Former Makarora School students took a trip back in time when they returned to the school last week to open a time capsule they had filled back in 2000.Eight of the 13 students who made up the school roll at the turn of the millennium made the trip for the time capsule opening, as well as the principal at the time, Sue McIntyre, the capsule’s inventor Clinton O’Brien, plus current staff and some interested locals.The event was a chance to not only reconnect with old friends, colleagues and classmates, but also to reflect on how the school and community had changed - and in many ways stayed the same.The class of 2025 said they enjoyed getting a taste of what life was like for school students all those years ago.“It was fun seeing the beer cans that were in the capsule and the Wilkin River Jets prices and brochures,” nine-year-old Max said. “I learned that things are pretty similar with only 13 students in 2000 and in 2025 we have 10 students.”Former and current Makarora School students, staff, and locals gathered to open the time capsule, which was buried in 2000 after being encased in corrugated iron and concrete.The capsule also included photographs of each of the former students’ families, as well as a newspaper, postcards, school journals, a school t-shirt, and even some lollies.Eight-year-old Frankie “enjoyed reading all the information the students put in the capsule about themselves and their families”. Meanwhile 10-year-old Ana “liked looking at the photos of what Makarora looked like in 2000”. The Makarora School class of 2025 discovering what was inside the capsule.Clinton said he and other community members had used a plumber’s tube for the capsule before encasing it in corrugated iron and concrete and burying it half a metre deep.“The initial idea came from Devon Miller, the 2000 chairman of the Makarora community committee,” he said.For six-year-old Mica, taking it apart was the most exciting part: “I liked the massive saw that they used to cut the concrete time-capsule.”In 2000, concerns around the Y2K bug - which some feared could disrupt power, communications and fuel - added a sense of occasion to preserving a snapshot of the time. “We thought it would be interesting to put items in a capsule and look at them in 25 years,” Sue said.Former principal Sue McIntyre looking at a well-preserved school journal.What would today’s students put in a time capsule to open in another quarter of a century?“A sprite can, a pump water bottle, a beer bottle and a flat rugby ball,” according to Max.PHOTOS: Makarora School

Otago Fish & Game has announced Cole Briggs as a new Fish & Game officer based in Central Otago - a role that sees the former professional cricketer swapping ‘Aces’ for spades and pads and pitches for waders and riverbanks.Cole played 43 professional matches for the Auckland Aces and spent seasons with clubs in the Netherlands and the UK but, while cricket took him around the world, it is New Zealand’s rivers, wetlands and wildlife that have long held his heart.“Sport has given me so much - discipline, resilience, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life,” Cole said. “Now I’m looking forward to applying those same qualities to the environmental world, protecting the activities and wild places that shaped me.”Raised fly fishing the Tongariro River during holidays with family in Tūrangi, Cole brings a lifelong love of the outdoors and a strong conservation pedigree - his grandparents were early environmental advocates in South Africa, helping spark his own path into science and stewardship.Now living in Albert Town, Cole is spending his spare time exploring the Clutha River, learning the ins and outs of his new fishing backyard, and exploring his interest in New Zealand birds of prey.He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Auckland and he has worked in research and environmental monitoring, with projects ranging from studying polystyrene pollution in waterways to analysing the environmental footprint of building materials.“Being out in nature, working with sports fish and game birds, and helping people connect with these special places - that’s what drew me to Fish & Game,” Cole said.His role includes everything from ranging, access improvement, creel and spawning surveys to hatchery support, electric fishing, and event-based angler engagement. Operations manager Jamie Ward said Cole brought a dynamic mix of scientific knowledge, public engagement skills, and energy to the role.“Cole’s already hit the ground running — his first week included opening weekend of the duck hunting season. He’s a great fit for Otago and for the anglers and game bird hunters we serve.”

