Many teens think vaping is just flavoured steam, but vaping isn’t harmless. Most vapes contain nicotine, which is addictive and can mess with a teenager’s mood and focus. Many teens don’t realise they’re getting addicted until they try to stop and can’t. While we don’t know the long-term effects of vaping, it is not harmless and is not for young people and people who do not smoke.  If parents don’t talk to their kids about vaping, someone else will—like peers, social media influencers, or the vape industry. That’s why it’s so important that they hear the facts from you. Even if it seems like they’re not listening, your influence matters more than you think.Starting the conversation early can help them avoid addiction, make smarter choices, and know they can come to you if they’re struggling. Find time to talkChoose the right moment to talk with your teen. Talk when you're both calm and without distractions – like during a walk or car ride.Treat vaping situations (such as vape shops or other people vaping) as learning opportunities to ask them what they know, what they think, and how they feel.Be informed Know the facts about vaping and its risks. Your teen is more likely to listen if you speak confidently and accurately. Don’t be afraid to let them know when you don’t have the answers.Stay calm and non-judgmental If your teen is already vaping, avoid reacting with anger. Instead, express your concern and desire to support them.Listen more than you talk Listen to them with patience. Ask open-ended questions like “What do you know about vaping?” or “Why do you think others at your school vape?” Let them share their experiences.Set clear expectations Make your values clear—explain that you don’t support vaping and why. Let them know you’re there to help them make safe choices.Offer support  If they’re vaping and want to quit, help them find support. This could include talking to a GP or calling Quitline.Key MessagesVaping is not for people who don't smoke, especially children and young people.Vaping can help some people quit smoking.For people who smoke, vaping is less harmful, but not harmless. Explain that most vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. It can be very hard to stop vaping once you’ve become addicted to nicotine.Vaping can have side effects. It can make you cough, give you a dry and irritated mouth and throat, and cause headaches and nausea.Be a good role model. If you smoke or vape, talk to your child about your experiences and how hard it is to quit. Consider getting your own support to stop.Key takeaways:Vaping is not harmless and can be addictive. Breathing any product into your lungs unnecessarily can cause you harm.Vaping may cause side effects. It can make you cough, give you a dry and irritated mouth and throat, and cause headaches and nausea.Staying smokefree and vapefree is best for your health. Vaping is only recommended for people who want to quit smoking.Key resources for parents and rangatahi:Quitline – Are you or a loved one trying to quit vaping? If you need free support or advice free call Quitline on 0800 778 778.Vaping Facts | Ministry of Health – See the Vaping Facts website by the Ministry of Health for more information on vaping and vaping laws in Aotearoa.Protect Your Breath – This social marketing campaign was created by youth together with health experts. The campaign encourages young people to think critically about their choices when it comes to breath and vaping.KidsHealth – Paediatric Society of New Zealand |
Te Kāhui Mātai Arotamariki o AotearoaNicotine (vaping and smoking) - NZ Drug Foundation This short video by The New Zealand Drug foundation is for New Zealand parents, caregivers, whānau and those working with young people to understand basic facts about nicotine.New Zealand Drug Foundation – Conversation Planner is a useful guide for how to have supportive conversations with your child about substance use.The Lowdown – The Lowdown is a space created with rangatahi, for rangatahi – providing support with hauora, identity, culture and mental health.Protect our Community: Make a smoking or vaping complaintContact us: [email protected]

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

Next month, Tanguy Nissou will take on a challenge to give back to Wānaka - the place he’s called home as a ‘working-holiday local’ - by biking over 600km to Christchurch to raise funds for local not-for-profit group WAI Wānaka.“The landscapes of Aotearoa, from the mountains to the rivers, have shaped so much of who I am,” Tanguy said.“Now, I’m taking on a big challenge to give back.”He’s not doing it the easy way - Tanguy will be riding an old, classic bike, without any specialist gear.“It will just be me, my legs and the open road,” he said. “It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest way is the most meaningful and that real change often comes through grit, resilience and connection to the land.”Tanguy has chosen to support WAI Wānaka because of its work protecting water health in the Upper Clutha, and he hopes to raise $5,000 via a Givealittle page. “WAI Wānaka empowers local communities to understand their environment, recognise their impact and take meaningful action to care for the lakes, rivers and land in our region,” Tanguy said.“They work with farmers, landowners, businesses, schools and volunteers to help build a future where ecosystems thrive and biodiversity can be restored.” WAI Wānaka CEO Cat Dillon said the organisation was honoured to be the recipient.“600kms is no easy feat, even on a high-spec bike, let alone a classic,” Cat said. “We love this idea, and why he’s doing it.”Tanguy plans to leave Wānaka the weekend of June 7-8 and hopes to arrive in Christchurch a week later.“This ride is about more than just the distance,” he said. “It’s about showing that with determination and collective effort, we can protect the precious natural resources that make Wānaka and the wider region so special.”Find Tanguy’s Givealittle page here.PHOTO: Supplied

