Wanaka Sun I Edition 1046 I 30th September to 6th October 2021

Fly tippers and vandals

INSIDE THIS WEEK Views: Page 8 Jobs: Page 10 Sport: Page 12

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Hooray for Hāwea

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EDITION 1046

Can you spare 120 minutes? n 2004 Judy Young heard a radio appeal for volunteers to help with a street appeal.

“When I called Breast Cancer Foundation NZ they said no one was collecting in Wānaka, so I started it here and it’s grown ever since.”

Today, Judy, now 63, looks back on 30 years of coordinating the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal in Wānaka.

And it is she who leads the annual plea for volunteers in town.

“My volunteers and I have raised a total of $63,818 to date, which I think is pretty good for a small town. It really shows the generosity of our community,” she says.

Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ says the charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of New Zealanders to keep its work going.

“But once again, the uncertainty caused by Covid-19 lockdowns has dealt a crushing blow to our fundraising efforts.

“By volunteering for just two hours you’ll be making a huge difference in the fight against breast cancer. The money raised will help to save lives through cutting-edge research, the promotion of early detection and supporting patients through their treatment and recovery.”

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is seeking people in Wānaka to volunteer for its Pink Ribbon Street Appeal.

Around 10,000 Pink Ribbon volunteers across the country will take to the streets on October 29 and 30 to collect donations for breast cancer research, education and patient support.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer for Kiwi women.

About 235 women are diagnosed with the disease in the Southern District Health Board area every year.

“Breast cancer affects so many people and you never know what’s around the corner, so it’s good to do something to raise awareness and help the cause,” Judy Young says.

“I’ve made a gigantic pink bra which gets strung up outside Paper Plus every year so that helps to grab people’s attention – when they stop to take a look I rattle my tin at them for a donation.”

To volunteer for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal in Wānaka, call Judy Young on 021 0235 5685.

To read more, go to pinkribbonvolunteer.org. nz, or contact the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ on pinkribbon@bcf.org.nz or 0508 105 105.

I

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Nursery project can take root

Volunteers can relax at the nursery - but the facilities are not waterproof.

A $17,000 grant from the Otago Community Trust will go towards providing volunteer quarters at Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust Nursery.

The Wānaka Arts Society received $3100 and Snow Sports NZ $10,300 in the September round of grants, Thanks to support from a range of organisations, the nursery project can go ahead now.

The nursery has one shipping container - part of it is used for storing nursery supplies and part acts as the nursery manager’s office.

A second container will be purchased and installed alongside, giving the nursery a kitchen area for the volunteers.

A roof structure will be fitted between the two containers, using the containers for structural support. This will create a much needed sheltered working space for nursery volunteers. There will be potting mix tables and shelves under the roof.

An artist’s impression of the planned volunteer quarters.

The covered space will also be used to host visitors in inclement weather.

Currently the ‘kitchen’ is an outdoor space covered by a tarpaulin and is not weather proof.

The additional space will allow more storage as well as space for educational resources and wall mounted interpretation panels for nursery visitors and learning sessions.

Te Kakano’s bi-weekly nursery sessions run for three hours and anyone is welcome to come along and help. In 2020, Te Kakano averaged 167 hours of regular nursery volunteer time each month.

Te Kakano also opens the nursery to schools and other groups and, depending on the year, welcomes between 50 and 150 people every year.

The grant has been welcomed by Loran Verpillot at Te Kakano who said the project had received wide support.

“For this project, we are also receiving some

funds from Sargood Bequest, Central Lakes Trust, Wānaka Rotary Club and Aspiring Lions Club, and we now have fundraised enough money to start the project.

“We are also very lucky to be supported by Linda Falconer from Reset Urban Design, who has designed the nursery development and is helping us with the project pro bono.

The Otago Community Trust is a philanthropic organisation which applies its Trust funds for charitable and other purposes which are of benefit to the community.

Grants announced this month are: Alexandra Central Otago Heritage Trust $4500, Central Otago District Arts Trust $8000, Balclutha Clinton Golf Club Inc $10,000, Balclutha Antique Fire Fighting Equipment Society $15,000, Dunedin Green Island Kindergarten $500, West Harbour

Arts Charitable Trust $2000, Pregnancy Help Incorporated Dunedin Branch $7000, Acts of Kindness Charitable Trust $15,000.

Otago Festival of the Arts Trust $185,000, Māori Hill Junior Football Club $1500, Dunedin Lawn Bowls Stadium $13,000, Port Chalmers United Rowing Club $6000, Presbyterian Support Otago $10,000, Milton Tokomairiro High School $19,611, Milton Opportunities Charitable Trust $5000, Tuapeka Aquatic Centre $7000, Mosgiel Taieri Musical Society $10,000.

Oamaru Residents Association Omarama $5000, Waitaki District Council - Community Events $10,000, Otago Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ $500, Arasan NZ - Otago Branch $7500, BMX New Zealand Incorporated $4000, Ranfurly Ida Valley Pool Trust $20,000, Wānaka Arts Society $3100, Snow Sports NZ Inc $10,300, Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust $17,000.

New garden tours to start

The Ghost trio

Ghost trio to perform

Florence Micoud

In its second season running from October to April, Beautiful Gardens of Wānaka will be offering two guided garden tours daily.

Each guided tour transports small groups to visit a variety of one to four different private gardens. Tours last from two to five hours and includes a refreshment pause.

“It’s a most relaxing, enjoyable and interesting experience, meeting nice people and picking up tips for your own garden or just enjoying unique and

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fabulous garden creations,” garden tour operator and guide Florence Micoud says.

"We are hugely grateful to the 20 local gardeners who have agreed to share their slice of paradise with our visitors. Admiring and learning about plants, trees and gardens is what I've always loved doing and I look forward to sharing their beauty with my guests."

As part of the guided tour, Florence shares stories of the gardeners and their personal approach to gardening. Groups are limited to one bubble of up to seven

people at level 2.

