Climate change. It is a real thing, and according to the NIWA experts, 2024 was the 10th warmest year on record. Last winter was on the mild side but it was hardly a warm and sunny spring and start to the summer. What really got me about the 2024 weather was the wet factor. Even now, as the midsummer sun finally starts to pack some punch, the green green grass on the hillsides surrounding the Wakatipu tell the story. Whatever happened to the burnt Otago landscape colours made famous by Grahame Sydney, Graham Brinsley and other great New Zealand artists?
But climate change is not all about heat and burning sun. Although those in California are feeling it right now, it is the crazy strong winds fanning the flames which are the most influential climate effect fuelling their disastrous predicament. Here in the Southern Lakes, those Norwesters we have felt far too often these last few months whipping down the valleys can and do, bring significant fire danger that can easily take out suburbs and townships. The fire risk indicators you see dotted around everywhere, and district wide summer fire bans are no joke. The question is how many languages do we need to spell out the obvious in? Because we do invite and happily receive our peak number of overseas visitors right now. Many are experiencing the traditional Kiwi dream, travelling around in camper vans, cooking in the outdoors, singing kumbaya around a campfire…what’s the worst that could happen??
Plenty. However, all we can do is be prepared and act quickly when the time comes to get out alive with your friends, family and neighbours. Call it climate change or not, man-made or not, the reality is still the same. Weather happens. We need to deal with it, and the changing nature of it. Because it is changing. This is a fact, not a conspiracy theory.
This also rings true for our economy, for we are a climate-based holiday destination that 90% of our economy relies on. Climate matters and rules over everything and everybody. Despite some very fine indoor activities and world class food and beverage, people come here for the spectacular scenery, and they want to get into it and experience our great outdoors.
Riding a bike, climbing a hill, sightseeing on a lake cruise, a bungy jump or jetboat ride is not as much fun in the pouring rain or howling wind. Even having a beer is more fun outside in the sun alfresco style. Obviously, a winter with no snow is also economically deflating. We are not immune to the catastrophic weather events we see play out around the world, but even without big life altering events, we still live in the uncertain grasp of a climate economy. And that’s the truth too, not fake news. Scott Stevens - Lakes Weekly Bulletin
“Gibbston Valley Winery went off today. What a setting, what a great audience for Cold Chisel’s first NZ show.” That’s what Jimmy Barnes said after rocking Queenstown’s iconic Summer Concert on Saturday. What a day out it was! Read more on p4.
Bumper summer as tourism continues rebound
by Paul Taylor
Queenstown businesses have enjoyed a strong summer so far, with hundreds of thousands of visitors flooding into the resort town over the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Some 156,329 domestic passengers travelled through Queenstown Airport in December, up slightly from the 154,998 in December 2023. There was a significant increase in internationals though, up from 83,444 to 92,477 in December 2024, as the overseas tourism market continues its recovery from the pandemic years and subsequent inflationary cost-of-living crisis.
Around 152,062 domestic travellers are expected to use the airport across January, along with 94,082 internationals. Tens of thousands more will arrive and depart on the roads, with tourism boosted by events such as the Gibbston Valley Summer Concert Series, which welcomed 14,000 locals and visitors over the weekend.
Skyline sales manager Richard Crouch says it has been a busy few months, with tourists and locals hitting the hill on the iconic tourism giant’s new gondola.
“I wouldn’t say we’re doing record numbers but we’re getting close to it from a visitation perspective and on the luge as well. They keep on coming, which is good,” he says.
“We now have the ability to move more people quicker, but that said, we’re constrained at the top with the construction that’s going on, so we’re very mindful we don’t just pile them in and transfer the queues from the bottom to the top.”
Skyline will move operations into its new building at the top of the hill in April next year. But that’s only stage one. Once it’s settled in, the old building will be demolished and rebuilt. The whole project should be completed by the first quarter of 2029.
International boost
Crouch says discretionary spending has also been tracking well in the retail store, café and restaurant, and late January / February is also expected to be busy as Chinese visitors hit town to celebrate the Luna New Year.
“There’s a 10-day period where we’re already at capacity in the restaurant.
“We don’t have a seat for lunch or dinner. That’s a 250-capacity with two lunch sittings and three dinner sittings.”
Queenstown was the top-searched destination for Chinese visitors on booking.com for 27 January to 9 February 2025. In 2024, Skyline welcomed 12,500 Chinese visitors for that period.
International visitors have also been the top customers at outdoor sports store Small Planet Sports, says co-owner Yan Lassueur.
“Australians and Americans are two pretty big markets coming through. The US dollar is so strong compared to ours at the moment,” he says. “We’ve not had so many kiwis. The locals sure, but not ones from further afield. It doesn’t mean they’re not out there hiking, they’re just not buying stuff from us at present.”
Lassueur says it has been a decent summer, with footwear sales particularly strong.
“We’re happy. We’re not flying but we’re definitely happy enough. It seems to have been a busy summer for the town. We’re not back to pre-Covid levels but it’s definitely one of the better summers we’ve had in the last couple of years.”
Chamber’s view
That’s pretty much the sentiment around town says Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce boss Sharon Fifield.
“Generally it’s been very good, lots of people around and businesses doing well,” she says. “There’s a bit of a drop off this week and we’re hearing that while the peaks are really good, the drop offs are still quite hard. So, things like the Gibbston Valley Concert and the New Zealand Open [at Arrowtown’s Millbrook Resort in February] are really important to smooth out those quieter periods.”
Fifield says the Chamber will be advocating to get more events downtown, following the cancellation of Luma, which had replaced Queenstown Winter Festival as a drawcard.
And with more tourists comes greater pressure on infrastructure, so the Chamber is also waiting with bated breath for more news on the Government’s Regional Deals initiative early this year.
Gibbston rocks out for final time
More than 14,000 people danced in the sunshine for the last Summer Concert at Gibbston Valley Winery on Saturday.
The concert has become one of Queenstown’s biggest annual days out over the past 15 years but it’s now on the move as the winery looks to develop the property.
Cold Chisel, ICEHOUSE, Bic Runga and Everclear took the stage to rock the winery for the final gig, with warm-up support from Cromwell College band five-piece Mistep.
“Today’s Queenstown Summer Concert served up an epic line-up of truly exceptional artists across different genres resulting in a magnificent day of entertainment,” Amanda Calvert, CEO of Greenstone Entertainment, says.
“We are so thrilled to close out our partnership with Gibbston Valley Winery on such a high.”
US rock band Everclear were the first headline act to take to the stage. Fronted by Art Alexakis, they played popular 90s classics including Santa Monica, Father of Mine and Everything To Everyone.
Bic Runga was next up, providing a change of tempo and lighting up the stage with Drive, Sway and Something Good. She was followed by ICEHOUSE, led by singer and creative force Iva Davies, performing hit songs Great Southern Land, Hey Little Girl, Electric Blue and We Can Get.
And then it was time for Australian rock royalty Cold Chisel, who delivered a blistering performance fresh from their 23-date sell-out 50th anniversary tour, with a set that spanned their entire song catalogue, including their massive hits Flame Trees, Khe Sanh and Bow River.
