McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd has not given up on plans for a local McDonald’s branch despite the project being delivered a blow last week.Independent commissioners declined the company’s application for a restaurant and drive-through at Mt Iron Junction (near the Mt Iron intersection) after a lengthy resource consent process.“Our intention remains to open a restaurant in Wānaka, navigating some of the local commercial interests at play,” a McDonald’s Restaurants NZ spokesperson told the Wānaka App this week.“As we have stated throughout, McDonald’s is committed to working in good faith to follow the process regarding the proposed restaurant site in Wānaka.“We’ll review and assess the decision, discuss with the developer, and consider next steps with regards to that site.”The location of the proposed McDonald’s - on rural-zoned land just below the Outstanding Natural Landscape (ONL) zoned Mt Iron - was one of the most common complaints about the proposal from submitters.The “adverse effects” on the environment also played a significant role in the commissioners’ decision to decline the application.Read more: ‘Adverse effects’: Wānaka McDonald’s turned downOptions facing the fast food giant include appealing the decision, or finding a new site for a restaurant in Wānaka.McDonald’s Restaurants NZ’s plans for a Wānaka restaurant were first made public in November 2023.PHOTO: Supplied

The government has announced a $30 million spend on tourism infrastructure and biodiversity projects.Conservation Minister Tama Potaka, alongside Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, made the announcement at the post-Cabinet brief on Monday.It includes $11m spent to improve popular visitor sites and further $19m towards biodiversity efforts.The $11m tourism funding would go towards:Upgrades to huts, car parks and facilities at Aoraki Mt Cook, Rangitoto Island and Motutapu IslandSafety upgrades to 116 cable structures including suspension and swing bridgesInvestment at Goat Island / Te Hāwere a Maki to improve beach access, car parking, and reflect the area's significant cultural heritage.The $19m biodiversity funding would go towards:Stopping the spread of wallabies and managing deer and goat populations in National Parks and popular visitor areas to allow nature to thriveTargeted predator control to protect native species especially the critically endangered Southern Dotterel birds in Rakiura National ParkStopping and removing wilding pines from our iconic landscapes.Potaka said the spending came from the government's International Visitor Levy which is paid for by tourists entering the country, from the funds raised before the government increased the cost from $35 per tourist to $100.It follows the announcement on Sunday of a further $500,000 spent on an ad campaign for attracting Australian tourists during the off-peak "shoulder season".Labour and the Greens supported tourism growth at the time but said there should instead be more funding for tourism infrastructure, which was already struggling to cope with demand in some areas.The "Everyone Must Go" slogan also faced criticism and mockery from the parties as well as as well as the public.

By Chris Schulz NZ police blame alcohol abuse and violence on a widespread crackdown on outdoor events. But promoters call that "misinformation" and say unfair opposition puts their events at risk.Alex Turnbull has hosted a huge outdoor party nestled into the Cardrona Valley's lush foothills as each New Year arrives, for the past 15 years."We know what we're doing," says the founder of Rhythm & Alps, the three-day festival that has had a largely unblemished run. Each event attracts 10,000 people, and he can only remember six or seven arrests ever being made - about one every two years."It's a really well-contained, safe festival site," he says.But, at the end of 2023, Turnbull found himself at a District Licensing Committee hearing where police and health authorities were doing something unusual - fighting his request to sell punters four alcoholic drinks at a time."They instantly opposed it," says Turnbull.He calls this a "massive challenge", because without alcohol sales, Rhythm & Alps and many other festivals may not be profitable."There's no way we could run it. Absolutely no way."His licence was approved, but police later appealed the decision, citing what they called an unreported "underbelly" of bad behaviour at his event. They lost their appeal over lack of evidence, but Turnbull still doesn't understand why police targeted Rhythm & Alps when it has such a strong track record."We've got a very good, experienced team who know how to handle large crowd numbers and intoxication levels," he says."We are not trying to make a messy party ... why would we want to do that?"Turnbull promotes major shows around the country and claims it's just one example of many which shows police are cracking down on outdoor events, either opposing festival liquor licences or restricting their ability to sell alcohol, then arriving at events in large numbers to enforce those rules. Interviews with multiple promoters backed his view, with many saying they were facing opposition for everything from dub and reggae shows to multi-stage music festivals to dance and hip-hop parties headlined by international artists.In a statement, police denied trying to shut down everyone's summer fun. Instead, they say they are targeting outdoor festivals to "mitigate the risks of alcohol-related harm"."Large scale events such as concerts and multi-day events are high-risk events," a spokesperson says."When police oppose an event, they are not saying the event can't take place, but are looking to the District Licensing Committees to impose appropriate conditions that mitigates the risk at that particular event."Nine shows have been affected by police licensing opposition this summer, with four outdoor festivals cancelled, another four postponed, and one forced to return tickets when NZ Police opposed their application and their licensing rules changed. Promoters already struggling with hefty cost increases and sluggish ticket sales say increasing police opposition could make their events untenable.Promoter blames a 'targeted campaign'Just before Christmas, one of our biggest summer festivals called it all off. Juicy Fest, a nostalgic hip-hop festival running since 2023, told ticket-holders they could no longer bring Ludacris, Akon and a dozen other acts here for four shows. The reason? Police had opposed their liquor licence in Auckland, blaming "excessive consumption of alcohol," a "significant number of gang members from different gangs," and "disorder and fighting" that blighted Juicy Fest's 2023 and 2024 events.Timeless Group promoter Glenn Meikle alleged "targeted efforts" were to blame. Because of Juicy Fest's cancellation, he says he was forced to postpone another four festival shows for his Timeless Summer Tour because those events were being held in the same venues, and police opposition affected those liquor licences too.