Wānaka para alpine ski racer Adam Hall finished in third place at the FIS Para Alpine Slalom World Cup held in Tignes, France, overnight (Monday December 16). This result marks the 30th World Cup podium of Adam’s career and his hundredth World Cup start. “I had a really good day, I am really happy, met some big milestones today and it is a great way to start my season,” Adam said.“I have had an incredible lead up into these races with amazing training and it’s so rewarding to see weeks and months of training come through into my competitions.”Adam during competition at Tignes.Adam said the result is his best start to a season and a successful way to begin preparing for his sixth Paralympics in Milano Cortina in 2026. Slalom rankings are determined by the first and second run times of each athlete combined. Adam was sitting in fourth position after the first run and found more speed in his second run to secure a podium finish.Adam finished in bronze medal position, 2.87 seconds behind the winner Arthur Bauchet of France. Aaron Lindstroem of Sweden finished second. Adam will be back on snow tonight (December 17) for another World Cup race. PHOTOS: Gregory Picoult

The government is removing four wellbeing provisions from the Local Government Act, saying councils were using them to justify spending on nice-to-haves.The local government minister says the provisions were leading to rates increases, but Labour says there is no evidence of that.On Monday, Simeon Brown said the government wanted local government to get back to basics, namely pipes, potholes, and core services."It is clear that rates are out of control. These increases are unacceptable to ratepayers, and unacceptable to the government," he said.Brown said the wellbeing provisions (adding the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of communities to the statutory purpose of local government) had increased the scope of what councils were focusing on."We see so many examples up and down the country where councils, you know, the convention centres, the hotels that they look at, and all of these other things that they want to spend money on, and you look at the language. They use the four wellbeings to justify the decisions that they're making, and we're saying that party is over," he said.Brown said there was evidence from the Department of Internal Affairs that showed wellbeing provisions led to about two percent higher rates growth each year.'Complete fabrication' - HipkinsBut Labour leader Chris Hipkins said there was no evidence."I think it was a complete fabrication in the claims that Simeon Brown was making today. There is no clear data that shows that there is a cause-and-effect factor here," he said.Chris Hipkins says the government is trying to blame councils for its own failures. PHOTO: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneHipkins said the government was pushing the blame onto councils for the consequences of its own decisions."One of the biggest things driving up rates up and down the country at the moment is the need to upgrade water infrastructure. The previous government had a plan in place to make sure that the cost of that was being carefully managed, that central government had a role, and that ratepayers weren't going to end up picking up the whole of the tab. This government scrapped that, and that is one of the reasons that rates are now going up," he said.In addition to removing the wellbeing provisions, the Department of Internal Affairs would also release yearly benchmarking reports on councils, looking at a number of metrics:Rates - so that ratepayers know the amount of rates levied per unit, the change in rates since the previous year, and the forecast change in rates over the next 10 yearsCouncil debt - including debt per rating unit, percentage change in council debt since the previous year, and forecast change over the next 10 yearsCapital expenditure - including a breakdown by activity class such as roading and water servicesBalanced budget - to show whether a council is balancing its budget or borrowing to support expenditureRoad condition - so that ratepayers can compare the state of their local roads with councils across the countryBrown said the reports would improve transparency, and the first would be ready before the local government elections next year."Voters can actually directly compare their council's performance with another council and be able to make up their mind as to whether or not the councilors or the mayor are actually performing adequately," he said.Hipkins said councils already provided detailed information about their short-term plans, long-term plans, and capital investment plans."This is about the government managing the politics of the fact that rates are going up because of decisions that the central government has taken, rather than because of decisions that local government is taking," he said.The ACT