The Wanaka Sun

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Rodeo rocking

inside:

Land of lamb and honey page 2

Tackling the challenge

Sam Greenwood of North Canterbury hangs on to take second place in the open bull ride at the Wanaka Rodeo on Monday.

page 5

Photo: John Foster

Selfless work of SAR Multiple search and rescue callouts highlight the value of volunteers Tim Brewster

2011 inreview pages 6-9

Ministock madness page 11

Read online:

www.thewanakasun.co.nz

When search and rescue (LandSAR) volunteer Brent Arthur finally got back to his family at his Lake Hawea home at 1am on January 2, he had been on the go for more than 12 hours and had dealt with two deaths.

Brent, 39, a builder and father of two, had responded to a LandSAR callout at around noon on New Year’s Day to locate Wellington tramper Michael Gillard Taylor, 60 whose body was finally found in the Upper Wilkin Valley.

When he returned to landSAR headquarters at Wanaka police station to pack up their gear, the next call came through. “(Senior Constable)

Mike Johnston started grabbing swift water rescue equipment. There was a report of a young teenager who had his foot trapped in the river at the Motatapu Gorge. You turn up to something like that and realise the enormity of it.”

The dramatic rescue of 15 - year - old Dion Latta and his tragic death later in hospital was just one of a dozen of callouts Brent has been on and was one of about 50 incidents a year that LandSAR volunteers respond to.

Christmas time with PHOTO: TIM BREWSTER family and friends in the Phillip Melchior displays one of the rescue Wanaka area is usually suits used by the LandSAR swift water a time for pleasure, but rescue team.

for Wanaka’s 80 search and rescue volunteers and the three local police coordinators, the busy summer period can be fraught with uncertainty.

A callout to search for a lost tramper can involve days out in the bush in dangerous terrain and poor weather.

When the searchers discover the person they’re looking for has died, the trauma can be difficult to deal with.

“I guess you realise that when you sign up. You’ve often got a limited amount of time to find someone alive. Everyone handles it differently, but when it happens several times

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it gets you down,” Wanaka Search LandSAR chairman Roy Bailey said.

Roy, a local builder, helped set up the swift water rescue team following the drowning death of Australian tourist Stephen Colombo in the Matukituki River in 2007. A long time kayaker and outdoorsman, Roy was in Tasmania coaching the New Zealand under 18 canoe slalom team when the Motatapu tragedy occurred.

He said being called away from the family, especially during the holidays, is hard but volunteers wouldn’t sign up without knowing the obligations.

Story continues on page 2

sunnews

Land of lamb and honey

Rescue effort in the Motatapu Gorge on New Year’s Day.

Tim Brewster

PHOTO: wanaka LandSAR

continued from page 1 The volunteer commitment can involve up to ten hours a month, all of which is unpaid, although training fees are paid.

The Wanaka-based LandSAR national chairman, Phillip Melchior, said three callouts in a day had only happened once before.

“We’re lucky, we’re extremely well supported by the Wanaka community, getting people called out day after day.”

A ground based search can involve 30 people, along with a search management team assessing lost person behaviour and other factors such as weather and water levels that could affect the direction of the search.

“It’s a science, not an art.”

He said Wanaka is fortunate to have a large number of people with high levels of expertise such as professional mountain guides and national level kayakers.

As experienced outdoors people they have often been exposed to fatalities such as the seven that occurred in the past year, which has an affect on them and police counselling is available to searchers.

Brent started volunteering for Wanaka LandSAR in 2004 when he moved here from Dunedin and he has a strong hunting and fishing background. His father, Terry, was also involved with search and rescue as a member of the Deerstalkers’ Association.

Brent is the coordinator for the sub-alpine specialty teams that work alongside the alpine cliff rescue, swift water, marine and search dog teams.

As a volunteer firefighter as well, he said the time away from the family is hard but the “rescues are a priority”. His children understand the importance of the callouts and “there is no greater feeling than when you can save someone.”

Plump, healthy lambs, full haybarns, busy bees and good prices. Hard physical graft aside, what’s not to love about farming in the Upper Clutha these days? While the recession has affected prices and reduced growth in other industries, local primary producers have been dealt a bumper year thanks to good weather and a strong demand for their products.

Lake Hawea farmer Richard Burdon said the heavy rainfalls in the spring created ideal growing conditions for silage resulting in full haybarns for most farmers in the area.

The condition of lambs has also been excellent, with the majority of stock in the Upper Clutha in much better shape than the same time last year with meat prices about $6.80 to $7 a kilo, up a dollar from 2010.

Tarras farmer Bruce Jolly said while the ground was now drying up very quickly, there is already a surplus of feed to last through the winter. There was also the most clover growing he had seen for the last 20 years, which as well as providing great feed for lambs, produced nitrogen for the soil.

The amount of clover in the area has also meant a busy time for beekeepers recently with Alpine Honey at Hawea Flat reporting a much earlier start to the harvest season.

Owner Peter Ward said the settled weather through most of December had created ideal conditions for honey production. “When it’s good on the lake, it’s good for bees.”

The arrival of windy, cooler weather over the past week has slowed production now and he expects the season to finish earlier in January than normal.

The company produces between 150 to 200 tonnes of honey annually from 5000 hives with the bulk of its output exported to Asian and European markets.

A happy, healthy bunch of Bees at Hawea Flat.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

The arrival of the bee-killing varroa mite in the area just over a year ago has added about $100,000 to production costs for managing the pest he said, but fortunately the prices for honey went up 18 months ago which has helped offset it.

The mite is suspected to have arrived in Auckland ten years ago after a swarm of wild bees found their way into a container on a New Zealand bound ship as it passed through the Panama Canal.

It eventually found its way down south after a hobbyist beekeeper in Queenstown bought a couple of infected hives from Christchurch in May 2009 and it has since spread rapidly.

Sleeping it off PHOTO: TIM BREWSTER

The Dungarvon Street carpark seemed to be the most attractive overnight venue for this two car party. Police arrived soon after this photo was taken prompting the ‘car campers’ to pick up bottles and pack their bedding away.

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Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

sunnews Laura Williamson

Rodeo roundup

Water trucks struggled to keep the dust down, but there was no dampening the spirit of the thousands of spectators who took in the Wanaka Rodeo on Monday.

