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People hold the power for change in 2023 2023 has well and truly started with a bang! We had a prime minister resigning early in what is shaping to be a cracker of an election year. She also announced the election would take place on 14 October.

National is ready to govern the country if given the opportunity to do so by the people.

While 2022 was a year of consolidation, with Christopher Luxon as our Leader and our polling trend moving from the mid-20s to the high-30s, the National Caucus is focused and working together to ensure Labour only has two terms in Government.

Some of our policies announced already included economic growth, tax relief, the cost-of-living crisis, immigration, youth unemployment and youth offending, gangs and Three Waters, to name a few, with many more to come in the weeks and months ahead.

There’s a lot of work to do still.

My aspirations for Southland include ensuring our tourism and hospitality industries’ voices are heard in Wellington in addressing the ongoing worker shortages.

Farmers continue to suffer unworkable regulations, and I look forward to putting more pressure on the Government as part of our wider Agriculture caucus’ efforts.

It was a privilege to recently become the Forestry spokesperson for the National Party too, while retaining the portfolios of Treaty Negotiations, Space and Associate Spokesperson roles for Agriculture and Tourism.

Forestry is an important industry for New Zealand’s economy and job creation, the country’s fourth largest export earner. I look forward to working with the sector and other stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges for this vital industry.

Just before the December break, the Government released significant amendments to their flawed Three Waters legislation. Many have been in touch voicing concerns about it. The only way to stop them is to replace this Government so that National can repeal the legislation.

On the socio-economic front, we have work to do to curb the rising costs of living. Stats NZ food price figures show an increase of 11.3 per cent in the past 12 months, the highest in 32 years, with grocery prices contributing the most. ANZ’s chief economist is on record saying that New Zealand’s price inflation appears to be a home-grown problem compared to world food price indexes.

Labour has failed to curb inflation and stop the rising cost of living. We need a Government with a clear economic plan to do so. By strengthening the economy, we can reduce the cost of living and lift incomes for all.

National would rein in wasteful spending that’s adding fuel to the inflation fire, stop adding new costs and taxes, refocus the Reserve Bank on price stability, address worker shortages and let Kiwis keep more of what they earn. [...]

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The large plume of smoke pouring from a section fire in Highview Terrace in St Andrew’s Park last week. Story on page 9. Photo: Stuart Mountain.

Firefighters douse backcountry blaze

By Paul Taylor

Forty volunteer firefighters, helicopters and support crew extinguished a huge blaze on Skippers Road late last week.

The wildfire spread across 12 hectares of Long Gully, retired high country farmland which includes a large area of dead wilding pine trees, near Coronet Peak.

It was contained before it reached the historic Baldersons Cottage, which became Green Gate Hotel. It did, however, close several mountain bike tracks, including the Skippers Pack Track, the Coronet Loop below Greengate Saddle, the Pack Track and Sack Trail and Atley’s Terrace Track, affecting Queenstown Bike Festival’s HeliBike NZ Coronet Double Trouble event.

A fire investigator has examined the scene but the cause of the fire, which began on Thursday evening, is not yet known. Queenstown Lakes and other parts of Otago are now two weeks into the Prohibited Fire Season, which bans all outdoor fires and fireworks.

The fire risk was classed as extreme last week. Otago Fire and Emergency warned in the days before the blaze that fires will “start easily, spread rapidly

and burn intensely right after ignition” and asked people to postpone any activities that generate heat or potential sparks, such as mowing, welding or chainsaw work.

Incident controller Nic McQuillan said crews were still on scene on Saturday dampening down three hot spots picked up by thermal imaging. A reconnaissance flight over the area that morning showed no signs of smoke, so Skippers Road reopened to the public with a stop/go. Mountain bikers were asked to stay off the trails until the crews had finished work.

“And for those wondering about the historic hut - here it is, undamaged, in the top photo,” Otago FENZ said in its final update.

The hut lies along the path of the Old Skippers Track, the original track into the Shotover, and was built by John Balderson and his wife Margaret in 1864.

The Skippers blaze spread across 12 hectares. Photos: Otago - Fire and Emergency

Top council manager dies suddenly

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown’s council is grieving the death of a “special colleague” and “a true mate”.

General manager of property and infrastructure Peter Hansby died suddenly while on leave over the summer break, after a short illness. “Our thoughts and condolences are with Pete’s family at this time,” Queenstown Lakes District Council’s acting chief executive Meaghan Miller says.

“The council family and the many contractors and stakeholders that Pete has touched over an extensive 35-year career in the engineering and infrastructure space are deeply saddened by the loss of a special colleague and, for many, a true mate.”

Miller says Hansby was a tireless campaigner for improving the way people lived, worked, travelled and played in the district and was a key member of the Ka Huanui a Tahuna Project Alliance Board.

He was an enormously respected and valued member of the QLDC Executive Leadership Team, she adds.

“If there is one small comfort we can all take from Pete’s loss it is that his legacy can be seen right around the district in the multitude of projects he was very proud to deliver,” she says.

“He was passionate about his work, passionate about the Queenstown Lakes District and enormously proud of his family.”

Through his career Hansby has been a contractor, a consultant and a client within the infrastructure environment.

He held a number of roles with QLDC from 1994 to 2004 including consents engineer and roading engineer.

He was a Civil Defence Local Controller and a valued part of the team that responded to the 1999 floods. In 2004, he worked for City Care Limited for Christchurch City Council and became the Southern Regional General Manager.

Hansby was appointed Emergency Response Manager for City Care following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, a period in his career that he recently said prepared him for any future challenge no matter how big.

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Tragic drownings highlight lake dangers

By Paul Taylor

Warning signs have been erected at the waterfront in Glenorchy after two people drowned in near identical circumstances, just six days apart.

An Australian man’s body was recovered by police divers on Friday after he went missing in the water about 4pm Thursday afternoon. He’d entered Lake Wakatipu, close to where the Rees River feeds in, to help a child in trouble.

The child was saved by another member of the public but the man did not surface and, despite the efforts of other swimmers, people on jet boats, and a helicopter, could not be found.

Just a week before, Leroy Kaaho, 48, died near the same spot. Kaaho, also known as Linkin Kisling, was trying to save his 10-year-old son, who was eventually rescued by a member of the public.

Both deaths have been referred to the coroner. It is likely both men were pulled under by a strong barrelling undertow current at a steep drop off, where water flows into the lake from the river.

Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesperson Sam White says signs were put up on the foreshore on Friday to warn the public of potential risks before they enter the water.

“These will be followed by posters for toilet doors and consideration of further signage at other appropriate locations.”

But, as of Friday, the council was still working with other agencies to consider whether more safety equipment should be installed at the foreshore, such as life rings and flotation devices.

After the first drowning, Glenorchy locals placed a makeshift sign on the foreshore warning of the dangers.

Asked why it had taken QLDC a week to act, White says: “Council began taking action immediately after the first incident.

“Signage had already been scheduled for install today [Friday] after council staff had worked through the appropriate messaging, design, production and install location.”

While there have been 19 drownings in New Zealand so far this summer, including five in 48 hours last week at Auckland beaches, incidents in Lake Wakatipu are relatively rare.

But the glacial-formed lakes and rivers have their own specific hazards including fast-changing conditions, cold water, steep drop offs and dynamic water flows around rivers and gorges.

White says QLDC encourages everyone to check for available advice before entering the water, with useful resources provided by Water Safety NZ and other agencies.

The Rees River (left) and Dart River deltas, where they feed into Lake Wakatipu at Glenorchy. Stock photo: Unsplash

Caution Urged on Backcountry Roads

By Sue Fea

Local and visiting drivers are being urged to be cautious and aware when driving on some of the Wakatipu’s narrow backcountry gravel roads after a few unreported incidents and one accident.

A Queenstown wedding planner had to quickly become resourceful on Sunday (January 8) and find an impromptu new spot for a couple’s wedding nuptials after a caravan blocked Moke Lake Road. About five cars were delayed for about an hour, finally having to back some distance so the caravan could get through, she says. Thankfully, her wedding clients were “quite chill” about crossing a stile and getting married at the opposite end of the lake.

The following day a motorist, unsure of the safety of the same road, which is narrow in places, wasn’t confident to move further to the left, despite coaxing from an oncoming driver. The assisting motorist then backed about 25m to 30m to a pullover to allow the driver to move forward. Two barefoot young men, thought to be teenagers, were also seen travelling at speed into Moke Lake and straight back out on small motor scooters the same evening. Thankfully, it appeared no oncoming traffic met them.

In late December an off duty Queenstown policewoman, Detective Constable Alex Cully, who was out enjoying the backcountry, came across a four wheel drive vehicle that had gone over a steep 30m bank along the rugged Macetown Road a few days prior.

Police understand the car initially landed in the river but had been towed out into the bushes by the time she came across it.

“I attended in a personal capacity, just because it was alarming and it had been fresh,” she says. “I put some police tape around the scene to make people aware. I understand the car had initially been in the water but when I got there it had been towed out of the water. It was a significant drop off the road on that site.”

Queenstown Police area prevention manager Senior Sergeant John Fookes says, while police were not called, he understood the woman had managed to scramble up the bank and had set off her personal locator beacon to alert an air ambulance which airlifted her out. She was believed to be unhurt.

“Extreme care needs to be taken on that road and it’s definitely four wheel drive access only,” says Alex. “Just make sure you have the right experience and skills to navigate a road like that.”

