More than 150 Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) students and their coaches and managers will travel to destinations across the South Island to participate in this year’s School Sport New Zealand Winter Tournament early next month.The tournaments, held twice a year in winter and summer, are an opportunity for secondary schools from all around the country to compete against each other in a range of sports.MAC principal Nicola Jacobsen said the winter tournament was a great opportunity for students to test their skills against different schools and to make new friends.“We will have seven teams of students representing the college in four sports: basketball, netball, hockey, and football,” she said. “Students and their coaches, managers and whānau will travel to Christchurch, Dunedin, Mosgiel, Invercargill, and Timaru to compete.”Year 13 student Abbey Ragg said she was looking forward to travelling to Timaru as part of MAC’s mixed XI hockey team.“I have played in the winter tournament twice before and it’s a great experience playing against teams from other schools who you wouldn't otherwise get to play. It’s also a great week away with my friends making memories.“We are fundraising to help meet the costs of attending the tournament, including selling raffle tickets, holding a sausage sizzle, and we are also applying for grants so we can make the trip affordable for every family.”Year 13 student Jack Wyeth is playing in the boys first XI football team in Invercargill and said he was really looking forward to playing football over multiple days at the event.“I’ve been to tournaments twice before and I really enjoy the energised environment created by teams in preparation for the big games, as well as how motivating it is to push myself to the limits to help our team progress deep into the tournament.“Our team is part of a fundraiser called ‘Back my player’ where players sell spots on the back of their t-shirts to raise money to help meet some of the costs of the trip.”The School Sport New Zealand Winter Tournament will take place from September 2-6.PHOTO: MAC

There are currently close to 225 Upper Clutha households on the waitlist for properties through the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT), which is working hard to deliver more local houses.The long-running local trust provides affordable housing for low-to-middle income earners in the district. The affordable homes are made possible when the QLCHT receives land from developers through a contribution process with Queenstown Lakes District Council.QLCHT chief executive Julie Scott said the trust had helped “around 50” households into secure, affordable housing in the Upper Clutha to date.Read more: Family ‘stoked’ with home ownershipSome of the QLCHT homes at Northlake. PHOTO: SuppliedAdditional homes around the Upper Clutha are currently at various stages of completion.“We’ve finished 28 in Longview and there are another 30 to come,” Julie said. “We’re building two at Mt Cardrona Station and there are another two to come from the developer.”Four homes at the Hikuwai subdivision in Wānaka are also being finished at the moment, adding to the six that have already been completed there, she said.Julie said the trust was a “big fan” of higher density housing and she hoped two other sites would be suitable for medium or high density houses.“We own an empty section at McDougall Street and the plan is to redevelop that whole site and get some more senior housing,” she said. “If there is an opportunity to increase density there we certainly will.”She is also hoping some land earmarked for QLCHT in the Three Parks area will be zoned for high density.QLCHT, which is staffed by a team of six, provides five different housing programmes, including Public Housing, Affordable Rental, Senior Housing, Rent Saver and Secure Home.Each of them are designed to provide secure and affordable housing, in a district where the median house price is close to twice the national average.Last month an inclusionary zoning proposal that could have substantially increased the amount of land QLCHT received, thereby increasing the number of homes it could deliver, was withdrawn at the recommendation of an independent hearing panel.Read more: Housing affordability ‘a work in progress’Julie said the current waitlist for homes in the Upper Clutha makes up around 20 percent of the full, district-wide waitlist.Learn more about QLCHT here.

