LWB_Issue_936_Online

30 Jan - 5 Feb

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE FOREVER

No 936

LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN

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66 IN SI

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Pile it high and ...

Back when my wife was pregnant with our first child, we moved out of our fun-loving shared accommodation and into a we-are-a-family-now rental.

The nesting urge hit strong so we went to Briscoes, in Invercargill, to buy some bedding, towels and the rest. There was a 50% sale on. I don’t like spending money so I was delighted and happy to fill two trolleys full of goods, to take advantage of this incredible offer. My wife was also delighted. It was only when we were about halfway home, with me basking in a post-bargain glow, she admitted, under her breath, that “Briscoes pretty much always has a 50% sale on”. The dark arts of marriage and retail combine.

While nowadays we’re becoming more savvy about Black Friday sales and the rest, when it comes to the weekly shop, it turns out you’ve got to be absolutely on top of your game to ensure you’re not the fool being easily parted from his money. Last week, Consumer NZ revealed they’d had more than 600 complaints about so-called supermarket specials which were misleading, including many where the goods were more expensive than normal. The Commerce Commission is investigating. And that’s before you even get into the faux discounts of loyalty cards. Consumer NZ, again, analysed the prices of 50 products with a Onecard (Countdown) or Clubcard (New World) discount. Three quarters were available for a lower price elsewhere.

Even with the ‘discounts’, groceries and essentials are expensive. It seems Kiwis are getting shafted over everything - food, petrol, interest rates, house prices, cars. We seem to pay more here than the Aussies, Brits and definitely the Americans for almost everything. Yes, there’s the whole import / distance thing. NZ is remote and Queenstown is a drive from anywhere - but you’d think at least beef, diary, lamb and venison would be super cheap, as we have massive domestic primary industries. Our food production is so efficient and population so small, we’re the second best place in the world to survive a nuclear winter, super volcano or asteroid strike, according to a 2023 study.

Unfortunately, our big supermarkets are a duopoly. They’re all owned by just two companies - Woolworths and Foodstuffs, and that does not particularly encourage competitive pricing. In a cost of living crisis, you still can’t go super cheap, by going to the likes of Lidl or Aldi, like you can overseas. So, what can we do? Not much. We can’t exactly boycott them, because there’s nowhere else to go. The local owners and the staff are also good people, part of our community, so we don’t want to take it out on them. We can only push for government intervention, to introduce another retail giant into the mix, or several. We need someone to ‘pile it high and sell it cheap’.

Paul Taylor

Sir Michael Hill and his family have donated $90,000 to support the preservation of native wildlife and biodiversity in the region. Read the story in Community Notes on p18. Photo: Southern Lakes Sanctuary Whakatipu Hub coordinator Bonnie Wilkins with Sir Michael, and project manager Paul Kavanagh

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Tourism Minister Matt Doocey, right, with Queenstown’s MP Joseph Mooney. Photo: Facebook

Minister eyes tourism growth

By Paul Taylor

New Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says he has a clear message for tourist towns, businesses and organisations: “We want to grow tourism ... but with social licence”.

Doocey made his second visit to Queenstown Lakes last week since being appointed to the portfolio in November, following the General Election.

He also visited Milford with Southland and Queenstown MP Joseph Mooney, where he cast an analytical eye over the $15 million Milford Opportunities Project.

In Queenstown, Doocey held “free and frank” roundtable discussions with tourism operators, including RealNZ, as well as Destination Queenstown.

“My message to tourism organisations is we want to support you to grow but with social licence. We want communities to be part of that discussion about how we make sustainable tourism in the different regions around New Zealand.”

Doocey says it’s obvious that in places of high tourism numbers but a low-rating base, there is pressure on communities, infrastructure and the environment.

He’s open to discussions about a local visitor levy, which Queenstown Lakes District Council made a major push for under Mayor Jim Boult.

“We have the International Visitor Levy, which is taken at the border ... but people have raised with me a number of potential funding mechanisms.

“Specifically in Queenstown, there’s discussion about how they create their own revenue stream from tourism ... that collects the revenue from the point of activity and returns it back to that point of activity.

“I would say I’m open to conversations at the moment.”

The International Visitor Levy, $35 collected at the border, generates about $80-90 million a year, which is split between tourism and conservation nationally.

But a local bed tax could raise more than $20 million per year for Queenstown Lakes alone. Successive Governments have been reluctant to hand over such taxation powers to local government, however, with the Stewart Island visitor levy the one notable exception.

One project sure to grow tourism would be Christchurch International Airport Ltd’s (CIAL) plans for a wide-bodied jet capable airport at Tarras, which could serve four million passengers per year by 2050.

Doocey says that will be a “commercial decision” for CIAL but believes communities also need to be part of that decision.

“I’m not here to tell any region specifically how much they need to grow by in tourism. I think they need to understand what their social licence is within the communities, what are the tourism opportunities they offer international visitors as well as domestic, and also what their capacity is for hosting visitors because ultimately, what we want is a quality visitor experience.”

The Coalition Government has paused work on the tourism industry’s regenerative transformation plan, a Covid-inspired Labour reset.

Doocey says that doesn’t mean Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism’s joint ‘Carbon Zero 2030’ destination management plan is dead in the water. He says he won’t be a Minister that issues “top down directives” and devolution and regionalisation is needed to enable local communities to have a say.

“Some have raised with me at the roundtables about the desire for funding around destination management plans, I’m more than open to discuss that and see what that looks like.

“I think it’s really drilling down specifically into what the destination management plans are trying to achieve and the support they might need to activate them. Part of that might be a private sector investment, or maybe it is around what National stood for at the election, around city and regional deals.”

It’s the same approach for the Milford Opportunities Project, which aims to help Milford Sound and Milford Road. In 2019, 882,000 people visited Milford Sound, and more than 80% were international tourists.

Doocey, speaking to the Southland App, questioned not only its timeframe and $12-13m price tag but also some of its suggestions and directions.

“I think at times the direction can be a bit incoherent. We need to actually be very clear. What is the plan trying to achieve.”

He said he wouldn’t support the suggestion to ban cruise boats or fixed wing planes in Milford, which is news that will delight some of Queenstown’s flightseeing operators.

And while recognising there were constraints with the number of current carparks in Milford Sound, Doocey said that people should still be given a choice about how to get there.

Finally, he said the Coalition Government won’t make “value laden judgements” about tourists - backpackers are as welcome as well-heeled golfers.

“I didn’t agree with the demeaning comments [made by former Labour Tourism Minister Stuart Nash] on the backpacker market,” he says.

He highlights Patrick Quayle, vice president of United Airlines, as an example.

“He talked about first falling in love with New Zealand as a backpacker. Now he comes back as a leader of the largest airline in the world, facilitating air routes into the country. So, I just think we need to be aware that our tourists can bring different value in different parts of the life. We should welcome all visitors to New Zealand.”

LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN

Queenstown humming for summer again

By Paul Taylor

It has been a decent summer of revenue for many Queenstown businesses as visitor numbers return to pre-Covid levels, although rising costs are squeezing profits.

Last week, Queenstown Airport revealed it recorded 228,000 passenger movements (arrivals and departures) over the festive period, slightly down on last summer’s 230k.

Over 2023 as a whole there were 2.41 million passenger movements, the same as 2019.

Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce boss Sharon Fifield says it’s great to see Queenstown busy again, with strong visitation over summer.

“However, we’ve been hearing mixed reports from businesses. Some are having record summers while others, particularly in hospitality and activities, not as much.

“It’s simply harder to make a profit with squeezed margins due to higher operating costs in overheads, labour, supplies. For many businesses, there is only so far prices can be raised to compensate this.

“While it’s great to get back to some normality after the last years, it’s still tough for many.”

The Rees Hotel is one of the businesses having a record summer.

“November, December, January, February and probably March will all be record revenue months for us, which is outstanding,” CEO Mark Rose says.

“The US dollar is a factor. We work heavily in that market and the US dollar at 60cents is incredibly positive for New Zealand.

“The other thing to keep in mind is that the way the borders have opened, we’ve had everything except China, but now that’s coming on board, which will give us a long tail. So it’s been awesome and I’m picking that numbers will continue to be strong.

