Luggate’s historic hotel has changed hands, and the new proprietor considers himself a very lucky man.Russell Lilley said he walked into the bar a few nights ago and 30-or-so locals gave him a standing ovation.“We cannot believe how incredible the community are,” Russell told the Wānaka App.“They’ve opened their arms to us.”Russell has owned the Rolly Inn in Rolleston for the past 27 years, the Dunsandel Bar and Cafe, a construction business, and about eight other businesses. “I’m really lucky in that every time I go to work it’s like going on holiday,” Russell said.The 75-year-old said he tried retiring about two years ago but “couldn’t do it”.Now he and partner Jeanette Ellis have taken on the Luggate Hotel, which Jeanette described as “a real adventure”.As soon as a mate told Russell the Luggate Hotel was for sale he jumped in his truck and drove down from Rolleston to check it out, Jeanette said.Former owner Rod Bowler told the Wānaka App he was on the bar when Russell arrived.New owner Russell Lilley (left) with former owner Rod Bowler.Rod went over and started chatting, and Russell didn’t give anything away. But by the end of the conversation Russell told him: “I’m going to buy this bloody place”.“Rod and I are like long-lost brothers,” Russell said.Russell is enthusiastic about completing Rod and his wife Rowena’s plans for themed accommodation at the rear of the hotel: a mini “shanty town” with six units including a barbershop, mining hut, a jail, and a sheriff’s quarters. Jeanette said they want to continue “Rod and Rowena’s legacy” with the outside of the pub, as well as changing the business inside: Russell wants to return the pub to how it once was, and Jeannette wants to make it “the centre of the community”.“Where else would you find anything like this?” Russell asked.The down-to-earth but motivated pair already have a new menu and two new chefs; a new coffee machine and a barista; and have started a courtesy van between Wānaka, Albert Town, Hāwea, and Queensberry.Russell said he has “a lot of good ideas”, and will introduce Housie, regular meat raffles, and money on the bar on rugby nights. They are also planning a new kids’ playground in the garden on the Wānaka side of the pub. The hotel grounds include the Luggate General Store, which Russell and Jeanette are thinking about making a Night N Day store, although they say any signage would have to be unobtrusive and in keeping with the building’s historic status.In the garden bar on Tuesday, one regular customer told the Wānaka App that Russell and Jeannette’s arrival was “the best thing to happen to this place in a long time”, while another said they were enjoying the hospitality.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

