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LAKES WEEKLY

LOCALLY OWNEDSINCE FOREVER BULLETIN

Queenstown is boiling

What a week that was. If bad luck comes in threes, it might be time to make sure your disaster kit is up to date. We started with a boil water notice and ended it in a state of emergency after a biblical deluge. Water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink. Both the crypto bug and the Bob’s Peak landslips were arguably avoidable, depending on what comes out in the wash, but to have them both happen at the same time has been a decent test of our emergency preparedness and resilience.

First up, the crypto bug. We are not at a festival. There has not been an earthquake. We are not at war. And yet, this week in Queenstown, the diamond in the tourist crown of a modern, developed nation, residents and businesses are going cup in hand to water tankers to access clean water. That’s a clear sign for local and central government that you’ve properly stuffed up somewhere along the line. The proverbial has hit the fan and toilet bowls. People are sick, businesses are dealing with the logistical nightmare of boiling water, and everyone west of the Shotover Bridge is muttering angrily about the council as they put another pot on the stove. Of course, we don’t even know that it is the water. Health officials say it might not be, but the fact that the water regulator has seen fit to sanction QLDC over its Two Mile water treatment plant is damning in itself. Two Mile does not have a protozoa barrier which filters out the parasite cryptosporidium, which is causing our Delhi belly. Queenstown has an 80km long, 300m deep LAKE. Obviously that water needs filtration, pumping and pipes, but it shouldn’t be that difficult to make it cleaner and deliver it to homes and businesses.

Successive councils must bear some of the blame, putting off this $30m project while spending money on beautifying downtown streets and the rest. It wasn’t so long ago QLDC wanted permission to discharge into the lake and rivers, you’d have thought they’d have the filtration systems sorted out. But Central Government is as much to blame. We’ve been shouting for years that we can’t afford the infrastructure for millions of tourists. Instead of concrete solutions, we got match-funded Shovel Ready, we got yes-nomaybe on a visitor levy, and yes-no-maybe on Three Waters.

As for the slips, I’m no geo-tech engineer, but it seems many people thought the chop for the Skyline gondola and fire break was an accident waiting to happen, especially with wood left on the hill. The positive is that no one was injured but it cost businesses and the council dearly, not to mention the damage to Queenstown Cemetery. Both incidents could damage Queenstown’s reputation too, and provide a priceless warning that risk should be the first concern.

Paul Taylor

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ChristmasFEATUREINSIDE

Show judged a success... Arrowtown Spring Flower Show was a huge hit across the generations as it celebrated its 100th anniversary on Friday. You can view a wonderful selection of photos from the event at lwb.co.nz and on the Queenstown App.

Photo: Colin Walkington

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FIND US AT 69 BEACH STREET

Aquaphobia over vicious bug

By Paul Taylor

A Queenstown woman hospitalised for seven days with a suspected case of cryptosporidium says she’s worried about even showering in case she gets another severe bout

Meagan Wilken, who lives in Sunshine Bay, became violently sick about three weeks ago, the illness coming on suddenly with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches.

“I just couldn’t keep anything down, or get in enough fluids, and my stomach cramps were really, really bad,” she says.

“I ended up in Lakes District Hospital but because I’m pregnant, they just kept treating me like I had really bad morning sickness, which was quite frustrating.

“We knew there was a gastro bug doing the rounds in Fernhill and we asked about that, but the doctors didn’t make the link. The council hadn’t put anything out by then, so they just sent me home.

“Then, by the Thursday I was extremely ill and went back to my GP.” Her GP sent her down to Invercargill Hospital, where unfortunately the story was much the same as Lakes District.

“The nurses were brilliant, but I kept seeing different doctors every day, and all gynaecologists, when I feel I should have had someone who was expert in gastro bugs.

“One nice doctor did reassure me and my husband that the baby was safe, though, which had been the scariest thing.”

Wilken had five different IV lines over seven days because her veins kept degrading. She was even too dehydrated to provide a sample for testing and was eventually sent home with some medication.

She still feels ill and had considered going back to hospital on Sunday.

“It’s almost like it’s coming back and I’m petrified. We’re drinking bottled or boiled water and even if I have a shower, I’m worried can it get back in, is it coming back?”

Te Whatu Ora is working alongside Queenstown Lakes District Council to establish the source of the outbreak.

While this continues, the boil water notice remains in place for Queenstown and Frankton residents and businesses, enforced by water regulator Taumata

Arowai, who last week served QLDC with a ‘non-compliant’ notice over its Two Mile water treatment plant, which does not have a protozoa barrier to filter the parasite cryptosporidium.

Queenstown’s mayor Glyn Lewers admitted on Thursday a $30m upgrade with a protozoa barrier would take months, although a UV filter a possible short-term fix.

And six of QLDC’s 12 treatment plants d not have a protozoa barrier, including the ones serving the whole of Wānaka.

Lewers says the council will have “some pretty hard decisions to make” about prioritisation after this, and non-core projects could be deferred in favour of the basics “water, wastewater, stormwater and roads”, unless Government funding is secured.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Emma Sherwood says her team is keeping an open mind about the source, however, which could include “people who have recently travelled overseas, food or drink products, hospitality premises, recreational water, or water that’s been tainted by parasites from animals”. A heat map of positive cases shows most live or work in the CBD but, anecdotally, there are a lot of sick people in Fernhill.

Wilken, 36, says it would be a relief if it wasn’t in the water.

“It would take some of the stress away.”

Meantime, council has installed two clean water tankers downtown in Athol St and two at Queenstown Events Centre, but none at Fernhill.

“I did have to laugh about that,” Wilken says. “It takes an hour to get into town from Fernhill because of the traffic lights and road works. You’d think they’d have done a little bit more for us, because we appear to be worst affected suburb.”

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Questions flow after weather bomb landslip

By Paul Taylor

Skyline Enterprises boss Geoff McDonald has defended the logging work done on Bob’s Peak saying it was a “well managed, well audited and inspected operation”.

On Thursday night, as a month’s worth of rain fell on Queenstown in a 24-hour period, water streamed down the hill beneath the iconic tourist attraction, collecting logs, debris and mud, in the section where CLE Contracting has cut a path for the new gondola and also a firebreak.

The torrent surged through Queenstown Cemetery at the bottom of the hill, covering about a third of the site and knocking over headstones, and then out onto Brecon St, following the roads down into town.

Police and emergency management response teams rushed to evacuate people from nearby hotels and homes. Residents in communities off Gorge Road were also evacuated as a separate landslip came down off the hills, in a known at-risk area, while roads across the district were blocked. That all led Queenstown’s mayor Glyn Lewers to declare a local state of emergency, a rare event, which was lifted on Sunday.

The incident has led many people in the town to question the wisdom of removing the trees on the steep hill above town.

McDonald says the two-year operation was designed to increase the safety zone around the gondola line in the leased area, and extended to create a much bigger firebreak.

“It’s been slow, because the terrain is so difficult and dangerous,” he says. “The contractor has had to work around the seasons and the weather, etc., and just ensure it was safe.

“It’s been a very well managed and well audited and inspected operation, he isn’t able to do anything without the appropriate kind of authority. He’s checking his methodology and ensuring things were done safely.

“Unfortunately then, we’ve had this once in 24-year weather event.”

McDonald says while much of the talk has been about the flood picking up ‘forestry slash’, akin to incidents in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, some of the Queenstown logs were stacked in a bund, or log wall.

“There’s a little bit of forestry debris and whatever down the bottom, but some of those logs in the cemetery have come from a log stack up on the road. You can see it up on the hill. The slip has picked that up, so it wasn’t like a whole lot of material left lying around.”

Logs, big boulders and other materials are extracted from the site in a sled “in a progressive way”, after being stacked and stored in different locations on the hill.

Still, McDonald says: “I can completely understand people saying ‘oh well, if they weren’t clearing the space’. But the clearance was being made to improve safety, and then, ironically, you have an issue with this weather event.”

While Skyline is confident in the approach taken by the contractor, with advice from third-party forestry advisors, it now needs to take a fresh look at the slope.

“It’s a different site now and we’ve got this slip face to sort out. We’re talking to council about that. And then we’re going to look at the rest of it and say ‘well, how can we get some of that material off there more quickly’.”

Skyline will offer to assist in the clearance of the Queenstown Cemetery site. The cemetery has both historical and modern graves. The entire area was previously mapped in GIS, so the council has accurate records of burial sites. Former mayoral candidate Jon Mitchell, who has a decades-long career in emergency management, would like to a map provided showing the graves affected for relatives. His parents are buried in the cemetery, and he walked up to the site over the weekend, but fortunately their grave was intact.

On the incident as whole, Mitchell says his bigger concern is “the whole lack of appreciation of the consequences of decisions that council makes”, especially when it consents works.

“It was quite apparent to everyone there was a potential problem there,” he says.

“Creating log bunds on a steep slope like that ... it would be interesting to have an objective view on that. The ideal situation would have been to remove all the debris as they were going along.

“These significant weather events do happen, and we know from elsewhere in the logging industry, that some practices are not fit for purpose.

“This slope is above daycare facilities, a school, businesses, so we need a much more risk-aware approach from council in all its decision making.”

Damage to Queenstown Cemetery. Photo: QLDC

The path of the slip from Bob’s Peak

Entries double for KUMA Awards

By Sue Fea

From emerging businesses through to experienced Māori business owners who’ve been operating successfully for decades, the prestigious Te Kupeka Umaka Māori ki Āraiteuru (KUMA) Māori Business Awards are an expression of Māori creativity and entrepreneurship in the southern region.

