The Wanaka Sun

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Thur 29.03.12 - wed 04.04.12

inside:

Park or parking lot page 3

Golden run Cropped for charity page 4

Dougal Allan was still smiling at this stage of the 376km Goldrush last weekend. See story page 16.

PHOTO: garrick cameron

Irony in bylaw change Lakeside area that inspired ban left out of draft Caroline Harker

Jerseys for Africa page 6

90th Tarras dog trials page 12

Read online:

www.thewanakasun.co.nz

People could start freedom camping along the main road side of Lake Hawea again if the council’s draft freedom camping bylaw is accepted as is. Ironically this is the very area which inspired Hawea people to work for a camping ban in the first place. Scenic viewpoints along the road were very popular with freedom campers, many of whom left their mark on the landscape.

Now the council is changing its freedom camping bylaw to bring it in line with the Freedom Camping Act (2012) and as this area is administered LINZ (Land Information NZ) rather than the council it will be left off the maps showing where people can not freedom camp. Neither has it been included in the national legislation. “[MP] Maurice Williamson said they considered including LINZ land in the legislation, but in the end they didn’t,” Hawea Community Association President Rachel Brown said. “We’ve been trying

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Bringing the boundary in could make the problem along the lakeside road worse than before.

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to work with LINZ and they have been great. They want to co-operate with district councils.”

Rachel said she is suggesting QLDC works with LINZ and DOC in her submission on the bylaw. She said it’s particularly important all areas where people shouldn’t be freedom camping are included in any public maps, brochures or notices, not just council land.

“Bringing the boundary in could make the problem along the lakeside road worse than before,” Rachel said. “Since the [council] pamphlet and no camping signs came out there has been a marked improvement around Hawea.”

Other changes to the no freedom camping zone in the Wanaka area include an extension from the Wanaka-Mount.

Aspiring Road / Bills Way intersection up to beyond of Glendhu Bay. Submissions on the draft bylaw close on Friday April 13.

sunnews

inbrief Albert Town community party The Albert Town Community Association is hosting the second annual Party in the Park this Sunday at McMurdo Park.

Association secretary Ella Lawton said the Party in the Park will provide a space for the Albert Town community to meet their neighbours, have a laugh and welcome new families to the community. They also hope to raise the Association’s profile within the community.

“There are a number of new members on the community board, so it is also a chance for the community to meet us,” she said. “We hope the day will also ensure that the community knows there is a place where they can come to pitch ideas of ways to improve the community or voice their concerns.”

There will be facepainting, sack races and plenty of prizes. The party starts at 1pm.

Criffel compromises Caroline Harker Criffel Deer Farm owners Michael and Caroline Garnham have until April 5 to submit changes (in writing) to their proposed four-lot subdivision of a 11.6ha parcel of land on Mout Barker Road. The proposal includes two residential building platforms , and a third lot would be amalgamated into a neighbouring section. The changes include a reduction in the size of the two building platforms, originally proposed to be 1000sqm each.

The proposal was considered at a hearing last week with Commissioners Jane Taylor

and Sally Middleton.

The site is zoned Rural General under the Queenstown Lakes District Plan. Lakes Environmental planner Richard Campion reported

landscape, will be inconsistent with rural character values.

The site has limited ability to absorb the proposed development and the proposal is likely to

The application has failed to accurately identify and assess the risks... on the proposal concluding: “I consider that the close proximity of the two proposed building platforms, and the future built forms on these sites, as well as associated domestication of the

result in adverse effects that will cumulatively affect the rural character of the site and the Visual Amenity Landscape.

“The application has failed to accurately identify and assess

the risks associated with alluvial fan hazard associated with the subject site.”

Lakes Environmental planning manager Brian Fitzpatrick said the proposal would be looked at in detail once the changes are received.

“They [the commissioners] will do an assessment depending on landscape classification, visibility and a whole range of issues,” he said.

Submissions for and against the proposal were received from neighbouring landowners. The Otago Regional Council opposed the proposal due to the alluvial fan hazard.

Cannabis recovery

Clocks go back Remember to turn the clock back this weekend.

Daylight saving will end this Sunday, April 1, when 3am becomes 2am. The period, which runs from the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April, will recommence on 30 September.

Young leadership awards The Sir Peter Blake Trust 2012 Young Leader Award is now open for nominations to find the primary and intermediate school pupil who has shown the most leadership in their school and community. The awards are presented to one student, aged nine to 13 years, in each primary and intermediate school.

Sir Peter Blake believed in the potential of young Kiwis to achieve great things. The Trust encourages young students to dare to dream, and the awards celebrate those who have.

An NZ Air Force Iroquois helicopter based in the Maungawera Valley over the long weekend was assisting police in the annual cannabis recovery operation.

Wanaka Senior Sergeant Derek Shaw said he was unable to comment, however Detective Senior Sergeant Malcolm Ingles from Dunedin said they had pulled out hundreds of plants in the Upper Clutha area.

“It was about the usual amount,” he said.

Seven Air Force personnel and six policemen were involved in the operation.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Social area for dogs Local dog owner Ali O’Connor is campaigning for a recreational dog park to be built in Wanaka. With more than 1500 registered dogs in Wanaka Ali would like to see a purpose built safe environment for dogs to exercise and socialise.

Some options for a possible location for the proposed project have been suggested although funding has not been secured yet.

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Support for mothers Wanaka now has two breastfeeding peer support counsellors.

Stephanie Anderson and Kate Wolfe spent six weeks training at the Wakatipu Breastfeeding Support Service with tutor Catkin Bartlett.

“The women will be a real asset to their community,” Catkin said. “The peer counsellor programmeempowers mothers experiencing breastfeeding challenges and helps them make choices that suit their families.”

Kate and Stephanie volunteer their time to support both new and

experienced mothers.

They are available for one-on-one support, phone help and informal group drop-in sessions.

Southern Primary Health Organisation

available locally: Plunket, midwives, lactation consultants and now mother-tomother support.”

A W a n a k a Breastfeeding Support Group was started in

The women will be a real asset to their community. health promotion coordinator Sarah Berger said the counsellors are a valuable addition to breastfeeding support in the area. “If mothers ever need support with breastfeeding there’s lots of help

October and has a breastfeeding resource library which lends books for free. The group meets on the first Monday of every month from 10.30am at the Plunket Rooms and mothers can just dropin.

