LWB_Issue_948_Online

LAKES WEEKLY

Autumn festival time

The hills are alive with autumn colours which means it’s time to celebrate New Zealand’s most beautiful town! The Arrowtown Autumn Festival kicks off this Thursday and the crowds have already started to arrive, with over 15,000 people expected to flood the streets of Arrowtown for Anzac weekend.

Now in its 38th year, the festival is set to impress with 48 food, wine, music, art and community events on the programme. With such a variety of events, there’s something for everyone and 70% of the events are free to attend.

Community has always been at the heart of the festival, which began in 1985. It really is run by the community, for the community. The commitment and enthusiasm of our past and present volunteer committee is outstanding and their goal is to make a small profit to remain sustainable, with surplus going back to community groups. This of course wouldn’t be possible without our supportive partners, in particular Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen. Skyline have come onboard this year to support our volunteer crew, which means volunteers receive something in return, a contra annual gondola pass. The festival is a celebration of local talent and creativity, showcasing the best of our homegrown arts community of all ages. The support during this event is extraordinary and most locals have been involved in some form, either as a performer, volunteer or festival goer. I personally love seeing people I know performing on the stage.

Highlights for opening day include Anzac Day commemorations, young performers at the opening ceremony and checking out the scarecrows around town. Take the kids to the art workshop for some messy fun, the heartwarming seniors high tea is always a hit and Friday’s lunchtime concert is not to be missed, as the NZ Youth Choir will be in residence. Finish the day off with some arts and culture at the art exhibition.

Saturday is the big day with our flagship market day offering a wide variety of food, arts, crafts and artisan products. There is non-stop entertainment, showcasing local talent followed by live music in most of the Arrowtown bars. The parade at 2pm is not to be missed, all the old favourites will be there with some new colourful characters in the line-up. Sunday will finish on a high with the duck race, dog show, iconic Pie, Pint & Pinot and live music & street food at Millbrook.

Top tips: The festival is single use cup free so bring your drink bottles and cups, parking is limited (Johnsons Common) so catch the bus, walk or bike instead of driving.

Grab a programme from the Museum or our website, bring your friends along and enjoy the festivities.

Catherine Fallon, Arrowtown Autumn Festival Coordinator

Queenstown’s Little Blackwood bar is supporting local firefighters taking part in the annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge in Auckland on 18 May. Dressed in full 25kg firefighting kit, each firefighter faces a 1103-step climb to the top of the landmark to raise the funds for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ. The lakefront bar has created the ‘Sky Tower Southside’ cocktail, and for the next month is donating $1 from every one sold to Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade.

What’s Luma all about?

By QMG

Anyone new to town who sees beams of coloured lights shining into the night sky from Queenstown Gardens this King’s Birthday weekend might have some questions.

Why are all these people streaming towards the lights? What the hell is going on? And if they follow the throng, they will continue to be astounded.

For most locals and visitors, though, LUMA Southern Light Project festival has now become an established part of the calendar, one of the must-dos for the Queenstown year.

But they still have their questions about the immersive arts festival, which started as a pilot project back in 2015 and now welcomes about 60,000 festival goers each year, offering soundscapes, live music, illuminated art,

WHY ISN’T IT FREE ANYMORE?

As the event grew, the initial funding streams began to taper off (this was always the plan). Although we still have a huge amount of support from our partners, it’s too much to ask the business community to fully fund the event, and shaking koha buckets at the gate was never going to give LUMA a secure future. Asking our guests to contribute through a paid ticket system is the only way to keep things afloat and our current ticket price of $25 allows us to pay material costs, pay all of our suppliers, cover year-round fees and pick up the shortfall resulting from reduced funding or commercial sponsorship.

sculptures, sonic environments, interactive performance, and hospo.

The team behind the long weekend, six local good ‘uns who make up the registered not-for-profit charity, the LUMA Light Festival Trust, have put together a list of the questions they get asked the most about the festival. You can find the full list on the Lakes Weekly Bulletin website, lwb.co.nz, and Queenstown App but here are a couple to get you started.

Luma runs from 30 May - 3 June. Adult tickets are priced $25 in advance and allocated to specific nights. Under 12s are free but still need a ticket.

But some of the main questions people ask are around costs, funding and ticketing, (answers from the LUMA team):

WHERE DOES ALL THE PROFIT GO?

The reality is LUMA makes a very small margin which is just enough to cover administration, rent and year-round planning by the event team. Last year, we estimated that the organisers were working for approximately $9 an hour whilst also balancing full time jobs. Although we started out as a 100% volunteer team, we have needed to engage more people and cover more costs as the year-round scale of the event has grown.

WHAT KEEPS YOU ALL GOING?

We often ask ourselves this question but the answer is simple; Queenstown needs a cultural, creative heart, and LUMA is the best way to present our brand of artistic diversity to the whole community for five short days every year. Our hope is that LUMA can be part of a growing social fabric in a town which is often criticised for losing its soul. A significant part of your ticket purchase goes back into the New Zealand arts community which allows local and national creators the opportunity to showcase their work. 95% of the art in LUMA is New Zealand home grown, and benefits kiwis directly.

The team is encouraging Queenstown’s notoriously last-minute ticket buyers, and visitors, to buy their tickets early to support the event, helping the festival continue changing the nightscape and building the community.

“Every ticket sold adds to the future of the event but also to the culture of our town,” Luma’s Tim Buckley says. “We’re always looking for fresh ideas, volunteers, partners and feedback. If you think events like LUMA need to be part of our future here in the Southern Lakes, join the team, buy your tickets early or just tell your mates.

“It really is a case of use it or lose it.”

Douglas makes history at Routeburn Classic

By Paul Taylor

Queenstown’s Sarah Douglas powered home in the Routeburn Classic on Saturday, becoming the first person to win it three times.

Douglas, one of New Zealand’s most accomplished mountain runners, won the women’s race in 3 hours, 24 minutes, and 7 seconds, eight minutes shy of her women’s course record, which she set in 2014.

Auckland’s Toby Batchelor was the overall winner, finishing in 2hrs 48mins 2secs, about 10 minutes off Jack Beaumont men’s race record of 2hrs 37min 51secs, set in 2017.

Just under 400 runners took on the 32km mountain run along the Great Walk, through Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. The oldest competitor was 74-year-old Robina Bodle, and the youngest was 17-year-old Sophie Nelson.

Douglas wasn’t sure she would make the start line, after an operation on her feet earlier this year, but a solid month of training leading up to the event gave her confidence that she was fit and strong enough to compete at the level she expected.

“I’ve always put the Routeburn Classic on the calendar because I love distance. It’s got a really good mix of technical terrain and flat terrain—plenty of uphill and downhill! I’m stoked to be able to come back and take the win for another year,” she says.

