Councillors will consider a range of significant items - from the Annual Plan to the draft Freedom Camping Bylaw - at tomorrow’s (Thursday June 26) full council meeting in Wānaka.The agenda also includes a negotiation approach for the Regional Deal, a tri-council bid for a deal with central government for support with infrastructure and tourism; the Queenstown Airport Corporation’s (QAC) statement of intent for the coming year; and Community Fund allocation recommendations.The Annual Plan, which sets out spending priorities and determines rates for the year, has been developed this year without the usual public consultation process.Formal consultation on the draft wasn’t necessary because there was no change to the average rates increase of 13.5 percent signalled in the Long Term Plan nor any change to the “level of service” provided by the council, according to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) corporate services general manager Meghan Miller.Aside from a few changes to user fees and charges, most of which are in line with Customer Price Index (CPI), and an increase to developer contributions in line with inflation, it remains mostly unchanged - and residents can expect the 13.5 percent rates increase as indicated.Meanwhile, if councillors adopt the draft Freedom Camping Bylaw tomorrow it will go out for public consultation in July and could be in effect before the summer.QLDC’s former freedom camping bylaw was quashed in the High Court last year, leaving the district with few freedom camping restrictions over the past summer.The new bylaw, which QLDC has been working on for some time, is “the most appropriate way of addressing the perceived problems associated with freedom camping”, according to the agenda item’s covering report. Local groups and organisations will be awaiting the outcome of this year’s Community Fund, which councillors will have the final say on tomorrow.The annual fund, which supports charities, clubs, and not-for-profit organisations doing good in the community, has $180,000 to allocate district-wide for the 2025-2026 year.At least ten Upper Clutha community groups made their case for a slice of the Community Fund pie in May - from sports clubs to predator management groups and native planting organisations.Local event organisers will also be keen to hear back on this year’s Event Fund (which provides funding to groups hosting events that benefit the district), which will also be finalised tomorrow.As is usually the case, the final council meeting of the financial year is a full one - there are a total of 14 items on the agenda - and councillors could be in for a long afternoon.The full council meeting will take place at the Lake Wānaka Centre’s Armstrong Room from 1pm.

Otago Regional Council (ORC) councillors will consider a range of public transport changes - including moving forward the introduction of public transport for Wānaka - at today’s (June 25) council meeting.The hearing panel for ORC’s Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) has made a range of recommendations which councillors will consider following submissions from more than 500 Otago residents, ORC regional planning and transport general manager Anita Dawe said.Submitters had also asked for “better intraregional connections”, Anita said, including services between Wānaka and Queenstown, Dunedin and Dunedin Airport, Outram and Central Otago, and others. “The RPTP recommendations include [that] council consider these potential new services in the future and accelerate introducing public transport services for Wānaka to a six to ten year timeframe,” she said.Other recommendations across Otago include a range of fare changes for public transport in Otago and moving to a zone fare structure further down the line.In late May ORC made the decision to restore $250,000 in funding for an Upper Clutha public transport business case to the current financial year, a U-turn that was celebrated by Queenstown Lakes District Council and local community groups.Anita told the Wānaka App this will also be considered today.“The Wānaka/Upper Clutha business case funding for the 2025/26 financial year will also be considered in a separate item on adoption of the Annual Plan 2025/26,” she said.Councillor Michael Laws said he had moved the motion to restore local business case funding because it deserved it as the fastest growing ward in Otago.Fellow councillor Alexa Forbes told the Wānaka App this week that she was pleased about the business case but she’d “much rather see funding in place for an actual public transport system”.Wānaka and the Upper Clutha “have been needing and wanting public transport for many years now…” Alexa said.Councillors will consider both items relating to Wānaka public transport as part of the full council meeting taking place in Dunedin at 10am. PHOTO: Supplied

