LWB_Issue_945_Online

LOCALLY OWNEDSINCE FOREVER BULLETIN

Time to buy a boat?

The world’s longest traffic jam happened in Beijing, in 2010, extending 100km and lasting 12 days. Some drivers were stuck in their cars for five days. Now, I’m not suggesting Queenstown is about to have a ‘hold my beer’ moment, or that you should stock up on food, water and adult nappies before setting off on your commute, but it’s difficult to see how Waka Kotahi’s $115 million Queenstown NZ Upgrade programme doesn’t lead to total and utter traffic chaos.

The project, which now has the greenlight from planners, will remodel Frankton’s BP roundabout, the nearby bus station, replace the dangerous Ladies Mile turnoff to Lake Hayes Estate with a roundabout, and make various improvements along SH6, including 18 sets of traffic lights, to improve traffic flow, especially for buses, cyclists and pedestrians. That’s the goal, anyway. It will take the next FOUR years to complete. When you look at the fiasco that is the downtown arterial project, or the rush-hour gridlock a few years ago caused by the Quail Rise turn-off upgrade, it’s difficult to be optimistic about what’s coming. Both those projects were mainly off the highway, while NZUP will occupy Queenstown’s busiest stretches of road. Around 27,000 vehicles pass through the BP roundabout each day. All we can hope is that Waka Kotahi has more experience, and a much tighter leash for infrastructure contractors, than QLDC.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown will be in Frankton this Thursday to turn the first sod. I remember when National’s Simon Bridges turned the first sod for the Kawarau Falls bridge in 2016. In fact, he went one better and planted a tree. It died soon after, followed a few years later by Bridges’ political career. Fortunately the early demise of the kowhai, and Bridges, did not prove to be a harbinger for the Waka Kotahi project, which has been a practical and picturesque addition to our roading network. It was a little late and over budget, but only cost around $22m (which eight years later seems like an absolute steal). You could argue that’s what we need now, a replacement bridge, this time over the Shotover, especially with 2,400 ‘homes’ destined for Ladies Mile. But God knows how much that would cost. We could also do with a new Arthurs Point bridge but that’s not even State Highway, so locals could have to pick up much of the cost.

Even with those bridges though, we’ll always be chasing our tails over rush hour capacity. Look at Los Angeles and Beijing. More roads does not equal less traffic. So, projects that make public transport more attractive, or get more of us on to bikes, or taking fewer trips, are needed. It’s going to be bloody painful though. I reckon buying a boat might be the quickest way to do the school run for now.

Paul Taylor

JOBSINSIDE 32

Record crowds enjoyed the return of the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow after a six-year hiatus. Around 70,000 spectators watched jaw-dropping demonstrations from more than 80 aircraft, including the line up of civilian and military helicopters.

Headwinds remain despite healthy summer numbers

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown Lakes businesses still face tough economic conditions despite visitor numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Rising costs and a reluctance to spend money, especially from locals and domestic visitors, mean the district is experiencing “grumpy growth” says Arrowtown-based economist Benje Patterson.

“We’ve got GDP that’s growing in Queenstown, we’ve got revenue that’s growing, we’ve got more visitors that are coming through,” Patterson says.

“But when you strip everything down to a per-business or a per-household basis, it’s going backwards.”

GDP growth was 5.9% for Queenstown Lakes for 2023, higher than the national 0.7%, but there was -0.2% GDP/per capita growth.

“Businesses are reluctant to spend because their margins are squeezed, households are reluctant to spend because their household budget is squeezed, and visitors are being a little bit more cautious when they’re on the ground in Queenstown. So 2024 is likely to be a little bit flatter.”

Patterson and Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce boss Sharon Fifield are guests on The Outlet Queenstown podcast this week, providing and economic update for the district and talking through the results of the Chamber’s latest quarterly business survey.

Demand or number of customers remains the biggest single factor limiting growth over the coming months according to the survey, with staff accommodation a close second. Difficulties in recruiting staff, however, a major problem in recent years, appear to have abated.

“I guess from an individual business on the ground, you are competing for spend basically,” Fifield tells The Outlet.

“So I think the challenge for businesses is having that strong marketing strategy and compelling value proposition really, to get some of our visitors and customers parting with their cash.”

The survey found one-in-six businesses are now providing accommodation for workers, which extrapolated out would mean 500 of the 3000 across Queenstown Lakes.

Fifield says premises rents and wages are the biggest costs to businesses, but input costs and supply costs are also rising.

“For a business to combat this, you either really need to trim your costs or raise your prices,” she says. “And then with a cost of living crisis, there is only so much elasticity in that price for businesses.

“A lot of businesses I’m finding have actually raised their prices so much that they might actually already be at that ceiling. I guess that’s just the story of inflation. It’s across the board. No one is immune.”

Despite that, some businesses more focused towards international visitors were reporting record summers, with overseas tourists, especially Americans, more likely to spend.

In the latest economic outlook complied by Patterson for the Chamber, he details that in 2023 in consumer spending was up 11.5% across Queenstown Lakes.

Tourism expenditure was up 8.3%, non-residential consents up 26.1% and car registrations were also up 6.9%, but residential consents were down 25.9% and commercial vehicle registration were down 28.6%.

It’s mixed bag but there are plenty of reasons to be positive says Fifield.

“Businesses in Queenstown and our district, they’ve been through a lot,” she says. “They’re pretty steady operators and smart operators now that have survived a lot and are making good choices and are positive about the future, the longer term future as well.”

Patterson believes businesses should focus on the longer term and is heartened to hear some Queenstown operators continue to invest.

“You hear little anecdotes, popping up through the Chamber and Destination Queenstown, of different businesses doing things like investment going into electrifying their fleet, their tour buses and shuttles.

“That’s really reassuring to hear.”

Listen to the full interview on The Outlet Queenstown Podcast, available on lwb.co.nz and the Queenstown App.

FUNERAL NOTICE

LONSDALE, WILLIAM (BILL) THOMAS

On Monday, 25 March 2024 Bill passed away peacefully at Taranaki Hospice, aged 67. Very loved father of Luzie and Avatar, son of Athol and Dorothy (known fondly as Dot - sadly now deceased) and brother to Robin and Simon. Bill was a true icon and led an example of a life lived to the very fullest with a zest for life that inspired anyone lucky enough to have known him. A private service has been held. A simple cremation & burials. Ph 0800 236 236

Town Centre Arterial Road (Stage 1) –what’s the latest?

Significant upgrades to water supply, stormwater and wastewater pipes along Frankton Road, between Melbourne and Suburb Street are 90% complete. This means construction crews can now swap two-way traffic over to the other side of Frankton Road.

