LWB_Issue_947_Online

LAKES WEEKLY

Sisters help each other

As a mountain destination, Queenstown shares many similarities with alpine regions around the world. Our incredible landscapes have put us on the map, creating strong visitor economies and attracting people from across the globe to live and work in our vibrant regions.

These common themes inspired Queenstown’s sister-city relationship with Aspen, Colorado more than three decades ago. It’s an incredibly valuable partnership that continues today, as we learn from the challenges and opportunities in managing thriving towns.

Last week, we hosted a delegation from City of Aspen and Aspen Chamber Resort Association, alongside Mayor Glyn Lewers, Queenstown Lakes District Council, and Sharon Fifield, CEO Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce. Over three days, we visited local businesses, speaking to business leaders about their journey toward regenerative tourism, the vital role arts and culture plays in our towns, and discussed housing, transport and economic diversification. What stood out to me was that although Queenstown and Aspen face similar challenges, we have our own unique strengths, and there’s a significant opportunity to keep learning from each other so tourism adds value economically, culturally, socially and environmentally.

Aspen is making great progress with managing visitation and peak travel periods. They have an impressive public transport system funded in part from visitor levies. To improve issues with housing, they’ve introduced criteria so short-term rental properties are managed at a level that doesn’t impact housing availability for the local community.

Here in Queenstown, there is no doubt our tourism industry is leading the way in the environmental space, with the ambition for Queenstown Lakes visitor economy to be carbon zero by 2030. I felt proud to showcase our region and the environmental and social sustainability initiatives operators and our entire community are leading. While visiting businesses and tourism operators in Queenstown, Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Bob’s Peak and Walter Peak, we shared the concept of whakawhanaungatanga (establishing relationships) which enriched every meeting and encouraged deeper connections.

Debbie Braun, President and CEO at Aspen Chamber Resort Association, described the visit as eye opening, commending our focus on sustainability, tourism strategies and community engagement. Both Debbie, Aspen Mayor Torre, and their teams are excited by the fresh perspective they’ve gained and innovative ideas they can take back home.

It was just over five years ago an Aspen delegation last visited Queenstown, focusing on similar topics of housing, transport, and climate change. The opportunities and challenges have remained consistent, highlighting the importance of this long-standing partnership.

I look forward to working more with City of Aspen and Aspen Chamber Resort Association, as our region becomes a thriving community driven innovative business and regenerative tourism.

Mat Woods, Chief Executive Destination Queenstown

LAKES BUSINESS

Queenstown best-selling author Craig Smith and his daughter Maia, nine, have been named as finalists in the APRA Best Children’s Song category of the New Zealand Children’s Music Awards for their hilariously fun rendition of The Stinky Wonky Donkey. Read more on lwb.co.nz

The Landing Frankton, 5 Hawthorne Drive

Open 7 days | 03 442 8695

By QMG

Cutting Edge Queenstown @cuttingedge_frankton

Hall heads up the mountain - former principal appointed Remarks boss

Former high school principal Steve Hall is set to return to the industry and mountain where his career began, this time as The Remarkables’ new Ski Area Manager.

Hall has been appointed following his decade-long stint at Wakatipu High School from 2012 to 2022, and a year off to complete bucket list adventures –skiing in Japan, Canada and Colorado, watching the Tour de France in person and mountain biking the length of New Zealand on the Tour Aotearoa trail.

“I’m genuinely feeling really excited. It’s a great role and it’s a really important role because The Remarkables is so precious not only to NZSki, but also to locals and Queenstown as the town and industry grows”, Hall says.

“I know there’s going to be challenges along the way, but being part of figuring things out is what I’m really looking forward to.”

NZSki CEO Paul Anderson is thrilled Hall has taken the role.

“Steve brings a breadth of experience to the table, and I believe he’s the perfect fit for The Remarkables. As a cherished mountain, having him lead our team is an exciting prospect as we look to the future,” Anderson says.

Prior to Hall’s career in education, he began his love affair for the mountains and the ski industry working in The Remarkables rental department in 1986. In true Queenstown-style “it was only meant to be for a year,” Hall says. But the mountains kept calling him back and he immersed himself in the ski and outdoor industries gaining invaluable experience as a ski instructor at both Queenstown mountains, leading glacier tours, rafting excursions, and heli-ski trips in different tourism hotspots. His adventures even led him to serve as a field training leader in Antarctica.

Hall’s professional journey includes significant roles such as School Director at Outward Bound and CEO at the Halberg Trust. His academic achievements are equally impressive, boasting an MBA from the University of Canterbury,

a BA in Economics and English, a Diploma of Teaching, alongside stints at Harvard University completing two short-courses in Leadership and Nonprofit Management.

Throughout his career, he’s been recognised with several prestigious awards, including a citation for bravery from the US Navy and the esteemed Sir Peter Blake Trust Emerging Leader award in 2007.

Hall will officially assume his role as Ski Area Manager on 22 April, succeeding Ross Lawrence, who steps down after 16 years in the role, and 40 years in the ski industry, on 30 April.

Steve Hall

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INTERIOR SYSTEMS

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TILING

Downtown car parks to return

By Paul Taylor

Work has begun on a $460,000 project to relocate Queenstown’s arts centre building and demolish the former play centre in Stanley Street downtown.

And with the controversial Project Manawa’s future uncertain, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) plans to turn the site into a temporary car park.

How many spaces will be available and when the car park will open is not yet known.

The play centre will be demolished first. The wooden arts centre building, originally part of Queenstown’s first high school, is then expected to be ready to transport to Frankton’s Country Lane by June.

“We’ll then have a clearer picture of how many parking bays can be created whilst maintain good access and without impinging on the established trees on the site that councillors agreed to retain,” QLDC spokesman Sam White says.

“At this stage, we expect it to be similar to the old Ballarat Street car park with a gravel surface (i.e. not asphalted).”

Asbestos will need to be removed from both the arts centre and the play centre, at a cost of $100,000 and $10k respectively.

Country Lane will contribute towards the cost of relocating the arts centre building, which will be split into three sections and trucked to the Frankton site, where it will again operate as a visual arts hub with a mix of artists studios, gallery space and arts related businesses, expected to open at the beginning of 2025.

“This will offset some of the overall project costs but is not a direct payment for demolition or removal,” White says.

“It’s good to see the much-loved building remain in the district.” The play centre site was on Ministry of Education land but ownership was transferred to QLDC and it is now Local Purpose Reserve, which can be used for carparking and ultimately for community facilities as part of Project Manawa. That’s the same as the adjoining parcel of land on Ballarat Street.

NEWS

IN BRIEF

Positive for Queenstown

Joseph Mooney MP says changes to the Residential Tenancy Act announced by the Coalition Government will help Queenstown Lakes. On Thursday, Housing Minister Chris Bishop confirmed a range of measures making it easier for landlords to end periodic and fixed-term tenancies. “The lack of available rental accommodation in Queenstown is a significant issue that puts huge stress on people we need in our community, such as teachers, nurses, and builders,” National’s Mooney says. “While they struggle to find a place to live, 27% of Queenstown houses sit unoccupied (according to 2018 census statistics). By applying more attractive conditions for people with a house to rent, these changes will increase the supply of housing for long term renters.” The changes are expected to come into force early next year.

Arrowtown fashion stores to close

More business closure announcements for Queenstown Lakes. Following on from four recent restaurant closures in Queenstown CBD and Frankton, two Arrowtown fashion stores are the latest to pull pin. Family-owned group Wallace & Gibbs will close its Buckingham St stores Wallace & Gibbs and IKON by mid year. Director Delvine Wallace told RNZ the businesses, operating for 30 and 18 years respectively, remained profitable. But the time is right to close them. “The ongoing hangover from Covid-19 with supply chain and staff recruitment issues, increased business costs, significant changes to shoppers’ habits, and online shopping pressure is a sign of the times,” Wallace told RNZ.

