Glendhu Station Ltd has been granted approval to build a commercial composting facility on station land to divert hundreds of kilos of food waste from local landfills.The facility, located 800m off Motatapu Road, has approval to process up to 650kgs of food waste during the summer months and around 1000kgs during winter. The Queenstown Lakes District Council consent has some conditions including a restriction on raw materials to 7m3 per week and the raw waste is limited to food waste (excluding meat, fish and shellfish), grass clippings and vegetation, woodchips and shavings, and cardboard and paper.Glendhu Station, owned by the McRae family, is known for its diversity; in addition to high country farming it hosts a number of other ventures, including mountain biking park Bike Glendhu, a wedding and function venue in the station’s old woolshed, and a golf course which is under construction.John McRae said composting was a “passion” and he’d been inspired by a number of local compost experts and sustainability enthusiasts to create the commercial composting facility.Wanting to find a natural alternative to regular fertiliser, John started composting on a small scale at Treble Cone skifield and discovered the growth benefits to the station’s gardens and trees nurtured by the compost, he said.“This is a big extension of what I started at Treble Cone.” Discovering others in the community who shared his vision led to this initiative to establish a sustainable compost production on a larger scale. It was a team effort to source funding and organise logistics, he said, but it happened very quickly.“I’m just providing the land and facility for the operation: it’s the people around me who make it happen,” John said. Waste food and other compostables collected at the recent Ripe Festival will be added to the station’s composting facility. The organic waste will be collected in wheelie bins from various businesses supporting the compositing initiative, including Velo Cafe at Bike Glendhu, Fresh Link and Dripping Bowl in Wānaka, and Treble Cone skifield. Although there will be a couple of worm farms in use, the facility will predominantly use a hot composting operation to combine the organic waste with green waste, paper, wood chips, and so on. The hot composting process begins in an existing shed; after three to six months aerated windrows will be moved into the paddock beside the shed for the final stage and storage. John expects a couple of truckloads of organic waste each week, which will reduce to roughly half a truck of reusable compost once the process is complete. He said the compositing operation was not only good for the environment and community by diverting organic waste from landfills but it also produced a quality fertiliser product which he will use on the station.Unlike superphosphate which only provides nutrients, this compost, a nutrient rich, crumbly mulch, also retains moisture and reduces the nutrient runoff and leaching, he said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The government has announced a new scheme to accelerate building projects with self-certification and inspection targets.It means approved building firms, plumbers, and drainlayers will be able to sign off their own work.Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk made the announcement on Monday from Waitoki, north of Auckland."Making it easier and more affordable to build opens the door to homeownership for more Kiwis, gives families choice about where they live, and supports growth and job creation in the construction sector," Penk said."We can't achieve this vision while the building consent system remains slow and overloaded. Even simple, single-storey homes must go through around 12 inspections before they're finished, with costly delays when demand is high."Penk said the announcement came at a time when many Kiwis were locked out of the housing market.He said the government is committed to making the building system more efficient and that Cabinet had agreed to an opt-in self-certification scheme, which would allow approved building firms, plumbers, and drainlayers to sign off their own work."Reputable building companies delivering large numbers of near-identical houses each year will be able to proceed without the need for Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to approve a building consent and carry out inspections," he said."Giving qualified plumbers and drainlayers the ability to self-certify their work puts them on equal footing with electricians and gasfitters, who've had that flexibility for years. It's a common-sense change backed by Master Plumbers and delivers on a National Party campaign promise."Penk said Kiwis should have confidence that their homes are built to a high standard, and that is why only proven professionals who meet strict criteria will be eligible for the scheme - and only for simple residential dwellings.He said the changes initially would result in around 3000 homes built each year without delays from approvals or inspections."In addition, the government will require BCAs complete 80 percent of building inspections within three working days," he said.Disruptions to project timelinesMaster Builders welcomed the announcement as a meaningful step toward reducing inspection delays, Penk said.He said they regularly hear from frustrated builders, with disruption to project timelines creating uncertainty for homeowners.Wait times sometimes stretch up to a week - having a knock-on effect which can add about $400 for every day a project is held up, he said."Updated guidance will be issued to BCAs, outlining practical strategies to boost efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and help authorities better prioritise their workloads," he said."BCAs success in meeting the target will be shown in quarterly performance data - giving the public greater transparency and encouraging improved performance."Penk said by backing skilled professionals and focusing council resources, they can cut building costs without sacrificing quality and deliver more affordable homes.Inspection targets will come into force later this year and legislation to enable the self-certification scheme will be introduced by the end of 2025.Earlier in April, the coalition government announced it would be increasing the maximum size of granny flats allowed to be built without consents, as part of changes to be introduced to make it easier for people to build standalone dwellings on their properties.