Wānaka’s ‘marathon woman’ Victoria Taylor will attempt to break the record for the time it takes to run the length of New Zealand later this year.This will be the fourth time Victoria has attempted to break the record (18 days, nine hours and one minute) set by Ziggy Bauer in 1975. To break the record she will have to run approximately 130 kilometres a day“I don’t think anything can stop me this time,” Victoria said.“I’m mentally tougher now.”Victoria gained local fame in 2023/2024 when she ran daily consecutive marathons around Wānaka’s streets for 498 days, stopping only when struck by influenza.Read more: ‘It was a mission’ - marathon run ends due to influenzaShe has just completed a run from Napier to New Plymouth (430km) and is organising other long distance training runs in preparation for her attempt to break the record for running the length of New Zealand.While in New Plymouth Victoria met 85-year-old Ziggy Bauer, who said he believes Victoria can break his record.Victoria Taylor with record holder Ziggy Bauer. PHOTO: Victoria Taylor“I’m chasing Ziggy’s record, he wants me to beat it,” Victoria said.When asked what advice Ziggy gave her, Victoria said “not to stop and eat the blackberries”.Victoria will attempt to break the record for the time it takes to run the length of New Zealand in spring this year (2025).

Buying a Vehicle Privately in Wanaka? Here's Why a PPSR Check is Non-NegotiablePurchasing a vehicle privately can feel like scoring a good deal from a mate — a bit of back-and-forth on Marketplace, a sunny test drive around the lake, and just like that, you're behind the wheel. But if you're in Wanaka and you’re buying a vehicle without checking the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), you could be setting yourself up for a seriously costly surprise.What is a PPSR Check, and Why Should You Care?Think of the PPSR like a vehicle’s financial CV. It’s a national register that tells you whether the car, ute, or van you’re eyeing has any money owing on it — like a loan or security interest from the previous owner. It’ll also confirm that the vehicle hasn’t been stolen or involved in an ownership dispute.In short: a PPSR search gives you peace of mind that what you’re buying is actually debt-free and truly for sale.The Risk You Don’t Want to TakeWanaka’s a place where many are self-employed or setting up shop — electricians, builders, designers, and consultants alike. So the last thing you want when investing in your work vehicle (or weekend escape machine) is for it to be repossessed months down the track because of someone else’s unpaid debt.Yes, that really happens — and legally, the lender can still take the car, even if you bought it fair and square.Avoid the Stress: Do This Before You BuyRun a PPSR check - It only costs $2.30 and takes a couple of minutes online. Just pop in the rego, VIN, or chassis number.Search the seller’s name - Especially if they’re trading as a business. This can flag wider issues or multiple encumbrances.Ask for ID and ownership proof - Particularly with Facebook or Trade Me sales.Don’t be rushed - If the seller’s in a hurry, that’s your cue to slow down.Need a Hand? Chat with Your Local Legal TeamIf you're unsure about anything, it’s worth checking in with us. At Checketts McKay Law, we’re local — we get Wanaka’s unique lifestyle, pace, and business environment. Whether you’re upgrading your adventure van or buying a reliable work truck, we’ll help you navigate the fine print and avoid the pitfalls.Plus, if the worst happens and your vehicle is repossessed, we can advise you on your rights and next steps.17 Dunmore Street, Wānaka

