Wānaka FC will make its highly anticipated debut in the Dettol Southern League tomorrow (Saturday March 29), taking on the University of Canterbury Football Club (UC Football) at the Wānaka Recreation Centre.The newly promoted side has enjoyed a strong build-up to its first-ever campaign in the league, winning all three of its friendly matches, including a statement victory over reigning Southern Premiership champions Mosgiel.“We're really looking forward to this weekend,” Wānaka FC director of football Ben Sippola said.“We want to make a big community day of it and generate a lot of support for the team.”The squad has undergone significant changes in preparation for the new challenge, with 12 new players joining the club. The recruits include talent from US universities and the Wellington Phoenix Academy, adding depth and experience to the roster.Despite the influx of fresh faces, Wānaka FC’s starting lineup will still feature a strong core from last year’s squad, with six to seven returning players expected to take the field against UC Football.The club will mark its Southern League debut by unveiling a new logo and taking the field in a fresh kit, adding to the excitement surrounding the match.Ben said he is happy with how the team is shaping up but remains cautious about the unknowns posed by UC Football.“We don’t know much about them, I think they’ve had a good pre-season,” Ben said.Kickoff is set for 2pm at the Wānaka Recreation Centre.PHOTO: Wānaka FC

The last remaining strip of Scurr Heights land is likely to be sold by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) following the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board’s (WUCCB) decision to recommend the sale.Sale of the bulk of the council-owned land in 2016 raised $15.6M for the Wānaka Asset Sale Reserve Fund, which is used to fund capital expenditure which benefits the residents of the Wānaka ward. Following expenditure on the Wānaka Recreation Centre swimming pool, a contribution to the purchase of the Mt Iron Recreation Reserve and the new Paetara/Aspiring Central Youth Centre, and contributions to the Luggate Hall and Wānaka Community Hub, the fund now sits at around $3.4M.Sale of the remaining 1.8 hectares of Scurr Heights land, adjacent to Wānaka Primary School, would boost the fund.WUCCB member and QLDC councillor Lyal Cocks said he and others had considered the possibility the land could be used for social housing, but he now supported the recommendation to put the land on the market to “get the best value we can for our endowment fund and the community to spend on assets for the next generation.”Lyal said it was “a balancing act” between the value of the land for social housing and the value the community could get from the land being subdivided.The WUCCB considered the future of the land at a meeting yesterday (Thursday March 27) and some board members raised concerns about access to the land, which is via Ironside Drive, a cul-de-sac that predominantly services Wānaka Primary School. Councillor Barry Bruce suggested that council could make developers’ proposals on access part of the sale process given the limited access and close proximity to the school.But council staffers said the land would need to be sold to the highest bidder on the open market, with Proposed District Plan (PDP) requirements determining how it would be developed.The land is zoned medium density residential under the PDP, which allows one residential unit per 250sqm net site area.WUCCB chair Simon Telfer said there was a trade-off in that the property’s sale would also lead to a great deal of traffic movement directly outside Wānaka Primary School.The land was originally two parcels of land acquired by QLDC, with the first being former Crown land purchased in 1988, and the second part former Ngāi Tahu land purchased in September 2000. QLDC councillors will still need to approve the sale before the process to sell it begins.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka is buzzing on the eve of the 11th Wānaka Festival of Colour, which kicks off tomorrow (Saturday March 29).The range of more than 60 events includes theatre, cabaret, music, comedy, dance, kōrero, visuals arts, community events and more - as well as local talent.The Wānaka App was invited to a sneak preview this past week of Stuck In the Middle With You, which was written and performed by Hāwea Flat resident Anna Shaw.The play, about Anna’s time with her husband Rick in MIQ during the Covid-19 pandemic, shines the spotlight on the couple’s relationship during their confinement in a Rotorua hotel. Cleverly staged and produced (with the assistance of fellow Hāwea Flat resident Robyn Bardas), the play features original music and plenty of Anna’s trademark humour. The play ticks all the boxes of the festival’s themes of identity, belonging and self-expression.Stuck In the Middle With You flows from Anna’s play Remote Thoughts, the story of her four years living and teaching in the remote North Territory Aboriginal