Aspiring Guides and The North Face have announced the launch of a grant programme to support mountain guide development pathways within New Zealand.There is a shortage of qualified mountain guides in the industry and the Guide Development Scholarship aims to spark conversation and aid aspiring guides along the process of becoming qualified, the two scholarship partners said.Becoming a qualified mountain guide can be a challenging and time-consuming process - it’s costly, can take several years to complete, and requires substantial training and supervision time, the two groups said in a statement.The level of commitment required, along with financial constrictions and limited opportunities, often deters many candidates from progressing through the stages and pursuing a career as a mountain guide.Aspiring Guides and The North Face teamed up to offer grants to two candidates, with the intention of alleviating some of these challenges.Two successful applicants each will be provided $2,500 contribution towards New Zealand Mountain Guide Association (NZMGA) certification costs, The North Face Summit Series apparel and equipment to the value of $5,000, and five direct supervision days over and above standard ratios with an Aspiring Guides NZMGA or International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) guide.“With this scholarship we hope to spark conversation and facilitate an opportunity to help sustain the future of mountain guiding in New Zealand,” Aspiring Guides owner Doug Beech said.“The need for more accessible and supported pathways to qualification is critical—not just for the growth of our profession, but for the safety and experience of everyone who spends time in our mountains.”Doug said the collaboration will “help build a stronger network of internationally recognised guides, and ensure New Zealand remains a world-class destination for adventure”.Applications are open from April 15 - May 15 2025. Find more information here.PHOTO: Supplied

A busy Easter is expected for the Upper Clutha, especially with the arrival of tens of thousands of visitors for the final Wheels at Wānaka show.Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat said he expects Wānaka to be “very busy” over Easter.“It’s traditionally a strong period for local businesses, particularly in retail, hospitality, and tourism,” Glenn said.“With school holidays overlapping plus ANZAC Day and events bringing visitors to the region, there’s optimism among the business community for solid trading across the Easter period and beyond.”Wheels at Wānaka will take place from Friday to Sunday (April 18-20) at Three Parks. More than 40,000 visitors attended the Wheels at Wānaka event during Easter 2023, surpassing the 24,000 that attended in 2021.“Ticket sales have been phenomenal - we're really happy with the numbers thus far,” Wheels at Wānaka promotions & media manager Annabel Roy told the Wānaka App.“The weather will dictate final gate numbers, [it’s] too soon to call just yet.”She said traffic management for the event “is all in hand, with thanks to Fulton Hogan”.“Foot traffic will be high and [the] visitor spend steady”, says Wānaka’s Business Chamber. PHOTO: Wānaka AppGlenn said the “general expectation” for Easter is that “foot traffic will be high and visitor spend steady”, adding “there is still some caution due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures impacting consumer behaviour”.“Businesses are well prepared, and many are staffing up and extending hours where possible.”The recent Official Cash Rate reduction may also have an impact on spending, he said, although it may take time to flow through to visitor spending.“Overall, there’s a positive mood heading into the next few weeks – Wānaka continues to be a sought-after destination, and local operators are ready to make the most of it.”

The ‘roadmap’ for developing a vision and masterplan for Wānaka Airport will be presented to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) councillors and the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board next week.On Tuesday (April 15), consultancy firm Egis NZ will meet with elected members for the first time as QLDC’s partner in developing future scenarios for Wānaka Airport.Egis is a global company with teams across New Zealand, offering sector expertise and advisory services. It manages 20 airports worldwide.QLDC strategic projects manager Paul Speedy said the Egis team brings valuable independence and relevant skills to the process.“The future of Wānaka Airport is recognised as something really important to the community, especially those in the Upper Clutha, many of whom work there or use the site for travel or leisure purposes,” he said.“We know conversations about that future have sometimes been challenging and airports are also really complex entities.“Both of these factors really underline why this scenario development needs to be independently facilitated, while engaging intently with the community and stakeholders.”At the briefing, Egis will outline its upcoming programme, including plans for community and stakeholder engagement, Paul said.A statement from Egis said Wānaka Airport is a vital link for the town, connecting it to the rest of New Zealand and the world.“Supporting over 11 businesses and employing around 250 people, the airport plays a key role in the local economy. As discussions about its future have evolved, a strategic vision is crucial.“This vision must be guided by an independent, expert-led process, incorporating meaningful community and stakeholder engagement, as well as specialist aeronautical expertise to assess options realistically.”More information will be made available about the programme as dates and activities are confirmed, Paul said.Wānaka Airport is owned by QLDC and operated by Queenstown Airport Corporation under a management services agreement. PHOTO: Esther Small

