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

A plan to replace ageing trees at Eely Point with new planting over a 60-year period is now out for community consultation.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) says the draft tree succession plan for the popular reserve aims to protect the area and “create a resilient and diverse environment for future generations to enjoy”.The QLDC parks team will host two community drop-in sessions at Eely Point (by the Coastguard building) this Saturday (May 24, 10am to 12pm) and next Tuesday (May 27, 4-6pm).QLDC parks manager Dave Winterburn said the plan takes a long-term view to manage ageing and invasive wilding pines in the reserve and self-seeded willows and poplars growing in the shallows of the lake nearby, and how native and suitable exotic trees would be added in the area.“Approximately 25 percent of the reserve is made up of wilding conifers, and as these trees grow older and near the end of their lives, we need to ensure we’re protecting Eely Point and taking the appropriate steps to create a more sustainable and resilient public space,” he said.“Our intended approach looks at slowly removing these invasive trees in stages across multiple zones, to ensure new trees and plants introduced in the area have time to adapt to the windy environment.”He said the wilding conifers play a crucial role in acting as a windbreak and help to shield this public space from wild weather, but “their invasive nature and advancing age pose a range of environmental threats”.Council plans to plant ‘pioneer species’ to restore soil structure and support the growth of future native planting.The trees’ dense canopy blocks sunlight and reduces native flora and fauna; they drop needle litter that results in poor soil health; and their location on a peninsula next to the lake creates “a significant seed spread risk for surrounding areas”.Pioneer species like grasses, ferns, and mānuka are proposed to restore soil structure, followed by planting of native trees like kānuka, kōwhai, beech, and southern rātā to provide additional wind shelter as quickly as possible while creating new wildlife habitat.Carefully selected exotic species that are tall, fast-growing, and non-invasive would also be planted to further protect the wider area from wind, creating a new functional but less intrusive shelter.Dave acknowledged the reserve’s current look and feel is loved by many in the community, but said the area needed a plan to manage wilding conifers before the end of their lives.“Given Eely Point’s importance to Wānaka and the wider Upper Clutha, QLDC is encouraging regular users of this reserve, nearby residents, and visitors to check out the draft plan, come chat with staff at one of our drop-in sessions, and share feedback to protect the area for future generations,” he said.The draft Eely Point Tree Succession Plan is available online as well as in the (QLDC) office and library in Wānaka.Feedback on the succession plan will close on Sunday June 8. Once feedback has been gathered and reviewed, the plan will be presented to Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board for adoption in July 2025.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Local applicants shortlisted for Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) annual ECO Fund - for projects to enhance the environment - will find out later today (Wednesday May 21) if they have been successful.ORC environmental funding lead Elodie Letendre said there is $1,059,500 available in the fund, and initial requests came in for almost $3M, making the fund almost three times oversubscribed - similar to the past two years. There were 69 applicants (including 17 from around the Queenstown Lakes District), and just 28 have been shortlisted. “The oversubscription again this year reflects increasing community awareness, and that people are very keen to help protect the environment,” Elodie said.“Every year we wish we could fund more applicants.”Elodie said there were “a large number of very good applications” this year, covering a range of projects, from weed and pest animal control, native species protection and habitat restoration, native revegetation and regeneration and water quality. “It’s the communities who know what matters most locally and these funding programmes can empower them to turn great ideas into action,” she said.At a full council meeting today the council will make a final decision on recipients and consider endorsing a budget reallocation from two of the ECO Fund funding categories to another category, which would allow funding of two additional projects in the general funding category. The ECO Fund has distributed $2.58M since 2018.PHOTO: Supplied

The NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival (NZMFF) has launched its 2025 programme and tickets go on sale today.The annual international film competition attracted a record-breaking 294 entries, with a final lineup featuring 64 award-winning and finalist films, including 18 by New Zealand filmmakers."It's fantastic to see returning filmmakers who consistently raise the bar year after year,” festival director Whitney Oliver said.“We're also stoked to welcome new (to us) talent who have wowed us with fresh narratives and creative style.”Whitney said the New Zealand made films showcase a variety of outdoor stories, from epic backyard missions to environmental causes, and each left a distinct impression.Many of the New Zealand filmmakers will be in Wānaka to introduce their films during the Pure NZ sessions on Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23.The Hiddleston/MacQueen Award (with $2,500 prize money) for the Best NZ-made Film went to Josh Morgan and Jasper Gibson for their entry, Waiatoto, which tells the story of a traverse across the Southern Alps via packraft, skis and tramping.Nick Pascoe, one of the three adventurers involved in the journey with Jasper Gibson and Charlie Murray, will also be a keynote speaker at this year’s festival.The film competition's grand prize was awarded to US director Leo Hoorn for his film, Trango.After a two-year attempt, a team of ski mountaineers, including previous NZMFF guest speaker Christina Lustenberger (USA), ski the first descent of the Great Trango Glacier in Pakistan. The grand prize was awarded to US director Leo Hoorn for his film, Trango. PHOTO: SuppliedThe Trango film team said they were “incredibly honoured to be selected for NZ Mountain Film Festival’s Grand Prize Award this year”. Festival founder and head judge Mark Sedon said the record-breaking number of entries was confirmation that the festival’s reputation continues to grow in New Zealand and around the globe.The NZMFF is New Zealand’s only adventure film competition.The festival will take place in Wānaka from June 20-24 and Queenstown from June 26-27 and the films will also be available to watch online in New Zealand and Australia from July 1-31. View the 2025 NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival teaser video here, the full programme here, and find the full list of this year’s films here. Programmes will also be available at Wānaka Paper Plus. The full list of award winners is:  Grand Prize  Trango, Director: Leo Hoorn, USA Best Short Film Award  Body of a Line, Director: Henna Taylor, USA. An animated short film that morphs into real life as Madaleine undertakes a creative journey to climb a difficult rock route. Featuring original music and poetry.     Best Mountain Culture Award    Everest Dark, Director: Jereme Watt, USA. As the death toll on the world's highest peak rises, one of Nepal’s most legendary climbers leads an elite team of Sherpas to retrieve fallen climbers from Everest’s Death Zone. Award for the Best Film on the EnvironmentFootprints on Katmai, Director: Max Romey, USA. Following his grandmother's footsteps to one of the most remote beaches in Alaska, painter Max Romey discovers that an ocean of problems is closer to home than he could have imagined.Best Climbing FilmNose Job, Director: Alastair Lee, UK. Two retired comp climbers with little trad or multi-pitch experience attempt a bold feat: becoming the first Britons to free climb The Nose on El Cap.  Best Snow Sports FilmPainting The Mountains, Director: Pierre Cadot, France. Follow a photographer’s love affair with El Chaltén, a remote Patagonian village beneath Fitz Roy, which blends photography, journalism, and extreme skiing. Best Film on Adventurous Sports & LifestylesAlone Across Gola, Director: Jude Kriwald, UK. Stranded in Liberia’s Gola rainforest, filmmaker Jude Kriwald faces hunger, isolation, robbery and disappearing trails. A tale of a solo, self-filmed journey chasing a childhood dream.  Solo AwardFar Enough, Director: Julien Carot, France. A 22-year-old Frenchman gets on his bike in Chamonix to ride to Nepal’s Khumbu Valley to climb Ama Dablam - 11,500 kilometres on a bike and 80,000m of elevation gain. The real adventure isn’t just about reaching the summit— but everything it takes to get there. Special Jury AwardsGirl Climber, Director: Jon Glassberg, USA. Emily Harrington, pro-climber and Everest summiteer, takes on a 24-hour free climbing ascent of El Cap.The Headless Horseman, Director: Andy Collet, France. In the shadow of Gyachung Kang, far from the fame of 8,000-metre peaks, two climbers confront hardship, separation, and doubt. NZ Award Winners:  Hiddleston/MacQueen Award for Best NZ-Made Film Waiatoto, Directors: Josh Morgan & Jasper Gibson.  Community Spirit AwardSpirit of the West, Director: Pedro Pimentel. Set against New Zealand’s wild West Coast, the film captures the spirit of the Old Ghost Ultra - where community, resilience, and grit collide in a celebration of people and place. Grassroots AwardThe Long Way Round, Director: Mitchell Radford. A 16-day solo adventure through Fiordland from Glenorchy to Milford Sound, the long way. The film showcases exploration and endurance in some of New Zealand's most incredible and diverse landscapes.  Best Documentary Award All in or Nothing, Director: Gordon Duff. Up against 120 riders with full support crews, young athlete Matthew Fairbrother only has himself to rely on. Follow his gruelling six days as he attempts to win the overall title at the NZ MTB Rally. Festival Spirit AwardRiverbound - The Storybook Has Just Begun, Directors: Dylan Gerschwitz & Deane Parker. Yak, a former pro kayaker now paraplegic, takes on Class 3 rapids in the Upper Buller Gorge. Can packrafting restore his freedom—and redefine who gets to run wild rivers?

