LWB_Issue_944_Online

LAKES WEEKLY

Fast-track to change

The lakes area with Queenstown at its heart has a unique set of challenges obvious to not only the people who live here, but also the many visitors who come here.

Congested roads and eye-wateringly expensive housing are two major issues. They’ve been discussed for a number of years, and I’m pleased to see the tools the new Government is delivering to allow a shift from talking about problems to actually making the changes needed.

New Zealand’s consenting regime is holding New Zealand back, with current consenting processes costing infrastructure projects a staggering $1.3 billion every year. Our fast-track proposals will lift living standards, productivity, and grow our economy – all while still protecting our environment.

New Zealand is one of the most expensive housing markets in the world, and within that Queenstown is an extreme outlier. Our house price to income ratio is almost double that of the national average.

Queenstown has the least affordable homes and the fastest growth rate (the highest growth rate of any Tier 1 or 2 city between 1996 and 2020 averaging 5.3%). That’s more than twice the next city (Tauranga) over this time period. Lack of available sections may be pushing out development to surrounding settlements like Cromwell, increasing transport emissions and still leaving Queenstown in a similar predicament with everyday kiwis priced out.

We need to allow for development that provides an opportunity for the next generation of Queenstowners to get a foothold in the property market, and address the infrastructure needs that come with that – particularly transport, energy, schooling and healthcare - all while looking after the incredible environment that is the real treasure of this great place.

We also need to consider smart intensification. If we build apartments, they need to be good quality and spacious like we see in Europe, linked to green corridors, green spaces and services where the community can connect with nature, their own community, and our incredible mountains, rivers and lakes. Fast tracking consent approvals will allow Queenstown to push go on the important projects previously strangled by red tape.

This is an area of huge opportunity with a can-do attitude in our community.

I was fortunate to attend the opening of Shotover Primary’s new accessible playground equipment a few weeks ago and want to give a huge shout-out to everyone involved, particularly pupils Olivia and Emersyn. You saw a problem and came up with a solution to solve it, generating amazing support from the Queenstown community to make it happen.

It’s great to see things happening and I’m excited to see the momentum growing as the Government continues delivering the change New Zealand and Queenstown so urgently needs.

Joseph Mooney MP

Wakatipu High School pupil Rory Meek was one of the standout performers at the South Island Schools MTB Champs, held at Coronet Peak over the weekend, winning the downhill. Fellow WHS pupil Indy Deavoll also shone, winning the girls downhill and the Coronet XC enduro. Full results at www.sportsplits.com. Photo: NZSki

Greenlight for Frankton projects

By Paul Taylor

Major upgrades of Frankton’s bus station and the BP roundabout have now been approved by Queenstown Lakes District Council planners.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s outline plans to expand the bus interchange were given the go ahead last week

That follows approval last month for the SH6 / SH6A / Frankton Road intersection, known locally as the BP roundabout. It will be replaced with a traffic lights junction, featuring new bus lanes and improved access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Around 27,000 vehicles pass through the BP roundabout on an average day, according to NZTA figures, while an estimated 15,000 per day use the bus hub.

Both projects are part of the $115 million Queenstown New Zealand Upgrade Programme, which includes a new roundabout at the hazardous Howard’s

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

It feels as if I’m sending my column in every day but apparently it’s only every week - I guess it’s old age making me think life is flying past far too fast. My mother just gave me a huge box of newspaper cuttings from years and years ago when I wrote for the Queenstown Times plus all the emails from my children to her and my dad. Needless to say, I wasted a great deal of time reading them all - quite shocking how many funny and frightful things I’d completely forgotten about.

The aim of the whole project is to improve traffic flow along SH6 and SH6A, between Frankton and Lake Hayes, and provide better road conditions for buses and active travel. That includes installing 18 sets of traffic lights.

The works are being delivered via the Kā Huanui a Tāhuna alliance, which has been responsible for the overbudget Queenstown Town Centre Arterial Stage 1 project.

The bus interchange expansion itself includes new and upgraded bus shelters, more bus bays, dedicated bays for tourist buses, taxi stands, new entry and exit points on to SH6, a new information and ticket booth, and facilities for drivers.

The road itself will be widened, with land taken from Frankton Golf Centre and trees removed, and there will be bus lanes and also additional bus stops on the golf course side of the road.

Frankton BP roundabout and the surrounding approaches will be extensively remodelled.

Waka Kotahi has been approached for comment. The agency has not yet released a detailed timeline around when the works will take place. They are likely to cause major disruption at what is Queenstown’s busiest intersection. Back in December 2022, when the project made its first step towards acquiring the necessary land, Waka Kotahi Project director Richard Osborne the existing roundabout is “known pinch point for congestion”.

“As growth continues in the district pressure on the state highway network will continue,” he said.

“The plans for Frankton aim to increase capacity by providing more space for public transport helping to encourage people on to buses.”

I hope I don’t forget all the things I’ve done this week. We had a fabulous roadie to Karitane and Oamaru guided by Bob and Sue Berry who are Oamaru royalty. Even peasants like us got treated like royalty wherever we went! First stop was the Macraes gold mine at Macraes Flat. Honestly - it’s extraordinary - the trucks look like tiny Matchbox toys but they are 12 metres high - it’s NZ’s largest gold mine and by 2019 it had already poured its 5 millionth ounce of gold and they employ around 600 people. It’s not looking like closing anytime soon and it is well worth having a look.

From there we drove to Karitane which is a beautiful little coastal settlement. Everyone’s former Wakatipu favourite hospo whizz, Sebastian Bruinsma and his lovely Kate live there now running the general store. We tried our hardest to find something they don’t stock there, but we failed. We walked all around the coast oohing and aahing at the beautiful scenery and foliage and dreamt of owning one of the cute seaside cottages.

Next stop was Oamaru with completely different problems from Queenstown’s. There are rather too many empty buildings and while they are doing everything they can to lure tourists, it’s not that easy. I’m sure NZ would be a much happier place if we shared the oversupply of tourists here with other parts of the country. I simply don’t understand why Air NZ doesn’t do direct regional connections - it would be great to fly direct to New Plymouth or Nelson from here, and surely it would make things better for everyone. Luckily there’s the A2O cycle trip from Mount Cook to Oamaru which really has boosted things and those cute little blue penguins waddling up from the sea every evening are marvellous ambassadors for the town.

The Berrys have opened a new diner in the north part of Oamaru and we not only bought enough cheese to last us a lifetime, but had lots of cheesy deliciousness for our breakfast as well - some sounded very weird (fried cheese curds with gravy in a poutine but SO moreish) and then we went to visit the cheese factory. I love seeing how things are made, and cheesemaking is particularly fascinating. It’s sad that so few businesses allow visitors in to see what is going on, so big congrats to Whitestone. We also went to Waitaki Boys so that my darling could revisit his alma mater. Alma mater (generous mother in Latin) is a strange term for a school where there was so much corporal punishment especially for boys who couldn’t spell.

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Aussie skiers bring big bucks to town

By Sue Fea

An estimated record number of 50,000 Aussies flocked into Queenstown for ski holidays last year, injecting about $100m into the local economy, and so far, operators are predicting similar numbers for this year, in some cases slightly ahead.

However, there’s an air of caution in the trans-Tasman wind.

Aussie ski package wholesalers say higher interest rates and living costs mean there’s a hesitation in certain sectors of the market.

Mountain Watch Travel managing director Quentin Nolan’s company brought about 10,000 Aussies to Queenstown last ski season, most of them staying a minimum of seven nights and spending an average $AUS2500 each, worth about $AUS25m to the Queenstown economy.

His popular week-long Snow Machine event alone brought in $AUS15m last year.

His ski package bookings to date are similar to last year, but he’s seeing “a bit of hesitation” after the high of last year’s post-Covid excitement and buzz.

“People don’t have as much discretionary income this year. Interest rates are high. When it gets to a certain price skiing is not affordable for the average family,” he says.

“But Queenstown and New Zealand are still going for it.” Prices may have gone up, but Queenstown ski holidays still cost significantly less than skiing in Australia, Nolan says. While Perisher boasts 35 chairlifts, its lift pass is $AUS220 this year and despite the Aussie resorts throwing special offers onto the market Queenstown is still a better deal, he says.

He’s forecasting Snow Machine will bring 7000 people to Queenstown in September with Aussies snapping up 3500 tickets the first day they were released at the start of March. He’s also put more investment into his talent line-up this year with the likes of Angus and Julia Stone and Peking Duk. Sno’n’Ski Holidays managing director Daniel Walker says there was a pentup record demand last year, post-Covid. “Last ski season we brought 4200 people, injecting $AUS7.5m into Queenstown.”

