Queenstown Lakes District councillors have agreed to Wānaka remaining a “boutique airport” – no jets, ever – with zero discussion or analysis of the multiple damaging downstream effects on Queenstown Airport and community. That’s a problem. Under QAC’s 2018 Dual Airport Strategy, Wānaka Airport was to be developed to then-Queenstown Airport size to take the overflow from the 7.2 million passengers forecast to want to fly to Queenstown Lakes each year by 2040s.
QAC had then defined Queenstown Airport’s upper capacity as 5.1 million PAX/year, citing tourism’s loss of social licence and the runway’s constriction by lake and river.
Yet council seems to have no intention of considering impacts on the Whakatipu community of their Wānaka Airport decision, nor of investigating how to mitigate – or better, prevent – them.
Protect Queenstown asked council in March, and again at its most recent meeting, if they’d thought about what happens to our Whakatipu community if they kill the overflow option over the hill? They hadn’t.
So, at the most recent council meeting, we asked councillors to undertake an independent strategic review of future air transport in our district, and how they’d mitigate, control or prevent Wānaka’s inevitable impacts.
Instead, corporate services GM Meaghan Miller undertook to workshop some limited issues. That’s not the independent, rigorous and broad analysis and timely, meaningful community consultation we need. And have been asking for in multiple submissions and public forums since 2018, when 92% of respondents opposed QAC’s planned Air Noise Boundary expansion to allow more than 3.2 million passengers/year.
QAC has committed to not seeking this before 2032 – six years away. They refused to forecast growth beyond 2032 while selling the 2024 Master Plan but have since admitted its $460 million cost is predicated on ongoing growth. What happens when QAC’s own upper limit of 5.1 million/year is reached –almost 2 million more than Whakatipu said a vehement NO to eight years ago? Must Queenstown continue to suck up this relentless pressure? Sounds like QAC and our councillors think so.
QAC just announced direct Air New Zealand and Jetstar flights from Brisbane, having more than 1 million international passengers in a financial year, and confirmed their parallel taxiway build by 2027, allowing them to cram in more planes. Around one every four minutes.
Overtourism is already hurting our community, infrastructure, environment. Stopping traffic and conversations. It is past time for councillors to hear and respect our Whakatipu community, not just Wānaka, QAC, airlines and tourism business.
Councillors have the mandate under the Local Government Act to set strategic objectives for QAC – including a cap on passenger numbers. Maybe that’s the protection our community and environment need? Council needs to ask the questions, listen, analyse and act. Sooner, better. Cath Gilmour, Protect Queenstown/We Love Whakatipu
First on Chair at Remarkables Sugar Bowl Chairlift
ON THE APP THIS WEEK
Essence the only restaurant awarded two stars in New Zealand’s first Michelin Guide
The team at Sherwood, thankful and honoured for the recognition
Essence is the only restaurant in New Zealand to be awarded two stars in the country’s first Michelin Guide. Chef Paul Froggatt received a standing ovation. Froggatt said he was speechless at receiving the honour: “To be the only restaurant in New Zealand to have this blows my mind. It was the dream of a young boy many many years ago... to think I moved to New Zealand to achieve this goal is just amazing.”
One Michelin star was awarded to Tala, making it the first Samoan restaurant in the world to be honoured with the prestigious prize.
“Tala means story,” chef Henry Onesemo said. “I’m just one of the few ones trying to tell the Samoan food story.”
He joked that he needed time to “go out the back and throw up” before being able to answer any questions.
Why the ski industry is betting big on the future
Despite the live webcams starkly showing mountains still brown after a mild autumn and early winter, operators are pouring tens of millions of dollars into snow-making technology that enables them to bet confidently on the future.
“Snow making could have us skiing here as well in the year 2090 as what we were in 1990,” says Travis Donoghue, chief executive of Whakapapa ski field on Mount Ruapehu.
He tells The Detail how advances in technology mean snow can be made at temperatures of up to 20 degrees Celsius, which allows the field to expand its offerings to include tubing.
“We were able to open that on King’s Birthday because of that snow factory,” he says.
“Snow making is two things. It can add a really great base for the natural snow to fall on but when the natural snow hasn’t fallen, it is actually a fantastic piece of insurance for us against the variability,” says Donoghue, who points out that Ruapehu’s ski seasons extend to Labour Weekend in October. Donoghue also says that the snow makers use a lot of power at a time when the rest of the country needs it too, but he believes that developments in technology will make them more efficient over time.
So confident are the owners of three major South Island fields that they are spending more than $150 million on expansion.
NZ Ski plans to build the country’s longest gondola and develop a new ski field at The Remarkables near Queenstown.
If approved under the Fast-Track process, The Doolans will become the country’s largest ski field.
NZ Ski chief executive Paul Anderson says the variability of the weather is more challenging than temperatures rising by one or two degrees. “In our application for the expansion of The Remarkables, the Department
In total there were 14 one-star restaurants including: Rātā in Queenstown, Kika in Wānaka,and Sherwood and Amisfield in Queenstown.
In addition, Michelin’s Bib Gourmand recognises restaurants that offer good quality and good value cooking. There are more than 3000 around the world with New Zealand entries added on Tuesday night including: Aosta, Bombay Palace Wānaka, Muttonbird, Paloma Taqueria, Sundays, the Cow Queenstown, and Treehouse.
A rollcall of 100 restaurants was picked to be included in New Zealand’s first Michelin Guide, published this month.
Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec said inspectors spent months dining anonymously across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. They considered quality of ingredients, harmony of flavours, mastery of culinary technique, how the chef’s personality shines through and consistency over time.
Poullennec said while there were various “styles and interpretations” across menus, there was a common thread throughout New Zealand’s dining scene.
“A deep respect of exceptional produce, a strong connection to land and sea, inclusion of Māori and Pacific culture and the genuine warmth of hospitality,” he said.