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

The government’s proposed new planning system, announced today (Tuesday December 9), contains a “frankly bizarre” provision which has the potential to bankrupt Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), according to the deputy mayor.Resource Management Act (RMA) reform minister Chris Bishop has announced a new planning system “to cast off the shackles imposed by the broken [RMA], and set New Zealand on a path to economic growth that lifts our living standards and protects the environment”.QLDC deputy mayor Quentin Smith, who was formerly a planner, said the council is still “getting [their] heads around the proposed changes”, some of which the council saw coming and was preparing for.“However, the one really quite frankly bizarre provision is … the suggestion that landowners should be compensated for restrictions imposed for landscape, heritage and biodiversity reasons,” he said.“With 97 percent of the QLDC district being Outstanding Natural Landscapes/Features or similar, the impact on our district seems extreme and council’s ability to financially compensate land owners would be very limited. “As a district we literally bank on the landscapes and natural values that draw people here and there has been very hard work over many years to protect those values. This appears at face value to put that at risk.    “On face value it has the potential to bankrupt our district,” he said.The provision, titled ‘recognising efforts to help nature’, sets out the possibility of regulatory relief - including cash payments, reduced rates, no-fee consents and other measures - for people significantly affected by land-use restrictions related to outstanding natural features, and similar protections.Ninety-seven percent of this district is within the Outstanding Natural Landscapes/Features zone or similar, and the impact on the reforms could be extreme, says the deputy mayor.Quentin said QLDC was already “well advanced” in preparing for some of the new spatial planning and infrastructure rules and the likelihood of fewer consents.“And there are some good and bad that could come from that,” he said.“We will have to take some time to absorb the implications.”Two bills will be introduced to Parliament this afternoon by the government, which aims to pass them into law in 2026: a Planning Bill and a Natural Environment Bill which would require regional councils to support development of both a regional spatial plan and a natural environment plan. Combined territories boards would be the decision-making body for the new planning instruments. Each territorial authority will also develop a land-use plan, which will be brought together into a single regional plan.Chris Bishop said the new planning system will be easier for local government to use and navigate and deliver better value for ratepayers.He and local government minister Simon Watts said the new system will work alongside the proposed local government reforms “to reduce complexity, cut duplication and improve outcomes for communities”.“The new planning system will mean fewer consents, faster decisions and a strong focus on the issues that genuinely matter for communities and the environment.”The government has also announced a “rapid review” of regional council functions before the new boards are established to determine whether any functions should be centralised or discontinued.Read more: Local mayors respond to reform proposalsFind more information on the new planning system here.New Zealanders will be invited to have their say on the legislation via the Select Committee process. The consultation on the government’s local government reform proposals are open until February 20, 2026 via the Department for Internal Affairs website.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Retirement living and aged care services provider Arvida Limited has submitted a resource consent application for a retirement village at three neighbouring sites in Wānaka.The company is proposing a seven-stage development of a “private, gated lifestyle retirement village”, according to the documents submitted.It would include a club house, cafe, care facility with up to 28 units, up to 165 villas, an indoor pool, pickleball courts, and parks and walking and cycling paths across 8.7-or-so hectares.“The proposal has been comprehensively and carefully designed by a team of experts in designing, constructing and operating retirement villages in New Zealand,” the application says.Arvida has 34 ‘communities’ nationwide including Queenstown Country Club, a high-end retirement community with independent living, aged care and specialist dementia care.Arvida would be Wānaka’s fifth retirement village, following Aspiring Lifestyle Village (which opened in 2010), Alden Elmslie Wānaka Village (formerly owned by Presbyterian Support Otago), Northbrook (now open in Northlake), and Metlifecare (under construction at Three Parks). Arvida Wānaka would be located on Riverbank Road.The sites are zoned lower density suburban residential and retirement villages are provided for as discretionary activities.However the proposal is listed as a non-complying activity which the applicant said “is required as two of the proposed buildings breach the permitted building height standard”.The applicant said the retirement village will provide a “relatively substantial” amount of additional housing for the elderly.“The contribution of housing choice to the elderly is assumed to be significant locally.”JTB Architects said the retirement village “draws on the character of Central Otago’s rural vernacular, with single storey pavilion style buildings, gabled roof forms, and a palette of schist, timber, and metal cladding”.QLDC is currently vetting Arvida Limited’s application.PHOTO: JTB Architects

Focus Technology Group has won this year’s People’s Choice Award at the Grand Business South Awards held at the Dunedin Town Hall on Thursday (November 20).The Invercargill-founded business, with a branch in Wānaka, was also named a finalist in the Excellence in Customer Experience category.Brendon McDermott, Focus Technology Group chief executive, said the public-voted award was especially meaningful.“This award means a lot to us because it comes directly from the people we support," he said.“We’re grateful for every vote and proud of our team who made this possible.”Founded more than 31 years ago by Rod Sinclair in Invercargill, the company has grown from a small local IT provider into a multi-branch organisation supporting businesses throughout Otago, Southland and Canterbury.The People’s Choice Award is determined entirely by public vote, with clients, partners and community members casting ballots in support of the company’s work across the South Island.Focus Technology Group provides IT services, cybersecurity solutions, cloud support, business systems and technology consulting.The Grand Business South Awards celebrate excellence across Otago and Southland, recognising organisations and individuals driving innovation, performance and community impact.Focus Technology Group thanked everyone who voted, supported and celebrated with them.PHOTO: Supplied

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has accepted Santana Minerals Ltd’s application for the development of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project under the Fast-track Approvals Act (FTA).EPA acceptance confirms that Santana’s submission meets all lodgement requirements under the FTA, allowing the application to proceed into the assessment phase. Santana Minerals CEO Damian Spring said the acceptance is a significant step forward for the project.“We are very pleased the EPA has accepted our FTA application for processing,” he said.“This is a major procedural milestone for the project and demonstrates the strength of the work completed to date. We look forward to constructive engagement with the EPA, and other agencies as the assessment progresses.” The proposal focuses on the ‘Rise and Shine’ deposit, which has been described as the largest gold discovery in New Zealand in over four decades. Santana said the project would deliver a major boost to Central Otago’s economy - adding an average of $360M in GDP each year and supporting around 350 high-paid local jobs, with many more created through flow-on effects. “Over its life, the project is expected to generate $5.8 billion in economic value and $1.8 billion in government revenue, strengthening household incomes, local businesses, and regional prosperity across Otago,” the company claims.A visual simulation of the view from State Highway 6 of the proposed Bendigo-Ophir mine during its operation phase. IMAGE: Santana Minerals/Boffa Miskel reportLocal lobby group Sustainable Tarras is strongly opposed to the company’s plans.The group’s concerns include “the size and scale of the mine right in the heart of an Outstanding Natural Landscape, the massive tailings dam which will hold 10,000 Olympic swimming pools of toxic waste, and the extensive use and storage of large quantities of cyanide solution just upstream of the Clutha/Mata Au River,” chair Suze Keith has said.The application will now be considered to determine the makeup of an expert panel. Once a panel is convened, its decision is expected to take approximately six months. “Meantime, we remain focussed on detailed planning to place orders for long-lead items and the early works programme,” Damian said. A statement from the Santana Board said subject to a positive outcome from the FTA process, “construction of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project is expected to commence in mid-2026”.The full application is available on the Fast-track website and here.

