After extensive local input, a document detailing a ‘community vision’ for Wānaka Airport has been shared by the Wānaka Stakeholders Group (WSG).It imagines Wānaka Airport as a “locally led, independent, smart, and future-oriented aviation hub that balances local needs, economic vitality, and environmental impacts”. The airport should also “support a vibrant mix of aviation activities, local businesses and [research and development], while remaining proudly run by and for the Upper Clutha community,” the community vision document says.The incorporated society - which successfully lobbied against jet expansion at Wānaka Airport in 2021 - launched the community vision at its AGM in late May.WSG chair Meg Taylor said that after a quiet few years it appeared that “plans for Wānaka Airport are taxiing towards take-off again”.Meg Taylor PHOTO: Wānaka AppIn April Queenstown Lakes District Council announced it had hired Egis NZ Ltd to develop a masterplan for Wānaka Airport and it is in the process of obtaining a Qualifying Aerodrome Operator Certificate.Read more: Next steps for Wānaka Airport to be outlinedThis year and next will be “decisive years” for the future of the airport, Meg said.“It is important that everyone in the Upper Clutha carefully considers what they think is the best strategy for our local airport and for this community over the next [five, 10 and 15] years. It’s essential that we have the information needed for informed choices and that there is widespread local input into airport consultation.“With this in mind and to spark debate we are presenting a vision which better reflects the airport’s role in the Upper Clutha community.” Meg said there were two foundation principles to the community vision: a community airport with strong local governance, and separation from Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC).“Wānaka Airport needs robust governance and the Upper Clutha community should have a determining role on its governing board,” Meg said. “If Wānaka Airport is governed by a board that genuinely represents Upper Clutha communities (as happens at a number of overseas airports such as Aspen, Jackson Hole, Telluride or Vail) then Wānaka Airport could be managed and planned for with confidence.”The long-term community vision also envisions the airport has grown with committed and enterprising management; it is guided by strong governance; it has long-term intergenerational thinking as a central pillar; and it is “not driven by shareholder demands or a growth-at-all-costs mindset”. Meg said the community vision document had been created by WSG alongside advisors in the community and following consultation with residents and community associations in the Upper Clutha, as well as the Wānaka Airport Users Group and Wao Aotearoa.WSG said the community vision is still in draft form and any feedback is welcome. Read it here.

Opening up the conversation about the ‘D-word’ - death - is behind the latest collaboration between local women Liz Maluschnig and Su Hoskin.Liz and Su have run the local Death Cafe since 2019, offering space for a conversation about death with the view to making the most of life. More recently, they have begun offering a service to the community called Final Acts of Kindness, which offers guidance and support to people whose loved one has died or is dying.“The people who love you most are the people who will care for you the best,” Liz told the Wānaka App. “We want to make every part of the death process personal and meaningful to the loved one and their family… people don’t realise you can go from the deathbed to the grave or the crematorium without a professional involved.” This approach takes planning, however, she said. “There’s a lot to know about so you need to be prepared.”She gave the example of a local man who died recently, with a “very loving” funeral where “his community of friends gathered together and everyone contributed something to help fulfill his wishes”.It was “a Rolls Royce service” at a low cost, she said.“That’s why we run the Death Cafe, so people can start talking about the D word without being squeamish, especially preparing for death and doing things alternatively or sustainably .”This weekend (Sunday June 8) Liz and Su are bringing a ‘Death without Debt’ seminar to Wānaka.The seminar will be led by Fergus Wheeler, one of the people who set up the Death Without Debt movement in New Zealand. He will talk about funeral planning, wills, powers of attorney, probate, advance care plans, and more.Su and Liz will talk about how people can keep their loved one at home during and after death, how they can take care of their body, make their own coffin, and even make a shroud. People can also do the related paperwork themselves, and use their own car to transport their loved one.“We’re just saying - hey, there’s a different way to do this,” Liz said. “This is not for everybody. I imagine it would only be two percent of people. Some people just like to do things differently.”She said a DIY funeral is more sustainable, eco-friendly, and natural, as well as being lower cost. The average price of a funeral in New Zealand is over $10,000 (and higher in Wānaka) but a ‘Death Without Debt’ funeral could cost closer to $2,000. Death without Debt will take place at the Wānaka Community Hub on Sunday (June 8) from 11am - 3pm. The Death Cafe takes place monthly, with the next scheduled at 3.30pm at Edgewater on June 16.PHOTO: Wānaka App

