LWB_Issue_883_Online

Is this the other side?

Judging by the busy streets and feedback from many business owners, the Christmas / New Year period has been the sort of summer we’d been hoping for.

Tens of thousands of holidaymakers and locals have enjoyed a bumper few weeks, with the return of Queenstown’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, Queenstown Airport reporting its hitting 2019 levels, and hardly a mask, QR code, or social-distancing sign in sight.

With borders reopened and the events industry cranking again, it feels like Queenstown has its mojo back. And, looking at occupancy and booking numbers, it appears the sound of tills ringing could stretch deep into January and February, with no signs of the same huge post-holiday drop in visitor numbers we experienced in the pandemic years.

Even downtown has turned a corner. Despite years of setbacks and frustration, much of the streetscape work is now complete, the covers have been taken off, the godawful fences removed, and we have the vision that was unveiled in 2020: wide, even, pedestrian-first streets. Upper and Lower Beach St are pretty much done, along with the Brecon Street / Rees St / Shotover St junction. The temporary flooring for Rees St was a great idea for the holidays and shows how wander-able downtown will be once it’s all finished. In Wānaka, the reopening of the lake front after a major makeover and relocation of the car spaces away from the lakefront, has a similar air of renewal.

I know all the talk for 2023 is of a recession, and rapid interest rate rises meaning people will have less money to spend, but in my heart, I think we had our recession in late 2019 through to mid-last year. The flood of international visitors again, particularly with China opening up, will more than offset whatever hurt the Reserve Bank wants us to take, to get inflation under control.

Over the past two years there’s been a lot of work in reimagining the future for Queenstown Lakes. The 2030 Zero Carbon plan, which will hopefully get a great deal more attention this year than it has so far, is one sign that it’s not just back to business as usual. Another is the announcement a multimilliondollar digital studio will be a cornerstone tenant in the Queenstown research and innovation facility over in Remarkables Park. If the pandemic has given us the breathing space to add some diversity to the economy, and make it greener, it shows we can take some positives from three years of trouble. Let’s be honest the last couple of years were big time crap for most of us. But now it really feels like our resilience, entrepreneur spirit, determination and adaptability will pay off, making 2023 a great year - if the town can find staff of course!

Ohh and the terrific spell of weather is going down well… Happy New Year.

David Gibbs - david@qmg.co.nz

The annual Lake Hayes A&P Show returns on Saturday for its 107th instalment at the Lake Hayes Showgrounds. See story on page 4

COMMUNITY NOTES

The Lake Hayes A&P Show returns

by Jessica Allen

The annual Lake Hayes A&P Show will return this weekend for its 107th instalment at the Lake Hayes Showgrounds. Over the years, the show has developed and changed alongside the region – the family fun day out includes plenty of exhibitors and competitions. After unfortunately not been able to go ahead with the event in 2022 due to Covid restrictions, organisers are excited for the A&P Show to be making a comeback in 2023 and feel that people are keen for events to be returning to the region. There will be something for everyone throughout the day, and the aim is to give the community a taste of rural life.

“We’re excited to have the Topp Twins returning – they came and performed at our 100th anniversary show in 2015 and were a real crowd hit, so we know people will be excited that they’re going to be back. We’ve got more great entertainment and a lot of the family favourites that people have come to know and love about the show –the animals, the equestrian side of things, and the competitions in the home industries. We’ve also got a hobby horse section this year, which we think could be quite entertaining – it’s encouraging kids to decorate and bring along a hobby horse, and show us their best efforts in the arena. Just generally a great day out and lots of fun – that’s what we want to bring to the community,” says Rachel Norris, secretary at Lake Hayes A&P Show.

The Topp Twins stage performance will be one of the highlights of the show – they’re a comedy-music duo and a Kiwi treasure. They’ll be re-inventing themselves on stage, changing characters and musical styles. The event is put on by the community, for the community, and will also feature sheep-shearing displays and a number of animals – it’s a great opportunity for children growing up these days without being surrounded by rural life to experience it.

A&P is the Agricultural and Pastoral Society – their roots are in trying to showcase and celebrate everything to do with rural life.

“It’s been a traditional event on the calendar for 100 plus years and it’s certainly evolved as the area has evolved. There would have been predominately farming down here all those years ago, and farming is far more in the minority now – I think it used to be a time when all the farmers would come and present their best stock and wares at the show. As the landscape has changed in terms of farms been subdivided and different industries coming into the region, the show has evolved and adapted. At its heart, it’s got that traditional rural element to it, and I think one thing that has remained consistent throughout its time is that at its heart is the community.”

The Lake Hayes A&P Show will take place on Saturday 14 January at the Lake Hayes Showground. This year there will be a free shuttle bus from Arrowtown at Alec Robins Road Park & Ride from 9am. Tickets are available on the day via cashless payment and will be $15 for adults and free for under 18s – you can find out more information on the timetable and what’s happening at the show at lakehayesshow.com

QUEENSTOWN SINCE 2021

Lakeview reveals build date

By Paul Taylor

Construction of Queenstown’s landmark Lakeview Te Taumata development is expected to begin later this year.

The first stage of the 10-hectare development, on former campground land off Man Street, was granted resource consent in December by the Ministry for the Environment as part of the Covid -19 Recovery (Fasttrack Consenting) Act 2020.

The developers, a trans-Tasman consortium of Ninety-Four Feet, Centuria Capital and Britomart Hospitality Group, will now lodge building consents for the five buildings in stage one.

Queenstown Lakes District Council is expected to complete earthworks in September, with Naylor Love slated to begin construction before the end of 2023.

Mark Francis, Centuria NZ CEO, says the development will be a “masterpiece precinct adjacent to the heart of Queenstown’s CBD”.

“Along with spectacular views and residential homes, it will offer a diverse range of hospitality, services, hotels, co-working and living options and a unique retail offering curated by the Britomart Hospitality Group.”

The Government’s expert consenting panel only granted consent by “a narrow margin” after the consortium agreed to reduce the height of the buildings and make other changes.

The changes were critical to persevering the town centre character of the zone, the panel said, despite the buildings exceeding the height limits of the Lakeview sub-zone.

The first five buildings will feature 224 residential apartments, along with shops, restaurants, a spa and gym. Later stages will include three hotels and about 250 more apartments.

Across town, developer ‘Staff Accommodation at Hansen Road Limited’ has submitted revised plans for its carparking building on the vacant triangle of land next to Frankton Cemetery, opposite Queenstown Events Centre. It wants permission to raise the height of the building by 300mm, widen the portions of the ground floor area, and include a stairwell/lift on the southern facade, with lift wells that rise above the roof level of the building.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Tit bits Tit bits

FROM AROUND THE WORLD

James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ dwarfed all other Christmas movies to finish the year-end holidays with more than $1.4 billion in worldwide ticket sales. This is well ahead of the first Avatar, which finished the year-end holidays with $352 million on its way to earning north of $750 million in the US. The 2009 film still ranks as the top-grossing movie of all time globally with $2.92 billion in ticket sales, including rereleases.

Hollywood Reporter

Science magazine names its top scientific breakthrough of the year

The prestigious publication named the launch and operation of the James Webb Space Telescope as the most groundbreaking scientific and technical achievement of the year. The spacecraft, the successor to the Hubble Telescope, has provided a swath of astronomical achievements; see the top images snapped.

Planetary Society

Synchron implants mind-reading device in first US patient in paralysis

trial

Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos-backed foundations join others in making $75M investment into brain-computer interface startup Synchron. The| company has already begun clinical trials to allow severely paralyzed patients to communicate via thought-to-text without requiring open brain surgery

Synchron’s Stentrode system was implanted in the trial’s first participant at Mount Sinai West hospital in New York City, kicking off an FDA-authorised study of a device that aims to convert the thoughts of people with paralysis into actions.

Unlike other proposed brain-computer interfaces, Synchron’s BCI technology doesn’t require open-brain surgery or any drilling into the skull. Instead, it can be put in place in a minimally invasive surgery that takes only about two hours. Fierce biotech

Good hydration linked to healthy aging

moderation bots will start issuing warnings, 24hour bans

YouTube

New automated moderation program does not seem to allow for human intervention.