community of Wadeye, which premiered at the 2023 Wānaka Festival of Colour.A scene from the previous festival’s free Community Whānau Day.The Festival of Colour’s free Community Whānau Day - which starts the festival in style on Saturday - also features local talent.Taking place around the streets and parks of the Wānaka CBD, it includes the Mint & Te Kākano Interactive Art Stall, Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) bands, MAC students in ‘A Picture Tells a Thousand Words’, and the Foundations dance performance. The community day will also feature a selection of food stalls from local cultural groups. Other highlights of the festival include Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurst in their sell-out play In Other Words, the Aspiring Conversations 2024’s hit Dirty Passports, Canadian circus Cirque Alfonse’s latest work ANIMAL, the cabaret show An Evening Without Kate Bush, and Chamber Music New Zealand’s Reimagining Mozart.The 2025 Wānaka Festival of Colour will run for nine days from March 29 – April 6.PHOTOS: Supplied

Otago Fish & Game has wrapped up its drift-diving programme helping to monitor fish populations in high-country fisheries for the 2024-2025 season.Last week staff drift-dived the Makarora River, the third river in Otago to be surveyed by the method this season.Previously drift-dived were the Upper Lochy and Upper Greenstone Rivers, which are classified as Designated Waters fisheries.Drift-diving involves Fish & Game staff drifting side-by-side downriver to count and classify fish.Otago Fish & Game officer Mason Court said staff encountered ideal conditions for fish counts last week with low flows and crystal-clear water on the upper Makarora River.“However, these same conditions made drifting challenging, requiring staff to navigate several shallow sections on foot.”The survey is part of Otago Fish & Game’s ongoing initiative to expand its drift-dive programme and establish baselines for long-term monitoring of key fisheries.Mason said the Makarora survey covered two 3.5km stretches, providing interesting insights, as significant numbers of large rainbow and brown trout were seen.“Rainbow trout were notably found in exceptionally shallow, fast-moving riffles, holding their positions until divers approached closely,” he said.“In contrast, the larger brown trout were mostly located in deeper, slower-moving pools and runs, often using in-stream structures, overhanging banks, and submerged branches for cover.”The surveyed sections of the Makarora recorded the highest number of fish per kilometre this season, with an impressive 23, compared with 5.8 in the Upper Greenstone and 0.5 in the Upper Lochy.Mason said prolonged dry weather and low flows in tributaries may have contributed to fish congregating in larger rivers, seeking more stable and cooler conditions.“Overall, the average fish observed appeared to be in excellent condition, with well-proportioned rainbow and brown trout recorded,” he said.“In addition to strong fish populations, staff observed a healthy abundance of invertebrates, including stoneflies, caddisflies, and mayflies — key indicators of a thriving river ecosystem.” Otago Fish & Game actively monitors waterways and wetlands, including the native and introduced species that live in them, to ensure their health and sustainability.“As well as drift-dives, our fisheries monitoring includes spawning surveys, electric fishing, environmental DNA testing, acoustic monitoring, habitat modelling, and analysis of angler success, those being creel surveys and competition data,” Mason said.“With the upcoming triannual Angler Notice review next season, this data will play a crucial role in informing future fisheries management decisions and potential regulation updates.” The survey is part of Otago Fish & Game’s ongoing initiative to expand its drift-dive programme and establish long-term monitoring baselines for key fisheries. PHOTO: Jakub Kanok

A final reserve management plan (RMP) for the Mount Iron Reserve - with a vision to provide “outdoor recreation in the heart of an urban environment” - will be considered by members of the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board today (Thursday March 27).Changes in the final RMP following community feedback late last year on the draft RMP include the removal of an objective to enable a mountain bike trail network within the reserve, which was advocated for by members of Bike Wānaka.