An analysis of the Wānaka property market indicates that interest in the residential market is fairly steady but buyers are cautious.Colliers’ annual property market wrap-up and projection report says market sentiment is expected to improve in the coming year, both in Wānaka and across the region.“Wānaka remains a desirable location to live and holiday in, with domestic migration and visitor numbers providing solid local economic drivers,” Colliers Otago director of valuation Heather Beard said.According to Statistics New Zealand, population growth in Wānaka and surrounds averaged 4.5 percent per annum over the five years to 2023. In comparison, population growth across New Zealand for the same period was only 1.3 percent per annum.Still, it has been a mixed year for the local residential market.Interest and activity in the entry level range sector of the residential market remains steady with “good demand”, Heather said, while the luxury market has “generally proven to be robust”.Section sales, on the other hand, “remain slow”.“Titles have been released in several new developments in 2024, accounting for the large volume of section sales during the year,” Heather said. “However, it is worth noting that the majority of these sections were signed up in 2021 and 2022 in more favourable market conditions.”“There has only been a limited number of titled section sales in Wānaka outside of these developments between January and July 2024.”Even though interest in the luxury market has been “fairly strong”, actual transaction levels remain low.Just seven sales above $4M were concluded between January and July 2024, two of which were lifestyle properties. The highest price paid for a residential dwelling in Wānaka in 2024, to the end of August, was $7.84M, well down from the previous record sale price in 2023 of $10M for a residential property on a 2ha block.In the rental market, the “extreme rental property shortage” has eased, listings have increased, and rents “appear to be stabilising” after a period of rapid growth.The median weekly market rental in Wānaka in the first half of 2024 was $820 per week, more than $160 under the comparable Queenstown median of $975.Market sentiment across the region is expected to improve into 2025, especially with the improved outlook for interest rate cuts, Heather said.“With uncertainty and challenges facing both buyers and sellers in the market we have certainly seen the ‘wait-and-see’ approach play out this year.”Wānaka was one of the locations with “pockets of stronger activity”, along with Queenstown and Central Otago, because the attraction “as a lifestyle choice for people leaving the main cities remains strong”.Region-wide, Heather said she expected transaction volumes to pick up as the effect of decreasing interest rates gradually begins to flow through into the market. “However, highly geared homeowners will continue to be challenged until we see any significant effect on mortgage rates, which is still a long way off.”Read the full 2024 Colliers Property Market Review and Outlook report here.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Otago Regional Council (ORC) has heard community input on the council’s representation review at a hearing yesterday (Thursday October 3).A representation review is required to be undertaken every six years: ORC currently has 12 councillors, elected from four constituencies: Dunstan (3), Moeraki (1), Molyneux (1) and Dunedin (6). At present, Dunedin’s six councillors represent just over 115,000 people compared with Dunstan’s three councillors covering a population of almost 79,000. The Dunstan constituency covers both Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago.While the ORC has proposed to reduce Dunedin’s seats to five and boost Dunstan’s to four, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) says this doesn’t go far enough.QLDC has submitted that a fifth constituency - encompassing Queenstown, Frankton, Wānaka, and Cromwell - be created, with the working title ‘Upper Lakes’. “Including Cromwell would recognise the close relationship between these areas reflected in the Queenstown Lakes Spatial Plan and Cromwell’s increasing growth with challenges emerging similar to those of the Queenstown Lakes District,” QLDC’s submission said.The new constituency “should elect a number of members to fairly, effectively, and proportionately represent the growing population now and into the mid-term future (assuming no further review of representation for another six years) and the overall population trends in the wider Otago region”. Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer also submitted that ORC’s current proposal “does not go far enough in recognising the community of interest centering around Queenstown, Wānaka and, possibly, Cromwell”. He also pushed for a fifth ORC constituency represented by three elected members.ORC’s initial proposal was available for public consultation from July 10 to September 8 and attracted 165 submissions, six of which spoke at this week’s hearing.Read more: Fifth constituency recommended to ORCThe ORC report said submitters supported the initial proposal “overall”.Other comments from submitters included that smaller populations in places like Tarras need local government support to ensure local values are reflected in decision-making; and proposed upcoming large developments in the Dunstan Rohe (such as the Bendigo Goldmine) require additional representation for Dunstan. Deliberations will follow yesterday’s hearings before council makes a final decision at the October 23 meeting – after which there will be a one-month appeals/objections period.The Local Government Commission will determine the arrangements by April 2025, and they will take effect for the local government elections in October 2025.PHOTO: Wānaka App

