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LAKES WEEKLY

LOCALLY OWNEDSINCE FOREVER BULLETIN

Health care: we can expect better, much better

Access to key health services is a long-standing concern for residents across inland Otago.

Despite years of our councils advocating to health agencies, we’re yet to see sufficient progress on addressing the lack of investment in local health infrastructure.

As our communities continue to experience rapid growth, the need to shift focus from Invercargill and Dunedin toward parts of the region in serious need, has become acute. A lack of real investment into quality services is stymieing our districts’ development.

The entry of private hospitals into the district demonstrates there is significant need but does not substitute having publicly funded services. Equal access to healthcare for everyone is a fundamental right.

I appreciate the essential and important work of frontline health care staff in our districts, and I understand our primary health agency Te Whatu Ora has limited resources, but our community can and should expect better.

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan and I have jointly written to Te Whatu Ora to reiterate our district’s pressing needs.

Much of the data Te Whatu Ora seems to base its planning on is dated and out of step with our rapidly growing population.

Add the pressure of the country’s largest tourism industry, and there’s a slam dunk case for substantive new investment.

We’re asking Te Whatu Ora to work with us collaboratively and with urgency.

Let’s look at the numbers: Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago’s combined resident-only population is currently 79,000, which is similar in size to Palmerston North. Visitors to the region increases the population, and need, substantially. Furthermore, Queenstown Lakes is New Zealand’s fastest growing area and has had a population increase of 8% in the last year alone. For comparison, our fastest growing city is Hamiliton which grew by 3.4%. Central Otago is the third fastest growing district nationally.

With facilities several hours drive away, it’s not something our communities can afford to wait any longer for. It’s simply unacceptable that 70% of New Zealanders who live two hours or more from a base hospital, live in inland Otago.

Those travel costs are significant for hard working individuals and families who often need to travel multiple times and spend time away from friends and supporters to get necessary care.

Mayor Tim and myself have been holding meetings to address these issues since the start of my term. We’ll continue the important and necessary conversations with other advocates for our districts including our MPs, iwi, and health service providers.

This won’t be easy, it never has been. We respect the challenges faced by Te Whatu Ora, and the government, but it’s time to stop kicking this can down the road and to at least begin planning a sound and consistent health investment strategy for our region.

Queenstown Lakes Mayor Glyn Lewers

Two hundred local women are giving $201,000 to the Wakatipu community this year via Impact100’s charity grant. Pictured at last week’s big reveal are (L-R) Daniela Mercado, Juliana Fullerton-Smith, Roselle O’Brien, Kasia Hebda, Harriet Jones, TerriLee McGregor, Jane Peasey. See story on page 3.

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Two hundred women to make $201,000 of impact

By Eunice Borrie

Two hundred local women are giving $201,000 to the Wakatipu community this year via Impact100’s charity grant.

The donated funds will be split into two major grants totalling to $201,000, and donated to two charities that will be selected by the 201 supporting women in late October.

Impact100 chair Clare Irons said she is amazed and delighted with the size of the grant: “In what is a challenging time for many, locally and globally, it’s wonderful to be able to give significant support to organisations that do such tireless work for our community- making a lasting impact in the Whakatipu.

“We are incredibly grateful for those who have so generously donated. We know that the organisations we have already funded have made a huge difference and we are excited to see what this year’s winners will be able to do with their grants.”

Impact100 is now calling for expressions of interest from local charities wanting to apply for one of the two grants.

Grants Committee Chair Tess Wethey said she’s looking forward to seeing the variety of funding proposals that local charities want help with.

“Once the 2024 funds are granted, the total amount donated to the Wakatipu community in the past five years will reach $897,500, a phenomenal amount.”

Last year’s major grant recipients of $100,000 each were Kiwi Harvest and The Lakes District Museum.

The Impact100 grant is to enable Kiwi Harvest a purchase new distribution truck so it can continue to rescue 131,000 tons of food from cafes and supermarkets, which is then distributed via key local charities to 756 people who require food support in the basin each week.

The Lakes District Museum is well underway with its digital archive project, utilising its new Impact100 Digital Suite, complete with scanners and cameras provided by their 2023 grant.

