Queenstown Council has removed Queenstown Airport from the draft Long Term Plan’s “strategic asset” list, replacing it with “equity shares” in Queenstown Airport Corporation. The problem is, this could put council’s vital “supermajority” shareholding at serious risk.
QLDC’s 75.01% supermajority gives it the right to make binding shareholder resolutions, unilaterally, at any time, about any shareholder matter. Under QAC’s constitution, dilution of this by just 0.02% would cost council its effective ‘sole owner’ power. And with that, the loss of protection for our community’s longterm wellbeing against QAC’s profit driven growth agenda and the downstream effects of over-tourism.
Council hasn’t used this power to date. But the potential to do so if needed must be protected. Because the threat is real. If another pandemic struck and QAC’s $250 million expansion plan left them overextended, the cash-strapped company could demand equity input from council.
If council is too debt-laden to do so, QAC’s constitution then allows them to force council to agree to further shares being created … and sold to minority shareholder Auckland International Airport or a third party. So council can lose its supermajority without actually selling or transferring any shares.
If we rely on the current wording in the draft LTP and its Significance & Engagement Policy, this could happen without public knowledge, consultation or informed consideration of other options.
As happened in 2010, when QAC created a new 24.99% of shares in itself and secretly sold them to AIA. The mayor, deputy mayor, CEO and CFO had been forewarned, but had to sign nondisclosure agreements.
Councillors were told just one hour before the sale was publicly announced that council no longer owned 100% of this council-controlled trading organisation. So there’s precedent to justify caution, and reason to apply guardrails. This risk of share dilution and its ramifications are not mentioned in the 399-page draft LTP, its consultation document or any other related material. And even more concerning, staff didn’t highlight the change or its possible implications for councillors. Consequently, it wasn’t even discussed during LTP deliberations. As one councillor acknowledged, “It would have been useful and helped both understanding and transparency for this to have happened.”
Councillors have an easy solution at hand – list “QLDC’s 75.01% QAC shareholding” as the significant strategic asset, not just “equity shares”. Further, they should return Queenstown Airport to this list. We’ve been given no reason why not. Auckland Council lists CCTO-held assets critical to delivering services as strategic. Why can’t QLDC? ZQN is a large, valuable land parcel and provides our emergency runway for an AF8 earthquake. Surely that’s a strategic asset worth protecting? Council recently opened workshops to the public, after calls for greater transparency. Deliberations on LTP submissions should be too. Cath Gilmour, We Love Wakatipu Inc chair and former three term councillor
Canterbury Mountaineering Club member Darius Mortimer-Webster was among a group who enjoyed superb ice climbing conditions in Wye Creek, Queenstown, last week. CMC has its first ever women’s ‘learn to lead’ course, at Wye Creek from 19-23 August.
Fly-drive to lower the impact of tourism
By Paul Taylor
Are fly-drive holidays the way to create a more regenerative tourism sector?
The lower South Island’s three airports and eight southern Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) are making the argument that they are.
Working collectively under the banner of Southern Way, and backed by Air New Zealand, they’ve today launched a new initiative to make it easier for people to explore the deep South.
The plan is to encourage visitors to use the airline’s multi-stop booking tool to fly into one of the three airports, rent a vehicle to explore the region, then fly out of another airport.
While clocking up the kilometres in a rental car might not sound like the most carbon-friendly tourism, the brains behinds the move say it will promote longer-stay, lower-impact itineraries.
“We’re excited by the opportunities this opens up, and we believe there are real benefits for everyone in spreading visitors widely around the region, rather than having them concentrated in a few hotspots,” Queenstown Airport Acting Chief Executive Todd Grace says.
“This is a meaningful way of supporting the regenerative tourism aspirations of our community and the lower South alongside Dunedin and Invercargill airports.”
‘One trip to see it all’ is the slogan for the campaign and there’s a dedicated Southern Way page on the Air New Zealand website is offering itinerary suggestions.
Southern Way Project Manager Sanae Herd says the initiative supports how the communities have said they want to see tourism managed, formalised in the destination management plans.
“Our communities have told us that they want to see tourism developed and managed to deliver longer stay, lower impact visitation that shares cultural and economic benefits across the wider regions,” Herd says.
“All of the RTOs involved are excited to have Air New Zealand and the Southern Airports Alliance fully engaged with this approach and working with us to facilitate visitors moving more widely around the regions and thereby reducing the risks of overcrowding and pressure points.”
Dunedin Airport Chief Executive Daniel De Bono says visitors who book a Southern Way itinerary will be spoilt for choice.
“Dunedin itself is full of amazing attractions, from its renowned heritage buildings to rare wildlife. From there, visitors can travel through Waitaki, Clutha, Central Otago, or down to Southland.”
Invercargill Airport Chief Executive Stuart Harris hopes the one-way travel will entice more visitors to New Zealand’s southernmost city.
“There are so many surprises for people to discover here. Southland has some stunning scenery and the open-jaw itinerary encourages visits to the beautiful Catlins, Rakiura, and Riverton.”
Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says the campaign illustrates how easy it is to book a road trip holiday, using the airline’s multi-stop booking tool.
“The Southern Way is the perfect example of how travellers can fly into one airport, and fly out of another, getting to experience multiple destinations in the one trip.”
Air New Zealand flies to 20 domestic destinations. Geraghty says passengers can earn Airpoints by booking a rental car through the airline’s website.
Housing Trust awaits key decision
August could be a landmark month in the future of affordable housing in Queenstown Lakes.
Contentious council plans to make property developers pay a contribution (either land or cash) to the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT) went to a twoweek hearing in late February.
“We’re waiting on the commissioner’s recommendation, and it’s imminent, potentially as early as next week,” Trust chief executive Julie Scott says, on Friday.
“Obviously we have our fingers crossed that it will be a positive recommendation that council proceeds ... and then council adopts the recommendation to move forward.”
The proposal, dubbed ‘inclusionary zoning’, would provide the QLCHT ongoing funding to continue to tackle Queenstown’s affordable housing crisis.
It formalises a relationship between council, developers and the trust going back two decades, where subdivision developers have made a voluntary contribution as part of their resource consent.
Some 181 submissions were made during the public consultation phase, from housing trusts, land developers, local businesses, property owners, Age Concern, iwi and others.
Many supported the council’s direction but questioned the scope of the plan change. Even QLCHT called for the contributions to only be mandatory when the development would increase the value of the land, such as where it was rezoned rural to residential. The Trust wanted exemptions for smaller developers on existing services lots and other adjustments to the policy.
Others were in complete opposition, saying the change would discourage development, increase the price of housing, and was an unlawful stealth tax on property developers.
The Trust has completed eight housing developments over the years (119 homes) using land and contribution from developers, backed by Progressive Home Ownership government funding and interest free loans.
It has helped more than 244 local households into homes through various ownership financial models, in one of the most expensive places to live in New Zealand, where the average house price now tops $1.8 million.
Tewa Banks latest
And it has five other projects underway, including Arrowtown’s Tewa Banks, where it is building 68 homes on land donated by Queenstown Lakes District Council, including public housing, affordable rentals, rent saver and 44 secure homes.
“It’s moving along really well,” Scott says. “SouthRoads completed asphalting before the winter deadline, so we expect to have civil works fully completed next month [August]. And we’re well into that first stage of construction, with 15 homes due for completion in September.”
