A new off-licence liquor store is planned at the former Countdown Metro Wānaka on Ardmore Street.The small grocery store on the site, which is owned by Willowridge Developments Ltd, closed in August 2025.The Gate Ltd of Cromwell, trading as Super Liquor Wānaka Metro, has applied to the Queenstown Lakes District Licensing Committee for a license, with an expected opening in February 2026.The store’s opening hours are listed as Monday - Sunday from 9am to 10pm, and it would also sell snacks, tobacco and vape products. The last day for members of the public to lodge an objection to the application is February 9, 2026. Interested members of the public can request a copy of the alcohol licence application from Queenstown Lakes District Council before that date.The Gate Ltd also runs the Harvest Hotel and Five Stags Bar & Restaurant in Cromwell, and Super Liquor Wānaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, Lorneville, and Remarkables Park (Queenstown). The business has also applied for consent for a Super Liquor store at Lake Hāwea subdivision Longview.Read more: Ten liquor licenses for 2,000 people - Longview hearing underwayGlen Christianson was listed as one of two managers.IMAGE: Supplied

The stage is set for the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations on the Wānaka lakefront. The free event - organised by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) on behalf of locals and visitors - kicks off at 2.00pm with family-friendly entertainment at the Dinosaur Park.There will be face painting, roaming entertainers, and games until 4.30pm.At the main stage on the Ardmore Street layby there will be a line up of great bands from 8pm - Superficial, Wānaka Project, and the Mandates - and DJs to get everyone pumped for a fireworks display at midnight.As in previous years, there’ll be safe zones from today (Monday December 29) through to New Year’s morning thanks to Red Frogs volunteers. These are available for people looking for some time out, water or anyone who might need a bit of TLC. A number of road closures will be in place: the Ardmore Street ‘Log Cabin layby’ from 6pm until midnight on Monday and Tuesday, and from 8am to 3pm on Wednesday; Ardmore Street from Dungarvon St to Lakeside Road on Wednesday (New Year’s Eve) from 3pm to 3am; and Helwick St from 3pm to 3am on Wednesday.QLDC said the busy holiday season offers “a timely reminder for everyone to look out for each other, enjoy themselves responsibly and be aware of alcohol-free areas around the district”. Read more: Youth, alcohol and safety in Wānaka this New YearRead more: Safe Summer in Wānaka: Path Wānaka campaign for teens and visitorsThe entire Wānaka CBD is alcohol-free round-the-clock from 6.00am Christmas Day until 6.00am on January 6. This is in addition to the alcohol-free areas from 6.00pm-6.00am every day of the year in both the Wānaka and Hāwea CBDs. Find more details here. QLDC thanked local suppliers, security and traffic management contractors, emergency services, and Red Frogs NZ for helping to stage the New Year’s event.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Queenstown Lakes District has moved to a restricted fire season, meaning that permits will be required for almost all outdoor fires.A short-term prohibition on the use of private fireworks in the Central Otago, Lakes and Upper Waitaki areas will come into force at the same time.Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said the move to a restricted fire season brings the Queenstown Lakes area into line with Central Otago and Upper Waitaki.The restricted fire season and temporary ban on fireworks reflect FENZ’s efforts to reduce the risk of wildfires over the summer.FENZ Otago acting district manager Craig Gold said the areas covered by the controls include several popular holiday spots that are also at high risk from unwanted fires over summer."Every year our firefighters have to drop everything and put out fires caused by people letting off fireworks,” he said. “This is especially the case at New Year when people bring out fireworks they’ve saved from Guy Fawkes. They don’t always consider the fire risk, which is much higher now than in early November."Unfortunately, the same thing happens with outdoor fires - bonfires, campfires and land management fires, he said. “People light them up without checking the weather forecast or considering that the grass might easily catch fire.”Grasses and scrub might seem too wet to catch fire with recent rain, but locals know that it’s dry underneath and the fire risk escalates really quickly on warm and windy days, Craig said. "Once a fire gets going in these conditions, it can cause a lot of damage very quickly, and be very challenging for firefighters to put out. “We would much prefer that people didn’t start fires in the first place."In a restricted fire season most types of outdoor fires, including bonfires and campfires, require a fire permit. There are a small number of exceptions including cultural cooking fires like hangi and umu."This year we want to send a very clear message to locals and visitors alike - be a good sort," Craig said. "Leave the fireworks in the box. Think ahead if you’re planning an outdoor fire and apply for a permit in plenty of time."Both the fireworks ban and the restricted fire season for Queenstown Lakes will remain in force until further notice.Find full details of activities that need a permit in a restricted season and detailed advice about how to use fire safely here.PHOTO: Supplied