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging motorists not to get caught out as snow is forecast across the South Island leading into the weekend. Heavy snow warnings or watches have been issued by the MetService from today (Friday June 6), with heavy snow down to 300 metres potentially causing travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines in Central Otago and Canterbury, from the Rangitata River southwards.“We got off relatively lightly with the snow so far this week,” NZTA system manager Mark Pinner said. “If you are heading away for the weekend, and especially if you are travelling on highways at higher elevations, make sure you are prepared and plan ahead.” Queenstown lakes is facing potentially heavy snow to 400 metres, and snow is expected to fall about the Dunedin-Waitati Highway (SH1) from about 10am. Mountain passes across the island may be impacted as snow accumulates. In addition to accumulating snow, the accompanying cold temperatures create risks of frost and ice on the roads. “Make sure that if you are driving in these conditions, that you adjust your speeds and following distances accordingly,” Mark said. “If you can avoid or delay travel on roads while there is elevated risk, that’s sensible.” NZTA said it will keep a close eye on the State Highway network around the south and respond with its crews as required.Click Roads in your Wānaka App for the latest conditions.PHOTO: Stock Image

Wānaka cafe and restaurant Urban Grind will close its doors next week, and will be replaced later this month by a new Italian restaurant.The cafe on Ardmore Street, owned by hospitality group Dropping Inn, will close its doors at 2pm on Monday (June 9) in preparation for new proprietors to take over next week. The new restaurant - Bambina by Giovi - will be developed by Queenstown-based Giovi Fine Food.The Wānaka restaurant will be the fourth for the brand, with Italian restaurants already operating in Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown. Giovi Fine Food founder Giovanna Boventi says the restaurant will bring an authentic Italian culinary experience to Wānaka.“I am very happy to bring our fresh, homemade pasta, ravioli, lasagna and other delicatessen to Wānaka after successfully serving locals and tourists in Giovi and Farelli in Queenstown, and Bianca in Arrowtown,” she said.“Bambina will be a piece of Italy right in the heart of Wānaka and we look forward to continuing the legacy with the customers of Urban Grind, although with a different twist.”After a short refurbishment, the restaurant will hold a soft opening on June 27, with the full restaurant opening on June 28. Dropping Inn director Matt Laming said Urban Grind has been a Wānaka institution since the business opened 14 years ago, but the time was right for the change of ownership.“We’re inviting the community to come into Urban Grind next Monday and enjoy a free slice of cake with every coffee purchased as a final celebration,” he said.Any customers holding Dropping Inn vouchers or loyalty points will still be able to redeem them at alternative Dropping Inn venues (b.social, Hāwea Hotel,Treehouse, and Hello Ranger).PHOTO: Supplied

The New Zealand Government has announced proposed new rules that will make it easier to build ‘granny flats’—small stand-alone dwellings—on residential and rural properties that already have a primary home. Currently, building such a dwelling generally requires a building consent and, depending on location and land use rules, a resource consent as well.The proposed reforms would remove these barriers in certain cases, aiming to support more flexible housing arrangements and increase supply.Key Criteria for Exemption from Building ConsentFurther details on the criteria for exemption from building consent is available in this link (Exemption Criteria) however the key points are summarised below:The dwelling must have a simple design and meet the Building Code;The net floor area must be no greater than 70 square metres;Construction must be completed by authorised building professionals;It must be intended for use by a single household or family; andHomeowners need to notify the local council before commencement of construction and after completion.Resource Management Act (RMA): Ancillary to the above, work is in place to develop new National Environmental Standards that will require councils to permit granny flats in rural and residential zones without need for a resource consent. It is also important to note that existing granny flats or those under construction are not expected to benefit from the exemptions. Local Impacts for Wanaka and Central OtagoCentral Otago—including towns like Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, and Ranfurly—is already facing housing pressure due to population growth, urban migration, and a shortage of smaller, more affordable housing options. Here’s how the proposed changes could impact the region:1. More Housing Flexibility for FamiliesFamilies in Central Otago often have strong local roots and a preference for keeping whānau close. These new rules will make it easier to build self-contained units for elderly parents, adult children, or even live-in carers—without needing to subdivide land or go through a lengthy consent process.2. Relief for the Rental MarketWith the influx of new residents and limited rental availability in places like Wanaka and Cromwell, granny flats offer a quick and cost-effective way to create more housing3. Economic Opportunity for the Construction SectorThe local building and trades community stands to benefit from a streamlined process. Smaller builds, like granny flats, can be turned around faster, creating steady work for builders, architects, and suppliers across the region. Removing the requirement for building consents (under strict criteria) lowers administrative costs and speeds up delivery.When Will These Changes Come Into Effect?The Government is targeting early 2026 for the introduction of these changes. In the meantime, councils and industry professionals will be preparing for the shiftFAQsQ: Will this affect existing granny flats?A: No. The exemptions are expected to apply only to new builds that meet the new criteria after the legislation takes effect.Q: Do I still need to involve the council?A: Yes. You must notify the council before and after construction, even if you are exempt from needing formal consent.Q: Are these rules already in effect?A: Not yet. They are expected to be implemented by early 2026, pending final legislation.Q: Can I use the granny flat for short-term holiday lets like Airbnb?A: This will depend on your local district plan. Some areas may restrict short-term rentals, so it’s important to seek legal advice first.Q: What if my property is zoned rural?A: Under the proposed environmental standards, both rural and residential zones will be included—making this especially relevant in regions like Central Otago. 17 Dunmore Street, Wānaka 

