Wānaka’s annual wine and food festival Ripe 2025 went off last weekend (March 22) without a hitch as a capacity crowd of around 4,000 ate, drank and rocked the day away under balmy conditions at Glendhu Station, above Glendhu Bay.Performing at Ripe for the first time, Kiwi heavy funk band Black Comet described the warm, calm, overcast conditions as “perfect golf weather”, and encouraged the festival goers to sample the food, wine, beer and spirits on offer.In a celebration of local vineyards, most of the 23 wine producers were from Wānaka and its environs (Gibbston, Bannockburn, Cromwell, etc) while the 16 food stalls offered a range of international tastes, including South American, Japanese and Hungarian. Event planner Nathan White (Otago Event Planning) said judging by the feedback he received Ripe attendees were elated with the event.Ladyhawke fans crowded the dance area in front of the bandstand.One person said it was their first Ripe experience and it was the best organised event they’d attended. They planned to return with friends next year.“Small tweaks will be made to make the customer experience better but the event has learnt from each year where to make adjustments and we are now at the stage it is almost exactly how we like it…,” Nathan said.Nathan said there was no plan to increase the event’s capacity: “It is the perfect amount of people to create a positive atmosphere without being overcrowded.”Many in the crowd made use of dance space in front of the bandstand, participating in the enthusiastic performances, particularly by New Zealand musicians Ladyhawke and Black Comet.Ripe, which began at Corbridge Estate in 2021 and relocated to Glendhu in 2023, is known for its drive to achieve zero waste: Ripe 2024’s recycling regime diverted almost 89 percent of its waste from landfill.“We beat last year’s rate [this time] for sure,” Nathan said, attributing this to the event increasing its purchase of tin plates to 4,000, as well as 500 pizza boards and metal cutlery which were returned to the Dish Wash stations located throughout the event.Water tankers to replenish individual’s water bottles were available, compostable paper napkins were collected and food scraps went to Glendhu Station’s wormfarm. Even the new wine tasting tokens redeemable at the wine stalls were recycled.Friends of Mount Aspiring College (MAC) monitored the dish wash stations and cleaned the utensils. “We can’t say enough about how helpful they are, we call them the Green team…they do an amazing job,” Nathan said.“Hopefully we can create change at all events who will now be running out of excuses as to why they can’t go fully re-usable.”Festival goers overwhelmingly supported the event’s goal of zero waste.Tickets for buses from Queenstown, Cromwell and Wānaka to the event were sold out, he said, and additional buses were organised for festival goers just wanting to return to Wānaka.Wānaka Power Sports also sponsored the event with an electric utility task vehicle (UTV) which was available for medical transport to the St John site, as well as assisting with set up and pack down.WAI Wānaka was selected this year as the community recipient of funding from Ripe 2025 ticket sales.Nathan said WAI Wānaka will receive $5,000, contributing to its education programme with most Upper Clutha schools and early education centres which teaches children to care for lakes and rivers via workshops, fieldtrips and citizen science initiatives.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Nominations for the 2025 Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards are now open.Sport Central is inviting coaches, managers, parents, colleagues, and community members to nominate outstanding athletes, coaches, officials and sports figures who have excelled during the past year. The qualifying period for the 2025 awards is April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, and nominations will close on Friday April 4.Central Otago sporting achievements will be celebrated with a formal dinner at the Lake Wānaka Centre on Thursday May 8.“Central Otago athletes have shone on both the national and international stages, securing world titles and personal best times," Sport Central community sport advisor Jo Knight said.“The success of athletes such as Finn Butcher, multiple snow sports athletes, cyclists and last year’s winners - Ben Campbell and Alice Robinson - has been exceptional and inspiring over the past year.“It is hoped that nominations will flow in from the far corners of our region, and from a variety of sports.”Sport Central sport and active recreation advisor Ben Hamilton is encouraging the sporting community to also celebrate the work of coaches and officials, by nominating them for either the Workplace First Aid Coach or Findex Official of the year, and teams.“Celebrate the spirit of teamwork and excellence by nominating your favourite sports teams for the Jennian Homes Team of the Year award. Let’s honour the teams that have made us proud with their outstanding performances,” he said.The awards feature several categories:Workplace First Aid - Coach of the YearHealth 2000 Wānaka - Junior SportswomanGalloway Cook Allan - Junior SportsmanCentral Lakes Trust - Hall of Fame Inductee/sRay White - Duncan and Kelly Good Junior Spirit of CentralFindex - Official of the YearOtago Polytechnic - Para Athlete or TeamGary Anderson Sound and Vision - Sportswoman of the YearCentral Lakes Construction - Sportsman of the YearJennian Homes - Team of the YearWānaka Physiotherapy - Senior Spirit of CentralForsyth Barr - Supreme AwardNomination forms and guidelines can be found on the Sport Central website.

