A special celebration for a significant milestone will take place when the millionth visitor to Warbirds Over Wānaka (WOW) is scanned into the event this Easter.WOW general manager Ed Taylor said he expects the millionth visitor to come into the airshow at some stage on the first day (Friday April 3) - and they will be in for a surprise."We will greet them with some celebration fizz and they will receive a goodie bag including tickets to the luxury Titanium Pass area for our 40th anniversary show in 2028 valued at almost $1,400, a special one-off airshow cap and a $300 voucher to spend on official airshow merchandise."WOW general manager Ed Taylor said the milestone represented huge growth. The first airshow, held in 1988 (pictured), attracted 14,000 people. PHOTO: WOWEd said it was amazing to think back to the very first airshow in 1988 when 14,000 people attended.  “Who would have thought that 38 years later the airshow would not only still be around but would be welcoming its one millionth visitor and would be one of New Zealand's major biennial events.”Meanwhile, the airshow has confirmed its Future of Aviation exhibition will be back after debuting in 2024. “One of the great things about our airshow is that along with amazing aircraft from the past and present we also showcase what’s next, especially in the sustainability arena,” Ed said.The Future of Aviation exhibition will include Kea Aerospace’s solar-powered unmanned aircraft, which has already reached stratospheric flight.`Meanwhile UK aviation start-up Merlin will showcase autonomous flight technology, alongside US engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, which is presenting more sustainable engine systems.Skilplane will demonstrate a new approach to pilot training, while UC Aerospace will display rockets and a hybrid rocket engine.The exhibition is one of many attractions and aircraft already announced for this year’s airshow.Warbirds Over Wānaka will take place at Wānaka Airport over Easter weekend (April 3-5).Read more: Raptors for Warbirds ‘up there with biggest acts ever’Historic DC-3 coming to Warbirds Over Wānaka

Top athletes including Hannah Wall, Luke Wilson, and Kate Boe will be on the start line alongside competitors of all levels at next month’s Motatapu.The annual event will take place on Saturday March 7 across the Motatapu, Soho, and Glencoe high-country stations - private land which is open to the public for one day only.Motatapu race director Gemma Peskett said she was excited to have so many top athletes taking part in the event’s 15th edition, many of them returning.“Motatapu has always been about bringing people together - from elite athletes to first-timers,” she said. “Seeing around 2,500 people line up next month, all with their own reasons for being there, is what makes this event so special.”Hannah Wall will lead the women’s 52km Rab Ultra Run after dominating the 2025 race, finishing over 40 minutes ahead of her nearest rival. Meanwhile Luke Wilson returns after finishing second in 2024 and winning the Miners Trail in 2025, and 47km Mountain Bike course record holder Kate Boe is back.Other athletes to watch are Chester Holt Quick, who was fourth in the Ultra in 2025, and Benje Patterson, who is stepping up to the Ultra after winning the Trail Marathon last year.In the 47km Mountain Bike race, Michaela Rogan and Lily Havard, transitioning from road racing, will join Kate, along with veteran Kim Hurst and Danielle Donaldson. In the men’s race, Enduro World Cup racer Matthew Fairbrother is the favourite, chasing Dirk Peters’ 2013 course record of 1:47:53.The Trail Marathon will also feature Hamish Elliott and Edward Eaton. The women’s field includes Marina Ferguson, Crystal Brindle, and former Motatapu Marathon champion Mel Aitken.The Miners Trail will offer prize money for the first time, with $500 for the first male and female finishers. Men’s entrants include Cameron Swales and Sagar Khemani; women’s competitors include defending champion Hayley Holmes, Katie Morgan, Jessie Speedy, and course record holder Sarah Douglas.While elite performances headline the event, Motatapu remains open to all abilities, Gemma said.“With the right preparation, each course is achievable - for those racing for a podium, chasing a personal goal, or simply soaking up the scenery.”PHOTO: Neil Kerr