“Here - seafood, produce, wine and landscape are not simply part of the story, they define the story.”
Tourism New Zealand is spending $6.3 million to bring the Michelin Guide to NZ. The Guide (and its well known star system) was created in 1900 by the French tyre company and now covers almost 50 destinations but has never had a presence in Oceania.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the guide will “showcase everything we know we do well, but by getting it in the guide makes it so much more special”.
of Conservation [DOC] has asked some very valid questions about climate change. We’ve been operating up there for 40 years and we went back and looked at the snowfall accumulations over that period and it’s actually trending up which was probably not what we expected to see,” says Anderson. Around the country the lack of natural snow forced some operators to delay opening this season by two weeks, while a few have been running their beginner fields on snow from machines.
PHOTO PAGE
Here’s a look back at June — volunteers and Kala Haka. Get in touch with any photos for our July photo page!
The Kapa Haka performance for the Haka Tū Haka Ora 2026 took place June 19, at Memorial Hall. Well done to the overall winners Shotover Primary, 2nd place Remarkables Primary & 3rd place Arrowtown Primary. Photos: Kyle Jackson
Wakatipu High students recently volunteering up Skyline with the Whakatipu Wilding Control Group, organised by Volunteer South
The Citizens Advice Bureau Queenstown team, who shared their story for Volunteer South’s Celebration Stories campaign this National Volunteer Week
CRIMELINE
Three women assaulted – one seriously
by Sue Fea
A 22-year-old Queenstown man faces multiple charges after three women known to him were allegedly assaulted, one seriously, on Shotover Street at 1.30am on Monday, 29 June, Police say.
Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Glenn Wilkinson says one of the women had allegedly been assaulted “quite seriously”, suffering facial injuries. She was treated at Lakes District Hospital and discharged. When arrested the man allegedly resisted Police and assaulted one of the Police officers, he says.
He’s been charged with two counts of assaulting a female, one of injures with intent to injure, one of impeding breathing, one of assaulting with intent to injure and one of resisting Police, Wilkinson says. The man has been bailed to reappear in the Queenstown District Court next month.
Serious injuries – Kawarau Bungy Bridge crash
Five people were injured, two seriously, with multiple emergency services responding after what was believed to be a head-on collision that became a three-vehicle crash on the Kawarau Bungy Bridge about 11.45am on Saturday, 27 June, emergency services say.
Two patients, who were in a serious condition, were flown to Dunedin Hospital by helicopter with another transported to Lakes District Hospital suffering moderate injuries, a St John Ambulance spokesperson says. Fire and Emergency assistant commander Nic McQuillan says the ‘jaws of life’ (hydraulic firefighting equipment) had to be used to free people who were trapped in two of the smashed vehicles Arrowtown, Frankton and Queenstown volunteer fire brigades attended the accident, and the state highway was closed for more than two hours. Motorists were advised to delay travel or take an alternative route.
Four ambulances, one operations manager and two air ambulance helicopters turned out to the crash. St John staff treated and assessed five patients, two in minor conditions who did not require transportation, the spokesperson says. Police say investigations into the cause of the accident are continuing.
Black ice crash - Glenorchy Road
The driver of a small coach carrying eight passengers lost control on black ice rolling the vehicle onto its side on a grass bank near Mt Crichton on Monday, 29 June, Otago Lakes Road Policing Manager Acting Senior Sergeant Dylan Hannah-Jones says.
Two more collisions took place shortly after in the same location when ‘rubberneckers’ - other drivers looking at the accident - hit the same patch of ice, emergency services say.
One person was taken to hospital with moderate injuries and other passengers received bruising.
Extreme caution urged – Multiple black ice accidents
Emergency services are urging extreme caution on Wakatipu roads with at least a dozen accidents due to black ice and slippery roads this past week as temperatures have dipped as low as minus-6degC locally.
FENZ’s Nic McQuillan says volunteer firefighters have been on multiple accident callouts with many more accidents due to ice probably not reported. “The roads are slippery at 7am and you can’t travel into Queenstown at the moment without sliding,” he says. “Watch for south-facing shady spots.”
Hannah-Jones says Police have been responding to more and more crashes due to people losing control on frost and ice. “Once you’re on ice you’re along for the ride until your car regains traction,” he says. “Control speed and take extreme caution when cornering. Avoid driving on the edges of the roadway and if you hit ice and begin to slide avoid forcefully hitting the brakes and wait for the car to regain traction.
“Always drive with a windscreen totally clear of frost and check your tyre pressures as they can drop in the cold temperatures,” he says.
More crashes
Police were also called to a single vehicle crash on Malaghans Road at 8.45am last Thursday, 25 June. Constable Amanda Shute says the driver allegedly lost traction and control of the vehicle, swerving across the centreline and travelling through a wooden wired fence before coming to rest after striking a small tree. The driver was given a formal written warning for careless driving. In another single vehicle crash on the Gibbston Highway a driver allegedly swerved to avoid an animal on the road at 3am on Friday, 26 June, hitting a bank. The vehicle travelled approximately 100m along the bank before coming to rest. There were no injuries.
ON THE APP THIS WEEK
A new vision for a self-sufficient Kingston
A bold and visionary plan to expand the lakeside township of Kingston into a self-sufficient southern community, with reduced reliance on Queenstown for jobs, services and travel, has been unveiled this week.
In December 2024, Kingston Village Limited (KVL) announced plans for an initial 217 sections in a new village development adjacent to the existing township. As sections were released through 2025, they were quickly taken up by buyers.
KVL is now in the early stages of assessing a longer-term concept to expand Kingston and its surrounding rural area into a self-sustaining and highly liveable township. To do so, it would deliver around 2,500 additional homes, create around 5,000 local jobs, and contribute an estimated $1 billion to GDP.
