Five current councillors for Queenstown Lakes District lined up with three aspiring candidates on stage at a ‘Meet the Candidates’ event on Tuesday (September 16) in Wānaka.Incumbents Quentin Smith, Lyal Cocks, Barry Bruce, and Cody Tucker - all representing the Wānaka Ward - and Niki Gladding currently representing the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward, were joined by Craig Gasson, Nicola King, and Yeverley McCarthy. Thorsk Westphal was absent.Introductions provided some humour, with Nicola announcing she was the only candidate in their 30s, only to discover Cody is 30 - followed by Yeverley introducing herself as ‘the old one”.Quentin told the audience he wasn’t “standing or running for obvious reasons, but I'd like to think after nine years you know how I roll”, drawing laughter and applause.The laughs didn’t last long, however, and Quentin went on to say there is “a crisis of trust in the council, and there's a crisis of how we pay for the infrastructure that we need”.Council’s “biggest failing” is trust, he said.  “That impacts every single thing we do. We cannot have a conversation about [for example] a playing field if people don't trust the council that they're talking to.”Another recurring theme was changes ahead, including - close to home - a new council CEO to be appointed, and further ahead, local government reform. Cody referenced the range of reforms underway in local government which is “shifting the way everything works”, calling this “an incredible opportunity”.Nicola said a new CEO will be “crucial to how we then trust the council”, and Yeverley agreed the appointment was an opportunity.“The KPIs for this position are going to frame our development going forwards and they can't be underestimated,” she said. “These will include future-proofing our infrastructure as a priority and working towards sustainable rates by sound financial management and planning.”Cody said council could improve on “relaying back” to people what council has heard and “why the decisions have gone the way that they've done”, as well as opening consultation to different tools, such as referenda.Niki, asked how she would ensure the Upper Clutha Ward voice is heard more strongly in Queenstown-based decisions, drew applause with her suggestion that council needs to focus on “better consultation, making sure that we don't… manipulate the scope of our consultations to get the answers back that we want”. She was asked what reforms she would push for from within, and she proposed “a legal auditor” to look at council decisions and consultations to ensure they comply with the Local Government Act.Craig said the incumbent councillors had “really let the community down on the ability to engage and be a conduit to the community”, and that he would engage with the community on behalf of the council.The importance of the environment was another theme in the candidates’ responses.Craig was asked his position on balancing environmental protection with ongoing residential and commercial development, and he responded that the current rate of growth was “risking our environment”.“At the forefront of any growth and development has to be an environmental consideration.”  Nicola said she would bring the perspective of sustainability to the council, “especially with this current government mandate about growth, growth, growth”.  “We really need to be careful that we don't just grow at the expense of our social well-being and our environment.”What about specifics?The incumbent councillors, while facing the disadvantage of having to defend the council’s track record, also had the advantage in being able to point to progress on specific projects.Lyal, when asked what unfinished business he would like to return to and complete, provided a list of what had been achieved including the council purchase of the Mt Iron Reserve and major investment in Project Pure.Things to be completed included remediating 20 hectares of land for sports fields and facilities at Ballantyne Road; upgrading the transport plan; and airport planning. He added: “Don't get too hung up about … negative speculation and witch hunts on what went wrong. Let's look positive”.  Barry, when asked how he would ensure the Wānaka Ward receives its fair share of QLDC resources and attention, said the “spend is proportionate”.“I think that there is a perception … that Queenstown does dominate, but I think that there's a pretty fair balance between the two areas.”He said key infrastructure projects he would prioritise for the Upper Clutha Ward over the next three years were Three Waters “infrastructure challenges”, community amenities such as sports facilities, road infrastructure and public transport. Lyal was asked how to support managed growth in Wānaka without compromising community values. He said work was underway on that issue, “starting with the new Spatial Plan”.“That's where you lay out where the development should happen, could happen, without spoiling the environment; where the commercial support centres go for those new areas. And … looking right through the sub-region…”The Urban Intensification Variation Plan change outcome is tied in with the Spatial Plan, he said, with “development assessment that's been done that helps us plan ahead and get it right”.Cody said while ratepayers had “basically nothing” for their rates increases, and problems are systemic, councillors have an opportunity to “shift everything” with a new CEO, and a council controlled water organisation, and a regional deal.