Contractor Breen is expected to begin stage two construction, another 18 homes, in early August.
Scott says the Trust is looking to formally announce the three central Government funding streams supporting the four different housing
programmes at Tewa Banks, in an official opening with the Housing Minister Chris Bishop in spring.
“He’s been super supportive of our work, particularly around the fact we work broadly across the housing continuum, and give people the opportunity to move out of public housing into affordable rentals, into rent to buy, and into assisted ownership,” Scott says.
One of Bishop’s criticisms around Kāinga Ora is that there is no incentive for people to move out of public housing and no opportunities but the free market.
“With our programs people are given these additional steps to get there. There’s more incentive to help people moving along, and also all the wraparound support services that we provide. That’s a big part of it, working with people, sending them to the right budget advice, debt consolidation, all that type of thing.”
Westpac pledge
Last week, Westpac New Zealand announced it has set the target of $1 billion in lending to affordable housing solutions over the next three years, as it looks to support the sector.
The target follows the publication of the Westpac NZ Shared Home Ownership Report, authored by Deloitte, which found home ownership has fallen from 75% in the early 1990s to less than 60% today and is on track to fall below 50% by 2048.
“We haven’t heard the specific details around where the lending will go, but the indications are it would be both to providers and the home owners,” Scott says. “Generally, we welcome it and if they’re able to continue offering favourable rates to us and others, then that’s a really good outcome.”
There are now almost 1000 local households on the Trust’s waiting list.
Mt Cardrona Station’s milestone
The first property at Central Otago’s Mt Cardrona Station 400-hectare alpine village development has been completed.
Colin and Lindy Leuschke, of Leuschke Group Architects, received keys to their new home situated above the Cardrona Valley earlier this month. The Leuschke family has been involved with Mt Cardrona Station’s development for many years, as the creative team behind a range of architecturally designed homes for some of the station neighbourhoods.
“Seeing a number of homes coming to completion and many more in the planning stages is very exciting for us,” Colin says. “It’s a bonus and privilege that ours is the first to complete.”
Some 13 homes are under construction this winter, including two for the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust, with five expected to be completed within the next three months. Work has also begun on the first phase of the $10 million The Homestead village hub, incorporating the members’ clubroom, meeting and remote working facilities, gym and workout spaces, and three outdoor hot pools.
Housing Trust boss Julie Scott with chair Richard Thomas
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CRIMELINE
Serious spinal injuries after paragliding accident
A 31-year-old New Zealand woman is in a stable condition and being admitted to Burwood Hospital’s spinal unit in Christchurch after suffering serious spinal injuries in a tandem paragliding crash off Coronet Peak late last Sunday morning (21 July).
Sergeant Simon Matheson says the woman, currently living elsewhere in Otago, crashed shortly after take-off and was flown to Christchurch Hospital where she was being assessed before transferring to Burwood Hospital for further treatment.
The accident happened at 11.45am and the tandem pilot was not injured.
A Hato Hone St John spokesman confirmed they responded to the accident with a Dunedin-based Otago Southland Rescue helicopter and the patient was assessed then initially airlifted to Dunedin Hospital.
Police and the Civil Aviation Authority are investigating, and CAA was unable to comment at this stage.
Sky Trek Tandem Hang Gliding and Paragliding CEO Shai Lanuel says he too was unable to comment while those investigations were underway.
However, the Civil Aviation Authority has been informed and the company is co-operating fully with relevant authorities and Police.
Sky Trek is also carrying out an internal investigation into the incident.
The company offered its full support to the passenger and those travelling with them and continues to do so, he says.
Lanuel says their thoughts are with the passenger who sustained injuries and their travel companions.
The company is not in a position to identify the passenger or comment on injuries, he says.
“No further information is available as the incident is still subject to investigation.”
No other details about how the accident unfolded or its exact location could be obtained before Lakes Weekly went to press.
Ten times the legal limit!
A 45-year-old driver who crashed on the Clyde – Cromwell Road at about 5pm on Friday, 19 July, allegedly blew an excess breath alcohol level of 2094mcgs, nearly 10 times the legal limit, shocking Police.
“This is an extremely high reading,” Matheson says. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved, and no injuries were sustained.
Senior Sergeant Karl Hemmingsen, Otago Coastal Road Policing Manager, says it was “absurd and dangerous”. “We’re glad this didn’t result in more serious consequences.”
Then on Sunday, 21 July, Matheson says a 20-year-old Central Otago driver was stopped on Shotover Street, just after midday, blowing 1062mcgs, over four times the 250mcg limit. Four other occupants were in the vehicle.
Police are urging the public to call 105 if they see unsafe driving and 111 if it’s very dangerous and there’s a risk of harm.
A 28-year-old local man allegedly blew 442mcgs and was charged with drink driving after he was stopped at a Robins Road checkpoint 8.14pm on Wednesday, 17 July.
‘Deer’
you to go first
Police are investigating after a bit of apparent off-road road rage as two carloads of overseas tourists were driving into Deer Park Heights at 4pm Saturday, 19 July.
Visitors from Asia were driving into Deer Park Heights and a second car carrying other foreign nationals from an unknown country were following, Matheson says.
“The following car attempted to follow through first without paying at the toll gate. An argument ensued and the occupants of the second vehicle assaulted the driver of the first.”
No charges have been laid and Police inquiries are continuing.
Credit card windscreen scrapers
Police are urging the late ones to set off for work earlier or face a decent fine if caught peering through a tiny frost-scraped gap in their windscreen. The credit card no longer cuts it – only to pay the fine, with drivers now prosecuted for driving without properly defrosting their windscreen.
A 30-year-old local man crashed into a traffic island on Frankton Road at 9.33pm on Thursday, 18 July, as he had not waited until his windscreen was fully defrosted, Matheson says.
“We often see people driving with tiny pill boxes scraped in their frosty windscreens and people need to realise that’s illegal,” he says. “They need to set off a bit earlier and sit in their car for a few extra minutes to let that frost thaw before driving.”
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Top role for Queenstown doctor
Queenstown sports and exercise physician Dr Sarah Beable has been appointed to the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand.
Dr Beable, who works at Axis Queenstown, is medical director for Snow Sports NZ, having previously been medical director for Cycling New Zealand.
She is one of four new appointments made to the Tribunal, which hears disputes such as anti-doping violations, appeals against disciplinary decisions or not bring selected for a national team, along with other sportsrelated disputes.
“The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand does important work to ensure that national sport organisations and other parties to a sport dispute, such as athletes, have access to an affordable, just and speedy means of resolving a sport dispute,” Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop says.
Andrea Twaddle, Sam Fellows and Harete Hipango are the other three appointments.
Dr Beable has worked with a wide range of athletes and sports, taking her to multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games and touring with the Silver Ferns. She has a research background and a special interest in athletic women’s health and mental health in athletes. She has a good understanding, from a sports medicine perspective, of the role of the Tribunal, and regularly participates and competes in a variety of sports herself.
Local skier debuts film
Former Wānaka resident Hank Bilous has made his directorial debut with ‘The War On Style’, which will tour around New Zealand as well as Sydney and Torquay in Australia.
One of New Zealand’s top freeskiers, Hank finished the 2020 Freeride World Tour with multiple podium finishes.
