Wilderness LandSAR (search and rescue) dog Lochy got a special shout-out from Wānaka Police senior sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts this week for his role in a SAR call-out.Fi thanked the SAR volunteers and gave a special mention to Lochy, who had played an integral role in one of week’s four rescues.She wouldn’t provide many details due to privacy concerns but confirmed Lochy had “pretty much enabled SAR to bring someone home”.Lochy’s handler, Dave Krehic, said Lochy (a three-year-old mix of pointer/labrador/heading dog) is “a very talented working dog and family pet”.With years of training and assessing dogs, puppy selection is most important, and Lochy (Dave's third operational search dog) was Dave's pick of the breeds. Dave has been working with wilderness LandSAR dogs for 25 years but only moved to Wānaka five years ago, bringing “that extra element” to the well established Wānaka team.Lochy is a qualified wilderness LandSAR tracking dog and has had this operational status since 2022. The team is evaluated every year by NZ Police to maintain high standards.“Wānaka is a pretty special group to belong to because of the diverse range of skills within the group,” Dave said. “I’m just another part of the picture.”“When the police get a call from a family who is worrying about someone missing they initiate LandSAR and the Wānaka group call in the appropriate specialist teams required, including dog teams such as myself and Lochy.“If they have a last known point for a missing person, Lochy and I might get called in to track that person from that point.”When there is no last-known point for a missing person, wilderness LandSAR dogs can patrol an area such as a road, track or boundary fence looking for where someone has been or has left the track. Dave and support team members communicate with the SAR incident management team during a search and feed back any information about clues found, such as boot prints or small articles.“Most tracking dogs can follow a scent within 24 hours but it’s totally dependent on weather conditions and terrain,” Dave said. “We do not require a 'scent article', as you see in the movies.”Lochy goes to work with Dave (an auto electrician with his own battery business) every day.“Our relationship is so strong. The dog knows me, and I know his body language when he’s working for me - that’s why we're called a team.“Lochy is still a very young dog so [he] will be a great asset to Wānaka for many years to come.”Wānaka LandSAR is one of the busiest SAR operations in the country. It is entirely volunteer-run and members leave work and busy lives for call-outs. People can donate to the organisation here.

History of The South Island Masters Rowing Championships.In 1998, Port Chalmers Rowing Club held their 125-year celebration with a regatta predominantly for masters.Following the success of this event, it was decided that an annual South Island masters rowing regatta would be held and would be called The South Island Masters Rowing Championships. The first official regatta was at Kerrs Reach in 1999 and now rotates annually around each province. The event is now in its 24th year.This year's South Island Masters Rowing Championships will be held from April 25-27 at beautiful Glendhu Bay with between 200 to 250 masters rowers expected.Octi excursion to Stevenson’s Island, WānakaCome and watch a rowing regatta being held in our very own backyard. There will be many people and boats on the water. It will be a grand sight.We do, respectively ask that if you are boating in the area, that you please be mindful of the regatta and pass at an appropriate space/speed. We all want to enjoy our beautiful lake and stay safe at the same time.Race program and event schedule:Friday April 26: Long Distance Race - Bishops Bay to Glendhu Bay.8:00-10:00am - Please be aware there will be many rowing boats and safety boats on the water.1,000m - Mixed Races - Glendhu Bay11:00 - 5:00pm - There will be many rowing and safety boats in front of the Glendhu Bay Hampshire Holiday Park.Saturday April 27:1,000m - Age Categories - Glendhu Bay7:30am - 5:00pm - There will be many rowing and safety boats in front of the Glendhu Bay Hampshire Holiday Park.This is a free spectator event so bring the whole family.We'd like to thank our sponsorsSee you out there!

