Ask most people where Bob’s Peak is and they will point up to the top of the Skyline Gondola. Wrong. Up behind the gondola are Bowen Peak and Ben Lomond. You have to head out to the Moke Lake road to drive up beside the real Bob’s Peak. Point to the hill towering over Kelvin Heights and they will call it Deer Park Heights. No, that’s the commercial venture using Peninsula Hill. Head down Gorge Road and you are in Boydtown! Did you know the Edith Cavell Bridge was named by force of public opinion and was originally refused as a name. Do we really know where we are? I recently asked people to meet me at Jubilee Park. Blank stares.
And don’t get me started about how “Beside Frankton” got to call itself “Queenstown (not) Central”. I propose we all actively call Hendo’s Hole (yes, I remember) Frankton Central and see if we can make that stick.
When I moved to Queenstown last century, Frankton was away, out of town. Now the Basin is filling up. Perhaps Frankton is now “central”, and Queenstown is now just a trendy district. As we have grown to city status, perhaps it is time to rename ourselves Whakatipu City. (For quite a while I referred to Queenstown as Conestown, now that moniker belongs to BP roundabout –aka Frankton beside Frankton Central).
Come to beautiful Whakatipu, dine in the trendy lakeside Queenstown, wander the quaint streets of Arrowtown, shop in the busy Frankton Central whatever-it-is, cycle through the lifestyle mansions in the Basin, head down the southern corridor…
Another issue I have noticed around Whakatipu City is a confusion with heights. Myths such as that Arrowtown is the same altitude as the Skyline top station. Confusion that is not helped by bad data on the internet. Searches for the height of both give quite a variety of answers, especially for Arrowtown ranging from 390m - 671m.
How deep is our lake? Well, it varies but the bottom is below sea level. On some charts it shows around 370m deep but others show the depth 390m. I have seen 394m on a boat sounder and would not be surprised if there were pockets of 400m. The mean lake level is 310m above sea level. So that gives you 60~80m below sea level, which itself is deeper than most harbours and coastal areas around New Zealand.
When I was recently holidaying in the Gold Coast, I took my binoculars and enjoyed watching pods of dolphins and whales from the balcony of the hotel. Here in Queenstown I see ‘sharks’ frolicking in the lake. Makes me want to create a viral Lock Ness style Lake Taniwha myth to get people watching the lake too. Let’s spread some more misinformation… or maybe not. Before AI can muddle us up with its own hallucinations, perhaps we just need to get our names straight and our facts clear, and keep our tourists well informed. Anthony Hill, Coastguard Queenstown
*Closed Christmas Day & New Year’s Day. Season ends Sunday 1 March.
P 03 442 0145 | E swim@qldc.govt.nz | W qldc.govt.nz/recreation
@arrowtown_memorial_pool
ON THE APP
Abatement notices received for performance issues at Wānaka Wastewater Treatment Plant
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has received two abatement notices from Otago Regional Council (ORC) in relation to recently communicated performance challenges at the Project Pure Wastewater Treatment Plant in Wānaka.
Last week QLDC let the community know about performance issues at the plant which occurred during recent upgrade works. This resulted in some ponding of the disposal area, surface run-off from the site, and total Nitrogen within treated wastewater exceeding consent requirements.
QLDC General Manager Property & Infrastructure, Tony Avery said while the situation was disappointing, QLDC is cooperating fully with ORC and actions were already underway to address the issues.
“Our teams are committed to ensuring the operation returns to full compliance as quickly as possible.”
“With the recent upgrade work now complete, and all three reactors operating as expected, we’re already seeing material improvements in the treated wastewater quality.”
“We will continue to keep the community informed while we work through these issues,” Mr Avery said.
Dog owner, pooch rescued from Arrowtown cliff by helicopter
A person and their dog have been winched to safety by helicopter, after getting stuck on a cliff in Otago over the weekend.
Emergency services were called about 1pm Saturday and responded to the incident close to Thompson Hill, near Arrowtown, along the Twin Rivers Trail.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the pair had to be rescued using harnesses and a helicopter, as they were trapped about 60 metres down.
The person became stuck, when they tried to rescue their dog and found they could not get back up to the track.
Two crews of firefighters from Frankton and one crew from Arrowtown were sent to the scene.
The rescue was wrapped up by 4pm Saturday, the spokesperson said, and there were no reports of injuries.
CRIMELINE
by Sue Fea
Ute flips, crashes into parked Jeep at Lake Hayes Estate - Occupants flee
Police are working to identify the driver and three passengers of a Nissan ute that flipped onto its roof allegedly colliding with a parked Jeep, which then careered into a parked Volvo at Lake Hayes Estate at 12.20am on Saturday, 15 November. Constable Amanda Shute says the driver and passengers of the Nissan then allegedly fled the scene. “The Nissan was being driven along Erskine Street towards Sylvan Street when it collided with the parked Jeep on the righthand side of the road,” Shute says. That was then pushed into a parked Volvo in front of it,” she says. “The Nissan ute flipped, coming to rest on its roof.” Enquiries are continuing to identify the driver and occupants.
