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Autumn Harvest Festival returns 
Autumn Harvest Festival returns 

19 February 2025, 4:00 PM

Wao Aotearoa has launched tickets for its annual Autumn Harvest Festival and it is encouraging business and community members to support the festival. The season-long festival will feature workshops, tours, and the annual Upper Clutha Apple Drive, and its keynote weekend of workshops will take place from March 14-16.Workshop events will teach participants how to grow, harvest, prepare and preserve their own food, master hot and cold smoking of fish, forage for edible wild herbs, and much more.Last year’s workshops all sold out so participants are encouraged to book quickly.This year the festival will also feature a film night for the first time, with a screening of ‘Wilding’, which follows a young couple's daring to ‘rewild’ their 400-year-old estate.“The Harvest Festival is more than a weekend event - it’s part of the Wao Aotearoa Food Resilience Programme, which aims to strengthen our local food system and increase our knowledge on how to grow and process food,” Wao Aotearoa said in a statement. “By connecting people to practical skills, expert advice, and community workshops, we’re preparing the Southern Lakes to thrive—no matter what challenges come our way.”As well as attendees, Wao Aotearoa is also hoping to hear from individuals in the community who would like to partner with the festival in some way.“To run this impactful weekend, we’re seeking a principal sponsor or a group of supporters who share our vision of a stronger, more self-reliant community,” Wao Aotearoa said.“Whether you’re a business leader, a community advocate, or someone passionate about food security, your support can make a lasting impact.”Find more information and tickets for the Autumn Harvest Festival here.Anyone who is interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities can get in touch with [email protected]: Wao Aotearoa

Queenstown Airport to pay $7million dividend
Queenstown Airport to pay $7million dividend

18 February 2025, 5:00 PM

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will receive a $5.2 million dividend as the major shareholder of Queenstown Airport, which has marked a strong start to the financial year.Releasing the airport’s interim report (for the six months to December 31, 2024) Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) chair Simon Flood said the business had started the financial year well with a strong financial performance and significant progress towards its strategic goals.“Following our first-half results, we are pleased to be able to distribute an interim dividend of $7 million, which will be paid out to shareholders this month,” he said. “In determining the level of the dividend to be distributed, the board has considered not only our results for the period under review, but also our commitments in the foreseeable future.”QLDC will receive $5.2 million as the major shareholder (75.01 percent) of the airport. Auckland International Airport Ltd will receive 24.99 percent of the $7 million dividend. Queenstown Airport has been busy, with a total of 1,343,006 passengers passing through the terminal in the first six months of this financial year (FY25). QAC said this represents a six percent increase compared with the same period the previous year. Revenue for the first half of the financial year was up 22 percent and profit up 27 percent compared with the same period the previous year. Simon said airport operations ran smoothly during the peak winter weeks and over the summer holidays, when record numbers of passengers travelled through the terminal. The growth in passenger numbers was driven by continued demand for travel to and from Queenstown, with particularly strong trans-Tasman numbers, he said.The airport will continue its capital investment programme, including work on the Queenstown Airport Master Plan, he added.“Looking ahead, we expect passenger numbers to remain strong, producing steady revenue and a solid full-year result. We will continue to focus on enhancing the passenger experience, and ensuring we are well-prepared for an extended period of infrastructure delivery.”QAC’s interim results include revenue of $40.4 million; earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $29.5 million; and a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $16.2 million.PHOTOS: Supplied

Regional council ‘a work in progress’ - report
Regional council ‘a work in progress’ - report

