Wanaka Sun I Edition 1050 I 28th October - 3rd November 2021

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Ride on, November

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Lucky thirteen for MAC dozen Mount Aspiring College students have received $2500 Central Lakes Trust scholarships for further education in 2022, and another has been awarded an internship.

The trust has confirmed a total of 50 scholarships across the region and the announcement came after the regular awards ceremony, held on the Tuesday after Labour Weekend, was cancelled because of Covid restrictions.

“The logistics of bringing together 50 students and their parents, from multiple schools wasn’t going to work in terms of maintaining social distancing,” CLT chair Linda Robertson said.

A

The MAC students named were: Vocational scholars - Aleisha Turner, Lucia Brown, Maisy Millwater; Science and technology scholars Olivia Connolly, Jack Willson; Tertiary scholars - Lucy Fenton, Meg Thomas, Tesoro Levy, Tess Treadwell-Burke, Annabel Hutchison, Emma Davies, Holly Gibson.

The College also celebrated an internship.

Since 2015 Meyer Cruden Engineering has offered a scholarship and summer internship to a first-year engineering student. This year’s award goes to Georgie Bruce of Mt Aspiring College.

The Central Lakes scholarships are provided to help students in further education beyond secondary school. Vocational scholarships were

awarded for the first-time last year.

“The addition of CLT vocational scholarships is to specifically recognise the importance of vocational knowledge and skills and the importance vocational roles play in our society’s future,” said Chief Executive, Susan Finlay.

Nine vocational scholarships were awarded, alongside seven Pioneer Energy science and technology scholarships, and 34 tertiary scholarships.

Central Lakes Trust is the largest philanthropic trust per capita in the Southern Hemisphere.

Since its inception in 2000 the Trust has grown its asset base from the $155m, bestowed by the Otago Central Electric Power Trust to assets

totalling $450m, and has distributed more than $118m into community projects and services.

Susan Finlay said in the 15 years the schools programme has been running the trust has helped 584 young people, to a total value of more than $1.4 million.

Students from the five high schools in the Central Lakes region were eligible to apply through their school. The selection criteria considered academic records, all-round qualities and achievements.

Linda Robertson said there were “few better investments we can make in the future success of our community and this region, than to invest in our young people”.

What a load of rubbish...

It’s not the nicest front page picture we will publish – but it’s a sample of what is dumped on the shores of Lake Wānaka. A clean-up operation over Labour weekend starring many youngsters - asked to tidy up other peoples’ trash - underlined the throw away nature of many people who use the town’s precious resource. See story Page 2.

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Anger over Three Waters decision The Government has fallen foul of local body leaders with its decision to push ahead with the Three waters Reform.

Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahua made the announcement on Wednesday.

Under the plan, four publicly-owned multi-regional entities will take on responsibility for the country’s water infrastructure – a role now carried out by 67 local authorities.

There was immediate condemnation up and down the country from civic leaders.

Tim Cadogan, Central Otago Mayor said he was disappointed but not surprised.

“All the major political parties agree that reforms in the Three Waters space are needed and that the status quo no longer exists. Regrettably, a complete failure by the Government to explain to the public why it believes reform is needed, far less why it believed its model

is the best one, led to a knowledge gap that was filled by misinformation.”

He said that combination of an information vacuum and rampant misinformation had led to an entirely predictable and understandable public backlash.

“That, in turn, in my view has been a significant factor that has led the Government to a choice between calling the whole thing off or forcing it through; and as I say, I am not surprised it has taken the latter option.

“There is much temptation to shout from the highest rooftop about the unfairness of this outcome, but there will be plenty of mayors doing that, I am sure. However, given the clear stand the Government has taken on this matter, I question whether doing so, while expressing what many in Central Otago undoubtedly feel, will serve us well in

the long run.

He said the formation of a working group to work on parts of the proposal gives some hope that councils’ voices would be heard.

In Nanaia Mahuta’s own electorate, Waipā mayor Jim Mylchreest said Mylchreest said councils had acted in good faith, but the government had now removed communities’ rights to have a voice on the future of water entities.

He called on Local Government New Zealand to consider any legal avenues available, particularly whether the government was constitutionally allowed to make the decision it did.

Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard urged rural residents to “gear up” to have their say.

"We remain opposed to this plan. The government’s announcement that this will be mandatory is a huge call."

Jim Bolt

Tim Cadogan

Plastic not so fantastic A two-hour clean up in Wānaka over Labour Weekend highlighted the amount of plastic being tossed away as litter.

The community-wide event in Wānaka to raise awareness of global plastic pollution in waterways and on land attracted a good number of cleaners – including youngsters.

It is planned to for the waste to be dropped into a sculpture made by Wānaka artists entirely from building waste and chicken wire which will then be displayed at the Lake Wānaka Centre during this week’s Wao Summit 2021.

The annual summit is organised by environmental not-for-profit group Wao Aotearoa aims at mainstreaming sustainability and fostering diversity.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is supporting the summit by providing venue hire

and organisational assistance, and also providing free disposal of the waste collected during Saturday’s clean-up event.

QLDC Waste Minimisation Project Officer Katherine Buttar is involved with the event and will be a member of the panel discussing plastic pollution following a screening of NZ-made documentary ‘For The Blue’ tomorrow.

Wao Aotearoa co-founder and trustee Monique Kelly said the aim of the lean up was to keep the conversation going about simple steps people can take to reduce plastic waste.

“Displaying the waste we collect as a sculpture will help tell a story and grow awareness about the amount of plastic pollution locally. The documentary and panel discussion will then take that same story and project it on a global scale,” she said.