The Upper Clutha Rugby Football Club (UCRFC) is celebrating 125 years of rugby in the Upper Clutha this weekend (May 16-18).More than 220 people have registered for the weekend’s festivities, including current and former players and members.“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with people and celebrating the last 125 years,” UCRFC president Gary Read said.Upper Clutha Rugby Football Club president Gary Read.Gary played for the club from 2003 to 2007 and has been involved in its administration since.“The club has grown along with the town; the town has lifted and the club has lifted with it,” he said.According to the book ‘Mountains, Miners & Musterers - 100 years of Upper Clutha Rugby’, there were rugby teams in Tarras, Hāwea, Wānaka, Cardrona and possibly Luggate in the early nineteen hundreds. The current Upper Clutha Rugby Football Club was formed by the union of Tarras and Wānaka in 1970 and a clubrooms erected in 1980.Festivities begin tonight (Friday May 16) with a social gathering. On Saturday the club will host a day of rugby, finishing with the Upper Clutha premier rugby team, The Rams, playing Maniototo at 1.30pm at the club.A dinner will be held at the Lake Wānaka Centre on Saturday night for registered attendees. The dinner will be MC’d by television presenter Joe Wheeler and feature special guest speaker Simon Porter, the managing director of sport talent agency Halo.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Otago Regional Council (ORC) is encouraging people to start thinking now about standing in this year’s local government election or consider nominating someone else.  “July might seem a long way off, but now’s a good time to start thinking about whether you or someone you know might fit the bill,” ORC chief executive Richard Saunders said. “By standing for election to ORC, you’ll be a part of Otago’s democracy,” he said. “Being an elected member of local government can be a rewarding role, as you advocate for your communities and work with our partners to achieve the best outcomes for this region we love.”ORC has 12 councillors over four wards - Dunstan (covering Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago), as well as Dunedin, Moeraki and Molyneux.The Dunstan ward will have additional representation in this election for the first time after a recent decision to boost Dunstan’s councils seats by one to four.Dunstan’s three existing seats are currently filled by Gary Kelliher, Michael Laws and Alexa Forbes. None of the current councillors live in the Upper Clutha.Read more: More local representation on ORCRichard said councillors will influence decisions covering “environmental management, natural resource management, public transport, preparing for and responding to emergencies and natural disasters as well as the economic, social, cultural, and environmental wellbeing of the region”.“You can be a key part of that,” he said. Candidates for an elected member need to be: a New Zealand citizen, over 18 years old, and enrolled on a New Zealand electoral roll.“People can find out more by heading to our Election 2025 webpage where they can find information about what a regional council does, the role of a councillor, how much they get paid, how many meetings they need to attend and how much reading is required,” he said. Find more information here.PHOTO: ORC

Queenstown Airport (QAC) has announced its new CEO.Shane O’Hare will replace outgoing chief executive Glen Sowry, taking the reins in September.Shane has more than 40 years' experience in aviation, and has held a range of senior executive positions in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the USA, and Middle East, including appointments at Melbourne Airport, Qantas Airways, Etihad Airways, Royal Jet Group, and Star Alliance. He also founded a regional airline, Seair Pacific Airlines, an award-winning tourism operation in Queensland, Australia.He's currently CEO and a board director at Launceston Airport, Tasmania, where he has led the airport through the recovery from the global pandemic and overseen key infrastructure delivery and customer experience projects, as well as record passenger numbers and network expansion. He also implemented a strategy to enhance non-aeronautical revenue.“The board is very pleased to have appointed such a well-qualified business leader after a robust recruitment process," Queenstown Airport Corporation chair Simon Flood said."Shane brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the aviation and tourism industries, and is a people-focused leader."“The board and I are looking forward to working with Shane as he leads the organisation through its next phase."Shane said he is "very pleased to be joining the team.”QAC CEO Glen Sowry announced his resignation in October last year and will be leaving Queenstown Airport in June. The board of directors has appointed Todd Grace, Chief Operating Officer as Interim CEO for the period between June and September.QAC is a council-controlled trading organisation (CCTO). The company is owned 75.01% by the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and 24.99% by Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL). It owns and operates Queenstown Airport, and manages Wānaka Airport and the Glenorchy airfield on behalf of QLDC.

