Is Robin Hood a hero or a villain? I only ask because while watching the latest Queenstown Lakes District Council meeting, I heard Wānaka councillor Barry Bruce describe the now-failed move to make property developers pay towards affordable housing as “akin to a Robin Hood tax”. I’m pretty sure he was using the phrase to criticise the plan, saying we should not, in fact, rob from the rich to give to the poor. You can read more about the ‘inclusionary zoning policy’ on p4.
Now, I’m not suggesting it’s a good thing to hide in the woods in green tights, jump out and ‘stand and deliver’ passing rich Queenstowners, fun as that might sound. But the whole thing with Robin Hood was that the taxation from King John was so unfair, the system so rigged, and the peasants so workedto-the-bone and destitute, that a bit of redistribution was, if not legally, then at least morally defensible.
Where are we now? According to Westpac research, released last month, home ownership rates in New Zealand have fallen below 60% and will fall below 50% by 2048 based on current trends. In Queenstown Lakes, the average house price in July according to realestate.nz is $1.6 million, up 7% from last year. With the new debt-to-income ratios coming in, you need a household income of, wait for it, $250,000 to mortgage such a property, after you’ve somehow saved $320k for the deposit. The average household income here is $133,000. You can debate mean v average but we all know, it’s bloody expensive. So, no chance for most, and definitely not the 1300-orso households on the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust waitlist. It seems pretty rigged against anyone who hasn’t got rich parents, a very good job, or got on the ladder years ago. But the most annoying thing about the policy being abandoned is that it has been happening anyway on a voluntary basis. The majority of developers have reached agreements with council over the years, and have made a contribution. Hopefully that continues because we have thousands upon thousands of houses downstream.
I don’t believe in inheritance tax or capital gains tax. I think you should largely keep what you earn and be able to pass it down, and that people should be able to see a return on investment and be inspired to work hard. But society shouldn’t be held together by philanthropy, by a rich nobleman flicking you a gold coin as he trots by on his horse. If developers are making a very substantial value uplift from the council rezoning rural land as residential, some of the benefits should be used, as a rule, to create more affordable housing. That way our children might be able to live here too.
Paul Taylor, Lakes Weekly Bulletin
Queenstown artist Karen Scott, centre, celebrates the opening of her exhibition ‘Shadows on the Hill’ at Te Atamira on Saturday, which features work from daughters Sophie, left, and Rosa.
Night closures and detours
Queenstowners can expect significant overnight disruption as the Frankton BP Roundabout project moves to its next stage.
Kā Huanui a Tāhuna is planning to close various main roads around the major junction through August and September.
Different sections of SH6 Kawarau Road, near Frankton bus station, will be closed from 10pm-6am from 11-15 August, and 15-22 August, with a diversion around Hawthorne Drive, through Remarkables Park.
Then sections of SH6 Frankton-Ladies Mile, on either side of the Queenstown Events Centre turnoff, will be closed 10pm-6am from 25 August - 5 September, with the same diversion in place. And, finally for now, SH6A Frankton Rd, outside McDonald’s, will be closed 10pm-6am 8-11 September. There’s also work this week around Gray Street.
“Converting the existing Frankton roundabout into a signalised intersection requires a lot more than new asphalt and road markings,” a Kā Huanui a Tāhuna spokesperson says.
“The roundabout is also the intersection of every critical service that helps nearly half of Queenstown’s population to function - including stormwater, water supply, electricity (both local and mains), gas, and telecommunications.”
There are about 100 individual pipes and ducts crossing State Highway 6, in 32 individual trenches, with between one and 10 service lines in each.
“With the state highway being widened, most of these lines need to be shifted out of the way or buried deeper so the new Frankton Intersection and Bus Hub Improvements Stage 1 project can be built.
“These service connections need to be made across the state highway via a series of trenches that can only be excavated, filled and the road surface repaired at night. This will be done over a series of nights (weather permitting) from Sunday, 11 August, through to mid-September 2024.”
The closures will also affect bus routes.
Kā Huanui a Tāhuna is an alliance partnership between NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Queenstown Lakes District Council along with four design and construction companies, Beca, WSP, Downer and Fulton Hogan. More info on the buses is available at www.orc.govt.nz/QTdetours, while full detail on the closures is at www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/queenstown-package/ under ‘publications’.
The Frankton roundabout worksite from above. Photo: Kā Huanui a Tāhuna
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NEWS IN BRIEF
New boss for Glenorchy lodge
Danielle Ingle has been appointed operations manager for The Headwaters Eco Lodge, Glenorchy. Ingle was most recently ops manager at Queenstown’s five-star hotel Rosewood Matakauri and before that was GM for luxury property Azur Lodge. “The Headwaters Eco Lodge founders Debbi and Paul Brainerd are inspirational and visionary leaders in sustainability, and I can’t wait to join the team,” she says. “My goal is to continue their outstanding work by continuing to look at ways to stay at the forefront of sustainability in the accommodation sector.” Ingle’s a graduate of Queenstown Resort College and grew up in Dunedin, where her mum ran a B&B.
Grants for young adventurers
Applications are open for the NZ Mountain Film Festival Grant Scheme. Festival Director Mark Sedon is encouraging anyone seeking funding for youth filmmaking or adventure skills courses, the purchase of adaptive sports equipment, or environmental projects to get in touch. Grant applications are open until 31 August and Sedon estimates that the NZ Mountain Film Festival Charitable Trust will have close to $6000 to give away this year. Funds were raised through a silent auction during the festival in Wānaka and Queenstown in June, and more will be added from the proceeds of a national film tour. More info at mountainfilm.nz/grants/
Warning for backcountry enthusiasts
Backcountry snow enthusiasts hitting the mountains following last week’s snowfall are being encouraged to check the avalanche advisory for the most up-to-date information and follow the guidance. The avalanche danger increased to ‘considerable’ across the motu following the storm system, but has now lessened. It is moderate in Mt Aspiring National Park and Wānaka, which means heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Anyone in the mountains should evaluate snow and terrain carefully. The risk is low in Queenstown and Fiordland, so generally safe. NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) provides the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory rating daily for 13 backcountry alpine regions around Aotearoa, available at avalanche.net.nz. MSC chief executive Mike Daisley says as well as checking the website, it’s also important to get #AvalancheReady, “which means getting the training and the gear too, before venturing out.”
Photo: Bianca Bratton / Black Peak, Mt Aspiring National Park
Photo: The Kahu Youth Trust received a grant which helped to fund their Youth vs Wild programme
Trail-blazing plans to force property developers to pay towards affordable housing have been scrapped.
Queenstown Lakes District Council wanted to change its district plan to require most new residential developments to make a contribution of either land or money.
That would have been passed on to Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT), to develop housing for low-tomoderate income earners, in a district where the average house price tops $1.6 million. But a panel of independent commissioners says council did not provide enough research or analysis to support the changes.
“We’re really, really disappointed, and quite surprised by the decision,” QLCHT boss Julie Scott says.
“There was discussion from the panel that there’s no evidence to suggest that inclusionary housing would work. However, it has been working quite successfully on a voluntary basis on the ground for 21 years.”
