A new charitable trust has been launched to protect and expand the region’s publicly funded and community owned hospital in Clyde.The Dunstan Hospital Foundation Charitable Trust will work alongside Central Otago Health Services Ltd (COHSL), the community-owned operator of Dunstan Hospital, to fund projects that enhance patient care, extend clinical reach, and futureproof the hospital for generations tocome.“Everyone deserves quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” foundation patron Sir Sam Neill said.“Dunstan Hospital has served this community for generations. This foundation is about keeping that service strong, expanding what it offers, and making sure local care remains local.”Initial projects are likely to include the redevelopment and expansion of the chemotherapy and infusion unit, upgrades to diagnostic technology, and digital tools that extend specialist care deeper into rural communities.Dunstan Hospital receives public funding to deliver core services on behalf of the government.However, funding is largely limited to day-to-day operational costs - not facility upgrades, new equipment, or medical innovations.Concerns have been growing over health inequity in the region.Wānaka-based investment company Roa has received consent for a $300M private surgical hospital in Wānaka, which has raised questions about access for non-elective and lower-income patients.Also underway are regional deal negotiations between the central government and Otago Lakes Central (a group comprising Queenstown District Council (QLDC), Central Otago District Council, and Otago Regional Council). The new foundation plans to fund “more than the basics”, such as facilities, technology, and clinical capacity.The draft deal includes plans for a privately financed, publicly leased hospital in Queenstown.Read more: Who is shaping the future of Central Lakes health?The new foundation says while private facilities may fill limited surgical niches, they cannot replace 24/7 public medical care.“Community fundraising bridges that gap,” Dunstan Hospital chief executive Hayley Anderson said.“It allows us to move faster - upgrading facilities, expanding clinical capacity, and investing in technology that keeps care local and accessible.”Meanwhile, Health NZ is undertaking a clinical services review for the Central Lakes region to help to determine what future publicly funded clinical services may be required in the area, how they will be delivered, and where they will be provided.Read more: Health services review in Upper Clutha to focus on needs, not locationsHayley said Dunstan Hospital’s role in providing urgent care, medical services, imaging and ambulatory care will continue to be needed. “It makes sense to keep medical beds on both sides of the gorge,” Hayley said.“Dunstan already has a facility with capacity for cost-effective expansion, and we’re ready to grow strategically, including extending services to Wānaka.”She said philanthropic support will make “a tangible difference to patient outcomes” by funding more than the basics, investing in facilities, technology, and clinical capacity.Advocacy group Health Action Wānaka (HAW) told the Wānaka App the group was pleased to hear about the foundation’s launch, adding that COHSL looking to extend its services to Wānaka “sounds very positive for the rapidly growing Upper Clutha community”. “The foundation is talking about funding the redevelopment and expansion of Dunstan’s chemotherapy and infusion unit and upgrading its diagnostic technology, both of which we support. We would also like to see more specialist clinics and enhanced crisis-level mental health facilities and support at Dunstan Hospital.“We continue to advocate for more local services in Wānaka. Currently, we have to drive to Clyde for publicly funded x-rays and ultrasounds despite us having two local providers that could deliver this service in Wānaka.” HAW said the group was interested in the outcomes of the Health NZ-led clinical services planning, “including its recommendations for what publicly funded services we need, where they could be delivered, and how Dunstan Hospital fits into the mix”.Dunstan Hospital Foundation Charitable Trust founders say rural hospitals are under increasing pressure to meet rising demand with limited funding, but Dunstan Hospital offers a proven, community-owned model that shows how local leadership, innovation, and philanthropy can sustain and strengthen essential healthcare outside the main centres.The foundation’s vision (‘elevated excellence in rural healthcare’) is about funding more than government budgets will allow - rural outreach clinics, staff wellbeing initiatives, and enhanced medical student training that attracts the next generation of rural doctors, nurses and allied health staff.Hayley said the Central Otago community invested in a CT Scanner for Dunstan, which resulted in “faster diagnosis, less travel, and better outcomes for our patients”. “That’s the kind of impact the foundation exists to continue.”Foundation chair Warrick Deuchrass said the goal is to keep care “close to home”.“Every donation goes straight back into improving access, dignity, and innovation in the way rural healthcare is delivered.”Community events will be held across the region in early November to mark the launch, including one at the Wānaka Community Hub on Monday (November 3) from 10am–12pm.Find more information here and watch a foundation video here.PHOTOS: Supplied