Central Otago District Council (CODC) is making preparations to hear Santana Minerals Fast Track Application for a Bendigo gold mine.Central Otago mayor Tamah Alley and councillor Sarah Browne were nominated at its meeting this week, and approved to respond to the application.Hearings panel expert Neil Gillespie has been appointed to the expert panel, given his significant experience.CODC planning and infrastructure group manager Louise van der Voort told the council they had experts ready to go in the hearing, and the Otago Regional Council was likely to have its own panel as well.She said the experts would be looking carefully at the rehabilitation of the land and conditions around compensation.Due to the significance of scale, the council was likely to get some expertise, and there had already been discussions with the regional council about it.In December, the new Fast Track Approvals Act (FTA) became law. The two projects listed in the FTA for Central Otago were the Bendigo-Ophir Gold project, and the Remarkables Ski Area Upgrade and Doolans Expansion. In her report, Louise said there had been some conversations with Matakanui Gold Limited/Santana Minerals Limited indicating an application would be received in the coming weeks for the Bendigo Ophir Gold project. Council was likely to engage specialists on landscape, ecology and acoustics. That would be reviewed once the application was received in late April.It was noted in the report, that there was limited ability for the public and stakeholders to be involved in the applications. “There is a high level of interest in a number of these projects from the community and desire to understand council’s position on the proposals,’’ Louise said.“While this level of interest is recognised, there is no legal ability for council to provide further opportunities for public participation beyond the specified steps in the Act.”PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka-based property investment company Roa has announced a joint venture partnership in its proposed Wānaka Health Precinct with Central Otago mana whenua interests.In May 2024 Roa revealed plans for a $300M privately funded project comprising a five-level hospital with four operating theatres, imaging services, a 24-hour emergency department and more than 70 inpatient, emergency, and post anaesthetic care beds.  Roa said the hospital would be at the heart of a broader “health precinct” which would include four offices for allied medical services such as consulting and treatment rooms, on-site parking, and ground level retail and hospitality opening out onto public pedestrian spaces.Puketeraki Limited and Te Runaka Ōtākou Limited have now entered into an agreement with Roa that is intended to support the wider interests of mana whenua, Roa announced on Thursday (April 10).Roa chief executive Mike Saegers told the Wānaka App the specifics of the joint venture partnership are “commercially sensitive”.“However, I can confirm the new partner will have an equity position,” he said.Roa said in a statement that the proposed Wānaka Health Precinct “will provide significant health and social infrastructure benefits for Wānaka and the Central Otago region”. “Puketeraki and Ōtākou acknowledge other mana whenua interests across rūnanga and will be inviting wider mana whenua interests to be represented in this partnership,” the statement said. The parties agree the Wānaka hospital and healthcare precinct “is vital to meeting the future needs of the area’s rapidly growing population”. “They recognise that the critical lack of healthcare access is a significant and growing issue for the people of Wānaka and Central Otago, and that action is needed now.”  An artist’s impression of Roa’s proposed health precinct at Wānaka’s Three Parks.The proposed health precinct at Three Parks is one of the key strategic health infrastructure projects included in the proposal to government for a Regional Deal for Otago Central Lakes, and the only one committed to starting site works this year. An application for resource consent was submitted to Queenstown Lakes District Council last year. Te Rūnaka Ōtākou Limited Chair Brett Ellison welcomed the agreement.“We are excited by the opportunity to tautoko this project and bring an intergenerational lens to the development of health infrastructure in our shared takiwā,” he said. “This is an inclusive opportunity for mana whenua to be a strategic partner to Roa who have recognised the value mana whenua provide when advancing strategic projects of this nature.” Mike called the agreement an “important milestone” towards improving access to healthcare services.“Both parties are intent on working together to improve public health outcomes, including expanding the scope of this project if necessary,” he said. Read more: Wānaka hospital plans remain on trackA ‘void’ in health care planning as private plans proliferatePHOTOS: Supplied