The 2025 Summer Concert tour now moves on to Taupo on Saturday, 25 January, followed by Whitianga on Sunday, 26 January, as Greenstone Entertainment continues the search for a new Queenstown venue, with Gibbston Winery no longer available for concert events of this scale.
“Greenstone Entertainment are currently working with Queenstown council as well as private individuals with view to securing a new, suitable location for what is a undoubtedly the highlight of the summer events calendar as well as generating significant business and income for the region as a whole,” Calvert says.
Circumnavigating the lake
What a way to spend your summer holidays.
Liger students Joel van Beers and Nikau Barnes, both 15, have spent the past two weeks on an epic adventure to circumnavigate Queenstown’s Lake Whakatipu.
The youngsters are hiking, biking and kayaking about 250km around New Zealand’s third-largest lake, raising money for the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust along the way.
They left town on 10 January with 20kg backpacks, hiking from the Memorial archway at Marine Parade downtown, up the Remarkables and into Wye Creek, where they camped the night. They then hiked out to the Devil’s
Staircase, on to Kingston, kayaked across to Halfway Bay, hiked to Longburn Hut, and kayaked from Refuge Point to Walter Peak.
When the Lakes Weekly Bulletin spoke to them on Sunday, they were at Kinloch, staying in old bus for two nights, with the plan to kayak, hike and bike back to Queenstown, hopefully crossing the finish line back at the Memorial archway on either Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning.
“It’s been incredible,” Joel says. “We just wanted to be outside for the summer really and that’s been the highlight, just being out in nature all this time, especially Wye Creek on the second day.”
It’s not all been plain sailing though, and the route has been adapted as they’ve gone along and overcome adversity.
“It’s been really hot, and also the sandflies have been really annoying, giving us lots of bites. One particular night, staying in Halfway Bay, there was just so many sandflies. Blisters have also been a problem. We were going to walk it all, but I decided to wear some thin socks and they’ve given me bad blisters, so we’ve adapted by adding in some kayaking.
“But it’s been fantastic. We’ve had so much support and we’ve been able to do some good for the community by raising money for the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust.”
Joel and Nikau have visited reforestation sites along the way as they raise money and awareness of the Trust’s native reforestation efforts, a project close to their hearts. They been supported by Patagonia Outdoor Clothing & Gear, Outside Sports, Real Meals, Fernhill Dairy, private landowners, RealNZ, Walter Peak Station, the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, and outdoors experts, along with encouragement from scores of locals.
They are documenting their expedition on Instagram (@inthe_outdoors) and fundraising via Givealittle (givealittle.co.nz/cause/circumnavigating-thethird-largest-lake-in-nz), where they’ve raised $2767 so far.
Joel van Beers, left, and Nikau Barnes
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Open 7 days | 03 442 8695
Cutting Edge Queenstown @cuttingedge_queenstown
CRIMELINE
Busted
A routine Police licence-and-alcohol check became a mini drug bust when a suspended driver was stopped on Glenorchy Road at 1.13am on Monday, 13 January. Police noticed a cannabis grinder on the vehicle’s dash, prompting a warrantless search during which they found a total of 43gm of cannabis, along with a knuckle duster. Constable Amanda Shute says a 24-year-old local man was charged with possession of cannabis for supply, possession of an offensive weapon and driving while his licence was suspended. He is scheduled to appear in the Queenstown District Court on 24 February.
Driver five times the limit
A local 27-year-old male driver blew a breath alcohol level more than five times the legal limit after he was allegedly stopped driving the wrong way around a roundabout at Frankton with no headlights on just after 1am on Friday, 10 January. Shute says the man was breath tested allegedly blowing 1076mcg/l breath, was charged and will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 31 January. His licence was suspended for 28 days.
Security guard punched
A 23-year-old Queenstown man assaulted a security guard, punching him in the head four times while being removed from Rhino’s Bar just before 2am on Thursday, 9 January. He appeared in the Queenstown District Court, pleaded guilty and was convicted and fined $350, Shute says.
Paragliding accident among heli rescues
St John Ambulance and Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter crews were kept busy this past week. A paraglider was airlifted to Southland Hospital after an accident in the Skippers Canyon near Coronet Peak just before 2pm on Sunday, 12 January. Two helicopters responded and a St John spokesperson says no patient status is available.
There were two callouts to incidents in Mount Aspiring National Park on Saturday, 11 January – one just after midday involving a patient in a moderate condition flown to Lakes District Hospital and one just before 8.30pm involving a patient in a serious condition flown to Dunedin Hospital from Makarora. No further details could be provided.
On Friday, 10 January, a patient with minor injuries was airlifted from Mount Earnslaw, near Glenorchy, to Lakes District Hospital and on Sunday, 12 January, at 5.39pm a patient with minor injuries was airlifted from Fiordland National Park to Lakes District Hospital.
More drink driving
A 23-year-old local man, stopped while driving on Frankton Road not wearing a seatbelt at 2pm on Saturday, 11 January, blew 86mcg/l breath as the holder of a zero-alcohol interlock licence. Shute says the man was charged and pleaded guilty in the Queenstown District Court on Monday, 13 January. He was disqualified from driving for 28 days and fined $200.
A 20-year-old man allegedly blew 712mcg, in Church Street at 3.17am, Sunday, 12 January. He’s due to appear in court on 31 January. His licence was suspended for 28 days.
A 34-year-old Queenstown man allegedly blew 600mcg, in Lake Esplanade, 10.31pm, Friday, 10 January. He’s due to appear in court on 31 January.
A 27-year-old Southland man allegedly blew 647mcg, in Frankton Road, during licence and alcohol check, 10.55pm, Thursday, 9 January. He’s due to appear in court on 31 January.
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
LAKES WEEKLY POLL
LWB regularly polls locals on issues affecting our region. This week’s responses are below.
Is Queenstown Lakes under-represented in the New Year's and King's Birthday honours?
Yes, not enough locals are recognised - 3%
No, it's about right - 17%
Not something I have an opinion on - 80%
Did you attend the Gibbston Valley Summer Concert?
Yes, let's rock - 10%
No, not my thing - 69%
Usually do but not this year - 20%
Did you work over the Christmas and New Year period?
Yes, full time work - 27%
No, I've had a long break - 38%
A little / part-time / from home - 20%
Doesn't apply - 15%
Reds Bar, Queenstown
Are you drinking less alcohol than you used to?
Yes, I've cut down significantly / gone tee-total - 43%
No, still drinking a decent amount / heavy use - 20%
I've never been a big drinker - 28%
I'm drinking more than ever - 3%
Doesn't apply - 6%
Are you excited about the new downtown bypass road opening later this month?
Yes, glad it's finally done - 38%
No, it's a waste of money - 49%
Couldn't care less - 13%
There were 143 respondents this week. If you would like to take part: you can sign up on the LWB Facebook page.
Coastguard Queenstown responded to a call from the skipper of a swamped boat in Bob’s Cove over the weekend.
The skipper and his family had been packing up to head back to Queenstown Marina when sudden southerly swells swamped their beached boat at the southern end of the cove.
Coastguard Queenstown launched its rescue vessel and volunteer crew to assist.
