There is a scene that repeats itself every day in Queenstown. It has become so familiar that we hardly notice it anymore.
A tourist lands after a long flight. They collect their luggage, sign a rental agreement, receive a brief explanation about insurance, take the keys to a car and, just a few minutes later, set off on the left-hand side of the road toward Crown Range, Milford Sound or Glenorchy.
No one seems to ask whether that is enough.
A few days ago, a Chinese tourist lost his life on Crown Range. As so often happens, the discussion focused on black ice, road conditions and the circumstances of the crash. All of that may be true. But his death also raises another question. When does a tragedy really begin?
I am not writing from theory. Last year, an Asian tourist driving a rental car crashed into the vehicle carrying my brother-in-law. A few months later, I narrowly avoided another collision when a different rental car drove out of the New World car park against the flow of traffic.
And some years ago, I experienced something so absurd that it is still hard to believe. I was already halfway across Edith Cavell Bridge in Arthurs Point when, from the opposite side, the driver of a rental car decided to enter the bridge. Perhaps he thought my vehicle was transparent. Or simply an illusion. We ended up stopped face to face.
I do not believe my experiences are unusual. Speak to people who live in Queenstown and many will tell you similar stories. Sudden braking. Lane changes without signalling. Cars entering roundabouts the wrong way. Splitsecond manoeuvres that force other drivers to react immediately. Most end with nothing more than a fright. Others do not.
I am not writing this to blame the people who visit us. If any of us landed tomorrow in a country where traffic drives on the opposite side of the road, we would probably make mistakes too. The difference is that here those mistakes happen on mountain roads, with black ice, one-lane bridges and thousands of visitors behind the wheel.
Yet we rarely focus on where the conversation should begin. New Zealand’s vehicle rental industry generates around NZ$2.3 billion a year. If an industry of that scale profits from putting thousands of vehicles on the road, it should also accept a proportional responsibility for preparing the people who will drive them.
Is explaining the insurance and handing over the keys really enough? Does anyone make sure that a driver who has never driven on the left is actually ready to head out onto the road?
The next crash may once again be blamed on black ice, fatigue or a simple driving error. That is entirely possible. But we still do not know whether the tragedy really began on that bend in the road, or much earlier, behind a rental counter, when someone handed over a set of keys and, with a practised smile that had become almost automatic, said, “Have a good trip.” Santiago Bonhomme
Ayrburn’s Winter Wonderland with twinkling lights and an ice rink on The Dell
ON THE APP THIS WEEK
Seven-year-old girl died after reportedly being sent home from hospital hours before
A seven-year-old girl has died in Queenstown after reportedly being sent home from hospital just hours before.
Maite Contreras Eulogio died last week after becoming unwell and being assessed at the Emergency Department at Lakes District Hospital, according to a Givealittle page set up by her family. She was described as being a happy, healthy girl with no underlying medical conditions.
Her condition deteriorated just a few hours after being sent home, her family said.
“We rushed back to the Emergency Department. Tragically, she passed away shortly after our arrival.”
Health New Zealand Southern and Te Waipounamu chief medical officer David Gow said it was a tragic situation that would impact everyone involved.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to this family for their loss and recognise the profound and long-lasting impact the death of their young daughter will have on her loved ones,” he said.
Health NZ was looking into what happened and would conduct an internal review, he said.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed the case had been referred to the Coroner.
Gow said Health NZ was unable to comment further.
Queenstown Lakes, New Zealand (14 July 2026) - Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown have opened applications for their 2026 Impact Grants, with close to $100,000 raised this year to support environmental initiatives across the Queenstown Lakes district.
The annual grants programme supports charitable organisations and community groups working to protect and regenerate local ecosystems. Eligible organisations can apply for funding between $5,000 and $10,000, with applications open from 14 July to 6 August 2026.
Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown Community Fund Coordinator Ash Bickley says the annual grants round is an opportunity to direct community support towards local environmental projects.
“There is always a real sense of excitement when applications open, because this is where the generosity of visitors and local businesses turns into practical support for our communities,” Ash says.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who contributes to Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown, from visitors making donations through to local businesses and partners who continue to back this work year after year.