“A lot of the opportunity to really make the problems that we've suffered for decades actually be solved. So right now we need strong leadership, we need great culture and we need future focus forward thinking.” Lyal said there are “big things on the go” and “the biggest issue is we can't keep the financial burden on ratepayers to fund the services and the infrastructure and all the other expectations we've got to fund”. “... we've got to do something different. That's why I'm really keen working on getting this regional deal over the line and a few other initiatives to do that.”The next opportunity to hear from candidates is a ‘meet the candidates - speed dating style’ session at the Wānaka Community Hub from 4-7pm on Friday September 26.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Locals have a choice of six people for four seats on the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board, all of whom fronted up to questions at the Wānaka Business Chamber ‘Meet the Candidates’ event on Tuesday night (September 16) at the Lake Wānaka Centre.The four incumbents are well known - board chair Simon Telfer, Upper Clutha Tracks Trust trustee John Wellington, cafe owner Chris Hadfield, and landscape architect Linda Joll - while new candidate and long-term resident Kathy Dedo is also well known, and the second new candidate, John Bache, is relatively new to Wānaka.The candidates were questioned on stage with the nine council candidates, making the event a logistical challenge. However, each candidate was given the opportunity to introduce themselves as well as answer individual questions from MC Tracey Roxburgh.John Bache said he didn’t have “a personal vendetta against council”, or anything he “really want[s] to push through or change”, rather he wants to offer himself to serve the community, adding that he can bring a different perspective from his background in governance, business, and community experience.Chris encouraged locals to “get out from behind your keyboards and come and engage with the community board” so the board can pass that message on to the council. He repeated this call when asked how the relationship between the community board and QLDC could be “more empowered”.Linda reflected concerns raised in the mayoral debate about the low (17 percent) approval rate for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), but said this next term the board would move forward from “a solid base”.Simon referenced his organisation of a public meeting about health services in March 2024 as an example of “standing up and getting things done” for the community, and said he has the energy and governance experience for another three year term.John Wellington said his priorities were for Wānaka to get “its fair share of resources delivered in a timely fashion”, citing his desire to develop sports fields at Ballantyne Road, finish the Wānaka lakefront development, make progress on the town centre masterplan, and “try and get a community agreement on how the Wānaka Airport develops”.Simon was asked what were the main improvements he’d want to see in how the board operates; he said the board is now “more relevant” and balances “short term action and long term planning”.Linda was asked how the board should prioritise its limited resources to support local projects; she said the “really big challenge” for the district is the “degradation of the lakes”, advocating for the board to communicate with local environmental groups to “get the linkages into council and have that influence … from an environmental perspective”.John Bache was asked how he would ensure the board plays a meaningful role in shaping local outcomes. He said he sensed a “lack of representation” and people’s frustration, and said his focus would be getting people’s input, and working with QLDC and central government “to make sure you're getting the services you need and you're seeing the progress you need”.John Wellington was asked how he would work with other board members to get traction on issues that matter most to residents; he said getting traction requires a consensus opinion, which involves compromise.“You need to be able to work together to get a common goal,” he said. “It's really important that we work together, work collaboratively, have collective decisions and then stand by those decisions.”Simon was asked how to make the community board more visible and accountable to residents; he cited the board’s regular Share with Us sessions and the board members’ ongoing engagement with community groups.“There is no finish line with engagement,” he said.Kathy was asked her vision for how the community board can better support young families and ageing populations; she referred to community development principles, based on relationships.“We have to build relationships with each other. That's an elected member level, but it's with the community. It's with individuals, it's with whānau, it's with community groups. Because really community is where it's at. That is actually the engine for everything that we do. And the partnership that council and community board need to have with community can only accelerate progress.”The next opportunity to hear from candidates is a ‘meet the candidates - speed dating style’ session at the Wānaka Community Hub from 4-7pm on Friday September 26.PHOTOS: Supplied