Senior Sergeant Fookes says there are a lot of people driving on unfamiliar roads at this time of year and, while police did not attend, or were unaware of, these incidents, it’s a timely reminder. While most drivers are confident on our roads, a few may find them a bit more challenging, he says. “Be courteous or mindful of time and space on these roads. Go slower and give other people

space as some drivers may be a lot less than comfortable. Cut others a bit of slack,” he says. If you’re towing a caravan or in a large vehicle then be mindful that you may meet people coming the other way.

DOC operations manager David Butt says tourism is certainly back with higher numbers of people on our roads and while that’s really exciting caution is needed. People need to consult the relevant websites of the authorities that administer any backcountry roads and drive to the conditions. “We certainly do see it at the moment, people trying to access the backcountry who don’t have the right vehicles or skills to be out there,” says David. “We have signage on a lot of our backcountry roads and we put alerts up on our website too. Backcountry roads can be dangerous and you need competency and the proper vehicle,” he says. It’s definitely not just a problem for tourists but local drivers too. “People should pull over ahead of an approaching vehicle if there’s a shoulder in the road and let them pass.”

With the popular DOC camping ground at Moke Lake the road in is becoming very corrugated in places due to heavy use over the busy season. Council spokesman Sam White says the Queenstown Lakes District Council will be raising fresh grading of the road with its contractor.

“There have been no specific incidents reported but our backcountry roads are regularly inspected and we’ve brought that forward,” says Sam. “We will be looking again at signage, edge marker posts and road conditions to see if there’s any room for improvement and more maintenance work that’s within budget and timing,” he says. “Drive to the conditions. Everybody’s red line and tolerance is different.”

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The red four wheel drive vehicle that plunged some 30m off the Macetown Road into the river in late December, once it had been pulled out of the river a short distance away

Blaze in the suburbs

By Sue Fea

Builders working next door and neighbours scrambled to get a decent blaze under control on a St Andrew’s Park section on Thursday, while fire appliances raced to the scene from Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown.

The large plume of thick brown and white smoke was clearly visible from across the lake at Kelvin Heights.

Landscaper Stuart Mountain and his colleagues from Shotover Mowing saw a “massive plume of smoke” from their work site at the top of the subdivision. “There were a lot of houses around the section and the fire was pretty close to the houses,” Stuart says. “People were scrambling around and cars were driving about very quickly, some were helping to try put the fire out.” Ground conditions were very, very dry and it was very hot, he says.

Deputy Queenstown Fire Chief Bobby Lamont says fortunately the builders working adjacent to the Highview Terrace site, and neighbours, with hoses and buckets of water had done a great job of trying to get things under control before the brigades arrived.

“It was a good save by the public. They made a good start.” However, the Queenstown and Frankton Volunteer Brigades, with Arrowtown arriving with its water tanker back-up, were definitely required to put the fire out. They remained on site for some time dampening down hot spots and ensuring the area was safe.

At this stage it’s not known how the fire started and Bobby says a fire investigator may come up from Invercargill, if required, to assess the site and find what started the blaze.

As group manager for FENZ (Fire Emergency NZ) for Central Otago, Bobby says people need to be super cautious right now.

“We are in a total fire ban and it’s possible the next move may be to implement (Section 52) prohibitions on the likes of chainsaws, lawnmowers and grinders. It’s a step we could take, but that’s not my call.”

“As we keep drying out and heating up more it’s possible lawnmowers and chainsaws and the likes may cause a spark,” he says. He’s urging anyone mowing the lawns to do it first thing in the morning early and have a bucket of water and hose handy in case of any sparks.

“First check the weather for any high winds if there’s extreme fire danger, but make sure any hoses work first. We had a fire at Lake Hayes six or seven years ago after somebody was doing some grinding and a spark ignited. They had a hose ready on site which was great but unfortunately, they discovered it didn’t work.”

Thankfully, in this case too, neighbours had irrigated gardens at the appropriate time, which helped. See checkitsalright.nz to stay safe and reduce the risk of fire.

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The large plume of smoke pouring from a section fire in Highview Terrace in St Andrew’s Park this morning. Photo: Stuart Mountain. Builders, neighbours and firefighters tackled the blaze. Photos: Warren Cunanan.

Zoi wins ahead of Aspen X Games

By Paul Taylor

Kiwi snowboarding powerhouse Zoi Sadowski-Synnott won the LAAX Open Slopestyle World Cup in Switzerland over the weekend for the first time in her career.

The 21-year-old Olympic star, of Wanaka, says: “I am so stoked. I have been dreaming of winning the LAAX Open since I started competing. The weather has been pretty nuts, practice was pretty crazy, so to have the sun come out for finals is super sick.”

Sadowski-Synnott laced together a solid first run, including a front 450 out of the second rail, which impressed the judges, and a backside 720 on the third jump. She’d planned a 1080 but opted for fewer rotations as she adapted to the speed and conditions.

She was unable to improve the 81.30 on her second run, and it held up as the top score of the day, securing her the win.

Mia Brookes, 16-year-old snowboarder from Great Britain, claimed second place at the first slopestyle World Cup of her career, with Austrian snowboarder Anna Gasser rounding out the podium in third.

Sadowski-Synnott said it was “nerve wracking” watching the others complete their runs.

“Mia’s run was so good and even watching Anna go down, it could have gone either way. I am so glad I put down that first run.”

Sadowski-Synnott will next be in action this coming weekend at the prestigious, invite only Aspen X Games, where she will be defending her Big Air and Slopestyle gold medals.

Meanwhile, Queenstown snowboarder Tiarn Collins, 23, scored a 10th place finish in a stacked field in the men’s slopestyle finals in Switzerland, with a strong second run.

Wanaka freeskier Fin Melville Ives, 16, was also in action over the weekend, finishing in sixth place at the FIS Calgary Halfpipe World Cup, matching his career best performance.

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Craftsmen

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott in action on the rails at the LAAX Open Slopestyle World Cup. Photo: Laemmerhirt

Chris Hipkins becomes NZ’s new prime minister –there are two ways it can go from here

Following the surprise resignation of Jacinda Ardern on January 19, the New Zealand Labour Party already has a new leader: Chris Hipkins. The handover from Ardern to Hipkins has been achieved with the same efficiency as the handover from Andrew Little to Ardern in 2017. But will it be as successful?

Hipkins entered parliament in 2008 – along with Ardern. Under Ardern’s leadership, he held ministerial portfolios in education, police and public services, and was Leader of the House.

His role as education minister includes a (not altogether successful) centralisation of all the country’s polytechnics under one administrative umbrella – a form of restructuring typical of this Labour government.

He distinguished himself during the COVID pandemic as a hard-working and competent leader who contributed a much-needed clarity and common sense. He’s a dependable and intelligent politician who doesn’t mind being an attack dog when it’s called for.

As leader, however, Hipkins now faces an uphill battle, with his party trailing the opposition National Party in the most recent published polls. But he lacks Ardern’s charisma.

In 2017, there was an instant “Jacindamania” effect when she took the party leadership, and Labour’s polling shot up. One simply can’t imagine a “Chris-mania”, however. But maybe that’s not a bad thing right now.

Game over?

There are two ways this could go now. First, the nightmare scenario for Labour: the government continues to be sniped at over controversial and unpopular policies such as the Three Waters programme and the income insurance scheme, economic problems continue to damage household budgets, the opposition leaders (both National’s Christopher Luxon and ACT’s David Seymour) have a field day.

In head-to-head debates with Luxon once the election campaign begins, Hipkins lacks the fire that Ardern was able to show when she needed it, and becomes political roadkill at the ballot box on October 14. Labour supporters wake up in a cold sweat.

With Labour’s ongoing slump in the polls, trailing National by around five or six percentage points, this scenario can’t be ruled out. Following defeat, Labour could go into the kind of spiral it endured after Helen Clark’s loss in 2008, with one unsuccessful leader after another.

We can recall the defeat of Labour’s Phil Goff in 2011 and David Cunliffe in 2014 when up against National’s John Key. And, to be fair, National suffered a similarly bad run after Bill English stood down in 2018 and until Luxon became leader in November 2021.

A new hope?

So is there a dream scenario for Labour? With Ardern’s charismatic – and now rather polarising – personality heading for the exit, the party could turn things around.

New leadership licences a significant cabinet reshuffle and (more importantly) a refresh of policy. Labour could now neutralise (or even dump) some policy proposals that are presently causing public dissatisfaction. Rather than Hipkins having somehow to fill Ardern’s shoes, he could follow his own path in his own trusty trainers.

An advantage he has is an apparent unanimity of support from his caucus. This suggests his team is focused on beating National rather than beating one another.

But can Labour win back the support of those middle-ground voters who’ve shifted to the centre-right? It appears many of those who’ve swung away from Labour actually liked Ardern. And Ardern remained on top in preferred prime minister polls right up until days before she resigned. We could infer from this that a leadership change on its own won’t suffice to woo these voters back. The loss of Ardern could indeed precipitate a further drop in polling for Labour.

A policy reset

Late in 2022, Ardern had stated that the government’s focus this year would be the economy. And National will inevitably use the line that they (National) are the more competent when it comes to “managing the economy”.

If Labour is serious about winning the 2023 election, then, they need to convince enough voters of the following:

• they are addressing the real economic concerns that are affecting people presently

• they have taken heed of people’s disquiet over some current policy changes and are prepared to revise them

• and they are not going any further with controversial matters, especially co-governance with Maori, without first seeking a wider public understanding and consensus.