(Meikle didn't respond to a request for comment, but multiple news stories covered ongoing issues at Juicy Fest 2024, including 12 arrests being made at the Auckland leg, and six in Wellington, where a police officer was hit in the head with a bottle.)On the same day that Juicy Fest's cancellation was announced, the long-running Western Springs event Laneway was forced to recall up to 2000 tickets it had already sold to 16 to 18-year-olds. Eleven people were treated for intoxication in 2024 across all ages, and no arrests were made, but police opposed the festival's liquor licence allowing underage music fans onto the site, saying they suspected "there were many more intoxicated people in the crowd" than the reported numbers.Laneway was forced to cancel entry to under-18s at its 2025 event, despite already selling tickets to people aged 16 and 17. PHOTO: Chris Schulz, SuppliedClearly, some festivals have more issues than others. But promoters say police are taking a heavy-handed approach at many events and requesting drink restrictions, hampering how profitable a festival can be."For most people doing an outdoor event these days, your profit is in your bar sales," says David Benge, the managing director for events company TEG Live."If the police are coming in heavy-handed and not allowing that ... it kills your profit margins."Benge should know - he had his own run-in with police just a few weeks ago.Why did 18 cops show up to Summer Haze?At Summer Haze, a Tauranga festival headlined by The Roots and held on 30 December, at least 18 uniformed police officers showed up and stood in a line across Wharepai Domain for the entire evening.In a statement, police say this was a "preventative approach" to anticipated disorder.Police gather at Summer Haze in Tauranga. PHOTO Chris Schulz, SuppliedJust a few thousand punters were there on a very mellow night and they were just as perplexed by the large police presence as the show's promoter was. Benge had met with police before the event and says he expected a few of them to show up - but not in those kinds of numbers. He'd already hired his own team of security who hadn't reported any problems."We'd had zero issues," he says.So, when 18 officers arrived on site, Benge approached them and asked, "Is it necessary to have this many police here?" Benge claims police told him they were staying put, and refused to negotiate. The spot they were all standing in was clearly visible from the stage, and right by the festival's front gate. "Anyone coming in would see 18 police officers with their arms folded," he says.In a statement, police say they supplied "sufficient staff to rotate through hydration and meal breaks". They say the presence of staff in hi-vis vests has "a calming effect" on crowds. They say they kept a close eye on the venue's single bar."We were also there to monitor that the conditions of the event's alcohol licence were being complied with," a spokesperson says.Several weeks after his event, Benge remains in disbelief. He, and others, refute claims that a large police presence calms crowds. "It's a chicken and egg thing," Benge says. "[Police] are creating a scene where this feels intimidating."He says their presence impacted his performers too."When my bands are on stage, they're seeing a sea of people having a good time - and a wall of police behind them. They're like, 'What's going down?' That has them second-guessing whether we're running safe events."Police say there were "fortunately no significant issues" and "no arrests of note". Benge says one arrest was made that night - for an out-of-date medical marijuana prescription.The problem - and a potential solution"Licensing's the number one issue we've been dealing with in recent times," says Elaine Linnell, general manager of the Events Association, an industry body representing the majority of the country's events and promoters. She agrees that battles against police and health authorities over alcohol licensing issues has become a major headache for many promoters.She believes outdoor events are an "easy target" for police."There's no rhyme or reason to it," she says. "Police are being harder on us."Linnell says there have been "inconsistent" interpretations of licensing rules around the country, depending on how authorities read the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.In an attempt to solve the issue, they have proposed a solution, an assessment tool that would allow promoters to self-regulate and mitigate any risk at the events they're trying to put on. It's been submitted to ministers, but Linnell says she's yet to hear anything back. And so, promoters are stuck in limbo, battling police over licenses for every single outdoor show they're trying to put on."They're really frustrated," she says."If you look at this overseas you're just not seeing this at all. Here, it doesn't feel like you're trusted to be an adult."Stuart Clumpus, a veteran promoter with 40 years of experience, agrees. He believes the strict conditions being enforced by police are creating unnecessary problems at outdoor events."Queues are the thing that pisses everybody off at a gig," he says.Yet, police will often dictate drink limits on punters, allowing them to buy two, or only one, drink at a time. Rather than decreasing intoxication, Clumpus believes it encourages it."If there's a big queue, everybody goes, 'I'd better buy as many as I can."Clumpus struggles to understand what police are trying to achieve. In a 2024 report, Manatū Hauora (The Ministry of Health) estimated the harm caused by alcohol abuse at $9.1 billion annually, but said the majority of that came from low to moderate consumption.If police are trying to address alcohol abuse, Clumpus believes a summer festival isn't the place to do it. He points to the price of a drink at a festival - often $12 or $13 each - as prohibitive to excessive drinking."I genuinely don't believe giving people a hard time at a one-off show makes any kind of dent to it," he says.Turnbull, from Rhythm & Alps, says he already employs up to 90 security staff at his festival. With his track record, he thinks police should trust him to run his events in a safe and efficient manner."We want to treat ticket-holders like adults," he says. "Our customers are having a good time. They don't want to be queued up. If you treat people badly, they're going to behave [badly]. The police need to work with us on this. They do not have the experience to manage large crowds. They do not have experience in doing these events ... they're barking up the wrong tree."Why NZ police