Well good morning or afternoon Wanaka, depending on when you read this.

Another week of turmoil around with Wellington going into level 2 and the Trans-Tasman travel bubble put on hold for a while with Covid still making itself felt both here in New Zealand and Australia. Makes us feel lucky here in Wanaka but let us not get to complacent around safe hygiene and scanning practices. The small things can pay big dividends in fighting the spread of this disease.

So, what’s been happening around our little slice of paradise this week.

Well speaking to the road policing Jedi Knights, it seems speed is still an issue around the area in all speed zones. Of note has been following distances on the open roads. Please, if you can measure the car ahead tyre tread depth you are way too close.

As the roads are getting wetter and soon to be icy or gritted, please increase your following distance. With the fog we have been having lately could drivers use their headlights dipped in the fog. It is difficult to see in fog when at intersections and park lights are not sufficient.

Albert Town has recently had a spate of kids throwing stones at houses and damaging the public toilets at Dale Street reserve. This appeared to be a big talking point on a local Facebook page, however Police were not informed until well into the event. Quite a bit of anxiousness was caused to homeowners effected by these actions, with Police having identified some of the culprits involved and follow up action is being taken.

So please remember we can’t help if we don’t know, so don’t hesitate to call to report when you see or are a victim of such offences.

Alcohol issues again have been present in Wanaka with a reported assault around one of the bars and drink driving with a couple of apprehensions this week. Always remember Police will process you if you are drink driving no matter who you are, as this offence causes great harm on our roads.

And a timely reminder, if you are out drinking watch your drink and keep an eye on friends as there has been a report of potential drink spiking in the town. So, help keep each other be safe while having a good time.

We also had a report of parts being stolen from a digger parked on Lakeside Road. Whether this is a genuine theft or wilful damage is to be determined. However, with CCTV footage in the area I’m sure the culprits will be identified and dealt with appropriately.

And from our wonderful front counter staff there has been a bit of lost property handed in again this week, of note was a Bluetooth earpiece. This was in one of the local cafes. Also a sum of cash was found at a local petrol station earlier in the month and still hasn’t found its rightful owner. So, if any of this is yours please come in and claim as we love reuniting property with owners.

Finally, with ski season cracking off shortly and school holidays approaching fast, the town is sure to get busier with the influx of people. Let’s make it a safe winter season for everyone by taking that little bit of extra care when driving, drinking and generally out and about in this wonderful part of the world.

Until next time have a great week.