“The skipper’s quick thinking in deciding not to head out into the large swell allowed us to respond effectively and prevent the situation from escalating,” Coastguard Queenstown president Johnny Quinn says. “The journey back to Queenstown Marina was smooth, with the swamped boat safely in tow.
“This incident serves as a timely reminder for everyone on Lake Whakatipu to check their equipment, ensure their vessels are well-maintained, wear a lifejacket, and stay informed about the weather forecast, as conditions can change rapidly on the lake.
That sinking feeling
“Knowing how to reach us in an emergency can make all the difference.” If the situation is life-threatening, dial 111 and ask for Police or use VHF Channel 16 or the local VHF Channel 5. For less urgent assistance, you can call *500 on your mobile or reach out via Channel 5.”
Coastguard Queenstown is part of a nationwide network of volunteers dedicated to keeping Kiwis safe on our major lakes, rivers and oceans.
Call for budding filmmakers and writers
Adventure filmmakers and writers are once again invited to take part in the annual NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival. The 23rd edition of this popular seven-day event will be held in Wānaka from 20 to 24 June and in Queenstown on 26 and 27 June this year. The Online Film Festival will then be broadcast to New Zealand and Australian audiences throughout July. Festival Director Whitney Oliver says she is delighted to get the ball rolling for the 2025 festival with entries now open for the Mountain Film and Book competitions. $9000 of prize money will be awarded across a range of categories with the grand-prize-winning film and the Best NZ-made film each eligible for $2500 and the Mountain Book of the Year $2000. The festival programme – to be released in May – will be made up of competition winners and finalists.
The festival theme is adventurous sports and lifestyle but competition entrants are invited to add their own creative spin, so long as there is a link with adventurous sports or people, the world’s mountains, lakes, rivers, oceans or skies provide the stage, or there is a cultural or environmental theme. Visit mountainfilm.nz for more info.
The swamped beached boat
Coastguard Queenstown president and volunteer Johnny Quinn
COMMUNITY NOTES
Central hub for youth
by Catherine Doye
MyFundAction New Zealand is a youth development organisation founded in Malaysia. We opened the doors to our MyFundAction Youth Development Centre in Queenstown in 2022 and since then we’ve been empowering the youth through cultural and community events, entrepreneurial workshops, and brainstorming sessions. We intend to give them the tools they need to thrive, so they can give back to the community themselves.
As a nonprofit based on Islamic values, one of our objectives is to educate the community about Muslim traditions, promote inclusivity, and facilitate connections across cultures. With that, 2024 saw the launch of ‘Your Muslim Neighbour’, our much-anticipated Halal Exhibition where participants could wander the exhibition, ask the burning questions they’ve always wanted to ask and enjoy some tasty halal snacks. The exhibition has been a great success and we’ve now hosted it four times in-house and at local schools and colleges. We look forward to continuing this program into 2025.
2024 also saw the launch of our entrepreneurial workshops. From crafting USPs (unique selling points) to exploring creative ways to solving problems, we’ve hosted several workshops to support fledgling entrepreneurs in our community. This year we will cover many other sought-after topics, such as finance handling and goal-setting. Make sure to keep an eye on our socials for our schedule!
2025 is looking to be an exciting year. We have Ramadan coming up in March, with a packed timeline of events. From 28 February – 7 March, we will hold a week long Ramadan Exhibition, Queenstown residents and tourists are invited to drop by anytime between 10am and 8pm throughout this week to check it out. We will also be hosting a daily community Iftar (dinner) throughout Ramadan, plus our annual Grand Iftar Dinner on Friday, 21 March. The daily Iftar and Grand Iftar both require RSVP, please use the contact details below to enquire.
your family is invited!
11.00am-2.00pm Sunday 2 February
donations
Our space, in Red Oaks Drive, Frankton, is open to the public from 10am to 8pm daily, with onsite facilities such as a mini-library, wifi, a Halal cafe, a discussion area, bean bags, a Prayer room, and a Wudu room. The public is invited to come along anytime during our opening hours. If someone is looking for connection, they could come to our community social night every other Wednesday. The best way to check our schedule is to follow us on social media @myfundaction.anz.
Finally, as we are an international nonprofit, we provide on-the-ground support to people in impoverished overseas countries by providing essential aid. We offer these opportunities to local people who want to help make a difference.
If you’re interested in getting involved with MYDC in any way or would like more information please get in touch by emailing catherine@myfundaction.org or calling 03 657 1010.
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART
THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES
Washi Tape and Drawing Workshop
ARTS
Join Lyrics and Lines artist Veronica Herber for a hands-on exploration of her artistic materials. The interactive workshop introduces her signature medium of Japanese Washi tape alongside graphite drawing. Over the past decade, she’s developed an abstract art practice blending minimalism with playful freestyle drawing. In this workshop she’ll guide you through various techniques for layering and designing with tape and pencil to create compositions that highlight creativitiy and experimentation. No experience is necessary and all materials are provided.
When: Saturday, 25 January, 2pm – 4.30pm
Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorne Drive
MARKETS
Queenstown Markets
The Queenstown Market is set in a vibrant, colourful arena, where visual and performing arts meld together for the public and visitors to enjoy. With the warmer weather, the fortnightly Friday markets have returned, too. You can meet the inspiring clothing designers, potters, jewellers, knitters, weavers, wood artisans, metal manipulators, soap makers, print makers, photographers, leather artisans and more – they have it all.
When: Friday, 24 and Saturday, 25 January, 9am – 4pm
Where: Queenstown Lakefront
EVENTS
Summer Haze: Queenstown’s Hazy Beer Fest
Queenstown’s juiciest summer beer fest is rolling into The Cargo Collective with Summer Haze – a day of sunshine, shenanigans, and the best hazy brews from across Aotearoa. Here’s what’s on tap: 8 NZ hazies ready to tickle your tastebuds including a special release Cargo Hazy made just for you. Live music from Nix Music to keep the vibes smooth, lawn games and scrumptious food from Smoke & Pickle will all be on offer. Your $15 entry ticket includes your first beer.
When: Saturday, 25 January, Noon – 8pm Where: The Cargo Collective, 172 Arthurs Point Road
Wet Bandits X Pool House
Two of the most exciting indie rock bands are teaming up for a co-headline tour that’s set to light up Yonder’s stage. After spending years making waves across the ditch, Wet Bandits are back on home soil, bringing frontman Finn Roberts and a full band lineup to deliver a show filled with fresh tunes and fan favourites. Joining them is Pool House, the Otautahi indirock sensations known for their high-energy, unforgettable performances. Together with special guests Lunar Intruder and Sandy Sheets, this tour promises a whirlwind of catchy riffs, energetic crowds and feel-good indie rock vibes.
When: Sunday, 26 January, 8pm – late Where: Yonder, 14 Church Street
BUSINESS
Startup Social Queenstown – Lawn Bowls Party
As the new year kicks off with a fresh start, Startup Queenstown Lakes are excited to gather everyone for their New Year Bowling Bash. Join them for an evening of meeting new faces on the green and getting to know the Startup community. This will be a fun evening for some lively and friendly bowling competition. Bring your energy, friendly spirit and a dash of competitive flair! RSVP: $10 p/p +BF. Enjoy two hours of lawn bowls, a complimentary drink upon arrival and nibbles on the house. Start the year on a high note.