Now in their eighth year, the biennial awards are becoming highly sought after with more than double the number of entries this year, compared with 2021.

Queenstown, Wānaka and Central Otago are well represented with high calibre entries from digital and film, hauora (Māori health), construction, consultancy (business, government and research) and tourism and hospitality.

The awards will be presented at a gala dinner at Queenstown’s Te Atamira on Saturday, 30 September.

And a showcase of events is also being held across Queenstown this week, open to the public from today, Tuesday, 26 September, says KUMA Board member and organising chair Karmela Rapata.

“The showcase is an extension of the awards and a further way to celebrate Māori businesses,” she says.

“There’s an open invitation to all to experience manaaki and whanaungatanga in action. This series of collaborative events is an exciting opportunity to explore how Te Ao Māori influences and enriches business, something we want to share with our communities.”

These include a Māori Pacific Designer Show, featuring fashion, jewellery, and millinery, two Whānau Table experiences at Blue Kanu, the first anchored by local kaumatua Hud Rapata.

“Hud will share his cultural connections with kōrero with an intimate group of 11 guests.”

Hud and writer, director and actor Julian Noel will also hold a ‘soul to stage’ workshop about how to honour your story and take it to the stage as a performance. “They draw on their Māori upbringing to create powerful stories for diverse audiences.”

There’s also a breathwork workshop where people can experience Te Hā (the breath of life) through various techniques guided by Kyle Pauro of Holistic Performance.

“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+”

A Māori Market Day at Remarkables Market on Saturday, 30 September, will feature intricate carving, traditional Māori cloaks – koroawai, and flax weaving designs from SIT tutor Roka Cameron and her students. On the same day, Darren Rewi, Te Ao Marama Apiata and Chris Jansen from Leadership Lab will facilitate a kōrero – a conversation about incorporating Te Tiriti into today’s modern life, which is open to all.

A feature this year is the new Te Tohu Tangata Tiriti – Te Tiriti Partnership Award. “The judges are looking for a strong commitment to upholding the principles of partnership, co-design, equity and connectedness with Māori as set out in Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Karmela says.

It’s been challenging trying to select the finalists with an extremely high calibre and significant number of entries. The judging panel comprises experts in iwi development, business, and finance - Karen Roos – Te Puni Kōkiri, Jeff Broughton – FINDEX and Amy Young - Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Puna Pakihi.

He Tohu Maumahara ki a Suzanne Spencer – the Supreme Award, celebrating the legacy of one of KUMA’s highly regarded founding members, goes to the Business of the Year, and voting for the People’s Choice Award opens soon. Karmela and her sister, Maria, of Check In Queenstown, award-winning Queenstown restaurateur Karen Hattaway and Wānaka’s Niche Design all won awards in 2021.

“It’s such an incredible event that allows whānau to celebrate, empower and inspire others in business,” Hattaway says. She paid tribute to local representatives Karmela and Maria, who’ve played an integral part in collaborating and planning the event.

“There’s certainly a fantastic buzz in the air.” Receiving her 2021 award was a real honour and “very humbling experience”. “It certainly gave us the confidence and encouragement that we’re doing something right.”

Other award recipients say the recognition propelled their businesses forward in connections, partnerships, and new business opportunities, and helped build confidence and motivation.

This year’s winners will be the guardians for the year of a tohu – carving, being created by local master carver Steve Solomon (Ngāi Tahu, Ngati Whakue, Ngati Pikiao, Te Whanau a Apanui). “KUMA is honoured that Steve is creating these tohu that will be held in perpetuity for future KUMA members to aspire to,” Karmela says.

No vegging out... Queenstown Community Gardens digs deep to feed the hungry

By Sue Fea

A grant funding boost has enabled volunteer gardeners at Queenstown’s blossoming Harvest Community Gardens to plan a Community Food Pantry, from which people can come and help themselves to whatever fresh produce they need.

President Paula Squire-Thomas says with so much surplus grown by plotholders in the flush community gardens, in Gorge Road, they wanted to ensure the fresh vegetables, herbs and seasonal fruit all got into the community to be enjoyed.

Thanks to grants totalling $7000 this year and last year from Sky City Community Trust, they’re building raised beds and a tunnel house which is being covered with plastic at a working bee soon. Volunteers will grow a wide range of vegetables in there specifically for the pantry, also being built this season.

“We already give a lot of surplus produce to Baskets of Blessing, Happiness House and Abbeyfield, but we can now grow much more and also grow enough for people who want to come and take what they need,” SquireThomas says.

They will also be propagating vegetable and herb seedlings in the tunnel house and people can come and take free punnets of these to encourage them to grow their own veggies at home.

There’s always a waiting list to take plots in the gardens and that usually grows at this time of year, so Squire-Thomas says they’re hoping to reallocate a few plots after some people left town over winter.

Sixty plot-holders now grow produce in the gardens, and between them they feed about 100 people in various local households. “We’ve had a marked increase in young people flatting and young families taking space to grow their own produce amid soaring fresh vegetable prices.”

The pantry will offer all kinds of leafy greens like kale, rocket and silver beet, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchinis, yams, potatoes herbs, even saffron, garlic and onions grown by past president Megan Palmer. Fruit from the gardens now established stone fruit trees will also be on offer in season. Squire-Thomas and Palmer already make preserves from the garden’s surplus rhubarb and fruit, which is donated to local organisations.

“We always all have more produce than we can handle so it will be great to get it out there into the community,” Squire-Thomas says.

Security cameras have been installed and it will be an honesty, take what you need system. A QR code is being installed for those able to make a voluntary donation.

The pantry will likely be stocked each morning and emptied each night, and open seven days a week, providing there’s plenty of surplus produce.

In a big boost to their voluntary operations the community gardens has received more than $26,000 in grant funding during the past two years, including a $5000 Queenstown Lakes District Council operations grant, which has made “a massive difference”, Squire-Thomas says. It’s also enabled completion of the children’s playground. This year a $14,000 council grant will enable a secure water supply and other operations, including payment for a lawn mower.

“A council waste minimisation grant also provided us with free bins and paid for a Dr Compost workshop.” There are also free Bokashi bins on site. Gardens co-founder back in 2008 and local environmentalist Michael Sly has been a huge help providing 100kgs of coffee grounds delivered each week, which he collects from local cafés and composts.

Squire-Thomas says that while the plots are all in high demand and taken for now, they’d love help from any volunteers who just want to get amongst it and garden. “We will definitely need helpers to maintain our new Sky City Tunnel Gardens.”

The group is now on the look-out for builders to help erect the Food Pantry shed.

See: harvestgardens.nz

Volunteers working on the raised beds at Queenstown Community Gardens

Diesel pumped directly to your home tank

Impact100 Wakatipu announces finalists

By QMG

Impact100 Wakatipu has named its five 2023 finalists in the running for $208,000 of grants.

They are Graeme Dingle Foundation Southern, Kiwi Harvest, Lakes District Museum, Queenstown Trails Trust and Southern Lakes Sanctuary.

The winners will be announced at a dinner on 25 October when the supporters of Impact100 will have an opportunity to vote for their preferred charity. Two charities will walk away with $100,000 each in grants, with the balance shared between the three runners-up.

“Having two grants available this year meant we have had a record number of applications so the grants committee have had a very busy and challenging job to assess each of the projects, and determine which of the top five to present to our supporters,” Joan Kiernan, chair of the Grants Committee, says.

“The applications ranged from environmental, building social capability, arts and culture, mental health and leisure activities – and all of them designed to strengthen and build our local community.”

Impact100 was established in 2020 under the umbrella of the Wakatipu Community Foundation and is based on a global model that has been operating successfully for more than 20 years. Impact100 chapters are traditionally made up of 100 women each donating $1,000 annually. Every dollar goes back into the community.

This year’s grants will mean the organisation has donated nearly $700,000 in just four years to a wide range of community projects including a new St John Health Shuttle, a bespoke building fit out for Living Options, in-school screening for neuro diversity by Pivotal Point and predator trapping in the Rees / Dart delta by the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust.

“This year we are also running a campaign where anyone can donate to top up the amount the runner’s up receive,” Clare Irons, chair of Impact100 Wakatipu, says.

“We would love to top up this year’s contribution to up to $5000 each. Our webpage has a link for donations, 100% of those will go to the charities.

“We congratulate the Final Five, and would also like to thank all of the local charities who submitted such interesting and well thought out projects. It’s very humbling to see the number of dedicated people committed to solving local issues, and working to make this special place even better and we only wish we had more to donate.”

This year’s Final Five and their projects are:

Graeme Dingle Foundation Southern to run a Kiwi Can programme at Queenstown Primary School. Kiwi Can is a school programme to develop resilience, confidence, well being and social skills in children. STARS, the Graeme Dingle Foundation programme for youth, currently runs at Wakatipu High School.

Kiwi Harvest for a new refrigerated truck and running costs to enable ongoing collection of 130,000kg of rescued food annually. This will enable the distribution of meals via local social service agencies to over 700 people each week who require food support in the Queenstown/ Whakatipu region, and prevent this food from going to landfill.

Lakes District Museum for equipment and staff to digitise the museum’s extensive collections to preserve the collection for future generations. Digitising the archive will have a transformational impact, ensuring preservation, protection, accessibility, and inclusivity of the region’s historical assets.

Queenstown Trails Trust for a 1500m section of trail linking the new Jims Way Bridge over SH6 to the existing trail network. Linking the bridge and trails will create a safe alternative to navigating a high traffic zone, and the purpose-built trail will provide an alternative to cars, and increase trail connectivity.