News that funding has been restored for an Upper Clutha public transport business case has been welcomed by local community figures.The decision was made at Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) meeting on Wednesday May 28 to allocate $250,000 from the council's general rates to fund a business case for public transport in the Upper Clutha.Read more: ORC councillor supports public transport fundingKathy Dedo, who led the Community Link public transport shuttle trials in 2022 and 2023, told the Wānaka App she was “delighted” the funding had been reinstated.The primary goal of the shuttle trials was to gather data to support long-term planning, she said. “While we provided a short-term service, it is [ORC’s] role to develop and provide public transport and the business case is the next step toward this becoming a reality in our region.” A business case would “further investigate the need and feasibility of public transport in the Upper Clutha, and start to inform costs and the model of service [which] could eventually be offered”, she said. Community Link’s reports on the shuttle trials have been provided to ORC and should factor into the business case development, she added.A ‘definite need’ for public transport Community Link general manager Kate Murray said the organisation “definitely” sees a need for public transport here.“[T]his includes our seniors that are unable to get to the supermarket or medical appointments and the wider population that for medical reasons such as injuries or eyesight impairments are unable to drive (short term or long term) that then struggle to get around the Upper Clutha,” she said. “Alongside this we are increasingly having requests for people seeking help to get to Queenstown for medical appointments.” Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer said his wish list for public transport includes “express, peak time services between Wānaka and Hāwea, Luggate and Queenstown Airport”.  “This will reduce emissions, pressure on the Albert Town bridge and general congestion in town,” he said. Kathy Dedo, Simon Telfer, and Cherilyn Walthew. PHOTOS: Supplied/Jeannine Tuffin/Supplied“Given there won't be a bus stop on every corner the public transport system has to tie into the active travel network so residents can walk, bike or scooter to and from pick up points. “If we are really progressive we should leverage technology to make the service more 'on demand' than completely scheduled. Hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel for those who want to travel more socially, cost effectively and environmentally responsibly.”Request for ‘accessible and consistent public transport’ Hāwea Community Association (HCA) acting chair Cherilyn Walthew told the Wānaka App the HCA - a strong supporter of public transport given the area’s rate of growth - had already spoken with ORC staff to discuss the community’s needs, requesting that long-term planning for the area incorporates public transport routes, even if public transport is not immediately available.“This includes things like the Capell Avenue extension which we believe should be approached with [public transport] in mind, including future bus routes and stops, along with cycle lanes and walking paths to ensure we maximise the opportunities for people to get out of their cars and connect with public transport routes.”Cherilyn said the HCA is also keen to see “tangible links and considerations in relation to [Queenstown Lakes District Council’s/QLDC] Climate Action Plan”.“The HCA supports a highly functioning local urban township with good public transport links that meets the needs of the population. This means accessible and consistent public transport.” QLDC deputy mayor Quentin Smith, who is also a member of the Public and Active Travel Advisory Group - a joint forum of ORC and QLDC - said he was “pleasantly surprised and a little shocked” that the business case was reinstated.  “It remains uncertain if or when this could lead to a funded service but it is a step in the right direction and allows the groundwork to get done,” he said.  