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake caused a pro-longed shake in Wānaka this afternoon (Tuesday March 25).The earthquake struck off the southern coast of the South Island at 2.43pm at a depth of 33 kilometres.GeoNet has described the shaking as 'moderate'.Wānaka residents have reported a long rolling shake with one saying "wow, that was a good shake".The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said there was no tsunami threat to land and people along the coast did not need to evacuate.IMAGE: GeoNet

Upper Clutha ratepayers can take comfort from the fact that they are not affected by issues around the Shotover Wastewater Plant near Queenstown, says deputy mayor Quentin Smith.Some Queenstown Lakes residents plan to stage a protest tomorrow (Wednesday March 26) against plans to discharge treated wastewater into the Shotover River, following media coverage in Queenstown of the issue.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is under pressure over its disposal field at the plant and has been taken to the Environment Court by freshwater regulator Otago Regional Council (ORC).When the plant was first opened, ORC permitted treated water to be discharged into the Shotover River. The disposal fields (designed to allow treated water from the wastewater plant to soak into the ground prior to entering groundwater and ultimately the river system) were added more recently in consideration of cultural sensitivities.The plant has since had problems with persistent ponding and spillover from the disposal fields.Quentin told the Wānaka App that Upper Clutha ratepayers can “take some comfort” in the fact they will not have to pay for any upgrades to the Shotover Plant, and that this area’s wastewater system (Project Pure) generally performs well.Read more: Queenstown wastewater woes highlight infrastructure deficit - deputy mayorQuentin said wastewater costs are paid for according to which scheme ratepayers are connected to. “Project Pure performs pretty well,” he said, despite some challenges around aeration. The project also has three plants, allowing for extra capacity should one be required to go offline, and there is also land to expand the plants to in the case of increased demand.Quentin Smith PHOTO: Wānaka AppHe added that a major investment in wastewater for the Upper Clutha will kick off later this year.Read more: Bigger than Ben Hur: Multi-million dollar wastewater upgrades on the booksQLDC is considering using emergency powers to discharge the treated wastewater from the Shotover Treatment Plant into the river.QLDC infrastructure boss Tony Avery issued a statement to media on Friday saying the council has a proposal to rectify the problem in the short-term, with an announcement due Wednesday morning.A Queenstown community group, Queenstown Community Action, has organised a protest at the plant on Wednesday morning, where the announcement will be made at 10am by QLDC to media. Longer term, the council has set aside $77.5 million in its 10-year plan for a new disposal system at Shotover, which is expected to take years to implement.

A 30-year-old overseas visitor was rescued before nightfall after falling five or six metres in steep and rocky terrain in Mount Aspiring National Park on Saturday afternoon (March 22).A team of Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR) alpine cliff volunteers was flown in to extract the man after he fell just before 3.30pm, suffering two broken ankles and head injuries. An Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter with a paramedic on board was unable to reach the man due to low cloud, so the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) called in the Wānaka experts with Aspiring Helicopters to retrieve him at 5.30pm.Wānaka SAR chair Raewyn Calhaem said two rescuers went in on foot, prepared to overnight with the patient, but the cloud started to break after they set off, so the other two rescuers were flown in. “It was really tricky terrain – rocky and very slippery and our guys used all the right gear,” Raewyn said.The man could not be rescued on foot, and it was 7.30pm by the time he was finally lifted out. Bystanders had loaned him a personal locator beacon (PLB) to alert emergency services and wrapped him warmly while his rescuers arrived, Raewyn said.An RCC spokesperson says the rescue took five hours from the PLB activation, stressing the importance of carrying one.The man is believed to have fallen near where a young French woman died after falling only several metres around 7pm on 20 February. Her death is being investigated by the Coroner.There have been more than half a dozen helicopter rescues to the Brewster Track this summer alone.Alpine experts around the country are very concerned about the extent to which young Instagrammers, usually inexperienced, are being lured past Brewster Hut to walk to the glacier. There’s no marked track through dangerous terrain.