A Wānaka resident keen for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to be renamed is testing public interest in the idea.The resident (who asked not to be named at this stage) believes there is public support for the idea, which was originally mooted in 2023 by Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board members Chris Hadfield and Cody Tucker (who is also a QLDC councillor).The idea was scotched by the council in 2023, which said a name change was not a priority.The Wānaka resident said a driver for the name change was the likelihood of Wānaka growing larger than Queenstown in coming years.“Any project I’m involved in I like to look 20 or 30 years ahead,” he said. “Will the name be relevant for the district in 20 years?”He was not putting forward an alternative name, saying that would be a job for others, but said a generic name like ‘Southern Lakes District Council’ could be an option.“Queenstown will think they are having something taken away, but they’re not. This is just about a regional name that is more suitable.”He also said the issue of cost had been raised in the past and he believed it could be done with less expense over a four year period.Wānaka is projected to grow larger than Queenstown in coming years, which is a driver for the change. PHOTO: Wānaka AppThe resident has set up an email address for people to respond to with their view ([email protected]) and will post on a local discussion group for those who are on social media.He said he hoped to receive “close to 1,000 responses” in support of a name change. If that happens, he plans to form a local group to lobby for a referendum in the upcoming local body elections in October/November this year. “If support didn’t come in it would be a dead duck,” he said.“To be successful we will be required to get the support of 10 percent of the ratepayer population.”Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer told the Wānaka App a proposed name change had not been discussed by the board since it was proposed in 2023.Speaking as chair but not on behalf of the board, he said he was in favour of a name change, “especially given two of the three large freshwater lakes in the district are in the Upper Clutha”. “Wānaka is also growing faster than Queenstown and is projected, in coming decades, to be the larger population.”However, Simon cautioned that the implementation cost would be a barrier, as would the fact “the district's power base still resides in Queenstown and it has zero appetite to rename”. Chris Hadfield said in 2023: “Perception is reality. If we keep saying we’re Queenstown Lakes, people will just accept that we are part of Queenstown. And we’re not. We’re separate; we’re different.”This week, he told the Wānaka App that “nothing has really changed” and he continued to support the idea of a name change.Read more: Name change suggested for QLDC

An oddity in Luggate postcodes is creating headaches for many residents.Around half the households in Luggate are on Wānaka’s rural delivery route and the other half are on Cromwell’s route due to their different postcodes, creating a “tale of two halves”, according to councillor Barry Bruce. Because postcodes are used for service provision across a range of areas beyond postage, this is creating all sorts of issues for residents with a Cromwell postcode, Luggate Community Association (LCA) chair Judy Thomson said.Judy told the Wānaka App local accommodation providers have had guests arrive confused, expecting their accommodation to be located in Cromwell.It has also caused issues with health services in a range of ways - for example, vaccination bookings automatically directing people to Cromwell when their address is entered. Judy said she had had a technician come all the way from Alexandra to fix her washing machine.“He said it was because of the postcode,” Judy said.While her repair was covered by warranty, other instances have added unnecessary cost to customers and travel times to workers.Some households have also had issues making online purchases or bookings, Judy said, but she was not aware of the postcodes causing any problems with emergency service call-outs.Judy said she wants the allocation of postcodes in Luggate to be reviewed.“I think the majority of the community would say Wānaka is their community of interest,” she said. “It’s 12km up the road.”An appeal to NZ Post, which is responsible for allocating and managing postcodes, has been “a frustrating process with no answers”, Judy said.Judy said Barry was now working with the LCA to work out the best method for advocating for a review.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Ten Upper Clutha community groups made their case for a slice of Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) Community Fund yesterday (Wednesday May 14).The fund, which has $180,000 to allocate district-wide for the 2025-2026 year, supports charities, clubs, and not-for-profit organisations doing good in the community.Councillors and the mayor heard from groups addressing a range of issues from sport and emergency preparedness to biodiversity and senior housing.Aspiring Athletics Club president Kirsten Wyatt told councillors the volunteer-run club was struggling with ground hire costs at the Wānaka Recreation Centre, which she said exceeded the club’s operating budget.“We’re paying $3,500 a year [and] there is no other athletics club in Otago that pays what we pay,” Kirsten said.The club has grown from 35 members in 2018 to more than 150 today (including rising track star Phoebe Laker) but “it’s just unsustainable for us to pay these amounts”, she said.Hāwea Wānaka Pony Club president Kathryn Hutchison made a case for assistance with mowing costs at the six-acre Hāwea Domain site, saying reliable maintenance was crucial to keeping their bi-weekly rallies safe and operational.“[Funding support for mowing] would make a huge difference,” she said.Predator Free Wānaka representative Guy Kennedy told councillors the organisation (formerly known as Wānaka Backyard Trapping) was “on the front line” of predator management in the Upper Clutha.Its volunteers remove 800-900 pests from council and Department of Conservation owned land each year and it wants to increase its operations to have “every corner [of Wānaka] trapped”; a 20-year project.He asked for council support for the funding of a strategic plan which would provide Predator Free Wānaka with information on “the most effective placement of traps, when, which order and how”.Wānaka Business Chamber chair Jo Learmonth requested operational funding for a Wānaka office space for the organisation, “which we have never had before”.The space would include staff desks, hot desking, a boardroom, and a training room open to the community, she said.Emergency preparedness group Wānaka Community Response Group’s deputy chair Matt McPhee asked for funding for radios, which he said would be crucial to the group’s communication plan in the event of a major local emergency. “The reality is if there’s a big earthquake we’re on our own… we’re going to have to rely on the community,” he said. “[Funding the radios would be] a very worthwhile investment into the community.”Councillors also heard from Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust manager Loran Verpillot, who asked for funding to hire contractors for maintenance at its plant nursery.Each year the trust grows approximately 5,000 native plants at the nursery before planting them on public land, but the maintenance associated with the nursery is costly.“The work impacts the community at large and the environment,” she told councillors.Applications were also presented by the Hāwea Charitable Trust (on behalf of the Guardians of Lake Hāwea), Prime Timers Upper Clutha Senior Citizens, Abbeyfield Wānaka House, and the Queenstown & Southern Lakes Highland Pipe Band.Councillors will deliberate on the applications and funding decisions will be made later in the year.PHOTO: Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust

Wānaka Police have dealt with a range of incidents over the past week including theft, drink driving, underage drinking and a suspicious package.Police were called to a party hosted by a 17-year-old on Saturday night (May 10).They were notified of the incident due to “the behaviour of the crowd, which included broken bottles on the road and motorbikes being ridden”, Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said.Fi said there were “many underage drinkers” and no adult supervision.“It is disappointing and frustrating to respond to events such as [this] where there is zero adult supervision.”A few days earlier a 26-year-old was arrested and charged with 25 counts of theft.The offending took place at both local New World supermarkets, Fi said.Later the same day police were called to a rural property on McCarthy Road in Hāwea Flat.“The property owners were alerted to torch lights in the paddock about 50 metres from the house,” Fi said. “This was a rural property and serves as a reminder to ensure that farm equipment is locked and secure to remove the opportunity.”Meanwhile, Wānaka Police have seen a “spike” in car thefts.“Please ensure vehicles are locked and valuables removed,” Fi said.Several motorists were caught drink driving over the past week, including one incident in Hāwea where the motorist was caught with an excess breath/blood alcohol (EBA) reading of 724mcg (far over the 250mcg limit) with three children in his car.A suspicious package was delivered to a private address last week, Fi said.“The package was addressed to someone not associated to the address and the description on the package did not reconcile with the package itself,” she said. “Anything like this, please report the matter.”Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Aspiring Athletics Club (AAC) head coach Michael Beable has been recognised for his “outstanding impact” on athletics in Otago.Michael was awarded the Norrie Jefferson Trophy for contribution to coaching at the recent Athletics Otago awards ceremony.The organisation said Michael is “a true mentor and leader” who has made “an outstanding impact on athletics coaching, guiding 21 athletes over the past year”.Most of his squad come from Wānaka and are members of the AAC, but a few are pursuing university studies in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland.“Michael has been instrumental in bridging the gap between junior and senior ranks, welcoming younger athletes (ages 10-13) into his training group to ensure a strong future for the sport,” Athletics Otago said. “Michael’s dedication to his athletes is shaping the future of athletics in Otago.”Michael’s athletes have had a phenomenal season, with standout performances including Shay Veitch, who won gold in the senior men’s long jump and 200m at the NZ Track & Field Champs, and a personal best in the 100m at Potts Classic.Michael also coaches Phoebe Laker, who has had a record-breaking season, shattering 18 Otago records in the 200m and 400m, including a 36-year-old record.Read more: Phoebe Laker: record breaker“It's a real honour to receive this recognition from the athletics fraternity in Otago,” Michael told the Wānaka App.“It is so gratifying to see that the value I can add is appreciated, with Barbara’s [his wife] support, not only to develop athletics in Wānaka and beyond, but also to improve the standards to national and international level.”Michael has previously been named Coach of the Year by Athletics Otago, in 2021 and 2023. He also won the Athletics New Zealand Arthur Eustace Award for Coaching (2022/23).