The concept follows a year of work by KVL on a masterplan for Kingston fit for 2026 and beyond, trialling an electric ferry as an alternative transport option, and an assessment of what services could realistically be delivered for the township. The clear conclusion was that achieving the required self-sufficiency would mean growth at a greater scale than previously considered, spanning up to 20 years.
Research suggests around 10,000 residents, roughly four times Kingston’s current zoned population and surrounding catchment, is the threshold needed to support provision of a supermarket, healthcare, childcare, community facilities, local services and public transport options.
The township of Kingston at the head of Lake Whakatipu, near Queenstown
COMMUNITY NOTES
A Night To Remember: A Community Celebration of Life
On Saturday, 18 July, Searchlight Brewery and Coathanger Productions will host A Night To Remember – a community fundraising event bringing people together to celebrate life. The event offers people an opportunity to raise a glass for the loved ones we’ve lost while raising money for local and nationwide charitable causes. The event was inspired by a deeply personal year for organiser Liam Allan. Earlier this year, Liam travelled around the South Island with his father, Doug Allan OBE, on the sold-out Life Behind The Lens tour.
Doug spent more than four decades filming in some of the world’s most remote environments, working alongside Sir David Attenborough on landmark productions including Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.
The tour sold out across the country, including shows in Glenorchy, Queenstown and Wānaka, and it led to many special connections with people in the local community. Tragically, during the tour, Liam’s mother passed away unexpectedly back in the UK. Then, only a
by Liam Allan
few weeks later, Doug passed away suddenly following a brain haemorrhage while trekking in Nepal.
“It was incredibly tough losing both parents unexpectedly and over such a short period of time,” says Liam. “However, the support I received from friends and the wider Queenstown community was incredible. This event is a way of giving something back while creating a space for people to come together and celebrate the people we’ve loved and lost – something which isn’t always easy when living far from friends and family.”
A Night To Remember is intended to be a positive, uplifting evening centred around community and joyous remembrance.
The event will feature live music from local bands and DJs, along with fundraising raffles featuring prizes generously donated by local businesses. Live acts include Bourbon Sour, Gambo and Rinkha, with another band to be confirmed closer to the event. A selection of Doug Allan’s signed photographic prints will also be available on the night, with proceeds supporting the fundraising effort.
Local businesses already supporting the fundraiser include Paradise Ziplines, Snow Machine, Simply Stone, Around The Basin, Outside Sports, Industrial Fitness, You Thrive Project and LO/NO.
Funds raised during the evening will support both environmental and community causes. Beneficiaries include Live Ocean, the New Zealand marine conservation charity dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of our oceans,
as well as a fundraising campaign supporting local Queenstown youngster Dylan and his family as they navigate an ongoing cancer battle.
A Night To Remember takes place at Searchlight Brewery, Queenstown, on Saturday, 18 July. Further announcements about artists, sponsors and supporters will be shared online in the leadup to the event.
We hope you can join us.
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
Climbers urged to know descent routes - Nighttime rescue from steep vertical ice
by Sue Fea
Rescuers and mountain safety experts are urging climbers to ‘know their descent route’ before taking on big climbs, after two strong local climbers in their 20s had to be rescued late at night from a steep, vertical ice slope, high on Mount Aspiring overnight on Tuesday, 30 June.
Two rescue helicopters and volunteer members of the Wakatipu’s specialist Alpine Cliff Rescue Team responded after the pair – a man and woman, both 25, who are members of the NZ Alpine Mountaineering Team, set off a personal locator beacon just before 8.30pm.
It was 1am before rescuers could get to them about 2000m up the 3033m mountain where they’d become stranded on their descent on steep, vertical ice. Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Team spokesman Karl Johnson says it was a very technical ice rescue, hampered by low cloud and challenges.
It was 4am before the team members and the rescued pair arrived safely back in Queenstown.
A Rescue Coordination Centre spokesperson says the two were then checked over medically.
The pair – a young woman and man, both members of the NZ Alpine Mountaineering Team, weren’t injured, however, the woman had to be treated for frostbite on her toes, Johnson says. They were on their descent after climbing the South Face of Aspiring on Monday, camping high on the mountain that night.
They’d become lost while abseiling down ending up on the vertical ice slope.
“They were coming down just south of The Ramp above the Bonar Glacier and got a bit off route ending up in a place they couldn’t get out of,” he says. “Unfortunately, a lot of people come unstuck on The Ramp.”
Rescue attempts were hampered by low cloud coming in around the pair but after several attempts the weather cleared sufficiently. Two Alpine Cliff Rescue Team members were winched in and found a small rock buttress that they were able to anchor the pair to with ropes, then winch them out.
While both strong climbers, they didn’t have a lot of alpine experience, Johnson says.
“People need to know their descent routes if they’re going into the mountains because if you don’t then that’s when incidents happen,” he says.
“The mountain is in poor condition at present. Other climbers in our team bailed from Aspiring on Monday as the conditions weren’t good,” Johnson says. “It’s not safe, good climbing for this time of the year. There’s normally a bit more snow.”
Also hampered by fog at Queenstown Airport the helicopter pilot had to pick up the local rescuers from up the Remarkables Road, after they were called to help just after 8.50pm.
Temperatures on Mount Aspiring were likely to have dropped to -20°C on Tuesday night.
The Rescue Coordination Centre spokesperson says carrying a distress beacon “made a big difference” in ensuring the climbers could be assisted when they got into difficulty. He also praised the responders who worked through the night to get the climbers back to safety.
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
Wakatipu specialist rescuers reach a pair of young climbers stranded high on Mount Aspiring late Tuesday night, 30 June. Photo - Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Team.
