Queenstown is a place of paradox. We are a town, not a city, with an international airport and world-class ski resorts. And despite our fast population growth, when it comes to bringing new life into the world, our local hospital is more similar to a birth centre than a full maternity hospital.
Navigating birth in Queenstown is complicated. And now expectant parents are being faced with a new policy that means if medically needed, they are transferred to Dunedin hospital via helicopter (or ambulance), rather than to Invercargill as part of a trial that started in late December 2025. Unfortunately, the public aren’t quite sure what the trial is trialling, and the emotional impact is clear. For many new parents, this policy change has unlocked a new fear. Pregnancy is, by its very nature, a lesson in understanding that there are only parts of our lives we can control. But birthing in Queenstown and surrounds adds a layer of logistical uncertainty that can feel overwhelming. Many residents, myself included, didn’t grow up with this medical or maternity system. It can be a shock to realise that a helicopter flight might be part of your birth plan. However, while we cannot control hospital infrastructure or staffing capacities, we can control how we prepare. And prepare you should, as living in this district is most probably going to involve travel.
Our job as parents and whānau is to nurture ourselves and our babies. To move from being paralysed by the “what ifs” to being empowered by our options. That confidence begins with curiosity and preparation for the pieces we CAN control. I encourage every expecting family to sit down with their Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) and map out the possible pathways of birth and their preferences. Firstly, think about if a transfer occurs, and the parts that they can plan in advance. Know that Dunedin’s postpartum rooms are shared - a contrast to Invercargill where partners can pull out a mattress. This means your support team may need accommodation. So, if you’re the birthing partner, make sure to research short-stay accommodation in Dunedin so you aren’t scrambling at 2am. And think about keeping the car fully fuelled (or the EV charged), especially given the current fuel situation.
If you’re planning to give birth in Invercargill, discuss your midwifery continuity of care with your LMC. Knowing who will be by your side, can personalise your birth support. No matter where you are birthing, you can set up your environment to feel safe and comfortable. Whether you are at Lakes District Hospital, at home, or in a hospital further afield, you can influence your space and your choices. Music, movement, dim lighting, and familiar scents are tools to help your body feel safe and progress through labour. Remember you can ask more questions, some time to consider your choices and to advocate for yourself. Every birth is unique, and by arming ourselves with information and confidence, we can trust our instincts and our decisions. Remember: you have the strength to navigate whatever path your birth may take, even in paradoxical Queenstown. Meredith Gee - Hypnobirthing practitioner at Mama Gaia Birth
QAFC U10 girls Football season has begun with the 1st game last weekend in Alexandra
ON THE APP THIS WEEK
Too hot to handle
Local hot sauce company Hell Cat Hot Sauce has taken home a win at the prestigious Mr. Chilli awards. The awards are the authority on the hottest hot sauces here and across the ditch - the competition is open to New Zealand and Australia.
Founder and owner of Hell Cat, Matt McKinley, is stoked to have won the Chilli Sauce Mild Heat bracket. There are around 20 categories overall, with some having as many as 50 entries. The win is a big achievement for Hell Cat who are in their third year of operation.
“I heard about the awards whilst searching what Aus and NZ had to offer in terms of showcasing local brands,” McKinley says. “The entry process was straight forward; pick a category and send it off to Australia to be blind tested. Pretty cool as most of the winners are usually Australian brands.”
He started the company as a passion project after working in kitchens as a chef and often thinking ‘I could do that.’ He looks after every step of the process from small-batch preparation
to creating the labels, popping them on and waxing the lids.
“I wanted to make a hot sauce that wasn’t just hot for the sake of being hot, but something that was flavour focused before you get the heat.”
In addition to the original offering, he’s now introduced a cherry hot sauce, and a limitededition pineapple, turmeric and ginger version.
He couldn’t be happier with the recognition and is looking forward to expanding the range, and stockists.
“Stoked to get a win, and see Hell Cat get the recognition, I know it’s delicious but nice to see others agree! I’d love to see Hell Cat across the country.”
You can find Hell Cat Hot Sauce at Fresh Choice, Atlas Beer Cafe, Grub Club food trailer at Altitude and at hellcat.co.nz
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Dental Implants at Remarkables Dental
We’re pleased to offer dental implant treatment right here in Queenstown with Dr Brady Eason. Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth, designed to look, feel and function like natural teeth.
Book a consultation with Dr Eason to see if dental implants are right for you.
Cutting Edge Queenstown @cuttingedge_queenstown
Book online at www.remarkablesdental.co.nz or phone 03 442 3531
PHOTO PAGE
A look back at April - Autumn is here! Arrowtown’s Autumn Festival, fun in the school holidays, a challenge for some, and plenty going on around the Whakatipu.
Some of the scarecrows of this year’s Great
Volunteers at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival
Scarecrow Trail at Arrowtown Autumn Festival
2026 Routeburn Classic
April School Holiday Programme at Te Atamira
A new exhibition at Te Atamira from Hāwea Flat artist, Robyn Bardas. ‘Bone is Bone’
Queenstown Everybite launch on Wednesday, 29 April
Sandra, Dan and Blair at the Pie & Pint festival as part of the Arrowtown Autumn Festival
CRIMELINE
by Sue Fea
Meth, cannabis, firearm discovered – Jack’s Point
A 36-year-old Queenstown man has been charged after Police discovered methamphetamine, cannabis, an unlawful firearm and ammunition at a Jack’s Point home early this week. Acting Senior Sergeant Dylan Hannah-Jones says Police visited the address on Tuesday, 28 April, during enquiries on an unrelated matter, resulting in them executing a search warrant.