“This is a high consequence area so if it goes wrong, it really does go wrong,” Raewyn said.The alpine team had been called in to 12 rescues to retrieve injured patients from various popular climbs and hikes in the region since the beginning of January.Just days ago a popular Australian Instagram influencer posted photos of herself outside and inside Brewster Glacier under its ice fall. However, she did warn her 414,000 followers that it was an “unmarked high-risk trail, following a steep ridgeline with significant drop offs which should only be attempted by those with experience in alpine environments”. People of various nationalities responded in almost 100 comments, most eager to try it.Police, alpine rescuers and the Mountain Safety Council (MSC) have been warning of the dangers around Brewster Glacier for nearly a year.A joint interagency taskforce is researching why there’s been such a huge spike in interest in Brewster Glacier and other increasingly popular areas. “Brewster has become an emerging issue,” MSC senior partnerships and insights advisor Bevan Smith said. “There’s no identified safe route beyond Brewster Hut. You need skills and equipment to pick a safe route, and to know how to read the weather conditions. If cloud descends you can be navigating your way back to the hut across steep, exposed terrain in a whiteout.”The Department of Conservation has erected new warning signs outside Brewster Hut within the past month.PHOTO: Supplied

A new public park and playground is close to completion in the Pembroke Terrace residential subdivision nestled between Cardrona Valley Road (CVR) and Ballantyne Road.The formation of the new recreational reserve includes a shared pedestrian/cycle path which will connect CVR to Ballantyne Road via Avalon Station Road and Frederick Street.The park’s playground and picnic area is constructed on a terrace above the subdivision’s stormwater hub creating a landscaped and lighted reserve over one hectare.Hundreds of homes are under construction or already completed in this area but there is only one access road, Avalon Station Road beside the Medical Centre, creating a cul-de-sac.“All the traffic has to go in and out near the medical centre,” Pembroke Terraces project manager Iain Weir said.Project manager Iain Weir is asking locals to come up with a name for Pembroke Terrace’s new recreational reserve, due to open before this winter. PHOTO: Wānaka AppEventually Avalon Station Road will be extended to connect to Ballantyne Road near the Claas Harvest Centre, he said, but for now the three metre wide shared pathway will be the first direct connection for cyclists and walkers to Ballantyne Road. The path will also connect to other residential developments, including Tussock Rise and Alpine Meadows, making the new public park central to many families in these new developments, Iain said.The park is on track to be opened before winter, he said, and will eventually be vested in Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to manage.This fenced concrete path at the end of Frederick Street, beside Kai Pai bakery, connects to the new public park in Pembroke Terrace. PHOTO: Wānaka AppAfter viewing the park’s development last month, QLDC councillor Lyal Cocks said he was impressed by the multi-purpose use of the land and the quality of the new amenity.“It’s a clever use of the land with shared paths, a playground and recreational reserve incorporated with substantial stormwater infrastructure,” he said.“Its centralised location in the heart of these residential subdivisions, and high standard of amenity with extensive planting and lighting, means a very good outcome will be achieved for the community.” To date, the park has no name.“We obviously cannot call it Pembroke Park, but I’d like to think someone in the community could suggest a name,” Iain said. Pembroke Terrace subdivision was granted resource consent in 2021 to create 124 residential lots over 11.72 ha of what was rural land (farmed by the Gordon family). With Stage 6 recently consented, the number of lots has expanded to 143.Iain said there is no plan to extend Gordon Road to provide vehicular access to CVR, via Avalon Station Drive. Instead, Pembroke Terraces is creating a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists connecting the subdivision with Gordon Road which will provide “a short cut” for people to access Gordon Road from CVR, he said.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has given the green light to its new Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025, which determines the rules for using the district’s waterways.   Councillors approved the new bylaw at a council meeting on Thursday (March 20) and the new rules - which deputy mayor Quentin Smith described as “evolution not revolution” - came into effect immediately.“The panel heard from a diverse range of waterways users, including jetboaters and lake swimmers, whose insights helped shape the new bylaw,” Quentin said.“Through the process the panel aimed to balance safety and accessibility for all water users, maintaining and improving many ski lanes for better functionality and safety. “While not prohibiting jumping off the Albert Town Bridge, we have introduced upstream and downstream vessel passage lanes, and new rules for vessel identification and communication devices.” He said the measures “will enhance safety without being overly restrictive”.  The adoption of the bylaw marks the culmination of a comprehensive consultation process, which included a series of public meetings in September last year, a submission period in October, and subsequent hearings and deliberations.   