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

A draft Freedom Camping Bylaw for this district is scheduled to be considered by councillors next week before public consultation begins.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) mayor Glyn Lewers has acknowledged “the challenges and frustrations” freedom camping has brought to some residents this past summer. “No one wants to see any visitor using our pristine waterways for washing, nor do they want to see toilet paper where it shouldn’t be,” he said. “Sadly, that’s been the experience for some.”Last year the High Court quashed QLDC’s 2021 Freedom Camping Bylaw, leaving the district without freedom camping restrictions - apart from restrictions under the Reserves Act regarding temporary and permanent accommodation, and the national Freedom Camping Act 2011 which requires that vehicles be certified self-contained to freedom camp. Glyn said while QLDC’s “current powers are somewhat limited”, it still has tools to address poor behaviour. “Work to develop a new bylaw is well underway and … there’ll be plenty of opportunities to have your say before the new bylaw is adopted before the next summer holidays,” Glyn said. “In the meantime, I can assure you we’re doing everything we can to protect our little piece of paradise.”The council reported its responsible camping summer ambassadors clocked up more than 3,000 visits to freedom camping hot spots and surveyed more than 300 campers, providing insight into behaviour and intentions. Vans parked on reserve land opposite Puzzling World during autumn.From December through to the end of March, council officers issued 86 infringements under the Reserves Act (at $800 each) and 360 under the Freedom Camping Act ($400). The customer service team received more than 300 reports and queries from the community regarding freedom camping, around double the previous summer.“This has sent a clear message that while campers are welcome in our district, there are consequences if our environment isn’t respected,” Glyn said.Read more: NZTA takes action on freedom camping on reserveGlyn encouraged people to contact QLDC when they have concerns (for urgent issues phone 03 443 0024; email less urgent requests to [email protected] or use the Snap Send Solve app).Councillors will consider the draft Freedom Camping Bylaw for public consultation next Thursday (June 26) before a hearing of submissions in August. QLDC anticipates the final version of the bylaw will be adopted on October 9, in readiness for the main summer season.Formal consultation on the new Freedom Camping Bylaw will include drop-in sessions for the community to chat with council staff at key locations across the district, which will be announced once public consultation opens.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Despite a few cold days under the inversion layer of cloud this week, MetService has predicted more clear days as the week progresses.The inversion is an annual weather event which results from rapid cooling at ground level under clear sky conditions. The cloud is formed at low levels due to the temperature difference of the air just above the surface of the land and the air higher up.MetService forecaster Gerard Bellam told the Wānaka App the phenomenon is like “being in a fridge set to about four degrees”.But the good news is this week’s inversion is not likely to be prolonged, he said.Gerard said a front is expected on Thursday (June 19) which will bring northerly winds to shift the low cloud.That front is also expected to bring snow on Thursday night to around 1,300m - and possibly down to about 1,000 metres - which is “good news for the skifields”.“It will be quite an interesting day weather wise for Matariki [on Friday],” Gerard said.“We expect temperatures to reach about 10 degrees for Matariki [on Friday].”The weekend should provide two “good skiing days”, with temperatures of around eight degrees on Saturday and Sunday (June 21 and 22), he said.Gerard said the average maximum temperature expected here in June is about 8.6 degrees, “once we let the fridge door open”.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Twenty-three Wānaka Snowsports Club (WSC) members have each been awarded $500 - taking the amount the club has distributed to year 2-8 “grassroots athletes” to $165,000 since 2013. The money will be deducted from the cost of the young athletes’ 2025 snowsports programmes at Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone Ski Area this season.WSC executive committee member Bonny Teat said many aspiring young snowsports athletes applied for the club's 2025 grassroots programme, following an “amazing northern hemisphere” season for local snow sports athletes - which included a Crystal Globe, X Games’ medals, World Championship medals, Freeride top spots and FIS alpine medals.The club celebrated recently with a pizza party at the Cardrona-Treble Cone headquarters, where members heard from alpine athletes Mathilda and Isabel Watterson and freeride athletes Eva Small and Nico Burrowes, who had all travelled to the northern hemisphere this past season.The speakers were joined by MCs Harry Rowden and Aiden Fitzpatrick, who had both competed in freeride events in Europe.Coach Peter Legnavsky also introduced the new alpine head coach Grant Stockman, as well as Sam Lee (freeride head coach) and Matt Lister (alpine U16 coach).The 2025 recipients of the grassroots awards are: Max Blatch, Jackson Blatch, Elliot Blatch, William Beech, Patrick Beech, Eneko Mazet Brown, Kobi Small, Silas King, Caspar King, Izaac Wu, Axel Chandler, Jimmy Dolan, Kiri Dolan, Dylan Hedley Dunbar, Otto Walshe, Lachie Stevens, Emmie Wyatt, Charlise Wyatt, Spencer Bunbury, Hazel Hardman, Sam Millar, Harriet Millar, and Nico Burrowes.The list includes two snowboarders, six alpine ski racers, seven freeskiers and eight freeride skiers.“Some of the young athletes have aspirations to represent New Zealand like many previous grassroots recipients and others who wish to get enough skills to enjoy our beautiful mountain environment with their families and friends,” Bonny said.Bonny said the regular WSC functions are open to family members, and the next function will be open to the public (from 7pm on Saturday June 21 at Apres, 50 Cardrona Valley Rd). She said this will be an opportunity to meet successful athletes; freerider Ben Richards, freeskier Ben Barclay, alpine athletes Mathilda and Isabel Watterson, and freeski coach Hamish McDougall, who will share footage and talk about their experiences in the northern hemisphere. PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka organisations have received more than $1M in grant support from Central Lakes Trust (CLT) in its last two funding rounds, with around a dozen local groups benefitting from funding.Most of the funding in April and May went to multi-year operational grants, CLT chief executive Barbara Bridger said."We believe in building long-term relationships with our grantees, and offering multi-year grants towards operational costs is one way we support that,” she said.“Multi-year grants provide greater certainty around funding and enable more confident long-term planning for organisations."Seven Wānaka organisations received operational grants totalling more than $800K.WAI Wānaka received $125,000; Wānaka Search and Rescue received $55,000; Community Link received $192,606; Food for Love received $123,934; Kahu Youth received $267,509; M!NT received $45,290; and Wānaka Riding for the Disabled received $12,840.Local groups also secured project grants during the same period.Snow Farm NZ received $42,000 for its base building ablution and water facility; Tarras School received $35,000 for its playground update; and the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust received $97,466 for its new Hāwea River trail. Read more: Progress on river track upgradesWānaka Tennis Club also received $35,000 for its court resurfacing and clubroom upgrade; Youth Search and Rescue Trust received $40,000 for equipment for its new Wānaka branch; and Onstage Wānaka received $19,080 towards its upcoming Blood Brothers production.Read more: Funding to support busy tennis club  Across Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, more than $8M was granted in the two funding rounds.PHOTO: Supplied

A Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) band took first place in the band category at the Central Otago Regional final of Smokefreerockquest on Saturday (June 14).The ‘Superficial’ band members - Alex Kettle, Tommy Cotter, Harrison Eastwood, Archie Bruce, and Jayden Robertson - will now film a 15-minute music video to be considered for the national top 30, with the goal of reaching the Smokefree Rockquest National Final in Auckland this September. The band is following in the footsteps of MAC band ‘Spoken’, which reached the national finals in 2023.Forty-seven MAC students took part in the event at the Lake Wānaka Centre along with student bands from across Central Otago.Kasey Brooks from ‘Third Party’ received the Musicianship Award. PHOTO: Gareth HodgesMAC co-head of arts Mat Doyle said the students had been rehearsing for months to prepare for the event, with many of them performing songs developed as part of their NCEA coursework.Other MAC musicians were recognised with awards at the regional final: Juno Gerlach ('Juno') received the ZM Lyric Award; Kasey Brooks from ‘Third Party’ received the Musicianship Award; and ‘Superficial’ also won Best Use of Electronic Assistance.Juno Gerlach ('Juno') received the ZM Lyric Award. PHOTO: Gareth HodgesSmokefreerockquest is New Zealand's live, original music, youth event which gives young musicians the opportunity to perform live in a professional setting. The event aims to motivate young musicians to strive for success, to realise the opportunities available in music careers, and to encourage their peers to support original New Zealand Music.Full results of the Central Otago Regional Final 2025:Band category:1st – Superficial – MAC2nd – Stolen Rings – Dunstan High School3rd – 10:37 – Wakatipu High SchoolSolo/duo:1st – George Newhouse – Wakatipu High School2nd – Mala – Wakatipu High SchoolAdditional Awards:Best Vocalist – Singer from Offshore (Cromwell College)Musicianship Award – Drummer from Bad Haircuts (Cromwell College)Musicianship Award – Kasey Brooks from Third Party (MAC)Best Song – Little Road – Wakatipu High SchoolZM Lyric Award – Juno (MAC)Best Use of Electronic Assistance – Superficial (MAC)

Two-time Winter Olympic Games medallist and Wānaka resident Nico Porteous has announced he’s stepping back from Olympic competition and will no longer compete in freeski halfpipe.The 23-year-old is New Zealand’s most successful male snow sports athlete and leaves the sport as one of the most decorated halfpipe athletes in history.“I’ve loved representing New Zealand,” Nico said. “Wearing the fern and competing for my country has been the most incredible experience and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved.“This wasn’t an easy decision to make but I’m excited to do something new and I feel like the time is right for me to look for a new challenge and new opportunities.”Nico said he is not retiring from skiing - he plans to maintain his level of skiing and remain active in the sport through filming, product development, and other competitive events.“I still love skiing and I want to keep skiing to the best of my abilities and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.“Ultimately, I’m ready for something new. What that looks like I’m not exactly sure but over the past few seasons I’ve enjoyed filming and producing videos, as well as working on gear and product design.“There are also other events, like Natural Selection Ski, that I’m keen to explore. I’m open to new opportunities and excited to see what the next chapter looks like.”Nico made history for New Zealand in 2022, landing a right and left double corked 1620 combination to win Olympic gold in the halfpipe at the Beijing Winter Games.Nico backcountry skiing on his home turf. PHOTO: Miles Holden/ Red BullFour years earlier, he stomped a stunning run to win bronze as a 16-year-old at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.His career highlights also include two X-Games gold medals, a World Championship title, and five World Cup medals - and he is widely credited with helping to drive the progression and creativity of freeski halfpipe and inspire a new generation of Kiwi snow sports athletes.“What I’ve achieved wouldn’t have been possible without an amazing team of people behind me. He thanked his family, sponsors, Snow Sports New Zealand and High Performance Sport NZ.Snow Sports New Zealand CEO Nic Cavanagh congratulated Nico on his career and acknowledged his significant contribution to his sport.“On behalf of Snow Sports NZ I would like to thank Nico for his contribution to his sport - not just the countless titles, podiums and medals, but also for his creativity, his passion and his unwavering commitment,” Nic said. “The legacy Nico will leave on both the freeski halfpipe and wider snow sports community is nothing short of monumental and will endure for generations to come. The entire team at Snow Sports NZ wishes Nico all the best and we can’t wait to see what he does next – it will undoubtedly be great.”