Safety at the roar Local deer hunters should be keen to head into the hills this weekend for the start of hunting season. Known as the “roar”, the red deer mating season seems to be starting early this season, Upper Clutha Deerstalkers Association publicity officer Neil Kaler said, with reports of farmed deer already starting their mating calls. Wild deer in the Wanaka area’s 45 blocks allocated by the Department of Conservation usually follow soon after and reports of deer numbers seem to be good this year he said. The UCDA has had

a couple of safety presentations from the Mountain Safety Council. A press release from the council has emphasized the need for safe hunting practices especially when identifying a target. “In the past ten years, there have been eight hunter deaths and three others seriously injured, usually when one hunter has shot a companion or other hunter whilst deer hunting.

Failure to identify the target properly before shooting being a primary factor,” the council firearms and hunting training manager Mike Spray said.

The Firearms Safety Code: 7 basic rules of firearms safety 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

treat every firearm as loaded always point firearms in a safe direction load a firearm only when ready to fire identify your target beyond all doubt check your firing zone store firearms and ammunition safely avoid alcohol and drugs when handling firearms

Thursday 29 March to Wednesday 04 April 2012

sunnews

Park or parking lot Caroline Harker Friends of Pembroke Park (FOPP) have come out strongly against a proposal to put angle parking along Brownston Street on park land. They say the park is a reserve and it should be the council’s job to protect it in perpetuity, not turn it into a car park.

“They’ve been nibbling away at it for years,” FOPP chairman Father Brian Fenton said. “We [FOPP] humbly believe we speak for the majority of residents.

Pembroke Park gives expansiveness to Wanaka which Queenstown has lost completely. Wanaka’s village atmosphere is very special. We mustn’t lose that.”

Under the Reserves Act and the park management plan only parking spaces specifically for park users can be created on reserve

land. The Dungarvon Street car park (which council took from Pembroke Park land) is patently used by people working in the CBD, rather than park users, and the Friends believe proposed angle parking along Brownston Street would be too.

Father Fenton said if council didn’t intend CBD workers to park there they would have time restrictions on the carparks.

Fortunately for the Friends, developing any part of Pembroke Park for car parking would require public consultation – which would give them an opportunity to fight against it - and amendments to the park’s management plan.

The concept design prepared for council by MWH NZ includes 94 angle parking spaces along the park side of Brownston Street alternating with landscaped areas,

and no parking at all on the other side of the street which currently accommodates parking for 60 vehicles.

The proposed changes are intended to enhance traffic flow along Brownston Street, which is intended to be the main arterial route through town (rather than Ardmore Street). FOPP believe angle parking along the park edge would cause congestion and be dangerous. “It contradicts the council’s intent to expedite safe, freeway passage,” Father Fenton said. FOPP will be defending the park wholeheartedly.

“We are not going to accommodate the council for another land grab,” he said. “They must honour the management plan.

Developers should be required to provide sufficient car parks for their buildings.”

Friends of Pembroke Park chairman Father Brian Fenton.

PHOTO: caroline harker

Skydive dropzone moves up the valley A ten nautical mile exclusion zone around Wanaka airport during the Easter Warbirds show means that Skydive Wanaka are heading up the valley.

The tandem freefall operation sets up a temporary base by an airstrip in the Matukituki Valley a couple of days before and after the event.

Ski fashion hits Afghanistan Old fluoro coloured Cardrona ski instructor uniforms are on their way to Afghanistan as part of a Salvation Army aid shipment. Twenty-eight boxes of the still serviceable insulated pants and jackets were donated to the aid agency from the resort and shipped free of charge by Upper Clutha Transport to Christchurch.

Mums would go to prison Caroline Harker Two 18-year-old boys were surprised to receive a fine for freedom camping after sleeping in a car on the lakefront rather than drive home after the Rippon festival.

Lake Hawea labourer Tim Cotter and his cousin Connor Chamberlain decided not to drive as they had been drinking.

They had left their car near the Lake Wanaka wharf before the festival

so they slept inside it from three in the morning until about 6.30am.

“We did it so we didn’t

She was told the $200 fine would have to be paid.

Tim’s parents, Mike

We did it so we didn’t drink drive. drink drive,” Tim said.

“My cousin’s mum got a ticket in the mail two weeks’ later.”

Connor’s mother Jo Chamerblai, who owns the car, rang the council to explain the situation.

and Michelle Cotter said no-one would be paying the fine.

“What message are they sending our kids?”

Michelle said. “I would be prepared to go to prison rather than let

them pay the fine.”

Connor’s mother Jo Chamerblain said she would go to prison with Michelle. “The boys were doing the right thing,” she said.

QLDC general manager community services Paul Wilson had no sympathy for the boys.

“People need to plan where they are going to stay,” he said.

British biker named The 26-year-old Briton who collapsed and died while in the Cardrona Valley has been named. Philip Ross Bergman, a resident in Dunedin, was part of a group of ten taking part in a downhill biking in the Cardrona Valley with Queenstown Bike Taxis.

The group had done a brief down hill ride before stopping at an area known as Rock Drop; they had walked a short distance from this area when the man collapsed. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful despite the best efforts of his associates and first aid trained staff from Queenstown Bike Taxi. Wanaka Police, who dealt with the incident on March 26, said there are no suspicious circumstances and the matter has been reported to the coroner for routine follow up.

Thursday 29 March to Wednesday 04 April 2012

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sunnews

ticketgiveaway Behind the mask The Wanaka Sun has two single tickets to give away to the Masquerade Ball at Criffel Station on April 7. Simply name your favourite masked super hero, emails to admin@thewanakasun. co.nz by 4pm Tuesday Arpil 3.

Riverton to Ruakaka Tim Brewster An ambitious charity fundraiser will see Wanaka man Andre Klein (pictured) part of a team attempting to run 51 licensed thoroughbred racetracks from Riverton to Ruakaka in just six days. He is one of four runners including champion jockey Lance O’Sullivan who are attempting to raise $50,000 for the Catwalk spinal injury trust. Andre is the chief executive of the Otago Racing Club and wanted to come up with an idea to benefit the trust as it helps a lot of people who have had equestrian accidents, he said.

The attempt starts at 6am on Easter Monday at Gore racecourse, finishing 12 racetracks later in Waimate that evening. They finish in Blenheim the following evening and then start making their way up the North Island.

To prepare for the six-day event Andre has been keeping fit by playing

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PHOTOs: supplied

PHOTO: supplied

futsal in the local team and running at least 10km a day for the past two weeks. The tracks range in length from a classic one mile distance to a 2500m track at Riccarton. Andre is estimating an average of ten minutes for each track, but that will depend on conditions. “I’m confident, but the physical element also involves a lot of hours in the car between runs,” he said.

