There are only a few days left for locals to enjoy a “last supper” at long-standing Wānaka cafe, Ritual, says co-owner Chris Hadfield, as the cafe will close its doors on Wednesday (November 19).Chris and his husband Paul Tregea bought the cafe in 2005, after dreaming of opening a cafe for ten years.While Paul has worked in hospitality for years, it was “completely foreign” to Chris, whose background was in finance.The pair moved south from Wellington, but “took one look at Queenstown and said ‘no’”, Chris said. They soon discovered their ideal destination lay over the hill in Wānaka. The Wānaka Sun ran this story when the pair bought the cafe in 2005. IMAGE: SuppliedIn 2005 there were only a handful of places you could get coffee in Wānaka, including Ritual, Relishes, and Kai Whakapai. Over the past 20 years that scene has been transformed with many new hospo businesses established.But the regular Ritual customers have always known what they like, and consequently there have been “bugger all” changes to the cafe’s menu in the past 20 years, Chris said.There has been plenty of change elsewhere, though.On their first day at the cafe Chris and Paul made $890, and thought “We’re going to be rich”, Chris said.Turnover increased over the years, but the Covid-19 pandemic and now the cost of living have changed the scene.“We’ve lost the families,” Chris said. “There’s not a financial safety blanket now.”Compliance issues have become more complicated and more expensive, he said.Chris recalled their very first health inspection was undertaken by one of their regular customers, who turned up in a white coat, carrying a clipboard, saying “this is my day job”.That inspection took 20 minutes, and they were told to “buy a new nailbrush”.Now an inspection can take three to four hours, he said, and cost considerably more.And while Wānaka once had two distinct shoulder seasons, Chris said by the time Covid arrived, “the shoulder season was basically non-existent”.“There was a dip,” he said, but now “shoulder seasons are back”.A wall of memories at Ritual Cafe. PHOTO: Wānaka AppSocial change has also been a feature for the cafe owners known as “the only gays in the village”.There were a small number of gay people in town in the early years, and Chris said when people would ask them how many gay people lived here he would reply “We know ten; the other 30 have yet to tell their wives”.Chris enjoys standing out from the crowd, so he has mixed feelings about having “been assimilated into the heterosexual community”.He said he and Paul haven’t had a Christmas Day for 20 years - Boxing Day is their busiest day of the year, so Christmas Day is spent prepping at the cafe. While they’re now looking forward to a sleep-in on Boxing Day, Chris said they will miss the social aspect of the cafe.“The best part of the job - and the only reason I get out of bed: customers.”Chris, a member of the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board, said once his cafe career is concluded he plans to focus on three key areas for the community: The Heart of Wānaka Plan for the the CBD, the development of a new arts facility for the area, and improving active transport connectivity.

Hearings on a proposed Super Liquor store in Lake Hāwea concluded in Wānaka on Friday (November 14).Keyrouz Holdings Ltd’s plans for a 300-square-metre store in Hāwea’s Longview subdivision attracted more than 500 objections from residents and health experts, who had the opportunity to voice their concerns in person during the three-day hearing.The opposition centred on the risk that a new liquor outlet would increase alcohol-related harm in the small community.Objectors cited national statistics on alcohol related harm as well as the findings of the 2023 Upper Clutha Youth Voice Survey, which found significant binge drinking among local teenagers.Many also spoke from personal experience witnessing both teen and adult drinking.The applicant also made its case for the Super Liquor outlet, which it said would fit in “really well” in Hāwea’s new commercial precinct. District Licensing Committee (DLC) members Chris Cooney, John Mann and Lyal Cocks have been tasked with deciding whether or not to issue an alcohol license for the Super Liquor, which already has resource consent.They will consider written closing submissions once they are received. “Once the DLC has all final closing submissions it will then take time to assess all the information and write up its decision,” a Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesperson told the Wānaka App. “There is no timeframe prescribed in legislation within which it needs to release the decision – it’s up to the DLC and could be before Christmas or in the New Year.” Once the decision is issued, it will be released to all parties. “If any parties don’t agree with parts of the decision and consider the DLC has erred in law they can lodge an appeal to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA),” the spokesperson said. “ARLA would then hold a public hearing by way of a rehearing of the matter, but no new information could be introduced.”PHOTO: Supplied