“While there was support for this objective, it was highlighted that no other recreation activities were specified as an objective,” a Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) report to the WUCCB says. Existing objectives and policies already allow for mountain biking on Mount Iron.Other changes to the final RMP being considered by councillors today include the removal of policies allowing commercial activity on the reserve.Council staffers said this aligns with the status quo, “as there are currently no commercial activities permitted on the recreation reserve, except for [Department of Conservation] concessions on the Mount Iron 5km loop trail easement”.An additional ecology policy has been added to require ecological assessments prior to development or planting.Preparation of the RMP has been a long process following the purchase in May 2023 of 94 hectares of Mount Iron and Little Mount Iron by QLDC.The area has been gazetted as a recreation reserve, and consultation was undertaken with the community in 2023 and 2024.Read more: Future uses of Mt Iron subject of hearingThe vision in the RMP describes Mount Iron Reserve as “a revered Wānaka landmark where indigenous ecosystems thrive, providing outdoor recreation in the heart of an urban environment”. “It unites residents and visitors, bringing the community together to protect its recreation, scenic, cultural, ecological and geological values.”The WUCCB will consider the RMP at today’s meeting (Thursday March 27) at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre from 10am.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The Coastguard was deployed over the weekend after a member of the public reported they witnessed a boat collecting 17 people from the Ripe Festival in Glendhu Bay.“The boat was overloaded to the point where the back deck of the boat was reported to be under water,” Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said, “...and the vessel did not have enough life jackets.”Coastguard intercepted the boat as it made its way back to Wānaka and police have spoken to the person identified as the skipper, she said.“It goes without saying how frustrating it is to see cavalier attitudes to water safety.”Fi said numerous driving complaints over the busy long weekend kept police busy.She said it was pleasing that only one person was processed for an excess breath alcohol (EBA) over the weekend, although “in my view one is too many”.One person was also forbidden to drive as the result of drug impairment.It serves as a reminder for people who take medication that “regardless of whether it is over the counter, prescribed or a traditional healing medication, it’s important to remember that they all have the potential to impair your ability to drive”, Fi said.Find information on driving and medication here.Wānaka Police are also reminding people to lock valuable items and record serial numbers after a male entered a property on Brownston Street and removed an unlocked bike from a bike rack.Fi reiterated messages about safe hunting during the roar season, which is underway.She advised hunters to check the weather, then check it again; have a plan for the hunt and give it to someone - especially a ‘due out’ time; ensure you contact that person when you get out to avoid unplanned search and rescue related call outs; take the right gear for the conditions; have enough food and gear for the trip; take a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a reliable way to communicate.Find more information on roar safety here.Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.PHOTO: Wānaka App

New public spaces have been billed for four locations around the Upper Clutha.Cardrona, Albert Town, Makarora, and Northlake could each be getting new reserves, ranging in size from 180m2 to 170,005m2.The Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) will decide whether or not to recommend the council vests the reserves at today’s (Thursday March 27) meeting.In Cardrona, a proposed 16,975m2 reserve would “provide public green space within the Cardrona settlement area”, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) parks and reserve planner Dominic Harrison said.The long, narrow reserve would be located in the Cardrona township, on the east side of Cardrona Valley Road.It would provide “an opportunity for valuable recreation land to be utilised by residents in an accessible and central location”, Dominic said.Meanwhile in ‘old’ Albert Town (on the south side of SH6), a substantial 170,005m site billed for a recreation reserve would “provide additional open/green space adjacent to the Cardrona River”.Both reserves are on council-owned land.Northlake is one of the locations mooted for a new reserve. PHOTO: Wānaka AppThe other two reserves - these ones local purpose reserves, also known as access reserves - are proposed to be located within new subdivisions.In Makarora, a 699m2 reserve would sit within a new 29-lot subdivision off Rata Road.It will contain a stone chimney “showcasing some of the history of the area” and provide access from the subdivision to Rata Road, Dominic said.A new, 125-lot stage in the northwest corner of Northlake will include a 180m2 reserve, providing a “logical connection” to a planned walking and cycling track.Dominic said the first two reserves would “increase recreational opportunities” in the Upper Clutha and the latter two would “provide important pedestrian/cycle connections”.The WUCCB meeting will take place at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre at 10am today.