While the strong Queenstown bookings are similar for most operators this year, Walker says he’s expecting “a slight softening on that” with some Aussies feeling the cost-of-living pinch.

“We’re seeing that four and five-star clientele who don’t have a mortgage still spending more than ever before, but it’s that three and four-star market

Record Summer

Queenstown tourism and hospitality operators are revelling on the tail of a record February for many, with those busy numbers continuing to roll on into March.

The Rees CEO Mark Rose says February was the biggest month in the 15-year history of the hotel. “It’s been a record revenue summer and it’s not stopping,” he says. “The hotel’s full for March as well. November, December, January and March will all be record months for us.” The US and China have been his busiest markets, with Australia close behind. Quentin Nolan says business through his downtown Surreal Bar in February has significantly exceeded expectations in what’s been a very busy summer. “Our numbers have been really good. I think Queenstown is cranking. It’s really strong.”

with high interest on home loan repayments who are feeling the pinch and travelling less,” Walker says. “If they don’t have a mortgage, regardless of age or how many kids they have, they’re pretty much laughing.”

Unfortunately, though, some are laughing all the way to Japan instead, with its ski industry seeing a boom in Aussies and Kiwis, thanks to a weak Japanese yen.

“Japan’s going through a mega wave in popularity. There’s a significant hype around skiing there at present. It took around 47% of our international market share for the 2023/24 Northern Hemisphere season.” That popularity isn’t waning with strong interest in Japan among Australians for the 2024/25 ski season. Australians are deciding whether to ski the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, he says.

However, Aussies still see Queenstown as exceptional value for a ski holiday and while bookings may not have increased on last year’s boomer, they’re still strong. “It’s very early days yet and so much can change.”

The Rees Hotel CEO Mark Rose says he has a really good base of ski season bookings, but snow conditions last season are making some Australians weary of booking early.

“Bookings follow people’s experience from the previous year.” However, he’s “quietly confident” that good snow will bolster interest as always, hopefully around the different school holidays. Airfares are reasonably priced, which is an enticement. “August is strong for us with conference and incentive work.”

Crowne Plaza general manager Stewart Manson says his ski season packages are pacing similar to last year’s strong results, but people are taking longer to make a decision.

“That may be the economy, but Australians may also be waiting to see what the snow’s like after last year’s poor snow conditions there,” he says. “There’s a bit of caution around bookings, but we’re forecasting we’ll do the same as last year, if not more. Our rates are strong and if we get some early snow, we will see more bookings confirming.”

NZSki CEO Paul Anderson says it’s too early for firm numbers but anecdotally there’s a softening in the NZ market with everybody feeling the pinch. The announcement of the Government funding for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts could have some impact in the south, but a lot will depend on the decisions of those who “wait until the snow arrives to choose”.

Crowne Plaza general manager Stewart Manson too has had a record December, January and February in occupancies and rate performance. The Australian market remains strong, and the US market has returned well over summer, he says.

DQ Board member Carlyn Topp, of Highview Apartments, says it’s been “crazy busy” for the past six weeks. “February was our busiest month ever.”

DQ CEO Mat Woods says it’s been great to see Queenstown experience a strong summer with all global borders back open again for the first time since the pandemic.

Snow Machine has quickly established itself as one of the most fun and hedonistic events on the Queenstown calendar, very popular with Aussies. Photos: Patrick Stevenson

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TEACHINGS with LAMA MARK WEBBER

TUE & WED (26 & 27 Mar) @ 7pm, “Dependent Origination” SAT (30 Mar) @ 9:30am & 2pm, SUN (31 Mar) @ 9:30am, “The Heart Sutra”

Cost $10 per session. Dana for the teacher gratefully accepted. See www.dharmacentre.org.nz or FB

CRIMELINE

Smashed through roadworks

A 26-year-old male drink driving offender living in Queenstown is facing six charges, including dangerous driving, driving contrary to his alcohol interlock licence, refusing a blood test, resisting Police, possessing an offensive weapon, and failing to give details. The man allegedly drove a Toyota Hilux through Frankton Road roadworks near Suburb Street at 2.14am on 15 March, taking out road cones and damaging temporary traffic lights, Sergeant Tracy Haggart says. His passenger, 29, was allegedly hanging out the window. “The vehicle was located a short time later in a nearby street.” They’d both allegedly gone “to do a runner”. “The passenger ran off and was located on a nearby property and has been charged with aiding and abetting, unlawfully being in an enclosed yard and obstructing Police.” The driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to Lakes District Hospital where he allegedly refused a police request for a blood sample. The pair were remanded on bail court next month. “We were notified of this through a complaint from the roadworks staff.”

Roadworks roll

A 52-year-old Dunedin male driver will face a careless driving charge after his car rolled onto its roof when he allegedly lost control on a bend in roadworks near the Kawarau Bungy Bridge in Gibbston Valley at 7.50am on 16 March. “Speed appears to have been a factor with the driver losing control on a bend, hitting a road sign and tipping the vehicle over,” Haggart says. The driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries and his Dunedin male passenger escaped largely unscathed. He’s been summoned to appear in court at a future date.

Four times legal limit

A 30-year-old Gisborne male produced a breath alcohol level of almost four times the legal limit when a member of the public reported a driver swerving in the Frankton Road area at 12.25am on 18 March. “He was found in Stewart Street, Frankton, where he produced a breath alcohol level of 798mcgs,” Haggart says. In court on 19 March, he was fined $850 and disqualified from driving. “We really appreciate members of the public calling these people in and we do our best to apprehend the offenders,” Haggart says. Police receive a lot of calls about unruly driving, sometimes the drivers are just not used to NZ roads or are passing in dangerous places. Sometimes they’ve crossed the centre-line because they’re looking at the scenery, or because of alcohol, she says. “Drivers are expected to comply with roadworks signs. When they’re driving in loose gravel the safety of the public and roadworks staff is at huge risk.”

Wayward wanderer

An intoxicated wayward wanderer lost his way home around 11.45pm on 16 March and was found trying to get into a Ballarat Street unit, while trying to locate his own. Haggart says the man eventually found his own home. “We quite often get those.”

Family violence support

Police also get their fair share of callouts to family violence situations, often involving visitors to the area, Haggart, also the Police family harm coordinator, says. “Quite often in Queenstown there’s alcohol involved too.” “If people are feeling the pressures in their relationships or family life, around money, or for any other reason, even just finding themselves arguing a lot, and they want to seek help there are some great support services here to talk to,” Haggart says. Police are always happy to chat if help is needed and when there’s psychological or physical abuse people should talk with family and friends, or definitely come to Police, she says. “Even if people just want advice, they don’t have to deal with it alone.”

Remarkables Park

The bottle store with something more

OPEN 7 DAYS: 9am - Late

Corner Tex Smith Lane & Hawthorne Drive, Frankton www.superliquor.co.nz | 03 442 9801 | info@slremarkables.co.nz

To volunteer for Community Patrol email: queenstown@cpnz.org.nz

CENTRAL OTAGO SKIN EXPERTS

Look

Consultation on culture map

Queenstown Lakes’ draft creativity and culture plan is now open for public comment.

Culture vultures, creatives and anyone interest in the future of the arts and heritage in the district have until 19 April to have their say.

“Make sure your friends and whānau have their say too,” says Samantha Kirk, Head of Three Lakes Cultural Trust.

“The more voices that contribute, the more representative of our place and our people the final strategy will be.”

The draft strategy, Te Rautaki Auahataka me te Ahurea o Queenstown Lakes District, has been developed by QLDC, Regional Arts Organisation Three Lakes Cultural Trust (TLCT), Lakes District Museum and Kāi Tahu.

Gizelle Regan, Chair of the Strategy Steering Committee and Chair of Three Lakes Cultural Trust, says the 10-year community-driven vision aims to “create a future where creativity and culture play an ever-increasing and important role in enriching the lives”, both locals and visitors.

“It also aims to diversify the district’s economy and make it a more attractive place to live, work and set up business,” Regan says.

Development of the Draft Strategy started with community engagement in April-June 2023, with a series of seven community hui held districtwide and an opportunity to provide insights through an engagement survey,

Three more hui are taking place across the district in early April, along with drop-in sessions. People can also submit their views online.