Southern Lakes Sanctuary (with the support of the Whakatipu Wildlife Trust) to carry out a predator control and development programme at Bobs Cove. This would include innovative, high-tech trapping & monitoring of predators to protect Bobs Cove and it’s native species, and allow the native populations to flourish.

NUESTRA VOZ

Por Daniela Díaz Soto ddiazsoto@gmail.com

¿Queenstown, aún me amas?

Me enamoré de ti desde que te vi por primera vez. Hasta te presenté a mis padres y quedaron encantados. No podía creer que me estabas recibiendo con los brazos abiertos.

Me sentí en confianza de inmediato, me entregaste una seguridad que nunca antes había sentido. Me envolviste en tus montañas, me cautivaste con tu hermoso paisaje, el lago y verde, mucho verde. Sentí que esto iba a ser siempre igual o incluso mejor. Sin embargo, este último tiempo te he sentido extraño e incluso distante. Ya no me hablas como antes, no me das mucha atención. Te siento distraído y desconectado.

Pareciera que estás más preocupado de tu carrera y lo entiendo, y estoy orgullosa de tu éxito, y eso creo que fue una de las cosas que me atrajo hacia ti, pero ahora que has llegado tan lejos pareciera que te has olvidado de las cosas simples.

No quiero que me trates de impresionar con tus lujos y ropa de marca, sólo quiero pasar tiempo contigo y nuestros amigos ¿Te acuerdas cuando íbamos a ese café local que nos encantaba?

Ahora ese acogedor lugar sólo es un edificio frío, sin identidad… casi como siento se ha vuelto nuestra conexión.

Te solía encantar la naturaleza y tu comunidad, pero ahora sólo estás cubierto de barreras y conos, y nunca me das explicaciones.

Los consecuencias de tu éxito están haciendo que los que te aman luchen día a día. Te quiero tanto que deseo que las cosas funcionen, mas tú debes decirme qué hacer para recomponer esta relación ¿Me estoy aferrando a un amor no correspondido o es que sólo estás confundido?

Entiendo que quieras atrapar amantes pasajeros, pero yo estoy aquí para quedarme, acompañarte y ayudarte a crecer, así como lo he hecho desde que te conocí.

Hemos sido muy felices y también enfrentado oscuros momentos de incertidumbre, pero salimos adelante juntos y sentí que éramos más fuertes que nunca. No obstante, ahora siento que te olvidaste de mí y de quienes te han ayudado en el camino.

Conozco los círculos en los que has tenido que estar para crecer, pero siento que la influencia de algunos te ha hecho empujar a la gente que realmente te aprecia y que estará contigo, incluso cuando los tiempos sean difíciles.

Estoy agradecida por los momentos que hemos pasado juntos. Entiendo que todos hemos cambiado y crecido, pero sé que aún conservas la esencia y personalidad que me hizo enamorarme de ti; y esa bondad que tus amigos y familia adoran.

Con la llegada de la primavera me siento más optimista. Estas últimas semanas tuve una sensación en mi estómago y me quise convencer de que eran mariposas, como cuando nos conocimos por primera vez. Sin embargo, creo que es esa extraña emoción cuando no sabes qué vendrá en el futuro. Por eso, sólo quiero saber , ¿Queenstown, aún me amas?

FOUND

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

•EMILI OLIVEIRA – wallet

•Red Honor phone, Asian characters, found on the bus

•‘Liali’ white gold and diamond ring, found at the Airport

•H&J Smiths shopping bag with tea towels and other purchases

•AKSEL LINDENMEYR – wallet

•Sony video camera, found in Arrowtown

•Black Oppo phone, found in Arrowtown

•White shoulder bag handed to Arrowtown Police Station

• Black fitness tracker, located by QMC

•MINGZHE LI – wallet

•Dusty grey ‘Charles and Keith’ purse

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 For Sale

SHOES UNLIMITED ALL KORJO TRAVEL ACCESSORIES ARE on clearance in our Queenstown Central store at Franktoncard holders, padlocks, raincoats, hangers, anti-nausea bands, anti-theft money holders - great to stash away for those Xmas stocking fillers

AT THE WORLD’S EDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL, 7-20 October, Queenstown Lakes. The classical music festival in the heart of the Southern Alps. Six programmes, free events and international artists. www.worldsedgefestival.com

Trades & Services Community

EASY ADMIN - INVITING LOCAL BUSINESS, WE do: PAYROLL, XERO/MYOB, GST, CASHFLOW, AR&AP, INVOICING. Office Management & Consultancy. hello@easyadmin.co.nz | 0210 823 7381

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD. FILL A SHOEBOX OR donate individual gifts, for children in the Pacific. Leaflets/ boxes at Salvation Army, Fresh Choice, Orphan’s Aid shop near BP or ph Sharon 0276427575. Return by October 20. operationchristmaschild.org.nz

QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST. WED (27 Sept), @ 6:30pm, Wednesday evening class - teaching or practice ; SUN (1 Oct), from 2:30pm - 5:30pm, Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoche’s guidance on “A Guide to the Way of Life of a Bodhisattva”. All sessions are free with dana for the centre/teacher gratefully accepted. For session details, see dharmacentre.org.nz or FB.

ALTRUSA CHARITY FASHION SHOW IS ON 12 October from 6:30pm at Arvida Queenstown Country Clubhouse. You’re invited for a night of fashion & fun! We are raising funds for Whakatipu Youth Trust. Grab your tickets early and support your community

Tickets $35 includes welcome bubbles, cheese platter & cash bar. Tickets & info email altrusaqueenstown@gmail.com call Ngaire Hayes 021 078 2997

WATCH REPAIRS NOW

For all your repairs, watches, clocks, batteries, key cutting & straps. Level One, Stratton House (Below Sky City), 24 Beach Street, Queenstown Mon - Fri, 9:30am till 5:30pm. Closed on Saturdays.

Phone/ text: 027 217 0442

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “LET US NOT take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom.” - Queen Elizabeth II

DOES ANYONE HAVE AN OLD BULLWORKER THEY want to get rid of? I’d be happy to give you a few bucks in return. ThanksPeter. ALPHECCA@GMAIL.COM

YOUNG PICASSOS AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM TERM 4 THEME - “WILD THING” CHARACTER CREATION. Create unique and original creatures and characters inspired by the famous book “Where the Wild Things Are. Students will create their own original design then learn to scale their work up into a collaborative mural design! Great Fun Book Now! Friday 3.30 - 4.45pm Te Atamira. OCT 20 - 8 DEC $261pp including materials. Ages 6-15 TXT Lisa Duncan BA Hons 022 364 1127 E-lisadspaintparty@gmail.com

Central Lakes

A Sustainable cup of coffee

By Jess Allen

Last year saw an uptick in coffee roasteries switching from traditional gas to roast their coffee to electricity as a result of the demand for sustainable coffee. This is a technology that hasn’t been seen much in New Zealand, but new kids on the block, Ryder Specialty Coffee, are among the first using it in Aotearoa.

Based in Frankton, the business is the brainchild of Sam Bright, Peter Forde, and Wesley McAllister. They saw a gap in the market for more sustainable coffee and wanted to utilise the new tech.

Gas was once the only way to roast coffee, and in the industry the introduction of electricity has been described as comparing a Tesla to an old diesel car. When using gas, there’s a lot of variables that need to be considered and often adjustments have to be made with each roast, the introduction of electricity means it’s more efficient all around.

“It changes a whole bunch of different aspects,” Bright says. “It’s definitely a lot easier to manage once you get used to the technology, but the heat application is completely different on an electric roaster. There’s a huge learning curve that goes along with using new technology, but there’s also some really big advantages.

“For us, it means that we can create a really consistent product, and that we’re not having to rely on a really highly-skilled person to be able to monitor and replicate the exact roast profile over and over again. It allows a little bit more control and flexibility, which is great, and it doesn’t sacrifice on quality at all.”

The coffee beans they’re roasting are specialty grade – coffee goes through a grading system and anything that scores above 80 is considered specialty. The crew are all very fond of the black gold – Bright lives and breathes coffee, she spent six years gaining a roasting apprenticeship in an industry that was, at the time, very male-dominated. McAllister brings with him business experience and is at the helm of Crimson Badger, producers of Ginger Bear, while Forde’s area of expertise lies in business development.

“Electric roasters are common practice throughout Australia, Europe, and all of the world really. The industry is changing, which is really nice to see,” McAllister says. “We’re also using compostable bags and biodegradable labels, because that’s just another thing that doesn’t need to be thrown away as a one-use plastic – less of an impact on the environment.”

Currently the team offer a house blend, but will be adding decaf and some other coffees to the mix shortly. They’re also focusing their efforts on making the lives of bars and restaurants in town a little easier, hoping to create a high-quality local coffee that can be used in cocktails, with bottles that can be refilled rather than thrown away.

You can pick up a bag of Ryder Specialty Coffee and learn more about their mission at ryderspecialtycoffee.com

JOURNEY THE

by Daniela Diaz Soto

Eric Lim Malaysian and Kiwi spirit combined

Eric Lim’s life has been guided by his name, which means ‘eternal ruler’. Born in Melaka, Malaysia, he hails from an economically underprivileged family, which pushed him to be both a hardworking and creative young man. He even became a balloon artist to make money while pursuing creative activities such as singing, acting, dancing, and music, and graduated in 2004 from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology with a diploma in graphic design.

But in 2007 he embarked on a journey that would change his life completely. After hearing from colleagues about the opportunity to work in New Zealand, he decided to be bold and go on an adventure. “I came here because of the Working Holiday Visa and the open relationships between Malaysia and New Zealand.”

