The Wanaka Sun

Merry Ch ristmas A very merr y C our readers hristmas to all from every one at the Wanak a Sun.

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Lifejacket exemption queried page 2

Festive fun Visitors and locals alike made the most of the perfect pre-Christmas weather this week.

Pictured on the Wanaka jetty; back row from left, are Louis Meehan of Wanaka, Jess Elsom of Dunedin, Molly Meehan of Wanaka and Olivia Dodds of Dunedin; seated, from left, Nick Henderson of Dunedin, Ella Haig of Dune din and Dan Suttie of Wanaka.

Showtime for Paradiso

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

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Love, not blame, from Fyfe family

Tim Brewster

Tim Brewster Dougal Fyfe’s family have no intention of laying a complaint with police following his fatal shooting during a night hunting excursion in the Maungawera Valley earlier this week.

Friends and family have rallied round, with the as yet unnamed shooter - who was a close friend of Dougal’s - receiving a huge amount of support and sympathy following the tragedy.

Whenaskedaboutlaying blameormakinganofficial complaint to the police, Dougal’s stepmother, Caroline Harker, said the opposite was definitely

Community generosity page 5

Sushi not pies for Jup page 8

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Dougal Fyfe.

PHOTO: supplied

the case. “We would like to say we will be doing all we can to support him.”

Dougal’s body was returned home to his family yesterday enabling them to spend time with

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Fleas

The shooting occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, December 19, following aChristmassocialfunction in the Maungawera Valley. Dougal and two

We would like to say we will be doing all we can to support him. him before his funeral today(Thursday)following a post mortem.

He now lies beneath a painting of wild brumby horses done for his 21st birthday by neighbour Lizzie Carruthers.

Sergeant Aaron Nicholson said it will be in the New Year before

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any decision is made “if or when” there will be any charges for the incident.

Forensic tests on the gun, a scene examination and interviews all need to be completed.

Ants

Silverfish

He confirmed no complaint had been laid by the Fyfe family.

The 24-year-old man responsible for the shooting is not being named by the police and Sergean Nicholson said a breathalyzer test after the shooting showed alcohol was not a factor.

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companions had been rabbit shooting when they spotted a deer and chased it into a glade of kanuka.

During the chase, the men became separated and Dougal was mistaken for a deer and shot. He died instantly at the scene.

See Dougal’s obituary page 4.

sunnews

inbrief Come all ye faithful The Wanaka Travelling Carollers will spread Yuletime joy tonight (Thursday), beginning at 4.30pm at Elmslie House. The carollers will be at the following venues: 5.15pm on the lawn of the Wanaka Hotel, 6pm at Kelly’s Flat Reserve, 6.45pm at McMurdo Park, Albert Town, 7.30pm at Luggate, and 8.15pm in Lake Hawea. The group will sing for about half an hour in each place, and people are asked to bring a can of food to donate to the Wanaka Sun Christmas Food Bank Drive.

Trust donation The Otago Community Trust has donated $50,000 to the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust. The donation was part of $291,650 the Trust granted to 37 organisations across Otago in December.

Lifejacket exemption queried Tim Brewster A recent decision by the QLDC to exempt stand up paddleboarders from wearing lifejackets within 200 metres of the lakeshore has surprised some Wanaka lake users.

Harbourmaster Marty Black said that while he is in “no position to criticise” the council decision, his preference is for lifejackets to be worn at all times when on the water.

While experienced paddleboarders are more aware of their capabilities, his particular concern is novices heading out onto the lake for the first time.

Patrick McAteer, who helped set up the Wanaka Paddleboarding Club earlier this year, said the club has

a safety first approach and strongly recommends using life jackets whenever on the water.

“Too many things can go wrong too quickly. A beautiful flat day on the lake can change in 20 minutes.

And it’s a glacial lake.”

Patrick was concerned that the advocates for the exemption referred to the bylaw that permits surfing without lifejackets.

“I’m really shocked. I’ve surfed all my life and they are two totally different sports. One is about going on a journey, the other one is focussed on always coming back to shore.”

The bylaw states that provided a leg tether is worn, a paddleboard user is only required to wear a lifejacket

if they are further than 200 metres from the shore or on a river.

Lucy Fullerton of Racers Edge sports shop which rents stand up paddleboards said she is surprised at the ruling considering the tragedies that have taken place in the Southern Lakes in the past 12 months.

“Two hundred metres is quite a way from shore. I could understand perhaps 50.”

She also said that paddleboards only have one leash and people who take their children for a ride on them could be at risk.

Maritime New Zealand is currently undergoing a review of paddleboard use which is expected sometime in 2012.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Economic confidence falls

Bridge too far

The Westpac McDermott Miller Regional Economic Confidence survey, carried out at the beginning of December, reveals economic confidence among Otago households has dropped in the last three months from a net 25 percent in September to zero percent.

According to the Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index survey, Otago consumer confidence also fell from 104 in September to 101 which is on par with the national average.

“While Otago households have become much more pessimistic for both the regional and national economy, they’re less downbeat on their own financial situation than three months ago,” Westpac chief economist Dominick Stephens said.

Glass recycling The Central Otago Wastebusters container dropoff depot at Tarras School will soon include a glass recycling facility. Three custom-made bins, capable of holding almost 400kg of glass, will be located alongside the current recycling bins for paper and plastic. The glass should be separated by colour into bins designated for brown, clear and green glass.

Late night opening at Wanaka Pharmacy.

Thursday until 9pm.

Earn quadruple

rewards points tonight!!

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Wanaka police are still investigating an incident where a local contractor drove a tractor into the side of the Camphill Bridge over the Hawea River last week.

“We think it was down to speed and driver error in regards to the equipment on the vehicle,” Constable Peter Reed said. One wheel of the tractor was left hanging over the bridge, the south side of the bridge was damaged (pictured) and Camphill Road was closed temporarily.

Contractors Downer EDI assessed the bridge as safe to drive on and made temporary repairs.

- Sue Wards PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Scanner decision for health board Sue Wards Feedback from a series of local meetings has given Dunstan Hospital confidence to take its plans for a CT scanner to the next step.