Wānaka Police senior sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said there were four Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR) call-outs over the past week.She thanked the SAR volunteers and gave a special mention to rescue dog Lochy, who had played an integral role in one of the rescues.Fi said she could not provide many details due to privacy issues but said Lochy had “pretty much enabled SAR to bring someone home”.The callouts are a timely reminder to the public to prepare themselves before heading out into the great outdoors, she said.She gave the following reminders:Plan your trip: This includes the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take.Tell someone your plans: Make sure someone knows your plans, including the day you expect to return – that way they can raise the alarm if you don’t return as planned.Be aware of the weather: New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable and weather conditions can change rapidly – make sure to check the forecast and be prepared for all eventualities.Know your limits: Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.Take sufficient supplies: Make sure you have enough food, clothing, equipment and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario.“It’s also important to ensure that you have an appropriate means of communication, should you need it,” she said. “Mobile phones don’t always work in some remote spots, so police recommend always taking a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).”Drunk driverA person who was pulled over near Wānaka last Saturday afternoon (April 20) was found to have a blood alcohol level of 1417 micrograms per litre (mcg). Fi said this was a “shocking” level.A result of between 250mg and 400mg leads to an infringement and anything above 400mcg will send an individual to court.Police were alerted to the situation after reports of a vehicle swerving over the road.They stopped the driver between Cardrona Valley and Wānaka.“I don’t know how they could find their car let alone drive it,” Fi said. “This is really disappointing.”Police deployed its Impairment Prevention Team on Thursday (April 18) with a more positive outcome.Across two checkpoints it administered 158 breath tests to drivers and all of them were within the legal limit to drive, Fi said.She said drivers should expect to see police patrols anytime and anywhere.“Our staff will be out on roads, often in locations you least expect us to be. So please take your time and drive to the conditions,” she said. “With an expected increase in activity on our roads over the holiday period, our focus remains on these four main behaviours: restraints, impairment, distraction and speed.”Police recruitmentAnyone with an interest in the police force can attend an upcoming seminar which will take place at Queenstown Police Station on May 8 at 7pm.“If you’re interested, get in touch,” Fiona said. Find more information about the seminar here.Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Census forms may become a thing of the past as Stats NZ looks to rely on already existing information rather than the quinquennial survey.The 2023 census was declared a success with 99 percent of the population counted.But that number came from about four-and-a-half million people having filled out the forms and another half-million being represented through government data.Stats NZ chief executive Mark Sowden said it was the second time that method had been used in New Zealand, the first was in 2018 after poor Census returns."The most important thing at the end of the day is how much data we can provide New Zealanders."The thing we call a Census was always designed to be a combination of the forms and this other data."As the quality of administrative data improved there was less need for the survey that was conducted every five years, Sowden said."The data that we collect from forms will become less important to us over time, yes, as we get more and more of this admin data and the data is of a higher quality we definitely want to switch to using that."So that we're not going out to New Zealanders and bothering them and asking them to fill in forms if we don't need to."Stats NZ would consult with the public in May about the future of the Census."The thing called a Census with all of the branding and marketing and things will probably disappear over time," Sowden said.In many cases the quality of administrative data was better than the survey, he said."There will always be a case for some surveying, so some going to doors asking New Zealanders for data, because there's some data, like around mould that New Zealanders have in their houses that we'll just never get admin data for."But he said data collection through the survey was getting more difficult, and more expensive.And Sowden said they would eventually be able to provide more regular information, potentially annually, through using administrative data.PHOTO: Stats NZ

23 Helwick Street, Wānaka

Toxicology reports expected later next week could provide clues to the likely cause of death of about 100 birds found at Dublin Bay this week.Otago Fish & Game understands the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is leading an investigation into the deaths after a report was received from a member of the public on Monday (April 22).Fish & Game officer Bruce Quirey said Fish & Game staff found 85 dead paradise shelduck and a mallard duck on the lake margin and in a nearby paddock on Tuesday (April 23).Dead paradise shelducks litter the shoreline at Dublin Bay on Monday. PHOTO: Otago Fish & Game“It’s disappointing to see so many birds gone to waste this close to the opening of the game season in May,” Bruce said.Members of the public also removed a dead black swan, nine Canada geese, three paradise shelduck and a mallard on Monday.The swan, a Canada goose and some of the paradise shelducks were handed to a veterinarian contracted to MPI for post-mortems and toxicology tests.Fish & Game staff inspecting the site saw no signs of physical injury causing the birds’ deaths. Some carrion had been consumed by hawks.Members of the public are advised not to touch any more of the dead birds, but to keep pets away and advise authorities.

