Hundreds of Māori and Pacific Island people in Southland and Otago who are aged 55 – 64 years old will once again be covered for the flu vaccine this year, after WellSouth Primary Health Network confirmed funding. Persons aged 65 and over or people who have long-term medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, or a heart condition and/or long-term mental health conditions are already eligible for a free vaccination.When government funding for free flu vaccines for 55–64-year-olds ended in 2023, before winter, WellSouth stepped in to ensure Māori and Pacific people aged 55 years and up in Otago and Southland are eligible for a free flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is available now. WellSouth clinical director Dr Carol Atmore said WellSouth was proud to close that critical age gap.“Māori and Pacific people experience a greater illness burden than NZ European people and often live in multi-generational households, with older family members often caring for young children. This small service is one way to protect and support the whole whānau,” she said. “This funding covers approximately 1,000 people in Otago and Southland, and we hope to build on the uptake from previous years, encouraging Pasifika and Māori aged 55 years plus to get the flu vaccine. “You can get your flu jab at your general practice medical centre, a local pharmacy or get in touch with your kaupapa Māori provider or Pasifika community healthcare provider as they run vaccination clinics throughout autumn and winter.” For those not eligible for a free flu vaccine it can cost between $25 and $45. “Whether you are eligible for a free vaccine or not, I strongly encourage everyone to get their flu vaccine – and their Covid booster if they are eligible – to keep ahead of getting sick this winter and do their bit for the community,” Carol said.PHOTO: Supplied

Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes will get increased representation on the Otago Regional Council (ORC) board, the Local Government Commission (LGC) has confirmed.Late last year ORC voted to add an extra seat to the Dunstan ward, which covers Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago, and reduce the number of seats in the Dunedin ward by one.Following separate appeals by two district councils, Dunedin City Council (DCC) and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), the LGC have confirmed the arrangement, which provides “certainty”, ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said.“The outcome is positive,” Gretchen said. “ORC’s focus remains on ensuring good representation right across Otago to ensure all communities, rural and urban, are fairly represented.”The LGC also confirmed the status quo of a total 12 councillors over four wards will be retained.This will be broken down into five councillors for the Dunedin ward, one for the Moeraki ward, two for the Molyneux ward and four for the Dunstan ward.DCC had lodged an appeal to retain six seats while QLDC’s appeal said the region would be better served with a fifth ‘Upper Lakes’ ward covering Queenstown, Frankton, Wānaka, and Cromwell.Otago Regional Council’s 12 current councillors.QLDC had argued a fifth ward would more fairly represent the growing population in the area.In its decision, the LGC said it acknowledged population growth, “specifically in the Queenstown Lakes”.However it had “qualms” about where it would leave the Dunstan ward and “whether the residual Dunstan [ward] would receive more effective representation through electing one member compared to…four members”.A four-member constituency “enhances the chance” of representation for the Dunstan ward, the LGC said.The LGC also noted that the population growth in Queenstown Lakes means that “eventually a [ward] comprising solely Queenstown-Lakes District will be statistically viable”.The new representation arrangements will be in place for the elections in October this year.Find more information about the LGC decision here.PHOTOS: ORC

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has opened its annual events funding round for people looking to organise events that benefit the community.The 2025-2026 Events Fund is open to both commercial and community-level events.QLDC arts and events relationship manager Jan Maxwell said the council is proud to support a range of events across the district through the annual events fund.“The events we support help celebrate our district and boost community wellbeing,” she said.“The funding criteria supports events that are committed to environmental sustainability, economic impact, event diversity, and positive community benefits.“This year we’ll continue to focus on events’ environmental sustainability and will prioritise funding for applicants that are taking steps toward better waste reduction and the minimisation of carbon emissions.“We’re looking forward to seeing applications from new and existing events this year.”Last year 20 events received funding.They included the Wānaka A&P Show, Arrowtown Autumn Festival, Queenstown Multicultural Festival, Wānaka Festival of Colour, Queenstown Marathon, Wao Summit, and a wide range of large and small events.  Applications for the QLDC Events Fund will close on April 30. They will be reviewed in May and successful applicants will be notified in July.Full information on funding criteria, key dates and how to apply is available on the council website here.PHOTO: Supplied

