Remember a few years ago when there were freedom campers absolutely everywhere? Wicked campervans lined up at Lake Hayes, other reserves and car parks, tent communes of backpackers and working holiday visa tourists up Bob’s Peak and out at Gibbston, people cooking on BBQs outside the library. Mostly they were young, fit, tanned and enjoying a life of freedom, adventure, alcohol, drugs, dancing and sex. I’m not jealous... honestly. That type of tourist, the freeloader, the slackliner, the hacky sacker, has been largely missing from Queenstown Lakes in recent years. Since Covid really. Things just got too expensive. Air fares, food, petrol, buying or renting a van. And with stricter local freedom camping rules, the cost of a campsite or accommodation was added to the bill, rather than just parking up somewhere, or hiking into the woods with your tent.
But this summer, they could make a return, thanks to an unlikely ally - the New Zealand Motor Home Association. The caravan club. They challenged the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s 2021 Freedom Camping bylaw and won. The High Court has now quashed the bylaw, which was pretty much a blanket ban across the district. That means QLDC can’t enforce it, and has a $400k-plus legal bill to pay. There are other rules that apply, such as the Reserves Act and national Freedom Camping Act 2011, which requires vehicles to be certified self-contained (have a toilet), but on the whole, it has just got much easier to bed down for the night without paying. Is this a good thing? On the one hand, no. The problem, as Eleanor Roosevelt said, is “with freedom comes responsibility” and while the caravaners I’m sure clean up after themselves, many freedom campers leave a mess, not to mention taking bush poos and leaving shitty toilet paper strewn all over the place, and causing noise disturbances with late night parties. They also literally camp out on what remains of our free parking spots. But on the other hand, Jesus! when did we become such boring, NIMBY, boomer, strict, joyless control freaks?? When did we start quoting Eleanor Roosevelt?! I think these free-spirited people are good for the town. Good for the vibe. Cheap labour for the businesses and supportive of those business offering good deals. Great for word-of-mouth and FOMO social media promotion. Queenstown used to be a party town but it feels like the council and police are killing it off. Sanitising it. Everything feels like cash-grab. DoC are now talking about us paying to enter National Parks and piloting car parking charges at popular spots.
Do we really want a world where you pay to play, and everything is manicured, controlled and easier if you’re rich. I say we live and let live, and welcome them back.
Paul Taylor - Lakes Weekly Bulletin
Taonga Mbambo was all smiles as he set a new course record in the Queenstown Half Marathon on Saturday. The 5k and 10k track athlete, competing in his first half marathon, finished in a blistering 1hr 6min 29sec. Read more on p4. Photo: Sportograf
Christmas –A great time to
Se
Contrary to common belief, the holiday season is an opportune time to market your property for sale, this is when online tra ic is at its peak and our region experiences a surge of visitors.
“People are revaluating their lives, looking to the future and enjoying some time out to contemplate”, says Harcourts Queenstown Branch Manager Priscilla Uhrle.
“December is actually the ideal time to prep your property for the market. O en people already have their properties presented at their best pre-Christmas and we capture that, taking stunning photography and videography, while also gathering important property information to assist with buyer enquiry. Sellers still get to relax over Christmas and New Year, while we market a ‘coming soon’ campaign, then we hit the ground running with qualified buyer viewings early in the New Year.”
While most sellers hesitate to enter the market, your property can stand out as one of the few available, attracting considerable interest. Last year was a prime example of this recipe for success, the Christmas campaign of a rare section at Grove Lane in Kelvin Heights which went live on the 5th December 2023. This campaign attracted more than 40 enquiries from within New Zealand and abroad. The auction was energetic and Harcourts Queenstown LIVE streaming meant our UK based sellers could watch the action unfold in real time as their section achieved a record land sale in the suburb.
“This sale demonstrated how a well-coordinated and timely campaign can capture a significant share of buyer interest during the holiday break,” says Priscilla.
Being an international brand Harcourts leverages high levels of national and international marketing exposure, boasting a strong online presence with more unique visitors than any other real estate company. With 879 o ices across 11 countries and more than 6,400 sales consultants, the network’s reach is extensive.
This expansive reach is especially beneficial for reaching investors, as demonstrated by a Remarkables Apartment in Frankton that went live on 11th December 2023 again proving a big success. This property saw enquiries that stretched locally, nationally and internationally. We hosted 20 buyer groups through the property, resulting in multiple bidders actively bidding on auction day and a new record sale price being achieved in this complex by a Singaporean based investor.
While other agents may close for the holidays, Harcourts Queenstown remains open, dedicated to maximizing exposure for our client’s properties for sale. This commitment pays o , launched just before Christmas 23, half of the newly released sections in the Middleton Road subdivision were snapped up in a matter of weeks.
“People are actively looking for property over their summer holidays,” Priscilla remarks.
Let Harcourts do all the hard work while you enjoy a relaxing Christmas and New Year period. By embracing the advantages of marketing your property through Christmas, you will capitalize on seasonal buyer activity and qualified buyers eager to discover your property first, in the new year.
Winners blown away by crowd
by Paul Taylor
Queenstown-based Irishman Ciaran Faherty won his first Queenstown Marathon on Saturday, while Christchurch-based Brit Hannah Olroyd claimed an incredible sixth title.
Faherty took the tape after running 42.2km in just 2hrs 34mins 5secs, just over two minutes ahead of Lithuanian Orestas Rimkus, with Clinton Manderson third.
“I didn’t plan to go so early, I ran with the guy in second for 25km, but then it seemed like I was pulling a real gap, so I just carried on with that gap,” Faherty says.
“The course was perfect, the trails were unbelievable. I was a bit worried about flooding, but the course was fab, the fans were so good, running past the boat shed, oh my god, incredible atmosphere. So good.”
Olroyd was also amazed by the crowd, as she took her sixth win in 2hrs 52mins 53secs, some 14 minutes clear of Amy Daniel in second, with Claire Horner third.
“I think that was the best it’s ever been because the noise through town, that was insane,” Oldroyd says. “I’m not very emotional, but I did get a bit that way. That was really cool.
“The feeling coming down the finish chute was pretty good because it was so loud. Went a bit wide from the corner, and nearly fell over again, but it was awesome.”
Olroyd had taken a muddy walk around Lake Hayes the day before.
“There was an ankle-deep puddle, so I was waiting to get my feet wet, but that metal bridge organisers put out was literally the moment of the day, apart from getting a cuddle from my dog at 7km to go.”
More than 12,500 runners registered for the four distances across the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Queenstown Marathon, presented by ASICS, including the half, the 10km and kids’ run.
Air NZ had added an extra 3550 seats across 22 extra flights in and out of Auckland across the week, but eight arrivals to Queenstown Airport were cancelled or diverted on Friday due to severe crosswinds, meaning many runners missed out.
Locals love it
That wasn’t a problem for the locals however, including Founding Runner Michelle King, who finished her tenth Queenstown Marathon in her fastest ever time, 1.49.46.
“It’s so awesome for local businesses, hospitality, community, it’s just buzzing this weekend. The stories that you see and hear from people that are here for the first time or achieving an event for the first time, is just inspiring,” she said.