Suspected arson in Glenorchy
Police are assisting Fire and Emergency NZ investigators after a suspected arson in Shiel Street, Glenorchy, at 2.30am on Friday, 14 November. Shute says Police were called by FENZ to attend the scene of a large out of control fire at a house in Shiel Street and enquiries are continuing as to its cause. FENZ Otago Lakes group assistant commander Nic McQuillan says the fire was centred in a shed and sleepout on a property and a Queenstown fire investigator visited the scene the following day. McQuillan says they’re awaiting the outcome of the investigations and the fire is being treated as a suspected arson.
In the right place at a bad time
A visitor to Queenstown in his 60s, who had a sudden cardiac medical event right outside the Queenstown Fire Station in Isle Street around midday on Tuesday, 18 November, couldn’t have been in a more appropriate place to receive help at the time. Within a minute or two he was surrounded by experienced rescue firefighters, who came running from the station, and doctors and nurses from the Queenstown Medical Centre next door, who also rushed to his aid, FENZ group manager (Central Otago) Bobby Lamont says. “We responded to a cardiac event outside the station and there were multiple staff from the medical centre also there helping him,” Lamont says. The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter flew in and airlifted him to Dunedin Hospital straight away. “He was very lucky to have so many of the right people on hand straight away,” Lamont says.
A spokesperson for St John Ambulance says the patient was airlifted in a serious condition and one first response unit attended along with the rescue helicopter.
Family feud
A 37-year-old Dunedin man was arrested for fighting, later released with a warning, after a fight broke out between two male cousins in Brecon Street outside a bar just after 7pm on Sunday, 16 November. Shute says the pair had been removed from the bar due to their behaviour towards other patrons and were allegedly fighting each other outside in a public place. The 37-year-old allegedly continued with the aggression, she says.
Lucky escape prompts drink drive warning
Police are urging people to be “really conscious” not to put themselves and others at risk as the Christmas party season winds up and the warmer summer weather approaches, after a very fortunate escape in Central Otago on Saturday, 15 November.
Otago Lakes Road Policing Sergeant Bruce Martin says they’re awaiting a blood alcohol level result after an Alexandra driver in his 30s allegedly blew a “very high” breath alcohol level, colliding with rock cutting at the Ophir Bridge at 9.15pm. The man requested a blood test. “The impact destroyed a wheel on his vehicle and caused mild damage to the bridge,” Martin says. His licence was automatically suspended for 28 days. Fortunately, the driver and his male passenger were not injured.
Five Knots
No, it's not how to tie them! It's how to obey them. The yellow five knot markers are reminders of your obligations. Apart from in The Narrows and Queenstown Bay, they don’t demark where you do 5 knots. Anywhere within 200m of shore you should have already dropped to 5 knots, unless you are in a designated ski lane with a skier in tow, or you are navigating the two hi-speed access lanes through The Narrows or into Queenstown Bay. All other 5kn markers are actually well within 200m of shore and just reminders that you should have already slowed down. There are other times you need to slow to 5 knots; do you know them? Share the water safely, there are swimmers about.
Taiwanese tourist’s first time on New Zealand roadsRoaring Meg crash
by Sue Fea
A 34-year-old Taiwanese tourist, who ploughed head on into a local family near Roaring Meg on Sunday, 15 November, seriously injuring a Queenstown woman, was driving for the first time on New Zealand’s open roads, Police say.
Otago Lakes Road Policing Sergeant Bruce Martin says while investigations are continuing, speed was not a factor in the crash just before midday, which appeared to have been caused by driver inattention.
The visiting driver was charged with careless driving causing injury and ordered to pay $8400 reparation, including $2000 for emotional harm, and disqualified from driving for six months when he appeared in the Queenstown District Court on Monday, 17 November, Martin says.
The Toyota Prado he was driving, with three passengers on board, crossed the centreline on a windy corner with a 55km/hr speed advisory and hit the family’s Ford Ranger ute, which was towing a trailer, head on, he says. “The local man driving the Ranger, which was heading towards Cromwell from Queenstown, took evasive action but had nowhere to go and crashed into a steep, rocky bank,” Martin says. The family was believed to be from the Queenstown area – two adults and two young children. The woman was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital by Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter with serious injuries, including multiple fractures, where she underwent surgery and is expected to take a number of months to recover, Martin says.
The Taiwanese driver was heading towards Queenstown.
Both vehicles were extensively damaged and written off. “There was obviously a reasonable impact,” he says.
Another patient was taken to Lakes District Hospital by road with moderate injuries.
A St John Ambulance spokesperson says they treated a serious patient who was airlifted to Dunedin, and the patient in a moderate condition, assessing a further six patients on the scene, all of whom suffered minor injuries. One ambulance, an operations manager and the rescue helicopter responded.