Like many backpackers, he worked in various jobs during his visa period, from cleaning and gardening to the potato and onion harvest, which, despite his family’s farming background, he wasn’t accustomed to. His longest stint was three months at a Kiwi packhouse in Te Puke and, overall, it was a tough first six months financially, which made him question his decision, when he could have been working comfortably as a designer at a desk in Malaysia.

“I borrowed money to come to New Zealand. I was struggling,” he says. “At the end of the day, we are migrants; we are here just to do the jobs that Kiwis don’t want to do. But it was part of my experience,” he affirms.

Despite his doubts, he describes it as a beautiful time when he started connecting with people, learning about different cultures, and appreciating their similarities and differences.

After working and travelling throughout the country, with six months of his visa remaining he was in a concerning financial situation with only a plane ticket to return home and $30 in his pocket. Just as despair was setting in, though, he received a crucial call that would change his destiny: Southern Discoveries reached out to him to become a guide and host in Milford Sound. Eric laughs as he recalls: “I Googled it and realized it was a paradise, so I said yes.”

Eric was chosen partly for his exceptional charisma and because he speaks five languages: English, Malay/Bahasa, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hokkien, which made him a valuable employee for the company in Milford, where he

Thanks to his leadership, organisational skills, and, above all, his rapport with people, he progressed within the company, eventually becoming the operation manager in the area.

During the first two years, he worked diligently to pay off his debts back home and give his parents and sister the tremendous gift of an unforgettable 21-day journey in a campervan through New Zealand. Eric fulfilled his family’s dream of visiting NZ without any financial concerns as a token of his gratitude to them and life for opening doors he had never imagined.

After completing his tenure in Milford, Eric decided it was time for a change and eventually moved up to Queenstown, a “gem” within the country. Here, he worked for eight years as a manager, focusing on diversifying the company. “That moulded me into who I am today. I’m a leader; I like to empower people in my community,” he says.

After 14 years of growth at Southern Discoveries, he resigned last year to focus on one of his passions: bringing people from diverse cultural backgrounds together to create a close-knit community.

Having experienced discrimination himself, he believes building a community without regard to colour or origin is essential for a society to function peacefully, a goal that he thinks has yet to be fully achieved in Queenstown. “As a migrant, that’s what I can do for my people, my whānau.” In recent months, Eric has been working intensively on organising the second edition of the Queenstown Multicultural Festival, scheduled for 7 October, which promises to be a colourful day full of culture, performances, music, and food.

“We are a group of people caring for migrants, for the community, for the locals,” he says.

And if that wasn’t enough, the multi-talented Eric also freelances as a masseur therapist, a yoga teacher and has reignited his old passion, balloon artistry.

Overall, he says he’s grateful for being able to work his way from a life of poverty to tranquillity and freedom. New Zealand is now his home because he feels his lifestyle fits better here.

“I’m happy to say that I’m still Malaysian, but I have half the spirit of a Kiwi.”

The QLDC Welcoming Communities initiative brings together local government councils and communities to make the places we love more welcoming for everyone and to provide support for newcomers choosing to make the Queenstown Lakes District their home. For more info, visit www.qldc.govt.nz/welcoming-communities

Pro wrestling is coming to town

by Jess Allen

Southern Pro Wrestling NZ is bringing its ‘Wrestling on the Edge of the World’ tour to Queenstown, for Wrestlefest's eighth year. Even if you’re not a wrestling fan, it’s set to be a fun, action-packed night with stunts, entertaining characters and storylines.

Marc Perry is one of the founders and a wrestler himself. He says if you’ve never been before, but are familiar with WWE / WWF back in the day, they provide an independent wrestling version of this. They have wrestlers from across New Zealand and Australia coming.

“The wrestling is purely for entertainment,” Perry says. “There’s always a predetermined winner, but everything that you see in the ring is almost like a live stunt show. It’s kind of a cross between sport, theatre and entertainment. It’s a really unique, interesting show if you’ve never been before. It’s a lot of fun and the crowd really get into it.”

They also have a school based in Invercargill, which started in 2015. Perry was inspired to launch it when he discovered there was no professional wrestling in the South Island, something he trained in and was a professional in back in the UK, where he’s originally from. There are currently around 20 people enrolled in the school, all from diverse backgrounds.

Musicians ready for AWE festival

by Jess Allen

At the World’s Edge Music Festival will return from 7– 20 October. The classical music event is inspired by its roots in the Southern Alps of Aotearoa and offers spectacular sounds against a majestic backdrop. Offering six programmes of chamber music, shows will span across Queenstown, Wānaka, Bannockburn and Cromwell.

Two of the artists performing are cellist Jack Moyer and pianist Otis PrescottMason, both AWE Fellows and recipients of Royal Overseas League Pettman Scholarships as key emerging NZ talent. They each hail from Wellington and have one performance together in addition to others.

Moyer has toured New Zealand with the Amici Ensemble for Chamber Music New Zealand’s ‘Another Night in Vienna’ tour and was part of Ravelation, the overall winner of the 2020 NZCT Chamber Music Contest. He’s currently studying with NZSQ cellist Rolf Gjelsten and is thrilled to be heading to the festival for the third time. Moyer first started playing cello aged seven, after trying piano and violin – he saw his friend’s brother playing and “just thought it was the coolest thing ever”. He loved the sound and his parents were very supportive.

“I ended up coming to Queenstown after I started playing chamber music with people in Wellington and in a very popular high school chamber music competition,” Moyer says. “It runs across the country and we played a string quartet, which was a huge amount of fun. We really practiced that 15 minutes of music, and we fortunately won that competition.

“I think that’s how we were found for the festival – they picked a few young musicians they’d seen doing things around the country. I got invited down and it was just the most incredible time, to be in Queenstown performing. This was two years ago and as an emerging artist, I’ve been incredibly lucky to come back last year and this year – I’m excited to be down there again.”

Moyer has played with Prescott-Mason many times in the past. They’ve known each other for four years and he was one of the members of the group that played the chamber music competition. There’s a big community of musicians around the same age, so they’ve all got to know each other.

“Jack and I have a been playing together for a little while,” Prescott-Mason says. “We’ve got a really nice history of playing together and a good friendship.”

Prescott-Mason is currently studying under Dr Jian Liu at Wellington’s New Zealand School of Music, Te Kōkī. He’s won numerous competitions at a national level, most recently awarded first prize at the Lewis Eady National Piano

“We get so much variety in terms of age and background, and what people do. We have people who are roofers, we have people who are accountants, we have gym instructors – you can really come from all walks of life. It’s just that weird sidehobby / passion that they have going on in their private lives, that comes to life in the evenings or when they’re not at work.”

The night will mark the return of Queenstown-local ‘Hooligan’ Marcus Kool, Perry’s moniker. He will be in action for the first time here since suffering a careerthreatening injury, which left him out of the ring for over a year.

“My wrestling persona is the Hooligan. It’s actual based on being a soccer player / football hooligan from back in England. I always used to go and watch the football with my dad – I used to love it but the only thing that really used to annoy me was all the loudmouth football hooligans in the stands.

“So I thought, how can I implement that into a character I do in the ring, especially in New Zealand as there wasn’t many English characters around. I’m a big football fan, but also when you look at the hooligans and how loud, brash, annoying and violent they can be, they’re quite polarising. I thought that would be a good character to benchmark my wrestling persona around.”

There will be three championship matches contested at the event. The night will also bring the first ever women’s match in Queenstown. The IPW New Zealand Women’s Championship will be on the line as Megan-Kate defends against Amber Saint.

“There’s plenty of women’s wrestling across in Australia, but it’s really hard to come by and find in New Zealand. We’ve finally got a women’s match set for this show, and we’re really excited about it – just to give the women a platform and an opportunity as well.”

Queenstown Wrestlefest will take over Queenstown Memorial Centre on Saturday, 30 September. It’s to be filmed for SPW On Demand and is suitable for an audience of 16 years and over. You can find more information and tickets at spwrestling.co.nz

Competition and the 2022 National Young Performer Awards. He’s been playing piano since he was five, but says that he really started enjoying it and taking it more seriously when he turned 13. He too will be performing for the third time at the At World’s Edge Festival.

“I’m most excited to be playing. One of the pieces I’m playing is a piece for four hands piano with my teacher. I’m so excited to get the chance to play with him on the concert stage – it will be an honour to share the concert stage with him. I’ll be involved with two of the programmes, which is four concerts – two concerts for each programme.

“I’m also playing a couple of pieces of New Zealand music by the composer in residence, Victoria Kelly. I’m playing in a piano trio with Jack and Ben is playing violin, and we’re doing Victoria’s Sono, which I’ve been enjoying very much learning.”

Both performers are very much looking forward to performing here once again, describing it as one of the most beautiful backdrops to play.

At the World’s Edge will run from Saturday, 7 October. You can find the full programme and read more about what’s on offer, and where, at worldsedgefestival. com

AN ICONIC CHRISTMAS PARTY VENUE

functions Christmas

2023 has been a big year for you and also for your team who have gone above and beyond again this year. Your Christmas function is the opportunity to really show your appreciation to those who have made it all happen this year.

From beers & snacks with the team to a fully exclusive event, we can design a Christmas function for groups of all sizes & budgets. We also have onsite accommodation for up to 48 guests if you’re keen to make night of it. Contact us on 03 443 8153 to secure your date.

www.cardronahotel.co.nz functions@cardronahotel.co.nz 03 443 8153

The Christmas Function is a big deal for your team and something everyone looks forward to as we head into the summer season.