Burns calls it a day

Queenstown Lakes District Council finance boss Stewart Burns will retire at the end of year after 28 years with the council. Before he leaves, Burns will oversee the delivery of QLDC’s Long Term Plan 2024-2034 in September and Annual Report 2023-2024 in October/November. “We will begin advertising for a new Assurance, Finance and Risk General Manager shortly to enable an appropriate handover period between Stew and his replacement,” council spokesman Sam White says.

Huge milestone for wilding conifer control

It has taken 16 years of diligent work, but all the seeding conifer trees have now been removed from 66,700 hectares in the Mt Aurum, Skippers and Macetown area. Whakatipu Wilding Control Group Chairman Grant Hensman says it has been a group effort, including DoC, QLDC, ORC, LINZ, the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, contractors, community volunteers, landowners, managers and other funding supporters. “Future generations should be grateful to the many people involved, but the irony is that when we do our job well, they won’t know what they almost lost and will rightly take as normal un-infested, native flora and fauna, never realising the cost and effort that went into preserving it for them.” Remnant native beech forest is recovering in the valleys now that wildings have been removed.

Queenstown Arts Centre is being prepared for relocation. Photo: QLDC

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

Sounds like EVERYONE is furious about the Quarter Billion Dollar FOUR YEAR traffic “development” (“disgrace” or “disaster” would be more appropriate). Is it too late to tell the government we’d rather have the cash for useful things? I was just on the bus today for the first time in yonks - rather grumpy as I’d forgotten my bus pass and also had zero cash. Luckily the bus driver was not just intelligent, but very kind and let this silly old bat get on for free. I wanted to kiss him, but wasn’t sure if that’s appropriate in these woke times. It was well over half full on a rainy Wednesday and a very cheerful, chatty busload. Would it be cheaper to make the buses free and more frequent to encourage more people to use it, and dare I say, NOT use their cars so much?

Three cheers for Josh Romero’s excellent exhibition of his very fine ink works of the nearby mountains. Not only were his creations lovely, but there was a veritable forest of SOLD dots on them. I bumped into lots of my favourite people I hadn’t seen in yonks like Peta Carey and Grace Cooper and met loads of people I’d only heard of like Stu from Peace in 10000 Hands - what a great project! He’s already raised so much money to promote peace throughout the world and he’s had great support from big important somebodies to quiet little nobodies.

Quiet little nobodies are the ones who make the difference though, and don’t think your voice doesn’t count - please go to letstalk.qldc,govt.nz and look up the Queenstown Lakes District Creativity and Culture Strategy (yes, I know we all think they don’t listen to us, but we have to keep trying!!) about what you want to see on the arts and culture front. If noone replies, they’ll just say nobody is interested in arts and culture.

A propos of culture, remember the big LatinKiwi Fest is on all day on 27 April at the Queenstown Memorial Centre - it is SO much fun and it’s free and there’s food from loads of the 85 nationalities that live in the Wakatipu. If you’re keen to volunteer to help, do contact latinfest.volunteers@gmail.com - they’ll love you for it. Helping your community gives you all sorts of warm fuzzies that will keep you cosy even on the coldest day.

And if you’re lucky enough to be a woman, you get to join Impact100. Although it’s only for women (how sexist and fabulous!!) men are allowed to sponsor women, and lots of very generous men do exactly that - they pay the $1000 and nominate their favourite woman (some even have favourite WOMEN!!) to be part of this excellent organisation. It’s been going for five years in the Wakatipu and I think over $700,000 has been given to community projects here. If you haven’t already joined, be quick as registration closes at the end of April. It’s terrific fun and requires only as much involvement as you choose. Look it up online if you don’t know how it works - it’s a fantastic way to get to know lots of really interesting, generous and fun women, and you learn so much about the needs of our wonderful community.

letstalk.qldc.govt.nz

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ST JOHN HEALTH SHUTTLE

Operates from Queenstown to Invercargill, (returning the same day) Monday to Friday for health related appointments for more information and bookings please call: 0800 103 046

GOINGS ON ABOUT

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART

THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES

COMEDY

An Almighty Yes – Emma Lange

Magical things can happen when you’re diagnosed with a brain tumour! Local legend Emma Lange brings this bittersweet comedy home to Queenstown after wowing the big cities and winning ardent fans like Dame Jools Topp. When doctors diagnosed Emma with a malignant incurable brain tumour, her humour saved her from dark days and tough times. From the depths of that experience comes AN ALMIGHTY YES, a solo theatre show combining absurdist comedy with honest testimony. “No one else is like Emma Lange. She is so original. You’ll never have seen anything like you see when Emma Lange comes out.” — Dame Jools Topp. Friday’s show is sold out but there are still spaces for Saturday’s show. Tickets are available online at teatamira.nz

When: Saturday, 20 April, 7pm - 8pm

Where: Te Atamira, Remarkables Park Town Centre, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton

AUTHOR TALKS

‘Flash Fiction Novellas’ Workshop with Steph Fieldsend

Explore craft of flash fiction novellas with Steph Fieldsend. The workshop will cover essential elements such as character development, plot structure, and thematic coherence within the condensed format of a novella. This is a free event, but booking is required, email frankton.library@qldc.govt.nz

When: Thursday, 18 April, 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Where: Frankton Library, Hawthorn Drive

WEEKEND BBQ

Hot Smoke BBQ Lunch

The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp is holding one of their famous 12-hour slow smoke BBQ lunches at Base Camp. The format is a casual buffet style with your choice of sides - nice and easy – and the kids are welcome. Drinks will be available from the bar at an additional cost.

Adult (13+): $45 | Child (6-12): $25

Infant (0-5): BYO Food | Bookings essential!

When: Saturday, 27 April, 1pm - 4pm

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

Art Exhibition Opening

Arts+Culture

Swinging and toe tapping the night away

by Jess Allen

Christchurch-based group the River City Jazzmen will be heading to Wānaka this weekend. This will be their first tour back after a major hiatus and they’re ready to hit the stage with a combination of Dixie jazz, which is US hits of the 20s, 30s and 40s, and ‘trad’ standards of the UK from the 50s and 60s.

After overcoming some challenges since Covid, including one member of the band sadly passing away, the River City Jazzmen are excited to be back on the road. Banjo player and vocalist Neill Pickard says he’s excited to return to our region after a successful tour here a few years ago. The post-Covid ‘revival band’ will feature a talented troupe of musicians, including Michael Fairhurst on trumpet, cornet and vocals, Allan Hawes on clarinet, Glyn MacDonald on trombone and piano, Dave Pitt on double bass and Louie Moverley on the drumkit.

“Last time we toured, the Roxburgh people, in particular, went berserk and it was a fantastic night – they just loved it,” Pickard says. “And we just like the ambience of the place and just to be able to come out of the Christchurch zone into an area where we know we’re appreciated. The important thing is to just enjoy ourselves away from the old stomping ground.”

Glyn MacDonald is the latest addition to the band, hailing from Western Australia. MacDonald met the band’s bass player when he was moonlighting as a pianist for a trio they were both in. Pickard was excited to have “two for the price of one” with his combined piano and trombone skills and says he’s brought much to the band since joining.