Persistent snow did not dampen the spirits of attendees at the official opening of the Snow Farm’s new base building yesterday afternoon (Sunday August 25).Former prime minister Rt Hon Helen Clark, the Snow Farm’s patron, declared the base building officially open following a mihi whakatau and karakia from Ngāi Tahu kaumatua Darren Rewi, and speeches from Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust (PACT) chair Samuel ‘Q’ Belk and Snow Farm general manager Sam Lee.“We have a world class facility here and now we’ve got the lodge to go with it, which is fantastic,” Helen told the crowd of around 60 people as the snow continued to fall.“What stands out to me for the Snow Farm is that it’s welcoming and it’s inclusive of everyone: every age group, every ability - everyone can have fun here,” she said, adding that the facilities provide “access to the outdoors in a safe way”.Former prime minister Helen Clark (at right) with winners of the Biathlon National Championships, which took place at the Snow Farm during the weekend.‘Q’ Belk told the Wānaka App it was “fantastic” that a Nordic ski area such as the Snow Farm existed in a country of just five million people.“This is some of the best cross country skiing in the world,” he said. “It’s in the top two or three percent... This way outperforms anything in North America.”“It’s an extraordinary place, and it’s a community asset.”Helen Clark echoed that sentiment, telling the Wānaka App that she encouraged people to “come and treasure what you’ve got in your backyard”.PACT trustees Samuel ‘Q’ Belk and John Burridge with former Ruapehu Alpine Lifts boss Dave Mazey. “It’s a great community facility and everyone’s welcome, there’s something for everyone - it’s inclusive. The Lees set that tone from the very start.”The celebrations began earlier in the day with an informal catch up with PACT trustees, Snow Farm Board members, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) deputy mayor Quentin Smith and Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward councillor Gavin Bartlett, representatives of the Otago Community Trust and Central Lakes Community Trust, the Lee family and friends. It was an opportunity for people to learn more about the history of the Snow Farm and also its plans to develop further - with the next proposal being a new toilet block to replace the existing line of portaloos.QLDC elected representatives Quentin and Gavin told the Wānaka App they acknowledged the many submissions to the council’s draft Long Term Plan (LTP) asking for this improvement.Read more: Sports and arts facilities, funding alternatives sought from QLDCSam Lee said “there’s still work to do”, with support sought for new toilets, and expansion of the existing base infrastructure.“With this section of the base area complete, we will now set our sights on fundraising the $800,000 required to start this expansion work,” he said.The Snow Farm is the only public, not-for-profit, charitable ski facility in the region. It hosts more than 15,000 users annually, including community groups, more than 36 school groups from 19 schools from Australasia and the growing Olympic sport of Biathlon.Snow Farm staff celebrating at the new base building.The new $750,000 building was funded solely through donations. Thanks and acknowledgements were given to the funding bodies OCT and CLT, private donors, QLDC, Breen Construction, the various trustees, the Lee family, the neighbouring Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground, and two local clubs and their keen volunteers - the Wānaka Biathlon Club and Waiorau Nordic Ski Club.A highlight of the official programme was Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College’s (MAC) kapa haka group, who waited patiently in the snow between their two waiata.Read more: Packed week for Snow Farm PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust, responsible for delivering the much-loved Wānaka Festival of Colour and Aspiring Conversations, is reaching out for new supporters to ensure its future.Trust board member Mark Verbiest said the challenging economic climate has made public support more crucial than ever.“For 20 years, local support has been the backbone of our festivals,” Mark said. “These events bring vibrancy and buzz to Wānaka, offering live performances that add significant economic value and expose our community to diverse, entertaining, and challenging experiences.”The Festivals deliver a range of vibrant and thought provoking performances.The Trust’s success in building a thriving arts community has long relied on major funders, local business sponsors, and individual donors, in the form of the festival’s Patron and Benefactor supporter programme. As Wānaka continues to grow, the Trust is asking newcomers and long-time residents alike to become financial supporters.“Donations help us extend our programmes, engage underserved groups, expand community day events, and enhance education for local schools,” the Trust’s artistic director Sophie Kelly said. “These contributions ensure an extraordinary festival experience for all and grow connections among diverse audiences.”The Trust has introduced a new donor platform offering flexible giving options, including monthly donations starting from as little as $31.25 to become a Patron. A generous local donor is offering limited match funding, doubling the impact of donations.“Supporting Wānaka’s arts festival means access to an incredible range of performances and thought-provoking discussions right here at home,” long time supporter Meg Taylor said.To bolster fundraising efforts, the Trust has several initiatives planned, including two events in November and an informal gathering in October for those interested in becoming a supporter.Learn more and donate here.For more information, contact the Festival at [email protected] or click here.PHOTOS: Supplied

