your life outside of work is important too?
If you answered yes to any of these then maybe this customer service, sales and office administration based role is the new job for you.
Full Time contracts available with set days off, Shifts are mostly 8am to 5.30pm with at least one evening shift per week. The role also requires you to work weekends. You'd be based out of our Queenstown Airport office in Frankton or our downtown office
What you need:
•Full drivers licence
• Good command of the English language
• Working rights in New Zealand (no sponsorship available)
Please send a CV to: claire.hampson@abg.com
PIZZA / GRILL CHEF
We are looking to fill various positions: from clever fast paced learners to more experienced Chefs
The level of responsibility will be in line with your experience and position but all candidates must LOVE what they do, be able to work in a busy environment with a positive mindset and have the ability to communicate effectively with team members.
Come and join our team, we can offer you:
• Excellent remuneration
• Paid meal breaks
• Full staff meals and drinks provided on shift
• 30% staff discount when not at work
Accommodation available in our staff house.
To apply send you CV and covering letter to hello@theforkandtap.co.nz
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
WHEREVER YOU ARE FIND JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Barista
Experienced Barista wanted for our Frankton and Queenstown cafes, Odelay & Marmolada. Looking for a skilled and passionate full time barista to join our team in a lively local cafe.
Must have 2 years of relevant experience.
Minimum 33 hour to 40 hours per week
Will be expected to prepare espresso based drinks in line with our cafes standards with consistent proficiency in latte art; clean and maintain coffee equipment, including calibration and dialling in; provide an excellent level of customer service, nurturing friendly relationships with local customers and proactively working to resolve any issue that may arise.
Contact Ed odelaycafe@yahoo.co.nz
Lead Cook
Gems Educational Childcare
Queenstown, NZ 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 pride— keeping it clean, safe, and well-stocked—while bringing care to every dish.
Hours: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Monday to Friday.
Ready to take your skills to one of the most spectacular kitchens in New Zealand?
Join RealNZ as the onboard Chef for our iconic Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise.
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.
You’ll be the heart of the galley – baking fresh scones in the morning, serving homestyle dinners at night, and creating desserts our guests rave about. This is hands-on work in a small, close-knit crew where quality food and warm hospitality shine.
The lifestyle? 7.5 days on, 6.5 days o – every second week to yourself! Meals and accommodation are provided while onboard, making it an incredible experience and a great way to save.
If you’re a passionate chef who loves adventure, teamwork, and remote beauty, then this could be your dream job.
and to apply through our Careers page.
employment.realnz.com
About You:
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.
LabourWeekendSaleends04.11.25.Discountoffersapplytoselectedbedsandbeddingonly,pricesasmarked.OffersexcludeEverydayDreamprices,runouts,clearancestock(unlessotherwisestated)andnottobeusedinconjunctionwithanyotheroffer.Seein-storefordetails. 30-DayComfortGuaranteeavailableforin-storepurchasesonly.Wereservetherighttocorrecterrorsandmisprintsandtochangeproductspecifications.Allproductsareadvertisedingoodfaithandwillbeavailable,exceptincircumstancesbeyondourcontrol.Productrangesvary betweenstoresandsomeproductsareavailableinselectedstoresonly.*12monthsinterestfreeisavailableonLongTermFinance(LTF)in-storepurchases$999&overuntil01.12.25.OfferexcludesEverydayDreamPrices,runouts,clearance,laybyandnottobeusedinconjunctionwith any otheroffer.Creditandlendingcriteriaandfeesapply,includingaGemVisa$55establishmentfeeandannualfeeof($65GemVisa(charged$32.50halfyearly)/$65GemCreditLine(charged$32.50halfyearly)).Interestrate(currentlyGemVisa29.49%p.a./GemCreditLine29.95% p.a.) appliesafteranyinterestfreetermends.Forcashadvances,aninterestrateof29.95%p.a.andafeeof($2GemVisa/$6GemCreditLine)applies.Furtherinformationonratesandfeescanbefoundatgemfinance.co.nz.CreditprovidedbyLatitudeFinancialServicesLimited.