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has awarded more than 1,300 free entry passes to sport and recreation facilities via the annual Get Active Community Grants.The grants enable organisations to apply for QLDC sport and recreation facility passes so their patrons can access the facilities for free.This year 16 community groups were selected from across Queenstown and Wānaka, including organisations supporting new migrants, disabled people, and young people. The passes were a great way to get more people active, particularly those who may not have the means, or confidence, to access sport and recreation facilities, QLDC community partnerships advisor Marie Schmidt said.“Feedback from last year’s recipients highlighted several positive outcomes from attending sport and recreation facilities,” Marie said.“It was great to hear of so many people enjoying physical activity, but we also received feedback around improved mental wellbeing, stronger social connections, and financial relief for individuals and families.”Marie said organisations submitted high quality applications laying out creative strategies for how to get their members to benefit from the grant.The Get Active Community Grant features two types of passes. The first pass is a free swim pass which grants access to Alpine Aqualand, Wānaka Recreation Centre, and Arrowtown Memorial Pool (in the summer). The second pass grants access to the majority of QLDC’s sport and recreation facilities – including pool, casual sport, gym and group fitness classes.These passes will be valid for a year and will grant 1,310 entries to sport and recreation facilities in the district.PHOTO: QLDC

Today's power outages -Thursday September 18, 5.30am till 6.30am and 5.30pm till 6.30pm - Cliff Wilson Street, Reece Crescent, Plantation Road and Link Way.Thursday September 18, 9am till 1.30pm - Stone Street.Upcoming outages - Tuesday September 30, 9am till 4pm - Ridgecrest Street.Thursday October 2, 10am till 3pm - Golf Course Road.Monday October 6, 9am till 3pm - Denniston Road, Gladstone Road, Gray Road, Hāwea Back Road, Hodgkinson Street, Kane Road, Mccarthy Road, Nook Road, Timaru Creek Road.Tuesday October 7, 9am till 2.30pm - Ridgecrest Street.Tuesday October 7, 9am till 4.10pm - Domain Road, Cemetery Road, Gladstone Road and McCarthy Road, Hāwea Flat Road.Wednesday October 8, 9am till 3.10pm - Kane Road, Small Road, Glenfoyle Road and Luggate Tarras Road.To keep up to date with power outages click here.

Contact Energy has declined to front up to a public meeting about its controversial proposal to reduce the permitted level of Lake Hāwea by up to six metres.Hāwea Flat farmer Erynne Fildes says she hopes tomorrow night’s (Thursday September 18) meeting will draw a strong crowd as the whole community stands to be affected by the proposal.“The best thing to do is to try to get everyone to unite,” she told the Wānaka App.“We’ve all got reasons we don’t want to see this happen.”Erynne said she wasn’t aware of the extent of Contact Energy’s plans until a few weeks ago.She was shocked to discover the proposal, if approved, could allow the lake to drop to a level where local bores could run dry - leaving farms and households, including her own, without water.Other significant concerns about the application have also been raised by groups including the Guardians of Lake Hāwea.They say the “devastating impacts” could also include a loss of landscape values and recreational amenity, dust storms, and mortality of aquatic animal and plant life.“What [the proposal] would do in our community is just wrong,” Erynne said.She wants as many people as possible to attend the meeting so the community can understand the potential impacts and have their voices heard.This is made even more urgent by Contact Energy’s use of the fast-track approvals process, which Erynne says risks bypassing the community entirely.The relatively new process, billed to cut red tape, has been criticised for limiting public input and minimising environmental considerations.Representatives from Guardians of Lake Hāwea, as well as councillors from Otago Regional Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council and local community leaders will be at the meeting, which will be moderated by Jerry Rowley. Contact Energy, which was invited to attend the meeting on Monday (September 15), told the Wānaka App it couldn’t attend due to the short notice.It did not respond to a question about the impact of the proposal on bores.The public meeting over Contact Energy’s proposal will take place at 7pm tomorrow at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka Police assisted Queenstown Police in finding a perpetrator following an incident of intimidation on Sunday (September 14).The incident was reported to Queenstown Police in the early hours of Sunday morning.“Police located the vehicle involved and attempted to speak to the 25-year-old male driver from Hāwea,” Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said.The driver fled from police, driving the wrong way down a one way street.“The local Hāwea driver has since been located, charged with reckless driving and failing to remain stopped. He will be appearing in [Queenstown District Court] on 22 September,” Fi said.Wānaka Police also assisted in finding the offender in a serious assault in Cromwell in July.On Tuesday (September 9) Alexandra, Cromwell, and Wānaka Police executed two warrants simultaneously in Alexandra and Wānaka in relation to the assault.As a result of this, a 44-year-old Alexandra male was arrested and charged with injures with intent to injure and burglary and released on police bail to appear in the Alexandra District Court.On Thursday (September 11) at 3.50pm a 34-year-old male was stopped on Lake Hāwea-Albert Town Road and underwent excess blood alcohol (EBA) procedures, with a result of 345.Fi reminded people to plan and prepare for conditions when venturing into the mountains.“Stay within the ski field boundaries. If you’re not on a ski field, there are resources available on the Avalanche NZ website,” she said.“Wānaka has a significant snow loading at present making the high alpine areas dangerous. I would encourage people to research the conditions.” Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call 105 or use 105 Police Non-Emergency | New Zealand Police to make a non-emergency report. To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers. PHOTO: Supplied