Get ahead this year and grab your party booking early. Bookings will go fast as many venues have limited capacity this year.

New chairlift for The Remarks

By Paul Taylor

Skiers and snowboarders will be zooming into Shadow Basin up The Remarks on a new chairlift next ski season.

NZSki, which operates the Queenstown skifield, has been given approval by the Department of Conservation (DoC) to replace the slow, 33-year-old four-seater chairlift.

It plans to install six-seater Doppelmayr chairlift which will reduce the journey time by about five minutes, taking passengers to a higher elevation in Shadow Basin, allowing them to access the Alta Chutes and other black runs more easily.

The bottom station will be in a similar place, to the right of The Remarkables base building, but will be a new construction and lower, so the existing steps up will be removed.

Altogether, it will increase the carrying capacity from 1,500 passengers per hour to 2,400, and open up around 47ha of new terrain and new trails. The project as a whole, including new snowmaking equipment etc, will cost around $23 million.

NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson says the Curvey Basin and Sugar Bowl chairlifts at The Remarks, which opened in 2014 and 2020 respectively, are good comparisons to the new chairlift.

“Like this one, they increased the capacity and the speed of the trips, opened up more lift-access terrain, and enhanced the snowmaking capability.

“Our guests are going to find this is a faster, much more comfortable and behind the scenes safer lift, as well as enabling us to open those trails earlier in the season with the snow-making capability.”

The chairlift model itself is exactly the same as the one that serves Sugar Bowl.

“That’s the premium lift that Doppelmayr offers,” Anderson says.

It will reduce Shadow Basin travel time from 8mins 20sec to 3mins 30secs. Snowmaking will be extended up further up into Shadow Basin. It currently only reaches as far as the old, old lift station.

But the runs will only suit intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders. “There won’t be a green run, but there’s a blue run from the top all the way out, and with more snowmaking, we’ll be able to do more grooming. We’ll also widen that narrow section before you hit the cat track.”

One of the main attractions will be improved access to not only the Alta Chutes over the ridge, but also the Sunrise Face in the basin.

“That all becomes much more easily accessible, rather than having to hike or traverse around.”

This will be the fifth major chairlift project Anderson has seen completed since he became NZSki boss just over 10 years ago, including two at The Remarks, Coronet Express at Queenstown’s Coronet Peak, and the Nor’west Express at Mt Hutt in Canterbury.

“It does take a lot of planning and coordination, particularly as you have to deconstruct the lift, prepare access to the site, then obviously get the new lift in, as well as the snowmaking, other services, power and data so you’ve got comms from the top to the bottom.

“There’s a lot to it but we’re confident we can get it done.”

Several organisations submitted objections, including Forest & Bird, Ngāi Tahu and Queenstown Climbing Club, based on the perceived impact on wildlife, views and other considerations.

But Aaron Fleming, DoC Director of Operations for the South Island, approved the 30-year concession subjected to NZSki meeting numerous conditions.

Anderson says the DoC consent was a “long and very thorough process”, with the application submitted back in May 2022, but “it deserves to be because we’re privileged to operate in a very special part of the country, on the DoC estate”.

Anderson says the company’s also happy to meet the environmental protocols. Public access will be maintained through the works, except when heavy machinery is working.

NZSki has a separated application in for its overall 40-year consent to operate in reserve, which includes plans to expand The Remarks base building.

The Shadow Basin lift project still needs Queenstown Lakes District Council earthwork approvals.

HOSPOGUIDE

Tuesday Taco Tuesday

Any 3 tacos for the price of 2!

Wednesday

Stacked Steak Buy a steak or vegan steak, get it loaded with onion rings & roast mushrooms

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

Tuesday Taco Tuesday $3 tacos

Wednesday Wing Wednesday 20c wings

Thursday 1/2 price Fajitas all day

Monday Mad Monday $1 Wings, $5 Tacos & $15 Margaritas

TEX-MEX FIESTA

3 course meal and 2hr beverage package. Available every day!

HAPPY HOUR FROM 4-6PM EVERY DAY! $12 MARGARITAS AND BEERS FROM $7.50

PIZZAS SERVED ALL NIGHT. BACON BUTTIES SERVED FOR EARLY RUGBY GAMES

GOINGS ON ABOUT

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES

COMMUNITY

Live Pro Wrestling - SPW Queenstown WrestleFest

‘Wrestling on the Edge of the World’ returns. Queenstown WrestleFest makes for a night of jawdropping action. Southern Pro Wrestling delivers hard-hitting, fast-paced independent pro wrestling. ‘It’s a hybrid of live theatre and breath-taking stunts with entertaining characters and storylines.’ SPW has been a sell-out attraction at the Queenstown Memorial Centre for the past seven years. This year, there will be three Championship matches on the night. PLUS, for the first time ever in Queenstown, the New Zealand Women’s Championship will be on the line, as Megan-Kate defends against Amber Saint! Tickets at Eventfinda.

When: Saturday, 30 September, 6.30-9.30pm

Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Drive, Queenstown

Free Home Loan Workshop

Future Secure Financial are hosting a free workshop for first home buyers and buyers of investment properties. If you have minimum 5 % deposit, are a first home buyer / buying an investment property, want to know more about the Kainga Ora first home loan and Kainga Ora first home loan partner, or would like to review your insurance and KiwiSaver and what it is for, then this workshop is for you. RSVP via email to let us know which session time you would like to attend contactus@futuresecure.nz

When: Saturday, 30 September, with session times 1-3pm and 6-8pm

Where: Holiday Inn, 594, Frankton Road, Queenstown

Queenstown Community Flea & Art Market

This aims to be a sustainable, affordable and accessible market, where local communities can connect over handmade creations and pre-loved wares. There will be a full outdoor area of stall holders selling second hand and handmade items, such as art, handmade jewelry, handmade soaps, candles and more, along with anything that is second-hand, recycled, vintage, local, and sustainable. Wonder around shopping with a drink in hand, listening to live music. The bar and kitchen will be open. Chill on a beanbag while eating a pizza and enjoy the outdoors while supporting local artist and the community. Don’t forget your dog, as Searchlight is a dog friendly venue. Bring cash to shop as there is no ATM onsite or nearby.

When: Sunday, 1 October, 1-5pm

Where: Searchlight Brewery, 12 Industrial Place Queenstown

Altrusa Charity Fashion Show

Altrusa is holding its annual fashion show to raise funds for Whakatipu Youth Trust. This year, there is a new venue that will feature six local fashion retailers - Girl Next Door, Angel Divine, Outside Sports, Wallace & Gibbs, Mr Davis Menswear & Social Clothing & Co. Tickets are $35, which includes welcome bubbles and cheese platter. There is a cash bar. For tickets and info email altrusaqueenstown@gmail.com call Ngaire Hayes 021 078 2997 or check out the event on Altrusa Facebook page. Grab your friends and support the community.

When: Thursday, 12 October, from 6.30pm (for 7pm start)

Where: Arvida Queenstown Country Clubhouse

Queenstown Multicultural Festival

This promises to be an enriching exploration of our community’s diversity. After last year’s hugely successful festival, the event will be held at the Events Centre to cater for a large audience. There’ll be live music and performances, yummy food, crafts and kids’ games from all over the world, with nearly 40 local and international food vendors in attendance. Beyond the culinary delights, immerse yourself in cultural showcases and performances across the day. For more info visit queenstownmulticulturalfestival.co.nz

When: Saturday, 7 October, 10am-4pm

Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton

At the World’s Edge

This is a classical music festival inspired by its roots in the Southern Alps. With spectacular sounds against majestic landscapes, experience a new dimension of chamber music in New Zealand alongside internationally renowned musicians, lifelong enthusiasts, and curious adventurers alike. There are six programmes across Queenstown, Wānaka, Bannockburn and Cromwell, this October. Visit www.worldsedgefestival. com for more information. Tickets are priced $65-$130.

When: Saturday, 7 October, to Sunday 15

Where: Various venues

At the World’s Edge + Free Events

Experience the sights and sounds of the festival for free with a series of performances and events. On Friday, 13 October, 5pm, there will be an Emerging Artist Showcase, with musicians Lorna Zhang, Damon Herlihy-O’Brien and Madeleine Xiao, supported by Ben Goldscheider. This follows a Young Musicians Session from 3-5pm. On Saturday, 6pm, the performance Twilight, features Goldscheider, Benjamin Baker, Jack Moyer, Jian Liu and Otis Prescott-Mason, showcasing the unique musical language of two composers on opposite sides of the Atlantic, Janáček and Harbison. There are also free exhibitions and open rehearsals on various days. Visit www.worldsedgefestival.com for more information.

When: Friday, 13 October, 3pm, 5pm. Saturday 14, 6pm

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

Bay Dreams

Bay Dreams comes to Queenstown in January, dropping heavyweight international headliners NLE Choppa, Kelis, Yelawolf, Destroy Lonely, LUUDE + over 50 more!

Register now for early-bird ticket access at baydreams. co.nz. General tickets on sale NOW!

When: Friday, 5 January, 2024, 12-10.30pm

Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton

A Migrant’s Path

EXHIBITION

An exploration through photographic portraits of the journey taken when settling in Aotearoa from elsewhere, away from the notion of home and in search of belonging. Abhi Chinniah’s work incorporates photography, music, dance and storytelling, providing a candid depiction of migration stories, mental health, cultural identity and belonging. Chinniah’s portraits are photographed against a backdrop of Aotearoa’s landscape. This installation is held in conjunction with the At the World’s Edge Festival, exploring identity, perspectives and cultural dimensions through the lens of classical music.