Under the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025, several ski lanes originally proposed for removal will be retained (including all Upper Clutha ski lanes, though some have been amended); a rule has been introduced requiring the carriage of communication devices to enhance safety on waterways; and the bylaw also sets out a new framework to manage temporary events on the water. The new bylaw has retained ski lanes which were originally mooted for removal.Maps showing the location and size of all ski lanes can be found in Schedule 1 of the bylaw.  QLDC waterways regulatory services manager Craig Fahey said he encouraged all water users to become familiar with the updates to the newly adopted bylaw.“By understanding these changes, we can all do our part to keep our waterways safe, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone who loves being out on the water.”  New signage and educational materials addressing the changes will be rolled out over the coming months.   Find more information on the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025 and its implementation, including a copy of the final bylaw and key details, here. PHOTOS: Wānaka App

All shops in the Queenstown Lakes district will be permitted to open on Easter Sunday as a result of a policy adopted by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).At last week’s council meeting (Thursday March 20), the Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy 2025 was approved by councillors and is effective immediately. The 2025 policy is a continuation of the district’s now-expired 2017 policy which permitted all shops in the Queenstown Lakes District to open if they chose to.The new policy “promotes ease of business, recognises the needs of the retail and tourism sectors to be able to choose to open on Easter Sunday if they wish to, and applies a consistent and simple approach to Easter Sunday shop trading”, QLDC said in a statement. Easter Sunday is a restricted trading day under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 which requires shops to remain closed, except for certain shops under certain conditions. These include dairies, cafes, service stations, garden centres, pharmacies, souvenir and duty-free shops. In 2016, amendments to the Act enabled councils to adopt policies to permit all shops to open on Easter Sunday in the whole or a part of their district. This provision is only applicable to Easter Sunday and does not include Good Friday nor Easter Monday. The Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy 2025 does not apply to the sale or supply of alcohol. Alcohol sale and supply is regulated under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.Employees have the right to choose not to work on Easter Sunday. The Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 lists responsibilities for both employers and employees for Easter Sunday. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (24) has been crowned the 2025 FIS Snowboard Slopestyle World Champion in Corvatsch, Switzerland overnight NZT. Zoi has finished on the podium at every Slopestyle World Championships she has contested during her decorated career, with this event marking her fifth consecutive Snowboard Slopestyle World Championships podium, and her third Snowboard Slopestyle World Champion title, a record setting achievement.“I can’t really believe it,” Zoi said.“I was just feeling incredibly grateful for this whole winter after my injury last year and really thankful for the support from my sponsors, my team, my friends and my family.” Zoi was in sixth place after run one of the two-run final, following an uncharacteristic bobble on her third jump.Zoi Sadowski-Synnott in action at the World Championships.Echoing her Beijing 2022 Olympic Slopestyle Gold, she was the final athlete to drop into run two, with it all on the line for the top spot.Showing the depth of her experience Zoi remained composed and stomped one of her trademark technical runs, leap frogging into the top spot with the only score of the competition in the 90s. “That was crazy, I messed up my first run and put so much pressure on myself coming into the last run, all the girls were riding so good, and I was stoked to watch everyone’s runs - it just vibed me up to land that run,” Zoi said.The winning run included a cab 270 on, 270 off on the top rail and a backside double corked 1260 melon grab on the third jump, but it was her entire top to bottom technical run, executed flawlessly, that put her in the top spot. Japanese riders Kokomo Murase and Reira Iwabuchi rounded out the podium in second and third. 2025 Women’s FIS Snowboard Slopestyle World Championship podium. [L-R] Kokomo Murase (JPN) 2nd, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (NZL) 1st, Reira Iwabuchi (JPN) 3rd.In the Freeski Slopestyle World Championships finals, Wānaka’s Luca Harrington secured his career best Slopestyle World Championships result finishing in sixth. Teammate Ben Barclay finished in sixteenth place. The Snowboard Park & Pipe Team will next be in action on Saturday March 29 at the Snowboard Big Air finals. PHOTOS: FIS Park & Pipe