New Otago Regional Council chair Hilary Calvert acknowledged that extra representation from the Dunstan ward would reduce the tendency of the ORC being Dunedin-focused.The Dunedin-based businesswoman and former lawyer was nominated for the chair by her Vision Otago counterpart Michael Laws, and will be backed by Moeraki ward councillor Kevin Malcolm who was voted in as deputy.There were no other nominations for either role at the inaugural ORC meeting in Dunedin this morning, and Cr Malcolm said he was looking forward to working with Cr Calvert again - having both served on the ORC from 2019-2022.  Cr Calvert was also a former member of the ACT Party, and served on the Dunedin City Council from 2013-2016 after an unsuccessful attempt for Mayor.Dunedin businesswoman Hilary Calvert has been named the new Otago Regional Council chair. PHOTO: SuppliedShe teamed up with Cr Laws and Cr Gary Kelliher, along with unsuccessful Wānaka-based candidate Nicky Rhodes, under the Vision Otago banner at this year’s election.Former Central Otago deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie was one of the new faces around the council table, along with Matt Hollyer from Queenstown, making up the four Dunstan ward councillors.Cr Hollyer works in conservation spaces after years in tourism management.The Dunstan constituency gained an additional seat this year following a representation review in 2024, which saw Dunedin lose a seat in favour of rapidly growing inland Otago.Describing the extra councillor as a “wonderful opportunity” to add a new geographical portfolio to the mix, Cr Calvert said Dunstan would now be better represented, “considering the majority of our rates are from there and half of our rates are spent there.”Dunstan's councillors have been joined by Cr Malcolm (Moeraki), Cr Robbie Byars and Cr Kate Wilson, (Molyneux), Cr Calvert, Cr Andrew Noone, and former ORC chair Gretchen Robertson, along with Alan Somerville and new Cr Chanel Gardner, (Dunedin).While Cr Calvert and Vision Otago have strong policies on reducing rates, she acknowledged hers was only one voice among the 12, and said there were other views around the table she would expect to be part of deliberations going forward.“Thank you for putting your trust in me,” she told the council, and said a major challenge going forward was to work better with the community.“It’s time to focus on value for money for our ratepayers, and reduce the rates burden while maintaining the impetus of our environmental journey.“The community has shown that they are keen to be involved, and we need to work better with them to achieve results neither of us could achieve on our own.”Cr Calvert intended to appoint portfolios to each councillor, and expected them to have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of those.

Earlybird entries for next year’s Motatapu off-road event close this Friday (October 31), with organisers reporting strong interest ahead of the 15th edition of the Southern Lakes race.Event director Gemma Peskett said 2026 had already attracted a range of participants, from milestone celebrations to international visitors.“We’re seeing amazing stories from participants this year,” she said. “From 50th birthdays to flatmate reunions, people are finding their own unique reasons to make Motatapu 2026 their adventure.”Among those taking part is 52-year-old Mark Green, who will reunite with four former University of Otago flatmates to tackle the course together.The group, who studied in Dunedin in the early 1990s, are now based across New Zealand, Australia and Thailand.“We’ve been trying to meet up over the last couple of years but something always gets in the way,” Mark said. “I’ve always wanted to do Motatapu, so I picked the weekend … and talked them all into entering something.”Mark plans to run the 50 km Rab Ultra, while his friends take on the mountain bike and Miner’s Trail events.Meanwhile Dutch runner Saskia Van Der Drift will travel from the Netherlands to complete her marathon ‘grand slam’ – a marathon on every continent and the North Pole – at the Motatapu Trail Marathon.“I only choose the most beautiful and exciting marathons on the continent,” Saskia said.The annual event takes place on Saturday March 7, 2026. It began in 2005 allowing participants to cross the Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe high-country stations – private land open to the public for one day only each year. Around 4,000 competitors take part across several disciplines including trail running, mountain biking and the ultra-distance Rab run.Secure earlybird tickets here.PHOTO: Supplied

Today's power outages -Thursday October 30, 9am till 2pm - Maori Point Road.Upcoming outages -Tuesday November 4, 8am till 5pm - MacAndrew Lane, McFarlane Terrace, Old Station Avenue, Percy Lane, Theodore Court.Wednesday November 5, 9am till 4pm - Lakeview Terrace, Moraine Place, Muir Road, Sarges Way, Skylark PlaceFriday November 7, 9am till 4pm - Golf Course RoadTo keep up to date with power outages click here.

