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.

The New Zealand-owned Spirit of Douglas - a historic DC-3 aircraft - has been confirmed for next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wānaka international airshow as part of an ambitious round-the-world tour.Built in 1942 by the Douglas Aircraft Company in California for the United States Air Force, the DC-3 first served in the China-Burma-India theatre before going on to a long and varied civilian career.Now known as Spirit of Douglas, the aircraft has earned a unique place in aviation and popular culture - from a starring role in the 1994 film Richie Rich to appearances at Duxford and Normandy for the 75th and 80th major D-Day commemorations.Warbirds Over Wānaka general manager Ed Taylor said he was rapt to have such a significant example of the DC-3 coming to New Zealand.“The DC-3 is one of the most enduring aircraft types ever built and to be able to celebrate its 90th anniversary year with this particular aircraft is going to be special,” he said.The aircraft was acquired in 2023 by Christchurch businessman Mark Stewart, whose lifelong passion for flying, travel and adventure drew him to the historic DC-3.Mark said the more he learned about the aircraft and its lineage, the stronger the connection became - ultimately inspiring a modern recreation of a round-the-world journey, echoing the pioneering feats of early Douglas aircraft.The Spirit of Douglas project is “a chance to honour the endurance, elegance, and spirit of exploration embodied by the DC-3, and to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Donald Douglas”, Mark said.The global tour marks a series of major aviation milestones: 100 years since the first circumnavigation of the globe by a Douglas World Cruiser in 1924, and 90 years since the first flight of the DC-3 in 1935.The tour began in August, with the Spirit of Douglas departing the United States and making a multi-stop crossing to France before continuing across Europe and beyond, making its way to New Zealand in time for Warbirds.The Warbirds Over Wānaka international airshow will take place during Easter weekend 2026 at Wānaka Airport.PHOTO: Supplied

Pack the layers and keep an eye on the sky - cool temperatures, wind and bursts of rain are on the cards for Wānaka over the coming week, according to MetService.“We’re looking at a pretty unsettled next week or so, unfortunately,” MetService meteorologist Braydon White told the Wānaka App. While the current front is expected to clear by tomorrow (Saturday December 20), it won’t usher in clear conditions. Instead, it is likely to be followed by “fairly noticeable cloud”, with overnight lows dipping to as little as four degrees over the weekend.Adding to the wintry feel, a road snowfall warning is in place for the Crown Range tonight (Friday December 19).Conditions are forecast to improve briefly at the start of next week, with daytime temperatures climbing into the mid-20s - “which will feel a bit more summery”.However, that warmth may be short-lived, with a westerly then headed this way.Overall, the outlook remains a “mixed bag”, though it won’t be wall-to-wall rain.“There will be short periods of rain or showers for Wānaka - but between those it will be relatively okay,” Brandon said.On Christmas Day, there is the possibility another front could arrive around midday, potentially disrupting festive plans.There may be better news on the horizon, however, with indications conditions could improve as New Year’s approaches - though it is still too early to be certain.“We are cautiously optimistic about New Year’s,” he said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka Police have been responding to ‘silly season’ alcohol-related incidents including parties and end-of-work functions ahead of the Christmas holidays.“We ask that members of the public contact police immediately if they observe any disorderly behaviour,” Wānaka Police area response manager Sergeant Darren Cranfield said. “Early reporting of such incidents helps prevent more serious offending later in the evening, and your calls are greatly appreciated.”He said he wanted to issue a “tradies’ day” reminder today (Friday December 19).“If you’re heading out to enjoy a few drinks, please plan your trip home in advance. Police will be highly visible across the district - we’ll be out and about ensuring everyone gets home safely. “Our ‘presents’ aren’t wrapped in Christmas paper, but they serve as a timely reminder to drive sober and responsibly.”Wānaka Police are also reminding everyone to be patient on the roads “as we move into the busy holiday period”.“Traffic volumes are heavy at this time of year, and overtaking multiple vehicles rarely saves time but greatly increases risk,” Darren said. “Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your travel.”Incidents not related to the festive season over the past week included a person who breached a police safety order by trespassing on property they had been directed not to go to; and a person who was caught driving while disqualified who then failed to appear in court, who was later located, taken into custody, and trespassed from the property they were living in.During the week, police also dealt with a serious matter involving a person who failed to report to the Wānaka Police Station at an agreed time, Darren said.“Excellent work by our local Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) led to the person being located in the departure lounge at Christchurch International Airport, attempting to leave the country.”The individual was arrested and will appear in court in due course, he said. “On behalf of the Wānaka Police, we’d like to thank our community for the ongoing support throughout another busy year,” Darren said. “Your information and assistance continue to play an important role in helping us solve and prevent crime. We wish you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.”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

