LWB_Issue_912_Online

LAKES WEEKLY

Over-tourism: how do we define ‘too much’?

As we approach peak tourism this winter many are experiencing flashbacks to 2019 pre-Covid days and the commentary that pervaded through the community.

“We’re overwhelmed by visitors” ... “did you see the gridlock this week” ... “the flights are just non stop” ... “people have no regard for our values” ... “How can we limit carbon with all this growth?”

These comments reflected community sentiment that the impact of tourists was too high. Of course, perception is very personal and very subjective. But it’s a real thing and stems from how we are impacted in our day-to-day lives as residents and how we feel about it.

To address the concern that there is ‘too much’, we need to define and unpick what ‘too much’ means. Is it simply a function of numbers, or is it the type and extent of impact? Is it how it affects us as a collective community or as individuals? Does it simply relate to how we feel or is it manifested in physical form? Is it what we see impacting on our environment and where do cultural behaviours fit into this?

If we can verbalise ‘too much’, we can work to find the Goldilocks ‘sweet spot’ where the value (and how we measure that) that our community sees in our tourism sector is not outweighed by negative impacts. What does ‘ideal’ look like? We need an examination of the ‘negative’ to see if these are solely tourist dependant or a reflection of our overall growth - or even if one is, in fact, fuelling the other. We can start by capturing the impacts and agreeing what level of impact is OK and how we can measure it. How to tell if we are thriving or simply surviving.

And once we know what we want, we can work out how to get there.

Shaping our Future are holding two public workshops as the first step of enabling these conversations. We’re going to work on what is known as our ‘social carrying capacity’. We want to hear from locals what ‘too much’ and ‘great’ look like, so we can influence the work that QLDC, Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism will be taking forward.

The Wānaka workshop is at Lake Wānaka Centre, 23 August 6.30-8.30pm. The Queenstown workshop is at Remarkables Primary School 24 August, 6.30-8.30pm

These are timed so you can rock up after your last laps on your favourite piste, rink, or track and hopefully miss the traffic ... haha. We are providing PIZZA & REFRESHMENTS so please let us know if you plan to attend. These should be wonderful conversations to join in and we’re looking forward to hearing your voices.

John Glover - Shaping

Our Future

Former Queenstowner Emma Timmis broke the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance run on a treadmill in 48 hours clocking up 340.36km on a treadmill last weekend - that’s the equivalent of eight marathons. See story page 7.

‘We need help to mitigate impacts’ - councillor

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown Lakes needs more direct infrastructure funding before locals will fall in love with tourism again, says councillor Matt Wong.

Last week, the New Zealanders’ Views of Tourism report found residents here have the most negative perception of the impacts of tourism in New Zealand. Like elsewhere in the country, they believe the industry is good for the economy and provides jobs, but unlike elsewhere, they want fewer tourists, not more, the survey found.

In NZ’s tourism capital, as the visitor numbers have returned post pandemic, locals are again acutely aware of the impact on traffic, the air, water, wildlife, general environment, culture, overcrowding, costs and a host of other downsides.

“There were some positives in the report with support for tourism growing nationally, and about 30% wanting more tourists in their districts, but that’s not a sentiment shared in Queenstown,” Wong says.

“When Queenstown is seen as a tourism mecca, but one that doesn’t have the social license and is not providing for its people, you have to look at all aspects of the ecosystem.

“We create a lot of GST and revenue for this country, but we aren’t getting anywhere near our proportion back, to support our own district and people with the infrastructure we need.

“We were close in 2019 with the visitor levy, which would have been great whatever form it takes, but now that’s off the table.

“Both major parties, Labour and National are saying ‘keep doing what you’re doing, we like the numbers’ . . . ‘but actually we’re not going to give you anything to help yourselves’.”

Wong, like Destination Queenstown boss Mat Woods, says if Central Government wants the tourism industry to improve its social licence and reduce its environmental footprint, it needs to provide more for the region’s impacted the most.

The visitor levy, or bed tax, needed some revision, he says, as it didn’t capture Airbnb or other visitors, instead placing the burden squarely on hotels and motels.

“But whatever the mechanism . . . they need to put their money where their mouth is.”

Wong owns the iFLY Indoor Skydiving business on Brecon Street, which is one of the streets improved through the Queenstown Streetscapes Project, which Government match-funded $35m with QLDC, through the Covidinspired ‘Shovel Ready’ Infrastructure Investment Fund.

But he believes the support from Central Government needs to be much deeper, as there aren’t enough Queenstown Lakes ratepayers to fund what is needed.

“It’s the big projects, a lot of fundamental things humans need, physiological needs: transport, rubbish, and fresh water and sewage.

“Our mixed use recycling plant, for example, is over-flowing. We’re dumping rubbish into the tip in peak season, because it just can’t handle it. And we don’t have enough money to fund another one.

“Sewage is another one, we know we’ve got aging pipes and these recent upgrades have dug up a lot of issues, and then you’ve got transport.”

Wong says the $115m put into the NZ Upgrade Programme and $50m for Queenstown downtown bypass is a “drop in the ocean” compared to Queenstown 7% GDP contribution and what’s needed, especially at Shotover Bridge. He also like to see more funding for cycle commuter routes.

“We have trades and families who need their vehicles but plenty of other people could hop on a bike or bus rather than dragging their car into work each day. There will be a tipping point, where it’s preferable to sitting in traffic.”

Wong’s recently bought an e-bike, which makes for a quicker commute into town from Fernhill when there’s traffic.

“If we had a proper commuter track, for example, we could take at least 10% or more Fernhill commuters and get them on bikes.”

With other regions likely to need increasing funding to deal with the impacts of climate change, Wong says either a visitor levy or GST return is needed for Queenstown, providing potentially $30m per annum.

He says Queenstown is already morphing from an alpine town into a small city “but Central Government isn’t quite seeing it that way yet.”

Councillor Matt Wong

Eight marathons on a treadmill in two days

By Paul Taylor

Former Queenstowner Emma Timmis has broken the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance run on a treadmill in 48 hours.

The adventurer, who last year became the fastest female to run the length of New Zealand, clocked up 340.36km on a treadmill last weekend - that’s the equivalent of eight marathons.

She ran 17.4km farther than previous record-holder Kristina Paltén, of Sweden.

Timmis, 39, says the origins of the record attempt came from the length of NZ run.

“At the end of that, my body was pretty destroyed but my mind was quite clear,” she says.

“I’m fascinated by psychology and the mindset of endurance sports, so I wondered what I could do that would be a real test of my mental strength.

“Running on a treadmill is probably the most awful thing you can think of as a trail runner, because it’s so boring. It’s like being locked in an empty room, there’s no stimulation.

“That’s why I lived in Queenstown. I love running through the mountains and through forests, up and down hills and along single tracks.

“It is really mentally hard to be on that treadmill, to be doing that physical movement that you love outdoors, but just in one place, not moving.”