are doing thisRNZ used the Official Information Act to request access to all NZ police communications regarding their presence at Summer Haze and other summer events. Police turned it down, saying the request was too broad and would take too much time to process.Instead, the police media team agreed to provide "general comments" about police attitudes towards summer music events where alcohol was being served. That statement gives some indication of why increasing numbers of police are attending outdoor festivals and opposing liquor licences."Police attend most, if not all, of these events and unfortunately over recent years have observed high levels of intoxication, physical assaults and disorder," a spokesperson says.The spokesperson also claims there were incidents only police knew about."We have investigated sexual assaults and know that high numbers of sexual assaults occur but are not reported," they say. "These are typically all related to alcohol consumption. We have been working collectively around the motu in a consistent manner to reduce these risks and facilitate safe events for everyone that attends."RNZ requested statistics to back up police claims of "high levels" of intoxication, disorder and sexual assaults but was told they weren't available."It's anecdotal info from individuals who speak of inappropriate behaviour but do not wish to make a report," a spokesperson says.They say that statement also related to incidents that happen in "bars and clubs on busy nights". (RNZ found a single allegation of a sexual assault this summer, at Raglan festival Soundsplash two weeks ago; also, after Kiwiburn festival earlier this week, organisers asked festival-goers to come forward with names of those who engaged in "non-consensual bum-slapping, trespassing, uncool language, theft, sex acts or open masturbation".)When asked for statistics on how many sexual assaults were reported at outdoor music events so far this summer, police didn't have that data at hand. "It's something we may be able to process under the Official Information Act," a spokesperson responded.Promoters hit back: 'That's misinformation'Every promoter spoken to by RNZ disputed those police statements. Turnbull, from Rhythm & Alps, says it's an example of the "misinformation" he's heard from police during his liquor licence hearings."They don't have any evidence," he says.Linnell, from the Events Association, says she's seen statistics showing alcohol-related incidents are going down, not up."We have data from venues and St John which allude to the opposite, and that intox rates are trending downwards," she says.Clumpus went one further, accusing police of hiding behind their media team. He says promoters want someone senior to address their concerns and work with them.Benge agrees, saying there's no one he knows of at NZ police that he can get a straight answer from."The buck doesn't stop at a national level with one individual," he says. "There isn't someone who you can go to and say, 'How can we stop this problem?'"District Licensing Committees are administered by local councils. When approached for comment, the Queenstown Lakes District Council says it supports a variety of events in its region, but it isn't appropriate to comment on individual events like Rhythm & Alps; Tauranga District Council didn't respond to a request for comment by deadline.All promoters want to hold safe, reliable events, says Clumpus, who points towards sports fixtures like All Blacks or Black Caps games that can go ahead without the kinds of opposition and restrictions placed on outdoor festivals."We need to rely on the police force to deal with a very small minority of clowns so the rest of us can have a good time," he says."Someone having four wines at a Coldplay show isn't the problem."Turnbull wonders why so many police resources are being used on music festivals. "Police are under a lot of pressure, but they're going about it in completely the wrong way," he says.If this keeps going, he predicts there'll be far fewer events being held next summer, and that could mean bigger problems for police."If these New Year's festivals don't go ahead, they're going to have a lot of kids in the streets, around the lake fronts and in these hot spots causing shit ... If you've got 10,000 people in town, you've got a problem."Chris Schulz is a freelance entertainment journalist and the editor of the industry newsletter Boiler Room.

It’s a ‘no’ for McDonald’s.Independent commissioners have declined McDonald’s Restaurants NZ’s application for a Wānaka restaurant and drive-through.In the decision released today (Wednesday February 12), the commissioners said the McDonald’s would have too many adverse effects on the rural-zoned site and neighbouring landscape.The McDonald’s team, pictured during the November hearing. PHOTO: Wānaka App“...we consider that the adverse effects on the environment are more than minor…on the approach to Wānaka, the landscape character and the visual amenity values of Mt Iron,” the commissioners said.“The [application for consent] by McDonald’s Restaurants (NZ) Ltd is therefore declined”.Commissioners Helen Atkins (chair), Lisa Mein and Robert Scott said the effects of the McDonald’s on landscape character and visual amenity went “to the heart of the application”.The controversial proposal was the source of significant debate in the community. PHOTO: Wānaka AppThe issues were hotly debated by the McDonald’s team and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) planners, who had disagreed on whether the site - within Mt Iron Junction, near the SH6/SH84 intersection - was rural or urban in nature. Peter Greene, who co-owns the Mt Iron Junction site earmarked for the McDonald’s (alongside Wānaka businessman Steve Shikker), said he was philosophical about the decision.“From our point of view we’re just the landowner,” he told the Wānaka App. “The commissioners have made their decision and now it’s up to McDonalds. It’s just the way it is.”However, he argued that the site was not rural.“It’s not a rural general site, is it? It’s no more rural than across the road.” Meanwhile Wānaka grocer Jesse Herbert, who campaigned against the proposal, told the Wānaka App he was “ecstatic” with the decision.“I think no matter the decision the process was fair and the town definitely got heard,” he said.The restaurant was proposed for rural-zoned land near the SH6/SH84 intersection. PHOTO: Wānaka AppJesse said he believed someone at McDonald’s “made a real strategic error chasing that site” and he said other, less prominent options may have been more viable. The McDonald’s application for a Wānaka restaurant and drive-through was made public in November 2023 and it had hoped to open its doors by 2026.McDonald’s Restaurants NZ was approached for comment on the decision.

