Some of the world’s leading voices in destination management, tourism leadership and sustainability are visiting Queenstown this week (October 6-10) for the Destination Think Forum 2025.The forum will highlight the region’s leadership in regenerative tourism and put Queenstown and Wānaka at the centre of global conversations about the future of tourism, organisers say. “I’ve come to the Southern Lakes region not just to share, but to be inspired,” Wonderful Copenhagen marketing director Rikke Holm Petersen said.“Queenstown’s alpine landscapes, its commitment to carbon-zero goals and the deep connection between people and place present a powerful opportunity for the future of destination stewardship.”Attendees - including senior tourism delegates from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania - will explore how the area is reimagining its visitor economy and how lessons learned in here can help shape the next chapter of global tourism.They will participate in panels, site visits, workshops and networking events focused on the theme of ‘Regeneration in Practice’. Rikke has been an advocate for transforming tourism from consumption toward positive contribution, as demonstrated by Copenhagen’s CopenPay initiative, which rewards visitors for sustainable actions.She said she believes tourism has the power to shape communities, landscapes and behaviour beyond traditional boundaries. Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism chief executive Mat Woods, who will be a guest speaker at the event, said the area is “grappling with the same challenges many destinations elsewhere face, balancing visitation, community expectations and ecological impacts”. “Hosting an event like this helps us to lay out how we can evolve across the tourism industry by sharing opportunities and learnings. We look forward to showing what’s possible here and learning from peers who are pushing boundaries globally.”Mat will talk about the region’s Destination Management Plan (DMP), including its ambitious goal for a carbon zero visitor economy, as well as local case-studies.In addition to looking at regenerative models, the Destination Think Forum 2025 sessions will explore carbon reduction pathways, governance structures, and community collaboration. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Road users can expect to see plenty of activity on local state highways over the next few months as the summer road maintenance season moves into full swing. New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will be undertaking a substantial resealing programme on more than 67 kilometres of highway, including many locations in the Upper Clutha.As well as areas further afield, resealing will take place on the Luggate-Tarras Road, between Cromwell and Tarras, and SH6 between Albert Town and Queenstown. “Road users should be prepared for temporary speed limit reductions and delays up to 10 minutes,” NZTA maintenance contracts manager Peter Standring said.In addition to the resealing programme, NZTA will also be carrying out important work at a number of sites to “reconstruct roads and build up resilience”, he said.This will include general maintenance at the Luggate Red Bridge, although timing is yet to be confirmed, as well as other sites around Cromwell and Queenstown.More people working on the roads means an increased risk of accidents and injuries, so motorists are being asked to take extra care around worksites during the summer construction season, NZTA said. “The impacts of this work on traffic will vary from full temporary road closures to traffic management that results in delays, depending on the nature of the work,” Peter said. “We’ll be doing our best to minimise that impact on road users.”He asked road users to have patience this summer, for everyone’s safety.“We understand people can get stressed travelling on busy highways, especially in warmer conditions. But just like we want travellers to get where they are going safely, we want our roading team from Aspiring Highways to get home safely to their families. “A bit of patience behind the wheel goes a long way. Where we see dangerous driving behaviour, police will be contacted.” PHOTO: NZTA

It’s easy to overlook how important the recent resource consent approval for the Wānaka Health Precinct is for improving regional access to health services. Surprisingly, there is nowhere in Wānaka where a hospital can be built as of right. I guess it speaks to a lack of vision on behalf of our civic leaders that there is no designated area for such an essential piece of local infrastructure, but that’s the reality. So the first question Roa had to answer was - can we build it here? Thankfully we now know the answer is yes.Remarkably we achieved consent with unanimous community support. Seventeen submissions were made in response to our application and every one of them was positive – something that’s pretty unheard of for a development of this significance. I wrote to each of the submitters personally to thank them for their support, but this is a chance to do so publicly. Thanks for backing us, and thanks for helping us deliver better healthcare access for our community.So, what happens next? Firstly, a reminder of what makes up the Wānaka Health Precinct. It consists of a hospital, four commercial buildings for medical tenants, and a carpark. The next step is to get started on site works for the stage one buildings – that is the first two of the four commercial buildings fronting Sir Tim Wallis Drive. If you’re thinking that a couple of commercial buildings won’t deliver more healthcare for Wānaka in the short term, let me explain. These buildings are specifically for healthcare related activities - the terms of our consent ensure this. That means the buildings will provide medical consulting suites, treatment rooms and even day surgery. We are already at various stages of lease commitment with a range of medical providers, with some of the strongest interest coming from oncology, endoscopy and medical imaging services. The Wānaka Health Precinct is attracting new medical specialties to this town because it’s a unique opportunity for them to establish their practices immediately adjacent to an approved hospital site and within a broader health campus. What that means for the people of Wānaka and Upper Clutha is that the day is getting nearer when we no longer have to travel for hours to access medical services other New Zealanders take for granted.