For more details to go www.beautifulgardenswanaka.com Meanwhile the Wānaka Vegetable Growers Club general meeting will be held on Monday at St John, Link Way, at 7pm next Monday.

Guest speaker Judy Thomson will talk about growing lavender and why it should be grown for gardens. Plant disease expert Peter Alders will also look at any diseased plants and there will be a Q and A session.

THURSDAY 30.09.21 - WEDNESDAY 06.10.21

The Wānaka Concert Society will present the recently formed Ghost Trio next Thursday (October 7) at the Lake Wānaka Centre.

Ghost Trio comprises Gabriela Glapska (piano), Ken Ichinose (cello) and Monique Lapins (violin).

All three are accomplished soloists and chamber musicians with diverse backgrounds. Despite their recent formation as a trio, they have already gained reputation as one of the most refreshing and enjoyable chamber groups in Aotearoa.

The trio has focused on exploring a new approach to the greatest music written for piano trio, as well as the discovery of less-known contemporary treasures of the piano trio repertoire.

For more details go to www.wanakaconcertsociety.org.nz/events.

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Fly tippers – and vandals

Board, council work together Viv Milsom

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

This is the site which greeted visitors to Waterfall Creek...Nequamus.

... and this is how it was sorted.

Fly tippers were given a serve last week by the Wānaka Facebook community after a load of rubbish was dumped at Waterfall Creek.

Posts included a picture of the mess – and it being put onto a trick Allan Dippie noted there was “some nice evidence left behind as to whom this may have come from in the form of a CV”.

He won high praise after posting a picture of the rubbish being put into a truck with the note “now sorted”.

The News has elected not to publish evidence presented in the post identifying people – because there is no proof they were responsible.

But the postings on Facebook were less than sympathetic – one suggested they would

like to return rubbish to the alleged owner.

“This is really disappointing and there’s really no need for illegal fly-tipping,” a spokesperson for the Queenstown Lakes District Council told The Wānaka Sun. “There are ample services and facilities – both Council provided and commercial options – available in the district for people to responsibly dispose of their waste.”

The spokesperson said all instances of fly-tipping and similar concerns should be reported to Council via the customer services team as soon as possible “so we can investigate and involve our enforcement team when required”.

Meanwhile, police investigating the

vandalism at the Hikuwai subdivision, reported in last week’s Wānaka Sun, have made progress.

Property developer Lee Brown said he had paid out a $500 reward put up in The Sun last week after information was given to police.

He understands three Wānaka teenagers have been interviewed about the damage.

Vandals caused thousands of dollars of damage when they went on a rampage, trashing a vehicle, which is off the wreckers, and two small units which will be removed from the site soon.

Police report today in Crimeline (see page 9) that even a changing table for babies in Wānaka has been targeted by vandals.

The on-again off-again relationship between WCB and QLDC is on again.

On Tuesday members of the Wānaka Community Board (WCB) got together with QLDC staff to discuss their relationship going forwards.

“Today’s discussions were very positive,” WCB chairman, Barry Bruce said.

“There was a recognition that WCB can play a greater role. We are heading in the right direction.”

The chairman has also confirmed he plans to stand again at next year’s local body elections.

“At this stage, yes. Three years is not long enough. I feel you need two or three terms to say ‘I’ve done my bit’”.

Tuesday’s meeting followed a Representation Review Process which saw QLDC councillors first deciding to do away with WCB, then changing their mind and deciding to retain WCB. The final decision was made after a sizable majority of submissions favoured the retention and strengthening of WCB, and Dean Rankin’s petition calling for the independence of Wānaka from QLDC altogether reaching a 10% threshold for the Local Government Commission to investigate the petition’s proposal.

“I admire Dean for putting his hand up and getting that discussion under way, but it’s complicated and there is no straightforward answer to it,” Barry Bruce said.

He acknowledged that Wānaka and Queenstown had very different cultures.

“Queenstown is the adventure capital, while Wānaka is the lifestyle capital.”

Ultimately though he believes, on the wider issues of the district the two communities need to stick together.

“We can survive as a District Council.”

The Council Word 4 OCTOBER TO 15 OCTOBER

SCHOOL HOLIDAY IDEAS AWESOME FUN FOR ACTIVE KIDS AGED 5-12 See customer services for a brochure and booking form, or visit: qldc.govt.nz/recreation

Free counselling for small business owners Are you a small business owner struggling with the impacts of Covid-19? Free professional help is just a phone call away.

Take Stock is a programme from the Southern Lakes Business Response Group offering three counselling sessions for local business owners, with heaps of practical advice to support your wellbeing. It’s completely free and confidential.

Call 0800 360 364 and ask for Take Stock.

Representation Review appeals Following Council’s adoption of a final proposal on the representation review there will now be a period of appeals and/or objections lasting until 5.00pm on Friday 22 October. If any appeals and/or objections are received, the Electoral Commission will make a final decision.

Recycle with care At Alert Level 2, mixed recycling from kerbside collections can be processed as usual. Make sure you’re putting the right stuff into your yellow bin, and that it’s all clean and contamination free. Cardboard, paper and cans go in the yellow bin, as well as plastic bottles and containers marked 1, 2, and 5. No meat trays, no fruit and veggie punnets, and no coloured bottles marked 1 please!

Meet your Community Board The Wānaka Community Board is holding its next public drop-in session on Wednesday 6 October at Wānaka Recreation Centre. Come along between 12.00-1.00pm for a cup of tea and chat with your local elected members. No appointment needed.

Traffic light guide for mental health It’s Mental Health Awareness Week! This year’s theme is take time to korero / mā te kōrero, ka ora – a little chat can go a long way. The Te Hau Toka Southern Wellbeing Group has also put together a handy traffic light guide outlining what to do in an immediate mental health crisis (red), where to get extra support (orange), and how to keep well (green). You can download it here www.qldc.govt.nz/community/communitywellbeing and find more news and tips on Facebook @tehautoka.