International fast food chain Pizza Hut has applied for building consent for an outlet at Wānaka’s Three Parks.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) confirmed on Tuesday (December 23) it had received a building consent application for Pizza Hut at 89 Sir Tim Wallis Drive - on the block between New World Three Parks and The Warehouse.Pizza Hut was established in New Zealand in 1974 and now has more than 100 stores throughout the country.The owner of the site is Willowridge Developments Limited, which is owned by Three Parks developer Allan Dippie.Allan has previously told the Wānaka App he expected to be approached by fast-food restaurants seeking locations.“We realise half the town would be very pleased if they came to town and the other half wouldn’t be… The thing to remember however is that neither half is forcing the other half to frequent such establishments. Allan said the important thing was “locating such businesses in the right place”.In October this year fast food giant McDonald’s confirmed its bid for a new site at the entrance to Three Parks, at 1 Sir Tim Wallis Drive. Read more: McDonald’s applies for new Wānaka restaurant at Three ParksPHOTO: Supplied

New government procurement rules could open new doors for trades and contractors across the Upper Clutha, says an industry insider. The newly released 5th Edition of the Government Procurement Rules sharpens accountability, strengthens transparency, and places a renewed focus on supporting regional economic growth.Izzy Prosser, Director of Winning Bids by Prosser Communication, says the changes represent a meaningful shift for the region.“Local contractors bring strong capability, but access to government opportunities hasn’t always been straightforward,” she said.“By simplifying processes and making agencies more accountable, contractors in the Upper Clutha can expect clearer opportunities, fairer competition, and a more transparent pipeline of work.” Izzy Prosser PHOTO: Prosser Communication NZ Ltd Government agencies are now expected to “engage with businesses that deliver public value, including increased employment, skills and training and economic growth for local communities”, with regional SMEs highlighted as key beneficiaries of the updated system. For local contractors, the updates mean a more level playing field, Issy said. Agencies are encouraged to create competition and involve New Zealand businesses, and to restructure large contracts into smaller components where appropriate, thus allowing regional suppliers to bid for work that might previously have been out of reach. The rules also introduce stronger requirements for reporting and transparency, giving suppliers better visibility of upcoming procurement opportunities and how government spending decisions are made. This added clarity may help Wānaka and Hāwea businesses plan more confidently for future workloads, Issy said. “If implemented consistently by government agencies delivering work in the region, the new rules could help ensure more contracts, more economic benefit, remain in the communities that need them, supporting stable employment and ongoing resilience across the Upper Clutha.”

Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) biosecurity team is once again rolling out its summer freshwater ambassador programme - this year with two new ambassadors who will be out and about across Otago’s lakes and rivers over the holiday season. Ambassadors Zoe Eckhoff and George McLellan will be based out of ORC’s Cromwell office until mid-February, connecting with locals and visitors about how to protect the waterways from freshwater pests.ORC environmental delivery portfolio lead councillor Robbie Byar said summer is a crucial time to remind people how easily freshwater pests like lagarosiphon and didymo can spread between waterways. “Even a tiny fragment of lagarosiphon or a drop of water on gear can be enough to transport pests to a new location,” Robbie said. “But with a few simple actions, like following the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ method, we can all help protect Otago’s lakes and rivers”. ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ is the Ministry for Primary Industries’ national programme for preventing the spread of didymo, lagarosiphon and other freshwater pests.The ambassadors’ work focuses on face-to-face engagement - talking with boaties, kayakers, paddleboarders, jet skiers, anglers and other water users about preventing the spread of pests and the importance of leaning equipment between each waterway.“This boots-on-the-ground mahi really matters,” ORC biodiversity programmes team leader Robert Win said. “When people meet our ambassadors at boat ramps or river edges, they’re often keen to learn more, and that enthusiasm helps keep pests out of new places.”While many were already familiar with the Check, Clean, Dry message, it is a great opportunity to enhance best practice and deepen knowledge on applying these measures effectively, especially as new pests emerge, he said. “The community has been really responsive,” Robert said. “But the risk is ongoing. Without continued vigilance, freshwater pests - especially lagarosiphon - could seriously impact our most valued rivers and lakes.” Check - Remove all plant matter from gear and leave it at the site or put it in the rubbish. Never wash plant material down a drain.Clean - Choose the cleaning method that suits your gear. Guidance is available here.Dry - Thoroughly dry all gear, inside and out. Once dry to the touch, leave it for a further 48 hours before using it again.PHOTO: Supplied

