The issues with the disposal field at Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant are well known. In short, you should be able to walk across what is now a leaky pond – complete with ducks.
So, it was inevitable that regulator Otago Regional Council (ORC) would take enforcement action against operator Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), and that began at the end of last year. Documents show that by January, QLDC staff had rejected the idea of fixing the field in favour dirtying our rivers. The reason? Not the risk of bird strike on aircraft, but cost.
Then on 20 March, just a couple of days after mediation between the two councils, QLDC staff told councillors the plan was to simply dump the Basin’s treated wastewater into the Shotover River. Not just some of it and not just as a temporary measure to fix the ‘broken’ field (as suggested by the ORC’s experts) but all of it for at least the next five years. That’s 12,000-22,000 cubic metres per day.
Normally, a decision like that requires consultation, and a full assessment of the options, risks, and costs. Most importantly, the elected council get to make the decision – and voters get to hold them accountable. But the Chief Executive has decided to avoid normal processes.
Councillors had no idea what was coming when they were sat down, in a public-excluded session and told of a three-pronged ‘emergency’ (amenity, health, and bird strike) that would allow the CE to dump wastewater into the river. The councillors were told they had no say and that in 3-7 days it would be done. They supplied no legal opinion, no evidence of an emergency, and no evidence that either the bird strike issue or the use of emergency powers were ‘before the court’. And if emergency powers were discussed in that context, they shouldn’t have been.
My instinct was that this was an opportunistic use of delegated power that would take away the rights of the community to have a say on something that is of huge significance – the health of our water. And I didn’t agree there were reasons to keep it from the community; just because QLDC says something is confidential doesn’t mean it is. The decision to ‘leak’ this when I did came down to time pressure, lack of information, and a sense of having been completely morally compromised.
QLDC’s legal argument seems shaky to me. The bird strike ‘emergency’ is their best bet, but the netting solution suggested by Queenstown Airport in its recent legal letter doesn’t support the council’s course of action. I don’t see how QLDC can lawfully rely on ‘emergency’ measures to solve issues that aren’t emergencies.
So, the risk of court action is real, our treatment infrastructure can’t yet be relied on, there are alternative solutions available, and the proposed fiveyear discharge is currently ‘unconsentable’. A rethink is needed.
Councillor Niki Gladding
Mel Seyfort , Elessa Impey, Katie Hutton and Cilla Duff were among the 1000 revellers who rocked out to The Jordan Luck Band in The Dell at Ayrburn on Saturday, closing out the summer concert series.
Luge to work – Queenstown’s wild new transport plan
by Bradley Pittishere
An Australian consortium is pitching an $128 million plan to turn Queenstown’s steep hills into a high-speed luge network.
Four massive tracks would create an environmentally-friendly route into downtown, with terminals on Queenstown Hill, Fernhill, Ben Lomond and Deer Park Heights.
April Hurst, spokesperson for the Fast Overland Operators Ltd consortium, says the luges will be able to transport 5000 residents and visitors per hour at break-neck speeds into downtown.
“Queenstown was built on extreme sports - so why not extreme commuting?” she says.
“It will revitalise downtown, act as a tourism drawcard and is the most environmentally-friendly way to move thousands of people per hour through Queenstown’s constrained environment.”
Massive multi-story car parks will be built at each terminal, reducing the need for the expensive-to-run diesel-powered Orbus services.
Hurst says the “totally fair” pricing model will see locals charged a mandatory $100-per week.
“That’s cheaper than a ski pass, more or less, and about the same as parking downtown,” she says.
Visitors meanwhile will pay via a dynamic pricing model. “We’ll charge them however much we think we can get away with. Whatever they’re prepared to pay really.”
The consortium will fund $50 million of the overall luge construction costs, with ratepayers picking up the rest, plus ongoing maintenance.
Queenstown Lakes District Council has agreed to fund any and all extra costs, as well as providing land, staff, and paying a proportion of the consortium’s wages.
“It’s probably the best deal we’ve stuck so far,” one unnamed council staffer says.
It has already rubberstamped the plans, which are due to be submitted today, 1 April.
The 4km Queenstown Hill track will begin with a near-vertical drop to blow off any morning cobwebs or hangovers, while the Fernhill track will replace the boring old bike trails.
Ben Lomond track will provide a 6km adrenalin rush (helmets are mandatory), while the Deer Park Heights route picks up speed through Kelvin Heights before a short ‘Hold My Beer’ jump over Lake Wakatipu.
Hurst says there are no plans as yet for how commuters will get home.
Fast Overland Operators Ltd CEO Paul Theo Therone on the test track
SCAN ME TO LEARN MORE
Gladding has no regrets over going public
by Paul Taylor
Whistleblowing councillor Niki
Gladding is set to face the council firing squad today.
Gladding revealed Queenstown Lakes District Council executive team’s plans invoke emergency powers to discharge more than 12,000 cubic metres of treated sewage into the Shotover River per day, for five years.
The Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant’s disposal field has been plagued by problems and the council maintains it is now causing a risk of bird strike for aircraft using Queenstown Airport.
Councillors had been briefed by council staffers on the move, but were not given any opportunity to debate or approve the plan.
Gladding went public, six days before QLDC intended to announce the plan, and the news was met with outrage by large sections of the Queenstown community and elsewhere.
Around 100 people gathered to protest a media briefing at the plant on Wednesday last week, including Gladding, holding up banners reading ‘Something stinks at QLDC’, ‘Blue not poo’ and ‘No shit in the Shotty’.
Now Queenstown Lakes Mayor Glyn Lewers has called an extraordinary meeting for today, Tuesday, 1 April, which could see Gladding stripped of her committee roles - she’s deputy chair of the Infrastructure Committee and a member of the Audit, Finance & Risk Committee.
She’s also in trouble over her appearance on a podcast. The meeting report says she’s in clear breach of the Code of Conduct but recommends discharging her of her committee roles without a formal investigation, to save costs.
“QLDC is behaving as it often does,” Gladding says. “They’ve presented councillors with a report that lacks objectivity, and that recommends councillors bypass policy and procedure because it gets them to their objective quickly, at low cost, and without having to consider other people’s ideas and opinions.”
“They’ve just done exactly the same thing in response to the ORC’s enforcement action; the discharge to water under emergency powers is fast, cheap and removes the requirement to consult. I’m ok with going through another code of conduct process but the staff’s recommendation is vindictive and possibly unlawful.”
Over the last few days, contactors have been working on a channel at the wastewater plant and QLDC confirmed on Sunday that direct discharge of treated wastewater into the Shotover River would begin on Monday morning, following the approval to exercise emergency powers.
“The use of emergency powers has been confirmed following notification by QAC of increased waterfowl activity around the ponded field which poses an elevated risk to aircraft operations in the area (including being close to/under the main flight path),” the statement reads.
A retrospective resource consent for the disposal method will be sought from Otago Regional Council within 20 days.
Aotearoa Water Action said last week it might seek a court injunction preventing the discharge but as the Lakes Weekly Bulletin went to press, that had not happened.
The treated wastewater discharge will amount to around 2% of the flow of the Shotover River at low flow and 0.02% of the Kawarau River. The Shotover flows into the Kawarau about 200 metres down from the plant.
Council infrastructure operations manager Simon Mason, who fronted the media last week, said he’d happily let his children swim in the river. Property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery, alongside him, said the discharge would have no impact on communities downstream, like Cromwell, and would be “undetectable” in the Kawarau River. Still, QLDC will carry out more environmental monitoring.
Mooney v Lawyers for Climate Action
by Paul Taylor
Queenstown’s MP Joseph Mooney has hit back at criticism from Lawyers for Climate Action over his private members’ bill.