Fergburger continues to be a must-do for many visitors. Photo: Unsplash

Rose says the hotel has chosen to operate a 90% capacity, focusing instead on yield, to mitigate the difficulty in finding and training quality staff.

“We’ve got some great staff who’ve stuck with us but it’s finding the entry level staff that has been an issue. They’re not necessarily here to stay, they’re here to have a good time, so partying on Friday nights can be more important than work.”

Fergburger is one of Queenstown’s most celebrated businesses and the queue outside is often used to take the business temperature of the town.

“Summer has been a good season,” says Fergfoods group GM Claire Burke.

“Christmas and New Year, Queenstown was back in full rhythm, which was really great to see because it hasn’t been easy for the past three or four years.

It has really required everyone to knuckle down and stick with it, and we’re thankful Destination Queenstown and the Chamber has done a mountain of work to keep promoting the region.”

Burke says while the famous burger restaurant and associated venues, such as Fergbaker and ice cream shop Mrs Ferg, have been busy, it’s not quite the round-the-clock slammed of pre-Covid tourism.

“It’s definitely a different environment that we’re all operating in now. It’s not 2019. The numbers come through the airport, but we’re not necessarily seeing every single person directly spending within Queenstown.”

While staffing isn’t the issue it was in early 2023, she says there’s still difficulties finding new long-term staff, as people on working holiday visas aren’t sticking around as long as they once did.

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Darren Rewi blessing pounamu for the Year 6 students at Arrowtown Primary School. Each Year 6 student receives one when they leave at the end of year

Time to clue up on the Treaty

By Sue Fea

This Waitangi Day high profile, local kaumatua Darren Rewi is calling for all parties to continue to engage in dialogue and work through any differences on Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty) peacefully.

The coalition government’s been criticised for undermining Māori policies with a Whanganui iwi leader hitting out just days before the historic national hui.

“I suppose we’re lucky as one of the very few places in the world that has a founding document like that,” Rewi says.

However, Rewi deliberately distances himself from the politics of it all, instead preferring a peaceful approach, and greater understanding and education.

“Most Māori are past being upset. They just want a plan of action and for people to understand their rights. If all tribes move together, we can all move ahead.”

In December, the Kiingitanga called a nationwide hui at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia, over concerns about the coalition government’s plans for Māori. It was hoped an historic national hui held last weekend (21 Jan) would also give Māori a clear vision of the future amid concerns that the new government was undermining Māori by dampening down the use of Te Reo in signage and minimising some Treaty principles.

He will answer questions on the Treaty at a free community gathering at Te Atamira on 31 January where people can ask about its history here in the south and the part all citizens of Aotearoa play in upholding its principles.

Rewi isn’t bothered though. “To be brutally honest, I think the Treaty will long outlast this coalition if people are worried about any of the changes being proposed,” he says. “It’s been attacked over 183 years, and it’s still being attacked. It’s about people working together and recognising everyone’s differences and working towards a common goal,” he says. “That’s enshrined in the Treaty – partnership, protection and participation.”

The biggest conversations over the Treaty in the south have related to the way land was taken from Ngāi Tahu by the early Europeans, he says. “Because we were a tribe that moved around based on seasonal harvest it was decided that when we weren’t here that that land had been abandoned. Some refer to it as ‘The Wasteland Act’. There was a perception that no one was here in this region, so it didn’t matter.”

It is disappointing that the coalition plans to put the emphasis back on English in its department names and signage, reversing the good work that’s been done, he says. “There’s a legislative requirement for government departments to give effect to the Treaty that recognise everyone and that’s the part that’s being lost.”

To this day there’s argument about sales negotiations and agreements, especially over the three southern deeds – Kemp’s purchase, Otakou and Murihiku. “When Ngāi Tahu hapu received their copy of the purchase, they realised Fiordland had been added in. Ngāi Tahu never recognised Fiordland as part of any land purchase.” Rewi, as a descendant of Southern Rangatira Te Au who owned land from Milford Sound south, says “our records show that it was never up for sale”.

“Regardless of the different views between Māori and Pakeha, it’s about working together to achieve he best NZ we can,” Rewi says.

“The Treaty is an opportunity to identify everyone’s vision for the future but it’s never going to be the document that means someone can or can’t do something as it’s not recognised in international law.” The only place it’s enforceable is in government legislation, he says. “I suppose that’s a weakness of the Treaty. It’s only legally binding through government legislation.”

He believes Act Leader David Seymour’s suggested referendum on the Treaty would be “divisive”. “Just look at what happened with the ‘yes’ vote in Australia. It was used as an opportunity to attack each other. We need discussion with everyone working together and I think 90% of the population wants to do that,” Rewi says. “I think there are some forces in Act and NZ First that are catering to a certain cohort.”

Many people don’t realise that women signed the Treaty too, something else Rewi will be answering questions on at the Te Atamira event.

His greatest desire is that talking and engaging continues, especially with so much cultural diversity in this area.

‘Welcome to the Treaty’ - An Introduction to Te Tiriti o Waitangi 31 January, 6pm – Te Atamira - Puāwai

LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN

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Choppy waters ahead for Queenstown Lakes

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers says the council faces penning the “toughest Long Term Plan in its history”, as it struggles with the $800 million blowback of Three Waters.

Lewers, in a wide-ranging conversation with Queenstown’s The Outlet Podcast, says the Coalition Government’s scrapping of plans to centralise water infrastructure investment and ownership could see rates rise an extra 3-5% per year in Queenstown Lakes over the next decade, on top of other expected increases.

“Three Waters are now back in council books,” he says. “I’ve just spent the past two weeks back in the office trying to figure that out with staff, how we can massage that back into our Long Term Plan.

“We as councillors, and myself as mayor, we’re looking at some of these figures and we’re looking pretty hard at them because there’s going to be some very tough decisions and there’s going to be some pretty uncomfortable conversations in the next month.”

Lewers, however, is hopeful that once the Coalition Government has enacted its 100 day plan, discussions over local government revenue streams will gather pace.

“Costs are increasing ... but the revenue side has not kept pace and [we’re] cognizant of the fact that we can’t just keep taking extra rates from the same people, year on year.”

Residents swallowed a 14.2% average increase last year.

Lewers says a visitor levy is still alive, although he’s hearing it would likely be implemented on a national level rather than giving councils the ability to raise their own revenue.

Act’s policies, which include sharing GST with councils to fund infrastructure, would therefore probably help Queenstown Lakes the most “but I don’t know how applicable they are elsewhere in NZ”.

He’s “in the ear” of politicians in Queenstown Lakes and Wellington on the issues, he says.

Lewers also discusses the controversial Project Manawa with Outlet Podcast host Brent Harbour in the 15-minute chat, outlining the issues surrounding building new council offices in Frankton as an alternative, and why the council remaining in its current offices is not an option.

And he talks about councillors’ motivations, and the challenges faced last year, including the Skyline landslip and the rush to install UV filters at Queenstown Lakes’ water treatment plants in the wake of the crypto outbreak.

Listen to the Outlet Podcast online at lwb.co.nz or on the Queenstown App, which you can download for Apple or Android devices.

UTLET

NEW THIS WEEK ON THE

PODCAST

Mayor Glyn Lewers

MAYOR BRACES FOR CHOPPY WATERS

WELLFEST’24 IS IN QUEENSTOWN Camping on site. Check amazing line up for best of best on fb.Yoga, dance, songwriting, breath-work, intuitive healing, open mic, DJ’s and more.1-4 of February.Camping on site.

Family friendly w/Craig Smith Wonky Donkey.

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CBD

by Miranda Spary Miranda Spary is a tired, old, has been columnist that we feel sorry for. She used to write a weekly book column in the old Queenstown Times which was read more for the local gossip in it than the book part.

She is quite lazy and very grateful if readers send in ideas about what’s been happening locally on miranda@queenstown.co.nz

My feet are throbbing and I’ve lost my voice and our washing machine has chosen a very unhelpful moment to die. The house is full to bursting with still asleep 30 somethings and my geriatric husband who forgot he’s not a teenager is going to wake with much moaning and pleas for sympathy. We couldn’t help but overcelebrate as the happy couple are two of our favourite kids and it’s impossible not to love a wedding at Thurlby Domain - so beautiful and such a shame there’s apparently a group of crotchety neighbours who tried to stop young couples getting hitched there. The aftermatch was at Nadia Lim’s knockout new venue at Royalburn on the Crown Terrace - what a view and what a sensational night. No wonder I’m feeling so old this morning.