With the bombshell news the council’s Freedom Camping Bylaw is invalid, what does this mean for freedom campers and how will locals be affected?Last week a High Court judicial review ruled the Queenstown Lakes District’s Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021 was invalid, removing the restrictions governing freedom campers in our district - in particular where they could camp.Read more: Council’s freedom camping bylaw ruled invalidThe council is working on a new bylaw, but this will require further community consultation and is likely to take nine months to produce.Meanwhile, council staff plan to produce new information, and public signs to reassure locals that freedom campers won’t be taking over public areas widely used by locals to access lakes and rivers.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) chief executive Mike Theelen told the Wānaka App although the bylaw’s restrictions have been lifted, traffic and parking rules still apply as do recreational reserve management plans which will continue to restrict freedom camping.“We can’t guarantee that all freedom campers will do the right thing. However ... public reserves have specific restrictions on temporary and permanent accommodation under the law and …these restrictions still apply,” he said.This means freedom camping will still not be permitted in popular areas such as at Eely Point, or on the Roys Bay or Waterfall Creek foreshores, or beside the Clutha River at the Outlet.“If problems arise in a particular area then council will consider what restrictions and/or enforcement tools it can use on a case-by-case basis,” Mike said.“As we have done in previous years, QLDC will employ summer ambassadors to provide visitor education alongside increased enforcement.”The bylaw challengeThe Freedom Camping Bylaw gave QLDC the ability to manage freedom camping with specific rules, restrictions and enforcement actions.Mike said the bylaw sought to balance national legislation with the needs and expectations of campers and local communities.  The “inconsiderate actions” of many freedom campers was one impetus for the Freedom Camping Bylaw. “We have consulted extensively with our community on this contentious topic and received strong feedback that the inconsiderate actions of so many freedom campers created a very negative experience for locals and other visitors alike.” The New Zealand Motor Home Association (NZMCA) challenged the bylaw on the grounds it had paid too much attention to “irrelevant” issues, such as the effect of freedom camping on neighbouring areas (such as the dumping of rubbish and waste affecting neighbouring land and streams), and that it was too restrictive.The High Court judge agreed with the NZMCA.On social media the NZMCA declared the QLDC had “jumped the gun” by advising its ratepayers the bylaw was no longer enforceable, saying the council still had an opportunity to make a submission to the court, as the final outcome from the court’s ruling is yet to be determined.Mike said the court made its final declaration that the bylaw was invalid.“Given the high level of public interest in this topic, it was important for us to share the news with our community straight away,” he said.The court has also said that parties are to file submissions “as to any additional relief that should be granted”, which relates to things like when the decision will take legal effect, but the court will not change its declaration, Mike said.     NZMCA has been unhappy with QLDC’s camping bylaw for years. The group considered a judicial challenge during the previous bylaw review in 2019 but withdrew it.NZMCA was approached for comment but has not responded to the Wānaka App.Next stepsQLDC already has work underway to develop a new bylaw to manage freedom camping, and Mike said consultation will take place in the first half of 2025. The court has been asked to clarify when the bylaw’s invalidation takes effect. This will decide if the council has to refund any fines issued since 2021 when the bylaw was adopted.QLDC also needs to consider if there are any legal grounds to appeal the decision. Council has said it would only appeal if, after analysing the decision, there appeared to be a clear error of law, and if correcting it justifies the costs of an appeal.In the meantime, QLDC plans to review its signage and maps; and publish additional information to explain to freedom campers and locals how existing restrictions (separate from the bylaw) will still apply. Council will continue to promote its responsible camping education programme which includes ensuring campervans must be certified self-contained, with a toilet and enough fresh and wastewater storage for three days without getting more or dumping waste, as well as defining the number of people allowed to sleep in the van. It will also employ “summer ambassadors” in popular freedom camping spots to promote local campgrounds, and advise freedom campers of their responsibilities not to damage or spoil the local environment, or interfere with public access.“Freedom campers are encouraged to read and understand any rules or restrictions and local community expectations for responsible camping,” the council said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Zoning for Upper Clutha primary schools has had a shake up with Wānaka Primary School’s enrolment zone expanded to include the Albert Town area while Te Kura O Take Kārara’s zone has been reduced.The local enrolment zone amendments follow consultation with the Ministry of Education.Wānaka Primary School principal Wendy Bamford told the Wānaka App the change would “reduce growth pressure on Take Kārara and use up spare classrooms at Wānaka Primary School”.Zoning for the two schools was implemented ahead of Te Kura O Take Kārara's opening in 2020.Wānaka Primary School’s roll shrunk by hundreds in the years following as the result of its restricted zone, Wendy said.The school was forced to make staff redundant and classrooms emptied.As the result of this, in September the Wānaka Primary School board made the decision to offer out-of-zone enrolments for 2025.Te Kura O Take Kārara and Wānaka Primary School also began consultation with the Ministry of Education on amending the school zones in July this year.Read more: School zones undergoing ‘rebalancing’Wendy confirmed the school board has agreed to adopt the amended zone. The school zone, which now includes Albert Town. IMAGE: SuppliedShe said this meant students within the Albert Town zone can enrol at Wānaka Primary School as in-zone enrolments from term four.Wānaka Primary School’s updated enrolment zone includes the boundaries formed between Ardmore Street and the Wānaka-Luggate Highway north along the shores of Lake Wānaka and the Clutha River outlet, as well as Albert Town.  