Party welcomed the focus on accountability.Celia Wade-Brown PHOTO: VNP / Phil SmithIts local government spokesperson Cameron Luxton said New Zealanders deserved council candidates focused on respecting ratepayers and getting the basics right."ACT is also pleased to see real accountability to ratepayers with the first benchmarking report, so Kiwis can see how their council stacks up against others in terms of rates, debt, and spending. Some healthy competition between councils is long overdue," he said.The Green Party said the government was punching down on councils, and that wellbeing projects were not nice-to-haves, but things like libraries, community centres, and sports fields."Today's announcement makes it clear that 'Luxon localism' has nothing to do with supporting local democracy but everything to do with dictating from the top down what communities should think is important," the Greens' local government spokesperson Celia Wade-Brown said.Further work, such as looking at rates capping, which sets a maximum percentage by which a council can increase rates each year, would take a little longer.Brown said Cabinet expected to make decisions by February, with a view to introducing legislation midway through 2025.PHOTO: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) staff will look into options for applying for a revenue-to-net-debt ratio of up to 350 percent in order to help critical infrastructure.Under the current policy by the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA), which QLDC secures most of its debt from, QLDC is able to borrow up to 285 percent of its revenue.However, LGFA voted in November to allow high-growth councils to apply for up to 350 percent of their revenue.QLDC has been informed by the LGFA it is expected to qualify as a high-growth council.Some councillors were wary of progressing the possibility of higher revenue-to-debt-ratio when it was discussed at last week’s full council meeting (Thursday December 12).Deputy mayor Quentin Smith asked about the impact on rates and councillor Niki Gladding questioned whether the council was “match fit” to take on more debt.QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said the agenda item was “just signalling we are looking into it”.Councillors were not making any decisions on additional debt at that time, he said.A QLDC report said additional debt could provide “extra headroom”.If QLDC was approved, it would be on the basis that “investment in growth will provide an additional revenue stream that will support the additional debt”, the report said.Local government minister Simeon Brown also said the revenue-to-net-debt ratio could help fast-growing councils fund greater investment in critical infrastructure.“The LGFA is the lowest cost provider of financing available to councils, and this arrangement means that councils have additional financial capability to fund infrastructure, roads, and other core infrastructure in their cities and regions,” Simeon said.Councillors agreed QLDC staff could investigate the possibility further.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The committee behind plans for an affordable senior housing facility in Wānaka says it needs to acquire land to get the project off the ground.Earlier this year a group of locals teamed up to begin the process of establishing an ‘Abbeyfield’ house in Wānaka.Abbeyfield is a housing model designed to provide affordable, ‘family style’ rental accommodation for seniors.There are 14 Abbeyfield houses around New Zealand, run by volunteer trusts where tenants share meals prepared by a housekeeper (who also takes care of grocery shopping and cleaning the communal areas) and rents are capped. Other Abbeyfield houses have been made possible through “a variety of land acquisition models”, Abbeyfield Wānaka committee member Lyal Cocks said.They have included land donations, discounted sales, partnerships with developers, and council land leases, Lyal said.The committee is hopeful a suitable site will be found soon.Lyal said Wānaka needs a “long term solution” for senior housing.Between the high rents, the high cost of living, and shortage of smaller properties, many seniors who do not own property here are struggling to get by - and having to consider leaving the area.That challenge is what inspired a group of locals to begin the process to establish a local Abbeyfield house.Lyal said once land is secured, it could take as little as 18 months to construct the building.From that point fundraising for the $4.5M fit-out cost will accelerate, Abbeyfield Wānaka head of fundraising Stephanie Fieldsend said. “We are relying on the support of the entire community to make this happen,” Stephanie said. “It’s not just about providing housing; it’s about recognising the value of our senior residents and ensuring they can continue to live in Wānaka and be part of the community’s future.”PHOTO: Supplied

Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) celebrated the academic achievements and service of its junior students at its 2024 Junior Awards ceremonies last week (years 7-8 on Thursday December 12, and years 9-10 on Friday December 13).MAC principal Nicola Jacobsen said the awards recognised academic, artistic, cultural, sporting and service achievement. “We pride ourselves on being a place for all students to grow and be proud of who they are, and we encourage students to make the most of the curriculum opportunities available, and to get involved in all aspects of school life,” she said. Highest academic achievers Year 7 (L-R): Tenki Watanabe, P J Foxley, Bill Dobson, Emily Boswell, Sami Reid, Edie Yandall, Tyla Scherger Highest academic achievers Year 8 (L-R): Emily Anderson, Logan Davidson, Malcie Cervelli, Sam Seville, Finn Tomes, Travis Clarke (Absent: Jack Sutherland)“Academically, our results are well above the national average and reflect our focus on the core skills of numeracy and literacy, as well as a range of other subjects designed to prepare our students for their future pathways. “We also place a strong emphasis on our values which represent what we stand for as a school community and inform how we treat ourselves, each other and our environment.”The best all round student awards went to Bill Dobson and Edie Yandall (year 7), Emily Anderson and Alice Chaly (year 8), Emma Head and Deacon Gwilliam Browne (year 9), and Zoe Waddington and Madi Smith (year 10). Best all round students Years 9 & 10 (L-R): Emma Head (Y9), Principal Nicola Jacobsen, Madi Smith (Y10), Zoe Waddington (Y10) (Absent: Deacon Gwilliam Browne)Highest academic achievers Year 9 (L-R): Blanka Lewis, Stella Harper, Oscar Adams, Bella Wright, Lily Brown, Amber Gemmell, Liam Thomas, Sierra Emmitt Academic awards for the highest achievers in each class went to: PJ Foxley, Edie Yandall, Bill Dobson, Tyla Scherger, Emily Boswell, Sami Reid, and Tenki Watanabe (year 7); Emily Anderson, Logan Davidson, Travis Clarke, Sam Seville, Finn Tomes, Malcie Cervelli, and Jack Sutherland (year 8); Blanka Lewis, Sierra Emmitt, Liam Thomas, Bella Wright, Lily Brown, Amber Gemmell, Oscar Adams, and Stella Harper (year 9); Phoebe Cervelli, Nieve McRae, Max Evans, Vinnie Vickers, Winifred McAllister Brown, and Charlie Gibson (year 10). Other awards included special academic awards, service and premier awards, Tititea trophies (for representing the school values), arts and sport awards, awards for sustainability and culture, and recognition for national and international achievements.“I am very proud of our junior students and thankful for the support they receive from their families and whānau, and our local community,” Nicola said. Highest academic achievers Year 10 (L-R): Vinnie Vickers, Charlie Gibson, Max Evans, Winifred McAllister Brown, Nieve McRae, Phoebe CervelliThe ceremonies also featured a haka pōwhiri performed by Te Mākahi o Tititea (MAC’s kapa haka group), and performances by the MAC junior band, the MAC Orchestra, Bella Wright, and student band ‘Rip Cord’. MAC thanked prize sponsors Wastebusters, Racers Edge, Revology, and Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka. PHOTOS: Supplied

Summer Holiday ProgrammeYouth, get ready to soak up those summer vibes in our holiday programme! We’ve planned epic adventures and activities, great times with friends, and fingers crossed - plenty of sunshine!There’s something for everyone, with activities including; softair paintball, Highlands, hiking, QT adventures, Kiwi Waterpark and much more. Activities are supervised by Youth Workers and are planned for youth aged 11yrs+.   CLICK HERE for more info and to book. If cost is a barrier to participation please contact [email protected] *Drop-in Sessions at our Youth Centre We are stoked to run drop-in sessions these Summer Holidays from our new Youth Centre located within Paetara Aspiring Central. Our Youth Centre has all the fun stuff like, a cool pool table, air hockey table, creative arts and crafts, music gear, supervised gaming stations and an outdoor chill space. All drop-in sessions are free for youth aged 11yrs+ to come along and hangout and are supervised by Youth Workers. No bookings required.  December Summer Holiday ProgrammeCLICK HERE for more info and to book. If cost is a barrier to participation please contact [email protected]

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) has released November’s market sales data for the Upper Clutha and it shows a strong uptick in real estate sales.The theme for November is ‘double of everything’ compared to November 2023.House sales doubled, section sales doubled, and apartment sales doubled.In total there were 70 sales for the month including 40 house sales. Four of which were more than $4M.This is a very positive indication of a change in mood by buyers as they look to make the most of lower interest rates and improving confidence. We’re really starting to see momentum build after a challenging year for real estate sales.The medium house price remained at $1.3M, which is consistent with where it was positioned in October. If sale volumes continue at this level then we are likely to see the supply levels reduce in 2025 and this is a key pre-cursor to a potential lift in sales values.If you're in the market to purchase a home, it is a very good time to be buying, as we expect upward pressure on prices through 2025.Early 2025 is looking to be a key selling period with warmer summer months benefiting from market momentum.November also saw positive signs for section sales which will be welcome news to tradies, architects and those at the front end of the construction industry. It was the first time for a while that we had meaningful movement in higher value sections from those willing to invest in larger builds.The Ray White Wānaka team will be active during the holiday period and happy to assist with market information, appraisals, and purchasing interest. Feel free to get in touch.Ray White Wānaka is situated at Sir Tim Wallis Drive Wānaka. Find out more here.