When: Tuesday, 28 January, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: Arrowtown Bowling Club
Women’s Fly Night
Build your fly fishing skills and boost your stoke. Join Patagonia Queenstown for a Women’s Fly Fishing Night with local guide Shelen Boyes. This inspiring evening will feature an introduction to fishing, a gear demonstration and insights from Shelen’s latest backcountry adventures on a very special river here in Otago. Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced angler, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired.
When: Wednesday, 22 January, 6.30pm – 8pm
Where: Patagonia, 49 Beech Street, Queenstown
GTGamesANZ
This year, the GTGames Series returns to New Zealand at Site Trampoline in Queenstown. The GTGames is a fun community event that anyone can enter ages 1325. The event takes place on a variety of trampolines, with fun games and more technical combinations. Athletes can enter the competition by posting a video submission to Instagram, using the hashtag #GTGamesANZ2025 or upload their submission to the FTA website. Anyone can enter! Anyone can spectate and family members will also have some time to bounce and try out the trampolines.
When: Friday, 24 – Sunday, 26 January Where: SITE Trampoline Park, 1/5 Red Oaks Drive, Remarkables Park
Arrowtown Burns Supper and Ceilidh Dance
Round up your friends, pop on your glad rags and dance the night away! Returning for its fourth year, the Arrowtown Burns Supper and Ceilidh will be an evening full of authentic Scottish traditions, entertainers, banter, craic, eating, drinking and dancing. You’ll be treated to a traditional Haggis, with a GF, dairy free, nut free, vegan alternative available. After dinner Queenstown’s ‘Hair of the Dog’ Ceilidh band will get the tunes going and Ross, the caller, will lead you with the dance steps – you can join in and enjoy even if you have never been to a Ceilidh before
If you would like your show, event, exhibition or meeting promoted in Goings On drop us a line at info@qmg.co.nz with the details
Arts+Culture
Music inspired by art
by Jessica Allen
Queenstown's renowned producer and director Margaret O’Hanlon has curated Canvas to Composition, a showcase of local musical artists taking place at the end of this month. Each musician has been tasked with composing an original piece or adapting existing works to complement specific visual artworks in Te Atamira’s Lyrics and Lines exhibition.
The evening will include performances from Paulina Antoine Bustos, Thom Bentley, Henry Boyle, Erica Hastie, Louis Koopman, Campbell Reid, Teegs Stallard and Mark Wilson. They will share insights into their creative process, discussing how they find inspiration, adapt melodies, and arrange sound to resonate with the unique vision of each visual artists.
“The exhibition features six Kiwi artists and has been in the front gallery of Te Atamira. They’ve been integrating it with music and other spoken word events – like the Writer’s Festival – so this is the final concert,” O’Hanlon says.
“I had a great idea to find six composers to create something to go with the different artists.”
When pairing up other artists, she tried to focus less on the visual themselves and more on how they could inspire lyrics that align with the artist’s intentions. Once putting together the pairs, O’Hanlon took a back seat and is excited to see what everyone comes up with. One example of the pairings include Pauline Antoine Bustos, who will sing a song in her native language of Chilean (showing a different ‘face’), and Julian Hooper, who creates art of many different faces.
“I paired the First Nations woman from Australia, who is also deaf, Nyapanyapa Yunupingu, with Henry Boyle. He’s from Wānaka and he does his own compositions. There was something totally unpretentious about what she does, and he is the same way. He doesn’t try for a particular type of genre or style, he just lets the moment take him and goes with the flow. I thought that would be really interesting.”
O’Hanlon first approached Campbell Reid from Queenstown Funk Orchestra, who had been inspired by John Reynolds' improvised mural. Reid happened to be at the opening night of Lyrics and Lines, where Reynolds' piece was first unveiled and had a conversation with O’Hanlon about the idea of doing a composition. He put his hand up straight away, specifically in regards to Reynolds' piece.
“Not because I’m a show off and it was the biggest piece,” Reid says. “But it was particularly rhythmic and being a drummer, it made sense to me to write something for that piece. I roped in Louis Koopman on piano, who’s doing his own composition as well, and Thom Bentley – he’s going to play bass.”
Reid says they’ve got a sketch pad of ideas but will be improvising on the night, keeping it loose. Afterwards they may also continue to workshop the idea and add it to Queenstown Funk Orchestra’s catalogue of originals.
“It’ll be a soundscape but heavily rhythm focused. It’ll be a bit experimental and a little bit melodic as well – exploring the light to dark rhythmic experience.”
The evening will be filled with thought-provoking music and audience members will be invited to visit the gallery and explore the exhibition before the event. Reid says he’ll do a small talk before his piece, so that people can listen and know what’s coming up. For his piece, he’s asked Louis to get experimental under the hood of the piano, so you can expect a bold start and a few surprises along the way.
“It might ask people to think about music composition and different ways musicians might be inspired to create. It’s just a different angle. A singer/ songwriter might get inspired by life experiences and emotion, this is just another way to be inspired to create music, and it might get musicians thinking about what they might do,” Reid says.
Canvas to Composition will take place on Thursday, 30 January, at 7pm. Lyrics and Lines will close just over a week later on 9 February. To find out more information on the artists and to grab tickets you can head to teatamira. nz/events/canvas-to-composition
Louis Koopman and Campbell Reid in front of Reynolds' improvised mural
ADVENTURE WALKS! Give your furry friend an exciting daytime outing with Adventure Hounds! Our small pack walks keep dogs active and offer socialization training. We handle pick-up and drop-off for your convenience. Contact Natalie on 0210729314.
Check our Schedule for Public Session Times
Danny Atkinson From 5pm in the beer garden
BURGER MONDAYS $25 Burger’n’Beer form 5pm DJ Mad from 9pm
Ribera from 6pm East York & Powder Chutes from 10pm
Wet Bandit x Pool House From 8pm
QLDC Libraries
Librarian Profile
Kia Ora!
Lakes Weekly Bulletin and Queenstown Lakes Libraries are profiling our librarians. This month we are profiling Shana, who is the District Children & YA Services Librarian for Whakatipu and Upper Clutha Libraries. @qldclibraries
Books and libraries! Where would we be without them?
In my role as a librarian, I focus on our youth - encouraging them to read, helping them sustain their love of reading, and making the library a regular, meaningful part of their lives.
Our libraries run programs like 1,000 Books Before School for children aged 0–5, fostering early literacy and giving children a head start in life. This year, we’re launching a new initiative, 1,000 Books at School, to encourage school-aged children to continue their reading journey. Many children stop reading for pleasure during their busy high school years, and this program aims to embed the habit of reading for enjoyment, creating lifelong readers - and thinkers!
Libraries are unique spaces. We are agenda-free, community hubs where you decide what to read, learn, and explore. If you ask me a question, I’ll guide you to resources that present multiple perspectives, empowering you to use critical thinking and form your own conclusions.
Book Recommendations:
The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
In the Republic of Gilead, a Handmaid named Offred lives in the home of the Commander, to the purpose that she become pregnant with his child. Stripped of her most basic freedoms, (work, property, her own name), Offred remembers a different time, not so long ago, when she was valuable for more than her viable ovaries, when she was mother to a daughter she could keep, and when she and her husband lived and loved as equals.