“These grants support work that is often hard to fund, but incredibly important for the wellbeing of our place. It’s a joy to see that support flow through to local projects and play a small part in looking after the environment that makes Queenstown and Wānaka so special.”
Funding is available for project, programme, or operational costs.
Previous grants have supported a wide range of community-led initiatives, including conservation programmes in Tāhuna-Glenorchy, region-wide planting initiatives, wetland restoration at Wai Whakaata-Lake Hayes, citizen science projects, efforts to reduce single-use cups in Wānaka, and programmes that connect visitors with local conservation and restoration stories.
Love Queenstown Planting Day 2025 (QLDC, LQT, Skyline, WRT, TRAC)
Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown open 2026 Impact Grants
CRIMELINE
by Sue Fea
One person dies in car bus crash Crown Range Road
Police are investigating the cause of a fatal accident between a ski shuttle bus and a car on the Crown Range Road about 10.15am on Wednesday, 15 July, with the road closed for the rest of the day and into the evening.
Otago Lakes Area Road Policing Manager Acting Senior Sergeant Dylan Hannah-Jones says the crash occurred a few kilometres south of Cardrona Village (Queenstown side), near Bridge 10.
While the Queenstown Lakes District Council included the Crown Range and Cardrona in its black ice warnings yesterday morning, Hannah-Jones says Police could not comment on the cause of the crash as they were still conducting their investigations.
The Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination and Police were providing support to those involved. It was confirmed yesterday afternoon that the sole occupant of the car had died at the scene. It’s understood the people in the bus weren’t injured. Police say it was a shuttle bus taking passengers from Queenstown to a Wānaka skifield.
Volunteer firefighters turned out from Wānaka and Frankton, three trucks in total, with Queenstown Fire Brigade also called out initially.
“We initially turned out Queenstown (Fire) as there was a bus involved and we weren’t sure how bad things were with poor reception up there,” Fire and Emergency Otago Lakes Group assistant commander Nic McQuillan says. In the end one truck from Frankton and two from Wānaka attended assisting Police at the scene and using hydraulic tools to help.
A St John Ambulance spokesperson says one ambulance and the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter responded to the 10.14am emergency call. The road was closed for more than nine hours due to the crash, finally reopening at 7.30pm last night with strong warnings for motorists to “take care, slow down and expect winter driving conditions to remain for some time.”
The Queenstown Lakes District Council posted at 7pm that crews were in the final stages of clearing and sweeping the road. Earlier Police and council posts said the road would remain closed between Cardrona township and Eastburn Road until around 7pm with motorists advised to drive around the longer route via State Highway 6 through the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell. The first Police notification said initial indications suggested an occupant of the car had serious injuries, but no injuries were reported among occupants of the bus. Motorists were to expect delays while emergency services worked at the scene.
Drink driving smash
A 29-year-old Australian man, who recorded a breath alcohol level of 863mcg after a crash on the Arrowtown-Lakes Hayes Road, was sentenced to reparation, a $1000 fine and a one-year disqualification after pleading guilty in the Queenstown District Court on Monday, 13 July, Shute says. Police were called to the collision at 8.45pm on Friday, 10 July, when she says a driver crossed the centreline approaching the intersection with State Highway 6, then continued driving on the wrong side of the road before colliding with an oncoming vehicle. The man was charged with operating a vehicle carelessly and driving with a breath alcohol level over 400mcg.
Police appeal for help in downtown assault
Police are appealing for help from the public in their investigations into an alleged assault on a person around 4.50pm on Monday, 6 July, on Ballarat Street, near the corner with Camp Street. They’re investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and want help identifying two people that they believe may be able to help with their enquiries. If you are, or know, these people (below), please get in touch with Police. Anyone who witnessed the assault, has any information on the incident, or has CCTV footage that captures the corner, is urged to contact Police. Use the 105 service either by phone or online. On the website, click ‘make a report’. Please reference file number 260708/8227.