Just six weeks after completing the gruelling 100-mile Tarawera Ultra-Trail, Wānaka physiotherapist and endurance athlete Helene Barron faced an entirely different challenge - a diagnosis of aggressive tongue cancer.Three years on, she is inviting the community to witness her fight for survival in the documentary Onwards, which is screening at Cinema Paradiso next Tuesday (October 14).Onwards was filmed and edited by Wānaka filmmaker Ben Wallbank and it captures Helene’s journey through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.The documentary was a finalist at the 2025 Doc Edge Film Festival.The screenings will raise money for the Cancer Society’s southern division and Helene said she hopes they will also raise awareness of cancer and highlight the charity’s “amazing mahi”.“This is about supporting others navigating their own journeys, while giving back to a cause that supported me when I needed it most,” Helene said.In May 2023, Helene underwent a partial glossectomy – removal of part of her tongue – followed by six weeks of radiation therapy in Dunedin. During treatment, she stayed at Daffodil House, a Cancer Society accommodation for patients receiving treatment away from home, fondly known as ‘Cancer Camp’ by residents.“I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received from the Cancer Society during my time in Dunedin,” Helene said. “Now it’s my turn to give back.”There will be two screenings of Onwards next Tuesday, at 6.45pm and 8pm. Tickets are available via Humanitix.Anyone who is unable to attend but would like to make a donation can do so via Humanitix.PHOTO: Supplied

The Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds is being accused of staying silent on fast-track projects which affect the environment.The Fast-Track Approvals Act, which is intended to speed up development and infrastructure projects, requires the Environment Minister to be invited to comment on all referred projects, and all substantive applications.National's Simmonds has commented on only eight of the 43 fast track projects she has been sent invites for.Green MP Lan Pham believes Simmonds is neglecting her duties as the Minister for the Environment by choosing not to comment on all."Fast track bulldozes its way through any existing environmental protection that you would have considered a protection prior to the bill," she said.The Fast-track Approvals Act is touted as a one-stop-shop, which allows projects to gain approval under many acts, such as the Wildlife and Conservation Act as well as the Resource Management Act. The process allows for limiting who is invited to provide information on applications, meaning community members and environmental NGOs could be sidelined."It's absolutely critical that the Minister for the Environment is using her voice to bring up environmental issues, to advocate for environmental concerns that are at risk and threatened by these fast track projects," said Pham."The fact that she isn't using her voice is absolutely disappointing. I think she's neglecting her duties as minister."However, Simmonds said there is no expectation or obligation for her to comment on each application. She said expert panels assessing applications can set conditions related to environmental impacts.She believed her priority as minister is to protect the environment, "so it can continue to underpin New Zealand's economic and social wellbeing".Simmonds said she was proud of the government's "strong track record of improving environmental management", which she said delivered policies that allowed sustainable growth and development while safeguarding the environment.Barrister Dr Mai Chen said the Minister for Infrastructure, National's Chris Bishop, is the decision maker under the Fast-Track Act and the Minister for the Environment is consulted.In her view Simmonds should only comment when there was something additional, or new to say beyond what advice the Ministry for the Environment had already provided."You've got to see the Minister for the Environment's contribution in the light of that statutory schema," Chen said.The equivalent of five full-time staff from the Ministry for the Environment spend 60 percent of their time dedicated to advising Simmonds on whether to respond to invitations to comment on fast track applications.Lan Pham. PHOTO: RNZ / Nate McKinnonFormer Environment Minister Marian Hobbs said the public expect the minister to be the voice for the environment.She said the minister needs to take a proactive approach and be satisfied she is getting the best information from staff at the Ministry for the Environment."It's a question of trust, is she pushing her ministry? Rather than the ministry giving you what you want to hear, which is the real danger, if you push back and say, what if? That's when I would get suspicious I wasn't always being given the full picture. I had no problem picking up the phone to a university, or to a specialist in the area to ask them."When asked if she would have commented on more than eight of 43 applications, Hobbs' response was: "Hell yes.""She is the only spokesperson for the environment in those decision making bodies and her voice should be heard, or otherwise it won't be heard at all."Among the projects Simmonds chose not to provide comment on is a gold mining project in Waihi, which aims to tunnel under Coromandel conservation land. The area is home to the threatened Archey's frog.Simmonds said she chose to not provide comments on OceanaGold's application because she was satisfied information provided by the mining company was comprehensive and completed by experts hired by the company. She said expert panels considering each fast-tracked application were best placed to address concerns with the application.The Archey's frog does not have ears. PHOTO: Supplied / Amanda HaighThe Department of Conservation (DOC) made a 43 page submission to OceanaGold's application which expressed concern about the potential for irreversible harm."DOC concludes that without significant improvements to mitigation measures, clearer performance standards and stronger legal protections for offset areas, the Project risks causing irreversible harm to high-value conservation areas and species. DOC recommends that the Panel adopt a precautionary approach and ensure that any approvals are subject to stringent, enforceable conditions," it said.The project has also faced opposition from groups such as Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki, who are concerned about the impact on endangered frogs and fresh water quality in the public conservation land. This group was invited to comment on the application, and engaged with a range of experts.Spokesperson Catherine Delahuntey, a former Green MP, was disappointed the Minister for the Environment chose not to comment."This is one of the supposed checks and balances isn't it? That the minister is engaged. Well obviously they're not."