Young and old went hunting for plastic at the weekend during the Great Lake Wānaka Cleanup. The Wao team provided these photos.

Double trouble Plastic pollution in oceans and other bodies of water could more than double by 2030, according to an assessment released last week by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The report says a drastic reduction in unnecessary, avoidable and problematic plastic is crucial to addressing the global pollution crisis overall.

But it also shows that there is the knowhow to reverse the mounting crisis, provided the political will is there, and urgent action is taken.

The document was being released 10 days ahead of the start of the crucial UN Climate Conference, Cop26.

Plastic accounts for 85 per cent of all marine litter.

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THURSDAY 28.10.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.11.21

By 2040, it will nearly triple, adding up to 37 million metric tons of waste into the ocean every year. This means about 50kg of plastic per meter of coastline.

The report says all marine life, from plankton and shellfish; to birds, turtles and mammals; faces the grave risk of toxification, behavioural disorder, starvation and suffocation.

According to the report, there are also significant consequences for the global economy.

It says by 2040, there could be a $100 billion annual financial risk for businesses if governments require them to cover waste management costs. It can also lead to a rise in illegal domestic and international waste disposal.

The report will inform discussions at the UN Environment Assembly in 2022, where countries will come together to decide a way forward for more global cooperation.

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Artists head back to school Laws: I’m a bad boy

Michael Laws

Holy Family Catholic School students from Year 5-8 are taking part in the Arts in Schools programme. Pictured with deputy principal and Year 7-8 teacher Ange Scoullar were Krist Manalo, Mandy Bohyn, Isabell Haas and Marshall Watson.

More than 300 children in Queenstown and Wānaka will have the chance to work with professional artists in a programme launched this week.

The Three Lakes Cultural Trust has spearheaded the Arts in Schools pilot, designed to provide arts opportunities to primary school students through to November 11.

Ten artists across four mediums will spend 10 hours over five consecutive days with the students, enhancing their skills in mediums they would otherwise not be exposed to.

Arts in Schools kicks off this week in Wānaka, with Holy Family Catholic School pupils working with Arrowtown printmaker Sue Marshall, Queenstown sculptor Tony O’Keefe, Queenstown photographer Glen Howie, Wānaka

painters Sierra Roberts and Kym Beaton.

The programme then moves to Shotover Country Primary next week, where students will work with Sue Marshall, printmaker Marion Vialade-Worch, sculptors Charlotte Graf and Tony O’Keefe, painters Ann Wyatt, Grant Whitby and Kym Beaton, photographers Dan Childs, Patrick Fallon and Martin Kohn, all from Queenstown.

Three Lakes Cultural Trust general manager Jo Brown says the goal is that the programme, funded by Youthtown, will evolve to include additional schools and, in the future, all schools in the district will be included.

“Students will learn that everyone has creative capacity – it simply needs to be developed.

Tamariki will get to forge their own path while

developing their creative thinking processes.

Arts in Schools has been designed specifically to demonstrate this,” she says.

During the programme, students will also learn about the wide range of careers available in cultural industries, teachers get the opportunity to develop teaching skills in their chosen medium, and they will be enabled to develop a curriculum relevant to their people and place.

“Arts and culture is now more critical than ever – research shows that creativity and the arts are hugely beneficial for people’s wellbeing,” Jo Brown said. “In the Trust’s role as advocators and enablers, our goal is to encourage the next generation of innovative thinkers and we believe that the arts should have a prominent place in the New Zealand education curriculum.”

Otago Regional Council deputy chair Michael Laws is in hot water again.

Or, in his own words on his Facebook page: “I'm officially a bad boy. Chief executive of ORC has laid Code of Conduct complaint claiming I've endangered her staff…”

The former Whanganui mayor and National MP is the subject of a code of conduct complaint lodged by council chief executive Sarah Gardner.

He says the complaints relate to comments he made in news stories in July, but council staff and chair Michael Noone said they would not comment while the matter is being reviewed.

“Clutha River dumping ... Manuherikia "community survey" ... both of which issues I publicly criticised the performance of ORC employees. Not by name nor rank.

Apparently that's still a no-no,” Laws added in his post.

At the end of last month, the outspoken councillor called on former chair Marian Hobbs to apologise or resign after she said she would step down if Government commissioners did not take over council affairs. She had previously called on Environment minister David Parker to bring in a commissioner if she lost a vote on water issues.

Cr Laws, who lives in Cromwell, was elected to council in 2019 after missing out three years earlier.

Boardwalk goes to stage five

Having celebrated the opening of the newest stage of the Wānaka boardwalks, a concept plan for the fifth stage of the lakefront development plan is up for feedback Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is looking for community feedback for Stage Five and the area of the lakefront adjacent to the marina and Yacht Club.

The concept plan includes the continuation of the shared pathway from the newly completed Stage Three through to the Yacht Club and the start of the Eely Point track.

Native revegetation is proposed for the area with planting along the bank alongside Lakeside Road.

QLDC General Manager Community Services,

THE WĀNAKA SUN

How the fifth stage of the boardwalk has been drawn up.

Thunes Cloete said Stage Five marks an opportunity to improve connections along the lakefront and continue with native planting in the area.

“The concept plan envisions a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists to make their way past Wānaka Marina and the Yacht Club, while also enhancing the journey for people heading

between Beacon Point Road and Wānaka town centre via Eely Point,” said Dr Cloete.

“We’re now inviting feedback from the community before we incorporate that feedback into a detailed design for the area.”

The Concept Plan for Stage Five and information can be seen at the council’s Let’s Talk

THURSDAY 28.10.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.11.21

website – www.letstalk.qldc.govt.nz.