Dunstan Hospital’s case for a scanner was presented at meetings in Wanaka, Cromwell and Alexandra last week. Central Otago Health Services Ltd (which runs Dunstan Hospital) director Dr Graeme Ballantyne told meeting participants a national health panel had recommended the scanner be sited at Lakes District Hospital because of emergency use, but emergency CT scans only make up 20 percent of the total scans done. COHSL chairman Russell McGeorge said the hospital is confident of sourcing funds from

charitable trusts for the scanner, and its next step is to complete a business case for the scanner and make a formal submission to the Southern District Health Board.

Meanwhile the Wakatipu Health Reference Group has backed the

after input from the Wakatipu Health Reference Group and COHSL and consultation with the regions’ hospital specialists and GPs. Healthboardfinanceandfunding general manager Robert Mackway-

It is not appropriate for the decision to be treated as a campaign or an emotive contest. health board’s decision to take the lead role in the location of the scanner. The board originally requested the two communities reach consensus on a scanner location (either at Lakes District Hospital, Frankton or Dunstan Hospital, Clyde), but has since decided to make the decision itself

Jones told the Wakatipu Health Reference Group this week the board would consider districtwide planning and best use as it put together a business case which would look at sites, funding and patient numbers. A meeting with members of the region’s medical community is already

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

being planned.

Reference group chairperson and Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Vanessa van Uden said the group will carefully review the District Health Board’s case. It is not appropriate for the decision to be treated as a campaign or an emotive contest when it needs to be based entirely on needs and fact, she said.

While the issue of the scanner location had become something of a competition, the two Otago hospitals have indicated their willingness to work more closely together. Dunstan Hospital general manager Karyn Penno reported at last week’s meetings that Dunstan and Lakes District Hospitals’ medical staff are keen to work in a co-operative and complementary way.

sunnews

Cocaine syndicate arrest Sue Wards A Wanaka man has been charged in relation to a cocaine importing syndicate.

Cameron John Lockie, 34, a painter, was remanded on bail this week after being arrested in Christchurch.

He appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday and is alleged to have imported the class A drug cocaine into Auckland on December 13 and to have possession of it six days later for the purpose of supply.

Cameron’s arrest followed the seizure of .7kg of cocaine, worth more than $1 million,

by Auckland Customs staff. Five arrests were made following a surveillance operation led by the Organised and Financial Crime Agency New Zealand (OFCANZ) and staffed by police and Customs. A 43-year-old man from Mexico, a 26year-old woman from Auckland, a 30-yearold man from Auckland and a 34-year-old man from Wellington were all

charged with importing a Class A controlled drug and possession of a Class A controlled drug.

The New Zealand Herald reported that two of the five people arrested were EQC contractors helping to rebuild Christchurch.

One of the accused is Brendan John Clarke of Wellington, who works

Showtime after a year in limbo

executingasearchwarrant at a local address,” Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said. The police were looking for documents, packaging and electronic devices. They seized electronic records, hard drives and a small amount of cannabis.

“We are aware there are class A and B drugs available in Wanaka and

We are aware there are class A and B drugs available in Wanaka and it is a concern for us.

Calum McLeod.

PHOTO: tim brewster

for EQC - not Wanaka builder Brendon Aaron Clark, who also works for EQC, and whose family has been repeatedly contacted this week by people mistakenly thinking he has been charged.

The operation involved Customs investigators and at least 20 detectives in Auckland and other centres, as well as the Wanaka police. “We assisted with the inquiry yesterday (Monday),

it is a concern for us,” Senior Sergeant Grindell said. While occasionally someone in Wanaka is arrested for personal possession of a class A drug, Senior Sergeant Grindell could not recall any dealers being arrested in the past three years.

Cameron Lockie entered no plea to either charge and will appear in Court again on January 17.

Firefighter farewelled Wanaka man Bill Tomlin, 55, a long-serving volunteer firefighter, died last weekend. Bill, who had suffered from cancer, served about 20 years with the Wanaka fire brigade and previously with the Rakaia brigade.

His funeral was held yesterday (Wednesday) in Wanaka.

Tim Brewster Council approval to operate Cinema Paradiso in its new base on Brownston Street has given applicant Calum McLeod plenty to celebrate for Christmas.

“It’s been a huge shot in the arm at a low time,” he said referring to the 1012 submissions supporting the application with only one in opposition.

He’s hoping to be showing movies by mid-January when he takes over the lease.

A “rolling build” will also start on the interior to modify the existing kitchen, foyer and interior of the former Catholic

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

Church he and the Paradiso crew will be moving into.

Improvements also include new seating, including some first class Air New Zealand seats,

a display at the back of the hall.

The new cinema space will seat approximately 80 people, similar to the existing Paradiso.

Calum said he is still

This process has been unnecessary.

Wanaka deserves better. couches and 16 surround speakers sourced from a cinema in Ranfurly to supplement the 12 already in use.

Calum also has a selection of projectors of various sizes from eight mm up to a 70 mm “beast” which will form part of

unsure how long the lease will be but it offers a much more stable future for the business enabling investment in equipment and facilities.

New Life church, the current occupants of the building, will still be able to use it for worship

on Sunday mornings, which is similar to an arrangement Calum had with a Baptist group who used the cinema space on Ardmore Street.

The shift to the new building was initially going to be non-notified after advice from planning consultants, but a commissioner decided against that advice and a public hearing with submissions made the process much more expensive and uncertain for Calum and partner Andrea Riley.

“This process has been unnecessary. Wanaka deserves better,” Calum said.

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sunnews

inbrief Water quality policy talks Otago Regional Council’s Good Water Good Farming rural water quality policy catchment consultation meetings are coming to a close.

In a presentation held in Wanaka the quality and standards indentified for all water leaving farm land included water should be clear; odour free; oil or grease film, scum or foam free. ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead said the policy framework “struck a workable balance between the productive use of water and environmental and recreational values”. The proposed policy will set the standards for the level of water contaminant that can leave a farm and will include conditioned permitted activity rules.

Score card for local MP Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean has got a three out of 10 rating by political publication TransTasman in its annual assessment of New Zealand politicians. A rating of three states: “she is clearly competent but virtually invisible”.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee was named politician of the year for his role as Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery.

Rail Trail Guide giveaway Geoff Ballard won a copy of the Rail Trail Guide courtesy of the Wanaka Sun. The book can be collected from our office in Spencer House Mall.

Dougal Fyfe: an adventurous life Tim Brewster Dougal Fyfe’s passion for the moment and love for adventure is a constant theme for those who will gather today to celebrate his life.