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

Wānaka’s annual wine and food festival Ripe 2025 went off last weekend (March 22) without a hitch as a capacity crowd of around 4,000 ate, drank and rocked the day away under balmy conditions at Glendhu Station, above Glendhu Bay.Performing at Ripe for the first time, Kiwi heavy funk band Black Comet described the warm, calm, overcast conditions as “perfect golf weather”, and encouraged the festival goers to sample the food, wine, beer and spirits on offer.In a celebration of local vineyards, most of the 23 wine producers were from Wānaka and its environs (Gibbston, Bannockburn, Cromwell, etc) while the 16 food stalls offered a range of international tastes, including South American, Japanese and Hungarian. Event planner Nathan White (Otago Event Planning) said judging by the feedback he received Ripe attendees were elated with the event.Ladyhawke fans crowded the dance area in front of the bandstand.One person said it was their first Ripe experience and it was the best organised event they’d attended. They planned to return with friends next year.“Small tweaks will be made to make the customer experience better but the event has learnt from each year where to make adjustments and we are now at the stage it is almost exactly how we like it…,” Nathan said.Nathan said there was no plan to increase the event’s capacity: “It is the perfect amount of people to create a positive atmosphere without being overcrowded.”Many in the crowd made use of dance space in front of the bandstand, participating in the enthusiastic performances, particularly by New Zealand musicians Ladyhawke and Black Comet.Ripe, which began at Corbridge Estate in 2021 and relocated to Glendhu in 2023, is known for its drive to achieve zero waste: Ripe 2024’s recycling regime diverted almost 89 percent of its waste from landfill.“We beat last year’s rate [this time] for sure,” Nathan said, attributing this to the event increasing its purchase of tin plates to 4,000, as well as 500 pizza boards and metal cutlery which were returned to the Dish Wash stations located throughout the event.Water tankers to replenish individual’s water bottles were available, compostable paper napkins were collected and food scraps went to Glendhu Station’s wormfarm. Even the new wine tasting tokens redeemable at the wine stalls were recycled.Friends of Mount Aspiring College (MAC) monitored the dish wash stations and cleaned the utensils. “We can’t say enough about how helpful they are, we call them the Green team…they do an amazing job,” Nathan said.“Hopefully we can create change at all events who will now be running out of excuses as to why they can’t go fully re-usable.”Festival goers overwhelmingly supported the event’s goal of zero waste.Tickets for buses from Queenstown, Cromwell and Wānaka to the event were sold out, he said, and additional buses were organised for festival goers just wanting to return to Wānaka.Wānaka Power Sports also sponsored the event with an electric utility task vehicle (UTV) which was available for medical transport to the St John site, as well as assisting with set up and pack down.WAI Wānaka was selected this year as the community recipient of funding from Ripe 2025 ticket sales.Nathan said WAI Wānaka will receive $5,000, contributing to its education programme with most Upper Clutha schools and early education centres which teaches children to care for lakes and rivers via workshops, fieldtrips and citizen science initiatives.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Nominations for the 2025 Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards are now open.Sport Central is inviting coaches, managers, parents, colleagues, and community members to nominate outstanding athletes, coaches, officials and sports figures who have excelled during the past year. The qualifying period for the 2025 awards is April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, and nominations will close on Friday April 4.Central Otago sporting achievements will be celebrated with a formal dinner at the Lake Wānaka Centre on Thursday May 8.“Central Otago athletes have shone on both the national and international stages, securing world titles and personal best times," Sport Central community sport advisor Jo Knight said.“The success of athletes such as Finn Butcher, multiple snow sports athletes, cyclists and last year’s winners - Ben Campbell and Alice Robinson - has been exceptional and inspiring over the past year.