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LAKES WEEKLY

LOCALLY OWNEDSINCE FOREVER BULLETIN

Workers hit in the pocket

If you, like me, rely on parking downtown for work you will have received a rude surprise this week, especially if you’ve been away for the school holidays and didn’t get the note left on windscreens last week. There’s been a massive hike in parking fees. I generally park at the Recreation Ground and the cost rose a walloping 200% as of Monday. Parking for eight hours increased from $8 to $24, which is $80 per week.

Varying increases cover all downtown council car parking. Anyone parking on the streets, such as Athol, Earl and Camp St, are now being slugged $6 per hour! Even Auckland CBD maxes out at $5 per hour for the first 4 hours.

For locals who had a few ‘secret spots’ up their sleeves, including Park St and the Gardens, even those last vestiges of free parking, which were first reduced to limited parking periods, are now paid parking. The streets surrounding town have been gradually shut down or turned into a revenue stream, with the ongoing ‘construction’ taking out everything else. In the morning, it’s The Hunger Games out there competing for a few spots left. Out of desperation people are parking over the yellow line areas approaching street corners, increasing the congestion.

I get council is skint and perhaps feels it is okay to fleece visitors, however for ratepayers facing a 14% rates hike some consideration should be given. Major metros have annual car stickers available for locals to park at either no cost or at a discounted rate. It wouldn’t be difficult to set up a similar system here, perhaps through the parking app as the mechanism. If a discount is too hard or unpalatable, as a gesture of goodwill they could at least have waited until the bypass and Man St / Lakeview roading projects were completed. That will see the return of hundreds of missing parks. Not everyone has an additional $80 per week to hand over. We are in a cost-of-living crisis for heaven’s sake.

I wouldn’t be so frustrated if the increase was earmarked for real improvements in the available local parking options. Building a public multistorey car park above the existing car park next to the library in Gorge Road being one example. Then the money is at least going to a cure. Folks also know how the council will respond to anything to do with parking in the downtown area: “Take the bus, walk, or bike to town.” Like many others, I can’t take the bus - there isn’t one, and biking isn’t an option. BTW apparently the increases were flagged in the Annual Plan. I must have missed that bit, despite reading the document. I wonder if anything else in the Plan has been implemented with such cold efficiency

David Gibbs, QMG

Matariki Arrowtown Lights on Friday was another huge event with thousands turning out for an evening of kapa haka performances, music, food, illuminations and astrology. See story on page 4.

Simple Minds

Unforgettable line-up for Gibbston

By Paul Taylor

Simple Minds and Texas will headline the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert in early February next year.

One of the UK’s most successful bands, Simple Minds have sold 60 million records worldwide and had an incredible 15 hits in the NZ Top 50 singles charts throughout the 80s.

They included the now-classic Don’t You (Forget About Me), along with Waterfront, which was No1 for 13 weeks, Promised You A Miracle and Alive & Kicking.

Over the past 10 years, the band has rekindled the magic of their early days, and now play to hundreds of thousands of people every year, all over the world. They last visited NZ in 2017.

Scottish rock band Texas formed back in 1986 and continues to be fronted by founding member Sharleen Spitiri.

They recently performed the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury 2023 to rave reviews and will bring that energy with them to New Zealand with Top 40 NZ singles from the 80s and 90s, including I Don’t Want A Lover and Say What You Want, plus Black Eyed Boy and Summer Son.

All those songs feature in their album The Very Best Of 1989 – 2023, which was released in June 2023 to coincide with their appearance at Glastonbury.

Eighties electro outfit Pseudo Echo, who hit the NZ No1 in 1987 with Funky Town, and US five-piece rock band Collective Soul are also on the bill for the Summer Concert Tour 2024, which hits Gibbston on February 3 after Taupo and Hamilton dates in late January. More than 15,000 people usual attend the annual big day out in Gibbston.

Greenstone Entertainment CEO Amanda Calvert says: “We’re thrilled to have secured the amazing line up of four international artists for next year’s Summer Concert Tour.

“Our fans will love the awesome array of 80s and 90s hits that will bring a real summer festival feel to our already well-known show locations of Taupō and Queenstown, as well as the exciting new venue of Claudelands Oval in Hamilton that we have introduced as an interim measure before returning to the Coromandel in the future.

“With over a decade of bringing some of the best of international live music to our shores, we’re also delighted that our North Island dates will fall on Auckland Anniversary long weekend again, with Queenstown the following weekend for those who want to make a long Waitangi weekend of it.”

Tickets are from $159 plus booking fee. The Greenstone Club Member presale begins this Wednesday, 19 July, from 7am, along with a limited number of local tickets at Gibbston Valley Winery, and Queenstown & Wanaka iSITES. General tickets go on sale Friday, 21 July, from 7am at www.greenstoneentertainment.co.nz

Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert

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STARTS 27

JULY

Arrowtown shines for Matariki

By Paul Taylor

Thousands turned out for Matariki Arrowtown Lights on Friday, enjoying vibrant kapa haka performances, music, food, illuminations and astrology.

The event, which marks the start of the Māori New Year, began with a heartfelt mihi (greeting), karakia (prayer), and waiata tautoko (supporting song) performed by Cory Ratahi and Ngā Manu Hou o Whakatipu, followed by kapa haka performances from school children.

As darkness fell, the historic buildings of Arrowtown were illuminated with projections and lights from the South Island Light Orchestra (SILO), which explored the essence of Matariki.

There were also firepits, fairies, and a talk by renowned astrophysicist, Professor Brian Boyle, who spoke on the wonders of the Matariki stars, astrophotography, and the significance of Otago’s dark night skies. Arrowtown-Kawarau ward Lisa Guy says: “The Matariki celebrations in Arrowtown created an enchanting atmosphere where the spirit of Māori tradition intertwined with the beauty of the night sky and our historic town.

“It served as a reminder of our cultural heritage and provided an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate, and embrace the new year with a sense of pride and unity.”

Nicky Busst, Manager of Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association Manager (APBA), thanked the performers, volunteers and sponsors, and says the APBA and Arrowtown Charitable Trust plan for this to be an annual event. The Arrowtown Matariki celebrations were held for the first time last year.

“We are immensely proud of what we have achieved this year and delighted to witness the tremendous response from both the local community and visitors who came out in force to join in the celebrations.”

The Arrowtown Matariki Lights 2023 was funded by Queenstown Lakes District Council, Community Trust South, Central Lakes Trust, New Zealand Community Trust, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage and Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group and corporate sponsorship by Ray White Arrowtown and Millbrook Resort & Spa.

Surprise sales at hospo complex

By Paul Taylor

Two landmark restaurant / bars in Brecon Street’s Upper Village have been sold after their Australian owner pulled out of Queenstown. El Camino Cantina and The Bavarian Queenstown are both under new ownership.

The hospo businesses are in prime positions in the Upper Village, flanking the entranceway to the huge new building near Skyline, anchored by Kingpin Queenstown.

Queenstown’s Future Hospitality Group have taken on El Camino Cantina, while Stephen McAteer, of the ROKI Collection Queenstown, is the new owner / operator for The Bavarian.

Both were sold by Australian firm Pacific Hunter as going concerns, so it’s business as usual for both, although El Camino will be reworked and rebranded in the coming months.

Pacific Hunter, a big player in the Australian hospo market, gave little reason for its decision.

“As a large restaurant group, we constantly review our venue portfolio and performance,” a spokesperson says.

“As part of this ongoing review, we made the difficult decision to leave the Queenstown market. The Bavarian Newmarket is not impacted by this decision.”

James Ace, co-owner of award-winning Future Hospitality Group (FHG), says he and business partner Bert Haines were approached by the landlords of Upper Village three weeks ago about taking on El Camino.

They had no plans to add to their Queenstown portfolio, which includes Little Blackwood, Margo’s, Little Mez, Odd Saint, Minus 5° Ice Bar and Queenstown Ice Bar, but thought it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

“We weren’t looking at any venues because we’d opened Odd Saint in December and after a pretty challenging couple of years, we’ve got our businesses in a really good spot,” Ace says.

“So, we were just planning to have an epic winter with what we’ve got, but then this popped up and it just made sense immediately. It just has so many positives and fits into the group really well.

“We’ve got restaurant experience through Margo’s, have Queenstown Ice Bar up there, and we see the future of upper Brecon St, with the new gondola and everything else, as really strong.”

All existing staff have been offered and accepted roles at the restaurant, subject to visa approvals for some.

“Our plan for the next three to four weeks is to get in there and totally observe the operation, meet the guests, work with the team, and get to know the venue internally.

“During this time, we will be intensely working on a complete re-brand and considering our opportunities to improve the food and drinks, and ways to inject the Future Hospitality service that we have become known for. The new brand and business model will be introduced sometime in September.”

El Camino has space for 150 diners, making it FHG’s biggest venue.

McAteer, who’s company is building a five-star boutique hotel on Queenstown Hill, says there’s little to report other than the change of ownership at a corporate level for The Bavarian. The business will remain unchanged.

Wahlburgers Burger Restaurant and Anita Gelato ice cream parlour are due to open in Upper Village in the coming months.

El Camino Cantina and The Bavarian Queenstown at Upper Village

Proposed dry slope airbag would give Olympians the edge

By Sue Wards - Wānaka App

Australia already has a similar facility: this dry slope airbag at the Snow Australia National Snowsport Training Centre

Snow Sports NZ CEO Nic Cavanagh says the current state of snow in Wānaka underscores the need for a facility the organisation is hoping to develop at the base of Cardrona Alpine Resort.