Local Fiona Lawson has been involved every year as a bubbly and enthusiastic volunteer. For the 10th anniversary, she decided she would finally step onto the start line and tackle the 10km.
“I just can’t thank the Queenstown community more because there’s a lot going on when this event happens, and everyone just knuckles in and does it.
It’s awesome, 700 volunteers!” she says.
“It’s amazing that we started off in 2014, we were just an idea, and literally, it was everyone on deck. Now it’s so organised, I mean honestly, we’re the best in the world.”
In the Half Marathon, Taonga Mbambo made a hugely impressive event and distance debut, smashing the course record by nearly a minute to take the tape in 1.06.29, while Maya Irving took the women in the women’s race in 1.22.51.
Oli Chignell blasted his way to the men’s 10km title in just over 30 minutes to break the existing record that has stood since 2018 by more than two minutes. Beth Garland took out the women’s 10km title in 37.44.
Investigation after fire near ZQN runway
by Paul Taylor
Firefighters were quick to respond to a scrub fire near Queenstown Airport on Sunday afternoon
Crews were called to undeveloped land behind Woolworths supermarket (formerly Countdown), Five Mile, Frankton, shortly after 3.30pm.
“Luckily we got into it really quickly and knocked it back,” Frankton Fire Brigade’s Senior Station Officer Paul Halstead said at the scene.
“We had the support of Queenstown Airport Fire, with their monitor [the big water gun], which helped expediate the process.
“We’re now just working on hotspots, and we’ll keep a close eye out for what may have caused it, and then it’s down to the police and fire investigators to determine whether there’s any other action required.”
Most scrub fires are caused by farmer burn-offs getting out of control, but that wasn’t the case here.
No flights were delayed by the fire, which was extinguished within about 15 minutes of the call.
“It was important to get to it quickly. It had the potential to delay flights at the airport but the bigger risk for us was that it could spread to nearby buildings.” Queenstown Fire Brigade also turned out.
Freshly snowcapped mountains greeted runners on race morning. Photo: Harry Talbot
Ciaran Faherty won his first Queenstown Marathon title. Photo: Sportograf
The fire, seen from Pak’nSave, just after it had taken hold
CRIMELINE
Captain America’s endgame
Not even Captain America can evade the Queenstown Police and the public who were quick to respond to a Police Facebook appeal on Monday (11 November), resulting in two arrests after a serious assault in Camp Street. Senior Sergeant Glenn Wilkinson says a local man was allegedly punched to the ground and suffered concussion in a serious assault after fighting broke out among a number of people outside the Night ‘n’ Day Dairy at 2.30am on Sunday, 3 November.
Police are grateful to all those who responded after they called for information through Crimeline, and then posted images from CCTV footage on Facebook on Monday which circulated in the media. One of the images showed a young male wearing a Captain America costume and a female in a onesie costume, the other a young man dressed as Wally from ‘Where’s Wally?’. The post has since been removed but Wilkinson says thanks to those who responded a 25-year-old local man and 24-year-old local woman have been arrested and charged with assault. They were due to appear in the Queenstown District Court on 18 November.
In another violent offence, Police arrested a 29-year-old local man who’s been charged with threatening to kill and assault after an alleged drunken rampage at 2am on Sunday, 10 November. Constable Amanda Shute says the intoxicated offender allegedly grabbed the victim’s head and drove it into a bunk bed at a workplace staff accommodation, causing damage to a tooth. He then allegedly threatened to kill the victim if he spoke to Police.
Drink driving
Police are also concerned to have arrested a drunk driver downtown near Athol Street who allegedly blew an astonishing breath alcohol level of 1359mcg – well over five times the legal limit. Police were called by a member of the public who suspected the driver had been drinking just before 9pm on Sunday, 10 November.
The 51-year-old local male driver was breath tested, suspended from driving and charged. He will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 6 November. Otago Lakes Central area road policing manager Senior Sergeant Steve Watt says it’s disappointing that the message is not getting out about these high levels that severely impact other road users and highly increase the risk of death and serious injury.
A 32-year-old Queenstown man was stopped on Frankton Road, 9.53pm, 9 November, and blew 787mcg. He was suspended from driving for 28 days and summonsed to appear in Queenstown District Court on 6 November.
A 19-year-old Central Otago man was also stopped on Frankton Road, at 1.32am the next morning, 10 November. He blew 524mcg and summonsed to appear Queenstown District Court, also on 6 November.
Emergency services busy
Miraculously, nobody was injured after a vehicle crossed the centreline and hit an oncoming vehicle near the southern end of the Lower Shotover Bridge during peak hour at 5.09pm on Monday, 11 November. Shute says both vehicles were damaged, and the crash caused significant traffic delays due to the timing and location, with so many people heading home from work.
A mountain biker was airlifted by Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter from the Skippers Road to Lakes District Hospital in a moderate to serious condition after an accident around 1.15pm on Sunday, 10 November. A St John media spokesperson says the incident was believed to have “involved biking”. Police were also notified at 3.25pm but no further details were available. St John also responded with the rescue helicopter to an incident in the Greenstone Valley just before 8pm on Tuesday, 12 November, with one patient transported to Lakes District Hospital in a minor condition. Police were also notified.
LAKES WEEKLY POLL
LWB regularly polls locals on issues affecting our region. This week’s responses are below.
Running in the Queenstown Marathon?
Yes, full distance - 1%
Half marathon - 2%
10km - 2%
Kids race - 1%
Not this year - 93%
Happy Trump was elected?
Yes, change is needed - 28%
No, he's a nightmare - 61%
Don't care about US politics - 11%
Have you ever used the bike racks on the front of buses?
Yes - 14%
No - 29%
No but I think they're a good option - 48%
Not applicable - 8%
Worried about freedom campers taking the mickey now that QLDC isn't enforcing it's illegal bylaw?
Yes, they'll be everywhere - 71%
No, it was too strict, live and let live - 24%
Don't care - 5%
The Paris Chamber Players
7 French musicians from Paris are embarking on a marathon tour around New Zealand
A delightfully classical programme from the early 19th century, featuring the Beethoven Septet (7 players) and the Schubert Octet, (8 players) rarely presented together
Featuring instruments that almost make a mini orchestra with violin, viola, cello, double bass, horn, bassoon and clarinet.
28 November, St Peter’s, 2 Church St at 8pm Tickets at the door or www.eventfinda.co.nz/tours-festivals/2024/paris-chamber-players-tour $45, students $30
What's the best Queenstown season?
Spring - 6%
Summer - 30%
Autumn - 13%
Winter - 6%
All of the above - 45%
There were 161 respondents this week. If you would like to take part: you can sign up on the LWB Facebook page.
What’s the plan QLDC?
Lodge owner John Glover wants to know the long-term plan for the vulnerable Kinloch Road, near Glenorchy.
A 50-metre section of the road was washed away by the Dart River on Saturday, 9 November, following heavy rain, leaving dozens of people stranded, including guests at the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat. It also claimed a rental SUV, which had been abandoned by tourists after, somewhat ironically, becoming grounded on the other side of the road after the driver manoeuvred away from the river.