18 February 2025, 4:04 PM

An independent performance evaluation report by Local Government New Zealand’s ‘Te Korowai’ has highlighted both strengths and weaknesses at the Otago Regional Council (ORC). ORC chief executive Richard Saunders said the report is “a good step in benchmarking where the regional council is at, and more importantly which areas need focus to deliver the best outcomes”. “The report identifies ORC’s strengths and weaknesses, through the eyes of staff, councillors, iwi partners and other stakeholders; both the positives and areas where improvements are needed”. He acknowledged there was “plenty to focus on” in the report’s ‘area of improvements’.The report recommended the regional council consolidate its State of the Environment report to stocktake Otago’s environment, provide a better explanation of the approach to land and water planning, further its investigations into the management of ORC investments, and continue to develop the approach to catchment management.It also “needs to grow further to address issues such as land and water management”, the report said.“In the background, there is an emerging question of mitigation of climate change effects that needs to be addressed catchment by catchment.”Te Korowai also recognised ORC’s strong commitment to building science and environmental capability, achieving quick turnaround times and reduced costs for those seeking consents, plus delivering a financial strategy greatly simplifying the rating regime. ORC’s overall performance in the report was rated ‘Mauri tū – Active’, which recognised there are some highlights and considerable work in progress to build council into a mature institution and in developing the planning and regulatory frameworks.The rating categories range from Mauri moe - Inactive (lowest) to Mauri oho - Aware, before Mauri tū – Active and lastly Mauri ora - Thriving (highest).Richard said the report provided a “great insight” into how the ORC can further evolve to meet demands “from the up-front environmental issues through to back-room strategies and streamlining the delivery of services”.“A plan for the next steps will be developed alongside ORC’s broader Business Improvement Framework,” he saidThe plan and regular progress reports on implementation will be provided to council along with reporting on business improvement initiatives, including the Efficiency Review implementation, he added.The report will be presented to councillors at today’s (Wednesday February 15) meeting. PHOTO: ORC

From ‘show to snow’ for organic waste
From ‘show to snow’ for organic waste

18 February 2025, 4:00 PM

The Wānaka A&P Show has teamed up with Wānaka Wastebusters and Cardrona Alpine Resort to tackle organic waste.All organic materials from this year’s show - including food waste from trade exhibitors and attendees, as well as livestock waste - will be collected and transported by Wastebusters to Cardrona, where they’ll be composted as part of the resort’s ‘Plant a Seed’ initiative.  ‘Plant a Seed’ turns composted materials into fertiliser for native plantings across Cardrona and Treble Cone, supporting endemic wildlife and helping restore the natural landscape. Cardrona and Treble Cone general manager Laura Hedley said the partnership was “a great opportunity to highlight how we all have a part to play in sustainability and conservation”. Diverting the show’s organic waste in this way “marks a significant milestone in our sustainability efforts,” Wānaka A&P Show general manager Jane Stalker said.The ‘show to snow’ project also “marks a significant milestone in our sustainability efforts, demonstrating our commitment to reducing the show’s environmental impact”, Wānaka A&P Show general manager Jane Stalker said.Wastebusters has worked with the Wānaka A&P Show for over 10 years, providing recycling services, advice and diversion of horse manure and food waste to private composting. “We're really excited to be part of the next phase of their sustainability journey, collecting food waste from show goers and all hospitality providers and to compost it locally on the mountain at Cardrona,” Wānaka Wastebusters’ business development manager Sophie Ward said.“Our staff will be on hand at the show helping people get their waste into the right bins to help divert as much waste from landfill as we can.” Jane said the partnership with Wastebusters provides show organisers “with the metrics that will enable us to monitor our waste outputs and incorporate this in our year-on-year planning to ensure continuous improvements”.The Wānaka A&P Show - one of New Zealand’s biggest agricultural, pastoral and community events - will return to the Wānaka Showgrounds and Pembroke Park on March 7-8.It will feature traditional drawcards like the equestrian, livestock and home industries events and family-friendly favourites like rides, food trucks and the entertaining Jack Russell race.PHOTOS: Supplied

Search for Hector moves downstream
Search for Hector moves downstream

18 February 2025, 12:16 AM

The search for 21-year-old Hector Antigua has shifted downstream, NZ Police say.Hector was reported missing on February 6 after a friend and hiking companion saw him fall from a rock into Rob Roy Stream during a hike in Mt Aspiring National Park.Police followed a promising lead yesterday (Monday February 17) but did not locate Hector. A NZ Police spokesperson said police had received reports from a member of the public about what was believed to be an item of interest in an area of Rob Roy Stream.“Police searched the area locating the item, however it was not as originally reported, and was instead a white rock,” the spokesperson said. A couple of days earlier, on Saturday February 15, the Police National Dive Squad and Wānaka SAR Swift Water Rescue Team also searched an area of the canyon with underwater cameras and light equipment.The NZ Police spokesperson told the Wānaka App the search will now move further downstream “due to exhausting all search avenues in the canyon”.Search teams were quickly deployed to the area when Hector (an Argentinian national) was reported missing just before 5pm on February 6.Some of the early search efforts were hampered by extreme hazards and limited visibility.Last Thursday (February 13) police said they had located a number of personal items along the stream which were believed to belong to the missing man.Hector arrived in New Zealand in September 2024 and he recently worked at a cherry orchard in Alexandra.More than $15,000 has been raised to help Hector’s mother, Adriana Calomarde, travel to New Zealand to be closer to the search for her son, via a Givealittle page.PHOTO: Supplied