Wealth management firm Craigs Investment Partners has opened a branch in Wānaka, giving locals greater access to personalised wealth management services and strengthening the firm’s existing connections with the community.“Wānaka is Craigs’ twentieth branch and our eighth in the South Island,” Craigs’ head of private wealth and markets Jeremy Williamson said. “Our growing network of local branches reflects the strong demand for the personalised approach to wealth management that Craigs offers, tailored to clients’ unique circumstances and underpinned by strong client-adviser relationships fostered through shared local connections.”While Craigs’ branch at 13 Sir Tim Wallis Drive is new, the firm’s connections with the Wānaka community are longstanding. Investment Adviser Paul Gardner, who joins from Craigs’ Queenstown branch, has lived locally for 12 years.Alongside Paul, established Craigs’ Investment Adviser Haley Van Leeuwen is based at the branch. The pair are joined by Aaron Shearer, who has recently returned from 17 years working in Sydney, New York and London.“The doors may have just opened but the three investment advisers servicing clients in the region combine more than 60 years of financial services experience and are outstanding professionals,” Jeremy said. Locals interested in learning more about how Craigs can support them to achieve their goals through personalised wealth management are welcome to visit the branch for an obligation free conversation.PHOTO: Supplied

A 278-lot subdivision has been billed for a 37.2ha site within the Northlake Special Zone (NSZ).Earlier this month WFH Properties submitted a resource consent application for stages three to seven of the ‘Pembroke Heights’ subdivision.Stages one and two of Pembroke Heights are already underway, with a resource consent issued and earthworks underway.The first two stages comprise 78 lots, while an area in the south-east of the site has been earmarked for a potential ‘stage nine’.If all nine stages are completed Pembroke Heights could feature around 400 lots.Application documents submitted on behalf of WFH Properties for stages three to seven said the subdivision would “contribute to a diversity of housing opportunities in the Upper Clutha”. The subdivision site is located in the south-west of the NSZ, which is around 220ha in total.It was designated by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) in 2016 ‘to provide for a predominantly residential mixed use neighborhood’. QLDC has already approved a land use consent application for bulk earthworks for stages three-to-seven of Pembroke Heights.It is currently vetting WFH Properties’ application for resource consent.IMAGE: Supplied

Locals will have to wait a little longer to find out whether the ‘golden arches’ are coming to town.The independent hearing panel which is considering McDonald’s Restaurants NZ’s application for a local McDonald’s restaurant and drive-though needs more time.The panel initially planned to issue a decision by the end of this month.A decision is now not expected until the week of February 10, a Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) representative said. McDonald’s lodged its resource consent application for a 445m2 restaurant and drive-thru at 237 Wānaka-Luggate Highway in November 2023.A three-day hearing on the application was held in Wānaka in November 2024.See also: Protectiveness for town expressed as McDonald’s hearing concludes.During the McDonald’s team’s right-of-reply, following the hearing, it made a concession.Instead of operating 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, as initially planned, if approved it would operate from 6am-11pm daily, the lawyer for McDonald’s said.See also: McDonald’s: ‘Discreet’ amendment to Mt iron proposal.If the restaurant is approved, McDonald’s has indicated it hopes to have the Wānaka operation up-and-running by 2026.IMAGE: Supplied

A new ‘farm park’ subdivision near Tarras, is being proposed by the Trevathan family who have worked the land since 1949.Central Otago District Council (CODC) has invited public submissions on the Maori Point Road proposal, which would involve turning 133ha into 16 lots for residential use.The land historically was subdivided off the larger Morven Station and is currently used for cattle grazing.The application would allow each lot to be 2,000sqm and developed for rural residential purposes, while the remaining 14ha lot would be retained as productive farm use. The new lots would have shared ownership with the larger farm through a body corporate type arrangement, managed by Jonny Trevathan of the Clutha Plains Trust. The application said the purpose of ‘clustering’, instead of dividing into 8ha parcels each, was to allow for the productive land to be maintained in a larger parcel suited to the existing grazing usage.While the development took up usable productive farmland, it was far less than if the development was scattered throughout the 133.1190 hectares - thereby retaining a 119ha farm amongst the subdivision.The ‘farm park’ development enabled residents to live among an operational farm and have access to fruit and nut trees within the covenant areas. Jonny said it had been an 18 month process to get the development proposal underway, and many local people were already aware of his plans.A similar farm park had also been consented on Jolly Road in Tarras by Douglas Developments three years ago. “They are not uncommon around here anymore,” he said.Hillend Station near Wānaka and Bendemeer Estate at Lake Hayes were also based on a farm park model.Jonny said the idea was for people interested in rural living but without having the responsibility of running an actual farm.There would be conditions on the sale and purchase agreement agreed by a committee regarding the types of houses that could be built there.“We’re trying to do this high end,” he said.A lot of native trees would be planted to create an ecosystem and encourage more birds into the area.Submissions close on February 14 via the CODC website.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the government wants tourism "turned on big time internationally" in response to the Queenstown mayor's call for more funding for the sector.He has pointed to the government's city and regional deals policy as a way ensuring support.Responding to the new Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis' comments on boosting tourism, Mayor Glyn Lewers said visitor numbers in the area were already high, but tourism's social licence had taken a hit with locals."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.Glyn Lewers PHOTO: RNZ / Niva ChittockSpeaking after his State of the Nation speech in Auckland, Luxon told reporters it would not be a case of history repeating itself."We're actually going to have legislation in the House this year on our final RMA solution because we're moving with pace and we can move with pace."We are not going to apologise because this country desperately needs growth."We're powering up our sectors to say 'yes', because actually that's the stuff that people actually want to know. Go talk to some of the businesses as I have in Queenstown about what's it been like when we've had suppressed tourism numbers."We were slow coming out of the gates, we lost a lot of our wholesale relationships in tourism. I want that turned on big time internationally and I want to be able to welcome visitors here. We can manage value and volume, we can manage regional dispersal and we can manage seasonality and I think we can manage that really well."Luxon said there was also a roading package for Queenstown and other investment into South Island infrastructure."But the bigger opportunity is actually what we call the city and regional deals and actually as the councils - particularly they're working often with their adjacent councils ... we're expecting them to say what do they think are the most pressing things that over the next 10 years actually would enable this region to grow faster."For a place like Queenstown, I get it, there's been challenges in the past around accommodation for workers, there's roading and infrastructure challenges as a result - but what we need is actually central and local government to work together in a partnership through the construct of a city or a regional deal."