Tourism industry, government and research leaders are set to gather for the annual Otago Tourism Policy School in Queenstown this week to problem-solve how to resource New Zealand’s tourism system.Demand from key tourism stakeholders to attend this year’s forum, organised by the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka’s Department of Tourism, is the highest since the annual event began seven years ago.The Tourism Policy School offers an opportunity to bring together key stakeholders and experts who aren’t usually in the same room together to find solutions to systemic tourism issues.Over two days, stakeholders and policymakers will discuss issues such as resourcing tourism on conservation land, private-public partnerships, user-pays models, and what New Zealand can learn from overseas tourism systemsSchool co-director associate professor Susan Houge Mackenzie said the current system is insufficiently resourced, and regional tourism organisations want to see national leadership help enable regional destination management plans and initiatives.The previous government had encouraged regional tourism organisations and tourism stakeholders to ‘reset’ tourism by focusing on regenerative tourism and how tourism could better serve communities beyond economic benefits, she said.“There has been a significant shift under the current government, which wants to double exports.“As a major export earner for New Zealand, tourism is seen as a significant contributor to this growth target, with a focus on growing off-peak international travel.”Queenstown, home of the Tourism Policy School, can be seen as a microcosm for the tourism industry, with urgent infrastructure and resourcing issues, Susan said.“Anyone who lives there will tell you these are urgent issues that need to be addressed.”Guest speakers from Ireland, Scotland and the United States will be sharing innovative resourcing and funding models used overseas, and the new Minister for Tourism and Hospitality (Louise Upston) will attend the event.The 2025 Otago Tourism Policy School will take place from April 3-4 in Queenstown.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Cardrona Alpine Resort and the association representing a key Chinese ski resort region has been called “a significant step in the future of international ski tourism”.The recently signed agreement between Cardrona and the Chongli District Ice and Snow Association will set a new level of collaboration between the New Zealand ski industry and the emerging Chinese ski market.The Chongli region hosted many events of the 2022 Winter Olympics and is growing in both size and skier participation – the Chongli Ski Industry represents all the ski areas and ice attractions in the region.Cardrona will become New Zealand’s biggest ski resort this year (2025) with the opening of 150ha of new terrain in Soho Basin – the most significant terrain opening in recent New Zealand ski area history.With proposed collaboration on talent identification, product development, marketing initiatives, industry training and policy alignment, the two organisations have a combined vision to accelerate snow and ice sport participation.Speaking at the signing in Chongli, RealNZ chief customer and sales officer Scott McNab said the MOU was a commitment to cooperation, innovation, and mutual growth.“It reflects our shared belief that great ski destinations are not competitors, they can and should elevate each other for the betterment of the sport and increased enjoyment of our guests.”PHOTO: Supplied

All shops in the Queenstown Lakes district will be permitted to open on Easter Sunday as a result of a policy adopted by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).At last week’s council meeting (Thursday March 20), the Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy 2025 was approved by councillors and is effective immediately. The 2025 policy is a continuation of the district’s now-expired 2017 policy which permitted all shops in the Queenstown Lakes District to open if they chose to.The new policy “promotes ease of business, recognises the needs of the retail and tourism sectors to be able to choose to open on Easter Sunday if they wish to, and applies a consistent and simple approach to Easter Sunday shop trading”, QLDC said in a statement. Easter Sunday is a restricted trading day under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 which requires shops to remain closed, except for certain shops under certain conditions. These include dairies, cafes, service stations, garden centres, pharmacies, souvenir and duty-free shops. In 2016, amendments to the Act enabled councils to adopt policies to permit all shops to open on Easter Sunday in the whole or a part of their district. This provision is only applicable to Easter Sunday and does not include Good Friday nor Easter Monday. The Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy 2025 does not apply to the sale or supply of alcohol. Alcohol sale and supply is regulated under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.Employees have the right to choose not to work on Easter Sunday. The Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 lists responsibilities for both employers and employees for Easter Sunday. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Four local food producers have been recognised at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards 2025.The winners were announced today (March 18) and included four gold medals and two silver medals for local products.Taste of the Alps won three gold medals for The Orchard’s Black Doris Plum Jam, The Prospector Orange & Central Otago Gin Marmalade, and The Shearer Wild Thyme Onion Jam. PURE New Zealand Ice Cream won gold for its Tiramisu Ice Cream.Commenting on PURE New Zealand’s Tiramisu Ice Cream the judges said 'perfect balance, great coffee flavour. Good layering’. “We’ve worked hard to perfect what we feel is a fun yet sophisticated addition to our Range - and of course, it’s ridiculously delicious,” PURE New Zealand’s director and head of production Anna Howard said.“We’re delighted with the uptake of the new flavour and we’re churning flat out to produce stock for stores across both Islands.” Silver medals were awarded to Sidekick Soda for its Sidekick Cherry and to the Kitchen Window for its Pear & Fig Chutney.The Outstanding Food Producer Awards celebrate the best of New Zealand's food and drink producers and this year attracted a record 405 entries.PHOTO: PURE New Zealand Ice Cream