The organisation has just submitted a tweaked resource consent application for a dry slope airbag facility for the consideration of commissioner Jan Caunter, following a hearing in Wānaka last month.

“...I look out the door now, and I think of the lack of snow we’ve got. We’ve got people in Australia and the US because we can’t have high end training now,” Nic said.

“If we have the landing bag, they could be at home training.”

The year-round training facility would improve both the wellbeing of New Zealand’s winter sport athletes and their chances of future gold medal success, Nic said.

“The design has two run-ins, and two quarter-pipe bags. There’s a big air jump… and the other is for halfpipe training.

“We’re covering all our gold medal campaigns.”

Wānaka Olympians Nico Porteous and Zoi Sadowski-Synnott lent their support to the proposed facility at the hearing (via a video link from the USA), saying it would benefit young athletes who currently have to travel to train. Nic said the community is very proud of its Olympic champions, and it was interesting to present the resource application in the absence of any opposition from the community.

“During winter we would be looking to run [the dry slope] just about every day. Ideally in summer kids can go to school and they can train on the weekend. It helps us be competitive with the rest of the world.”

The dry slope airbag would not be a public facility.

Its proposed location near the bottom of the Cardrona Alpine Resort access road would provide an easily accessible alternative to training at the skifield in bad weather; and the terrain at the proposed site would need limited modification to suit the dimensions of the training facility, while providing shelter from the wind at a below snow-line contour, the Snowsports application said.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) raised some issues with the original application at the hearing.

“Broadly speaking our application hasn’t changed. We’re still applying for the dry slope and landing bag,” Nic said.

Some issues were mitigated, however, including an increase in the number of trees to be planted (from 1,000 to at least 1,300), and a guarantee of a minimum number of days (70) the facility would be covered.

“We’re still hopeful the commissioner will find in our favour,” Nic said.

“We had a small but important job to enable us to reopen our BnB. Dominic went above and beyond to do the job and provide really great technical information. Thanks so much you are AAA+”

Celebrating the best in business

By QMG

Queenstown Business Awards 2023 are now open for entries. The biennial celebration, run by the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, is open to all businesses in the Queenstown Lakes District. There are nine categories, including three new awards, along with the Supreme Award and the People’s Choice Award.

Chamber chief executive Sharon Fifield says submitting an entry is a great opportunity for businesses to recognise their achievements and give themselves and their teams a pat on the back.

“Take the time to focus in on your successes and celebrate all you’ve done. Consider it business planning,” she says.

“The last awards were held in the middle of a pandemic, so the challenges that business have overcome since then is worth celebrating.

“Entering and attending the awards is also a great way to build pride in your team.”

Entries opened on Thursday and close 25 September, with finalists being announced on October 19.

Businesses don’t need to be a member of the Queenstown Business Chamber to enter.

“We are absolutely encouraging entries from any business including new businesses, charities and non-profits who have been working so hard these past few years,” Fifield says.

“We have made it as easy as possible to enter with only 3-4 questions per category. Businesses can enter up to three categories so if you’re scratching your head as to which category you should enter, you should already be proud of that.”

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner onboard the TSS Earnslaw and at Walter Peak High Country Farm on November 4 for which Fifield promises the Chamber team has a few “tricks up their sleeve, to make it a memorable celebration”.

There’ll even be dancing this time around and no requirement to wear masks, unlike at the last awards dinner held in the middle of the pandemic. For businesses that are entering for the first time, free ‘How to Enter’ workshops hosted by Southern PR will be running throughout August and available to book via the Queenstown Business website.

New categories include Excellence in Community Contribution, recognising a business, charity or non-profit that has implemented initiatives that have had a positive impact on the community.

Best Emerging business will recognise an organisation that has achieved outstanding business performance and has been in operation for three years or less.

And Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, highlighting businesses that have successfully developed and implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives fostering wellbeing and belonging for employees.

Popular categories returning include: Excellence in Sustainable and Regenerative Business Practice, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Marketing, Excellence in People & Capability, Excellence in Strategy and Business Solutions, and Excellence in Customer Experience.

All entry information can be found on the awards website at businessawards.queenstownchamber.org.nz

DQ boss appointed to Regional Tourism NZ Board

By QMG

Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Woods has been appointed to the Board of Regional Tourism New Zealand (RTNZ).

Woods will join the RTNZ Board effective immediately and joins five other regional trustee representatives; three from the North Island, two from the South Island and an independent Chair.

He says he’s looking forward to working alongside other regions on nationally significant issues.

“I am excited to represent Queenstown, and all the South Island regions, at a national level as well as contributing to a range of issues facing the sector currently,” Woods says.

“The future of regional tourism is strong, and this appointment provides an opportunity to help shape the evolution of the visitor economy as we look to deliver value to our communities socially, culturally, environmentally and economically.”

RTNZ Chair, David Perks, is looking forward to the contribution Woods will make to the RTNZ Board.

“It is great to be welcoming Mat onto the Board of RTNZ,” Perks says. “Mat’s experience in one of NZ’s premier visitor destinations, and part in building the Queenstown Lakes regenerative tourism strategy and Carbon Zero by 2030 goal, will bring great insight and perspectives on the future of tourism in Aotearoa to our Trustee team.”

Woods has strong governance experience having previously been the Chair of Lake Wānaka Tourism as well as currently being on the board of Snow Sports NZ.

RTNZ is the peak body for Aotearoa New Zealand’s Regional Tourism Organisations, which are each the representative of the local government investment in the tourism sector for their community. It is managed by an independent chair and governed by a board of trustees. RTNZ Trustees are elected by the membership network and are elected for a three-year term and have the option to renew their position for a further two terms.

DQ boss Matt Woods

Training

Techniques

Setting

Tit bits Tit bits

FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Europe’s space telescope to target universe’s dark mysteries

Europe’s Euclid space telescope is blasted off last week on the first-ever mission aiming to shed light on two of the universe’s greatest mysteries: dark energy and dark matter.

The European Space Agency was forced to turn to the rival firm of billionaire Elon Musk to launch the mission after Russia pulled its Soyuz rockets in response to sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

After a month-long journey through space, Euclid will join its fellow space telescope James Webb at a stable hovering spot around 1.5 million kilometers (more than 930,000 miles) from Earth called the second Lagrangian Point.

From there, Euclid will chart the largest-ever map of the universe, encompassing up to two billion galaxies across more than a third of the sky.

By capturing light that has taken 10 billion years to reach Earth, the map will also offer a new view of the 13.8-billion-year-old universe’s history. Phy.org

Festival of San Fermín

More than a dozen people were injured in the opening days of northern Spain’s iconic “running of the bulls”—though no participants have been gored or killed. The event is held each morning during the weeklong Festival of San Fermín in the city of Pamplona.

The origins of the festival date back to the Middle Ages, though its modern form was made famous by author Ernest Hemingway’s description in “The Sun Also Rises.” Other parts of the celebration include fireworks, bullfighting, and parades. While between 50 and 100 injuries are reported each year from the bull runs, deaths are far less common. Fifteen people have been killed during the event since 1910— 14 from the horns of bulls and one from being trapped in a crowd pileup. The festival attracted 1.7 million visitors last year, following two years of cancellations due to the pandemic. DW

Mexican military to take over airports as president takes aim at corruption, mismanagement

Mexico’s armed forces are taking control of the capital’s main airport, and the government plans to give the military control of nearly a dozen more across the country as the president takes aim at corruption and mismanagement.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been setting the armed forces to a wide range of nontraditional tasks since he was elected in 2018, creating concerns about the separation of the military from civilian life.

A new airport was built by the army outside Mexico City a year ago at a cost of $US 4.1 billion. It is run by the military but little used. López Obrador says the old airport, the country’s busiest, will be run by the navy.

The navy took charge of security at Mexico City International Airport, or Benito Juárez, more than a year ago. It will soon have control of everything else, from customs and immigration to handling luggage and cleaning bathrooms, with the imminent publication of a presidential order to make that official.

The list of problems at Mexico City Airport has long included major drug shipments and illegal migration. Infrastructure was in disrepair, and a number of close calls were reported on the runways in recent years as the airport increasingly had trouble handling flights. The airport also had a reputation for stolen luggage, mismanaged airline schedules, business without contracts and corruption.

Associated Press

LAKES WEEKLY POLL

LWB regularly polls locals on issues affecting our region. This weeks responses are below.

Will the appointment of New Zealand’s first Grocery Commissioner result in cheaper prices at the supermarkets?

Definitely, it will help - 16%

Makes no difference - 37%

Unsure | Don’t know - 47%

Should rate-payer funded projects have a clause that penalises construction companies for late delivery on projects?

Yes - 73%

No - 15%

Unsure - 12%

Unsure

Do you agree with the council parking fees increase from 17 June?

Yes, QLDC needs the money - 11%

No, parking rates should stay the same - 64%

Not sure | Didn’t know they were going up - 26%

Should The Remarkables ski field cap the numbers each day, as Cardrona has done?

Definitely, it's insane at the moment - 62% No - 15%

Not sure | Not a skier - 23%

There were 207 respondents this week.

If you would like to take part: you can sign up on the LWB Facebook page.