LAKES WEEKLY POLL
LWB regularly polls locals on issues affecting our region. This week’s responses are below.
Which of the newly-appointed Michelin Star Restaurants would you like to dine at?
Essence - 27%
Amisfield - 8%
Rātā - 10%
Sherwood - 36%
None of them - 20%
Should New Zealand introduce harsher penalties for drivers who do the wrong things on long weekends or during school holidays?
Yes - 32%
- 19%
Do you avoid the ski fields during the school holidays?
I don't go up the ski fields at any time - 41%
What type of content do you enjoy in the Lakes Weekly?
1%
DIGITISE YOUR TAPES - PRESERVE YOUR MEMORIES. Super/8mm/VHS/DVD/Audio/Negs/slides/photos. CDI’s constant tech upgrades, keep ahead of degradation. Enhancing. Free/clean/ splice. No upfront costs. Also recover lost data. 034486237 | photos@cdimaging.co.nz
COMMUNITY NOTES
The Fly Bar: Building Community Through Fly Fishing
Since opening Patagonia Tāhuna Queenstown, we’ve wanted it to feel like a gift to the community. Since then, the Fly Bar has become a gathering place for local anglers, conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Through an array of events such as fly tying nights, casting clinics, educational talks and film screenings, the space has been fully activated; allowing anglers — and even the fly-curious — to come together, crack a cold one, swap stories, and become sponges for knowledge.
One of the things that makes these events special is the diversity of people who attend. From first-time anglers dipping a toe into the sport, to experienced fishers eager to share their knowledge. The Fly Bar provides a welcoming space where members of the community can gather for more reasons than one. We’ve also been proud to host events that encourage greater participation from all walks of life, helping make the sport more accessible and inclusive. These events create opportunities for experienced anglers and newcomers alike to connect, ask questions, and develop their skills
in a welcoming environment. They also provide a space to discuss something equally important — how we care for the waterways and fisheries we all enjoy. That’s why we’re excited to be supporting the upcoming Season Kick Off this September. Built around the simple message, “Protect the wild fish and clear waters we love,” our Responsible Angler initiative encourages anglers to adopt eight core principles to help minimise our impact on our freshwater systems.
Whether you’ve been fly fishing for decades or are simply curious about getting started, we encourage you to keep an eye out for upcoming Fly Bar events. They’re a chance to meet likeminded people, develop new skills, and become part of a community that values both great fishing and healthy rivers.
Stay tuned and watch this space.
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
Multiple crashes on treacherous icy roads prompt warnings
by Sue Fea
Police and emergency services are urging drivers of the risks of driving on slippery alpine roads, with black ice and frosty roads plaguing the district in recent weeks and more than a dozen crashes, one causing the death of a visiting Hong Kong driver.
Otago Lakes Area Road Policing Manager Acting Senior Sergeant Dylan Hannah-Jones says while Police investigations into that fatality on Wednesday (15 July) morning a few kilometres south of Cardrona township are still continuing, “It looks like at this stage it was caused by a combination of factors”. Those likely included slippery alpine road conditions, a wet road and grit, Hannah-Jones says. While there were black ice warnings out for the Crown Range at the time, Hannah-Jones says “there’s never just one
thing that contributes to an accident. Our investigations are continuing but generally speaking with accidents speed is a factor, so people need to drive to the conditions,” he says.
Police are urging drivers who can to delay early morning travel if they’re able to at present. “The most dangerous time on our roads is from daybreak, 6am until 9am – the coldest time when road temperatures are at their lowest, when any moisture can freeze if it’s rained and black ice or frost can form.”
Hannah-Jones says it’s also important to check the road worthiness of tyres and tyre pressure.
Police and firefighters have been called to multiple vehicles that have slidden off roads in treacherous icy conditions around the district in recent weeks with the extra callouts placing added pressure on local volunteer firefighters too. “It’s definitely been noticeable in the past few weeks, especially with visitor numbers up lately,” Fire and Emergency Otago Lakes Group assistant commander Nic McQuillan says. “We’re definitely seeing a very high number of accidents compared with the last three or four months. It’s the busiest it’s been all year for the regularity of crashes, ranging from minor to a fatality.”
