Flying into Queenstown, iconic lake and mountain views, about to land so keenly peering out the window and… what’s that? A Coastguard building. You can’t get much further from the sea than this in New Zealand. Yet scattered around many of our major inland lakes you will find volunteers crewing a rescue vessel on call 24/7. With no tides to predict, no bars to cross (apart from the friendly kind of ‘watering’ hole), what are they doing there? Unfortunately planes and water don’t mix nicely, that’s one reason the unit is in Queenstown, with its international airport and high number of aircraft movements. It’s nice to know there is some water rescue capability around in case we have an NZ Sully incident (aka Miracle on the Hudson). However, Coastguard should really be considered as water safety and rescue as their day-to-day operation is more focused looking down rather than up. Boaties, and other water users in difficulties, and search and rescue operations are the main stay.
It’s a big cold lake. Most of our inland lakes hover around 10oC, and fresh water doesn’t have the buoyancy of salty sea water. Without a life jacket on, the survival time in the lake is very short. Surprisingly, most people think it is hypothermia that kills, but without some floatation you’ll drown well before that… cold water shock, loss of strength, they are the real killers. With a life jacket on you can start to be seriously worried about hypothermia after a couple of hours. Without, well the first five minutes are critical and it’s in the next 15 you’re in serious danger of drowning.
No matter what your waka, Coastguard is there if things really get bad. In an emergency, call 111 as Coastguard is activated by the police. Nonemergency call outs can happen too, and if you’re a Coastguard member you get some free assistance, otherwise there is a call out fee. Volunteers give up their time (leave work or warm beds) freely, but the costs of running a rescue vessel are substantial and as a charitable organisation Coastguard New Zealand has many costs to manage. Like the AA, and St Johns, a membership gives peace of mind for those tricky but noncritical situations.
Coastguard doesn’t have a regulatory role, they don’t ‘police’ the waterways. That is a Harbour-master’s function. They are not military like often seen overseas. They don’t carry guns or catch smugglers. The name is a bit of a misnomer. They are guardians of people on the water, looking after us, protecting us from our own mistakes or misfortune. They are volunteers. Give them a wave the next time you see them out and about. Anthony Hill - Coastguard Queenstown
Teina Ropu, year four and five representing Shotover Primary at Central Lakes Polyfest 2025 on Tuesday, 21 October
ON THE APP THIS WEEK
Design Your Own Skateboard Deck Competition
The Whakatipu Youth Trust and The Arts Hole Gallery are giving young creatives aged 10–18 the chance to see their artwork printed on a real skateboard deck! There’s no set theme — it’s all about creativity, individuality, and selfexpression.
Four winners (two from ages 10–13 and two from 14–18) will have their designs professionally printed and displayed at The Arts Hole Gallery this December, with profits from any sales going straight to the artists.
Designs can be painted, drawn, or digital — just use the official template (available from Whakatipu Youth Trust or online). Submit your entry in person or via the online form at form. jotform.com/252749064946065
Entries close Friday, 7 November at 5pm. Creative mentoring is available every Thursday, 3.30–5pm at The Loft (Whakatipu Youth Trust).
Local Industry Planting Day Sees
Another
2,400 Native Trees Planted at Jardine Park
More than 140 volunteers from across the Queenstown tourism industry rolled up their sleeves on Thursday, 16 October for the annual Industry Planting Day, contributing another 2,400 native trees to the ongoing restoration of Jardine Park.
Now in its second year of a three-year restoration programme, the large-scale planting event at Jardine Park is a collaborative effort between Love Queenstown, the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, Skyline Queenstown, and the Queenstown Lakes District Council. Additional support this year came from Air New Zealand, Trees That Count, Bupa, TRAC and Ryd.
Together, volunteers from local tourism operators, businesses, and community groups helped accelerate the regeneration of one of the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust’s nine keystone sites, an important habitat area on the edge of Lake Whakatipu.
Sararose Brown, Operations Manager at the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, says continued collaboration is key to achieving long-term restoration success.
“This project is a wonderful example of what happens when industry and community work hand in hand. Each year we see this site come alive with new growth, and with the energy and care of the volunteers who make it possible.”
For more information on future planting events or to get involved, visit www.loveqt.co.nz
A Snippet of New Zealand Mountain Biking
Local filmmaker Nick Stevenson will launch his book, Eden: A Portrait of Mountain Biking in New Zealand on Thursday, 30 October at 7pm at Patagonia. The event will also serve as a trail fundraiser.
The labour of love has taken Stevenson two years to produce, working with some of the most talented photographers and athletes in the country, with Queenstown personalities and images taking the spotlight. The collection of photos and essays capture the growth of this young sport.