The former lawyer lodged the Climate Change (Restriction on Civil Proceedings) members’ bill with Parliament. It aims to stop people suing companies that they blame for climate change.
Lawyers for Climate Action are “dismayed” by the move, which they say raises serious issues for both the environment and the constitutional role of the courts.
“The Bill seeks to insulate climate polluters from liability for the damage done by their emissions,” the group says in a statement.
“The effect will be that the costs of climate change, such as loss of property to rising sea levels, will fall on individuals and taxpayers without the ability to seek compensation from domestic or international businesses that have
profited from continuing to emit greenhouse gases, despite knowing the damage it is causing.”
But National Party MP Mooney labels that as “alarmist rhetoric”.
“[That’s] perhaps unsurprising given that the only real winners from years of endless climate-related litigation would be lawyers,” Mooney says.
“Their claim that the Bill represents “constitutional overreach” suggests that they believe judges and lawyers should have more power to shape the law than democratically elected and democratically accountable lawmakers.”
Mooney says the bill does not diminish the importance of addressing climate change or its impacts but asserts that such challenges are best met through comprehensive science-based public policy, market-driven initiatives like the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS), technological innovation, and international cooperation.
“Far from cutting the courts “off at the knees,” my Bill ensures that the law remains relevant by directing climate accountability to where it belongs: a coordinated, legislative response.”
The protest organised by Queenstown Community Action
Cr Niki Gladding at the protest (checked shirt)
CRIMELINE
Woman faces multiple drug charges
by Sue Fea
A 52-year-old Queenstown woman was arrested on multiple drugs charges after Police found ecstasy, LSD, methamphetamine, amphetamine and a cannabis pipe around 2am last Saturday, 22 March.
Constable Amanda Shute says upon arrival at an address on a separate matter, Police noticed a cannabis pipe and cannabis remnants, prompting them to invoke a warrantless search for drugs. During the search they found 0.73grams of MDMA, 0.07 grams of methamphetamine and six LSD tabs. The woman has been charged with procuring / possessing ecstasy, LSD, methamphetamine and amphetamine. She appeared in the Queenstown District Court on last Monday and has been remanded on bail to reappear on 5 May. Police say they will continue to target those who supply illicit drugs, which cause extreme harm and damage in communities. They’re committed to investigating both individuals and organised criminal groups that cause harm by distributing illicit drugs.
“However, we can’t do this alone, and we ask anyone with information about the supply of illicit drugs to contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz clicking ‘Make a Report’ or call 105,” a Police spokesperson says. Information can also be reported to the local Police station, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Anyone seeking help is also encouraged to contact the Alcohol and Drug helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.
Wafting cannabis at checkpoint nets driver
The “strong smell of cannabis” wafting from a vehicle stopped at a routine roadside Police checkpoint in Hawthorne Drive at 12.15am on Wednesday, 26 March, allegedly netted a large glass bong, cannabis grinder and 5.13 grams of cannabis plant. Shute says an 18-year-old local male will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 7 April charged with possession of cannabis plant. A warrantless search was undertaken after checkpoint Police smelt the cannabis wafting from the vehicle.
Fist bump fuss
A 21-year-old Christchurch man has been arrested for assaulting another male on Camp Street just after 11pm last Saturday, 22 March, and will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 10 April. Shute says the victim, who received a swollen jaw and pain to the left side of his face, had walked past a group of males fist bumping them all except one. “That male followed the victim asking why they didn’t fist bump him,” she says. “He then punched the victim with a closed fist to the left side of his face before running away.”
Kiwi driver clocks 151kms per hour
With six road fatalities in a five-week period on Central Otago roads recently, Police are continuing to “vigorously target” speeding drivers throughout the region – a Kiwi driver allegedly clocking 151kms per hour near Cromwell on Monday, 24 March. Otago Lakes road policing manager Senior Sergeant Steve Watt says the man was charged with dangerous driving and had his vehicle impounded. He has yet to appear in court, but Watt says speeding at that level can attract a fine of more than $2000 and three months in prison with a minimum of six months disqualification, depending on the circumstances. Despite hammering the message home about the consequences, Police are still seeing a mix of speeding foreign and Kiwi drivers, he says. “We’re still getting a very large number of traffic complaints about drivers speeding, crossing the centre line, dangerously overtaking and driving too slow.”
The recent spate of road tragedies in the area showed that simple mistakes can lead to devastating consequences, Watt says. “We rely on people to concentrate on their driving, not on what’s going on in the periphery,” he says. Speed is a major factor in road crashes and Watt says being familiar with your vehicle is important too, as well as making good decisions and exercising common sense. “You’re running the gauntlet every day in your vehicle,” he says. “You might think you’re safe, but it’s the others on the roads.”
Four takahē killed by stoats
DOC has intensified trapping at a wild takahē site in the Greenstone Valley near Queenstown after four recent takahē deaths pointed to stoat predation.
Ngāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation first released takahē on Ngāi Tahu tribal property Greenstone Station in 2023 to establish a new wild population.
DOC Takahē Recovery Operations Manager Deidre Vercoe says the predation is not unexpected but this cluster of deaths over a five-week period is being taken very seriously, as it shows even one stoat can do a lot of damage.
“DNA analysis and necropsy results point to a stoat, and we have since spotted a likely culprit multiple times on a camera in the area,” Vercoe says.
“A fifth takahē with an unknown cause of death could also have been a victim. Stoats can be extremely trap shy and take some time to catch, so more takahē deaths could become a reality.”
Takahē monitoring has been increased, extra traps have been installed, a stoat detection dog is on site, baited trail cameras are in use and the existing trapping network is being rebaited more often.
“Until New Zealand is predator free, any new wild site for takahē will have a level of predation threat. This is the reality our native birds face daily on the mainland,” she says.
“Current predator control tools make a big difference to species survival, but this scenario highlights the challenges.
“Thankfully, the overall takahē population is increasing, so, with the support of our Treaty partner, we can continue to take bold steps to learn more about new wild sites that could support takahē to thrive.”
A population of 20-30 takahē has been living in the Greenstone for more than 18 months now and the health and productivity of the birds has exceeded expectations, with two active breeding seasons indicating the Greenstone Valley is a promising wild site.
Efforts to establish a population of up to 80 takahē this year in the nearby Rees Valley began in February, with a second release due in the Rees in April and a third planned for spring.
The total number of takahē nationwide is more than 500 and more homes are needed for the growing population. More than half live at wild sites where stoats are present.
Ngāi Tahu representative on the Takahē Recovery Group, Gail Thompson says these recent deaths highlight that, despite their large size, sturdy beaks and claws, takahē remain vulnerable to introduced predators wherever they are in the wild.
“This reinforces the importance of continuing to find new wild habitats for our taonga species while also collectively striving for a predator-free Aotearoa New Zealand,” Thompson says.
Ngāi Tahu and Takahē Recovery, supported by National Partner Fulton Hogan, remain committed to maintaining a population of takahē in the Greenstone and wider Whakatipu.
Beautiful spacious private 24m2 office available, Fridays, Saturday's, Sundays and weekdays after 5pm
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Would suit a therapist, health professional, consultant or someone similar. Appropriate for group work/ training of up to 6-8 people.