A survey of the tourism and hospitality workforce shows more than half these workers earn less than the living wage ($27.80), while 23 percent have reported experiencing bullying or harassment.Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat said the results highlight some critical issues, and local feedback echoes the concerns raised. “It’s troubling to see the prevalence of bullying within these sectors, particularly given how significant they are to Wānaka’s workforce and our local economy,” Glenn told the Wānaka App.“From a local perspective, while many of our businesses in these industries provide great opportunities and are seen as pillars of our community, the feedback we’ve received echoes the national concern. Ensuring that these workplaces are not just thriving but also supportive and safe for everyone is very important.”While the survey results showed some improvements for this workforce, such as improved training opportunities, they also showed continued areas of concern such as bullying. Glenn PeatThe survey results showed that just over half of all respondents (51.0 percent) reported earning less than the living wage. This increased to 71.8 percent for front-line workers and 30.0 percent for managers and supervisors.There was also no change in the number of respondents who reported experiencing bullying or harassment (23.0 percent) from the 2022 survey, while reports of witnessing bullying or harassment (32.4 percent) remain very similar to 2022 (33.9 percent).Other results found only 58.4 percent of respondents felt they could always take sick leave when they were unwell; and only 50.5 percent of respondents stated they could always take their contracted breaks.Improvements since the 2022 survey included the percentage of respondents stating that ‘training opportunities are good’, which increased from 40.5 percent in 2022 to 57.2 percent in 2024.Respondents being paid less than the minimum wage ($23.15) fell to 0.9 percent in 2024 from 7.5 percent in 2022, and overall job satisfaction increased to 67.5 percent in 2024 from 62.2 percent in 2022.Improvements were also shown in reported compliance with sick leave, holiday pay, opportunities for promotion, and receiving supportive feedback from managers.Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey said there was “clearly… room for improvement with the results showing job satisfaction is low and the levels of bullying and harassment in the workforce have not improved”.He said he would work through the survey data with hospitality leaders.Glenn said the Wānaka Business Chamber was “looking to actively work with” its members to address issues raised by the survey.   “While disappointing, this survey is a great tool for all of us,” he said.“It not only sheds light on the areas needing urgent attention but also offers a chance to rally together as a community to support positive change in our predominant industries.”The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment commissioned Dr David Williamson from the Auckland University of Technology to conduct a follow-up survey to the landmark He Tangata 2022 tourism and hospitality workforce survey.Find the Workforce Survey results here.PHOTOS: Supplied

