One of the oldest race meetings in the country drew the biggest turnout in its history on Tuesday (December 30) at the Hāwea Domain.The picnic races are a fun combination of family fun sports races and equalisator horse racing.This year the races included a range of harness racing events; a popular new hobby horse event for kids, and a combined sack/egg and spoon race, relay race, tug of war, and two-legged gallop for humans.Other attractions included Hāwea Flat School’s ‘human fruit machine’, a sausage sizzle by the Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade, the popular chocolate wheel, and raffles.A new hobby horse event was popular.Hāwea Picnic Racing Club president Warren Hewson told the Wānaka App the day’s turnout, estimated at 1,500, was “unreal”, and likely to have been helped by the cooler temperature meaning fewer people were drawn to the lake instead.“It would have been the largest crowd we have ever had,” he said.The Hāwea Picnic Races have been held on December 28 almost every year since 1946. The event has been cancelled only three times: once for wild weather, once for Covid-19, and last year due to dwindling entries from the racing industry.A change of date from December 28 to 30 this year attracted ten trainers from Southland, Otago and Canterbury, bringing 20 horses in total.Despite this, Warren said the event was still “a bit short on horses”.The picnic races were supported by Glen Dene Hunting and Fishing and an impressive number of other local sponsors. All profits from the event are distributed back into the Hāwea community.The Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade was kept busy at the barbeque.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Dr Caroline Oliver has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the New Year Honours list for services to cancer research and the community.The Wānaka scientist is not only a clinical biotechnologist who has contributed to a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment, she is also a dedicated volunteer who has devoted hours of her time within the Wānaka community, and before that in Auckland.When she first saw her honour nomination letter in the mail, with a Crown insignia on the envelope, Caroline (who owns a distinctive Porsche roadster) thought it was a speeding ticket, she told the Wānaka App.“I am honoured,” she said, “but I won’t be curtseying to anyone.”Caroline explained that her Christian faith, an important part of her life, “says everyone is equal”. However, she was reassured by the fact the MNZM is a New Zealand honour, and her biotechnology colleague told her “of course you’re going to say yes”.Caroline’s work for Kode Biotech, in collaboration with Auckland University of Technology, has led to the development of a personalised immunotherapy treatment for cancer. Read more: Profile - Caroline OliverHer work has been published in prestigious international journals. Kode Biotech Ltd won 2015 New Zealand Innovator of the Year for Cancer Immunotherapy. “I’m blown away with [the impact of it] really,” she said. “It’s going to change the world.”Outside her research, Caroline’s contributions to the community have been diverse, ranging from volunteering with the Salvation Army Family Store and sewing for refugees, to active involvement with Aspiring Rotary and youth organisations such as Brownies, Guides, Keas, and Cubs.She held several voluntary positions at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Auckland and was the elected People’s Warden between 2005 and 2018. She has been a team leader for Mainly Music in both Parnell and Wānaka, and a teacher aide teaching science at Hāwea Flat School.“I wanted the children to see that anyone can be a scientist,” she said.She was elected President of the Royal Society Te Apūrangi Wānaka branch between 2021 and 2023, and continues with organising its monthly events.“I’ve got to be busy - what am I going to do if I’m not busy? I just take opportunities when they come up,” she said.Caroline is enthusiastic about the benefits of volunteering. “People should see how good it is.”She has lived in Wānaka for eight and a half years and says she loves the fact that people recognise each other in the street and “call out hello”.The next step for Kode Biotech is for the technology to be marketed in New Zealand, and Caroline said she is looking forward to seeing its promise come to fruition.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Former Hāwea resident Douglas (Doug) Brenssell has been awarded the King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to the community in the New Year’s Honours List.Doug, who now lives in Oamaru, contributed to the Hāwea community through various organisations for 25 years.His nomination was “a good shock”, he told the Wānaka App.“I’m very proud and grateful of the opportunity to be involved in the community. You don’t go out and volunteer in the community and try and make a difference and sit there with your hand out for recognition.