The sale of a much-loved family bach on Bremner Bay has sparked interest in the value of the property - it is one of Wānaka’s few remaining concrete block baches, with a multi-million dollar view, but for one family member the sale is mostly about memories.Long term Wānaka resident (and journalist) Marjorie Cook, who has spent many holidays at her grandparents’ bach, said its sale has sparked interest from many locals, including one of the original builders.The 2,814sqm property (on two titles) has been in the family for 60 years.In the late 1950s, the Lake County Council announced a subdivision by ballot and Marjorie’s grandparents - Horrie and Jessie Nelson - were lucky to be drawn for three section purchase rights.Prior to developing their property, the Nelson family camped on the land in tents and caravans, and along with their neighbours gradually cleared large swathes of kanuka from the front of their properties, providing clear views and access to the lake. Marjorie said the road in front at that time was just a gravel track. “The Nelsons and their neighbours had an informal agreement to set their houses back from the road frontage so all could enjoy a spacious aspect of lake and mountains, which is why the older 1960s baches and some (but not all) of the newer, modern houses are in what appears to be a reasonably straight line, considerably set back from the road.”The property at Bremner Bay. PHOTO: SuppliedThis “humble little house” - Marjorie’s phrase - was built in 1968, the culmination of milestones in the section’s development.The first construction was a small ablution block at the top of the section, to service family and friends camping on the idyllic block of land. Soon to follow was a large shed with a fireplace and a huge colonial style kitchen table - the scene of many family get-togethers.Various cabins were also dotted around the property, then the house was built in 1968 for the grand total of $8,700.Everything about the house was “carefully thought about”, Marjorie said, from the layout to the stone façade - which is distinctively different from the current vogue of stacked schist.Most of the stone was collected from the Haast River by her grandfather, Horrie.Trevor Norman, who built the house with Noel Faulks, remembers signing his name on the gib lining of the bach, somewhere near the kitchen.The ‘battleship cupboard’ housed everything you can imagine. PHOTO: Wānaka AppThe house remains mostly original - “not much change except for the carport which was turned into a third bedroom”, Marjorie said.A quirky artefact from the carport remains: a telephone cupboard built into the wall in the living room, which also opened into the carport. It meant any neighbours without a telephone could go into the Nelsons’ carport and access their telephone without having to bother them.The ‘battleship cupboard’ is another quirky 1960s feature. The behemoth has six cupboards across and, and is four drawers deep below. Anyone looking for something would be told “it’s in the cupboard”, Marjorie recalls. ‘Well, which one?” was the common reply, she said.Marjorie Cook (right) with her sister Judy on the boat that often did not go. PHOTO: SuppliedLife at the bach was all about the lake for Marjorie.“We swam and we rode our bikes,” she said.“We were always down at the beach any time of the year. We spent time in hammocks, reading books.”She produced a photograph of herself emerging from the lake in what looks like a storm - an early indicator of her future as a lake swimmer.Her grandfather owned a boat which seldom went, although the grandchildren spent a lot of time in it. Marjorie said there was great excitement whenever the boat actually roared into life.The Aubrey Road property in the mid-1960s. PHOTO: SuppliedThe property sale sparks so many memories it can be hard to talk about, she said.And while the marketing (23 and 25 Aubrey Road is being marketed by Craig Myles and George Wallis of Aspire Realty, via tender closing at 4pm November 7) focuses on the land, its remarkable location and its subdivision potential, this time Marjorie gets the last word:“I think it would be lovely if someone did want to live in the house.”

