Ira is a Queenstown-born artist and is using her exhibition opening on the 4th September at the Lakes District Museum as a fundraiser for the Bruce Grant Trust.
Established in honour of Bruce Grant, a local adventurer who died 30 years ago after reaching the peak of K2, the Trust has been supporting local youth for almost 30 years.
The museum is thrilled to be able to help support the work of the Trust. Local businesses are sponsoring auction prizes and there will be refreshments!
All are welcome to the event from 6pm on the 4th September.
Entry is by $20 donation - 100% goes to the Bruce Grant Trust.
This season, Remarkable Theatre presents, Take A Chance on Me, a comedy of second chances and real-life laughs, on 11–20 September at the Atheneum Hall. This warm and witty comedy is by beloved Kiwi playwright Roger Hall. It's a feel-good production that invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and maybe even relate as a lively group of characters navigate the unpredictable world of dating later in life.
With Hall’s signature humour and insight, the play explores everything from awkward first encounters to the joy of unexpected sparks. It’s a story full of heart, hilarity, and hope.
For cast member Vanessa Williams, who plays Eleanor, the play hits close to home in all the best ways. She was drawn to Take A Chance on Me for its emotional honesty and universal themes. “It’s great comedy, but there’s also heartbreak and starting again. Everyone has experienced something like this.”
Vanessa describes herself as a romantic – though a logical one. Her character Eleanor, a bookloving lawyer with high expectations, is quite different from her in real life. Still, there’s a shared warmth between them. Eleanor’s love of reading is something Vanessa connects with. She’s currently enjoying The Book That Wouldn’t Burn.
Audiences can expect plenty of laughs, especially as the characters give dating a try. “The bad dates are my favourite part,” Vanessa says. “Everyone will laugh – they’re just so real.”
Take A Chance on Me is a celebration of vulnerability, humour, and the courage to try again. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this production promises a night of genuine laughs and heartfelt moments.
Tickets available from humanitix.com.
arrowtown village association news
Urban Intensification
The hearings on the Urban Intensification variation to the District Plan as it relates to Arrowtown were conducted the week of 28th August 2025 in Athenaeum Hall.
The AVA would like to thank Mark Hosie, for extensive efforts coordinating The Friends of Arrowtown Village and our community's response to the proposed variation which could see increased building heights and greater intensification in Arrowtown's medium density zone. Mark has spent almost 2 years working on this project on behalf of the community. Due to the overwhelming public rejection of the proposed variation, The AVA supported this opposition and made our own submission at the hearings.
It is felt the hearing panel had a good understanding of the Intensification Legislation and seemed to appreciate and understand the presentations from both the lay speakers and the experts that presented Arrowtown’s case. We feel we got a very fair hearing and we are thankful for the opportunity to respond as extensively as we did.
From here, after deliberating on all the evidence, presentations and submissions, the hearings panel will make a recommendation to council based on their findings. The council will then make their own assessment of the proposal and consider the panel’s findings before voting on an outcome. We hope this will exclude Arrowtown from the variation as it applies elsewhere across the district.
Thanks to the community and our experts for your support, we now await the outcome with baited breath.
You can hear more from Mark by searching, “The Arrowtown Podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.
Nick Fifield – AVA Chairperson
APBA & AVA presents
QLDC Mayoral Election Debate
Mon 22nd September 2025
7pm | Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall
the flying kiwis
Well done to Arrowtown's Harry Lightfoot (17yrs) and Auckland's Nathan Strachan (18yrs) on coming 2nd place in the B final of the Men’s Double Sculls in Lithuania, on 10 August at the U19 World Champs.
A super exciting race to watch with the kiwis thundering home, finishing 0.37sec behind the Swiss! They were 7th out of 23 crews –the smiles say it all. Well deserved lads!
Harry would like to thank all of you that supported him with encouraging messages and financial support on his amazing international rowing experience! Especially – Maxraft Qtn, Masonic Lodge Wanaka, Masonic Lodge Queenstown, 4 Sqe Arrowtown, Snow Rental Qtn, Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation, Kent Wilkins Electrical, Skeggs Foundation, Community Trust South, Neat Meat, FergButcher, AJ Saville Builders, Thurston Electrical, Queenstown Lions club.
