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LAKES WEEKLY

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE FOREVER BULLETIN

Big plans for trail network

Trails are a big part of why many of us choose to live here, and why many choose to visit. People have always been drawn here to explore the mountains, lakes, and rivers, and we’re in the fortunate position of being able to offer something for every ability, whether cruising through vineyards on the Gibbston River Trail or racing world-cup level downhill tracks on Skyline and Coronet Peak.

Without a doubt, biking is becoming one of the mainstays of our emerging regenerative tourism strategy, enabling visitors to slow down and engage with communities and the environment as they pass through, getting involved in restoration projects and leaving the place better than they found it.

This dovetails perfectly with DQ’s vision for Carbon Zero Tourism by 2030 and the new Destination Management Plan. The Queenstown Trails 10 Year strategy released this week aims to build on that momentum with some ambitious goals to make Queenstown one of the world’s leading biking and hiking destinations, with trails close to home for everyone who lives here.

The Next Ten Years of Queenstown Trails stresses the importance of collaboration and alliances as it seeks to tick off some ambitious projects, including Queenstown to Glenorchy, and eventually all the way around Lake Whakatipu. Relationships with iwi, landowners, funders, and stakeholders will be key to aspirations to connect regional communities with a trail network. Some of these projects are already underway, with a new trail linking Tucker Beach to Arthurs Point and Arrowtown due for completion later next year, which includes an old mining tunnel and a new 80m suspension bridge across the Kimiakau River. This trail will complete the missing link in the Whakatipu basin, and connect seamlessly with the new Coronet Loop, Hot Rod and Carry-on trails.

The trail doesn’t end there, with both QLDC and Waka Kotahi (slowly) developing plans to deliver an ‘Active Transport Network’ which will provide safe, integrated walking and cycling opportunities to work and school. As well as escaping Queenstown’s traffic woes, the health and wellbeing benefits are obvious. Additionally, QAC’s recently published masterplan seeks to position Queenstown Airport as the world’s most bike-friendly airport, with ‘greenlinks’ to the trail network, all driving a behavioural change to adopt more active modes of transport.

Perhaps most importantly, these trails will have a positive impact on the environment, where enhanced access enables wilding control, native restoration, and predator trapping, reinforcing our role as Kaitiaki. The incredible mahi being done by organisations such as Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, Mana Tahuna and Southern Lakes Sanctuary is already evident beside many trails, and by working together, we can create something truly special, not just for Queenstown, but for New Zealand.

To learn more about our plans to Inspire adventures, create experiences and connect people, visit; https://queenstowntrails.org.nz/about-us/strategicdirection

Mark Williams, Queenstown Trails CEO

Super keen skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes over the weekend, as the Queenstown Lakes 2023 ski season officially got underway. But warm temperatures up the mountains meant only a limited number of runs were open at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona Alpine Resort. Read more on page 4.

Call for urban growth sites

With projected growth in our population comes increased demand for houses, businesses and supporting infrastructure.

The Spatial Plan Gen 2.0 builds on our earlier work completed in 2021, and will become part of our Future Development Strategy, which is a government requirement for all high growth councils in Aotearoa New Zealand. The purpose of our Spatial Plan is to help us grow well to create urban spaces that don’t just meet our needs but are places we are proud of. It will also guide how our natural environment is protected and enhanced alongside our urban growth.

Where should we grow?

One of the first steps we are required to take is a public ‘call for sites’.

This is an opportunity to suggest sites and areas that could be considered for future residential and business growth or suggest areas you consider inappropriate for urban development or warrants greater protection.

Keen to get involved?

Head to letstalk.qldc.govt.nz for detailed guidance and more information on this process. This process closes on 16 July 2023.

Muted opening to ski season

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown Lakes 2023 ski season is underway but it’s very patchy up there

Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona Alpine Resort all officially opened over the weekend, with Treble Cone scheduled for this coming Saturday.

Last week, while temperatures in the Whakatipu Basin hit -7degC some mornings it was warmer up the mountains, above the inversion layer. That made for difficult conditions for snowmaking and with little natural snow, only a few runs opened at each skifield.

At Coronet Peak, the snow guns managed to blast out enough to open Meadows Express and the magic carpets on Friday’s opening day, with Coronet Express chondola running for sightseeing, while The Remarkables could only manage the learners’ conveyors, with Shadow Basin for sightseeing.

Over at Cardrona, McDougall’s was spinning and the learners’ slope was open, as well as a few rail features.

Coronet Peak ski area manager Nigel Kerr says: “It’s been very limited but a surprisingly good turnout with what feels like about a thousand skiers and snowboarders a day. We wouldn’t want more than that with the conditions as they are.”

Call for potential future urban development sites

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown Lakes residents are being asked to suggest places which are suitable or unsuitable for residential and business urban development across the district.

More than 48,000 people live in the district but there’s expected to be a huge influx over the next 30 years, with a population projection of 82,000 by 2050.

Queenstown Lakes District Council wants people to have their say on how those numbers could be accommodated, as it begins work on its Spatial Plan 2024 Gen 2.0.

The Gen 2.0 plan, which builds on the Queenstown Lakes Spatial Plan adopted in 2021, will take around 12 months to complete and will become part of the Future Development Strategy, a government requirement for all highgrowth councils in Aotearoa New Zealand.

QLDC Strategic Growth Manager Anita Vanstone says: “Our district continues to be a highly desirable place to live, visit and invest in and that’s down to the love for this place, its diverse communities, landscapes, lifestyle, economic opportunities, and national and international connectivity.

“But with that desirability comes increased demand for houses, businesses and supporting infrastructure and a need to ensure we ‘grow well’. That involves creating urban and green spaces that don’t just meet our needs but are places we’re all proud of.”

The second-generation Spatial Plan is in its early stages of development. One of the first steps required is a public call for sites; an opportunity to suggest sites and areas that could be suitable for urban development.

The skifields have a full complement of staff this year but with not everything open, they’re not on full hours as yet.

“It’s a good opportunity for them to put training into practice, and that’s essential as we get busier.”

It’s a stark contrast to a year ago, when a massive dump of about two metres during opening week saw the skifields scrambling to clear enough snow to open. NZSki used the airport runway snowblower on the Coronet Peak access road, while snow on the deck at The Remarks was almost up to the top of the base building door frames.

This season’s opening dry spell is expected to continue for the next week at least, so it remains to be seen whether the fields can remain open until that first big snowfall of the season, whenever that might be.

“There are fairly mild temperatures but we’ll be snowmaking every opportunity we have, as we build towards the school holidays,” Kerr adds.

Cardrona & Treble Cone GM Laura Hedley says despite “not quite as much snow as we had hoped for” it was great to be open.

“Our staff are pumped,” she says, “we can’t wait to see everyone up here this year.”

Frankton, Remarkables Park and Queenstown Airport, seen from Deer Park Heights

“As part of this, people can also suggest special environmental features or areas that warrant greater protection or enhancement, such as a stream or areas with native vegetation, or to suggest areas they consider inappropriate for urban development due to things like natural hazard or infrastructure constraints, or noise and odour from neighbouring activities,” Vanstone says.

Detailed criteria for suitable sites for future urban development and a GISbased survey for suggestions can be found at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz.

The public call for sites will close on 16 July with several options for potential future growth developed following evaluation.

Public engagement on these options is planned for October this year, followed by the development of a draft Future Development Strategy/ Spatial Plan Gen 2.0 for formal notification in early 2024.

Coronet Peak ski area manager Nigel Kerr sprays the champagne

FOR A RENTAL?

Bush Creek ice rink reopens

By Paul Taylor

Get your skates on! Arrowtown has a free community ice rink once again. Last used in the early 1990s, Bush Creek ice rink reopened last week after a three-year labour-of-love project by committed locals.

They’ve re-established the 30m x 20m flat rectangle of ice on the smell of an oily rag, backed by advice and support from an expert ice maker and various contractors, all with a connection to the project.

The rink harks back to simpler times and the Lakes District Museum has already shared photos of Arrowtown’s ice skating glory days from the 1950s to 80s, when hundreds of people would come from Otago, Southland and beyond to skate on the Nairn St rink.

After changes to the town’s water supply and milder winters, creating the Nairn Street rink became too difficult and it closed in 1983. Locals would head up to the Bush Creek rink instead but it also eventually fell into disrepair. Now it’s back and more than hundred people turned out on opening day for a skate.

Bush Creek ice rink committee member Rebecca Dobson grew up in the Maniototo, skating on frozen ponds with her brothers, and says one of the goals was to let today’s generation enjoy the same natural experience.

“It was a great day seeing all the families walking up through the track, bringing their firewood and their skates, all the kids, three generations arrived, all having a go, sharing skates, toasting marshmallows on the barbeque and just embracing the local environment in the winter.

“That’s what it’s all about and it was such a great celebration of what we’ve achieved.”

The idea to re-establish the rink came about three years ago from bunch of friends who all play in the same local ice hockey team.

After gaining permission from Russell Hamilton, who manages the land on behalf of Switzerland-based record producer Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange, the team began a process of trial and error.

“The first couple of years we tried we had no success. It held water and ice but we didn’t really have our method right. This year we got some advice from an expert ice maker and changed up our process.

“The weather over the last week has helped too, these hard, crisp frosts.”

The base for the rink has been created from the clay used to seal the original rink, then construction scalpings and a layer of compacted builders’ mix. The ice has been built up in layers each night, with water poured onto the rink once the previous layer has frozen.

The project has received some funding from an Arrowtown community sports fund, but it’s mainly been the efforts of the volunteer committee and support from contractors who want to see the project succeed.

“They’ve spent endless hours and money out of their own pocket to get it going.”

How long will it last?

“We hope to get a good few months out of it but even if we got a week, we’d be happy with what we’ve produced,” she says.

“That’s the beauty of it, when the weather’s right and the temperature drips, and everyone comes out and uses it for as long as they can.

“It’s for the community, completely free, and we just ask that everyone respect the space and look after it.”