Forms are also available from Wānaka Library and the Council offices in Ardmore Street.

Dr Cloete encouraged the Wānaka community to have their say and continue to help shape the future of the lakefront.

Feedback will be taken to 5pm on November 7.

PAGE 3

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THURSDAY 28.10.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.11.21

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Traffic lights are stuck on amber The new traffic light system for Covid doesn’t provide a clear enough path for travel around the country, Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult says.

“I think the traffic light system is excellent in that it is clearly constructed to encourage all Kiwis to get fully vaccinated which is the ultimate goal in keeping us all safe and getting back to doing the things we love,” he said.

“But using the milestone of all DHBs recording a 90% fully vaccinated eligible population provides no clarity or certainty over exactly when this will happen.”

He suggested it was highly unlikely all District Health Board would reach the Government's 90 per cent vaccination target “so are we expected to linger in our current state for months on end? Or will there be a point of intervention such as the indicated November 29 review?”

He said the bar internationally seemed to have been set at 80% “and perhaps that is a more realistic target”. “...domestic tourism is the only game in town for our dominant

industry at the present time.

Aucklanders make up 60 per cent of our domestic visitors and a significant number of our local hospitality and visitor sector businesses are hanging on by a thread without them.

“They, like the Auckland folks doing it tough in lockdown for so long, need some certainty about when things might be getting better. That’s why locally our folks are turning out in significant numbers to do their bit and get fully vaccinated with nearly 95% with a first dose and 73% having had their second dose.

“So to say that Aucklanders will be able to ‘spend Christmas with their family’ is ambiguous and leaves the country generally, but in particular areas reliant on tourism, questioning the meaning.”

He praised the Government for “a fantastic job” in keeping the country one of the safest places to be during this pandemic.

“But it’s my belief that the country is now looking for more surety than this announcement has provided. I hope that it will be swiftly forthcoming.”

Backing Bikevember are, from left, Berit Langdraf, Olivia Bonifant. Claire Atkin-Smith and Sierra Alef-Defoe

Riding for a month in November Bikevember starts on Monday.

The month-long promotion is dedicated to encouraging the community to give biking a go and move more sustainably around Wānaka.

A series of events are planned to run alongside the ‘Get Smart, Get Moving’ campaign in partnership with Wao Aotearoa, Bike Wānaka and the Wānaka Community Workshop.

“Cycling for more of our shorter journeys helps to protect our community biodiversity - less noise, less air pollution, greater community health, and of course fewer emissions,” spokesperson Arna Craig said.

The event starts on Monday at Kai

Whakapai on the corner of Helwick and Ardmore Street.

Other events during the month include two bike maintenance sessions run by JRA Bicycle Co in partnership with the Wānaka Community Workshop on November 6 and 20.

These events are free but have limited spots.

The Wānaka Community Workshop is also holding two sessions to teach how to build a pannier box – to attach to a bike and a bike stand. There will be a free adult E-Bike safety session by Good to Go for which bookings will be required.

‘Pedal for Plants’ will be held at a Te Kãkano plant maintenance session at

the Albert Town reserve and along the Millennium Track.

There will be some mountain bike scenes with the Big Bike Film Night hosting ‘The Old World’ movie at the Wānaka Community Hub. The month will include a ‘'My Rad Commute' photo competition and the Pedal Powered Challenge to get people riding out to Bike Glendhu. The competitions are sponsored by Mons Royale, which is donating a $150 voucher to the winners.

Other businesses are also involved and are offering deals during the month to those.

For more information go to www.facebook.com/getsmartgetmoving.

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Penny’s in heaven with balloon shot

GREBE DIARY 3 October 24, 2021

News is all good Here we go, my first Grebe Diary that John has asked me to write. I have big shoes to fill but I will give it a try.

If John is the “Grebe Man”, “Mr Grebe” or the “Grebe Father” (all names that I heard him being called in the community and down at the Marina), I might be the “Grebe Boy”, “Mr Grebe Jn”, or the “Grebe Son”.

About 18 months ago, John asked if I would be keen to help him look after our Wānaka Grebes. I had heard a lot about this programme, and I felt very privileged to be asked, and of course, I agreed.

Now I know that I will never be able to put the same commitment, passion and the scientific precision as well as the vast amount of volunteer hours into this project that John did over the last nine years and still does. However, I hope that I can assist him more and more until we reach a point where he can just sit on a bench on the newly opened boardwalk and watch “his” Grebes while I do the work in the water.

Talking about the boardwalk and getting to the point of this diary, our Grebes seem to really enjoy the increased attention and buzz they receive since the boardwalk has opened. We are often stunned by the total number of Grebes we see in the bay these days which can easily be between 30 and 40 birds.

Visitors and Grebe fans can observe all stages of a Grebes breeding season in the bay at the moment. We have single Grebes looking for mates, we have pairs doing their famous courtship dance, we have pairs mating as well as laying eggs and incubating their eggs. Finally, we have two pairs, on platforms number 10 and 13, that have freshly hatched chicks. Patient observers, equipped with binoculars, might be able to spot the black and white striped chicks sitting on their parents’ backs and poking their heads out.

To John’s joy, it seems that we even have a pair of Grebes with an approximately four-weekold chick paddling around the Marina. This is probably the first pair of the season that left their nest on platform number 2 with two chicks around five weeks ago and are now returning to the Marina to hopefully lay their second clutch.

Another pleasant observation over the last week was that we found a lot less rubbish in the bay than usual. Not a single beer bottle in the water or on the shore today, which is unusual after a Friday night, and not much other rubbish around which is wonderful for all the wildlife in our lake, not only the Grebes. Thank you very much for that!

