It is potentially lights out for Aotearoa's largest solar power company, leaving some customers in limbo.And the government's asking questions about more than $100 million that has already gone from its Green Investment Fund to the company.SolarZero, which provides solar power systems, with no upfront costs but multi-year leases, has been put in liquidation.Employees have been advised that due to unsustainable operating losses, and liquidity constraints, the business cannot continue to operate.User advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa's chief executive, Mike Casey, said solar remains the future, but the delivery model has moved on.Casey told Checkpoint the technology itself is "100 percent the future" and was the cheapest energy available to New Zealand households.Business models "come and go" and it was about getting the most affordable energy in human history to Kiwi households.Casey said SolarZero "put solar on the map" and accelerated installations in New Zealand, but a changing market and a decrease in prices meant its business model did not have a long-term future.These days, Casey said it was cheaper for households to own the panels and batteries, financing them on their mortgages rather than leasing them.But New Zealand was still far behind Australia in the update of solar panels.Where 35 percent of households in Australia had rooftop solar panels, just 3 percent of Kiwi homes had them.The average install in New Zealand was about five kilowatts, costing $10,000.In Australia, the average was 10kW, and about $20,000.Casey said New Zealand needed to fix the rules and regulations to inherit the "well oiled machine" that was the Australian solar industry.It was "unfortunate" the customer had lost the option of SolarZero but the right business model "will prevail in this country".

Public transport options to shuttle workers from Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell to Wānaka and Queenstown are being explored by Otago Regional Council (ORC).At ORC’s monthly meeting in Balclutha last week, councillors agreed to push on with a study of shared transport options, as part of a wider strategic direction on public transport across the region.Dunstan ward councillor Michael Laws asked whether the study would be consulted on with the public, and chief executive Richard Saunders said that would depend on whether there would be significant changes.He said it was disappointing that Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) was not partnering with ORC in supporting the work across the region.The initial proposal was for a public bus service just to Queenstown, but Michael said given that Wānaka and Hāwea were booming as well, particularly with the trades, that route needed to be explored as well.“Not all workers are turning left at the Cromwell turn off, they are heading right as well.”Councillor Andrew Noone congratulated Michael on promoting public transport and connectivity, and said who knew what the communities would look like across the region in a decade’s time.Councillor Gary Kelliher was the only councillor who voted against the transport study.Otago Regional Council already runs a subsidised bus service around Queenstown. PHOTO: SuppliedAfter the meeting, he said he didn’t think it would be supported enough.“We have a public transport system that runs at a loss at the moment.”He believed what people wanted and what the regional council could actually provide were two different things.For example, not all workers would be wanting to leave at the same time every morning or returning at the same time at the end of the day. Unless it ran on the hour every hour it wouldn’t be sustainable, he said.“So we’ll end up with an empty bus.”With the cost of living crisis, he was not supporting the “nice to haves,” and said the regional council had to do better with its ‘must haves.’The transport team would now work with the finance team to understand the full rating impact on the decision, to inform future decisions on the Annual Plan.

Five Wānaka building companies have been singled out in the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards 2024.The annual competition recognises the best homes, builders and craftspeople from around the country. “Wānaka featured strongly with five spectacular local homes making the top national selection,”Registered Master Builders Central Otago president and CDL Building managing director Justin Carnie said.The local winners - each of whom built a home recognised in the top 100 - were Bayview Construction Wānaka, CDL Building, Level Construction, Dunlop Builders and Jennian Homes Wānaka.The central Wānaka ‘Sanctuary Central’ (built by Level Construction) took out the supreme award in the regional arm of the competition earlier this year, and it added to its award haul with three new awards in the national competition, including an award for bathroom excellence.Regional winner ‘Sanctuary Central’ (built by Level Construction) received an additional three awards, including an award for bathroom excellence. PHOTO: Samuel HartnettThe 307m2 ‘Brick and Style’ (built by Dunlop Builders) received two new awards in the national competition, including an award for sustainability.‘Go Big or Go Home’ (built by Bayview Construction Wānaka), ‘Mountain High’ (built by CDL Building), and ‘Southern Charm’ (built by Jennian Homes Wānaka) each received one new award.‘Go Big or Go Home’ (built by Bayview Construction Wānaka) was one of five local projects to be named among the top 100 homes. PHOTO: Caydn Thomson, ImageWorks“Our community certainly can be proud of the calibre of projects produced by the teams of dedicated professionals,” Justin said. “These individuals are committed to setting the benchmarks for quality across residential construction in New Zealand.”Justin said Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards are a key platform for celebrating excellence in residential construction.See all the 2024 winners and award details here.

