Wanaka Sun | 31 December 2020 - 06 January 2021 | Edition 1007

2020

INSIDE THIS WEEK Sport: Page 12 Views: Page 13 Jobs: Page 15

end of year review PAGE 7-11

Lakes swimmer On track. thewanakasun.co.nz

THUR 31.12.20 - WED 06.01.21

PAGE 4 EDITION 1007

DELIVERED AND FREE

Sharp decline in visitor numbers to Wānaka tracks

PHOTO: Jo Galer

From left, Raewyn Coutts and Hilary Pheloung of Christchurch fresh from running the iconic Mt Iron track on Monday.

Jo Galer

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

ew Department of Conservation (DOC) figures are showing a sharp decline in walkers on Roys Peak and Mt Iron tracks, down 42 percent and 67 percent respectively over the spring compared to the previous year.

DOC said from September to October’s end many high-volume internationally-renowned destinations in national parks, such as Roys Peak, saw a huge decline in visitation, whereas visitors to coastal areas increased.

Managing Director of Wānaka adventure company Wildwire Mark Morrison said the figures back up what he had experienced in the industry.

Numbers for his business around the same period

N

were down 40 Percent. As a snapshot on December 28, numbers on one of his trips, a waterfall climb, were 25 people climbing, compared to 52 people on the same day this time last year. Many of those were likely international visitors.

“Prior to Covid, around 80 percent of our business came from the international market, and only 20 percent were kiwis. Today, almost all are kiwis, so that’s good they’re out there,” he said.

Local tourism businesses were just hanging out for the Australia-New Zealand bubble, expecting a large influx due to pent up demand and no other destinations or countries potentially safe for Australians to travel to.

“This is the light at the end of the tunnel. But no-one wants to rush it and we’re all good with that. It has to be safe,” he said.

PHOTO: Joanna Perry

New Department of Conservation (DOC) figures are showing a sharp decline in walkers on Roys Peak.

Most Wānaka businesses are dependent on summer tourism tiding them through the quiet winter months.

“If we don’t get the bubble with Australia, I’d say the rubber is going to hit the road and this will start to bite. But worse than no tourists would be another Lockdown so we’re still grateful to be in an amazing position to be able to operate as normal.”

Other iconic spots hit by a sharp decline in tourist numbers and the border closing include: • Milford Sound/Piopiotahi – down 72% • Franz Josef Glacier – down 66% • Hooker Valley Track – down 52% In a reversal of fortunes for Central Otago, DOC recorded numbers of people using the Otago Central Rail Trail were up 55 percent

Ask us about our House & Land Packages

over the spring. DOC huts on other tracks are sitting near capacity over January though people should check availability that could be better in February online by visiting https://www.doc. govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/ online-bookings/ DOC’s Director-General, Lou Sanson said many New Zealanders are looking to nature for escape and relaxation during these unprecedented times.

“As we say goodbye to 2020, DOC is working to ensure everyone can have fantastic and restorative experiences outdoors over the summer and asks that people ensure they are also putting in the effort to prepare well for their trips, visit respectfully and keep themselves and their families safe.”

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

Boaties asked to avoid Don’t be an arse: a how to guide areas laid with weed mats Ollie Blyth journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Mary de Winton, NIWA

A diver installing hessian weed matting at Parkins Bay in Lake Wānaka just prior to Christmas.

Jo Galer

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Boaties seeing new yellow buoys with red and black stickers on them at locations around Lake Wānaka can expect there to be weed-prevention mats lurking beneath and should avoid them.

Before the end of 2020 LINZ will install 1520 buoys at locations including Paddock Bay, Parkins Bay and Glendhu Bluff Bay. Signs will also be installed near where hessian matting has been laid.

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) leads restoration operations on Otago’s lakes and said hessian matting was laid to supress the spread of the highly invasive waterweed, lagarosiphon.

Boaties, tourism operators and recreational users on Lake Wānaka were asked to be extra careful to avoid damaging the newly installed biodegradable matting.

“Left uncontrolled lagarosiphon takes over

lakes, creating dense forests of weed below the water’s surface. It can block boat motors, ruin swimming, and smother precious native plants,” LINZ Biosecurity and Biodiversity Group Manager Megan Reid said.

“Boat operators need to avoid approaching by boat or fishing across these areas as there’s a risk of prop and fishing lure entanglement which damages the matting and makes it ineffective.”

Ms Reid said as well as avoiding the areas with matting on Lake Wānaka all lake and river users were asked to help protect and get behind lake restoration efforts by checking, cleaning and drying boat props and trailers, jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards, and equipment such as fishing lines before they enter the water limits the spread of weeds.

“If we want to continue using lakes and rivers as we always have and see native birds, plants and fish return, then we need to check, clean and dry boats and sports equipment between waterways.”

Everyone’s been an arse at some point in their life, but the plea from the Wānaka community is for you to minimise your inner arse this summer.

Follow these steps so that you too can bid a safe and arse-free farewell to this year and say a hearty haere mai to 2021: 1. Don’t start a fire: Since the 18th of this month at 8am the whole of Central Otago has been under a total fire ban. This includes Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, Naseby, Ranfurly, Kurow, Otematata, Ōmārama, and Middlemarch.

Previously, these areas were under a restricted fire season since October, and any permits that were issued during this season are now no longer valid.

Principal rural fire officer Mark Mawhinney said that, “This is a clear sign that any fires or spark generating activities are just too dangerous in the present conditions. Low moisture levels paired with expected high temperatures and high winds means everyone from locals to holidaymakers need to be careful about what they are doing around Central Otago this summer. We are urging everyone to keep their fireworks at home, cancel any bonfire plans and think about how they plan on cooking when outside.”

2. Be wary of alcohol free zones and consume alcohol responsibly: The areas of Wānaka and Hāwea have a 24 hour ban in place until January 6 2021 at 6:00am. The alcohol free zones in the Wānaka CBD extend across the Roy’s Bay lakefront and back to Golf Course Rd. In Hāwea, the zone is inside the area with the perimeter of the lakefront, Muir Rd, Cemetery Rd, and Domain Rd. Detailed maps of the zones are available on the QLDC website. An instant fine of $250 will be issued for those found possessing or consuming alcohol in these zones or within a vehicle in the zones.

PHOTO: Pixabay

In just four simple steps you can enjoy a facepalm free summer.

3. Use the lake responsibly: The Coastguard will be patrolling the lake throughout summer and have noticed many boaters disregarding crucial lake rules. These are: • If passing within 100 metres of another boat, you are not to exceed a speed of 5 knots; • Take note of the buoys which indicate the five knot speed limit that is in place along the perimeter of the lake. This speed limit is regularly abused particularly by users of the boat ramp at the marina, and around the Wānaka Yacht Club, where children are often learning to sail; • Remember give way rules while on the water; • Wear a life jacket. Survival times for people in lake water without a floatation device can end up being only a few minutes because of cold shock.

4. Drive with caution: Similarly, police will be especially vigilant during the summer months on the roads, ensuring that all drivers are adhering to road rules. Police ask that all drivers remember to: • Stop for three seconds at stop signs; • Leave home earlier instead of recklessly overtaking to reach your destination faster; • Use a hands-free phone device if using a phone is necessary; • Do not drink and drive.

1 2 5

PHOTO: Supplied

A rare moment: Santa made a boisterous appearance at the Christmas Eve Market at Pembroke Park, to the delight of many children and parents.

PAGE 2

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN

thewanakasun.co.nz

Sun News

Wānaka events to raise funds for Foodbank

People needing help to join the dots due to the effects of disruption have more help on the way.

PHOTO: stock

More help coming in Lakes area for mental health Jo Galer

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

As the district faces ongoing effects of COVID-19, a new role to connect people with mental health and wellbeing support in the Central Lakes area will be available for assistance from early 2021.

The Mental Wellbeing Navigator role is being established by the Central-Lakes Wellbeing Response Group, which formed after the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Response group includes members from the Southern DHB, WellSouth Primary Health Network, Queenstown Lakes District Council, PHOTO: Supplied Central Lakes Family Services and TahunaCommunity Networks manager and foodbank coordinator Kate Murray (right) and Community Networks front Whakatipu Māori Community. office coordinator Nova Knippers at Wānaka’s foodbank.

Group chairperson Adell Cox, who is also dinner will be considerately paired with Cloudy Jo Galer Southern DHB’s Allied Health Director for Bay Wines from the world-renowned winery’s journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Mental Health, said the impacts of COVID have Central Otago and Marlborough vineyards. gone through several phases, and families and Wānaka’s Community Networks Foodbank will Tickets are $120. livelihoods have been significantly disrupted.

Community Networks manager and foodbank be the beneficiary of two upcoming events.

The collaborative “Summer Series” events in coordinator Kate Murray said the organisation is January will celebrate some of Central Otago’s delighted to be the beneficiary of the fundraising most important wine and food industry players initiative.

“The Wānaka Foodbank is an important ahead of the highly anticipated Ripe wine and food festival at the Corbridge Woolshed on resource for our community and we are grateful to receive the support, particularly after a trying Sunday, March 21.

Both events will offer raffles and auctions year for some local families,” she said.

“The funds raised from this initiative will go for bottles of wine and meal vouchers, and all profits from ticket sales will be donated to the straight to helping the people of Wānaka. The Foodbank is a confidential service that's available Community Networks Foodbank.

Ripe Summer Series: Hook and Maude is a long to anyone and everyone – our shelves are always lunch in the sun at the award-winning Hook salmon stocked and there’s always someone available to farm and café on Friday, January 15.The lunch – lend a hand or offer a listening ear.”

Tickets to Ripe Presents: Hook and held from midday-2.30pm. Tickets are $100.

Ripe Summer Series: Lipsky & Sons and Maude and Ripe Presents: Lipsky & Sons Cloudy Bay is an evening experience held at and Cloudy Bay – as well as tickets to the the sophisticated Lipsky & Sons restaurant on Ripe festival in March – can be purchased at Saturday, January 23 at 7pm. The four-course www.ripewanaka.nz/summerseries.

