LWB_Issue_889_Online

LOCALLY

SINCE FOREVER BULLETIN

Get Ready Get Thru

If it wasn’t for the pictures on the news and accounts of sheer terror from friends and family living up North, it would be hard to believe the destruction left in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle given our current glorious summer. But it is real. Very real and heart-breaking the devastation caused to the lives of our fellow Kiwis.

Some natural disasters come out of nowhere and some have more lead time. Prior preparation saves lives and livelihoods. However, the scale can be very hard to read in advance particularly when a weather pattern is literally fluidity in motion. Swinging and circling. Who is going to wear it the worst and who is going to be spared? A question of life and death.

Adding to New Zealand’s woes is a level of unpreparedness compared to places in the world who live with such large-scale storm systems annually. To date, such events like Cyclone Gabrielle are few and far between in New Zealand. The last of this scale was Cyclone Bola in 1988. We also get plenty of more regular weather “events” that still carry with them a heap of damage. We have active volcanos and are known as the Shaky Isles for a very good reason – we sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire. And that’s no joke. What has happened from the Hawkes Bay and Bay or Plenty, up to Auckland and the Far North is a tragic reminder to every New Zealander living in every corner of these islands of our human world fragility.

Please donate to a Cyclone Gabrielle relief fund (if you can). Link below. These are our people. Please dig through your top drawer in the kitchen or hallway and pull out a pamphlet that households in our district received from Otago Civil Defence in collaboration with QLDC and the Otago Regional Council. The initiative was called GET READY GET THRU. Every neighbourhood in the district got their own plan with Civil Defence Centres, Visitor Welfare Centre, Vulnerable Population Sites, even a Tactical Site Map of your township. It’s quite impressive, and a comfort to know some people in our community care about you. But wouldn’t it be nice to help yourself too, and your family, friends and neighbours? It doesn’t take a superhero to help out in a civil emergency. Just a sense of awareness for your environment, what it might throw at you and how to GET READY GET THRU.

If you want to be the kind of person who can help yourself, your family and your community when the next event comes our way, then go to this link, scroll to the bottom and find your neighbourhood (or the closest/most relevant) and download the PDF. Save it somewhere you won’t need the internet to access or even better be a prepper geek like me, print and pop in your emergency grab bag. Whatever you do… be prepared. https://www.qldc.govt.nz/community/emergency-management Red Cross Cyclone Gabrielle disaster fundhttps://www.redcross.org.nz/support-us/our-current-appeals/new-zealanddisaster-fund/

Scott Stevens

LUMA returns to Queenstown Gardens in all its glory this King’s Birthday weekend bringing illuminated art, sculpture, sound production, live music and performances across the three days. See story on page 6.

* Adult carting price. T&Cs apply. Buy your pass at cardrona.com/carting

Sad end to search

By Paul Taylor

Police searching for missing hunter Murray Horsfield found a body on Sunday, above the Dart River, north of Glenorchy. The experienced Central Otago-based hunter was last heard from on Sunday, 12 February, when he was hunting in the Dart River catchment. Police, LandSAR volunteers, the Department of Conservation, Mr Horsfield’s Australian Army colleagues and his friends and family spent six days searching for him, including through steep and challenging terrain. Formal identification is yet to take place. “We would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the search and who has provided information to the enquiry team,” a police spokesperson said. “Police extend their deepest sympathies to Mr Horsfield’s family.”

Housing plan faces mountain

By Paul Taylor

Plans to make Queenstown developers pay towards affordable housing already look destined to fail. Some 181 written submissions were received by QLDC on the controversial proposal, featuring more than 1000 summary points. About half of the submissions were from developers themselves, mostly through their lawyers, opposed either individual points or the whole concept. In fact, only a handful of submissions supported the plan in its entirety, including former mayor Jim Boult and Te Whatu Ora. The proposal would require most new residential subdivisions and developments to pay an affordable housing financial contribution, funding Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust or another community housing provider. QLDC’s Planning & Development GM Tony Avery says housing is one of the biggest challenges for the community. The plan is “a proactive move to support lowto-moderate income earners, helping to attract and retain skilled workers,” he says. “It will help people stay local rather than living further away in cheaper locations and having to commute long distances.”

10 - 11

Community Notes

St John is a major health service in our region.

Arrowtown’s will come alive with golf competitions, music, face painting and food on Sunday.

Photo by Katelyn Greer (Unsplash) 31 Queenstown’s angel supporting children from wartorn Ukraine

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LUMA set to light up our lives again

By Paul Taylor

LUMA returns to Queenstown Gardens this King’s Birthday weekend bringing illuminated art, sculpture, sound production, live music, performance and WTF moments at every turn.

The hugely-popular annual festival couldn’t go ahead in its usual format last year due to Covid restrictions, with organisers instead lighting up downtown for Lumify laneways.

But now the main bash is back, kicking off winter in style across five nights from 1 to 5 June.

For the first time this year, attendees will be asked to buy tickets for a specific night, rather than turning up anytime across the weekend.

And tickets will be more expensive, priced $25 for adults, as organisers push to make the event financially sustainable and self-reliant.

There’s an early bird $20 rate for locals, however, and the event remains free for under 12s. Tickets go on sale next Wednesday, 1 March, and locals can pre-register before then to get the discount promo code.

LUMA Trust Chairman Duncan Forsyth says after two years of planning, LUMA Southern Light Project 2023 will be a step up on previous years.

“We’ve been working away on this and it’s going to be one you don’t want to miss,” he says. “All our creative partners, such as Angus Muir and SILO, are back on board, plus some new faces.

“Our desire is to keep changing and innovating, rather than going over the same ground, so there’ll be new installations, new environments, new performers, and one extra night.”

Mike Hodgson, from NZ electronica duo Pitch Black, will be Musical Director for the whole event, ramping up the audio offering.

LUMA is run by a core team of six, which expands with about 100 volunteers over the weekend, along with 60 artists, performers and creatives, not to mention F&B staff and others.

On tickets, Forsyth says the committee wants to move away from going cap in hand to grant funding organisations, asking for big annual donations. LUMA charged a nominal $5 entry fee in 2021.

“The funding we’ve received in the past has been aimed at seeding the event. Some of that is rolling over, some of it isn’t. So, we’re in a position where ticket sales need to be a much more significant part of LUMA’s income than they have been.

“It’s about the safeguarding the future of the event, making it sustainable, rather than relying on grant funding. Without being dramatic, that makes it a bit of a make-or-break year. Our hope is that Queenstown continues to embrace LUMA and helps ensure its long-term viability.”

Events like LUMA are also becoming more expensive and complex to run in general, he says.

Ticketing will also help with crowd control, with limited tickets per night. In 2021, around 60,000 people attended Luma.

“Some of the feedback we’ve had in previous years has been about congestion,” Forsyth says. “We want people to be able to explore, get a little lost and discover things, rather than follow an A, B, C path.

“But with people able to turn up whenever they wanted to, it meant the crowds were really variable. Some times, there were so many people, it made it really difficult for everyone to navigate through the gardens.

“We want it busy, we want to have that buzz, but we don’t want the pathways to be super-full. The aim of introducing tickets for specific nights is to spread the numbers across the duration of the event.”

It will also allow downtown business to benefit from a steady stream of custom, rather than a deluge, as they continue to work through the staff crunch.

The festival’s commitment to sustainability also continues this year, partnering with Sustainable Queenstown and focusing on waste minimisation through the DISHrupt scheme, providing reusable dishes and cups.

There will also be public transport to help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact, with buses running return trips to from Queenstown Central (in Frankton) to LUMA.

Pre-register before March 1 for the local supporters offer: LUMA.nz

Photo by: Jason Law Photography

Photo by: Aiste Photography

Photo by: Jason Law Photography

Photo by: Tomas Otahal

Say goodbye to shady cab rides and hello to the one and only original Queenstown Taxis!

With the largest fleet in town, you can trust that you’ll get from point A to B without getting ripped off. Keep an eye out for the proper Blue Bubble and steer clear of the Blue light imposters.

Ready for a tour of the town or a wine tasting adventure? Or maybe you have a flight to catch or a conference to attend?

Queenstown Taxis has got you covered, with affordable group transfers for up to 11 passengers and even a mobility taxi for those in need.

For over 60 years, we’ve been proud to be a part of the Queenstown landscape, offering safe and budget-friendly service to both locals and tourists alike. And in the unlikely event that we’re all booked up, give Green Cabs, Corporate Cabs, or Arrowtown Taxis a try.

TRUST US, you won’t regret it!

FOR A RENTAL?

Queenstown’s help for earthquake victims

By Sue Fea

Another appeal with Queenstown links is helping victims of the TurkeySyria earthquake.

MyFundAction international office manager Dira Jamaluddin, of Queenstown, says their charitable trust, with branches throughout Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand has raised $300,000 in the past week, with a target of $1million.

MyFundAction owns a bread factory in the south of Turkey, near Syria, which was fortunately not damaged in the quakes last week.

“We are distributing bread from there to quake victims to help them,” Dira says.

Her organisation had also responded to the initial Auckland floods recently, raising $8000 to distribute meals to flood-affected homes.

MyFundAction operates an international youth centre at Remarkables Park, focusing on cultural diversity, and providing a place for local youth representing different cultural backgrounds to grow and learn.

Last week, Queenstown App / Lakes Weekly Bulletin reported that Queenstown-based Orphans Aid International ceo and founder Sue van Schreven launched a massive Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal through the charity’s supporters in NZ and Australia.

That appeal total has now topped has now topped $42,500, with most of the donations coming from NZ.

The death toll from the two devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake and massive aftershock has now passed 41,000 people, with tens of thousands more injured, thousands of collapsed buildings and apartment blocks, and millions affected throughout Turkey and Syria.

That includes around seven million children according to the United Nations. “In Turkey, the total number of children living in the 10 provinces hit by the two earthquakes was 4.6 million children. In Syria, 2.5 million children are affected,” James Elder, spokesman for the UN children’s agency UNICEF, says.

The organisation fears many thousands of children have been killed. Sue van Schreven says for those that have survived there will be “overwhelming need in the coming months”. Orphans Aid International cares for orphans, and runs homes and programmes to save children and families in vulnerable countries around the world.

“We’re in a good place to help with our strong networks and can reach out to people and organisations already on the ground with orphanages, the newly-orphaned, families and individuals in desperate need.

“While other agencies specialise in that initial emergency response, rescuing any survivors from the rubble, our strength lies in resourcing the people doing the immediate care after that first emergency response,” she says.

“I’m expecting there will be an absolute flood of new children, orphans, or those separated from their parents, as well as adults and families needing homes,” she says. “I know we can get the funds to the right people quickly.”

Donations to the Orphans Aid International Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal:

Orphans Aid International Westpac 031750 0349476-00 (include the word QUAKE) or through: www.orphansaidinternational.org/quake

Donations to the MyFundAction Turkiye Syria Earthquake Emergency Appeal:

MYFUNDACTION NEW ZEALAND

38 9022 0408008 00

KIWI BANK

SWIFT CODE: KIWINZ22

Ref: Earthquake Aid or through www.myfundaction.org/campaign/b08-turkiye-syria-earthquakeaid/

MyFundAction on the ground in Turkey

Bilous’ career-best Freeride World Tour result

By Paul Taylor

Kiwi Freeski Olympian Finn Bilous finished in fourth place at the third stop of the 2023 Freeride World Tour, at Kicking Horse Resort in British Columbia, Canada, over the weekend.

It means the Wanaka 23-year-old makes the cut for the final two events on the Tour. Bilous, a decorated slopestyle and big air athlete, has made the transition into freeride this season and is making waves as he brings his technical tricks to the huge, exposed faces of the Freeride World Tour. His run saw him taking the direct fall line through a very technical section of the face, before stomping a giant 360 at the bottom. “I managed to put one down and get a decent score, so I am stoked and very happy to be here in Canada.” The next stop is Fieberbrunn, Austria.

6STARTS MARCH

Bilous during inspection at Kicking Horse.

Photo: Jeremy Bernard / Freeride World Tour

COMMUNITY NOTES

St John provides major health services in our region

by Sarah Bloxham

Our community often recognises Hato Hone St John as a major health supplier in New Zealand. Providing 90% of emergency and non-emergency ambulance coverage, first aid at public events, first aid training and the St John Youth programme for tamariki aged between six and 18 years.