Community Link is aiming to raise $60,000 to help locals heat their homes this winter.Each year the organisation faces an increase in requests for support from families who are unable to keep up with the cost of their heating needs, Community Link general manager Kate Murray said. Last year Community Link saw a 30 percent increase in demand for heating assistance compared to a year earlier - and it is already seeing early signs of even higher need this year, she said.“We are reaching out to the community before winter arrives, seeking donations to ensure we are fully resourced to meet the needs of those who will turn to us for help,” Kate said.The challenge is often due to unforeseen events that either increase a family’s expenses or reduce their income, Kate said, and in turn “heating costs become a significant burden”.“Many are families with kids attending schools,” she said. “These are often two-income families where the income earners are on good salaries but the support is needed when something drastic changes.”“Additionally, we often see single-parent households, clients on medical or social benefits, and others for whom these benefits don’t stretch far enough to cover the extra costs associated with heating during the winter months.”Last winter Community Link invested $45,000 in heating support, primarily for firewood. PHOTO: Wānaka AppTo help keep local residents and families warm last winter, Community Link invested $45,000 in heating support, which went primarily towards firewood, with some going to electricity and gas bills.“Based on our projections, we anticipate that we will need $60,000 to meet the expected demand for heating assistance this winter,” Kate said.“The fundraising landscape is increasingly competitive, and we really need the community's support.”Community Link hopes the community will get behind the ‘Cold Kids’ campaign, with all donations going directly to providing heating support for local families.Residents can make a donation on the Community Link ‘support us’ webpage.Community Link would also like to hear from anyone with trees that need clearing or spare firewood available to donate; or businesses that would like to run a promotional campaign; and retirees can donate their heating allowance from their pension if it's not required.To get in touch, call Community Link on (03) 443 7799.The heating issue is part of a challenging economic landscape for many people in the community.Use of Community Link’s food bank doubled last year and demands for all of its other services - immigration, Justice of the Peace, social worker services and so on - have also trended upwards.PHOTO: Wānaka App

This year’s NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival will feature American climber and global outdoor ambassador Beth Rodden as well as local adventurers Nick Pascoe and Sam Smoothy.The annual festival returns for its 23rd edition in June and it promises to deliver world-class films, fascinating talks, inspiring art shows and book events, and hands-on learning.Headliner Beth is “widely regarded as one of the greatest rock climbers of all time”, festival organisers said.The legendary climber completed numerous notable free climbs on El Capitan, the 1,000m granite monolith in Yosemite National Park, and a history-making first female ascent of Meltdown, one of the world’s most challenging traditional climbs.Her story also includes surviving a harrowing ordeal during a climbing expedition to Kyrgyzstan in 2000, where she and her then-boyfriend Tommy Caldwell, along with two friends, were held hostage by rebels for six days, escaping by overpowering their captors. At the festival Beth will present in Wānaka and Queenstown, and host a free one-hour session for local high school students.Local adventurers Nick Pascoe (Alexandra) and Sam Smoothy (Wānaka) also feature on this year’s festival programme.  Sam Smoothy PHOTO: J GibsonNick will be speaking about his 2023 mission using skis and packrafts to cross from Raspberry Flat in Mt Aspiring National Park to the Tasman Sea following a direct route around Tititea/Mt Aspiring and down the Volta Glacier and Waiatoto River.Sam, a former Freeride World Tour competitor who has turned his focus to ski mountaineering, will speak about his audacious project to ski all of NZ’s 3,000m peaks."We're stoked to welcome these remarkable adventurers to the festival,” festival director Whitney Oliver said. “Their diverse experiences, ranging from wild NZ epics to far-flung expeditions, promise to deliver a programme of exhilarating and insightful stories. Expect solid backcountry banter as well as deeply personal journeys.”The NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival will run in Wānaka from June 20-24, in Queenstown from June 26-27 and films will be screened online in NZ and Australia throughout July. The full programme will be announced and tickets will be on sale on May 20.