Local photographers Callum Wood, Miles Holden and Stefan Haworth, as well as a number of professional mountain bikers that call Queenstown home are featured. The book recently won the Mountain Image award at the Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival. You can find more information and order the book at edenbook.nz
SPECIALIST RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TEAM
TODD & WALKER Law has a distinguished reputation as one of the leading Resource Management and Local Government law firms in the Queenstown Lakes District and the wider South Island.
How can we help?
Resource consent applications for subdivision and land development, commercial activities, tourism development, take and use of water, and/or discharge to land or air; Submissions on consent applications & subdivision applications; Submissions to local, regional and national policy and planning instruments; Enforcement proceedings; Appeals or direct referrals to the Environment Court; Judicial review to the High Court.
Our team simplifies the complicated. We their specific needs and objectives, and the strategic and commercially-focused advice. work closely with our clients to understand environment they operate in, to deliver
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-of-year celebration truly memorable.
LUNCH BUFFET
$200 PER PERSON
Kylee 021 044 2968
kylee@qmg.co.nz
CRIMELINE
by Sue Fea
Head on Crown Range smash - 74-year-old American tourist crosses centre line
A 74-year-old American tourist has been charged with careless driving after crossing the centre line and hitting an oncoming car head on on the plateau at the top of the Crown Range Zig Zag at 1.45pm on Saturday, 18 October.
Sergeant Bruce Martin says there was only a 20m separation when the two vehicles met head on on a blind corner, both travelling at about 60km/hr.
“It was probably only due to the lower speed at impact that avoided more serious injury or fatality,” Martin says.
Two St John Ambulances attended the head on crash, and a spokesperson says three patients, two in a moderate condition and one with minor injuries, were transported to Lakes District Hospital. An additional patient with minor injuries was assessed and treated at the scene.
The oncoming Nissan Qashqai vehicle, carrying two New Zealanders in their 50s, came around a left-hand sweeping corner and was confronted with the American’s SUV rental vehicle in their lane.
The elderly American man, whose wife, also in her 70s, was a passenger in the vehicle, pleaded guilty in the Queenstown District Court on Tuesday (21 October). He was disqualified from driving for six months, fined $2000 and ordered to pay reparation of $1000.
The collision caused extensive damage to both vehicles.
Martin says the accident just highlighted the need to obey the road rules and drive to the conditions. ‘If you’re not familiar with the roads then be extra cautious,” he says.
“I’ve dealt with previous crashes involving drivers from overseas and they’ve been horrified that they’ve hurt someone else, or been the cause of a crash, all through a moment’s inattention.”
Road rage on Frankton Road
A 39-year-old Christchurch driver has been charged with driving with an excess breath alcohol level – third or subsequent, after Police received multiple calls of a vehicle allegedly swerving in and out of its lane while the driver allegedly pulled the fingers and swore at passing cars along Frankton Road.
Constable Amanda Shute says Police stopped the vehicle on Hallenstein Street at 5.35pm on Thursday, 16 October, where the driver was breath tested, allegedly blowing 670mcg. The driver will face a charge of driving with an excess breath alcohol level - third or subsequent, in the Christchurch District Court on 13 November.
Driving while disqualified
A 41-year-old man has been charged with driving while his licence was suspended after being stopped by Police at 4.38pm on Thursday, 16 October, on Robertson Street. His vehicle was impounded for 28 days, and he will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 4 November.
LAKES WEEKLY POLL
LWB regularly polls locals on issues affecting our region. This week’s responses are below.
Are you happy with the change in Mayor to John Glover?
- 74%
- 7% Don't care/no opinion - 19%
Do you think the cost of living is driving people who would work in entry-level jobs out of Queenstown? Yes - 76%
- 10% Not sure - 14%
Do you think we have the infrastructure to deal with the wet weather we've been experiencing?
No, more work needs to be done - 56% Yes, these weather events aren't the norm - 18%
to say - 26%
will head to the pub - 6%
watch it from work/home/ wherever I am - 25% The Melbourne what? - 3% Nope, not into horse racing - 65%
113th birthday to the Earnslaw! Have you travelled on the boat before?
No Waste, Just Taste: How Queenstown’s Redefining Local Goodness COMMUNITY NOTES
From reusable cups to rescue food dinners and repair ninjas, locals are finding smart, communitydriven ways to waste less, and enjoy more of what makes Queenstown, Queenstown.
You grab your morning coffee and head out into that crisp mountain air - the kind that makes you feel lucky to live here. Around town, more and more locals are starting the day with a small shift that’s adding up to something big: choosing reusables over single-use.
Across the Whakatipu, a delightful change is taking shape. It’s not about perfection or pressure, it’s about rethinking what we throw away, and finding clever ways to make things last a little longer.