Community Everything Else

IT TAKES A CREW TO SAVE A life - Coastguard seeks new volunteers for Coastguard Shore Crew Volunteer, Coastguard Unit Radio Operator Volunteer and Coastguard Designated Person Ashore Volunteer roles. Interested? https://volunteers. coastguard.nz

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

ALTRUSA QUEENSTOWN IS HOSTING AN 80’S THEMED quiz night on Wed. 2nd August at Whakatipu Rugby Club. Get your team together & get dressed up. For tickets email altrusaqueenstown@gmail.com or message us on Facebook.com/ altrusaqueenstown. Tickets $120 for teams of 6, includes table food

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

ST JOHN ROOMS FOR HIRE. 1 X office space with free WIFI. 1 x room seats 30, 1 x room seats 100 with whiteboards, smart TVs, projector screens, free WIFI, shared kitchen and fantastic views! Contact Sarah on 027 206 6340 or queenstownreception@stjohn. org.nz for bookings and more info.

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.

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

FREE INLAND REVENUE WORKSHOPS 26 JULY 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

QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST. WED (19 July), @ 6:30pm, “Calm Mind, Open Heart” with Grant Rix; SUN (23 July), @ 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.

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

How to advertise

Ph: 03 409 2800

Email: info@qmg.co.nz

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

Advertising Deadlines

Display Advertising: 12pm Friday

Situations Vacant: 12pm Friday

Queenstown Media Group 2nd Floor, The Mountaineer Building

Cnr Beach and Rees Street PO Box 1546, Queenstown 9300

Meet the team

David Gibbs General Manager

Kendalle McLeod Finance

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

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

Ana Paula Salvi Graphic Designer

Patricia W. Becker Graphic Designer

Paul Taylor Editor/Journalist

Sue Fea Journalist

Bethany Rogers Contributor

Jessica Allen Contributor

Jay Cassells Contributor

LAKES BUSINESS

THE WAX ROOM

Laser hair reduction specialists. Waxing, Tanning and Brow design. Located in Queenstown CBD, 9a Earl Street. Free Laser consultations in June/July. BRAZILIAN WAX $45. Call/text 02108502487 | info@thewaxroom.co.nz thewaxroom.co.nz

The Council Word

Changes to parking fees

Parking fees are changing in several locations across Queenstown from Monday 17 July. These fees are used to subsidise the public transport service. For more info on this and related topics head to qldc.govt.nz/parking

Have your say on the arts

Por Daniela Díaz Soto ddiazsoto@gmail.com

NUESTRA VOZ

¡El calor de Brasil llega a Queenstown!

O calor do Brasil chega a Queenstown!

Ya estamos en pleno invierno y el frío no perdona. Pese a los despampanantes paisajes que nos entrega Queenstown, con montañas nevadas y los intensos colores sin filtro de verde y azul en cada rincón, aún se me congelan los pensamientos.

Cuando miro por la ventana en estos días sólo pienso en cómo sería estar en Brasil, un país con cálidas playas paradisíacas, que siempre ha cautivado por su diversidad, deliciosa gastronomía, su música vibrante y sobre todo la alegría de su gente. Sin duda un lugar con una vibra especial y única.

Por suerte mi sueño de estar allá y quizás el de muchos se hará realidad, pero aquí en tierras neozelandesas, ya que este próximo sábado 22 de julio se llevará a cabo la Festa Junina, un gran festival folclórico que se celebra cada año en Brasil a mediados de invierno y que, como dato histórico, fue originalmente llevado al país carioca por la colonia portuguesa, con el objetivo de festejar la vida campestre y homenajear la cosecha de la temporada.

Groovy Events en unión con Latinos en Queenstown son los encargados de organizar este colorido evento popular, una ocasión para que la comunidad asista y sea parte de esta fiesta de cultura patrimonial celebrada sólo como los hermanos brasileros saben hacerlo, con música, trajes tradicionales, juegos para niños, comida típica de Brasil y Latinoamérica, y por supuesto mucho baile.

Instancias como éstas fusionan lo mejor de nuestras culturas y nos dan un sentido de pertenencia y familiaridad, en un lugar geográficamente tan lejano pero que abraza la calidez de nuestras comunidades.

El festival se llevará a cabo desde las 13.00 hasta las 21.00 horas en Queenstown Memorial Hall. La entrada tiene un valor de 5 dólares + fee y se puede adquirir vía ticketfairy.com

Amigos brasileiros, não me esqueci de vocês. Obrigado pelo convite para compartilhar um pouco mais de sua cultura requintada com a comunidade de Queenstown, pois no final o que nos une é valorizar as tradições que nos mantêm próximos às nossas raízes. Que este evento seja um tributo à colaboração onde não há fronteiras nem barreiras linguísticas.

Não se esqueça, neste sábado, 22 de julho, deste evento que acontecerá durante toda a tarde, das 13h às 21h, no Queenstown Memorial Hall. A entrada tem o valor de 5 dólares + taxa e pode ser adquirida através do site ticketfairy.com

Nos vemos na Festa Junina!

Somos un aporte esencial para esta localidad, pero ¿quién nos protege?

Nos vemos na Festa Junina!

QLDC is teaming up with Three Lakes Cultural Trust to develop an arts, culture and heritage strategy for our district. It’s important we hear from as many different voices as possible. If you didn’t get to one of our recent hui here’s another chance to have your say: take the short survey before 30 July at tewahitoi.nz/news/have-your-say

Winter wellness events

Join us for a series of uplifting free events! Winterdaze includes everything from yoga to knitting, beeswax wrap workshops to bingo. Every Thursday until 10 August at Happiness House on Park Street, or Queenstown library. Full details on Facebook @QLDCinfo

Nationwide plastics ban

Did you know that many single-use plastics were banned or restricted on 1 July? They include produce bags; plates, bowls and cutlery; fruit labels; and drinking straws (which are still available for anyone with a disability or health needs). Learn more at environment.govt.nz/plastics

Get a grip this winter

Sign up to our winter road report and get an email before 7.00am every morning with a heads up on driving conditions around the district. Road closures, black ice or sweet as – it’s a free service. Sign up at qldc.govt.nz/winter-road-reports

Alcohol licence applications

All recently lodged alcohol licence applications are on our website. Any objections must be made within 15 working days of the public notice being published. Visit qldc.govt.nz/services/alcohol-licensing/public-notices

Winter wander walking challenge

A new walking challenge is coming to Queenstown this August. Sign up at qldc.govt.nz/winterwander

www.qldc.govt.nz

COMMUNITY NOTES

Arrowtown school launches new hangi pit outdoor learning area

by Sue Fea

Arrowtown School is leading the way, officially launching its dedicated hangi area – Nga Hau e Wha – Four Winds, a place for the school whanau to congregate and celebrate, the first of its kind for a local school.

Teacher Stacey Anderson says a farewell function for principal of nine years Chris Bryant on June 30 was the perfect opportunity to fire up the hangi.

Community and school volunteers all pitched in and the kids brought a potato each to put in the hangi with donated lamb also on the menu for invited dignitaries, including local school principals.

“It’s a place where we can celebrate our bicultural heritage, tell stories about our local history and teach our tamariki about different Maori concepts.” Flax will be planted in the area as well as vegetables which the children will harvest. “It will be a place for flax weaving, karakia (prayers) and waiata (singing).” It’s hoped volunteers will come and help the children plant out the veggie garden, where they can learn to nurture and grow vegetables that they’ll then cook in Food Technology,” says Stacey. Students have sold their own produce and harvested their own honey to sell at local markets before. “They will come up with their own concepts.”

Part of the multi-million-dollar school rebuild completed two years ago, the cultural area was incorporated into the architectural designs, designed especially for the school. Local kaumatua Darren Rewi also assisted from a cultural perspective.

Four posts in the design represent the four winds. A large koru is imbedded into the concrete on the ground beside the fire pit, built from fire bricks.

The school has a large and successful Kapa Haka contingent with senior and junior students performing at the opening. The school’s seniors were recently placed second in a Central Otago competition.

Hangi fundraisers have been a big part of Arrowtown School’s history, particularly when raising funds for Maori education and events. “We wanted to make that a permanent part of the school and the idea of a hangi pit was a great thing to expose the kids to,” says Stacey.

Community News

Parking Fees rising from Monday 17 July

“This is an exemplary school for Te Reo Maori learning so it’s pretty special to see this all come together, and it was a nice way to farewell our principal after all his hard work,” she says. Chris played a big role in the hangi project, so it was fitting that their first hangi was in his honour.

Chris is taking up a newly created role as Ministry of Education Manager Integrated Services in Cromwell, working with schools and early childhood centres around Central Otago. “I will manage a team of experts who provide services and education advice to schools and centres,” he says.

Chris was delighted to see the new hangi pit in action. “Kaupapa Maori and Te Reo Maori are very important cultural aspects of the school.” The rebuild was an opportunity to incorporate the pit outdoor learning area with help from the ministry’s Special Infrastructure Projects fund. Children can now celebrate their whakapapa and pepeha, learning stories and celebrating different cultures.

Wakatipu High School deputy principal James Rasmussen will take over the Arrowtown principal’s role later this year.

Parking fees are on the rise in council car parks with new fees to be effective from Monday 17 July. The fee increases follow the approval of Council’s Annual Plan 2023-2024

My Life Story

by Sue Fea

DENNIS DEAVOLL Grandaddy Cool

At 76, Dennis Deavoll could still be mistaken for a bit of a bad boy biker, rocking it with the best, but really, he just loves to live life to the full…and a little bit on the edge.

Raised on a surfboard at New Brighton Beach in Christchurch, Dennis went to Art School becoming a commercial artist, then art director and producer for ad agencies. He worked in Perth, launching his own business, ‘Help’. “It was in the days when The Beatles song (Help) came out – mid-60s.”