“People are continuing to live with uncertainty, and for some, this is challenging.

“There are a number of supports out there. And while a lot of people have been reaching out, we are concerned others have not, for a wide range of reasons,” she said.

“A Mental Wellbeing Navigator is a role that can join dots. They will not provide clinical care, but will help point people in the right direction and if needed, facilitate introductions.

Cox said that importantly, the group also wanted the role to connect with employers, teachers, church leaders and others so they know what is available, and how to support anyone they have concerns about.

The Mental Wellbeing Navigator role will be a two year position, advertised in January, and reporting to the Central Lakes Family Services.

It has been made possible with funds from the Central Lakes Trust, Wakatipu Greatest Needs Fund, Community Trust South and Lotteries.

PHOTO: Paula Haig

Cheers from Paula Haig’s family this Christmas.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

PAGE 3

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

Meg on track to complete Hāwea leg of swim

Meg took the headwinds in her stride in Lake Hāwea on Saturday.

Jo Galer

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Boosting her energy with gummy snakes and slurps of hot chocolate every so often, Dunedin schoolgirl swimmer Meg McLaughlan is right now ticking off the kilometres and long hours in her epic swim of Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka to raise money for the Otago and Southland branch of the Cancer Society.

Having raised $3,700 so far through her givealittle page, she’s pleased with her efforts to swim 23 kilometres of her first lake challenge, and “actually quite enjoying it.” At time of writing, she had 10 more kilometres of Hāwea to swim on Tuesday, and then would pack up the support crew and move to Lake Wānaka for the next phase of her swim, all going well from Wednesday December 30.

More used to swimming laps of Moana Pool in Dunedin, and finding the headwind on Hāwea on Saturday more difficult, she likes that she has scenery to look at as she swims, can see how far she is getting, and that she is swimming for a

PHOTO: Supplied

great cause.

“When it was windy I just put my head down and kept going. It’s hard but it’s good,” she said.

As for the water temperature, compared to the balmy climes of the pool: “It’s not too bad!

I thought it would be colder. I got in and it was cold, but then I just got used to it,” she said.

But it helps to be wearing a wetsuit – although this has provided her main source of pain so far. The wetsuit chafed around her neck and the only thing that helped was lots of tape wrapped around this part of her body.

Her swim is a real family affair – with her dad kayaking alongside, and her mum “on food” in the support boat driven by her brother. Meg hopes to have her epic swim finished by January 1. She is looking forward to not having to get up at just past 4am to be in the water by 5am.

“I’m looking forward to a good sleep at the end,” she said.

Meg said cancer is a disease that affects most people in some shape or form, including her Aunt about ten years ago, so the cause was well worth the effort.

PHOTO: Supplied

The 2020 Annual Cherry Festival in Cromwell was a great success with all ages taking part in the cherry spitting contest.

Cromwell cherry spitting champions crowned Ollie Blyth

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

It was a day of cherry spitting fun at the 2020 Annual Cherry Festival in Cromwell on 27 December. “This quirky family-friendly event always delivers a barrel of laughs,” said Carolyn Murray, chairperson of the Cromwell & Districts Promotion Group, “This year, we had 1000 people attending with 70 trying their hand at sending the pips flying.”

Competitor Tui Smith was the Cherry Stone Spitting Champion overall and in the adult men category with a pip which flew 10.50 meters.

Michelle Reid won the adult women category with a 5.90m pip spit. Adam Nicholson spat a

pip 6.10m, winning the U16 Boys category, and Tasmin O’Connell won the U16 Girls Category with a 5.40m spit. Additionally, Dontae Varley won the U6 category with 2.60m.

The Cherry Festival also featured a pie eating competition for kids and adults, a colouring competition for younger artists, and other fun family activities.

The Cromwell & Districts Promotion Group wishes to thank the sponsors and volunteers who helped make the event possible. Murray added, “A big thanks to Jackson’s Orchards, The Linen Collection, PopNGales, and Mr Whippy for your support.”

The Cromwell & Districts Promotion Group is a volunteer group that works to attract visitors to Stay, Dine, and Play in Cromwell, Central Otago.

love your hearing

New Years, New Ears!

Start your new year by hitting some of your health resolutions.

Healthy hearing means staying connected with friends and family. Mark your calendars - we reopen on 5 January and will be ready to help you hear in the new year!

100% Kiwi Owned Proud to be part of your local community

Call (03) 443 0744 Within the Wanaka Lakes Medical Centre 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka PAGE 4

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

Proudly 100% Kiwi owned and operated

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

Our local seedloving ‘good sort’ Jo Galer

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Andrew Penniket, who this year retired as manager of Wānaka community-based native plant nursery, Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, has left an impressive legacy on habitat restoration over more than a decade, according to his peers.

The Trust specialises in propagating plants of local origin from the Upper Clutha region and using them for native habitat restoration in the Wānaka area, while working with local community groups, schools, organisations and businesses. This year alone the Trust and volunteers planted almost 4000 native trees and shrubs in the Upper Clutha basin.

Before Christmas, a gathering of about 50 people at Rippon Hall acknowledged and thanked Andrew and his family for their tireless efforts.

Penniket was Te Kākano's nursery manager for 12 years and retired at the start of 2020.

He collected seeds and cuttings from local native species to grow at Te Kākano's nursery.

“Penniket planted and nurtured tens of thousands of seeds with passion, welcomed hundreds of people at the nursery, poured thousands of litres of strong coffee at nursery and planting sessions and shared his encyclopaedic knowledge with many people,” said Loran Verpillot, Trust Administrator.

“He has been instrumental in Te Kākano's success, but has also contributed hugely to local biodiversity and habitat restoration.”

Penniket said he found the work immensely rewarding and it had been a privilege working with the volunteers. “ There have been some fantastic people over the years,” he said.

“Seeing the changes around the lake shore and around Stoney Creek has been really rewarding – a few little plants are turning into a real habitat.

There are bellbirds and tui there now. It’s been a great time and I plan to continue volunteering.”

He added that the biggest challenges over the past decade were rabbits and drought. But the red beech forest at Glendhu Bay was his pride and joy.

“And along the millennium track those plantings are really taking off,” he said.

Penniket encouraged locals to get involved, either by becoming a volunteer or just helping with watering.

“Along the lake track there’s lots of volunteering you can do. When you’re out for your evening stroll, stop at the blue barrels along the track and

PHOTO: Jo Galer

Jacksons early campers joining thousands coming to Wānaka Jo Galer

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Charlotte Penniket

Sue and Andrew Penniket were thanked by the local community for the 12 years of service they have given the local environment.

They got rained on pitching a tent on Boxing Day but then it was all smiles for the Jackson family of Dunedin when the sun came out at the Wānaka Lakeview Holiday Park where they will spend their two-week break.

The Jacksons, (from left) rugby-mad son Ricky, who is in the Highlanders team, his sister Tamara, dad Mike and mum Cherie (front), stay in Wānaka camping, or glamping as they call it, every year, complete with two fridge-freezers filled with goodies and thirst-quenchers they transport from Dunedin. Each has their own bedroom, and it’s all a little bit of luxury in a sunny corner of Wānaka.

just do some watering as you walk along.”

The celebration at Rippon was also about the community saying thank you to the wider Penniket family for their work benefitting the local environment.

“As Wānaka newbies ten years ago and recently arrived from Wellington we ventured out seeking friendship and worthwhile volunteer opportunities,” said one of Te Kākano's volunteers at the event.

“At the nursery, fostered by your generosity of spirit and low-key approach, we discovered satisfaction and purpose in volunteering for the environment, and friendship from you and other like-minded souls. We welcome the chance to publicly salute Andrew and Sue for the warm, open and positive impact you had on us and our appreciation of life in Wānaka”.

Kris Vollebregt has taken over the role and welcomes all new volunteers.

The Jacksons, along with the Harvey, Kramer and Diack group of families – all of Dunedin – have been coming here for the past three years.

They are just a few of the thousands expected to arrive for an especially welcome summer break in coming days, as lines of cars, caravans and boats pour into the town.

Wānaka Police Prevention Sergeant Darren Cranfield said Wānaka would fill up from Christmas Day on and there would be very heavy traffic flow for the next couple of weeks on all roads in and out of Wānaka.

“Trying to get down town will be pretty frustrating so we are urging patience and respect on the roads. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday here,” he said.

Here when you need us the most

Commercial and residential landscaping Fulton Hogan’s highly skilled team deliver your landscaping requirements from design concepts, to construction including: • landscape design • tree pruning • stonework • turf install and repair • irrigation • exotic/native plant supply • paving • ongoing landscape • timber features maintenance • water features • vegetation control and mowing.

• arboriculture

Building communities THE WĀNAKA SUN

Opening hours: Monday—Friday 8:30am—6:00pm

For a free no obligation quote call: Phone 03 440 0500 www.fultonhogan.com

03 443 0725 • aspiringmedical.co.nz • 23 Cardrona Valley Rd THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

PAGE 5

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

INBRIEF Carols a Hit for Cromwell Crowd Christmas cheer triumphed over windy weather at the first Christmas Carols in the Park event in Cromwell on Sunday, December 20.

From small elves to gentleman bagpipers, choirs and young rockers, the variety of Cromwell talent charmed the 300-strong crowd at the Alpha Street reserve. People donated non-perishable food as they entered, the food going to Cromwell Community House for distribution.

The Fine Thyme Singers’ rousing carols performed from the deck of Mainfreight truck got the audience singing along at what was a combined event put on by the Cromwell & Districts Promotion Group and Connect Cromwell.

In true Cromwell style, Santa arrived in a Highlands Motorsport Park Porsche GT3 RS although dozens of children seemed equally delighted with the more sedate Cromwell Lions Club mini train.

It is expected to become an annual event and Connect Cromwell facilitator Tania Partridge said anyone was welcome to put forward ideas for next year’s entertainment.

