The government will take back power from local councils if their decisions are going to negatively impact economic growth, development or employment.Speaking to a business event in Wellington, Housing and Resource Management Act (RMA) reform minister Chris Bishop said the new regulation within the RMA would stop councils from stalling on housing developments."We have had decades of local councils trying to make housing someone else's problem, and we have a planning system that lets them get away with it," Bishop said.Accusing local government of being one of the largest barriers to housing growth, Bishop said the provision would be added into the RMA amendment legislation currently before Parliament."The RMA's devolution of ultimate power to local authorities just has not worked. There may be people who say 'why don't you just leave councils to it?' The reality is, central government has an intense interest in the way councils plan and allow their cities to function," Bishop said."We bear the cost, all New Zealanders bear the cost, of a failed and dysfunctional planning system. Ultimately, it is central government that shells out the $5b a year in housing subsidies that is a direct result of a failed planning system. So it is in our interest, and I would argue we are more than justified in taking action to make sure that councils can plan properly."Before using the power, a minister must check whether what a council is doing is consistent with the national direction under the RMA, and engage with the council.It would also only be an interim measure, while the government works to reform planning laws, which are due to take effect in 2027 to align with councils' next long-term plans.The government is also no longer proposing to make Medium Density Residential Standards optional for councils.The MDRS standards required councils to allow the development of three homes up to three storeys on a site without the need for resource consent.They were announced by the previous government and passed with National's backing. At the time it signalled a bipartisan commitment on housing.In government, National backed down, and made the standards optional.But Bishop now said most councils had already changed their plans to include the MDRS, so it would be inefficient and a waste of money to make them change their plans again.Bishop on Wednesday released a discussion document on how proposed housing rule changes would work in with the government's resource management reforms."Next year we'll replace the RMA with a new planning system that makes it easier to plan and deliver the housing and infrastructure New Zealand needs."The new planning system is an enormous opportunity to create a planning system that enables and encourages housing growth," Bishop said.The document provided more details on six planned law changes:The establishment of Housing Growth Targets for Tier 1 and 2 councilsNew rules making it easier for cities to expand outwards at the urban fringeA strengthening of the intensification provisions in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD)New rules requiring councils to enable a greater mixed-use zoning across cities.The abolition of minimum floor area and balcony requirementsNew provisions making the Medium Density Residential Standards optional for councils.Last month ministers released proposed sweeping changes to rules covering councils' oversight for public consultation.Under the proposed Resource Management Act changes, granny flats of up to 70sqm, and papakāinga of up to 10 homes would be allowed without a consent on specific land zones.Papakāinga would also allow commercial activities of up to 100sqm, conservation activity, accommodation for up to eight guests, along with education, health, sports, marae, urupā and māra kai facilities.Medium papakāinga of up to 30 homes would be considered a "restricted discretionary" activity, with those of more than 30 units becoming "discretionary" activities.PHOTO: RNZ / Mark Papalii

The government has announced another multi-million dollar funding boost for Tourism New Zealand in a bid to attract 72,000 more visitors to our shores.Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said $13.5 million in funding would help to target the core markets of Australia, the United States and China over the next few years."This investment is expected to generate around $300 million in spending, which is a very strong return on investment," she said."International visitor numbers continue to climb and this boost will help drive further economic growth throughout the entire country."Less than two months ago, she announced a separate $13.5 million boost for Tourism New Zealand to fund marketing in the shorter term, with the aims of attracting an extra 23,000 international visitors by the end of March 2026 and bringing in an additional $100 million.The international visitor levy - which was nearly tripled last year - is covering the costs for both."We know how important marketing is to attract visitors, with around 14 percent of international holiday visitors directly influenced by Tourism New Zealand's marketing activity," Upston said."We want people to know New Zealand is open for business and we welcome visitors with open arms."She described the funding as the first investment in the government's Tourism Growth Roadmap, which outlines the initiatives to help the government and industry double the value of tourism exports by 2034."We know how important marketing is to attract visitors, with around 14 percent of international holiday visitors directly influenced by Tourism New Zealand's marketing activity," Upston said.Last year, Tourism New Zealand unveiled an ambitious strategy to grow tourism by $5 billion by attracting more visitors outside of summer over four years.It aimed to grow international tourism spend by 8.7 percent, or an additional $900 million in the strategy's first year.February marked the largest number of American visitors that Aotearoa had ever recorded in a month.At tourism conference TRENZ last month, Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy said that had been buoyed by airlines opening up new routes, a tailwind of a strong American dollar and focused marketing, and the outlook for American visitors remained really positive.