Returning to NZ, and a Queenstown ‘Learn to ski’ trip had him hooked. Dennis raised a few eyebrows rolling up to Eichardt’s on his 900 Kawasaki Custom Chopper that he built in Perth. “It was all chrome and bright yellow with a naked lady I’d painted on the tank – the only large bike over 450cc in town for 12 years.”

He built a 5-storey stone house at Sunshine Bay, designed by now renowned architect Ian Athfield. By 1978 local MP Warren Cooper – the town’s only signwriter, moved to Wellington and Dennis, with his strong artistic flair, launched Queenstown Signs. “I taught myself how to sign-write – a bigger version of what I’d been doing before, drawing things on paper.”

“With a brush and a bunch of young guns about to show the world what adventure tourism was about, I started.”

An immensely talented artist, he started out creating signs for whitewater rafting, skydiving and parapente operators, and river surfers. He sign wrote the first Shotover Jet signs, then other jetboats, planes, helicopters, cars, trucks and shops.

A motorcycle trip from LA to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota attracting 480,000 bikes awakened Dennis to event tourism. Back home he and several rider mates started Remarkables Motorcycle Club and the popular annual summer motorcycle rally. “We rented Twelve Mile Delta. Midge Marsden and other top NZ bands came. They were fun times. You didn’t get the confrontation you have today. Everyone was happy.”

Motorcycle enthusiasts flocked in from around NZ for four years with crowds peaking 3500 until they were no longer allowed access to the DOC site. Dennis and son Sam were among those who pioneered snowboarding locally in the early 1990s, along with son Cacey.

In 1992 Sam came home and said, ‘Dad, I want one of those things in the window of NZShred. It was a new snow toy called a snowboard. They only had three. The manager kept one, Sam and I got the other two, and Henry van Asch had one from the States.”

“Coronet Peak lifties said, ‘What are you going to do with that?!’ It was tough, sore, with no instructors, but we struggled on. We wore sorrels as boots as they hadn’t invented snow boots yet.” Sam went on to become NZ’s first Junior Snowboard champion.

Retirement from signwriting in 2000 was “really boring” so Dennis went on to ride his Harley all over the States,.

JD’s Motorsickle Tours – named in a nod to motorcycle legend Burt Munro, was born on Dennis’s kitchen table and instantly sold out. A

month riding cities and locations never imagined and Kiwi motorcycle fans couldn’t get enough. Dennis was soon running three trips a year. They stretched from San Francisco to New York around Novia Scotia, Key West up to Quebec, across Canada, and down to the Indianapolis 500 and Washington DC. Dennis at the helm on his Harley trailed by as many as 75 people on anything from 18 to 23 bikes – 10,500 miles over four and a half weeks, partying every night. “You had to have a good liver,” he grins. “It was fast and furious the whole time.”

Dennis rode more 500,000 miles all over the USA and Canada, completing 29 tours over 13 years before finishing up in 2017.

In between rides Dennis and Queenstown motorcycle mate Wayne Perkins produced a book on their bike adventures, ‘Work Can Wait’ –Wayne’s words and Dennis’s photos.

“You can never have enough fun,” says Dennis, so Hot Rods followed, starting with a 1947 Buick Coupe Dennis found north of Area 51 in Nevada. He shipped it home and stripped it down, restoring it into pristine condition and winning numerous awards.

Life’s been full of Whangamata Beach Hops, Muscle Car Madness, with a trip to Burning Man in the Nevada Desert a winner. “It’s absolutely mad - 85,000 nutters arrive in 24 hours to make a city on a nuclear desert site with mindboggling music, lights and real funky folk.”

Dennis still surfs, snowboards, rides motorcycles and drives hot rods, also painting stunning acrylic works.

“We only go round once so why not enjoy it, he says.

Dennis and his beloved Victory Bagger motorcycle

Gandaddy Cool - Dennis picking up grandkids Indy J Phoenix and Sonny from Shotover School in his 1923 T-Bucket hot rod

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Arts+Culture

Benefit concert to support young artist

By Jess Allen

This weekend Dunedin pianist and composer Abhinath Berry will perform at Thomas Brown Gallery and Aspiring Lifestyle Village. The benefit concert will include the works of Chopin, Liszt and Ravel and will raise funds for Abhinath to embark overseas for postgraduate study.

He’s a recent graduate of the University of Otago’s School of Performing Arts, having attained a Bachelor of Music with first-class Honours in Performance and Composition. He has been studying with Blair Professor Terence Dennis since 2019 and has received a number of awards and prizes for his music, including most recently been named the winner of Creative New Zealand’s Jack McGill Scholarship.

“I’m particularly close, I feel, to the composer Franz Liszt and I play a lot of his music,” says Abhinath. “I’ve done concerts for the Wagner Society of New Zealand and Liszt’s music is very much in that kind of realm. Liszt often transcribed many overtures from Wagner’s operas – it’s fascinating because you’re bringing the scale of opera down to a piano and Liszt did this so he could promote the operatic works of the young composers of the time. In a way, it was through him that they were able to have an outlet, and it was his generosity that enabled them to become successful composers.”

Born in New Zealand into a literary family, Abhinath didn’t begin playing the until he was 15 and began formal study at 18. Until his studies, he was self-taught and says that consequently he endured a lot of frustration and confusion. From an early age he taught himself music theory and would often write his own music.

“I was inspired to start playing when I was about 15 – just from seeing piano a lot in popular culture and seeing the repertoire we could explore as pianists. I’d say out of all the instruments that it has the largest and most diverse repertoire available, and there’s something for every potential artists, so that really hooked me and I felt the need to explore all of the repertoire. In a way, that was my motivation to start playing, and being 15 as a precocious teenager, you tend to play far beyond your paygrade.”

Abhinath is currently exploring his options for postgraduate study overseas and was last year offered a place and scholarship on the Guildhall School of Music and Drama’s Artist Master’s Piano Performance Programme in London. When he’s not playing piano, he works as a busy secondary school tutor, teaching physics, english, calculous and biology. He hopes to one day also work as a piano tutor.

“I have a very strong interest in pedagogy, which is how we play the piano from a very technical perspective and what we can do to maximise our playing, whether that’s thinking about it physically or mentally. I aim to complete a postgraduate qualification overseas so I can eventually get a good teaching position as well as continue to perform concerts.”

Abhinath has performed around here in the past, working with the Central Otago Regional Choir. He’s really looking forward to returning and performing.

“I was really pleased to see how much the audience seemed to appreciate the music, and how attentive and enthusiastic they are in that part of New Zealand. I feel like they’re greatly appreciative, and it always makes the performer happy to see others responding to their music.”

Abhinath will perform at Aspiring Lifestyle Village at 2:30 on Saturday and at Thomas Brown Gallery at 2:30 on Sunday. Tickets are available on Eventfinda with limited door sales and Queenstown tickets available at Lakes District Museum.

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Jager night!

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GOINGS ON ABOUT

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART

THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES

EVENT

Waiata with Ngā Manu Hou

Come for an uplifting Sunday singing performance from well-loved local waiata group Ngā Manu Hou. The Matariki craft sessions will also be in full swing to celebrate the final day of Matariki celebrations, so bring the whole family.

SKIN TO SUMMIT RACE #1

The Skin to Summit are four events that offer a safe controlled environment set by mountain patrols to learn the ropes of ski touring or challenge individual skills.

Thursday mornings starting at 6 am with a check in at Patrol Base and a 6:30 am start time. The course is mapped out by patrol, which is posted in a Facebook group the evening before, Join the Skin to Summit Facebook Group!

When: Thursday July 20, 6:00 am to 8:00 am

Where: The Remarkables Skifield, Queenstown

THEATRE

La Nuit D’Extraordinaire - A Very Celestial Night

“La Nuit” made their debut in 2018 to a chorus of applause and gasps, and now they’re back to warm up a cold winter evening with even more absurdity and appeal. Step into the enchanting world of La Nuit D’Extraordinaire where the stars align to create a celestial tapestry of extraordinary wonder. Underneath the celestial canopy, witness the ethereal grace of aerialists, aliens, stars, moons, dancers, acrobats, and those blessed with the art of song. Tickets available online at Eventbrite.

When: Friday 21 July, Saturday 22 July and Sunday 23 July 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Where: Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall, 33 Buckingham Street

Paint and Wine Night: Water LiliesMonet Inspired

CRAFT

The concept is simple - take a brush in one hand, a drink in the other and paint a masterpiece! Feel like a creative night of drinking and painting? No previous painting experience? Get your creative juices flowing and your brush strokes going! Paintvine is a fun social painting class where artists run you through step-by-step instructions on how to create your very own masterpiece in a fun and relaxed bar setting. All the materials you need (high-quality canvas, acrylic paint, brushes) are provided. You need to bring your creative spirit (or find some at the bottom of a glass). At the end of the night you will leave with your own painting ready to hang up on your wall. Booking online at paintvine.co.nz

When: Monday July 24, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: Smiths Craft Beer House 53 Shotover St, Queenstown

Author

AUTHOR TALKS

Talk with Caroline Barron

Queenstown Library are hosting an author talk with acclaimed New Zealand writer, Caroline Barron.

Caroline’s debut novel, ‘Golden Days’, has been making waves since its release in February. Barron’s earlier memoir, ‘Ripiro Beach’, is winner of the 2020 New Zealand Heritage Literary Award for Best Nonfiction Book and guides readers through a poignant exploration of identity following a near-death experience.