Health New Zealand is encouraging people to monitor for measles symptoms, such as a fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a rash, after a measles case was confirmed in Queenstown last week (Monday September 29).The infected person visited locations in Cromwell and Queenstown, and health authorities recommend locals check the locations of interest (listed below) in case they may have come into contact with the measles case. Health New Zealand medical officer of health Dr Michael Butchard said now is a good time for people to check if they and their family are protected against measles and to get immunised if needed.  Getting immunised with two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine (after the age of 12 months) is the best form of protection against measles. The MMR vaccine is free in New Zealand for anyone under the age of 18 years old, and for people who are eligible for free healthcare. “People who haven’t had two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, should get another as extra doses are safe,” Dr Butchard said. “Pharmacies are a great option for adults and children over three years old to get immunised. There are plenty of pharmacies offering these services now – seven days a week.” Find a pharmacy offering immunisations here. A free vaccination helpline is also available Monday to Friday, 8.30am- 5pm on 0800 28 29 26, or people can also contact their GP or Hauora provider during their usual available hours. Vaccine appointments can also be booked online too.Anyone who was at one of these locations on the day and time listed is considered by public health as a casual contact of the person who has measles. Watch out for symptoms and follow the advice for casual contacts.Yara Kebab Cromwell Sunday September 21 3pm-4pmCromwell Heritage Precinct Sunday September 21 4.15pm-6.15pmBP Cromwell Sunday September 21 5.30pm-6.45pmSalvation Army Thrift Shop Thursday September 25 12.15pm-1.25pmSPCA Op Shop Queenstown Thursday September 25 12.30pm-1.45pmThe Bakery Queenstown Thursday September 25 2.45pm-3.50pmWoolworths Five Mile Queenstown Thursday September 25 3.30pm-4.45pm

International stars helped launch the At the World’s Edge (AWE) chamber music festival over the weekend.The launch, held in Wānaka for the first time, featured two programmes of both contemporary and older chamber music at the picturesque Rippon Hall.New Zealand artists including violinists Benjamin Baker and Justine Cormack and cellist James Bush were joined by musicians from all over the world, among them violinist Anthony Marwood (UK), violist Yura Lee (Korea), and Jordan Brooks (South Africa).Composer-in-residence John Psathas introduced the world premiere of his new composition, The Jagged Stone, a double cello string quartet.Justine, who is AWE’s festival director as well as a violinist, said she was thrilled with the turnout and the audience’s response to the opening weekend.“After hours of rehearsals, not to mention the months of planning, it’s always a thrill to hear the first notes of the festival played,” she said.John’s new piece was met with “rapturous applause and a long standing ovation”, Justine said.Another highlight of the weekend was the inclusion of Erin Helyard (Australia) on the harpsichord - a rarely heard instrument in Wānaka - who featured in much of Sunday’s baroque-inspired programme. “For many of our overseas artists, this is their first time to Aotearoa and there really is no better time or place to welcome them to our country than springtime in the Southern Lakes,” Justine said.“Performing in such intimate venues creates a wonderful connection between the artists and the audiences and we’re so grateful to everyone who joined us this weekend for making them feel so welcome.” This week AWE heads down the valley to Cromwell and Bannockburn and over to the Whakatipu for three programmes at Te Atamira. Next week AWE ventures further into the region during its school programme when festival artists will get to perform for and work alongside the region’s budding young musicians from primary school age up. PHOTO: Supplied

As of late last week only slightly more than 15 percent of registered voters - 4,770 people - in the district had voted for who will represent them at district and regional council tables.Tomorrow is the last day (Tuesday October 7) for Upper Clutha voters to post their ballot papers for the mayor, district councillors, Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board members, and regional councillors.After that, ballot papers should be dropped into voting bins (at New World Three Parks, New World Wānaka, the Wānaka Library, Wānaka council office at 47 Ardmore Street, and the Hāwea Store and Kitchen) to be counted in time. Voting closes at midday on Saturday (October 11). Local Government New Zealand interim chief executive Scott Nicklin said turnout is up across the country, especially in rural areas. “It’s encouraging, as up to 70 percent of returns typically happen in the final week,” he said. Scott said the extra week of voting this year, combined with more ballot boxes and public concern about issues such as rates rises, have all helped lift engagement. But he warned against complacency. “We need to keep up the momentum. Council decisions affect everything from roads and rubbish to footpaths, freshwater, community facilities and public spaces. This is your chance to influence those decisions.” In 2022, 43.05 percent of voters in this district cast their ballots.Find information on the election and all the candidates here.PHOTO: Supplied