School holiday ideas Separate programmes from QLDC Sport and Recreation and Queenstown Lakes District Libraries are here to keep the kids entertained over the holidays.

For more info drop by your local venue or head online to www.qldc.govt.nz/recreation and www.codc-qldc.govt.nz

@QLDCSportRec

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Four new classes for Hāwea A long awaited upgrade is planned for Hāwea Flat School, including four new classrooms.

Principal Tania Pringle said construction work will begin later this year and should be completed by the middle of next year.

The main feature of the upgrade is a new building housing four classrooms, which will be built in the corner of the school bordered by Kane Road and the bike park.

The roll growth classrooms were approved by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in 2019.

The 400sq m building will also include four shared learning areas, a kitchen, an outdoor wetplay area, and toilets accessible from both inside and outside.

A small portion of the bike park next to the school will be needed for the building, to ensure retention of the green space in the rest of the school.

"The bike park trails will be upgraded as part of the development and the fences between the bike park and the school removed, making the bike park a seamless extension to our school grounds," Ms Pringle said.

The bike park fencing where it borders Kane Road and St Ninian's Way will also be improved and additional vegetation planted.

"We also aim to redevelop the hut building area in a different part of the school in the future.

The kids love it and it's a great 'learning through play' opportunity," Ms Pringle said.

Improving the school's essential infrastructure, including electricity, wastewater disposal and fire-fighting capability, is another aspect of the upgrade.

Six water tanks for fire-fighting will be installed and the wastewater disposal field

enlarged and relocated away from the junior school playground, to the pine tree area of the bike park. The pine trees will be removed to make way for the new wastewater disposal field and the trees sold as firewood to fundraise for the school.

Pathways will also be built around the school to improve access when the grounds are wet and muddy.

About half of the bike park will be closed while construction is underway, to enable the building team to set up a base without disrupting learning and play at the school. The Saint Ninian's Way side of the bike park will remain open.

Ms Pringle said the upgrade is a MoE project for which planning began about two years ago to meet the educational needs of pupils in the school's area, which is experiencing rapid population growth. The school zone covers Queensberry in the south to the neck of Lake Hāwea in the north.

Longer term upgrade plans include new physical education equipment storage during the next two years, along with reinstating the edible garden and upgrading the pump shed for potable water supply.

As part of a five-year development plan, new covered outdoor learning areas are envisaged, plus shelter from prevailing winds, renovation of existing classrooms, new non-slip decking, and improved ventilation in existing bathrooms.

Hāwea Flat School's current roll of 290 is expected to grow to 300 by the end of the year.

A master plan for the school is being developed with the MoE which will determine maximum student numbers, which Ms Pringle expects to be up to 500.

Hāwea Flat School principal Tania Pringle with five-year-olds (from left) Lucy, Briar, Melisa, Marley and Jenson on the site of new classrooms which will be built at the school over the next year.

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Aurora celebrates power play win

Christchurch airport has identified this Cromwell Basin site – highlighted – for a new airport near Tarras.

Airport battle continues Christchurch Airport has identified two potential runway alignments for a new Central Otago airport – but in response Queenstown Airport says the rationale for a fifth airport in the region has not been established.

One site aligns to the Lindis Valley and Lake Dunstan, the other to the Hāwea Valley and Lake Dunstan.

Christchurch Airport has released a preliminary aeronautical assessment of its site in Tarras Project. Director Michael Singleton says it is simply a small step forward for the project.

“The findings are encouraging but they’re not final. This assessment has given us the confidence to undertake the next stage of more detailed analysis to determine a preferred single runway alignment.”

The key finding is that the site is able to support an airfield with a single runway of at least 2.2 kilometres and up to 3km.

The company has purchased 750ha land near Tarras where it plans to compete with its nearest rival.

Queenstown Airport chief executive Glen Sowry said the area is already well served by four

existing airports.

“Queenstown Airport is well positioned to continue to meet the region’s domestic and transTasman travel needs for locals and visitors alike,” he said.

“Queenstown Airport’s greatest attribute and strategic value is its central location in the heart of the lower South Island, providing visitors with highly convenient access to the region.

Our domestic and Australian travellers value the ability to fly directly into Queenstown.”

He said for more than a decade the airport had worked with its airline partners to establish efficient and safe flight paths that enables a very high level of reliability.

“Queenstown Airport will be particularly focussed on the impact of any potential new flight paths to current airspace use, including the existing use rights of the long-established general aviation community and commercial operators in the area.”

Michael Singleton said a 2.2km runway could serve all of New Zealand’s domestic routes and some short-haul international destinations such as Australia and parts of the Pacific.

“In general, a longer runway creates more opportunity for the region it serves because it enables businesses and people to connect with more destinations. Our job is to think long-term and identify what opportunities this site could deliver well into the future.

He said while the “lighter population” of the area may lower the overall impact, “we are committed to identifying and finding solutions”.

As well as assessing impacts, the next phase of airspace analysis will be aimed at validating and refining the outcomes of the preliminary assessment. This will take between six and nine months – and the airport then expects to be able to identify its preferred runway alignment.

Michael Singleton says the project’s Planning and Validation phase is expected to run to 2023.

“We have a number of interconnected and complex studies to undertake during this phase.

It won’t be until they’re completed that we can make a decision on whether to take the project into the next phase – getting the required operational and planning approvals. In the meantime, we will continue sharing what we learn with those interested in the project.”

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An annual review by the Electricity Authority has given Otago’s Aurora Energy top marks.

The country’s seventh biggest distribution network by customer connections, supplies electricity to 91,600 customers in Dunedin, Central Otago, and the Queenstown-Lakes District The Electricity Authority said Aurora Energy and second-placed Wellington Electricity had demonstrated leading practice in a number of areas and had significantly improved from last year.