YouTube has announced a plan to crack down on spam and abusive content in comments and livestream chats. Of course, YouTube will be doing this with bots, which will now have the power to issue timeouts to users and instantly remove comments that are deemed abusive.

Arstechnica

Giant wombats the size of small cars once roamed Australia Australia and the Oceania region in general are known for beautiful beaches, rugged terrain, and incredible biodiversity. Australia itself is home to over one million species of plants and animals, and between 600,000 and 700,000 species that aren’t found anywhere else on planet Earth. It also used to be an even bigger ecological playground. Roughly 80,000 years ago it was also home to extinct megafauna, or giant animals similar to ones found today that once lived in the country’s forests and plains. That includes giant wombat relatives.

A thirty-year study links habitually drinking enough fluids with lower risk of chronic conditions, increased life span. Adults who stay well-hydrated appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, and live longer than those who may not get sufficient fluids, Using health data gathered from 11,255 adults, researchers analyzed links between serum sodium levels – which go up when fluid intake goes down –and various indicators of health.

eBioMedicine

Departures you may have missed

• Groundbreaking television journalist and talk show host Barbara Walters passed away at her Manhattan home at the age of 93.

• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passes away at age 95 in Vatican City. Benedict was the first pope to retire from office in nearly 600 years; see our previous write-up here

• Fred White, Earth, Wind & Fire drummer and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, dies at 67

• Anita Pointer, who won three Grammy Awards as a founding member of The Pointer Sisters, died at 74

• Modest Mouse cofounder and drummer Jeremiah Green dies of cancer at 45

Avatar 2’ rocks New Years with $86.3M, no redemption for ‘Babylon’

UNCLAIMED ITEMS SITTING AT THE POLICE STATION, at 11 Camp Street, this week include:

- MADDISON OLDS – WALLET

- CHRISTOPHER J DAVIS – WALLET

- T. WI-PARATA – WALLET

- LUKE DAWSON – CARDHOLDER

- PAUL NELSON – CARDHOLDER

- MATTHEW MCKENDRY – CARDHOLDER

- LISA GILES – CARDHOLDER

- RINCY YOOSHA – WALLET

- GONZALO PERALTA CORTES – WALLET

- AJAY DESHWAL – WALLET

- KARL BRIGGS – WALLET

- CATHAL NICHOLSON – WALLET

- ROBIN P. STAM – CARDHOLDER

- ELISSA TAYLOR – WALLET

- SILVER IPAD IN BLACK LEATHER CASE

- WHITE AIRPODS IN WHITE CHARGING CASE, left in Taxi

- IPHONE IN BLACK AND RED CASE

- AIR PODS IN BLACK ‘SUP’ CASE belonging to Olga

- BLACK SAMSUNG A50

- KINDLE BELONGING TO ‘JUAN’

- LENOVO TABLET IN SOFT BLACK CASE, possible owner ‘Tanvi’, left in Taxi

- SILVER BANGLE, CLEAR STONES AND HEART shape on front

- OPAL PENDANT ON GOLD CHAIN

- GOLD RING WITH SINGLE CLEAR STONE

- RED AND DARK BLUE CHECKED SWANDRI shirt, size M

- TAN COLOURED DRESS JACKET WITH GOLD buttons, Wish brand, size 10AU

- RED LACOSTE SHIRT, SIZE LARGE US

- BLUE ‘CARRY-TITE’ STORAGE BAG CONTAINING A power bank and charging cables

- BLACK MACPAC JACKET, SUNGLASSES AND LIPSTICK in pocket

- LEAF BLOWER, LOCATED IN ARROWTOWN

Accommodation

ACCOM

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL COUPLE LOOKING FOR PET FRIENDLY rental. Well behaved dog who comes to work everyday, glowing references from previous landlords. Please contact Gemma 021956547

DOUBLE ROOM FULLY FURNISHED HOME FOR PROFESSIONAL person. Lake Hayes. Modern. Large living area and kitchen with extra fridge for personal use. Avail. for 4 months or longer. Ph. 0220973308.

Services

SERVICES

OVER 65 IN WANAKA? MSD ARE OFFERING monthly consultations for NZ Superannuatants as part of a new Reconnecting Seniors Programme. To book a 20 minute appointment to discuss your NZ Super or disability allowance contact Community Links on 034437799 or info@ communitynetworks.co.nz

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

International tourism bounces back quicker than expected

By RNZ

Tourism New Zealand is shifting its sights to the long-term recovery of international tourism here, after a focus on domestic marketing due to disruption from the pandemic.

The organisation branched into domestic marketing in 2020 when international tourists were cut off. And while its staff expected to continue to market domestically, they would widen their scope this year.

Tourism NZ chief executive René de Monchy said international tourism was bouncing back quicker than expected.

Up until now there had been a strong focus on this summer, and there had been “strong summer bookings and increasing preference for New Zealand as a destination in key visitor markets”, de Monchy said. But the agency would return to their core business and begin looking at longer term goals during 2023.

“Where do we think we can support the aviation links and what does that future travel look like as we head in 2023 and beyond?

“It’s a really exciting time to be working in the tourism sector, so I think we’re really looking forward to that challenge.”

Before the pandemic began, spending by New Zealanders made up about 60 percent of tourism expenditure in New Zealand.

“New Zealanders are a really important audience,” de Monchy said. “We want to continue to promote to them, but it’ll be more targeted than it was in the past, looking at how we get more New Zealanders out and about, in the slower months, particularly through the winter.”

International airline routes had expanded after borders reopened, and by October 2022 visitor arrivals to New Zealand were at 57 percent of preCovid levels.

Visitors from Australia were back to 74 percent of pre-Covid levels by October, and had nearly reached 100 percent of the earlier spending. Visitor numbers from the US and UK were also recovering well.

FREE DIGITAL HELP DROP-INS. DO YOU NEED a helping hand with your digital devices? Pop in, give either the Queenstown Library or Frankton a call and arrange an appointment. We’re not tech experts, just friendly librarians with a good IT skills. We’ll do our best to fix your problem. For more information email: queenstown.library@qldc.govt.nz

SPCA OP SHOP – 51 GORGE RD. Open Monday – Saturday 9.00 – 5.00. Pre-loved goods and clothing at great prices. Help support the ongoing work done by the SPCA. Your old goods, or your time, could help save a life. Accepting donations (no electrical at the moment) and volunteers now.

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS OFFERS FRIENDSHIP, SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING to bereaved parents, grandparents siblings to help with coping and dealing with grief that has come about through the loss of a child. For further information please call Pauline Trotter on 0273960611 or email centralotagocf@ gmail.com

WSCA – ROOMS FOR HIRE - SPACIOUS, sunny rooms are available for hire to Queenstown Community Groups. The rooms hold up to 90 people, with seated dining for 40. Located on the 1st floor of Malaghan House, 10 Memorial Street, Queenstown with lift access. There are kitchen facilities, toilets, Wi-Fi, media equipment for projection onto large screen plus large screen TV. Contact us on 03 4429214 or info@wsca.org.nz for more details.

EVERYTHING ELSE

Everything Else

SHOES UNLIMITED - SANDALS, HEELS, WEDGES - beautiful summer styles in our Queenstown Central Store, Frankton, open every day or www.shoesunlimited.co.nz

HIRE A HIVE. HONEY FROM YOUR OWN backyard. We take care of everything, you enjoy the benefits. Hire-a-hive today at tiakibees.co.nz or call 021 090 75375

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "THE FUTURE DOESN'T belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave." - Ronald Reagan

“We’re really turning our attention to being a bit more longer term vision, which is actually more of our core business, and that’s what we’re now looking to, is actually starting to try to get a handle on what do we think that travel behaviour is going to look like next summer, and the years beyond that.”