The organisers of Winter Games NZ have announced the end of the largest snowsports event in the southern hemisphere.First held in 2009, the long-running event aimed to provide a world-class platform for winter sports athletes and help New Zealand competitors reach the global stage. Over 11 editions, it attracted more than 600 athletes from more than 40 nations, competing in various disciplines at local venues including the Snow Farm, Cardrona Alpine Resort, and Treble Cone.Wānaka’s Gustav Legnavsky competing in the Freeski FIS ANC Halfpipe at the Winter Games in 2022. PHOTO: Sean BealeIn a statement, Winter Games NZ attributed the decision to “adverse economic conditions” that have undermined the financial viability of continuing the event in its current form. “While this decision marks the end of an era, the legacy of Winter Games NZ will live on,” Winter Games NZ chief executive Marty Toomey said.Over the years, many New Zealand athletes achieved significant milestones at the event, including earning their first FIS or FWT points, securing FIS World Cup starts, and winning FIS Junior World Championship titles, Marty said. The ‘Games’ also helped athletes gain points towards Olympic, Paralympic, and Freeride World Tour qualification.Winter Games has attracted top snowsports athletes from all over the world. Pictured is the Parade of Nations in 2023. PHOTO: Lennon Bright PhotographyEach edition of Winter Games NZ generated significant economic benefits across the Southern Lakes, allowed Kiwis to witness some of the world’s best winter sports athletes in action and showcased New Zealand to the world through global media reach.“While it is with a heavy heart that we share this news, we are immensely proud of what has been achieved over the last 15 years and we are grateful for each and every person who has contributed to the legacy that Winter Games NZ will leave behind,” Winter Games NZ chairman Dr Sam Hazledine said.Although pathway events have ended, the trust behind Winter Games NZ is exploring options for its legacy fund, which could include hosting a non-pathway event in the future, Sam said.Winter Games NZ extended its thanks to the groups, organisations, businesses, and individuals who supported the event over the years.

The government will need to get its chequebook ready if it plans to welcome more tourists to our shores, the mayor of Queenstown says.The new Minister for Economic Growth Nicola Willis has set her sights on a wealthier economy, and says attracting more tourists would help to make that happen."I want all tourists because, ultimately, it's not the government that decides how much a tourist spends when they come to New Zealand. That tourists will make that decision," she told RNZ."Our job is to make it easy for them to come in the door, easy for them to come to New Zealand, make this a really attractive destination and then when they get here, I've great faith in our tourism providers that they'll do everything that they can to get as many dollars out of those back pockets as possible."Her plan was to smooth our tourist visa requirements, boost overseas marketing, examine how the international visitor levy should be spent, and work with airlines to ensure tourism continued to grow.Minister for Economic Growth Nicola Willis. PHOTO: RNZ / Samuel RillstonePre-Covid, communities in popular destinations including Queenstown were under pressure from the influx of visitors.But Willis said communities wanted more people in employment and more cash in tills."There will be all sorts of arguments made against why people might not want more tourists in their town," she said."Our message is actually when we've got more tourists coming, more tourists spending, that's good for jobs, it's good for growth and it's good for the wealth of individual new Zealand families so that's what we're driving for."The Queenstown Lakes district has more tourists visiting now than it did before the pandemic.Queenstown Lakes Mayor Glyn Lewers. PHOTO: RNZ / Niva ChittockMayor Glyn Lewers said they were already delivering on the minister's goal."When I first started as the mayor, I think it was one resident night to every 30 visitor nights. It is now one to 47," he said."We support a big chunk of the visitor economy - the actual residents and the ratepayers here."He was on board with more growth, but said tourism's social licence had taken a hit with the locals, and they needed support to pay for roads and pipes to cope with additional visitors."If that is to increase, I would expect a very serious investment in actually accommodating those visitors because a small ratepayer base can not sustainably keep supporting the tourism industry, especially when those GST receipts or the economic, financial growth that we create is sent up to Wellington," he said.Willis said she wanted to work with communities to tackle those challenges.Tourism is at about 82 percent of its pre-Covid visitor levels.Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram said there were definitely opportunities to grow especially outside of the peak summer season."It's also important to ensure that we're investing in New Zealand to make sure that the growth that we do receive occurs in a balanced way," she said."When I talk about balance, what I'm talking about is the fact that we include economic, community and environmental considerations when thinking about how we want to grow."But it was not just the tourism industry that needed to get on board with growth."Tourism funding has been a hot topic for many, many years and if we're wanting to really supercharge tourism in New Zealand, I think we should also be thinking about how we ensure that our communities and our local government partners have got the funds that they need to ensure that that growth is well planned for and well managed on the ground," she said.Ingram said the industry was ready to roll up its sleeves and roll out the welcome mat, but it needed to be balanced and sustainable growth.Willis did not rule out boosting Tourism New Zealand's funding, but said the first step would be examining how it was using its existing funding and if it was the best use of the funds.The new Tourism and Hospitality Minister would be urgently engaging with the industry to figure out how to make her goal happen and which markets should be targeted, Willis said.But she would like to see Chinese tourists back to pre-Covid levels - arrivals were sitting at 60 percent for the year to October.