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is seeking permission for the harbourmaster to use a speed restriction buoy on Lake Wānaka as a temporary mooring for runaway vessels.The council said there was a “critical need” to use the buoy as a temporary mooring because private vessels often slip their moorings.They would “aid the harbourmaster… in emergency situations to temporarily secure vessels adrift, or as immediately necessary to provide for the safety of the waterway,” QLDC said.QLDC is asking for use of the buoy near the Wānaka Marina as the temporary mooring.It is also asking to use the buoys on Lake Wakatipu - at Pigeon Island and Queenstown Bay - for the same reason.In its resource consent application QLDC said it was important to note the buoys would be used as moorings for short-term emergency purposes only and they would be “distinct from traditional moorings”.QLDC also wants to use the buoys to help make firework displays from the lake possible.It asked to use them to “secure a fireworks barge/vessel on occasion to support community events”. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wellington-based photographer Nick Netzler will return to Wānaka later this month to share an exhibition he has created following an eye-opening experience with WAI Wānaka.Nick travelled to Wānaka earlier this year as part of Creative NZ’s Pacific Arts Nature Residencies, where Pasifika photographers capture the stories of New Zealand’s rural communities, and he says he was struck by Wānaka landscape and how the community looked after the land and its resources.“This was a whole new experience for me. As someone from urban Wellington, spending time with WAI Wānaka and their community really opened my eyes,” Nick said.“I was surprised by how familiar it felt, like working with whānau. The way we came together and valued the environment felt very natural for me from a Pasifika worldview.”Nick’s residency was one of two in the 2025 pilot, and WAI Wānaka partnerships lead Michaela Blacklock said the organisation was thrilled to be involved with the debut.“This has been a fantastic initiative and opportunity for WAI Wānaka,” she said. “To have Nick spend time with the team, in action, seeing and learning what we do and documenting it visually, is exciting.”Nick said the experience was “a big learning curve seeing how hands-on and practical the work is to keep the waterways healthy and flowing”.“I was in awe of the beautiful Wānaka landscape and the community’s efforts to protect it.”Nick will be back in Wānaka on Thursday June 19 to present a digital photography exhibition and give an artist talk about what he learnt during his time with WAI Wānaka.The event will take place at the Wānaka Community Hub from 6.30pm.Light refreshments will be provided before Nick’s presentation, WAI Wānaka said.It’s free to attend but attendees are asked to RSVP - by emailing [email protected] - to keep track of numbers.PHOTO: Nick Netzler

Members of the public will get their say on a proposed organisation - independent from council - to deliver water services in this district.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) elected representatives discussed the issue at their meeting last week (Thursday May 29), and agreed - with the exception of councillor Niki Gladding - to public consultation on a proposed Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO).A WSSCO would operate as a council controlled organisation to manage and deliver drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services in the district, and to own QLDC’s current water assets and their associated debt and liabilities.Councillors raised concerns at the meeting that the costs of such a model could be much higher than estimated, and out of council’s control.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith said neither of the models proposed (a WSCCO and an in-house council model) provided “an affordable solution for water provision into the future”, despite three versions of the report having been delivered.“None of these have dealt with the fundamental problem which is affordability,” he said, adding that in ten years’ time the cost for water users in the district would “one way or another be unaffordable”.“I don’t have particular faith that a WSCCO model automatically provides better expertise or better professional governance,” he said.Mayor Glyn Lewers argued in favour of the WSCCO, saying political parties were “forcing” councils to go with a WSCCO model and eventually “a more amalgamated version across the country”.“You’d have to have your head buried in the sand to think that’s not going to occur over the long term,” he said.“In my time as mayor I’ve had to deal with the cryptosporidium outbreak, the current Shotover Plant [non-compliance], also we’re trucking waste from Hāwea, all rooted in decisions made long before any of us turned up.“It is political interference that has got us to this point and has made us pay more for water now.” Glyn said QLDC was about to spend $1.47B on capital works over the next ten years.“I’d rather have a group of professionals focus purely on that, delivering and driving a cost to the ratepayer as efficiently and as effectively as possible. I think the water [WS]CCO is the only way that can happen. As councillors we know we don’t have [the] capability to figure it all out amongst ourselves.” Councillor Barry Bruce told the Wānaka App he preferred the WSCCO model, “as it puts ‘waters operations’ on a more business-based approach and takes away political influences that have not always worked in the best long-term interests of our communities”.He was concerned about “the relatively short consultation period and the complexities of the process”, and said he had advocated for more opportunities for residents to learn about the proposed model.There will be four weeks’ consultation on the proposal, which must be considered as part of central government’s Local Water Done Well plan to address New Zealand’s water infrastructure challenges. Read more: New water model proposed for districtPHOTO: Supplied