He took a hiatus from skiing to finish his nursing degree and more recently he has been working as a registered nurse in the emergency department of a small North Island community.
Hank said ‘The War on Style’ is inspired by his love of skiing, nursing and other interests like surfing, but it’s not specifically about any of those things.
“It is really about the idea that any technical skill gives you the opportunity to express yourself and that self-expression part, really, is worth striving for,” he said.
Creating the film was “a real test of the concepts explored in the film in my life personally”, Hank said.
“Writing a script, co-producing and directing were all new skills to me before we started this project.”
‘The War on Style’ was filmed and edited by Chris Maunsell and Sam Wave created the original score and songs.
“Working [with Chris and Sam] on this project has really solidified the idea for me that collaboration is much better than competition,” Hank said.
‘The War on Style’ was filmed in Wānaka, Dunedin and Gisborne.
The New Zealand tour for ‘The War on Style’ will begin on 30 July. It hits The World Bar, Queenstown, on Tuesday, 20 August, 7pm, $15, and then Wānaka on 21 August, both presented by Hank. - The Wānaka App
Lost & Found
UNCLAIMED ITEMS SITTING AT THE Police Station, at 11 Camp Street, this week include:
JEWELLERY, WALLETS AND CARDHOLDERS
- POUNAMU NECKLACE on black cord, located at the Event Centre
- SHANE HEPI – WALLET
- JOE GRIFFITHS – WALLET
- CATHERINE IVES -CARD HOLDER
- DAKOTA NUKU – WALLET
- URSULA NYSSEN – CARDHOLDER TECHNOLOGY
- YELLOW NIKON COOLPIX CAMERA, found at Earnslaw Park
- MOTOROLA PHONE, BLUE, LOCATED at Coronet Peak
- IPHONE BELONGING TO ‘FINN’ and ‘Ben Wood’ located at Seek Nightclub
- SAMSUNG BELONGING OSCAR LU
- BLACK IPHONE IN BLACK case EVERYTHING ELSE
- PHENSRI RUTLEDGE – BUMBAG - BLUE SLEEPING BAG AND black shopping bag containing clothing found on Rees St.
For Sale
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For Rent
TO LET: GLENDA DRIVE, GROUND floor, street front premises, long term rental. Phone: 0211492447
ROOM AVAILABLE FOR COUPLE IN Lake Hayes Est. Modern with heater provided and all furnishings, bedding etc. Large lounge and kitchen with heat pump, personal fridge, table and chairs. Clean, tidy and friendly. $305pw no extra costs. Ph. 0220852557.
STORAGE SPACE AVAILABLE. 3 BAY Storage Shed in Glenorchy. Suitable for Caravans, Motorhomes, Cars, Equipment. Long term or Short term. Please contact 027 222 1150 to discuss
LOOKING FOR ONE MATURE AND responsible individual to take over a furnished bedroom. Available to move in straight away. Preferably for long term. Located close to town. Please text 0278653761 for more information and a little about yourself.
Trades & Services
SUPER, AMAZING AIRBNB HOST - Ready to take on more beautiful properties across Queenstown & Wanaka this winter. We can take care of everything for you, from booking platforms to linen & everything in between. Email - laura@beautifulstay.co.nz
Need some extra short term office space? An 84sqm fully furnished (if required) office available in the Mountaineer Building until 30 April 2025 (Potentially longer, subject to agreement with landlord). Please phone 021337487 for further details
LWB QUIZ
1. What are the spherical boulders south of Oamaru called?
2. Who will voice the Terminator in the upcoming anime series Terminator Zero?
3. A heptahedron has how many sides or faces?
4. Caipirinha is the national cocktail of which South American country?
5. What is the name of the southernmost point of the South Island of New Zealand?
6. Ruben Trumpelmann represents which southwest African country in cricket?
7. What is Bazlama?
8. Which plastic toy "celebrity couple" broke up in 2004, after 43 years together?
9. Arabian, Appaloosa and Clydesdale are all types of which animal?
10. Why did Old Mother Hubbard go to the cupboard?
11. Heliology is the study of what?
12. Which country is known as the Land of the Rising Sun?
13. On which continent were the Boer Wars fought?
14. What type of fruit was known to the Romans as a Persian apple?
15. What is the name of our oddly shaped Parliament building in Wellington?
16. A term for performing a number of mathematical calculations is “crunching the” what?
17. The kina is the monetary unit of which country?
18. What is a Wurlitzer Silhouette?
19. What is the full name of the children’s author Dr Seuss?
Slope Point | 6. Namibia | 7. A type of bread/flatbread | 8. Barbie and Ken |
9. Horses | 10. To get her poor dog a bone | 11. The sun | 12. Japan |
13. Africa | 14. Peach | 15. Beehive | 16. Numbers | 17. Papua New Guinea | 18. A jukebox | 19. Theodor Seuss Geisel
COMMUNITY NOTES
Headlight team to
be recognised at Inspirational Women Awards
Queenstown-based charitable trust Headlight has two of its team and one of its past facilitators as finalists in this year’s Inspirational Women Awards NZ. The annual awards recognise women who are making a difference in New Zealand, while also raising awareness and fundraising to combat domestic violence.
The Headlight team is working hard to increase the mental health knowledge and skills in priority communities. The team were thrilled to learn that its Founder and Chief Executive Anna Dorsey and Project Lead Anna Wang have been chosen as two of this year’s finalists.
Dorsey is one of three finalists in the ‘Women of Inspiration’ category - which recognises women who are role models and change-makers in the Otago/ Southland community and are bringing about positive change. She has been nominated based on her work these past four years initiating and bringing mental health education to priority communities, which has positively impacted hundreds of lives, and created a new model of mental wellbeing for communities nationwide.
Wang is one of three finalists in the ‘Women of Resilience’ category - which recognises women in the region who have overcome adversity to give back, shown kindness, and become strong role models. Anna is recognised for her efforts supporting her local Chinese community to be connected and integrate within local events and networks as well as for her work bringing mental health education to communities with Headlight.
In addition, one of Headlight’s long standing mental health workshop facilitators Carol Morgan is also a finalist in the ‘Woman of Community’ category. Her nomination acknowledges her work supporting migrant and other marginalised communities through her Latinos for NZ charity, Women’s Circle groups and other local initiatives including her mental health education work.
The category winners for the regional and national awards will be announced on Saturday, 30 November, at the Inspirational Awards Gala at the Rydges Lakeland resort.
DOWNTOWN OFFICE SUBLEASE AVAILABLE
Need some extra short term office space? An 84sqm fully furnished (if required) office available in the Mountaineer Building until 30 April 2025 (Potentially longer, subject to agreement with landlord).
Please phone 021337487 for further details
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART
THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES
COMMUNITY
Talk: Reprogramming our immune system to treat
disease
MUSIC
Global research into immune therapies over the past decade has transformed the potential for treatment of blood cancers, by supercharging a patient’s own immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. And the use of these therapies for other types of cancer and conditions – such as autoimmune disease or serious infections – is now on the horizon. Catalyst Trust’s latest kōrero will explore the scientific approaches behind different immune therapies, their successes and their challenges, with Associate Professor Emily Blyth and Dr Alicia Didsbury. Both are experts in CAR-T therapy, which is an established treatment offered in Australia but not yet NZ. Registration online at humanitix to ensure your seat. Please bring cash for your koha.