Martin is urging motorists to pay attention – Kiwi and overseas drivers, especially in the lead up to the busy summer holiday season.
“All it takes is one moment’s inattention, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the roads,” he says.
functions Christmas
Plan the Perfect Christmas Function
The festive season is just around the corner, and it’s time to gather your team, friends, or family to celebrate in style!
From cosy dinners to lively parties, this feature on Christmas Functions showcases some of the best local venues ready to make your end-of-year celebration truly memorable.
PHOTO PAGE
Shotover Primary School Fair on Friday
Neighbourhood Story Slam at Sherwood on Thursday Night
Shotover Primary Teachers having a go at the human fruit machine
Bird Feeder Stall at the SPS Fair
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART
THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES
Arrowtown Auto Show & Friday Night Cruise
EVENTS
The Arrowtown Auto Show is a community event organised by a committee of eight local auto enthusiasts. This year they are also holding our inaugural Friday Night Cruise, giving entrants two back-to-back events, so encouraging them to stay and play in Arrowtown/Queenstown. The Saturday Auto Show will be held again at the Arrowtown Primary School, and entry proceeds including gold coin entry donations from the public all go to the school. There will also be an auction, and proceeds from the Friday Cruise will be donated to the Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigade.
When: Friday and Saturday, 28 and 29 November, 10am – 3pm Where: Arrowtown Primary School, 9 Chalmers Place, Arrowtown
Spring Sessions: Violet Hirst with Little Roads Trio
The final Spring Sessions evening welcomes curator Violet Hirst to the stage. Contemporary acoustic stories, with Wakatipu High School’s Littles Road Trio opening. Violet is a Tāhuna born-and-raised artist whose musical journey began the night she was born - opening night of her mother’s musical Kitchens. Since then, Violet has been finding different ways to get back on the stage. Violet’s debut album Donegal (2023) was recorded in Cromwell capturing the wind, water, birds, and cars driving by. Donegal placed on SRN and Radioscope Alternative charts and followed with a nationwide tour. Hirst will be accompanied by her father, Nigel on flute and Pol Nicholson on guitar.
When: Saturday, 29 November, 7pm – 9pm
Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
Le Petit Chef
The world’s smallest chef is coming to Queenstown! Join in on an immersive culinary adventure that comes alive with 3-dimensional visual mappings. Le Petit Chef will appear in Queenstown for the first time at Crowne Plaza. He will transport you to his animated world. Immerse yourself in a vibrant 3D-animated experience as you follow his quest to gather the finest ingredients and witness the expert preparation of your exquisite dinner.
When: From Wednesday, 3 December – Thursday, 30 April Booking times: Wednesday and Thursdays, 7pm, and Fridays and Saturdays, 5pm and 7.30pm Where: Crowne Plaza, 93 Beach Street, Queenstown
COMMUNITY
Women in Tech – Tech & Tinsel Christmas Mingle
Join in for Tech & Tinsel, a festive Christmas mingle hosted by Queenstown Women in Tech! They’re wrapping up the year with casual connection, community, and holiday cheer - just good vibes and quality networking. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, friendly faces, and plenty of chances to meet people across Queenstown’s tech community and beyond. Whether you work in tech, run a business, or you’re simply tech curious, you’re welcome here. Bring your colleagues, partners and friends - there’s loads of space, and they’d love to celebrate with you all. There’s also a Christmas giveaway, supporting local female-led businesses. Tickets are free but you do need to register at Humanitix.
When: Monday, 1 December, 4pm – 6pm
Where: Sherwood, 554 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Santa’s Grotto at Minus 5° Ice Bar
Minus 5° Ice Bar will transform into a twinkling festive wonderland as Santa and his elves come to visit. Families can visit Santa to get photos with the jolly man in red and create heartwarming memories. For a $10 donation per family, each will have a personal and magical moment with Santa, and face painting is available for a gold coin donation. There is no need to book, as a ticketed system on site each day means families don’t have to stand in line while they wait. All for a good cause as money will go to Queenstown Plunket.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 6 and 7 December, 10am – 2pm
Where: Minus 5° Ice Bar, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown
Queers and Beers – Monthly Rainbow Social
Hosted by Searchlight’s resident Drag Queen Miss Kaysey Leigh Brookes, each month she will bring you entertainment that will leave a mark! Expect drag shows, music, Jingo, games, trivia and much much more! Searchlight want to keep their Pride spirit alive all year round to create a stronger and closer community
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 book in via Remarkable Theatres Website.
When: Wednesday, 3 December, 7pm – 8.30pm
Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
Queenstown Christmas Show 2025
Discover what a summer Christmas looks like in Queenstown. When Olaf’s flight home to Iceland is cancelled, Aroha takes him on a whirlwind adventure through Queenstown — from Lake Hayes to Walter Peak, meeting Rudolph, Mrs Claus, and a whole cast of locals who help bring the spirit of Christmas to life. The strong ensemble of 13 will be accompanied by 12 dancers and performances by Silk & Circus Aerialists, Queenstown Gymnastics Club, Wakatipu Conservatoire of Classical Ballet and Turn Up the Music Children’s Choir.
