The dust has settled on local government elections, and our new Queenstown Lakes District Council have been sworn in. Love them or loath them these individuals have now undertaken the oath to represent us all. I did exercise my democratic right to vote, like the 40% minority of us who do care and do have an opinion on the outcomes for our district. I also attended one of the ‘meet the candidates shows’. I say “show” because it was certainly entertaining and at the same time somewhat concerning to hear the pure unadulterated fantasy that came from the mouths of some candidates. It beggars belief that someone would go to the effort of standing up for judgement by neighbours and fellow ratepayers without the first clue what a local council actually does, or what it’s statutory responsibilities and processes are. You’d think sitting in on a council meeting at least once to see what the job involves, and reading up on the Local Government Act would be the first step. But sadly no. Call it stupidity, arrogance or a combination of both. I’m just mighty relieved the worst offenders did not con enough votes out of us. Because despite not all my candidate choices being elected, I’m okay with the result. I do not agree with the ideology of some newly elected councillors that’s for sure, but that is democracy in action. Those that have been elected seem reasonable enough and at least in the Arrowtown Ward I got to vote in, the new Councillors are on the face of it a good representation of our neighbourhood. I cannot speak for the Queenstown and Wanaka Wards but assume the same.
There is plenty of sense and sensibility sitting around the council table. The question will be how they work together, with the council employees from top to the bottom, and then perform like the united high-performing ratepayer owned organisation we, the ratepayers expect.
The answer starts and ends with the man who secured the top job, newly elected Mayor John Glover. In the interests of starting positively and giving all involved the best possible chance to do well and succeed for the benefit of us all, let’s give credit where credit is due.
Mayor Glover has presented himself consistently throughout the election campaign and since being elected. Isn’t that what we want? Consistency along with sensible decision-making? In a crowded and noisy electoral race, he was the clear winner. His leadership and business skills will be tested under the public spotlight and who’s to say he will not shine bright under this pressure. On the political spectrum, my opinion is, he sits close enough to the centre, to unite both the right and left leaning Councillors. A balanced combination can be achieved. It will take strong leadership from Mayor John Glover. If he can do it, the Queenstown Lakes has the very best chance of moving forward, from good to great.
Scott Stevens
The Korean Association of Queenstown celebrated Korean Day on Saturday with K-food, Hanbok, Taekwondo and more at the Memorial Centre. Left to right: Kwangyong Song, Hana Kim, Gye young Park, Sam Lee
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Korean Day 2025, a great success
The venue was filled with vibrant energy, and our cultural booths drew great attention. We showcased traditional Korean crafts, including onggi pottery and bojagi wrapping art. The Korean food stalls were a huge hit — everything sold out, showing how eager people were to try authentic Korean cuisine. The Hanbok experience booth was also extremely popular, with a constant line of visitors wanting to try on traditional Korean clothing and take photos. The performances brought even more excitement. The event opened with a powerful Haka performance by the Queenstown Haka Team, led by Ned — a meaningful cultural exchange moment between Korea and Aotearoa. Then, the children of the Queenstown Korean School performed a beautiful fan dance that melted everyone’s hearts. The audience also joined in some sections, creating a fun and unforgettable shared moment. This event was proudly organised by the Queenstown Korean Association. It was a meaningful day where everyone could experience Korean culture, taste Korean flavours, and connect with one another.
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).
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functions Christmas
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.
CRIMELINE
Fatigue stop nets two drivers
by Sue Fea
Just two alleged drink drivers were caught during a Police and Alexandra Lions fatigue stop checkpoint at Tarras, prior to Labour Weekend on Friday, 24 October. One local male allegedly blew between 250 and 400mcg while an international driver allegedly blew around 550mcgs. Between 700 and 800 vehicles drove through the stop with free sausages available and Plunket on hand to check the safety of child car restraints, Martin says.
‘Silly antics’ – three vehicles single file on incorrect side of highway
Three young men – 20, 21 and 23, from Otago and Southland were dealt with by Police after another driver reported that they’d allegedly driven on the incorrect side of State Highway 6 for some distance in single file after exiting Shortcut Road, near Luggate, during the long weekend.
“They appear to have allegedly driven out around the traffic island on the incorrect side of the road, carrying on along the incorrect side of the road, heading uphill for some distance,” Martin says.
“It’s just silly antics. If another vehicle had come over the hill and been coming down approaching them, we could’ve had a completely different outcome,” he says.
That particular intersection had been redesigned after a multiple fatality crash there some years back, he says.
All three drivers, who had their vehicles impounded for 28 days, have been charged with dangerous driving and will appear in court.