– By Markus Hermanns

A break in the clouds in a remote Fiordland valley and a chance encounter with a jellyfish under the Antarctic ice provide some of the highlights from this year’s Niwa Staff Photography competition.

Science takes Niwa employees to some stunning locations and leads to some special encounters, and every year the research organisation holds a photographic competition for staff working across its climate, oceans and freshwater platforms.

This year attracted more than 400 entries and has produced another batch of spectacular results.

Lauder-based technician Penny Smale provided one of the top shots when she framed one of her colleagues releasing a scientific balloon to gather atmospheric information from the Central Otago skies.

But it was a moody Fiordland landscape, captured by freshwater ecologist Shannan Crow, which won the public vote for the 2021 People’s Choice award.

Christchurch-based Shannan was in the headwaters of the Eglinton River working on the release of juvenile eels when the sun peeked through the clouds and he reached for his camera.

"The scene was looking pretty poor with the dark cloud and flat light, but as I started heading back there was a small break in the clouds which let in some light further down the valley," Shannan says.

The "view from the office" can certainly be one of the perks of the job for Niwa’s environmental research staff.

Penny Smale’s award winning shot, backed by Central Otago skies.

Scientific dive specialist Rod Budd was working in the chilly waters of the Ross Sea when he snapped an Antarctic jellyfish drifting past, while algal ecologist Anita Pearson was on freshwater survey duties in the scenic MacKenzie Country when she noticed a surreal grouping of ducks on Lake Pukaki’s glacial waters.

A video featuring the highlights of the 2021 Niwa staff photographic competition can be downloaded here: www.vimeo.com/niwanz/ 2021staffphotocomp

The Council Word Can I recycle that?

Pop-up library at the Rec Centre

Do you have a recycling question?

QLDC has launched a new hotline to provide answers like what can go in your yellow bin and where different recycling ends up. Phone 03 443 0024 and we’ll be happy to help.

Come visit the new pop-up library at Wānaka Recreation Centre! You can make enquiries, borrow and return items between 10.00am4.00pm Monday to Friday in the separate Te Tari building closest to Sir Tim Wallis Drive.

For more info visit codc-qldc.govt.nz or call the team on 03 443 0410.

Parking at Anderson Heights New parking arrangements around the Anderson Heights commercial area will begin on 1 November. Road markings and signage on Cliff Wilson St, Reece Cr and Anderson Rd show where free parking is restricted to one hour between 8.00am-6.00pm but no enforcement will take place until this date.

The old Mitre 10 car park remains available for free all-day parking.

Now the boardwalk’s finished...

We’d like your views on stage five of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan that runs between the marina and yacht club.

The concepts include native planting and continuation of the shared pathway through to the Eely Point trail. Take a look at Wānaka Library, the council office on Ardmore Street and online. Then share your views before 7 November at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz

How’s life? Kei te pēhea tōu ao?

The annual QLDC Quality of Life survey is back. It’s all about planning for a better tomorrow based things like employment, housing, health services, transport and the environment. Anyone aged 18+ who lives in the district can take part. Share your feedback at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz before 7 November and be in to win one of four $250 Prezzy cards or a $50 weekly spot prize!

Trusted Healthcare for Life

Wanaka Medical has stood at the heart of our community for 40 years, looking after generations of families with leading treatments and evidence-based care. We understand that every body, and every life, is different.

Recycle and win!

QLDC is proud to support the Rinse, Recycle, Repeat competition led by WasteMINZ. To be in to win $25,000 all you need to do is create a video that shows how you make sure all your recycling is clean before it goes into the recycling bin. Then post it on social media with a special tag.

Entries close 5 November. Find out more at www.rinserecyclerepeat.nz

Wanaka Medical, Trusted Healthcare for Life. e: office@wanakamedical.co.nz t: (03) 443 0710

a: 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka

www.WanakaMedical.co.nz

www.qldc.govt.nz THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 28.10.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.11.21

PAGE 7

Sun Farming

Feds applaud free trade deal Federated Farmers is celebrating the break-through free trade deal with the United Kingdom.

"The United Kingdom is walking the talk when it comes to promising a truly global Britain," Federated Farmers National President Andrew Hoggard says.

The in-principal FTA will result in the full liberalisation of all trade between New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The deal will involve transition periods for many key agricultural goods, some key details are: • Cheese to be fully liberalised after 5 years, with a duty free transitional quota of 24,000 tonnes increasing to 48,000 tonnes • Butter to be fully liberalised after 5 years, with a duty free transitional quota of 7,000 tonnes increasing to 15,000 tonnes • Beef to be fully liberalised after 15 years, with a duty free transitional volume of 12,000 tonnes increasing to 60,000 tonnes • Sheep meat to be fully liberalised after 15 years, with a duty free transitional quota of 35,000 tonnes increasing to 50,000 tonnes • Apples will be fully liberalised after 3 years, with a seasonal transitional quota of 20,000 tonnes.

• Vegetable seeds for sowing will be fully liberalised after entry into force

• Onions will be fully liberalised after entry into force • Wine will be fully liberalised after entry into force Federated Farmers has a long history of supporting efforts to free up global trade and it takes every opportunity to get producers in other countries to embrace trade liberalization, Andrew Hoggard said.

"There has been a worrying trend of growing protectionism for agricultural products since the outbreak of Covid-19.

"This FTA shows trade liberalisation remains the way forward globally.”

He said it was difficult to overstate the importance of trade to New Zealand, with the movement of goods and services from and into the country being vital to the country’s generally high standard of living.

"In the past two years we have all been starkly reminded of this as our country has lent heavily on our global exporters to maintain our economy.