Talks on the proposed Regional Deal for inland Otago were back on the agenda on Monday (November 10) though members of the public weren’t invited to listen in.Representatives from the Central Otago District Council, Otago Regional Council, and Queenstown Lakes District Council met online for a workshop held under public exclusion.Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley said the session was about getting any new committee members - of which there are “at least three” - up to speed on where negotiations with central government are at.According to the meeting agenda, discussions were closed to the public to avoid jeopardising the councils’ negotiating position with Wellington.It stated that while there is public interest in the deal’s development, premature release of information could lead to commentary that disadvantages the councils in negotiations — and could even risk the process being abandoned altogether.A new chair and deputy will be chosen at the committee’s first formal meeting next month.The Regional Deal aims to secure long-term investment and coordinated planning and is one of three being negotiated for New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions. The region is pushing for new revenue-generating options such as a local visitor levy and mining royalties to ensure “growth pays for growth”; the upgrade and future-proofing of electricity supply (including grid extension, and rooftop solar and battery funding schemes for ratepayers); and a private-public health model that combines visitor/resident numbers for funding.In September consultant Conor English - the brother of former Minister of Finance and Southland MP Bill English - was appointed lead negotiator on behalf of the three councils.

A more than two-decade-long campaign to reclaim Lake Wānaka from an invasive aquatic weed has reached a major victory, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) says, with 40 kilometres of shoreline now successfully cleared.  “This milestone marks a real triumph for the beautiful Lake Wānaka ecosystem and for everyone who treasures this iconic place,” Land Information minister Chris Penk said.  “For the first time since 2013, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) has been able to shift the lake’s containment line, the invisible boundary separating weed-free and infested waters, marking real progress in a long and determined fight to turn the tide in our favour.” Lagarosiphon grows extremely quickly and forms dense, thick mats, and left unchecked it can choke waterways and smother native plants.  “All it takes for a new invasion is a tiny fragment carried by a boat, a fishing line, and lake users moving between different bodies of water,” Chris said.  This clearing work is funded by LINZ, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), and Otago Regional Council (ORC), with support from the Lake Wānaka Aquatic Weed Management Committee, which includes LINZ, QLDC, ORC, Department of Conservation, Guardians of Lake Wānaka, Kāi Tahu, Wānaka Marina Limited, and the Fish and Game Otago Region.Chris said the clearing of lagarosiphon was “a testament to the sustained commitment” of LINZ, its partner agencies, local groups, and the wider community. “Innovative control methods, particularly the use of hessian mats, have been vital on the frontlines, acting like underwater shields that suppress lagarosiphon while allowing native vegetation to regroup and reclaim ground.  Work to continue to control lagarosiphon in other parts of the lake will continue. “Ultimately, the goal for LINZ is to keep pushing that containment line further south towards Roys Bay near the Wānaka township, and we will need every ally we can get,” Chris said.“I want to acknowledge the lake users who have been diligent in checking, cleaning, and drying their gear and to urge them to keep up the good work,” he added.“Their ongoing vigilance is crucial to preventing this aquatic enemy from regaining a foothold and to ensuring we maintain the progress we have made.”  PHOTO: NIWA

Wānaka author Shirley Deuchrass has learned “a lot” about the subject of her latest book: the native long-finned eel.Shirley, who has written biographies, history and fiction, said as a grandmother of 12 her latest books have focused on children.Mark and the Monster Eel is a picture book for three to seven year olds about a boy who is scared of eels because his sister tells him they will eat him.“I believe that the story is worth publishing, for two reasons,” Shirley told the Wānaka App.The book’s colourful illustrations are by MAC student Amber Leslie. IMAGE: Supplied“Because kids are scared of something and it creates an opportunity for teachers and parents to say ‘what are you scared of?’; and the other thing is we’re losing our native long finned eel in leaps and bounds.”Shirley said not enough is known about why the number of native eels is declining, but in her view there is one obvious culprit.“It certainly doesn’t help that we have two dams [Clyde and Roxburgh] in this area,” she said.She explained that the eels breed just once, at the end of their lives. The mature eels swim to the Tongan Islands to lay their eggs. When hatched, the larvae float back to New Zealand and the tiny eels (elvers) swim upriver.While eels can slither past obstacles in their quest, dams are too challenging.Mark and his Grannie. IMAGE: SuppliedContact Energy runs a native fish management programme to assist fish migration pathways - including eels. The elvers are collected and transported past the Roxburgh and Clyde Dams, before being distributed into lakes and rivers.Some mature eels are moved in the opposite direction, but most are lost to the dam turbines, Shirley said.This is the “adult story” underpinning Mark and the Monster Eel, she said, and it’s one she hopes more people will become aware of.The book is illustrated by Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) student Amber Leslie, who worked with Shirley to bring her vision into colour.“The really cool thing is I managed to get a student in her last year at college to do the art work,” Shirley said. “She’s a clever girl.”Mark and the Monster Eel book will be launched at Wānaka Library at 4pm on Wednesday November 26.