WATCH REPAIRS NOW
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART
THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES
COMMUNITY
Bright Night: Matariki Star Trail & Community Glow Ride
Queenstown Electrification Accelerator, Lightfoot Initiative, and Sustainable Queenstown are celebrating Matariki with a magical community glow ride and Matariki Star Trail through Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens. Decorate your bike, gather your whānau, and follow a glowing trail to discover the nine stars of Matariki while riding through glowing light pods. It’s an easy 2.2 km loop suitable for children, families, and beginner riders. Register now to secure your spot.
When: Friday, 10 July, 4pm – 6pm
Where: Queenstown Tennis Club, Park Street, Queenstown
Frisbee Golf Social Group
Come and join Happiness House for a relaxed morning of fun, fresh air, and connection. The Frisbee Golf Social Group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 11am – 1pm. Starting at Happiness House then heading to the Queenstown Gardens for a friendly round of frisbee golf. Finish off by returning to Happiness House for a cuppa, cookies, and a chat. It’s all about getting outdoors, meeting new people, and enjoying some light-hearted activity together. Whether you’ve played before or it’s your first time, everyone’s welcome – no experience (or perfect aim!) needed.
From the beautiful frosty Queenstown Beach, swimmers will plunge (or paddle) into Lake Whakatipu. If the air temperature is cold enough, it will feel almost like a welcome relief, that is until the icy water starts to suck the heat from your body… It’s a simple out and back in the deep blue. You can either splash it out as fast as possible, or, preferably, embrace the cold, slow the breathing down and enjoy the moment. Choose from The Frigid 500m or The Bone Chilling 1000m.
When: Friday, 10 July, 10am
Where: Queenstown Bay, Queenstown
Queenstown Mardi Gras
New Zealand’s biggest dress up party, Mardi Gras, is back for 2026 and this year is set to be one of the biggest yet. Start pulling the crew together, line up the flights or the road trip, and get your accommodation sorted early - you already know how quickly it all goes. Mid-winter plans don’t get much better than this. Crews roll in from every corner of the country. Costumes take over the streets. It’s crazy. It’s loud. It’s unforgettable. Start the group chat. Book the trip. See you there!
When: Saturday, 11 July, 2pm – 10pm
Where: Queenstown Events Centre, 33 Joe O’Connell Drive, Frankton
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
Ice Skating Disco Night
Ice Skating Disco Nights are back at the Queenstown Ice Arena. The perfect date night, hang out with your friends or family outing that everyone will enjoy. Play fun on-ice games with the chance to win awesome prizes, enjoy the hottest music videos playing on the LED screens, and fill up with stone-baked pizza, local tap beers/wines plus more available to order. If you’re looking for a fun, social night out, the Night Skate Ice Skating Discos are a whole lot of fun for everyone. Check the schedule for all dates.
When: Saturday, 11 July, and select Saturdays from 6.15pm – 7.30pm
Where: Queenstown Ice Arena, 29 Park Street, Queenstown
Öof Tatatá Live
Get ready for a huge rock night starring Öof Tatatá, the explosive live powerhouse featuring Jason Momoa, Mike Hayes, and Kenny Dale. They’re a high-energy rock powerhouse delivering explosive live shows that turn any venue into a full-on experience. The band brings a rare mix of star power, raw musicianship, and crowd-moving energy. Known for their electrifying performances and unforgettable vibe, Öof Tatatá keeps audiences on their feet from the first note to the final hit.
Kiwi musician Tiki Taane will play live at Yonder this weekend. Known for his genre-bending distinct sound, he’s considered an influential element in the pioneering of Aotearoa’s bass culture. Tiki is amped to be bringing his high energy, crowd moving, frequency tweaking, live looping experience to Yonder for the first time ever! With local support from Dave Bell and DJ Dolittle.
When: Sunday, 12 July, doors from 8pm
Where: Yonder, 14 Church Street, Queenstown
Vibe Games .ai Hackathon
Vibe Games is a fast-paced AI hackathon for people who want to build, test, learn and create with AI. The first-time event is a 10-hour build event hosted at Fluid in Queenstown and supported by Central Lakes Arts Trust, bringing together people from business, technology, design, education and the wider community to solve real-world business and community challenges using AI tools. You do not need to be a developer to take part. Over the day, participants will form small teams, choose a challenge, build a working concept or prototype, and present it back at the end of the event.
When: Saturday, 25 July, 9am – 7pm
Where: Fluid Design, 10 Memorial Street, Queenstown
HOSPOGUIDE
2 tacos & a beer for $25* *Ts & Cs apply
Stacked Steak Loaded with onion rings & garlic bread for free!
DJs on the Patio from 6pm Sun-Wed Country Music, Pool and Cold Drinks Every Day
Silent Disco 3 DJs 3 Channels Free Entry Thursday Riders Night from 7.30pm Including: Mitch EP from 7.30pm Friday MASHED from 6.30pm Saturday Mardi Gras After Party from 9pm
Mo Ackerman from 8pm
Trad Band from 8.30pm
Dorothy from 8.30pm
Nic Shea from 4pm
Cam Dixon
Latin Party from 11pm DJ Sophia Monday Pool Competition from 9pm Everyday 8am - 9am Coffee Happy Hour 50% off when you byo keep cup Weds to Sun - Happy Hour 3pm - 5pm
Sunday Nic Shea from 5pm Ribera from 9pm
Mad Mondays DJ Mad from 9pm
Sean Tinker from 8.30pm Sunday Dave Bell from 7.30pm Monday Sean Tinker from 8.30pm
Open Mic Night from 8pm
Logan Edwards from 9pm
Is your “Pint” a Pint?! Get your 570ml Imperial Pints here
Hangry As has taken over the Rhinos Kitchen – Check out the menu on insta @hangryas_ queenstown
Shanks,
by Sue Fea
My Life story
GLORIA MCKEICH
Souvenir Sites to Netball
Whites
City-raised Gloria McKeich arrived in Queenstown in 1967 – a young mum with a two-year-old and a baby, to discover “one doctor, one hospital, one newspaper outlet and no public transport”.