Rotary Club New Year’s Book Sale The Rotary Club of Wānaka’s New Year’s book sale is going to be held at the Lake Wānaka Centre from 3 - 6 January 2021. The proceeds from the sale will go towards raising funds for support services at Mount Aspiring College (MAC). Members of the MAC community will be assisting with the sale. While not as large as this year’s October book sale, thousands of books will be featured at the New Year’s sale, each one with a coloured sticker to indicate

the price. Rotary Club of Wānaka president Mike Elliot said that, “For the new year sale the books are primarily novels and sports books, perfect for a summer read. We’re very happy to be teaming up with Mount Aspiring College for this sale. A need has been identified at the college for some funding so it will go to a very worthwhile cause.” The sale will be open each day from 10am-4pm.

QLDC Offices Closed The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) offices have been closed since 24 December and will remain so until 8:00am 5 January 2021. If urgent contact with council operational teams is necessary, Wānaka residents should phone (03) 443 0024 or email services@qldc.govt.nz Boost for Wakatipu’s affordable housing stocks At the December Full Council meeting for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), councillors approved a land transfer of council owned land in Jopp Street, Arrowtown. Around 68 affordable housing units are to be built on the 3.68 hectares of land, which was originally resolved for transfer to the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust in April 2019. The Council also extended its role as Guarantor to the Trust for $2M to secure a five year extension of their loan from the Central Lakes Trust to support Shotover Country Rental properties. On top of this, QLDC will provide the Trust with 5% of the value of the land sale at Lakeview to assist affordable housing, the payment of which has already been made.

Councillor John MacDonald said that, “QLDC has long had a good relationship with the

Trust… We’re delighted to be able to take steps to help address the affordable housing shortage here in Queenstown-Wakatipu, and throughout the wider district. These are very significant contributions from Council that will make a big difference in the years to come.” Trust chair Andrew Blair added, “By facilitating this project, both Council and the Trust can continue to strive towards our aligned goal of assisting 1000 households into affordable homes by 2028.”

Arrest in connection to Queenstown Posters The arrest of an 18 year old in relation to posters that were placed around Queenstown and at the Islamic Centre of Gorge Road was made recently. The individual was charged with possession of a knife, and police anticipate that further charges will soon be laid, according to Southern District Commander Superintendent Paul Basham. Anyone with further information regarding the incidents or arrest should contact the Queenstown Police on 105, or if anything suspicious is seen.

Devon Link Track Opened A new bike and pedestrian track linking Hāwea Flat and Albert Town was opened on 24 December, might to the delight of the local community. The Devon Link Track has been the mission of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust (UCTT) for over five years and now eliminates 10-15 minutes when biking the commute between Wānaka and Hāwea Flat while also creating a loop track for recreational cyclists and pedestrians in the area.

The opening event was an opportunity to test out the track, talk to members of UCTT, and photos. An official opening of the track will take place in February.

Beware flying golf balls

PHOTO: Supplied

Signs to raise awareness of stray golf balls have been erected on Golf Course Road.

Jo Galer

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Most people hope their golf balls will fly when they tee off - to their correct destination as close to the green as possible. But on Golf Course Road, a flying golf ball is not in the least bit desirable.

So much so that signs have just been erected by both the Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Wānaka Golf Club to beware of stray balls.

Clubhouse Manager Kim Badger said that with a lot more activity, such as walkers and cyclists on Golf Course Road alongside the course, the club had an obligation to ensure people using the area were aware they were next to a golf course and needed to keep an eye out for flying balls when cycling or walking alongside it.

“We are also educating golfers not to tee off if they can see walkers or cyclists on Golf Course Rd, and to wait until they have gone past. We hope that this might mitigate any health and safety issues with this,” she said.

WANAKA

NEW YEAR’S EVE

CELEBRATIONS Main Stage - Wanaka Waterfront

Pre Entertainment 2 - 4 pm

Includes music, family friendly games and roaming entertainers

8 - 8.30pm Better Than Nothing 8.30 - 10.45pm Hamiltones 10.45 - 1am The Execs

DJ Stage - Wanaka Waterfront 9 - 1am JACKED feat. MC Tree

For more info visit qldc.govt.nz/events PAGE 6

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

Aurora's price hike ‘commercial banditry’ for Wānaka residents Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Queenstown Lakes residents and in particularly Wānaka residents are being “absolutely dealt to” under the new pricing proposal by Aurora, according to Queenstown Lakes District Council [QLDC] councillor Wānaka ward, Quentin Smith.

Aurora Energy owns and operates the poles, lines and other equipment that distribute electricity from Transpower’s national grid to 90,000 homes, farms and businesses in Dunedin, Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes. Aurora is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dunedin City Holdings Limited, owned by Dunedin City Council [DCC]. Aurora’s charges are built into power bills and are something its consumers are required to pay no matter which power company they are with. Typically, electricity distribution charges make up about a quarter of an average residential consumer’s power bill.

In June, Aurora was expected to apply to the Commerce Commission to spend around $400 million over the next three years to address safety and reliability issues on its network. To pay for this, the power bills of Aurora’s consumers were likely to increase significantly.

“The substantial increases proposed to electricity supply and network management

sought by Aurora is the direct result of an ongoing failure to invest in and maintain the assets adequately and the skimming of undue dividends

by DCC, money that needed to be reinvested in the company to fulfil their core function and responsibility to customers,” Smith said.

“The Upper Clutha faces nearly a 50 per cent greater increase and in some cases faces nearly double the line charges than what Dunedin residents are or will be required to pay or residents who have already benefited (through rates) from the undue takings from the company.”

A letter from the Commerce Commission to Smith said: “In June, Aurora is expected to apply to us [Commerce Commission] to spend around $400 million over the next three years to address safety and reliability issues on its network. To pay for this, the power bills of Aurora’s consumers are likely to increase significantly.

“Major investment is needed in Aurora’s network. Our [Commerce Commission’s] role is to decide how much money it should be allowed to recover from its customers to carry out its plan and over what period.

“We are acutely aware of the importance of this issue to Aurora’s consumers. We understand that now, more than ever, household incomes will be strained, especially in light of coronavirus.

Many consumers will be struggling to pay their bills while needing a reliable electricity supply.

The Council Word Libraries Fines Amnesty

Find ways to give this December

Worried about your library fines mounting up?

For the month of December your local library will happily shelve fines in exchange for non-perishable food items, children’s books, toiletries and vouchers. Each item waives $5 and goods received go to Food for Love.

It’s a win-win!

‘Giving’ is one of the five ways to wellbeing and a great way to look after the mental health and wellbeing of others. Once Christmas trees start popping up in homes around New Zealand, you might like to surprise someone with something you’ve made for them or bought with them in mind.

For ideas on looking after yourself and others, visit www.allright.org.nz

QLDC Christmas office hours Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the team at QLDC. Our offices are closed from 3pm on 24 December until 5 January.

Anything urgent can still be reported 24/7 by phoning 03 441 0499.

Holiday hours at the pool Wānaka Rec Centre will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Opening hours vary on other days so check before you head out via our website qldc.govt.nz/recreation or Scuttlebutt.

Summer alcohol ban A 24 hour alcohol ban applies in Wānaka’s CBD between 24 December and 6 January.

If you’re planning a gathering that includes a drink or two in a public place, please follow any signs in the area or check the maps on the QLDC website first. Nobody wants to end up paying $250 just for a couple of drinks.

www.qldc.govt.nz THE WĀNAKA SUN

Draft Shotover River Bylaw 2021 We’re proposing a new draft Shotover River Bylaw 2021 which retains the same restrictions on public access to the Concession Area in the current bylaw, along with a number of minor amendments. Check out the draft at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz and have your say now. Submissions close at 5.00pm on Monday 25 January 2021.

A key consideration for us in setting Aurora’s new maximum revenues and quality standards is balancing the cost to consumers with the urgent need to fix Aurora’s network.”

Under investing in the Aurora network led to increased power cuts between 2016 and 2019. The High Court ordered an almost five million dollar fine for Aurora's failings under the Commerce Act. Commerce Commission deputy chair Sue Begg said at the time; Aurora did not respond to an earlier warning in 2014 for not meeting its quality standards in 2012.

"Aurora's previous management and board were well aware of the deteriorating state of its network but failed to take action," she said.

"Aurora's historic under-investment in asset maintenance and renewal including of its poles, cables and transformers has resulted in a material deterioration in Aurora's service quality in recent years.

"In particular, Aurora failed to comply with good industry practice regarding their data management, asset renewal and replacement, risk management, and vegetation management."

Smith said; “The DCC and in turn residents of the DCC had been financially benefiting from taking funds from the company while it failed to maintain the network in the outlying districts.

Most clearly seen in the power pole scandal but also evident in its underlying struggles in our region. The massive catchup in infrastructure cost is now being sought to be loaded on the smaller communities while giving the DCC residents a lesser increase.

“Residents of the Upper Clutha should be outraged that we are wearing an undue cost burden to the benefit of the DCC. Both the DCC and Aurora continue to act with contempt for their customers who do not sit within the DCC district.

“Prior to seeking any increases in the pricing, the DCC must return the undue takings from the company and reinvest them and then and only then should they see a balanced and fair increase in the costs.

“Particularly in these times (post coronavirus) where few can afford a 24 per cent increase in power bills, and the actions of Aurora and DCC are grossly unreasonable and unfair,” Smith said.

QLDC councillor Michael Laws said he would “also be asking our colleagues to take a stand on

Quentin Smith: Wānaka residents are going to be “absolutely dealt to” by the new pricing proposal from Aurora.

PHOTOS: QLDC

Mike Laws: The actions of Aurora and DCC are grossly unreasonable and unfair.

the usurious attempt by Aurora Energy to gouge Otago consumers to make up for appalling past management and governance.

“I will have some very strong words to share at [yesterday’s] council meeting on this issue.