Volley Fest will return to Pembroke Park on Saturday December 27, offering a full day of grass volleyball, friendly competition, and summer fun during the busy Christmas and New Year period.Now in its second year, Volley Fest is open to players of all abilities and ages, with team registration closing today (Friday December 19).“We’re really excited to continue growing Volley Fest and spreading the word even further this year,” Volleyball Otago chair Rennae Flockton said.“Our key goal is to attract more teams than last year. The more teams we have, the more energy, competition, and atmosphere the event brings.”Rennae said the event was designed to be welcoming and inclusive. “Volley Fest is all about community. We want participants to have an awesome day playing volleyball, meeting new people, and enjoying time with family and friends in a fun, welcoming environment,” she said.Local businesses and organisations are supporting the event with spot prizes donated by Aspiring Jewellers, Base Camp Adventures, Puzzling World Wānaka, Site Trampoline and AJ Hackett, alongside backing from Otago Community Trust, QLDC and Sport Central.Teams can register up to six players, with four on court at any one time, and may be mixed-gender or single-gender. All teams will compete together within their chosen age grade, regardless of gender makeup. The cost is $80 per team, with online entries open via Sporty.PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka’s Corey Peters has won the FIS Para Alpine Downhill World Cup in Italy overnight (Thursday December 18), backing up his silver medal performance from the previous day at the high-speed double-header World Cup event.  The result marks Corey’s third Downhill World Cup win, his sixth Downhill World Cup podium and his 21st World Cup podium of his decorated career. “It feels absolutely amazing,” Corey said following the win.“All the hard work and dedication from myself and the rest of the team is paying off.“Conditions weren't the greatest for downhill with snow and rain making visibility and snowpack far from ideal, but I had a good plan tactically and mentally and stuck to the process.” Conditions on course were challenging and varied from the previous day, requiring a different approach from Corey and his team. Snow overnight meant extensive course slipping, and even the use of a groomer on a section of the course was required to get the slope race ready. Due to the length of a downhill course, the snow surface changed from the top of the course where it was colder to the bottom of course where the warmer conditions resulted in the snow much softer.  It was a tightly-fought race, just three-hundredths of a second separating Corey from Dutch skier Jeroen Kamperschreur who finished in second place. Andrew Kurka (USA) rounded out the podium in third.  “These World Cup wins are getting harder every year I compete; it's just such small margins between the competition,” Corey said. “My confidence is growing but I'll continue to take it one day at a time and not get ahead of myself. “The season has just begun so there's still a lot of racing between now and Cortina.” Corey is the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games Champion in this discipline, and the double-header event marks his return to the Downhill start gate as he prepares for his fourth Paralympics in Milano Cortina in March next year.   PHOTO: Alexandra BlumJoin Good Neighbour Support the Wānaka App - Good Neighbours make great communities.

Wānaka Golf Club’s (WGC) rapid membership growth has prompted plans for a new multi-million-dollar clubhouse.The Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board recommended the council grant the Minister of Conservation’s approval for a new clubhouse on the Wānaka Golf Course reserve earlier this week, clearing a key early hurdle for the redevelopment.Club general manager Kim Badger said the existing clubhouse, parts of which date back almost a century, is no longer fit for purpose.“The current building has parts of it that are 100 years old,” Kim said, and upgrading the existing structure is “no longer going to work structurally”.“A new build looks like a better option.” An artist’s impression of the proposed new clubhouse. IMAGE: SuppliedFirst built circa 1927, the current clubhouse has had two major extensions - in 1977 and 1981 - to cater for more users.The club’s popularity has again prompted the latest plans - the club now has close to 1,500 members and is averaging around one new member every day, Kim said.“The need for a new facility is huge because of that growth,” she said.The first stage of the original clubhouse was built circa 1927. PHOTO: Harris Family The proposed two-level clubhouse would be built on an already-developed site on higher ground south of the existing clubhouse.Concept plans include indoor practice facilities, a ‘pro shop’, offices, bar and lounge spaces, and outdoor decks overlooking the course. The existing clubhouse would likely be partially or fully demolished to address ongoing maintenance issues and allow for additional car parking.Kim said the project was still in its early stages and the cost of the build would probably be “around ten million dollars”.“We’ll have to generate funds and do a lot of fundraising,” she said. “It will probably take three-to-five years.”The new clubhouse would be located near the existing clubhouse, which would likely be partially or fully demolished. IMAGE: SuppliedKim stressed that the new clubhouse would “not change the way we operate”.The golf course has occupied the reserve since 1927 and development of a clubhouse is anticipated under the Wānaka Golf Course Reserve Management Plan, Queenstown Lakes District Council said. If the full council grants approval, the club will then move into more detailed design, funding and consenting stages.