“You do it because you want to help people.”Doug has been a committee member and caretaker of the Lake Hāwea Community Centre since 2003, and in 2011 was a key member of the group which raised funds and actioned the extension of the centre. He has been a committee member of the Hāwea Community Association since 2006. He has been the founding organiser of the Hāwea District Anzac Service, and helped develop and maintain the Anzac memorial area and monument beside the lake. Doug said while he has enjoyed everything he got involved in, one of the things he is most proud of is the growth of the Anzac service.“It was the year of the first Contact Epic [2008],” Doug said. “[Race director] Aaron Nicholson gave me the opportunity for a quick Anzac service. We hastily got the word out there. I had a flag and flagpole and a rope - that was about it.”About 60 people turned up on the peninsula that first year, and the event has grown each year since.“I went back this year and there were close to 1,200 people. Who would have thought that when we started in 2008?“We put passion and commitment and dedication to it, the people are all very proud of it. So special for our wee community.”Doug has been groundsman for community events, including the Waitangi Day Challenge community sports competition and the 2019 Otago Goldfields Cavalcade. In recent years Doug has been the Hāwea Flat School caretaker, where his dedication and his distinctive uniform of shorts and a high-vis vest inspired annual ‘Dress Like Doug’ days.Doug retired at the end of 2024 but is now working as caretaker at his grandchildren’s school in Oamaru two days a week.“I missed the kids, and it was an opportunity to make a difference.”He has been on the committee of the Hāwea Picnic Racing Club, and was a founding member of the Hāwea Domain Board in 2020. He was a founding member of the Upper Clutha Community Patrol, and a member of the Volunteer Fire Brigades of both Heriot and Lake Hāwea for 27 years. Doug was recognised with the inaugural Hāwea Volunteer of the Year award in 2012.He volunteered for the Department of Corrections for more than 10 years, supporting those with community work sentences. This work was another highlight for Doug, he told the Wānaka App. “I absolutely loved that - did it for close to 12-15 years,” he said.“I met some lovely people, who obviously made a mistake and the man or the lady in the high seat said ‘you have to go and see Doug’.“We did a lot of things in the community that people weren’t aware of; we achieved a lot and sometimes had a lot of fun.”Doug said having had two ‘heart children’ - children with childhood heart conditions - has had a big impact on his philosophy of life.“To go to Auckland and think you’re the most special people in New Zealand; and walk into the heart ward in Greenland hospital and there’s nine other babies there - you realise you’re not alone,” he said.“We got help, our children survived, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some beautiful parents and the terrible sadness of them losing their children.”Doug believes you get out of life what you put into it, and “you’ve got to look at the big picture”.Being awarded the KSM has been “the icing on the cake”, he said.“Sometimes I’ve still got to pinch myself,” he said, adding that he planned to keep the official paperwork from Government House in his glovebox of his ute in the expectation of being ribbed by his mates about its existence.PHOTOS: Supplied

Wānaka resident Carol Angland has been awarded the King’s Service Medal for services to the community and theatre in the New Year Honours list.While Carol and her husband have lived in Wānaka since 2015, she actively served her South Canterbury community for more than 50 years.Carol has been a volunteer member of the South Canterbury Drama League (SCDL) for 45 years, involved onstage, backstage, in directing plays, and with management. A past chair of the repertory section, she was president of the SCDL from 2002 to 2005, overseeing major property refurbishments. She has written and directed several plays for the SCDL, most recently ‘Captain Cain’ in 2023, which received local and national acclaim. Carol is a life member of both repertory and the SCDL. In 2011 she received a Community Service Award from Arthritis New Zealand for 15 years of voluntary service organising door-to-door and street collections for Arthritis South Canterbury. She is also a life member of Hospice South Canterbury. A volunteer since 1996, her roles have included video producer, home carer, retail assistant, and biographer recording patients’ life stories for their families.She was a co-organiser of successful South Canterbury Wine and Food Festivals, a major fundraiser for Hospice. She wrote ‘Loving Care’, the history of the first 25 years of Hospice South Canterbury.Carol is also the author of the published histories of Presbyterian Support South Canterbury, Tennis South Canterbury and The Mid and South Canterbury Community Trust.“We have both enjoyed so much that Wānaka has to offer,” she told the Wānaka App. “Keeping fit is a priority through dance, walking netball and gym classes.”Carol and her husband have also been involved with the Buddy programme, Meals on Wheels, and recently they joined the Rotary Club of Wānaka.Carol is also a home cook for Food for Love, which she described as “an amazing charity”. PHOTO: Supplied

