NASA’s Scientific Balloon Programme has returned to Wānaka for two scheduled flights to test and qualify the agency’s Super Pressure Balloon (SPB) technology.The stadium-sized, heavy-lift balloons will travel the southern hemisphere’s mid-latitudes for planned missions of 100 days or more, and the launch ‘window’ is open until early June.“We are very excited to return to New Zealand for this campaign to officially ‘flight qualify’ the balloon vehicle for future science investigations,” NASA Ballon Programme Office chief Gabriel Garde said.“Our dedicated team both in the field and at home has spent years in preparation for this opportunity, and it has been through their hard work, fortitude, and passion that we are back and fully ready for the upcoming campaign.” NASA’s return to Wānaka marks the sixth SPB campaign held at Wānaka Airport since the agency began balloon operations there in 2015. The NASA team returned for additional launch attempts in 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2023, all of which were successful apart from the 2022 launch.The launches are conducted in collaboration with the Queenstown Airport Corporation, Queenstown Lakes District Council, New Zealand Space Agency, and Airways New Zealand, Gabriel said.  “We are especially grateful to our local hosts, partners, and collaborators who have been with us from the beginning and are critical to the success of these missions and this campaign,” he said.NASA’s 532,000-cubic-meter helium-filled SPB, when fully inflated, is roughly the size of Forsyth-Barr Stadium in Dunedin.The balloon will float at an altitude of around 110,000 feet (33.5 kilometers), more than twice the altitude of a commercial airplane.Very specific weather conditions are required for a successful launch, namely clear high pressure conditions and minimal wind.The public is encouraged to follow real-time tracking on the agency’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility website and launch and tracking information will also be shared across NASA’s social media platforms and the NASA Wallops blog, Gabriel said.PHOTO: NASA

Councillors have voted 8-2 to discharge Niki Gladding from positions on two council subcommittees in a highly charged meeting this afternoon (Tuesday April 1).Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) mayor Glyn Lewers called the meeting to consider whether Niki should be stripped of the responsibilities after she revealed a confidential council plan to discharge treated wastewater into the Shotover River.The highly-publicised wastewater treatment issue has turned into a “media storm” according to one councillor and “reinforced a narrative of conspiracy” according to another.Tensions were high as councillors debated the appropriate right course of action, with views on Niki’s disclosure ranging from a well-intentioned error in judgment to an irresponsible and damaging bid for attention.Councillor Gavin Bartlett said councillors were given “very clear reasons” why the information about the wastewater treatment proposal was confidential when councillors were informed just days ahead of a planned media briefing by the council.Elected members (from left) Matthew Wong, Quentin Smith, Niki Gladding, Lisa Guy, Cody Tucker, mayor Glyn Lewers, Craig (Ferg) Ferguson, Esther Whitehead, Melissa White, Gavin Bartlett, Lyal Cocks and Barry Bruce.Fellow councillor Lyal Cocks said the breach of rules had “achieved nothing except creating angst in the community, putting at risk the trust we have with our key stakeholders…and putting at risk the mediation process under the enforcement order”.Niki, who was subject to a code of conduct investigation over a previous breach in 2020, had “again brought into question her trustworthiness”, Lyal said.Other councillors defended Niki’s intentions, if not her actions.Councillor Matt Wong said Niki’s heart was, “and has always been in”, in the right place, while councillor Cody Tucker described her as perhaps one of the hardest-working councillors in the country.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith and councillor Esther Whitehead, the two councillors to vote against discharging Niki from the subcommittee positions, said it was not an appropriate response.Both said an independent code of conduct investigation was the correct way to deal with the issue, with Esther describing it as a “fairer process”.Niki, who presented to the council in front of a public gallery full of supporters, also said she had “no issue” with going through a code of conduct investigation.The issue was “not black and white”, she said. “We make judgements based on our values and the way we see the world and our community votes us in for those things,” she said.“We have to be careful when we sit as judge and jury on each other.”Glyn said the decision before council was “not about the guilt or otherwise of Niki Gladding”.“It is about whether it is appropriate for someone who has released legally privileged information to be sitting on a committee of council.”Niki will be replaced by Gavin on the audit, finance and risk committee, while on the infrastructure committee she will be replaced by Cody (deputy chair) and Lisa Guy.PHOTOS: QLDC