An incoming surge of young people, alcohol and holiday crowds is putting the spotlight back on safety as the district heads into the New Year’s period.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Police, Hato Hone St John and harm-prevention group Red Frogs are working together to reduce youth alcohol-related harm, which is a longstanding challenge during the busy period.The agencies are reminding parents that they play a critical role in keeping teenagers safe over this time.“Every year our arterial routes that lead into town are full of kids, and they’ve all got booze…We really want parents to take ownership of that,” Wānaka Police area response manager Sergeant Darren Cranfield said.Otago Central Lakes Police commander Paula Enoka said there will be an increased police presence from December 27 until after New Year’s “to ensure that we look after everybody in the community”.“Our message to you and to all parents is to make sure you know what your children are up to across this period,” she said.She said there was “provision for prosecution” if parents provide under 18 year olds with alcohol.Last summer (January 1, 2025) a large disorderly event involving about 300 young people took place at the Dinosaur Park. At least three serious assaults were reported, involving young people being knocked unconscious, along with numerous other more minor assaults.Read more: Wānaka isn’t ‘a free for all’ - safe summer campaignRed Frogs national director Raymond Thomson said the group’s 60 volunteers will be on hand in the Wānaka and Queenstown CBDs, cooking pancakes and handing out water.“And towards the end of the night we’ll be helping young people if they need more support.”The four agencies have been working together for the last 10 years during the New Year’s period.“Some of the harm we see is a result of parents not actually providing the support they need in order to keep their young person safe,” Raymond said.He recommended parents talk to their teenagers about alcohol and drug use even if it is uncomfortable, and be responsive if their teenager needs additional support: “Be available.”Darren said the multi-agency New Year’s response has had an impact over time.“We have certainly mitigated the number of people coming in [to the Wānaka CBD] with alcohol,” he said. “It’s getting a lot better.”“But bear in mind, when you’ve got alcohol, you’ve got young egos, you do get trouble.”While the festive period is a time for fun and community spirit, safety is a top priority, QLDC mayor John Glover said.“We know that in just over a week’s time this place is going to be heaving with people,” he said.  “We want everyone to have a great time and leave having had a great time.”PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka resident Peter Duncan, 88, has become what the University of Otago believes to be its oldest PhD graduate.Peter graduated on Saturday (December 13) with a Doctor of Philosophy in Education, and was acknowledged by the university for his “lifetime of learning”.He told the Wānaka App that while younger scholars “look upward and outward to a world they may wish to change”, he also “looked inward to almost 70 years of experience”.His education has included teachers college, university, and the work community - for example, helping build the Roxburgh Dam, working in the office of former Prime Minister David Lange, and advising US education leaders.Peter said his experiences in the United States evoked questions he wrestled with for most of his career, including how to move away from traditional whole-class, one-size-fits-all teaching toward managing each student’s individual learning needs.To help him find the answers, he began his PhD in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic by distance from Wānaka (his home since the 1990s, and before that as “a summer kid … until the late 1950s”).His doctorate - Teachers’ Reflections of Changed Beliefs and Practices - follows the impact of early literacy development on teachers and how that shaped their students and careers through the following decades.Working on his thesis was “an incredibly satisfying experience”, he said, and it was “very easy” to spend up to eight hours a day, and often longer, reading, writing, and thinking.“The story in this research I had sat on for more than 20 years. With time, the unbounded support of my wife, and encouragement from my potential university supervisor, I began the journey. From that point on there was no conscious balance between life and study; one became the other.”And while his PhD is completed, Peter has been talking to colleagues about collaborating on academic papers and possibly a book. He hopes his research will have an ongoing impact.“Our young people were once among the best readers and writers in the world as measured in international comparative testing up to the early 90s,” he said. “My study suggested that if teachers had the opportunity to change their teaching beliefs and practices through a three-year school-based mentorship programme that developed their subject knowledge about literacy development, improved their instruction skills, and changed their classroom practices in ways that they could reach every student, literacy outcomes improved - in some schools significantly. “Today, we might well reflect on the factors that influenced those outcomes.”He told the Wānaka App that while people often think of lifelong learning as continuing to learn in formal situations, learning can be adapting to a changing environment as we age.“If we are able, what we can do is be open to the changes we have to face, think about how we can adapt to them and in that sense take on this new learning. That is the real value of being open to new learning in your 80s.”PHOTO: Supplied/University of Otago

