Art lovers are in for a treat this weekend as the Craigs Investment Partners Aspiring Art Prize returns, bringing hundreds of never-before-seen works from across New Zealand to Wānaka. The 19th annual event - a Holy Family Catholic School’s fundraiser - will showcase 151 pieces from 147 artists, with something for everyone. Aspiring Art Prize event manager Kelcey Radford said visitors to the exhibition can expect a wide range of mediums: “oil paintings, mixed media, acrylic paintings” and more.The event will kick off with a ticketed gala opening night on Friday (January 9). Tickets are still available ($80) and include live music, complimentary drinks and nibbles, and the first chance to view and purchase artwork.Winning entries will also be announced on the night. After the gala, the exhibition opens to the public from Saturday to Monday (January 10-12), 10am to 4pm each day, with the collection filling multiple classrooms at Holy Family Catholic School. Entry is $5.Visitors can vote for the annual People’s Choice Award when they attend the exhibition.The Aspiring Art Prize typically attracts hundreds of entries and visitors and over the last 19 years it has established itself as a nationally recognised art award.Each year it features a guest artist and this year’s is Kate Horn, a contemporary artist from Auckland.Kate said she was particularly drawn to the quiet power of remote places, and often paints bold, atmospheric scenes featuring lone houses nestled within vast and dramatic terrains.  Kelcey said tickets for the gala are available at the Aspiring Art Prize website and, after the gala, an online gallery will go live to give people who cannot attend the exhibition in person the opportunity to view and purchase works.Find more information and buy tickets here.PHOTO: Aspiring Art Prize

Older residents in Wānaka are increasingly struggling to find affordable housing, with dozens on waitlists, up against seven-figure house prices and rents far above the national average.Recent data from the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT) shows 284 households on the Wānaka waitlist, including 24 households aged 60 and over. Median house prices in the district now exceed $1.3M, while weekly rents average $718, according to a recent University of Otago report.To help seniors stay in Wānaka, Abbeyfield Wānaka Incorporated was established in 2024, with the goal of creating a local ‘Abbeyfield’ house - one which provides affordable, ‘family style’ accommodation for older residents.The recent housing and rental price increases make the mission even more urgent, Abbeyfield Wānaka Incorporated representative David Gibbs says.“While the affordability crisis affects everyone trying to find housing they can reasonably afford, the impact on residents over 65 is often most acutely felt,” he said.“Older people have limited or no earning potential, are more likely to be single-person households, and often face additional age-related costs such as healthcare.”For those living primarily on NZ Super, remaining in the Upper Clutha can become financially unviable, and for many, moving away is the only option, he said.Abbeyfield Wānaka Incorporated continues to work to create a local Abbeyfield house.The group envisions a property catering for 12–14 residents, each with a private studio and ensuite, alongside shared living areas. A housekeeper would provide two meals each day.As with other Abbeyfield homes, rents would cover accommodation, meals, power, rates, and overheads, keeping costs affordable for people on superannuation.It is a worthwhile cause, David said: “Abbeyfield offers dignity, affordability, and connection.“It’s not just housing; it’s a lifestyle that combats loneliness and financial stress.”The main hurdle to constructing an Abbeyfield house in Wānaka is securing land, fellow Abbeyfield Wānaka Incorporated group member Lyal Cocks said.The group is exploring several options, including public or council-controlled land — such as a site near Te Kura O Tititea Mount Aspiring College — as well as discussions with private developers who have affordability requirements in their deeds, including Willowridge Developments.It is a difficult but not insurmountable task to acquire land, Lyal said, adding: “We just have to keep working through the process.”Once land is secured, fundraising will begin, after which construction could take around 18 months.Lyal said the Abbeyfield model is proven, having been successfully rolled out in around a dozen locations across New Zealand, including Frankton.Anyone interested in supporting the project is encouraged to visit the Abbeyfield Wānaka Incorporated website.PHOTO: Supplied