Body blow for housing trust
by Paul Taylor
Scott says QLCHT has been “built on the backbone” of inclusionary housing, enabling it to build eight housing developers and help 244 local households.
“There’s a really strong precedent for the process... it was just a matter of formalising it in the district plan.”
At Thursday’s full council meeting, the proposal was officially withdrawn.
The panel suggested the council looks at funding affordable housing initiatives through rates and development contributions, urban intensification, partnering with central government, and addressing the Airbnb / residential visitor accommodation issue.
Much of that work is already underway and Deputy Mayor Quentin Smith questioned whether the panel had overstepped its mark.
He said the proposal “wasn’t a perfect solution but it was part of a strategic approach to addressing one of the greatest issues in our district”.
It touched on wider questions about whether the next generation would be able to stay in Queenstown Lakes and whether businesses could find workers who could afford to live here.
“Unfortunately, we’re left on the backfoot again, without any solution ... at this point in time, there is no future opportunity for us to require any additional land to be given to the housing trust and that puts their work at significant risk,” Smith says.
Councillor Barry Bruce, however, echoed the sentiments of people and organisations, including developers, who submitted against the proposal.
“Such a charge will inevitably be passed on by the developer and frankly
Green
is akin to a Robin Hood tax, potentially resulting in neighbour subsidising neighbour,” Cr Bruce says. “I don’t think that’s neither fair not equitable.”
Cr Bruce says the district has always been expensive compared to elsewhere, even when he first bought property here back in 1975.
Cr Lisa Guy thanked the council team for giving the “out there call” a shot and said the decision would be incredibly disappointing for the 1300 families and people on the Trust’s waiting list for affordable housing.
“My concern around this is we’ve got to get back in the game as quick as we can and use as many levers as we can to help support sustainable housing.”
Queenstown Mayor Glyn Lewers shared his deputy’s frustrations but said a positive was that the panel found inclusionary zoning was “completely lawful under the Resource Management Act” and the council’s economic case for the change was valid.
“It’s interesting to hear people say it is ‘dead’. It actually gives us the option to go again, but that will be on a council decision at a later date, whether it’s this council or a council in the future,” Lewers says.
Scott says QLCHT has projects in the pipeline and legally binding obligations from developers for its current and near-future projects, including three voluntary inclusionary housing agreements it has signed with developers in the past six months.
And the hope is it will continue, rather than developers using the panel’s ruling to push back against the scheme.
light for red light expansion
Queenstown Lakes’ red light zones - which contain no active brothelshave been expanded.
The new Brothel Bylaw 2024 was approved by councillors on Thursday, after a hearings panel sorted through polarised, fiery written and in-person submissions.
In Queenstown, the zone where brothels are permitted to operate now covers downtown from Camp St and Man St towards Lake Wakatipu, boarded by Lake St and Earl St. In Wānaka, the zone now covers four blocks of the CBD near the lake.
Other minor changes were also approved, including brothels now being able to operate below ground level. But they still must be 100m apart and signs are limited.
Concerns had been raised that the previous bylaw was too restrictive, and did not allow small owner-operated brothels (SOOBs) due to the high premises costs downtown, potentially opening it to a legal challenge under the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 (PRA).
Hearing panel chair Cr Cody Tucker said the panel “had to strike a balance between giving effect to the PRA... and the community sentiment”, so chose the smaller of potential expansions.
“We are still one of the most restrictive districts in the country.”
Mayor Glyn Lewers, however, questioned the idea of community sentiment, given 13 of the 20 submissions were from outside the district.
The first 15 homes of Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust’s 68-unit Tewa Banks development in Arrowtown are under construction
The Queenstown expanded brothel control zone
CRIMELINE
French couple rescued on Ben Lomond
A French couple, newly moved to the Whakatipu, were rescued after dark from a ridge 1500m up Ben Lomond after becoming lost while following a map on their phone, around 7pm on Thursday, 25 July. Constable Anara Hocking says the couple called 111 reporting that they were lost as it was after dark and they hadn’t planned on being out overnight. “They had suffi cient gear to keep them warm, but not to stay out overnight,” she says. “They made the right call to phone Police given they didn’t know the area and had insuffi cient clothing for staying overnight at that cold altitude.” The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter was dispatched using its night fl ying capabilities and chief pilot Kevin Gale says they brought the couple back to the helicopter hangar at Frankton. Neither of them was injured. “We landed on the ridge about three quarters of the way up the mountain and they just got on board,” he says. “That’s what we’re here for. That was the right thing to do.”
The rescue helicopter also responded from Queenstown last Friday night at 11.30pm (26 July) after an alert from the Rescue Coordination Centre to say two deer hunters had activated a personal locator beacon near Te Anau Downs. A Maritime NZ RCC spokesman says Search and Rescue offi cers called the helicopter and the hunters were located. One had fallen into a creek and was suffering from the cold. He was airlifted to Te Anau Medical Centre while the other made his own way home.
Car rolls, Coronet Peak Road
A 29-year-old Queenstown man had a lucky escape when his vehicle lost traction on a right-hand bend on Coronet Peak Road at 11.35am on Thursday, 25 July, rolling upside down and ending up 10 metres below the road. Community Constable Amanda Shute says the vehicle slid out, the driver over corrected, the vehicle rotated 180degrees then dropped off the side of the road and down a steep hill. “It rolled once before coming to rest on its wheels 10 metres below,” she says. The driver, who escaped without injury, was issued with a written traffi c warning for careless driving. Police were also called to the Glenorchy Queenstown Road at 3.10am on Saturday, 27 July, after a 27-year-old driver lost control, crossed the centre line and hit a bank before ricocheting back onto the road and into a dirt bank on the opposite side. Shute says there were no injuries, and the matter is still under investigation.
Night ‘n Day runner caught in Gorge Road
A 19-year-old Australian Night ‘n Day Queenstown shoplifter got more than he bargained for after making off with two donuts and a wrap from the store at 12.48am on Sunday, 28 July. Police, fl agged down by the store manager, chased him on foot in hot pursuit to Gorge Road where he was found with the items and arrested, Shute says. “He returned to the store and paid for the items he’d stolen, and was issued with a trespass notice and then a formal warning.”
Tandem paragliding accident under investigation
The Civil Aviation Authority is working with Skytrek Tandem Hang Gliding and Paragliding to understand why last week’s paragliding accident occurred off Coronet Peak. A CAA spokesman says the operator is also carrying out an internal investigation. No details can be released while the investigation is underway, and due to privacy reasons, nor can the condition of the young woman fl own to Christchurch, headed for Burwood Hospital with serious spinal injuries.
Police urge, dob in the druggies
Police are warning they will continue to target illicit drugs as part of a regional crackdown and are urging the public to inform them of anyone supplying these drugs on 105, via the station or through Crimestoppers on 0800555111. A 37-year-old Queenstown man was one of two arrested in the lower South Island late last week after the Southern District Organised Crime Group executed search warrants locally. He has faced multiple charges in court, including possession of cocaine, ketamine, and LSD for supply.