The 10-person rowing squad from Te Kura O Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) “did Wānaka proud” at last week’s Maadi Regatta 2025, Wānaka Rowing Club (WRC) representative Lizzie Ritchie says.The annual regatta brought together more than 2,000 athletes from more than 116 schools who rowed on Lake Karapiro, Cambridge, from March 24-29.“This is the largest secondary school sporting event in the southern hemisphere and it is streamed worldwide over the week as heats and repechages progress to quarter, semi and A, B and C finals,” Lizzie said.The local rowers competed against “the best of the best”, with some standout results.MAC rowers made two B finals and two C finals with Lola Ritchie placing 14th overall in the girls U18 single sculls, and the boys novice coxed quad of Lachlan Hay, Douglas Wise, Mackenzie Hay, Tyler Gawn (coxed by Emily Hunt) placing 15th overall, Lizzie said. MAC’s Maadi 2025 rowers (from left) Tyler Gawn, Lola Ritchie, Lachlan Hay, Mackenzie Hay, Alianna Hay, William Pascoe and Douglas Wise. Lily Garrett and Emily Hunt (coxswain) are not pictured. The training programme for the Maadi Regatta began in September 2024 and the rowers have trained hard both on and off the water under the coaching of Rob Bruce, Angus Todd, and Matt Rickard, Lizzie said. “The week was a wonderful experience full of the highs and lows of sport at this level, but most importantly the squad supported one another and had enormous fun participating in this revered competition making many new friends in the rowing world”, Lizzie said.Lizzie gave a ‘huge thank you to sponsors Silver Fern Farms, supporters, parents and coaches for enabling the rowers to be part of this event”.PHOTOS: Supplied

Calling all youth aged 11-17 years, brace yourselves for some adventures with Kāhu Youth!Our School Holiday Programme is packed with day adventures, activities, fun and opportunities to make new friends. Check out what's on or visit us here.Week 1Monday April 14, , Lazer Tag & Go Carting - $70Tuesday April 15, Mana Kōhine Airsoft Paintball - $35 Tuesday April 15, Drop-In Easter Craft - FREETuesday April 15, Dungeons & Dragons Club - FREE Wednesday April 16, Gold Mining - $20Wednesday April 16, Drop-In Hug Tees - FREEThursday April 17, Strike Bowling - $30Thursday April 17, Foosball Tournament - FREEWeek 2Tuesday April 22, Mana Kōhine – Swim, Slide & Sushi - $40Tuesday April 22, Drop-In Sushi Making - FREETuesday April 22, Dungeons & Dragons Club - FREEWednesday April 23, Honey Spinning & Craft - $50Wednesday April 23, Drop-In Candle Making - FREEThursday April 24, Highland Games Youth Challenge - $20Thursday April 24, Drop-In ANZAC biscuit baking - FREEDrop-In Sessions at our Youth CentreWe're excited to host drop-in sessions these School Holidays at our Youth Centre inside Paetara Aspiring Central.Drop-in sessions are free for youth aged 11+ and are supervised by Youth Workers.Youth can hang out or join in on a planned activity, there’s something for everyone - like Dungeons & Dragons Club, cooking, sushi making, candle making, and more! Visit us here.Our Drop-In sessions are open between 10am - 2pm on the following dates in April; Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16, Thursday 17, Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24.For more info and to book, visit us here.For questions, or if cost is a barrier, please contact [email protected] or call: 027 570 9268. Paetara Aspiring Central, 35 Plantation Road, Wānaka

