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Local singers, dancers and musicians shone on the Lake Wanaka Centre stage during the 26th edition of Stars in Your Eyes. Tim Lambeth (pictured) took on Tim Finn’s “I See Red”, full story on page 5.

PHOTO: Ruth Blunt/Wanaka Sun

Wanaka Airport plan in focus as Queenstown expansion on hold Allison McLean

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

I

n the wake of strong opposition to its proposed changes to Queenstown Airport noise boundaries, Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) will move forward with its Wanaka Airport master plan. The news comes after Tuesday’s decision to put the Queenstown Airport expansion plans on hold.

The public weighed in on the Queenstown Airport proposal through nearly 1500 newly released online submissions during the fiveweek open counsel on the suggested changes.

More than 92 percent of these responses opposed the airport’s plans to double flight

numbers in order to cater for planned growth during the next 30 years.

QAC chief executive Colin Keel said the corporation would shift its attention to the Wanaka Airport master plan before revisiting long-term development planning in Queenstown.

Keel said many people connected the potential of increased airport activity with wider questions around regional growth.

“We are mindful that Queenstown Airport is only one part of the wider picture and our consultation should not lead this important discussion on future growth,” said Keel.

QAC planned to create a more comprehensive picture by considering the needs of Wanaka Airport and the strategic

planning by the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and other organisations.

QLDC Mayor Jim Boult commended QAC for its “open and robust round of engagement”.

“I also acknowledge that they are genuinely listening and responding to our community, as well as taking insight from other organisations, plans, and strategies, including those of QLDC, to inform how they proceed in this process. Council certainly supports an integrated approach as suggested by the QAC team, to ensure the right outcome for the community, for visitors to our district, and for the associated tourism sector.”

Boult also said that the council is very focused on what future growth for the

district will look like and how it impacts our community.

Tuesday’s decision also received support from Ignite Wanaka Chamber of Commerce chair Bridget Legnavsky who acknowledged the region’s high visitor and population growth, which can provide unique challenges and opportunities to how its sustainably managed.

“We look forward to seeing what the master plan for Wanaka Airport looks like, and we will be actively engaging with QAC and our members next year once there’s more information to review,” said Legnavsky.

Work on the Wanaka Airport master plan began in September this year and the findings will be released in September 2019.

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Kiwibuild comes to Wanaka Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The first South Island Kiwibuild development will be in Wanaka, with 211 homes built over the next two years. Ten homes are currently under construction in Northlake and will be ready to be occupied

by Christmas.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development Phil Twyford announced the development, saying KiwiBuild “is restoring the Kiwi dream of home ownership to thousands of families who have been priced out of the housing market in the Queenstown Lakes district and across the country”.

There are 109 Wanaka-based households on Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust’s waiting list.

QLCHT executive officer, Julie Scott, said the Trust was “very pleased to hear of the proposed new Kiwibuild homes for the Northlake subdivision”.

“We welcome any developments which increase the supply of affordable housing in the district.”

Ballots will open on Monday, October 8 for the first 10 of these Wanaka homes.

“For first home buyers who have been locked out of the market, KiwiBuild is providing the chance to buy an affordable modest, starter home in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand,” Phil Twyford said.

The first KiwiBuild homes to be balloted at Northlake include four two-

bedroom and six three-bedroom, modern, standalone homes, all fully landscaped with off-street parking and a Fisher & Paykel home appliance package. Built in durable, low maintenance materials, the homes are backed by a 10-year Master Build guarantee and range in prices from $565,000 to $650,000.

Only eligible, pre-qualified buyers can enter the ballots for these homes, so anyone interested in the KiwiBuild homes at Northlake should visit the KiwiBuild website to begin the pre-qualification process.

“In August, we raised the HomeStart and Welcome Home Loan price caps for Queenstown Lakes to $650,000 for new builds, bringing them in line with KiwiBuild. Our Government is taking a comprehensive approach to assisting firsthome buyers in one of our least affordable areas,” said Phil Twyford.

A KiwiBuild spokesperson said 3279 people listed the Queenstown as being an area they were interested in buying a home during the registration process.

“In addition to this, KiwiBuild also offered an optional ‘box’ for people to enter a specific place of interest to them, and 171 people entered ‘Wanaka’.”

A Kiwibuild representative will be at the Northlake sales office this weekend from 11am to 3pm to answer questions on the development.

PHOTO: Ruth Blunt/Wanaka Sun

Green light on land name submissions Allison McLean

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

The New Zealand Geographic Board (NZGB) has cleared the way to change the name of a small village adjacent to Lake Hawea and its local creek. Last week, the NZGB rejected all objecting submissions on the proposal to change the name of Gladstone to John Creek as well as Johns Creek to John Creek for consistency purposes.

Out of the 18 submissions during the public notification period between May and August 2018, 14 submitters supported the name

change while three objected.

The original application was made

by Lake Hawea resident Barbara Chinn.

The ‘John Creek’ settlement is named after the John family who were the area’s first farmers.

The NZGB will now report its recent decision to the Minister of Conservation and Land Information, Eugenie Sage, by the end of this month.

There is no set time frame for Sage to make her final determinations on the proposal by confirming, modifying, or rejecting the NZGB’s latest decisions.

Scooter Hooter rolled into Wanaka

PHOTO: Petrina Duncan

Allison McLean

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

More than 60 riders put their pedals to the metal last Saturday during the seventh annual Klinky’s Upper Clutha Scooter Hooter. The event drew record attendance, offering a chance to showcase the area’s local scenery and also

demonstrate the ease of motorcycle travel.

This year’s trip took the bike enthusiasts on a 70km circuit through the Upper Clutha, stopped for a barbeque lunch, and concluded the rally at Rhyme and Reason Brewery.

“Visiting riders love coming here,” said rally organiser Paul van Klink.

Guests from around the country joined in

support and came from as far as Auckland.

Van Klink told the Wanaka Sun he was happy that Queenstown Lakes District Council allowed his group to ride the trail as a one-off exercise.

“Mopeds and 50cc scooters highlight how easy it is to get around Wanaka and find a park when vehicle traffic is getting worse.”

The attendees extended their appreciation

to van Klink by presenting him with a trophy for his involvement, which was handmade by riders from Auto Restorations in Christchurch.

All remaining proceeds from the ride will be donated to the Wanaka road crash rescue team fundraiser to help fund the team’s trip to France for the 2019 world championships.

Pictured: 2018 Scooter Hooter riders.

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Hunter Valley Station access agreement Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

An agreement detailing public access through Hunter Valley Station has been signed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Orange Lakes (NZ) Ltd. DOC and Land Information NZ (LINZ), with advice from the Walking Access Commission (NZWAC), worked with Orange Lakes to clarify public access across Hunter Valley Station to the Hunter River Valley in the Hunter River Conservation Area and Hãwea Conservation Park.

The agreement sets clear rules for public access by walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders and 4WD vehicles. Motorbikes and all terrain vehicles are not permitted on the 42km-long track.

Access is available by permission only, and must be arranged with the farm managers at least 24 hours in advance of arriving to the station.

There will be no public access during lambing (1 October to 1 December) and generally no access to vehicles from May 1 to November 30 due to winter conditions, although mountain bike, foot and horse access will be available during winter.

Access may also be restricted during farming operations, and vehicle access is only permitted during daylight hours.

DOC Central Otago operations manager Mike Tubbs said DOC welcomed the agreement.

“Improving public access to conservation areas is important to us. With this agreement the public now has a clear outline of the access to Hunter River Valley and Hãwea Conservation Park.”

The agreement ensures the public will know how and when they can use the farm track, while respecting the ability of Hunter Valley Station to operate as a working farm. Hunter Valley is Crown pastoral lease and the lessee has exclusive rights of possession. Without this agreement the public have no rights to access the property. Prior to this agreement, and since Orange Lakes took ownership in early 2017, access through Hunter Valley Station was not always well understood.

Orange Lakes director and lawyer Graeme Todd said, “Whilst no one could point to any person having been unreasonably denied access over the farm track since Orange Lakes took over the Hunter Valley Station in 2017, we agreed it wouldn’t hurt for there to be more clarity around what access had

PHOTO: Food for Love

Storage donation helps volunteers Allison McLean

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Department of Conservation

been given since Orange Lakes took ownership, how access could be arranged and the terms upon which it would be granted.”

Under the agreement, up to six 4WD vehicles per day may be granted access to Hunter Valley Station farm track between December and April.

The conditions of use are set out in the agreement which must be signed and returned to the farm managers. Conditions include a fee of $35 per vehicle to contribute to the maintenance of the private farm track.

The arrangements and all necessary contact details to arrange access will be available on the Hunter Valley Station and DOC websites.

The terms of the agreement will be regularly reviewed by DOC, LINZ, Orange Lakes and NZWAC. NZWAC will place its application for an easement on Hunter Valley Station farm track, which had been lodged with the Commissioner for Crown Lands, on hold.

Pictured: A Department of Conservation map of Hunter Valley Station.