Wānaka cafe and restaurant Urban Grind will close its doors next week, and will be replaced later this month by a new Italian restaurant.The cafe on Ardmore Street, owned by hospitality group Dropping Inn, will close its doors at 2pm on Monday (June 9) in preparation for new proprietors to take over next week. The new restaurant - Bambina by Giovi - will be developed by Queenstown-based Giovi Fine Food.The Wānaka restaurant will be the fourth for the brand, with Italian restaurants already operating in Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown. Giovi Fine Food founder Giovanna Boventi says the restaurant will bring an authentic Italian culinary experience to Wānaka.“I am very happy to bring our fresh, homemade pasta, ravioli, lasagna and other delicatessen to Wānaka after successfully serving locals and tourists in Giovi and Farelli in Queenstown, and Bianca in Arrowtown,” she said.“Bambina will be a piece of Italy right in the heart of Wānaka and we look forward to continuing the legacy with the customers of Urban Grind, although with a different twist.”After a short refurbishment, the restaurant will hold a soft opening on June 27, with the full restaurant opening on June 28. Dropping Inn director Matt Laming said Urban Grind has been a Wānaka institution since the business opened 14 years ago, but the time was right for the change of ownership.“We’re inviting the community to come into Urban Grind next Monday and enjoy a free slice of cake with every coffee purchased as a final celebration,” he said.Any customers holding Dropping Inn vouchers or loyalty points will still be able to redeem them at alternative Dropping Inn venues (b.social, Hāwea Hotel,Treehouse, and Hello Ranger).PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka’s Scope Communications has been recognised as the best Small to Medium PR Consultancy in New Zealand at the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) Awards.The boutique marketing communications and digital PR consultancy received the award at PRINZ’s annual industry awards ceremony in Auckland on Wednesday (May 28).“Our goal is to be a nationally-regarded communications consultancy that achieves positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through innovation and best-practise,” Scope Communications managing director Celia Crosbie said.“Receiving this recognition - especially alongside other consultancies with a longstanding record of being the best in the business - is a fantastic accomplishment.”Remarks from the independent judging panel commended Scope’s “strong entry that shows strategic success and adaptability in challenging times”.“The strategic approach is embedded in all aspects of the entry which reflects the focus of the agency in delivering on its purpose … Scope Communications is a credit to the PR industry.”Scope Communications celebrates 12 years in business this year (2025) and has clients across a range of industries throughout New Zealand.Scope received gold for the same category in 2022 and silver in 2024. Celia was also elected as a PRINZ board member at the PRINZ AGM on Tuesday (May 27).PHOTO: Supplied

The Wānaka Business Chamber welcomed three new directors and celebrated a year of “connection and consolidation” at its annual general meeting (AGM) on Wednesday night (May 28).Three new business professionals - James Brewer, Holly Egerton, and Julia Langley - were elected to replace three incumbents who had stood down from the chamber’s board.James has a background in IT and consulting and he is currently ANZ Wānaka's commercial bank manager; and Holly, a former lawyer, is the founder of Succession, an online business that helps Kiwis get their wills and enduring powers of attorney sorted.Julia is a senior executive with over 20 years’ experience in sustainable finance, ESG strategy, financial services, and regulatory engagement.Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat said it was “fantastic” to welcome the new directors.“They bring a great mix of fresh energy and deep local insight, which will serve the Chamber and our wider business community well,” Glenn said. “I’m really looking forward to the contribution they’ll make as we take the next steps forward.”Glenn reflected on the past year, where he said the chamber had “continued to build strong relationships across our business community, delivered a range of quality events, and reignited the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards, which was a real highlight”. “We’ve also made great progress on our leadership academy, which is developing into a key programme for local business capability building.”Looking ahead, the focus is on establishing a permanent home for the chamber, Glenn said.“It would be great to have a dedicated office and hub to host events, meetings, training, and co-working,” he said.“Alongside this, we’re committed to continuing to deliver value for members through advocacy, training, and networking, particularly as businesses navigate a challenging economic climate.”Wānaka Business Chamber has 330 members and its mission is to empower Wānaka’s business community with the support, resources, and connections needed for sustainable growth and success.PHOTO: Supplied