Timmis, who lived in Queenstown from 2016 to 2020, and now lives in Reefton, set the world record at Koha Fitness in Christchurch, backed by a team of supporters and Guinness witnesses.

She ran in four hours chunks from 7am Friday to 7am Sunday, with 20 minute breaks in between, and a two-and-a-half-hour sleep break half way through, although she couldn’t doze off.

Did she find her mental limits?

“There were lots of highs and lows, and they’d come thinker and faster than they would do outside running 100ks. Every 15 minutes my mood would change from high to low or low to high, which was challenging.

“It was about recognising it was happening and being open with the people around me. I had such an amazing crew, which was really helpful. It takes a village to do something like that.”

Physically, it was tough too.

“When I broke the record, I still had about two-and-a-half hours to go, and my whole body was in a lot of pain, so there wasn’t a great celebration of that. It was more about focusing on the time left, about what I could put into it.

“When you’re outside, every footstep has a slight variation, you use your muscles in different ways, but on a treadmill every single step is exactly the same, so all your joints, your knees, ankles and hips because really painful because they’re getting that wear and tear in the same place over and over again.

“The last half an hour I got some energy and was back running again. All the pain disappeared and I felt great. I felt like I could have continued but I guess it’s just the adrenalin.

“I’ve recovered now but my toes are a bit of a mess.”

And Timmis, who has ran across Africa twice and also holds the unusual world record of the longest ElliptiGO bike trek, some 8,000km across Australia in 2017, says the 48-hour record wasn’t the original goal.

Instead, it was a ultimately a training run for an attempt later this year on the 833km world record for the greatest distance covered on a treadmill in one week, fundraising for Youthline and Christchurch charity Speed Freaks, which uses walking and running to help people overcome addiction and other mental health issues.

For that one, though, she says she might see if she can at least move the treadmill outside.

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Emma Timmis before her record-breaking run

Timmis celebrates with her support crew

Arts+Culture

First Thursdays August – Join Queenstown’s favourite late night art crawl

For close to two years First Thursdays Queenstown has brought a monthly free and family-friendly event celebrating the diversity of arts and culture to Queenstown. We’ve created new art lovers, brought lots of great artists to town, collaborated with local organisations, and had a lot of fun. After the 3rd of August, First Thursdays will become a quarterly event roughly aligned with the seasons and we look forward to welcoming you back in November.

August’s offering includes two new solo shows at Milford Galleries. Painter Amanda Gruenwald’s large canvases are rich in colour with a visceral solidity, in part informed by her making process. Pouring initial shapes onto a flat canvas the artist creates shapes that form the basis for her intuitive process of repeated addition and removal of paint.

Also opening at Milford is sculptor Hannah Kidd who creates lifesized animals formed from the most rustic of metal materials –thick steel wire and flattened corrugated iron – that simultaneously lovingly acknowledge and subvert concepts and forms of Kiwiana. Join Hannah at 5.30pm at Milford Galleries for an artist talk about this new exhibition.

Starkwhite Queenstown continues its exhibition Surface Tension featuring the work of high-profile Australian painters Sally Gabori, Michael Zavros, and Jonny Niesche alongside leading NZ and international artists. New to the gallery are works by Australian painter Paul Davies. Davies’ Mid-Century aesthetic joins an exhibition that explores the medium of painting in an expanded sense, including several works also trouble the traditional understanding of painting. Paul Davies will be speaking about his practice at 6.30pm at Starkwhite during First Thursdays.

Artbay is showing work by artists Michael Moore and Ilya Volykhine. Moore continuously draws on the land for his practice, painting its trees and forms across works on canvas and board. “I am passionately connected to the New Zealand landscape and my life as a painter allows me to continually express its effect upon me,” he says. Figurative artist Ilya Volykhine creates works that are darkly comic, the characters within his paintings battling their way through the anxieties and joy of life. The artist’s intuitive process, alongside a willingness and confidence to allow the story to unfold creates a space for his characters to breathe and take on a life yet unexplored.

Lightworx offers work by Max Patté and Tim Christie. Patté’s light sculptures explore the qualities of liminal spaces between light and colour. The artist intends his work to be “pivotal in uplifting your mood, your feelings and the space in which it is hung.” Tim Christie’s desire to explore light as a medium was a natural progression from earlier digital works and paintings. He draws upon high contrast in his work, using an oscillating effect of black and white lines in close proximity to create a rhythm, energy, and a vibrational quality. Head to Romer Gallery for large format landscape photographs by Stephan Romer that capture wild places and remote locations. Stephan recently took home several wins at the 2023 London Photography Awards, a competition recognising photographers across a range of categories. His work Maniototo, won Platinum in both the Natural Art and Long Exposure categories and is currently on display at Romer Gallery to admire in-person.

Please join us for the last monthly First Thursdays on the 3rd of August. Bringing together Starkwhite, Milford Galleries, Romer, Artbay, and Lightworx, First Thursdays Queenstown connects people with creativity. Based around Earl Street and Marine Parade, six spaces offer exhibitions, talks, and opportunities to engage with the creative community during a special late-night opening. Thanks to Akarua, join us for a glass of some of this region’s finest wine as you take in the exhibitions. Maps are available at participating galleries and on the First Thursdays Queenstown instagram –@firstthursdaysqt – and facebook page.

First Thursdays Queenstown from 5–7pm on Thursday 3 August

Artist Talks:

5.30pm – Hannah Kidd at Milford Galleries, 9a Earl Street

6.30pm – Paul Davies at Starkwhite Queenstown, 1 – 7 Earl Street

Max Patté , Almond Blossom

Paul Davies, Untitled (2023)

Stephan Romer, Maniototo

New art initiative in town

By Jess Allen

Taste of Art, or TART, is a new group of artists that seek to innovate the cultural field in Queenstown. Their aim is to create new events that don’t currently exist in the local art scene and to connect with the community through their artistic activities in public and inclusive spaces.

Since forming, the group have hit the ground running and have already hosted one workshop, with more planned as well as a street performance. Community is at the heart of what they do –group members come from all over the world and their upcoming performance will revolve around the deep and often overlooked of experience and loneliness among immigrants.

Lucas Rodriguez is one of the founding group members and shares that the group emerged as a response to the need for new cultural spaces that are currently lacking in Queenstown. Their idea is not necessarily to make a big group, but a strong group.

“It started two years ago as a group of immigrants from everywhere – we ran it in houses, living rooms and gardens, and we made a small exhibition, which was mostly paintings and music paired together,” says Lucas. “Then it started to grow and there was 70 – 80 people inside and we started thinking ‘this is getting too big, now we can make something more serious, how do we take the next steps?’ So we created this group and called it TART – Taste of Art.”