The rink also has a Facebook page, which has already attracted 1000 followers.

”I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.”

- Anne Frank

Flat as a pancake: The Bush Creek ice rink

Tourism rebound gathers pace

By Paul Taylor

More than 600,000 international visitors are expected to arrive in New Zealand this winter, as tourism continues to rebound from the pandemic. The figures, based on forward airline booking and capacity data, show arrivals for June to August 2023 will be about 83% of the 2019 winter total.

And the Aussies are coming in their droves. Around 300,000 of the arrivals will be from across the ditch, which means the Australian market has recovered to 90% of its pre-Covid levels (345,000 in 2019).

April was also a bumper month, with 221,300 overseas visitors arriving in NZ. Electronic card spending data shows they spent $328 million that month, up 25% compared with April 2019 ($264 million).

“This is great news for the hundred thousand Kiwis directly employed in tourism and their communities around Aotearoa New Zealand who rely on the industry for local jobs and economic growth,” Tourism Minister Peeni Henare says.

“This rebound complements the Government’s investment in regional infrastructure while the borders were closed, which is enabling a strong postpandemic recovery.”

International visitors spent $3.2 billion into NZ in the first quarter of 2023, up from $1.8bn in the December quarter. That makes international tourism the second highest export this quarter behind dairy exports (milk powder, butter, and cheese – $5.2 billion).

Australian visitors remain the largest single market, spending $1bn, followed by USA visitors ($518m) and UK visitors ($383m).

Along with the increase in volume, there is also an increase in holidaymakers who spend more per day ($310 per day) than the average visitor ($210 per day).

Visitor numbers are also buoyed by the increase in flight capacity.

“The Government’s priority has been to support the tourism sector to recover and to ensure a future for the industry that is sustainable,’ Peeni Henare says.

“To support the tourism industry, the Government has invested $18.22 million in Budget 2023 to implement the Better Work phase of the Tourism Industry Transformation Plan – a joint initiative between government, industry, iwi and unions.

“This will help to implement initiatives like a hospitality and tourism accreditation scheme, as well as investments in better education and training, and improved opportunities for those who choose tourism as a career.”

Photo: Yolanda Suen / Unsplash

The Council Word

Volunteer speed dating

Want to make a difference in your community? We’ve teamed up with Kiwi Kit Community Trust and Volunteer South to help connect you with volunteer opportunities at incredible local organisations. Join us for speed dating with a twist on Wednesday 21 June, 4.30-6.30pm at Te Atamira, Frankton. More info on our Facebook events page @QLDCinfo

Win prizes with ‘wasteful’ survey

Help Wastebusters create community projects that will help everyone ‘reduce and reuse’ even more. Be in to win some amazing prizes just by completing the survey before 30 June. Head to surveymonkey.com/r/RZTF55R

An airport for the future

Queenstown Airport has released a draft masterplan proposing a series of infrastructure improvements over the next decade and protecting space to meet the region’s needs far into the future. It focuses on safety, resilience, efficiency and customer experience, as well as supporting the decarbonisation of aviation. The airport is undertaking public consultation in conjunction with QLDC until 23 June. To learn more and have your say go to queenstownairport.co.nz/masterplan

Winter wellness events

Join us for a series of uplifting free events! Winterdaze includes everything from baking to board games, bingo to beeswax wrap workshops. Every Thursday until 10 August at Happiness House on Park St, or Queenstown/Frankton libraries. Full details on Facebook @QLDCinfo

Māori Electoral Option – Te Kōwhiringa Pōti Māori

Māori can choose whether they want to be on the Māori electoral roll or the general roll. It’s an important decision that determines what candidates you can choose from to represent you and your rohe in parliamentary and local elections. Any changes for the general election need to be made by 13 July.

For more info call 0800 36 76 56 or visit vote.nz

Waste-free parenting online course

Hey parents – save thousands and leave your kids a nicer planet with reusable nappies! Kate Meads’ online course can be completed at your own pace and is exclusive to our district. Tickets $20 including a cloth nappy trial pack (worth $80). Full details at katemeads.co.nz

Queenstown bucks property trend

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown Lakes property market continues to slowly track in the opposite direction to much of New Zealand.

Home values rose by an average of 2.4% in the district for the May quarter and the average home is now worth $1.7 million.

That’s 3.1% more on average than this time last year, according to the latest Quotable Value (QV) House Price Index.

Local QV registered valuer Greg Simpson says the Reserve Bank’s latest ORC increase is having a “cooling effect” on the market, however, with fewer sales at the moment.

“There’s been strong restraint applied to the housing market from tightening credit conditions.”

But there’s still demand and the positive value growth.

“Queenstown Lakes District has selling prices that are above other districts and this is likely to continue given the recovery of the tourism industry and the general shortage of housing in the main centres of Queenstown and Wanaka.”

Across New Zealand as a whole, home values decreased by 3.4% over the three months to the end of May 2023 – a slight improvement on the 3.5% quarterly reduction in April and the 3.9% quarterly reduction in March. The average value now sitting at $888,930. That figure is 13.7% lower than the same time last year but still 20.2% higher than its pre-Covid-19 level. Quotable Value (QV) operations manager James Wilson says it is still too soon to call this the bottom of the market, nationally.

“It is still very early days and sales volumes remain low across the country. We would still need a few more months of continued softening to claim conclusively that we’re at the bottom of the market.

“When the market does hit bottom, we won’t suddenly see values begin to increase across the board. Instead, what we’re likely to see is a bumpy landing, with some centres reaching the bottom of their descent before others. Certain locations and property types may begin to experience some growth sooner rather than later, whereas others may remain flat or continue to soften for a period.”

He said areas that appealed to first-home buyers and investors would likely be the first to rise.

The average rate of home value decline slowed this quarter in 11 of the country’s 16 largest urban areas – including in Auckland (-2.3%), Hamilton (-2%), Christchurch (-2.5%), and Wellington (-2.6%) Wellington even dropped below the national average (-3.4%) for the first time since the downturn began.

MATARIKI BALL 08 JULY

Celebrate Matariki in style in Queenstown & support a fabulous cause - the NZ Brain Tumour Trust. Meet special guest Daniel Faitaua, enjoy fine dining, dance & look to the new year! wwwNZBTT.org.nz

TICKETS: www.eventcreate.com

Photo: Samuel Ferrara / Unsplash

Migrant workers in Queenstown face hardship as they get fewer hours than promised

By RNZ

The Queenstown Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) is helping dozens of migrant workers who are struggling to pay rent and basic living costs because they are not getting the work hours they have been promised. The bureau’s general manager Tracy Pool said over the past two months they had been contacted by 30 to 40 people on accredited employer work visas, most working in cleaning companies and the hospitality sector.

Accredited employers are required to guarantee workers a minimum of 30 hours a week, but Pool said many workers are getting far less than that, and their plight is being exacerbated by the rising cost of living.

She said while these types of breaches were not new to Queenstown, the increase in case numbers has been significant recently, and she feared some may lose their accommodation.

“I think they’re coming to the forefront more because money is tight in this town, because accommodation is tight.

“So that makes for a whole lot of staff that are really unsure of where they’re going to live, and so that exacerbates when they start to lose their hours as well, and makes it really tough.”

She said CAB has been helping workers negotiate with their employers, but only about a third have been willing to fix their mistakes.

Pool said the employers are a mix of those who were ill-intentioned and others who were unaware of their duties, or were struggling financially.

“I think in some ways there’s definitely some exploitation of the migrants going on, in other cases it’s maybe they just cannot simply afford it.” She said a couple of cases they have dealt with had employers who had lost contracts or were struggling during the tourism lull before the winter season kicked in.

Pool said over the past week the bureau had also seen 10 workers on accredited employer work visas who had been dismissed, and in some cases without a lack of proper redundancy processes.

She said all of the workers had been with their employers for under six months.

She said some accredited employers were not aware of their obligations and the government needed to do more to educate them.

“They need to educate the employers, when they sign up for the accredited scheme, they need to understand exactly what they’re signing up for.

“They need to understand their obligations and what they have to provide for their employees,” she said.

Photo: RNZ - 123RF

Tit bits Tit bits

US decides to rejoin UNESCO after 5-year hiatus

The US plans to rejoin the United Nations’ cultural and scientific agency UNESCO as of next month, the UN body announced last week, after a five-year absence over what the US had described as pro-Palestinian bias.

The US’s plan to join would have to undergo a vote by the organization’s 193 members.

A founding member of UNESCO, the US started falling out with the agency in 2011, when the body admitted Palestine as a member state, prompting the ire of both the US and Israel.

DW

Flight turbulence increasing as planet heats up

Scientists at Reading University in the UK studied clear-air turbulence, which is harder for pilots to avoid. They found that severe turbulence had increased 55% between 1979 and 2020 on a typically busy North Atlantic route. They put the increase down to changes in wind speed at high altitudes due to warmer air from carbon emissions.

“Following a decade of research showing that climate change will increase clear-air turbulence in the future, we now have evidence suggesting that the increase has already begun,” said Prof Paul Williams, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Reading who co-authored the study.

BBC

Nigeria: At least 100 people killed after boat capsizes

The victims were reportedly returning from an overnight wedding ceremony in the Niger state village of Egboti according to a local resident. People in the boat were to take their bikes to their various communities upon disembarking. The boat was carrying more than 100 people when it sank but because the accident happened in the early hours of the morning - at around 3am - not many knew about it until hours later.

Sky News Japan rocked by Pokémon card crime spree

A Pokémon card crime spree has reportedly been sweeping Japan, with shop owners reporting tens of thousands of dollars in losses. A report from The Wall Street Journal details the extravagant lengths thieves have gone to steal these highly sought-after cards – some of which fetch for six figures.

Last August, thieves stole around 540 cards worth about $US200,000 from a shop in Tokyo. And last month, thieves targeted a shop in Kyushu, stealing some 600 cards worth around $47,000.

In another incident that defies belief, a man tied a rope to the top of a building and rappelled down the sixth floor where he smashed the window and stole a collection of Pokémon cards.