Significant unmet needs, systemic barriers, and a lack of strategic health planning are the main themes of a major report into the health needs of the Upper Clutha community released today (Wednesday April 2).The research findings are contained in a report titled ‘Perception versus reality: the true state of healthcare in the Upper Clutha’ undertaken by advocacy group Health Action Wānaka. The findings are the result of consultation with more than 300 members of the Upper Clutha community and health system stakeholders.Health Action Wānaka spokesperson Monique Mayze said the healthcare inequity in the Upper Clutha was indefensible.“Despite Wānaka’s population being projected to grow at a rate of 144 percent by 2053, and the Upper Clutha being one of the country’s fastest-growing communities, we have been left behind when it comes to investment in healthcare,” she said.Health Action Wānaka steering committee (from left) Lucy Middendorf, Monique Mayze, Trish Fraser, Nicky McCarthy, and Brigid Loughnan. PHOTO: Supplied“We are at least an hour from an emergency department over the country’s highest main road, and around 275km from a large specialist hospital.“Listening to people’s stories, it’s clear that they face too many barriers in accessing the healthcare they need, despite the best efforts of our local healthcare providers.”During its research, the group learned that:People are paying for after-hours acute care that is free for people living in other parts of the country.Residents of the Upper Clutha (pop. 17,000) have paid up to $800 over three years for blood collection, a service that is publicly funded (free) in most places in New Zealand, including smaller towns such as Balclutha (pop. 4340), Clyde (pop. 1260) and Gore (pop. 8240).Parents seeking mental health support for children and youth, especially those under 12, with mild to moderate mental health needs, are struggling to access services.Elderly residents are being transferred out of Wānaka to Dunedin, Christchurch, Invercargill and Gore due to a lack of local facilities and services to support them as their needs increase.People are being refused clinically necessary radiology and specialist care due to high numbers of referral rejections. There was a 54 percent rejection rate for GP referrals to specialist care in the southern health region — the highest in the country in 2022.Residents and healthcare providers are concerned about the risk of being unable to transport critically ill patients by helicopter due to the weather.Local residents are travelling seven hours or more to attend 15-minute appointments for services that should be available locally.Residents of the Upper Clutha can travel 2,750 km to visit Dunedin Hospital five times in six months and still not be eligible for reimbursement from the National Travel Assistance scheme.Healthcare providers are trying to deliver primary care with insufficient funding to meet service costs in a rural setting.The community is struggling to support a local healthcare workforce due to the high cost of living and lack of affordable housing.The group has identified three ‘quick wins’ to help alleviate the Upper Clutha’s healthcare inequity and is asking Minister of Health Simeon Brown to commit to making them happen.They are: the introduction of psychiatric consultations via telehealth within 12 months, delivery of a publicly funded blood collection service in Wānaka within two years, and increased local access to publicly funded radiology services via the government’s $30M funding boost announced last June.“The three ‘quick wins’ we are seeking are entirely doable and will go a long way to addressing the inequity our community has faced for way too long,” Monique said.“We are calling on the Minister of Health Simeon Brown and the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to listen to our community and to work with us to address the inequity we face.”The group also wants to partner with local community organisations and service providers to raise funds to implement the following community initiatives:Establishment of a local health navigator role to support patients with chronic and/or complex cases to navigate the health system.Development of local capability to deliver selected specialist-level services such as administering of Avastin injections for eye disease.Delivery of community care programmes to support and engage community members with dementia, disabilities, and chronic conditions, and to provide respite for their carers.Provision of additional rooms in Wānaka for healthcare and service providers to deliver their services locally.The group says the findings from its research will form the basis of its future advocacy.The full report can be read on the HAW website.

NASA’s Scientific Balloon Programme has returned to Wānaka for two scheduled flights to test and qualify the agency’s Super Pressure Balloon (SPB) technology.The stadium-sized, heavy-lift balloons will travel the southern hemisphere’s mid-latitudes for planned missions of 100 days or more, and the launch ‘window’ is open until early June.“We are very excited to return to New Zealand for this campaign to officially ‘flight qualify’ the balloon vehicle for future science investigations,” NASA Ballon Programme Office chief Gabriel Garde said.“Our dedicated team both in the field and at home has spent years in preparation for this opportunity, and it has been through their hard work, fortitude, and passion that we are back and fully ready for the upcoming campaign.” NASA’s return to Wānaka marks the sixth SPB campaign held at Wānaka Airport since the agency began balloon operations there in 2015. The NASA team returned for additional launch attempts in 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2023, all of which were successful apart from the 2022 launch.The launches are conducted in collaboration with the Queenstown Airport Corporation, Queenstown Lakes District Council, New Zealand Space Agency, and Airways New Zealand, Gabriel said.  “We are especially grateful to our local hosts, partners, and collaborators who have been with us from the beginning and are critical to the success of these missions and this campaign,” he said.NASA’s 532,000-cubic-meter helium-filled SPB, when fully inflated, is roughly the size of Forsyth-Barr Stadium in Dunedin.The balloon will float at an altitude of around 110,000 feet (33.5 kilometers), more than twice the altitude of a commercial airplane.Very specific weather conditions are required for a successful launch, namely clear high pressure conditions and minimal wind.The public is encouraged to follow real-time tracking on the agency’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility website and launch and tracking information will also be shared across NASA’s social media platforms and the NASA Wallops blog, Gabriel said.PHOTO: NASA