Booking required. Visit the QLDC Libraries website for more information.

When: Thursday July 20, 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm

Where: Queenstown Library, Gorge Road Queenstown

Ngā Manu Hou are a non-profit community group made up of a diverse group of people with the common goal of supporting kaupapa Māori in the district. They are well known for their waiata (singing) group and will fill our space to the rafters with their songs and actions.

When: Sunday 23 July, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

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

Piano Masterworks with Abhinath Berry

There is a one-off opportunity to support Abhinath Berry, a brilliant young man who will be embarking overseas shortly to further his professional development. See story in this weeks Arts + Culture. Abhinath Berry has won all the prizes offered by Otago’s School of Performing Arts. He’s also been awarded Creative New Zealand’s Jack McGill Scholarship, a Wagner Society of NZ Young Artist’s Award and the FAME Emerging Practitioner Award.

When: Sunday 23 July, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Where: Thomas L. Brown Gallery, 568 Speargrass Flat Road, Lake Hayes

SkyCity Stand Up Comedy Night

SkyCity Casino’s next comedy night is set for Friday, 21 July with special guests, Dai Henwood - New Zealand’s very own Comedy Legend, Cori Gonzalez-Macuerthe King of deadpan and sarcastic humour and the man who ensures everyone arrives on time - Paul Douglas as MC. Tickets at Eventfinda.

When: Friday 21 July, 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Where: Sky City, 16 - 24 Beach St, Queenstown

Victor Patrascan’s Stand up Comedy shows

Victor Patrascan’s a comedian who is unapologetically honest, woke and hilarious!

He likes to poke the truth with a stick and see if there’s any life left in it. He’s bringing his honest, thought provoking and unapologetic stand up comedy show to Yonder with two shows.

Failing in Love • a Stand up Comedy show

A comedy show about failures in relationships and love. Laugh along as Victor takes a journey through lives, romantic adventures, dating successes, but mostly failures, and much more…

When: Tuesday July 25, at 8:00 pm

Where: Yonder Bar - 14 Church Street, Queenstown

The Dirty Immigrant • a Stand up Comedy show

This show is not for the easily offended! Wanna see a dirty immigrant tell dirty jokes? If you’re someone who thinks we should question everything about life, love, religion and politics then you’re going to love the Dirty Immigrant –Online tickets are available at victorpatrascan.com or on the door.

When: Wednesday July 26 at 8:00 pm

Where: Yonder Bar - 14 Church 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

Dyslexia - Parent Evening

Congratulations, You Have Dyslexia! Great Minds Think Differently. When intelligent people struggle with reading, writing, and spelling they may be dyslexic. Dyslexia refers to differences in how the brain decodes language and number sequences. It is also more common than we think.

Learn how to know if you are dyslexic? What practical steps can you take to understand what works best in learning? This is a free informative and interactive session for parents/caregivers, whanau and others who live with people with dyslexia. For more information, or to enrol please phone Southern REAP on 0800 111 117 or email info@reap.co.nz

NB: There is also a session for Primary, Secondary Educators & Learning Support Staff on Tuesday 18 JULY, 4pm-5.30pm at Remarkables Primary School. $10per person. Call REAP to register.

When: Tuesday 18 July, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: Remarkables Primary School, 49 Lake Avenue, Frankton, Queenstown

Jean Malpas Community Nursery Volunteer Sessions

The Whakatipu Reforestation Trust’s Community Nursery is the heart of the planting operation. Each year the trust propagates and grows approximately 10,000 native plants to support their reforestation efforts. The nursery is ready to welcome you back this week after taking a mid-season break Volunteer sessions run every Wednesday afternoon from 1:00am – 4:00pm, drop in style. No gardening experience is required, and afternoon tea is provided. Just bring Water, hat, sunscreen, and gardening gloves

When: Wednesday 19 July and every Wednesday after that from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

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

Immigration Advice

If you need immigration information or advice the Citizens Advice Bureau run an immigration clinic every Wednesday from 7pm. To make an appointment call them on 03 442 6679

When: Wednesday 19 July at 7 pm

Where: Citizens Advice, 44 Stanley St., Queenstown

Green Drinks: A Plastic Free July Party Workshop

You can totally deck out a space for an epic party without needing to hit the party shop for plastic decorations. Learn how at Sustainable Queenstown’s Plastic Free July Green Drinks where you will be making disco ball decorations from upcycled materials! This is a crafting workshop complete with local favourite DJ, Daniel Nogueira from Zero Waste Glenorchy!

Hosted by Megan Glenn, who is a designer of spaces and stylist extraordinaire. Grab a $15 ticket as this will likely sell out and we have to cap tickets at 30 due to space. Tickets are online at humantix.

When: Thursday, July 20, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: Smiths Craft Beer House – 50 Shotover Street Queenstown

Festa Junina 2023

Festa Junina is a Brazilian Winter Folk Festival where you experience traditional culture throughout a good dose of food, music and dance. The biggest New Zealand’s São João party is coming up this weekend. The Brazilian and Latin community are coming together to celebrate this yearly cultural event, The festival is open to all the community and features Live band, dances, games and typical food from Brazil and Latin America Tickets are $5 (Free for children 12yo and under) and available online at ticketfairy.com/event

When: Saturday 22 July, 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown

Winter Pride bigger than ever

By Paul Taylor

Rainbows at the ready... Winter Pride returns to Queenstown next month with a record 50-plus events on the calendar.

The annual 10-day bash runs from 25 August to 3 September this year, welcoming the LGBT+ community from across New Zealand, Australia and beyond, for the largest Pride festival in the Southern Hemisphere.

Festival owner and director Martin King, as always, wants the local community to get involved with the festivities too.

“My motto is always ‘there’s something for everyone on and off the snow’, King says.

“We have our first ever Pride Night Ski this year, which is just going to be awesome. We’ll have DJs and live drag shows up at Coronet Peak, and it is open to everyone who’s up the mountain. It’s a free event but obviously if you’re skiing, you’ll need a lift pass.

“Then, all our old favourites are back, our parties, our drag shows, some awesome community events, including the Remarkables Pride Winter Market and our charity colour fun run.

“We’ve got Sweat events, which are exercise events at Queenstown Events Centre, our big snow events, including the ski parade, the onesie day, which is our big ski day - lots of colour, lots of rainbows.”

Daily on-mountain events alternate between The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, where the Pride Ski Flag Parade will be held on Saturday, 2 September, replacing the downtown Pride in the Park. The night ski is 1 September.

Then, after the snow, there are après ski drinks at venues across town each day, before the ticketed Pride Party Series, including the Opening PartyHigh School Reunion, the Pride Dinner, Leather & Lace and the Propaganda Snowball.

Community events include the Frothy & Friends Cabaret, the Out to Lunch Business Lunch, cocktails nights, a comedy night, the Drag Brunch Club, Pride Park Run and the winter market.

King says it’s difficult to put a finger on how many people come to town for the festival.

“We know it’s in the thousands. We generally sell somewhere in the vicinity of 7000 tickets for our ticketed events, but obviously lots of people go to multiple events.”

Guest numbers are looking strong again this year, particularly from across the Tasman. Australians tend to stay on average seven to eight nights, but many come for a full 12 days. Domestic festival-goers stay on average five to six nights.

“Our Australian numbers are fantastic again, so the one thing we need to do is to remind locals to grab their tickets to events and get involved. Now’s the time to start planning, the schedule is online, it’s all live, and events do sell out.”

King says many attendees come year after year, meeting up with friends in Queenstown from across Australia. “It’s a pretty special time of year. He’s heard of no problems with people finding flights or accommodation this year, as the town bounces back from Covid.

“All those stresses have faded away. The recovery, the staff shortages, not to mention social distancing and expecting venue visits from the health inspectorate.

“I think the biggest issue for event organisers this year is the general rise in costs across the board, and the decision on how much of that we soak up versus passing it on to our guests.

“Trying to get the ticket pricing right is always a challenge but sales are solid. “The other stress for Queenstown is the snow, but we’re normally pretty lucky with where our festival falls. We usually get a really good snowfall before and generally quite good weather.”

King says New Zealand doesn’t experience the same anti-trans and antidrag movement which is taking hold in the USA.

“We don’t see that at all. Fortunately, the conversation is moving in the opposite direction from the US, where there is a very well-funded and loud backlash, which is really tragic and sad.

“There are still challenges but what we see with Pride Pledge, which is obviously the sibling organisation to Pride, is more and more organisations really committed to actually making a difference.

“It continues to go from strength to strength. We’re delivering more training and more services, and working with more organisations every day.

“Yes, there are some loud voices, but they’ve always been there, and actually, they’re a real minority. Most people in New Zealand, and most organisations, are really committed to change.”

In the recent Ipsos Global Advisor | LGBT+ Pride 2023 survey, some 84% of Kiwis agreed “transgender people should be protected from discrimination in employment, housing, and access to businesses such as restaurants and stores”, the joint highest percentage of all countries.

Some 2% of Kiwis are trans, while 10% of Kiwis are lesbian/gay/homosexual, bisexual, pansexual/omnisexual, or Asexual.

“And the other stat that came out is 61% of New Zealanders have a friend or family member who is from the LGBT+ community, the second highest in the world. That drives allyship - ‘my mate’s queer, or trans, or gay, so is my workmate, my flatmate’, so we don’t experience those phobias you see in the US.

“LGBT people are visible here and connected to our communities.” They’ll certainly be visible in Queenstown next month.

