LWB_Issue_914_Online

LAKES WEEKLY

LOCALLY OWNEDSINCE FOREVER BULLETIN

On a wing and a prayer

How many years will it be before you are flying to Australia on an electricpowered aircraft? Ten years? Twenty? Fifty? For all the talk of regenerative tourism, Queenstown and New Zealand are facing a pretty insurmountable problem to go ‘green’. The jet engine, while a fantastic invention, is now a climate criminal.

According to MBIE’s Draft Tourism Environment Action Plan, published in June, 89% of tourism emissions were related to transport, weighing in at a spluttering 4,638 kilotonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions in 2019. ‘Air and space transport’ was responsible for 60%, it says. (No, I don’t know why it includes ‘space’ transport. Are tourists arriving from space? There’s no explanation in the report.) Despite long-haul (or Scope 3 emissions as the jargon goes) not being included in NZ’s net zero emissions tourism by 2050, the draft report does resolve to decarbonise tourism travel. Queenstown Lakes’ own destination management plan goes further and includes Scope 3 emissions in its more ambitious carbon zero 2030 goal.

Neither are really definitive about capping flights, or reducing tourists, however, as a way of achieving this. The DMP does plan to (deep breath) “understand optimal visitation levels and focus on value by increasing length of stay and/or yield per visitor” while MBIE will “assess the environmental impacts of the current mix of visitors and the impact of levers to shape demand and visitor behaviour”. I think that might suggest focusing on cashed-up tourists rather than bums on seats? It would help if it was written in plain English. Anyway, while these reports tentatively yawn and stretch an arm around the possibility of looking at the number of tourists, Queenstown Airport is pushing ahead with plans to increase passenger movements from 2.4m to 3.2m over the next decade, Auckland Airport plans a $3.9bn upgrade, and Christchurch Airport wants to build a massive new long-haul one in Tarras. So, with July 2023 confirmed as the hottest month on record globally, with Hawaii and Greece burning, and all the floods, Extinction Rebellion’s Pierre Marasti is calling for a direct passenger tax at Queenstown Airport, to discourage travel, with the money used to tackle the district’s infrastructure problems (read more on p3). It’s a good idea but I don’t think it will work. Central Government is notoriously protective over taxation revenue - they don’t want to give that power to councils, which is why the bed tax has floundered. Instead, I would suggest pushing for a beefed up International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. It’s $35. Why not instead make it linked to kilometres travelled. Call it $100 per 1000km, which means you’d pay $200 extra to fly in from Sydney. It could be capped at $400. The money could be collected nationally and allocated for tourism infrastructure, and perhaps also to fund Queenstown’s laudable destination management plan.

Paul Taylor

There are calls to extend Lake Wānaka’s microplastics research project developed by Queenstown-raised marine scientist Veronica Rotman to include Lakes Wakatipu. Veronica pictured here collecting her microplastics research samples recently. See story on page 23

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No firm support for airport tax

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown’s mayor and councillors have been asked to nail their colours to the mast about a potential passenger tax at the airport.

Father’s Day BBQ Bash: Butchers Block Edition

High Cheese

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New Year’s Eve Dinner Bu et

Extinction Rebellion’s local representative Pierre Marasti wrote to the elected members, community board members, and Queenstown Lakes District Council CEO Mike Theelen a fortnight ago, 1 August.

“A large passenger tax at the airport would reduce flight numbers to Queenstown and would raise large funds for the community, enabling us to decarbonise, to adapt and to maintain high quality infrastructure while keeping our rates at an acceptable level,” the letter reads.

Even with a record average rates increase of 14.2%, the council “is unable to finance the infrastructure our community needs ... and has just deferred 47 important infrastructure projects around 3 water, transport, waste and other areas in the 2023-2024 draft annual plan”, he says.

“Queenstown Airport is by far the largest source of pollution in our district. It already emits 13 times more than all other activities in the district and QAC wants to increase the number of passengers another 30% in the next 10 years.”

That will have the double impact of creating more emissions “fuelling the climate collapse” and “putting more pressure on local infrastructure.”

“This will not sort itself out by magic, something needs to happen,” it reads. Marasti says this is the first time in five years of campaigning that Extinction Rebellion has contacted councillors individually.

He asked them to say whether they were in favour of the passenger tax, or not, or at least open to the idea of discussing one.

So far, he’s received eight responses to the 19 emails, from Deputy Mayor Quentin Smith, Cr Niki Gladding, Cr Esther Whitehead, Cr Craig Ferguson, Cr Mat Wong, Cr Cody Tucker, Cr Lisa Joy and Wanaka-Upper Clutha Community Board member Linda Joll, but nothing as yet from Mayor Glyn Lewers, or Theelen.

Smith says he is “in principal supportive on any mechanism that can assist us with funding of infrastructure and climate response costs from our visitors”, while Whitehead also says she supports “the sentiment of a passenger tax at the airport” and is open to discussing the idea.

Joll says she supports the tax, but only for tourists, not commuters. Others, including Matt Wong and Cody Tucker, favour a more holistic visitor levy, often labelled a bed tax, which could be easier to get over the line and capture more of the market, including those who arrived by road, after flying in elsewhere.

Gladding is open to discussing the idea but would rather see a cap on emissions and a limit on flights, which could be achieved by not allowing the airport to expand.

She worries a tax could have the unintended consequence of “driving decision-makers to increase tourist numbers” to increase revenue. In terms

of infrastructure, she believes QLDC should spend more on the basics and “less on pimping up town centres”.

Several councillors, including Cr Ferguson and Cr Joy, raised questions around the workability of such a tax, including the legality and scope.

Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) boss Glen Sowry says an “airline passenger tax” is not something QAC could collect.

“Queenstown Airport does not directly charge passengers, the airlines do and under the Civil Aviation Act, an airport operator may set charges for identified aerodrome activities provided, operated, or managed by the airport operator,” Sowry says. “Therefore, the airport company would not be able to charge passengers an airport tax with funds collected to be spent as outlined by Extinction Rebellion.”

Marasti tells Lakes Weekly the Government would simply need to adapt the laws to make it possible, as it would with a bed tax. He believes a passenger tax, rather than a bed tax, is the best mechanism to directly reduce the number of flights, and says the tax should capture locals commuting too, because otherwise they’ll be paying the infrastructure shortfall through their rates anyway.

He spoke in Thursday’s council meeting public forum, reminding councillors of the urgent need for climate action.

“The only thing I am doing is repeating the scientific consensus, and the most conservative, which is from the IPCC. They are very conservative but even they are urging the world to at least halve its emissions in six years, by 2030,” Marati says. “Otherwise, we will probably lose control of the situation, and humanity will not be able to stop the warming of the planet anymore.”

Banking on greener aerodrome

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown Airport Corporation has linked the interest rates it will pay on its debts to meeting sustainability targets. Its $100 million of bank lending credit, through Westpac NZ, BNZ, ASB and Bank of China, has been converted to ‘sustainabilitylinked loans’.

Queenstown Airport Chief Financial Officer Andrew Williamson said: “We have set some clear targets in our sustainability strategy. “The decarbonisation of on-the-ground operations and the terminal is an immediate priority, and we have made some good progress to date. We’ve worked with our banking partners to set ambitious targets to hold us to account as we continue to implement our sustainability strategy and decarbonisation roadmap.”

Four areas have been targeted under the loan terms:

• Achieving Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation, the leading global certification for airport carbon management Reducing Queenstown Airport’s Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, supporting our net-zero commitment

• Installing infrastructure that supports reductions in Queenstown Airport’s Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, including enabling electrification of parked aircraft, ground service equipment and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles

• Reducing the waste sent to landfill across the terminal precinct. Scope 3 emissions themselves, i.e. aircraft emissions, are not seen as the responsibility of the aerodrome, but instead the airlines and NZ as a whole.

While the sustainability-linked loan targets and timeframes are consistent across the four banks, QAC has negotiated the specific rates separately with each of its four banking partners, so won’t reveal them. Performance against each target is assessed separately.

General Manager Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Sara Irvine says: “We are confident that, while ambitious, we can meet the majority of targets, if not all.

“If we were not successful in meeting all of the targets there would not be a meaningful impact on shareholder dividend.”

QAC’s major shareholders are Queenstown Lakes District Council (75.01%) and Auckland Airport.

The sustainability targets were externally reviewed by independent global environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings firm Sustainalytics and align with the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association’s Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles (as of February 2023).

Queenstown Airport will ensure accountability by reporting independently verified target achievements to its lenders each year.

Extinction Rebellion’s Pierre Marasti says focusing on the aerodrome rather than the flights is “a distraction”.

“The changes are positive, of course, but I doubt they would even offset the emissions from making the airport bigger.”

An Air New Zealand flight at Queenstown Airport

Extinction Rebellion’s Pierre Marasti

Housing plan

Queenstown councillors have approved a Joint Housing Action Plan, which aims to tackle affordable housing issues in the district. The plan is a multi-agency approach, created by Queenstown Lakes District Council in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Kāinga Ora, and Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT). Mayor Glyn Lewers says given the complexity of the housing issues, the partnership approach “significantly widens what we’re capable of addressing”. The plan features nine housing solutions, including exploring public-private partnerships, buying and developing land, seeking rental solutions for the district’s workforce, and continuing to support QLCHT. Trust Chief Executive Julie Scott says demand for its housing services has amplified over winter with over 1,000 eligible households now on the Trust’s waiting list. “We’ve witnessed a growing need for both affordable rentals and entry-level housing to purchase, so we welcome the key actions within the Joint Housing Action Plan, which will assist in delivering a range of housing options for lowmoderate income households living and working in our district.”