DOWNTOWN OFFICE SUBLEASE AVAILABLE
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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
LEISURE POOL OPEN
MONDAY 12 AUGUST
Alpine Aqualand’s leisure pool will be open from Monday 12 August.
We’re excited to welcome families and recreational swimmers back to the facility.
Move to future proof Queenstown Lakes’ economy
By QMG
The windows are going in at the $45 million Queenstown Research and Innovation Centre at Remarkables Park, Frankton. The building, scheduled to open in October, is billed as one of the key developments to help Queenstown Lakes diversify its economy, with a focus on technology. Cook Brothers Construction is the contractor for Remarkables Park Ltd, with the 5400sqm building project backed by a $22.5m Government loan.
A plan to diversify Queenstown Lakes’ economy away from just tourism and construction has been given the greenlight.
Councillors on Thursday endorsed the ‘New pathways to a thriving future’ plan, following another 18 local organisations. It is designed to foster a wider range of industries and career opportunities across the district.
Mayor Glyn Lewers says diversification can offer higher incomes that would help future generations build roots in the district.
“Latest Quality of Life survey figures show around half of our residents don’t see a future for themselves in the district. More career choices and higher pay rates can help with this,” he says.
“The benefit of a diverse economy goes beyond people’s financial situations. If more people earn a healthy income and grow their career, they’ll be better placed to contribute to our community and environment.”
QLDC Economic Futures Manager Peter Harris, whose team helped coordinate the plan, said moving the district’s economy in new directions is a huge challenge but the collaboration already happening gives confidence that a better economic mix is possible.
“We’re not starting from scratch – people committed to creating a more diverse economy have been supporting film, education, and startups for years, right back to 2004 when a film advisory board was formed. These efforts have been boosted recently by people focused on growing the technology sector, supporting Māori business, and fostering an outdoor product niche.”
Wānaka Business Chamber General Manager Glenn Peat welcomed the plan.
“This plan provides insights into new business opportunities that could be beneficial for our district. Entrepreneurs and business owners play a critical role in our community, and the Wānaka Business Chamber is committed to supporting their efforts to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable economy.”
The Economic Diversification Plan combined with the previously endorsed Destination Management Plan, Travel to a thriving future, will replace the district’s existing 2015 Economic Development Strategy. This signals a move from destination marketing to destination management, and a greater emphasis on the need to diversify the local economy.
Destination Southern Lakes (DSL) Chair Murray Strong said both strategies support each other.
“International research shows economic diversification often begins by building off the expertise within the dominant industry. Local examples of this are the technology companies born here who offer solutions to tourism and hospitality.
“Not only are these companies creating ‘weightless’ exports but as the tourism businesses take up these solutions it helps them become more productive and ultimately profitable which in turn supports improved quality of life. DSL congratulates the team for a thorough piece of work to set the future direction for the Queenstown Lakes District.”
The Economic Diversification Plan can be read online on QLDC’s website.
Expert boost for new businesses
By QMG
Calling all entrepreneurs with a plan!
Startup Queenstown Lakes is running a new 10-week Startup Booster Programme to help founders take the next step towards launching their business.
The programme, which begins 20 August, has drawn together a team of industry leaders to deliver insights and strategies, and will provide a clear road map for anyone who has already crystalised their business idea into a plan.
“We’re aiming for founders who have quite a firm business idea, who are able to define their idea with a Lean Business Canvas, which includes a definition of the problem they’re solving, who their clients will be, how they want to make money, and what their costs are,” Marco Dingemans, SQL General Manager & Business Coach, says.
SQL also runs kick-start programmes for those who’ve not yet developed their ideas and lift-off programmes for founders ready to launch.
“But this Booster programme is for mid-level founders who are really committed to turning their idea into a reality,” he says.
SQL’s team - Dingemans, High Growth Startup Coach Jinene Clark, and Community Manager Monette Russo, will be joined by a stellar line up.
They are co-founder of Wildcard Josh Champion; business innovation advisor Zane Trevarton; Mainland Angel Investors network manager Peter Ramsay; legal expert Derek Roth-Biester; operational and financial strategist Mike Goodman; and ethical and sustainable business professional Becky Jane Fox.
They are all donating their time, which allows the course to be provided for a super cheap $299, for Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago district residents.
“All these people are amazing at what they do and can charge a lot of money for the advice they give, but they want to give something back to the community and donate their time and knowledge to a new generation of founders.”
It will be an in-person course, usually 4.30pm - 6pm once a week, at the Liger Academy in Frankton, as Dingemans says SQL has found in the past online courses can lack follow through, as people can switch off more easily.
“There’s an accountability happening in the room, from the coaches and the other founders, for the ideas and the homework ... all good natured and positive.”
Founders go through an application process to get onto the course, including an interview, and at the end of the 10 weeks there is a compulsory pitch night, where they will use all they’ve learned to pitch to investors and the group. The course is also supported by Amazon and Google, so participants can use their credit system to access online help.
“And the coolest thing is we’ve spoken to Business Mentors South and they’re offering a year-long mentorship on from this course. Some programmes, once you’ve finished, you’re let go and might fall off a cliff. We don’t want to happen. So for the ones who graduate and we find are really serious, there’s this ongoing pathway.”
The course is supported by Queenstown Lakes District Council, as part of the push towards diversifying the economy.
“We’re not just about tech, although tech businesses are often the easiest to scale, and grow beyond the borders of the district, which is one of our aims. If you run a brick-and-mortar shop, that’s not so easy to grow, but we’ve worked with some amazing people over the years in the tourism-related businesses, health, hospitality-related. There’s lots of outdoor products created here too, which makes sense when you look around.”
Dingeman says those who are interested should get their ducks in a row relatively quickly, as the course begins in two weeks and there is an application process.
Visit www.startupqueenstownlakes.com/startup-booster for more info.
Startup Queenstown Lakes GM Marco Dingemans
master your mobility
LAKES WEEKLY POLL
Tuesdays 6.00pm to 7.00pm
SCAN THE QR CODE TO UNLOCK YOUR MOBILITY
Stuck at a desk? Do you look like Tin Man from Wizard of Oz when you walk or move? Mastering your mobility will improve posture, reduce risk of injury and enhance performance in your daily activities and life.
Do you feel crime is increasing in Queenstown?
Yes, I feel Queenstown is less safe - 27%
Maybe but I haven’t witnessed any increase - 40%
No, it's still a pretty safe place - 25%
Unsure | Don’t know - 10%
Do you take days off or adjust your work schedule work to go up the mountain when it snows?
- 14%
- 51%
applicable - 35%
Do you support more privately-run car parking facilities in Queenstown?
so long as the fees charged were capped - 46%
- 25% Unsure | Don’t know - 8%
Do you agree with the RBNZ’s steady economic position of holding official interest rates? Are you watching the Paris Olympics 2024?