Members of the public have been invited to have their say on a draft Climate and Biodiversity Plan (CBP) for the next three years, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance native biodiversity, and increase community resilience to climate impacts.The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) draft plan said “steady progress” had been achieved six years after QLDC declared a climate and ecological emergency - “but more needs to be done”.“The scientific evidence is clear: we must act decisively to reduce emissions, restore biodiversity, and strengthen our resilience to the changes ahead.”The plan outlines 51 key strategic actions — from rewilding and revegetating council land to predator and trapping control, wild conifer management, and cat management initiatives.Other proposed actions include implementing targeted investments to reduce the council’s greenhouse gas emissions, developing a robust climate risk assessment and reporting framework, and strengthening the resilience of the local food system.QLDC resilience and climate action manager Bill Nicoll said lessons from the current CBP have been factored into the development of the new draft.  “These include a commitment to stronger communication, storytelling and relationship building, as well as the need to continue the progress of a wide range of actions that are currently underway.”Councillors approved the draft CBP for public consultation at Thursday’s (March 29) council meeting, with mayor Glyn Lewers describing it as “a great piece of work”.Read the full CBP and have your say via the survey at Let’s Talk here.Council is also asking for feedback on a second environmentally focused plan - Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2025. Read more: Bold vision for zero wasterOnce the CBP survey closes the feedback will be taken into consideration before a final CBP is presented to council for adoption in late July.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Warbird aircraft engineers are eligible to apply for Warbirds Over Wānaka Community Trust scholarships this year, along with Warbird Pilots, as the scholarships resume and expand.Since 2016 scholarships worth a total of $40,000 have been awarded to young Warbird pilots to help them get valuable time flying historic aircraft - but they were put on pause after the airshow was cancelled in 2020 and 2022 due to Covid-19Following the successful 2024 airshow, the trust was now in a position to resume the scholarships, Warbirds Over Wānaka general manager Ed Taylor said.Read more: ‘Best Warbirds ever’“The original scholarships were restricted to pilots but we’ve now decided to increase the amount of the scholarships and expand who can apply,” he said. “This means Warbird aircraft engineers are now eligible.”Each individual scholarship will be worth up to $10,000 following each successful airshow, Ed said. The number and value of scholarships awarded will remain at the discretion of the trust scholarship team.Applications for the 2025 scholarship round will open on July 1 with application forms available now at the Warbirds over Wānaka website. Applications will close on July 31 and successful recipients will be announced in September.PHOTO: Supplied

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) released its winter outlook on Friday (May 30), predicting a warmer than average winter with above or normal rainfall for the Southern Lakes region.NIWA’s principal forecasting scientist Chris Brandolino said, while NIWA doesn’t explicitly predict snow, if it is warmer than average “it may be a bit tough to get low elevation snow events”.“The odds for a banner snow year [are] not looking ripe,” Chris said.“There’s going to be a lack of southerlies this season.”Chris said that while snow to low elevations is less likely, it may be little changed above 1,500 metres.Cardona Alpine Resort’s base elevation is 1,670 metres, the Snow Farm’s is 1,520 metres, and Treble Cone’s is 1,260 metres.Despite predicting generally warmer temperatures, Chris said the Southern Lakes will still have cold snaps and frosts but they will be less frequent. There will be a cold snap at the end of this week (June 6-9), he said.“We could see some snow - good news for you - to low elevation for the South Island.”NIWA’s forecast stated that ocean temperatures around New Zealand are unusually warm, and airflow over winter is expected to be primarily from the north, which makes it hard to find any long or persistent cold snaps in the next three months.Read more about NIWA’s winter forecast here.IMAGE: Supplied