Dougal will be greatly missed by his father Grant, stepmother Caroline Harker, brother Tom, 25, sister Harriet, 22, stepsister Maddy, 20, and all his extended family and friends.

“Dougal was accident prone, hyperactive, and challenging but that was only part of it. He was empathetic with kids, older people and anyone who was challenged in their lives,” Grant said.

“He was the one most interested in the farm and stock work and I always thought he was

the one who would look after me in my old age.

Family was always very important to him.”

A passionate skier, Dougal was very close to his uncle, Andrew Fyfe, who was a strong skier and encouraged him from an early age to

He was empathetic with kids, older people and anyone who was challenged in their lives. explore the mountains.

Peter Legnavsky, who coached Dougal for four seasons in a freeskiing squad from 2001, said, “When he was skiing, he was skiing. It was all to him.”

Peter had been told the then 14-year-old Dougal was “a bit hard

Dougal’s uncle James said he had helped many of his cousins and family friends to ski and his infectious enthusiasm had left them with a lot of fond memories.

Dougal had often stayed with James, aunt Karen and cousins Kirk, Nicholas and Lilly in

Wellington and last winter they spent a ski holiday at Mt Cheeseman which had been a family tradition for more than 20 years.

“He was always caring and helpful, especially with his Down syndrome cousin Nicholas. Just this year he taught Nicholas to drive out the back of the farm. He has also always joined him in Pokemon battles as his “rival” and been patient skiing with him,” James said.

A funeral celebrating Dougal’s life will be held today (Thursday) at 4pm at his family home, 193 Maungawera Rd, RD2 Wanaka.

Progress on community house Sue Wards Progress has been made on a long-held vision for a community house in Wanaka.

The idea of a community house has been discussed since 2004, most recently driven by St Columba’s Anglican Church and Wanaka’s Community Networks, and now a charitable trust has been formed to establish the house.

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to handle,” but found the opposite was true.

“If you used the fire in him for his passion for skiing and the mountains he was the easiest kid ever. Really motivated.

The whole mountain thing gave him a sense of belonging.”

The board of the new trust will initially include Anglican Bishop of Dunedin Kelvin Wright, CommunityNetworkschairperson Dame Sukhi Turner, Dr Nick Brown and Peter Southwick. As many as three more trustees can be appointed if required.

“This vision has been a long time incubating,” Dame Sukhi said. “Our task is now to help it hatch and grow.” Establishment of the trust is a significant step

forward and the group’s first priority will be resource consent and funding issues, she said.

The proposed community house has been described as a “one stop shop” offering meeting, office and administrative space for community and voluntary organisations. St Columba’s property at McDougall Street is the first site proposed, with the church offering the trust the use of its ground rent free for a 50

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

year term. Concept plans for the new facility have already been drawn up.

Wanaka Community Board chairman Lyal Cocks said he supported the concept of a community house being established on an appropriate site and the board is keen to work with the new trust.

sunnews

y t i s o r e n e g y t i Commun The Wanaka community responded generously to the Wanaka Sun Christmas Food Bank Drive this week, with a huge haul of Christmas cheer donated to help local families in need.

“It’s always amazing to see how generous the community is,” Community Networks manager Kate Murray said. People donated containers full of homemade baking, toys, fresh vegetables and fruit and Christmas treats, filling 80 hampers – a greater yield than last year.

PHOTO: ruth bolger

Wanaka Sun Christmas Food Bank Drive organiser Alan McKay said he was grateful to the region’s emergency services (police, fire brigades and St John) and the more than 150 keen volunteers who turned out on the night. He was particularly grateful to Ed Taylor of Radio Wanaka for “jogging people’s memories” in the days before the drive and Mount Aspiring College for the use of their gym.

aka Some of the scenes from this year’s Wan Food Bank Drive.

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

Sun Christmas PHOTOs: nikki heath

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Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

sunnews

New recruits

inbrief Vocational training Otago Polytechnic will offer teenagers the opportunity to gain trade qualifications at the Central Otago campus next year, while they are still at high school.

“We’ve worked to get the Academy in place for the next school year because we want parents and students to know that this is an option available now,” Otago Polytechnic regional manager Jean Tilleyshort said. “Our goal is to keep these teens in school and to make school more relevant to them by providing some hands-on instruction in areas of interest. Otherwise, they might leave without qualifications and without reaching their potential.”

The Trades Academy partners with the polytechnic, Mount Aspiring College, Wakatipu High School, Cromwell College and Dunstan High School with the aim to provide “the best possible education for all students”.

The Wanaka Playgroup wraps up for the Christmas holiday this week after a busy year. Constable Mike Thomas made a surprise visit to the group last week: the flashing lights, stickers and policeman hats were a highlight for the children, playgroup president Margi Ferguson said.

Playgroup will resume at the end of January.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Away in a manger

Tim Brewster The Nativity story enacted by local identities attracted an estimated 1000 people to the Dinosaur park last Saturday.

In its second year, the event put on by the Combined Churches of Wanaka was a return to a more traditional message reflecting the true meaning of Christmas, organiser Kathy Dedo said.

Narrated by Ed Taylor, the performance included carols led by a choir, shepherds with lambs, ponies, Roman guards, Steve Henry as an innkeeper, a resonant Bill Willis as the Archangel Gabriel and mayor Vanessa van Uden portraying Caesar Augustus.

Pictured are Mary and Joseph played by Amber Russell and Chris Turnbull.

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

PHOTO: tim brewster

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sunnews

inbrief Gold for Adam Wanaka’s Adam Hall has finished in first place on both days of the men’s standing slalom competition at the International Paralympic Committee’s NORAM Cup on Copper Mountain in Colorado.

As the defending Paralympic gold medallist in the standing slalom, Adam cruised to first place with a time of 1:26.67 on the first day of the event and won the title on the second day with a time of 1:19.46.

“Leaving Copper on top is a great start and one we will keep building on for the rest of the race season,” Adam said, crediting his new coach Scott Olson with getting him in shape for the race.

Bike tree A tree of bikes on Ardmore Street attracted more attention from passersby than the decorated Christmas tree on Tuesday evening.

Members of the Tuesday Antics bike club stacked their bikes outside various venues around Wanaka as they enjoyed a progressive Christmas function.