FOR SALE- HUNGARIAN VIZSLA PUPPIES. PURE bred puppies available from 12 Jan. There are 2 boys and 4 girls. Both parents have lovely temperament and nature. All puppies wormed, weaned and vaccinated before sale. Phone Deborah on 02246630662

GOT A HOT BUSINESS IDEA? GET ENERGISED for 2023: Summer Spark Up - 3* 2hr workshops in January. Just $30 for all 3. Register at: www.startupqueenstownlakes.com/summersparkup

GIFT VOUCHER SURE TO DELIGHT: A BEAUTIFUL guided garden tour in Wānaka. From $95. Daily departure. Infos&Booking, call Florence 02102792481 or beautifulgardenswanaka.com

BOOK SALE - THE ROTARY CLUB OF Wanaka’s New Years Book Sale takes place at The Lake Wanaka Centre from Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th of January from 10am to 4pm each day. Thousands of books for sale at bargain prices.

QUEENSTOWN CROQUET CLUB JARDINE PARK WE WELCOME everyone to Twilight Golf Croquet this summer. Commencing Monday 23rd January - every Monday for 6 weeks $10 per person includes equipment, coaching and a sausage sizzle. Diana: 0274574806

LOOKING TO MOVE TO QTWN.. LOOKING FOR work with accomodation (ideally free or subsided) I understand most of these would be within hospitality,of which I have nill experience, grounds/landscaping or handyman would suit me perfectly.. all jobs considered, I learn fast, work hard and reliable also motivated able to arrive in Queenstown early Jan or after 02040679834

Busy Fergburger on New Year’s day. Photo: Lakes Weekly Bulletin

NZ records

road deaths over holidays

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown Lakes roads were relatively safe over the festive holidays compared to the rest of New Zealand.

The official holiday period ended with a preliminary total of 21 deaths and a number of people seriously injured from crashes nationwide.

A fatal motorbike crash on State Highway 6, the Luggate-Cromwell Road, at Mount Pisa, on Wednesday, December 21, was the closest fatal accident to the district. The rider died at the scene fo the single-vehicle crash.

There was also a nasty head-on smash on Queenstown-Glenorchy Road at Mt Creighton, last Tuesday, which seriously injured one person and saw five others sustain minor injuries.

Across the holidays there were several other minor crashes in the district, with at least one resulting in moderate injuries.

Police Assistant Commissioner, Road Policing, Bruce O’Brien, says the national holiday road toll of 21 is “completely unacceptable”.

“Unfortunately, we’re still seeing the same behaviours contributing to fatal crashes right throughout New Zealand and it’s really disappointing.”

Those behaviours are fatigue, impairment with alcohol or drugs, not wearing seatbelts, exceeding the speed limit, being distracted by cell phones or devices and sometimes drifting onto the wrong side of the road or rolling.

Police have had many staff throughout New Zealand over the summer, doing impairment testing, he said.

“It comes back to responsibility for drivers themselves, their passengers and other road users because we’ve all got that responsibility when we’re in the vehicle.

“Police can’t be on every single road at every single moment so we really need people to take that responsibility when they get in their car because the absolutely devastating consequences that this has for families and friends that are left behind is just terrible.”

There were 378 people killed on New Zealand roads in 2022, up 60 from the previous year.

Physiotherapy

first Australian Commonwealth Parliament was held in which Melbourne building? 13. What was the name of EW Homung's "gentleman burglar"? 14. According to Greek mythology, who was the first woman? 15. Which now obsolete profession, made famous by Chaucer, involved the selling of papal indulgences? 16. What colours are on the Flag of Scotland? 17. What type of animal is a Mexican hairless? 18. Which singer released her debut single Stone Cold Sober in 2009? 19. In the Old Testament, who is the older brother of Moses? 20. Which actress starred in the 2007 film The Brave One? 21. What nickname was given to the 16th-century Spanish painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos? 22. The Manch and the Jungfrau form a trio along with which Swiss mountain? 23. What is the name of the Italian Grand Prix circuit near Milan, built in 1922? 24. Which Swedish pop group formed as Festfolk in 1970? 25. What Latin phrase means "with hindsight"? 26. What is October's birthstone? 27. Which Egyptian sky-god has the head of a falcon? 28. What European country does the dish skordalia come from? 29. Which tan-coloured breed of horse has a white mane and tail? 30. Who was the wife of Zeus in Greek mythology?

Thousands

By Gill Bonnett, RNZ immigration reporter

More than 6500 skilled migrants have been invited to apply for residence in a one-off ballot before a policy change.

The government announced in October it wanted to overhaul skilled migrant residence.

More than 300 people and organisations made submissions on what the new policy should look like during a five-week consultation.

In the meantime, Immigration New Zealand said it saw increased demand when it opened up applications under the old points system.

Migrants rushed to apply in November before the points criteria rose.

The next selection takes place on January 18, and then every month until the new policy is announced.

Another residence ballot, for parents of former migrants, has also just reopened.

Expressions of interest were submitted by 6000 families, with the oldest 370 cases invited to apply in November.

Newer applicants will join a random ballot starting in August.

Border and visa operations acting general manager Michael Carley said the oldest 370 expressions of interest were selected in November.

“We recognise the importance for many migrants to have their parents with them, and the positive contributions their parents can make to their families and the community,” Carley said.

“We appreciate that many families have had to wait a long time since submitting their Expression of Interest and that the Covid pandemic has lengthened the wait for the category to restart.”

Immigration New Zealand says it saw increased demand when it opened up applications under the old points system. (File image.) Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Cafe owner challenges tourism minister to visit

By Sue Wards - Wānaka App

A Wānaka cafe owner has challenged the minister of tourism to visit his cafe to see the reality of current hospitality conditions.

Ritual Cafe co-owner Chris Hadfield wrote to Stuart Nash on Wednesday (January 4) asking for a personal meeting with him, after he took exception to the minister’s comments about the impact of visitor numbers on hospitality.

In a story first published on Radio New Zealand, Stuart said more than 20,000 working holiday visa holders had arrived in New Zealand since the border fully reopened last July and businesses were working hard to give summer tourists that “famous New Zealand experience”.

“We are working as hard as we possibly can to fill the gaps, even though there are some areas - Queenstown comes to mind - where the labour shortage is reasonably acute,” Stuart said.

“If it takes people five or 10 minutes longer to get a coffee, or 15 minutes longer to get a meal, then so be it. I still think the level of service received will still be done with a smile and people will still have the experience they’ve come over here for.”

Chris told the minister his comments “astound me with your apparent acceptance of customers waiting times for coffee and food”.

“As wait times increase then the number of customers that we can serve directly decreases and obviously our income is directly affected,” he wrote. On social media Chris was less careful with his words, saying the minister was “completely out of touch with how hospitality works”.

“If every coffee takes 15 minutes longer then with every passing minute we get further and further behind.

“He really is a complete d…head if he thinks this is in any way acceptable or sustainable.”

Chris (who is also a member of the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board) said he has been running Ritual Cafe for over 15 years and “this has been the most difficult period ever and relates to the inability to find staff”.

He told the minister he has a good feel for how local businesses are coping and “it does not paint a pretty picture”.

Chris told the Wānaka App he wants to speak to the minister face to face. However, that’s unlikely to happen soon as the minister is on holiday until January 16.

Chris has been outspoken about his criticisms of the government’s changes to visa requirements, and in May last year he told the Wānaka App staff shortages were “worse than ever”.

This past Boxing Day was the busiest ever for Ritual Cafe, as it was one of only a few cafes open in Wānaka.

Ritual Cafe co-owner Chris Hadfield - Image QLDC

CELEBRATING FRONTLINE HEROES OF A

Bygone Era

By Sue Fea

The Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrates 160 years on the job this year with its meticulously filed records, dating right back to the early days, now safely stored in the Lakes District Museum archives.

Long-time fire chief Bob Robertson, now retired, spent weeks pouring through the impeccable records with brigade secretary Katherine Lamont, who says the boxes were full of incredible treasures. Old uniforms dating back through the decades were also handed over and museum director David Clarke says all of the memorabilia is just wonderful and will be treasured. “We’re just starting the process of assessing and cataloguing them.”