Yes, they have the settings about right - 24%
No, they need to move now to reduce pressure on consumers - 42% Don’t know | Unsure - 34%
the NZ athletes - 11%
LWB regularly polls locals on issues affecting our region. This week’s responses are below. There were 140 respondents this week. If
NUESTRA VOZ
Por Daniela Díaz Soto ddiazsoto@gmail.com
Se cierra un ciclo: ¡gracias a todos!
Queridos amigos y seguidores de esta columna, tras más de un año entregando este servicio a la comunidad hispanoparlante de Queenstown, ha llegado el momento de decir adiós. Fue en junio del año 2023 cuando la primera columna fue publicada y, desde entonces, este hermoso desafío solo ha traído resultados positivos.
La motivación para proponer esta columna al editor de Lakes Weekly Bulletin surgió cuando comencé a involucrarme más con la comunidad y comprendí que compartimos muchos de los desafíos que enfrentamos como latinos en un país tan lejano. Para quienes no lo saben, estudié periodismo en Santiago de Chile. Trabajé más de 10 años en un canal de televisión y luego como freelance para algunas empresas. Al mudarme a Nueva Zelanda, en mi afán de adaptarme al país, comencé a hacer trabajos no relacionados con mi carrera, lo que me hizo alejarme un poco de la idea de continuar acá. Sin embargo, cuando empecé a visibilizar lo que nos conecta, surgió esta propuesta.
La unión y conexión con nuestras raíces fue lo que me impulsó. Crear un vínculo entre los latinos y la revista, y entregar un servicio que pudiera ayudar, ofrecer información, orientación, y contar historias de quienes están acá, haciendo cosas, intentando progresar. Estamos tan lejos y a veces cuesta tanto sentirse de nuevo como en casa, sobre todo por la barrera del idioma que, por mucho que lo dominemos, puede transformarse en un obstáculo cuando queremos expresar nuestras ideas o emociones. Una columna exclusivamente en español en un medio completamente en inglés era algo novedoso, pero sin duda, un aporte.
De esta manera, tras mucha refl exión y en la búsqueda de nuevos desafíos, esta columna llega a su fi n, no sin antes agradecer a las decenas de personas que hicieron posible que siguiera adelante.
Muchas gracias a todos quienes aceptaron participar, entregando sus testimonios de vida, hablando de sus emprendimientos y de lo que los motiva, siempre desde la humildad y con respeto, dando su tiempo y apoyo a la iniciativa.
Me identifi co con tantas de las historias y retos que se han plasmado en esta columna, y eso me ayuda a comprender que somos todos muy parecidos, por lo que construir una comunidad más fuerte es primordial.
Agradezco a David Gibbs por abrirme las puertas a esta maravillosa oportunidad. Él creyó en el proyecto apenas se lo propuse y siempre me brindó su apoyo incondicional. Sin su respaldo, nada de esto hubiera sido posible.
No puedo dejar de mencionar a todos los lectores que semana a semana dedicaron su tiempo a leer estas palabras. Su retroalimentación fue esencial para mejorar y hacer más visibles las necesidades de nuestra comunidad. Sus comentarios, sugerencias y palabras de aliento fueron el motor que me impulsó a seguir escribiendo con pasión y dedicación.
Finalmente, quiero despedirme con la esperanza de que este espacio haya dejado una huella positiva en cada uno de ustedes. Les deseo todo lo mejor en sus proyectos y sueños. Y que esta maravillosa comunidad latina en Queenstown siga fortaleciéndose y creciendo para que nunca calle NUESTRA VOZ.
WATCH REPAIRS NOW
For all your repairs, watches, clocks, batteries, key cutting & straps.
Level One, Stratton House (Below Sky City), 24 Beach Street, Queenstown Mon - Fri, 9:30am till 5:30pm. Closed on Saturdays. Phone/ text: 027 217 0442
COMMUNITY NOTES
Tend a seed for tomorrow by
Wakatipu Reforestation Trust
It is often said around Queenstown but worth saying again: it’s a rare privilege to live somewhere with a pristine natural environment on the doorstep. Immersing ourselves in the natural world does wonders for our mental and physical health and helps us gain perspective on life.
If you’d like to make a difference and improve our local environment in a tangible way, consider volunteering at the Jean Malpas Community Nursery in Kelvin Heights. Not only do you get some “green time” but there’s the added bonus of connecting with like-minded people.
Since 2014, the nursery has grown over 10,000 native plants from ecosourced seeds and cuttings each year. These young trees and shrubs are carefully tended until they’re ready to plant out at our keystone sites, such as Whitechapel Reserve and Slope Hill Reserve, for the public (and birds) to enjoy.
We regularly get good numbers of volunteers at our community planting days in spring and autumn, but would love to see some new faces helping out at the nursery on Wednesdays.
Sun-soaked and ringing with bird-song, the Jean Malpas Nursery is a very pleasant spot to spend a wintery Wednesday. It borders the thriving Welcome Forest in Jardine Park and includes a Reference Garden where visitors can learn about the kinds of plants endemic to the Whakatipu Basin.
Winter sessions run every Wednesday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and are drop-in style, so you can give as much time as you’ve got. Working from home? An hour in the nursery is a great way to spend a lunch break! Nursery tasks are suitable for all ages and levels of ability and fitness. From preparing seeds and repotting fledgling plants, to weeding young plants and general nursery maintenance, there’s a job for everyone.
Our volunteer coordinator is on hand to demonstrate and guide new volunteers. These sessions are social, informal and inclusive, with morning tea provided and great chats guaranteed. It’s an active way to meet new people while making a positive impact on restoring our native biodiversity. If Wednesdays don’t work for you, we also run community planting days on Saturday mornings in spring and autumn. These are open to the entire community with jobs for everyone – and not just tree planting! Volunteers also help with morning tea, run the BBQ, construct plant protectors, and other tasks that help make planting days run smoothly.
We all enjoy the beautiful landscapes outside our windows – how special then, to contribute to their ecological health.
To find out more about volunteering at the nursery or coming along to planting days, please visit www.wrtqt.org.nz, or email us at volunteer@wrtqt.org.nz. We would love to hear from you.
ITALIAN TO GO
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Menu & online orders: prontobygiovi.co.nz
THE COFFEE CLUB
Kickstart your day at The Coffee Club
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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
EATSPACE – YOUR PASSPORT TO FLAVOUR
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Eatspace offers authentic flavours drawn from influences across the globe, all in a casual dining format.
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Located in O’Connells Mall. Monday - Friday 8.30am - 9pm.
Saturday - Sunday 11am - 9pm
THREESIXTY RESTAURANT AND BAR
Book your table online or if you have a group enquiry please call or email us.