PHOTO: Sue wards

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Sushi not pies fuel running plumber Tim Brewster They dubbed him the “pie eating plumber” during his 67 day run along the length of New Zealand but Wanaka’s Jup Brown said it’s all a media beat-up.

The catchy tag was invented after he was interviewed on Close Up on his fund raising journey north but after a strong 20 year connection with Japan, sushi is more his style.

His next project will certainly allow him to indulge in his favorite food, as he plans to run the length of Japan starting on April 1.

Seen back in Wanaka enjoying one his favorite dishes, a bowl of Sasanoki’s salmon sashimi, for lunch earlier this week, Jup has just returned from Wellington where he presented a cheque for the $20,295 he raised on his run to Stroke Foundation

CEO Mark Vivian.

He finished his run in Auckland on November 6 but donations continued to flow in following his second appearance on TVNZ’s Close Up. Jup’s story will feature for a third time on the final Close Up of 2011 having been voted one of the programme’s stories of the year.

Stroke Foundation CEO Mark Vivian thanked Jup for his amazing effort on receiving the cheque: “Everyone is just amazed at Jup’s magnificent achievement.

This donation will be a great boost to stroke survivors. We can’t thank Jup enough and we wish him well on all his future adventures.”

Jup plans to leave next week to start work as a plumber in the mining industry in Western Australia to pay off the debt he incurred during his time on the road

We can’t thank Jup enough and we wish him well on all his future adventures.

PHOTO: tim brewster

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

and then he is off to the northernmost part of Hokkaido.

His route will take him along the coast of the tsunami ravaged areas to do volunteer work and raise funds for the area.

“I want to do things that make people want to donate rather than just asking them for money.”

He has been accepted to do the “Himalayan High,” a 222km ultramarathon that has previously been completed by another long distance running New Zealander, Lisa Tamati.

A fluent Japanese speaker, Jup has spent much of the last two decades living and working in Japan in the snowsports industry and accompanying ski tours to New Zealand.

Recent seasons have seen him spend time in the resorts of Fukushima prefecture, directly inland from the worst affected areas of the disaster.

sunnews Yard guardians, from left, Matthew Smith, Doug Peddle and Blake Phillipson.

Lighting up

PHOTO: SIMON WILLIAMS

Make memories not waste this Christmas Sophie Ward The team at Wanaka Wastebusters are getting ready for their busiest time of year. The recycling bins are out and the shop and yard is full to overflowing.

Things can get a little out of control on the consumption front at Christmas, with piles of presents, and packaging filling up your lounge room. If you’re frustrated with the amount of packaging around your presents, nominate them for the Unpackit Best and Worst packaging awards. Better yet,

enjoy a packaging free shopping experience at Wastebusters’ reuse shop for a fraction of the price.

Make memories not waste this Christmas.

In the past few months people have been asking us about the future of Wastebusters once our kerbside and processing contract ends on the February 29, 2012: Wastebusters is here to stay for the next 35 years at least.

The shop and yard will still be operating so you can drop off anything recyclable or reusable and sort your family out with clothes, toys and

sports gear. It’s business as usual for business recycling and our events team will be recycling everything they can at Rippon Music Festival, Warbirds over Wanaka and the A&P Show next year. Our education crew will continue delivering Enviroschools, zero waste education, home composting support and the Unpackit Packaging Awards in 2012.

The best thing you can do to support us is to always call in at Wasetbusters before going to the transfer station.

Wanaka Wastebusters is here to stay.

Light Up Wanaka entrants brightened Wanaka this week in the lead up to Christmas. Pictured is the display at 27 Achilles Place (in the category House and Garden Old Timers).

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Winning wedding shot

Jen Rayment of Wanaka’s Alpine Image Company came tenth overall in the 2011 International Loupe Awards with this photograph of Australian couple Rebecca Simone Smith and March Chiani, who married in Queenstown in March.

Jen won three of the company’s six awards in the international competition.

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

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sunnews

Unpack it

Silent night at Siberia hut Tim Brewster A new building, replacing the Siberia hut burnt down in March of this year, is now ready for visitors.

Using the same footprint as the original one built 40 years ago, the new, serviced Department of Conservation hut cost “around” $350,000 to complete and sleeps 20 people in two bunk rooms with

separate quarters to accommodate a warden during peak periods.

“To have the hut open to the public before Christmas is a satisfying achievement for all those involved in the project.” DOC area manager Paul Hellebrekers said.

“This has always been a popular overnight stay for trampers on the Gillespie Pass Circuit Track with around 2000 bed nights per year at the old hut. “

Wanaka Wastebusters’ Unpackit Awards are open for nominations. The awards, in their second year, are designed to reward and shame the country’s best and worst packaging. Nominations so far include Bin Inn barrels (for the best) and supermarket vegetables in plastic wrap (for the worst).

All nominations received before Christmas go into a draw to win a Loopcase bag (pictured above, modelled by Merle Sea), designed and made by Wastebusters staffer Gwilym Griffith-Jones.

Nominations, which can be made online, close at the end of January.

crimescene Liquor louts Youth possession of alcohol and drinking in public places has continued to be a problem, with a couple of young locals fined $200 this week. Police spoke to a couple more for fighting and a couple more for urinating in public. The toilets in the Dinosaur Park area were also damaged this week. The liquor ban remains in place along the lake front and within the CBD. The 24 hour liquor ban begins next Tuesday and ends January 6.

Car chase Three teenagers have appeared in court on an array of charges, including drink driving, following a high-speed car chase from Queenstown to Queensberry early on Sunday morning.

The chase over the Crown Range and on to Queensberry, which reached speeds of up to 160kph, ended when the car’s engine failed. Three police pursuits of the vehicle were abandoned because of the high speeds and the erratic way the car was being driven.

An 18-year-old man has been charged with unlawfully taking the vehicle from Queenstown, failing to stop, driving with an excess breath-alcohol and reckless driving. The two passengers, 17 and 18, have been charged with unlawfully getting into a vehicle, aiding a person to drive under the influence of drink and aiding a person to drive in a dangerous manner. They were remanded to appear again in January.

Traffic tensions

PHOTO: SIMON WILLIAMS PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Wanaka police have issued a range of warnings in the lead up to the holiday period. People are encouraged to concentrate on driving and not scenery after a car flipped onto its roof just north of the Hawea Dam on State Highway 6. They are also advising motorists to keep left, after a series of complaints about vehicles weaving over the centre line. People are also being warned not to text or use cell phones when driving, and cyclists are being reminded to wear helmets, or they will face a $55 infringement.