The Wānaka Autumn Art School has wrapped up for 2024 and ideas are already brewing for next year’s event.Event co-organiser Susan Manson said students ended the week both “happy and tired” after an immersive five days learning all about a new art form from experienced tutors.The art school culminated with an open day on Friday (April 19) where members of the public got the chance to head along to see the students’ creations.Susan said a “stream of locals” visited to see the new works in disciplines including indigo dyeing, painting, mixed media and more; and students in the singing class performed for the visitors. Laura Gledhill travelled from Alexandra to participate in last week’s art school, in the coloured pencil and graphite drawing class. She said she wanted to immerse herself in the week-long art school as she finds it hard to find the time otherwise. The long-running art school is now in its 32nd year and the 2024 iteration went “really well” overall, Susan said.There was lots of good feedback from new and returning students.“Everybody produced something they were really happy with.”Each year the organisers mix up the classes and tutors to provide variety and Susan said she and co-organiser Liz Hawker are already starting to think about next year’s tutors. The Wānaka Autumn Art School is a non-profit event run by the Upper Clutha Community Arts Council.Surplus funds provide scholarships for young artists and the betterment of the arts in the Upper Clutha Community.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Upper Clutha Rugby Club’s premier rugby team (the Rams) is the only unbeaten side in the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition after defeating Wakatipu 28-14 on Saturday (April 20) in Queenstown.The match was a top-of-the-table clash with both sides undefeated going into the game.“[It’s] great to come over here and win, knock them over on their home ground, it’s awesome,” Rams’ head coach Alex Dickson said.“The boys played very well.”The Rams set up the win with a dominant first-half performance, running in four converted tries in the first 30 minutes of the match.Rams' coach Alex DicksonA rare Rams error created Wakatipu’s only scoring chance in the first half which the home side converted into points to trail 7-28 at the break.Key positional changes for Wakatipu and an impressive bench completely changed the game in the second half. Wakatipu held the Rams scoreless, benefiting from a wealth of possession and territory, however they were unable to break down the Rams’ defence which conceded just one try late in the match.For the Rams, Henry Schikker impressed with ball in hand scoring two tries and setting up a third. The second-row pairing of Andrew Horne and Lachie Garrick had notable work rates as did hooker Fergus Smith.The Rams have the bye this weekend before playing Arrowtown under lights at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club on Thursday May 2.Points:Tries: Henry Schikker (2), Oliver Stirling, Milan MartinovichConversions: Brady Kingan (4)Other matches:Matakanui 20-22 ArrowtownManiototo 29-27 CromwellStandings:PHOTOS: Steve McArthur

A full version of this article first appeared in the New Zealand Herald in early 2024KiwiSaver balances might have looked a little sad over the last couple of years but Milford KiwiSaver financial adviser Liam Robertson is cautiously hopeful about the road ahead.“Markets are a wee bit more positive than they were a couple of years ago,” he says. “Things are still quite volatile, but there are signs that we are starting to move away from some of the pain that came about because of Covid.”With inflation reducing and interest rates expected to trend down in the next 12-24 months, now is a good time to review investments. Liam has some key tips to make sure people get the best from KiwiSaver.Get the government contributionNow is the perfect time to make sure you have put the minimum required amount into your KiwiSaver account to get the maximum annual government contribution of $521.43. This is money the government will add to your KiwiSaver if you meet eligibility requirements, and you contribute at least $1042.86 between July 1 and June 30 each year. You can top up you KiwiSaver between now and the end of June to ensure you pass the threshold.The amount excludes employer contributions and applies to KiwiSaver members aged 18-64 who mainly live in New Zealand. It’s important to note you will still receive 50c from the government for every dollar you contribute, up to the maximum of $1042.86. Set a goalIt’s crucial to know what you want, whether you are saving for your first home, or retirement. “It’s easy to take an ‘out of sight, out of mind approach’,” Liam says. “The sooner people set a goal and figure out how to use KiwiSaver to achieve it, the better.Right fund and contribution levelOnce a goal is clear, it’s time to choose the right fund. Choosing a fund depends on an investor’s timeframe and risk tolerance. If you are in your late 30s and have already withdrawn from your KiwiSaver for your first home, you might look towards retirement.In this case, a growth or aggressive fund might be appropriate, depending on your risk appetite, Liam says. There will likely be enough time for compound returns to work their magic and for a KiwiSaver balance to recover from the ups and downs of the market.If your goal is to purchase a house in the next couple of years, or if you are nearing retirement and intend to withdraw your