Three ‘hot lap’ experiences at Cromwell’s Highlands Motorsport Park aboard the V12-powered Aston Martin Vulcan Supercar (the only one in the Southern Hemisphere) will be up for grabs this summer, with all proceeds being donated to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.Formula 1's Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson will be at Highlands for just one day: Tuesday December 23.  Liam was the first ambassador of the Tony Quinn Foundation and recently met with a large group of Highlands members at the Singapore Grand Prix in early October.“I caught up with [Highlands CEO Josie Spillane] and TQ in Singapore and in passing said that I’d love to drive the Vulcan,” Liam said.  “Josie didn’t even let TQ respond, it was an immediate yes – and we locked in the date and the idea that we could do something special for charity then and there.“The Tony Quinn Foundation and everyone associated with it have been great friends of mine and more than just supporters so I try to support them where I can. It’s good for New Zealand and the sport so I like to help, especially when I’m home.”Josie said the opportunity for a hot lap in either the Vulcan or with a Formula One driver would normally be “near impossible but we’re thrilled to make it work and do it for a great cause”.“Tony is super generous with allowing us to use the Vulcan for charity, and we’ve raised over $250,000 to date for various New Zealand charities,” she said.“This is very personal for me. My friend Lou was just 44 years old when she lost her battle with breast cancer, and I’m so excited that we have been able to pull this together.”As a bonus, one of the three charity hot lap experiences will be claimed by a lucky winner thanks to the new Highlands GT Partner Shaw and Partners Financial Services, who will donate the money otherwise raised in the auction.  The remaining two Vulcan ride experiences with Lawson will be auctioned to the highest bidder with all proceeds going to charity.Shaw and Partners will provide the ride experience, plus flights and accommodation for the winner.  The remainder of the day will be a chance for Kiwi motorsport fans to ride with Lawson in one of the Highlands Lamborghini Fast Dash cars, with just 20 rides to be available for just $399 via the Highlands website.  Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner said the organisation was “absolutely thrilled” Liam will lend his time to help New Zealanders affected by breast cancer. “The chance to experience an exhilarating lap with Liam in a supercar is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and every dollar raised will directly support breast cancer patients through their greatest time of need. “With nine women diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand every day, we are so grateful to the teams at Highlands and Shaw and Partners for initiatives like this that can drive real change.”Enter by completing the form here, or by auctioning for a ride.

Are you concerned about alcohol harm in communities and its impact on children’s health and wellbeing?A new University of Otago study has found that New Zealand children are exposed to unhealthy marketing 76 times every day, from junk food and alcohol to gambling promotions. It’s a sobering reminder of how much influence these industries have on young minds, and why community voices matter.Over four days, a group of twelve-year-olds wore small cameras that photographed everything they saw. The results, published in Social Science & Medicine, gave parents and researchers a rare, unfiltered look at children’s daily worlds, and it wasn’t pretty.Children were exposed to nearly 250 percent more unhealthy messages than healthy ones. Junk food dominated at 68 sightings a day, with Coca-Cola topping the list. Beer brands led the alcohol ads, and most gambling promotions came from Lotto and TAB.Lead researcher Professor Louise Signal says this constant exposure chips away at the values families work hard to build. “The saturation of harmful marketing undermines the guidance parents give at home, replacing it with the influence of multinational corporations,” she says.Co-author Associate Professor Leah Watkins adds that children simply can’t recognise the persuasive intent of advertising until around sixteen, leaving them especially vulnerable. Those living in disadvantaged areas see even more of this marketing, compounding existing inequalities.The researchers point out that strong government rules work. There’s no tobacco marketing in the footage, because it’s banned. Yet self-regulated industries like junk food, alcohol and gambling continue to flood children’s spaces with harmful messages.Here at Path Wānaka, we see this as another reason to keep supporting parents and communities to have open, informed conversations about alcohol and wellbeing.If you’d like to understand more about how marketing and alcohol affect young people, Alcohol Healthwatch is hosting a free “Kids and Alcohol” workshop offering practical tools for families and communities.Participants will workshop practical solutions with experts and colleagues to reduce harm from alcohol and its marketingWorkshop is held online:When: Tuesday 18th November 2025 – 2:00PM to 4:00PMWhere: Online – Teams link will be sent to those who register to the event through the Jotform belowCost: FreePlease feel free to share these details with others who may be interested in attending. Please RSVP HERE. Register by Midday 17th November.Presenter:Professor Louise Signal is Co-Director of the Health Promotion and Policy Research Unit at the University of Otago, Wellington and a lead investigator on Kids’Cam and Kids Online. Louise is a social scientist with a PhD in Public Health. She has worked and conducted research in health promotion for over 30 years. Her research interests include tackling inequities in health and healthy public policy.