Aurora’s proposal is commercial banditry, plain and simple. The current Commerce Commission inquiry is seeking public comment, and the ORC has a direct interest. Very simply, these excessive price rises of up to 23 per cent, are bad for both the Otago consumer and the Otago environment.”

Snap, Send and Solve with QLDC If you spot an issue in the community you can now raise it with Council using an app on your phone called Snap Send Solve.

The app is a simple, free and fast way to send QLDC ‘Fix It’ requests, meaning the next time you spot a pesky water leak on the road outside your house or a fallen tree blocking a trail, snap it then send it and QLDC will solve it. You can download the Snap Send Solve app on Google Play and the Apple Store.

www.WanakaMedical.co.nz t: (03) 443 0710 a: 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka

Trusted Healthcare for Life THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

PAGE 7

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

WānakaSAR and the search for What does spring hold for our ski fields?

Joanna Perry Stephanie Simpson newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Wānaka SAR

The WānakaSAR swiftwater rescue/canyon team played a key role in the search for Stephanie Simpson last week.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Searchers located missing hiker Stephanie Simpson’s body last Friday, February 14, after what appeared to have been a tragic accident in Mount Aspiring National Park.

Sergeant Mark Kirkwood, who led the search on behalf of West Coast Police Search and Rescue, said the search team found Simpson’s body in the Pyke Creek area, near Brewster Hut, around 1:40pm.

Kirkwood extended the Police’s condolences to Simpson’s family. He also thanked everyone involved in the five-day search, adding that it was “extremely challenging at times, especially in consideration of the terrain, and the work of all involved is to be commended.”

Assisting the West Coast Police in the search were Wānaka Search and Rescue (WānakaSAR), a volunteer organisation made up of highlytrained teams, each with their own specialisation.

Incident management, alpine cliff rescue, bush rescue, swiftwater/canyon rescue and search dog teams bring their own expertise and experience to every operation — and there are many.

“We’re probably one of the busiest backcountry SAR teams in the country, just because we’re on the doorstep to Mount Aspiring,” said Chair and previous Wānaka Police Search and Rescue coordinator Aaron Nicholson (who recently retired after almost 31 years’ service).

Since the start of 2020, WānakaSAR has carried out eight search and rescue operations, giving over 500 hours of volunteer time.

“A lot of our guys are self-employed, so they walk away from a days’ wages to go and help a complete stranger… and they’ll do it day, after day, after day. That happens all over New Zealand,” Nicholson told the Wānaka Sun. Wānaka SAR attend all manner of call-outs, from avalanches, to kayaks being washed downriver, to

dementia patients going wandering.

Speaking about last week’s tragic search, Nicholson agreed that the terrain was tough, with scrubby bush and steep drop offs making it difficult to manoeuvre. “You’ve got your waterways and your tricky little canyons as well, so that always makes it complicated,” he added.

Acknowledging that speculating on what may have happened “was for the police and the coroner”, Nicholson recounted the SAR team’s involvement. “One of the search dogs found the boots by the creek, and that focused the search on that creek. That’s where the canyon team was put in.”

“One of the guys in the helicopter saw the pack further down… Finally, Stephanie was found in the water down there,” he said, adding that “we try and do our bit well, and leave the next bit to the police.”

The WānakaSAR swiftwater rescue/canyon team is made up of 15 volunteers, with four working each day of the operation depending on the job required. “We try and make sure we’ve got the right people with the right skill-set, so they’re working within their envelopes,” Nicholson said.

“But there is certainly an element of risk, and that’s why we need specialist people who are really good at what they do. These people do this all the time. They’re out jumping in waterfalls and canyons on the weekends. It’s what they do for recreation.”

The work of WānakaSAR is entirely publicly funded, and Nicholson is proud that they have a good profile in the area. “People recognise the work we do, and a lot of people from the area are outdoorsy people who think, ‘One day, it might be me. It would be nice to help.’”

It’s the same motivation for a lot of the volunteers, who are made up climbers, hunters, trampers and kayakers. “They want to know that if something goes wrong, the right people are going to come looking for them.”

They’ve faced pre-season uncertainty, unexpected school holiday rushes, a COVID-19 resurgence, and one of the lowest snow years on record. With September just around the corner, what do the next seven weeks of spring skiing look like for our snow fields?

An article in RNZ on Sunday made it clear that South Island ski fields are feeling the loss of Auckland visitors in the wake of the level 3 lockdown restrictions, which have forced many to cancel their ski holiday plans since New Zealand ramped up its alert levels on August 12.

Bridget Legnavsky, General Manager Cardrona Alpine Resorts, reported that Cardrona and Treble Cone had lost more than 30 percent of their business as a direct result of the Auckland lockdown.

"We had some big weeks coming up in August and we could see them coming through - the way we see it is generally through future bookings or forward bookings and also bed nights in the town so we were watching that very carefully, and the bed nights in Wānaka for the week of the August 24 were up to 100 percent, so we were getting ready for that,” said Legnavsky.

"But clearly we've had a whole lot of cancellations from people not being able to get to those, so that will change."

Legnavsky believed that these cancellations had made adjusting to alert level 2 operations much easier at the resorts, “because I don't think we would have been able to handle the level 2 environment with too many people here, and

PHOTO: Joanna Perry

They’ve faced pre-season uncertainty, unexpected school holiday rushes, a COVID-19 resurgence, and one of the lowest snow years on record - but our ski fields are holding out for more snow and a busy September.

making a decision of who could come and who couldn't come was going to be really, really tricky."

Snow Farm NZ manager Sam Lee said that the lack of Aucklanders was “significantly affecting” the business, as was the lack of snow - which had currently reduced operations at the cross country skiing resort.

Much of July’s snow buildup at the resorts has been reversed by an unusually long warm spell over August, with north-westerlies and rain.

Lee said it was too early to tell how long Snow Farm’s season would last, but nevertheless he was looking forward to more snow, which is currently forecast over the next week Legnavsky also remained positive for a good spring season, and said she did not anticipate any problems with both Cardrona and Treble Cone seeing it out to their planned closing dates October 16 for Treble Cone, and 18 for Cardrona.

She suggested that, “if we get a decent amount of snow,” Treble Cone’s opening could be extended by another week, but said she would know more after the weekend.

PHOTO: Steve Ford

The first day of lockdown and a lonely cyclist heads down Ardmore Street. Perhaps they were hoping for that last chelsea bun from the Doughbin? The streets of Wānaka are empty and the lakefront deserted. No cars, no boats, no children in the playground, no tourists flocking to the iSite venue. Businesses have shut up shop and are hurting. There is no doubting the lockdown is affecting them- and not just those in the tourism industry, but right across the board.

Central Otago FUNERALS

Looking after all your joinery needs from design to installation.

Also designer splash backs & appliance packages.

B & M JOINERY LTD 4 Ree Crescent, Cromwell, 03 265 2077 Brendon 027 449 2291, Mark 027 768 1977

PAGE 8

As 2020 draws to an end I am sure many of us will look back on the past year as a very trying time with the implications that COVID brought us. People often commented to us that it must have been difficult coping with funerals during this time as we had restrictions on family viewings and gatherings held. While we certainly had challenges to cope with I want to acknowledge those families who were at the forefront of this. It became very important for them to hold a memorial service later on so that they and those close to them could have a fitting farewell. From the team at Central Otago Funerals—May your time at Christmas be an opportunity to connect with family again.

Office hours: 8:30am – 5pm centralotagofunerals@hotmail.co.nz 16 Ennis Street, Alexandra 9320 0800 263 863 or 03 448 8642

Penny Fisher RN MBA

027 343 4776

Penny’s Home Care Professional Trustworthy Friendly Reliable Personal care, Dementia care, 24 hour care, Palliative care, Medication assistance, Transport to appointments.

www.polishedconcretecentral.co.nz

www. pennyshom ecare.co.nz

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

Take a breath, says Mayor Boult Martin Jenkins led QLDC Focus Group Session Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult has called on the community to “take a breath,”understand the latest announcement and calmly prepare for the four-week lockdown period.

“This is a time where humanity and kindness need to come to the fore. The hardest thing of all will be our ability to adapt, but we can and we will,” Boult said.

“There are implications for everyone; break down the implications, write a list of your challenges and then work through the solutions with whānau, friends and support services.

“All the answers we need to understand in this unprecedented time may not be immediately at hand, and that is ok. Take seriously the need to network now with neighbours, particularly the vulnerable.”

Boult included stranded visitors in that consideration. “Yes, some visitors may need to be locked down in your premises for four weeks.

You will need to work through the implications of that with guests. Hopefully, some have planned for that outcome. If not, start your plan now.”

Last week Boult had spoken of how difficult the lead up to the lockdown had been. “I am very used to frequently describing the Queenstown Lakes District as a thriving economy, boasting near zero unemployment, but suddenly, this is no longer the case. And, typically, management of my weekly diary requires the balancing of travel, with various meetings across the country and a series of events here in Wānaka and Queenstown.

It’s been very different [last] week. My time was spent working with the central government, our civil defence team, the SDHB, a fledgeling recovery team and council staff in full emergency management mode all the while fielding messages from so many residents and businesses offering assistance. Clearly, the one thing that hasn’t changed is the spirit of our community.”

The bleak reality of missing out on the culture of the Festival of Colour, the excitement of Warbirds over Wānaka, LUMA or the unique village celebration that is the Arrowtown Autumn Festival, was depressing, he said.

“To think of these events, alongside the other enormously successful achievements and world-firsts of entrepreneurs and our creative community groups, brings me great comfort in this unsettling and uncertain time. Further, when I look at the leadership in place across the district (and I’m talking across the board – in our schools, business community, community associations, arts, environmental and sporting groups, as well

as local government), I have great confidence that we have the collective skills, energy and ingenuity to get through this upheaval.”

In this district, a young musterer bought into a small trucking business, which evolved into a ski field and tourism empire and resulted in a knighthood and his induction into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame. A couple of young travellers took an ancient tradition from Vanuatu and turned it into a global adventure tourism business with its home right here in the district.