Take SUCfree Whakatipu. The ‘single-use cup free’ campaign that began over the hill in Wānaka, is now tackling one of New Zealand’s most disposable habits here in Queenstown Lakes — the 295 million single-use coffee cups that end up in our landfill each year.
Cafés and workplaces are jumping on board, making reusables the norm instead of the exception. “Sit, Borrow, or BYO” is becoming the new rhythm of the morning coffee run; a small act that says a lot about how we care for this place we call home.
Food’s getting the same rethink. On Thursday, 20 November, KiwiHarvest and Sustainable Queenstown are hosting a dinner at the Hilton that turns rescued and locally-sourced food into a three-course celebration — shining a light on both food waste and the need for greater food resilience in our region.
Right now, the numbers are sobering. We have less than five days’ worth of food in the event of a major disaster, and produce just 5% of what we eat — a huge drop from 95% self-sufficiency only a few generations ago. At the same time, perfectly good food is being thrown away every day.
This event is a response to both challenges — showing what’s possible when creativity meets conscience. Expect regenerative lamb and beef, wild venison, rooftop honey, microgreens, and rescued produce, all transformed into a shared meal that’s equal parts local pride and a wake-up call for our food future.
And for the makers, tinkerers, and DIYers, the Repair Revolution is back on Saturday, 8 November, in Frankton. Bring your broken appliances, jewellery, tools, toys, or that jacket you can’t part with, and local volunteer “repair ninjas” will do their best to bring them back to life. It’s free, it’s fun, and it keeps good stuff out of landfill and in local hands where it belongs. Because here in Queenstown Lakes, we know how to make the most of what we’ve got. The views, the food, the community — and now, a growing movement that proves wasting less can feel just as good as that first coffee on a bluebird morning.
KiwiHarvest x Green Drinks Dinner – Thursday, 20 November, Hilton Queenstown
Brought to you by Sustainable Queenstown (SQ). Discover more at sustainablequeenstown.org.nz, or on the SQ Facebook Page.
Queenstown Senior Sergeant elected NZ Police Association boss
by Sue Fea
After almost 20 years policing in Queenstown, Otago Lakes Central area road policing manager Senior Sergeant Steve Watt leaves on Tuesday (28 October) for his new role as New Zealand Police Association president in Wellington.
Watt, who was elected to the top job by his colleagues recently, has been involved with the association for 13 years, starting on the local branch committee, before becoming chairperson then Southern Region director. He’s been the national vice president since 2023.
He’s the southernmost president ever elected and says he’s “very excited” to get stuck into his new role and the challenges it brings.
“It’s an absolute privilege.” The role brings great responsibility. “I’m tasked with enhancing the wellbeing of police members and their families”
He’ll be focusing on officer safety, including mental health, with violence against Police officers continuing to increase. “We’re seeing an upward trend in members suffering from mental health issues and while there are some good practices in place to tackle this more investment is required to ensure we continue to support our members in what is a challenging occupation.“
Watt started as a frontline Constable in Queenstown, promoted to Sergeant, and two and a half years ago to Road Policing Senior Sergeant.
He’s witnessed big increases in local and tourist population numbers in Queenstown. “With that comes an increase in harm and problems that Police have to deal with, increased victimisation,” he says. “We’re also seeing an influx of self-drive tourism, increasing vehicles on our roads.” He says Police have been “hammering home” the message about speed, hitting anyone hard, even in that 1km/hr to 10km/hr range, to reduce the mean speed.
The hardest part of his job has been telling families and loved ones someone is not coming home. “The tragic nature of fatal accidents is so avoidable,” he says. The best part has been the huge community support for the Police locally.
Central Otago Polyfest
Photos supplied by: Cath Gilmour
HOSPOGUIDE
OCTOBER- 3 NOVEMBER
Quiz Night Bookings are highly recommended. To book contact info@lokalqt.co.nz or ring 03 442 5444
Trick or Techno from 9pm - bar tab for best dressed! $25 Special BBQ Ribs
Deep Circuit
Specialtechno DJs from 9pm
Live music from Danny Atkinson from 6 - 10pm DJ Teo from 10pm Happy Hour from 4-6pm & 10-11pm
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 Mon-Weds & fresh full menu for Thurs-Sat, offering fresh pizzas, quesadillas, burgers, fries & Searchlights special IRISH SPICE-BAG!!
Live Music with Eby 9pm $15 Burger Special Southern Bell
Live Music with Blake 9pm $15 Burger Special Bacon Me Crazy
Friday LIVE MUSIC. Hosted by Nemo Gent OPEN FROM 12pm Smash Burger Fridays
OCTOBER- 3 NOVEMBER
Saturday OPEN FROM 12pm
Wednesday Darts & Beers, Social Games Night from 6pm - free entry / drink offers / prizes Thursday COMING SOON… 6 November - Queers & Beers rainbow social! 20 November - The return of our monthly themed trivia nights on every 3rd Thursday! FREE ENTRY!