Debate has erupted in Wānaka at a hearing on a proposed Super Liquor store in Lake Hāwea - with company representatives defending the bottle store and health experts and residents warning of alcohol related harm in the small community.At the centre of the debate are Keyrouz Holdings Ltd’s plans for a 300sqm+ store in Hāwea’s Longview subdivision, which would operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week.Its application for a liquor license attracted more than 500 objections and Southern District Health Board medical officer of health Dr Michael Butchard told the District Licensing Committee yesterday (Thursday November 13) that no other license had a greater proportion of the community object to it.Among objectors’ concerns is the fact Super Liquor would be the first business to open in Longview’s commercial precinct.“A bottle store before a GP is not the right order,” Michael told the committee.He said there were many reasons to deny the license, including a known youth drinking culture, likely heavy episodic drinking in the adult population, and geographical isolation of health services.He referenced the 2023 Upper Clutha Youth Voice Survey, which found 66 percent of local young people had consumed alcohol, with 31 percent reporting binge drinking at least monthly. “Each new off-license increases the odds of binge drinking,” he said.A day earlier the applicant had laid out its case, with Super Liquor Holdings national operations manager Greg Hoar saying the company had the “utmost regard for the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act”.A liquor licensing hearing for the proposed Hāwea Super Liquor is underway at the Lake Wānaka Centre this week. PHOTO: Wānaka AppGreg said the store would “fit in really well” in the Longview neighbourhood.Glen Christiansen (the chief executive of Keyrouz owner, Gate Group) implied a bottle store was inevitable - and a Super Liquor was the right operation."I do believe that Lake Hāwea will get a bottle store at some point, and that we are the suitable operator due to our great history and strong operational standards…" he said.John Young, lawyer for the applicant, said many of the objections lodged were “template objections”, arguing they lacked author authenticity and were “likely to carry less weight.” Longview resident Lisa Riley, who has spearheaded community opposition to the Super Liquor, pushed back on this when she spoke yesterday.“With respect, that is wrong,” she said. “The community asked Communities Against Alcohol Harm, a national charity, to assist in the use of a digital platform to make it easier for people to understand the law and raise objections."She said she wanted to highlight the “bigger picture”.“If this license is granted Lake Hāwea will have 10 licenses for a population of 2,340,” she said.“That’s three times the density of neighbouring Albert Town and more than double the national average.“We simply don’t have the infrastructure to absorb more alcohol related incidents.”She said community opposition was “not about prohibition”.“It’s about the law doing what Parliament intended, protecting families, children and communities from predictable harm”.The hearing continues at the Lake Wānaka Centre today (Friday November 14).