Old is just a state of mind though - last night’s bride’s grandmother is 94 and she flew from Melbourne for the wedding and was up dancing till the small hours - you’re a real inspiration Meme! And I rang my 87 year old mother this morning to hear she played 54 holes of golf in a two day tournament - I hope I have the same energy when I reach those dizzy big numbers (oops, IF…) I’m going to need a lot of stamina to get through February - we’ve got my youngest stepson’s wedding this weekend and we’ve somehow managed to organise ONE night when all five of our children and their other halves and offspring can all be in one place for dinner - it’s an almost impossible task given that they’re scattered so far around the world. Thank goodness for weddings to make these gatherings happen, and we are so lucky it’s easy for New Zealanders to travel it’s much harder for other nationalities.

A few years ago my friends Majd and Mo invited us to their wedding in Jordan - she is Jordanian and Mo was from Palestine (he managed to get out), but they were living in Turkey. When I told my husband about the invitation, his reply was “Jordan in August with nobody I know, I don’t speak Arabic and they don’t drink alcohol….mmmmm, no thanks!!”. I made our apologies and asked them to send me lots of photos. The Israeli government didn’t issue a permit for Mo’s mother to cross into Jordan till an hour before the wedding and the videos were heartbreaking. Everytime his mother saw him, she would hug him and burst into tears - she hadn’t seen him in over five years and has never seen him again. Canada is letting 1000 Palestinians seek refuge but their families in Canada have to pay all the costs of getting them there and supporting them fully. The logistics of getting Mo’s parents out of Palestine are practically impossible and the costs are unknowable - they’ve set up a campaign http:// gofund.me/56b21028 if anyone wants to give a little.

The Wakatipu is so blessed to have so many fabulous people organising great events - there’s the Gardens and Galleries happening from 8 - 11 February which is helping Plunket and includes the Twilight Opera in the Garden on Feb 11 - if you haven’t already got tickets, be quick! And the Cancer Society is looking for some ambassadors for the RELAY FOR LIFE. It’s at Lake Hayes on March 16th so if you’ve had cancer and would like to be part of this VERY important campaign to help raise awareness, contact Tara.Strahan@ cansoc.org.nz. The Relay for Life is a ridiculously good fun event who knew cancer could create so much fun???? and you can sign up at www.relayforlife.org.nz as a team or an individual.

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Taking on the world

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown Lakes skiers and snowboarders have put in some impressive performances in the northern hemisphere this past week - competing at the Freeride World Tour, X Games and Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Finn Bilous finished in second place at the first stop of the 2024 Freeride World Tour in Verbier, Switzerland, over the weekend.

It was a career-first Freeride World Tour podium for the Wānaka 24-year-old, who is competing on the Tour for his second season.

Fellow Wānaka skier Ben Richards, 24, and Queenstown’s Remarkables skifield ambassador Blake Marshall, 29, were also shredding the Petit Bec. Richards finished an impressive fifth, while Marshall put together a heater of a run, but unfortunately came unstuck on his final feature, losing his ski and therefore receiving a ‘no score’.

Bilous oozed his trademark style and creativity as he made his way down the snowy face, carrying plenty of speed with him, throwing a massive 360 and stomping a flat 360 to impress the judges.

“I’m stoked, it was a nice surprise to wake up to a few extra centimetres this morning and it was definitely hard and fast in there, but just like New Zealand, so I felt at home riding here today and stoked to put one down,” he said.

Max Hitzig of Germany took the win, with two-time Freeride World Tour champion Kristofer Turdell of Sweden rounding out the podium in third.

Bilous, who was crowned the 2023 Snow Sports NZ Freeride Athlete of the Year, made the transition from Freeski Big Air and Slopestyle to Freeride after the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. The two-time Olympian is known for bringing his huge park tricks to the backcountry and putting together creative lines.

There are five more stops on the 2024 Tour, including this coming weekend in Andorra.

“I want to take it event by event and find lines that are true to my style and the type of thing I want to represent. I am going to keep looking for them, try to put some flavour in there and have fun with it.”

Meanwhile, Queenstown’s Ruby Star Andrews, 19, and Tiarn Collins, 24, finished in fourth and fifth place respectively at their X Games debut on Sunday (NZ time).

The prestigious invite-only competition brings the best of the best to Aspen for the three-day event, where they battle it out for the coveted X Games titles. Andrews competed under the floodlights in the women’s Ski Big Air, while Collins competed in the men’s Snowboard Big Air. Andrews three tricks included a tweaked 360 blunt grab for her style trick, along with a left corked 900 and stomped a switch right 1080 for her two technical tricks.

Collins started out with a backside 1080 with a high indy grab for his style trick off the 75-foot jump, before stomping a cab 1800 and a switch back 1620 for his two technical tricks.

Both were due to compete in the slopestyle comp, Monday morning NZ time, as the Lakes Weekly went to press, while Nico Porteous was set to drop into the X Games SuperPipe that afternoon.

Wānaka snowboarder Lucia Georgalli made history last week by winning New Zealand’s first snowboard medal at the Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Georgalli took home the sliver medal in the snowboard slopestyle at the Games in Gangwon, South Korea.

The 17-year-old, who is the Snowboard Slopestyle Junior World Men’s Ski Podium Verbier. Photo: Jeremy Bernard / Freeride World Tour Champion, was unable to land her first two runs in the final, leaving her just one final run to put down a score.

“I was pretty nervous but I just took a deep breath and thought it is what it is, and dropped in,” Georgalli said.

“I was really happy to land that run. It was challenging, really icy and bumpy.

“I’m stoked to be here, really happy that I got second and represented my country well at the Youth Olympics.”

Austria’s Hanna Karrer won gold and Vanessa Volopichova from the Czech Republic won bronze. Te Anau snowboarder Ava Beer finished tenth.

And on Sunday, Georgalli, Lake Hāwea’s Luke Harrold (freeski), and Wānaka’s Campbell Melville Ives (snowboard) each won a bronze medal on Big Air finals day.

Arts+Culture Summer concert set to delight

by Jess Allen

and has a list of artists they’d like to bring to New Zealand in hand. As they’re competing with event organisers from the rest of the world for the appearance, they’re usually working two or three years in advance – he says they put in the bid for Simple Minds five years ago, which is just coming to fruition now. One thing that works to their advantage is that it’s winter throughout Europe and America, so it’s prime time for artists to be heading down under.

“It’s a very big event and a lot of people are in town. From feedback, we hear that the shops are very happy, it’s not just bars and restaurants – just in general any shop or retailer in Queenstown is happy over our weekend. We’re not in the middle of town, so it doesn’t cause any issues for town – we do have to manage and work closely with NZTA and we do have to manage our traffic on that highway, but in general, I think the community gets involved and they enjoy it.

The Summer Concert Tour will head to Gibbston Valley this weekend, bringing with it sweet sounds from Simple Minds, Texas, Collective Soul and Pseudo Echo.

The Queenstown leg is the last in a trio of shows, with the other two taking place in Taupō and Hamilton this past weekend. It’s the 14th year of operation for Dean Calvert and his wife, Amanda, who started this back in 2011.

It was initially a smaller affair with just a couple of bands. Year one featured Dr Hook and Creedence Clearwater Revisited and year two was the Doobie Brothers and Little River Band. The third year featured Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo plus two additional bands – from here it continued to grow in both the number of artists and the crowds of people.

“The crowds have grown from 10,000 – 11,000 up to our biggest crowd of 18,000 – they’ve come along for that journey as well,” Dean Calvert says. “People are coming into Queenstown and spending three or four nights here and are making this an annual pilgrimage. They get together with friends and meet up at the Gibbston Valley for the Summer Concert – so it’s an annual event that people look forward to.

“The big change is that we started off with a smaller stage, small sound system and everything, and it’s now a full-on production with a 20-metre stage, screens either side, and a massive international PA and speakers. It’s really grown into a big festival-type of event.”

Despite the event only going for a few days each year, it’s getting worked on 12 months or more in advance. Each year, Dean goes on a trip to meet with agents

“We use a lot of community groups and we pay them a fee to become involved in some way with the event. We’ve got the Whakatipu Rowing Club, a few of the schools, the Rugby Club and the Lions, so it’s a great way for them to fundraise.