Once community feedback is collated and incorporated in the draft, the final strategy will be presented to Full Council to consider endorsing in June. To read the Draft Strategy and share feedback head to letstalk.qldc.govt.nz by 19 April.

Community hui dates:

Tāhuna Queenstown

Wednesday, 3 April, 6pm - 8pm

Queenstown Events Centre, Frankton.

Wānaka

Thursday, 11 April, 6pm - 8pm

Wānaka Community Hub, McDougall Street

Glenorchy

Friday, 12 April, 4pm - 6pm

The Headwaters Eco Lodge

Community drop-in sessions:

Tāhuna Queenstown

Friday, 12 April, 11.30am - 1.00pm Frankton Library, Hawthorne Drive, Frankton

Wānaka

Tuesday, 9 April, 10.30am - 12.00pm

Wānaka Library, Dunmore Street

7B

Wānaka Festival of Colour. Photo: Deanna Gerlach

MARDI GRAS

29TH OF JUNE, QUEENSTOWN EVENT CENTRE

Matariki Arrowtown Kā-Muriwai

set to bring whānau together

By QMG

Matariki Arrowtown Kā-Muriwai is returning to Buckingham Street for its third year, and alongside its new name, there is also a new event organiser and local committee.

With the theme of ‘Bringing Whānau Together’, the event will extend further along Buckingham Street with educational experiences in Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall, Lakes District Museum and two stages for entertainment.

Buckingham Green will feature Kapa haka performances by tamariki from local preschool and schools and Library Green will showcase solo performers and poetry. Woven throughout the event line-up are educational features to learn more about Māori culture and the significance of Matariki.

Arrowtown Community Trust (ACT) secretary Nicky Busst has been involved with the Matariki event since its inception and is delighted that a committee has been brought in for the next iteration.

“The aim for 2024 is to bring Matariki back to its roots. It started as a community event with the Arrowtown Preschool over a decade ago and at its heart, it is an event by the community, for the community. We have made meaningful changes this year which we believe will surprise and delight those that visit, but especially those who have come in previous years,” she says.

“ACT is proud to be the main sponsor of this event and we expect Arrowtown and the wider Queenstown community will particularly enjoy the refreshed programme.”

Watson & Wyatt director Ann Wyatt is spearheading the Matariki Arrowtown Kā-Muriwai event preparations and says the feedback from previous years has been invaluable in evolving and future proofing the event.

“This year we are bringing the timings forward to suit more families, with a punchier schedule between performances and the storytelling light projections, and Māori educational experiences inside and out. There is also a more diverse and plentiful kai offering, roaming entertainers and event hosts, and it truly is a chance to bring the whānau together,” she says.

Watson & Wyatt and the committee have also worked closely with local iwi to ensure the essence of Matariki is maintained and honoured throughout the event.

QUEENSTOWN’S WILDEST MUSIC FESTIVAL IS BACK!

“Alongside celebrating the public holiday, it is a chance for people to connect – to remember the past and our tīpuna, to be present, and to also look to the future”, Ann Wyatt says.

“One experience I am particularly excited about which encapsulates this is Rākau takitoru/The Trio. It includes a wishing tree, memory tree, and a family tree and we will be encouraging people to leave a memory, add a photo of a family member, or leave a wish for the next year.”

Matariki Arrowtown Kā-Muriwai will run from 3.30pm until 8.30pm on Friday, 28 June.

The schedule will be published in May at www.arrowtown.com and the event is free to attend. For those who wish to make a koha donation to go towards future Matariki Arrowtown Kā-Muriwai events, there will be koha donation buckets available.

The event is sponsored by Lottery Grants Board, Central Lakes Trust, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Community Trust Southland, New Zealand Community Trust, Arrowtown Promotion & Business Association, Ray White Arrowtown, and Millbrook Resort.

About Matariki

Matariki is an abbreviation of ‘Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea’ (‘The Eyes of the God Tāwhirimātea’) and refers to a large cluster of stars, also known as the Pleiades. The rising of Matariki in the mid-winter sky marks the changing of the seasons and the beginning of the Māori New Year. Traditionally, for our Māori tūpuna (ancestors), when Matariki appeared in June/July, clear and bright stars promised a warm and abundant winter, while hazy stars warned of a bleak winter. Matariki is a time to honour those who’ve passed since the last rising of Matariki, to celebrate the present and give thanks for what we have, and to look forward to the future.

LAKES WEEKLY POLL

LWB regularly polls locals on issues affecting our region. This week’s responses are below.

Do you support the Ladies Mile development with higher density and no standalone housing in the zone, only apartment blocks, townhouses, duplexes?

Yes - 12%

No - 35%

Somewhat but better transport planning is required - 47%

Unsure - 2%

Don’t know anything about it - 4%

Would you be willing to pay an entry fee to National Parks to help DoC with its funding shortfalls?

Yes - 54%

No - 34%

Unsure - 12%

Are you going away for Easter?

Yes - 24%

No - 62%

Unsure - 14%

Does the speed with which AI is progressing concern or excite you?

Concerned on its impact - 46%

Exciting times - 21%

More government oversite is needed - 15%

Unsure / don’t know - 18%

Should government be doing more to support local councils with water infrastructure expenditure?

Unsure

No

Yes

Yes - 75%

No - 11%

Unsure - 14%

There were 194 respondents this week. If you would like to take part: you can sign up on the LWB Facebook page.

Arts+Culture

Sweet Songwriter Society at Sherwood

by Jess Allen

Songwriter Society is a monthly open mic night for writers of original songs and poetry – all are welcome. The event is held at the Sherwood and run by local musicians Clair Forrester and Paul Marcham, aka Choice. The next one is this Thursday, then Thursday, 25 April.

It’s been running for seven years and provides a platform for local musicians and artists to showcase their talents and connect with other artist. The open mic nights are a great opportunity to offer a supportive atmosphere for original artists to gain exposure and confidence. Performers in the area have emphasised the importance of events like this to foster a sense of community and help them to develop their skills.

“It’s been going now for I think seven years. We didn’t start it, a friend of ours started it, Paul Shipman,” Forrester says. “He’s been here for a long time, but he’s kind of been back and forth, so he decided to keep travelling and he really wanted to keep it running. He asked us to take it over because we were regulars going to it that year, and we took it all on.”

“Nobody wanted it to stop because it was the only venue in town that was hosting an original music night,” adds Marcham.

The pair say that it’s different to other open mic nights, which may attract a bit of chatter in the background or people singing along. It offers more of a listening crowd in the beautiful workshop space. People who attend regularly love showing their new material to familiar faces and others in the crowd who are there to listen.

“It’s a good platform to practice and air out their material and see what the reaction is, I suppose. We’ve become quite a wee family actually. There’s a core group of people who come as often as they can and they’re all into different things. There are quite a few poets that come regularly storytellers and musicians as well – it’s just a nice meeting,” Forrester says.

Hairspray ready to roll

by Jess Allen

Wakatipu High School students are getting ready to take their mainstage to perform American musical Hairspray. The show is their annual musical production and will open at the start of April.

It features close to 100 students from all levels of the school, whose involvement covers every aspect of the show from acting and dancing to music, hair, makeup, sound, lighting, front of house, programme design and more.

Hairspray is based in 1962 and showcases the change from 50s to 60s. It’s picked up eight Tony Awards including Best Musical – a family-friendly show full of romance, catchy tunes and funny moments. It follows Tracy Turnblad, a loveable plus-sized teen who’s only goal in life is to dance on the popular 'Corny Collins Show'. Throughout she is transformed from social outcast to sudden star and must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning teen queen, win the affections of the heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network – all without denting her ‘do.

Year 13 student Alex Scoles is one of the student directors and Year 12 Kieran Leftley is the stage manager – both have been working hard behind the scenes to pull it all together. The show is directed by Jake Hansen with musical director Alison Price. They’re supported by a team of student directors, student choreographers and a myriad of student cast and crew.

Each night allows time for 10-12 performers, with people choosing roughly when in the line up they’d like to perform. On a quiet night there’ll be about 40 people in the audience, and during ski season they see crowds of up to 80. There’s bean bags and comfy seats for people to nestle into as they enjoy the sweet sounds.

They mostly see solo artists or pairs, describing the night as similar to an MTV Unplugged type of vibe. New faces are present most months and some travel across from Wānaka. It’s become an established night with many in musical and poetry circles wanting to stop by when they’ve heard of it through the grapevine. It’s also a great place for musicians to meet other local artists for a jam or possibly to form a new band.