Solar power company SolarZero, which has an office in Wānaka, has been put into liquidation, leaving some customers worried about the contracts they have signed with the company.The company - which offers customers solar power systems with no upfront cost but an ongoing, multi-decade lease - said the directors had requested its shareholder appoint a liquidator.It said directors had requested its senior lenders take enforcement action, and appoint another provider Verofi, to ensure power service for customers was not interrupted."The directors have advised company employees that due to unsustainable operating losses, and liquidity constraints, the business is unable to continue trading in its current form."As a result, the company has ceased operations from 4pm [Tuesday]. Russell Moore and Stephen Keen of Grant Thornton have been appointed as the liquidators of SolarZero."SolarZero is owned by GRP III Regional Holdings Ltd, part of the BlackRock Group.It was founded in the 1970s and has 160 employees throughout the country and offices in Auckland, Christchurch and Wānaka.SolarZero directors said the company had explored a range of options for a restructure."Regretfully, SolarZero and its key stakeholders were unable to find a viable solution to sustain the business."This is a tough day for SolarZero teams, who have worked hard to build a more sustainable New Zealand. Today's decision is not a reflection on their work or commitment."Customers posting on SolarZero's Facebook page were concerned about their contracts being honoured. One wrote: "Our contracts still stand and we still get the second battery free after 10 years, correct?"Another asked: "Can we please have a heavily discounted liquidator sale buy back scheme. Feels like a liability on the roof now."PHOTO: lighthunter/123RF

A long-awaited second large-scale supermarket chain has plans to open in Wānaka.An application to build a Woolworths supermarket in Three Parks was lodged with the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) yesterday (Monday November 18).Woolworths New Zealand is planning a 3,810m2 supermarket - comparable in size to New World Three Parks - and it is planning to offer pick-up and delivery services of its groceries.It will be a “state of the art, full service store designed to meet the needs of the growing local community,” Woolworths New Zealand director of property Matt Grainger told the Wānaka App. The proposed Woolworths supermarket (green rectangle) and retail shops will be on the same side of Sir Tim Wallis Drive as Mitre 10 MEGA.If approved, the new supermarket is set to be located in Three Parks on the south side of Mitre 10 MEGA, diagonally opposite New World Three Parks.As well as the supermarket itself, the Woolworths will include 200m2 of separate retail, food or beverage tenancies.The supermarket would be known as ‘Woolworths Three Parks’.The proposed site layout.The development would also feature a publicly accessible open space/plaza alongside Sir Tim Wallis Drive, and there would be parking for more than 180 cars, as well as provision for campervans and bicycles.“It’s great to be at this stage with our proposed new supermarket and we look forward to working with the council as the application progresses,” Matt said.QLDC is currently considering Woolworth’s New Zealand’s application.IMAGES: Supplied

Wānaka news and information service, the Wānaka App, has been acknowledged at the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards, winning the Excellence in Professional Services category at a gala dinner on Saturday November 9.Wānaka App director Tony O’Regan said it was a win for the community.“We’re very fortunate to live in a community that cares deeply about its wellbeing,” Tony said.“It is reflected in the engagement we get with local news stories and local information.”The Wānaka App is a digital-only publisher, distributing to a mobile app, website, and weekly newsletter.Tony said more than 220,000 people read the Wānaka App in the past 12 months recording 1.5M reader sessions and 8.8M page views.“The reach is amazing but our real focus is on the Upper Clutha community and ensuring it has a strong local news source,” Tony said.“It was a real thrill that the judges acknowledged the work our team does and how important local news is.”Learn about all the award winners at the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards here.A key contributor to the Wānaka App’s award, judges said, was the innovative software solution it developed to distribute content to readers. The software is designed as a “software as a service” (SaaS) platform and licensed to other local community news services in New Zealand and Australia.“The software is a great opportunity for us to share what is working in local news and help other publishers have success in their market,” Tony said.This is the third time the Wānaka App has been recognised at the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards winning Outstanding Innovators in 2017 and Outstanding in Innovation in 2019.The Wānaka App launched in 2016.PHOTO: Sarginson Photography