The suspect, who was eventually nabbed by police, said he used the skills he learned in his high school rock-climbing class.

WSJ

Washington Post publisher, CEO Fred Ryan to depart

Washington Post publisher and CEO Fred Ryan announced on Monday that he will step down from the helm of the newspaper in August.

Ryan, who oversaw The Washington Post for the last nine years soon after Amazon founder Jeff Bezos acquired it, will instead lead the newly formed nonpartisan Center on Public Civility at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation.

Ryan said that under his leadership, the Post transitioned from a local print newspaper to a global digital publication. In a statement, the Washington Post said that it saw multiple years of profitability and a dramatic jump in digital subscriptions under Ryan.

CNBC

LAKES WEEKLY POLL

Should QLDC raise rates on unoccupied holiday homes?

Do you agree with the government’s decision not to ban disposable vapes?

Yes No Unsure Yes - 44% No - 56% Yes No

Did you attend Luma Lights over the Kings Birthday weekend?

Do you think the RBNZ [Reserve Bank] has inflation under control?

34%

Are you or do you know someone who is having trouble conceiving naturally? One of the greatest ways to deal with infertility is to talk about it. This is not always easy or comfortable. You may also feel alone and not have people to talk to who understand the experience of infertility. Due to the private nature of infertility, it is difficult to know who to contact.

Our friendly support groups are for anyone facing infertility. This is a chance to connect with others - we can't change the outcome of your journey, but peer support can make the process so much less dauting and lonely.

Contact

Queenstown FNZ Queenstown Support

by Sue Fea

My Life Story

‘FERG’ FERGUSON From rugby great to radio waves

Ferg was a regular on local radio legend Chas Drader’s QFM Radio Sports Show, hosted by Robbie Freer. “Eventually Chas said, ‘Ferg, do you wanna be a bus driver all your life?’” He didn’t and with no experience took on the challenge alongside the likes of Andrew Patterson, Alexa Forbes and Grant Stewart. “It was sink or swim, but Chas was a great leader and mentor.”

“I don’t think I’d have gotten into local politics without that community focus at Q92FM,” he says.

“I went from sports lover to sports broadcaster – a big adjustment, suddenly interviewing people I’d admired on TV on my sports show.” To secure the big names he’d drop in ‘Queenstown’ and they were always keen to talk. Initially Ferg and Andrew were breakfast hosts - The Morning Outlaws, before funnyman Grant Stewart and Ferg teamed up as The Odd Couple. Brendan Quill followed as Two Eggs for Breakfast co-host and all four were in demand as MCs - Ferg, Grant and Quilly still.

“Grant was a creative, talented broadcaster.” Renowned for borderline, on-air impersonation pranks, The Mad Butcher the target of repeated unidentified calls. Famous sportsmen in Ferg’s ‘little red contact book’ got anonymous calls every Christmas. “So much went on that’s best left unsaid,” grins Ferg. “Radio was not like it is now.”

Technology advances caused a bit of strife prompting Ferg to accidentally swear at his equipment on air with boss Chas, instead of reprimanding him, ringing to say it was the best he’d ever heard.

After 12 years The Radio Network brought Classic Hits to town and Ferg was invited to make the switch.

Ferg says he couldn’t have clocked 31 years of 4am alarms and evening gigs without the support of Jo and his daughters.

For the past 10 years as a district councillor he’s juggled his busy council roles around work, still MC’ing far and wide for major NZ events.

Born into a strong Kiwi rugby culture, Queenstown’s ‘Ferg’ Ferguson was knocking on the door of a long-held All Black dream when injury put paid to his rugby career.

However, it was his love of rugby that would eventually land him behind the radio DJ’s mike in Queenstown where he’s still firmly entrenched and popular 30 years on.

Fourth son of five Hamilton kids, Ferg’s Railway worker dad and mum always managed to keep the fridge filled. “We were part of the era when you headed out after dinner to climb trees, bike and play rugby with your mates.”

He quit school at 15 to focus on rugby. “It was all about sport for me,” grins Ferg.

Reaching the top in his Number 7 jersey was always the goal for Ferg, who played through the Waikato age-group sides. He played for the NZ Colts (U21) for two years, playing alongside the likes of Gary Whetton and (Sir) Wayne Shelford. The Junior All Blacks followed when he moved to Hawke’s Bay.

“I remember playing my blazer game for Hawke’s Bay against Canterbury when I got off-side and got belted by Billy Bush (All Black prop). I was in La La Land.” On another occasion he was charging down the touchline and copped it big time from Mark ‘Cowboy’ Shaw. “’Plenty more where that came from’ he said,” smiles Ferg.

It was a painful initiation for the ginger-headed Waikato kid, dubbed then as the next ‘Red’ Conway. Timing was important but injury stalled his ambitions. Cricket was also big in summer – Ferg captaining the high school First XI and playing for the Waikato Secondary Schools.

After meeting wife of 35 years Jo, they married in 1988 and headed to Queenstown to work a winter before travelling.

After five weeks unemployed Ferg scored a liftie job with Peter Bennetts at Coronet Peak, earning very little, sometimes lucky if snow allowed three days’ work a week. Working nights pouring drinks at Skyline to boost funds he met lifelong friend and breakfast co-host Grant Stewart.

Four years driving tour coaches for Johnston’s Coachlines followed.

Ferg joined the local social rugby side, ‘The Killer Bees’. New Wakatipu Premier coach John Freer heard about Ferg’s rugby background and asked him to play for the Premiers, making him captain. “I’d heard the country rugby bus trips were good. We won the White Horse Cup and the competition that year.” A king hit from behind from an Alexandra forward left him with another broken nose. It was time to retire.

“The positives far outweigh the negatives. It’s not the big stuff you do on council but being face to face with the community, listening and showing you care.”

A 2012 Kiwibank NZer of the Year Local Hero medallist, Ferg also chairs the Bruce Grant Youth Trust which won the Youth Impact Award - Spirit of Wakatipu 2022, and he’s a Te Atamira trustee.

Flanker Ferg in action for the Junior All Blacks against Italy at Eden Park in 1980

‘The Odd Couple’ – Ferg (left) and Grant still doing their thing years on at the Glenorchy Races

Tramper Stephanie Simpson’s death prompts warning over risks of hiking alone

By RNZ

Trampers are being urged to consider travelling in small groups in challenging alpine terrain in the wake of a solo tramper’s death.

British tramper Stephanie Simpson, 32, died near the Brewster Track in the Mount Aspiring National Park in 2020.

She left for Brewster Hut from Fantail Falls car park on 8 February, an advanced tramping track. Data recovered from her Garmin watch showed she took a break after reaching Brewster Hut, before leaving the track and moving towards Brewster Glacier.

She turned around and returned a different way, initially towards the hut, but then descended into a steep valley.

A day later, a pair of trampers she met on the trail contacted the police after noticing her parked car, and her employer also contacted the police on 10 February after she didn’t show up at work.

A search and rescue operation was launched on 11 February, and her pack was found three days later. Her body was located 800 metres downstream of Pyke Creek, with her boots on the river’s edge.

Her death was the focus of a coronial investigation. Coroner Alexander Ho found Simpson likely tripped or fell as she approached the creek and drowned, but it was unclear why she descended into the valley.

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) - which provided a report to the investigation - noted she may have faced navigational errors, environment challenges or a potential fall during the day.

The coroner endorsed the council’s safety recommendations of choosing the right trip for your experience level, packing the right gear and sharing your plans with others.

“MSC highlights the risks of tramping solo and how it can impact the ability to call for help, self-evacuation, self-monitoring and decision making,” the council said.

“A further recommendation was made for those heading into terrain such as that around Brewster Hut and Mount Armstrong to travel in small groups instead of solo.”

The MSC’s recommendations for all hikers and trampers heading into the backcountry were:

• Choose the right trip for you. Make sure your experience level and skills match your objective and that you are well prepared for your trip. Understand the weather and be prepared to change your plans if the conditions turn. That includes weighing up the risks if the new plan involves going off track.

• Pack warm clothes, extra food and a backup means of navigation including ones that don’t rely on batteries or electronic signal.

• Carry emergency equipment such as a first aid kit that includes a survival blanket and an emergency shelter, especially when heading above the bush line.

• Share your plans and leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted contact. Leaving clear intentions in hut books can help to narrow down the search parameters.

• Take ways to get help. All trampers should carry a distress beacon (either satellite messenger or personal locator beacon) particularly when intending to travel in remote areas with no cell coverage.

• Take care of yourself and each other. Focus must be maintained throughout your trip, particularly when off-track. Pacing, route-finding and other techniques may have to adjust to being physically and mentally tired. Paying attention to where you have come from can greatly assist if needing to backtrack.

Photo: Facebook

COMMUNITY NOTES

Wao Food Resilience Report: What will we eat? The risk is real

The Wao Food Resilience Report 2023 serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need to address the vulnerabilities within our local food system. The project reveals our reliance on food sourced from outside the district which leaves us highly susceptible to disruptions and shocks. The findings highlight the urgent need for action to build a resilient and low-carbon local food system.

Spearheaded by not-for-profit Wao Aotearoa, with funding and support from QLDC, the first phase of the project culminated in the Food Resilience Report, providing insights into our local food system. Led by Julia Blackford, an expert in food systems sustainability, phase one of the project identified the risks associated with our external dependence.

The report’s comprehensive snapshot was compiled through various research methods, including a Food Resilience Survey, stakeholder interviews, a stakeholder register, and historical food research. The survey, completed by 761 individuals, revealed widespread concerns about of our food supply resilience: 78% are worried about the vulnerability of our food supply. 95% rely heavily on supermarkets that import most of their goods from outside the region. The dependence on a fragile distribution system becomes even more concerning considering the region’s susceptibility to rock falls, slips, and adverse weather conditions.

However, the report also unveils potential solutions. It highlights the importance of establishing a strong local food eco system including local coops, shared processing facilities, and farmer’s markets. The region’s abundant natural resources, ample space for food production, knowledgeable and passionate community, and opportunities for food education are identified as key strengths.