Wanaka Rodeo Club president Roger Moseby estimated that more than 4000 people turned out to watch the rodeo, a “huge turnout”. The event was the first to be held at the rodeo’s new permanent venue at the Albert Town reserve, above the Hawea River.

“The new venue was awesome, and the crowd and the rodeo were really good,” Roger said.

More than 200 competitors from New Zealand, Australia and Canada took part in the competition.

Crowd favourites included the bull ride and the children’s sheep ride, but the highlight for many was local horsewoman Angie Perkins’ win in the open barrel race.

Angie, who works at Lake McKay Station, is the New Zealand barrel racing champion.

The Wanaka Rodeo raised funds for the Wanaka Pony Club, Wanaka Rowing Club, Riding for the Disabled, as well as more than $1000 collected for Wanaka St John, a sum matched dollar for dollar by the club.

Wanaka’s Angie Perkins.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

All was calm on New Year’s Eve Laura Williamson Memories of the mayhem of New Year’s Eves past are fading, as Wanaka enjoyed relatively incident-free celebrations this year.

With 30 extra staff, blanket trespass notices to ensure troublemakers leave town and an extended liquor ban, New Year Eve festivities in Wanaka are becoming a much more familyoriented affair.

The blanket trespass ban meant that if a group or individual was evicted from any of the managed campgrounds, their details would be passed to other accommodation providers effectively meaning they would have nowhere to stay in the Upper Clutha area. Sergeant Aaron Nicholson said the measure “had an impact, in the right way”.

New Year’s Eve saw only three arrests

for disorderly behaviour and one for detox, while of more than 1000 cars stopped on New Year’s Eve, one driver, a 21-year-old male from Invercargill, blew over the limit. Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said this was a “very good result”. He said that extra policing had helped, as well as numbers of people partying at the lakefront and staying at local accommodation being down on previous years.

About 400 people attended a New Year’s Eve show with country singer Jody Direen at Lake Wanaka Centre. Ardouin Baker, who was involved in organising the evening, said the atmosphere was friendly. “There were no issues, it was a really nice environment,” she said.

In contrast, rioting at the Albert Town Camp Ground in 2005 resulted in seven arrests and made national headlines.

inbrief Road toll down The New Zealand national road toll was 280 as of December 30, the lowest number of road fatalities since record-keeping began in 1952.

Regional road toll statistics, current to December 19, indicated that there was a 12 percent reduction in Otago road fatalities since the previous year, with 17 deaths in the region in 2010 as compared to 15 in 2011.

According to Mike Noon, general manager of Motoring Affairs for the New Zealand Automobile Association, changes such as the zero alcohol limit for drivers under 20, raising the learner licence age to 16 and the New Zealand Transport Agency’s “Ghost Chips” advertisements have had a positive impact.

Local honour The former Children’s Commissioner and Lowburn resident Dr John Angus was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) on the 2012 New Year’s Honours list this week. The MNZM is awarded for achievement or service to the community. John, as social worker who became a policy advisor about disadvantage children, child abuse and youth offending, served as Children’s Commissioner from 2009 until the end of June 2011. He said he was pleased with the award, calling it “literally, an honour”.

Gaga for the gala Jody Direen onstage at Lake Wanaka Centre.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

January in Wanaka means time for the annual Wanaka Holiday Gala, to be held this Saturday at the Wanaka Showgrounds. This year’s event features rides and activities for all ages, including a parallel bungy, farm animals, vintage cars and a bouncy castle. There will be music from local country duo Alibi, a silent auction and food including wild foods, pikelets and pavlova. The gala runs from 11am to 2pm and entry is free.

Wanaka weather tops Wanaka bucked a national weather trend on New Year’s Eve, with clear skies and a daytime high of 26 degrees Celsius on December 31, soaring to a high of 30 degrees Celsius the next day. By contrast, Christchurch reached only 17 degrees Celsius on the last day of 2011, while Auckland was colder than Wanaka at 23.5 degrees and damper, with 15.4mm of rain.

Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

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sunnews Envelope drama finished for NCEA Tim Brewster With NCEA results only a couple of weeks away, the annual ritual of students watching the letterbox and opening envelopes containing their academic future will be a rare sight around the country.

Unless envelopes are requested, results will only be available online with students then able to request a certificate or a paper record of their results.

Wanaka’s Harriet Varney, 16, said she has been relaxed during the holiday period as she had already been passed with internal assessments in her Year 11 subjects, but is hopeful to receive a Merit award in some of her subjects.

Sophie Hirst, 18, is “quietly positive” her Level 3 results will earn her a place at the Auckland University of Technology to study communications and broadcasting so has not been too worried about the wait. “I’m still loving my holidays,” she said.

The NZQA said they are not exactly sure of the date the results will be released, but it is usually about the middle of January.

All the comforts of home From left: Nic, Dean, Jacob (standing) and Ben Purdom with friend Ryan Franks at the Lake Hawea Holiday Park. The Purdoms, from Sefton, usually spend the holiday period in the Nelson-Lakes region, but this year decided to come to Lake Hawea. They called themselves “converted”. Their well-appointed campsite included several rooms, a barbecue, shelving and a fullsized fridge. Dean said they had everything but a dishwasher, which they didn’t need. “That’s the three kids,” he said.

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

Abuzz with boats Tim Brewster A boat party of seven people including two infants received a tow ashore to some much needed shade from Coastguard member Alan Mckay on New Year’s Day. A mechanical breakdown had left them floating in the heat near Bull Island.

With more than 2000 boats estimated on the water earlier this week, harbourmaster Marty Black said “it was all positive really” with very few incidents or lifejacket infringements.

Advertise in the Wanaka Sun Call Ronnie or Amanda 03 443 5252 PHOTO: NIKKI HEATH

Correction: Skydive Wanaka is owned by Dave and Jools Hall.

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Marty also paid tribute to the efforts and teamwork of LandSAR and police on New Years Day dealing with two deaths and an injury. In particular he called attention to the efforts of Senior Constable Mike Johnston during the rescue of Palmerston teenager Dion Latta in the Motatapu Gorge. Despite a massive rescue effort extracting him from underneath a waterfall, Dion died later in Dunedin Hospital. “Mike went way beyond the call of duty. He put his arse on the line. He’s a pretty extraordinary guy.”