If you’re keeping an eye on Wānaka’s real estate scene, you’ll know 2025 has been anything but dull. After a steadier 2024, this year brought a mix of confidence, opportunity, and a few surprises.Sales Are Back In ActionThe year kicked off strong - January saw the busiest start since 2021, with sales up more than 30 percent compared to the same month in 2024. That early surge set the tone: buyers are back, and they’re serious. Land sales have also been buzzing, which tells us people aren’t just buying homes - they’re planning their dream builds.Prices Holding Their GroundMedian house prices have hovered between $1.36M and $1.44M for most of the year. That’s solid growth without the runaway spikes we saw a few years ago. Sellers are still in a good position, but buyers have a little more breathing room now, especially in the mid-to-upper range.What Does It All Mean?In short, Wānaka continues to deliver. It’s a market with balance - steady prices, active sales, and healthy rental returns. For buyers, there’s room to negotiate. For sellers, demand is still there. And for investors? Consistent occupancy and solid yields make this a smart play.Looking ahead, Wānaka’s charm isn’t going anywhere. Whether you’re buying, selling, or building, 2025 has shown that this lakeside gem remains one of New Zealand’s most desirable property markets.The tail end of 2025 has seen a number of properties sell through and a number of great opportunities have come on board. The Wānaka Colliers office is experiencing great growth, so watch this space for new agents coming on board in 2026 as we continue to expand. Exciting times ahead!Take care,Roger

The community-based Wheels to Dunstan health transport service might expand to include a service to Queenstown.Locals have requested transportation to attend medical appointments in Queenstown and the trust behind the Wheels to Dunstan (WTD) service is considering the logistics of adding that service to its already busy schedule.“In principle we’ve decided to support [a service to Queenstown] but very much on a trial basis,” Wheels to Dunstan Trust chair Tony Shaw said.The Trust operates with Community Link Upper Clutha to co-ordinate the WTD service, which provides a vehicle and driver to take passengers to Cromwell to meet the St John Health Shuttle travelling to appointments in Dunedin.It also delivers passengers to Dunstan Hospital and Alexandra’s Eye Clinic for medical appointments.Tony said the demand for the free service jumped significantly in the 12 months from June 2024-June 2025; the number of trips increased by 55 percent from 236 trips to 366; and the number of passengers has increased by 88 percent (from 261 to 471).The long-running transport service relies on volunteer drivers. The current roster is based on 88 volunteers who commit to driving two days roughly every two months.Around 75 percent of the WTD service is to meet the Dunedin shuttle; usually that means two return trips to Cromwell each day.So far eight drivers “have put their hands up” to take on a Queenstown service, Tony said. “Meeting that demand will depend on getting enough drivers - and eight is not enough.”There is no plan to operate a second vehicle so a service to Queenstown would have to fit in with the WTD requirements.“The costs of running a second vehicle will be too exorbitant,” Tony said. The present vehicle, which can carry up to four passengers, will have to be replaced by the end of next year, Tony said, and if demand continues its current trajectory they might need a bigger vehicle.“We’ve had requests for more passengers than our current capacity allows,” he said.Tony said Upper Clutha Transport is the WTD’s major sponsor “and very generously provides all the fuel”. Other costs incurred are covered by donations from private individuals and local trusts, and the voluntary donations passengers make.Future health services in Wānaka are also a consideration, Tony said, and may lead to a change in service.Not having to make the tiring return trip to Dunedin, “picked up at 6:30am… and dropped home after 6:30pm”, would be a vast improvement for the mostly elderly passengers WTD currently serves, he said.The community initiative stemmed from a Rotary Club of Wānaka idea and in 2007, together with the Wānaka Masonic Lodge and the Marsh Trust, the club co-funded the first WTD vehicle.PHOTO: Supplied

WAI Wānaka has released its 2025 Impact Report, outlining a year of freshwater protection work across the Upper Clutha alongside significant changes to how the organisation is funded.The report details almost 2,000 people engaging with WAI Wānaka through events and citizen science initiatives during the year, with volunteers contributing 1,923 hours to environmental projects. A further 4,000 native plants were planted to support biodiversity restoration, while education programmes reached 1,988 students.WAI Wānaka also worked with 95 partner organisations and community groups over the period.Chief executive Cat Dillon said the results reflected strong community participation in freshwater protection work.“These results show what’s possible when communities work together for the health of local lakes and rivers,” Cat said.