The Wānaka Snowsports Club’s annual ski sale took place on Saturday (May 10), drawing a large crowd and raising tens of thousands of dollars for the local community.Skis stacked three and four deep leaned along the walls, and ski boots overflowed from tables to the floor after a steady stream of locals dropped off gear for resale the previous day.This year’s sale will inject nearly $35,000 back into the community, club committee manager Claire Arkell said.She said the money raised for the club will be distributed to athletes to help them with training and competitions.  “We’re incredibly grateful to the Wānaka community for their ongoing support,” she said. “It’s a privilege to help make skiing more accessible to everyone.”Claire said the committee was thrilled by both the quantity and quality of gear, and by the time the doors opened at 10am a queue of people had already formed down the street. Children’s equipment proved to be the hottest items, with skis, boots, clothing, and helmets disappearing within the first wave of shoppers. Adult and older kids' gear followed with a steady stream of purchases throughout the day.Claire said the sale was “chaotic” at times. “The room was bursting with people hunting for bargains — and there were plenty to be had.”The Wānaka Snowsports Club thanked the volunteers (including club athletes who pitched in), and supporters New World Three Parks, Mitre10 Mega Wānaka, and the Wānaka Presbyterian Church.PHOTO: Supplied

Wanaka's real estate market showed continued resilience in April, with sales volumes reaching their highest level since March 2024.At this time of year we might expect to see a seasonal slowdown, but April’s performance suggests that underlying market fundamentals are strengthening despite the higher inventory levels that have characterized recent months.The total of 44 house sales represents a significant improvement and signals a potential shift in market dynamics that could have important implications for both buyers and sellers in the region.The most encouraging aspect of April's performance is the broad-based nature of the recovery. Beyond just residential properties, the market saw 17 section sales, seven lifestyle blocks, and five apartments change hands, bringing the total number of transactions to an impressive 73 for the month.This diverse spread indicates healthy activity across different market segments, with particular buoyancy noted at the higher end of the market.The median house price remained stable at around $1.55M in April.The section sales deserve special attention, as they represent a meaningful shift from last year's patterns. Unlike the days when land banking was common practice in Wānaka – when investors would purchase sections at relatively low prices with the expectation of capital gains – today's land buyers are primarily intent on building quickly.This transition from speculative land holding to purposeful construction is keeping Wanaka's tradespeople busy and contributing to the ongoing expansion of the town's urban footprint.The Reserve Bank's fifth consecutive official cash rate (OCR) reduction has been a significant catalyst for the renewed market momentum. These consistent interest rate reductions have boosted buyer confidence and improved mortgage affordability, with banks demonstrating a willingness to lend to qualified borrowers.Looking ahead to the winter months, the property market typically experiences a seasonal reduction in new listings. If the current sales momentum continues against this backdrop of reduced new supply, we could see inventory levels begin to meaningfully decline from their recent peaks. This would represent a welcome rebalancing after a period where growing inventory has been a persistent concern for sellers and real estate professionals alike.The early May data points appear to support this scenario, suggesting that April's strong performance might not be a one-month anomaly but rather the beginning of a more sustainable trend.Ray White Wānaka is situated at Sir Tim Wallis Drive Wānaka. Find out more.