Wānaka Primary School (WPS) students and staff farewelled outgoing principal Wendy Bamford on Friday (December 13) with an event featuring songs, dances, haka and speeches.Wendy began her teaching career 50 years ago, teaching in Christchurch, Twizel, Omarama and Clyde before she became the WPS principal.She is retiring at the end of this year after 20 years in the role, and early in the ceremony she was presented with a handmade quilt, to which every current student had added a logo or message.Deputy principal Jason Cowan told Wendy he hoped it would “remind you of the difference you’ve made in so many of our lives”.One of the pods’ performances.Every student at the school, past or present, had special memories with Wendy, fellow deputy principal Jennie Croxford said.She would be remembered for her “singing, playing guitar, doing drama and art - her passions”.Fancy dress days were also a highlight for Wendy, who was once stopped by police on her daily commute from Bannockburn to Wānaka in full fancy dress, Jennie said.Students were often sent to Wendy’s office when they had completed a standout piece of writing or art, and Wendy would cover their books in stickers after seeing or reading their work.“Many of you are also lucky enough to have Wendy teach you in your classes,” Jennie added.Wendy hugs a student after the haka.Each of the school’s pods (year levels) prepared a special performance for Wendy.Pod one sang ‘Cover Me In Sunshine’; another pod performed a rewritten version of ‘These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things’; and another performed a short play about the ‘Wonderful World of Wendy’.The farewell ended with an emotional haka performance by the whole school.Wendy thanked the school for “all the memories and experiences”.“I feel very loved,” she said. “Thank you so much for the last 20 years.”Wendy’s successor, Rob Rush, will take over as WPS’s new principal from 2025.Read more: New principal for Wānaka PrimaryPHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group has removed 1,700 wilding pines from the 2,000-hectare Stevenson’s Peninsula at Lake Wānaka. The work was carried out between November 7-29, and involved a total of 409 hours of intensive clearing, supported by funding from Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).The Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group (UCWTG) is a relative newcomer to the fight against wilding pines, and the Stevenson’s Peninsula operation was their first major wilding pine control operation.Read more: Group makes headway in battle against wilding treesLeft uncontrolled, the peninsula would ultimately be cloaked in an exotic pine forest which would displace the native kanuka, grey shrubland and snow tussock grasslands.Where wilding pines were sparse, ground crews were dropped in and out by helicopter.The work was funded from grants provided to the group by QLDC and ORC, and a contribution from Mount Burke Station landowner Tim Burdon.“As a landowner I could not afford to achieve control on this scale,” Tim said.“It is hugely satisfying to be part of the collaboration of public/private funding to clear Stevenson's Peninsula of wilding pines in one operation."The work was completed by Central Wilding Tree Control and Landcare Services and Aspiring Helicopters, with the help of Wānaka Water Taxis for boat access. Ground crews used chainsaws to fell the coning trees in sometimes very challenging terrain. Where wilding pines were sparse, ground crews were dropped in and out by helicopter.“It is in everyone’s interest to protect the outstanding landscapes and native biodiversity of the Upper Clutha area,” ORC project delivery specialist - biosecurity programmes Gavin Udy said. “ORC are proud to support UCWTG’s efforts in protecting our beautiful Otago landscapes.”The UCWTG commended Tim’s involvement in removing the wilding pines on his property and helping protect the outstanding natural landscape on the doorstep of Wānaka. PHOTOS: Supplied

Update 2.40pm: The road is now open.Two people have been transported to hospital with moderate injuries following a crash this afternoon (Saturday December 14) on the Lindis Pass.The crash involved a vehicle and two people, and was reported to police around 12:40pm.The road (SH8) was closed for two hours near Birchwood Road.

Wastebusters had plenty to celebrate at its recent annual general meeting (AGM), general manager Gina Dempster says.The AGM brought together founding friends, long term supporters and staff past and present to reflect on a year of impact, achievements and growth. In just 12 months, the team welcomed 14,640 attendees to their circular economy workshops, held events and work in schools, provided real recycling to 444 local businesses, delivered Enviroschools to tamariki in 20 schools, and sponsored 74 education and community not-for-profits.Wastebusters also celebrated winning the Supreme Business Award at the Wānaka Business Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards. Gina Dempster said she credits the success of Wastebusters to the dedication and hard work of the entire team of 55. “Our continued success is only possible thanks to our committed, quirky, and exceptional team,” she said. “From the shop and yard to recycling, events and engagement, our crew has built a truly unique circular economy hub where our community can connect, learn and take action for our environment.” Wastebusters continued to innovate in 2024, Gina said, introducing new programmes and events.It became the South Island foundation hub for Every Bite, a national food waste prevention programme helping households shop and cook more mindfully. Looking ahead to 2025, the not-for-profit will expand Every Bite, increase its impact through circular economy events leadership and zero waste workshops for business and home, and continue popular events, including the ReFashion show, Repair workshops and the Low Waste Living series. Wastebusters is also actively seeking to secure more land to continue its environmental work for the community through their vision of Wastebusters 2.0 Circular Economy Education and Action Hub, Gina said. Next year will mark a significant milestone - Wastebusters’ 25th anniversary.“Almost 25 years ago, Wastebusters was built by the community for the community,” Gina said. “From the zero waste visionaries who founded Wastebusters to every person and business who has worked, supported, shopped, recycled, donated or attended one of our workshops, we have built something special together.“We’re looking forward to celebrating 25 years of impact, fun and dance moves with you in true Wasties style.” Planning for the 25th anniversary party will begin in the new year.PHOTO: Wastebusters