From baking plates and preserving jars to flowers, photography and hand-crafted creations, the Home Industry section remains one of the most loved and enduring features of the Wānaka A&P Show.Housed inside the Shepherdess Home Industry Pavilion, the section celebrates everyday skills and creativity, with locals of all ages encouraged to take part. Preschoolers exhibit alongside grandparents, first-time entrants compete next to seasoned exhibitors, and a wide range of categories including baking, preserves, produce, needlework, woodwork and arts and crafts, ensure there is something for everyone.Home Industry committee member Sarah Godfrey said the section plays a vital role in bringing the community together. Sarah has attended the show for more than 20 years and joined the committee last year.“After coming to the show for so long, I wanted to give something back,” she said. “I enjoy baking and gardening, so Home Industry felt like the perfect fit.”Home Industry committee member Sarah Godfrey. PHOTO: Supplied.Behind the scenes, a team of volunteers works throughout the year to plan the section, with show week bringing a flurry of activity as displays are set up, entrants welcomed and judges supported.“It’s a great group of people,” Sarah said. “I’ve picked up so many tips from other committee members, especially around gardening.”Sarah said anyone considering entering or volunteering should not be put off by a lack of experience. “You meet great people, learn new things and it’s a really fun couple of days,” she said. “It’s all about giving it a go.”The Wānaka A&P Show runs on March 13-14. Find out more about the Home Industry competitions here.The Home Industry competitions encourage creativity. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Specialist search teams from Wānaka are among those continuing a large-scale operation to locate missing tramper Connor Purvis, as Police intensify efforts in rugged alpine terrain near Lake Ōhau.Police said significant search activity continued yesterday (January 5) across the upper South Temple Valley, Mount Huxley and the Huxley River South Branch, with teams searching both on foot and by helicopter. Further searches today are focusing on Mount Huxley, the Huxley River South Branch and the upper Ahuriri River.Connor has not been seen or heard from since he left to climb Mount Huxley last Tuesday (December 30).Police Senior Sergeant Blair Dalton said a number of specialist teams were involved in today’s operation, including Wānaka-based canyon and drone teams.“Specialist search teams working today include Wānaka canyon and drone teams, the Dunedin cliff rescue team, and a number of Land Search and Rescue teams,” he said.“Police are interested to hear from anyone who has climbed Mount Huxley in the past several weeks.”Helicopter support for both searching and logistics is being provided by HeliVentures out of Ōamaru and The Helicopter Line from Mt Cook.Search teams have been operating in steep, exposed and difficult terrain as they work to locate him.Anyone with information that may assist the search is asked to contact Police on 105 and quote reference number 260102/2266.Related: Large-scale search for missing tramper near Lake ŌhauPHOTO: Supplied

The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) is contributing $1.2M toward an Otago Regional Council (ORC) project to advance fly-over LiDAR (light detection and ranging) ground mapping coverage across the region.LiDAR involves sending a beam of light from a device on a low-flying plane, which bounces back from the ground to give a measurement of land elevation. The technique is used to create elevation maps for large land areas. ORC’s natural hazards spatial analyst Andrew Welsh said Otago and parts of Fiordland are the only regions without full LiDAR coverage, so MfE’s contribution is invaluable in helping achieve full coverage across Otago in the near future.The map shows the four areas to be mapped, with the southwest quadrant (including Queenstown) to be captured first.Presently there’s about 10,200 square kilometres (sq km) of existing LiDAR data over 28 percent of Otago, with coverage including Dunedin and Mosgiel, down the coast from the Waitaki River to the Catlins, in parts of the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts, plus the Clutha and Waitaki rivers’ catchments. “The new project and flyovers of four inland and the alpine lakes areas will collate a further 23,000sq km of data, or 72 percent of Otago,” Andrew said. “Combined with the earlier flyover data, there’ll be 100 percent LiDAR coverage of the province; all eventually accessible to the public. “The data LiDAR generates is invaluable in understanding and preparing for natural hazards, such as flooding, erosion or landslips, as well as assisting with infrastructure management, hydrology and catchment planning.” The LiDAR mapping information will be made publicly available for anyone to use once it is captured and processed.Otago and parts of Fiordland are the only regions in the country without full LiDAR coverage. Andrew said flights have already begun around Otago’s southwest area, with the entire project expected to be completed over two to three years. IMAGES: Supplied