NZ Police have named the man who died in a light plane crash in the Dingle Burn Valley on Saturday (March 30). He was Ivan Peter Van de Water, 65, of Wānaka.Ivan was one of two men on board the plane. The other person, who has not been identified publicly, was flown to hospital in a critical condition.The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of New Zealand (AOPANZ) said that Ivan had attended the association's ‘fly-in’ held in Omarama over the weekend (March 29-30), which had attracted aircraft from around the country.“The association and its members are shocked and deeply upset by news of the crash,” AOPANZ president Sue Kronfeld said. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the loved ones of those who were on board.”RNZ has reported that Ivan had retired to Wānaka in 2021 after selling a jewelry business in Gore, which he operated with his wife for nearly 40 years.He was a well-liked and respected man during his many years in Gore, the town’s deputy mayor Keith Hovell said.A Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson said investigators have traveled to Wānaka.Their focus over the coming days will be to gather information that helps explain what happened and why.Ivan’s death has been reported to the coroner, NZ Police said.IMAGE: Google Maps

The start of the Wānaka Festival of Colour was heralded with Saturday’s (March 29) Community Whānau Day, which transformed the Dinosaur Park and lakefront into a hub of activity and colour.The day included an array of performances, including a clown show, school and choir performances, circus and aerial displays, interactive art, and creative school installations. “What an incredible way to kick off the festival,” Wānaka Festival of Colour festival director Sophie Kelly said.“Community Whānau Day truly captured the festival spirit – joyful, local, and full of heart.”The festivities continued into the evening with a packed house at the Pacific Crystal Palace for Creative Juices, an open mic night featuring original music and spoken word. The night culminated in a sell-out performance of Animal, a smash-hit show from internationally acclaimed, award-winning circus company Cirque Alfonse.“Opening with Animal was a total delight, and it was beautiful to see so many smiling faces soaking up the fun,” Sophie said.“And this is just the beginning – we have an exciting week ahead with something for everyone.”Yesterday (Monday March 31) the festivities continued, with a range of shows including the sold out Suitcase Show, Speed is Emotional and Reimagining Mozart.The week ahead is packed with standout performances, Sophie said. On Wednesday night (April 2), audiences can experience Jazmine Mary, with their captivating noir-folk sound, and Kommi me ana Tipua, a vocalist performing exclusively in the Kāi Tahu dialect.On Thursday (April 3), Delaney Davidson brings his signature Ghost Orchestra show to the Pacific Crystal Palace, while Īhaka Martyn’s He Māori? unpacks identity through waiata and wit. During the weekend families can enjoy Badjelly, featuring narration by Olivia Tennet and a live score from Tom Broome. These are just a handful of the options from the packed programme of theatre, dance, music, poetry, and thought-provoking kōrero running as part of the Wānaka Festival of Colour until Sunday (April 6).PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