funds then, it might be more appropriate to switch to a lower-risk fund, he says. Online tools, such as the Sorted Retirement Calculator, help calculate returns long-term, based on how much is contributed and the type of fund chosen. Why choose Milford’s KiwiSaver Plan?Milford has just been named Consumer People’s Choice KiwiSaver Plan for the seventh consecutive year.The award was announced in April, following Consumer NZ’s KiwiSaver satisfaction survey, where people shared their experiences with their KiwiSaver provider. A total of 1,996 New Zealanders aged 18 and over were surveyed online during January and February 2024. Milford’s overall satisfaction rating was 69%, with average across all providers at 52%. “Milford was the runaway winner when it came to satisfaction with investment returns,” Consumer said when announcing the award. “Milford performed strongly across the board, with above-average performance for investment returns, the fairness of its fees and charges, and for keeping customers updated about their investments,” Consumer said in it’s press release. If you would like to talk with any of Milford’s Wānaka-based Wealth Management team about the Milford KiwiSaver Plan, please feel free to get in touch on 03 443 4695. Financial Adviser Disclosure Statements are available on request free of charge. Disclaimer: Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Milford Funds Limited is the issuer of the Milford KiwiSaver Plan and Milford Investment Funds. Please read the relevant Milford Product Disclosure Statement at milfordasset.com. Before investing you may wish to seek financial advice. For more information on our financial advice services please visit milfordasset.com/getting-advice

A second fish kill in Otago in only a week has highlighted the vulnerability of urban waterways, Otago Fish & Game says.A member of the public alerted Otago Fish & Game to dead trout seen in Bullock Creek behind Wānaka residential sections on Thursday afternoon (April 18).Fish & Game officer Mason Court said staff inspected and found six dead trout within a 50-metre stretch of the creek downstream of Roche St.The fish appeared to have been dead for one or two days, and there were no visible causes of death, he said.“While we don’t know exactly what’s happened, it was likely the fish were killed by toxins entering the stream,” Mason said. “This looks like a localised water quality issue.”A longfin eel and juvenile brown trout were found alive in the same stretch of water later that evening, suggesting that whatever had killed the other fish had been rapidly diluted by the fast-flowing creek, he said.The spring-fed creek in the heart of Wānaka was an important spawning habitat for brown and rainbow trout, and supported native fish.Before this latest incident, the naturally pristine creek has been flooded with sediment runoff since the expansion of urban development above the wetland, Mason said.“Bullock Creek originates in Fish & Game’s QEII-covenanted Wānaka Hatchery Springs wetland, where thousands of hours of community volunteer work has gone into restoring habitat,” Mason said. “But it takes a whole village to look after our waterways.”He said the incident was “a timely lesson of how careful we all need to be to keep contaminants, such as cleaning fluids, paint or chemicals, out of waterways”.The Wānaka fish kill follows the discovery of 15 dead trout at Coalpit Dam, near Naseby, last Monday (April 15).The Bullock Creek fish were provided to the ORC to be tested, and the results are still pending.Fish & Game thanked the member of the public who called about the dead fish.PHOTO: Otago Fish & Game

Wānaka’s new pathway to link local schools and the Wānaka Recreation Centre is nearly complete, with construction now underway on sections of the final stage of ‘Schools to Pool’.When completed, it will provide a safe travel loop for kids (and adults) travelling between home, school, and the pool, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery said.“...[It] will further improve walkable neighbourhoods that promote safer, greener, and healthier school travel and other movements in and around Wānaka,” Tony said.The first three stages of ‘Schools to Pool’ included new signalised crossings on Ballantyne Road and Aubrey Road and construction of a shared pathway running from Kelly’s Flat Recreation Reserve through to Plantation Road and on through Lismore Park to the intersection of Little Street and Hedditch Street.In stage four the pathway will be extended from Hedditch Street down to cross State Highway 84 (SH84), before heading up Ballantyne Road to the signalised crossing near Golf Course Road, Tony said.Crews have already started work on the section of pathway running along Ballantyne Road adjacent to Wānaka Golf Club and construction of the Hedditch Street portion of the pathway will begin this week (work has closed Hedditch Street from yesterday - Monday April 22).Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair Simon Telfer said the completed pathway would have many benefits and make it easier for people to move around Wānaka while leaving the car at home. “Safe, well-designed active travel options encourage more people to get out and about on foot, by bike, scooter or mobility device, reducing emissions and creating healthy, safe, and successful neighbourhoods for our community to enjoy,” he said.