Snow Sports NZ has launched a new website aimed at supporting the development of female snow sports athletes. The Mountain Women website provides simple, practical resources to give women and girls the knowledge and skills they need to take their training to the next level, Snow Sports NZ project manager Louise Johnson said.    Its launch is the first major release from Snow Sports NZ in implementing its Women and Girls strategy, in response to feedback from female snow sports athletes provided through a survey last year.“We’re stoked to launch these resources as we gear up for the winter season,” Louise said.“Being able to bring experts together to respond so directly to what our female athletes told us they wanted, has been brilliant.”  The website, developed by leading industry experts, covers female athlete health, nutrition, strength and conditioning as well as mental skills.The resources are designed to help female athletes train safer, smarter and better and get the most out of life beyond sport.   “Providing a safe and inclusive environment for our wāhine and kōhine is what this initiative is all about,” Sport Sports NZ CEO Nic Cavanagh said.“The launch of this website and the resources within it are the first step in our commitment to work alongside our resort and club partners to improve our snow sports environment for all.“There is a lot of work still to be done but this is an awesome start.” The next step in Mountain Women is for Snow Sports NZ to develop and share a snow sports athlete skills profile so all athletes, their families and coaches know what to focus on to progress. The project is part of Snow Sports NZ’s mission to better support women and girls and help make snow sports a place where they're celebrated and supported to thrive, Nic said.See the new site here.PHOTO: Snow Sports NZ

The MetService has issued an Orange heavy rain warning for the headwaters of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea from 2pm Wednesday June 25 to 6am Thursday June 26.An active front, preceded by north to northwest gales, is forecast to move across the South Island from Wednesday through to Friday this week.Expect 150 to 200 mm of rain near the main divide and 100 to 150 mm within 20km east of the divide. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected about the divide.Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.Anyone heading into Mt Aspiring National Park is advised to take extra care or delay travel.

Consultation on the future review of Wānaka Airport has begun, with online surveys now open and public drop-in sessions planned for this week.The review will look at the airport’s long-term role, its economic impact, and its integration into New Zealand’s aeronautical network. It will also set the vision, values, objectives and preferred outcomes for Wānaka Airport. “It's really important that as many people as possible in our community share their ideas,” Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer said.Wānaka Airport is owned by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and operated by Queenstown Airport Corporation under a management services agreement. In July 2024 QLDC signalled its intention to develop a long-term plan for Wānaka Airport, and went on to engage consultants Egis to undertake the Wānaka Airport future review. Egis said this is an independent review, and the consultants want to hear what is important to the Wānaka community, airport operators and users to help shape the airport’s future potential. Egis posed the questions: “What does living, working and playing in this unique landscape mean to you? What role should the airport play in your future?”Two drop in sessions are planned: on Friday (June 27) between 4-7pm at the studio space in Paetara Aspiring Central, and on Saturday (June 28) between 9-11am at the meeting room in the Wānaka Recreation Centre.Options for giving feedback include an interactive activity, where respondents can drop a pin on Wānaka Airport features to identify spatial elements, facilities, services or activities in response to question prompts. There is also an online survey asking about travel patterns, community lifestyle values and airport values.Have your say here.PHOTO: Supplied

Most of Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) climate change initiatives are on track, according to a new report assessing progress on the council’s climate strategy.The report, which covers the six months since the ORC Climate Strategy was adopted in December 2024, found that of the 53 actions in the plan, six have already been completed, 43 are ‘on track’, and four are currently ‘off track’.ORC strategy manager Hilary Lennox said the off-track actions were largely awaiting central government policy decisions.It “reiterates that climate is a strong focus in all the mahi of ORC”, she said.The strategy outlines actions aimed at reducing the council’s carbon emissions, improving environmental monitoring, and supporting the region to adapt to climate change.An assessment of ORC’s greenhouse gas emissions is currently underway, with results expected later this year. This will inform a future emissions reduction plan.Work is also progressing to expand ORC’s environmental monitoring network to better track climate-related changes such as groundwater levels, sea level rise, and air quality.A number of climate adaptation projects have also reached significant milestones, including the South Dunedin Futures programme and the Glenorchy Head of the Lake project.The strategy’s actions span several council departments, from engineering and emergency management to transport and public engagement.The report on the ORC Climate Strategy will be presented to ORC councillors this Wednesday (June 25).PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka’s lakefront was the setting for a special gathering on Friday (June 20) as the community came together to celebrate Matariki with kapa haka, bonfires, hāngi, and live performances.Kahu Youth operations director Anna Sutherland told the Wānaka App the celebration was “magic”.“It’s such an important event for our community as it brings te ao Māori to life and gives us all a chance to come together, share kai, reflect and look ahead as we welcome the Māori New Year,” she said.The name Matariki is taken from the cluster of stars which rises in midwinter. Kahu Youth has hosted the annual Matariki celebrations at the lakefront since 2010.In the years since it began, the local Matariki celebrations have grown from something that attracted a small gathering to becoming a central event on the community calendar.The celebration lasts from early afternoon until dark, when people regroup at the lakefront bonfires to stargaze.Local youth play a crucial role making the celebrations possible each year and 2025 was no exception, Anna said.“We had 60+ young people volunteer their time in the lead-up and on the day,” she said.“Their tasks included preparing kai for the hāngi, running weaving workshops and Matariki craft activities, supporting at the hāngi pit, face painting, and even MCing the event.”Long-standing Matariki volunteers also “supported and guided rangatahi in their volunteer roles, passing on their knowledge and creating space for youth to step up and lead”, Anna said.Watching tamariki and rangatahi performing kapahaka at the community stage was “another highlight”, Anna said.The Matariki celebration is founded on three key principles: remembrance, giving thanks, and looking to the future. PHOTOS: Deanna Gerlach