The Wānaka Rowing Club achieved some standout performances at the South Island Rowing Championships in Twizel last weekend.It was a big weekend of racing on Lake Ruataniwha for the South Island club rowing season, with more than 1,500 rowers participating in some very exciting finishes with great water for most of the regatta, the club reported.Wānaka Rowing Club was represented by 15 junior rowers and four masters, with stand out performances including the Men’s Novice Coxed Quad Sculls (Jasper Lambert, Will Persson, Duncan Turner, Finley Hughes, coxswain Emily Hunt) winning gold.The Coxed Novice Boys, coached by Rob Bruce, came home with bronze in the Boys U15 Coxed Quad Sculls (Jack Jones, Duncan Turner, Travis Cooper, Finley Hughes, coxswain Emily Hunt).As heats progressed to finals over the weekend crews consistently improved their course times, showing potential with the Men’s Novice Double Sculls pairing of Travis Cooper and Duncan Turner narrowly missing placing in their A final, but shaving 15 seconds off their heat time. In the same event, Jack Jones and Jasper Lambert finished first in their B final in 7.50.37 some 20 seconds faster than their heat time.The Wānaka squad bolstered one another, rigging boats, getting on and off the water, and cheering one another home, the club reported.As always, sponsors, coaches and parents supported in supplying transport, towing boat trailers and feeding athletes for the weekend. The club thanked assistant coach Philip Massey and master and learn to row coach AJ Humphries for their input over the weekend.The junior crews will continue training hard for the remaining two school regattas of the season in March (South Island Secondary Schools and Maadi Cup) and the Masters, building toward South Island Masters Champs on Lake Rotoiti in April.PHOTO: Supplied

Central Otago District Council has signed off a land access agreement with Santana Minerals for the proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold project that includes a million-dollar-plus annual payment to ratepayers.The agreement, approved by elected members during a closed section of the council’s first meeting of the year on Wednesday (January 28), relates solely to access over council-owned roads under the Crown Minerals Act and does not constitute approval of mining activity.It covers access along Thomsons Gorge Road and the Shepherds Creek paper road, including a 20-metre corridor on either side of those routes.In a statement on Monday announcing the agreement, CODC chief executive Peter Kelly said the council was required, as a landowner, to consider and negotiate access arrangements where appropriate, but stressed it stopped short of providing green light for the mine itself.“Approving this agreement provides clarity around access arrangements, but it does not predetermine whether the mine will proceed,” Peter said.“That decision sits with the relevant consenting and regulatory processes.”Any future road stopping would still require approval under the Public Works Act or the Local Government Act.If any roads were stopped, replacement routes would be constructed to ensure continued public access.Alongside access arrangements, the agreement sets out a community funding framework that would apply only if the project was ultimately consented and developed.Under the agreement, Santana Minerals would make an annual payment of $1.25M to the council, indexed to CPI, starting six months after commercial gold production began.The funding would be ring-fenced, administered by the council, and reported separately in its annual accounts.Mayor Tamah Alley said the agreement ensured the district would receive a clear and transparent return from the use of council land if the project went ahead.“This agreement ensures that if the project goes ahead, the Central Otago community receives tangible, long-term benefits, while maintaining transparency and public accountability,” Tamah said.She said the council had not taken a position for or against the proposed mine.“We acknowledge our community holds a wide range of views. Our focus is on ensuring decisions are made objectively, lawfully, and with full consideration of the information available,” she said.Santana Minerals chief executive Damian Spring said finalising the agreement resolved a long-standing statutory requirement in a “pragmatic” manner.“[It] provides durable clarity around roading and access arrangements, and establishes a transparent framework for long-term community benefit,” he said.“It allows the project to progress in an orderly and disciplined way through the fast-track process, without pre-empting the outcome of that decision.”However, local mine opposition group Sustainable Tarras is criticising the "behind closed doors" manner in which the agreement was reached."We've been in discussion with CODC on this very issue for well over six months. It's complex and has huge implications for the local community, including significant numbers of people who use these roads," the group said in a statement on Monday."We believe there are considerable legal pitfalls to granting access, and we have repeatedly pointed these out to CODC and cautioned them to take time to consult, consider the consequences and involve the wider community."Today, in announcing this behind-closed-doors decision, they've made it clear that community is secondary to their private negotiations with Santana."The Bendigo-Ophir project is a proposed large-scale gold mine in the Dunstan Mountains near Cromwell and Tarras, now under consideration through the government’s fast-track approvals process.The mining company said the site represents the largest gold discovery in New Zealand in more than 40 years, and its mine would be expected to produce 120,000 ounces annually at peak production, for 14 years, if developed.