Hato Hone St John Whakatipu also facilitates many other community health initiatives that consists of programmes offering non-clinical support for patients, their families and friends, examples include medical alarms, Friends of the Hospital (supporting hospital staff, patients and their families, Caring Callers who phone to check on someone’s wellbeing, and Health Shuttles to help people attend essential medical appointments in Invercargill Monday – Friday.

Recently the local Area Committee embarked on a new community program Waka Ora Health Shuttle Friendship Drives. This program runs at the weekends and a door-to-door service providing people with the opportunity to develop new connections and friendships through a variety of outings to locations around our community. These trips have been greatly supported by many local businesses, such as the Kingston Flyer, Millbrook and Deer Park Heights. Our upcoming trips include visiting local cafes, the Millers Flat Cavalcade and a picnic in Glenorchy.

St John Queenstown are extremely grateful to be the recipients of the Impact100 grant last year of $148,000. These funds will be used to purchase two vehicles, which includes a new wheelchair capable Health Shuttle and the running cost of the Health Shuttle service for the next two years.

Another new initiative being rolled out across Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago is 3 Steps 4 life. This program recognises that cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of death in Aotearoa New Zealand with more than 2000 people a year treated for cardiac arrest. Of those, only 22% survive hospital arrival and only 11% leave hospital alive.

Jacci Tatnell, Hato Hone St John Head of Community Education, says while the statistics are alarming, the good news is survival rates can double with a little help from a friend.

To help support our community and improve patient outcomes, we offer free CPR and defibrillator training to local groups. Recently, we ran a session at the Arrowtown Bowls club and at the Game Over locals day. Thanks to the support and funds raised at the 2022 Game Over locals day, we were able to purchase more equipment to run these courses and the funds raised this year will enable us to continue to deliver this program in our community.

In addition to 3 Steps 4 Life, we are supporting education in our local community through the ASB St John in Schools programme. This program has been running since 2015, in preschools, primary schools and for intermediate aged children. Through the course, tamariki learn practical and educational skills in first aid.

St John Director of Community Health and Engagement Sarah Manley says “ASB St John in Schools is significant not only for the youth of New Zealand, but also for their families, friends and communities who stand to benefit from their first aid knowledge.”

The Emergency Ambulance Service and our Community Health Services are only made possible with the support of our volunteers, staff, and our community. Over the last few months, we have been very grateful to have received support from many business, trusts, and individuals.

If you would be interested in becoming a volunteer we would love to hear from you. We are currently recruiting for several of our programmes, including Waka ora Health Shuttle and Friendship Drives, Friends of the Hospital and Ambulance Operations.

If you would like more information: please contact sarah.bloxham@stjohn.org.nz or visit www.stjohn.org.nz

NZ Open swings into action

by Paul Taylor

The New Zealand Open is launching its tournament week with a free funfilled afternoon for the local Queenstown and Arrowtown communities.

Arrowtown’s Buckingham Street will come alive with golf competitions, music, face painting and food on Sunday, February 26, at 3pm with the aim to bring local residents and the golfing community together to celebrate the lead up to the 102nd New Zealand Open and nearby Millbrook Resort’s 30th anniversary.

Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association Manager Nicky Busst says she’s delighted to have the chance to welcome back the New Zealand Open to the township following two years of disruption.

“It’s a fantastic event that ignites and supports the town and we’re excited to get the community and visitors together to celebrate the start of this year’s Open,” she says.

New Zealand Open Ambassadors including former New Zealand Cricket captain Stephen Fleming, former Black Sticks Olympian Ella Gunson, former All Black Israel Dagg, double All Black Jeff Wilson and British cricket legend Sir Ian Botham will also be joining in the fun.

It’s an opportunity for sports-mad youngsters and their families to meet some New Zealand sporting legends, add to their signature collection and the odd selfie.

A few of the tournaments professional players will also pop up throughout the afternoon.

A hitting net will be set up on Buckingham Green giving locals, beginners, and avid golfers the chance to compete alongside and against some of their favourite sportspeople. Children are encouraged to place their name in the hat for their chance to ‘take a swing’ against tournament ambassadors.

Locals are encouraged to get a team together to compete for ‘Arrowtown’s Longest Drive Team’, with scores displayed on the big screen just like the real thing. Fantastic prizes and giveaways can be won on the day courtesy of The New Zealand Open, Rebel Sport, Adidas and more.

Queenstown Rotary will hold a barbeque and music will keep the crowd entertained from 3pm. There’s also free face painting for children.

The 102nd New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport will take place between March 2 – 5, 2023 at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown.

The tournament, which is the only National Open in world golf played in a Pro-Am Format, is a co-sanctioned event on the PGA Tour of Australasia and Asian Tour schedules and has a partnership agreement with the Japan Golf Tour.

A professional field will play the first two rounds alternately at Millbrook Resort’s Coronet and Remarkables courses. The final two rounds will be played on the Coronet course (incorporating the closing par-3 from the Remarkables course).

The New Zealand Open Champion will be the leading player after 72 holes of stroke play. The tournament also hosts 156 amateur players, each partnering with a Professional in a two-man best-ball event, competing for the NZ Pro-Am Championship.

Queenstown Town Centre Arterial - Project Update for Henry + Ballarat + Malaghan Street

‘The installation of the wastewater pipe is progressing well on Henry Street. We will next begin laying the wastewater pipe into the upper section of Ballarat Street, from Henry Street.

The upper section of Ballarat Street will be closed to through traffic, with residential access continuing from Hallenstein Street. The work will result in the removal of on-street parking on the lower section of Ballarat Street. As an alternative, the upgraded carpark on lower Ballarat Street remains open to the public.

What to expect

Timing of works: From 27 February 2023 until project completion. Work will take place Monday to Friday, 7:30am — 6.00pm.

Location of works: Henry, Ballarat and Malaghan Street (see map)

Type of work: Excavation of trenches and backfilling, including the use of a sawcutter, hydrovac machine and excavator.

Impact of works: There is likely to be intermittent loud noise and vibration during these works. This will be monitored by the contractors and mitigation measures put in place where required. We will work directly with any residents or businesses that could experience greater levels of disruption.

Road closures/diversions: Upper Ballarat Street will be permanently ‘accessible from Hallenstein Street. Lower Ballarat Street will remain ‘accessible from Stanley Street. Our traffic management team will continue to facilitate access on Henry Street throughout construction.

Please follow the signs and take care at all times.

Any questions? If you have any questions or concerns please contact QLDC customer services on 03 441 0499, email services@ aldc govt.nz.

Tournament Ambassadors will be at the Arrowtown Buckingham Green for the Rebel Sport Stars on the Green ahead of the New Zealand Open

Mental health support

By Paul Taylor

Volunteers and staff from three local older persons organisations recently came together for mental health training in Queenstown, learning how to identify and support those who are struggling. The Headlight team delivered a GoodYarn community workshop to Enliven, Age Concern and Wakatipu Senior Citizens Association with funding support from Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group. The aim was ‘supporting the supporters’ – providing practical information and skills to those engaging with older people. More workshops are being planned for t the volunteer workforce in coming months. Headlight boss Anna Dorsey says: “We’re thrilled to be able to bring this valuable training to our local senior services workforce in a combined workshop. We hope it will help staff and volunteers feel more confident and able to support the mental wellbeing of our older community members in the future.” To find out more about how to access GoodYarn training for your NGO or charity, contact info@headlight.org.nz.

Photo: A GoodYarn Senior Services workshop was held by Headlight

Nominations open for byelection

By Paul Taylor

Locals keen to play a key role in shaping the future of the Queenstown Lakes can now put themselves forward for the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward by-election.

Nominations are open for the vacant position on Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) created by the resignation of Councillor Neeta Shetty earlier this month.

QLDC Chief Executive Mike Theelen said this was a rare opportunity early in a three-year local election cycle for someone with the right skills to represent the ward around the council table.

“Our district and its diverse communities face some unique challenges in the next few years,” he says.

“Tackling these head-on and making the most of the opportunities they’ll bring will require strong leadership and clear strategic direction. If you can provide this, or equally know someone who can, then it’s time to consider putting yourself forward or talking to them about doing so.”

QLDC Electoral Officer Jane Robertson said those who wish to stand needed to be aged 18 or over, a New Zealand citizen and be nominated by two people who are enrolled to vote in the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward.

“We have a range of resources available to help potential candidates decide if running is right for them. You can get these and the nomination form from our website or by dropping into QLDC’s office at 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown,” she says.

Nominations remain open until midday on Thursday, 9 March.

During this nomination period, Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward residents and outof-town property owners should also take the opportunity to ensure they are enrolled to vote. A preliminary roll can be inspected during normal office hours at QLDC’s Gorge Road office or the libraries in Arrowtown and the Queenstown CBD.

Residential electors can enrol or amend their enrolment details in the following ways: online at www.vote.nz; by texting their name and address to 3676 to receive a form; by calling 0800 367656; or emailing enquiries@ elections.govt.nz.

Applications for registration as a ratepayer elector should be made on the non-resident ratepayer elector enrolment form available wherever copies of the electoral rolls are displayed. These must be returned to the QLDC electoral officer before 4pm on Thursday, 9 March.

Robertson confirmed that voting papers for by-election itself will be mailed out to ward electors on Thursday, 13 April, with voting closing at midday on Friday, 5 May.

More information, including an election handbook that remains relevant from the 2022 Local Elections, can be found on QLDC’s website

Working Remotely and need your LWB weekly fix?

You can grab your copy from a location close to you.

DOWNTOWN:

• Betty’s Liquor Store - Camp Street

• Betty’s Liquor Store - Beach Street

• Shotover Street - laneway previously Habebes

• Four Square - Shotover Street

• Devil Burger - Church Street (outside)

• QAC - Duke Street (outside)

• Super Liquor - Stanley Street

• Post Box Lobby - Behind 1876

• Queenstown Mall

• BrewWorx - btn Beach and Shotover Streets

ARTHURS POINT:

• Cargo Bentley Pub and Café

• Cargo Brewery - Shotover Jet

• Swiss Bell

GORGE ROAD:

• Raeward Fresh

• Queenstown Library

• Fresh Choice Supermarket

• Caltex Gas Station

• Salvation Army Store

• Hospice Shop

FERNHILL:

• Fernhill Dairy - Fernhill Road

LAKE HAYES:

• The Hayes Pub - Onslow Road

Frankton | Five Mile | Glenda Drive:

• Mackenzie Coffee - Glenda Drive

• Five Mile Carpark - Under Countdown

• Café Society – Five Mile (outside)

• Pak n Save - Glenda Drive

• Queenstown Events Centre - Frankton

• Frankton Library

• BP Gas Station - Frankton Road

• Z Gas Station - Frankton Road

• Super Liquor - Remarkables Park

• New World - Remarkables Park

• Laundromat - Hawthorne Ave

• Betty’s Liquor Store - Frankton

• Placemakers - Glenda Drive

KINGSTON:

• Kingston Corner Shop & Café

WANAKA:

• Betty’s Liquor Store - Ardmore Street

• New World - Dunmore Street

• Florences Café

CARDRONA:

• General Store - Cardrona Valley Rd

• The Junction - Cardrona Valley Rd

ARROWTOWN:

• Arrowtown Library

• Betty’s Liquor Store - Buckingham Street

• Four Square - Adamson Drive

For Rent

CDB STORAGE LEVEL 1 UPPER BEACH STREET. 40m2 ideal for CDB retail or other businesses needing easily accessible space. Email: steve@fergfoods.com

For Sale

SHOES UNLIMITED - ARE YOU LOOKING FOR a great deal on summer shoes? Look no further than our fantastic summer shoe sale! We’ve got an incredible selection of footwear available in our Queenstown Central store at Frankton or www. shoesunlimited.co.nz

Trades & Services

PETSITTER AVAILABLE LATE APRIL TO SEPTEMBER 2023. Mature, experienced lady providing loving care for your pets, and a presence in your home giving peace of mind. Personalised service for minimal fee. References available. Contact Sheree 02102667110

Community

FREE IMMIGRATION CLINIC. IF YOU NEED IMMIGRATION information or advice the Citizens Advice Bureau run an immigration clinic every Wednesday from 7pm. To make an appointment call them on 03 442 6679

QUEENSTOWN DINNER CLUB IS TURNING 30! WE are inviting past members to contact us if interested in attending an anniversary dinner on Monday, April 3rd. Please email: Isabel on dinnerclubqtn@gmail.com or on 021 376 736.