Tourism industry, government and research leaders are set to gather for the annual Otago Tourism Policy School in Queenstown this week to problem-solve how to resource New Zealand’s tourism system.Demand from key tourism stakeholders to attend this year’s forum, organised by the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka’s Department of Tourism, is the highest since the annual event began seven years ago.The Tourism Policy School offers an opportunity to bring together key stakeholders and experts who aren’t usually in the same room together to find solutions to systemic tourism issues.Over two days, stakeholders and policymakers will discuss issues such as resourcing tourism on conservation land, private-public partnerships, user-pays models, and what New Zealand can learn from overseas tourism systemsSchool co-director associate professor Susan Houge Mackenzie said the current system is insufficiently resourced, and regional tourism organisations want to see national leadership help enable regional destination management plans and initiatives.The previous government had encouraged regional tourism organisations and tourism stakeholders to ‘reset’ tourism by focusing on regenerative tourism and how tourism could better serve communities beyond economic benefits, she said.“There has been a significant shift under the current government, which wants to double exports.“As a major export earner for New Zealand, tourism is seen as a significant contributor to this growth target, with a focus on growing off-peak international travel.”Queenstown, home of the Tourism Policy School, can be seen as a microcosm for the tourism industry, with urgent infrastructure and resourcing issues, Susan said.“Anyone who lives there will tell you these are urgent issues that need to be addressed.”Guest speakers from Ireland, Scotland and the United States will be sharing innovative resourcing and funding models used overseas, and the new Minister for Tourism and Hospitality (Louise Upston) will attend the event.The 2025 Otago Tourism Policy School will take place from April 3-4 in Queenstown.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The Upper Clutha Rugby Club’s premier team (The Rams) made it two wins from two matches in the Central Otago Premier Rugby competition on Saturday (March 29) when it defeated Arrowtown 41-12 in Wānaka.The Rams were seldom threatened, scoring six tries to Arrowtown’s two in a comfortable victory.“The score didn’t say much about the game, we blew a lot of opportunities,” Rams’ head coach Alex Dickson said.“The defense was good, happy with that.”The first half of the match delivered high calibre rugby from both sides. Arrowtown’s attack encountered a bruising Rams defensive effort and the teams looked set to fight out a close tussle until the Rams scored a converted try and penalty late in the half to lead 22-5 at the break.The first 30 minutes of the second half were riddled with errors from both sides as the match appeared to be meandering to an uninspiring finish. However the final 14 minutes provided four tries, one a 70 metre effort by Rams’ fullback Henry Schikker whose speed and balance was on full display as he carved through a tired Arrowtown side to score from a kick return.For the Rams, none were better than prop Andrew Horne. He picked up a brace of tries and was uncompromising with ball in hand. He was well supported by fellow prop Fergus Smith and captain and loose forward Lachie Garrick. No.8 Jake Burtenshaw carried well.In the backs halfback Caleb Dixon had a tidy match and Henry Schikker was a constant threat.After two rounds in the competition the Rams sit on top of the table and will play local rival Cromwell in Wānaka this Saturday (April 5). Kick off 2.30pm at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club.Rams’ points:Tries: Andrew Horne (2), Cameron Page, Jake Burtenshaw, Caleb Dixon, Henry Schikker Conversions: Brady Kingan (3), Brody Flannery Penalties: Brady Kingan In other matches:Cromwell 12-40 ManiototoWakatipu 31-3 AlexandraPHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka teenager Finley Melville Ives (18) has put down one of the most explosive freeski halfpipe runs in history to claim the 2025 FIS Men’s Freeski Halfpipe World Championship title in Corvatsch, Switzerland this morning (March 31).Finley beat some of the big names in the sport with a stellar first-run score to capture the title.“Honestly, I am in shock,” Finley said. “I can’t believe I landed my run, I am so hyped … I just can’t believe it, it’s so sick.” Finley’s run began with a switch right double cork 1080 Japan, then a left double cork 1620 mute, a left alley-oop double flatspin 1080 mute, a switch left double cork 1080 Japan, before ending with a right double cork 1620 safety. The judges were just as impressed as the crowd and commentators, awarding him a huge score of 96.00, which positioned him at the top of the leaderboard after run one.Finley Melville Ives in action during qualification.Decorated American slopestyle athlete turned halfpipe skier Nick Goepper finished in second place, with two-time Olympic halfpipe medalist Alex Ferreira, also of the USA, rounding out the podium in third.“They’re both my idols, so I honestly can’t believe it,” Finley said. “I’m so stoked to share the podium with them.”Lake Hāwea’s Luke Harrold (16) finished in fourth position making history by putting down the first switch left alley-oop triple cork 1260 mute ever landed in competition during his second run. With just over 10 months until the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games the Kiwi Park & Pipe Team will now turn their focus to spring training camps in the Northern Hemisphere before returning to New Zealand for the domestic season.PHOTOS: Christian Stadler / FIS Park & Pipe

There needs to be a date for the completion of a parking management plan for Wānaka, and it should not be left to “drift”, Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair Simon Telfer has told council staffers.Simon said he expected that progress on a parking management plan would be “far more advanced”.“This has been drifting a long time,” he told Queenstown Lakes District Council property & infrastructure general manager Tony Avery during an infrastructure update at last week’s WUCCB meeting (Thursday March 27).The update described a parking management plan as “50 percent complete”.“Without a date, we feel like it’s going to keep drifting and drifting. We started this process, we created expectations, we invested in that consultancy, they’ve done the foundational work,” Simon said. “Other things we’ve been discussing as a community always seem to hinge on parking management,” he said, citing town centre evolution and various challenges at Stoney Creek.Community board chair Simon Telfer. PHOTO: Jeannine TuffinSimon also said work undertaken by consultants on parking in Wānaka a year ago was done at the wrong time (during school holidays), the data is getting old and the work may have to be repeated.Tony Avery said council staffers were working on the strategy guidelines to bring back to the council and community board.“It will be interesting to see if there’s any appetite for changes in the current parking arrangement [in Wānaka], introducing fees anywhere, time limits, those sorts of things,” he said.Council was “struggling a bit with the current resources” needed to complete the work, Tony said.A draft plan by an independent, volunteer-run group (Heart of Wānaka) in 2023 identified the need for parking in the CBD to support local businesses, and free all day parking for workers outside the CBD. QLDC said at the time its staff would use the plan as “reference alongside our existing and planned work in this space”.Read more: Pushback on CBD parking plan