Local firefighters had been called to close to a dozen accidents in two weeks. “So, it’s very clear to me that people need to take more care,” McQuillan says. Driver behaviour hadn’t adjusted to the sharp arrival of winter following an unusually warm June this year, he says. “Temperatures have been variable every day and it would be good if people would familiarise themselves with road conditions before they leave on their journey,” McQuillan says. “We’ve had lots of cars parked in ditches. It’s happening frequently.”
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
A wintry scene on the Crown Range Road alpine pass. Photo: Queenstown Lakes District Council Website
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART
THEATRE
- AT THE GALLERIES
COMMUNITY
HADESTOWN Teen Edition
Wakatipu High School and StageAntics are thrilled to present HADESTOWN: Teen Edition. Welcome to the underworld… where the road is long, the wind is cold, and a song just might change your fate. Hadestown: Teen Edition is a bold, electrifying folk-opera that intertwines two mythic love stories – young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and the powerful, complicated bond between Hades and Persephone. Set in a world where industry rules and hope is a radical act, Orpheus journeys to the underworld to rescue Eurydice, armed with nothing but his music and an unshakable belief that love can light the darkest places.
When: Thursday, 23 July – Saturday, 25 July, 7pm daily
Where: Wakatipu High School Theatre, 49 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton
Light Up Winter
Light Up Winter Cromwell is a gold-coin-only entry, family-friendly mid-winter celebration in Cromwell’s Anderson Park Rose Garden that transforms the evening into a magical world of glowing lights, live music, street food, entertainers and community fun. Highlights include whimsical illuminated gardens, roaming performers, the creative Light Up Your Hat competition, food and drink stalls, kids’ activities and the spectacular mass lantern release lighting up the night sky, making it a memorable winter experience for locals and visitors alike.
When: Saturday, 1 August, 4pm – 8.30pm
Where: Anderson Park, Barry Ave, Cromwell
Fundraising Rogaine – Sugar Loaf
Get ready for another year of fun, adventure, and discovery! Come explore some of Central Otago’s most iconic vistas while supporting a great cause – this year’s event is a fundraiser for both Journeys and the Central Otago Orienteers. A brand-new map called Sugar Loaf, located just 15 minutes from Alexandra just off Fraser Dam Road. They’re levelling up the adventure this year with brand-new lengths to give you even more flexibility! Choose between the 3-hour or 6-hour course. Note: These are just the maximum time limits – you can absolutely choose to head back to base earlier whenever your team is ready!
When: Saturday, 15 August, 9.30am – 3.30pm Where: Sugar Loaf, just off Fraser Dam Road
More events available at WHAT’S ON on the Queenstown App
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
Ayrburn’s
Winter Wonderland Lights
It wouldn’t be a Queenstown winter without Ayrburn’s Winter Wonderland lights, and Ice Rink. Ayrburn’s worldclass Winter Wonderland Lights illuminate the precinct for a month-long alpine escape, open for all guests to enjoy, free of charge. Wander the beautifully lit grounds, warm up by roaring outdoor fires, and soak up the magic of those Otago winter nights. Then, take to the ice rink on The Dell to skate under the lights, before roasting marshmallows over an open fire. Tickets are required for ice-skating, and booking in advance comes highly recommended.
When: Daily until Friday, 31 July
Where: Ayrburn, 1 Ayr Avenue, Arrowtown
Night Ski Party ft. Hot Dub Time Machine
You’re invited to the biggest Night Ski Party of the season, headlined by Hot Dub Time Machine – live and loud at Coronet Peak! Get ready for an unforgettable night under the lights as skiing, snowboarding, and one of the world’s most iconic party DJs collide on the mountain. Expect an epic soundtrack spanning decades of dancefloor favourites as Hot Dub Time Machine takes you on a journey through the greatest hits of all time. From carving turns after dark to dancing on the deck, this is the ultimate alpine party. Music kicks off from 5pm, with supporting acts warming things up before Hot Dub Time Machine takes over the mountain. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome to join the festivities. Want to ski or ride? Simply grab a Night Ski Pass, Superpass, or 3 Peak Season Pass.