Waste not, want not

Fifteen waste reduction projects will receive funding thanks to Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Waste Minimisation Community Fund (WMCF). Council’s evaluation panel confirmed in mid-July that $64,533 from its fund for 2023-2024 would be distributed to groups including pre-schools, community groups and food recovery organisations, with projects focusing on textile waste, reuse initiatives, green and food waste. Council Waste Minimisation Project Officer Kath Buttar says: “All this year’s recipients will make a real difference by diverting waste from landfill and increasing public awareness of how others can get involved. We’d also encourage those who were unsuccessful this time to keep on doing their amazing work in this space. Council staff are always happy to discuss plans and offer advice.”

Recipients include Kiwi Harvest, Lake Hayes A&P Show, Wānaka Squash Club and Remarkable Fungi, which will use its grant to start Queenstown’s coffee grind recovery project, diverting it from landfill to produce mushrooms. Queenstown Lakes aims to become a sustainable, zero-waste district.

6pm booze ban

Having a post-work drink at the lakefront may become a fineable offence when a new alcohol bylaw comes into effect in Queenstown Lakes. Rules banning alcohol after 6pm in public places in Wānaka, Hāwea, Frankton and Queenstown were approved by councillors by a narrow 6-5 margin at Thursday’s council meeting. A hearings panel made up of councillors recommended a handful of bylaw changes, the change to the overnight alcohol ban’s start time from 8pm-8am to 6pm-6am the most notable. Cr Lisa Guy said 6pm was the “middle of the day” during summertime. “A lot of our families do not take their children into licensed areas to drink but they may like to go and have a picnic and have a drink.” She questioned whether the rule would “perhaps harshly penalise” the majority of residents. A handful of councillors questioned whether there was enough evidence to back up all the recommended changes. Deputy mayor Quentin Smith, chair of the hearings panel on the bylaw, defended its recommendations. He said they were based on information and data presented by stakeholders including NZ Police during the hearings. “We tried to react appropriately to the evidence that was before us,” he said. “If you allocate a bracket as cleanly as possible [the alcohol ban] would have been between 4.30 in the afternoon and 4.30 in the morning,” he said. “The fact we’ve gone 6pm-6am is actually a softer approach.” After some debate, chief executive Mike Theelen reminded councillors they had empowered a subset of councillors to be the hearings panel. “I think it’s largely incumbent on councillors to follow the lead of the hearings panel unless they believe there is considerable risk with those decisions.” -

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Festival scholarships for community-minded youngsters

By Paul Taylor

Arrowtown Autumn Festival has opened its high school scholarships programme after a record year.

More than 10,000 locals and visitors turned out for the April festival in the historic gold mining town, with all ticketed events selling out.

While the festival committee will keep some funds in reserve to run the 2024 festival, surplus funds are donated back to the community. This means they are again offering two scholarships ($2500 each) for senior Wakatipu High School students who are heading off to further study.

This year’s scholarship applications are now open. Any Year 13 Wakatipu High School student who has a strong track record of community involvement is invited to apply. This may be through involvement with Scouts, sports groups, St Johns, Duke of Edinburgh, school leadership roles, or community organisations/events.

“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+”

Simone Schenirer, The Alpine Retreat

Last year’s recipient Megan McCulloch used her funds to attend En Pointe Dance Academy along with her studies at Victoria University, Wellington.

“This scholarship has lessened financial stress, allowing me to focus on my studies and have time to help out in the community more,” she says.

“I am so thankful for all the connections I have made, and continue to seek more ways of how I can give back to both my community at home and the community in my now second home.”

This will be the third year the scholarships have been offered.

Festival Co-Chair Anne Marie Campbell says: “The idea of rewarding students who have volunteered their time to the community fits with the Arrowtown Autumn Festival, which is an event primarily run by volunteers, for the community.

“The standard of the applicants in the past two years has been amazing, and the level of community spirit that our young people have demonstrated is humbling. It’s wonderful to be able to reward them in this way, when some of them do fly under the radar.”

Scholarship applications can be found online on the Wakatipu Community Foundation website and close on 31 August.

The 2024 festival will be on 25-28 April. Event organiser Catherine Fallon says to look out for the tried-and-true favourites, as well as some fresh ideas which she thinks will be very popular.

2022 recipient Megan McCulloch at the En Pointe Dance Academy

Glenda Drive, Frankton, Queenstown

New underground electricity cable

By Paul Taylor

Residents in Arrowtown, Arthurs Point, Coronet Peak, Dalefield and Gibbston, along with Queenstown’s ski fields, can expect fewer electricity outages after the major upgrade of a power line.

Aurora Energy has spent 18 months on the project to install the new underground Arrowtown 33 kV distribution cable, that runs from Frankton to Malaghans Road.

The area was previously supplied by two power lines that shared the load between them, with limited access to an alternative electricity supply if there was a power outage.

In July 2021, one of the power lines came down across Shotover Bridge, cutting power to hundreds of homes and the skifield, as well as closing State Highway 6 for two hours, creating traffic chaos across the Whakatipu Basin.

Aurora Energy General Manager Service Delivery Richard Starkey said the new 33 kV underground cable will provide a number of benefits for the community.

“The new cable provides increased capacity to cater to the significant growth and new developments expected over the coming years,” he says.

“This is good news for local customers and businesses, in particular the ski fields, and will reduce the risk of significant outages due to more options to reconfigure the network if there is a widespread outage, thereby reducing the number of customers impacted.”

The Arrowtown line is supplied from Transpower’s Frankton GXP and supplies four zone substations (Dalefield, Coronet Peak, Arrowtown and Remarkables) that transform the voltage from 33kV to 11kV distribution. From there, 11kV cable distributes power to smaller distribution transformers.

The northern section supplies Coronet Peak ski field and residential/ commercial customers from the Arrowtown and Dalefield substation. The southern section supplies the Remarkables ski field, Wye Creek hydro station and residential/commercial customers from Arrowtown zone substation. The project was completed in June, ahead of schedule.

Starkey also said the new cable will help with the Increasing demand for electricity as more people move away from fossil fuels.

“More and more people are purchasing EVs and wanting more choice about how they use electricity, such as connecting solar to their home or business. The increased capacity the new line will provide is part of Aurora Energy future-proofing the network and helping people reduce their overall carbon emissions.”

Aurora Energy have been completing a large programme of work in the Arrowtown and surrounding areas as part of their five-year $500 million investment programme to upgrade the electricity network.

Starkey says the company thank the community for their patience while this important work continues to be carried out.

Over the next four years, Aurora plans to rebuild the Arrowtown zone substation, reconfigure the Arrowtown 11 kV distribution line, rebuild the Dalefield zone substation, and create a back-feed supply to Coronet Peak to Dalefield, which will provide electricity supply to either zone substation in the event of a power outage.

The final stages of the Arrowtown 33 kV distribution line upgrade by Shotover Bridge, taken in June

Charities feeling cost of living bite

By Sue Fea

Belts are tightening as astronomically high living costs bite, purse strings too, affecting those heavily reliant on the Wakatipu community’s hugely generous heart.

Charities around the country are apparently reporting lower donations and that’s certainly been the case locally, most help agencies say. KiwiHarvest Queenstown manager Gary Hough even says he’s noticed an apathy and ‘get a job and help yourself’ attitude emerging among some locals, for whom the generosity gestures are waning as more people face their own financial pressures. However, Gary says most of the 800 people they help weekly are families in full employment. Less surplus food is coming in and KiwiHarvest’s Central Lakes winter campaign has only reached $665 of its much needed $50,000 target in two months. Other local help agencies that rely heavily on KiwiHarvest for fresh produce and chilled goods are also feeling the pinch.

Baskets of Blessing’s Ang Gibson says, “absolutely all donations are down – financial and food”, meaning they have to apply for more funding from grants. “That’s normally the money we’d use for facility hire and storage, but it’s increasingly needed now to purchase good nutritious food,” she says. The decline in donations began in February, but demand is still huge, she says. “Increasingly, these are average Kiwi families with both parents working and they’re needing a lot of help. Everyone’s affected, not just one demographic.” There’s also been a lot of illness in the community, often financial and mental health struggles post Covid.

“People used to be able to make do but can’t now.” Grant funding received this year too wasn’t the full amount they’d requested due to increased demand from all organisations.

Baskets of Blessing volunteers turned out 3000 more meals for the year ending June this year than the previous year. They fed 5729 people in 2021 and 8256 last year. Food hampers doubled and gift baskets increased too.

Happiness House manager Lena Boss says winter’s been tougher. “There’s less fresh produce coming in and everything is so expensive.” Weekly food parcel needs have increased and there’s been more working holiday visa people seeking help, forced to take time off work for whatever reason, and not covered by NZ Government support. “We’re seeing more families, some long-term locals we wouldn’t normally see, saying they really need help, single parents too, often facing high rents,” she says. However, she’s grateful to the regular dried food donors and several local hunters who donate meat, venison, sausages and mince, all processed. Raeward Fresh also donates a large box of in date fresh fruit and produce weekly, and Ma Boulangerie and Fergbaker bread and pastries.