Speeds of up to 140km/hr - Drink driving
From speeds clocked at up to 140km/hr to festival-going drink drivers allegedly well over the legal limit, some driving only a short distance to get home, Police say they were out in force “with a razor-sharp focus” these past few weeks.
Hannah-Jones, the Otago Lakes Road Policing manager, says there were “some lead-footed drivers” stopped over Anzac Weekend locally, some allegedly driving up to 140km/hr. In one crash on the Crown Range Road a vehicle left the road near Cardrona Village, coming to rest in a paddock, he says. Thankfully, nobody was injured but Hannah-Jones says it was an important reminder to “drive to the speed limit and keep attentive”.
“We also encourage more leisurely drivers to pull over where it’s safe and let people pass. It’s courteous and safer for everyone,” he says.
Police were out in force breath testing, including in Arrowtown during the recent Autumn Festival. Unfortunately, some drivers allegedly blew over the limit, some of whom Hannah-Jones says were only driving a very short distance.
“Police will not tolerate this kind of decision making. There are always alternatives to driving – (that might include walking) and we will continue to breath test drivers in any location and at any time of the day.”
A 39-year-old man has been charged with failing to stop, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified, third and subsequent, after allegedly being seen driving erratically in Frankton on 18 April, Hannah-Jones says. The vehicle allegedly failed to stop and sped away from Police at a dangerous speed. Police didn’t pursue due to the safety risks to the public but began inquiries into locating the alleged driver who was arrested on Friday, 24 April.
Check those chains
With several early snowfall events this autumn already, Police are warning motorists to check their tyres, dig out their chains and practise putting them on in the driveway at home. Free chain fitting events will be held in Queenstown at the Event Centre on 3 June and in Wānaka on 29 May.
Rescue helicopter – Injured trampers
Wye Creek rescue
A person who’d gone down a cliff off the Wye Creek Walking Track early on Anzac Day (25 April) afternoon was rescued by the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter and flown to Lakes District Hospital with minor injuries, emergency services say.
Police say a land rescue operation was launched, but the person was back on solid ground not long after and the Police rescue was stood down.
Greenstone
A man in his 50s or 60s suffered moderate injuries when he slipped and fell in the Greenstone Valley on Saturday, 25 April, while crossing a stream and small waterfall, managing to walk for several hours to McKellar Hut for help.
A fellow tramper at the hut says the man, who was in a group of four, had hit his face badly and his leg was bleeding. The others tended to his wounds but he needed further medical attention so a personal locator beacon was set off early the following morning. A St John Ambulance spokesperson says they were alerted just after 8am and the rescue helicopter flew the man to Lakes District Hospital in a moderate condition.
Serious accident - Paradise
A person was flown to Lakes District Hospital in a serious condition by the rescue helicopter after a vehicle accident on the Glenorchy-Paradise Road in Paradise shortly after 10.15am Wednesday, 22 April, the spokesperson says.
Motorhome and van collide - Road blocked
Three people suffered moderate injuries after a motorhome and van collided at the Ballantyne Road intersection with the Wānaka-Luggate Highway, 2kms west of Wānaka Airport, around 2pm yesterday, 29 April.
Three St John Ambulances and volunteer fire crews from Wānaka and Luggate responded. A St John spokesperson says ambulance crews treated three patients in a moderate condition, transporting one to Dunstan Hospital and two to Lakes District Hospital.
The road was blocked and traffic was delayed for a short time, allowing the crashed vehicles to be cleared with NZTA setting up a detour.
LAKES WEEKLY POLL
LWB regularly polls locals on issues affecting our region. This week’s responses are below.
Should the government provide more funding to stop the spread of invasive trees?
Do you enjoy the Lakes Weekly photo page?
Yep, love seeing it - 45%
Indifferent - 38%
No, I don't look at it - 16%
Would you fly through the Middle East at the moment?
-
Do you think security cameras deter criminals?
- 31%
- 50%
- 19%
Do you think Uber launching in Wanaka is a positive thing?
There were 86 respondents this week. If you would like to take part: you can sign up on the LWB Facebook page.
3
COMMUNITY NOTES
LitFest 2026
Kia ora, neighbours! We are thrilled to announce that LitFest is back, marking our second year running this district-wide celebration of literacy, and thanks to your incredible support, the festival is growing! For 2026 we’ve expanded our reach to ensure that our smaller and rural libraries are included – Glenorchy, Kingston, and Hāwea, here we come!
Queenstown Lakes District Libraries are proud to host a diverse array of free literacy events throughout May and June. Whether you are looking to sharpen a skill, share a story, or simply connect with fellow book-lovers, there is something in the program for everyone. We kick off in May with a dedicated focus on neurodiversity, hosting an adult ADHD workshop and several sessions designed for adults and parents to better understand dyslexia.
For those looking to unleash their inner artist, the schedule is packed with creative opportunities. You can dive into the world of performance and writing through our workshops on spoken-word, micro-fi ction and poetry. For a bit of lighthearted fun, don’t miss the “Bad Book Cover” design challenge - the ultimate chance to play ‘literary surgeon’ as we attempt to save existing books from their own disastrous cover designs! Our author events are shaping up to be a highlight of
the season, including an intimate evening in Glenorchy with beloved author Ruth Shaw (The Bookseller at the End of the World), the launch of Eva Wong Ng’s moving memoir Daughter of Two Cultures, and an evening with mountaineer, fi lmmaker, and author Brian Hall (High Risk).