Hipkins is a competent and reliable person. If he has his party’s backing to revise or backtrack on policy, then he may have some success. With less focus on personalities this time around, his best hope may be to convince people his government is serious about resetting the country’s direction.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article on https://theconversation.com/nz

Author: Grant Duncan - Associate Professor, School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University.

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Musk Faces (Another) Trial

Jury selection has begun in a securities fraud trial against Elon Musk over misleading tweets he sent in 2018 floating the possibility of taking Tesla private at $US420 per share. A class-action lawsuit argues Musk’s tweets of securing funding were false and fueled swings in the company’s share price, costing investors billions of dollars.

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The deal, which would have been valued at $US72B, never materialized. Musk, the chief executive at Tesla, was forced to pay a $US40M settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A US district judge has already decided Musk acted recklessly and his tweets weren’t true. The trial hinges on the jury’s interpretation of the motives behind Musk’s tweets and whether they were material to investors.

AP News

Space Rescue Mission

Russian space agency Roscosmos will launch an uncrewed Soyuz spacecraft to retrieve three astronauts who became stranded on the International Space Station after their transport vehicle was damaged in December.

One of Russia’s standard Soyuz spacecraft, the vehicle successfully launched and docked at the space station in September, the first step of a six-month mission. The crew was forced to scratch a planned spacewalk in mid-December after a stream of white particles was observed ejecting from the docked spacecraft. Preliminary evaluation suggests tiny rocks, typically asteroid fragments traveling at high speeds punched a quarter-inch hole in the vehicle’s external cooling system.

Officials said the crew is not in any immediate danger and will remain aboard the ISS. The rescue spacecraft is expected to launch Feb. 20.

Axios

Agencies investigate averted plane crash at New York airport

Officials are investigating a close call at a New York’s JFK airport last week between a plane that was crossing a runway and another that was preparing for takeoff.

“(Expletive)! Delta 1943, cancel takeoff clearance! Delta 1943, cancel takeoff clearance!” an air controller said in an audio recording of Air Traffic Control communications when he noticed the other plane, operated by American Airlines, crossing in front.

Delta Air Lines’ departing Boeing 737 plane then came to a safe stop on runway as the other crossed in front.

AP News

Scientists Steer Lightning

Researchers successfully diverted lightning using a high-powered laser in the first demonstration of the technique outside a laboratory. Scientists believe the technology could eventually help control lightning strikes around airports and launchpads while potentially reducing the thousands of fatalities and $3B in damages each year resulting from the phenomenon.

Traditional metal lightning rods only cover an area as wide as the rod is tall, limiting their application. Researchers created a virtual lightning rod using a laser pulsing 1,000 times per second near a 400-foot tower in Switzerland. During storms, the laser’s rapid beams heated a path of charged air near the tower, ultimately steering four lightning strikes through the ionized channel over six hours.

Science News

Passings

Renée Geyer, Australian singer long regarded as one of the finest exponents of jazz, soul and R&B idioms dies at 70.

Gina Lollobrigida, iconic Italian actress and photojournalist who secured exclusive interview with Fidel Castro, dies at 95.

Hector Ramirez, 20-time Emmy-winning cameraman, dies at 78.

David Crosby founder of both the Byrds and Crosby Stills & Nash bands dies at 81.

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The animal Canis lupus is known by what common name?

Which poet wrote the line "No man is an island"? 11. Who is the patron saint of lost causes? 12. Where would you be if you were spending Zloty? 13. What is the continual past tense of a verb better known as? 14. Singapore hawker etiquette dictates that the best way to ''chope'' your seat while you get your food is to do what? 15. Which of these cartoon dogs was created first: Scooby Doo or Snoopy? 16. Which US writer is credited with saying: ''I haven't been everywhere but it's on my list''? 17. Which breed of working dog is most associated with the Western Alps? 18. To which biological family do domestic dogs belong? 19. Which Wallace and Gromit animation featured a robot dog? 20. How many teeth does the average adult dog have? 21. From which country does the Akita breed originate? 22. In Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, what was the name and breed of Bill Sikes’dog? 23. Where on a dog would you find the carpal pad? 24. In the Ren and Stimpy Show, what breed of dog is Ren? 25. What does The Monument, a fluted Doric column near the northern end of London Bridge, commemorate? 26. What is the claim to fame of Quebec City‘s Hotel de Glace?

SUDOKU ANSWER

ARTIST EXPLORES OTAGO’S CHINESE SETTLEMENT

by Jess Allen

From this weekend Te Atamira will host Cindy Huang’s exhibition, which is bringing to light the history of the Chinese gold miners of the Otago region. She has explored exchange, ancestry, and materiality, and created 1000 handmade porcelain lilies. The handwritten poem pictured serves as the title of the exhibition and offers some insight into the delicate process of considerations made.

Cindy currently lives in Tamaki Makaurau and currently focuses on ceramics, but does delve into lots of mediums in her artistic endeavours. After discovering that a Chinese ancestor of hers came to Otago during the gold rushes of the 19th century, Cindy became interested in the community and felt a personal affinity.

“A lot of my practice and my artistic practice is centred around communities and histories that aren’t so well known by the general public. In October I came down to Queenstown to do a little research trip where I was looking into the history of Chinese gold miners. At the same time, it was my first time going down there and I myself am a descendant from a gold miner, so it was a bit of a journey – finding out all these histories and talking to a lot of people about them and the things that I was taught or told about – all of this influenced this new exhibition. It’s not necessarily about gold mining itself, but more about the traces of these people and the things they left behind, which isn’t necessarily connected directly to gold mining,” says Cindy.

During her research trip, Cindy discovered the Chinese lilies that flower annually in the area of Round Hill. Also known as ‘Long Hilly’, it’s located between Riverton and Orepuki, and was the most southerly Chinese settlement in the world between the 1870’s and early 1900’s. They flower once a year during Christmas and Chinese/Lunar New Year and are found in Port’s Water Race, a route that follows the path of a water race cut through heavy bush by Chinese miners in 1888-89.

“Another reason I chose lilies is while I was doing my research trip, I was talking to this wonderful woman who owns a little weaving shop out in Colac Bay and she was telling me about how she believes that these lilies that are now growing in the wild in Round Hill were brought by Chinese gold miners at the time. The exhibition unpacks the reasons why they could have been brought.

“When researching it was a chain reaction where I would be suggested to speak to one person and then they would suggest I speak to another person. It’s been a lot of teas and coffees trading with people – showing up to their home and chatting to them. All the information I’ve given was from the community that I interacted with,” says Cindy.

Cindy Huang’s exhibition will be on display in Whakaari at Te Atamira from 28 January to 29 March. You can find out more about the exhibition, or about Cindy and her art at teatamira.nz

Celebrating flavours and resilience of local wine and food industry

Well-known Queenstown winemaker Jen Parr is pragmatic when reflecting on the resilience of the viticulture industry after the pandemic.

“Personally, I don’t think the challenges of the past few years are unique to NZ wineries. I guess it depends on whether you are talking about pandemic challenges, or those that nature throws our way. Dancing with Mother Nature is part of being a wine grower and the seasonal challenges in Central Otago are somewhat kinder than in other parts of NZ – usually.”

Parr, the award-winning winemaker for Valli Wines, is part of a team of local winemakers who have joined forces to organise the inaugural Roam Central event – a brand-new, four-day celebration of wine and food from the Southern Lakes and Central Otago from January 26-29.

Roam Central is the brainchild of Central Otago Winegrowers’ Association (COWA) and is designed to shake off the challenges of the covid years, which have been deeply felt by many local hospitality business, food producer and winemakers.

“I think the struggles have been real for many industries and especially the hospitality industry which is closely connected to our own. As an industry, we work together and find comfort, strength and joy in sharing the journey, especially when conditions are more challenging,” Parr adds.

She’s looking forward to a weekend of “exploration, discovery and connection” with the many events included in the Roam Central line-up.

Held across Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston, Wanaka, Bendigo, Bannockburn, Clyde and Pisa near Cromwell, the weekend includes Roam Pop-Ups (including master classes and an art-meets-wine event), Roam Around Town (participating restaurants pair up with local wineries for a wineand-food-matched four-course meal), Roam the Vines (one-off brunch in the vines events at select local vineyards) and the flagship event, Roam the Valley Wine & Food Festival, at Cargo Cellar Door in Gibbston on January 28.

“I’m really looking forward to the Roam the Valley Wine & Food Festival,” Parr says. “To me, this event is about wineries sharing our collective knowledge of our special place and the vineyards we are connected to, with each other and our guests. The wine in the glass captures the energy, history, geology, humanity, humility – it could be said the “pulse of the region” – and of course each producer has their own exciting story to tell.”

Another award-winning winemaker backing Roam Central is Christopher Keys, from Gibbston Valley wines. He says there’s something timeless about sharing food and wine, which Roam Central will highlight over the four days of individual events.

“Everyone is an adventurer, young at heart. Roam Central is going to bring people together – it will do this in the regions of Central Otago and the Southern Lakes in a natural, easy way. It’s going to be a direct line between producers and people; you will meet winemakers, try their best wines.

Keys says everyone in the wine industry has been exposed to local, national and international challenges – but it’s how people respond to them that shows true strength and versatility.