Cardrona residents and visitors will have new options for eating, drinking and shopping if a new commercial complex billed for the village is approved.An application for a 1,730m2 commercial precinct has been lodged with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).The proposal includes restaurants, food kiosks and retail space, as well as small-scale visitor accommodation.There is also a covered 650m2 ‘market place’, spas, a sauna, and outdoor areas.The spas and sauna will be open to the public as well as visitors staying in any of the four self-contained visitor accommodation units. Urban designer Paula Costello said the retail part of the precinct was “likely to include a number of different selling places including café, sports retail or hire (cycle/ski) and other tourist or craft type retail”.It would feature “a series of smaller tenancies both retail and hospitality focussed…useful in terms of enabling the start-up of small businesses, especially in locations such as Cardrona (a small settlement)”, she said.If approved, the precinct would be located on Cardrona Valley Road, just north of the Cardrona Valley General Store and a few hundred metres from the Cardrona Hotel.A handful of major projects for the Cardrona area have been announced in recent years, including Mt Cardrona Station (a development with more than 600 houses, a hotel and golf course), which is under construction.There have also been big plans announced for the Cardrona skifield, including a new base building, an expansion into Soho, and - by a separate company Darby Partners - a valley-to-Soho gondola with guest facilities and accommodation.Developer Carpe Cervisiam is behind the commercial precinct project.QLDC is currently considering Carpe Cervisiam’s resource consent application.IMAGE: Supplied

Wānaka Mediterranean Market’s owner, grocery wholesaler Bidfood NZ, has confirmed the business’s wholesale side will close at the end of this month, with the retail side to close by the New Year.Bidfood NZ CEO Phil Struckmann told the Wānaka App he advised the market’s 30 staff of the decision on Friday (November 10).Last week Phil said Bidfood was consulting with Wānaka Mediterranean Market staff on a proposal to close the business of 23 years, and the consultation period would finish on Friday.On Monday (November 11) he told the Wānaka App that Bidfood was “not in a position to change our proposal”.“It hasn’t been an easy decision,” Phil said.“We bought the business in 2006; it’s very much been a part of Bidfood and we don’t take this lightly.”The closure proposal followed “a lengthy and exhaustive analysis”, he said.Phil said he put the proposal to the Wānaka staff members in “good faith” asking them if they had local knowledge which could change the picture, he said.“I personally took on every bit of feedback … but didn’t see anything that would work.”The reason for the closure was that the business was “between a rock and a hard place”, he said.“We’re getting too big for that site but can’t afford to move anywhere else.”He said the lease at 6/22 Ardmore had two years left, and while the landlord indicated the business could get a longer lease Phil said it couldn’t grow on that site.“Relocating is way too expensive.”The retail side of the business will remain open “through December”, Phil said, and after Christmas and New Year it will “clear the stock and close the doors”.Its wholesale operation will close sooner, on December 1, after which Bidfood’s Queenstown branch will provide deliveries to Wānaka.He said the decision to close the retail arm after Christmas was to “give staff the best possible option to find a new job”.He said Bidfood has also offered staff the opportunity to relocate to work in other branches, and for those who can’t “there’s a compensation process to go through”.Bidfood had offered staff compensation “over and above what’s in their contract”, he said.The Wānaka Mediterranean Market has operated in Wānaka since 2001.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka’s not-for-profit community enterprise Wastebusters was announced the supreme winner of the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards at a gala dinner at Rippon Vineyard last night (Saturday, November 9).In addition to securing the top award, the zero waste hub won the Community Contribution Award and the Business Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award, recognising its commitment to environmental and social impact.A record 67 entries were received for the awards hosted by the Wānaka Business Chamber.