We definitely get the community involved. We try and also let the artists have a look around – they’re putting stuff on their own Facebook, which may have millions of followers and it’s good advertisement for the region. I think all in all, we have good support from the community and that’s certainly the feedback that we get.”

This year’s concert is set to be a great one with Simple Minds headlining the show, one of the UK’s most successful bands. Scottish rock band Texas will also take the stage, performing hits like I Don’t Want a Lover and Say What You Want. There’s also American rock band Collective Soul and Pseudo Echo who’ll play the classic Funky Town. Dean notes that the festival is possible because of all the people behind the scenes, including a select few that have been involved since the start.

“My wife Amanda leads a fantastic team and all the staff we’ve had over the years, we’re all together still. Our production company, Hang Up, do an amazing job, our team and particularly the CEO, she leads a great team. We care about our customers and continually try and improve the experience that they receive.

We’re looking forward to putting on another great show, which will be in our 14th year. It’s been a bit of a journey,” he says.

The Summer Concert Tour will take place at Gibbston Valley Winery on Saturday, 3 February.

For more information or for tickets, you can head to greenstoneentertainment.co.nz

The region’s best gardens and art galleries collide

by Jess Allen

Wakatipu Plunket’s biggest fundraiser of the year is coming up and it’s undergone a refresh for 2024.

The Wakatipu Garden Tour, which has run for 10 years, has been reimagined as Gardens + Galleries, through a partnership with Arrowtown Creative Arts Society (ACAS).

Taking place in early February, the event will allow garden and art lovers to explore some of the Wakatipu Basin's best gardens and art galleries.

It will feature more than a dozen art and garden-related experiences including talks, garden tours, Q&As and workshops – all wrapping up with ACAS’ annual Twilight Opera.

The will be a beautiful cross-section of gardens, from small and compact to large park-like gardens, along with artists’ trails, representing a diverse group of local painters and sculptors.

ACAS' Margot Robinson spearheaded the overhaul of the event, initially starting to work on the project before Covid – before the pandemic forced cancellation. Robinson is a passionate gardener and is proud of her gardens – her last one in Queenstown became a National Significant Garden of New Zealand.

She says the idea was to create a larger festival, similar to the Marlborough Garden Fest, Holly Hospice in Hawke’s Bay, and the Taranaki Garden Festival, while also adding art into the mix.

“Arrowtown and Queenstown are such destinations. People like to come here anyway, like they do in the Hawke’s Bay or Marlborough area and I just thought, ‘well, why couldn’t we do one here?’ So I talked to Paddy Baxter about it, who’s a well-known landscape architect here in Queenstown. He’s done most of the major places around and has done Millbrook right from day one. Paddy said ‘what a brilliant idea.’”

One of the artist talks will be with Fiona Garlick – based at her lovely home studio and gallery. Working predominantly in cast bronze and ceramics, Fiona’s works range from small hand-held objects of desire to large-scale outdoor sculptures. There’s also the Birdwoods Floor Talk, sharing the stories of some of their distinctive collection of international artworks, and the Baxter Landscape Design Workshop, where Paddy Baxter will share his design process and discuss successful seasonal planting alongside colleague and landscape architect Mark Stallard.

“We’ve got a great selection of gardens, and some of them haven’t been open to the public before. The gallery owners, some of them are doing artist talks and lectures – everyone has just been so enthusiastic. The Plunket girls have been absolutely amazing – I can’t speak highly enough of them – what they do for the area is amazing. All the fundraising that is going to Plunket is staying in the Wakatipu Basin.”

Gardens + Galleries will run from Thursday 8 – Saturday,10 February, with the Twilight Opera at Springpointer Garden on the Sunday. There’s a number of different events happening across the weekend and you can find out more information or pick up tickets at teatamira.nz/events/gardens-galleries

Stephan Romer, Piopiotahi

First Thursdays Quarterly returns on Thursday 1 February First Thursdays Quarterly is a free and family-friendly event that celebrates the diversity of arts and culture in our region. Join in the art crawl across six exhibition spaces all located around Earl Street and Marine Parade in Queenstown.

Piopiotahi–Milford Sound in a single frame. A testament to patience and perfect timing, this work delivers a dramatic Fiordland piece that has been years in the making.

February brings new exhibitions to Queenstown including John Reynolds’ The moon and the flowers at Starkwhite. With a distinctive style that frequently muddles the logics of drawing, mark-making, and language, Reynolds’ interdisciplinary practice spans painting, installation, and sculpture. The title of his Starkwhite exhibition references the opening line of a haiku by Issa, regarded as one of the four Grand masters of Japanese haiku. The artist describes his new series of large paintings accompanied by small block works as "moonlighting on floral themes of passing time, blue lunar cycles, and the pungency and maddening beauty of our fleeting world.”

Head to Artbay’s upstairs gallery to see work by Dutch artist Nemo Jantzen before his exhibition closes. Jantzen draws on painting skills but sketches subjects using only stainless steel nails and a continuous thread on a wooden board. Guided by his photography, he zigzags thread from nail to nail, creating detailed and threedimensional pieces that change with light and perspective.

Milford Galleries are opening a group exhibition titled Studio 9A which takes in contemporary New Zealand painting, sculpture, and ceramics. Included in the exhibition is Lonnie Hutchinson, whose sculpture Awhi projects from the wall in folded waves of metal, its title’s meaning reaffirmed across the surface of the sculpture by a repeated heart motif. Also exhibiting is Graham Fletcher, a painter known for combining the familiar and the imagined. His nostalgic spaces and languages of fragmented time offer a mysterious discourse of cross-cultural relationships.

Romer Gallery is known for its large format landscape photographs by Stephan Romer that capture the wild places and remote locations of our beautiful Te Wai Pounamu/ South Island. In February they present Stephan’s newest work, Piopiotahi. At close to three-metres the photograph captures the essence of

John Reynolds, work in progress from The moon and the flowers exhibition

At Lightworx you’ll find innovative combination of light, colour, and space that combine to offer a diverse collection of work by multiple artists both local and international.

Bringing together Starkwhite, Milford Galleries, Romer, Artbay, and Lightworx, First Thursdays Quarterly seeks to connect people with creativity across our town centre. Based around Earl Street and Marine Parade, First Thursdays sees six art spaces offer exhibitions, talks, and opportunities to engage with the region’s creative community during a special late-night opening from 5–7.30pm each quarter. Thanks to the generosity of Akarua, join us for a glass of some of this region’s finest wine as you look at the art work. Maps are available at participating galleries and on the First Thursdays Quarterly instagram – @firstthursdaysqt – and facebook page.

First Thursdays Quarterly from 5–7.30pm on Thursday 1 February

Lonnie Hutchinson, Awhi (2022)

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FILM Little Cinema A spectacular short film showcase night that supports filmmaking at grassroots levels in the Queenstown Lakes area and beyond. From sketches, documentaries, music videos and more, this promises to be a fun night for all lovers of film. Tickets are available online at Te Atamira.

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES

COMMUNITY Queenstown Toastmasters Meeting This is the second Toastmasters for the year, so if one of your New Year’s intentions is to improve your public speaking skills, then this is the community for you!

The club prides itself on being a friendly bunch who are working on improving their public speaking for whatever opportunity may come up. These are great evenings to come along as a guest and learn from the Toastmasters team how we feel the fear and do it anyway.

You don’t need to have any training, you just show up and check it out.

Guests are more than welcome.

When: Tuesday, 30 January, 6pm Where: Sherwood, Frankton Road

Arrowtown Swim Club - Friday Night Ribbon Night This is a fun night where the kids race against their own times and the club puts on a sausage sizzle and hot chocolate for the kids.

When: Thursday, 1 February, 7.30pm – 9.45 pm Where: Te Atamira, Remarkables Park Town Centre

Frances Hodgkins: Anything but a Still Life A new documentary exploring the life and work of celebrated New Zealand artist Frances Hodgkins.