As it started to grow the group started to integrate all different forms of art and now includes dancers, musicians, painters, poets, writers,

Arts+Culture News

The positive impact of local events has been recognised through the latest local council grants. Councillors have approved QLDCs latest events funding at the end of June. A total of $492,835 will go towards attracting and supporting sports, arts, cultural and community events in the district. QLDC’s Event Funding Panel have approved funding for a number of events including Challenge Wanaka, LUMA Southern Lights Project, Arrowton Autumn Festival, Wanaka A&P Show, Winter Pride and Queenstown Multicultural Festival. Councillor Craig Ferguson, chair of the panel said it was fantastic to see the sector regrowing. “These events lift our local economy, entertain and enlighten, and have a positive impact on our community’s wellbeing — whether it’s via residents enjoying what’s on offer or taking part as a volunteer.”

and more. Moving forward they hope to continue to put on workshops, put on exhibitions and create street performances.

“My goal with the workshops is to show everyone that they can paint. I make it as easy as possible and a lot of fun. I also want to create some workshops with different types of painting exercises – so you wouldn’t come and just paint a mountain, but I would ask people what they have in their mind and what they want to paint, and we can see how we can create it. Also, if we make an ugly scene, we can have fun anyway. I want to try and make it a fresh, open space – not like academic art.”

They’re working on an upcoming street performance called Loneliness, which will be the first major event for the group. It will include a range of different performers, encompassing sound and visual artistic expressions. It’s aim is to connect artists, art enthusiasts, and even those who have had limited exposure to their art forms, allowing everyone to actively participate in the performance of unique artistic identity.

“I love Queenstown and I really want to give the community something else and not just keep this for my friends and myself. It’s super important.”

Lucas also wanted to thank all the sponsors that have helped to bring TART to life, “Te Hautoka and Creative Communities. Also, mentors like Silvia Dancose from QLDC and Eric Lim from Multicultural Festival and Tāhuna Kollektif, who help us and accompany us in every step we take.”

Keep your eyes peeled for TARTs first exhibition. The group is continuing to grow and always welcoming new members. You can find them by searching Taste of Art on Facebook, and get in touch if you’d like to get involved.

Funding needed to tackle feral cats

By QMG

Conservation organisation Southern Lakes Sanctuary is calling for the inclusion of feral cats in the NZ Government’s Predator Free 2050 strategy

More than 2.5 million feral cats now reside in Aotearoa, and this record number continues to rise every week.

Southern Lakes Sanctuary project director Paul Kavanagh says urgent funding is required to humanely control the pests, which are a significant threat to the country’s native birdlife and are responsible for the extinction of native birds including the Stephen Island wren, and endangering iconic Kiwi birds such as the kea.

The non-profit charitable organisation is facing a funding cliff of June 2024. “The reproductive potential of a single female cat is estimated at 300 kittens in her reproductive lifetime,” he says. “This means the feral cat population is increasing significantly every week, and we need to ramp up our efforts to control these populations to save our native taonga species.”

The NZ Government has confirmed a review of the Predator Free 2050 strategy will take place in 2024 under public consultation. The inclusion of feral cats would generate more funding to enable Southern Lakes Sanctuary to increase resources and continue their crucial conservation work.

Southern Lakes Sanctuary humanely captures and kills feral cats in the Southern Lakes region. The feral cat population is self-sustaining – they do not rely on humans to survive and are generally located in remote areas.

Male feral cats captured in the South Island high country usually weigh about 3.75kg but can weigh up to a whopping 10kg.

“It’s important to distinguish the difference between types of cats,” Kavanagh says. “We are absolutely not talking about domestic, companion cats here, or stray cats, which depend on ad-hoc human interaction. We are trying to decrease the widespread population of wild, feral cats which are destroying our endangered birds and reptiles.”

The humane trapping and killing of feral cats is a skilled task only undertaken by staff who have extensive training. The SPCA acknowledges, via a Position Statement on the organisation’s website, that feral cats are considered a pest and the SPCA supports the justified humane population management.

Kavanagh says that the Southern Lakes Sanctuary is careful not to endanger any domestic cats and updates in technology make this entirely possible.

“Some of our traps have a daytime excluder to reduce the likelihood of catching pets, and we are investigating getting a microchip feature which would override the trap if detected,” he says.

“We also focus on live trapping to mitigate the potential risk to companion cats, and we meet with local homeowners to see what their companion cats look like. However, we are trapping in remote areas where the risk of encountering a companion cat is extremely low.”

The Council Word

Local arts funding

Keen on delivering an arts-based project in the Queenstown Lakes District? Apply for a grant from the Creative Communities Scheme. The latest funding round is open until 25 August. For more info visit qldc.govt.nz/community/community-funding

Free winter wellness sessions

Join us for our last two Winterdaze events of the season: 3 August – winter cooking and nutrition; 10 August – mindfulness, meditation and munch. Both events 10.00am-12.00pm at Happiness House on Park Street. Free to attend – all welcome! Full details on Facebook @QLDCinfo

Winter walking challenge

Stay active with QLDC Sport & Recreation’s Winter Wander – a series of self-paced, local walks beginning 7 August. Complete each one and be in to win a three-month gym and swim pass. More info and rego at qldc.govt.nz/winterwander

Changes to parking fees

Parking fees have changed recently in several locations across Queenstown. Did you know these fees are used to subsidise the public transport service? For more info on this and related topics head to qldc.govt.nz/parking

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

Growing stronger communities

QLDC has teamed up with Central Otago District Council and Inspiring Communities to host an interactive session on ways to help communities grow stronger through collaboration. Cromwell Presbyterian Church, 9.30am-3.30pm on 25 August. Tickets $25 available at humanitix.com/nz

www.qldc.govt.nz

A feral cat captured on a trail camera

A kea stands on a rock. Photo: Geoff Marks

R&A’s line-up announced, tickets on sale

By Paul Taylor

Benee, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Ocean Alley and Synthony are booked to perform for a crowd of 10,000 at this year’s Rhythm & Alps Festival, in Cardrona Valley.

Organisers of the three-day bash, the South Island’s biggest New Year’s Eve party, have announced the first 16 acts on the bill, with more to be revealed over the coming weeks.

Now in its 13th year, the festival welcomes back popstar Stella Bennett, aka Benee, for a one-off Aotearoa summer show, as well as festival favourites

Fat Freddy’s Drop and Ocean Alley, who make their South Island exclusive appearances.

Synthony, which features a live orchestra with vocalists, instrumentalists, DJs and an immersive visual show, will headline New Year’s Eve, complete with fireworks show.

Event organiser Alex Turnbull says: “We are immensely proud of the carefully curated first artist announce for the 2023 event.

“We have worked hard over the years to build an inclusive event, with a little something for everybody - performers and festival goers alike - and 2023 promises to be another exciting and welcoming festival for all.”

Northern Ireland electronic music production and DJ duo Bicep make a festival return after heavy demand from their southern fans, while hip-hop crew Home Brew and Australian dance act Peking Duk will also perform.