Queenstown resident and former mayoral candidate Nik Kiddle has announced he will run for mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) later this year.Nik contested the mayoralty unsuccessfully in 2019 against incumbent Jim Boult, following his opposition to Boult’s bed tax proposal.Nik was a member of a tax equity lobby group which said the proposed levy (five to ten per cent applied to visitor accommodation in order to help fund tourism infrastructure in the region) would have disastrous consequences for accommodation providers’ profits.The former owner of Villa Del Lago now says it’s time for “big improvements” at QLDC, starting at “the top”.“New leadership is vital to rebuild a trusted well functioning team,” Nik said.“The mayor must return to forging consensus among elected representatives and opening up the council’s administration to community led views.“No more back room deals, no more selling out to drive corporate profits. Transparency and information sharing must become the new norm. Care with ratepayers’ money must dominate decision making and prioritisation must deliver first on core business.”Nik said while QLDC rates have been increasing there has been “a deterioration in the quality of life here”. “This council has got us into a great deal of trouble over sewage, transport and housing. Productivity is suffering. Neighbourhoods and the environment are suffering. All these issues need fresh leadership to drive improved outcomes.”  Nik said QLDC’s relationship with central government also needs to be improved. “We’ve got a golden opportunity now to grab new resources. But we need a leader focussed on options that exist, instead of peddling a pipe dream of new law so council can tax business turnover.“This must be our focus now without distractions over outdated complex ideas. Current leadership is mired in the past and needs to be swept aside to achieve success.” He criticised a lack of compliance with regional standards, and public transport decisions which “fail to take account of our district’s unique needs, whether it’s school buses or miles of traffic cones, traffic jams and drawn out roading ‘improvements’.”  “We can do way better. The best strategy to improve our council is to vote for change and ‘tick Nik’,” he said.Glenorchy resident and Shaping Our Future executive officer John Glover announced in April that he will contest the mayoralty. Read more: John Glover to contest mayoraltyLocal body elections will take place from September 22, 2025.PHOTO: Supplied

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has released its draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) and it is asking the community to have its say.The draft WMMP outlines a bold vision to move together towards zero waste and a circular economy, QLDC said, focusing on an approach that avoids waste altogether by changing behaviours, or manages waste and used materials better with the right tools, services, and facilities. As part of developing the draft, QLDC hosted stakeholder workshops and a public webinar in September 2024, input from which helped shape the priorities and actions outlined in the plan.   “We’ve worked with key groups in our community to shape a new direction for how we respond to the waste challenges in our district,” QLDC infrastructure committee chair and councillor Gavin Bartlett said.“Council has an important part to play in leading this work, but minimising our waste will require our community to work together, collaborating on opportunities and making change happen."  Changing the story of how our district’s waste is minimised or managed relies on working together on innovative but achievable solutions, QLDC strategy planning manager Sophie Mander said. “This WMMP is a draft, and we invite everyone to provide feedback on whether you think these are the right actions to take, together.” The plan, which outlines how the district will manage and reduce waste, is updated every six years under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.Since the 2018 plan was adopted, progress has included a new three-bin kerbside collection service, boosted public education, the introduction of community composting hubs and the annual Waste Minimisation Community Fund, and a commitment to a future kerbside organics collection.Partnerships with local organisations including Wastebusters, Sustainable Queenstown, and Wao have also been key to helping reduce waste, Sophie said.   “Progress has been made, but there’s still a long way to go,” she said. “This is a crucial opportunity for the community to help us define the next chapter.”  Find more information and to have your say on QLDC’s draft WWMP here.  PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka’s Ellesse Mote Andrews has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for services to cycling.Ellesse (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu) is a world champion cyclist and four-time Olympic medallist. She became the second New Zealander to win three medals in a single Olympic Games, and now ranks as New Zealand’s sixth most successful Olympian. Ellesse grew up in Luggate and attended Wānaka Primary School and Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC, where her mother Angela taught music) until her final two years when she attended St Peter’s in Cambridge.“It was the right move for me and my family, but I was always gutted not to be a MAC survivor of all seven years,” Ellesse told the Wānaka App.Ellesse said she loved growing up in Wānaka, where she was “exposed to so many amazing sporting opportunities and amazing people along the way”. “I also loved my creative side and have so many amazing people in the community who played a part in influencing that side of my life too. Coming back to Wānaka feels like I’m coming home - the most special memories and very special people.”Ellesse set a new world youth record at the 2017 Junior Track Cycling World Championships and was recognised with the Halberg Emerging Talent Award. She went on to win three gold medals and a silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games, and two golds and a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics. Ellesse Andrews in action. PHOTO: Cycling NZIn 2023, Ellesse became the first New Zealand female sprinter to claim a world title, winning gold at the World Championships. She was recognised as Cycling New Zealand Road and Track’s Female Track Cyclist of the Year in 2022 and 2023, and has been a top-five finalist in the High Performance Sport New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year category for three years running. “It is so special to be receiving this honour,” Ellesse told the Wānaka App this week. “But I think it’s important to acknowledge the amount of people who have influenced me in my cycling journey. I want to say thank you to all of them too as I would not be where I am today without them.”Through her role in the Athlete Leaders Group, Ellesse has been an important advocate for her teammates, and a key driver of applying tikanga Māori to Cycling New Zealand’s programme. She has given back to the community through speaking engagements, mental health awareness campaigns and voluntary roles at community events, including Cambridge’s Cycling Festival.Ellesse (centre) with her parents Angela and Jon at the World Champs in Italy, 2017. PHOTO: SuppliedSport and recreation minister Mark Mitchell said the 2025 Honours List recognises “the outstanding depth of talent, dedication, and leadership across New Zealand’s sport sector”.“My congratulations to all our sportspeople honoured this year. Your contributions continue to shape New Zealand’s sporting legacy and inspire us all,” he said.