Over three million people worldwide have now bungy-jumped with AJ Hackett. Our youth are often on the world’s academic, environmental and sporting stages. We have people with a passion for the environment that have built incredible networks planting hundreds of thousands of natives and trapping predators to bring thriving bird song amongst our stunning scenery, he said.

“Here at council, you can have faith that we have the skills, relationships and experience to support our communities in this difficult time.

More examples. Our council chief executive Mike Theelen, labelled by one of the council’s most vocal detractors as “just the sort of man you'd want in charge of our multiple community crises and challenges”, was Christchurch City Council’s manager of strategy and planning during the Christchurch earthquakes and more importantly, the recovery.”

“From this community will come stories of the generosity and resilience humanity is very capable of. In years to come, we will recall just how we looked out for our neighbours, how landlords and tenants, bankers and debtors, and those from both the Upper Clutha and Wakatipu all worked together to get through this pandemic and emerged in better shape than before.”

Times now are tough. But there will be light on the other side, Boult said.

“Let’s seize the opportunity to be at our very best, and show the attributes that have made us a beacon for business and community spirit around the world.” Council’s emergency operations centre will continue to function through the lockdown as will council services, many of which will occur remotely. Other essential and core infrastructure services such as waste and recycling collections will continue as usual with the appropriate safety precautions in place for QLDC staff.

“Much will need to change and adapt in the interim, but we will keep you informed at every step. Finally, as the Prime Minister has said, essential services, food, petrol and pharmaceutical supplies will all still be available, and there is no shortage in supply,” Boult said.

I attended this session as a member of the Wānaka Central Business District Property Owners Group 2 hours, approx. 10 other attendees including Tourism, hospitality operators, Wānaka Chamber of Commerce, Airport users, CBD Business owners.

Session was facilitated by 3 Martin Jenkins staff.

Scene setting, then session commenced by invited participants to record their viewpoints regarding airport impact on pre prepared factors, e.g. environment, infrastructure, social, housing etc.

Participants asked to rank both positive and negative impacts, in order of importance, via sticky labels .

This was challenging. Some participants felt that some factors and impacts had not been documented E.g. growth impact on community well being, mental health, drug & alcohol , and wider environmental impact, e.g. water quality Poor historic delivery of infrastructure was identified as a major issue, and uncertainty as to whether airport expansion would necessarily address the catch-up required, let alone get ahead of the impact of any airport expansion.

Second part of session invited participants to highlight positive and negative aspects of 4 predetermined future airport scenarios

• Status quo • Expanded noise boundaries ZQN, no scheduled services Wānaka • Dual airport and turbo / narrow jet capable Wānaka Airport • New international airport Again there was discussion as to why other scenarios e.g. examination of other regional airports Invercargill/Dunedin were not being offered as a discussion scenarios. Again it was challenging to figure where to put 15 stickers which indicated opinion across several measurements Overall it was a worthwhile session, however felt that we were being asked to provide input into a pre-determined format. This restricted an examination of wider options.

I think that when the input from all the sessions has been assembled/collated , it will represent a very generalised and broad brush data set. Time was short and there was very limited opportunity for open ended debate and discussion.

It will be interesting to see the format on the online public survey, expected to be open to the public by the end of this week. Will it be similar to this focus session which kind of controls the narrative.

– By Roger Gardiner

Wānaka population set to double in 30 years Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wānaka is set to double its population in the next 30 years, according to the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) population projections published last week.

The projections shed light on average population figures and took into account the effect COVID-19 had – and will continue to have – on the district.

Four different demand projections were considered, all of which were based on the Council’s previous 2018 population projections.

They ranged from the same eventual outcome as proposed in the 2018 projections, to a 30-year delay from the 2018 projections.

While a slowdown in growth over the initial ten years was expected, population figures would increase in the 20-year period that followed.

The estimated population for the Wānaka Ward for 2021 was 13,640, but by 2051 this would have grown to 28,240, with an annual change of 508.

The total number of visitors on a peak day in 2012 was expected to be 19,500; while by 2051 this would have grown to 24,500.

The total number of residents on an average day in 2021 was predicted to be 15,930. The total number of residents on an average day in 2051

was predicted to be 23,770.

QLDC Chief Executive Mike Theelen said the projections showed any population slowdown would not last into the future.

“While COVID-19 will have a significant impact on our population in the short-term, this doesn’t mean our district’s ongoing development will stop,” Theelen said.

“Both historical and current patterns suggest the district can have continued confidence about its future population. The district has very strong demographic fundamentals, and while the economic and social dislocation as a result of COVID will dampen demand, this will eventually return. Our modeling expects that ongoing family formation and migration from people across Aotearoa New Zealand and elsewhere who see the district as a great place to live, work, and play will ensure that population trends recover over time.”

While population projections were initially scheduled to be reviewed every six months, delays in the release of the 2018 census data led to them not being reviewed until this year.

Other statistics predicted the number of houses in the Wānaka Ward to rise from 8,530 in 2021 to 15,410 in 2051.

The total rating units were predicted to rise from 10,010 in 2012 to 17,920 in 2051.

BOXING DAY SALE

Get your post-Xmas recovery kit, half price.

Ari 2.5 Seater Chaise - Charcoal

9062445

If you’re all done with Christmas but wouldn’t mind a prezzy for the lounge, how about relaxing in this comfy/chic suite with chaise, for improved napping capabilities. Gift wrapping not included, obviously.

$999 $1999 was

less than

12

$

per week for 24 months on on Interest Free*

LIMITED STOCK^

Also available in 3 + 2 Seater Lounge Suite.

Offer valid until 19th January 2021, while stocks last, unless otherwise stated. Some products on display in selected stores only – please call 0800 764 847 to check availability. Personal shoppers only. *Apple, selected computers, game consoles, gift cards, clearance items and some promotional items are not available in conjunction with interest free offers. Flooring available on a maximum of 18 months interest free. Exclusions, fees, terms, conditions, and credit criteria apply.

Available in-store only. Equal instalment amounts include one-off booking fee of $45.00, annual fees of $45.00 p.a. and security registration fee of $8.05, and exclude insurance. Current interest rate of 23.95% applies to any unpaid balance after expiry of (any) interest free period. See in-store or visit smithscity.co.nz/interest-free for details. ^Limited quantity deals are while stocks last. Limited 1 per customer, trade not supplied, personal shoppers only.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

SCWK36WS1

PAGE 9

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

Millenium Pathway stays Where will it be? Decision time for primary birthing unit • Decommission Charlotte Jean Maternity Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

One of the tasks of a new working party would be to review the Millennium Pathway's historical, grammatical and spelling accuracy.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wānaka's Millenium Pathway along the lakefront will be moved and its tiles replaced as part of a concept design for stage two of the lakefront development.

Stage two along Ardmore St between McDougal St and the centre of town was approved by the Wānaka Community Board last Thursday.

The 560m pathway was a community project which consisted of a series of tiles displaying essential dates in history over 2000 years.

It will be re-created alongside a new "active travel promenade" for cyclists and pedestrians.

Other features of the lakefront were gardens and a line of car parks broken up by viewing corridors.

Board member Ed Taylor noted camper vans would not be allowed to use the parks on the lakeside of Ardmore St, to avoid a "white wall" effect but would be permitted to parallel park on the other side of Ardmore St. The approved stage two option has a budget of $2.8M. One of the tasks of a new working party would be to review the Millennium Pathway's historical, grammatical and spelling accuracy.

It will also add more events, including those from Maori history.

The future of the pathway has been a polarising issue for almost four years, with hundreds of signatures collected calling for it to be retained.

Community board member Niamh Shaw said the Community Board members were pleased “to have a way forward for our town lakefront.”

“Although the preferences for the two options

weren’t as clear-cut as I would prefer, the detailed designs will attempt to incorporate the wishes and themes that were consistent across the majority of community feedback.

“Overwhelmingly - regardless of which concept plan was favoured by submitters - the feedback from over 170 submissions was to retain the natural feel of the lakefront, along with as many existing trees as possible.

“The detailed designs are subject to WCB sign-off, and I am hopeful that some of the passion, spirit and collaboration that defined the Millenium Path project twenty years ago can be recaptured in the Millennium Path Community Working Group,” Shaw said.

Chair of the Wānaka Community Board Barry Bruce said;” Stage 2 of The Lakefront Development Plan has been a work in progress for some time.

“The Community Board was mindful of the need to come up with a proposal that meets the communities expectations, in particular easy access to the lake, open natural space, ample car parking and honouring the Millennium Pathway legacy.

“I would like to acknowledge the work done

by QLDC staff and WCB members including preparing concept plans and liaising with our community including drop-in sessions and evaluating written submissions.

“I am confident the chosen option will ensure our beautiful lakefront environment is futureproofed for present and future generations.”

Stage one of the five-stage lakefront development has been completed, and phase three is underway.

The total cost could run to more than $13million.

Options for the location of a new primary birthing unit in Central Otago have been released in preparation for a public meeting in Cromwell to gain community feedback.

The meeting will be held today, from 4 pm, at the Cromwell Presbyterian Church, 10 Elspeth Street, Cromwell.

Southern DHB has worked alongside the Central Lakes Locality Network to engage with stakeholders and local communities to develop options to meet the need for primary birthing facilities.

Mary Cleary Lyons, general manager, Primary and Population Health, Southern DHB said the public meeting will share feedback received from the public consultation so far, and present options around the configuration of maternity services in the area for people to consider.

During the consultation process, over 300 responses to an online form were received, and meetings were held with stakeholders including midwives, primary care, St John and Māori communities.

Participants were asked their views on the most important issues to consider when deciding on a location for a primary maternity facility. These included: 24/7 midwifery availability at birthing facilities; rapid access to urgent transport, especially a helicopter, and equity of travel times and access to primary birthing facilities for all parts of the region.

Based on this feedback, the proposed four options are being presented for consideration at the public meeting.