Wānaka resident and businessman Craig Gasson has announced he will run for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), saying he “believes it’s time to bring private sector thinking to local government delivery”. Craig said he will run for the Wānaka-Upper Clutha ward in the local government elections later this year.Craig is the general manager of Tapped Wines, which delivers New Zealand wine to bars and restaurants in reusable stainless steel kegs. He has lived in Wānaka for 24 years and has two young sons.He told the Wānaka App he has had “a successful career in the wine industry spanning Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand”. Craig said he is passionate about Wānaka “as a great place to live and do business and wants other likeminded people to consider offering themselves for election”. “Wānaka has attracted an energetic, talented population with diverse skillsets brimming with great ideas, but these people don’t necessarily think about putting themselves forward for public office,” he said.“I want to help change that.”  He said he would like other people in the community to “also step up and help bring about a change in what we can expect from our local authority”. “Ultimately, we will all get the representation we deserve. There is such a wealth of skill, knowledge and experience in this town that is largely untapped. My aim is to engage this resource to help make Wānaka an even better place to live.” He invited anyone who wants to share their “thoughts, vision or ambition for QLDC or the Wānaka-Upper Clutha ward” to contact him via [email protected] or LinkedIn.“I have the energy, commitment and drive to be a passionate advocate for this community. I’ll be working hard not just to earn your vote, but to keep earning it every day if I’m fortunate enough to succeed in being elected.” Local body elections will take place from September 22, 2025.PHOTO: Supplied

Following the termination of its second and final super pressure balloon (SPB), NASA is celebrating a successful 2025 campaign and a “truly global effort”.The second SPB of the campaign was safely terminated over Argentina on May 13 more than nine days after it was launched from Wānaka Airport.The SPB deflated and rapidly floated back to earth while its payload - equipped with a parachute - gently floated back to the ground and landed about 25 nautical miles northwest of Estancia Los Alamos, NASA said.Although the second SPB performed well and the mission successfully met its minimum requirements toward qualification of the balloon system, an issue with the power system aboard the balloon gondola prompted the team to terminate the mission early as a precaution, NASA flight facility balloon programme office deputy chief Andrew Hamilton said.The first SPB of the 2025 mission had been terminated after 17 days.“This mission concludes a successful campaign from our launch site in New Zealand,” Andrew said.“We are proud of all the hard work the team has put in, and we are grateful to all of our international partners in New Zealand, Argentina, and Chile that made this a success.” While the primary goal of the flight was to further test and qualify the SPB technology, the balloon was also carrying several smaller scientific instruments and technology demonstrations, Andrew said. “A complex campaign like this involved a myriad of support from organisations around the world,” he said. “Our team at CSBF is the premier balloon launching program, and this campaign showed, once again, how good they are.”“The Balloon Program Office is fully appreciative of all the support we’ve had from our colleagues in the State Department that assisted with coordination, as well as all our international partners that enabled a successful launch and recovery of the mission. “This is truly a global team effort.” NASA’s 2025 campaign was the sixth SPB campaign held at Wānaka Airport since the agency began balloon operations here in 2015. NASA also held campaigns at Wānaka Airport in 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2023, all of which were successful apart from the 2022 campaign.PHOTO: NASA

The Upper Clutha Rugby Club’s premier rugby side (The Rams) celebrated the club’s 125th Jubilee with a 28-14 win over Maniototo in Wānaka on Saturday (May 17) to begin the second round of the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition.The match also served as a defence of the White Horse Cup, with the Rams overcoming a 10-14 halftime deficit to hold a determined Maniototo side scoreless in the second half.“We knew Maniototo were going to be tough, the White Horse Cup and all that,” Rams’ head coach Alex Dickson said.“We let ourselves down a bit in the first half, but came right in the second half.”Maniototo threw everything at the Rams in the first half, controlling the ball for long periods and deserving to be ahead at the break.The second half belonged to the Rams after an improvement in ball retention and a solid scrum that troubled the Maniototo side.The Rams scored three tries in the half: two in the final ten minutes, and a penalty on full time.Rams’ prop Ben Mckeitch had a strong match, supported by lock Andrew Horne. The side’s loose forward trio of Lachie Garrick, Joel Turnbull and Jake Burtenshaw were omnipresent.The Rams missed six kicks at goal in the match which will be of some concern as they eye the finals at the end of season, although three kicks hit the upright.Alex said he felt his side was tracking well with a number of players returning from injuries.The Rams hold a slender one point advantage over Alexandra at the top of the Central Otago Premier Rugby ladder and will play lowly ranked Arrowtown in Arrowtown this Saturday (May 24).Points:Tries: Ulysee Martineau (2), Ben Mckeich, Caleb Dixon, Sean MurrayPenalties: Brady KinganIn other matches:Cromwell 26-40 AlexandraMatakanui 42-29 ArrowtownTABLE: Tribe