Kāhu Youth is proud to host One Day School, a specialised programme for gifted tamariki.A gifted child is one who has the potential of exceptional performance (top 5%) compared with what other children of the same age can do. It is involuntary, they are born gifted. Performance, however brilliant, is essentially an outward manifestation of an inner reality – the distinctive way in which the gifted child perceives and responds to what he or she observes, experiences, discovers, is told or taught.Common traits of the giftedExceptional vocabulary especially in area of interestProlific reader, often of texts beyond peersUnderstands the abstractCreative solutions to problemsLoves to learn and gain informationBeyond peers in one or more curriculum areaEnjoys conversations that analyse, go deepExceptional memoryIntense emotionsCurious and questions unexpectedlyAdvanced or sophisticated humourNeeds the understanding behind the factsEnjoys discussions with adults or older childrenStrong sense of morals and justicePerseveres for lengths of time on a taskPresenter: Danielle Nicholson, teacher for One Day School and Mt Aspiring College's Kitenga.What: Tips and proven practice for parents of gifted children of any age.When: Wednesday June 11, 7-8pm and Tuesday June 17, 7-8pmWhere: Kāhu Youth Centre, Paetara Aspiring CentralThere will be time for questions and a chat after, with tea and biscuits. Supervision provided for school age children.For more info email: [email protected] or visit kahuyouth.org Photo Credit: Deanna GerlachKāhu Youth Centre, Paetara Aspiring Central

The countdown is on for the 2025 ski season with a North Island ski field opting for a soft launch this weekend while snow guns are blazing in the south.Staffing and accommodation shortages have hampered ski fields in recent years, but operators said their luck had turned around and scores of people had applied to work on the slopes.Nestled on Mount Ruapehu, Tūroa Ski Area was ready to open its cafes and offer snow play and sightseeing on Saturday (May 31).Chief executive Jono Dean said people could enjoy a day in the snow before the snow bunnies started hitting the slopes next month."There's a little bit of snow in and around bottom of the mountain just in the base area, which is really exciting and it's a good precursor to what we think is coming next week, which looks like a nice, healthy storm to get the snow off and running for 2025," he said."As we start to snow on the ground and snow on the forecast, we'll be progressively opening lifts and facilities over the coming month of June and we anticipate readiness for the 28th of June and the start of the school holidays."The ski area had almost 1200 applicants for 200-250 jobs and was fully staffed."It's actually a real blessing against previous years where we have really struggled in our part of the world for availability of staffing and, of course, skilled staffing," he said.Cardrona and Treble Cone experiences general manager Laura Hedley said they had been hard at work over the warmer months to get the ski fields ready.Speaking on Friday afternoon with snow falling outside her window, she was feeling positive for the season ahead, especially with a strong group of staff - half of whom were returnees.There was less pressure on finding accommodation as they had a 120-bed backpackers they renovated about three years ago to fall back on and rentals were not quite as hard to come by, she said."We've got staff, they've got good accommodation and we've got all these upgrades. I'm touching wood that it's going to be a good season and that mother nature comes and helps us as well."Cardrona Alpine Resort's new Soho Express chairlift opens this season, offering 150 hectares of new terrain.Mt Hutt was expected to lead the charge and open its slopes on Saturday (May 31) after receiving more than a metre of snow in April.NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson earlier said he was pretty confident it would stick around but those hopes were dashed by nor-west winds."The snow around the base area just wasn't enough to get access to the lifts so we wanted to give it every chance and we threw everything at it but that early season snow can disappear early," he said.Anderson was not ruling out opening next weekend if the conditions played ball, but said Mt Hutt could always fall back to its original opening date of June 13.Further south around Queenstown, the picture was not looking so promising earlier in the week, but he said some good wintry weather had settled in so it could crack on with snowmaking.NZSki had invested in three new groomers, about $750,000 on improving its rental equipment, more 4WD buses in Queenstown and about a million dollars spent on snowmaking across the mountains, Anderson said.After a bumpy few years for staffing, it had a record staff return rate and plenty of newcomers which he put down to people feeling more confident travelling here with memories of border closures fading and tougher economic times meaning more people were looking for work.NZSki had previously taken the plunge into accommodation, buying a hostel and offering just under 100 beds.It had also built apartments for staff and planned to build another 12 in the coming years, he said.He believed some landlords might be getting tired of offering short term rentals and putting them back onto a fixed tenancy basis, which had also eased the pressure.Looking at the forward bookings, the Queenstown slopes were getting plenty of aroha from locals and Australians, he said.The Remarkables celebrates its 40th birthday this year, and Paul Anderson said there would be a 1980s themed party in late spring so people should prepare their perms, straight skis and retro ski suits.