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To qualify for consideration, applicants must be a registered charity, be based in the Wakatipu, and have a planned project to the value of at least $100,000 that they want support with.

The Impact100 Wakatipu Grants Committee then whittles applicants down to a final five charities, before supporters vote on this year’s recipients at a Gala Awards event in October, where the finalists present their planned projects and the impact they hope to make in the community.

Expressions of interest applications are available at impact100wakatipu.org and close at 5pm on 21st June.

No phones in school Wakatipu students adapting well

By Sue Fea

Most Wakatipu High School students have adapted to the government’s new ban on cellphone use in schools, and while the toilet cubicles seem to be very popular for some at break times, the majority of students haven’t skipped a beat, principal Oded Nathan says.

National delivered on its promise of no phones in schools with the new rule imposed nationally from the start of Term 2 on 29 April.

The school already had a rule that cellphones are to remain silent and in school bags and only come out during class time with the teacher’s permission.

“We’ve turned up the heat a bit this year and now under the new rules phones must remain in bags during break times too,” Nathan says.

“It’s mostly going well but our toilet cubicles seem to be more occupied as apparently, a small minority are going in there to use their phones, but most of the kids seem to have adapted pretty quickly,” he says.

It’s too early to tell if they’re more focused in class. That’s hard to quantify at the moment, but we hope that it might show even more improved academic results.

He says the main thing is to teach the students how to manage their phones and the distractions they bring.

Deputy principal Lee Hiestand says they definitely confiscated a lot more phones at the start of this term as students adjusted after coming off summer break. However, most have largely responded well to the tightening of regulations. They’re not allowed their phones out during class time, unless approved by the teacher as required for teaching purposes. “The odd one has asked if they can get their phones out to text their boss about work after school, or to text the rugby coach about practice. Students are able to go to Student Services to use their phones for these types of reasons,” Hiestand says. “Online is a huge part of their world now so it’s actually good for the students to have a break from social media and phones.”

She says as a school there’s been a lot of work done in the past year or so to make students and parents aware of the regulations under the Harmful Digital Communications Act. “We want them to know it’s not okay to share mean stuff online and take other people’s photos without permission,” Hiestand says. The school recently circulated a newsletter focused on this for Pink Shirt Day which promotes the anti-bullying message. That outlined extensive policies in place at the school to help any students feeling threatened or bullied.

Head student Mason Clarke says with tighter rules ensuring phones were already banned in class at Wakatipu High it hasn’t been too much of a transition not being allowed them out during school breaks. However, some

students don’t see the point in that. “Most people agree it’s a good idea though.”

Student leaders often walk around the school during breaks to check that everyone is happy and student leader Jess Hudson says they’ve definitely noticed students are not on their phones during breaks. “They’re now talking to each other, kicking balls around, outside enjoying each other’s company”, she says.

Deputy head student Abby Fookes agrees more students are using the gyms during break. Seniors, especially Year 13s, probably find it the hardest, but it will forge good habits for next year when they’re studying, she says. Queenstown Primary School principal Fiona Cavanagh says they already had a ‘phones in bags at all times’ policy. Teachers decide if certain circumstances warrant a child’s phone to come out of the bag or not. That policy has been extended since the new government ban. “They used to be allowed to get them out of their bags at 3pm to message parents, but now they have to wait until they’re at the bottom of the school’s front steps,” Cavanagh says.

Remarkables Primary School principal Tim Young says the school has always had a ‘no phones during school time’ policy since opening 13 years ago. “This has been a great opportunity to remind kids and the community, and it will be bound to have a positive impact,” Young says. Once kids started turning up with phones at school years ago many primary schools felt they weren’t necessary and introduced policies. With 13-year-old age limits on a lot of apps and online platforms primary schools also had to ensure they met their legal requirements.