“I’m particularly looking forward to seeing stage four of the project better connect Wānaka’s town centre and Three Parks facilities. This section of the pathway will certainly be well used in years to come.”QLDC said the pathway is due to be completed by mid-May.Dates are still to be confirmed for construction of a signalised crossing over SH84 which will  connect the pathway from Hedditch Street to the southern side of Ballantyne Road.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A range of standout Upper Clutha athletes are represented in the list of finalists for this year’s Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards. Sport Central sport and recreation advisor Jo Knight said there was an “unprecedented” number of nominations this year and she was pleased to see them come from a range of sports including sailing, equestrian games, ice hockey, multi-sport, para-athletics and rowing. Many of the finalists are national or world champions, showing the depth of sporting talent in Central Otago, she said.Among the finalists in the Junior Sportswoman category (sponsored by Health 2000) are junior world champion snowboarder Lucia Georgalli and national track title holder Phoebe Laker.“It is exciting to see these Kōhine coming from our smaller, rural communities and excelling at national and world championships,” Jo said.The equally competitive Junior Sportsman category (sponsored by Galloway Cook Allan) includes finalists (and Youth Olympians) Finley Melville Ives, Campbell Melville Ives and Luke Harrold.The Sportswoman of the year (sponsored by Gary Anderson) finalists include multisport champ Simone Maier and Olympic-medal winning snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott.Some big international names line up in the Sportsman of the year category (sponsored by Bike It Now) against Wānaka locals Hunter Burke (luge), Nico Porteous (Freeski Halfpipe), Luca Harrington (Freeski, Big Air and Slopestyle), Finn Bilous (Freeride) and Hamish Elliott (Multisport).The Officials’ category (sponsored by Findex) includes Wānaka rowing stalwart Rob Bruce.The newly introduced Hall of Fame (sponsored by Central Lakes Trust) will recognise athletes, coaches or administrators whose contribution has been so significant they have helped shape the culture and environment of the Central Otago sporting landscape.The Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards will take place on Friday May 10 at the Lake Wānaka Centre. Tickets can be purchased here.Full list of finalists:Bike It Now Sportsman of the year:Hunter Burke, LugeNico Porteous, Freeski HalfpipeLuca Harrington Freeski, Big Air and SlopestyleBen Richards, FreerideFinn Bilous, FreerideJack Pearson, RowingBen Campbell, GolfHayden Paddon, MotorsportFinn Butcher, Canoe SlalomHamish Elliott, MultisportGary Anderson Sportswoman of the year:Caitlyn Henderson, Equestrian GamesAlice Robinson, Alpine Ski RacingRuby Star Andrews, Freeski Big Air and SlopestyleZoi Sadowski-Synnott, Snowboard Slopestyle and Big AirSimone Maier, Coast to CoastGallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportsman of the year:Oliver Goldsmith, Canoe SlalomMason Clarke, CricketJake Henderson, Equestrian GamesRaphael Anderson, GolfFinley Melville Ives, FreeskiingCampbell Melville Ives, Snowboard Halfpipe, Big Air and SlopestyleLuke Harrold, Freeski Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Big AirRocco Jamieson, Snowboard Big Air and SlopestyleEddie Adams, Mountain Biking/Road CyclingRory Meek, Downhill Mountain BikingHealth 2000 Junior Sportswoman of the year:Sophie Fountain, Equestrian ShowjumpingSky Sanders, Barrel Racing - RodeoGrace Tiko, NetballMaggie Dowling, LugePolly Bennetts, Ice HockeyLucia Georgalli, Snowboard Slopestyle and Big AirIndy Deavoll, Mountain BikingEva Small, Mountainbiking and freeskiingPhoebe Laker, AthleticsZara Hazeldine, EquestrianSiena Mackley, Cross CountryJennian Homes Team of the Year:Mabel North and Madison Smith, SailingHarry Hope & Hugo Sinclair, boys u18 novice double scullsRowing - Mount Aspiring College/Wānaka Rowing ClubMen's senior quad Dunstan arm RC RowingNZ Junior Men's curling team, CurlingWakatipu High School U17 Boys Double Sculls Crew RowingBella Breen and Ruby, Smith RowingSouthern Lakes Motors Para Athlete of the year:Adam Hall, Para Alpine Ski RacingMac Denniston, Athletics - Field eventsWānaka Physiotherapy Spirit of Central Senior:Hunter Burke, Luge & CurlingRob Bruce, RowingFlick Wallace, Ski racingDuncan and Kelly Good Ray White Spirit of Central Junior:Jess Lake, AthleticsEva Small, Mountain biking and freeskiing, overall sports.Maggie Dowling, New Zealand Olympic Luge AssociationFindex Official of the Year:Sasha McLeod, NetballRob Bruce, Rowing (Mount Aspiring College/Wānaka Rowing Club)Flick Wallace, Ski racingWorkplace First Aid Coach of the Year:Brad Prosser, Freeski Park and PipeMichael Beable, AthleticsSimon Smith, Rowing

The Wānaka App has apologised to Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) for the use of an image accompanying a recent article.The image of a raised fist accompanied an article about a trend of increasing bad behaviour and disruption in New Zealand schools.However, nowhere in the article was it suggested that physical violence was part of increasingly “challenging” behaviour at MAC.The Wānaka App accepts the choice of image was inappropriate.The article refers to a recent Education Review Office (ERO) report on student behaviour in New Zealand classrooms which says teachers and principals have seen a rise in talking inappropriately in class, distracting others, refusing to follow instructions, damaging or taking property, and physically harming others.“Over the past two years, we have seen some change in student behaviour; there are more complex needs (mental health, learning needs and behavioural needs)..,” MAC principal Nicola Jacobsen said in the article.Following publication of the story, Nicola said the image used was not “a fair or reasonable way to depict the young people in the school and Wānaka community”.“I think the young people in our community are awesome, and they would not see themselves in the way the image depicts,” she said.Read more: Worsening student behaviour causes disruptionIMAGE: Supplied