Hospice Store manager John (Boggy) McDowell says shop takings are up and he’s been trading very well with shoppers seeking the repurposed option, and clothing donations up too. “The vibe is the cost of living here is

getting too high, particularly for the younger ones, and they’re donating their clothing before they leave,” he says.

Meanwhile, Salvation Army Director Community Ministry Andrew Wilson says their family stores have been finding it tougher this financial year, maybe due to staffing challenges. While there are always nay-sayers in every community he’s still heartened by the beautiful, wonderful caring people helping in this community.

Good Bitches Baking spokesperson Hannah Molloy says volunteer bakers for their Queenstown Central Otago chapter have increased from 34 to 51 in the last four months, supporting 10 recipient organisations. “People aren’t shying away. It’s really accessible. If you can’t afford it one month you don’t have to bake and we have a ‘Cup of Sugar’ Fund for any bakers struggling financially,” says Hannah. “The impact we hear from that tiny piece of baking is massive – a moment of respite or sense of connection if people are having a bad day.”

Central Lakes Family Services general manager Tina Mongston says everybody is feeling the extra stresses and pressures right now. Basic living costs and housing, even money to go to the GP, are all massive issues, she says. “When that happens people start trimming back on what they can give, whether that’s something physical or friendliness.”

“I don’t think there’s an apathy out there, but people’s energy is low. I don’t think they don’t care. They’re just working long hours with a lot on,” she says. While Centre client numbers are similar the issues are more complex, including finding housing, with separated families even choosing to remain living together because there’s no housing.

Tina’s noticed too that rescue food, especially fresh produce, is down quite a lot. “There’s more thought going into who gets food as there’s a shortage.” Even if money is tight, she urges locals who can, to give – “any little thing can go a long way”, and to volunteer every now and then to help pack or deliver.

Tit bits Tit bits

FROM AROUND THE WORLD

The news is supposed to tell us what’s happening in the world, it doesn’t and its mostly bad news, so this week here’s the good news you didn’t hear about.

Egypt used to have the highest rate of hepatitis C in the world. In 2018, the government decided to implement a massive and unprecedented campaign to screen and treat every citizen, crystallising into something called the 100 Million Healthy Lives Campaign. Today, both the World Bank and the WHO say Egypt has eliminated hepatitis C from its entire population.

Forbes

Maharashtra has become the first state in India to roll out universal healthcare, covering $6,900 in expenses for all residents. The government is also spending $362 million on upgrading hospitals and ensuring that every district in the state has a 50-bed critical care unit. In case the scale of this isn’t clear—Maharashtra is home to 120 million people, more than the Philippines or Japan.

Hindustan Times

Progress is slow on Africa’s Great Green Wall, but some bright spots bloom

Since 2007, Africa’s Green Wall has restored 18 million hectares of degraded land, an area the size of Cambodia. Senegal has led the most successful effort, inspiring an overall shift from merely tree-planting to a holistic, bottom-up approach that engages local communities to improve long-term livelihoods and incomes.

Mongabay

Supermarket plastic bag charge has led to 98% drop in use in England

Environmentalists are urging the UK government to ‘learn from its own successes’ after research showed the number of single-use supermarket plastic bags has plummeted by 98% since retailers started charging for them in 2015. ‘The success of the plastic bag charge shows that when the government takes real action it gets results, and the public gets on board.’

Guardian

How does land abandonment affect biodiversity?

The past half a century has witnessed an increased exodus of human populations from rural to urban areas, with over 55 percent of the world’s population currently living in cities (a percentage expected to rise to 68 percent by 2050). A major effect of this gradual decrease in rural populations is that the land they leave behind leads to a significant increase in abandoned fields and pastures, forestry areas, factories, mines, or even entire human settlements. That land can be restored. ‘In abandoned areas that were previously intensively farmed and where biodiversity was low, plant life, birds, and invertebrates have a new chance to thrive.’

Earth

Tiger populations grow in India and Bhutan

India and Bhutan have recorded significant increases in their wild tiger populations. After decades of conservation efforts, India now has 3,682 tigers, making it home to 75% of the global population. Bhutan has recorded 131 tigers, an increase of 27% since 2015.

BBC Scientists Release Record-Breaking Number of Baby Seahorses Into Sydney Harbour

380 baby seahorses were successfully released into Sydney Harbour, marking the fifth time captive-bred seahorses have been released into the wild. This latest attempt boasted a 90% survival rate, and scientists have created eight custom-built ‘seahorse hotels’ made from biodegradable metal to provide a safe place for the endangered fish to hide from predators.

Smithsonian

Bus use up 55% but still down on pre-Covid

By Paul Taylor

More than 1.25 million passenger trips were made on Queenstown’s Orbus in the past financial year, up 55% on the previous 12 months.

Patronage data reported to the Otago Regional Council’s Public and Active Transport Committee shows the huge increase, despite the service running a reduced timetable for much of financial year.

Timetable services were slashed in late July 2022 due to a driver shortage and only resumed on 1 June, 2023. The financial year (fiscal and financial reporting) runs 1 July to 30 June.

The removal of Covid-border restrictions have likely had an impact on the figures. There is actually 15% reduction in the number of passengers using buses compared to pre-Covid.

“We’re pleased to report that the number of trips made by bus is increasing across Otago,” ORC’s Manager Transport Lorraine Cheyne says.

“We will continue to monitor changes in bus patronage following the fare subsidies that came into effect on July 1 when the national half price fares scheme ended.

The half price fare scheme won’t have had a huge impact for Queenstown bus users, as the service is capped at a $2 fare.

Anyone younger than 13 can now travel for free, while there are a range of other discounts.

“Passengers are urged to check out the Community Connect information on the ORC website to see if they are eligible for discounted fares.”

ORC also runs the Dunedin service, where there was an 18% increase in passengers, with nearly 2.8 million trips made - that’s a 10% increase on preCovid numbers.

Dunedin’s reduced timetable ran for six months, returning to a full service on 1st February 2023.

Queenstown drugs busts

By Paul Taylor

Eight people have been charged after police seized drugs, cash and firearms in a series of raids in Queenstown and Dunedin last week. The Southern District Police Organised Crime Unit executed six warrants and confiscated a “significant quantity” of MDMA, cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamine and LSD, along with more than $50,000 cash and illegal firearms.

The eight people arrested are aged between 25 and 35 and face a raft of charges related to the supply of drugs and firearms related offences. They are due to appear in the Dunedin and Queenstown District Courts in due course.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nik Leigh says the arrests and seizures are the result of ongoing investigations across the district and city into organised crime and drug dealing.

“The six separate warrants focused on significant drug dealing activity which have contributed to harm within the community.

“The arrests should serve as a warning to organised crime groups or anyone involved in the possession of drugs to supply.

“The Organised Crime Unit work are dedicated to disrupting this illegal activity which causes significant social harm, and holding those involved to account.”

QUEENSTOWN TENNIS CLUB AGM. WEDNESDAY 30TH

AUGUST 2023 - 7pm Queenstown Tennis Clubrooms. All Welcome

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

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

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

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FREE INLAND REVENUE WORKSHOPS 23 AUGUST 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

Conservation award

By Paul Taylor

Shotover Primary School has been award Plant Conservation School of the Year for its conservation work on local wetlands. The award was granted by the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, which held its annual conference in Queenstown recently. Since 2016, more than 2,500 native plants have been planted at the Shotover Wetlands by the school’s pupils through the project, in partnership with the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, along with trap lines, water quality testing and a nursery at school where eco sourced natives are being grown. On behalf of the NZPCN, teacher and trust member Miss Jill [Hodgson] presented a painting of an endangered Croprosma Arborea and the certificate to project leader Miss Emma [Watts] in an assembly earlier this month. Miss Emma is pictured with Enviro team members Saige Galloway (right) and Ellie Ford. Pupil Audrey Austin was also awarded Junior Plant Conservationist of the Year, the first time it has been bestowed on a primary-age pupil.

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Kanika Sethi 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

Jessica Allen Contributor

Queenstown’s unique housing-market trends

By Jess Allen

With the current state of Queenstown’s housing market, it’s no surprise that there’s an increase of first home buyers entering the market, hoping to get out of the rental rat race. While the market is hard to predict, it’s widely agreed that the New Zealand housing market is in the right position to rebound over the next 18-24 months, making the market even more appealing to first home buyers, but the Queenstown market is a tricky one to figure out, typically bucking real estate trends. Harcourts Queenstown, at the end of July, reported that the country’s housing market is poised for a rebound in 2023, which is driven by a number of factors including demand, the RBNZ’s indication of no further ORC movement and ongoing supply shortages. They say that “By taking some proactive steps, first home buyers can position themselves for success to make home ownership a reality.”

QV, a valuation and property services company, has also recently reported that the number of first home buyers getting into a home of their own is nearing pre-Covid levels. The number of mortgages approved for first home buyers is up 30% on June of last year. It’s noted that with house prices so high, getting the deposit together remains one of the key obstacles for many first home buyers.

While it’s great to hear that the housing market appears to be improving and first home buyers are making inroads to have a place of their own, does the market down here match what we’re seeing nation-wide? Despite Aotearoa as a whole having an average drop in house prices by approximately 3.4% over the last three months, Queenstown has seen an increase of 2.4%. Custom Mortgages recently ran a series of seminars for first home buyers across the region, which have been hugely popular. The interest rate hike over the past few years has been a blow for aspiring homeowners, and Rebeca Barnes at Custom Mortgages says that as a result, people are seeking more advice and are becoming more conscious of what the rates mean for them and their lending going forward.

