The Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) is urging Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to act quickly on an urgent request from Wastebusters for a letter of intent - a move it says is critical to securing $10M or more in funding.Without the letter - which would confirm the council’s willingness to lease more land to Wastebusters - the long-running local environmental non-profit organisation cannot progress an application with the Ministry for the Environment’s (MfE) which would help fund an urgently needed expansion of its resource recovery services.Millions more in funding from charitable organisations is dependent on Wastebusters securing the MfE funding - but all of this is in jeopardy if QLDC does not supply a letter of intent by October.Wastebusters, which has long outgrown its current footprint, warns that missing this opportunity could threaten its long-term viability and force thousands more tonnes of reusable materials into landfill.Speaking at a workshop yesterday, (Thursday August 7), WUCCB chair Simon Telfer said it would be “environmental vandalism” if QLDC failed to act.“If this doesn’t go through, how can the council stand up and say: ‘We are true to waste minimisation, to a climate and biodiversity plan, [and] true to the Wānaka community’.”QLDC staff told board members that risks associated with a letter of intent included perceptions of preferential treatment, the opportunity cost of using its land for other infrastructure, and unanticipated costs to council.“Council should be falling over themselves to [write and sign] that letter of intent,” board member John Wellington said.QLDC’s 8.3ha site next to Wastebusters - purchased two years ago specifically for future waste services - made the decision a “no-brainer”, he said.Wastebusters has a 25-year-long track record of success and it is “the one thing in Wānaka every person agrees they like”, board member Chris Hadfield said.That popularity was reflected in public submissions on QLDC’s draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan earlier this year - more than half mentioned Wastebusters, and many specifically urged the council to provide it with more land.Board members expressed unanimous support for the letter of intent, and deputy mayor Quentin Smith said he would phone QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen to highlight his support while Simon said he would write a letter to the chief executive and mayor Glyn Lewers.“We have to look way beyond Wastebusters being just another tenant - they are a partner and absolutely integral to waste minimisation outcomes,” Quentin said.The letter of intent must be approved at the next full council meeting to meet the MfE’ deadline.PHOTO: Supplied

Teams from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), led by the Labour Inspectorate, have launched a sweeping compliance monitoring operation in Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago. Coinciding with the peak ski season activity, the four-day operation, codenamed Operation Fandango, is focused on ensuring that both employers and employees in the ski sector are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the law, MBIE said in a statement. The majority of the businesses being visited will be in the hospitality and retail sectors but construction, cleaning and security businesses will also be under the spotlight. “Our aim is to promote the fair treatment of workers - particularly those who may be vulnerable - by checking that employment and visa conditions are being met,” Labour Inspectorate’s head of compliance and enforcement Joanne Hacking said.  The operation was initiated following ongoing complaints and concerns about compliance with minimum employment standards in the Queenstown Lakes area.The Labour Inspectorate is being supported by a team from Immigration New Zealand with joint visits planned throughout the operation. Accredited employers are required to meet a range of obligations above minimum employment rights and Immigration New Zealand may complete checks at any time during the accreditation period. Besides Wānaka the teams will also be checking on businesses in Queenstown, Frankton, Glenorchy, Cromwell, and Alexandra. Joanne said while identifying breaches of minimum employment standards is a key focus, educating employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities is also an important part of the operation.“We also want to raise awareness of the Labour Inspectorate and the importance of complying with minimum employment entitlements,” she said. “The operation will include compliance checks for businesses that may not have previously engaged with the Inspectorate, as well as follow-up visits to support ongoing compliance among employers who have had issues in the past.” Operation Fandango follows a successful similar joint MBIE initiative led by the Inspectorate in the Queenstown area during the 2024 ski season. Joanne said ski field and related sector employers need to understand that no matter whether employees are employed on a casual, part-time or fixed-term basis they all have minimum employment rights.“This includes providing all workers with a written employment contract, paying them at least the minimum wage if they are 16 years or older, allowing them meal and rest breaks, and entitlements such as holiday pay, sick leave and public holiday pay.” She stressed the importance of accurate record-keeping for time worked, payments, holidays and leave taken, and entitlements.  PHOTO: Wānaka App