Upper Clutha farmers will come together on June 6 for the annual Wānaka A&P Winter Crop Competition and Awards Dinner - a celebration of farming and community spirit hosted by the Rotary Club of Wānaka.Supported by the Wānaka A&P Foundation, the event recognises the district’s top-performing winter feed crops, judged in the field last week.Organisers said the standard of entries was impressive. “There are some great winter feed crops being grown in the district in preparation for winter feeding,” one said.The awards dinner will begin at 5.30pm at the Upper Clutha Rugby Clubrooms, with broadcaster Peter Williams as guest speaker.The evening also includes a fundraising auction to support vital emergency services across the region.Funds raised will go toward advanced paramedical training for the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust, standby generators for the Tarras and Luggate Fire Brigades, and a mobile rescue stretcher for the Lake Hāwea Fire Brigade.Rotary club organisers said the response to the fundraiser has been “truly humbling”, with generous donations of farm gear, goods, and experiences.“These emergency services are essential for our remote region, and every bit of support makes a difference,” a spokesperson said.The event offers farmers the chance to celebrate their work and support important causes.“We’re looking forward to a great night for the farming community to enjoy each other’s company and give back to those who help keep us safe,” the spokesperson said.PHOTO: Rotary Club of Wānaka.

A new water service delivery model has been proposed by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and the option will go before councillors this week (Thursday May 29).The proposal is for a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO). QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery said assessments undertaken by QLDC show such a model “would provide the greatest opportunity to deliver high quality, resilient, sustainable and reliable water services and provide certainty for our communities on the provision of water services”.A WSSCO would operate as a council controlled organisation specifically established to manage and deliver drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services in the district, and to own QLDC’s current water assets and their associated debt and liabilities, he said.The proposed organisation would operate independently from council and have its own specialist board and management, but legislation prevents it from being privatised or paying a dividend.Council would set the organisation’s strategic priorities and establish measures to ensure it performs to expectations, while the Commerce Commission would use regulatory tools to ensure water charges are fair.Tony said the council had assessed options for the future delivery of water services in the district as part of central government’s Local Water Done Well plan to address New Zealand’s water infrastructure challenges. The other shortlisted option evaluated was for QLDC to continue to deliver water services in-house,with changes made to comply with the new regulatory environment. An in-house model would be similarly subject to the Commerce Commission regulatory requirements.The WSCCO and the in-house model were also assessed on their ability to attract and retain staff, adapt to changing requirements, maximise value and minimise waste, effectively and efficiently manage water services, and deliver to community priorities, Tony said.“Under all scenarios, including council’s current Long-Term Plan, water charges are projected to increase substantially. The modelling undertaken shows that when compared with the in-house model, the proposed WSCCO model would initially result in higher water charges for households through to 2034, but long-term would lead to lower charges on average from 2034 to 2044.”Councillors will be asked to agree to consult on the proposal at a council meeting in the Arrowtown Community Centre from 1pm on Thursday (May 29). A QLDC spokesperson encouraged people to attend the meeting, given the strong public interest in the delivery of water services.If the proposal is approved by councillors, consultation will begin Monday June 2. PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka Golf Club says it will accept a proposed easement over a 400sqm-or-so section of the course if some concessions are made - but it is concerned it may set a precedent.The owners of a handful of properties adjacent to Wānaka Golf Club at the top of Youghal Street are seeking a right of way and a water draining easement, both of which would encroach on a portion of the course. In its submission on the proposed easement, the club said it is concerned the right of way will increase the chances of golf ball strike due to its location near the fairway to the course’s fifth hole.It could also impede on the club’s plans to add a par 5 to the club’s front nine holes, or other future changes to the course, the club says.The almost 56-hectare course is a Crown recreation reserve designated for golf, and the club has a long-running lease of the reserve.The club has faced “relent[less]” requests and pressure for encroachment from neighbours over the years, its submission said.