A refresh for the 24-year-old Lake Wānaka Centre is on its way - but it’s unlikely to improve disability access to the building’s mezzanine floor, a point of growing frustration for some local community groups.Out & About chair Ollie Harcus told the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) at its May 8 meeting the centre should be more of a “community-focused venue”.He said accessibility limitations curtailed the organisation’s ability to make the most of the space during the 2024 Wānaka Pride Week, citing the lack of a disabled bathroom and stairlift.Read more: Refresh sought for ‘tired’ Lake Wānaka CentreThis week QLDC said it had booked a contractor for a refurbishment of the centre as part of its regular Asset Management Plan cycle.“This predominantly involves painting, electrical and flooring trades and is expected to be completed by early August,” a council staffer said. “The repainting will extend from the lobby/foyer area through to the main auditorium and stage areas … incorporating a more modern colour palette. The refurbishment works for flooring [are] mainly contained within the auditorium and stage areas.” While the spokesperson said QLDC was “investigating the options” for a disabled toilet on the ground floor, she said the structure and age of the Lake Wānaka Centre building “complicates the ability to provide accessible access to the mezzanine floor”. “The capability of constructing a lift well, lift shaft and associated plant is a considerable investment and undertaking.”  Ollie had also told the WUCCB he believed it was time to update the foyer, which features photos of notable locals as well as a range of hunting trophies, saying it could be made “a little more diverse and meet our community’s needs”. Apart from plans for a new colour palette, QLDC said its staff were in contact with the owners of the hunting trophies on display “about removing these and returning them to family guardianship”.A QLDC spokesperson said there were “no plans to remove” the portraits, which he said “attract many positive comments and memories”.The WUCCB will discuss plans for the centre’s refurbishment at a workshop tomorrow (Tuesday May 20).PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR) has received a sizeable funding boost - $20,000 - from the Otago Community Trust (OCT).The entirely volunteer-run Wānaka SAR supports NZ Police and the NZ Rescue Coordination Centre with specialist search and rescue services and is one of the busiest SARs in the country, averaging 55-65 operations in a busy year.Former LandSAR national chair and Wānaka SAR volunteer Phillip Melchior told the Wānaka App the grant was part of the organisation’s 2025 budget fund-raising drive, which is seeking to raise a little under $150,000.“About 33 percent of the budget is devoted to training - mostly helicopter time reflecting the fact that more than 90 percent of our response work involves helicopters, and therefore our volunteers need to train every year in things like hanging off a strop and getting in and out of a hovering helicopter,” he said.“Then there's about 20 percent which goes on things like rates, electricity, internet, insurance etc. And the rest is on clothing and equipment - some new to fill identified 'holes' in our set up (for instance waterproof comms helmets which it became clear we needed during the Rob Roy canyon search in February, and some replacement for things which are worn out.”Wānaka SAR has won multiple awards for rescues over the years, and its chair Raewyn Calhaem said earlier this year the search for a young Argentinian tourist in the Matukituki Valley was one of its most difficult yet.Read more: Search for Hector ‘most difficult’ SAR operation yetWānaka SAR was among 35 community organisations awarded funding to enhance services across the region from OCT’s recent funding round, which totalled more than $1M.The Tarras Community Church Charitable Trust received $11,500 and the Lake Hāwea Community Centre received $5,600 in the OCT April funding round.Wānaka SAR’s major funders are OCT, the Central Lakes Trust, the Lion Foundation, the Wānaka Lions 4WD annual safari' and Jasmine Social Investments. Learn more about Wānaka SAR or make a contribution here.