The results of the latest Business South Quarterly Business Survey reveals improved optimism within the Otago and Southland economies.The survey results show positivity about future financial performance, with more people expecting to invest in their business, although consumer confidence and demand, increased compliance costs and productivity and growth are top of mind for southern businesses. “There’s been a positive shift in how businesses are thinking about the Southern economy,” Business South chief executive Mike Collins said.“This is reassuring given the recent tough times for businesses, especially with the uncertainty in the current global climate.” The optimism is backed by 78 percent of businesses who believe the region is heading in the right direction – the highest it has been since the survey started two years ago. The results show the southern economy is starting to turn around in some sectors. Farm returns are looking more positive, there is certainty with the Dunedin hospital building, and export focused companies in the hi-tech space doing well.  More than half of respondents (54 percent) expect the strength of the Southern economy to be stronger in 12 months’ time.  Responses were submitted by 244 organisations (representing the full range of business sectors and sizes in the region) across Otago and Southland between February 17-27, 2025. The Business South’s Quarterly Business Survey was run concurrently with Business Canterbury’s Quarterly Survey, with similar themes and trends identified across both regions.PHOTO: Supplied

The proliferation of food trucks in the Upper Clutha are signs of a growing hospitality community which also offer competition to more established businesses, but there’s no doubt of their popularity.Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat told the Wānaka App the increase in food trucks and mobile dining options in Wānaka and the surrounding areas over the past few years “is part of a broader trend where people are looking for more casual, convenient, and diverse dining experiences”.The impact on local restaurants and cafes is “a bit of a mixed picture”, Glenn said.“Food trucks offer something different, a more flexible, often lower-cost dining option, which can complement the hospitality scene rather than directly compete. “That said, naturally, more choices mean increased competition, and it’s fair to say some restaurants may feel the pressure, especially in tougher economic times… Every operator will have a different take, depending on their offering, location, and customer base.”Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board member Chris Hadfield, who co-owns Ritual Cafe on Helwick Street, said the food trucks are “generally … not popular with any of the more established hospitality businesses” as they create “an uneven playing field”.“Our rents have seen massive increases and the same with other expenses,” he said.Chris said the food trucks on Brownston Street “create traffic and pedestrian issues not to mention parking”, while the newer trucks at Three Parks “compete directly with the other food businesses”. “I believe they are a useful resource but should be better managed and located away from major traffic and other permanent food outlets,” he said.The Wānaka App visited the food trucks at Three Parks and found QLDC councillor Cody Tucker waiting for his Subway order.Cody said he is a loyal customer at the business because it’s close to work, there are carparks, and somewhere to sit outside. Some of the food options there are “very cost-effective”, he said.A proprietor at one of the Three Parks food trucks told the Wānaka App he didn’t see why cafe owners should be worried.Food trucks add to the range of menu options on offer in the town, they are evidence of Wānaka’s growth, and they provide more work options, he said.“It’s much better to have different options. [Cafes] need to see it not as a competition but more like a community,” he said.A Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) spokesperson told the Wānaka App that resource consent applications for food trucks depend on the location and its underlying District Plan zoning. “Anyone setting up a food business (or making changes to an existing business) needs to meet the requirements of the Food Act 2014, enforced locally by QLDC's Environmental Health Team,” the spokesperson said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Wānaka-based clothing brand Mons Royale’s new line has secured two major international awards for innovation in sport clothing.The company’s Diversion Merino Trail Pant and Diversion Merino Wind Jacket each won their categories at the ISPO Awards, which celebrates outstanding products and services in the sporting world.“We are incredibly proud to receive these ISPO Awards,” Mons Royale co-founder and creative director Hannah Acland said.The two clothing items were part of a new line created specifically for mountain bikers.“The Diversion Bike Capsule [line] was designed to keep riders pushing further,” Hannah said. “It’s every mountain biker's dream gear, and we’re thrilled to see it recognised on the world stage.”Both items feature merino wool, a material Mons Royale has sought to champion.The ISPO awards cap off a busy period for Mons Royale, which recently opened a retail store in Whistler, British Columbia.“With our new store in Whistler, we’re deepening our connection with the mountain biking and snowsports community in one of the most iconic outdoor destinations on the planet,” Hannah said.“It’s an exciting time for the brand as we continue to innovate, expand, and share the performance benefits of merino wool with athletes and adventurers everywhere.”Mons Royale was founded in 2009 and is based in Wānaka.PHOTO: Mons Royale