The annual review is designed to encourage and monitor progress toward more efficient pricing, which benefits customers by allowing them to make choices about how they use the electricity network and make energy-related investments like solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles.

Following public feedback last year, Aurora Energy developed a pricing strategy and roadmap for the future. The company will see feedback before the end of the year and says it wants to help customers understand how pricing works and ways they may be able to reduce their bills.

Alec Findlater, General Manager Regulatory and Commercial at Aurora Energy, will lead this work across the Otago region.

“We appreciate that electricity pricing can be complex and there are multiple parties involved. We’re really keen to ensure that our pricing information is accessible, clear and understandable by all of our customers, and we will be consulting with the community on aspects of our pricing methodology and pricing strategy later this year”, he said.

Aurora Energy Chief Executive Richard Fletcher said the roadmap explains how the company plans to evolve regional pricing to keep pace with customers’ changing electricity use.

He said efficient pricing would be critical for a transition to a low carbon future that is affordable for customers.

For more details go to www.ea.govt. nz/operations/distribution/pricing/ distribution-pricing-scorecards-2021.

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October sees the funeral industry celebrate 50 years of embalming in NZ. It started in 1969 when Government drew up a new draft Health Burial Act that required registered embalmers, stating that “it will be an offence for any other person to treat a deceased body”. This saw the funeral industry shocked into action to start a training programme that would train funeral staff to be competent embalmers. Prior to this course, embalmers had to travel overseas for training and most funeral home owners saw this as ‘problematic’ and just didn’t bother to offer this as part of their service. The legislation failed to get through Parliament, but the training course has been the catalyst of many a great embalmer and therefore a better viewing experience for many families

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Aiming for the living wage Wānaka’s Chamber of Commerce says many businesses in the community are paying the New Zealand Living Wage – without being accredited for it.

The New Zealand Living Wage as of September 1 is $22.75 an hour – an increase of 65 cents on the 2020/2021.

Ignite Wānaka chamber general manager Naomi Lindsay, said many businesses in the community were not accredited because it required all staff to receive the living wage.

“The business can't usually justify paying 15-17-year-olds the same rate as, say, 40-year-old staff with more experience,” she said.

The rising cost of business and the huge downturn caused by the Covid pandemic also had their part to play.

“The other, often forgotten side, is that if businesses become less profitable then they may have less to give back into the community, as they can't be sustainable without pulling back on costs elsewhere.”

Introduced in 2013 by the Living Wage Movement Aotearoa NZ, the Living Wage is defined as the income necessary to provide workers and their families with the basic necessities of life, enabling them to live with dignity and participate as active citizens in society.

It is calculated independently each year by the New Zealand Family Centre Social Policy Unit, considering the cost of things like food, transportation, housing and childcare, in an effort to reduce poverty and inequality in New Zealand.

New Zealand is a low-wage economy compared

Damon Plimmer helped set up a group to raise awareness of the living wage.

Revology co-founder Monique Kelly says her business pays the living wage to support and retain staff.

to similar countries like Canada, Australia and the UK – ranking 18th out of 35 for its average hourly wage (OECD 2020). But despite the challenges of Covid-19, the number of businesses seeking living wage employer accreditation continues to grow, with 275 diverse businesses now registered with the Living Wage Movement.

In Wānaka, a group to raise awareness of the living wage and bring together those who see it as an important step to improving quality of life was established in March by Jon Henning (Public Service Association), Kate Murray (Community Networks) and Reverend Damon Plimmer (Upper Clutha Anglican Parish).

“Since that first meeting, more have joined the conversation, including business leaders and community advocates,” Damon said.

“We know many are doing it tough at the moment. What is encouraging are those employers already paying at or above the living wage.”

Naomi Lindsay said the living wage alone was just one piece of the 'remuneration' puzzle for employees.

“Those that don't pay living wage more than make up for it with additional staff perks, which save them costs elsewhere. This can include subsidised rent, ski passes, staff discounts, staff meals, staff training courses, staff clothing

allowance and extra days off for volunteering in the community.”

Monique Kelly, co-founder of Revology – an accredited living wage employer since the store’s inception in late 2019 – said her business paid the living wage to support and retain staff, particularly considering the “high price of living in Wānaka.”

“We have found that the youth in the team contribute just as much,” she said. “It’s about how well they perform in store. We pay the price for the job to be done, put the time into training them and making sure they’re comfortable, and it is.”

One two for Sam, Cory Building apprentice Samuel Morris from Wānaka has picked up one of the three awards announced in the 2021 Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year event.

The 29-year-old was named Southern 2021 Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year.

And the apprentice he pipped to the title also hails from Wānaka - Cory O’Regan, who works for Turnkey Homes, did his training at Otago Polytechnic.

Dunedin’s Alexander Roe of Stewart Construction in Dunedin also impressed the judges, who placed him third.

Three top apprentices from the East Coast/ Hawke’s Bay, Central North Island and Southern regions were announced at the end of last week.

Building apprentice Matthew Hilson, 22, from Hastings was named the East Coast/Hawke’s Bay winner and Jarred Badham, 29, collected the Central North Island.

The three now go on to compete in the Master Builders National competition.

The Apprentice of the Year competition recognises excellence among carpentry apprentices and raises awareness of career opportunities in the building and construction industry.

Each apprentice had to submit a building project. They then took part in a two-hour practical challenge where they were tasked with building a shoe rack. The top 10 from each region then progressed to the interview stage with a judging panel and an onsite visit to discuss their project.

Judges said Samuel Morris, who trained through Bcito and is employed by McFarlane Building “has really applied himself and put in a lot of hard work”.

“This was evident in his building project

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Trusted Healthcare for Life Samuel Morris

– which is his own house. He has a solid understanding of the build process and is very capable of completing high quality work without supervision. Sam is very confident, organised and not afraid to challenge himself.”