Things Fall Apart – Chinua Achebe
Things Fall Apart is the debut novel by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. It portrays the life of Okonkwo, a traditional influential leader of the fictional Igbo clan, Umuofia. He is a feared warrior and a local wrestling champion who opposes colonialism and the early Christian missionaries.
Dopamine Nation – Anna Lembke
Dr Anna Lembke, psychiatrist and author, explores the exciting new scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain... and what to do about it. Condensing complex neuroscience into easy-to-understand metaphors, Lembke illustrates how finding contentment and connectedness means keeping dopamine in check. The lived experiences of her patients are the gripping fabric of her narrative. Their riveting stories of suffering and redemption give us all hope for managing our consumption and transforming our lives. In essence, Dopamine Nation shows that the secret to finding balance is combining the science of desire with the wisdom of recovery.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith
The beloved American classic about a young girl’s coming-of-age at the turn of the century, Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a poignant and moving tale filled with compassion and cruelty, laughter and heartache, crowded with life and people and incident. The story of young, sensitive, and idealistic Francie Nolan and her bittersweet formative years in the slums of Williamsburg has enchanted and inspired millions of readers for more than sixty years. By turns overwhelming, sublime, heartbreaking, and uplifting, the daily experiences of the unforgettable Nolans are raw with honesty and tenderly threaded with family connectedness -- in a work of literary art that brilliantly captures a unique time and place as well as incredibly rich moments of universal experience.
Queenstown Lakes District Libraries
I want future generations to process information and make knowledge-based decisions, free from the undue influence of advertisers, influencers, and misinformation. Libraries nurture that freedom by providing access to reliable resources in a space that’s available to everyone.
Another thing I love about libraries is that they’re free. Where else can you go, spend time, and not feel pressured to buy something - like a coffee or a ticket? We’ve even removed late fees and hold fees to ensure our services are as accessible as possible. Libraries remain one of the last bastions of equity and inclusion.
For me, being a librarian is about fostering curiosity, supporting growth, and ensuring that everyone - no matter their background - has access to knowledge and a place to belong.
Atomic Habits – James Clear
Atomic habit, noun. Definition: A small habit with big results. People say when you want to change your life, you need to think big: swap job, move house, change partner. But they’re wrong. World-renowned life coach James Clear has discovered a completely different way to revolutionise your behaviour.
To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee
Set in a sleepy town in South Alabama during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Six-year-old Scout and her friends are fascinated by the mysterious Radley place and its reclusive occupant. But their focus shifts when Scout’s attorney-father is called upon to defend a black man accused of rape. Classic tale of injustice, friendship, and coming-of-age.
Nineteen
Eighty-Four – George Orwell
Hidden away in the Record Department of the sprawling Ministry of Truth, Winston Smith skilfully rewrites the past to suit the needs of the Party. Yet he inwardly rebels against the totalitarian world he lives in, which demands absolute obedience and controls him through the allseeing telescreens and the watchful eye of Big Brother, symbolic head of the Party. In his longing for truth and liberty, Smith begins a secret love affair with a fellowworker, Julia, but soon discovers the true price of freedom is betrayal.
Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury
Guy Montag is a fireman. In his world, where television rules and literature is on the brink of extinction, firemen start fires rather than put them out. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden. Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television “family.” But then he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television. When Mildred attempts suicide and Clarisse suddenly disappears, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known. He starts hiding books in his home, and when his pilfering is discovered, the fireman has to run for his life.
11am - 8.30pm |
YOUNG PICASSOS
Term 1 2025 | Theme : The Dream
Young Picassos is open for enrolments 2025 with Artist/Teacher Lisa Duncan. Great Fun ! Book Now! Inspired by surrealist paintings, students will EXPLORE imaginary surrealist dreams as we CREATE, PRINT, PAINT and MOULD using key techniques in printmaking, clay and paint. Young Picassos Art Class Friday 3.30- 5pm | Dates: 7 Feb - 4 April Venue: Te Atamira Fridays 3.30-5pm *(Starts wk2) $280pp incl. materials Contact Lisa Duncan - txt 0223641127 | email: lisadspaintparty@gmail.com
Hikari Teppanyaki brings modern and authentic
flavours straight to you, right in the heart of Frankton in Queenstown.
My Life Story
by Sue Fea
ALASTAIR COOK
From Gibbston to global food rescue
He refers to himself as a ‘disaster junkie’, a man who spent decades ensuring thousands of tonnes of food aid arrived and was distributed safely to tens of millions of displaced people in need.
Alastair Cook knows the poorest and most remote corners of Africa like the back of his hand, sometimes working 18-hour days through mud in South Sudan, the monsoons in Pakistan and dodging bullets in armoured vehicles in Somalia. He’s travelled the world advising governments on pandemic planning in the likes of Yemen and Syria, managing Ebola epidemic logistics in Liberia and drought-stricken Somalia.
As logistics offi cer for the United Nations World Food Programme, Gibbston Valley-raised Alastair’s Kiwi ingenuity was in demand. He was selected for special projects, from Malawi where he was sent to build kitchens in primary schools, to Pakistan and Nepal where millions of fl oodaffected and quake struck locals were fi ghting to survive.
Alastair headed up operations moving food for 8.6 million displaced people during the South Sudan confl ict. “We were moving 4,000 tonnes of food a day, a truck leaving every fi ve minutes,” he says, “We had over 500 loaders loading.”
They moved 10 million tonnes of food a year. “I got good at it,” he grins. “We had to devise ways to keep the supply chains going.”
Monrovia Airport in Liberia had never handled jet aircraft before the Ebola operation Alastair managed there. “On my biggest day we had nine jumbo jets coming in. We quickly had to educate farm boys from the Firestone rubber plantation next door.”
The humidity was usually unbearable, it was muddy monsoon season, and curfews were in place. “For three months I alternated two sets of clothes that I tried to dry.”
“Gibbston School taught me a lot about logistics.”
It’s also in the blood. Alastair’s grandfather was a quartermaster general in logistics in both world wars.
Now retired in Wānaka writing books about his adventures, last year also publishing three volumes of ‘A Brief History of Rugby’ mostly written while holed up in Somalia, Alastair’s whirlwind life has been a far cry from his idyllic, humble Gibbston upbringing.
Living in airports, planes and hotels year-round was far from glamorous. “For six years I averaged 72 international fl ights a year from South America to Japan and everywhere in between.”
At one point in 2018 he’d gone 14 months with only three days off. “I said to the guys, ‘I can’t do this anymore’.” He took early retirement and came home to Wānaka where his 95-year-old mother, Patricia, lives. Together with his dad, Jules, they farmed Waitiri Station which stretched from the Roaring Meg in the Kawarau Gorge to the top of the Crown Range near the Snow Farm.
A pupil at the old historic Gibbston School, which closed in 1972, the school roll once got to a whopping eight, increasing to 12 or 15 once a rabbiter moved into the valley with his four kids.
Alastair had a wonderful childhood roaming the hills, shooting and trapping rabbits. There were no real mishaps, although he and neighbouring kid Beau Rapley, now a professional guide, were rescued by helicopter after rafting the Nevis.