What are they, and why are they so common in modern-day relationships?Contracting Out Agreements (“COA”), on the face of it, can look like a guarantee of impending doom for relationships. However, they serve a very important purpose in our relationships. The Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (“PRA”) applies to three main types of relationship; marriage, civil union, and de facto relationship. To qualify for equal sharing of relationship property, the relationship generally must have lasted at least three years, however, the principle of equal division of property may still apply in special circumstances, such as when children or significant assets are involved. A COA, provided for by section 21 of the PRA, can ensure that any assets, property, or money are divided in accordance with an agreement made by you and your respective partner, before any messiness of a relationship breakdown. Why is this protection so important? The PRA sets the default rule that relationship property is divided equally (50/50) when a relationship ends (by separation or death), unless there are extraordinary circumstances. A COA is the main legal tool to opt out of that presumption and set different terms. Without a COA, the Act will apply, even if one person has contributed an unequal share towards the wealth of the relationship. This can feel unfair in some situations. The agreement essentially sets out that certain property (such as a family home, a business, Kiwisaver, or vehicles) will be considered separate property and is not to be divided equally. This provides couples greater certainty and control of their own affairs, reducing stress and conflict, not only throughout the relationship, but in the unfortunate event of separation. It is important to note that relationship property not only consists of assets, property, and money, but also includes debts, insurance policies, and future acquisitions. This often comes as a surprise to couples, as many assume relationship property is limited to things they physically own together. For example:Debts: If one partner incurs debt during the relationship (such as a personal loan or credit card debt), that liability may be considered relationship property and shared equally, regardless of who benefited from the borrowing.Future acquisitions: Property that may not even exist yet can still fall under the PRA. This could include KiwiSaver growth, bonuses, or business income earned during the relationship.Common Situations Where a COA Helps While many people assume COAs are only for the wealthy, they are in fact a practical tool for a wide range of everyday situations. One common example is when one partner already owns a home before moving in together. Without an agreement, that home could become relationship property, leaving both parties with an equal share in the event of separation. Another frequent scenario arises when a family business or family farm is involved. These types of assets are often intended to stay within a family line, but under the PRA they may be treated as relationship property once they are used for the couple’s common benefit. A COA allows couples to ring-fence such assets, reducing the risk of conflict later on. Blended families also commonly benefit from a COA. Where one or both partners have children from previous relationships, it is often important to ensure that inheritances are preserved for those children. Without clear arrangements, the equal sharing rules of the PRA can undermine careful estate planning. Particularly in the event of the death of a partner as the surviving partner has the option to choose between taking under the deceased’s Will or applying for a division of relationship property under the PRA. This can have significant consequences for blended families. In each of these examples, the COA provides certainty, clarity, and a sense of fairness. Rather than being a signal of mistrust, it can be seen as a practical step to safeguard both partners’ intentions and avoid unnecessary disputes. What Makes a COA Valid? A COA is not as simple as writing down an agreement on paper and signing it together. For the agreement to be legally binding, certain requirements must be met under the PRA, including:Written form: The agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.Independent legal advice: Each party must receive advice from their own lawyer, who will explain the effects and implications of the agreement.Certification: The lawyers must certify that they have given this advice and witnessed the signing.Full disclosure: Both parties are expected to disclose all assets, debts, and financial information to their lawyers, so the lawyer can provide the appropriate and necessary legal advice as to their entitlements under the RPA. If important details are left out, the agreement can later be challenged.These safeguards exist to ensure that the agreement is fair, transparent, and that both parties truly understand what they are signing. How Checketts McKay Law Can Help At Checketts McKay Law, we have deep roots in Otago and understand the unique challenges our clients face. Many of our clients are involved in farming, viticulture, tourism, or small business, where assets are not just property but part of a family legacy. Others are first-home buyers in a market where property values have soared, requiring us to utilise the Bank of Mum and Dad more so now than in the past. In all situations, having a COA in place can make a significant difference. Our team provides the independent legal advice required for a valid COA and ensures that agreements are fair, practical, and future-proof. We take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your options clearly, and help you protect the things that matter most—whether that’s a farm, a vineyard, a business, or your family’s financial security. By working with Checketts McKay Law, you get local expertise combined with a personal approach, giving you confidence that your COA is robust and tailored to your needs. A Contracting Out Agreement is not about planning for failure, but about creating certainty and fairness. By setting clear rules around property and assets, couples can reduce stress, protect what matters most, and focus on building their future together. For tailored advice and support, Checketts McKay Law is here to help Central Otago families and couples put the right protections in place.17 Dunmore Street, Wānaka

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is calling on the community to have a say on the draft Blue Green Network Plan (BGNP), which councillors say will provide a “clear vision” for protecting the district’s parks, open spaces, waterways, and trails.The BGNP will serve as a blueprint for identifying which areas should be protected, enhanced, and better connected as the district grows.QLDC general manager community services Ken Bailey said the plan is more than just a map of natural spaces - it’s about creating well-designed neighbourhoods, resilient communities, and a healthier environment for everyone.“Queenstown Lakes District is known around the world for its outstanding outdoors,” Ken said.“By integrating these waterways, reserves, parks, and civic spaces into one single network of sorts, we’ve created a practical resource council and developers can use to understand what environmental outcomes and existing and future residents may benefit from in local areas when planning future development.”The draft BGNP identifies blue, green, and community features in Priority Development Areas and settlements across the district, and has the potential to deliver a range of benefits, from protecting biodiversity to improving water quality and creating more recreational spaces.Reserves, parks, waterways, and civic spaces will be integrated into a single network.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App few would argue that a town like Wānaka doesn’t need strong access to the outdoors.“The principle of the Blue Green Network Plan is really sound in that it tries to create a framework for the protection of and establishment of green space, waterways, public access and recreation,” he said. “This plan provides one of the inputs into the second generation of the Spatial Plan.”Councillor Cody Tucker said he hopes it will help ensure new development can be appropriately managed and prevent issues that have developed at some newer subdivisions.Quentin said the biggest challenge moving forward will be how power the Spatial Plan and Blue Green Network Plan will be given under Resource Management Act reform.“The power to require reserves and connections in new subdivisions will need to be embedded in the new legislation and continue to be in the mandate of council for the plan to be deliverable,” he said. “But it’s good to have a clear vision to work towards.”Now is the time to contribute to that vision - residents can point out what they want protected, enhanced, or introduced in their neighbourhoods or across the wider Queenstown Lakes here.“Whether there’s a creek near your place that needs some care, a missing link to your child’s school or your local shops, or a popular park down the road you want protected, this is your backyard so be heard,” Ken said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Nine candidates will contest five seats on the Central Lakes Trust (CLT) board in the upcoming elections, including Upper Clutha residents Kathy Dedo and Dave Currie.Voting papers will be sent out from October 16, with residents across Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago able to choose who helps manage CLT’s nearly $600M in assets.CLT distributes grants to charitable trusts and community grants every month - and has distributed more than $168M in grants since its establishment in 2000.Kathy is seeking re-election after two terms on the board.“With a vision of ‘our community is a better place,’ I love being a CLT trustee,” she said. “It’s a privilege to serve as deputy chair and audit and risk committee chair, managing $571M and supporting projects throughout our region.”Dave, who lives in Lake Hāwea, brings a background in sport and governance, having served as Chef de Mission for New Zealand’s Olympic and Paralympic teams and held leadership roles in national organisations.“I am in awe of this special place we are privileged to call home,” he said. “What drives me is leaving a legacy of place for my grandchildren.”Other nominees include Mark Christie, Alexa Forbes, Neil Gillespie, Tony Lepper, Chris Phoon, Michael Rewi, and Trudi Webb. Mark said he brings “strong skills in building effective, collaborative teams” from his corporate and community leadership roles, while Alexa - an Otago Regional Council councillor - said her focus is “acting now for a better future”.Three sitting trustees are re-standing - Kathy, Tony and Trudy - while Lindsay Breen and Jim Boult will step down at the end of the term.The elected trustees will join three appointed members to form the governing body that oversees CLT’s investments and grant-making.Residents within Central Otago should expect their voting papers to arrive from mid-October, and voting will close at midday on November 21.The results of the election will be published by November 25.Read the full candidate profiles for each nominee at the CLT website here.