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has taken a local coffee cart owner to court for alleged offences under the Food Act 2014.Leanne Harling, trading as Camphill Coffee, has run the Hāwea Flat cafe as a ‘private membership association’.She represented herself in the Queenstown District Court on Monday (December 15), pleading not guilty to knowingly or recklessly selling food that did not comply with the Food Act and intentionally hindering or obstructing a food safety officer from exercising their powers under the Food Act.The case was adjourned until February, when a one day hearing is expected to take place.  Council laid the four charges in August 2025.“As the matter is before the Court, council does not intend to make any comments on the nature of the offending, or any other matters relating to the prosecution,” QLDC said. PHOTO: Supplied

November in Wānaka wasn’t just about long evenings by the lake and the first taste of Summer – the property market was buzzing too! Here’s what went down.Dwellings were in demand, with 45 sales and a median price of $1,464,500. Homes are taking about 40 days to sell, which feels pretty balanced. Buyers are clearly still keen to secure their slice of paradise before the holiday season kicks in.Sections were even busier, with 55 titled and/or sold at a median of $570,000. That’s a lot of people planning their dream build - maybe picturing those epic mountain views or a spot to park the boat for summer adventures. Land is still a hot ticket in Wānaka.Looking at suburbs, Wānaka town vicinity led the way with 82 sales and a median of $653,500, likely a mix of smaller homes and sections close to the lakefront. Albert Town topped the charts for price at $1.335 million, while Hāwea and Luggate followed at $1.105 million and $1.138 million respectively. These spots are perfect for those chasing a quieter vibe but still want easy access to the lake and ski fields.Whether you’re dreaming of a summer BBQ on your own deck or planning a build with views of Roy’s Peak, the market is alive and well. Wānaka’s charm isn’t slowing down, and neither is the demand for a piece of it.If you’re thinking about buying or selling, feel free to send me a message. I’d love to chat and help you make the most of this vibrant market.In the meantime, I hope you have a chance to kick back and enjoy the upcoming festive season!Merry Christmas,Roger

Wānaka based Paralympian Corey Peters has opened his downhill campaign with a second-place finish at the FIS Para Alpine Downhill World Cup in Santa Caterina, Italy, early this morning (Wednesday December 17).The result marks Coreys’ first downhill race in nearly four years, following his gold medal-winning performance at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, and signals a strong return to the speed discipline as he builds towards the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics.“I think my key takeaway from today is that even though I haven't raced downhill for nearly four years, the skills and the ability are still there, so it's really helped the self-belief and self-confidence as we move forward into the rest of the speed events throughout the season, and onto Milano Cortina 2026,” Corey said.“Preparation over the last six months has certainly contributed to this result, specifically the training trips we do to Chile.”Conditions added to the challenge, with snowfall throughout the race softening the course and limiting visibility as athletes reached speeds close to 100km/h. Despite that, the men’s sitting field was tightly contested, with the top five athletes separated by just 0.71 seconds.Corey finished only five-hundredths of a second behind Norway’s Jesper Pedersen, who took the win, while Jeroen Kampschreur of the Netherlands claimed third.The Santa Caterina World Cup is a double-header, with Corey set to race again Thursday morning (New Zealand time).PHOTO: Alexandra Blum/Heiko Mandl