“The local wine industry has a tremendous lot of friends; we do our best to support them, and they us. We’re appreciative of them, and we want to bring everyone together again with this fabulous product.”

Roam Central committee member and Mora Wines direct-to-consumer manager Catherine Douglas says that Roam Central has been designed with the ‘wine-curious’ consumer in mind.

“Someone who perhaps doesn’t have a great depth of knowledge of wine, but wants to know more and, perhaps more importantly, wants to do it in a setting that is quite unique and special. So, there are a number of different events at different price points and different levels of investment and commitment. We have planned a very fun wine and food festival event at

People enjoying the atmosphere at Cargo Cellar Door in Gibbston, where Roam the Valley Wine & Food Festival will be held

Gibbston Valley winemaker Christopher Keys

Rippon winemaker Nick Mills Mora DTC manager Catherine Douglas

Cargo in Gibbston Valley, as well as one-off exclusive dinners and brunches during which there will likely be more in-depth discussions of wine. There is something for everyone.”

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Parr says the event is an important one for the viticulture industry: “As an industry, we are not here just for today; we reflect upon the past and strategize for the future. We believe in working thoughtfully today so each new generation gets the opportunity to experience the hard work, laughter and friendship we have shared as Central Otago winegrowers. There is no end to our journey, only endless progress. Roam Central is a great example of how we as an industry can work together and support each other through challenging times.”

Roam Central: The details

Roam Central comprises four anchor events between January 26-29, 2023.

• Roam Pop Ups (Discover the Region) January 27-29: A programme of events in the regions that includes Barrel Tastings, Art Meets Wine, Evening Chill at Carrick, Winemakers Dinner at Muttonbird and Queenstown Ice Bar’s Evening Cool Down.

• Roam Around Town (Wine & Dine) January 26-28: Participating local restaurants, Aosta, Arc, Olivers, Giovi, Farelli’s at Giovi, Lil Reds At QT and Jervois Steak House pair up with local wineries to treat guests to a unique four-course wine and food-matched dinner.

• Roam the Valley Wine & Food Festival: Held at the picturesque grounds at Cargo Cellar Door in Gibbston, the festival is a ticketed event for up to 3000 people and includes themed areas of Rock & Gold, Water & Ice, Fruit & Bloom. Live musicians, including legendary Nairobi Trio, Jackie Bristow, Little Green Men, Saxylady and DJ Postman Sean will play throughout the day.

• Roam the Vines (Brunch in the Vineyards) on January 29: Selected local vineyards will host a relaxed brunch among the vines to wrap up the four-day celebration. Mt Rosa, Amisfield, Te Kano, Domaine Thomson & Mora.

Wineries involved: Akarua, Amisfield, Ariosa, Bald Hills, Blackquail Estate, Brennan Wines, Burn Cottage, Carrick, Coal Pit, Domain Road Vineyard, Domaine Thompson, Gibbston Valley Wines, Akitu Wines, Kinross, Wines, Mondillo, Mora Wines, Mt Difficulty, Mt Rosa, Nanny Goat, Nockie’s Palette, Peregrine Wines, Pisa Range Estate, Prophet’s Rock, Quartz Reef, Rippon, Rockburn Wines, Stronsay Wines, Two Paddocks, Valli, Waitiri Creek, Wooing Tree, Thyme Hill, Mount Michael , Hawkshead, Maori Point, Maude, Te Kano, Wild Irishman.

Book tickets: Tickets are on sale now and are available from https://roamcentral.co.nz/

COWA

Images supplied by

Paragliding

reaches new heights

By Paul Taylor

Organisers of the New Zealand Paragliding Open (NZPO) couldn’t be happier to have chosen Wanaka for last week’s competition, and neither could the locally-based overall competition winner who got the satisfaction of winning on his home turf.

The annual paragliding competition - which is held in a handful of locations around New Zealand - ran for seven days ending on January 14, in what NZPO media representative Kylie Parkes said were “some of the best paragliding landscapes in the world”.

Between the location, weather and excellent turnout of 70 competitors from all over the world “it was non-stop smiles and excitement for seven days,” she said.

“Close communication and a huge amount of access and cooperation from local landowners, airport users and local heli operators also massively contributed to our successful event.”

Each day competitors took on a new and challenging ‘task’ or competition event.

“The biggest and most challenging was the task from Coronet Peak up over the Motutapu/Matukituki Valleys and landing in Wanaka,” Kylie said.

“It was an excellent challenging line over the mountains for those who have never flown it, with a potential long hike out for anyone landing short.”

After five tasks Wanaka’s Mark Hardman earned the top spot as the overall winner for 2023.

The highly experienced paragliding instructor recently took some time out from teaching to devote more time to his own flying, which paid off at the competition.

“He is an incredibly calculated pilot who can sneak up from behind ridgeline tussocks and glide past seemingly effortlessly, as if he has hydrogen boosters,” Kylie said.

“Mark is known for his precision, both in his teaching and in his flying - he pilots his wing so precisely it is like watching a flawless ballet.”

Mark, who Kylie also described as “forever helpful” and a huge contributor to the sport, celebrated his success at last weekend’s prizegiving alongside second and third place overall winners Jorgen Andersen (France) and Phil Hystek (Australia).

The women’s overall winner was Julia Jauss (Germany), while Laetitia Bottolier (France) took second and Jessica Green (USA) earned third place. Kylie thanked everyone who made this year’s event a success.

NZPO media representative Kylie Parkes said NZPO 2023 was a huge success Local paraglider and NZPO 2023 national champion Mark Hardman receiving his trophy The NZPO’s tasks had paragliders competing high above the local landscape Seventy competitors from all over the world took part in this year’s competition

- Maddy Harker

Wanaka

by Sue Fea

My Life Story

BARB SIMPSON

GOING BUSH WITH BARB

She started life on a farm near Whanganui but it was a rainy high school tramping trip to Mount Ruapehu that first drew one of the Wakatipu’s greatest outdoor legends into the hills.

Renowned locally for her tireless efforts to restore the basin’s native vegetation and her 22 years as home economics and outdoor recreation teacher at Wakatipu High School, Barb Simpson’s spent 33 years around the country teaching kids to cook, and to survive in the wilderness.

The youngest of five, Barb’s father died when she was six and her mum moved them to Whanganui where Barb saw what is now her own strong volunteer spirit demonstrated fully in her very capable mother.

Training for a Homecraft Certificate at Dunedin Teachers College, Barb taught in Upper Hutt and Whanganui where she eventually met husband of 54 years Neill Simpson – a Lands and Survey Department ranger.

Bringing up three sons, first in Turangi where Neill was ranger for Tongariro National Park, tramping and camping trips with the Wellington Botanical Society were part of Simpson life. “Our three boys did about 80 trips over 15 years,” recalls Barb. “I’d be washing nappies by the stream – no disposables back then, and trying to dry them over the campfire.” Ever the capable, get things done woman, she taught home economics at Tongariro High School. “I was the only one teaching with my one-year-old in a backpack,” she grins. Camping in an old canvas tent, they’d be rained in, snowed in, camping with 20 or 30 people. “The kids would build their own little fire. There were no plastic fantastics.”

A job came up for Neill as ranger at Springs Junction on the Lewis Pass. Before the move in 1977 Barb and Neill headed south without the boys for a tramping trip with Whanganui friends in the Hopkins Valley. However, Neill was called to Springs Junction early so the Simpsons left the trip. It saved their lives. Tragically, four of their good friends died after they left them when Three Johns Hut, high on Barron Saddle, blew away in a massive storm. It was a difficult time then settling into a new job and area and coming to terms with that loss, says Barb.

Barb started a small pre-school with a friend and worked part-time as Springs Junction postmistress. She and Neill built a little Visitor Centre there for passing tourists.

In 1981 Neill was brought to Queenstown to oversee the installation of the Remarkables Ski Area and road – 10 years of controversy in the making. “We bought a crib in Peninsula Road which Michael Wyatt redesigned for us and we’re still here. We love it,” says Barb.

She was soon teaching at Wakatipu High School, first home economics, then food technology and hospitality.

The school’s legendary backcountry Branches Camps wouldn’t be the same

without Barb helping the team in the elaborate outdoor, make-shift kitchen, which she’s been part of for 38 years. She still helps every year, even 23 years after retiring. Barb also established a wetland at Branches Station which she plants with groups of kids.

An efficient kitchen manager, Barb once left “the men” on camp in charge of the hangi. A male teacher mistakenly put the rocks on top of the three huge food baskets instead of beneath. “He should’ve known better. All the food was incinerated, including three large lambs cut up for us by Arthur Borrell (runholder). We had to run around pulling out old bread and trying to use what we could for sandwiches instead to feed about 100 kids.”

Good humour was a must - duty meal servers turning up wearing hats made from cabbage leaves and mischievous teenage boys planting possum poo in her scroggin.

Later handed the head of outdoor recreation role by past principal Derek Stubbs, Barb was instrumental in introducing some of the school’s iconic outdoor camps and expeditions.

During school terms she’d regularly take more than a dozen kids on weekend tramping trips into the Caples Valley, or into Routeburn Falls Hut during winter solstice, followed by a polar plunge back in the lake.

As if she wasn’t busy enough, Barb volunteered for 18 years for Victim Support. The tragedy of suicides was extremely hard, arriving home once after one at 3.30am then having to teach the following day.