Residents and visitors to Queenstown Lakes are encouraged to do their part to help save water this summer, using simple changes at home or the holiday house to safeguard water supplies.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) infrastructure operations manager Simon Mason said demand for water across the network was high, and despite a wet spring and a rainy start to summer, the forecast for the next few days is hot and dry.“We historically see water usage skyrocket over the Christmas and New Year period, and as we move into 2026 and get more of those hotter, drier days we all enjoy, that sprinkler or hose at home is likely to be used a lot more to keep gardens green and lawns lush,” he said.“Water is a limited and precious resource, but how we’re using it can become unsustainable very quickly in summer, putting our supplies at risk in the event of an emergency and potentially leading to temporary water restrictions if the network comes under enough strain.”He said there are plenty of quick and easy things to do at home to help keep reservoirs filled - and help achieve a summer free from water restriction.The biggest water saving efforts at home can be made when watering lawns or gardens, with residents encouraged to consider reducing their use of sprinklers or irrigation, and only watering late at night.This avoids the worst of the day’s heat and water being lost to evaporation, and also the busy morning and evening periods when water demand is at its highest.Other effective tips include saving up to 20 litres for every minute cut from time spent in the shower, and the simple act of turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving to save another 10 litres in the space of a minute.Another important step is to fix water leaks around the home and to notify QLDC of any on public land as soon as possible, helping to stop water that’s been treated, stored, and then piped across town ending up in the gutter and heading down a storm drain and straight back to the lake or river.Simon said while small tweaks to water use at home might not seem like much, collectively, enough people making one change would make a significant difference to the district’s water supplies.“We’re blessed with an abundant freshwater resource right in our backyards, but maintaining our water supplies will never be a case of just getting more from the lake aquifer,” he said.“Taking that water and constructing and operating the infrastructure needed to treat it, store it, and deliver it to taps around the district comes with a significant cost.“We’ve all had or seen the sprinkler blasting at midday, or the broken irrigation that’s just spent three hours watering a nearby road or footpath. It’s not the water we’ve got, it’s how we’re using it.”With water restrictions always a possibility as summer wears on and reservoir levels drop, signage was erected around the district to detail the different water alert levels and what residents and visitors are expected to do if restrictions are required.Read more: Water alerts in placeResidents and visitors can check out a range of tips and tricks to play their part and help save water at home here.PHOTO: Supplied

One person has died after they were trapped under a vehicle on Roche Street in Wānaka this morning (Monday January 5), NZ Police have confirmed.The incident was reported at around 10.45 am and attended by crews from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), Police and other agencies.Shortly after 1pm NZ Police confirmed the person died at the scene.A scene examination is being completed, NZ Police said.Previous: Person trapped under car extricated but serious injuries likely