To drive progress, the report proposes the formation of a Food Resilience Network. This would bring together stakeholders and community members to collaborate on developing recommendations and initiatives that enhance the food system’s resilience and security.

The report also underscores the escalating threats from climate changerelated weather events and the potential risk of natural disasters. Given our proximity to the Alpine fault line, there is a 75% chance of a magnitude 8 earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, potentially severing our food supply for an extended period. Additionally, the thriving tourism industry adds pressure, with up to 33,000 additional mouths to feed at any given time.

The report identifies several challenges to our ability to feed ourselves during a crisis. Insufficient local production and limited diversity in our food sources are major concerns. The dominance of red meat, beer, and wine in our production landscape (based on the number of producers rather than the volume produced) leaves other essential food categories underrepresented. Financial viability also poses challenges, as smaller producers struggle to compete with larger-scale operations. Compliance regulations and the difficulty to sell to consumers directly further hinder locals’ access to locally produced food.

According to Blackford ‘the development of a more robust, localised, vibrant food system is an important driver for a wide range of positive environmental, economic, community wellbeing, emissions mitigation and public health benefits.’

By focusing on nurturing our soil, promoting local production, and supporting initiatives that strengthen our food system, we can work towards a more resilient and sustainable food future for the Southern Lakes.

Stage 1 of the new Arterial Road

Gorge Road is open to two way traffic

Gorge Road and Henry Street has reopened to traffic for the winter season. Various small pieces of work will be underway at times with stop/go traffic management, however two-lane traffic will remain in place during peak times. Road and Pedestrian footpath closures

• Beetham Street – currently closed till April 2024

• Upper Ballarat Street footpath – closed late June 2023 till March 2024

• Malaghan Street – closed 21 June 2023 till September 2024

National Volunteer Week

by Juliette Hicks, Volunteer South

National Volunteer Week is running between the 18th and 24th of June and honours the collective energies and mana of volunteers across the country.

Volunteer Profile - Jasper Mooij, Kiwiharvest

Jasper Mooij from the Netherlands is happily evolving into a Kiwi bloke. “I meet my mates at the pub and love a good barbie. But I draw the line at wearing stubbies,” he laughs.

Now enjoying life in Queentown Jasper’s commitment to the Kiwi way of life goes beyond the superficial. Like many Kiwis he places volunteering high on his list of priorities. “My volunteering gives me exposure to the realities of life in this community and in just a few hours a week I can feel like I’m helping someone I don’t even know.”

Jasper volunteers for the local branch of food rescue charity KiwiHarvest. Driving the distinctive green KiwiHarvest truck Jasper collects perfectly good surplus food from local supermarkets and food retailers and delivers it to organisations around Queenstown and Cromwell including the Salvation Army and Happiness House. They ensure it gets to people in the community who need it.

He says “It’s not helping people in the holding their hands kind of way. The receivers of the food are anonymous to us. It’s helping indirectly and ensures the food goes to the right places.”

Jasper says it was a good childhood growing up in the Netherlands but he always knew he would travel the world. After working all over Europe for an environmental drilling company, he left to backpack for two years around Australia and New Zealand. Then, like a lot of people visiting Queenstown, he got ‘stuck’- in the best possible way. He and his Fen enjoy the outdoor lifestyle here - mountain biking, snowboarding and hiking. “We will never stop loving the mountains, the lakes and the views.”

Jasper’s desire to volunteer comes from a place of deep personal experience. As a young man his father was very ill and he had to grow up fast. Helping others became a natural and guiding principle in his life. “I had to pull my weight within the family and not just think about myself.” He is grateful for the perspective he gained from this.

Jasper learnt about the role at KiwiHarvest through a friend at Happiness House where he also volunteers his time. Due to work commitments he is mostly available over the winter months and he says that the flexibility of the role means he can drop in and out as time permits. “It’s a few hours out of my week that can make a big difference to someone.”

Jasper encourages people to view volunteering through the lens of kindness.“The volunteering environment is about kindness - both to others and to yourself. You aren’t judged if you have to miss a shift or if you spend a little longer chatting to people. Everyone is just grateful for your time.” What would he say to others considering volunteering? “Give it a go. If it’s not right the first time, try other things. You will never regret finding the right volunteer role.”

At Volunteer South - Central Lakes, we can discuss your skills and goals for volunteering and help make the perfect match. Keen to support the Kiwi Harvest Winter Food Campaign through volunteering? Head to their website to learn more https://www.kiwiharvest.org.nz/central-lakes-wintercampaign

Volunteer South is a charitable trust that engages and supports both tūao volunteers and volunteers involving organisations and community groups.

Arts+Culture

Celebrating Kiwi filmmakers

By Jess Allen

The NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival is about to kick off in Queenstown, Wanaka and online. The seven-day event celebrates Kiwi filmmakers and all things adventure. It is run by a charity with the goal of raising money to get children into the outdoors and showcases a range of speakers and adventure films that will leave you feeling inspired.

Director Mark Sedon has been running the festival since its inception and says it first started in 2002 after seeing a similar event in Australia. The films shown are selected through a competition –this year there was around 188 films sent in for Mark and the judges to go through. A number of awards are handed out and the finalists get put into the programme for your viewing pleasure.

“For Queenstown’s opening night we have two North American women, Brette Harrington and Christina Lustenberger, coming over to speak. They’re hardcore skiers and climbers and are pretty inspirational women. The festival’s kind of a celebration of women charging. After the talk is the best New Zealand-made film, which is about these guys climbing in India,” says Sedon.

Changbang: Return to the Shining Mountain, which won the Hiddleston/ MacQueen Award for the Best NZ-made Film, follows three New Zealand Alpine Team climbers as they try to repeat the iconic first attempt of the West All of Changbang. Also showing on night one is Janwaar, that shows a group of kids whose lives are transformed when a skatepark is built in their small Indian village. Next up is New Way Up, where some Americans use paragliders to fly up to the base of a mountain and attempt to climb it. The night is wrapped up with Wild Waters, which follows French kayaker Nouria as she prepares to become the first female to run a 100ft (30m) waterfall.

“We gave Changabang the Best New Zealand-made award, so they won $2,500. The world premiere will be in Wanaka with the second screening in Queenstown a couple of days later. It’s just Kiwis out there, climbing a hardcore big mountain – suffering in the cold. Daniel Joel, who lived in Queenstown for a while was in the movie.

“All the Pure New Zealand shows are quite popular – there’s one film showing that day called Turn The Corner, which is a look at men’s mental health; talking about how 53 people in the construction industry kill themselves every year. This guy went and climbed Corner Peak in Lake Hawea 53 times. It’s really good, getting people to talk about mental health in the building industry – it was a really thought-provoking film.”

Session two in Queenstown is all about the Kiwis and will show off the country’s dramatic scenery and the determination and ingenuity of New Zealanders. Opening the day’s Pure NZ programme is the winner of the Grass Roots award, a film called Mitre Peak, which is all about a few people climbing Mitre Peak and setting up slacklines and doing some highlining – they add in a bit of paragliding for good measure, too.

The final event for the festival is the Snow Show on the Friday evening, a session that Mark says is very popular. The night will feature Close to Home, which is directed by Queenstown local Ryan Quirk and focuses on getting out on human-powered adventures in your own backyard. Free Ride will also show, which took home Best Snow Sports Film and showcases the wildest corners of Alaska in search of the craziest spine walls to ski and snowboard.

The ultimate goal for the festival each year is to give as much back to the community as possible and to make the event as carbon neutral as possible. One message that Mark wants to get out there is that the films showing haven’t been shown in Queenstown before. Focusing on homegrown filmmakers, giving insight into what’s going on – and what adventures can be had – around the country is what you’ll get to enjoy.

The NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival will start in Wanaka on Friday 23 June before heading to Queenstown on Thursday 29 June, and there’s an online broadcast of the films available across New Zealand and Australia. There’s also a free family show in each town, which will show films suitable to all ages. More information about the movies, speakers, and how to enter the competition can be found at mountainfilm.nz

Brette Harrington and Christina Lustenberger. Credit: Drew Smith

WHAT'S ON

Ārai Awa

27 June - 22 September | FREE | WHAAKARI

This collaborative video installation, commissioned for Te Atamira and led by Rachael Rakena and Paulette Tamati-Elliffe, reflects on the ancestral journey of the tuna (eels) in the Whakatipu Region.

Senior Arts Social

Saturdays, 10:30am - 12:30pm | FREE

Explore the new winter programme of art, movement and music events through our website. Join us for a creative activity and morning tea every Saturday. Free entry for those 65+.

To book: teatamira.nz/whats-on

Matariki at Te Atamira

12 June - 23 July | FREE | MANAAKI MAI

Mark your diaries for a month of creativity and community at Te Atamira to celebrate Matariki! Free craft activities daily, kai nights, artist insights and film screenings.

Tātou tātou, nau mai rā

12 June - 16 July | FREE | MANAAKI NUI

Turumeke Harrington's Tātou tātou, nau mai rā reimagines the gallery as an ever-changing maze. Form and reform your own path by opening and closing the corded stanchions and navigating your way back to the beginning.

For more information on all events visit: www.teatamira.nz/whats-on

Images: (Top left) courtesy of Rachael Rakena (Kāi Tahu, Ngā Puhi) (Top right) Ever the Land, Tame Iti, 2015 (Bottom right) Tātou tātou, nau mai rā, Turumeke Harrington

OPEN

20 JUNE - 26 JUNE

The T The Bunker

Friday

SEEK SESSIONS

Tuesday $1 Wings*

Wednesday All-You-Can-Eat Meat $35pp*

Thursday $12.95 Schnitty*

Saturday

FADE BLACK (UK)

with support from MAG:Low, Khz Collective, Mixed Motive, JAcked & Big Tuna Sounds

Saturday Oktoberfest

Saturday! $38 menu package & $15 steins*

Every day Try our Bav Fest!