The local tourism boss is looking forward to hearing more about changes to tourism funding in the government’s recent budget.Lake Wānaka Tourism and Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Woods said he was encouraged to see $32M from the International Visitor Levy (IVL) allocated to support tourism related infrastructure. “We look forward to hearing more about how this will benefit our region,” he told the Wānaka App.Mat said it was also good to see the introduction of an investment boost for businesses, which will allow tourism operators to deduct a further 20 percent from the cost of new assets and equipment in the year they’re purchased. “This will have an impact on cashflow, encouraging business owners who are considering upgrading their plant and equipment to do it now,” he said. In general, the budget - which the government called ‘the Growth Budget’ - named tourism related projects among its initiatives to drive economic growth.Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the government was “growing tourism by investing international visitor fees into tourism and conservation upgrades in popular areas”.Changes to tourism funding include an extra $20M per annum through the IVL and Tourism Levy - thanks to a recent increase in the rate each visitor pays upon entry to New Zealand to $100.The Department of Conservation has been allocated an extra $32M over four years for committed levy-funded projects “to boost biodiversity and the tourist economy”.PHOTO: Lake Wānaka Tourism

Breen Construction has received the Supreme Award (under $10M) for its work on the Scapegrace Distillery at the 2025 Commercial Building Awards. The building was designed by Cheshire Architects and delivered by Breen Construction as project owner and project manager, and the team also included HFC Structures Ltd and Pacific Process. Breen Construction commercial director Peter Breen said his team was proud the win the award, which he said was the culmination of “many years of great work by our people”.“It speaks to the strength and skill of our team and we’re ever grateful for the trust that Scapegrace placed in us to deliver such a significant project.”The distillery in the Bendigo hills reflects Scapegrace’s carbon-zero objectives (achieved through initiatives such as a renewable electricity-powered electrode boiler) and supported by Breen’s waste-reduction strategy throughout the build.The project required significant technical coordination, including the installation of large copper stills shipped from Scotland. The laminated veneer lumber (LVL) portal frame was another structural highlight, assembled in ground-level segments using a custom scaffold system to minimise risk and maximise build efficiency. “Breen Construction rose to the challenge and exceeded every expectation, delivering a facility that is not just functional but a true masterpiece in craftsmanship,” Scapegrace managing director Danial McLaughlin said.“What has stood out most throughout the process has been their meticulous attention to detail. The end result is a distillery that not only reflects the high standards of our brand but also stands as an architectural landmark in its own right.” The judging panel noted the project’s visionary design approach, careful material selections, and environmental leadership. They also noted the team’s ability to navigate complex weather conditions and manage a high degree of technical complexity, all while maintaining exceptional attention to detail across both interior and exterior finishes.

A group of Lake Hāwea residents say they’re concerned about the approval of a new Super Liquor store for the Longview subdivision - and they are preparing to lodge objections.Earlier this month Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) gave the green light to a 300sqm+ Super Liquor store in Longview’s designated commercial area which can operate up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week.Hāwea already has three retail outlets selling alcohol (Fresh Choice, the Hāwea Store & Kitchen, and the Hāwea Hotel’s small bottle store) as well as two licensed eateries.Longview resident Lisa Riley says she wants community members to consider whether another alcohol outlet is necessary in the town of 2,300 residents.Lisa Riley at the corner of Longview Drive and Burdon Loop, where a Super Liquor is set to be constructed. PHOTO: SuppliedLisa, who represents a growing group of concerned residents, said she cares “deeply about our community - our kids, our whānau, and the environment we’re all trying to raise them in”.“We want to ensure that community planning supports the safety of our kids,” she said.“This isn’t about denying people access to alcohol - it’s about questioning why a liquor shop has to be the first thing people see when they enter our family-friendly neighbourhood.”With the clock ticking on the 25-day period members of the public have to lodge an objection - which would trigger an alcohol license hearing - Lisa said her focus is “making the objection process as accessible as possible”.Lisa told the Wānaka App she’d been contacted by 27 individuals representing at least 40 people who are against the liquor store in the 48 hours since she first posted her concerns on social media.Another resident, a former social worker, said they were concerned about a ‘snowball effect’ if the Super Liquor (which could be the first operation in the subdivision’s commercial area) goes ahead.“Once alcohol outlets arrive, others follow - fast food chains, vape stores,” they said.The location of the Super Liquor, at the corner of Longview Drive and Burdon Loop, near the playground and school bus stop, was “especially concerning” for another resident, who said they didn’t believe a liquor store was “the right fit for a neighborhood made up of young families”. Some residents expressed disappointment that QLDC had approved the Super Liquor and hadn’t publicly notified the application, but a QLDC spokesperson clarified that a council cannot regulate or prioritise types of retail activity (for example groceries versus liquor) within a zone if it falls under the permitted use, as it does in this case.“Council’s assessment deemed it appropriate that the application did not need to be notified [and] the reasons for consent and notification would not have related to the liquor store activity,” he added.Lisa said she has been in contact with Health NZ Te Whatu Ora for guidance on opposing the licence; secured legal counsel from Communities Against Alcohol Harm; provided a form letter which anyone can use to object (available via the Facebook group ‘Hāwea Community for Thoughtful Development’) or by emailing [email protected]; and she plans to speak at a hearing if one is triggered.“Regardless of the outcome of this specific application, I expect to continue advocating for community wellbeing in this space - including doing everything I can as a local resident to help ensure a Local Alcohol Policy [which would specify rules for sale and supply of alcohol locally] is properly developed and adopted,” she said.“For me, this is not about judgment - it’s about care, connection, and having a real conversation about what kind of future we want to shape for our community.”

