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Te Whatu Ora ‘listening, working’ on health concerns
Te Whatu Ora ‘listening, working’ on health concerns

28 April 2024, 5:06 PM

Health NZ/Te Whatu Ora says it is listening to the community’s concerns about health services in the Upper Clutha and feeding these concerns into work programmes - however the agency has provided few details about these programmes.  Te Whatu Ora Southern Group director of operations Hamish Brown told the Wānaka App it had been a “great opportunity” to be invited to a meeting hosted by the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board last month (March 20) which raised concerns about access to local health services such as after hours care.“Catering for the needs of the growing population of the Upper Clutha District is being considered in terms of what might be needed right now and, in the future, and how best to deliver those services,” Hamish said.“We are listening to the Wānaka community’s concerns and feeding these into regional and national work programmes.”The Wānaka App asked Hamish to respond to each of the goals set by newly formed health advocacy group Health Action Wānaka (HAW).Read more: Clear health goals the target for advocacy groupWithin six months, HAW wants delivery of extended (6pm to 8.30am) publicly funded after-hours healthcare for the community; and the opening of Wānaka's primary birthing unit in Albert Town.Te Whatu Ora Southern Group director of operations Hamish Brown“The most immediate project for Wānaka is the primary birthing unit and it remains on track to open in mid-2024,” Hamish said.“We continue to work with our partners on sustainable solutions for after-hours/urgent care services, including ambulance services.”He added that the rural telehealth service, Ka Ora, was introduced in Wānaka at the end of last year, offering residents “another option” for receiving after-hours care from doctors and nurses (along with the after-hours phone triage service offered by the local general practices).At the meeting in March Hamish committed to put after hours care in place by winter, and said he would try to get Wānaka’s health designation changed from rural to urban, which would open up alternative funding streams.HAW has also set a 12 month goal for a publicly funded blood-collection centre in Wānaka; increased resources to reduce wait times to see GPs; improved access to mental health services; and increased ambulance services to manage demand.“There were many ideas raised [at the meeting] that are being driven by the community with some falling within the scope of Health NZ and some for Hato Hone St John, general practice or the private sector to consider,” Hamish said.He said access to mental health services has been boosted in recent years through the implementation of the Access and Choice programme.The programme offers new funding allowing health coaches and health improvement practitioners to work alongside general practice in Wānaka, and further investment in national helplines for those requiring support, he said.“Other work is underway to put consistent models in place for blood collection across the South Island, along with system design programmes to strengthen workforce, funding and delivery models in aged care, general practice and rural urgent care.”He did not comment on HAW’s 10 year goal for a fully publicly funded hospital built in Cromwell to service Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes’ growing population.He said HAW is welcome to contact Te Whatu Ora directly to discuss its goals.Hamish said Te Whatu Ora will continue “to work with partners across the health system to achieve excellent outcomes for the Wānaka community”.Read more: Community sends resounding message to health officialsPHOTOS: Supplied

Long-term mallard trend positive as duck shooting season looms
Long-term mallard trend positive as duck shooting season looms

28 April 2024, 5:04 PM

The game-bird hunting season is just around the corner and mallard numbers in Otago are looking positive overall despite this year’s trend count being below average, Otago Fish & Game says.For the past nine years Otago Fish & Game has conducted aerial surveys of mallards before the opening of the game-bird hunting season in the first weekend of May.Fish & Game officer Jayde Couper said 5,130 mallards were counted on April 15 ‒ a figure surprisingly close to last year’s count of 5,100.Mallards are counted by helicopter at ponds, rivers and overland transects, starting in the Taieri, but mostly in South Otago around the Clutha/Mata-au and Pomahaka rivers.“The overall mallard trend across nine years is positive, although this season’s trend count was below the average of 5,700,” Jayde said. “However, when the 2022 year, which had an extremely high count, is removed from calculations, this year is just above average.”Jayde said the positive trend count indicated that mallards in the region were being managed responsibly over the long-term.“It’s important for duck hunters to realise trend counts aren't actually a sign of how many birds they’ll harvest each season,” he said.“We’d like more rain and then suitably windy conditions on opening weekend, which encourages the birds to move around.”Fish & Game surveys the same locations (46 ponds, six 10km river sections, and ten 10km overland transects) annually.This year, the counts were affected by low water in many ponds as well as high and dirty water on the Clutha River/Mata-au due to heavy rain in the headwaters.“Mallards which would be normally camped on the big river were instead sheltering deeper among the willows or out of sight, off the river,”Jayde said.“This is why we analyse the overall trend and not just one year’s count. It’s not a population count of all mallards in Otago.”Mallards appeared to be more evenly distributed this year with only 16 sites containing no ducks below the average of 19 and the highest result at 25.  Cross-country transects were similar to previous averages, pond counts were higher than normal, and river counts were low, at around 800 mallards fewer than normal.“While the Otago countryside is greener, April’s rainfall so far hasn’t made a huge difference to water levels in many ponds and wetlands. But heavy rainfall in headwaters did top up Otago’s big southern lakes.”Hunting licenses are available at the Fish & Game website.Hunters can also find a range of tips, ‘dos and don’ts’ and a range of other information for preparing for game-bird hunting season on the website.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Opportunities to 'collaborate, learn and adapt' in Para Sport Collective
Opportunities to 'collaborate, learn and adapt' in Para Sport Collective