The Queenstown Brigade, the second oldest volunteer brigade in the country, was formed during the 1860s gold rush in the days when candles falling over, or curtains blowing into them, in a town that was a camp made of canvas and timber, meant disaster.

The brigade was formed 112 years before the New Zealand Fire Service. Armed in the early days with merely a bucket line and a sack to fight off fierce flames, the small handful of brave volunteers was the town’s only defence.

“Our oldest minute book dates back to 1880 and it’s been in storage at the Fire Station since then,” says Katherine. “We have invoices, bank books and statements, all intact, dating back for a century.”

“It’s phenomenal how meticulously everything’s been stored, from old minute and call-out books to cheque receipts dating back to 1930, all inward

and outward correspondence.” Full sets of each uniform from the 1920s, including old brass helmets and woollen bunker coats, and historic photos, are all now with the museum.

“It’s the history of a town,” says Katherine, dating back to the very first ‘shed’ in Brecon Street, (originally the morgue), now Brian Smith Memorial Park in honour of an experienced local volunteer firefighter and ambulance officer. The brigade went into recess from 1910 until 1917 due to no suitable place to meet, just a rickety old shed. Volunteers were encouraged to re-establish the brigade at a public meeting with the council agreeing to better resource it, including a more quality station, in 1928. They still didn’t have proper firefighting equipment. “They had a handdrawn pump on wheels that they pulled along with a bit of canvas hose,” says Katherine. The old hand bell, still in front of the Isle Street station, alerted firemen to calls. In the early 1950’s the call-out method changed to sirens - one at the Brecon Street and another at the Melbourne Street, Frankton Rd intersection. Bob recalls many complaints about the second siren on the top of a rickety post. If kicked hard enough it would go off.

A letter in the records shows the brigade contributed 100 pounds to the purchase of the first motorised fire appliance in 1927, with the council stumping up the rest. Every coin donated in gratitude after a call-out is documented.

In 1954 an extra engine bay was built on to the Brecon Street station, and the architectural plans are in the records.

In 1974 the brigade moved to its existing Isle Street site, which, over the years, has had many additions.

David says he’s keen to delve into what fires the brigade was attending in the very early years. One of the most notorious documented is the big fire in Ballarat Street, now Queenstown Mall, in 1882, which destroyed eight buildings. “Businessman Philip Waldemann was going broke and burnt down his sweet shop and tried, but failed, to burn down his stone house, still in York Street, all in one day in an insurance scam,” says David. “That’s why only one side of the Mall still has its original heritage

buildings. He used an elaborate scheme in both fires designed to make people think a candle had fallen over.” There were lots of fires in the day. “They were the scourge of the settler – wind, curtains and candles caused many. The important thing is that everything is now in a safe place where it can be easily accessed for anyone doing research projects.”

Katherine says Waldemann burnt down the entire Ballarat block which prompted establishment of a water supply. After escaping the town he was caught and charged. Old newspaper clippings of the massive fire are among the records, along with those of the famous White Star Hotel fire in 1970 and Coronet Peak fire in 1986. Records include a letter from the Queenstown Borough Council thanking the brigade for its actions during the White Star fire. “Bill and Jackie Davidson were running the hotel and she had to escape from an upstairs fire escape as there was no time. They were lucky there was no loss of life due to the time of the day as they were fully booked,” says Katherine.

Letters of apology from those who’d maliciously set off fire alarms have been saved. Others had come in to apologise.

It took well over a month to sort box after box, with old unrelated circulars arriving in the post even filed.

The brigade has retained a few special pieces, including a brass helmet and old firefighting axes, but with David looking forward to staging a display one day these will also be on loan to the museum.

The delivery of the Renault fire engine to the Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade - the first motorised appliance used in Queenstown, which remained in service until 1948. It’s now displayed in the Wanaka Transport Museum

The original hand bell used by the early brigade to alert a fire call-out, still on display outside the Isle Street station

The earliest photo of the original Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade, dated 1864. From left: J Wenkheim, F St Omer, P McCarthy, A Ballantyne, D Sutherland (Supt), W Gibb, J Farrant, P Connell, J McConnachie, T Haines, C Keay, C Robertson, pictured with the hand-drawn hand pumper

M

by Sue Fea

HANK SPROULL

A HANKERING TO GO HIGHER

Lf Soy

Growing up in Te Anau from the age of two, Hank Sproull, who’s just celebrated 50 years in aviation, was fascinated by light aircraft and hangars from a very young age.

Tourism was in the blood with his dad operating a tourist launch on Lake Te Anau, but young Hank gravitated to the Te Anau Airstrip across the road from his primary school, hanging out with southern aviation greats like Bill Black, Gary Cruickshank and Ian Ritchie. “They took me flying in de Havilland Dominies, Cessna 180s and their Tiger Moth.” He would later learn to fly himself, as an aircraft engineer, in exchange for doing a maintenance overhaul on that Tiger Moth in Queenstown for Mount Cook Company director Owen Marshall, a World War II RNZAF flight instructor. Wakatipu Aero Club head instructor, the legendary Jim Jefferies, also taught Hank to fly privately and commercially.

The move to Queenstown for an aircraft engineering apprenticeship at Frankton Aerodrome in 1972 provided excellent grounding, gaining extensive qualifications to certify planes.

Flying lessons took a back seat for a few years while Hank pursued his passion of Motocross which he excelled at. He reached the top echelon for New Zealand, also racing in the Mr Motocross Series in Australia in 1977, which led to meeting his Aussie wife of 44 years, Kerrie.

Hank gained his commercial pilot’s licence in 1986 while working as an aircraft engineer for Mount Cook, graduating to part-time flying on its flightseeing routes, working there for 27 years. Milford Sound, as now, was the jewel of the crown.

In 1997 Mount Cook sold out to THL/Real Journeys joint venture and Hank left, teaming up with local farmer Dave Bunn, who had an Air Operators Certificate. With one Cessna each, they formed Air Milford in 1998, with Hank and Kerrie buying the Bunns out in 2000. “It was very hard going in the early days. We had to come up with a formula to beat the established operators.” They threw in small boat cruises at Milford, bush

walks, coffee, tea and muffins, personalised service. It worked. The Japanese, Americans and Australians loved it.

With just a team of four they bought the first Cessna Caravan turboprop aircraft in 2005. “Nobody else in the area had one so we were pioneers.” However, it was a calculated punt, having to secure a loan of $1.25m from UDC Finance. It was hard work trying to pay that back for the first two years but Hank says in the first year business doubled with that aeroplane.

Always an opportunist, Hank put on special flights from Queenstown out off the coast of Dunedin to see the massive spectacle of icebergs in November 2006, and the Kiwis and Aussies flocked on board. “That was a real shot in our arm.”

In 2013 they bought a second Caravan with youngest son Antony, by then qualified, flying it home with ferry pilots from Greece. Air Milford now flies four of these quiet, environmentally sustainable 14-seaters, equipped with state-ofthe-art systems and has never looked back.

It’s not surprising that Hank’s eldest son Simon also builds jet engines for Airbus in Christchurch.

Hank and Kerrie once flew all around New Zealand and Australia privately and have travelled extensively in the United States and beyond.

Motorbikes, e-bikes and music continue to be a huge part of Hank’s life. He and Kerrie enjoyed three, 24,000km Harley tours around the States with Dennis Deavoll’s Motorsickle Tours.

Hank says he’s been blessed to have an accidentfree company. However, he’s had a couple of close calls flying with others at the controls – one out in bear country in Alaska where the pilot crash landed in bush on a remote riverbed, another crashing into the Shotover River on Branches Station. The Alaskan guys flying in to rescue them were all armed with rifles to shoot the bears that Hank had been assured were unlikely to come around.

Ironically though he’s more concerned about dangling 2438m above the ground in a Palm Springs 20-seat gondola, as he had to once with the family in the US, than he is being in control of a plane.