Shifting the traffic to the other side of Frankton Road is a big construction milestone.

HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT:

Melbourne Street opening to traffic mid-May. Left turn out only.

ST

It allows the reopening of upper Suburb and Dublin Street at the beginning of April, reducing some of the pressure on the roading network. Once the traffic is flowing on the other side of Frankton Road, the crew will need to close lower Suburb Street until September 2024 to complete the final service upgrades in this area. Speed tables on upper Suburb and Dublin Street are yet to

be installed, so we will keep you informed when this will be happening along with the progress of reopening lower Suburb Street.

In a further milestone, Melbourne Street is also expected to reopen to traffic in mid-May, reducing the construction footprint of the project for the duration of works.

Dublin Street opening to traffic early April. Left hand turn in and out only.

Two-way traffic shifted to north side of Frankton Road.

SUBURB ST

SUBURB ST MELBOURNE ST

Worksite to shift to lakeside of Frankton Road from early April.

Scan to stay up-to-date with our monthly newsletter.

Lower Suburb Street closing early April till September 2024.

Upper Suburb Street opening to traffic early April. Left hand turn in and out only.

FRANKTON RD

The Queenstown Town Centre Arterial Road (Stage 1) will link Frankton Road to Henry Street and is intended to remove general traffic from Stanley Street, enable improved public transport facilities and accessibility to the town centre. For more information about the project visit www.qldc.govt.nz/town-centre-arterial-road

Panel calls for pause on Project Manawa

By Paul Taylor

The tide appears to be turning against controversial plans to build new council offices in downtown Queenstown.

And that’s down to the public, a group of former mayors, local organisations and businesses, who ignored the limited scope of recent council-run consultation and instead made forceful submissions on the whole concept.

Some 178 submissions were made during the pre-Christmas consultation on Project Manawa, with 27 people speaking before a hearing panel in February.

The Project Manawa site covers huge blocks of land off Stanley Street, where QLDC in partnership with Ngāi Tahu Property plan to develop civic and commercial buildings, including council offices, a library and eventually a performing arts centre.

But many locals have questioned the logic of siting the $50 million ‘civic administration building’ downtown, rather than in Frankton, and raised concerns around the structure of the deal - which would see cash-strapped QLDC pay $30m towards the build but then lease the offices from Ngāi Tahu Property.

Submitters also challenged the contention from council boss Mike Theelen that the public had already been fully consulted on the plans back in 2016, and given the go-ahead.

And the hearing panel appears to have listened.

Recommendations

It is recommending that a review is completed on the location and ownership of the proposed council office, providing greater detail on why the Stanley Street site was identified as the preferred location, for comparison with an alternative site in Frankton.

The panel also recommends potential further public consultation.

And, it says, negotiations on the proposal for a joint venture partnership with Ngāi Tahu Property should not proceed until the above review is complete, subject to further consideration and approval by the councillors.

Councillors will consider the hearing panel’s recommendations this Thursday. QLDC Strategic Projects Manager Paul Speedy says some “important key themes” came through in the consultation.

“These included concerns about the location of a proposed Council office, impacts on traffic and parking, the need for further consultation on the location or the need for such facilities, the cost to ratepayers, lack of information on the proposed joint venture arrangement, and whether a project of this nature was a priority compared with other infrastructure projects,” he says.

The hearing panel was made up of Councillor Lyal Cocks (chair), and Councillors Melissa White and Craig (Ferg) Ferguson.

The original narrow scope of the consultation focused on a land swap and the governance structure for constructing and administering the new civic administration building at the Manawa site - establishing a CCO (council controlled organisation).

The land swap

On the land swap, the panel recommends ‘option 1’. which “enables a whole of precinct solution that preserves reserve land around the historically important Ballarat Street axis, central to the site, and unlocks more freehold land for future development and/or revenue-generation opportunities”.

The panel also recommends unlocking additional carparking on the Stanley Street site in the medium term.

The vast majority of submitters opposed the plans, notably including Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, former mayors Vanessa van Uden, Sir John Davies, Warren Cooper and Clive Geddes, Frankton developer Remarkables Park, and former councillor Cath Gilmour.

The plans also include a ‘transport hub’ along Stanley Street. The new arterial route, which itself has proved massively disruptive and controversial, runs behind the site.

The recommendation will be considered by full Council at a public meeting on Thursday, 4 April, at the Council Chambers on Gorge Road, from 2pm. It will also be livestreamed on the Council’s Facebook page.

The former Ballarat St carpark, now a works depot for the arterial road project, and upper Ballarat St itself are both part of the Project Manawa site

A potential layout for Project Manawa with the civic admin building (A), the library (B), performing and visual arts centre (C) commercial buildings (D & E) and a town square (F).

The now-boarded Queenstown Arts Centre was closed to make way for Project Manawa

CRIMELINE

Road tragedy near Clyde

In a sombre precursor to the busy Easter holiday weekend, the male driver of a car died after crashing head-on into a truck near Clyde, last Wednesday. Otago Lakes Central area road policing manager Sergeant Steve Watt says the car, believed to be a Subaru, crashed underneath the front right of the oncoming 10-tonne truck. Witnesses said the car driver appeared to be overtaking another large truck and trailer unit at the time, while heading towards Alexandra on SH8 between Clyde and Cromwell at 6.35am. He was believed to be on his way to work, Watt says. Police had not released the identity of the victim, before the Lakes Weekly Bulletin went to press. The Serious Crash Unit and commercial vehicle safety team are investigating. The driver of the oncoming truck escaped with only a minor injury, but there was extensive damage to both vehicles. The road was closed until about 4pm.

“It’s an absolutely tragic start to what’s soon to be a long-weekend Easter break,” Watt says, on Wednesday. “Unfortunately, a family is not going to have Easter with their loved one. We want everyone to be able to do that safely and extend our condolences to his family.” Victim Support services have been offered to everyone involved.

Almost six times the legal limit

An Australian male tourist was convicted of driving with excess breath alcohol after blowing 1491mcgs – almost six times the legal limit, when he’d been observed by Police to be swerving in his lane and crossing the median strip on Frankton Road around 11pm on 22 March. He was disqualified from driving in NZ for 12 months and fined $1500.

Parents – where are your kids?

All local parents are being asked to be vigilant about where their teenagers are with reports of youths congregating in the streets in the Lake Hayes Estate area consuming alcohol and causing disturbances. “Know where your kids are and keep in communication with their friends’ parents so that you know they are where they’re supposed to be,” Community and Youth Constable Amanda Shute says. “It’s important to get this message out with the school holidays coming up. Know where they are, who they’re with and what they’re doing.” Parents also need to be responsible for what their kids are drinking, she says. Police will be patrolling the areas where they’ve been congregating. “We often see an increase in this type of behaviour during holiday breaks, kids getting up to mischief, so parents need to get involved or police will be called and deal with it.”