Full day rates available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
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Takahē were released into the Rees Valley earlier this year. Photo: RealNZ
NEWS IN BRIEF
Orbus close to bike return
Cyclists rejoice! Bikes could soon be allowed back on the front of Queenstown’s buses. Otago Regional Council has been working with Orbus operator Ritchies to resolve the issue of the bikes blocking headlights, which led to the temporary ban from November last year. “They’ve been busy assessing their fleet, with many vehicles in the process of being fitted with auxiliary lighting,” an ORC spokesperson says. New Zealand Transport Agency have an exemption process to allow the racks to be used and Ritchies Queenstown have applied for those exemptions. “We’re now just waiting for NZTA to approve this work – once approved and installation of additional lighting is completed, full bike rack use will resume. Unfortunately we can’ t tell you when that might be – but hopefully soon.”
Fatal plane crash
One person died and another was critically injured when a light plane crashed near Wānaka on Saturday. Emergency services were called to the Dingle Burn Valley, near Lake Hawea, at about 1.30pm. The critically injured person was helicoptered to Dunedin hospital. RNZ reports that the two people were members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of New Zealand (AOPANZ), flying in for the association’s annual Autumn Fly-in. “The association and its members are shocked and deeply upset by news of the crash,” AOPANZ president Sue Kronfeld told RNZ. Our deepest sympathies go out to the loved ones of those who were on board. We can’t speculate on what has gone wrong. The cause of the crash is now for the police and aviation authorities to investigate. AOPANZ will assist the authorities in any way requested.” The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating the cause of the crash.
Overnight closures to Glenda Drive
Frankton’s Glenda Drive will be closed to all traffic from 7pm-7am, from Sunday, 6 April, to Sunday, 20 April, so crews can carry out excavations and lay down new road pavement between Hardware Lane and Frankton Transfer Station. In the daytime, only one lane of southbound traffic will be open. “Glenda Drive supports a significant number of industrial vehicles servicing Queenstown Lakes District and is naturally affected by wear and tear over time,” QLDC infrastructure boss Tony Avery says. “Replacing the pavement now will avoid further deterioration and the need for more expensive and disruptive work in future.” Property owners, staff, and visitors to businesses on Glenda Drive are encouraged to avoid parking on the road after 7pm. Vehicles needing to leave a premises during overnight work hours and from within the road closure will be guided by staff through the site and south along Glenda Drive to exit the area. The works are likely to add more congestion to Hawthorne Drive, especially at peak hours. Downer NZ has been contracted to carry out these works.
The loss of political trust – a threat to democracy?
Shock election results and threats to democratic values across the western world reflect “a febrile, restive mood and an alarming loss of political trust among some voters,” high-profile political commentator Max Rashbrooke says. His Catalyst Kōrero will look at what’s causing these global trends, their potential impacts on democracy here and abroad – and how political trust might be restored. Rashbrooke is the founder of a new think-tank, IDEA (Institute for Democratic and Economic Analysis) and a senior research fellow at Victoria University. The talk is at The Rees Hotel on Wednesday, 2 April, 6pm-7.30pm. Register at events.humanitix.com/host/catalyst-trust-queenstown to secure a seat and take a koha (donation) for Happiness House.
Motatapu donates $15k to local charities
Motatapu organisers and athletes are donating more than $15,000 to local charities. Some $13,396 goes to the Queenstown Trails Trust, following the 1 March event, which is New Zealand’s largest off-road multi-sport race. A further $1,000 has also been donated to Southern Lakes Sanctuary and $1,000 to the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust. Queenstown Trails has been the official charity partner of Motatapu for over a decade and every year, a portion of competitors’ entry fees goes towards supporting the trust’s work. Many entrants also opt to make an extra donation when registering for the event. “The Queenstown Trails has been our race’s charity partner for many years,” race director Gemma Peskett says. “They have done fantastic work in our region and we’re proud to be able to help them continue that important work in the years to come.”
Classical music celebration returns to Queenstown
Queenstown’s Whakatipu Music Festival returns to the Arts calendar this Easter featuring superb live performances.
Six stunning concerts will feature an outstanding line up of up-and-coming young talent performing alongside well-known international and New Zealand musicians.
Twelve emerging New Zealand musicians aged 18-28 went through a rigorous selection process to be chosen to perform. Over festival week they receive guidance and coaching from five internationally-renowned artists who will also perform over the four-day weekend from April 18 to 21.
The artists include choral director Dr. Karen Grylls, pianists Bernadette Harvey and Stephen De Pledge, cellist Julian Smiles and violinist Ioana Cristina Goicea (winner of the 2017 Michael Hill International Violin Competition).
These six major performances take place at the Queenstown Memorial Centre, showcasing everything from Bach to Broadway. Festival director Anne Rodda says they’re thrilled to bring three centuries of exceptional repertoire to the heart of Queenstown.
“People will already know and admire many of the pieces so we’re sure they’ll be delighted with the musical gems on offer,” she says.
Opening Night on April 18 features talented artists at the start of their careers performing works for voice and violin and concludes with Brahms’ beautiful piano trio brought to life by Ioana Cristina Goicea, Julian Smiles and Bernadette Harvey.
Acupuncture in Shotover Country
Saturday’s concerts include Next Gen 1 giving young local musicians their chance to shine alongside some of the emerging young artists. Later that evening Urbane roams between Brahms, Boulanger and Mozart, a soirée with something to delight all musical tastes.
A delightful Sunday afternoon performance called Next Gen 2 highlights choral and instrumental works traversing classical, Baroque and contemporary musical styles. From 7pm, Musical Smorgasbord ranges from Liszt’s Romantic-era piano sonata to British composer Samuel ColeridgeTaylors’s piano quintet and Rebecca Clarke’s sonata for viola and piano. For a sweet dessert, there’s an appealing selection of light operetta works.
The weekend revs up to the grand final concert Rejoice! featuring a massed choir and professional orchestra celebrating ensemble and choral musicmaking combining community, emerging artists and renowned musicians.
“They’ll celebrate Easter by singing their hearts out with the Hallelujah Chorus, O Fortuna and everyone’s favourite Beethoven’s Ode To Joy,” says Anne.
“We’d really love as many people as possible to join us in celebrating this Easter season with music that touches the heart and thrills the soul.”
A series of workshops are held alongside the concerts and keen music lovers are invited to participate.
Event tickets are on sale at eventfinda.co.nz.
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST
Tues 1 - Thur 3 April, 6 - 9 pm, ‘A Shower of Blessings’ with Khandro Thrinlay Chodon
@ Athenaeum Hall, Arrowtown
27 - 30 Mar, ‘Amerta Movement’ with Mala & Terry
See www.dharmacentre.org.nz / FB
Sarah Lee Reuben Brown
Austin Haynes
Damon Herlihy O’Brien
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES
Wānaka Festival of Colour
The 11th Wānaka Festival of Colour is underway, Te Kaupeka Rau, a celebration of the arts in one of the world’s most stunning locations. This is a chance to connect, be inspired, and immerse yourself in extraordinary performances and stories that reflect our shared humanity. There’s a range of shows on the programme including comedy, dance, storytelling, music and talks.
When: 29 March – 6 April
Where: Various locations throughout Wānaka
ARTS
Bellydancing with Bee Sadalah
Join this vibrant community, which includes specialists in bellydancing. In these classes, they celebrate diversity in all its forms. Ladies in the class range from 18 to 63 years young, come in all shapes and sizes, and hail from all different corners of the globe. You’ll be warmly welcomed, and dance your way to confidence, joy, and connection. Beginners are welcome on Fridays, or you can test yourself with and energetic class on Sundays.
When: Weekly on Sundays, 5pm, and Fridays, 7.30pm Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorn Drive, Queenstown
Bookmark Competition
Queenstown Libraries are inviting artists of all ages to unleash their creativity and design a bookmark that captures this year’s theme: escape into a book. Each library will select an adult and a child winner – you can pick up an entry form at your local library or print out an online form.