There are only a few days left for locals to enjoy a “last supper” at long-standing Wānaka cafe, Ritual, says co-owner Chris Hadfield, as the cafe will close its doors on Wednesday (November 19).Chris and his husband Paul Tregea bought the cafe in 2005, after dreaming of opening a cafe for ten years.While Paul has worked in hospitality for years, it was “completely foreign” to Chris, whose background was in finance.The pair moved south from Wellington, but “took one look at Queenstown and said ‘no’”, Chris said. They soon discovered their ideal destination lay over the hill in Wānaka. The Wānaka Sun ran this story when the pair bought the cafe in 2005. IMAGE: SuppliedIn 2005 there were only a handful of places you could get coffee in Wānaka, including Ritual, Relishes, and Kai Whakapai. Over the past 20 years that scene has been transformed with many new hospo businesses established.But the regular Ritual customers have always known what they like, and consequently there have been “bugger all” changes to the cafe’s menu in the past 20 years, Chris said.There has been plenty of change elsewhere, though.On their first day at the cafe Chris and Paul made $890, and thought “We’re going to be rich”, Chris said.Turnover increased over the years, but the Covid-19 pandemic and now the cost of living have changed the scene.“We’ve lost the families,” Chris said. “There’s not a financial safety blanket now.”Compliance issues have become more complicated and more expensive, he said.Chris recalled their very first health inspection was undertaken by one of their regular customers, who turned up in a white coat, carrying a clipboard, saying “this is my day job”.That inspection took 20 minutes, and they were told to “buy a new nailbrush”.Now an inspection can take three to four hours, he said, and cost considerably more.And while Wānaka once had two distinct shoulder seasons, Chris said by the time Covid arrived, “the shoulder season was basically non-existent”.“There was a dip,” he said, but now “shoulder seasons are back”.A wall of memories at Ritual Cafe. PHOTO: Wānaka AppSocial change has also been a feature for the cafe owners known as “the only gays in the village”.Chris enjoys standing out from the crowd, so he has mixed feelings about having “been assimilated into the heterosexual community”.He said he and Paul haven’t had a Christmas Day for 20 years - Boxing Day is their busiest day of the year, so Christmas Day is spent prepping at the cafe. While they’re now looking forward to a sleep-in on Boxing Day, Chris said they will miss the social aspect of the cafe.“The best part of the job - and the only reason I get out of bed: customers.”Chris, a member of the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board, said once his cafe career is concluded he plans to focus on three key areas for the community: The Heart of Wānaka Plan for the the CBD, the development of a new arts facility for the area, and improving active transport connectivity.

Hearings on a proposed Super Liquor store in Lake Hāwea concluded in Wānaka on Friday (November 14).Keyrouz Holdings Ltd’s plans for a 300-square-metre store in Hāwea’s Longview subdivision attracted more than 500 objections from residents and health experts, who had the opportunity to voice their concerns in person during the three-day hearing.The opposition centred on the risk that a new liquor outlet would increase alcohol-related harm in the small community.Objectors cited national statistics on alcohol related harm as well as the findings of the 2023 Upper Clutha Youth Voice Survey, which found significant binge drinking among local teenagers.Many also spoke from personal experience witnessing both teen and adult drinking.The applicant also made its case for the Super Liquor outlet, which it said would fit in “really well” in Hāwea’s new commercial precinct. District Licensing Committee (DLC) members Chris Cooney, John Mann and Lyal Cocks have been tasked with deciding whether or not to issue an alcohol license for the Super Liquor, which already has resource consent.They will consider written closing submissions once they are received. “Once the DLC has all final closing submissions it will then take time to assess all the information and write up its decision,” a Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesperson told the Wānaka App. “There is no timeframe prescribed in legislation within which it needs to release the decision – it’s up to the DLC and could be before Christmas or in the New Year.” Once the decision is issued, it will be released to all parties. “If any parties don’t agree with parts of the decision and consider the DLC has erred in law they can lodge an appeal to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA),” the spokesperson said. “ARLA would then hold a public hearing by way of a rehearing of the matter, but no new information could be introduced.”PHOTO: Supplied