Business & Employment Team
A Big Business Starts Small
Small businesses need practical solutions and pragmatic advice. We get it. We’ve been in your shoes.
Whether it’s buying a business or selling one, succession planning for your retirement, or resolving employment disputes. We can help.
Our business resources can get you started: Aspiringlaw.co.nz/resources
0800 277 529
www.aspiringlaw.co.nz
Your local law firm, wherever you are
Arrowtown | Wanaka | Christchurch | Dunedin
Shared Office space Available
– Opportunity to join shared office space in central Arrowtown The Hub Collective, 43 Ramshaw Lane. Shared kitchenette, bathroom, small meeting room, 5 min drop off carpark. Access to laser printer. 021 202 5493
situations vacant
Kahwah Cafe – BARISTA POSITION
We are looking to hire a Full Time role. Barista skills are essential. Demonstrating a clear head, cleanliness, attention to detail are key. Experience in espresso calibration & dialling in. Comfortable running solo in a fast paced cafe. Email CVs to madisonkuru@icloud.com to arrange an up to 1 hour trial.
the orange box
The Orange Box is a visually captivating story featuring handmade puppets, mesmerizing juggling, and enchanting circus artistry. Blending diverse puppetry styles with different types of juggling, the story follows a paper puppet stuck in the routine of a packaging office. When a map and a mysterious box appear, they spark his longing for change and set him on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Beyond entertainment, the show carries a deeper message, inviting us to step outside the box, where true magic unfolds. Join this one-of-a-kind adventure that transcends the ordinary and opens the door to the extraordinary. On 21 Sunday September, 2–3.30 pm, at the Athenaeum Hall. Tickets $20 Adult and $10 Child available @humanitix.com
bringing our nations together
What a stunning day Arrowtown turned on for the recent service with the New Zealand and Australian Prime Ministers. We started with a brisk –5°C frost, but right as the service began at 9 am, the sun lit up the top of the cenotaph spectacularly –perfect timing.
It was an absolute honour for the Arrowtown RSA to host both Prime Ministers. We’ve had the privilege once before, a couple of years ago, and it was wonderful to step into that role again. The service featured the Songbirds singing the national anthems, Rev. Dr. Carlton Johnson delivering a prayer, Sean Draper leading the ode in Te Reo alongside myself in English, and John Tevitodale piping us up. Selma Robert’s our MC , Our guests included the Arrowtown Fire Brigade, RSA members and Executive, the Queenstown Poppy Trust, and many locals – some who came along after hearing the whispers. It’s always moving to see how the ANZAC connection brings our nations together, and it’s a sign of respect that they chose our little town. The Prime Ministers were genuinely impressed – captivated by the beauty of Arrowtown and the view from the cenotaph.
For any help with immigration matters, contact us:
It was also a moment to pause, reflect, and remember how fortunate we are – especially with all that is happening in the world today, from Gaza to Ukraine. These events are a reminder that our freedom, safety, and stunning country are things we must never take for granted.
It was a truly special day for our community.
– Rosemary Chambers, RSA President
Locally owned and operated by Spencer Duckers, an experienced tradesperson of over 28yrs.
Spencer places attention to detail in every aspect of his work to deliver the highest quality. No job too small!
From basic handyman tasks and painting to maintenance, decking, or even window-cleaning, you can trust Spencer to deliver quality and reliability every time.
• Handyman
• Painting
• Decorating
• Window Cleaning
• Fencing & Decking
• Joinery & Carpentry
• Shower Glass Restoration
• Shed Construction
• Gutter Cleaning
• Lawn Mower Servicing
• Gardening
• Furniture Restoration
• Odd-Jobs
• General Maintenance
Contact Spencer to have a chat about what work needs doing and receive a free, no obligation quote.
027 777 3623 duxpropertyservices.co.nz
spencer @duxpropertyservices.co.nz
Book and complete a current market appraisal with us before the end of August 2025 and we will drop by with homemade
plus a box of kindling to keep your fire roaring.