Fire ban from Friday A fire ban will apply across the Queenstown Lakes District from midnight Friday, Queenstown Lakes District Council principal rural fire officer Gordon Bailey said. The Prohibited Fire Season, jointly declared by the Council and Department of Conservation, will apply to all areas of the district including all settlements and townships and all Department of Conservation land.

“Conditions are extremely dry and we’re asking people to be mindful of their activities during the term of the fire ban,” Gordon said.

The only fires that would be permitted were electric or gas barbecues in properly constructed containers and fires in approved purpose-built permanent surrounds.

Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

sunnews

Tackling the challenge

No more sightings of naked man walking Laura Williamson A male seen walking naked on local tracks appears to have moved on, or at least put his clothes on.

On December 23, a female complainant reported a man on the Mount Iron Walking track wearing nothing but shoes, a hat and a backpack. This was followed by several reports last Wednesday of a naked male walking on the Outlet Track. He was between 40 and 50, and approximately 170cm tall with a light build and short balding hair.

No further sightings of a nude male have been reported. “Hopefully he’s walked off,” Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said.

Rob Ormandy in training.

PHOTO: TIM BREWSTER

Tim Brewster When local handyman Rob Ormandy lines up to tackle the full Ironman distance of Challenge Wanaka in just over two weeks’ time he’ll be on familiar turf even though it’s his first attempt at the full distance.

Rob, 51, has competed in all six challenges since the event started, but only as a runner in a team.

“It’s time to see what everyone else is doing on the day.”

He’ll be one of an estimated 200 local athletes taking part in relay teams and the shorter course

events but one of the few attempting the full distance.

Rob started off in a training group eight years ago to do a Dublin Bay short course off road triathlon run and decided that as he could barely swim and didn’t have a bike he would get into running.

Now after numerous mountain running events like the Routeburn, two podium placings with his teams at previous Challenge events and a commitment to 15 hours a week training for the past five months while working full time, he is

ready to go in the event has grown to love.

“I’m passionate about Challenge Wanaka. How does a town this size manage to get more than 600 volunteers and create a world class event?”

Oddly enough his main concern now is his running.

He’s been putting so much time into his swimming and cycling that he is not sure what will happen in the marathon.

“I’ve never got off the bike and run that distance with smashed legs,” he said referring to the transition off the 180km bike ride, so he is unlikely to match his fastest run time of 3:13.

Challenge Wanaka is reporting an estimated 1300 strong field from 30 nations making it the region’s largest sporting event, said organiser Victoria Murray-Orr. “It’s awesome to see so many people getting into triathlon, especially at this distance which isn’t the easiest,” she said.

“With nearly 170 athletes, over 650 volunteers, 300 children at Puzzling World Junior Challenge that’s over 1000 locals directly involved, and that’s before you take into account the sponsors, patrons, suppliers and supporters.”

Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

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July

2011 inreview

World Heli Challenge The tenth World Heli Challenge launched on the lakefront with kids mingling with international snow stars before the two week event kicked off.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Slopestyle for Olympics Wanaka-based ski and snowboard slopestyle athletes have an increased chance of winning an Olympic medal with the International Olympic Committee announcement that ski and snowboard slopestyle has been added to the next Winter Olympics.

Wanaka’s karate kid Colour Classic Colour Classic from Mount Aspiring College won the 2011 Smokefreerockquest regional final at PHOTO: wanaka.tv the Lake Wanaka.

Ten-year-old Holly Wigg won silver at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Australia.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

New art gallery proposed A proposal to replace the ageing Wanaka Arts Centre with a new gallery was met with a positive reaction from the community.

Running New Zealand

Public conservation land

Local plumber Justyn ‘Jup’ Brown started out on his journey to run the length of New Zealand to raise funds for the Stroke Foundation.

Mount Aspiring Station leaseholders the Aspinall family and the Commissioner of Crown Lands agreed to designate more than 7300 hectares of Crown Pastoral leasehold land boarding Mount Aspiring National Park as public conservation land.

Winter games

Winter challenges The sudden arrival of winter resulted in challenging conditions for motorists around Wanaka.

August

Shooting winner Wanaka’s Cameron Meikle won the prestigious South Island secondary schools’ shoot in Timaru, coming first in skeet, point score and winning the high overall for single barrel.

Sustained excellence

Gale force winds and blizzards forced the postponement of some 100% New Zealand Winter Games but when the weather cleared, local and international talent gave the crowds plenty to cheer about. Jossi Wells is pictures taking second place to the USA’s Gus Kenworthy in freeski halfpipe.

Burton open The ninth annual 2011 Burton New Zealand Open finished up with Ryo Aono (JPN) and Kelly Clark (USA) winning the halfpipe competition, and Mark McMorris (CAN) and Jamie Anderson (USA) winning the slopestyle competition.

Otago Polytechnic senior lecturer and programme manager of the Avalanche Safety and Snowsport Instruction programme Peter Bilous was awarded one of ten Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching awards Education Minister Anne Tolley officially opened the from Ako Aotearoa National Centre for Tertiary Teaching $21.5 million Wanaka Primary School at Scurr Heights.

Excellence.

New primary school

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Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

2011 inreview

September Winning artist Wanaka artist Andi Reegan sculpture ‘Central Bloom’ was selected from more than 200 entries to win at the Central Otago Arts Awards Exhibition in Alexandra.

Water quality forum At a water-quality forum held in Cromwell, Otago Regional Council told Hawea Flat residents that septic tanks on lifestyle blocks posed more of a risk to the quality of drinking water than the large-scale dairy farm being developed in the area. Further consultation on the ORC’s water plan will continue into 2012.

Gold star firemen Volunteer fire fighters Garth Campbell and Roy Rose each received a gold star award for 25 years’ service.

Burn off A planned burn off of bracken fern on high country farmland spread to a nearby reserve resulting in the loss of 30 hectares of regenerating native bush Craig Burn.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Green for the Irish team School children from Hawea Flat, Makarora, Tarras, Glenorchy and Garston dressed in green and travelled to Queenstown to welcome the Irish rugby team to Rugby World Cup 2011 before enjoying a pool party and barbecue lunch.

Shaping our future The Shaping Our Future consultation process held a series of meetings throughout the month to identify people’s ‘visions and values’ for the district.