28 April 2024, 5:00 PM

Para athletes and coaches across the country will learn from each other and high performance sport experts when they unite for the Para Sport Collective from June this year.Together, the participants represent New Zealand’s future talent across 11 of the 29 recognised Paralympic sports, from wheelchair basketball to para snowboard.Wānaka resident and Snow Sports NZ sport development manager Sami Corne has been selected to take part in the Para Sport Collective.Sami has a background in coaching but said she is “taking part more as an observer to learn more about Para Sport and to strengthen, collaborate and connect with others in the industry”.Sami Corne said the Para Sport Collective provides opportunities to learn, discuss and share knowledge across all para sports.This will take place across three national in-person camps, and bi-monthly virtual connections over the coming 12 months.Topics covered will include performance life, performance nutrition, performance physiotherapy, media training, personal brand and sponsorship, strength and conditioning, anti-doping, classification and more.“The Para Sport Collective is so important as it provides opportunities to learn, discuss and share knowledge across all para sports in New Zealand,” Sami said.“Technologies, equipment, technique and coaching styles change over time and to be at the forefront, we must collaborate, learn and adapt to new developments.”The Para Sport Collective, created by Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ), is supported by ACC.PNZ set up the Para Sport Collective based on consultation with Para athletes and coaches who saw an opportunity to better support pre-high performance Para athletes and coaches. ACC CEO Megan Main said she was pleased to see the Para Sport Collective enter its second year.“Sport has the power to transform the lives of disabled New Zealanders. Involvement in Para sport is so important to rehabilitation and wellbeing in general,” she said.PHOTOS: Supplied

Te Kākano seeks new home
Te Kākano seeks new home

26 April 2024, 5:06 PM

A local non-profit is feeling positive after a conversation with Wānaka Upper Community Board (WUCCB) members on the future of its plant nursery.The mission of the long-running Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust (TKAT) is to inspire community native habitat restoration through propagation, education and hands-on participation.Its community native plant nursery specialises in propagating plants of local origin and it has used these plants to undertake dozens of local native habitat restoration projects around the Upper Clutha. However, with the nursery site set to be listed for sale, it needs a backup plan for its future, TKAT trust manager Loran Verpillot told the WUCCB at last Thursday’s (April 18) meeting.“Our ideal plan is to stay on the land but we need to think about a plan B,” she said.Loren has asked for support in TKAT’s search for a potential new site, querying whether Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) owned land was an option. Elected members were quick to share their support.“From my perspective I’m very confident there would be somewhere we could accommodate you,” deputy mayor Quentin Smith said.WUCCB chair Simon Telfer shared the sentiment, saying Te Kākano was a “key part of the community”.Te Kākano’s current nursery site, established in 2008, is located on private land near Waterfall Creek.Loran said Te Kākano was open to a range of locations as long as there is water available, but said the ability of volunteers to walk or ride their bikes to the existing nursery is advantageous.The board discussed a range of options including the newly acquired council land near Wastebusters and the Hāwea Food Forest, among others.Following the meeting Te Kākano trust manager Carrie Williams told the Wānaka App the trust had started a conversation with QLDC staff on the board’s recommendation.“I think the signals from the elected members are all pointing in the right direction,” she said.Carrie said the Wakatipu Reforestation Trust (an initiative similar to Te Kākano in Queenstown) has its nursery on QLDC land “so there is a precedent there”.“We’ve had a close working relationship with QLDC since Te Kākano started,” she said. “We hope that council will understand and acknowledge that really close relationship.”Te Kākano’s first planting session of the season will take place this Saturday (April 27) from 10am to 12pm, on the shore of Lake Wānaka below Lakeside Road. All are welcome.Learn more about Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust here.PHOTO: Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust

‘Toxic’ component of 1080 drop for Makarora
‘Toxic’ component of 1080 drop for Makarora