The Department of Conservation (DOC) plans to increase predator control in South Island beech forests including Mt Aspiring National Park as forecast mass seeding this summer puts vulnerable native wildlife at high risk from introduced predators. The predicted beech mast will drop trillions of seeds, fuelling a surge in rodents, then stoats – with potentially devastating impacts on native birds, bats, snails and other species. DOC national predator control programme manager Peter Morton said it’s expected to be the biggest beech mast in seven years.“We are planning a bigger predator control programme than usual over the next two years to protect our most vulnerable native species like mohua, rock wren and pekapeka from beech-seed fuelled plagues of rats and stoats,” Peter said.“Operations will be focused on the best surviving populations of endangered wildlife in Kahurangi, Mt Aspiring, Arthur’s Pass and Fiordland national parks.” Without action, native species in these national parks will be decimated, Peter said. “Some of our last surviving mohua populations are hanging on by a thread and there’s a risk with a surge in predators we could lose them.”Mohua/yellowhead are helpless when rats invade the tree holes where they nest and roost.  “Our monitoring shows that carefully timed aerial 1080 operations prevent large spikes in predator numbers, enabling birds and bats to survive and breed successfully,” Peter said. A collaborative predator control effort by Southern Lakes Sanctuary, DOC, and Forest and Bird Central Otago curbed the ‘rat plague’ of the 2023/24 summer.Read more: Whio sightings ‘wonderful reward’ for conservation work“Controlling predators is one of the most important actions we can take to protect nature,” Peter said.Beech mast response operations will be focused in two rounds – later this year before seed falls in autumn and from late 2026, once seed has been eaten or germinated. This avoids times when beech seed carpets the forest floor and rodents are less likely to eat toxic bait. PHOTO: Marty Taylor/NZ Geographic

Applications are now open for the Rotary Club of Wānaka and Kāhu Youth scholarship!Established in 2021, the Rotary Club of Wānaka and Kāhu Youth Scholarship provides $1,500 to support local youth to progress their learning - whether at university, polytechnic, trade school, or through an apprenticeship.The scholarship is designed to ease the financial burden for young people who have been out of school for at least six months, as they return to further their education and career development. Fast FactsWhat: Rotary & Kāhu Youth scholarship $1500When: applications close October 12, 2025Who: local youth 16-24 who have left school for 6 months and are enrolled/ registered in their first year of study How to apply: visit us here for more info and an application form.PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach.

Polluting waterways, dumping waste, or ignoring abatement notices has become far more costly in Otago, with fines for environmental breaches now increased by 100 to 900 percent.The changes follow a nationwide update to the Resource Management (Infringement Offences) Regulations, the first since the rules were introduced 25 years ago.In the 2024/25 financial year, Otago Regional Council (ORC) issued 62 infringements for environmental breaches and similar breaches will now attract far heavier penalties.ORC compliance manager Simon Wilson said the fines had not kept pace with inflation and, until the update, were often too low to change behaviour. As noted by the Ministry for the Environment when it began its review into environmental fines in 2023, in many cases it was cheaper to pay an infringement fee than to comply with the rules.Under the new structure, individuals can be fined between $600 and $2,000, while companies can face $1,200 to $4,000. One of the steepest increases is for companies breaching land-use restrictions, where fines have risen from $300 to $3,000.The maximum $4,000 fine for companies applies to three serious offences: releasing contaminants from industrial or trade premises, contravening an abatement notice, or breaching a water shortage direction.The amended legislation also notes that if an individual or company defends a fine in court and is found guilty of an offence, the court could potentially impose a penalty higher than the infringement fee and additional costs could be imposed.It also includes the separation of the land use infringement offence into two different land use offences with different fees, and widening the scope of activities that are subject to infringement notices for dumping waste in coastal marine areas.The new fines came into effect on September 4.PHOTO: Supplied

A rare UK-based aircraft will be one of the international stars of next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wānaka (WOW) airshow as the event marks the 90th anniversary of the first ever flight of the iconic Spitfire.The aircraft is one of only two Mark XI Spitfires still flying in the world.It will be displayed in Wānaka by its owner John Romain, who is the world’s most experienced Spitfire pilot.“Marking the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire at such a well-known airshow will be a great honour,” he said.The Mark XI variant was specially designed to perform high altitude, long distance photographic operations.  One of the type’s most famous exploits was taking the first images of the damage caused following the famous ‘Dambusters’ raid.John said he can’t wait to return to Wānaka.  “The last time I flew at the Wānaka airshow was in 2018 when I brought over my Buchon ME-109 and I had such a good time I have always wanted to return,” he said.New Zealand’s only airworthy Spitfire, the Mark IX, owned by Brendon Deere, will also make an appearance at WOW 2026 to mark the anniversary.They are among other aircraft and performances which have been announced for the upcoming airshow.Read more: ‘American Eagles’ confirmed for Warbirds 2026Warbirds Over Wānaka International Airshow will take place at Wānaka Airport from April 3-5, 2026.  Tickets are on sale now.PHOTO: ARC Duxford