Wānaka residents want better sports facilities, a performing arts centre, and alternative funding options.Those were the key messages delivered by more than 450 people from the Upper Clutha who made submissions on the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) draft Long Term Plan (LTP).The draft LTP proposes a 15.6 percent average rates increase and a significantly scaled-back capital expenditure programme in order to ‘balance the books’.Local submitters said QLDC should bring forward funding for sports, with upgrades for the Wānaka Recreation Centre and the development of sports fields at council land on Ballantyne Road coming up again and again.Read more: Sports field shortages: Group pushes council for actionDozens also asked for better facilities for the Upper Clutha Rugby Club and Snow Farm.The Wānaka Performance Arts and Cultural Centre - which was not included in the draft LTP - also had significant support from submitters.Read more: Arts community seeks urgent support for facilityAlmost half of all submissions received on the draft LTP came from the Upper Clutha.District-wide, more strong themes emerged: More than 50 percent of submitters said they wanted QLDC to pursue alternative funding options outside of rates.Many said developers should contribute up-front to the infrastructure they benefit from; others called for a visitor levy of some sort.“There were also comments that alternative funding options in general were needed to decrease the burden on rate payers, given the difficulties in cost of living and affordability at the moment,” a council report on the submissions said.Other common themes from submitters included calls for better public transport and active travel opportunities and concerns over the environment and affordability.QLDC received close to 1,000 submissions on the draft LTP. More than 130 submitters plan to speak to their submissions at next week’s hearing.The hearing will take place in Queenstown on Monday (August 26) and Wānaka on Tuesday (August 27).Tuesday’s hearing day will take place at the Lake Wānaka Centre’s Armstrong Room from 10am.Speaking at the hearing is limited to those who have made submissions but the meetings are open to the public and they will be live-streamed.PHOTO: Chris Searl

A major project to increase airfield safety at Queenstown Airport will start in spring.In a first for Australasia, engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) beds will be installed at each end of the main runway. These are designed to safely bring an aircraft to a controlled stop with minimal damage should one overshoot the runway.Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) board chair Adrienne Young-Cooper said the decision to install the innovative technology was evidence of QAC’s “proactive approach to risk management”.The innovative system uses energy-absorbing cellular cement blocks designed to crush under the weight of an aircraft, slowing it to a stop.“This is the first project arising from the Master Plan we completed last year, which will guide significant investment in infrastructure this decade,” she said.Read more: Queenstown Airport announces record dividend, big plans for infrastructureQueenstown Airport operates with a minimum runway end safety area (RESA) of 90 metres, which complies with civil aviation regulations. Queenstown Airport acting chief executive Todd Grace said the EMAS will substantially increase the margin of safety, providing the same protection as a 240m RESA.“Runway overruns are rare, but the consequences can be catastrophic, so we want to do everything possible to mitigate that risk here,” he said.The EMASMAX system chosen uses energy-absorbing cellular cement blocks designed to crush under the weight of an aircraft, slowing it to a stop.Major airports such as John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport and London City Airport use the EMAS system.To date, EMASMAX beds have safely stopped 22 aircraft – ranging in size from business jets to a Boeing 747 – with a 100 percent success rate. Global supplier Runway Safe has been contracted to install the technology at Queenstown Airport. Work will be completed at night and should be finished by the end of summer.The project will cost more than $20 million.There will be no disruption to flight schedules and no change to the types of aircraft that may land at Queenstown Airport, QAC said.IMAGES: Supplied