When: Saturday, 6 December, 3pm and Sunday, 7 December, 1pm and 5pm
Where: Queenstown Event Centre, Joe O’Connell Drive, Frankton
HOSPOGUIDE
large pizzas, dine in or
Quiz Night Bookings are highly recommended.
To book contact info@lokalqt.co.nz or ring 03 442 5444
Gourmet Pizzas, BBQ platters & ribs, burgers, tap beers. Dine in & takeaway
on
wines and
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
Tuesday Free to Watch Ice Hockey from 6.15pm7.45pm
Wednesday Bump, Skate & Frisbee for only $49ppfrom 12pm-6pm
Thursday All-Day Ice Skating Tickets $25 per person!
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
Wednesday POOL COMP from 9pm $200 CASH PRIZE FREE
Friday It’s Snowing on the Ice! Every 30 mins from 12pm-6pm Saturday Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Disco from 6.15pm-7.30pm
Pint
Sunday Free to Watch Ice Hockey from 5.15pm8.45pm
Spice Bag & a Pint for $26
Hour 8-10pm $12 cocktails / $10 Pints / $14 Jugs
See you Wednesday!
DJ Rinkha 10pm MONDAY TO SUNDAY 3PM - 12AM
Thursday LOCALS NIGHT Live Music 6pm - 9pm DJ AYEEDEEG 9pm - Late $20 JUGS | 1/2 PRICE PIZZA | BIG PRIZE DRAW AT 11PM
HOSPOGUIDE
25 NOVEMBER- 1 DECEMBER
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 beers on tap, QMTBC & HIVE PASS discounts! Brand new full food menu available Thurs-Sat from 3pm. Freshly-made pizzas, burgers, quesadillas, fries, an EPIC Irish Spice Bag & much more!
Daily $6 Coffee & Cake From 11am R20 Venue.
Friday LIVE MUSIC. Hosted by Nemo Gent OPEN FROM 12pm Smash Burger Fridays
Wednesday Darts & Beers, Social Games
Night from 6pm - free entry / drink offers / prizes
Thursday COMING SOON!
Thurs 11 Dec Queers & Beers ‘SLEIGH THE MIC’ Christmas karaoke with Miss KayseyLeigh Brookes! FREE ENTRY!
Wednesdays $25 Steak Special From 12pm – 4pm R20 Venue
Special O’Fish Al
Saturday OPEN FROM 12pm
Friday NO OPEN MIC THIS WEEK! Returns Friday 5 Dec from 6.30pm with all new equipment & sound system!
Thursday 27 November Jingo Night 6.30pm – 8.30pm R20 Venue
Music with Danny Atkinson 9.30pm $15 Burger Special Classic Cheese
Sunday $36 SUNDAY ROAST from 12pm DJ Doolittle from 5pm
Saturday COMING SOON! Huge weekend summer events & festivals, a fresh summer menu & delicious beers pouring as always!
Sunday Closed currently. GRAND SUNDAY OPENING 11 JANUARY - offering the best Sunday Roast in town with fun, games & music for the whole family!
Sundays $29 Parmi Special From 12pm – 4pm R20 Venue
Live Music with Eby 9pm
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
The Queenstown Christmas Show will return with a wholesome family-friendly performance. Aroha and Olaf will take the stage to show what a true Southern summer Christmas looks like – sunshine, laughter and a little bit of magic. This year they’re raising money for the Salvation Army, too.
When Olaf’s flight home to Iceland is cancelled, Aroha takes him on a whirlwind adventure through Queenstown — from Lake Hayes to Walter Peak, meeting Rudolph, Mrs Claus, and a whole cast of locals who help bring the spirit of Christmas to life. There’ll be some surprises during the show, too, including a visit from Santa himself.
The strong ensemble of 13 will be accompanied by 12 dancers and performances by Silk & Service Aerialists, Queenstown Gymnastics Club, Wakatipu Conservatoire of Classical Ballet and Turn Up the Music Children’s Choir.
Two of the performers this year are Fleur Daymon and Arka Huck. It’s 13-year-old Fleur’s first time performing at the Christmas show and she’s excited to be playing Farmer Joe.
“My favourite part was probably the first day, because I was super scared but when I got here, I was like, ‘this is such a cool experience,’ and everyone’s so nice,” she says. “Farmer Joe is a bit of an interesting one – they’re a typical Kiwi farmer, rounding up the sheep and they like riding on their e-bike.”
"It’s just such a beautiful, wholesome thing and it’s really rewarding in the sense that you get these kids come in, and they’re so full of energy and they want to be here."