Lake Hāwea is dusting off its red and blue for its annual Hāwea Waitangi Day Community Challenge later this week.The long-running ‘Town vs Country’ rivalry will once again see ‘town’ in blue take on ‘country’ in red, in a good-natured showdown that’s become a community staple.Things get underway with a quiz night on Thursday (February 5) at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre, before the action shifts to Peter Fraser Park for ‘Challenge Day’ on Friday (February 6).The day features a full slate of competition (including petanque, golf, cricket and netball) before the focus turns to the kids. ‘Kidz Corner’ will run from 3pm–4pm with sack races, egg-and-spoon races and a lolly scramble.From 4pm it will be game on for the ‘Top Town’ events, with relays, tug of war and serious bragging rights up for grabs.The Lake Hāwea Fishing Classic is back for 2026. PHOTO: Teresa CotterFestivities will wind down with a sausage sizzle and picnic, before community drinks at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre for those keen to keep the celebrations going.The ‘town’ side covers residents living between Muir Road, Cemetery Road, Domain Road and the foreshore, while ‘country’ includes everyone else in the Hāwea area, including Maungawera and Luggate.The competitive spirit continues the following day (Saturday February 7) with the Lake Hāwea Fishing Classic.Open to anglers fishing from boats or the shore, the annual event is billed as a fun family day out which introduces young people to the joys of fishing.Find more information about each of the weekend’s events in the ‘Events’ section of the Wānaka App.

Wānaka residents will have the chance to hear musician sisters Jackie and Katrina Bristow perform at an upcoming concert at Paddons Paddock.Katrina lives in Wānaka full-time and Jackie is here when she isn’t in Nashville or touring.The local concert is part of a wider tour to celebrate the launch of Jackie’s new Album, GOLDMINE.She releases its first single, ‘Let It Rain’, which features both Jackie and Kartrina, on February 4. The song marks the pair’s first-ever recorded duet and the ‘uplifting Americana track’ was co-written with California-based songwriter Rosa Pullman.“It felt like the perfect duet for us,” Jackie said. “There’s something very special about sisters singing together - a connection that can’t be created any other way.”Jackie and Katrina first stepped onto a stage together at the NZ Gold Guitar Awards when Katrina was eight and Jackie was 11. Their childhood was spent traveling throughout the South Island in the family’s old Ford Falcon, performing at festivals, rodeos, and country music competitions with the unwavering support of their parents.“It was an incredible time in our lives,” Jackie said. “We were surrounded by a vibrant community of young singers and musicians. Those years shaped us.”They went on to spend over a decade in their youth touring and performing together as The Bristow Sisters.The Wānaka concert, on March 1, is one of a series of live shows taking place around the lower South Island with Mark Punch.Find more information on the tour and new album and book tickets here.PHOTO: Shantelle Dawn