Option One: • Locate a single new facility at Cromwell

Hospital • Supplemented by maternal and child hubs in Wānaka, Alexandra and Ranfurly • Emergency birthing facilities in Lawrence Option Two: • Locate a single new primary birthing unit in Clyde at Dunstan Hospital • Decommission Charlotte Jean Maternity Hospital • Supplemented by maternal and child hubs in Wānaka and Ranfurly • Emergency birthing facilities in Lawrence Option Three: • Locate a new Primary Birthing Unit in Wānaka AND • Retain the current unit in Alexandra (Charlotte Jean) • Supplemented by maternal and child hubs in Ranfurly and Cromwell • Emergency birthing facilities in Lawrence Option Four: • Locate a new Primary Birthing Unit in Wānaka AND • Relocate the current unit in Alexandra (Charlotte Jean) to be co-located with Dunstan Hospital in Clyde • Supplemented by maternal and child hubs in Ranfurly and Cromwell • Emergency birthing facilities in Lawrence Southern DHB said: “We have sincerely appreciated the consideration that has been given to this question, and the thoughts our communities and stakeholders have shared with us. It is a complex issue, and there are a variety of possible solutions, each of which offers opportunities as we weigh up the priorities involved.”

Nico Porteous lands 1620 Sports reporter

sports@thewanakasun.co.nz

Local freeskier Nico Porteous has finished fourth in the men’s Ski Superpipe on the final day of competition at X Games Aspen. Saving his best until last, Nico’s fourth run included a trick never before landed in competition, a double cork 1620.

Using the new jam format introduced for the first time at this year’s X Games, the eight finalists had 30 minutes to take as many laps through the pipe as possible and were judged on their entire work rate across that time rather than individual top scoring runs.

Porteous’s campaign got off to a tricky start with the binding popping off his ski on the landing of his very first hit but he came back firing on his second run, gunning for the 1620 at the top of the superpipe but not quite sticking the landing.

Sitting in seventh place coming into his third run, Nico landed rightside and leftside 1260s which bumped him up into fifth place with enough time on the clock for one final run. Sticking with an all-or-nothing approach Porteous once again dug deep in the trick bag, made four and a half rotations through the air and this time stomped the landing, with the judges improving his ranking by one place.

BOXING DAY SALE

It’s like Xmas day, for the kitchen.

583L Black French Door Fridge Freezer

9050213

You’ve just scored some treats from under the tree, maybe it’s time to treat your kitchen to a little upgrade. This beauty from Samsung with Twin Cooling and a water dispenser should do the trick. And at this price - how could you not? less than

$1690 $18

per week for 24 months on on Interest Free*

LIMITED STOCK^

Stock is due in January, but it’s worth the wait.

Offer valid until 5th January 2021, while stocks last, unless otherwise stated. Some products on display in selected stores only – please call 0800 764 847 to check availability. Personal shoppers only. *Apple, selected computers, game consoles, gift cards, clearance items and some promotional items are not available in conjunction with interest free offers. Flooring available on a maximum of 18 months interest free. Exclusions, fees, terms, conditions, and credit criteria apply.

Available in-store only. Equal instalment amounts include one-off booking fee of $45.00, annual fees of $45.00 p.a. and security registration fee of $8.05, and exclude insurance. Current interest rate of 23.95% applies to any unpaid balance after expiry of (any) interest free period. See in-store or visit smithscity.co.nz/interest-free for details. ^Limited quantity deals are while stocks last. Limited 1 per customer, trade not supplied, personal shoppers only.

PAGE 10

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

SCWK36WS2

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

Sounds Air takes to Wānaka skies Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan

stage three takes shape

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The first newly scheduled Sounds Air flight 710 departed Wānaka at 8 am on Monday with nine passengers, and arrived in Christchurch before 9 am. After a quick turnaround, the aircraft was back in Wānaka at 10 am. It took off again for Christchurch, with the final daily return to Wānaka departing at 5.20 pm. Passengers were home by 6 pm.

Sounds Air, which operated in eight other destinations around the country including Taupo, Wellington and Nelson had scheduled up to three services in and out of Wānaka per day and up to 15 flights per week. As of last Friday, 200 tickets had been confirmed.

Sounds Air Managing Director Andrew Crawford said he was "pretty encouraged" by the demand for tickets, saying it reinforced the company's decision to provide the new daily service.

"This is fantastic news, not just for Sounds Air, but for the communities of Wānaka and Christchurch who have been so supportive of this proposed service. The survey we commissioned in June this year showed 90 per cent support from the 3,600 respondents, which showed us that we had a ready market for this service."

Crawford said that although Sounds Air was not a big commercial organisation, it intended to last. But its success relied on the dynamics and responsiveness of the communities it serviced.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor, Jim Boult, said the new service was a positive contributor to the district's recovery from the economic effects of COVID-19.

"The Upper Clutha has backed the introduction of this service, and I sincerely hope it will help underpin and strengthen business connections for the entrepreneurial and innovative community of Wānaka with Christchurch, and further afield," Boult said.

Justin Watson, Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer at Christchurch Airport said: "The Sounds Air service between Christchurch and Wānaka is a reflection of the popularity of both places. We know lots of Christchurch residents own and regularly visit a property in Wānaka, while a lot of Wānaka residents frequently travel through here for business. This service will assist both those groups, as well as many others."

Chairman of Sounds Air Ryan Wardman said the operation should be successful because it gave passengers the option of flying to Christchurch

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult and Queenstown Airport Corporation Chief Executive Colin Keel farewell the first Sounds Air flight from Wānaka to Christchurch.

and back in a day.

Sounds Air will be the fourth passenger air service to operate out of Wānaka Airport. The last was Eagle Air which ceased in 2013.

The Wānaka – Christchurch service would be especially good for Wānaka-ites conducting business in Christchurch, Crawford said.

The advantages of the nine-seater Pilatus-12 service was there were no queues and no waiting for baggage at a carousel, he said.

"This is a service for people who value their time. The PC-12 is like a private jet. It's fast and comfortable -we give you your bag, and you're on your way."

Two staff would be based in Wānaka, and being able to re-employ a former Sounds Air staff member here was a bonus.

Crawford said the company had wanted to establish the scheduled passenger service in Wānaka since 2018 but "a few things had got in the way" of plans, such as a shortage of aircraft and COVID-19. Eventually, "the stars aligned" this year.

He said they weren't planning a big advertising campaign but with 150 seats available each week "all we want is for people to try the experience and spread the word."

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean was on the first flight bound for Christchurch.

“I was thrilled to be able to book a seat on the inaugural flight,” she said.

“This service could be fantastic for Wānaka and the surrounding area. At a time when the lack of international tourists is causing pain for local businesses, any extra money coming in through domestic travellers is very welcome.”

“As someone who does a lot of flying for work, it’s great to have an option which means I can fly from Wānaka to Wellington and return via a connecting flight from Christchurch.”

PHOTO: Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan

Barry Bruce: the underutilised land from Wānaka Marina through to Bullock Creek will become a real destination for both locals and visitors to the town.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Stage Three of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan is starting to take shape, with a detailed design nearing completion and several artist impressions released to the public.

Stage Three will see the implementation of Te Ara Wānaka (a shared pathway) for pedestrians and cyclists and a separate boardwalk along the lake's edge, guided by valuable community feedback received in support of continuous access.

Development and restoration of ecology continue to be an integral part of Stage Three, with plans for wide-scale planting in the area to maintain a rugged, natural look, while also providing an injection of native flora and fauna.

Local organisation Te Kākano will be involved to help eco-source as many locally grown plants as possible, with plans for continued collaboration in planting for future stages of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan.

QLDC community services general manager, Thunes Cloete was pleased to see Stage Three evolving, saying that once finished, the area would be a combination of ecology and accessibility of which the community would be proud.

"We received overwhelming support for Stage Three's concept plan released back in June last year, with our community asking for more planting and improved access," Cloete said.

"We understand there was some apprehension about the boardwalk and its effect on Wānaka's grebe population, but we've worked with

BOXING DAY SALE

It’s like Christmas but you get what you want.

65” TU8000 4K HDR Smart TV

stakeholders to not only make sure they're accounted for but that any development in the area supports them."

Wānaka resident John Darby was looking forward to the project getting underway, noting that grebe and the majority of Wānaka's waterfowl nest in the area, and would benefit from Stage Three developments.

"The introduction of more planting here will improve the ecosystem, and provide an increased food source for grebe and other birds," Darby said.

Wānaka Community Board (WCB) Chair, Barry Bruce said the board was delighted with how Stage Three was coming along, noting that the underutilised land from Wānaka Marina through to Bullock Creek would become a real destination for both locals and visitors to the town.

"Both pedestrians and cyclists will be able to move through the area safely, and landscaping will provide places for people to sit, enjoy a picnic and take in some of the best views Wānaka has to offer," Bruce said.

"We're really excited at the prospect of sharing more of Wānaka's rich past by way of information panels highlighting the area's significance to Kāi Tahu, and details of native plant and animal life found nearby."

"We're also hoping to help facilitate community groups running science projects in this section of the lakefront, with current plans to support Wai Wānaka and the Freshwater Improvement Million Metres Fund in monitoring riparian planting and its effects over time," Bruce said.

65”

9063148

We’re not saying you didn’t want those socks. And no doubt, you’ll find a good use for them. But, The Boxing Day Sale is when you get to really spoil yourself.

If you’ve been eyeing up a new TV, now’s the time for guilt-free indulgence.

$1495

less than

16

$

per week for 24 months on on Interest Free*

Offer valid until 5th January 2021, while stocks last, unless otherwise stated. Some products on display in selected stores only – please call 0800 764 847 to check availability. Personal shoppers only. *Apple, selected computers, game consoles, gift cards, clearance items and some promotional items are not available in conjunction with interest free offers. Flooring available on a maximum of 18 months interest free.