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Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

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October

2011 inreview

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Festival firsts As part of the Willowridge Wanakafest, the Racers Edge Bike/Trek Wanaka 10 hour race took place on Deans Bank track.

Hundreds of rugby fans gathered on Pembroke Park to watch the All Blacks play on the big screen in the final of the Rugby World Cup 2011 on the last day of the festival.

Wastebusters lose contract Recycling pioneers Wanaka Wastebusters lose the contract for kerbside recycling in the district to an Auckland-owned, Queenstown-based company prompting weeks of community action against the decision.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Snow Farm sold

Freeski and snowboard winners

Snow Farm cross country skiing facility is sold to the Local competitors won numerous championships in freeski and snowboarding at the Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust.

New Zealand Junior Nationals.

Affordable housing QLDC invited community members to form a consultation group to discuss the provision of affordable housing in the district after councillors restated their support of the general objectives of Plan Change 24 which essentially require developers to set aside a proportion of new subdivisions for affordable housing, or to pay levies.

A passion for fashion A model shows off an outfit by Lady Knuckles Clothing and Accessories at the Willowridge Wanakafest Passion for Fashion show, which featured Wanaka styles, local models, invitational designers and the Wanaka Fashion Design Pioneers Award.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

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Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

2011 inreview

November

Caltex roundabout Funding for the ‘Caltex corner’ roundabout was approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency.

2930km run

Wanaka plumber Jup Brown finished his 2930km run from the bottom to the top of New Zealand, raising more than $15,000 for the New Zealand Stroke Foundation.

Farmer and conservationist Respected Wanaka farmer, conservationist and leader John Aspinall passed away on November 4.

Community award winners

White ribbon

Local groups and individuals come out on top at the TrustPower Queenstown Lakes Community Awards with the Wanaka Musicians’ Society winning the Arts and Culture award, Cardrona Adaptive Programme winning the Sport and Leisure award and student Saasha Bruce winning the Youth Spirit award.

PHOTO: wanaka SUN

New Zealand White Ribbon ride: tough blokes in leather make a stand against domestic violence.

Jacqui Dean re-elected

Paradiso approval

National’s Jacqui Dean was re-elected as the MP for Waitaki electorate in the general election.

At least 1000 submissions received by the council supported Cinema Paradiso’s resource application to operate from the old Catholic Church on Brownston Street. Their application was approved a month later.

December

PHOTO: supplied

Loss to boating community Ten days after popular local man Trevor Hawke fell from his yacht his body was recovered from the lake. The search involved navy and police divers, NIWA’s ROV, Wanaka Coastguard and members of the local boating community.

Financial hurt Wanaka Chamber of Commerce survey found that according to the majority of respondents, Wanaka businesses are hurting financially and the situation is not likely to improve.

Energy for the future South Island-based foundation Energy for the future lodged a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission regarding the QLDC decision to award Wanaka’s kerbside recycling contract to Smart Environmental Ltd. QLDC stated there was no basis for the action against it on that matter.

Wardens on patrol Voluntary wardens patrolling the Lake Hawea foreshore, to monitor freedom campers and stop the amount of human waste left on the ground, were given the authority to issue infringement notices.

Project Pure

Christmas cheer for food bank The Wanaka Sun Christmas Food Bank Drive collected enough donations from the generous people of Wanaka to fill 80 hampers full of Christmas cheer which included homemade baking, fresh garden vegetables and toys.

Wanaka’s wastewater processing treatment plant, Project Pure, was officially handed over to the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Young life lost The community mourned the loss of local man Dougal Fyfe who died in a tragic hunting incident.

Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

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Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

sunnews

Prized works of art

Let it fly

Laura Williamson South Island art will have a room of its own on January 10 when the Aspiring Art Prize gala night is held at the Holy Family School. This is the fourth year for the exhibition and prize, which was established

by Wanaka art patrons John Charrington and Pamela McBride to foster and encourage artists living and working in the South Island.

Yeverley McCarthy, who helps to organise the exhibition, said showcasing exclusively South Island artists gave the prize a “point

Laura Williamson of difference”. “It has proved very popular and the caliber of the work is superb,” she said.

This year more than 100 entries have been received from artists from as far north as Nelson and as far south as Invercargill.

Organisers have added a landscape category to the awards, which also names a winner, a runner up, a people’s choice and a young artist prize, for entrants born after 1986.

The 2012 judges, sculptor Bing Dawe and painter Alexandra Kennedy, will speak on

“Hope for steady winds and sunny skies.” This is the advice from Julie Adam, also known as the Kite Lady, ahead of the Grand Kite Display to be held at Pembroke Park on Saturday as part of the Summerdaze summer festival.

The display will follow three 90-minute kitemaking workshops run by Julie on Friday. Children will design and make their own kites, and then have the opportunity to

fly them at the display alongside the Peter Lynn Team of kite athletes.

over the years, and has made kites with more that 25,000 children. Kite making is part of the school technology curriculum, with learning applications as well in language, maths and science.

According to Julie, the ideal kite-making materials can be found in most homes, with supermarket plastic bags excellent for the sail portion of a kite, while kebab skewers made perfect spars.

Hope for steady winds and sunny skies

Jennifer Majeske’s painting Deer Park (oil on canvas) won the 2011 Aspiring Art Prize.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

the night and a painting donated by Dunedin artist John Toomer will be auctioned. All the artworks will be available for sale on the gala night and during

the exhibition period, with proceeds raised going to the Holy Family School, Wanaka.

See Sunspots for details.

Ministock madness

Julie has been making kites all her life. “I grew up before television and we had to make our own toys,” she said.

She has been supplying kites to schools since 1987, and estimates that she has supplied more than 150,000 kite kits to schools and groups

See Sunspots for details.

What the hay?

Laura Williamson It is hay fever season, and if you think there has been a bit more sniffling and scratching than normal going on in Wanaka this summer, you’re right, said a local GP. “This year we’re seeing a lot more people with more severe problems, for whom the normal things such as anti-histamines and nasal sprays aren’t

working,” Wanaka GP Dr Andrew McLeod said.

He said this was probably due to a good growing season for grass and trees. In Central Otago, red beech, silver birch, grasses and pine were the main culprits in causing hay fever, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose, as well as irritability,

sleeplessness and poor concentration.

Andrew said individuals prone to hay fever could help matters by using an anti-histamine from the pharmacy, avoiding going outside on hot windy days, applying a cool cloth after being outside and wearing wrap-around sun glasses.