Top New Zealand musicians will perform for the public in Wānaka in early May during evening showcases held as part of music summit Youth + Adults in the Music Industry (YAMI).The weekend-long summit, which will celebrate its 10th year in 2025, features professional musicians, tutors, and speakers from New Zealand and Australia.Two evening concerts for the public round out each summit, providing an opportunity for members of the community to witness tutors and registrants sharing their passion for music through live performance.“This showcase has a reputation for providing some of the most magical experiences of the musical year,” YAMI organisers said in a statement.On Saturday (May 3) tutors Gin Wigmore, Bobby Brazuka (Latinaotearoa), Haz + Miloux, and Home Brew’s Tom Scott (plus guests) will take to the stage. A choir led by Miloux, Anna Shaw and tutors from The Voice Lab support the outstanding musicians. Tom Scott will also perform songs from Home Brew and Avantdale Bowling Club with his long-time beatmaker Haz Huavi, plus a full band.On Sunday (May 4) the evening will showcase Kiwi legend Barnaby Weir (of The Black Seeds and Fly My Pretties). A band and backing choir will support Barnaby, bands will perform their original material, and aspiring DJs and producers will get the crowd on their feet.Throughout the weekend, participants of all ages are mentored in the art of songwriting, mixing and mastering and DJing, among other topics, through a series of workshops, seminars and showcases.With grants confirmed from Central Lakes Trust, Lion Foundation, APRA/AMCOS and NZ On Air, YAMI director Lynne Christie said the team feel “extremely grateful” to be able to secure some of New Zealand's top music professionals to tutor and perform.Although only a handful of weekend summit places are still available, day passes can be purchased, and the general public can be a part of YAMI by attending the evening shows. Tickets to both evening shows are open to the public and can be purchased through the YAMI website. PHOTO: Supplied

New Zealand band East York has dropped their latest single, Medicine, which is accompanied by a music video filmed in Wānaka.The track - which was released on Friday (March 28) - showcases the heavy rock band’s signature blend of towering riffs, hypnotic rhythms and a powerful chorus. East York formed in Melbourne during lockdown in 2020 but two of its four members live in Wānaka and local support made the production of the Medicine music video possible.Guitarist Daz Coppins told the Wānaka App Medicine was filmed, directed and edited by Bunker Street Films, a Wānaka video production company.It was shot in the Te Kura O Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) Black Box Theaterette.“The video would not have been possible without the support and resources from Mat Doyle (head of music) & Emily McRae (head of arts) at MAC,” Daz said.“We were also very fortunate recipients of the Upper Clutha Community Arts Council fund.”East York has played in Wānaka three times and is steadily building a dedicated local following. Their most recent performance at Rhyme X Reason in January was a sell-out show.The band describes Medicine as their most refined work yet, reflecting a year of growth and commitment to their signature high-impact sound.Dan said the band were “all Kiwis with a shared passion and love for heavy music”.Medicine is available now on all major streaming platforms.PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka’s Luca Harrington (21) has been crowned the 2025 FIS Freeski Big Air World Champion after winning the Freeski Big Air World Championship event in Corvatsch, Switzerland this morning (March 30).This is the first time a Kiwi freeskier has won the Freeski Big Air World Championships and also marks Luca’s first World Championship title. “I am so honoured, this season has been just incredible for me and to top it all off with the World Champs win is such an honour, it is a dream of mine coming true and I am so grateful to be here right now,” Luca said. Luca was the top qualifier into today’s finals, giving him the advantageous position of dropping last into each of the three finals runs.The Big Air format takes the best two scoring tricks (that must be performed in two different directions) and combines them for a total overall score.Luca put down a right triple corked 1980 safety grab for his first run, scoring a 92.00 out of a possible 100. Dropping into his second run, he stomped his one-of-a-kind trademark switch right triple corked 1800 Esco Grab. The judges loved it and rewarded him with a massive 96.75, the highest score of the competition. “Honestly, after my first run I was a little surprised but super stoked on what the judges scored it and that gave me a lot of confidence to send it on my second run,” Luca said.As the last athlete to drop into his third run Luca knew he had secured the victory, but knowing he could execute his first run trick more cleanly, he went all in and put down a textbook right triple corked 1980 safety grab to up his score on this trick to a 95.25 for a total combined score of 192.00, 7.75 points ahead of his nearest competitor.Elias Syrja of Finland secured his first career major podium finishing in second and Beijing 2022 Big Air champion and 2025 Slopestyle World Champion Birk Ruud of Norway rounded out the podium in third. Men’s Freeski Big Air World Championships podium [L-R] Elias Syrja (FIN) silver, Luca Harrington (NZL) gold, Birk Ruud (NOR) bronze.With five World Cup podiums, including two gold, X Games gold and silver medals, New Zealand’s first ever FIS Freeski Crystal Globe and now a World Championship title, Luca’s season has been nothing short of exceptional. Luca will now take a break from competition.PHOTOS: Miha Matavz / FIS Park & Pipe