A Mountain Safety Council volunteer, she was 12 years in the local Search and Rescue management team, five years on Queenstown Trails Trust, a Big Buddy and is now a Health Shuttle driver.

When fire devastated Lake Wakatipu’s Pigeon Island the Simpsons launched Wakatipu Islands Planting Programme to restore the bush, volunteers in tow. That led to them establishing the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust in 2012 and Jean Malpas Native Plant Nursery in Jardine Park. Since 2015 the trust has planted well over 70,000 native plants throughout the basin and Barb’s relinquished her botanical education role to the trust’s education and outreach person.

Barb and Neill have won national and local conservation, community contribution and New Zealander of the Year ‘Local Hero’ awards – well deserved honours for two passionate volunteer conservationists.

Barb enjoying a laugh at one of the many Wakatipu High School Branches Camps she’s helped at. Photo by ‘Jo Boyd, Riverlea Photography’

Barb (front right) and Neill at home enjoying a visit from all the family recently.

COMMUNITY NOTES

Volunteer Story Simon Hayes: Wakatipu Senior Citizens Association by Juliette Hicks

“Volunteering is great for the soul” says Queenstown’s Simon Hayes. He should know. He does a lot of it.

For 36 years the previous counsellor and Deputy Mayor has been a tireless supporter of a wide range of local and national community projects and organisations.

Simon says that these days a lot of his community involvement revolves around care for the welfare of elderly people. “I seem to have an affinity with them. It must be my age” he laughs.

Simon gravitates to organisations that help the less affluent elderly in the community. He says “There are some amazing facilities for the elderly in this area but not everyone can afford to access them. I like to be involved with things that make life more enjoyable and affordable for older people.”

Like many organisations the Wakatipu Senior Citizens Association was struggling to here for years and have always found the community to be generous. It’s a great place to be a volunteer.” The Lions and the RSA also continue to benefit from Simon’s enthusiastic community endeavours.

find committee members and reached out to tap into Simon’s skill set. As Vice President he oversees the governance of an inclusive group that offers over 60s regular inexpensive meetups and monthly outings. “We advocate for the elderly as well. They deserve a cohesive voice.”

The desire to help overcome loneliness is also the objective of Abbeyfield New Zealand which provides affordable supported shared housing for single elderly. As New Zealand Chairman Simon oversees 14 Abbeyfield houses around the country including one in Frankton. Residents have their own units with ensuites but are fully supported with meals and housekeeping undertaken by volunteers.

Growing up in Australia’s country Victoria Simon says giving back to the community was a way of life. “We all did it. My parents and my brothers. It was taken for granted that we would play our part. I’ve just continued on with it wherever I’ve lived”.

Simon and his wife of 46 years Ngaire have lived in Queenstown for 36 years and say it has been a wonderful place to bring up children. He plays golf which is “fun sometimes” and loves nothing more than carving the early morning first tracks on the ski field.

“But Queenstown isn’t only a beautiful place with a lot of activities,’’ he says”It’s also a strong and supportive community. I’ve been fundraising

For a person who lives by the adage “In giving you receive” it’s easy to see why Simon recommends anyone considering volunteering to “Absolutely do it. A good organisation will welcome you with open arms, you will be supported and valued and you can’t put a price on the rewards you will receive.”

Wakatipu Senior Citizens Association aims to connect people 65 plus. There are regular get togethers at their clubroom Malaghan House, Queenstown. Seniors can enjoy a meal, activities, speakers and general companionship. For more information: info@wsca.or.nz

Abbeyfield NZ is a not for profit housing project for over 55s providing an affordable option for elderly people to retain their independence while being fully supported. For more information: manager@ abbeyfieldwakatipu.co.nz

At Volunteer South - Central Lakes, we can discuss your skills and goals for volunteering and help make the perfect match. For more information about volunteer roles with the Wakatipu Senior Citizens Association of Abbeyfield go to www.volunteersouth.or.nz

Wakatipu Senior Citizens mid-winter Christmas dinner. Photo by Leigh Jeffery.

Road Updates

It’s extremely busy on the roads at the peak traveling periods especially moving between Fernhill/Sunshine Bay and the town centre. This has been caused in part by work starting back up to install new underground services for the Lakeview development, which requires the closure of Lake Street to general traffic over January.

Roading impacts that have been reinstated:

From 23 Jan

• Brecon St will have Restricted/Resident Access only from Man St

• Cemetery Rd will be CLOSED at the intersection with Brecon St

• Isle St will be CLOSED on the north side of Brecon St

• Isle St will be CLOSED on the south side of Brecon St

• Isle St will have Restricted/Resident Access only between Hay St and Brecon St until May 2023

For maps and the latest scan the QR code.

Toxic algae identified near Hanleys Farm

Toxic algae has been identified in a creek near Hanleys Farm late last week. ORC have verified the presence of Phormidium (cyanobacteria) and warning signs have been erected.

This toxic algae make it UNSAFE to swim in and for dogs who may enter the water. Dogs are often attracted to the musty smell so keep them away. If you think they have eaten any, take them to the vet immediately. Symptoms include twitching, tremors and lethargy.

To find out more about toxic algae, go to: www.orc.govt.nz/toxicalgae

Young Maori leaders sought for national mentoring programme

QLDC is looking for one local rangatahi (young person) to join a national mentoring programme for young Maori. The programme is designed to develop the leadership capability of young Maori across the country.

Founded by the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ), the annual Tuia programme provides opportunities for successful applicants to meet regularly with their local mayor, participate in civic events, grow their networks and connect with fellow rangatahi throughout the year.

Anyone interested in finding out more just scan the QR code here.

Applications should be made by email to topaz.river@qldc.govt.nz before Tuesday 31 January. The successful candidate will be announced by 11 February.

New Bus Stops

Five Mile will see a new bus stop on the corner of Grant Road and Central Street in Five Mile.

Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road will see two new bus stops in the vicinity of Mora Wines. Drainage improvements, new gravel footpaths, and concrete stands with bike racks and bus shelters are being constructed. Both locations will last for approximately four – six weeks from the 16 January.

Roam Central Wine & Food Festival Public Transport

Heading to the Roam Central Wine & Food Festival in Gibbston Valley this weekend and don’t want to drive? Return bus tickets from Queenstown, Frankton, Arrowtown Wanaka, Cromwell and Alexandra are available to get you to and from the event. Bus tickets are limited. The organisers will add more services based on demand.

QUEENSTOWN - Athol Street Bus Stop 12:15pm & 1:15pm. Return at 6:00pm

FRANKTON - Frankton Bus Stop 12:30pm & 1:00pm. Return at 6:00pm

ARROWTOWN - Ramshaw Lane (Behind the Lakes District Museum) 12:30pm & 1:30pm Return at 6:00pm

WANAKA - Dinosaur Park Bus Stop, Ardmore Street at 11:30am (route is through Cromwell) Return at 6:00pm

CROMWELL - Cromwell Bus Stop, Lode Lane at 12:00pm Return at 6:00pm

ALEXANDRA - Alexandra Bus Stop, Centennial Ave 11:45am Return at 6:00pm

Return bus tickets are available from Wanaka $45, Alexandra $45 and Cromwell $40 + booking fee. Tickets are available as an add on when you purchase tickets at eventfinda.co.nz

Friday Friday’s with DJ Stubacca 9pm

Saturday Zoo Party with Zoo Brothers 9pm

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

Full menu available WednesdaySunday 12pm-8pm

GOINGS ON ABOUT

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES CLUBS

Queenstown Golf Croquet Club

Golf Croquet is a fun game which is experiencing a resurgence of interest at all levels.

Games are enormous fun, interactive and take less time to complete than regular croquet, which makes it attractive to those who do not have lots of time to play the full game, and for beginners to acquire some useful croquet skills.

The Queenstown Golf Croquet Club are inviting locals and visitors to join in on 6 weeks of Monday night games. Make up a team or just come on your own.

$10 a week per person includes equipment, coaching and a sausage sizzle. For more information contact Diana on 027 457 4806.

When: Jardine Park, Poplar Drive, Kelvin Height Where: Monday evenings from 5pm for 6 weeks from 23 January.

Queenstown Bowls Club

The Queenstown Bowls Club is holding there 6 week bowls3five tournament which started 23 January. Teams of 3 starting at 6pm, with sausage sizzle from 5.15pm. $140 per team. Please email info@bowlsqueenstown.co.nz for more details.

When: Queenstown Gardens by the tennis club, 19 Park Street, Queenstown Where: Monday 23 January and every Monday for 6 weeks between 6:00 and 8:00pm.

Queenstown Windsurf and Kitesurf Club

Wednesdays is Windsurf Wednesdays @theFRANKTONclub. The club invites anyone whose keen on windsurfing to bring all your toys and some beers and hang out with other likeminded surfers.

The season runs January through to early March. Some rentals and lessons may be available and the sailing s weather dependent so it may to check first. Give Sue a call on 027 640 8596.

When: Frankton Beach

Where: Wednesday nights January-March between 4:00pm and 8ish.

EXHIBITIONS

Free Immigration Clinic

If you need immigration information or advice the Citizens Advice Bureau run an immigration clinic every Tuesday between 11am and 2pm. To make an appointment call them on 03 442 6679.

When: Tuesday between 11:00am and 2:00pm Where: Citizens Advice, 44 Stanley Street, Queenstown.

Whakatipu Reforestation Trust - Nursery

Volunteer Sessions

The nursery has reopened for volunteering.