“Some neighbours want more trees to protect their houses from ball strike but neighbouring developers want our trees removed in order to improve the land value of their developments.”Others have wanted part of the reserve land “for their own private use”.“As a matter of principle, the golf club is concerned about the creation of further rights-of-way over golf course land,” the submission said.The club says it will only support the proposed easement if several conditions are met, including the removal of parts of an existing informal driveway that has been built without approval on the course, and strict limits on the width of any right of way. The proposal involves both legalising existing informal driveways and adding new easement areas, potentially creating a wide, road-like space alongside the fairway, which the club fears could become a parking area.“We are sensitive and protective of our lease and mindful to keep all parts of the golf course in order to future proof it as development closes in all around the golf course.”The club’s submission also asked QLDC to be more “careful and slow” with further applications that would encroach on the course.The Wānaka Golf Club submission was one of six received on the easement proposal before the submission period ended, a QLDC spokesperson told the Wānaka App.A public hearing will be scheduled and the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board will consider whether to recommend to council to approve the proposed easement in September, they said.“If recommended, it will then be considered by full council at a subsequent meeting.”PHOTO: Wānaka App

Queenstown Lakes District councillors will be asked to approve the district’s draft Climate & Biodiversity Plan 2025-2028 at a meeting this week (Thursday May 29) so it can be shared for community feedback.The “key strategic document and … important, high-profile action plan” was developed in partnership with Kāi Tahu, the Climate Reference Group, and local partner organisations, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) said.If approved, the draft plan will open for community feedback for four weeks starting on Friday (May 30).Residents, businesses, and community groups will be encouraged to provide their thoughts on the district's proposed approach to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss over the next three years.Building on the foundations of the two previous three-year plans, the 2025-2028 draft outlines a comprehensive set of actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing native biodiversity, and increasing community resilience to climate impacts.Key initiatives in the draft plan include the regeneration project Project Tohu, implementing emissions-reduction projects at council facilities, and integrating climate considerations into council decision-making and business processes.It also looks at supporting “the transformation of our local energy system” and strengthening support for community resilience and food system projects, QLDC said.The document details 51 climate and biodiversity actions, across seven outcome areas, that together provide a framework for coordinated action over the next three years.Following community feedback, the final plan will be presented to a full council meeting for adoption in late July, following which Councillors will also be asked to approve two related draft environmental initiatives to go to the community for consultation: the Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw, and Te Tapunui Queenstown Hill Forestry Plan.The draft Climate & Biodiversity Plan will be available here, with further information here.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Professional Cleaning, Parties, and Notice Periods: What Wanaka Landlords and Tenants Need to Know About Unenforceable Tenancy Agreement ClausesWanaka’s rental market is unique—whether you’re leasing a lakefront home, managing a ski-season short-term let, or navigating long-term tenancies in the suburbs. But no matter how specific the situation, one thing is always true: the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (“the Act”) sets the ground rules.Tenancy Agreements in Wanaka (or anywhere in New Zealand) can’t sidestep the law. If a clause contradicts the Act, it’s unenforceable. In fact, including certain terms can be an unlawful act, and may even lead to a fine.Let’s unpack what that means—and highlight a few classic mistakes we see in local tenancy agreements. What Makes a Clause Unenforceable?Here’s the golden rule: you can’t contract out of the law.Even if both the landlord and tenant agree to something and sign on the dotted line, if that clause goes against the Act—it has no legal effect. Tenants can’t waive their rights. Landlords can’t impose