Debate has erupted in Wānaka at a hearing on a proposed Super Liquor store in Lake Hāwea - with company representatives defending the bottle store and health experts and residents warning of alcohol related harm in the small community.At the centre of the debate are Keyrouz Holdings Ltd’s plans for a 300sqm+ store in Hāwea’s Longview subdivision, which would operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week.Its application for a liquor license attracted more than 500 objections and Southern District Health Board medical officer of health Dr Michael Butchard told the District Licensing Committee yesterday (Thursday November 13) that no other license had a greater proportion of the community object to it.Among objectors’ concerns is the fact Super Liquor would be the first business to open in Longview’s commercial precinct.“A bottle store before a GP is not the right order,” Michael told the committee.He said there were many reasons to deny the license, including a known youth drinking culture, likely heavy episodic drinking in the adult population, and geographical isolation of health services.He referenced the 2023 Upper Clutha Youth Voice Survey, which found 66 percent of local young people had consumed alcohol, with 31 percent reporting binge drinking at least monthly. “Each new off-license increases the odds of binge drinking,” he said.A day earlier the applicant had laid out its case, with Super Liquor Holdings national operations manager Greg Hoar saying the company had the “utmost regard for the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act”.A liquor licensing hearing for the proposed Hāwea Super Liquor is underway at the Lake Wānaka Centre this week. PHOTO: Wānaka AppGreg said the store would “fit in really well” in the Longview neighbourhood.Glen Christiansen (the chief executive of Keyrouz owner, Gate Group) implied a bottle store was inevitable - and a Super Liquor was the right operation."I do believe that Lake Hāwea will get a bottle store at some point, and that we are the suitable operator due to our great history and strong operational standards…" he said.John Young, lawyer for the applicant, said many of the objections lodged were “template objections”, arguing they lacked author authenticity and were “likely to carry less weight.” Longview resident Lisa Riley, who has spearheaded community opposition to the Super Liquor, pushed back on this when she spoke yesterday.“With respect, that is wrong,” she said. “The community asked Communities Against Alcohol Harm, a national charity, to assist in the use of a digital platform to make it easier for people to understand the law and raise objections."She said she wanted to highlight the “bigger picture”.“If this license is granted Lake Hāwea will have 10 licenses for a population of 2,340,” she said.“That’s three times the density of neighbouring Albert Town and more than double the national average.“We simply don’t have the infrastructure to absorb more alcohol related incidents.”She said community opposition was “not about prohibition”.“It’s about the law doing what Parliament intended, protecting families, children and communities from predictable harm”.The hearing continues at the Lake Wānaka Centre today (Friday November 14).

Cardrona Alpine Resort has claimed the title of New Zealand’s Best Ski Resort in the 2025 World Ski Awards.This is the first time since the awards were established over a decade ago that Cardrona has won the New Zealand title.“It’s an honour to be awarded Aotearoa’s Best Ski Resort in 2025, as voted for by the people who matter most to us – our guests and our industry,” Cardrona and Treble Cone chief mountains officer Laura Hedley said.“This is a huge recognition for all the people who make Cardrona what it is, the mahi put in by our team to deliver an excellent experience on the maunga, and our community who make this place special. “We’re so grateful and proud.”The World Ski Awards programme has categories for all facets of the ski industry, in each of the world’s top 25 ski tourism nations. Finalists are voted for by both public and industry, to determine who stands above the rest in their country each year.Laura said the recognition caps off a year of highlights for Cardrona.The ski area opened 150ha of new terrain and a new chairlift in Soho Basin this season, making it New Zealand’s biggest ski resort. The team also opened a new base area building and a t-bar servicing high-performance training facilities.This summer they’re getting stuck into the next stage of Soho Basin developments, including a new snowmaking dam, snowmaking installations, trail development, and additional road and carpark improvements.PHOTO: Cardrona