The Te Kura O Take Kārara zone still covers central, south and west Wānaka, and Cardrona.Wendy said families interested in enrolling at Wānaka Primary School should visit the school office.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is asking residents to weigh in on proposed changes to waterway rules including the removal of ski lanes at Eely Point and other locations on Lake Wānaka.The draft Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025 also proposes the creation of ‘passage lanes’ under the Albert Town Bridge to separate swimmers and bridge jumpers from vessels.Councillors approved the draft bylaw for consultation at last month’s meeting but some, including deputy mayor Quentin Smith, noted that the existing bylaw was “working pretty well”.The bylaw should be “looking for evolution, not revolution”, he said.Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) members also recommended sticking with the status quo for the most part at a meeting in July.Read more: No big changes needed for water rules - community boardPrevious proposals to restrict bridge jumping at Albert Town have faced heated opposition from members of the public, as have proposals to reduce ski lanes.The draft bylaw currently out for consultation proposes the removal of the Waterfall Creek ski lane and the Roys Bay ski lane adjacent to Pembroke Park in addition to the Eely Point ski lane.It proposes to reduce Glendhu Bay’s eastern ski lane by 50 metres but keep the western ski lane as is.The draft bylaw proposes removing ski lanes from Eely Point, Roys Bay, and Waterfall Creek.A range of changes are also proposed for ski lanes in the Wakatipu Ward. The draft bylaw would carry over “the majority of provisions” from the existing bylaw, QLDC principal policy advisor Luke Place said.They included rules around life jackets and safe use of the Wave in Hāwea, which would remain the same.Other proposed changes include increasing vessel identification requirements and increasing the harbourmaster’s involvement and discretion over events on the water.Council staff said the draft bylaw had been informed by public engagement including online pre-engagement late last year and a public workshop with elected members in April.Submissions on the draft bylaw are open for the month of October.Read the draft bylaw and provide feedback here or find a copy at Wānaka’s QLDC office or library.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The luxury property market in Wānaka is undergoing significant shifts, driven by a variety of economic factors and changing buyer preferences.Firstly, it’s important to understand the broader context in which Wānaka's luxury property market operates. The high-end real estate sector, defined here as residential properties valued at $4M and above, has seen a marked decrease in transaction volume over recent years.Despite this downturn, the average sale price has increased. This paradox suggests continued confidence among buyers willing to invest in top-tier properties.One of the primary reasons for this trend is the economic climate. Interest rates have been fluctuating, impacting buyer behaviour significantly. During the boom years of 2021 and 2022, the market experienced robust activity, with approximately 16 sales annually in the $4M-plus category. However, this number has since halved, with only five sales recorded since January this year (2024).Interestingly, despite the lower number of transactions, the properties that sell are fetching higher prices. This indicates that the market is not devoid of high-net-worth individuals who see value in Wānaka’s luxury real estate.Lake views and substantial property sizes remain key selling points, as these features continue to attract discerning buyers looking for exclusive, picturesque homes.The prolonged time properties are spending on the market is another critical factor. While in 2021-2022, high-end homes would typically sell within 70 days, the average time on market has now increased to around 170 days.This extended period reflects a cautious buyer sentiment, possibly influenced by economic uncertainties and the increased availability of properties. Currently, there are 29 listings in the $4M-plus category, giving buyers ample choice but also leading to a slower turnover.A notable aspect discussed in The Goods on Real Estate podcast is the impact of market conditions in main centers like Auckland and Wellington on Wānaka’s luxury property market. Buyers who would typically sell their homes in these urban areas and relocate to Wānaka with substantial capitalare holding back.This hesitation is primarily due to sluggish market conditions in those main centers, which have a cascading effect on the luxury market in Wānaka.While the high-end property market in Wānaka faces challenges such as reduced transaction volumes and extended time on market, the increasing average sale prices and continued interest in luxury homes indicate a resilient sector. Economic conditions and interest rate fluctuations will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the market’s future, but the fundamental appeal of Wanaka's stunning landscapes and substantial properties remains strong.Whether you are a potential buyer, an investor, or simply fascinated by real estate trends, The Goods on Real Estate podcast offers valuable insights into the dynamics of Wānaka's property market. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding and stay ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving sector.