Spending much of her career in Europe, Hodgkins was a modernist painter whose work continues to inspire contemporary artists. Known for her ‘open air still life’ pictures, her constant Mediterranean travels in the late 1920s and 30s provided abundant inspiration and a taste for the lush fruit, flowers, and landscapes she incorporated in her painting. The film retraces the Hodgkin’s footsteps to the places she lived and worked and shedding light on her challenges and her enduring legacy. The first screening has sold out with a second screening now scheduled. The documentary is part of the ACAS Gardens and Galleries weekend in support of Plunket with tickets selling for $20 and available online at teatamira.co.nz When: Saturday, 10 February, 6pm Where: Dorothy Browns Cinema, 18 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown

ARTS

When: Friday, 2 February, 6pm - 7pm Where: Arrowtown Memorial Pool, 4 Hertford St

Garden + Galleries Calling all garden and art lovers! Come and explore some of the Wakatipu Basin’s best gardens and art galleries, all in support of our local Plunket. Garden + Galleries has for the past 10 years been the main fundraiser for Wakatipu Plunket and this year is presented by the Arrowtown Creative Arts Society. Gardens + Galleries offers a beautiful cross-section of gardens, from small and compact to large park-like gardens, while the artists’ trails in the Wakatipu Basin represent a diverse group of local painters and sculptors. There are more than a dozen art and garden related experiences to choose from. Tickets are available online now at teatamira.nz

First Thursdays Quarterly – Queenstown’s favourite late night art crawl Fun and family-friendly art crawl where you make the rules, choosing the route and the amount of time spent at each exhibition. It’s a free event that aims to connect the community with creativity. Bringing together Starkwhite, Milford Galleries, Romer, Artbay, and Lightworx, First Thursdays offers exhibitions, talks, and opportunities to meet creatives during a special late-night opening from 5–7.30pm. Head along to the first one of 2024 this Thursday, 1 February. See this week’s Arts & Culture for more.

When: Thursday, 1 February, 5pm – 7.30pm. Future events in May, August, and November Where: Earl Street and Marine Parade, Queenstown

When: Thursday, 8 February, 6pm – Sunday, 10 February Where: Gardens and Galleries across the Whakatipu Basin

EVENTS Rugby: Highlanders v Moana Pasifika The Highlanders, in their first preseason game of 2024 is headed back to Queenstown. With a kick off at 6pm on a Friday, it’s a terrific evening of family entertainment. The playbook last year was a recipe for success for the Highlanders, so this year they are back and bringing Moana Pasifika along. All children (under the age of 13) are free, secondary school students are $10 and adult tickets are $30 ($20 early bird). Start your weekend with some Friday evening footy!

When: Friday, 2 February, 6pm Where: Queenstown Event Centre (Field 2)

TALKS One Treaty, Two Versions – A Treaty of Waitangi Discussion Join Matua Darren Rewi for a frank and honest interactive discussion about the Treaty of Waitangi, its relevance today, and the impact felt in this region and by its people. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of New Zealand’s history and engage in meaningful conversations about the Treaty of Waitangi. Free event. All are welcome. While walk-ins are welcome, you are encouraged to secure your spot by booking in advance.

When and Where: • Wednesday, 31 January, 6pm-7.30pm at Te Atamira, Remarkables Park Town Centre, 12 Hawthorne Dr, Frankton • Thursday, 1 February, 5.30pm – 6.30pm at Queenstown Library, Gorge Road • Thursday, 8 February, 5.30pm - 6.30pm at Frankton Library, Hawthorne Drive

Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert Four amazing acts - Simple Minds, Texas, Collective Soul, and Pseudo Echo - will take centre stage this weekend at the 2024 Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert. This one not to be missed on your summer concert calendar.

When: Saturday, 3 February, from 11am Where: Gibbston Valley Winery

More events available at WHAT’S ON on the Queenstown App Download the Queenstown App today

My Life Story

by Sue Fea

KOJI HONDA

From sushi king to bungy stuntman...

He’s been king of the kitchen since he was four, whipping up fried rice and sashimi with his mum back in Tokyo.

By 21, Koji Honda, a freshly trained sushi chef, had ventured across the world to New Zealand as one of its first ever qualified sushi chefs, currently believed to be Queenstown’s longest serving chef.

Raised in Tokyo, sushi was always the comfort food his mother made if he was unwell. “When I was little, I always wanted to be a sushi chef to help people when they’re sick,” he says.

Koji was the envy of his friends when his movie director father worked on the Godzilla movies, Koji also starring, aged 10, as an extra.

His grandmother – a true ‘Tokyo (Edo) Lady’, was a big influence on his life.

“She looked after us a lot. On New Year’s Day she’d make snapper sashimi, soup using a snapper head, and tuna sashimi.”

After working part-time in one of Tokyo’s busiest sushi restaurants while at high school, Koji worked there full-time completing a four-year apprenticeship, always with a desire to work abroad.

His Sushi Master suggested NZ, deterring Koji from America where sushi was already popular. “I’d seen pictures of lakes, mountains and sheep,” Koji smiles.

Arriving in 1988, Auckland didn’t appeal, and a chef put him in touch with Queenstown’s Minami Jujisei owner Tony Robertson who’d just opened the fourth Japanese restaurant in NZ and who snapped up the young, qualified sushi chef, flying him south.

Koji had arrived in NZ speaking no English at all and in a day when there were no English language colleges in town, he headed to the pub every night after work “to learn English”. It may not have been Oxford Dictionary version, but every night Koji picked up some of the language – good or bad, checking the dictionary when he got home that night.

Koji toasts his favourite local ‘English language school’ - the pub

he grins. Chico’s, Eichardt’s, The Penthouse and The Dolphin Club were his playground.

It was a hard road luring the locals to try his national dish. “Not many people knew what sushi was in Queenstown. When I’d say I worked in a sushi bar and explained sushi was made from raw fish they said, ‘No way! Get lost! You’re having us on. They thought I was joking,” he laughs.

Bungy days were fun working for AJ Hackett himself, and Henry Van Asch, who had not long launched their revolutionary new bungy operation that was taking the country by storm. “I was pushing the people off the bridge.

It wasn’t called ‘jumpmaster’ back then,” he grins. “We did testing every day and I always wanted to do it so I’ve done a lot of jumps.”

Bungy jumpmaster by day and Minami Jujisei Restaurant sushi chef then partying by night, Koji was working 15-hour days but living the dream. He was well used to hard work having clocked massive hours, seven days in a row at the Tokyo sushi restaurant where’d he’d work from November to February without a day off, sometimes 24-hour stints. “It was unbelievable. So many quit.”

Koji even starred as stunt double for a famous Japanese actor who couldn’t make it to a Japanese sports commercial shoot at the bungy bridge. “I did 12 jumps that day and had a bad headache from hanging upside down so many times. It was aired all over Japan.” Koji also became master of the bounce, bungying from the heady heights of a crane during festival displays in the region.

“I’d work at the (bungy) bridge from 8am until 3pm then head into town to work at Minami from 5pm until 11pm, then go drinking until 3am or 4am,”

His visa was to expire after a year, so Tony helped him apply for NZ residency.

“I went to Immigration NZ in Dunedin and the woman said. ‘What is sushi?

Ok, I don’t know the difference between people making donuts and hamburgers and sushi,” Koji says. “Tony was angry and wrote to the Minister of Tourism then two days later the woman asked me to send my passport, and in another two days my residency arrived.”

There were only 20 Japanese in town. Flatmates included renowned local Chinese restaurateur Ming Han, and Koji’s Japanese wife Ayako after romance blossomed in Fernhill where they’ve since lived for 35 years.

Koji soon owned shares with Tony and his then wife Jan, and bought Minami outright in 1999, selling it in 2018 after a 20-year association. He then worked in the Wai Group prep station for Jan and her partners, then joined the team at Finz where chef Steve Clayton taught him how to cook European style. “He’s really good. He changed my life,” Koji says.

Koji enjoying some outdoor adventure time with his kids in younger days

At 57 Koji’s sure he will cook “well into old age”. I just want to serve the nice food and make people happy. That’s my motto.”

COMMUNITY NOTES The Hill family backs local conservation group that the NZ-made traps we have supported have so far removed more than 3000 possums from a small area near Arrowtown is significant, and we look forward to helping the Southern Lakes Sanctuary continue this incredible work for years to come.”

Southern Lakes Sanctuary is one of NZ’s largest conservation organisations, a consortium of six groups working to increase biodiversity, control predators and protect the native species of the Southern Lakes.