At John McGlashan College, Alastair became head boarder, somehow managing to avoid the cane for four years, despite running an undercover wine operation. Daytime training runs doubled as fruit tree reconnaissance. “We’d sneak back at night, pick the fruit and make wine which we sold to the juniors for our beer money.”
At Lincoln College, Alastair studied horticulture before fencing on stations around Lake Wakatipu with friends. From 1982 he then managed the original Chard Farm in the gorge for Phil Hunt, cultivating the ground and planting fruit trees where Chard Farm Winery now produces grapes. London then beckoned where a penniless Alastair landed a job as a shuttle driver for TNT, then the world’s largest logistics company. He quickly proved his worth climbing the ladder with transfers to Auckland and Dubai, then back to London as a global operations manager in a 17-year career with the company. TNT then formed a corporate responsibility programme with the UN World Food Programme – a vast operation then moving food for 91 million people. “I was one of 16 people selected out of 235,000 staff, to do special projects.” His model for community peer-run health clinics in Malawi, a concept he came up with in 2005, is still extremely successful, saving many lives.
“I lived most of my life with a passport under my pillow, but I loved working in Africa. It’s such a cool place,” he says.
He’s clocked three London Marathons – one in under 2hrs 45mins and competed in the fi rst 1983 Coast to Coast.
Now it’s one day a week working at Wānaka Mitre-10 and pursuing his love of writing books, three published and fi ve in the pipeline. Last year he supported cousin John to rewrite Anne Cook’s legacy, ‘The Gibbston Story’, a fascinating Gibbston history.
“I’m still a kid who grew up in Gibbston with a deep love of the land where we live.”
Alastair at work in South Sudan
Alastair, centre, during The Day of Independence South Sudan - 2011
Alastair already showing signs of leadership at home on the farm, aged three
health MENTAL
Top tips to prevent burnout before it happens
by Katherine Froggatt
As we step into a new year, let’s ditch overwhelming resolutions and focus on small, achievable steps that can make a big impact. Imagine feeling calm, in control, con dent, and motivated — these small actions will help you transform your 2025, one step at a time.
Why this matters:
Burnout isn’t just about being tired — it’s a full-body stress response that drains your energy, clouds your thinking, and affects your ability to feel in control. Left unchecked, it can lead to chronic fatigue, overwhelm, weight gain, and even long-term health risks. But the good news? Burnout is preventable.
By focusing on small, intentional lifestyle shifts, you can calm your nervous system, reclaim your energy, and regain control over your health and mindset. Here’s how:
Steps to stop burnout before it starts
1. Recognize the early signs of burnout
Stress often builds silently. Pay attention to subtle signals like persistent fatigue, low motivation, irritability, brain fog, or feeling emotionally detached. Awareness helps you course-correct before burnout takes hold.
2. Prioritize self-care and set boundaries
Self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s a non-negotiable for your well-being. Start with small actions like saying “no” more often, pausing work noti cations after hours, or scheduling personal recharge time (even 15 minutes counts!). Boundaries empower you to show up fully in both work and life.
UNCLAIMED ITEMS SITTING AT THE Police Station, at 11 Camp Street, this week include:
- KITE SURFER IN YELLOW and orange ‘Rebel by North’ bag
- PURPLE MILANO BIKE, SMALL size, found near Park Street
- LUKE DAVIS – WALLET
- HOOP GOLD EARRINGS AND gold coloured ring, found at St Omer Park
- ALINA ALESSI – IPHONE
- DAN LIENERT-BROWN – WALLET
- BLACK IPHONE IN BLACK gel case
- RIP CURL DAY PACK containing clothing
- MEN’S GOLD AND SILVER ring with flat surface and 4 black stones
- SONY HEADPHONES, GREY, FOUND at Events Centre
- AIR PODS IN CHARGING case, found at Events Centre.
- REUSABLE TE PAPA BAG containing 2 hats and a scarf
- EVOLVE GRT ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD
- SHIM YOON SAMSUNG PHONE
- SILVER BRACELET WITH ENGRAVING ‘Storm’ and a date
- MATTHEW WRIGHT – WALLET
- GOLD NECKLACE WITH ROUND green stone pendant
- JD CROSSAN – WALLET
- BLACK APPLE WATCH WITH black strap - BLUE ‘PURE FIJI’ MAKE up bag
3. Schedule regular breaks and downtime
Pushing through exhaustion won’t help you be more productive. Your brain needs moments to recharge. Try the Pomodoro Technique — work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Prioritize quality sleep and unplug before bed to avoid mental burnout.
4. Seek support and talk about your stressors
Bottling up stress creates emotional overload. Talking about your challenges with a trusted mentor or coach can bring clarity and solutions you hadn’t considered. Remember, you don’t have to gure this out alone.
Ready to Feel Calm, Confident, and in
Control?
If you’re ready to break free from stress and start 2025 with clarity, energy, and motivation, let’s talk. Book a free Clarity Call with me today and discover personalized strategies to help you prevent burnout, restore balance, and feel empowered in your life.
Book Your Free Call Now and take the rst step toward transforming your health and mindset this year.
QUIET AND PEACEFUL HOME in Lake Hayes Estate. All furnishings provided and bus stop out side door. Off street parking available and close to shops, bike and walking tracks. Suit professional working person. $450 no extra costs. Ph.0220973308.
KIWI FAMILY OF 4 LOOKING FOR RENTAL HOMEIN ARROWTOWN
Long term residents looking for 12 month+ lease on home. Children attend Montessori and Arrowtown Primary, parents are business owners with good rental references, please call 0221254875
PARKING
Kicking up a stink over Shotover poo ponds
Problems continue with Queenstown’s Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant, with its ‘dose and drain’ disposal field.
Otago Regional Council has issued Queenstown Lakes District Council with two abatement notices and a series of infringement notices over the issue, which is seeing periodic spillovers of treated water into the Kawarau River.
QLDC maintains the plant itself is performing well and the treated water it produces meets the requirements to be discharged into rivers.
It says the disposal field was introduced in 2019 due to “cultural sensitivities around direct to water discharges”, with the system designed to allow the treated water to soak into the ground prior to entering groundwater and ultimately the Kawarau River.
“While Council respects this land contact for the important cultural function it plays, it isn’t relied on as part of the treatment process,” a QLDC statement to media reads.
The disposal field is not up to the job, however, resulting in persistent ponding and spillover.
“Put simply, the treated water is not soaking into the ground at the rate it was designed to. And while QLDC has been actively working to understand the field’s failings and to improve performance, a new and more reliable approach is required to enable the controlled return of treated water to the environment in the future.”
QLDC has allocated $77.5 million through the current Long Term Plan to develop and implement a new disposal strategy for the Shotover WWTP.
But that will take time and Deputy Mayor Quentin Smith, speaking to media last week, suggests the council could consider stopping new connections to the waste water system until the issue is fixed.
That’s move would likely clash with Central Government’s Fast-Track plans, which has 6000 new homes in the pipeline through developers’ projects.
Where there’s smoke there’s fire – caution urged
Fire and Emergency Otago Lakes Group assistant commander Nic McQuillan is reiterating calls for people to exercise caution in the Queenstown Lakes Central Otago area now that a restricted fire season is in place.