‘Moving Day’ for the Southern dairy sector begins on Sunday (June 1) and the Otago Regional Council (ORC) is reminding farmers and truck companies to use best practices to safeguard water quality and transport safely when moving stock.Moving Day - which goes for several weeks from June 1 - is traditionally when dairy cows and farmers move between farm properties, either in herds by road or, more often, by stock truck.ORC environmental implementation manager Libby Caldwell said effluent from stock trucks can put road users and adjacent waterways at risk.She emphasised farmers should stand off their animals for at least four to 12 hours before transporting them. “The focus is on farmers’ standing their stock the day before moving, and for the trucking companies to then make use of the roadside effluent disposal sites around Otago,” Libby said. Effluent can get onto roads and become a safety hazard for other drivers and can also run off into roadside drains or pollute adjacent waterways, she said. ORC and several local authorities now operate nine roadside effluent disposal sites across Otago, with six disposal sites on State Highway 1 between Pukeuri and Clinton, and three on inland highways, at Raes Junction, Brassknocker Rd and Tarras. Farmers walking their herd along a road should keep them away from roadside drains and channels, and avoid disturbed soil, to stop effluent entering adjacent waterways, Libby said. Cows should be stood off green feed for at least four hours, but no more than 12 hours, before they are loaded onto trucks, to help reduce the amount of effluent on trucks. For welfare reasons, DairyNZ also recommends that a grazed-out paddock or stand-off pads are better options for standing stock, than a concrete surface, as the latter can contribute to tender feet and are not good for stock to lie down on.Road users can report stock truck effluent spills by contacting the ORC’s Pollution Hotline on 0800 800 033.PHOTO: Supplied

Wastebusters is inviting community members to roll up their sleeves and learn about low-waste living at its upcoming ‘Natural Cleaning’ workshop as part of its Low Waste Living series.The hands-on session (taking place on Tuesday June 10, from 6pm-8pm) is all about creating effective, eco-friendly cleaning products that are kind to people, the planet, and the pocket, Wastebusters staffer Ruth Blunt said.Ruth will guide attendees through how to make their own affordable cleaning products at home, without the chemicals often found in conventional brands.“The feedback we’ve had from past workshops is that cleaning and housework are often real sticking points for people trying to reduce waste in their homes,” Ruth said.“Many just don’t know where to start. This workshop gives people the tools and confidence to start making simple changes that really add up.”Participants will craft their own toilet pods and scent jars, and learn how to whip up everyday essentials like all-purpose sprays, cream cleaners, and laundry powders, using ingredients that are safer for their whānau and the environment, she said.Attendees will also be treated to low-waste kai and drinks, and have the chance to connect with like-minded locals on the path towards more sustainable living.“Our Low Waste Living events have become really popular,” Ruth said. “They’re relaxed, empowering and a great reminder that sustainable choices don’t have to be expensive or overwhelming – they can actually be beautiful, practical and fun.”The workshop is open to everyone - whether they’re well on their sustainability path or just starting to explore alternatives.Tickets are $10 and spaces are limited. Book at the Wastebusters website.PHOTO: Wastebusters