They judges said Cory O’Regan showed his extensive experience onsite with a great understanding of reading plans and planning ahead to ensure his workload kept pace with the rest of the build. “He also has a clear and calm conversation style which is needed on the sites he works on. Cory will have a great future and shows a lot of interest in the management side of the industry.”

The three regional winners now go on to compete in the Master Builders National competition.

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.

Wanaka Medical, Trusted Healthcare for Life. e: office@wanakamedical.co.nz

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Life and times of a pilot “Thanks to the work of Peter and his team, South Georgia is now free of rats and mice for the first time in 200 years and bird life there has a chance to flourish again.”

Peter Garden started his flying career as an agricultural pilot in Southland and went on to become one of the world's pre-eminent pest eradication helicopter pilots and champions.

The Wānaka pilot has published a book, Southern Wanderer, giving an account of the many and varied aspects of his life and the influences that lead to him becoming a worldrenowned helicopter pilot as well as an exponent of international and national predator eradication projects.

His early life in rural Southland and Otago provided an outdoor adventure playground on his doorstep. Peter’s enjoyment of roaming began at an early age and the urge to “see what’s over the next ridge” has never diminished. His extensive knowledge of his environment lead to Peter being asked to help with search and rescue operations while still at high school and this became a lifetime interest.

Deer hunting became Peter’s passion when he was a teenager and was soon combined with four and two-wheeled vehicles. In 1975 a businessman asked Peter to train as a helicopter pilot and this

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in New Zealand in 1977 and in Scotland and England in the 1980s. He formed his own helicopter company (Peter Garden Helicopters) in 1985 and began Endangered Species Recovery work 1990.

Peter describes some of the projects that were developed to utilise the unique capabilities of helicopters, all while taking calculated risks, flying in extreme weather conditions, to achieve successful outcomes and improve natural environments for native birds all over the world.

He documents international projects he’s taken part in to restore biodiversity in remote, challenging environments in Alaska, subAntarctic South Georgia Island, Puerto Rico and many Pacific locations and describes their associated foreign aviation jurisdictions and government regulations. Thanks to the work of Peter and his team, South Georgia is now free of rats and mice for the first time in 200 years and bird life there has a chance to flourish again.

Through all these exploits Peter weaves the stories of his family and business highs and challenges.

Peter has been Helicopter Safety Counsellor and Chair of the Helicopter Division for the Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand and Chairman of the Steering Committee of the New Zealand Helicopter Association. He has been Aviation Advisor to New Zealand Land PHOTO: Roland Gockel Search and Rescue and a founding Trustee of Peter Garden Southern Region Air Ambulance Trust and the was his “golden opportunity”. He had taken his flew an aircraft himself, he knew for certain the Forest Hill Foundation.

In May 2017 Peter was awarded the Officer of the first flight at four during a Southland Aero Club sky was where he wanted to be and set his heart New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services post-war aviation promotion. That flight began on a career in aviation.

Peter began flying agricultural operations to aviation, conservation and search and rescue. a passion for aviation and when Peter eventually

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The trouble with socks If you know me, then you’ll know that I've never been one for matching socks. Luckily I have got through most of my adult life by purchasing only black socks.

Unfortunately it's not so easy to find black socks for babies. There’s stripey socks, brightly coloured socks, socks with ducks on, socks with dogs on, the list goes on. For that reason, Tobias is probably best known in town as the baby with the odd socks.

Almost everyday, Tobias dons a pair of odd socks at home, in town, and at play groups.

The only time his feet match is when Daddy is around. That’s partly because I’m too lazy and also because I just don’t care.

You see, time is a precious thing. If I'm not spending time with Tobias, I am working or cleaning or ticking off my never ending to-do list. There's just no time to rummage through the laundry looking for matching pairs of socks.

Not only does the little man have heaps of socks, he also tends to lose them. This means there are quite a few single socks hanging about in our house. What's the point in wasting them?

I may as well just pair them with another odd sock, right?

When our lives are already so hectic, why do we put added pressure on ourselves to match our socks? It seems like such a silly question but matching socks is a real bug bear of mine.

Half the time they are covered up with shoes anyway. Of course, there's no hiding them with a baby though.

Yes, it may make me look disorganised but

THURSDAY 30.09.21 - WEDNESDAY 06.10.21

I’d rather that than waste more precious time with Tobias.

If I had it my way, all the socks around the world would look exactly the same.

I guess one day, I’ll have to work harder at putting matching socks on Tobias.

For now, I’m just going to enjoy our odd sock days. Not only is it a reminder of how chaotic our lives are but it's also a reflection of how much we cherish our time together.

And, when he finally starts school, I’ll just roll out the black socks.

– By Daisy Watford

THE WĀNAKA SUN

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Sun Views

THE WCB WORD

A regular update from Wānaka Community Board Chair, Barry Bruce

Sponsored by

A little chat can go a long way. This week I encourage our community to connect with each other in support of Mental Health Awareness. It is a reminder not only to be kind to others, but to be kind to ourselves and I hope that you have managed to put aside some time to support your own wellbeing. There are plenty of fabulous resources and ways to kōrero with kiwis across the country at www.mhaw.nz.

The Wānaka Community Board members are keen to catch up and connect with their Upper Clutha community at the next public drop-in session on October 6 at Wānaka Recreation Centre. The kettle will be on so head in anytime between noon and 1pm for a chat and a cuppa. Share what’s on your mind, find out what’s in the pipeline and talk through local issues or opportunities, big or small.

Representation Review Thank you to those that made the effort and submitted on the Representation Review, your voice makes an immense difference to the decisions that are made at Council. The Council adopted its final representation review proposal on September 16, you can read the full proposal at www.qldc.govt.nz. In the Upper Clutha, I am delighted that there shall remain a Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board which will now comprise four members elected directly by voters in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward as a whole and three of the four Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward Councillors as appointed members (to be appointed by Council). The appeals/objections process is underway now – details on this can be found at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz Quality of Life Survey The annual Quality of Life survey opens on October 4 and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is keen to find out what life is like for people living in our district.