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and the Three Lakes Cultural Trust (TLCT) are playing ‘creative matchmaker’ this November - pairing local creativity with unexpected spaces and places across the district.The Creative Spaces Project will transform shopfronts, community hubs, lobbies and lakeside spots into impromptu galleries and performance venues, inviting residents and visitors to experience art outside traditional gallery walls.More than 19 local artists will showcase work ranging from light installations and paintings to performances and historic photography in venues including 47 Frocks, Wānaka Recreation Centre, Queenstown Marina, the Lakes District Museum, and more.“This project celebrates the creative energy that lives within our communities,” TLCT chief operating officer Samantha Kirk said.“By connecting local artists with local spaces, we’re offering a glimpse of what’s possible when creativity becomes part of the everyday fabric of our place.“It’s a taster of the incredible talent that exists here and an invitation for more spaces to open their doors to creative expression year-round.”The initiative stems from the Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata, The Creativity, Culture and Heritage Strategy, a district-wide community strategy endorsed by QLDC last year. It envisions creativity, culture, and heritage as integral to the district’s wellbeing and identity.“Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata calls on us to make creativity visible and accessible in our everyday environments,” QLDC relationship manager arts and events Jan Maxwell said. “The Creative Spaces Project is a wonderful example of this, showing how local collaboration can transform our shared spaces and create moments of connection.”QLDC and TLCT hope the month-long project will spark a lasting ripple effect.“While this activation runs for just one month, our goal is to show how creativity can thrive in all kinds of places and how local venues can play an ongoing role in shaping the cultural life of our district,” Samantha said.A full lineup of participating artists and venues can be viewed on an online digital map here.PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is planning on a big turnout of its aircraft for next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wānaka international airshow.It will include the first major airshow display by the new C-130J Hercules aircraft which replaced the C-130H which was farewelled at the last Wānaka airshow in 2024.Warbirds Over Wānaka general manager Ed Taylor said organisers were rapt to potentially have a full line-up of RNZAF aircraft displaying next Easter.“The Thunder Formation in 2024 featuring two of the old Hercs and the B757 was a huge hit with fans,” he said.“This time around it’s hoped this same display will feature the new 130-J, the B757 and the relatively new P-8 Poseidon.  “If you love big aircraft you’re going to love this display.”Another highlight will be the return of the world-class Black Falcons Aerobatic Display Team which shows off the skills of some of the RNZAF’s best pilots along with the crowd-favourite Kiwi Blue parachute display team.The Air Force is also hoping to have all three helicopter types at Wānaka – the NH90, A109 and Seasprite – although final confirmation is not expected until the New Year.As in previous years the RNZAF is also planning on playing a big role in the free community lakeside airshow staged by Warbirds Over Wānaka late on Good Friday of the airshow weekend.Read more: Ed Taylor to step down after final Warbirds Over WānakaPHOTO: Gavin Conroy

A one-hectare stand of Douglas fir and radiata pine will be removed from the Peninsula Bay reserve as the first step in a long-term ecological restoration initiative.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has partnered with Upper Clutha community groups on the project, which aims to control wilding conifers and enhance biodiversity across the district.The stand of trees marked for removal sits between Lake Wānaka and the Peninsula Bay residential area.It has been identified for restoration due to the dominance of exotic conifers and the opportunity to establish a more diverse native seed source for the wider reserve.Tree removal is scheduled to begin in the last week of October 2025 and will take approximately four weeks to complete, weather permitting, QLDC said.The project is being funded by private donors through the Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group (UCWTG), with support from Otago Regional Council, and delivered in collaboration with Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, Bike Wānaka, and a local resident group.QLDC community services general manager Kenneth Bailey said he appreciated the collective efforts of these groups, working together to support the preservation and restoration of public reserve spaces.“Collaborating with a range of local groups that are invested in strong community and environmental outcomes always delivers the most benefit long-term,” Gordon said. Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group committee member Arne Cleland said the project will play a part in the long-term strategy to control pest species spread in the Upper Clutha."This stand of Douglas fir is adjacent to Stevensons Peninsula which the UCWTG, in collaboration with Mt Burke Station, recently completed wilding conifer control on,” he said.“Douglas fir was found to be the main pest species at the southern end of the peninsula. By removing the stand of coning trees in this reserve, we're continuing to reduce the seed spread into the surrounding landscape.”Replanting of the site is planned for autumn 2026, with around 4,400 eco-sourced native shrubs and trees to be established over five years. Te Kākano nursery will play a key role in propagating and providing native seedlings for the project. The restoration plan includes two future trails through the reserve, which will be constructed in line with the reserve development plan when funding allows.Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust chair Greg Nelson said the project is aligned with its mission to foster community-led habitat restoration through hands-on participation.Upper Clutha Tracks Trust founding trustee and treasurer John Wellington said he was proud to be involved with the project as part of its new track development connecting the Peninsula Bay community and tracks with the lake and Lakeside Track.During the removal period, the operational area will be taped off and there will be no public access. Walking and bike access to the wider reserve will remain open, however vehicles will be restricted from entering the reserve and will need to be left at the road end. Signage, cones and caution tape will be in place to guide visitors safely around the operational area and the public is asked to be mindful of their proximity to the site. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Festivalgoers can now plan their Rhythm & Alps experience down to the hour, as organisers have revealed the official ‘day splits’ for this year’s 15th anniversary festival in the Cardrona Valley.More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the three-day festival, running over the New Year’s period at Robrosa Station. Organisers say this year’s event promises “a full journey” from the first beat to the early hours, featuring surprise sets, golden-hour performances and “late-night dance floor magic”.A wave of new acts has also joined the bill, including Shapeshifter frontman P Digsss, indie disco house outfit DADADA, and C100, alongside Sandfly, winner of this year’s Dig The Gig artist competition.Organisers said the first night (December 29) will feature an exclusive campers-only opening night, introducing a new premium camping zone for three-day ticket holders with upgraded private toilets, showers and other features. Gates open at 12pm, with limited spots available.The full festival programme begins on December 30, with gates opening at 10am and music from 4pm. Artists on the bill include roots-reggae group Corrella, disco/house selector Disco Dom (Dombresky), and high-energy drum and bass from KANINE. UK acts Kurupt FM, Fish56Octagon, and headliners Rudimental also feature, alongside a strong lineup of local and international performers.The New Year’s Eve finale will bring some of the biggest names yet, including Dizzee Rascal, Santigold, Badger, and orchestral electronic spectacular Synthony, which fuses a 60-piece orchestra with DJs, live vocalists and immersive visuals.Rhythm & Alps first took place in 2011 and has since become a staple of New Zealand’s summer music calendar.Find more information at the website.PHOTO: Supplied

Precious Collaborative’s innovative approach to fashion has earned a $10,000 vote of confidence from Wools of Wānaka.The clothing brand blends high quality, locally made garments with a unique business model that is helping make sustainable fashion more accessible. At the heart of Precious Collaborative is a system that lets supporters fund the project in different ways: by buying a limited-edition coat, paying full or extra prices for garments, or even donating without taking anything themselves.Their contributions make it possible for other customers to access high quality garments at a reduced price, helping the brand balance sustainability with affordability.In the case of Wools of Wānaka, it made a donation without taking a garment - a decision described by owner Ann-Louise Stokes as “easy”.“I am in awe of [designer Claire O’Connell’s] passion and commitment to natural fibres and sustainable garments,” Ann-Louise said.The gift will help fund another production run of sold-out pinafores and shirts, cover operational costs, and support a shared exhibition space with Liz Mitchell, MNZM at the Christchurch A&P Show in November, Claire said.It is the latest in a series of generous contributions that surpassed Claire’s expectations.“I have now got three payments from generous supporters,” she said.“The first one [came] from a local Wānaka person who had no idea if this would work but wanted to support the concept and help me get started; the second payment was from someone who has no idea who I am and who asked, before they even received their coat, if they could pay an extra $10,000 so they paid $20,000; and the third payment was from someone who doesn't want a coat but still wants to support.”Claire said the support demonstrates that people are willing to support creative projects in many ways. “What I feel this gives Precious is the idea that there are many types of supporters of this kind of social construction out there, willing to support in many ways and for many reasons.”PHOTO: Supplied

WAI Wānaka is hosting a two-day science and community event focused on the future of Otago’s deep alpine lakes - the Alpine Lakes Forum 2025 - next month.Co-hosted with the University of Otago and Otago Regional Council, the forum invites locals to engage directly with leading freshwater scientists, policy-makers, and environmental advocates, the local non-profit organisation said.Building on the success of 2023’s Knowledge into Action for Otago’s Alpine Deep-Water Lakes Summit, this year’s forum shifts from expert-only sessions to “a more inclusive, community-facing format”, the group said.The goal: to bring together scientific experts, policy-makers and community members to explore the health and future of Otago’s deep lakes and freshwater ecosystems.“We’re thrilled to bring Alpine Lakes Forum 2025 to the community,” WAI Wānaka CEO Cat Dillon said.