Wednesdays $25 Steak Special From 12pm – 4pm R20 Venue
Live Music with Je Marco 9.30pm $15 Burger Special O’Fish Al
Sunday $36 SUNDAY ROASTS from 12pm DJ Doolittle from 5pm
Saturday Keep an eye on our socials for more events coming to Saturdays at Searchlight over the summer!
Daily Cocktail of the Week Only $16 R20 Venue. Drink Responsibly
Music with Dynamo 9.30pm $15 Burger Special Classic Cheese
Live Music with Black Pug 9.30pm
Sunday Closed for now but watch this space!! :)
Thursday 30 October Jingo Night FREE entry 6.30pm in The Peacock Lounge R20 Venue
Live Music with Eby 9pm Monday Live Music with TJ 9pm $15 Burger Special Streaky Cow
Also serving Lamb Shanks, Blue Cod and other delicious southern classics
Tuesday Pub quiz 7pm Wednesday Chicken or Eggplant Parmy, chips, & salad | $25 From 12pm Karaoke | 9pm Thursday Any burger & chips | $22 from 12pm Friday Live music 8.30pm Saturday Live music 9pm
roast Live music Ireland vs New Zealand Rugby 9Am
HAPPY HOUR | MON-FRI 4PM – 6PM + LIVE SPORTS ALL WEEK
Our smokin’ hot adult entertainers are the best in the biz, and we have a range of steamy in-club and at-your-event options available just for you!
The Queenstown Writers Festival is an unmissable event each November for anyone who loves books, words and insightful conversation. The jam-packed programme celebrates the written word with author conversations, live poetry, workshops and theatre. Head to qtwritersfestival.nz for more information and to discover all events.
When: Thursday, 30 October – Monday, 3 November Where: Various locations
Monthly Theatre Games and Social Session
THEATRE
Come along for a relaxed and fun evening with Remarkable Theatre. They’re hosting a casual gettogether with some light-hearted theatre games – no pressure, just a great chance to connect, have a few laughs, and enjoy some playful creativity. Everyone’s welcome – whether you’re a long-time member or just curious to see what they’re about. They’d love to see you there! Free, but please book in via Remarkable Theatre’s website.
Andrew Fagan - iconic New Zealand solo sailor, songwriter, and frontman of legendary Kiwi band
The Mockers - hits the road in November with a 20date nationwide tour: Passage Of Time – Solo Songs and Stories from a Swirly World. Picking up from his acclaimed 2024 bestselling book Swirly World: Lost at Sea, the Passage Of Time tour dives even deeper into Fagan’s thrilling and unconventional world. The show is a unique blend of spoken word, storytelling, and intimate live music, as Fagan shares tales from his sailing and music adventures, interwoven with songs spanning his entire career – from band classics to his prolific solo catalogue. Expect the unexpected!
Beautiful news for the many who couldn’t - for love or money - get seats for last year’s Jonathan Lemalu ACAS sell-out. They’ve managed to get him back. The opera star is completing a stellar (we MEAN “stellar”) year, with this concert in Arrowtown. 2025 has been so big for Jonathan Lemalu. The Dunedinraised bass baritone has been booked for feature roles with the Royal Opera, the English Opera, and both the London and Birmingham Philharmonics. But the biggest moment was actually an “off stage” one which tells exactly why he’s become a force in international opera. What a night ACAS have coming. He’s big and he’s “one of ours.”
This seven-week course is for beginners to discover how to read and write Chinese characters while exploring Chinese culture, customs, history and geography. Learn the basic principles of writing Chinese characters, the meaning behind the characters and the journey of changes, gain a clearer knowledge of pronunciation and writing.
Experience the vibrant charm of Korea at the Korean Day in Queenstown. Enjoy a wide range of Korean cultural experiences all in one place, from K-Food, Hanbok (traditional clothing), Taekwondo, Samulnori (traditional percussion), a beautiful Bojagi exhibition, Korean traditional dance and K-Pop performances. Everyone is welcome to join and celebrate Korean culture together. Free admission, first come, first served seating.
When: Saturday, 1 November, doors open 12.30pm, performances begin at 2pm
Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, 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 Walker & Co Realty Community Duathlon
Youngsters aged from preschool to 13 years are invited to take part in the biking and running race. There’s the option for them to grab a mate and compete as part of a team or take up the challenge solo. This is a fun event for kids with some great spot prizes up for grabs. Mr Whippy, a sausage sizzle and a coffee van will be in attendance, keeping everyone fuelled for the morning. Registration from 9am with the first race at 10am. Entry prices are from $5 - $35 with a range of different race options. Money raised will go towards the ongoing planting and maintenance of the Shotover Country and Lake Hayes Estate trees.