When: Monday, 5 August, 6pm - 7.30pm
Where: Liger Leadership Academy, 34 Grant Road, Frankton
War On Wapiti —The Roadshow
New Zealand’s Deer Stalkers Association is on the journey to make the great Fiordland Wapiti a Herd of Special Interest. But to get there they would like your support. Come and join a special fundraising roadshow for an evening of all things Wapiti and conservation. There will be a screening NZ Hunter’s documentary on the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation ‘Beyond The Odds’ All proceeds go to FWF. Bring the family, call your mates.
When: Friday, 2 August, 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Where: Hunting & Fishing, Remarkables Park Town Centre, Frankton
Words Without Borders: Poetry Lab with B.G. Rogers
Unleash your creativity and dive into the world of poetry at Poetry Lab in celebration of National Poetry Day. Experiment with diverse styles and express your unique voice in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Led by B.G. Rogers, a creative writer and professional copywriter from Newcastle (UK) who was first published at the age of nine. She’s now based in Queenstown with her ginormous house rabbit and released her first collection of short stories in 2022. This workshop is open to all levels, from beginners to seasoned writers. Suitable for age 14+. This is a free event, booking is required, email Queenstown.library@qldc.govt.nz
From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Ed Byrne will test that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs. Edinburgh Fringe 2023 was a bumper fivestar review year for Ed including critical acclaim for his exceptionally funny, ‘Best Reviewed Stand Up Show at Edinburgh 2023’ (British Comedy Guide). Tickets available at eventfinda.
When: Thursday, 1 August, 8pm – 10pm
Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Drive, 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
Donna Dean with Dodd and Egenes: Butterflies and Bees Tour
She’s an artist not to be missed. A velvet voice with something to say. A songwriter’s songwriter. Kiwi, Donna Dean has gone about the business of making her music over the years, winning multiple APRA and Tui awards for her songwriting and record production, recording and performing with the likes of Willie Nelson, Kasey Chambers, Jimmy Webb, Paul Kelly, and Don McLean, and writing the title track to Rhonda Vincent’s 2010 Grammy nominated bluegrass album – Destination Life. Tickets are $20 and available online at Te Atamira’s website.
When: Friday, 2 August, 7.30pm
Where: Te Atamira, Remarkables Park Town Centre, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
EVENTS
First Thursdays Quarterly
First Thursdays Quarterly is a free and fun event for art lovers. Join in the open-late across six exhibition spaces all located around Earl Street and Marine Parade in Queenstown. August brings a winter blast of new exhibitions to Queenstown including a rare opportunity to see the work of one of NZ’s most celebrated photographers at Starkwhite, a new space dedicated to a single artist, and an exhibition and artist talk at Milford Galleries.
When: Thursday, 1 August, 5pm - 7.30pm. Artist talk by Jenna Packer at Milford Galleries, Earl St, at 6pm
Where: Earl St and Marine Parade, Queenstown
Light Up Winter Cromwell
Step into a winter wonderland at this year’s Light Up Winter. With a new location this year, The Anderson Park Rose Garden will become a cascade of lights transforming the gardens into a realm of enchantment and wonder. This is an event for the family to enjoy illuminating fairies and street performers, revelling in the joyous atmosphere with live music and captivating performances. Wander through the night food market and take in the creative spirit of the Light Up Your Hat competition, as the evening culminates with the ever-magical mass lantern release.
When: Saturday, 3 August, 4pm - 8.30pm
Where: Anderson Park Rose Garden, Barry Avenue, Cromwell
WINE TOUR
Urban Wine Walk
Queenstown will come alive as a line-up of venues each transform into an Urban Cellar Door and host a winemaker for the Urban Wine Walk which is a selfguided wine trail! Simply decide which venue you’d like to start from and you’re off! Choose your own adventure as you and your friends move from venue to venue tasting delicious wines thanks to an incredible line-up of winemakers. The Urban Wine Walk promises a fun and unique self-guided wine tasting experience. Ticket available online at eventfinda.
When: Saturday, 3 August, noon – 4pm
Where: The World Bar, 12 Church Lane, Queenstown
Dry July for leisure pool
By Paul Taylor
Queenstown’s main swimming pool will remain closed for at least another week, as repairs are made around the hydroslide tower.
The council-run Alpine Aqualand pool complex closed for annual maintenance back on Saturday, 29 June. The plan was to reopen the three pools - the leisure pool, lap pool, learners pool - and also the hot pool by Monday, 15 July.
But maintenance workers identified the need to replace some of the custom-made glass panels on the ‘hydroslide mountain’ in the middle of the complex, which involves removing and reinstalling all of the fixings. Engineer reports also identified the need to make repairs to the hydroslide bridge, which covers a small section of the leisure pool and water steps.
Scaffolding remains in place around the mountain, with work expected to continue until Wednesday. The pool takes about four days to fill and heat, so Monday, 5 August, is the provisional date for reopening. The other pools are open, however, and swimming lessons are on.
Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Sports & Recreation boss Simon Battrick says: “We totally understand how closing a popular area of our facility has been disappointing for many of our residents and visitors, but this type of maintenance is not unusual for a 16-year-old pool.”
The Alpine Aqualand facility was closed for six whole months back in 2019/20 while the ceiling was redesigned, after moisture-logging caused panels to fall.
That project cost a whopping $2.3 million. Battrick says council won’t have the final costs for the hydroslide mountain repairs until work is completed, but it’s covered from the pool’s annual plant and equipment budget. It budget can be supplemented from revenue generated from entry to the slides. The hydroslides themselves were closed for redesign back in 2009 after 69 people were injured in just seven months.
Even though the mountain towers over the pool, and swimmers swim beneath the bridge, Battrick says the has been no danger to the public. The repairs are to the concrete palling underneath and on top of the bridge. Engineers also identified some minor cracks near some of the joints, which is in line with the age of the structure and took the opportunity, as a precaution, to prop the underside of the bridge, he says.
The annual maintenance work has been beefed up since the ceiling issues were found back in 2019, hence the longer shutdown period. During the recent maintenance closure, QLDC repaired some areas of the pool liners, did some remedial work on areas of the floor, and completed a thorough overhaul of the pool plant and equipment.
MR Decorating is the contractor for the hydroslide mountain work.
“We look forward to reopening the leisure pool as soon as possible so that everyone can get back to having some fun!” Battrick says.
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Scaffolding surrounds the ‘hydroslide mountain’
HOSPO GUIDE
Tuesday Taco Tuesday Any 3 tacos for the price of 2!
Stacked Steak Buy a steak or vegan steak, get it loaded with onion rings & garlic bread for free!
Every Wednesday is Quiz Night!
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!
Having night in?
We have a wide range of takeaway options to choose from. Order online www.lokalqt.co.nz or give us call 03 442 5444
Spirits, $8 Wines & $8 Tap Beer
$12 Classic Pizzas all day and night
Ultimate
Pool Comp 8pm start $10 entry plus House Drink
Night
| $20 Entry $12 Margaritas, $25 Pizza and Beer
Lokal since 2021 where everyone knows your name
$12 Espresso Martinis All day and night
Live Sports on 12 TVs $12 Cosmos
UFC Live $12 Dark ‘N’ Stormys
Singles
Comp 8pm Start $10 Entry + House Drink
Every day $21 pasta special Includes Angus beef lasagne, veggie lasagne, vegan lasagne, bolognese and carbonara
Tuesday
All-day Ice Skating from 9.30am4.30pm Wednesday Free to Watch Jurassic Ice Hockey (3 games from 6.30pm)
$7.50
All-day Ice Skating & Ice Bumper Cars!