Wakatipu High School students are adapting well to the phone ban

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CRIMELINE

Late night vandalism

Police want to hear from anyone who witnessed, or has information relating to, damage to a parked vehicle in Park Street around 10.30pm on Sunday, 19 May. Both wing mirrors were broken, and dents caused to the vehicle, Shute says. The owner returned to find the damage. “Two suspects have been nominated after a pair of white sunglasses was spotted nearby. A person with white sunglasses was seen in the area at the time when the owner left the vehicle.” They are described as possibly French, one around 180cm tall, late 20s with dark blonde hair, wearing a beanie. He had white sunglasses on him. The other also believed to be French, around 175cm tall, short brown hair, in his late 20s. If you have any information, please contact Queenstown Police.

Downtown assault

A 36-year-old Queenstown man has been charged with assault after allegedly approaching a person on Ballarat Street at 9.38pm on Saturday, 18 May and beginning an argument, Shute says. “The argument turned physical with the victim allegedly being pushed, his hair grabbed and struck in the back of the head twice.” The victim didn’t require medical attention.

Drink driving

A 29-year-old male visitor was stopped and breath tested on Coronation Drive, Queenstown, at 12.30am on Saturday, 18 May. He returned a result of 659mcgs. The man was suspended from driving and appeared in the Queenstown District Court on 21 May where he was convicted and sentenced to six months disqualification and a $650 fine.

Late night community patrollers needed

Police and the Queenstown Community Patrol are calling for volunteers to help in their bid to deter crime locally.

Community Patrol chairperson Gary Lonsdale says they need more volunteers to help patrol the Queenstown downtown area on Friday and Saturday nights between 8pm and midnight. “We currently have 12 volunteers, but need another 10, any adult age,” Lonsdale says. “Whatever time they can give, even one night a month would be welcome.”

Although late night assaults and disorder are the norm in downtown Queenstown, the patrol has noticed what seems to be a lot more younger males out late at night, possibly visitors. There’s the usual alcohol-fuelled aggression. “I think there’s a lot of male testosterone around and what’s even worse are the number of skimpily dressed, young females, apparently as young as 13, wandering around in these cold conditions, many affected by alcohol,” he says. He says it’s happening more frequently. “We sometimes see these groups of young men hanging around looking for lost, disoriented girls. Be aware of the predators out there,” he says. “Parents should know where their kids are and who they’re with.”

“We are only the ears and eyes for the Police and while there’s a nice community family vibe earlier in the evening, those out drinking should know how to keep themselves safe,” Lonsdale says. Volunteers are all Police vetted and don’t intervene, just report what they’re seeing to the officers on duty who respond.

To help: Email – qncp@gmail.com

Volunteers needed for Arrowtown Police Station

Police are also looking for community volunteers to help staff the Arrowtown Police Station weekdays from 10am until 4pm. Queenstown Community and Youth Constable Amanda Shute says volunteers are required for morning or afternoon shifts. “They help support Police by providing general advice to the public, advising people on making a complaint requiring investigation by Police and managing lost and found property,” she says. Training is provided with volunteers required for one 3-hour shift every fortnight.

To help: Email - asdx25@police.govt.nz

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

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BLUE KANU

EATSPACE – YOUR PASSPORT TO FLAVOUR

Experience a world of flavour. All under one roof.

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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.

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

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Located in O’Connells Mall. Monday - Friday 8.30am - 9pm.

Saturday - Sunday 11am - 9pm

Located in O’Connells Mall. Monday - Friday 8.30am - 9pm. Saturday - Sunday 11am - 9pm

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

THE DISHERY BISTRO RESTAURANT ARROWTOWN

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

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

HOSPOGUIDE

Frank’s Eatery Dinners

Open everyday until 9PM | Dine in, Takeaway or Delivery

Wednesday 11th Ave Quiz Night

Every Wed | May 29th

Register Your Team Now Online or at 03 222 7030 11th Ave

Hour 4-6pm

$10 Pints | $13 Wines

$12 Espresso Martinis Friday 11th Ave Friday Night Live Music Coming June 14th

Includes Angus beef lasagne, veggie lasagne, vegan lasagne, bolognese and carbonara.

Wednesday Quiz Night is back on on Wednesdays!

5 rounds of questions plus bonus games. To book your team info@lokalqt.co.nz or ring 03 442 5444 Spaces are limited so get in quick.