With 25 years’ volunteer service in the Frankton Fire Brigade from 1980, Hank’s seen many a tragedy he’d rather forget, particularly motor vehicle accidents. There were fun times too like the practise drill nights at Queenstown Airport when firefighter Geoffrey Toms put his foot on a freshly doused 44-gallon drum that had just been alight with jet fuel. “It rolled over sending flames igniting up his leg. We doused him down extra well. He wasn’t happy,” grins Hank.

Air Milford’s always had a big heart, generously donating trips for all manner of causes, digging deep when a lift is needed. Staff have enjoyed Christmas parties, flown into Martin’s Bay where Hank provided entertainment on his trusty guitar. Hank’s been spicing up the music for years at St Andrew’s Church and livened up the hangar at his 50 years flying celebration in October with Chuck Berry’s hit ‘My Ding-a-Ling’. “That LP was thrashed when I flatted at the ‘Academy of Fine Living’ in Stewart Street with Barry Small and Gordon Baker.”

Hank toasting the MCV Cessna 185 Skywagon that he flew for Mount Cook in 1986, now owned by a friend and leased by Air Milford

Hank (left) during the Mr Motorcross Series at the Whelan Circuit, near Melbourne, in 1977

QLDC Libraries

Librarian Profile

Lakes Weekly Bulletin and Queenstown Lakes Libraries are profiling our librarians. This month we are profiling Jess who is the Team Leader of the Frankton Library.

Kia ora koutou, my name is Jess and I am the Team Leader of the Frankton Library. I’m originally from Sydney, Australia where I grew up dreaming that I could live in Middle Earth, so you can imagine that I am pretty stoked to get to be one of the Librarians there! I completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Ancient History & Ancient Languages and after completing my studies, I set off travelling through Europe, North America, South East Asia and spent a few years living in Canada as well. I was on my way back to Australia to begin further study in Libraries & Information Science when I detoured through Queenstown, and it was here that this wee town of ours stole my heart and I decided to stay put. I began my library career here in the Queenstown Library eight years ago and after 2 years in Wellington working for Wellington City Libraries as a Community Outreach and Engagement Specialist, I could not resist the pull of the Queenstown Lakes District and returned to take up the

My current reading recommendations:

role of Team Leader at the new Frankton Library.

My role here is to look after the team, facility and operations of the Frankton Library and I am incredibly lucky to get to work with such an amazing team of Librarians who work tirelessly to create a space and opportunities for learning, equality, discovering, connection and wellbeing. Though I spend most of my time working behind the scenes, I really enjoy my time out in the library and wider community, meeting people from all different walks of life who visit our libraries every day; from regular library users to newcomers to our district, from our youngest tamariki to some of our oldest long-term locals, it is an absolute pleasure to serve my local community in this capacity.

Outside of the library I love camping, paddling, snowboarding, painting, reading and just generally getting out in nature. I

have been enjoying a change in my reading tastes these past few years, going from reading almost exclusively Fantasy, Science Fiction and Historical Classics to branching out into Non-Fiction and exploring so many new genres! My new things is to take home about 30 books at a time from right across our library collections and browsing these at my leisure in my in home library. For those with a busy life, I really recommend this approach, I am absolutely loving it! And now for the fun part, here are a few recommendations of books from me and I look forward to seeing you in the library some time soon!

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

This book is absolutely heart warming and the ultimate feel good story! Join Linus, a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth as he travels to an island orphanage, where he is tasked with assessing the orphanage and the six dangerous children reside there, including the anti-christ! The book literally had me clutching it to my chest and wishing it would never end. I could not recommend it more!

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

This is one of my all-time favourite books, if you are looking for an epic story filled with love, adventure, treasure, and pirates, mixed with a healthy dose of justice and revenge then look no further! Don’t be put off it’s big size, The Count of Monte Cristo is a timeless classic that will have you hooked from page one!

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

This book is one of my first loves and one that will always remind me of the power of reading. This fairy tale retelling set in ancient Ireland follows the journey of young Sorcha as she works to free her 6 brothers from an evil curse that turned them into swans! The book taught me the power of inner strength, courage and determination and it a beautiful book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a splash of fantasy and fairy tales.

The Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse by Charles Mackesy

This book is truly one of a kind, with each page being a work of art. This is a picture book for all ages filled with love, hope, friendship, compassion and kindness. Follow these 4 unlikely friends as they journey through the woods, face unknown challenges and get through it the way we all do. Together.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

You would think that this memoir written by psychiatrist Viktor Frankl on his experience and stories in Nazi Concentration Camps would be dark and depressing, however this book is so inspiring and uplifting, it is guaranteed to leave you with a broader perspective on life. Though we cannot avoid suffering, we can choose how we face it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. This is a short but powerful book and one I would recommend to everyone!

@qldclibraries

Queenstown Lakes District Libraries

GOINGS ON ABOUT

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES

Queenstown Mountain Bike Club Wednesday Night Dig’s

Grab your bike and join the QMTB club each week for their Wednesday Night Digs! The crew meets at the Wynyard Corner at 6pm before pedaling up to the project they are currently working on. Wynyard corner is the main entry point into the Wynyard Jump Park in Fernhill, next to the Fernhill Substation. Everyone is welcome and no previous experience is needed. Drinks and Chur Fish & Chips are provided courtesy of the club to all diggers afterwards.

It’s a great way to meet local riders and help build your next favourite trail!

When: Wednesday, 18 January and every Wednesday between 6pm - 8pm

Where: Wynyard Jump Park on Wynyard Crescent

Queenstown Bowls Club

The Queenstown Bowls Club is holding their 6 week bowls3 five tournament starting 23 January. Make up a team of six and come along with games commencing at 6pm, with sausage sizzle from 5.15pm. $140 per team. Please email info@bowlsqueenstown.co.nz for more details.

When: Monday, 23 January and every Monday for 6 weeks between 6pm - 8pm

Where: Queenstown Gardens by the tennis club, 19 Park Street, Queenstown

FESTIVALS | EVENTS

The Rotary Club of Wanaka’s New Years Book Sale

The annual book sale takes place from Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 from 10am to 4pm each day. Thousands of books for sale at bargain prices.

Where: The Lake Wanaka Centre

Lake Hayes A&P Show

The 107th Annual Lake Hayes A&P Show is a fun day out for the family, exhibitors and competitors and is held on one of the most beautiful showgrounds in the country. Organisers bring the town a little closer to the country and give the Wakatipu community a taste of rural life. There are horses, show jumping, dog trials, sheep shearing, trade sites, petting zoos, children’s entertainment and much, much more.

Tickets available on the day via Eftpos / cashless payment

• Adults $15 • Under 18s FREE

• Grand Parade 12.30pm

• Topp Twins on stage 11am & 3pm

• FREE Arrowtown Shuttle bus, Alec Robins Rd Park & Ride 9am-4pm

When: Saturday, 14 January, from 8am to 6pm

Where: Lake Hayes Showgrounds

Cricket

Enjoy 2 games in early January from the Super Smash series live at the John Davies Oval. Auckland vs Central Districts

When: Saturday, 14 January, at 1:40pm

Where: Queenstown Events Centre Joe Oconnell Dr, Frankton

Torpedo7 Goldminer

Big climbs and big descents and some epic views is what this this race rewards.

The course is set to be around 40km and with 2700m of climbing. New for this year will be The Miniminer short course - approximately 15km with 850m of climbing.

When: Saturday, 14 January, between 8am to 3pm

Where: Coronet Peak Ski & Mountain Bike Park

EXHIBITIONS

Craigs Aspiring Art Prize Awards

The annual Craigs Aspiring Art Prize Awards attracts artists from around New Zealand and is a nationally recognised art award. This is one of the countries richest prizes with a winning acquisition prize of $20,000. In addition, there are a number of merit prizes.

All the artworks are available for sale on Opening Night and during the exhibition period. All proceeds raised will go to the Holy Family school. $5 per entry, under 12 free.