The shelves and hearts are full for the team at Food for Love, thanks to a donation of a storage unit from Wanaka Self Storage. The Wanaka- and Haweabased non-profit group will use the new space to house their donated grocery goods so volunteer cooks can have what they need to make nutritious, homecooked meals for local families who need a helping hand.

Food for Love was created in April 2016 by Louise Carney and Rebecca Sarginson to allow the local community to nominate families or individuals who could benefit from healthy meals made by volunteers.

The team of cooks and bakers donate their ingredients and time while averaging 12 to 15 meals per week. Some weeks require preparation of up to 30 meals to help support individuals suffering from a widerange of illnesses and injuries.

“We never turn down a nominee.

Student selected for Women in Engineering programme

Nominees are so grateful, and it’s a beautiful thing,” said Sarginson. “All stories mean so much to us, and it makes us so aware of how valuable life is.”

The group’s base of 100 volunteers now includes school-aged children who contribute art in an effort to help spread cheer. Sarginson said some people have messaged her to say it was the most rewarding thing they have ever done.

“Our long-term vision is solely to help those who need us in this town.

The cost to live here is out of control so when people become sick it’s just added pressure and stress,” said Sarginson.

The Food for Love team is looking into funding to help offset their high operational costs and increasing number of prepared meals, which includes fuel, meat, and vegetables.

Food delivery nominee submissions can be made on the group’s Facebook page.

Pictured: Some of the meals cooked for Food for Love.

Wanaka Auto Service Centre

Allison McLean

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Hayley Yule will soon join a select few to attend University of Canterbury’s (UC) inaugural WiE CAN Women in Engineering Residential Programme.

The Mount Aspiring College (MAC) student is amongst many high quality applicants to be awarded a free, hands-on programme to explore the broad nature of engineering.

The four-day January 2019 event caters to Year 12 female New Zealand students currently studying maths and science and who are interested in pursuing a career in engineering.

Sixteen-year-old Yule told the Wanaka Sun, “When I received the email regarding my acceptance into the programme, I couldn’t believe it. It is such an amazing opportunity and I am honoured to have been chosen.”

Yule said she has a broad interest in engineering and is taking every opportunity that comes her way. She said the programme’s layout and the chance to get a feel for the UC

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College of Engineering atmosphere are what drew her to apply.

“I will be able to get a grasp of what different fields of engineering entail and decide which I would like to specialise in, whilst working alongside a group of like-minded women.”

Yule made special mention of the other young women from MAC who also applied for this programme, and said she hoped to see many individuals grasp this opportunity in the future.

“I believe that it’s really important for females to be encouraged to pursue their interests in a relatively male-dominated field. This programme will allow me to interact with engineering lecturers and current female students and hear their stories of success and struggles they were faced with along the way.”

Female students interested in the 2010 programme can visit UC’s website for key application dates.

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St Ninians church 80 years young Busy time for EBOT Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Allison McLean

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

The ministry team at Upper Clutha Presbyterian Parish (UCPP) wants you to note this Sunday, October 6, in your diary.

The parish’s St Ninians church in Hawea Flat will mark 80 years of service to the community by celebrating with a shared lunch after the morning service.

The church staff members will be honouring the congregation’s past and announcing some special ideas for the future. UCPP minister Ian Hyslop said that their parish received some significant funding from the Synod of Otago and Southland, which helped to make these projects possible.

“This Sunday will offer a sense of looking back, but an opportunity to learn and discuss more of what is on the agenda for the future,” Hyslop said.

Some of these plans include changing the regularity of worship services from monthly to weekly in early 2019, as well as offering continued education and parenting courses.

Ministry intern, Aaron Johnstone, said he has enjoyed training to become a minister at St Ninians.

“It’s nice to see churches that are, in a sense, bucking the trend. A lot of churches are in decline and that’s a reality, but it’s nice be a part of a growing church and a growing community, which demonstrate that there are churches out there that are doing really well, and that’s something to look forward to,” Johnstone said.

Lake Hawea’s Joy Kane has been

PHOTO: Allison McLean

attending the church for more than 60 years, mostly alongside her late husband, Ian Kane. She recalled some of her favourite memories, including watching her three daughters get married as well as remembering Ian Kane’s steadfast dedication to his church.

“It was a flourishing church community when it was first opened,” Kane said.

“Ian was on the Board of Managers who

looked after the building and grounds.

He used to get up early in the morning to come and put the heaters on so the church would be warm for the congregation.”

Peter Eaton will be the guest speaker at this Sunday’s 11am service. The church’s staff asks that you kindly bring a shared plate for the celebration lunch to follow.

Pictured: Aaron Johnstone, Joy Kane and Rev. Ian Hyslop in front of St Ninians church.

It is a busy time of year for the Wanaka South School’s Establishment Board of Trustees as they collaborate on the new school’s build design, carry out interviews for the position of foundation principal, and negotiate enrolment zones.

EBOT chair Dr Ian Hall said they have a shortlist of five candidates who have been asked to come to Wanaka for interviews on Friday and Saturday this week.

The successful candidate will be employed from term one next year to work alongside the EBOT for a year before the new school opens.

The EBOT is also working on finalising the enrolment zones.

“Wanaka Primary School and the EBOT are working together in a cooperative manner. We are in agreement, so that’s a very good sign,” Hall said.

He said a detailed map has to be drawn up so that is clear where the enrolment boundaries might be, with the Ministry now working on finely tuning the likely proposal.

“It will have boundaries with the Hawea Flat catchment area and there will need to be discussion also with the BOT of Hawea Flat School.”

Both the Wanaka Primary School and Wanaka South School BOTs will be able to advise and consult with the community in term four.

Stephenson & Turner and Southbase Construction have been appointed by the Ministry of Education as the architect and building contractor for the new school.

“We have weekly meetings that are convened by the Ministry of Education with the architects and the builders and that’s proceeding in a very satisfactory manner,” Hall said.

Resource consent is expected to be lodged with Queenstown Lakes District Council in November, and Hall said builders should be working on site from early 2019.

The new school is on track to open at the start of 2020.

Update on rentals I departed my scarfie years without what is something of a rite of passage shared by so many of my fellow Otago University alumni: a grotty flat survival story, steeped in dripping walls and mould spores.

By a twist of luck, five of my first-year mates and I scored a toasty, dry, pristinely-clean house. It was brand-spanking, never-beenlived-in new. And, nothing drove home our good fortune more than when we visited our friends, one household in particular. Typically, the flatties were cocooned in sleeping bags, puffer jackets zipped to the chin, their swotting distracted by incessantly-flapping scrim walls.

This squalid excuse for a house might have been just another colourful uni yarn for its erstwhile inhabitants, but only a few months into her first year, one of my friends was so sick she had to cease her studies and go home.

Previously fit and healthy, it took her a whole year to recover enough to return to varsity. I look back and wonder how a landlord could even think of letting out a place in that state to anyone, let alone vulnerable youngsters transitioning from the security of their childhood homes.

Both sides of the fence I’ve also, however, been left just as incredulous by the gall of some tenants, whose lack of conscience and care was, likewise, simply jawdropping. A case from my early legal career remains one of the worst I’ve seen. A lovely family rented their stunning, restored home, complete with show-winning gardens, to a seemingly decent bloke. He wasn’t. He never shelled out a single cent in rent, and vanished the night before they received their order to evict him. The heartbroken landlords arrived to find grazing stock had eaten and trampled the beautiful yard; the tenant had trashed the interior of the gorgeous house stripping it of

everything, including, literally, the kitchen sink.

The Government has a raft of legislation underway that it hopes will reduce the horror stories on both sides of the renting fence. In fact, there are so many laws sitting at various stages of the parliamentary process, landlords and tenants I’ve spoken to are, not surprisingly, starting to lose track of what’s already law, what’s at the proposal stage and what they need to be looking out for, and when.

Pillars of change Let’s look first at the Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms and Insulation) Regulations.

While passed in June 2016, the implementation of the new rules has been staggered. If you’re a landlord and this isn’t ringing a bell, start your homework right now. Amongst the changes under this particular reform, landlords have until July 2019 to ensure ceilings and any suspended underfloor spaces in rental properties are insulated to Building Code standards. News to you? Here’s an incentive to get you cracking: fail to comply and you could have to pay your tenant up to $4000.

Meanwhile, the Healthy Homes Guarantee Act 2017, which passed at the end of last year, enables the Government to set new healthy home standards, with the aim of making New Zealand’s rental housing warmer and drier. Just what those standards – which cover heating, insulation, ventilation, drainage, moisture and draught-stopping – should look like is at the heart of current consultation. You can check out the discussion document, have your say and keep up with the legislative play at www.tenancy.govt.nz. Consultation closes on October 22. Cabinet is expected to finalise the policy by year’s end. The new regulations come into force next July, with all rented homes expected to comply by July 2024. (While this covers insulation it does not in any way

alter Landlords’ obiligation to ensure rental properties meet the new insulation standards by next July.)