Saturday 11th Ave

Frank’s APRES

Live DJ’s Coming Mid June

Sunday $22 Frank’s Favorite Pizza’s

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

2-4pm Choose any of our Italian-style Focaccia Sandwiches plus a soft drink $20 | ONLINE ORDERING NOW AVAILABLE

Live Sports on 12 TVs $12 Cosmos

UFC Live $12 Dark ‘N’ Stormys

Huge Singles Pool Comp 8pm Start $10 Entry + House Drink

Tue - Thu 5PM till late Fri - Sun 12PM till late Closed on Mondays for now

Remarkables Park

Dinner Beats w

The bottle store with something more

OPEN 7 DAYS: 9am - Late

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

HYPNOBIRTHING CLASSES HAVE COME TO QUEENSTOWN!

The Hypnobubs™️ Positive Birth Program is small, in-person, group classes to prepare you for whatever path your birth may take. Next dates Jul, Aug, Sep &Dec. More information: mamagaiabirth.co.nz

Blake & Gabby Music

T&Cs apply, contact us on 03 442 9995 or email queenstown@lonestar.co.nz to plan your next function.

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QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST

TUE (28 May) @ 5:30pm, Feldenkrais “Awareness Thru Movement” TUE (28 May) @ 6.30pm, “Deepening Mindfulness” with Grant Rix SUN (2 June) @ 2:30pm, Shantideva’s “The Way of Life of a Bodhisattva” with Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoche Dana for the teacher gratefully accepted. See

or FB

Resist the Darkness

AS THE WINTER DRAWS IN AND THE NIGHTS GET LONGER, THOUGHTS TURN TO MULLED WINE, GOOD FOOD, CATCHING UP WITH YOUR BUDDIES AND GOING ON THE HUNT FOR SOME NEW STORIES.

This week brings the next installment of LUMA’s annual takeover of Queenstown Gardens. For those of you who know what to expect you’ll be pleased to hear that everything’s changed again and nothing stays the same except the promise of a few wtf moments thrown into the mix.

There’s live music, dancers, food trucks, DJs, projections, sculptures, lasers, performers, world class production, cutting edge programming, soundscapes, pixies, fairies, nighscapes, aliens and movies.

We’ve got kiwi hospitality, cosy nooks, mulled wine, barbeques and beats. Coffee, donuts,

ramen, dumplings and fizzy pop. Local brews, famous pizza toppings, cocktails, hot chips and lamb skewers. Burgers, bangers and wholesome goodness for everyone from vegans to vampires.

The LUMA Lounge is back breathing new life into the pines with a set list including some of New Zealand’s finest.

The Rose Garden morphs into a laser show with live performance and two separate zones for you to kick back and enjoy the spectacle.

...And then there’s the artwork. Some of it digital, some of it beautifully analogue. All made specially for the gardens by some of the best light artists anywhere. It really is a feast for all the senses.

Bring your dancefloor crew, your new hot date or your mum. Wrap up warm, grab a keep cup, take the LUMAbus, stock up

on some good vibes and make LUMA the perfect start to your Queenstown Winter. We’ll be there all week fluffing the pillows and making sure everything’s bright as a button for you all from Thursday night.

See you there.

Cheers, Duncan and the LUMA Crew LUMA24 . King’s Birthday Weekend 30th May - 3rd June Queenstown Gardens . LUMA.nz

Scan to buy now:

Queenstown Airport is proud to back LUMAbility again over King’s Birthday weekend.

Supporting an accessible, inclusive, and connected community event.

Saturday 1 June 10am–2pm

GOINGS ON ABOUT

LUMA24 Light Festival

EVENTS

Switch on your winter with LUMA24. Once again Luma will be taking over the Queenstown Gardens over King’s Birthday. Luma is a light festival that includes interactive performances, illuminated art, sculpture, sonic environments, live music, local eats and plenty of unexpected moments of discovery deep in the forest. LUMA24 promises to continue the journey with a healthy mix of creativity and connection. New routes, more emerging artists, bigger sound. It’s all coming together for a massive celebration of our nightscape in one of New Zealand’s most stunning locations. Round up your tribe, gather the whanau and pick a night - there are five to choose from. Get your tickets at LUMA.nz