“There are so many musos in town with so much talent who play in wedding bands or do covers on open mic nights. They have a monthly meeting where we can just go and play our own stuff to a nice audience, and people know they can come and hear some originals. It’s a very special thing that’s really respected by the local songwriters,” Marcham says.

The Songwriter Society runs on the last Thursday of every month with the next edition this Thursday, 28 March, from 8pm. It’s held in the workshop space of Sherwood and all are welcome – performers get a free drink. More info and dates are at sherwoodqueenstown.nz/events

“My role is to help our director, Jake, with working on scenes and warming up and managing the cast, quite a bit. Male ensemble is mostly my job,” Scoles says. “My brother was heavily involved with drama around all of Whakatipu and I just sort of got latched into the musical and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve never actually done drama at school but I’ve always loved to do the musical each year. This is my fourth musical.”

“My role is the stage manager," Leftley says, "so basically I just try and help the crew leaders where I can – organising them and setting timetables, but then on the show nights I cue the backstage sound and lighting for when they need to be doing things.

"In Year 9 I took a drama class, which coincidentally was the only year I’ve not done the musical, but what drew me in was that I love the tech stuff behind the scenes and backstage, I just worked my way up to becoming stage manager.” The students go on to explain that auditions started last year and scripts were handed out before the summer holidays so everyone was ready to jump straight into rehearsals. The team are dedicated, rehearsing after school and 10am – 4pm on Sundays. Planning begins long before this stage, too, with Jake discussing what musical they’d like to do each year and working to get the rights. Both boys are looking forward to opening night and each of the shows.

“Definitely getting up on stage that first time and everything coming together – you can’t really rival that feeling. I’m just looking forward being back up there in front of the crowd and getting to see them and showing them all the hard work we’ve put in over this time,” Scoles says.

“There’s two things I’m looking forward to – the first one will be a night where everything goes smoothly with no problems, which probably won’t happen, and the second will be when it’s all over and I can finally get some sleep,” jokes Leftley.

“Being able to see it all, even though I’m not as involved as much with rehearsals, I can see the progress that happens. It’s just really something on the stage with the costumes and full lights and sounds – the band up there and the sets all finished – seeing the final production just come together. That’s the moment I love about the shows we do here.”

Wakatipu High School’s production of the Tony-award winning show, Hairspray, will open on Wednesday, 3 April, and run until Saturday, 6 April. Refreshments will be available before the show and during intermission. You can find out more info about the show and the rest of the high school’s performance schedule for the year as well as pick up tickets at wakatipu. school.nz/arts-and-culture.html

Hairspray rehearsals with WHS students (from left) Felix Nicoll, Jack Smillie and Bethany Graf

Luma’s fresh take for 2024

By Paul Taylor

Queenstowners can expect some big changes for this year’s LUMA Southern Light Project festival, including a site redesign and a kids zone.

The immersive arts festival takes over Queenstown Gardens on King’s Birthday Weekend, from 30 May - 3 June, offering soundscapes, live music, illuminated art, sculptures, sonic environments, interactive performance, and hospo.

Like last year, adult tickets are priced $25 in advance and allocated to specific nights. Under 12s are free but still need a ticket.

LUMA Chairman Duncan Forsyth says the festival organising committee is freshening things up by moving further into the peninsula.

“We try to keep things different every year, and this year is no exception. The main change is we’re moving around the way people will interact with events.

“The Rose Garden will be the centre point, the fulcrum, and people will be able to walk into the forests and around the headlands, and the lower forest, and the ponds will be a great piece of reflection and immersion.

“You’ll be within the installations a lot more this year.”

Last year, hospitality was centered around the circus-themed area near the rotunda, but that led to some congestion.

“It was very enclosed, so we’ve moved to bring people out into the open areas, where there’s more action, performance and music, and we’re changing up the offerings on food, bringing some new people in.”

There’ll be licensed areas as usual, including in the forest. “But that’s never been a big part of what we do, it’s just part of the whole offering. We’ve never had a focal bar, but you can get a drink.”

For 2024, there’s also a dedicated kids zone, where youngsters can prep before heading into the event, including face painting and headdress design.

“It’s almost like a green room, where they can get ready before walking around the rest of the event,” Forsyth says. “We’ve got a disco, a little movie place, and entertainment for them.”

Around 60,000 people attended the magical event in 2023, which is put on by the charitable trust, with more than 200 volunteers, and features the work of 55 artists.

“We’re not a commercial entity, we a charitable trust and we put a lot of effort into this, so that for the price of a pizza everyone can get a really good night out.

“We’re encouraging everyone to get a ticket. There’ll be something of a different vibe each night, with Friday great for the families, Saturday always a party night, a female line up on Sunday and a bit of opera on Monday.”

LUMA’s trusted team of creative partners are back to bring the festival to life, including Mike Hodgson from Kiwi electronic duo Pitch Black, Angus Muir from AMD, aerialist Emma Vickers of Fantail Creative, Creature Post, SILO, plus, a host of exciting, emerging artists, entertainers and performers.

Terrible Sons to perform in Queenstown

by Jess Allen

The fantastic Ōtautahi-based indie folk duo Terrible Sons are heading to town in April. The pair are made up of Lauren and Matthew Barus, who will be performing in Queenstown together under the moniker for the first time. The tour is also in celebration of the release of their debut album, The Raft Is Not The Shore.

The album was recorded in the pair’s shoebox home studio with a group of friends, including producer Tom Healey (Marlon Williams, Tiny Ruins, Soaked Oats), Jo McCullum (The Veils) and brother Jo Barus (Dave Dobbyn). Lauren and Matt weave their voices in harmony while singing about the unexceptional and the big things in life, the you and me, and sometimes each other.

“We’ve spent maybe the last ten years, just slowly when time allows, making little records in our studio in the back of our house and releasing material,” Lauren Barus says. “We got the support of a Toronto-based record label called Network Music Group, they released our music for us and last year we finished a record called The Raft Is Not The Shore. We released that in April of last year and we were not able to tour it, so we’re coming back around a year later to just play a few shows, mainly in the South Island and a couple in the North Island, to celebrate the release.”

Lauren describes the process of releasing the album as an experiment in writing together, representing the work that they’ve done. It speaks more to relationship dynamics and throughout the process they’ve learnt that there’s a bit of negotiation that goes on in the creative process so as to not hurt the other person’s feelings. The last time they performed in Queenstown together was when they were part of Kiwi five-piece rock band, The Dukes and they’ve previously gone on tour with artists such as Blondie and The Pretenders.

When they relocated to Christchurch and started a family, Lauren considered how she wanted to parent and how she wanted to be present. She said to do that and to be a musician they both had to work differently but “maybe that’s just the difference between being 20 and being 40.” She reminisces on playing a show in London and meeting Mick Jagger on a Chesterfield couch at the back of the gig, compared to today’s gentler, warmer shows in wee spaces around Aotearoa.

“They’re both good memories; different things and an evolution. Terrible Sons is a project that Matt started after the earthquakes, actually, and around that time we got married and didn’t have small children. We were making quieter music – music that wasn’t pop-rock or wasn’t like my earlier music, which was more like soul. It was just something that came out as a quieter way of making music and the two of us joined together on it.”

Ryan Fisherman will also share the stage with Terrible Sons and recently released some wonderful and acclaimed musical works – the album Country Emo and the Hidden EP. Ryan verges on weird folk and is a prolific musician within the scene – his tunes are described as ever loved and to be loved.

Terrible Sons often reference silence as their third instrument – they work hard to create a feeling of spaciousness. The music is gentle and quiet but has moments of raucousness as they sing together.

“I think we like the energy and the dynamic of those two things – we tell stories, we sing along and then there are also moments where we’re brave, bringing some of our own sadness and a lot of our own moments of what the world is and what the world feels like to live in.

“We’re excited to bring that down to a Queenstown audience and hopefully they’re excited to come along for a journey and maybe see something they haven’t seen before or have an experience with us that they haven’t had. That would be the thing that we’re looking forward to the most,” says Lauren.

Terrible Sons will play at the Sherwood on Friday, 12 April, with support from Ryan Fisherman.

You can buy tickets or find out more information at terriblesons.com/products/terrible-sons-sherwood-queenstown

THE COFFEE CLUB

Kickstart your day at The Coffee Club Queenstown Central with our delicious breakfast special - Buy One Breakfast, Get One Half Price

T&C’s: Present in store. Only valid at The Coffee Club Queenstown Central. Discount applies to lower-priced items. Not valid with VIP, Supergold, or any other offers. Extras to be charged. We reserve the right to change this offer at any time.

