PRIMA FACIE
The Arrowtown Photography Competition is on again. APBA* are seeking photographs of Arrowtown to support us in marketing our “Most Beautiful Small Town” to NZ and the rest of the world.
Categories:
• Seasonal (Horizontal only)
• Landscapes (Horizontal only)
• Wildlife/Nature (Horizontal only)
• Outdoor Recreation (Horizontal only)
• Nightscapes (Horizontal only)
• History (Horizontal only)
• B&W (Vertical or Horizontal)
• Youth (Vertical or Horizontal)
The Grand Prize for the best photo overall is Arrowtown Stonework Trophy, with cash prizes for category winners.
For more info or to enter online: www.arrowtown.com Entries close midnight on 15th March 2026. Amateur entries only.
All winning & finalists images are on display at Lakes District Museum at the Autumn Festival ‘26
* Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association
© Photo by Hazel Alviola
The next Arrowtown Beech Party Planting Day is on 12th April 26, organised by the Arrowtown Choppers. This is a chance for volunteers to come together and enrich the local biodiversity by planting Beech and Totara trees along the Sawpit Gully Track. The next edition taking us to over 29,000 trees panted. This provides a fantastic opportunity for families and friends to pitch in, enjoy time outdoors, and help restore the native landscape. Meet at the Chinese Village from 9am, and you will be directed to the planting site up the Sawpit Gully track. We have a complimentary BBQ afterwards with refreshments, thanks to Postmasters Kitchen & Bar, and plenty treats for the kids.
powerful one-woman play
Award-winning theatre is coming to Arrowtown next month with Prima Facie, a gripping onewoman play that has sparked conversations around the world.
Written by acclaimed playwright Suzie Miller, Prima Facie follows the story of Tessa Ensler, a brilliant criminal defence barrister who has worked her way to the top of her profession. Sharp, confident and successful, Tessa believes deeply in the legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty” — until an unexpected personal experience forces her to confront the very system she has built her career defending.
The play takes audiences inside the courtroom and beyond, exploring how the justice system can fail to reflect the lived experiences of sexual assault survivors, and asking tough questions about power, proof and patriarchy. Emotional, confronting and at times darkly funny, Prima Facie is widely regarded as a tour de force piece of contemporary theatre.
The New Zealand production is directed by Michael Hurst, one of the country’s most respected theatre figures, and stars Aucklandbased actress Cassandra Woodhouse. Performed as a solo show, the production relies on Woodhouse’s commanding presence to carry the audience through Tessa’s journey — a challenge she meets head-on.
Woodhouse, who is also a mother and wellness advocate, has spoken openly about her passion for telling stories that challenge social norms and create space for meaningful change. Through her work on stage and screen, she aims to be part of shifting conversations around mental health, wellbeing and the systems that shape our lives.
Prima Facie will be performed on Tuesday 17 March at 7pm at Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall. Tickets are $25 and can be booked via Humanitix
arrowtown village association news
urban intensification
QLDC voted in favour of the hearing panels recommendations which advised to increase in height limits to housing development in Arrowtown. Heights from 6.5-8 meters may be permitted as a restricted discretionary activity. However The Arrowtown Design Guidelines were removed as a reference document. Community groups will work to ensure they remain relevant and inform appropriate decisions. This was a huge community effort by all those that submitted and attended the hearings. Not least Mark Hosie leading the Friends of Arrowtown Village and Todd Walker Law for extensive pro bono legal advice.
macetown road managed access
The new gate and permit system will be operational from Mon 23rd Feb. A $40 permit will need to be purchased online by 4wd and motorbikes to obtain the gate code. A $100 annual pass can also be purchased. Horse rides must also obtain a code but can do so for free.
arrow river reserves plan
We shortly expect to see the Reserve Management Plan that went to public consultation last year. As part of this both Arrow River Bridges will be upgraded and widened towards the end of the year. The AVA is also having conversations around how to resolve= increasing conflict between walkers and e-bikers around the trail.
Nick Fifield – AVA Chairperson
arrowtown junior rugby
Junior Rugby registrations are now open for 2026. SEASON DATES: APRIL – Trainings begin & Alexandra sevens pre season tournament. MAY - JULY – Central Otago Club Matches. AUGUST – End of season tournaments.
The entire range on display and available at
18 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 021486620
Located in the Italian quarter between
Little Aosta and Bianca Giovi
outstanding operatic experience
Arrowtown Creative Arts Society was delighted with the attendance and experience enjoyed at their Remarkables Picnic Opera on Sunday 8 February. The sun shone, along with the talented performers, while guests picnicked in the beautiful surrounds of the Stalker family’s Springpointer garden. With possibly the strongest cast and programme to-date, ACAS and event sponsors Forsyth Barr, illab Clothing, Wakatipu Garden Care, together with Walker & Co., received very positive feedback and wished to thank the community for their support.
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
arrowtown school report
The beginning of the year marked a significant milestone for Arrowtown School: the official opening of our brand-new turf surface. Guided by Matua Ned Webster, we held a formal blessing and opening ceremony. We were very fortunate to have the Highlanders Super Rugby team visit us last Thursday! There was a real buzz across the playground, and it was inspiring for our students to engage with professional athletes right here at school.
The Arrowtown School Board of Trustees were delighted to release the latest ERO report, which highlighted that the school is doing an outstanding job of educating our students and providing a supportive environment for them to thrive. It has been a busy start to the year here at school, and the senior students are all looking forward to their camps over the next few weeks!
18 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown
Located in the Italian quarter between Little Aosta and Bianca Giovi
The entire range on display and available at
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
43 Homeward Bound Dr 027 616 9007
bars/cafés/resturants
Arrowtown Bakery
1 Ballarat Arcade, Buckingham St 03 442 1587 child care
Arrowtown Preschool Cotter Ave & Durham St 03 442 1416
cleaning services
Slithy Toves
slithytoves33@gmail.com 021 079 6233 flowers
The Arrowtown Flower Company thearrowtownflowercompany.co.nz 021 946 836 handyman services
Dux Property Services duxpropertyservices.co.nz 027 777 3623 hairdressers
D’OR Hair Stylists
Unit 14, Royal Oak Complex, 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
Reflexologist Mark Hunter www.movingtostillness.com 021 804 990
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 plumber
Queenstown Plumbing & Gas Ltd PO Box 250, Arrowtown 03 441 8071
Candice
Sotheby’s
community services
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 Club day for this month is Sunday 22nd February from 1.30 – 4.30. 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.
Whakatipu Line Dancers 020 4111 9081
MON: Absolute Beginners ~ 9am-10am
Beginners/Improver ~ 10am-12pm
WED: Improver/Intermediate ~ 10am1:30pm Lake Hayes Pavilion. All Welcome. Cost $10. mollycrawford56@gmail.com