extra rules. And if they try, it could come back to bite. Wanaka Examples of Common Unenforceable Clauses1. Mandatory Professional Carpet CleaningThis one comes up a lot, especially in seasonal rentals where high turnover and dirty boots are common.Landlords often insert a clause requiring tenants to pay for professional carpet cleaning when they leave. Sounds fair? Maybe. But it’s unenforceable.Under the Act, tenants only need to leave the place “reasonably clean and tidy”. That usually means a good vacuum and wipe-down. If the carpets are stained or filthy, sure—cleaning might be required. But landlords can’t force tenants to book a pro cleaner, even if it's in the contract.Tip for Wanaka landlords: Rather than adding extra conditions, focus on a solid inspection report and bond process. That’s your real protection. 2. No Parties Allowed—Ever? Not So Fast.We know parties can be a concern—especially in holiday hotspots like Wanaka. But inserting a blanket “no parties” clause in your agreement? That’s a no-go.The law gives tenants the right to quiet enjoyment of the property. That includes hosting friends, having a BBQ, or playing music—within reason.You can’t ban socialising outright, but you can respond if it gets out of hand. If a tenant hosts a rowdy event every weekend or disturbs the neighbours with loud music at 2am, that’s a breach of their obligations. You’ve got options—but it needs to be based on behaviour, not blanket bans. 3. Creative Notice Periods (a.k.a. Shortcuts That Don’t Work)This one’s sneaky. Some tenancy agreements propose terms like:“Tenant agrees to 30 days’ notice in exchange for a rent discount.”Sounds like a win-win? Not under the law.The Act sets minimum notice periods (currently 90 days for periodic tenancies with no specified reason), and these can’t be shortened—even if everyone’s happy with the deal. A clause like this is unenforceable, and may leave landlords exposed if things go sour. Why This Matters in WanakaWith so many newcomers, seasonal workers, and property owners managing remotely, Wanaka’s rental scene is full of well-meaning but risky DIY agreements.It’s tempting to add your own conditions or copy/paste a clause you saw on Facebook. But if it’s not aligned with the Act, it won’t hold up—and might even land you in front of the Tenancy Tribunal. How Checketts McKay Law Can HelpWhether you’re renting your home for the winter or setting up a long-term investment property, we can help you get it right the first time.Our Wanaka-based team can:Review and update your tenancy agreementsHelp resolve disputes with tenants or landlordsRepresent you at the Tenancy Tribunal if things go sidewaysWe understand local property trends, community expectations, and how to balance legal requirements with practical needs. 17 Dunmore Street, Wānaka

A Wānaka resident will push ahead with a proposal to have Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) name changed.Michael Sidey recently tested public sentiment on the idea of changing the local council’s name to something which better represents the whole district.While the response on social media was mostly negative, Michael said he had received numerous emails in support of the idea and spoken to another 50-60 people who were behind it.He’s also teamed up with Andrew ‘Howie’ Howard and Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board member Chris Hadfield, who he said had both proposed a name change in the past.“What we’re going to do is form a group of people who represent various sectors of the town,” Michael told the Wānaka App. “We will then be prepared to talk to council at the next council meeting in Wānaka and introduce it there.”Read more: Name change proposed for council - againHe hopes to garner support for a referendum on the name ahead of the local body elections later this year.Southern Lakes District Council is one option suggested as an alternative to Queenstown Lakes District Council. PHOTO: Wānaka AppMichael said while he was not putting forward a specific alternative name he thought something like Southern Lakes District Council - which de-centres Queenstown - could be an option.The idea of a name change for QLDC was last mooted in 2023 but it was scotched by the council, who said it wasn’t a priority.Michael has been involved in other local initiatives, including as chair of the Wānaka Watersports Facility Trust, which navigated a range of obstacles before the facility was finally approved. He is also involved in the push for an arts facility in Wānaka as chair of the Wānaka Arts and Cultural Charitable Trust. Michael has described such community projects as “an endurance exercise”.Read more: LTP: Arts advocates disappointed, but council work continues