2 hours beverage package & all you can eat meat $89

HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 4 - 6 PM (*TERMS AND CONDITION APPLIES)

Monday $12.95 Burgers*

Tuesday Gettin Bongers with Dj Tom Bongers 9 pm

Wednesday Silent Disco, 9.30pm Two Venues, Three Colours, Three Channels, Three DJs

Thursday Funky Spunky with Mitch EP 9 pm

Chewed out with Stubacca 9pm

paired with housey goodness Open Mic Night, 9pm Bring your mates, play whatever!

Saturday Ben Lock & a couple of chums 9pm

Friday Patio Beats & Cocktails with Grizzly 5pm

Sunday Sessions with Danny Atkinson, 5pm Late Nights with DJ Yuki, 9pm

Mischief Managed with DJ Tess 9 pm

Live 80s Night with the Danny Atkinson Trio 5pm

GOINGS ON ABOUT

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES

Community Kai Nights

Te Atamira is inviting our multicultural community to come together and host a series of kai nights to honour Matariki.

This week is the opportunity to experience the deep cultural heritage of Japan. Join the Japanese Family Society of Queenstown who will serve up some delicious Japanese food and provide a unique Kendama demonstration. They will also liven up the night with a selection of traditional Japanese songs, allowing guests to savour the culture and vibrancy of Japan.

When: Tuesday June 20, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Next week is the Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Group who will present a variety of Malaysian, Chinese and Indian delicacies, allowing you to explore the flavours of their culture. To add to the experience, they will also perform traditional sing along.

When: Tuesday June 27, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

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

National Volunteer Week Speed Dating

You’re invited to a ‘Speed Dating’ event with a community twist! Whether you are new to the area or have been here a while, you are invited to connect with some fantastic people and organisations in a fun, playful way. Make a difference while sharing your passion, meeting new people, and developing new skills - by volunteering you can enhance personal wellbeing, as well as strengthen the community you live in! So celebrate National Volunteer Week 2023 with Volunteer South, Kiwi Kit Community Trust and QLDC. Light refreshments provided.

When: Wednesday June 21, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

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

Wetland Restoration Community Info Session

Keen to hear about plans to restore the health of the wetland ecosystem of Te Wai Whakaata Lake Hayes?

Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust is embarking on a project to restore the ecosystem health, native biodiversity, and hydrological functioning of the natural wetland at the northern end of Lake Hayes. The restoration will aid in the removal of nutrient-rich sediments from Mill Creek before they reach the lake and could support a diverse range of indigenous wetland flora and fauna, including rare and threatened species. The project includes willow removal, pest control, establishment of indigenous wetland plants, and the installation of a perimeter fence to help control rabbits and protect nesting avifauna. All welcome.

When: Tuesday, June 20, at 6:00 pm

Where: Lake Hayes Pavillion

Solstice Swim

It’s the Shortest Day of the Year on Thursday. The sun rises at 8:30am and sets at 5:30pm.

Southern Lakes Swimming Club is inviting everyone to come along to Queenstown Beach for a quick dip. Feel awesome. Feel cold. Warm up. Feel awesome.

Afterwards, head to The Bath House for warming food and drink. All welcome. Please RSVP so SLSC can let the Bath House know how many solstice dippers will be descending on them. Because it’s the middle of Queenstown, and it will get dark, this is definitely a quick in and out dip, we’re not swimming around the gardens or anything like that.

When: Thursday 22 June at 5:00 pm

Where: Queenstown Beach

Dog Training - Leash on > Leash off Workshop

Has your dog lost their ears? Dog easily distracted? Dog over friendly and runs up to other dogs? Walks are not relaxing? Learn techniques to enjoy your walks on leash using a long line and work to have great recall off leash! This 1.5hr workshop is for all dogs, puppies through to older dogs using long-line techniques. Teaching hands only through positive reinforcement and fear-free training. Theory followed by practice. Pricing and availability is online at remarkabledogsnz.com.

When: Saturday 24 June, 9:30 am to 11:00 am

Where: Queenstown RMK Dog Training Centre, 13 Headley Drive, Lower Shotover

Mitch James The Long Road Home TourArrowtown

Mitch James is hitting the road again this winter for the first time in NZ in four years. He’s touring in celebration of his sophomore album patience with singles ‘Motions’ and ‘Stuck In Denial’, the album explores battles and the journey he has been on since his Platinum selling album MITCH JAMES. As James says:

“This is my first headline tour since 2019 and my first ever world tour. I couldn’t be more excited to get back to doing what I love with all my beautiful fans.” Tickets are available online at moshtix.co.nz

When: Tuesday June 27 at 7:00 pm

Where: Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall, 33 Buckingham St

Arthurs Point SnowBall - Welcome to Winter 2023!

Hosted by Arthurs Point Community Association, welcome in the new winter season at the associations inaugural SnowParty. Open to all Arthurs Point locals this promises to be a signature event on the social calendar. Meet your neighbours, feast on Cargo’s delicious winter banquet, and dance the night way. This is a private event and is strictly 18yrs+. Tickets are required for entry. Tickets are $55 per person. Donation to APCA per ticket. For enquiries arthurspointcommunity@gmail.com or telephone 021496114.

When: Saturday 24 June, 7pm - Late

Where: Cargo Gantleys, Arthurs Point Road

DFS Winter Fireworks

There were fears that this year’s winter fireworks were not goint to happen, so when T Galleria by DFS announced they are sponsoring the Queenstown Winter Fireworks this year it has been greeted locally with plenty of enthusiasm. Wrap up warmly to join the free downtown fireworks celebrations from 5:30pm onwards with the fireworks at 6.30pm. There will be giveaways, street performances, pop-up stalls, and other surprises including kids’ activities and local entertainers. The event will also embrace the Love Queenstown community fund supporting local climate, conservation and biodiversity projects that make an impact. This will include a Love Queenstown photo competition with prizes from DFS, and a silent auction with proceeds going to the fund.

When: Friday 30 June, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Where: Queenstown Bay foreshore

Girls Like That by Evan Placey - MAC Senior Drama Production

This work unapologetically confronts the ugly and complex effects of the invasion of privacy that social media has imposed on society. Scarlett’s naked picture is shared online and within seconds her reputation is left to the mercy of the unforgiving pecking order of her so-called friends and acquaintances. All jump to many conclusions but none are brave enough to help and support her as they all live in fear of being tainted by a “girl like that”. This work will provoke and disconcert even whilst you sometimes find yourself laughing at the outlandish statements. Leaning into this uncomfortable conversation is the first step in helping our young people be honest about the negative aspects of the social media environment they engage in every day.

Trigger Warning. This work does contain some strong language and themes. Care should be taken when deciding the maturity of the attending audience. It is not recommended for children under the age of 14/15.

When: Thursday 22 June at 7:00 pm and Friday 23 June at 7:00 pm

Where: Mount Aspiring College, Plantation Road, Wanaka

DANCE

Queenstown Somatic Dance & Breathwork

Welcome to another magical dance journey. In this somatic dance you will be guided on a journey to tune into winter. Somatic dance is a guided freeform movement journey, held in a safe and sacred container. A space to gather and reclaim the joy and release of dancing in a non-judgmental space. The recipe is simple: No booze, no shoes, great music, and an epic tribe come together to dance. Cash at the door or buy your ticket online $20.00 single, $30.00 couple.

When: Friday 23 June, 7.00 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: St. Peters Church, Church Street, Queenstown

WORKSHOPS

Ignite Your Inner Light: Winter Solstice Celebration

Emma Cochrane founder of Align Pilates will host a winter solstice celebration to ignite your inner self and empower you to thrive through winter. The evening features a lineup of exceptional professional speakers who will focus on essential aspects of winter wellness, including immunity, stress management, and seasonal food. The concept is to be educated, inspired, and immerse yourself in thought-provoking discussions, workshops, and connections. Speakers include: Emma Ferris, a renowned physio, Chaz Monaghan, an exercise scientist, Jennifer Ho, a nutritionist.

Tickets online at Eventbrite.

When: Thursday 22 June, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

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

First Home Buyers Information Evening

Want to buy your own home? Join a First Home Buyers

Information evening hosted by Custom Mortgages in their Queenstown Office Numbers are limited to ensure questions can be answered and to talk through the process from the very beginning.

The workshop will cover information on- Deposits, Affordability, Flatmate income, Kiwisaver and first home buyers grants, Kainga Ora and Construction

This will suit anyone wanting to get into the housing market, no matter what stage you are at. Register your interest online at Humantix.

When: Thursday June 22 between 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm and again on Monday June 26 between 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Where: Level 3, Mountaineer Building, 32 Rees Street, Queenstown

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

Monthly Column

Joseph Mooney MP for Southland

National’s recent policies have potential to bring significant positive change to Queenstown. National will focus on transitioning to a lowemissions, high-growth economy, great infrastructure and sustainable housing and accommodation for all in the region.

National aims to leverage green energy sources to help New Zealand achieve its infrastructure, housing, and emissions goals. This move not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also benefits Queenstown’s tourism industry, which relies on showcasing pristine natural landscapes.

As New Zealand moves towards a clean energy future, we need to ramp up renewable electricity generation. With our ‘ElectrifyNZ’ policy National will turbo-charge new renewable power projects including solar, wind and geothermal by requiring decisions on resource consents to be issued in one year and consents to last for 35 years.

A pressing issue in Queenstown is the shortage of housing, which affects residents and seasonal workers. National recognises this and plans to unlock investment in purpose-built ‘Build-to-Rent’ housing across the country.

The build to rent initiative will be significant for Queenstown, it addresses the acute shortage of accommodation. By facilitating construction of rental housing National aims to alleviate the housing crisis and ensure local community can thrive and provide exceptional experiences to visitors.

In addition to rental housing, National emphasises the need to unlock land for housing within and around towns and cities, improve infrastructure, and ensure communities benefit from growth. Given Queenstown’s growing population and housing demand, these measures offer some powerful tools for local and central government.