Pop the kettle on – we will handle the rest. Call us to book your appraisal – and claim your kindling.
arrowtown school report
It has been wonderful to see so many of our students achieving success across a range of disciplines over the past week. A special congratulations to Eadie Palmer for her outstanding performance at the National Cross Country Championships, to Ciaran Henderson for his brilliant efforts in the swimming pool, and to Thomas Foggo and Emily de Lacey for their fantastic results in the Coronet Peak Dog Derby. We also want to acknowledge the amazing results from our senior students at the recent regional science fair—a fantastic achievement and one that demonstrates the strong science programme we have developed at school. Well done to you all! 18
Located in the Italian quarter between Little Aosta and Bianca Giovi
The entire range on display and available at
18
Located in the Italian quarter between Little Aosta and Bianca Giovi
Bespoke kitchens on display and available to order at
business directory
accountants
Mike Wallace–Management Services www.mgtservicesqt.co.nz
Dux Property Services duxpropertyservices.co.nz 027 777 3623 hairdressers
D’OR Hair Stylists
Royal Oak Complex, Shop 14 Arrow Lane 03 442 1890 health & beauty
Back on Track Physiotherapy
57 Buckingham St 03 442 6616
Massage Therapist Renata Garbin
www.renatagarbin.nz 021 0256 4680
Unichem Arrowtown Pharmacy
20 Buckingham St 03 442 0975
Immigration
Arrowtown Immigration HS 027 834 5473
43 Ramshaw Lane WB 021 184 3309 law
Aspiring Law www.aspiringlaw.co.nz
4 Buckingham Street 0800 277 529
photography
toddweeksphoto
todd.weeks@bayleys.co.nz 021 645 022
local club notices
Arrowtown Bowling Club 03 442 1905 Club Day Thursday. New members welcome – coaching available – More info phone Susan 021 165 0862
Arrowtown Entertainers
A local group of entertainers who love to perform and sing. Programmes include: Anzac Day, Christmas, music hall singalong, popular variety songs from shows etc. If interested, please contact Faye 03 442 2802. New members welcome.
Arrowtown Golf Club 03 442 1719
Club days–Mens every Wednesday & Saturday. Ladies 9 & 18 holes Thursday. Phone the golf shop for more information.
Arrowtown Library 03 442 1607
Hours: Mon–Fri 10 am–5 pm. Sat 10 am–2 pm. Reading to Dogs: Tues 3.30–4.30 pm, during School Term Time.
Arrowtown Menzshed 027 284 8814
The Menzshed (Preston's Drive) is open daily for members. An annual fee of $25 plus $2 donation per visit allows all facilities to be used for woodworking and community projects. New members welcome. Phone Russell Heckler 027 2848814 for info.
Arrowtown Scouts
Want to know more about the Arrowtown Scout group? We are catering for Boys and Girls aged 6-17 years. For more info email: arrowtown@group.scouts.nz
Arrowtown Village Association
Join the Arrowtown Village Association, the voice of Arrowtown. We work to protect & enhance the unique character of our town. Visit arrowtownvillage.nz to learn more.
Dorothy Browns Bookclub 03 442 1964
Meet the 1st Tuesday of each month at 10.30 am at the cinema. Newcomers welcome.
Mainly Music
We meet every Tuesday of each term at St johns Community Church hall at 10am My contact details are Eileen Toner 0272486513 or etoner1@gmail.com
Petanque
Sundays 3 pm, Library Green. All welcome!
Plunket 0800 933 922
Little fingers playgroup, Mondays 10–12 pm. Fun Fridays 10–12 pm. Remarkable Mothers group, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month, 11–1 pm. Gold coin donation. All welcome. For all current information, LIKE the Arrowtown Plunket Facebook page.
Shotover Country Music Club CClub day for this month Sunday 20th July from 1:30 – 4:30. Guest Artist Jenny Campbell from Cromwell. All welcome. Venue: Arrowtown Community Centre, next to the Rugby Grounds. Contact: Barbara Kerr 027 229 7244
Wakatipu Garden Club
We meet on the 2nd Monday every month. New members welcome. For further information. Contact Jennie Burt 0273060415.