Graffiti artists on rampage

Police want help in catching those responsible for a rampage of graffiti art lately in the central Queenstown area. “We’ve just had an increase in reporting of graffiti, even in the outer area, not just the CBD,” Shute says. Two young males were spotted by Police allegedly drawing graffiti on a fencepost at the Coronation Drive and Park Street intersection on 23 March. “As soon as they realised Police had seen them, they ran off to the Queenstown Bay Playground,” she says. “Unfortunately, we don’t have much of a description, but they were definitely youths, two males of medium to slight build, wearing dark clothes and one had a black backpack.” Police have also had reports of graffiti appearing in the Industrial Place area off Gorge Road. “It’s important to report this to us and to Queenstown Lakes District Council so their staff can cover it over,” Shute says.

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

DON’S CANCER PROGRAM

Don is helping cancer patients with a unique program at 538 Speargrass Flat Rd. You can learn more at www.selftreatment.co.nz or email: selftreatment@gmail.com / 0276982136

Queenstown climate scientist named New Zealander of the Year

By Paul Taylor

Dr Jim Salinger has been named the 2024 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa.

The 76-year-old, who was born in Dunedin but now lives in Queenstown, is recognised as one of the first scientists to address global warming. In his 50 year career, he’s published more than 190 papers, and become an influential communicator on climate change, addressing audiences worldwide.

His work includes ground-breaking research on Southern Hemisphere climate change, documenting the shrinking ice volume in the New Zealand Southern Alps, earning him the prestigious NZ Science and Technology Medal in 1994. He was a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which collectively earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.

A Companion of the Royal Society of New Zealand, he is an adjunct research fellow with the School of Geography, Environmental and Earth Sciences at Victoria University, and continues to receive multiple accolades, including the 2018 World Meteorological Organization Award and the 2019 Jubilee Medal, in recognition of his lifetime achievements in climate and agricultural science. Asked how his friends and family would describe him, he says: “Well, I’m a bit of a geek.

“I’ve done a lot of work having uncovered climate change from New Zealand in 1975. And there were a lot of people saying, ‘well, that’s only a theory’. We’d say, ‘well, it will be bloody obvious by 2000’.

“We’re in a global warming world, and it’s important to work on it. We have a limited time on this planet and we’re guardians.

“We’re doing it for our grandchildren, so they can see where the world may be heading for and that we can prevent it.

“We’re making progress but progress is slow. It’s very important to work with next generation because we have the wisdom, they have the new ideas. They take the attitude, we can do it. That helps inspire me to advocate with them for the future.”

Wakatipu Reforestation Trust chairman Neill Simpson, 90, was named as a semi-finalist in the Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau section.

BP roundabout sod-turn

By QMG

Transport Minister Simeon Brown will be in Queenstown next week to turn the first sod for the $115 million Queenstown New Zealand Upgrade Programme.

The works include the upgrade of the BP roundabout, expansion of the Frankton bus interchange, a new roundabout at the Howard’s Drive turnoff to Lake Hayes Estate, and various other changes along the SH6 / SH6A route. Brown will be shovel-in-hand at the Frankton Golf Centre corner, next to the BP roundabout, on Thursday afternoon.

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.

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

Even though it was SO cold on Saturday morning, a decent crowd turned up at 9am to see the parade of beautiful old classic cars rolling down Buckingham Street on their way to Naseby and Gore. It must be weird driving a vehicle that doesn’t already know more than you do about exactly where you are, how much fuel you have left and doesn’t tell you when a hazard is approaching. AND doesn’t have connectivity with your phone - kooky! Imagine how crazy people would think you were if you told them 20 years ago how intelligent your new car would be.

We drove our perfectly boring modern car up to Glenorchy last night to celebrate our English friend Maurice Lawson’s birthday - huge happy 72nd, dear Maurice (he tells me that two years ago I wished him a happy 75th which he was NOT very happy about!). We ate at the Headwaters Restaurant at Camp Glenorchy with Pete Gawron as chef - he started up Saffron in Arrowtown well over 20 years ago. It’s been very busy at Glenorchy all summer and he’s about to have a much needed holiday. It’s always a set menu at Headwaters and you’re allowed to have allergies and what my old boss at a London prep school called “eating disorders, e.g. vegetarianism.” Both times we have been able to get a booking there, the meal has been absolutely sensational AND wine nuts are always excited to be allowed to take their own wine.

Glenorchy has a completely different climate from the rest of the Wakatiputhe wind howled all night there and I dreaded seeing how many branches had fallen at our place, but not a twig out of place here. If you haven’t driven up the Glenorchy road lately, it really is SO spectacular and there are plenty of easy walks just off the road. The locals are very nervous about the QLDC’s recent gung ho attitude to new developments so might be a good idea to see it in case there suddenly isn’t all that beautiful nature to admire.

Even though we haven’t had a proper frost yet, there’s a lot of signs that autumn is coming. My asparagus plants are colossal this year and covered in red seeds - I’ve discovered that rabbits hate asparagus, so I’m letting all the seeds turn into more asparagus crowns. Maybe a rabbit and asparagus pie would be a great combo? I know it’s nasty to think mean thoughts about bunnies, but they really do drive me nuts. We always have an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday and there have been many littlies who have popped a little rabbit poop in their mouths instead of a chocolate. I’m sure it’s very nutritious but I don’t want to try one myself. Happy Easter to you all and here’s hoping for some much needed rain, but only while we are asleep.

Arts+Culture

Festival of ideas and kōrero

by Jess Allen

The Aspiring Conversation programme is returning to Wānaka this week. It will feature a number of speakers and artists across four days who aim to inspire. They believe that in these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to gather, discuss, listen and reflect on the issues that affect all in our community and the world at large.

Aspiring Conversations runs every second year, with the Festival of Colour running in between. Sophie Kelly, the festival director, says it’s an important event to keep the community engaged. It came about as at the time there weren’t as many events happening in the community as there are now and the audience was hungry to see more sessions and performances from the Festival of Colour.

“It was a means to provide a platform with a smaller, manageable programme of events that would keep a strong association with the festival alive and keep the audience engaged,” Kelly says. “Our vision with it is really to create a creative platform that continues to inspire, entertain and challenge audiences.”

After two cancelled events due to Covid-19, the organisers are delighted to be bringing the programme back. Kelly says they’re always looking for topics that are relevant to the times we’re in, as well as looking for opportunities to hear from people who are experts in their fields to speak about those important issues.