When: Opening night Monday, 13 January, at 6pm 3 Day Exhibition 14 - 16 January, 10am - 4pm

Where: Holy Family School, Aubrey Road, Wanaka

Gus Watson’s annual summer exhibition

Iconic Wakatipu artist Gus Watson annual summer exhibition is on now at the gallery on his Littles Road property. The exhibition closes on Saturday January 14. Gus has created 25 new paintings for the exhibition on canvas and paper, covering a wide range of subjects from people and animals to local scenery. His bright, colourful, loose and slightly abstract style has been wooing art enthusiasts from around the world. Feel free to wander around his stunning gardens. You can read more on Gus’s incredible life story in next week’s issue of LWB (January 17). See www.anguswatson.com

When: daily until Saturday, 14 January, 9.30am until 5.30pm Where: Angus Watson Art Gallery – 355 Littles Road, Dalefield

Shelf-Life

A series of photographs by international award-winning British artist Mandy Barker highlighting the impact of society’s reliance on plastic and the damage it causes to marine life and, ultimately, ourselves.

When: until 24 January

Where: Te Atamira, Remarkables Park Town Centre 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton

If you would like your show, event, exhibition or meeting promoted in Goings On drop me a line at davidgibbs@qmg.co.nz with the details.

Whispering Gums: Recent Australian Art

Presenting an exhibition of Australian artists Rebecca Baumann, Paul Davies, Bill Henson, Jonny Niesche, and Gemma Smith each art work in the exhibition offers an unexpected sensation or nuance, prompting viewers to think again.

When: until late January 2023

Where: Starkwhite Queenstown, 1–7 Earl Street Queenstown

WORKSHOPS

Zine Night

Zine (noun) pronounced ‘zeen’ is a noncommercial often homemade publication focusing on a specialised and often nonconventional subject or topic. Zines can feature artwork, poetry, collage and a combination of texts and images.

This free event at the library is a fun and creative introduction into the wonderful world of zine making.

When: Thursday, 12 January, between 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Where: Queenstown Library, Gorge Road, Queenstown

Eco-printing art workshop with Simone Bensdorp

Learn to eco-print using local plant materials and an ironbased mordant. This is a method that creates clear, dark leaf prints, and is suitable for cellulose fabric – perfect for upcycling clothing or creating original fabric!

When: Saturday, 14 January, between 9:30am12:30pm and 2pm - 5pm

Where: Te Atamira, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre, Frankton

Digital Help Drop-ins

Do you need a helping hand with your digital devices? Pop in to the Queenstwon or Frankton library, give them a call, or email to arrange an appointment with our librarian. They will ask a few questions about your issue beforehand to get the most out of your session.

Please note, they aren’t tech experts, just a team of friendly librarians with a good IT skills. Who will do their best to fix your problem.

Sessions are free and just bring your device and your questions. For more information email: queenstown.library@qldc.govt.nz or frankton. library@qldc.govt.nz

When: daily until January 31, by appointment

Where: Queenstown and Frankton Library

HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES

Te Atamira January School Holiday Programme

Te Atamira Holiday Programme creates a fun environment for kids to get creative. The programme is led by accredited art teachers with each workshop enhancing the participants creativity and imagination. There are programmes designed for children aged 5-12 and the Rangatahi programmes are for ages 13-18 . More information is available at teatimira.nz/whatson

When: daily until Wednesday, 1 February, from 9am to 3.30pm.

Where: Te Atamira, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre, Frankton

QLDC School Holiday programme

The Sport & Recreation Holiday Programme is fun for kids of all ages. The Junior programme is aimed at kids aged 5-7 years and for kids aged 8-12 years join the senior programme. Each day is based around a key activity, with sports, activities and games to keep busy and active. Session spaces are limited so advanced bookings are recommended. Bookings can also be made via email to kids@qldc.govt.nz or in person at the Queenstown Events Centre customer services desk

This weeks programme: Wednesday, 11 January: Super Sleuths & Treasure Hunters. Bring out the inner detective, to crack codes, create puzzles and find the treasure in a mega scavenger hunt.

Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Frankton.

Thursday, 12 January: Playground Day. A thrilling day on the ropes course and the chance to have a go at a mystery activity Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Frankton.

Friday, 13 January: Crazy In¬flatables, Hungerball, Obstacle Courses and Giant Zorbs will keep everyone busy for a crazy day of bouncing and sports

Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Frankton.

Monday, 16 January: Japanese Culture Day. This is a Japanese culture immersion day which will be celebrated with traditional art, crafts, cuisine and games.

Where: Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown Tuesday, 17 January: Inventions and Imagination Using imagination the day is about design and implement of inventions to solve problems and complete special tasks.

Where: Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown

MUSIC

Nightbirds Presents K+LAB @ Yonder QT

Celebrating the release of his 4th full length album ‘BEASTS’ K+Lab returns to grace the stage at Yonder on Saturday. The New Zealand-born master of intergalactic funk, K+Lab has been rocking dance floors and bringing the beats to the masses with his signature keytar in hand. K+Lab’s sound draws from a seemingly endless array of influences from soul to jazz, hip hop to drum n’ bass, glitch to G funk—all tied together by an orbital pull of all things funky.

When: Saturday, 14 January, from 10pm

Where: Yonder, 14 Church Street, Queenstown

Bus misery to continue

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown’s bus service will run on a reduced timetable for at least another five months.

ORC slashed the Orbus service by 25% in Queenstown and Dunedin last July due to a shortage of drivers. Passengers have also faced daily last-minute cuts.

ORC Interim Chief Executive Pim Borren says Dunedin operators now have enough drivers to increase frequency of trips from next month.

But after discussions with Queenstown bus operators just prior to Christmas, he says the deadline for a return to the full time-table in the resort town will be extended to June 1 this year.

“Essentially NZ is still 800 drivers short nationwide and Queenstown with its challenging accommodation and high living costs has proven particularly difficult for recruitment of drivers locally,” he says.

“This is notwithstanding the significant increases in pay which ORC led late last year, and which have since been supported by central govt, Waka Kotahi, and through school bus driver agreements.”

ORC increased drivers’ pay from $22.75 to the living wage of $23.65 in August last year, and when that failed to make much of a difference to recruitment, ramped it up to the median wage of $27.76 per hour in October. Paying the median wage allows contractors to recruit migrants from overseas, meeting the visa conditions.

Dr Borren says ORC is working with all parties to rebuild a more frequent service through the first half of 2023 but there will be no return to the full timetable until June at least.

“It remains a struggle at times for the Queenstown operators to deliver the reduced timetable, and passengers deserve greater certainty.”

He added that services appeared to have become more popular during the Council and Government’s cut-price fares, which reduced Queenstown fares to $1, and the Council aimed to maintain that demand in the long-term.

“We thank the public and current drivers and operators for their tolerance and patience during extremely difficult times for New Zealand across many sectors – and bus services were particularly hard hit.

The business case will be designed to encourage more people onto buses, bicycles, ferries, and other modes of low-emission, active or shared transport. It will scope out the role of park-and-ride, capacity demands and constraints, as well as systems and resources, and what bus hubs might look like. It will

The community

be asked for their input, with consultation due to start in the first quarter of this year.

“We’re looking forward to frequent and more reliable services in 2023, and rest assured, our passionate staff and operators are doing everything they can to restore what we had and provide a sustainable service for the future.” The Council is also leading work to produce a 30-year forward-focused business case on how public transport could evolve over the next 15-years in the popular tourist town as part of the multi-agency Way to Go programme.

also present what funding is needed over time.

will

Arts+Culture

Craigs Aspiring Art Prize returns in 2023

by Jessica Allen

Over the hill in Wanaka the annual Craigs Aspiring Art Prize will take place this weekend. The annual event attracts artists from throughout New Zealand and offers a top prize of $20,000. It’s the main fundraiser for Holy Family Catholic School. This year the top prize has jumped from $10,000 in previous years to $20,000, with main sponsor Craigs Investment Partners taking ownership of the winning piece.

“It’s been going for about 16 years and it started off as a really small competition for South Islandbased artists. Now it’s grown to a nationwide competition. Craigs Investment Partners has always been part of it — they’re the main sponsor and they sponsor the supreme prize, which this year is a $20,000 acquisition prize,” says one of the event organisers Leigh Cooper. There’s been a record number of entries and approximately 240 pieces have been selected for exhibition. There’s usually around 100 pieces on display.