“It’s going to be colourful and an awesome atmosphere as usual. The street flags will go up, the buzz will come and hopefully the snow too,” King says.

Are you being served?

H&J Smiths – end of an era

By Sue Fea

H&J Smith will shut its doors for a final time on November 18 this year. It will be the end of an era for many in Queenstown, leaving many fond memories among its former staff and fans.

The Southland family-owned group’s Queenstown store at its peak encompassed 12 businesses in all, and has been a local shoppers’ staple.

From school uniforms, socks and lingerie to homeware and furniture, the company expanded over the years into H&J’s Electrical, providing electrical contracting services, an appliance store, and dabbled in lawnmowers and fireplaces before Mitre 10 hardware opened.

Based in Invercargill, the first store was opened in 1900 by Invercargill siblings Helen and John Smith with just £328 capital, and by 1971 a very different looking company arrived in Queenstown purchasing Wheatley’s Ltd in Queenstown Mall and opening its first H&Js store here. By 1981 the store had expanded next door to include the adjoining Hide Shop selling knitwear, lanolin, and sheepskin products to international tour groups.

Through the 70s the company continued to expand its retail and business interests mostly concentrating in the South Island.

Brian Tall moved from the Invercargill store to open the Queenstown Mall store in 1979, managing it until 1989. Wife Margaret’s association with H&Js spans 60 years on and off, as a part-timer or relief in Queenstown. It was definitely a family affair, Son Munro Tall says. “Mum and Dad worked both in Invercargill and here, one of my grandmothers worked at the Invercargill store café, The Copper Kettle, and the other grandmother was cleaner and carer for the Smiths. My sister worked at H&Js in the school holidays and me after school, Mum and Dad used to call it ‘Smith and Tall’.”

Brian had a great rapport with customers and staff, instinctively knowing what foreign tourists wanted even if he didn’t speak their lingo.

Brian prided the store on old-fashioned service, as did H&Js. “He was a wonderful man, really old school, like on (TV show) ‘Are You Being Served?’,” says former Queenstown office administrator Sue Farrow. “He trained all the staff to do whatever the customer wanted. The customer was always right,” says Sue. Margaret, now 89, agrees. On one occasion Sue’s manager Jennifer McLay was in quite a state as a customer bought a dress on a Friday, returning it on Monday, having worn it to a wedding, the smell giving the show away. “I was shocked, but she had the tags and receipt, and the customer was always right,” grins Sue.

Sue recalls the move from the Mall to the Remarkables Park store in 2006, as does delivery man of 25 years Lindsay Key who transported the stock between the two across many loads.

The customer wasn’t always right in Lindsay’s job, well, their directions weren’t anyway. On several occasions he found himself in precarious positions as a result, trying to off-load large couches and unable to access houses on steep sections. “In one case there was a painter there and he had to completely remove a window for us.”

Sue Forsyth worked in lingerie, often called out of a staff meeting, her expert hand required for yet another bra fitting. No need for boob jobs back then. Even the largest size - they stocked up to an 18Double G, wasn’t enough to fit the odd size 20 customer, who would be sent to The Warehouse next door.

Underwear packs went all the way up to size 22 or 24. Prior to opening on the morning the new Remarkables Park store launched, some staff secretly donned oversized undies over their clothes and pretended to walk the shop catwalk to let off a bit of steam,” says Sue. On another occasion a staff member went to pick up a pile of clothes from the changing room and a set of false teeth fell out. “It was about three weeks before the person came back for them.”

The late night, discount, invite only Cardholders night, just prior to Christmas each year, has always had the local ladies abuzz with excitement, ready for some Christmas specials.

H&J Smith announced late last month that its Queenstown and Invercargill stores will close for good on November 18. Mitre 10 MEGA in both centres will operate as usual.

Call for greater pet control from dog owners

By Sue Fea

Local dog experts are calling for local dog owners to take the leadliterally, and respect other walkway users, dogs on leads included, and to pick up their dogs poop.

A Frankton dog walker’s dog was attacked last year and it had happened a few times, she says. “I understand there were a few encounters.” Her dog was left with bite marks and fur pulled out.

Wanaka dog trainer Leone Ward says dog owners need to be aware other track users can be intimidated by barking dogs rushing up to them, as can timid dogs. She’s urging dog owners, whose dogs are off lead on reserves or walkways, to immediately put them on lead when they see another dog on lead approaching.

“If your dog is running up to people barking you should definitely keep them on a lead,” says Leone, who works with schools educating children how to stay safe around dogs.

Dogs are not permitted to be off lead in residential areas, or in a number of the districts walking areas. Leone wants to see dogs continue to be allowed off lead on reserves and walk tracks, however, not if they’re running up to people,or bikers, barking. “If a dog’s rushing up to people barking, especially if they don’t know the dog, it can be frightening.”

Dog experts say there’s been an increase in dogs numbers in in recent years, reflected by Queenstown Lakes District Council dog control stats which show a five percent increase year on year.

“A lot more people got dogs over Covid and these dogs are not always as well socialised as other dogs. Vets have mentioned it too,” says Leone. Socialising is vital in a puppy’s first 16 weeks. It makes them resilient, less timid, and used to people, children, bikes and traffic.

Wanaka’s Hound Hub owner Emily Robertson agrees. When walking clients’ dogs on lead she and her team do their best to stay well away from any approaching unfriendly dogs, or any off lead dogs, crossing the road instead. “If you have a dog you know may react badly you need to respect other people and their dogs.” Her company avoids the Mount Iron track as it’s too busy with owners often well ahead of their off lead dogs chatting with friends. Dogs flying out of driveways at dog walkers can be a problem too. “There seem to be a lot of wandering, lost dogs. People sometimes have quite relaxed attitudes,” says Emily.

She’d like to see more monitoring, patrols around residential areas and education around training, but the council did hold a great dog day earlier this year.

She’s backing calls in Wanaka to set up a dedicated dog exercise area with “loads and loads more dogs” appearing.

Three Parks developer Allan Dippie says he’s been approached to create a dog exercise park, similar to those in main centres. “If there’s enough interest we could create something temporary using deer fencing, but council would have to look at something long-term down the track,” he says. There’s definitely a demand but he reiterates that people need to train their dogs. Doggie dos are also creating issues around Wanaka and experts are urging dog owners to, at the very least, use a stick to flick poop off tracks and even walkway bridges, flicking it under the bushes.

Leone was disgusted to discover three lots of dog poop on the Hawea River Track single lane swing bridge recently. “It’s a minority but be sensible. It’s not fair for others who are responsible.”

“It’s a big problem, pretty much everywhere,” says Emily. “There aren’t enough poo bag dispensers, especially when dog registration fees have increased so much.”

While dog owners around the district are largely responsible, a minority could eventually spoil it for the rest.

They’re calling for more education around dog etiquette and respect, so owners are aware of what can happen.

District Council Animal Control Team Leader Carrie Edgerton says poo dispensers are supplied at key locations for those who’ve genuinely forgotten theirs. Those will slowly increase over time as budgets allow, but she says it’s ultimately the owners’ responsibility.

Generally, compliance with the Dog Control Bylaw is “fantastic”, however, a minority are not yet self-complying or are unaware of the rules, she says. The council’s focus is on education. “

Dogs must be on leash in all public places, unless on a reserve (except a few), or rural zone. Non-compliance with the bylaw can mean a $300 fine.

Aggressive barking dogs – how to react:

•Avoid eye contact

•Stand still, arms folded, or at your side.

Turn your head away, as dogs do when they disengage

The depths of winter. Week One

July is probably my least favourite gardening month of the year. It’s generally the coldest, bleakest month we have. If you’ve got winter veggies in a tunnel house/glass house or under some hoops and frost cloth, they pretty much go on strike this month. They’re doing minimal growing if any at all.

I was late putting in a winter garden in our tunnel house this year, chucking it all in mid-April. It doesn’t seem to have mattered for most of the greens we planted. I will be honest I didn’t sow from seed either, this was a ‘buy up a load of veggie punnets’ from the local hardware store mission and chuck them in the ground.

We’ve been holding off chowing down on them to allow some size. As we also follow the cut and grow again method for most winter greens, the bigger they are before you start attacking them with scissors and machetes the quicker, they will recover and grow you more green veggie goodness.

So even though it’s the quietest month in the garden, spring is around the corner with lots to start thinking about and start doing now, to be less overwhelmed when spring arrives. One of my favourite things to do at this time of year is to go through my seed collection and see where the gaps are. Jump online and grab a few packets. This is a great time of year to spring clean the garden.

7. Tidy up and repair your compost bays. If the bay is full of unbroken down mess, pull it all out and start again.

8. Get burying those Bokashi food scraps in your veggie garden so you get to reap the rewards this summer. You can be targeted where you bury it. Think where my big heavy feeder crops are going to be. Pumpkins and corn will love a bed that’s full of Bokashi food scraps. You will grow the biggest vegetables ever.

9. For the super enthusiastic, consider starting your tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants in July. You’d need some help with some basic LED grow lights and some grow heat mats. A few years ago, I met a local gardener doing this with incredible success. I couldn’t believe the size of his plants in early September

1. Clean up last year’s beds, put some fresh compost down and straw, ready to hit spring running.

2. Fertilise some of those perennials. Asparagus, rhubarb, berries, they all need some loving from you. You can give them a generous helping of compost or with the berries and rhubarb some manure.