BE A BIG BUDDY - MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE to a child in the Wakatipu Basin. This is for children aged between 4-12yrs who are in need of extra adult support and friendship. You will be matched with a child with whom you spend a couple of hours each week. Email your interest to BPW@familyworkssld.nz

WHAKATIPU DRIVE MY LIFE ARE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS to become mentor buddies to help our vulnerable people achieve their drivers licence. If you are interested or have any questions contact Louise Ward louise@reap.co.nz

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

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

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

FREE ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLASSES AVAILABLE AT KIWI English Cafe on Mondays between 6pm - 8pm at St Andrews, 26 Stanley Street, Queenstown. Call 020 4189 9160 for free registration now.

Everything Else

THE BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR the NZ House and Garden Tours taking place in Wanaka on Friday 24 and 25 February. The money raised helps fund life saving research, education and patient support. Volunteers are asked to take on a morning or afternoon shift to hep make sure the houses are well looked after and the tours are safe experiences. – For more contact Pui-Yi-Cheng puiyic@bcf.org.nz or call 022 567 4432

WĀNAKA FESTIVAL OF COLOUR RETURNS MARCH 26-APRIL 2, 2023. Visit www.festivalofcolour.co.nz for the full programme and bookings. Tickets on sale now.

QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST. WED (22 Feb) @ 6:30pm, “Nurturing Peace” with Grant Rix. SUN (26 Feb), @ 10am, “Cultivating Awareness Practice” followed by “Social Sunday.” Sessions are free with dana for the centre/teacher gratefully accepted. For more info, see dharmacentre.org.nz or FB.

NEED AN IDYLLIC SPOT IN KINGSTON TO rent for your tiny home or caravan? Please text 022 404 3545.

HAVE THAT NIGGLING ACHE OR PAIN THAT just won’t go away? A recurring condition, or maybe you’re looking for something to assist alongside your more traditional treatments to speed up recovery? Two Feathers can help, an Alternative & Holistic Health Service including Tuning Forks, Energy Healing & Reiki Master. For more info contact Amy on: healing@ twofeathers.co.nz or 022 454 8288

COME AND JOIN ME IN THIS COSY embroidery workshop. Let’s go slow and chill and create together in this craft workshop. Embroidery Kit: Hoop, cloth, needle, threads and pattern included. Saturday 25 February 2023 - 1-330pm. www. natalieperks.com

Are you looking for up to 40% OFF regular prices on local activities and tours? Download the Queenstown App and start saving today!

AA Queenstown Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agent

From Monday 20 February 2023

AA Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency will be opening at the new location of Remarkable Motorcycles, 4/27 Glenda Drive, Frankton

Monday - Friday 8:45am - 4:30pm (OVC only - 9:00am-4:00pm) Closed for lunch 1:30pm-2pm

Available services:

• Driver licensing (incl. overseas conversions)

• Motor vehicle licensing – Rego's and RUC

• AA Membership

• International driving permit

• Identity verification

• RealMe

• Personal IRD number

• Kiwi Access card

For any enquiries regarding Driver Licensing please call toll free on 0800 822 422

Monthly Column

Joseph Mooney MP for Southland

The recent extreme weather events across large parts of the North Island have left many communities devastated. Our thoughts and hearts go out to those who have suffered loss and are now facing a long and difficult process of recovery and rebuilding. It is important for us to come together and support these communities as they face the challenges ahead and help them rebuild.

Locally, it was heartening to welcome new citizens and new families to our district recently at the Special Citizenship Ceremony in Queenstown and everything that they bring to making this town what it is. It can be daunting to move to a new place, but we have a wonderful community here in Queenstown with a great diversity of skills, networks, vision and passion.

I was recently impressed by a demonstration of an autonomous shuttle by Ohmio, the first to do so on a public street in New Zealand without the street being closed. Ohmio is an innovative Kiwi company selling these electric driverless vehicles to the world. This is just one example of how we can potentially use technology to create more sustainable and efficient transport options in our city to make communities more liveable.

However, the issue of enough accommodation has become a pressing concern recently. A shortage of accommodation is not a new issue for Queenstown as it has been a challenge for as long as I can remember, but it appears to be particularly acute now.

I am hearing that the lack of available accommodation is having a significant impact on the local labour market and local businesses, and we need to find a solution. A recent report released by Queenstown Lakes District Council indicates the accommodation challenge is complex. While building more houses is important, it’s a multi-faceted issue which requires a united focus from the council, local businesses, organisations and central government towards solutions.

How to advertise

Ph: 03 409 2800

Email: info@qmg.co.nz

Place your ad online: www.lwb.co.nz

Advertising Deadlines

Display Advertising: 12pm Friday

Situations Vacant: 12pm Friday

Queenstown Media Group

2nd Floor, The Mountaineer Building

Cnr Beach and Rees Street

PO Box 1546, Queenstown 9300

Meet the team

David Gibbs General Manager

Kendalle McLeod Finance

Catherine Mercer Account Manager 027 777 2785 | cat@qmg.co.nz

Kylee De Suza Account Manager 021 044 2968 | kylee@qmg.co.nz

Ana Paula Salvi Graphic Designer

Patricia W. Becker Graphic Designer

Paul Taylor Editor/Journalist

Sue Fea Journalist

Bethany Rogers Contributor

Lauren Prebble Contributor

Jay Cassells Contributor

As our city continues to grow, it is also essential that we focus on building integrated and liveable communities as the increasing traffic on our roads highlight. This will likely mean co-locating essential services with new housing, accommodation, and commercial developments, and ensuring that multi-modal transport links are in place from the outset.

As your local Member of Parliament, I am here to support and assist anyone who needs help, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need to at joseph.mooneymp@parliament. govt.nz.

I am also hosting a constituent catch-up on Monday 27 February, 7pm at the Crown in Frankton, and I would love to see you there. No appointment is needed, so please come along if you have any concerns or views that you would like to discuss.

Tit bits Tit bits

AROUND THE WORLD

EU gives final approval to 2035 ban on sales of new fossil fuel cars

The European Parliament gave final approval to a ban on new sales of carbon-emitting petrol and diesel cars by 2035, with a view to getting them off the continent’s roads by mid-century.

European Union member states have already approved the legislation and will now formally nod it into law at an upcoming ministerial meeting, despite opposition from conservative MEPs, the parliament’s biggest group.

Supporters of the bill had argued to that it would give European carmakers a clear timeframe in which to switch production to zeroemission electric vehicles, and spur investment to counter competition from China and the United States.

This, in turn, will also support the European Union’s ambitious plan to become a “climate neutral” economy by 2050, with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Israel Protests

Nearly 100,000 Israelis protested outside the country’s parliament last week ahead of several legislative votes that would overhaul the country’s judicial system. The bills would give politicians greater control over appointing judges and overturning Supreme Court decisions by a simple majority vote.

The proposal has divided the country, with critics arguing it gives Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nearly unchecked power and weakens the court. Critics also argue the reforms may help Netanyahu avoid a conviction in his corruption trial. The bills’ proponents argue the changes are needed to restore balance in a court with too much power. Israel does not have a formal constitution like many western countries; however, the court’s decisions are based on precedent and a series of basic laws.

AP

Super Bowl Ratings: 2023 game becomes third biggest TV programme in history

The telecast of Super Bowl LVII last week brought in an average 113 million viewers, according to Nielsen.

That makes the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Philadelphia Eagles not only 1% bigger than last year’s Rams-Bengals game, but the third biggest television program of all time. The only telecasts to ever score a larger audience have been two other Super Bowls: the 2015 PatriotsSeahawks game (114.4 million) and the 2017 Patriots-Falcons game (113.7 million).

Variety

Hundreds of thousands protest across France against pension reform

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in France last week in a fourth day of action against President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform, with unions planning to ramp up strikes if the plan is not dropped.

Macron’s government face a two-way fight to implement the plan to raise to pension age from 62 to 64 by overcoming resistance on the streets and also pushing the legislation through parliament. The CGT union said that 500,000 people were protesting in Paris alone. Air traffic controllers at Paris Orly airport meanwhile staged an unannounced strike that resulted in the cancellation of 50 percent of flights from Paris’ number two hub from the afternoon. And in a move that risks having severe consequences, unions representing workers on the Paris RATP public transport system called for a rolling strike from March 7. France24

Pāpango 1: I see they are now sensibly starting to consider visitor numbers?

Pāpango 2: I thought that was said to be too complex for the community to understand?

Pāpango 1: Apparently it’s all got to be “sustainable”

Pāpango 2: Not like the taxi fare to Cromwell then?

jakehassells.com

Public Notice | Pānui

Creative Communities Scheme February 23 Funding Round Open

Funding is now available for community–based arts groups for performances, events and workshops that will provide a variety of opportunities for participation in those activities.

The aim of the Scheme is to increase participation in the arts at a local level, and increase the range and diversity of arts available to communities.

A funding guide is available online to assist with the application process. The guidelines and application form is available on the Council website: www.qldc.govt.nz/services/funding/arts

Funding round is now open and will close on Tuesday 28 February 2023. For any enquiries contact

Jan Maxwell Relationship Manager Arts and Events 03 441 0469 or 027 233 7934 or email jan.maxwell@qldc.govt.nz

10 Gorge Road Queenstown Phone 03 441 0499 | www.qldc.govt.nz

Welcome

Artificial

and greenery can be so amazingly realistic, come and see for yourself.

Bring your own container and photo to show placement, then select your favourite flowers/colour and I can work within your budget (no arranging fee). Many

Staff accommodation once ‘the norm’, crisis worst in a lifetime

By Sue Fea

It was once ‘the norm’ for Queenstown employers, large and small, to buy houses or units to accommodate staff, despite relative high property prices. Even the government owned housing for staff like police, teachers and hospital workers.

Former community leaders, a major tourism player and planning lawyer say, while there are different legal requirements and challenges now, the magnitude of the problem is worse than ever before. However, there are solutions. The Queenstown Lakes District Council and the government just need to work together with the community to make them happen. Some larger hotels in Queenstown have always owned staff accommodation, as have the likes of Skyline and some small businesses. The Hyatt Kingsgate Hotel (now Copthorne) converted the Lake Esplanade Motels in Park Street into staff accommodation around the 1980s. Long-time planning lawyer Graeme Todd, who acted for the council for years, says the property had been bought for a development that didn’t proceed.

THC (Tourist Hotel Corporation Hotel), now Novotel Lakeside on Marine Parade, either built or bought the 20 or so units on the Robins Road, Gorge Road corner to house staff in the late 1980s. Novotel Lakeside manager Jim Moore recalls living there as an employee in 1989-90. Former THC head office deputy chief executive Denis Callesen says providing staff accommodation for at least 30 percent of staff was an “absolute requirement” of their council building permit in the mid-1980s. THC bought the Frankton Hotel (now Frankton Arm Tavern) and accommodated 40, 50 or 60 staff there. “We had about 80 staff and any surplus we rented out,” says Denis. “I think everybody had to have a significant percentage of staff accommodation back then. Holiday Inn came just after us.” The Frankton accommodation was sold when the government’s THC was disbanded in 1990. Late last year Novotel Lakeside leased the YHA hostel in Shotover Street, which can cater for about 70, housing more than 60 staff in the 30 rooms. “It’s allowed us to be almost fully staffed,” says Jim. He and others question why long-term rentals need to be ‘healthy’ under Healthy Homes regulations, but short-term Airbnb houses don’t have to comply.

They say much tighter Tenancy Act and Healthy Homes compliance is now

putting home owners off long-term residential renting, forcing more into Airbnb, for more money and less hassle.

Other long-term established businesses have owned units locally for decades just to retain staff and say it’s still not enough. They’re equally concerned about regulations deterring long-term landlords. Those who’ve operated here for 40, even 50, years say the problem’s horrific and they’ve never seen anything like it.