As we move into June, the festival shifts toward community spirit and practical skills, starting with the magic of reading for our youngest residents through Rainbow Storytimes held across the district. You can fi nd community harmony by joining a singing session in Wānaka or getting hands-on with a craft workshop at the Frankton Library. For those exploring language and identity, we are hosting Latin kōrero - a special session for Spanish speakers navigating life in New Zealand - alongside workshops on crafting your pepeha to help you connect with your heritage and the land. To round out the offerings, you can gain practical wisdom and build your fi nancial confi dence during our expert-led session at Queenstown Library. Everything at LitFest is free, but space is limited for certain workshops. Pop into your local branch or visit our website to view the full program and secure your spot. Let’s make this year our best one yet! qldclibraries.govt.nz
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
XS STORAGE
Secure self storage units – various sizes available Phone: 0800 297 786 | www.xsstorage.co.nz
HOUSE ELECTRICAL
AGE CONCERN
Support Services, Information, Advice and Personal Advocacy, Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service. www.ageconcern.org.nz
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES
Pint-Sized Plays
Pint-Sized Plays is short format theatre that brings a play writing competition to life. Plays are selected for performance by a judging panel. The live audiences then vote for their preferred script, with the winner being announced on the final night. Always popular get your tickets before they sell out.
When: Wednesday, 6 and Thursday, 7 May, 7pm
Where: The Crown, 3 Murchison Road, Frankton
9 to 5 The Musical
Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world. 9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss (Franklin Hart Jnr.). In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down.
When: Thursday, 14 May – Saturday, 23 May
EVENT
NZWIHL Wakatipu Wild Vs Auckland Steel
Watch the fastest team sport as Wakatipu Wild take to the ice for the NZWIHL 2026 season. Taking on Auckland Steel. Watch all the best local talent and up and coming youth. Who will be the winner - Get behind the team and make some noise.
When: Friday, 8 and Saturday, 9 May, 7pm
Where: Queenstown Ice Arena, 29 Park Street, Queenstown
Just Eat the Damn Sausage with Harriet Moir
In her bold and brave new solo hour of comedy, multiaward winning comedian and entertainer Harriet Moir flips the bird to the patriachy and the multiple ways it has tried to keep her small and keep her quiet. Puberty, periods, pregnancy, perimenopause, piss, processed meat. And please be quiet. Queenstown audiences will recognise Harriet from the Central Otago Whine Tour comedy shows and previoulsy supporting Ben Hurley and Ed Byrne.
When: Saturday, 9 May, 6pm and 8pm
Where: The Sherwood, 554 Frankton Road, Frankton
The Big Bike Film Night
The Big Bike Film Night is on a mission - bringing the best cycling short films from around the world together for you. Showcasing 2.5 hours of riveting bike films that have everything a cycle-centric audience could want - action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration; the evening is unashamedly and utterly, utterly, utterly designed and devised to delight the two-wheel devotee!
Catalyst Trust Queenstown’s next Catalyst Kōrero speaker, executive director of Australia’s new Democracy Foundation Iain Walker, will join them to discuss how we might not just defend our democracy, but how we could renew and improve it. This challenge has perhaps never been more relevant than in this era of declining public trust and polarised politics. This is the community’s opportunity to learn from this global expert follows sessions in Wellington with local and national government leaders. His programme has been supported by Julian and Lizanne Knights and the IDEA Institute.
When: Wednesday, 13 May, 7pm – 10.30pm
Where: The Rees Hotel, 383 Frankton Road, Queenstown
If you would like your show, event, exhibition or meeting promoted in Goings On drop us a line at info@qmg.co.nz with the details
Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown
Atlas X QMTBC End of Season Party
Another season done and dusted, and you know what that means... it’s time for the 2026 End of Season Party at Atlas! This year’s theme is Pirates of the Caribbean, so dust off your pirate gear. From 3.30pm to 5pm they’ve got the little pirates covered with a kids’ party, run by QMTBC; free entry, games, and prizes for all the young treasure hunters. Then from 5pm, it’s all hands on deck as they crank things up for the main event. Fundraising for Queenstown Mountain Bike Club all night.
Becky, Cancer Society’s expert Prosthetics Service Coordinator, will be coming to Queenstown for free fittings on 14 May. With the prosthesis and mastectomy bra fitting service covering Southland and Central Otago, this will be the first time the free clinic will be held in Queenstown. Becky is here to support anyone on their breast cancer journey, providing information and advice, as well as post-op supports to increase comfort. Her prosthetics room is well stocked with different types of breast forms, bras, camisoles and more for all types of activities and lifestyles. Contact Becky to book on 021 225 2501 or 03 218 4108.
When: Thursday, 14 May, 9am – 3pm
Where: Cancer Society, Remarkables Park Town Centre, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
Queenstown Women in Tech - ‘Women Who Lead’ - Techweek 2026
Three women. Three remarkable careers. One honest conversation about what leadership in tech actually looks like. This Techweek, Queenstown Women in Tech is hosting an intimate panel lunch with three of the most accomplished women in New Zealand’s technology sector - and they are not here to give you the highlight reel. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready for the next step (or how other women figured it out) this conversation is for you. They will be sharing the real stories; the career inflection points, the decisions that changed the trajectory, the networks that opened doors, and the moments they backed themselves before they felt ready.
When: Monday, 18 May, 11am – 1pm
Where: Crowne Plaza Queenstown, 93 Beach Street, Queenstown
Same great service in a new location Book an appointment today!