Community groups have added their voices to concerns raised by the Guardians of Lake Hāwea about Contact Energy’s plans to apply via the fast-track approvals process to lower the permitted lake level by up to six metres.A representative of volunteer-run community water schemes in Hāwea Flat told the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board on Thursday (June 19) that the proposal could result in the area’s water supply drying up.Hāwea Flat resident Meredith Smith was representing the Kane Road Utilities Society, one of a number of small community volunteer-run bore water schemes that supply drinking water to approximately 600 residents in the area.“These bores all take their water from the Hāwea Flat aquifer which is fed by Lake Hāwea,” she said.Contact Energy, which operates the Lake Hāwea hydro dam, currently holds resource consent to manage the lake level between a low of 338 metres above sea level (masl) and a high of 346 masl, with a contingency of another two metres lower if Transpower considers there is a major threat to security of electricity supply (described as contingent storage).Contact Energy has proposed reducing the normal range to as low as 336 masl and the contingency storage to 330 masl.A 2023 report from Otago Regional Council on Hāwea Basin Groundwater identified a risk that if the lake level falls below 337 masl it would affect the flow of groundwater from the lake into the Hāwea Flat aquifer, resulting in dry bores in Hāwea Flat, Meredith said.Hāwea Flat’s water supply comes from bores which draw from the Hāwea Basin Aquifer.She requested the board ask Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to “actively oppose” the Contact Energy proposal, saying that while QLDC staff have said Hāwea Flat’s private water supplies are not within the council’s jurisdiction, the Local Government Act requires councils to consider risks to the community’s access to drinking water.“They must provide opportunities for any person to alert them at any time to concerns about a community’s access to drinking water – that’s why I’m here,” she said.Meanwhile, Guardians of Lake Hāwea chair Geoff Kernick (who also attended the meeting with fellow guardians Don Robertson and John Langley) told the Wānaka App the issue was “moving fast”.The group has written an open letter to Contact Energy chief executive Mike Fuge, saying it is “totally opposed” to any changes to the resource consent relating to operating levels and contingency storage for Lake Hāwea. The letter also raises concern about the impact of lowering the lake level on the Hāwea Basin Aquifer, saying ORC data indicates that “lowering the limits of the lake level will put at risk the Lake Hāwea and Hāwea Flat urban water supply as well as irrigation and stock water across large agriculture areas”. Geoff told the Wānaka App that Contact was calling its fast track referral application a Security of Supply [SOS] application, “inferring that by accessing more water from Lake Hāwea they can address New Zealand’s SOS problems when they occur”.“Our research shows that the SOS can be managed through a raft of other means and that the costs borne by the environment and the Hāwea community far outweigh the benefits,” he said.The group’s letter to Contact lists “irrefutable” adverse effects of degradation of outstanding natural landscape, dust storms which would have significant impact on landowners, and mortality of animal and plant life.Short term SOS can be managed using conservation plans (if needed) and medium to long term SOS managed by wind, solar and grid scale batteries, the letter said.The Guardians said they also believe any potential threat to supply in the next few years can be managed with a conservation campaign, mandatory time of use charging, and demand supply provisions.“We urge Contact Energy to be a good neighbour and abandon this proposal,” the group said.Read more: Concern about ‘dramatic’ proposal to lower Lake Hāwea levelPHOTOS: Wānaka App