Wānaka retailers have been positive about summer trading so far this season, with the town full of visitors, and the feeling of “a slow and steady turnaround” - in the words of one long-term retailer.Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat told the Wānaka App that many local businesses have reported strong trading this summer, particularly those in hospitality, outdoor activities, and retail.“It was fantastic to see Wānaka so vibrant over the Christmas and New Year period, with a noticeable influx of visitors,” Glenn said. “The majority of visitors were domestic travellers, with many staying in campgrounds, Airbnbs, or visiting friends and family, which added a real buzz to the town.”Glenn said while several businesses did “very well, others found trading steady but more tempered, with the cost of living and broader economic pressures affecting discretionary spending”. “Nonetheless, the overall feedback has been positive, and it was encouraging to see such strong support for local businesses,” he said.Paper Plus manager Chris Lumsden said the town had been “pumping” and restaurants “chocka”. Chris said trading was “not like the old days post-Covid when Auckland got released and came down here and went crazy, and everyone thought they’d died and gone to heaven in retail”.But, he said: “We’re happy - ticking over fine. We’re meeting budgets and targets and that’s the key.”“It seems that everybody is getting a bite of the cherry,” he added.Kai Whakapai Eatery and Craft Beer Bar owner Nick Aubrey said the Christmas and New Year peak had been “very busy” as usual.“We continue to see lots of people come through,” he said, adding that volumes have eased slightly in mid January and “it was great to see local faces back in town”.“Things have slowed down to more sustainable and normal summer volumes,” he said.More visitors are expected to flow into town for long weekends (such as Waitangi Weekend and Chinese New Year) and up-coming events such as the A&P Show and Motutapu Bike Race, Nick said.“I think things will be on par for previous years. We’re very happy,” he said. “The new venue has been an absolute game changer for us to be able to deliver peak volumes and keep wait times [minimal]. Our new dining area has been well utilised.”While there continued to be some staffing challenges, Nick said, “Overall as a town there’s some really positive energy coming out of hospitality”. Long-term Wānaka retailer Steve Hart, who owns MT Outdoors stores in central Wānaka (Dunmore Street) and Three Parks, said his business was seeing more visitors make it out to Three Parks.“We’re doing probably half our business in Three Parks, which is mainly locals, but we are seeing more and more tourists coming here,” he said.Three Parks is beginning to attract more visitors, a local retailer says. The Little Brewer cafe in the MT Outdoors Three Parks store is attracting “a constant flow” of customers, Steve said, from tradies and more administration people working nearby.The positive feeling in Three Parks is more obvious than in central Wānaka, he believed.“Tourists are holding on to their money. You only have to go onto Wānaka to see the number of people but [it’s] not really translating into the number of items sold,” he said, adding that trading is “definitely patchy” across different locations and services.Nonetheless, Steve said he believed the town was at “the tail end of the economic downtown - based on 40 years of seeing it go up and down”.“It has been more difficult, the whole last year.. But it has had the feel, since early December, of a slow and steady turnaround.”Glenn said the Wānaka Business Chamber was optimistic about 2025.“Wānaka continues to be a destination of choice for both domestic and international visitors, and with ongoing community support and innovation from our local businesses, we’re hopeful for a productive year ahead.”PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Snow Farm’s annual report for 2024 has highlighted an eventful season at the country’s only cross country ski area, including the opening of a new day lodge.The construction of the carpark and new day lodge before the opening of the ski season - a $900,000 project - has left the organisation with a debt of over $200,000.Board chair Samuel Belk said repayment of the debt is a priority for the organisation before funding the next stage of development.The board’s priorities for the next few years include: to develop a new toilet building jointly with QLDC; develop a water supply, water storage and solar electrical system; and planning and fundraising to eventually complete stage 2 of the base-building and construct a groomer shed.The report said there had been significant growth each year in the utilisation of huts and more moderate increased visitation by members of the public to walk or bike the trails at the Pisa Recreation Reserve.Samuel said the board plans to improve communication to the public about the reserve's unique attributes.“Public awareness continues to increase but we still can’t help but feel that the conditions and opportunities for activities are not widely understood,” he said.For the upcoming season Snow Farm is seeking volunteers to assist from 10:30am to 1:30pm with tasks like greeting guests, managing car park flow, and helping with bag transfers.