When: Entries due by 16 May
Cook Around The World: Switzerland
Join Happiness House for their free international cooking sessions, hosted twice monthly in collaboration with the diverse ethnic communities of Tāhuna, Queenstown. This week they’re travelling to Switzerland. Learn a new recipe whilst celebrating community togetherness and meeting new friends! Every class represents a new culture and is hosted by a Queenstown community member. Each Cook Around The World class is approximately 3 hours and includes a small plate of food. Due to the popularity of the event, you will need to register via Humanitix.
When: Tuesday, 1 April, 10am – 1pm
Where: Happiness House, 4 Park Street, Queenstown
Community Planting Day
Whakatipu Reforestation Trust members are inviting the entire community to join them at the Slope Hill Reserve this Saturday, as they continue to revegetate the former grazing land with plants that were once common there. They aim to add 1,000 more plants to this establishing site, which they first adopted in 2019 when they started plating the riparian strips along the stream. The event is drop-in style, so join any time you can. Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable outdoor clothing, and bring a pair of gardening gloves and a water bottle. Access is off Speargrass Flats Road only – planting site is on the right hand side of the bike trail, about 1 km along Slope Hill Road.
When: Saturday, 12 April, 9am – 12pm
Where: Slope Hill Road, Queenstown
Queenstown Lakes Libraries’ School Holiday Programme
Something for Others is Queenstown Lakes Libraries April School Holiday Programme. They want to celebrate the joy of giving and are asking you to join them as they create heartfelt crafts designed to bring smiles to others. Whether it’s a card, a creation or quality time, let’s use these school holidays to share the love.
When: From 14 – 24 April
Where: Arrowtown, Queenstown and Frankton Libraries
EVENT
Arrowtown Holistic Spiritual Fair
The Holistic Spiritual Fair is an event for like-minded people to get together and share their gifts to the community. They will have healers in different levels of tarot cards, clairvoyants, crystals, Bowen therapy, reflexology, reki, healers and many more. The energy is very uplifting and full of love, kindness and compassion.
When: Saturday, 29 March, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Where: Salvation Army, 8 Pin Oak Avenue, Frankton
The Arrowtown Lifestyle Village Annual Garden Party
A delightful afternoon of community, creativity, and celebration. Enjoy a vibrant gathering featuring market stalls, delicious food, golf simulator, fun games, face painting and more. Plus see Nick Fifield speak on historical Arrowtown, and support the Arrowtown Post Office by bidding in the charity auction! Come rain or shine.
When: Sunday, 6 April, 1pm – 4pm
Where: Residents’ Lodge, 1 Lady Fayre Drive, Arrowtown Lifestyle Village
Festival Opening Concert
MUSIC
Highlighting the finest of emerging New Zealand talent, the 2025 Festival opens with a focus on performances by Austin Hayes (countertenor), Esther Oh (violin), and Felicity Tompkins (soprano). The programme ranges from popular arias by Vivaldi and Mozart, movements from Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No 9 and the great violinist and composer Eugène-Auguste Ysaÿe, and the beautiful ‘Mediation’ from Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir d’unlieu cher. The concert concludes with a performance by a trio of acclaimed Festival artists Ioana Cristina Goicea (violin and winner of the 2027 Michael Hill International Violin Competition), Julian Smiles (cello), Bernadette Harvey (piano) of the Piano Trio No.1 Op 8 by Brahms, written when the composer himself was just 20 years old, foretelling his great talent to come.
When: Friday, 18 April, 7pm – 9.30pm
Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Drive, Queenstown
The Barrel Room Jazz Club
Unwind at The Barrel Room Jazz Club, where live jazz meets exceptional dining for the perfect Friday night escape. Settle in to enjoy performances from Harriet & The Radiophonics while savouring your favourite Barrel Room bites and Ayrburn sips, on select Fridays throughout the year. Book a table and enjoy dinner and a show in this most sublime setting. Walk-ins are welcome for those who want to enjoy dancing and sipping without a reservation.
When: Weekly on Fridays, 7pm
Where: The Barrel Room, Ayrburn, 1 Ayr Avenue, Arrowtown
of State Highway 6 and Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown 974 4579 | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
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.
PH:+6421524401
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35BreconSt,UpperVillage
THE DISHERY BISTRO RESTAURANT ARROWTOWN
A place of many dishes - epic food to be enjoyed with loved ones in a vibrant social atmosphere in a stunning natural environment with beautiful wine and cocktails.
Dudley’s Cottage Precinct, 4 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown Ph: 03 441 1849 TO FLAVOUR under one roof. avours drawn from influences across the format. business to pleasure we can cater to all. Monday - Friday 8.30am - 9pm.
16 Church Street, Queenstown Ph: 03 442 6060
TAPRI
Indian Fusion on the Move
Serving freshly prepared Indian dishes, a perfect quick and delicious meal on the go. 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
ITALIAN TO GO SEARLE LANE - QUEENSTOWN
HOSPOGUIDE
Wednesday Quiz Night Bookings are required. To book contact info@lokalqt.co.nz or ring 03 442 5444
Takeaways available, burgers, ribs, pizzas and more! Order online www.lokalqt.co.nz
Summer Lunch Special $28 BBQ meat platter, dine in or takeaway, Fri, Sat and Sun only 12pm to 5pm
Wednesday Super Pool Comp 9pm Start, Free Entry, $200 Prize Thursday Drum and Bass Night
Monday-Saturday NOW OPEN from 1pm daily
Friday/Saturday DJ AYEEDEEG, HipHop & RnB tunes 10pm - late Everyday Free Pool
Monday & Tuesday Mad Dogs food truck open from 1pm Wednesday Darts & Beers, Social Games Night 6pm - free entry Thursday QUEERS & BEERS 6-9pm All Welcome Friday OPEN MIC 6.30-9.30pm, Every Friday, Elle & Alex Music
Tuesday Live Music with Blake 9pm Wednesday Live Music with Je Marco 7.30pm DJ Mitch from 10pm
Live Music with Blake & Gabby 10pm
Live Music with Vicky Leigh Band 10pm
Live Music with Turtle Funk 10pm
Wed-Sat TACOS JAGUAR, Authentic Mexican food, open from 1pm Everyday Locals Loyalty Rewards
Sunday Live Music with Eby 9pm
Tuesday AIDAN from 9pm $25 SpecialBirra Tacos Wednesday Silent Disco 3 DJs | 3 Channels | Free Entry $25 SpecialChicken Parmi
Monday DJ Mad from 9pm $25 Burger Special LIVE MUSIC 7 NIGHTS A WEEK - $12 ESPRESSO MARTINIS, ALL DAY, EVERYDAY
Thursday Mitch EP from 9pm $25 SpecialBBQ Ribs
2 for 1 pizza night
Monday Live Music with TJ 9pm Everyday Coffee Happy Hour 50% off when you byo keep cup Tuesday to Saturday Happy Hour 4-6pm
$35 Steak Night
Lennie Vibe from 9pm
Ben Lock DJ from 10pm Sunday Danny Atkinson From 6pm in the beer garden
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Arts+Culture
Books and the people behind them
by Jessica Allen
Arrowtown Creative Arts Society (ACAS) is presenting a rare opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in the literary world. Artistic Director of Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tāmaki Lyndsey Fineran will share insights into the evolving landscape of books and writers festivals, her current favourite reads, and offer a sneak peek at the exciting line-up for the Auckland Writers Festival in May 2025.
Auckland Writers Festival is one of the largest, and best-attended, of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. It showcases over 220 writers from Aotearoa and around the world in more than 150 events. The 2024 Festival – the first co-led by Fineran and Managing Director Catriona Ferguson – ushered in a new era for the Festival, breaking all prior audience records with 85,000 attendances and saw book sales increase by 50% on the previous year, with 11,000 copies sold.