“It is hoped that nominations will flow in from the far corners of our region, and from a variety of sports.”Sport Central sport and active recreation advisor Ben Hamilton is encouraging the sporting community to also celebrate the work of coaches and officials, by nominating them for either the Workplace First Aid Coach or Findex Official of the year, and teams.“Celebrate the spirit of teamwork and excellence by nominating your favourite sports teams for the Jennian Homes Team of the Year award. Let’s honour the teams that have made us proud with their outstanding performances,” he said.The awards feature several categories:Workplace First Aid - Coach of the YearHealth 2000 Wānaka - Junior SportswomanGalloway Cook Allan - Junior SportsmanCentral Lakes Trust - Hall of Fame Inductee/sRay White - Duncan and Kelly Good Junior Spirit of CentralFindex - Official of the YearOtago Polytechnic - Para Athlete or TeamGary Anderson Sound and Vision - Sportswoman of the YearCentral Lakes Construction - Sportsman of the YearJennian Homes - Team of the YearWānaka Physiotherapy - Senior Spirit of CentralForsyth Barr - Supreme AwardNomination forms and guidelines can be found on the Sport Central website.

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake caused a pro-longed shake in Wānaka this afternoon (Tuesday March 25).The earthquake struck off the southern coast of the South Island at 2.43pm at a depth of 33 kilometres.GeoNet has described the shaking as 'moderate'.Wānaka residents have reported a long rolling shake with one saying "wow, that was a good shake".The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said there was no tsunami threat to land and people along the coast did not need to evacuate.IMAGE: GeoNet

Upper Clutha ratepayers can take comfort from the fact that they are not affected by issues around the Shotover Wastewater Plant near Queenstown, says deputy mayor Quentin Smith.Some Queenstown Lakes residents plan to stage a protest tomorrow (Wednesday March 26) against plans to discharge treated wastewater into the Shotover River, following media coverage in Queenstown of the issue.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is under pressure over its disposal field at the plant and has been taken to the Environment Court by freshwater regulator Otago Regional Council (ORC).When the plant was first opened, ORC permitted treated water to be discharged into the Shotover River. The disposal fields (designed to allow treated water from the wastewater plant to soak into the ground prior to entering groundwater and ultimately the river system) were added more recently in consideration of cultural sensitivities.The plant has since had problems with persistent ponding and spillover from the disposal fields.Quentin told the Wānaka App that Upper Clutha ratepayers can “take some comfort” in the fact they will not have to pay for any upgrades to the Shotover Plant, and that this area’s wastewater system (Project Pure) generally performs well.Read more: Queenstown wastewater woes highlight infrastructure deficit - deputy mayorQuentin said wastewater costs are paid for according to which scheme ratepayers are connected to. “Project Pure performs pretty well,” he said, despite some challenges around aeration. The project also has three plants, allowing for extra capacity should one be required to go offline, and there is also land to expand the plants to in the case of increased demand.Quentin Smith PHOTO: Wānaka AppHe added that a major investment in wastewater for the Upper Clutha will kick off later this year.Read more: Bigger than Ben Hur: Multi-million dollar wastewater upgrades on the booksQLDC is considering using emergency powers to discharge the treated wastewater from the Shotover Treatment Plant into the river.QLDC infrastructure boss Tony Avery issued a statement to media on Friday saying the council has a proposal to rectify the problem in the short-term, with an announcement due Wednesday morning.A Queenstown community group, Queenstown Community Action, has organised a protest at the plant on Wednesday morning, where the announcement will be made at 10am by QLDC to media. Longer term, the council has set aside $77.5 million in its 10-year plan for a new disposal system at Shotover, which is expected to take years to implement.