When: Wednesday, 29 July, 4pm – 9pm
Where: Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown
Free Community Craft Night
Join Te Atamira for a relaxed and fun evening with Remarkable Theatre, Queenstown’s vibrant community theatre group! In this playful session, they’ll lead you through some light-hearted theatre games and introduce some character-based acting techniques. Connect with your friends and whanau, have a few laughs, and enjoy some playful creativity. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a seasoned performer or have never set foot on a stage. Come along to discover the joy of improvisation, build confidence, and meet new friends in a supportive, social atmosphere.
When: Tuesday, 21 July, 6.30pm – 8pm
Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
NZ Birds – Watercolour Course with Kasia Hebda
Download the Queenstown App today
Unlock the beauty of Aotearoa’s favorite birds with watercolour painting! Join Kasia’s painting course in her inspiring Queenstown studio to ease your way into making art. This hands-on class series is perfect for anyone wanting to explore painting from scratch or improve their existing skills. Each week, you’ll create an original artwork inspired by a native New Zealand bird, while learning essential watercolour techniques and painting fundamentals.
Hangry As has taken over the Rhinos Kitchen – Check out the menu on insta @hangryas_ queenstown
Famous
Roasts! Limited availability. Book and Quote “ROASTS” to secure yours
Ad Number: Arts + Culture
Arts+Culture
Artwork: Arts + Culture
Size: 27x2
Description: Arts + Culture
Account:
Colour:
Filename: Arts + Culture
Skiing through the ages
by Jessica Allen
The premise for DJ Hot Dub Time Machine is pretty simple; play hits across the decades, starting in the 50s and coming all the way through to present day. The Aussie-based artist is headlining Coronet Peak’s Night Ski Party at the end of the month, bringing good tunes and good vibes.
Tom Lowndes is the man behind the moniker and he’s looking forward to performing once again in Queenstown, a place he’s grown quite the affinity with. He’s played here a couple of times for snow machine as well as back in the 2010s when he use to play shows at bars around town as well as for the Queenstown Winter Festival.
“It’s such a beautiful part of the world,” Lowndes says.
He was a part of the creation of Snow Machine, first helping create a festival called Hot Dub Wine Machine in Australia. It ran for a few years before Lowndes decided that running a festival was “a dreadful idea,” and one best left to the professionals, so he got out and now focuses on touring around the world.
He always constructs his sets before each show but when he’s up on stage he’ll often change things up based on what he thinks the crowd are feeling. He explains that while retro DJing can be considered daggy, when you’re playing some of these older artists alongside modern ones, it makes them all the more cooler by association.
“I kind of know which songs are the best and which songs people want.”
Starting out, Lowndes was DJing for about ten years in his bedroom, not making too much progress, when he came up with the idea of playing songs in chronological order. He focused his attention on Fringe Festivals – Adelaide and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals are where he cut his teeth, before breaking into the mainstream and doing it fulltime.
“I was 35 when I started making a living from DJing, so it took a long time, but I love it.”
Now, he has a huge catalogue of songs and tailors his sets to where he is performing. For Kiwis he
often chucks in some Crowded House, Th’ Dudes, Bic Runga, Margaret Urlich and Split Enz – he went to school in New Zealand, so has a good grasp of our music culture. In addition to great, tailored, tunes, Hot Dub Time Machine is known for high-energy and engaging sets, something a little different to what you might usually expect when going to see a DJ.
“I really think that if you’re performing and people are looking at you, it’s your job to make everyone happier and create a joy feedback loop where you’re having fun and they’re having fun, and then it just, kind of, feeds back on itself until everybody is having a great time. And I think that performing is about connecting – you should be connecting with the crowd.”
Tom, aka Hot Dub Time Machine will play at Coronet Peak’s Night Ski Party on Wednesday, 29 July. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome to join the festivities. If you’re looking to ski or ride you’ll need to have a ski pass.