When: From 29 September, 10am-4pm

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

Paper Thin: a perfectly screwed up experiment

In this exhibition, art is not just something to admire from a distance; it’s an experience to be felt. Run your fingers along the delicate edges of paper, feel the coolness of copper, let your senses guide you through this landscape. Paper Thin will redefine the boundaries of the room, casting intricate shadows and breathing life into the surroundings. The space itself will become an integral part of the art, engaging all your senses. The exhibition features a 3D, en masse, playful, full-scale installation. It will be an immersive experience. The exhibition is free of charge and open to all ages.

When: Friday, 29 September, 5.30-7pm

Where: Astor Bristed Gallery, 3/54 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown

MUSIC

WCG AGM

Thursday, 28 September 5.30pm upstairs in the QLDC Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Rd, Queenstown

All welcome! www.whakatipuwilding.co.nz

Meeting link at www.facebook.com/whakatipuWCG

Community Sing!

Bring your voice and sing in Te Atamira’s open-toeveryone choir. Hosted by various choir masters in the district, our community sing-along will teach us to sing two-part harmony for a variety of popular songs. Song sheets provided, no experience necessary. Bring along your voice and join in! For more, contact Margaret O’Hanlon info@whirlwindnz.com

When: Tuesday, 3 October, 7pm

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

FUNDRAISER

Scottish Ceilidh

A small group of locals have grouped together to arrange a ceilidh to raise funds for our local Central Lakes Family Services, who provide a range of social services to support families, children, youth and individuals in our community. Scottish dancing with Hair of the Dog, auction, piper, dance instruction. Cash bar. Tickets $125 per person, including a light supper. Email info@proactivephysio.co.nz to reserve your table.

When: Saturday, 30 September, 7pm-12am

Where: Althenaeum Hall, Arrowtown

Beyond Adventure: Queenstown’s Sustainable Renaissance

By Sustainable Queenstown

Queenstown, a place known for its heart-pounding adventures and stunning landscapes, is unveiling a side that might just surprise you. Sure, the bungee jumps and epic hikes are still very much a thing, but there’s a new star on the rise – sustainability.

It’s time to dive into Queenstown’s vibrant sustainability scene, where the stage is set for a sustainable renaissance. Meet DISHrupt, the game-changer of the Queenstown eventscape. Fuelled by the local charity Sustainable Queenstown, this initiative is spearheading the journey towards a zero-waste future, one event at a time. Imagine a festival without heaps of disposable plates and cups clogging up the bins. Thanks to DISHrupt, it’s not just a dream; it’s a reality.

DISHrupt’s journey began with a simple idea: eliminate waste at events by providing reusable serveware. From large-scale festivals to small community meetings, DISHrupt has become the go-to solution. And it’s not just Queenstown taking notice; more and more events in the region are joining the sustainable revolution.

In fact, the Multicultural Festival next month and several outdoor races and cycling events over the summer are the latest to embrace DISHrupt’s mission. It’s clear that sustainability is not just a trend; it’s becoming a way of life in Queenstown.

But this isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about community too. Sustainable Queenstown is set to host a series of upcoming events that celebrate this multifaceted town’s identity. First up, the monthly Green Drinks series continues on 28 September and 19 October, exploring topics like the future

of sustainable food production and the possibility of Queenstown becoming a ‘10 Minute City’ (where you can cycle or walk to reach most of your everyday needs). It’s more than just a drink; it’s a conversation starter for change where everyone is welcome.

And don’t miss the Repair Revolution repair café on 15 October. If you love renewing, reviving, and repairing your broken things to give them a new lease on life and keep them out of the landfill, this event is for you. Hosted by Sustainable Queenstown and Wastebusters in Frankton, this is a fun, free, feel-good gathering.

In November, get ready for the return of the KiwiHarvest food rescue dinner at the Millhouse at Millbrook. After a sell-out last year, we’re back to challenge the skilled chefs at the Millhouse to create a three-course meal using rescued food collected by the Queenstown KiwiHarvest team. It’s a unique event that showcases the delicious potential of perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste.

So, Queenstown’s sustainable renaissance is in full swing and you’ll likely see many other events cropping up in the region, like clothes swaps, composting workshops and of course October’s six-day Wao Summit!

DISHrupt and the upcoming community events are proving that there’s more to this adventure-packed town than meets the eye. Get involved through the Sustainable Queenstown Facebook page and join the movement towards a waste-free, climate-conscious future.

Let’s make sustainability ‘just what we do in Queenstown’.

by Sue Fea

My Life Story

PAUL VAN DER KAAG

Living on the edge

He’s had the odd mishap in almost 40 years of Queenstown adventures, but thankfully veteran rafting and parapenting guide Paul van der Kaag has escaped unscathed.

All 6ft 5in (1.96m) of him was almost too much for ambulance staff to manoeuvre inside their vehicle on one occasion, though, after Paul ruptured a medial ligament while rafting.

“I was heavily sedated and suggested they tie an orange flag to my foot because they couldn’t shut the door,” he grins. He’s also spent an hour dangling precariously by his parapente strings very high up a tree atop Skyline Hill. Fortunately, he didn’t fall onto rocks below before friends landed, packed their chutes, and rode the gondola to the rescue.

All in a day’s work, and play, for this laidback Aussie, who grew up in an adventurous outdoors family in Sydney, the youngest and ‘Golden Boy’ to Dutch parents. Paul and his older sisters were on skis aged three at Perisher. “We skied, boated and surfed, growing up on Sydney’s North Shore.” School holidays were spent working in Dad’s paper manufacturing business, earning enough to buy his first surfboard and ski boots at 13.

Naturally an asset to his high school First Basketball team, they were New South Wales State Champions and Paul starred in the First XV.

After three years as a jackaroo west of Sydney, in 1985 Paul joined mate Tom Ellis in Queenstown for a ski season, working as a barman in Maggie’s Bar at Lakeland Hotel, donning skis by day and bow tie by night. That spring, he trained as a whitewater rafting guide with Kawarau Rafts owners Robert Eymann and John Hogan.

There were no OSH regulations back then and mishaps usually went under the radar. Guides were well versed in first aid. They had to be. They took six rafts up The Remarkables after it opened in 1985 for the Spring Festival Raft Race on snow. “It was so dangerous, people wearing ski boots hurtling down the hill on rafts out of control, loads of fun. The next year we banned ski boots.”

A workplace romance blossomed between Paul and, now wife of 32 years, Brigit, who drove the rafting vans. They headed to Switzerland to learn to parapente after meeting a couple of French Swiss parapenters here. They learned to fly at a parapenting school in Grindelwald, beneath The Eiger mountain, then worked for Brigit’s Olympic skier father’s coach in Klosters.

Back in Queenstown, Paul and fellow rafting guide Ged Hay started Max Air Parapenting – a commercial paragliding school. “We’d gained experience overseas, but it was very early days here,” recalls Paul. “We worked with the hang gliding clubs and local regulators.” Most clients they launched off the Crown Terrace Zig Zag landed in the paddock, but not all. “The odd one ended up in a tree.”

No need for this pair to negotiate the hairy gravel Remarkables access road. “After skiing, Ged and I would take the last lift to Shadow Basin and fly off the front face of the Remarkables, landing in the paddock at the bottom. You couldn’t do that now.”

As if that wasn’t enough of a thrill, Paul and Ged, mountaineer Mark Whetu, Fred Bramwell and Penny Webster placed second in the first ever Raid Gauloise Grand Traverse endurance race from Lake Ohau to Manapouri in 1989 – one of three Kiwi teams. Steve Gurney’s team won. “We did okay.” The year before they married in 1991, Paul and Brigit bought Impact Screen Prints which they owned for 25 years. Kids Jessica and Willem followed. “We did all the personalised T-shirts and hoodies for Contiki Tours, for tourism, rafting and jetboating, restaurant uniforms.” Their business quickly grew and eventually they bought Queenstown Cap and Clothing Co and Embroidery Action. The hours were long “but we could go first tracking in the morning if we wanted to,” enthuses Paul.

Impact won the Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award in 2012. Paul vowed at the gala dinner he’d paddleboard from Kelvin Heights into town, still in black tie, the next morning if they won. And he did, with a life jacket, of course - Paul was among those who pushed for sensible regulations nationally for stand-up paddleboarding.

As Wakatipu Ski Club president, he’s worked his share of annual ski club sale fundraisers and marshalled for many a 50K of Coronet CureKids fundraiser too.

These days Paul’s back on the water as a skipper and guide in Fiordland, where the odd crayfish goes down a treat.