A 30-year-old overseas visitor was rescued before nightfall after falling five or six metres in steep and rocky terrain in Mount Aspiring National Park on Saturday afternoon (March 22).A team of Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR) alpine cliff volunteers was flown in to extract the man after he fell just before 3.30pm, suffering two broken ankles and head injuries. An Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter with a paramedic on board was unable to reach the man due to low cloud, so the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) called in the Wānaka experts with Aspiring Helicopters to retrieve him at 5.30pm.Wānaka SAR chair Raewyn Calhaem said two rescuers went in on foot, prepared to overnight with the patient, but the cloud started to break after they set off, so the other two rescuers were flown in. “It was really tricky terrain – rocky and very slippery and our guys used all the right gear,” Raewyn said.The man could not be rescued on foot, and it was 7.30pm by the time he was finally lifted out. Bystanders had loaned him a personal locator beacon (PLB) to alert emergency services and wrapped him warmly while his rescuers arrived, Raewyn said.An RCC spokesperson says the rescue took five hours from the PLB activation, stressing the importance of carrying one.The man is believed to have fallen near where a young French woman died after falling only several metres around 7pm on 20 February. Her death is being investigated by the Coroner.There have been more than half a dozen helicopter rescues to the Brewster Track this summer alone.Alpine experts around the country are very concerned about the extent to which young Instagrammers, usually inexperienced, are being lured past Brewster Hut to walk to the glacier. There’s no marked track through dangerous terrain.“This is a high consequence area so if it goes wrong, it really does go wrong,” Raewyn said.The alpine team had been called in to 12 rescues to retrieve injured patients from various popular climbs and hikes in the region since the beginning of January.Just days ago a popular Australian Instagram influencer posted photos of herself outside and inside Brewster Glacier under its ice fall. However, she did warn her 414,000 followers that it was an “unmarked high-risk trail, following a steep ridgeline with significant drop offs which should only be attempted by those with experience in alpine environments”. People of various nationalities responded in almost 100 comments, most eager to try it.Police, alpine rescuers and the Mountain Safety Council (MSC) have been warning of the dangers around Brewster Glacier for nearly a year.A joint interagency taskforce is researching why there’s been such a huge spike in interest in Brewster Glacier and other increasingly popular areas. “Brewster has become an emerging issue,” MSC senior partnerships and insights advisor Bevan Smith said. “There’s no identified safe route beyond Brewster Hut. You need skills and equipment to pick a safe route, and to know how to read the weather conditions. If cloud descends you can be navigating your way back to the hut across steep, exposed terrain in a whiteout.”The Department of Conservation has erected new warning signs outside Brewster Hut within the past month.PHOTO: Supplied

A new public park and playground is close to completion in the Pembroke Terrace residential subdivision nestled between Cardrona Valley Road (CVR) and Ballantyne Road.The formation of the new recreational reserve includes a shared pedestrian/cycle path which will connect CVR to Ballantyne Road via Avalon Station Road and Frederick Street.The park’s playground and picnic area is constructed on a terrace above the subdivision’s stormwater hub creating a landscaped and lighted reserve over one hectare.Hundreds of homes are under construction or already completed in this area but there is only one access road, Avalon Station Road beside the Medical Centre, creating a cul-de-sac.“All the traffic has to go in and out near the medical centre,” Pembroke Terraces project manager Iain Weir said.Project manager Iain Weir is asking locals to come up with a name for Pembroke Terrace’s new recreational reserve, due to open before this winter. PHOTO: Wānaka AppEventually Avalon Station Road will be extended to connect to Ballantyne Road near the Claas Harvest Centre, he said, but for now the three metre wide shared pathway will be the first direct connection for cyclists and walkers to Ballantyne Road. The path will also connect to other residential developments, including Tussock Rise and Alpine Meadows, making the new public park central to many families in these new developments, Iain said.The park is on track to be opened before winter, he said, and will eventually be vested in Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to manage.This fenced concrete path at the end of Frederick Street, beside Kai Pai bakery, connects to the new public park in Pembroke Terrace. PHOTO: Wānaka AppAfter viewing the park’s development last month, QLDC councillor Lyal Cocks said he was impressed by the multi-purpose use of the land and the quality of the new amenity.