3. Talking of berries, time to give them a prune. Raspberries can have all their 2-year-old plus canes cut to the ground. Just leaving last year’s new canes. Boysenberries/logan/tay etc can also be cut back just leaving last year’s new growth. The growth can be lifted up onto wires or zip tied on to a fence.

4. All berries will enjoy some mulching too. Either with wood chips or straw.

5. Garden tools sharpen a sanding of any rust and a rub with a little oil.

6. Get some garlic in the ground. Large cloves equate to large bulbs. Chuck a handful of quality compost or vermicast in the hole with every clove.

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

YOUR

CAPTION COMPETITION

LWB QUIZ

1. Where is Via Dolorosa (Way of Grief), said to be the route walked by Jesus Christ to the site of his crucifixion?

2. The location of the eponymous factory, and a popular photoop, in which Australian city is Vegemite Way?

3. Iconic comedy film “Monty Python And The Holy Grail” was financed by what unlikely source?

4. The densest planet in our solar system is?

5. The game Chinese Checkers originated in what country?

6. Which was NZ’s first private commercial Radio station that initially started as a pirate radio stn broadcasting from a boat?

7. Who is the Soviet spymaster in John le Carré’s Smiley novels?

8. Which country was once ruled by the Duvaliers?

9. Where was the capital of New Zealand until 1865?

10. In which country was shoe designer Jimmy Choo born?

11. What is the Russian coin equivalent to 100th of a rouble?

12. Which famous train crosses Australia north to south?

13. Which species of animals can kill predators with lethal cyanide doses?

14. The large protrusion that hangs off a turkey’s forehead is called a?

15. In what field of study is “spaghettification” a technical term?

16. Dr Who travels around in a hybrid time machine/spacecraft, known as a what?

17. Which great pharaoh had Abu Simbel constructed?

18. In which year was Pakistan established as a country?

19. Which city is home to the Burrell Art Collection?

20. What is the national fruit of India?

21. Who wrote the 2003 novel We Need to Talk About Kevin?

22. What was the real name of the novelist who was published under the name of George Eliot?

23. Which is the second god of the Hindu trinity?

24. Which Old Testament Book follows Ezekiel?

25. What is the term given to the oldest geological era?

26. How is American singer Peter Hernandez better known?

COMPETITION CAPTION

Winner of the last Caption

Competition is Michelle Butters

Congratulations you won 1x Double Pizza Voucher from Hell Pizza. Collect your voucher from the

Bruno Mars. RIDDLE: A bottle.

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

CUSTOMER SERVICE & FRONTLINE SALES

We arethe ORIGINAL,we arethe FIRST andwe havethe BESToffice intown!

KJet is all about action and adrenaline!We are a companythat’s passionate about our people and provide afun, energeticworking environment.

DOYOU FANCY?

Sellingthe ORIGINALJet boat ride

Working outdoors bythe lake

Being part of ayoung,fun and sociable crew

Great perks, awesome culture and a jobwhere every day is different

DOYOU HAVE?

Strong sales experience (minimum oneyear)

Great customer service andthe abilityto multi-task

Knowledge of Ibis reservations system (advantageous but not essential)

Full NZ Drivers Licence

Eligibility to work in New Zealand

KJetthrill customersyearround, sothisfull-time position may includeweekend and public holidaywork.

Drop your CV to the Main Town Pier or email karen@kjet.co.nz

SEASONAL POSITIONS

FROM MID OCTOBER 2023 TO MID APRIL 2024

Come and work with us on the Milford and Routeburn Tracks

Ultimate Hikes are the exclusive operators of multi day guided walks on the famous Milford & Routeburn Tracks. We are guardians of the environment we operate in. We are leaders in the safety and education of visitors to the region and we are responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of the people who live and work there on our behalf. We take this commitment very seriously and pledge that everything we do will be in keeping with our own Tiaki Promise - caring for people and place.

We are looking for great people to live and work with us in our remote lodges and guiding on the track - applications are now open for the following positions:

Guides

Lodge Managers & Relief Managers

Lodge Attendants (Housekeeping + Food & Beverage)

Lodge Chefs & Cooks

Greenstone Hosts

Visit our website for more information and to apply online ultimatehikes.co.nz/plan-your-walk/employment/

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand until mid April 2024. Applications close 1 September but we will shortlist applicants for interview as applications are received so

RETAIL DUTY MANAGERS – FULL TIME AND CASUAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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

What sort of people are we looking for:

• 20 years of age or over

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

• Understand the fundamentals of working in retail

• A self-starter capable of working well by yourself

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

• Willing to obtain an LCQ and Managers Certificate

• Committed to Queenstown for the foreseeable future

The role:

• Look after our customers in a sole-charge position

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

• Engage with customers, ask questions, and drive sales

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

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

What you get:

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

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

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

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

• Staff discounts and product training

• The opportunity to learn and grow in the industry

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

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

BAR MANAGER & 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:

megan@hhgroup.nz

Must have a valid NZ Work Visa.

The Frankton Arm is the Local’s Local. A busy venue with great beer, great food, gaming, sports & a community feel. We’re looking for a Venue Manager to take the reins & really become the heart of the place. You’ll be the kind of person that always puts customers first, loves great beer, enjoys good yarn & makes friends with all the familiar faces with a passion for hospitality.

It’s a job with a lot to it, you’ll be in charge of hitting targets, managing the team, following & implementing procedures, organising functions, preparing KPIs, rostering & managing stock.

Sound like you? To apply please email hr@republicqt.co.nz with a CV & cover letter. We look forward to hearing from you!

we’re hiring! venue manager WE'REHIRING!

WORKINQUEENSTOWN'SMOSTICONICVENUES

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

F&B Manager

SkyCity Queenstown

SkyCity Queenstown is looking for a Food & Beverage Manager to join their team. You will be responsible for overseeing the F&B operation of SkyCity Queenstown, including organising functions, events and running the Wild Thyme Bar & Kitchen.

About the role

As F&B Manager, you will be managing your team to provide exceptional product delivery and a superb customer experience, whilst meeting budget expectations. The role will be hands on, whilst maintaining responsibility for the Queenstown F&B financial performance, relationship with key stakeholders including other SkyCity properties and development of both management and frontline staff.

A bit about you

You will be someone with a passion for people, providing a deep F&B knowledge, ongoing training and development, with the goal of guaranteeing our service offering is of the highest standard. As well as exceptional customer service delivery, you'll bring:

A minimum of 5 years' experience in F&B with at least 3 years' experience at a management level

Proven experience in the management and training of staff

A strong continuous improvement focus

Demonstrated experience in financial management, including budgeting, cost control and monthly P&L reconciliation Strategic mindset towards SkyCity Queenstown's business plan

Sound knowledge of a kitchen operation including ordering and food control plans

Cultural awareness obtained through being part of a diverse team

Applytoday!

Wearelookingforconfident,energeticandexperiencedprofessionals,whostriveto deliverahighstandardofservicetoourguests. Withpermanentandparttimepositionsavailable,wecanalsooffercareergrowth opportunitiesthroughsponsorshipfortherightcandidate. EMAIL:YourCVtorecruitment@imperiumcollection.com STOPBY:DropoffyourCVandmeetusinperson!

We begin reviewing all applications as soon as we receive them, so if this role ticks your boxes, apply today or at employment@skycity.co.nz and we could be speaking to you very soon.

SkyCity is an R20 Venue

SENIOR WAITER BARTENDER

KITCHENHAND FULL-TIME/PART-TIME

Blue Kanu is a popular Asian/Pacifica style restaurant, unique in QT, and we pride ourselves on the food and service we deliver to our customers. We have a great atmosphere, lots of laughs and good vibes!!

We are looking for a kitchenhand superstar to join our team! Opportunity for you to earn some extra income. Training provided.

Must have a valid NZ work visa.

Please send your CV to warren@hhgroup.nz or pop in and see us a er 4pm.

Fixed Term Accounts Administrator

July 2023 to February 2024

The successful applicant will ideally be fulltime but some flexibility can be considered, position will be covering annual leave in September and January with fulltime accounts work provided on either side. This role provides a varied and interesting workload covering all aspects of monthly accounts processing for multiple companies. We are looking for a proactive & self motivated person, who is customer focused, efficient and organised and enjoys multi tasking. Experience with Xero and Accounts processing in New Zealand is essential experience with payroll is also an advantage.

Please email a letter of interest, a copy of your CV and references to kylie@administrationhq.co.nz

Please put Accounts Administrator in the subject line

Sustainability Manager Parental Leave Cover

Queenstown Airport is looking for a Sustainability Manager who has multi-stakeholder management experience. As a member of the Sustainability & Corporate Affairs team, this role plays an integral part in the implementation of the company’s Sustainability Strategy and Decarbonisation Roadmap. The position also advises on issues relevant to sustainability and decarbonisation within the company, works with staff at all levels to build and enhance relationships as well as identify risks, needs and opportunities. Developing effective and innovative communications for internal and external stakeholders and the public is an important part of the role.

This is a 32 hours a week, 12-month fixed-term parental leave position.

Apply now, with your CV and cover letter to recruitment@queenstownairport.co.nz

Applications close Sunday, July 30th 2023.

•

•

•

•

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.

Hair Salon Assistant

You will be working approx 30 hours per week with weekends off. Participate in salon education and be trained to shampoo and apply luxury treatments.

Must haves are:

• Great customer service skills

• Fabulous personal presentation

• Good eye for cleanliness and detail

• Be able to communicate well in English

You will be working alongside Queenstowns most experienced hairstylists with a large clientele and busy environment where you will be an integral part of our team.