Precious Collaborative’s innovative approach to fashion has earned a $10,000 vote of confidence from Wools of Wānaka.The clothing brand blends high quality, locally made garments with a unique business model that is helping make sustainable fashion more accessible. At the heart of Precious Collaborative is a system that lets supporters fund the project in different ways: by buying a limited-edition coat, paying full or extra prices for garments, or even donating without taking anything themselves.Their contributions make it possible for other customers to access high quality garments at a reduced price, helping the brand balance sustainability with affordability.In the case of Wools of Wānaka, it made a donation without taking a garment - a decision described by owner Ann-Louise Stokes as “easy”.“I am in awe of [designer Claire O’Connell’s] passion and commitment to natural fibres and sustainable garments,” Ann-Louise said.The gift will help fund another production run of sold-out pinafores and shirts, cover operational costs, and support a shared exhibition space with Liz Mitchell, MNZM at the Christchurch A&P Show in November, Claire said.It is the latest in a series of generous contributions that surpassed Claire’s expectations.“I have now got three payments from generous supporters,” she said.“The first one [came] from a local Wānaka person who had no idea if this would work but wanted to support the concept and help me get started; the second payment was from someone who has no idea who I am and who asked, before they even received their coat, if they could pay an extra $10,000 so they paid $20,000; and the third payment was from someone who doesn't want a coat but still wants to support.”Claire said the support demonstrates that people are willing to support creative projects in many ways. “What I feel this gives Precious is the idea that there are many types of supporters of this kind of social construction out there, willing to support in many ways and for many reasons.”PHOTO: Supplied

There is still opposition to McDonald’s latest bid to open a restaurant in Wānaka - but it remains to be seen whether it will reach the same fervour as the resistance to the company’s previous application.The company’s proposal for a 24-hour restaurant and drive-through on Sir Tim Wallis Drive in Three Parks was made public this week.It comes eight months after the company’s attempt to set up at Mt Iron Junction was turned down.Read more: McDonald’s launches new Wānaka applicationThe earlier application attracted hundreds of submissions, thousands of signatories in an online petition, and plenty of heated debates.Many opponents at the time said they would prefer to see such a development located in Three Parks - the site of the new proposal - although others argued the fast-food chain was simply not a good fit for Wānaka.Local resident Jesse Herbert campaigned against McDonald’s previous application.“If the town chooses to contest this one I think it's time we start to talk about the local landowners selling out the place they grew up in, or the next one will be at the base of Roys Peak or the Wānaka Tree,” he told the Wānaka App yesterday.In November 2023 Wānaka resident Sarah Morrison launched a petition to QLDC opposing McDonald’s bid to establish a restaurant at Mt Iron Junction, which attracted more than 5,500 signatories.She said the Wānaka community prides itself on its beautiful natural environment, and “McDonald’s goes against our core community value”. She cited “extensive food waste and pollution… directing profit out of Wānaka” and low staff wages.Sarah told the Wānaka App yesterday she was still opposed to a McDonald’s in Wānaka, “for the same reasons”.McDonald’s Restaurants NZ spokesperson Simon Kenny told the Wānaka App that “a number of alternative sites presented themselves following the hearing on the Mt Iron resource consent”. Now that the resource consent application has been lodged, the company will work through the consent process with Queenstown Lakes District Council, he said.“Subject to consent approval we will then confirm a planned opening date.”PHOTO: Wānaka App 

Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge says the company has moved on after its proposal to lower Lake Hāwea’s contingent storage level through the Fast Track Act has been rejected.Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has told the power generator it cannot use the Fast Track process to lower the operating level of Lake Hāwea by two more metres.Read more: ‘Elation, surprise, relief’ as lake level proposal rejectedMike Fuge told the Wānaka App the hydro lake is “a gift from previous generations, built for the nation to ensure affordable, secure energy for the country”, and local stakeholders are getting in the way of that.“We recognise that there is a debate that needs to be had between keeping these assets for the nation and local stakeholders who now wish to use that resource for other things,” he said.The Wānaka App asked him for clarification on what “other things” stakeholders wish to use the lake for, and how this was stopping Contact from generating electricity, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.His comments follow his appearance on a news talk show on Tuesday morning (October 21) where he was asked “how big an issue is Nimbyism?” in relation to the energy generator’s proposal for Lake Hāwea.Contact CEO Mike Fuge, who says local stakeholders now wish to use the lake “for other things” did not respond to the Wānaka App’s question on what those things were. Mike Fuge responded that all Contact was looking for was “an increased operation range… that was well established”.“Nimbyism is always going to be an issue… And as a nation we’re just going to have to have that discussion. At the end of the day it’s an opportunity and a little bit of flexibility in our hydro schemes goes a long way. “We should be grasping hold of the opportunity.”Guardians of Lake Hāwea chair Geoff Kernick said he was puzzled by Mike’s comment.“Contact does use the resource - they still operate the lake and it's a vital part of the hydro scheme,” he said.A group of stakeholders “representing a range of Hāwea residents and interests in the Upper Clutha district” released a statement today (Wednesday October 22) saying the proposal to lower the lake level “would have drastic impacts on the health of the lake and all those who rely on its water – not just households, but businesses and farming interests between Hāwea and Cromwell”.The group represented the Guardians, the Hāwea Community Association, the Hāwea Catchment Group, Devon Dairy Farms, three groups of residential bore users, the Upper Clutha Angling Club, and Glen Dene Tourism Group.The group said the Minister’s decision was “a victory for common sense and a chance to focus on a lasting solution to the country’s energy needs”.“Electricity security and supply is a critical issue for New Zealand as a whole and it needs a system-wide approach involving all generators in conjunction with the appropriate organisations such as Transpower, the Electricity Authority and the Commerce Commission,” they said.“Contact Energy still has access to the extra water it wants, but the decision about when it can be used is made by Transpower as System Operator on behalf of all New Zealand, not a commercial decision by Contact on behalf of its shareholders.”The Contact CEO said the decision was disappointing.“Our team worked really hard on this to achieve a balance between local stakeholder concerns and the need for security of energy supply for the nation over the coming years,” he said.He said the proposal would have had a significant, positive impact on “consumer prices, and the economy, not to mention energy supply”.“We will continue to focus on our pipeline of renewable energy projects and playing our part [to] support the country’s energy security. That is our top concern. “The more we build, the more we invest, the sooner we can bring down prices.”PHOTOS: Supplied