Tickets are now on sale for the chamber music festival At the World’s Edge (AWE).The festival will return to Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes for the fifth time in October with a programme that explores the complex relationship between music and nature, organisers say.“As a festival rooted in the landscapes of the Southern Lakes, we’re constantly inspired by our surroundings,” AWE festival director Justine Cormack said.“It’s a privilege to celebrate five years of extraordinary performances with artists and audiences who share our belief that music, like nature, can shift our perspective and stir something deeply personal.”The festival will open with a weekend in Wānaka and the world premiere of a newly commissioned string quintet by John Psathas; the ambitious two-cello work is one of two new pieces commissioned for AWE 2025. It is one of seven performances - including celebrated chamber works, lesser-known pieces, and bold new compositions - plus a series of free events.Performances will come from the country’s most acclaimed chamber musicians including pianist Michael Houstoun, cellist James Bush, and Composer in Residence John Psathas, joined by a cast of renowned international artists including UK violinist Anthony Marwood, US violist Yura Lee and Australian harpsichordist Erin Helyard.Read more: AWE Festival ‘a brilliant experience’AWE’s series of public performances, workshops and talks will extend the conversation beyond music, with architect Fred van Brandenburg set to share insights into biomimicry and design and Olympic freeskier Jossi Wells planning to explore the parallels between performance, creativity, and the alpine environment.Following the main ticketed performances, AWE continues with a week of school visits, during which AWE artists bring chamber music directly to students of all ages across the region.At the World’s Edge will run from October 4-12, with performances in Wānaka, Queenstown, Cromwell and Bannockburn. Find more information and book tickets at the festival website here.PHOTO: Nat Symonds

Local volunteers have been celebrated for their contributions to our community during National Volunteer Week/Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu, which ended yesterday (June 22).“Volunteers are found everywhere in our communities,” Volunteer South Queenstown Lakes community connector Carol Morgan told the Wānaka App.“They are first responders in emergencies, coaches of sports teams, cleaners of our lakes and restorers of our native habitats, providers of baking and meals for those in need, mentors for tamariki and rangatahi, and supporters of those going through tough times.”Volunteer South has collected more than 50 celebration stories from across the region to showcase the impact of volunteering. These include the Cardrona Adaptive Snow Sports Programme, which has been running successfully for more than 20 years.Adaptive supervisor Katharina Mueller said the programme “couldn’t operate without the help of passionate volunteers who provide on-snow support for people with various physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities”.“Each morning … volunteers assist, encourage, provide a safe environment, and help each guest have a great time up the mountain,” Katharina said. “Whether guiding a sit-ski or offering hands-on support, the volunteers’ impact is profound.”Volunteers include Dylan, a backpacker from the US, who spends her days helping participants in group lessons feel included and supported; retired nurse Ali, who helps participants navigate the bustle of the slopes; and long-standing volunteer Dean, who is known for his skill with the sit-ski.“It’s not just about skiing or snowboarding - it’s about creating possibilities, joy, and connection,” Katharina said.Community Link foodbank coordinator Nicola Plumridge shared her comments about Wānaka Community Workshop’s “quiet champion and community hero”, Barry.“He might prefer to stay out of the spotlight, but Barry’s generosity and quiet dedication speak volumes. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t look for recognition - yet everything he does helps our community thrive,” Nicola said.Barry: the “heart and soul” of the community BBQ.Barry is a volunteer at the Community Workshop; the “heart and soul” of the community BBQ; a talented craftsman who donates his work to the Hospice Shop; a generous provider of boxes of kindling; and a gardener who donates fruit and vegetables to the foodbank, Nicola said.This year’s theme for Volunteer Week was ‘Whiria te Tangata - Weaving the people together’, and Carol said volunteer work “strengthens our communities and truly ‘weaves the people together’ and it should be recognised and celebrated”.Volunteer South supports, promotes, and strengthens volunteering across the southern region, building stronger, more connected communities.PHOTOS: Supplied