Holiday resources This week Wanaka police attended two domestic disputes, as things “hot up” with Christmas coming up. A helping hand is always good, police say, and in that spirit the following resources are available during the holiday period: Wanaka Police (443 7272), Community Networks (443 7799), Relationship Services (03 477 6766), Strengthening Families (027 259 2935), Alcohol Helpline (0800 787 797), Lifeline (0800 543 354), Youthline (0800 37 66 33), Upper Clutha Womens’ Support (443 1448), and Jigsaw family violence support (0508 440 255).

Up to 49 police officers will be rostered to cover the Wanaka

If you have information on any crimes call 0800CRIMESTOPPER (0800555111).

Late night opening at Wanaka Pharmacy.

Thursday until 9pm.

Earn quadruple

rewards points tonight!!

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

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sunnews

gardendoctor The beauty of mulch

Those rainy days are behind us, I hope, because I want to play on the beach. I also hope those rainy days are still ahead of us. I’ve never seen grass so tall at our place, nor have many of you mown your lawns this often before Christmas. This week you have seen how the landscape has almost changed overnight from a lush green (I use this loosely as a descriptive word, for Central Otago is very rarely called lush) to its usual spectrum of burnt yellows.

So how do we keep all this moisture in the ground when there’s a howling nor’wester and 30+degree day? We could leave those

sprinklers on 24/7, but for many there are water restrictions and meters, and if not now probably later. Instead, the secret is to cover the soil. The earth doesn’t like to be naked, it wants to be covered (why do you think those weeds appear from nowhere again

and again?).

Mulching isn’t new: has happened for thousands of years. It’s a fantastic way of keeping the water and nutrients in the soil.

It stops plants wilting in extreme conditions, as their roots aren’t drying out. By mulching, you allow earthworms to

move into the upper levels of your soil to do their important work of fertilising and aerating.

They may even chew on a bit of that mulch. Mulch is a way of introducing organic matter to your soil, something the soils in Central Otago are missing.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

There are many ways to mulch but here are some ideas to start with: 1. Remember, the soil doesn’t like to be naked!

2. You can mulch with straw, lucerne (this is golden stuff), compost, bark, wood chips, cardboard/paper.

3. Remember when mulching around plants/trees or young seedlings to allow a little space around the plant. Rotting mulch can rot plants.

4. When weeding, drop the weeds where you plucked them from.

Weeds are mineral miners and often bring to your soil what it lacks - plus more food for those lovely worms and critters. (This rule doesn’t apply to grass, and any plant with seeds formed).

5. You can slash and mulch. Comfrey around fruit trees can be slashed down and spread around the tree, mulching and fertilising all in one go.

6. Stone mulches are all the fashion now. They can look fantastic and there’s no shortage of rocks. Around fruittrees,theyworkasathermalmass/ moisture magnet/skink oasis.

7. Use grass clippings - they’re not doing anything useful in a pile at the end of the garden - around plants/on flower beds/around trees. Leave a bit on the lawn, which will mean less fertilising in future.

8. When mulching beds put some compost or blood and bone down before the mulch. This stops nitrogen draw up from the soil - keeping your soil happy and humming.

9. Did I mention that mulching in the short term stops all that weeding in the long term? The soil’s covered; the weeds aren’t going to grow. No need to spray hideous chemicals.

10. Mulch insulates plant roots like a big, cosy down jacket from those sub-freezing temperatures we get now and again.

11. Think of living mulches that cover the soil but are working for you at the same time by adding nutrients and nitrogen in a beneficial way. Some examples are blue lupins/vetch/beans/ alfalfa.

- Dr Compost

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

Page 13

Page 14

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

Page 15

ticketgiveaway Movie time The Wanaka Sun has a double pass to give away to the movie of your choice at Rubys Cinema & Bar. Email admin@thewanakasun.co.nz and tell us your favourite Summer movie to go into the draw. Matthew Hayley won last week’s double pass.

sunnews Doug Brenssell and Dave Saunders.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Early Christmas present for brigade Sue Wards Members of the Lake Hawea Fire Brigade are “over the moon” with the latest addition to their fire-fighting kit, courtesy of the Wanaka Lions’ Club.

Chief fire officer Doug Brenssell said the cordless

DeWalt tech gun will be carried on the fire appliance to be used in structural fires, where roofing iron has to be removed.

The brigade thought the tech gun would be very useful and approached the Lions Club for funding assistance. Doug was thrilled when the club

provided the full amount.

“It’s just typical Lions Club, they’re just into helping the community,” he said.

Lions Club president Dave Saunders said the club was happy to oblige. “There was no question of doing something for them,” he said. The tech gun retails at around $750.

House of the year A Wanaka home (pictured), built by Christchurch company John Creighton Builder Limited, won the New Homes $1million $2million category recently in the House of the Year and Commercial Project Awards.

Eyes to the skies Fireworks and kites will ensure people’s eyes are kept skywards during the first two weeks of the annual Summerdaze festival.

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell said Summerdaze will launch on New Years’ Eve with a full programme of entertainment in Wanaka and Queenstown and fireworks displays.

“Wanaka will be featuring their local heroes The Station Agents followed by Mercury Crowe from Wellington.

As is traditional, the fireworks will streak into the sky at midnight with the party finishing at 1am,” she said.

Fireworks will not be

Queenstowners will relish the opportunity to get involved too,” Jan said.

“Numbers are limited for the workshops so bookings are encouraged

The workshops were a huge hit in Wanaka last time around. the only things flying through the sky: last year’s popular kite making workshops and Grand Kite Display return. “The workshops were a huge hit in Wanaka last time around and we’re sure

and we’d love to see everyone who makes a kite come along to the Grand Kite Display at Pembroke Park in Wanaka to fly their kites together.”

Summerdaze runs

all January and there is something scheduled most days. “It’s an extremely full calendar this year featuring everything from big music events like the Earthtonz NYE Music Festival to Tea Dances for the elder set,” Jan said.

The Teddy Bears’ Picnics return and Chinese brush painting workshops are a new addition.

Summerdaze programmes have been delivered to all households district wide and copies can be found on the Summerdaze website.