Updated: Person dies after being trapped under vehicle Earlier:A person who became trapped under a vehicle in central Wānaka this morning is likely to have serious injuries, NZ Police say.The incident took place on Roche Street, near Pembroke Park, at around 10.45am.“A person was trapped underneath the vehicle which our crew worked to extricate,” a Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) spokesperson told the Wānaka App.A Wānaka App reporter at the scene around the time of the incident said the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter airlifted an individual to hospital from Pembroke Park.FENZ was unable to confirm if this was the same incident.NZ Police said initial indications suggested there are “serious injuries”.Roche Street was closed following the incident but it has since reopened.Several Police vehicles remain at a Roche Street address.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A large-scale search is under way for a 20-year-old tramper missing in the Mount Huxley area near Lake Ōhau, with Police appealing to the public for information.Connor Purvis was last known to be tramping in the area after intending to climb Mount Huxley on or about December 30, descending via the Huxley River South Branch. When he failed to return, concerns were raised and a coordinated search effort was launched.Police Search and Rescue teams are leading the operation, supported by Land Search and Rescue volunteers from Omarama, Oamaru and Dunedin, as well as the Department of Conservation alpine rescue team from Aoraki/Mt Cook. Air support is being provided by Heliventures in Oamaru and The Helicopter Line at Mt Cook.IMAGE: peakery.com/Otago Coastal Search and Rescue coordinator Sergeant Matt Sheat said teams had been searching huts and campsites throughout the area but had not yet located any sign of Connor.“We ask anyone who has climbed Mt Huxley or has been tramping or hunting in the Huxley River South Branch between December 28 and January 2 to make contact with Police if they haven’t already,” Sergeant Sheat said.“We also want to hear from anyone who may have seen or spoken to Connor in the South Temple, Ahuriri or Huxley valleys in that same timeframe.”Connor is described as having red hair and a handlebar moustache.Anyone with information is asked to contact Police online, or by calling 105 and quoting reference number 260102/2266.PHOTO: Supplied / NZ Police

Out-of-town taxi drivers have once again targeted Wānaka during the festive season, and locals have reported being quoted exorbitant prices for rides.Reports include people being quoted $450 for a ride from Rhythm & Alps (Cardrona Valley) into Wānaka on December 31.One group of six paid $125 each for a ride - a total of $750 for the carload.An out-of-town company charged a teenage girl $186 for a five kilometre taxi ride, according to a report on social media.A police spokesperson told the Wānaka App they had also received a report of a purported taxi owner “taking money ahead of time and not delivering the promised ride”. “Police are generally aware there can be people this time of year in the Wānaka and Queenstown areas who look to take advantage of visitors to the area by charging them exorbitantly for a taxi or car service,” the spokesperson said.“Often, these can be civil matters rather than criminal – as they can ultimately relate to a breach of contract – however, people can report matters to police via 105 for assessment.”Legitimate taxis must have an operator’s licence; the driver needs to have an ID card; the vehicle has to have a COF; and the taxis must have a meter. Wānaka’s Yello Taxis owner Ramash Swamy has told the Wānaka App some taxi businesses target towns like Wānaka which host events during the summer.Yello, a local company which has been operating for more than ten years, has a set pricing structure for fares.PHOTO: Noel Tock

There were some nerve-wracking moments for the Wānaka Rodeo Club ahead of last week’s annual rodeo thanks to heavy rain, but the day itself was perfect, according to club president Ethan McNamara.The annual event, held on Friday January 2, attracted a capacity crowd of around 4,000 people.“It was a lot better than we were expecting with the weather,” Ethan told the Wānaka App.Despite the rain, the crowd “came in droves”, he said: “From the weather in the morning and until it stopped it was the perfect day for us, to be honest.”Wānaka Rodeo Club bronco Bandit had his last hurrah at the rodeo and will now retire to the paddock. PHOTO: SuppliedEthan said all the stock performed well and the day was “the final hurrah” for two club stalwarts: horses Bandit and Murphy.“Bandit finished with a buck off, it was quite nice to see for old Bandit. He’s now going to live his best life out in the paddock with Murphy.”The local bucking bronc, which is owned by the club, has won respect over the years for his character and big heart.Read more: Bandit steals heartsInvercargill cowboy Nate Robertson took out the second division Saddle Bronc ride and his first open Saddle Bronc; Tammy Taylor and ‘Gold’ won the Barrel Race contest, but standings leader Kate Hughes and ’Sister’ earned enough in second to retain their lead overall.Alexandra cowgirl Sky Sanders and ‘Cappi’ placed second in the Open Breakaway Roping contest; Oamaru cowboy Ryan Adam and ‘Streaker’ won the Steer Wrestling title; and Bianca Haugh and ‘Cinch’ won the second division Barrel Race.Clayton Perkins won the Junior Breakaway Roping, the Novice Steer Ride, and placed second in the Junior Barrel Race. He and his father Anthony then won the Team Roping contest.Ethan said the club ran a breakaway shootout round at the end of the rodeo for the top six times of the day, which was won by Sophie Smith of Tarras.Both vets and representatives from the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) are on hand at all rodeos to ensure stock wellbeing, and Ethan said he “had a good yarn to MPI after the rodeo and they were extremely happy with how things went”.