The Queenstown Airport director appointed by the minority shareholder, Auckland International Airport, will change in the new year.Mark Thomson has confirmed his intention to resign from the board effective January 1, 2025. Mark, the chief commercial officer for Auckland Airport, joined the Queenstown Airport board in June 2017. He will be replaced by Mary-Liz Tuck, Auckland Airport's chief planning and strategy officer.At Auckland Airport, Mary-Liz Tuck has leadership responsibility for master planning, strategic capital planning, strategy, regulation, and sustainability. She is also a trustee for the airport marae Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa. Queenstown Airport chair Simon Flood has welcomed her appointment and acknowledged Mark’s service.“Mark has made a valuable contribution to the QAC board over several years,” Simon said.We’ve greatly appreciated Mark’s airport-specific knowledge, as well as the breadth of his property and retail experience. On behalf of my fellow directors and the QAC team, I thank him for his service.” Simon said he would welcome Mary-Liz to the board table in the new year. “At Queenstown Airport, we are embarking on a significant infrastructure delivery programme and Mary-Liz’s airport master planning and sustainability expertise will be welcome,” he said.Mary-Liz said she was delighted to be joining the board “at an exciting time for the airport as it looks to progress delivery of its Master Plan and lean into the challenge of decarbonising aviation”. Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers said the airport continues to perform strongly in a highly competitive market and earlier this year delivered a record dividend to council of $14.7 million. He said Mary-Liz would add “fresh insight and governance skills to the board to help it build on this success”. PHOTO: Supplied

More than 200 local dancers - from age two through to adults - from Centralpoint Dance Studios took part in the studio’s annual dance show, The Nutcracker Remixed last weekend (December 6-7) at the Lake Wānaka Centre.Dancers spent the whole of term four working on their performances for the show.The Nutcracker Remixed is Centralpoint’s modern take on the famous 19th Century classical ballet, set on Christmas Eve.Waltz of the Flower.Isabel Martin (15-years-old) and pre-primary ballet dancers.The show featured a variety of dance genres, including classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and lyrical. The Hip-Hoppers.Approximately 750 people attended over three shows.PHOTOS: Supplied

Lake Hāwea residents are questioning why police didn't launch a homicide investigation until eight months after a woman died.Invercargill woman Karen Gaylene White died at her Lake Hāwea property on 8 March. She was 60.In November a homicide investigation was launched.On Thursday, police said she died from injuries sustained in a significant assault.Detective Senior Sergeant Regan Boucher said police were following positive lines of inquiry."Police believe people in the community hold important information about Mrs White's murder and we encourage those people to come forward."Residents told RNZ that the community was shocked and they wanted to know how it took so long to become a homicide inquiry.But they said they still felt safe in what was a small community of full time residents and holiday homes.Boucher said police this week returned to examine the Lake Hāwea property with scientists from the ESR but would not reveal further details about their investigation or what was found.In March, police initiated enquiries and treated White's death as unexplained, conducting a scene examination across the week that followed speaking with a number of people who may have been in the area.Since then, police said they had been working to determine what occurred before her death and a homicide investigation was launched after their enquiries led them to believe she died in suspicious circumstances.

Fourteen local authorities were directed to start fluoridating their drinking water by the Director-General of Health last week.While Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) wasn’t one of them, it is part of a second group which has previously been warned it is being ‘actively considered’ for fluoridationAround half of New Zealand’s drinking water supply is fluoridated, the Ministry of Health said.The 14 local authorities directed to fluoridate were prioritised “based on readiness to fluoridate, cost/value for money, high population reach, geographic coverage and equity/high need”, a Ministry of health spokesperson told the Wānaka App.QLDC, meanwhile, is one of 27 local authorities which were advised by the Director-General of Health in 2022 that they were being actively considered for a direction to fluoridate.“These water supplies remain under active consideration, however the Director-General is taking further time,” the Ministry of Health said. “This is to allow consideration of the impact of several wider factors including reform across the water services sector, and service delivery pressures across the local government sector.”A QLDC spokesperson told the Wānaka App this week the council had “no intention to voluntarily fluoridate at this time”.However, “...we continue to factor possible investment into our long-term planning in case further decisions are made by the government relating to QLDC”.PHOTO: Supplied