Locals are being invited to share their views on how dogs are managed across the district, as part of a review of the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Dog Control Bylaw 2020 and Dog Control Policy 2020.All councils in New Zealand must regularly review their dog control bylaws, and QLDC’s current bylaw, adopted in June 2020, is due for review. QLDC is also reviewing its Dog Control Policy to take a complete look at dog ownership and management across the district.The policy outlines how dogs are managed in the district to promote responsible ownership, ensure dogs are well cared for, and minimise risks to people and other animals. The bylaw sets out where dogs are allowed, how they must be controlled, limits ownership to two dogs per property unless licensed, requires owners to clean up after their dogs, and mandates that female dogs are confined while in season.People can fill out a survey to give feedback on how the current policies are working.The survey asks a range of questions, including whether or not people agree with dogs being on leash on public footpaths and other places (such as cemeteries, playgrounds, skateparks); and whether or not they agree with dogs being off leash in most reserves across the district (including council parks, domains, recreational areas, and open spaces). Should dogs be off leash in reserves across the district?The survey also asks how people feel about dogs being off-leash on walking and cycling trails, and whether or not it may be appropriate to introduce on-leash rules in sensitive environments such as wetlands and reserves with native plants and wildlife. “By reviewing our Dog Control Bylaw and Policy, we’re making sure these rules still make sense for our district today, and into the future,” QLDC says.Dog ownership in New Zealand is guided by the Dog Control Act, which promotes responsible dog ownership and keeping communities safe. The act requires every council to have a Dog Control Policy and they may also have a Dog Control Bylaw to support how the policy is implemented.QLDC will undertake a formal consultation process on the bylaw in 2026.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Health advocacy group Health Action Wānaka (HAW) is encouraging residents to take part in a regional survey which includes questions about people’s access to health care.HAW contributed health-related questions for the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Quality of Life Survey this year.“The findings from this survey will support our advocacy to ensure the people of the Upper Clutha have equitable access to healthcare,” the group said.QLDC says it has included additional questions “around health and access to key services to better understand the needs of residents in this area”.Questions include what (if anything) prevents people from seeing a health care professional, whether or not locals have had to travel outside the region for health care, and how people rate access to mental health care in the area.The survey closes this Sunday (November 16) at 5pm.HAW is also pushing for more “quick wins” for health services in the district, following the recent confirmation of free blood tests for residents.Last month health minister Simeon Brown said free blood testing would be rolled out for nearly 24,000 people living in Wānaka and Te Anau - a move HAW called “a really big win” for rural healthcare access. Previously, patients in both Wānaka and Te Anau have had to travel over an hour to reach a free collection centre or pay a co-payment at their local GP.Read more: Free blood testing launches in Wānaka“During our research, we met people with chronic conditions who have paid thousands of dollars for blood collection - a service which is free in most places in New Zealand,” HAW said in a recent update.“Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and helped us raise awareness of this issue.” HAW said there is more work to do, however.“While this is a really good short-term solution, in the longer term, we are advocating for a walk-in blood collection centre in Wānaka and longer phlebotomy hours so we can get appointments when we need them.”  The group has now turned its focus to the two other “quick wins” it proposed to Health Minister Simeon Brown in July: the introduction of psychiatric consultations via telehealth for NGO and community frontline mental health and addiction services in this region within 12 months; and local access to publicly funded radiology services. “We will continue to advocate for these two quick wins,” HAW said.“Currently, we have to drive to [Dunstan Hospital in] Clyde for publicly funded x-rays and ultrasounds despite us having two local providers that could deliver this service in Wānaka.” PHOTO: Supplied

Local bridge closures planned this week are part of the work to upgrade Upper Clutha’s wastewater network. The Camphill Bridge will be closed tomorrow (Friday November 14) and the Albert Town Bridge will be closed on Sunday evening (November 16) through until early Monday.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) said closing the bridges will allow crews to carry out investigative works to prepare for installing a new wastewater pipeline on each bridge next year. The pipeline is part of an upgrade to Hāwea, Wānaka, and Albert Town’s wastewater infrastructure which will boost capacity in many parts of the Upper Clutha.Read more: Bigger than Ben Hur: Multi-million dollar wastewater upgrades on the booksThe upgrades will respond to and futureproof Upper Clutha’s wastewater needs, provide additional capacity across the network, and help to further protect the natural environment, QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery said.Existing infrastructure in Wānaka and Albert Town is fast approaching its capacity to effectively convey wastewater out to Project Pure Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), and Hāwea’s township treatment plant has already reached capacity.The Albert Town Bridge will be closed on Sunday (November 16) from 9pm to 6am.In September, QLDC announced restrictions on new connections to the Hāwea wastewater plant, after the facility failed to achieve its 12-month rolling mean for nitrogen levels in its treated wastewater.Read more: Council limits new connections to Hāwea wastewaterThe Upper Clutha Wastewater Conveyance Scheme project includes a new wastewater pump station (WWPS) at Domain Road in Hāwea, 12.5km of new wastewater pipeline connecting Domain Road to existing infrastructure at the Albert Town WWPS, upgrades to the existing Riverbank Road WWPS, 7.4km of new wastewater pipeline connecting Riverbank Road WWPS and Albert Town WWPS to Project Pure.As a result, the Camphill Bridge will be closed to traffic on Friday 14 November from 9.00am to 2.30pm.A detour will be in place using Kane Road, Cemetery Road, Domain Road, Capell Avenue, and SH6. Alternatively, road users can use SH6, SH8A, Luggate Red Bridge, and Kane Road.The Albert Town Bridge will be closed to traffic on Sunday 16 November from 9.00pm to 6.00am. A detour will be in place using SH6, SH8A, Luggate Red Bridge, Kane Road, and Camp Hill Road.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Cardrona Alpine Resort has claimed the title of New Zealand’s Best Ski Resort in the 2025 World Ski Awards.This is the first time since the awards were established over a decade ago that Cardrona has won the New Zealand title.“It’s an honour to be awarded Aotearoa’s Best Ski Resort in 2025, as voted for by the people who matter most to us – our guests and our industry,” Cardrona and Treble Cone chief mountains officer Laura Hedley said.“This is a huge recognition for all the people who make Cardrona what it is, the mahi put in by our team to deliver an excellent experience on the maunga, and our community who make this place special. “We’re so grateful and proud.”The World Ski Awards programme has categories for all facets of the ski industry, in each of the world’s top 25 ski tourism nations. Finalists are voted for by both public and industry, to determine who stands above the rest in their country each year.Laura said the recognition caps off a year of highlights for Cardrona.The ski area opened 150ha of new terrain and a new chairlift in Soho Basin this season, making it New Zealand’s biggest ski resort. The team also opened a new base area building and a t-bar servicing high-performance training facilities.This summer they’re getting stuck into the next stage of Soho Basin developments, including a new snowmaking dam, snowmaking installations, trail development, and additional road and carpark improvements.PHOTO: Cardrona