Gloria, then 26, and builder husband Gordon McKeich had little time to adjust, the couple thrown into managing Mountain View Lodge for one of Queenstown’s founding developers Hylton Hensman, based out of his famous ‘Bottle House’, along Frankton Road.
A few decades later the pair had become renowned Queenstown tourism retailers, Gloria, also a respected netball umpire, local swimming club administrator and Cancer Society fundraiser and volunteer. By 2007 she was instrumental in helping get the Wakatipu’s new Senior Citizens’ Rooms built as part of a commercial development in Memorial Street.
Raised in Dunedin Gloria loved netball and tap dancing, getting “hooked” on ballroom dancing as a teenager. She worked as an office clerk at the Invercargill RSA and H & J Smith’s until she was 21 when she met husband of 64 years Gordon at an RSA dance.
A lull in the building industry saw them offered the management position at Mountain View. “It was a bit scary. I’d never lived in a small town. It was a pretty busy job. I never got to know anybody as we worked seven days a week until late and there was no time to go out,” Gloria says. She juggled her children around running the Bottle House shop and bookings while Gordon managed the Mountain View Camping Ground, cabins and tourist flats.
Guests were predominantly free drive Americans and Kiwis, Gloria receiving a disapproving look from an American man requesting iced water.
“We’d never heard of that.”
Gordon then built their Larch Hill Place home, the first in the subdivision, in just six weeks and once the kids were at school in the early 1970s Gloria became office clerk for Wilkinson’s Pharmacy Gift and Book Shop.
“We sold a phenomenal amount of (camera) film to visitors. It was just incredible really,” Gloria says.
“November to February was the busy season. The rest of the year was quiet.” Sunblock wasn’t invented and “Shotover Jet, Kawarau Jet and Skyline were about it”.
In the mid-1970s Gloria was invited to play netball with a group of ladies forming a team to give the local high school girls some competition. “Previously to that they’d had to travel to Alexandra, so we started competing on the old Stanley Street high school courts.” By the time they’d moved to the new Fryer Street high school in 1980 numbers had grown to 150 players.
“It was a bit scary. I’d never lived in a small town. It was a pretty busy job. I never got to know anybody as we worked seven days a week until late and there was no time to go out.”
They then formed a committee to form a subassociation of Otago Netball. This allowed them to sit exams and qualify as umpires, Gloria umpiring every Saturday despite being a 7-daya-week retailer by then. She also played for about 15 years.
Gloria and Gordon bought Fur ‘n’ Wood off Lawton and Vicki Greer - a souvenir and bike hire shop in Beach Street in 1977. They sold multiple sheepskins and traditional Māori dolls in grass skirts, which the tourists loved, along with Māori tiki souvenirs.
In 1988 they bought the very successful Tiki Corner a few doors along from early days retail legends Joan and Gordon McLaren. “The large tiki is still prominent on that building today,” Gloria says. The McLarens had owned the store for 38 years, building the retail building as it stands today. “Tourists were always asking what ‘Aotearoa’ meant and I’d tell them. One American guy said: “I’ve been travelling this country for seven days
and you’re the first person who’s made any sense on that,” Gloria grins.
Another American woman was looking at souvenir calendars in the store and announced in a very loud voice: “Look! They have Christmas Day the same day as we do!’ to Gloria’s amusement. “We sold every tiki imaginable, from plastic to beautiful jade, all shapes and sizes. The Americans and Japanese were fascinated as jade gifts are recognised by Māori as a good luck charm.”
They may have endured ‘The Big Snow’ of 1968 a year into their arrival, their access driveway off Frankton Road frozen sheet ice for weeks, but the 1999 100-year floods took the cake. While their insurers were great, their business was out of action for more than two months.
With her two sons swimming competitively Gloria was on the Queenstown Swimming Club Committee, always helping poolside in the early days at the unheated Ballarat Street high school pool. Training took place no matter the weather –October to March, until the new Fryer Street high school pool opened years later.
In the 2000s she was opted onto the new Senior Citizen’s Rooms committee where she served for 12 years, heavily involved in planning that new building, and treasurer, from 2008.
Gloria had a brush with cancer in the 90s, thankfully all cleared then, but this prompted her to want to give back as volunteer liaison officer for the local volunteers, who visited patients, cooked meals and ran overnight nursing help.
Retired from ‘paid work’ since 2001, Gloria is fiercely defensive of Wakatipu’s “very caring community”, often the jibe of outsiders who judge it. “But we know the real heart of the town and its people.”
From left Jill MacIntyre, Jenny Dudfield and Gloria at a local Toastmistress Club gathering
Gloria and Gordon checking out a decent snowfall from their Tiki Corner souvenir shop back in the day
Gloria, left, with grandson Ben and wife Willow on their wedding day, Gordon at right.
Gloria in her Frankton garden
Arts+Culture
Psychedelic stories though sounds and sights
Psychedelic world music, that’s how frontman of Carnivorous Plant Society Finn Scholes describes the trio’s sound. Heading to Queenstown next week, they’ll be bringing their signature sounds to Sherwood, on tour with Arts on Tour NZ.
“I think with music, people have all sorts of ways of engaging with it and that’s one of my favourite parts about going to watch it."
The band blend jazz with global influences from South America, Southeast Asia and beyond, all to the backdrop of stunning hand-drawn animations. Scholes will be joined by two of New Zealand’s top musicians, world-class drummer and composer Alistair Deverick and the amazing multiinstrumentalist Sean Martin-Buss. The unique show will feature vibraphone, tuba, harmonica, pan flute, synthesisers, drums, bass and vocals.