26 April 2024, 5:04 PM

The Department of Conservation (DOC) says the “toxic component” of its aerial operation in the Makarora area will take place today (Saturday April 27).The 1080 drop is part of a rat and stoat control operation in response to high rat numbers resulting from a beech mast season in 2023.“These rodents seriously threaten the survival of the mohua populations in the area, and negatively impact other native species,” DOC said in a statement. During the operation, helicopters will be sowing toxic cereal pellets across a roughly 36,000ha area including the Makarora, Blue, Young, Siberia and Wilkin Valleys.The pellets are about 3cm long, cylinder-shaped and green, and DOC warned that they should not be touched; they are deadly to dogs, and anyone in the area with children should watch them at all times.There will be a handful of closures in place until at least Sunday (April 28) due to the drop including the Blue Pools carpark and the area immediately around it, the Cameron Flat Campground and the Siberia Airstrip and Jumboland Airstrip. “If weather or other issues cause the operation to extend into Sunday these closures will be extended until 11am on Monday,” DOC said.DOC signalled the rat and stoat control operation in February.An increase in food supply from the recent heavy seeding event (also known as a mast season) caused the surge in introduced predators including rodents and stoats.During one of these events, a larger number of tree seeds are produced, which should benefit native species.Instead, this can be hijacked by introduced predators and, a few months later, with all the seeds eaten, the rodent population turns to eating native species.DOC said it had been monitoring rodent numbers in the area and found they had reached “critical levels”. “There are rare native species here that will suffer heavy losses if we don’t act, including mohua, whio, kākā, kākāriki, rock wren/pīwauwau and bats/pekapeka,” DOC said.DOC said today’s 1080 drop is weather dependent.“If difficult operating conditions are encountered on Saturday work may continue into Sunday.”PHOTO: Sarah Forder

Wānaka A&P Show in good shape for future
Wānaka A&P Show in good shape for future

26 April 2024, 5:00 PM

Wānaka’s A&P Show is in good shape and focused on next year’s show, says the Upper Clutha A&P Society, which has been in existence since 1895.In contrast, the New Zealand Agricultural Show in Christchurch has been cancelled this year because organisers say it is not financially viable.The New Zealand Agricultural Show has been held annually by the Canterbury A&P Association at the showgrounds in Christchurch each November since 1863.No two A&P Shows are the same in either content or structure, Upper Clutha A&P Society chair Keith Cooper told the Wānaka App.“The Upper Clutha A&P Society is committed to creating a showcase event of their rural constituents, to ensure continuity of the heritage of the show but at the same time ensuring it is an event that attracts attendees, competitors, exhibitors and sponsors, who all contribute to the success of the show,” he said.The Upper Clutha A&P Society is committed to continuing the heritage of the show. “We are particularly thankful to the army of volunteers that also contribute to the show and its success.” The Wānaka Show’s cost structure is assisted by the fact the showgrounds (which were donated by the Sargood family) are owned by Queenstown Lakes District Council and protected for the show’s annual use under the Reserves Management Act, Keith said.“The 2024 Upper Clutha A&P Show was again a success,” he said, adding that the organising team is now focusing on the 2025 Show and what innovation is needed “to ensure the show remains relevant and continues to be attractive to a diverse audience”. This year's show attracted 44,000 attendees, who enjoyed an array of exhibits, competitions, and performances. The Upper Clutha A&P Society’s commitment to spotlighting the agricultural core of the event resulted in 1,820 livestock and 1,533 home industry entries. There were also significant changes this year, including the reimagined Rural Village at Gate 2, the new Farmlands Farmyard area, and a simplified pricing model for trade exhibitors.Several initiatives were introduced to reduce the event’s carbon footprint, including bike parking, a trial second Park n Ride service on the Mt Iron Reserve, and paperless entry options. Keith said the society is looking to continue these efforts in future shows.“For the 2024-2025 events funding round QLDC are working in partnership with our sustainability and climate action teams to develop and support events' sustainability measures,” he said.PHOTOS: Supplied

Recycling ethos inspires winter sale
Recycling ethos inspires winter sale

25 April 2024, 5:00 PM

A second-hand snow gear, winter clothing and accessories sale taking place tomorrow (Saturday April 27) will have lots of great finds for bargain hunters. The Castaways clothing sale takes place twice a year, with one event in spring and another in autumn, bringing together shoppers and people with pre-loved items to pass on to a new home.Event organiser Rachel Peden said there are about 30 sellers signed up for Saturday’s event and she is expecting a mix of snow gear (snow pants, goggles and the like, rather than skis or snowboards) and warm winter clothing. Sellers for this event have told Rachel they had a lot of kids’ stuff to sell too so it will appeal to families, she said.The event is “a good way to stock up on winter clothing without spending too much money”, she said.Rachel has been organising the Castaway events for the last five or so years. “It just kind of sparked because people have a lot of extra clothing but don’t want to deal with putting it up on Facebook Marketplace and TradeMe,” she said.The sustainability aspect of the events is also a motivating factor.“We are a promoter of ‘if it ain't broke, don't biff it’,” she said. “Selling on fashion and snow gear you no longer use promotes the reuse and recycling ethos.”The Castaways recycled clothing sale will take place on Saturday April 28 at Paetara Aspiring Central between 10am and 1pm.Visitors can bring cash or make payments by bank transfer. PHOTO: Supplied