The only access was by boat until contractors, working for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), cut a temporary road through a paddock on Woodbine Station.
Well-known local Glover runs the lodge with wife Toni, and is one of the volunteers behind community group Shaping Our Future. Scores of people and businesses rely on the road for access, he says, as it connects to the Greenstone / Caples and Routeburn trail heads. That includes everyone from trail guiding companies, such as Ultimate Hikes, to film crews, fly fishing guides, station owners, farmers, hunters, power companies, and emergency services and SAR.
“Everyone talks about resilience and support for local small communities,” Glover says. “We’ve had discussions with council since 2016, recognising that the road is always going to vulnerable, and what are the plan Bs.
“As recently as 2000, there was $300k in a budget to put a new jetty, south of Kinloch, because at the moment there’s no safe and ready means of getting people on and off boats on this side of the lake. So, even if there are a couple of fishing boats over in Glenorchy, they can’t actually land on the beach because of the type of boat they are. They need a wharf to come alongside. “If there was a plan B, it would take a lot of pressure off, because they’d be access when the road is washed out.”
Various sections of the road have been impassble in recent years, when the water level rises on the braided Dart River.
Glover criticised the council’s response to the latest wash out. He says QLDC was aware of the risk weeks before the road washed out, about 2km away from the lodge. Local contractors and stones were available to shore up the road, but the council failed to act and didn’t close the road until it was too late.
QLDC and its roading network contractor Downer were working on installing additional rock armouring for this section of the road following erosion caused by heavy rainfall in late October, a QLDC spokesperson says. “The work required careful planning and securing access to suitable rock. Unfortunately, given those factors and the number of other issues the team were responding to following an unusually wet spring, we weren’t able to carry out the work prior to this latest weather event.”
And QLDC isn’t offering any plan B. “Kinloch Road is a known vulnerability in the district’s roading network,” the spokesperson says. “However, there are no current proposals for an alternative or backup over and above maintenance and improvement work like the rock armouring mentioned above.”
Glover says he’s concerned what that might mean if there’s a huge weather event, while many people are on the trails or camping at that side of Lake Wakatipu, especially as there is little to no phone reception in places. Even last week, the lodge acted as a makeshift emergency centre, taking dozens of phone calls and helping people make it out.
QLDC admits it was challenging to keep track of all the people stranded last week, as they arrived and departed by their own different methods, and thanked the Glovers for their help.
“In more extreme cases, declaring a state of emergency (as was the case during the Bob Peak slip) would enable organisations involved in the response via the established emergency management structure to requisition any additional resources required over and above what it already has access to. In the context of Kinloch Road, this could include contracting local boating and bus operators to support anyone who requires transport away from an affected area.”
Glover thanks the owners of Woodbine Station for allowing the temporary road across their land, which has enabled a much quicker access solution.
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As we count down the weeks until Santa arrives and the summer holidays kick off, it’s a great time to reflect on what 2024 has brought us. It’s been a challenging year with staffing shortages, visa hurdles, and ongoing health concerns, but amidst it all, your team has truly risen to the occasion.
PRE CHRISTMAS GROUP BOOKINGS AVAILABLE NOW
•Small and large group options
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COMMUNITY NOTES
By Scott Kennedy - Sustainable Queenstown
The Revolution is Coming
It takes me a while to get comfortable. Comfortable with people, comfortable in a new place, and it takes even longer for a pair of jeans to feel comfortable. If you’re lucky; friends and places to call home will last a lifetime – those jeans might not be so lucky.
We’ve all done it, gone to the closet and pulled out the jeans that are filled with memories and to our absolute horror, there it is, clear as dawn – the rip. Hearts sink, memories flash, and you wonder for a second if you have the style to pull off a rip like this. They never seem to rip in a cool spot; you ball the denim in hand for a fleeting farewell and toss them toward the bin. With good intentions, you decide to drop them off at the charity shop, but there is a harsh reality to remember. If your ripped jeans are unwearable for you, they are just as unwearable for someone else. Globally, something like 80% of donated clothing ends up in landfills, and your favourite jeans will be there too. Unless…
Enter the Repair Revolution! Coming back to Queenstown this weekend (Saturday, 23 November, at the Salvation Army in Frankton from 10am –2pm), this free event presented by Sustainable Queenstown is the answer. Staffed by a selection of dedicated and skilled volunteers – they take what needs fixing and put in the mahi to mend. Those ripped jeans are no match for these repair heroes. The same goes for broken appliances, furniture, bikes, household items, and almost anything else.
It’s not a drop-in and drop-off ethos. While your stuff is finding a new lease on life, you might be making a new friend. You’ll sit with the repairer as they work on your precious items, learning what goes into fixing them, how to make some of these repairs yourself, or even just some helpful tips on how to buy better in the future.
Not only does this add some lifespan to some of our favourite things it also saves them from the landfill. Nothing is more difficult for a sewer or a tinkerer to see is something that, with just a little fix could last for years, or even generations, end up in the tip. And it’s not just the planet we are saving; it’s also a great way to save some money, and we’d all appreciate a few more folds in our wallets these days.
So dig out those old jeans and join in the Repair Revolution!
This Resourceful Communities event is proudly supported by Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Zero Waste District Programme. Resourceful Communities is created by Wastebusters and delivered in Whakatipu by Sustainable Queenstown.
Join us on 7 – 8 December from 10am – 2pm for our Annual Santa’s Grotto, with 100% of proceeds going to Wakatipu Plunket. Bring the whole family to Minus 5º ICE BAR Queenstown, Steamer Wharf, for this very special opportunity to visit Santa in his ‘natural frozen environment’, just like the North Pole where he and his reindeers live.
For a donation of $10 per family, watch your kids light up at the sight of Santa. They’ll get the opportunity to visit with Father Christmas for a chat, receive a little gift and pose for a photo!
Face painting for a gold coin donation
Come support the Queenstown community and help us raise much-needed dollars for Wakatipu Plunket.
HUGE thanks to our sponsors, who help make this event possible:
- Print Central Queenstown
- Lakes Weekly Bulletin
- The Warehouse Queenstown
- Steamer Wharf Queenstown
Santa’s Grotto at Minus 5º ICE BAR
HOSPOGUIDE
$15 Pasta Special
Live music with Brett Walker 6pm $15 Rump Steak
with David Bell 6pm $15 Parmi
19 NOVEMBER- 25 NOVEMBER
Live Music with Eby Sebastian from 3pm $15 Chef’s Special
$15 Fish & Chips
$25 BBQ meat platter, dine in or takeaway, Fridays only 12pm to 5pm. Limited offer!
| $20 Entry $12 Margaritas, $25 Pizza and Beer
$12 Espresso Martinis All day and night
Live Sports on 12 TVs $12 Cosmos
UFC Live $12 Dark ‘N’ Stormys
Huge Singles Pool Comp 8pm Start $10 Entry + House Drink
FERNHILL ROAD, FERNHILL, QUEENSTOWN
Tuesday Free to Watch Ice Hockey 3HL from 6.30-9pm
Famous $15 all day Breakfast from 10am till 9pm daily.