Leading-edge rapper and gifted hip-hop act out of Compton, Chanel Tres, and Australasia’s most streamed Country artist, the award-winning and multitalented Kaylee Bell, are also on the bill, demonstrating its variety.

Belfast Music producer and DJ, Calibre, Aotearoa’s award-winning force Paige Julia, and one of the scene’s most exciting talents, Disrupta, along with UK duo Sigma are all scheduled to perform across the three days. And, rounding out the first festival announcement are NZ’s most noteworthy breakout dance DJs, Bontempo, Melbourne-based producer Nice Girl, UK house producer Ross From Friends, and roots-driven hypnotic dance trio My Baby.

“Rhythm & Alps is the best place to be in New Zealand for New Year’s,” Turnbull says. “Awesome music, immaculate stage production, amazing weather and a 100% good vibes.”

The music and camping festival opens in the afternoon on 29 December and the last act finishes in the wee hours of 1 January, 2024.

The festival welcomes 10,000 partygoers and more than 6,000 campers, with just over 40% of attendees from outside the region. Tickets are on sale now.

G. FRANKLIN BUILDING

Rhythm & Alps. Photo: Lucas Perelini

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My Life Story

by Sue Fea

RUSSELL CARR

Never one for just another day in the office

He’s been one of the region’s leading Search and Rescue [SAR] volunteers and a top NZ heli-ski guide with 42 years’ experience. With a CV stretching the length of the South Island, Russell Carr’s never been one for ‘just another day at the office’.

An experienced psychopaedic nurse, his immense backcountry know-how led him to become a renowned film location scout and safety auditor, and eventually a police jailor.

Born in Scotland, Russell’s World War II veteran Kiwi dad and Scottish mum moved to Christchurch when he was two. While at Mairehau College he developed a love for hunting and fishing, first introduced to skiing at 25 by now wife of 52 years Clare. “I said, ‘I’m never doing this again. It’s awful’, but I had one more go to impress her and got hooked.” Both psychopaedic nurses, Clare and Russell worked the Mount Hutt ski patrol by day and Templeton Hospital at night.

At 16, Russell and his mates had headed north to work at Marsden Point Oil Refinery, saving for their OE. It took six weeks in 1964 to sail to London, costing £607 return.

Russell worked in the spinal unit at Sydney’s Prince Henry Hospital, before returning to NZ where he was called up for Military training. Back nursing, he took up karate to keep fit, eventually teaching it. He joined the Canterbury Tramping Club, and became a SAR volunteer in the mid70s. At just 23, but with all the right knowledge, he sat on the Avalanche Committee of the NZ Mountain Safety Council and was a mountain and bushcraft instructor.

Russell and Clare married in Queenstown in 1971, moving here in 1978. In 1979 Ski School director Fraser Skinner told him to go and see Alpine Helicopters general manager Don Spary who was looking for a heli-ski guide. “I said, ‘What’s that?’”

“Don said, ‘I want someone who can take people out skiing and not be afraid of avalanches’, to which I replied that person would be a fool,” grins Russell.

Alpine Helicopters began heli-ski trips, working with Russell’s karate mate Paul Scaiffe, of Harris Mountains Heli-Ski, first flying Wanaka clients and eventually joining forces to form Harris Mountains Heli-Ski Queenstown. Renowned mountaineer Mark Whetu was also guiding.

By 1980 Russell was Queenstown’s Police SAR advisor, holed up in the station with US Secret Service guys as South Island advisor during US President Bill Clinton’s 1999 visit.

In 2002 with more than 30 years’ service he was awarded a QSM (Queen’s Service Medal). Russell served with Wakatipu SAR for 40 years in all, and he only hung up his heli-skis last year, aged 76.

As if all that wasn’t exciting enough, Russell’s clocked 30 years in the film industry as a location scout and safety auditor, with his backcountry knowledge in strong demand. He’s worked on hundreds of commercials and movies, including 10,000BC, Race to the Yankee Zephyr and Willow, and sailed with Sir Peter Blake on Enza filming a documentary in the Pacific. Most of the work was prior to digital film. “They’d write the story board and I’d decide where they could go, sending photos that took four days to be developed.”

After the Cave Creek disaster Glenorchy DOC ranger Brian Ahern asked Russell to be a safety auditor, which he did for adventure tourism for 20 years, completing more than 350 audits.

He’s driven many alleged offenders to Invercargill Prison as police jailor, his psychopaedic nursing and karate training at the ready. “I’ve never felt threatened.” Russell can be walking down the street in his civvies one minute then phoned by the police to board a plane immediately with a prisoner. Far harder, he’s guarded fatal accident and crime scenes, but is renowned for remaining calm. “The worse the situation is the calmer I become. I don’t know why.”

At his suggestion a local SAR exercise focused on the area where an English tramper had gone missing. “Blow me down if we didn’t find him. His grieving parents, in NZ at the time, were very grateful.”

Russell’s also worked as a jetboat driver, adventure tour operator, art promoter, deer farmer, and more recently a private limo tour driver. He’s health and safety advisor to the Kelvin Peninsula’s Get Ready Group, charged with preparing for a one in 350-year earthquake. He writes poetry, and on Sundays you’ll find him at the Salvation Army Church service.

Russell, right, with family, from left, Jessica, Jono and Clare, and grandchildren, front from left, Huxley, Ayla and Harris, in Zion National Park, Utah, USA

Russell, front, back in the day with Enza and its famous skipper (Sir) Peter Blake behind, in the Hauraki Gulf

Happy

GOINGS ON ABOUT

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART

THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES

Raising Resilient, Body-Confident Kids in the Digital Age

An evening to discover a new and empowering toolkit to make parenting easier and less stressful. Learn best practice tools and strategies for cultivating resilience and body confidence in your children from two experts who share humbling stories and the latest research. Celia Hogan is an education specialist, parenting coach and speaker and Emma Wright is a local speaker, author and eating disorder survivor. The workshop is designed for parents of 3-10-year-olds. Learn more online at Humantix or email: emma@emmawright.co.nz or celia@littlekiwisnatureplay.com with any questions.

When: Thursday August 10, 7:00 pm -9:00 pm

Where: Remarkable Primary School

Financial Literacy Workshops @ Frankton Library

ASB Community Banker, Shyla Hona, is conducting a series of financial literacy and wellbeing workshops that will help whānau into the mindset of forming a healthy relationship with money. This weeks topic is for first home buyers and covers the house buying journey, saving for a deposit, Kiwisaver and the purchasing process. You do not have to bank with ASB to attend the workshops as they are purely educational. This is a free programme and to attend contact Frankton Library at frankton.library@qldc.govt.nz or (03) 441 3680.