The Wastebusters Sustainable Christmas Market will return on Saturday November 22 and Wastebusters is putting out its ‘last call’ for potential stallholders to join the lineup.The annual market, now in its fifth year, fills the Wastebusters car park with a lively mix of local stalls, food and a relaxed community vibe.Shoppers can expect to find everything from upcycled clothing and handmade ceramics to natural skincare, art prints, jewellery and locally grown plants.Wastebusters is looking for some additional stallholders - who might make, grow or create something that helps people live more sustainably, or use materials that are locally sourced.Local artist Jodie Shellard was a stallholder last year and she said it was a great experience.“Last year was my first market, and I was a little bit nervous. If I’m totally honest, the sustainable part of it was rather daunting, but I quickly learnt it’s a totally non-judgemental event,” Jodie said.“It’s more about supporting local, and that in itself is sustainable. It’s a great chance for networking and meeting other stallholders, who are all so lovely.“It was really worth it for me sales-wise too. I can’t wait to be back again this year.”Anyone who would like to apply for a stall can fill in the form here or contact [email protected] year’s Wastebusters Sustainable Christmas Market will feature kai from the Delhi Hut food truck and Cat Rescue Wānaka’s bakesale.It will take place on November 22 from 9am-2pm.PHOTO: Wastebusters

Wao Aotearoa has received $20,000 from the Otago Community Trust (OCT) to continue sustainability work in Wānaka and across New Zealand.Since 2018, the organisation has been building awareness and facilitating collaboration on climate action, biodiversity, and sustainability - and co-founder and general manager Monique Kelly said the support would go a long way."This grant helps us to operate as an organisation, providing essential funding that helps us to deliver events such as the Wao Summit and run our programmes for youth and increase food resilience."Wao Aotearoa was one of three local organisations to receive funding in the most recent OCT funding round. Hāwea Flat School was granted $16,584 towards its swimming pool upgrade while $9,600 to the Wānaka Community Workshop will go towards its core programmes and workshops.Around the region, last month’s grants also supported festivals and events.Support was provided for the South Otago A&P Show's 159th annual show ($5,000), the Taiari Wai River Festival ($5,000), A Very Taieri Christmas ($3,500), St Andrew's Day celebrations ($4,000), and the 6th National Punjabi Language Week ($1,500), among other events.The funding round also focused on environmental regeneration and community spaces, OCT said.Recipients of this type of support included Taieri Mouth Amenities Society, which was granted $10,000 for the Sawmill Creek Reserve, and the Ōtematata Residents Association, which received $3,000 to help maintain the Ōtematata Wetlands.The OCT is a philanthropic organisation which has invested $318.8M and granted $230.6M into Otago communities since its formation in the mid 1990s.Every month it distributes grants for community groups and projects making a positive difference in Otago communities. Learn more here.PHOTO: Supplied

A Dutch photographer who spent 2025 in New Zealand capturing its natural beauty has launched an exhibition of her favourite photos - with all sale proceeds going back to the local community.Sterre Heijnen’s exhibition, ‘Breathe Aotearoa’, is open for viewing at the Wānaka Recreation Centre as part of the Creative Spaces Project.“Working as a travel photographer, I’ve spent the past year exploring New Zealand - going on countless beautiful hikes, discovering incredible places, and taking pictures along the way,” Sterre told the Wānaka App.“I wanted to do something meaningful with all the photos I’d taken, and creating an exhibition felt like the perfect way to share that experience. New Zealand’s nature and wildlife is so unique compared to the rest of the world, so I wanted to highlight just how special it is.”Five of the 11 photographs in the exhibition were taken around Wānaka. One of Sterre’s favourite photographs is ‘Summit Kea’, which she took at Treble Cone.“It was an extremely windy day but the views were gorgeous as always and just as I made it to the top a Kea flew over and landed right next to me,” she said. “The Kea kept flying around me and playing in the snow so I got out my camera and that’s when I captured the shot of the Kea taking off with the mountains in the background. “It was such a magical moment being all alone at the TC summit looking out over Lake Wānaka with such a beautiful and special bird flying around me.”Proceeds from all sales of Breathe Aotearoa photographs will go to the Love Wānaka Community Fund, which supports climate, conservation, and biodiversity projects in the district.“Over time, I’ve really fallen in love with Wānaka - its incredible landscapes and the sense of community that helps protect them - and I wanted to contribute to preserving the nature and supporting the people who care for it.”Visit the Breathe Aotearoa exhibition at the Wānaka Recreation Centre now or contact Sterre directly for sales here.Read more: Creative spaces project to create district-wide gallery.PHOTO: Supplied