Seven Upper Clutha groups have benefitted from the latest Otago Community Trust grants.The Trust announced 73 grants - totalling $1,248,934 - in its December 2025 grants round. Local groups to benefit were Wānaka Wastebusters ($5,000), Mint Charitable Trust ($3,148), Kāhu Youth Trust ($8,695), Path Wānaka Incorporated ($8,800), Upper Clutha Agricultural & Pastoral Society ($4,590), Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust ($12,500), and Wānaka Lake Swimmers Incorporated ($600).“With a focus on infrastructure that will serve communities for generations, alongside vibrant events and critical conservation work, this funding demonstrates the huge scope of community-led initiatives happening across Otago,” the trust said.The round also included 18 capability grants totalling $91,160, helping organisations strengthen their operations and governance.PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka freeski star Finley Melville Ives has opened 2026 with another strong international result, finishing second at the FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup in Calgary, Canada, on Sunday morning (January 4).The 19-year-old claimed his second World Cup podium of the season at the third stop of the tour, continuing the momentum from a standout start to the northern winter.“I’m so stoked, I can’t believe it - it’s been an incredible start to the World Cup season,” Finley said. “The conditions were pretty tricky today, but [I] managed to put my run down and land a trick I’d never done before in competition, so I am pretty hyped to tick that one off.”After topping qualification from his heat, Finley earned the advantage of dropping second to last in both finals runs. He made an immediate impact, delivering a near-flawless opening run to take the early lead.The pressure ramped up in the second run when American Nick Goepper responded with a highly technical performance, scoring 94.80 to move into first place. With the bar raised, Finley attacked his second run with intent, landing a switch left double corked 1440 safety grab for the first time in competition. Minor bobbles on two landings meant the run did not improve his opening score, leaving him second overall behind Nick Goepper, with Birk Irving (USA) third.Calgary Men’s Freeski Halfpipe World Cup podium. [L-R] Finley Melville Ives NZL (2nd), Nick Goepper USA (1st), Birk Irving USA (3rd). PHOTO: Snow Sports NZ.Fellow Wānaka skier Ben Harrington finished eighth in his best result of the season. The tour moves on to Aspen next weekend, with New Zealand’s slopestyle athletes also returning to competition as the countdown to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games reaches 33 days.