The much-loved Wānaka Wearable Creations show is set to return in 2026, ten years after the last show.A staple on the local events calendar for two decades, the show featured wearable art made and modelled by locals before ending in 2016.Now the Wanaka Wearables Charitable Trust is bringing it back by popular demand.“The trustees have been listening and are excited and inspired to bring back to the Wānaka region a much-loved performance and display of local creativity, ingenuity and inspiration,” the trust said in a statement.Trustees Anna Mackay, Sarah Shore, and Tracey Gibson will run the show, and there are two other trustees - Grenville Craig and Andrew Lovelock.Four shows will run from May 20-23 2026.“This is a non-competitive, community-focused platform where your creativity sets the rules,” the trust said. “There are no set categories and no prize money.”The Wānaka Wearables Charitable Trust is now calling for artists and creators to take part.“Whether your work is fashion, sculpture, performance art, or something entirely unique, we invite you to create a wearable creation that tells your story.”“We expect the interest to be huge, so make sure you don't miss out. There are limited places available.”Applications (from [email protected]) close on August 31.The Wānaka Wearables Charitable Trust aims to promote and support the local creative arts and amateur arts community and encourage sustainability, recycling and upcycling.PHOTO: Alpine Image Co

Plans for a replacement after hours medical service for Wānaka have been put out for tender by Health NZ Te Whatu Ora.A service specification for the ‘Wānaka After Hours and Overnight Service’ says the service would provide “primary care, urgent care and assessment to all service users outside of normal business hours”, building on existing in-person and virtual primary care, ambulance, transport, and other services.The new service will extend the availability of a clinician from 6pm to 8pm during the week and from 9am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays.Health Action Wānaka (HAW) told the Wānaka App it was great to see progress on delivering continued after-hours care for the community.“We welcome the proposed increase in the level of service with face-to-face appointments required from 6pm to 8pm (clinicians are currently on call from 6pm), and on weekends from 9am - 5pm (currently, on-site clinicians are available 9am to 12pm and 3pm - 6pm),” HAW steering committee chair Monique Mayze said.The current service operates from Enliven, adjacent to the Wānaka Lakes Health Centre.The current service is provided by Central Otago Health Services Limited (COHSL) in collaboration with local GPs, St John and Ka Ora, and operates from the Aspiring Enliven Care Centre on Cardrona Valley Road alongside the Wānaka Lakes Health Centre.Health NZ funding was initially provided for a year but that was extended until a new service is in place. The service was established a year ago in response to community and political advocacy for after hours care in the Upper Clutha.Read more: Overnight care service opens its doorsA HAW representation was part of the project team that made recommendations for how the new after hours service should be designed. “In those meetings, we were very vocal about the need to remove cost as a barrier to people seeking medical help after hours,” Monique said.“Our position is that symptoms that would be treated for free at a publicly funded emergency department, should be free for people in our community who present with the same symptoms seeking after-hours urgent and unplanned care.”She said the group was pleased the proposed service would remain free to all eligible children aged under 14. “We hope Community Services Card holders will be heavily subsidised as we do not want anyone to miss out on access to urgent healthcare due to cost.” The service specification says the chosen provider will set fees in agreement with Health NZ.Consultation fees for the current nurse-led service, Wānaka Acute Overnight Care, are $180 for those 14 years and over enrolled with a WellSouth GP practice and free for those under 14. Fees are higher for New Zealand visitors ($280 for over 14) and overseas visitors and non residents ($650).The new service’s “minimum expected outcomes” include face-to-face service available to walk-in patients from 6pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday; an on-call service, accessible first by telephone triage via Ka Ora or some other funded telephone triage provider, from 8pm to 8am, Monday to Friday; and a face-to-face service, available to walk-in patients from 9am to 5pm, on weekends and public holidays.The clinic will be served by a minimum of two staff, which may include GPs or rural hospital doctors, emergency medical technicians, allied health professionals, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, registered nurses, enrolled nurses, health care assistants or administrators. The service will be connected to local St John, clinicians at Dunstan Hospital and Lakes District Hospital and with the Emergency Department at Dunedin Hospital, the service specification said.The location of the service was not specified, but the document said it “may be part of an existing general practice or other healthcare provider”.HAW reiterated its request for Health NZ to fund radiology services (x-ray and ultrasound) in Wānaka, including over the weekends, so people can get timely diagnoses.PHOTOS: Supplied

The government’s proposal to replace NCEA will not affect Te Kura O Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) students currently in years 9-13, principal Nicola Jacobsen says.Earlier this week plans for a new “internationally benchmarked national qualification” were unveiled by prime minister Christopher Luxon, who said NCEA is inconsistent, hard to navigate, and doesn’t always deliver the skills students need for future success.Under the proposed changes, NCEA level one will be replaced by foundational literacy and numeracy tests, and levels two and three will be replaced by a ‘New Zealand Certificate of Education’ and an ‘Advanced Certificate’.In levels two and three students will need to take five subjects and pass four to attain their certificate, and marks out of 100 and traditional letter grades like A,B,C and D will be reinstated.MAC principal Nicola Jacobsen said while the school was expecting further changes to NCEA, she was surprised by the proposal to replace it with an entirely new system.While MAC’s senior students will finish out their high school education with NCEA, the new curriculum will be phased in from 2026 for younger students.“Our students who are currently in year 8 will be impacted by the changes as they will undertake a new qualification, with new curriculum learning being phased in from next year,” Nicola told the Wānaka App.