All employers in New Zealand, no matter what size, are now able to use 90-day trial periods.Previously these were only open to employers with 19 or fewer employees but the changes took effect in December last year. That means if you’re hiring people on certain work visas, you’ll need to consider immigration requirements relating to the use of trial periods – specifically accredited employers and employees on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).  Any trial periods must also be agreed to and included in the employment agreement before your employee starts work, or the trial period will be invalid.Beware though, if an employee is a member of a union and employed on a collective employment agreement that says they can’t have a trial period then these can’t be used.

The Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) wants consultation for the Wānaka Airport masterplan to begin this calendar year.Board chair Simon Telfer said he has been advocating for this in his monthly meetings with Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers.“Wānaka Airport is a strategic community asset and we need clarity on its future,” he said.“[The] Civil Aviation Authority requires a large amount of money to be spent on the airport to maintain the current level of service. “It would be sensible to invest this money with an understanding of the airport’s future strategic direction.”Wānaka Airport is owned by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and managed by Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) under an agreement with council.QLDC’s relationship with the Wānaka community around the airport has a bumpy history.A 100-year lease of Wānaka Airport to QAC was approved in 2017, following consultation during 2016/2017, but the High Court ruled it was unlawful in 2021. Lobby group Wānaka Stakeholders Group (WSG) was the major driver for the court case, but it failed in its bid for an order restraining QLDC and QAC from taking any steps to develop and operate Wānaka Airport as a dual capable airport with Queenstown Airport.QLDC then appointed QAC to manage the airport, and “pushed pause” (in the words of former mayor Jim Boult) on plans for development.Community board members and Wānaka-based councillors expressed their desire to start consultation on a masterplan at a meeting on Thursday (April 18).“I think the difference about this particular consultation is that rather than the community saying ‘this is what we don’t want for the airport’ it is giving us a chance to say what we do want for the airport,” Simon said.Councillor Cody Tucker said there was an opportunity to “build engagement in something people are already interested in talking about.”Councillor Lyal Cocks said there was “real urgency needed” to get consultation underway. “This plays into how the airport is going to be funded in the future and how it’s going to be managed into the future,” he said.It needs “big picture, long-term” thinking, councillor Barry Bruce added. The council is aware of “the growing desire from the Wānaka community to have this conversation,” QLDC corporate services general manager Meghan Miller told the board at the meeting.“It’s not lost on council that we have an incredible facility there and an amazing piece of infrastructure.”Simon said he wanted to be “really careful that this conversation does not drift endlessly” and urged elected representatives to continue to push for consultation to take place.There are currently no proposals or timeframes for the Wānaka Airport masterplan, “nor when consultation will happen”, a QLDC media advisor said last week.Go deeper:Council’s second attempt at Wānaka Airport planningThe future of Wānaka Airport should be community led - airport CEOPHOTO: Supplied

Public transport was the main topic of discussion at a drop-in session for Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Long Term Plan in Wānaka last week (Thursday April 18).ORC has proposed a programme of works in the draft LTP which would mean Otago ratepayers would need to fork up for an average rates increase of 18.6 percent in 2024-2025.The increase would be even higher for Queenstown Lakes ratepayers because of a proposed targeted rate for public transport (PT) which would mean Wānaka ratepayers would subsidise Queenstown PT.Read more: Have your say on proposed rates hikesAt the drop-in session there were tables to discuss environmental funding, rates in general, infrastructure, and PT - and the PT table was abuzz with ORC transport manager Lorraine Cheyne in the hot seat.When the Wānaka App visited Lorraine was suggesting to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) deputy mayor Quentin Smith that Upper Clutha ratepayers could help subsidise PT in Queenstown, for the benefit of the region, and then in turn Queenstown ratepayers would eventually subsidise the development of PT in the Upper Clutha.Public transport was the hot topic at the drop-in session.Quentin said that has “never worked for us”. “We’re always the last cab off the rank,” he said.Lorraine said there is a PT trial planned for the Upper Clutha with consultation on what a trial may look like beginning in July this year. She said she was familiar with the recent shuttle trial run by Wānaka’s Community Networks, but said it was not particularly helpful for ORC’s PT planning.