When: Friday 30 May to Monday 3 June, 5pm-10pm Where: Queenstown Gardens, 29 Park Street, Queenstown

Wao Film Festival Queenstown

FILM

Embark on a cinematic journey celebrating the wonders of our world as Wao brings their film festival to Queenstown, running Friday and Saturday, 7 and 8 at Te Atamira. Brought to you with the support of Destination Queenstown and the QLDC, Wao has curated four of their top films, ranging from a deep dive into the micro beauty of life on this planet to addressing some of the biggest climate issues we’re facing. Join us in exploring “A Wonderful World” and secure your tickets at wao.co.nz for an unforgettable experience of inspiration and reflection.

When: Friday, 7 June and Saturday, 8 June

Where: Te Atamira, Remarkables Park, Hawthorn Drive

Songwriter Society Open Mic Night

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

When: Thursday 27 May, 8pm-10pm

Where: Sherwood, 554 Frankton Road, Frankton

MUSIC

Queenstown Mountain Bike ClubWednesday Night Dig’s

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

When: Wednesday, 26 May between 6pm and 8pm

Where: Wynyard Jump Park on Wynyard Crescent

Whakatipu Walkie Talkies

This is a walking group with a difference! Each week there will be a discussion topic and a guest speaker will attend once per month. It’s a great way to connect with others whilst staying active.

The group will walk and talk from Frankton Beach to the Hilton for morning tea and return.

Meet at Frankton Beach near the BBQ area to begin the walk.

When: Every Thursday at 10:15am

Where: Frankton Beach

Remarkables Market. Winter Market Series - LUMA Market

Remarkables Market is running the first of the 2024 Winter Market Series on King’s Birthday weekend celebrating Luma in their own way.

Join in for hot food, hot drinks, brunch & lunch options, crafts and winter specials. Live music & free parking.

When: Saturday, 1 June between 10am and 2pm

Where: Corner of Red Oaks and Hawthorne Drive, Remarkables Park

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

Download the Queenstown App today

Download an eBook, eMagazine or eAudiobook today!

You can borrow eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks on your device, free with your library card.

Here’s how to get started:

1 Download our apps, Borrowbox and Libby

2 Sign in by selecting Queenstown Lakes District Libraries

3 Use your Library card number and pin to login

4 Enjoy listening or reading!

Need help logging in?

If you are having trouble logging in, give your local library a call or pop in – we can help you log in.

Enriching minds and communities:

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by Sue Fea

My Life Story

ARNOLD MIDDLETON

True to the land

When a young 22-year-old South Otago farm boy bought the very rough 1.214ha (3000-acre) Queenstown Hill farm high above Lake Wakatipu he had no idea it might one day become a highly sought after goldmine – and one he’s preferred not to cash in.

Arnold Middleton began farming the highly photographed hill territory above the now Queenstown Hill subdivision in 1962. It stretched out from Gorge Road on the left to high above Frankton Road on the right, around Tucker Beach and into Sugar Loaf Hill overlooking the Shotover River.

He bought the property from merino farmer Jim Falconer. The following year he and Isabelle married. That was 61 years ago. Prior to that the property had been owned by the Bagries who had the Otago Hotel at Skippers. They’d had all the materials carted from the old hotel to Tucker Beach to build the farm homestead, which is still accommodating Middletons today.

“It was a pretty tough, but we wanted a challenge,” Arnold recalls. “I was told by a well-known farmer after a couple of years, ‘You’ll never survive on that hill, Arnold’, but we did. We had a tidy up, put in fencing and built sheepyards with the idea of selling it on and we’re still here,” he says, just weeks out from his 83rd birthday. Son Kelvin is now at the helm running 3500 sheep.

In 62 years the Middleton farm has been the focus of many an entrepreneurial dream that didn’t come to fruition including an internationally capable airport on the top of Queenstown Hill and plans to operate the Kingston Flyer up there. “They were all pretty keen.” Arnold’s dabbled in movie locations too, part of his prime scenic paradise is a popular target for film and commercial shoots.