Councillors have voted 8-2 to discharge Niki Gladding from positions on two council subcommittees in a highly charged meeting this afternoon (Tuesday April 1).Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) mayor Glyn Lewers called the meeting to consider whether Niki should be stripped of the responsibilities after she revealed a confidential council plan to discharge treated wastewater into the Shotover River.The highly-publicised wastewater treatment issue has turned into a “media storm” according to one councillor and “reinforced a narrative of conspiracy” according to another.Tensions were high as councillors debated the appropriate right course of action, with views on Niki’s disclosure ranging from a well-intentioned error in judgment to an irresponsible and damaging bid for attention.Councillor Gavin Bartlett said councillors were given “very clear reasons” why the information about the wastewater treatment proposal was confidential when councillors were informed just days ahead of a planned media briefing by the council.Elected members (from left) Matthew Wong, Quentin Smith, Niki Gladding, Lisa Guy, Cody Tucker, mayor Glyn Lewers, Craig (Ferg) Ferguson, Esther Whitehead, Melissa White, Gavin Bartlett, Lyal Cocks and Barry Bruce.Fellow councillor Lyal Cocks said the breach of rules had “achieved nothing except creating angst in the community, putting at risk the trust we have with our key stakeholders…and putting at risk the mediation process under the enforcement order”.Niki, who was subject to a code of conduct investigation over a previous breach in 2020, had “again brought into question her trustworthiness”, Lyal said.Other councillors defended Niki’s intentions, if not her actions.Councillor Matt Wong said Niki’s heart was, “and has always been in”, in the right place, while councillor Cody Tucker described her as perhaps one of the hardest-working councillors in the country.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith and councillor Esther Whitehead, the two councillors to vote against discharging Niki from the subcommittee positions, said it was not an appropriate response.Both said an independent code of conduct investigation was the correct way to deal with the issue, with Esther describing it as a “fairer process”.Niki, who presented to the council in front of a public gallery full of supporters, also said she had “no issue” with going through a code of conduct investigation.The issue was “not black and white”, she said. “We make judgements based on our values and the way we see the world and our community votes us in for those things,” she said.“We have to be careful when we sit as judge and jury on each other.”Glyn said the decision before council was “not about the guilt or otherwise of Niki Gladding”.“It is about whether it is appropriate for someone who has released legally privileged information to be sitting on a committee of council.”Niki will be replaced by Gavin on the audit, finance and risk committee, while on the infrastructure committee she will be replaced by Cody (deputy chair) and Lisa Guy.PHOTOS: QLDC

NZ Police have named the man who died in a light plane crash in the Dingle Burn Valley on Saturday (March 30). He was Ivan Peter Van de Water, 65, of Wānaka.Ivan was one of two men on board the plane. The other person, who has not been identified publicly, was flown to hospital in a critical condition.The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of New Zealand (AOPANZ) said that Ivan had attended the association's ‘fly-in’ held in Omarama over the weekend (March 29-30), which had attracted aircraft from around the country.“The association and its members are shocked and deeply upset by news of the crash,” AOPANZ president Sue Kronfeld said. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the loved ones of those who were on board.”RNZ has reported that Ivan had retired to Wānaka in 2021 after selling a jewelry business in Gore, which he operated with his wife for nearly 40 years.He was a well-liked and respected man during his many years in Gore, the town’s deputy mayor Keith Hovell said.A Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson said investigators have traveled to Wānaka.Their focus over the coming days will be to gather information that helps explain what happened and why.Ivan’s death has been reported to the coroner, NZ Police said.IMAGE: Google Maps