When: Thursday August 3, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Where: Frankton Library Meeting Room

Queenstown Library Book Club

Queenstown Library Book Club meet once a month exploring different topics and genres. The group loves new members! Each reader chooses an individual item around the monthly theme to discuss and share a brief review with the group. This is a free event. Email amy.oreilly@qldc.govt.nz for more information.

When: Thursday August 3, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Where: Queenstown Library, Gorge Road

Pasta Café

Pasta Cafe is back for the 4 x Friday evenings in August. Wakatipu Church and Queenstown Lakes District Council invite everyone to come and enjoy free home baking, music, full plates of pasta and good conversation.

Pasta Café is open to anyone in the region whether visitors, here for a few days on the snow, ski workers, families or local residents, and especially those sleeping in their cars. Sometimes it’s a struggle for people to connect in this busy town and or to feed themselves and their family. This is a time to enjoy great food and great conversations.

Last year Pasta Café served over 600 free meals over the 4 nights their were open, this year they expect to surpass that figure.

When: Friday August 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Where: St Margaret’s Presbyterian Church, Ross Street, Frankton

Back To Black - an unfaithful look at Amy Winehouse

In the early 2000s, Amy Winehouse singlehandedly dragged the genre of jazz into the twenty-first century. She tore up the book of jazz standards and instead wrote songs about chavs at the nightclub, messy break-ups and flatmates who smoke all your weed.

Sadly, she didn’t survive the pressure of fame, drugs and relentless paparazzi, but her music lives on. “Back To Black” is taking an unfaithful look into Amy Winehouse’s troubled loves, wild ways and amazing music.

When: Thursday August 3, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm or 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Where: The Blue Door, 18 Buckingham Street Arrowtown

Afro dance class

Afro dance class - learning to move to West African rhythms, mainly Guinean influenced by Afro-brazilian and Afro-cuban cultures. It’s about connecting with our body and the fire inside us. It is a powerful, highintensity and fun dance. We move and shake our body following the drums - yes this class has live drumming!

Dancing is the best way to workout our body, mind and soul. No experience required, come as you are. Drop-in. Cost between $15-$20. More info on Instagram @afrodanceqt or contact Melina Shabel on Facebook.

When: Every Tuesday 11:00am or Thursdays 7.30 pm

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

Salsa Night (SBZK) at The Found

Salsa Night (SBZK) happens every second Thursday!! Dust off your dance shoes and join a fun night of dancing with all the best Salsa, Bachata, Zouk and Kizomba.

When: Thursday 3 August between 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm

Where: The Found, 182 Arthurs Point Rd, Arthurs Point

ALL YOU CAN EAT PIZZA

Stacks at Hilton Queenstown

Join us every Tuesday for All You Can Eat Pizza at Stacks, Pizza & Burger Bar. Enjoy all the pizzas you can down, plus a house beverage at $49. Kids dine at 50% off. The perfect stop-off for an après day off the mountain. Refuel and relax by the roaring fire.

LWB Reader Offer: Enter ‘LWB’ at checkout for a bowl of curly fries for the table

When: Tuesday’s in August, 4.30pm – 7.30pm

Where: Stacks Pizza & Burger Bar, Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

To book: Scan the QR code

EVENT

First Thursday - Queenstown’s favorite late night art crawl

First Thursday’s Queenstown is a free community event that celebrates the diversity of arts and culture in the region. It’s a friendly art crawl where you chose the route and the amount of time spent at each exhibition.

Bringing together StarkWhite, Milford Galleries, Romer, Artbay and Lightworx First Thursdays seeks to connect people with creativity and offers exhibitions, talks and opportunities to meet like-minded individuals during a special late-night opening from 5pm-7pm. See this week’s Arts and Culture for more.

When: Thursday August 3, between 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Where: Marine Parade and Earl Street, Queenstown

DFS Beauty Night Out

Visit the DFS Queenstown store to celebrate the biggest beauty event of the year. Bring your glam and get ready to glow as T Galleria celebrates beauty in all its shapes, colours and forms.

This event features a live DJ, contemporary dance performance, perfume-inspired mocktails and exceptional promotions.

When: Friday 4 August 5 pm – 7 pm

Where: T Galleria by DFS, 30 Camp Street, Queenstown

Jive & Thrive - Queenstown’s Modern Jive Weekend

A weekend of dance filled with wellbeing: Workshops, Performances & Parties!

Jive & Thrive returns next weekend to share the sense of joy & wellbeing from partner dancing. With instructors coming from across the country and Australia, Jive & Thrive appeals to a broad cross section of dancers –it’s also for anyone new who wants to come and give it a whirl. During the weekend there are 2 Gold Coin Donation classes open to everyone: a yoga class & a Newcomers dance class.

Community Events that are open to everyone are Yoga on Saturday 12th August, 9.45am-10.30am and a Newcomers Class on Saturday 12th August, 3.45pm-4.45pm. More information is on the Jive and Thrive website.

When: Friday August 11 from 6:30 pm to Sunday August 13 at 3:30 pm

Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Drive

Synthony in the Snow

Night skiing meets electrifying beats at Coronet Peak for a world-first experience – Synthony In The Snow!. Experience the thrill of night skiing before SYNTHONY begins at the base of Coronet Peak with 30 years of the biggest dance anthems, orchestra, vocalists, instrumentalists, DJs, and mesmerizing lighting and visuals.

Reimagined club classics from Eric Prydz to Avicii, Energy52, Fat Boy Slim, Darude, and more!

SYNTHONY No.1 promises to ignite your senses and leave you breathless.

When: Saturday 19 August from 4:30 pm

Where: Coronet Peak

NZ Mountain Film Festival

The Headwaters Eco Lodge is hosting the NZ Mountain Film Festival in Glenorchy. This year’s films feature some of Aotearoa’s most iconic & dramatic scenery, and the kiwis who challenge themselves to achieve incredible feats & make a difference in their communities

The NZ Mountain Film Festival is a selection of award winning short films that will leave you feeling inspired. Tickets are available online at Headwaters Eco Lodge website.

When: Thursday August 3 from 7:00 pm

Where: 42 Oban Street, Glenorchy

COMMUNITY NOTES

Pasta Café is back on the menu with lashings of love and hearty helpings

by Sue Fea

It’s been a highlight of Queenstown’s ski season for 21 years, delighting many a weary, homesick skifield worker longing for Mum’ s hearty home cooking, but Wakatipu Presbyterian Church’s annual free-for-all Pasta Café is just as much a hit with the locals.

Held at St Margaret’s Church in Frankton, the recipe hasn’t changed –lashings of love served up with endless, multiple free helpings loaded with pasta, homemade meat sauce, topped with cheese, veggies and bread. There’s even a vegetarian option and it’s all beautifully topped off with the highlight for many – delicious home-baking. And it’s not just the church Grandmas’ baking, assures Pastor Ian Guy, who’s been whipping up his specialty chocolate chip cookies.