When: Saturday, 1 November, 10am – 2pm
Where: Bridesdale Walking Tracks, Hayes Creek Road, Bridesdale, Queenstown
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
Arts+Culture
Entertainment of old by
Jessica Allen
Vaudeville is a genre of live theatre dating back hundreds of years, which can feature a range of acts from music and comedy to pantomime, dancing and multifarious skills. Comedy royalty Bill Bailey will transform into a modern Vaudevillean this week as he brings his own version to the Event Centre stage.
The show will celebrate the great tradition of vaudeville and shows off Bailey’s multiinstrumental, multi-lingual humour and musical prowess. The idea was sparked after a realisation that the last few shows he’s done have incorporated more musical instruments – and some very unique ones, too.
“I realised that actually what I do is classic vaudeville, really,” Bailey says. “I thought I’d lean into that after all these years of doing a show which was very much about all the things which I love and that really populated the vaudvillean shows.”
He explains that the name comes from an old French town in Normandy, where songs emerged from taverns in the 1400s, which were satirical in nature. Eventually the shows crossed over the pond to America and continued to gain interest, peaking around the mid-1800s.
"I’m keeping alive a very ancient tradition which actually brings people together in a way that perhaps other entertainment doesn’t."
“It was enormously popular and it was the premier entertainment for many, many years. This was at a time before radio, before TV, before film, before the internet – this was the only place you could get entertainment.”
What made it so different is that it moved away from what was commonly happening at the time – late shows aimed at men, probably a bit seedy – and into an earlier-evening, more family-friendly genre. Punters would see anything and everything on stage, as long as it was entertaining. Bailey is proudly carrying the torch for vaudeville into 2025, with its popularity dropping after the introduction of TV and movie theatres.
“This is my statement against the idea that entertainment is something that can just be piped in. Real entertainment is where you have a connection with an audience, and a live audience at that. I’m keeping alive a very ancient tradition which actually brings people together in a way that perhaps other entertainment doesn’t.”
Queenstown is the first show on his nationwide tour, and will be Vaudevillean’s debut, where Bailey will play a range of different instruments from ancient to modern, ones that he’s never played before and others he’s well-versed in. One such instrument is the ektara.
“It’s a one-stringed lute from the Indian subcontinent from the 1400s, called an ektara.
It’s got a string in the middle and a sound box in the base, and you pluck this one string and then squeeze these wooden struts around it to alter the tone. It’s a curious thing, but it makes an amazing sound.”
He’ll also be playing a typewriter, performing Leroy Anderson’s piece “The Typewriter”. Bailey has played the piece just once before with a full orchestra, so it will certainly be a different experience. Some of the more unique instruments in his collection have been gifted to him which he feels very lucky to receive, inspiring him to use them – whether out of interest or obligation.
When asked if he could only play one instrument for the rest of his life, what would it be, he replied, “I think piano would probably be up there, only because that’s the instrument that I learned to play music on when I was young and something I play every day.”
Bailey would love for the audience to walk away with a renewed interest in the history of entertainment. Today we see a lot of technology that encourages us to stay in –watch movies from home, order food in, etcetera.
While going out may require more effort and planning, Bailey reckons it’s well worth it and it keeps alive an ancient tradition.
“There’s a real desire amongst people to be a part of a live audience – there’s something about it that can’t be replicated in any other way. I feel that we should really celebrate it and not take it for granted, because it could quite easily not happen – when we were denied it during the pandemic, we realised how much a part of our lives it is,” Bailey says.
Bill Bailey’s Vaudevillean will be at Queenstown Events Centre on Wednesday, 29 October at 8pm. Tickets and more information are available at eventfinda.co.nz/2025/bill-baileyvaudevillean/queenstown
Monthly Column
Joseph Mooney MP for Southland
What a week it has been. Fortunately, Queenstown managed to miss the brunt of Thursday’s destructive winds which swept up the country. Not far from here across the Southland electorate the storm caused major damage and disruption. Power outages, cancelled flights, ripped roofs, blocked roads, and so many trees toppled.
On Friday, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell declared a state of emergency for the Southland region. The local state of emergency is necessary as a precautionary step due to concern about the potential impacts of power outages on other lifeline utilities. A local state of emergency has also been declared for the Clutha district with power, water and transport networks affected.
It’s times like these southern communities show their supportive spirit and I have heard many instances of people doing what they can to help ease the pressure on those facing adversity.