The winners of the New Zealand Mountain Film & Book Festival’s annual book awards have been announced ahead of next month’s festival, which will run from June 20-24 in Wānaka.Euan Macleod and Craig Potton have been selected as the winners of the premier prize, the 2025 Nankervis/Bamford NZ Mountain Book of the Year award, for their book ‘Look Out’. Look Out is an artistic collaboration that celebrates the sublimity of New Zealand’s Southern Alps by the two well-known New Zealand artists and friends; a painter and photographer respectively.“We have both gotten more than we will ever know from the Southern Alps and even at our advanced ages we find ourselves at Aoraki, in the throne room of the mountain gods, with the same awe, amazement and joy of the sublime that we have felt from our first trips there so long ago,” Craig said. “It was our hope that our art might convey something of that connection to the mountain wilderness and [the festival’s] nod to our book has vindicated that hope.”The Mountain Book Competition covers literature on the world’s remote places, and tales about people and their adventures. Submissions were invited for two categories: Mountain and Adventure Narrative for stories and accounts about specific adventures (non-fiction); and Mountain and Adventure Heritage for guidebooks, coffee table or picture books, history books, analyses, reflections on culture, environments or ethics and advocacy.The Heritage Award went to ‘Kahurangi’ by Dave Hansford - a book that celebrates the biodiversity of Kahurangi National Park, Northwest Nelson and Golden Bay.Judge Marjorie Cook said Dave was “simply a wonderful natural history writer”.“His first sentence, his first scene - detailing a paleolithic orgy of creatures forever fossilised in the act of getting it on - is startling and memorable… This book is big, meaty, dense and packed with knowledge and great images and photos.”Meanwhile, the Narrative Award went to Andrew Fagan for his book ‘Swirly World: Lost at Sea’, which Marjorie said was “a love story to a boat not much bigger than a bathtub, in which Fagan attempts to circumnavigate the globe”.“[It] weaves together past and present sailing adventure stories while having another go at ‘living the dream’, this time on a potent ocean of doubts”. Both Dave and Andrew will be guest speakers at next month’s festival, which will feature a wide range of events celebrating adventurous sports and lifestyles.Read the full 2025 New Zealand Mountain Film & Book Festival programme here.PHOTO: NZMFF

The first ever grants from Queenstown Airport’s new Community Fund have been announced, with four Wānaka organisations among the recipients.The Community Fund was launched earlier this year to support organisations making a meaningful difference across the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts, Queenstown Airport partnerships and marketing manager Vanessa Hartnell said.“These grants are a recognition of their tireless mahi and the vital role they play in making this a better place for everyone,” she said.Friends of Bullock Cree received $2,802 for a new trailer for its conservation work and Te Kura O Tititea Mount Aspiring College received $5,000 towards the development of an accessible playground.Other local recipients included MINT Charitable Trust, which received $5,000 for camp costs for youth with disabilities, while Kahu Youth received $2,000 to go towards its annual Matariki celebrations.They were among 16 recipients from across Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes.“We’re thrilled to support a diverse group of organisations working across our region from Alexandra to Wānaka to Glenorchy,” Vanessa said.The applications were assessed by a panel of representatives from Queenstown Airport, Queenstown Lakes District Council, and the Wakatipu Community Fund.Vanessa said it was a challenge selecting recipients from such a strong pool of 78 applicants.“We had to make tough decisions, but the review committee prioritised projects supporting youth, families, and food security – areas where we saw the greatest need,” she said.The Community Fund had a total of $50,000 for 2025.Queenstown Airport said the fund would continue in coming years.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A vibrant, whānau-friendly event that celebrates the Māori New Year.Matariki is marked by the rising of the Te Kāhui o Matariki star cluster. The Matariki Celebration is based on three major principles. The first is remembrance; honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki. The second is a celebration of the present; gathering together to give thanks for what we have. Finally, we look to the future. Matariki is a time of renewal and celebration in Aotearoa (New Zealand) that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster.Highlights for this year's event include;Delicious hangi served from 5pm. Get in early as last year we sold out! Pre-sales start at 2pm.Kapa haka rōpū performing on the Community Stage throughout the event.Story telling of local Māori history and legends (purakau) by kaumātua Darren Rewi.MCs Paul Tamati and Ryan Enoka, guiding the audience through the meaning of Matariki.Kāhu Youth Pop-Up Youth Centre for rangatahi to relax at and soak up the Matariki atmosphere.Tamariki Interactive Marquee with Matariki themed crafts and stories.Weaving Workshop learn how to weave harakeke.Bonfires along the lakefront, perfect for warming up.Giant bubble show, a favourite for tamariki.Community Waiata together we will sing Ko Te Whirika, at 5:30pm along the lakefront and we invite all to come and sing with us.Youth Volunteer OpportunitiesThis year, special focus has been placed on ensuring that rangatahi (youth) are an integral part of the celebrations - not just as participants, but as contributors and leaders. Volunteer opportunities have been created especially for youth, giving them the chance to give back to their community and learn new skills.YOUTH – CLICK HERE for more info and to register for Matariki volunteer roles.A HUGE thank you to all our incredible community supporters working behind the scenes to help bring this magical Matariki celebration to life. For more info on the event please visit us here.Proudly Presented By: Kāhu Youth TrustWhen: Friday, 20 June, 2pm-6pmWhere: Dinosaur ParkPhoto credit: Deanna Gerlach35 Plantation Road, Wānaka 

A young cross country skier with Olympic dreams has some key goals this winter as he weighs up his future in the sport. Lewis Briscall (16) spent two weeks training with the UK cross country ski team in Norway this past December, and he returned there alone to train in February.“My dream would be to compete in the Olympics and just follow my dream as far as I can,” Lewis told the Wānaka App.Lewis was introduced to cross country skiing at the Cardrona Valley’s Snow Farm - New Zealand’s only cross country ski area - at the age of 10. He took to it like a duck to water and became a regular feature speeding along the trails.Lewis Briscall (right) at the beginning of last year’s Snow Rake race. PHOTO: Wānaka AppUnlike fellow local cross country skier Campbell Wright, a biathlete, Lewis prefers to ski long distances with no rifle on his back.“I love being on the beautiful ski trails where there are no crowds,” he said. “You just get in a flow state and time kind of flies by… It’s just a great feeling.”Lewis met a coach in the UK cross country ski team when he was in London a few years ago; which led to the opportunity to train with the team in Norway.He worked hard to save the money to get there, and when he got to Sjusjoen he was taken aback by the popularity of the sport in Europe.“In Norway it was like playing rugby in New Zealand. Everyone was out on the ski track - all ages, all abilities, just going out for an afternoon ski.”Lewis is up-front about the challenges for young cross country skiers in this country, where there is nothing like the support and pathway to success provided in Europe and North America.Campbell now skis for the USA ski team, and Lewis as a British passport holder also has the potential to ski for the UK.“I would love to stay with New Zealand,” Lewis said. “I don’t think anyone would want to have to switch to another country on the other side of the world in order to be able to follow their dream just because there isn’t the same support in their home country.”He would love to see more young people take up cross country skiing, and more support for cross country athletes with international ambitions.“It’s not just about me, it’s about the whole next generation of skiers,” he said.Lewis is now roller skiing to keep fit while he waits for the Snow Farm to open. He plans to stay in the Southern Hemisphere this winter, with a goal to compete in the Snow Farm’s annual marathon event (the Merino Muster), the Kangaroo Hoppet (Australia’s cross country marathon), and the Australian nationals.At last year’s Merino Muster Lewis wasn’t old enough to compete in the main 42km race, but he won the 21km Snow Rake race in a time of 53:28:95. This year he plans to compete in the full marathon.“I don’t think coming first against Jessie Diggins [USA’s gold medal winner who trains at the Snow Farm] is possible,” he said.But, he said, his goal is “to come in the top five overall”. 

WAI Wānaka is hosting a volunteer beach clean-up at Scotts Beach, Lake Hāwea, tomorrow (Sunday May 25) to build on work done at the site last year.The non-profit community organisation hosted a beach clean-up at the same beach last November and the rubbish collected was sorted and recorded in the Sustainable Coastline’s national Litter Intelligence database.“Six months later, we’re heading back to clean up the beach area again, to reassess the survey area and track what litter is collected this time around,” WAI Wānaka communications specialist Danielle McNaughton said.The organisation’s mission to maintain and improve Upper Clutha waterways and sort rubbish into the national database is a meaningful way to support better water health, WAI Wānaka urban lead Jose Cranfield told the Wānaka App.Rubbish, and particularly plastic, is a major issue in freshwater environments but if it is not measured advocating for better protection is made more difficult, Jose said.The ever-growing database, because it is collected to a high standard of scientific rigour, has been used to help inform reports and even policy at a national level.Members of the public are invited to head along (bring gloves) and get involved in the clean-up event, which will run from 10am-12pm.“Hāwea Store & Kitchen are providing some delicious kai for volunteers,” Danielle said.“They also have a couple of sauna sessions to give away on the day, thanks to The Secret Sauna.”Anyone interested can also join a community bike ride from Wānaka out to Scotts Beach.The group will be departing from Heatwave, Pembroke Mall, at 8am on Sunday.PHOTO: Supplied

Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) annual winter farm flyovers are set to begin within the next three weeks, with a focus on land disturbance activities. As with previous years, the flyovers will be looking at intensive winter grazing, machinery working in or around streams, rivers and wetlands, and forestry, ORC compliance manager Carlo Bell said. ORC undertakes compliance flights every year to gain a bird’s eye view on land use in districts around the region to identify any potential risks to water quality. Carlo said following the flyovers, staff will assess the information and undertake site visits and follow ups on any potential high-risk sites to ‘ground truth’ observations and check compliance. The flyovers are an effective way to look at activities across the region from forestry to winter grazing to ensure they are operating the way they should be, he said. “The flyovers are one tool in our compliance tool box and have been a long-standing part of our compliance work programme.”He acknowledged that the government has recently changed the regulations for intensive winter grazing activities, and encouraged Otago farmers to continue with their best management practices.“We know farmers are well set for this winter and have grazing plans in place and are able to maintain the gains put in place from previous gazing seasons. While the regulations have changed, good practice hasn’t changed,” he said. Anyone who sees pollution of a waterway is encouraged to call ORC’s 24/7 pollution hotline on 0800 800 033, or email [email protected]: ORC

Residents can look forward to better signage for active travel routes around the Upper Clutha in the next two years after Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) allocated $318,000 for local ‘wayfinding’.The funding “will allow for a consistent signage approach to be established before the [active travel] network grows too large”, a QLDC staff member told the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) at a workshop earlier this month.Wayfinding refers to the signage, colours, and design features that help people navigate and move easily around an area or route - and WUCCB members were pleased to see progress on what they consider a much-needed improvement in the Upper Clutha.WUCCB chair Simon Telfer said that although it might not be immediately obvious to residents, there is a “real lack” of wayfinding locally.Fellow WUCCB member John Wellington agreed, describing wayfinding in the Upper Clutha as “pathetic”.With the project still in the scoping stage, QLDC staff said they couldn’t yet provide specifics on where the signage would be installed.John asked them to ensure recreational tracks are included as well.Both Simon and John recommended steering away from creating a bespoke Upper Clutha wayfinding strategy, which they said would be slow and expensive, suggesting instead that QLDC adapt the existing Wakatipu strategy with minor adjustments.Simon said it made sense to use the current strategy as a base and “give it an Upper Clutha flavour…with some tweaks”.They said they were keen for the project to get going as soon as possible.Lake Wānaka Tourism chief executive Mat Woods welcomed the move.“Investment in wayfinding will be great for both Wānaka locals and visitors as we encourage more people to get out and explore the region on foot and by bike,” he said.This week a QLDC spokesperson said they expected the new wayfinding to be installed by June 2027 at the latest.“We’ll be able to provide more information on timings for design and installation as the project progresses,” they said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A mentoring programme designed to strengthen good governance in the community sector is returning for a fourth year and Upper Clutha organisations are being encouraged to take part.The six-month programme (designed to develop governance capability, foster connections, and build confidence among non-profit board members) will run from June to December.Participants are matched with experienced local mentors who bring not-for-profit governance knowledge and an understanding of the region’s unique challenges and opportunities. “The Leadership in Governance Mentoring Programme is a proven model delivering real value,” mentor programme coordinator and Huddl programme coordinator Fiona Reeve said.“Great mentoring can make a huge and ongoing impact, not only for the mentee but also for their organisation and community.”The programme will be made up of one-on-one mentoring sessions, three cohort networking events, and online check-ins.“Feedback from past participants has been really positive, with many expressing greater confidence and clarity in their governance roles after completing the programme,” Fiona said.“It has helped them gain new perspectives and improve governance, and provided pathways to future opportunities in their governance careers.”In previous years, the programme has had strong involvement from the Upper Clutha through many Wānaka-based mentors and mentees. Local mentors have previously come from organisations such as WAI Wānaka, Wānaka Water Project, Business Wānaka Ltd, WHIPIT Ltd, and the Wānaka Chamber of Commerce. Mentee organisations have included Cat Rescue Wānaka, Wānaka Search and Rescue, Food for Love Wānaka, WAO, Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, and Generation Zero, among others.“Our goal is to help Wānaka organisations become more sustainable and thrive, so they can keep doing great things in the Wānaka community,” Fiona said. “The mentoring programme plays a key role in supporting that vision.”Registrations are now open for individuals interested in participating as mentees or mentors and anyone interested can find more by emailing [email protected] or at the Huddl website.PHOTO: Supplied

Twenty-year-old Wānaka powerlifter Romy Guichard is heading into the New Zealand Powerlifting Federation Nationals with a clear plan - and equally clear goals.The national and Commonwealth record holder will take the platform tomorrow morning (Saturday May 24) in Hamilton, competing in the under 23 age group and under 76 kilo weight class.“My aim is to take the national title and break all three national records for squat, bench, and total in my category,” Romy told the Wānaka App.“I’m also chasing a 500kg total, which is the combined weight of squat, bench press, and deadlift.”But her biggest ambition of the weekend is to win best overall junior female lifter across all weight classes. The title is awarded based on GL points - a formula that compares lifters across different weight classes, making it especially competitive.It’s an ambitious target - but Romy has a track record of setting and achieving goals. At last November’s World Championships in Malta, she broke three national records, three Commonwealth records, and finished sixth in the world.She told the Wānaka App at the time that the results were “exactly what I was expecting”.Romy’s results are even more remarkable given she only took up powerlifting at the end of 2022.Since returning from Malta, Romy says she is more motivated than ever.“Seeing the intensity and discipline of athletes on the world stage made me realise how important the little things are: recovery, nutrition, managing stress,” Romy said. “If you only give 90 percent, you’ll only get 90 percent out and that you will only ever get the number that you have earned. “I’ve really tried to step that up in this prep.”Romy will compete at 9am tomorrow.Previous: Wānaka powerlifter on her way to world champsPHOTO: Supplied

Locals have submitted their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic to phase two of the national Royal Commission of Inquiry (Covid-19 Lessons), which focuses on vaccine mandates, vaccine safety, and lockdowns.Members of the public were able to submit to the inquiry until late April, with one such submission coming from Wānaka resident Chelsea Norman.Chelsea’s submission was on behalf of her sister Amanda Jade Smees, who died of sudden cardiac arrest on January 4, 2022, 17 days after taking her second Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine.“I want everyone to hear Amanda’s story,” Chelsea told the Wānaka App.Amanda (42), who worked as a barista in Wānaka, had to be double vaccinated in order to keep her job because of the government’s vaccine mandates.“Amanda was genuinely afraid and scared to get it,” Chelsea said in her submissionHer death from sudden cardiac arrest just over a fortnight after her second vaccination in January 2022 came as an enormous shock to her family, including her two school-age children (12 and 15).The autopsy delivered on September 15, 2022, attributed the direct cause of death to sudden cardiac arrest, with an antecedent cause of myocarditis and caffeine toxicity, and the underlying condition of “Post Covid-19 vaccination period”.Her death was flagged in November by the Covid-19 Vaccine Independent Safety Monitoring Board as a possible fourth death in New Zealand linked to the vaccine because it was determined that Amanda had myocarditis at the time of her death.“From here I wanted this documented on Amanda’s death certificate as her cause of death. It was incredibly important to me and our family.”Chelsea’s regular inquiries to the Coroner received “the same generic response”, that the Coroner was still waiting to hear from the pathologist, and they were still testing tissue samples.Then in December 2024 she received an email from the Coroner’s Office informing her that a formal inquiry would not be opened as Amanda’s death appeared to be from natural causes - despite the Covid vaccine having already been identified as a factor.The family was devastated, Chelsea said, and she was determined that Amanda’s death not be “swept under the carpet”. She replied to the Coroner that Amanda was a fit and healthy 42-year-old mother who had died as a result of the vaccine, and that the family planned to take action.On January 8, 2025, she received an apology from the Coroner’s Court.Amanda’s death certificate, issued in March 2025, reflects the original autopsy. It lists the direct cause of death as sudden cardiac arrest, with the antecedent cause as myocarditis and caffeine toxicity, and the underlying cause “Post Covid-19 vaccination period”.“No one should have been forced into getting the vaccine,” Chelsea said in her submission.Chelsea said she felt that no one had been held accountable for her sister’s death.She said she believed others in New Zealand had been harmed by the vaccines and had “absolutely no recognition”, but given Amanda’s family did receive that recognition: “I know she would want her story told.”Phase two of the Covid inquiry began in November 2024. Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden said it was “important that New Zealanders tell the inquiry about their experiences so we can be better prepared as a country for any future events”. “I look forward to seeing the final report and recommendations delivered to me in February 2026,” the minister said.PHOTO: Supplied