ARTS

Kapow! Comic books have been an integral part of popular culture for nearly a century, with their roots tracing back to the early 1900s when newspaper comic strips became a sensation. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the first modern comic books began to appear, following the success of Superman’s debut in Action Comics #1 in 1938. This marked the start of what is now known as the Golden Age of Comics. Celebrate the development of the exciting medium of comic books, with a focus on local, national and international illustrators, writers, cartoonists and graphic artists. Journey through a timeline of comic book art and working drawings, from the 1930s through to today’s graphic novels, and have a go at creating some of your own comic-style artwork. This is a free event.

When: Saturday, 20 April, at 3pm

Where: Te Atamira, Remarkables Park Town Centre, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton

They deliver tight ensemble work and have been performing for over 10 years now. The band guarantees a good time and to maintain their dedication to authentic Dixieland jazz standards while embracing a range of rhythms and their own interpretation of some well-known numbers. Additionally, Pickard was both surprised and delighted to see a lot of younger fans in the audience on their last tour and hopes to encourage that demographic to give it a go. “We try to maintain simplicity or fidelity relating to the Dixieland repertoire really and that’s the most important thing because people who like Dixieland or trad jazz tend to have a reasonable understanding of the numbers that we do.”

Numbers you can expect to hear include Bourbon Street Parade, Sister Kate, Hello Dolly and Sweet Georgia Brown. The band’s repertoire includes 150 songs that they like to rotate between for each show, hoping to keep both the audience and band members on their toes. They also like to occasionally throw in some swing numbers and ballads.

“We’re looking forward to a good turnout in Wānaka on the 20th. On the Friday night we’re playing in the Roxburgh Community Hall for Teviot Arts and then on the Sunday we’re heading to the Carrick Winery in the afternoon.”

The River City Jazzmen will take to the stage at Lake Wānaka Centre on Saturday, 20 April. For more information and to pick up tickets you can head to the Wānaka Concert Society website or by scanning the QR Code.

River City Jazzmen play Roxburgh, Wānaka and Carrick Winery this weekend

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 Ph: 03 974 4579 | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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

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 8.30am - 9pm.

Saturday - Sunday 11am - 9pm

Street, Arrowtown Ph: 03 441 1849

BLUE KANU

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

Indian Fusion on the Move

Serving freshly prepared Indian dishes, a perfect quick and delicious meal on the go.

Visit our Facebook page, or Instagram @tapri2k23 for location updates on where to find our food truck.

We cater to private events. Ph: 0221 236 640 | 0211 184 515

goodfoodlimited23@gmail.com

LAKES BUSINESS

SOUTHERN LAKES BUSINESS QUARTERLY

Future Hospitality Group’s Bert Haines and James Ace

Gents is a cut above

by Jess Allen

Henry Brain is at the helm of Shotover Street’s Gents Barbershop. e traditional and stylish barber also o ers a whisky bar and lounge in addition to the array of services you’d expect. Brain’s been on this business journey for three years and has grown the shop to where it is now – over 350 clients a week walk through the doors – and he has desires to open more stores in the region in the next few years.

Brain has been in the industry for about 14 years now and has been working outside of the UK, where he’s originally from, for 10 of those. He came to Queenstown about six-and-a-half years ago and as he arrived, Gents was just opening up as an e-commerce business. He started as one of the rst barbers in the shop and stepped into a management role.

“It was only one sta member at the time, just the director,” Brain says. “As the years have gone by the company has sort of grown and grown. About three years into operating the barber shop I was in a position where I could buy it from the owner as he was looking to venture out and do other things. I had the right skillset to acquire the business and I bought it two-and-a-half or three years ago now.” e shop has continued to grow; it now boasts a team of seven, and while their clientele is predominately locals, they do have many people passing through stopping by for a service as well. e dynamic of a barbershop is an important one, and something that di ers from a hairdresser.

“We’re trying to create an experience rather than a haircut. For the male grooming industry, what we try and do is actually make it more of a pleasure rather than a chore, and to try and culturally change that – in Europe and the UK it’s seen as rostered treat. It may be every second ursday and they come in and they have a beer, they chat with their barber and they create long-standing relationships with their barber, and enjoy coming to the shop. Here in New Zealand, especially down in the South Island, it’s a bit of a chore.”

Brain and the team are working to change that mentality. ey want the experience to be a treat for their customers, giving them the ability to come and sit at the bar, relax, and most importantly, leave with a premium haircut or shave. He wants to be a venue where they can host all of men’s grooming needs without them feeling uncomfortable or that they have to walk into a female-dominated business such as a salon. ey try and carry on traditional barbering with a contemporary spin.

Brain has hopes of opening more shops within the region and scale up the business. He speaks of his journey to this point and that there was a lot of learning along the way. He says, in short, “it really is just fake it until you make it.” e network of people that he’s built up has helped, too. One of the bene ts of seeing hundreds of clients a week is that you get to meet people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

“I’m not scared to be inquisitive or ask people any questions. A er working here for so many years, you create a great relationship with people that have a lot of trust in you with certain topics – if you ask them about their business. You learn a lot from that. e business side of things, I think a lot of that comes down to time management. It was a tough learning curve for the rst six months to understand how to do the marketing side or the accounting, admin – all of that stu as well as still working ve days a week. A er a year, I’ve got on top of that, delegated and learnt where I’m best positioned and where’s best my role,” Brain says.

e most important thing in Brain’s business has always stayed the same – trying to change the way that men look at grooming and to provide the best possible service with a unique experience. You can read more about Gents and book in for a service at gents.co.nz

Friendship a recipe for success

irteen years or so ago, James Ace and Bert Haines knew each other socially when a chance meeting in the street changed everything.

“We got chatting, and James o ered me the job of Operations Manager which I jumped at,” says Bert. Every now and again the pair – now co-owners -- look over their shoulders and re ect on the serendipity of that moment.

irteen years of innovation and growth at what has become Future Hospitality Group is based on “an incredible friendship” and a working relationship recognising their individual skillsets and di erent personalities with e ective communication at its heart.

Ask Bert to describe James and he’s to-the-point. “He’s an innovator, a disruptor, very creative and has a meticulous eye for detail.”

James on Bert? “He’s ercely competitive in striving for a very high performing leadership team and business. He leads by example in working very hard to deliver results, passionate about people and our ethos of everyone working with us leaving in a better position than when they started.

“I’m the one who’ll jump in feet rst, I’m pretty good at cutting before measuring. Bert probably measures a few times, but we nd a healthy balance.”

And if things aren’t going well, they’ve learned how (and when) to talk to each other.

“We call it pacing, having learned through external reviews and our professional development to recognise our di erent strengths and ideas and know the time and place to raise issues or discuss something heavier,” says Bert.

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“We ‘pulse check’ that the other person is in a good spot to handle whatever we need to and negotiate around disagreements. We’re thick as thieves but still had to gure out that process.”

ey have a laugh together “on the daily,” play golf and even go away on holidays together (in the name of market research!)

“We challenge each other, we’re yin and yang, but we’re always super respectful and trust is a big thing,” says James. “I can be really passionate about something but have learned to ask myself ‘what would Bert think’.”

e pandemic could have put a serious dent in their growth trajectory but these self-described big dreamers and risk takers instead saw opportunities.

ey opened Mexican-inspired restaurant Margo’s in 2020, while lockdowns and border restrictions still existed, on just 15% of the original budget.

It was followed by Queenstown Ice Bar (Feb 2022), tequila and mezcal-inspired bar Little Mez (July 2022), and neighbourhood eatery odd saint (Dec 2022), adding to existing outlets Little Blackwood and Minus 5º ICE BAR.

In July 2023 they jumped at the opportunity to buy El Camino Cantina in Upper Village, re-opening as Miss Rita’s Cantina in December.