Email to apply to tinafuller@xtra.co.nz

Gib Fixer / Construction worker

Hardworking, t and reliable. Construction experience required, we will provide training for the right candidate for a long term role.

Building Labourer Wanted

For full time residential building work. Previous experience in the construction industry is required.

Competitive hourly rate. Must have full drivers licence and own reliable transport.

Good spoken English essential.

Contact Mike on 027 566 3489 or email mikekelly@tahunabuilding.co.nz

REQUIRED NOW!!!!!!

Customer Service Superstar

Seeking a fit, committed, enthusiastic individual to join our SMASHING customer service team!

The successful applicant should be willing to go above and beyond to ensure the best possible experience for customers and take great pride in their work.

Main duties include:

• SMASHIT collections

• Customer Service

• Cleaning

Applicants must be able to work flexible rostered hours and weekends.

Think you’ve got what it takes to SMASHIT?

Email or CV to jobs@odysseysensorymaze.co.nz

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

Chef de Partie

Botswana Butchery is looking for a Chef de Partie to join their team.

Two to three years’ in a similar role with experience in high volume, high quality cooking.

Please contact stefano.demartini@botswanabutchery.co.nz

Is currently seeking CHEFS / LINE COOKS

$25 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.

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

- Barista

- Allround cafe staff

- (Junior) Breakfast Chef/Cook

- Team leader

- Weekend kitchen hand

- Short term experienced Chef/Cook (1-2 months)

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

Contact marmoladacafe@yahoo.com if interested.

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

CELLAR DOOR MANAGER

Chard Farm, a family-owned winery in Queenstown, is hiring a Cellar Door Manager to oversee their tasting room and related activities. As the Manager, you will lead a team, organize tastings, manage customer orders and develop a Winery Club. Strong organizational and multitasking abilities are required. Previous hospitality experience (2+ yrs), especially in managing a tasting room, is preferred. You should be professional, friendly and able to motivate your team. Knowledge of CRM systems and computer literacy is important. Applicants must be New Zealand residents or have the right to work there. This is a full-time position with a salary based on skill set.

To apply, send your CV to admin@chardfarm.co.nz

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

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

jet boat driver

Whether you’re already a skilled Jet boat driver or have what it takes to become one; we have an exciting opportunity for a Jet boat driver to join the world’s first commercial Jet boating company.

This is not just a job; it's a lifestyle. You'll be part of a close-knit team, sharing your love for adventure with people from all walks of life. We want passionate individuals who thrive in high-energy environments.

If you're ready to live life in the fast lane, possess some mechanical knowledge, and have a burning desire for adventure, then come and join our team of adrenaline junkies!

For entry level Jet boat drivers, we have a comprehensive training program and so a two-year fixed term contract will apply.

KJet thrill customers year-round, so this full-time position will include weekend and public holiday work.

For more information and to apply please email your CV to brett@kjet.co.nz

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 bar, restaurant or kitchen work you’re interested in, we’ve got it available at all levels

Our perks are pretty hard to beat:

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

• Sta accommodation options

• Epic sta parties

• Great sta incentives

• A trusting culture

• Competitive pay

• Free sta meals

• Training and upskilling

• A welcoming and friendly team

Get in touch and join us today, email HR@republicqt.co.nz and tell us what you’re looking for.

Check out our venues at www.republichospitality.co.nz

We are in search of a vibrant, energetic and innovative individual to join our front desk team at our property in Queenstown in a part time Night Audit role.

As a member of the front desk team you will be responsible for the security & safety of our guests and basic administrative duties whilst providing excellent customer service and a fun vibe.

The Role:

• Enthusiasm to connect with guests.

• Exceptional communication skills both written and verbal

• High level of computer literacy

• Excellent attention to detail

• Auditing and reconciliation tasks in accordance with policies and procedures.

• Provide accurate and up to date revenue reports.

• Complete Property checks to a high standard and action any cleanliness issues, noise complaints, trespassers and illegal guests.

• Handle conflict resolution matters in a prompt and efficient manner.

• Ensure guest security and privacy is maintained at all times.

• Previous Accommodation experience in Front Office/Security/Night Audit

• Must be able to work on a rotating roster which may include weekends.

• Must be available to work night 2 x shifts per week from 11pm until 7am.

Big Picture. Big Opportunities

With multiple properties, venues and tours throughout Australia and New Zealand we are a company that celebrates initiative and the right person could find themselves promoted and career bound in no time!.

The role requires a 6 month minimum commitment.

Please only apply if you are able to work night shifts. These shifts are from 11pm until 7am.

Please apply to: info@nomadsqueenstown.com

Housekeeping Supervisor – full time

Previous supervisor experience or minimum 6 months self checker

Engaging with team members

Great communicator both written and verbal

Eye for detail

Guests service agent – Receptionist – full time

Welcome our guests to the hotel Assist with their bookings and requests

Outgoing personality & a great communicator

Food & Beverage Attendants

Early starters for busy breakfasts

Experienced waiter staff for evenings

Outgoing personality

Room attendants

Good hours, large international team, 9am starts

CV and cover letter

Full-Time Landscape Gardener Queenstown

We are looking for our Spring crew! You will be fully trained and supported in all aspects of garden maintenance whilst looking after our prestigious properties in the Wakatipu area.

We offer:

• being part of a fun team

• the opportunity to learn new skills in a supportive environment

• subsidised social events

• the best views of any job!

To apply, you will need:

• Care factor and enthusiasm

• A reliable, self-motivated work ethic

• A willingness to learn and develop

• To follow instructions efficiently and safely

• To be eligible to work in NZ

• Own transport and full, clean driving licence

Experience would be helpful but not essential and being fit and active is important as it is a physical role

Please head to www.divalandscapes.co.nz and go to Contact Us / Employment to fill in an application form.

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.

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

DUTY MANAGER

F&B SUPERVISORS – MILLENNIUM & COPTHORNE HOTELS

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER –COPTHORNE HOTELS

NIGHT MANAGER

BUILDERS LABOURER

GUEST SERVICE AGENT

Rydges Lakeland Resort is looking for an experienced Guest service agent to join our busy and enthusiastic Front Office Team. You’ll be a dedicated and service oriented team player who is confident and like to be involved and to be given responsibility.

To be successful in this role you will have superior communication, an eye for detail and enjoy providing excellent customer service and guest experiences.

This is a Full Time position with a guaranteed 30 hours per week. Reporting to the Rooms Division Manager you will assist with the daily operation of the front office and ensure the service provided exceeds our guests expectations.

• Passionate about providing our guests with a great experience

• Previous experience in Front Office operations is desirable, however not essential.

• A high level of attention to detail.

• Excellent communication and guest relation skills.

• Able to handle guest complaints tactfully, maintain the property reputation and gain a favourable outcome for the guest You must have the legal right to work in New Zealand to apply. All applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 1years and be a NZ citizen/resident or hold a valid work visa.

If you believe this to be a suitable position for you, send your C.V to Jeremy_Black@evt.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

on;Eic Spir

We'relooking forconfidentand passionatepeopletobeakey partof creatinguniqueandmeaningfulexperiencesfor ourexclusiveguests.

VACANCIES INCL UDE:

HOUSEKEEPERS

NIGHT AUDITOR GUEST SERVICES AGENT

Wecanofferpermanent&casualroles, withcompetitivehourly rates, andasociableenvironment. We areanaccreditedemployer andcan provide full trainingand career-growthopportunities.

APPLY TODAY!

EMAIL: Your CV to recruitment@imperiumcollection.com

STOPBY:Dropoff your CV and meet us in person!

FINDOUTMORE: www.imperiumcollection.com

Front of House / Duty Manager

The Hills Golf Club has a full-time role for a Front of House superstar to join our Clubhouse team. We offer a generous hourly rate with attractive hours of work and only occasional late nights required for events.

We are looking for an individual with an amazing ‘can do’ personality, proven customer service skills, someone who shows initiative and who will fit in with the rest of our high performing team.

You will need to have 2+ years of experience in a Front of House role and have the following skills:

• Barista training / experience

• Be able to assist in setting up for and running events

• Stock control and general administration tasks.

• Bar skills & cocktail making

• Duty manager's licence would be desirable.

This is a full time, permanent position and you must already be based in Queenstown with the legal right to work. With great staff benefits including staff golf, subsidised lunches & uniform supplied this opportunity comes with an immediate start. Please forward your CV to annette.smith@thehills.co.nz

STAFF WANTED

B.T.P Wanaka is seeking qualified painters, apprentices and brush hands.

Join a well established friendly team working closely with Wanaka’s leading builders.

Applicants must have

• Great work ethic

• Reliable transport and current driving license

• Willingness to learn and happy to work in a team

• Good communication skills

• NZ residency or valid working visa

Successful applicants will enjoy excellent pay, great team environment, flexible working hours and working on award winning architectural projects.

Please email Ben paint@btppainting.com or call 020 4013 3350

Motorcycle Mechanic

Come for the ski season and don't want to leave? Passionate about motorcycles? Contact us today!

Full time and Fixed term positions available.

Remarkable Motorcycles is passionate for performance and the successful applicant will appreciate the importance of customer service whilst going above and beyond to ensure the highest standards of workmanship.

You will need to be motivated, honest, reliable, and have a good sense of humour. Be adaptable to all situations and willing to work on and off site.

CONTACT US TODAY ON 034414653 OR CONTACT@REMARKABLEMOTORCYCLES.CO.NZ 4/27 GLENDA DRIVE, FRANKTON, QUEENSTOWN