“The record number of entries this year highlights the determination of our business community to not only survive but thrive in tough times,” Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat said.“We’re proud to recognise and support these businesses that continue to contribute to the strength of our community.”Despite a challenging year marked by reduced visitor numbers, rising operational costs, and the lasting impacts of post-COVID economic pressures, the resilience and innovation of the Wānaka business community shone through, Glenn said.An outstanding business commendation award was presented to rock supplier Wānaka Stone in recognition of its dedication to quality craftsmanship and significant contribution to the local building and design industry.“Wānaka Stone stood out for their leadership in the industry, their innovative solutions, and their dedication to not only their craft but to supporting their employees,” convenor of judges Lynley Lischner said.“Their commitment to training, career development, and creating pathways for growth sets a remarkable standard for businesses overall.”Just under 1500 votes were cast via the Wānaka App for the People’s Choice Award which was won by Architecture + Design Library, a shared resource for design professionals and anyone building or renovating.Architecture + Design Library won the People’s Choice Award, donating its $500 prize to the charity Food for Love.“It was fantastic to see the community rally behind their favourite local businesses,” Glenn said.The Wānaka App was announced as the Excellence in Professional Services Award winner. Director Tony O’Regan said the award reflected a highly engaged community that has a thirst for local news and information.“Being part of the fabric of our community motivates us,” Tony said.The Wānaka App won the Excellence in Professional Services Award. “Local news and information is so important to our community's well-being and we are grateful to have that recognised.”The category winners and finalists:Excellence in Customer Experience – Supported by Drive AccountingFinalists: Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, The Next Chapter, WastebustersWinner: Mitre 10 Mega WānakaExcellence in Visitor Experience – Supported by Lake Wānaka TourismFinalists: Bike Glendhu, nzbiketrails, Wānaka Helicopters GroupWinner: Bike GlendhuExcellence in Trade & Industrial Sector – Supported by FindexFinalists: Architecture + Design Library, Wānaka Solar, Wānaka StoneWinner: Wānaka StoneExcellence in Primary & Consumer Goods – Supported by Cardrona and Treble ConeFinalists: Balance Me, Rippon, Sidekick SodaWinner: RipponExcellence in Professional Services – Supported by Aspiring LawFinalists: Constructive Consultants, Greenhawk Chartered Accountants, Mike Pero Mortgages Wānaka and Queenstown, Schistrockmedia (Wānaka App)Winner: Schistrockmedia (Wānaka App)Community Contribution Award – Supported by Queenstown AirportFinalists: Food for Love, Wānaka Golf Club, WastebustersWinner: WastebustersStrategy, Innovation & Business Solutions Award – Supported by Batchelar McDougall ConsultingFinalists: Architecture + Design Library, Bike Glendhu, Fluid Visual CommunicationsWinner: Fluid Visual CommunicationsBest Emerging Business Award – Supported by Air New ZealandFinalists: Green Fox, nzbiketrailsWinner: Green FoxBusiness Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award – Supported by Queenstown Lakes District CouncilFinalists: Green Fox, Greenhawk Chartered Accountants, WastebustersWinner: WastebustersEmployer of the Year Award – Supported by EASI NZFinalists: Greenhawk Chartered Accountants, Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, Wānaka StoneWinner: Mitre 10 Mega WānakaPeople’s Choice Award – Supported by Wānaka AppWinner: Architecture + Design LibraryJudges Outstanding Business Commendation AwardWinner: Wānaka StoneSupreme Award – Supported by Milford Asset ManagementWinner: WastebustersThe Wānaka Business Excellence Awards are supported by Milford Asset Management, and media partner, the Wānaka App.PHOTOS: Sarginson Photography

Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone’s parent company scooped the Supreme Tourism Award at the the Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) awards on Wednesday night (November 6).RealNZ’s companies are spread over the lower South Island and in addition to the two local ski fields they include Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound adventures, Walter Peak, TSS Earnslaw steamship, Spirit of Queenstown and more.Judges noted RealNZ’s “unwavering commitment to sustainability” and lauded the business as a “jewel in the crown of the country’s tourism industry”.Its conservation projects include the Cardrona Alpine Resort project to study the Kārearea/NZ Falcon, which was recently extended for another five years.Read more: Five-year milestone for Kārearea studyRealNZ CEO Dave Beeche said the recognition by TIA reflects both the business’ rich history, and RealNZ’s continued commitment to experience delivery and conservation.“RealNZ was founded 70 years ago this year, with a foundation of delivering exceptional experiences while being at the forefront of New Zealand conservation,” he said.“That is a legacy we are proud to continue to this day through the energy and passion of every single team member. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be recognised by the judges for this mahi.”Dave said he was excited to head back to the ‘deep south’ with the award.“It’s up to us to keep shaking things up, going the extra mile, and making a difference so that every guest leaves with a great story to tell,” he said.As well as the Supreme Tourism Award, Real NZ also won both category awards it was a finalist in: the Johnston's Coachlines Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business), and the KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award. PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka’s Mediterranean Market is open for business and encouraging customers to put in their orders for Christmas hams, but discussion is underway about the business’s possible closure.The long-running local artisan grocer is owned by Bidfood NZ, a grocery wholesaler.Bidfood NZ CEO Phil Struckmann told the Wānaka App the company was consulting with Wānaka Mediterranean Market staff on a proposal to close the business of 23 years.He emphasised it was “a proposal at this stage”.Christmas hams were being advertised yesterday.The consultation period would finish at the end of this week, he said.Phil declined to comment further this week “out of respect for the staff”.Questions about the future of the Mediterranean Market and its neighbouring tenant McKenzie and Willis were raised when their premises at 6/22 Ardmore Street was sold in August.The Wānaka App has been advised there are still two years left on the lease for both businesses, but only McKenzie and Willis has confirmed it has plans to relocate elsewhere in Wānaka when the lease ends.The Wānaka Mediterranean Market has operated in Wānaka since 2001, initially under the name the Wānaka Wholesale Market, and it has gone through a handful of ownership changes in its more than two decades of operation. PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has appointed experienced business and governance professional Dr Don Elder to Queenstown Airport Corporation’s (QAC) board of directors. Mayor Glyn Lewers said Don, who was appointed on October 30 at the QAC AGM after approval by councillors at a recent meeting, was a “stand-out candidate with a wealth of experience and knowledge”.“His long governance experience in transport, infrastructure and major projects, energy, construction, finance, tech startups and risk management will add further depth to the board’s expertise in key areas as the airport continues to deliver for our community and visitors.”Queenstown Airport is a Council-Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO) with two shareholders: Queenstown Lakes District Council (75.1 percent) and Auckland Airport (24.9 percent).  Don fills a vacant position on the board following the internal election of Simon Flood as chair in September. Simon had replaced Adrienne Young-Cooper who stepped down from the board after completing the maximum number of terms under QAC’s constitution.Don said he was excited to join the board.“The strategic future of Queenstown Airport is intrinsically linked with the future of our district and wider region,” he said. “QAC’s ten-year plan describes an innovative airport that serves the region well. I’m looking forward to supporting my colleagues on the board and the management team in delivering this vision for QAC’s shareholders and the local community.” Don’s current directorships include Pioneer Energy, Wenita Forestry, Canterbury Seismic, and several social service charities.   In addition to his appointment, two existing QAC directors – Andrew Blair and Mike Tod – were reappointed at the AGM.PHOTO: Supplied