Supporting more local growers, reducing food waste and boosting education on food resilience are some of the key steps needed to help the district become more self-sufficient, according to a new report.Alongside local action, the Southern Lakes Food Resilience Report says regional and national policy change to empower communities to feed themselves must become a priority.By the mid 2050s, up to 95,000 tonnes of food may be necessary to feed the Queenstown Lakes district each year.Almost 95 percent of the food eaten in the district at present is either shipped or flown in, the report by Wao Aotearoa and the Food Resilience Project says.Meanwhile the district is highly vulnerable to both acute events and long-term shocks.“Risks to the distribution network include a changing climate affecting growing, climate related and other natural disasters, and geopolitical and health events,” the report said. “High visitor populations throughout the year add complexity to the challenges.”‘Growing the growers’ is crucial, the report concludes: Backing current growers and farmers and providing a supportive environment for newcomers wishing to enter the industry.“Ensuring access to funding and support to help these businesses expand, increasing local food availability and reducing reliance on imports needs to be at the core of any solution,” it said.This is one of eight key pieces in the ‘roadmap’ to food resilience in the report.Others include the creation of a food processing hub, where the community has the ability to process its own food locally; community food hubs, to make locally grown food easier to access; and ‘kai commons’, using public land and reserves for food production.At the local policy level, an ‘emergency food charter’ should be created to respond to “acute shocks” in the food system, and a ‘local food policy’ to embed food resilience into council planning, as well as education, via local programmes and the Southern Lakes Kai Collective ‘think tank’. The Southern Lakes Food Resilience Report builds on the work in the 2023 Wao Food Resilience Report, which provided a baseline understanding of the food system in the district, as well as hui in 2024.“At the heart of change lies community resilience - a collective, community led, multi-pronged approach to shifting our food system to address the multiple challenges we face,” the report said.Residents are encouraged to get involved.Read the full report here or getting involved at the Wao Summit food resilience day on October 1.PHOTO: Supplied

Eight athletes have been conditionally selected to represent the New Zealand Team at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, subject to the NZOC receiving a quota for each event. This is the first wave of selection, with the potential for more athletes to be named in January 2026 after European winter performances. The eight athletes selected will be hoping to build on New Zealand’s most successful Winter Olympic Games at Beijing 2022, where Kiwi athletes claimed a silver and two gold medals.New Zealand’s most decorated Winter Olympian, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (Wānaka) made history in Beijing and is back to take to the slopes in the Big Air and Slopestyle. She won New Zealand’s first Winter Olympic gold medal in Snowboard Slopestyle, alongside a silver in Big Air. She also won a Big Air bronze medal at PyeongChang 2018.Zoi has three Snowboard Slopestyle World Championships to her name. In 2025 alone, she claimed four World Cup podiums (including three gold), a gold and bronze at X Games, and capped the year as the first Kiwi female to bring home the FIS Crystal Globe for topping the overall Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup standings.In men’s Freeski, Luca Harrington (Wānaka) is selected to the team having represented New Zealand at the Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games where he claimed bronze in Freeski Halfpipe.He will be looking to capitalise on a standout 2024-25 season where he stood on five World Cup podiums, notching two wins, while also claiming gold and silver on X Games debut. He won the Freeski Big Air World Championship, marking the first time a Kiwi skier has held this title, he was also the first Kiwi to win a Freeski Crystal Globe.In 2025, Luca and fellow NZ Team athlete Ben Barclay (Wānaka) shared an historic World Cup Slopestyle podium - the first time two Kiwis have stood on a Park & Pipe podium together.Ben, who finished 10th in Freeski Slopestyle at Beijing 2022, New Zealand’s best Olympic result in the discipline, brings further experience to the NZ Team for Milano Cortina having stood on multiple World Cup podiums throughout his career.In the Halfpipe, Fin Melville Ives (Wānaka) is selected for his first Olympic Winter Games and goes in as the reigning Freeski Halfpipe World Champion.Fin claimed the World title on his debut at the World Championships this season and can lay claim to a further World Cup gold earlier in 2025. He was part of the NZ Team’s most successful Winter Youth Olympic Games at Gangwon 2024, where he won the silver medal in Freeski Halfpipe.Fin’s twin brother Cam Melville Ives (Wānaka) also brings Winter Youth Olympic experience to the team, having competed at Gangwon 2024 where he claimed bronze in Snowboard Big Air.A strong 2025 season saw Cam secure multiple podiums on the European Cup circuit as well as a fifth-place finish in Halfpipe at his debut World Championships in 2025.At 17-years-old, Luke Harrold (Wānaka) completes this selection of athletes to the NZ Team.In 2023, Luke was the youngest Kiwi to podium at a World Cup event, before making history at the 2025 World Championships by landing the first ‘triple corked rotation’ in a Freeski Halfpipe competition, where he finished fourth. He was part of the successful Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic team, picking up bronze in the Freeski Big Air and gold in the Halfpipe.In addition, Alice Robinson (Queenstown) returns for her third Olympic Games after competing at PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022, joined by Ruby Star Andrews (Queenstown).New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol congratulated the athletes on stamping their boarding passes for Milano Cortina 2026.“We’re extremely proud to have each and every one of them wear the fern and represent the New Zealand Team in Italy next year. I also want to wish those athletes still in contention for selection the best of luck in the coming months of competition over in Europe.”Snow Sports NZ chief executive Nic Cavanagh said the lineup of athletes “reflects years of hard work and dedication to their sport, and I am looking forward to watching them all in action in Milano Cortina”.The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place from February 6-22, 2026 across Italian alpine venues.There is expected to be a further athlete selection announcement in January 2026.