Exclusions, fees, terms, conditions, and credit criteria apply. Available in-store only. Equal instalment amounts include one-off booking fee of $45.00, annual fees of $45.00 p.a. and security registration fee of $8.05, and exclude insurance. Current interest rate of 23.95% applies to any unpaid balance after expiry of (any) interest free period. See in-store or visit smithscity.co.nz/interest-free for details.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

SCWK36WS3

PAGE 11

Sun Sport

thewanakasun.co.nz

Local snow sports athletes invited to X Games Aspen Ollie Blyth

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Four kiwi snow sports athletes have been offered prestigious invitations to compete at the X Games Aspen 2021 which will be held from 29-31 January. Nico Porteous, Zoi SadowskiSynnott, Beau-James Wells, and Jossi Wells are all athletes who have achieved very highly in their fields and are looking forward to starting their seasons with the X Games Aspen. Porteous and Beau-James Wells have been invited to compete in the Freeski SuperPipe, and Sadowski-Synnott was invited for both Snowboard Big Air and Snowboard Slopestyle.

Jossi Wells is a 27 time X Games competitor, four time X Games medallist, and the X Games Aspen 2016 Freeski Slopestyle gold medallist.

Despite taking a step back from competitive skiing, this year Wells is the first alternate in the fairly new ‘Ski Knuckle Huck’ where skiers perform tricks over the knuckle of the Big Air jump. If any of the eight competitors cannot compete or start, Wells will step in.

Sadowski-Synnott, who has three X Games medals, said that, “I am super grateful to have the opportunity to go overseas and compete in X Games again. I am feeling very good and healthy after a successful New Zealand winter.”

Porteous – who was the bronze medallist in Freeski SuperPipe at X Games Aspen 2019 – explained that the X Games Aspen 2021 are going to be a very important start to the season, “X Games is the biggest event of the season and I am excited to be back skiing! It feels really good, especially as there are only eight people invited to

PHOTO: supplied

The funding will help Club rowers.

Wānaka Rowing Club a shoe-in next season Jo Galer

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz PHOTO: Matt Morning, ESPN Images

Nico Porteous competing in Freeski SuperPipe at X Games Aspen 2020.

compete in SuperPipe this year. It will be a little tricky as it is the first competition of the year, but I am excited to get back in the start gate.”

Beau-James Wells added that, “It’s always epic to be invited to the biggest event in freeskiing apart from the Olympics, it is always a pleasure.”

A statement from X Games Aspen made it clear that stringent COVID-19 precautions will be in place throughout the event, which includes having the event closed to the public.

Inspired by Australia’s most iconic beach, and a desire to make the ultimate tan accessible to everyone, our salon quality self tanning formulas work to give you an even, naturally golden tan that hydrates and nourishes the skin, meaning you stay bronzed for longer.

Wānaka Rowing Club has been granted $6,441 by the New Zealand Community Trust to equip their boats with the BAT Logic Quick Release System and compatible boat shoes.

The BAT System works for any boat and every seat, improving the comfort, hygiene, and performance of rowing.

Each crew member having their own shoes that fit properly means that the shoes will last longer, reducing risk of foot infections, and improving performance since feet will not slip out of the shoes during the stroke. In addition, the quick release system will improve the life of boat shoes;

enabling rowers to get on the water faster, plus increase the power, comfort, and stability of the stroke leading to improved performance. Also, reduce risk of lower back injury.

Club member Grainne Power welcomed the funding and said it was good that rowers would no longer need to wear ill-fitting shoes and rowers would not have to go to the expense of having to buy their own shoes.

“Our town's lifeblood is tourism but, due to COVID-19, many of our families, who rely on the tourist dollar, are struggling financially. Rowing is quite a costly sport and to ask novices to have to buy their own shoes could have been the tipping point between rowing or not. We are so glad it has not come to that.”

11 JANUARY

Y TO 29 JANUAR

SCHOOL HOLIDAY IDEAS AWESOME FUN FOR ACTIVE KIDS AGED 5-12

ONLY

$20

See customer services for a brochure and booking form, or visit: www.qldc.govt.nz/recreation

Phone: 03 443 8000, Top of Helwick Street, Wānaka OPEN: MON-SAT 8AM TO 6PM • SUN 10AM TO 6PM PAGE 12

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN

thewanakasun.co.nz

Sun Views

GUEST EDITORIAL

Otago’s magnificent trails an important transport network in its own right

Rik Deaton and wife Juliet.

A Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) sets out what can or cannot be done on public conservation lands and waters. It is used to manage natural, historic, cultural, and recreational values, including species.

DOC has been partially reviewing the Otago CMS to allow for new cycle tracks and trails to be considered, and to review mountain biking policies.

Rik Deaton, who owns and runs LandEscape Wānaka in Camp Hill Road, holds a particular view on the role of the electric bicycle and in his submission believes they and our trails will have an important role to play, if DOC and the Government can show enough foresight.

“In a region devoid of public transport (other than a couple of limited bus services now appearing in Queenstown) the visitor segment of our population, those on whom our entire regional economy relies utterly, have no choice but to use their car or motorhome to do that which they came here for ... regional sightseeing.

Nor do they have any choice but to use those same ICE powered vehicles for their in-town transport needs as there simply is no alternative other than to walk, and many of the “high spending visitors” we have now decided are our target market do not have the youth or fitness to walk the distances involved.

The electric bicycle is the enabling technology to break that paradigm for the vast majority of that visitor population as it allows any reasonably physically capable person to easily cover fifty to a hundred kilometres in a day of sightseeing.

The e-bike is emboldening people who have not ridden a bicycle for decades to try this mode of transport again and so older people are returning to cycling around the world in numbers that are astonishing bicycle industry analysts and pundits. In a place like Otago e-bikes can offer any visitor, but perhaps most especially the older visitor, a gentle adventure and a scenic extravaganza they will remember for the rest of their lives. This is good for them, good for us and good for New Zealand.

We are seeing this every day with our bikes aimed directly at this type of visitor. This type of visitor by the way, as opposed to the young and fit expert mountain biker, makes up the

THE WĀNAKA SUN

PHOTO: supplied

vast majority of visitors to our region.

Absolutely everything about this is beneficial to both the nation and its environment but it can only happen if the offering is presented in viable high visibility locations to encourage high levels of uptake and so get meaningful numbers of ICE vehicles off the road; riders can do several battery swaps at strategically placed locations throughout their day of riding to ensure they never run out of the electric assist they are relying on to augment their physical capacity; the cycle trails they are riding are well made, gentle, easy to ride and well maintained; and older and more tentative riders can be assured that there is a puncture and mechanical breakdown service.

A huge part of New Zealand’s charm is the old world nature of the winding single lane roads that have served us completely adequately in the past. The rate of population growth in recent years has seen those roads very much begin to feel the pressure of increased traffic volumes.

Our region’s magnificent cycle trail system is a community asset of the highest order and is already so comprehensive that it ought to be considered as a second transportation network operating alongside our limited road system.

Our immense gratitude and admiration goes out to those who had the foresight and tenacity to create this cycle trail system in its present form.

If we fail to put our second transportation network to work alongside the first, and currently we are not doing that as there are so many bureaucratic barriers to operators who try that it is farcical, then we will very shortly be seeing (and somehow paying for) traffic queues, traffic lights, roundabouts, two lane roads along with road straightening and flattening appearing all around us.

When compared to the cost of building new roads, an ever expanding regional and national cycle trail system is the cheap to build alternative that absolutely has the potential to slow the required pace of road development.

This is especially true if bureaucratic impediments and nonsense are removed from the cost matrix and the proponents and the community - all of whom want this - are allowed to just get on with it.”

– By Rik Deaton

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021 Best wishes to all our readers in 2021 From the Wānaka Sun Team.

GREBE DIARY 4

December 28, 2020 The latest that we have ever recorded egg laying was this year on 28 October. Up until then I had fretted and worried about what had happened that would explain this delay. I am still unable to do that, but can note that after that delay, and then storms, things have changed dramatically.

Before I unravel today’s data I must comment on the extraordinary photo that heads this diary.

It was taken by Christchurch photographer Bevan Tulett in Wānaka a few weeks ago. I met Bevan last week when I was carrying out a nest check and found that he is a regular visitor to Wānaka, principally to photograph the grebes and I indicated to him then, that I was keen to show other people’s work. He has sent a portfolio of six images on grebes and over time I will refer to some of these. They are wonderful.

I believe almost all who were down at the boating Marina this last Monday on the 28th December would agree it was mayhem, both on and off the water. The place was jammed with trailers, boats people and grebes. Nest 10 has two chicks and I am sure that nest 7 are in the middle of hatching; a time in the annual cycle that I keep well away from brooding birds.

I managed to check all nests over a period of some two hours and at this stage my guess would be that nests 4,8,6 and 9 are unlikely to succeed.

Nest 4 has seven eggs, and though the literature would have it that grebes lay up to seven eggs, I am far from convinced that that is the case. We know, particularly from our Wānaka study that egg

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

dumping takes place more often than reported.

In previous years we have recorded clutches of 9, 11, 12 and 13 eggs. Often such nests end up being abandoned. In the 2018 season a pair of birds incubated a clutch of twelve eggs, of which only three hatched. Given the time that they took to hatch, the eggs clearly belonged to the last pair to incubate and therefore lay. In many respects the photo above gives credence to the violence and aggression that can occur in calm waters when birds are fighting for space and territory. I believe that birds are forced off their nests, most often when their mate is away feeding.

Nests 8 and 9 have but a single egg, suggesting that at some stage these nests have been compromised. Nest 6 has two eggs. Clutches of two eggs are rare and my records indicate that almost all such clutches fail. I am happy to be proved wrong.

In all, we have 15 pairs with eggs in marina waters. That’s the official number but does not include the three pairs that insist on attempting to nest on the back of a boat, on an outboard motor and on the pontoon for the third time. That’s the largest number ever that we have had breeding at the same time. We are frantically building more lake anchored platforms, but I am not sure that we can keep up with them right now.

If you have a grebe photo you are proud of, I would love the opportunity to see it and have it heading one of my diaries.