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

Wānaka search and rescue teams are responding to more avoidable accidents as unprepared people venture deeper into the back country, lured partly by the influence of social media and websites.Volunteers said they had observed more people "lost and out of their depth" in 22 rescue operations between October and March, including nine alpine cliff rescues, three swiftwater or canyon rescues and three sub-alpine or bush rescues.Alpine cliff rescue team leader Davie Robinson said the type of call-outs had changed in his 25 years with Wānaka Search and Rescue."We're definitely seeing more and more accidents that generally shouldn't be happening," he said."When you're rescuing people that don't really need rescuing, we're getting a little bit frustrated because one day we will have an accident. And it's just a matter of time and numbers."Rob Roy Glacier. PHOTO: RNZ / Katie ToddRobinson highlighted the summer rescue of three women near the Brewster Glacier in Mt Aspiring National Park who were stuck in "steep, dangerous country" - one of 17 call-outs in three years on the Brewster Track.They called for help using the satellite text function on their phones and were winched to safety by helicopters in bad weather at night in "scary" conditions for rescuers, Robinson said."As soon as we get a helicopter in bad weather, the danger increases. We start doing that stuff at night that [danger] ratchets up again," he said."Sending out a beacon, we're going to assume it's the worst case scenario. So we're going to try really hard to get there."Robinson said people were venturing into the backcountry without learning how to read a map and compass or properly preparing for alpine hikes."It's a combination of the Insta kind of thing - people just flashing up great photographs of an alpine lake ... but at the same time it's an alpine walk, in apline terrain, with alpine hazards," he said."There's also a lot of ultra-light travel going on now, so if people have got better and better at doing stuff, they've tended to go lighter and lighter. It might be websites like Fastest Known Time ... Strava, all those apps that are recording stuff, advertising it. So you quite often go in the backcountry and you're rescuing people who are following some ultra runner's route."Wānaka Search and Rescue said many other rescues were the result of genuine accidents, where people had not necessarily done anything wrong.Chair Raewyn Calhaem said Australian woman Claire Frances Connell, who died while hiking the Te Araroa trail near Lake Hāwea in February, slipped and fell "in just the wrong place".Later that month, Argentinian Hector Gaston Artigau slipped on the Rob Roy Glacier track and fell into the river.His body was believed to be trapped in one of the deep Rob Roy stream canyon pools.Hector Gaston Artigau fell into a river on Waitangi Day. PHOTO: Givealittle screenshotSearch crews spent more than 800 volunteer hours over nine days, using dog teams, underwater cameras, probes and other specialist equipment in what Calhaem said was an "extraordinarily difficult" attempt to find him."This was unquestionably the most difficult operation we have undertaken ... we deeply regret we could not bring appropriate closure to Hector's family," she said.Hikers should 'start easy, get the full information before heading out'Calhaem said mistakes or accidents were always possible but people should prepare by starting with easy trips and visiting the Department of Conservation and Mountain Safety Council's websites for information about specific hikes, recommended equipment and weather warnings."You can be extremely well prepared and still have an accident, but there are things that people can do to try and mitigate that risk," she said."The thing with New Zealand back country is it's open and accessible to everybody. You can't close it off and for the majority of people, it's fine, it's just every now and then people get themselves in trouble or they accidentally put themselves somewhere that they shouldn't be."She said Wānaka Search and Rescue was fortunate to be financially well-established, with a highly-skilled team that often dropped everything to come to the aid of the lost, missing and injured.