“But the challenge is growing - and the funding landscape has changed significantly. “The report said the past financial year marked a “reset” for WAI Wānaka, following a rapid shift in the funding environment affecting environmental organisations across the country.Government funding made up 35 percent of WAI Wānaka’s income in FYE25, down from 79 percent the previous year, with the remainder coming from grants and donations, the report said.Despite the change, the organisation maintained a core team and continued delivery of freshwater monitoring, education and community science programmes.The report said individuals, landowners, farmers, schools and businesses across the Upper Clutha continued to contribute time and expertise toward freshwater protection, helping build a broader understanding of lake and river health.It also noted that while the region’s deep-water alpine lakes continue to have high water quality, changes are occurring gradually, reinforcing the importance of ongoing monitoring and early intervention.Looking ahead, the report said WAI Wānaka is working toward a more balanced funding model in FYE26, with income expected to come from a mix of government contracts, partnerships with corporate and philanthropic organisations, and support from local trusts, businesses and individual donors.“Pressures and threats to freshwater are increasing, and the health of the alpine lakes sits at a crossroads that we can’t ignore,” Cat said.“We need the community’s support to keep this vital work going.”Read the full report here.PHOTO: Nat Symonds

A paraglider pilot was critically injured in an incident on Mt Iron this afternoon (Monday December 29).A Hone Hato St John spokesperson told the Wānaka App they were advised of an incident in the Mt Iron area at 1.27pm.One helicopter and one ambulance responded.“One patient with critical injuries was flown through to Dunedin Hospital,” the spokesperson said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A new off-licence liquor store is planned at the former Countdown Metro Wānaka on Ardmore Street.The small grocery store on the site, which is owned by Willowridge Developments Ltd, closed in August 2025.The Gate Ltd of Cromwell, trading as Super Liquor Wānaka Metro, has applied to the Queenstown Lakes District Licensing Committee for a license, with an expected opening in February 2026.The store’s opening hours are listed as Monday - Sunday from 9am to 10pm, and it would also sell snacks, tobacco and vape products. The last day for members of the public to lodge an objection to the application is February 9, 2026. Interested members of the public can request a copy of the alcohol licence application from Queenstown Lakes District Council before that date.The Gate Ltd also runs the Harvest Hotel and Five Stags Bar & Restaurant in Cromwell, and Super Liquor Wānaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, Lorneville, and Remarkables Park (Queenstown). The business has also applied for consent for a Super Liquor store at Lake Hāwea subdivision Longview.Read more: Ten liquor licenses for 2,000 people - Longview hearing underwayGlen Christianson was listed as one of two managers.IMAGE: Supplied

The stage is set for the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations on the Wānaka lakefront. The free event - organised by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) on behalf of locals and visitors - kicks off at 2.00pm with family-friendly entertainment at the Dinosaur Park.There will be face painting, roaming entertainers, and games until 4.30pm.At the main stage on the Ardmore Street layby there will be a line up of great bands from 8pm - Superficial, Wānaka Project, and the Mandates - and DJs to get everyone pumped for a fireworks display at midnight.As in previous years, there’ll be safe zones from today (Monday December 29) through to New Year’s morning thanks to Red Frogs volunteers. These are available for people looking for some time out, water or anyone who might need a bit of TLC. A number of road closures will be in place: the Ardmore Street ‘Log Cabin layby’ from 6pm until midnight on Monday and Tuesday, and from 8am to 3pm on Wednesday; Ardmore Street from Dungarvon St to Lakeside Road on Wednesday (New Year’s Eve) from 3pm to 3am; and Helwick St from 3pm to 3am on Wednesday.QLDC said the busy holiday season offers “a timely reminder for everyone to look out for each other, enjoy themselves responsibly and be aware of alcohol-free areas around the district”. Read more: Youth, alcohol and safety in Wānaka this New YearRead more: Safe Summer in Wānaka: Path Wānaka campaign for teens and visitorsThe entire Wānaka CBD is alcohol-free round-the-clock from 6.00am Christmas Day until 6.00am on January 6. This is in addition to the alcohol-free areas from 6.00pm-6.00am every day of the year in both the Wānaka and Hāwea CBDs. Find more details here. QLDC thanked local suppliers, security and traffic management contractors, emergency services, and Red Frogs NZ for helping to stage the New Year’s event.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Queenstown Lakes District has moved to a restricted fire season, meaning that permits will be required for almost all outdoor fires.A short-term prohibition on the use of private fireworks in the Central Otago, Lakes and Upper Waitaki areas will come into force at the same time.Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said the move to a restricted fire season brings the Queenstown Lakes area into line with Central Otago and Upper Waitaki.The restricted fire season and temporary ban on fireworks reflect FENZ’s efforts to reduce the risk of wildfires over the summer.FENZ Otago acting district manager Craig Gold said the areas covered by the controls include several popular holiday spots that are also at high risk from unwanted fires over summer."Every year our firefighters have to drop everything and put out fires caused by people letting off fireworks,” he said. “This is especially the case at New Year when people bring out fireworks they’ve saved from Guy Fawkes. They don’t always consider the fire risk, which is much higher now than in early November."Unfortunately, the same thing happens with outdoor fires - bonfires, campfires and land management fires, he said. “People light them up without checking the weather forecast or considering that the grass might easily catch fire.”Grasses and scrub might seem too wet to catch fire with recent rain, but locals know that it’s dry underneath and the fire risk escalates really quickly on warm and windy days, Craig said. "Once a fire gets going in these conditions, it can cause a lot of damage very quickly, and be very challenging for firefighters to put out. “We would much prefer that people didn’t start fires in the first place."In a restricted fire season most types of outdoor fires, including bonfires and campfires, require a fire permit. There are a small number of exceptions including cultural cooking fires like hangi and umu."This year we want to send a very clear message to locals and visitors alike - be a good sort," Craig said. "Leave the fireworks in the box. Think ahead if you’re planning an outdoor fire and apply for a permit in plenty of time."Both the fireworks ban and the restricted fire season for Queenstown Lakes will remain in force until further notice.Find full details of activities that need a permit in a restricted season and detailed advice about how to use fire safely here.PHOTO: Supplied

International fast food chain Pizza Hut has applied for building consent for an outlet at Wānaka’s Three Parks.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) confirmed on Tuesday (December 23) it had received a building consent application for Pizza Hut at 89 Sir Tim Wallis Drive - on the block between New World Three Parks and The Warehouse.Pizza Hut was established in New Zealand in 1974 and now has more than 100 stores throughout the country.The owner of the site is Willowridge Developments Limited, which is owned by Three Parks developer Allan Dippie.Allan has previously told the Wānaka App he expected to be approached by fast-food restaurants seeking locations.“We realise half the town would be very pleased if they came to town and the other half wouldn’t be… The thing to remember however is that neither half is forcing the other half to frequent such establishments. Allan said the important thing was “locating such businesses in the right place”.In October this year fast food giant McDonald’s confirmed its bid for a new site at the entrance to Three Parks, at 1 Sir Tim Wallis Drive. Read more: McDonald’s applies for new Wānaka restaurant at Three ParksPHOTO: Supplied

New government procurement rules could open new doors for trades and contractors across the Upper Clutha, says an industry insider. The newly released 5th Edition of the Government Procurement Rules sharpens accountability, strengthens transparency, and places a renewed focus on supporting regional economic growth.Izzy Prosser, Director of Winning Bids by Prosser Communication, says the changes represent a meaningful shift for the region.“Local contractors bring strong capability, but access to government opportunities hasn’t always been straightforward,” she said.“By simplifying processes and making agencies more accountable, contractors in the Upper Clutha can expect clearer opportunities, fairer competition, and a more transparent pipeline of work.” Izzy Prosser PHOTO: Prosser Communication NZ Ltd Government agencies are now expected to “engage with businesses that deliver public value, including increased employment, skills and training and economic growth for local communities”, with regional SMEs highlighted as key beneficiaries of the updated system. For local contractors, the updates mean a more level playing field, Issy said. Agencies are encouraged to create competition and involve New Zealand businesses, and to restructure large contracts into smaller components where appropriate, thus allowing regional suppliers to bid for work that might previously have been out of reach. The rules also introduce stronger requirements for reporting and transparency, giving suppliers better visibility of upcoming procurement opportunities and how government spending decisions are made. This added clarity may help Wānaka and Hāwea businesses plan more confidently for future workloads, Issy said. “If implemented consistently by government agencies delivering work in the region, the new rules could help ensure more contracts, more economic benefit, remain in the communities that need them, supporting stable employment and ongoing resilience across the Upper Clutha.”

Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) biosecurity team is once again rolling out its summer freshwater ambassador programme - this year with two new ambassadors who will be out and about across Otago’s lakes and rivers over the holiday season. Ambassadors Zoe Eckhoff and George McLellan will be based out of ORC’s Cromwell office until mid-February, connecting with locals and visitors about how to protect the waterways from freshwater pests.ORC environmental delivery portfolio lead councillor Robbie Byar said summer is a crucial time to remind people how easily freshwater pests like lagarosiphon and didymo can spread between waterways. “Even a tiny fragment of lagarosiphon or a drop of water on gear can be enough to transport pests to a new location,” Robbie said. “But with a few simple actions, like following the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ method, we can all help protect Otago’s lakes and rivers”. ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ is the Ministry for Primary Industries’ national programme for preventing the spread of didymo, lagarosiphon and other freshwater pests.The ambassadors’ work focuses on face-to-face engagement - talking with boaties, kayakers, paddleboarders, jet skiers, anglers and other water users about preventing the spread of pests and the importance of leaning equipment between each waterway.“This boots-on-the-ground mahi really matters,” ORC biodiversity programmes team leader Robert Win said. “When people meet our ambassadors at boat ramps or river edges, they’re often keen to learn more, and that enthusiasm helps keep pests out of new places.”While many were already familiar with the Check, Clean, Dry message, it is a great opportunity to enhance best practice and deepen knowledge on applying these measures effectively, especially as new pests emerge, he said. “The community has been really responsive,” Robert said. “But the risk is ongoing. Without continued vigilance, freshwater pests - especially lagarosiphon - could seriously impact our most valued rivers and lakes.” Check - Remove all plant matter from gear and leave it at the site or put it in the rubbish. Never wash plant material down a drain.Clean - Choose the cleaning method that suits your gear. Guidance is available here.Dry - Thoroughly dry all gear, inside and out. Once dry to the touch, leave it for a further 48 hours before using it again.PHOTO: Supplied

The Upper Clutha community is paying tribute to John Allandale Lee, CNZM, remembering a man whose contribution helped shape the district over many decades.John died peacefully at age 89 on Sunday evening (December 21), with his family by his side, a joint statement from the Lee family, the Snow Farm, the Cardrona Distillery, and Cardrona Alpine Resort said.John was the second-generation farmer of Waiorau, in the tough alpine climate of the Cardrona Valley’s Pisa Range. John Lee in 2016 with then Governor-General The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, receiving his Companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and Tourism.In the late 1960s, the population of Cardrona was in decline, and as things were looking bleak, John got creative – all with the goal of bringing life back to the valley.In 1971 he and his wife, Mary, bought Mt Cardrona Station, and spent the rest of the decade developing a ski area there. Cardrona Alpine Resort opened to the public in 1980, and 45 years later is now New Zealand’s biggest ski area.John and Mary’s next major project, the world-class cross-country skiing facility at Waiorau, Snow Farm, opened in 1990 after 19 years of hard graft in the face of many road blocks. John and Mary (centre) on opening day at Cardrona Alpine Resort in 1980.The Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds came to life during the development of Snow Farm in 1984. The Lees then supported their youngest son Sam in the development of freestyle skiing and snowboarding mecca, Snow Park, in the early 2000s.  John was instrumental in saving the Cardrona Hotel from ruin, and his decision to sell it to the lowest bidder to ensure proper restoration set the historic building on its path to the success it has today. John hanging bras on the Cardrona bra fence.Along with Mary, he was also a proud supporter of the foundation of the Cardrona Distillery.From helping to re-establish the Cardrona Valley as a destination in its own right, to the bustling Wānaka ski industry, to the cheeky Cardrona Bra Fence – John’s legacy is extensive. Many in the Cardrona and Wānaka communities can trace their careers, homes and livelihoods back to John’s passion to bring a vibrant life to this area, the joint statement said.John is survived by wife Mary, children Rachael, Joanna and Sam, and grandchildren Louis, Regan, Olivia, Anton, Hana, Matthew, Archie, and Heidi.John Lee (left) skiing at Cardrona.A private ceremony for the Lee family will be held today (Wednesday December 24). A public celebration of John’s life and contribution to the community will take place at 2pm on February 7 at the Cardrona Distillery.PHOTOS: Supplied