For some years he had trouble with roaming dogs worrying sheep, and sadly, a dog lover himself, he eventually had to take matters into his own hands, which was hard.

Farming hasn’t always gone smoothly. Arnold once cut a line of holes around the north-facing slopes of his farm in search of bore water, placing a tube of gelignite down each hole. “I sent daughter Terri down the river to let us know when the Shotover Jet was leaving the beach, so we avoided them. I waited and lit the fuse. Bugger me if the boat didn’t pass right when it went off

splattering mud and debris all over the boat and passengers,” grins Arnold. “MacGyver couldn’t have done it better.” Son Murray’s friend was on board. “He’d wanted to go to the toilet when they got back to Arthur’s Point but that was too late. The police came next day and told us not to do it again.” Then there was the stray steer, from among calves he’d bought from Elfin Bay. “I put them on the hill and then got a call from Mrs Knowles at the camera shop to say 35 calves were sitting on her lawn.” One escaped during the cattle drive home along Frankton Road, later discovered to be the culprit night-raiding the town’s veggie patches. Arnold and Maurice Dennison hid out one night, lasso in hand. “We hooked it, but it took off, us being pulled behind it down Suburb and Hallenstein Street,” he chuckles.

At one stage farming was really tough and National Mortgage Dunedin boss All Black captain Jack Manchester, rang with grim news. ‘Sorry, Arnold. We’re gonna have to sell you up.’ “It was a long trip home. I managed to purchase 1.2ha (3 acres) of leasehold that I saw potential in, off Mrs Johnston at Tucker Beach, then freeholded it. We sold two sections and that saved our bacon,” All but 7.2ha of the farm has been leasehold and over the years Arnold has only subdivided a little bit, despite the demand. “We did a joint venture subdivision with the Hensman brothers up Middleton Road (named in his honour) and more recently we’ve sold a block to Silver Creek,” he says. “We’ve been very lucky to have great neighbours – two families of Hansens, the Grants and the Sutherlands.”

Arnold says he’s blessed to have a wonderful family around him, some with homes on the land, ex U19 All Black and Highlander Kelvin, plus decorated West Coast cop Terri among them. “They’re a great lot and we’re so proud,” he says.

He’s had “a few scares”. “I’ve seen St Peter at the Gates a few times, but he’s not let me through and I’m quite grateful for that.”

He and Isabelle, now split their time between Tucker Beach and their Haast fishing bach. “I catch bugger all, but sitting by the river is very therapeutic. It’s a bit of medicine really.”

Arnold, front right, and Isabelle, left, with their four kids, from left Steven, Kelvin, Murray and Terri.

A Middleton family tradition - Arnold teaches grandson Cody how to ride sheep in style about 2002.

Huge jump in Arrowtown Fire Brigade medical callouts

By Sue Fea

Arrowtown’s Volunteer Fire Brigade’s specially trained medic team responded to 60% more medical emergencies in the first four months of this year, compared with last year.

The brigade’s Medical First Responders responded to 59 medical callouts as they covered for St John Ambulance staff, up from 37 last year.

The Arrowtown Brigade responded to 100 callouts across all categories, up 50%, including the 59 medical callouts.

In comparison, brigade crews had attended 12 vehicle accidents by the end of April, up from 10 last year. Vegetation fires increased from eight to 10. The brigade hadn’t attended any house fires in the Arrowtown area at the end of April.

In 2014 a special Memorandum of Understanding agreement was set up between St John and Fire and Emergency New Zealand certifying the Arrowtown Brigade medics to respond to medical callouts at the request of St John.

The stats since 2017 show medical callouts far outnumber other Arrowtown Brigade callouts. The brigade has attended 191 vehicle accidents, 110 vegetation fires, 41 structure fires, 80 ‘other fires’, 33 rescues, and 232 false alarms in that time.

Under the arrangement with St John the brigade attended a total 55 medical emergencies in 2022, and that jumped by 73% to 95 for last year. That’s three times the 33 Arrowtown medical callouts they did in 2017.