“There are a lot of instruments, and then the whole show is set to animations, which I’ve done myself,” Scholes says. “They tell stories – the stories are quite often a little bit science fiction influenced. Some of them are just crazy shapes and things moving around that match the song. There’s quite a lot of apocalyptic themes. It’s kind of a confusing show, but it makes sense when you see it.”
There’s no singer, just instruments and animations, and the band are inspired by “everything, really.” Global is a good way to describe the music, which takes influence from all around.
by Jessica Allen
“We found this genre of music that came out of the Amazon Jungle called Chicha, which we really like.”
Carnivorous Plant Society first released an album in 2013 and the process for creating music usually starts with Scholes writing at the piano on a bit of paper that continues to grow until he’s ready to bring it to the band. From there Deverick and Martin-Buss will have their own input as it continues to develop.
“It transforms quite a bit from there, and then when we start to play it, it will often keep transforming, too. I imagine on this tour the compositions are going to take a lot of direction because there’s so many dates that we’ll find lots of bits in them, that we know were in there before, and uncover better entertainment opportunities within them.”
Scholes has enjoyed playing music for as long as he remembers – starting by learning recorder at about six before moving to piano pretty soon after. Trumpet was next at ten and in high school he joined the school band. After school he started doing the occasional gig and decided to study at Auckland Jazz School.
“I brought a vibraphone and at first I couldn’t really play it. I thought I was going to be able to play it really easily from the piano but then someone called me up and said ‘Oh, I’ve heard you’ve got a vibraphone.’ They offered me a gig on it and it was paid well enough for me to invest quite a bit of time into practicing it.”
People at the shows really appreciate the art, too. Watching the images with the music is quite captivating and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Scholes says they’ve hit a sweet spot of being sophisticated, but not too sophisticated, and most people get it.
“I think with music, people have all sorts of ways of engaging with it and that’s one of my favourite parts about going to watch it. Some people don’t even really want to listen, they just want to hang out with their friends, or some people close their eyes and listen to it, and some people just watch one person – there’s just so many ways of engaging with music, I really like that there’s no rules.”
They’ll also have a children’s book for sale at their shows, following on from last year’s adult-only comic book release. Carnivorous Plant Society will play at Sherwood on Friday, 17 July. They’re also playing shows at Cromwell’s Coronation Hall on Saturday, 18 July and at Lake Hawea’s Community Centre on Sunday, 19 July.
You can find more info on their shows and grab tickets at aotnz.co.nz/touring-now/
Person pulled from the Kingston Wharf dies at the scene
Police were in attendance at a sudden death near Kent Street in Kingston, south of Queenstown over the weekend.
They were notified that a person had been pulled from the Kingston Wharf unresponsive around 10.20am on Saturday. The person has died at the scene. The death will be referred to the Coroner.
Winter and growing food
In the interests of mental health repeat after me, ‘I am warm and toasty, gardening makes me warmer. Gardening makes me happier. Gardening grows me delicious food. I am composting like a rockstar.’ All new members to the cult of Dr Compost can sign up at drcomopostcult.com. No sleep deprivation here, just a few positive affirmations on how great gardening is for your mental health.
As we enter into the coldest most miserable of months (I promise it’s all cult-like promises from here on), it’s gardening that can lift our moods. It’s a fact that putting our hands in the soil lifts our spirits. Yes, this is a time of year for hibernating and dreaming of people-free powder days, when you’re not doing either of these, this is a great time of year to tell SAD to get lost and get some good shit done in the garden. All hail Dr Compost. (Dr Compost accepts all forms of cryptocurrency, even better the ‘Dr Compost Coin’ available on all unreputable exchanges).
As the garden sleeps there’s lots we can do at this time of year, some of it is still catching up from autumn. Now I think about it, gardening is mostly about playing catch up. I’m not sure I’ve ever been ahead of everything that needs doing. That’s the beauty of gardening, there’s always something that needs our attention. Chant 10 times ‘I am an amazing gardener.’ (Sign up for life’s today with a 10% discount). So here’s this month’s list of what you could do in the garden. Sometimes I apply the 10°C rule. Garden jobs get done on those warmer winter days.
1. It’s time to mineralize all your veggie beds. When was the last time you put down some garden lime or rock minerals? Let’s grow nutrient-dense vegetables. Plants need minerals to grow strong and fight off pests. As gardeners we are mining the soil, every time we harvest a carrot or a cabbage we are taking minerals and nutrients from the soil. We need to replace them. We can use fine garden lime, rock minerals and compost. Amazing compost will also have plenty of minerals available. We should be remineralizing our gardens once a year. Better still, chuck minerals in your compost heap on a regular basis. You can also put your minerals directly on the garden bed then proceed with step two below.
2. Stop walking past those garden beds you didn’t put to sleep for winter. If you don’t do it now you’re going to wake up to a bed full of weeds. Especially if we have a warmer winter. I’m already seeing weeds popping up. Grab some compost, spread a layer 2 cm thick. Cover this with a generous layer of straw (10 cm thick), or wood chips (2-3 cm thick), or leaves run through a mower (5-10 cm thick). This mulch is keeping your soil microbes cozy over the cold months, avoiding soil compaction and leaching of valuable nutrients.
3. Start burying those Bokashi buckets with enthusiasm. Not composting all those valuable food scraps, then get
along to the council offices and grab yourself a deal and start growing monster vegetables. I promise you you won’t be disappointed. If you’re producing buckets, often get as many as you can into one bed. Not so many buckets you can trench down the middle of a bed and spread out the contents. A little can go a long way in fertilising your veggie beds. Running out of space you can bury your buckets next to fruit trees, in flower beds and in amongst your natives in the back berm.