Woman allegedly punched in face, robbed, over vape argument
A local woman in her 20s was allegedly punched in the face and robbed of her handbag in a Searle Lane alleyway at 2am on Sunday, 28 October, after a verbal argument over a vape became physical, Police say.
Constable Amanda Shute says a 31-year-old Invercargill man has been charged with robbery by assault and appeared in the Queenstown District Court on Tuesday, 28 October. He’s been remanded on bail until 3 November. Police were called to the alleyway between Searle Lane and the Mall after the incident occurred and neither the man nor the woman knew each other. Nothing had been taken from the handbag, Shute says.
Glass smashed in female face off
A local woman in her 30s allegedly had a glass smashed into her face by another woman at a Frankton pub after a heated argument broke out between the pair, Shute says. Police were called to the Pavillion Pub and Kitchen after the argument had become heated at 8.45pm on Sunday, 26 October, with one of the women allegedly splashing her drink over the other woman. That woman then allegedly retaliated by picking up a glass, emptying the contents over the victim’s face and then smashing the glass in the victim’s face, Shute says. The victim allegedly received lacerations to her face and sought medical attention at Lakes District Hospital. Shute says a 38-year-old local woman was arrested and charged with assault with a blunt instrument. She appeared in the Queenstown District Court on Tuesday (28 October) and was remanded on bail until 1 December. The women were known to each other.
Driving while impounded – impounded again
A 40-year-old local woman was charged with driving while her licence was suspended after being stopped by Police just before 8.30pm on Monday, 27 October, on Frankton Road allegedly driving her vehicle that had been impounded for 28 days. She will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 14 November, and her vehicle was again impounded for 28 days, Shute says.
COMMUNITY NOTES
KnowYourStuffNZ: Drug Checking Returns to Queenstown & Wānaka
KnowYourStuffNZ is back in town! The drug harm reduction charity helping Kiwis stay safer on a night out is returning to Queenstown and Wānaka with a new season of free, legal, and confidential drug checking clinics. If you’re planning a summer of gigs, parties, or festivals, this is your chance to find out what’s in your stuff, before it finds you in the back of an ambulance.
Drug checking doesn’t tell people what to do, it gives them honest, evidence-based information to make safer decisions. KnowYourStuffNZ tested nearly 4,000 samples in summer 2024-25. MDMA was the most commonly presumed drug followed by ketamine and cocaine. But nearly one in ten samples turned out to have had things
added to them or been something else entirely. The other substances we found ranged from new high risk cathinones to gym supplements. Getting your gear checked can be the difference between a night to remember in the expected way or in the unexpected way.
This service also changes behaviour. When results don’t match expectations, up to 50% choose not to take the drug and many hand it over for destruction. That’s real harm reduction in action. (KnowYourStuffNZ also counts found or unknown substances as ‘not as presumed,’ since they weren’t expected to be known.) By getting your drugs checked, you’re helping reduce emergency callouts, hospital admissions, accidental bad nights for your mates, and long-term harm across our community.
Queenstown and Wānaka residents can now access these clinics regularly through summer.
Here’s where you’ll find us: 2025:
• Fri, 14 Nov, 5pm - 9pm, Lake Wānaka Centre •Sat, 27 Dec, 1pm - 4pm, Queenstown Memorial Centre
• Sun, 28 Dec, 10.30am - 4.30pm, Lake Wānaka Centre 2026:
• Fri, 9 Jan, 5pm - 9pm, Lake Wānaka Centre •Fri, 13 Feb, 5pm - 9pm, Queenstown Memorial Centre Fri, 13 Mar, 5pm - 10pm, Lake Wānaka Centre
Everything’s confidential and completely legal under the Drug and Substance Checking Legislation Act 2021. Police can’t use your attendance against you, and we don’t take names or collect personal info. Just bring a small sample, have a chat, and walk away with practical advice that lowers your risk.
Because knowing what you’re taking isn’t just smart, it’s safer.
Find out more at knowyourstuff.nz
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QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST
TUE (4 Nov) @ 6.30pm, ‘Nurturing Peace’ with Grant Rix WED (5 Nov) @ 6.30pm,‘Sadhana Practice’ with Grant Rix SUN (9 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
WATCH REPAIRS NOW
For all your repairs, watches, clocks, batteries, key cutting & straps.
Level One, Stratton House (Below Sky City), 24 Beach Street, Queenstown Mon - Fri, 9.30am till 5.30pm. Closed on Saturdays. Phone/ text: 027 217 0442
PHOTO PAGE
NZone’s 35th Birthday celebration
Walker & Co Community Duathlon held on Saturday down at the Lower Shotover fields
Community Duathlon winners for the age 7-8 boys teams
Aged 9-13 years girls teams winners at the community duathlon.