HOSPOGUIDE
$15 Bao Buns
$15 Rump Steak
Live music with John 4pm DJ Aidan 7pm $15 Parmi
Live Music with Rob Glenn 5pm DJ Stubacca 8pm $15 Burger & Fries
Atlas x QMTBC End of Season Fundraiser
$15 Fried Rice
Monday/Tuesday Karaoke with “WOLFE” 9pm
Tuesday $12 Classic Pizzas
Karaoke from 9.30pm
DJ Gambo 10pm-late H/hour Guinness $9.60 Pink gin Promo $8
Everyday OPEN TO PUBLIC Everyone Welcome Tuesday QUIZ
Bar tab prizes from 7pm DJ Ayeedeeg from 9pm
Tuesday Dave Arnold from 8pm
Mo Ackerman from 8pm
Trad Band from 8pm
Matte Orange from 8.30pm
Uplift music from 6pm
Dave Arnold from 8.30pm Sunday Dave Bell from 7.30pm
Dave Bell from 6pm Ivy & Pearly* from 9pm
Monday Madness All you can eat pizza from 6pm
Monday Sean Tinker from 8.30pm
Call me maybe 2000s/2010s night from 9.30pm
Hangry As has taken over the Rhinos Kitchen – Check out the menu on insta @hangryas_ queenstown Everyday 8am - 9am Coffee Happy Hour 50% off when you byo keep cup Everyday Happy Hour 3-5pm
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 Heights Day
Arts+Culture
Bike films rolling in
by Jessica Allen
The Big Bike Film Night celebrates cycling in all its different shapes and forms. The programme aims to inspire, featuring a great mix of short films designed for two-wheel enthusiasts. You’ll be taken on a journey around the world, meet some incredible characters and passionate cycling advocates, and in the words of the organiser – some bike nutters as well!
It’ll be the 12th year for the festival, coming from humble beginnings in Taupō, it has now expanded all across Aotearoa and beyond to Australia, Scotland and London. It started in response to vandalism of a biking statue that had been recently put up in Taupō. Now, organiser Brett Cotter’s mission is to bring the best cycling short films from around the world together for you.
“There was a real outcry in the local community, and I thought, let’s turn this negative into a positive – let’s see if I can do a film festival that celebrates cycling and spread the joy but also help get some money to go towards the statue’s restoration and repairing it,” Cotter says. “We had a phenomenal night that night and people came up afterwards saying ‘that was awesome’ and ‘that was amazing.’ So I was able to donate $2,500 and then thought that this could be a nice little garage project.”
One of the films that came out of our region this year, Queen of the Mountain, follows Annie Ford, an adventure activist. She attempts to break the 24-hour Guinness World Record in downhill mountain biking to raise funds for reforesting on the foothills of Coronet Peak. Her ride becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and environmental passion.
“A Guinness World Record has a way of capturing attention, and I thought: why not channel that into something meaningful, in a place and community that means so much to me,” Ford says. “After I announced the world record and
I’m really excited to sit in a room with so many of the people who were part of itthose who came up to Coronet Peak, rode laps, handed out food, cheered us on, or donated to the cause.
fundraising goal, the team at Ascend Television reached out and offered to document the journey - the lead-up and the record attempt itself. This film is the result of their generosity and belief in the project!”
Ford is humbled to be a part of the Big Bike Film Night and says she couldn’t have done the record without the support of the local community. She says the event is a chance to pause and recognise what’s good in the world, appreciating how epic our bike community is.
“I’m so grateful to Brett for bringing people together for the Big Bike Film Night, and I’m really excited to sit in a room with so many of the people who were part of it - those who came up to Coronet Peak, rode laps, handed out food, cheered us on, or donated to the cause.”
They raised $36,256 with all proceeds going to Te Tapu o Tāne, who have since planted 3,680 indigenous trees on the foothills of Coronet Peak. In collaboration with NZ Ski and within a QEII covenant – land
protected for its natural and cultural values, in perpetuity – it makes the impact of the project feel even more meaningful.
In addition to Queen of the Mountain there’s an array of great biking films on offer, from here and further afield - some funny, others inspirational, but all a great watch. Cotter explains that the short films are a great reminder of why we all love to ride our bikes, with stories that captivate us, stories that move us, and most importantly of all – inspiring us to get out and ride.
The Big Bike Film Night will be held at Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall on Tuesday, 12 May, at The Headwaters Eco Lodge in Glenorchy on Wednesday, 13 May, and at Wānaka Community Hub on Wednesday, 13 and Thursday, 14 May. The tour will also head to Alexandra and Te Anau, you can head to bigbikefilmnight.nz to read more about the programme, stops on the tour, and to pick up tickets.
The Big Bike Film Night Hero Image | Midnattssol | Credit Niklas Wallner
Speed limit consultation closing soon
Feedback on Safer Speeds 2026 closes 10 May. Find out more and have your say on proposed district-wide speed limit changes at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
Council meeting in Arrowtown
The Full Council meeting on Thursday 7 May begins at 1.00pm at Arrowtown Community Centre, Jack Reid Park. Everyone welcome. You can find the agenda on our website www.qldc.govt.nz/council-meetings
Skippers Road closures
Skippers Road will be temporarily closed at the saddle through to around the 3.5km mark for maintenance during certain weekday hours from 18 – 29 May. Closures will be 8.30am –12.00pm then 12.30 – 4.30pm Mon – Fri. The road will open at midday for 30 minutes to allow vehicles to pass in both directions. Weekends are unaffected.