Corner of State Highway 6 and Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown

THREESIXTY RESTAURANT AND BAR

Book your table online or if you have a group enquiry please call or email us.

Crowne Plaza: Ground Floor 93 Beach St, Queenstown Ph: 03 442 5360

BLUE KANU

Ph: 03 974 4579 | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

WILD THYME BAR & KITCHEN

Open Wednesday to Sunday serving lunch and dinner from 12pm - 10pm

Local? Ask about our lunch loyalty cards!

Level 2, Stratton House, 16-24 Beach Street, within SkyCity Queenstown Casino

Ph: 03 441 0400

EATSPACE – YOUR PASSPORT TO FLAVOUR

Experience a world of flavour. All under one roof.

Eatspace offers authentic flavours drawn from influences across the globe, all in a casual dining format.

Dine in or take-away, from business to pleasure we can cater to all.

Located in O’Connells Mall. Monday - Friday 830am - 9pm.

Saturday - Sunday 11am - 9pm

march30 - eastersaturday

Getyourticketsbefore

THE DISHERY BISTRO RESTAURANT ARROWTOWN

A place of many dishes - epic food to be enjoyed with loved ones in a vibrant social atmosphere in a stunning natural environment with beautiful wine and cocktails.

Dudley’s Cottage Precinct, 4 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown Ph: 03 441 1849

Blue Kanu is now open for lunch! Indulge in a culinary journey at Blue Kanu, where every dish invites you to Taste the Pacific. Offering a tantalising menu, bursting with exotic flavours - join us Friday through Sunday for a midday escape into a world of vibrant tastes and unforgettable dining experiences. Book your lunch reservation today and embark on a voyage of culinary delight.

16 Church Street, Queenstown Ph: 03 442 6060

DEVIL BURGER

Devil Burger is Queenstown’s top gourmet burger bar, offering the best burgers and wraps in the Wakatipu.

We are just a stones throw from Lake Wakatipu so you can take-away your Devil Burger and enjoy it while soaking up the atmosphere in Queenstown bay…

Lunch – Dinner – Late Night

5/11 Church St, Queenstown

Ph: 03 442 4666

GOINGS ON ABOUT

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES

COMMUNITY

Easter Electric Bike Bonanza!

It’s not very often that there are great deals come up on e-bikes.

Around The Basin are clearing out a bunch of exrental electric bikes that are going cheap!

All the bikes are Shimano pedal assist but there are limited options on sizing, so get in quick to pick a bike that fits. Currently they have 1 extra small bike, 4 small bikes, 10 medium bikes and 5 large bikes available. All bikes have done around 6000km and are in great used condition. Eftpos, cash or bank transfer payments available. E-Bikes are selling from $1400. Details can be found using the QR code.

When: Thursday March 28, 5pm to 6pm and Saturday March 30, 2pm - 3pm

Where: Unit 9, 159 Gorge Road, Queenstown

Remarkables Market

Explore the range of fresh local produce, crafts, coffee and local hot and cold food on offer at Remarkable Park. There is easy access and free parking as well as picnic tables and picnic rugs. Set in stunning landscaped grounds, a playground and sandpit keep the younger ones entertained while live music creates a great atmosphere. Sustainability is at the heart of Remarkables Market, bring your keep cup or borrow one of ours!

When: Saturday, 30 March, 9am - 2pm

Where: Corner Red Oaks and Hawthorne Drive, Remarkables Park

Hot Smoke BBQ & Easter Egg Hunt

The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp is holding an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids on Easter Sunday for some family-friendly fun including a slow smoke BBQ at the heart of Base Camp. The BBQ is slow cooked for 12-hours with your choice of sides. Drinks are also available from the bar. Prices Adult [13+] $45 Children (6-12) $25 Infant (0-5). To book use the QR code

When: Sunday 31st March 1pm-3pm

Where: Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp 49 Oban Street, Glenorchy

Community Sing

Bring your voice to next month’s free Community Sing. The community sing-along will teach the group to sing two-part harmony for a variety of popular songs. Song sheets are provided, no experience necessary. Bring along your voice and join in! For more information, contact Margaret O’Hanlon on info@whirlwindnz.com

When: Tuesday, 2 April, 7-9pm

Where: Te Atamira, Remarkables Park Town Centre

Songwriter Society Open Mic Night

Sherwood Songwriter Society is a collaboration between Sherwood and Altitude brewing and hosted by local folktronica duo Choice (aka Musicbychoice). The monthly open mic is for original music and the spoken word. Come and share your creative works or simply sit back and enjoy the many talents the Queenstown Lakes area has to offer. Admission is free.

When: Thursday, 28 March, 8pm-10pm

Where: Sherwood, 554 Frankton Road

Songs of Hope

A Good Friday recital celebrating the most sumptuous songs ever written about death, love and hope, including Strauss’s Four Last Songs and Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder. Produced by Te Pae Kōkako –The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio (Director, Madeleine Pierard, soprano) with guest, Caroline Dowdle, piano – Head of Opera at the Verbier Festival Atelier Lyrique (Switzerland) and TANZOS alumna, Rhiannon Cooper, soprano will be performing. Please see tanzos.org for more information.

When: Friday, 29 March, 5-7pm

Where: Te Atamira, Remarkables Park Town Centre

Central Otago Regional Orchestra Presents - Autumn Romance

The Central Otago Regional Orchestra will join renowned local pianist Kinga Krupa presenting a programme next month, with flavours of romance ranging from Beethoven to Paganini, Tchaikovsky to Grieg. The planning and concept for this series with Kinga has been several years in the making and promises to be well worth the wait! The concert series includes Queenstown for the first time in several years. The orchestra is performing under the baton of conductor Ashley Hopkins, who has successfully guided the orchestra in numerous programmes over the last few years. Tickets are $25 with school children free and available at Lakes District Museum, Arrowtown and Unichem Summerfield’s Pharmacy in Frankton or at the doors on concert night.

When: Sunday, 7 April, 2pm

Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street

EVENTS

Warbirds Over Wānaka

If you would like your show, event, exhibition or meeting promoted in Goings On drop me a line at davidgibbs@qmg.co.nz with the details

Warbirds over Wānaka is the southern hemisphere premier biennial air show since first launching in 1988. The three-day flying extravaganza now attracts more than 50,000 people and aircraft from all over the world. Military, Civil and Warbird aircraft will carry out sorties and demonstrations. On Friday afternoon a 30-minute public display will take place on the Wanaka Lake Front at 4.30pm. This will feature a float plane lake landing, Warbird displays, formation team aerobatics, and military aircraft in action. Catering to pilots, aviation enthusiasts and families just wanting a great day out, Warbirds over Wānaka will host more than 80 aircraft. Initially conceived by New Zealand live deer recovery pioneer, Sir Tim Wallis, as a show for him to display his collection of World War II aircraft, the event has grown into one of the region’s major events.

When: Friday, 28 March, to Sunday, 31 March, 10am-4.30pm

Where: Wānaka Airport, 10km from Wānaka on State Highway 6

More

COMMUNITY NOTES

Remarkable Cancer Gym - improving body strength and confidence post cancer

By Miranda Spary

Cancer is a sneaky beast but every year (in fact it seems like every week at the moment!) treatments get more effective and less toxic. The number of people being diagnosed with it is increasing because the screening is so good now, and the chances of survival get better and better as well.

And there’s some excellent news for locals who’ve got, or had breast, bowel or prostate cancer - Maria Bradley co ordinates the Remarkable Cancer Gym and they are starting the next course on 23 April. Maria, and a group of other trainers did a short course under Dr Lynette Jones, who ran the former exPinkt course at Otago University, which was for women and men with breast cancer. It was an original training which helped them improve strength, confidence and help manage their bodies post cancer. The other big benefit is that most participants say it makes them feel so much more confident and cheerful and they really enjoy being with others in the same situation.

I’m one of the lucky ones who got accepted for the course - I was not a gym bunny at all, but I’d seen lots of friends with lymphodaema (a condition that can develop post surgery) and how uncomfortable it is and I was also lucky enough to know Maria who’s been through the excitement (ahem….) of having breast cancer and come out the other side in her fabulously cheerful way.

The course runs twice a week for six weeks at the Events Centre and it’s FREE! The only condition is that you have to have finished all your treatment at least eight weeks prior to the start of the course.