“For new people getting into the market, they really won’t know any

different than paying these interest rates,” says Rebeca. “Historically, they’re not as high as they have been, so it’s not necessarily something to put people off getting into the market, if they’re in a position to be able to do so. In regards to people having mortgages now and what they want to do with their lending ongoing, there are quite a few options – restructuring their lending or refinancing.

“Every first-time buyer can come from a different position, so don’t ever think that you’re completely out of the game because you don’t have a full 20% deposit. Even having a conversation can help you get into the right position that you need to be in. At least have a chat, don’t sit back and think you can’t do it – it’s not always the case.”

Rebeca has also seen an increase in people in the region downsizing or reevaluating the property they want. Professionals real estate agency recently reported that Queenstown’s area sales numbers are subdued but remain healthy. They say that fewer homeowners are leaving the district and there’s a high cost to changing homes, which are contributing factors to low sales numbers in the region.

The Government announced five key changes to the Progressive Home Ownership scheme that will come into effect on 14 August. The changes will reach more potential first home buyers by allowing existing homes to be bought, Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods announced.

“Since the PHO scheme was launched in 2020, hundreds of eligible families who would otherwise never have been able to own their own home, have been able to do so when they find new homes to buy, or get a new house

“We’re changing this to enable people who fit the PHO criteria, to buy existing homes as well. This will increase the choice of homes, including more affordable homes, in more locations.

“We’re also increasing the PHO income cap criteria for applicants from $130,000 to $150,000, reflecting recent wage growth, and broadening the income cap exemption for intergenerational families to include larger

built,” says Megan. for whanau.”

The combination of rising interest rates, an increase in house pricing, lack of supply, and outside investors buying in the region are making it a perfect storm for first home buyers, and Queenstown’s market is a tricky one to navigate. Asking your bank a few questions or seeking advice from a mortgage advisor is a good place to start – you may be in a better position than you think.

The Council Word

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

Glenorchy natural hazards workshop

Help shape a natural hazards adaptation plan for the head of the lake. Otago Regional Council and QLDC are hosting two community workshops on Thursday 31 August at Glenorchy Community Hall: 1.00-3.00pm or 6.00-8.00pm. For more info visit orc.govt.nz/holw or call 0800 474 082

Arts Trust AGM

Lakes District Arts Trust is holding its annual general meeting at the Lake Wānaka Centre from 11.00am on Wednesday 23 August. Come along to find out more about the trust’s work bringing public artworks to the district. All welcome!

Get smarter about sleep

Struggle to get a good night’s sleep? Get some expert tips at our free Winterdaze ‘Sleep Smarter’ workshop at Frankton Library – 5.00-6.30pm, Thursday 31 August. Find more info on Facebook @QLDCinfo or register in advance by emailing frankton.library@qldc.govt.nz

Caring for our cemeteries

Interested in how we protect and maintain the ten cemeteries in our district? We’re proposing some changes to the current QLDC Cemeteries Bylaw. Share your feedback before 11 September at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz

Rainbow fitness classes

Alpine Health & Fitness at Queenstown Events Centre is hosting three special group classes during Winter Pride: RPM on 26 and 28 August; Tone on 30 Aug. Rainbow outfits positively encouraged! To book email qec@qldc.govt.nz with ‘Pride booking’ in the subject line.

Cheaper parking on Hay Street

Lakeview carpark on Hay Street has been reduced from $3.00/hr to $2.00/hr as part of recent changes to parking fees around Queenstown. For more info head to qldc.govt.nz/parking

Running workshop

Last chance to sign up for our 12-week Running Workshop starting 22 August at Queenstown Events Centre. Sign up at qldc.govt.nz/runningw

www.qldc.govt.nz

by Sue Fea

My Life Story

NEILL SIMPSON

Leafing us a legacy

He’s one of the country’s foremost botanists and ecologists, his vast knowledge still drawn on nationally as a conservation consultant, and still roaming the backcountry, despite turning 90 this month (August 21).

However, Neill Simpson doesn’t sport a long list of fancy post-nominal letters after his botany degree, gained after years of pursuing his passion for plants. He’s won numerous awards though.

Perhaps those early seeds were planted as the grandson of an Otaki market flower grower, and, on the other side, a produce grower.

“I remember collecting grasses at primary school.” However, sport was his focus then, rugby, and representative badminton and rowing for Whanganui, second in the nationals once.

“Dad was a rugby administrator, coach and church elder, so we had a Christian upbringing.” The eldest of six – five sisters, Neill entered the family business. That closed as supermarkets took over and the outdoors soon beckoned.

A keen skier, tramper, and Whanganui SAR volunteer, Neill founded that region’s first Mountain Safety Council branch.

Three-week tramps were the norm with no Personal Locator Beacons or cellphones. Neill and mates had to reconnect a friend’s dislocated shoulder once. “It was three days to tramp out and we had no way to raise the alarm.”

Humour was a must – a friend once serving Neill’s hungry party buttered dog biscuits on arrival at a Tongariro hut, copping a drenching in return. Struggling to climb and camp on Ruapehu’s summit once, Neill found a large rock in his pack. “I’d put one in another pack thinking mine was safe.”

At 30, he scored his dream job with the Lands and Survey Department as a Tongariro National Park ranger in Turangi.

In 1968 he married fellow outdoors lover, “vivacious and outgoing” Barb, wife of 55 years – “the best thing I ever did”. They moved with their three young sons to Springs Junction in the 1970s where Neill was lone ranger for the Lewis Pass Scenic, now National Reserve.

With only several hundred valley residents you had to watch what you said. “I was removed from the school committee for backing a schoolteacher who wanted to run the school bus in the opposite direction to spend more time at school,” he grins. “Locals didn’t like change.”

A calm, quietly spoken diplomat, Neill had to negotiate tensions between Lands and Survey and the NZ Forest Service over Maruia Forest logging plans in the late 70s, environmental protests just emerging.

In 1981 he was moved to Queenstown to oversee environmental protection during the new Remarkables Ski Area construction. “I’d been here for ski trips in the 1960s with just a rope tow at Coronet. I was awe struck by this area’s beauty. Every day is different if you take the time to look around.”

Skiing and sailing club activities were always on the Simpson radar. “Bill van der Voorden taught us dads how to build Optimists for the kids.”

Unfortunately, a life in the outdoors has had its challenges and tragedies. They’ve lost some great trailblazing tramping friends in the backcountry, narrowly escaping themselves.

Neill’s helped build some of the Wakatipu’s most popular walking tracks, enlisting paid help from dozens of unemployed through the then government Project Employment Scheme.

He led free summer holiday programmes of up to 20 people into the backcountry, often camping out under a bivvy. “People came from all over the country.” One not-so-confident bus driver into Skippers clipped a wheel over the side of the sheer drop, causing mutiny when Glenorchy ranger Brian Ahern called ‘all aboard’ for the return trip. “Only a few brave souls hopped on. We had to ferry the rest out in Land Rovers,” grins Neill.

Appointed DOC District Conservator in 1987 when the government departments merged, Neill oversaw 49 staff and a huge region. That position was disbanded, and he became Lakes District Field Centre Manager, before revelling in a new regional botanist position in the 1990s, overseeing all of Otago.

He’s been awarded the NZ Botanical Society’s Allan Mere Award for meritorious services to botany, a QSM for conservation, and the prestigious Loder Cup, with Barb, for conservation achievements, to name a few. He’s also a life member of the Whanganui Tramping Club.

Reforestation with natives has always been dear to his heart. “I’m amazed at what’s happening now with people wanting to plant natives. It’s fantastic. It’s part of NZ’s uniqueness – 80 percent of our plants, birds, insects, and lizards aren’t found anywhere else.”

Leading replanting missions after the “heartbreaking” Pigeon Island fires in 1996 and 2002, with Barb, and founding, and volunteering with, the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust nursery, have kept Neill busy. Not much keeps him indoors, but on those bad weather days when he’s not out planting natives, he’s rediscovered piano, after taking fresh lessons in his 80s.

Neill botanising on The Remarkables

Neill celebrating an early 90th birthday recently wearing his celebration T-shirt with his legacy – his precious grandchildren, left to right, Caleb, Abby, Levi, front, Sienna, Alina and Jacob

Arts+Culture

Find your type

by Jessica Allen

The best typography in the world will take over Te Atamira from Friday. Auckland-based creative agency Osborne Shiwan is bringing the annual Type Directors Club (TDC) Awards to Queenstown, which recognises design excellence and typographic innovation. The exhibition is called TDC68 Aotearoa and it will bring together a variety of pieces from entrants.

The display is a great opportunity to see future design trends and what’s on the horizon for the industry. It will highlight visual communication, so while some of the designs may be in foreign languages, the message their trying to convey will be clear. Another key focus will be the artistic side of designs, rather than their marketing or advertising meaning.

“It’s really special because it’s the first time for such a comprehensive design exhibition here in Queenstown,” says Olivia Egerton, Director of Te Atamira. “We have elements of some of these wonderful things, but what we’re finding is that being able to bring a comprehensive look at some of these topics – the community is really loving the opportunity.

Te Atamira has a diverse curatorial programme that’s centred around place, space and understanding the different realms of life that we operate in.”