Figures show Upper Clutha voters were in favour of change in last month’s local body elections, with 77 percent of votes cast not in favour of incumbent mayor Glyn Lewers, compared to 74 percent in the rest of the district.Generally the district was consistent in its rejection of the incumbent mayor.Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward voters punched above their weight, casting 43.4 percent of the mayoral votes despite only making up 39.3 percent of the Queenstown Lakes District roll.New mayor John Glover achieved a 12.9 percentage point lead over Glyn in the Upper Clutha, compared to a 9.8 percentage point lead in Queenstown-Whakatipu and an 8.3 percentage point lead in Arrowtown-Kawarau.How each ward in Queenstown Lakes turned out for the mayoral vote. IMAGE: Wānaka AppThe Upper Clutha’s high turnout tipped the scale for John.Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward’s turnout was also higher - at 44.9 percent - compared to the other wards (Queenstown-Whakatipu 35.2 percent, and Arrowtown-Karawau 41.1 percent). The local turnout was consistent with the last local body elections in 2022, where 44.93 percent of the Upper Clutha electors voted - again, a higher turnout than in Queenstown-Wakatipu Ward (38.48 percent) but a little lower than the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward (45.64 percent).How we voted for each mayoral candidate. IMAGE: Wānaka AppIn an effort to increase voting, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) introduced a new campaign, The Highest Vote, where voters were invited to “take part in democracy at new heights” with special high-altitude ballot boxes available at Cardrona Alpine Resort’s ticketing office (1,670m) and Treble Cone’s ticketing area (1,260m), hosted by RealNZ.QLDC also hosted a one-day voting box at the Crown Range lookout on October 10.The Wānaka App provided a dedicated election section to provide information to our readers on the candidates, their goals and values. The election section featured candidate profiles and candidates’ responses to a range of hot topics facing the district.The next full QLDC council meeting will take place on Thursday November 27.Read more: Deputy mayor role returns to Wānaka’s Quentin Smith

The Night ‘n Day Rainbow Runs in Wānaka and Frankton, on November 21 and 22 respectively, will officially launch this year’s Summerdaze programme.Summerdaze is a series of fun events organised or supported by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) in the summer months that aims to bring the community together.The 2025/26 edition will see the return of the Rainbow Run, the Picnic in the Park series, and the popular Teddy Bears Picnic with Stride, Ride and Slide – a mini-triathlon for tamariki aged two to six years old.QLDC community partnerships advisor Marie Schmidt said Summerdaze is all about community connection and enjoying the beauty of our district.“It’s the sixth year of the Summerdaze programme and we’re delighted to offer a number of exciting, family-friendly community events,” she said. “Check out the QLDC website for a full schedule and make sure you get along to have some fun.”Wānaka’s Rainbow Run will take place at Eely Point and tickets can be purchased online through Sport Central or in person on the day.Sport Central community sport Advisor Jo Knight said she was excited to have the Rainbow Run back on the calendar.“What better way to say hello to summer than a 3km fun run or walk while being colour-bombed at five different corn starch stations,” she said. “I challenge friends, family and flatmates to get together, dress up in black or white and have a blast. “The local fire brigade will be on hand to douse participants near the start of the run to make the colours stick better, and we have volunteers and supporters joining QLDC in staffing the stations.”The upcoming Picnic in the Park events will feature free BBQs, a games trailer, sports activities, face painting, a library pop-up tent, and QLDC’s elected members in attendance to discuss current topics of interest with residents. Dates for the picnics will be confirmed in December.Learn more about the Rainbow Run and Summerdaze events in general, including dates and locations of activities on both sides of the Crown Range here.  PHOTO: Supplied