Arka is 11 and has been a part of the show for a few years now. He loves singing and dancing, and this year will play an elf. He’s drawn back each year by getting to see the crowd's smiling faces as he performs.
“I love meeting new people and seeing some familiar faces,” he says. “I think it’s a great opportunity for acting and singing. My favourite thing about performing on stage is seeing everyone in the audience going, ‘wow, they’re really good.’”
Tiffany Bindon is the show’s Director and has been involve for a few years in various roles including stage manager and production manager. She explains that the show is put on by the community for the community and gives children an opportunity to be a part of a larger-scale production. By the end of it, they’re all a big family, with many friendships formed.
“It’s just such a beautiful, wholesome thing and it’s really rewarding in the sense that you get these kids come in, and they’re so full of energy and they want to be here,” Bindon says. “They learn and grow so much over the time that we’re together, which is hugely rewarding.”
The show will help to support the Salvation Army and their Christmas Hampers, which they put together each year for families in need. When purchasing tickets, you’ll be able to add a donation of your choosing to the Salvation Army present drive. Alternatively, if you wish to donate a physical gift, the elves will be collecting at the show and at Kmart.
This year there’ll be three shows at Queenstown Event Centre on Saturday, 6 December at 3pm and Sunday, 7 December at 1pm and 5pm. Tickets are $10 for adults (16+), $5 for children (5-15yrs) and free for under fives.
To buy tickets and find out more info head to christmasshow.co.nz
Writing in the field
by Bethany Rogers
Four writers will be taking it outside this month as part of the Three Lakes Trust’s Creative Spaces project, and they are inviting locals to pick up their pens and join in. Wānaka’s Laura Williamson, Queenstown’s Bethany Rogers, and former Wānaka residents Liz Breslin and Annabel Wilson will be presenting ‘Field Notes’ on Saturday, 29 November, starting at Wilson & Dorset - Cowie’s Cottage then exploring spots around Arrowtown.
The four will present a reading from recent works, followed by a walking workshop, in which participants will take a short easy walk with several stops, each designed to inspire creative flow in a different way. “Everyone will get the chance to start a new piece of writing, or to work on something they’ve already started, through a series of site-specific prompts,” Laura explained.
Annabel added that the workshop will involve a “wayfinding approach”, whereby walking becomes a writer’s tool, bringing together body and mind. “We hope you’ll come away with some fresh ideas and connections. And there will be a chance for some kōrero and sharing of our kupu at the end.”
Running from 1–30 November, the Creative Spaces Project is a collaboration between Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Three Lakes Cultural Trust, pairing local creativity with unexpected spaces and places across the Queenstown Lakes District. From cafés and restaurants to libraries, laneways, and community halls, creativity is popping up everywhere, transforming familiar places into moments of imagination and connection. Each installation, performance, or exhibition brings artists and venues together to offer fresh ways of experiencing local culture.
Field Notes tickets available to enjoy the readings, or take part in both the readings and the writing walk. For tickets scan the QR code.
Monthly Column
Joseph Mooney MP
for Southland
Good planning and preparation don’t just make things run smoothly - they create success. A perfect example is the Queenstown Marathon, which smashed records yet again.
I had the privilege of sounding the hooter for the second time at Millbrook to kick off the marathon. Over 13,000 runners took part across all events, including 2,995 marathoners and a whopping 5,000 international runners from 88 countries. That’s 2,000 more than last year. Air New Zealand even added 6,400 extra seats to Queenstown flights, giving our local economy a serious boost.
Tourism is a heavy lifter of the lower South Island, and the Government is making sure those benefits flow far and wide. This month, regional development agency Great South received $393,000 to launch a campaign showcasing our region’s legendary hospitality to the world. More visitors mean more opportunities for businesses in places tourists might never have discovered otherwise.
I’m also incredibly pleased to see Queenstown a focus as New Zealand welcomes the Michelin Guide for the first time ever. After 125 years, Michelin is expanding into Oceania (we beat Australia to the punch). Inspectors are already dining anonymously in our top restaurants, with the first NZ edition to be released mid-2026, featuring Queenstown, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. This is another win for tourism and economic growth.
While Domino’s might not make the Michelin list, there’s an incredible local success story behind those pizzas. Recently I caught up with Anton Cuthbert. He started at Domino’s at 15, bought his first store in Alexandra at 20 (just two weeks before the 2020 lockdown), and didn’t stop there. By 25, Anton owns four stores in Alexandra, Wānaka, Queenstown, and Frankton, employing over 100 people, and still jumps in to make pizzas. That’s entrepreneurship at its finest.
Queenstown Lakes is buzzing with innovation and that’s reflected in an interesting recent fact: Queenstown now has more merchants accepting Bitcoin than Hong Kong. Earlier this year, I hosted a Queenstown-led delegation at Parliament to talk digital currency opportunities. Local businesses are embracing the future and Queenstown’s leading the way yet again.