Transfer Station closed 16 –17 May
Frankton Transfer Station on Glenda Drive will be closed on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May for essential upgrade works. Please plan your visit for another day. Thanks for your patience. The public recycling drop-off next door at Whakatipu Recycling Centre will remain open as normal.
Annual Plan next steps
Thanks to everyone who took the time to submit on our draft Annual Plan 2026-2027. Submitters now have the opportunity to speak before the Hearings Panel in May. Councillors will then consider all input before considering the final plan at their meeting on 25 June. Find out more at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/ap26-27
Good and ready
Disasters and emergencies can occur anytime and anywhere in New Zealand, often without warning. Join the Good and Ready disaster and emergency preparedness workshop to explore how we can keep our communities safe when emergencies occur. Tuesday, 12 May at Queenstown Events Centre from 5.30pm. Workshop from 6.00 – 7.30pm. Register via email to southern.area@redcross.org.nz
Only flush the three Ps
Rags, nappies and wet wipes (even if it says they’re flushable/biodegradable) will block our pipes and pump stations, damage infrastructure and cause leaks into our waterways. Only flush the 3Ps – pee, poo and paper –down the loo!
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
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
www.qldc.govt.nz
ON THE APP THIS WEEK
New winter celebration for Queenstown
Queenstown will mark the earliest-ever start to winter with the launch of Snow Fest, a new two-day celebration held over King’s Birthday Weekend.
Led by NZSki and supported by local partners across the business and tourism sectors, Snow Fest brings a fresh, community-focused take on the much-loved former Queenstown Winter Festival, which ran annually from 1975-2023 and was renowned for celebrating the arrival of winter and the vital role the snow season plays in the district’s economy.
Snow Fest revives beloved seasonal traditions such as the Queenstown Business Lunch and Coronet Peak’s renowned Suitcase Race, while also introducing fresh activities like the Polar Plunge lake dip with a retro ‘80s warm-up, MC’d by Dominic Bowden, and a downtown rail jam.
This year’s festival is made possible by Coronet Peak’s Snow Factory snowmaking technology, which produces snow at any air temperature and has enabled skiing to open earlier than ever before in Queenstown.
“Snow Fest is about celebrating winter in a way that feels authentic to Queenstown,” NZSki CEO Paul Anderson explains. “Thanks to Snow Factory technology we’re able to welcome winter earlier than ever, and that has real benefits for our community, our businesses and our people. Snow Fest rekindles the festive spirit while highlighting how snow continues to drive confidence, connection and momentum across the region.”
Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism CEO Mat Woods adds: “Queenstown has a long history of welcoming winter in a way that
brings locals, visitors and businesses together. It’s fantastic to see NZSki continuing that tradition in a condensed two-day format, which will build excitement for the season ahead.”
The Queenstown Business Lunch, themed ‘There’s No Business Like Snow Business’ is hosted by the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Skyline Queenstown. The lunch will be held at Skyline Queenstown’s Stratosphere Restaurant on Friday May 29 and will feature a panel discussion with Paul Anderson and RealNZ CEO Dave Beeche, alongside Dominic Bowden and Winter Festival stalwarts Mark Wilson and Simon Green.
“The start of the winter season is worth celebrating,” Queenstown Business Chamber CEO Sharon Fifield says. “It’s great to welcome the snow and beam those images internationally, as winter is a high-value economic engine for our business community.
“And who doesn’t have a great memory from Winter Festival days? With the support of Skyline, we’re stoked to be able to support NZSki and Snow Fest by bringing back the popular Queenstown Chamber Winter Business Lunch. The lunch will include plenty of nostalgia from winter fests gone by and it’s the perfect opportunity for the business community to come together and toast a bumper season ahead.”
From 3pm on Friday, the focus shifts downtown for the Remarkables Park Rail Jam at the Ballarat and Stanley Street carpark, showcasing local riders on a larger rail setup than previous years, alongside food trucks, family entertainment and live activations.
Saturday’s programme centres on Coronet Peak, with a Family Fun Day from 10am to 2pm celebrating the Snow Factory and the limited ‘Winter Made Early’ opening of the mountain. Highlights include the return of the iconic Suitcase Race, sponsored by Queenstown Airport, kids’ snow digs using Snow Factory snow, face painting, a bouncy castle and a wide range of prizes from event partners. The full mountain opening will be two weeks later on June 13. Snow Fest wraps up on Saturday afternoon with an Altitude Après Session at Altitude Brew Room on Frankton Road from 4pm, featuring a DJ, happy hour drinks and ski pass giveaways.
by Sue Fea
My Life story
MARK HOSIE
Stepping up to the plate
It only took 11 years for retired engineer Mark Hosie to make his mark in his beloved Arrowtown, celebrated recently for his role in motivating the local troops to victory in the battle to retain the quaint, historic town’s gold-rush era charm.
After a long, 45-year association with the town, visiting regularly from his Southland roots, Mark and wife Mary have just moved south to Winton, closer to family.
It was therefore fitting that last month (April) he was awarded this year’s Arrowtown Autumn Festival ‘Unsung Hero’ Award, unwittingly lured to The Fork and Tap under false pretenses to receive it.
While he downplays his contribution, locals say Hosie spent hundreds of hours and plenty of money throwing his all into the fight to protect Arrowtown from the proposed urban intensification plan, which he says would’ve ruined its unique character. “It was a big fight. They wanted to put 12m-high buildings in Arrowtown,” he says. The proposed changes were first mooted in late 2023 and it “felt really good” to find out they’d won in February this year.