Crimson Badger Brewing at the Deloitte Fast 50 Regional Awards
Age 9-13 year old boys teams winner in Saturday’s community duathlon.
Sir Graeme Sydney and Garrick Tremain at the Lakes District Museum last Tuesday for the launch of Garrick’s autobiography, “This Is It Then”
Some of the team who helped organise another successful Walker & Co duathlon on Saturday
Community Duathlon winners for the age 7-8 girls teams
EVENTS
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART
THEATRE
- AT THE GALLERIES
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.
When: Wednesday, 5 November, 7pm – 8.30pm
Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
COMMUNITY
Community Electric Car Day
How does 150 cents off per litre of fuel sound? That’s the kind of saving you get when running an electric vehicle (EV). Curious to know more? Come along to the Queenstown Electrification Accelerator’s free community EV test drive day and see for yourself! You can take an EV for a spin, enjoy free pancakes cooked on an EV-powered electric hotplate, and discover how fun electric driving can be. Whether you’re in the market for a new car, just starting to explore your options, or simply in it for the pancakes, this relaxed, family-friendly event is for the whole community.
Roll up, roll up, Te Atamira’s Community Carnival is back and brighter than ever! Join them for a vibrant day of celebration and community, raising funds in support of Te Atamira, who are bringing creativity to the community every day. There’ll be live music, performances from resident artists, and face painting for kids and adults alike. Enjoy delicious food from a variety of trucks and have some fun with lawn games on their beautiful new outdoor space. This event celebrates and supports Te Atamira’s ongoing commitment to bringing creativity to Queenstown. Come along, bring your whānau and friends, and be part of a day that’s all about connection, inspiration, and community spirit.
Grab your friends and your running shoes, and join Patagonia every Tuesday evening through summer for the Tāhuna Queenstown’s Community Run Club, hosted by Pete Robinson and Eva Rousing Dethlefsen. Meeting in store at 6pm to sign in, you’ll head out on a light warm up and social 5K (choose your own pace) before returning to store for a free snack and refreshing drink after a run well done. This is a no drop, all speeds and abilities welcome run. Good times guaranteed! Head to tuesdaycommunityrunclub.splashthat.com to register.
When: Tuesday evenings, from 6pm Where: Meet at Patagonia, 49 Beach Street, Queenstown
Andrew Fagan – Passage of Time Solo Tour
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!
When: Wednesday, 5 November, 7.30pm
Where: Sherwood, 554 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Free Workshop: The Power of Composting with Dr Compost
Want a thriving garden and an easy, more sustainable way to deal with your food scraps? Come along to Dr Compost’s FREE workshop on Wednesday, 19 November. Dr Compost’s expertise comes from 20+ years of growing and composting in our harsh climate. Learn about three easy composting methods - traditional (hot and cold composting), Bokashi bins and worm farms. Discover which method will suit you or your workplace best and get tips to make your composting fail-safe. The Dr Compost home-composting project is funded by Queenstown Lakes District Council and delivered by Wastebusters to reduce organic waste in landfill. Tickets at events.humanitix.com/dr-compost-workshop-qtown
When: Tuesday, 11 November, 6pm – 8pm
Where: St John’s, 10 Douglas Street, Frankton
Jonathan Lemalu Concert
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.”
Step into LTA Café, where the specials are served with a side of song, a dash of drama, and a generous helping of dance. From sizzling jazz numbers to rich ballet blends, this original performing arts showcase from Lakes Theatre Arts is a delicious celebration of talent, energy, and creativity. Join them for a vibrant afternoon at the Queenstown Memorial Hall as their young performers serve up a menu full of surprises.
When: Saturday, 22 and Sunday, 23 November, 3.30pm – 6pm
Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Drive, Queenstown
HOSPOGUIDE
Tuesday Pizza Night 15% off large pizzas, dine in or takeaway Wednesday Quiz
Night Bookings are highly recommended. To book contact info@lokalqt.co.nz or ring 03 442 5444 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
Everyday Bar 1904 Cocktail & Bowls $25
Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm
Café 1904
Daily Coffee and Bowls for $15 between 10am and 12pm
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
Everyday OPEN TO PUBLIC Everyone Welcome
Tuesday Closed for Public Sessions Free to Watch Ice Hockey from 6.15pm7.45pm
Tuesday Red Rock Burger & a Pint for $28 ALL DAY LONG
Wednesday All Day Bump & Skating from 12pm-6pm Snow Machine running every 30mins!