“There’s no magic money tree,” she added.Quentin said the Community Networks trial was designed to fast track the discussion about PT in the community, and the trial showed “if anything, that Wānaka is not ready for widespread [PT] services”.ORC Dunstan councillor Alexa Forbes told the Wānaka App that Upper Clutha ratepayers should not be paying the targetted PT rate.“It’s a nonsense,” she said.She was also concerned that hotels would pay the same targeted PT rate of $125.“I think it’s really important that we figure out a way for hotels to pay a substantially larger rate.”Alexa urged ratepayers to submit their feedback on the proposed LTP, which can be done here. Feedback is open until Saturday April 28In addition to the LTP proposing a new targeted PT rate, it proposes a separate environmental fund for the Wānaka area to help maintain environmental gains of recent years and pay for projects such as pest management and water-care projects; and a new catchment action plan and rate, a new biodiversity strategy and an indigenous monitoring programme.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Lake Wānaka Tourism general manager Tim Barke is moving on after four years in Wānaka’s top tourism job.Tim told the Wānaka App he will take on a new role in Taupo as general manager of Poronui Station, a role which “lines up amazingly” with what he has done in the past and his family’s interests.Tim told the Wānaka App he’s witnessed a great deal of change in Wānaka’s tourism sector in the past four years. “When I started, tourism [was] booming to the point where communities were feeling pressured, under-resourced (particularly with infrastructure) and in some cases feeling ‘pushed out’ of their own home,” he said.When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020 that all changed.Uncharted territory“The borders were closed and tourism had been effectively shut down with no idea how long it would be before we could try and restart,” he said.The LWT team worked with community and national organisations to support businesses. The Covid-19 pandemic was “uncharted territory” for tourism. PHOTO: Wānaka App“It was an incredibly difficult and stressful time for businesses, trying to make decisions on how much to invest (taking on extra debt in many cases) just to stay alive in the hope things would come right soon,” he said. “This was uncharted territory and I don't think anyone expected it to go on as long as it did.  Often when there seemed to be ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ it turned out to be yet another ‘train’ to take a hit from. The net effect is many businesses are still under stress working to dig their way out of the financial hole they found their balance sheets in.”When the borders finally reopened, Tim said there was “a massive and palpable feeling of relief”, then work began to try and rebuild. “There is still a long way to go for many businesses, but optimism has returned - with a healthy dose of cautiousness,” he said.During this period LWT took the opportunity to re-evaluate both its role and the visitor industry itself.The organisation undertook community consultation and worked with Destination Queenstown, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Ngai Tahu, and the Department of Conservation.With what they learned, LWT utilised government funding and came up with a district wide Destination Management Plan, ‘Travel to a thriving future’. Read more: New tourism plan adopted for districtWhere to now?Since travel restrictions have been lifted Tim says many people have reevaluated their lives and decided that Queenstown Lakes is a great place to live.“Our population was growing fast before, but it feels like it has accelerated since Covid,” he said.The resurgence in tourism must be well managed, Tim said. PHOTO: Wānaka App Domestic travel has also seen a resurgence, helping bring “welcome, life-saving revenue back into our businesses and community”.Tim added a note of caution, however, saying that growth comes with risks.“If we get it wrong and the growth is not planned and managed, we could end up in the same position that we were prior to the pandemic with communities negatively affected rather than feeling the benefits that visitors bring.”That makes implementation of the destination management plan so important, he said. “Fortunately, we know what we need to do (as outlined in the plan) and there is huge support for it, so we are well placed to create a prosperous, resilient future for our communities, the environment and places we operate and live in and our businesses as well.”Tim said he leaves LWT in a “good place”.“I'm very proud of where we have got to and where I can see Wānaka and Queenstown Lakes getting to into the future. I feel I am leaving at a time where we have the momentum to continue down this path, with many places around the world watching what we are doing and asking to learn from our successes... and from what we don’t get right.”