Police have confirmed one person has died and another person is critically injured following a light plane crash near Lake Hāwea yesterday (Saturday March 29).RNZ reported that Maritime New Zealand's Rescue Coordination Centre said the plane crashed in the Dingle Burn Valley.Emergency services were called to the area east of the lake about 1:30pm.The Dingle Burn Valley is situated on the east side of Lake HāweaOne of the plane’s two occupants was helicoptered to Dunedin Hospital in a critical condition.The second was located deceased.The Civil Aviation Authority has been notified, and a scene guard remained in place overnight.Police will make inquiries on behalf of both the CAA and the Coroner.

Wānaka snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott has pulled out of the Snowboard Big Air finals in Switzerland after taking a tumble in practice.Less than an hour before the start of the final, Zoi fell during a practice run - and she was not the only one.Germany's Annika Morgan was also a DNS (Did Not Start), and the eight-women final suddenly became a six-women final, opening the door to other contenders.Last weekend Zoi was crowned the 2025 FIS Snowboard Slopestyle World Champion in Switzerland for a third time, after taking gold in the final.Read more: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott crowned 2025 Snowboard Slopestyle World ChampionThe 24-year-old was the top qualifier for this morning's Big Air final and was in a prime position to achieve double-gold at this year's world championships.Zoi missed most of 2024 with an injury, but the Olympic and world champion has been in sublime form on her return.Japan took a clean sweep on the podium with Kokomo Murase winning gold, and Reira Iwabuchi, and Mari Fukada, second and third respectively.PHOTO: AFP

This year’s Motatapu off-road event has raised more than $15,000 for local charities.Organisers have donated $13,396 to the Queenstown Trails Trust, plus $1,000 each to Southern Lakes Sanctuary and the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust following the March 1 event.“The Queenstown Trails has… done fantastic work in our region and we’re proud to be able to help them continue that important work in the years to come,” Motatapu race director Gemma Peskett said.The charity has been the official charity partner of Motatapu for over a decade and every year a portion of competitors’ entry fees goes towards supporting the trust’s work planning and delivering trails in the Whakatipu Basin. Many entrants also opt to make an extra donation when registering for the event.  Queenstown Trails Trust CEO Mark Williams said the donation is “very much appreciated by all of us at Queenstown Trails and the wider community as a whole”. The trust works closely with fellow recipient Southern Lakes Sanctuary, which uses the trails for predator control work to help protect New Zealand’s native birds.  One of the drawcards for people entering the Motatapu is the opportunity to access some of New Zealand’s stunning high country, Gemma said, but the remote nature of the courses can add an extra layer of complexity if urgent medical assistance is required. Gemma said it is reassuring to know that the Otago Rescue Helicopter team can be called on to provide expert emergency care if required.“The Otago Rescue Helicopter provides an invaluable service and we are extremely grateful to have them. We’re pleased to donate to the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust in appreciation.” The Lakes District Air Rescue Trust offers vital financial assistance to the Otago Rescue Helicopter, she said.The 2025 Motatapu attracted 2,600 competitors across five events, which include a 52km ultra run, a 42km trail marathon, 47km mountain bike, 15km trail run, and 4km kids’ trail. PHOTO: Supplied