Weekdays
Sandwich Happy Hour 2-4pm
Choose any of our Italian-style Focaccia Sandwiches plus a soft drink $20 | ONLINE ORDERING NOW AVAILABLE
SKYCITY Stampede Tickets online! Saturday SKYCITY Stampede Game Tickets online!
Sunday Free to Watch Sunday Social Ice Hockey from 5.15pm (4 games)
Monday Free to Watch QT Beer League Ice Hockey from 5.45pm
Tuesday
TACO TACO HALF PRICE TACOS UNTIL 9PM
Wednesday WING IT WEDNESDAYS HALF OFF WINGS UNTIL 9PM SMOTHERED OR DRY RUBBED | 21 FLAVOURS
Thursday BIG DAWG DAY HALF OFF BIG DAWGS UNTIL 9PM
Open 7 days week, 2 hour seating, 5pm or 7pm | ½ Deep Dish Pizza & 375ml Carafe pp - $35 pp Happy Hour From 4pm - 6pm Corona bucket $30. Wine $9. Tap Beer $9. Cocktails $14
Sunday CAESAR SUNDAYS $2 OFF CAESARS & BLOODY MARYS ALL DAY LONG
Saturday LENNI VIBE Presents 4G All Female Lineup! 6PMLate!
Monday TRIVIA NIGHT Every Monday at 6:30PM $200 Total Bar Tabs for 1st & 2nd Place!
Sunday Brett Walker Live Music in the Beer Garden, 5pm
New Winter Offering All Day Dining Menu From 12pm - Late
CROWNE PLAZA, GROUND FLOOR, 93 BEACH STREET, QT
Located in Queen Street (in St Peter’s Anglican Church). Very quiet and private. Rent includes power and internet. Available for 12 months with right of renewal. $800 per month. For more information or to view contact: vicar@stpeters.co.nz
TURBO TONICS
Handmade from powerful ingredients that will re engineer your health and lust for life. Fresh tumeric ginger and lime, this concentrate will profoundly ease inflammation and boost immunity. 0211357981 $29 per bottle delivery $33 kapow! CENTRAL QUEENSTOWN OFFICE FOR RENT
Arts+Culture
Making grief funny
by Jess Allen
dark comedian Ed Byrne will perform at Queenstown Memorial Centre this weekend. Following a slew of five-star reviews and critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe, he’s excited to be bringing his new solo show, Tragedy Plus Time, to New Zealand and to visit Queenstown for the first time.
Born in Ireland, Byrne’s comedy career started when he travelled across to Scotland to study in Glasgow. After MCing some events at his university, he was soon invited to perform at other institutions around the country. Following this he quit his studies and started up a small comedy club in Glasgow, then relocated to London to start from scratch – the rest is history. Since starting out, Byrne has performed many tours, the last of which had a theme of children and parenting, sold out many runs at Edinburgh Fringe, and appeared on the big and small screen, among many other accolades. The title for his show, Tragedy Plus Time, refers to a Mark Twain quote – that humour could be defined as tragedy plus time. The show is an insight into his own interpretation of this after his brother, Paul, passed away in 2022. “I examine that idea through the lens of a minor tragedy and a major tragedy,” Byrne says. “The minor tragedy being my car being broken into and my bag, iPad and some other things being stolen, and how the very next night I was onstage making jokes about it. Whereas then a bigger tragedy – such as just over two years ago my little brother dies of liver failure – it’s quite a major tragedy but it can be spun into comedy gold.”
He examines the concept of tragedy and how the darkest humour is sometimes what’s needed to get through the darkest of times. While the overall theme may sound a little sad, it’s “funny. Trust me, it’s funny,” Byrne jokes.
Byrne has received an overwhelming response to the show as in some way or another, everyone can relate to death. That wasn't so with some past tours, such as parenting. "People who don’t have kids find that really alienating. If there’s ever a subject that turns an audience off, if they can’t relate to it, I find it’s family stuff.”
When first performed, a lot of people walking into the show didn’t know what it was going to be about – at times people have said that they recently lost a loved one and wouldn’t have come if they knew about the subject matter, but they’re really glad they did.
“I was at Melbourne Comedy Festival a few months ago and there were two women in the front row, both had just lost their brothers in that last year – and they loved it. People who have lost people tend to get more out of the show. What I do find interesting about the show is that even if you haven’t lost anybody, death is a more universal and accessible topic than, say, parenting.”
While Byrne has a strong following in NZ and has done tours here before, this will be his first time in Queenstown. With a strong love of the outdoors, he’s excited to do a hike, or if time allows head up for a few laps. “You have a mountain range called the Remarkables? That on its own is f*cking awesome.” He’s also excited to do some exploring of the North Island as he has a few days off up there, saying that he’ll try to do a hike or something more interesting than heading to the pub, “Though I do love getting drunk in New Zealand.”
Despite the dark subject matter, Byrne’s show is funny from start to finish –it’s not one where comedy is abandoned and serious conversations are had. Byrne has said that after 30 years in comedy, it’s the first time he’s written a show that does more than just make people laugh and he really sees value in that. You will certainly be laughing along the way, too!
Queenstown Memorial Centre, Thursday, 1 August. Visit edbyrne.com
First Thursdays quarterly returns on Thursday, 1 August
First Thursdays Quarterly is a free and fun event for art lovers. Join in the open-late across six exhibition spaces all located around Earl Street and Marine Parade in Queenstown.
August brings a winter blast of new exhibitions to Queenstown including a rare opportunity to see the work of one of NZ’s most celebrated photographers at Starkwhite, a new space dedicated to a single artist, and an exhibition and artist talk at Milford Galleries.
Opening on First Thursdays, Starkwhite brings an exceptional exhibition to Queenstown. Presenting the work of Marti Friedlander, a series of iconic hand printed photographs capture the essence of Aotearoa New Zealand from the 1960s up until the present. Bringing an immigrant’s perspective to her adopted country, Friedlander's images of Māori, of protests, of rural and suburban life, and of everyday people and things captured a moment in time and in ways that have come to define this place.
Church Street sees a new gallery dedicated to the Thai artist Virut, known for his expressive pop art style portraits entirely made by collage. Using old newspapers and magazines which become his palette of colours, Virut blends and layers tiny scraps of colourful paper from which appear large size bold portraits.
At Milford Galleries painter Jenna Packer's works continue an ongoing practice developing a near-pristine land into harbours, settlements, and forests. Her new exhibition Giltwood draws on a traditional decorative art form of idealised country life, becoming stage backdrops to Packer’s visions of real and imagined New Zealand histories. Hear the artist talk about her work at 6pm during First Thursdays.
Artbay is about to farewell their exhibition by Fiona Kerr Gedson, so be sure to catch its last day for First Thursdays. Known for works that recall Kahu Huruhuru – traditional Māori feather cloaks – her work arranges peacock and pheasant feathers into intricate and often brightly coloured compositions. Artbay’s former upstairs gallery is now home to Lightworx. Head up the stairs to see work by contemporary Māori artist Robert Jahnke whose practice draws on light, mirror, and reflection to create a distinctive glow and mirrored infinity. Jahnke’s cross form is the basic stitch in tukutuku weaving, signifying fortitude and virility.