“It defied logic. At first, I thought they were having me on. It’s such a special little place.”
A fitter-welder engineer for 45 years, Mark and others erected 12-metre-high scaffolding in the town to demonstrate what could potentially occur and convened ‘Friends of Arrowtown Village’, building up a database to communicate with locals. They set up a donations page raising $40,000 for that fight, Mark and the group raising $80,000 in total for the various battles to protect Arrowtown’s character. He says they wouldn’t have succeeded without the donation of tremendous pro bono services from the likes of Todd Walker Law, Blakeley, Wallace Associates, Assembly Architects, and help from Arrowtown’s Promotion and Business and Village Associations. “They’re the real Unsung Heroes.”
As a former SIT Council member and Otago Southland Employers Association representative,
Mark brought extensive governance and management experience to the fight. “So many people didn’t realise they could even have a say,” he says.
“I learned quickly I wasn’t just required to make engineering decisions. The older guys would come to me for advice on everything from finance, and purchasing a car or home, to medical and relationship advice.”
Mark’s never been afraid to take on the big boys. One of seven kids, his devout Catholic mum wanted him to become a priest. Instead, he left Invercargill’s Marist College at 15 starting a fitterwelder apprenticeship, clocking the 8000 hours in a record three years instead of four. By 21 he was a foreman left in charge of 26 much older men. “They tested me a bit,” he grins. But Mark, as a teen, had worked with bikies and hard guys. “They were all fine, but they didn’t cut you any slack. Even though I was the boy I was always expected to front up and do the work of a much older man.”
Mark, who bought his first Invercargill house at 19, worked his way up through various engineering firms, then to the Southland Hospital Board. When he and his first wife were expecting a child, Mark opted for bigger money, working for Bill Walker’s E-Type Engineering at the Tiwai Point Aluminum Smelter.
“Bill was a real character. The first day he dropped me off at a job and said, ‘I’ll be back soon to show you what to do’. I waited two hours,” he grins.
Mark worked for Bill for 30 years, made manager in 1983, aged 28, overseeing anything from 25 to 60 staff. “I learned quickly I wasn’t just required to make engineering decisions. The older guys would come to me for advice on everything from
finance, and purchasing a car or home, to medical and relationship advice,” he grins.
Bill would have a go at most things. “Sometimes you’d have to rein him back in.” The 1987 sharemarket crash made for tough times and tough banks, Mark, who later became CEO, sometimes sent to help smooth the path.
E-Type built the first Skyline Luge cart – Bill’s pet project designed with Barry Thomas, Mark sent to Rotorua to test the first cart for Skyline in the 1980s.
“One day Bill said, ‘We’re going up Bluff Hill’. I had no idea why, then Barry Thomas pulled up in his Jag wearing a suit and Bill put him in the cart and sent him down Bluff Hill!” Mark grins. “I never thought we’d see Barry again.”
The bikers made an impact, and Mark became heavily involved in motorbike racing and the Southland Motorcycle Club. At just 23, Mark and a mate represented the South Island in a big series with the North Island. Mark won two Quarter Mile New Zealand titles on grass, also competing in beach racing, hill climbs and road racing. He even raced speedway sidecars, building the first frame from scratch.
Now a patron of the Oreti Park Speedway Club he’s sat on southern committees, refereed and been a sidecar representative.
Soccer was his other passion, competing all over Southland and Otago for 25 years for Invercargill City.
A keen diver with a commercial certificate, at 22 Mark and a mate built boats, competing with Stabicraft, which later bought their company, after Mark had sold his share.
Mark doesn’t like “half-finished jobs”, so once he’s tidied up some loose ends in the Arrowtown fight, he’s looking forward to “playing” on his motorbikes, enjoying the grandkids and boating from the family crib in Cosy Nook.
Arrowtown will miss the man who gets the job done.
Mark on one of a few trips to Italy to visit relatives - the family of his Italian mum
Mark in his younger days, already making his mark in management
Mark in action during his motorbike racing heydays
Mark with Arrowtown Autumn Festival chairperson Nichola Bentley receiving his surprise Unsung Hero Award recently. Photo - Colin Walkington
QLDC Libraries
Librarian Profile
Kia Ora!
Lakes Weekly Bulletin and Queenstown Lakes Libraries are profiling our librarians. This month we are profiling Mat, who is a Casual Assistant at Frankton Library.
Kia ora! I’m Mat and I joined Frankton Library way back in 2019, and I have been putting the casual into Casual Assistant ever since! Famously traversing such tasks as Baby Wriggle and Rhyme (with the unforgettable Baby Shark a cappella) and Preschool Storytime (with a few artistically questionable crafts under my belt), I have worn many hats at the library and loved every minute of it.
I am originally from the UK and spent a lot of my adult life ignoring books after having read too much at university. After trying to fix the world with a PhD in plant biology and genetics, I ditched it all for the love of art. That sadly didn’t pay the bills, so I trained as a graphic designer, which is still something I do to this day.
After a year travelling the world, my partner and I relocated to Sydney, then over to Queenstown when we had children. After a few years in Queenstown, I took up the role of full-time stay-at-home parent to our two boys, which was the best career move I ever made. As frequent library patrons (my reading
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
A transfer student from a small town in California, Richard Papen is determined to affect the ways of his Hampden College peers, and he begins his studies under the tutelage of eccentric Julian Morrow. He falls in with a group of students of Ancient Greek. But, in order to remain part of the group, he must keep their murderous secret.