The hope for Predator Free 2050 is inextricably linked to technological advances and Southern Lakes Sanctuary has become experts in the effective deployment of automatic traps.

Southern Lakes Sanctuary project director Paul Kavanagh says “The potential these traps have for large-scale improvements to our natural environment is phenomenal.

Southern Lakes Sanctuary Whakatipu Hub coordinator Bonnie Wilkins, philanthropist Sir Michael Hill and Southern Lakes Sanctuary project manager Paul Kavanagh

The Hill family has donated $90,000 to support the preservation of native wildlife and biodiversity in the region.

Prominent businessman and philanthropist Sir Michael Hill and his family made the donation to conservation organisation Southern Lakes Sanctuary to fund the installation of 60 additional high-tech predator-control traps.

The new AT220 predator traps with AI camera and remote monitoring systems at Bush Creek, Arrowtown, will be deployed this summer.

The donation also includes AI-enabling upgrades to 25 existing AT220 traps in the Bush Creek catchment area – and these traps have already killed 3000 possums since they were installed.

Hill says “It is fantastic to be supporting a project and organisation that is making such dramatic progress to enhance our natural environment. To hear

“Whilst the set-up costs for this very effective trapping method is relatively high, the ongoing maintenance and servicing is very low, so over the life of the trap the returns on investment are far superior to traditional traps and far more effective.”

Initially supported by the NZ Government’s Jobs for Nature programme – which faces a funding cliff in June – Southern Lakes Sanctuary are seeking $1.5 million annually to sustain its crucial conservation work.

“We have many more areas that we can work on around the Whakatipu and Wānaka where the suppression of rats and possums will make a huge difference to the survival of our native species,” Kavanagh adds. “We welcome other supporters embracing the cause as well – there is still so much important work to be done in saving our native taonga.”

As part of their ongoing commitment, the Hill family has also made their golf course available to Southern Lakes Sanctuary to host a fundraising golf day at The Hills on April 22, 2024. More details about this event will be available in the coming weeks.

Aspiring Conversations returns After a six-year hiatus, Aspiring Conversations returns to our beautiful backyard from 4-7 April, hosting 14 events across three venues to stimulate the mind and feed the soul. The full programme will be available online at aspiringconversations.co.nz from 7pm on Monday, 29 January, with ticket sales starting at 8.30am on Friday, 2 February.

The first session announced, ‘Tower of Song’, features Kiwi songwriters Julia Deans, Adam McGrath, and Ebony Lamb, hosted by music writer and broadcaster Grant Smithies. Attendees can expect not only performances but also a profound exploration of the musicians’ early experiences, delving into the magic, inspiration, and challenges of songwriting.

As the festival unfolds, a diverse lineup of over 40 speakers and artists will explore a range of topics, from culture and history to adventure, food, politics, personal challenges, and climate change. This year’s thematic exploration extends into artificial intelligence, wellbeing, writing and the timeless allure of Greek mythology.

The programme includes storytelling, live theatre, music, spoken word, school workshops, and engaging kōrero, with surprise installations from the local community to be revealed at the event. In these challenging times, nurturing genuine dialogue is crucial, and Aspiring Conversations provides an opportunity to come together, listen, talk, laugh, be challenged, and learn while reconnecting within our growing community.

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LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN

NEWS IN BRIEF

Man charged over fatal Queenstown crash A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged with Excess Blood Alcohol Causing Death, over the crash that killed Royalburn Station butcher Outrega Anderson. Anderson, known as Tré, died on State Highway 6, near the Crown Range turn-off, at around 7.30am on 16 December. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the two-vehicle fatal crash was hospitalised in a serious condition but later discharged. He has now been charged with the serious drink driving offence, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

He was due to appear in Queenstown District Court on Monday, 29 January, as the Lakes Weekly Bulletin went to press. Police said further charges are under consideration. Anderson, 48, was head butcher and master charcutier at Royalburn Station, the alpine farm owned by Nadia Lim and Carlos Bagrie.

He grew up in Southland, and was also an industrial designer, artist and chef, graduating from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Design, Photographic Design. He worked at Queenstown winery restaurant Amisfield for more than 10 years.

Investigations into Fiordland Navigator grounding The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has launched a marine safety inquiry into an accident involving the scenic cruise vessel M.V Fiordland Navigator. The RealNZ boat ran aground last Wednesday evening, 24 January, near Crooked Arm in Doubtful Sound. It sustained a breach in its hull and took on water but was refloated later that evening, returned to its berth at Deep Cove, and is now undergoing repairs. All fifty-seven passengers and 10 crew were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported. The Commission’s investigators were on site over the weekend, collecting evidence. Maritime NZ has also launched an investigation into the incident. RealNZ Acting CEO Paul Norris told The Southland App the Queenstown-based company is cooperating fully and has also launched an investigation. A commercial diver has conducted an underwater assessment of the vessel. “We are awaiting details of this assessment so that we, and our vessel surveyor, can determine what repairs need to be undertaken to restore the watertight integrity of the vessel,” Norris says. “The Navigator will remain out of service until both RealNZ and our surveyor are satisfied she is safe and fully compliant – this will be for at least the next few days.” Rebooking and refunds are being arranged for affected customers.

Local painter fined for unjustified dismissal A local painter must pay an ex-employee more than $20,000 over an unjustified dismissal last year, the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has determined. Everest Painters and Decorators owner James Bees has been ordered to pay the apprentice brush-hand $10,000 in compensation, plus a similar amount again for her final wages, public holiday pay, annual leave entitlement and more. The ex-employee, who worked for James for just over two years on a sponsorship visa, had offered to resign in a heated phone call, in which she complained about having to work with a co-worker she said was impaired by cannabis. She offered to work out her notice period, but Bees initially declined, telling her to “leave right now”. She emailed James the following evening, reiterating her offer to work out her notice, and at 4.41am the next day he told her, via email, to travel to Queenstown for a job that same morning. She said she did not see the email until after 7.38am. When she told him she could not travel to work at such short notice, Bees replied via text saying she had breached their contract. ERA member Antoinette Baird said in her decision that she found James “dismissed her summarily on what appears to be purported ‘abandonment’ of employment” during her notice period. - Wānaka App

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SELF-TAPE AUDITION WORKSHOP Calling all Actors, Models & Talent.

Let’s teach you how to nail these. For beginners and those already with an agent. Saturday 10 February, spaces limited to 15 in each workshop, register at bunkerstreetstudios.co.nz

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For Rent LOOKING FOR A LONG TERM MATURE AND responsible individual to fill the last remaining room. The property is located within 5 minute walking distance from town and comes semi furnished. Please contact 0278653761 for more information.

Accommodation ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE AT CORONET PEAK ROCKY GULLY hut. Accommodation is available immediately for one rental for period until the end of May. Fully furnished with 2 bunk rooms with double beds. $600 per week. Suit responsible couple or two friends. Call or message Tom 0274 399388 for further details.

Trades & Services 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 LOCAL PAINTER WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE for all your Interior & Exterior projects. Phone Simon on 021 716-485 FIREWOOD FOR SALE: PREMIUM SEASONED PINE. $100 per cubic meter. Free delivery around Queenstown. Contact Andrew: 0210416912 SHOES UNLIMITED - A DELIGHTFUL CHAOTIC MIXTURE awaits in our Qn Central store at Frankton - current summer stock, stock to clear (fantastic prices) plus men’s footwear, shoe care, handbags and jewellery looking forward to seeing you!

WHAKATIPU BEEKEEPERS SUPPORTING LOCAL BEEKEEPERS WITH SHARING knowledge, mentoring and maintaining best ractice. Most importantly a group of likeminded individuals who love bees. Meeting regularly, for more info or to join us whakatipubeekeepers@gmail.com RUBBISH AT REMEMBERING? SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY bin day reminders and public holiday alerts via text or email at www.reminders.saveourstuff. co.nz MAXIMUM COLOURS IN THE GARDEN! VISITING OUTSTANDING private gardens is a fantastic way to refresh on a busy summer day with friends or family. GUIDED GARDEN TOURS run daily in Wanaka.