Cropped for charity Caroline Harker Ray O’Brien hopes to raise $1000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ with his ‘Dads and Lads’ Shave for a Cure group.

Scottish born Ray and his son Dan, 4, have shaved their heads to raise money and they are challenging other local dads and lads to do the same.

“If you want to join the baldness in a quality father and son experience get down to Ali Babas,” Ray said.

Local barber Pete Wells has supported head shaving fundraisers before and is right behind the leukaemia charity. This week he is doing dad and lad combos at Ali Babas with all the money going to the cause.

This is the second

If you are lacking either the son or the hair to join us you can still make a donation. year Ray and Dan have shaved their heads. “It’s to give the doctors money to find out how people got

the cancer,” Dan said.

“If you are lacking either the son or the hair to join us you can still

Thursday 29 March to Wednesday 04 April 2012

make a donation,” Ray said directing people to the Shave for a Cure website.

Shave for a Cure is Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand’s biggest fundraising event and is now in its twelfth year. LBC is a national charity which supports patients living with blood cancer and their families.

It receives no government funding for its core services which include patient support programmes, research, awareness, and advocacy.

The national goal for this year’s Shave for a Cure is to get 10,000 people shaving – one for each of the 10,000 New Zealanders living with a blood cancer or condition like leukaemia or lymphoma.

sunnews

Wanaka book scene thriving Caroline Harker New Zealand Book Month (March) has been big in Wanaka with hundreds of people using free $5 vouchers at Paper Plus and a strong push for New Zealand authors at the Wanaka Library.

Now in its sixth year NZBM is a nonprofit initiative which celebrates reading and champions New Zealand writers.

Head librarian Sue Gwilliam said NZ authors are doing well.

“They used to be very sombre but now they write in many genres.” Popular New Zealand authors include Vanda Symon, Ben Sanders and Alix Bosco – all of whom are crime writers. Alix Bosco is actually a pseudonym used

by Greg McGee of Foreskin’s Lament fame. Crime is the most popular genre in the Wanaka library, closely followed by ‘chick lit’ (women’s light fiction).

Other popular New Zealand reads in the library include glossy books on sheep and cattle stations, architecture and sustainability, and anything by Annabel Langbein.

Wanaka Paper Plus manager Chris Lumsden says while crime is also very popular in his shop, his current bestsellers are all New Zealand nonfiction.

Goodbye Sarajevo by Atka Reid and Hana Schofield is his top seller, closely followed by Trout Dairies – A year of fly fishing in New Zealand by local writer Derek Grzelewski and SAX - the life and times of Dave Saxton by Dave Drangsholt.

The Auckland based authors of Goodbye Sarajevo (the true story of a family caught in the Bosnian conflict) came to Wanaka last year, and the name of Dave Saxton is legendary in Wanaka as a helicopter pilot and hunter, and more recently for his involvement with greenstone.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Other bestsellers at Paper Plus are Wanaka Earth to Heaven at Whare Kea

by Michal Mckay and The Free Range Cook by Annabel Langbein.

“Wanaka people are intelligent and keen to learn,” Chris said. “Our sales reflect that.”

Chris likes to bring authors to Wanaka and always gives 20 percent of the proceeds to charity.

Thriller writer Jo Nesbo’s recent visit was a huge coup.

“His publisher said he wouldn’t come,” Chris said. “I went online and found he was a rock climber so I offered to set

up a rock climbing adventure for him here. He said yes straight away and he had a great day’s climbing. He loved Wanaka.”

Other kiwi authors coming to Wanaka soon include Masterchef winner Nadia Lim and breast cancer survivor Helen Brown.

“We don’t make any money bringing authors here but it’s fun,” Chris said. “And hopefully it encourages people to buy locally rather than online. If everyone shopped for books on the internet we wouldn’t have a bookshop here.”

By the same token library staff hope

people will continue to use it as a resource.

Its role goes well beyond providing books. The Pembroke Collection held at the Wanaka library is probably the best collection of books on the history of the Upper Clutha.

“It’s particularly important because we don’t have a museum here,” Sue Gwilliam said.

Find heroes. Untangle mysteries. Hook up with personal and national histories.

Have a good belly laugh. Shed blood and tears or discover true love. It’s all there between the covers.

Big works on Mount Aspiring Road An estimated 2.5 km of Mount Aspiring road from Meadowstone to Rippon is currently the site for a large makeover, installing services, widening the road and creating a sealed shoulder for road cyclists. Due to the size of the job, work will be done in two stages, QLDC capital works project manager Rob Darby said. “It does look big, but part of that is making sure there is a smooth batter slope on either side.” The section from Bills Way to Rippon is planned to be completed by the May cutoff date for road sealing, with the remaining section to Meadowstone completed in the spring PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Thursday 29 March to Wednesday 04 April 2012

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sunnews

inbrief Input for long term plan Public consultation is sought for the Otago Regional Council draft Long Term Plan which details the council’s current activities, identifies performance targets, and outlines proposed projects.

“We will continue to focus on our core business, including flood and drainage works, resource consent processing, public transport, and our educational programmes which promote sustainable resource use,” ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead said.

A substantial water management programme is underway throughout the region which includes improvements to water allocation; management of river flows through minimum flow setting; and the water quality strategy to improve and maintain water quality in Otago’s rivers, streams, and lakes.

“Together they amount to some of the most comprehensive water management programmes in the country,” Stephen said. “We will also be continuing our Clean Air Clean Heat programme which has been well received in the community, and supports our air monitoring activity. Both of these projects are helping us achieve our goal of improving air quality in parts of Otago which suffer from severe winter air pollution.”

Submissions must reach ORC by Friday April 27 and hearings take place during the week of May 7 2012.

Buckets of help for nursery Caroline Harker Locals are doing a great job watering newly planted native plants when they are walking on the Millenium Track or around the Clutha River Outlet.

“I’m discovering there are a lot of people who are using our buckets,” Te Kakano nursery manager Andrew Penniket said.

“Susie Meyer is a regular on the Millenium Track and Bill Brooker was doing a great job at the Outlet.”

Te Kakano has left buckets by new plantings with a notice asking walkers to water the young trees. On the Millenium Track there are several drums of water, gravity-fed by nearby creeks, and people fill buckets from the drums. At the Outlet they fill them from the lake or the river.

“The whole project has been a great community effort,” Andrew said. “The drums came from Wastebusters, [sculptor] Ernie Maluschnig tidied them up, Rippon provided the piping and now the public water the trees.”

Volunteer Florence Micoud.

PHOTO: supplied

The first three years of young trees’ lives is when extra water is crucial. Andrew said the buckets had been in place for two summers and the project has been so successful the

Department of Conservation is interested in using the same idea at Luggate Creek.

Meanwhile the Te Kakano autumn planting season is kicking off this Saturday with another

planting morning at the Outlet.

Volunteers have already put 355 trees in there, including Kowhai for Project Gold.

(See sunspots for details.)

Jerseys for Africa

Flypast by Triple Seven An Air New Zealand long-range 777-300ER, also know as Triple Seven, will do a fly past of the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow on Easter Sunday.

“It is a massive aircraft at nearly 74m long with a 64.80m wingspan, and can carry more than 300 passengers,” event director Mandy Deans said.

“It will be a fantastic sight to see it up close as it passes over our small airport.”

Airshow flying programme controller John Lamont of Wanaka will work with Air New Zealand Captain David Morgan to plan the technical details of the flypast.

A group of women from the Upper Clutha Lions Club are knitting jerseys for newborn African babies who would otherwise go home wrapped in newspaper.

Club member Judy Reid (pictured) had 30 women knitting at her house on Wednesday (March 28). They have a special pattern which works for newborn babies but will still fit them in a year or two. The Lions would welcome anyone else wanting to knit for them, or donations of wool. The club plans to send a big parcel of jerseys to Africa within six months.

PHOTO: caroline harker

Making a difference In 2010 Wanaka Wastebusters set up the people’s choice Unpackit Awards to recognise New Zealand’s best and worst packaging.

Two years on the awards are already making a difference. Two of the Worst Packaging Award finalists in 2010 have significantly improved their packaging: Sealord now numbers the plastic components of their deli menu snack packaging. Cedenco has withdrawn vacuum-packed corn from New Zealand.

Wastebusters continues to work with businesses, environmental groups and community groups to help them chose smart packaging.

Voting for this year’s awards began in February and will continue until June 1.

PHOTO: supplied

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sunnews

From orchard to plate The Otago Polytechnic’s annual Autumn Plant and Food Fair takes place tomorrow (Friday) from 10am to 2pm at the Otago Polytechnic nursery in Cromwell. Horticulture and Chef students have nurtured their harvest year-round, from orchard to plate, for the fair which will include plants and herbs, fresh pestos, bottled and preserved plum sauces, chutneys and jams made from locally grown

fresh fruit, wild thyme and apple jelly, pickles, fresh baking, breads, beef and game pies.

“They’ve found the whole process very satisfying, from growing the produce to cooking up a storm.

They are all excited about the fair so we’re hoping lots of people will come along and support their efforts,” Otago Polytechnic Cromwell group manager Jean Tilleyshort said.

PHOTO: Jo Wakelin

Meeting Peta Vivienne Fitzgerald jumped at the opportunity to have her photo taken with Peta Mathias at The Venue last week. Peta’s show included readings from her latest book Beat Til Stiff, answering agony aunt questions, cooking a blue cod dish and singing a couple of Edith Piaf numbers.

PHOTO: supplied

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Thursday 29 March to Wednesday 04 April 2012

sunnews

Tree top location ‘perfect’ Sue Denim

crimescene Theft

In a desperate move to find a suitable venue for the club without angering nearby residents the club has decided on what members are calling a ‘vertical option’building a sprawling tree house at Waterfall Creek. “It’s a perfect, elegant solution,” a spokesperson for the club said. “Technically we’re not on any reserve land, we’re above people’s heads so they can walk their dogs barely knowing we’re there. Wedding photographers will also be excited by the angled concrete boat ramp into the water which will provide a dynamic industrial counterpoint to the natural surroundings.”

Club members are said to be very excited about the novel solution and are already planning a number of themed fundraisers starting with an outdoor screening of the film Swiss Family Robinson this Sunday April 1. “The film is a classic articulation of the tree dweller lifestyle and is the ideal way of introducing Wanaka people to our exciting new concept.” When completed the installation of a complete club suspended in trees by the lake is expected to be a world first and a huge tourist drawcard rivaling many of the world’s iconic structures.

A male from out of town was caught by video surveillance stealing a muesli bar from Wanaka 4 Square on Tuesday March 20.

A theft of tomatoes and apples from an address on Parry Crescent, Lake Hawea on Thursday March 22 was reported to police.

A 25-year-old male was arrested for helping himself to a jug of beer from behind the bar at the Wanaka District Club on Sunday. When confronted by the manager the man hid in the toilet before climbing out of the window. He was identified and dealt with by way of pre-charge warning.

Vandalism

The proposed tree-top site for the new building.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Slow speed zone proposed Sue Denim Despite the continued consternation regarding the four courtesy crossing on Ardmore Street, more crossings are planned for the town.

The proposed plan is for the humps to circle Wanaka’s central business district.

The ‘slow speed zone’ will run the length of Ardmore Street, branching off onto Dungarvon, Brownston and Helwick streets. Officials said the humps on Helwick Street will be replaced with the “more effective speed restriction pratform”.

Since the courtesy crossing were installed last year the

Wanaka Sun has received a large quantity of texts and letters complaining both about the severity of the hump design and the confusion drivers and pedestrians have in determining right of way.

Although some Wanaka Sun readers have said they are an “accident waiting to happen”, supporters of the pedestrian refuges insist Wanaka is “better off” as traffic slows down to negotiate “the dual challenge of the object height and the unpredictable movement of pedestrians”.

Submissions on the proposed ‘slow speed zone’ close on April 1.

On Saturday March 24 a motor scooter which was parked by the log cabin on the lakefront overnight, was dumped off the end of the wharf. Police are seeking any information that may assist in their investigation.

Motor incidents Police received a complaint of a male on a motorcycle shooting rabbits in the Albert Town Camp Ground last Thursday. “Remember, safety before rabbit control.”

A campervan driver was apprehended after a motor vehicle collision near the Matterhorn South Backpackers for failing to report the accident.

Limit the drink On Friday March 23, a 24-year-old local female was transported to her home address after she was found in a grossly intoxicated state in the early hours of the morning. “A thank you to the member of the public who did his civic duty in assisting the police officer,” Senior Constable Sean Hurley said. “Limit the drink and try to keep yourself safer.”

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

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Thursday 29 March to Wednesday 04 April 2012

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sunnews

inbrief Twice the epic

Motatapu race mix up

Tarras celebrate 90th dog trails Last week’s Tarras Collie Dog Club celebrated their 90th trials with an estimated 80 people attending. Club secretary Jan Gibson said conditions were perfect, with a high quality of entries. Some of the standout performances were from Edward Aubrey and Fin from Omarama winning the maiden intermediate and open Long Head events and Tarras local Cole Wells and Tough winning the maiden event in the Zig Zag hunt. Jack Davis from Lowburn (pictured below) with Mac won the Presidents Prize for the best dressed competitor.

Wanaka Sun journalist Tim Brewster will join some of Wanaka’s elite athletes for the Contact Epic on April 21. The mountain bike course, starting at Kidds Bush for the 95km Classic and at Lake Hawea township for the 125km Epic, takes racers through the Hunter Valley and Dingle Burn high country farming stations of Lake Hawea.

This year, several Wanaka athletes will trial an earlier start so they can circumnavigate the shore of Lake Hawea twice.

“These athletes are local lads we know have the cycling ability and safety know-how to complete this ultra-endurance challenge,” race director Danielle Nicholson said. “As for whether it will be opened up as a competitive leg in the future, we will see what they encounter en route.”

PHOTO: tim brewster

Tim Brewster An account by Wanaka mountain runner Andrew Town (pictured) that he was threatened with legal action unless he retracted a public complaint about an event has been disputed

by Iconic Adventures Motatapu event organizer Geoff Matthews.

Geoff told the Wanaka Sun the comments Andrew made public in a blanket email were potentially defamatory about event volunteers.

“I told him, ‘if we believe the statements published by you to be untrue and defamatory, then there is the potential for legal action.’ We need to protect our volunteers.”

Andrew said Geoff called him at this home on the Sunday after the event and told him “You’d better have a bloody good lawyer.” Andrew said he is in the midst of plans to move to Australia and was intimidated so agreed to

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retract the comments.

The issue stemmed from a wrong turn Andrew and fellow competitor and event record holder Alan Funnell, made as the frontrunners during the 15km Motatapu Miners

He said he has since retracted the account following the phone call warning of legal action, but still feels the treatment he received is unfair.

Geoff said Andrew never approached the organisers

We need to protect our volunteers.

Run event on March 10.

After running for some time, they realised they were going the wrong way and returned to the turnoff but were unable to make up the ground they had lost, and complained about what they considered inadequate signage for the event. Dissatisfied with the response from the event organisers, Andrew wrote up an account of his version of events and sent it out in an email to a number of parties including the organisers, he said.

after the race, instead choosing to make a public statement criticizing the organisation of the event which he sent out to a number of people including media outlets with little thought of the consequences for those involved.

A number of comments about the incident from well known multisporters, such as Steve Gurney, have populated the Iconic Adventures facebook page, with the event company posting a statement outlining their position.

PHOTO: supplied

Local umpire for Masters Cricket Wanaka’s James Blunt, a level three umpire, will take to the pitch with former international cricketers this weekend at the Queenstown Events Centre for the Mercure Masters Cricket Weekend. The 20/20 event will feature some of New Zealand’s top former cricketers and all six provinces will be represented. James has been gaining umpiring experience throughout the season and will take his level four exams later this year.

Thursday 29 March to Wednesday 04 April 2012

sunviews editorial

TXT MESS AGE

BOARD Re: Letter 220312. Right on Mal! The approval of the Parkin Bay development is another nail in the coffin of Upper Clutha`s remaining natural landscape.

Drive thru Macdonalds in Wanaka? Wow, how imaginative...

New drive thru mc Donalds coming to wanaka?? I hope not. Last thing we need here Re: Letter 22.03.12. Thank you Mal for your strength.

Our community needs more people of your calibre.

I strongly oppose the naming of local people in the Court news column. I find it unhealthy and unnecessary.

Good bye Wanaka ! Ute, Juergen and Justin are moving to Christchurch, leaving behind many wonderful friends. We will miss you all. Thank you.

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.

Recognition of community volunteer work can be a long time coming. Often the more time people spend toiling away the less they are noticed. Last week George Foreman reached his tenth anniversary working with young people and this week we see Peter Bullen recognized for his efforts in helping to make the Wanaka Primary School a reality. Several years of unpaid effort grinding away at the seemingly endless bureaucracy and political agenda that surrounds public funding for education were successful.

Locally we have a large group of people who give up their time, whether it’s coaching a sport team, raising funds for a service project, emergency services or charities. For many the reward simply seems to be the satisfaction of being involved in a project with other people. For others it’s a passion for an activity or event, or perhaps a personal involvement with a health related charity. Whatever the reason, the more the merrier. Times may be tight, but we’re grateful the volunteers carry on.

poeticjustice

Regarding the Christian services in the St Johns rooms at 4 to 5 pm on sunday , the question I ask, what are they trying 2 hide with all the curtains drawn. I thought U had 2 let your light shine. Not very inviting. Confused.

This month’s poem was chosen by Wanaka’s poetic justice group. Poems may be sent to poeticjusticewanaka@gmail. com for selection.

SEE YA MARTY!! We will all miss you ...... well maybe we won’t miss you as such, actually it’s gonna be pleasant to find a beer in the fridge for once.

Unfinished business

Night time saving begins at 02.00hrs on Sunday. Turn your clocks back 1Hour.

Good on ya BLAIR. Probably be better off cracking a stubbie open and lighting a cig than opening a clip top jar tho! You’re use to that! Ha ha Why do people keep calling our landscape pristine?

How does over 100 years of pastoral farming, burning, fertilising and poisoning equate to pristine? Let’s get real about it and think about healthy productive landscapes which produce clean living water, food, fibre, and shelter. happy birthday ned xxxx

late summer soft blue and gold bleached days too hot after midday to be outside in grass-scented air at night, just a whisper, and the hooting, bellowing, warbling and sad song of the stags in roar: we are still sleeping lightly under the cotton duvet without its filling, and putting on the tartan rug the sky is black and star-shredded in and out of the galaxies, people say “blaze” for that piercing white light, old, maybe two million years and still coming: a ripple in a pond, a slow wave counting its way outwards the landscape is so pale, I think, so tight that it won’t come round again, not in just this way.

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.

- Jan Kelly

TXT THE WANAKA SUN

021 986 786 Issue 550 Thursday March 29, 2012

circulation: 8,500 Free delivery to Wanaka, Wanaka surrounds and Cromwell urban and rural mailboxes, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wanaka, Albert Town, Hawea. Distributed to motels, hotels and cafes plus businesses in the Wanaka central business district and to drop boxes in Wanaka, Queenstown, Arrowtown and Cromwell.

Phone: 03 443 5252 Fax: 03 443 5250 Text view: 021 986 786 Text classified: 022 0786 778 Address: Upstairs Spencer House, Wanaka Postal: PO Box 697, Wanaka Editorial manager: Ruth Bolger editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalists: Tim Brewster journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Caroline Harker newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Production: Adam Hall production@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: Amanda Hodge advertising@thewanakasun.co.nz Buffy Paterson marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz Rob Eggers sales@thewanakasun.co.nz Accounts: admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Printed by: Guardian Print, Ashburton Delivered by: Wanaka Rowing Club Published by: Wanaka Sun (2003) Ltd

Thursday 29 March to Wednesday 04 April 2012

Page 13

sunclassifieds

Classifieds rent

for sale

notice

services

Plantation Road, 3bdrm apartment, OSP, garage, 2 bathrooms, furnished or unfurnished, $350pw.

Phone 443 1842 or 027 6363610.

SWANNDRI CHILDRENS BUSH SHIRT. Brand new. Size 2 for 4-6 year old. Navy 100% wool $45. Ph 4432703

Free delivery - when you buy your groceries online at organicexpress.co.nz Wanaka, Albert Town, Hawea and Hawea Flat residential areas.

OUR BOUNCY CASTLES can be set up INDOORS (in your garage).

Hire from the Wanaka Toy Library today! Ph: 443-5159

Caravan for rent, available over Warbirds or long term 4 winter.

Gas cooker, fridge, stereo, oil-filled heater. U choose the spot we’ll deliver. Comfy and cosy. Call/txt 021 984336.

Wheat 4 sale, whole or crushd, barley whole or crushd 30kg 4 $25. Mash 25kg 4 $25. 4434944 or 0212515510.

To rent over Easter: Lake Hawea, modern 2 bedroom house, sleeps 6 (max). Large patio & BBQ. $300/ night. Min 3 nights. 034435090 For rent 1.5.-31.8.12 studio and house. Ideal for a couple in each.

Call 4436593

for sale

WOODEN PUZZLES 11 different types incl Wiggles , Thomas , transport , Bob Builder , animals, etc. $5 each. Ph 4432703

lost&found Found sunglasses reece cres 17th 0274146522

TABLE TENNIS TABLE. $100 ONO. COME & GET IT & PINGPONG. PH 0272462084.

Baby and toddler garage sale.

Sunday 1st april, from 7.30. 6A rob roy lane. everything must go.

Chairs 4-sturdy.cream metal legs, blue upholstery seats. grt nick. $15 each. Ph 4436242 CHILDRENS SUITCASES X 2 , solid construction with handles and wheels. Excellent condition.

Thomas and Cars. $25 each ph 4432703 Cool hut/ slFFpout. Ply and iron.

6.6x3.6 .ph 021 298 8796 Fishtank and pump for sale.nice size.$100. Goldfish also for sale. from $5 each.ph/txt 0272435318 Gorgeous Bull Mastiff pups ready for New homes. Two male, four female left. Born Valentines day. Ph 034434684 Hearth for wood fire black tiles with rimu wood surround. Never used. $150.

Housebus For sale, 1965 SB3 Bedford, orsum. Solar power, rimu throughout, fridge, TV, stainless tanks, runs well, needs COF, $8k ONO ph 021319824 Rusticated feat re trusses. 5 at 3.6 . Ph 021 298 8796 JOLLY jumper 0220154972

Windows new. 4 double glazed.

2@ 900w x2.2h. 2@ 1.1w x1.4h.

Offers. 443 6242

$20

ph/txt

Pram wit detachable bassinet an toddler seat $100 ono ph/txt 0220154972 SOCCER BOOTS, brand new Lotto children’s soccer boots. US 2 , EUR 33. $40. Ph 4432703 Storage corner cabinet. new.900x900mm. $50.ph 443 6242 Subaru forester 1998. two owners, manual hi lo ratio 125,000 km serviced regularly. $8k Ono 021350715 Subaru legacy, 2.0 l auto,96. low kms for age. call or text for ins and outs. 0212884648 For sale trampoline good order $100 ph: 443 9138

Sun glasses found waste busters change room february.

Yours? Txt 0275783040

notice Albertonians are invited to ‘Party in the Park’ Sunday 1st April, 1-4pm at McMurdo Park, Albert Town.

STUDY ANIMAL CARE BY DISTANCE, WITH BLOCK COURSES IN CROMWELL Your first step towards working with animals - Otago Polytechnic’s National Certificate in Animal Care begins on April 23. Apply Now!! For more info: 0800 544 905 or www.otagopolytechnic.ac.nz The Gypsy Fair, Sat 14 & Sun 15 April. 9am - 5pm. FREE ENTRY Wanaka Recreational Reserve, Ardmore Street.

Te Kakano planting morning at the Outlet, Saturday March 31, 10am. Tools and morning tea provided. Volunteers very welcome.

Te Kakano volunteers wanted: Tuesday & Wednesday, 1pm-4pm.

Ongoing work such as weeding, potting on and planting on-site are on the to-do list, to volunteer, contact Andrew Penniket, Nursery Manager on 021 342 187.

Artisans cooperative studio is celebrating our 20th birthday!

Come see our great range of locally made arts and crafts .

Biodynamic workshop #4 CPP Fermentation Compost - 25 march - 9am til 12pm at Glendhu Station - tickets $25 from Wastebusters.

Don’t miss out Buy a bargain or sell yr excess at Rotary Boot Sale. Coming again soon to Lonestar Carpark.

CAKE DECORATING COURSE, indication you interest to co-ordinator - jo@brightsparkswanaka.co.nz or 443-2501. One evening, materials/ equipment provided, expert tutor (not Jo) Coffee so sick, you’ll need to see a doctor. Dose cafe, wanaka lakes health centre. Come check it out!

Happy birthday artisans cooperative studio ! Bringing you uniquely handmade in wanaka arts and crafts for 20 years !

RELATIONSHIPS AOTEAROA Professional counselling for all relationship & family issues available in Wanaka. Call 0800RELATE (0800 735 283)for an appointment.

Interested in a home based business with low capital outlay.

For free information please call Jacinta on 03 445 0215

Septic tank cleaning. Portaloo hire and cleaning ph 4434175.

Septic Tank Cleaners WANAKA 0800885886

Organic Express - the grocery store that delivers to your door.

Locally owned and operated. organicexpress.co.nz

Special occasion? Remember to book your window clean!

Wanaka Window Cleaning, professional, friendly, efficient service.

Paolo 021 0572505/ 4432420

Plum chutney from Pirate Pickles at the Wanaka farmers market from 4pm Thursdays on Pembroke Park Super fresh fruit and vege - we support local growers wherever possible. organicexpress.co.nz TANTRA EVENING Raising, Opening your living life-force for increased health happiness and love. Safe and Fun. Monday 2nd, 7.30 0220770455 Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust AGM Mar 29, Thu, 7pm @ St John’s Room.

All welcome.

Travelling North? Wanaka - Christchurch - Auckland. After Easter.

Share petrol/costs. Ph 44395ll or Ph/txt 0276553581 Wanaka Primary School Netball Club AGM Thursday 29 March 7pm School Hall meeting room. Officer nominations forms 0272016277 Who will be Lalaland’s first top barfly? Sunday night, the winner will be announced and the competition will start again PART TIME WORK : Librarian for Wanaka Community Toy Library.

Immediate start, paid position, Saturdays 9am-12noon. Call Barb on 443-5159.

UNWIND WITH A DEEPLY RELAXING REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT. Hawea Clinic Mondays & weekday evenings.

Wanaka Wellness Wed frm 5.30pm 0276522144 WANAKA WINDOW CLEANING professional, friendly, efficient service. Enjoy those bluebird summer views. High, awkward windows a specialty. Paolo 021 0572505/ 4432420 www.brightsparkswanaka. co.nz for accounts, admin, computer training & more! Call Jo Jago today on 443-2511 www.lakesbowentherapy. com! Bringing balance to your body. Bowen therapy practitioners Cathy 021022018980 Nikki 4436765 Mothers can contact Kate on 443 2635/0276957772 or Stephanie on 03 4438017 if they need any support or have any questions around breastfeeding.

thanks Thanks to all the staff at Montessori Children’s House Wanaka, you do a great job, we really value you tremendously.

Wing Chun Kung Fu. www.earleswingchun.com.Local residents only pls. Txt 021 558 662

Thx 2 Rotary Car Boot Sellers who braved Saturday’s weather. I came home w a boot full myself! Gr8 bargains, thank u. My 1st visit but I’ll def b back:-). Rachel

services

wanted

Aspiring ACUPUNCTURE. Chinese herbs. All aspects general health.

Injury(ACC regd)recovery, pain.

Very experienced. Jos McLean. Lake Hawea. Ph 4436242, 021 1639769(txt only)

Firewood stacking? Schoolboy looking 4 odd jobs after school!

Can u help? V keen as saving up!

Contact johanna022 130 5457 thx

25 years in the trade.

BLOCKLAYING , TILING, STONEWORK CHEAPEST RATES GUARANTEED . Phone -443-1229 or 0211890036 THANKS CRAIG HARWOOD BUILDER. experienced all aspects.

Licensed. Specializing kitchen/bathroom fits/refits.ph Rod 443 6242 MASONRY CURB solutions to enhance your garden driveway or property.garden edges , lawn mowing strips , driveway edges. contact Craig, on 443.1229 or 021.1890036

Wanted ! Coathangers for theatre group costume storage , if you have any you can donate please drop them at the library or call 4437906 WANTED CHEAP Swing set ph/txt 0220154972 Wanted old relish & pickle jars with lids phone 021443930 Wanted old shed suitable for chook house phone 021443930 wanted, 20lt pales with sealable lids. clean ex paint or plaster pales would be good. phone 4439046 thanks

For FREE listing text your advert to

02 20 786 778 20 word limit - deadline Tuesday 4pm standard network rates apply Page 14

Thursday 29 March to Wednesday 04 April 2012

sunclassifieds sport results Results for Lake Hawea Golf Club 25th March 2012-03-26: Ist Round of Mens Club Championships: Senior, K Vincent bt P Hart 2 & 1, R Johnston bt G Browne 4 & 3. Intermediate, J Cotter bt C Hanson 1up, A Hales bt B Burgess 1 up 20th hole. Non Championship, D Sullivan bt M Matchett 2 up. Stableford, M Nyhon 35 ocb. Closest to the pin, P Hart. Twos, K Vincent No12, P Hart No14.

Wanaka Bowling Club results: Progressive Tournament Skips 1 Brian Holmes 2 Collen Landsborough 3 George Russell. Thirds 1 Malcolm Baker 2 Fred Anderson 3 Neville Young. Leads 1 Rick McLean 2 Mary Buzzell.

Bridge results. Championship Pairs 4. Silver Section: North/South:- Murray Pryde, Ken Roberts 58.14% 1.

Lynne Fegan, Maggie Stratford 56.44% 2. Max & Larraine Shepherd 52.84% 3. East/ West:- Clare Scurr, Ann-Louise Stokes 64.39% 1. Joy Baxter, Linda Sutton 58.33% 2.

Georgie Goodall, Allan Kelly 56.44% 3 Bronze Section:North/South:- Lesley Hook, Carole Turner 58/56% 1. Alan Chisholm, Ken Muir 56.48% 2.

Marg Grieve, Helen Henshall 56.25% 3. East/West:- Toni Cathie, Dennis Pezaro 62.96% 1. Janet & Crawford Anderson 59.95% 2. Judite Jenkins, Adrienne Stewart 59/03% 3. Friday Bridge 23 March. North/ South:- Hilary Hall, Brenda Poche 61.00% 1. Lynne Fegan, Maggie Stratford 52.75% 2.

Glenda Sayers, Dani Shannon 52.50% 3. East/West:- Mary Gibson Collings, Madeline Reveley 65.93% 1. Sherril Harries, Mo Schofield 56.32% 2.

Fran Holmes, Daphne Stewart 55.22% 3.

TARRAS DOG TRIALS 21/22 March. LONG HEAD JUDGE:B Manson. 1 E. Aubrey Fin 96, 2 R. Tweed Tom 94, 3 G. Dickie Tweed 93.5. 1 Intermediate & Maiden E. Aubrey Fin 96. SHORT HEAD AND YARD JUDGE:P. Kidd. 1 R. McKenzie Pip 93, 2 A.Ferguson Lass 92, 3 B. Hobbs Cam 91.5. 1 Intermediate A.Ferguson Lass 92. 1 Maiden E. Aubrey Fin 84. ZIG ZAG HUNT JUDGE:N. Manson. 1 B. Manson Mac 98, 2 R. Calder Hood 97.75, 3 G. Calder Cramp 97.5. 1 Intermediate R. Smillie Trump97.35, 1 Maiden C. Wells Tough 96.25.