And, that’s not the only consultation on the go. The Government is also currently seeking feedback on a wider overhaul of the Residential Tenancies Act. Among the proposals: substituting the ability for landlords to terminate tenancies for any reason with specific and justifiable criteria; setting the amount of notice a landlord needs to give to terminate a tenancy to 90 days under all circumstances; limiting rent increases to once a year; and, better equipping tenants and landlords to reach agreement about pets and minor alterations to the home. Again, you can find the discussion document at www.tenancy. govt.nz. Submissions close on October 21.

Lastly, we have the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill, which is currently at its second reading. Its aims include more clearly defining when tenants are liable – and to what level – for damage to a landlord’s property, and also clarifying the rights and responsibilities of both parties when it comes to contaminants.

Join the conversation As I said earlier, professionally, I’ve seen both landlords and tenants behaving badly.

Personally, I’ve been both a tenant and a landlord. Contrary to some stereotypes, of the landlords we represent, the vast majority are everyday people, commonly looking to supplement their retirement years. Most are not raking it in, but, rather, are making sacrifices and taking on not insignificant risks, including juggling eye-watering home loans.

Similarly, a third of Kiwi households live in rentals – it’s not at all okay for any of those homes to be damp, mouldy health hazards, or that tenants feel they could be turfed out, or risk eviction for raising genuine concerns.

www.aspiringlaw.co.nz

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THURSDAY 04.10.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.10.18

with Janice Hughes My hope is that these reforms will ultimately walk a sensible line between protecting people who rely on landlords for a healthy house and sense of home, while not making it so tough for property investors that the already low stock of rentals is further depleted. My advice to tenants and landlords is to, firstly, stay abreast of the flurry of changes. And, participate. It’s not too late to have your say as part of the current consultation.

More than 20 years later, I’m amazed the miserable house that made my friend so very ill is still standing – and occupied. If the exterior is anything to go by, incredibly, nothing much has changed. So, there’s at least one landlord in Otago who should be budgeting a pretty penny for some costly improvements ... and, in that instance, it’s well, well overdue.

Please remember: the information in this column is designed as a general guide only and should not replace specific legal advice on a particular issue.

Janice Hughes is a Director of Aspiring Law. If you have questions or feedback about this article, please contact Janice on 03 443 0900, or email janice@aspiringlaw.co.nz.

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Wanaka’s Stars in Your Eyes makes music and memories Allison McLean

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wanaka’s longest running show, Stars in Your Eyes, made quite a splash last weekend. This year marked the 26th production, which showcased soldout performances attributed to a devoted crew, fearless local talent, and an eager audience. This year’s host was Paul Tamati, and three new band members made their debut alongside a choir, backing vocals, and dancers.

Run by the Wanaka Musicians Society Inc (WMS) and inspired by the British television show, Stars in Their Eyes, the three-day production offers a fresh twist by creating an entertainment format rather than a competition. Nineteen local stars made the final cut across 18 acts this year, and kept their identities a secret until the end of their performances.

“The participants of the show are local people just giving it a go. It takes a tremendous amount of courage for them to step up and do this, as well as dedication to practice until their acts are as polished as possible. I think the audience appreciate this as they know these people, and often it’s a surprise to them when their identity is revealed,” said WMS chairwoman Janet Dolan.

The show does not end when the curtains close; there is an encore. All sales proceeds go to local schools for music education, to help the community’s youth have access to instruments, and to the Jamie Robertson scholarship.

Robertson originally created the show, and the committee continues to work from the platform that he and his team originally created.

WMS committee member Michael Balk told the Wanaka Sun, “We have a special scholarship which has been set up in honour of Jamie’s contribution; this goes to a Mount Aspiring College student each year to further detail their musical education in some way.”

Dolan and Balk said it was important to recognise the time, work, and dedication the team puts into a show like this, including weekly practices at a local storage area.

“The work the band, artists, and wardrobe teams do to polish the act to make it sound and look as close as possible to the original artist/song, this all begins months out from the show,” said Dolan.

Wanaka Musicians Society Inc committee extended a thank you to their audience with a special nod to those who have supported the show through ticket purchases 26 years in a row.

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1. Brianna Curtis was Carrie Underwood, singing “Blown Away”.

2. Dylan Rimmer was Eminem, performing “Lose Yourself”.

3. Brent Pihama was Elton John, singing “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”.

4. Jen Anderson was The Bearded Woman, singing “This Is Me”, accompanied by Mount Aspiring College choir and local dancers.

Photos: Ruth Blunt/Wanaka Sun

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Central Otago vineyards explored in new book Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Jennie Anderson

Aspiring artists showcase talents for charity Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village residents showed off their creativity with an exhibition of artworks in the Lifestyle Centre, on Saturday, September 29.

The exhibition showcased more than 100 pieces of art created by a talented body of resident artists over the past 40 years. Pieces include paintings, drawings, photography and sculpture through to a large collection of knitting, embroidery, weaving, tapestry, patchwork, beading, cross

stitch, hand latched rugs, scrapbooking albums and intricately decorated shoes.

The residents raised $1850 for the Upper Clutha Hospice Trust through the exhibition and sale of paintings donated resident Beaton Marr.

Pictured: Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village directors Peter and Dee Gordon at the exhibition opening on Friday, September 28, alongside people’s choice artwork “Boozy Bill” by resident Beaton Marr.

Wanaka’s Viv Milsom is looking forward to the launch of her first book, a delightful coffee-table book featuring the stories behind 21 vineyards.

“The Vineyards of Central Otago” tells the tales of the people with a passion for the region and its unique wine-growing potential, and is beautifully illustrated through Mike Wilkinson’s photography.

Milsom, a freelance writer, has been living in Wanaka for 10 years, and during that time has written several stories on Central Otago vineyards and the national and international success they have achieved.

“I realised there was a bigger story to be told,” she said.

“I wanted to offer the reader a comprehensive overview of wine growing in Central Otago, and I wanted to be fair to each of the six sub-regions. There are so many great vineyards producing great wine in Central Otago it was really challenging figuring out which vineyards to include in the book.”

Rippon and Maude Wines feature, as do stories from vineyards in Gibbston, Alexandra, Bannockburn, Lowburn-Pisa and Bendigo. Milsom delves into the history of the people and the places, uncovering the characters behind the grapes - the vineyard developers and owners, the viticulturists and winemakers.

She started researching the material for her book in May last year, with a deadline to complete the text by March 2018. She said she faced three main challenges: finding a publisher, finding a photographer and approaching the vineyards. She said she was lucky that publishers Penguin Random House and photographer Mike Wilkinson came on board immediately and she was lucky again when it

PHOTO: Supplied

came to the vineyards.

“The 21 vineyards I approached all came on board and were totally generous with their time and stories. Getting to know so many committed and talented people was fantastic,” Milsom said.

“Facing the blank computer screen day after day - that’s the really tough bit - as all writers know I guess.”

“The Vineyards of Central Otago” will be launched at Rippon Hall on Wednesday, October 10. Tickets for the launch, which include complimentary bubbles and nibbles, are available at Paper Plus.

Barbecue-themed beer festival STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

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The annual Wanaka Beer Festival is going from strength to strength. After two sold-out events it returns to the Wanaka Showgrounds on December 1 for its third edition and plans to more than double in size.

Six locals breweries will be joined by six guest breweries providing tastings for the 1200 ticket holders. There will be also be live entertainment from local acts and Wanaka Beats DJs, and barbecue-themed food stalls from local vendors.

Organiser James Hay believes the Wanaka Beer Festival is a chance to sample new flavours, with brewers showcasing unusual and singular styles, that are normally not for sale. There will also be free tasters.

“As we got a little bigger, we know punters may not sample all the breweries, so we wanted to give two free tasters for each entrant so that they can try something they might not usually,” Hay said.

It will be a family friendly event this year for the first time, and also have a disc golf course, wine, beer cocktails, a home brew competition and games.

For more information check out the event’s social media channels.

THURSDAY 04.10.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.10.18

PHOTO: Supplied

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Hospitality award winners

How do you feel?

STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: supplied

Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Cardrona Hotel was named the 2018 supreme winner at the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence gala dinner in Queenstown last Thursday, September 27.

Cardrona Hotel also picked up the award for best country hotel, with proprietor Cade Thornton saying the wins came as a total shock.

“We were honoured to even be a finalist among such great establishments and we were totally stoked when we won the best

country hotel award. The overall supreme award wasn’t even on our radar.”

The judges were impressed with the hotel’s friendly service, even during its busiest times, and noted the tasteful décor and excellent food.

Thornton said running the iconic hotel was a lot of work, and he couldn’t do it without the support of his family, business partner, and “an incredibly strong, hardworking team” behind him.

“I also want to acknowledge the other amazing finalists across all the categories, as the judges said the standard this year

was high and the competition tough, which makes this all the more meaningful,” he said.

Erik’s Fish and Chips in Wanaka won the inaugural people’s choice award, while its Queenstown branch took out the excellence in marketing award.

Pictured (above): Hospitality New Zealand National Board president Clare Davies, Cardrona Hotel proprietors Cade Thornton and Alexis Baronian, function/ restaurant manager Jemma Drake and executive chef Angela Cook.