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
HOSPOGUIDE
Pizza and Beer
Singles Pool Comp 8pm Start $10 Entry + House Drink
Je Marco from 9pm
John Healy from 9pm
Brett Walker from 9pm
Includes Angus beef lasagne, veggie lasagne, vegan lasagne, bolognese and carbonara
Calico from 9pm
Blake Corbett from 9pm
Trad Session from 5pm
Blake Corbett from 9pm
2-4pm Choose any of our Italian-style Focaccia Sandwiches plus a soft drink $20 | ONLINE ORDERING NOW AVAILABLE
Tuesday Believe It or Not Quiz Every Tuesday 6.30pm Free Entry, Bar Tab up for grabs
Live Music Dr Sanchez - Latin Guitar 6.30 - 9.30pm
All Black vs Argentina 7:05pm Food and Beer Deal Monday to Friday $25 lunches 12-3pm Happy Hour Every Day 4pm - 6pm $10 Pints, $10 Wine, $12 Cocktails (selected beverages only) Tuesday MUSIC BINGO NIGHT 7pm start Free to Play
World x Yonder Silent Disco! 9PM 2 Venues - 3 DJs Free Entry
MITCH EP Free Entry, 9pm - Late!!
Rusty’s Cabin Beer Garden Apres Party! 6pm-Late Saturday LEW b2b GRZLY Free Entry! Come Party - 9pm start Sunday Rob Glen Live Music in the Beer Garden, 5pm
PLAZA, GROUND FLOOR,
BEACH STREET,
Arts+Culture
Poets at Sherwood
by Jess Allen
Auckland-based poet, author and playwright, Dominic Hoey, will perform an intimate night of poetry and storytelling at Sherwood this Friday. Local poets Bethany Rogers and Julian Noel will also join him to perform some poems at the start of the evening.
Hoey’s career has spanned across many creative mediums including music with the release of four rap albums. He’s released two novels, Iceland and Poor People With Money, both of which were New Zealand bestsellers, and co-founded Dead Bit Books (DBB) in 2019 – a small press publishing writers who sit on the margins of NZ's publishing industry. When his interest was fi rst sparked in poetry, a love affair quickly grew.
“I’ve always been interested in it, but for the longest time my main thing was rapping, because where I grew up that seemed like it was something more acceptable to do I suppose,” Hoey says. “So I just wrote poetry secretly. Then as I was a bit older, poetry slams became a thing, so I started entering and I won some of those and just went from there. It’s become a massive part of my life – not only do I write poetry, but I teach it, and it’s taken me around the world and allowed me to do a lot of cool stuff.”
Hoey has taught thousands of students across Aotearoa and overseas. He’s also the founder of Learn To Write Good, a creative writing programme teaching craft to people who don’t have access to formal education, in addition to his weekly creative writing class at Homeground as part of the city mission. When teaching, he encourages people to draw on their reallife experience.
“When I teach, I always say to people that it is what’s going to make you unique, because everyone’s life experience and their way of perceiving the world is different. I think you put that into your work, and I think life is just so absurd if you actually really put a lens on it, so I love highlighting that absurdity and the absurdity of social norms – I’m writing a poem about having a job at the moment and how ridiculous that is if you actually zoom out and look at what it entails.”
Topics Hoey explores in his poetry and storytelling are mostly personal and at times a little political. He explores his life and often evokes emotion from the audience – sometimes laughing, sometimes shedding tears.
“I think that’s your job as a poet – I think it really is to make people gain empathy – to create empathy with yourself and the audience. And it’s a strange thing, I was talking with my mate about it a little while ago, it’s the only job where if the audience cries, you’ve done it right.”
In addition to performing poetry, Hoey has released two novels and four poetry collections. His most recent poetry collection, The Dead Are Always Laughing At Us, will be with him for his Queenstown show. It is about his best friend, who passed away two years ago, and their relationship as well as Hoey’s grief. He describes it as funny and also heart breaking. He’s looking forward to bringing his show on tour.
“I’ve always enjoyed it in Queenstown and the shows are always good, so I’m excited to get back down,” Hoey says.
Dominic Hoey, Bethany Rogers and Julian Noel will take the stage at Sherwood this Friday, 9 August, at 7pm. You can fi nd out more info or purchase tickets at sherwoodqueenstown.nz/events or by scanning the QR code below.
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART
THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES
COMMUNITY
Holistic Winter Wellness: Expert Tips for Optimal Health
Wondering what you can do to help maintain your health and wellness during these cold winter months?
Join the Holistic Winter Wellness: Expert Tips for Optimal Health with guest speakers from Queenstown Health Chiropractor and Physiotherapy. This is a free session and those attending will receive expert advice to help keep the doctor away, learn holistic approaches and practical tips to not just stay well, but thrive. Spaces are limited, email Arrowtown.Library@qldc.govt.nz to register your spot.
When: Friday, 9 August, 10.30am - noon
Where: Arrowtown Library, Buckingham Street
Better Digital Future for Seniors - Getting to know your device
This month Frankton Library and Southern REAP are holding a weekly free, friendly group to help learn computer basics. Meet new people and become more confident around technology in a small class size and lots of encouragement. Bring along your computer if you prefer, however, computers are provided. Please contact Southern REAP on 0800 111 117 or email info@reap.co.nz
Wānaka Wastebusters is bringing Every Bite to Queenstown, a four-week at-home programme designed to help households become more food resourceful, cut back on food waste and save money. Every Bite launches on Wednesday with professional chef Alvaro Briones, from Queenstown’s Patagon Sausages, who will offer his experience and tips for cutting back on waste and share delicious nibbles that tackle commonly wasted food items. You’ll receive the tools, resources and support to keep your household motivated and on track. The programme costs $10, all proceeds go to Kiwi Harvest. Registration via humanitix.
When: Wednesday, 21 August, 6pm - 8pm
Where: Lake Hayes Pavilion
The Bitches’ Box: Episode 4
COMEDY
The Bitches’ Box, known for their uproarious comedy performances in rural settings, are bringing their off-beat humour to Arrowtown. Featuring iconic dog characters and a hilarious romp through a local farm setting, The Bitches’ Box: Episode 4 promises to deliver the same wild and zany antics that fans have come to love from The Bitches’ Box. Emma Newborn and Amelia Dunbar seamlessly transition between characters with lightning speed, offering a glimpse into the whimsical world of our fourlegged friends. Booking at www.bitchesbox.co.nz
When: Wednesday, 21 August, 7.30pm - 9pm
Where: Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall, 33 Buckingham Street
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
To Us the Ashes: Indigenous Shorts
The International Storytellers Film Series presents the third edition as they celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with a special screening of ‘To Us the Ashes: Indigenous Shorts’. This is a collection of five Indigenous documentary short films from across the globe. From fly fishing conservationists in the Pacific Northwest to a young Lakota woman creating a girls’ boxing team, these films embody the ingenuity and tenacity of Indigenous Peoples worldwide. The five films across the evening include selections from Big Sky Documentary Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival. This is a free event.
When: Thursday, 8 August, 6pm – 8pm
Where: Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown
POETRY MONTH
is poetry month and aims to celebrate poetry with events, readings and performances across the country.
Dominic Hoey Poetry Night
Dominic Hoey is a kiwi poet, author and playwright. He is visiting Queenstown for two events. He has written two novels, Iceland and Poor People With Money which were kiwi bestsellers. He’s released four successful poetry collections, including I Thought We’d Be Famous and The Dead Are Always Laughing at Us. He is currently working on his third novel. Hoey will host a night of poetry and stories. Local poet Bethany Rodgers will join him for a night of poetry at the Sherwood. Tickets are $20 at humanitix.