Wānaka Summer Concert organisers say last Saturday’s (January 31) inaugural event, by all accounts a great day out, provided a taste of Wānaka’s potential as a major music destination. Around 10,000 people attended the Wānaka Summer Concert at the Three Parks Outdoor Arena, which featured performances by rock legends Iggy Pop and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, as well as Hoodoo Gurus and ZED. Greenstone Entertainment CEO Amanda Calvert told the Wānaka App the event was a tremendous success.“The weather was glorious, the venue operated smoothly without any traffic issues, and many people remarked on the excellent atmosphere,” she said. The event attracted 10,000 people. PHOTO: Wānaka AppThe company has resource consent to hold up to three one-day events each year over a five-year period - and planning for next year’s concert has already begun.“We are excited to build on this inaugural event and look forward to returning to beautiful Wānaka in January 2027,” Amanda said.Three Parks developer Allan Dippie said it was “just the start of something even bigger and better and more regular”.He told the Wānaka App there were a lot of artist representatives at the concert “feeling out the venue” and reports were that it was a “ten out of ten”.Joan Jett and the Blackhearts performing on Saturday afternoon. PHOTO: Jared DonkinAllan said the concert had attracted a great crowd: “As well as everything else, it was just nice to see people having a good time.”The atmosphere spilled beyond the stage - many attendees biked, walked, or took buses to the venue, while another 1,000 or so stayed overnight in the camping area near the BP, which had a “great vibe”. Local food suppliers, businesses and volunteers helped the event run smoothly, while the wider Wānaka business community saw a surge in accommodation and hospitality bookings from the substantial influx of people.It is the start of something even “bigger and better”, Three Parks developer Allan Dippie said. The inaugural concert had reminded him of the early days of Wheels at Wānaka, which began as a modest local event before growing into a major fixture, he said.The wheels are now in motion to “put Wānaka on the map as a music venue”, he said.

NZ Team Chef de Mission and Wānaka local Marty Toomey, has helped welcome the first group of New Zealand athletes, coaches, and support staff to Italy ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.The group arrived in Livigno this week and were formally welcomed to the Olympic Village with the NZ Team haka, Pou Tangata, before receiving their ‘Manawaroa’ pounamu taonga.Marty said the arrival marked a significant milestone for the campaign.Marty Toomey“It’s awesome, the Games get real when the athletes come in. We’ve spent a bit of time getting ready, so now it’s go time,” he said.“For us it’s about setting everything up, ‘kiwifying’ it a bit - posters, reminders of home, uniform on the bed. We want the athletes to come in, get their uniform on and start getting ready to go.”Marty said the presentation of the pounamu was a particularly meaningful moment.“It’s always a special time when the athletes receive their pounamu, but this was especially poignant given the athletes were part of the design process,” he said.The arrival signals the beginning of New Zealand’s on-the-ground Olympic campaign, with the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games running from February 6 to February 22, 2026.PHOTO: Supplied

KiwiSaver is a long-term savings scheme designed to help New Zealanders save for retirement and is generally locked in until you reach age 65, but for many people, it also plays a crucial role much earlier, particularly when buying a first home.Understanding how KiwiSaver can be used, what happens if you work overseas, and how your KiwiSaver is dealt with on death can help you avoid unexpected issues later on.Using KiwiSaver for a First Home DepositIf you are buying your first home, you may be able to withdraw most of your KiwiSaver savings to put towards the purchase.In general, you can apply to withdraw:Your own contributionsEmployer contributionsInvestment returnsGovernment contributions (with some limits – if you worked overseas during the period these were paid, they may need to be repaid to the GovernmentYou must usually leave a minimum balance of $1,000 in your KiwiSaver account.To qualify, you typically need to:Have been a member of KiwiSaver for at least three yearsBe buying your first home (or be treated as a first-home buyer)Intend to live in the property as your main homePurchase a property within relevant price capsApplications must be made through your KiwiSaver provider, and timing is important, as funds are usually released shortly before settlement.KiwiSaver and Death: Why a Will Is ImportantKiwiSaver does not automatically pass to a spouse or partner. Instead, it becomes part of your estate when you die.If your KiwiSaver balance is relatively small, providers may be able to release the funds without probate. However, once a KiwiSaver balance becomes significant (often around $40,000 or more, depending on the provider), probate or letters of administration are usually required before the account can be closed and funds distributed.This means:Delays for your familyDistribution of fund according to the Administration Act 1969 and not how you wishAdditional legal costsMore stress at an already difficult timeHaving a current will in place ensures your KiwiSaver is dealt with in accordance with your wishes and can significantly streamline the process for those you leave behind.How We Can HelpKiwiSaver intersects with property law, estate planning, and relationship property in ways many people don’t anticipate. Our firm has a highly experienced team who can assist with:Advice on KiwiSaver withdrawals for first-home purchasesEstate planning and wills, including how KiwiSaver is treated on deathRelationship property advice where KiwiSaver is part of a separation or a contracting out agreement (pre-nup)Guidance for clients who have worked or lived overseasIf you would like clarity around your KiwiSaver position or want to ensure your affairs are properly structured, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.Karleigh Hoera, Senior Associate. You can contact Karleigh here.