Pictured (inset): Erik’s Fish and Chips owner Anna Arndt with her awards.

Special song for Hawea kindy

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s new annual survey is asking, “how do you really feel about life in the district?”

The quality of life survey aims to capture the views of as many residents as possible and has replaced the annual residents and ratepayers satisfaction survey.

QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said the survey is shifting from focusing solely on satisfaction with council services and into a broader discussion around how our community feels about living here, what they believe is working or not, and why.

“We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. But that can come with its challenges for some in the community,” Theelen said.

“This district has experienced such rapid growth. There are more residents, more visitors, more traffic, more everything and this can impact on our people. We want to know more about how our community is feeling, their perceptions of growth and lots of other issues so we can have a broader understanding of our wellbeing and quality of life.”

The survey is anonymous and asks about a range of topics including perceptions of growth, safety, income, community connections and personal resilience. It is open until October 28.

“The information gathered will paint an important picture of life in the Queenstown Lakes District to guide decision-makers and partner agencies on what work needs to be done to ensure everyone living here is happy, healthy and connected to their community,” Theelen said.

A sample of residents will receive an invitation to complete the survey in the post, but anyone living in the district can take part via a link on the QLDC website.

The survey is being conducted by independent company Versus Research and the results will be publicly available.

GRAB YOUR !

S T N E R A P D N GRA nd or neighbour)

(or an older frie

PHOTO: Kidsfirst Hawea Flat Kindergarten

Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Kidsfirst Hawea Flat Kindergarten had a visit from singer-songwriter Anna van Riel last week who performed a song she wrote especially for them.

A couple of years ago, van Riel was approached by Kindergarten teacher Rose Gould who asked if she would consider writing a new welcome song for the children. The result was Haera Mai. “We are delighted to have Haere Mai written for us and have been using it in the Kindergarten to bring our children to the mat over the past couple of weeks. They have been so responsive and together we have created some actions to use alongside the lyrics,” head teacher, Kylie

THE WANAKA SUN

Arnesen, said.

She said having van Riel perform live was a “treat”.

“Anna has been a parent in the Kindergarten for a number of years and her son Oscar was very proud to have Mum come and perform for his buddies.”

“Our Kindergarten is all about embracing community and we love being able to support local talent. Especially when we have our own unique song to share with our children.”

Van Riel is currently fundraising on PledgeMe to cover the cost of album artwork, promotional material and manufacturing of the her upcoming album Fishing For Stars. She has 28 days left to raise $5220 to get to her $6500 target.

Pictured: Anna van Riel performs for the children at Kidsfirst Hawea Flat Kindergarten.

THURSDAY 04.10.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.10.18

Grandparents & Grandkids Activity Morning Wednesday 10 October, 10am-12pm Fun-filled sports & games for all ages | $5 for one older/younger pair plus $2 per extra person | Includes morning tea & all equipment Please register in advance for catering purposes MORE INFO & REGISTRATION T: 03 443 9334 E: wrc@qldc.govt.nz

41 Sir Tim Wallis Drive (off Ballantyne Rd) | W sportrec.qldc.govt.nz

PAGE 7

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Triathlon club launched in Wanaka

PHOTO: supplied PHOTO: Getty Images

Allison McLean

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wanaka’s first triathlon club is just one short swim/bike/run away from launching this month.

The TriWanaka committee created their Upper Clutha central hub to include young people into triathlons, increase all skill-level participation, and make the sport a fun activity without the barrier of competition.

The community can learn more about TriWanaka during its launch night at Cinema Paradiso on October 30 at 6 pm. TriWanaka president Kelly Good said it offers a great opportunity to for anyone to connect with potential training buddies.

TriWanaka media manager Sally Currie said, “Wanaka has always had a strong triathlon community, but possibly it’s been a little disjointed in the sense that there hasn’t been one sort of club or one sort of group that has bound it all together, and that’s what we want to be able to do. We think it’s such an amazing town that inspires young age groups up to elite; we have so much talent come out of this town.”

The committee will operate TriWanaka as an association and collaborate with other local clubs.

“We all share similar passions, and I hope that will grow opportunities for everyone in all of those clubs if we can grow together,” said Currie, “including being able to share information to any other region in New Zealand that might want to strengthen their club as it stands or open a new club and allow the sport to grow from a grassroots level.”

TriWanaka’s open access approach will include information ranging from working with sponsors to race logistics planning.

Currie said it is important to offer regular events at the club, so her team conceptualised a swim/run series that will be held on Friday nights and cater to all age groups and abilities. The club will also create a Tuesday ride night as well as local workshops.

All money and donations raised will be reinvested into the club. Currie said she hopes to see people sharing ideas with the committee during TriWanaka’s inception and suggested contacting the club’s volunteer manager to get involved.

Tickets to the launch night will be sold through an event’s page posted in TriWanaka’s Facebook account.

Central Otago deals for locals STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Central Otago locals are being invited to sample the region’s tourist attractions during a Locals’ Weekend.

Central Otago i-SITEs, Tourism Central Otago and Central Otago operators are collaborating on the event which offers 22 activities at special rates. On October 13 and 14, between 25 and 100 percent will be discounted on activities such as curling, cycling, wine tasting, scenic flights, heritage and nature tours, mini golf and go-karting.

The campaign is targeting Central Otago residents as well as Otago and Southland residents. Having a specific weekend with special rates for locals is aimed at inspiring locals to experience Central Otago’s tourism products.

“Locals with first-hand knowledge

become wonderful ambassadors for these great experiences and further promote them to friends and family,” Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said.

“It’s great to see a strong increase in the number of operators involved in this year’s Locals’ Weekend meaning residents have a third more activities to choose from.”

“The opportunity for operators to connect with locals also provides our community with a better understanding of the value tourism businesses contribute to the local economy and way of life. It’s like an open home weekend for our locals and neighbours.”

To see the deals on offer go to www. centralotagonz.com/locals.

Pictured: Rebecca Thomas from the Alexandra i-SITE with some of the promotional material for Locals’ Weekend.

Teachers and principals may strike in November Planning a spring break and looking for luxury that won’t cost the earth?

Camp Glenorchy eco retreat, nestled in stunning natural surrounds, has accommodation options from $75 per night in a state-of-the-art bunkroom and gorgeous ensuite cabin rooms from just $245.

A scenic lakeside drive from Queenstown, enjoy earthfriendly hospitality and a warm

welcome at this brand new and sustainably designed destination.

Meander through native landscaping, discover hand-crafted stone mosaic walkways. Gather at the Scheelite Shelter’s campfire – marshmallows provided!

What better way to make memories, share stories and relax in the great outdoors!

Ph +64 (0)3 409 040 www.CampGlenorchy.co.nz PHOTO: Wanaka Sun

STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Following the rejection of the latest Ministry of Education offers, teachers and principals will vote on whether to hold a national week of one-day strike actions in November.

The proposed strike action would consist of rolling one-day strikes throughout the country.

“There was also some support for lesser industrial action, and strong support for a two-day strike.

However the strongest support was for a national week of strike action,” NZEI Te Riu Roa President Lynda Stuart said.

PAGE 8

THURSDAY 04.10.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.10.18

“Our members are concerned about the impact any strike will have on parents and children, but on balance we are hearing that education is already being disrupted by the teacher shortage. Over half of schools didn’t have enough staff last term. We are hearing about so many children being shifted into other classes because schools can’t find a teacher for them.”

Secret ballots on the action are required under employment law, and will be conducted by NZEI from October 16-25.

Pictured: Teachers, principals and their supporters took to the streets of Wanaka to protest as part of nationwide strike in August.

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Virtual learning earns defibrillator

PHOTO: Katie Anderson

STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wanaka Primary School Pod 6 students participated in a LEARNZ virtual trip as part of its New Zealand natural disasters unit in term two and won a defibrillator.

Children explored different disasters and how they could be best prepared for them. During the virtual field trip they travelled on the rebuilt highway into Kaikōura, met people and learned how they were working to rebuild their lives and their communities, visited

PHOTO: Wanaka Garden Club

Blooming marvellous flower show

Keas plea for new leaders STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

events are an important way to support the local community. “We started this as an offering to the older citizens in the township as many of them have downsized and don’t have the same treats and treasures in their gardens. It’s an opportunity to smell flowers and remember the gardens they used to have.”

The Wanaka Garden Club has been operating for more than 50 years and meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at Wanaka Bowling Club.

Osborne said the club’s doors are open to anyone who wants to visit or join.

The 2018 Spring Flower Show winners are: Champion bloom in narcissus: Patricia Cook (winner of two cups), Champion boom: Myra Murison, Most points in the flower show: Donella Osborne, Decorative - open class: Alison Stretch, Decorative - beginners class: Rochelle Parkhill, and Photographic: John Wedlake.

Time is running out for Wanaka Keas.

If a leader isn’t found soon the group will fold at the end of term four.