Hundreds of people have voiced their opposition to plans for a Lake Hāwea Super Liquor store, some citing fears the store could worsen alcohol-related harm, mental health challenges, addiction, drink driving and the like in the small community.As of Wednesday (June 19), 382 people had lodged objections to the store’s alcohol license application via an online form shared among residents.A Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) representative said it could not confirm the exact number of objections it had received directly but noted the council “...has rarely had to process such a large amount of feedback on an alcohol licence application.”Lake Hāwea resident Lisa Riley, who has spearheaded community awareness of Super Liquor’s plans for a 300sqm+ store in the Longview subdivision, said she was grateful for all the objections lodged.“My reaction to the number of submissions is one of sincere gratitude - to everyone who’s used their voice for the good of the community, and also to those who were on the fence but took the time to learn why this does matter,” Lisa told the Wānaka App.The Super Liquor store, billed for the subdivision’s commercial area, received resource consent approval last month but in order for it to operate its alcohol license needs to be approved.Lisa Riley (pictured) says objections have highlighted a range of concerns about adding another liquor retailer.A single alcohol license application objection is enough to spark a District Licencing Committee hearing, and Lisa says she hopes even more people - in Lake Hāwea and beyond - will take the time to look at the issue and consider lodging an objection before objections close on Monday night (June 23).The objections already lodged via the online form (which was created by Communities Against Alcohol Harm with input from Lisa) show how deeply the community cares about the issue, Lisa said.“People are taking the time to explain why this matters to them - and it’s not just about inconvenience or preference,” Lisa said. “The concerns are serious, heartfelt, and grounded in lived experience.”They ranged from concerns about the store’s location (near a playground, a school bus stop, and the site for a childcare centre); its long hours of operation (it has resource consent approval to operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week); potential cumulative effects of more alcohol provision; and potential visual pollution and litter, Lisa said.“The community wants to grow in a way that reflects our values. This proposal doesn’t do that,” she said.“We’re not anti-progress - we just want thoughtful, inclusive planning that respects the people who live here.”Anyone who wants to learn more about the alcohol license application or lodge an objection can do so via the Communities Against Alcohol Harm online form or via the QLDC website.Read more: Longview residents oppose liquor store plansThe QLDC spokesperson said he expects “...it will take some time for the team to process and collate all [the objections] alongside their other day-to-day work” once the objection period closes.IMAGES: Supplied

Year 12 Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) student Mikayla Botting was awarded first place in the New Zealand Lions Young Speechmaker Contest district final in Gore last weekend.Mikayla - along with Xander Maguire (year 13), Ruby Smith (year 12), and Dani Maguire (year 12) - each presented a five-to-six minute prepared speech, and a one-to-two minute impromptu speech (with one minute's preparation).Mikayla won the event from a field of 18 students from across Otago and Southland, delivering a powerful speech on global gender equality, with a focus on the injustices faced by women in Afghanistan."I chose the protection of equality as my speech topic as it is a very important message to be speaking on in our current world climate,” Mikayla said. “My speech centres around women and girl's rights in Afghanistan and how their equality is destroyed.”She said the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan has “continuously gone unnoticed”, which is “heartbreaking”.From left: Colleen Carr from the Wānaka Upper Clutha Lions Club, Ruby Smith (Y12), Xander Maguire (Y13), Dani Maguire (Y12), Mikayla Botting (Y12), and Joanne Waide (MAC head of learning area English).“This shaped my speech into a plea for awareness, that we all need to remember how lucky we have it in New Zealand and remember how important it is to protect equality. It is equality that protects diversity. It is diversity that allows for human connection." Mikayla said she had undertaken months of research for the competition.“The impromptu speech was scary, but I gained valuable experience from it,” she said.Mikayla will proceed to the national final in New Plymouth on August 2, along with students from Southland Girls and Central Southland who placed second and third respectively.PHOTOS: Supplied