“We are also looking to hire casual and part-time local staff, particularly those interested in returning annually, as they bring invaluable experience to our team,” the report said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A Wānaka environmental group has made a submission in support of the proposed Helios solar farm in the Maniototo. The Upper Clutha Environmental Society, led by Julian Haworth, has often lobbied against development in the area, however was one of 35 out of 171 submissions advocating the project to go ahead.The society believed the visual effects of solar power were significantly less than those associated with wind power, especially large-scale wind turbines.It also strongly supported the provision of the battery energy storage system as part of the solar farm. “The society is aware that many similar large-scale solar/battery storage developments have been successfully built in places such as Australia, California and Texas, among others,” the submission said.Both the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Otago Regional Council (ORC) remained neutral in their submissions, with both outlining several concerns they wanted addressed if consent was granted.The regional council was supportive of renewable energy projects that would bolster the resilience of its communities and assist with New Zealand’s response to challenges and obligations with respect to climate change.But it had also been made aware of community concern with the current proposal around the risk to the environment from the potential of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) being compromised, most likely through fire, and any resulting discharge of contaminants to the environment, particularly the groundwater resource.ORC considered that for a large commercial operation - and one which was a new land use activity for the region - the application needed to provide greater clarity on its assessment of risk to the groundwater resource from any potential compromising of the BESS. DOC was interested in the ecological effects of the proposal, including adverse effects on Australasian Bittern / Matuku-hūrepo ( Botaurus poiciloptilus) - which were present in the Maniototo basin.Australasian bitterns were classed as ‘nationally critical,’ the same threat classification as kākāpō, indicating they were heading towards imminent extinction unless conservation management activities were successful.DOC was concerned about the risk of bird strike, displacement and deterrence, with solar arrays.“As photovoltaic energy projects grow in New Zealand, gaining more comprehensive monitoring, data on ecological effects will be critical for an understanding of their effects, particularly on New Zealand avian species,” the submission said.A resource consent hearing will be held in due course and updates posted on the Central Otago District Council website.PHOTO: Supplied

Emily Rutherford says she feels "personally victimised" by iPhone's weather app.Rutherford, who co-owns the Kiwi Water Park in Lake Dunstan, Central Otago, said the app kept reporting the temperature in her area was up to 5C cooler than MetService predicted - and even MetService could be under-estimating the summer heat.She worried it was putting off potential customers."It keeps saying the weather is awful in my location and it means people think it's awful… they aren't coming along on the days that it says it's awful."At the moment it says it's 18C and raining - but at the moment it's 25, warm, a little bit cloudy but still sunny and warm. The weather keeps being miles different to what it is."WeatherWatch head forecaster Philip Duncan said it was a known issue. International firm The Weather Company provided data to Apple, Samsung and Google, he said."They get weather data from satellites, from weather observations - they've got thousands of them in New Zealand - aircraft and cellphones themselves."But he said unlike other countries, where more local data was available to be overlaid to provide a more detailed picture, in New Zealand the structure of Niwa and MetService data made that harder."In Sydney you get 'there's a downpour coming in one minute' and it nails it. In New Zealand, the Government has chosen to let Niwa and MetService be the gatekeepers of that."The Government doesn't understand what New Zealand is missing out on by letting NIWA and MetService have commercial privilege to public data. Most people don't log on to the MetService - if you're an 18-year-old going to the beach, you grab your phone."NIWA meteorologist Tristan Meyers said he was not convinced that was the reason."Australia is commercialised too - it's a cost-recovery. It costs a lot to put weather stations everywhere and catalogue data. They all have different ways of accessing that data and getting that data."The data was just one part of a forecast, Meyers said. The other part was the prediction model being used."The weather model Apple uses might not be as good for that location... some models don't perform that well in some areas. Others perform better in other areas."For instance, the Met Office, the Bureau of Meteorology and NIWA, we all run local, high-resolution weather models. The apps - NIWA weather or even MetService - they're underpinned by those more local high-resolution tailored forecasts."Apple wouldn't be using those. If she was using a different app like NIWA's or MetService's it might be more accurate in some ways and less in others."It's nothing to do with commercialising data... New Zealand is definitely not the only place where you have to pay some cost-recovery to access it."Duty Minister Nicola Grigg said it was not something she could comment on.Apple also did not want to comment.In September, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins announced a merger of weather forecasters, with NIWA taking over MetService. However, MetService would remain New Zealand's authorised meteorologist, responsible for providing warnings and advice on severe weather.RNZ has approached MetService for comment.