Having cancer isn’t traditionally considered fun, but this really is a fun and VERY good way to improve your life in so many ways. If you’ve never done any exercise classes before, you might be surprised to discover how enjoyable it is, and you will certainly make a lot of friends and learn how much easier life is when you get your body a little stronger and stretchier. And research shows that those who exercise post cancer treatments do better.

The course is funded by the Remarkable Cancer Gym Charitable Trust who apply for funding from various bodies and we are so privileged to have this opportunity. If you want more information about taking part, contact rcgymct@gmail.com

Gym trainer Maria Bradley, centre, takes two participants Gennet Casselli, left and Lyn Hamilton through a workout

Introducing one of our new dentists at Remarkables Dental

Dr Niall Bradley

Niall’s approach to patient care is holistic and comprehensive. He takes pride in offering painless and comfortable experiences to his patients, ensuring their dental health and well-being. Niall brings experience in various aspects of restorative dentistry. He has furthered his expertise by obtaining a postgraduate certificate in aesthetic dentistry and is proficient in clear aligner therapy.

Outside the dental clinic, Niall indulges in the diverse culinary delights of New Zealand and is an avid enthusiast of hiking, running, skiing, and immersing himself in a good book. Fuelled by his passion for exploration, he has travelled to many different countries, enriching his perspective and experiences along the way.

Niall is excited to see patients at Remarkables Dental! He works Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Our experienced hygienists also have appointments available Monday – Saturday.

Give us a call on 03 442 3531 or book online with Niall at www.remarkablesdental.co.nz

basketball queenstown

SOCIAL LEAGUE THE DETAILS:

/ Men, Women and mixed divisions

/ Tuesdays 6.00-10.00pm

/ Queenstown Events Centre

/ Adults & students year 11 and above

/ 2 April - 16 July (15 Weeks)

/ $450 per team

/ Registration closes 26 March (or sooner if all spaces allocated)

Emotional Intelligence for wellbeing

Master your emotions, increase selfawareness and manage stress to see bene ts in all aspects of your life!

@QLDCSportRec

8 April - 6 May Mondays 6.30-8.00pm

when where

QEC Function Room

$115 cost

qldc.govt.nz/recreation

by Sue Fea

JOHN PARSON

Spitting Image

My Life Story

It was 1977 when an extremely talented, young wanderlust artist from Canada discovered the sleepy tourist town of Queenstown. It would be more than 30 years before portrait artist John Parson – a seasonal summer icon in Queenstown Mall, finally parted ways with the town he still calls ‘home’.

Raised in Toronto in a lower middle-class suburb, John’s mother was a British war bride and talented painter who inspired his creativity. A sporty kid – ice hockey, baseball and basketball, John had a clean and wholesome upbringing, and was a teenager through the Beatlemania of the 60s. “My dad wanted me to be Prime Minister, but I wanted to grow my hair long, so I ran away to Art College,” he grins. Ontario College of Art and Design was one of the best and he worked hard, graduating with honours and a travel scholarship which took him all over the world.

“I’d been fascinated with the speed and accuracy of the portrait artists at art fairs in Ontario and how they pulled that off in about 40 minutes.”

He worked for them through college, then set off to Mexico, Paris, Trafalgar Square in London, painting in the busy city streets and taking travel breaks in the likes of India, surviving on what he sold. “I was a suburban kid. It was exciting. I felt you had to live your life before you started making masterpieces.”

That he did, becoming one of the fastest, quality portrait artists in the world in his day – his mirror image works pride of place in family lounges and corporate offices all over the world.

“I’ve been very blessed. I’ve never had a lot of extra money, but, most importantly, I wouldn’t swap my art, adventures, travels, and experiences for anything.”

After six years of travel and painting John followed a Kiwi girl back to NZ and while touring through the country, he discovered Queenstown during the peak summer of 1976. “I made a killing and thought, I want to live in this place! Queenstown really spoke to me. It was beautiful and felt right in my soul. I’ve always considered it home although I couldn’t afford to go back now,” John, now semi-retired in Nelson, says.

After those initial painting days, John took up summer residence outside the Mall supermarket from 1978, but not before battling the then Queenstown Borough Council to gain a concession to paint there. “They were mostly retailers in the Mall then and everyone wanted to keep it sterile and boring, but I fought the council. I said, ‘Let’s make it like Europe with cafes and artists.’ Retailers like Les McAndrew were wonderful. The supermarket owners were great and didn’t mind at all.”

Eventually the council allowed two tenders – John, and a fruit stall. Large crowds would gather to watch as he swiftly transformed a blank canvas into a genius masterpiece in record time. “I was the only free show in town.”

They were long hot days, trying to educate his subjects to be able see their own portrait, relax, stay still, and bring out their personality, while sitting in front of a mob of people.

Pastel caricatures became his thing most winters through the 80s – usually of local identities like dentist John Molloy. “They were fun, took longer, and brought a lot of smiles.”

By now a first-time skier, he’d hang out in Eichardt’s Pub where he won the local body-painting contest – his subject bearing Superman on his front and a nude woman on his back.

“John Mann commissioned me to paint the old boys - Eichardt’s regulars he’d have propped up on the bar. I did a few for Chas at the radio station, his staff, and others.”

John often spent winters back in Toronto visiting his parents – one short stay turning into 15 years after a brush with cancer, then special time nursing his parents well into their 90s. “I came back in 2011 for our son’s uni graduation. I realised it was time to give away my Mall painting when a lady holding a baby said, ‘He did mine when I was four!’” John smiles.

He not only left his creative stamp on the walls of local homes, but John became a proficient lawn bowler after discovering the sport in Queenstown Gardens. He represented Central Otago in the 80s and 90s, placing third nationally in the Champion Singles.

At 77 he’s just entered an auto-portrait of himself in the Adam Portraiture Awards in the National Portrait Gallery in Wellington.

But for John the greatest satisfaction comes from hearing that some of the local kids, who watched the magic of his art in Queenstown, have become successful artists.

“To me that means a lot. Maybe that’s my Queenstown legacy.”

John ice skating on the lake at Grail Springs Wellness Centre in Ontario where he worked as resident artist for 10 years

A large crowd gathered, as they did every day, to watch John, seated centre, do his stuff in Queenstown Mall back in the day

The Council Word

Community funding applications open soon

Three different Council funding rounds open in April along with the launch of our new online application platform. You can apply for commercial and community events, initiatives that benefit the community, and ideas that will move our district towards zero waste. To find out more visit qldc.govt.nz/community-funding

Have your say on creativity & culture

A draft Creativity & Culture Strategy for the district is open for community feedback until 19 April. To ensure it truly reflects our people and place, come along to one of three upcoming hui, attend a drop-in session or jump online to take the survey. Find out more and have your say at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz

Funding for mental wellbeing projects

Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group’s final Connecting Communities funding round runs 8-18 April. Up to $1,000 is available to support community-led activities and events across the district which encourage people to find ways to connect, look after themselves and each other, and have some fun. More details at southernhealth.nz/tehautoka

Public holiday opening hours

Most QLDC Sport & Recreation facilities are open from 8.00am to 8.00pm on public holidays (Paetara Aspiring Central 9.00am to 5.00pm). To mark Anzac Day, facilities will open at 1.00pm. For full details visit qldc.govt.nz/recreation

District Plan going electronic

We’re currently working on new electronic formats of our Operative and Proposed District Plans. These ePlans will be hosted online: easier to use with better functionality. You’ll be able to see all provisions that apply to a property in one place instead of having to switch between online maps and a bunch of PDFs and chapters. Watch this space!

Noise control

Is your neighbour pumping out Nickleback on repeat at 3.00am? Remember our noise control team is available 24/7 on 03 441 0499 (Queenstown) or 03 443 0024 (Wānaka).

Alcohol licence applications

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

For Rent

PARKING SPACE WANTED FOR A SELF-CONTAINED

CARAVAN with a professional cruisy mature lady and cat, short or long term. Happy to pay for space and power if available. Work in Frankton but open to any options in Q. call/text Therese: 0277056500.

Trades & Services

BRIDGE LESSONS - BEGINNER: QUEENSTOWN BRIDGE CLUB: Events Centre, meeting room, level 1. Every Thursday, starting 4th April 2024. This is a 10-week course. Cost $120.00 + table fee. Contact Lynnette McLennan by email: lynnettemclennan63@gmail. com

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

Community

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

Everything Else

KERBSIDE COLLECTION HOLIDAY ALERT! PLEASE NOTE, KERBSIDE collections scheduled for Good Friday will be a day later than normal (even recyclers need a holiday).