A big thanks to all the emergency personnel and volunteers who are putting a huge effort in to deal with the challenges the wind threw down at us. The Queenstown community is packed with people who want to do their best for our region and the recent local body elections are another prime example.
Congratulations to new Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover, and all the returning and newly elected Councillors.
Thank you also to outgoing Mayor Glyn Lewers and outgoing Councillors for their service to our community. Serving the community in an elected role is not an easy one, and well done to everyone who puts themselves forward to do so.
Well done to all candidates who put themselves forward for nomination to our district and regional councils. Representing your community is a challenging task but it is also vital for a healthy, vibrant society. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead.
Since becoming an MP, I’ve consistently pushed for better access to healthcare across our region. I set up a leadership group two years ago and set about working with Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago’s mayors alongside our neighbouring MP Miles Anderson of Waitaki and local list MP Todd Stephenson, with input from health practitioners and providers across our region.
The aim of our Otago Central Lakes Health group is to bring more public health services closer to home. We have brought the needs of our growing population and the challenges Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago people face in accessing public health care to the forefront.
I’m incredibly proud to see a lot of the data and insights we have surfaced being picked up by Health New Zealand as they undergo Clinical Services Planning for the Otago Central Lakes area. This planning is a must-have before any decisions to develop public health services are made for inland Otago.
Earlier this month, Health NZ gave an update on their clinical services planning to local health practitioners and advocates in a meeting Miles Anderson and I organised with them. It was a well-attended event and outlined what services our community has been calling for and how Health NZ go about filling those needs. The Clinical Services Plan is on track to be completed by December and while I look forward to its release I’ll continue advocating for more public health services being delivered closer to home for our growing communities across the southern region.
In further good news for our Queenstown lakes, just-passed legislation will soon allow Kiwis to build granny flats up to 70 square metres in their backyards without a building consent, unlocking more housing choices.
It’s currently far too hard to build the homes New Zealanders need, with even the simplest dwellings requiring complicated and costly consent processes. We know increasing housing availability directly translates to lower living costs for our communities.
These simple dwellings have the potential to be part of the solution for providing families with more housing options. This will be great for grandparents, people with disabilities, young adults, and workers in the rural sector. Our change to the Building Act is expected to be in place by the end of the year.
Hopefully by then the weather will have calmed down a bit!
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
EasyAdmin Queenstown
by Sue Fea
My Life story
KERRY DUNLOP
Kerry’s your man
If you want to get the job done, Kerry Dunlop’s your man.
In the 15 years since this highly respected Southland sheep breeder and farmer supposedly ‘retired’ to Queenstown he’s achieved just a few things…
A much relied upon member of Queenstown Rotary, Kerry’s organised Rotary’s Meals on Wheels roster for 10 years. If club members don’t, or can’t, show up he’s even been known to leave a Christmas Party to step in at the last minute.
He also led the charge on Rotary’s massive $200,000 Tucker Beach Trail project, which opened eight years ago.
A childhood Lakes Hayes ‘cribbie’ and environmental award-winning farmer, Kerry, was concerned about Lake Hayes’ deteriorating water quality so formed Friends of Lake Hayes in 2005.
In 2019, aged 78, he notched up four or five long hikes a week, including up Ben Lomond, in preparation for fundraising for “Make A Wish”, trekking over part of China’s challenging 21,196km Great Wall with daughter Shona, raising $6,000.
Now 84, Kerry doesn’t shy away from technology either, first purchasing and programming an Apple 2E computer in 1991 to help run the family’s Centre Bush farm – The Gree, 266ha that has been in the Dunlop line for 92 years.
Forever the innovator, he was always looking for more productive ways to farm, joining a pioneering group sheep breeding scheme in 1969, at just 28. Production was key for The New Zealand Romney Development Group.
“For every four ewes I sent to the central flock in Hawkes Bay I got to fly up and choose the best ram to bring home each year,” he says. “It was really pioneering stuff in the days before artificial insemination, working with agricultural scientists and farm advisors nationally.”
Kerry crossbred Romneys with Border Leicesters, moving into Coopworths, President of the Coopworth Sheep Society by 1975. He later moved into Texels. “Before retiring in 2010 I also bred wool shedding Wiltshire sheep as prices had dropped so low.”
Very active in Southland Federated Farmers, in 1979 Kerry was appointed to the Alliance Group’s board of directors, serving there through substantial growth until 1991.
“They moved to a boardroom at 61 Don Street in 1986. Ironically, that site was where I stayed with my grandparents as a child, their home and my grandfather’s medical specialist surgery – Dr J.G.Macdonald,” Kerry smiles.