Romer Gallery is known for its large format landscape photographs of Te Waipounamu. In August a work titled Rangitata will be in the gallery, capturing a fleeting moment of sunlight breaking through the clouds above the Rangitata River in the Canterbury Plains. This large panorama piece has a secret, its vista achieved by stitching together six individual images.
First Thursdays Quarterly is based around Earl Street and Marine Parade, offering exhibitions and opportunities to engage with the region’s creative community during a special late-night opening 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 5pm –7.30pm on Thursday, 1 August
Artist talk by Jenna Packer at Milford Galleries on Earl Street at 6pm
Hilariously
Marti Friedlander, Two Farmers, c.1970
Jenna Packer, Mythos, 2024
THREESIXTY RESTAURANT AND BAR
Book your table online or if you have a group enquiry please call or email us.
Menu & online orders: prontobygiovi.co.nz
THE COFFEE CLUB
Kickstart your day at The Coffee Club
Queenstown Central with our delicious breakfast special - Buy One Breakfast, Get One Half Price
T&Cs: Present in store. Only valid at The Coffee Club Queenstown Central. Discount applies to lower-priced items. Not valid with VIP, Supergold, or any other offers. Extras to be charged. We reserve the right to change this offer at any time.
Corner of State Highway 6 and Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown Ph: 03 974 4579 | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
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 SEARLE LANE QUEENSTOWN
EATSPACE – YOUR PASSPORT TO FLAVOUR
Experience a world of flavour. All under one roof.
Eatspace offers authentic flavours drawn from influences across the globe, all in a casual dining format.
Dine in or take-away, from business to pleasure we can cater to all.
Located in O’Connells Mall. Monday - Friday 8.30am - 9pm.
‘Japanese Grandad’ to Queenstown and guide to the stars
A fascination with New Zealand eventually led to long-time Queenstown Japanese hiking guide ‘Kuzzy’ Kogure landing a job at Tokyo’s NZ Embassy, moving to Queenstown, and becoming a TV icon in his homeland.
“I had wanted to come to New Zealand ever since I saw a Japanese TV commercial featuring the stunning scenery at Milford Sound,” Kuzzy, now 73, recalls. Ironically, it would be the Milford Track that made him well-known in Japan, and responsible for attracting many more Japanese to the track.
As a young man, Kuzzy studied English for two years in the hope of overseas travel. He got a job for the National Bank of NZ’s Tokyo office. “The Kiwi people were just so friendly.”
However, as the eldest of two younger sons in the family in Japan it was expected that he would stay in his parents’ home in Tokyo to care for them. “I didn’t dare ask my parents if I could go overseas as I thought they’d say, ‘no’,” he says. “I couldn’t tell anybody.”
But the lure downunder kept tugging and after two years owning a coffee shop in Tokyo, in 1976 Kuzzy scored his dream job at the NZ Embassy in Tokyo, where he worked for 18 years, becoming property manager.
Every year he spent two weeks holiday road tripping around NZ. “I went more than 20 times. I just loved it. I had a good friend who worked for Air New Zealand, and he got me cheap fares.”
Eventually NZ Ambassador Sir Marrten Wevers encouraged him to live in NZ. “It was easy to get me interested,” Kuzzy grins. “Queenstown was my dream destination.”
By then 43, a married man and father of three, Kuzzy asked his mother if he could move to NZ. “I couldn’t believe it. She said, ‘Yes! Of course.’ It was so easy, and I’d waited all that time.”
Fortunately, it wasn’t his grandfather granting the permission. “Growing up Grandpa was a high-profile local government politician in Japan, and he’d come to Tokyo every year to meet Japan’s most powerful and famous Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei,” Kuzzy says. “Grandpa was very strict and had a very strong mind. He’d come for a special dinner and if us kids made any noise, he got angry. There was no conversation allowed.”
As a boy Kuzzy excelled at long distance running and athletics, representing his district and number one at his school. He then worked as a mechanic for Toyota, saving enough for those English lessons, just in case.
Finally, in 1994, 14 years after Kuzzy’s first trip to NZ, he moved his own family to Queenstown where he bought into Tanken Tours with Craig McLachlan and Richard Ryall.
Sadly, he and his wife divorced after five years and she and the children moved back to Japan, just before Kuzzy’s permanent residency was granted. “I was so unwell after that for two years. It was awful and the hardest time in my life, but I got so much wonderful support from people here,” he says. Kuzzy launched his contracting business in 1999, guiding for Japanese company Alpine Tours, taking groups on the Milford and Routeburn tracks and around Mount Cook. He still does.
There weren’t many Japanese in Queenstown and Kuzzy’s Embassy experience and close relationship with the NZ Tourism Board soon landed him a role as media co-ordinator for Japanese TV and media. “I studied more about NZ and co-ordinated Japanese TV, mostly Nature TV, film projects here. It was a very good job.”
His role in 2000 guiding famous Japanese actress Yoshiko Tanaka on the Milford Track for an 80-minute TV programme, which was broadcast nationally in Japan, made Kuzzy famous back home. The programme has been screened seven or eight times since, including a recent re-run. “I became quite well known as a hiker. That exposure boosted Japanese numbers to 30% of visitors on the track. That made (Sir) John Davies so happy,” Kuzzy grins.
He says John and ex-mayor and Cabinet Minister Warren Cooper were a huge help in gaining permanent residency. “They worked so hard for me. I’ve been lucky to have such powerful people backing me with very good letters. It’s so hard to get permanent visas for NZ.”
Kuzzy met partner of 17 years, Kazuko, at Milford where she was working at Milford Lodge.
He’s forever grateful to this community for welcoming him wholeheartedly and he now tries to give back. In the past he’s volunteered for the Police as a translator.
“Because I’ve been here so long and I’m older now, Japanese who move here sometimes have problems to solve, so they come to my house to ask me,” he says. “I have experience settling into NZ so I’m like the ‘Japanese Grandad of Queenstown’,” he smiles. “I have lots of grandchildren.”
Kuzzy enjoying his motorcycle passion at home in the Wakatipu
Kuzzy, right, helped make the Milford Track famous on national Japanese TV guiding this then famous Japanese movie star, Yoshiko Tanaka, in 2000
Kuzzy, as a teenager, out enjoying life in the mountains back in Japan
A plan to welcome everyone
We’ve worked alongside the community to develop a draft, three-year Welcoming Plan for our district to ensure that all newcomers are able to thrive. Learn more at a Queenstown hui on 7 August. We’ll cover the plan’s actions, ask for insights and share ways community partners can be involved. Info is also online at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz where you can provide feedback from 1-22 Aug.
Guiding development south of the Kawarau
We’re drafting a structure plan for Te Tapuae Southern Corridor, the land south of Kawarau River around Hanley’s Farm, Jack’s Point and Homestead Bay. It will guide development to make sure it includes infrastructure and services required, and delivers what our community needs now and into the future. Sign up for updates at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
Scoop the poops
Owners are responsible for their dogs’ doings. When left behind, dog poo can end up in our lakes and rivers when washed into storm drains by rain. This can create nasty algae growth that degrades water quality and hurts aquatic life. Please bag your pooch’s poops and dispose of it properly.