The Wanaka Guide and Scout Group (WGSG) has repeated its plea for somebody in the community to step up and lead the keas. There are currently 10 children involved in the group.

WGSG’s Emily Sancha told the

Back country road closures extended

In order to improve its services across the district, Southern DHB’s Mental Health, Addictions and Intellectual Disabilities (MHAID) team wants to hear from the whānau of people who use or have used its services.

Two programmes of particular interest are Needs Assessment, and the Day Activities and Vocational programmes, although other community-based services and programmes will be reviewed over the next few years.

“We are working to improve how we deliver services and whānau have important views and insights that need

Allison McLean

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

A magnolia was one of the top awarded blooms during Wanaka Garden Club’s spring flower show last Thursday (September 27).

The club’s annual Spring Flower Show and Photographic Competition showcased more than 230 spring bloom entries at Wanaka Presbyterian Church Hall and sent home seven awards amongst six club members. This is the first year the club debuted a new tray award for the photographic competition, and it is the third year the event has been open to public entries.

“It was really nice that people took their time to bring their public entries; four of them got to take home certificates and be rewarded for their efforts,” said show convener Donella Osborne.

Osborne (pictured) said the club and its

STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Central Otago District Council has extended its winter closure of back country roads by three weeks.

The roads were due to reopen on October 1 but will now remain closed until Friday October 19.

The extended road closures apply to: Lake Onslow Road from Paerau/Styx to the boundary gate at Lake Onslow; Old Dunstan Road from Paerau Road to Dunedin City Council Boundary; Old Dunstan Road from Linnburn Runs Road to the Poolburn

Dam; Nevis Road from Commissioners Creek to the Southland District Boundary; Bridge Huts Road from RP 3120 (Bridge 185); and Upper Manorburn Dam Road 1350m from Aston Road.

These roads have not been constructed or maintained to a standard to provide access during winter conditions. The recent snowfalls have meant that these roads have not been able to dry out yet, and use of them during the current conditions would result in significant damage to the road surface.

The delayed opening of the roads will allow for snow to melt and roads to dry out.

remote locations where neighbours helped each other, and met people who were helping communities prepare for the unexpected.

A Red Cross representative visited the primary school last week to present the pod with the defibrillator.

The teachers and students learned how to use the defibrillator which will be mounted in the foyer of the school hall so it is easily accessible.

Pictured: Pod 6 children learn some first aid with a member of New Zealand Red Cross.

Wanaka Sun in May that they ideally needed several people to lead the group.

Keas are six- to eight-year-old boys and girls. They meet at 3.30pm-5pm on Tuesdays at the Scout Den at Eely Point during school term, but the time can be changed to a later in the day or different day.

The future leader or leaders would get support at every session.

Anyone interested in becoming a leader can contact wanakascoutgroup@outlook.com.

Feedback on mental health services sought Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

to be heard,” MHAID relationship manager, Robert Ford, said.

“We want to know what works, what doesn’t, and how we can better meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

Ford said Central Lakes families may face different challenges than people in other parts of the district because of its growing population and younger population, so it is important that residents reach out and tell their stories.

Submissions can be made by emailing Southern DHB family advisor Sharon Morrison (sharon.morrison@ southerndhb.govt.nz) or writing to Family Advisors, Mental Health Addictions and Intellectual Disabilities Directorate, Southern DHB, Box 828, Invercargill, or Box 1921, Dunedin.

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PAGE 9

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Focus on flower photography MOORE B BOB Wanaka Camera Club Spring is in the air, so what better time to improve our flower photo techniques than now.

But before we pick up our camera it is well worth asking ourselves a few simple questions, for example: How to crop the flower(s), do we get in close or take a wide angle shot? What is the focal point of interest (the stem, petals, colour, texture, shape)? What angle do we want to shoot from to get the best perspective? How much depth of field do we need? How is our subject lit? What interest or distractions are there in the foreground and background?

Finally, what is the best format to shoot in?

If we are really into close-up flower photography it is worth investing in a macro lens or cheaper alternatives closeup lenses or extension tubes. All will enable us to focus very close to our subject and fill the frame. However, great care is needed with macro photography as the depth of field is very limited as we are very close to our subject. A good tripod and remote cable release is really useful to eliminate camera shake and slow our creative process to help us think about what we are trying to achieve.

Using a telephoto lens is a good way to isolate a flower from its surroundings. A long lens when set to a wide aperture can really throw the foreground and background out of focus so that our viewer’s attention is held where we want to be. Conversely, if we want to show an individual plant or group of plants in their surroundings then a wideangle lens is an ideal choice. Depth of field is also increased.

Camera setting for flower photography are not complex. If a flower fills the frame use a small aperture to optimise detail, remembering that at very close range even the smallest aperture can result in a depth of field measure in millimetres.

PHOTO: Tui Willson

Conversely, if a flower is part of a wider image use a wide aperture to emphasise a sharply focused subject against a blurred background.

Shutter speed should be sufficient to produce a pin-sharp image and this will depend on whether the picture is taken on a calm day or one where a light breeze would produce unwanted movement resulting in blur.

Bright sunshine and a cloudless sky is not always an ideal condition. Direct sunlight can be harsh resulting in images with too much contrast, burnt-out highlights and loss of detail. Often a bright but overcast day can be perfect as the diffused light is much more flattering.

Flowers often look more impressive when taken at eye-level. Unless taking close-ups, where the flower fills the whole frame, placing our subject off centre will produce a more pleasing image.

Experiment with both horizontal and vertical camera positions. Try to find an uncluttered background to shoot against.

A simple but effective way of creating the

look of a dew covered flower is using a water spray.

Tui Willson’s photo “Tulip Twizzles” was taken in early spring last year. She saw this very small and unusual tulip in her friend’s garden and knew at once she had to capture its tiny twisted stamens . Tui said the picture was taken late afternoon in September and light was just perfect to show of the flower’s vibrant yellows.

She took the picture with a Canon EOS 50D camera attached to a 18-55mm lens set at 33mm. The distance from the tulip was 0.4m, with an aperture of f5.6, shutter speed 1/1000th sec and a ISO of 200. Tui’s photo was given a well deserved honours award by the judge of club’s monthly competition. Wanaka Camera Club is dedicated to helping improve the skills of anyone interested in photography . We welcome anyone to join us, irrespective of photographic ability. If you know nothing about photography we will teach you.

Come along and see what we can do for you. Our next meeting is Monday, October 8, 7.30pm at The St John’s Rooms, Link Way.

Animal welfare changes for rodeo association STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

After a review of its animal welfare practices, the NZ Rodeo Cowboys Association has announced it will implement four changes for the upcoming 2018/19 season, which begins at Labour Weekend.

President Lyal Cocks said the association constantly reviews its events “to look at how we can improve safety for competitors and animals alike. This year’s AGM confirmed changes to our rodeo practices that will improve animal safety.”

The changes are: Improving the training and competence of contestants in the rope and tie, and steer wrestle events; Only one legal catch attempt in the rope and tie events; Only one permitted run to catch the animal in the rope and tie, and steer wrestling events; The calf ride event to be optional but stock must now be a minimum of 200kg and riders must weigh less than 50kg.

“We are seeking to ensure that any animal injuries at rodeo events, as rare as they might be, are neither due to poor practice nor inadequate training,” Cocks said.

Cocks said the association had met with Meka Whaitiri (former Associate Minister of Agriculture responsible for animal

PAGE 10

PHOTO: Wanaka Sun

welfare) and the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee chair Dr Gwyneth Verkerk and had pledged its “ongoing cooperation for any research aimed at improving animal welfare at rodeo events”.

Meka Whaitiri stood aside from her portfolios in August as an investigation is being carried out into a staffing matter in her ministerial office, with her Associate Minister responsibilities reverting to the lead portfolio Ministers. The association said this had created uncertainty around a number of animal welfare reviews, including that of the code for rodeos.

“However, we have met with NAWAC, MPI, SPCA and veterinarian representatives, and agreed upon a set of actions that

THURSDAY 04.10.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.10.18

will address recommendations made by NAWAC that may further improve animal welfare. We will always aim to review our practices to ensure the maximum safety for human and animal competitors.”

Cocks said that anti-rodeo groups would continue to protest “irrespective of whatever we do to improve our safety and practices”.

Pictured: Around 4000 people attended this year’s National Finals Rodeo at Wanaka Rodeo Club in March. The two-day finals were also attended by the Animal Justice League NZ, which held a protest against the sport outside the venue. More than 30 people, including Green MP Gareth Hughes, used placards and banners to spread their message.

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Sun Views

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Too much tourism trashes beautiful places

LETTER TO THE EDITOR To submit a letter for possible publication in the Wanaka Sun, please send it via email to editor@thewanakasun.co.nz.

Letters can also be sent by private message on our Facebook page.

Letters may be edited or abridged. Letters of no more than 300 words are preferred.

FREE CURTAIN

Crimeline

Welcome to the longer days of daylight saving and the start of the school holidays. We love this time of year!