When: Friday, 9 August, 7pm - 10pm
Where: Sherwood, 554 Frankton Road
Learn to Write Good with Dominic Hoey
On Saturday, Hoey will hold a creative writing workshop on character creation and writing dialogue. Using exercises and examples, he will illustrate how to come up with believable characters and get them speaking like real people. The class will be relaxed, with a focus on learning tools to help bring your prose to life.
When: Saturday, 10 August, 9am – noon
Where: Mountain Club, 85 Beach Street, Queenstown
Words Without Borders: The Art of the Spoken Word with Julian Noel
Queenstown Library is hosting a workshop exploring the art of the spoken word with Julian Noel, a talented local poet and storyteller, as part of its celebration of National Poetry Day 2024. Noel, a graduate of the VCA School of Drama in Melbourne, brings his expertise as a performer and public speaker to help you present your written work with flair. This workshop, aimed at enhancing your performance skills and confidence, is open to all. Suitable for age 14+. This is a free event, booking is required, email Queenstown.library@qldc.govt.nz
When: Saturday, 10 August, 2pm – 4pm
Where: Queenstown Library
More events available at WHAT’S ON on the Queenstown App
the Queenstown App
August
by Sue Fea
JOHN MOLLOY
Open wide
After more than 50 years peering into grimacing, toothy grins, Queenstown’s longest serving dentist John Molloy has found something new to get his teeth into.
Always someone who enjoyed drawing, using sketches to illustrate detail to his patients, John’s now loving painting classes with Spike Wademan, who tutored the two youngest of his fi ve children. John only retired from dentistry in February after setting up his own practice in Queenstown Mall in 1977. Since then, he’s picked his way through thousands of teeth from all over the world. “I enjoyed the challenges, the local families and the people who came from far and wide.”
Raised in Auckland in a strong rugby, squash and tennis family of fi ve kids, John and his siblings won many top local sporting events. Their dad was president of the Eden Epsom Tennis Club of which Kiwi tennis legend Chris Lewis was a member.
At 14, John focused on squash, eventually touring Australia with the NZ Universities Squash Team while a dental student at Otago University. They beat the Victoria State team and almost nailed New South Wales in the fi nal, John earning a University Blue for squash. He also won the Otago University Squash Champs and Central Otago Open.
Growing up, Auckland was a very different place. John and his brothers, Mark and Phil, built sledges to race down the grassy slopes of One Tree Hill. John fi rst met Rob Greig, also of Queenstown, racing his homemade trolley down the steep Selwyn Road where he lived, now a busy main route to Auckland Airport. Paddocks led down to Brown’s Bay and Stanmore Bay then, now packed tight with upmarket homes. They’d dig for pipis and go fi shing.
John initially studied chemistry towards a Bachelor of Science. Dentistry hadn’t been on his radar, but his father encouraged him, when he got accepted, to give it a go. “I worked at the freezing works for six seasons to put myself through uni.”
Uni classes were full to the brim with baby boomers. “In physics the lecturer said there’s only a 30% pass rate, so look at the guy on your left and your right –only one of you is going to pass.” He did, and the pay from the freezing works allowed him to graduate in 1971 owing nothing.
My Life Story
After extensive overseas travel, working in Australia, Hong Kong and London, John and his former wife travelled overland through the likes of Burma, India, Laos, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. There were a few hairy moments and bouts of ‘Delhi belly’, but it was an amazing experience.
A deerstalking trip up the Rockburn and the Beansburn with a uni mate had been enough to lure John back to beautiful Queenstown, so in 1977 he started his practice from scratch. As Queenstown’s fi rst long-serving resident dentist, the 3500-strong population welcomed him. His predecessor ‘Mr Trotter’ had graduated in 1918 after an apprenticeship and was very good at pulling teeth and making dentures, so the much younger Molloy brought a fresh new offering. A Cecil Peak shepherd told John how the old Alexandra dentist – father of dentists Dick and Jim O’Kane, visited Queenstown sometimes, pulling teeth out at Eichardt’s Pub. John had to practice as an all-round general dentist because of Queenstown’s isolation, serving many tourists as well as locals. On one occasion a guy had fl own from Auckland for a job interview but unfortunately lost his dentures into the toilet and fl ushed them away after a big night out. “Unfortunately, he was one patient I was unable to help as he needed them by Monday.” Other dentures ended up in the waters of the Wakatipu after falling victim to the excitement of thrill-seeking tourism rides.
John was able to help thousands of tourists, restoring appearances to many who were quite distraught after breaking teeth during their holiday adventures, and relieving holiday toothache for many others. “It was extremely rewarding because most of them were very, very grateful, particularly at weekends and after hours.”
An inaugural member of Queenstown Yacht Club from 1979, John won the Southland Championships in his Laser and even competed alongside Russell Coutts at national level, conceding with a grin that he wasn’t of the same
class. “That was an awesome experience,” he says.
John’s made it big on the local stage too, his tenor talents scoring him roles in many successful Queenstown Musical Society shows, an active member of the society from 1986 until 1995. He was a Queenstown Rotarian for many years, president of the Queenstown Squash Club and has served on the Queenstown Tennis and Yacht Club committees.
Now that he’s retired though it’s art class and tending his beloved vegetable garden that keep him busy, as well as spending valuable time with his partner of 30 years, Lucy, and that now growing family spread all over Australia and NZ.
Dentist to many, John Molloy at his Queenstown practice in 2015
John, aged 26, tramping in Fraser National Park, New South Wales
John and one of the amazing artworks he’s produced during retirement art classes in Queenstown
QUEENSTO WN HEALTH
For Sale
MEN’S NIGHTSHIRTS - OTAGO MADE. 100% pure cotton for breathability. 20+ fabrics, 4 collar options, 3 sleeve lengths. French flat seams and immaculate tailoring. www.40winks.co.nz. Two fabrics stocked at ‘Mr Davis’ menswear in Frankton.
Accommodation
STUDIO FLAT IN JACKS POINT. OSP, internet, private bathroom. Would suit mature single. $450 per week. Text: 021 1295483 for details.
WARM, SC, FF 1BR APARTMENT in semi-rural tranquil location 8km NW of QT. Ridge-top view of lake and mountains. Woodburner, full kitchen & laundry. Suitable for long-term, non-smoking tenant. $365/wk+pwr. 0277531469. Avail. 11 August.
Trades & Services Community
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
FP GARDENING - FOR ALL your gardening and landscaping needs, We have all the tools and experience needed for, small tree removals, lawn care, scheduled property maintenance, gutter cleaning and much more! For a free quote call Phoenix on 021 263 5619
WHAKATIPU BEEKEEPERS SUPPORTING LOCAL BEEKEEPERS with sharing knowledge, mentoring and maintaining best ractice. Most importantly a group of likeminded individuals who love bees. Meeting regularly, for more info or to join us whakatipubeekeepers@gmail.com
NEW TO THE AREA OR got more time on your hands & looking to give back to your community? Altrusa International Qtwn is looking for volunteers just like you to join our women’s charitable & service org. supporting our local community. Want to know more? Email: president.queenstown@altrusa.org.nz or message us on Facebook. com/AltrusaQueenstown
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
Airport backs food rescue charity with three years of funding
Queenstown Airport is donating $75,000 to local food rescue charity KiwiHarvest.