The survey asks about key issues such as employment, housing, health services, the environment, transport, growth, the effects of Covid-19 and more. The information is of real value in understanding the challenges and opportunities people in the district face and helps to prioritise future funding needs and planning decisions. The Quality of Life survey has been conducted every year since 2018 and many of the same questions are included so progress can be tracked year on year. It is open to all members of the community 18

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years and over (not just ratepayers) and will run until 5pm November 7. Last year more than 2000 people participated so please share your thoughts again and go into the draw for one of four $250 prezzy cards, it takes about 20 minutes to complete at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz.

Developments I’m delighted to share that the detailed design for Stage Two of the Wānaka Lakefront Development is now signed off. Construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2022 and take approximately six months.

Some of the key features included in the redevelopment include a four-metre active travel promenade with adjoining millennium path tiles, natural shared spaces, the retention of as many trees as possible and the inclusion of car parking along the Lakeside of Ardmore Street with expansive view corridors.

The effects of another lockdown slightly delayed completion of Stage Three, with a new date for the official opening rescheduled to October 11 at 1pm. It is hoped that Aukaha and Iwi representatives will attend and provide a karakia and blessing for the site. If we are at Level 1 at this time it would be wonderful to see members of our community share in this special opening.

Rabbit control The timing of Alert Level 4 and 3 lockdowns has meant QLDC can no longer undertake rabbit control works in reserve areas around Albert Town as originally planned. The warm and generally wet weather right through winter has led to a very early spring, meaning that the baiting operation in these reserve areas fall outside the seasonal period of achieving a successful result. The rabbit control operation in this location will now be postponed until winter 2022.

Community Board News At the Wānaka Community Board meeting held on September 19 the Board approved: • A Licence to Occupy road reserve – 137 Lakeside Road, Wānaka.

• A Licence to Occupy the road reserve adjacent to 227 Aubrey Road, Wānaka.

• Additional parking restrictions under the Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2018. For further detail on these restrictions head here: www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/ council-documents/agendas-minutes/ wanaka-community-board.

Crimeline Nolet K Greg Senior Constable, NZPD Hi everyone.

Lockdown was interesting, thank goodness it’s over. Level two is not that bad. Just a quick scan or sign in and wearing a mask or appropriate face covering. Easy as.

In the pubs and restaurants, it’s the same. But a mask or appropriate face covering from door to table… and then also when you go to the loo… and when you go to the place of payment.

There are lots of different people in pubs and restaurants so please keep up with these rules as not everyone is in your group.

During the week some depraved vandal has ripped the baby changing table form the wall in the Dale Street Park toilets.

I know the 40km/h speed rule is getting on some peoples’ wick... but it’s here and we all have to do it. Please slow down, get off your phones and put that seat belt on. Stop signs are there for a reason. Please stop and make sure that the way is clear for you. The intersection with Golf Course and Ballantyne Roads is a good example.

Private functions have been popping up and Police are dealing with some who have come away from these things in a state that is pretty uncool. If you are running these please cater for all and get them home.

On Monday a driver was stopped at lunchtime and was found to be drink driving. This was their second drink driving incident within 10 days and their car was impounded.

On Friday night a male was located on a stranger’s deck and was taken to his home.

Another male was located after drink driving home. He is off to court.

On Sunday a young male who has painted some Wānaka streets with his tyres has been spoken to, as a result his car has been impounded and he is off to court.

There was some nice work done by our young Constable Calvin Bopp this week with looking after the roads from Wānaka to Makarora as the rains and thunder roared down. He cleared two

THURSDAY 30.09.21 - WEDNESDAY 06.10.21

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

rock falls and alerted the authorities on potential for more. Make sure you travel at a speed that allows for quick stopping in areas where rocks can fall.

There was some massive damage done in the area of Hikuwai this week. This has been investigated and our Scene of Crime Officer Senior Constable Craig Koppert has done a great job with this. Good work by our informant in this matter. The suspects are now being dealt with by Police.

Motorbikes are out on our roads again. These are fun to ride. They can get to great speeds in an awful hurry. Please video any stupid behaviour for us. We would love to speak to the riders. I guess the Highlands track in Cromwell could offer some respite to the racing fantasy, not the 40km/h streets of Wānaka.

On a completely different topic, there are lots of services that can be accessed from the Hub on McDougal Street for families. It’s a big move to admit you may need help, but a great feeling when things get on track. That journey though, will take a while. Please take the time to sort things, as it’s your life.

PAGE 9

Sun Classifieds

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SITUATION VACANT PREDATOR CONTROL | UPPER CLUTHA Funded through Jobs for Nature, the SLS project provides both employment opportunities and game changing outcomes for wildlife conservation in the Region.

FIELD OPERATIONS COORDINATOR (Part-time, 3 year term) An experienced and committed person is required to coordinate the logistics of supporting and expanding the existing trapping network, and managing field staff (paid and volunteers).

Key attributes to succeed in this role: – Back country and trapping experience – Office based talents – Operationally organised – Sound health & safety practices – Communication and multi-tasking – Top quality people manager – Adaptable and motivated

COMMUNITY COORDINATOR (Part-time, 3 year term) An enthusiastic and organised person is sought to work with the existing volunteers in Wānaka Backyard Trapping to educate and encourage community trapping.

Key attributes to succeed in this role: – Communication skills – Conservation enthusiasm – Technical trapping knowledge – Fundraising capabilities – Collaborative and sharing mindset

Applications for both roles close, Friday 8th October to: gsdworkforce@bungy.co.nz Job descriptions available on request.

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WEEKEND WORK AVAILABLE Are you needing supplementary income? Flexible hours to work around home life? Returning to work or needing a start?

Prolife Foods are on the hunt for passionate and proud people to merchandise our Self Selection department and Grocery products within Three Parks New World and Wanaka New World.