The Central App asked the seven candidates for four seats on Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Dunstan constituency why they are standing for election this year.Here’s how they responded:Ben Farrell:“Numerous friends and colleagues have suggested they want to see people like me standing for council and I’m about to complete about 24 years voluntary service to the New Zealand resource management/planning profession, so will have some capacity to get involved around the council table. “There is significant change affecting local government, with more to come, and now that we have four seats in the ORC Dunstan Constituency now seems like an appropriate time to stand up.”Neil Gillespie:“After 15 years as Central Otago’s deputy mayor, being a district councillor since 2001 and Cromwell Community Board member since 1998, I have decided not to seek re-election to the Central Otago District Council. Instead, I have decided to stand for a position on the Dunstan ward of the Otago Regional Council.“My vast experience in resource management through my role as chair of the Central Otago District Council Hearings Panel and at Contact Energy, means the ORC is a really good fit for me.“My community and council roles have meant that I’ve been part of a team that has worked for the appropriate community outcomes - individually we can do little at the council table, so I believe it is essential that the elected councillors work as a team to deliver outcomes that are best for our communities – we don’t have to agree with each other. The debates need to be robust and determined on the best information and data.“My knowledge of local government and governance which is backed up by a pragmatic, logical and common-sense approach needs to be at the table. I will not make any promises of what I will do – one vote does not a majority make.“However, I am an experienced, considered and capable community representative with no agendas or vested interests. I understand governance, have a deep and thorough understanding of the processes that the ORC needs to work through, with and around.”Matt Hollyer:“I am motivated by the community I have been part of for many years. In particular the conservation community of Wānaka and Queenstown that I have got to know through my work over the past five years. There are a vast number of volunteers, businesses, and landowners who are determined to make improvements to our natural environment - and I want to help them as much as I can. “I have already created the Conservation Alliance as an informal grouping of community conservation groups, and with the backing of these people established the concept and lobbied ORC to establish the large scale environmental fund. So I believe I have the street cred of being effective and making positive things happen.  “I have also been part of the ORC led catchment action plan being developed for the Upper Lakes - a great concept, now I want to be part of ensuring it is set up to deliver.”Gary Kelliher:“I believe under our Vision Otago umbrella we have the potential to have a far more balanced group of councillors make a meaningful change to the ORC. Actually reduce rates, improve water quality where needed, and restore democracy to the council table rather than total direction from staff being accepted by a majority of ideology believing councillors.”Michael Laws:“To create a council that reduces its rates demands, makes a positive impact upon the environment, respects the communities that it serves (and actually listens to them), creates an effective pest eradication plan, and restores local democracy. Those are not simply Vision Otago's priorities, but my political passion over the next three years.” Amie Pont:“After a first initial chat with an outgoing ORC councillor prior to the last election three years ago I mentioned it again recently to a few friends, family and colleagues and then everything started to fall into place. “I have spent my life serving the community and wider regions in many ways and this is the next logical progression of that passion. “I am genuine, have a healthy view on the reality of governance pressures and want to contribute the skills I have developed over the years in a meaningful way.”Nicky Rhodes:“I have been thinking about how I can best contribute to my region, which is why I have teamed up with Vision Otago – we have a real opportunity to give a voice back to our communities, with candidates across the region; to achieve rates reduction through practical solutions; and effect a positive impact on the environment with our plan for fresh water quality and pest control, which we believe is of the highest importance – for many people in the region, our environment is our economy.”PHOTOS: Supplied