“We are well equipped to manage such changes as we’ve been managing changes to the NCEA since a review of it began in 2018,” she said.Education minister Erica Stanford said this week that NCEA’s “flexibility” has “come at the cost of developing the critical skills and knowledge [students] need for clear pathways into future study, training or employment”.She said the proposal was about making sure the national qualification “opens doors for every young person, whether they’re heading into a trade, university, or straight into work”.Nicola provided reassurance about the value of NCEA.“NCEA remains a valid qualification, and our students can continue to pursue their learning pathways and post-school goals, including accessing university pathways internationally,” she told the Wānaka App.MAC was taken by surprise by the government’s announcement that it would scrap NCEA.“While we had been expecting further changes to NCEA, we were surprised to learn that NCEA would be replaced by an entirely new qualification system,” Nicola said.She said the school would be advising parents and caregivers on how to give feedback on the proposal in its Friday newsletter.“For now, nothing will change for our students as we wait for the public consultation period to finish on 15 September and for the government to consider the feedback.”Find more information on the proposal here.PHOTOS: Supplied

Woolworths Metro Wānaka will close at the end of the month, the company has confirmed.The small-scale grocery store - formerly Countdown Metro Wānaka - has operated from the former BP on Ardmore Street since late 2021.“We’ve seen declining customer demand at the store and, with news of the resource consent for a new full service supermarket at Three Parks, we’ve decided to close the Metro store,” a Woolworths spokesperson told the Wānaka App.“Its last day of trading will be 31 August and we’re working closely with our team to continue their careers with Woolworths.”Local shoppers have been able to collect their online Woolworths grocery orders at the local Woolworths Metro, or have them delivered.The spokesperson indicated online orders would still be possible for Wānaka customers once the Metro closed.“...we’ll be communicating shortly to our customers about options for them, including delivery from our Alexandra store,” they said.Plans are well underway for a much larger 3,900sqm supermarket at Three Parks.That supermarket will open some time in 2027, the spokesperson said.Read more: Wānaka Woolworths one step closerPHOTO: Wānaka App

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is launching the 2025 Get Active Community Grant to help get more people, more active, more often.The annual grant enables eligible organisations to apply for QLDC Sport and Recreation facility entry passes so their patrons can access the facilities on offer at Wānaka Recreation Centre, Paetara Aspiring Central and Queenstown Events Centre.QLDC community partnerships advisor Marie Schmidt said the grant aims to give access to facilities for people that might find it difficult otherwise.“The 2024 grant enabled 595 entries into our facilities which is a great result,” Marie said. “It represented a 41 percent redemption rate which we’re hoping to improve with this year’s programme as we’re simplifying the passes on offer.“This year, we’re focusing on making the process even easier for organisations to apply and for participants to use the passes, so we can help more people enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.”The Get Active Community Grant will now feature two types of passes.The first pass is a free swim pass which grants access to Alpine Aqualand, Wānaka Recreation Centre, and Arrowtown Memorial Pool (in the summer) and the second pass is an all facilities pass which grants access to all sport and recreation facilities offerings, excluding sport leagues and some programmes.The 2025-2026 grant funding criteria remains the same as previous years, which is as follows: applicants must be a registered charity, incorporated society or not-for-profit group; applicants must be based in the Queenstown Lakes District; and sports groups and businesses are not eligible.Find more details on the Get Active Community Grant here.Applications close on August 24.In addition to the new Get Active Community Grant, QLDC offers a range of ‘in kind’ support for local events, fundraising and community projects across the district.PHOTO: QLDC

There’s still time to join Royalburn’s Nadia Lim and Wet Jacket Wines owner Greg Hay on a unique RealNZ Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise this weekend (August 9-10) - and support a good cause at the same time.All money raised through the event will be donated to KiwiHarvest, a food charity which rescues surplus food and distributes it to community organisations, charities and food banks.KiwiHarvest Queenstown Lakes hopes the cruise will raise $25,000 - enough to cover its annual funding shortfall in the district.“Every ticket helps us rescue food that would otherwise go to waste,” KiwiHarvest general manager Gary Hough said. “At $750 per ticket, each one prevents nearly two tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and delivers more than 1,600 meals to people in need through partners like Kahu Youth Trust, Baskets of Blessings and Cromwell Foodbank.“Plus, it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in Fiordland with such interesting speakers on board. It’s win, win, win,” he said.As well as the overnight stay on the Fiordland Navigator, the experience includes a picnic lunch and treats created by Crowne Plaza head chef Alvaro Morales made from rescued food, live music from Kate Blomfield, dinner and breakfast on board the boat, after-dinner conversations with Nadia Lim and Greg Hay, and a return coach from the Queenstown CBD.The overnight cruise will include presentations by Nadia Lim (pictured) and Greg Hay, as well as delicious food and an experience of Fiordland. PHOTO: SuppliedCelebrity chef, food writer and Royalburn Station co-founder Nadia Lim will speak about the importance of reducing waste and building circular, regenerative food systems.“Our vision is to create more sustainable and circular solutions to help the land, animals and food sources thrive,” Nadia said. “KiwiHarvest does amazing work and I couldn’t think of a better place than Doubtful Sound to talk about it.”Greg Hay, whose Wet Jacket Wines is also working with RealNZ on predator control in Fiordland, says it’s a privilege to be part of the cause.“It’s a gob-smacking beautiful place to relax, enjoy some stunning food and wine - interlaced with some amazing stories – all while supporting such a great cause,” he said.Find out more and book here.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) chief executive Mike Theelen has announced he will leave the organisation in February 2026.After ten years, Mike has chosen not to seek reappointment, instead opting to take time out to be with family.“Mike has led this organisation through challenging times across his two five-year terms,” QLDC mayor Glyn Lewers said.“His deep knowledge, strong networks, and the respect he has earned over the years have helped achieve outcomes we can all be proud of - most recently, securing the organisation’s position as one of the first to partner with central government in a regional deal.“I am confident that the strong foundation Mike has laid will serve the next chief executive well and provide a solid platform for future success.”The process to appoint a new chief executive is underway and will be led by the incoming mayor, supported by QLDC’s People & Capability team. An update will be shared once the appointment is made.PHOTO: Supplied

Upgrades to Hāwea, Wānaka, and Albert Town’s wastewater infrastructure are set to begin in early September 2025 to boost capacity in many parts of the Upper Clutha, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) says.The upgrades will respond to and futureproof Upper Clutha’s wastewater needs, provide additional capacity across the network, and help to further protect the natural environment, QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery said.“Existing infrastructure in Wānaka and Albert Town is fast approaching its capacity to effectively convey wastewater out to Project Pure Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), and as many in Hāwea will be aware, the township’s treatment plant has reached capacity too,” Tony said.To address these constraints, the Upper Clutha Wastewater Conveyance Scheme project will see a range of improvements made to the area’s wastewater network.They will include: a new wastewater pump station (WWPS) at Domain Road in Hāwea, 12.5km of new wastewater pipeline connecting Domain Road to existing infrastructure at the Albert Town WWPS, upgrades to the existing Riverbank Road WWPS, 7.4km of new wastewater pipeline connecting Riverbank Road WWPS and Albert Town WWPS to Project Pure.Read more: Bigger than Ben Hur: Multi-million dollar wastewater upgrades on the books“These upgrades will see wastewater from the Hāwea township being treated and disposed of at Project Pure, enable future connection of Hāwea Flat and Hāwea campground, and allow for flows from Wānaka and Albert Town to be managed by two pump stations,” Tony said.“Ultimately, the network will be able to handle Upper Clutha’s wastewater needs well into the future, treatment and disposal will be improved, and the network will be more resilient in the event of any unforeseen issues.”Physical work on the Upper Clutha Wastewater Conveyance Scheme is expected to begin in September, with construction anticipated to be completed by early 2027.Hāwea’s existing wastewater treatment plant will be decommissioned once the township’s new pump station and pipeline are operating.Some disruption is likely once work on these upgrades begins, and will include noise, vibration, traffic management, and increased construction machinery movements around various work sites between Hāwea, Albert Town, and Project Pure near Wānaka Airport.Large parts of the new pipeline running from Hāwea to Project Pure will be installed on the side of State Highway 6 (SH6) or within rural road corridors, meaning most of the project’s impacts will be limited to sections of temporary traffic management.Other key impacts will include disruption on both Camphill Road Bridge and Albert Town Bridge when installation of the new pipeline occurs in these locations.A detailed delivery plan is currently being worked on by the contractor, and more information about these works and what to expect will be shared once this is completed, Tony said.PHOTO: Supplied

Hāwea Community Association (HCA) chair Cherilyn Walthew says she had a “positive” meeting with Aurora Energy chief executive Richard Fletcher last week.The meeting followed a number of recent power outages, including two on June 30, which together left thousands of people in Hāwea and Makarora without power - some for many hours.Cherilyn said she had been under the impression there were capacity issues in Hāwea, but she was pleased to learn that wasn’t the case; instead, she learned configuration was the issue.“The configuration isn’t actually ideal for where we are at, but there is long-term planning around that,” Cherilyn said.This planning includes transitioning the Hāwea network from what was initially planned as a rural area to a semi-urban network."It's nice to know [Aurora]....know what they need to do to make [the local network] more resilient,” she said. “They’re very aware the issues are actually there.”Cherilyn said she had also wanted to discuss the “actual pain points” and whether something could be done when the power does go out for an extended period like it did at the end of June.“After an hour of a power outage the house cools dramatically so there needs to be somewhere to go when it's cold,” she said. “We asked them to have a look at how to resolve that.”“Could there be an emergency set up that could go into play, a warm place for people to go, somewhere they can get food?”She said she had also highlighted the need to “communicate with the community on what the issues are” and said she and Richard had discussed potentially co-hosting an event in Hāwea later in the year.Richard confirmed a possible meeting in October or November had been discussed and said Aurora Energy was keen to build a closer relationship with the community to share its plans and better understand local needs.“As an organisation, we’re keen to meet with communities to hear any feedback or concerns they may have and to work with them to address any issues,” he said.Cherilyn said while “you can’t resolve every issue in a single meeting” it had been a “positive meeting” with “some good honest facts in terms of where we are at and what we want to achieve”.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Final candidates for the October local body elections have now been confirmed and they include fresh faces as well as long-standing representatives.The final lineup offers a real choice for the Upper Clutha in district councillors, community board members, and regional councillors. Nine candidates for Wānaka Ward, QLDCLast minute nominations took the number of people running for the Wānaka Ward of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to nine, competing for just four seats.They are the four incumbents (Quentin Smith, Lyal Cocks, Barry Bruce, and Cody Tucker), and incumbent Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward councillor Niki Gladding - who is now a resident of Wānaka. The councillors have been joined by four more candidates: long term Wānaka resident and business owner Craig Gasson, long term Hāwea resident and community volunteer Yeverley McCarthy, Wānaka-raised environmental advocate Nicola King, and global restaurant chain CMO Thorsk Westphal.Yeverley, who has been active in a wide range of community groups from Plunket to boards of trustees and the Wānaka Community Hub, says she offers “a pragmatic approach… to deliver the basics well and within budget and to ensure that we keep our rates under control”. Nicola - who was born and raised in Wānaka and has a Masters in Sustainable Business - says she “cares deeply about the people and environment that make this place special”, and believes “council should reflect the voices of the families, workers, and everyday people who live here”.Thorsk says he has lived in Wānaka “off and on for the last 30 years”, and his skills from more than 20 years in the corporate world enable him to “manage existing resources efficiently and for maximum impact”.Read more: Wānaka businessman Craig Gasson announces council bidSix candidates for four seats on Wānaka Upper Clutha Community BoardThere are also more candidates (six) than seats (four) for the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board.Incumbents Simon Telfer, John Wellington, Chris Hadfield, and Linda Joll have been joined by Wānaka governance professional Kathy Dedo, and newcomer to Wānaka John Bache, an international business strategist and long-time action sports advocate.ORC: Seven candidates for four seatsThere are seven candidates for four spots on Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Dunstan constituency: incumbents Michael Laws and Gary Keliher, Central Otago District councillor Neil Gillespie, Nicky Rhodes of Wānaka, Matt Hollyer and Ben Farrell of Queenstown, and Amie Pont of Ranfurly.New faces for ORC: Nicky Rhodes (top left), Amie Pont (top right), Matt Hollyer (bottom left), Ben Farrell (bottom right).Neil, who is based in Alexandra, is the current deputy mayor of Central Otago District.Nicky, Gary and Michael are part of ‘Vision Otago,’ which Gary described as “a loose group of like-minded thinkers… all about saving the ORC from itself”.Gary said the group was not a political alignment, but went on to say “ORC staff are just so aligned with the previous government, and now the ORC has attracted nationwide attention, something has to be done”.Matt Hollyer, who has lived in Queenstown for 29 years, has had a long career in tourism and conservation and years of community volunteering.Ben Farrell is the owner and director of Cue Environmental Ltd, an independent planning consultancy in Queenstown.Find information about all the candidates at the Wānaka App’s ‘Election 2025’ button.Voting papers will be delivered to all enrolled voters between Tuesday September 9 and Monday September 22, with voting open through until midday on Saturday October 11. PHOTOS: Supplied

Nominations are now open for the annual Youth Volunteer Awards, presented by Kāhu Youth. This special event is all about celebrating and recognising the incredible contributions rangatahi have made to our community through volunteering. Whether big or small, every effort makes our community a better place. Youth between 11 and 18yrs can be nominated for their volunteering. It could be helping with a sports team, environmental projects, community events or supporting others in need. Their acts of service must be unpaid and voluntary (so no paid work or community service hours).Nominations are open to everyone, youth can nominate themselves, or be nominated by their friends, parents, caregivers, teachers, community leaders, or organisations. Visit kahuyouth.org to nominate a young person or CLICK HERE.Nominations close at 5pm SUN 31st August 2025For more information, contact [email protected] nominated youth and their whānau will be invited to attend the Youth Volunteer Awards on FRI 12th September 2025.Paetara Aspiring Central35 Plantation Road, Wānaka

Last week, the Wānaka App explained the origins and history of Three Parks; today we explore the future development, expansion and diversification of the site.Three Parks, Wānaka’s largest commercial, recreational and retail development, is experiencing exponential growth and diversification, with major retail, residential, health and recreational projects underway that are set to double its development within the next decade.Since its first building opened in 2017, Three Parks has rapidly evolved into a vibrant commercial and community precinct. Now, according to Three Parks’ developer Allan Dippie, owner of Willowridge Developments, momentum is accelerating.“So many things are happening at once now it’s actually hard to choose which project to complete first,” he said.“Three Parks is like constructing a giant Jigsaw puzzle and it’s important all the pieces are in the right places.”Large-scale retailThe big box stores, co-located at the northeastern end (closest to the State Highway) of Three Parks, share shopping demands and car parking across three compact retail precincts.The first and second precincts, beginning with New Word Three Parks supermarket and Mitre 10 MEGA respectively, have attracted a number of large operators from out of town, such as Noel Leeming and The Warehouse, as well as providing growth capacity for already established Wānaka retailers, such as Smith’s City, which relocated to Three Parks.The next major building (beside Mountain Warehouse) to be completed before the end of the year has McKenzie & Willis and Fit Gym lined up as its major tenants, Allan said.Land preparation for the third retail precinct (to the south of Mitre 10 MEGA) is already progressing and will feature a Woolworths New Zealand, which received consent last month to build a large supermarket and a 200m2 venue for retail, food and beverage tenancies.Adjacent to this supermarket, and In the final stages of design, is a new retail complex for four to five retailers which require largescale spaces (400m2-900m2).Plans indicate the location of the proposed town square beside Sir Tim Wallis Drive. And at the heart of Three Parks’ retail precincts, a town square is proposed, catering for a market and a hospitality precinct featuring cafes, pubs and ‘ethnic shared space’ food options.A new boutique cinema, replacing Ruby’s which closed in March this year, will also be located at town square.  Behind the town square and directly opposite Mitre 10 MEGA yet another multi-tenant, large retail space will begin construction soon: there’s “lots of demand from a variety of medium sized to large retailers from all sectors”, Allan said.Commercial office, health and residential developmentAt the Ballantyne Road end of Three Parks a variety of businesses and offices have been established, ranging from vet services, cafes and gyms, to laundries, dog and car wash facilities, funeral services, and indoor trampolining.“Willowridge takes much pride in facilitating these developments which enable local companies and investors to initiate their own projects,” Allan said.Opposite the primary school, a health care precinct is proposed.Property investment company Roa has plans for a $300M privately funded project comprising a five-level hospital with four operating theatres, imaging services, a 24-hour emergency department and more than 70 inpatient, emergency, and post anaesthetic care beds; with more offices co-located providing allied medical services, such as consulting and treatment rooms.At the Ballantyne Road entrance to Three Parks there are a variety of commercial offices and businesses.In addition to these developments, Three Parks is also quietly progressing its residential plans with civil works for the first stage of Metlifecare’s retirement village, adjacent to Wānaka Golf Club’s ‘back nine holes’, nearing completion. Construction of the village has just begun.“There is always demand for residential projects in Wānaka; we are presently master-planning and designing larger scale apartment style projects,” Allan said, including apartments potentially for worker accommodation. And the Mt Iron Resort Hotel (adjacent to the State Highway) is consented: “This will have apartments within that complex suitable for visitor accommodation,” Allan said.Three Parks’ diverse futureOne of the aims is to make Three Parks so diverse and comprehensive in the goods and services it offers that the Upper Clutha community becomes self-sufficient and no longer need to travel out of town for these services, he said.“Covid made us realise the importance of this.”Metlifecare Retirement Village, beside the tree-lined golf course, is now under construction.“Perhaps the most exciting thing we are doing next is another community driven project working with the QLDC and the Community Board to transform the 20ha [former] sewage ponds site into a recreation and sports field super-hub, which we will connect to the [Wānaka] recreation centre by cycle path,” he said.This public asset “has been sitting idle and not doing anything but breeding rabbits for the last decade”, Allan said. Willowridge Development’s civil construction arm, Central Machine Hire, is now working on the remediation of the ponds site and the creation of a new grass surface.It’s hard to appreciate the scale of the sports-hub land, he said, “but it’s huge and it’s definitely a crown jewel in terms of a community asset, and the QLDC needs to be congratulated for having the foresight to preserve it forever for community use.”The size of the former sewerage ponds, now being transformed into future sports fields, is more visible from the air.The consent process for the first stage of industrial development planned in the industrial zone between the new sports hub and Riverbank Road, is also underway, Allan said. This will include a new roundabout intersection on Ballantyne Road (near Claas Harvest Centre).The former “Wheels at Wānaka” arena is also being adapted to suit public concerts as was announced recently when Three Parks was revealed as a new venue for Greenstone Entertainment, the promoter behind the former annual Gibbston Valley concerts.“We have committed to Greenstone for at least the next five years,” Allan said.Three Parks Outdoor Arena will typically cater for concerts attracting 12,000 - 15,000 people but the arena will have double that capacity, he said.Allan said future connectivity to the existing town and the wider surrounds is going to be key. As well as progressing roundabout entrances to Three Parks at both Ballantyne Road/Golf Course Road and new intersections off Riverbank and Ballantyne Roads, public transport bus stops are included in the Three Parks master-plan.The planned roundabout on Ballantyne Road, near Claas Harvest Centre, will also provide essential access to the residential subdivisions Alpine Meadows and Alpine Estate, connecting traffic between Ballantyne Road and Cardrona Valley Road for the first time.“A lot of people ask how long Three Parks will take to complete and it is hard to give an answer except to say we would rather do things right instead of development for development’s sake. If it’s not a good fit we don’t do it and we wait until the right project comes along.” Within the next 10 years, Allan expects Three Parks’ development will double in size.“We are very lucky to have such a big, blank canvas to work on and the future is very exciting with much planned.”PHOTOS: Willowridge Developments

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has adopted its third Climate & Biodiversity Plan (CBP 2025–2028), setting a “clear and ambitious” roadmap to reduce emissions, protect biodiversity, and strengthen community resilience across the district, the council says.The theme of the plan is ‘Accelerating Transformation through Partnerships’. Developed in collaboration with mana whenua, local experts, and partner organisations, it places the natural environment (Te Taiao) at the heart of decision-making and includes a new focus on transforming the district’s energy system, mayor Glyn Lewers said.Glyn said the adoption of the plan signals a continued and deepening commitment to the mahi needed to build a resilient, low-carbon future.“This is a plan that reflects our community’s aspirations, our unique environment, and the need for practical, urgent action. It’s about converting ambition into measurable change,” he said.The new plan builds on six years of momentum, which has seen the district reduce emissions, launch one of New Zealand’s largest native reforestation projects (Project Tohu), and expand a broad range of community-led initiatives in active travel, revegetation planting, predator trapping, food resilience and emergency preparedness.QLDC has also integrated climate and biodiversity values into its strategic planning, infrastructure investment and operations.“We’ve made solid progress, and this next phase is about building on our strong partnerships with Kāi Tahu, with our Climate Reference Group, with community groups, and with businesses across the district to deliver positive change. Real transformation only happens when we work together.”Key features of the plan include: seven outcome areas, including natural environment protection, energy system resilience, transport, and the transition to a low-emission economy; expanded partnerships with Kāi Tahu, local youth (rākātahi), and education providers; support for community-led action, with continued investment in grassroots initiatives; and strengthened emphasis on measurement and accountability, with clearer indicators for tracking progress.Councillors adopted the Climate & Biodiversity Plan 2025-2028 at Thursday’s (July 31) full council meeting.Read it here.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The long-awaited opening of the McPhee Park playground drew a big crowd by Hāwea Flat standards on Friday afternoon (August 1).The new playground on the reserve at the corner of Loach Road and Long Grass Place features climbing structures, swings, a roundabout, and bike track, as well as seating, shade structures, and a public toilet.During the opening ceremony Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) councillor Cody Tucker and former QLDC parks staffer - and long time Hāwea resident - Diana Manson held the red ribbon while mayor Glyn Lewers directed proceedings and Lake Hāwea patriarch Dick Cotter cut the ribbon.Councillor Cody Tucker, mayor Glyn Lewers, Dick Cotter, and Diana Manson at the opening ceremony.Once the ribbon was cut, the crowd of children, who had been waiting patiently, were given free rein to sprint to the playing equipment where they spent the next hour or so enjoying their new playground.Glyn said the playground opening “was a fun event which fills my cup”.He acknowledged the Hāwea Community Association (HCA) for all its work and organisation on the project; councillor Lyal Cocks’ part in facilitating funding; and Diana Manson who worked “very hard” on the project before her retirement, and who continued that work “behind the scenes”.The playground features a pīwakawaka perched on one of the climbing frames, keeping watch over the children playing. The pīwakawaka was chosen as it is Diana’s favourite bird.Glyn also acknowledged Dick Cotter and his family. “One way to ensure your legacy and actually live forever in my view is giving back to the community - that legacy of endurance,” he said.The pīwakawaka - in honour of Diana Manson - keeps watch over the children.McPhee was the maiden name of Dick’s late wife Margaret; the McPhees once resided in the original Four Square store on Camphill Road.Glyn also said the contractor, Dan, “thoroughly enjoyed” working on the playground.“It’s one of those infrastructure projects that the public is quite happy to see and hear the building as it goes … Usually when the old orange cones come out we do get a few grumbles.”The playground was the result of a collaborative effort by the Hāwea Playground Committee (an off-shoot of the HCA) and QLDC, after which funding was brought forward from year three of the Long Term Plan to the current financial year.The playground committee was formed a few years ago to help address the shortage of playgrounds in the Hāwea area. Committee spokesperson Louise Merrall spoke at Friday’s opening, and said the committee hopes to add a half court to McPhee Park “in the near-ish future”.The opening was also attended by councillors Quentin Smith and Craig Ferguson, Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer and board member John Wellington.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers used his casting vote to push through a major overhaul of the district’s water services, backing the creation of a new council-controlled organisation despite the majority of public submissions opposing it.The decision was made after more than two hours of tense debate at a Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) meeting on Thursday (July 31), where councillors were split on whether to establish a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO) or retain water services in-house.The WSCCO model - approved in a 6–6 deadlock broken by the mayor - will see water services owned by QLDC but run independently by a board of industry professionals.Council was required to select a delivery model before a September deadline set by the government’s Local Water Done Well reform programme, which aims to address long-standing water supply, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure challenges.QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said approving the WSCCO would align with the government’s direction.“They want to move the delivery of water services away from local government to professional water service entities.”Council staff recommended the WSCCO model, saying it would meet new financial and regulatory requirements and improve long-term resilience. QLDC strategy and reform manager Pennie Pearce told councillors many of the concerns raised during consultation had been addressed through changes in legislation or could be addressed through implementation planning.She said the model would cost households more in the short term, but costs were projected to level out by 2034, with potential savings over the long term.However, most public submissions had not supported the WSCCO. Of the 118 received, 89 were in favour of keeping water services in-house. Councillor Melissa White said it was wrong to ignore that.She unsuccessfully attempted to move a motion that would have excluded the mayor’s casting vote from the decision.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith said the WSCCO model did not address the core issues.“We’re often in the business of solving problems,”he said. “I don’t see we’re solving any of the problems we are starting with.”Councillor Esther Whitehead agreed, saying she believed council should consult again with the updated information.Councillor Niki Gladding said she saw the move to a WSSCO as “another example of the guts being stripped out of local government”.But others welcomed the proposal, including councillor Barry Bruce, who said he supported the WSCCO for three reasons.“One: non-politicised decision making; two: decisions will be made primarily on water service delivery; and three: governance will be appointed on professional capabilities, not political ideologies.”Councillor Lyal Cocks said change was necessary.“If we keep doing the same thing we’re going to get the same outcome,” he said. “We’ve got a better model [with a WSCCO] than we’ve had in the past.”QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen will now start developing a transition plan for the move to a WSCCO.PHOTO: Supplied

Every seat in the Queenstown Lakes District Council will be contested in the local body elections, as will the Dunstan constituency for Otago Regional Council (ORC).Nominations closed yesterday (Friday August 1) after a flurry of nominations during the week.There are six mayoralty candidates; seven candidates for the Wānaka Ward’s four seats; and six candidates for the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board’s four seats.Over the hill there are five candidates for the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward’s three seats and seven candidates for the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward’s four seats.QLDC CEO Mike Theelen said it was great to see a range of new and returning faces put their hand up to represent their community. “We have a great mix of experienced councillors seeking re-election this term and fresh faces bringing new perspectives,” he said.“That level of interest and engagement is good news for our community and local democracy.” The focus now moves to encouraging the community to get to know their candidates and then get out and vote for who they feel will best represent them as elected members, he said.At the regional level, Wanaka-based Nicky Rhodes has teamed up with ORC councillors Gary Kelliher and Michael Laws in the Dunstan constituency to form ‘Vision Otago,’ along with Carmen Hope (Molyneux), Chanel Gardner (Dunedin) and former Dunedin City councillor Hilary Calvert.Amie Pont from Ranfurly is also in the running for the Dunstan ward of the ORC, alongside Matt Hollyer and Ben Farrell from Queenstown. Gary Kelliher said, when contacted, that ‘Vision Otago’ was not a political alignment, “but a loose group of like-minded thinkers… we’re all about saving the ORC from itself”.Find information about all the candidates at the Wānaka App’s ‘Election 2025’ button.Voting papers will be delivered to all enrolled voters between Tuesday September 9 and Monday September 22, with voting open through until midday on Saturday October 11. In a unique initiative to make voting more engaging, RealNZ is helping to elevate democracy by hosting ballot boxes at their two ski fields. Voters will be able to cast their votes at Cardrona Alpine Resort’s ticketing office (1,670 metres) and Treble Cone’s ticketing area (1,260 metres).  Additionally, a one-day-only ballot box will be available at the Crown Range lookout on Friday 10 October, offering locals an opportunity to vote at one of the highest and most scenic elevation points in Aotearoa. PHOTO: Supplied

Otago Country will take the field in Wānaka this Saturday (August 2) with a strong local presence, as three Upper Clutha Rams players are named in the squad to face North Otago in a traditional representative clash.Kick-off is at 2pm at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club, and fans can expect a physical and fast-paced encounter, with a trophy on the line."There's a trophy up for grabs ... we haven't beaten North Otago since 2009 I don't think,” Otago Country coach Aidan Winter said.“The boys are keen, which is good. We're looking to use the width and have a go." The team includes loose forwards Jake Burtenshaw and Lachie Garrick, and midfielder Oliver Stirling - all rewarded with selection after helping Upper Clutha win the 2025 Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition.Aidan said he was thrilled to have a strong core from the Rams in the side and was looking forward to the challenge ahead.Saturday’s match is Otago Country’s first hit-out of the year and serves as a key warm-up before they begin their campaign for the new Tuppy Diack Shield, where they’ll face two Dunedin Metropolitan teams, Southland Country, and Southland Metro.North Otago, meanwhile, will arrive with a new head coach - former player Luke Herden - and a refreshed squad as they build toward the 2025 Heartland Championship. Their lineup includes several Dunedin club players, and there are whispers of international recruits from Japan.Saturday’s game is free to attend and offers Wānaka locals a rare opportunity to see their Rams stars take the field in Otago colours.PHOTO: Wānaka App