Former District Mayor John Davies, who’s been involved in Northern Southland Transport Holdings since the late 1960s, says, “It’s no different to 40 years ago. You decided at the end of the year to either buy another house if you couldn’t get drivers, or a new truck.” Now as chairman of NZSki, and many other major tourism businesses, he’s dealing with that on a massive scale, employing 950 seasonal staff every winter. “In the last 20 years the development in the ski industry has been enormous. It’s really grown and our staff have doubled.”

Once businesses could house ski season workers, then because of an offseason – now non-existent, lease that to summer tourism operators. “We could build accommodation and put staff there from June until September then fill it with hospitality workers, but it’s unfair to then ask them to leave for the ski season.”

“It’s the worst I’ve seen in my lifetime and it really challenges the future of Queenstown.”

Skyline director and contractor Grant Hensman says Skyline used to own Queenstown House for its staff and has four residential properties now. “But this is an absolute crisis. I’ve never seen it like this in 45 years and I don’t believe our forebears did.”

Some of the houses they let during Covid times they now can’t free up for staff because of tenancy regulations. Grant recalls the former Travelodge owners buying Panorama Terrace sections off him that had been destined for staff housing, then the 1987 sharemarket crash hit.

“Staff housing was the norm back then.”

Skyline is being forced to explore converting some of its lower level Blue Peaks Lodge rooms to staff accommodation.

“Anyone wanting to develop these days is restrained by the RMA (Resource Management Act),” says Grant. “We really need tiny homes and worker accommodation like Australia, but you won’t get it through here.”

Graeme Todd says businesses are starting to buy properties for staff now and taking leases on homes to try and alleviate the problem. “The long-term players have been buying properties for years.”

He’d like to see the council assess its own land inventory, what it holds, and see how it can work in a joint venture with developers and businesses to facilitate accommodation. “The council could fast-track any proposals for staff,” he says. “It has to take the lead as it owns, or has control over, a lot of land in the district. Even if the council throws the land in and employers put up portable housing, rather than sitting around and having taskforces.”

Graeme says the council even has disused reserves that the Conservation Minister may give permission to use temporarily for this purpose only.

Former Skyline manager and Deputy Mayor Simon Hayes wants to see university-style hostel accommodation with shared kitchens developed at the back and lower levels of the Lakeview development site. “It’s the most obvious place and could take 300 to 500 rooms, but the council, and possibly Ngai Tahu and the government, need to be part of a solution with major employers.” It was the number one issue when he joined Skyline in 1985. Not long after, many employers, including the Crown, sold off their staff housing, exacerbating the problem, he says.

Skyline Hopes To Convert Blue Peaks Rooms for Staff Accommodation

Skyline Enterprises is being forced to look at converting about 20 or so of its lower level Blue Peaks Lodge rooms to staff accommodation to try and get its tourism operations fully operational again, says director Grant Hensman. “We have no choice,” he says. “It will cost us money, but we’re losing more not being able to get staff to fully re-open Skyline Restaurant and Gondola back up from five to seven days. It’s a no brainer.”

Skyline CEO Geoff McDonald says they’re looking to see how they could configure the rooms and working through what they’re able to do. “It’s not necessarily a long-term option, but it will enable more people to come into town,” he says. The 20 or so rooms should cater for 50 beds. It was the battle of the wages and now it’s the battle for staff housing to make jobs more attractive, he says.

Chefs are in desperate demand at every level and Skyline’s also limited in what it can open out of the three booths it runs in Eatspace – the new-look O’Connell’s food court. “Only our Italian is open, the Greek just opened this week and the third we can’t get staff for,” he says.

Skyline’s current four residential buildings around Queenstown are always full.

Where are all the rentals?

By Paul Taylor

Economist Benje Patterson has run the numbers and confirmed the local housing rental supply is shrinking, cranking up pressure on the employment market.

The Arrowtown-based analyst was commissioned by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to write the quarterly labour market snapshot. Data from Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment rental bonds, show close to 100 fewer rental homes available in November 2022 versus November 2021, he says.

And TradeMe figures show a 49% drop in rental listings in the district from December 2021 to December 2022.

But nailing the cause is challenging.

Building consent numbers show the rate of construction in the district over recent years should be more than enough to keep up with population growth, Patterson says, with about 1,081 more homes consented last year than were needed to meet population growth demands.

Despite a recent increase in the number of short-term stay accommodation listings in Queenstown Lakes, listing numbers remain lower than before the pandemic.

Accounting for new housing stock and new short-stay accommodation listings, data suggest about 649 new houses were built above and beyond the needs of both population growth and short-term stay demand.

“The question we don’t have a certain answer to is, what are these new houses being used for? It is likely many are unoccupied and have been constructed as holiday dwellings or homes to retire to in future,” he says. “The most recent data available on unoccupied dwellings, from 2018, tells us approximately 27% of all houses in the district are unoccupied.”

Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers said this data provides important insight to support decision making and fuel a united focus from council, local businesses, organisations and Government towards solutions.

“We are acutely aware of the related impacts on the labour market and local businesses that is linked with our district’s housing challenge,” Lewers says.

“The report tells us that while building houses is an important piece of the puzzle, building more will not solve the problem alone. We must tackle this from many angles and in partnership with those who can help our community realise sustained change in the makeup of our housing market, and that’s what we’re focused on.”

Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce Acting Chief Executive Sharon Fifield said housing is clearly a growing concern amongst the myriad of challenges businesses already face in attracting and retaining staff.

In a recent Chamber survey, one in three Queenstown businesses said the housing situation represents their biggest barrier to achieving optimal staffing levels right now.

And almost three quarters of respondents said the availability of accommodation for staff is more than just a minor issue for their business.

“Recognising that many employers are now needing to consider providing worker accommodation as part of their longer-term workforce strategy, the Chamber will soon hold an information series on all the things employers need to consider when housing staff, as it is complex,” Fifield says.

Meanwhile, the labour market snapshot data also shows job numbers in Queenstown Lakes district has recovered to close to its pre-Covid peak in December 2019.

However, the labour market make-up shows an uplift in industry servicing a growing population, while hospitality continues to struggle to serve returning tourists with 1,200 fewer staff than in summer 2019/20. The full report is available on QLDC’s website.

Skyline Enterprises CEO Geoff McDonald

Photo by: Kate Antamanova (Unsplash)

Arts+Culture

Blue Door’s Tiny Room Concerts return

by Jess Allen

Arrowtown’s hidden gem, Blue Door, has brought back their Tiny Room Concert Series with five shows on the horizon for the rest of February and March. Inspired by the spirit of downtown cabaret shows in New York, Paris, and Berlin, they combine music and comedic narratives to delight and entertain. This Thursday they will be hosting a Back to Black show – a celebration of the work of songstress Amy Winehouse.

The Tiny Room shows debuted at Blue Door in 2021 and were an immediate hit with the public as well as with the talented pool of working and parttime musicians. In the past they have included covers of Dolly Parton, Janis Joplin, Crowded House, and The Beatles. Margaret O’Hanlon runs The Singers Workshop NZ and is responsible for coordinating the shows –she was inspired to put them on as she saw a lack of outlets for musicians to do something creative that doesn’t involve a big production.

“The concerts are only an hour and you get to weave together material on a common theme. As an audience member, I go to listen to music and too often the performer is tucked away in some corner ignoring everyone while everyone ignores them. For the performer it is the challenge of interacting with the audience and finding something captivating to say. I also like to laugh – so mixing comedy with music seems like a natural idea. And, to be fair, the small size of the Blue Door inspired me to pull together something more intimate. The fact that we do two shows in the same night also means more mileage for the artist for something they’ve created.

“These performances are unique to not only Queenstown but anywhere else in New Zealand. It’s not like seeing someone at the pub, it’s a true concert – it’s only an hour long and as such everyone on stage is amped

and excited to share something different with their audience,” says Margaret.

Mark Banham is the guitarist and occasional singer for the band Come As You Are (CAYA) – a project where they pick one artist and do a deep dive into their material to produce a Tiny Room Concert. CAYA have performed Radiohead and Nirvana in the past and will be performing the Amy Winehouse show on Thursday. The performance is home-grown in Queenstown and will be quite vocals-focused with Michelle Moynes and Danni Blow singing harmonies and Tegan Stallard as lead vocalist. The rhythmic section will include Dale Gold and Elis Davies (from Werewolves of Lumsden), who will be laying down some compelling grooves for the show.

“I’ve always loved Amy. She’s got an amazing voice – I think that’s what lures most fans in – but when you take a closer listen, you realise the way she puts her songs together is really clever, plus her lyrics deal with some quite complicated issues in a witty but authentic way. We’re doing quite stripped-down arrangements of her songs – we couldn’t fit three horn players and a string section in the Blue Door – so we’ve had to try to distil the songs down to their essence, then add our own flavours and flourishes to them. The goal is to create a show that’s unique; made by hand and sung from the soul,” says Mark.

Back to Black will take place on Thursday 23 February at Blue Door. Tickets can be purchased by scanning the QR code or by going to the event on Blue Door’s Facebook page. If you’re an artist wanting to put on a Tiny Room Concert, you can contact Margaret at info@whirlwindnz.com

Feeling Refreshed

by Scott Kennedy

As the Queenstown Art Society enters into a new year there is a new feeling in the air, like a cool wind in our seemingly endless summer, it feels… FRESH! And right on cue the society that’s called Queenstown home for the last sixty-one years (but who’s counting) is excited, proud and delighted that our new show RE:FRESH is happening right now at Te Atamira.

This members only group show features sixty pieces from thirty-one different local artists; with everything from painting (both realist and abstract), sculpture, mixed media, photography, video art, pottery and more. The only guideline given to our members was that the work had to be FRESH.

So, this is a collection of never before seen work, all for sale, with most budgets accounted for. So, whether you are seasoned collector or a fresh faced newbie, there is a piece to suit your wall, your style, and your budget.

The show is on now, having opening last week and the reception has already been humbling and positive – it’s a great shot in the arm to our membership who are thrilled to show their work in this dynamic and diverse show.

What’s also fresh about this show is how the art is being sold. The Art Society has embraced technology and all of the art sales are done directly on their website. You’ll find a page on our site, and a QR code in the gallery to help get you there, where every piece in the show is available for purchase. Hit the buy now, click in your credit card details and before we can slap a red dot on the art it’s yours. Too easy.

One of the reasons why we wanted to call this show RE:FRESH is that it felt like the right time to take a step forward, a bold step into a fresher future. The last few years have been a real challenge for us as an Art Society. When The Art Centre closed in downtown Queenstown it was hard not to feel a little deflated. We had a long history in that old schoolhouse, but time and time again we are reminded by our members, whanau, and art lovers here in Tahuna Queenstown that art is made by people and not by places. Our community has rallied, rolled with the waves and found home, peace and creativity.

This our second major exhibition at Te Atamira is a true watershed moment for us – to have it grow into such a wide representation of new members and fresh ideas, sitting seamlessly alongside longstanding pillars of our art community is really exciting for us.

But what is perhaps the most exciting part is that this feels like just the start. We have some innovative workshops planned to help pass on our creative knowledge (featuring some of the artists in this show), more exhibitions, more opportunities for artists of any age and skill to get involved, get creative and join an ever growing group of like-minded folks who find happiness in making things.

So, we are feeling refreshed, the art is looking fresh, we’ve got lots of fresh new members joining us – the only thing that’s missing is you! Come have a look, buy some art if you want, make some art if it’s your thing, learn to make some art if it’s not your thing quite yet and spend some time with a welcoming and enthusiastic creative community!

RE:FRESH is on now at Te Atamira – Remarkables Park, Queenstown. Scott Kennedy is the Community Arts Coordinator for the Queenstown Art Society

Every piece in the show is available for purchase. Hit the QR code now, click in your credit card details and before we can slap a red dot on the art it’s yours.

Late summer planting

As crops complete and space becomes free, it’s an opportunity to grow more goodness. We’re rolling the dice with what weather autumn gives us, but with hoops and frost cloth we can fight back and extend this growing time. Start by chucking a wee bit of compost over the bed. If you’re planting heavy feeders like broccoli and cabbage, mix two generous handfuls of compost in the hole before planting. Leave old veggie roots in the bed to rot down; this adds carbon, food for microbes and air pathways (but you will have to remove it completely if the plant was diseased).