Following numerous complaints about freedom camping on a roadside reserve opposite Puzzling World on SH84, the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will be restricting vehicle access to the site.NZTA plans to deepen the water table along the length of the site (a rectangular area used for parking) from today (Tuesday May 13), the Wānaka App has been advised.The Wānaka App visited the reserve on Monday morning (May 12), and spoke to a young Italian woman who was camping at the site in her car.She said she was aware of the site by “word of mouth” and during her two week stay in the area so far she was “just moving around the free camping areas”. “For me it’s… temporary because I’m looking for a job and for an accommodation,” she said.Shoulder season made this difficult, she said, and visitors were “fighting each other to get the job and a warm house… [which was] really hard”.“Wānaka is just for fancy people, let’s say. It’s like a rich place for rich people and everything is really expensive,” she said.The woman said she had seen between 10 and 20 vehicles camping at the SH84 reserve overnight.“Most people are thankful for the opportunity” to camp, she said, and her view was the site was tidy and clean with no rubbish.“There’s a bathroom less than five minutes walking from here and then everyone - at least 90 or 95 percent of people are self-contained,” she said.The Wānaka App also spoke to a young French visitor camping in a van at the roadside reserve. She said she was working in the township and was also struggling to find secure accommodation.Read more: NZTA takes action on freedom camping on reservePHOTO: Wānaka App

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) new 2025 Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice has now launched.The code sets out the minimum standards that must be met for civil works and infrastructure constructed within new developments and it has been updated following a review and public consultation late last year.The latest code continues to ensure infrastructure across subdivisions and developments is functional, consistent, able to be operated and maintained safely, and built using best practice, QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Tony said.“Given a significant portion of the infrastructure council owns and manages is installed by developers and their contractors, the code provides clear guidelines and standards to be met to ensure this infrastructure meets local conditions and our community’s expectations,” he said.The new code has a particular focus on stormwater management to lessen environmental effects and ensure stormwater systems built today are “suitable for the future”, Tony said.Two hundred and ten submission items were received from a range of submitters on proposed updates to the code, providing insight and technical feedback from practitioners working with the code regularly.The code now incorporates revised design and testing requirements for soakage devices, clarified definitions for catchment types, and updated guidance on blockage factors, among other changes resulting from feedback received through the submission process. Tony thanked those who made a submission, noting feedback received helped the new code to reflect practical issues encountered while subdividing or developing land in the district.“We’ve also identified significant demand for the code’s roading and transport section to be updated, which we now plan to review at a date to be determined in 2026,” he said.The 2025 Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice was approved for adoption at the full council meeting on April 17.Resource consent applications submitted will now be subject to this version of the code, Tony said.PHOTO: Supplied

The Challenge Wānaka Half has been selected to host the New Zealand Middle Distance Triathlon Championship in 2026, making the local race an official qualifying event for the 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships.Challenge Wānaka race director Jane Sharman said this makes Challenge Wānaka a key event in the national calendar for athletes aiming to represent the country on the world stage. “We’re honoured to be hosting the National Middle Distance Championship in 2026 - and even more so in our 20th year,” Jane said.“Athletes will be racing for a national title and the chance to represent New Zealand at the world championships.”It is “a proud moment for our team, our community, and everyone who has been part of Challenge Wānaka’s journey”, she said.Read more: Pioneering technology for Challenge WānakaEarly bird entries for the half (one of a range of races and events offered each year as part of Challenge Wānaka) are now open, giving athletes the opportunity to compete for national honours - and qualification spots - on the iconic triathlon course. Since the first race in 2007, when more than 80 competitors lined up for a full-distance triathlon along the shores of Lake Wānaka, Challenge Wānaka has grown into a world-renowned event, she said.Each year Challenge Wānaka attracts thousands of competitors, both from New Zealand and overseas.Next year is set to be “one of the most memorable editions in Challenge Wānaka’s 20-year history”, Jane said.The Challenge Wānaka Half will take place on February 21.Find more information at the Challenge Wānaka website.PHOTO: Challenge Wānaka