“The 2023 summit was incredibly valuable, but not accessible to the general public. This time, we’re creating space for locals to connect directly with experts.“We see ourselves as a bridge between science experts and our community – and this forum is a chance to learn, collaborate and take action together.”The forum offers a diverse programme across two days, with themes of freshwater management, ecological monitoring, valuing nature and freshwater ecosystems, and community action.Cat said the diverse programme offers “a unique opportunity to explore themes of ecological monitoring, valuing nature and community-led freshwater action”.Find more information here.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Excitement is building as Wānaka snow sports athletes prepare to head overseas for the Northern Hemisphere season, with several already named in New Zealand teams and early selections for the 2026 Winter Olympics confirmed.Adding to the momentum, the Wānaka Snowsports Club has distributed $22,350 in grants to 27 athletes to support their training and competition goals over the next six months.Grant coordinator Bonny Teat said while New Zealand’s high-performance athletes are well supported through Snow Sports NZ, many aspiring competitors face significant costs. The annual grants aim to help bridge that gap and make overseas training more achievable.Among this year’s recipients are Freeride World Tour athlete Ben Richards, age-group freeride champions Aiden Fitzpatrick and Eva Small, alpine combined champions Isabel Watterson and Jesse Mutton, and promising ANC medal-winning freeskier Sylvia Trotter.Para alpine skier Bailley Unahi also received special consideration. Although outside the usual age criteria, she only began para skiing in her 20s and is pursuing Paralympic selection.The club raises funds through alpine events, social functions, and its annual Snowsports Gear Sale in May. Support from local businesses — including RealNZ Cardrona-Treble Cone, Mike Greer Homes, and Southern Land — plays a key role in the club’s activities and athlete development.The club will celebrate its athletes on Saturday, October 25, with a farewell BBQ and auction. The evening coincides with New Zealand alpine racer Alice Robinson’s first World Cup start of the season at Soelden.PHOTO: Supplied

Labour Weekend heralds the start of Otago Regional Council’s summer safety campaign, led by the harbourmaster team, which patrols Central Otago lakes. This year the focus is on wearing a properly fitting lifejacket, and, making sure that if you fall off your boat, or paddleboard, you’d know what to do to keep yourself safe, Otago Regional Council (ORC) harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook said. “Heading out on the water this summer? You need to know your lifejacket works before you leave the land. The only way to know is to check it regularly.”   Lifejackets are ineffective if they are too loose and caregivers should pay particular attention to whether children’s lifejackets are correctly sized, Steve said.Kapok lifejackets (pictured) are unsafe, as while the filling was used to fill lifejackets 30 years ago, we now know kapok can absorb water and cause wearers to sink, he said. Steve also warned that cotton straps rot over time, even if a lifejacket is not used. Other steps to check lifejackets are fit for purpose include to pull the straps hard,and replace any that tear or stretch; check for cuts or punctures; and check that it floats.For those replacing old lifejackets, Coastguard’s Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade programme returns this year from December 1, visiting communities nationwide. People can exchange old, damaged, or outdated lifejackets for discounted new Hutchwilco lifejackets.Anyone who falls in the water this summer should stay calm, conserve energy and attract attention by waving, whistling, shouting or phoning, Steve said. “We want everyone to enjoy their summer recreation this year and get home safely,” Steve said.“To make sure this happens, always follow the five rules of the boating safety code.” The five rules are: wear your life jacket; take two waterproof ways to call for help; check the marine weather forecast; avoid alcohol; and be a responsible skipper.  PHOTO: Supplied

Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) has celebrated the commitment and achievement of its students in the arts, service and te ao Māori.Principal Nicola Jacobsen said the awards on Thursday (October 23) reflected the breadth of opportunities available to students at the college. “We encourage our students to make the most of all aspects of college life so they can develop themselves in a supportive culture of personal growth,” she said.“The arts allow our students to develop the skills they need to tell their own stories and explore different perceptions of the world and their place in it, through music, drama, dance and visual art. “Developing a deeper understanding of te ao Māori within our learning community is one of our strategic priorities so it’s important we recognise those students who help grow te ao Māori at our school. “Our school values are all linked to the idea of service so we are proud to recognise those students who exemplify those values through giving their time, knowledge and skills in the service of others.” All recipients of the arts, service and te ao Māori awards.Arts Blues awards celebrate students’ work within the arts in co-curricular and extra-curricular contexts and/or in the community, recognising contribution, leadership and achievement in visual arts, performing arts, and entertainment technologies. Te Ao Māori Blues awards celebrate students’ commitment towards growing te ao Māori at MAC, including contribution, leadership and achievement in te ao Māori. Students awarded Service Blues are recognised for their high standard of achievement and commitment to voluntary service at the school and/or in the local community. All MAC Year 13 students participate in the Students in the Community programme, giving thousands of hours of their time as volunteers in the community. Students who give 50 - 99 hours of service receive a merit award, and students who give one hundred hours or more receive a distinction award. Nicola said MAC was grateful to the school staff, community members and organisations who generously dedicate their time to support students and provide opportunities for them to pursue their passions.PHOTOS: Supplied