MBIE cracking down on employers exploiting workers’ rights

By Sue Fea

The Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment staff will be keeping an eye on employers and landlords over the ski season to ensure workers are treated fairly and within the law, with a large influx of temporary migrant visa workers expected.

An MBIE spokesperson says this is only the second ski season with the borders fully open since New Zealand’s post-Covid recovery and the first with near pre-Covid travel numbers. “With this in mind, MBIE has set out to remind employers of their responsibilities to potentially vulnerable workers as the ski season nears.”

MBIE’s Immigration Compliance, Labour Inspectorate, and Building & Tenancy bosses have taken the unusual step of warning employees to be cognicent of their rights and employers to be aware of the rules as breaches will not be tolerated.

The Labour Inspectorate will be “active in the Queenstown area over the ski season with multiple site visits and stakeholder engagements”, he says. Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa came into effect in April and may affect the ski, tourism, and hospitality sectors, he says. “It’s important that employers and employees are aware of these.”

Employees need to know their rights so they can report non-compliance and any issues related to their terms of employment.

David Milne, the Labour Inspectorate’s northern regional manager, says employers need to understand that no matter whether employees are on a casual, part-time or fixed-term basis they all have minimum employment rights.

Employers who provide staff accommodation must also adhere to service tenancy requirements to comply with tenancy law and Healthy Homes Standards.

Arts+Culture

Wao bring their film festival to Queenstown

by Jess Allen

The Wao Queenstown Film Festival is coming to Te Atamira next week. It features award-winning films and documentaries aimed to inspire a deep connection with the natural world. It will also showcase a series of Queenstownbased short films dedicated to local sustainable business efforts.

Wao – pronounced wow – is a non-profit dedicated to a regenerative future. They run programmes and events focused on mainstreaming sustainability and fostering diversity. One of their other regular events is Wanaka’s bimonthly Green Drinks where different topics are discussed–the next one is on affordable housing. Wao also have the Harvest Festival and their key annual event, the Summit, is a six-day festival all around sustainability which takes place in October.

Aaron Thule is programme manager at Wao coming on board in February 2023. He has been spearheading bringing together this year’s film festival, which was also held in Wanaka.

“Wao has a lot of different action streams. Our goal in general is helping transition the community to a more sustainable future,” Thule says. "We do this through all different types of action streams – we look at food resiliency, I work very closely with the Better Building Working Group, and we have the film festival, which is one way we look at behaviour change.”

The Film Festival idea came about after a film brought the two founders of Wao together, Monique Kelly and Arna Craig. The film that inspired the pair was The Third Industrial Revolution and it was the messaging behind this that helped to form Wao and all they focus on.

“I think the idea was to say ‘hey, let’s hone in on this mode of inspiration and really gear it towards the public. Last year was our first annual film festival, and we had over 600 attendees, amazing films, and some great speakers.”

“This year, round two, we did it again, which is awesome. I think we got some great traction and Queenstown has picked up on it, so we’ve decided to roll with that. It’s great to see it coming over the hill because we really want to view ourselves not only as what we can do nationally, but specifically for our region.”

There are four main feature films in addition to six short films that are based on regenerative business practices in Queenstown. The main films are Common Ground, which reveals how unjust practices forged the current farm system in which farmers of all colours are literally dying to feed us. Ocean Seen From The Heart looks at the impact our actions have made to the biodiversity and temperature of the ocean, and Imprint is a full-length documentary that seeks to challenge the notion that the actions of individuals or small groups doesn’t really matter. Finally, there’s Living The Change, which is a New Zealand documentary that explores solutions to the global crises we face today.

The Wao Film Festival Queenstown will run on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 June at Te Atamira. There are two sessions daily, each showing different films –you can grab a full festival pass if you’d like to see everything. Head to wao. co.nz to get tickets or to read more about the films.

For Rent

Ph: 03 409 2800

enquiries@qmg.co.nz

jobfix.co.nz

SHOPFRONT TENANCY AVAILABLE FOR 2 YEAR SUBLEASE in Queenstown Central/Five Mile Area - 6 months free rent! There is the possibility of extending at the end of the 2 years. 50m2 space that can be fitted out as suits. Call 0275135509 for more details

AVAILABLE STORAGE RENTAL IN GLENORCHY. LARGE 3 bay lockable shed. $600 per week but open to discuss/negotiate. Please call 0276879977

Accommodation

STUDIO FLAT PRIVATE WITH SEPERATE BATHROOM, PARKING. Jacks Point. Would suit older quiet tenant. Text 021 1295483 for details or viewing. Available late June $500pw.