Infrastructure is a critical aspect of National’s plan. National has a comprehensive infrastructure plan that focuses on resilient networks. With congestion issues like Ladies Mile becoming increasingly challenging, National aims to deliver high-quality infrastructure that efficiently connects people and goods.

National’s track record in infrastructure projects, such as the Roads of Significance and ultra-fast broadband programmes, clearly demonstrates its ability to deliver.

National will establish a National Infrastructure Agency. This agency will coordinate public infrastructure investment, act as a gateway for domestic and offshore capital, and streamline existing infrastructure funds.

National also aims to employ innovative funding and financing tools while fostering collaboration between central and local governments through city and regional deals. By fast-tracking infrastructure consents and creating thirty-year infrastructure pipelines, National seeks to provide long-term certainty, effective planning, and cost reduction for projects.

National’s vision aligns with the aspirations of Queenstown and its need for world-class infrastructure to complement its world-class tourist experiences and provide for the needs of folks who call Queenstown home. National aims to create a prosperous future for Queenstown and New Zealand.

These policies offer solutions to the challenges and opportunities faced by the region, addressing climate change, housing shortages, and infrastructure development.

Funded by Parliamentary Service

Trail-blazing plan for Queenstown

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown Trials has unveiled its plans to grow and enhance its network of green corridors across the Whakatipu over the next 10 years.

The trust’s CEO Mark Williams, who outlines the vision on the front page of this week’s Lakes Weekly Bulletin, says the aim is for everyone to be able to hop on a trail close to their home and cycle, run or walk to anywhere in the basin.

Work is currently underway on the $6 million trail expansion project between Tucker Beach, Arthurs Point and Arrowtown, which will complete the missing link in the Whakatipu basin, and connect to the MTB trails around Coronet Peak and Mahu Whenua. Long term aspirations include a 35km trail from Queenstown to Glenorchy, and eventually around Lake Whakatipu, as well as regional links to Central Otago, Kingston and Te Anau, bringing huge environmental, tourism and wellbeing benefits.

There’s also the joint project with the Lightfoot Initiative and Waka Kotahi for a 3km active transport route, crossing State Highway 6 between Quail Rise and Glenda Drive over Jim’s Way bridge, and lobbying for a trail from Jack’s Point into Frankton.

But the strategic plan is more than just a map of where trails might go - it focuses on the partnerships and collaborations with other trusts, iwi, volunteer groups, DoC, landowners, and council, particularly for conservation.

Williams says the Arrow River Trail, from Arrowtown to Morven Ferry Road, is a classic example.

“There’s some amazing replanting that the Wakatipu Reforestation Trust has done there at Whitechapel,” he says.

“It was just a waste land, full of rabbits and rank grasses, and those guys have gone in there, planted and rabbit-proofed it all, and then it’s amazing. Give it another five years, and you’ll be riding through native forest.

“That’s the kind of restoration we see, when the trails are established, and suddenly they become these incredible environments, where you’re riding through this beautiful canopy, and the birds are singing, and that ‘deafening dawn chorus’ from council’s Vision 2050, starts to become a reality.”

A group of locals came up with the idea for a trails network back in 2002, and formed the Wakatipu Trails Trust to deliver it. It received a major boost in 2009 when then Prime Minister John Key announced a multi-million-dollar cycle way fund for Ngā Haerenga, the NZ Cycle Trail.

In 2012, the first Queenstown Trails Great Ride was officially opened, with 120km of off-road trails connecting Queenstown to Gibbston via Frankton, Arrowtown and Jack’s Point.

There’s now more than 200km of trails across Queenstown, including commuter, flow, single track and backcountry trails. They’re used by more than 275,000 people each year, with a 50/50 split between runners / walkers and cyclists.

A good number of those users are visitors and economist Benje Patterson estimates that by 2030, biking could contribute $210 million per year to the Queenstown Lakes economy. That’s roughly half of what its celebrated ski industry provides per annum.

And they provide a boost for the locals using them, whether to go for a walk, commute on an e-bike, ride out to the wineries in Gibbston, or take on more challenging uphill, downhill and backcountry rides and runs at the weekend.

“It’s amazing the number of people who will ride to work and then go and have a ride on their lunchbreak,” Williams says.

“Using active modes of transport means we’re reducing congestion and reliance on private cars, and it’s also really good for your mind. You get the blood flowing, become more productive.

“In Queenstown, we’re quite a healthy bunch anyway, but staying fit and keeping active reduces that extra burden an unhealthy population puts on the health system.”

The plan also focuses on technology, including route planning and charging stations in remote locations for e-bikes, with multi-day and backcountry single track adventures available to locals and tourists alike.

$3.5 million for First Table

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown tech firm First Table has announced a “significant investment” from Invest South, bringing its total recent capital raise to $3.5m.

Invest South is the second major wholesale investor to back the hospitality booking tech company, following Mainland Angel Investors.

The capital raise, launched via online investment marketplace Snowball Effect in March, has also attracted 325 other individual investors. It has smashed its $1.5m minimum target.

First Table CEO Mat Weir, who founded the company back in 2014, plans to use the money to strengthen its position in New Zealand and accelerate overseas growth.

He’s thrilled to welcome the company’s new investors.

“These partnerships affirm the strength of the opportunity and confidence in our team despite these challenging times for raising capital,” Weir says.

“We’re excited to put this investment to work and execute our plan to become the leading hospitality technology platform not just in New Zealand, but globally.”

Weir says First Table met the terms proposed by Invest South in April, which included a comprehensive due diligence process. It is still in “active conversations with a small number of additional investors” and expects to close the investing round in two weeks.

Prue Halstead, Executive Officer for Invest South, says the investment aligns with its mission to invest in companies that can have an impact on the economic prosperity of the region as a whole.

“First Table not only contributes to the local economy and fosters a vibrant society through the support of the hospitality sector, but it also demonstrates the ability to run a successful business from the Southern region,” Halsted says.

“We conducted extensive due diligence, recognising the community funds involved, and are confident that this strategic investment will have a positive impact on the region and the hospitality industry as a whole.”

Peter Ramsay, Network Manager of the Mainland Angel Investors, says they are also excited to be a part of First Table’s first capital raise and its next chapter.

“They have demonstrated incredible growth potential and the ability to attract key talent to support the founding team on their mission to scale offshore. Our investment into First Table proudly demonstrates the growing hunger in the lower South Island to support high-growth investment opportunities.”

First Table founder and CEO Mat Weir. Photo: Jackie Gay

June - Time to plant a fruit tree

It is definitely winter and I’m a fan of winter, yet as a gardener I’m already counting down the weeks to spring, it can’t come quick enough for me and my aching bones.

Winter is a great time to plant a fruit tree. One fruit tree can be feeding the family in 3 years’ time and is also a gift to future generations. Most fruit trees are unloved - chucked in the ground, unpruned, no fertiliser, no mulch and no support plants. You have only got to drive around the district in autumn to see all the wild apple trees laden with apples.

Let’s create more resilience in our home gardens and our community spaces by planting more fruit trees.

If you were to plant just one tree this week, I’d recommend an apple tree, and make it a ‘Monty’s Surprise’. This apple was discovered in NZ a few decades ago on a roadside, producing lots of apples and with no disease. Research has shown the Monty Surprise having high levels of procyanidins as well as quercetin flavonoid compounds. These are effective at inhibiting cancer cells in the body. The Monty Surprise is very hardy and disease resistance, making it ideal for backyard growing.

So now you’ve bought the apple tree, let’s plant it.

1. Check the rootstock. Apples come with different rootstocks. The rootstock determines the final size of the apple tree. For smaller gardens, look at an apple on a M9 or M27 rootstock producing a semi dwarf sized tree. For medium sized trees M106 will give you a 3-5m high tree. M106 is also commonly used for espaliering [a tree that can be trained to grow along a wall].

2. Choose a very sunny spot. Consider putting it near a fence or look at an espaliering on a north facing fence if you are short on space or you live in a cooler spot. The reflection of heat and light by the fence encourages fruiting and ripening.

3. You can begin planting fruit trees from late April through to early spring.

4. Dig a big hole. Bigger than the tree planter bag. The bigger the hole you dig the more soil you loosen up the quicker your fruit tree can build that root system.

5. In the hole mix through the planting soil with a few quality shovelfuls of compost and 1 to 2 litres of biochar. You could also throw in a few handfuls of slow release sheep pellets. The bigger the hole the bigger the quantity of compost and biochar. Studies have shown fruit trees will grow bigger, have higher yields, when biochar is used.

6. Some fruit trees have a white or red dot, indicating where to plant the tree

relative to the sun. Put the exposed ‘graft’ section of the tree facing south. This will protect the tree from freeze thaw and sunburn.

7. Make sure the finished planting level is at the same level as the tree arrived in the pot. You’re not wanting to plant the tree deeper, as over time the tree collar will rot and kill the tree.

8. The soil level of the finished planted tree hole should sit 5 to 10 cm below the regular soil level with at least a square metre of space. This allows you to add compost and a woodchip or straw mulch to the surface. The mulch is less likely to get blown, scratched, or flooded away.

9. Next rabbit proof if needed. This is important as rabbits will ring bark(chew all the bark around the base of a tree) in an evening.

10. Stake the tree if you are in a high wind zone. One stake placed in the direction of the prevailing wind is enough. This allows some movement and encourage strong roots.

11. To aid any transplanting shock give the tree a feed with a little liquid seaweed.

12. Then decide what kind of shape you want for the tree. Apples and pears are better as a single standard shape which requires less pruning long term.

Don’t let any fruit grow on the tree for the next 3 years, to encourage rapid growth through the juvenile period. Fruit takes away from this. Through spring and summer give the tree a liquid seaweed feed drench and foliar (on its leaves) once a month and a good deep water once a week in drier periods. Keep the mulch topped up. Fruit trees will grow very slowly if they must compete for nutrients and rainwater. So, get planting that fruit tree today.

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

Happy Gardening.

The new Firearms Registry is coming

Register your firearms and help make New Zealand safer.