After months of speculation by locals, McDonald’s has submitted an application for land use consent to establish a new restaurant in Wānaka, in an area it recently rejected as “the backblocks”.The application for a 450.4sqm McDonald’s restaurant and drive through - located near the BP service station at Three Parks, at 1 Sir Tim Wallis Drive - is currently being vetted by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).McDonald’s Restaurants (NZ) Limited said the restaurant and drive-through would operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week.A company spokesperson told the Wānaka App earlier this year it hadn’t given up on setting up a Wānaka restaurant, after being dealt a blow when independent commissioners turned down its proposal for a 447m2 restaurant and drive-through at Mt Iron Junction.Many of the people who submitted against the original proposal for the Mt Iron Junction McDonald’s - which was turned down due to ‘more than minor’ adverse effects on the environment - suggested a McDonald’s would be better located in Three Parks, however during the hearing the fast food giant said it deemed that area “the backblocks”.The new application is for a six-metre high, single-level restaurant building - with seating for 75 diners.Signage would include a six-metre high blade sign with an illuminated ‘M’, and there would be 19 car parks, including two parks within a drive-though lane at the ‘grill order’.McDonald’s application says while “public interest in the brand is acknowledged”, it does not justify public notification of the application.The owner of the site is Willowridge Developments Limited, which is owned by Three Parks developer Allan Dippie.Allan has previously told the Wānaka App he expected to be approached by fast-food restaurants seeking drive-through locations.“We realise half the town would be very pleased if they came to town and the other half wouldn’t be… The thing to remember however is that neither half is forcing the other half to frequent such establishments.” Allan said the important thing was “locating such businesses in the right place”.McDonald’s was approached for comment.IMAGES: Supplied

Despite demand for jobs running red-hot across the country, some Queenstown and Wānaka employers say it's never been harder to find staff.The latest TradeMe Jobs data shows the district has been bucking the national trend, with a 15 percent fall in job application numbers over the past financial year.Nationwide, job applications rose more than 60 percent between April and June, reaching record highs.Patrick Ryan, from R&R Plumbing and Gas, said he had found it very hard to employ a plumber to work in either Cromwell or Wānaka."It's generally always been reasonably tricky to find full-time staff down here. It is a pretty transient place anyway. But, especially over the last year, you do not even really get people applying as such now."We used to pick up... people who were just here for the winter season. But we have not even noticed the skiers anymore."To entice staff, R&R Plumbing had added a $1000 sign-on bonus for new recruits.Food delivery company Delivereasy was trying a similar tactic, offering $500 to drivers signing up in Wānaka.Co-founder Tim Robinson said recruiting in Queenstown and Wānaka was unlike anywhere else in New Zealand."It is night and day. Queenstown, Wānaka is the place we find a lot of competition - a lot of high wages for entry-level jobs. And if you're looking for work down there, it's sort of a buffet."The relatively high cost of living appeared to be the biggest barrier for potential recruits, Robinson said."I think it is the housing. The housing particularly is really expensive... and it is a large transient population too. And then a lot of people will not have vehicles. So it is a bit of a perfect storm."SUNDAYS owner Annabel Herbison. PHOTO: Katie Todd / RNZIn Queenstown, SUNDAYS eatery was gearing up for what owner Annabel Herbison hoped would be its busiest summer yet.She was advertising for several different roles, and had noticed a big difference in application numbers between them.One management position had attracted about 180 applications - largely from out of town - while the front-of-house jobs had drawn a lot fewer."I think it is just quite a competitive market. Everyone's recruiting, everyone's preparing for a big summer season, so there are a lot of jobs on offer."The typically quiet shoulder season between winter and summer had proved reasonably busy this year, she said."It is a good problem to have - businesses doing well down here. But when you have to balance that with staffing needs and operational needs, it can become challenging."TradeMe Jobs and SEEK NZ reported the tide was beginning to turn for the job market across the rest of New Zealand this month.TradeMe said there had been a 13 percent rise in job listings last quarter - many of them in Southland, Otago and Canterbury.SEEK said the national trend was still one of "elevated candidate activity", with "many willing applicants for the opportunities available".