Everything Else

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.

LWB QUIZ

1.Which is the largest country in Central America?

2.By which more common name is the plant of the genus Aquilegia known?

3.Which dry white Italian wine is from the area near Verona?

4.Express Yourself and Dear Jessie are tracks on which Madonna album?

5.Which word meaning “therefore” spells out a fairy-tale character when read backwards?

6.A frugivorous animal eats what as the main part of its diet?

7.A googol is the number one followed by how many zeros?

8.In which US city is the Liberty Bell located?

9.Who starred with Sandra Bullock in the 2006 film The Lake House?

10.Who is the third god of the Hindu trinity?

11.What title was given to a magistrate ranking next after a consul in Ancient Rome?

12.Who performed the title track to the sitcom The Royle Family?

13.What word is used in Buddhism to indicate the ideal truth as set forth by Buddha?

14.The Cape Verde islands are in which ocean?

15.What name is given to biblical writings that are not part of the accepted Scriptures?

16.Which country has “Suomi” on its coins and stamps?

QUIZ ANSWERS:

1. Nicaragua | 2. Columbine | 3. Soave | 4. Like A Prayer | 5. Ergo | 6. Fruit | 7. 100 | 8. Philadelphia | 9. Keanu Reeves | 10. Shiva | 11. Praetor | 12. Oasis | 13. Dharma | 14. Atlantic | 15. Apocrypha | 16. Finland

Ph: 03 409 2800

enquiries@qmg.co.nz

jobfix.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.

Joiners Wanted

• Must have NZ residency or valid work visa

• Must be trade qualified in cabinetry and timber joinery

• Must have minimum 5 year’s experience in a similar position

• Must hold current full drivers licence

• This is a full-time role

• Remuneration by negotiation is relevant to experience

To apply please email your CV to: queenstown.joinery@xtra.co.nz

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

• Be willing to commit to at least 2 years

• Have a valid work visa or permanent residency

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

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

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

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

Please email your CV to queenstownstoppingservices@gmail.com

Qualified Carpenter Wanted

For full time residential new build and renovation work

Competitive hourly rate

Good level of spoken English required

Contact Mike on 027 566 3489 or email mikekelly@tahunabuilding.co.nz

REQUIRED NOW!!!!!!

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

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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.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGER – MILLENNIUM HOTEL

NIGHT MANAGER –COPTHORNE LAKEFRONT

SOUS CHEF – COPTHORNE LAKEFRONT

CDP – COPTHORNE LAKEVIEW ***OPPORTUNITIES ALSO OPEN IN OUR TE ANU, DUNEDIN & GREYMOUTH HOTELS***

ECE TEACHERS

ACG Queenstown is seeking qualified teachers passionate about the Education, care and development of young children. We offer full pay-parity, PD, early learning scholarships and a supportive team environment in well resourced centres. To apply please email Fran MacNamara Fran.MacNamara@acgedu.com

WALTER PEAK HORSE TREKKING GUIDES

Both full & part-time positions available. Awesome job opportunity for someone that loves both horses & the outdoors.

• Must have experience with horses, be hard-working, energetic with exceptional customer service.

• Current First Aid Certificate required OR the ability to obtain one.

• Prepared to work weekends.

• Fluent English required

Please send a CV to Lloyd.brown@xtra.co.nz

Support Worker

Do you enjoy teamwork and want to make a difference in someone’s life?

Are you up for helping disabled people to live each moment to the full? We need flexible support staff who are positive and capable. Position is for our overnight shift; starting late afternoon and working until morning, you can sleep for a period of the shift, position is in the Lakes District. Experience preferred; wages dependent on your qualification $23.38 -$29.10. For enquiries and application pack contact vanessa@livingoptions.org.nz or phone 03 448 7748