Gluten Free and Veggie Options Available
-
Thursday It’s Snowing! Snow Machine running every 30mins on the Ice
Wednesday Philly-Cheesesteak
Loaded Chippies or Hog Loaded Chippies & a Pint for $30 OR Regular Loaded Chippies & a Pint for $24 ALL DAY LONG
Friday Attention Hockey Players - Stick & Puck from 6.15pm-7.15pm
Thursday
Parmi Burger & a Pint for $30 (3 Parmi OptionsThe OG, Sexy Mexi, The Cowboy) Available 4pm - Close - Gluten Free and Veggie Options Available
Sunday Free to Watch Ice Hockey from 5.15pm8.45pm Closed for Public Session See you Wednesday from 12pm
$6 Beer handles 7days a week Open 12pm to Late Everyday
Gluten Free and Veggie Options Available Monday
Monday Red Rock Burger & a Pint for $28 ALL DAY LONG
DJ Rinkha Pool Tables SKY SPORTS Retro tunes
Thursday LOCALS NIGHT Live Music 6pm - 9pm DJ AYEEDEEG 9pm - Late $20 JUGS | 1/2 PRICE PIZZA | BIG PRIZE DRAW AT 11PM
MONDAY TO SUNDAY 3PM - 12AM
$25 Special Birria Nachos Friday MASHED hip hop/techno/house - from 9pm $25 Special BBQ Ribs
Saturday What’s Cooking? 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 Friday Rinsed D&B from 8pm Saturday Patio DJ from7pm Sunday Bootleg Rascals doors 9pm
HOSPOGUIDE
4 NOVEMBER- 10 NOVEMBER
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!!
Tuesday 4 Nov Melbourne Cup Graze & Glamour From 12pm. R20 Venue. Drink Responsibly
Friday LIVE MUSIC. Hosted by Nemo Gent OPEN FROM 12pm Smash Burger Fridays
Wednesday Darts & Beers, Social Games
Night from 6pm - free entry / drink offers / prizes
Wednesdays
Saturday OPEN FROM 12pm
Thursday COMING SOON… 6 Nov - Queers & Beers rainbow socialwith Drag sensation Miss Kaysey Leigh 20 Nov - The return of our monthly themed trivia nights on every 3rd Thursday! FREE ENTRY!
$25 Steak Special From 12pm – 4pm R20 Venue
with Je
9.30pm $15 Burger Special O’Fish Al
Tuesday Cup Day Happy Hour from 12-4pm Pub quiz 7pm Wednesday Chicken or Eggplant Parmy, chips, & salad | $25 From 12pm Karaoke | 9pm
Any burger & chips | $22 from 12pm NZ Breakers vs Adelaide 36ers Basketball 7.35pm
Sunday $36 SUNDAY ROASTS from 12pm DJ Doolittle from 5pm
Friday OPEN MIC 6.30-9.30pm with Elle & Alex Music. Serving up our new MENU… the perfect accompaniment to a night of awesome music
Daily Cocktail of the Week Only $16 R20 Venue. Drink Responsibly
Music with Dynamo 9.30pm $15 Burger Special Classic Cheese
Live Music with Mandates 9.30pm
Live music 8pm
Sundays
$29 Parmi Special From 12pm – 4pm 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
Live music 5pm
roast Live music Sydney Kings vs NZ Breakers Basketball 6.35pm
8am-5:30 Main Menu 8 Snack Menu & Cabin www queenst 755 Peninsula Roa OWN’S AP CH ION pm daily am-2:30pm et Selection All owngolf co nz d, Kelvin
Arts+Culture
Boogie with the Black Seeds this summer by
You’ll be able to cool yourself down this summer – Kiwi icons The Black Seeds will join the lineup for Rhythm & Alps. The New Year festival includes an array of artists to bring in 2026, and guitarist and lead singer of the band, Barnaby Weir, is excited to be a part of it.
Delivering a distinctive homegrown sound, The Black Seeds have been making waves in New Zealand’s for more than two decades. Their soulful roots-reggae fusion was influenced by what the band was listening to at the time –American funk, Jamaican reggae and Ska. And where did the name come from? A herbal healing remedy.
“We thought, what about a musical remedy for your life,” Weir says.
Today the band continue to be influenced by all different genres of music. All eight band members bring their own flare and flavour to the mix, creating the sound we now know and love. Showing no signs of slowing down, in addition to releasing a new single this year, they also just celebrated 20 years since their album On the Sun was released which features fan-favourite ‘So True’.
“In terms of memorable music videos, ‘So True’ video just nailed it perfectly, beautifully filmed by Nektar Films in the Coromandel. It really captured a wonderful celebration of that Kiwi summer road trip we all long for. The visuals reflect the song wonderfully and has become a treasured productions and vibe for the bands over the years.”
A celebratory double vinyl was released for the 20th anniversary, with a couple of new tracks added that didn’t make the cut all those years
Jessica Allen
ago – not because they weren’t good, rather the band had too much music for the album originally.