Work is underway on a new lift at Cardrona Alpine Resort, which is expected to improve wait times at other lifts in the main basin.Construction of a new T-bar to service the terrain park is currently at the tower foundation preparation stage, Cardrona Treble Cone general manager Laura Hedley told the Wānaka App.“The construction of this lift is on track, which means it will be ready for skiers and snowboarders by the start of Winter 2025,” she said.Laura said skiers and snowboarders will be able to access the Big Bucks slopestyle course, Stag Lane, Lil' Bucks, the Gravity X course, and the Racecourse trail from the new T-bar.“The carrying capacity is between 800-1200 people per hour, which we expect will have a positive impact on wait times at other lifts - especially Whitestar,” she said.PHOTO: Supplied

Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) is considering whether or not to fill its head of destination position following the official departure of Gizelle Regan from the role.Gizelle took over the new ‘head of destination’ role in May last year after LWT general manager Tim Barke resigned. She moved to Australia six months ago and has worked remotely since then.“The [LWT] board [is] grateful to Gizelle for agreeing to do this as it ensured a seamless transfer of information and institutional knowledge as well as maintaining LWT’s reporting structure as we moved forward with the Shared Services model,” LWT board chair Calum MacLeod said.The Shared Services model is a collaboration allowing LWT and Destination Queenstown to pool resources while retaining their independent brand identities and strategic focus, he said. Read more: New tourism plan adopted for district“At this stage any decision on a replacement for Gizelle’s position is being very carefully considered,” Calum said. “Our priority is to identify the best structure to support LWT’s objectives, ensuring we have the right expertise and capacity to deliver for our members and Wānaka.”Gizelle has been involved in several projects, including the short film awards A Place to Stand and as chair of Three Lakes Cultural Trust. She led the steering group behind the district-wide creative and cultural strategy, Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata. Her last day with LWT will be March 28.“Her strategic approach has laid the groundwork for a future-focused destination management framework, and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to support and grow Wānaka’s position as a world-class destination," Calum said.

A new application has been lodged to generate small business opportunities in Luggate’s commercial precinct.Packhorse Holdings Ltd filed a resource consent application with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) last month to establish a small business hub on vacant land opposite the Luggate Hotel on State Highway 6.Land owner and developer Stuart Pinfold intends to create The Green, a “business garden”, comprising a number of food and business stalls on two adjacent titles.The application requests up to seven relocatable buildings and a shipping container for storage on one lot, sharing a landscaped outdoor area with seating on the second lot.“It is intended that this will become a food stall and small business greenspace rather than a traditional food truck environment,” his application said.The overall intent is to add vibrancy to the otherwise vacant roadside properties.“I’m reasonably confident that a collection of small businesses will help invigorate this area of the village, and I hope the Luggate locals will get behind those businesses.”Up to seven relocatable cabins are proposed for The Green. PHOTO: SuppliedStuart deliberately chose up to seven relocatable cabins as a starting point; it won’t overintensify the site yet will allow flexibility for more permanent buildings in the future, he said.He has already lined up “one of Wānaka’s top baristas” to begin with a coffee shop but he also envisages a complementary food stall, perhaps a barber, florist or accountant.“The Green will have food offerings but I’m hoping it can be a bit more than that…the options are somewhat endless.”In addition to adding vibrancy, the aim “is to give the people of Luggate, cyclists or any others who pass through a reason to actually slow down, stop and engage with Luggate,” he said.“It’s a starting point, and as Luggate grows in time, the site will respond. I’d imagine that this will be in operation for the next seven years or so, quite possibly longer.”Carparking for up to 12 vehicles, and fenced off from SH6 for safety, is also proposed.Stuart said he initially considered a small supermarket for his site, but the “Luggate catchment is not quite there yet”. “By going down this route I am testing the water, enabling small enterprises to have an affordable platform to offer the services, before committing significant outlay towards a more substantial commercial establishment,” he said.The proposal still awaits a green light from the New Zealand Transport Agency and QLDC but he hopes to get both “shortly”, Stuart said.Under the Proposed District Plan, Packhorse Holdings' two titles at 55 and 59 Main Road, Luggate are zoned Settlement Zone (Commercial Precinct).The company purchased the land in 2021 and 2023, Stuart said. Prior to that it sat vacant although a shop/diner operated there about 25 years ago before it was consumed by fire and ceased trading.Stuart Pinfold’s proposed development is not the only new commercial offering suggested for Luggate. Lake MacKay residential subdivision developer and owner of the former Upper Clutha Transport yard Murray Frost is considering options to create a retail hub centred around Luggate’s historic Flour Mill, beside SH6.Read more: Luggate retail precinct plans progress