The second stage of the Alpine Meadows development is in progress, with a resource consent application lodged for almost four dozen new residential lots, which will add more homes to the fast growing ‘South Wānaka’ area.The 42.2 hectare Alpine Meadows stretches from behind the Ballantyne Road industrial area through to Orchard Road and, once completed, the development will feature 370 homes.It is surrounded by other new residential subdivisions: Heritage Park, Alpine Estates and Orchard Park are all in close proximity and in varying stages of completion.Stage two of Alpine Meadows is billed to feature 45 residential lots and two industrial lots.The second stage of the development, a joint venture between Willowridge Development and Orchard Road Holdings, will provide the “missing piece” of the roading network in the area, according to application documents.It will “connect Cardrona Valley Road with Ballantyne Road through an extension of Avalon Station Drive, as well as providing another connection from Deans Drive to Avalon Station Drive”.Ten sections are proposed to be 600m2, smaller than the low density residential zone provides for, but “consistent with the minimum lot size for surrounding development occurring under the PDP”, application documents said.Alpine Meadows fits within Wānaka’s southwestern boundary as described by the 2021 spatial plan, which said Wānaka’s growth should be contained and consolidated within the boundaries of the two rivers, the Clutha and the Cardrona.Queenstown Lakes District Council is considering the Alpine Meadows stage two application.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The colder and wetter than usual summer this year is having an impact on the growth of fruit and resulting in a slightly later harvest for grapes.Central Otago Winegrowers Association general manager Carolyn Murray said overall vine health across Central Otago is excellent, despite the season being marked by continuous rainfall. “Yields are tracking small to average, with a smaller regional crop expected and smaller berry size,” she told the Wānaka App.“Quality is looking very promising, though we're hoping for a warm and dry February and March. She said the harvest is shaping up to be “slightly later overall”.A market update for Central Otago showed growing conditions were slower than usual for summer fruit.“Central Otago GDDs [growing degree days] are falling further behind normal,” Summerfruit NZ communications manager Andrew Bristol said.Last week’s rain in Central Otago has led to some quality issues for apricots, but mostly the fruit is looking good, he said.“Demand for Central Otago nectarines is strong, but maturation is slow.”He said poor weather has also diminished demand for cherries.“Fresh cherries will be available into the first week of February, but that might be the end for this season,” Andrew said.The peach harvest is producing more volume, but Central Otago volumes for plums are still light.But in good news for greengage fans, those fruit are just a week or so away, Andrew said.MetService told the Wānaka App that the forecast is looking “a bit drier” for February.Read more: Outlook for February: spring turns to summer