The region is definitely drier which poses greater risk although McQuillan says they’re pleased that people appear to be taking the change to a restricted fire season, implemented just before Christmas, seriously. While there thankfully haven’t been a lot of callouts the thick plume of smoke blanketing parts of Queenstown on Tuesday after strong winds whipped up during a controlled burn-off just south of Kingston was testament to how fast things can change, he says.
“It just showed how fast wind can move fire.” That burn off was within the Southland open fire season. More than eight fire trucks and two helicopters worked to get a vegetation fire under control at Mount Pisa the same day. The cause of that was unknown.
Six people complained to Otago Regional Council’s Pollution Hotline about the Kingston fire, prompting a reminder from the regional council about burn-offs. Read more on lwb.co.nz and the Queenstown App.
Community
WHAKATIPU BEEKEEPERS SUPPORTING LOCAL BEEKEEPERS with sharing knowledge, mentoring and maintaining best practice. Most importantly a group of likeminded individuals who love bees. Meeting regularly, for more info or to join us whakatipubeekeepers@gmail.com
WHAKATIPU DRIVE MY LIFE ARE seeking volunteers to become mentor buddies to help our vulnerable people achieve their drivers licence. If you are interested or have any questions contact Louise Ward louise@reap.co.nz
SPCA OP SHOP – 51 GORGE RD. Open 7 days a week 9am- 5pm. Pre-loved goods and clothing at great prices. Help support the ongoing work done by the SPCA. Accepting donations now. Call into store now to enquire about Volunteering. Your old goods, or your time, could help save a life.
WSCA – ROOMS FOR HIRE - Spacious, sunny rooms are available for hire to Queenstown Community Groups. The rooms hold up to 90 people, with seated dining for 40. Located on the 1st floor of Malaghan House, 10 Memorial Street, Queenstown with lift access. There are kitchen facilities, toilets, Wi-Fi, media equipment for projection onto large screen plus large screen TV. Contact us on 03 4429214 or info@wsca.org.nz for more details.
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
Safely recycle your
Wānaka & Frankton Transfer
READER FEEDBACK
With a New Year also comes the traditional long list of wishes from our political representatives. Local, regional and national alike, it’s a mustdo and usually also an easy way to sum-up their past year’s actions and to expose their views for the coming one. Yet, despite people’s reasonable expectations that they can trust decision makers to read the ever-changing complexity of our world and bring innovative ideas to the table, New Year wishes can mostly be summed up by: “There are amazing things to come people! Change is coming and I will make sure it is for everyone!”
One could expect that a visit to the Dalai Lama would bring a bit of wisdom, or at least a call to take a step back to get an overview. Disappointingly, minus a couple of selfies for posterity, it seems it wasn’t the case for our MP. In last week’s editorial, Joseph Mooney celebrates Mark Zuckerberg’s choice to remove fact-checking from Meta’s services in favour of crowd-sourced moderation, in the name of free speech. That’s despite the fact it creates a proven risk of amplifying the spread of disinformation and hateful speech, and is usually a smokescreen to boost revenue, as harmful content often attracts more attention and more traffic.
For someone with a law degree like you Joseph, one could expect certain principles in relation to truth or misinformation. Protecting free speech while ensuring the integrity of information is a complex and evolving challenge, one not to take lightly. And the belief, common among politicians for PR purposes and tech gurus for economic reasons, that unrestricted technology will be our salute and savior, or else we’ll meet our doom, is a long time worn out argument.
While we have already allowed for the last 200 years unrestricted speed to technological and economical growth, social and human progress are still lagging far behind. Who would also dare say that ‘our natural environment has been improved’? When looking at our common human history so far, I doubt that the first adjective that comes to mind to describe humans’ actions is ‘intelligent’. The ‘birthright of humanity’ to your words.
We have to accept the idea that technology does not guarantee us social victory, contrary to what we believed in the past. Technology has reasonably only lifted a relative minority of humans out of poverty. Our present world, mostly ‘western’ societies, didn’t thrive thanks to technologies or the markets but to the incredible amount of unleashed energy that allowed them to be.
We don’t have to be anti-technology but maybe let’s stop allowing every new IT development to go wild first and wonder after if it was a good idea or not. There are many examples of this. It’s not the technology itself that matters, but the use we make of it. A.I is not to be seen as an opportunity or a concern but to be thought of as an opportunity AND a concern. It holds immense promises, in the medical field for example, AND also has the potential to put a great number of jobs at risk in many industries. By the way, it is democratically reinvigorating to read that you’re quoting the Estonian PM stating that ‘life will improve only when solutions are in the hands of citizens, not dictated by the state’. I am therefore looking forward to listening to you advocating for more local citizen decision power to be included in the Fast-Track Bill this year.
A very warm welcome to 2025 indeed Joseph, 2024 has been the hottest year ever on record.
Theo Richard - Queenstown resident
Free entry & great prizes! www.thepig.co.nz
LWB QUIZ
1. According to McDonald's official website, how many calories does a regular Big Mac contain?
2. Beirut is the capital of which country?
3. Bohemian Switzerland National Park is in which country?
4. Botany is the study of what life form?
5. How many Pirates of the Caribbean films have been released?
6. Complete this Spice Girls lyric: "If you wanna be my ........, you gotta get with my friends".
7. What are the Continental United States 4 time zones?
8. How many countries are there in the region of Europe?
9. Director Taika Waititi plays which comedic character first introduced in Thor: Ragnarok?
10. Duo Gnarles Barkley had a hit in 2006 with Crazy, but what's the singer's name?
11. Elon Musk is the CEO of which global automotive brand?
12. From what grain is the Japanese spirit Sake made?
13. From which US city do the band The Killers originate?
14. Gary and Martin Kemp were in what band?
15. Gouda is a popular cheese originating from which country?
16. Hanoi is the capital of which country?
17. How many centimetres are there in a metre?
18. In which part of your body would you find the cruciate ligament?
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST TUE (21 Jan) @ 6.30pm, Chenrezi Meditation with Annette Macalister SUN (26 Jan) @ 10am, ‘Cultivating Awareness Practice’ followed by ‘Social Sunday’ All are welcome.
Donations for the teachers gratefully accepted. See www.dharmacentre.org.nz or FB
| 16. Vietnam | 17. 100 | 18. Knee
Las Vegas
Spandau Ballet | 15. The Netherlands
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
LPG Driver – Rockgas Queenstown
Join the Rockgas Queenstown crew and fill your workday with good energy, great people and a ton of awesome perks.
We’re looking for a driver to deliver LPG cylinders to our customers in the Queenstown / Wakatipu area. While it's great if you've already got driving experience and your Class 2 license (even as a learner), we are also keen to hear from you if you have a full Class 1 license and want to get into driving as a career. We will support you to get your Class 2 license and give you lots of driving experience.
Your job will involve:
• Delivery of LPG cylinders to our customers
• Interacting with our customers
• Safe operation of our trucks
To be considered for this role you must:
• A full Class 1 or a Class 2 vehicle license
• Previous experience in a driving job is an advantage but not essential
• Be physically fit as the job requires moving and loading cylinders
• Enjoy working both on your own and in a team
• Be committed to maintaining a safe work environment
The recruitment process for this role involves a medical check which includes a drug and alcohol test.