Crowds attend ANZAC Day services despite rain
Crowds attend ANZAC Day services despite rain

25 April 2024, 4:29 AM

Despite the unrelenting wind and rain, hundreds turned out to attend the ANZAC Day dawn services in both Wānaka and Hāwea this morning (Thursday April 25).Hāwea District ANZAC Committee chair John Taylor estimated about 600 people attended the service at the Lake Hāwea dam and their enthusiasm to commemorate and celebrate ANZAC Day was undiminished by the inclement weather.Master of ceremonies at Hāwea Sergeant Lorne Capell said he was grateful and proud of the community's support.“It speaks volumes for the stoic locals who, in recognition of the significance of the day, decided to come along regardless of the conditions,” he said.That included Hāwea Flat school pupils who called the Roll of Honour and read the poem, anthem singers Alex Cowen and Clare Currie, and guest speaker Major Michael Clulow RNZE, who all stepped up under “challenging conditions”.In Wānaka, the services were led by Commander Lyal Cocks RNZN (Rtd). The Dawn Service included the New Zealand and Australian national anthems, sung by Jen Anderson and Chris Hadfield respectively, the Ode of Remembrance recited by Paul Miller, and Year 12 Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) student, Ryan Enoka (16) gave the speech.Year 12 MAC student Ryan Enoka, who was the guest speaker at Wānaka’s Dawn Service, also attended the service at the Cenotaph. PHOTO: Wānaka AppIn te reo and English, Ryan acknowledged forebears and honoured the dead; he spoke of the warriors who travelled far from home to fight battles, whose “footprints still clothe distant lands”, and the sacrifices they made “so that we can live in freedom in the present time”.The rain had eased as more than 350 people filled the Lake Wānaka Centre at 9:30 for the civic service. Father Martin Flannery officiated; St John Youth provided the Colour Party and members Tenki Watanabe and Lily Wilson recited the poem “In Flanders Fields” and gave the Bible reading; the guest speakers were MAC’s four head students, Zavier Taylor, Tom Sides, Lottie Hunt and Daisy Sanders.A highlight of the civic service was a moving performance by the New Zealand Youth Choir which is touring Otago and was in Wānaka for a concert, performed yesterday afternoon. Bagpiper Clifford Hiscoke leads the New Zealand Youth Choir in an impromptu performance of Pōkarekare Ana at Wānaka’s Cenotaph. PHOTO: Wānaka AppThe skies had cleared in time for the choir to also perform outside at the wreath and poppy laying service at Wānaka’s Cenotaph. Several choir members said the vista from the Cenotaph made it the most beautiful place they had performed.Sadly, even though blue skies prevailed by 11:00am, the anticipated ANZAC Day flypast remained grounded by wind. The Wānaka RSA committee also reported that more than $10,000 was raised in Poppy Day collections in the Upper Clutha this year.

Wilderness rescue dog Lochy lends a paw
Wilderness rescue dog Lochy lends a paw

24 April 2024, 5:04 PM

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.

Crimeline: Busy week for SAR
Crimeline: Busy week for SAR

24 April 2024, 5:00 PM

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

The end of the Census? Stats NZ to look at whether survey is still needed
The end of the Census? Stats NZ to look at whether survey is still needed

23 April 2024, 9:00 PM

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

Students ‘tired and happy’ after week-long art school
Students ‘tired and happy’ after week-long art school

23 April 2024, 5:04 PM

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

Rams win top-of-the-table clash
Rams win top-of-the-table clash

22 April 2024, 10:45 PM

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

Getting your KiwiSaver on track to meet your goals (Investing blog)
Getting your KiwiSaver on track to meet your goals (Investing blog)

22 April 2024, 8:00 PM

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

Dead trout highlight vulnerability of Bullock Creek
Dead trout highlight vulnerability of Bullock Creek

22 April 2024, 5:06 PM

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

Final Schools to Pool pathway underway
Final Schools to Pool pathway underway

22 April 2024, 5:04 PM

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

Wānaka athletes make list for CO Sports Awards
Wānaka athletes make list for CO Sports Awards

22 April 2024, 5:00 PM

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

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