A fundraiser in opposition to Santana’s fast-track mine proposal on Saturday (January 31) exceeded “all expectations” in the amount raised, a statement from lobby group Sustainable Tarras said.More than 150 people attended the ‘Wine NOT Mine’ event at The Canyon (overlooking Tarras and the Upper Clutha), which was supported by 12 local wineries, actor Sam Neill, and artist Grahame Sydney.Santana Minerals is proposing an underground and open-cast gold mine near The Canyon, which is being considered under the government’s Fast-track Consenting Act.Read more: Agencies seek more time, challenge engagement on gold projectMoney was raised via ticket sales, wine sales, an art sale and private donations leading up to the event, with all funds donated to Sustainable Tarras to cover expert fees and legal support costs as the group makes submissions to the fast-track process.Speeches at the ‘Wine NOT Mine’ event from Sam and Grahame focussed on their connection to Central Otago and the businesses they have grown here.“[The] event is indicative of a growing community of ordinary, hard working people who are joining together in whichever way they can to fight against a very large, powerful, very well funded Australian mining company with bad intentions,” Sam said.“Santana’s aggressive and unwelcome plans will be ruinous for our region. We don’t want this, and we simply cannot let this happen to our land or our people.” Grahame said Central Otago’s “breathtaking” landscape has resulted in strong international and domestic tourism. “We have to fight against this madness,” he said.Sustainable Tarras chair Suze Keith said the funds raised would provide the group with a “significant boost”.She said the group will soon launch more fundraising efforts, and will continue to focus on the “immense risks” of Santana’s project.PHOTOS: Supplied

Residents have objected in numbers to a proposed Super Liquor store on Ardmore Street, lodging almost 40 objections in less than 24 hours - echoing the pushback over a similar store recently approved in Lake Hāwea.The Gate Ltd has applied for an alcohol licence for the store, to be located at the former Countdown Wānaka Metro site, with trading hours from 9am to 10pm, seven days a week. Community member Lisa Riley told the Wānaka App the objections had flowed in quickly since she, alongside other residents and the organisation Communities Against Alcohol Harm, shared an online form designed to simplify the objection process.Objections had been few prior to this - at last count around a week ago, the application had attracted only four, according to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).If the Ardmore Street application is approved, it would be the fourth dedicated liquor store on the street, joining Wānaka Liquorland, Betty’s Liquor Store, and Bottle-O Store Wānaka.Lisa said the opposition to the Super Liquor was “not about being anti-business or anti-choice”.“It’s about recognising that Wānaka already has a high concentration of alcohol outlets, and the evidence is very clear: more stores equals more harm.”Lisa said she knew “from experience” that the alcohol licensing process can be intimidating for community members. She led community opposition to the application for the Lake Hāwea Super Liquor, which was approved earlier this month, despite receiving 542 objections.Read more: Longview liquor store approved, appeal to followIn its decision on the Lake Hāwea Super Liquor, the District Licensing Committee (DLC) acknowledged the “record high” number of objections, but said the prospective risk of alcohol harm specific to the Lake Hāwea application was “minimal”.Lisa has indicated an appeal to that decision is coming.As for the Ardmore Street application, she called on expressions of interest from community members who wish to act as primary objectors or help others lodge their objections, and offered to provide guidance or support on lodging objections.Residents have until February 9 to submit objections and interested members of the public can request a copy of the alcohol licence application from QLDC before then.IMAGE: Supplied