The Hāwea Bowling Club has celebrated its annual awards night, which showed a clear frontrunner in one of the club’s younger members.Ethan Flynn celebrated the rare feat of winning all five of the men’s trophies for the season. He won both the Junior and Open Men’s Singles titles as well as being a member of the winning teams in the Pairs, Triples, and Fours.To cap the season, Ethan skipped the winning Hāwea team which won the Central Otago Men’s Fours title. Other members of the winning team were Kyle McGowan, Joel Corry, and Arthur Sutherland.Club president Lawrence Hardy congratulated Ethan and all the other trophy winners. “It’s been great to see our fairly small club doing so well,” Lawrence said.“And Ethan’s success shows that lawn bowls is nowadays a game for players of all ages.”Before the new bowling season starts in September, the club will be actively looking for new members to further strengthen the playing numbers.The long-running local club reopened in February after a long closure while the playing green (located at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre at Peter Fraser Park) was relaid. The club holds regular get-togethers and hosts of tournaments and meets.Anyone interested in joining Hāwea Bowling Club can email [email protected] more: Hāwea Bowling Club celebrates reopeningPHOTO: Supplied

A four-day dance competition and ‘celebration of dance’ which ended on Monday (April 15) attracted 118 dancers from Wānaka and beyond.More than 550 items were performed at the Lake Wānaka Centre over the course of the competition, which was the first major event organised by the recently formed Tititea Performing Arts Trust.The trust was created by local women Gillian White, Leigh Cohen, Maxine Frazer, and Maria Hearle with the goal of creating an annual event that fosters a welcoming, supportive and enjoyable culture for performers from all backgrounds, geographical areas and abilities.  Read more New performing arts trust encourages love of danceMaxine said a large team of local volunteers and generous sponsors and donors made the inaugural event possible.Almost 120 dancers performed at the Lake Wānaka Centre during the competition.“This has been a real community effort,” she said. “It has been wonderful to see dance parents, enthusiasts, supporters and local businesses come together to help bring the event to life.” In addition to creating a Wānaka-based competition, the event also succeeded in its goal of promoting wellbeing and learning for young dancers, Maxine said.“Competitors were given detailed feedback, support, guidance and even impromptu mini workshops from our highly experienced adjudicator,” she said.Categories included ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, self choreography and more.“This included technical guidance on dancing safely, advice on looking after your body, tips to reduce pre-performance nerves and encouragement to focus on finding joy in dance.“There was an excellent atmosphere across four days. We were delighted to see dancers from across the South Island supporting and encouraging each other right throughout the competition.”Awards were given for achievements in a range of dance categories across all age groups, with the youngest dancer having just turned five. Categories included ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, self choreography and many more. Most were solo performances with a number also involving duos and groups dancing together. In addition, four dancers received National Young Performer classical nominations to perform in the National Performing Arts Competition in Palmerston North in October, alongside other classical nominees from across the country. The competition also promoted wellbeing and learning for young dancers, organisers said.At the final prizegiving on Monday evening, professional adjudicator Sarah Knox said the standard of dancing had been very high and commented on the atmosphere of collaboration, inclusiveness and support at the competition.Maxine said she and the other trustees are gathering feedback from dancers and parents to identify any refinements for future years’ competitions. “But first, we’re all taking a short break - we have some sleep to catch up on.”PHOTOS: Supplied