Fineran originally hails from the UK, working on Cheltenham Festival for the best part of a decade. She was asked to take up this role and while it’s been a big personal shift, she’s really enjoying it.
“I’m fairly new to Aotearoa, I moved over here in July 2023, so I’ve been here for about a year and a half,” Fineran says. “Last year’s festival was my first one and I’ve been under the excellent leadership of Anna Brian for many years.” She first travelled here in her early 20s before returning for a work visit as part of her role at Cheltenham. This helped her to get to know lots of the publishers and people involved in the festival here, gaining funding to have Kiwi authors to her festival in the UK. She loved her first year running the festival.
“The reception was just really wonderful. It felt busy and buzzy, and I was also really pleased with how warm the atmosphere was and how inclusive and welcoming it was. I think any arts event, but particularly any arts events that are centred on books, can be perceived as a bit elitist, or perhaps a bit scary if people don’t see themselves as readers. It’s really my mission, and I think it’s a Kaupapa shared by the rest of the team, that we want to be a festival for everybody. We want to be able to make books open, accessible, fun, and a festival is a great chance to do that.”
Julian Knight of ACAS is a trustee for Auckland Writers Festival, which is how the idea of bringing Fineran to Queenstown came about. The previous festival director had come down to Queenstown to talk about the programme in the past, too, which was well-received by locals.
“It’s just spreading the word about the festival, linking up the two islands and encouraging a good dialog. Auckland’s such a big city, but we don’t want to feel like we’re out on our own. This is the festival that represents the whole country, the whole New Zealand author ecosystem.”
When heading to a writers festival, you’re able to hop between different events and explore different genres of books. The festival in Auckland will include some South Island names including Laurence Fearnley from Dunedin, who was one of 16 finalists in the 2025 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. There’s also Ruth Shaw from Fiordland, who wrote the memoir, The Bookseller at the End of the World, as well as the editorial team from Books of Mana, which celebrates the rich tradition of Māori authorship, which is published by Otago University Press.
at the End of the World, as well as the editorial team from Books of Mana, Māori
“We have over 220 writers coming to us over the six days of the festival. There’s upwards of 180 events and happenings across those six days, so lots of big literary hitters, meaty non-fiction, lots of dynamic new formats and lots of formats that bring books to life in quite interesting ways as well.”
Fineran is looking forward to soaking up some of our beautiful scenery while she’s down here, as well as meeting up with some members of Queenstown’s Writers Festival. While part of her talk will be about Auckland Writers Festival, it’ll delve a lot deeper into the industry in New Zealand and beyond.
“We’ll be talking about writers festivals more generally, general book culture, and giving some reading recommendations. It will be nice and varied, and send people away with lots of other books and authors to discover,” she says.
Lyndsey Fineran will talk at Dorothy Brown Cinema in Arrowtown on Monday, 14 April at 5.30pm. For more information and to grab tickets, head to acas.nz
St Margaret’s Presbyterian Church, Ross Street, Frankton, 15 to 17 April 2025, 9am to 12:30pm
Fresh hop season has arrived
by Jessica Allen
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to craft beer in our region. We’ve got several amazing breweries, right on our doorstep, pushing the boat out to make beers that are unique and of high quality. With this change in weather comes a brewer’s favourite time of year – it’s fresh hop season – which means some more great beers are about to hit the taproom floors.
Hops are one of the key ingredients in beer, responsible for bitterness, aroma and flavour. They grow on a vine and grow in the form of a small green cone, and are harvested from late February and through to April. Usually they are dried or kilned to be sent out to breweries during the year, and all across the country and the world, but at this time of year, they can be taken to brew with immediately, creating a vibrant flavour profile.
Nelson is the main growing region of hops in New Zealand, however we do have one hop farm nearby, Garston Hops, who are producing South Island hops, which make it easy for local breweries to be able to put the freshest possible hops in their beers. Just like grapes used for wine, growing hops in different regions creates slightly different flavour profiles.
Altitude Brewery first established their relationship with Garston Hops in 2015, as the farm was just starting out. Since then, the relationship has flourished and resulted in flavoursome brews with both fresh and dried hops. Founder of Altitude, Eliott Menzies, is excited to be doing a collaboration with Sydney Brewery, One Drop, this year for their fresh-hop beer, Fresh Tracks. He’s gone out to Garston Hops to make very specific selections, as he’s learned what he likes over the years.
“It’s benefitted us by being able to see and smell, and eventually taste the differences between the different paddocks, and being able to select our hops,” Menzies says. “Garston Hops are a little bit softer and more floral –they definitely lend themselves to beer styles that might be a bit different to your classic New Zealand hop varieties. We’ve tweaked our recipes to incorporate the Garston style, and then we’ll also use hops from up in Nelson in situations where we want to showcase more of that classic New Zealand style.”
Mikaela Turner from Canyon Brewing is excited for this year’s fresh hopped beers. They’re releasing two – a hazy IPA called Pinball Wizard, which is available in cans or on tap and a Central Otago lager called Canyon Green, which is only available on tap.
“Every year we make the pilgrimage to Garston to grab the freshest hops we can get our hands on, and this time, we’ve thrown them straight onto our Canyon Gold base,” she says. “The result is everything you love about Canyon Gold, but cranked up a notch. Brighter citrus, juicier stone fruit, and that signature, crisp, clean finish.”
Many of the breweries, including Canyon, and craft beer houses will host events showcasing the fresh-hopped goodness. Mikaela describes it as a great way to sip your way around the countries best fresh hops in one spot. Over at Searchlight, brewer Ash Hutchinson is also pumped on fresh hop season and is brewing three beers. The first one is available now, called Messy Ferguson, and was made using hops shipped in from Nelson.
“I currently have a hazy IPA with fresh Freestyle Motueka, which was in fantastic shape – best quality fresh-hop cones I have ever received. They were a gorgeous vibrant green with no browning and no leave or stem matter. Can’t tell you how nice it was to receive them in such good shape, and of course the smell was amazing,” Hutchinson says.
Altitude will host their Fresh Hop Fest on Saturday, 5 April. Canyon Brewing will be hosting their fourth annual Fresh Hop Showcase on Saturday, 12 April. Beech Tree, Searchlight’s sister bar, will host a fresh hop tap takeover on Saturday, 12 April. For more information, head to the brewery’s Facebook pages.
by Sue Fea
My Life story
PHILIP JENKINS
From warzones to lakeside luxury
His name may be synonymous with opulence and lavish luxury lodges in this country, but Kenyan-born Brit Philip Jenkins certainly did the hard grind to get there.
The son of a Special Branch Assistant Police Commissioner stationed in Kenya and Nigeria, later Defence Security Officer in Cyprus, Philip, born in 1953, was raised amid wars and uprising. “Everywhere we went there was conflict, war or independence,” he says. “We were in Kenya during the Mau Mau conflict – a frightening time. My mother had to be with an armed police officer 24/7.”
During his dad’s Cyprus posting, Philip was schooled at a monastery boarding school –the Royal Air Force flying servicemen’s kids to Cyprus for fabulous holidays. “We brought back vast quantities of duty-free cigarettes for virtually nothing, banned, of course, and shared them at school.” Inevitably, he got caught smoking behind the pavilion, not even the confessional protecting him. “I duly confessed that week to which the monk replied: ‘Three ‘Hail Marys’, one ‘Our Father’, and ‘See me in my room later’, where I was caned.”
At 18 Philip lived on a kibbutz in Israel. Volunteers were paid £1 and free contraceptives a week for picking oranges and stomping on cotton in the searing sun.