"Since the announcement of an agreement in principle between Australia and the UK in June, we had been hoping that New Zealand gets a deal of our own… we got there."

Attention will now turn on the European Union.

“Feds would like to see EU match this ambition in its FTA negotiations with New Zealand," he said.

thewanakasun.co.nz

A monthly column

by Andrew Hoggard, President Federated Farmers of NZ.

The thief in your wallet is back

This month we saw the release of inflation data for the September quarter - and it was a shocker.

Inflation is an insidious ‘thief in your wallet’, to quote a former Reserve Bank Deputy Governor, eroding purchasing power and savings and distorting decisions on spending and investment.

The thief is becoming increasingly bold and brazen, with Consumer Price Index up 2.2% in the September quarter and up 4.9% for the year to September. Both were much stronger than anyone expected.

Apart from the one-off impacts of GST hikes this was the biggest quarterly increase since June 1987’s 3.3% and also the biggest annual increase since the year to September 2008’s 5.1%.

Housing and household utilities rose 2.6% in the quarter and 6.0% for the year; transport rose 4.2% in the quarter and 13.2% for the year; food rose 2.7% in the quarter (and 3.1% for the year), and recreation and culture rose 2.9% in the quarter (and 5.3% for the year).

Businesses have been experiencing intensive cost pressures and this is now spilling into higher consumer prices, threatening a 1970s and 1980s price-wage spiral.

Farmers are feeling it too with big recent jumps in fertiliser, fuel, and electricity prices as well as creeping increases in business overheads.

Although Covid-related supply chain shocks have helped drive up inflation, increases in prices seem widespread indicating higher inflation might be more enduring rather

than just a one-off blip. Economists are now expecting annual inflation to exceed 5% in the December quarter, which risks imbedding higher inflationary expectations.

Government policy is not helping. More and more costs are being imposed on businesses, directly or indirectly through, for example, big increases in the minimum wage, immigration restrictions, a surging ETS impacting on fuel and electricity prices, and tighter regulation or threats of tighter regulation across multiple policy fronts to meet the Government’s ambitious reform agenda.

Meanwhile, the Government’s fiscal policy has contributed to overheating the economy and exacerbating supply-demand imbalances. Although it certainly had to support the economy during Covid it has spent big over the past four years, with core Crown expenses up 41% from 2017 to 2021. The abandonment of its first term fiscal rules after last year’s election was disappointing.

And it’s not just central government, with local authority rates and payments up 7.1%, in the September quarter - more than double the 3.1% increase in September 2020.

The Reserve Bank has rightly started on the path to normalising monetary policy but if higher inflation is allowed to bed in it’ll be forced to hike interest rates even more than would otherwise be the case. This would be painful for borrowers and could drive up the exchange rate, hitting exporters.

Politicians, from central and local government, need to get serious about inflation and help the Reserve Bank put the thief back in jail before it can steal anymore of our hard earned money.

In short, monetary policy needs mates.

Central Otago FUNERALS

A guy goes on vacation to the Holy Land with his wife and mother-inlaw.

Sadly, his mother-in-law passes away while on holiday. So the couple go to the local Funeral Home who explain that they can ship their relative home, but it will cost over $15,000; whereas burying her in the Holy Land would cost only $2000. “We’ll ship her home,” says the son-in-law. The Funeral Director asks, “are you sure?”

That’s an awfully big expense and we can do a very nice burial here.”

The guy says, “look, 2000 years ago they buried a guy here and three days later he rose from the dead.

I just can’t take that chance!” centralotagofunerals@hotmail.co.nz 5 McNulty Road, Cromwell 9310

0800 263 863 or 03 448 8642

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027 343 4776

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Phone: 03 443 8000, Top of Helwick Street, Wānaka OPEN: MON-SAT 8AM TO 6PM • SUN 10AM TO 6PM PAGE 8

THURSDAY 28.10.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.11.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Views

thewanakasun.co.nz

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MUM

The full moon strikes again Last Thursday was a full moon. I didn't actually realise it was a full moon until the following morning. After a night of very broken sleep, I woke up to find that we weren't alone. A few friends had also reported rough nights with their little ones.

While there isn’t any particular evidence that the full moon causes poor sleep in babies, it is a good excuse. And it makes us feel hopeful that the next night might be better.

Well, our hope was soon squashed.

The next night, I dared to go out. You see, I thought I could slip out of the house for two hours unnoticed. But not with this little one.

I left the house at 6:30pm and got in the car.

My partner put Tobias to bed nice and easy and all seemed well. That was until he woke up at 8pm.

Forty minutes later, I return to find Tobias staring out the window, tears pouring down his face, waiting for me to come home.

This is the third time I have been out since Tobias was born and I’m beginning to realise that it isn’t as fun as it was once.

Wherever I am, I always end up thinking about Tobias. I check my phone for updates and keep an eye on the time - making sure I’m home before he usually wakes up.

Out of the three times I’ve been out, we’ve only had one good night.

Sometimes I wonder if it’s even worth going

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out at all. It sure takes a lot of work to get him back to sleep. Maybe I’ll just stay in for the next five years eating chocolate and binging on Netflix.

Jokes aside, I know that going out is worth it. It brings some sort of normality to our lives.

I might just wait a while before my next attempt.

– By Daisy Watford

Crimeline

Summer vines and wine

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

Kerin A Adrian Acting Sergeant, NZPD

Simon and Sooz have added to their line-up for the Vineyard series. Pictured from left are Kate Targett-Adams, Sooze Brady, Simon Gomez and Will Northcoat.

The 2021/22 Summer Vineyard Series will play at Queenstown’s Kinross Vineyard on November 27.