New Zealand’s current store of natural gas is diminishing far faster than originally anticipated — with supply now projected to run out by 2026, three years earlier than previously forecast.Electrify Wānaka co-founder Jonathan Holmes says shrinking supply will drive up gas prices, affecting homeowners who rely on gas for water heating and cooking.Recently revised MBIE data revealed New Zealand’s natural gas supplies have already fallen 27 percent since 2024 and, although the government is investing in new fields, they won’t deliver immediate relief.Jonathan says rising costs are inevitable and transitioning homeowners away from gas is one of Electrify Wānaka’s key priorities.“There is a lot of uncertainty where New Zealand’s gas for industry and households will come from, but we can probably expect it to rise in cost considerably,” he said.He acknowledged electricity prices are also climbing but said electric hot water or heating systems and induction cooktops will still be cheaper to operate over their lifetime than gas.Another Electrify Wānaka goal is to encourage locals to offset increasing electricity costs by adding solar panels and battery storage to homes.Central Otago and Upper Clutha homeowners already pay some of the highest electricity charges in the country, higher even than Queenstown and Dunedin.Local electricity network provider Aurora Energy’s pricing schedule shows an increase of its daily fixed rate for line charges in April this year from 60c/day to 75c/day; also its peak power usage charge for this district went up to over 26c/kWh.Jonathan uses a drop saw powered by an electric vehicle at a recent Mitre 10 MEGA display.In comparison, Dunedin homeowners only pay 16c/kWh and Queenstown only 19.27c/kWh for the same peak power.And in November, it was announced those charges are set to increase further every year from 2026 to 2030 to pay for Aurora’s required investment in infrastructure.Homeowners generating their own solar power will help combat these price increases, Jonathan said.“If you’re building a new home then it's easy to include solar in the plans,” he said.Central government has just changed the Building Act to allow most rooftop solar installations up to 40m2 to be added to existing homes and commercial buildings without requiring a building consent.Jonathan said adding solar to a home is a significant investment but “we have data which shows that investment is repaid over a period of time.”“It also adds value to the home.”While switching from gas to electric appliances will save money, homeowners will benefit the most if they can offset their power consumption with rooftop solar and a fully electric car.“Solar panels have dropped considerably in price over recent years and EVs have reached cost parity with petrol and diesel vehicles,” he said, adding that some banks are also offering 0-1 percent loans for sustainable purchases, such as EVs and solar.Using renewable energy is “not just an environmental argument anymore; it's also an economic one”, he said.For further information about switching to electric or adding a solar rooftop system email [email protected] or contact the group via Facebook.PHOTOS: Supplied

This summer, Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), Otago Regional Council (ORC), and Central Otago District Council (CODC) are encouraging everyone to take extra care of our land and waterways. “Summer is a fantastic time to get outdoors, but it’s also when our environment and facilities feel the most pressure,” LINZ land and waterways leader Lee Farnhill said. “If you’re staying at one of our freedom camping sites, please follow the site rules and treat the facilities with care. “Toilets and bins are there for everyone, keeping them clean and functional helps ensure a great experience for all.” CODC waste minimisation officer Abi Hawkins said using the district council’s transfer stations is the easiest and most effective way to dispose of rubbish responsibly. “Leaving rubbish behind spoils it for others and harms the environment. Every item taken to a … transfer station helps reduce litter and protect our community spaces. It’s a simple action that makes a big difference for everyone.” ORC Harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook reminded people to look after themselves and the lakes during the busy summer season. “If you’re heading out on the water, make sure your lifejacket is in good working order before you leave land,” he said.“That means checking for a proper fit, ensuring there are no rips or tears, and confirming it floats as it should. “We’re also asking people to Check, Clean, and Dry their watergear and boats between different waterways to help stop the spread of invasive aquatic weeds.”The three agencies are encouraging everyone to play their part this summer, and:Take all rubbish home or use council transfer stationsCheck, Clean and Dry watergear and boats to prevent the spread of aquatic weedsCheck the safety of your lifejacketFreedom camp only in designated areas and stick to the rules of the campsiteRespect wildlife and other visitorsWhether you’re hiking, camping, or swimming, we all have a role to play in protecting the natural taonga that make this area so special, they said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is calling on hikers and trampers to use the New Zealand Land Safety Code as their go-to guide for safe and enjoyable outdoor adventures this summer.   “Summer is Aotearoa New Zealand’s peak tramping season and many people will be heading out across the motu to enjoy the great outdoors,” MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said.“Unfortunately, every year people get into trouble, but with the right planning and preparation, most of these situations are preventable.” The Land Safety Code is an easy-to-follow five-point guide covering practical advice and safety tips whether you’re heading out on a short walk, demanding day hike, an overnight tramp with the kids or challenging multi-day trip. Plan My Walk, MSC’s free trip planning tool, makes it easy to put the code into practice, Mike said. The free app and website have detailed track descriptions including valuable user reviews, weather forecasts and warnings, gear lists, and a planning function that makes sharing a trip plan with an emergency contact simple. “By following the code and using Plan My Walk we hope more people will plan thoroughly and keep safety top of mind over the holiday period,” Mike said. “We want people to get the most out of their outdoor adventures and make it home safe at the end of the day.”MSC has launched a series of initiatives to improve tramper safety recently, including a video series of 16 popular tracks, including the Roys Peak Track, as well as another video highlighting the dangers of the Brewster Track.Read more: Hazardous popular track subject of videoThe New Zealand Land Safety Code was redeveloped in 2020 by outdoor safety, and search and rescue organisations, like MSC, the Department of Conservation, and Land Search and Rescue.New Zealand Land Safety Code:Choose the right trip for you. Use Plan My Walk to learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.Understand the weather – it can change fast. Check the forecast and any warnings on Plan My Walk and change your plans if needed.Pack warm clothes and extra food so you’re prepared for bad weather and an unexpected night out. The gear lists on Plan My Walk make this easy.Share your plans and take ways to get help. Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life. Plan My Walk helps you build a solid trip plan and share it with an emergency contact.Take care of yourself and each other. Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group, and make decisions together.PHOTO: Supplied