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is asking for community feedback on a proposal to increase fees and charges for the use of council’s facilities and services.The council provides a range of ‘user pays’ services, from sport and recreation facilities like pools and sports fields to dog registration, resource consent processing, and waste services.The charges are one of the ways QLDC funds its services.If it does not increase them this year, rates would need to increase by an additional 1.6 percent, QLDC assurance, finance and risk general manager Katherine Harbrow said."If user fees and charges don’t keep up with costs, the extra has to come from everyone’s rates,” she said. “By adjusting fees, we can keep things fair, making sure the cost is shared in a way that makes sense for everyone.”Most of the proposed fees and charges increases are fairly small.For example, under the proposal, a casual swim for an adult would increase by twenty cents to $8.20.A casual swim for a child (5-17yrs) would increase by ten cents to $4.30 while a child’s group lesson would increase by 50 cents to $15.50.The cost of renting a meeting room at the Hāwea Flat Hall or Luggate Memorial Centre for community use would increase by 50 cents to five dollars depending on booking length.Most rubbish disposal fees would increase by no more than 50 cents.Wānaka Airport landing fees increase by three dollars to $58 depending on weight of aircraft. Residents have until the end of April to provide feedback on the user fees and charges at the Let’s Talk website, where they can find the full list of proposed increases.Once public feedback closes, councillors Lyal Cocks, Lisa Guy, and Gavin Bartlett will hear submissions and a recommendation to council on the charges for the 2025/2026 financial year.PHOTO: QLDC

Young and first-time duck hunters across Otago will have special access to prime hunting locations for the 2025 season opening through a dedicated ballot system."Introducing the next generation to waterfowl hunting remains one of our key priorities," Otago Fish & Game officer Steve Dixon said."We offer this special ballot to provide junior and novice hunters exclusive access to select wetlands during the first nine days of the waterfowl hunting season."The initiative covers hunting stands and ponds across six Fish & Game managed wetlands in Otago.Successful applicants will receive access permits valid from May 3-11."The hunting tradition is typically passed down through family connections or mentors," Steve said."While pursuing game for harvest, young hunters also develop a deeper appreciation for our wetland ecosystems. These shared experiences in nature strengthen relationships and create lasting memories."Participants must possess current game bird and firearms licences.Applications close on Wednesday (March 26) with the ballot draw scheduled for the following day.To enter, visit the Fish & Game website.Licences for the 2025 game bird season are now on sale.“The outlook for this duck season is, as always, hopeful as our region is blessed with great game-bird resources and hunting opportunities for all skill levels,” Steve said.“After prolonged wet conditions during the breeding period, we’ve had reports anecdotally of strong brood numbers around the region, which is a good sign for the upcoming season.”After the first nine days of the season, limited permits for the managed wetlands will become available to other adult hunters.A percentage of every gamebird hunting licence sold directly supports habitat restoration initiatives.PHOTO: Scott Weatherall

Queenstown Airport Corporation’s (QAC) board of directors has a new deputy chair.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has approved the election of existing director Mike Tod to the position.Councillors agreed to authorise mayor Glyn Lewers and chief executive Mike Theelen to sign a shareholder resolution proposing Mike’s appointment at a council meeting last month. QAC subsequently confirmed the election of Mike at its meeting later in the month. “Mike’s contribution to QAC’s governance over the last four years makes him an excellent choice for deputy chair and I congratulate him on his election,” Glyn said.The position became vacant after former deputy chair Simon Flood was elected to the position of chair in October last year. Mike, who joined the board in October 2020, has experience of global aviation across key markets. He is a former member of the Star Alliance Marketing Committee and a current Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.Queenstown Airport is a council-controlled trading organisation (CCTO) with two shareholders - Queenstown Lakes District Council (75.01 per cent) and Auckland Airport (24.99 per cent). It is managed by QAC and governed by a board of directors. PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka Fire Brigade is calling on the local community to support a petition to amend legislation to better protect volunteer firefighters.More than 12,000 volunteer firefighters around New Zealand are currently excluded from certain Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) benefits because they are classified as non-employees. This is despite the personal risks volunteer firefighters take.“As volunteer firefighters, we respond to emergencies 24/7, often putting our health and safety at risk,” Wānaka Fire Brigade chief fire officer Tony Wellman said. “Our firefighters deserve the same protections as our paid colleagues.”More than 18,000 people have already signed the parliamentary petition, which was launched just days ago by Queenstown Fire Brigade volunteer firefighter Katherine Lamont.It comes after Kingston’s former volunteer fire chief Peter Ottley was denied ACC coverage for a mental injury he sustained from attending callouts.“We believe: ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of these volunteers must be a top priority for the government,” Katherine said in her petition. “There is a duty of care that is being missed and volunteers are suffering.”The petition is supported by the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) and the Green Party.Tony asked the Wānaka community to get behind the petition.“We fully support this petition and encourage our community to sign and share it widely,” he said.Find the petition here.PHOTO: PHOTO