The Upper Clutha community is paying tribute to John Allandale Lee, CNZM, remembering a man whose contribution helped shape the district over many decades.John died peacefully at age 89 on Sunday evening (December 21), with his family by his side, a joint statement from the Lee family, the Snow Farm, the Cardrona Distillery, and Cardrona Alpine Resort said.John was the second-generation farmer of Waiorau, in the tough alpine climate of the Cardrona Valley’s Pisa Range. John Lee in 2016 with then Governor-General The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, receiving his Companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and Tourism.In the late 1960s, the population of Cardrona was in decline, and as things were looking bleak, John got creative – all with the goal of bringing life back to the valley.In 1971 he and his wife, Mary, bought Mt Cardrona Station, and spent the rest of the decade developing a ski area there. Cardrona Alpine Resort opened to the public in 1980, and 45 years later is now New Zealand’s biggest ski area.John and Mary’s next major project, the world-class cross-country skiing facility at Waiorau, Snow Farm, opened in 1990 after 19 years of hard graft in the face of many road blocks. John and Mary (centre) on opening day at Cardrona Alpine Resort in 1980.The Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds came to life during the development of Snow Farm in 1984. The Lees then supported their youngest son Sam in the development of freestyle skiing and snowboarding mecca, Snow Park, in the early 2000s.  John was instrumental in saving the Cardrona Hotel from ruin, and his decision to sell it to the lowest bidder to ensure proper restoration set the historic building on its path to the success it has today. John hanging bras on the Cardrona bra fence.Along with Mary, he was also a proud supporter of the foundation of the Cardrona Distillery.From helping to re-establish the Cardrona Valley as a destination in its own right, to the bustling Wānaka ski industry, to the cheeky Cardrona Bra Fence – John’s legacy is extensive. Many in the Cardrona and Wānaka communities can trace their careers, homes and livelihoods back to John’s passion to bring a vibrant life to this area, the joint statement said.John is survived by wife Mary, children Rachael, Joanna and Sam, and grandchildren Louis, Regan, Olivia, Anton, Hana, Matthew, Archie, and Heidi.John Lee (left) skiing at Cardrona.A private ceremony for the Lee family will be held today (Wednesday December 24). A public celebration of John’s life and contribution to the community will take place at 2pm on February 7 at the Cardrona Distillery.PHOTOS: Supplied