Lake Wānaka continued to rise overnight following a week of heavy rain, passing the first flood alert level of 279.20 metres above sea level (masl). The lake peaked at 279.258 masl at 5.20am today (October 24). Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) said the level is expected to gradually recede, despite some rain forecast over the long weekend.A clean-up is underway along the foreshore, where large amounts of driftwood have washed ashore.The Queenstown Lakes District Harbourmaster has urged boaties to exercise extreme caution due to significant debris in the lake, including logs and trees, much of which floats just below the surface.State Highway 6 has reopened between Maungawera and Lake Hāwea after a 24-hour closure caused by fallen trees from high winds. Haast Pass and Mt Aspiring Rd (beyond the Treble Cone turn-off) remain closed.The largest flood in Lake Wānaka in the past 50 years occurred in 1999, when a melting snowpack combined with heavy rain flooded lower Helwick Street and lower Ardmore Street, affecting several businesses. At that time, the lake was two metres higher than this morning’s peak, reaching 281.3 masl.Six stainless steel markers outside Kai Whakapai record the dates and heights of the six most notable floods of central Wānaka. PHOTO: Wānaka AppLake Wānaka has a total catchment area of 2,628 km², fed by the Matukituki and Makarora Rivers, and drains through a single outlet, the Clutha River. Despite its large catchment, the lake rises relatively slowly due to its expansive surface area.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A man has been arrested and charged over a series of cellphone tower arsons in the Wānaka area over the past few months.The 41-year-old has also been charged in relation to a Lindis Pass cell tower arson in early July.He is due to appear in Queenstown District Court today (Friday October 24), charged with the arsons, as well as firearms offences.Acting Detective Sergeant Julie Bowman said the arsons were not only frustrating for police, but posed a serious risk to the community.“The team have worked tirelessly investigating, and we are thankful that no one was hurt as a result of the actions of this individual,” she said.“This is a good result for our community and they should feel confident we will always work to hold those to account to carry out such mindless attacks.”She thanked the Wānaka community for its assistance in the investigations.“Police take these matters seriously, as they have – and continue to have – a significant impact on our community.”Police declined to provide further comment as the matter is now before the court.Read more: Second cell phone tower fire condemned‘Wilful damage’ to Albert Town cell phone tower - providerPHOTO: Supplied

For over a decade, Monday mornings have meant early alarms, kids yawning into their Weet-Bix, frantic searches for school shoes and ties, a quick peck on the cheek - out the door they go and off to school.They’ve been happy times. Not serene or still - plenty of shouting, squabbling and shoving - but good. And I’ve tried, especially in recent years, to savour this era for what it is: fleeting.Next term, Ed - our eldest - heads off to university. Paddy will be the last one left at home. The bustle, the banter, the breakfast table jousting will be over. The constant cacophony of childhood will fall silent.Many years ago, during Ed’s last week of primary school, I took a photo of half a dozen jade Sumner School shirts on the washing line. Different sizes, all hanging together. A quiet, visual reminder of how close they were, and how quickly things change. Last week, I stood in the laundry folding his shirts again, aware that in just a few weeks I’d never be washing them again. The end is in sight.I’ve cherished these years. Living under one roof has brought deep joy, despite the daily madness and arguments. I hope I’ll never forget the simple pleasure of coming home from a morning run, catching the smell of toast from next door and smiling - Rachel dishing out breakfast and love to her crew. Then opening our front door to find our three lined up at the kitchen bench going through the motions.In the early years, they’d be pushing and bickering over toast, Abi stirring her food, Ed hating mornings, Paddy spilling everything. In later years, the chaos calmed. Fewer arguments, more last-minute searches for phones, laptop chargers and car keys. Then suddenly, they’re gone - and I’m alone with the marmite, the leftover eggs, and silence.All good things end. All children leave. That’s the job: to raise them with love and to let them go. [And goodness I'm grateful to have had the opportunity at all, given the gift of parenting isn't universally granted.] We signed up for this. But knowing it doesn’t make it easier. They’re leaving. And we stay behind - just the two of us. Back to the beginning we go.All those years building the nest, and now the emptying brings its own peculiar grief.We know, intellectually, what good parenting is. That our job is to build secure attachments so they can walk into the world feeling confident, cared for, and free to love others well. That’s the work. The psychology is clear.But still, knowing that helps only so much.I’m