4. Last chance to get that garlic in.
5. Buy a sugar feeder from the local hardware store and fill it up with sugar water. ½-1 cup of sugar mixed with 1 litre of hot water. As the district grows so does the native plantings and so does our native bird population. Giving them some help over cold winter really boosts our local populations of Tui, Bellbirds and Wax eyes. Hang the feeder somewhere you can watch the birds from the comfort of your living room or kitchen. Our Tuis (well I know they’re not exclusive to my backyard) will come to the window and peer in when the feeder runs out of sugar water and chirp ‘Hurry up and fill the feeder again.’ More birds means more fertility in our backyards. Under our feeding station we now have native seedlings popping up that we transplant and grow on.
Happy Gardening and Composting. And welcome to all new cult members.
Dr Compost aka Ben Elms is a permaculture and gardening expert who’s been operating in the unusual Central Otago climate for over 20 years. Funded by QLDC and delivered by Wanaka Wastebusters,
Dr Compost project aims to reduce organic waste going to landfill.
3. Which country is home to the city of
4. Which New Zealand city is known as the Edinburgh of the South? 5. What is the main ingredient in hummus? 6. Which country is famous for the Great Wall? 7. Which animal is the largest land animal on Earth?
8. Which New Zealand region is famous for the Kaikōura mountain range and marine wildlife?
9. What is the name of the world’s longest river? 10. Which country is known as the
TRADES & SERVICES
Lost & Found Trades & Services
PRIVATE AIRPORT & CITY TRANSFERS. Skip the taxi queue. Private vehicle, local driver, stress-free every time. Book at www.lakesdelsur.com
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
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.
LOST & FOUND
I LOST MY LITTLE TIN (50x70cm) coin purse last week maybe at Frankton retail or Qtn CBD area. Inside are a few coins & 2 badges. The badges are irreplaceable personal treasures of mine so if found please, please txt me. Many thanks. 021 0464303
UNCLAIMED ITEMS SITTING AT THE Police Station, at 11 Camp Street, this week include:
- LAUCHLIN DIEHL – WALLET
- BLACK HUAWEI PHONE FOUND at the Airport
- WILLIAM KING – WALLET
- YUNA LEE – CARD holder
- ABDULMOHSEN KHADADAH – WALLET
DID THIS AD GET YOUR ATTENTION?
That is the power of Business Line Ads
Take the first step to your successful business advertising by going to www.lwb.co.nz and place your ad online. Pricing starts from $9.50
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
Smiths Craft Beer House requires QUALIFIED
DUTY MANAGER
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.
We also have Kitchen roles at all levels.
Please pop up in person or email your CV to Chris@smithscraftbeer.co.nz
Southern Lakes Engineering are looking for a Structural Steel Fabricator/Installer
Workshop based in Cromwell. Min 5 years experience.
Must have great communication skills, be reliable and organised. Company truck included.
Fun small busy team environment with regular social outings.
This is a full-time, permanent position.
Applicants for this position should have a NZ drivers’ licence, NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.
Enquire Now paul@sle.nz | 0210718823
DUTY MANAGER WANTED
Civil Engineer / Project Manager
Double Cone is seeking a capable and proactive Civil Engineer / Project Manager to join our team and help deliver civil infrastructure and subdivision projects across Queenstown and Wānaka.
The role will involve a mix of contract administration, site coordination, construction delivery, and project management from commencement through to completion.
You will work closely with contractors, councils, consultants, and clients to ensure projects are delivered to a high standard, on program, and within budget.
For a detailed job description, or to apply, please send your CV to jay@doublecone.nz
Odelay is looking to find a FULL TIME CHEF at our Frankton cafe. Experience a must. Hours are flexible. Immediate start.
Please contact Brad on 0277688023 or email odelaycafe@yahoo.co.nz
Or drop a CV in to the cafe.
• Must have a valid Duty Managers Certificate
• Pay starting at $28 an hour
• 35 - 40 hours a week
• No late nights
Drop off your CV in person or e-mail us at bcb@outlook.co.nz
We are seeking hospitality professionals who value a high-performing culture, flexible working arrangements, work-life balance and a caring work environment to join our team in the following roles:
• Hotel Service Staff (All Rounder)
Benefits and Rewards
• Starting rate $27.00/hour-$29.75/hour
• Flexible Work Options available
• Heavily Discounted Food and Beverage
• Well-being initiatives
• IHG Room Discounts at over 6,000 hotels worldwide!
When you're a part of IHG, you're more than your job title. And that's what we love – the individual talents, interests and dreams that make you who you are.
Please email your resume at manager@holidayinnqueenstown.co.nz
Health & Wellbeing Coordinator (Part-Time)
Location: Arrowtown Lifestyle Village Hours: 8–12 hours per week (initially)
Arrowtown Lifestyle Village is seeking a compassionate and experienced Health & Wellbeing Coordinator to support our residents. You will play an important part in helping residents access the services they need while maintaining the vibrant and independent lifestyle they value. This is a rewarding part-time role, ideal for someone with a nursing background.
ABOUT THE RO LE
Working closely with residents, village sta , healthcare providers, and families, you will:
• Build professional and trusting relationships with residents and, when appropriate, their families.
• Recognise changes in health, wellbeing, and support needs, and make appropriate referrals.
• Coordinate Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) processes.
• Help residents and families navigate transitions from independent living to care options when required.
• Organise health and wellbeing education sessions for residents.
ABOUT YOU
To be successful in this role, you will have:
• A nursing background and experience working with older persons health.
• A strong understanding of the New Zealand healthcare system and referral pathways including needs assessment processes.
• Knowledge of community services, support agencies, and resources available to seniors.
• A compassionate, approachable, and proactive nature.
If you are passionate about supporting our residents to live well and maintain their independence, we would love to hear from you.
TO APPLY
Please send your CV and a brief note outlining your experience to robyn@arrowtownretirement.co.nz Applications close at 5pm Monday 6 July.