So, what can we sneak in?

4. If you don’t know what to plant, plant broad beans. If you need the space later on, they make for a great ‘green manure nitrogen fixing crop’ that you can chop back into the soil.

6. There’s just enough time for some bush beans. Don’t devote a whole bed, pop them in and around your cabbages, in the pumpkin patch, or even in a flower bed. Lettuces are also great for popping in these unused spaces.

Keep popping in plants or seeds wherever you have space each week to make the most of any good weather and you’ll (hopefully) keep the bounty running long into the winter. Happy Gardening.

Dr Compost is running FREE Gardening events in Queenstown and Wanaka over the next couple of months. Register at Humantix.co.nz

Winter veggies with Dr Compost

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to get the best out of your winter garden, come along and get inspired at Dr Compost’s free Winter Veggies workshop. Find out:

• which crops grow well in our region

• when to plant for the best results

• how to protect your plants from our harsh climate by using cloches and existing microclimates

With more than 20 years composting and gardening experience in our unique Central Otago climate, Dr Compost, aka Hawea’s Ben Elms, has all the tricks to get your compost heap working and your garden blooming. He loves answering questions and sharing his knowledge in his entertaining workshops.

Queenstown

Date and time

Wed 22nd Feb, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location

Sherwood Queenstown

554 Frankton Road

Composting Made Easy with Dr Compost

A great veggie garden starts with great compost. It’s the magical ingredient for growing your own food, boosting the microbial activity in the soil and helping your soil hold moisture.

In Dr Compost’s free workshop, you’ll discover how to turn your food and garden waste into nutrients to feed your plants and soil, and get tips to make your composting fail-safe.

Learn about cold and hot composting, Bokashi bins, and worm farms, plus find out which method will suit you best.

Whether you want to get started on your compost journey, or maybe your composting has been de-railed (stinky Bokashi anyone?!), you can get some help from the doctor.

Wanaka

Date and time

Mon 3rd Apr, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location

St John Wanaka Ambulance Station 4 Link Way

Queenstown

Date and time

Wed 5th Apr 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location

Sherwood Queenstown

554 Frankton Road

Dr Compost aka Ben Elms is a permaculture and gardening expert who’s been operating in the unusual Central Otago climate for over 20 years. Funded by QLDC and delivered by Wanaka Wastebusters, the Dr Compost project aims to reduce organic waste going to landfill. Got a question? Check out @drcompost on Facebook or benelms.com

@dr_compost | @doctorcompost | benelms.com

1. Late tasty tatties! One Indian summer, I planted potatoes as late as March and harvested them in May.

5. Radishes. Japanese daikons aren’t as hot, they grow big and are a beautiful addition to any salad.

2. My favourite are leafy cut-and-grow-again greens. Use your frost cloth to keep this crop cooler on hot days.

3. Plant a crop of tasty cabbages ready for a winter of sauerkraut goodness!

7. Brilliant purple sprouting broccoli – if it’s not in your garden already, plant/sow one today. These goodies, with a few handfuls of compost added on the side once a month, can keep going all winter long.

HOSPO GUIDE

DJ MAD from 9.30pm

Taco Tuesday $3 tacos

Wing Wednesday 20c wings Thursday 1/2 price fajitas

HAPPY HOUR FROM 4-6PM EVERY DAY! $12 MARGARITAS AND BEERS FROM $7

Wednesday ‘TGI Wednesdays’

Happy Hour all night + DJ ‘Just Bill’ from 9pm till late

Night 7pm start, free entry, 2 hours of fun, Email info@ lokalqt.co.nz to register your team

Wednesday $37 Export Gold Towers (minimum 3 people)

Friday & Saturday DJ Dam-G from 9pm till late

Mad Monday $5 tacos & $1 wings Thursday 20% off pizzas

Dine in or takeaway

Wednesday - Sunday Happy Hour 5-6pm $16 margaritas and $10 selected tap beers

Live music with Nic from 7PM

Friday $18 Double cheeseburger, fries & a house drink

Saturday, Sunday Happy hour 4-6pm

Saturday Signature Cocktail Specials

Open for lunch from midday

Open 4pm - 10pm Tuesday – Saturday 47 Camp Street misslucys.co.nz

The T The Bunker

Every day Happy Hour 4-6pm MON-FRI

Every day Try our Bavarian Fest! 2 hours beverage package & all-you-can-eat meat $89

21 FEBRUARY - 27 FEBRUARY

Wednesday All you can eat meat!

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

Colours, Three Channels, Three Djs

Live sky sports every day!

Thursday Beats n’ Bao’s 5pm Yonde’s Classic Beats and half price boa’s are back! Open Mic Night 9pm Bring your mates, play whatever!

Wednesday Hospo Night with DJ Ribera 10-Late

Friday DJ Stubacca 5pm

Saturday DJ Tess 9pm

Sunday LF System & Loods 9pm Tickets online

Tuesday - Sunday NEW MENU FROM MOJO KAI! Available 12-9pm

T&Cs apply, contact us on 03 442 9995 or email queenstown@lonestar.co.nz to plan your next function.

T&Cs apply, contact us on 03 442 9995 or email queenstown@lonestar.co.nz to plan your next function.

GOINGS ON ABOUT

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES

Back To Black - an unfaithful look at Amy Winehouse - Tiny Room Concert

Amy Winehouse singlehandedly dragged the genre of jazz into the twenty-first century. Amy tore up the book of jazz standards and instead wrote songs about chavs at the nightclub, messy break-ups and flat mates who smoke all your weed. Sadly, she didn’t survive the pressure of fame, drugs and relentless paparazzi, but her music lives on and this is an opportunity to spend the night celebrating it.

When: Thursday, Feb 23, at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm | Friday Feb 24 at 8:30 pm

Where: The Blue Door 18 Buckingham Street Arrowtown

The Back of Beyond with Craig Denhan and Nathan Torvik

Witness the coming together of two kindred musical explorers. Craig Denham on Accordion, Keys, whistles, foot percussion and vocals and multiinstrumentalist Nathan Torvik on whatever he decides to play on the day!

Their virtuosic musical chemistry is tangible and combined with a love of improvisation, they’re not afraid to dive into whatever musical rabbit holes might appear on any given day. With a huge range of styles and influences to draw on from various folk and world music to blues, reggae, jazz flavours and improvised soundscapes, expect a night of lush musical richness tinged with humour and not taking oneself too seriously. Tickets are Eventbrite.

When: Friday 24 February at 7:30 pm

Where: Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall, 33 Buckingham Street

Nikau

Harp Trio

Music composed for harp, violin and cello is extraordinary and beautiful - the plucked harp strings are vibrant and brilliant, whilst the bowed violin and cello strings are sustained and sonorous. The Nikau Harp Trio bring to life the glittering magical world of harp with strings.

Nikau is a trio of outstanding musicians - Helen Webby, Cathy Irons and Paul Mitchell; with extensive NZ and international experience.

When: Sunday 26 February at 4:00 pm

Where: Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall, 33 Buckingham Street

BACK TO BLACK

WORKSHOP

Winter veggies workshop with Dr Compost

Summer will start to wind down soon so now is a time to start thinking about what you’d like to harvest from your veggie garden over winter. Dr Compost has more than 20 years composting and gardening experience in our unique climate, Dr Compost, aka Hawea’s Ben Elms, loves answering questions and sharing his knowledge in his entertaining workshops. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to get the best out of your winter garden get inspired at Dr Compost’s free Winter Veggies workshop.

When: Wednesday February 22 between 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Where: Sherwood, 554 Frankton Road, Queenstown

AUTHOR TALK

Author Talk with James Russell

James Russell is a much-acclaimed children’s book author from Auckland, and he will be at the Frankton library to discuss his new book, Children of the Rush and conduct a Q&A on Wednesday. Bookings are essential to attend and email frankton.library@qldc. govt.nz to reserve your place.

When: Wednesday February 22 from 4:00 pm to 5:00pm Where: Frankton Library, Hawthorne Drive, Frankton

Jiu Jitsu: Beginners introduction 4 week course

EVENTS

Torpedo7 MTB National Championships

The Torpedo7 MTB National Championships will be held at Coronet Peak this weekend. Queenstown MTB Club are the hosts along with Cycling New Zealand with the Cross-Country titles on Saturday, and the Downhill Championships on Sunday.

When: Saturday and Sunday 25 - 26 February from 9am

Where: Coronet Peak Ski Area, Coronet Peak Rd

This is a 4 week course for absolute beginners or people who have been absent from the martial arts for some time. The course is every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm from this Tuesday the 21st to give a taste of what the gentle art of Jiu Jitsu has to offer. There are male and female competition tested coaches and a large air conditioned mat space to work with. Train differently, gain a skill, lose weight and gain confidence. For more information email info@temanawajiujitsu.co.nz

When: Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 pm

Where: 103 Glenda Drive, Frankton

The team behind “Come as You Are” and “Fitter Happier More Productive” are at it again, with an all new Tiny Concert: BACK TO BLACK; an unfaithful look into the amazing music of the late, great Amy Winehouse

Featuring: Tegan Stallard, Elis Davies, Dale Gold & Mark Banham. With special guests Michelle Moynes and Danni Blow.

Jean Malpas Community Nursery Volunteer Sessions

The Whakatipu Reforestation Trust’s Community Nursery is the heart of the planting operation. Each year the trust propagates and grows approximately 10,000 native plants to support their reforestation efforts.

Volunteering at the nursery has many benefits; including playing an active role in helping to restore the biodiversity of the Whakatipu Basin, helping to grow native trees that help mitigate climate change, not to mention making new friends with like-minded community members. Volunteer sessions run every Wednesday morning from 9:00 am –12:00 pm, drop in style. No gardening experience is required, and morning tea is provided. Just bring Water, hat, sunscreen, and gardening gloves.

When: Wednesday mornings from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

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

Advanced Public Speaking course

Many people feel they don’t communicate effectively or with confidence. In business especially this is a skill that enables better public speaking, communication and ultimately business results. The Advance Speaking course will help with handling fear and taking control, you’ll learn to develop your voice by focusing on pitch, pace, volume & accent and also some tips on body language.

More information is available online at events.queenstownchamber.org.nz

When: Thursday, February 23 between 9:30am and 12:30 pm

Where: Chamber of Commerce - Bradley Building Level 3/19 Rees Street, Queenstown

Free Dog Training

Looking to teach your pooch some manners? There are free dog training sessions for dogs of all ages and sizes in collaboration with Dogs Zone and Remarkable Dogs

If you’re keen to attend, email AnimalSupport@qldc. govt.nz with your dog’s ID or tag number and let them know which session you’d like to attend.

When: Saturday February 25, between 9.00am10.30am or 10.45am-12.15pm

Where: 13 Headley Drive, Shotover Country

The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery

This is one for the kids who love all things dinosaur. There are over 30 lifelike dinosaurs and of course no dinosaur exhibit is without the crowd favourite Tyrannosaurus Rex. The show also boasts a the 12m long neck of Brachiosaurus and Robotic Raptors. There are activities for everyone including the Dinomite Playground, Fossil Panning, the Discovery Depot, Learning Lab. More information is available at Eventfinda.

When: Saturday and Sunday February 25 and 26

Where: Queenstown Primary School, 20 Robins Road

GREEN DRINKS - Slow Fashion Green Drinks

The first Green Drinks of 2023 in collaboration with Wastebusters will kick off on Wednesday with their ‘Slow Fashion Month’ initiative for March.

The fashion industry has accelerated to become one of the dirtiest industries on earth, and our consumer impact is bigger than we might like to think. Fashion, however is a creative expression and it’s part of our identity. As consumers, the power is in our hands and by choosing well, buying less, shopping second hand and caring for our clothes, we’re slowing the wheels of the machine.

Three industry-insiders who are making that change a reality will inspire and educate.

The speakers are; Peri Drysdale – Founder of Untouched World, Natalie Norman – Head of Production at Mons Royale as well as the Wastebusters Reuse & Reduce Team. Tickets $5 at humatix.co.nz

When: Tuesday 28th February between 6.00 pm – 7.30pm

Where: Après by Cardrona X Treble Cone, 50 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka

Saturday 25 February Kicks off at 11.00am

Wanaka reigns supreme at Halberg Awards - awards for Zoi, Nico, Corey, and Gustav

By Tony O’Regan - Wanaka App

Wanaka snowboard sensation Zoi Sadowski-Synnott has won the Supreme Halberg Award and Sportswoman of the Year at the 60th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards ceremony at Spark Arena, Auckland.