Informative narrative, transport, refreshments, from $95. Choice of 2, 3 or 4 gardens, all very different! Group discounts (max 7), gift vouchers. Info booking Florence 02102792481 beautifulgardenswanaka.com

for all your electrical needs

HOUSE ELECTRICAL new builds | renovations | maintenance rob harvey rob@houseelectrical.co.nz

021 115 5637

www.houseelectrical.co.nz

Community WINDSURF WEDNESDAYS @ FRANKTON BEACH. 4PM TIL late. Club / social sail, some lessons and rental may be available. Weather dependent.

Contact Sue for more info 0276408596 :) NEW TO THE AREA OR GOT MORE time on your hands & looking to give back to your community? Altrusa International Qtwn is looking for volunteers just like you to join our women’s charitable & service org. supporting our local community. Want to know more? Email: president.queenstown@altrusa.org.nz or message us on Facebook.com/ AltrusaQueenstown

Everything Else FREE ANTENATAL PROGRAMME. THREE-WEEK PROGRAMME RUN BY Central Lakes Family Services commences 21st February from 6pm-8pm.

Programme covers Parenting anxiety, Bonding and attachment, selfcare and mental awareness, support and solutions. Dads and partners welcome. Venue St Johns Rooms, Douglas Street Frankton. Bookings essential call Lisa on 02781667338 STANDARDISED RECYCLING IS COMING! ON 1 FEBRUARY, kerbside recycling will be the same all around the country. For locals, that means more items can be accepted in your yellow bin. Recycle clean plastic bottles, trays and containers marked 1, 2, and 5 in your yellow mixed recycling bin, along with clean cans, cardboard and paper. There’s no change to your glass recycling - only glass bottles and jars go in your blue glass bin. To find out more go to www.qldc.govt.nz

TRAIN YOURBRAIN CAPTION COMPETITION

SUDOKU 6

THE BEST DAMNED PIZZA IN THIS LIFE OR THE NEXT Comment in our facebook post your funniest Caption to be in the chance to WIN 1 x Double Pizza Voucher from Hell Pizza!

Submit your entry by Sunday, prior to the last day of this edition (check dates on the cover).

7 3

5

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4 What, in proof-reading, is an instruction to restore a correction called?

2.

What is the nautical term meaning “near or towards the stern of a boat”?

3.

Which actor starred in the 1988 semi-animated film Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

4.

What name is given to Rome's underground cemeteries?

5.

In the TV series Doctor Who, which actress played River Song?

6.

What is a horse’s fastest pace?

7.

By what name is a recently-graduated resident physician in a US hospital known?

8.

How has a goujon been cooked?

CAPTION

9.

In bingo, which number is traditionally called as Tom Mix?

COMPETITION

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I’m found in socks, scarves and mittens; and often in the paws of playful kittens. What am I?

13. What type of person would use a mixing desk? ad Way The Bre n..

Heave

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15. Who was Cher’s 1964-75 singing partner?

20. The Amazon Rainforest is found on which continent?

2

RIDDLE

12. What is another name for the pick often used with a guitar?

19. Which film monster, back in cinemas in March 2017, first appeared on screen in 1933?

1

Answers in next weeks LWB

11. What is a winkle-picker?

18. Amsterdam is the largest city of which European country?

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10. Which 2014 sci-film featured an “Awesome Mix Tape”?

17. Which successful solo artist also recorded with The Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominos?

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16. What name is given to a biscuit containing a motto?

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14. Which super heavy-weight boxer took the gold medal in Sydney in 2000?

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3B Searle Lane www.hellpizza.com

LWB QUIZ

4

Winner of the last Caption Competition is Jamie Harris Congratulations you won 1x Double Pizza Voucher from Hell Pizza.

Collect your voucher from the LWB office.

SUDOKU ANSWER

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QUIZ ANSWERS:

24. What is a saveloy?

1. Stet | 2. Aft | 3. Bob Hoskins | 4. Catacombs | 5. Alex Kingston | 6. Gallop | 7. Intern | 8. Coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried | 9. Six | 10. Guardians of the Galaxy | 11. Pointed shoe or boot | 12. Plectrum | 13. A sound engineer | 14. Audley Harrison | 15. Sonny | 16. Fortune cookie | 17. Eric Clapton | 18. The Netherlands | 19. King Kong | 20. South America | 21. Worcestershire | 22. Plasma | 23. Notting Hill | 24. A sausage | 25. Guns N’ Roses.

25. In 1989, which heavy metal band had a hit with Paradise City?

RIDDLE: Yarn.

21. In which county is Kidderminster?

22. What is the watery component of blood?

23. Which 1999 film, set in London, starred Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts?

LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN | 30 January 2024 - 5 February 2024

Page 22

VACANCIES

Ph: 03 409 2800 enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz

Dental Assistant – Full-time We are looking for a fantastic new team member to join our busy practice!

Remarkables Dental is a modern dental practice with stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown. We currently have a full-time position available for a Dental Assistant/Steri Assistant to work 5 days per week.

As a Dental Assistant you will be required to provide chairside assistance to our dentists and hygienists, sterilise instruments, and reception duties as needed.

The successful applicant: • Be available to work shifts ranging from Monday – Saturday, 8:15am - 5:30pm • Previous dental assisting experience is an advantage but not essential – on the job training will be provided • Good computer skills • Good standard of written and spoken English Perks include staff benefits and discounted treatments, being part of a supportive and fun team, and the potential to upskill and receive ongoing training.

About you: • A willingness to learn and develop your skills • A strong work ethic and ability to communicate effectively • A bubbly and kind personality, with a team-oriented approach to care • Attention to detail and good at multitasking If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! Please email your resume and cover letter to: manager@wanakadental.co.nz

FIND THE PERFECT CANDIDATE FOR YOUR JOB VACANCY

Page 23

LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN | 30 January 2024 - 5 February 2024

LAKES WEEKLY |BULLETIN Ph: 03 409 2800 | enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz | 30 January 2024 - 5 February 2024 Ph: 03 409 2800 enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz

BARISTA Cafe society is looking for our next Barista to join us here in our busy Cafe at 5 Mile Frankton.

If you are an accomplished Barista and can walk the talk, then join us today!

Position is Full time and 5 days per week.

If this sounds like you, send us your CV and a cover letter to cafesocietyjobs@xtra.co.nz

Page 23 SITUATIONS VACANT

VACANCIES

Coach Groomer – Evenings Pacific Tourways / ScenicNZ is one of New Zealand’s leading Tour Coach operators. We are looking for a groomer to join our team in Queenstown to clean our Milford coaches. − Evenings after 8pm on weekends, some weekdays & public holidays − Have minimum class 2 driver’s licence, class 4 preferred − Guaranteed minimum hours − Competitive hourly pay rate − Have the right to work in New Zealand If you are interested, we would like to hear from you. Please send your application incl. your CV to brettk@pacifictourways.co.nz or give me a call on 027 262 2032 to discuss the role.

BARTENDER / MIXOLOGIST $27.99/hour Minimum 30hours/week Please contact: marine_Blanchard@evt.com with resume

NJ BlockLaying, PO Box 1930 LABOURER Queenstown 9348,REQUIRED New Zealand m. +64 (0)21 309 482

Must have owne. njblocklaying@gmail.com transport, sunny disposition w. www.njblocklaying.co.nz and be a grafter!

To work as part of a great team with great remuneration. Applicants must have the legal right to work in NZ. Nathan 021 309 482

Manager and Chef positions available Odelay cafe is looking for confident team members for full time positions.

Training given.

We are hiring!!!

Email Ed odelaycafe@yahoo.co.nz

Gantley’s Tavern est. 1865 FULL-TIME CLEANER WANTED LAKES DISTRICT HOSPITAL $28.18 P/H Contact: jemma.mcpherson@nz.issworld.com 027 250 7692

Exciting Part Time / Full Time job opportunities at Gantley's Tavern! If you're passionate about hospitality, thrive in a dynamic setting, and want to be part of our storied tradition, apply now!

• Duty Manager • Front of House • Baristas

• Sous Chef • Kitchen Hand

Email your CV to courtney@gantleystavern.co.nz

Advertise your job vacancy now at jobfix.co.nz

Page 24

LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN | 30 January 2024 - 5 February 2024

LAKES WEEKLY |BULLETIN Ph: 03 409 2800 | enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz | 30 January 2024 - 5 February 2024 Ph: 03 409 2800 enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz

Page 24 SITUATIONS VACANT

VACANCIES

We are looking for enthusiastic and detail oriented chefs, waiters & Barista, to join the team at Aosta and Little Aosta in Arrowtown.