“It’s quite a well-loved album and we’re proud of it. It sounds really good on vinyl and it was good to celebrate it. It’s quite amazing how fast time goes and we embrace that fully. Some of these songs mean a lot to some of our listeners and fans, and it continues to be listened to.”
On the Sun was their first album and Weir describes it as a little more raw and youthful. It was the band’s musical manifesto, their direction at the time, and it’s certainly stood the test of time.
heaps of cool headliners that are from all around the world. We’re really so stoked to be invited again. Looking forward to it a lot,” Weir says. The Black Seeds will be joining a range of great Kiwi and international artists including P Digsss of Salmonella Dub fame, Rudim3ntal, Synthony, Dizzee Rascal, and more at Rhythm & Alps. The festival runs over New Year from 29 – 31 December. Tickets and more information are available at rhythmandalps.co.nz
Looking forward, Weir mentions a new album will be coming in 2026. They’re releasing a new single in a couple of weeks, which will be on the album, the eighth one for the band.
describes it as a little more raw and youthful. It on
“We’ll start with this new single, coming out late November. The band has basically recorded most of an album, so we’re working on that for next year. We’re still making music that we love and that we hope our fans will love. Of course it sounds like the Black Seeds – that’s the sound we’ve been working on for that long.”
Fans at R&A can expect to hear some of the new tunes, mixed in with old favourites too. They can’t wait to head down and take the stage.
“We’ve played there a couple of times – it’s a really great festival and such a beautiful part of the country. There’s
Queenstown businesses celebrate at Deloitte Fast 50 regional awards
The Deloitte Fast 50 celebrates and ranks NZ’s fastest growing businesses - the regional awards for Dunedin and Lower South Island were held last week. To enter, businesses must demonstrate significant growth over the last three years with a revenue of $1m or more in FY23 and independently prepared financial statements for FY23.
The regional awards were held on Wednesday, 29 October, in Dunedin and featured Queenstown businesses First Table, Altitude Tours and Crimson Badger Brewing.
First Table picked up the Fastest Growing Technology Business, while Crimson Bader Brewing and Altitude Tours were excited to have won the category they were put in.
“It’s fantastic recognition and yes, we’re incredibly proud,” Heidi Farren, Co-founder and Managing Director at Altitude Tours says. “We didn’t have an expectation because you’re so involved in your own business, you don’t really, very often get an opportunity to benchmark yourselves against other businesses.”
None of the businesses know where on the list they will place just yet. The full indices and national category winners will be revealed at the end of this month on 27 November in Auckland - wishing all the Queenstown businesses the best of luck!
NZONE Skydive Celebrates 35 Years of Adventure
The country’s first commercial tandem skydiving operator are celebrating 35 years of business this October. They launched New Zealand’s first commercial tandem skydive in Queenstown in 1990 and were the first in the country with freefall photography. Today they’ve completed over 460,000 tandem jumps and are looking forward to many more to come.
With a big focus on the international market, particularly Chinese, NZONE were proud to be named New Zealand’s most-booked tour and attraction by C-Trip, China’s largest online travel platform.
Being one of the country’s most prolific adventure tourism operators, there’s plenty of fun stories to tell over the years, from bartending mid-air with “vodka professor” Jacob Briars to skydiving grannies and celebrities taking the jump.
General Manager of Skydive for Experience Co, Ken Stone said “What started as a small business in a paddock now employs over 65 people and has become a worldrenowned magnet for thrill-seekers “embracing their fear” and earning legendary status among adventurous travellers.”
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
Glenda Drive overnight closures
Glenda Drive will be temporarily closed to traffic 7.00pm –7.00am from 17 –28 November. This is so we can lay new pavement between Hardware Lane and Frankton Transfer Station. The road will be open to one southbound lane outside the overnight closure. More at www.qldc.govt.nz/glenda-drive-rehab
How do we let the dogs out?
We’re reviewing our Dog Control Bylaw and Policy and want your feedback! Have your say in our quick survey at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
Art beyond the gallery
There’ll be art in unexpected places across the district during November thanks to the Creative Spaces Project (in partnership with Three Lakes Cultural Trust). Explore the full lineup of artists and venues on a digital map: www.threelakesculturaltrust.co.nz/creative-spaces-project
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 1 Dec (deadline extended!) at www.qldc.govt.nz/ach-funds
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
Alcohol licence applications
All recently lodged alcohol licence applications are on our website. Any objections must be made within 15 working days of the public notice being published. Visit www.qldc.govt.nz/services/alcohol-licensing
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
www.qldc.govt.nz
Nigel Hobbs - Tourism Innovation Group (Altitude Tours), Chris Bradley - First Table
The Ship That Never Reached China 123 Years After
by Santiago Bonhomme
A reflection on migration, memory, and the quiet persistence of the past
The first time I learned about the Chinese miners was years ago, just a few days after arriving in New Zealand, during my first visit to Arrowtown.