Zoi claimed eight event podiums in 2022, including New Zealand’s first ever Winter Olympic gold medal, an Olympic silver medal, two X Games gold medals (Slopestyle and Big Air) and a Dew Tour win. She took the top spot at the Natural Selection Baldface Stop, third place at the Natural Selection finals in Alaska and a second-place finish at the Mammoth Mountain Slopestyle World Cup.

In 2022 Zoi was crowned the Snow Sports NZ Athlete of the Year and was awarded the prestigious Lonsdale Cup.

Five of the eight awards at the 2023 Halberg Awards were won by Wanaka snow sport athletes. In addition to Zoi’s awards, Nico Porteus (freeski halfpipe) was named Sportsman of the Year, Corey Peters Para Athlete of the Year, and Gustav Legnavsky (freeski halfpipe) won the Emerging Talent Award.

Nico is ranked the number one freeski halfpipe competitor in the world after claiming gold at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, defending his X Games title and winning the Mammoth Mountain World Cup.

Corey won gold and silver at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, and Gustav, at 16 years-of-age, was the youngest athlete competing in the freeski halfpipe in Beijing and won the prestigious freeski halfpipe Junior World Championships in Leysin, Switzerland.

Zoi, Nico and Corey were appointed to the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2023 New Year’s Honours list.

Coach of the Year was won by Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith, the Sport New Zealand Leadership Award went to All Black 7s captain Sarah Hirini, the Black Ferns were awarded team of the year, and the public voted the Black Ferns winning the final lineout of the game against the throw, 5 metres from their tryline, to win the World Cup as the Favourite Sporting Moment.

The ISPS Handa Halberg Awards is New Zealand’s leading event to honour and celebrate New Zealand’s sporting excellence and raise funds for Sir Murray Halberg’s charity the Halberg Foundation, which aims to enhance the lives of physically disabled young Kiwis through sport and recreation.

Halberg Awards

My Life Story

by Sue Fea

DENIS COLUMB CAN’T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN

They say you can’t keep a good man down and Queenstown’s veteran of off road adventure Denis Columb wasn’t going to let a broken neck, broken back, a sharemarket crash, or cancer keep him from his off road motorbike passion.

He and wife, Marilyn, founded Off Road Adventures in 1989 – believed to be the first in the world to do so, after tourists asked Denis in 1989 where they could hire off road bikes. The business is celebrating 33 years this year and despite numerous setbacks Denis just keeps getting back on the bike. Raised in Dunedin, he left school at 16, starting a plumbing apprenticeship, then his own business at 21. At 19, Denis discovered motorbikes through a passion for Otago history. He began exploring around Lawrence where his ancestors mined and farmed. However, in 1981 he broke his neck (C2) in a motorbike accident, enduring an agonising ride out of the backcountry for help. “The doctor said I’d never work again.” He went from selling milk and lemonade bottles to feed the family that year, to eventually buying multiple rental properties and building a beautiful home.

Denis bought a Kurow plumbing business and despite working in intense pain for 18 months he was soon turning over $200,000 a year. A new government in 1984 put paid to that with income plummeting as farmers cut spending. He and Marilyn moved, with three young kids, from the Hakataraema Valley to Queenstown in 1985 where he worked building and plumbing. Unfortunately the 1987 sharemarket crash and 25 percent interest rates left them again scraping the barrel.

That was until the Columb family was up motorbike riding together at Skippers. “Two German tourists asked where they could hire bikes so I took them for a ride and they paid $100 each for an afternoon,” says Denis. “I had no money at the time.” Jobless, he gave it a crack. “I’d park downtown with the trailer and bikes on the back with a photo album showing people where I took clients. It gave us enough to survive.”

Then in 1991 another accident meant eight broken bones and facial surgery for Denis in Dunedin Hospital. “I was sitting to the side of the Skippers Road waiting for my clients and an oncoming German tourist on a motorbike rode across the road and straight into me!” says Denis. “We had no income again and I was offered a $40 a week benefit. I’d squash my cast and take clients into Skippers as I had no money to feed my kids.”

He’d operated for a few summers from Brown’s Ski Hire and in 1997 friends helped, chipping in so he could secure the current Shotover Street base, initially shared with other operators. Denis and Marilyn manned that almost 12 hours a day most days until 2010 when they employed an Irish marketing manager. “Markets have changed through the years, but we’ve always retained good staff that we’ve trained to eliminate risks.”

Denis says he’s fought several government agencies in various battles with bureaucracy, but persistence and determination saw him through.

Off Road Adventures expanded to take South Island tours, including upmarket international clients, many of them Russians. The Columbs also bought the Hakataramea Valley School in 2005, back on home, Richie McCaw turf. Converted into an adventure conference centre, that now sleeps 40, and the Columbs also own Naseby Lodge as part of their touring network. Motorbikes are in the blood for this pioneering family of off road champions, with three of four kids reaching international and national stardom.

After cancer surgery in 2018 - the same day champion mountain biker daughter Alanna was in critical care after a serious bike crash, Denis was back on the bike. In 2019 he and Marilyn rode 18,500kms through the European mountains for three months, one of many overseas motorcycle tours. “You can listen to the doctors and sit in a chair and die, or just get on with it.” He’s renowned for giving those with disabilities a thrill ride, one of the most rewarding a deaf and blind, British Kiwi Bus passenger. “The bus driver asked me to take him for a spin so I slid around a few corners and popped a few wheel stands. I could hear him singing “Born To Be Wild,” grins Denis. “He went back to England inspired after that and ran his own TV show encouraging people with disabilities.”

With his four kids helping in the business, Covid saw staff numbers reduced from 16 to 6 and Denis selling almost $600,000 of vehicles and motorbikes. However, Off Road’s trademark bikes, quad bikes, buggies and four-wheel drives still operate from its Gorge Road Adventure Park, as do South Island adventure bike tours.

The Columbs are now legendary tourism pioneers in their field, giving more than 200,000 clients - many of them famous, a backcountry thrill, over 350,000 hours in the mountains.

Denis Columb with his dirt bike gear last weekend.

The Columb family - from left, Lachie, Scott, Brendan, Alanna, Denis and Marilyn Columb. Photo - Miles Holden

Denis, centre rear, and the family out on yet another adventure back in the day.

Queenstown’s angel to the orphans Supporting children from wartorn Ukraine

By Sue Fea

“The Ukrainian government’s been asking our aid colleagues in Romania how we can receive more children, but it’s not simple. The need is huge.”

refugees from Ukraine through Romanian aid partnerships.

Sue, and husband Carl van Schreven, made two trips to Ukraine last year while visiting their children’s orphanage in Romania, near the border with Ukraine. They’re heading back to Eastern Europe again in March, to Romania and Bulgaria, to continue their humanitarian work and join an international gathering of children’s aid workers. “We’re working closely with these other aid connections and will be liaising on our work while in Bulgaria,” says Sue. The huge need in the aftermath of the massive earthquakes in Turkey and Syria will now be a major focus of that World Without Orphans network gathering.

Orphans Aid is working with other aid organisations in Ukraine, helping relocate orphans and families to Romania and safety.

“I’m anticipating we’ll be part of a home just for Ukrainian children in Romania and hoping to build or secure properties there to house them in when we go back,” says Sue.

The first state licensed child placement centre for non-Romanian orphans in Medias, Romania, is about an hour from Orphans Aid’s Romanian orphanage, Casa Kiwi, which houses about 20 children . “More than 50 children have just come into that home in our neighbouring area,” says Sue.

“We made connections during our last trip and have sent a lot of funds just before Christmas. They don’t speak Romanian so it’s very hard, and most of them would have been living in bomb shelters back home for some time,” says Sue.

Sue says orphanages are relocating children and staff to Romania in busloads and trainloads from dangerous parts of Ukraine. “Most I’ve met are from Odesa and more frontline areas that have been attacked,” she says. Some are children fleeing with their refugee mothers.

At the start of the war the children being moved were initially Ukrainian orphans, however, she noticed now they’re mainly victims of war.

It’s an expensive exercise setting up a home with taxes on wages, requirements, and specialised staff all mandatory, such as health workers, psychologists and social workers.

“We want to partner together with other aid agencies to make whatever we do sustainable.”

One bomb shelter Sue visited during her five days in Ukraine was accommodating some 200 children, but that town had had the foresight when the war began to build decent shelters.

“They were well set up with play areas and good bedding.”

Sue says she wasn’t fearful, but was pleased that she was back on Romanian soil once things heated up again in the war in Ukraine. Her husband waited six or seven hours to drive through the border because of the huge backlog of transport trucks with all other avenues closed off but road.

“Both times we took a good vanload of fresh fruit and supplies they’d asked us for, and we’re sending money to other aid agencies doing weekly food and supply deliveries into Ukraine.”

Orphans Aid is also expanding its work in Romania where it’s been operating an orphanage for 18

years. “We’re upgrading some space at the back of Casa Kiwi after years of hold-ups, including lockdowns, and, miraculously, we’ve managed to secure two apartments beside the home.” On her last day there, during Labour Weekend, Sue discovered the neighbouring apartments were available, however, they didn’t have the money and the owner was refusing to sell to them. “We had three days to raise the $240,000 with another buyer ahead of us in the queue. I sent an email to our wonderful supporters around New Zealand and boarded the plane home,” says Sue. “I landed, and despite the long weekend, all the money had been donated by the Tuesday and the mother of the property owner – our neighbour, had told her son he must sell to us. There have been so many miracles like that,” she says. Older orphaned children, transitioning into the world, will be placed in those apartments where they can be supervised and learn life skills, or they will be used as emergency housing.

There are so many sad stories of children there living wild in squalor, like a nine-year-old boy, constantly relieving himself, fully clothed, as he’d never been toilet trained, she says. He lived in a park with his siblings.

Orphans Aid also works keeping kids with mothers in Uganda, helping institutionalised kids in Russia, and operates four schools, two in slum areas, one on India’s Bhutan border and another in Northern India. It also helps refugees there. “I’m desperate to get back to India where we’re helping more than 2000 kids a day, mostly street kids or those at risk of being trafficked,” says Sue. “Our schools are key there and we’ve been unable to travel there these past three years.”

For further information, or to help or donate: See www.orphansaidinternational.org

1. Sue with a Ukranian orphan just arrived in Chernivtsi from Odesa, Ukraine; 2. Ukranian children enjoying some fresh fruit supplied by Kiwis; 3. Sue was able to deliver a quilt (made by a supporter) to this displaced family living in the bomb shelter; 4. Some of the supplies that have been delivered; 5. Sue outside Casa Kiwi, Romania, surrounded by building supplies for the extension; 6. Carl with some of the team outside a very large, purpose-built home for children in Ukraine; 7 and 8.The other photos show Sue and Carl working in very poor communities in Romania.

The government’s decision to abandon the Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media (ANZPM) Bill came as no surprise after months of increasingly negative speculation. Officially, it stems from the prioritisation of “bread and butter issues” during a cost-of-living crisis, but it’s hard not to see this as a significant policy failure for Labour.

The bill had proposed to establish a multi-platform media entity comprising RNZ and TVNZ, with substantial public funding. The proposals were controversial, however, and generated over a thousand select committee submissions.

Key criticisms included the new entity’s governance and independence, the balance between its commercial and public charter obligations, its long-term funding and its impact on the rest of the media market.

But most of these were remediable. Revisions proposed by the Economic Development Science and Innovation committee largely addressed the concerns about political independence, and improved the provisions for under-served audiences. Questions about long-term governance and future funding could have been addressed after the entity was established.

Unfortunately, the work of the Strong Public Media Programme, which underpinned the bill, was sidelined by the pandemic (ironically while measures to support the commercial media sector were developed). Otherwise, there would have been considerably more time to make the necessary refinements before and after the bill’s first reading. But in an election year, political polls and campaign tactics too often outweigh considered deliberation. The Labour government certainly has to take some responsibility for not articulating the potential benefits of the ANZPM model more vigorously and coherently.