With two-thirds of the summer gone, Wānaka has experienced a cooler and wetter season than usual, prompting questions about whether February will bring a more settled finish - and more time at the beach or out on the lake.There are some encouraging signs, according to MetService, with warmer conditions returning this weekend and a more typical February pattern gradually taking shape.MetService meteorologist John Law said this weekend is shaping up to look “pretty decent”, with highs of 25-26 degrees expected.Things typically warm up in Wānaka in February - and around the country - with average daytime highs around 24 degrees, overnight lows near 11 degrees, and total rainfall of about 40mm.At this stage, temperatures are expected to track close to those averages, with rainfall also likely to sit around normal levels after a damp start to the month, John told the Wānaka App.“Early next week, on Monday and possibly Tuesday, there is some wetter weather coming through…but after that, it does look a bit drier as we head into the rest of February.”The unsettled feel of much of December and January has been driven by a run of easterly winds, which is less typical for Wānaka.“Most of the weather normally comes in from the west which means most of the weather stays on the other side of the Southern Alps from you,” John said. “But with the weather being more easterly, it’s pushed that cloud towards you. So it’s been a bit cloudier and a bit cooler.”In January 69mm of rain was recorded, compared with a monthly average of around 54mm. Nearly a third of that fell on New Year’s Day alone.In December there was a rainfall total of 63.2mm, also a bit above the average of 57-58mm, and the temperature - at 14.8 degrees on average - was under the December average of 15.6 degrees.“Because rainfall is quite low in Wānaka anyway - it is one of the driest places in the country - [a small increase on the average] can feel like a big difference,” John said.Looking more broadly, rainfall over the past 12 months has been close to average, with around 670mm recorded in 2025, compared with a climate average of about 617mm.While February may not bring wall-to-wall sunshine, John said there is good reason to be cautiously optimistic that conditions will settle closer to what’s typical for Wānaka at this time of year.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The Upper Clutha Wānaka Whānau Survey 2026 is about understanding what life is really like for rangatahi and their whānau in our community. This survey will help agency partners, caregivers, and locals better understand what’s going on for our youth, including learning, belonging, and where support networks are already working well. By taking a strengths-based approach, we primarily focus on what supports young people and their families to thrive here. We’ll still gather what’s needed to guide harm prevention and future wellbeing planning, to keep it aligned with the previous 2023 survey, so we can track change over timeFor this survey to genuinely reflect the lives of whānau in Wānaka | Upper Clutha, it is essential that our community voice is heard. That is why we are creating a space where real, in-person conversations take place.Why conversations matterAs we all turn to the written form in preference to verbal conversation, we seem to text more and talk less, we reduce the modelling and exposure benefits of rich conversations in our everyday lives. We’re losing our conversational skills, which means our children and everyone around us lose their skills too. The kind of rich, back-and-forth kōrero many of us grew up listening to around the table, which stimulated our speech and language development. Everyday conversations are how understanding grows, confidence builds, and stronger connections are formed across our parent and caregiver community.On Monday 23 February, 9.00–11.30am, we’re hosting a strengths-based workshop at the Wānaka Community Hub (34 McDougall Street), facilitated by Ali McCormick. This will be an interactive hui, where discussion flows both ways and the voices in the room genuinely matter.Thank you to our major funders: Otago Community Trust, Central Lakes Trust, QLDC, and Hāpai Hapori Community Matters (Lotteries NZ) for supporting this opportunity to gather authentic community voice in 2026.Get involved or find out more - Register your interest here Read the full 2023, ‘Our Youth Voice’ report here. 

The Wānaka Crag Fest will return this year, hosting the first ‘Golden Carabiner Hunt’ in New Zealand.The giant treasure hunt for climbers is a search for golden carabiners, exchangeable for a prize. “We are really excited to be the first host in New Zealand for the Golden Carabiner Hunt, a Black Diamond event which has been really popular overseas,” New Zealand Alpine Club general manager Karen Leacock said.“All entry fees go straight back to local crags, and with around 60 prizes - double the overseas versions - we’re starting with a bang.”As in previous years, the festival offers a range of clinics for all skill levels and a special focus on youth and family accessibility. Select clinics are partially sponsored, making them more affordable for those new to climbing, eager to upskill, or just starting out in the area. Ages 13–18 and their caregivers will be included, with dedicated youth clinics tailored to different competency levels.The weekend isn’t just about climbing - it includes non-climbing activities like yoga, cold water immersion, climbing-related games, and lots of time for socialising.Friday night kicks off with a vendor village featuring outdoor brands, climbing competitions, quizzes, films, and prizes from sponsors. Saturday night keeps the energy high with food, drinks and live local DJ at the festival base camp.The golden carabiner hunt will take place on Sunday.Sustainability is at the heart of Crag Fest, Karen said. “In partnership with the Wānaka Climbing Club, we’re hosting a sustainability working bee on Saturday afternoon, giving attendees the chance to earn their dinner by giving back to the local crags. Volunteers at the event will receive free food and drink as a thank-you for their efforts.”The Wānaka Crag Fest runs from Tuesday February 27 to - Sunday March 1. Find more information here.Karen thanked the festival sponsors Scarpa, Black Diamond, Petzl, and Inselberg; additional supporters Bivouac, Further Faster, and Aspiring Guides; and clinic sponsors Basecamp and Wānaka Mountain Guides.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Fire crews were called to a fully involved sleepout fire on Maude View Rd in Hāwea Flat this afternoon (January 30).Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) was alerted to the blaze at about 1.45pm, with crews from Luggate, Wānaka and Tarras responding.FENZ shift manager Blair Walklin said when crews arrived the sleepout was well ablaze. He said firefighters worked quickly to bring the fire under control and prevent it spreading to nearby structures.The fire has since been contained, with crews remaining on site to dampen down hotspots and ensure there is no risk of reignition, he said.A neighbour described the scene as “quite scary”, saying thick black smoke and large flames could be seen from nearby properties.They said they could also hear banging noises coming from the burning structure as the fire took hold.No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is not yet known.Crews were expected to remain on site for some time as a precaution.PHOTO: Mary-Louise Roulston