The Central Otago duo ImaginaryFreNZ, featuring Sooz Brady and Simon Gomez, bring their music as part of a stellar line-up performing at vineyards throughout summer.

The series strums into action at Kinross Vineyard, set amongst a covered outdoor wine garden, tempting both wine and music lovers to enjoy an afternoon’s entertainment.

Simon and Sooz are adding Will Northcote, Kate Targett-Adams and Emmanuelle on their inaugural summer concert tour.

“It’s been a long while since we have been able to enjoy coming together to celebrate and enjoy performing together,” Simon Gomez said.

“Covid-19 has been tough on us all, but coming together again to share in music is a truly great way to spend those hot summer days.”

A singer/songwriter and Celtic harpist, Kate Targett-Adam has graced many a world stage,

THE WĀNAKA SUN

including performing the British Royal family.

Golden Guitars songwriter prize recipient Will Northcoat will share his performing, theatre and production talents during the tour.

The multi-talented artist will also lead the way as sound engineer.

Dunedin-raised musician Emmanuelle brings her version of folk-dub music to Gibbston Valley.

Emmanuelle is relishing performing again to audiences and looks forward to the long summer afternoons surrounded with music and music lovers.

Tickets are available online by visiting www. humanitix.com - a-not-for-profit ticketing platform. The Summer Vineyard Series has chosen a charity that supports education for Maori and Pasifika girls.

The series will continue with shows at Scott Base, in December and Oliver’s in Clyde, in February, with other dates and venues likely to be announced.

I hope you all had the ability to get out and enjoy the sunshine over the long weekend.

So, here’s a roundup of your Police’s activities this past week.

Unfortunately, the week held a few family harm episodes which were attended by Police resulting in referrals to external agencies for help. Many of these services are accessible through the Wānaka Community Hub on McDougal Street and are there for help to everyone.

Again, there were potential Facebook frauds.

People paying for expensive items without any face-to-face checks or back up contacts are still an issue with reports of these continuing to come to our attention. Please folks, your money is hard worked for, so give a bit more of a check before parting with it over the internet.

Road Policing has been a major focus for us over the long weekend with staff being deployed to ensure everyone got to where they needed to go, and back again safely. At the time of writing this we have had a relatively incident free weekend on the roads apart from many reports of poor driving which have been dealt with by way of infringement notices or education for the driver.

Once again, a gentle reminder that the speed limit around Wānaka is 40 kph. You can find this out quite easily as there are signs, usually round

THURSDAY 28.10.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.11.21

with a red circle around the outside and big black 40 in the middle. They are everywhere you just need to look. They do apply to everyone!

While on the subject of road safety and with the nights now well and truly drawing out with daylight for longer, you do still require lights on your bike once the streetlights come on. Also, we are noticing a drop off in cycle helmet wearing as well. It is no good having it on your arm or clipped to your handlebars it is designed for your head so please wear it.

Now, we still are having a quantity of lost property handed in to us. This ranges from bicycle wheels, wallets, children’s bags, and other items.

So, if you have lost anything like this please call in as we may well have it and would love to give it back to you. And while speaking of property we did have a report of a bag which had been left by a person by the trees at the skate park being taken by someone else. Again, a plea to keep an eye on your property and don’t leave it unattended as it only puts temptation in the path of others.

Finally, as the weather gets warmer, we are getting calls about people using pools, mainly the Albert Town Community Pool, outside hours and without paying. Normally it is younger people so if this is you, please abide by the rules otherwise it tends to lead to a call to us and me having to get my speedos on, and nobody wants that.

So, until next time Wānaka, stay safe and have a great week.

PAGE 9

Sun Classifieds

thewanakasun.co.nz

TRADES AND SERVICES SITUATION VACANT

SITUATION VACANT

ARE YOU OUR NEW EDITOR? A unique position in one of New Zealand’s most desirable communities has become available at The Wānaka Sun. We are looking for a full-time editor who can build on recent changes in our weekly publication and drive up readership on our on-line platform.

The successful applicant will be a respected multi-skilled journalist with a reputation for outstanding communication, organisation and leadership – and someone comfortable with a camera and digital media. He or she will constantly update our website and produce a weekly print product filled with breaking news, well subbed supplied content, regular columns and great photography.

TEACHER OF MUSIC Part time (Fixed Term)

We are looking for an experienced registered music teacher to cover junior classes for 4 weeks starting Week 4 this term.

Please email principal@cromwell.school. nz with any inquiries and a CV and covering letter if you are interested in this position.

Our new editor will, ideally, arrive with a sound knowledge of Wānaka.

Journalism will be our new editor’s life, not 9-to-5. The successful applicant will see this role as a long-term appointment.

Organising content and building contacts will be two of the major strengths of our new editor who will work in the community.

Our new editor will be a self-starter, highly motivated and flexible.

Mentoring will be available if our new editor requires it.

If you are looking for a challenging role in a positive, friendly environment, plus the benefits of working in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, apply today to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz with your CV and cover letter.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.

STORAGE

Clean, dry, safe storage available now.

Ezystor Self Storage, 12 Gordon Road, Wānaka, Ph: 021 242 1630.

EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY Is your Wānaka Sun delivered every Thursday?

If not, email your address to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz PAGE 10

THURSDAY 28.10.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.11.21

SERVICE

THANKS

Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy.

We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and 10 to 6 on Sundays.

Ph 443 8000.

The Salvation Army Family Store is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9.30am to 4pm and most statutory holidays. We look forward to seeing you in our wonderful store.

Thanks to everyone who comes to Wastebusters to donate goods, shop and recycle.

Your support helps us work for zero waste and a resourceful community.