Should shops in Queenstown Lakes be allowed to open on Easter Sunday?Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) wants members of the public to weigh in on this question, to help inform its proposed draft Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy 2025.Easter Sunday is a restricted trading day under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 (Act) which requires shops to remain closed, except for certain shops under certain conditions. However, shops in Queenstown Lakes have been allowed to trade on Easter Sunday since 2017 because of an amendment to the Act which enabled councils to adopt policies to permit shops to open on Easter Sunday. QLDC’s Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy in 2017 has now expired.Council staff are proposing the new policy allows all shops to open on Easter Sunday again.Allowing shops to open supports local businesses who benefit from tourist trade and provides greater options for the large volume of visitors to the district over this time period, council staff said.It is only applicable to Easter Sunday and does not include Good Friday or Easter Monday.The policy would also not apply to the sale or supply of alcohol, which is regulated under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.Copies of the draft Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy 2025 and submission information can be found online here, at QLDC offices and all libraries.The final policy is expected to be presented to councillors for adoption in March 2025.Public input closes on November 30.PHOTO: Supplied

The majority of submissions made about a McDonald's restaurant opening in Wānaka are not lovin' it. Photo: 123rf366 submissions were made about a McDonalds restaurant opening in Wānaka339 were opposed to the proposal, while 21 supported itSix submissions sought changes to the plan106 people have agreed to speak at a four-day hearing in NovemberThe majority of submissions made about a McDonald's restaurant opening in Wānaka are not lovin' it.Consent is being sought to open a 455 square-metre restaurant at the Wānaka-Luggate Highway, with a drive-thru operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Of the 366 submissions made to the Queenstown Lakes District Council, 339 were opposed, 21 were in support and six wanted changes.One hundred and six people have agreed to speak at a meeting later in November.Wao Aotearoa Charitable Trust, strongly opposed to the idea, had concerns about the visual and aesthetic impact on the town."The proposed site is highly visible at the entrance of Wānaka and is adjacent to significant landscape features such as Mount Iron," its submission said."The development will have a substantial adverse impact on the visual and aesthetic values of this sensitive location."The proposed mitigation measures, including planting and mounding, are insufficient to address the impacts of the building, signage, lighting, and parking areas."This site does not align with the community's objective to protect and enhance our natural landscapes."The trust also had concerns about waste management, with the submission saying Wānaka had shown leadership in the move to a zero-waste economy."McDonald's continued use and reliance on single-use and disposable packaging goes against commitment to zero waste and environmental protection. The toxicity and waste caused by single use packaging leaks into the environment, and causes a huge amount of damage to our ecosystems."In a joint submission by Wastebusters and Plastic Free Wanaka, opposed to the idea, said the heart of Wānaka's shared values was protecting the natural environment."This includes guardianship of our outstanding natural landscape, protection of our alpine waterways and transitioning to a circular economy, and is recognised in the council's strategic documents including the Vision Beyond 2050, the Destination Management Plan and the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan."Thirty percent of the community (5565 people) have already signed a petition to stop a McDonald's from opening in Wānaka, with waste and the environmental impact being commonly cited concerns."There were also people who would like to see some golden arches in their area.One woman, who lived about a kilometre from the proposed site, was for the restaurant being built - but with some conditions."Opening hours are restricted to 10pm on weeknights and 12pm on weekends," her submission said."I am concerned by the potential for excessive traffic movements, unsafe driving and anti-social behaviour by McDonalds customers speeding along Aubrey road at night disturbing sleeping residents. Limiting opening hours would help reduce the impact."The local also wanted to see safe access for cyclists and contribution to local community projects that enhance the environment of the adjacent Mt Iron Reserve.Another resident in favour said it would be "a positive addition to take away food outlets in the town" and that "it is appropriate for people to have food choices".The council meeting is set down for 25 November.