Douglas says conditions were perfect for trail running. “The trail was absolutely stunning out there today, with bluebird skies. I didn’t really have a plan going into the race other than to take it how it came, and I had a lot of fun.”

Australian Kelsey Lewis took second place in the women’s race with a time of 3hrs 28mins 49secs, followed closely behind by Ruby Knight.

Overall winner Batchelor had finished just two minutes behind David Haunschmidt last year.

“While I didn’t get to race David again, it was nice to get the top spot in a competitive field,” Batchelor says.

Women’s race winner Sarah Douglas. Photos: Routeburn Classic / Michael Beckmann

“It was a beautiful day with spectacular scenery. The trail is absolutely incredible; it’s one of the best sub-ultras in the country, even the Southern Hemisphere. I just wanted to come and run and see beautiful country, and the fact it’s a race is a bonus.”

Australian Douglas Golding crossed in second place in 3hrs 3mins 41secs, with Louis Schindler a further five minutes back.

While there were some epic battles for podium spots in both the male and female categories, for others, the day was about experiencing an iconic NZ Great Walk and crossing the finish line with a smile and a huge sense of achievement.

The event has been marred in recent years by cancellations in 2018, 2019, and 2020 due to adverse weather conditions, and the 2022 edition was called off due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Race Director Glen Currie is pleased to be able to put on another event for two years running.

“The event gets better and better each year, and we look forward to celebrating its 20th year in 2025.”

The field was made up of 59% males and 41% females, while overseas runners are 11% of the field, with eight countries represented.

Read more on lwb.co.nz and the Queenstown App

Major project to restore woodland

By Paul Taylor

Native planting is expected to begin next March to re-cloak Coronet Forest near Arrowtown.

The landmark five-to-seven year project will see species such as tawhai rauriki (mountain beech), kōwhai, kōhūhū (pittosporum) and kapuka (broadleaf) return to the hillside above Malaghans Rd.

It follows the early harvest of the 172ha of Douglas fir, which were established as a commercial forest between 1984 and 1996. They’d become a significant seed source contributing to the wilding pine problem on neighbouring indigenous tussock grassland.

Some 90,000 tonnes of timber were removed from the site between January 2020 and May 2023 by Mike Hurring Logging Ltd, netting Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) almost $1.9 million in profit.

Now the work begins to regenerate the hillside to its former glory, likely bolstered by network of recreational trails for walking, biking, horse riding and for paragliding access.

QLDC has awarded the contract to iwi-owned and operated charitable company Te Tapu o Tāne and environmental science consultancy e3Scientific Limited.

Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers says the partnership is bigger than a regeneration project.

“Ultimately this is about creating relationships and connections as we work together to restore and protect our local natural environment for generations to come,” Lewers says. “It provides a unique opportunity to be a leading example of how ecological restoration can be successfully achieved within the Otago region and throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Coronet Peak and much of Queenstown was once covered in native forest abundant with tāwhai (silver beech), tōtara (podocarp) and mānuka, and bordered extensive wetlands at its base. This area would have been thriving with kiwi, kereru, weka, tuatara and many other taonga species. It was an important place for mahinga kai (natural food source) and has links to the Ngai Tahu Rūnanga.

Te Tapu o Tāne chief executive Jana Davis say: “The Queenstown community have spent the last few years watching the pine forest come down, it’s going

to be great seeing the new direction for the maunga (mountain).

“We plan to hold a few wānanga (workshops) over the next 12 months as we get the site ready to come alive with eco-sourced trees and plants and scale up the intensive pest control operation.”

Davis says the awarding of the contact is a special moment for organisation, on behalf of Ngāi Tahu kī Murihiku, and acknowledged Kāi Tahu ki Otago for all their support.

“The Coronet Forest kaupapa is all about building on the partnership between QLDC, Mana Whenua, Te Tapu o Tāne and Citycare Property, as well as the kaimahi at e3Scientific.

“On behalf of all our partners it is a privilege to be delivering this kaupapa for our hometown and building the Whakatipu Basin towards a deafening dawn chorus of taonga manu (native birds) and providing access to the largest indigenous reforestation project in the history of the basin. He waka eke noa, we are all in this waka together.

“The kaupapa will provide opportunities supporting regional development including local jobs and training.”

Te Tapu o Tāne is also involved in the Treespace replanting project on nearby Mount Dewar.

e3Scientific managing director Glenn Davis says reinstating the forest is the latest step in a significant history of ecological restoration work in the district over the last 20 years.

“These projects have provided the ecological community with the skills, expertise and confidence to reinstate local biodiversity at a landscape scale,” Glenn Davis says.

“The role of e3Scientific is to bring together and impart the knowledge we have gained to maximise the performance of the plantings and ensure that the project leads the delivery of large scale ecological restoration in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

The first year of work involves site preparation and planning.

To follow this project, including opportunities for community involvement, head to www.qldc.govt.nz/coronet-forest

The logged Coronet Forest

managing director Glenn Davis

Te Tapu o Tāne chief executive Jana Davis

Queenstown’s mayor Glyn Lewers

Beautiful beech forest at Moke Lake, Queenstown

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IN BRIEF

Southern skies host RNZAF training mission

Southern landscapes have provided crucial training grounds for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) during a nine-day air drop exercise aimed at honing skills for the real thing. A C-130 Hercules from RNZAF No.40 Squadron was a regular sight in Central Otago and Lake Districts skies recently as the New Zealand Defence Force carried out Exercise Skytrain, focusing on tactical low-level flying and delivering and picking up loads in scenarios where areas could be under threat. The flying techniques practised are essential in keeping RNZAF aircrews’ flying currency up-to-date, as well as the skills used on deployed operations.

International music event mooted for Wānaka

Wānaka could play host to an artist “in the sphere of Dolly Parton” at a music event mooted for next summer. Alex Turnbull and Harry Gorringe presented their idea for a day-long concert featuring at least one top international act at Three Parks to the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) last week. Alex and Harry are respectively the founder and general manager of the successful and long-running Rhythm & Alps festival, which takes place in the Cardrona Valley each year. They said they envisioned a concert with somewhere between 10,000 and 20,000 people at the outdoor space between the Wānaka Recreation Centre and New World Three Parks. - Maddy Harker / Wānaka App.

Bright aurora light up Southern photographers

Two nights of bright aurora have had night photographers running for their cameras to capture the multicoloured skies. Astronomer Ian Griffin said the lights were strong enough to be captured from much of the South Island on Friday night and Saturday night, even with the lights having to outshine a near- full moon to be visible. “It was a big aurora, that’s for sure. I’ve seen some really nice pictures, from Central Otago and Christchurch over the last few nights. They do have to be pretty strong aurora to see them with the moon,” Griffin said. Aurora are caused by material ejected from the sun at just the right angle that it enters Earth’s atmosphere, where it interacts with particles at the Earth’s geomagnetic poles “causing a glow” which is known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis at the top of the Northern Hemisphere, and the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis, at the south of the Southern Hemisphere. Here’s a photo by Gilberto Garduno of lights seen from Queenstown Gardens early on Saturday morning. - Karoline Tuckey / RNZ.