There has been a steady increase in driving complaints this week and more to come with the increase of visitors. If you witness bad driving, call *555 and report it. If you have a passenger with you please video or take photographs of the driving. It is such a great tool to show the offending driver and there is never any denial then.

A large boat and trailer reported as stolen last week was recovered in the north island and a local male was arrested. He has been charged with a number of offences including burglary.

At 1am on the September 15, a male damaged a CCTV camera lens on the corner of Ardmore Street and Lakeside Road. Not the smartest move as of course he has been captured on the CCTV. If you have any information or would like to hand yourself in please contact the station.

Three drink drivers were processed this week, two of which nearly caused accidents. By all means have a drink and enjoy yourselves but take a taxi home instead of taking a risk and driving. We want everyone to be safe!

We had two vehicle crashes reported. One driver swerved to avoid hitting a rabbit and hit several trees before coming to a stop. We of course love our furry animals but let’s face it sometimes it is them or us. Another driver took a corner too fast and drove through a fence into a paddock. Very lucky as there were no injuries.

Remember to lock your cars as one person was reported rummaging through an unsecured truck but thankfully it appears they were disturbed and scarpered.

It is that time of year when the bicycles are being dusted off and start to appear on the roads. Be safe and be seen. Wear a helmet, fluorescent jacket and fit lights to your bikes.

Bicycles can be some of the easiest vehicles for thieves and vandals to target. Protect yourself from becoming a victim by following some simple steps: •Get a good bike lock •Lock your bike to something secure, even if only for a few minutes and avoid isolated places •Have your bike’s frame security-marked or engraved •Take a clear colour photograph of your bike and make a written record of its description, including any unique features •At home, keep your bike in a secure garage or shed and keep the door locked Have an enjoyable week and stay safe!

Correction: Bra fence not for undies The manager of the Cardrona Valley Bra Fence, Kelly Spaans, is the owner/operator of Cardrona Ltd. The Wanaka Sun apologises for the error.

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Watch out Wanaka. If you think this place has changed a lot over the last couple of years then you had better brace yourself for more change. Not only do we have a record number of sections under development and planned - but our Council owned company over the hill at QAC is currently developing a Masterplan which is likely to result in an enlarging of the Wanaka airport to make way for more flights, and hence more visitors arriving directly into Wanaka.

More importantly - travellers from around the world are increasingly wanting to come to experience what we love right now. But if they all come ( and the potential numbers of arrivals are truly concerning) - they will ruin the very thing we love.

Our major impression gained in a recent trip to Greece and Croatia is that mass Tourism trashes beautiful places. In the hotspots of Mykonos, Santorini, Dubrovnik and Split there were so many visitors that you could hardly move in the most popular areas. We were not even there in the high season! The host community had gone to ground and the industry was served by staff brought in from other centres such as Athens and Zagreb to support the industry. Is this the sort of thing that we want? Does this sound familiar Queenstown?

I always thought that Wanaka did not want to follow Queenstown. We preferred to stay as a place enjoyed a more by Kiwis - and maybe the odd Australian. How quickly has that changed?? And so now we are being consulted on a number of new masterplan projects from both Council and QAC for the future. These processes are important and it behoves all of us to get involved. But I know - most of us probably won’t.

Flying back over the Southern Alps from Sydney - we couldn’t help but be struck by the absolute beauty of this part of New Zealand. You kind of forget the beauty of your own country at times.

Queenstown and Wanaka looked outstanding on a clear and sunny winter’s day. We arrived home in Wanaka and my key thought was that yes - this is the most beautiful place on earth. And if it is - isn’t every traveller going to want to put this part of the world on their bucket list? Won’t they all want the photo of the Wanaka tree and sunrise from the top of Mount Roy on their Facebook page?? That’s what is driving the roaring growth we are seeing. And of course more direct flights into Auckland and Christchurch from places such as China and Korea are driving up visitor numbers rapidly.

Part of the challenge is that our really slow planning processes within both Central and Local government can never hope to keep up with the developments required to service this boom in visitor numbers. Governments can’t “just do it” - they have to consult. Just look at the hassle getting some sense in to Freedom camping. It takes forever.

There’s talk of Wanaka one day potentially handling two million passenger movements a year - the same as Queenstown has now. Queenstown Airport’s Fast Facts page says that in the year ending 2018: 2.14 million passengers pass through the terminal and there were 59,698 aircraft movements at the airport.

Those sort of numbers at Wanaka - or indeed anything like them - would have a massive impact on Wanaka and the Upper Clutha. So where to from here?

We need to make our views known. It’s that simple!! we need to :1 - engage with QAC and Council on the development of the airfield masterplan.

2 - ensure our Wanaka Councillors and Community Board understand our concerns.

3 - engage with the Wanaka Town Centre masterplan process currently underway.

At the end of the day - we do have a say. And council would be wise to listen. It’s not all about business and bums on seats for the airlines. It’s also about how many visitor arrivals are in fact sustainable for our community and whether the community wants that many visitors crowding out our town centre and precious places - tracks, beaches, mountains, lakes and airspace.

Get in quick, order confirmations must be in by 29th October 2018.

So come and choose your new curtains today with your local decorating specialists, Guthrie Bowron.

28 Reece Crescent Wanaka Ph 03 443 8176 www.guthriebowron.co.nz *Selected ranges only. Applies to fabrics over $39.95 per metre with a maximum width of 150cm, or $69 and over for wide width fabrics. Minimum drop of 160cm applies. Excludes Roman Blinds and componentry. Orders must be confirmed by 29th October 2018 to be eligible for the offer. ^Travel distance parameters may apply. Please contact the store for more details.

THURSDAY 04.10.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.10.18

PAGE 11

Sun Classifieds

thewanakasun.co.nz

TRADES AND SERVICES CARWASH *NEW* Brushless carwash LAUNDROMAT LPG SHOWER ATM CONVENIENCE STORE CARWASH

PAINTER

CHICKEN & CHIPS

PAINTER AVAILABLE FOR SMALL JOBS. Call Nick 027 469 2170

HOT CHICKEN & CHIPS

www.preferredpainters.co.nz NOW AVAILABLE AT CALTEX WANAKA

LAUNDRY

PLUMBING

Redeem your New World FUELUP fuel discount vouchers or use your AA Smartfuel card.

Serving Wanaka and Central Otago Regions Call for free no obligation quotes

Open 6am-11pm daily

DRAINAGE

M: 021 709 918

l

PLUMBING

l

Laundromat Shower LPG Brushless Carwash ATM Convenience store

GAS FITTING

W: www.gwplumbing.co.nz

STORAGE

Clean, dry, safe storage available now.

Lockbox Self Storage, 12 Gordon Road, Wanaka, Ph: 021 242 1630.

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY GW Logo Paths.indd 1

10/26/2017 11:38:28 AM

NOTICES Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store. Opening Hours – Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4pm. We look forward to seeing you here!

Donations kindly received. Please drop them into the Salvation Army Family store or ph 443 5068 to book a pick up.

Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days.

Business Networking International.

The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportunity to grow your business.

Contact Vicki Donoghue for information 027 208 9462.

Rags, rags, rags ... little ones, big ones, cotton ones and drop cloths, available from the Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store 443 5068.

EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY Is your Wanaka Sun delivered every Thursday?

If not, email your address to hello@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 03 443 5252

PAGE 12

THURSDAY 04.10.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.10.18

THE WANAKA SUN

Sun Classifieds

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PUBLIC NOTICE

REGISTRATIONS OF INTERESTS FOR CLEANING SERVICES MOUNT ASPIRING COLLEGE, WANAKA Registrations of interest are invited to supply cleaning services at Mount Aspiring College, Wanaka.

Contract starts: 1 April 2019 Interested parties please supply details to The Property Manager, Mount Aspiring College, 101 Plantation Road, Wanaka 9305, by 12 October 2018.

To obtain contract details please contact the Property Manager, Ronnie Moffat either by email moffatr@mtaspiring.school.nz or phone 0276313387.

SERVICES

WANTED

Wanted by the Salvation Army Family Store, if any one has any spare pillow cases we would love them, please just drop them Free computer lessons for into the store, thanks.

Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8am until 7pm every single day. Ph 443 8000.

older people - Community Networks is offering oneon-one lessons in your own home on your own device or at our offices. If you are interested call into Community Networks or phone 03 443 7799.

Would a weekly visitor and a bit of companionship enhance your life? We have volunteers who would like to meet a senior to share stories or take you on an outing. If you are interested please contact Community Networks on 03 443 7799 or contact the project coordinator, Anscilaine on championforolderpeople@ gmail.com.

JP SERVICES are available at Community Networks every Tuesday from 1pm and Friday from 10:30am. Please book your appointment by ringing Community Networks on 03 443 7799.

WHEELS TO DUNSTAN - free shuttle service to Dunstan Hospital or Alexandra specialist appointments, also linking with the St John Health Shuttle to Dunedin Hospital.

For bookings please call Community Networks on 443 7799.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE - at Community Networks delivered by the Dunedin Community Law Centre on Wednesday 3rd October.