A controversial $5B gold mining project near Tarras is now one step closer.Mining company Santana Minerals confirmed yesterday (Thursday October 16) it had signed a binding agreement to purchase “key blocks” of Bendigo Station for $55M.A statement from Santana Minerals said this means it now controls the ground it needs to shift from “exploration to full-scale development”.Under the deal, Santana Minerals will acquire roughly 800 hectares of the historic station, or approximately 10 percent of the farm, for “modern open-pit mining”.However, the proposal is subject to Overseas Investment Office approval and the Fast Track Approvals Act process.Bendigo Station owner John Perriam said he had come around to the idea of selling the land to Santana Minerals.“I… was determined to keep control by leasing not selling the land to Santana, but seeing the benefits the Clyde Dam has brought to Cromwell and Central Otago, and the rigorous process that new age goldmines have to go through, I have decided to stand aside and put trust into the New Zealand government process.”John said he “didn’t feel he had the right to stand in the path of” the forecast $5B in regional economic benefits.The gold mining proposal has faced significant opposition from the local community and has also attracted national attention.Earlier this month nine prominent artists from around New Zealand - including Dick Frizzell, Gregory O’Brien, and Grahame Sydney - gifted works to raise funds in opposition to the gold mine.Read more: NZ artists vow to fight proposed gold mine“The proposed desecration of a heritage area for purely monetary gain is an outrage to all of us, as it is to the citizens of Central Otago and to all New Zealanders,” organiser Gregory O’Brien said.Money raised will go to Sustainable Tarras, which hopes to prevent the mining from going ahead, for legal fees and expert reports.Chair Suze Keith compared the fight between the small rural community and the mining company to “David vs Goliath”.Santana Minerals has not yet lodged a referral application for the project via the Fast Track Approvals Act.The company’s chief executive Damian Spring said the agreement to purchase a portion of Bendigo Station marked “a huge step forward”.PHOTO: Supplied

The world-famous Cardrona Hotel will remain in Kiwi hands after being sold to New Zealand buyers for an undisclosed sum.The 162-year-old heritage-listed hotel and restaurant has been purchased by a group of NZ investors with strong links to Central Otago. The group, who wish to remain low key, will take over ownership on November 3.The business will be run by Warren Barclay, who has lived in Wānaka for the past four years and brings extensive corporate hospitality experience. Warren is the owner of Experience Group, which runs hospitality for major sporting fixtures and events. He’ll step away from the day to day oversight of Experience Group with his new role as Cardrona Hotel publican.Warren said the new ownership group brings with them “a deep appreciation for New Zealand’s heritage and a clear vision for the future of the hotel”.“We’re incredibly proud to take on the stewardship of such a special part of New Zealand’s story,” he said. “The Cardrona Hotel holds a unique place in the hearts of so many, and we’re committed to preserving its heritage while exploring thoughtful ways to enhance its boutique accommodation, dining, event offerings and overall guest experience.”He said the acquisition reflects continued confidence in the Southern Lakes region as a premier tourism and lifestyle destination. “The hotel’s strong trading performance, year-round visitor appeal, and iconic status made it a highly sought-after opportunity in the hospitality market.”Outgoing publican Cade Thornton and incoming publican Warren Barclay.Outgoing owner Cade Thornton, who has overseen the hotel’s operations for the past 13 years, expressed gratitude for the support of the local community and guests over the years.“It’s been an honour to be part of the Cardrona Hotel’s legacy, and we look forward to becoming ‘locals’ ourselves. We’re delighted to see it passed on to passionate new custodians who share a love for the region and its heritage.”The Cardrona Hotel sale attracted national and international attention when Cade announced news of the private sale in July. During the six-week campaign he received enquiries from NZ, Australia, USA and Singapore. At the time, the Cardrona Hotel listing on Trade Me Property was the website’s third most popular live listing this year, with more than 130,016 views in five weeks.“I’m really happy with how it’s all turned out,” Cade said. “It’s been a successful outcome for both parties.”He will remain working with Warren for a short transition period. He, wife Alexis and their two children will remain living in the Cardrona Valley.The hotel will continue to operate as usual, with no immediate changes planned to staffing or services, Warren said.PHOTOS: Supplied