Read more on all these stories and more on the Lakes Weekly Bulletin website lwb.co.nz and the Queenstown App

BEST LOCALS WEEKEND EVER!

4TH - 6TH MAY

School holiday road blitz

Road Policing Acting Senior Sergeant Dylan Hannah-Jones says drivers can expect a strong focus on road policing over the coming weeks, especially during the school holidays.

“There will be a lot of people on our roads, including overseas visitors, with Australian school holidays also happening,” he says.

“Our staff will be out on roads, often in locations you least expect us to be. So please take your time and drive to the conditions.”

The Queenstown Lakes IPT (Impairment Prevention Team) is a dedicated Policing resource led by Hannah-Jones and deployed all around the district, checking for drink drivers.

Police also focus on seatbelts, cell phones and speed.

Recent drink drive cases include a 43-year-old Queenstown man, who allegedly was more than four times the legal limit when stopped at a Frankton Road checkpoint at 9.22pm on 14 April.

He’s been charged with driving with an excess breath alcohol level, his third or subsequent offence, after he allegedly blew 1088 micrograms per litre of breath.

The legal limit is 250mcg. If you blow between 250mcg and 400mcg, you get a fine and demerit points. Over 400mcg and you go to court facing at least a 12 month driving ban.

The man is due to appear in Queenstown District Court on 3 May.

Another local man, 37, was stopped after allegedly observed crossing lanes and driving at erratic speeds on Hawthorne Drive and Riverside Road on 13 April.

Police say his level was 882mcg, and he appears in court on 3 May.

And a Winton man, 23, allegedly blew 783mcg on Kingston Road just before 11pm on 12 April. He’s also been charged with threatening behaviour and possessing an offensive weapon and is bailed to appear in court on 20 May.

IPT officers carried out 133 breath tests on Lake Avenue, Frankton, between 5.15pm and 6.20pm on 13 April, producing three positive evidential breath tests, Hannah-Jones says.

Tickets were issued to a 29-year-old Queenstown male (299mcg), a 33-year-old Queenstown male (400mcg) and a 60-year-old Queenstown male (324mcg).

An 18-year-old Te Anau male was stopped on Frankton Road at 11pm on 10 April and issued with an infringement notice for a person under 20 driving with a breath alcohol level 150mcgs or less, after blowing 64mcg.

Hannah-Jones says they’d love to test 5000 people in a night and charge nobody.

“The people who come through our checkpoints are your mums, dads, kids, grandparents, your builder, plumber, firefighter, mechanic, teacher and you,” he says.

“It isn’t worth the personal risk or the risk to yourself or the people close to you to roll the dice by driving home when you’ve had a few. There are always other choices. You’re never too far away from home so walk, call a cab, organise a sober driver or stay with a friend.

“Police will be here day and night to keep you and your family safe on the road so do your bit by making good decisions before getting behind the wheel.”

Motorists should expect to see Police patrols anytime, anywhere.

With longer darkness hours Police are also urging drivers to be aware of cyclists and pedestrians when driving to and from work.

Shoplifting charge

Police also arrested and charged a 34-year-old Queenstown woman with six shoplifting charges from local supermarkets between 31 January and 1 April on 11 April. She will appear in court on 3 May.

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

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90-Day trials welcomedanother handy tool

By Sue Fea

Most local hospitality and restaurant operators have welcomed the option of 90-day trial periods now extended to all employers, no matter what their size, as another tool to help attract and retain quality staff.

The trial option provides employers with greater confidence when hiring new employees and must be agreed to by both parties in writing before the employee starts work as part of their employment agreement.

A recent survey of NZ Restaurant Association members found 62% cited the reintroduction of 90-day trials to facilitate hiring and operational flexibility as “a top priority”, association CEO Marisa Bidois says.

The association has had “an influx of calls” on implementing trial periods coming in on its advice line from people that haven’t used them before.

“It gives some safety net for employers to test the suitability of an applicant for a role,” she says. Trial periods also allow the employee to test whether the workplace is right for them as the notice period is usually shorter.

Employers can assess an individual’s fit within the company and their ability to adapt and grow into the position, she says.

The 90-day trial periods do require careful navigation though to ensure compliance and reduce risk.

Employers must clearly communicate trial terms in writing in the employment agreement before employment starts, treat employees fairly, comply with all legal requirements, and maintain thorough documentation. “There are a lot of technical requirements to the validity of a trial period and it’s important that employers are aware of these,” she says.

Employers need to ensure there is a valid trial period to begin with, for example, that the employee has not worked for them in the past.

New Zealand employment law regulations also require the employer to inform the employee (prior to employment) that they are on a trial period, which can be through the employment agreement, but also in a letter of offer.

Another catch as of recent times is that 90-day trials do not apply to migrant employees on an accredited employer work visa [AEWV], something Queenstown Lakes employers need to be especially aware of.

Employment legislation can be complex and any business with questions should contact the association for clarification, Bidois says.

A post-election poll also found that a substantial 80% of members classed the repeal of the Fair Pay Agreements legislation as “a critical priority” for the new Government, underscoring its importance to the restaurant sector, she says. “Compulsory Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs) are seen as outdated, rigid, and not in line with the realities of modern workforces, potentially exacerbating compliance pressures for employers.”

This could lead to increased prices and adversely affect those the FPAs intend to protect, Bidois says. “In an era that demands adaptability, flexibility, and speed from workplaces, FPAs do not reflect the needs of businesses and employers.”

Frankton’s Odelay Café owner Ed Devereux says he thinks the 90-day trial periods are helping local employers who’ve been so short staffed and forced to pay higher wages. “It’s been well received,” he says. Fair Pay Agreements were “a joke” as market demand was forcing pay rates up anyway, he says.

“Show me any hospitality staff in this town who aren’t swayed by wage price. I’m going through 70% of my staff every three months. They decide to leave and travel as they can’t afford to live in Queenstown,” Devereux says.

The lure of Australia is also still big.

“We’re still managing to navigate it, but it takes a lot of work to keep them on board and keep them happy.”

He’s noticed the number of applicants is up but the quality is poor so the 90day trial period will greatly assist there. However, he’s employed 160 staff in seven years and never had to implement it.

There’s also been an enormous influx in Argentinians arriving to work in Queenstown, he says.

The Rees CEO Mark Rose says while the 90-day trial is a handy tool used in the right way, he fortunately hasn’t needed to use it. His biggest problem is training new staff in the expectation that they’re staying for a year, only to find after six weeks that’s not their intention, he says.

He was fully supportive of the Fair Pay Agreements and suspects any operators opposed may have wanted to suppress wages. “We want to drive revenue up, so we need good people working for us,” he says.