Paul, second from left, with wife Brigit, left, son Willem and daughter Jessica

Showing how it’s done - Paul (left) with Aussie mate Tom Ellis during their days working for Kawarau Rafts in the 1980s

TRAINBRAIN YOUR

1. Which country hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2010?

2. What is a small piece of tortilla topped with cheese called?

3. What was the name of Lily Munster’s husband in TV’s The Munsters?

4. What baked round of batter is traditionally eaten with roast beef?

5. Sherrie and Drew are the lead characters in which 2012 film featuring 1980s music?

6. What is the area under the pastoral care of a bishop, also known as a see, called?

7. What is the French word for Christmas?

8. Which vegetable gives pasta verde its green colour?

9. Pak choi, also known as bok choy, originates from which country?

10. Which traffic light follows green?

11. A Pomeranian is what type of creature?

12. Which flower, also called the Lent lily, is an emblem of Wales?

13. Alberta and Quebec are provinces of which country?

14. What term is given to the boundary of a circle?

15. What is the Spanish name for cold vegetable soup?

16. Reggatta de Blanc was a 1979 album by which band?

17. What term is given to a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction?

18. Which Swedish chemist invented dynamite?

19. Who had a hit with the theme from the 1976 film A Star is Born?

20. Which French emperor was defeated at Waterloo?

21. What is the term for speed and rhythm in music?

22. Kronborg Castle is immortalised as Elsinore in which of Shakespeare's plays?

23. Schloss is the word for “castle” in which language?

FRONT OF HOUSE ROLES

• Business is fully staffed and now gearing up for summer

• Daytime, winery hours

• Stable team, great culture, positive work environment

• Staff meals and sales bonuses

• Training and Development – including company sponsored WSET training

We are looking for a fun, enthusiastic food and beverage professionals for our Winery Bistro. You need to have a can-do attitude, love people and have a minimum of 1 years front of house experience, preferably with barista skills and wine knowledge.

Kinross is a fun place to work, we have a great team culture, staff benefits and sales bonuses. We have full time, part-time, fixed term and permanent roles available.

Please apply with CV and cover letter to david.m@kinross.nz, giving details of your qualifications and experience. Applicants must currently reside in NZ as a NZ citizen, resident or have a working holiday visa. Own transport and accommodation is required.

There are exciting opportunties to join a small dedicated team and fast paced environment at Te Atamira, Queenstown's arts and culture centre located at Remarkables Park, Frankton.

Our vision is to be a platform for creativity to flourish for everyone every day. Open 7 days a week, Te Atamira has 22 fit-for-purpose arts and culture spaces including dance, performance, visual art, itinerant music studios, a pottery workshop, a recording studio, a curated art gallery, a project space, an art workshop and a flexible space.

FACILITIES MANAGER

This role is responsible for the security, maintenance, and services of Te Atamira to ensure that they meet the needs of the organisation and its users.

You will have experience in building management, operational support, facilities management or in other similar roles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Building and space management - monitoring and maintaining the whole facility and ensuring the efficient and smooth operation of the building.

• Security management - support the monitoring, programming and troubleshooting of security and access requirements of the Te Atamira team and our resident artists and groups.

• Exhibition and Programme installations - carry out the installation and deinstallation of all of Te Atamira's exhibitions and ensure any repair/ maintenance work is completed in conjunction with this work.

• Health and safety - Working in a safe and proactive way to ensure all health and safety procedures are adhered to.

This is a 30 hours/ five days a week role, flexibility is essential as hours will include evenings and weekends.

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

Rātā Restaurant Chef de Partie/Senior Waitstaff

We are looking for a creative Chef de Partie and Senior Front of House staff. Come and join one of Queenstown's most innovative restaurants and make your mark on the New Zealand food scene!?

This is an opportunity not to be missed - we are a great team with amazing development plans for our staff who are looking to gain more experience in our busy, well established restaurant. Innovation, passion and drive is what we are looking for. You will need some good experience, a can do attitude and and for Front of House amazing sales skills. We have plenty of flexible hours available; work life balance is key right!

Send us your current C.V. and a cover letter hr@gotocollection.co.nz

ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR

This role is responsible for the invoicing, accounts receivable, payroll, banking processes and supporting grant with financial and grant reporting.

You will have a minimum of three year’s experience in financial management accounting and strong xero and excel skills.

Key responsibilities:

• Efficiently manage day-to-day accounting transactions, oversee accounts payable and receivable, handle payroll processing, and manage fixed and intangible assets.

• Handle financial transactions including payments, invoicing, billing, expense claims, perform bank reconciliations, and meticulously track expenses.

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, assist in budgeting, forecasting, and trend analysis, provide input on trends, opportunities, and issues, and monitor cashflow while maintaining robust control systems.

• Ensure compliance with tax obligations such as GST, PAYE, and income tax, while also managing insurance portfolios and other key contracts.

This is a part-time 20 hours a week ideally Monday – Friday, days and hours to be agreed.

Applications close on Monday 16 October 2023. To apply, please email a CV and cover letter to olivia@teatamira.nz (a full job description can also be requested from that email).

HOTEL FRONT OFFICE CO-ORDINATOR

We are looking for a Front Office superstar to join our team, to welcome and care for our in-house guests, staying in our 14 boutique, vineyard cottage rooms. We are proud of our 500+, 5-star Trip Advisor reviews, where our staff feature prominently in creating memorable experiences for guests.

We are a small hotel, so this role is a combination of front and back office responsibilities. As well as being the first impression of our brand, you will manage our reservation system, all guest communications, agent relationships, dynamic rates, OTA’s etc, as well as working closely with the Housekeeping, Bistro and Wine teams to ensure a seamless service and world class experience for all our guests.

Many of our hotel guests are wine club members and repeat customers. You will play an important role in developing relationships with these guests, getting to know their dogs, families and wine preferences!

This is a full time, permanent role. You will be rostered on the same days every week and will work every weekend. No night shifts and no rotating shifts! Minimum of 30 hours and usually 40 hours per week. You will have:

• Exceptional communication skills, fostering genuine connections with guests and fellow team members

• Proactive problem-solving skills, anticipating issues and devising solutions

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role in a large or 5 star hotel

• A personality that is engaging and guest focused

• Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail in a busy environment

• A high level of written and spoken English and impeccable personal grooming

• Skills with Microsoft office suite of products, in a Mac environment

• The freedom and creativity to deliver memorable moments and world class guest experiences

Kinross is a fun place to work, we have a stable team and have been fully staffed since last summer. We have a great team culture, staff meals and benefits.

• Daily staff meal, great staff discounts on all food and wine (on and off licence)

• Amazing location, supportive team

• Wine Training programme, paid for by the company, up to WSET Level 2

• Job security and support

• The opportunity to expand your skills and knowledge in a winery.

Please apply with CV and cover letter to katie.b@kinross.nz, giving details of your qualifications and experience. Applicants must currently reside in NZ as a NZ citizen, resident or have a valid working visa. Please give details of your right to work in NZ including visa type and expiry. Own transport and accommodation is required, as is a clean police check.

CELLAR DOOR HOST

We are looking for the right people (both full and part-time) to join our Cellar Door team at the Chard Farm winery in Gibbston. The Cellar Door Host position involves all aspects of hosting tastings, sales, cellar door club, wine dispatch 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 love to meet you! Please send your CV to admin@chardfarm.co.nz. Any questions call Fi on 03 4426110

Note: Applicant must be a NZ resident or have the ability to work permanently in NZ and should possess the attributes and skills outlined above.

Breakfast Sous Chef

Full time

Conference CDP

Full time

Please apply to: zeus_deboo@evt.com

Queenstown Hospitality is hiring multiple roles for FOGO, SOHO, PJ’s Bar and Grill and Arthurs:

Chef De Partie: $28-$30 per hour min 2 years expierience

Cooks Assitant: $28 per hour previous expierience preffered

Duty Manager: $28-$30 per hour min 1 years expierience and an active Managers Certificate

Paper Plus Queenstown Airport is looking for a fun, reliable and responsible person to join our team. Retail experience is a plus, but not necessary. It is important you are able to work in a busy team environment. The role is five consecutive days a week including weekends.

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

Barista: $28-$30 per hour min 2 years expierience in a fast paced enviroment

Security Officer: $28-$30 per hour Active COA required minimum of 3 years expierience in high end venues

If you have previous expierience in any of these roles and the right skills and licences then send your C.V. and a covering letter to john@qthospitality.co.nz

Priority will be given to NZ Citizens/Residents

VACANCIES

FORMWORK CARPENTERS

Southern Lakes Foundations is a Queenstown based foundation construction company. We have been operating in the Central Otago area for 8+ years and have a firm, trusted reputation in the Queenstown and surrounding areas.

We are looking for experienced formwork carpenters, specialising in foundation floors, to join our team.

Skill level:

• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience

• Physically fit as this job requires a lot of heavy lifting

• Good communication skills

• Must have a full NZ Drivers licence

This role requires a completed pre-employment reference check. You will be working Monday through Friday, with some Saturday work required from time to time. This is a full-time position.

If you fit the bill, please email your CV and expressions of interest to Carly Henderson carly@southernlakesfoundations.co.nz

Clyde, Central Otago CAFÉ BAKER / CHEF REQUIRED

Our busy summer season is nearly here, and we are recruiting for a Café Baker in Clyde, Central Otago

We are looking for someone capable of producing a wide range of bakery goods including bread, pies, pastry goods and sweets for our Café and ability to cook an a la carte lunch menu, in a fast-paced Café.

We are a 7 day a week business, and 6am starts would be required.

If you are motivated, energetic, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and can keep calm in a crisis, we would love to hear from you. A competitive wage and generous staff privileges are offered.

Please send your CV to: recruit@olivers.co.nz or call in to see us at 34 Sunderland St, Clyde

Applicants must have NZ residency or have eligibility to work in NZ

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

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.

We are looking for:

Guest Services Agents

Someone who’ll brighten anyone's day with a smile and is excited and enthusiastic to connect with others and works well within a dynamic team.

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

Full-time Positions

Housekeeping Supervisor

Housekeeping Superstars

If hospitality is your passion and you are looking for a change, we want to hear from you.

Applicants must be able to work in NZ legally.

We are on the lookout for:

Kitchen Roles

Front of house

Senior Bartender/ Duty manager

We’re on the lookout for customer facing superstars to join the Lone Star family! You need a can-do attitude and passion for giving the best service in town! Experience in a busy restaurant is desired but not necessary.