Sales & Reservations Specialist A full-time role has become available for Queenstown’s premier wine tour provider. This dynamic role involves driving sales, building relationships and assisting with reservations and operations. Proven experience within the tourism or hospitality industry required, as well as strong communication, customer service, computer proficiency and time management skills. Based in Frankton office working predominantly Mon – Fri. Enquire now!

We are a super popular dining spot for locals and visitors alike. You will need to have strong experience but most importantly you will bring a love of food and learning. We have an established team of talented chefs that can provide training. We are a small close knit team who work 7 days.

We are a One Hat restaurant so an excellent place to learn and grow. Full time, part time and Summer positions available.

We will be opening breakfast & Lunch from February and are recruiting a team to implement this roll out.

Email info@aosta.nz

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

EXECUTIVE CHEF – COPTHORNE LAKEFRONT REGIONAL MAINTENANCE MANAGER RECEPTIONIST EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER – COPTHORNE HOTELS HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISORS

Sarah Russell, GM (03) 442 6920 sarah@appellationwinetours.nz

FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPERVISORS F&B ATTENDANTS - KITCHEN ATTENDANTS – ROOM ATTENDANTS

Trade Counter Sales • • • •

Competitive wages Great company culture Fast-paced environment Full-time, long-term position with scope for career development

If you understand Service and have an exceptional work ethic then please get in touch. simon.ryder@harrisonbloy.co.nz or phone 0275 333 006

ROOM ATTENDANTS QT Queenstown & Rydges Queenstown has an excellent opportunity for room attendants to join our friendly team.

You must be committed to delivering the highest standard of presentation, cleanliness and guest experience that QT Queenstown/ Rydges Queenstown has to offer.

Please apply to kim_haynes@evt.com if this is the dream job you have been waiting for.

FIND THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR CAREER

.co.nz

Page 25

LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN | 30 January 2024 - 5 February 2024

LAKES WEEKLY |BULLETIN Ph: 03 409 2800 | enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz | 30 January 2024 - 5 February 2024

We’re Hiring

Ph: 03 409 2800 enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz

• •

• • • • • • •

Staff accommodation available within walking distance Accredited Employer We offer a competitive salary, best in the industry discounts, ongoing development, and opportunities A fun, friendly and positive work environment where you’ll make a bunch of new mates A flexible roster Discounts across the wider MacFarlane's group A clear career path with opportunities for advancement Delicious food & staff meals Free coffee - all day every day We accommodate work and play

APPLY NOW

Join our hardworking and fun team providing Customer Service in our yard & drive thru WHAT ARE WE OFFERING?.....

• 40+ hours per week Monday to Friday • Weekends & all public holidays free to enjoy!

• Exceptional team mates who will support you • Long term career - progression opportunities • Competitive pay rates –Increase rates with experience levels (e.g. forklift experience) WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL?....

• Excellent Customer Services Skills • Physically fit & strong (frequent heavy lifting is required) • Full NZ Drivers Licence • NZ residence, citizen or holds a current NZ work visa • Clear pre-employment drug & alcohol testing If this role interests you please send a cover letter & C.V. to Rachel – latai.williams@placemakers.co.nz

Scan QR or email birthes@joeshq.co.nz

Advertise your job vacancy

jobfix.co.nz

Public Kitchen and Bar, Finz Seafood and Grill, and Bella Cucina are looking for superstars who genuinely care and want to join an amazing team to help deliver memorable experiences for our guests.

We are hiring in the following positions: Restaurant Manager Waitstaff Duty Manager Bartenders • • • •

VACANCIES PlaceMakers Queenstown

Sous chef, Duty manager, Barista & Front of house required Work Perks: •

Page 25 SITUATIONS VACANT

We offer: Competitive compensation Flexible scheduling for work-life balance Exceptional team spirit Professional development and opportunities for growth Send your CV to Liz at admin@wai.net.nz

Page 26

LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN | 30 January 2024 - 5 February 2024

LAKES WEEKLY |BULLETIN Ph: 03 409 2800 | enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz | 30 January 2024 - 5 February 2024 Ph: 03 409 2800 enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz

Operation Support Southern Lakes Laundries are looking for part-time operational support staff to join our friendly team in Queenstown.

We are looking for a superstar administrator with a can-do attitude with loads of initiative to join our team with the goal of supporting the management team in the smooth running of the business. The candidate must be able to communicate in English as well as in Spanish. This role will encompass many aspects of running the business including but not limited to: Health & Safety Compliance End of month Reconciliation Account & Customer queries Employment Contacts & Checks Data entry as required.

Full training to perform the job will be provided. If you are interested, please email your resume and a cover letter to: silvi.locatelli@southernlakeslaundries.co.nz

Sous Chef Chef de Partie Madam Woo is a busy, fun restaurant with a great team set up.

We need chefs who are innovative, passionate, have drive and a can-do attitude.

We need a dynamic second in command - Sous Chef with the right level of cooking experience. Are you a team player? Are you a leader in the making?

Asian cuisine experience will be helpful.

There are plenty of flexible hours available; work life balance is key.

Please send us your current CV and cover letter to hr@gotocollection.co.nz

Page 26 SITUATIONS VACANT

VACANCIES

Page 27

LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN | 30 January 2024 - 5 February 2024

LAKES WEEKLY |BULLETIN Ph: 03 409 2800 | enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz | 30 January 2024 - 5 February 2024

Page 27 SITUATIONS VACANT

VACANCIES

Ph: 03 409 2800 enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz

PEOPLE LIKE US ARROWTOWN ARE HIRING We currently have positions available for Sous Chefs & Chef de Parties.

Both roles will be suited to a person who is organised, has high standards and likes to be part of a very busy kitchen.

Supporting the senior chefs with menu prep, along with training junior team members is all part of the role.

If you have an eye for detail, are looking to develop both your cooking and professional skills, we can give you the flexibility to work across 2 venues or chose a spot that best suits you with both daytime and evening shifts available.

'La Rumbla' has a focus on a Modern Mediterranean shared menu, along with cocktails, an ever changing wine list & over 12 years of looking after our fans.

'Slow Cuts' is our upbeat slow cooked meats, burgers, fresh salad approach to dining. We have an operating brewery on site, with a focus on beers, wines & fun.

Both roles offer staff meals, tips, staff discounts & on going support. We have positions open for sponsorship as well as offering training to new people to the industry.

Renumeration is based on experience, commitment & qualifications. We have crew that have gone from juniors to shareholders. So make your life happen!

Please email your CV and a brief cover letter to pj@peoplelikeus.co.nz

Specsavers as a business is constantly expanding, both in New Zealand and abroad and the opportunities to expand your knowledge base and develop a career have never looked better. We pride ourselves on providing the foundation for exciting, long-term careers – a home where your previous retail and customer service expertise will be truly valued and you’ll be given the opportunity to thrive.

Due to continued growth, our store in Queenstown are seeking an Optical Assistant to join their team. You will have the opportunity to work in a modern, progressive, fast paced practice where providing exceptional customer service is at the forefront of everything we do.

You will be involved in all aspects of our customer’s optometric journey from using high-tech pre-testing equipment to dispensing from our range of up to date, fashion forward, excellent quality frames. You’ll work to healthcare guidelines (as well as our own high standards), give good clear advice because of your love for fashion and styling, and provide a great experience at every opportunity which exceed our customers expectations.

To secure this role you will need previous experience as either an optical assistant or have a strong background in a retail environment. You will have fantastic organisation and communication skills, able to work effectively in a team, and thrive on working at a fast pace.

What's in it for you? Well not only will you be working for a multi award winning retailer but you will also be offered the following • develop your technical skill-set within Optical •

Have the chance to work with fantastic, well known brands with more than 1,000 frame styles and colours

•

A comprehensive Induction program

•

A supportive culture that can be felt throughout our organisation, wherever you are

How to apply: If you want a meaningful role in which you can make a long term impact, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for, please apply instore or via dir.queenstown.nz@specsavers.com with an up to date resume.

Please note due to the high volume of applications only successful candidates will be contacted. We thank you in advanced for your interest in Specsavers.

FIND THE PERFECT CANDIDATE FOR YOUR JOB VACANCY