“Buying it was a no brainer, a plug and play if you will,” says James. “It was a very quick mutual decision, we know and love Mexican cuisine and could see a nice point of di erence with an authentic Tex Mex concept sitting alongside what was already happening in town. e tout’s one of the most electric in town and Upper Village has a great mix of hospitality and entertainment.”

When it comes to seeking new business opportunities, they’re both well connected community-wise, have ears to the ground, and a strategic development plan.

But they admit they’ve made costly mistakes and bad decisions in the past, delivering the best education and biggest learnings.

“We’d look at every opportunity and try to ‘square peg round hole’ it,” says James. “Now we now have concepts ready to go and are very selective with acquisitions and green eld sites a er taking years to gure this out.”

Opening Margo’s enabled Bert and James to bring experienced chef Matt Tobin into their fold. He’s now group Executive Chef and co-owner of odd saint and Margo’s alongside Bert and James.

“Our people are our most valuable asset, without them we wouldn’t have a business,” says Bert. “We proactively look for A-players and those with the potential to be such.

“Turning employees into potential business partners is our dream, and we were delighted to realise that with Matt, a true foodie.”

“Neither of us are chefs, so Matt’s like the third leg of the stool, an integral part of our business now and in the future,” says James. “We couldn’t deliver what we are without him. He IS hospitality.”

From 15 employees mid-pandemic they’re now around 100 full-time equivalent sta , working closely with site managers to instil company culture at all levels.

“We’re all about being transparent and honest, collaborating with them at every step,” says Bert.

Sponsored

Casual luxury comes to town

Luxury accessories brand Deadly Ponies is moving south.

e Auckland-based design house opens its rst South Island store in Queenstown next month, on the corner of Rees and Beach Streets, in the heart of downtown’s new pedestrianised area..

Established in 2005, Deadly Ponies produces handcra ed bags, shoes, jackets, wallets and other pieces from supple, ethically-sourced leathers and materials, with a signature New Zealand style which has attracted a global customer base.

Liam Bowden and husband Steven Boyd are behind the brand, building it up from a garageproject to an internationally recognised label, with agship retail stores in Auckland and Wellington. Boyd says Queenstown has been in their plans for about three years.

“It’s that opportunity to present the brand to a wider audience, with such a cycle of new customers coming through, all the international tourists, especially the Australians,” he says.

“We’ve had a really strong Australian business for a decade, and this o ers a chance to engage with them.

“We also have a really good local customer base in the South Island too, so it’s a nice combination and a great location for a store.”

e 50sqm premises, the former Partridge Jewellers site, is in one of Queenstown’s premium locations, with downtown now attracting more and more luxury brands.

“Retail is the part of the business I really enjoy,” says Boyd, who is the company’s managing director.

“It’s pretty dynamic, right, and one of the challenges for us as we were growing was nding ways to present the brand.

“Even though we’ve got an amazing stockists network, loyal stockists we’ve had for 15 years, there’s nothing quite like having your own place. at’s why we focus really heavily on our interiors, making the spaces feel sort of like small homes, loungy. Very quiet, quite intimate spaces, so ly lit.

“Our customer service strategy is warm and inviting. We steer away from that heavy luxury and lean into the fact that New Zealanders are far more casual shoppers. We want an environment that re ects that.”

e store will carry around 50 products, not the whole range, but there will be some bespoke creations to celebrate the opening in Queenstown. e pieces are casual luxury, day wear rather than events.

“Trends shi in and out but currently, post Covid, a lot of brands are now leaning into that aesthetic.”

ey are designed in their Auckland studio and manufactured by select global partners who share the brand’s sustainability values, each signing the Deadly Ponies code of conduct.

e journey began with creative director Liam Bowden making one-o leather pieces and jewellery in his garage, taking scraps from tannery o -cuts to create his rst designs.

He’s self-taught in pattern construction, sewing, and nishing, and when he was studying graphic design at university, Liam made a pair of goat fur slippers jokingly passing them o as pony fur. ey were nicknamed his ‘Deadly Pony’ slippers.

“He began creating stickers with this nickname, and as he ventured into selling products at markets, he casually jotted down prices on the back of these branded stickers. Without realising it, he inadvertently gave birth to Deadly Ponies.” Boyd says.

at upcycle ethos is retained within the business and one of its core philosophies is to have as minimal impact on the environment as possible.

e high-quality leathers are tanned without harmful chemicals and the products use 100% recyclable solid brass, which means the leather can be refurbished and brass melted down to form new products. ey invite

customers to earn a $50 gi voucher by returning pre-loved Deadly Ponies products. e company has also moved to zero plastic and aims to be zerowaste certi ed by the end of FY24.

“You really have to commit to it but being small gives you a lot more exibility to move faster, by not carrying a huge amount of stock. We can run a very low production model. Most of our products sell out season on season. And that’s a deliberate strategy because it means we can innovate quite quickly.”

Queenstown will be something of a homecoming for Boyd, whose grandfather Douglas Badcock was born in the town and was a well-known landscape painter. “You could say it’s come full circle. He had a shop in town in the ‘60s or ‘70s, and back then handcoloured photos for tourism board displays around Queenstown. We’ll actually have one of his original watercolours on display.”

Deadly Ponies’ Steven Boyd, left, and Liam Bowden in Queenstown

Producing the best

by Sue Fea

Tucked discreetly in rural tranquility o Speargrass Flat Road, one of New Zealand’s most successful lm production and risk management companies is quietly doing its stu , interacting with global lm heavyweights on a daily basis.

GFS was co-founded in 2004 by three-time Emmy Award-winning producer Julian Grimmond and his wife Frith O’Hagan, and over the years has won a host of industry honours. But for this humble Dunedin boy, who started out as a freelance researcher 30 years ago, that’s not what it’s all about.

ere’s plenty of hard grind, 16-hour days with 3am calls around the globe at times, but for Grimmond it’s a passion and it’s all been worthwhile.

GFS has worked on feature lms, television series and documentaries all over the world.

Con dentiality is paramount in the lm industry and while Grimmond strictly keeps his clients under wraps, the long list of credits on GFS’s website highlights plenty of big names in lm and fame. From History Channel, National Geographic, Fox and CNN through to Net ix and Sony, most recently these include Prince Harry and Oprah Winfrey’s Apple TV mini-series and Academy-award-nominated ‘Don’t Look Up’.

Starting as a director for TVNZ and Natural History New Zealand in Dunedin, Grimmond developed and helped sell an idea to Discovery Channel for a realty ski season series – ‘Adventure Central’, shot in Queenstown in 1999 which he directed.

A producer on e Amazing Race, working all over the world, he won three Emmys and a Producers Guild of America nomination as part of that team. His export focused production company was established to sell content overseas for various shows and series. “Our clients are the streamers, studios and networks across the US and Europe.”

In 2022 Grimmond launched screen production company, Emissary Pictures, with a number of lms and productions underway, including ‘ e Rider”, written by Kiwi actor Jospeh Taylor, who appears in Dev Patel’s latest movie Monkey Man.

“It’s a beautiful lm about Indonesia’s rst female motorbike stuntwoman who rides the Wall of Death – a huge passion project for us.”

“You grow your reputation through hard work and making tough decisions.”