Please call Community Networks on 443 7799 to book your appointment.

INLAND REVENUE - are at Community Networks, Wednesday 26th September.

If you need help with your Tax return, Family Tax credits or any other enquiry give Community Networks a call on 03443 7799 to make an appointment for this free service.

THE WANAKA SUN

The Salvation Army Family store would like used glass spice jars with lids, to donate these please just pop them into the store in Brownston Street.

Volunteers required at The Salvation Army Family store if you have some free time and would like to be part of a team which makes a difference, come and see us.

PUBLIC NOTICE Wanaka Marina Limited wishes to advise that in terms of the company’s resource consent conditions, there will be chemical weed control measures taking place from the 16th October 2018 to 23rd November 2018 depending on weather conditions. The chemical, Aquathol K, will be applied within 25 metres of the marina structure by ERMA approved licensed applicator, Landcare Services Limited. The application will not be applied over Labour weekend being the 20th October until the 22nd October 2018.

Access to the marina and surrounding water ways will be restricted during the period of application. Signage will be placed in the area to notify to public of the restricted access. This notice is given in accordance with the Otago Regional Council Water Use & Management policy under clause 12:7.1.1ii

EMPLOYMENT

Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick St, Wanaka

Pharmacy Retail Sales Role We are looking for sales superstar to join our team.

Previous pharmacy or beauty industry experience would be ideal but not essential. Enthusiasm, good product knowledge, the ability to sell and a willingness to learn are absolute necessities.

To apply email your CV and a covering letter to: Aaron Heath email: aaron@pembroke.co.nz Applications close Sunday, 7th October.

OPENING HOURS: 8AM TO 8PM 7 DAYS

For further details please feel free to contact the applicator Graeme Larcombe on 027-222 5467 or the Marina Secretary Shane Gibson on 03-443-0086.

EMPLOYMENT

OCS Limited is a leading facilities services organisation established in 40 countries and with 26 branches nationally.

Cleaner and Supervisor for Wanaka Supervisor – Monday - Friday 3pm-9.30pm OR Cleaner – Monday to Friday 5pm-9pm OR Cleaner – Saturday and Sunday 8am- 5pm OR Cleaner – Saturday and Sunday 5pm - 9pm. Permanent roles, good training, full uniform and good hourly rate.

Phone Manager, Mark Hansen, 022 072 8651 or email CV to mark.hansen@ocs.co.nz

EMPLOYMENT

GROUND CREW

Alpine Helicopters is a wholly owned division of The Alpine Group Limited. A family owned company with interests in Aviation, Pastoral Farming, Tourism and Primary Exports. Alpine Helicopters was established in 1972 out of Luggate Game Packers which was established in 1963 as an early venison recovery operator.

Alpine Helicopters provides a wide range of aerial services including but not limited to: filming, fire suppression, general agricultural operations, heli-skiing, hunting, lifting, pest control, scenic & charter work as well as venison recovery.

While home base is located in Wanaka, we operate throughout the South Island at various and remote locations and we will also be opening a hangar in Queenstown later this year.

The Position We are looking for a hardworking, dedicated, practically minded and able individual who can join the company bringing new ideas and experiences to perform as many of the existing operations as possible including but not limited to: • Agricultural transportation and loading • Venison recovery • Cleaning, maintenance and repairs of role equipment • General operational support and machinery operations This is a fulltime permanent position working on a flexible roster in both a team and sole charge environment.

The successful applicant will; • Have previous experience operating around helicopters • Have previous experience working with hydraulic crane (hiabs) • Have a full driver’s licence and Class 2 • Be living locally within the Wanaka area • Be open to working long and varied hours dependent on work load and seasonal variations.

The following qualifications will be also be required either prior to or immediately following commencement of employment: 1. Dangerous Goods Endorsement 2. Growsafe and Approved Handlers Certificate (Fuel and Chemical) 3. Forklift Endorsement 4. General Equipment & Machinery Experience Alpine Helicopters represents an unpretentious approach to helicopter operations. We have a high regard for safety but an aversion to bureaucracy and inefficiencies. We enjoy challenges and look to practical solutions all the while ensuring financial objectives are met. We have an emphasis on creating an enjoyable smoke free work environment that caters to individuals with young families all the while maintaining a realistic approach towards the seasonal nature of the business.

The start date for this position is spring 2018. The remuneration for this position would depend on the applicants experience and ability with advancement opportunities.

All applications should be sent to tb@alpineheli.co.nz before 1pm, 11th October 2018 when applications will close.

Guest Services Minaret Station is a family owned tourism business operating as a division of The Alpine Group Limited. Based in Wanaka, we specialise in Guided Fishing, HeliSkiing, Heli-Adventures, Guided Hunting with guests able to stay in New Zealand’s most remote Luxury Lodge.

We require an experienced, well presented and hard working Guest Service professional to join our tight knit and dedicated team at Minaret Station Alpine Lodge. The role requires an adaptable ‘all-rounder’ capable of juggling housekeeping and kitchen duties, the service of meals and beverages, with the role requiring the hosting of high end guests and clients.

This fixed term will involve weekend

shifts and after hours, as well as multi day rosters requiring overnight stays at the remotely located Minaret Station Alpine Lodge.

Exceptional customer service skills are paramount, as are the abilities to work well within a small team and to turn a hand at a varied number of tasks.

The successful applicant will ideally be comfortable flying, hold current First Aid certification and have an affinity with the outdoors.

A practical connection with New Zealand’s High Country would be advantageous.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

To apply please send a cover letter and resume to recruitment@alpinegroup.co.nz

APPLICATIONS CLOSE WEDNESDAY, 10 OCTOBER.

JOURNALIST REQUIRED

Be part of the small team responsible for producing our popular weekly newspaper.  You will have the relevant journalism qualifications, and a minimum of two years' experience writing for a recognised media organisation.  You will have existing local contacts and the ability to connect with the wider community.  You will also have an eye for community news, strong writing ability and photography skills, and the ability to meet strict deadlines.

Based in Wanaka, this position is for 30 hours per week with an immediate start.

Contact : editor@thewanakasun.co.nz with your CV and cover letter.

THEWANAKASUN.CO.NZ /WanakaSun

@WanakaSun

SUN TEAM

WANAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 890 Free delivery to Wanaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wanaka, Albert Town and Hawea.

Also distributed to businesses in the Wanaka business district Average circulation: 15,000 weekly.

Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 Editor: Ruth Blunt • editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalists: Danielle Butler - newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Allison McLean - journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Social Media: hello@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: Kaye Symons • 021 786 740

adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740

admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wanaka

THURSDAY 04.10.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.10.18

Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication.

adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz

021 786 740 Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior

Text: 0220 786 778

admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Subscriptions: $175 within NZ

(including GST) per year.

Overseas rates on request.

Remittances to

PO Box 697, Wanaka, NZ.

PAGE 13

Sun Sport

thewanakasun.co.nz

SPORTS RESULTS Please send sports results to sports@thewanakasun.co.nz by Tuesday at noon.

Tarras Golf Club Stableford Round B Rowley 30, D Wilson 29 and G Lucas 24. Club Championships Senior Men H Reinecke Runner - up S Johnston Intermediate Men G Rive Runner - up D Agnew Junior D Allen Runner - up M Hyndman Senior Women J Gibson Runner - up C Hyndman Junior A J Allen Runner - up M Wilson.

Wanaka Progressive Bowls 28:09:18 Skips 1 A Moore 2 P Traynor 3 T Tovey Thirds 1 M Baxter 2 B Kane 3 N Young Leads 1 J Gillan 2 M Baker 3 J Rich.

Bridge Club Results. Tuesday 25/9: Peter Hart, Eddie Lowe 56.35% 1. Beth & Rob McCann and Blair & Ruth Coghill 53.17% 2= Cloudy Peak Pairs 26/9.

N/S:- John Schwarz, Rosemary Boswell 60.19% 1.

Jason Benton, Georgie Roberts 56.48% 2. Val Young,

Deirdre Lynch 54.86% 3. E/W:- Neil Robinson, Tommie Munns 55.56% 1. Nicola Brown, Carol Orbell 55.32% 2. Denise Bruns, Lesley Davies 54.17% 3.

Friday Bridge (h/c). N/S:- Jude Gunn, Noeline Munro 57.69% 1. Madeleine Reveley, Barbara Waterworth 56.63% 2. Marion Murphy, Deirdre Lynch 55.40% 3. E/W:- Carol Orbell, Rosemary Boswell 60.77% 1. Sue Blake, Annie Hudson 54.66% 2. Alan & Mary Maclean 54.14% 3. Championship Pairs Silver 1/10.

N/S:- Alan & Morag Chisholm and Georgie Roberts, Allan Kelly 60.32% 1= Ena Leckie, Sandra Simmers 56.75% 3 .E/W:- Michael Metzger, Ken Saxby 61.11% 1. Madeleine Reveley, Heather Wellman 55.95% 2. John & Jan Lyness 49.60% 3.