Saturday: 7:30am – 2:30pm Sunday: 7:00am – 2:30pm To apply, please email your CV and cover letter, with ‘Wanaka Merchandiser’ in the subject line to recruitment@prolife.co.nz

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!

Is your Wānaka Sun delivered every Thursday?

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

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.

STORAGE

Clean, dry, safe storage available now.

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

SUN TEAM 100 Maui Street, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand | PO Box 1075, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand | Ph. +64 (7) 834 3333 | Fax. +64 (7) 834 3332 | www.prolifefoods.co.nz

YOUR AD WILL REACH THE MOST LOCALS ONLINE IN www.thewanakasun.co.nz

THURSDAY 30.09.21 - WEDNESDAY 06.10.21

WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1046

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.

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Sun News / Classifieds

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How volunteering helps us feel good

PHOTO: Tonia Kraakman

PHOTO: Wendy Bowie

Volunteers in Wānaka help out at a range of events – including at the Park Run and the Wanaka Trail Ride.

Championship Golf results The fine spring weather made for some great scores in the Ladies’ Tournament which started on Monday at the Wānaka Golf Club with an Individual Stableford.

The top places were: Senior Division: Bev Mee (40), Suzie Baillie (39), Holly Davies (39). Intermediate Division: Vicki Menzies (40), Rachel Scott-Wilson (39), Wilhelmina Powell (39). Junior Division: Sharon Corcoran (43), Dianne McKenzie (42), Anne McSweeney (42). Winning the Incentive Holes were Pauline Hogue (Senior Division), Suzanne Ewing (Intermediate Division), Maureen Stewart ( Junior Division), and Bev Conlan (Open Division). Winner of the Longest Putt was Adrienne Morrison.

In Tuesdays’ 4BBB competition the top places went to Julie McEwan and Deb Shield (net 59), followed by Sally Burgess and Carmel Hyndman (net 59) and Margot Barton and Viv Milsom (net 60).

Wednesday was the 36-hole championship and this year 76 players competed in what was ??? day.

Results to follow The top places were: Senior Division: Bev Mee (40), Suzie Baillie (39), Holly Davies

(39). Intermediate Division: Vicki Menzies (40), Rachel Scott-Wilson (39), Wilhelmina Powell (39). Junior Division: Sharon Corcoran (43), Dianne McKenzie (42), Anne McSweeney (42). Winning the Incentive Holes were Pauline Hogue (Senior Division), Suzanne Ewing (Intermediate Division), Maureen Stewart ( Junior Division), and Bev Conlan (Open Division). Winner of the Longest Putt was Adrienne Morrison.

The Men’s Tournament will run over Thursday and Friday this week.

Day One results from the Four ball best ball Tarras men’s tournament for the for the John Annan Memorial trophy: A Chapman-Cohen and N Trevathan 60, B Rowley and M Hyndman 63, D Agnew and D Allen 63, N Hamilton and P Mavor 64, R Gibson and L Nelson 65, W Rive and G Rive 66, B Paterson and B Purvis 66, N Hore and T Emmerson 67, R Hailwood and G Clouston 67, C Smith and M Murray 68, W Anderson and I Morrison 69, C Sinclair and M Dowling 69, G Willson and L Topping 69, G Hook band M Kennedy 69.

Twos, B Lambie, M Murray, W Anderson and B Mavor (2).

Volunteering supports mental wellbeing, Kaitūao o te Taitonga Volunteer South says.

The organisation is encouraging people to think about volunteering during Mental Health Awareness Week which run to October 3.

“This is an opportune time to highlight how volunteering supports wellbeing,” Gillian White Volunteer South Central Lakes manager said.

She said the Five Ways to Wellbeing, Ētahi ara e rima ki te ngākau ora, help people stay mentally well.

“Widely promoted by the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand and WellSouth, these five actions can be introduced into a person's life at any time to feel the benefits and many can be achieved through volunteering.

She said the Mental Health Foundation notes volunteering and being involved with the community is strongly linked with feeling good and functioning well and “the team at Volunteer South wholeheartedly agree”.

Volunteer South supports, strengthens and promotes volunteering. They connect volunteers to organisations seeking support, offer training and advice to such organisations and celebrate volunteer activities.

There are a wide range of volunteer roles for people to get involved with in the region, so whichever of the five actions volunteers are looking to take, there will be a role that will benefit wellbeing.

“Volunteering ticks all the boxes when it comes to improving wellbeing “Volunteers ‘give’ their time, sharing skills, energy, ideas and passion with local non-profit organisations that reap the benefits of their enthusiasm. For volunteers, they gain a sense of purpose, life satisfaction and increase their self esteem and overall happiness.” says Volunteer South’s Lynda Marnie said volunteers also have the opportunity to learn new skills, embrace new experiences and discover something new, ticking the ‘keep learning’ box.

Additionally, many roles offer the opportunity for volunteers to ‘be active’ - both physically and mentally and when a volunteer reflects on their experience, their volunteering environment, the people around them and how the experience has affected them, then their volunteer experience meets all five of the five ways to wellbeing actions.

PUBLIC NOTICE

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Closure of streets to ordinary vehicular traffic PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1974, notice is hereby given that consideration will be given

by Wᾱnaka Community Board under delegated authority, to the closure of the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic for the purpose of holding the Wanaka A&P Show.

Date of closure: Wednesday 9 March – Sunday 13 March 2022 Road to be closed: McDougall Street (from the corner of Brownston St to Ardmore St) Period of closure: 6.00am on Wednesday 9 March to 12.00pm on Sunday 13 March

SITUATION VACANT

Date of closure: Friday 11 March and Saturday 12 March 2022

ARE YOU OUR NEW EDITOR?