Hours of dedicated practice over almost three years will come to fruition when New Zealand’s newest aerobatic display team makes its debut at next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wānaka International Airshow.The four-ship Pitts Special display team will perform for the first time at the airshow as ‘Southern Force’.Team leader Andy Love said from the start the team had been dedicated to getting up to the standard demanded by a world-class airshow like Wānaka, which led them to bring in an overseas mentor, Jeremy Miller.“This guy is one of the best in the business and the fact that he’d especially come across from Australia meant we were totally invested in learning everything we could from him while he was here,” Andy said.  Being able to debut their team at Warbirds Over Wānaka is an honour, he said.  “Doing our first big public display at an airshow of the calibre of Wānaka is a real privilege but we’re up for the challenge.”Airshow general manager Ed Taylor said he can’t wait to see ‘Southern Force’ wow the crowd next year.  “I’m picking these guys will be one of the surprise acts of 2026, bringing lots of daring manoeuvres, noise and smoke to Wānaka. “These small, colourful bi-planes are always a crowd favourite and having four of them doing their thing together is going to be special.”’Southern Force’ - Andy Love, Mark O’Sullivan, Lincoln Jones, and Richard Hood - will be displaying on all three days of the airshow (which runs from April 3-5).PHOTO: Supplied

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) is celebrating 25 years of giving back, and it’s turning to the region’s young artists to capture the spirit of the occasion. The community funder has launched an art competition for students in Years 7 to 13.  The winning design will be printed on a commemorative tea towel and feature on the cover of the trust’s 2026 Annual Report. CLT chief executive Barbara Bridger said the competition was to involve the next generation in the trust’s anniversary. “We wanted to commemorate this milestone with something special and felt that involving our community’s youth in creating a piece of art would encourage participation, creativity, and connection,” she said. The theme is ‘giving’, encouraging entrants to reflect on generosity, community, and the impact of people working together. All entries will be displayed at the trust’s scholarships award ceremony at the start of November, where the winners will be announced. A judging panel led by Central Otago portrait painter Dee Copeland will choose the top three. “Dee will be looking for impact and wow factor, originality, composition, creativity and technical ability,” Barbara says. “The artworks will also be judged on their relevance and suitability for screen printing on a tea towel.” There’s also a people’s choice award, to be decided by public voting on the CLT Facebook page. Prizes include $350 for first place, $250 for second, $200 for third, and $200 for the people’s choice winner. Barbara said the competition is one part of a wider 25th-anniversary programme. “We will be marking this important milestone by hosting a series of afternoon teas throughout our region in 2026 to enable us to celebrate with our grantees.” Since its establishment in 2000, CLT has distributed close to $160M in community grants and grown its assets from $155M to more than $571M. Full competition details, including guidelines and the online entry form, are on the trust’s website. Entries are open now and close at 4pm on Friday, October 10. 

Allan Dippie is well known in Wānaka for not only his developments but his astonishing vintage tractor collection which has caused “chaos” of blocked roads as thousands turn up to get a peek.Dippe’s love of tractors went “out of control” from just one in 2017 to about 300 today.But he’s having trouble storing them in his two rugby field-sized sheds, so he will be selling more than 100 in an auction.Allan Dippie's addiction has taken him all over the world to bring back some of his most prized possessions. Supplied / Allan Dippie“They're not like stamps, are they? So that storage is a bit of an issue,” he told Midday Report.“It's just chocka, chocka, chocka and it's counterproductive 'cause then you can't get the one you want to drive out easily.”He’s not sure how much the collection has cost him over the years, but it was enough for his accountant to put her foot down and forbid him from buying anymore.“So then I had to kind of find devious ways of disguising them to get them into collection.”The hobby has taken him all over the world, including the USA, Australia, Scotland and Ireland to collect rare ones like a Ferguson Brown prototype, R&P, and a Saunderson – the first kind the British royal family had at their farms, he says. The oldest one dates to 1916.Because he's ended up buying whole collections, some are double-ups which he hopes to get rid of during this auction.“The problem with tractors is you can't take them to a retirement village very easy. The retirement village isn't really going to accept a tractor collection turning up on its doorstep. So people have to eventually sell their tractor collections.”The oldest one in the vintage collection dates to 1916. Supplied / Allan DippieHis machines were also a main event at the popular Wheels at Wānaka, which started in 2019 and had its last run this Easter.“We had 65,000 people turn up and it blocked all the roads in and out of Wanaka and it caused chaos really. Tractor chaos. So we've stopped doing that now.“People love coming and looking at old tractors and trucks and cars and bulldozers and things like that.”Dippie reckons New Zealand has one of the best selection of tractors in the world.“I found a lot of tractors under trees over the years and brought them back to their prime working order.“We restore them and love them. It's a very strangely satisfying occupation restoring tractors. You wouldn't believe it.”Dippie reckons he'll still be in deficit after selling about 100 at auction. Supplied / Allan DippieWhile most are working, some are still “project tractors”, he says, but the challenge of getting them started “is just too much fun to ignore”.“The very early tractors were really designed to kill you on startup or if not then in how they operated because there's a lot of moving parts flying around and some of them you have to start in the most unusual manner.“Some of them you have to start fires and cause explosions and there's some that you have to start with shotgun cartridges and cigarette butts and all sorts. There's all sorts of weird ways of starting vintage tractors and so it's a dangerous occupation as well.”Although he believes he might still be in deficit after the auction, he’s looking forward to having more room.“I've loved it and I'm going to keep collecting tractors.“Although it takes a pretty special tractor to join the collection now. I've got to slow down and … I've got to kind of make sure I'm a bit more discerning with the tractors I bring into the collection over the next few year.”The auction went live online two weeks ago, and the live auction will be on 11 October, where the sheds will be open for the public to take a look and place their final bids.