It was autumn, and the air smelled of damp wood.
On the edge of town, near the river, I found the small stone houses that still remain, tiny places with tin roofs and walls that breathe out the cold.
There were tourists walking around, but what I remember is the silence, as if someone were still inside.
That place stayed with me.
Such a precarious life, so far from everything, left me with an uneasiness I could not explain.
That night, I started writing a poem about those men, about their winters and their longing.
While searching for details to finish it, I came across the story of the Ventnor.
A steamship that sailed from Wellington on 26 October 1902, carrying 499 coffins.
Inside were the remains of Chinese miners who had died in the southern goldfields.
They were the same men of Arrowtown, of Clyde, of Lawrence. They had saved and paid for their own return home.
Dying far away meant never resting.
In their culture, the soul could not find peace unless the body returned to the land where it was born.
Returning, even inside a wooden box, closed the circle and reunited them with their ancestors.
Being Chinese in New Zealand was almost a sentence.
They paid a tax simply for arriving, they could not vote, and their language kept them apart.
They lived by the rivers, in low huts, cooking on coal braziers.
Winter cracked their hands, and letters took months to cross the sea.
The Ventnor set sail under rough seas and a low sky.
The next morning, it struck a rock near Cape Egmont, on the west coast, and sank off Hokianga.
Only thirteen crew members survived.
The dead, who had already made an impossible journey, died for a second time.
For decades, no one spoke of them.
Not the governments, not the newspapers, not the books. It was as if the sea had decided to keep everything.
A century later, divers found the wreck.
Then it became known that local Māori had recovered some coffins and buried them according to their own rites.
They shared no language or religion, but something simpler, respect.
I can picture that moment, bodies washed ashore, coffins broken open on the sand, people kneeling in silence to bury them.
No words, only the gesture.
Whenever I walk along the rivers of the South Island and see the remains of old mines, I return to those men who arrived alone, who died far from home, who were forgotten.
And to those little houses in Arrowtown, where their presence still seems to linger.
The bones of the Ventnor are still there, at the bottom of the sea or buried under a hill in the north.
When the ocean brings back a floating plank or a bottle covered in salt, the whole country seems to hear something it cannot understand, a voice without a language.
The idea of returning becomes slippery.
Perhaps only what we leave behind remains, or what changes its name once we cross the sea.
Lately, death and distance sit more often in my mind, especially as I try to cope with the grief of losing my father.
I wonder where my body will rest one day, whether in Chile, among my ancestors, or here in the south of the world, where my children grow up and the water has different names.
That doubt follows me like a quiet whisper.
And I know it is not mine alone.
It belongs to all of us who came here from somewhere else, who made Queenstown and these islands a home we are still learning to understand.
Maybe return, for us, is not going back, but simply staying.
The poem I started that night remains unfinished.
Maybe some things are not meant to be finished, only abandoned a little less.
EasyAdmin Queenstown
by Sue Fea
My Life story
MANDY DE VRIES (HERRON)
Mountain kid-turned-tourism entrepreneur
She grew up in the rugged Wakatipu backcountry – resilient and independent, ready to give anything a go, so it’s hardly surprising that Mandy de Vries (Herron) now runs an innovative, award-winning tourism business in Fiji.
The middle of three girls, Mandy’s British mother Alexa Herron displayed that same gutsy resilience, arriving from London and falling in love with their dad, her “Kiwi outback cowboy”, Branches Station owner Lin Herron.
Born in Queenstown in 1966, Mandy was a preschooler during the Herron’s Branches Station days, there until she was five. However, there were many fun holidays there with the Herron’s successors, Lorraine and Arthur Borrell and their children – family friends growing up.
“Dad had a serious helicopter crash with (Sir) Tim Wallis and broke his back, so we moved to our Frankton house, where Mum based with us over winter,” Mandy says.
There was a farming stint in Palmerston, near Dunedin, where the three mountain girls rode their ponies in the sea while the seals swam alongside.
“We all got a pony for our 7th birthday. My birthday fell while we were in England visiting grandparents, so I was gutted. I got a Cindy doll horse,” she laughs, but the real deal arrived back home.
Lin, a skilled horseman, taught them to ride bareback so they could hold on.
Later, while on Wakatipu High School Branches Camp - founded and welcomed during the Herron’s station days, Mandy and her friends would “sneak up to the house” to Lorraine
for fresh scones, scared they’d be caught by teacher Ian Daniel.