The TDC is an institution when it comes to type design; curating a calendar of events intended to build a community and support the growth of students and those in the industry. Based in New York and founded in 1946 by leading design practitioners, they’re committed to increasing the level of diversity and representation in all aspects of their programming, membership and advisory board.

“The Type Directors Club itself came out of frustrated designers, who felt that design could carry deeper messages – it’s not just advertising. They came together to actually explore the art of it, and that’s where the magic comes from. Showcasing it in art spaces, it gets read in a different realm – like the Apple advertising, which we see in the consumer realm, we don’t often see the art of what goes on behind those campaigns.”

This year, 202 winners were selected from 63 countries by a diverse jury of leading designers and type designers. Osborne Shiwan are advisory board members of TDC and creative director, Shabnam Shiwan, says, “The TDC exhibition offers an exciting glimpse into future design and cultural trends in typography. Seeing the best progressive typographic work represented by so many languages, including te reo Māori, makes it unique – everyone will find something to enjoy.”

On Saturday, there will be a talk with Osborne Shiwan directors, Loyde Osborne and Shabnam Shiwan, who will discuss how type design drives culture and include examples of their own design work for brands like Karen Walker and Atamira Dance Company.

“The talk on Saturday morning is free, so it’s very accessible. It’s a great opportunity to hear from two of the industry’s leading design practitioners – to have that opportunity is awesome,” says Olivia. TDC68 Aotearoa: The World’s Best Typography exhibition will be at Te Atamira from Friday 18 August until 13 September. The opening is at 5pm on the Friday and the talk with Osborne Shiwan directors will take place on Saturday at 11am. You can find out more information at teatamira.nz

Queenstown has a new art space, Gallery 6, located at QT Queenstown. The inaugural exhibition will feature the colourful and joy-filled work of artist Alexandra Weston. Her art features repetition of dots, drips and swishes and often includes pops of colour. She paints on the reverse side of perspex, meaning the work is at the back of the acrylic sheet when viewed. Alongside the art space opening, on 11 August Lil Red will return to QT, offering a cosy fireplace and a punchy colour palette by award-winning designer Nic Graham. Executive Chef Ryan Henley embraces local NZ ingredients blended with traditional Japanese techniques.

Boards without Boarders -NZ Shred’s recycled snowboard exhibition returns

NZSHRED’s sixth recycled snowboard art exhibition will take place at Sherwood from the 21st of August. This year the exhibition is entitled Boards without Boarders, anyone can pop down to NZSHRED to pick up an old snowboard to turn into an art piece, which is then sold with 100% of the proceeds going to charity. This year’s charities are Happiness House and I Am Hope.

Owner of NZSHRED and event organiser, Jase Johns, puts in the mahi to get the event up and running. Each year, members of the public donate boards for the exhibition, and Jase also contacts brands to get donations. Anyone is able to stop by NZSHRED and pick up a board to start getting creative with. The original idea was sparked by Jase’s sister, who works in the art industry in Australia.

“She was teaching at a college in Aussie and one of the things they were doing at the time, for disadvantaged youth, was following a programme that had been done in the States with skateboards, where they’d hold back kids after school that were getting in trouble and make them do artwork on skateboards. They then got pro-skate boarders and actual artists, and put them together with the kids to do an exhibition, with no nametags – so no one knew who had done what. I grabbed that idea and extended it, thinking, how can we help the community charities that are doing some good work?,” says Jase.

Most of the people that participate in the event aren’t professional artists, which results in a melting pot of creative and interesting works. You don’t have to include your name on your artwork and can opt to keep it yourself. Jase makes the process simple for anyone that wants to get involved.

“If you can make it as easy as possible for people, giving them time to do it or getting them the resources to do it, they don’t have to do anything for themselves other than just create a piece of art. It helps that it’s year-on-year, so that people can actually get a feel of it from last year or see it from last year,” says Jase.

Students from Remarkables Primary School and Mt Aspiring High School Arts programmes are already underway preparing boards for the exhibition. As with previous exhibitions many of the boards will be available for purchase. Boards without Boarders will be a relaxing event where people can take their time looking at all of the artworks and enjoying themselves.

Jase loves running the exhibition each year and is happy to see the momentum it’s gained. Often people will recommend friends or family to get involved.

“The most amazing thing for me is standing there and watching people come in to look at their piece of art. Most of the people aren’t artists, they’re builders, or lifties, or walk around in a fluro vest, but they’ve just got a little bit of flair for doing something. They’ve got a level of anonymity, too, as it’s not an exhibition by them. If it does anything for the individual, it reminds them that they do have something more in them,” says Jase.

Boards without Boarders will run at Sherwood from Monday, 21st until Sunday, 27th of August, with prize giving being held on the night of Friday the 25th. You can find out more info or get involved by checking out the Boards without Boarders Recycled Snowboard Exhibition group on Facebook or popping into NZSHRED for a chat.

HOSPO GUIDE

SMALLEST FOOTPRINT, BIGGEST AT ATMOSPHERE - QUEENSTOWN’S HOME OF CRAFT BEER

All you can eat meat $40pp*

Thursday Yonder Après with Ribera, 5 pm DJ & Cocktails from the heated patio Open Mic Night, 9 pm Bring your mates, play whatever!

Friday XIRITA AU/NZ TOUR ft Grizzly 10 pm - Late Free Entry

Yonder Après with Ribera, 5 pm DJ & Cocktails from the heated patio Heavy Chest (AUS) Free Show 9pm start

Queenstown Business Awards Category Profile: Excellence in Innovation

This award recognises a business that has enhanced its success by identifying and implementing an innovative idea - both in thinking and implementation. Innovation can be in a product/service/technology or process.

Beca is the category sponsor for this years ‘Excellence in Innovation Award’. Alexandra Mills, Queenstown Branch Manager of Beca says if we think about what innovation means, it is about doing new things, doing them well, pushing the boundaries, thinking outside of the box, and overall just making every day better.

QUEENSTOWN ADULT VENUES

QUEENSTOWN EVENTS CENTRE, FRANKTON (Monday)

Starts 9th October

QUEENSTOWN RECREATION GROUND (Thursday)

1 MEMORIAL STREET, QUEENSTOWN

Starts 12th October

Grades: - Mixed - Mens - Womens

First Table was the 2021 Innovation award winner. Mat Weir reflected that for First Table, “winning the award back in 2021 gave us the confidence to smash it out of the park for the next two years”.

Entering is easy – there are only three questions, and your entry must be submitted by 4:00 pm on Monday 25 September to be eligible. Any business can enter the Awards (they do not need to be a Chamber member), and entering is free!

The categories

There are nine categories that a business can enter or be nominated in, with 11 awards altogether.

1. Excellence in Sustainable and Regenerative Business Practice

2. Excellence in People and Capability

3. Excellence in Innovation

4. Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion [new]

5. Excellence in Marketing

6. Excellence in Strategy and Business Solutions

7. Best Emerging Business

8. Excellence in Customer Experience

9. Excellence in Community contribution (new)

The remaining two awards are the People’s Choice and Supreme Business of the Year

If you know of a business that you love, nominate them by scanning the QR Code link here.

Fees: $230 (entries close 6th October 2023)

Enter team at www.touchsouthland.co.nz homepage and click on Queenstown Adult

COMMUNITY NOTES

Conservation Week | 14th – 20th August 2023

This year for Conservation Week we are asking Aotearoa to take action for nature.

Whether it is by picking up rubbish, donating time or money to a local community group, there is always something you can do to help our environment and the native species that make Aotearoa special. Other actions like cleaning up waterways, protecting marine habitats, getting rid of weeds and replanting with natives all help protect our biodiversity. We have thousands of species found nowhere else which are part of our identity. But many are threatened by invasive predators, habitat loss, or climate change.

Taking action will help protect these species and ecosystems for future generations. This not only benefits nature, but our personal wellbeing and nature’s wellbeing are interconnected. When Papatūānuku thrives, we thrive. Whakatipu Conservation Week events are hosted by the Department of Conservation and some amazing community groups. Come along to learn, connect and act to make a difference! Find out more about Conservation Week events, dates and information on the Eventfinda website or at conservationweek.org.nz, or call/pop into the DOC Visitor Centre at 50 Stanley Street.

Here is an overview of some of the events in the Whakatipu District: Ranger Reads: Join our local DOC rangers for a special Storytime to celebrate Conservation Week and ‘take action for nature’!

•Queenstown Library – Monday 14th at 10.30 – 11.30

•Arrowtown Library - Wednesday 16th at 10.30 - 11.00

•Frankton Library - Friday 18th at 10.30 - 11.30

Bring your pre-school tamariki to the local libraries to enjoy a free Conservation Week-inspired storytelling session, read by one of our DOC rangers!

Bookings requested - contact the local library if you would like to go.

Lower Nevis Cultural Landscape talk: Join Dr Matthew Schmidt and learn about the history of the Lower Nevis Valley

Date: Thursday 17th August

Time: 10am

Where: DOC Visitor Centre, 50 Stanley Street

This talk will take listeners through the layers of history in the Lower Nevis and demonstrate that one crucial resource links the success of all the people who have successfully lived in this isolated place.

Dr Matthew Schmidt is the Senior Heritage Advisor Kaitohu Matua Taonga Tuku Iho Southern South Island for Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation. He was formally an independent heritage consultant and a Senior Archaeologist for Heritage New Zealand based in Dunedin. Please RSVP to Juliet Bruce at jbruce@doc.govt.nz.