Luggate’s historic hotel has changed hands, and the new proprietor considers himself a very lucky man.Russell Lilley said he walked into the bar a few nights ago and 30-or-so locals gave him a standing ovation.“We cannot believe how incredible the community are,” Russell told the Wānaka App.“They’ve opened their arms to us.”Russell has owned the Rolly Inn in Rolleston for the past 27 years, the Dunsandel Bar and Cafe, a construction business, and about eight other businesses. “I’m really lucky in that every time I go to work it’s like going on holiday,” Russell said.The 75-year-old said he tried retiring about two years ago but “couldn’t do it”.Now he and partner Jeanette Ellis have taken on the Luggate Hotel, which Jeanette described as “a real adventure”.As soon as a mate told Russell the Luggate Hotel was for sale he jumped in his truck and drove down from Rolleston to check it out, Jeanette said.Former owner Rod Bowler told the Wānaka App he was on the bar when Russell arrived.New owner Russell Lilley (left) with former owner Rod Bowler.Rod went over and started chatting, and Russell didn’t give anything away. But by the end of the conversation Russell told him: “I’m going to buy this bloody place”.“Rod and I are like long-lost brothers,” Russell said.Russell is enthusiastic about completing Rod and his wife Rowena’s plans for themed accommodation at the rear of the hotel: a mini “shanty town” with six units including a barbershop, mining hut, a jail, and a sheriff’s quarters. Jeanette said they want to continue “Rod and Rowena’s legacy” with the outside of the pub, as well as changing the business inside: Russell wants to return the pub to how it once was, and Jeannette wants to make it “the centre of the community”.“Where else would you find anything like this?” Russell asked.The down-to-earth but motivated pair already have a new menu and two new chefs; a new coffee machine and a barista; and have started a courtesy van between Wānaka, Albert Town, Hāwea, and Queensberry.Russell said he has “a lot of good ideas”, and will introduce Housie, regular meat raffles, and money on the bar on rugby nights. They are also planning a new kids’ playground in the garden on the Wānaka side of the pub. The hotel grounds include the Luggate General Store, which Russell and Jeanette are thinking about making a Night N Day store, although they say any signage would have to be unobtrusive and in keeping with the building’s historic status.In the garden bar on Tuesday, one regular customer told the Wānaka App that Russell and Jeannette’s arrival was “the best thing to happen to this place in a long time”, while another said they were enjoying the hospitality.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

A development which was intended to provide workers’ accommodation in Wānaka has now been approved for full-time visitor accommodation.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has approved Quarters Group Ltd’s resource consent application to use 26 yet-to-be-constructed dwellings on Reece Crescent for year-round short-term accommodation.The use of the units for visitor accommodation “will support Wānaka as a visitor hub”, application documents submitted on behalf of the developer said.The 3,000sqm+ site has a long consenting history and the shift to visitor accommodation is a departure from its most recent plans.They aimed to address Wānaka’s working housing shortage, with some units billed to house up to seven people sharing a kitchen. The recently approved visitor accommodation units are smaller, with two- and three-bedroom layouts for groups of four to six.In its last resource consent application - to change the design of the dwellings - application documents said the development was “still intended for the units to provide accommodation for workers”. Under the newly approved decision, the dwellings could be individually managed by a property management company.The buildings surrounding the site are “industrial and service in nature”, and include a mechanic, engineering shop, and restaurants a little further away.“The proximity of a residential visitor accommodation adjacent to their operations will not affect the amenity experienced by the owners or occupants of these sites,” the application said.QLDC approved the application on a non-notified basis.