Wānaka-based Ripe Events has scooped two major awards at the New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) Awards, including Sustainability Event of the Year.The company’s flagship Ripe Festival 2025 won for achieving its ambitious goal of being waste-free, while festival director Nathan White was named Emerging Event Professional of the Year.“We’re incredibly proud of what our team has achieved,” Nathan said.“Creating waste-free festivals isn’t just about logistics, it’s about reshaping the culture of events in New Zealand. To be recognised on a national stage for this long term initiative is a huge honour.”Ripe – The Wānaka Wine and Food Festival has become a leader in sustainable event practices, with initiatives such as reusable serviceware, comprehensive recycling and composting systems, and partnerships with local sustainability organisations.Nathan’s award recognised his leadership, creativity, and commitment to delivering world-class experiences while driving positive environmental outcomes.Ripe Events has also recently launched Valley Festival in Gibbston, a boutique summer music event celebrating New Zealand’s unique sound and landscape.Read more: New music festival set to debut in GibbstonPHOTO: Supplied

A Wānaka man accused of being part of a million-dollar fraud through false cancer claims will remain in custody for now.Andrew Jones, 28, and his wife Sepiuta Vave, 38, were charged with defrauding more than a dozen family, friends and associates through a fake cancer scam.Jones pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of obtaining by deception when he appeared at the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday.Judge Stephen O'Driscoll declined his bail application on Friday.Submissions relating to the bail decision were suppressed, as well as details of the alleged victims.Vave pleaded not guilty last month and was remanded in custody.The couple were due to appear in court again later this month.PHOTO: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Local teachers are concerned outdoor education will be downgraded as the government overhauls NCEA.Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) principal Nicola Jacobsen told the Wānaka App the school was “really concerned” about the prospect of outdoor education being de-valued as a result of the government’s proposed changes to the NCEA.The proposed changes would split senior subjects into academic and vocational tracks, and it has been indicated outdoor education will not make the cut for the academic pathway, removing it as a subject choice and threatening its survival.“Such a change would narrow the educational experience currently available to our students pursuing a university pathway,” Nicola said.She said outdoor education is part of “the special character” of MAC and the broader community. “Outdoor pursuits subjects give students personal and social development through adventurous and challenging activities in a variety of environmental and social contexts, and through a mix of theoretical and practical instruction,” she said.“Outdoor education also equips students with many essential life skills, including critical thinking, decision making, communication, and analysis of risk.”MAC currently offers 10 classes of outdoor pursuits, but Nicola said she would expect this to drop significantly if it became a vocational subject, saying “students might feel pressured to take five academic-focused subjects in order to meet the requirements of the proposed Years 12 and 13 qualification, rather than the current option which allows for more flexibility”.Outdoor education equips students with essential life skills, including critical thinking, decision making, communication, and analysis of risk, says MAC principal Nicola Jabobsen.MAC outdoor pursuits head of department and health and physical education learning area assistant head Dave Cassaidy said the subject is taken by a large number of senior students, with 200 choosing to study it in 2026.“At MAC, outdoor pursuits subjects have been part of the DNA of the school for the entirety of the 35 year tenure of the school,” Dave said. “It is supported by our school leadership team and the community, so I truly hope the proposed changes to the senior curriculum do not diminish the opportunities for future MAC students to also study outdoor education.” Dave said support for the campaign to retain outdoor education on the general list of senior subjects has been “overwhelming”, with the Education Outdoors New Zealand petition gathering 35,000 signatures in just eight days. He said outdoor education is the subject in the health and physical learning area currently showing strong growth, and EONZ national enrolment data shows outdoor education student numbers have more than doubled between 2008 and 2024, from 6549 to 14,309 students.“This is under threat if the status of outdoor education is diminished and the courses are offered with a much narrower, prescriptive curriculum that may not cater to such a wide range of learners.”Consultation is open until this Friday (September 19) on a proposal to replace NCEA with a new qualifications pathway.Read more: Principal asked: Who is education for?PHOTOS: MAC