Pop up Trap Library: learn about the goal of Predator Free 2050 and try backyard trapping free for a month.

Date: Saturday 18th August

Time: 11am – 2pm

Where: Outside Mitre 10

Queenstown locals can borrow traps for free to target particular pesky predators or to give backyard trapping a go! There will be DOC Rangers and Whakatipu Wildlife Trust representatives on hand that can help with any questions, which trap is best for your situation, and give you full instructions on how to use the traps. The Whakatipu Wildlife Trust is running a fundraising BBQ alongside the pop-up library. Thanks to Bidfood and Pak n Save for providing the BBQ food.

Native Plant nursery sessions – learn new skills and gain knowledge around growing native plants in the Whakatipu and contribute to enhancing our biodiversity!

Date: Wednesday 16th August

Time: 1pm – 4pm

Where: Jean Malpas Community Nursery, Poplar Drive, Kelvin Heights Join the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust’s volunteer session. No experience is needed as you will have the Nursery Manger to guide you! For more information, head to their website or contact the local DOC Visitor Centre.

What Can You Do To Help Nature?

You can take action for nature in many different ways. Planting natives in your backyard like Kōwhai, setting up birdfeeders to help our native species and attract them to your garden, or borrowing a predator trap from the DOC Visitor Centre’s trap library to place in your garden for free – you can trap ferrets, stoats, possums and rats!

We hope to see you out in nature soon! Ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata – when the land is well, the people are well.

Daffodil Day - Give today So No One Faces Cancer Alone!

Friday, 25 August is the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, a symbol of hope and support for all those impacted by cancer. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families navigating their cancer journey.

With vibrant yellow daffodils as its symbol, Daffodil Day serves as a reminder that no one should face cancer alone. Your generosity and participation enable the Cancer Society to offer crucial support and resources, empowering those affected by this disease to navigate their journey with courage and resilience.

Daffodil Day holds a special place in our community, allowing everyone to make a tangible impact in the lives of cancer patients and their families. The Cancer Society can provide on-the-ground free support, safe transport to and from cancer treatment, accommodation for those travelling for treatment, and contribute to vital research for better cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

You can make a difference today by donating now at www.daffodilday.org. nz. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families navigating their cancer journey

Diesel pumped directly to your home tank

Diesel is pumped straight from the truck into your house tanks so our truck won’t need to enter the property or risk damaging your driveway.

Discounted pricing. Eligibility for value-added benefits by becoming an RD Petroleum customer.

GOINGS ON ABOUT

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART

THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES

EXHIBITION COMMUNITY

TDC68 Aotearoa: The World’s Best Typography

Creative agency Osborne Shiwan is bringing TDC to Queenstown this month. The annual Type Directors Club Awards recognises design excellence and typographic innovation, with the exhibition traveling across America, Asia and Europe, and now Queenstown. 202 winners were selected from 63 countries. Hosted by Te Atamira, TDC68 Aotearoa brings together hundreds of pieces from entrants including Apple, The New York Times, Pentagram, Mucho and Klim Type Foundry.

TDC68 Aotearoa opens on Friday 18 August with an opening celebration, followed by a talk from Osborne Shiwan directors at 11am on Saturday 19 August.

When: Opening 5 pm Friday 18 August; Designers’ talk 11 am Saturday 19

August

Where: Te Atamira, Remarkables Park Town Centre

Pasta Café

Pasta Cafe is back for the 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 and others coming from their mansions. Sometimes it’s a struggle to connect in this busy town for individuals or families or to feed themselves. This is a time to enjoy great food and great conversations.

When: Fridays, August 18 and 25 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

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

Pigeon Island Native Regeneration with Neill Simpson

MUSIC

Sunday Jazz Series - Geoff Culverwell & Band

Music has been a life passion of Geoff’s. For more than 40 years he’s performed in New Zealand and internationally, a master of the trumpet and one of the most prolific and cutting edge jazz musicians currently on the New Zealand music scene. His festival performances are legendary with a variety of talented side-men and combos offering many different directions in sound. Geoff Culverwell is back in Q town again after a 10 year, He has previously headlined at the Queenstown International Jazz Festival over 20 years. Tickets for the show are online at Eventbrite.

When: Sunday August 20, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Where: Blue Door Bar, 18 Buckingham St, Arrowtown

Coronet Peak Dog Derby

EVENT

Queenstown’s favorite Dog Derby is BACK. Back for the 49th year in a row, where locals showcase their dog handling skills while traversing the mountain in either our Country Dog, Townie Dog or alternatively getting the kids involved in the Kid division. Registration gets under way from 10:30 am Greengates Car park followed by a Safety Briefing at 11:30am with the racing from 12:30 pm. If you are competing make sure you wear suitable footwear & clothing for a full mountain environment.

When: Saturday August 19 from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm

Where: Coronet Peak

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

Neill is an eminent local Botanist, retired DOC Regional Botanist (Otago) & Chairman of Whakatipu Reforestation Trust.

Neill will deliver a fascinating presentation about how a group of Queenstown locals took action for nature and formed the Wakatipu Islands Trust to restore native vegetation on Pigeon & Pig Islands. Once heavily forested, the island’s timber was extensively cut down and used for boat building and mining props. Thankfully, small pockets of the original diverse forest remained, allowing for remarkable regeneration after the removal of sheep and goats in 1984. Hear about the challenges and setbacks, the successes, and the lessons learnt have paved the way to preserve other district’s ecological heritage areas.

When: Friday 18 August, 4:30pm – 6:30 pm

Where: Arrowtown Community Centre, 12 Centennial Avenue, Arrowtown

Green Drinks Wanaka - CIVICS 101: Your Voice

This month’s Green Drinks in Wanaka is a collaboration with local Yo.Eco group with a session on civics and the official launch of the Wao Summit 2023 program. The Civics section will discuss the basics of the New Zealand political system and how to get involved, including how to vote in the upcoming elections.

When: Tuesday August 22, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Where: Federal Diner @ 47 Helwick Street down the alleyway

WORKSHOP

NAWIC Women’s Winter Wellness Evening

An evening for women interested to demystify, share and learn about how to look after themselves, now and into the future, with an evening about Women’s Wellness.

The evening has a Winter theme to focus on extra seasonal skin and hair care, along with nutrition and supplemental benefits, learning about who needs what, when. Attendees will meet other women in the area and see old friends while listening to and asking questions of, people who are passionate about their work. With a ‘speed dating’ style approach groups will float from table to table to ensure everyone gets time with all the experts. Tickets are available online at Humantix.

When: Wednesday August 16, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Where: Engage Safety 18 Glenda Drive, Frankton

Talent to turn out for Obsidian

By Paul Taylor

A heavy hitting team will represent Oceania at the inaugural International Obsidian at this year’s Winter Games NZ, held 9-13 September.

Obsidian will see invited teams, made up of the best freeski and snowboard athletes from Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania, battle it out for bragging rights across custom built terrain park venues at Cardrona Alpine Resort and epic freeride terrain in the mountains around Wānaka.

With Olympic, X Games and World Cup medallists on the roster, Team Oceania will be a strong contender for Obsidian’s Edgar Challenge Trophy for the winning team.

Included in the talented team is New Zealand’s Nico Porteous, Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic gold medallist, competing alongside Australia’s Valentino Guseli.

In 2023, Guseli became the first snowboarder from any nation to secure World Cup podiums in all three Park and Pipe disciplines in a single season, and in the process secured the overall Crystal Globe.

Porteous is looking forward to competing in Obsidian.

“Obsidian is a unique event, in that it’s not sanctioned, it’s not a part of the World Cup circuit,” he says.

“ It’s an alternative event that is crafted both for creative and competitive skiers and snowboarders that thrive in all aspects of freeskiing.

“It’s going to be awesome to showcase the playground that we have in Wānaka on the backcountry freeride day, the Park Jam and the Big Air - we are going to get the best of everything the area has to offer”.

Marty Toomey, Winter Games NZ CEO says: “Our aim is for Obsidian to be a ‘must-do’ event on the calendar for the world’s best skiers and snowboarders.

“Team events are rare in snow sports and our creative challenges make Obsidian a fun event for athletes to compete in and for fans to watch,” he says.

Obsidian will be held within a five day weather window from the 9-13 September. The first two events, the Big Air and the Park Jam, will be held at Cardrona Alpine Resort on the 9and 10 September respectively, while the final challenge, a heli-accessed backcountry freestyle event, will be held in the mountain ranges surrounding Wānaka on the 12 or 13 of September.

Kiwi freeskier Ruby Star Andrews will also be donning the Team Oceania bib. Andrews has had a breakout year, claiming her first World Cup podium in January this year and can’t wait to compete in Obsidian.

“It’s going to be such a different style of competition with the teams instead of individuals,” she says.

“I think it’s going to create a really competitive environment which will make for some exciting viewing. Look out for Team Oceania!”

The Team Oceania roster is: Ruby Star Andrews (Freeskier, NZ), Daisy Thomas (Freeskier, Australia), Nico Porteous (Freeskier, NZ), Finn Bilous (Freeskier, NZ), Cool Wakushima (Snowboarder, NZ), Jess McGregor (Snowboarder, Australia), Tiarn Collins (Snowboarder, NZ) and Valentino Guseli (Snowboarder, Australia).