Community Nursery Volunteers help the trust grow native plants but also has many other benefits; including learning about NZ native plants in a handson, supportive environment and playing an active role in helping to restore the biodiversity of the Whakatipu Basin. No gardening experience is required and morning tea is provided

Bring along water, hat, sunscreen, gardening gloves.

When: Every Wednesday morning 9:00am – 12:00pm, drop in style

Where: Jean Malpas Community Nursery, Poplar Drive, Jardine Park, Kelvin Heights.

Cindy Huang

A ceramic-based exhibition of an assembled past of Chinese gold miners in Otago is launching at the end of the week. The exhibition is simply titled Cindy Huang, who is a tauiwi artist of Chinese descent based in Rotorua. Huang is a ceramic artist whose interests focus on the histories of Chinese migrant communities and the exhibition aims to bring highlight the history of the Chinese Gold miners in the region.

When: Cindy Huang’s Exhibition opens to the public on 28 January and runs until 29 March

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

Remarkables

Market

Twilight Food Markets

The Remarkables Market Twilight Food Markets are on every Wednesday till 15 February. It’s Al fresco dining at its best in this glorious summer we are enjoying. With a wide range of dinner and dessert options available, plus a bar on site and kids entertainment and live music, the Twilight markets are a fun family evening.

When: Wednesday’s until Feb 15 from 4:00pm to 8:30pm Where: Red Barn, Hawthorne Drive, Frankton

Whakatipu Walkie Talkies

Whakatipu Walkie Talkies meets every Thursday at 10:15am on Frankton Beach.

This is a walking group with a difference! Each week there will be a discussion topic and a guest speaker will attend once per month. It’s a great way to connect with others whilst staying active.

The group will walk and talk from Frankton Beach to the Hilton for morning tea and return.

When: Thursday at 10:15am

Where: Meet at Frankton Beach near the BBQ area to begin the walk.

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.

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 to 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. The Junior programme is for kids aged 5-7 years and for kids aged 8-12 years in 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.

WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY Mini Taskmaster. Kids try their hand at mini challenges and inventions to solve problems and out-think the taskmaster.

Where: Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown.

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY Outdoor Climbing. Today the activities take place at the outdoor crag at Gorge Rd for a thrilling day of climbing, abseiling and route finding with their experienced instructors.

Where: Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown.

FRIDAY 27 JANUARY Virtual Technology Day, where technology comes to the fore with virtual reality experiences, participants try their hand at games and challenges.

Where: Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown.

MONDAY 30 JANUARY Odyssey Maize Challenge. Today is a problem solving skills and work as a team to find the way through the Maize at Odyssey.

Where: Event Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton.

TUESDAY 31 JANUARY Wheels Day. Skates, Bikes and Scooters, kids are encouraged to bring their wheels to zoom around on. Special instructors will teach new skills and tricks.

Where: Event Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton.

MUSIC

George FM Summer Tour 2022/23

It will be a big night at World Bar and Yonder next week as George FM Summer Tour comes to town. The DJ’s will be across both venues and two stages with all the best dance music of summer.

When: World Bar / Yonder., Church Street, Queenstown Where: 3rd February between 9:00pm and 3:00am.

Queenstown Chamber Of Commerce Business After Five

Queenstown Business’s first Ba5 for 2023 introduces former Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO, Michael Barnett, now Project Director of First Steps. BA5 is the Chambers monthly networking opportunity for members which includes a presentation from First Steps introducing an online hub designed to support the wellbeing of business owners, managers, and employees.

When: Wednesday, 25 January, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m

Where: Crowne Plaza, 93 Beach Street, Queenstown.

Ruby Island Swim

The Ruby Swim 2023, is not just about the how fast you can swim. Ruby Island is an icon in the Wanaka landscape, featured in thousands of photos and in the lore of Wanaka. To swim around it is the most brilliant experience as an open water swimmer. So race it or just experience it. There are 10km, 5km, 3.8km, 2.5km, 1.2km, 600m & 200m swims for everyone from open water swimmers to the kids. There is NO On-The-Day registration and registration by internet closes Thursday 26 January 4pm.

When: 28 January from 7:00am Where: Waterfall Creek, Mt Aspiring Road, Wanaka

Arrowtown Burns Supper

Round up your friends, get your glad rags and dancing shoes on for a traditional Celtic evening full of banter, craic, eating, drinking, and dancing.

The Arrowtown Burns Supper will consist of a traditional 3 course meal, entertainment including Queenstown’s ‘Hair of the Dog’ ceilidh band that will set the dance floor alight.

Ross the nights caller will lead with the Scottish country dances so can really join in even if you have never been to a ceilidh before. There is a cash wine and beer bar, with a selection of fine single malt whisky. Arrowtown’s Athenaeum Hall will become a little bit of Scotland for the night. Tickets are available at eventfinda.

When: Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall, 33 Buckingham St, Arrowtown Where: Saturday 28 January 5:00pm – midnight.

Roam Central Wine & Food Festival

An incredible lineup of 35 Central Otago wineries, food outlets and entertainers come together for one epic day this summer! This is the inaugural Roam Central Wine & Food Festival. It comes with wineries, food outlets and entertainers, including Jackie Bristow, Little Green Men, Saxy Lady and DJ Postman Sean and the legendary Nairobi Trio. Festival goers will roam each of the themed sub regional zones to explore new tastes and talent from around Central Otago. Tickets available at Eventbrite.

When: Cargo Cellar Door Gibbston Valley Road, Gibbston Where: Saturday 28 January between 1:00pm and 6:00pm.

Queenstown Bike Festival

The 2023 10-day festival continues this week. The festival is a programme of epic riding, events, giveaways, bbqs and parties. There is something for everyone from the top pros to the youngest riders. The festival could be a great way to keep the kids busy over the holidays. There are pirate-themed dual slalom, junior pumptrack, slopestyle and Gorge Road jams. There is also epic family-friendly events the whole family can get involved in.

The schedule is available on the website queenstownbikefestival.co.nz or get int touch on bikefestival@queenstownmtb.co.nz.

When: Events are being held across Queenstown Where: Daily until 29 January between 9:00am and 7:00pm.

Teddy Bears Picnic!

The Summerdaze Teddy Bears Picnic is on again with plenty of fun for kids of all ages, with everything from musicians and popcorn machines to fairies, face painting and bouncy castles. Again, this year there is a picnic in both Queenstown and Wanaka.

It’s free to attend. Bring your favourite Teddy Bear, pack a picnic and join the fun. Koha donations to Plunket.

When and Where: Saturday 28 January from 11am till 2pm at Queenstown Event Centre Sunday 29 January from 11am till 2pm at Wanaka Recreation Centre

QLDC Libraries

Librarian Profile

Lakes Weekly Bulletin and Queenstown Lakes Libraries are profiling our librarians. This month we are profiling Lili who is the Library Assistant at the Queenstown Library.

Kia ora koutou! My name is Lili and I am a Library Assistant at the Queenstown Library. I started as a casual in mid-2022 and was lucky enough to sample working at the Arrowtown, Queenstown and Frankton libraries, before settling into a permanent role here at Queenstown Library. I’m super grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many awesome librarians and at such lovely libraries, witnessing firsthand how they each make an impact on their community in different ways. I am now involved with the library interloan process, helping our patrons & patrons from around the country get their hands on books that their own libraries don’t have. There are some pretty niche & interesting titles out there, that’s for sure!

I grew up in Perth, Western Australia, but my parents are from Dunedin & Nelson. I was living in Whistler, British Columbia when Covid hit and I couldn’t get back into Perth. Instead, I did my hotel quarantine in Hamilton, then flew to Nelson; two days out of isolation I crashed while mountain-

biking and needed 8 stitches in my knee. The librarians at Elma Turner Library got pretty used to seeing me hobble my way around the stacks. Eventually I made it down to Queenstown for what I thought was just Christmas, but cue the same old story: made some awesome friends, fell in love with a mountain-biker, and now a couple years later I’m still here, working at a dreamy job in the mountains. Obviously I’m not going anywhere anytime soon!

I’ve always loved books (as well as the buildings that house them). I used to bumble my way down the staircase in Boffins Books as a toddler; my siblings and I would raid the children’s & YA section at our local Perth hills libraries, continuing to do so well into adulthood (there’s no age limit on “kids” books: this is a hill I will die on). I worked at Elizabeth’s Bookshops in Perth for almost three years, and even had a brief stint working at Armchair Books in Whistler. Needless to say, I love working at the library: I love the people who come in on

the regular to pilfer the new releases the second they hit the shelves; I love the vast array of different books that patrons choose to take home with them; I love it when both kids & adults ask for recommendations, and in turn offer me suggestions! Libraries are pillars of our communities: they offer a safe place for people to relax, and are an environment conducive to learning and growth, indiscriminate of age.

Anyway, onto the good stuff: books! These are some of my favourite titles I’ve read recently. Mostly fantasy, some not.

The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard

This is a BEHEMOTH of a book (900 pages!) and I read over 700 of those in a day. It hooked me. It is perhaps one of the kindest, gentlest, most empathetic books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading, while still being wryly amusing, brilliantly diverse, wickedly clever, and just all round phenomenal. I cried. Seven out of five stars from me

Your Money, Your Future: the Realest Guide to Finding Financial Freedom by Frances Cook

This was one of the best books I read in 2022. Packed full of accessible information, and in an entertaining manner to boot, this is an excellent read for anyone (especially Kiwis) looking to delve into the nitty gritty of their financial future.