Queenstown CAB general manager Tracy Poole says there are still good processes and procedures to follow to ensure both employers and employees are protected under 90-day trials. “These ensure employees are set up to succeed and not fail,” she says.

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Arts+Culture

Arrowtown Autumn Festival returns for its 38th year

by Jess Allen

Thursday marks the start of the annual Arrowtown Autumn Festival. This year’s programme will feature much-loved classics and some exciting new things, with something for everyone. There’s over 40 events across the four days with many community groups involved.

The festival attracts a number of locals and visitors to Arrowtown at one of the prettiest and most colourful times of year. Some of the long-held festival traditions include the official opening ceremony, the Bayleys Arrowtown Festival Parade, ASB Market Day and Pie, Pint and Pinot. Catherine Fallon is the festival coordinator and says that this is an event run by the community, for the community, and that’s the way they’d like to keep it.

“We’ll be showcasing our amazing local talent, and that’s one of the core focuses for our committee and the purpose of the festival is to have local performers,” Fallon says. “We use a mix from preschool to adult community groups, so we can give them all an opportunity to perform on the main stage in front of lots of people. It’s quite a good opportunity for up-and-coming artists to show off their performances throughout the programme.”

One of the new events this year is the Mora Dinner with The Breeze. Artisan Kitchen will provide a delicious autumn-style three-course dinner while Mora Wines will offer a wine match. There’s also The Art of Wine event at Bonham Gallery where Jason Bonham will talk about his passion for arts and design, while local Sommelier Candice Chow will facilitate an engaging Mora Wines tasting session. There’s plenty for the kids, too.

“We’re partnering with Creative Queenstown and they’re bringing the Land of the Long Long Drive. It’s a kids show, and they did a puppet show last year that was really successful – to have other arts events within our programme run by external parties. We’ve added in a new pumpkin growing competition this year, which will be quite fun. We have heaps of great workshops – the Kids’ Art Workshop, which is an outdoor-style workshop, a balloon workshop, a juggling one. There’s a whole range of activities to fill in the school holidays.” There’ll also be a celebration of the unsung hero – someone who has contributed significantly to the town, which will be announced during the festival. A window dressing competition has also been introduced this year, encouraging local businesses to get behind the Autumn theme and dress their windows up in a creative way.

“We’re also partnering with the school and Lee van der Geest, who’s an artist, to do a couple of workshops with year 8 students at Arrowtown Primary to create some beautiful sculptures made out of harvest vines. We’ll be displaying these on Buckingham Green and then we’re going to auction them off. All those proceeds will go back to the school. Lee has also done some pretty cool street decorations for us, which she did last year as well.”

There are a number of community groups fundraising this year. The Duck Race and Scarecrow Trail are fundraisers for the junior rugby club and cricket club, and the Market Day features community stalls that will be raising funds for their respective group. You’ll also spot painted rocks around town as Arrowtown pre-school and Whakatipu Wild School students have decorated and hidden them. The hope is for people to find them when out walking and encourage them to add painted stones as well.

There’s much more happening in the jam-packed schedule and it’s lovely to see how far the event has come from its humble beginnings. Originally starting as harvest celebration aimed at bringing town and country together, it’s now evolved into the vibrant festival that we know and love. It’s run by a volunteer committee that are really passionate about Arrowtown.

“It’s pretty exciting that we’re still standing – there are a lot of community events that aren’t. […] We’re always looking for new passionate people that

want to be involved in the community. We’ve got a great committee going so far, but it really is just a good grassroots community event, which we hope continues into the future.”

Arrowtown Autumn Festival will run from Thursday 25 to Sunday, 28 April. 70% of the events are free to attend, although some require registration such as the Outdoor Movie, which is already at capacity.

The full programme can be seen and event bookings made (where required) at arrowtownautumnfestival.co.nz

First Thursdays Quarterly returns on 2 May

by Kelly Carmichael

First Thursdays Quarterly is a free and fun event that celebrates the diversity of arts and culture in our region. Join in the art crawl across six exhibition spaces all located around Earl Street and Marine Parade in Queenstown. May brings new exhibitions to Queenstown including the opening of Fiona Pardington’s new work at Starkwhite. After an invitation to interact with the collection of the South Canterbury Museum, Pardington draw on her Ngāi Tahu whakapapa to create a series of striking portraits of native birds. Birds have long played an important role in Pardington’s photography and take many roles in her work. Messengers of the spirit world, communicating between atua and the mortal world, in Pardington’s work they can symbolise familial love, romantic attachment, ecological warnings, intimations of mortality, or symbols of individual people in her life.

Artbay is also opening a new exhibition by sculptor Simon Max Bannister. For his smaller bronze works Bannister assembles wood splinters, resembling feathers, bone, and sinew, collected from sawmills. Utilising a lost cast technique he crafts these fragments to construct indigenous birds, nests, and wings, each work a respectful tribute to both natural beauty and the need to preserve it. Head to Artbay’s upstairs gallery also to see the work of Brazilian artist Maico Camilo whose brightly coloured and patterned canvases are guided by the interplay of acrylic and mixed media, delving into the depths of his personal narrative.

At Milford Galleries the group exhibition Kawarau 3 brings together photography, painting, and sculpture. Paul Dibble’s major-scale Rabbit Fights Back 1 sculpture is the exhibition's centrepiece, the final artist proof released from the late artist’s studio. Accompanied by new work from artists including Karl Maughan, Dick Frizzell, Michael Hight, Chris Heaphy, Ian Scott, Yuki Kihara, and Lisa Reihana, Kawarau 3 offers a diverse range of work and snapshot of contemporary NZ art practice.

Lightworx has a new mixed media light work from Melbourne based designer Ilan El. Interested in the experiential quality of light and its potential for positive psychological and emotional effects, El explores colours of the visible spectrum to develop objects with playful, interactive, and automated elements. A recent series of artworks, Luminism, challenged the limited ways we perceive the world around us.

Romer Gallery is known for its large format landscape photographs of Te Waipounamu. The latest addition to the gallery results from a night expedition into the Hooker Valley, capturing a dramatic shot of Aoraki/Mt

Cook illuminated by moonlight. Stephan has received multiple awards for this technically precise piece, which also beautifully captures the Milky Way traveling across the night sky.

Earlier this year First Thursdays called for ideas for satellite events to take place as part along the First Thursdays route. 'Have and Hold' was pitched by Simon Morrison Deaker, who invited local Whakatipu artists to join him in creating a mini fair-like environment. Have and Hold brings together a diverse mix of local creative practice – including painting, jewellery, ceramics, weaving, and taxidermy – in a fun and relaxed atmosphere accompanied by DJ tunes. Joining Simon are Kristin O’Sullivan Peren, Dan Preysner, Laura Shallcrass, Claire Todd, and Jessica Winchcombe and everything is $800 and under.