NUESTRA VOZ

Por Daniela Díaz Soto ddiazsoto@gmail.com

La pasión por un Queenstown más sustentable

En la búsqueda de un mundo más sostenible, personas entusiastas de nuestra comunidad desempeñan un papel crucial en la promoción de prácticas ecoamigables en Queenstown.

Originaria de Argentina y con estudios en Ciencias Ambientales, Sofía Cinque llegó a Nueva Zelanda en 2019, decidida a colaborar en iniciativas en apoyo a la ecología del país.

A pesar de comenzar a trabajar en bares y cafés con una Working Holiday Visa, su enfoque rápidamente se dirigió hacia la creciente cantidad de desechos generados por dicha industria. Así, inspirada por la necesidad de fomentar hábitos más responsables, comenzó a ofrecer evaluaciones a negocios locales de forma totalmente voluntaria.

“Iba y tomaba nota de cómo operaban y donde se podían cortar los residuos, sobre todo en hospitality (…) Lo hacía gratis debido a las restricciones de mi visa, lo hice porque quería ayudar”, explica. De esta forma, comenzó activamente a realizar charlas en algunas empresas para educar a su staff en esta materia.

Esta labor la llevó a colaborar con iniciativas como “Use Your Own” y en la organización “Sustainable Queenstown”, promoviendo activamente el uso de tazas reutilizables y el cambio de comportamiento.

“Con el Covid me quedé sin trabajo y ahí empecé a meterme a voluntariado de todo”. Fue así como llegó a cooperar con Kiwi Harvest, donde una vez por semana recolecta en bicicleta comida de restaurantes antes de que sean desperdicios, y que luego deja en centros de caridad.

Tras la pandemia, Sofía resolvió su situación laboral y continuó en paralelo con el voluntariado. Su firme convicción en crear consciencia ambiental, visible también en su Instagram (@earthic.life), atrajo la atención de la empresa local Chunky donde le ofrecieron trabajar en el lanzamiento del sistema de tazas “prestadas” reutilizables “Loan Cup”, instaurado ya en varios cafés de Queenstown y expandiéndose a nivel nacional.

El fuerte deseo de Sofía demuestra cómo una sola persona puede catalizar un cambio significativo en su entorno. “La mitad de lo que hago sigue siendo voluntario. Siempre hay oportunidades y hay que buscarlas, contar lo que haces, tus ideas. Lo que yo siempre dije es: ‘lo que yo puedo ofrecer es mi pasión’”, reflexiona.

La visión de esta comprometida argentina busca transformar la mentalidad colectiva, fomentando una cultura de responsabilidad, conexión y colaboración. Y a pesar de los desafíos financieros y logísticos, desde su vereda desinteresada continúa siendo una voz valiosa en la promoción de la sustentabilidad en Queenstown.

“Si realmente te gusta algo, te apasiona algo, go for it, no hay nada que te pueda frenar. Y liderar con el ejemplo es como yo lo encaro, hazlo tú y después los que están alrededor lo van a seguir”, dice con seguridad.

La historia de Sofía es una prueba fehaciente de que el cambio genuino proviene de individuos comprometidos y de la misma comunidad, ya que es tarea de todos mantener prácticas en favor de la protección de este hermoso lugar donde vivimos. Y tú ¿qué estás haciendo para cooperar?

Valentino Guseli

Ruby Star Andrews

Calls for Lake Wakatipu microplastics research

By Sue Fea

There are calls to extend the Lake Wānaka microplastics research project to include Lakes Wakatipu and Hawea using the model developed by Wānaka-based microplastics researcher Veronica Rotman.

Raised in Queenstown, Rotman, an Auckland University marine scientist, recently began what will be an in-depth study into the effects of microplastics in Lake Wānaka, with a view to tracing the microplastics to their source. She’ll publish her findingsas part of her PhD – ‘Ki uta ki tai’ (Mountains To Sea): Plastics in Southern Aotearoa. “There aren’t many existing freshwater studies in Aotearoa, and rivers are a primary source of microplastics entering the ocean,” says Rotman.

As part of her PhD, she’s also hoping to test snow samples from surrounding mountains, to ascertain the extent of microfibres and plastic pollution entering the ecosystem from outdoor adventure activities, like skiing and climbing, as well as atmospheric fall-out. “It could literally be raining microplastics without knowing it.”

While her initial research is focused on Lake Wānaka, Rotman says she’d be interested to learn the extent of microplastics in Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hawea.

Lake Wakatipu is the lake I grew up swimming in - the heart of Tāhuna,” she says.

Testing Lake Wakatipu will be easier as a result of her Wānaka research. Alongside the published work, Rotman is creating a sampling methodology suitable for citizen science (community led monitoring) which the Wakatipu and Hawea communities can follow. Communities will be able to access her methodology via the WAI Wānaka platform to undertake their own research, creating a depositary of data to measure microplastics levels over time, and share any mitigation techniques.

“The key is to determine the sources of microplastics, what types of items they’re coming from so we can locate and plug the sources,” says Rotman. Where the Kawarau connects to Queenstown is also important as it feeds into the Clutha. “I’m interested to know how much plastic is entering the system and making its way into the ocean, where it could affect kaimoana and marine life, as well as fish in the lakes,” she says.

“It’s our responsibility as guardians of these precious lakes to ensure the water heading out to the ocean – the mauri (life force) leaving our territory, hasn’t been altered by pollution.”

She’s hoping that, through WAI Wanaka’s instigation, local communities can follow, using citizen science to come up with innovative regional solutions.

“It’s exciting as this is a preventable issue. If we work together on community solutions we can make big inroads. We want to turn off the tap, stopping these tiny pollutants from reaching our oceans.”

Rotman is collaborating with Otago University’s Chemistry Department where an objective chemical analysis will be performed on samples, identifying the types of plastics and their sources.

Wānaka’s Victoria Sheridan, a passionate environmental filmmaker, will be making a documentary on the project, which WAI Wānaka Education Lead Jose Cranfield says they’re hoping to screen locally. This will explore our connection to our waterways, the value of our water, both frozen and flowing, in this area, says Rotman.

The public interest and community input in her work has already “blown her mind”.

Cranfield says the idea arose after seeing the amount of fragmented plastics washed up on Lake Wānaka foreshore during a Mount Aspiring College clean-up mission.

“It feels like a really great time to explore this.”

WAI Wānaka is keen to see similar research carried out on Lake Wakatipu. “We’d potentially head over in future, depending on capacity and securing an interested project partner,” she says.

Queenstown-based ORC Councillor Alexa Forbes would support a citizen science research project on Lake Wakatipu. “Hopefully this will raise people’s awareness about the use of plastics, if they see what it’s doing and how it’s breaking down and ending up in our waterways,” she says. “I’d love to see them pick it up here and certainly in projects like these I think the ORC would support with any knowledge it could.”

“Lakes Hawea, Wānaka and Wakatipu are incredibly special on the world stage as beautiful deep alpine lakes and they’re relatively clean, compared with a lot of places in the world,” she says.

The ORC’s Deep Lakes Working Group will produce a strategy to look after, protect and restore the lakes.

“I personally believe citizen science should be added to this, as it gets people closer to nature and helps research. When they understand the vulnerability of our waterways they’ll be far more careful about discarding resources and use of pollutants.”

Funding for the Lake Wānaka research has come from Wai Wanaka, The Otago Participatory Science Platform, Auckland University, Curious Minds, Ten Square Games and PlanetPlay. Otago University’s Marine Research department is offering its labs for analysis.

Fragments of plastic found on Lake Wanaka

Queenstown-raised marine scientist Veronica Rotman collecting samples from Lake Wanaka for her microplastics research

TRAINBRAIN YOUR

1. Who starred as himself in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?

2. Which series features two physicists who work at Caltech?

3. The phrase “jumping the shark” originated as a result of which series?

4. Who was “in the Middle” in the title of a 2000s series?

5. What was the name of the coffee shop in Friends?

6. Which late 1970s sitcom featured the Tates and the Campbells?

7. In the series M*A*S*H, what did the letters stand for?

8. What was the name of Jerry's female sidekick in Seinfeld?

9. The sitcom Frasier was a spin-off from which series?

10. Which 1964-72 series starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha, daughter of Endora?

11. In Roseanne, what was the family’s surname?

12. Who played Dick Van Dyke’s wife in The Dick Van Dyke Show and later starred in her own show?

13. In the series 30 Rock, which comedienne and actress played Liz Lemon?

14. Who was the eldest sister in The Brady Bunch?

15. In which 2000s series did Neil Patrick Harris play Barney Stinson?

16. Who is Scratchy’s cartoon “co-star” in The Simpsons?

17. Who was Lucy in the 1950s series I Love Lucy?

18. "Good Night John Bay" was a signature catch phrase in which TV serie?

19. What was the name of the rather dysfunctional family in Married with Children?

20. Where is the sitcom New Girl set?

21. Where do the Simpsons live?

22. 'Where everybody knows you name' is the theme song to which long US sitcom?

23. What was the nickname of the tent that serves as the quarters for the surgical staff on M*A*S*H?

TIMBER / LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATIONS

Covering the Southern Lakes Area. 0211788589

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- Linen hiring - Property management - Superhost Airbnb hosting 5* reviews - Cleaning services

VACANCIES

we’re hiring! venue manager

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!