Upper Clutha Hockey Club has been crowned the 2024 hockey champions, securing season wins across the men’s, women’s, and U18 teams, and cementing this as arguably the club’s most triumphant season.The Upper Clutha Hockey Club Premier Men’s team won the Central Otago Men’s Hockey Championship with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over rivals Whakatipu.The intense match, held in Cromwell, began with Whakatipu capturing an early lead 30 seconds into the second quarter. Upper Clutha (UC) responded shortly after as Sam Fitzgerald levelled the score with a reverse tomahawk from a penalty corner. As the first half drew to a close, Conor Doyle set up Will Anderson, who scored with another reverse shot into the corner, giving UC a 2-1 lead.Whakatipu demonstrated resilience in the second half, equalising midway through the thirdUpper Clutha Hockey Club’s Premier Men’s team after their win against Whakatipu.quarter to make the score 2-2. No side relented and the tie seemed firmly fixed. With just two minutes remaining, penalty shoot outs seemed inevitable. Luke Hall of UC took a quick penalty outside the 25m line, driving the ball into the circle where Olly Hart deflected it into the back of the net. Upper Clutha held off Whakatipu during the last 60 seconds to secure the victory.The Upper Clutha Women’s Team also emerged victorious, in a closely contested game against Cromwell.The match at the Cromwell Hockey Turf ended with a dramatic 1-0 scoreline, securing the trophy and title for Upper Clutha Women’s Team for the first time in six years. Upper Clutha Women’s team after a closely contested game against Cromwell.From the first whistle Upper Clutha Women played with intensity, exerting pressure on Cromwell and dominating possession - but were unable to convert chances into goals in the first half. But the third quarter was a triumph, which secured a goal from Chrissi Petit to put them in the lead. Upper Clutha Women held off Cromwell for the remainder of the game.In a highly competitive game against Dunstan High School 1st XI, Upper Clutha Hockey Club Senior Reserve Mixed High School (UCHC) dominated from the beginning of the game with Matt Botting scoring a goal after beating three players and the goalie within four minutes from the first whistle.The local team displayed great team play with all players contributing to the team strategy laid out by coaches Sam Fitzgerald and James Leech, the club said in a statement. For the second year the final between UCHC and Dunstan was taken to shootouts. Kalan Evans (playing in the goal for the first time in his hockey career) remained composed, having only practised shootouts a few days before: he saved three attempts by Dunstan. Hudson Weathington and James Dougherty both scored their shootout attempts resulting in a 3-3, 2-0 win for UCHC.It was a well deserved win for a team which has developed well throughout the season, the club said in a statement. The team will be off next month to the South Island Secondary Schools tournament in Timaru looking for their third tournament win. UCHC is busy fundraising for their tournament through selling raffles and seeking sponsors and donations. To support them in their fundraising contact team manager Rachel Prendergast (0272809094).Upper Clutha hockey has been supported by major sponsors Wanacare Pharmacy and Auto Super Shoppe Wanaka, with grant providers Grassroots Trust, Lion Foundation, and Queenstown Lakes District Council Travel Grant.PHOTOS: Supplied