The start of the Wānaka Festival of Colour was heralded with Saturday’s (March 29) Community Whānau Day, which transformed the Dinosaur Park and lakefront into a hub of activity and colour.The day included an array of performances, including a clown show, school and choir performances, circus and aerial displays, interactive art, and creative school installations. “What an incredible way to kick off the festival,” Wānaka Festival of Colour festival director Sophie Kelly said.“Community Whānau Day truly captured the festival spirit – joyful, local, and full of heart.”The festivities continued into the evening with a packed house at the Pacific Crystal Palace for Creative Juices, an open mic night featuring original music and spoken word. The night culminated in a sell-out performance of Animal, a smash-hit show from internationally acclaimed, award-winning circus company Cirque Alfonse.“Opening with Animal was a total delight, and it was beautiful to see so many smiling faces soaking up the fun,” Sophie said.“And this is just the beginning – we have an exciting week ahead with something for everyone.”Yesterday (Monday March 31) the festivities continued, with a range of shows including the sold out Suitcase Show, Speed is Emotional and Reimagining Mozart.The week ahead is packed with standout performances, Sophie said. On Wednesday night (April 2), audiences can experience Jazmine Mary, with their captivating noir-folk sound, and Kommi me ana Tipua, a vocalist performing exclusively in the Kāi Tahu dialect.On Thursday (April 3), Delaney Davidson brings his signature Ghost Orchestra show to the Pacific Crystal Palace, while Īhaka Martyn’s He Māori? unpacks identity through waiata and wit. During the weekend families can enjoy Badjelly, featuring narration by Olivia Tennet and a live score from Tom Broome. These are just a handful of the options from the packed programme of theatre, dance, music, poetry, and thought-provoking kōrero running as part of the Wānaka Festival of Colour until Sunday (April 6).PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

Tourism industry, government and research leaders are set to gather for the annual Otago Tourism Policy School in Queenstown this week to problem-solve how to resource New Zealand’s tourism system.Demand from key tourism stakeholders to attend this year’s forum, organised by the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka’s Department of Tourism, is the highest since the annual event began seven years ago.The Tourism Policy School offers an opportunity to bring together key stakeholders and experts who aren’t usually in the same room together to find solutions to systemic tourism issues.Over two days, stakeholders and policymakers will discuss issues such as resourcing tourism on conservation land, private-public partnerships, user-pays models, and what New Zealand can learn from overseas tourism systemsSchool co-director associate professor Susan Houge Mackenzie said the current system is insufficiently resourced, and regional tourism organisations want to see national leadership help enable regional destination management plans and initiatives.The previous government had encouraged regional tourism organisations and tourism stakeholders to ‘reset’ tourism by focusing on regenerative tourism and how tourism could better serve communities beyond economic benefits, she said.“There has been a significant shift under the current government, which wants to double exports.“As a major export earner for New Zealand, tourism is seen as a significant contributor to this growth target, with a focus on growing off-peak international travel.”Queenstown, home of the Tourism Policy School, can be seen as a microcosm for the tourism industry, with urgent infrastructure and resourcing issues, Susan said.“Anyone who lives there will tell you these are urgent issues that need to be addressed.”Guest speakers from Ireland, Scotland and the United States will be sharing innovative resourcing and funding models used overseas, and the new Minister for Tourism and Hospitality (Louise Upston) will attend the event.The 2025 Otago Tourism Policy School will take place from April 3-4 in Queenstown.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The Upper Clutha Rugby Club’s premier team (The Rams) made it two wins from two matches in the Central Otago Premier Rugby competition on Saturday (March 29) when it defeated Arrowtown 41-12 in Wānaka.The Rams were seldom threatened, scoring six tries to Arrowtown’s two in a comfortable victory.“The score didn’t say much about the game, we blew a lot of opportunities,” Rams’ head coach Alex Dickson said.“The defense was good, happy with that.”The first half of the match delivered high calibre rugby from both sides. Arrowtown’s attack encountered a bruising Rams defensive effort and the teams looked set to fight out a close tussle until the Rams scored a converted try and penalty late in the half to lead 22-5 at the break.The first 30 minutes of the second half were riddled with errors from both sides as the match appeared to be meandering to an uninspiring finish. However the final 14 minutes provided four tries, one a 70 metre effort by Rams’ fullback Henry Schikker whose speed and balance was on full display as he carved through a tired Arrowtown side to score from a kick return.For the Rams, none were better than prop Andrew Horne. He picked up a brace of tries and was uncompromising with ball in hand. He was well supported by fellow prop Fergus Smith and captain and loose forward Lachie Garrick. No.8 Jake Burtenshaw carried well.In the backs halfback Caleb Dixon had a tidy match and Henry Schikker was a constant threat.After two rounds in the competition the Rams sit on top of the table and will play local rival Cromwell in Wānaka this Saturday (April 5). Kick off 2.30pm at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club.Rams’ points:Tries: Andrew Horne (2), Cameron Page, Jake Burtenshaw, Caleb Dixon, Henry Schikker Conversions: Brady Kingan (3), Brody Flannery Penalties: Brady Kingan In other matches:Cromwell 12-40 ManiototoWakatipu 31-3 AlexandraPHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka teenager Finley Melville Ives (18) has put down one of the most explosive freeski halfpipe runs in history to claim the 2025 FIS Men’s Freeski Halfpipe World Championship title in Corvatsch, Switzerland this morning (March 31).Finley beat some of the big names in the sport with a stellar first-run score to capture the title.“Honestly, I am in shock,” Finley said. “I can’t believe I landed my run, I am so hyped … I just can’t believe it, it’s so sick.” Finley’s run began with a switch right double cork 1080 Japan, then a left double cork 1620 mute, a left alley-oop double flatspin 1080 mute, a switch left double cork 1080 Japan, before ending with a right double cork 1620 safety. The judges were just as impressed as the crowd and commentators, awarding him a huge score of 96.00, which positioned him at the top of the leaderboard after run one.Finley Melville Ives in action during qualification.Decorated American slopestyle athlete turned halfpipe skier Nick Goepper finished in second place, with two-time Olympic halfpipe medalist Alex Ferreira, also of the USA, rounding out the podium in third.“They’re both my idols, so I honestly can’t believe it,” Finley said. “I’m so stoked to share the podium with them.”Lake Hāwea’s Luke Harrold (16) finished in fourth position making history by putting down the first switch left alley-oop triple cork 1260 mute ever landed in competition during his second run. With just over 10 months until the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games the Kiwi Park & Pipe Team will now turn their focus to spring training camps in the Northern Hemisphere before returning to New Zealand for the domestic season.PHOTOS: Christian Stadler / FIS Park & Pipe