What we offer you:
• A competitive hourly rate
• Permanent full-time role, 40 hrs per week
• Monday to Friday working week
• A great team and safe work environment
• Great benefits such as additional leave, medical insurance, a wellness grant and seasonal incentives.
Apply Now:
If you want to fill your workday with good energy, then this is the job you’ve been looking for. Send your CV to Jacqui Cummack on jacqui.cummack@clarus.co.nz before applications close on 27 January.
our learning environments both indoors and out, is essential for learning, this is for you!
We work as a cohesive team, but we also recognise that individual talents and interests are golden!
• Flexible hours
If you have experience with children, cooking and would like to be a part of our team that believe that a connection to ourselves, each other and
• Competitive remuneration
• No working on weekends!
• A great environment, full of amazing humans who want to make an impact.
Please email your CV and covering letter to kitchen@sasso.co.nz
Great new family French Bakery is opening soon in Remarkables park shopping centre. We can offer you the possibility to learn more about french bread and pâtisserie.
Great Family French Bakery is waiting for you. We are looking for : - Cashier/Barista (Serving customer, making coffee, cleaning,…).
You must be motivated, smily and friendly.
You should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.
We have a lot of option available for you.
Great new family French Bakery is opening soon in Remarkables park shopping centre. can offer you the possibility to learn more about french bread and pâtisserie. You must be motivated, smily and friendly. You should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa. We have a lot of option available for you. are looking for cashiers, baristas, (assistant) bakers, (assistant) pastry chefs and everyone else who want to take part of this new adventure.
Previous experience is preferred, Good english level, Working weekends, Full time.
We are looking for cashiers, baristas, (assistant) bakers, (assistant) pastry chefs and everyone else who want to take part of this new adventure.
Just let us know what you are capable of. email : marion@maboulangerie.co.nz to apply or for further information
You must have legal right to work in New Zealand.
Email : contact@maboulangerie.co.nz
Just let us know what you are capable of.
To apply or for further information
Email: marion@maboulangerie.co.nz to apply or for further information
Birdwoods Gallery in Arrowtown is looking for a gallery assistant for 2-3 days a week.
We are searching for a hardworking, reliable person with an eye for detail and an interest in art and design. Retail experience preferred but not required. We are a small gallery that o ers a range of artwork from around the world. The successful applicant will be working closely with the gallery owner and other gallery sta so excellent communication skills are required.
Please send your CV to: arrowtown@birdwoods.nz
Dental Assistant – Full-time
Join the team at The Bathhouse, Queenstown’s iconic lakeside restaurant and bar, as a Food & Beverage Supervisor! We are looking for an experienced Duty manager to lead our afternoon and evening operations.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead the front-of-house team during evening shifts
• Provide exceptional customer service
• Maintain a positive and energetic work environment.
• Handle opening and closing procedures, including cash handling and end-ofday reporting.
Requirements:
• Valid Duty Manager Certificate (required).
• Hold a valid work permit (required).
• Proven experience in food and beverage service.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage and multi task in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for delivering outstanding guest experiences.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Ready to join a passionate team & work in one of Queenstown’s most beautiful locations? Apply now and be part of The Bathhouse experience! E-mail: manager@bathhouse.co.nz
We are looking for a fantastic new team member to join our busy practice! Remarkables Dental is a modern dental practice with stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown. We currently have a full-time position available for a Dental Assistant to work five days per week.
As a Dental Assistant you will be required to provide chairside assistance to our dentists and hygienists, sterilise instruments, and reception duties as needed.
The successful applicant:
• Be available to work shifts ranging from Monday – Saturday 8:15am - 5:30pm
• Previous dental assisting experience is an advantage but not essential – on the job training will be provided
• Good computer skills
• Good standard of written and spoken English
Perks include staff benefits and discounted treatments, being part of a supportive and fun team, and the potential to upskill and receive ongoing training.
About you:
• A willingness to learn and develop your skills
• A strong work ethic and ability to communicate effectively
• A bubbly personality and team-oriented approach to care
• Attention to detail, enjoys keeping things clean and tidy, and good at multitasking
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! Please email your resume and cover letter to: manager@wanakadental.co.nz
• Must have a previous senior role in a fast paced restaurant
• Confident in assisting running shifts
• Amazing opportunity’s available
• Competitive pay and perks to the role
Please contact Dianna.Kelly@goodgroup.co.nz
Education and Engagement Contractor
The Whakatipu Reforestation Trust is on the lookout for a new champion for the environment.
If you love plants, restoring and developing native plant ecosystems, are passionate about educating others, particularly children, like getting your hands dirty and spreading wonder and joy, then you could be the person we are looking for.
The role is part time, involves collaboration with schools, sponsors, and other environmental groups to deliver our Educate for Nature programme.
The specific skills required are organisational, computer literacy, time management, collaboration and knowledge of native flora and fauna.
Apply now
Please submit your CV and cover letter to chairperson@wrt.org.nz by 26 January 2025 For the Job Description please visit www.wrtqt.org.nz
RENTAL SALES AGENT
Do you enjoy working in a fast paced environment where the days go quickly?
Do you enjoy meeting and talking to people from all over the world?
Do you appreciate a consistent working roster because your life outside of work is important too?
If you answered yes to any of these then maybe this customer service, sales and office administration based role is the new job for you.
Full Time contracts available with set days off, Shifts are mostly 8am to 5.30pm with at least one evening shift per week. The role also requires you to work weekends. You'd be based out of our Queenstown Airport office in Frankton or our downtown office
What you need:
• Full drivers licence
• Good command of the English language
• Working rights in New Zealand
Please send a CV to: claire.hampson@abg.com
Paper Plus Queenstown Airport is looking for a fun, reliable and responsible person to join our team. Retail experience is a plus, but not necessary. It is important you are able to work in a busy team environment. The role is five consecutive days a week including weekends.
If you think this sounds like you, please send your CV to queenstownairport@paperplus.co.nz
EXPERIENCED GARDENER
Mountain Landscaping & Maintenance is looking for a full time gardener to work as part of a small team maintaining a range of 50+ properties to the highest standard. Experience preferred in pruning, weed control, power tool use and plant knowledge.
Competitive pay rates, full training & PPE provided.
We are looking for:
CAFE ALLROUNDERS (full time)
SANDWICH MAKER/ KITCHENHAND (full or part time) COOK (part time)
Hours negotiable - good pay and perks. Contact Ed at: odelaycafe@yahoo.co.nz or call 021 280 2425
Part-time / Casual Driver Guide
Love wine? Looking for extra hours?
Become a Wine Guide! NZ Class 1 & P licence required. Full training provided. Email interest to: sarah@appellationwinetours.nz
A NZ work visa and current drivers license are essential. Immediate start
Please email your CV and references to roy@mountainmaintenance.co.nz
Gantley’s Tavern est. 1865
CALLING ALL CHEFS!
Exciting full-time, part-time, and casual positions available!
If you're passionate about hospitality, thrive in a dynamic setting, and want to be part of our storied tradition, apply now!