The Snow Farm has been buzzing with events during the past few weeks - and the next few weeks are also packed. The National Cross Country Championships took place last weekend (Saturday August 17), followed by the Wānaka Biathlon Club Championships.Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College’s (MAC) Nordic and Biathlon programme at the Snow Farm held school championships on Wednesday (August 21), and the Biathlon National Championships will take place this Saturday and Sunday (24-25 August).Three MAC biathletes, Baxter Pollard (18), Lulu Pettit (18), and Nico Pettit (16), will be among the athletes to watch this weekend.Tomorrow will include a staggered-start sprint race for experienced biathletes, with a pursuit race on Sunday with start times based on the sprint to determine the national champions.There will also be a novice laser biathlon race for new and future biathletes (including those in the MAC programme) on Saturday, and on Sunday a fun mixed relay.Also on Sunday, former prime minister and Snow Farm patron Helen Clark is set to officially open the Nordic ski area’s recently completed base building. The new building, a central hub for Snow Farm operations, contains space for rentals, ticketing guest services, a small food and beverage operation and a staffroom. Read more: Former PM to open Snow Farm’s new base buildingNext on the calendar for the season is the Snow Farm’s annual Merino Muster.The Merino Muster is one of 20 races in the Worldloppet International series, and combines five races: The prestigious 42km Merino Muster, 21km Snow Rake, 14km Double Fleece, the 7km Straggle Muster, and the 1km Mini Muster for the under 10s.The event attracts an international audience as well as a crowd of recreational skiers, and this year a teams event has been designed to make the shorter races even more fun for recreational skiers.Find more information about the Merino Muster here.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers has welcomed Winter Pride, which began this week.“Running for 11 days, it’s the largest event in the southern hemisphere celebrating the Rainbow community and which, in its own words, ‘invites the entire town to come together and celebrate diversity’,” he said.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) shares the values of Winter Pride, Glyn said.“Council’s commitment to the Pride Pledge goes back several years thanks to my predecessor as mayor, Jim Boult,” he said. Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers“Inclusion, safety and visibility are very important to us, both for our employees and the work they do and also for the community with whom we engage on a daily basis.” Glyn said he was saddened to hear that a number of street flags promoting the event were removed from the centre of Queenstown on Wednesday (August 21). “I understand this incident has, quite rightly, been reported to police. But whether it was a drunken prank or something more deliberate and targeted, it has caused hurt and anger to many people, whether they are here to enjoy Winter Pride or not.” “While I respect anyone’s right not to engage in this celebration if they choose, I am firmly opposed to anyone who thinks they have the right to take choice away from others.“I hope everyone here to celebrate diversity, inclusion and tolerance has a fabulous time.”The annual Winter Pride event celebrates love, community, diversity, visibility, safety and inclusion.It will run until September 11, with the majority of events over in Queenstown but a handful, including on-the-snow events taking place on this side of the hill.Find full details of what’s on at Winter Pride here.Otago Lakes Central Area Police Commander Inspector Paula Enoka asked anyone with information about the theft of the flags to contact police on 105 or online using ‘Update Report’ (reference file number 240822/6540). Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  

A draft Reserve Management Plan (RMP) for the Mt Iron Recreation Reserve has been given the thumbs up by the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB).The plan envisions a reserve which is maintained as an ‘undeveloped slice of the outdoors’ within a busy town, one which preserves and prioritises the “natural, open and informal recreation and scenic experience”.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) recently purchased 100 hectares of land on Mt Iron and Little Mt Iron and took over the day-to-day management of another 50 hectares. Planning for the final RMP - which will determine how the local landmark is used, managed and preserved - began last October.“This is a really important milestone today to get to this draft RMP,” QLDC senior parks advisor Kat Banyard said at yesterday’s (Thursday August 22) WUCCB meeting.The draft RMP’s vision is for the reserve to “unite residents and visitors, bringing the community together to protect its cultural ecological and recreational values”.A range of policies support this overall goal, for example to limit commercial activity, enable community members to take part in enhancing the reserve, control pests, support regenerative practices, and protect and enhance waterways.The plan also aims to enable active and passive recreational use with a mountain bike trail network and improved access for people with limited mobility, plus maintain “strong connections” with the active travel network and nearby urban areas.Kat said the draft RMP “really reflects” the aspirations of the community and mana whenua shared during “extensive consultation” which 870 members of the public contributed to.WUCCB chair Simon Telfer said the board had also been heavily involved in the “huge piece of work”.Board members agreed to undertake final sign-off before the draft RMP is publicly notified, to account for pending information from Kai Tahu, and any other changes.Once councillors approve the draft RMP members of the community will have another opportunity to share input and help shape the final RMP, Kat saidPHOTO: TripTins