I’ll praise this story til the day I die, and then some. I read it twice (nearly three times) last year alone. Beautiful prose, political nuances, intricately crafted characters, gorgeous world-building: this book wraps itself around your heart strings and pulls

The Power by Naomi Alderman

Phenomenal writing combined with a powerful story make for a thought-provoking read. Hands down would recommend this to anyone looking for a feminist, dystopian science-fiction novel… actually, I’d recommend it to you whether you’re looking for that or not

Albeit not the easiest cookbook to prop open, but the recipes in it are delightful, and I find myself returning to it time and time again when craving simple, easy, heartwarming meals.

Irene is a professional spy for the mysterious Library, which harvests fiction from different realities. This is the first book in an exceptionally entertaining fantasy mystery series that is easy to read but in no way lacks pace or thrill. It’d make a great summer read!

@qldclibraries

Queenstown Lakes District Libraries

My current reading recommendations:

Greenfeast: Autumn, Winter by Nigel Slater

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

Wine Sales Role

SOUS CHEF

Come and work with our Kitchen team at Bluekanu 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

in it for you:

What we are looking for: - An experienced Chef that is passionate about food - Wok experience would be great, but not essential - Can show initiative, and is a team player - Good organisation skills

ARROWTOWN

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS…

RETAIL DUTY MANAGERS – FULL TIME AND CASUAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE

We are a locally owned and operated liquor 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

Assistant Manager / Wine Sales

This could be an ideal step up if you have experience at a cellar door or if you have enthusiasm for wine, hospitality and retail with a great customer service attitude. You would bring additional value if you have your Duty Managers Certificate and/or WSET qualifications.

Baristas (full

training provided)

We are looking to train a couple of coffee and wine loving locals who want to work school hours (10:15am – 3pm) for 2-3 days a week.

Kitchen Hand

This is a great entry into hospitality, we will train you in preparing and serving our cheeseboard and tapas menu, and all our kitchen operations. Ideal if you are looking for 20-40 hours, 3-4 days a week.

Enquire confidentially to: henry@thewinery.co.nz or come & chat with Henry at The Winery, 27 Ramshaw Lane, Arrowtown.

• 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

KITCHEN POSITIONS

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

It's time to love your job. Join the best team here at Kamana Lakehouse and Nest kitchen + bar.

We are top rated independent hotel and restaurant with a great team culture. Showing true care for our team wellbeing.

What we strive to offer: Anniversary free stays, discounted rates, flexible work schedule, daily meals, free carpark, mindfulness program, career prospects, selfdevelopment tools, nurturing environment, discounted staff accommodation + Ongoing Bonus Structure.

Who you are? an enthusiastic team player with a desire to make a positive impact on our guest experience and team culture. So, if you are ready to join an ambitious yet nurturing team, reach out and make it happen.

We are currently looking for:

- Food and Beverage Supervisor

- Chef De Partie

- Bartender

- Sous Chef

Send us your current resume for the role you are applying for with references & copy of a valid work permit if applicable, to Dahyun@kamana.co.nz

Good Remuneration for the right candidate.

Are you a Chef looking for daytime hours?

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

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

Receptionist/office admin assistant

Receptionist/office admin assistant

At MACTODD we pride ourselves on having the very best people in our team and our reception/office admin role is often the first point of contact with our clients and is therefore pivotal to our Queenstown Office.

At MACTODD we pride ourselves on having the very best people in our team and our reception/office admin role is often the first point of contact with our clients and is therefore pivotal to our Queenstown Office.

The right person for this role will be well presented, have a bright and engaging personality and have excellent verbal communication skills. This is a busy, varied role and you will need to have excellent organisational skills enabling accurate scheduling and juggling of priorities with last minute requests.

The right person for this role will be well presented, have a bright and engaging personality and have excellent verbal communication skills. This is a busy, varied role and you will need to have excellent organisational skills enabling accurate scheduling and juggling of priorities with last minute requests. During busy periods, this position also provides a level of back up support to our PA’s so ideally you will have very good IT skills and be a confident typist and quick to learn new systems. Prior experience in a professional office environment would be a distinct advantage.

During busy periods, this position also provides a level of back up support to our PA’s so ideally you will have very good IT skills and be a confident typist and quick to learn new systems.

Are you a seasoned retailer or looking for that first step into the exciting world of retail? We can help with that!

We are recruiting for various roles at our Merchant Queenstown store. We are an award winning retail company with company culture second to none. We offer generous staff discounts (your shoe collection is about to get a whole lot better!), supportive leaders, amazing company culture, bonus structure, surprises and celebrations and a whole lot more.

We have the following vacancies:

Prior experience in a professional office environment would be a distinct advantage.

Please forward your CV by Monday 30th January 2023 to : Ros Pirie, Office Manager, rpirie@mactodd.co.nz

Please forward your CV by Monday 30th January 2023 to: Ros Pirie, Office Manager, rpirie@mactodd.co.nz

Goods Receiving and Stores Officer

Work with other departments to plan and implement the relevant transport methods and warehouse distribution, along with arranging delivery of incoming stock to relevant departments

Based in Aoraki/Mt Cook. Subsidised accommodation provided. Email HR@Hermitage.co.nz for further details.

COMMUNITY LIAISON TEAM MEMBER

WHAKATIPU BASIN

An opportunity has arisen within our organisation for a part time (15 hours per week) Community Liaison Team Member in the Whakatipu Basin.

The Team Member will work with community contacts to identify community learning needs and co-ordinate the delivery of classes and programmes.

Southern REAP (Rural Education Activities Programme) was established in 1982 and is the largest of the 13 such REAP’s in New Zealand. It provides lifelong learning opportunities throughout the Southland and Whakatipu regions from pre-school to post-retirement.

The successful applicant will demonstrate the following attributes:

• A very good knowledge of their local and surrounding communities

• Self-motivated with excellent time management skills

• Superb communication skills and well presented

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

• Sense of humour!

If you thrive in an innovative and challenging environment, we want to hear from you. For a job profile and application package please contact:

• Casual Sales Associate

• Sales Associate - Wednesday to Saturday, 19 hours per week

Keen to find out more? Visit our careers page at https://careers. overlandfootwear.co.nz/home or pop into our Merchant Queenstown store to have a chat with one of our friendly team members.

The Chief Executive Officer

Southern REAP

dawn@reap.co.nz

Phone 0800 111 117 or 0274813581 Applications close 5th February 2023

THE HILLS PRIVATE GOLF CLUB IS LOOKING FOR A CHEF TO JOIN OUR SMALL KITCHEN TEAM

The Hills is one of New Zealand’s most exclusive golf clubs. Our members enjoy an unparalleled level of service in a unique environment that incorporates a championship golf course with full practice facilities, the finest clubhouse hospitality, a gym, a luxury lodge and a constantly changing sculpture park.

We provide a level of personal service and a friendly understated approach that is seldom seen in golf clubs. Our limited membership allows our staff to get to know our members as individuals, enhancing that feeling of escaping to somewhere special every time they come to The Hills.

As the successful candidate, you will have:

• Minimum of two years of experience in a similar role or a relevant chef qualification

• A genuine passion for food and delivering exceptional service.

• A meticulous eye for detail.

• Knowledge of appropriate food handling and food safety.

• Most importantly you must be reliable, have a positive personality, be passionate and enthusiastic about preparing food to a premium level.

This is a part-time position working 30 hours per week - mostly day shifts with occasional evening functions in a great environment with a high performing team. Remuneration will be based on level of experience. Our kitchen is modern and well equipped, and we use only the freshest ingredients on a menu that changes with the seasons.

At The Hills we pride ourselves on our commitment to our staff and offer benefits such as access to monthly staff golf, subsidised lunches prepared fresh from the kitchen, discounted fuel, easy access and onsite parking, a great team, and the most beautiful environment to work in.

If you’d like to be part of our great team please forward your CV to: chef@thehills.co.nz

CARPENTER WANTED

REQUIRED

Labourers

Traffic Controllers

Queenstown

We are looking for a quali�ied Carpenter to join our team. You need to have your own tools and a good attitude. The ability to think on your feet and an eye for detail is required. Good pay for the right person!

Call now for a chat.

Darren – 021 02322622

Contact Sharleen - 027 778 7377 or email sharleen@qtplabour.co.nz

Chef de Partie

Sherwood is looking for a Chef de Partie to join their busy kitchen team. Founded around sustainability Sherwood has NZ’s largest operating kitchen garden, a focus on local, seasonal produce, exceptional food & a 100% natural wine list. Must have a minimum of three years experience in professional kitchens, be a driven, self-starter that can work unsupervised as well as follow direction. Excellent communication skills and personal presentation is a must as you will be working in an open kitchen.

Contact hayley@sherwoodqueenstown.nz if interested.

Queenstown

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

RETAIL ASSISTANT

For a large, busy gift and souvenir shop in Arrowtown.

You must:

• Have great costumer service

• A fantastic work ethic

• Can work weekends

Please phone Lara 027 480 8804 or email thegoldnuggetarrowtown@gmail.com

We are looking for 2 enthusiastic, motivated and trustworthy people to fill vacant evening shift and mixed shift positions at our busy service station. These are long term, permanent positions. Previous experience in customer service is preferred. 45 hours per week.