Lin bought the 15,782ha (39,000-acre) Ben Lomond Station and they moved into Moonlight Lodge high above Arthurs Point. “We discovered we could smack out a week’s Correspondence School work in one and a half days. We all had working dogs and we’d head out mustering with Dad,” Mandy says.
The large dining room with 10 huge tables, massive dance floor, bar and big open fire attracted many conference groups, the girls and their Queenstown mates, waitressing. “Barry Thomas gave us beautiful pearl necklaces for doing the Skyline conference one year.” They’d roam free on their ponies. “It’s a wonder we survived,” Mandy says. “We’d climb down a cliff to a dangerous spot on the Moonlight River and swim. The current swept us under a rock, and my older sister, Jackie, had to pull us out.”
Kiwi backcountry icon and writer Barry Crump and his wife moved into the Seffertown huts on the station, an historic site where Barry mined. “He’d be barman at the conferences and parties at the lodge. Dad would bring his horse, Tony, into the bar. Barry would say, ‘What would you like there, Tony?’ and pour Tony a big glass of beer which he drank.” The three girls and their friends were always on hand for impromptu shows – tennis racquet handles made great microphones.
Pioneer Kiwi filmmaker Grahame McLean, who bought McConnachies Cottage on the station, even enlisted their talents, the Herron kids starring in a movie that he and renowned Kiwi director Lee Tamahori made. “Dad starred, galloping over the hill with a gun in his hand.
“Mum thought we were getting a bit wild, so they built a house at Arthurs Point and we went back to school in Queenstown.” They’d still ride back to Moonlight at weekends crossing rockfall and slips.
Possum trapping from age 11 earned $400 in a year and the girls bought a Welsh pony and gig.
At 17 Mandy left school, trying newspaper sales for Mountain Scene. “They sent me to Te Anau, not allowed to return until I sold ads.”
A keen photographer, she worked for Jan Warwick at Smile Click, photographing skiers, Kawarau Jet and the Earnslaw.
At 21 she headed overseas with a friend who nannied for a film director and Mandy scored work exercising Quarter Horses in the mountains for a movie stunt man. Here she learned barrel racing was not the Glenorchy Races kind!
Back in New Zealand staying with Barry Crump and his new partner, Mandy discovered his old short stories and poems, never published, and created a book, later used in high schools as a great example of Kiwi publishing.
With her first husband she headed to Western Australia and Alaska, narrowly escaping being mauled by a mother bear while goldmining in the mountains.
Back in Queenstown they started a very successful dial-a-delivery business while raising two small daughters.
After a move north to Patumahoe she worked for the IRD in Manukau, flying home each year for duck shooting at Jackie’s farm in Athol.
A promotion to Dunedin later proved too cold and Mandy and now husband Howie de Vries , a Queenstown tourism photography entrepreneur, moved to Fiji where he founded their award-winning modified electric bike tour business – Ecotrax.
They scored a 20-minute segment on primetime Australian TV starring on Bachelor in Paradise Australia in 2018. “It went absolutely mad and has never stopped. We’re always booked three months in advance,” she says.
And with four grandkids in tow now, so is their beachfront home!
Mandy, centre, with some little Fijian friends
Mandy, about 16, giving her dad a hand on the bulldozer above Lake Wakatipu
From left front, Mandy, Jill and Jackie, Lin rear left, and Alexa, on holiday visiting family in England
Howie and Mandy on their first Ecotrax prototype on their wedding day in Fiji - 2016
1. What year did the first iPhone launch?
2. What is the hardest rock on Earth?
3. How many players are there in a football (soccer) team on the field?
4. In what year did the Titanic sink?
5. What does the “HTTP” in a website address stand for?
6. What is the name of the Māori war dance performed before rugby matches?
7. Which country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States?
8. What type of animal is the symbol of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)?
9. Which city is nicknamed “The Garden City”?
10. What is the name of the world’s largest coral reef system?
FOR RENT
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) FOR three 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.
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.
WHAKATIPU DRIVE MY LIFE ARE seeking volunteers to become mentor buddies to help our vulnerable people achieve their drivers licence. If you are interested or have any questions contact Louise Ward louise@reap.co.nz
EVERYTHING ELSE
Everything Else
BESPOKE GUIDED GARDEN TOURS IN Wānaka. Visit up to 4 beautiful private gardens of your choice! Experience for visitors and locals. Daily departure October to April. $100 - $179 per person. Gift cards. Florence 02102792481 | beautifulgardenswanaka.com
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
semi-rural setting, close to Frankton. 1x space of 60m2, 1x space of 25m2, side by side. Could be leased separately, or combined. Excellent terms and rates. Free onsite parking. Text or call Graeme 021 703 844
786 www.xsstorage.co.nz
ON THE APP THIS WEEK
Queenstown firefighters had to use the ‘jaws of life’ to cut a seriously injured Kiwi driver from his vehicle after emergency services responded to a head on crash on the Glenorchy Road just before 3.30pm on Monday (Labour Day).