“We’ve also got some things that are totally for entertainment as well, like our music session that we have called Tower of Song, which will be delving into the art and craft of song writing with some of our celebrated New Zealand musicians. It’s a conversation focused on their practice but also an opportunity to hear them share some of their most loved songs with the audience.”

At this year’s Aspiring Conversations they’re expanding the venues that they use for sessions. Most will be held at Lake Wānaka Centre, but they’ve also added Federal Diner for Sam Low’s talk and Rhyme x Reason for Dirty Passports, which will feature poetry and spoken word artists.

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“We’ve got Sam Low, who’s published a wonderful book called Modern Chinese, he’s a recent winner of MasterChef New Zealand. He will be speaking to his book and also a bit about his childhood, growing up as Chinese and New Zealand, and learning to cook contemporary Chinese dishes.”

Other talks at the festival include Chancing It, which is based on the True Stories Live format. It features four diverse and inspiring females who will share their stories of when they took a chance on something and how that panned out. Another is The Drinking Game, which will include Guyon Espiner, Lotta Dan and Paddy Gower sharing their personal stories and decisions behind giving up alcohol. There’s also Ko Kāi Tahu Me Te Triti, where kaimahi from the Ngāi Tahu Archive and representatives from the three marae nearest the Kāi Tahu signings will talk about how events in Te Waipounamu shaped those at Waitangi (and vice versa) before and since 1840

“I think at the moment we all get quite caught up in the echo chamber of social media and the media as a whole. We just really see this as a critical way to bring people together in real time to hear speakers who are experts in their fields. It’s really great to encourage and see people taking the opportunity to reflect and listen to these important conversations. At a deeper level, I think to open our minds to see different views – there’s a lot of everyone’s got an opinion on something these days, so it’s important for us to be challenged and think about having a different perspective or seeing something differently,” Kelly says.

The 2024 Aspiring Conversations will run from Thursday, 4 April, until Sunday, 7 April. It features 14 sessions at three different venues – Lake Wānaka Centre, Federal Diner and Rhyme x Reason Brewery. There will be a limited number of door sales available for shows that aren’t already sold out. Check out the full programme and grab your tickets at festivalofcolour.co.nz

WATCH REPAIRS NOW

For all your repairs, watches, clocks, batteries, key cutting & straps.

Level One, Stratton House (Below Sky City), 24 Beach Street, Queenstown Mon - Fri, 9:30am till 5:30pm. Closed on Saturdays. Phone/ text: 027 217 0442

The Drinking Game will feature Lotta Dan, Guyon Espiner (top) and Paddy Gower

Tight 5 with Sumi Hahn

by Rosie Fea

Born in Korea, raised in the United States, and now residing in Aotearoa New Zealand, Sumi Hahn is a writer with many interesting life-chapters to draw from. After receiving her Bachelor’s in English literature from Harvard University and her Master’s from UC Berkeley, Sumi worked as an esteemed columnist for the Times Picayune in New Orleans and penned music and food-centric pieces for various publications in Seattle. Most recently, she published her first novel, The Mermaid from Jeju. A research-intensive multiyear effort that tells the story of a young Korean girl just beginning her work as a haenyeo - Jeju’s deep-sea diving women who foraged for food during a bloody period of political unrest. The novel is a historically influenced tale that not only took shape in writing, but undoubtedly shaped and changed Sumi Hahn’s entire life and identity forever.

Credit: Kate Roberge

When did it all ‘click’ for you? (do you remember the first piece you were commissioned to write?)

I was 12 when I won $20 in a writing competition with a haiku. When I learned that someone would pay for my words, I was hooked.

In what ways did your perception of your Korean heritage and Korean culture develop and deepen as you penned your novel?

As I wrote my novel, I was painfully self-conscious of how much I wasn’t Korean and how much I didn’t know about Korea. That’s one of the reasons why it took seven years to write. I had to learn about being Korean in Korea before I felt like I had enough cultural authority to write about anything Korean.

Do you have any specific rituals or habits you engage in before you start writing? What helps you get in the flow?

Writing has to be a habit, like brushing your hair. That said, I haven’t brushed my hair in awhile.

Do you ever miss being a restaurant critic?! What was the writing process like for that? (Any lasting funny stories from meals out you can share?)

When I started writing at the Times-Picayune, I published under S.M. Hahn to obscure my identity, but word quickly got out that I was a petite Asian woman. I resorted to disguises—wigs and glasses—to throw them off my trail. Sometimes I pretended I couldn’t speak English, and my guests would “translate” the menu into whatever non-English language they learned in school. The funniest experience was when I pretended to be a heavily pregnant vegetarian Valley Girl from California. I ordered sweetbreads, saying they sounded like a nice pastry. My friend almost spit out her wine when I said that.

What's your dream project?

My dream project is to plant a permaculture food forest, like the Guyton’s have created in Riverton. Such an inspiration! (Permaculture is the solution to all the world’s problems, truly.)

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GOINGS ON ABOUT

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES

Terrible Sons Autumn Tour

MUSIC

Sailing into luminous folk-pop waters with their latest album ‘The Raft Is Not the Shore’, Ōtautahi Terrible Sons are playing on a special one year anniversary tour for their new record, and bringing it to Queenstown. Songwriters Lauren and Matt Barus (who are married) will play as a duo and will be joined by fellow traveller Ryan Fisherman whose latest collection Country EMO has been turning heads with its rustic catchiness. Named after a Buddhist parable and meaning “the idea to hold your beliefs lightly”, join Terrible Sons and Ryan Fisherman at the Sherwood. Tickets on sale at www.terriblesons.com

When: Friday, 12 April

Where: Sherwood, 554 Frankton Road

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, Queenstown

EVENTS

Aspiring Conversations

After a six-year hiatus, Aspiring Conversations returns hosting 14 events across three venues to stimulate the mind and feed the soul. The festival offers a diverse lineup of over 40 speakers and artists who will explore a range of topics, from culture and history to adventure, food, politics, personal challenges, artificial intelligence and climate change. The programme includes storytelling, live theatre, music, spoken word, school workshops, and engaging kōrero. Aspiring Conversations provides an opportunity to come together, listen, talk, laugh, be challenged, and learn while reconnecting within our community. Tickets and a full programme is available online at aspiringconversations.co.nz

When: Thursday, 4 April to Sunday, 7 April

Where: Lake Wānaka Centre, 89 Ardmore Street, Wānaka

Basketball Clinic

Daily Iftar opportunity

Iftar is the fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims during Ramadan. Locally a daily Iftar happens at the MyFundAction Youth Development Centre up until the end of Ramadan. Every night there are 10 spaces with meals to share with the community. Locals and visitors are invited to attend but spaces are limited, and food is prepared in advance, so RSVPs are needed and can be booked my emailing catherine@myfundaction.org. Unortunately, they are unable to cater for individual dietary requirements as meals are preset.