Wānaka’s tech scene is getting involved with Techweek25, which aims to spark conversations about the value and impact of emerging technology in people’s lives.This year Techweek will take place across 18 of New Zealand’s regions, including in Wānaka, where there will be two events for those in the tech industry or interested in it.“Tech is really growing in Wānaka,” Wānaka Tech Meet Ups host Niamh O’Byrne said. “It’s exciting to see so many new opportunities for locals and businesses.”The first local TechWeek25 event, a free networking event, will take place tomorrow (Tuesday May 20) at the Logic1 offices and it will feature industry experts Wayne Hudson and Blake Paiement.Wayne, a legal consultant at WHIPIT Ltd, has over 30 years of experience advising tech start-ups on commercialising IP, raising capital, and structuring for growth, while Blake is the founder and CEO of Taste Wine Guides (a tech-driven tourism startup designed to reshape how people explore wine regions around the world). The second event, taking place on Thursday (May 22) at b.social, is the Wānaka Tech Quiz.It’s a quiz night “with a tech twist”, Niamh said, and it is open to all, from tech experts to pub quiz enthusiasts.Niamh encouraged locals to get involved with the local events.“Events like this help bring everyone together and build a stronger tech community,” Niamh said.Register your interest for the networking event here and book for the pub quiz here. PHOTO: Supplied

Queenstown Airport (QAC) has announced its new CEO.Shane O’Hare will replace outgoing chief executive Glen Sowry, taking the reins in September.Shane has more than 40 years' experience in aviation, and has held a range of senior executive positions in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the USA, and Middle East, including appointments at Melbourne Airport, Qantas Airways, Etihad Airways, Royal Jet Group, and Star Alliance. He also founded a regional airline, Seair Pacific Airlines, an award-winning tourism operation in Queensland, Australia.He's currently CEO and a board director at Launceston Airport, Tasmania, where he has led the airport through the recovery from the global pandemic and overseen key infrastructure delivery and customer experience projects, as well as record passenger numbers and network expansion. He also implemented a strategy to enhance non-aeronautical revenue.“The board is very pleased to have appointed such a well-qualified business leader after a robust recruitment process," Queenstown Airport Corporation chair Simon Flood said."Shane brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the aviation and tourism industries, and is a people-focused leader."“The board and I are looking forward to working with Shane as he leads the organisation through its next phase."Shane said he is "very pleased to be joining the team.”QAC CEO Glen Sowry announced his resignation in October last year and will be leaving Queenstown Airport in June. The board of directors has appointed Todd Grace, Chief Operating Officer as Interim CEO for the period between June and September.QAC is a council-controlled trading organisation (CCTO). The company is owned 75.01% by the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and 24.99% by Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL). It owns and operates Queenstown Airport, and manages Wānaka Airport and the Glenorchy airfield on behalf of QLDC.

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) new 2025 Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice has now launched.The code sets out the minimum standards that must be met for civil works and infrastructure constructed within new developments and it has been updated following a review and public consultation late last year.The latest code continues to ensure infrastructure across subdivisions and developments is functional, consistent, able to be operated and maintained safely, and built using best practice, QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Tony said.“Given a significant portion of the infrastructure council owns and manages is installed by developers and their contractors, the code provides clear guidelines and standards to be met to ensure this infrastructure meets local conditions and our community’s expectations,” he said.The new code has a particular focus on stormwater management to lessen environmental effects and ensure stormwater systems built today are “suitable for the future”, Tony said.Two hundred and ten submission items were received from a range of submitters on proposed updates to the code, providing insight and technical feedback from practitioners working with the code regularly.The code now incorporates revised design and testing requirements for soakage devices, clarified definitions for catchment types, and updated guidance on blockage factors, among other changes resulting from feedback received through the submission process. Tony thanked those who made a submission, noting feedback received helped the new code to reflect practical issues encountered while subdividing or developing land in the district.“We’ve also identified significant demand for the code’s roading and transport section to be updated, which we now plan to review at a date to be determined in 2026,” he said.The 2025 Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice was approved for adoption at the full council meeting on April 17.Resource consent applications submitted will now be subject to this version of the code, Tony said.PHOTO: Supplied