I want to start this post by saying: I never expected to be here, writing this. Three years ago, our 14-year-old son—once a happy, popular, cheeky boy—began to change. At first, we chalked it up to adolescence. Mood swings, withdrawal, sleeping late, the usual teenage angst, right?We missed it completely!We had no experience with clinical depression. No one tells you what to look for until it’s already dark. One day we were a typical family, and the next, we were learning how to keep our son alive. That’s not an exaggeration, and if you’re here reading this, you might know exactly what I mean.This post is the first chapter of our story—a raw, honest look at the very beginning of our journey. This isn’t a guidebook, and it won’t be perfect. Your story will be different from ours. But everything I’m about to share comes from a place of deep, hard-earned love. We made mistakes. You probably will too. But that’s okay. When you’re fumbling in the dark, sometimes you just need one thing to land—one thing to stick—and you go from there.Here’s what helped us (and what didn’t) in those early days. Think of it as a list to start with, not a checklist to complete.1. Talk to Your GP – And Come PreparedBook the appointment. I know it feels huge, but your GP can be a gateway to essential support.Tip: Go in with notes. Write down what you’ve noticed: mood changes, sleep patterns, withdrawal, any mentions of self-harm or hopelessness. Sometimes teens don’t have the language for their distress—and sometimes they’re scared you’ll panic—so you may need to be their voice.Explain what you're hoping to get from the appointment:Access to therapy or medication if appropriateSupport navigating school pressures and assessmentsA way to explain to your teen what’s happening and begin to contextualize itThen, ask the GP if your child might feel more comfortable speaking without you in the room. Let your teen know you’re open to hearing anything, but that their honesty is the priority—and that they are allowed privacy.2. Build a Support NetworkTell the school. Even if your teen doesn’t want you to. We spoke with our son's headmaster, mental health support workers, and teachers. This meant he didn’t have to perform when he couldn’t. No “How was your weekend?” small talk. No pressure to meet deadlines while barely getting out of bed. His school counsellor (a legend in our eyes) used to say, “Just go home if this isn’t the place for you today.” That gave our son the power to listen to his own mental state, and act on it with permission.3. Therapy is Like Shopping for JeansFinding a therapist that fits is hard. Not because your teen is resistant (though they might be) but because the right person is hard to find. Be upfront with them: not every therapist will click, and that’s okay. Just like jeans, it might take trying a few before you find the right pair.Start by asking your GP for a list of local therapists specialising in youth and the areas your child is struggling with (anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.). Then contact all of them—yes, all! Follow up! Chase it!4. Know About Child and Family ServicesIf things escalate, your GP can refer you to Child and Family Services. It sounds scary, and yes—it can be grim—but these people know what they’re doing. They’re trained to assess risk and offer real help. Sometimes just the act of calling them makes your teen feel like they’re back in control, like someone else is holding the weight with them.Even if you don’t need them now, tuck this into your back pocket. Knowing they’re there can be comforting.5. Consider a Psychiatrist Yes, the wait was long, but the one we saw was brilliant. He looked at the whole picture—not just meds, but mood tracking, habits, CBT techniques. Our son hated him (because he held him accountable), but in hindsight, it was exactly what he needed.A good psychiatrist will make space for your teen to take ownership of their mental health. That’s part of the long game.Counselling & Mental Health Services - Central OtagoCommunity NetworksPath Wānaka - more information on our website6. Use a “Number System” to CommunicateThis was life-changing. Ask your teen to rate how they feel on a scale from 1 to 10, where 7 is their “normal.” Anything below 3 is worth noticing. A 2 or 1 means immediate action—maybe even a trip to ED or a 111 call. This helps them articulate their state without needing to explain it all.It also stops every check-in from feeling like an interrogation. A simple “What’s your number?” lets you keep tabs without overwhelming them.7. Phones and Sleep – Boundaries Save LivesThis was a battle. We took our son’s devices at 10 p.m., and let me tell you—it caused rage. But we explained that his room needed to be a haven, a place where the world wasn’t allowed in, even for a few hours.We let him have music but removed access to the chaos of the internet at night. It wasn’t a punishment; it was a reset. We told him: if you feel unsafe or overwhelmed at night, wake us. That was the rule. No scrolling into darkness alone.Final Thoughts – You're in the First ChapterIf you’re reading this, you’re likely where we were: at the beginning. It’s terrifying. You’re scrambling to learn a new language while your world spins off its axis. But you’ve taken the first step—and that matters.This post is just the start. There’s more to come—about the long nights, the therapy wins and losses, the school meetings, and how we slowly, painfully, found our way back to something like hope.We didn’t do everything right. But we loved him, fiercely. And that’s what carried us.Your journey will look different. But you’re not alone.More soon.With love and solidarity,A parent who’s been there.Parent | Whānau Support Group – Free Group Coaching for Parents.Contact us: [email protected]