Registry goes live on 24

June 2023

New Zealand will have a firearms registry from 24 June 2023. If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll be required to provide information about your firearms or arms items from this date.

The Registry will help us make New Zealand safer. It will give licence holders more confidence when buying or selling firearms, as the Registry will let you know if you’re dealing with a current licence

holder and if the firearm has been reported stolen.

The Registry is one of the ways we’re strengthening how we manage firearms in New Zealand. With responsible firearms licence holders doing the right thing and filling in the Registry, it will help keep track of legally owned firearms and help prevent their transfer to those who use them for criminal purposes.

You can register your firearms or arms items on our website at any time. Just click on MyFirearms, the private and secure portal that houses the Registry. Otherwise our Registry and Services team will be available by phone to help during business hours.

You have 5 years until 24 June 2028 to register your firearms. However there are some circumstances where you are required to provide information for the Registry in a shorter time frame. These are referred to in the Arms Amendment Regulations as ‘activating circumstances’. It’s up to you to keep your information up to date. You can find information on these timeframes at: firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/registry

Examples of activating circumstances

Applying for or renewing a licence or endorsement

Notifying us of a change in circumstances, such as a change of address

What needs to be registered

Non-prohibited firearms including Specially Dangerous Airguns (PCPs)

Restricted weapons

Pistols

There will be no charge for registering your firearms.

Loss, theft or destruction of a firearm

Major parts

Prohibited firearms and magazines

Pistol carbine conversion kits

Selling, hiring, purchasing or receiving a firearm

Importing, exporting or manufacturing a firearm or ammunition

If you’re subject to any compliance or enforcement action under the Arms Act

Details needed to register your firearms

• Type (rifle, shotgun etc)

• Make

• Model

• Action

• Calibre/gauge

• If it has a non-detachable magazine (and, if so, its capacity)

• Identifying marking (serial number)

• A photograph of the firearm (if requested)

FOUND

Unclaimed items sitting at the Police Station, at 11 Camp Street, this week include:

• TIFFANY KHOO – cardholder

• MADS HAUGESTAD – wallet

• OKUSTINO LATU – Passport

• JESSICA ALEXANDER – Passport

• JOHNNY BAKER – phone

• MARK WILSON-TAIT – phone

• Ipad in Belkin case, found at airport

• ALISTER JUPP – phone

• Grey Nokia phone

• Blue Samsung, clear case ‘Remarks’ on it

• Baby Monitor, found in Arrowtown

For Rent

HAVE SPACE FOR A FULLY SELF CONTAINED van/bus/caravan on a sunny section in Frankton, has water and power on site. for more information ph 027408 3974

Lost & Found Community

KIWI HARVEST WINTER FOOD CAMPAIGN IS UNDERWAY. You can help by donating items for you shop or extra items from your pantry. Food trolleys are available at most local supermarkets. Learn more online at kiwiharvest.org.nz/central-lakes-wintercampaign

NEW TO THE AREA OR GOT MORE time on your hands & looking to give back to your community? Altrusa International Qtwn is looking for volunteers just like you to join our woman’s charitable & service org. supporting our local community. Want to know more? Email:altrusaqueenstown@gmail.com or message us on Facebook.com/AltrusaQueenstown

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

SPCA OP SHOP – 51 GORGE RD. Open 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!

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.

BUSINESS OWNERS

Are you stressing about getting the books ready for your Accountant?

Let me help! Software and IRD certified

Contact Sara at Balancing Numbers on 022 072 7312 www.balancingnumbers.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST. WED (21 June), @ 6:30pm, “Calm Mind, Open Heart” with Grant Rix; SUN (25 June), @ 10am, “Cultivating Awareness Practice” followed by “Social Sunday.” Sessions are free with dana for the centre/ teacher gratefully accepted. More info on dharmacentre.org.nz or FB.

ONLINE WAO FILM FESTIVAL RUNS TO 23 June. Explored the Online Wao Film Festival? Catch any & all of the films you missed for just $50 unlimited access or view one film for just $10 with a 24-hour single session hire! Visit wao.co.nz for access.

LUNCHTIME TALK WITH QUEENSTOWN LAKES COMMUNITY HOUSING Trust. Join us at Queenstown Library with Julie Scott for a Q&A session to hear more about the Trust’s housing programmes and upcoming developments. Visit the QLDC Libraries website for more information. Friday 30 June, 12.00pm –12.40pm at the Queenstown Library, Gorge Road

PASSIVE HOUSE OPEN DAYS - EXPERIENCE A High Performance Passive House first hand! Chat with the homeowner, builder and designer and ask all the burning questions! 10am -1pm Saturday 24th June & 2pm - 5pm Sunday 25th June, book on 0221 360 752 or email Carolin@cf-architecture.co.nz to secure your free spot

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I KEEP MY ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” -

Anne Frank

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

WATCH REPAIRS NOW

For all your repairs, watches, clocks, batteries, key cutting & straps.

Level One, Stratton House (Below Sky City), 24 Beach Street, Queenstown

Mon - Fri, 9:30am till 5:30pm. Closed on Saturdays. Phone/ text: 027 217 0442

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

DIVINE REALIGNMENT ENERGY HEALING | REIKI HEALING | BI OPTRON LIGHT COLOUR HEALING, to rebalance and re energise

PHONE PAULA FOR AN APPOINTMENT - 0211171389

www.naturalhealingpaulapetersen.com fbnaturalhealingpaulapetersen

FREE INLAND REVENUE WORKSHOPS 28 JUNE 2023

Introduction to business - what taxes to pay, maintaining a cashbook, expenses, using online services and more.

GST - what is GST, GST registration, record keeping-cash book, basic adjustments, GST filing and payment Register online at www.ird.govt.nz - enter the keywords “seminars Queenstown” into the search box

DOES YOUR HOME NEED A FRESHEN UP?

Professional property care services in Queenstown. Interior & Exterior Window Cleaning, Exterior Building Wash Downs, Driveway Cleaning, Builder’s Cleans & more. Call James 0275559200 | 360propertycare.nz

FLATMATE WANTED. WARM ROOM IN THOMPSON ST. Suit mature house proud person. $270 per week incl expenses. Ph 027 442 6933

1. What name is given to surgical tongs?

2. Who sang I Talk to the Trees in the 1969 film Paint Your Wagon?

3. What sits on a dolly in a television studio?

4. What was the title of Cher’s 1998 no.1 hit?

5. What was an old French five-centime piece called?

6. What was Coco Chanel’s real first name?

7. Haiti and the Dominican Republic make up which island?

8. Which adjective describes the family of languages which includes Hebrew and Arabic?

9. During what event would you see Baily’s beads?

10. Sheezus was a 2014 album by which singer?

11. What was the name of Captain Scott's ship on his first voyage to Antarctica?

12. Which African republic has Dakar as its capital?

13. What is the name of Rome's ancient seaport?

14. The song Send in the Clowns was written by which composer?

15. The name of which coarse woollen fabric is now used to describe any inferior substance?

16. Which Australian actor starred in Oklahoma! at London's National Theatre in 1998?

17. To which bird family does the puffin belong?

18. Which fragrant oil comes from the damask rose?

19. Which is the longest railway line in the world?

20. Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, had which nationality?

21. Which Egyptian god was the father of Horus?

22. Of which mammal is the aardwolf a species?

23. Which soft fruits are a cross between blackberries and raspberries?

24. Which company started out as the California Perfume Company?

25. What may be classified according to the Dewey Decimal System?

COMPETITION CAPTION

Do you want to work for a relentlessly Kiwi company with amazing benefits? Do you want a job with the flexibility to hit the mountain every day?

At One New Zealand we are proudly Kiwi owned and believe in giving our people the Freedom to make work, work for them!

We are looking for full and part-time Retail Representatives and Leads in the Queenstown, Wanaka and surrounding areas.

Join the One NZ team and we’ll give you:

• Guaranteed 40 hours a week, if you want them!

• Free phone & Unlimited plan – choose iPhone, Samsung or Oppo

• Fully paid Southern Cross Healthcare plan – for you & your whanau

• 4% Kiwisaver – choose to save or be paid!

• 5K (before tax) travel allowance if you live 1 hour+ from store

Follow the QR code to apply or learn more about these roles.

Alternatively, email frontlinerecruitment@one.nz for more information

HVAC Technician or Engineer

M T Chill is a proud, locally owned Queenstown company specialising in commercial refrigeration system solutions and air conditioning covering the design, project management, service and system analysis.

M T Chill will offer:

• A competitive hourly rate (relevant to experience & skills) and overtime rates as applicable

• Company vehicle

• Phone, laptop and uniform

• Be part of an easy going, small team

• Variety of work

This full time role will be based in the Queenstown Lakes District and servicing the wider area.

You will be responsible for providing high-quality maintenance, repairs, installation and servicing of residential, commercial and industrial HVAC and refrigeration systems.

This role will suit someone with the following background / experience / qualities:

• Trade certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (Level 4)

• Strong industry knowledge

• Experience in refrigeration servicing, installation and remedial repairs

• VRV/VRF experience essential

• Electrical Service Technician Licence and a Full Driver’s Licence

• Excellent communication and customer service skills

• A positive attitude and a proactive team player with the ability to work unsupervised

• Solid practical understanding of maintaining a safe work environment

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Phone enquiries: +64 27 487 7638

Email enquiries: matthewthomas@mtchill.com

Job type: Full time; 40 hours per week

Wine Guide/Driver

NZ Drivers Licence with P Endorsement essential Queenstown Wine Trail and the Wine Hopper Bus are looking for a friendly reliable driver to host our customers while out on tour. We operate 7 days per week so are looking for someone that can also work weekends when required. Generally, hours are between 11am – 6pm and we are flexible with the number of days of work.

We are looking for a someone with a fun and friendly personality that knows what it means to put the customer first. Full training and local wine knowledge will be provided.

Email your CV and covering letter to Andrew at info@queenstownwinetrail.co.nz

TEACHERS & RELIEVERS

Do you want to be part of a family that prioritises wellbeing and the collective strength of the team?