Holiday reading PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Tony Feisst of Maungawera ‘gives it the jandal’ at the Central Motor Speedway Xmas Champs in December.

Tony raced in the Adult Ministock in which competitors drive home-built ministock cars which are constructed from 1200cc Toyota Corolla or Datsun donor cars as per New Zealand Speedway designs. Tony said last Friday’s race, where he took second place, “didn’t go too badly”. He has also won ‘Best Presented Ministock’ at the Cromwell speedway three times.

Visiting bookworms are taking advantage of what our local library has to offer with approximately 20 people taking out temporary library memberships during Christmas week.

Library manager Sue Gwilliam said she had

Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

anticipated that numbers would be down this year due to the good weather, but business had remained steady. “We’re getting people from Christchurch, the North Island and Australia coming and joining up for a couple of weeks,” she said.

To get a temporary membership, visitors need to produce identification or a card from their home library if it is part of the SouthLib consortium, which includes eight Otago and Southland councils.

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Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

sunnews

Kahu Youth

Back in action We’re back at work for 2012 after a fun Christmas and New Year’s break and the new, bigger better Crib is open for young people once again!

Now we’re all settled in, we’d like to thank all the local businesses and individuals who helped with the move, in particular a massive thanks to Graham Berry, Bill Stalker, Davey from Snowdrifta, Stephen Venn, Carrie Berkey, Graham Vallance, Placemakers and all the youth.

Without you guys, we wouldn’t have been able to move and set up a whole youth club in a week. You all rock.

We’ve got loads more on offer this summer, including a two-day tramp to the Fern Burn hut, paintballing and Frisbee golf . As well, the Crib will be

Action from last year’s Little Day Out.

open from 12pm to 5pm Tuesday through Thursday, and for drop-in from 3pm until 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Come down and check us out if you haven’t already!

We’re also working hard on the third instalment of our annual event ‘The Little Day Out’ on Pembroke Park on Sunday January 20 from 12:30 to 5pm.

There’s a Cheapskates Skate Jam, a Giant Air Bag with a bike ramp, a bouncy castle, beat the goalie with Wanaka FC, pony rides, gymnastic equipment, croquet, food and drink, music and much, much more. It’s going to be massive!

For more information on, contact us on 443 5880, email kahu.youth@ xtra.co.nz or find us on Facebook under Kahuyouth Wanaka.

School holiday programme grows Laura Williamson

.

Assailant unknown

A male was assaulted by an unknown assailant outside the Trout Bar on December 31 at 12.10am.

Car break-in

On December 31, a vehicle parked at Fantail Falls near Makarora was broken into and a large amount of property stolen while the occupants went walking up to Brewster Hut. Two days later, backpacks and other personal belongings were recovered from the lake near the Neck.

Females assaulted

A young male aged 18 to 19 years with long dark hair and wearing a snap-back baseball cap assaulted a female on the Wanaka lakefront at 1.30am on January 1. At 2am, a female punched another female on Ardmore Street after an argument about a vehicle.

Head butt

A 19-year-old male has been arrested for assault after head butting a 20-year old male following an argument over a female on the evening of January 2.

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

Vandals’ trail A smashed ‘Welcome to Wanaka’ sign and damaged trees just before Stone Street greeted motorists coming into town from the Cardona Valley yesterday.

The sign was one of a few vandalised in the area over the past few nights.

The Community Networks Wanaka School Holiday Programme will run for an additional week this year, starting from Monday January 9. Heartland Services Coordinator Barbara Jungen said the extra days were added due to demand from working parents. “Some parents expressed an interest in another week as it was hard for them to get other childcare in Wanaka,” she said.

As of Wednesday, approximately 55 children had been enrolled for the programme. Barbara expected this to increase and for some days to be fully booked.

The School Holiday Programme runs for three weeks and offers a range of activities for children aged five to thirteen. Barbara said highlights this year would include a trip to Ruby Island, a gladiator day as well as a ‘Be a Kiwi Ranger’ day with DOC which will include a trip to the Blue Pools at Makarora.

See Sunspots for details.

crimescene

PHOTO: TIM BREWSTER

Children check out a trap on the Kiwi Ranger Day at Makarora at the January 2011 School Holiday Programme.

Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

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Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

Page 15

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Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

sunviews editorial

TXT MESS AGE

BOARD Free food free loaders be sure u not on private land or at least pay some of the rent I remember Lake Hayes when it was crystal clear before development in the area. Now it’s not safe.

Who will make sure this doesn’t happen to our waterways?? What assurances do we have?

Come on lakes environmental we love seeing wanaka on tv on Annabels cooking show! It’s free advertising. . .

So hawea local enforcers have to decide if a van is freedom camping... 200$ that will not get paid or 40$ parking on the grass?!

Lakes environmental’s decision to restrict filming at Dublin bay is insane. Since when do u need consent to film in your own backyard!

7 days filming 4 annabel langbein series is just crazy is this promoting our region?

Who stole the cardrona river? Looks like the water thieves have been at it again stealing our beautiful cardrona river -. They take it from an old mining right that is actually a shamefully wrong! It’s everyone’s river not just greedy yours so do the right thing and give it back. What ever became of minimum flows? So does the orc support this thievery? Come on people do the right thing and support the good health of our rivers.

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

TXT THE WANAKA SUN

021 986 786

The start of a new year is always a time for reflection, and 2011 gave us a lot to reflect upon. Globally, with the economic meltdown, the Arab Spring and a tsunami in Japan, it felt like one of those times when history runs amok. In New Zealand, 2011 will forever be remembered as the year that saw both the low of the Christchurch earthquake and the high of the Rugby World Cup. Looking through papers past for our Year in Review feature, we saw Wanaka’s ups and downs juxtaposed on every page. There were losses, of family, of friends and of familiar faces, of buildings like Olive West’s house and the impending end to the Wastebusters truck’s weekly rounds.

But there have been highlights too: the Festival of Colour, the Shaping Our Future forums, our young people recording a song for the London Olympics.

This is also a time for looking forward. Apparently the tradition of New Year’s resolutions dates back to the Babylonians, which is funny for a society best known for gluttony and ostentatious buildings. No matter. Resolutions are meant to be broken, so let’s start the year with some New Year’s wishes instead. Wanaka, we wish you endless wind-free afternoons at the lake, a metre of snow every Friday all winter long, no late frosts, lots of early blossoms and a touch more than your allotment of good cheer. Happy New Year.