Upcoming meetings & workshops
Did you know most Council and committee formal meetings and workshops are open to the public with some livestreamed and recorded? These are great opportunities to find out about decisions elected members are making for the district and your community. For times, venues and agendas visit www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/meetings-committees
Flush it out
Did you know some plumbing fittings can allow minute traces of metals to accumulate overnight or while you’re away. The health risk may be small but the Ministry of Health recommends you flush a mugful of water from your drinkingwater tap each morning to remove any dissolved traces.
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 www.qldc.govt.nz/services/alcohol-licensing
Renting out a room?
If you’ve got a room to offer, head to our Manaaki webpage and start the journey to finding your perfect housemate. It’s an information hub to help support people find suitable housing in our district: www.qldc.govt.nz/manaaki/
SUDOKU ANSWER
CHURCH HALL FOR RENT
St. Peter’s Anglican Church (in the centre of Queenstown) $30-$50 per hour. Kitchen facilities available as well. Also a smaller lounge available, suitable for meetings, small gatherings etc.
For more information please email Tina on kastina.1@gmail.com
YOUNG PICASSOS ART CLASS TERM 3 IS TAKING BOOKINGS NOW! THEME - SURREAL ANIMAL AND FOOD POP ART CREATIONS
A diverse set of art skills explored T3! Sketch/Colour/Create SURREAL pop art posters then turn these into fun pop art painted clay sculptures! BOOK NOW with artist and teacher Lisa Duncan.
Venue: Te Atamira 7-15yrs Fridays 3.30-5pm Aug 2 - 20 Sept $280pp TXT LISA 022 346 1127 / lisadspaintparty@gmail.com
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
DIVINE REALIGNMENT ENERGY HEALING | REIKI HEALING | BI OPTRON LIGHT COLOUR HEALING, to rebalance and re energise PHONE PAULA FOR AN APPOINTMENT - 0211171389 www.naturalhealingpaulapetersen.com
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST
TUE (30 Jul) @ 6:30pm, Discovering BuddhaDharma with Grant Rix SUN (4 Aug) @ 2:30pm, Shantideva’s “The Way of Life of a Bodhisattva” with Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoche
All are welcome. Classes are free. Dana for the teacher gratefully accepted. See www.dharmacentre.org.nz or FB
Kylee De Suza Account Manager 021 044 2968 | kylee@qmg.co.nz
Patricia W. Becker Graphic Designer
Paul Taylor Editor/Journalist
Sue Fea Journalist
Jessica Allen Contributor
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
SEEKING A CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPERSTAR TO BECOME OUR FULL-TIME EVENING MANAGER
IF YOU:
Have experience in hospitality and cash management
Are reliable, flexible and able to work under pressure unsupervised
Are keen to work evenings so your days are free for exploring beautiful Queenstown
Have your Duty Manager certificate (preferred)
Want to work for a vibrant, beloved independent cinema that offers staff discounts
Are available to start in August for a long-term stint
Please email your cover letter and CV to dorothy@dorothybrowns.com by Wednesday 31 July
The Studio Physiotherapy is looking for a new Customer Service and Administration champion to help us keep Queenstown moving.
The role:
You’ll be working in a long standing locally owned business as part of a dynamic team of health-care professionals. At its essence, this role is all about five things: making efficient and accurate bookings and payments, ensuring clients feel welcome and well cared for, supporting the clinicians, keeping the customer service environment looking awesome, and a little bit of stock control and purchasing.
As receptionist, you’ll have one of the most important jobs in the company: you are generally people’s first impression of us, so a person who exudes care and expertise is a huge asset to us.
The role is approximately 35 - 40 hours per week (we can adjust that a little to suit the right candidate) Monday to Friday, including some early starts and late-ish finishes and it involves working at two locations: Queenstown and Lake Hayes."
The person we're looking for:
We’re looking for someone who is patient and caring, with a great phone manner. Some customer service and admin experience is definitely a plus (though not necessarily in a health-care context) if you’re interested in pilates that’s also a bonus.
You’ve got to love working with people from all walks of life. In the average week you’ll be in contact with everyone from farmers to free-skiers; neuropsychologists to nurses. You’ll also need to have the right to live and work permanently in NZ.
A bit about us:
The Studio is a physiotherapy business that focuses on hand therapy, concussion rehabilitation, pilates and general musculo skeletal physio. Our mantra is “move well” and that’s what we aim to do: heal though movement and move to stay healthy. We’re small, nimble and neutral by design, obsessively ethical and always looking for ways to make our work and our world a tiny bit better.
KIOSK SALES LEAD
Million Dollar Cruises is on the hunt for a friendly and motivated Kiosk Sales Lead to join our awesome team in Queenstown. If you love engaging with customers, have a knack for sales, want to grow with your business skills and know the Queenstown space, we will be a great match
Key Responsibilities:
• Drive Sales: Provide excellent customer service for guests booking, checking in, and departing on the Million Dollar Cruise.
• Customer Experience: Ensure smooth operations from a customer experience, sales, and business admin point of view.
• Grow Sales: Work with local agents to boost sales for FIT and private charters to small and corporate groups. Once sold, help organize and deliver the charter experience.
• Be Independent: Work unsupervised and be trustworthy and reliable.
• Build the Team: Train a small casual pool to support the full-time sales and evening Charter crew staff during days off, holidays, and sick days.
• Collaborate with Skippers: Ensure the inventory you sell matches lake and weather conditions.
• Handle Admin Tasks: Perform straightforward office functions including banking, data entry, managing online travel agents, and invoicing group business within the reservations system.
• Customer Communication: Answer all customer communications via email, live chat, online travel agents, and phone.
• Booking Systems: Use booking systems (IBIS Technology experience is a plus).
• Work Weekends: Be available to work weekends and public holidays.
Qualifications:
• Love Selling: Enjoy the thrill of making sales.
• Know Queenstown: Familiar with the Queenstown area and its visitor flow.
• Admin Skills: Strong administrative skills.
• Booking Systems: Experience with booking systems (IBIS is a plus).
• Team Player: Friendly, fun, and able to work independently and unsupervised.
Why Join Us?
• Great Small Team Environment: Join a vibrant and supportive team.
• Reputable Company: Be part of a renowned tourism company in Queenstown.
• Cool Culture: Enjoy great pay and a cool company culture. Please end us your resume and a splashy cover letter to info@milliondollarcruise.co.nz, or call the GM Paul on 027 458 8880.
VACANCIES
Customer Service Representative Airport Operations
We are looking for a versatile team player who can support Queenstown Airport's smooth, safe and secure operation from the car parks through the terminal, and up to the aircraft, in this handson operations and customer centric role.
As a CSR at ZQN every day is different, from providing excellent customer service on our info desk, to aiding passenger flow, and ensuring continued availability of passenger facilities, including baggage trolleys and check-in kiosks.
This is a fulltime permanent position, working an average of 40 hours per week, 4 days on 2 days off. This role is multi-faceted, and as such encompasses duties both customer-facing and in an operational capacity both in and outside the terminal.
Apply with your CV and cover letter to recruitment@queenstownairport.co.nz
We are looking for a RETAIL STORE MANAGER to oversee our Bettys Liquorstore in Camp Street Queenstown. We are a locally owned and operated chain of liquor stores in the Southern Lakes area.