“Last year was our largest with 140 pieces. We’re kind of limited on space because it’s in school classrooms and Holy Family is quite small. So we put our thinking caps on and managed to work out how we can display another 100 pieces.

“We‘ve got more artists from all around New Zealand, so it’s pretty exciting. All the artworks are new, so they’ve never been seen before. That’s one of the criteria of this event; fresh piece of artwork to be entered and displayed.”

Opening night will be on the 13th of January and will include canapés and a live band. Following that there will be a three-day exhibition at the school which is open to the public for $5 with all artwork for sale. All funds raised go back into the school for resources such as funding additional teachers, books, playground equipment, and more.

“This fundraiser is really important. I had set up an Aspiring Art Foundation a couple of years ago. We’re putting a bit of money aside, and hopefully this year we’ve got enough money to get an artist into the school to teach some of the kids a new art skill. Just so that there’s somebody new coming in with fresh ideas. It’s nice that we can give kids the opportunity to experience visual arts within the small school,” says Leigh.

The event is the biggest one on the calendar for the school and a lot of effort is put into it. Overall there’s $30,000 worth of prizes and the exhibition attracts an array of artists locally and from throughout Aotearoa.

The exhibition will take place at Holy Family Catholic School in Wanaka from 13 — 16 January. Winners will be announced on opening night, and the exhibition is open to the public from the 14th. You can find out more info on the event as well as the artists and artworks displayed at aspiringartprize.co.nz

Friday House Party, 9pm

10 JANUARY- 16 JANUARY

Oktoberfest Saturdays $35 Oktoberfest Package! Dirndls, games and steins!

Saturday World Party, 9pm

Sunday Sunday Sessions with Danny Atkinson, 5pm Late Nights with DJ Yuki, 10pm

Full menu available WednesdaySunday 12pm-8pm

• F&B experience

• A can-do attitude

• Friendly, outgoing & confident attitude

Come and work with our Kitchen team at Bluekanu Restaurant & Bar, Queenstown!!

We are a fun, energetic award-winning team who are all striving for the same results "the best hospitality" – great atmosphere, lots of laughs, good vibes, delivering amazing food and beverage!

What’s in it for you:

send your info through to Wazza Warren.ratana@gmail.com

SENIOR CHEF DE PARTIE & KITCHEN PORTER

HOUSEKEEPER @ ARO HA WELLNESS RETREAT

As a housekeeper at Aro Ha Wellness Retreat you will be part of a small team providing high standards of housekeeping.

Position Responsibilities:

• Daily housekeeping of guests rooms, all guest facilities and staff areas including spa building

• Laundry including guests laundry as required

• Knowledge and understanding of effective cleaning methods and techniques using eco friendly products

• Attention to detail and high standards of cleanliness

• Adhere to all Health & Safety standards

• Other various tasks as assigned

• An eye for detail and ability to multi task

This is a full time position, average of 35+ hours per week. Roster works around our retreat schedule.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job: the employee must be able to work in a physically demanding environment; maneuver on uneven ground; stand for long periods of time; regularly lift and carry bags and bundles of linen, reconfigure guest rooms, lift, bend, carry, load and unload laundry in and out of commercial washing equipment.

You must be legally able to work in New Zealand. To apply, please submit to: office@aro-ha.com by 25 January 2023

• Cover letter

• Current Resume with references

Passport size photo & copy of drivers license or passport showing valid work permit if required. www.aro-ha.com

SENIOR GYMNASTICS COACH (Competitive Team):

The Queenstown Gymnastics Club seeks to employ a Senior Coach, to assist with the running of our competitive WAG (STEPs 1-8) gymnastics programme. You will work closely with the Gym Manager & other coaches. Previous gymnastics experience and/or coaching is a prerequisite and knowledge of the New Zealand Steps programme is desired. You must have the ability to legally work in NZ. Ability to teach a variety of classes and levels is desirable with particular expertise working with senior gymnasts in Steps 5-8.

The Senior Coach role has flexible part time coaching hours during Monday to Friday between 3.30 – 8.30pm. Currently this is a part time role (20+ hours) with the potential to develop further hours in the future. Role commences February 2023.

The right person will have experience in working and communicating with children across a wide range of ages, be hands on, supportive and pro-active whilst ensuring their safety.

The Club offers an intimate coaching environment with a progressive and supportive committee, and seeks to progress our coaches through the GymSportsNZ coaching programme.

If you are interested or wish to seek further information please email manager@qtgymnastics.co.nz with Coaching Position in the subject line.

Azur Lodge Posi�ons Available

Evening Guest Service A�endant

This posi�on requires an individual who can work within a small team, this role is very 'mul�-tasked', the tasks range from recep�on work, food and beverage service, concierge & various front of house du�es.

The ideal candidate must have previous hospitality industry experience, be well presented, flexible & have excellent wri�en and oral communica�on skills

Housekeeper

We require an experienced housekeeper who is enthusias�c, mo�vated, have good a�en�on to detail and who would be proud to keep our accommoda�on to a high level while working within a small friendly team.

Full Time Posi�on. Applicants must have a valid work visa or the right to work in New Zealand.

A full driver’s license is required for this posi�on. Please email applica�ons to:Danielle danielle@azur.co.nz

www.azur.co.nz

Full-Time Super Nanny wanted to look after 4 kids in Queenstown

• $27 an hour

• School & Daycare pick-ups & Drop Offs

• After school activities

• Dinner Prep

• House cleaning & other odd jobs & errands

Must be kind, patient, organised & reliable. Email your CV to sarah.lucas@xtra.co.nz

Sergios Queenstown is looking for an Aspiring Store Manager to join their team.

If you have a passion for fashion and providing your clients with excellent customer service, then we would like to hear from you. You will be dealing with some of the leaders in mens fashion - Hugo Boss, Diesel, Scotch and Soda, Paul Smith, Bugatti and more.

The current role is based in our Athol Street store working along side the existing team in an Assistant Manager capacity, learning the ropes within our industry with a view to further growth within the company.

This is a full-time role 39 hours, 5 days per week.

Please call Kevin for more info on 027 245 8020 or email to kevin@sergios.co.nz

TRADESMAN PAINTER AND BRUSH HANDS

Fully Qualified Tradesman Painter with 3 Years experience minimum Brush Hands with experience preferred but not essential

Own Vehicle preferred Must be keen to work with a great attitude

Great opportunity to work on high end properties within a great team Applicants for this position to be a NZ resident or hold a valid NZ work Visa

Great Pay Renumeration

Contact Steve Fraser - 0274316783 or email steve@stevefraserdecorating.com

The Dishery Bistro in Arrowtown are looking for a Chef or Experienced Cook

Working hours are generally 7am-4pm leaving your evening free! If this sounds like an attractive proposition, do not delay, express your interest now.

We offer a great working environment with flexible hours and competitive rates of pay. Full Time and Part Time, Permanent or Casual. Please email manager@thedishery.co.nz or call/txt 021 664 553

QUEENSTOWN NZ DUTY MANAGERS, BARTENDERS & IN-HOUSE SECURITY

WANTED

We are looking for Bartenders, Security and Duty Managers to work in our busy bar in Queenstown.

You must have current working Visa and speak excellent English for all roles.

The positions are on a roster that will vary from week to week. You must be able to work weekends and evenings.

For the In-House Security position, you must have current COA. Duty Managers must have their LCQ and Managers Certi cate.

Please send your CV to queenstowncowboys@gmail.com

Are you a Chef looking for daytime hours?

Various Roles Available at the ever-growing Gibbston Tavern CHEF AND KITCHEN HAND

Experienced Hands on Head Chef role available now at the Busy Gibbston Tavern

Must be experienced in running a small team, Menu costing and stock control and fully conversant in the Nz food control plan… Chomp experience highly desirable but not essential as training will be given We are open daytime hours so perfect for a Chef looking to leave the Rat race of hospitality late night hours have your mornings and nights free

TASTING ROOM MANAGER

The latest edition to the Gibbston Tavern family will offer the best local wines, distilled spirits and beers

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about the local beverage industry and loves talking about all things boozy.