– By John Darby

PAGE 13

Sun Classifieds

thewanakasun.co.nz

TRADES AND SERVICES PAINTING

CHICKEN

PAINTERS & PAINTERS & DECORATORS DECORATORS

HOT CHICKEN & CHIPS

For all your interior/exterior house For all your interior/exterior house painting requirements, call Ben PAINTERS & andpainting receive a FREE QUOTE. requirements, call Ben

DECORATORS

and receive a FREEForQUOTE. all your interior/exterior house

0204 0133 350

painting requirements, call Ben and receive a FREE QUOTE.

0204 0133 350

paint@btppainting.com 0204 0133 350 www.btppainting.com paint@btppainting.com paint@btppainting.com www.btppainting.com www.btppainting.com

NOW AVAILABLE AT CALTEX WANAKA

PLUMBING

FIREWOOD

Under New Management

Serving Wanaka and Central Otago Regions

• Bluegum

Call for free no obligation quotes

• Oldman Pine • Macrocapa

DRAINAGE

M: 021 709 918

l

PLUMBING

l

PHONE - ALANA 0275645644

GAS FITTING

Email - dixonkerry56@gmail.com

Talk to us about logging your trees

W: www.gwplumbing.co.nz

WATER BLASTING SERVICES

CARWASH 10/26/2017 11:38:28 AM

NO PEN W

GW Logo Paths.indd 1

• DOGWASH • AUTO & JETWASHES • VACUUMS • LAUNDROMAT

Call now for a no-obligation, free quote 027 371 4035

Cnr Deering & McCormick Streets, Three Parks

SKIPS

THANKS

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 Wānaka 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.

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.

SERVICES Wānaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy.

We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street open from 8am until 7pm every single day.

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.

WANTED 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.

SUN TEAM

O All your local water blasting needs: House soft washing, patios, decks and fences Surface cleaning for; driveways, pathways, tiles & stone Moss and Lichen treatment from rooftops to tennis courts Exterior Window cleaning

NOTICES

BEEHIVE RENTAL

Domestic and Commercial Skip Bins

WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1007 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 Editor: Pat Deavoll • 0274 487 741 editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Joanna Perry • 021 736 740 newsdesk@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.

7.0 – 9.0 m3 Skip Bins 4.0 m3 Hard Fill Skips 4.0 m3 Rubbish Bin With Lid

Contact Johnny Ph: 0224 SKIP IT (754 748) • W: www.skipit.nz When you want to get rid of it - just skip it!

WWW.THEWANAKASUN.CO.NZ

GIB STOPPING

STORAGE

SHEARER AVAILABLE

SITUATION VACANT

Need a GIB stopper?

Aspiring Interiors Offers Gib Stopping in Residential & Renovations in Wanaka. Paint Ready Finish. Machine Tools.

Respectful. Clean & Tidy. Reliable.

Call Kahu 0210 2793 648 or Email contact@aspiringinteriors.co.nz

Clean, dry, safe storage available now.

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

Shearer for lifestyle Blocks and small mobs.

Experienced and reliable I have all my own portable equipment to get the job done. Ph/Txt Hamish 0273137419

PRIVATE REGISTERED NURSE

PAGE 14

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

Casual sleepover position 1-2 nights per week

Looking for a registered nurse to join an established nursing team who provide 24/7 medical care for a client in their own home with brain and spinal injuries.

Applications to nurses@alpinegroup.co.nz The position is to start in the new year.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Sport / Classifieds

thewanakasun.co.nz

The story of a Paralympian Wānaka para-alpine skier Ant (Anthony) Field was presented with his official Paralympic ‘numbered’ pin and certificate this year on September 24 at The Celebration Project event in Queenstown. Created in partnership with Storyation, Margot Butcher tells his story.

There’s a point in every young alpine skier’s career where the heart veers towards either a daredevil need for speed or the finesse of many a tight twist and turn. Ant (Anthony) Field knew pretty early on that he belonged to the first group.

As a highly competitive downhill Para-alpine skier — he became New Zealand’s Paralympian #157 at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games in Italy, Field was regularly zooming down courses at more than 100 kph.

“Surprisingly, you don’t feel unstable on the skis in the downhill at that high speed,” he says.

“When you do it right, it almost feels like you’re on train tracks.”

Although Field grew up in the snowless climes of Waikato and Auckland, skiing is in his blood.

His mother’s family hails from Central Otago so, from as far back as he can remember, annual visits would be accompanied by a family ski trip up the mountains around Queenstown and Wānaka. At 18, he moved to Otago, for university in Dunedin — and to spend “every spare day” up the mountains on skis.

Life had by then chucked a few twists and turns his way. As an eight-year-old, he was playing cricket with his brother near the road when he ran after the ball and into the path of an oncoming car.

“I lost my right arm immediately, halfway between the shoulder and elbow, and almost lost my right leg with a compound fracture. I was in an induced coma for three days, it was a life and death situation.”

Fast forward a year and he was already back up the mountain with his family again.

“Getting back on the snow just came naturally at that age. I was fortunate losing my arm didn’t prevent me from continuing with our family tradition.”

While at university studying zoology, he also completed a ski instructor’s course and, interested in putting the technical theory into practice, started dabbling in para-alpine ski racing.

“Then I ran into Jane Stevens, who was the coach of New Zealand’s adaptive ski team at the time. I did a couple of training sessions with Jane after which she asked if I was interested in taking it further. So at 22, that was my beginning on the Paralympic pathway.”

The decision to challenge himself and train for a tilt at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games not only took him to Italy in 2006 – where he was one of just two New Zealand

PHOTO: PNZ

Wānaka para-alpine skier Ant (Anthony) Field was presented with his official Paralympic ‘numbered’ pin and certificate this year.

Paralympians competing, alongside fellow paraalpine skier Adam Hall, but to competitions in Japan and South Korea, as well as three seasons in the United States followed by one season based in Spain in the build-up to Torino.

Field flew the flag in the Super G Standing, Giant Slalom Standing and Slalom Standing (with tight, technical turns) as well as his favoured discipline, the Downhill Standing – the event with the longest turn radius and fewest gates, and consequently the most thrilling speeds.

Today he still draws on his experiences as he looks to actively give back to the sport, while he’s also a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor and working part-time in Wānaka.

“To be able to give back to the adaptive side of the sport and the organisation that helped me to get to the Paralympics, that’s a real buzz and, talking to the people in wheelchairs, the common theme is that when they get on the snow, they absolutely relish being able to suddenly go wherever they want, at whatever speed they want, without the limits of the normal environment.

“Then when the able-bodied skiers that I coach see a sit-skier go past, I love that it’s opening up the realisation that there really are no human limits. I think that’s the great thing about paraalpine skiing. It truly gives people back their freedom of movement.”

– By Margot Butcher

Perfect day for 70th Hāwea races

A big and happy crowd enjoys the Hāwea Picnic Races on Monday.

SITUATION VACANT

The “President’s Office” is a welcome viewing area, with shade and refreshments.

Jo Galer

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

People young and old came out in their droves for this year’s Hāwea Picnic Races - proof that this 70-year-old annual tradition is as relevant as ever, or maybe more so in current times.

With egg and spoon to hack gallopers and trotting races, the raffles were selling and racegoers clapped and cheered. Others were content to just sit amidst the paddocks and mountains on their picnic rugs, taking in the sunshine and old tunes on the loud hailers.

There were steak sandwiches at the sausage sizzle, blue-eyed locals serving them, icecream stands, bouncy castles and all the traditional side-lines that until recently might have seemed cliché, but today were distinctly fresh, welcome and reassuring. People were smiling and the familiar smells and sounds felt

THE WĀNAKA SUN

GROUND CREW

PHOTO: Jo Galer

extra good.

Organiser from the Hāwea Picnic Racing Club Paul Cunningham said the picnic races at Hāwea were always a great family day out, but he got the feeling that there were more people and cars this year than usual. This was a “huge crowd” compared to some other years, he said.

“We’re a very strong and very proud committee, and worked all December for this. This is our 70th event – it’s been going since just after World War II,” he said.

Around 40 horses and riders attended, for nine races, including some national trotting trainers, for what is a low-key, low betting event, or gymkhana as they are known, for the variety of events catering to all ages.

Last year the event raised funds for the Lake Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade, and this year the committee was looking for a worthy cause once the takings were counted.

ALPINE HELICOPTERS We are looking for a hardworking, dedicated, practically minded and able individual to support our aviation business to perform a range of operational tasks. The successful applicant will be based in Wanaka as part of the aviation team.

The successful applicant will take pride in the equipment they work with and be particular in the maintenance and care of all equipment used on the job. Previous experience around helicopter operations and aerial agricultural services is essential.

• Be practical, physically fit and capable • Flexible and positive attitude • Great communication, numeracy and literary skills • Have a Full Drivers Licence with a Class 2 Endorsement minimum • Forklift, Dangerous Goods, Class 4/5 Endorsements preferred • Growsafe and Approved Handlers Certificate (Fuel and Chemical) • Sound knowledge of Safety including reporting incidents, accidents and hazards Send your application to recruitment@alpinegroup.co.nz or contact for more information by 17th January 2021.

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

PAGE 15

Sun Classifieds

thewanakasun.co.nz

THANK YOU FOR

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

YOUR SUPPORT WISHING YOU A

WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR AND HAPPY NEW YEAR www.fnwanaka.com

www.fnwanaka.com

ns

io ct

ly

n

O

16

Se s is

is

th

ft

le

ty

i un

t

r po

op

tm

’ on

D

SECURE YOUR SITE NOW! Priced from $339,000

|

Phone 03 443 0097

Agent on site Wednesday & Saturday 11:00 am | Site access from Clearview Street E info@fnwanaka.com TOP OFFICE NEW ZEALAND 2020

A 78 Ardmore Street, Wanaka 9305 | W www.fnwanaka.com Q Realty Limited (Licensed REAA 2008)

PAGE 16

THURSDAY 31.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 06.01.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN