sunnews
Crowdfunding success for Wanaka
Movie screening for Nepal
Maddy Harker Wanaka Sun
Caroline Harker Wanaka Sun Beyond the Edge, a documentary about Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzin Norgay Sherpa’s first ascent of Mount Everest, is being screened next week as a fundraiser for Nepal following last month’s earthquakes. The film, first released in 2013 and directed by Leanne Pooley, has received nominations and awards both nationally and abroad. Organised by Adventure Consultants (AC), with assistance from Cinema Paradiso, funds raised at the screening will go to charities which AC knows are
spending donated money where it is most needed. CEO Guy Cotter said most of the money will be used getting materials for temporary shelter (such as tarpaulins) and food to remote villages before the monsoon season starts. Guy and his partner Suze Kelly returned from Nepal last week. “The Nepalese people are very demoralised,” he said. “More than 800,000 people have left Kathmandu and gone back to their villages to help out. The workers have gone so the factories are all closed and productivity has dropped dramatically.” Rebuilding wont be able to
start until after the monsoon season as it will be too dangerous. More landslides are expected to occur on unstable land when the rains come. Suze said AC has had amazing support from clients and the Wanaka community since the earthquakes. After the monsoon, AC expeditions to Nepal will resume. Guy said to visit Nepal as a tourist is one of the best things people can do to help the country get back on its feet. “When we left last week the message we kept getting was one of thanks for giving Nepalese people work. The worse thing we could do now, would be to stay
Warehouse pop-up store Maddy Harker Wanaka Sun The Warehouse has come to Wanaka – temporarily at least. A pop-up store opened in Reece Crescent on Monday, and will be open for one month. The store stocks mainly winter essentials. Julia Morton, Head of PR and Media for The Warehouse Group, said there aren’t any current plans to open a permanent store in Wanaka. “This is a one-off pop-up store and it’s a test for us at this stage,” she said. The idea to open a pop-up in Wanaka was inspired by a similar initiative in Waihi late last year. “The feedback was so positive we
decided to extend the trial further, but in some winter locations this time.” The store has sleds, blankets, heaters, winter clothing including merino underclothes and other winter necessities, “at The Warehouse bargain prices”, according to Julia. Members of the community may have mixed feelings about the pop-up store, but foot traffic has been steady and strong since opening on Monday, which turned out to be well-timed following Sunday night’s snow. Pictured: Gaia Pegouriex, a French traveller living in Wanaka, peruses the store for affordable winter blankets.
away.” Guy said anyone planning on going to Nepal next season should do some research on the area they plan to visit. “Trekking will still be possible but there will be a lot less guesthouses so people might need to take their own tents,” he said. The fundraiser will be on Thursday June 4 at Cinema Paradiso. It will include raffles and an auction of donated goods. Tickets are available from Adventure Consultants office in Brownston Street. Pictured are AC Sherpas at Base Camp before the earthquakes.
Anna Van Riel’s crowdfunding campaign for her new children’s album ‘Cooking up a Song’ was successful, raising $10,317 by its closing date last Thursday (May 21). Pledges were made by 192 people. Anna’s immediate plans are to finalise the album, but she says the project has already inspired further albums. “It’s like I’ve unlocked a Pandora’s Box of content for little people and now I can’t make it stop,” Anna said. She’s currently finishing the ‘Cooking Up A Song’ art files to go to print, and working on the launch of a YouTube channel called Doodlebug, “which will PHOTO: NICOLE VAN RIEL have 5 minute clips on fun stuff for kids to do and learn.” Anna said she’s looking forward to sending out her ‘pledge rewards’ to pledgers, her favourite reward being the cookbook/songbook that goes with the album. “It’s a ukulele songbook with easy-to-follow chord charts and lyrics, and tips on how you can interact with children in your care.” “I’m hoping it will become a great resource for families, schools and centres.”
Wastebusters to the rescue Wanaka Wastebusters (WW) received unanimous support from Central Otago Wastebusters (COWB) members to take over the operation of the Alexandra community recycling centre, at a special meeting on Tuesday night. Assets will be handed over to Wanaka Wastebusters. These include on-site buildings and equipment such as recycling balers. More than 60 people attended the meeting in Alexandra. “Lots of good questions were asked about the Wanaka Wastebusters plan to ensure it would benefit the [Central Otago] community and build on past work towards zero waste and sustainable communities,” WW general manager Sue Coutts said. A decision on the future of the Central Otago Wastebusters Incorporated Society will be made in a few months time.
Former Warbird crashes in France The former Warbirds Over Wanaka Hawker Hurricane, previously owned by Sir Tim Wallis, crashed in Darois last weekend. The P3351 was the last airworthy asset of the Alpine Fighter Collection and was sold to a French buyer in 2013. It left the runway and ended on its nose in a landing accident following a large airshow in La Ferté-Alais. Alpine Group managing director Jonathan Wallis said he was saddened to learn that the aircraft has been involved in an accident. “We hope that no-one was injured and that the aircraft will be made airworthy again, as soon as possible. “It’s a wonderful aircraft,” he said. The aircraft was first assigned on active duty to RAF 73 Squadron in France in 1940. It was originally recovered as a wreck from Russia in 1993, having been missing in action since 1943.
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THURSDAY 28.05.15 - WEDNESDAY 03.06.15