Dog control

We recently spent a blissful few days in Wanaka over New Year and having not visited for many years, were completely impressed by the bustling township, the great shops and restaurants, and the pristine lakeside. The only blight on our stay was an encounter we had lakeside with a ‘local’ on January 1st.

Having enjoyed a great meal, we walked back to our accommodation along the lake with our kids (2 & 10) paddling in the water. Two gentlemen were having a conversation further up the shore and one was holding the leash of a large husky dog. As we approached them, the dog owner lost control of the leash and the dog lunged for our two-year-old daughter nearly knocking her over. My husband quickly picked her up and the dog owner struggled to regain control of his 200 pound charge who continued to snap at our daughter’s dress. My husband backed away from the dog and asked the dog owner to please move it away. At this stage, the owner became quite belligerent. A heated altercation followed and he told us that it was our responsibility to control our child not he, his dog and that he “lived here, man”. Several onlookers weighed in on our behalf and in the end we just walked away. The point is that the dog may have been on a leash, but it was definitely not under control. If he is reading this letter, I’d like to suggest to him that he might like to swap his dog, whose usual habitat should be the Arctic Circle, for something more suitable, like a chihuahua?

Lee Gardiner, Christchurch

write to the editor Let the community know your views, email your letter to:

poeticjustice This month’s poem was selected by Wanaka’s Poetic Justice group. Email your poems to poeticjusticewanaka@ gmail.com for selection.

The Wall Sooty black, old fire red in places. Ochre, ash grey streaked with sulphur yellow.

Rock, abrasive, air pocked cracked and creased, ridged and ripped.

Huge pumice blocks shaped to stack.

The velvet wall, absorbing light was patched, colour matched.

Built to exclude people, while supporting, enclosing including the Police of Auckland.

Gwenda Rowlands

theeditor@thewanakasun.co.nz *200 words or less

Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

Page 17

sunclassifieds open homes Address

Time

Date

Price

28 (LOT 202) INFINITY DRIVE

1-1.30pm

5/01/12

$785,000

33 (LOT 120) INFINITY DRIVE

1-1.30pm

5/01/12

$775,000

4 SUNNYSIDE LANE

1.30-2pm

5/01/12

$649,000

for sale

FIRST NATIONAL

Free Text-Classifieds NOTICE Artisans co-operative studio, 56 Ardmore St, open everyday for quality arts and crafts made right here in paradise!

Flat panel mount with swivel to attach your flat screen TV to wall. Cost $339 sell $200. Ph 443 2222.

ALL BLACKS baby stroller for sale, strong double wheels, good condition,$50. 021 116 5093.

Your medical centre may have moved but your pharmacy is still right here! Wanaka Pharmacy - serving the Upper Clutha for 40 years & here for you daily until 7pm at the top of Helwick St.

WOODEN BABY BASSINET for sale, baby can stay in here til 6 months plus, includes: mattress, sheets, 2 sets of side skirts, duvets. 021 116 5093.

Enrolments for the Community Networks School Holiday Programme can be made online at www.communitynetworks.co.nz or in person at the Community Networks office at 73 Browston Street.

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

Craft market this Sunday, Market Corner, Pembroke Park from 10am. Handmade arts and crafts direct from the artists.

The Aspiring Art Prize gala night will be held at the Holy Family School, Aubrey Road on Tuesday, 10 January from 6pm. Tickets available from Jim and Libby’s for $25.

Buskers welcome at the Sunday craft market, for more information contact Susan 0274249441 Dam good fruit stall. awesome summer stone fruit downtown!

PHIL & TED Explorer mountain buggy in Green. Includes: carry bag with wheels, sheepskins, rain cover, cocoon, 2x pannier bags, rear seat. 021 116 5093 GUINEA PIGS for sale, ready now, males and females, very cute, great mixture of colours!

021 116 5093 Wanaka Primary School uniform for sale.

Sizes 8-10 mostly all under a year old. Great condition. 443 5525 0275 062 468 Rabbit Hutch .Predator Proof Fully Contained .Fifty Buck Txt Or Ph 0274336087 Sgt Dan chicken mash, yum! 25kg for $25.

4434944 Crushed wheat and whole wheat, great 4 chickens & ducks, crushed barley, good for goats and pigs, no soaking. 30kg $25.

4434944

SERVICES

Wanaka Pharmacy Healthy Rewards lets you earn 1 Reward point for every dollar you spend!!

Lose 10Kg plus in 3 weeks safely, naturally... and keep it off with this HCG homeopathic and protocol! Jen 443 1672

U-FLY welcomes visiting pilots to fly our planes while you are holidaying in paradise. Ph Ruth 443 4005. www.u-flywanaka.co.nz

Caravan and motorhome repairs, renovations, parts, accessories, design, fabrication.

Wiring, rust, coachwork. Done before summer!

Overland Engineering. 022 097 4596.

FREE Corner office desk with shelves. Scruffy but functional. Small portable TV and remote. Pick up Hawea Flat. 443 5573.

CLASS Trapeze class Monday evenings or just when it’s sunny!! Now outside!! 5.30-7pm. Text 021660171 to book.

Gentle yoga. Tone body, mind, spirit. Private instruction or 10 dollar classes Mon and Wed 9 30 and noon Wanaka. 443 1672.

GARAGE SALE Garage sale at McLeod Ave off Kings Drive signs out at 8.30am Saturday 7th Jan. lots of houseware, electricals, gardening supplies and children’s toys The Groove Garage! Vintage sale. Nothing over $40! Sunday 10-12 only. Clothes, furniture, kitsch cutestuff. Longgrass Place, Hawea Flat.

4435573.

FOR SALE 1999 4 door Toyota Cavalier Auto 2.4cc, New WOF June2012, Mileage:101700km. $2500ono.

Ph 0210318024 1994 Toyota van petrol, manual, empty back $3500 ono ph 0273007797 12” ‘Specialized’ girl’s bike with trainer wheels. Pink, as new condition..$120.

U-FLY SCENIC FLIGHTS, great for family fun from 5 years and up. Gift vouchers available.