A record amount of capital investment for the district and significant challenges from inside and outside the district were features of this year’s annual report for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).The annual report on the council’s organisational performance and financial results was approved by councillors at Thursday’s (December 12) full council meeting.QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said the report showed it had been a year of “challenges and changes”.“It reflects that we are a very busy council investing a lot of money in the future of the district,” he said. This included $107M in capital investment, which Mike said was the "highest turnout of capital we’ve ever had in the district”.QLDC was also “coping with some significant challenges along the way”, Mike said.He highlighted local challenges like last year’s cryptosporidium outbreak at the council’s Two Mile water treatment park and “major” damage at Ben Lomond after a storm last September.The change in government in 2023 also created a significant shift in direction (including new directions, tighter regulation, and emerging legislative changes), shaping the work programme in the first half of 2024 and putting pressure on the council.One of the most significant changes following the election was the repeal of the former Government’s Three Waters programme.Water investment made up a “significant portion” of QLDC’s expenditure - and contributed to record rates increases.A range of Upper Clutha projects were also funded, with new playspaces, community venues and active travel options all completed the past year.They included a new playspace at the Luggate Memorial Centre; Paetara Aspiring Central (a new, multi-use space for community organisations); and the fifth stage of the Schools to Pool active travel route.A range of roading upgrades were also funded, making getting around easier.Three new roundabouts are now operational (at Aubrey and Anderson Roads, Ballantyne and Riverbank Roads, and the Lake Hāwea dam intersection), and 9,000 metres of safety barriers, additional road signage and markings were installed on Wānaka-Mount Aspiring Road and the Cardrona Valley Road.The annual plan “speaks to a lot of activity”, Mike said.It also reflects “an increasingly professional performance by the organisation”, he said.The annual report cited an operating surplus of $82.2M for the year, well above the budgeted surplus of $53.4M.Some of the factors contributing to the “favourable” position included vested asset revenue (assets contributed to the council by property developers as part of their development work), higher-than-expected development contributions, and a larger-than-expected dividend from Queenstown Airport Corporation.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The organisation which provides a vital very high frequency (VHF) communication network to the Upper Clutha has rebranded and is seeking new members.The Upper Clutha Radio Telephone Users Association, which has been providing radio communication services through VHF Channel 66 and Channel 4 for 50 years, is now called Roy’s Peak Radio Users.“This service ensures that boaters, lake users, and local commercial operators can stay connected, have peace of mind, and access help when needed most,” Roy’s Peak Radio Users chair Ian Brown said.The service is “an invaluable safety net for anyone exploring the lakes”, he said.The association has an updated website and it is asking people to support it by becoming a member.The association has a communications facility on Mt Roy above Wānaka which houses radio repeater units.The facility provides 24/7 radio telephone (RT) communications for commercial operators and private operators, including Search and Rescue and civil defence organisations and the Department of Conservation. Its Channel 66 covers 98 percent of Lake Wānaka and 96 percent of Lake Hāwea for the hundreds of marine users and it also provides internet to Makarora School.The facility was installed by volunteers in the 1970s and has been maintained by the charitable trust for decades. Roy’s Peak Radio Users is run by volunteers and funded through donations and memberships.People can become a member via the website or the group’s Facebook page.

Police say they are following positive lines of enquiry around the death of Invercargill woman Karen White.Karen was killed at her Lake Hāwea property on March 8, 2024.“We have confirmed the 60-year-old victim died as a result of injuries she sustained in a significant assault, and are speaking to a number of people who are assisting with enquiries,” Detective Senior Sergeant Regan Boucher said.“Police are actively working to establish the circumstances that led to Mrs White’s death.”Police were at the homicide scene in Lake Hāwea yesterday (December 11) with scientists from Environmental Science Research (ESR) to complete further examinations in relation to areas of interest.Regan said he cannot go into any more details about the examination or what was located.“Police believe people in the community hold important information about Mrs White's murder and we encourage those people to come forward,” Regan said.If you hold information that could help police with its enquiries you can provide details online or call 105 using the reference number 240308/6198.Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers or call 0800 555 111.PHOTO: Supplied