Former Makarora School students took a trip back in time when they returned to the school last week to open a time capsule they had filled back in 2000.Eight of the 13 students who made up the school roll at the turn of the millennium made the trip for the time capsule opening, as well as the principal at the time, Sue McIntyre, the capsule’s inventor Clinton O’Brien, plus current staff and some interested locals.The event was a chance to not only reconnect with old friends, colleagues and classmates, but also to reflect on how the school and community had changed - and in many ways stayed the same.The class of 2025 said they enjoyed getting a taste of what life was like for school students all those years ago.“It was fun seeing the beer cans that were in the capsule and the Wilkin River Jets prices and brochures,” nine-year-old Max said. “I learned that things are pretty similar with only 13 students in 2000 and in 2025 we have 10 students.”Former and current Makarora School students, staff, and locals gathered to open the time capsule, which was buried in 2000 after being encased in corrugated iron and concrete.The capsule also included photographs of each of the former students’ families, as well as a newspaper, postcards, school journals, a school t-shirt, and even some lollies.Eight-year-old Frankie “enjoyed reading all the information the students put in the capsule about themselves and their families”. Meanwhile 10-year-old Ana “liked looking at the photos of what Makarora looked like in 2000”. The Makarora School class of 2025 discovering what was inside the capsule.Clinton said he and other community members had used a plumber’s tube for the capsule before encasing it in corrugated iron and concrete and burying it half a metre deep.“The initial idea came from Devon Miller, the 2000 chairman of the Makarora community committee,” he said.For six-year-old Mica, taking it apart was the most exciting part: “I liked the massive saw that they used to cut the concrete time-capsule.”In 2000, concerns around the Y2K bug - which some feared could disrupt power, communications and fuel - added a sense of occasion to preserving a snapshot of the time. “We thought it would be interesting to put items in a capsule and look at them in 25 years,” Sue said.Former principal Sue McIntyre looking at a well-preserved school journal.What would today’s students put in a time capsule to open in another quarter of a century?“A sprite can, a pump water bottle, a beer bottle and a flat rugby ball,” according to Max.PHOTOS: Makarora School

Otago Fish & Game has announced Cole Briggs as a new Fish & Game officer based in Central Otago - a role that sees the former professional cricketer swapping ‘Aces’ for spades and pads and pitches for waders and riverbanks.Cole played 43 professional matches for the Auckland Aces and spent seasons with clubs in the Netherlands and the UK but, while cricket took him around the world, it is New Zealand’s rivers, wetlands and wildlife that have long held his heart.“Sport has given me so much - discipline, resilience, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life,” Cole said. “Now I’m looking forward to applying those same qualities to the environmental world, protecting the activities and wild places that shaped me.”Raised fly fishing the Tongariro River during holidays with family in Tūrangi, Cole brings a lifelong love of the outdoors and a strong conservation pedigree - his grandparents were early environmental advocates in South Africa, helping spark his own path into science and stewardship.Now living in Albert Town, Cole is spending his spare time exploring the Clutha River, learning the ins and outs of his new fishing backyard, and exploring his interest in New Zealand birds of prey.He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Auckland and he has worked in research and environmental monitoring, with projects ranging from studying polystyrene pollution in waterways to analysing the environmental footprint of building materials.“Being out in nature, working with sports fish and game birds, and helping people connect with these special places - that’s what drew me to Fish & Game,” Cole said.His role includes everything from ranging, access improvement, creel and spawning surveys to hatchery support, electric fishing, and event-based angler engagement. Operations manager Jamie Ward said Cole brought a dynamic mix of scientific knowledge, public engagement skills, and energy to the role.“Cole’s already hit the ground running — his first week included opening weekend of the duck hunting season. He’s a great fit for Otago and for the anglers and game bird hunters we serve.”

Wānaka’s ‘marathon woman’ Victoria Taylor will attempt to break the record for the time it takes to run the length of New Zealand later this year.This will be the fourth time Victoria has attempted to break the record (18 days, nine hours and one minute) set by Ziggy Bauer in 1975. To break the record she will have to run approximately 130 kilometres a day“I don’t think anything can stop me this time,” Victoria said.“I’m mentally tougher now.”Victoria gained local fame in 2023/2024 when she ran daily consecutive marathons around Wānaka’s streets for 498 days, stopping only when struck by influenza.Read more: ‘It was a mission’ - marathon run ends due to influenzaShe has just completed a run from Napier to New Plymouth (430km) and is organising other long distance training runs in preparation for her attempt to break the record for running the length of New Zealand.While in New Plymouth Victoria met 85-year-old Ziggy Bauer, who said he believes Victoria can break his record.Victoria Taylor with record holder Ziggy Bauer. PHOTO: Victoria Taylor“I’m chasing Ziggy’s record, he wants me to beat it,” Victoria said.When asked what advice Ziggy gave her, Victoria said “not to stop and eat the blackberries”.Victoria will attempt to break the record for the time it takes to run the length of New Zealand in spring this year (2025).