Dream of a lifetime from $199. Half price DVD of your experience for locals. Ph. 4005.

BABY CARSEAT for sale, red and black from birth to 2 years old, great cond, model 3000.

Offers, 021 116 5093

Lovely professional singing! Weddings, dinner, Christmas parties, funerals, birthday and anniversary serenades, and more.

References available. Travel OK. Jen 443 1672 Wanaka Garden Services, gardens, lawns and more. For a proper job call Steve Jago today 021-183-1250 / 443-2511 www.wanakagardenservices.co.nz Experienced local builder ready to start your project Jan 2. Call Scott Jefferson on 027 840 3176 HANDYMAN 0274573539

2-3pm

5/01/12

$595,000

28 (LOT 202) INFINITY DRIVE

1-1.30pm

6/01/12

$785,000

33 (LOT 120) INFINITY DRIVE

1-1.30pm

6/01/12

$775,000

4 SUNNYSIDE LANE

1.30-2pm

6/01/12

$649,000

28 (LOT 202) INFINITY DRIVE

3-4pm

6/01/12

$785,000

33 (LOT 120) INFINITY DRIVE

3-4pm

6/01/12

$775,000

11 ISLINGTON PLACE

1.30-2pm

7/01/12

$689,000

4 SUNNYSIDE LANE

1.30-2pm

7/01/12

$649,000

28 (LOT 202) INFINITY DRIVE

2-2.30pm

7/01/12

$785,000

33 (LOT 120) INFINITY DRIVE

2-2.30pm

7/01/12

$775,000

10 MEADOWSTONE DRIVE

2-3pm

7/01/12

$640,000

28 (LOT 202) INFINITY DRIVE

1-1.30pm

8/01/12

$785,000

33 (LOT 120) INFINITY DRIVE

1-1.30pm

8/01/12

$775,000

4 SUNNYSIDE LANE

1.30-2pm

8/01/12

$649,000

28 (LOT 202) INFINITY DRIVE

3-4pm

8/01/12

$785,000

33 (LOT 120) INFINITY DRIVE

3-4pm

8/01/12

$775,000

28 (LOT 202) INFINITY DRIVE

3-4pm

9/01/12

$785,000

33 (LOT 120) INFINITY DRIVE

3-4pm

9/01/12

$775,000

28 (LOT 202) INFINITY DRIVE

1-1.30pm

10/01/12

$785,000

33 (LOT 120) INFINITY DRIVE

1-1.30pm

10/01/12

$775,000

4 SUNNYSIDE LANE

1.30-2pm

10/01/12

$649,000

28 (LOT 202) INFINITY DRIVE

3-4pm

10/01/12

$785,000

33 (LOT 120) INFINITY DRIVE

3-4pm

10/01/12

$775,000

28 (LOT 202) INFINITY DRIVE

3-4pm

11/01/12

$785,000

33 (LOT 120) INFINITY DRIVE

3-4pm

11/01/12

$775,000

50 KELLIHER DRIVE

2pm

6/01/12

$849,000

29 INFINITY DRIVE

4pm

6/01/12

$679,000

124 ANDERSON ROAD

10am

7/01/12

$359,000

29 INFINITY DRIVE

10am

7/01/12

$679,000

5B MERCURY PLACE

10:45am

7/01/12

$399,000

11 ISLINGTON PLACE

11:30am

7/01/12

$689,000

28 GLENGYLE WAY

12pm

7/01/12

$379,000

36 STUDHOLME ROAD

12pm

7/01/12

Deadline Sale

12 ANDERSON ROAD

12pm

7/01/12

$399,000

5/32 BROWNSTON STREET

12pm

7/01/12

$399,000

1050 LAKE HAWEA ALBERT TOWN HIGHWAY

12pm

7/01/12

Auction

9 HEUCHAN LANE

1pm

7/01/12

Auction

17 TYNDALL STREET

1pm

7/01/12

Auction

18 OLD STATION AVENUE

1pm

7/01/12

Fencing Solutions 0274573539

3 RYALLS WAY, LAKE HAWEA

1:30pm

7/01/12

$520,000 $340,000

24 REID AVENUE, LUGGATE

1:30pm

7/01/12

5 BRIDGEWATER TERRACE, ALBERT TOWN

2pm

7/01/12

Auction

Engineering and repairs. Handy Solutions.

Ph 0272080175

64A BILLS WAY

2pm

7/01/12

Auction

50 KELLIHER DRIVE

2pm

7/01/12

$849,000

POST and RAIL fencing. HANDY SOLUTIONS happy to quote. You may be surprised. Ph 4434078 0272080175

11 OLD RACECOURSE ROAD

2pm

7/01/12

$479,000

3 9 L A K E V I E W T E R R AC E , L A K E HAWEA

2:15pm

7/01/12

$695,000

33 INFINITY DRIVE

3pm

7/01/12

$775,000

74 MUIR ROAD, LAKE HAWEA

3pm

7/01/12

Auction

41 BODKIN STREET, LAKE HAWEA

3pm

7/01/12

Auction

SHADE SAILS. Custom Design. Quality materials. Handy Solutions 0272080175

WANTED Marina Berth wanted to rent. Short or long term. Please call Chris on 4434644 or 02102793197 Grandparents visiting on 16 Feb for 2weeks...apartment/small house wanted to rent in Mt Iron area preferably... 4437309 or 0210741505 :-)

LOST Please help us find our miniature fox terrier - White body/brown head. Last seen on Anderson Road last Monday. 021 02548095.

text message only - deadline Tuesday 4pm 20 word limit - standard network rates apply

sport results WBC PROGRESSIVE BOWLS 30/12/11 Skips: 1st Merv Clark, 2nd Len Watson Thirds: 1st Dirk Gootjes, 2nd Norman Matheson Leads: 1st Fred Anderson, 2nd Huntley Skinner

employment

HARCOURTS

All types of fencing and gates. Wrought iron. Timber. Colour steel. Post and rail. Glass and steel balustrades. 4434078 0272080175