EeNKai) Oet P W NAO rdmore Stre (besid On

Page 16

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

sunviews editorial

TXT MESS AGE

BOARD Happy Birthday Lornsey xx wish we were there to celebrate xx kisses The stuffed Santas strung up all over town don’t look so good. It looks like impersonating Santa will have u wasted then strung up and displayed to the public as a warning. They all look dead and lifeless!

What’s up DOC? Time to sowt out those wascawy wabbits on the Albewt Town side of the Mt Iwon twack down on the fwat. Out of controw. Check them at dusk! Be vewy vewy quiet! Elmer J Fudd.

Please forgive those people who got little understanding of individual choice, “nudist” yes, everyone can make comments but don’t impose your opinion to others. Let’s be free to be free.

Yippeeeeeeeeee! Congratulations Damo & Emma, we love you xx We have seen one santa relaxing with a beer.

We have seen several suffering a public hanging. With that treatment there may be some disappointment come Christmas morning.

I was a sober driver after a function on sat night. I drove through town in many directions around midnight onwards and saw not a single police officer out and about. No wonder our recidivist drink drivers keep thinking they won’t get caught :) New Zealanders are free camping too! Don’t blame only tourists. More toilets & bins makes more sense than a patrol & can b used during day time by all.

While the suits are arguing over what effect houses in Damper bay will have on our outstanding natural landscape, on the other side of the lake @ Dublin bay we now have a bright and shiny 200 metre centre pivot irrigator installed without any public input scarring one of this country’s most iconic mountain backdrops - that of mount gold. Absolutely bizarre.

I’m signing off after nine months as editor of the Wanaka Sun, to concentrate on my own nine-month project.

A stint as editor is a great experience for students of human nature or nosy types who would like a better idea of what goes on in this community. It’s been a privilege getting a peek behind the scenes and I’ve learnt a lot. Here are a few things: - A reservoir of good will and volunteering muscle keeps this community humming.

- Young people in Wanaka must be some of the luckiest on earth.

- We’re sporty, but the creative energy from our arts sector is just as impressive.

- Naming and shaming miscreants is a local pastime.

A proposal to erect stocks on the waterfront would gain some public support.

- Wanaka is a rural community, a growing town, an affluent gathering of ex-pat high achievers, a repository of mindless thugs, and a caring, generous community.

- Dogs rule.

My grateful thanks to everyone who makes the effort to contribute to the Wanaka Sun – news, photographs, opinions and criticisms – we wouldn’t have a community newspaper without you.

Friendly Wanaka We’ve just moved to Wanaka from Australia and I’ve been so taken with how friendly and helpful people have been I just wanted to say a big ‘thank you!’

Special thanks to Betsy from Edinburgh Real Estate for going the extra mile and organising a portacot as well as a bed for me so I didn’t have to be ‘camping’ for a month; neighbours Rosie and Jem for so willingly looking after The Furry Miaows, and Mabel and Bruce who welcomed us with home baked biscuits, preserves and offers of help; Dallas from Big Tums who came across the road to help me with the portacot when I was returning it; Mt Aspiring Auto boys for great service and ‘not a problem’ attitude; Poppy’s mum in the Medical Centre and Lilian’s Supernan Becky both just for being lovely and friendly; and ol’ mate Duncan Ritchie for visiting, supplying useful household items like chairs and a kettle, and for doing our washing. Although I was born and bred in “Friendly Feilding”, I think the Wanaka community might take the cake. Thanks to the Wanaka community for making the move home to New Zealand such a pleasurable one. Happy Christmas and New Year everyone. PS. And thanks to my husband for bringing us home.

Water quality It is not only dairy farmers who pollute waterways. Old habits, ignorance and confusion about what to do with waste substances can make us all guilty of poisoning pure water from time to time.

However, we are rapidly learning that healthy air, earth and water depends on human constraints, curbs on individual and collective behaviour. Failure to observe this natural law could have us singing that old song, “Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.”

What we know is that among the many industrial practices that harm the environment, intensive dairying stands out as the primary threat to the health of New Zealand’s rivers and lakes.

We also know that regional authorities have failed to protect the waterways. That is why, when election time comes, we must challenge every candidate for local and regional office on this issue.

Christopher Horan Lake Hawea

Rachel Allibone Wanaka

It’s better to speak out by either by txt or letter whether named or not about issues or events you disagree with than to keep quiet and hope the issue or problem will just go away. if feelings get hurt, tough, harden up.

What’s with all the suicidal Santas hanging around town freaking my kids out?

It’s time to rethink our Christmas decorations: sad sack Santas & lights in summer must go. Let’s be proud to be in the Pacific!

Well done Wanaka and well done the Wanaka Sun. it was great to be able to help out on your food bank and see first hand how generous our community is.

We are standing by. Love to all members of the families touched by that tragedy

The views expressed in the text board and in the Letters to the Editor are those of the author alone and not necessarily those of the Wanaka Sun.

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

Page 17

sunclassifieds sport results

open homes Address

Time

Date

Price

28 (LOT 202) INFINITY DRIVE

1-1.30pm

27/12/11

$785,000

33 (LOT 120) INFINITY DRIVE

1-1.30pm

27/12/11

$775,000

4 SUNNYSIDE LANE

1.30-2pm

27/12/11

$649,000

28 (LOT 202) INFINITY DRIVE

1-1.30pm

28/12/11

$785,000

33 (LOT 120) INFINITY DRIVE

1-1.30pm

28/12/11

$775,000

4 SUNNYSIDE LANE

1.30-2pm

28/12/11

$649,000

12 ANDERSON ROAD

12pm

24/12/11

$399,000

5 BRIDGEWATER TERRACE, ALBERT TOWN

2pm

24/12/11

Auction

50 KELLIHER DRIVE

2pm

28/12/11

$849,000

22 MEADOWSTONE DRIVE

5pm

28/12/11

Auction

51 LOACH ROAD, HAWEA FLAT 1pm

28/12/11

$495,000

FIRST NATIONAL

Free Text-Classifieds greetings

for sale

services

Have a Merry Christmas and exciting prosperous New Year to all from Cheryn Smith Bowen Practitioner.

1997 Subaru forester, reg and warrant until Jan 2012, 103,000Kms, call or text 027 637 0047

Very, very, merry, merry Christmas to all our lovely, lovely family and friends, millions, me & JBJ.

Give your child the gift of your time. Read them a book. Chief Loves to Chase.