There needs to be a date for the completion of a parking management plan for Wānaka, and it should not be left to “drift”, Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair Simon Telfer has told council staffers.Simon said he expected that progress on a parking management plan would be “far more advanced”.“This has been drifting a long time,” he told Queenstown Lakes District Council property & infrastructure general manager Tony Avery during an infrastructure update at last week’s WUCCB meeting (Thursday March 27).The update described a parking management plan as “50 percent complete”.“Without a date, we feel like it’s going to keep drifting and drifting. We started this process, we created expectations, we invested in that consultancy, they’ve done the foundational work,” Simon said. “Other things we’ve been discussing as a community always seem to hinge on parking management,” he said, citing town centre evolution and various challenges at Stoney Creek.Community board chair Simon Telfer. PHOTO: Jeannine TuffinSimon also said work undertaken by consultants on parking in Wānaka a year ago was done at the wrong time (during school holidays), the data is getting old and the work may have to be repeated.Tony Avery said council staffers were working on the strategy guidelines to bring back to the council and community board.“It will be interesting to see if there’s any appetite for changes in the current parking arrangement [in Wānaka], introducing fees anywhere, time limits, those sorts of things,” he said.Council was “struggling a bit with the current resources” needed to complete the work, Tony said.A draft plan by an independent, volunteer-run group (Heart of Wānaka) in 2023 identified the need for parking in the CBD to support local businesses, and free all day parking for workers outside the CBD. QLDC said at the time its staff would use the plan as “reference alongside our existing and planned work in this space”.Read more: Pushback on CBD parking plan