Lost opportunities

Ironically, the media were part of the problem, too, especially when they had vested interests in the outcomes of the bill. Amid the cacophony of criticism, the possible merits of the ANZPM model – or consideration of the alternatives were it not to proceed – were frequently overlooked.

So what do we stand to lose? For all its faults, the ANZPM model was not just about merging TVNZ and RNZ so they would continue their existing services. It was intended to provide a framework for the future development of multi-platform public media services capable of addressing the needs of a wide range of audiences.

Particularly for TVNZ, the new charter represented a significant shift in its operational priorities. This was not straightforward, given it would have continued to generate commercial revenue.

But the new model recognised the gradual decline of a commercial business model based on linear schedules geared to selling mass audiences to advertisers. The question of what purpose a commercial TVNZ will serve in the long term has been left unresolved.

Politically unviable

An unprecedented NZ$109 million was earmarked for delivering a multiplatform public charter. Coupled with the reallocated component of the

merger?

NZ On Air contestable fund and the existing RNZ funding, the new entity would have received around $200 million per year in public subsidies.

This investment was essential to the provision of a full range of content capable of meeting the needs of diverse communities on all platforms. Claims that such expenditure was outrageous and unjustified in a costof-living crisis presumed public media services are merely “nice to have” rather than a cornerstone of democracy.

Such assertions also ignore the fact that New Zealand has historically under-invested in its public media services. Even with the additional funding, we would still lag well behind other comparable democracies such as Denmark, Sweden or Finland.

Given that the previous TVNZ charter was undermined by inadequate funding (Treasury extracted more in dividends than the Ministry of Culture provided in charter subsidies), one might have hoped Labour would have learned a lesson: under-investing in public media will never deliver the services we need as citizens, not just as consumers.

The prime minister has indicated NZ On Air and RNZ will receive some additional funding. But the decision to ditch ANZPM makes it unlikely substantial spending on public media will be deemed politically viable by any government for the foreseeable future.

Salvaging a solution

With two government terms of public media policy work now potentially wasted, can anything be salvaged from the wreckage? One possibility could be to use the additional RNZ/NZ On Air funding to establish a “public service publisher” model.

This could solve one of the big structural limitations in the current public media arrangements. Eligibility for the contestable NZ On Air fund currently requires a guarantee of broadcast or distribution.

Effectively, this means the commercial broadcasters and platforms act as content gatekeepers. They frequently decline proposals that carry commercial opportunity costs (children’s programs, educational content and material aimed at niche audiences being especially vulnerable). A public service publisher model would see NZ On Air provide contestable funding for typically under-provided genres, with a guarantee of distribution on RNZ’s non-commercial platforms.

This would significantly increase the scope of local content. If one of TVNZ’s digital channels were designated non-commercial, that too could become part of a public service publisher framework (similar to the former TVNZ7). In fact, this model has already been piloted. The temporary Joint Innovation Fund set up in 2018 saw NZ On Air and RNZ collaborate to commission and distribute a range of content. One of the spin-offs is the local democracy reporting scheme that funds journalists to report on local government and other civic issues.

This required no new legislation, no structural overhauls and relatively little funding. If the alternative is “let them watch Netflix”, then the government surely has nothing to lose.

‘Let them watch Netflix’ – what can be salvaged from the wreckage of the failed TVNZ-RNZ

Author: Peter Thompson, Associate Professor of Media Studies, Te Herenga

Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

TRAINBRAIN YOUR

1. Who composed the song White Christmas?

2. What name is given to the group of islands within the West Indies which includes St Lucia and Dominica?

3. What is the official language of Cambodia?

4. Ikebana is the Japanese art of what?

5. On which river does Brecon stand?

6. What fruit is also known as a Chinese gooseberry?

7. Where in the UK are the mountains known as the Cuillins?

8. Which character tells the first of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales?

9. What nickname was given to Edward I of England on account of his unusual height?

10. Which was the first novel to feature the character of Jack Reacher?

11. Which girl’s name comes from the Greek word for “peace”?

12. Who wrote the 1994 novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin?

13. What monster is lurking under the waves in the Book of Job in the Bible?

14. In 1668, who was appointed the first official Poet Laureate?

15. What is the method of printing from a stone or metal plate?

16. What is a complete circle in a fingerprint called?

17. Seymour and Audrey are the lead characters in which 1982 musical?

18. Which country, whose seat of government is La Paz, is named after “El Libertador”?

19. How many years had Nelson Mandela spent in captivity when he was released in 1990?

20. Which city replaced Samarkand as capital of Uzbekistan in 19302 Tashkent Founded in 1636, which is America’s oldest university?

SUDOKU ANSWER

Central Drycleaning has a position available for immediate start:

FULL TIME EMPLOYEE

Full training will be offered for the role. The tasks will include all aspects of the running of our business, garment pressing, loading and unloading of machines, sorting garments, packing customer orders. Customer service on our counter and collection and delivery via our van runs.

The ideal candidate/s will have the ability to work in NZ. A current drivers licence would be beneficial in the roles.

Successful applicant will receive excellent renumeration and other benefits supplied by Central Drycleaning Ltd.

Apply to accounts@centraldrycleaning.co.nz

VACANCIES

Building Labourer Wanted

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

For full time residential building work. Previous experience in the construction industry is required. Competitive hourly rate. Must have full drivers licence and own reliable transport.

Good spoken English essential. Contact Mike on 027 566 3489 or email mikekelly77@hotmail.com

Are you a Chef looking for daytime hours?

Positions available:

ROOM ATTENDANTS HOUSEPERSON

PUBLIC AREA CLEANER HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

Starting Rate $25 per hour

Shared staff accommodation is optional

Please apply to kim_haynes@evt.com

QUEENSTOWN NZ

DUTY MANAGERS, BARTENDERS & IN-HOUSE SECURITY WANTED

We are looking for Bartenders, Security and Duty Managers to work in our busy bar in Queenstown. You must have current working Visa and speak excellent English for all roles.

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

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

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

RETAIL ASSISTANT CASUAL EMPLOYMENT

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

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

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

PART-TIME (WEEKENDS FRI-SUN) AND FULL-TIME WORK

Please send your CV to queenstowncowboys@gmail.com

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

Great new family French Bakery is opening soon in Remarkables park shopping centre.

Great Family French Bakery is waiting for you. We are looking for :

Great new family French Bakery is opening soon in Remarkables park shopping centre. can offer you the possibility to learn more about french bread and pâtisserie.

We can offer you the possibility to learn more about french bread and pâtisserie.

- 1 Cashier/Barista (Serving customer, making coffee, cleaning,…)

Are you a self-confident motivated individual,

You must be motivated, smily and friendly.

- 1 Baker assistant (Making sandwiches, Baking goods, making products, making bread, cleaning,…)

You should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa

- 1 Pastry-chef (Making pastries, Baking goods, making products, cleaning,…)

You must be motivated, smily and friendly. You should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa. We have a lot of option available for you. We are looking for cashiers, baristas, (assistant) bakers, (assistant) pastry chefs and everyone else who want to take part of this new adventure.

We have a lot of option available for you. are looking for cashiers, baristas, (assistant) bakers, (assistant) pastry chefs and everyone else who want to take part of this new adventure. Just let us know what you are capable of.

A fantastic opportunity awaits to excel in print and digital media advertising sales with one of the country's leading business news publishers, Waterford Press.

You must have previous experience and you will be working every weekends and public holidays. You must have legal right to work in New Zealand.

email : marion@maboulangerie.co.nz to apply or for further information

Just let us know what you are capable of.

A long-established independent publishing house, our publications are marketed directly to both the business and the rural sectors nationwide. We seek a self-motivated Sales and Marketing Consultant with a proven track record of hitting sales targets to join our established sales team located in Frankton

Email : contact@maboulangerie.co.nz

Email: marion@maboulangerie.co.nz to apply or for further information

Benefits include:

• uncapped commission structure

• flexibility to research your own marketing opportunities

• extra team and individual incentives

• on-the-job training

• great team/work environment

This is a rare opportunity, so if you think you've got what it takes, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to: jobs@waterfordpress.co.nz

Operations Co-ordinator

Join Queenstown’s largest and longest-running limousine company

Be part of creating outstanding experiences for visitors from around the world

Limousine Services Queenstown is the region’s premium limousine service provider. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional private transfer, sightseeing and touring experiences to our high-end clientele. Our reputation is highly regarded by agents and direct customers around the globe.

Our business is experiencing rapid growth with the return of international visitors. We’re looking for a superstar to help with the day-to-day operations of our business.

The Role:

This is a challenging, fast paced, ever changing role, not for the faint of heart.

This role will be based in our Glenda Drive depot, taking care of our fleet of luxury vehicles and co-ordinating our driver-guides.

The role involves a strong customer service focus, team support, health and safety focus, communication between our customers and team of driver-guides, system management, stock, and asset management.

The role is full time and requires flexibility. It will include regular weekend work and taking phones overnight.

Your Skills:

Effective communication and people management skills

Strong sense of customer service and a genuine interest in people.

Ability to multi-task and react quickly under pressure.

Can maintain control and make decisions quickly yet thoughtfully. Flexible, can think on your feet and resolve unexpected issues with a smile.

Previous experience with reservations database and Microsoft office suite would be an advantage

Exceptional organisational skills.

Clean driving record and a P Class license or the ability to obtain one.

An up front and honest approach

An enthusiasm for business success

Must be eligible to work in NZ and hold a full, clean New Zealand drivers licence and P Endorsement.

Please contact Anna Magennity on 027 464 9186 or email anna@LSQ.co.nz

Harbour Fish is a family-owned and operated seafood company. Our Queenstown branch is looking for a FULL-TIME DELIVERY DRIVER to join our small, friendly team.

The Job:

Is delivering fresh and frozen seafood items around the Queenstown Lakes district, and assisting our Wholesale Manager with some warehouse work.

Shifts are rostered to start from 8am, and finishes are 5pm at the latest. We don’t deliver on Sunday, so this is always a rostered day off. A full, clean passenger licence is all that’s required to drive our delivery vehicles.

You:

• Have a current clean New Zealand driver license (or are on the way to getting one)

• Are reliable and punctual

• Enjoy working as part of a small busy team

• Are positive and enthusiastic

• Are physically fit and able to lift up to 20kg loads

Previous delivery experience would be great, but we’re also happy to train someone from scratch.

We offer flexibility, and generous staff discounts.

Please send your CV to queenstown@harbourfish.co.nz or drop it into our Frankton store in person at 9 McBride Street, Frankton.

5 Hair Kawarau Park Senior Stylist

We are looking to expand our small friendly team of stylist to accommodate our ever growing clientele.

If you are a reliable team member with a good work ethic and takes pride in your work,then I would love to hear from you.

I offer a great hourly rate + commission, in a Relaxed modern environment. Hours negotiable.

Contact Megan 0274136466 or at Studio5hairqt@gmail.com

The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers, Queenstown Backpackers Assistant Manager

An opportunity has arisen for a friendly, fun, hardworking and motivated individual to join one of Queenstown’s leading iconic hostels. Situated 5 minutes’ walk to the town centre.

The FKB is Looking for someone with an outgoing personality, excellent communication skills and the ability to multitask.

Experience in the accommodation industry is an advantage but not essential as thorough training will be provided. The successful applicant will be solely in charge of the day to day running of the hostel including bookings, check ins and will manage cleaning staff while at work.

A live in option is available. The successful applicant will enjoy 3 days off a week and will be part of a small and motivated team with a strong focus on providing a high-quality experience for its guests.

Applicants must have a valid work visa and be able to commit for a year. Sponsorship will be available for the right candidate.

Please drop CVs off to 39 Robins Road or email flamingkiwi@xtra.co.nz

Commercial Part-time Cleaner

Location: Town Center

Time: Morning 2 - 3 hours working at your own pace

Main Tasks: sanitizing, vacuuming and mopping Days and pay negotiable for the right candidate

Please contact: 021 108 4033 for further information.

DF Souvenirs - Queenstown

FULL TIME SUPERVISOR WITH KEY HOLDER DUTIES & INTERNET DUTIES

& FULL TIME 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 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

Waitstaff, Food Runners &

• Full time, part time or casual

• $24+ per hour

• Great tips

• Staff perks

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

Alternative Ventures Ltd is looking for a builder to join their team working on new builds in the Queenstown area. Attention to detail necessary.