The Central App asked the seven candidates for four seats on Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Dunstan constituency about their community track record.When have you stood up for our community? What exactly did you do, who did you bring with you, and what changed as a result?Here’s how they responded:Ben Farrell: “I have previously stood up for the Wānaka community within the bounds of my professional constraints as an independent planning expert. For example, I supported in Court (as an expert witness) the 400 or so community residents who opposed the location of the Wānaka Watersports Facility. I put my professional reputation on the line for members of the Wānaka community. We lost that case. It hurts a bit as I still [believe] there were better alternative locations. However, the Court did make some recommendations based on my evidence and ultimately I respect the Court’s decision which found in favour of the many locals who supported the current location. “I have also supported, albeit with professional advice behind the scenes, Otago Fish and Game in its management over the Bullock Creek wetland including the impacts of housing development around it.”Neil Gillespie: “Like many people in our community, I’ve had a long involvement in community related groups/organisations like basketball referring, school board of trustees, hockey umpiring, swimming officiating, and the Cromwell Resource Centre Trust. The most significant has been the 32 years as a member of the Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade (almost 14 years as the secretary and the last 18 years as an officer, deputy chief and currently chief fire officer) and as a member of the Cromwell Community Board since 1998 (chair 2001 – 2019) and a district councillor since 2001 (deputy mayor since 2010). “All these roles have meant that I’ve been part of a team that has worked for the appropriate community outcomes – I’ve brought a pragmatic, common sense approach based on a knowledge of local government and governance.”Matt Hollyer: “My community track record includes volunteering in sports for the last 15 years - coaching or managing youth in cricket, ice hockey, volleyball - a committee member for 10 years on the Queenstown Cricket Club and [I] established the Whakatipu Sports & Recreation Hub. The Hub aimed to bring a shared sports clubrooms facility to the Whakatipu and provide support services for volunteers in sports groups.“Through my work with the Southern Lakes Sanctuary I have stood up for our community in co-founding and then running the Wakatipu Conservation Alliance. The Alliance is an informal network of over 20 community conservation groups, and together with supporters from Wānaka, I led the development of, and submissions to, ORC to introduce a $2M Landscape Scale Conservation fund that was adopted in the 2024 annual plan. It is being rolled out for applications this year and has the potential to provide sustained environmental impact for improving biodiversity that will have a long lasting impact across the region.“From 2013 I also spent six years as a director of Destination Queenstown, five of the years as chair. I stood up for many issues affecting the promotion of tourism to the region, including initial conversations with council and government on introducing a visitor bed levy/tax (something that pleasingly has resurfaced) and the concept of collaborating with Lake Wānaka Tourism (which didn't occur during my tenure, but which has subsequently eventuated).”Gary Kelliher: “I believe I am standing up for my community each time I am in a council meeting. Key times though include voting against rates increases in annual plans, and taking a strong stance against the ideology filled draft Land and Water Plan that the Minister eventually halted at the last minute.”Michael Laws: “I've had a range of elected roles - as an MP, mayor and most recently as an elected ORC councillor. Being unafraid of saying 'No' to bad or costly staff proposals,and actively campaigning to assert your community's best interests, have always been a feature of my leadership responsibilities. “On the positive/creative side - I've gained funding for lagarosiphon control in Lake Dunstan, exposed inadequate monitoring of wastewater treatment plants (which are now regularly monitored by the ORC), exposed over $5M of secret payments to iwi controlled entities, fought the $65M HQ building being erected in Dunedin, outlined the doubling of ORC staff numbers over the past five years, promoted a more effective pest control policy (still not there, on that one), and sought to improve local decision-making. We have much to do, still, in all the above areas but reversing the ORC's rapacity for our region's ratepayer monies will be a priority. So too creating a more democratic and accountable ORC.”Nicky Rhodes: “I am new to local politics - I have spent the past 20 years working away from home and not had capacity to be involved. This has changed in the past couple of years, which has given me time to consider how I can contribute.”Amie Pont: “Many may think I’m a small fish in a big pond running for ORC but as I was told yesterday, I ‘swim pretty fast’. I have worked hard for my community for over 20 years and running for ORC is the natural progression in my passion to serve. I have stood up for my community constantly during that time whether it was supporting our Art Deco festivals, promotions group, business group, our local radio station, local civil defence planning, funding applications, community and economic development roles and consultation, freshwater catchment work, kapa haka, or as chair of Māniatoto Community Arts & Cultural Incorporated, I have constantly held the best interest of the community and the whenua/land at heart.  “Most recently I was able to speak on behalf of many people in our community at the recent Helios Solar Farm hearing. In a small area, it is often difficult to share an opinion in fear of offending your fellow community members, friends and /or family. I attended the full hearing, was able to feed back to the panel on issues raised by Helios the day prior and tabled a last-minute petition of 300 names of people concerned at the size and location of the farm. Many of the signatories did not submit or feared sharing their opinion publicly. There is real concern that if we progress large solar farm development along our tourist routes and main roads, we may end up with a substantial number in Central Otago. Solar has its place - on roofs, in highly populated areas where it is close to where it’s needed most. We are still waiting for the decision by CODC but it will still need to go to ORC for additional consent. Where was our wider district planning in all these solar farm consent applications?“I spoke to my submission to ORC on transport through rural areas; endorsing feedback gained from the community via Facebook. This included issues such as how we can ensure outlying areas are ready for moving people from pressure areas such as Queenstown through to Dunedin via Māniatoto or Roxburgh. What needs and options do we have for public transport once in the smaller towns and how will residents in rural areas be able to access family, healthcare, shopping etc in our larger centres? Plans to develop public transport in Wānaka have progressed which is great but I will continue to advocate for this type of forward thinking.CODC announced the potential divestment of 11 Māniatoto buildings and the community requested a chance to address and evaluate pros and cons before the submissions period opened. As chair of the Māniatoto Community Arts Council, alongside Rural Art Deco Maniototo Inc, we pulled together a public meeting attended by over 50 members of the community and community groups/townships went away with plans and extra time to prepare. The community appreciated the assistance as it was a lot of work for our volunteers. It was a chance to assess usage of community owned buildings considering earthquake strengthening but also showed we need to have a stronger voice at a district planning level. Many buildings were retained, and others are now progressing alternatives, but we are probably now facing the issue of paying the rates to keep the buildings…“In 2021, it was confirmed once again that Maniototo is a Māori word but had become spelt incorrectly. Two surveys (one informal survey and one run deep within the CODC website) both came back 50/50 which was a surprise to many but not to me. Using the correct spelling had already been discussed in the 1920s and 50s so it was time for the mana of Māniatoto to be restored. The Maniototo Community Board and CODC voted against using the correct spelling to the Board or the Ward however the CODC now use Māniatoto in their everyday communications (unless formally named otherwise). Many have started to pronounce Māniatoto correctly and it is used far more often such as in our community magazine, Positively Māniatoto. I did not expect full conversion but instead the start of wider adoption, which is being achieved.“A particularly memorable advocacy campaign was, as founder of the ‘Maniototo Business Group’ co-ordinating the community response on behalf of residents, local business, community groups and visitors alike when Westpac announced shutting Ranfurly’s only bank. The community came out in protest with signs, petitions, media releases, news segments and much more. Although we lost the bank, the vocal campaign managed to secure the town a smart Eftpos machine which was a compromise at least. Small wins. I will stand up for what is right. A rural voice at a regional level.”PHOTOS: Supplied