0276449575

Routeburn track more convenient now. Let us relocate your car to end $250.

Get your party together www.routeburntrack.info or 4436454

Wanted 2nd hand trailer, good condition, with or without cage. 4434944

Merry xmas :) from Ursula Krebs Massage Therapist

services

Happy Chrimbo Friday Club xx

U-FLY gift vouchers from $199 plus 50% off your DVD of your flight for locals. Ph Ruth 443 4005 info@u-flywanaka. co.nz.

Thanks so much to the Fulton Hogan staff working on Brownston Street for taking care of me last Thursday after my fall, your kindness was much appreciated. Merry Christmas from Ronnie.

for sale Cute bright yellow retro scooter for sale 50cc, v moto Milan 1927km, with carry box and helmet, super cheap to run $2000 call 4439340 after 5pm.

Double bed and Futon Sofa Bed $150 each call Jo on 443-2511

All types of fencing and gates. Wrought iron. Timber.

Colour steel. Post and rail. Glass and steel balustrades. 4434078 0272080175 ASPIRING MASSAGE WANAKA. Provider to High performance sport NZ. Deep tissue-relaxation. Trevor Bailey, certified massage therapist.

4432993 or 0274222455.

Babysitter available until mid February. Local. Has full licence. $10/h cash. Text 0273861486 HANDYMAN 0274573539

Chest freezer, excellent condition, $200. Call 0274114420 Christmas gifts for under 10 dollars from Pirate Pickles at the Wanaka farmers market 4pm Pembroke Park every Thursday Crushed wheat, whole wheat - great 4 chickens & ducks. Crushed barley - good for goats/pigs, no soaking.

30kg $25. 4434944 For a unique gift. Buy loved ones gift vouchers for some loving guidance from Archangel Gabriel. Ph/Txt 027 644 9575 Earthtonz music festival New Year’s eve 2012. Tickets and return bus tickets available from www.ticketek.co.nz 15hp outboard incl tank $1200. bruno. 308, scoped, $650 02102745923 2 mountain bikes. 1 dirt jumper, 1 free ride/DH. TradeMe listings 432354660 & 432349636. Txt 0272013922 for enquiries / viewing.

Lazer Level $500, Tripod $100, Starf $75. Ph 027 220 2181 Scaffold alumin. 4 bar feet 600 wide plank 2 sets $750 each ph 027 220 2181 Saw bench 6.8m long set up for dewalt saw $500 ph 027 220 2181 Two single mattresses in good condition. Ph 443 9300 after 5pm

BOWEN PRACTITIONERCHERYN SMITH, for your body to RE-ALIGN, REBALANCE and to get RELIEF, call me on 027 7771013 for appts. :-) Bus to the huge Earthtonz new year music festival from wanaka cromwell. Get your tickets from i-site. Seats are limited.

Engineering and repairs. Handy Solutions. Ph 0272080175 Fencing 0274573539

wanted

Solutions

House/Pet sitter available, 4 xmas/new year or longer.

Caring, responsible, mature, local female. References available. Pls call 027 6602271. louvretec electric opening rooves and shutters. Agent Handy Solutions 0212080175

Flatmates wanted Albert Town. 2 rooms available in warm sunny house near river with vege garden. Call Disa 0276370047

for sale

LAKE HAWEA GOLF PRIZE LIST 2011. Men’s Senior Championship. Skip Johnston.

employment

Lost. Old chunky style key.

Silver. Near aspiring beginnings or carpark behind BP. Desperatly need it back.

0274167802

rent 3 bdr House with fenced section. Sunny, quiet area, has logburner with wetback.

Call 0274913786 NOTICE Your medical centre may be on the move but your pharmacy is still right here!

Wanaka Pharmacy - serving the Upper Clutha for 40 years & here for you daily until 7pm at the top of Helwick St. Dam good fruit stall is back!

Cherries and stonefruit fresh from the orchard. yum!!

BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE available from Wanaka Toy Library, great rates for members & non-members - Call Barb today 443-5053 Wanaka Pharmacy Healthy Rewards lets you earn 1 reward point for every dollar you spend!!

Earthtonz Music Festival 30th, 31st and 1st. Massive New Years event with the largest EDM lineup. Go to www.earthtonz.co.nz Marquee Hire! Free of charge for community groups or events. Contact Bayleys Wanaka for more info 4435330 or wanaka@ bayleys.co.nz

MASSAGE THERAPY. Sports massage, Deep tissue, Relaxation. Treatment work and stress relief. Ursula Krebs, Dipl. Massage Therapist, ph 027 6602271.

U-FLY 20, 30 & 50 min flight options. 2in1 scenic flight with your chance to fly. Ruth or Wayne 443 4005. www.uflywanaka.co.nz

POST and RAIL fencing.

HANDY SOLUTIONS happy to quote. You may be surprised.

Ph 4434078 0272080175

SOUTHERN WIDE

LAKE HAWEA GOLF RESULTS 18/12/11 CLOSING DAY AMBROSE. 1st K. Vincent, J Caine, T Griffen, R Shuttleworth. 52.

2nd. G Haggart, C Westle, A Easte, M Bankshaw. 54.1 3rd. N Roberts, M Reid, L Osborne, B Stevenson. 56.8

lost

MASSAGE SPECIAL. Gift certificates from Trevor at Aspiring Massage Wanaka. $55.00. Purchase prior to Dec 24th. 4432993 or 0274222455.

SHADE SAILS. Custom Design.

Quality materials. Handy Solutions 0272080175

HARCOURTS

Wanaka Bowling Club WBC progressive bowls held on 16th December. Skip 1st Betty Russell 2nd George Russell Thirds 1st John Barton 2nd Norman Matheson Lead 1st Robyn Chartres 2nd Stan Kane

Late night opening at Wanaka Pharmacy.

Thursday until 9pm.

Earn quadruple

rewards points tonight!!

WANAKA ROCK CLIMBING CLUB INC AGM, 6pm Friday 13 January, Albert Town Tavern. All members and prospective members welcome.

02 20 786 778 text message only - deadline Tuesday 4pm 20 word limit - standard network rates apply Page 18

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

Men’s Intermediate Championship. Brian Burgess. Men’s Junior Championship. Neville Roberts.

Ladies Bronze 1 Championship. Kay Todd. Ladies Bronze 11 Championship. Linda Osborne.