He then trained as an instructor in northwest Scotland at the John Ridgway Adventure School – John, and Chay Blythe, the first to row across the Atlantic in 1968.
After failing his first attempt before the British Army Officer Selection Board, a Colonel who saw Philip’s potential enrolled him as an Army private soldier in The Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Identified as a potential officer Philip was sent to The Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst where the burly Scottish Sergeant Major quickly laid down the law to his 80 nervous charges.
Once while marching diligently and aiming to be inconspicuous, Philip noticed Princess Anne. “I started veering away as the royal command came, ‘Come here! Come here, I said!’” Nervously, Philip marched over and saluted the Princess, ‘Yes, Ma’am’, to which she replied, ‘I’m terribly sorry. I wasn’t calling you, but the two golden labradors behind you.’
During two Northern Ireland tours in the thick of mid-70s unrest Philip’s Duke of Wellington’s Regiment patrolled dangerous housing estates en masse, helicopters circling overhead, looking for IRA operatives and arms caches, occasionally amongst violent protestors.
After five years in Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada and the UK, Philip turned down a stint in the Sultan of Oman’s forces to join a friend as crew on a maxi racing yacht from San Francisco to Buenos Aires.
Sailing led him to Cape Town where he was warden of an outdoor adventure school running the first multi-racial Outward-Bound course for young people during apartheid. “That was life changing for the students”.
Looking for crew for a second delivery voyage from The Cape to Europe, Philip met wife Karen. “She’d advertised at the yacht club: ‘Young girl wanting to sail to Europe. Will pay. Will do anything’, so we hired her straight away,” Philip grins.
With 85-knot winds and 45-foot-high (13.7m) seas I was suddenly underwater. I remember the absolute silence and a fog of red instrument lights for about a minute before the boat righted itself, only to be dismasted in a second capsize, 1700 miles (2735km) off the African Coast.”
Miraculously, they connected the SSB radio to the broken backstay alerting Cape Town Radio, a freighter diverting to the rescue.
In 1987 Philip was offered a job managing New Zealand’s Solitaire Lodge on Lake Tarawera, invited from there to manage Queenstown’s high-end Nugget Point Hotel in 1991.
Wharekauhau Lodge followed before Levi Strauss president Tom Tusher approached him in 1999 to open Blanket Bay Lodge, near Glenorchy. “It was a dream job where I stayed for 15 years.”
Rapidly renowned as NZ’s best luxury lodge, Philip mastered the constant media interest, vehemently protecting his prized clientele, often Hollywood superstars, with his firm, ‘I can’t confirm or deny’ policy.
“It was a dream job where I stayed for 15 years.”
After safely delivering the yacht to Italy, then given free rein by the wealthy owner to run charters, Philip and Karen developed a successful charter business in the Mediterranean.
Sail master in a race to Uruguay, Philip was asked to sail the boat back to Cape Town, narrowly escaping catastrophe when it capsized in hurricane seas. “I was wearing two harnesses.
Actor Robin Williams allowed the guard down during his 1999 stay, fresh from heli-biking in muddied lycra, promptly adopting a full Indian persona to welcome Californian lodge guests, offering to escort them to their room. “They saw him and their mouths dropped, Robin instantly turning into an Indian porter,” Philip laughs. “He was a wonderful man.”
Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen was equally engaging – a lodge resident during filming – “a kind and charming gentleman”.
During Philip’s watch Nugget Point won Best NZ Hotel while Blanket Bay went on to achieve global recognition - second spot in Andrew Harper’s internationally acclaimed Hideaway Report and multiple other international awards. Philip started a scholarship for Glenorchy School, their two daughters loving their time there, before in 2014 he called it quits after 34 years of “looking after people, yachts and lodges”, semi-retiring to Kerikeri.
Still consulting to luxury lodge developers, Philip was also a Fred Hollows Wood Chopper volunteer in Kerikeri where they raised $450,000 for the charity.
He and Karen have just moved to Canterbury to be near family, and he still keeps a hand in ocean sailing, including a couple of Atlantic deliveries in the past few years.
Philip in his happy place - sailing
Philip and Karen on their travels in 2005
Second Lieutenant Jenkins – First Battalion – Duke of Wellington’s Regiment
Harvest Festival time
Hopefully you’re still reaping the rewards from your spring and summer endeavours in the garden as you read this. Autumn has definitely arrived with the cooler nights and a frost or two around the corner. Some years this can be a long gradual corner – here’s hoping we get a warm autumn – this will make such a difference in growing new crops for autumn and winter consumption. With your summer food bounties comes sharing and preserving the surplus. This can take as much time as you would spend in the garden. We’re about to start making our second batch of sauerkraut, once it’s finished fermenting in the fridge it goes. We’re almost going to need to dedicate a shelf just to the Sauerkraut. If you haven’t made it before, it’s much easier than you imagine, especially when it sells for $15 a jar in the store. Next up we’re going to try and expand our fermenting horizons with some kimchi.
Lots of apples this year that are going to get cooked up and frozen. We bought a relatively cheap vacuum packer and we love it as a way to store some of the surplus. Last year was the year of the plum but sadly there’s hardly any this year, they all got nuked with the late frosts. Also not a great year for peaches, yet we have one lucky tree that is in a warmer spot that’s looking good. We can half and pop the rest in vacuum bags and chuck them in the freezer uncooked.
Fingers crossed this weather keeps going as we have a late-planted corn crop that still needs some ripening, and the longer the pumpkins get, the better. Remember to keep an eye on the weather – you don’t want your pumpkins getting frosted, this will reduce their storage time dramatically. If they’re looking a little underdone on the ripening, leave a good metre of plant on the pumpkin stalk and let it dry out. This will help with ripening.
We’re now thinking about autumn, winter and spring veggies, and are going to get in the garden a lot over the next couple of weeks. Any beds that are finished will get a tidy up of 2-3cm of compost spread over them and planted out with either winter crops or green manures to increase fertility for the spring.
Crops we’re planting this week include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower. These will all be seedlings, they can be planted outside or in a tunnel/glass house. Outside crops definitely need to be covered with some frost cloth. This is doing two important things, keeping the b@#$%#@d white cabbage butterfly off your crops as they’re in boom mode right now, and evening out the daytime/night-time temperature differences. The frost cloth will keep your vegetables four degrees warmer on a cold night. You can reuse windbreak cloth and achieve similar results.
Other plants from seedlings we’re planting right now are silverbeet, kale, spinach, celery, spring onions, bok/pak choy, lettuce and spinach. From seed you can sow mesclun seed mixes. These are a mix of leafy green seeds, which
you can make up yourself. Grab a bowl and put in your excess leafy green seeds. These could include different lettuce varieties, kales, spinach, rocket , silverbeet, parsley mizuna, bok choy. Mix well and sow the seed heavily. This can be in close rows in a veggie bed, or blanket seed smaller beds, or pots and buckets. Blanket seeding involves spreading the seed over the whole space so you get a flush of greens growing.
One other crop that we’ve not planted for winter eating worth trying is the daikon radish. We’re sowing some Daikon seed this week, we’re going to try them outside and in the tunnel house.
What to do this month:
1. Preserve, preserve and preserve some more.
2. Plant plant. Don’t forget the frost cloth.
3. Use up that compost you’ve made. The next few months is a great time of year to apply compost to your veggie beds.
4. When was the last time you added lime to your garden or compost heaps? Get out there make autumn your annual mineralising your soils mission.