PHOTO: Wanaka Sun

Labour weekend lake fun Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Purchase any two products from the NEW 100% Natural Nude by Nature Lip Collection, and receive the Luxe Lipstick Case and Brush for FREE!

The Great Kahu Youth Boat Race and Polar Plunge are returning to the lake on October 20, for the events’ eighth year.

The boat race has prizes for several categories such as the fastest boat to complete the course, best sinking, best themed and designed boats, most outrageous boat and the commodore’s choice award.

Adults, or “Crusty Old Sea Dogs”, are invited to enter the race, and there are categories for under 15 year olds, and 15-19 year olds.

Cardboard boat construction rules can be found on Kahu Youth’s website, and boat builders should note all vessels must have a float attached so, when it sinks, the wreckage may be found.

If you plan on taking the plunge, be prepared to get creative on your way off the jetty and get dressed up as there are prizes for best outfits and best performance.

Pictured: The Wanaka Sun entered the adult’s round of the Kahu Youth’s Cardboard Boat Race last year. The team of David Stephenson, Steve Lowe and Rob White was fairing well - until their cardboard creation sank like stone.

Local netball teams make the grade

valued at $28.90**

PHOTO: Supplied

*Offer valid until 31 October 2018 or while stocks last. Qualifying purchase must be made in a single transaction. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. **Valued by nudebynature.

STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick Street, Wanaka OPENING HOURS: 8AM TO 7PM 7 DAYS PAGE 14

Local netball teams competed in the Otago-Southland Primary Schools netball tournament in Balclutha, coming away with some great results.

Wanaka was well represented at the tournament with two teams from Wanaka Primary School, two teams from Holy Family School and two teams from Mount Aspiring College playing across the grades.

THURSDAY 04.10.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.10.18

The tournament was contested between the top three teams from Dunedin, Invercargill and Central Lakes.

Wanaka Primary School Year 6 representatives finished second in a hard fought final against Riverton in their grade, while Holy Family School placed second in the Year 5 grade.

Pictured: Wanaka Primary School Year 6 team - coach Matz Asberg, (back row) Mila Culpitt, Lili Kaler, Aiva Pattinson-Trent, Sophia Gooch, Ella Asberg, (front row) Evy Green, Zoe Nicholson and Grace Thomas.

THE WANAKA SUN

Sun Sport

thewanakasun.co.nz

Funds for cycle trail STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Otago Community Trust has awarded the Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust a grant totalling $1,845,789 to support the five-stage development project which will link the Central Otago trail network.

This brings the Trust’s total support of this project to $2 million.

The trail will be part of the $26.4 million New Zealand Cycle Trail Project to build 536km of trails connecting Cromwell to Clyde and the Otago Central Rail Trail, and connecting Queenstown via the Kawarau Gorge Trail, in addition to extending the network north to Wanaka.

In August, $13 million of government funding was confirmed for the project,

with Central Lakes Trust contributing $11 million.

Otago Community Trust chair Ross McRobie said the Trust has supported the region’s cycleways for many years in recognition that they provided employment opportunities and economic benefits to the local communities they serve.

“Estimates predict that the number of people riding the trail will more than double over the next 10 to 12 years. We see that this project will provide employment opportunities and ensure the sustained growth of our regional towns,” McRobie said.

Ngã Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail is a network of 22 Great Rides across the country, used by more than one million people per year.

PHOTO: Black Peak Photo

Freestyle nationals: day one Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The 2018 Snow Sports NZ Junior Freestyle Nationals kicked off on Monday, October 1, with skier cross and snowboard freeride athletes in the under-8 to under-18 age categories competing at Cardrona Alpine Resort.

The snowboard competitors were challenged by sticky snow conditions on the freeride course but local under-14 winner, Campbell Melville-Ives, took the conditions in his stride. He took on one of the most technical lines of the day opting for the steep couloir at the top of the course before airing midway, landing with conviction and riding the bottom half of the course switch.

Wanaka’s Lucia Georgalli was another standout competitor, getting the top score in the under-12

girls’ category by maintaining good flow throughout her run while incorporating small airs and putting down solid landings.

On the gravity cross course, each skier took an individual timed run through the course before racing head to head in heats of four. The course was running slow in the sticky snow conditions, and results came down to fractions of seconds.

In the under-12 boys’ seeding rounds, 0.01secs separated Kazuma Saka (Wanaka) and Joe Cookson (Darfield) and in the final round, but it was Saka who crossed the line first. Wanaka’s Amy Benson won the under-12 girls’ race, while Logan Millar and Zora Legnavsky, both of Wanaka, won the under-10 boys’ and girls’ races.

Pictured: Under-12 girls’ ski cross winner Amy Benson.

PHOTO: James Blunt

Roys Peak Track will be closed for the next six weeks for lambing. It reopens on November 11.

Freestyle nationals: day two Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Snowboarder cross and big mountain were contested at the freestyle nationals on Tuesday, October 2, with competitors facing hard and fast conditions.

The under-14 to under-18 ski freeride was postponed as conditions at the top of the course were deemed unsafe for competition.

The under-12, under-10 and under-age groups started lower down the course on a face where the snow had released but were unfazed by the late course change.

Aiden Fitzpatrick (Wanaka) was awarded the under-12 win, with Joe Cookson (Hororata) right on his heels.

The judges were impressed by the under-10 girls and had a difficult job deciding

THE WANAKA SUN

the winner. Poppy Freeman (Hororata) earned top marks, with Wanak’s Eva Small finishing a close second.

Wanaka’s Logan Millar (pictured) was the winner of under-10 boys’ group, earning his gold medal with strong, technical skiing and a creative line.

There were plenty of thrills and spills on the gravity cross course as the snowboard competitors raced four at a time through the banked turns and rollers.

The boys’ under-16 and under-8 fields saw some good tangles with riders falling, getting passed, getting back up again and still finishing on the podium.

Australian riders topped both podiums with Max Vardy taking the win in under-16 and Brayden Jelley winning the under-18 race.

The junior nationals continued yesterday with the Salomon ski and snowboard halfpipe.

The social hub of Albert Town where you will find epic coffee, wholesome food, local beer and wine and friendly staff for locals and visitors alike!

021 082 49725  hello@doubleblack.co.nz Open 7 days 6.30am–4.30pm PHOTO: Black Peak Photo

THURSDAY 04.10.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.10.18

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Sun Sport

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Cycling across China for charity Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wanaka-based cyclist and fundraiser, Kathryn Phillips, has embarked on a three month long bicycle journey across China in aid of World Bicycle Relief.

World Bicycle Relief (WBR) is a global non-profit organisation that distributes specially designed, high-quality Buffalo Bicycles in developing countries in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America. The bicycles, which cost about $215, are built to withstand the challenging terrain and conditions in rural, developing areas.

Phillips has linked up with her friend Rebecca Wardell who is undertaking her own epic bike ride for charity. Wardell left Switzerland in April 2018 to cycle home to New Zealand while raising funds for the Forward Foundation.

“Rebecca is a great friend of mine who I have done multiple previous cycling adventures with.

We cycled through the Indian Himalaya in 2014 and across the Chilean desert in 2016,” Phillips said.

Phillips joined Rebecca Wardell and Sarah Van Ballekom in Kashgar, China, yesterday (October 3).

“These two have ridden to China from Switzerland. Sarah leaves to fly back to Switzerland later this month, while I keep Rebecca company for most of the journey across China. In late November we part ways, Rebecca continuing through Laos, Burma and Thailand on her way to Singapore, while my Dad joins me in Kunming as we traverse the last 1000km to the Chinese coast,” Phillips said.

Training during Wanaka’s cold winter has helped her test out the clothes and equipment she has taken to China.

“I have learned some good lessons while training on frosty mornings [in Wanaka] and I am hoping that stands me in great stead for cycling through China during winter.”

Although she reckoned she’ll face some tough challenges on her epic journey, cycling won’t be one of them. Phillips told the Wanaka Sun she was more concerned about the language barrier and the food.

“I know there will be times when we don’t quite know what it is,” she said.

“In terms of the actual cycling, I’ve learned to simply put my head down in the tougher moments and just keep pedaling. The only way to get to your destination each day is to push those pedals around, so come rain, headwind or sunshine, that’s what I’ll be doing.”

Phillips aimed to raise more than $15,000 for WBR, saying she truly believed in “The Power of Bicycles”.

“For many people in rural regions of developing countries, poverty is a daily reality. In areas where walking is the only mode of transport, a Buffalo Bicycle offers the real and immediate benefit of reliable access to essential goods and services.

Powered by the remarkable human spirit, bicycles are a catalyst of possibilities.”

The bicycles helped entrepreneurs to increase productivity and profits, students to attend class more regularly and improve their academic performances, and healthcare workers to visit more patients in less time. To donate, visit the2018chinatraverse.com.

Phillips will finish her journey in Hong Kong and aimed to be back in New Zealand with her parents in Otorohanga for Christmas, before coming back to Wanaka.

PHOTO: Kathryn Phillips

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THURSDAY 04.10.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.10.18

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