The daily iftar serves as an opportunity for the community to ask questions about Ramadan in an educational, intimate, and non-judgemental settingwhile enjoying a tasty halal dish. Those who attend are encouraged to fast during the day before the Iftar, to really immerse themselves in the spirit of Ramadan, however, this is not compulsory.

When: Everyday, until Tuesday, 9 April, 8pm-9.30pm (start time varies). Prayer is at 9.30pm, people can stay and hang out if they wish

Where: MYDC, 1/13 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton

Queenstown Mountain Bike ClubWednesday Night Digs

Grab your bike and join the QMTB club each week for their Wednesday Night Digs! The crew meets at the Wynyard Corner at 6pm before pedaling up to the project they are currently working on. Wynyard corner is the main entry point into the Wynyard Jump Park in Fernhill, next to the Fernhill Substation. Everyone is welcome and no previous experience is needed. Drinks and Chur Fish & Chips are provided courtesy of the club to all diggers afterwards. It’s a great way to meet local riders and help build your next favourite trail!

When: Wednesdays, 6pm - 8pm

Where: Wynyard Jump Park on Wynyard Crescent

Community Planting Days

Every autumn Whakatipu Reforestation Trust invites the community to help plant native trees and shrubs at local keystone sites. Since 2015, over 80,000 natives have been planted throughout the Whakatipu Basin. The sites are thriving examples of successful ecological restoration, providing habitat and food for our native birds, insects and invertebrates. The trust’s vision is to create wildlife corridors that will attract native birds, lizards and invertebrates back into the basin, significantly enhancing the biodiversity of the region. All planting days are drop-in style, just come along and bring gardening gloves, a shovel (if you have one), sturdy footwear, water, sunscreen and a hat. For more information check out the trust’s Facebook page. The first volunteer community planting day in autumn 2024.

When: Saturday, 6 April, 9am - noon

Where: Whitechapel Reserve, Whitechapel Road, Arrow Junction (followed by Community BBQ). Parking is adjacent to planting site

SPORT

Get professionally trained by Andre Moore, a former NBA, NBL European and South American Basketball pro. Sessions includes skills training, conditioning drills and games. Suitable for ages five and up. Andre Moore’s Basketball Clinic costs $70 single-day or $120 for a 2-day programme. For more information email tim@ctbs.net.au

When: Saturday, 13 April, and Sunday, 14 April, 11am - 3pm

Where: Cromwell College, Barry Avenue, Cromwell

Coronet Peak Manawhenua Planting Weekend

Coronet Peak is holding a community planting weekend, with the goal to plant 4,000 new trees on Coronet Peak. They’re asking for volunteers to join the effort. There are options to volunteer for full or half days on Saturday and Sunday or both! Full days are 10am - 3pm and half days are 10am - noon, or 1pm - 3pm. Brown bag lunch will be provided as well as transport to and from your car. Using the MTB trails is the approach being undertaken to plant on the Coronet Peak face so good footwear is required. Interested? There is more online at coronetpeak.co.nz/planting-weekend or email: hello@coronetpeak.co.nz

When: Saturday and Sunday, 6 and 7 April, 10am-3pm

Where: Coronet Peak

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

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!

Mulled

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

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

by Sue Fea

PAT DOYLE (O’CONNELL)

Hospitality in a bygone era

My Life Story

The daughter of Queenstown’s two most famous early hoteliers, Pat Doyle (O’Connell), who arrived here aged two in 1937, was number four out of 10 children, gravitating towards hospitality from a young age.

Growing up helping her parents Jim and Iris in the family hotel in Beach Street, Pat worked her way up through the ranks at O’Connell’s Hotel after leaving St Dominic’s boarding school in Dunedin in the fifth form.

The family moved to Queenstown from Invercargill after Pat’s Auntie Mary, who cooked at McBride’s Hotel (later Hotel Queenstown), encouraged Jim, a Railway worker, painter, and paperhanger, to buy what was Beach House boarding house. Mostly government workers stayed there, tourists in peak holiday seasons.

Pat vaguely recalls arriving in Queenstown on the Ben Lomond steamer. Her parents had 10 children between 1929 and 1951, sadly, losing three boys as tiny babies due to a genetic Rh (Rhesus) blood type issue. “Our second youngest sister, Phil (O’Connell-Cooper), was the first person to have a complete blood transfusion. Dad rushed her to Invercargill in the car, just born.” Queenstown councillor Joe O’Connell was Pat’s elder brother.

Gradually her parents added onto Beach House, developing Queenstown’s legendary O’Connell’s Hotel once the first eight-room addition was built, eventually taking over the Garrison Hall in Beach Street to extend further.

In winter Pat slept inside, but initially she, sister Marney and Auntie Mary slept in a large, boarded tent with a corrugated iron roof outside. Her brothers slept in a smaller tent. St Joseph’s School and the Dominican nuns were only a hopscotch and a jump up the hill and the gravel Cow Lane was their neighbourhood playground. The hotel was surrounded by lawns, fruit trees and gardens.

“I was into running away. I’d head off to the wharf and Dad would come looking for me,” Pat grins.

No OSH or swimming lessons back then. “We used to go into Queenstown Bay in row boats. A big wake would come in. We couldn’t swim and didn’t have life jackets.”

The Rec Ground was Jack Hamilton’s (Hammy’s father’s) orchard. Annie ‘Nana Taylor’, a local West Coast character, lived in the cottage on the Shotover and Camp Streets corner, loved a sherry and always had all the news. “The Haines lived down Cow Lane, a brother and sister. I was scared of them. The Zephyrs – Russians, lived on the liquor store site in Stanley Street in the 1940s and had smelly goats.”

“I remember during World War II there was a very heavy snowfall, and the planes came over. I was terrified that the Japanese were coming to bomb us,” Pat says. “We celebrated VE and VJ days in town with parades, lollies and ice creams, and wee flags.” Jim had too many kids to go to war but Pat recalls him practising with the Home Guard, marching with broomsticks because there were no guns left.

The kids were ordered to ‘stay behind the gate’ away from the hotel but enlisted to pod peas and peel potatoes. “Us kids ate in the hotel kitchen, sometimes Mum and Dad too, especially on Sundays.”

In the 1950s there was The Mountaineer, White Star, Eichardt’s and McBrides (later Hotel Queenstown), and Hamilton House and Golden Terrace boarding houses where the Copthorne is. Foster’s Hotel preceded Trans (later Rydges). “We all had staff accommodation.”