Kerry went to Limehills Primary School, making the Southland Primary Schools Rugby Team for two years and later he played for the Central Southland Junior Rep Team.
Sport dominated at John McGlashan where he was head prefect in 1958.
Kerry was doing his two years’ practical farm work before studying Agricultural Commerce at Lincoln College, when a detached eye retina at 19 put paid to his promising rugby career. “That changed my life,” he says.
He channelled his energies into leadership, becoming fully immersed in Young Farmers from president at Limehills to the national executive in 1970. He was among those to secure Mr Skellerup’s sponsorship for the then Skellerup Young Farmer of the Year Competition.
A typical Saturday involved rural rugby then either the Oreti, Thornbury or Invercargill dances. It was 1959-60: “The drinking age was 21 and we’d discreetly camouflage big bottles of beer in our cars. Elvis would be playing, and you’d grab the right girl for a waltz at the finish,” he grins.
There was a spot of bother with the beer a few years later at Lincoln too when ‘Dr Blair’ found
the boys having a few quiets in their room in Ivey Hall. “He sent us to the principal Dr Burns, who banned us from campus for three weeks, so we slept at the Springston Pub all that time, which was probably worse,” Kerry laughs. Students weren’t allowed at the Lincoln Pub then.
At a Christchurch girls’ flat party the following year, Kerry met wife of 60 years Kit – a dietician, and they married two years later, settling in a new home on the family farm.
Here Kerry focused on breeding sheep. “I started recording productivity in 1964, then in 1968 the Performance Recording Scheme computer programme came in.”
In 1980 he studied in the UK and Europe for six months on a Nuffield Scholarship.
It was a busy life with three kids in tow. There was always time for year-round tennis, but Kerry prioritised his community too, a president of Winton Rotary Club, appointed District Governor for Temuka South – 33 clubs, for 2007/08. They lured The Topp Twins south for the district conference in Te Anau, as well as top Chinese dancer Li Cunxin, Kerry and Kit attending international conferences, including Salt Lake City and Birmingham.
Kerry’s not kicking back yet though. A former St John’s Ambulance shuttle driver for 10 years, he’s a Wakatipu Walker, a Queenstown Pedlar and the new chair of the Queenstown and District Historical Society.
He threw his weight behind Greg Thompson’s efforts to get speed restrictions and a safety underpass beneath the Lower Shotover Bridge in 2014. Their petition attracted 450 signatures in a week and won.
Kerry during his massive fundraising walk on The Great Wall of China
Young Kerry, aged eight
Kerry at the family crib sporting two trout he caught in Lake Hayes - 1990s
Kerry gets up close and personal with a snake in Bali in 2010
LWB QUIZ
Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize? 5. Which famous scientist developed the theory of relativity? 6. In what year did New Zealand grant women the right to vote? 7. In what sport would you perform a slam dunk?
8. Which country invented paper?
9. What is the largest ocean mammal after the blue whale?
10. What year did Treble Cone ski resort open?
For Rent
ROOM FOR RENT IN HANLEYS FARM for a person working daytime hours, sharing house with three other people. Available from 1 November. $275 per week plus share of power and wifi. Please message 027 229 6053
SEEKING LONG-TERM TENANTS (2) forthree room apartment, with log-burner, full kitchen and laundry. Located near Moke Lake, 8km NW of Queenstown. Views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains. $385/week + power. 0277 531 469. Apt. avail 8 November.
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.
UNCLAIMED ITEMS SITTING AT THE Police Station, at 11 Camp Street, this week include:
- QUECHUA DAYPACK, GREEN AND red, located outside the Glenorchy Café.
DIGITISE YOUR MEDIA
Share with a new generation, before it’s too late. Media is deteriorating rapidly. CD Imaging can digitise 8mm, vids, negs, slides, photos. Based in Wanaka servicing all Central Otago. 034486237. photos@cdimaging.co.nz
Everything Else
ARROWTOWN RSA. ARMISTICE DAY REMEMBRANCE Service. Tuesday, 11 November 2025. At the memorial on Soldier Hill, Durham Street, Arrowtown. Parade to Assemble in the carpark at 10.45am
CARAVAN STORAGE NEEDED IN AROWTOWN due to camp changing hands and policys we are no longer allowed to leave our van on site ! We’re after someone that can store our van in Arrowtown for us and take to camp. Ph 0274069500
KNEE REPAIR METHOD WORKSHOP. Monday - Wednesday Frankton Primary Tennis court. FREE event book your spot. Call Kyle 0210729232 KneeCareSystem.com Start at 7.30am
XS STORAGE
Secure self storage units – various sizes available Phone: 0800 297 786 | www.xsstorage.co.nz
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST TUE (28 Oct) @ 6.30pm, ‘Nurturing Peace’ with Grant Rix SUN (2 Nov) @ 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
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
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
La Perle Jewellery Queenstown Store
Sales Professional
Full time | $28 – $30 per hour
We're Looking For:
• Individuals with a strong passion for luxury sales.