Road to be closed: McDougall St (from Upton St to Brownston St) Period of closure: 6.00am to 8.00pm each day Road to be closed: Brownston St (from McDougall St to Dungarvon St) Period of closure: 6.00am to 8.00pm each day

A unique position in one of New Zealand’s most desirable communities has become available at The Wānaka Sun.

It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person other than someone under authority of an authorised permit to use the roads for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

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.

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 to brooke.allan@qldc.govt.nz before 5.00pm on Thursday 7 October 2021.

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.

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

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.

THE UPPER CLUTHA TRACKS TRUST

LIKE NEWS SHARE STORIES facebook.com/wanakasun

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.

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THURSDAY 30.09.21 - WEDNESDAY 06.10.21

to be held at the Armstrong Room, Lake Wanaka Centre, Ardmore Street, Wanaka.

5.30pm. Wednesday, 13 October 2021 All welcome.

PAGE 11

Sun Sport

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Talk fest to be a highlight A festival of sport next month at the Lake Wānaka Centre will feature two evenings of inspiration and talent, organiser Bronwyn Coers promises.

The New Zealand Olympic team physio Helene Barron will be joined by Otago University associate professor Tania Cassidy, on a Friday October 15 evening sponsored by Stonewood Homes.

The following night at an evening sponsored

by Breen Construction, the theme “Overcoming Mountains” will be discussed by Olympic medal winners Ellesse Andrews, professional skier Beau-James Wells, Paralympics coach Raylene Bates and national multi-sport champion and coach Dougal Allan.

“The Speaker Series is designed to be a source of information and inspiration for everyone with an interest in sport,” Coers said. “We hope athletes, coaches, volunteers and supporters of all ages will come along and learn from and be entertained by our fantastic speakers.”

Tickets to the Upper Clutha Sports Community Mitre 10 Mega Festival of Sport and Recreation over the two nights are on sale.

In a snapshot of what’s coming, Helen Barron said the Olympics “were like no other” and learnings from the experience will benefit not just elite athletes, but regional, recreational and young developing athletes.

“Leaders are often applauded for the way they behave,” Tania Cassidy said. “Yet questions are increasingly being asked about what is appropriate behaviour for leaders in the 21st century.”

Ellesse Andrews said in her three years in elite level sport she experienced the highest of highs.

“However, alongside this comes trying times as I navigate my journey as a professional athlete. I am excited to share some snippets of my story, and the learnings I have taken away from my experiences.”

Beau-James Wells said there were many ups and downs for a professional skier.

“One week you are at the top of your game succeeding in competitions, and the next, you're lying in a hospital bed wondering how you got here. It is a rollercoaster of emotions but it's how you deal with it that counts.”

Dougal Allan said it has only been as he nears the end 15 years in elite endurance sport that he has really begin to appreciate the value, lessons and growth that have come from the many setbacks, failures and disappointments he encountered.

“Many of the experiences I am now most thankful for are those where things didn't go to plan. Because now, with the benefit of hindsight, I realise that without those moments I would never have achieved the successes I have”.

Olympic cyclist Ellesse Andrews, who grew up in Wānaka, will be among the speakers.

New event unveiled

Bill Roxburgh

Challenge Wānaka has announced another multisport event to add to a busy calendar.

The inaugural Earshots sponsored Challenge Wānaka Cross Triathlon and Duathlon will be staged on February 19 at Glendhu Bay and use existing swim and run courses, as well as Bike Glendhu’s mountain bike course.

The Integrity Homes Challenge Wānaka Festival events also include the OSM Challenge Wānaka Multi on October 30, the Wānaka Medical Social Triathlon on February 13.

The Challenge Wānaka Festival will run from February 17 to 19 and feature a bay-to-bay swim, an intermediate challenge, triathlons.

“We know of many awesome mountain bikers who wanted to be part of our event and being out at Bike Glendhu seemed a perfect opportunity to create a Cross Triathlon or Duathlon for these keen individuals,” said race director Bill Roxburgh.

“The upper mountain is a fantastic and testing place to ride, so we are super excited to see racing up there. We hope that this event will bring in

PAGE 12

a new type of competitor to our region for the festival and we are sure it will entice even more people to come and experience Bike Glendhu in their training months, as well as for the race.”

The Cross Triathlon will comprise a 1500m swim in Glendhu Bay, followed by a 32km ride, which sees riders cycle up to the summit of Bike Glendhu twice and a 10.5km trail run on the lower mountain, alongside the Challenge Wānaka Half competitors.

The Duathlon will see athletes bike and run the same course, just without the swim section.

This event is for competent mountain bikers, as the tracks on the upper mountain are rated Grade 4, with plenty of sharp climbs and fast technical descents, making for a challenging yet breath-taking ride.

Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust is a charitable trust which donates profits to charities and organisations and subsidies youth, adaptive and community sports participation.

For more details go to www.challenge-wanaka.com

Australian Brad Kennedy claimed his second New Zealand championship title in 2019.

PHOTOS: Photosport.nz

Golf date changes Young people in and around Wānaka are being encouraged to keep active during lockdown as part of a regional sporting challenge.

The New Zealand golf open date has changed.

Tournament organisers announced last week that the Millbrook event will run from March 31 to April 3.

New Zealand’s premier golfing event was shelved this year as a result of Covid and was originally scheduled next year for February.

This date change for the 102nd New Zealand Open has been made to allow for the best possible field to compete for the Brodie Breeze Trophy after other events dates were changed and give the tournament the best chance of being staged.

THURSDAY 30.09.21 - WEDNESDAY 06.10.21

Two major Australasian tournaments - the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship – had been rescheduled from November and December this year to January and February next year.

“This new date avoids any tournament conflict for players, and whilst we have no certainty at present, we are hopeful that travel and quarantine restrictions and alert levels by that time will allow more freedom of travel between Australia and New Zealand, and hopefully even further afield,” tournament chairman John Hart said.

The Open will be played across 36 holes, including nine new holes opening shortly, at the Arrowtown resort.

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