WANTED The Salvation Army Family store requires a volunteer to assist our van driver Danny on a Thursday with pick-ups and deliveries. If this sounds like you, please pop into the store for some more information.

Lifting of furniture will be required The Salvation Army Family Store requires good quality household goods, if you can help this would be appreciated.

Your donations can be dropped at 48 Helwick street or phone for a pick up 443 5068

NOTICE Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days.

Business Networking International.

The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning.

Great networking opportunity to grow your business.

Contact Randal Dobbs for information 021 973 043 The Salvation Army Family store is able to collect your donations, this service is available one day a week please phone the store on 443 5068 to make a booking.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting of Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust will be held on Tuesday 9 November at 12 noon in the Armstrong Room, Lake Wanaka Centre.

All welcome to attend.

Copies of the Annual Report will be available at the meeting.

03 443 4172 • www.festivalofcolour.co.nz

SUN TEAM WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1050 Free delivery to Wānaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wānaka, Albert Town and Hāwea.

Also distributed to businesses in the Wānaka business district Average circulation: 15,000 weekly.

Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 News Editor: Roy Pilott • 027 4500 115 editor@thewanakasun.co.nz News tips: editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication. marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz

03 443 5252 Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Subscriptions: $175 within NZ (including GST)

per year. Overseas rates on request.

Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Sport / Classifieds

thewanakasun.co.nz

Robinson, Hudson in action Queenstown Lakes alpine ski racer Alice Robinson finished 11th in the Audi FIS Giant Slalom World Cup season opener in Sölden, Austria last weekend.

She was seventh after one run, 0.9 of a second behind the leader Lara Gut-Behrami (Switzerland) but one small error in her second run cost precious time.

American Mikaela Shiffrin won the event ahead of Gut-Behrami and Slovakia’s Petra Vlhova.

Wānaka’s Piera Hudson made her debut in Sölden and finished 58th.

The traditional season opening on the Rettenbach Glacier in Sölden attracts the world’s best racers.

Robinson made history as a 17-year-old in 2019 at this race when she won New Zealand’s first Alpine World Cup gold medal since 1997 and New Zealand’s first Giant Slalom Alpine World Cup gold medal.

PHOTO: Ross Mackay

Robinson training at Coronet Peak last month.

PUBLIC NOTICE

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i VARIATION TO QUEENSTOWN LAKES PROPOSED DISTRICT PLAN CHAPTER 29 TRANSPORT PLAN CHANGE TO QUEENSTOWN LAKES OPERATIVE DISTRICT PLAN SECTION 14 TRANSPORT Date of public notice: 28 October 2021 Queenstown Lakes District Council has prepared changes to the Queenstown Lakes Proposed and Operative District Plans under Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). The proposed changes amend the way accessible parking standards are expressed in the Operative District Plan and Proposed District Plan.

The National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020 (NPSUD) requires the removal of minimum on-site parking standards from District Plans. The purpose of the proposed changes are to ensure that the removal of the minimum on-site parking standards required by the NPSUD does not inadvertently alter the current requirements for on-site accessible parking.

What happens next?

After submissions close: • A summary of decisions requested by submitters will be prepared and publicly notified.

• People who represent a relevant aspect of the public interest or have an interest greater than the general public may make a further submission, in the prescribed form within 10 working days of notification of the summary of decisions sought, supporting or opposing submissions already made; • A copy of the further submission must also be served on the Council and the person who made the original submission to which the further submission relates; • Submitters may speak in support of their submission(s) at a hearing if they have indicated in their submission that they wish to be heard; • Following the hearing, the Council will give public notice of its decisions and matters raised in submissions, including its reasons for accepting or rejecting submissions; • Every submitter then has the right to appeal the Council’s decisions on the proposal to the Environment Court.

Queenstown Lakes District Ratepayers directly affected by the proposal will receive a copy of this notice by mail or email. If you have not received a copy, you can find it online at www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/district-plan/ amendments-to-accessible-parking-provisions

Want more info or help understanding the proposal?

Where to view the variation to the Proposed District Plan and the Plan Change to the Operative District Plan

A duty planner will also be available during normal office hours during the notification period. Call 03 441 0499 (Queenstown) or 03 443 0024 (Wānaka) or email pdpenquiries@qldc.govt.nz.

In addition to viewing the notified proposal online at www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/district-plan/amendments-to-accessible-parking-provisions a physical copy of the proposal can be viewed at any of the following locations:

Visit www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/district-plan/amendments-to-accessible-parking-provisions for a fact sheet to help you understand more about the proposal.

This notice is in accordance with clause 5 of Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

Council Offices, between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday: • 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown

CLOSURE OF STREETS TO ORDINARY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

• 74 Shotover Street, Queenstown Physical copies are not available at public libraries, but Council’s Website can be accessed here free of charge:

PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1974, notice is hereby given that consideration will be given

by Queenstown Lakes District Council under delegated authority, to the closure of the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic for the purpose of holding the: Motatapu 2022

Public Libraries, opening hours vary, please check www.codc-qldc.govt.nz/ for details:

Friday 4 March 2020

• Queenstown Library: 10 Gorge Road

Road to be Closed: Nairn Street and Ford Street, Arrowtown (*Residents access permitted, no on-street parking) Period of Closure: 15.00 to 21.00

• 47 Ardmore Street, Wānaka

• Wānaka Library: Dunmore Street

Saturday 5 March 2022

• Arrowtown Library: 58 Buckingham Street

Road to be Closed: Motatapu Road, Glendhu Bay, Wānaka Period of Closure: 05.00 to 12.00