Athletes from the Aspiring Athletics Club (AAC) travelled to Invercargill recently to compete at the combined Otago Southland Interclub meeting held at the all-weather track at Surrey Park (November 1-2).The young athletes weren’t deterred from performing well despite the cold and strong winds, AAC senior coach Michael Beable said.Several posted personal bests (PBs) in the sprints and long jump events, which were all held as mixed-gender events to boost the size of the fields.However, the wind strength in these events, throughout the whole afternoon, was always over the allowable limit (two metres per second) for record purposes, Michael said.Sixteen-year-old Phoebe Laker continued the early season form she displayed in her first outing at the Caledonian track in Dunedin on October 11.“At Invercargill, though, she chose not to run her favoured event, the 400m, because of the difficult blustery winds at Surrey Parks’ track, opting instead for the two shorter sprints.” In the main 100m race, Phoebe ran an excellent PB of 12.20s, and was first woman to cross the finish line in the mixed event by a one-second margin.In the 200m it was a repeat performance: she was the first woman home, but this time clear of the next person by 2.78s. Her 24.61 time was her second fastest ever - just 0.15s off her PB (which she set at the international track meeting in Christchurch in February).“What made Phoebe’s sprint times more notable was that in the week leading up to the Invercargill meeting she had not been able to do any sprint training at all, especially to work on her acceleration out of the starting blocks and to sharpen her maximal speed,” Michael said, adding that heavy rain in Wānaka in the lead-up week had made the grass track (at Kelly’s Flat) unusable.  Nonetheless, Lillian Lake (14) showed a clean pair of heels in her 100m heat to win in 13.19s in a PB, by 0.7 seconds. Lily Lake training under the watchful eye of her coach.Her training partner Ruby Swamy (13) was the quickest in her heats for the 60m and 100m races, setting PBs of 8.64s and 13.56s respectively. She also set another PB of 4.77m in the mixed long jump, ahead of all females 18 and under.“The boys from AAC were equally busy and did just as well,” Michael said. Mitchell Roberston (12), set PBs in the 60m (8.77s), the 100m (13.76s), and the long jump (4.71m) in finishing fourth for boys 14 and under. Teammate Tibor Boda (14), set PBs in his 100m heat (13.54s), placing third, and in the long jump (4.82m) for fourth place in a mixed event of 15 competitors. He also impressed in his high jump, with an early season clearance of 1.55m for second place, as well as throwing the 1.25kg discus almost 28m. The older AAC athletes from Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) will compete at the Otago Inter-club meeting in Dunedin this Saturday (November 15), as part of their final preparation for the NZ Secondary School Championships in Hastings (December 7-9). The girls attending will compete in their best individual events, as well as contest the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.  Former MAC student Ryan Young (21), who has been completing his final year for a civil engineering degree at Canterbury University, began his competitive season in Christchurch in pleasing fashion, winning the 60m race at Canterbury’s Inter-club competition at the Nga Puna Wai track. Matthew Botting will return to Wānaka soon to boost the growing numbers in the senior AAC training, and is expected to achieve PBs in the longer sprints and in the 400m hurdles in his last season in the men’s U20 grade.PHOTOS: Supplied

New Zealand might not be a tropical paradise, but for many people, it still represents a dream lifestyle. So, it’s no surprise that some global wanderers are choosing to make their temporary home here.But, of course, there’s always a catch, and in this case, it’s tax.When your employer is based in one country, you’re working in another, and your clients are somewhere else entirely, who gets to collect the tax?Tax rules can be tricky at the best of times, and cross-border situations multiply the complexity. Still, there’s good reason to figure it out: digital nomads bring money with them. They’re essentially long-term tourists who contribute to the local economy while living and working here.Recognising this, the government has clarified the rules for “non-resident visitors.” In short, these visitors won’t be taxed in NZ if they:Spend 275 days or less in an 18-month period here,Weren’t already resident or transitional resident,Aren’t receiving benefits (nor their partner),Are here lawfully, andAre tax-resident somewhere else with a comparable tax system (sorry, no tax havens).There are a few catches: you can’t be working for a New Zealand employer, selling to New Zealand residents, or doing work that physically requires you to be here.If you meet those conditions, you can effectively ignore the usual 183-day rule that triggers tax residency (though if you’ve set up a permanent home here, you’ll still count as a resident regardless). There are also additional concessions allowing GST registration to be optional and ensuring that a visitor’s presence in New Zealand does not create payroll tax obligations for their employer or establish a taxable connection between an offshore company or business and New Zealand.Think of it as a free trial subscription to life in New Zealand – no tax strings attached.If you’re a digital nomad hearing the call of Aotearoa, we’d love to help you navigate what this means for you. Get in touch and let’s chat about your options.Alex CullTax Partner, Greenhawk Chartered Accountants0800 422 526 | [email protected] | greenhawk.co.nz91 Sir Tim Wallis Drive, Wānaka