An extraordinary council meeting will be held on Tuesday (April 1) to address councillor Niki Gladding’s “deliberate disclosure of confidential information” a little over a week ago.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) proposes to discharge Niki from her roles on the infrastructure committee and audit, finance and risk committee.The meeting is an “express response to a request from the majority of council” following Niki’s actions, QLDC stakeholder and democracy services manager Naell Crosby-Roe said.Niki shared information with media and an Otago Regional Council elected representative after a briefing where it was made clear the information was confidential, Naell said.The briefing provided an update on an enforcement order and subsequent mediation process, part of an ongoing legal process still before the courts, he said.It is understood the topic was QLDC’s plan to directly discharge treated wastewater into the Shotover River.Niki’s actions amount to a “serious breach of the elected member’s responsibilities”, Naell said.This is not the first time Niki has been in hot water for sharing confidential information.The Queenstown-Whakatipu ward councillor was investigated by the code of conduct committee for what was found to be a “material breach” of the QLDC code of conduct in 2020 after she released confidential, draft material about Wānaka Airport to a media outlet.Niki was also sent a letter of sanction in July 2024 after “clear breaches” to the code of conduct during a podcast interview, Naell said.Councillors can be discharged from committees or subcommittees as the result of a breach in code of conduct.A council resolution by councillors at a formal meeting is required for the removal of a member from a committee.Councillors will vote on Niki’s removal from the two committees at Tuesday’s meeting.PHOTO: QLDC

Wānaka FC will make its highly anticipated debut in the Dettol Southern League tomorrow (Saturday March 29), taking on the University of Canterbury Football Club (UC Football) at the Wānaka Recreation Centre.The newly promoted side has enjoyed a strong build-up to its first-ever campaign in the league, winning all three of its friendly matches, including a statement victory over reigning Southern Premiership champions Mosgiel.“We're really looking forward to this weekend,” Wānaka FC director of football Ben Sippola said.“We want to make a big community day of it and generate a lot of support for the team.”The squad has undergone significant changes in preparation for the new challenge, with 12 new players joining the club. The recruits include talent from US universities and the Wellington Phoenix Academy, adding depth and experience to the roster.Despite the influx of fresh faces, Wānaka FC’s starting lineup will still feature a strong core from last year’s squad, with six to seven returning players expected to take the field against UC Football.The club will mark its Southern League debut by unveiling a new logo and taking the field in a fresh kit, adding to the excitement surrounding the match.Ben said he is happy with how the team is shaping up but remains cautious about the unknowns posed by UC Football.“We don’t know much about them, I think they’ve had a good pre-season,” Ben said.Kickoff is set for 2pm at the Wānaka Recreation Centre.PHOTO: Wānaka FC