ASPIRING CONVERSATIONS 2024! JOIN KEY THINKERS IN a rich array of current, controversial and downright interesting subjects. Book Now - festivalofcolour.co.nz

FRANKTON TRANSFER STATION WILL BE CLOSED FROM Good Friday to Easter Monday (29th of March – 1st of April) for essential maintenance. The public recycling drop off on Glenda Drive and Wānaka Transfer Station will be closed on Good Friday, reopening on Easter Saturday.

RUBBISH AT REMEMBERING? SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY bin day reminders and public holiday alerts via text or email at www. reminders.saveourstuff.co.nz

www.qldc.govt.nz

SATURDAY 30TH MARCH

Final round for micro-funding

By QMG

The final round of funding for mental wellbeing initiatives to boost Southern Lakes communities opens in early April.

Run by Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group, the Connecting Communities microfund supports community-led activities and events across Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell, and Te Anau/Fiordland.

Te Hau Toka Chair Adell Cox says Government funding ends 30 June.

“We’re mindful that this is our last big opportunity to help communities set themselves up to keep prioritising mental health and wellbeing and looking after each other beyond the end of our funding.

“While we’re through the COVID pandemic, we know that our communities are still recovering and battling challenges like burnout, cost of living, loneliness and isolation which continue to impact on their wellbeing.

“Every community across the region is different and they’re best placed to know what works for them. We really want to hear their ideas, whether they’re new or carrying on with ones that are going really well.”

The final funding round runs from 8-18 April. Eligible not-for-profit organisations and groups can apply for up to $1,000 to assist with funding their activity or event.

The previous funding round in November 2023 saw a record $91,500 distributed across 110 initiatives in the region.

Cox says since the microfunding model launched in November 2021 it’s become one of Te Hau Toka most successful initiatives.

“It shows the power of supporting people to find their own solutions,” she says.

“We’ve seen how providing a little bit of money across a lot of people every few months has enabled communities to come up with their own innovative ways to combat the different mental health and wellbeing challenges they’re experiencing.

“Other organisations have recognised the success of our community-led microfunding model and are interested in replicating it so we’ve been sharing our learnings with them. We strongly believe that this model works and want to do everything we can to bridge the gap our funding will leave when it finishes.”

More details, including how to apply, can be found at www.southernhealth.nz/tehautoka

The Hills opens for fundraising golf day

By QMG

Sir Michael Hill and Southern Lakes Sanctuary are teeing up to host an exclusive golf tournament to raise funds for the local group’s vital conservation work.

Held at the exclusive The Hills Golf Club, the Southern Lakes Sanctuary Fundraising Golf Day on 22 April aims to provide a much-needed financial boost to the environmental consortium.

Southern Lakes Sanctuary project director Paul Kavanagh says the event is an opportunity for people to not only experience one of the world’s most picturesque golf courses, but a chance to ensure our local native taonga continue to thrive.

“We are very fortunate and grateful that the Hill family, as one of our benefactors, are supporting us with this fundraising event. It is guaranteed to be a wonderful day out, when the autumn colours of Arrowtown will be at their best,” he says.

“We encourage locals to get a group together, whether it’s friends, family or colleagues, and join us for this special day at The Hills.”

A prize auction will be held after the tournament, with many local businesses donating prizes and all proceeds going to Southern Lakes Sanctuary. There will also be art works up for auction, including works by Michael Hight, Romer Gallery, Sir Michael Hill and Lady Christine Hill.

Entry to Southern Lakes Sanctuary Fundraising Golf Day is $3200 for a team of four players. Just 80 tickets (20 x four balls) are available, which include the use of a golf cart, on-course food and beverage, and post-game canapes. All funds raised will go directly to Southern Lakes Sanctuary, one of NZ’s largest conservation organisations. The consortium of six environmental groups works to increase biodiversity, control predators and protect the native species of the Southern Lakes.

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

“It’s crunch time for us now,” Kavanagh says. “Our Jobs For Nature funding is about to end, and through the generosity of people in our district, we can truly make a difference to protect the biodiversity and beauty of this special part of the world.”

RSVP: golf@thehills.co.nz or phone 03 409 8290

Sir Michael Hill with Southern Lakes Sanctuary project director Paul Kavanagh at the Hills golf course

Women’s Shed Queenstown, Sarah (left) and Eleanor

LWB QUIZ

1. Which Dutch explorer gave his name to an Australian island state?

2. Who wrote Treasure Island (1883)?

3. The 2008 film Quantum of Solace starred which actor as James Bond?

4. Which pale yellow beverage is often drunk with Chinese meals?

5. Which gemstone is traditionally associated with the month of February?

6. What is the protective covering on the nose-cone of a spacecraft called?

7. Which Chinese exercise system translates in English as “supreme ultimate”?

8. What is the reef material made by tiny aquatic animals?

9. Which part of speech is the word “under”?

10. In The Wizard of Oz, which of Dorothy's companions wanted a heart?

11. Which city is the capital of Bangladesh?

12. Bombay Duck is what type of food?

13. On the Beaufort Scale, what type of tropical storm has the highest-speed wind?

14. What name is given to the warming of part of the Pacific that happens every few years and affects weather patterns?

15. In the Solar UV index, what does “UV” stand for?

16. Which device measures air pressure to show when the weather is changing?

17. What term is given to the measure of the amount of water in the air?

18. In Europe, which era followed the Neolithic?

19. What name is given to any surgical device used to tie blood vessels to stop bleeding?

20. James Earl Jones provided the voice of which Star Wars character?

21. What is the tenth letter of the Greek alphabet?

22. What name is given to volcanic glass formed from lava?

QUIZ ANSWERS:

1. Abel Tasman (Tasmania) | 2. Robert Louis Stevenson | 3. Daniel Craig | 4. Jasmine tea | 5. Amethyst | 6. Heat shield | 7. Tai chi | 8. Coral |

9. Preposition | 10. Tin Man | 11. Dhaka | 12. Fish | 13. Hurricane | 14. El Nino |

15. Ultraviolet | 16. Barometer | 17. Humidity | 18. Bronze Age | 19. A ligature | 20. Darth Vader | 21. Kappa | 22. Obsidian | 23. Mormonism | 24. Nicolaus Copernicus | 25. Exodus | 26. Fresco | 27. Malaga | 28. Swiss | 29. Rum | 30. Thailand | 31. Crash | 32. Bear | 33. A fox | 34. Tapioca | 35. Peremptory | 36. 35,000 feet | 37. Glider | 38. Eric Clapton | 39. Kidneys | 40. Ice cream | 41. Pine | 42. Kiev | 43. Agora | 44. A worm | 45. Keanu Reeves | 46. James Dewar | 47. Tesla | 48. Slavonic.

23. Joseph Smith founded which religion?

24. Whose theory of the solar system was published in 1543 just before his death?

25. Which book of the Bible tells of the birth of Moses?

26. A picture painted on a wall before the plaster is dry is given what term?

27. In which Spanish city was Picasso born?

28. What was the nationality of the psychologist Jean Piaget?

29. A Cuba libre cocktail has what type of alcohol as its basis?

30. Which country is home to the Korat cat?

31. Collectively, how is a group of rhinoceroses referred to?

32. The term “ursine” relates to which type of animal?

33. “Reynard” is a old name for which animal?

34. Often used as a thickening agent, which cereal is obtained from the root of the cassava plant?

35. Which legal term means “not open to appeal”?

36. What is the average in-flight altitude of passenger aeroplanes?

37. What type of vehicle is a sailplane?

38. On the Beatles’ White Album, who played lead guitar on While My Guitar Gently Weeps?

39. Bright's disease affects which organ of the body?

40. Which foodstuff was known as “hokey-pokey” in the late 19th century?

41. Turpentine is obtained from the resin of which tree?

42. What is the capital city of Ukraine?

43. What was the public space for markets in ancient Greece called?

44. An annelid is what type of creature?

45. Which actor starred as Klaatu in the 2008 remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still?

46. Who invented the vacuum flask?

47. JWith which motor vehicle manufacturer is Elon Musk

48. Russian and Ukrainian belong to which family of languages?

Ph: 03 409 2800

enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz

PROJECT LEAD

Make a Change!

Do you live in the Central Otago or the Queenstown Lakes Region?

Are you passionate about supporting strong, sustainable community groups to do great things?

An exciting opportunity has arisen to get involved in a new initiative built around partnership and collaboration to strengthen community groups in Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes region.