BUS DRIVERS

WORK, LIVE & PLAY IN AORAKI/MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK

At The Hermitage Hotel, our guests choose to stay with us because of the unique location, amazing views, and the excellent service throughout their stay. Our team chooses to work with us because of the unique lifestyle in a remote location, amazing views on your doorstep, and being part of an excellent team, a community, and a family.

Part of the Hermitage Hotel, Glacier Explorers offers a unique experience in New Zealand. Our guides take guests on a fun and informative boat excursion, interacting around icebergs and up to the mighty terminal face of NZ’s largest glacier.

Our guides are responsible for sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for the area with our guests. No day on the Tasman Lake is ever the same and this offers variety and challenge like no other role.

What your day will look like

Our Drivers are responsible for transporting guests between our activities. Key responsibilities include;

• Work with other activities team members to create an exceptional product for clients

• Demonstrate knowledge of the flora, fauna and natural history of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

• Daily check in of guests, ensure the 'screening' of guests (for appropriate warm clothing / footwear / health issues) and ensuring on time departures for each trip

• Ensuring the safe transportation guests between the hotel and Tasman Valley

• Conducting guided and structured OFF - ROAD tours through the surrounding valleys and points of interest

• Completing all required checks and procedures including predeparture and start up checks, and additional checks required in bad weather or adverse conditions,

• Always deliver a safe and professional service,

• Demonstrate an understanding of both Health & Safety and emergency procedures,

To be successful, you will need:

• A full, clean NZ driver’s license and proven solid driving experience

• A Class 2/4 and P endorsement is essential

• The ability to manage a group and strong public speaking and communication skills

• A love for the outdoors and an outgoing personality

• A strong sense of responsibility, commitment, and reliability

Further Information:

All positions at Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Village Ltd have subsidised accommodation as part of our unique lifestyle package, with the weekly board rates including WiFi and power. Due to the idyllic, isolated location of Mt Cook, you will need to be comfortable working and living in a remote location. Please note, this role requires you to live in Aoraki / Mt Cook Village.

Please visit our website www.hermitage.co.nz

To inquire further or make an application, please contact Gerry.Lemon@hermitage.co.nz to start the experience of a lifetime today.

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

BAR MANAGER AND SENIOR

WAITER

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

Bluekanu is looking for a Bar Manager and Senior Waiter, with drive/energy and is motivated, we will teach you the rest.

If you love people, have a good knowledge of food & beverage, like working in a fun, busy environment then get in touch!

Please forward your CV to megan@hhgroup.nz

Must have a valid NZ Work Visa.

Love food? Love events? Love In2Food!

Can handle working at stunning & remote locations around Queenstown? Looking for variety and to work as part of a team?

We are a popular Queenstown based catering company in search of some fresh faces for another big season of events at exclusive venues. Our catering business is looking for the following to join our team for another busy season:

• Chef de partie

• Casual chefs

• Kitchen hands

Rewarded with a competitive hourly rate. You must be in New Zealand with the right to work legally in New Zealand with a current visa.

If this sounds like a position that you want to get your hands on then send your application including CV to thilo@in2food.co.nz

VACANCIES

Who wants to LIVE, WORK and PLAY in Arrowtown?

The Dishery in Arrowtown ( www.thedishery.co.nz ) seek a Hospitality Professional

Skills required – Experience in a busy front of house setting. A first, second, and top gear. A hospitality radar. If it’s in your blood… we want to talk to you.

We offer – daytime hours. Free up your evenings. Top pay for the right candidate.

Express your interest now scott@thedishery.co.nz or call/txt 021 664 553

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.

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?

applynow

Full Time & Part Time Positions Available

Required at Super Liquor Remarkables Park Frankton Queenstown.

Who we are looking for:

• Full Time or Part Time Duty Manager, on weekly roster including evenings and some weekends.

• General Manager Certificate a must.

• Sound Knowledge of product is required.

• Great communication skills.

• Must be physically fit and have a sense of humour.

• Attention to detail to ensure our high standards are maintained. Must be honest reliable have retail experience and be a Team Player. Forklift licence an advantage, but not necessary.

If you have what we are looking for please contact the manager Heather Wilson at remarkablespark@superliquor.co.nz or call (03) 4429801.

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

Sales Assistant position available

Permanent full time: 37.5 hours per week

Variable hours Monday to Saturday

Must have:

• Valid working visa or Residency/ Citizenship

• Retail/sales experience

Immediate start

Email Talana for more information centrallakesarea@familystore.org.nz

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

VACANCIES

PLUMBERS & PLUMBERS ASSISTANTS

We are looking for Staff to fill the above roles for busy local company. Plumbing Experience Necessary. Some construction experience a benefit if applying for assisting roles.

Contact: Andy Langford Phone: 021 426 393 Email: andy@flints.co.nz

Scarer and Sale Assistant

Fear Factory Queenstown are looking for an experienced Sales Assistant and Scarer. Average of 32-37 hours a week (full-time), mainly evening work. You will be working with a fun, hard working, scary team, passionate about horror, making people laugh and scream.

• Excellent customer service skills

• Minimum 6 months wih full availability

• Stock management skills

• Cash, eftpos, till and computer skills

• Excellent team player

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

Interested?

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

FIND THE PERFECT CANDIDATE

FOR YOUR JOB VACANCY

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

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

Retail Sales Assistant

Liquorland at Frankton is looking for a Retail Sales Assistant to join their team. Preference will be given to someone with experience in the Liquor industry.

Please email your CV to wakatipu@liquorland.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

VACANCIES

We’re Hiring

Sous chef required, apply today

Work Perks:

•We offer a competitive salary, best in the industry discounts, ongoing development, and opportunities

•A fun, friendly and positive work environment where you’ll make a bunch of new mates

•A flexible roster

•Discounts across the wider MacFarlane's group

•A clear career path with opportunities for advancement

•Delicious food & staff meals

•Free coffee - all day every day

•Epic work stories

Retail Assistant

We are looking for a passionate retailer with a proven track record in exceptional customer service to work closely with our team and to join our journey in taking our little store from strength to strength.

We are looking for someone who shares our philosophy of Farm to Plate, who is a passionate foodie and who is able to assist our discerning customers with a confident service style.

If you are a customer-centric person with a confident style, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! The role requires a level of physical fitness including the ability to li boxes and stack shelves, along with the ability to o er service with a smile.

Shop hours are 9am - 6pm, 7 days a week so weekend work will be required on a rostered basis. Apply by sending your CV and a summary of your experience to people@royalburn.co.nz or view the full job ad via the jobs page on our website www.royalburn.co.nz

CELLAR DOOR HOST

We are looking for the right person to join our Cellar Door team at the Chard Farm winery in Gibbston. The cellar door host is a full-time position involving all aspects of hosting tastings, sales, cellar door club, wine despatch and website/internet orders. Become part of a fun team at one of Central Otago’s leading, family owned, pioneering wineries. Position requirements:

• A passion for wine and customer service and ability to deliver an interesting and unique tasting experience.

• Able to convert positive experience into wine sales

• Basic computer skills are essential

• Good wine knowledge and a keen interest in wine desirable

• A duty manager qualification would be an advantage

• Able to work some weekend days

If you are interested and have the suitable skills, we'd

HOLIDAY HOMES MANAGER QUEENSTOWN

Are you focussed on delivering the finest Client Experience?

Can you manage the moving parts of a fast-paced business and team as well as being committed to achieving the right outcome for clients?

We have a great opportunity for a focussed and driven individual to become part of New Zealand’s Most Trusted Real Estate Brand – as voted 11 years running.

Our Holiday Homes business has been delivering the ultimate client experience for many years. Our success is based on our growth and repeat clients. The key purpose of this role is to develop and manage a portfolio of relationships and properties by providing a high level of service in the Harcourts Way.

You may be in the accommodation, hospitality or tourism sector looking for an opportunity to utilise your customer service, coordination, or management skills. Or you might be looking for an exciting new opportunity to move into.

The key responsibilities of this role are;

• Manage our holiday homes business with a strong focus on business development.

• Manage our array of tools and technology to enhance the client experience.

• Key relationship management across clients, guests, suppliers, and portals

The ideal candidate will possess;

• Proven business intellect.

• The ability to manage and think on their feet.

• Strive to be the best in client experience.

• Knowledge of channel management and reservation is advantageous.

• Full training of our systems and processes will be given to the successful candidate. All applicants must be a New Zealand resident or hold a valid work visa. You must also hold a current and clean driver’s license.

If you have what it takes to take our Holiday Homes business to the next level, please send your CV and cover letter to annette@steapconsulting.co.nz

Applicants must be an NZ citizen or hold a valid work visa.

Please note only applicants who are shortlisted will be contacted.

Are you brave enough to be our next Shark Driver...??

Hydro Attack Queenstown are looking to recruit two full time Drivers to join our busy team.

As the world's first commercial operation of its kind we're excited to be expanding our team & are searching for a new star who is brave enough to take on our 18ft Sharks!!

Ideally you'll have customer facing experience and great people skills, along with an awesome "can do" attitude!

We are looking to commence driver training asap so that we're ready for the upcoming Spring & Summer seasons.

If you think you are the “ONE” then please send your CV & covering letter to rachel@queenstown.com / 021 058 8306

www.hydroattack.co.nz

We’re looking for superstars! kitchen

THE BALLARAT