Everyday AVAILABLE FOR FUNCTIONS, free hire
Tuesday Trick Tips
Tuesday (6.30-7.30pm)
Wednesday Get our 3 for $45 Combo! Ice Skating - Ice Bumper Cars & Frisbee Golf!
Thursday Free to Watch Women’s Ice Hockey from 6.15-7.15pm
Monday $15 Nacho
Everyday Locals Loyalty Rewards
Friday Stick & Puck Session from 6.15-7.30pm
Tuesday $19 Burger & fries deal
WednesdaySaturday Food Truck, TACOS JAGUAR
Saturday NIGHT SKATE Ice Skating Disco from 6.15pm with Games & Prizes!
Wednesday $20 Pint & Poutine
Friday OPEN MIC
6.30-9.30pm, Every Friday, Elle & Alex Music
Wednesday Adult Coaching Night Progress your skills (6.30-7.30pm) Thursday Social Night
QT’S best prices guaranteed OPEN 7 days 2pm-late
TACO TACO HALF PRICE TACOS UNTIL 9PM
Tuesday GRZLY Hops Night! Locals Prices
Sunday Sunday Social League: Summer Series from 5.15pm! Free to watch!
Thursday $20 Chicken Parmy & fries
Saturday DJ MITCH E.P in the beer garden, 4-7pm
$25 for 2 hours (6.30-8.30pm) Friday Skate Night
$10 for 2 hours Mini Ramp Access (6.30-8.30pm)
Monday/Tuesday
All day happy hour Cocktails $12 House spirits $7 Tap Beer $7
WING IT WEDNESDAYS HALF OFF WINGS UNTIL 9PM SMOTHERED OR DRY RUBBED | 21 FLAVOURS Thursday BIG DAWG DAY HALF OFF BIG DAWGS UNTIL 9PM
Thursday Sofia - Volcom Film Premiere Snowboarding Film Free Entry - 7.30pm Friday GRZLY Late Night Happy Hour! Party Bangers!
All Day Dining From 12pm - Late Happy Hour From 4pm - 6pm
Garden Bar Sky Sports Daily happy hour 4pm-7pm
Sunday CAESAR SUNDAYS $2 OFF CAESARS & BLOODY MARYS ALL DAY LONG
Saturday LEW Free Entry All Night!
CROWNE PLAZA, GROUND FLOOR, 93 BEACH STREET, QT
Monday TRIVIA NIGHT Every Monday at 6.30PM $200 Total Bar Tabs for 1st & 2nd Place!
Sunday Brett Walker 5pm - Late, Live in the Beer Garden
Complimentary Valet Parking For dining guests
Thursday Electric Rush Hiroko Yamamura Tickets Online
Friday Summer Patio Launch Party
Locals Food & Bev Discount! Book NOW!
Saturday Seaside Stranglers Live Band - 9pm to Late Mon-Sun
Coffee Happy Hour 50% off Coffees - 8-9am (BYO Cup)
Arts+Culture
Beer-y Christmas and comedy
by Jessica Allen
The end of year is fast approaching and ‘tis the season of events. One of which is A Very Beer-y Christmas: Comedy Night at Searchlight Brewery at the end of the month. Santa’s in the mood for some belly laughs and craft beer.
Dunedin-based comedian Harriet Moir will be the ho ho host of the night, providing banter and some brilliant comedy. The festive lineup includes some great comics from around the South Island including local talent Maggie Rogers and Jadwiga, along with Tama Alexander, Tim Kelly and awardwinning comedian Jonathan Falconer in the headlining spot. Moir explains that despite the name, the show isn’t too heavily focused on Christmas, however they do encourage people to come dressed in their eccentric gear (or not so eccentric will also suffice).
“It’ll be a really fun comedy lineup,” Moir says. “It’s that time of year where people are starting to feel a bit festive and more relaxed – we just plan to have a really good night of comedy. There’ll be general jokes with the odd bit of Christmas sprinkled in.”
Maggie Rogers has been living in Queenstown for the past six years and is looking forward to getting back up on stage as part of a lineup show. She is originally from LA and started doing most of her stand-up here. In 2020 she competed in the Raw Comedy Quest – a competition to find some of the best newcomers in New Zealand comedy – and came second.
“It was a really good experience and I’ve just been doing stand-up mostly around Otago, but all the way to Dunedin and up into Christchurch – pretty much all across the country – for the past five years,” Rogers says. “I tend to just do Queenstown stuff or Wānaka, but I really enjoy it. I try to do as much as I can, but there’s not a lot of stand-up comedy around Queenstown at the moment.
“We’ve got some really, genuinely, good comedians coming out from Dunedin and Christchurch and it’s going to be a really great lineup. I don’t think that people get the opportunity to see stand-up here that often, so it’s going to be a really good show.”
Moir and Rogers both explain that part of being a comedian is having the ability to be on stage often and craft your set. While Queenstown’s scene currently is a little quieter than it has been in the past, they’re hoping it will pick up – particularly Rogers who hopes to help with the organisation of more local events. In the meantime, if anyone is missing having their funny bone tickled, this show will get you through.
“The comics that are coming out really vary in their styles, which is fun. I’m more of a narrative comedian, where I tell stories and the funny comes from more of the situational and narrative aspect, whereas there’s a few comedians that will present more one-liners – like a joke and a punchline. That’s something that’s going to be really fun about this show – how different the variety of comedians coming up is, and also all of the comedians in this show are really seasoned,” Rogers says.
The night promises to be a cracker filled with plenty of laughs. The brewery environment lends to a laid-back atmosphere, so if you’ve wondered about comedy in the past – here’s your chance to give it a go.
A Very Beer-y Christmas will have two shows at 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Saturday, 30 November, at Searchlight Brewery in Queenstown, and on Friday, 29 November, at Rhyme X Reason Brewery in Wānaka. There’s a prize for the best worst Christmas jumper, so dress to impress. www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/13889
Don’t miss an iconic evening with Hollie Smith, one of New Zealand’s most soulful musicians. Known for her powerful voice and chart-topping hit Bathe in the River, Hollie’s debut album, Long Player, shot to #1, earning her multiple New Zealand Music Awards and setting the stage for a career defined by authenticity and depth. The Bones Tour II offers an intimate, living-room-style experience. Book your tickets now to experience the soulful powerhouse of New Zealand music.