Years of consistent messaging from stakeholders such as police, Red Frogs, schools, and community groups has had an impact on the behaviour of young people - and their parents - over New Year.A police spokesperson told the Wānaka App it was “a pretty good night in Wānaka”, with the only significant issue being a 29-year-old man being arrested for disorderly behaviour in a bar and assaulting police.Red Frogs media spokesperson Shannon Thompson said the volunteer organisation (which safeguards young people in alcohol-fuelled environments) had witnessed “little bits of aggression but nothing major” over the festive period.“Overall the last few nights have been really good,” she said.One on-looker at the lakefront on New Year’s Eve told the Wānaka App the event was “chocka”, with an estimated 80 percent of the crowd made up of young people.“Five young guys came out of the crowd and stripped off and swam to the pontoon right before midnight,” she said.Shannon said the 35 Red Frog volunteers in Wānaka dealt with kids aged 14 years old and up.“A lot of under-agers still,” she said, adding it was great to see “friends looking after friends”.“We’ve had a great response from parents, with this year parents being available to collect their kids and be available when we call.”She said consistent messaging has led to “greater awareness for parents that they have to be available to look after their children as well”.Read more: Youth, alcohol and safety in Wānaka this New YearSafe Summer in Wānaka: Path Wānaka campaign for teens and visitorsOn New Year’s Eve the volunteers handed out more than 2,000 cups of water, cooked more than a thousand pancakes, and actively cared for 31 people in the Red Frogs safe zone.Shannon said this could mean the person was checked out by a medic, or had a volunteer sit with them if they were intoxicated or distressed.Rhythm & Alps attendees enjoying the 15th anniversary event.Meanwhile the Rhythm & Alps Festival in the Cardrona Valley (from December 29-31) attracted an estimated crowd of 10,000 partygoers for the 15th anniversary of the event.PHOTOS: Supplied

Five people were injured in a three-vehicle, high-speed crash in a narrow section of the Kawarau Gorge near Roaring Meg this morning (January 1).A St John Ambulance spokesperson said two ambulance crews responded to the scene just before 10.30am, assessing five patients, one with moderate injuries and the other four with minor injuries.The patient in a moderate condition was transported by ambulance to Lakes District Hospital.Fire and Emergency NZ Southern Communications Centre relieving shift manager Ian Littlejohn said St John called in their assistance to the “high velocity crash” with two Cromwell fire appliances and a support vehicle attending.“It was a three-car crash involving five patients, described as ‘walking wounded’," Ian said."No one was trapped and we managed traffic and scene control with one lane blocked."The highway was down to one lane after the crash.The road remained partially blocked for several hours while emergency services worked at the scene, reopening fully just before 12.30pm.PHOTO: Unsplash

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