Cardrona Alpine Resort plans to expand the Pines Carpark, adding to the suite of upgrades it is undertaking.The ski area has submitted a resource consent application to significantly expand the carpark - located approximately one kilometre up the Cardrona access road - and replace the temporary buildings on-site with a permanent building.The new building, Cardrona said, would have “improved weather protections and toiletry facilities”, and the expanded carpark would be able to accommodate 420 vehicles.Cardrona said this would “improve visitor experience and transportation options”.It “…will allow more people to utilise shared modes of transport [and] the proposal is effectively increasing the existing park ‘ride services”. Cardrona’s base complex is also getting an upgrade.Plans were approved in October for a 619m2 building with retail services on the ground floor and food and beverage facilities upstairs.The existing retail and administration building will be demolished to make way for the new one.There are also changes to the ski field itself in the works.The ski area is developing a new chairlift and ski runs in the Soho Basin which, together with the Willows Basin, make up the Soho Ski Area.Earmarked to open for winter 2025, the new six-seater chairlift will service around 150ha of terrain. PHOTO: Cardrona Alpine Resort

Base Streetwear owner Chris Walsh said he’s “pretty stoked” to be celebrating 25 years in business in Wānaka.Base is 25 years old today (December 24), as it started on Christmas Eve 1999 on the corner of Helwick and Dunmore Streets.The store is now one of the oldest in Wānaka, Chris said, and “one of the longest standing streetwear stores in New Zealand”.“We’re proud of this achievement,” he told the Wānaka App.Chris celebrating the milestone with staff.“We are very proud to have been a part of the Wānaka community for so many years and a destination store for many visitors.”Chris said Base, which has a range of top labels including many New Zealand brands, has always tried to create a fun shopping environment for both customers and staff.“We love what we do… we’re pretty stoked to have made it this far as a stand alone business in Wānaka.”Chris shared his top tips to survive in retail: “Love what you do; Look after your team and customers; Have fun at work; and be consistent and the best you can be”.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Wastebusters had plenty to celebrate at its recent annual general meeting (AGM), general manager Gina Dempster says.The AGM brought together founding friends, long term supporters and staff past and present to reflect on a year of impact, achievements and growth. In just 12 months, the team welcomed 14,640 attendees to their circular economy workshops, held events and work in schools, provided real recycling to 444 local businesses, delivered Enviroschools to tamariki in 20 schools, and sponsored 74 education and community not-for-profits.Wastebusters also celebrated winning the Supreme Business Award at the Wānaka Business Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards. Gina Dempster said she credits the success of Wastebusters to the dedication and hard work of the entire team of 55. “Our continued success is only possible thanks to our committed, quirky, and exceptional team,” she said. “From the shop and yard to recycling, events and engagement, our crew has built a truly unique circular economy hub where our community can connect, learn and take action for our environment.” Wastebusters continued to innovate in 2024, Gina said, introducing new programmes and events.It became the South Island foundation hub for Every Bite, a national food waste prevention programme helping households shop and cook more mindfully. Looking ahead to 2025, the not-for-profit will expand Every Bite, increase its impact through circular economy events leadership and zero waste workshops for business and home, and continue popular events, including the ReFashion show, Repair workshops and the Low Waste Living series. Wastebusters is also actively seeking to secure more land to continue its environmental work for the community through their vision of Wastebusters 2.0 Circular Economy Education and Action Hub, Gina said. Next year will mark a significant milestone - Wastebusters’ 25th anniversary.“Almost 25 years ago, Wastebusters was built by the community for the community,” Gina said. “From the zero waste visionaries who founded Wastebusters to every person and business who has worked, supported, shopped, recycled, donated or attended one of our workshops, we have built something special together.“We’re looking forward to celebrating 25 years of impact, fun and dance moves with you in true Wasties style.” Planning for the 25th anniversary party will begin in the new year.PHOTO: Wastebusters

Wānaka has hosted three festivals in the past fortnight, which have attracted visitors and “brought a vibrant atmosphere to town”, according to Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat.The Wānaka Fete was held at the A&P Showgrounds on Saturday November 30, followed by Wānaka Beerfest the next Saturday (December 7) and Wānaka Gather Market on Sunday (December 8).“From the feedback we've canvassed among our members so far, there have been mostly positive reports, especially from retailers and hospitality providers,” Glenn said.“They've noted increased foot traffic and sales, particularly over two nights, along with a boost in food sales, which has impacted the local economy.”Beerfest patrons Gina, Dan and Fliss. The inaugural Wānaka Fete was billed as a celebration of “artisanal producers, delectable cuisine, and first class shopping”.Co-organiser Abby France said she was “absolutely thrilled” by how the fete went.“We will definitely be back,” she said.The annual Wānaka Beerfest at the A&P Showgrounds attracted around 1,600 people and it featured 22 vendors. Organiser James Julian said his team was “delighted with the outcome”.Patrons at Wānaka’s Beerfest on Saturday December 7.“The event is run mostly by festival-loving volunteers where the aim is to boost local vendors, and business in Wānaka during the off-season,” he said. “The sun shone, and the atmosphere was jovial as it is most years.”The third Gather Market took place at the Venue on Cardrona Valley Road and organiser Emma Mowat told the Wānaka App the event attracted approximately 900 people.“We had 60 amazing vendors, from online businesses to side hustles, creatives and delicious food,” she said. “We're so proud to create a lovely space for them to sell their products.” Glenn said the festivals “not only enhance our community's profile as a destination but also contribute positively across various sectors, including retail and hospitality”.PHOTOS: Wānaka App