A Wānaka rock band which was able to tour and record its first album with support from last year’s Thrash More competition is encouraging budding musicians to enter this year.The nation-wide Thrash More competition is open to high school bands and musicians up to age 25 with a $10,000 cash prize for the winner.Seven thousand dollars will go to the band or artists towards music equipment, an album release or studio recording time, and the remaining $3,000 to the winner’s chosen secondary school or community music facility.In 2023 Powder Chutes (featuring members Clarke West, Otis Murphy, Henry McConnell and Archie Orbell) won the competition and said it provided a host of opportunities.“The prize money enabled us to both continue recording our debut album, and to pay something back into the community that’s been such an important part of our journey,” the band said in a statement.The group used the $3,000 community cash prize to donate a Gibson Les Paul guitar to the Te Kura O Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) music department.“If you’re in a band, get writing and get involved in this year’s Thrash More,” Powder Chutes said.The entry period for Thrash More (funded by AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand) began this week and it closes in November, with the winner decided by a yet-to-be-announced top Kiwi band.“It has been exciting to see Powder Chutes… continue to grow from strength to strength, this past year,” AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand co-founder and managing director Henry van Asch said.He said there had been “overwhelming interest” in the competition last year.“Based on the entries we received in 2023, there is a fantastic mix of emerging homegrown musicians across New Zealand, and we hope this initiative encourages them to give it a go.”The month-long music competition is open to bands and musicians aged 13-25, from any music genre. Artists can enter the contest by filling out the official entry form via the contest website and uploading a video of their original song to social media, using the hashtag #ThrashMore and tagging @ajhackettbungynz.PHOTO: Nat Warburton

Finley Melville Ives (Wānaka, 18) has claimed the gold and Luke Harrold (Lake Hāwea, 16) has claimed the silver at the FIS Australia New Zealand Cup (ANC) Freeski Halfpipe competition.  Finley scored a 92.67 with a technical run executed with precision to take the win.“I am so stoked,” he said. “It’s so amazing and it’s such a good result at the last halfpipe competition of the season – I am really happy.” His winning run included a switch left double corked 1080 into back-to-back double corked 1260s.  Luke, who finished in second place with a score of 90.00, put down a technical run which included his trademark trick combination of back-to-back switch double alley-oop 900s on his final two hits. “There are just a few of us doing them [the switch double alley-oop 900s] on the World Cup circuit,” he said. “They are kind of my specialty, so I really enjoy doing them… it’s a super fun, floaty trick.” Both Finley and Luke said the event, held at Cardrona Alpine Resort yesterday (October 1) featured a really high level of competition.Benjamin Fethke of the USA rounded out the podium in third, and Wānaka’s Ben Harrington finished just off the podium in fourth position.  It was a tightly fought competition, with numerous World Cup athletes on the stacked start list, Snow Sports NZ said in a statement. Head freeski judge Victoria Beattie complemented both of the freeskiers’ runs.Luke’s run - the first of the day - was “incredible and… it’s always a tricky choice when the first run of the competition is put down so well”. “Fin executed his run just that little bit cleaner, landed higher on the pipe wall, showed better control through the bottom and put down a great technical run,” she said. “Those two athletes were really toying for the top.” Yesterday’s FIS ANC Freeski Halfpipe competition also included the women’s freeski category where Australia’s Indra Brown took the win; and the snowboarders also took on the pipe, where Kanoe Pelfrey of American Samoa won the women’s and Zensei Nishizuka of Japan won the men’s. Competition is set to continue today (Wednesday October 2) with the FIS ANC Freeski Slopestyle competition on Big Bucks terrain park and the age division freeski and snowboard competitions in the halfpipe.PHOTO: Ross Mackay/ Snow Sports NZ

Wastebusters has had some strange things donated over the years, but it was a first for the community enterprise to have to call in the army to help deal with an item.On Saturday (September 28) a World War I grenade - the result of a good spring clean of a local’s garden shed - was dropped off, prompting swift action by Wastebusters staff when it was found among the resident’s donations.“Fortunately it turned out that there was no explosive in the grenade, but no-one could ascertain that until the trained army experts arrived the following day to deal with it safely,” Wastebusters general manager Gina Dempster said.Gina praised the quick thinking of front yard team member Simon McKenzie and the wider crew who quickly secured the grenade in a safe place away from customers and staff and involved the police right away.Senior Constable Bruce McLean echoed the sentiment, saying “their actions were spot on, exactly right”.“If there’s any risk to a person, be it from a bio hazard, an explosive, anything, give us a call. Don’t just turn up with it,” he said.New Zealand Army personnel came to Wastebusters on Sunday (September 29) and confirmed the grenade as being a Mills 23 grenade from the early 1900s. Their assessment discovered that the grenade did not contain any explosives.Wastebusters was able to stay open during the army visit, as the grenade was contained in the upstairs area at a safe distance from staff and customers.“We are very grateful to the professionalism of both the Wānaka Police, and army personnel who responded and ensured the grenade was safely removed from our site,” Gina said.After viewing Wastebusters’ CCTV footage, police were able to track down and speak to the resident.Gina said Wastebusters has had items such as rabbit poison and ammunition dropped off before, but a grenade on site was a first.“We’d encourage everyone who supports Wastebusters to join us in putting the safety of our staff and customers first,” she said. “If you want to clear out guns or weapons, please contact the police directly, and they’ll give you instructions on what to do.“And if there’s something you’re not sure about that you’d like to donate or pass on, just give Wastebusters a call on (03) 443 8606.If we can’t accept it we’ll point you in the right direction.”If unusual items are discovered here are the options for disposing of them safely:For explosives, guns or weapons, contact the Police on 105 (non-emergency) or 111 (in an emergency).For hazardous waste, including substances harmful to people or the environment, call the transfer station on 03 341 2092.For anything else check council’s A-Z Directory.PHOTO: Wastebusters