STRAIGHT HUNT JUDGE:T. Phipps. 1 T. Rowland Crank 99, 2 P. Kidd Kale 98.8, 3 C. Crutchley Beast 98.751 Intermediate T. Rowland Crank 99. 1 Maiden R. McNeilly Grace96.5.

cinema open homes Address

Time

Date

Price

23b Old Station Ave

11.30-12

31/03/12 $595,000

9 Bills Way

12-12.30

Offers over 31/03/12 $539k

First National Wanaka

10 Meadowstone Drive 2-3pm

31/03/12 $605,000

17 Foxglove Heights

11am12pm

Offers over 1/04/12 $1.5m

23b Old Station Ave

1.30-2pm

1/04/12 $595,000

9 Bills Way

2-2.30pm

Offers over 1/04/12 $539k

40 Alison Ave, Albert Town

11am12pm

31/03/12 Auction

99 Alison Ave, Albert Town

12-1pm

Deadline 31/03/12 Sale

Locations

20 words for FREE

Text your classified ad to 02 20 786 778

203 Beacon Point Road 1pm

31/03/12 Auction

147 Stone Street

1pm

31/03/12 $1,450,000

4 Meadowbrook Place

1.30pm

31/03/12

20 Kennedy Crescent

1.30-2pm

31/03/12 Auction

104 Hunter Crescent

2pm

31/03/12 $479,000

* 20 word limit - deadline Tuesday 4pm standard network rates apply

203 Beacon Point Road 1pm

1/04/12 Auction

trades&services TREE services

construction

panelbeaters

CURTAINS

20 words for FREE Text your classified ad to 02 20 786 778 * 20 word limit - deadline Tuesday 4pm standard network rates apply

Thursday 29 March to Wednesday 04 April 2012

Page 15

sunsport Wanaka FC’s A and B teams kicked off the 2012 season at home against tough opposition on a rain soaked Pembroke Park. The B team played first against last season’s league champions Red Rock (formerly Ministry), followed by the A team against last season’s runner up Wakatipu.

Wanaka B (pictured) were one nil down within the first five minutes when Red Rock striker beat the goalkeeper to the ball to put the visitors in control early on. Mikey Finlay levelled for Wanaka to make it 1-1 at the break.

In the second half, captain Sam Aish converted a penalty to give the hosts the lead with 25 minutes to play.

Red Rock scored twice late

on to secure the victory in this dramatic opener. The game finished 3-2.

Wanaka A, with a new 3-5-2 formation, dominated the game against Wakatipu.

Gabe Schwarz, two yards from goal, managed to put the ball wide in what was one of the misses off the century. He did, however, open the scoring a few minutes later.

Wanaka made it two nil when Aiden Butler rose above the Wakatipu defenders and angled his header over the keeper after a nice cross from Pete Reed. Finn Moore rocketed in a third after a great diagonal ball from Aiden Butler.

Allan Carmichael then crossed for Connor Ceci to get Wanaka’s fourth. It was

4-0 at the break. Wakatipu scored after the restart and started to put pressure on before Gabe Shwarz extended the lead to make it 5-1.

Tom Wild, playing up front and adding experience to the front line, got his first ever goal with a neat finish. Aiden Butler, with a man of the match winning performance, scored the goal of the game. After winning a header and controlling on his knee, he volleyed home from 35 yards over the head of the Wakatipu keeper. The game finished 7-1.

Next weekend’s fixtures are at Jack’s Point Queenstown where Wanaka A play Galaxy and Wanaka B play Rangers.

- Allan Carmichael

PHOTO: supplied

Battling the elements Tim Brewster Wanaka multisport athletes endured some of the most ferocious weather in the 16 years of the event to take the top two places in the men’s and women’s open categories in last weekend’s 376km Goldrush.

Dougal Allan who won the men’s open event for the fourth time, said weather conditions were the wildest he had ever seen on the course.

“On day one, paddling toward the jetty at the base of the Roxburgh dam reminded me of landing at Wellington airport on a windy day. You kept getting swung around and losing sight of where you were going.” Another local athlete, Gavin Mason, who placed second overall behind Dougal reportedly

went for a lengthy swim after capsizing.

After the paddle a mountain bike climb brought riders up to almost 1000m on the Knobby Range in altitude, exposing them to strong

Ailsa Rollinson second.

Simone said despite the conditions she was “blown away” by the scenery and the organisation of the three-day event. “After the first day I felt like I had arrived on the moon,”

After the first day I felt like I had arrived on the moon. winds and driving rain.

“It was a real wrestling match. Then on day two we had a big hailstorm climbing Thompson’s Gorge.” Dougal said the resilience of many of the competitors shone through in the harsh conditions.

Local triathlete Simone Maier won the open women’s race in her first attempt at the event with another Wanaka athlete

she said referring to the Central Otago landscape by the Manorburn dam.

She and Ailsa, who are also teammates in next month’s Godzone adventure race in Queenstown stayed together for the first day with Simone making a break in a mountain run the following afternoon.

She maintained her lead for the remainder of the race despite an unplanned

dip on a kayak leg in the Clutha River on the final day. Despite the conditions, event organisers Tim Pearson of Alexandra and Wanaka’s Merryn Johnston reported only one injury from the 215 competitors.

A cyclist suffered a broken collarbone on one of the road bike legs with the competitor downing some painkillers and continuing on so his team could finish.

It was Merryn’s first year as a co-organiser and the combination of the weather and the positive competitor’s attitudes made it a memorable experience. “There were reports of waterspouts.

One guy ended up with huge welts on his legs from the hailstorm,” she said.

The sun came out for the last day and “everybody finished on a high.”

Futsal in Wellington

Three Mount Aspiring College teams, Girls Open (years 9-13, pictured above), Senior Boys (years 11-13) and Junior Boys (years 9-10, pictured below), travelled to Wellington for the New Zealand Secondary School Sports Council (NZSSSC) National Futsal Championships which took place on Monday and Tuesday this week. The teams made it to the top eight and also enjoyed a Wellington Phoenix football game and a session with the Olympic football coach.

Disco dancing for budding athletes Late selection to represent Otago for two young Wanaka athletes has prompted a fundraising scramble to send them to an Easter competition in Auckland.

Layne Opetaia, 13, and Adam Hewson, 12, have just been invited to compete for Otago at the Year 12-13 interprovincial club athletics championships: the only two in the area to be selected. The team competition means both boys will compete in at least four events, but as the selections are made toward the end of the athletics season, they only have a couple of weeks’ notice to raise the $1000 each will need to attend.

They and their supporters have run sausage sizzles, and this Friday night a school disco at MAC is being organised. Bronwyn Coers who is their athletics coordinator said the two have been training and competing since October, but they only find out about selection when the season’s points have been tallied up. “We’re at the business end of the season and this event is a highlight for this age group.”

PHOTOs: supplied

Page 16

Thursday 29 March to Wednesday 04 April 2012