A team of some 25 church volunteers range in age from 20 to 80, including restaurant and hotel chefs, and there’s a wonderful globally united atmosphere, with live entertainment, as well as crafts and games for the kids. More and more local families have been coming to Pasta Café in recent years to enjoy not only the free meal, but the loving atmosphere and community, says Ian.

“This isn’t just a free meal. We have everyone from those roughing it in cars to quite wealthy people. It’s a wonderful chance to connect and meet new people of all ages,” says Ian. “People keep asking for it every year.”

It’s become such a vital connection for the community that the Queenstown Lakes District Council has included Pasta Café in its Winterdaze programme, this year themed around Winter Wellness.

Council Wellbeing Programme Co-ordinator Samantha Saccomanno says while the free Friday night dinners are great, Pasta Café is also all about connection and bringing people together through kai. “It’s an amazing initiative that brings people together from all walks of life,” she says.

“The council and social agencies see us as filling a gap locally,” says Ian. With the cost of living and groceries rising so high, Ian’s expecting even bigger numbers this year. While in its central Queenstown heyday Pasta Café turned out as many as 500 free meals a night with lengthy queues down Stanley Street, volunteers are expecting to turn out more than 200 meals each night. Each Friday they go through 20kgs of mince and pasta, and copious blocks of cheese.

Kiwi Harvest is a wonderful contributor, bringing in surplus produce. However, this year the pickings are a bit slim, and with an even greater need anticipated amid increased living costs any donations are welcome, says Ian. The church has set up a Pasta Café Givealittle page to help cover any shortfall, but it’s largely all funded from church coffers.

To anyone who sees the event as charity, Ian says: ‘Leave your pride at the door.”

“We feel we’ve been blessed, and we want to share God’s goodness with others,” he says. “It’s our way of paying it forward and expressing our faith through our actions.”

St Margaret’s Church, cnr Ross and McBride Sts, Frankton

Four Fridays from August 4 | 6 pm – 8 pm

To donate: givealittle.co.nz/org/wpchurch

The housing crisis and how you can help?

If you have a spare room and want to show manaaki (hospitality and care) by offering someone a place to live but you’re not sure where to start, QLDC has created a Winter Manaaki page with lots of great advice.

On the page you can learn more about:

• Choosing whether you’d like to offer short-term accommodation or longer term.

• Links to Tenancy Services to find out all about the different types of tenancies you can provide.

• Taking in a boarder is another option - check out the link to read what advice the Citizens Advice Bureau imparts.

• Learn about tenancy rules, including resources about ‘flatmate agreements’ and guidance on short, fixed-term tenancy arrangements.

• Check out Trade Me’s great guide for interviewing potential boarders or flatmates.

• What are your tax implications? There is a link to the IRD for those who choose to rent a room in their main home.

• On Super? Make sure you understand any implications renting or sharing your accommodation might have on your payments.

Check out all the links at QLDC’s Winter Manaaki webpage by using the QR Code here:

Volunteers during a previous Pasta Café, among them a few well known friendly faces including former Queenstown breakfast radio DJ Grant Stewart, front right

FOUND

Lost and Found

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

• D. LODER – purse

• SALLY SPRATT – wallet

• GO PRO 9 BLACK, located at Remarkables Skifield

• YELLOW IPHONE in Black and blue case, ‘Doodle Devil’ on rear, found at Remarkables Skifield

• KINDLE in brown leather case, found at the Airport

• DAYPACK, ‘North Face’ containing laptop, found on the bus 05/07/23

• TAYLAH – your birthday present from Maddie and Mitch has been handed into the Police Station

• SMALL KIDS UNICORN PURSE, pink

For Sale

BRAND NEW VOLKL RTM JUNIOR SKIS, 130CM plus brand new Marker bindings. These skis are brand new, l just removed the plastic wrapper for the photo. A great Volkl ski for an assertive junior skier or small adult. Call Neil On 027 499 1212

SHOES UNLIMITED - THERE’S EVEN MORE BARGAINS to be had in our amazing winter sale - well worth a look in our Queenstown Central store at Frankton or online www. shoesunlimited.co.nz

Community

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Everything Else

QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST. WED (2 Aug), @ 6:30pm, Wednesday evening class; SUN (6 Aug), from 2:30pm - 5:30pm, Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoche’s guidance on “A Guide to the Way of Life of a Bodhisattva”. All sessions are free with dana for the centre/teacher gratefully accepted. For session details, see dharmacentre.org.nz or FB.

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

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

TIMBER / LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATIONS

Covering the Southern Lakes Area. 0211788589

DOES YOUR HOME NEED A FRESHEN UP?

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

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 WEEKLY POLL

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

Do the Commonwealth Games still have a place in the modern world?

Yes - 49% No - 30%

Unsure - 21%

Should government provide financial assistance to boost the number of students in critical fields affected by staffing shortages, such as teachers, nurses and doctors?

Yes - 84% No - 10%

Unsure - 6%

Should people who are rescued from the mountains or backcountry pay towards the costs?

Yes - 59% No - 19%

Would you support a Capital Gains Tax as a way to increase health and education funding?

to the idea

NUESTRA VOZ

Por Daniela Díaz Soto ddiazsoto@gmail.com

De la pérdida al aprendizaje

Nos fuimos y nunca más regresamos. Nos embarcamos a un destino desconocido sin saber lo que nos íbamos a encontrar. Fuimos valientes y muchos dejamos a nuestras familias con la incertidumbre de no saber cuándo las volveríamos a ver. Sin duda una travesía excitante y novedosa que despierta a su vez emociones complejas, entre la añoranza por lo que queda atrás y la ambivalencia de adaptarnos a una nueva realidad.

Esa montaña rusa que no podemos describir, es una respuesta natural a esta experiencia de ser inmigrante y es ahí cuando comienza lo que se denomina el duelo migratorio. Como individuos experimentamos pérdidas constantemente y de cualquier tipo, ya sea de personas, intereses o situaciones. En el caso de los inmigrantes, no siempre podemos determinar o entender lo que perdimos.

Como lo explica la psicóloga argentina Alejandra Pinther, “al emigrar se ven involucrados muchos cambios, hay que pasar por periodos de adaptación para poder recuperar parte del estilo de vida que se tenía. Cuando hay una pérdida, tarde o temprano se desarrolla un proceso de duelo. Este cambio genera estrés y esto, por lo tanto, afecta nuestro estado emocional”.

La pérdida del inmigrante se relaciona a los vínculos afectivos y de sostén, a la lengua, a la cultura, al trabajo, estudios y estatus social; a desajustes en el proyecto migratorio, que es cuando nuestros planes resultan distintos a lo que esperábamos; y el duelo por no regresar, ligado a esa contradicción constante entre felicidad y tristeza provocada por los reencuentros y despedidas cada vez que volvemos al país de origen.