WAI Wānaka is asking locals to take collective action this World Water Day (Saturday March 22) to safeguard the Upper Clutha’s waterways. The water advocacy group has organised events to celebrate World Water Day, including a warm-up event today (Friday March 21) and activities at the Ripe Festival on Saturday, as well as a dawn plunge to celebrate the start of the Wānaka Festival of Colour the following weekend.The events are designed to help people learn about the pressure local lakes and rivers are facing and discover how they can take action to protect them, the organisation said.“Our alpine lakes have absorbed more than 150 years of human activities,” WAI Wānaka said in a statement. “Looking at them from afar, it’s hard to imagine that Lakes Wānaka, Whakatipu and Hāwea could be in danger of losing their pristine acclaim; but the reality is the lakes are experiencing an unacceptable rate of decline.”Read more: Decline in lake health needs urgent action - community groupThis Friday WAI Wānaka will be out and about in Wānaka and Lake Hāwea from 10am to 4pm to provide information and activities. The ‘warm up celebrations’ will take place at the Hāwea Store & Kitchen (10am-12pm), outside Kai Whakapai (10am-4pm), the Dinosaur Park (10am-4pm), Mitre 10 Mega (11am-1pm) and New World Three Parks (2pm-4pm).For World Water Day on Saturday WAI is partnering with the Ripe Food & Wine Festival offering family-friendly activities and keeping festival-goers hydrated. Thanks to Envirotix, for each Ripe ticket purchased a donation will be made to help ensure future generations can drink safe water, and swim in clear rivers and lakes.The following weekend (Saturday March 29) WAI has organised a dawn plunge to celebrate the opening of the Festival of Colour. People can join for a cold dip followed by a hot drink and refreshments. Registration is required for this free public event.Find out more here. PHOTO: Wānaka App

The Upper Clutha premier rugby team (the Rams) begin their Central Otago Premier Rugby title defence tomorrow (Saturday March 22), with an away match against Maniototo in Ranfurly.After lifting the trophy last season, the Rams are preparing for another competitive campaign, despite several squad changes. Head coach Alex Dickson acknowledged the challenges of assembling the full squad early in the season but remained optimistic about the team’s readiness.“We’ve got a lot of new players, so it’s about getting everyone on the same page,” Alex said. “It’s a bit of a battle at this time of year, but we’re getting there. I think we’re ready to go this weekend.”The Rams have seen the departure of a handful of players, including top try-scorer Tom Jarman, and openside flanker Blake Manning. However, reinforcements have arrived, including a lock and a couple of “promising loose forwards” along with a potential new prop.Alex is confident that the additions will help maintain the team’s expansive playing style.“We’ve got a little more size in our forward pack this year, which might bring a few changes, but we’ll still look to play an open, expansive game,” he said.Maniototo presents a tough opening challenge, especially on their home turf, but Alex sees an early-season trip to Ranfurly as a positive. “It’s the best time to play them - we don’t want to go there in the middle of winter,” Alex said.The Rams will play under the new rule adjustments implemented in Super Rugby, designed to speed up the game, a change that Alex believes will suit their style.This season marks the Upper Clutha Rugby Club’s 125th anniversary, with celebrations set for May 16-18, when Upper Clutha hosts Maniototo in the second round.While the Rams will miss some familiar faces, their depth and recruitment suggest they remain strong contenders in the competition. Co-captains Lachie Garrick and Oliver Stirling will lead the team again, and they will be hoping for a successful start in Ranfurly to set the tone for another title-challenging season.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A sculpture by the late Paul Dibble has been installed on the shores of Lake Wānaka, a donation from a local family in memory of their mother.Titled View Over the Interior, the piece is positioned to forever look over the lake and on to Mount Gold, which was their mother’s favourite mountain, the family said.The installation marks Dibble’s second piece in the district’s public collection, after Fern, which stands at the entrance to Queenstown Gardens.The Lakes District Arts Trust (LDAT) facilitated the installation of View Over the Interior, led by members Linda Joll and Chris Hadfield.Chris said he was first approached by a local philanthropist about installing the sculpture on the lakefront in late 2023. This was shortly before Dibble died at the age of 80.Over his career Dibble