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

First Thursdays Quarterly from 5 – 7.30pm on Thursday, 2 May. Galleries from 5pm, Have and Hold satellite event from 6.30pm at St Peter's Church Hall (behind Starkwhite)

Yuki Kihara, Si' ou Alofa Maria: Hail Mary (after Gauguin) (2020) Stephan Romer, Aoraki/Mt Cook

Fiona Pardington, Fiordland Crested Penguin, South Canterbury Museum (2024)

23 APRIL- 29 APRIL

1876

Happy Hour 4 - 6pm $6.50 house beers & wines 10pm - midnight $6.50 house spirits

Happy Hour 8-10pm

$8 Spirits, $8 Wines & $8 Tap Beer

Hospo Night DJ MAD Drink Specials all night and $6 Tacos

Open Mic Night from 9.30pm

Pizza Night Quiz from 7pm then Live Music

Latin Party with DJ Pirata Open Thursday till Sunday with Nightly House DJs from 8pm-4am

Live Music / DJ from 9.30pm $7 Hotdogs 6-12pm

DJ MAD from 9.30pm

SANDWICH HAPPY HOUR

DJ MAD from 9.30pm Burger Night

Choose any of our Italian-style Focaccia Sandwiches plus a soft drink $20 2-4pm

Ultimate Killer Pool Comp 8pm start $10 entry plus House Drink

Poker Night 6.30pm | $20 Entry $12 Margaritas, $25

Free Chicken Wings (T’s &C’s apply) DJ Just Bill from 9.30pm

Happy Hour

20% off tap beers, wines by the glass and house spirits Mon to Thu 5-6PM | Fri - Sun 4-6PM

| $7.5 Spirits $8 Wines Monday $15 Nacho Wednesday $20 Pint & Poutine Thursday $20 Chicken Parmy & fries Sunday $29 Beer & Burger deal HAVE

GOINGS ON ABOUT

EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES

Arrowtown Autumn Festival

ANZAC DAY SERVICES

Queenstown Anzac Day Dawn Service

The Queenstown RSA invites members, other service organisations and the public to the Dawn Service which will be followed by a march to the Memorial Hall, where wreaths will be laid.

When: Thursday, 25 April, 6.30am Dawn Service (prompt start)

Where: Memorial Gates, Marine Parade, Queenstown

Wānaka ANZAC Day Services

7.00am: Dawn service on the edge of Lake Wānaka adjacent to the town centre.

7.30am: Community breakfast for ANZAC participants in the Armstrong Room at the Lake Wānaka Centre.

9.30am: A civic service will be held at the Lake Wānaka Centre followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph.

Arrowtown RSA ANZAC Service

Join the RSA and local community groups for the ANZAC Day commemoration service, followed by a laying of wreaths. Parade to assemble at Athenaeum Hall at 10am for commencement of the service at the Cenotaph at 10.30am. All welcome. Wet weather venue – Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall.

When: Thursday, 25 April, 10am-Noon

Where: Soldiers Hill, Durham Street, Arrowtown

AUTHOR TALKS

Author Talk with Leila Tovø Larsen

QLDC Libraries is holding a series of talks and workshops from local authors and writers. Leila Tovø Larsen, local-migrant author born in Argentina, and raised in Spain and Italy, is an emerging talent in the realms of fantasy and science fiction. Her debut novel, Naedekov Wars, showcases her imaginative prowess, drawing readers into captivating worlds of adventure and intrigue.

Published in three languages, Leila’s work marks the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable literary journey. This is a free event, please email frankton.library@qldc.govt.nz or call (03) 441 3680 to reserve a spot.

When: Wednesday, 24 April, 5.30pm-6.30pm

Where: Frankton Library, Hawthorne Drive, Frankton

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

Download the Queenstown App today

Thursday marks the start of the annual Arrowtown Autumn Festival. This year is the 38th outing of the highly anticipated programme which will feature much-loved classics and some exciting new things, with something for everyone. There are over 40 events across the four days with many community groups involved. The programme is available online at arrowtownautumnfestival.co.nz

When: Venues across Arrowtown

Where: Thursday, 25 April, 1pm – Sunday, 28 April, 7pm

Community Planting Days

The final Whakatipu Reforestation community planting day for autumn is this Saturday. Community planting days are a great chance to head out to a beautiful location, get your hands dirty and enjoy a morning in the fresh air. You will see first-hand where plants from the nursery end up and help to restore our native biodiversity and mitigate climate change, one plant at a time. 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.

When: Saturday, 27 April, 9am - noon

Where: Slope Hill Recreation Reserve. Planting site is approximately 1km along Slope Hill Road (access of Speargrass Flat Road ONLY) – on the right-hand side of the bike trail. Parking: look for WRT flag on the left.

Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade

Community Open Day, everyone welcome. There will be a BBQ, firefighter combat challenge demo, fire extinguishers demo, fire blankets and smoke alarms, home fire safety visit signup sheet, motor vehicle crash demo, brigade statistics, virtual reality goggles, brochures and information.

When: Saturday, 27 April, 10am-4pm

Where: 3-5 Isle Street, Queenstown

Remarkables Theatre - Pint-Sized Plays

Eight new Pint-Sized Plays will be ready to take to the stage in May. Watch a collection of short comedies and vote for your favourite script! Get your tickets now from Eventbrite before they sell out: eventbrite.co.nz/d/new-zealand/pint-sized-plays/

When and where:

Thursday, 2 May, Arrowtown

Friday 3 May, Te Atamira (Frankton)

Saturday, 4 May, Bannockburn

Sunday, 5 May, Yonder (Queenstown)

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

What can we grow?

As we come to the end of the growing season, I recall many conversations I’ve had over the years about what can and can’t be grown in this region. This often includes what I’m really trying hard to grow.

Remember the secret to healthy plants is always healthy soil. The secret to healthy soil is minerals, nutrients and biology. The best way to get the goodness in your soil is through composting!!! The path to growing any plant, be it your bog standard Silverbeet or your exotic-down-these-parts Feijoa, is using great home created compost.

Over the years, I’ve tried many unusual ‘edible’ plants and I’m still trying. I have yet to give the very exotic Mango a go, I think this could be a tough plant to crack.

Sometimes you have success and wonder what all the fuss was about. In the ‘food forest sphere’ of unusual plants, there’s lots of what I’d call ‘peasant’ food plants, where you have to ask, why bother?

• Russian olives (Elaeagnus angustifolia) anyone?

• I do love growing Medlars (Mespilus germanica) but again what’s the point?

There are a few unusual exotic fruit and nut trees we can try to grow in the region.