Key to GFS’s success has been its ability to identify a gap in the market and deliver with “unquestionable quality”, leaning into new technology like AI. at gap was managing risk on lming locations around the world. “Good producers admit they may not know everything, so they seek expertise from people with that speci c knowledge.” at’s where GFS steps in as consultants for major industry clients around the world. “We’ve produced and consulted on productions in pretty much every country on earth.” at’s required considerable cultural empathy. “We love the di erences in the way people do business and the way cultures exist. You’re always trying to nd common ground. You become a cultural shock absorber between your clients and the communities where they want to lm.” It’s exhilarating and a great opportunity to work in far ung places like Jordan and Indonesia, he says.

“A large amount of what we do we’ve pioneered. We de nitely occupy a leadership function in risk management and screen productions,” Grimmond says.

He’s learnt a lot since he and Frith, the company’s COO, rst launched GFS from Queenstown almost 20 years ago, originally as Global Film Solutions. e company has become expert at assessing risk in a

game where reputation is paramount, Covid obviously creating phenomenal demand worldwide.

Despite its location this gutsy Kiwi company was rst out of the gates supporting lm productions around the world as the pandemic was starting to emerge overseas. “ at was an incredibly busy time for us. We’d spotted early signs overseas and advised our industry clients that it was coming.” Instead of hindering their business it became an opportunity to expand. “ e clients came to us. We recruited hundreds of skilled people all over the world to work alongside us,” he says.

At the end of the day though it’s about budget and time – time on task. “It’s just about absorbing every challenge.”

“Anyone can pursue their own creative business. You just need passion, drive, and determination to get there, humility, and an openness to work in collaboration with others,” he says.

“ ere’s a plethora of di erent characters in this industry. Just nd your tribe, keep to the content that’s yours and don’t judge other people.”

“We’re o en constrained in business by expectations – geographical and resources, but if you know what these are you can overcome them. We o er services to global companies by not being constrained working from here.”

While Queenstown’s viewed as anchored in tourism and construction and that’s vital, there are some highly successful creative businesses here, he says.

“We’re a diverse economy.”

Julian Grimmond

The business of distilling

by Jess Allen

Broken Heart Scapegrace

Broken Heart Spirits are distilled in Queenstown and the business was created by Joerg Henkenhaf and Bernd Schnabel. e origin story of the distillery is one of friendship and tragedy, as Bernd sadly fell ill and passed away suddenly in 2012. Joerg, on his own path of healing, realised that as much as a broken heart hurts, it’s also a space to be lled with new beginnings –he decided to share the gin with the world and call it Broken Heart for him.

Henkenhaf is originally from Germany where his family would make wine and fruit-infused spirits. His rst endeavour here was a distillery called Gibbston Spirits, where he wanted to make use of the grape skins that many winemakers were composting instead of utilising.

“I was involved in the vineyard industry and I started with grappa and brandy,” Henkenhaf says. “ en gin was something that interested me and I wanted to do those things together with my friend Bernd, so we decided to do a gin – everything was done – and then he became ill and died.”

When they rst started out, they were only the third distillery in New Zealand, today there’s around 170. Joerg was also one of the founding members of the New Zealand Spirits Association.

“In the beginning, I thought ‘let’s just have a little bit of a club where we talk about di erent ideas.’ It became a well-known association for de ning standards in New Zealand and taking care of things – it became an important tool.”

Because of our more remote location there are di erent challenges in running a distillery here, Joerg says it’s so important to be innovative. Sustainability is also at the forefront of the business. ey’ve recently released an eco re ll pouch, encouraging people to purchase a bottle of their chosen spirit just once and then continue to re ll it. e reception so far has been very positive.

“It has signi cantly less weight – in a carton with bottles we can t six bottles and in the same carton we can get 12 pouches. We can double the amount of liquid in there, so it has quite a big impact on our carbon footprint as well.”

An expansive 36-hectare site sitting 80 metres above Lake Dunstan and Mt Pisa is home for Scapegrace Distillery.

Daniel McLaughlin is the managing director at Scapegrace and started the company 10 years ago and it took them around two years to get to market before that.

“I started with my brother-in-law Mark Neal and a family friend, Richard Bourke,” McLaughlin says. “We’re all from the industry but in di erent areas. I had a business that I started when I was in my early 20s, which was a liquor promotions agency. Mark was ex-Lion and Richard was brand and strategy and worked a lot in the liquor space.”

e business was started as the trio felt New Zealand was underrepresented on the world stage for spirits. ey were keen to create a company where New Zealand was known for creating some of the world’s nest spirits and have since grown to become NZ’s largest independent spirits company.

“Myself and Mark aren’t the distillers but we’ve got our master distiller, Anthony, who’s been with the company from early days. He distils all our spirits and he’s a second-generation distiller that was self-taught. He came on a board and does all our gin, vodka and whisky distillation at the moment.”

Scapegrace ended up in our region when they were on the lookout for the right place to build NZ’s largest distillery. One of the reasons they chose the site was because of the phenomenal climate, which McLaughlin says is perfect for ageing whisky. e water source was another deciding factor, as well as the fact more than half of the shareholders are based in Otago.

When McLaughlin was looking to get into the industry, he was asked ‘how are you uniquely quali ed to succeed in the industry?’ He says that having experience and understanding when starting up a business is a good start, and that being uniquely quali ed is pretty important.

“Having a good team is really important – people around you that have skillsets in areas that are stronger than yours. You don’t want everyone to be good at the same thing. We’ve got a really good team here at Scapegrace and everyone brings their own unique set of skills.”

Joerg Henkenhaf

Daniel McLaughlin

Neki’s passing the baton

by Sue Fea

A changing of the guard is underway at one of Queenstown’s most popular health clinics. Highly regarded chiropractor Neki Patel is selling Queenstown Health, which he opened 1993, passing the business baton to colleague and protégé Cole Mackie.

Mackie took over 49% of the Gorge Road business at the start of this month and will own the practice outright next year. It employs three chiropractors, ve physiotherapists, two massage therapists and two acupuncturists, all with a focus on treating Queenstown locals.

But Patel, who was recently appointed as New Zealand, Australia, and the Paci c Islands’ representative on the prestigious International Federation of Sports Chiropractic (FICS) executive board, will continue to treat patients at Queenstown Health.

He’s just stepping back from owning and running the business, as he did with the practices he successfully established in Wānaka, Cromwell and Alexandra over the years.

“It’s an exciting time for me because as a clinician, I really just want to treat patients, and the stress of running the business is being taken over by Cole,” Patel says. “ e amount of bureaucracy and paperwork you have to deal with these days is quite fatiguing.

“As a mentor, it’s really nice to see him progress to be able to step up into owning the business. I’ll be there to help him out but with a more hands-o approach that allows me more free time to spend with my family and friends, which is the most important thing for me. Why live in paradise and work like a dog?”

Patel, who arrived in Queenstown from London in 1992, has been chiropractor to the All Blacks, the Ice Blacks, Queenstown’s Southern Stampede, has been involved with the Australian PGA for 26 years, and with the New Zealand Open at e Hills and Millbrook.

He says treating sports pros has been fantastic for professional development but that’s not the highlight of his 30-year career in Queenstown.

“It’s a privilege to work with the sports people and teams, but the most rewarding thing is treating generations of locals - I’ve treated people as kids, then as adults, and then they come in with their children. “ ere’s that really nice atmosphere of a family doctor, that personal care. at can be missing from health care these days. You treat such interesting people in a small town like this, their stories are so good, and even if you come to work feeling a little tired, they give you a li .

“ e sports stu keeps you fresh and pushes the boundaries, but that’s been my highlight.”

Mackie is a testament to Patel’s family-friendly approach.

“I used to have headache problems as a kid,” Mackie says, “and I actually got treated for those headaches through Neki’s clinic in Alexandra, by one of his chiropractors, Simon Bourke.”

at gave Mackie the push towards being a chiropractor, so a er school he headed to Auckland to study at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic.