McDonald’s committed to Wānaka restaurant 
McDonald’s committed to Wānaka restaurant 

17 February 2025, 4:06 PM

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

Wānaka Crag Fest returns 
Wānaka Crag Fest returns 

17 February 2025, 4:04 PM

Wānaka Crag Fest will return next month after a successful first event in 2024.Run by the Wānaka Climbing Club and New Zealand Alpine Club, Wānaka Crag Fest is designed to unite climbers, build community, advance climbing skills, and promote sustainability across an action-packed weekend. It offers a full schedule of clinics, social events, and community activities, with something for climbers of all levels, the New Zealand Alpine Club says.This year Wānaka Crag Fest will expand, with more tickets available, new clinics catering to a wider range of skill levels, and a special focus on youth and family accessibility. Clinics include those focused on young people (ages 13–18) and their caregivers, tailored to different competency levels.“The weekend isn’t just about climbing—non-climbing activities like yoga, cold water immersion, slacklining, and acroyoga offer plenty of opportunities to connect, unwind, and try something new,” the New Zealand Alpine Club said.Friday night (March 14) kicks off with a vendor village featuring outdoor brands, climbing competitions, quizzes, films, and prizes from sponsors. Saturday night will offer food and drinks at Velo Cafe alongside live local DJs and giveaways to round out the day.There will also be a sustainability working bee on the Saturday afternoon, giving attendees the chance to earn their dinner by giving back to the local crags.Wānaka Crag Fest runs from March 14-16. Find tickets and more information here.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Government announces $30m spend on tourism infrastructure and biodiversity projects
Government announces $30m spend on tourism infrastructure and biodiversity projects

17 February 2025, 6:00 AM

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

‘Not a fluke’: Second silver for Campbell Wright
‘Not a fluke’: Second silver for Campbell Wright

16 February 2025, 11:30 PM

Hāwea Flat biathlete Campbell Wright - aka ‘The Golden Mullet’ - has succeeded in proving his first silver medal for the USA team was “not a fluke”.After winning silver on Sunday (February 16) in the 10km sprint of the IBU World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, Campbell went on to win another silver medal in the 12.5km pursuit the following day.“Campbell may be wearing a USA jersey but is bringing Wānaka's winning ways to the podium,” Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust (owner of the Snow Farm and Merino Muster Ltd) trustee John Burridge said.In Monday (February 17) night’s event, which included two prone shootings and two standing shootings, Campbell missed one fewer shot than the gold medal winning leader JT Boe (Norway), and was just 8.6 seconds behind him at the finish.John said Campbell started 28 seconds behind JT and was “clearly closing the gap in the last lap, which made for an exciting finish”. “I am beyond words in terms of Campbell doubling up on yesterday's miracle,” John said.  “For biathlon he has rattled the Norwegian firmament… I am sure there is very special snow at the Snow Farm.”Eric Perrot (France) came in third.Campbell, who holds dual citizenship in New Zealand and the USA, joined the US biathlon team in July 2023. “Had to prove it wasn’t a fluke,” Campbell posted on social media following the race. “I enjoyed every single metre of that race, and felt Team USA cheering every step of the way.”Watch Campbell’s reaction when he shoots clean at the last standing shooting here.PHOTOS: Supplied

Carparks lost but ‘dust bowl’ to be restored
Carparks lost but ‘dust bowl’ to be restored