Pomegranates would be at the top of my exotic tree list. I had one growing in my tunnel house for 10 years. In that time, I’ve had one delicious Pomegranate. It’s why this tree is still alive as I live in hope of replicating this feat. Citrus can be grown but needs lots of love and to be planted somewhere with a warmer microclimate. The north side of the house or a warm sheltered corner. There are hardier varieties to try. Lemons think Meyer, Yen Ben and Yuzu and there are more mandarins, grapefruit and oranges growing in the

My top three unusuals though not to exotic are:

district these days. They are growing in special warm microclimate hot spots with minimal frost and wind, the ultimate microclimate.

I mentioned Feijoas, these are the most prolific of the exotic fruit trees we can grow. With examples of bountiful trees all over the district. Again, microclimate is your friend here. Try planting along a north facing fence. A few others worth mentioning are Persimmon and Loquats which are worth a go. Pecans and Pistachios are rarer and it’s early days for varieties that will succeed in ripening fruit in our short growing season.

With the craze in Avocado eating all over New Zealand, this is one for the enthusiast. I met a Queenstowner who had one growing outside. I’m not sure if it made it through its first winter even though they wrapped the tree cosily in bubble wrap. I do have a friend with a great indoor specimen, no fruit yet, however.

In the hunt for the exotic or unusual you sometimes come across a nightmare plant.

A friend gave me a Marion berry which is basically a prickly Blackberry on steroids. He called it the Pinot noir of berries. Two seasons in and I almost lost my berry cage to its Godzilla-like canes, and it was time to dig this beast out. Dug out and given away with a health warning. Six months later I’m still pulling this crazy plant out. It’s popping up all over the place. I suspect it’s growing from any root that gets left behind. I have contacted the person who received these distant Triffid relatives imploring them to pull them out before it’s too late.

There are many plants in the vegetable kingdom that I’ve given a go and not all I’d try again. It’s worth growing the basics well and having one or two unusuals in the mix.

Cardoon

Plants I won’t bother with again are Yacon, Celeriac, Jerusalem Artichokes, Jimama and endives. I say I wouldn’t grow Jerusalem Artichokes again, I had them take over a veggie bed for 20 years. I harvested them every year, mostly gave them away and they would still come back with vigour every year.

As I come to the end, I realise I’ve forgotten two that I would call exotic edible plants. A dwarf Cavendish banana and a Mountain Papaya growing in my kitchen zone and as of today they have never fruited, but we will continue to persevere in the hope of someday...

Dr Compost aka Ben Elms is a permaculture and gardening expert who’s been operating in the unusual Central Otago climate for over 20 years. Funded by QLDC and delivered by Wanaka Wastebusters, the Dr Compost project aims to reduce organic waste going to landfill. Got a question? Check out @drcompost on Facebook or benelms.com

Happy gardening.

by Sue Fea

ROY MURDOCH

Horsing around

My Life Story

He’d have to be this region’s most legendary cowboy, movie stuntman and animal trainer and wrangler. Roy Murdoch’s rubbed shoulders with some big names in entertainment and equestrian circles, his entrepreneurial spirit and sharp eye for opportunity constantly breaking new ground.

Born in Invercargill in 1938 and educated at Southland Technical College, Roy completed a diesel mechanic’s apprenticeship before working as a supervisor for the Lake County Council in Queenstown, where he and first wife Joy married.

“I was watching a film at the Mall movie theatre with the hydraulic open-air roof, with Arthurs Point publican Fred Boylan,” Roy recalls. “We saw the shorts about horse trekking in Ireland and Fred said, ‘We could do that up behind the pub!’”

They started Moonlight Stables in 1962, buying the 780-acre (315ha) Atley Farm at Arthurs Point along with Roy’s good mate and fellow musician, famous Kiwi singer-songwriter John Hore-Grennell. “We grew all the feed for the Stables there and at times operated as many as 100 horses, running day and weekend overnight treks, people coming from all over Otago and Southland. Those were booked a year ahead.” It became one of Queenstown’s best known early tourist attractions.

The partners then bought neighbouring Ben Lomond Station in the early 1970s with Invercargill solicitor E.J.H. Preston.

“We had some skilled horsemen and top rodeo guys working for us, so we built a rodeo arena where we’d entertain large conference groups ... as many as 2000 delegates coming. They’d hire the set-up and we’d put on a mini rodeo, while O’Connell’s Hotel caterers cooked on large barbecues on site. They’d feed close to 800 people an hour.”

Entertainment was New Zealand’s best – John Hore-Grennell, 60s-star Paul Walden, and Roy. Roy’s Arthurs Point home was a regular stay for many entertainers. “Howard Morrison and I were walking home from the pub up the driveway one night and we heard Johnny Kopara inside singing ‘How Great Thou Art’ in Māori. Howard, stopped and said, ‘Woo! Woo! I’m gonna record that.’” It became one of his greatest hits.

Roy rode difficult rodeo tricks with top rodeo stars. “We always had a big bonfire and O’Connell’s band would come and play. We had two girls on little white ponies with saddlebags, riding around dishing out drinks.”

The horse-trekking was so popular they had a big lodge built on the station, runholder Mick Sargison bringing in his bulldozer to help. “It was on Crown leasehold land and the government guys said they’d freehold it if we could show a profit within three years.” Unfortunately, they couldn’t and runholder Lin Herron took over the buildings.

Roy’s horseman skills were in demand and for 30 years he spent winters on lakeside stations breaking in and shoeing horses, also on local lifestyle blocks,

shearing on the side. His diesel engineering skills landed him at South Arm in the 1960s to help the Utah-based company building the Manapouri Power Station, the only one qualified in NZ compressor standards.

In the late 60s, he and Joy bought the whole Gorge Road industrial block, off Jock Boyd, for their drycleaning business and were encouraged by the council to subdivide. “I paid £1550 for the lot.” Sections were snapped up for about $2000 each, worth $20,000 to $30,000 three years later. Taylors eventually bought them out.

“One night in the late 1970s the bank manager rang me and said, ‘Your mortgage is rising a bit’.” A shocked Roy discovered with interest rates of 28% - 30% with penalties, he had a mortgage of $130k across the Stables, farm, and station. “I rang Greg Ross (agent) and said, ‘I can’t sustain this’.” They sold the Stables to Pete and Jenny McLeod in 1979 and American Ralph Brown then bought the Nugget Point site on Atley Farm.

A lifelong desire to fly was fulfilled in ‘79, when Roy passed his pilot’s licence, teaching himself the theory, and buying his own plane. He’s clocked 3000 hours, including many flying acrobatics.

Roy’s wrangled for the best of them – overseeing several hundred horses on Eco Challenge and training a similar number on Grand Traverse. He worked on celebrated NZ producer Tim Sanders’ horror flick Perfect Creature, as well as the movie White Fang for two years, wrangling animals, coaxing eels, dogs, and horses. He once clocked 31 ads back-to-back once, earning $7000 some days, and was once a ‘snail wrangler’ for Sony during an ad shoot at Lake Johnson, which was his greatest challenge. They wouldn’t budge out of their shells and slide along the reed on cue, until Roy finally tried the heat of a torch at night.