Jim eventually leased land above Frankton Road – Cosy Dell, off the Andrews. “We had hens and grew veggies. Us kids milked the cows and separated the milk and cream and made butter for the hotel.”

The Easter Rowing Regatta attracted people from as far as Whanganui and the Labour Weekend Indoor Basketball Tournament was big on the Otago Southland calendar. Iris helped organise the Queenstown Autumn Festival and Ball. “Trucks carrying princesses paraded through the streets.” Occasionally they got to go to the Lake Hayes Show, “but somebody had to give us all a ride”.

Dances and balls at the Garrison Hall were a hit when top bands came from around the region for two weeks during the Christmas holidays.

Pat met husband Alex Doyle while holidaying in Kawerau and after a short romance they were married in May 1963.

Alex worked for Downers and initially it was exciting moving north. “But, oh boy. I got so homesick. I missed everybody, but I got over it.”

Moves and upheavals with their three kids followed, to Tokoroa, Manapouri, Invercargill for the Tiwai Smelter, back to Kawerau, then Napier and Auckland. Tragically, Pat was widowed at 40, with three kids aged eight to 12, after Alex had an accident at work. Pat had also lost a sister aged 39, but she soldiered on for her kids.

Eventually they moved to Dunedin where Pat loved indoor bowls – Best Bowler in her club one year. She worked in the Sacred Heart School office and enjoyed Dunedin for 27 years before moving back ‘home’.

Pat relaxing at home in her garden

Celebrating Iris and Jim’s (both seated) 50th wedding anniversary in 1978, with (from left) Phil, Brian, Bernadette, Pat, Marney, Maria and Joe

Queenstown housing: ‘The situation hasn’t gotten any better’

By RNZ

A community housing leader wants the government to take firmer action to address Queenstown’s long-running rental crisis.

The accommodation crunch in the tourist town has forced some people to live in tents and cars, and hiked up the prices of available rentals.

Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust chief executive Julie Scott said a record number of households were currently waiting for housing support in the district.

“The situation hasn’t gotten any better. We have 1200 eligible households on our waiting list, and it continues to go up every single day,” she said.

Scott said heading into winter it would only get worse.

“It’s starting to get really cold down here already, and anecdotally with the social services agencies there’s a lot of concerns.”

In 2024, the rent for an average three-bedroom property in Queenstown was $907 per week, and in the higher quartile about $1044 a week, Scott said.

“It’s hugely significant if you’re a low to moderate income household. That’s a massive chunk of your wages going out just in rent, and that becomes really difficult for families to get by, and they end up sometimes having to sublet rooms,” she said.

“Another issue we have in the Queenstown Lakes is that some of properties are very old, cold and damp and they take a lot of heating in winter, so some people have power bills as high as $1000 a month in winter.

“Add that to $1000 a week in rent and it’s just spiralling out of control.”

The government announced it would look at options to address a zoning issue that limited how much financial support Queenstown residents could get for accommodation.

Lost & Found

FOUND UNCLAIMED ITEMS SITTING AT THE POLICE STATION, at 11 Camp Street, this week include:

• BERNADITA BELEN BALBUENA – PURSE

• NOKIA PHONE, BLUE, NO COVER

• HENRIETTE LEVANQUE – CARDHOLDER

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: 027-7056500.

ROOM FOR RENT/ $150PW BILLS NOT INCLUDED. 3 bedroom house, located on Hallenstein street walking distance to town. Available from 27th of march, please contact Darren for viewings. 027 474 9331

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

Everything Else

Cabinet had agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information the ministry used to determine how much accommodation supplement could be paid in different parts of the country be updated every time Stats NZ updated its own geographic boundaries.

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston said the use of outdated geographic information and classifications by the ministry had seen some households receive a lower accommodation supplement than they otherwise would.

“The coalition government agreed that more regular updates would help the accommodation supplement remain fit-for-purpose, and we’ve commissioned further advice on a financially sustainable way to do this,” she said.

“We aren’t progressing the Select Committee’s recommendation because this could require sporadic updates to the accommodation supplement in different parts of the country at different times, and the administrative cost to taxpayers of this would likely outweigh the value.”

Scott said more urgent action was needed from the government on Queenstown’s situation.

“They’ve certainly acknowledged there’s an issue in the Queenstown Lakes area and they want to do something about it and make sure it’s fair and consistent across the country, which is what we’ve been advocating for several years now.

“But it is a bit little disappointing that they haven’t accepted the recommendation from the panel to proceed with it straight away. That’s certainly the outcome we were seeking from the government.”

SPECTACULAR AUTUMN COLOURS IN THE GARDENS OF Beautiful Gardens of Wanaka GUIDED GARDEN TOURS. Great thing to do with friends or family. Departs daily in Wanaka until the end of April. Choice of 2, 3 or 4 gardens, all very different! Knowledgeable guide, transport, refreshments, from $95. Group discounts (max 7), gift vouchers. Info booking Florence 02102792481 beautifulgardenswanaka.com

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

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

New era for avalanche dogs service

By Maddy Harker / Wānaka App

Aspiring Avalanche Dogs (AAD) founder Matt Gunn says he is proud of the legacy the organisation is leaving behind as avalanche dog services for the Southern Lakes enter a new era.

A familiar sight on the mountain, Matt and his avalanche-trained border collie Wizzid will be at Treble Cone again this winter, but for the first full season they will be representing the recently-formed Search and Rescue Dogs Avalanche NZ (SARDA NZ) rather than AAD, whose goal it was to provide a succession of teams just at Treble Cone.

The new SARDA NZ organisation has 17 teams (handler and dog duos) around the country including three at Treble Cone (as well as Matt and Wizzid, there is Brendan Kearns with Poppy and Tussock, and Callum Grant with Ziggy).

“SARDA NZ is the new national body tasked by the NZ Police to provide an avalanche search dog response, we also have full endorsement from the Mountain Safety Council and the Ski Area Association of New Zealand,” Matt said.

Matt is involved with the organisation as a trainer and is on the fundraising committee.

AAD made the difficult decision to break away from NZLandSAR to form SARDA NZ mainly due to funding cuts, he said. But Matt is proud of what had been achieved with AAD, saying: “We’re going to leave behind a real legacy.”

The small, volunteer-run organisation, which operated for almost 15 years, punched above its weight, he said, doing things Matt said he hadn’t seen elsewhere, “even internationally”.

This included how the dogs are transported around the hill “in the dog rig which we call the rocketship; it’s a rescue toboggan on steroids which we had custom made”; and the Alpine Survival Kits (ASK) AAD developed, which include essentials for providing shelter and introducing heat.