The role:
Responsible for the day to day operations of the store and staff to ensure it can open and operate to its full potential.
This includes:
• recruiting, training and rostering staff to operate the store within the company operating guidelines and to the level required by the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act
• managing all aspects of product ordering, ensuring the stockweight of the store is sufficient daily ordering levels are maintained within acceptable limits
• making sure the store looks great for our customers
• ensuring all stock ordering, paperwork, rosters, cashups, bankings and stocktakes are completed correctly
• working as part of the overall company management team along with the owners and other store managers
What about you?
You will:
• be confident, a team leader, a good decision maker, organized, customer focused, good under pressure and be prepared to work hard with your team for the success of your store and the company.
• Ideally you will have your LCQ and General Managers Certificate
• Ideally you will have retail or hospitality management experience
What will we offer?
• A good salary
• Staff purchasing benefits
• Training and career development opportunities
• A great team environment
If you think this is you and you are interested in applying for this role please email ferg@bettys.co.nz telling me about yourself and attaching an up to date CV.
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
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
We’re
Hiring
In search of Cleaning Staff, experience preferred
• Full training and Transport provided
• Come and join our fab fun team
• Great rates and great mates! Must be able to work and drive legally in New Zealand
Email us on slithytoves33@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you
SNOW REPORTS ARE BACK!
Up to date weather and traffic information to get you to the fields, all the updated lifts and runs information for the day, plus all the places to relax post a day on the mountain.
We are hiring!!!
Balls and Bangles are looking for a cook/prep chef to join their team!
This person needs to be energetic, reliable, enjoy fast paced work and be able to self manage themselves.
Main tasks/responsibilities of the job are general kitchen prep, cooking hot fillings to order for our bagel sandwiches and cleaning.
The applicant does not need to be a qualified chef but having experience in the food industry, showing initiative and organisation is a must.
Full time hours , daytime shifts, staff meals and you get to be a part of a fun team.
To apply, drop into our Shotover St store or email your CV to ballsandbanglesjobs@gmail.com
BARTENDER
$27.99/hour
Ph: 03 409 2800 enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz
Please contact: marine_Blanchard@evt.com with resume
VACANCIES
Our story is about Queenstown.
It is about lakeside holidays, winter sports, great food and soaking tubs. It’s about keeping it real, slowing down, and stopping to talk to strangers. It’s about trying new things, taking in the views, skis on snow and the water.
It’s about bikes, beautiful walks and embracing what our backyard has to offer.
It’s about living in paradise every day.
It’s about you, living your best life.
We are looking for: GUEST SERVICE AMBASSADOR
As a Guest Services Ambassador, you will become part of our team of hospitality professionals and help to ensure brand service standards are met to the highest quality to ensure our guest’s experience meets their expectations. You will represent the hotel to the guest throughout all stages of the guest's stay and enhance their experience by being the ambassador of our place and culture.
Qualifications and requirements:
• Excellent communication skills. Demonstrated ability to interact with customers, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the team
• A passion for contributing to and enhancing guest experiences
• Excellent written skills. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office
• Problem solving, decision making and organizational abilities
• Excellent personal grooming and presentation
• Be a positive representative of the hotel
• Availability to work across a 7-day roster including weekends and public holidays
**Please note that this role is only available for applicants currently in Queenstown with a right to work in New Zealand**
Are you an enthusiastic, self-motivated, dynamic leader who is ready to take on their next challenge?
Harcourts Highland Group is seeking a Branch Manager to inspire our Cromwell sales team and help us achieve outstanding results.
Our Cromwell team has consistently delivered exceptional results in the residential, rural, and commercial markets, and we are the preferred brand amongst developers for bringing subdivisions to market. We are looking to further elevate our success with a leader who embodies passion, innovation, and collaboration.
This role not only allows you to put your leadership skills into action, but also o ers the chance to make a meaningful impact in a supportive team environment. You will thrive in a vibrant and growing community, while enjoying the stunning lakeside lifestyle that Cromwell o ers.
If you believe you have the skills to inspire and nurture talent, bring out the best in your team, and champion excellence in service, we would love to hear from you. Although an Agent Licence would be advantageous, this position only requires a Salespersons Licence. Further assistance towards obtaining an Agent Licence could be available to the successful applicant.
Please apply today by sending your CV to annette@steapconsulting.co.nz detailing how your skills and vision can elevate our team’s success.
RETAIL DUTY MANAGERS FULL TIME
We are a locally owned and operated liquor retailer based in Frankton and we’re on the hunt for warm, welcoming, customer focused, selfmotivated individuals to join our friendly team.
What sort of people are we looking for:
• 20 years of age or over
• Happy, positive, full of energy, a real people person
• Understand the fundamentals of working in retail
• A self-starter capable of working well by yourself
LANDSCAPERS
Join our exciting venture as we continue to establish Ayrburn, a multi-venue hospitality destination located in the heart of the growing Arrowtown and Lake Hayes basin.
Ideally you will be familiar with the growing conditions in the Whakatipu Basin, take pride in your work and be an enthusiastic addition to our high performing team. We would prefer a minimum of 2 years’ experience in landscaping, gardening, and relevant horticultural work.
Looking for someone with:
• A desire to learn new skills and pass on existing knowledge
• Passionate and knowledgeable (or keen to learn) about local wine and beer
• Willing to obtain an LCQ and Managers Certificate
• Committed to Queenstown/Arrowtown for the foreseeable future
The role:
• Look after our customers in a sole-charge position
• Maintain a clean, well-stocked, beautiful looking store
• Engage with customers, ask questions, and drive sales
• Comply with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act and Host Responsibility policies
• Support the store manager with an array of operational tasks and projects, including stock ordering, stocktakes, banking, cash handling, merchandising, and much more!
What you get:
• Self motivation, a can-do attitude, and the ability to work
autonomously.
• A high level of attention to detail and a passion for their work.
• Experience and a high level of competency in operating tools
to the rest of the team. and machinery ie mowers, weed eater, clippers and saws.
• A focus on health and safety.
• Full drivers’ licence.
With an immediate start, this is a permanent full-time position with further training and upskilling offered for the right candidate.
Please send your expression of
• A starting rate of $25 per hour (more if you already have your LCQ and Managers Certificate)
• Work and play in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand
• Work with a great bunch of people who love what they do
• Fixed hours right through the year
• Staff discounts and product training
• The opportunity to learn and grow in the industry
If you already have your LCQ and Managers Certificate and you love your current job but want to earn extra money, our casual positions let you accept shifts as they become available.
If this sounds like you please send a copy of your CV and a short email telling us about yourself to nash@bettys.co.nz
Find professional and creative development in some of the most beautiful places on earth. With a wide selection of work available, and accommodation for the right candidates, we’re here to support you for a good time AND a long time.
Join our whānau, and finally master that work-life balance. Operating in locations from central Queenstown, like the iconic TSS Earnslaw or the Walter Peak paradise, to the secluded and rugged Fiordland, there’s something for everyone.
Some positions available: Milford Sound
Crew (day and overnight boats)
Nature Guide
Chef (day and overnight boats)
Stores
Customer Service
Begin a journey to your career today. Visit employment.realnz.com