• Previous experience working in sales or customer service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Responsible and reliable, seeking long-term employment.
Please send your CV to Info@LaPerle.co.nz or call 03 442 5851
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
FULL-TIME WHOLESALE & RETAIL ASSISTANTS
Harbour Fish is a family-owned and operated seafood supplier. Our Frankton branch is looking for wholesale and retail assistants to join our small, friendly team.
We pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service and are keen to find people with the same high standards.
We have current vacancies in our wholesale and retail departments. Both jobs are permanent full-time (but we're open to shorter contracts too), 38-40 hours per week, over 5 days. Shifts are generally 8 hours long. Staff accomodation options are available from mid-January 2026.
We are happy to provide full training for the right candidates, but previous seafood, food service, or retail experience is an advantage.
We’re looking for people who:
• Have excellent customer service skills
• Are physically fit (some heavy lifting is required)
• Have an interest in seafood and cooking
• Like to keep things clean, tidy and looking sharp
• Have loads of common sense
• Enjoy working in a small, busy team
• Have a good command of the English language
We offer a supportive work environment and generous staff discounts.
To apply, please send your CV to queenstown@harbourfish.co.nz or call Mohammed on 03 451 1402 ext 1.
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
RETAIL ASSISTANT
Friendly/efficient team person required for large busy retail shop. Must work weekends/speak good English.
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
Wait Staff / Food Runners
• Experience preferred
• Good level of English
• Amazing opportunity’s available
• Competitive pay and perks to the role
Please contact kenna.matthews@whiteandwongs.co.nz
We are looking for a Full time Chef de Partie to join our team.
If you are over the commute then this is for you
We offer excellent hours, an awesome team, and fun vibe.
Pay rate from $28
Pop in and see us or send us your CV manager@thefarmhouse.kiwi
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
Casual Driver Guides
Are you passionate about wine & Central Otago? Join our team of tour guides! P Licence required & full training provided. For job description or to apply email sarah@appellationwinetours.nz
We are hiring!!!
Balls and Bangles are looking for people to join their team!
We are on the hunt for
FOH/Baristas/Duty Managers
This person will need to be an all rounder and enjoy working in a fast paced environment. Must be reliable, a good team player and have a fun can-do attitude.
Full time hours , daytime shifts, staff meals and you get to be a part of the best team in Queenstown! Ideally available for an immediate start with a commitment of 6 months or more. Current work visa essential.
To apply, drop into our Shotover St store or email your CV to ballsandbanglesjobs@gmail.com
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
RETAIL DUTY MANAGERS FULL TIME
We are a locally owned and operated liquor retailer based in Arrowtown and we’re on the hunt for warm, welcoming, customer focused, self-motivated individuals to join our friendly team.
What sort of people are we looking for:
• 20 years of age or over
• Happy, positive, full of energy, a real people person
• Understand the fundamentals of working in retail
• A self-starter capable of working well by yourself
• Passionate and knowledgeable (or keen to learn) about local wine and beer
• Willing to obtain an LCQ and Managers Certificate
• Committed to Queenstown/Arrowtown for the foreseeable future
The role:
• Look after our customers in a sole-charge position
• Maintain a clean, well-stocked, beautiful looking store
• Engage with customers, ask questions, and drive sales
• Comply with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act and Host Responsibility policies
• Support the store manager with an array of operational tasks and projects, including stock ordering, stocktakes, banking, cash handling, merchandising, and much more!
What you get:
• A starting rate of $25 per hour (more if you already have your LCQ and Managers Certificate)
• Work and play in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand
• Work with a great bunch of people who love what they do
• Fixed hours right through the year
• Staff discounts and product training
• The opportunity to learn and grow in the industry
If you already have your LCQ and Managers Certificate and you love your current job but want to earn extra money, our casual positions let you accept shifts as they become available.
If this sounds like you please send a copy of your CV and a short email telling us about yourself to ellie@bettys.co.nz
HOUSEKEEPERS
Are you motivated, reliable, and ready to work in a high-end hospitality environment? We're looking for Housekeepers to join our growing team in beautiful Queenstown.
What we’re looking for:
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Efficient and calm under pressure
• Experience preferred, but not essential
• Available to work any day of the week
• Full-time and part-time roles available
• Full driver's license required
• Must hold a valid work visa
• Immediate start available
Email your CV to operations@staysouth.com with your CV and cover letter.
Lead Cook
Gems Educational Childcare Queenstown, 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.
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.
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.