5. Rock minerals, see above.
6. Thinking of expanding the veggie garden next season? Use some black plastic to smother/solarise next year’s bed. Another technique is to smother the area with newspaper and make a compost pile on top of this spot. This is the same as a lasagne garden. Come spring it will be ready to go. You could make it with as many ingredients as you can get your hands on. Or you may only have straw and manure. Do multiple alternating layers onto the newspaper. Water and leave. You could cover this with a black plastic or a tarp or leave it open.
7. Prune your fruit trees. Most mature fruit trees can be pruned after fruiting on a hot autumn day. This is preferable to winter pruning. Young juvenile fruit trees can be pruned over winter.
8. Start collecting those leaves. I use cheap wool fadges from the garden centre, these are great ways for storing them. So many options of what to do with them. We will go into more detail next month…
9. Not composting yet? This week is the week to start. It’s so easy. Hit us up on Facebook or Instagram if you need some tips.
Dr Compost aka Ben Elms is a permaculture and gardening expert who’s been operating in the unusual Central Otago climate for over 20 years. Funded by QLDC and delivered by Wanaka Wastebusters, the Dr Compost project aims to reduce organic waste going to landfill. Got a question? Check out @drcompost on Facebook or benelms.com @dr_compost | @doctorcompost | benelms.com
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
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST
Tues 1 - Thur 3 April, 6 - 9 pm, ‘A Shower of Blessings’ with Tibetan-born Khandro Thrinlay Chodon
With extensive time in the West, she is able to bring the relevance of ancient traditions to the modern age.
Register with programme@dharmacentre.org.nz
Happy Gardening!
Wānaka’s freeski world champions
Two Wānaka freeskiers are on top of the world after winning big at the FIS Freeski World Championships at Corvatsch, Switzerland, over the weekend.
Luca Harrington made history by becoming the first Kiwi to be crowned the FIS Freeski Big Air World Champion, while Finley Melville Ives became Freeski Halfpipe World Champion.
It caps a remarkable season for 21-year-old Harrington, who has won two World Cup golds, an X Games gold and silver, New Zealand’s first ever FIS Freeski Crystal Globe and now a World Championship title.
“This season has been just incredible for me and to top it all off with the World Champs win is such an honour, it is a dream of mine coming true and I am so grateful to be here right now,” he says.
Harrington put down a right triple corked 1980 safety grab for his first run, scoring a 92.00. Dropping into his second run, he stomped his one-of-a-kind trademark switch right triple corked 1800 Esco Grab. The judges loved it and rewarded him with a massive 96.75, the highest score of the competition.
“Honestly, after my first run I was a little surprised but super stoked on what the judges scored it and that gave me a lot of confidence to send it on my
second run. That trick [Triple corked 1800 Esco Grab] is my speciality and I knew I could put it down. That was the cleanest I had landed it here, it was crazy and I was in shock, I just couldn’t believe it!”
As the last athlete to drop, Harrington’s third and final run was a victory lap but he put down a textbook right triple corked 1980 safety grab to up his score on this trick to a 95.25. With a total combined score of 192.00, he took the World Championship title by significant margin, 7.75 points ahead of his nearest competitor, Finland’s Elias Syrja, with Norway’s Birk Ruud third.
Ives, 18, put down one of the most explosive freeski halfpipe runs in history to claim the 2025 FIS Men’s Freeski Halfpipe World Championship title, a phenomenal feat at his debut World Championships.
“Honestly, I am in shock. I can’t believe I landed my run, I am so hyped. The pipe is so good, I am so thankful the weather is good, thanks to everyone for coming out – I just can’t believe it, it’s so sick.”
Melville Ives’ run began with a switch right double cork 1080 Japan, then a left double cork 1620 mute, a left alley-oop double flatspin 1080 mute, a switch left double cork 1080 Japan, before ending with a right double cork 1620 safety. The judges were just as impressed as the crowd and commentators, awarding Melville Ives a huge score of 96.00, which saw him shoot straight to the top of the leaderboard after run one.
No one was able to match him, with Americans Nick Goepper and Alex Ferreira second and third.
Lake Hāwea 16-year-old Luke Harrold finished fourth, making history by putting down the first switch left alley-oop triple cork 1260 mute ever landed in competition.
Wānaka snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott meanwhile pulled out of the Snowboard Big Air finals in Switzerland after taking a tumble in practice.
Robinson’s bittersweet end to stunning season
Queenstown ski race Alice Robinson wrapped up her most successful season ever last week, finishing in second place in the 2025 FIS Alpine Giant Slalom World Cup standings.
Robinson just missed out on the overall win to Italian sensation Federica Brignone but was on the World Cup podium seven times (1 x gold, 3 x silver, 3 x bronze) and is bringing NZ’s first ever Alpine World Champs medal home to Queenstown.
“This season has been special in many ways,” Robinson says on social media. “The final GS didn’t go the way I had hoped. All I wanted was to fight and show my best GS skiing over two runs and give myself a chance to fight for that globe. Well it wasn’t meant to be, I lost that opportunity and that was disappointing to say the least.
“However this season has been a dream and the best GS skier this year won @federicabrignone thanks for inspiring us all and can’t wait to chase you again next year.”
Watch Harrington and Melville Ives runs on lwb.co.nz
Cardrona’s new collaboration with Chinese ski industry
Queenstown tourism giant RealNZ has made a move to tap into the emerging Chinese ski tourism market.
The company’s Cardrona Alpine Resort, between Queenstown and Wānaka, has signed a deal with Chongli District Ice and Snow Association, which represents the Chinese ski resort region that hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics.
RealNZ Chief Customer and Sales Officer Scott McNab says the memorandum of understanding is “a significant step in the future of international ski tourism”.
The Chongli region is growing in both size and skier participation at pace, while Cardrona becomes New Zealand’s biggest ski resort in 2025, with the opening of 150ha of new terrain in Soho Basin.
The two ski companies plan to collaborate on talent identification, product development, marketing initiatives, industry training and policy alignment, with a vision to accelerate snow and ice sport participation on a global scale.
Speaking at the signing in Chongli, McNab said the MOU was a commitment to cooperation, innovation, and mutual growth.
“It reflects our shared belief that great ski destinations are not competitors, they can and should elevate each other for the betterment of the sport and increased enjoyment of our guests.”
Representatives from RealNZ and Chongli District Ice and Snow Association at the MOU signing. From left, Steve Bruce, RealNZ GM of Sales, Bonnie Xing, Global Ocean Group Ltd, Scott McNab, RealNZ Chief Customer & Sales Officer, Mr. Wang Cheng, Chairman of Zhangjiakou Ice and Snow Sports Association, Deng Chen, RealNZ Eastern Strategy Manager
Finley Melville Ives in action during qualification. Photo: Christian Stadler / FIS Park & Pipe
2025 FIS Freeski Big Air World Champion Luca Harrington.
Photo: Miha Matavz / FIS Park & Pipe
Finley Melville Ives, 2025 FIS Men’s Freeski Halfpipe World Champion.
Photo: Christian Stadler / FIS Park & Pipe
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UNCLAIMED ITEMS SITTING AT THE Police Station, at 11 Camp Street, this week include:
- WATCH, GOLD KATE SPADE, analogue
- SILVER RING WITH ROMAN numerals around the circumference
- ASHTON/URSULA – PURSE
- LEI MING – WALLET
- BACKPACK CONTAINING BLANKET, HOODY and toiletry bag
- 2 X POWERBANKS
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- IPHONE, WHITE, BADLY DAMAGED, may have fallen from a vehicle
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- STUART SHIELD – KINDLE
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Kylee De Suza Account Manager 021 044 2968 | kylee@qmg.co.nz
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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
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 organisation supporting our local community. Want to know more? Email: president.queenstown@altrusa.org.nz or message us on Facebook.com/AltrusaQueenstown
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.