Constable Amanda Shute says initial investigations show one of the vehicles appears to have allegedly crossed the centreline and collided with another vehicle.
Police say just two New Zealand drivers were involved in the accident during Monday’s wintry weather conditions, one in a Subaru Legacy and another in a Ford Ranger.
Fire and Emergency NZ group manager Central Otago Bobby Lamont says the accident occurred just past Bleakley’s Bridge on the Queenstown side of the Moke Lake turnoff and Queenstown volunteer firefighters had to cut the seriously injured driver free.
Otago Lakes Road Policing Sergeant Bruce Martin says that driver was flown to Dunedin Hospital with serious injuries by Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter. A St John Ambulance spokesperson says two ambulances and the rescue helicopter responded with the serious driver flown to hospital while the other driver was taken to Lakes District Hospital by ambulance with moderate injuries.
Martin says at this stage the accident is still under investigation.
The accident comes just over a week after a head on collision above the Crown Range zig zag on 18 October in which an elderly American tourist was charged for allegedly crossing the centre line resulting in a head on collision. “We just reinforce to people to drive to the conditions and concentrate on their driving,” Martin says.
Lamont from FENZ says the brigade was called out to Glenorchy Road again Wednesday, 29 October, after another call regarding an accident, however, they arrived and there was no one there.
“There seems to be some large potholes forming along Glenorchy Road, which may or may not have contributed, but our crews mentioned it when they returned today,” Lamont says.
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: 30 Hours a week 9 - 2:30 Mon – Fri
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.
A man has been remanded in custody following a search warrant at a property in Glenorchy.
On Friday the Otago Lakes Central Organised Crime Team executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing Operation, targeting the supply of Methamphetamine within the community.
A 46-year-old Glenorchy resident was taken into custody without incident. This arrest is the culmination of significant and complex work by the Otago Lakes Central Organised Crime Team.
During the search Police located quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis, drug dealing paraphernalia, and approximately $11,000 cash
• 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.
Serious head on crash – Glenorchy Road by Sue Fea
Glenorchy resident taken into custody in relation to Methamphetamine
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.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.
We’rea hiring:
- Kitchenhands - Commis Chefs
- Chef de Parties (CDPs) - Chefs
•
•
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
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
Join Our Team at The Salvation Army Queenstown Family Store! We’re hiring
2x Family Store Assistant
37.5 hours/week including Saturdays
$28.95/hour Immediate Start
Must have:
Retail experience
Valid working visa
Email Talana for more info: centrallakesarea@familystore.org.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
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
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
Receptionist Required
Join our friendly team at Remarkable Vets, proudly serving the community for 21 years. We're looking for a personable, professional receptionist.
Details:
• 4 days a week (8:00–5:30)
• Occasional Saturdays (8:30–2:00)
• No clinical experience required
• Must be comfortable with computers
• Duties include phone calls, bookings, payments & admin
• Team player essential
Apply now: accounts@remarkablevets.co.nz
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
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.
EXPERIENCED METAL ROOFER
Watertight Metal Ltd is a new division of Watertight Systems the local waterproofing company. Watertight Metal specialises in metal roofing and cladding, operating across the Southern Lakes and Central Otago regions.
Due to our growing work load, we are looking for an experienced metal roofer to join the team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to become an integral part of a motivated expanding new company.
We can provide:
• An interesting, fun, and challenging work environment.
• The opportunity to upskill and further extend your leadership and management experience.
• Competitive renumeration.
• Flexibility to enjoy the Southern Lakes lifestyle.
The ideal candidate:
• Will have a between 2 to 5 years metal roofing/cladding installation experience.
• Is highly motivated, organised, has an eye for detail and consistently takes pride in their work.
• Works well within a team, has proven leadership skills and initiative.
• Is seeking a full time permanent employment opportunity.
Like to know more? Call Brad on 0211962509 or drop us an email at brad@watertightmetal.co.nz
FRONT OF HOUSE LEGENDS WANTED!
Join Queenstown’s largest hospitality group and work across 12 awesome venues! Experience is great — but if you’ve got the right attitude, we’ll teach you the rest.
We’rea hiring:
- Wait Sta - Bar Sta - Baristas -
- Duty Managers - Senior Waitsta -
What you’ll get:
• Join an awesome team of over 250 sta
• Sta perks across all our venues
• Incentives and bene ts
Fun teams, epic venues, and plenty of opportunities to grow! Apply now and join the crew that keeps Queenstown buzzing at hr@wolfgroup.nz