Luggate’s historic hotel has changed hands, and the new proprietor considers himself a very lucky man.Russell Lilley said he walked into the bar a few nights ago and 30-or-so locals gave him a standing ovation.“We cannot believe how incredible the community are,” Russell told the Wānaka App.“They’ve opened their arms to us.”Russell has owned the Rolly Inn in Rolleston for the past 27 years, the Dunsandel Bar and Cafe, a construction business, and about eight other businesses. “I’m really lucky in that every time I go to work it’s like going on holiday,” Russell said.The 75-year-old said he tried retiring about two years ago but “couldn’t do it”.Now he and partner Jeanette Ellis have taken on the Luggate Hotel, which Jeanette described as “a real adventure”.As soon as a mate told Russell the Luggate Hotel was for sale he jumped in his truck and drove down from Rolleston to check it out, Jeanette said.Former owner Rod Bowler told the Wānaka App he was on the bar when Russell arrived.New owner Russell Lilley (left) with former owner Rod Bowler.Rod went over and started chatting, and Russell didn’t give anything away. But by the end of the conversation Russell told him: “I’m going to buy this bloody place”.“Rod and I are like long-lost brothers,” Russell said.Russell is enthusiastic about completing Rod and his wife Rowena’s plans for themed accommodation at the rear of the hotel: a mini “shanty town” with six units including a barbershop, mining hut, a jail, and a sheriff’s quarters. Jeanette said they want to continue “Rod and Rowena’s legacy” with the outside of the pub, as well as changing the business inside: Russell wants to return the pub to how it once was, and Jeannette wants to make it “the centre of the community”.“Where else would you find anything like this?” Russell asked.The down-to-earth but motivated pair already have a new menu and two new chefs; a new coffee machine and a barista; and have started a courtesy van between Wānaka, Albert Town, Hāwea, and Queensberry.Russell said he has “a lot of good ideas”, and will introduce Housie, regular meat raffles, and money on the bar on rugby nights. They are also planning a new kids’ playground in the garden on the Wānaka side of the pub. The hotel grounds include the Luggate General Store, which Russell and Jeanette are thinking about making a Night N Day store, although they say any signage would have to be unobtrusive and in keeping with the building’s historic status.In the garden bar on Tuesday, one regular customer told the Wānaka App that Russell and Jeannette’s arrival was “the best thing to happen to this place in a long time”, while another said they were enjoying the hospitality.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

A development which was intended to provide workers’ accommodation in Wānaka has now been approved for full-time visitor accommodation.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has approved Quarters Group Ltd’s resource consent application to use 26 yet-to-be-constructed dwellings on Reece Crescent for year-round short-term accommodation.The use of the units for visitor accommodation “will support Wānaka as a visitor hub”, application documents submitted on behalf of the developer said.The 3,000sqm+ site has a long consenting history and the shift to visitor accommodation is a departure from its most recent plans.They aimed to address Wānaka’s working housing shortage, with some units billed to house up to seven people sharing a kitchen. The recently approved visitor accommodation units are smaller, with two- and three-bedroom layouts for groups of four to six.In its last resource consent application - to change the design of the dwellings - application documents said the development was “still intended for the units to provide accommodation for workers”. Under the newly approved decision, the dwellings could be individually managed by a property management company.The buildings surrounding the site are “industrial and service in nature”, and include a mechanic, engineering shop, and restaurants a little further away.“The proximity of a residential visitor accommodation adjacent to their operations will not affect the amenity experienced by the owners or occupants of these sites,” the application said.QLDC approved the application on a non-notified basis.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Elite international triathletes will return to Wānaka in February 2026 as the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half celebrates its 20th anniversary.Organisers have confirmed the first professional athletes set to race.Germany’s Frederic Funk will headline the field, joined by Britain’s Tom Bishop and Lucy Byram, and New Zealand’s Bec Clarke.“Over the past few years, I’ve heard so many great things about Challenge Wānaka that it quickly became a bucket-list race for me,” Frederic said.“I’m incredibly excited to finally travel to New Zealand for the first time and race in Wānaka.”The German middle-distance specialist arrives with a strong international résumé, known for his powerful cycling and consistency across non-drafting formats.Britain’s Tom Bishop brings Olympic-level experience to the race, having competed extensively on the ITU World Triathlon Series before transitioning successfully to middle-distance events. Fellow Brit Lucy Byram will make her Challenge Wānaka debut, adding depth to the women’s field after a strong season that included multiple top-10 finishes in the T100 series.New Zealand’s Bec Clarke will carry local hopes, racing on familiar roads and trails.“Racing in front of a home crowd is always special,” she said. “Having a pro field in 2026 for the 20-year celebration is important for inspiring the next generation and bringing international athletes to Wānaka.”More professional athlete announcements are expected ahead of race week.PHOTO: Supplied