going to miss you, Ed.When you started primary school, someone asked if those early years had gone quickly. I practically snorted. “Those were the longest five years of my life.” It was hard - all the feeding, bathing, nappies, endless laundry. But then came the primary school years, three kids at the same school, walking distance from home. Someone once told me those would be the zenith of parenting. They were right in many ways.But I’ve loved the teenage years too. The slow, sweet realisation that it wouldn’t always be like this - us, all together, under one roof. My sister’s kids left home first, so watching them go made me appreciate my three sitting around the kitchen bench long before Abi died.And now we’re at the end of it.And yes, I know - also at the beginning of something new.But it’s hard.Knowing his towel won’t be on the bathroom floor.That we can run the tap in the kitchen sink without him storming out of the shower to glare at us.Family life has been so good.Started slow.Ended quick.About Dr Lucy HoneRegarded as a global thought leader in the field of resilience psychology, tragedy tested everything Dr Lucy thought she knew in deeply personal circumstances when her daughter and friends were killed in a tragic accident. Adjunct senior fellow at the University of Canterbury, Lucy is an internationally sought-after professional speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning academic. Covid-19 saw her TED talk go viral making it the most watched talk by a New Zealander, and it was recently ranked in the top 30 must-watch TED talks of all time by TEDx. With clients ranging from Apple and Amazon, to Hospice and the UN, she helps individuals, teams and communities find their way through hardship and loss. Her work is regularly featured in global media, including the Guardian, the Hidden Brain, the Washington Post, and the BBC, the Sydney Morning Herald, CBS and ABC. Author of best-seller, Resilient Grieving: how to find your way through devastating loss, and her new book, How Will I Ever Get Through This? focused on the hidden grief associated with ‘living losses’ (available for pre-order now). For more evidence-based tools to help heal from hardship, grief and loss follow Dr Lucy on social media @drlucyhone or read her blog here.

The 46th year of the Wānaka Arts Labour Weekend Exhibition is bigger than ever, with more than 160 exhibitors, over 450 items on display, and more visitors than ever at the Opening Night Gala (on Thursday October 23). The overall winner was Michelle McIver of Auckland with ‘Threshold’.Curator Vicky Fulton said all 450 plus artworks were hung on Thursday.“It is the best we’ve had,” she said.The overall winner was Threshold by Michelle McIver.“It increases every year in size and in quality. I’m really proud to be showing all this work by local artists.”Wānaka Arts new chair Sonia Waters told the Wānaka App there were more people exhibiting and more work than before because of what organisers and Arts members have done in previous years.More than 450 artworks were on display, many from local artists.“It’s pretty exciting,” she said.“What I love about it is there’s people who have not exhibited before who have come out of the closet, showing their work. “It takes something to finish it, frame it, present it, and offer it to the world.” The annual Labour Weekend Exhibition & Sale is the cornerstone event of the year for Wānaka Arts, which works to educate, inspire and support the region’s diverse artistic community.There were more visitors than ever before, with opening gala night tickets sold out.The exhibition at the Lake Wānaka Centre will be open through until Sunday.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

There is still opposition to McDonald’s latest bid to open a restaurant in Wānaka - but it remains to be seen whether it will reach the same fervour as the resistance to the company’s previous application.The company’s proposal for a 24-hour restaurant and drive-through on Sir Tim Wallis Drive in Three Parks was made public this week.It comes eight months after the company’s attempt to set up at Mt Iron Junction was turned down.Read more: McDonald’s launches new Wānaka applicationThe earlier application attracted hundreds of submissions, thousands of signatories in an online petition, and plenty of heated debates.Many opponents at the time said they would prefer to see such a development located in Three Parks - the site of the new proposal - although others argued the fast-food chain was simply not a good fit for Wānaka.Local resident Jesse Herbert campaigned against McDonald’s previous application.“If the town chooses to contest this one I think it's time we start to talk about the local landowners selling out the place they grew up in, or the next one will be at the base of Roys Peak or the Wānaka Tree,” he told the Wānaka App yesterday.In November 2023 Wānaka resident Sarah Morrison launched a petition to QLDC opposing McDonald’s bid to establish a restaurant at Mt Iron Junction, which attracted more than 5,500 signatories.She said the Wānaka community prides itself on its beautiful natural environment, and “McDonald’s goes against our core community value”. She cited “extensive food waste and pollution… directing profit out of Wānaka” and low staff wages.Sarah told the Wānaka App yesterday she was still opposed to a McDonald’s in Wānaka, “for the same reasons”.McDonald’s Restaurants NZ spokesperson Simon Kenny told the Wānaka App that “a number of alternative sites presented themselves following the hearing on the Mt Iron resource consent”. Now that the resource consent application has been lodged, the company will work through the consent process with Queenstown Lakes District Council, he said.“Subject to consent approval we will then confirm a planned opening date.”PHOTO: Wānaka App