16 February 2025, 4:00 PM

Rocks have been installed around the Stoney Creek reserve to help restore it from a “dust bowl” to a green area, but locals say the move will exacerbate congestion at the popular spot.Work crews placed rocks along part of the reserve near the Stoney Creek carpark (adjacent to the Wānaka Watersports Facility and near ‘The Wānaka Tree’) last week (February 13-14) to “protect reserve land from vehicle damage and reduce congestion”, according to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).“Several informal parking spaces will be maintained near the playground, and the new rocks will provide a gap for vehicles with trailers to use when accessing the watersports facility,” QLDC announced on social media, adding that additional parking was available “a short walk away” at the Wānaka-Mt Aspiring Road carpark.Many locals responded by bemoaning the loss of car parking, “Where are all the cars now going to park? It's a very busy area which won't change,” said one person. Others suggested creating more car parks on the reserve; another said they believed there was already insufficient parking for the nearby playground, and the loss of more parks would “force people to walk their children and toddlers in buggies along the road with the buses and much dubious driving.”Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair Simon Telfer said the board agreed to the project at a public workshop late last year.  “We have obligations to reduce the dust storms for neighbours, protect trees and reserves and to meet Environment Court requirements based on the Water Sports Facility decision,” Simon told the Wānaka App.The reserve has been turned into “a dust bowl”, community board chair Simon Telfer says.The amenity of the reserve is currently poor “as vehicles have turned what is a reserve into a dustbowl”, he said.“But, over time, we will rehabilitate this area and it will continue to be part of the green space fabric that Wānaka is known for.”Simon said there will “never be enough vehicle parking in peak times at a number of our reserves”. “But creating parking costs, and that burden falls on the rate payer,” he said. He added that QLDC needs to “do better at sign posting where people should park and for Stoney Creek that will include using Stage 2 parking, road side parking and showground parking”.Locals also raised concerns on social media about the number of buses using the reserve, with one person saying: “Stop allowing three 40 seater buses to park in there at a time; charge them and make them park elsewhere so it’s not so dangerous for others to drive, walk, bike in that area.”A bus double parked to dislodge passengers on Saturday.When the Wānaka App visited the reserve on Saturday (February 15) two commercial buses were forced to double park while passengers unloaded. The parks were also busy with campervans, cars, and pedestrians.Simon said bus parking in the area “is a challenge”.“[But] I'm not sure ratepayers should fund those buses that stop off to use the Watersports toilets, photograph the tree and then head to Queenstown without making any contribution to Wānaka,” he said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Fin Melville Ives claims maiden Freeski Halfpipe World Cup victory with ‘dream run’
Fin Melville Ives claims maiden Freeski Halfpipe World Cup victory with ‘dream run’

16 February 2025, 6:46 AM

Wānaka’s Finley Melville Ives (18) has won his maiden World Cup, securing the top spot at the FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup in Calgary.This makes him the youngest New Zealander to ever win a FIS Freeski World Cup.“I just can’t believe it, I am so stoked,” Fin said.“I have trained so hard and I am so happy to put down my run.” The mercury hovered around -20 degrees Celsius this week in Calgary, but the frigid conditions didn’t faze Fin who shared the podium with American freeski icons Nick Goepper (2nd) and Alex Ferreira (3rd).“Both of them are my heroes growing up, I have watched them on the TV and at the Olympics, I can’t believe it, this is nuts,” Fin said.Fin delivered his winning run on his first of two finals attempts. His highly technical performance included a left double corked 1620 mute grab into a unique left alley-oop double corked flat spin 1080 mute grab, earning him a score of 92.75 and an early lead.He had to endure a nervous wait after recording a ‘Did Not Improve’ on his second run. With nine athletes still left to drop, his first-run score remained untouchable, sealing his first-ever World Cup victory.Lake Hāwea’s Luke Harrold (16) finished just off the podium in fourth place, securing his season’s best result.This competition marked the final stop of the 2025 FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup Tour, with Ferreira crowned overall champion and awarded the Crystal Globe. Fin finished fourth in the overall standings for the season.The Kiwi Freeski Halfpipe Team now sets its sights on the World Championships, scheduled for the end of March in Switzerland.PHOTO: FIS Park & Pipe

Silver medal for Campbell Wright
Silver medal for Campbell Wright

15 February 2025, 9:45 PM

Wānaka athlete Campbell Wright has won the silver medal in the 10km sprint of the IBU World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. The biathlete, who learned his skills at Wānaka’s Snow Farm and now represents the USA, took second place behind the great Norwegian J.T. Boe, who is retiring at the end of this year, pushing French star Q.Fikkon Maillet into third place.Campbell’s medal is only the fourth World Championship medal the USA have ever won; it is the first time they have won a sprint medal and their first medal since 2017. “We need to remember that New Zealand and the Snow Farm helped them do it,” Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust (owners of the Snow Farm and Merino Muster Ltd) trustee John Burridge said.Campbell on the podium in Switzerland.Campbell, who holds dual citizenship in New Zealand and the USA, joined the US biathlon team in July 2023.John said the race conditions were “brilliant with sunshine but cold almost windless conditions”.  After starting 34th in a 99 place interval start event Campbell was in the lead for much of the race, John said, after making a very fast start.“[He] backed that up with clean shooting at both prone and standing. He also did not fade on the last lap but watching him skiing the last sections before the finish straight his skiing lost shape as he was pushing his limit.  “He clearly wanted that podium,” John said.Campbell posted on social media after the race that he had “no words, just tears”.Watch a video of the race here.PHOTOS: Supplied

‘Masterclass of racing’ at Challenge Wānaka Half
‘Masterclass of racing’ at Challenge Wānaka Half

15 February 2025, 8:45 PM

Christchurch's Mike Phillips stormed to victory in the 19th edition of Challenge Wānaka, delivering a commanding performance to claim the title at the 2025 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half.Leading from start to finish, Mike put on a masterclass of racing, showcasing his strength across all three disciplines.Emerging from the swim in first place, he wasted no time extending his advantage on the bike, powering through the scenic yet demanding course to build an unassailable lead. He continued his dominance on the run, crossing the finish line in 3 hours, 54 minutes, and 26 seconds with a 15-minute margin over his nearest rival."It was great to get a hit out and come down and support the race,” Mike said.Christchurch's Tom Somerville took second, leaving everything out on the run course, stating he had "gone to some dark places on that run." Local triathlete Laurie Watson secured third in an impressive race for the up-and-coming athlete, who started his journey with the Puzzling World Junior Challenge and now competing with the elites. Laurie closed the gap to Tom on the run, finishing only two seconds behind him.In the women’s race, Wānaka triathlete Danielle Donaldson continued her breakout season with a remarkable victory. Danielle Donaldson. Danielle, who has delivered some standout performances across multiple races this season, finished in 4 hours, 41 minutes, and 38 seconds. With consistent results in the age-group ranks, she is now considering a transition to the professional field in 2025/2026.She was chased on the run by Deb Lynch, the newly crowned 2025 Coast to Coast Champion, who finished second, 4 minutes and 28 seconds behind Danielle. Wānaka resident, and former professional triathlete, Maeve Kennedy-Birdsall finished third.A stunning day in Wānaka set the stage for the event. The morning began with calm conditions and no wind for the swim start, but as the day progressed, the hot sun and challenging terrain took its toll on the athletes."It’s fantastic to have athletes of Mike’s calibre supporting this year’s Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka and testing out the course," event director Jane Sharman said. "His performance [on Saturday] was impressive, and the feedback on the course has been invaluable. It’s a challenging course, and we've received positive suggestions on how it could be refined for the future. Overall, the vibe of the festival has been amazing."PHOTOS: Supplied

Local students compete in Challenge
Local students compete in Challenge

14 February 2025, 4:04 PM

The Puzzling World Intermediate Challenge Wānaka is one of the events already ticked off at this weekend’s Challenge Wānaka triathlon festival (February 13-15).The festival has so far included more than 2,100 children competing in the Puzzling World Mini, Junior and Intermediate Challenges on Thursday (February 13), and the Mitre 10 Mega Adaptive Challenge and Secondary Schools Challenge on Friday (February 14). Perfect conditions awaited the young competitors on both days, with temperatures quickly climbing into the 20s.MACs student Ollie Wright (left), who lost his shoes but continued at speed, and Jarod Enoka. PHOTO: Wānaka AppTe Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) students were well represented at the Intermediate Challenge yesterday, along with students from schools from as far afield as Christchurch.Read more: Champions and contenders join lineup for Challenge WānakaMore than 2,900 athletes will compete across a range of events at the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Festival. The multi-day celebration of endurance sport draws thousands of athletes and spectators to the region, and this year’s race features a revamped swim, bike, and run course.Amelia (11 months) keeps track of her older sister Aleah (year 7). PHOTO: Wānaka AppYear 8 MAC student Cody Sherwin ended his triathlon with a somersault. PHOTO: Dave SherwinIntermediate Challenge Winners:Year 7 girls:Georgie WellingtonAlessandra Moir (MAC)Arnelle HammanYear 7 boys:Lachie LampeNathan Parkes Bruno Blampied (MAC)Year 8 girls:Penelope HodgsonBecky MeyerLilly WiegersmaYear 8 boys:Ethan KainaWillis McCarroll (MAC) Bill Dobson (MAC) 

Outdoor enthusiasts encouraged to ‘have a hmmm’ 
Outdoor enthusiasts encouraged to ‘have a hmmm’ 

14 February 2025, 4:00 PM

NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is joining forces with the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) to encourage outdoor enthusiasts to ‘Have a hmmm’. The injury prevention-focused activity seeks to keep Kiwis injury-free in the outdoors by encouraging hikers and hunters to pause and consider their safety before and during their adventures. MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said the ongoing partnership reflects a shared commitment to preventing injuries in the outdoors. “The ‘Have a hmmm’ messaging aligns with MSC’s focus on injury prevention. Partnering with ACC again enables an increased campaign reach, ensuring more hikers and hunters receive this important safety messaging,” he said. New Zealanders are encouraged to plan well for every trip, and to use MSC’s free trip planning tool, Plan My Walk, to make planning easy. When out on the trip, it reminds people to stick together, be aware of the changing conditions, and watch their footing on uneven terrain. ACC injury prevention programme leader James Whitaker said the partnership is an ideal way to help New Zealanders to enjoy their passions and to stay injury free so they can keep doing what they love. “ACC helps people recover when they get injured, but it’s better for everyone if injuries are prevented in the first place,” James said.“MSC is well positioned to support this messaging and encourage people to get prepared before they go and stay alert to hazards while enjoying the outdoors.”PHOTO: Supplied

NZ’s biggest bike event on today
NZ’s biggest bike event on today

14 February 2025, 3:59 PM

New Zealand’s largest ever bike event - Natural Selection Bike - will take place today (Saturday February 15).More than 20 of the world’s best riders were confirmed for Natural Selection Bike in January and four more athletes were added to the line up following last week’s Dream Ticket event qualifier.A world-class mountain bike course has been completed at the event site Mt Dewar, in Queenstown.Natural Selection Bike is being supported by the government through its Major Event Fund and will showcase Queenstown Lakes as a world class mountain bike destination.Today’s event “will be one of the most exciting and progressive mountain bike events globally in 2025”, event director Sophie Luther said.The action will begin from 10am and it will feature a men’s and women’s division combining the three most dynamic disciplines in mountain biking (Big Mountain Freeride, Slopestyle and Downhill). New Zealander Robin Goomes (the Chatham Islands/Rotorua rider who had a breakthrough year in 2024, winning Red Bull Rampage to cement her status as the best female rider on the planet) said she is excited to take on the competition.Robin Goomes says she can’t wait to arrive on the start line. PHOTO: Paul Foley“The track is looking amazing, and I can’t wait to get to ride in front of a home crowd,” Robin said. “The athlete lineup is epic so it’s going to be an unreal competition.”Sophie said the Natural Selection Bike was a not-to-be-missed event. “Between the innovative course that blends all aspects of freeriding into one run and the level of riders competing here, this will be a thrilling experience for bikers and non-bikers alike.” Gates will open from 7.30am.Tickets are still available for the event.Under 12s can attend for free.

Fire risk closes Mount Iron Reserve
Fire risk closes Mount Iron Reserve

14 February 2025, 3:00 AM

Updated Tuesday February 18: The Mt Iron Reserve is now fully open. Mt Iron Reserve will be closed from 12pm-6am for the next three days (Saturday February 15 to Tuesday February 18) due to an extreme wildfire risk.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is advising residents and visitors to avoid using the reserve, which includes the very popular Mt Iron Track, during these times.“We know that a wildfire in one of our reserves could have a devastating effect on our people, environment and economy,” QLDC community services general manager Ken Bailey said.“Closing access to the area while the danger is at such elevated levels is the safest option.”He said fire indices had reached levels which trigger a closure under QLDC’s Wildfire Reserve Closure Plan.It was brought on by an extended spell of hot and dry weather and high temperatures forecast for the next three days.QLDC parks manager Dave Winterburn confirmed the weather is forecast to be more extreme in the afternoons in the coming days as temperatures rise throughout the day, causing humidity to drop and leading to hotter, drier conditions. “We’d advise those who’d like to continue to access Mount Iron Reserve to do so in the mornings when the weather is cooler and risk is lower,” Dave said.“We’ll closely monitor the indices and either extend the half day closures or reopen the reserve on Tuesday at 6.00am or as soon as it is considered safe to do so.”Otago Community risk manager James Knapp says Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is providing expertise and guidance to QLDC in determining how wildfire risk on Mount Iron Reserve should be managed.QLDC will place signage at entrance points to the reserve and has notified all stakeholders in line with its agreed closure plan, Dave said.During the reserve closure, access to Mount Iron Reserve is limited to the easily accessible trails around the base of the reserve only. A map showing these trails can be found here.The Wānaka App will update this closure on its Notices page.Meanwhile, the remainder of the district is subject to a total fire ban implemented by FENZ.   PHOTO: Supplied

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