Following a report from a local about being sworn at by a speeding cyclist on Albert Town’s Outlet Track, a community board member is hoping for changes in the track’s management.An Albert Town resident posted on a local social media site that she was walking the track on December 13, when a mountain biking came racing along between her and another walker with a dog.“Never slowed from his crazy pace and when asked to "slow down" yelled something that started with f---,” she said.She said both walkers were well to the side of the track, and reminded people “that these tracks are for everyone to enjoy”.Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board member Chris responded that he would like to help walkers send a submission to the Department of Conservation (DOC, which manages the track) asking them to come up with a solution.He said it could be “along the lines of ‘Cyclists must dismount’ and designate the track as ‘Walkers only’”. The track, which runs between Albert Town and the Clutha/Mata-Au River’s outlet from Lake Wānaka, is signposted for cyclists to give way to walkers and keep their speed down.Chris told the Wānaka App he used to walk the Outlet Track regularly “but stopped when cyclists became too numerous”.“Given the beautiful nature of this area I don’t believe any cyclist should be going at speed and could walk their bikes for the part of the track from the Outlet through to the Albert Town end. “If the cyclists wish to go at speed there are many other options,” he said.Chris said he will be led by any motivated users to see if he “can help facilitate future discussions”. Department of Conservation Otago operations manager Charlie Sklenar told the Wānaka App the Outlet Track is a shared use track and “bikers, hikers and dog walkers are all welcome”.  “All users need to be mindful and respectful for everyone’s enjoyment and safety. All dogs need to be under control and bikers should follow the mountain bikers’ code - respect the rules, respect others and respect the track,” she said. She said DOC works closely with community groups, like the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, to manage and maintain tracks on public conservation land for the community and visitors.“We have allocated resources to improve and widen the track in priority places. “As this will require closing the track for a number of days, this will be completed in late summer when usage drops.”Bike Wānaka president Ewan Mackie said he believes the vast majority of cyclists are “friendly, gracious and do indeed give way to walkers on the Outlet Track”. “But it is a sad reality that there is a very small minority who are either unfamiliar or simply disrespectful of these guidelines,” he said. “The pressure on the Outlet Track in terms of the sheer numbers of bikers and walkers on a single track is a symptom of the overall lack of public recreational tracks in the Wānaka area. “Bike Wānaka very much looks forward to the creation of biking and walking trails in the new Mt Iron Recreation Reserve and will continue to explore other opportunities for new tracks in our area. An expanded network of tracks will help alleviate pressure, and occasional conflict, overall.”PHOTO: Wānaka App

Four local snow sports athletes have been selected for the finals of the 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards.Snow Sports NZ said the Kiwi snow sports athletes and their teams “have once again punched far above their weight on a global scale”.“We are so proud of each and every one of them for their achievements,” the organisation said.The local snow sports finalists are Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (Wānaka) - 2degrees Sportswoman of the Year; Luca Harrington - ISPS HANDA Sportsman of the Year; Finley Melville Ives - Sky Sport Emerging Talent Award; and Hamish McDougall - Buddle Findlay Coach of the Year.Alice Robinson of Queenstown has been named as a finalist for the 2degrees Sportswoman of the Year.The Halberg Awards have announced 32 finalists across six categories, in a year “that has celebrated passion, determination, and inspiring moments”.Find the full list of finalists here.The winners will be announced on February 16, 2026 at the 63rd ISPS Halberg Awards in Auckland.PHOTO: Supplied