Family violence is a prevalent issue in New Zealand. It affects a significant population of our country; including women, men, children, and the elderly. When you are experiencing family violence, it can be hard to know where to turn or what your options are. But this is not just a personal issue; it’s a legal one. New Zealand has specific legislation in place to provide protection for people impacted by family violence.  What is Family Violence?The Family Violence Act 2018 defines this. It is violence inflicted on a person by somebody they are in a family relationship with, including partners/spouses, parents, children, and siblings. Violence does not only refer to physical violence; it includes sexual, verbal, psychological, and financial abuse. This can be behaviours like name-calling, swearing at you, putting you down, threats (express or implied), intimidation, isolating you from friends or family, controlling your movements, controlling your finances, or withholding money.Protection OrdersIf you have experienced family violence and believe you are still at risk from the perpetrator, you can apply to the Family Court for a protection order. If a protection order is in place, it would be a criminal offence for the perpetrator to contact you without your consent. This would apply to not only you but also any children living in your home with you.  There are two ways to apply for a protection order; ‘on notice’ or ‘without notice’. The presumption in Family Court is that you apply on notice. This means the Respondent would be served with your application and have an opportunity to respond to your allegations. A Judge would then make the decision on whether a protection order should be made or not. This process typically takes several months or longer.If you feel that your safety is at immediate risk from the Respondent and you cannot wait months for your application to be considered, you can apply without notice. This means the Court may grant a temporary protection order immediately; to protect you during the time until a hearing can be allocated to decide your application.What if I have been served with an application for a Protection Order, or a temporary Protection OrderIf you are served with an application for a protection order, and/or a temporary protection order, you have the right to defend the making of a final order. You can do this by filing a Notice of Response or Notice of Intention to appear to the Court, along with an affidavit.  If a temporary protection order has been made against you, it is important that you comply with the conditions of this order, even if you are defending the making of a final order. A breach of a protection order is a criminal offence, and you may be subject to criminal charges if you do breach it. A breach of protection order includes any unconsented contact with the Applicant, even if the contact is not violent in nature; or if the Applicant previously consented to the same contact. If you do not understand the conditions of the order you are served with, or you need to contact the Applicant regarding care of shared children or other necessary matters, you should seek legal advice.  Can’t afford a lawyer?Legal Aid is available for proceedings under the Family Violence Act, depending on your household’s annual income and assets. The income and asset thresholds are set out in the Legal Services Regulations 2011. These vary depending on whether you have a partner and how many children you have. You may still be eligible for a grant of Legal Aid if you exceed these thresholds, if special circumstances apply to your situation. If you aren’t sure whether you are eligible, we can advise you and assist you in filing an Application for Legal Aid.How can we help?At Checketts McKay Law, our team is experienced in representing clients in proceedings under the Family Violence Act, including applying for on notice and without notice protection orders, responding to applications and orders, and representing both parties at defended Hearings. We can also advise you on how family violence may relate to other matters, such as the care of your children. We understand what a difficult time it is for people and families being impacted by family violence. The legal services we deliver are clear and empathetic; informing and guiding you through this process with our expertise.  17 Dunmore Street, Wānaka 

An exhilarating programme of films, speakers, and adventures kicks off today (Friday June 20) with the start of the 2025 NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival (NZMFF). The festival runs for five days in Wānaka (June 20–24) and two days in Queenstown (June 26–27), bringing the best of outdoor storytelling to the big screen.For those who can’t make it in-person or who simply prefer to experience adventure in their own time and from the comfort of their own couch, the online festival runs from July 1-31.  Festival director Whitney Oliver hopes audiences will embrace both experiences.“There’s nothing quite like reconnecting with fellow adventure-lovers and sharing those edge-of-your-seat moments,” she said. “The atmosphere throughout the festival just buzzes, and the stoke is infectious.”Headline speaker Beth Rodden. PHOTO: Supplied“But for those who can't travel or take part in Wānaka or Queenstown, the online festival is the perfect way to avoid the FOMO and fill your adventure cup.”While the online festival features all 64 films, the 11 speakers will present exclusively at the in-person event, providing audiences with rare insights into their experiences.This year’s speaker lineup is packed with bold voices and unforgettable stories, including legendary climber Beth Rodden (USA), whose pioneering ascents on El Capitan and remarkable survival of a hostage ordeal in Kyrgyzstan have cemented her place in climbing history. Beth will also speak at a special free session for local high school students - part of the NZMFF Charitable Trust’s long-standing effort to inspire the next generation of adventurers. Families are also welcome at free one-hour film screenings in Wānaka and Lake Hāwea - an ideal introduction to the world of adventure storytelling.Find the full NZMFF 2025 programme and buy tickets here.Watch the trailer here:

Queenstown Airport is warming up for the winter rush, its interim CEO Todd Grace says.Australian families have begun flying in for their school holidays this week, while the Matariki public holiday today (Friday June 20) and Mardi Gras Queenstown tomorrow (Saturday June 21) have also boosted passenger numbers.Another surge is expected when New Zealand school holidays begin at the end of the month.The Winter Pride event, starting on August 15, and the Snow Machine festival, early in September, will also bring extra visitors to Queenstown Lakes.“We’re always excited to welcome visitors for their winter holidays,” Todd said.“It will be snug in the terminal, but our operations team is well drilled, and the buzz these peak-season travellers bring is a real boost for the region.”There will be an average of 65 flights a day between July 5 and August 31.Last year, the airport recorded 235,000 passenger movements in each of July and August, and 210,000 in September.This year it expects about 248,000 passenger movements in the months of July and August, and about 226,000 in September.Air New Zealand recently announced it will switch from the Airbus A320 to the larger A321neo aircraft on the Auckland-Queenstown route from July to November, and it will also add one flight, increasing capacity by a total of more than 19,400 seats.The Australian airlines have also added extra flights for winter.The busiest day is likely to be July 20, when more than 5,000 passenger movements are expected. The final day of Winter Pride, August 24, will also be a big day.PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka councillors have described the results of the first Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Community Insights Survey as “sombre” and “disappointing”.The inaugural survey, which was published last week, found significant public dissatisfaction with council leadership and decision-making.“The obvious takeaway is that the community trust and confidence in QLDC is extremely low and declining,” deputy mayor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App.Council and elected members would need to “get real about making some dramatic changes” to reverse the declining trust and confidence in QLDC, he said.Only 17 percent of residents said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the leadership of the mayor and councillors and the same percentage believed the council made decisions in the best interest of the district. Councillor Cody Tucker said the survey report made for “sombre reading - but it’s not unexpected”, and fellow councillor Barry Bruce said while the results were disappointing they “give a clear message we need to improve”.“Some parts of the survey indicated a good level of satisfaction, in particular community facilities, while environment, trust, leadership, and communication clearly show much room for improvement,” Barry said.Councillors and QLDC staff discussed the survey at a workshop on Tuesday (June 17).“...the general consensus was a willingness to take it on the chin, take responsibility for the lack of trust and use this to build initiatives that would help address concerns now that they are more specified and quantifiable,” Cody told the Wānaka App.Councillors and staff had touched on lots of points during the workshop, including expanding customer satisfaction surveys, councillor Lyal Cocks said.“Rather than wait for a survey every year or couple of years, we would get feedback on a regular basis so we can make corrections and improve our performance in a timely manner,” Lyal said.Lyal also emphasised the need to address perceptions around council spending as “the survey showed we’re not getting the message through on where the money is being spent”.Cody said staff were working with external consultants on how to make customer experience improvements.Councillors agreed that working on QLDC’s communications with the community was very important.“Better communication, front-footing issues quickly, and more opportunities for face-to-face engagement rather than formal media releases are important,” Barry said. Read the full Community Insights Survey (in the workshop agenda) here.PHOTOS: Supplied/Wānaka App

Wānaka Police are reminding residents to lock their homes after a cautionary incident.Last week police were notified after a person let themselves in through the back door of someone else’s house near the Wānaka CBD, Wānaka Police acting response manager Dylan Hannah-Jones said. “While the homeowner got a big surprise, police responded swiftly and determined that the person needed help from the mental health crisis team.”“Police are grateful for the call as we were able to get that person help.” It’s “always a good idea” to lock doors and windows, Dylan added.Dylan issued another reminder, this one in relation to drink-driving.“Some people are still making poor decisions around drinking and driving with five apprehended in the last couple of weeks – one of whom failed to comply with the procedure and ended up arrested,” he said.“We would like to remind people that you always have an option that does not involve driving if you have been drinking. “Make a plan on how you want to get home before you have those after work drinks or head out for dinner.”Dylan said Wānaka Police also wanted to issue a warning about ski pass scamming.“It happens when a scammer purchases a ski pass, on-sells it online and then cancels it before it can be redeemed,” he said.“We have not had any reports of this taking place this year but did learn of it taking place last year and want to build awareness around it for the 2025 season.“This is why we discourage people from buying passes from people they don’t know for prices that are ‘too good to be true’.”Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.PHOTO: Supplied