When: Sunday, November 24, 5.30pm – 7pm
Where: Kinross, 2300 Gibbston Highway
MUSIC
Going Down on a Red Zeppelin
Join Charlotte Graf and her five-piece band on her quest to find the giants that walked on the earth –Led Zeppelin. This is the latest Tiny Room Concert and will feature Charlotte as she reminisces on her big OE with dreams of going to California, The Misty Mountains and beyond to find her Golden God: Robert Plant. Will it be a heartbreaker or end with a whole lotta love? Charlotte is joined by Alex Pyle on guitar, Martin Rylev on bass, Martin Roy Guy on drums and Nigel Hist on flute & keys
When: Thursday, 28 November, 6.30pm
Where: The Blue Door, Arrowtown
QUIZ
Harry Potter Quiz
How much do you really know about the magical world of Harry Potter? Grab your family and friends and test your wizarding knowledge at the library’s annual Harry Potter Quiz night. Prizes for the winning team and best dressed! All ages welcome. Limited space, booking required, email: libraries@qldc.govt.nz
KnowWhat’s In Your Stuff? – Free Drug Checking Clinic
Hi Queenstown! KnowYourStuffNZ is hosting a free, 100% legal, discreet, and judgment-free drugchecking clinic. Find out exactly what’s in your gear, ask questions, and get expert harm-reduction advice— no cops, no names, just information. Come by and make safer, informed choices.
When: Saturday, 30 November, noon-4pm Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street
More events available at WHAT’S ON on the Queenstown App
Download the Queenstown App today
Resourceful Communities @ Sustainable Queenstown
The Repair Revolution is back! Join Sustainable Queenstown for this FREE, feel-good, volunteerbased event. Our volunteer Repair Heroes are ready to repair your damaged household items, torn clothing, tired tools, broken bikes and almost anything else - all to save it from the landfill! Revive your treasures, learn some repairing skills, and spend time with some great people. This Resourceful Communities event is proudly supported by Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Zero Waste District Programme. Resourceful Communities is created by Wastebusters and delivered in Whakatipu by Sustainable Queenstown.
When: Saturday, 23 November, 10am – 2pm
Where: Frankton Salvation Army
Inspirational Women Awards & Gala
The Inspirational Women Awards is an awards ceremony and gala celebrating the female leaders and change-makers of New Zealand while raising awareness of domestic violence. The awards are all about empowering and celebrating our wāhine whilst raising awareness around family violence in New Zealand. All funds raised through this event go to the family violence charities of New Zealand.
When: Sunday, 30 November, 6.30pm – 11pm
Where: The Rydges Lakeland Resort
Wakatipu Croquet Club Beginners Lessons
Summer is a fabulous time to learn to play croquet. The croquet club are offering free beginners lessons for four weeks, welcoming new members both social and competitive. Lessons will be held each Thursday and Saturday – they invite you to come to each session or just pop in and have a go. The club is situated in Jardine Park, a stunning environment with great parking. Please register, or if you have any questions contact Diana McIlwrick at Dianamcilwrick1@gmail.com or 027 457 4806.
When: Thursdays and Saturdays until 7 December, 10am – midday
Where: The Croquet Club in Jardine Park
Green Drinks: KiwiHarvest and Altitude Brewing
Join Sustainable Queenstown for their ever-popular monthly Green Drinks on Thursday, 21 November. This month, they’re teaming up with Altitude Brewing and KiwiHarvest to celebrate the launch of their new beer collab - Jam on Toast – proceeds from the beer will go to KiwiHarvest. Brewer Elliot Menzies made the beer after learning how much bread has to be disposed of each week at KiwiHarvest. They took the bread, soaked it in their mash tun overnight and collected the runnings. Then they bombed it with rescued strawberry puree and fermented it with their in-house yeast – for a total of practically zero ingredient cost.
When: Thursday, 21 November, 6.30pm
Where: Altitude Brewing
Annual Christmas Show returns
Join the Yule Cat and the merry Yule Crew on a magical journey around the globe in A World of Christmas! This heartwarming family show takes you on a whirlwind adventure through the Christmas traditions of different countries and cultures, discovering the joy, wonder, and diversity that makes the holiday season so special. The show, which is perfect for all ages, will feature performances from Queenstown Gymnastics Club, Silk and Circus, Wakatipu Conservatoire of Classical Ballet, The Remarkables Men’s Ballet and The 100 Voices Choir. There’ll be dazzling costumes and stunning visual effects to transport you to the heart of Christmas celebrations worldwide.
When: Sunday, 8 December, 1pm & 5pm
Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe O’connell Drive
Luma festival shelved
Luma organisers have pulled pin on the lights and art festival for 2025 due to rising costs, falling attendance and increasingly complex logistics.
Held over King’s Birthday weekend in June, the festival had become one of the highlights of the year for the town, at its peak welcoming around 50,000 people to Queenstown Gardens for spectacular lights, arts and music installations. But numbers were down last year, with around 32,000 attending, as people tightened their spending due to the cost of living crisis.
Luma Charitable Trust chair Duncan Forsyth says an incredible amount of effort goes into the festival behind the scenes, with a team of six core organisers meeting every week throughout the year and then every day in the month before the event.
They wrangle about 300 crew and volunteers over the weekend, providing a platform for scores of artists and performers.
Forsyth says the festival runs on a budget of $1 million and last year lost $197. While it’s never been about making money, the organisers put their own money on the line, so it has to be able to wash its own face.
And with costs rising by as much as 20% for events nationwide, they can’t make the passion project festival stack up for 2025.
“We’ve had a lot of fun and we’re not pushing the end button, we’re just saying we need a bit of a pause. We don’t want to lose money and be responsible for that,” he tells our Outlet Podcast
“I think we’ve got another year of pain. I’m involved in the hospitality business, a winery, as my day job, and everything is tough at the moment. There’s not a single person I know that’s not going backwards or doing it tough.
“So the events business, same thing. So we’re going to push pause and just sort of do a little restructure and see how we can come back in a slight better sustainable way.”
The cancellation is likely to have an economic impact for artists and the town too. It had replaced Queenstown WinterFest as the annual community gettogether.
Forsyth says the team have been humbled by the support they’ve received, both through the event’s 10 years and since the announcement was made late last week.
Looking to the future, he says Luma will look to find a way to support local artists and continue its programmes, and is talking through the different direction for the festival.
“When we were in the middle of Covid, we did the Laneways activation in town, so that might be [possible] on a larger scale,” he says.
“I think it can be anything from really small one-off installations to actual financial support and creative support for people . . . but at the same time, we’re looking how we can come back and put on events from the existing size all the way down.
“So, watch this space. We’re not going anywhere. We’ve still got a few years left in us and we will be coming back. It’s just probably not this King’s Birthday, but it will come back and we’re just sort of planning and scheming now.”
Listen to the full interview on this week’s Outlet Podcast on lwb.co.nz and the Queenstown App
Luma 2023. Photo: Amy Galloway
My Life Story
by Sue Fea
ALAN BROWN
A man of mana
Arriving in Queenstown as a young bank manager at 26, Alan Brown became one of the town’s most renowned moteliers, heading the industry nationally and sitting on the New Zealand Tourism Board in the late 1970s, early 80s.
It was no mean feat getting to Auckland and Wellington for meetings, often prime ministerial ones, for this Mount Cook frequent fl yer, with compulsory stopovers at Mount Cook, Christchurch and Rotorua. The Mount Cook Airlines manager eventually gave him a ‘letter of introduction’ asking pilots on full fl ights to let him sit in the cockpit jump seat. “I arrived late once while my fl ight was taxiing along the runway, so Geoff Ramshaw said, ‘Hang on’ and rang the pilot,” Alan grins. “The plane stopped, and they drove me out so I could hop in.”