An analysis of the Wānaka property market indicates ongoing supply issues in the tightly held commercial and industrial markets.Colliers’ annual property market wrap-up and projection report says market sentiment is expected to improve in the coming year, both in Wānaka and across the region.The Wānaka market “remains active and has been fairly resilient to the challenging market conditions experienced in other parts of New Zealand,” Colliers Otago director of valuation Heather Beard said. “However, the local market has not been completely immune to current economic conditions. Buyers are now more cautious and are taking a conservative approach.”Wānaka commercial market ‘tightly held’Heather said the local commercial property market “continues to be tightly held and buyers looking for investment opportunities in the town centre facing a limited supply of stock”.Buyers are showing more caution and are taking the time to evaluate investment opportunities thoroughly. There is a limited supply of stock for buyers looking to invest in the town centre.She cited the example of the Mediterranean Market and McKenzie & Willis building, at 6/22 Ardmore Street, which sold in August after being first listed for sale in November 2021.Retail vacancy remains low and there is also minimal office vacancy in the town centre, with no new supply of retail and office space in the short term, and “the high cost of land and construction is continuing to challenge the viability of new developments in the town centre.”Tenant demand slowed during late 2023 and 2024, but tenants wishing to enter the Wānaka market do have options in the Three Parks development, “where new supply is ongoing at a steady rate”.Read more: ‘Support local’ in challenging retail sector - business chamber boss‘Continued demand’ in Wānaka industrial marketThere is continued demand from investors for modern, high quality industrial property in Wānaka with long-term leases in place, Heather said, but the availability of stock is an “ongoing issue due to the tightly held nature of the Wānaka market”. Rents in the Anderson Heights Business Park and Ballantyne Road industrial areas have continued to increase over late 2023 and 2024, although at a slower pace than the previous two years. “Rents for existing premises are expected to stabilise going forward due to challenging economic conditions and tenant affordability ceilings being reached.“There are very few vacant, titled, industrial sites currently available to purchase in Wānaka.“There is also a supply shortage of industrial facilities, with several planned developments requiring tenant commitment before construction can commence, particularly in Three Parks.” Region-wide trends and projectionsMarket sentiment across the region is expected to improve into 2025, especially with the improved outlook for interest rate cuts, Heather said.“With uncertainty and challenges facing both buyers and sellers in the market we have certainly seen the ‘wait-and-see’ approach play out this year.”Read the full 2024 Colliers Property Market Review and Outlook report here.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Police faced a potentially explosive situation when a grenade was disposed of to Wastebusters on Saturday (September 29).Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said while she acknowledged the action was well intended, people should consider what they are disposing of and think through the implications.“This is simply not okay,” Fi said.“A big thank you to the team at Wastebusters who managed the situation extremely well. My advice, if you discover an unexploded ordnance, or if you are unsure of its status… don’t touch it, leave the area and call 111. Certainly don’t transport it to another location.”She said police and the New Zealand Defence Force will activate an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squadron to neutralise the ordnance.“The EOD unit will attend any part of New Zealand, 24/7, 365 days a year to assess, remove, or destroy any potentially hazardous explosive items, which is what happened on this occasion.”Later on Saturday a male was involved in a fight at Bullock Bar. “On police arrival he was aggressive, swearing and verbally abusive towards police,” Fi said. The man was warned for disorderly conduct, but police were called back later and he was arrested. “The male is facing charges of escape[ing] custody (he ran off and was located after being placed under arrest), disorderly behaviour and possession of cannabis,” Fi said.Vehicle vs power poleLast Thursday (September 26) at around 5 am police were called to “an incident involving a vehicle versus power pole on Aubrey Road”, Fi said.  The driver was assessed by ambulance staff at the scene and there were no injuries. The driver has been charged with excess breath alcohol (903), dangerous driving, driving contrary to terms of zero alcohol and breach of bail. Police opposed bail and the driver has been remanded in custody.“This is a disappointing incident. Police will continue to do everything within our power to remove recidivist drivers off our roads. The consequences are immense, on so many levels,” Fi said.On Sunday night (September 29) a male who was driving west on Meadowstone Drive failed to see a car parked on the side of the road. The single occupant male driver left the scene before police arrived, without leaving his details with any of the witnesses. “The driver has since been located and spoken to. He has been charged with careless driving,” Fi said.She said there were “some pleasing results” over the past week reported by the Impairment Prevention Team (IPT), with 501 vehicles stopped through checkpoints in Wānaka and drivers screened for alcohol. There was one excess breath/blood alcohol (EBA), awaiting blood results, Fi said.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

Wānaka snowsports athletes Finley Melville Ives and Rocco Jamieson have reached the podium in their respective Big Air competitions today (Monday September 30) at Cardrona Alpine Resort.Both athletes were competing in the FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Big Air with Finley finishing third in the freeski event and Rocco third in snowboard.The event was held in perfect conditions with more than 60 ski and snowboard athletes (representing seven nations) seeking valuable FIS and ANC points.Lucas Ball (16, Nelson) was crowned the men's FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Freeski Big Air champion putting down a technical triple cork 1800 with a safety grab. Australia’s Cameron Waddell finished in second place, with Finley in third.  The men’s snowboard field was stacked with World Cup podium athletes dropping in alongside up and coming local riders. Japan’s Hiroto Ogiwara took the win, with Arrowtown’s Lyon Farrell (25) in second place and Rocco in third.Madeleine Disbrowe (Queenstown, 16) won the women’s Freeski Big Air.  The Cardrona NZ Freestyle Nationals is being held at Cardrona Alpine Resort this week (September 30 – October 4). The age division NZ National Champions will be crowned in Skier-Cross, Boarder-Cross, Freeski & Snowboard Halfpipe and Freeski and Snowboard Slopestyle. At the end of the week the overall National Champions will also be crowned for all age divisions.PHOTO: Ross Mackay