Parenting teens can feel like navigating a minefield even on your best day. That’s why Path Wānaka’s Whānau Support Group is designed a little differently. It’s not a lecture or a textbook course. It’s a space for real conversations, real coaching, and real change.At the heart of it all is Ali McCormick, an experienced coach, educator and parenting ally who knows that presence beats perfection every time.We sat down with Ali to talk about what makes this group different, why information alone isn’t enough, and the surprising power of just one deep breath.Q: Why did you start facilitating the Whānau Support Group?Ali: Sally [from Path Wānaka] was talking about running parenting training events, and I said “the research is really clear: training doesn’t land unless it’s followed up.”Courses are great for information, but they don’t always lead to change. Parents need coaching, someone to help them figure out how to apply that information in the messy reality of everyday life.That’s what we’ve seen in this group. One parent texted mid-crisis and we jumped on a quick call. Five minutes later, they had a plan and were back in the game. That’s the kind of support that makes a real difference.Q: What do you see as the biggest gap in support for parents?Ali: It’s the application piece. Knowing about parenting strategies isn’t the same as knowing how to use them when emotions are running high.To bridge that gap, parents need someone to help them reflect, break things down, and adapt tools to their unique family. That’s what coaching does.And, because I’ve worked for over 30 years in education, child development, and leadership, I can bring a lot of depth to those conversations, with zero judgment.Q: What’s the most common challenge parents bring to the group?Ali: Every parent has different challenges, but underneath them all is this one biggie:Managing their own emotions in the moment, so they can respond rather than react.That’s what really makes the difference. When parents can regulate themselves, they unlock access to all the other skills. And, it’s something we can all get better at, it just takes support and practice.I remember one session focused on having fun again. Because when kids are little, parenting is fun plus management. But as they get older, fear replaces fun.A few weeks after that session, a parent said, “I’ve been having so much fun with my teen again.” And I reminded her, “Remember our conversation?” That shift was intentional and it stuck.Q: You talk a lot about ‘presence over perfection.’ Why does that idea matter so much?Ali: Because the only way to build skill is to show up and practice.Show up, try, fail, adjust, then show up again. That’s how we grow in anything. Parenting is no exception.Failure isn’t the opposite of success it’s part of the road to it. Learn to fail, or fail to learn.Q: What would you say to a parent who feels too overwhelmed to join a group like this?Ali: “Let’s have a quick chat.”People often think coaching means being told what to do, but coaching is not telling, it’s asking. When fear is in the room: fear of judgment, fear of failure, it’s easy to shut down. Once that connection is made, the fear starts to melt away. You don’t have to come with answers. You just have to show up.Q: And what if someone’s worried they’ll be the only one struggling?Ali: Everyone is struggling. Show me a parent who hasn’t had a hard moment in their week, and I’ll be surprised. This is life. What’s powerful is realising you’re not alone, and that talking to others brings huge relief.Watch out for Part Two next week.The Path Wānaka Whānau Support Group — Term 4 Sessions Begin Thursday 6th NovemberLed by Ali McCormick, this is a free group coaching programme designed to support parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising teens.It’s real, practical, warm, and entirely judgement-free.Small, confidential group sessionsIn-person and online sessionsGrounded in neuroscience, coaching and positive psychology100% free to attendLearn more and register here.Got questions? Reach out to us here:.Final word?You’ve got this. But you don’t have to do it alone.Join us and let’s grow through this together.

One of the most generous financial contributors to Queenstown's network of walking and cycling trails has turned its attention to the Upper Clutha.Adam and Anna Edgar announced earlier this month their family foundation is making a $10,000 annual donation locally - the first going towards a new track being planned by the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust (UCTT) along the true right of the Hāwea River.The 5km track is designed to allow walkers and cyclists to get away from the trust’s busy commuter cycle route between Wānaka and Hāwea on the other side of the river.The UCTT says it will be simpler and more rugged than its counterpart on the other side of the river.Resource consent has been granted for the track and the UCTT hopes to have it completed before Christmas, but it still needs to make up a funding shortfall of $63,000.The donation for the new track is the Edgar foundation’s first contribution to the Upper Clutha and follows Adam and Anna’s move to Wānaka earlier this year with their children George, Franca, and Olympia.“On a personal level we're keen to be involved in the Upper Clutha... just by putting our little bit into the community wherever we can,” Adam said.Adam grew up in Dunedin where his father, the late Sir Eion Edgar, held prominent business and academic positions. Sir Eion and his wife Lady Jan Edgar moved to Queenstown about 15 years ago and became involved in many community ventures.Adam said his father’s work was a great example for all and that he sees his role continuing what he started.  "We have been amazingly lucky being involved in this region for so long. It’s given us a great deal and now if we can give back it’s the very least we should be doing.”Adam says the Upper Clutha track network had "massive" potential for expansion but was "miles behind" Queenstown in terms of funding and support.UCTT president David Howard said the trust was “especially grateful to have families like the Edgars backing our trail network and the vision of what’s possible for our community”.He said the trust was keen to hear people’s stories “about how the tracks have added value to your life”, and asked people to share them through the ‘Contact Us’ page on the trust’s website.PHOTO: Supplied