He’s been stuck in lifts with former PM Rob Muldoon. “The lift broke down and he cackled that laugh and said, ‘The bloody media can’t get me now’.”
Born in Dunedin, Alan’s dad was a Railways station master at Omakau, Morven and Winton where Alan started work as a teller at Southland Savings Bank. He played rep tennis, winning a Southland doubles title before SSB sent him to Queenstown to manage its new branch. That was 1964 and Alan deemed Queenstown ‘over-commercialised but still going forward’. Only the third bank in town, he was warned by a competitor not to ‘get any funny ideas’ about stealing clientele.
He didn’t have to. They came, initially to bank space in a small shared premises with Des Gavin’s booking agency. “We had the most deposits of any of SSB’s four new branches within four months of opening.”
Alan and wife Marie sold their Winton home for £2000 pounds buying their Survey Street home for £6800 pounds.
He established a good rapport as manager of the major home-lending local bank.
Alan became an advocate for women’s rights too. Employing married women was forbidden by the bank “in case they got pregnant”. “I wrote to my general manager and told him there was such a thing as the pill and it appeared to be working,” Alan says. He was given permission to employ the bank’s fi rst married woman, who ended up as manager of Riverton branch. Numerous Volkswagen cars with skis strapped to the back poured into town during winter, Mount Cook storing its weekend ski proceeds in a 24-hour cash deposit box at the bank. Alan used his two free ski season passes, but preferred golf, squash and fi shing.
The Browns loved Queenstown so bought a house in Man Street with vacant land, where the Softel is now, and built and opened Ambassador Motels in 1973.
“The opening tariff was £12 a night for two. It was quite bewildering then to borrow more than you’d earn in your lifetime.” Alan was quickly asked to chair the local Motel Association’s 12 members.
Marie managed the motels while Alan managed the bank for two years, nipping home at lunchtime to service units. Two guests refused to let him service their room because he was “a bank manager dressed in a suit”. New guests at another motel once asked to leave food in their yet to be
serviced unit fridge and went sightseeing. Other staff, thinking it was left behind, divvied it up as the owner was away. “The incoming guests asked where their food was on return causing great alarm. Taxis were dispatched to staff homes to return the bounty.”
“We had one business phone and a phone for our fl at then – 575 and 998S,” Alan says. Messages were delivered at all hours running up and down stairs.
He became national president of the Motel Association of NZ in the late 1970s, a Tourism Board member soon after. “We welcomed the half millionth visitor to NZ in March 1984. It was a big deal.”
Alan and Marie had Ambassador Motels for 27 years, selling in 2000. “I’ve been on sabbatical ever since,” he grins.
‘Sabbatical’ involves countless hours whitebaiting on the West Coast and playing golf, Alan on a 28 Handicap at 85. He’s a Life Member of Queenstown Golf Club, Queenstown Squash Club, and Hospitality NZ. A Queenstown Fire Brigade volunteer for 45 years, notable fi res include the White Star Hotel and Sunshine Bay blaze set off by a couple who lost their engagement ring and lit a fi re to fi nd it.
Alan’s been a member of Queenstown Rotary, and Jaycees president when fundraising often involved selling manure from Henry Barker’s woolshed and annual walking track clean-ups.
Founding chairman of the Wakatipu Working Men’s Club after a public meeting left standing room only, they started a locker system in the Memorial Hall then Trans Hotel, later building what is now the QLDC offi ces in Gorge Road.
Still acknowledging women’s rights, Alan’s adamant he couldn’t have done any of it without Marie.
Alan in his happy place, enjoying a spot of crayfishing on the West Coast
Alan, second from left, as NZ broke the half millionth visitor barrier - 1984. NZ Tourism Council chairman John Milne, right, and vice chairman National Travel Association Duncan Hamilton, left
Alan in uniform, left, with grandson Connor Brown, now a police officer
Corner of State Highway 6 and Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown Ph: 03 974 4579 | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Gorge Road closed until 20 Dec
Gorge Rd will be closed between Weaver St and Stanley St until 20 Dec. This will enable completion of features for the Arterial Road project along this section. Detour via Robins Rd. Access remains for residents and businesses, and QLDC’s Gorge Rd offices and library remain open with parking available nearby in the Boundary St carpark. Full details at www.qldc.govt.nz/town-centre-arterial-road
Tracking our progress
EATSPACE – YOUR PASSPORT TO FLAVOUR
QLDC’s quarterly (and monthly highlight) reports are a window into the progress we’re making against the bold goals of our Long Term Plan. Read the latest and browse the full archive at www.qldc.govt.nz/monthly-reports
Water safety reminder: lifejackets!
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.
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.
A place of many dishes - epic food to be enjoyed with loved ones in a vibrant social atmosphere in a stunning natural environment with beautiful wine and cocktails.
Serving freshly prepared Indian dishes, a perfect quick and delicious meal on the go.
Dine in or take-away, from business to pleasure we can cater to all.
Located in O’Connells Mall. Monday - Friday 8.30am - 9pm.
Saturday - Sunday 11am - 9pm
Make sure you have enough correctly-fitting lifejackets for everyone on your vessel. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference for everyone’s safety. Lifejackets are essential for ages 10 and under, and for anyone using craft under 6m including kayaks and paddleboards.
Protect waterways from paint & chemicals
Paint and thinners contain harmful chemicals that can wash down gutters and drains into our lakes and rivers. Do your bit by always washing brushes in your laundry sink, save leftover paint for a future project, or donate it to a local school or charity. And remember you can dispose of chemicals and other waste at your local transfer station. If you spot illegally dumping into drains please report it by calling QLDC on 03 441 0499 or ORC’s Pollution Hotline 0800 800 033.
Arts funding available
Got a creative idea or arts project and need funding support? Grants of up to $2,500 are available from the Central Lakes Arts Support Scheme (CLASS). For more info and an application form visit www.qldc.govt.nz/community-funding
One, two, freeze!
Visit our Facebook page, or Instagram @tapri2k23 for location updates on where to find our food truck.