“It’s a clever use of the land with shared paths, a playground and recreational reserve incorporated with substantial stormwater infrastructure,” he said.“Its centralised location in the heart of these residential subdivisions, and high standard of amenity with extensive planting and lighting, means a very good outcome will be achieved for the community.” To date, the park has no name.“We obviously cannot call it Pembroke Park, but I’d like to think someone in the community could suggest a name,” Iain said. Pembroke Terrace subdivision was granted resource consent in 2021 to create 124 residential lots over 11.72 ha of what was rural land (farmed by the Gordon family). With Stage 6 recently consented, the number of lots has expanded to 143.Iain said there is no plan to extend Gordon Road to provide vehicular access to CVR, via Avalon Station Drive. Instead, Pembroke Terraces is creating a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists connecting the subdivision with Gordon Road which will provide “a short cut” for people to access Gordon Road from CVR, he said.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has given the green light to its new Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025, which determines the rules for using the district’s waterways.   Councillors approved the new bylaw at a council meeting on Thursday (March 20) and the new rules - which deputy mayor Quentin Smith described as “evolution not revolution” - came into effect immediately.“The panel heard from a diverse range of waterways users, including jetboaters and lake swimmers, whose insights helped shape the new bylaw,” Quentin said.“Through the process the panel aimed to balance safety and accessibility for all water users, maintaining and improving many ski lanes for better functionality and safety. “While not prohibiting jumping off the Albert Town Bridge, we have introduced upstream and downstream vessel passage lanes, and new rules for vessel identification and communication devices.” He said the measures “will enhance safety without being overly restrictive”.  The adoption of the bylaw marks the culmination of a comprehensive consultation process, which included a series of public meetings in September last year, a submission period in October, and subsequent hearings and deliberations.   Under the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025, several ski lanes originally proposed for removal will be retained (including all Upper Clutha ski lanes, though some have been amended); a rule has been introduced requiring the carriage of communication devices to enhance safety on waterways; and the bylaw also sets out a new framework to manage temporary events on the water. The new bylaw has retained ski lanes which were originally mooted for removal.Maps showing the location and size of all ski lanes can be found in Schedule 1 of the bylaw.  QLDC waterways regulatory services manager Craig Fahey said he encouraged all water users to become familiar with the updates to the newly adopted bylaw.“By understanding these changes, we can all do our part to keep our waterways safe, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone who loves being out on the water.”  New signage and educational materials addressing the changes will be rolled out over the coming months.   Find more information on the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025 and its implementation, including a copy of the final bylaw and key details, here. PHOTOS: Wānaka App

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

Wānaka’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (24) has been crowned the 2025 FIS Snowboard Slopestyle World Champion in Corvatsch, Switzerland overnight NZT. Zoi has finished on the podium at every Slopestyle World Championships she has contested during her decorated career, with this event marking her fifth consecutive Snowboard Slopestyle World Championships podium, and her third Snowboard Slopestyle World Champion title, a record setting achievement.“I can’t really believe it,” Zoi said.