Carpenters, apprentices, hammerhands and labourers welcome to contact for further detail.

Immediate start with competitive rates dependent on experience.

Contact Dave daveviitakangas@gmail.com

Studio

Operation Support

Southern Lakes Laundries are looking for part-time operational support staff to join our friendly team in Queenstown.

We are looking for a superstar administrator with a can-do attitude with loads of initiative to join our team with the goal of supporting the management team in the smooth running of the business. The candidate must be able to communicate in English as well as in Spanish, a knowledge of Portuguese would be an advantage. This role will encompass many aspects of running the business including but not limited to:

• Health & Safety Compliance

• End of month Reconciliation

• Account & Customer queries

• Employment Contacts & Checks

• Data entry as required.

Full training to perform the job will be provided. If you are interested, please email your resume and a cover letter to: silvi.locatelli@southernlakeslaundries.co.nz

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AVIS & Budget Queenstown

RENTAL SALES AGENT

Do you enjoy working in a fast paced environment where the days go quickly?

Do you enjoy meeting and talking to people from all over the world?

Do you appreciate a consistent working roster because your life outside of work is important too?

If you answered yes to any of these then maybe this customer service, sales and office administration based role is the new job for you.

Full Time & Part Time contracts available with set days off, Shifts are mostly 8am to 5.30pm with at least one evening shift per week. The role also requires you to work weekends or at least one weekend day per week. You'd be based out of our Queenstown Airport office in Frankton.

What you need:

• Full drivers licence

• Good command of the English language

• Working rights in New Zealand

Please send a CV to: luke.dennington@abgroup.co.nz

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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

HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR –RESTAURANT SUPERVISORS

FRONT OFFICE

Duty Manager, Receptionist, Porter FOOD & BEVERAGE

F&B Attendants,Kitchen Attendants

CHEFS

Sous, Chef de Partie, Apprentice Chef HOUSEKEEPING & LAUNDRY Room Attendants

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

Queenstown’s home of house music is looking for:

Duty Managers & Bartenders

• Competitive Pay

• Staff Perks

• Part time/full time hours available

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

ESL teacher/s needed for part-time

The international students are coming back, so come and join our awesome team. CV and cover letter to dos@lsnz.co.nz

Join Team Devil!!

We are looking for Food Prep / Front of House and Duty managers.

Full and Part-time positions available. Drop your C.V to Blair at the restaurant or email devilburgerqtn@gmail.com

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

DRIVERS REQUIRED

Full-time & Part-time Positions Available

NEW OWNER/ OPERATORS REQUIRED

Self Employed Opportunity operating under the Corporate Cab Brand Corporate Cabs are NZ’s Premiere Taxi Company operating fleets in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and QUEENSTOWN.

Our modern fleet of Sedans include Skoda Superbs, Holden Calais’s and VW Multivans. Professional well presented Drivers who have a strong focus on delivering an exceptional level of service.

Interested, then please send an email expressing your interest to ian.paterson@corporatecabs.co.nz

Finance | Admin

We are looking for a part or full time experienced Finance / Admin team member

Do you have experience with MYOB payroll, cashflow, Xero, GST, tax filings and are you incredibly detail orientated, love to keep things moving and work with terrific fast paced team this role could be for you?

You’ll enjoy being involved with a busy media environment where no two days are the same.

This role commences in April allowing for plenty of cross over with our wonderful team member who is leaving us to head overseas.

The role can be part time and fit in with school hours for the right candidate.

Please apply in writing by forwarding your CV and cover letter to davidgibbs@qmg.co.nz

We’re looking for superstars! kitchen

THE BALLARAT

WE'REHIRING!

JointheteamatNewZealand’sultimatecollectionoffinedining,consistingof TheGrille&No.5ChurchLane.

Wearelookingforconfident,energeticandexperiencedprofessionals,whostriveto deliverahighstandardofservicetoourguests. Withpermanentandparttimepositionsavailable,wecanalsooffercareergrowth opportunitiesthroughsponsorshipfortherightcandidate.

LABOURER / PLANT MANAGER

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, hard-working all-rounder to become a valuable part of the Trinity team. While you might be asked to help the crew, this is not a building/construction role. The position is 35-45 hours per week covering the areas below, across all sites.

• Cleaning up rubbish, waste materials etc on job sites both inside and out

• Cleaning of site offices, portacoms, on-site toilets

• Moving supplies around on site and between sites

• Pick up and deliveries from the main office and suppliers

• Support and help as required for carpenters eg lifting, unpacking, stowing materials and supplies

• Plant and equipment duties

• Drive JCB as required (training provided)

You need to be a New Zealand resident or citizen, already living in the Queenstown/Cromwell/Alexandra area, with a clean driver’s licence. Organised, proactive, efficient, able to work both unsupervised and to take direction, you’ll work to a high standard and take pride in your work. While a reasonable level of physical fitness is required as this is an active role, this could suit anyone from a recent school leaver to an active retiree.

We offer competitive remuneration, a work vehicle for use on sites + to take home and back, and a great working environment + people to work with.

Apply now with your CV/resume and covering email to guilia@trinityqt.com or call Guilia Porrelli 0274 967 488 for more details.

All applications treated in confidence.

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

WEARE HIRING

ExperiencedMechanic

AVIS & Budget

Queenstown

CAR GROOMERS

We are looking for fun and motivated people to join our team of car groomers. The role is non-customer facing, shifts are 8am to 5.30pm and transport from the city to the place of work in Frankton can be arranged if necessary.

Casual, Part Time and Full Time roles available, all you need is a full drivers licence and an eye for detail.

Estamos buscando personal para unirse a nuestro grupo de Car Groomers. Ingles no es necesario, puede aprender mientras trabajas.

Solo debes tener predisposicion, ojo para el detalle y licencia de conducir. Casual, tiempo parcial y tiempo completo

Apply via email in English or Spanish to luke.dennington@abgroup.co.nz

Public Kitchen and Bar, Finz Seafood and Grill, and Bella Cucina are looking for superstars who genuinely care and want to join an amazing team to help deliver memorable experiences for our guests.

We are hiring in the following positions:

Bartenders

Waitstaff

Duty Manager

Restaurant Manager

Commis Chef

Chef de Partie

Sous Chef Head Chef

Kitchenhands

Apply NOW at:

We offer:

• Amazing pay rates.

• Bonus's.

• Exceptional team spirit.

• Professional development and opportunities for growth.

• Accommodation available.

https://waidininggroup.bamboohr.com/jobs

We are looking for a RETAIL STORE MANAGER to oversee our Bettys Liquorstore in Camp Street Queenstown. We are a locally owned and operated chain of liquor stores in the Southern Lakes area.

The role:

Responsible for the day to day operations of the store and staff to ensure it can open and operate to its full potential.

This includes:

• recruiting, training and rostering staff to operate the store within the company operating guidelines and to the level required by the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act

• managing all aspects of product ordering, ensuring the stockweight of the store is sufficient daily ordering levels are maintained within acceptable limits

• making sure the store looks great for our customers

• ensuring all stock ordering, paperwork, rosters, cashups, bankings and stocktakes are completed correctly

• working as part of the overall company management team along with the owners and other store managers

What about you?

You will:

• be confident, a team leader, a good decision maker, organized, customer focused, good under pressure and be prepared to work hard with your team for the success of your store and the company.

• Ideally you will have your LCQ and General Managers Certificate

• Ideally you will have retail or hospitality management experience

What will we offer?

• A good salary

• Staff purchasing benefits

• Training and career development opportunities

• A great team environment

If you think this is you and you are interested in applying for this role please email ferg@bettys.co.nz telling me about yourself and attaching an up to date CV.

BLUEKANU RESTAURANT & BAR, QUEENSTOWN

Come and work with the 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 food and beverage!

We have the following positions available - (full time and part time)

• Front of House Servers

• Bar Manager/Bar Persons

• Chef de Partie

• Kitchen Hand

So, what is in it for you?

- Market leading rate for the right person

- No split shi s

- Fantastic team environment

- Guaranteed hours

- Sta perks

- Training and Management support provided

If you are looking to take the next step forward with a thriving restaurant, please get in touch. Send your CV through to warren@hhgroup.nz

Check out our website www.bluekanu.co.nz

Where

FIND A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES!

Hilton brand to choose from: Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa and DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown and all of our Team Members get to work across both brands

We are currently seeking the following roles:

-Commis Chef

-Food & Beverage Attendant (Hospitality Professional)

-Food & Beverage Supervisor

-Guest Service Agent

-Housekeeping Attendant (Hospitality Professional)

We know that Team Members experience is just as important as our Guest experience and we are committed to helping our Team Members reach their full potential with great training, development opportunities and exclusive benefits:

• Starting rate $25/hour

• Free Lunch/Dinner Meal

• Global discounted Food & Beverage and Accommodation rates

• Discounted Transport Option to/from Hotel

Let us help find the right career for you!

For applications and more information visit: www.jobs.hilton.com

creatingunique andmeaningful experiences forour exclusiveguests

VACANCIES INCLUDE :

GUESTS SERVICES AGENTS

HOUSEPERSON

HOTEL ASSISTANT

NIGHT AUDIT

ARROWTOWN

Come and immerse yourself in the 1,500+ wines and spirits we stock and help us showcase the 100+ wines, gins, whiskies & spirits we have for tasting everyday with customers who come from all over the world. We have Part Time (15-30 hours/week) & Full Time (40 hours/week) positions at our Arrowtown store in various roles.

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.

Advertise your job vacancy

Upload online at jobfix.co.nz

Jucy Snooze Queenstown are looking for energetic and enthusiastic people to join us in our re opening!

You don’t need experience to work with us! We offer staff benefits from staff accommodation to car rentals and Food & Beverage discounts!

Housekeeping Room Attendant (Starting from $25.00 an hour)

Chef roles (at all levels)

Night Manager

Please send through your resume to marcos_diniz@jucysnooze.co.nz

WORK IN PARADISE

Great careers start right here!

We seek exceptional people to deliver an authentic five-star experience to our guests. You will be part of a high-energy, supportive and rewarding work environment.

At heart, we are a vibrant community where employees are fully supported and everyone works closely together to achieve the best for guests and each other.

Millbrook Resort is a completely unique place to work and as an employee, you play a key role in contributing to the ongoing success of this beautiful resort.

•PORTER / DRIVER

•NIGHT AUDIT / PORTER

•SENIOR SALES & EVENTS

COORDINATOR - FIXED TERM

•CHEF DE PARTIE

•LANDSCAPE LABOURER - FIXED TERM

•GUEST SERVICE MANAGER

•MASSAGE THERAPIST

•BEAUTY & MASSAGE THERAPIST

•PAINTER / BRUSH HAND

•GREENKEEPER

Treespace is looking to employ a few SEASONAL PLANTERS to help carry out native planting on our ecological project at Mt Dewar. This role would include hand planting, fertilising, staking and guarding multiple nursery grade trees in open back country areas. Training will be given in all aspects of planting and be supervised by our staff. The successful applicant will have a strong work ethic and be able to operate both independently and within a team. Ideally they should have a background in horticulture and a love of the outdoors.

The season for us starts at the end of march running for 6 weeks. Additional work is available weeding and mulching after this on a short term basis.

Please forward your application to John Thomssen / Mountain Manager and we will be in touch.

Email: mountain@treespace.co.nz

Scan the QR code to find out why our team love coming to work each day.

•GREENKEEPERS ASSISTANT / LABOURER - FIXED TERM

Your benefits:

Our people are our greatest assets, and we love rewarding hard-working team members. At Millbrook, we encourage learning and professional development. When you join the Millbrook family you will also enjoy: Discounted golf, restaurants and spa treatments; Friends & family hotel rates; Discounted gym membership; Onsite car parking; Complimentary sta meals; Daily travel allowance for team members who live more than 25k from the resort; and regular wellbeing workshop.

Begin your Millbrook journey today and apply!

www.mymillbrook.co.nz

You must have a valid NZ Work Visa to apply.

Between the Lakes Weekly and JobFix, we are your answer

better and easier staff recruitment, making sure employers and job seekers are connected.

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

• 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

Real careers, real purpose