The Wānaka Business Chamber has announced the finalists for the 2024 Wānaka Business Excellence Awards in association with Milford Asset Management.The Chamber said the selection process has been rigorous and the finalists chosen for their outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence in their respective fields."The judging panel had the difficult task of evaluating an incredibly diverse and innovative group of businesses,” Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat said. “What stood out this year was the level of adaptability and forward-thinking that so many businesses demonstrated, particularly as they navigated recent economic challenges.”A revamped application and judging process, designed to make it more accessible for businesses to enter, resulted in a record number of entries.“It’s a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit here in Wānaka that we’ve seen such strong engagement with the awards,” Glenn said. “We look forward to celebrating not only the finalists but the broader business community that continues to drive our region forward."Glenn congratulated all the entrants and said he hoped the process allowed business leaders to step back from day-to-day operations and reflect on their progress.The winners of the 2024 Wānaka Business Excellence Awards will be announced at the awards gala dinner at Rippon Hall on November 9.Tickets to the awards gala dinner can be purchased here.Finalists for the 2024 Wānaka Business Excellence Awards are:Main Industry CategoriesExcellence in Customer Experience – Supported by Drive AccountingMitre 10 MEGA WānakaThe Next ChapterWastebustersExcellence in Visitor Experience – Supported by Lake Wānaka TourismBike GlendhunzbiketrailsWānaka Helicopter GroupExcellence in Trade & Industrial Sector - Supported by FindexArchitectural + Design LibraryWānaka SolarWānaka StoneExcellence in Primary & Consumer Goods – Supported by Cardrona Alpine Resort and TrebleConeBalance MeRipponSidekick SodaExcellence in Professional Services – Supported by Aspiring LawConstructive ConsultantsGreenhawk Chartered AccountantsMike Pero Mortgages Wānaka & QueenstownSchistrockmedia - The Wānaka AppSpecialist CategoriesStrategy, Innovation & Business – Supported by Batchelar McDougall ConsultingArchitectural + Design LibraryBike GlendhuFluid Visual CommunicationsBest Emerging Business Award – Supported by Air New ZealandGreen FoxnzbiketrailsEmployer of the Year – Supported by EASI NZGreenhawk Chartered AccountantsMitre 10 Mega WānakaWānaka StoneBusiness Sustainability & Environmental Impact – Supported by Queenstown Lakes District CouncilGreen FoxGreenhawk Chartered AccountantsWastebustersCommunity Contribution – Supported by Queenstown AirportFood for LoveWānaka Golf ClubWastebustersPHOTO: Bunker Street Film Co

More than 300 people attended a protest march in Wānaka on Saturday (September 28), despite having only a day’s notice of the event.The march, organised by Wānaka resident Michael Sidey, opposed the government’s announcement last week to scale back plans for a new Dunedin Hospital.Go deeper: Protest march in Wānaka for Dunedin Hospital plannedThe crowd, armed with placards with slogans such as ‘Health cuts hurt’ and ‘Build it right’, marched from the Wānaka Fire Station to the Dinosaur Park.Michael told attendees that Dunedin Hospital is “being subjected to yet another round of down-sizing, reductions in inpatient capacity, staged developments, reduced fit-outs and retention of services at the old hospital site”.He said the reductions have been ongoing since 2017 when the then National Party Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Prime Minister Bill English announced a new "state of the art" public hospital for Dunedin.The planned purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility was estimated to cost between $1.2B - $1.4B, making it the largest hospital rebuild in New Zealand history.Michael said current Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told a packed hall in Wānaka prior to last year’s election “that his party would build Dunedin hospital, not defer it due to costs as the then Labour government was doing” - to resounding applause.Michael Sidey and Monique Mayze addressing the crowd at the Dinosaur Park.“We, the communities of Wānaka, Hāwea, Queenstown, Cromwell, Alexandra, Roxburgh, Lawrence, Ranfurly, Balcutha and Oamaru urge the government to recognise once and for all that Dunedin Hospital is Otago Hospital and is essential to the health and wellbeing of the wider region and over 330,000 people,” Michael said.“This is not just a hospital for the people of Dunedin. It provides an essential strategic hub for quality specialist and diagnostics care, treatment and operations…“It is critical health infrastructure that has to perform for lifesaving procedures and if it is to be genuinely efficient it will be built to allow for capacity for decades to come, not built to the three or six year aspirations of the government of the day.” Health care advocacy group Health Action Wānaka also attended the march, with group steering committee chair Monique Mayze telling the crowd the Upper Clutha community relies on the specialist services delivered in Dunedin “because we cannot access these services locally”.She said the new hospital in Dunedin was designed based on patient need, which has only grown as the population grows.“We don’t accept the government’s lack of political will when it comes to Dunedin Hospital or our community’s access to healthcare services. We have tolerated systemic inequity for far too long,” she said.“When it comes to finding solutions, we believe that this community has the skills and resources to find its own solutions to some of the problems we face, and also the ability to force the government to act to ensure we get equitable access to healthcare.”Wānaka resident Meg Taylor has started a petition (‘Build Our Hospital - Just Do It!’).She told the Wānaka App the goal is to gather signatures from across the Otago region.“Your support will make a difference,” she said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The potential to progress a select few local projects - including toilets at the Snow Farm, a council dog park, and night lights for Wānaka’s Skate Park - were discussed at a workshop in Wānaka last week (September 26).With the recent confirmation of the council’s long-term plan (LTP), it’s clear there will be little funding for local community projects over the next three years. But with a modest $320K minor improvements budget available for this financial year, and an additional $130K each year thereafter, the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board has been asked by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Parks staff to indicate which community projects had top priority.Snow Farm ToiletsA request for public toilets at the Snow Farm was highlighted in many Wānaka submissions to the LTP but the board wanted further information, such as the type of toilets, costs, and the input of the Snow Farm, before it could prioritise the project.Parks manager Dave Winterburn said the LTP budgeted $375K for toilets throughout the district but that funding wasn’t available until three years from now. Toilets at Lismore Park have already been discussed by the board but the Snow Farm toilets could be a higher priority if appropriate funding could be secured.An investigation into other sources of funding was suggested by board members, such as approaching Snow Farm neighbour the Department of Conservation, or requesting funding from central government’s visitor levy.Wānaka Dog ParkA few Wānaka people had also made submissions to establish a local dog park. Dave said the staff had reviewed suitable locations but its policy favoured multi-use parks, rather than a dog park which would restrict it to a single user group. He added there was no budget for a dog park.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith said the desire for a local dog park was historic but the board needed further information. For instance, was just a fenced area required, or was shelter, shade, water, parking and an agility course also wanted; and what are the pros and cons of dog parks.Councillor Lyal Cocks also advised the securely fenced area at Templeton Park, in Albert Town, was treated as a dog park and already well used by many locals, so “I don’t think we could justify spending a whole lot of money right now”, he said. Skate Park LightsThe Wānaka Skateboard Club has been lobbying council for some years to extend the use of Wānaka’s Skate Park by installing lights. It is estimated an additional 1,000 hours of skate park usage each year was possible under lights between dusk and 10pm, particularly during the six months from April to September. Daylight saving meant lighting during the remaining six months would not be as well utilised.Based on current concept designs, staff estimated it would cost around $300k, Dave said. The option of solar power lighting was also investigated but it was costly to install.Board chair Simon Telfer said the board was committed to the project but was reluctant “to blow the minor improvement budget” on this one project.He asked if council would be willing instead to collaborate with the Skate Club on design, funding and delivery to “enable” the project to progress.Watersports Facility CarparkImprovements to the Watersports Facility carpark, including a new bridge over Stoney Creek and tracks to separate pedestrians from cars, have largely been completed but concerns have been raised about the ongoing use of the reserve, the safety of children using the adjacent playground, and the parking congestion.The carpark is the closest access to the Wānaka Tree and inappropriate car, bus and campervan parking has been documented all over the reserve.Board member Linda Joll said the reserve was “a very special piece of land”, and suggested closing the car park altogether. She believed the public should be consulted on the future of this reserve.Others thought it was neither feasible nor practical to close the car park but that some minor landscaping modifications should solve some car parking issues in the short-term.Almost $500K has already been spent on the project and board members were reluctant to spend more but agreed to reshaping the parking bund and strategically locating large rocks to define the parking area.Further consideration of what was best for the reserve area should be considered in a future project, the board said.Parks staff also advised a number of other projects have been completed, such as the track upgrades to the Albert Town River Trail and the Millennium Trail; that Wānaka Lakefront Development Stage 5 (from the Marina to the Yacht Club) should be complete by November 8, 2024, and a modified wildfire reserve closure protocol would be implemented again this summer.Much of the Parks staff work over the next three years would focus on completing ongoing projects, such as the Mt Iron Reserve Management Plan and wildfire prevention plans, and also the Hāwea Playground project.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Reform of the building consent regime will mark the beginning of a "new era for the construction industry", a developers' lobby group says.The government announced on Sunday it would be reforming the building consent system - including reducing the number of consenting authorities.It was also looking at changing who was legally responsible for payouts over defective buildings.The announcement followed proposed 'granny flat' law changes that would remove the need for consents for homes under 60sqm.Minister of Building and Construction Chris Penk said the "cumbersome" consenting system meant New Zealand had some of the "least affordable housing in the world".The system was intended to protect homeowners from defective building work, by requiring it to be inspected and consented by a Building Consent Authority (BCA).A lack of consistency in how the 67 BCAs were interpreting the building code was leading to costs and delays for builders, he said.Among the new options being considered to replace the current BCA system were:voluntary consolidation: allowing councils to pool resources for building consentsregional BCAs: establishing a smaller number of regional BCAssingle point of contact for builders to submit plans to: inspections may be contracted out to existing BCAs or private consenting providers, "creating competition and encouraging specialisation".The government was also looking at changing who was legally responsible for payouts over defective buildings."Under the current settings, councils and their ratepayers are liable for defective work," Penk said."Joint and several liability means councils can be 'the last person standing' available to foot the bill when things go wrong. This creates a highly conservative and risk-averse approach, which contributes cost and draws out deadlines."Property Council NZ chief executive Leonie Freeman. PHOTO: Richard Doran PhotographyProperty Council chief executive Leonie Freeman welcomed the changes as a "bold move", saying they would cut through red tape and deliver faster, more efficient developments."Our members, including the country's leading property developers, investors, managers and property experts, have been clear: the current consenting system is plagued by delays and inconsistencies across regions."It's hindering progress and escalating costs for projects that are crucial to meeting New Zealand's housing needs."Developers had reported wait times over two months for building consents, and up to 18 months for resource consents, she said."This creates a level of uncertainty that drives up costs, slows progress and ultimately puts home affordability further out of reach."Read more:The announcement marked "the beginning of a new era for the construction industry", and the group had been "actively engaging" with the government on the issue all year, she said in a statement."We are fully supportive of the options presented today. Faster, streamlined consents mean faster, more affordable housing, which benefits everyone," Freeman said.An advocate for owners of leaky homes said the government needs to be cautious around any re-introduction of private building consent providers.The president of home owners and buyers association, John Gray, said this was practiced in the 1990s and owners had suffered from the providers' lack of competency."It did not work then and it will not work now, unless they get competent people."And most importantly, that those private certifiers have mandatory insurance to back them for their failures."Gray said many private certifying companies went bust in the '90s because no insurers were prepared to take the risk of insuring them.'Go harder' on building reforms - ACTMeanwhile, the ACT party urged the government to "go harder" on its reforms.ACT housing, building, and construction spokesman Cameron Luxton said the government should also look at letting home builders opt out of building consents, provided they had long-term insurance for the work."That would get councils out of the way completely, for faster, more innovative, and ultimately more reliable building consents."