Roy and second wife of 45 years Joyce Yee-Murdoch owned The Pavilion Pub in Colac Bay where they also owned and subdivided land. Roy’s also partnered with Olympic equestrian star Mark Todd in a global horse drenching venture, but these days he’s happily settled at Lowburn on their 140-acre farm. It’s been a good life.

Roy, 85, on one of his hacks, Mac, at home at Lowburn

From left, top Aussie horseman Tim Tinlin, Branches runholder Lin Herron and Roy during an enactment for the Arrowtown Centennary celebrations in the 1960s

New locally owned business servicing commercial and domestic bin cleaning. (Up to 1100L)

We use eco friendly solutions and processes to clean, disinfect & deodorize bins, along with disposal of excess water.

We also offer a bin in & out service for holiday property rentals.

Please contact us on the information below:

Email: info@tandtservices.co.nz

Phone: 0210 8704 457 T&T services

XS STORAGE

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

All tile services, natural stone, screed, underfloor heating, and renovations.

Call Angel at 0274566245 or email projects@toptiling.co.nz for a free quotation!

NUESTRA VOZ

Por Daniela Díaz Soto ddiazsoto@gmail.com

Seamos todos uno en el Latin Kiwi Integration Festival

Este sábado 27 de abril se celebrará la unión comunitaria multicultural en la segunda versión del Latin Kiwi integration Festival, a realizarse en el Memorial Hall de Queenstown.

Conectarnos con nuestras raíces es tan importante, y qué mejor que compartir quiénes somos con el resto de los miembros de esta comunidad tan diversa. Festivales como éste nos acercan y nos unen, no sólo entre los mismos latinos, sino que abren una enorme puerta para quienes se interesen por nuestra riqueza cultural.

Tras una exitosa primera versión, este nuevo evento absolutamente gratuito, organizado por Latinos for New Zealand, promete una jornada llena de actividades, música y comida durante toda la tarde.

En este festival habrá la oportunidad de participar en diversos talleres de baile como salsa, bachata, hip hop y danza afro. Además, contará con distintas presentaciones en vivo de bandas locales latinas y kiwis, bailes típicos, show de tango, pole dance, música urbana, una performance de teatro, y juegos y entretenimientos para los niños.

Y por supuesto, la diversidad gastronómica no estará afuera de esta mega celebración y se dará espacio para degustar platos de distintos orígenes y que muchas veces tanto se extrañan en estas tierras kiwis, permitiendo, además, dar un impulso a los negocios y emprendedores locales.

Argentina, Chile, Brasil, Uruguay, Perú, Colombia, México y Ecuador son algunos de los países que formarán parte de la festividad.

Una de las novedades de este año, será un proyecto de arte comunitario creado por los estudiantes de la Liger Academy, y que invita a participar a todos los asistentes para construir una escultura ecológica con objetos reciclables traídos desde casa, con la sola idea de promover la colaboración y conciencia ambiental.

“Queremos invitar a toda la comunidad a ser parte, no sólo de este gran festival que se está organizando con mucho amor y dedicación, sino también a las distintas actividades que se están generando a través de Latinos for New Zealand, porque creemos que inspirando y fortaleciendo comunidades a través de la integración cultural podemos agregar valor y seguir creciendo en este hermoso país”, señala Cecilia Martínez Tobar, quien es parte del comité organizador.

Compartir nuestras costumbres, tradiciones y fortalecer lazos son esenciales para construir una comunidad más integrada, tolerante y solidaria. Por eso, no te pierdas este entretenido evento, abierto para todo público.

An English version of NUESTRA VOZ is available on lwb.co.nz

The Council Word

Funding for events and community groups

Applications for three different Council funds open in April along with the launch of our new online application platform:

> QLDC Events Fund – closes 30 April.

> QLDC Community Fund – closes 7 May.

> QLDC Waste Minimisation Community Fund –open 15 April-17 May.

Find out more at qldc.govt.nz/community-funding

Anzac Day opening hours

Council offices and libraries will be closed as we commemorate Anzac Day on Thursday 25 April. Swimming pools and other facilities at Queenstown Events Centre and Wānaka Recreation Centre will be open 1.00-8.00pm, and Paetara Aspiring Central from 1.00-5.00pm.

Collect leaves to protect waterways

Autumn is beautiful but fallen leaves can block pipes, cause overflows and degrade water quality. Help protect our stormwater network, lakes and rivers by collecting leaves and lawn clippings on your property, then turn them into compost or mulch them to protect your plants and soil.

Help save our stuff!

Got a clever idea for reducing waste or finding other ways to make use of stuff we normally throw away? Grants from QLDC’s Waste Minimisation Community Fund are available to help local groups, schools and businesses make a real difference. Applications close 17 May. More info at qldc.govt.nz/wmcf

Latino Fiesta for all!

Our district’s Latin American community is inviting everyone along to the second Latinkiwi Integration Festival. Drop by for live music, salsa and a special kids’ zone. Free entry –just bring cash for traditional food and drink. Queenstown Memorial Centre, Sat 27 April from 12.00-9.30pm.

Mental health workshop for ethnic communities

Are you worried, stressed, anxious or generally feeling low? Or are you supporting others who are? The Ministry for Ethnic Communities is hosting mental health workshops online via Zoom over winter. Free to join but spaces are limited. Find out more about ‘MH101’ and register at blueprint.co.nz

Alcohol licence applications

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

Lost & Found

LOST

HI EVERYONE, SATURDAY NIGHT, I BELIEVE BY mistake someone, took my electric scooter from outside Barmuda Bar. It is a personal scooter, not the public ones easy to turn it on, black and grey, Ninebot max 30. 021954079 Thank you

FOUND

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

• SILVER COLOURED NECKLACE found near Remarkables Primary School

• PETRUS HEDMAN PHONE

• NOKIA PHONE with blue folding case and photo of couple skiing

Accommodation

FLATMATE WANTED. WARM ROOM IN LARGE HOUSE in Thompson St. Looking for a mature person. $300 per week including expenses. Phone 0274426933

Trades & Services

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

GROUT RESTORATION, NATURAL STONE CLEANING, SPLASHBACKS, AND all renovations. Contact us at edy202000@ hotmail.com

1. What type of creature is a ruby tiger?

2. The sika deer is native to which continent?

3. From what is the Indonesian dish tempeh made?

4. Which Egyptian god had the head of a jackal?

5. Which Old Testament book precedes Job?

6. How are beetles of the family Coccinellidae better known?

7. Filbert and cobnut are alternative names for the fruit of which tree?

8. What was the middle name of Russian composer Tchaikovsky?

9. In the game of 8-ball pool, what is the colour of the last ball to be pocketed?

10. What is the cartel operated by oil-producing nations called?

11. Which flower gets its name from the Turkish word for “turban”?

12. Janus is a moon of which planet in the solar system?

13. What is the name for the left side of the tennis court for each player?

14. What is notable about the Sphynx cat?

15. The snow leopard is native to which continent?

16. What is purslane?

17. Oolong is what type of drink?

18. Which actor played Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy?

19. What term did WWII Allied pilots give to UFOs?

20. Banjul is the capital of which West African republic?

21. Who invented the mercury thermometer?

22. The process of evaporation of water from a plant is known by what name?

23. Which layer of the Earth lies between the crust and the core?

24. Which unit of power is equivalent to one joule per second?

Everything Else Community

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

TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST FOR QUEENSTOWN BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour May 1 & 2, Check out Eventbrite or Queenstown Banff Film Fest on facebook for more details!