We are looking for teachers and relievers who are passionate about providing education and who share in our ideals.

If you have experience with children and would like to be part of a team that believe that a connection to ourselves, each other and our learning

environments both indoors and out, is essential for learning, this is for you!

We work as a cohesive team, but we also recognise that individual talents and interests are golden!

• Flexible hours

• Competitive remuneration

• No working on weekends!

• A great environment, full of amazing humans who want to make an impact.

Submit your applications to: recruit@gems.net.nz or visit www.gems.net.nz

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

First Table is looking for a Financial Controller to help execute our financial strategy.

For a full description on the role, scan the QR code below:

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

and be a part of Republic Hospitality Group

•Tired of being bored at work?

•Want to make your Queenstown life epic!

•Looking to meet a fun and friendly crew?

Republic Hospitality Group has 10 venues in Queenstown, and we offer casual, part-time and full-time work. So whether it’s b bar, , restaurant t or kitchen work you’re interested in, we’ve got it available at all levels

Our perks are pretty hard to beat:

• Staff pricing (did someone say great deals on food & drink?)

• Staff accommodation options

• Epic staff parties

• Great staff incentives

• A trusting culture

• Competitive pay

EXPERIENCED BAR PERSON & SENIOR WAITER

We make people happy by making epic drinks and giving incredible service!

Bluekanu is looking for a rockstar Bar Person and Senior Waiter to help us deliver this promise and become part of our team.

If you love people, have a good knowledge of food and beverage, know how to make a good cocktail, and can work in a fun busy environment then get in touch.

Please forward your CV to our General Manager: warren@hhgroup.nz

Must have a valid NZ Work Visa.

• Free staff meals

• Training and upskilling

• A welcoming and friendly team

Get

$25

Is currently seeking CHEFS / LINE COOKS

per hour to start, potentially more based on experience

If you're interested in joining one of Queenstown's iconic restaurants and bars email your CV to chris@smithscraftbeer.co.nz or apply in person.

Valid working visa required.

REQUIRED NOW!!!!!!

Skilled and Unskilled Labourers Traffic Controllers

Looking for casual, temporary or long term work??

Queenstown Personnel and Labour Hire are looking for labourers for a variety of jobs around Queenstown with an immediate start. Contact Sharleen - 027 778 7377 or email sharleen@qtplabour.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.

Joiners Wanted

• Must have NZ residency or valid work visa

• Must be trade qualified in cabinetry and timber joinery

• Must have minimum 5 year’s experience in a similar position

• Must hold current full drivers licence

• This is a full-time role

• Remuneration by negotiation is relevant to experience

To apply please email your CV to: queenstown.joinery@xtra.co.nz

Immediate start with competitive rates dependent on experience.

Contact Dave daveviitakangas@gmail.com

Family Store Assistant position available

37.5

Pastry Chef

Looking for a talented and creative Pastry Chef to join our strong brigade at Botswana Butchery.

Proven 3 – 5 years experience in a One Hatted environment or similar role. Competitive rates of pay and company perks available.

Please contact Warwick.Taylor@goodgroup.co.nz

We’re looking for... chefs & kitchen hands

Joe’s Garage Queenstown and Five Mile are looking for someone just like you! Be a part of our bustling restaurant and bar that prides itself on simple, fast and reliable offerings that have us famous all over NZ.

Joe’s Garage Queenstown operates from 7am - 2pm and Joe’s Five Mile operates 7 days 7am till late so you must be available to work rostered hours over these days and times. We offer a competitive remuneration, staff discounts and benefits, plus working at the coolest spots in town. Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

To apply visit: gasolinealley.joes.co.nz/careers/ or email your cv to birthes@joes.co.nz

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

Positions available for:

CAFE CHEF

KITCHEN HAND BARISTA

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

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

Experienced Interior Plasterer Wanted

Alpine Interiors is seeking a skilled interior plasterer to join our small local wellestablished team. Looking for someone reliable, able to work unsupervised and must hold a driver's license to join our friendly crew that focuses on a work-life balance.

Sh��� Y��� Fu���� Wi�� U�

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

DUTY MANAGER

F&B SUPERVISORS –MILLENNIUM HOTEL RECEPTIONIST

NIGHT AUDITOR/NIGHT PORTER

CHEF DE PARTIE

SOUS CHEF

Looking for staff to join our team for the busy winter months!

- Allround cafe staff, barista experience is a bonus

- (Junior) Breakfast Chefs

- Team Leader

Check out our instagram @marmoladacafeqt to get an impression of our lovely cafe.

Contact marmoladacafe@yahoo.com if interested.

Please note that these roles require full availability over the weekends, a minimum of 1 year hospitality experience and 3 months minimum stay due to the small nature of our cafe.

Paper Plus Queenstown Airport is looking for a fun, reliable and responsible person to join our team. Retail experience is a plus, but not necessary.

It is important you are able to work in a busy team environment. The role is five consecutive days a week.

If you think this sounds like you, please send your CV to queenstownairport@paperplus.co.nz

WALTER PEAK HORSE TREKKING GUIDES

Both full & part-time positions available. Awesome job opportunity for someone that loves both horses & the outdoors.

• Must have experience with horses, be hard-working, energetic with exceptional customer service.

• Current First Aid Certificate required OR the ability to obtain one.

• Prepared to work weekends.

• Start 1st week of July

Please send a CV to Lloyd.brown@xtra.co.nz

Delivery Driver

We require a Fit, Reliable & Enthusiastic person to join our Trade Team.

This is a full-time, long-term position & would suit someone with good local knowledge of the area. Class 1 Car Licence only.

Please email your CV to simon.ryder@harrisonbloy.co.nz or phone for a chat – 027 533 3006

Assistant Bar Manager

The Bunker Bar is an award-winning iconic establishment open 7 days a week serving premium beverages from 5pm-4am. We are offering a premium salary with a lifestyle balance as well as many company benefits for a driven leader.

With culture at the core of this business, you will be invested in your staff, their development & productivity. The ideal candidate will have extensive cocktail, wine & beverage experience along with a dynamic & outgoing personality!

If you think you’ve got what we’re looking for please email your CV to barmanager@thebunker.co.nz

FULL-TIME CLEANER WANTED LAKES DISTRICT HOSPITAL $27.68 P/H

Contact: jemma.mcpherson@nz.issworld.com 027 250 7692

We have a number of positions for Ski & Snowboard Rental Staff for the coming season.

Previous experience in the Winter sports industry is preferred.

Accommodation available if hired.

Email CV & references to apply jobs@snowrental.co.nz

Queenstown Stopping Services are looking to hire TRAINEE PLASTERERS to join our team. If you would like to learn a trade with a progressive career and you meet the following criteria we would like to hear from you:

• Be willing to commit to at least 2 years

• Have a valid work visa or permanent residency

• Have your own vehicle and full New Zealand drivers license.

• Have a good work ethic and work well in a team.

• Have a good level of physical fitness to work in a fast paced environment

We are a well established local company with a sociable team and can offer competitive hourly pay within the industry.

Please email your CV to queenstownstoppingservices@gmail.com

Centre Manager

We are seeking a dynamic Qualified Early Childhood Teacher for our RIE and Reggio inspired Centre. You will need to be enthusiastic, energetic, motivated, passionate, respectful and be able to lead and work as part of the team.

We have opted into Extended Pay Parity to ensure all our teachers are well respected and able to give their all to our tamariki.

Free parking is provided for our Manager. You will be managing and teaching in a lovely small boutique environment.

Please email your cv and covering letter to fran@zigzagzoo.co.nz

www.zigzagzoo.co.nz

Job Description is available on request and any enquiries welcome. All applicants will be treated with confidentiality.

RESTAURANT MANAGER

Kia Ora

Bluekanu Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant. We are an energetic and fun team, all striving for the same results – great atmosphere, lots of laughs, delivering amazing cocktails, food and guest experiences. Our ideal candidate will have proven experience, great industry knowledge and passion.

• Are you a people person who understands how to run a high energy restaurant team and love doing it?

• Being a fantastic host who can delight our guests?

• Have great communication skills, written and verbal?

• Are you confident, and can multi-task?

• Managers license and LCQ preferred but not essential. If this sounds like you, let’s talk, send your resume to: General Manager - warren@hhgroup.nz We want to meet you!

(Applications received in the strictest of confidence) Please only apply if you have a valid NZ Working Visa

DEVELOPERS

Are you an experienced developer that's passionate about combining technology and hospitality?

For a full description of the available roles scan the QR code below

SOUTHERN REAP TUTORS WANTED WHAKATIPU BASIN

Do you want to share your skills? Southern REAP (Rural Education) is on the look out for Tutors for their Adult Community Education sector in the Whakatipu area.

We are seeking support from members of the public to meet some of our community needs.

We deliver short and/or long term programmes and need more TUTORS to help make these happen.

Courses must fit under one of the following 4 criteria:

• Improving Employability

• Promoting Social & Cultural Inclusion

• Raising foundation skills in Literacy, Numeracy and/or Digital Literacy

• Improving Health & Wellbeing

If you think you have the skills and expertise we want to hear from you. Hours can be tailored to suit your lifestyle. Fantastic extra income earner as well as helping out your local community.

Please email your expression of interest to Southern REAP’s Whakatipu Co-ordinator Kim Hamilton: kim@reap.co.nz

Chef de Partie

The Lodge Bar Qt by Rodd and Gunn is looking for outstanding individual to join our Kitchen Team.

Currently Looking for a Chef de partie with NZ work right. Positive attitude required, with the desire of learning new thing's and improving your Cooking skills from a Michelin star executive Chef Matt Lambert.

We offer great benefits for the right candidate. Ideally looking for 6 months commitment.

One of the most unique Bar and restaurant venue in Queenstown, with passionate, talented, and dedicated Team all aiming in the same direction. Beautiful location facing the Lake Wakatipu. Full time position only

Contact Peter head Chef at: petrm@roddandgunn.com

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