“If people are fortunate enough to survive the trauma of an avalanche, very sadly many victims die of hypothermia once they are exposed to the elements,” Matt said.

There have been over 20 searches in AAD’s history, including police and ski patrol deployments, but no rescues “as there has never been anyone to find”.

“Having multiple dogs on site we are able to help the search party reach a point of high confidence that no one is buried which is massive in our ability to call the search site clear. This is not only important as it reduces the risk to the search party but it’s massive for the company as they navigate the corporate side of things,” Matt said.

ORC Chair urges ratepayers to have their say

By QMG

Wide-ranging proposals for rating changes within the Otago Regional Council’s Long-Term Plan for 2024-2034 will affect every property around Otago, says ORC Chair Gretchen Robertson.

“The Long-Term Plan is the cornerstone for setting the direction of key work programmes and it’s imperative all ratepayers have their say on these proposals. We really need people to get involved and contribute to this vitally important plan,” she says.

The potential changes include how ORC rates properties, including those with targeted rates, public transport in Queenstown and Dunedin, trials of regional public transport, flood protection and drainage schemes, river and catchment management, harbour safety, freshwater farm plans, wilding pine control and environmental projects.

“We’re very conscious of peoples’ concerns in this challenging economic environment, where councils across the country are considering increasing rates,” she says.

Cr Robertson urges people to have their say now and tell ORC what their preferences and priorities are for the decade-ahead.

ORC is holding seven drop-in sessions for ratepayers between April 10-18, has online and postal options available and is urging ratepayers to contact their councillors.

“Ratepayers shouldn’t be put off from giving feedback or making submissions given the large scope of changes, as they can choose areas of particular interest to them,” she says.

Public consultation is open until 26 April via orc.govt.nz/ltpfeedback. Final decisions on the LTP are scheduled to be made at Council’s meeting in June. The Queenstown meeting is on Wednesday, 17 April, from 4-7pm, in the Mezzanine Meeting Room, Queenstown Events Centre.

“It’s not just about the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. Even just having the dogs on the hill is significant.”

With the move over to SARDA NZ comes additional support from semi-retired professionals on the business and fundraising side, more opportunities “and being more in control of our own destiny”, Matt said.

“We’re going to do some really cool things,” he said.

The annual Cardrona/Treble Cone season pass raffle will take place in early June, this year raising money for SARDA NZ instead of AAD for the first time, with all funds raised tagged to be spent in the Wānaka region.

There are also some exciting announcements due in the coming weeks, Matt said.

As SARDA NZ is a new organisation it is currently in need of funds for equipment and anyone who would like to make a donation can do so via the QR code on the organisation’s website.

“The generosity and incredible support that AAD has received over the years from local businesses and the public has enabled us to build a foundation of equipment and processes that will serve the region for many years to come,” Matt said.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved and on behalf of the AAD committee I would like to thank everyone for their support and encourage everyone to get behind SARDA NZ.”

Learn more about SARDA NZ, follow them on Facebook or donate via avalanchesearchdogs.co.nz

Bungy Bridge rock safety work after Easter

By QMG

Five weeks of rock stabilisation work near Queenstown’s Bungy Bridge gets underway early in April, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

The highway will be down to a single lane, weekdays 9am-4pm, from Tuesday, 2 April, through to Tuesday, 7 May. Delays could be up to 10 minutes at a time says Peter Standring, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA in Central Otago.

“We are not anticipating lengthy delays at this site, but in order to safely clear any rock off the highway after scaling, we need to have the extra time available and use Stop/Go traffic management,” he says.

Mesh will be used to secure the bluff and rock bolts. Standring says NZTA thanks all drivers for their patience while this work is completed ahead of winter. Emergency vehicles will have access at short notice.

Matt and Wizzid celebrate after another successful SARDA NZ assessment search at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground last winter

Same great service in a new location Book an appointment today!

17 Neason Place

Cromwell Central Otago

Cell: 0274-455-925

email: info@creativeframing.co.nz

www.creativeframing.co.nz

Get in touch today for a free, no obligation quote.

Phone: 027 209 8455 | Email: alex@remarkablecoatings.co.nz

www.remarkablecoatings.co.nz

Working Remotely and need your LWB weekly fix?

You can grab your copy from a location close to you.

WANAKA:

•Betty’s Liquor Store - Ardmore Street

•New World - Dunmore Street

•Florences Café

CARDRONA:

•General Store - Cardrona Valley Rd

•The Junction - Cardrona Valley Rd

ARROWTOWN:

•Arrowtown Library

•Betty’s Liquor Store - Buckingham Street

•Four Square - Adamson Drive

LWB QUIZ

1. Blondie’s Call Me was used in which 1980 film?

2. Ramsons is a member of which plant family?

3. What is the capital of Ecuador?

4. What do the “RR” of JRR Tolkien's initials stand for?

5. Which penguin species has yellow and black plumes on its head?

6. What luxury watchmaker company was founded in London in 1905?

7. Which country has three time zones, eight to ten hours ahead of GMT?

8. What does an ungulate animal have?

9. In the Old Testament, who was the third son of Adam and Eve?

10. What travels at approximately 186,000 miles per second?

11. Which bird was considered sacred by the Incas?

12. Which central European country borders Hungary, Ukraine and Poland?

13. In the 2009 film Avatar, what was the name of the planet?

14. In relation to birds, what is a “lek”?

15. Gaborone is the capital of which African country?

16. What is the more common word for the process of parturition?

17. What type of animal is a Dandie Dinmont?

18. How is chicken shawarma cooked?

19. What name is given to the part of a stem at which a leaf grows?

20. Baku is the capital city of which country on the Caspian Sea?

21. Which bird can fly backwards?

22. Which acid is the most predominant in the stomach?

23. On a fish, where is the dorsal fin?

24. Which grade of army officer is next above a colonel?

25. In Egyptian mythology, who was the mother of Horus?

Class 4 DriversQueenstown

Ph: 03 409 2800

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

AllWaste is seeking a driver with class 4 for full-time work.

The role involves operating various vehicles and performing yard based duties in our Queenstown depot.

This could be the job if you:

• have great customer service and a positive attitude

• are a team player

• have the required license and minimum 2 years’ experience

• are physically fit and willing to undertake pre-employment health and D&A testing

• are ready to start now

Having a Dangerous Goods endorsement would be an advantage. Full training will be provided with a competitive wage package and great working conditions.

For applying or to find out more, please email: martyn.bryant@allwaste.co.nz

Please note applicants must be New Zealand Citizens/Residents or on a work visa with open work rights. Sponsorship is not available for this role.