Wastebusters is marking its 25th birthday by celebrating quarter of a century of real recycling, reused treasures, and zero waste mahi with 25 percent off and a community celebration day this Saturday (September 20).“We’ll share cake, reminisce, and celebrate our amazing community - we couldn’t have made it to 25 without you,” Wastebusters general manager Gina Dempster said.She said the celebration was also a chance for supporters to share their ideas and dreams for the future of Wastebusters."For 25 years, with our community behind us, we have built something iconic together. Now, we're asking you to join us as we look to the next chapter."With the town growing fast, the current Wastebusters site is bursting at the seams, and more people and more treasures mean the need for a bigger, better space, Gina said.This has sparked the vision for Wastebusters 2.0 - a plan for a future-proofed site with more room for treasures, a dedicated hub for construction and demolition recycling, spaces for repair and upcycling, and car-free shopping zones so the community enterprise can multiply their impact for the next generation.Wastebusters' bid for more land and vision for the future has received unanimous support from the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board.The community will get to show their support, share their ideas and tell their own personal ‘Wasties’ story at the upcoming community celebration day.“We’re inviting everyone to come along to our Community Celebration Day, show your support, share your ideas for Wasties 2.0, eat cake and celebrate with us,” Gina said.“With community support, Wastebusters can help keep resources in use, and secure our future for the next 25 years and beyond.”At Saturday’s celebrations Lions Wānaka will be there with their BBQ, Cat Rescue Wānaka will be running a bake sale, and Night Cat Coffee Bar will be serving hot drinks. Between 3–5 pm, the celebrations kick off with speeches, cake, and refreshments, plus the launch of a special 25th anniversary collaboration beer by b.effect, Rhyme & Reason, and Ground Up.PHOTO: Supplied

We all have an inner voice. Sometimes it’s helpful – motivating us through a tough day. Other times, it’s just mean.For teens, that inner critic can get loud. Under pressure, it often turns into a stream of ANTs – Automatic Negative Thoughts – like: “I’m so dumb.” “I can’t do this.” “What’s wrong with me?”It’s frustrating to watch – and even harder to help – when a young person spirals into self-doubt.But here’s the good news: we can coach them to respond with PETs – Performance Enhancing Thoughts. These are realistic, encouraging statements that help build confidence and calm under stress. And the science shows they’re even more powerful when delivered in the third person.Instead of “I’m going to mess this up,” try:→ “You’ve prepared for this, Jack – take a breath and give it a go.”Instead of “I’m so bad at this,” try:→ “You can do hard things, Maia – just keep going.”This technique is called distanced self-talk. It activates the brain’s thinking centre, reduces emotional overwhelm, and improves decision-making under pressure.You can model it too. Say your thoughts out loud sometimes:“C’mon Kim, it’s not that hard, it’s not that deep, just get it done.”The goal isn’t to fake confidence. It’s to talk to yourself (and teach your teen to talk to themselves) the way you’d speak to someone you care about.That small shift helps tame the inner critic – and make room for something more encouraging.For more on how to harness the power of self-talk, check out Ethan Kross’s TED talk Do you talk to yourself? Here's how to harness your inner voice.Kim Tay is the founder of The Wellbeing Works and runs science-based workshops that build mental skills for wellbeing and high performance – at home, at school, and at work. For more bite-sized, no-fluff insights, sign up for her (very occasional, no-spam) newsletter here.Read Kim’s previous posts here. Why Your Teen Might Be Stuck on the Negative – and What Helps! Stuck in a Mood? How to Shift ItKim Tay is the founder of The Wellbeing Works and runs science-based workshops that build mental skills for wellbeing and high performance – at home, at school, and at work. For more bite-sized, no-fluff insights, sign up for her (very occasional, no-spam) newsletter here.