Shades of Grey (not THAT shades of grey!) by Jasper Fforde Welcome to Chromatacia, where for as long as anyone can remember society has been ruled by a Colortocracy. Social hierachy is based upon one’s limited color perception. society is dominated by color. In this world, you are what you can see, and Eddie Russett, a better-than-average red perception wants to move up.
SPIDERS, FLIES & ANTS PROFESSIONALLY ELIMINATED
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Zane on 022 096 3172 for a free quote
had taken off again, swapping academic texts for children’s picture books), it was only a matter of time before I was tempted into library life - and here we are!
When I’m not being serious in the library, you can find me running ultramarathons, making electronic music as Winterkeep (stole that name from a book title!), and I even find time to read books for myself these days.
I read pretty much anything (slowly) but have a penchant for cult classics, dystopian sci-fi, and graphic novels. I’m currently reading “The Book of Strange New Things” by Michel Faber - very much recommend!
Of course though, the best part of working in the library is our patrons, so please come say Hi the next time you’re in :)
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Far in the future, the World Controllers have created the ideal society. Through clever use of genetic engineering, brainwashing and recreational sex and drugs all its members are happy consumers. Bernard Marx seems alone harbouring an ill-defined longing to break free.
A
something important.
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Lost & Found
LOST & FOUND
UNCLAIMED ITEMS SITTING AT THE Police Station, at 11 Camp Street, this week include:
- CANON EOS CAMERA, LOCATED in the toilets at O’Connells
- LITTLE BLUE PURSE, FOUND at St Omer Park
- IPHONE, BLACK IN BLACK case
- OMAR SAMOUR – WALLET
- CORMAC O’DRISCOLL – WALLET
- CARDHOLDER WITH C.F. EMBOSSED
- CREAM HANDBAG WITH METAL emblem
- HUAWEI GT WATCH
- SAMSUNG PHONE POSSIBLY OWNED by NILS HOTTENDORFF
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
bear almost gives up his search for his missing hat until he remembers
LWB QUIZ
1. What is the name of the line that divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres?
2. Which New Zealand city is known for its Scottish heritage and steep streets?
3. Which famous scientist developed the theory of general relativity?
4. Which country is known for the Great Sphinx?
5. What is the capital of Austria?
6. What is the name of the strait between the North Island and Stewart Island?
7. Which New Zealand national park is known for its golden beaches and coastal scenery?
8. What is the study of stars and planets called?
9. Which famous ocean liner sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg?
10. Which sport is played at Wimbledon?
FOR SALE
SELLING MY 2010 MITSUBISHI GALANT. Great gas mileage. Lots of room for ski gear this winter and camping gear. Backup camera. No problems. 195,000 km. WOF: 20/10/26. REGO: 8/5/26. $5200 OBO. Whatsapp: +1-920-460-4278 Email: tasemk139@gmail.com
FOR RENT
FOR LEASE - COMMERCIAL KITCHEN with adjoining modern one bedroom apartment. LOCATION rural Alexandra. $650. per week. Call 027 405 1849
TRADES & SERVICES
PAINTER. FOR ALL YOUR INTERIOR & exterior painting needs. Local painter with over 30 years experience. Phone Simon: 021716485
DIRTY SOLAR PANELS??? ECO SOLAR Clean is taking bookings in Central Otago for the month of May. Certified, chemical-free solar cleaning specialists. Get a free no obligation quote: www. ecosolarclean.co.nz
WĀNAKA WASTEBUSTERS WINTER DROP, 16–17 May. Huge range of pre-loved skis, boards, boots, helmets, goggles, jackets, pants & kids’ gear. Doors open 9am - main hard gear drop all weekend, with regular restocks daily & the weeks following!
JOIN US FOR A RELAXED, drop-in BioBlitz celebrating the incredible flora and fauna of the Whakatipu Basin. Contribute to the global City Nature Challenge and Conservation Week! Queenstown Bay Beach, Marine Parade - 26 April, 11am - 4pm
EVER WANTED TO TRY WOODTURNING? Come along to one of our sessions and have a go! The Wakatipu Woodcraft Guild meet fortnightly on a Monday night, 6pm. You’ll be amazed at what you can create. Contact Kerrie on wakatipuwood@gmail.com to enquire.
WHAKATIPU BEEKEEPERS SUPPORTING LOCAL BEEKEEPERS with sharing knowledge, mentoring and maintaining best practice. Most importantly a group of likeminded individuals who love bees. Meeting regularly, for more info or to join us whakatipubeekeepers@gmail.com
NEW TO THE AREA OR got more time on your hands & looking to give back to your community? Altrusa International Qtwn is looking for volunteers just like you to join our women’s charitable & service organisation supporting our local community. Want to know more? Email: president.queenstown@altrusa.org.nz or message us on Facebook.com/AltrusaQueenstown
SPCA OP SHOP – 51 GORGE RD. Open 7 days a week 9am- 5pm. Pre-loved goods and clothing at great prices. Help support the ongoing work done by the SPCA. Accepting donations now. Call into store now to enquire about Volunteering. Your old goods, or your time, could help save a life.
WSCA – ROOMS FOR HIRE - Spacious, sunny rooms are available for hire to Queenstown Community Groups. The rooms hold up to 90 people, with seated dining for 40. Located on the 1st floor of Malaghan House, 10 Memorial Street, Queenstown with lift access. There are kitchen facilities, toilets, Wi-Fi, media equipment for projection onto large screen plus large screen TV. Contact us on 03 4429214 or info@wsca.org.nz for more details.