Top New Zealand musicians will perform for the public in Wānaka in early May during evening showcases held as part of music summit Youth + Adults in the Music Industry (YAMI).The weekend-long summit, which will celebrate its 10th year in 2025, features professional musicians, tutors, and speakers from New Zealand and Australia.Two evening concerts for the public round out each summit, providing an opportunity for members of the community to witness tutors and registrants sharing their passion for music through live performance.“This showcase has a reputation for providing some of the most magical experiences of the musical year,” YAMI organisers said in a statement.On Saturday (May 3) tutors Gin Wigmore, Bobby Brazuka (Latinaotearoa), Haz + Miloux, and Home Brew’s Tom Scott (plus guests) will take to the stage. A choir led by Miloux, Anna Shaw and tutors from The Voice Lab support the outstanding musicians. Tom Scott will also perform songs from Home Brew and Avantdale Bowling Club with his long-time beatmaker Haz Huavi, plus a full band.On Sunday (May 4) the evening will showcase Kiwi legend Barnaby Weir (of The Black Seeds and Fly My Pretties). A band and backing choir will support Barnaby, bands will perform their original material, and aspiring DJs and producers will get the crowd on their feet.Throughout the weekend, participants of all ages are mentored in the art of songwriting, mixing and mastering and DJing, among other topics, through a series of workshops, seminars and showcases.With grants confirmed from Central Lakes Trust, Lion Foundation, APRA/AMCOS and NZ On Air, YAMI director Lynne Christie said the team feel “extremely grateful” to be able to secure some of New Zealand's top music professionals to tutor and perform.Although only a handful of weekend summit places are still available, day passes can be purchased, and the general public can be a part of YAMI by attending the evening shows. Tickets to both evening shows are open to the public and can be purchased through the YAMI website. PHOTO: Supplied

New Zealand band East York has dropped their latest single, Medicine, which is accompanied by a music video filmed in Wānaka.The track - which was released on Friday (March 28) - showcases the heavy rock band’s signature blend of towering riffs, hypnotic rhythms and a powerful chorus. East York formed in Melbourne during lockdown in 2020 but two of its four members live in Wānaka and local support made the production of the Medicine music video possible.Guitarist Daz Coppins told the Wānaka App Medicine was filmed, directed and edited by Bunker Street Films, a Wānaka video production company.It was shot in the Te Kura O Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) Black Box Theaterette.“The video would not have been possible without the support and resources from Mat Doyle (head of music) & Emily McRae (head of arts) at MAC,” Daz said.“We were also very fortunate recipients of the Upper Clutha Community Arts Council fund.”East York has played in Wānaka three times and is steadily building a dedicated local following. Their most recent performance at Rhyme X Reason in January was a sell-out show.The band describes Medicine as their most refined work yet, reflecting a year of growth and commitment to their signature high-impact sound.Dan said the band were “all Kiwis with a shared passion and love for heavy music”.Medicine is available now on all major streaming platforms.PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka’s Luca Harrington (21) has been crowned the 2025 FIS Freeski Big Air World Champion after winning the Freeski Big Air World Championship event in Corvatsch, Switzerland this morning (March 30).This is the first time a Kiwi freeskier has won the Freeski Big Air World Championships and also marks Luca’s first World Championship title. “I am so honoured, this season has been just incredible for me and to top it all off with the World Champs win is such an honour, it is a dream of mine coming true and I am so grateful to be here right now,” Luca said. Luca was the top qualifier into today’s finals, giving him the advantageous position of dropping last into each of the three finals runs.The Big Air format takes the best two scoring tricks (that must be performed in two different directions) and combines them for a total overall score.Luca put down a right triple corked 1980 safety grab for his first run, scoring a 92.00 out of a possible 100. Dropping into his second run, he stomped his one-of-a-kind trademark switch right triple corked 1800 Esco Grab. The judges loved it and rewarded him with a massive 96.75, the highest score of the competition. “Honestly, after my first run I was a little surprised but super stoked on what the judges scored it and that gave me a lot of confidence to send it on my second run,” Luca said.As the last athlete to drop into his third run Luca knew he had secured the victory, but knowing he could execute his first run trick more cleanly, he went all in and put down a textbook right triple corked 1980 safety grab to up his score on this trick to a 95.25 for a total combined score of 192.00, 7.75 points ahead of his nearest competitor.Elias Syrja of Finland secured his first career major podium finishing in second and Beijing 2022 Big Air champion and 2025 Slopestyle World Champion Birk Ruud of Norway rounded out the podium in third. Men’s Freeski Big Air World Championships podium [L-R] Elias Syrja (FIN) silver, Luca Harrington (NZL) gold, Birk Ruud (NOR) bronze.With five World Cup podiums, including two gold, X Games gold and silver medals, New Zealand’s first ever FIS Freeski Crystal Globe and now a World Championship title, Luca’s season has been nothing short of exceptional. Luca will now take a break from competition.PHOTOS: Miha Matavz / FIS Park & Pipe