created a significant body of sculptural works for public and private contexts and he was particularly well-known for his large-scale, cast bronze sculptures.Wānaka was fortunate to now have a Dibble sculpture available to enjoy, Linda said.Sculptures of this kind “help to enrich our communities”, she told the Wānaka App.Representatives from Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Lakes District Arts Trust gathered last week to celebrate the sculpture’s installation.Last week Queenstown Lakes District Council representatives and LDAT members gathered to celebrate the installation of View Over the Interior.LDAT - which has been installing artworks throughout the district for 25 years - thanked the family for the generous donation. Other nearby installations facilitated by LDAT include Llew Summers’ Hand that Nurtures, located further along the Lake Wānaka shoreline near the Dinosaur Playground, and Waterbirds by Mark Hill, on an island in Bullock Creek.View Over the Interior is located to the east of the Stoney Creek Bridge, just off Te Ara Wānaka.More information about LDAT can be found here.The trust welcomes inquiries from those interested in donating or supporting public art projects.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

A male approached a five-year-old girl who was at The Warehouse with her mother on Friday (March 14) and “made concerning comments to the young girl and her mother,” Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said.  “We are aware of comments being made on Facebook in relation to this incident and encourage the parents of any girls that have been approached to come forward and advise the police as we are trying to identify the male.” People can use the online report options on the Police 105 website to make a non-emergency report, or call police on 105 (Ten-Five) 24/7. Quote file: 250318/1509.On Saturday (March 15) police attended an incident between a car and a bicycle at the Anderson Road roundabout, in which the cyclist received minor injuries.“Sadly, less than a year ago we attended a fatal [accident] involving a car versus bike less than 50 metres from that location,” Fi said.“For drivers, cyclists are there to be seen, please take extra care. For cyclists, please ensure that you use lights, especially in poor lighting/nighttime. Wear clothing that enhances your safety, including a helmet.”On Tuesday (March 11) at approximately 6.30pm police were called to a vehicle collision on the Crown Range. The vehicle was travelling south and hit the barrier. “Sun strike may have been a contributing factor. Both driver and passenger were taken to hospital by ambulance,” Fi said.In other incidents, a 31-year-old male was stopped on the Wānaka/Luggate Highway on March 13, and tested for elevated blood/breath alcohol. The result was 484 mcg. And a member of the public reported that items were stolen from their work vehicle parked on Bernard Road, Albert Town, overnight on Wednesday (March 12).The Roar season is officially underway, and Fi said police want to ensure “it’s not only a great Roar, but a safe one”.“Safe hunting has nothing to do with luck, specifically in relation to firearms and backcountry conditions,” Fi said.She advised hunters to check the weather, then check it again; have a plan for the hunt and give it to someone - especially a ‘due out’ time; ensure you contact that person when you get out to avoid unplanned SAR related call outs; take the right gear for the conditions; have enough food and gear for the trip; take a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a reliable way to communicate.“The simple message is plan safe, act safe, stay safe,” she said.Save the drinks until all the firearms are safely unloaded and locked awayTreat firearms as loadedSafe directionChamber a round only when ready to fireIdentify your targetCheck your firing zone (what if I miss?)Storage and transport firearms safelyAvoid drugs and alcohol.Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Queenstown Lakes Libraries has launched LitFest, a literacy festival featuring dozens of free events across the district.The festival, which runs from March to May, will celebrate literacy in the district and aims to open the library doors to a wide audience. Events range from financial literacy to hands-on bookbinding workshops, author talks, spoken word, and self-publishing.Upper Clutha Libraries branch manager Julie Stretch said literacy is more than just reading. “It’s about expression, creativity, and connection. Libraries are evolving, and this festival showcases just how much they have to offer,” she said.“Libraries, and this festival, is all about making learning, creativity, and storytelling accessible to our whole community. Come join us, get inspired, and be part of the magic.”LitFest starts with an open mic night at Wānaka Library tonight (Thursday March 20).The open mic night is an opportunity for enthusiastic amateurs to come along and perform original music in front of a friendly and supportive audience alongside local group Wānaka Project. At Frankton Library, a festival highlight is the panel discussion on adult neurodiversity featuring experts in ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism, which will take place next Thursday (March 27). The festival also features hands-on workshops, such as the chance to learn the ancient art of Coptic bookbinding, a technique dating back to 4th-century Ethiopian monasteries, at Arrowtown Library. Meanwhile at Queenstown Library, documentary filmmaker and writer Peta Carey will share her insights about what makes for a good story.These are just a snapshot of the many events held across the district during LitFest, Julie said.See the full event programme here.All LitFest events are free and open to all – library membership is not required.PHOTO: Wānaka App