Reception / Sales – Tattoo Studio
This is a full-time position (35+ hours per week) suited to someone who enjoys customer interaction, sales, and working in a creative environment.
We are looking for someone who is friendly, confident, and has strong communication and customer service skills. You’ll be organised and able to multitask in a fast-paced studio environment and have a wide range of knowledge regarding tattoo styles and genres.
Key duties include:
Reception / Sales Job Description
• Reception and liaising with customers
• Social media
• Email communication
• Taking and managing bookings
• Customer service and sales
• General cleaning duties
• Any other tasks as required
Please submit your CV along with a covering letter to Vicky Jones Queenstown@otautahitattoo.com
Join
our Gems Team as a Casual
Reliever!
We’re looking for caring, reliable, and enthusiastic relievers who would love to work with children in a supportive early childhood setting. We take inspiration and guidance from Pikler and Reggio within the context of Te Whariki. We believe that a connection to ourselves, each other and our learning and natural environments both indoors and out, is essential for learning. We work as a cohesive team, but we also recognise that individual talents and interests are golden!
If you have a deep respect for children as small humans who thrive in our care, then please connect with us.
A bit about Gem’s Educational Childcare Centres:
• Three purpose-built centres in Queenstown, with di erent service o erings
• We prioritise high quality education and care (primary caregiving) for our children
• Bespoke nature play programmes run in all centres
• Some centres provide food options and all promote healthy eating
• Our centres are beautiful and functional, with a wide range of resources
• Team culture is imperative to create a healthy work environment and manage the everyday pressures of childcare
• We use the latest technology to assist and support workload management
• Support diversity of cultures within our teams and individual voices in all aspects of our professional conduct
• You'll need to be passionate about supporting our youngest children as they grow and learn.
What We’re Looking For:
• A natural love for infants and young children
• Patience, kindness, and a willingness to learn
• Someone who's dependable and enjoys working as part of a team
If you’re looking for a place where you can grow and make a di erence every day — we’d love to hear from you! Please email Tash recruit@gems.net.nz or
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
Join the Creative Communities Scheme Committee (Volunteer Role)
Community-minded with an interest in arts and culture? Get involved at a grassroots level and help bring creativity to life across Queenstown Lakes.
We’re looking for new members to join the Creative Communities Scheme Committee to review applications and help decide how funding is allocated in our district.
WE’RE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO:
> Have a passion for arts, culture, or creative communities
> Reflect the diversity of our district
> Can bring fair, balanced, and community-focused perspectives
> Can attend scheduled assessment meetings in March and September each year
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
> Review funding applications
> Contribute to discussions and decision-making
> Help ensure funding supports a wide range of local creative activity
Travel and expenses for in-person meetings covered.
Contact Jan Maxwell, QLDC Relationships Manager, Arts & Events
– on 027 233 7934 or drop her a line at jan.maxwell@qldc.govt.nz
Festival Coordinator – Arrowtown Autumn Festival
Are you a master of logistics with a passion for community? We are looking for our next superstar Festival Coordinator to lead the charge for 2027!
The Arrowtown Autumn Festival is a cornerstone of our region’s calendar. We need an organized, high-energy individual who can balance the "big picture" vision with the "fine print" details. If you thrive on variety, from securing major sponsorships and navigating council consents to coordinating performers and managing social media, we want to hear from you.
You will be supported by a committee of dedicated volunteers. This committee meets monthly and provides governance and strategic guidance on all aspects of the Festival's operation.
The Ideal Candidate:
• Community-oriented: You must have a passion for Arrowtown and community values.
• Proven Event Experience: You’ve run the show before and know how to handle the pressure of live events.
• Communication Ace: You can chat with sponsors, negotiate with a contractor, and lead a volunteer committee with equal ease.
• Self-Starter: You are comfortable working independently from home.
• Detail-Oriented: From the timing of a run sheet to the fine print of a council permit, you have a natural ability to manage complex moving parts without letting anything slip through the cracks.
Term: 12-month fixed term (Aug 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027).
Hours: Flexible, averaging 20 hours/week (peaking during festival season).
For a full Job Description, please email info@arrowtownautumnfestival.co.nz
To Apply: To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to autumnfestivalchair@gmail.com
Needs to have the right to work in NZ until August 2027 - unable to sponsor visas. Applications close July 24th.
GALLERY ASSOCIATE
Casual Property Host Inspector
Join the team at Alloggio, one of Queenstown's leading holiday home management companies.
We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented property Host Inspector to help ensure our properties are beautifully presented and guest-ready. The role includes:
• Conducting pre and post-stay property inspections
• Ensuring properties meet presentation standards
• Reporting maintenance and housekeeping issues
• Managing amenities and guest supplies
About you:
• Excellent attention to detail
• Friendly and professional attitude
• Full driver's licence required
• Experience in hospitality, property or accommodation is advantageous This is a casual position, with hours varying based on occupancy levels and operational requirements, including weekends.
To apply, please send your CV to darelle.jenkins@alloggio.co.nz
Queenstown | Full Time (32-40 hrs/week)
Join one of NZ’s leading contemporary art galleries
We’re seeking a professional Gallery Associate to join our Queenstown gallery team. This is a rewarding role at the heart of the gallery, where you’ll welcome clients, build relationships with collectors, and share your enthusiasm for contemporary New Zealand art.
We’re looking for someone with
A genuine engagement with New Zealand art
Excellent communication & relationship-building skills
Sales or customer service experience
A background in fine arts, art history or a related field
Strong organisational and computer skills
A full, clean driver’s licence
This is an outstanding opportunity to work alongside leading NZ artists in a professional, creative environment. Experience assisting with exhibitions, artwork handling and installation is a strong advantage.
Learn more at www.milfordgalleries.co.nz then apply by emailing your CV and cover letter to info@milfordgalleries.co.nz Dunedin | Queenstown