A change to the ownership structure at Aspiring Enliven will not result in any changes for residents and employees, Presbyterian Support Otago (PSO) and the Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village Joint Venture say.PSO is exiting the partnership with ALRV (which owns Aspiring Enliven) but it will continue to provide care services under a management agreement.The Wānaka facility provides rest home and hospital level care, with specific services for people with dementia plus respite or palliative care.Along with the change in ownership, it will have a new name from October 1: Aspiring Care.ALRV chair James Reid emphasised that the changes will not affect the continued provision of care. “We are committed to providing the same high-quality care that was provided throughout our partnership with Presbyterian Support Otago.”PSO Enliven general manager Michelle van Kampen said PSO made the decision to exit the Wānaka aged care market, including the Aspiring Enliven partnership, earlier this year. “PSO is focused on providing services for vulnerable older people who are unable to access affordable aged care beds,” Michelle said. “...The exit from our partnership with Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village Joint Venture provides us with further opportunities to apply capital in other areas of higher need within the Otago region.”Wānaka Retirement Village and Elmslie House remain on the market for sale and the decision to sell these properties has not changed, Michelle said.PHOTO: Supplied

Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes mayors are progressing a plan to maximise private money to improve health services across the regions.Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said in his monthly report to council this week, he was continuing to work alongside Queenstown Lakes Mayor Glyn Lewers and the three local MPs, with a specialist consultant on the issue.“The need across Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes is palpable. Growth has far outstripped the already under-pressure hospitals we have locally.”Health New Zealand figures show that Dunstan and Lakes District hospitals need an additional 29 beds between them to achieve parity with other similar rural hospitals. Dunstan Hospital was 199 km from a tertiary hospital with specialist care, making it the second most isolated level three rural hospital in the country.Currently, Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago’s combined resident-only population is 79,000.Advocacy group Health Action Wānaka chair Monique Mayze said the communities were rapidly growing, and a lack of beds increased the risk of poor health outcomes for people.“We have 0.71 inpatient beds per 1000 people in the Dunstan and Lakes District hospitals catchments, while 1.2 inpatient beds per 1000 people is the average at other level three rural hospitals across the country.However, this was based on 2018 census data, so the disparity was actually much larger, she said.“While the West Coast is the most isolated in terms of distance to a tertiary hospital, it has a higher bed ratio to compensate. Similarly, Kaikoura is quite isolated but also has a higher bed ratio, while some rural areas such as Bay of Islands and Hawera have lower bed ratios but are closer to large hospitals."Monique said the Upper Clutha loses out on both counts with a lower bed ratio “and our significant distance from a large specialist hospital.”She said the ambulance service was also under pressure which meant patients were often moved between hospitals and could be at risk of being discharged early to free up the beds.“Lakes District Hospital is the publicly funded emergency department for our community, and with only 17 beds (12 general ward and five maternity), is unlikely to be able to meet demand of our community’s rapidly growing population along with the spikes in numbers due to visitors. “Meanwhile, the team at Dunstan Hospital is also under pressure because their 24 funded beds are often full. “We recognise that funding decisions need to be based on more than just population size and must be responsive to the particular needs of each community, however, we also believe this lack of funding reflects a larger trend of inequitable distribution of services to our region.”

A Queenstown man convinced drivers coming over the Crown Range from Wānaka at 4am on Saturday (September 21), not to travel any further, after making up a story about a crash.Alexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said the man had come to police attention earlier in the week.He told drivers to pull over and shine their lights downhill because there had been an accident on the road, but that was not actually the case.The man then drove to Arrowtown and woke a family, telling them that aliens were coming.Police were called, but the man failed to stop and drove away back over the Crown Range towards Wānaka.Snr Const Perkins said road spikes were deployed, but he continued to drive at low speeds of between 5km/hr and 25km/h despite his vehicle having four tyres punctured. He eventually failed to take a corner and rolled his vehicle at 5:25am.He was arrested and taken back to Queenstown where mental health authorities were called. He faces a number of charges, including failing to stop for police.