Cardrona residents are hopeful their concerns about the wildfire risk from uncontrolled gorse and broom near the village will soon be eased.A meeting was held in Cardrona on Tuesday (January 29) to address the concerns, which Cardrona Valley Residents and Ratepayers Society secretary Tim Allan called “a community safety issue”.He called the meeting out of frustration by what he said was a lack of action from Otago Regional Council (ORC) about the gorse and broom on properties adjacent to the village.He said it was a wildfire hazard, and “despite multiple approaches to the landowners over several years, nothing has been done and the problem grows”. The Cardrona Valley Residents and Ratepayers Society says the pests are a wildfire hazard.The properties are within a designated ORC gorse and broom free area (GABFA); aerial surveillance of Otago GABFAs was due to be completed by July last year, but surveillance of the Cardrona Valley was deferred. About 20 people attended the Tuesday meeting, including ORC chair Richard Saunders, and councillors Gary Kelliher, Neil Gillespie, and Matt Holyer.Richard said it was constructive and ORC was grateful to the residents who gave “firm feedback”.“ORC has committed to meeting with members of the community within a month to discuss an action plan which will begin to address some of the concerns raised,” Richard said. “In the interim ORC staff are undertaking further surveillance work in the area to identify gorse and broom infestations.”Tim told the Wānaka App he was “hopeful, but sceptical that it will create any real change”.“Our greatest frustration is that ORC don’t even follow their own rules,” he said, referencing both the lack of surveillance of gorse and broom, and the council’s response to written complaints.“The farmers are wonderful, but it’s the absentee landowners who are not doing anything and don’t care.” Richard said ORC had to prioritise its resources across a large biosecurity work programme, and resourcing of gorse and broom work in Cardrona had been limited.“... however we have heard the concerns from the residents and will now work closely with them to address the issues. “This will include compliance action where that is the best tool to achieve the desired outcome.”PHOTOS: Supplied

The postal services at Albert Town Four Square will be ending soon, one of many similar services which NZ Post announced this week would close from May.Albert Town Four Square is one of 142 ‘retail partner stores’ on the cutting block - a move which will “rebalance” the NZ Post network.“A lot has changed since the 1980s, when our minimum store requirements were last set,” NZ Post general manager consumer Sarah Sandoval said.“Customers now rely far more on NZ Post stores for collecting and sending parcels compared to letters.”She said NZ Post had “carefully assessed customer and network data” to ensure it provides “the right mix of services in communities”.Albert Town Four Square is one of nine retail partner stores set to close its postal services. The others are seven in Dunedin and one in Oamaru.NZ Post’s four other Upper Clutha retail partner stores (Hāwea Store & Kitchen, Paper Plus Wānaka, Tarras Country Store and Wonderland Makarora Lodge) will continue to operate.Newly updated minimum store requirements (in an agreement between NZ Post and the government) enable NZ Post to adapt to changing demand, Sarah said.“The retail network needs to be rebalanced to better suit the way customers use our products and services today and into the future.”PHOTO: Supplied