You will be responsible for showcasing the regions unique offerings and managing the daily operations of the tasting room

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in Gibbstons latest offering A managers certificate is preferred but not essential.

RESTAURANT MANAGER

This role requires a mature and experienced person who is wanting to advance their hospitality career working alongside the operations manager to promote and grow the Gibbston Tavern

You will need to have an excellent work ethic and willing to roll with the punches that come with working in an ever changing environment

Running day to day shifts, training new staff and working hands on, we require someone who is enthusiastic and excited about giving the best experience to our customers.

A managers certificate is preferred but not essential.

WE OFFER FOR THESE ROLES:

• free parking, great location, escape the hassle of town

• excellent rate of pay

• great banter and lots of dog pats

• friendly opening hours 11am till 6pm with special events and functions no later than 10.30pm on occasion

These roles are Fulltime with immediate start, daytime hours including weekends and public holidays

You must be able to work legally in NZ and have your own reliable transport.

When applying please specify which role you are interested in.

Please apply via email gibbstontavern@outlook.com

FRONT OF HOUSE SUPERSTARS

Located in Arrowtown The Hills Golf Course offers a great work environment where you’ll spend your days in one of the most stunning landscapes in the world.

We have both part-time and full-time roles available, offer a generous hourly rate with attractive hours of work and only occasional late nights required for events.

Experience in a similar industry and a duty manager's licence is desirable but not essential.

With easy access and great staff benefits including staff golf, subsidised lunches this opportunity comes with an immediate start.

IIf you would like to be part of this unique environment, please forward your CV or expression of interest to annette.smith@thehills.co.nz

•

Cafe / Restaurant Assistant required in Glenorchy.

$25 per hour. Minimum of 30hrs per week. Return travel from queenstown included. Previous experience preferred but not essential.

queeniesdumplings@gmail.com

HOUSEKEEPERS

Part-time / Full-time Positions Spinnaker Bay Apartments has consistently been rated highly by its Guests for its high standards in Cleanliness, Comfort, Facilities & Staff.

Its time to expand our Housekeeping Team. If you are available for as little as 1 day per week or for as many as 5 days per week we welcome your application.

As an added extra, we will provide additional training in Reception Duties for those interestedin expanding their skills

Interested then please email Jude Paterson at info@spinnaker.co.nz

“The

steak house to end all arguments”

Jervois Steak House is an authentic and premium steak house which makes no apologies for unashamedly celebrating a love of meat.

THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO JOIN OUR TEAM

We are looking for Waiter

Food Runner Commis Chef Kitchen Hand

Hardworking enthusiastic staff member required to work in our fast pace restaurant. Applicant must have current working visa or be eligible to work in New Zealand.

Minimum 6 month commitment

Vehicle Groomer (full time)

We need you to:

• Groom our luxury fleet to a high standard for our valued customers

• Conduct pre and post rental damage inspection checks

• Be able to work a rotating roster

• Have a full driver’s licence

• Be legally entitled to work in NZ We will provide:

• Starting rate of $25 per hour + a $1000 sign on bonus

• Full training and uniform

• A great team culture

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Why work with us

• Competitive salary.

• Chance to progress and work at other sites across the Nourish Group.

• Training and development.

• Daily staff meals.

• Dining discount within the group.

• Full support for visa applications from our in-house HR team.

• Paid day off on your birthday.

• Sign on benefits.

• Monthly visits out to local wineries - explore our backyard!

• Open for dinner only, so plenty of time to enjoy the mountains before work!

Contact josephine@queenstownjsh.co.nz or 03 442 6263

Housekeepers Wanted

• Self motivated, able to work alone

• Efficient, able to work under pressure

• Experience preferred but not essential

• Staff required immediately and for busy summer period

• We are accredited employer & can offer visa sponsorship

• $26-$28 per hour depending on experience

Email your CV to operations@staysouth.com

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS…

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

are a locally owned and operated

retailer based in Queenstown, Frankton, Arrowtown and Wanaka and were on the hunt for warm, welcoming, customer focused, self-motivated individuals to join our friendly team. We have full time, part time, and casual roles available.

What sort of people are we looking for:

• 20 years of age or over

• Happy, positive, full of energy, a real people person

• Understand the fundamentals of working in retail

• A self-starter capable of working well by yourself

• Passionate and knowledgeable (or keen to learn) about local wine and beer

• Willing to obtain an LCQ and Managers Certificate

• Committed to Queenstown for the foreseeable future

The role:

• Look after our customers in a sole-charge position

• Maintain a clean, well-stocked, beautiful looking store

• Engage with customers, ask questions, and drive sales

• Comply with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act and Host Responsibility policies

• Support the store manager with an array of operational tasks and projects, including stock ordering, stocktakes, banking, cash handling, merchandising, and much more!

What you get:

• A starting rate of $25 per hour (more if you already have your LCQ and Managers Certificate)

• Work and play in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand

• Work with a great bunch of people who love what they do

• Fixed hours right through the year or for casual positions hours that suit you

• Staff discounts and product training

• The opportunity to learn and grow in the industry

If you already have your LCQ and Managers Certificate and you love your current job but want to earn extra money, our casual positions let you accept shifts as they become available.

If this sounds like you please send a copy of your CV and a short email telling us about yourself to ferg@bettys.co.nz

Waitstaff, Food Runners & Bartenders

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• Staff

Queenstown’s

Duty

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Andrew.moore@goodgroup.co.nz

House of Hygiene is seeking cleaners

Full-time

Office Admin /

Driver Role

Unique and exciting role based in Frankton. Must have office experience & NZ licence with ability to obtain P Endorsement.

Email interest and CV to: sarah@appellationwinetours.nz

Full-Time Landscapers

We are a passionate team of Landscapers in the Wakatipu area and are currently looking for Landscapers to join us.

To apply, you will need:

• Attention to detail

• A reliable, self-motivated work ethic

• To be able to stay on task when unsupervised

• A willingness to improve

• Excellent communication skills to follow instructions efficiently and safely

• A valid work visa

• Own transport and full, clean driving licence

• Being fit and active is important as these are physical roles.

Experience would be helpful but not essential

Please head to www.divalandscapes.co.nz/employment

We are now looking for staff for the busy summer season.

No nights, flexible, stable rosters and a great team are all part of the package!

Positions available for:

CAFE CHEF / BAKER

CAFE ASSISTANT KITCHEN HAND

Experience necessary for the positions. Must hold a valid visa.

Pop in and see us or email your CV manager@theexchange.kiwi

Full

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part time or casual

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times is available.

Days: 6am – Midday / Midday – 4pm

Evenings: 5pm – 11pm / 6pm – Midnight

Preferred Applicants to have NZ Residency or a current work Visa

Visa sponsorship may be available to the right applicants.

Email info@houseofhygiene.co.nz with your CV and cover letter

Be rewarded for your cleaning and earn what you are worth.

Join the amazing House of Hygiene team and be happy!

Queenstown's

Part

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• Staff Perks

• Early finishes

• Fun team

Please

Andrew.moore@goodgroup.co.nz

Front of House

Maintenance Assistant Full time

Sherwood offers a 78-room hotel, 120 seat restaurant and bar open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, live music venue, kitchen garden, yoga studio and co-working space - all powered by the sun.

We are looking for a man or a woman with a can-do attitude and a very resourceful set of hands to support our Maintenance/Grounds department.

Every day is different, with variety and challenges based on the season; spring and summer you will spend most of the time on the outside grounds and when the weather gets colder the work moves into our rooms and venues.

The ideal candidate will have some basic knowledge of maintenance, gardening, and a strong safety culture. On the job training will be given to the successful candidate.

This is a permanent full-time position and with flexibility to work a mix of week and weekend days. NZ Driver’s licence preferred with remuneration from $26-$28 per hour.

Please apply with CV and cover letter by emailing work@sherwoodqueenstown.nz