27645 8 931 1 8 3769524
94532167 8 8 52174396
317692 8 45
6945 8 3712
5612374 8 9
439 8 15267
72 8 946153
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
by Sue Fea
jobfix.co.nz
Mountain safety and backcountry experts and Police are urging everyone from recreational hikers and climbers to duck shooters to be well aware of what terrain they’re heading into, well prepared and plan well using reliable sources.
Mountain Safety Council (MSC) chief executive Mike Daisley says they’ve been aware of a number of recent incidents in the Queenstown-Lakes, Fiordland areas in which people have “gotten into difficulty and needed to be rescued”.
Two young UK rock climbers spent several nights stranded on a sheer rock face up Sabre Peak in early April after being caught out by bad weather, which initially hampered helicopter rescue attempts.
Two Australian hunters were caught out of their depth up South Wye Creek near Queenstown after their path was blocked when they reached a very steep, rocky area, needing to be rescued.
In February two American bow and arrow hunters had to be plucked from tricky, rocky terrain in Upper South Wye Creek after becoming exhausted, dehydrated and disoriented with insufficient food and water.
Police and rescuers have also warned about the lure to areas like Earnslaw Burn and Brewster Glacier where many young overseas people venture illequipped and unprepared to capture that great social media shot.
Daisley says we’ve been experiencing the first signs of winter with shorter daylight hours, cold temperatures and snow. “We want to remind everyone heading into the outdoors, particularly those unfamiliar with local conditions, to plan thoroughly using reliable sources. Choose a trip within your capabilities,” he says. People need to start earlier so they’ll be finished before dark, take extra warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a warm hat and gloves, and a head torch.
“Always check the weather forecast and ensure you understand how that will impact your route. You may decide to postpone your trip.” It’s also important to identify alternative routes and places where people can backtrack to a hut or shelter if conditions deteriorate.
While Police and rescuers are thankfully seeing more people carrying personal locator beacons and other reliable communications devices, these are essential, as is an extra day’s food and emergency shelter or tent in case of unexpected delays like flooding or injury.
For free trip planning see Plan My Walk (planmywalk.nz/tracks) and NZ Mountain Safety Council safety videos.
Police, NZ Waterfowler and the Firearms Safety Authority and Fish and Game are also urging duck shooters to be safe this season, sorting “gears before the beers”. “If you’re going to drink alcohol have all firearms stored and locked away,” Police say.
A Fish and Game spokesperson urges hunters to “treat every firearm as loaded” and check their firing zone. If in groups assign someone to be in charge of who’s shooting, usually the most senior hunter or landowner. Keep the kids warm and fed and if using boats wear life jackets and check the boat’s fuel line if it hasn’t been used in a while.
VACANCIES
The ski season waits for no one, and neither do the best candidates. If you're looking to hire for winter, now is the time to get your vacancy in front of Queenstown's workforce. Lakes Weekly Bulletin and JobFix have teamed up to offer local businesses two weeks of job advertising - print and digitalfor the price of one.
Your ad reaches readers in print through Lakes Weekly and job seekers online through JobFix, giving you the best of both worlds. Don't get caught short-staffed when the season kicks off.
TrustedbylocalQueenstown businessessince2005
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
JOIN THE WHIZZY E-BIKES CREW - WINTER 2025
Queenstown | 20–40 hrs/week | Immediate Start
You'll be:
You'll need:
Whizzy E-Bikes is a growing Gibbston-based E-Bike tour operator looking for enthusiastic crew this winter, with permanent summer positions available for the right people.
Transporting guests to self-guided e-bike experiences around Arrowtown and delivering bikes across the Queenstown Lakes area.
• Aged 18+ with a clean passenger licence
• Legal right to work in NZ
• Your own vehicle to commute to our Gibbston base
• Strong customer service skills and cool-headed problem-solving
• E-bike/mechanical knowledge a definite plus
We offer:
$25 - $28 per hour, flexible hours including weekends and evenings, and the chance to help shape an ambitious local tourism business from the ground up.
CV’s and replies to Nick at hello@whizzy.co.nz
Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Team members Karl Johnson and Nick Black preparing to lower the rescuer on Sabre Peak
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
Taxi Driver / Owner Operator –
Flexible Hours
We’re looking for reliable Taxi Drivers or Owner Operators to join our friendly team.
Smiths Craft Beer House requires CHEFS & DUTY MANAGERS
The successful candidate must have: A VALID NZ LCQ certificate/the ability to obtain one, 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 or email your CV to Chris@smithscraftbeer.co.nz
Want to work less and earn more?
Queenstown’s only escort agency, is seeking a select number of women to join our team. If you’re over 20, based in the Queenstown area, confident, adventurous, enjoy fitness and intimacy, this could be for you. Set your own hours, earn in one booking what you might make in a week elsewhere. All enquiries are confidential and obligation-free. Contact Jennifer on 021 895 131 | www.bonton.co.nz
Flexible hours – work more, earn more
Airport and local fares
Supportive, established company
You’ll need:
• NZ Class 1 Licence with P Endorsement
• Late model white van, COF, security camera in pristine condition for Owner Operator option
• Clean criminal record
• Excellent English and customer service skills
• Professional presentation
• Flexibility for mornings, evenings & weekends
• Legal right to work in NZ
Email your application to: kirsty@greencabs.co.nz
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