Architectural Regional Office Manager & Senior Registered Architect

We're seeking a talented NZ Registered Architect to join us as a Regional Manager in the Southern Lakes area. With an established business network, you'll lead project delivery, team collaboration and innovation, in association with our large and experienced New Zealand-based and owned company.

Key Responsibilities:

• Regional Leadership: Drive strategy and business development.

• Business Development: Expand client base, securing new projects.

• Studio Leadership: Inspire and foster a diverse design team.

• Quality Improvement: Enhance design processes and project outcomes.

Requirements:

• NZ Registered Architect with 10+ years of experience over a range of project typologies.

• Proven track record in business development and design management.

• Strong leadership and project financial management skills.

• Comprehensive knowledge of design, construction, and NZ Building Code.

• Passion for Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD).

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours and location: Queenstown or Wanaka based.

• Shareholding and Co-directorship opportunities for the right candidate

• Essential tools provided, including laptop and phone.

• NZIA & NZRAB Membership fees.

• Learning and development opportunities: CPD, conference support and training sessions by external experts.

• Public transport subsidy.

• Employee Assistance Program membership.

Please send your application with your CV, 2 references and a portfolio showcasing your works to Hello@HelloMonday.co.nz

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand. All applications will be handled confidentially, and any candidates shortlisted will be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

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

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 text 0273303083

FORMWORK CARPENTERS

Southern Lakes Foundations is a Queenstown based foundation formwork company, operating in the Central Otago area including servicing Cromwell, Alexandra and Wanaka.

We have been in operation for over 8 years in the area and have a firm, trusted reputation for our quality foundations, professionalism and reliability.

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

The successful applicant will have a minimum of 6 years carpentry experience and minimum of 3 years in formwork carpentry. We are on the hunt for someone with proven experience in this area of construction.

Competitive rates will be paid to the right applicant.

Please email your CV and evidence of proven relevant experience to Carly at carly@southernlakesfoundations.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

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

Ph:

CIVIL ENGINEERING OPPORTUNITIES QUEENSTOWN

We are fortunate to have several interesting and exciting civil design and civil construction commissions ahead of us over the next 2 years. We seek motivated Engineers and Technicians to join our highly respected practice in the delivery of these projects. Projects are for significant public and private sector clients, and we want to hear from people interested in the following important roles:

Senior Civil Engineer – You will have a minimum of 5 years NZ consulting experience with design and contract management experience in land development, bulk earthworks, feasibility analysis, roading, master planning, hydraulics and infrastructure works in general. You must be familiar with all relevant codes and have demonstrated experience in successful project delivery. This is a position of responsibility within our firm and you will be responsible for client management, staff management and direction of individual projects.

Infrastructure Engineer – You will have a minimum of 2 years NZ experience in the design and construction of civil and infrastructure projects with knowledge of the Resource Consent process and relevant codes. You should be capable of working independently. You will be given the opportunity to manage projects with support from the existing team. This is an opportunity for a talented young engineer to accelerate their career path. This role would suit a recent graduate with some accumulated design and project experience who is looking for new and interacting challenges.

CAD Design Technician – You should be NZCE qualified or equivalent with a minimum of 2 years consultancy experience in engineering or surveying design. Experience in design documentation for civil/building projects and demonstrated experience in 3d software (12d or Civil 3D) and CAD is essential. There is the opportunity for project management and site management work within this role depending on your existing professional experience. Training will be provided to suitable applicants.

If you are looking to engineer things differently and enjoy Queenstown, get in touch. Flexible working conditions and top tier remuneration will be offered to suitable candidates.

To find out more about Hadleys, see www.hadleys.co.nz.

Apply in confidence to:

Principal Hadley Consultants Ltd PO Box 1356

Queenstown

Ph: 03 450 2140

or email: jobs@hadleys.co.nz

Applications close Friday 19 April 2024.

$27.99/hour

Minimum 30hours/week

Please contact:

marine_Blanchard@evt.com with resume

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

We are currently seeking a licensed DUTY MANAGER

wanting to take the next step... All the usual requirements: must hold a valid work visa, speak fluent English and of course have a Duty Managers cert or being willing to obtain one. Send CV’s to manager@smithscraftbeer.co.nz or apply in person and speak to Madi or Chris.

Ph:

REQUIRED NOW!!!!!!

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

Starting in May, Polished Property Queenstown is looking for a wonderful part-time permanent cleaner to work 8 to 12 hours per week during school hours (set days and times) with some extra work in the weekends or after school from time to time. This is a new & growing small business so these part time hours will increase as we take on more clients. We are looking for someone long term who can work quickly, has cleaning experience and a great eye for detail.

If interested, please email a cover letter and CV to Abby = info@ppqt.co.nz

Skilled and Unskilled Labourers

Traffic Controllers

Looking for casual, temporary or long term work??

Queenstown Personnel and Labour Hire are looking for labourers for a variety of jobs around Queenstown with an immediate start.

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

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

Customer Service Representative

Chef/cook

wanted for our Frankton cafe

Full-time hours for someone with at least 2 years cooking experience. Up to $29.66 per hour. Orders, training, food safety and sound technique required.

Cafe manager wanted for our Frankton cafe

Full-time, 2 years exp in busy cafe. Skilled in rosters, coffee, managing staff and good English required. Up to $29.66 per hour.

Front of House, Kitchenhand and Barista roles also available

Email Ed at odelaycafe@yahoo.co.nz

We are currently recruiting for a Rental Operations Agent, based at our Queenstown Branch, full time basis. The main objective of this role is to ensure customers are dealt with efficiently and professionally and the service and vehicles presented to our customers are to the highest standards.

Requirements:

• Valid full NZ Driving licence

• Previous relevant customer service experience

• Must be able to work in a team as well of off own initiative

• Computer proficient

• Fluent level of written and spoken English

• Previous experience in the rental industry advantage

• Full range of benefits and bonus

• Valid work visa. Sponsorship is not available.

To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to Christine Moore at Christine.moore@apexrentals.co.nz

MARKET RESEARCH INTERVIEWER

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

AJSaville builders

Seeks, Qualified Carpenters with an eye for detail and a passion for building high end residential construction projects in the Queenstown Lakes area.

Please send all inquiries to info@ajsaville.co.nz or phone 027 432 0762 to discuss.

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

RECEPTIONIST - MILLENNIUM

HOTEL ATTENDANTCOPTHORNE LAKEVIEW

DUTY MANAGER - MILLENNIUM

F&B ATTENDANTS - KITCHEN ATTENDANTS - ROOM ATTENDANTS

***OPPORTUNITIES ALSO OPEN IN OUR TE ANU, DUNEDIN & GREYMOUTH HOTELS***