Para superar estos quiebres es crucial vivir y procesar el duelo como tal, de lo contrario enfrentaremos dificultades que tomarán tiempo sanar.

Definitely - 23%

Open to the idea - 30% No - 36%

Unsure - 11%

Should Council be taking a more active leadership role in the housing rental crisis?

Unsure - 22% Yes - 70% No - 24%

Unsure - 6%

There were 212 respondents this week. If you would like to take part: you can sign up on the LWB Facebook page.

En casos crónicos se podría desarrollar el llamado “Síndrome de Ulises”, término acuñado por la psiquiatría en 2002 y que se basa en el personaje homónimo de la novela de Homero, La Odisea, un fuerte navegante que tenía un deseo continuo de regresar a casa mientras enfrentaba peligros y adversidades.

Si pensamos estar atravesando un duelo migratorio, Alejandra Pinther aconseja transitar las emociones como el miedo, frustración, tristeza o enojo, sin reprimirlas. Enfocarnos en el presente y encontrar lo que ofrece esta nueva realidad, buscar espacios sociales de aceptación y reconocimiento, aprender nuevas habilidades e involucrarse en actividades que te permitan ser parte de tu nueva comunidad.

Si la angustia permanece y comienza a afectar nuestra calidad de vida, lo mejor es consultar con un profesional o grupos de apoyo que ayuden a transitar de mejor forma esta etapa.

No hay estrategias para evitar este duelo, pero sí cada uno de nosotros carga con historias únicas y valiosas, por lo que es importante compartir nuestras experiencias y construir espacios de conexión para así aprender de ellas y de los demás. Esta oportunidad nos permitirá ver que es un momento para reinventarnos, descubrirnos a nosotros mismos y fortalecernos emocionalmente.

• Los invito a escribir a mi e-mail sus comentarios, ideas o preguntas.

Queenstown rower takes Paris

By Jess Allen

Year 13 Wakatipu High School student Marley Smith has been selected for the New Zealand under 19 Men’s 4x Rowing Crew and will be competing for the World Championship in Paris this month. He’s the first Whakatipu Rowing Club member to win the New Zealand selection since the 70s – he and his family are currently over there for the event.

The 17 year old has a long list of accolades including an impressive academic record. He won the Open Men’s (Adult) Single Scull title at both the Otago and Canterbury Championship Regattas during the 2023 season, something not achieved before by a school-aged male rower.

inspired to get into rowing when his older sister was rowing when she also attended Wakatipu High. His dad, Bas Smith, explains that while rowing is New Zealand’s second-biggest sport (behind rugby), it gets more funding than any other sport in the country and flies a little under-the-radar.

“Every little town in New Zealand that’s close to a waterway has a rowing club,” says Bas. “Whakatipu Rowing Club has had a rowing club for a long time – we’re based in Lake Hayes – and just over the last ten years or so, we’ve seen a resurgence in kids performing out there and there’s been a growth in the attention parents have given it. We’ve built it into a pretty cool club these days.”

Over the past few years the club has seen an increase in the amount of talent coming through. They’ve won the President’s Trophy for the Top Sculling School in New Zealand for the past two years. Marley has been a top single sculler in New Zealand for the past two years for his age group and this year won the under 18 Single Scull at Maadi Cup, which is the biggest national school championship competition.

“I’ve done a lot of work with the school over the last couple of years to try and relate the effects – Wakatipu High is really big on the positive effects of organised sport. Rowing is one of those sports that is really quite measurable to show how good the kids are doing from it. It is one of those sports that requires a lot of commitment, early mornings and late nights, but what you see as being a part of it is the reason that private schools and big budget

schools actually put time into this is because it creates really amazing young people. They get a great buzz out of it – they’re better at school, they’re more organised,” says Bas.

In sports, Marley looks up to former Wakatipu High School student and NZ rowing elite squad member, Ben Mason. He’s thankful to his family – to his mum, Cesca, for teaching him to work hard, that family comes first and to always look after his mates, and his sister, Lucia, for teaching him to chat with girls.

“Growing up here in Wakatipu, my parents’ mates are an amazing bunch of humble legends. We can be on the chairlift, skiing hard for a few runs with someone and later my dad says, ‘he’s climbed Everest six times, or she started that well-known company...’ Down here you learn to get out of bed early and just get after it,” says Marley.

The future for Marley looks bright – he hopes to gain a full US college scholarship to row and study abroad. He’s already been approached by several top rowing colleges in the States and in the meantime will be enjoying time with his family and friends, ski touring in the winter and biking in the summer.

Central Lakes Upholstery Ltd.

YOUR

1. Dry ice, often used in stage shows, is a solid form of which gas?

2. Which actress starred in the 1991 film Sleeping With the Enemy?

3. Which desert is found in the north of Chile?

4. What is the capital and chief port of the Philippines?

5. A craniologist studies what part of the body?

6. Who wrote The Last Juror (2004)?

7. Which Latin phrase means “Let the buyer beware”?

8. Which plant's flowers are used to flavour beer?

9. The flag of the Soviet Union showed which two symbols?

10. What name is given to the ancient frame of beads used for counting?

11. Lady Penelope and her chauffeur Parker appeared in which children’s TV series?

12. What is an electrically charged atom called?

13. What explosive substance consists of a mixture of saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal?

14. Loss of memory has what medical term?

15. Which unit is used to measure the intensity of noise?

16. What name is given to the science of studying the stars?

17. What name is given to the ancient frame of beads used for counting?

18. Lady Penelope and her chauffeur Parker appeared in which children’s TV series?

19. Which 3-D image is produced by laser beams?

20. Which acids combine to form proteins?

21. What is the science of the use of technology in aircraft?

22. The symbol B represents which chemical element?

23. Charcoal is a form of which element?

24. A neutral pH is given which number on the pH scale?

25. What is the main artery carrying blood away from the heart?

VACANCIES

TEACHERS & RELIEVERS

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

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

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

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

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

• Flexible hours

• Competitive remuneration

• No working on weekends!

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

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

Property Management Superstar

• Opportunity for a Property Management professional

• Varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same

• Join the successful team at Divine Property Management

Divine Property is a boutique property management agency that offers long term residential leasing, holiday house management and home concierge services.

We are currently looking for a Property Manager Superstar to join our team.

The role is varied and involves hands-on property management in the field, working effectively with our amazing clients and administration. Ideally you will have proven Property Management experience, as well as the ability to be comfortable working in a high energy, multitasking position.

You'll also need:

• Strong attention to detail

• A can-do attitude with positive and flexible approach to problem solving

• Plenty of initiative and self-motivation to support the growth of the business

• Great communication and organisational skills

• A full NZ driver's licence

As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• The opportunity for personal and professional growth within a new dynamic business

• Full time role, 40 hours per week – Monday to Friday

• Focus on work/life balance

• Attractive remuneration package based on experience

This is a great opportunity for a self-starter to forge a career in a rewarding and ever-changing industry.