02 20 786 778 Page 18

131A AUBREY ROAD

124 ANDERSON ROAD

10am

8/01/12

$359,000

5B MERCURY PLACE

10:45am

8/01/12

$399,000

26 ASPIRING TERRACE

11am

8/01/12

$850,000

11 ISLINGTON PLACE

11:30am

8/01/12

$689,000

33 LITTLE MAUDE DRIVE, LAKE HAWEA

12pm

8/01/12

$411,000

1050 LAKE HAWEA ALBERT TOWN HIGHWAY

12pm

8/01/12

Auction

28 GLENGYLE WAY

12pm

8/01/12

$379,000

9 HEUCHAN LANE

1pm

8/01/12

Auction

22 MEADOWSTONE DRIVE

1pm

8/01/12

Auction

116 LOESS LANE

1pm

8/01/12

$645,000

50 KELLIHER DRIVE

2pm

8/01/12

$849,000

32 ASH AVENUE, ALBERT TOWN

2pm

8/01/12

$429,000

64A BILLS WAY

2pm

8/01/12

Auction

cinema listings

Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

sunclassifieds Issue 538 Thursday January 05, 2011

circulation: 10,000

HAWEA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION PUBLIC MEETING Saturday 14th January 2012 at 9.30am, Hawea Community Centre, Myra Street, Lake Hawea.

All members and interested persons invited to attend.

Community concerns involving Lake Hawea, John’s Creek, Hawea Flat and the Maugawera area can be discussed.

Phone: 03 443 5252 Fax: 03 443 5250 Text view: 021 986 786 Text classified: 022 0786 778 Address: Top of the escalator, Spencer House, Wanaka Postal: PO Box 697, Wanaka

Editor: Laura Williamson theeditor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Tim Brewster journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Production: Damian Foster production@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: Jude Smith marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz Ronnie Hopkinson sales@thewanakasun.co.nz, Amanda Hodge advertising@thewanakasun.co.nz Office Supervisor: Ruth Bolger admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Printed by: Guardian Print, Ashburton Delivered by: Wanaka Rowing Club Published by: Wanaka Sun (2003) Ltd

AFFAIRS OF THE HEART A wine and cheese evening with Prof David Hearse and Dr Douglas Scott speaking on treatment and care of the heart.

Lake Hawea Community Centre, Myra Street, Lake Hawea Thursday January 12, 2012 at 7pm Tickets $30 from Sailz or Wanaka Fine Wools For more information or to reserve a table (6/8 people) call Doug 0274082390 or Sheryl 4432524

employment BLACK FOREST WAFFLE HUT OPERATOR Wanaka based Mature Person Business Experience Food Handling Experience Compulsary Weekends Own 4WD towing vehicle Apply only with full CV to: elsen@xtra.co.nz

trades&services RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

TREE services

construction

panelbeaters

CURTAINS

Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012

Page 19

sunsport

tightlines

Present and future tennis stars Tim Brewster New Zealand’s tennis stars of the present and future will take centre court with the start of the Wanaka Open tennis tournament for junior, open players and veterans.

The junior competition, which runs for the first week of January, will be a knock-out format with all players playing a minimum of three matches in singles and doubles. Age groups are 10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under, and 18 and under. This year there will also be a new novice category for 10 and unders.

Coach Perry Crockett of the Aspiring Tennis Academy said the level of tennis would be very high. “The best players from the South Island and

some from the North Island will be playing,” he said.

He added that with around 100 players entered, matches would take place all over Wanaka at private and public courts as well as at the Wanaka Tennis Club. The finals will be played at the club courts on January 6.

According to Perry, young Wanaka players to watch included Meg Timu, coming off wins in Queenstown and Otago tournaments, while Ines Stephani, who had won a number of tournaments in the 10 and unders, was moving up to the 12 and under age group for the challenge and “will be competitive”. As well, Kate Guilford of Cromwell, who plays at the Wanaka Tennis Club, would be in the “top frame” of players in the 14 and under draw.

Don’t forget drag John barlow

Libby Scott,18, of the Wanaka Tennis Club in action for the finals of the open women’s singles held at the club last week. Libby has just won a college tennis scholarship to study in the U.S. next year.

Smartphone owners will have a new way to follow their favourite athletes’ progress in this year’s Challenge Wanaka event: a smart phone app.

Technology will allow spectators to track particular athletes, view course maps, get regular course updates, as well as check split times and placings from their phones. “With athletes on the course from eight to seventeen hours, this is a way for people to be fully involved in the race while they’re out and about,” event director Victoria Murray said.

Page 20

She explained that the Challenge Wanaka app is part of a larger project with the rest of the Challenge organisation, which puts on 13 events globally. Each race will be added to the app as it is run over the next year, so that each event will be accessible to anyone with a smartphone from anywhere in the world.

The app was developed in New Zealand by Gavin Kennedy, an Application Software Developer at University of Otago. “It’s a New Zealand initiative that is being exported around the world,” Victoria said.

When dealing with drag it pays to be persistent.

PHOTO: TIM BREWSTER

New app for Challenge Laura Williamson

Now is the time to be out fishing the dry fly, as there have been some good mayfly hatches on the Clutha and the fish in the lakes and in the backcountry are ever watchful for an opportunistic meal from any unfortunate insect that has fallen on the surface.

In presenting a dry fly to a trout, the main problem one faces is what anglers call drag. If your fly is moving faster or slower than any naturally floating on the surface of the water it is dragging. Trout can pick up the minutest amount of drag and will reject any fly that is doing it. The best way to avoid drag in a river situation is to position yourself directly downstream of your target so that a cast upstream comes back on the current at the same speed as the flow. In many cases this is not possible and one is forced to cast across the current. In this situation the river flow immediately catches the flyline and starts

PHOTO: Laura Williamson

to drag the fly. There are a number of tricks that can be used to help in this circumstance, but all of them involve casting the flyline so that loose line falls on the water immediately after the cast. As the loose line straightens out there is a momentary pause before the fly starts to drag, which if you are lucky, allows the trout to take the naturally floating fly.

Drag is also a common feature of lake fishing, usually because of wind. Even the lightest breeze will cause your fly to drag if you cast straight out into the lake with the breeze behind you. In this circumstance a small trail forms behind the floating fly and trout will reject it. The trick is to cast out at 45 degrees to the air movement which allows the fly to drift around naturally in front of you. When it has straightened out, it is time to recast.

In my experience when dealing with drag it pays to be persistent. You can cast time and time again and the trout will only see your fly as a food item when you achieve a drag-free drift.

Tight lines.

Thursday 05 January to Wednesday 11 January 2012