Progress is on track for two new Wānaka retirement villages, which will eventually increase retirement accommodation in the township by more than 220 residences.Completion of stage one of Northbrook, the Winton Properties owned village at Northlake, was announced this week.Winton spokesperson Sonya Fynmore told the Wānaka App that stage one includes 32 residences (two or three-bedroom independent living apartments) for one or two people.“The total number of residences at Northbrook Wānaka, once complete, is 131, which includes another 64 independent living residences and 35 Northbrook care suites,” she said.“There is a mix of where residents are moving from – about half are Wānaka locals and the other half have a connection with Wānaka but are moving from other southern towns e.g. Te Anau or as far as Auckland.”Meanwhile retirement village giant Metlifecare, which operates 32 North Island retirement villages, expects earthworks for stage one of its Three Parks village to be completed within the next six weeks or so.“Construction of the first 28 independent-living villas … will follow and is scheduled for completion around mid-2026,” a Metlife spokesperson told the Wānaka App. Once all stages are complete, the village will be home to approximately 150 residents. The accommodation options include around 95 independent living villas and 30 premium care suites, she said.Read more: $200M retirement village announced for Three ParksRetirement village approved - with conditionsIMAGE: Supplied

Cardrona's new Soho Express chairlift is spinning, with Doppelmayer in final testing mode of the high-speed six-seater chairlift ahead of handover later this month.Cardona Alpine Resort & Treble Cone general manager Laura Hedley said she expects the lift to be operational by June 28, two weeks after the skifield opens for the 2025 winter season."They're just finishing commissioning it now, with the electrical engineers, getting those chairs on the line and spinning it," Laura said."We're expecting handover about mid-May."We'll do our training with our teams ... once we're confident and capable on that, we're good to go. We're aiming for the start of the school holidays."Soho Basin has 150ha of skiable terrain, the equivalent of 150 rugby fields. The lift project will increase Cardrona's ski area from 465ha to 615ha – making it the biggest commercial ski area in New Zealand."It's quite hard to comprehend when you talk about the numbers but when you stand out there ... it is just a huge basin," Laura said.The Soho ski area will rely on nature for its snow this season. Snowmaking infrastructure will be added to the basin for season 2026.Soho Express has capacity for 3,000 passengers per hour, on 75 chairs along 1,237m and a vertical rise of 379m. It has 11 towers and is the same model as the $23M Shadow Basin chairlift, installed last summer by Doppelmayer at NZSki's Queenstown skifield The Remarkables.Doppelmayer is also installing a T-Bar chairlift at Cardrona in the main basin for the 2025 season, between the existing McDougalls and Whitestar chairlifts alongside the terrain park.Read more: New lift for Cardrona’s terrain park

A 300sqm+ Super Liquor store is billed for Lake Hāwea’s Longview subdivision.If approved, it could mark Lake Hāwea’s first dedicated liquor store and the first retail store in Longview’s long-planned commercial centre. The store would be 333sqm, be open 12 hours a day, seven days a week, and feature a ‘drive-through access arrangement’, according to application documents by Keyrouz Holdings Ltd.It would be the eighth dedicated liquor store for the Upper Clutha.There are already two retail outlets selling alcohol in Lake Hāwea - Fresh Choice and the Hāwea Store & Kitchen - and the Lake Hāwea Hotel, which has a small bottle store.“The Hāwea area is transitioning…to a sizable resident community,” application documents said.“The growing number of households have a very limited supply of local convenience and service outlets.”Keyrouz Holdings Ltd hopes to build the Super Liquor at the corner of Longview Drive and Burdon Loop, within Longview’s commercial centre (officially the Local Shopping Centre Zone).Because its floorplan exceeds the 300m2 limit for the zone, it would be a non-complying activity.Queenstown Lakes District Council is considering Keyrouz Holdings Ltd’s application.IMAGE: Supplied

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

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

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

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

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