• Makarora Library: Rata Road • Glenorchy Library: 13 Islay Street

Road to be Closed: Nairn Street and Ford Street, Arrowtown Period of Closure: 06.30 to 19.30

• Lake Hāwea Library: Myra Street • Kingston Library: 48 Kent Street

Road to be Closed: Macetown Track, Arrowtown Period of Closure: 07.15 to 20.00

Submissions Options for making a submission are: • Online: www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/district-plan/amendments-to-accessible-parking-provisions • Post: Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348, Attention: Proposed and Operative District Plan Submission • Email: pdpsubmissions@qldc.govt.nz (subject line: Proposed and Operative District Plan Submission) Any written submissions that do not use the online form must be made using Form 5, as prescribed by the Resource Management (Forms, Fees, and Procedure) Regulations 2003. All submissions must state whether or not you wish to be heard in support of your submission at a hearing. The submission form is available from the locations listed above, as well as the Ministry for the Environment and New Zealand Legislation websites.

The closing date for submissions is Thursday 25 November 2021.

Road to be Closed: Lower Buckingham St, Arrowtown Period of Closure: 07.15 to 13.00 Road to be Closed: Tobin’s Track, Arrowtown Period of Closure: 09.00 to 20.00 Road to be Closed: Glencoe Road, Crown Terrace, Arrowtown Period of Closure: 09.00 to15.00 It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person otherwise than under authority of an authorised permit to use the roads for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

Those who have any concerns regarding the above closures, please contact Brooke Allan at Queenstown Lakes District Council on 03 450 0537 or by email brooke.allan@qldc.govt.nz before 5.00pm on Thursday 4 November 2021

Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz

THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 28.10.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.11.21

PAGE 11

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

Good cop or bad cop?

Conservaton groups will be watching for news from Glasgow this weekend as Cop26, the Conference of Parties begins on Sunday.

31st October – the 12th November 2021 - the United Nations Climate Change Conference will take place in Glasgow, Scotland.

The conference, running to November 12, aims - according to the website ‘to bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN framework convention on climate change’.

The Wānaka Sun reached out to a local resident from the international initiative Lead Advocate of the NZ division of Protect Our Winters (Pow), Wānaka based Marian Krogh, has been with the group since its inception. She says more action is needed within the Government:

“Our emissions are still rising and we’re still not reducing methane emissions and there’s a lot of talk and not much action,” she said.

“We’ve got the highest emissions per capita in the world; so, we need the Government to do more basically. We need big systemic change for there to really to be an impact and that comes from policy.”

NIWA – the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research - recorded New Zealand’s warmest winter on record this year.

Temperatures were above half to 1.2 degr4ees Celsius above average – and the 1.2 level was in Otago.

“On the world stage we do not look very good right now, we are going to go to Cop26 pretty empty handed,” Marian Krogh said. “The two kind of main goals for Cop26 are to get all

countries to make higher emissions pledges to reduce their emissions more and then to increase climate financing to poorer countries.”

According to the climate Action Tracker - an independent scientific analysis – New Zealand’s overall rating is ‘highly insufficient’ with its policies and action and climate finance.

Marian Krogh said the first step in the right direction would be for Wānaka to improve its public transport system, in and around the town, including improving bike lanes.

The next step would be the introduction of high-density, purpose-built buildings and housing which would lessen the need for cars in the first place. This would mean that they are built near workplaces, shops and schools so residents would not have far to travel.

“If we keep building subdivisions and subdivisions with nothing but houses in them, with no bike lanes and no public transport our emissions are going to continue to grow because people are going to keep driving.”

Protect Our Winters NZ has made a submission to QLDC on its housing views.

– By Aimee Owens

Betty Steel’s final Teddy Bears Picnic Central Otago Funerals ran an advert in the Wānaka Sun this month that demanded a follow up.

It was a first person’s account of a funeral where everybody brought a teddy bear. It was a tribute to a child – it was the funeral for someone who was in her 99th year.

The Sun reporter Aimee Owen followed up the story.

Elizabeth Margaret Steel QSM (Matthews) was born in Gore on October 2, 1923, and died on October 5, 2021, also in Gore.

Born to Charles and Agnes Matthews, she was the eldest of three, and according to her daughter, grew up in a family oriented and social Scottish community. Betty enjoyed school and maintained those friendships throughout her life, many who now reside in the Wānaka and surrounding townships.

On January 10, 1945, she met her husband to be – Vincent A H Steel.

They started their married life together on Vincent’s family farm, just outside of Kelso. In 1954, they embarked on a new journey – they moved to their own farm between Kelso and Heriot.

They went on to raise, and as a mum

Betty started to make teddies from coats for family members, and family friends.

Vincent would assist by making patterns for the teddy bears from light weight wood. Interest in the handmade teddies increased, prompting her to buy fur fabric to keep up with the demand.

Betty started to expand the collection with different sizes and styles, including small, knitted teddies especially made for babies to hold.

Many of the bears were donated to Plunket in gift baskets and welcome boxes across the South Island and then overseas.

Tina Smith, Betty’s daughter, explained that Betty ‘never stopped thinking of the next project’ and over the last year she created accessories too.

Betty planned her own funeral and celebration of life – a very fitting ‘Teddy Bear Picnic’. About 100 teddy bears were invited and attended the event at the Heriot Community Centre on October 9.

“All that Betty made was given away in love with universal acceptance,” Tina said.

Betty’s funeral sheet had to feature teddy bears.

PHOTO: Alied press

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Villas and apartments are sold under Occupation Licence. Ask our sales manager for details. Covid Alert Level Protocols are in place to ensure the safety of our residents, staff and visitors.

PAGE 12

THURSDAY 28.10.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.11.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN