Spring is in the air, and September 2025 saw continued strength in Wānaka’s property market, with both residential homes and sections showing solid activity across the region. A total of 62 properties were sold, comprising 44 houses and 18 sections, generating over $91.5 million in total sales value.Residential SalesThe median sale price for houses in Wānaka hit $1,400,000, which is a reflection of the area's enduring appeal and premium lifestyle offering. The highest residential sale reached $6,350,000, while the lowest was $440,000. This diversity reflects the unique charm of our town, showing there’s still room for first-home buyers and savvy investors.Albert Town and Lake Hāwea/Hāwea Flat also saw notable activity, with median house prices of $1,290,000 and $1,170,000 respectively – offering lifestyle and value just minutes from central Wānaka. Section SalesSections remained a strong segment, with a median price of $595,000. Albert Town and Lake Hāwea/Hāwea Flat offered more affordable options, with median prices of $567,500 and $459,500 respectively.Market TrendsThe median days to sell was 79, with some properties selling in under a week, while others took a bit longer. This suggests a mixed market, where well-priced and well-presented homes move quickly, while others may require more time or negotiation.Overall, Wānaka’s property market remains vibrant and full of opportunity, with strong buyer interest and a diverse range of sales.If you're curious about what these numbers mean for your property goals, feel free to reach out for a chat. Wānaka is a special place, and navigating its real estate landscape is easier with a local expert by your side.Until next time, take care and enjoy the beauty of Wānaka!RogerTel: 027 222 2092email: [email protected]

A controversial $5B gold mining project near Tarras is now one step closer.Mining company Santana Minerals confirmed yesterday (Thursday October 16) it had signed a binding agreement to purchase “key blocks” of Bendigo Station for $55M.A statement from Santana Minerals said this means it now controls the ground it needs to shift from “exploration to full-scale development”.Under the deal, Santana Minerals will acquire roughly 800 hectares of the historic station, or approximately 10 percent of the farm, for “modern open-pit mining”.However, the proposal is subject to Overseas Investment Office approval and the Fast Track Approvals Act process.Bendigo Station owner John Perriam said he had come around to the idea of selling the land to Santana Minerals.“I… was determined to keep control by leasing not selling the land to Santana, but seeing the benefits the Clyde Dam has brought to Cromwell and Central Otago, and the rigorous process that new age goldmines have to go through, I have decided to stand aside and put trust into the New Zealand government process.”John said he “didn’t feel he had the right to stand in the path of” the forecast $5B in regional economic benefits.The gold mining proposal has faced significant opposition from the local community and has also attracted national attention.Earlier this month nine prominent artists from around New Zealand - including Dick Frizzell, Gregory O’Brien, and Grahame Sydney - gifted works to raise funds in opposition to the gold mine.Read more: NZ artists vow to fight proposed gold mine“The proposed desecration of a heritage area for purely monetary gain is an outrage to all of us, as it is to the citizens of Central Otago and to all New Zealanders,” organiser Gregory O’Brien said.Money raised will go to Sustainable Tarras, which hopes to prevent the mining from going ahead, for legal fees and expert reports.Chair Suze Keith compared the fight between the small rural community and the mining company to “David vs Goliath”.Santana Minerals has not yet lodged a referral application for the project via the Fast Track Approvals Act.The company’s chief executive Damian Spring said the agreement to purchase a portion of Bendigo Station marked “a huge step forward”.PHOTO: Supplied

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) annual Quality of Life survey is now open for residents and ratepayers to share how they feel about living in the district.Now in its eighth year, the anonymous survey provides insight into community views on housing, health services, the environment, transport, employment, and sense of belonging. The results help QLDC and other public service providers understand what matters most to locals and where improvements are needed.QLDC strategy and policy general manager Michelle Morss said the annual survey has become an important tool for understanding how people are experiencing life in the district.“The survey gives us broader insight into what’s currently going well in people’s lives and what they would like to change, helping us identify priority issues and opportunities to improve the quality of life for our communities,” she said. “I encourage all Queenstown Lakes residents to take part.”The survey, conducted by Versus Research on behalf of QLDC, takes around 15–20 minutes to complete and can be accessed here.All residents and ratepayers aged 18 and over are welcome to participate.Free computer access is available at QLDC libraries for those without internet access, and hard copies can be requested through QLDC customer services on 03 441 0499.Last year, 76 percent of respondents rated their quality of life as “good” or “extremely good”, although 34 percent said it had declined over the previous year.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The final results of the 2025 Queenstown Lakes District Council elections, confirmed at 4.12pm today (Thursday October 16), saw incumbent councillor Cody Tucker elected to represent the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward, overtaking candidate Yeverley McCarthy.Cody received 2,039 votes, securing the fourth and final seat for the ward. Nicola King led with 3,610 votes, followed by Quentin Smith on 3,394 and Niki Gladding with 2,863 votes. Yeverley was told on Saturday (October 11) that she had won a seat on council when the progress results were released. At that stage she led Cody by 122 votes with 85 percent of the vote counted.That lead narrowed to just 18 votes when the preliminary vote count was released on Monday October 13. The final result sees Cody 34 votes ahead of Yeverley and Craig Gasson.“It’s bittersweet given how it’s happened,” Cody said. “I feel quite focused … it’s made me quite sure of why I’m doing this.”The final result also confirmed John Glover as mayor, with 4,599 votes ahead of Glyn Lewers (3,244 votes), Nik Kiddle (2,108 votes), Darren Rewi (1,671 votes), Al Angus (874 votes), and Daniel Shand (125 votes).Other ward results included:Arrowtown-Kawarau (three seats): Heath Copland (1,927 votes), Melissa White (1,730 votes), and Samuel “Q” Belk (1,703 votes)Queenstown-Whakatipu (four seats): Matt Wong (2,287 votes), Gavin Bartlett (2,002 votes), Stephen Brent (1,924 votes), and Jon Mitchell (1,689 votes)Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board (four seats): Simon Telfer (3,967 votes), Kathy Dedo (3,803 votes), John Wellington (2,900 votes), and Chris Hadfield (2,235 votes)Across the district, 12,927 votes were cast, representing a 41.16 percent voter turnout. The turnout in 2022 was 43.05 percent.PHOTO: Supplied

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has granted Greenstone Entertainment GP Limited resource consent to hold up to three one-day events each year over a five-year period at the Three Parks Outdoor Arena in Wānaka - paving the way for new large-scale music events in the district.The consent covers the annual Wānaka Summer Concert in January and up to two additional events between December and April, allowing crowds of up to 30,000 people.This week the company confirmed that Iggy Pop, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Hoodoo Gurus, and Zed will headline next year’s Wānaka Summer Concert.Read more: Rock legends to headline 2026 Wānaka Summer ConcertGreenstone Entertainment director Dean Calvert said the team was “delighted” with the outcome of the resource consent application and the options for entertainment it provides.The ‘star’ shows the location of Three Parks Arena“We’re looking at other artists at the moment, with completely different styles, so we’re not going to put on three rock concerts,” he said. “The single-artist, bigger headline show is definitely what we’re pursuing,” he said.PHOTO: Greenstone Entertainment - Gibbston Valley Concert

There’s no time left for quiet concern. The climate crisis isn’t coming, it’s here. Fires, floods, shifting seasons and economic strain are already testing our resilience. But there’s another truth too: this moment holds immense opportunity for unity, innovation, and courage.That’s the message behind Your Climate Wake-Up Call, one of the most powerful sessions of this year’s Wao Summit, taking place across Wānaka and Queenstown later this month.Left to right - Dr Carly Green, Dr Sean Weaver, Dr Cathrine Dyer and Monique KellyThe session brings together four of Aotearoa’s most inspiring climate leaders:Dr Sean Weaver, CEO of Ekos Kāmahi Ltd, a pioneer in carbon management and climate innovation.Dr Cathrine Dyer, an award-winning scientist and communicator focused on connecting ecosystems, climate systems, and community systems. Listen to this interview with Cathrine.Dr Carly Green, Principal Consultant and founding director of Environmental Accounting Services (EAS), an IPCC Lead Author and one of the region’s foremost experts in greenhouse-gas estimation and land-use systems.Monique Kelly, co-founder of Wao Aotearoa, guiding the kōrero as moderator — ensuring it’s not just a conversation, but a call to collective action.The Immune System of the PlanetWhen you meet Dr Sean Weaver, CEO of Ekos Kāmahi Ltd, you quickly realise he’s not your typical climate scientist. He’s calm, grounded, and speaks less about panic and more about purpose. With decades of experience in carbon markets, regenerative economics, and environmental innovation, Sean’s focus is on designing the systems that make change inevitable, not optional.For him, the work is deeply personal.“I have a framed electron micrograph of a white blood cell on my wall,” he says. “It reminds me that every day a white blood cell gets up and gets on with its purpose, to protect the body. That’s how I see my work: I’m part of the immune system of the planet.”It’s a metaphor that captures both his worldview and the spirit of the upcoming Your Climate Wake-Up Call session. This conversation isn’t about despair it’s about resilience, regeneration, and recognising that every one of us has a role to play.Weaver believes the first and most urgent step is unity.“Divided we will fail. United we can succeed,” he says. “We need to build bridges across divides and remind ourselves we are in this together.”From Science to SystemsFor Dr Cathrine Dyer, who blends a background in climate science and communication, the key lies in connection.“Climate change can feel overwhelming, but every community has the power to act,” she says. “The key is turning information into action — and hope into momentum.”As a Lecturer in Climate Change at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, Dyer focuses on making climate information practical and empowering — helping people move from awareness to action. Her talk will explore how small, everyday shifts in behaviour and local policy can add up to major progress when it comes to reducing emissions and building resilience.“Our ecosystems don’t have borders,” Dyer explains. “The solutions must be as interconnected as the systems we’re trying to protect.”It’s this human-centred lens that grounds the session — translating global science into local action, and helping communities like Wānaka and Queenstown see that leadership can start anywhere.From Carbon to CourageDr Carly Green brings the systems perspective — combining data, policy, and pragmatic action. As Principal Consultant and founding director of Environmental Accounting Services (EAS) and an IPCC Lead Author, Carly helps governments, businesses, and communities translate climate science into measurable change. Her expertise in greenhouse-gas estimation and land-use systems has shaped how Aotearoa tracks and reduces emissions.“Hope,” she says, “is an action word.”Together, Dyer and Green bridge the gap between knowledge and courage, between the science of the planet and the stories of the people who live on it.Progress, Not PerfectionWeaver’s message lands hard:“In a climate crisis, the perfect is the enemy of the good. We need to do a whole lot of good.”That philosophy sits at the heart of the Wao Summit, a week-long gathering built to spark real, practical progress. From regenerative farming and low-carbon building design to better business practices and local food systems, the summit connects disciplines to ignite collective change.Ekos: Turning Carbon and Biodiversity into ActionWeaver and his team at Ekos Kāmahi Ltd are leading that charge, hosting two additional sessions that turn talk into tangible action:Understanding Biodiversity Credits (Wānaka) — a hands-on exploration of how biodiversity credits can restore ecosystems while creating new economic opportunities for landowners and businesses.Business Carbon Footprint Certification Workshop (Queenstown) — a deep-dive into measuring and managing emissions, designed for businesses ready to future-proof their operations.Both sessions reinforce the same truth: climate action is not a cost, it’s an investment in resilience, community, and credibility.From Concern to Collective CourageSo why is it still so hard to act, even when we care deeply? Weaver offers a systems-level answer:“Responding appropriately to climate change requires systems change. Individuals can’t change entire systems, but they can support systems change. When the system changes, the average person can thrive within it.”That’s the power of gatherings like the Wao Summit. It’s where new ideas meet shared purpose — where the local becomes global, and courage becomes contagious.“Don’t be afraid of leadership,” Weaver urges. “Set an example for others to follow.”This Is the MomentThe Wao Summit runs over five days, each exploring a key theme for systems change: Better Business, Better Building, Food Resilience, and Better Communities.Sessions are selling out, proving there’s a surge of people ready to act, learn, and lead.Whether you come for one day or the whole week, you’ll leave with something that lasts, a network, a plan, a sense of purpose.If you’ve ever asked yourself what can I do?, this is your answer. Join Your Climate Wake-Up Call with Sean Weaver, Cathrine Dyer, Carly Green, and Monique Kelly.Because the only wrong move now is inaction.Join the movement. Find your wake-up call. Be part of the system that changes everything.Explore the full programme and grab your pass here.

A limited number of additional tickets have been added for Food for Love’s upcoming fundraiser gala after existing tickets sold out - but guests will need to get in quick.The gala will be held on Friday October 31 at Edgewater Resort, and guests will get to enjoy a three-course dinner, live entertainment from Dirty Money Duo, guest speakers Nadia Lim and Lydia Bradey, and Joel Palmer from More FM as host. The evening will also feature live and silent auctions packed with prizes and experiences donated by over 100 local businesses worth more than $45,000 in total.“This is the first time Food For Love has ever hosted an event like this,” Food for Love general manager Jodie Stuart said. “We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity and excitement from our community.”Last year, Food For Love prepared and delivered 9,220 meals to locals experiencing times of need.With demand continuing to rise, funds raised from the gala will help ensure the charity can keep supporting those who need it most.“There aren’t many opportunities in Wānaka to get glammed up, have an amazing night out, and give back to the community at the same time,” Jodie said.“These final tickets won’t last long so make sure you get in quick to avoid missing out.”Book tickets here by tomorrow (Friday October 17).PHOTO: Wānaka App

Iggy Pop, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Hoodoo Gurus, and Zed will headline next year’s Wānaka Summer Concert at the Three Parks Arena on Saturday, January 31, 2026.Concert promoter Greenstone Entertainment announced the lineup today (October 16), describing it as a powerhouse mix of international and New Zealand rock acts spanning generations. The lineup features punk icon Iggy Pop, known as the “Godfather of Punk”; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Joan Jett and the Blackhearts; Australian legends Hoodoo Gurus; and New Zealand favourites Zed, who rose to fame in the early 2000s.The 2026 show marks the first time the event is to be held at the new Three Parks Arena after 15 years in the Gibbston Valley. Resource consent for the new venue remains a work in progress with the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).Tickets for the 2026 concert go on sale at 9am on Thursday, October 23, starting from $159. Pre-sale access will be available for Greenstone Club members from October 21.The event will form part of the wider Summer Concert Tour, with companion shows in Taupō and Whitianga.For more information and ticket sales, visit here.PHOTO: Supplied

Contact Energy has revised its security of supply proposal for Lake Hāwea, saying "recently received” modelling means it can reduce the lake’s proposed contingent storage level from six metres to two.But the Guardians of Lake Hāwea say the revised proposal carries the same concerns as the original - such as dust storms and the potential for water shortages.“Contact Energy’s recent announcement of a revised fast track proposal serves to underscore that their original proposal for new operating contingency levels was not evidence based nor sustainable,” the group said this week. Contact has written to stakeholders advising the change to the Fast-Track proposal it lodged with the Minister for Infrastructure in June.“Since lodging our referral application, we’ve modified the proposal to reflect further energy system modelling we received recently,’’ Contact head of hydro generation Boyd Brinsdon said.  “In the rare event that Transpower declared a national energy emergency, we’re now proposing to lower Lake Hāwea’s level by a maximum of two metres from the existing consented contingent storage level to 334 metres above sea level (masl). “This is [a] significant reduction to the original proposal that was to be able to lower the lake level by up to six metres (to 330 metres) in an emergency event.”The proposal would still mean a change to the lake’s normal operating range (to be lowered to 336 masl). Boyd said the modelling “indicates that recent developments to support national energy security have reduced the need for a larger drawdown of the lake”.He said this “aligns with community concerns about the environmental and operational risks associated with deeper drawdowns, including slower lake refill rates, potential aquifer impacts and bore water supplies, and dust from a more exposed lakebed”. The Guardians, however, say these concerns would remain in the revised proposal, in which Contact would make the current contingency level part of the normal operating range.Guardians of Lake Hāwea members (from left) Geoff Kernick, Don Robertson, and John Langley, with Meredith Smith (Kane Road Utilities Society), Bill Macdonald (Camphill Estate Utilities Society), and (front) Lake Hāwea resident Rimma Kade.Nor were the Guardians convinced by Contact’s argument that the revised proposal is consistent with a recent agreement between Guardians of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau and Meridian Energy.That claim “is politically mischievous and has no evidence base nor bearing on the potential impacts on Lake Hāwea”, the group said.“Guardians’ position remains unchanged - the proposal is unsustainable and is primarily driven by Contact’s mandate to deliver dividends and increase its share price.”Boyd said at 336masl the lake “would naturally refill, particularly in spring and summer when inflows are higher and other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are more readily available”. He said the energy company is planning community consultation over the coming months, and if the proposal is accepted it would involve a “specialist community advisory group… to help inform our application process”. The Minister for Infrastructure is considering whether the proposal qualifies for the Fast track Approvals Act.  PHOTOS: Wānaka AppRead more:Don’t ‘underestimate the fight required’ - Hāwea residents warnedDry bores and dust storms - community groups raise more concerns over lake level proposal

Over the weekend, a female driver was apprehended and charged with excess breath alcohol, returning a reading of 935 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath — more than three times the legal limit.“This level of intoxication poses a serious risk to both the driver and other road users,” Wānaka Police PST Sergeant Darren Cranfield said.“Police continue to remind motorists that drink driving will not be tolerated, and those who choose to drive under the influence will be held accountable.”A person was apprehended following a theft at a local supermarket and will appear in court next week charged with shoplifting. CCTV footage and assistance from staff were instrumental in identifying the offender, Darren said.He said police have become increasingly aware of incidents involving the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate photographs or videos of individuals.“These altered images are then distributed, often causing significant distress to those affected. “We urge anyone who receives or becomes aware of such material to contact Police on 105 or report it online at 105.police.govt.nz. Sharing or creating such content can amount to serious criminal offending.”Police and ambulance services responded to an incident at the intersection of Riverbank Road and Ballantyne Road, where a cyclist fell from their bike. “The cause of the fall is unknown; however, the cyclist sustained only minor injuries,” Darren said.“With the arrival of longer days and improving weather, more people will be out enjoying outdoor activities. “Wānaka Police encourage everyone to be prepared, take care, and stay safe on the roads and in our recreation areas.” Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call 105 or use 105 Police Non-Emergency | New Zealand Police to make a non-emergency report. To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.PHOTO: Wānaka App

After 14 years at the helm of New Zealand’s premier airshow - Warbirds Over Wānaka - general manager Ed Taylor has decided he has one more airshow in him before moving on.Warbirds has already advertised for a new general manager, and Ed hopes a replacement will be found in time for that new person to spend time with him in the role, including during the 2026 airshow at Wānaka Airport.Organising a biennial airshow which attracts participants and spectators from around the globe is “an interesting business”, Ed says.“You just build up and up and up, and the last three months is just full on… yeah it’s a buzz.”With such a huge outdoor event “anything can happen”, Ed said, which “can add to the excitement”.The general manager’s role is supported by “a really good team”, Ed says.He was appointed as general manager in 2012 and said his 14 years in the role have “run by pretty quickly”.“I was going to step down after the last year but I was enjoying it too much.“It's not like going to work… Previously my wife Kim and I ran the radio station, and it was a blast - I didn’t really think of that as a job either. To walk out of that and into Warbirds over Wānaka… well, I haven’t really worked.”After describing the role to the Wānaka App, Ed said “it does sound stressful”.“You learn to manage the stress levels, it’s about prioritising… There’s a lot of logistics and goodwill involved and you have a really good team around you.” No two events are the same, he said.“When I first joined the airshow I assumed they just had a blueprint and you rolled it out. But, no: Suppliers change, roads change, and so on.“You need to be a people person. One day you’re having to negotiate with aircraft owners, then with a high ranking official of the United States Airforce.”He said one of his “great thrills” is standing at the exit at the end of the event watching families leaving, “kids with bug eyes telling their parents what they’ve seen”.“You have hard core aviation fans but you need the general public to come along and you need to entertain them. When you get that it’s pretty special.”Ed chatting to ground manager Toby.One of the things Ed is most proud of is introducing the free event at the Wānaka lakefront, which attracts as many as 8,000 people.“I felt there was a slight disconnect between town and the airshow… It’s now become an integral part of our airshow. Parents can bring their kids down and not spend any money for a change.”There have been “dark times” over the past 14 years, too. “Covid was not kind to us. We were the first big event in New Zealand to cancel in 2020. Only two weeks out from the airshow. To unwind a major event like that was huge.“We lost the next airshow in 2022 because Covid wasn’t quite over. We called that one a bit earlier which was a lot less stressful. But what it meant was we were pretty much broke.”Ed said the community trust which runs the event had to rely on its funders and sponsors, who came through in spades. Locals told Ed “we won’t let the airshow fall over”, and he said one person (not even a Warbirds fan) deposited $10,000 in the trust’s bank account because they considered the event was too important for Wānaka to lose.Ed (left) looks forward to more road biking adventures with friends.“We built up to the 2024 airshow [which attracted 65,000 people] and it was huge,” Ed said.“I think Warbirds Over Wānaka has done a huge job in putting Wānaka on the map.“We’ve put a lot of money back into the community - well over $300M for the life of the airshow.”The airshow is evolving as well, Ed said, showing off new technologies and working with local groups such as Wastebusters, WAI Wānaka, and Te Kākano.Ed paid tribute to the event founder, Sir Tim Wallis, describing the team’s sadness when he died just months before the 2024 show.“We are able to do a salute to him at the airshow recognising his contribution to starting it all. I hope the show continues on forever.” Ed (70) will remain busy until the end of next year’s show, then he’s looking forward to riding his road bike and branching out into “other community things”. While he’ll “still be involved with the airshow in some way”, he is planning bike trips in Europe and closer to home - “just taking our time - it’s not a race”.“I’m sure there’ll be plenty of things to get me out there, keep me active. There are so many things you can be involved in.”He admitted to a love of drama and musical theatre and said a “back room role would be fun”. Tickets for the 2026 Warbirds Over Wānaka airshow are selling well and the event is expected to sell out again.PHOTOS: Supplied

The world-famous Cardrona Hotel will remain in Kiwi hands after being sold to New Zealand buyers for an undisclosed sum.The 162-year-old heritage-listed hotel and restaurant has been purchased by a group of NZ investors with strong links to Central Otago. The group, who wish to remain low key, will take over ownership on November 3.The business will be run by Warren Barclay, who has lived in Wānaka for the past four years and brings extensive corporate hospitality experience. Warren is the owner of Experience Group, which runs hospitality for major sporting fixtures and events. He’ll step away from the day to day oversight of Experience Group with his new role as Cardrona Hotel publican.Warren said the new ownership group brings with them “a deep appreciation for New Zealand’s heritage and a clear vision for the future of the hotel”.“We’re incredibly proud to take on the stewardship of such a special part of New Zealand’s story,” he said. “The Cardrona Hotel holds a unique place in the hearts of so many, and we’re committed to preserving its heritage while exploring thoughtful ways to enhance its boutique accommodation, dining, event offerings and overall guest experience.”He said the acquisition reflects continued confidence in the Southern Lakes region as a premier tourism and lifestyle destination. “The hotel’s strong trading performance, year-round visitor appeal, and iconic status made it a highly sought-after opportunity in the hospitality market.”Outgoing publican Cade Thornton and incoming publican Warren Barclay.Outgoing owner Cade Thornton, who has overseen the hotel’s operations for the past 13 years, expressed gratitude for the support of the local community and guests over the years.“It’s been an honour to be part of the Cardrona Hotel’s legacy, and we look forward to becoming ‘locals’ ourselves. We’re delighted to see it passed on to passionate new custodians who share a love for the region and its heritage.”The Cardrona Hotel sale attracted national and international attention when Cade announced news of the private sale in July. During the six-week campaign he received enquiries from NZ, Australia, USA and Singapore. At the time, the Cardrona Hotel listing on Trade Me Property was the website’s third most popular live listing this year, with more than 130,016 views in five weeks.“I’m really happy with how it’s all turned out,” Cade said. “It’s been a successful outcome for both parties.”He will remain working with Warren for a short transition period. He, wife Alexis and their two children will remain living in the Cardrona Valley.The hotel will continue to operate as usual, with no immediate changes planned to staffing or services, Warren said.PHOTOS: Supplied

Lake Hāwea’s nine-hole golf course is for sale, pitched as having appeal to land-bankers and investors, but one of the current owners is adamant he is not “selling out” to developers.The rural zoned property has been operating (and consented for use) as a golf course for 25 years, but is advertised as “a strategic landholding that will appeal to golf enthusiasts, investors, land-bankers, and syndicates alike”. Lake Hāwea Golf Course co-owner Tim Lambeth said he and co-owner Nicky Mead bought the course as an investment opportunity in 2017.“It’s been a great challenge, having come from a farming career,” he told the Wānaka App.“[I’ve] learnt a lot and I still am to be honest. Meeting all the old and new faces that play out here is nice, also growing the membership has been rewarding and knowing that this is a space that people are wanting to hang out.”He said the decision to sell was “more of an exercise putting on the market to see what interest is out there” as “we don't have to or need to sell”.“If it does sell [I] would hope that they keep it as is and not break it up into sections,” Tim said.“The rumour mill has been very frustrating for me. “The word around town is that we are selling out to developers - this is not true.”The property is advertised as just over 20 hectares on the main Lake Hāwea highway, with frontage to SH6 and some Hāwea River frontage.A Sotheby’s advertisement for the property says “Lake Hāwea is experiencing unprecedented growth, with sections selling for over $2 million and new developments appearing rapidly”, going on to invite people to “secure your stake in the future of this thriving area”.PHOTO: Sotheby’s

A high-calibre field of multisport athletes will descend on Wānaka on Saturday (October 18) for the 2025 HiveEnergy Challenge Wānaka Multi - now in its sixth year and becoming a fixture on the national adventure racing calendar.The early-season event is a key test for athletes preparing for Coast to Coast or world events such as Godzone.Wānaka’s Simone Maier, a five-time Coast to Coast champion, is returning after injury and said the race is a crucial step in her comeback.“Having this race as a goal is hugely motivating,” she said. “It’s the perfect practice ground - you can test your nutrition, equipment, and fitness under real race conditions.”Simone will face top competition from multisport legend Elina Ussher, Coast to Coast Two-Day Champion Emily Trevail, and emerging talent Courtney Hawke.In the men’s field, defending champion Hamish Elliot (Wānaka) is chasing a fourth consecutive title. “Preparing for Coast to Coast, the Challenge Wānaka Multi is a staple event in my season,” he said. “The course is spectacular, and the people make it such a great experience.”Hamish will line up against Coast to Coast Two-Day winner Sam King, and noted multisport athletes Sam Pearce, Jordan Sutherland, and Morne Pienaar.The team event promises fierce competition, with adventure racing great Nathan Fa’avae pairing up with his daughter, and local endurance veteran Bob McLachlan — fresh from victory in the Yukon 1000 kayak race - teaming with Christchurch coach Flavio Vianna, who placed third individually last year.Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust director Jane Sharman said the event offers something for everyone. “It’s not just about the elites - it’s a fantastic opportunity for newcomers to get a taste of adventure racing,” she said.The Challenge Wānaka Multi consists of a 25km kayak, 43km mountain bike, and 14km trail run, alongside a popular duathlon option. Races start from 8am on Saturday at the Wānaka lakefront.PHOTO: framepower.nz

Wānaka locals will have the chance to learn lifesaving skills this weekend, with Hato Hone St John hosting an open day on Saturday (October 18) as part of its nationwide Shocktober campaign.The open day at the Wānaka St John station aims to help people gain confidence in responding to medical emergencies, particularly cardiac events. It forms part of the organisation’s goal to train 15,000 New Zealanders this month through its ‘3 Steps for Life’ programme.The free community event will include CPR and AED instruction, major incident response displays, ambulance tours, and opportunities to learn first responder skills. A free BBQ will also be running throughout the day.St John national community education manager Jacci Tatnell said Shocktober was about empowering people to act when someone collapses or stops breathing.“When you learn the 3 Steps for Life, you’re not just preparing for a moment – you’re preparing to help the people who matter most,” she said.The 3 Steps for Life programme teaches participants to call 111, start CPR, and use an AED (defibrillator) if one is available. Quick action can more than double a person’s chance of survival.St John is encouraging residents of all ages to attend the open day, learn practical skills, and explore how local paramedics respond to emergencies in their community.“People don’t need to be a paramedic or a superhero to save a life,” Jacci said. “Emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time - learning these skills means you’ll be ready when it counts.”The Shocktober open day runs from 10am to 2pm on Saturday at the St John Wānaka Station, with training sessions, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities planned.PHOTO: Wānaka App

On a sandy shore under the green canopy of a willow, Richard Bowman unties the rope securing a tinny, pushes off, and jumps in.After some careful manoeuvring through the willow branches, the little boat emerges on flat, calm Lake Hayes to a view of snow-dusted Coronet Peak against a blue sky.With him, Richard has a pair of binoculars, a clipboard and a pencil: all he needs to complete his monthly count of the lake's population of Australasian crested grebes - or pūteketeke.If the bird's name sounds familiar, it might be because it was - controversially - crowned Forest and Bird's 'Bird of the Century' in 2023, after comedian John Oliver launched a self-proclaimed "alarmingly aggressive" global campaign to champion the pūteketeke.But when the billboard on the Champs-Élysées got swapped out and the clips of Oliver dressed in a grebe costume dropped off the YouTube algorithm, it was people like Bowman who were still looking out for the bird.A member of Friends of Lake Hayes, Bowman started his monthly counts of the grebes in 2019, taking over an existing survey. His fascination with these birds goes back to the 1990s, though, not long after they first started showing up at Lake Hayes.At first, it was just the ornithologists who were excited about the grebes' arrival, he says."I didn't pay too much attention til one day I remember going around the lake - this must be in the early 90s or mid-90s - and I counted 40 pairs of birds and I thought, this is amazing."The grebes, with their distinctive copper-coloured neck ruffs and tufts of black head feathers, are "wonderful birds to watch", Bowman says."They're quite tricky birds [to spot]. They spend a lot of time underwater. Interestingly, they don't spend any time on land - they have very poorly developed legs. Brilliant swimmers and divers, but I haven't actually seen one on land."Their behaviour is also fascinating: the birds flirt by lifting themselves out of the water almost chest-to-chest, shaking their crested heads and even offering their partners some lake weed.The overhanging willows encircling the lake provide perfect nesting places, along with native raupō."What the birds do [is] they start bringing bits of stick and nesting material and they stack it up on an overhanging branch and build themselves a little platform immediately above the water," Bowman says.Building close to water allows the grebes to swiftly escape predators, by leaping off their nests into the lake at the slightest sign of danger.Lake Hayes is a great habitat in other ways, too. Its water levels are relatively stable and it's sheltered, meaning no waves or fluctuating lake heights to threaten the grebes' nests. It was designated a wildlife refuge in the 1950s, limiting boat speeds to five knots.The lake is not big - about a kilometre across and two kilometres wide. It only takes Richard an hour or two to circumnavigate in his tinny, but the counts have exceeded 170 birds at the height of the season for the last five years, and Richard's personal record since he took on the survey is 251.The water levels at Lake Hayes stay constant year-round. PHOTO: RNZ / Claire ConcannonHe also checks some of the 40 or 50 traps around the lake's perimeter as he goes."By having that ring of traps around the lake every 200 metres or so on the walking track, we hopefully are going to take out predators like stoats, ferrets, rats, even feral cats."Influxes of nutrients and sediment from the catchment have altered water quality in the lake over a number of decades, but recent catchment restoration efforts, including riparian planting and sediment traps, seem to be having a positive effect.Elsewhere, though, the grebes need more help.On the shore of Lake Wānaka, Markus Hermanns is busy checking and repairing nesting platforms ahead of the pūteketeke breeding season.Unlike Lake Hayes, the water levels in Lake Wānaka vary a lot from season to season, and the wind in parts of the lake can also be strong.When original Wānaka grebe advocate John Darby first spotted grebes at the lake just over a decade ago, he noticed that they struggled to breed as a result of these conditions, Hermanns says."They can't walk properly on land. So that means if they start building a nest on the shoreline and the water level drops, they can't reach the nest anymore when it sits on the dry. And the opposite - when the water level rises due to rainfall or snowmelt, the nest will float away."So, every year, the Lake Wānaka Grebe Project puts out about 20 nesting platforms in the marina, based on Darby's original design: wooden squares with pool noodles on the bottom to help them float, two low walls to act as protection from wind, some green mesh on top as a nest base, and finally a cross of looped wire to help prevent black-backed gulls from nabbing the chicks.Markus Hermanns repairs a grebe nest box on the shore of Lake Wānaka, in preparation for the year's breeding season. PHOTO: RNZ / Claire ConcannonThe platforms are hot property among the grebes, who can nest two or even three times a season."Especially at high time of the breeding season - December, January, February - there is a huge pressure," Hermanns says. "As soon as they have hatched their chicks they leave or they get almost pushed out by the next pair, and they immediately lay new eggs."The platforms have helped to attract more grebes, who in turn need space to breed. "It's a never-ending story," he says. "We would prefer if they find a habitat that's more suitable."But there's a good reason for sustaining the Lake Wānaka project."We were down to around a thousand birds in New Zealand so they were almost extinct, and this project here increased the population slightly," Hermanns says.It was likely grebes used to live as far north as the North Island, but the degradation of water quality and loss of wetlands and natural lakeshores all over the country has contributed to habitat loss."Until then, the breeding platforms are an artificial alternative for them to breed but it's also a way to keep the population alive, or keep the bird alive, here in New Zealand."Hermanns hasn't noticed a surge of visitors following the pūteketeke's Bird of the Century victory, but it did help with fundraising - and the locals definitely paid attention."People really love having the grebes here and enjoyed all the publicity. Two children's books got published after that award as well, and they are making the rounds in the local schools, which is lovely."He hopes that interest will help spur efforts to restore more places for the grebes to live."The future would be good for the grebes if the waterways get cleaner."

A joint council assessment of the supply of land for housing and business in this district has identified a “staggering” deficit of supply in the short term.The Housing and Business Capacity Assessment (HBA) 2025 report, from Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) in partnership with Otago Regional Council (ORC), was considered by QLDC at its final council meeting for the triennium last week.Its key findings show an expected surplus of dwelling supply in the medium and long term (10 to 30 years) - due to increased “infrastructure investment and development opportunity within the planning frameworks”, but in the short term (three years) net shortfalls in residential dwelling and in the medium and long terms in business land are predicted - to be constrained by infrastructure limitations, primarily in Whakatipu.The Wānaka Ward shows a small surplus of 180 dwellings, but with projected shortfalls in Wānaka’s township - also primarily as a result of infrastructure capacity limitations.“The amount of infrastructure deficit and shortfall is absolutely staggering,” Wānaka councillor Quentin Smith said.“There is a crisis of infrastructure in achieving those outcomes we approved in the last meeting… I’m not quite sure where we’ve departed in the resource management world from aligning resource and management and resource management. I just can’t grasp the extent to which we’ve overzoned relating to [the] resource available to us to provide the infrastructure.”He used growth and the impact on infrastructure in Lake Hāwea as an example, and said the issue would be an important one for the incoming council.Councillor Quentin Smith said the report reveals a “crisis of infrastructure”.QLDC planning and development general manager Dave Wallace said the HBA provides a crucial resource for understanding how planning and infrastructure decisions will affect future land availability, ultimately helping to guide sustainable growth and development in the district.“We’re expecting population in the Queenstown Lakes District to grow by 80 percent and reach 97,500 over the next 30 years, which means more housing is needed, more businesses to support those residents, and more infrastructure required to service their needs,” Dave said.“The HBA highlights our current infrastructure constraints and future shortfalls in residential, commercial, and industrial land, ultimately guiding proactive planning decisions and identifying what we’ll need more of to continue growing well as a district.”The HBA adopts a high growth scenario to set housing bottom lines, setting out a requirement for an additional 27,100 new dwellings in the district over the next 30 years, with 9,100 required by 2033 and a further 18,000 by 2053.While substantial plan-enabled housing capacity already exists in the district, the HBA identifies infrastructure limitations that result in a district-wide shortfall of approximately 1,000 dwellings in the short term, especially in the Whakatipu.A surplus of dwellings is expected in the medium and long term as investment planned for infrastructure and development opportunities increase.Land for business is also projected to grow strongly over the next 30 years, but recent zoning changes and further infrastructure constraints show more capacity is required for retail and commercial operations, most notably 36 hectares of industrial land in the long term.Council said it will now explore alternative funding and financing tools to accelerate infrastructure delivery in priority development areas, in addition to developing an updated Spatial Plan which will help identify the location of additional land to meet demand. PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The heart-breaking subject of baby loss will be marked this week in Wānaka, as well as around the country.Baby Loss Awareness Week (October 9-15) provides an opportunity for parents, families and whānau to come together and remember the lives of their babies who have died. A group of people, organised by Wānaka midwife Emily Sancha and local counsellor Liz Maluschnig, gathered on Sunday (October 12) at the baby memorial wall at the Wānaka cemetery for a candle lighting and remembrance ceremony.The ceremony was followed by warm drinks and cupcakes made by Food for Love.“Candles were lit, songs were sung, stories were shared and the lives of treasured babies were honoured,” Emily said.The memorial, initiated by Shirley Rowley in 2011, contains plaques bearing the names of infants on a circular wall. Plaques can be ordered from the Queenstown Lakes District Council website. This week Wānaka’s regular Death Cafe will also honour Baby Loss Awareness Week. “We remember the babies born sleeping, those who were carried, for the shortest or longest time but never held, those who were held but could not be taken home, those who came home but could not stay,” Death Cafe facilitators Liz Maluschnig and Su Hoskin said.Liz and Su said the Death Cafe is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. The event will take place at the Edgewater Pavilion from 1.30pm on Wednesday (October 15). All are welcome.Also on Wednesday landmarks across Aotearoa will be lit up in pink, blue, and purple to remember babies who have been lost.A local woman who has experienced baby loss told the Wānaka App she appreciated the efforts to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.“So much around baby loss has traditionally been cloaked in secrecy,” she said.“It means when it happens, it is so shocking and isolating. Things are getting so much more open now which is great so this can only help keep that openness expanding.” She said Shirley Rowley was one of the people who made an effort to connect with her following the loss of her babies, to share her story and tell her about the baby memorial.“I do feel it is important and useful to mark your baby's life somehow - in whatever way seems fitting and comfortable to yourself and your family if appropriate - just for your own sake really. It can help counteract that societal pressure to forget and move on for everyone else's comfort, in a personal way. It is notfair to expect parents to deny or forget any of their children, but that attitude can still prevail.” PHOTO: Alpine Images

The race for the fourth and final Wānaka Ward councillor seat remains tight, with only 18 votes separating candidates in the preliminary count released this afternoon (Monday October 13).Incumbent councillor Cody Tucker is behind Yeverley McCarthy by a narrow margin, with Yeverley on 1,953 votes and Cody on 1,935. The gap has closed significantly since Saturday’s progress result, which had Yeverley leading by 122 votes.“It came as a very big surprise to me because I was rung on Saturday … and told ‘congratulations you’re a councillor’ and I burst into tears,” Yeverley said.“They told me I had won and they told Cody he had lost. It was not very well done.”Yeverley said she and Cody were both advised the margin was big enough and unlikely to change.Cody Tucker said he has been planning his future after Saturday’s result and is “struggling to process” the updated count.“I was told on Saturday it was enough of a buffer not to change the result,” he said.“I think we’re both taken aback by it.”The preliminary result excludes special votes, which are still to be verified and counted.Three councillors have already been confirmed for the Wānaka Ward: Nicola King, Quentin Smith, and Niki Gladding. The addition of either Yeverley or Cody will complete the ward’s four-member team.This year’s election has seen major change across the Queenstown Lakes District, with a new mayor and several new councillors elected. Once the official count is confirmed on Thursday (October 16) the successful candidate will join the new council ahead of the first meeting of the new triennium.After the preliminary result the voter return was 39.85 percent, being 12,399 votes, excluding special votes.PHOTOS: Supplied