If you believe you have the skills and attitude to thrive in this role, please apply now to info@divineproperty.co.nz

Applicants for this position should have the right to work in NZ. Applications close Friday 11th August 2023.

Screen Printer / Trainee Screen Printer

We are a small family run business and have a great team supplying uniforms and merchandise to local businesses.

We also design and print our own garments and sell these in our own retail stores.

Ideal candidate would have some textile screen printing experience but we are prepared to train the right candidate.

Priority would be given to the applicant with residency or a long term work visa.

If you must have a good work ethic, are motivated, a good attention to detail and be able to work unsupervised come and join our small team.

Reply with CV to russ@uniformstudio.co.nz

NZ’s #1 Original Zipline company is looking for adventurous people to join our team as Tour Guides

Are you....

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail?

• Passionate about the environment and selling a sustainable product?

• A team player

• Enthusiastic and motivated with great interpersonal skills

• Excited to share our eco journey.

Our Tour Guides are responsible for delivering an unforgettable experience for all our guests.

Go to ziptrek.co.nz to view the full job descriptions and to apply.

WORKIN PARADISE

Great careers start right here!

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

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

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

•Landscape Gardener

•Greenkeeper

•Guest Service Manager

•Guest Service Agent

•Restaurant Manager

•Millhouse Chef de Partie

•Golf Operations Assistant - Fixed Term

Your benefits:

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

We are excited to be recruiting for this newly created role & are looking for someone who has a passion for all things mechanical.

Ideally you’ll have experience of / with jet ski engines (seadoo) or some other type of mechanical exposure, however full on the job training will be provided.

You will have the opportunity to learn to drive the Seabreachers in order to understand how the vessels operate & function.

This role will require someone who is curious, self-motivated and be able to think creatively whilst remaining calm under pressure!

If you if think this could be you, then please send us your Cv to rachel@queenstown.com or call Rachel on 021 058 8306 for more information.

VACANCIES

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

SALES AND COMMUNITY BUILDER

Are you a frother?

Join Our Creative Bar & Restaurant Group as our Sales and Community Builder!

Are you a master networker with a passion for the hospitality scene? Are you ready to shake things up and become the life of the local town's bar and restaurant community?

We are seeking an energetic, charismatic, and results-driven individual to join our team as our Industry Peers Liaison. This role is part salesperson, part relationship builder, and part function & event organiser. If you have a passion for creating unforgettable, personalised experiences and connecting people, this position is tailor-made for you!

Responsibilities:

• Forge and nurture strong relationships with industry peers, local businesses, and community leaders.

• Act as the face of our creative bar & restaurant group, showcasing our unique offerings and enticing partnerships.

• Develop and execute innovative sales strategies to promote our venues and secure profitable collaborations.

• Coordinate and organize functions and events, ensuring every detail is flawlessly executed.

Requirements:

• A natural people person with exceptional interpersonal skills.

• Ability to adapt to very different demographics.

• Superb organizational abilities to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

• Understand hospitality businesses and how to get the best from them.

• Creative problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Prior experience in sales, event planning, or the hospitality industry is a plus.

Perks:

• Join a vibrant and innovative team that values creativity and collaboration.

• Not being chained to a desk, we’ll shout the coffees

• Work in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry with endless growth potential.

• Showcase your networking skills while building meaningful relationships.

• Enjoy discounts and exclusive benefits at our incredible bar and restaurant venues.

If you're ready to be the driving force behind our local bar and restaurant community, apply now and let's shake up the town together! Send us your resume, along with a short paragraph about why you're the perfect fit for this role. Cheers to a thrilling new adventure!

Email Gary@theworldbar.com

Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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

Cleaner Required

We are looking for a new team member.

• Mon - Fri. Occasional weekend work.

• You will preferably have extensive previous cleaning experience, an eye for detail, be a self-starter, enthusiastic, 100% reliable with a strong work ethic.

• Good understanding of spoken English.

• Applicants must have a full police check.

• You must have access to your own vehicle.

• Minimum of 30 hours per week

• From $24.00 - $29.66 per hour.

• Consider it Done is an accrediated employer.

Please send your CV with a cover letter stating previous experience and your availability to: info@consideritdone.nz

Cocktail Bartender Wanted

• Must be customer service focused.

• Have great knowledge of classic cocktails.

• Be driven to deliver excellence.

• Must have NZ open work rights.

To apply email kenna.matthews@whiteandwongs.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

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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 RESERVATIONS MANAGER

F&B SUPERVISORS – MILLENNIUM & COPTHORNE HOTELS MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR CHEF DE PARTIE

Restaurant Manager

• 2+ years experience in similar role.

• Proven experience in running the day to day operations of a premium restaurant.

• Drive the team to deliver excellence to every guest’s experience.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Have sound understanding of the financial aspects of the business.

• Duty Managers certificate preferable but not essential.

• Must have NZ open work rights.

Please send your CV through to Dianna.kelly@goodgroup.co.nz

Part-time / Casual

Driver Guide

Love wine? Looking for extra hours?

Become a Wine Guide!

NZ Class 1 & P licence required. Full training provided.

Email interest to: sarah@appellationwinetours.nz

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.

Administration, Payroll and Bookkeeping Superstar

Shufflehub's passion is to help businesses grow. We are initiators, thinkers and creators with a vision to help our clients do less, so they can do more, we are expanding and looking for an administration, payroll and bookkeeping superstar! If you can work things out and have loads of initiative, then this is role is for you.

We’re a small humble team with a diverse portfolio of clients, so in addition to being absolutely amazing at your job, you’ll also love connecting with people. You get that the daily work grind is a thing, but you’re awesome at having fun, communicating and maintaining professionalism while sometimes working under pressure.

With this role, you’ll be managing clients, so you’ll need to be an efficient task-master and super confidential. Experience using all things Xero, and Microsoft Office is essential, as is having the energy and ability to deliver exceptional service!

If you’re the superstar we’re looking for, and you are eligible to work in New Zealand, this role is a flexible permanent (full-time or part-time) opportunity, starting as soon as possible.

Please email any questions, or applications including your CV with a covering letter to rachel@shufflehub.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

•

• Training and upskilling

•

Get

RETAIL DUTY MANAGERS – PART TIME AND CASUAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE

We are a locally owned and operated liquor retailer based in Arrowtown and we’re on the hunt for warm, welcoming, customer focused, self-motivated individuals to join our friendly team. We have 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/Arrowtown 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 brenno@bettys.co.nz

Wine Sales

If you have experience at a cellar door, or if you have enthusiasm for wine, hospitality and retail, then we have Part Time (20-30 hours/week) and Full Time (40+ hours/week) positions available.

Essential is a great customer service attitude and a keen interest to learn and discover more about wine. You would bring additional value if you have your Duty Managers Certificate and/or WSET qualifications.