Please provide your CV by email to: Daniel Murphy 1 McBride Street, Queenstown (03) 442 2077 mobilqueenstown@xtra.co.nz

Full time, part time or casual bartenders

• Previous cocktail experience preferred

• Competitive pay

• Staff Perks

• $25+ per hour

Please email Dianna via dianna.kelly@goodgroup.co.nz

Caribe Latin Kitchen

Is looking for a new CHEF

FRONT OF HOUSE

Immediate start

Must have - Retail experience

Email Talana for more information talana.stols@salvationarmy.org.nz

Queenstown's home of Sport and Pool is looking for:

Part time or Full time bartenders

• Starting rates of $23+

• Staff Perks

• Early finishes

• Fun team

Please email or Andy via email or phone: 022 406 1707 Andrew.moore@goodgroup.co.nz

• No need no speak English (Chef Assistant and Kitchen Hand positions)

• Training provided

• One meal and drink per day

• Great environment

• Lots of Latin Music to enjoy Come and join the team! Get in contact to caribeqt@gmail.com or drop your cv at the store.

GYM MANAGER/ GYMNASTICS

COACH (VARIOUS FULL AND PARTTIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE)

Queenstown Gymnastics Club (QGC) is seeking a General Manager and Coach to be a senior staff member overseeing many aspects of our Club. You will bring drive and enthusiasm to ensure QGC maintains a sustainable business and delivers an exceptional experience to all members. We are also recruiting for both senior and junior coaches, flexible coaching hours during Monday to Friday between 3:30 –8:00pm, roles commencing ASAP. We are the only fully equipped gymnastics gym in the area and cater to all age groups and levels from preschool through to adult, recreational and competitive. We provide classes to over 200 members each term. We are interested in expanding and growing our offerings, through new programs and initiatives, to include more members of the community.

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.

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.

DF Souvenirs - Queenstown FULL TIME SUPERVISOR WITH KEY HOLDER DUTIES & INTERNET DUTIES

& RETAIL SALES STAFF

DF Souvenirs has been a family run business since 1978.

Seize an opportunity to work with one of New Zealand's leading Tourist Stores. You will be selling possum merino knitwear, souvenirs, jewellery, health products and Adidas apparel, targeting the independent tourist market.

The successful applicant will have a background in either sales or from a customer service role with a minimum of 1 years working experience.

Will also have enthusiasm for selling a variety of souvenir merchandise, plus delivering a high level of customer service.

This position requires you to be handson within this role. Not only are you customer focused, you will need to assist in merchandising and help with stock control. This role also requires processing of our internet orders and processing the paper work required.

Your roster will be discussed at the interview; however, it will require working some weekend and early evening shifts.

If you wish to work in a team environment and enjoy meeting people from around the world and this position sounds like you, then please forward your CV in person or by email to:

The Store Manager: Sarah Tallboys

DF Souvenirs - 32 The Mall Queenstown Email: dfsouvenirsqn@xtra.co.nz

Full-Time Duty Manager

On the Spot Fernhill Grocery

We need another someone great to join the FGS (f%&king great store) team!

• 4 Day week roster – 3 days off

• Barista and Duty Manager training provided

• great working environment

• best customers in Queenstown!

Must have a fantastic work ethic and customer focus.

Email CV to fernhillstore@gmail.com or drop one in store.

Waitstaff / Bar Staff

Sherwood is looking for a Waitstaff / Bar Staff to join their Front of House team. Must be a driven hospitality professional with a love of seasonal, locally sourced food and natural wines and know what it is to other consistently exceptional service to our guests. Great team, great renumeration.

Contact hayley@sherwoodqueenstown.nz if interested.

Front of House

The Dishery is looking for a friendly, hardworking and reliable person to join our fun FOH team. We employ people of all skill levels. While we are always on the lookout for experienced staff, we also believe in hiring people without experience, but with the right 'can do' attitude and work ethic. We offer lots of opportunities to develop and train.

Please email manager@thedishery.co.nz or call/txt 021 664 553

Full-time and part-time positions available. Chefs/Cooks, Baristas, Front of House and Kitchen Hands for Odelay cafe.

Call or email Ed Devereux on odelaycafe@yahoo.co.nz or 021 280 2425 anytime to discuss.

WE ARE HIRING!

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.

• 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!

Sh��� Y��� Fu���� Wi�� U�

We have incredible opportunities in a variety of roles with shifts and hours that will suit whatever you are looking for across our 3 Queenstown properties.

EXECUTIVE CHEF – MILLENNIUM HOTEL

FOOD & BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR

FRONT OFFICE

Duty Manager, Receptionist, Reservations

FOOD

&

BEVERAGE

F&B Attendants,Kitchen Attendants

CHEFS

Sous, Chef de Partie, Apprentice Chef

HOUSEKEEPING & LAUNDRY

Housekeeping Supervisor, Room Attendants, Laundry Attendants

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

Job Opportunities

Do you like to get Down & Dirty?

The Dirty Team at Just Dig it are looking for new team members!

We have been operating in the Central District for nearly 20 years as earthworks and drainlaying specialists. We work hard, play hard and have a good laugh, while working on many different projects - no two days are the same!

With some large jobs coming up this year, we are looking for:

We are looking for staff for our busy cafe. No nights, flexible, stable rosters and a great team are all part of the package!

Positions available for: CAFE CHEF / BAKER (sponsorship available)

KITCHEN HAND BARISTA

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

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

www.justdigit.co.nz

Duty Manager

Full Time mainly afternoon / evenings

Come work in our busy little supermarket in Arrowtown with great customers. You will need a current Duty Managers Certificate or LCQ experience and the ability to get the Duty Managers certificate

• A team player & customer focused

• Punctual, reliable and honest

• Passionate about delivering excellent customer service

• Taking responsibility for supervising evening shifts and organising resources to ensure that Store presentation standards are met and exceeded

Please email your resume to Amanda Colmore-Williams at:

Amanda.colmore-williams @foursquare-si.co.nz

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

Scarer and Sale Assistant

Fear Factory Queenstown are looking for an experienced Sales Assistant and Scarer. Average of 25-30 hours a week (full-time), mainly evening work. You will be working with a fun, hard working, scary team, passionate about horror, making people laugh and scream.

• Excellent customer service skills

• Minimum 6 months wih full availability

• Stock management skills

• Cash, eftpos, till and computer skills

• Excellent team player

• Problem solving and communication skills to brief guests and sell merchandise

Interested?

Please email your CV and a cover letter telling us a bit about yourself to queenstown@fearfactory.co.nz

Arrowtown Four Square

PROPERTY & MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT

Position Summary:

Aro Ha Wellness Retreat is a retreat centre located near Glenorchy. We are looking for a person who has a maintenance skill set and a real interest in off grid infrastructure and learning.

Position Responsibilities:

• Infrastructure maintenance including:

• Regular checking of all plant and equipment

• Report and action faults to Aro Ha Maintenance Manager & Management

• General operation and interpretation of the Building Management System.

• General maintenance and minor repairs including painting, carpentry, minor works etc

• Firewood stores & management

• Daily maintenance & regular checks of the physical plant of Aro Ha

• Health & Safety & Environment– checking all systems and ensuring the Aro Ha protocol is in place

• Also assist in landscape, property and some general tasks as required

Other Attributes:

• Physically fit and able to carry out the duties of the position

• Good communication skills & computer skills for reporting, time & program tracking

• Highly motivated and able to self manage working around our retreat schedules

• A positive energetic outlook with commitment to our staff and guests needs at all times

• Willing to put in 8-10 hours a day of varying degrees of work (from menial to challenging)

• Full clean driver’s license & must be over 18 years of age You must be legally able to work in New Zealand.

Please send applications to Matt Hill office@aro-ha.com by 10 February 2023 www.aro-ha.com

Supporting everyone towards better health

Wanting an exciting change in 2023, start a meaningful career with Queenstown Medical Centre!

Queenstown Medical Centre is looking for a customer service superstar to support our patients and clinical teams.

We can offer:

• Full training

• Great work perks

• Variety

• A fun & supportive team

Our First Impressions Team work across our four practices, supporting patients, managing appointments & enrolments, and much more.

Our ideal applicant is friendly and welcoming, and able to interact with patients and staff professionally and authentically.

If you think supporting our community towards better health sounds like something you want to be a part of, APPLY NOW!

Please send us your CV and a cover letter and let us know why you're the best person for this job.

Contact HR@QMC.CO.NZ for more information.

Intermediate/Senior Structural Engineer Queenstown Office

Want to make a difference, looking for a challenge? If you are a Structural Engineer with a minimum of three years New Zealand experience in building design, documentation and construction monitoring and want to grow this experience into the future we have a great position available in our office located in central Queenstown.

You would be an integral member of the team in our Queenstown office. We have an exciting and expanding forward workload which together with one of our Engineers heading away on extended leave has created this vacancy.

Lewis Bradford is a national and international award winning and dynamic company committed to providing the industry with a quality, practical and enjoyable service.

Excellent attitude, technical and people skills are a must, and you will be rewarded with commensurate remuneration, career prospects and ongoing professional development. Not to mention the opportunity to work in such an iconic environment.

Please respond (in absolute confidence) to:

Tim Bradford

Lewis Bradford Consulting Engineers

P O Box 571, Queenstown timb@lewisbradford.com

Phone: (03) 442 9667 www.lewisbradford.com