The money, $25,000 per year for the next three years, will help towards the charity’s operating costs, following a funding crisis for the organisation last year.
KiwiHarvest collects and redistributes surplus food before it goes to waste. In the past financial year, that equated to 382,097 meals at its Queenstown branch.
“We are big fans of KiwiHarvest’s work and see this partnership as a perfect pairing, because it addresses all three pillars of our Sustainability Strategy – People, Planet and Prosperity,” Queenstown Airport’s General Manager Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Sara Irvine, says.
“It is a tangible way to support those in need in our community and to reduce waste, which is a particular focus for us at the moment.
“It also benefits our whole region, with surplus food collected from growers, supermarkets, and cafes delivered to charities in Queenstown, Wānaka, and Cromwell.”
KiwiHarvest’s Queenstown branch manager, Gary Hough, is delighted about the partnership.
“This is another huge step on our road to being a locally funded sustainable operation, so we can’t thank the airport team enough, it makes a lot easier to now concentrate on rescuing more food and helping those in our community.” in their time of need.”
Airport hikes day parking rates
Queenstown Airport has increased its parking charges for the first time since 2019 - but it won’t affect short stayers.
Parking remains free for up to 20 minutes, and there will be no change to parking rates for stays up to 12 hours. The rates for the airport’s Park & Ride service will also remain the same.
Charges for stays longer than 12 hours were increased on Thursday, 1 August. The maximum daily charge is now $30. The daily charge falls to $28 after 7 days and $25 after 10 days.
“This is the first price increase for parking in five years,” Queenstown Airport Head of Commercial Jessica Watson says.
“We are mindful that many residents like coming to the terminal to greet and farewell friends and family. We are the only international airport in the country to offer free parking for up to 20 minutes, and that offer is staying.
“Those coming to pick up and drop off will not incur an additional charge.”
Queenstown Airport operates two car parks (A and B) located close to the terminal and Park & Ride located nearby in Brookes Road, Frankton.
“We’ve worked to ensure that parking at Queenstown Airport is still competitively priced compared to other airports and to CBD parking,” Watson says.
“At busy times, our terminal car parks can fill up quickly, so we’re also encouraging those parking and heading away for longer periods to consider Park & Ride. We provide a free shuttle service to get you to and from the terminal.”
Recognition (LPR) and cashless tap-and-go card payments.
Six EV charging spots are also available in Car Park A. Charging continues to be free, although standard parking fees apply.
Correction / Clarification
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) would like to correct and clarify some points made in last week’s (LWB #962) front cover editorial, Airport control at risk.
The article states 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. Legally, the airport is not a Council asset. QLDC does not own the buildings, runway or related infrastructure. These assets are owned by Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) of which Council has a majority shareholding of 75.01%. The change in reference is to comply with national legislation, namely Section 5 of the Local Government Act 2002. This defines strategic assets of this type as equity shares in terms of how they need to be recorded by local authorities. In short, from a legislative point of view, QLDC owns the shares; it does not own the airport.
The exception is Auckland Council. The article makes direct comparisons between Queenstown and Auckland councils and airports but they operate under different legislative frameworks. Auckland Council lists assets in a different way as required by the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009. This legislation applies solely to Auckland Council.
The only place where QLDC lists strategic assets (such as buildings it owns outright) and equity shareholdings is its Significance & Engagement Policy
(SEP). They are not, and never have been, listed in the Long Term Plan (LTP) documentation. Rather, Council takes the opportunity to consult on its SEP regularly in tandem with the three-year LTP cycle. The approach taken to list groups of assets (based on levels of service) in the SEP is one that’s adopted by many other councils – including Auckland. Queenstown Lakes District Councillors have had the draft SEP since February this year.
The article ends by saying Council recently opened workshops to the public, after calls for greater transparency. Deliberations on LTP submissions should be too.
They are! The draft LTP was adopted for community consultation by Councillors in a public meeting – livestreamed and recorded – on 27 June. The consultation period ran from 28 June to 28 July during which we received more than 900 submissions from residents and ratepayers. Hearings of submissions will take place in public in Queenstown and Wānaka on 26 and 27 August respectively. Councillors will decide whether to adopt the final LTP in a public meeting on 19 September. All this information is on the QLDC website and our engagement website letstalk.qldc.govt.nz. We’re grateful for the 900+ submissions we received which will be published along with the hearings agendas.
- Queenstown Lakes District Council
The airport has invested in technology to improve the parking experience at Queenstown Airport, including Licence Plate
KiwiHarvest’s Gary Hough and Queenstown Airport’s Sara Irvine
Why not plant one apple (or peach) tree this winter / spring
What’s the one thing we can all plant that will have the most benefit to our food eating lives for years and years to come? Well, from the title you can deduct my opinion very quickly. Some may prefer other fruit trees we can plant in this region: plums, apricots, pears, cherries, and peaches to name a few. As I write this, I’ve changed my mind. I cannot go past peaches; they must be one of the best fruits. You’ll see why later on.
After three years of growing an apple or peach tree, we start to get fruit. If we’re lucky, we get lots of fruit every year. Yes, there is some luck involved, as we can get late devastating frosts in this area. A friend of mine had 14 fruit trees all laden with fruit last September, but by the end of September there was absolutely no fruit. All the fruit was smashed by hard spring frosts. So, consider the location for your lucky tree. A spot that has a bit of a microclimate, somewhere naturally warm. It might be north facing close to a fence. Something that’s modifying your climate. It might be you plant at the top or mid slope rather than at the bottom where the frost slides down to. I like to sneak a fruit tree amongst some low growing natives. They seem to do really well. Consider espaliering your apple on a north facing wall or fence. The French and English ‘espalier’ to great success, especially when growing fruit in more marginal areas. Lots of YouTube videos to check out on this topic. Apples are the easiest for espaliering.
Now, onto choosing a variety. With apples we are lucky enough to have access to plenty of old heritage varieties. Consider planting your favourite apple from your childhood. Or what’s your favourite apple now? Varieties like Monty Surprise, Granny Smith, Splendour and Braeburn all do well.
When looking at the label make sure the apple is ‘self-fertile.’ Many are partial or require other apples nearby. All good if you’re planting an orchard or your neighbours have plenty of apple trees. Not so good if your apple is lonesome. Then consider the rootstock the apple is grafted on. Rootstocks have a few qualities, the main one is restricting the size of the final tree, so you don’t end up being shaded out by a huge apple tree, that’s also hard to harvest fruit from.
M9 and M27 are generally very small trees that need staking. I recommend an apple variety that’s grafted onto M106. That said if you’ve got a small space then those miniatures are fantastic or consider espaliering on your north and west facing fences. Use a MM106 rootstock here.