As more people choose Wānaka for its stunning scenery and vibrant community, it’s easy to focus on living in the moment. However, planning for the future is just as important—especially when it comes to ensuring your personal and financial affairs are taken care of if you’re no longer able to make decisions for yourself.One of the most effective ways to do this is by setting up Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs).An EPA is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to do so. Think of it as an insurance policy—it’s something you hope you never need, but if the time comes, you’ll be glad it’s in place.The Basics of EPAsWhen you set up an EPA, you (the ‘donor’) appoint a trusted person (your ‘attorney’) to make decisions on your behalf. There are two types of EPAs:Property EPA – Covers financial matters, including managing your bank accounts, paying bills, and handling investments or property transactions.Personal Care & Welfare EPA – Relates to your health and personal well-being, such as decisions about medical treatment or where you will live if you need care.You can appoint the same person for both roles, but you don’t have to. Some people prefer to have different attorneys for financial and personal matters, depending on their expertise and relationships.To future-proof your arrangements, you can also appoint back-up attorneys in case your first choice is unable to act. Additionally, you may include requirements for your attorney to consult with or inform other family members. For example, if you have multiple adult children, you might appoint one as your attorney but require them to provide updates to their siblings, ensuring transparency and family harmony.Legal Requirements for EPAsSigning – EPAs must be signed in the presence of a lawyer, who will explain their implications and confirm that you fully understand your decisions.Capacity – If there’s any doubt about your mental capacity at the time of signing, a medical certificate may be required.Timing – Once you lose mental capacity, it’s too late to create an EPA. That’s why it’s crucial to set one up while you’re still fully capable.What Happens if You Don’t Have an EPA?Many people assume that if they lose capacity, their spouse or children will automatically be able to make decisions for them. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Without an EPA, your family may need to apply to the Family Court to be appointed as your Property Manager or Welfare Guardian under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988.This legal process can be:Expensive – Court applications involve legal fees, which can be significant.Time-consuming – The process can take months, delaying essential decisions about your care and finances.Stressful for loved ones – Even if your family members agree on who should be appointed, the legal process adds unnecessary strain during an already difficult time.Ongoing obligations – If a Property Manager or Welfare Guardian is appointed by the Court, they must provide regular reports and have their appointment reviewed every three years.By putting an EPA in place now, you can avoid this costly and stressful process for your family.EPAs and Retirement Villages in New ZealandWith New Zealand’s growing retirement population and increasing demand for aged care facilities, many people consider moving into a retirement village as they get older. If this is something you’re planning for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to know that most retirement villages require residents to have Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) in place before moving in.This requirement ensures that if a resident loses mental capacity, there is already a trusted person legally appointed to make decisions about their health care, living arrangements, and finances. This helps avoid delays or disputes about who should be responsible for making those important decisions. If you are considering moving into a retirement village, it’s best to have your EPAs prepared well in advance to make the transition smoother and to ensure that your wishes are followed if you ever need support with decision-making.ConclusionLosing mental capacity is never something we like to think about, but having an EPA in place can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. By acting now, you:Choose who will make decisions on your behalfAvoid unnecessary stress, delays, and legal costs for your familyEnsure your wishes are followed regarding your health and financesIf you or someone in your family needs advice on setting up an EPA, our Wānaka-based legal team at Checketts McKay is here to help. Whether you need to draft new EPAs or navigate the process for someone who has already lost capacity, we can provide expert guidance tailored to your circumstances.Contact our Wānaka office today to discuss your options and ensure your future is in safe hands.