If you’re interested or have any questions, please contact Dave. daveg@lonestar.co.nz | 0274223565

Platinum Queenstown Luxury Villas is a 36 three-bedroom luxury apartment property located on Fernhill, seeking applicants for:

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

jet boat driver

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

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

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

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

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

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

READY FOR TAKE-OFF

JOIN OUR TEAM

Swissport is a global leader of ground handling services and cargo handling in the aviation industry

Real careers, real purpose

Find professional development, master a work-life balance, and join our whānau in the most beautiful places on earth. With a wide selection of work available, and accommodation for the right candidates, we’re here to support you for a good time AND a long time.

Some positions available in Queenstown and further afield:

Queenstown:

• Payroll Advisor

Technology Delivery Manager

Jet Boat Driver

Chef - Walter Peak

Rural Demonstrator

Stoker/Boiler Operator

Team Leader - Hosts

• Business Intelligence Analyst

• Engineer - TSS Earnslaw

Further Afield:

• Driver - Doubtful Sound

Ferry Crew - Rakiura

Accounts Receivable O icer - Te Anau

Local

Store

• Food & Beverage Attendant - Walter Peak

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

DUTY MANAGER – MILLENNIUM HOTEL

RESERVATIONIST RECEPTIONIST

ROOM ATTENDANTS

F&B ATTENDANTS

KITCHEN ATTENDANTS

Delight our guests with your ve-star service!

Are you an experienced hospitality professional who values a supportive and caring culture and wants to work with an exceptional team of friendly people? We’re recruiting for the following positions, and we’d love to hear from you:

• Chefs

• Kitchenhand (part-time)

• Hotel Duty Manager

• Maintenance Technician

• Guest Activities Co-ordinator

• Night Porter

Visit our careers website: careers.therees.co.nz for full details about these exciting opportunities. Applications from New Zealand citizens / residents are highly encouraged.

Full Time Bartender Wanted

Were looking for a new bartender to join our team at Harry’s Pool Bar

• Experience preferred but not essential as full training is given.

• Competitive rates of pay

• Company discounts across NZ & Aus

• Must have NZ work rights

If this sounds like you or then please pop in with your CV and speak to Andy or one of the team.

AVIS & Budget Queenstown

Full-Time Landscape Gardener Queenstown

We are looking for our Spring crew! You will be fully trained and supported in all aspects of garden maintenance whilst looking after our prestigious properties in the Whakatipu Basin. Experience would be helpful but not essential and being fit and active is important as it is a physically demanding role.

To apply, you will need:

• Care factor and enthusiasm

• A reliable, self-motivated work ethic

• A willingness to learn and develop

• To follow instructions efficiently and safely

• To be eligible to work in NZ

• Own transport and full, clean driving licence

We offer:

• being part of a passionate team

• training in a supportive environment while also offering Horticulture Apprenticeships for career advancement

• subsidised social events

• the best views of any job!

• full body work out – whilst being paid!

Please head to http://www.divalandscapes.co.nz/ employment to apply.

RENTAL SALES AGENT

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

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

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

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

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

What you need:

• Full drivers licence

• Good command of the English language

• Working rights in New Zealand

Please send a CV to: Claire.hampson@abgroup.co.nz

Joiners Wanted

• Must have NZ residency or valid work visa

• Must be trade qualified in cabinetry and timber joinery

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

• Must hold current full drivers licence

• This is a full-time role

• Remuneration by negotiation is relevant to experience

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

Is currently seeking all positions from KITCHEN MANAGER to KITCHEN HAND

Wages $25-$30+ based on skill and start date

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

Must be legally allowed to work/ hold a valid work permit.

We are an accredited employer.

Planners

Senior & Intermediate Roles

AT OUR QUEENSTOWN, WANAKA & CROMWELL OFFICES

Develop professionally and as a leader, using your exceptional interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.

Roles & Duties: Lead resource consent applications and other planning projects • Manage diverse local projects for successful outcomes • Collaborate in teams for high-quality client work.

Key Responsibilities: Supervise resource consent applications and other planning projects • Foster client and stakeholder relations • Ensure transparent team communication • Offer expert planning advice • Proactively update and support clients.

Full job details: www.ppgroup.co.nz/planners

Apply with CV to: Queenstown: steve.winter@ppgroup.co.nz, (03) 441 4715 or Wanaka/Cromwell: duncan.white@ppgroup.co.nz, (03) 443 0110

PATERSONPITTSGROUP

Surveying • Planning • Engineering

Your land professionals

BAR PERSON/BAR MANAGER AND SENIOR WAITER

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

Bluekanu is looking for a Bar Person/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. Kitchen hand role available part-time or full-time.

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

VACANCIES

LAWN SPECIALIST QUEENSTOWN

If you have your Diploma in Turf Management and have a passion for lawns, we need you!

With a client portfolio of more than 100 high end properties, we manage lawns up to 2 hectares. Many of our luxury properties have clients who share your passion for a perfect lawn, and our goal is to exceed this!

Chefs - all levels Cocktail Bartenders Front of House staff

•

To apply, please scan the QR code or visit future.co.nz

RESERVATIONS ROLE

Over The Top – the helicopter company is a tourism company operating in Queenstown in the luxury travel sector providing helicopter excursions throughout Fiordland and New Zealand. We are looking for a Reservation Specialist, confirming reservations and enquiries as well as supporting the operations team in administrative duties and campaigns.

Established relationships and proven experience within the New Zealand tourism sector are preferred for this position. Role specific training will be provided.

Typical Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Respond to customer and agent requests, calls & enquiries

• Prepare quotes, reservations, invoices & itineraries

• Follow up on leads through to a successful resolution.

• Maintain booking engines, participation memberships and listings

• Proactively identify opportunities for sales

• Actively participate as a member of the operations, accounts and administration team.

Communication and task updates are expected daily.

Core is compliance with OTT policies, SMS and company culture. We operate seven days a week, and can be flexible about work schedules however this role must cover Wednesday through Saturday. You must already live and have the right to work in New Zealand, be well spoken with excellent communication skills.

Please share details of your experience, interest and CV in application if you feel ready to meet the challenges of this dynamic position by applying to “Reservations” by email to projects@flynz.co.nz before 28th September.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, committed person to take responsibility for giving our lawns the wow factor. We have Lawn Management Plans for our prestigious properties and need the right person to build on this and get amazing results for our clients. You will need to be happy working alone, or in a team, and experience managing staff would be an advantage. In addition, you will have:

• Diploma in Turf Management (or near completion)

• A reliable, self-motivated work ethic

• Ability to work long term in Queenstown

• Own transport and full, clean driving licence

• Excellent communication skills to follow instructions efficiently and safely

In return, you will:

• be part of a fun team

• have the opportunity to learn new skills in a supportive environment

• enjoy a great rate of pay

• receive an annual loyalty bonus

• be part of subsidised social events

Please head to www.divalandscapes.co.nz/contact-us/ employment section to apply.

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!

EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR

This is an opportunity for an outstanding Front of House person to step up and specialise in Events delivery.

We offer:

• Stable team, great culture, positive work environment

• Staff meals and sales bonuses

• Training and Development – including company sponsored WSET training

• Winery, daytime hours, with occasional nights up to 11pm latest.

We are looking for an experienced Front of House person, with a proven talent for delivering memorable events and group bookings. The role is for a Shift Leader in our Bistro, who has the particular focus and responsibility for pulling together all the event details, communicating client requirements to all the teams, event set-up etc. The role reports to the Bistro Manager and works closely supporting the Sales and Events Manager.

Kinross is a fun place to work, we have a great team culture, staff benefits and sales bonuses. Minimum weekly hours 30, usually 40.

Please apply with CV and cover letter to nicole@kinross.nz, giving details of your qualifications and experience. Applicants must currently reside in NZ as a NZ citizen, resident or have a valid work visa. Please give details of visa type and expiry. Own transport and accommodation is required.

Building Labourer Wanted

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

Good spoken English essential.

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

Love food? Love events? Love In2Food!

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 and our prep kitchen in Frankton.

Our catering business is looking for the following to join our team for another busy season:

• Dishwasher / Kitchen hand

This role can be full time, part time or casual. Flexible roster. Great on shift meals.

Rewarded with a great hourly rate.

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

Own transportation is a plus.

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

Clyde, Central Otago

HEAD CHEF / SOUS CHEF OPPORTUNITY

We are searching for an experienced Head Chef or a Sous Chef with a minimum of 2 years’ experience, looking to step up, to join our team in Clyde.

You should have lots of energy and enthusiasm to work in a fast paced kitchen and provide a great dining experience for our guests

Be able to run the kitchen and shifts

Ensure communications between restaurant and kitchen run smoothly Ensure each dish leaving the kitchen is checked for quality, quantity and presentation

Be familiar with and follow our Food Control Plan

The role is fulltime with a minimum of 30 hours per week, on a rotating roster and this would include weekends and public holidays.

If you would like a change of scene and to work in a fabulous location with a great team and generous staff privileges, then we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and application to recruit@olivers.co.nz or call in to see us - 34 Sunderland St, Clyde

Applicants must be NZ residents or have eligibility to work in NZ

SEASONAL QUEENSTOWN POSITIONS FROM EARLY OCTOBER

2023 TO MID APRIL 2024

Ultimate Hikes are the exclusive operators of multi day guided walks on the famous Milford & Routeburn Tracks. We are guardians of the environment we operate in. We are leaders in the safety and education of visitors to the region and we are responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of the people who live and work there on our behalf. We take this commitment very seriously

looking