“I did my time up there and was looking at di erent options and Neki had a position available, and it was always my goal to come back to Central, and ultimately own a business.

“ en, a er a few years, when Neki suggested taking over, it seemed like the perfect time and opportunity.”

Mackie has also recently taken on the role of President of Sports Chiropractic New Zealand. Like Patel, Mackie is working with sports teams to continue his hands-on education, including supporting Southern Stampede to consecutive NZIHL titles, working with Queenstown Football Club, and the New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation, recently travelling to Turkey for

the U18 world championships.

“It’s such a punishing sport and everything can change so quickly,” he says. “One minute all will be ne, and the next you have someone with a dislocated shoulder, fractured wrist, or cracked ribs. You learn so much that you can apply directly when you’re dealing with patients in your community.”

Patel says valuing community has been key to the success of the practice, focusing on locals more than tourists, getting involved through charity work and being an active member of the community.

“I was very fortunate to come to Queenstown when it still had that village-feel but was lled with incredible business people, the likes of Les Hutchins, John Guthrie, Johnny Martin, Michael Hill,” Patel says.

“ ey were all so open and supportive.

“ ey’ve said things that have struck a cord with me - John Guthrie for example told me to not be stupid like doctors practices, and to always own the building. So, I’ve always tried to use the businesses to own the buildings.

“My one piece of business advice for anyone starting a business is to know how you’ll exit before you start. You see an enormous amount of change over the years, so it’s time for me now.”

Mackie says having Patel as a mentor is invaluable as he dials in all that’s needed to run a successful established business.

“Although there is a change of the guard, the values of serving the local Queenstown community will never change,” Mackie says.

Business Q&A

With

Greig Garthwaite, Business Broker for ABC. Business Sales

Tell us about the work you do with ABC in Queenstown Lakes? e idea is to put together a simple, no-nonsense sales roadmap to make it easier for business owners to move on from their companies. It all starts with getting why an owner wants to sell in the rst place. From guring out what the business is really worth, through to having the right conversations with genuine purchasers, every part of the process matters. One of major roles in this job is getting a good grip on what motivates both the seller and the buyer. is insight is pivotal in facilitating a smooth handover that satis es both parties. Lately, I’ve seen more action happening o -market, so a bigger chunk of what I do now involves helping people nd opportunities to buy into speci c industries.

How is the market post-Covid? Are sales of Queenstown businesses picking up?

ere is no doubt that the previous 24 months have been challenging in many ways for local businesses, however we have continued to facilitate transactions with willing buyers and sellers. ABC expects business prices to go up by 5%-7% over the next year. is bump is mainly because more people are moving to the country than ever, everyone’s hoping for lower interest rates, and it’s expected that it might get a bit easier to nd sta . With unemployment possibly going up in 2024, we’re likely to see more people who’ve le corporate gigs or are between contracts jumping into the market, keen on driving their own thing, stimulating the “Buy Yourself a Job” market. Plus, there’s always a steady crowd dreaming of swapping life in the big smoke for a new start in places like the Queenstown Lakes.

Any tips for people looking to sell or buy a business?

I can’t emphasise enough how key it is to start talking about these things early on. Getting your business ready for a good sale isn’t something you can do overnight. Making sure you and your advisors are on the same page with your plan, and giving yourselves enough time to work on it, really ups your chances of securing a

successful sale. If you’re thinking about buying a business, it’s smart to have a clear picture of what you’re looking for. Start looking into how much you can borrow, how much time you can put into it, and whether you’re open to teaming up with others.

What’s your background?

My journey as a business owner began around 15 years ago with a franchise in Queenstown, and later transitioned into owning and operating a tourism business in Nelson. Along the way, I’ve also ventured into construction projects, o ering me a diverse range of experiences across various business models and industries. Having been in the shoes of small business owners myself, I understand the dedication and e ort it takes to build something from the ground up. is rsthand experience enables me to collaborate with both owners and potential buyers, providing insights into what an acquisition might entail and the potential opportunities that may arise. While numbers play a signi cant role in the process, it’s crucial to take a holistic view of the situation, considering all the di erent aspects involved.

Suiting up to do business – Ruby Fresh Wetsuits

by Sue Fea

One winter morning in 2017 Eddie Spearing woke up with an epiphany. “I thought, ‘I’m gonna make a wetsuit’,” the hardy, Kiwi Brit – a forerunner in Wanaka Lake Swimmers Club, says.

He spent a long time researching and searching the internet and found nothing worldwide that was designed speci cally for swimming in fresh cold water. “On the whole lakes are colder than the sea and once the lake temperatures drop to below 14 or 15degC it’s too cold to swim so the season ends.”

His aim was to stretch out that shoulder season, with the number of those keen to take the icy plunge in our district’s lakes growing signi cantly each year. Spearing, found that by introducing a titanium layer over the torso in between the suit’s nylon lining and neoprene he could greatly enhance the wetsuit’s ability to retain body heat. “It still feels cold but once you get moving the titanium lining re ects between 35% and 40% of your generated body heat back into you, rather than dissipating it out into the water.”

He launched a crowdfunding campaign in 2018 to raise the necessary $36,000 to get his rst production run underway. e response was fantastic and by January 2019 Spearing’s rst Ruby Fresh Wetsuits –named in honour of Lake Wanaka’s Ruby Swim event which he organises, hit the market.

“Since then, I’ve borrowed and funded it myself,” he says. “I’ve literally got 20 suits le from my second production run of 250 suits which I started selling in 2022.” He’s now working on his third production run of 600 suits on sale later this year.” e second run cost $65k to produce with the third likely to cost $140k. However, Spearing keeps costs down by selling direct and is able to keep his price at $750 for a full-length wetsuit, whereas big brands can cost $1050 to $1200. His target market is open water swimmers – a growing breed, but the suits have become very popular with triathletes. “I get a lot of feedback from triathletes saying that they’ve done their fastest times ever. It’s

been amazing. ey’ve said they prefer my suits to all the big names and brands,” Spearing says, proudly. Two times Coast to Coast world multisport champion Dougal Allan told Spearing he’s done his fastest swim time ever in a 3.8km triathlon wearing one of his suits, great feedback for a small-town man who had a big idea.

Buoyancy is also key and Spearing’s used 5mm limestone neoprene, with aspects of the suit designed especially for freshwater use. e design of the central front column shape also promotes good swim-roll dynamics. Fluro-style arm panels – pink for girls and orange for boys, with white options too, make for great visibility in the water. Spearing sticks to the same design each year unless he can improve on technology and only updates once there is something worth updating and he’s sold most of his previous stock.

Vital to the business success has been manufacturing in ailand. “It took me six months to nd a suitable factory and three months to validate what I was doing at the start.” His sponsorship of Challenge Wanaka has helped boost sales through a booth at the event. However, it’s not just the athletic types that Spearing is targeting. He’s also designed a ‘Goddess’ range for post-menopausal women over 55, and is working on ‘ e Short Stocky’ for middle aged men.

He’s also now hoping to break into Australia and the UK market.

COMMUNITY NOTES

Refashion- a raging success!

By Neha Gosalia

Sustainable Queenstown’s first ever Refashion event last month had audiences asking for bigger, better, more!

Putting their own spin on Wastebusters’ 2023 pilot event, SQ offered the community a fabulous celebration of all things Slow Fashion. Held at the Salvation Army’s new auditorium in Frankton, the event was sold out, with over 100 people attending.