“I was just feeling incredibly grateful for this whole winter after my injury last year and really thankful for the support from my sponsors, my team, my friends and my family.” Zoi was in sixth place after run one of the two-run final, following an uncharacteristic bobble on her third jump.Zoi Sadowski-Synnott in action at the World Championships.Echoing her Beijing 2022 Olympic Slopestyle Gold, she was the final athlete to drop into run two, with it all on the line for the top spot.Showing the depth of her experience Zoi remained composed and stomped one of her trademark technical runs, leap frogging into the top spot with the only score of the competition in the 90s. “That was crazy, I messed up my first run and put so much pressure on myself coming into the last run, all the girls were riding so good, and I was stoked to watch everyone’s runs - it just vibed me up to land that run,” Zoi said.The winning run included a cab 270 on, 270 off on the top rail and a backside double corked 1260 melon grab on the third jump, but it was her entire top to bottom technical run, executed flawlessly, that put her in the top spot. Japanese riders Kokomo Murase and Reira Iwabuchi rounded out the podium in second and third. 2025 Women’s FIS Snowboard Slopestyle World Championship podium. [L-R] Kokomo Murase (JPN) 2nd, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (NZL) 1st, Reira Iwabuchi (JPN) 3rd.In the Freeski Slopestyle World Championships finals, Wānaka’s Luca Harrington secured his career best Slopestyle World Championships result finishing in sixth. Teammate Ben Barclay finished in sixteenth place. The Snowboard Park & Pipe Team will next be in action on Saturday March 29 at the Snowboard Big Air finals. PHOTOS: FIS Park & Pipe

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is asking for community feedback on a proposal to increase fees and charges for the use of council’s facilities and services.The council provides a range of ‘user pays’ services, from sport and recreation facilities like pools and sports fields to dog registration, resource consent processing, and waste services.The charges are one of the ways QLDC funds its services.If it does not increase them this year, rates would need to increase by an additional 1.6 percent, QLDC assurance, finance and risk general manager Katherine Harbrow said."If user fees and charges don’t keep up with costs, the extra has to come from everyone’s rates,” she said. “By adjusting fees, we can keep things fair, making sure the cost is shared in a way that makes sense for everyone.”Most of the proposed fees and charges increases are fairly small.For example, under the proposal, a casual swim for an adult would increase by twenty cents to $8.20.A casual swim for a child (5-17yrs) would increase by ten cents to $4.30 while a child’s group lesson would increase by 50 cents to $15.50.The cost of renting a meeting room at the Hāwea Flat Hall or Luggate Memorial Centre for community use would increase by 50 cents to five dollars depending on booking length.Most rubbish disposal fees would increase by no more than 50 cents.Wānaka Airport landing fees increase by three dollars to $58 depending on weight of aircraft. Residents have until the end of April to provide feedback on the user fees and charges at the Let’s Talk website, where they can find the full list of proposed increases.Once public feedback closes, councillors Lyal Cocks, Lisa Guy, and Gavin Bartlett will hear submissions and a recommendation to council on the charges for the 2025/2026 financial year.PHOTO: QLDC

Young and first-time duck hunters across Otago will have special access to prime hunting locations for the 2025 season opening through a dedicated ballot system."Introducing the next generation to waterfowl hunting remains one of our key priorities," Otago Fish & Game officer Steve Dixon said."We offer this special ballot to provide junior and novice hunters exclusive access to select wetlands during the first nine days of the waterfowl hunting season."The initiative covers hunting stands and ponds across six Fish & Game managed wetlands in Otago.Successful applicants will receive access permits valid from May 3-11."The hunting tradition is typically passed down through family connections or mentors," Steve said."While pursuing game for harvest, young hunters also develop a deeper appreciation for our wetland ecosystems. These shared experiences in nature strengthen relationships and create lasting memories."Participants must possess current game bird and firearms licences.Applications close on Wednesday (March 26) with the ballot draw scheduled for the following day.To enter, visit the Fish & Game website.Licences for the 2025 game bird season are now on sale.“The outlook for this duck season is, as always, hopeful as our region is blessed with great game-bird resources and hunting opportunities for all skill levels,” Steve said.“After prolonged wet conditions during the breeding period, we’ve had reports anecdotally of strong brood numbers around the region, which is a good sign for the upcoming season.”After the first nine days of the season, limited permits for the managed wetlands will become available to other adult hunters.A percentage of every gamebird hunting licence sold directly supports habitat restoration initiatives.PHOTO: Scott Weatherall