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

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!

NOLEAF A.G.M. A MEETING WILL BE HELD Sunday 5th May 4.30pm at the Arrowtown Bowling Club.

LOVE YOUR RECYCLING! YOUR YELLOW BIN IS for mixed recycling - Recycle clean plastic bottles, trays and containers marked 1, 2 or 5, cans, paper and cardboard. Pizza boxes free from grease and food can go in your yellow bin too. Thanks for recycling with care.

PRIVATE CASH BUYER WANTING TO SECURE An entry levelHome or Home and income. Prepared to work on House if need be. (No agents please). Call or Text - 021 1040579

Receptionist - Full Time Queenstown Health

Queenstown, New Zealand

Ph: 03

409 2800

enquiries@qmg.co.nz

jobfix.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

Join our hardworking and fun team providing Customer Service in our yard & drive thru

WHAT ARE WE OFFERING?.....

• 40+ hours per week Monday to Friday

• Weekends & all public holidays free to enjoy!

• Exceptional team mates who will support you

• Long term career - progression opportunities

• Competitive pay rates –Increase rates with experience levels (e.g. forklift experience)

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL?....

• Excellent Customer Services Skills

• Physically fit & strong (frequent heavy lifting is required)

• Full NZ Drivers Licence

• NZ residence, citizen or holds a current NZ work visa

• Clear pre-employment drug & alcohol testing

If this role interests you please send a cover letter & C.V. to Rachel – rachel.mansfield@placemakers.co.nz

Course Supervisor

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.

www.ziptrek.com/careers

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

Ph: 03

409 2800

enquiries@qmg.co.nz

jobfix.co.nz

REQUIRED NOW!!!!!!

Gantley’s Tavern est. 1865

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

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.

Join our ODYSSEUM team!

We're looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual committed to delivering exceptional customer service. Responsibilities include customer assistance, reception and administration. Flexible hours, including weekends, are required.

Email your CV to Laura.E@Odysseum.co.nz

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

• Chefs (All Levels)

• Cooks

• Kitchen Hands

Email your CV to courtney@gantleystavern.co.nz

POLISHED PROPERTY QUEENSTOWN needs an amazing part-time permanent cleaner. Initially 10 hrs per week Tues/Weds (days negotiable). Hours vary between 8:30am - 3pm. Option of occasional extra work in weekends & after school. PPQT is a new & growing business so hours will increase. This job involves cleaning many beautiful homes around Queenstown & Arrowtown. We need someone who has a full drivers license and a valid working visa (if not a resident/ citizen), who can commit to 12+ months.

If you are reliable, well organised, work quickly & carefully with a great eye for detail, please email a cover letter & CV to Abby at info@ppqt.co.nz

Delivery Driver

• Class 1 only

• Great company culture

• Fast-paced environment

• Full-time, long-term position

• Monday – Friday only

If you are Fit & Reliable with a good knowledge of the area, then please get in touch.

simon.ryder@harrisonbloy.co.nz or phone 0275 333 006

We’re Hiring

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

Yamaha Service Technician

Exciting new development in Cromwell!

Agricentre South is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Service Technician to join our team.

About you:

• Relevant trade qualification or experience as a Motorcycle Engineer

• A strong customer service focus - providing the best service to our customer base

• A positive attitude with excellent organisational skills

• A strong health and safety focus

What we o er:

• A competitive hourly rate

• Overtime rates

• Great tool allowance

• On going training and the ability to specialise

• A great team environment with a well established company

• Company recognition awards

• Modern and well equipped workshop

What are you waiting for? Apply today!

Please apply with a current cover letter and CV to: hso@agricentre.co.nz

www.agricentre.co.nz

Your Strength on the Land

Join Our Team!

Are you a multitasking wizard with a knack for customer service? We're looking for a dynamic individual to join our team as a Receptionist/Housekeeper

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and loves interacting with people from all walks of life.

Role Overview:

• Greet guests warmly and assist with check-in/check-out processes

• Handle guest inquiries, provide information about the hostel and local area

• Manage reservations, including booking and cancellations

• Ensure the reception area is tidy and presentable

• Assist with housekeeping duties, such as cleaning common areas and guest rooms

Requirements:

• Previous experience in customer service or hospitality preferred

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays

Perks:

• Competitive pay

• Opportunities for growth and advancement

• Fun and inclusive work environment

To apply - Email your resume and cover letter to hr@blacksheepbackpackers.co.nz

PLACEMAKERS CENTRAL OTAGO

Seeks an administrator superstar to join the pricing team and assist with the quoting process

THE POSITION WILL ENTAIL:

• Recording and organising jobs for quoting

• Sending plans to suppliers to be priced

• Formatting and presentation of quotes

• Maintaining the filing system

• Maintaining job and pricing databases

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL?....

• Great computer skills (excel, word etc)

• Good with numbers

• Well organised and able to manage multiple priorities

• Excellent Customer Services Skills

• NZ residence, citizen or a current valid NZ work visa

• Clear pre-employment drug & alcohol testing

WHAT ARE WE OFFERING?.....

• 40+ hours per week Monday to Friday

• Weekends & all public holidays free to enjoy!

• Exceptional team mates who will support you

• Long term career - progression opportunities

• Competitive pay rates

• Can be based in Queenstown, Alexandra or Cromwell PlaceMakers, our estimations team cover all 3 branches

If this role interests you please send a cover letter & C.V. to Derek – derek.stewart@placemakers.co.nz

Snow Chain Fitter

(Fixed term, May 2024 – Sept 2024)

We are looking for a dedicated Snow Chain Fitter for the Winter season. We don’t just sell snow chains, we ensure our customers are purchasing the correct size and style of chain for their vehicle.

Providing exceptional customer service, this is an active role, based at our Frankton workshop. If you enjoy working with people, have a positive attitude, practical skills and want to be part of a fun team, contact us for more details

• Full time, Monday to Friday.

• Training and uniform provided.

• Basic engineering skills an advantage. Contact Zoe for more details or email your CV to zoe@shotoverengineering.co.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

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