Buying a Vehicle Privately in Wanaka? Here's Why a PPSR Check is Non-NegotiablePurchasing a vehicle privately can feel like scoring a good deal from a mate — a bit of back-and-forth on Marketplace, a sunny test drive around the lake, and just like that, you're behind the wheel. But if you're in Wanaka and you’re buying a vehicle without checking the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), you could be setting yourself up for a seriously costly surprise.What is a PPSR Check, and Why Should You Care?Think of the PPSR like a vehicle’s financial CV. It’s a national register that tells you whether the car, ute, or van you’re eyeing is being used as security for any lending — by the current or a previous owner.In short: a PPSR search should give you peace of mind that what you’re buying is debt-free and can legitimately be sold by the seller.The Risk You Don’t Want to TakeWanaka’s a place where many are self-employed or setting up shop — electricians, builders, designers, and consultants alike. So the last thing you want when investing in your work vehicle (or weekend escape machine) is for it to be repossessed months down the track because of someone else’s unpaid debt.Yes, that really happens — and legally, the lender can still take the car, even if you bought it fair and square.Avoid the Stress: Do This Before You BuyAsk for ID and ownership proof — Particularly with Facebook or Trade Me sales. You need to know who the registered owner is to do a search. The seller may say it is ‘their’ vehicle but is might be registered to their company or another family member.Run a PPSR check using the car details — It only costs $2.30 and takes a couple of minutes online. Just pop in the rego, VIN, or chassis number.Run a PPSR check using the registered owners name — If there is a ‘general security agreement’ in favour of a lender this will include the vehicle even if the vehicle did not show up in the search using the vehicle detailsDon’t be rushed — If the seller is in a hurry, that’s your cue to slow down.Need a Hand? Chat with Your Local Legal TeamIf you're unsure about anything, it’s worth checking in with us. At Checketts McKay Law, we’re local — we get Wanaka’s unique lifestyle, pace, and business environment. Whether you’re upgrading your adventure van or buying a reliable work truck, we’ll help you navigate the fine print and avoid the pitfalls.Plus, if the worst happens and your vehicle is repossessed, we can advise you on your rights and next steps17 Dunmore Street, Wānaka

The Upper Clutha Rugby Football Club (UCRFC) is celebrating 125 years of rugby in the Upper Clutha this weekend (May 16-18).More than 220 people have registered for the weekend’s festivities, including current and former players and members.“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with people and celebrating the last 125 years,” UCRFC president Gary Read said.Upper Clutha Rugby Football Club president Gary Read.Gary played for the club from 2003 to 2007 and has been involved in its administration since.“The club has grown along with the town; the town has lifted and the club has lifted with it,” he said.According to the book ‘Mountains, Miners & Musterers - 100 years of Upper Clutha Rugby’, there were rugby teams in Tarras, Hāwea, Wānaka, Cardrona and possibly Luggate in the early nineteen hundreds. The current Upper Clutha Rugby Football Club was formed by the union of Tarras and Wānaka in 1970 and a clubrooms erected in 1980.Festivities begin tonight (Friday May 16) with a social gathering. On Saturday the club will host a day of rugby, finishing with the Upper Clutha premier rugby team, The Rams, playing Maniototo at 1.30pm at the club.A dinner will be held at the Lake Wānaka Centre on Saturday night for registered attendees. The dinner will be MC’d by television presenter Joe Wheeler and feature special guest speaker Simon Porter, the managing director of sport talent agency Halo.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Otago Regional Council (ORC) is encouraging people to start thinking now about standing in this year’s local government election or consider nominating someone else.  “July might seem a long way off, but now’s a good time to start thinking about whether you or someone you know might fit the bill,” ORC chief executive Richard Saunders said. “By standing for election to ORC, you’ll be a part of Otago’s democracy,” he said. “Being an elected member of local government can be a rewarding role, as you advocate for your communities and work with our partners to achieve the best outcomes for this region we love.”ORC has 12 councillors over four wards - Dunstan (covering Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago), as well as Dunedin, Moeraki and Molyneux.The Dunstan ward will have additional representation in this election for the first time after a recent decision to boost Dunstan’s councils seats by one to four.Dunstan’s three existing seats are currently filled by Gary Kelliher, Michael Laws and Alexa Forbes. None of the current councillors live in the Upper Clutha.Read more: More local representation on ORCRichard said councillors will influence decisions covering “environmental management, natural resource management, public transport, preparing for and responding to emergencies and natural disasters as well as the economic, social, cultural, and environmental wellbeing of the region”.“You can be a key part of that,” he said. Candidates for an elected member need to be: a New Zealand citizen, over 18 years old, and enrolled on a New Zealand electoral roll.“People can find out more by heading to our Election 2025 webpage where they can find information about what a regional council does, the role of a councillor, how much they get paid, how many meetings they need to attend and how much reading is required,” he said. Find more information here.PHOTO: ORC

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