Cardrona Alpine Resort’s base complex is getting an upgrade: plans have been approved 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, named ‘Project Arcadia’.Project Arcadia is one of a number of projects the ski field is undertaking to better equip it for the increase in users expected from ski area expansion.Plans for ‘Project Arcadia’, a new retail, food and beverage building, have been approved.Cardrona Alpine Resort 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. Project Arcadia and other projects will “support this new development and the additional visitors it may bring to the mountain”, application documents said.The old retail and administration building, pictured, will be demolished to make way for Project ArcadiaA separate project billed to include a high speed electric passenger lift system linking the Cardrona Valley to Cardrona Alpine Resort and Soho Ski Area was also announced earlier this month.An initiative of Blackmans Creek Holdings Limited, it was selected as one of the government’s fast-track approval projects, and includes on-mountain visitor accommodation, guest facilities, and workers' accommodation.Cardrona Alpine Resort general manager Laura Hedley said the project was being designed and developed by a third party.“With the planned opening of Soho Basin to skiers in 2025, making Cardrona New Zealand’s largest ski area, we welcome an alternative transport option to the mountain and look forward to seeing how the process progresses.”Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) approved the company’s resource consent application for Project Arcadia earlier this month.PHOTOS: Cardrona/ Supplied

A Hospitality NZ representative says a dozen restaurants in the district are likely to scrap outdoor dining as a result of fee increases, but the local council says the increases are fair.Fees for eateries’ use of public spaces for outdoor dining increased from $100/m2 to $225m2 for the Wānaka lakefront and $70/m2 to $125/m2 for other Wānaka areas when the Outdoor Dining Policy 2024 was adopted in May.Restaurants in Queenstown also faced increases, varying depending on their location, and other fees associated with outdoor dining like licences.More than five months after it was signed off, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is still being urged to reverse the decision, including by Hospitality NZ head of membership Darelle Jenkins, who said the increases were “blowing budgets out of the water”.Speaking at last week’s full council meeting, she said she represented 151 member businesses from across the district.Twelve members intended to remove outdoor dining from their eateries and another 14 were “very concerned” about the impact on business, she told councillors.Darelle also said the public “wasn’t fully informed” during consultation on the proposed increases, “regardless of what council has said about indicating fees”.A QLDC spokesperson told the Wānaka App this week that, until May, outdoor dining fees hadn’t been increased since 2005.Increases were signalled in 2019 but put on hold due to the impact of the pandemic on hospitality businesses and “the assertion that fee changes were not previously communicated is… misleading”, the spokesperson said.The fees were assessed by an independent valuer and reflect current market rates, they said.For Wānaka eatery Big Fig, the issue wasn’t that the fees were increased but the sudden, substantial jump.Co-owner Shaz Lahood said she was sent a bill for outdoor dining fees which was several thousand dollars higher than the previous year and was initially given five days to pay it.After contacting QLDC, the payment period was extended, but Shaz questioned why the fee had suddenly surged rather than a gradual year-on-year increase, which she said would have been manageable.“I don’t begrudge paying a fee; I begrudge the size of the hike. If fees haven’t been increased since 2005, why is that?” The Wānaka Business Chamber was approached for comment.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The government is moving to streamline the building consent regime by swapping out some council inspections for a self-certification scheme.Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said the proposal was for building professionals with indemnity insurance working on low-risk projects.It would allow qualified trade professionals - including plumbers, drainlayers and builders - to sign-off on their work without needing council inspection.The changes were also expected to cover large homebuilding businesses that construct hundreds of near-identical homes a year."The building consent system is intended to protect homeowners from defective building work by requiring work to be inspected and consented by a Building Consent Authority," Penk said."But the regime is inefficient and adds cost and time to the build process, which makes it harder for Kiwis to realise their dream of homeownership. It takes on average 569 days for a home be built and consented [to] - amid a housing shortage, that is simply too long to wait."Under current legislation, building consents are issued by a building consent authority, usually a local and district council, but can also be a regional