The Wheels at Wānaka Charitable Trust has announced donations of over $200,000 to community groups following the success of the fourth and final Wheels at Wānaka event.Held over three days across Easter weekend, Wheels at Wānaka attracted more than 65,000 visitors and over 5,000 vehicles, which organisers said made it the largest all-vehicle show in Australasia. This year’s vehicle extravaganza contributed $30.3M to the local economy, organisers said - noting an impressive jump from the $19M the third Wheels at Wānaka contributed.“This is exactly why the event was established - to bring people together and give back to the community that makes it all possible,” Wheels at Wānaka general manager Allan Dippie said.The three-day vehicle extravaganza contributed $30.3M to the local economy, Wheels at Wānaka general manager Allan Dippie (pictured centre) said. PHOTO: Neil KerrDespite the curtains closing on Wheels at Wānaka, there’s more in the pipeline, Allan hinted.“Although this was the final Wheels at Wānaka event, we’re committed to keeping the charitable trust active,” he said. “Our goal is to provide ongoing annual support for the community through future events and initiatives.“We have both the drive and the capability to continue encouraging events that raise funds and support the people who make this region such a special place to live.” $200,000 will go to community groups following the success of the final Wheels at Wānaka. PHOTO: Wheels at Wānaka The $200,000 raised this year will be distributed across 23 vehicle and machinery clubs, eight local clubs for volunteer services and 38 local community groups and organisations.The donations will support a range of diverse initiatives, including vehicle clubs and vintage machinery preservation, youth development, health services, sports clubs, support organisations, environmental causes, and community resilience.“We’ve reached out to a diverse range of recipients, with a particular focus on supporting local youth and the many community organisations that do incredible work - often with limited resources and challenging fundraising prospects,” Wheels at Wānaka event organiser Colleen Nisbet said.Allan said raising the substantial sum to return to the community was an “incredible reflection of the hard work of our volunteers, the generosity of supporters, and the passion of vehicle enthusiasts across the country”.

The government will take back power from local councils if their decisions are going to negatively impact economic growth, development or employment.Speaking to a business event in Wellington, Housing and Resource Management Act (RMA) reform minister Chris Bishop said the new regulation within the RMA would stop councils from stalling on housing developments."We have had decades of local councils trying to make housing someone else's problem, and we have a planning system that lets them get away with it," Bishop said.Accusing local government of being one of the largest barriers to housing growth, Bishop said the provision would be added into the RMA amendment legislation currently before Parliament."The RMA's devolution of ultimate power to local authorities just has not worked. There may be people who say 'why don't you just leave councils to it?' The reality is, central government has an intense interest in the way councils plan and allow their cities to function," Bishop said."We bear the cost, all New Zealanders bear the cost, of a failed and dysfunctional planning system. Ultimately, it is central government that shells out the $5b a year in housing subsidies that is a direct result of a failed planning system. So it is in our interest, and I would argue we are more than justified in taking action to make sure that councils can plan properly."Before using the power, a minister must check whether what a council is doing is consistent with the national direction under the RMA, and engage with the council.It would also only be an interim measure, while the government works to reform planning laws, which are due to take effect in 2027 to align with councils' next long-term plans.The government is also no longer proposing to make Medium Density Residential Standards optional for councils.The MDRS standards required councils to allow the development of three homes up to three storeys on a site without the need for resource consent.They were announced by the previous government and passed with National's backing. At the time it signalled a bipartisan commitment on housing.In government, National backed down, and made the standards optional.But Bishop now said most councils had already changed their plans to include the MDRS, so it would be inefficient and a waste of money to make them change their plans again.Bishop on Wednesday released a discussion document on how proposed housing rule changes would work in with the government's resource management reforms."Next year we'll replace the RMA with a new planning system that makes it easier to plan and deliver the housing and infrastructure New Zealand needs."The new planning system is an enormous opportunity to create a planning system that enables and encourages housing growth," Bishop said.The document provided more details on six planned law changes:The establishment of Housing Growth Targets for Tier 1 and 2 councilsNew rules making it easier for cities to expand outwards at the urban fringeA strengthening of the intensification provisions in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD)New rules requiring councils to enable a greater mixed-use zoning across cities.The abolition of minimum floor area and balcony requirementsNew provisions making the Medium Density Residential Standards optional for councils.Last month ministers released proposed sweeping changes to rules covering councils' oversight for public consultation.Under the proposed Resource Management Act changes, granny flats of up to 70sqm, and papakāinga of up to 10 homes would be allowed without a consent on specific land zones.Papakāinga would also allow commercial activities of up to 100sqm, conservation activity, accommodation for up to eight guests, along with education, health, sports, marae, urupā and māra kai facilities.Medium papakāinga of up to 30 homes would be considered a "restricted discretionary" activity, with those of more than 30 units becoming "discretionary" activities.PHOTO: RNZ / Mark Papalii