‘Rubys Cinema’ will close next week, with the final film screenings on (Wednesday) March 5.The cinema (downstairs at the Basecamp/Cardrona complex on Cardrona Valley Road) opened in 2011.The twin-screen theatre has offered an ever-changing mix of mainstream and art house films, and set itself apart from the usual movie-going experience with luxurious decor, a cocktail menu, plush seating and other twists. Owner and Three Parks developer Allan Dippie told the Wānaka App the cinema would “go into hibernation until we get a new cinema at Three Parks”.He said the new cinema will be bigger and have more screens, “but still offer the boutique experience Wānaka people love”.“We would like to thank all our staff that have loved working at Rubys over the years and also all the locals that have loved the Rubys experience,” he said.The new cinema will be located within the Three Parks ‘town square’, which is currently in the design stage for the large grass area between Sir Tim Wallis Drive and the front of Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, Allan said.Its timing isn’t confirmed, he said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

International tourist spending has returned to pre-Covid levels, while domestic tourism has dipped, according to the latest figures.StatsNZ has released its annual tourism satellite figures, showing international tourism expenditure was up 60 percent to $16.9 billion, returning to levels similar to 2019 ($17.2b).The largest increase on 2023 came from Asian visitors, a 168 percent increase year on year, followed by visitors from the Americas, up 59.1 percent, visitors from Europe up 25.9 percent and visitors from Oceania, an increase of 18.4 percent.International student expenditure (studying less than 12 months, which meets StatsNZ's definition of a tourist) also leapt up on 2023 - by 76.2 percent or $1.6b, reaching $3.8b.That figure includes course fees, living costs, and airfares.Meanwhile, domestic tourism expenditure dropped by 2.5 percent to $27.5b, on the back of an 11.2 percent ($2.8b) increase the year before, and household tourism expenditure decreased by 5.8 percent to $1.3b.Total tourism expenditure for the year was just over $44.4b, up 15 percent from the year before.The number of tourism employees (159,030) and tourism business owners (23,697) both went up, by 13.3 percent and 15.1 percent respectively.Tourism accounts for 6.4 percent of the workforce.The government has focused on tourism growth as part of its economic strategy.It committed $3 million to attracting tourists to the regions in the off-season while also hiking the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), and making cuts to Department of Conservation and Tourism New Zealand's funding.Earlier this month, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon launched a $500,000 short-haul tourism campaign, with the slogan "Everyone must go" which attracted opprobrium from some quarters for its "toilet queue tone" or resemblance to a clearance sale.But some popular tourist areas are wary of the focus on numbers, with Queenstown District Council warning this week of plummeting tourism approval ratings and the prospect of protests and hostility without urgent intervention, as pressure grows on infrastructure, housing and the environment.In January, Queenstown Mayor Glyn Lewers called on the government to step up its infrastructure spend following the Minister for Economic Development Nicola Willis' announcement the government was moving away from its predecessors policy of targeting high spending tourists in favour of sheer numbers."I would expect a very serious investment in actually accommodating those visitors because a small ratepayer base cannot sustainably keep supporting the tourism industry," he said.