Last thing to consider is when the apple will fruit. Early, mid, or late season. If you’re planting a lot of trees, you can cover all parts of the season. If you’re just planting one or two consider opting for mid- to late-season ripening varieties. Often these are great storers and you’ll get a few months keeping them in a cool garage and grabbing them as you need them.
I couldn’t pass on the peaches!! You just can’t beat a tree-ripened peach. I am a fan of later ripening peach varieties. They seem to be less affected by late frosts and give us peaches every year. You can’t beat peaches at the end of March into
Gordon’s Glory.
This winter we’ve been eating fresh peaches every week!!! When the fruit on our laden peach tree was ripe, we would busy ourselves halving and removing the peach pit. Then vacuum packing them. Then into the freezer.
Here are some tips to consider when planting and during the life of the tree:
1. Remove the fruit for the first three years to allow the tree to focus on growing bigger.
2. Deep watering once a week during the summer months will increase tree growth and fruit size.
3. When you first plant the tree make sure to pop some compost and even some sheep pellets in the hole. If you’re using Bokashi buckets, bury the whole bucket’s contents underneath the tree. Make sure to dig a deep hole. Allow 5-10 cm of soil between the Bokashi compost and the tree roots.
4. Mulch with wood chips or straw. Suppressing grass competition will lead to bigger, healthier, and happier trees. Overtime you can add living mulches like comfrey, fennel, and strawberries.
5. Thinning fruit. Pruning in the first three years will encourage growth and build the tree shape you’re after.
6. When the birds start eating your fruit it’s a sure sign the fruit is almost ready, start picking and eating.
Happy composting and gardening.
Dr Compost aka Ben Elms is a permaculture and gardening expert who’s been operating in the unusual Central Otago climate for over 20 years. Funded by QLDC and delivered by Wanaka Wastebusters, the Dr Compost project aims to reduce organic waste going to landfill. Got a question? Check out @drcompost on Facebook or benelms.com @dr_compost | @doctorcompost | benelms.com
April. Consider varieties like April White, Golden Queen and
Apple trees are a great addition to any garden. Photo: Margarita Shtyfura / Unsplash
Centrally located in the Mountaineer Building. 84sqm fully furnished (if required).
LWB QUIZ
1. Which Swiss city is known as the Peace Capital?
2. The BBC TV series This Town (2024) is based in which two English cities?
3. What is the common name for the medical condition epistaxis?
Flexible Term at an Affordable Prices
4. In US politics, is a "red state" one that voted primarily for the Democrats or the Republicans?
5. Who was New Zealand’s first woman prime minister?
6. Which volcano in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia, catastrophically erupted in 1883?
7. The expression for a swift response without subtlety is to “come down like a tonne of [what]”?
8. Which English king was an important commander during the Third Crusade?
9. In the Batman DC comics universe, how is criminal mastermind Edward Nygma (E. Nygma) more commonly known?
10. In 1982 which band spent Six Months in a Leaky Boat?
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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
Same great service in a new location Book an appointment today!
17 Neason Place Cromwell Central Otago Cell: 0274-455-925 email: info@creativeframing.co.nz www.creativeframing.co.nz
11. Tom Marvolo Riddle is an anagram identifying what Harry Potter archvillain?
12. In 1948, Ferruccio Lamborghini started in business building what type of vehicle?
13. Beginning with Z, the ancient Greek word for "cycle or circle of little animals" gives its name to what?
14. What is the name of the largest lake in New Zealand?
15. In the James Bond books and films, what supervillain with a white cat is the head of the global criminal organisation SPECTRE?
16. Which nut is an ingredient of the chocolate spread Nutella?
QUIZ ANSWERS:
1. Geneva | 2. Birmingham and Coventry | 3. Nosebleed | 4. Republicans | 5. Jenny Shipley | 6. Krakatoa | 7. Bricks | 8. Richard 1 (Richard the Lionheart) | 9. The Riddler | 10. Split Enz | 11. Lord Voldemort (“I am Lord Voldemort”) | 12. Tractors | 13. Zodiac | 14. Lake Taupo | 15. Ernst Stavro Blofeld | 16. Hazelnut
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
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.
Our story is about Queenstown.
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
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**
WE’RE HIRING
LANDSCAPERS
Join our exciting venture as we continue to establish Ayrburn, amulti-venue hospitality destination located in theheart of the growing Arrowtown and Lake Hayes basin.
Ideally you will be familiar with the growing conditions inthe 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,andrelevant horticultural work.
Looking for someone with:
• A desire to learn new skills and pass on existing knowledge
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.
JOIN US FOR CONSTRUCTION AT ALTITUDE!
We are excited to announce opportunities for the upcoming construction of the new Soho Basin Chairlift at Cardrona Alpine Resort.
If you thrive in challenging outdoor environments where each day brings new experiences, we want to hear from you.
Be part of this thrilling project and enjoy the real ‘first-on-chair’ experience.
• Self motivation, a can-do attitude, and the ability to work
• A high level of attention to detail and a passion for their work.
to the rest of the team. and machinery ie mowers, weed eater, clippers and saws.
• A focus on health and safety.
• Full drivers’ licence.
We are currently recruiting for the following positions:
• Mechanical Technicians
• Electrical Technicians
• Experience and a high level of competency in operating tools
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 interest to HR@ayrburn.com autonomously.
• Construction Labourers
• Excavator Operators
• Hiab Operators
We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in trades, construction, and the outdoor industry, especially those skilled in working at heights, lifting, and rigging.
All roles are fixed-term through May 2025.
Apply now at doppelmayr.nz/jobs
FIND THE PERFECT CANDIDATE
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 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
HOUSEKEEPERS WANTED
• Self motivated, able to work alone
• Attractive hourly rate offered. Email your CV to operations@staysouth.com FOR YOUR JOB VACANCY
• Efficient, able to work under pressure
• Experience preferred but not essential
• Available to work any day of the week
• Staff required immediately and for busy winter period
COOK/PIZZA CHEF
Giovi Pasta and Pizza restaurant located in the Remarkables Park, Queenstown, requires a full time cook/pizza chef. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a small team with a focus on homemade pasta & pizza in fast paced kitchen.
Pizza and cooking experience, with a passion for Italian food and an understanding of the Italian language is preferred.
This position requires excellent presentation and personality, with a happy to help attitude.
Become of the Giovi family and grow with the business!
Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.
Please email C.V. to info@giovifinefood.co.nz
$27.99/hour
Please contact: marine_Blanchard@evt.com with resume
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Due to the impending departure overseas of some of our wonderful staff Jack, Wena and Martyn, Bettys Liquorstores have the following positions becoming available:
COW LANE BRANCH
• Retail Store Manager
• Duty Manager
Email jack@bettys.co.nz for more information
FRANKTON BRANCH
• Duty Manager
Email nash@bettys.co.nz for more information
We offer good rates of pay, excellent staff benefits, some flexibility with hours and days but best of all you will get to work with a great team.
You will preferably have your LCQ and Managers certificate (but if not we can help with this), be able to work in NZ, and have a good sense of responsibility.
Ask in store for more information or email the Store Managers as above.