Under flashing lights, with music pumping and the crowd cheering, six models (recruited from the community) paraded 13 different looks ranging from sturdy outdoor and active wear to glamorous evening gowns. MC Fiona Stephenson entertained with the stories behind each outfit, which were either secondhand, upcycled, found or taken care of for many years. Judges Kath Buttar (QLDC), Nina Chen (TIKKI studio) and Annie Emery (Anecdote Studio) as well as youth judges Sophie Rasmussen, Sophie Mead, and Zara Martin awarded prizes to their favourite looks and applauded the efforts of each model.

Eventgoers walked away with treasures from an ‘after-hours’ op-shop market featuring Happiness House, Salvation Army and Strange Goods Market, who brought a selection of their wares. They were also rewarded for dressing secondhand with raffle entries for every item they happened to be wearing to the show, and seven lucky winners took home sweet prizes sponsored by local sustainable businesses - 217 items were recorded!

Audience feedback collected after the event reflected the success with one attendee saying the event was “so wholesome, I appreciated the stories behind the clothes as they added a lot of depth and value to the show itself”, while another said they appreciated the “diversity in age and ethnicity” of the models. We are beyond grateful to the event crew, including 25 volunteers who contributed their time, energy and skills to make Refashion into the fantastic celebration it was!

SQ’s Green Drinks offering for Slow Fashion Month was ‘Gear and Beer’, an outdoor gear swap. Tickets sold out with 40 attendees bringing in 200 items ranging from socks to tramping packs to snow gear and taking home some great quality gear in return. At the new Patagonia store, swappers enjoyed a screening of ‘The Monster in our Closet’, while sipping drinks sponsored by Altitude Brewing. Any un-swapped gear was donated to the Branches Trust program at Wakatipu High School, for Y10 students who might not have the gear to be able to attend the annual camp - no waste here!

What’s next? Repair Cafes are back for the autumn season - keep an eye out for dates for events in Arrowtown and Glenorchy in May. Get household items repaired and learn how from our volunteer fixers. Got skills you can share or just want to be involved in our events? Email us at rc@sustainablequeenstown. org.nz.

Resourceful Communities is created by Wastebusters, and delivered in the Whakatipu by Sustainable Queenstown and proudly supported by QLDC Zero Waste District Programme.

Queenstown Arts Society offers free tutored Life Drawing classes

By Tracy Porteous, Chair, Queenstown Art Society

QAS Life Drawing with Kasia Hebda returns to Te Atamira in April, May and June and will be offering two free tutored sessions – one on Sunday, 21 April, 4pm - 5.45pm and one on Wednesday, 29 May, 6pm - 7.45pm.

This is a great opportunity for all who are creative and curious to give life drawing a go and experience this classical form of drawing. The sessions are in two groups of four with a two week break between groups. The first group is on Sunday late afternoons and the second group on Wednesdays in the early evening.

Don’t think of it as serious and only for those that have prior training – it is a fun creative challenge in a large warm room complete with background music and is always rewarding for all levels of experience including none. There will also be some untutored sessions so that new skills can be quietly consolidated.

Following on from the March pilot programme the book and pay as you go model is being continued. This means great flexibility – come to all or only a few classes depending on time and commitments right up until just before each class.

Find the dates and book online or in person at Te Atamira – www.teatamira.nz – Frankton, or through the QAS website – www.queenstownartsociety.co.nz.

Paid sessions remain at $25 + $3 booking fee and all details are available upon booking, including the etiquette specific to attending life drawing classes which are adhered to. Bring only clean drawing materials including sketchbook.

Photo: Dini Photography

RED TUSSOCKS FOR SALE.

Free delivery Queenstown area. Big and small pots. Healthy and bushy. Enquire with Tussockman today. Ph or text on 021654008.

XS STORAGE

Secure self storage units – various sizes available Phone: 0800 297 786 | www.xsstorage.co.nz

Afghan Express”?

5. What prefix indicates 109?

6. Which South American country borders Peru and Colombia?

7. What is the chemical formula for alcohol?

8. What is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the island of Crete?

9. A “charm” is a collective noun for which birds?

10. The island of Komodo, famous for its “dragons”, is in which country?

11. The omnium is an event in which sport?

12. In which country is the Interlagos motor racing circuit?

13. In Greek myth, what name is given to the blood of the gods?

14. What device is used for measuring wind speed?

15. Which artist was associated with the Catalonian town of Figueres?

16. Where in the body are the islets of Langerhans located?

17. Which bird is known as a “laughing jackass”?

18. On which continent is the Tukano language spoken?

19. Who was the Roman goddess of handicrafts and equivalent of the Greek Athena?

20. How many cubic feet are there in a cubic yard?

21. What is the name for someone who studies handwriting?

22. Of what is hypnophobia a fear? 23. Which fruit is the base for slivovitz?

16

Trades & Services

Ph: 03

409 2800

enquiries@qmg.co.nz

jobfix.co.nz

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

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

WHAKATIPU DRIVE MY LIFE ARE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS to become mentor buddies to help our vulnerable people achieve their drivers licence. If you are interested or have any questions contact Louise Ward louise@reap.co.nz

SPCA OP SHOP – 51 GORGE RD. Open Monday – Saturday 9am- 5pm. Sunday 10am-4pm. Pre-loved goods and clothing at great prices. Help support the ongoing work done by the SPCA. Accepting donations now. (Please NO furniture or Children’s clothing.) Call into store now to enquire about Volunteering. Your old goods, or your time, could help save a life. ]

WSCA – ROOMS FOR HIRE - SPACIOUS, sunny rooms are available for hire to Queenstown Community Groups. The rooms hold up to 90 people, with seated dining for 40. Located on the 1st floor of Malaghan House, 10 Memorial Street, Queenstown with lift access. There are kitchen facilities, toilets, Wi-Fi, media equipment for projection onto large screen plus large screen TV. Contact us on 03 4429214 or info@wsca.org.nz for more details.

Everything Else

POTTERY WORKSHOP - 10 DAY THROWING & glazing course in October 2024. Please email Di at Wyndrokpottery@xtra.co.nz for information

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR RETURNS to Queenstown Memorial Centre 1st & 2nd May. Don’t miss out on some of the worlds best mountain and adventure films, tickets selling fast at Eventbrite. Queenstown Banff Film Fest on facebook for more info.

GOT REPAIR SKILLS? LOVE STUFF AND HATE waste? Volunteer at Sustainable Queenstown’s Repair Cafes and save treasures from landfill. General event helpers also welcome. Email scott@ sustainablequeenstown.org.nz for more info!

BEAUTIFUL STAY - YOUR ULTIMATE AIRBNB HOST! Super excited to be able to take on new properties for WINTER 2024! I’ll take care of absolutely everything for you! Get in touch today & let’s do this! E - laura@beautifulstay.co.nz P - 02102774171

LOVE YOUR RECYCLING! ONLY CLEAN GLASS BOTTLES and jars can be recycled in your blue kerbside bin. Put all other glass, including drinking and wine glasses, in the red rubbish bin. Cups & plates go in the rubbish too. Thanks for recycling with care.

WANTED TO BUY: SCHIST ROCK- ANY SIZE- even used. Ph 021

We are seeking an experienced professional to join our talented kitchen.

Chef de Partie

Essential Requirements:

• At least 3 years’ experience in quality European style establishments

• Demonstrable ability to work under pressure

• Excellent team spirit and passion for your job

We are currently looking motivated individuals to SOUS CHEF

DUTY MANAGER CHEF DE PARTIE WAIT STAFF

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

• The role requires dedication in all aspects of our profession. At Sasso we use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients wherever possible.

Course Supervisor

F&B Attendant

The successful candidate will have previous experience in quality establishments, be passionate about great food and service, and be a reliable team member.