Head to coronetpeak.co.nz/events for more info.
by Sue Fea
My Life story
ROSEMARY CHALMERS
Cut and dried
She’s breathed new life into Arrowtown’s ANZAC commemorations, flashed her frilly knickers during countless knee highs, and as an award-winning hair stylist Rosemary Chalmers has got it cut and dried.
She’s also been the ‘Soccer Mom’ you’d want on your side, a key driver fundraising 10s of thousands of dollars to get 15 promising local players to Milan and Chelsea Football Club in the early 2000s.
Rosemary’s pretty much done it all in the aid of a good cause, an accomplished local fundraiser, she even rode in the front-end bucket of a digger through Cambridge during the Halberg Trust $10 Challenge – a charity race from Auckland to Queenstown, all on just $10. Rosemary and teammate, fellow Arrowtown hairstylist Anna Newman, raised about $10,000 for their $5000 entry fees, organising ‘The Big Shave Off’ at Millbrook. “Peter Doyle came as our chaperonesupervisor and the first night we got to Wellington and had no money for food,” Rosemary recalls. “An All Black shouted us food and drinks at a pub then Peter busked on the street so we could buy kebabs from a street stall.” They even scored a wild ride in a Spitfire as they passed through Wanaka. As one of Arrowtown’s infamous Autumn Festival Buckingham Belles dancers for some 15 years, also performing at Kevin Lynch’s popular History Alive shows, Rosemary’s taken many an older unsuspecting overseas tourist for a spin. Performing at the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival with the Arrow Miners Band back in the day was “just hilarious”. “The old guys on the back of the truck didn’t just play music. They all had a story to tell and could party like those half their age.” But it’s her voluntary service to the Arrowtown RSA that Rosemary is most passionate about. She grew up as a “military kid”, her dad in the Armed Services for 25 years and much of Rosemary’s childhood spent living in their state house in the Invercargill Army barracks.
Born in Christchurch, Rosemary’s family moved to Singapore when she was two where her dad was based before moving to Invercargill, her mum, formerly Gloria Flutey, keen to get back to her Bluff roots. Rosemary’s grandparents were Fred and Myrtle Flutey, who built what became the internationally famous paua shell house in Bluff. “I spent all my school holidays there and grew up with some pretty amazing values,” Rosemary says. “I think that’s where I get my love for the community and volunteering from.”
“I was brought up being excited and proud marching beside my dad in the Bluff parade and wanted the same for my kids.”
Rosemary biked some 12kms from South Invercargill to James Hargest High, loved netball - playing and umpiring, running and cross country. She always loved public speaking, speeches and performing in school musicals, but with the stipulation from her dad that she had to find an apprenticeship or go to Lincoln College Rosemary chose hairdressing.
There were countless laughs on the job at Leonardo’s Hair Salon, like the time client Mrs McSkimming, her set drying under the fixed wall hair dryer, dropped to the floor thinking she’d been shot. “It was in the 80s and there had been a couple of gang shootings in Invercargill, but it was the old car of the lady coming to pick her up backfiring out front,” Rosemary chuckles.
She won multiple Southland hairdressing competitions as a junior, before meeting husband Gary at a party in the Catlins. They married in 1992, moving to Queenstown in 2000 where Rosemary
had even more hairdressing success, initially working for Anna Newman then opening her own D’or Hair Stylists. D’or has won NZ Training Salon of the Year, and multiple apprentices have won NZ Apprentice of the Year and other national and regional awards.
D’or started out at Coachman’s Mall, moving to the Royal Oak site. Rosemary also designed and built a salon at the Hilton which she leased until returning to Arrowtown.
She won Queenstown Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year in 2009, runner-up to NZSki in the overall awards, which was immensely satisfying. “That year my apprentice also won NZ Apprentice of the Year. It was a big year. Ever since then my business has just taken off.”