We cater to private events. Ph: 0221 236 640 | 0211 184 515 goodfoodlimited23@gmail.com
QLDC supports Love Food Hate Waste’s campaigns as part of our efforts to reduce food waste in our district. There’s much more to freezing food than you might think, especially during the festive season. Check out some useful tips at www.lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz/freezing-festive-food
New home for meeting livestreams
We’re switching the livestream of all future Council meetings to our YouTube channel (from Facebook). You don’t need an account to watch at www.youtube.com/@qldcinfo
www.qldc.govt.nz
TAPRI
NEWS IN BRIEF
Woman charged over Crown Range death
A woman has been charged over a fatal car crash on the Crown Range earlier this month. One person was killed and seven more were injured in the two-vehicle crash between a car and a van on the alpine road on Sunday, 3 November. Hamilton woman Anneli De Los Santos, 50, has made her initial appearance in court. She appeared in Hamilton District Court on Tuesday, 12 November, charged with careless driving causing death, Stuff reported. Joyce Fesico, reported to be a close relative of Anneli’s, was killed in the crash. Anneli also faces five other charges of careless driving causing injury to five other victims in the crash. Stuff said she was remanded on bail and without plea. She will appear again in Hamilton District Court on 4 December. - Wānaka App
New Zealand’s largest distillery unveiled
Scapegrace Distilling Co has unveiled its brand-new state-of-the-art distillery near Cromwell The $30 million project has been eight years in the making and will allow the brand a huge upscale in production, making 160,000 cases of single malt whisky each year, and enough gin and vodka to meet its long-term forecasts. The distillery is 3,000sqm on a 36-hectare property next to Lake Dunstan, Central Otago, overlooking the lake and Mt Pisa. It includes a head office, bottling facility, warehousing, barrel hall, and newly completed distillery. “Throughout our distillery design, there has been no corner cut and no stone unturned to ensure that we are following authentic and traditional methods, while also showcasing the very best of our distinct Scapegrace portfolio,” cofounder Daniel McLaughlin says.
DOC to trial paid parking at high use sites
The Department of Conservation intends to pilot paid parking at three South Island visitor hotspots next summer. None of the trial sites are in Queenstown Lakes, however, if the $3.8 million 12-month pilot is successful, it could only be a matter of time before people are paying to park at local hotspots. The trial sites are Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, and Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast, and White Horse Hill, Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park in Canterbury. “These three car parks are among our busiest. We can’t just keep building bigger car parks – it doesn’t solve the issue or uphold these outstanding areas. We have to modernise and innovate to deliver for nature and for New Zealand,” DOC’s Heritage & Visitors Director Catherine Wilson says. “A user pays approach for DOC car parks has long been mooted as a sensible solution – with the goal of reducing pressure and generating revenue at our popular sites.” The pilot is funded by International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
Supporting the stars
Cromwell College band Mistep have been making waves - and now are set to share a stage with music icons. The five-piece have been announced as the local opening support act for the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert in January. Mistep have been playing together for a few years, performing at events across Cromwell. Last year lead singer Grace Tiko won best vocalist at Central Otago Smokefree Rockquest. Alongside Grace, the band includes Cam Anderson (bass guitar), Sullivan Sonntag (drums), Laura Bates (guitar) and Louis Maugham (lead guitar). Laura told The Central App the band were “absolutely thrilled’’ to be selected to play. “Beyond grateful, excited, and nervous would be the best words to describe all of the things that have been going through our minds since we were selected,’’ she said. Headlining the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert are Cold Chisel, Icehouse, Bic Runga and Everclear.Central App
CANCER CARE PROGRAM
Don Kim, acupuncturist (ACC Provider: Sports Injuries <sprained ankle to concussion> specialized) E: oawcentre@gmail.com T: 027-698-2136
LAWN MOWING SERVICE
Operating in Queenstown Ride On mowing, Lifestyle Properties, Any property big or small, Push Mowing, Weedeating, Spraying. Phone Matt Lawton 02041211923 mlmowingservices@gmail.com
•Become each other’s best allies again
•Rediscover passion, aliveness and fun together
•Create a vision for a long term successful relationship
•Model a strong and sustainable relationship for your children
Next Workshops
30 November and 1 December - Wanaka
FOR SALE
A very effective method of advertising – Line Ads in the Lakes Weekly Bulletin are a very effective method of advertising. Take the first step to your successful business advertising by going to www.lwb.co.nz and place your ad online.
Pricing starts from $9.50
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
XS STORAGE
Secure self storage units – various sizes available Phone: 0800 297 786 | www.xsstorage.co.nz
Lost & Found
UNCLAIMED ITEMS SITTING AT THE Police Station, at 11 Camp Street, this week include:
- SAMSUNG PHONE, GREY IN black case - SAMSUNG PHONE, BLACK, FOUND in Arrowtown - FILM CAMERA, GOLD OLYMPUS - SCARF, ‘AJID’U’ BRAND - POWER BA‘K, …#8217;ANKER’ BRAND
2 SEAT SOFA FOLDS OUT to double bed green good condition $200 ono 0273031284 rogerdudman47@gmail.com
Accommodation
FURNISHED ROOMSHARE FOR FEMALE ONLY $160 pw plus bills, share with 1 girl. QT hill 20 mins walk from town, family home must like kids. min 3 months. Tel 021-1382701
www.thepig.co.nz
LWB QUIZ
1. What character have both Glen Close and Emma Stone played?
2. What character have both Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch played?
3. What cheese is traditionally made from the milk of a donkey?
4. What city is known as "The Eternal City"?
5. What color are Mickey Mouse's shoes?
6. What colors is the flag of the United Nations?
7. What company was initially known as "Blue Ribbon Sports"?
8. What company was originally called "Cadabra"?
9. What country features a shipwreck on its national flag?
10. What do you call it when a bowler makes three strikes in a row?
11. What does FIFA stand for in English?
12. What event marked the end of the Roman Empire in the West?
13. What game studio makes the Red Dead Redemption series?
14. What height is a regulation NBA basket?
15. What is a Beaujolais?
16. What is a group of crows called?
17. What is a group of pandas known as?
18. What is acrophobia a fear of?
19. What is a word, phrase, number, or other sequence of characters that reads the same backward as forward?
ISITE QUEENSTOWN HAS MOVED TO a temporary location at The Station Building, on Shotover Street until early December.
CROMWELL FESTIVE FETE. SUNDAY, 24 November. 10am3.30pm Cromwell Race Course, Ripponvale Road. Shopping, music, entertainment, market stalls, food & drink. The perfect way to spend a Sunday. $15 on the gate.
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
Hiring Now
A La Carte Chef & Prep Chef
Responsibilities:
Housekeeping Attendant
• Service and prepare rooms for guest arrivals
• Organize linen and supply inventories
• Clean common spaces and facilities
• Maintain courtyards, garages, and walkways
What we are looking for:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in a team.
Strong physicality, with the ability to consistently complete 8 hours of physical work.
Must be able to work a �lexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Increased starting wage with maintenance experience!
3 month minimum commitment
What we offer:
• $26 an hour
• A great work culture with �lexibility and respect
• Staff Parking
Feel free to stop by with your CV and speak to David or Megan. Otherwise, all email enquires to: Megan, HR/Head keeper Housekeeper@theglebe.co.nz
Redemption Song
General Property Hand
We are offering a unique opportunity to join part of a small team of professionals, that caretake an exclusive privately-owned luxury lodge in Dalefield, set on 129 acres.
The dedicated team is a collection of diverse individuals with a shared passion for excellence. We care for one another, work hard, and have a lot of fun doing it! We seek equally passionate individuals to join our team, understand our vision and help us achieve our goals.
If you are looking to join a dynamic team, then jump on board!
The Role
We look after the property to ensure it is kept to a high standard, this adds key value to the overall operation. The successful candidate will need to be reliable, have a strong eye for detail and a great can-do attitude.