WAI Wānaka’s has released a new 60-second short film, ‘Water is Life’.The film, which captures locals using water at different stages of the water cycle, aims to draw attention to and increase understanding of the water cycle and peoples’ role within it.Watch ‘Water is Life’ here.“As we say, water is life and when it is safe and healthy, so are we,” WAI Wānaka chief executive Cat Dillon said.“It’s vital we have a stable water cycle, but to be able to play our part, we – as a community – need to understand more about it.”Water is Life was directed by Tim Pierce of The Beards with Brand+Butter director Zoe Hawkins leading the creative direction.It was filmed at Lake Hāwea, Lake Wānaka, Bullock Creek and on Glen Dene Station, with talent ranging from WAI staff, trustees, tamariki and crew jumping in front of the camera.Cat said the film is more than just a video – it is a call to action.To accompany the film, a webpage has been created on WAI’s website to look more closely at the water cycle with information on each stage, what the pressures or external impacts are, as well as what we can all do to help. Zoe said she knew filming would take place at some less-than-ideal locations.“What we didn’t expect was how murky and barren some of the locations would be. It reminded the crew why we were there,” she said.“...we all need to understand what’s happening and do what we can to protect these vital lakes and rivers, before it’s too late.”PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

A suspended bunker among rocky outcrops on the Tarras-Cromwell highway, complete with five bedrooms, has been publicly notified by Central Otago District Council.JKH Holdings has applied for consent to construct the eight metre deep, 890sqm bunker, including a gym and media room, and finished with a ‘green roof’ camouflaged by surrounding vegetation.Joseph Hamlin of Collaroy, Australia, is listed as the sole director and shareholder of the company.The original consent for a building platform of 1,600sqm on a lower section of the 335.72ha site, in an Outstanding Natural Landscape (ONL) zone, has been relinquished by the owners.Conditions of the original consent didn’t allow for any schist outcrops to be disturbed, while the current application required that two would be moved for construction.Situated below the Dunstan Range near Devils Creek, the dwelling was proposed to have an overall height of 3.85m.The landscape assessment report for the applicant outlined how the bunker would be cut into the hillside to integrate with three rock outcrops on each of its corners.The roofline’s western and southern corners would both terminate into existing rock outcrops, with the southern corner being flush with existing ground level. The northern facade and eastern corner would cantilever out over a schist foundation podium by approximately 2.5m.The planner’s report said overall the proposed activity was likely to have adverse effects on the wider environment that were more than minor therefore public notification was required.The applicant proposed extensive ecological enhancement of the site in the form of a 4.8ha predator proof sanctuary, and the provision of 14,000 indigenous plants at various locations across the property. Submissions close on September 25 with a hearing to follow.IMAGE: Supplied

A tourism initiative showcasing the attractions of the South Island’s southern regions has been selected as a finalist in the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2025, under the Industry Collaboration Award category.Southern Way represents an alliance of eight regional tourism organisations (RTOs), including Lake Wānaka Tourism and Destination Queenstown.Its ‘One Trip to See It All’ campaign, delivered in partnership with Air New Zealand and the Southern Airport Alliance, promoted multistop travel by encouraging North Island residents to fly into one Southern Way destination, explore the region, and fly out from another.Running from July to August 2024, the campaign generated impressive results and drove travel performance, Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism chief executive Mat Woods said.It also inspired travellers to travel more slowly and sustainably.Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism chief executive Mat Woods. PHOTO: Lake Wānaka TourismMat said being recognised as a finalist in the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2025 was a testament to RTOs uniting under a shared purpose.“We’re proud to work together as a macro-region, amplifying our collective voice and showcasing the South’s extraordinary offerings,” he said. “This nomination reflects the strength of our partnership and the bold direction we’re heading as a united lower South Island.”The judges commended Southern Way on coordinating multiple partners across a high-demand tourism region and demonstrating a sophisticated approach to collaboration and visitor management. The winners of the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards will be announced at the gala dinner on October 29.Learn more about Southern Way here.PHOTO: Southern Way