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Elite international triathletes will return to Wānaka in February 2026 as the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half celebrates its 20th anniversary.Organisers have confirmed the first professional athletes set to race.Germany’s Frederic Funk will headline the field, joined by Britain’s Tom Bishop and Lucy Byram, and New Zealand’s Bec Clarke.“Over the past few years, I’ve heard so many great things about Challenge Wānaka that it quickly became a bucket-list race for me,” Frederic said.“I’m incredibly excited to finally travel to New Zealand for the first time and race in Wānaka.”The German middle-distance specialist arrives with a strong international résumé, known for his powerful cycling and consistency across non-drafting formats.Britain’s Tom Bishop brings Olympic-level experience to the race, having competed extensively on the ITU World Triathlon Series before transitioning successfully to middle-distance events. Fellow Brit Lucy Byram will make her Challenge Wānaka debut, adding depth to the women’s field after a strong season that included multiple top-10 finishes in the T100 series.New Zealand’s Bec Clarke will carry local hopes, racing on familiar roads and trails.“Racing in front of a home crowd is always special,” she said. “Having a pro field in 2026 for the 20-year celebration is important for inspiring the next generation and bringing international athletes to Wānaka.”More professional athlete announcements are expected ahead of race week.PHOTO: Supplied

Following a report from a local about being sworn at by a speeding cyclist on Albert Town’s Outlet Track, a community board member is hoping for changes in the track’s management.An Albert Town resident posted on a local social media site that she was walking the track on December 13, when a mountain biking came racing along between her and another walker with a dog.“Never slowed from his crazy pace and when asked to "slow down" yelled something that started with f---,” she said.She said both walkers were well to the side of the track, and reminded people “that these tracks are for everyone to enjoy”.Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board member Chris responded that he would like to help walkers send a submission to the Department of Conservation (DOC, which manages the track) asking them to come up with a solution.He said it could be “along the lines of ‘Cyclists must dismount’ and designate the track as ‘Walkers only’”. The track, which runs between Albert Town and the Clutha/Mata-Au River’s outlet from Lake Wānaka, is signposted for cyclists to give way to walkers and keep their speed down.Chris told the Wānaka App he used to walk the Outlet Track regularly “but stopped when cyclists became too numerous”.“Given the beautiful nature of this area I don’t believe any cyclist should be going at speed and could walk their bikes for the part of the track from the Outlet through to the Albert Town end. “If the cyclists wish to go at speed there are many other options,” he said.Chris said he will be led by any motivated users to see if he “can help facilitate future discussions”. Department of Conservation Otago operations manager Charlie Sklenar told the Wānaka App the Outlet Track is a shared use track and “bikers, hikers and dog walkers are all welcome”.  “All users need to be mindful and respectful for everyone’s enjoyment and safety. All dogs need to be under control and bikers should follow the mountain bikers’ code - respect the rules, respect others and respect the track,” she said. She said DOC works closely with community groups, like the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, to manage and maintain tracks on public conservation land for the community and visitors.“We have allocated resources to improve and widen the track in priority places. “As this will require closing the track for a number of days, this will be completed in late summer when usage drops.”Bike Wānaka president Ewan Mackie said he believes the vast majority of cyclists are “friendly, gracious and do indeed give way to walkers on the Outlet Track”. “But it is a sad reality that there is a very small minority who are either unfamiliar or simply disrespectful of these guidelines,” he said. “The pressure on the Outlet Track in terms of the sheer numbers of bikers and walkers on a single track is a symptom of the overall lack of public recreational tracks in the Wānaka area. “Bike Wānaka very much looks forward to the creation of biking and walking trails in the new Mt Iron Recreation Reserve and will continue to explore other opportunities for new tracks in our area. An expanded network of tracks will help alleviate pressure, and occasional conflict, overall.”PHOTO: Wānaka App