Men’s Knockout. Neville Roberts. Ladies Knockout. Kay Todd. Putting. Dick Sullivan.

Men;s Mt Maude Stableford.

Dennis Costello. Ladies Mt Maude Stableford. Kay Todd.

4 BBB Championship. Rick Johnston, Kahu Vincent. Most Improved. Rick Johnston.

Men’s Ringers. Gerald Haggart.

Ladies Ringers Joy Hanson.

L.G.U.Button Joy Hanson.

Twilight Golf. Rick Johnston.

sunclassifieds notice Issue 536 Thursday December 22, 2011

circulation: 10,000 Phone: 03 443 5252 Fax: 03 443 5250 Text view: 021 986 786 Text classified: 022 0786 778 Address: Top of the escalator, Spencer House, Wanaka Postal: PO Box 697, Wanaka Editor: Sue Wards theeditor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Tim Brewster journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Production: Adam Hall production@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: Jude Smith marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz Ronnie Hopkinson sales@thewanakasun.co.nz, Amanda Hodge advertising@thewanakasun.co.nz Office Supervisor: Ruth Bolger admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Printed by: Guardian Print, Ashburton Delivered by: Wanaka Rowing Club Published by: Wanaka Sun (2003) Ltd

service

notice Looking for a skinny dipping option around Wanaka?

Greet the day as nature intended: with a smile. After all, one’s birthday suit is always in style - a timeless original, custom designed by Mother Nature for ultimate comfort, accented with a strong sense of self esteem. George knows the area like the back of his hand, call 0274 961 820 (no texts please). Bare on the beach, skinny dipping is the healthy option. Free Beaches NZ is a family friendly organisation.

Trevor Lloyd Hawke 12 October 1941 – 17 November 2011 Maureen, Robert, Peter, Sharon, Jenny, Michelle and families would like to express their sincere thanks for the support and kindness bestowed during and following the tragic loss of Trevor. We are eternally grateful for the continued efforts of: Coast Guard Wanaka Lakes, the Wanaka Yacht Club, Wanaka Land SAR, Lakeland Adventures, Police Dive Squad, the NIWA Rove Operator and the Navy Mines Counter Measure team. We placed our faith in this team of professionals culminating in the bringing home of Trevor.

We sincerely thank the Wanaka community who helped with search information and their support for the family during an extremely trying time. We thank those who attended the service celebrating Trevor’s life. The sharing of stories, the praise, love and respect for this man who deserved just that. We thank all those who have given so generously – the meals and the baking, the cards, the flowers and all the messages of condolence.

Please accept this as a personal expression of our gratitude, sincere thanks and acknowledgement.

employment

You left so suddenly, there is heartache of parting without farewell.

employment

trades&services RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

TREE services

construction

Advertise in the Wanaka Sun Call Ronnie Hopkinson 03 443 5252 CURTAINS

panelbeaters

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

Page 19

sunsport

Giving it a go More than 160 kids from Wanaka and Queenstown gave it a go at the Outside Sports Classic Hits Kids Tri last weekend.

Children aged five to 14-yearsold swam, ran and biked their way around the set course at Jacks Point. Ruby Andrews and Ben Hull took home an early Christmas treat, winning spot prizes of 2012 Specialized kids’ bikes.

The next tri event for the season is the Outside Sports Ultimate Tri Series on December 27 at Lake Hayes.

From street to the ring

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Wanaka’s Young Olympians Six Wanaka based athletes have been selected to compete for New Zealand in the first ever youth Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria next month.

Piera Hudson and Samuel Andrews (alpine skiing), Beau-James Wells and Samantha Poots (freestyle skiing), Olivia Thomson (biathlon) and snowboarder Tim Herbert will take part in the event which will replicate the Olympic experience complete with a games village and opening and closing ceremonies.

Tim’s father John Herbert said the event is a huge opportunity for the youngsters as the experience will prepare and motivate them for future elite competitions.

“They’ll be competing against the best in the world for their age group.”

The athletes will be presented with Olympic rings for participating and will be able to use the Olympic logo on letterheads when applying for sponsorship.

Innsbruck 2012 will have more than 1000 athletes from 60 countries aged between 14 and 18 and lasts for ten days starting on January 13.

- Tim Brewster

Tim Mckay with mentor Brett Harrold.

PHOTO: tim brewster

Tim Brewster “Fighting, stupid things with the law…mainly alcohol related.”

Tim Mckay’s youthful years of living dangerously now seem to be in the past thanks to a sport not always associated with a positive, disciplined lifestyle in the media.

For the past two years Tim, 24, has seriously dedicated himself to Muay Thai, often referred to as Thai boxing, training up to six days a week under the tutelage of his mentor and workmate, Brett Harrold.

With two wins from three tournament fights in the highly competitive 65-70 kg weight range, he is now aiming to compete on a regular basis and if he continues to apply himself has considerable potential, said Brett, a senior instructor with 23 years experience in the discipline.

Originally from Dunedin, Tim moved to Wanaka to work as a mechanic and get away from a high risk lifestyle revolving around alcohol-fuelled

incidents, scrapes with the law and fighting.

The pattern continued when he first moved up here, but after spotting a Muay Thai sticker on Brett’s toolbox he came to the gym where the club trained and found a new outlet for his energy.

He started training twice a week until his fitness and skill

I have a whole lot more discipline, something to focus on and I enjoy it. increased to the point where he started fight training for competitions doing two sessions a day, six times a week.

He said he now has “a whole lot more discipline, something to focus on and I enjoy it.”

Brett said it is unfortunate martial arts in general often has had a negative image in the media.

As the national sport of Thailand Muay Thai has strict rules for behavior for its participants.

Its class structure means that

Sticky signs Keen mountain bikers took part in a clean up at Sticky Woods last week, organised by Bike Wanaka. The track was cleaned up and new signs erected.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Page 20

anyone can train, with many people just coming for fitness.

Over the past two decades he has trained a number of under privileged youth who turned to the sport because of being bullied and the increase in self esteem and the change in anti social behavior to a more positive outlook on life has been very satisfying.

Thursday 22 December to Wednesday 29 December 2011

“There’s certainly no great financial reward, Brett said” A high point for Tim came recently when his parents came to watch him compete in a tournament.

It was only after he won the bout he realised they had been led to ringside seats by a friend of his.

“It’s the first time they saw me fight legally, Tim said.”