As summer approaches, so does Christmas and a busy season for Queenstown Lakes. But before the year wraps up, there’s an important milestone next month as Health NZ completes Clinical Services Planning for Otago Central Lakes. I’m very proud of this as it’s a direct result of a health project I started with local leaders and Helen Foot two years ago. Our work has led to Health Minister Simeon Brown directing HealthNZ to work on the first clinical services plan for a region in decades.
This clinical services plan will shape the future of health services in Otago Central Lakes. Public info sessions are coming up, with Q&A and chances to chat with health leaders and local reps. All events are free—just register if you’d like to join:
• Queenstown: Event Centre, Frankton – 1:45pm, Thu 27 Nov
• Wānaka: Lake Wānaka Centre – 1:30pm, Tue 25 Nov
• Cromwell: Presbyterian Church Hall – 10:45am, Wed 26 Nov
• Online: Microsoft Teams – 5:30pm, Wed 26 Nov: Register: https://bit.ly/CSPCOQL
by Sue Fea
My Life story
DICK WATSON
Glenorchy’s own ‘Crocodile Dundee’
He served for 53 years in the Glenorchy Fire Brigade, chief for almost 25 years, built notorious Wakatipu backcountry roads, leapt from choppers for Sir Tim Wallis, was chased by airborne Turkish Police with AK-47s and starred in the Lord of the Rings.
It was all in a day’s work for Glenorchy veteran contractor Dick Watson, who turns 81 on 11 December, and is still working 12-hour days, five days a week, rising before the birds for his five cups of breakfast tea.
“If you don’t keep at it, well you’ll probably drop dead,” he grins.
Dick’s a bit of a legend at the head of the lake, born in 1944 when his parents lived at The Hillocks farm. “We’d spend so much time at Routeburn Station with Uncle Wattie (Watson), driving his wee David Brown tractors,” Dick recalls. “I got a toy train circuit one year and my brother Tiger and I hid it from our older brothers in a rabbit hole behind Nana’s house. We stuck our arms in every rabbit hole trying to find that but never did. I was so upset.”
He was four when they moved south, attending Nightcaps School before the family moved to Dunedin where he went to newly opened Kaikourai Valley High in 1959. Holidays were spent back at Uncle Wattie’s where Dick worked as a musterer building up his own team of dogs after leaving school.
He’d earn £3 a day mustering and worked as cutter for Sir Tim on deer recovery operations, turning down a fulltime job doing that for £10 a day, to continue mustering.
“Wattie had an old horse called ‘Laddy’ who’d swim us across the river to Glenorchy and back after we’d had a few beers late after rugby,” Dick says. “Some nights there’d be three of us holding his mane and tail and the Dart would be in flood.”
At 18 Dick was gravelling the Skippers Road into Branches Station with legendary Queenstown contractor Darrell McGregor, following Darrell on his bulldozer in a Bedford truck.
“We knew nothing about firefighting, so I bought a training manual from a second-hand shop, which Bob Robertson suggested. I trained them and we all worked like clockwork.”
A few years on a Gore farm with his then wife wasn’t for Dick who missed the mountains.
“Darrell put me on a new 30-tonne bulldozer doing work for ACI around the scheelite mines.”
Dick built the road from Kinloch to the Greenstone in 1980 and almost met disaster when forming the road from Mount Nicholas to Elfin Bay. “We set fire to a face on the bluffs when the Cordtex went off. Thankfully, Maru Bradshaw came along with his tugboat deck hose.”
In 1971 Dick and his mates formed the Glenorchy Fire Brigade with minimal financial support from the Lake County Council and ACI, before the Fire Service bought them a Wajax pump. “We knew nothing about firefighting, so I bought a training manual from a second-hand shop, which Bob Robertson suggested. I trained them and we all worked like clockwork.” They fundraised for their own RT radios.
Dick, a life member who was awarded his doublegold star by FENZ several years ago, is most proud of how they saved the Glenorhcy Store. “Queenstown (Brigade) gave us a lot of praise for that,” he says. Historic Paradise House was another partial save.
Trouble is word got out. “We’d get calls to haul people’s bogged cars out of the sandy gravel under Dart Bridge and even got called more recently after a tourist, who rang 111, had his drone stuck up a tree.”
These were all handy skills for Dick’s tour guide business that he ran back in 2000, taking tourists, often upmarket Blanket Bay guests, up the Rees Valley to the 25 Mile. He’d ford rivers and spin yarns about possums, before boiling up billy tea. “We’d look straight up Lennox Falls and the Birley Glacier.”
Nicknamed the ‘Crocodile Dundee of Glenorchy’, Dick’s eaten possum when gold mining in the Buckler Burn with his large floating plant using a 20-tonne digger. “Sometimes I made an embarrassing amount of money in the 1980s and sometimes it would be embarrassing the other way,” he grins.
He’s not only galloped the Greenstone as one of the Riders of Rohan in ‘Lord of the Rings’, but dodged Turkish Police hovering above in a helicopter aiming AK-47’s. “I’d driven for Dart River Jet and drove commercial jetboats in Turkey, but the boss was illegally running 300 to 400 passengers a day. Us drivers were shooting the boats in under the willows below and the boss said: ‘You mad buggers! They have real bullets and wouldn’t hesitate,” Dick says.
Not surprising then that Dick’s also starred in a local TV ad with pro racing car driver Greg Murphy.
Dick played rugby for 30 years – playing with Arrowtown’s Jimmy Dennison in the Otago Colts and for Vincent, hitching a flight home to Routeburn Station via Milford with legendary pilot Tex Smith.
There’s the day Wattie suggested the Rugby Club start the Glenorchy Races, Dick’s helped organise and competed for 64 years winning the first ever Stockman’s Race. “They even handicapped me, but he still cleaned up,” he grins.
Dick out hunting on Routeburn Station, aged about 17
Dick and little sister Isabel as children at The Hillocks - late 1940s
Dick and longtime partner Rachael celebrating his 50 years as a volunteer firefighter
Help Build a Permanent Home for the Women’s Shed COMMUNITY NOTES
The Women’s Shed Queenstown has become a place where women of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn new skills, build confidence, and connect with their community. Now, this community initiative needs your help to create a permanent home.
For the past two years, Women’s Shed has been renting space at the Menzshed to run tool workshops. Over 450 wāhine have picked up tools, from hammers to drills, and discovered what they’re capable of. The Shed isn’t just about building projects - it’s about building self-belief and community. It’s a place where women can explore practical skills in a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment.
But there’s a problem - their lease is coming to an end. The team has found a new site at Country Lane in Frankton to build their very own shed, but to make it a reality, they need your support. They’re running a Givealittle campaign to raise $50,000 to help fund the construction of Queenstown’s very own Women’s Shed.
“We believe women can do anything men can, sometimes they just need the opportunity and encouragement to try,” founder, Alex van Dam says. “The new space will allow us to expand our workshops, create pathways into trades, and provide a safe, accessible space where local women and youth (and men at certain times) can come together to learn, share, and grow.”
The Women’s Shed is an important community resource. It gives women the tools and skills to take on new challenges, whether it’s fixing a leaky
tap, building furniture, or even pursuing a career in trades. But with the current workshop space soon to end, the team is in urgent need of funds to make the new Shed a reality.
With the help of local funders already on board, the Women’s Shed is well on its way - but there’s still more to be done. The $50,000 goal will help cover construction costs and the fit-out of the new space, ensuring it’s fully equipped to meet the needs of the growing community.
Every dollar counts, and the team is grateful for every bit of support.
Lakes Weekly gives community organisations in Queenstown Lakes the chance to address our readers directly though our Community Notes page. If you’d like to take part, email Jess at info@qmg.co.nz
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
LWB QUIZ
1. What is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature?
2. Which Greek mathematician is known as the “Father of Geometry”?
3. Which New Zealand town is known as the “Lime Capital of the World” due to its large limestone deposits?
4. Which Shakespeare play features the characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
5. What is the chemical formula for table salt?
6. Which empire was ruled by the Qing Dynasty?
7. Which New Zealand-born physicist is known as the “father of nuclear physics”?
8. Which scientist discovered penicillin in 1928?
9. What is the deepest known point in the ocean?
10. Which New Zealand city is home to the Tāne Mahuta kauri tree, one of the largest living kauri in the world?
The Challenger Deep (in the Mariana Trench) | 10. Near Dargaville, Northland (Waipoua Forest)
NEW TO THE AREA OR got more time on your hands & looking to give back to your community? Altrusa International Qtwn is looking for volunteers just like you to join our women’s charitable & service organisation supporting our local community. Want to know more? Email: president.queenstown@altrusa.org.nz or message us on Facebook.com/AltrusaQueenstown
WHAKATIPU DRIVE MY LIFE ARE seeking volunteers to become mentor buddies to help our vulnerable people achieve their drivers licence. If you are interested or have any questions contact Louise Ward louise@reap.co.nz
SPCA OP SHOP – 51 GORGE RD. Open 7 days a week 9am- 5pm. Pre-loved goods and clothing at great prices. Help support the ongoing work done by the SPCA. Accepting donations now. Call into store now to enquire about Volunteering. Your old goods, or your time, could help save a life.
WSCA – ROOMS FOR HIRE - Spacious, sunny rooms are available for hire to Queenstown Community Groups. The rooms hold up to 90 people, with seated dining for 40. Located on the 1st floor of Malaghan House, 10 Memorial Street, Queenstown with lift access. There are kitchen facilities, toilets, Wi-Fi, media equipment for projection onto large screen plus large screen TV. Contact us on 03 4429214 or info@wsca.org.nz for more details.
EVERYTHING ELSE
FOUR VERY TAME SHEEP NEED a new home. Do you have a large grassy area and can you give them hay in the winter? Please contact 027 451 6739
STUCK, ANXIOUS, OVERWHELMED?
Therapy & coaching for women moving through life transitions, anxiety, and overwhelm.
Find steadiness, clarity, and a life that feels like yours again. tanyabottomley.co.nz | 027 346 6553
XS STORAGE
Secure self storage units – various sizes available
Phone: 0800 297 786 www.xsstorage.co.nz
CALLING ALL PERFORMERS!
A major musical theatre production is coming to Queenstown in May 2026! Showbiz Queenstown is holding open auditions in December for singers, actors, and dancers aged 16+. All details at showbizqueenstown.com/2026-auditions
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST
TUE (25 Nov) @ 6.30pm, ‘Nurturing Peace’ with Grant Rix SUN (30 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
Ernest Rutherford | 8. Alexander Fleming
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
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
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
REQUIRED NOW!!!!!!
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 and Full Time Security Guards needed in Queenstown!
• Work at the best events around Queenstown, ensuring things run smoothly and safely!
• Build your security experience - we can assist you in getting your COA license
• Uniform provided
• $27+ per hour
• Casual on-call hours
• Must be 18 years or older
• No experience necessary
If you're interested - please send your CV to recruitment@firstsecurity.co.nz
Skilled and Unskilled Labourers
Traffic Controllers
Looking for casual, temporary or long term work??
Queenstown Personnel and Labour Hire are looking for labourers for a variety of jobs around Queenstown with an immediate start. Contact Sharleen - 027 778 7377 or email sharleen@qtplabour.co.nz
WE’RE GROWING OUR TEAM
Little Aosta - Arrowtown is searching for an experienced, pizza-loving superstar to join our kitchen crew. If you’re passionate about authentic Italian flavours, skilled with dough, and thrive in a fast-paced kitchen — we want to hear from you!
NOW HIRING:
• Pizza Chef – Little Aosta
Apply now: Send your CV + a little about yourself to: info@aosta.nz
MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT/ HOUSEKEEPING POSITIONS
We are looking for a maintenance assistant and housekeeping people to work on Fridays only at the Ridge Resort in Goldfield Heights. Must have a good level of fitness and common sense. Could suit parents to work within school hours or fit retired persons.
Friendly/efficient team person required for large busy retail shop. Must work weekends/speak good English.
Phone Lara 0274 808 804
thegoldnuggetarrowtown@gmail.com
Full and Part time positions available
Amazing individuals required to join our fun team as:
• New Build & Commercial cleaning experts
• Air b n b & residential cleaning professionals
• Full training given! Great Pay Rates!
• Travel and vehicles provided!
Email us for full details and a trial! slithytoves33@gmail.com and check out our website www.slithytoves.nz
Committed to a healthy work/life balance!
RENTAL SALES AGENT
Do you enjoy working in a fast paced environment where the days go quickly?
Do you enjoy meeting and talking to people from all over the world?
Do you appreciate a consistent working roster because your life outside of work is important too?
If you answered yes to any of these then maybe this customer service, sales and office administration based role is the new job for you.
Full Time contracts available with set days off, Shifts are mostly 8am to 5.30pm with at least one evening shift per week. The role also requires you to work weekends. You'd be based out of our Queenstown Airport office in Frankton or our downtown office
What you need:
• Full drivers licence
• Good command of the English language
• Working rights in New Zealand (no sponsorship available)
Please send a CV to: claire.hampson@abg.com
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
HOUSEKEEPERS
Are you motivated, reliable, and ready to work in a high-end hospitality environment? We're looking for Housekeepers to join our growing team in beautiful Queenstown.
What we’re looking for:
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Efficient and calm under pressure
• Experience preferred, but not essential
• Available to work any day of the week
• Full-time and part-time roles available
• Full driver's license required
• Must hold a valid work visa
• Immediate start available
Email your CV to operations@staysouth.com with your CV and cover letter.
Evening Shift Picker & Packers and Delivery Drivers
Bidfood Queenstown is currently looking for Evening Shift Picker & Packers and Delivery Drivers. This is an excellent opportunity to join a stable and highly respected company within the hospitality industry as we enter the busy Summer Season. We offer a competitive remuneration package, consistent hours and staff benefits.
Key responsibilities include picking orders for the delivery runs and packing to pallet. You may also be required to receive incoming goods, check inventory and warehouse maintenance. Delivery drivers will need to deliver goods to our customers around the Queenstown and Wanaka region. This position requires individuals to be physically fit as there is frequent heavy lifting of up to 25kg.
Previous experience in a warehouse environment or delivery driving is preferable but not essential as full training and appropriate PPE will be provided. Forklift experience also desirable but not essential. Delivery Drivers must hold a valid NZ Driver’s License.
Applicants must be able to provide references and must be eligible to work in NZ to apply for this role.
Please send your CV to HR.Queenstown@bidfood.co.nz