Ryan Young, a member of the Wānaka Aspiring Athletics Club (AAC), and former Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) student, has had a great start to his summer athletics campaign.Ryan has come out strongly in his early season competitions in Christchurch, excelling in both sprinting and jumping events, AAC head coach Michael Beable said.Following a fast 60m personal best of 7.07 seconds, placing him a close second place in the Senior Men’s event at Christchurch’s Nga Puna Wai track on November 8, Ryan made waves again with an outstanding Triple Jump performance at the Interclub competition at NPW on November 29.His leap of 14.77m was a massive personal best - by 45cm - even though the 4.2m/s tailwind exceeded the allowable limit for record purposes. This mark ranks him second in the country for the season, just 20cm shy of the best recorded distance.“What makes Ryan’s triple jump even more impressive is that he achieved this distance off only 11 strides, which is about two-thirds of his usual run-up length,” Michael said. “He opts for a shorter approach early in the summer to condition his body and prepare for the intense forces (around 16-Gs) he'll face when he ramps up to his full run-up later in the season.”Michael said these performances indicate Ryan is probably the best short sprinter and horizontal jumper to come out of MAC.He’s now focused on the Senior Men’s Triple Jump at the Athletics New Zealand’s inaugural short-course national championships in Hastings on January 17. Having already claimed the NZ Men’s U20 Triple Jump title in 2023, and placing third in the Senior Men’s event at the NZ Championships in March 2025 in Dunedin, Ryan has a good chance at another podium finish in Hastings - possibly even improving on his March result, Michael said.AAC athletes were also part of the MAC team that performed extremely well at the NZ Secondary Schools National Championships in Hastings early this month (December 5-7). Despite hot temperatures (33C) and very gusty winds.Phoebe Laker, competing in her first year in the Senior Girls category, ran an outstanding 400m final. Battling strong headwinds for most of the race, Phoebe led up until the final meters, where Boh Richie, NZ’s Senior Women’s 800m champion (18, Year 13 at St Peter’s College, Cambridge), finally pulled ahead to win in 55.04s. Phoebe finished less than half a second behind (in 55.48s) and Zita Meo of Napier Girls’ High School took third place.Phoebe’s personal best is 53.87s, set earlier this year when she claimed the Australian Girls Under 17 national title in April. “Given the tough conditions at Hastings, improving on that time was unlikely to happen,” Michael said.“However, she has the great satisfaction that her performances this season have earned her selection in the 2025 NZ Secondary Schools team. It means she’ll be able to wear the NZSS black singlet at upcoming Summer Classics events in the new year - a fine way to close out 2025 and another step-up nationally for this promising Year-12 MAC athlete.”Meanwhile, Ryan Enoka, in his final year at MAC, competed in both the Senior Boys’ Discus and Hammer Throw events in Hastings. He achieved personal bests in both disciplines, with a notable fourth place in the hammer throw.  Lillian Lake, a Year 9 student at MAC, set a personal best time in the junior girls’ 100m quarterfinals in Hastings, while Ruby Swamy, also Year 9, placed 10th in the junior girls' Under-16 long jump, finishing in the top half of the field. “Both these young athletes gained valuable experience in competing at the national level for the first time, where estimated crowds of more than 5,000 people attended the championships each day during the weekend,” Michael said.“Now back in Wānaka, these athletes, alongside their teammates, will begin their holiday training block at the well-prepared Three Parks Track, gearing up for the key competitions in the new year.”PHOTOS: Supplied

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has secured $9.5M for a piece of land on Ironside Drive, with the proceeds earmarked for projects in the Upper Clutha.After the sales commission and the land’s book value are deducted, the funds will be transferred to the Wānaka Asset Sales Reserve (WASR), which is designated to fund capital expenditure benefiting the residents of the Wānaka ward. The 1.8-hectare parcel, located just below Wānaka Primary School and adjacent to Kelly’s Flat, sits in the medium-density residential zone. It was once part of a larger council-owned site, with the larger 10.69-hectare portion selling for $15.6M in 2016.Once settlement takes place next June, the WASR is expected to be worth $14.17M.Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer said the top-up will allow the board to “invest in community infrastructure for the benefit of generations to come”.“We continue to engage with community groups and associations to explore their ideas of substantial community projects that require funding.“The board itself has identified some priority projects we hope to advance over the next couple of years.”Read more: Updated CBD, new jetty, sports fields, more - community board’s wishlist for 2026A QLDC representative confirmed the property sold in November.The WASR has already supported a range of local initiatives, from the Wānaka Recreation Centre swimming pool to the purchase of Mt Iron Recreation Reserve and upgrades to the new Luggate Hall.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The new mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is asking residents what matters most to them and their communities.Early insights gathered will be used to develop a draft Long Term Plan (LTP) 2027-2037 and help inform the council’s decision-making.“Many of us who were elected as your representatives in October heard loud and clearly that we need to reduce costs, make your money go further and deliver on your priorities,” mayor John Glover said. “So now is the time, as we start foundational work on our spending plans for the next 10 years, for you to help us prioritise what we do.”Members of the community have until February 8 to provide early input on the next LTP. PHOTO: Wānaka AppThe LTP sets the direction of the council for the next ten years, providing a long-term focus on how it will deliver local infrastructure, facilities and services for the district.A combination of reforms, continued high growth, and potential rate caps are putting more pressure than ever on council budgets and its ability to deliver the infrastructure and services the community expects, a statement from QLDC said.To get the conversation started, the community is invited to respond to a range of questions online, including:What are the top priorities you think council should focus spending money on?If you want council to reduce spending, what do you think we should spend less money on?What do you think the district’s main opportunities are in the next 10 years?What do you think the district’s main challenges are in the next 10 years?Answers will help council prioritise the basics first and ensure spending is allocated where it is needed most.“We’d love to hear your thoughts and the answers to some simple questions to make sure that we support the outcomes that are most important to you,” John said.Early insights can be shared on QLDC’s consultation and engagement website through to Sunday February 8.Feedback will be reviewed and shared with councillors at a workshop on February 17.