Complaints about freedom campers on a roadside reserve opposite Puzzling World on SH84 have led the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to limit access to the site.From tomorrow (Tuesday May 13) NZTA will be restricting vehicle access by deepening the water table along the length of the site (a rectangular area used for parking), the Wānaka App has been advised.This follows numerous complaints to NZTA and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) about freedom camping there.NZTA has been in talks with QLDC and the Department of Conservation (DOC) about how best to deal with the camping on the reserve.The land is outside QLDC’s jurisdiction. QLDC would only have enforcement powers over the land if it were restricted for freedom camping through a bylaw (after council making a determination to include NZTA's land in its bylaw).Last year the High Court quashed QLDC’s 2021 Freedom Camping Bylaw, leaving the district without freedom camping restrictions - apart from restrictions under the Reserves Act regarding temporary and permanent accommodation, and the national Freedom Camping Act 2011 which requires that vehicles be certified self-contained to freedom camp. Read more: Council to blame for freedom camping open slather - NZMCAQLDC has begun developing a new bylaw. Meanwhile, an NZTA spokesperson told the Wānaka App on Friday (May 9) the agency was “in the process of limiting access to the area”, which he said was officially “DOC land adjacent to the state highway corridor”.In March this year QLDC summer ambassadors reported “concerning levels of non-compliance” among freedom campers visiting the district, citing evidence collected of littering, campers toileting in the bush, toothpaste spit, and non-self-contained vehicles. Read more: Washing lines, fire pits, toileting - a ‘non-compliance’ summer of freedom campingThe Wānaka App approached Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer for his perspective on the issue.“It will be frustrating for some locals that NZTA have decided to close access to this vehicle park,” he said.  “However freedom camping and the associated toilet paper strewn behind nearby bushes was getting a bit out of control. As current government policy is to invest heavily in marketing New Zealand internationally but to not provide substantive funding for tourism infrastructure, these pressures are going to escalate. “The huge pressure on the [Wānaka Watersports Facility] toilets at Stoney Creek is another example. It shouldn’t be local residents who fund the infrastructure for freedom camping and Wānaka Tree ‘hop off, hop on, head out’ visitors.”The Wānaka App was advised that people wanting to access the Mount Iron Reserve will still be able to walk or bike in and out of the reserve from the site opposite Puzzling World, and they can park at the reserve using the SH84 carpark or the Allenby Place carpark.   PHOTO: Supplied

The organisers of Wānaka Pride Week have called for a revamp of the Lake Wānaka Centre to make it more inclusive and accessible.Out & About chair Ollie Harcus told the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) at Thursday’s (May 8) meeting the centre should be more of a “community-focused venue”.It should be an inspiring place to host events which is well utilised by the community, Ollie said.The non-profit group hosted the 2023 Pride Street Party and parts of 2024’s Wānaka Pride Week at the centre but accessibility limitations curtailed the organisation’s ability to make the most of the space, he said.“The big one for me is accessibility,” Ollie said. “We don’t have a disabled bathroom or a stairlift.” “With Pride being an accessible event, we can’t use half the space,” he said, referring to the second floor of the centre.Ollie also said he believed it was time to update the foyer, which features photos of influential locals.“Let’s work together to look at that and make it a little bit more diverse and meet our community’s needs,” he said.Ollie said he represented Out & About Wānaka and other community groups he was a part of who wanted to see the centre “brought to life”.He asked the WUCCB to dedicate between $50,000-$100,000 from the Wānaka Asset Sale Reserve to the project.Board chair Simon Telfer told the Wānaka App that Ollie “raised some very good points”.“The Lake Wānaka Centre can look a bit tired, especially when hosting contemporary and inspiring events,” he said.Simon said he has already asked Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) if any investment is planned for refurbishing the venue, and making the upstairs more accessible.He said he also asked council if any thought had been given “to revitalising the lobby area to make it more contemporary and reflecting of Wānaka in 2025”.“There are ongoing discussions about building a new performing arts centre in Wānaka,” he said. “Given QLDC's financial constraints, we need to balance any refurbishment cost of the current asset with the potential of the current centre serving a different purpose should a new one be built.”Read more: ‘We want your ideas’ - community boardPHOTO: Wānaka App