• care of native plants & assist in the formal gardens
• pest control (traps and bait stations)
• fence & general property maintenance
Experience is not essential as full training will be given. Both part time and a fixed term contracts on a long-term basis are available. University Students are welcome to apply, for Summer holiday work.
If you have a great work ethic, are motivated and physically fit with excellent communication skills and enjoy working outdoors unsupervised.
We would love you to join our small team, please email your CV to Donna Stewart-Freemantle donna@rsqt.co.nz or call 027 5522 545
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
REQUIRED NOW!!!!!!
Skilled and Unskilled Labourers
Traffic Controllers
Looking for casual, temporary or long term work??
Queenstown Personnel and Labour Hire are looking for labourers for a variety of jobs around Queenstown with an immediate start.
Contact Sharleen - 027 778 7377 or email sharleen@qtplabour.co.nz
Casual Drivers Wanted
Retired? Stay at home parent? Looking for an additional income?
We are on the hunt for casual drivers to join our Queenstown team.
If interested, please send an email to: matthew.barnes@ezicarrental.co.nz
Mechanic / Tyre Fitter
Frankton Tyre Services is looking for two new additions to our growing team!
We have expanded our workshop and require another mechanic with at least 2 years of relevant experience to service our customers vehicles and Snap Rentals vehicle fleet. We offer competitive rates, permanent full-time hours (36+) a great working environment and are open to sponsoring the right applicant.
If you want a change and we sound like a good fit, email jobs@snaprentals.co.nz with your CV or contact Ella directly by calling 021 289 8900 for more information.
BAR ATTENDANT
$27.80/hour
Please contact: marine_Blanchard@evt.com with resume
Arrow Transport is looking for a Qualified Hiab Driver to join our small family owned business, based in Arrowtown.
We are offering an excellent pay rate and flexible hours for the right person.
If you have a class 4 or 5 licence and are truly customer focused please phone Roger on 027 285 0424 or email office@arrowtransport.co.nz
We are looking for a quali�ied Carpenter to join our team. You need to have your own tools and a good attitude. The ability to think on your feet and an eye for detail is required. Good pay for the right person!
Call now for a chat. Darren – 021 02322622
“The steak house to end all arguments” Jervois Steak House is an authentic and premium steak house which makes no apologies for unashamedly celebrating a love of meat.
THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO JOIN OUR TEAM
We are looking for Kitchen Hand Waiter Runner
HOUSEKEEPERS WANTED
• Self motivated, able to work alone
• 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 summer period
• Attractive hourly rate offered.
• Driver’s license essential.
Email your CV to operations@staysouth.com
Hardworking enthusiastic staff member required to work in our fast pace restaurant. Applicant must have current working visa or be eligible to work in New Zealand.
Minimum 6 month commitment
Why work with us
• Competitive salary.
• Training and development.
• Daily staff meals.
• Dining discount within the group.
• Paid day off on your birthday after a year of continuous service.
• Monthly visits out to local wineries - explore our backyard!
• Open for dinner only, so plenty of time to enjoy the mountains before work!
Email your CV to briony@queenstownjsh.co.nz
Ph: 03 409 2800
Full and Part time positions available
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
Amazing individuals required to join our fun team as:
• New Build & Commercial cleaning experts
• Air b n b & residential cleaning professionals
• Full training given! Great Pay Rates!
• Travel and vehicles provided!
• Check us out @ www.slithytoves.nz
Email us for full details and a trial! slithytoves33@gmail.com
Committed to a healthy work/life balance!
CASUAL HOUSEKEEPER required by small accommodation business close to Arrowtown. Friendly working environment.
Onsite basic accommodation available ($95/week inc. power/1-2 persons). Hours of work will increase as the season progresses. Attractive hourly rate. Own transport essential.
Please email info@willowbrook.net.nz
OR LINE COOK
We are currently seeking an experienced CHEF
The successful candidate will have a working holiday visa, valid for at least 6 months, longer is preferred Our head chef is Latin American, so speaking Spanish would be advantageous but not a requirement. Please email your CV to: Chris@smithscraftbeer.co.nz
COME AND JOIN US!
Ph: 03 409 2800 enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz
WE ARE LOOKING FOR GREAT PEOPLE TO BE PART OF A GREAT TEAM FOR THE BUSY SUMMER AHEAD
POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT OUR QUEENSTOWN, ARROWTOWN AND WANAKA STORES
FULL TIME, PART TIME AND CASUAL ROLES AVAILABLE
IDEALLY YOU WILL BE A CERTIFIED DUTY MANAGER. IF NOT, FOR THE RIGHT CANDIDATE WE’LL HELP YOU OBTAIN YOUR MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.
UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE UNABLE TO OFFER SPONSORSHIP AT THIS TIME.
APPLY NOW by emailing brenno@bettys.co.nz
Full-time Baker Hiring Now
Summer is coming, and we need a skilled baker with strong character and work ethic to help us open our new International Eatery at Queenstown Airport!
If you love baking cakes, slices, biscuits, scones, mu ns, and savoury treats, join our growing team. Formal qualifications aren’t necessary— just solid baking skills, a positive attitude, and a great work ethic. Sta accommodation available.
Got an eye for detail and a can-do attitude? Join our growing team as a Vehicle Detailer/Dealership Assistant! We need someone with high standards who takes pride in presenting vehicles at their best.
What's in it for you? A full-time, permanent 40-hour role with competitive pay, ongoing training, and opportunities to grow your skills with global brands. Join our close-knit team, ready to support you every step of the way!
To apply, contact Duncan Wright: duncan@queenstownmotorgroup.co.nz
LOOKING for the ideal STAFF for SUMMER?
Lakes Weekly Bulletin is your SOLUTION
Advertise with us today! Email enquiries@qmg.co.nz
Let’s build your ideal workforce team together!
Also hiring
• A la carte chef
• Prep Chef
APPLY NOW
Scan QR or email birthes@joeshq.co.nz
Check out www.airspresso.co.nz www.provenancecafe.co.nz
SOUS CHEF
Recently named the winner of the Qualmark NZ Wine Tourism Award, Kinross is really making its mark in New Zealand for winery food and wine experiences. We're a young, talented team, keen to find someone to come on this journey with us to the next level! To be successful in this role, you will:
• Consistently produce high-quality food, that matches our world-class guest experience expectations.
• To be ready with new ideas to add new concepts and your personal style to the menu.
• Be part of our collaborative kitchen leadership team with fantastic opportunities to grow your leadership skills.
• Assist our head chef in the development of new menus Kinross is a fun place to work, we have a great team culture, staff meals and benefits. This is a full time, permanent role, working to a weekly roster, including weekend work and a limited number of evenings.
• No split shifts, no late nights
• No dinner shifts (occasionally for events)
• Daily staff meal, great staff discounts on all food and wine (on and off licence), a share of tips and bonuses.
Please apply with CV and cover letter to christine@kinross.nz giving details of your qualifications and experience. Applicants must currently reside in NZ as a NZ citizen or resident. Or on an AEWV with more than 12 months left before expiry, eligible for a job change. Please give details of your right to work in NZ including visa type and expiry. Own transport and accommodation is required, as is a clean police check.