The last remaining strip of Scurr Heights land is likely to be sold by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) following the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board’s (WUCCB) decision to recommend the sale.Sale of the bulk of the council-owned land in 2016 raised $15.6M for the Wānaka Asset Sale Reserve Fund, which is used to fund capital expenditure which benefits the residents of the Wānaka ward. Following expenditure on the Wānaka Recreation Centre swimming pool, a contribution to the purchase of the Mt Iron Recreation Reserve and the new Paetara/Aspiring Central Youth Centre, and contributions to the Luggate Hall and Wānaka Community Hub, the fund now sits at around $3.4M.Sale of the remaining 1.8 hectares of Scurr Heights land, adjacent to Wānaka Primary School, would boost the fund.WUCCB member and QLDC councillor Lyal Cocks said he and others had considered the possibility the land could be used for social housing, but he now supported the recommendation to put the land on the market to “get the best value we can for our endowment fund and the community to spend on assets for the next generation.”Lyal said it was “a balancing act” between the value of the land for social housing and the value the community could get from the land being subdivided.The WUCCB considered the future of the land at a meeting yesterday (Thursday March 27) and some board members raised concerns about access to the land, which is via Ironside Drive, a cul-de-sac that predominantly services Wānaka Primary School. Councillor Barry Bruce suggested that council could make developers’ proposals on access part of the sale process given the limited access and close proximity to the school.But council staffers said the land would need to be sold to the highest bidder on the open market, with Proposed District Plan (PDP) requirements determining how it would be developed.The land is zoned medium density residential under the PDP, which allows one residential unit per 250sqm net site area.WUCCB chair Simon Telfer said there was a trade-off in that the property’s sale would also lead to a great deal of traffic movement directly outside Wānaka Primary School.The land was originally two parcels of land acquired by QLDC, with the first being former Crown land purchased in 1988, and the second part former Ngāi Tahu land purchased in September 2000. QLDC councillors will still need to approve the sale before the process to sell it begins.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka is buzzing on the eve of the 11th Wānaka Festival of Colour, which kicks off tomorrow (Saturday March 29).The range of more than 60 events includes theatre, cabaret, music, comedy, dance, kōrero, visuals arts, community events and more - as well as local talent.The Wānaka App was invited to a sneak preview this past week of Stuck In the Middle With You, which was written and performed by Hāwea Flat resident Anna Shaw.The play, about Anna’s time with her husband Rick in MIQ during the Covid-19 pandemic, shines the spotlight on the couple’s relationship during their confinement in a Rotorua hotel. Cleverly staged and produced (with the assistance of fellow Hāwea Flat resident Robyn Bardas), the play features original music and plenty of Anna’s trademark humour. The play ticks all the boxes of the festival’s themes of identity, belonging and self-expression.Stuck In the Middle With You flows from Anna’s play Remote Thoughts, the story of her four years living and teaching in the remote North Territory Aboriginal community of Wadeye, which premiered at the 2023 Wānaka Festival of Colour.A scene from the previous festival’s free Community Whānau Day.The Festival of Colour’s free Community Whānau Day - which starts the festival in style on Saturday - also features local talent.Taking place around the streets and parks of the Wānaka CBD, it includes the Mint & Te Kākano Interactive Art Stall, Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) bands, MAC students in ‘A Picture Tells a Thousand Words’, and the Foundations dance performance. The community day will also feature a selection of food stalls from local cultural groups. Other highlights of the festival include Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurst in their sell-out play In Other Words, the Aspiring Conversations 2024’s hit Dirty Passports, Canadian circus Cirque Alfonse’s latest work ANIMAL, the cabaret show An Evening Without Kate Bush, and Chamber Music New Zealand’s Reimagining Mozart.The 2025 Wānaka Festival of Colour will run for nine days from March 29 – April 6.PHOTOS: Supplied

Otago Fish & Game has wrapped up its drift-diving programme helping to monitor fish populations in high-country fisheries for the 2024-2025 season.Last week staff drift-dived the Makarora River, the third river in Otago to be surveyed by the method this season.Previously drift-dived were the Upper Lochy and Upper Greenstone Rivers, which are classified as Designated Waters fisheries.Drift-diving involves Fish & Game staff drifting side-by-side downriver to count and classify fish.Otago Fish & Game officer Mason Court said staff encountered ideal conditions for fish counts last week with low flows and crystal-clear water on the upper Makarora River.“However, these same conditions made drifting challenging, requiring staff to navigate several shallow sections on foot.”The survey is part of Otago Fish & Game’s ongoing initiative to expand its drift-dive programme and establish baselines for long-term monitoring of key fisheries.Mason said the Makarora survey covered two 3.5km stretches, providing interesting insights, as significant numbers of large rainbow and brown trout were seen.“Rainbow trout were notably found in exceptionally shallow, fast-moving riffles, holding their positions until divers approached closely,” he said.“In contrast, the larger brown trout were mostly located in deeper, slower-moving pools and runs, often using in-stream structures, overhanging banks, and submerged branches for cover.”The surveyed sections of the Makarora recorded the highest number of fish per kilometre this season, with an impressive 23, compared with 5.8 in the Upper Greenstone and 0.5 in the Upper Lochy.Mason said prolonged dry weather and low flows in tributaries may have contributed to fish congregating in larger rivers, seeking more stable and cooler conditions.“Overall, the average fish observed appeared to be in excellent condition, with well-proportioned rainbow and brown trout recorded,” he said.“In addition to strong fish populations, staff observed a healthy abundance of invertebrates, including stoneflies, caddisflies, and mayflies — key indicators of a thriving river ecosystem.” Otago Fish & Game actively monitors waterways and wetlands, including the native and introduced species that live in them, to ensure their health and sustainability.“As well as drift-dives, our fisheries monitoring includes spawning surveys, electric fishing, environmental DNA testing, acoustic monitoring, habitat modelling, and analysis of angler success, those being creel surveys and competition data,” Mason said.“With the upcoming triannual Angler Notice review next season, this data will play a crucial role in informing future fisheries management decisions and potential regulation updates.” The survey is part of Otago Fish & Game’s ongoing initiative to expand its drift-dive programme and establish long-term monitoring baselines for key fisheries. PHOTO: Jakub Kanok