Great working environment, hours, happy staff and customers, view in the world and good benefits.

We are looking for a Course Supervisor to join our team at Ziptrek. Our Course Supervisors are responsible for ensuring the daily operations of Ziptrek are safe, smooth and efficient, all while maximising the guest experience. If you have experience as a Zipline Guide, have proven leadership skills and an understanding of health and safety risk management as well as a passion for sustainability, then head to our website to apply.

Please email your CV and covering letter to kitchen@sasso.co.nz

To apply for these roles we month minimum commitment must be legally entitled Please apply to 2 Rees St 442 5288 or dine@primerestaurant.co.nz

www.ziptrek.com/careers

Great new family French Bakery is opening soon in Remarkables park shopping centre.

Great new family French Bakery is opening soon in Remarkables park shopping centre.

Great Family French Bakery is waiting for you. We are looking for :

- Baker assistant (Making sandwiches, Baking goods, making products, cleaning,…) Previous experience is preferred.

We can offer you the possibility to learn more about french bread and pâtisserie. You must be motivated, smily and friendly. You should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa. We have a lot of option available for you.

- Baker (Making and baking breads, making viennoiseries, mixing products, cleaning,…) Full time. Previous experience is necessary. You must have legal right to work in New Zealand.

We are looking for cashiers, baristas, (assistant) bakers, (assistant) pastry chefs and everyone else who want to take part of this new adventure.

We can offer you the possibility to learn more about french bread and pâtisserie. You must be motivated, smily and friendly. You should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa. We have a lot of option available for you. We are looking for cashiers, baristas, (assistant) bakers, (assistant) pastry and everyone else who want to take part of this new adventure. Just let us know what you are capable of. email : marion@maboulangerie.co.nz to apply or for further information

Just let us know what you are capable of.

Email : contact@maboulangerie.co.nz

To apply or for further information

Email: marion@maboulangerie.co.nz to apply or for further information

for reliable and join our team: CHEF MANAGER PARTIE

STAFF

environment, plenty of customers, best good pay and we require a 6 commitment and you to work in NZ. St Queenstown, dine@primerestaurant.co.nz pâtisserie.

Receptionist - Full Time Queenstown Health Queenstown, New Zealand

Ph: 03 409 2800

enquiries@qmg.co.nz

We are a friendly multidisciplinary team that is looking for a receptionist to work at our clinics in Five Mile & Queenstown. The hours are approximately 30 plus per week (including Saturday mornings) You MUST be available to work additional hours when required to cover the staff’s annual and sick leave.

You will need to be honest, reliable, and punctual and have experience in general office administration and reception duties.

You must have a valid work permit and preferably be able to work in Queenstown long-term You will need to have fluent English and an appropriate work visa.

Experience with ACC would be an advantage as well as Xero and MYOB. Applicants must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook express and internet applications.

For further information, please contact Queenstown Health 03 442 8190 or email your application to info@queenstownhealth.com www.queenstownhealth.com

HOUSEKEEPER WANTED

A position has become available for a Housekeeper at our small family operated motel on Frankton Road. 30 plus hours per week. Monday to Sunday with one rostered day off per week. $27.00 to $30.00 per hour.

Paid weekly.

Experience essencial. Physically fit as position involves bed making and light to on occasion moderate lifting. Position entails servicing and cleaning of motel rooms and common areas.

Please apply to the manager info@earnslawlodge.co.nz

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

Staysouth.com Ltd. is a 7 day/week property management company managing boutique & individually owned luxury apartments and villas in and around Queenstown. We are a small team of key like-minded people who enjoy working with each other and we are looking to add to the team and recruit:

• A weekend “Reservations & Concierge” superstar

• A “Head of Housekeeping” to run our team of housekeepers and all housekeeping stock, linen and amenities

• A “Housekeeping Supervisor” with a keen eye for detail to work alongside our cleaners and help the Head of Housekeeping and the Operations Manager run a successful housekeeping team and maintain our properties to the highest of standards

All positions require you to be:

• Motivated, mature, reliable, honest, a hard and efficient worker with a keen eye for detail

• Able to work alone as well as within a team

• Able to communicate fluently in English – both verbal and written

• Able to work weekends

• Have a full driver’s license without restrictions or convictions

If you think any of the above could be a job for you and you are interested in applying or receiving more information; simply email a cover letter with your CV and an indication of which position you are interested in to sonya@staysouth.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

jet boat driver

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bepartofanaward-winningHOSPOcompany RECEIVEstaffdiscountsat7VENUES

Subsidisedgymmembership

ongoingtraining&developmentopPORTUNITIES

There’smore,butwe’verunoutofspace!

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

We are seeking a part-time Executive Officer to help our dynamic community of predator trapping groups protect our native birds and other wildlife. Key elements of the role will be raising the profile of the Trust, recruiting volunteers, and working collaboratively with partners, stakeholders and other NGO’s. You will provide administration support to the Trust; seek out and apply for funding, represent the Trust in a range of public forums, build on and continue to consolidate the extensive network of support for the Trust, provide leadership and facilitate education and capacity development for our members.

We are looking for someone with:

• Excellent relationship building, networking, engagement and communication skills.

• A high level of self-motivation, organisation and time management ability.

• Excellent written and public speaking skills.

• Experience with successful fundraising.

• Some experience with marketing and graphic design.

• Local knowledge and an understanding of and passion for conservation.

• Ability to work from home.

• Queenstown based.

The role is 20-30 hours per week and times are flexible. Some evening and weekend work is required.

All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand and be fluent in English.

For more information or to apply, please send a covering letter and CV to hello@whakatipuwildlifetrust.org.nz

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 19th April 2024.

Ph: 03

409 2800

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

REQUIRED NOW!!!!!!

Southern Lakes Engineering are looking for a Structural Steel Fabricator/Installer Workshop based in Cromwell. Min 5 years experience. Must have great communication skills, be reliable and organised. Company truck included. Fun small busy team environment with regular social outings. This is a full-time, permanent position. Applicants for this position should have a NZ drivers’ licence, NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Enquire Now paul@sle.nz | 0210718823

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

Full Time Experienced Landscape Gardener Queenstown

We are looking for an experienced gardener to join our team. You will be knowledgeable in all aspects of garden maintenance and plant care, and happy to manage a crew. The successful applicant will be responsible for looking after a portfolio of prestigious clients in the Whakatipu Basin.

To apply, you will need:

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.

Also looking for LINE COOK/KITCHEN HAND

Send CV’s to manager@smithscraftbeer.co.nz or apply in person and speak to Pat or Chris.

Gantley’s Tavern est. 1865

Exciting Part Time

• Chefs (All Levels)

• Cooks

• Kitchen Hands

Email your CV to courtney@gantleystavern.co.nz

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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 – COPTHORNE LAKEFRONT

DUTY MANAGER – MILLENNIUM

CHEF DE PARTIE – COPTHORNE LAKEVIEW

F&B MANAGER – MILLENNIUM

HOTEL ATTENDANTS –COPTHORNE LAKEVIEW

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

• At least one year horticulture experience

• Care factor and enthusiasm

• A reliable, self-motivated work ethic

• To be eligible to work in NZ

• Own transport to get to and from our base in Arrowtown

• Full, clean driving licence and able to drive a manual

We offer:

• Being part of a passionate, fun team

• Horticulture Apprenticeships for career advancement

• Subsidised social events

• Ongoing support and training

Please email admin@divalandscapes.co.nz to apply

BARTENDER / MIXOLOGIST

$27.99/hour

Minimum 30hours/week