Following significant planning and community consultation by the steering group, a Project Lead is now being recruited to drive and deliver this exciting new initiative, with a focus on supporting community organisations with:

• Increased knowledge and access to quality information and resources

• Growing good governance

• Building capability and strategic planning

• Ensuring access to training and professional development opportunities

We are looking for someone passionate about empowering community organisations from a range of sectors to be sustainable, strong and impactful.

The successful applicant will be a dynamic self-starter who has community project management expertise as well as experience working collaboratively. They will lead and support the initiative from inception.

The role will be responsible for driving the initiative’s programme of work, including working with a wide range of organisations across the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes Districts, which are: Whakatipu, Upper Clutha, Cromwell and the Dunstan/Teviot/Māniatoto.

High levels of interpersonal and influencing skills, proficient facilitation, and the capacity to work across the region, with a range of people will be essential.

The position is for fixed term full-time equivalent (hours to be determined with successful applicant) based within the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes region, working from home with frequent travel across the region.

Kaitūao o te Taitonga | Volunteer South is the backbone organisation for the initiative, working with the project steering group consisting of members from the following organisations:

Alexandra Council of Social Services, Alexandra Community House, Central Lakes Trust, Central Otago District Council, Cromwell and Districts Community Trust, Sport Central, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Volunteer South.

For further information and an application pack please contact Amy at Volunteer South via email - kiaora@volunteersouth.org.nz

Applications close 5pm on 25th March 2024

LOOKING for the ideal STAFF for the WINTER ski season?

TEACHERS & RELIEVERS

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

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

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

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

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

• Flexible hours

• Competitive remuneration

• No working on weekends!

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

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

Queenstown Stopping Services are looking to hire EXPERIENCED PLASTERERS and TRAINEE PLASTERERS to join our team. If you would like to learn a trade with a progressive career and you meet the following criteria we would like to hear from you:

• Be willing to commit to at least 2 years

• Have a valid work visa or permanent residency

• Have your own vehicle and full New Zealand drivers license.

• Have a good work ethic and work well in a team.

• Have a good level of physical fitness to work in a fast paced environment

We are a well established local company with a sociable team and can offer competitive hourly pay within the industry

Please email your CV to queenstownstoppingservices@gmail.com

We are seeking hospitality professionals who value a high-performing culture, flexible working arrangements, work-life balance and a caring work environment to join our team in the following roles:

• Maintenance Assistant

• Recep�onist

• Food & Beverage A�endant

Benefits and Rewards

• Star�ng rate $27/hour-$30/hour

• Flexible Work Op�ons available

• Heavily Discounted Food and Beverage

• Free staff parking and on duty meals provided.

• Well-being ini�a�ves

• Sustainable work prac�ces

• IHG Room Discounts at over 6,000 hotels worldwide!

When you're a part of IHG, you're more than your job �tle. And that's what we love – the individual talents, interests and dreams that make you who you are.

Please email your resume at manager@holidayinnqueenstown.co.nz

AVIS & Budget

Queenstown

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@abg.com

MARKET RESEARCH INTERVIEWER

Ph:

enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz

We are a market research company that requires a person living in Queenstown to conduct short questionnaires with departing International visitors at Queenstown Airport. The interview is conducted on a tablet and training will be given. The hours of work are 2hrs per day, three days per week. We pay an hourly rate of $24, pay travel time to and from the airport and reimburse travel expenses at 95cents per kilometer.

For more information or to apply, please contact, Shirley Willcox on shirley.willcox@veriangroup.com

Chef/cook position available

Odelay cafe is looking for confident team members for full time positions. Training given.

Email Ed odelaycafe@yahoo.co.nz

Full Time Bar Attendant Role in Arrowtown Potential Managers Role on offer. This position has sponsorship open and ready to go for the right applicant.

You will need to be:

- Energetic & engaging. Both with the drinks you make & our guests.

- Have a minimum of 1 years experience in a bar tender role

- Be passionate about making & serving all drinks

- Confident with the Classic Cocktails & how to make these

- Enjoy talking to/hosting the bar area

- Is prepared to learn about food/beverage pairing

- Assist in seasonal changes, update beverage lists

- Want to work with proven systems in a well established venue

- Be an excellent team player

Transport to Arrowtown is essential. Daily staff meal provided Discounts across all our Arrowtown venues, tips & performance bonuses.

If this sounds like you, please email your CV & a brief cover letter to pj@peoplelikeus.co.nz Minimum 6 month/winter commitment required.

Love food? Love events? Love In2Food!

Looking to work as part of a team?

We are a popular Queenstown based catering company in search of a short term Kitchen hand superstar. Working on events at exclusive venues and our prep kitchen in Frankton.

Our catering business is looking for a Dishwasher / Kitchen hand for the month of April only

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

VACANCIES

Trade Counter Sales

• Great company culture

• Fast-paced environment

• Full-time, long-term position

• Monday – Friday only

• No previous experience required

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

Ph:

Office Assistant/Customer Service Representative

Full-time permanent role.

Excellent rate of pay.

A tourism, leisure and hospitality company.

Based in our central Queenstown office.

This role has a variety of responsibilities covering; reservations, administration, credit control, property management, problem solving, customer service, and direct guest communications.

Ideal Candidate:

• Possess excellent English language and writing skills.

• Have great interpersonal skills.

• Clean driving license.

• Be Self-motivated and organised.

Experience in customer service/hospitality/activity bookings preferred but not essential.

If you are looking for an interesting role with opportunities to develop your skills further, and where your actions make a real positive difference. Join us at this exciting time in our company’s growth.

Please send cover letter and current CV to: mala@distinctivenz.com

New Cafe Opening in Arrowtown April

We are looking for enthusiastic people to take on these roles

BARISTA - You will be working with a local coffee supplier on a state of the art machine, in this well supported hospitality community. We are looking for someone who is available full time from 6.30am-3pm approx Monday-Friday. There are weekend shifts/part time available. Ideally you have had previous coffee experience. Full machine training will be given. Your role will include making coffees, ordering, machine cleaning, being part of an epic team serving up a creative menu.

FRONT OF HOUSE - We have full & part time positions available. We are looking for energy, great attitudes, early risers & people who love hospitality. Ideally you will have 6 months experience in the hospitality industry, however we can also train new people into this role. A 3 month commitment is needed for this position. Taking orders, using the till, clearing tables, serving drinks & food along with cleaning, are all part of this role.

All positions are part of our staff incentives package which include our partner sites La Rumbla & Slow Cuts.

If these sound like you, please send your CV to pj@peoplelikeus.co.nz & the position you are interested in.

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR

Experience

with an immediate start.

Contact Sharleen - 027 778 7377 or email sharleen@qtplabour.co.nz

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.

-

-

Our work ranges from Civil Construction/crushing/farm work/ site works/landscaping/silage & ag work.

LABOURER – FULL-TIME

We are looking for a labourer that would be involved in Civil Construction works, farm work, site works and landscaping work.

This is an opportunity to learn new skills in these areas. You must have these attributes:

-NZ Residency or NZ Work Visa

-Work as a team member and on your own

-Honest, reliable & good communication skills

-Capable around machinery

-Competent

Our work ranges from Civil Construction/crushing/farm work/site works/landscaping/silage & ag work.

If either of these roles sound like you, please send your CV to carran.scott@xtra.co.nz or if you have any questions please call Aaron 027 656 3398 or Mark 027 227 3762.

Ph:

enquiries@qmg.co.nz

WE’RE HIRING PLASTERBOARD FIXERS & STOPPERS

To work Monday-Friday as part of a team in a well-established company with good forward work.

Full time positions available.

Competitive wage rates or contract wage rates. Trade Experience is preferred. No sponsorship available and must have a current work visa.

Contact Brett at brett.angleinteriors@xtra.co.nz or text 0273303083

WOO WANTS YOU! Sous Chef

Madam is on the lookout for a Sous Chef superstar to join our team in Queenstown

We are looking for someone energised, experienced, organised, who’s a team player and will add to the buzz of Madam Woo. Asian cuisine experience is helpful.

Full time position. Pop in with your CV to introduce yourself or email us on hr@gotocollection.co.nz

LABOURERS REQUIRED

Monday to Friday with scope to negotiate a 4 day week

Fixed term contracts

Competitive wage rates

Must be fit and able. No sponsorship available and must have a current work visa.

Contact Brett at brett.angleinteriors@xtra.co.nz or Ph. 0273303083