council, or private organisation.Penk said the new opt-in self-certification scheme would undergo a robust consultation process in two stages."The first is that qualified building professionals, such as plumbers, drainlayers and builders, will be able to self-certify their own work, for low-risk builds, without the need for an inspection."This brings them in line with electricians and gasfitters who can already do this and is something the industry has been calling for, for years."The second pillar is that businesses with a proven track-record - for example, group homebuilders who build hundreds of near identical homes a year - will be able to go through a more streamlined consent process."At the moment, a single-story basic home might go through 10 or more separate inspections. This is clearly too many and the cost-benefit has become unbalanced."Penk said building professionals are already subject to quality assurances like holding a practicing license, keeping records of their work and having their details in a publicly searchable database.Additional safeguards like a clear pathway for customers to remedy poor work, tougher qualification requirements for building professionals and strict disciplinary actions for careless or incompetent self-certifiers would be put in place, he said."We will make detailed policy decisions in the new year following thorough consultation, which will consider what residual role existing Building Consent Authorities should have in the self-certification scheme, for example through an auditing function."Kiwis need confidence in the safety and quality of their homes, but it's possible to do this through a more streamlined assurance pathway. We are committed to cutting through the tangle of red tape so that we can get more Kiwis into the quality homes they deserve."PHOTO: Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Anticipation has been building in Lake Hāwea during the past few weeks before the official opening of the township’s first supermarket today (Tuesday October 22).Matt and Dixie Gallaher (and their two young children) have moved to Lake Hāwea from Albert Town to manage Fresh Choice Lake Hāwea.“We’re immensely excited and proud to be fulfilling our dream of running our own business,” Matt said.“The opportunity is made even more rewarding through the incredible community and location we’ll be operating in.”He said the supermarket is employing 17 “familiar faces from the community”. “As we continue through the opening months and begin to find our footing as ‘fresh’ owners, we’ll be looking to bring local suppliers into our aisles,” he added.Fresh Choice Lake Hāwea landowner Ray MacLeod said he was “very pleased with the outcome”.He confirmed that an NRG Gym will be operating above the Bodkin Street supermarket, with a scheduled opening date of December 1.The new Fresh Choice supermarket on Bodkin Street, Lake Hāwea.Environmental Accounting Systems Ltd is also establishing a new office upstairs, he said.Ray said a 23 month average of traffic counters between Lake Hāwea and Wānaka indicated approximately 3,500 vehicles travel over the Maungawera Hill in both directions each day, with 5,700 vehicles crossing the Albert Town Bridge.He hoped the new supermarket would divert “750 return trips”, leading to “a safer road” and fewer cars on the Albert Town Bridge.The supermarket was designed and constructed by Breen Construction.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

A sustainable fashion brand founded by Wānaka designer Claire O’Connell is teaming up with fashion legend Liz Mitchell, MNZM.Precious Collaborative and Liz are working together to create a limited edition coat “worthy of an art collection”, Claire said.Proceeds from the sale of the coats will fund Precious Collaborative’s everyday sustainable collection, therefore making high-quality fashion more accessible, she said.“I’m thrilled to be part of this innovative model,” Liz, who is known for her passion for New Zealand wool, said. NZ fashion legend Liz Mitchell MNZM.“Sustainable fashion and wool are at the heart of my work, and it’s exciting to create a piece that’s not only bold and artistic but also helps make everyday sustainable fashion more accessible.” Crafted from New Zealand-made tweed, hand-spun on 100-year-old Hattersley looms by boutique weaving company McLean & Co in Oamaru, the one-of-a-kind coat will blend timeless artistry with the finest sustainable materials, the collaborators said.Claire said she was excited about working with one of her fashion heroes. “I feel a bit serendipitous having Liz work with us,” Claire said. “I’ve admired her designs, passion for wool, and ethics for so long.” “I have a fabulous design piece of hers that I’ve held onto like a family treasure, so it’s a thrill to have her believe in our vision.” The limited-edition coat will lead the charge for Precious Collaborative’s ‘one to many’ model, where high-end, collectible pieces fund a staple collection of tailored, wool and hemp streetwear. Top-tier team New Zealand fabric and garment manufacturers will bring the coat vision to life, with every piece designed and made in New Zealand, Claire said. The coat’s launch is set for December in Wānaka.PHOTOS: Supplied