A joint council assessment of the supply of land for housing and business in this district has identified a “staggering” deficit of supply in the short term.The Housing and Business Capacity Assessment (HBA) 2025 report, from Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) in partnership with Otago Regional Council (ORC), was considered by QLDC at its final council meeting for the triennium last week.Its key findings show an expected surplus of dwelling supply in the medium and long term (10 to 30 years) - due to increased “infrastructure investment and development opportunity within the planning frameworks”, but in the short term (three years) net shortfalls in residential dwelling and in the medium and long terms in business land are predicted - to be constrained by infrastructure limitations, primarily in Whakatipu.The Wānaka Ward shows a small surplus of 180 dwellings, but with projected shortfalls in Wānaka’s township - also primarily as a result of infrastructure capacity limitations.“The amount of infrastructure deficit and shortfall is absolutely staggering,” Wānaka councillor Quentin Smith said.“There is a crisis of infrastructure in achieving those outcomes we approved in the last meeting… I’m not quite sure where we’ve departed in the resource management world from aligning resource and management and resource management. I just can’t grasp the extent to which we’ve overzoned relating to [the] resource available to us to provide the infrastructure.”He used growth and the impact on infrastructure in Lake Hāwea as an example, and said the issue would be an important one for the incoming council.Councillor Quentin Smith said the report reveals a “crisis of infrastructure”.QLDC planning and development general manager Dave Wallace said the HBA provides a crucial resource for understanding how planning and infrastructure decisions will affect future land availability, ultimately helping to guide sustainable growth and development in the district.“We’re expecting population in the Queenstown Lakes District to grow by 80 percent and reach 97,500 over the next 30 years, which means more housing is needed, more businesses to support those residents, and more infrastructure required to service their needs,” Dave said.“The HBA highlights our current infrastructure constraints and future shortfalls in residential, commercial, and industrial land, ultimately guiding proactive planning decisions and identifying what we’ll need more of to continue growing well as a district.”The HBA adopts a high growth scenario to set housing bottom lines, setting out a requirement for an additional 27,100 new dwellings in the district over the next 30 years, with 9,100 required by 2033 and a further 18,000 by 2053.While substantial plan-enabled housing capacity already exists in the district, the HBA identifies infrastructure limitations that result in a district-wide shortfall of approximately 1,000 dwellings in the short term, especially in the Whakatipu.A surplus of dwellings is expected in the medium and long term as investment planned for infrastructure and development opportunities increase.Land for business is also projected to grow strongly over the next 30 years, but recent zoning changes and further infrastructure constraints show more capacity is required for retail and commercial operations, most notably 36 hectares of industrial land in the long term.Council said it will now explore alternative funding and financing tools to accelerate infrastructure delivery in priority development areas, in addition to developing an updated Spatial Plan which will help identify the location of additional land to meet demand. PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Greenstone Entertainment has confirmed the Wānaka leg of its 2026 Summer Concert Tour will take place on Saturday January 31, 2026 while its application for a resource consent with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) remains under review.Should resource consent be granted Wānaka’s Three Parks Outdoor Arena will host the long-running Gibbston Valley event for the first time after organisers confirmed plans to move the event here in July this year.Organiser Dean Calvert told the Wānaka App that the resource consent application is a process and “we're now just going through the conditions”.“We're just ticking off the conditions to make sure that whatever conditions are in there, we can meet,” he said.Dean said Greenstone Entertainment is experienced at presenting events in an urban environment, citing the 15 years the Summer Concert has performed in Taupo.“In Taupo we're in the middle of town and we're also in the middle of a residential area,” Dean said.“ The whole community gets behind it and it's great.”The large-scale concert has attracted more than 15,000 people to Gibbston Valley each year for the past 15 years, featuring major acts such as Cold Chisel, Crowded House, Alanis Morissette and ZZ Top, and contributes around $12M to the region’s economy annually.“We're gonna be using all local suppliers,” Dean said. “We've had everyone contact us, which has been great, and we've had a whole lot of volunteers looking for money. It's great for the town.”Dean said the artist lineup for the Summer Concerts will be announced on Thursday October 16.PHOTO: Supplied