She’s more than given that back in kind, donating Happiness House free hair treats for mums, prize vouchers to multiple local causes, even giving free personal home visit service to some older clients. About 2014 Rosemary had become concerned about keeping young people interested in ANZAC commemorations in Arrowtown with the services very structured and not kid friendly. “I was brought up being excited and proud marching beside my dad in the Bluff parade and wanted the same for my kids.”
She knew she had to get involved so sent Gary to “check out the lay of the land”. Rosemary was soon on the committee, part of a great team. “Kids had to sit outside so we brought them in, introduced high school speeches and got primary schools involved.”
The entire service is now held outside by the cenotaph on the hill overlooking the town, crowds marching up there behind the local pipe band past the names of Arrowtown’s lost who’ve fallen before them. It’s a poignant reminder. “Last year we had a lone piper on Feehly Hill echoing down the valley. It was so moving.”
Rosemary, centre, son George and his partner Heidi out collecting for Poppy Day
Rosemary hard at work with a client in her Arrowtown salon
Rosemary, second from right, hamming it up with a few of the Buckingham Belles during a tour with the Miners Band back in the day
Rosemary with her grandson Elijah Chalmers during Arrowtown ANZAC Day commemorations
1. Which famous detective was created by Arthur Conan Doyle?
2. What is the largest planet in our solar system?
3. What is the name of New Zealand’s national museum?
4. Which precious stone is traditionally associated with the month of April?
5. What is the largest moon of Saturn?
6. Which New Zealand town is known as the "Trout Fishing Capital of the World"?
7. Which country is home to Mount Fuji?
8. Which artist painted The Persistence of Memory?
9. What is the name of New Zealand's official national war memorial museum in Auckland?
10. Which vitamin is essential for normal blood clotting?
SALE
20 RAILWAY HARDWOOD SLEEPERS - 2.1m to 3.3m long by 200 x 100. $100 to $150 each. Phone 021441400
ACCOMMODATION
ROOM AVAILABLE IN SUNNY FRANKTON! 5min walk to New World & bus stop. Single Room $350, Couple Room $450 All inclusive power & wifi. TEXT 0220988417
COMMUNITY
Accommodation
For Sale Community
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.
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST TUE (21 July) @ 6.30pm,‘Natural Ease’ with Grant Rix SUN (26 July) @ 10am, ‘Cultivating Awareness Practice’ followed by Social Sunday All are welcome. Donations for the teacher/centre are gratefully accepted. See www.dharmacentre.org.nz / FB
Secure self storage units – various sizes available Phone: 0800 297 786 | www.xsstorage.co.nz
Qualified Builder Wanted
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
HOUSEKEEPERS WANTED
• Self motivated, able to work alone
• Efficient & can work under pressure
• Experience preferred but not essential
We’re looking for an experienced, qualified builder to join our growing team. What we’re looking for:
1. Qualified builder with relevant trade certification
2. Experience in residential construction and renovations
3. Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship
4. Full New Zealand driver’s licence
5. Reliable, punctual, and professional What we offer:
1. Competitive pay based on experience
2. Variety of interesting projects
3. Supportive, friendly team culture
4. Ongoing, full-time work
Apply now by sending your CV to accounts@getitbuilt.co.nz and a brief introduction, or get in touch for a confidential chat.
• Available to work any day of the week
• Must have a valid work visa
• Driver’s license preferred but not essential.
• Immediate start available.
Email your CV to operations@staysouth.com
Odelay is looking to find a full time BAKER/ SANDWICH MAKER at our Frankton cafe.
Experience a must. Hours are flexible. Start date early August.
Please contact Brad on 0277688023 or email odelaycafe@yahoo.co.nz Or drop a CV in to the cafe.
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
Join the team at Paper Plus Queenstown Airport
We’re looking for a friendly, reliable and motivated person to join our busy team at Paper Plus Queenstown Airport. Retail experience is a bonus, but it’s not essential. What matters most is a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and being able to work well in a fast-paced team environment. This role is five days per week
If you enjoy working with people, take pride in doing a great job, and are looking to be part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV to: queenstownairport@paperplus.co.nz
DUTY MANAGER WANTED
• 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