Negotiations on a regional deal for Otago Central Lakes, which includes Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, have concluded for the year.The negotiation group, the Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal Negotiation Committee, said it has finished “a series of detailed discussions” with Crown officials.“This deal is about future-proofing our region,” ORC councillor and committee chair Gretchen Robertson said.“We need solutions that keep pace with growth, protect our environment, and maintain quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”The latest discussion looked at transport priorities and funding and financing matters, while previous sessions have looked at proposals on affordable housing, healthcare, electricity supply, and productivity growth. The Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal is a partnership between Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Central Otago District Council (CODCO, Otago Regional Council (ORC), and the government, aimed to help address some of the region’s current challenges. It is based on a 30-year vision and 10-year strategy. The committee met in Alexandra last week to review its progress and confirm the next steps in developing the deal. Consultant and lobbyist Conor English is the committee’s negotiator. PHOTO: SuppliedIt anticipates hearing from the government on next steps early in 2026. There has been some debate over the secrecy of the negotiations, but the committee reaffirmed its commitment to confidentiality, “to safeguard negotiations and secure the best outcomes for local communities”. “While there is strong public interest in the development of the Regional Deal, maintaining confidentiality ensures that discussions can proceed constructively and without compromising the region’s negotiating position,” the committee said.In September consultant and lobbyist Conor English was employed as a negotiator to help steer the deal.Read more: Consultant appointed to regional deal teamThe Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal is intended to deliver improved economic, environmental, and social outcomes for the subregion, including investment in transport infrastructure to ease congestion and improve resilience. The committee said the deal also seeks “to unlock innovative funding and financing tools to ensure that the costs of growth and high visitor numbers are shared fairly, reducing the burden on local ratepayers while enabling sustainable development”.

Albert Town property prices have increased by more than 200 percent since 2015, according to online property portal realestate.co.nz.  Property prices have increased by 225 percent in Albert Town over the last decade, from an average asking price of $553,500 in 2015 to $1,796,828 in 2025.“We all love a bit of hindsight, but these numbers are next level,” realestate.co.nz spokesperson Vanessa Williams said. “If you bought in Albert Town or Hahei a decade ago, you’ve basically won the property Lotto.”Hahei, in the Coromandel, boasts an average asking price of $2M in 2025 compared to just over $600,000 in 2015. Hāwea, Rotoiti, and Wānaka round out the top five suburbs with significant increases to their average asking prices since 2015, the blog said.It said lakeside properties have delivered more gain for homeowners than seaside baches, with six of the top 10 holiday destinations being lakeside.  The price for each location is based on the average asking price of all properties listed for sale in the three-month period from 1 September-30 November 2015 compared with the same time period in 2025.   PHOTO: Wānaka App

The Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is reminding anyone heading into alpine areas to thoroughly plan and prepare for the unique conditions, following news that two missing climbers on Aoraki/Mount Cook are not believed to be alive.Police say search teams found evidence that the climbers had been caught in a large ice fall avalanche and believe it was not survivable. The climbers were reported overdue on Monday morning (December 15) from their attempt of New Zealand’s highest peak.MSC chief executive Mike Daisley says this is a tragic outcome and it is a harsh reminder that New Zealand’s alpine should never be underestimated.“Aoraki represents some of the country’s most complex and challenging alpine terrain. There is no margin for error when climbing in this environment and the consequences of a mistake are often severe,” he said.Mike Daisley PHOTO: Sarah TopliffThe latest incident follows the death of Wānaka mountain guide Thomas Vialletet and his client on Aoraki Mt Cook last month (November 24).Read more: Wānaka mountain guide mournedThomas and his client were part of a team of four completing a grand traverse of Aoraki/Mount Cook. The other two members of the party were successfully brought down unharmed from the summit ridge.Before heading into the mountains, particularly Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mike said it is critical to ensure your skills and experience are well matched to the route, and the weather and snow conditions are suitable for the trip.For anyone unfamiliar with the area, especially international climbers coming to New Zealand for the first time, MSC recommends undertaking detailed research into New Zealand’s unique conditions.“While our tallest peaks may not be considered overly high by international standards, our alpine areas present a mixture of some of the most challenging terrain, weather, conditions and access found anywhere in the world,” Mike said.“These factors must be considered when planning a trip in New Zealand, especially for visitors who don’t have prior experience climbing here.”MSC suggests using a qualified local guide or starting on low-grade, easier objectives before moving to more challenging routes, such as Aoraki/Mount Cook.Climbers planning a trip in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park this summer should always check the avalanche forecast on the NZ Avalanche Advisory during their preparation and again before heading out. The avalanche forecast operates year-round in this region. Additionally, they must have a comprehensive knowledge of the weather systems and the specific mountain weather forecast for the dates of their trip.Since 2008, when comprehensive records began, there have been six fatalities on guided climbs on Aoraki/Mount Cook and seven on recreational climbs. This does not include the latest two fatalities.

Hosting teens in Wānaka over New Year is a mix of magic and mayhem. Following on from last week’s blog, here’s a practical framework sharing one Wānaka family’s lived experience of hosting teens over the New Year period.CommunicationStart talking early on. This family contacted every parent, agreed to a consensus and the same rules applied to every teen in their care, set up group chats, and no-questions-asked pick-up from anywhere, at any hour. Clear plans meant fewer 1:00AM surprises and far less guesswork.CourageSet boundaries early and stick to them. Non-negotiables included parent consents, no alcohol brought from home, curfews and car keys handed in on arrival. The difficult kōrero always came before the difficult nights. They also had other parents to stay - extra eyes, shared responsibility, and someone else to laugh with when the dishes started piling up. And if hosting a party, have plenty of parents around to help. ConnectionBeing active and fresh air kept everyone grounded. Tired teens tend to be kinder teens. Lots of daytime activities, eating together morning and night before going out, and everyone pitched in with chores. The staples that never ran out: food and being active.ConsentTwo layers mattered.People: Respecting neighbours, police, parents, and friends was expected. Consent was ongoing and could be withdrawn anytime.Alcohol: Only with explicit parent approval - served with food, supervised, and with a ride home sorted. Otherwise, it was soft drink and spaghetti. They measured, monitored, and stopped at the first wobble.ContributeEveryone played their part: pitching tents, bringing their own bedding, pooling New World or Subway vouchers, sharing BBQ duties, rotating showers, and checking in on their mates. The adults stayed visible, sober, and solution focused. If anything tipped up, they answered every call with no judgement, just action. End-of-night “chair chats” with toasties, water, coffee, and story telling. Mistakes are always OK! They made mistakes, like every family does. The police returned a wanderer once; sick teens needed support other times. They owned it, phoned parents when necessary, and kept their promise: whatever it takes, we’ll get your child home safe.Bottom line: Be the host, not the doormat! Everyone contributes (because you’re not running a free-range teen resort). Courage, clarity, connection, consent, and contribution. Set the rules before the first chilly bin opens, stay present, and keep expectations consistent. If you can still have good honest chat, laugh, share great food, and say “no” without flinching on the 1st January, you’ve survived a New Year ‘hosting teens’ in Wānaka: all home safe, a tidy-ish house, and stories you can all actually tell in the daylight (without a lawyer, a medic, or a massive apology text).This post follows on from last week’s blog, Hosting Teens at New Year: What One Wānaka Family Learned, which shares a lived experience of parenting through the New Year period in Wānaka.