EVERYTHING ELSE
Everything Else
NEVER BIN A BATTERY. THEY cause fires if damaged so keep them out of all rubbish and recycling bins. Safely recycle your batteries and electronic devices at Wānaka & Frankton Transfer Stations.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ARTS at the heart of the Southern Lakes! Wānaka Festival of Colour, 29 March – 6 April 2025. Explore the programme and join us: www.festivalofcolour.co.nz
WANT TO LEARN ABOUT BITCOIN? Next meetup: 17 April @ World Bar, 5.30pm. No pressure, no jargon - just good chats, cold drinks & Bitcoin made easy. Learn how it works, why it matters & how to get started. Call/text 0221254875 to RSVP or ask questions. TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST FOR Queenstown Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 30 April & 1 May. Check out Eventbrite or Queenstown Banff Film Fest on Facebook for more details!
LINE ADS: AN EFFICIENT AND very inexpensive way to get your businesses message out to potential new customers. 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
LWB QUIZ
1. In which European country would you find the Rijksmuseum?
2. Who played Gunther in Friends?
3. How many zeros are there in one thousand?
4. Which rock band was founded by Trent Reznor in 1988?
5. Pret A Manger is a popular sandwich chain in the UK, but what does the French name mean in English?
6. What is the capital of Canada?
7. Who played Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons of The Crown?
8. Which characters famous for living on Wimbledon Common released several novelty singles in the 70s?
9. What is the name of The Bride, played by Uma Thurman, in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill franchise?
10. What was the best-selling album of the 2000s in the UK?
11. What was the most popular girls name in the UK in 2023?
12. In what year did Britain join the EEC, now known as the European Union?
13. Who is the former drummer of Nirvana who fronts the Foo Fighters?
14. Which 1980s band was the Rev Richard Cole a part of?
15. Who presented TV quiz Blockbusters between 1983 and 1995?
16. Who was the head of state in Japan during the Second World War?
QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. Netherlands | 2. James Michael Tyler | 3. Three | 4. Nine Inch Nails | 5. Ready to eat | 6. Ottawa
Dave Grohl
Emperor Hirohito
Ph:
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• Physically fit
This position involves: servicing and cleaning Spa pools at peoples homes. You will be testing and balancing water using a range of chemicals and test instruments.
Previous experience in a related trade and hands-on experience with problem solving electrical and plumbing systems would be a strong advantage.
This Position is available now but we will take time to ensure we find the best fit for the role.
Send your CV to craig@southernspaspools.co.nz
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
Responsible customer service SUPERSTAR wanted for the weekend team at Dorothy Browns
Metal Fabricator Required
NJ BlockLaying, PO Box 1930 Queenstown 9348, New Zealand
$30+ per hour
m. +64 (0)21 309 482
• Studying blueprints, drawings & specifications to determine job requirements
e. njblocklaying@gmail.com w. www.njblocklaying.co.nz
• Cutting marked-out metal sections & shapes using hand tools,flame cutting torches & metal cutting machines
• Shaping & bending metal sections & pipes using hand & machine tools, and by heating & hammering
• Aligning parts to be joined using hand tools & measuring instruments
• Joining metal sections using various welding techniques, boiling and riveting
• Cleaning & smoothing welds by filing, chiselling & grinding
40 hours a week, at various building sites across the QT-Lakes district.
At least 3 years relevant onsite experience, with references. Must have the legal right to work in New Zealand
AVIS & Budget Queenstown
DAMAGE
AND SERVICE
ADMINISTRATOR
This administration-based role requires someone who applies a proactive and methodical approach to their workload and considers themselves meticulous in their data entry and enjoys working with people. The role includes loading claims on our internal system, contacting customers via email and dealing with potential disputes, liaising with local businesses to organise repairs or order parts and ensure fleet is turned around in a timely manner. Good computer knowledge is required, including but not limited to Outlook and Excel. Good command of the English language (written and verbal) is also a requirement.
The vacancy is initially a fixed term contract but could potentially be extended. Shifts are generally Monday to Friday but you may be required to work the odd weekend day when needed. The role could potentially suit someone who needs to work around school hours. Sponsorship not available so you must have working rights for New Zealand.
Please send a CV & cover letter to: luke.dennington@abg.com
Applications close: 13th April 2025
Are you cheerful, reliable, motivated and able to work under pressure?
Are you available for Sat & Sun shifts from 1-7pm?
Do you have flexibility to work other shifts if needed?
Do you have experience in hospitality or retail and cash handling? (Preferred, not essential)
Do you have an interest in films, books and gin?
Are you available for an immediate start for a long-term stint?
Please email your cover letter and CV to dorothy@dorothybrowns.com
We are looking for a full time cafe chef/cook for our central Queenstown cafe. You will need solid experience in a similar role, have excellent English and a valid visa. Good rate of pay and meals provided
Call Ed on 021 280 2425 or email marmoladacafe@yahoo.com
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
Hostel Manager
We are an independently run friendly backpacker hostel in central Queenstown and we are looking for an enthusiastic manager to join the team.
If you enjoy working with people, have great customer facing skills, some management experience and able to work flexible hours we’d love to hear from you.
On site accommodation is available
Previous experience would be great but not essential. Working Visa is required, this is a long term role.
Apply by emailing neil@stayatsouthern.co.nz or see us at 4 Isle St, Queenstown
We are hiring!!!
Balls and Bangles are looking for people to join their team!
We are on the hunt for FOH/Baristas/Duty Managers
This person will need to be an all rounder and enjoy working in a fast paced environment. Must be reliable, a good team player and have a fun can-do attitude.
Full time hours , daytime shifts, staff meals and you get to be a part of the best team in Queenstown! Ideally available for an immediate start with a commitment of 6 months or more. Current work visa essential.
To apply, drop into our Shotover St store or email your CV to ballsandbanglesjobs@gmail.com
Queenstown Stopping Services are looking to hire EXPERIENCED PLASTERERS and TRAINEE PLASTERERS to join our team. If you would like to learn a trade with a progressive career or have valid experience and meet the following criteria we would like to hear from you:
• Be willing to commit to at least 2 years
• Have a valid work visa or permanent residency
• Have your own vehicle and full New Zealand drivers license.
• Have a good work ethic and work well in a team.
• Have a good level of physical fitness to work in a fast paced environment
We are a well established local company with a sociable team and can offer competitive hourly pay within the industry.
Please email your CV to queenstownstoppingservices@gmail.com
Join Our Team as We Prepare for an Epic Winter Season!
Outside Sports is a family-run business, built by adventure lovers for adventure lovers
Are you looking for a career where no day is the same, where the smiles are infectious, and you’re always learning something new?
Curious Minds Queenstown is seeking individuals who are energetic, kind, and nurturing, who work well as part of a team to join our growing under twos teaching team. Perhaps you are a qualified teacher seeking a new opportunity, or someone who has interest in working with young children and are just looking for the supportive team to guide you. Applicants must have ability to work legally within New Zealand (this position is not sponsored).
Send your cover letter and CV to qt-manager@curiousminds.co.nz to apply.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Chef to join our team and lead our kitchen in delivering outstanding Pacific-Asian cuisine
For more information, visit www outsidesports co nz managinglarge,diverseteamsinahigh-volume,fast-
are Queenstown’s specialist recruitment solution, meeting the needs of Jobseekers and Employers in all lines of
the Lakes
and JobFix, we are your answer to
and easier staff recruitment, making sure employers and job seekers are connected.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing large, diverse teams in a high-volume, fastpaced setting while maintaining the highest standards of culinary excellence send your cv to HR@wolfgroup nz