Two members of Wānaka’s Better Building Working Group have spoken at the Registered Master Builders Association Constructive Conference in Wellington, taking the group’s message of smarter building to a wider audience.The Better Building Working Group, which was established after the 2018 Wao Summit, consists of more than 40 members - architects, builders, tradies, developers, suppliers and mental health experts.Its vision is for better building, zero waste, and mental health and wellbeing.Steering committee member Monique Kelly, who spoke at the Wellington conference with fellow committee member Aaron Thule, told the Wānaka App that being invited to speak was recognition of the group’s work in tackling construction waste and educating on “climate smart” building.Better Building steering committee member Monique Kelly. “It was an amazing opportunity to represent the group at Constructive and talk about how we're slowly and quietly getting on with shifting the system in the Southern Lakes,” she said. “Our local action is now starting to have a ripple effect into national thinking.”But, she said, it was hard not to feel overwhelmed by the need for change in the building sector.“While navigating a slowing economy, we're faced with the urgency to build hundreds of thousands of affordable, climate-smart houses to deal not only with the current housing shortage, but also start to prepare for future population projections.”Meanwhile, Monique said, the government is “kicking the can down the road” on housing. “They've stopped all of the Kainga Ora housing projects, which has suddenly dried up the pipeline of work of many building companies around New Zealand and put our ability to build enough houses for our future population into jeopardy.”Monique said that leaves the onus on housing trusts such as the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust to “pick up the slack”.“They've also put on hold the proposed Building for Climate Change amendments to the Building Act which is needed to make us on par with other OECD nations.”“We seriously need some long term, cross part thinking in how we are going to build communities into the future,” she said.Monique said build-to-rent models are available, and communities need to “think outside the box” when it comes to building smarter and more efficiently.Social innovation at a local level is also required, she said. “The Better Building Working Group facilitated by Wao is an example of how this can happen in the real world.”PHOTOS: Supplied

Holy Family Catholic School Wānaka principal Jo McKay has resigned.Jo has been the principal of the local year 0-8 school for the last ten years and she will depart at the end of term three.The school’s board shared the news of Jo’s departure with the school community in a letter yesterday (Wednesday August 21).“Jo has been an exceptional leader and a cornerstone of our school community, and her departure is a significant moment for all of us,” board chair Rebecca McElrea said.“We are incredibly proud that she has been headhunted for a national position in the education sector.”Jo has guided the school with “unwavering dedication” over the past ten years, Rebecca said.“She has consistently fostered the best possible educational environment for our children, always keeping their best interests at the forefront of every decision.”“Under her leadership, we have seen excellent results across the board, a true reflection of her commitment to our students' success.”Angela Scoullar has accepted the position of acting principal for the last school term of the year.“Angela’s experience and deep understanding of our school’s values and culture will ensure a smooth transition as we begin the process of finding Jo’s permanent successor,” Rebecca said.“While we are saddened by her departure, we are also filled with hope and confidence as we move forward, building on the strong foundation that Jo has laid.”Jo’s last day with Holy Family Catholic School Wānaka will be September 27.PHOTO: Holy Family Catholic School

A Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) student has been selected as one of eight New Zealand students who will travel to Brazil to develop their entrepreneurial skills.Alexis-Sofia Harvey-Wills (Year 13) will participate in LatAM Biz, a joint programme between the Latin American Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence and the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES).In Brazil, Alexis-Sofia will work with students from New Zealand and Sāo Paulo to pitch a solution to a business challenge relating to sustainable development goals.The aspiring businesswoman said she was excited to be selected and she is looking forward to developing her knowledge of business on a global, sustainable scale among like-minded people.“When I heard I’d been selected, my head filled with thoughts of colour, music, culture and food,” Alexis-Sofia said. “In addition to developing my business skills and knowledge, I am looking forward to making lifelong memories and connections, and exploring a new country.”Alexis-Sofia attended the Entrepreneurs in Action weekend in Wellington earlier this year through the YES programme as part of her Level 3 Business and Enterprise studies at MAC.“It was this experience, along with my passion for enterprise, that motivated me to apply for the LatAM Biz programme,” she said.She said the YES programme had helped her “become a more confident and curious individual who feels ready to face challenges and is optimistic about the world of business”.Alexis-Sofia will travel to Brazil on September 28 for LatAM Biz.“I can't express how excited and grateful I am for this incredible opportunity and I'm absolutely thrilled to represent the Young Enterprise Scheme and Mount Aspiring College in Brazil.”Alexis-Sofia is planning to study a Bachelor of Commerce at university.She said she aims to “positively contribute to our economy and environment, and to hold a senior leadership role in a New Zealand-based business, and also work overseas”.PHOTO: MAC

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced new plans to tighten the reins on local authorities, in what he says is a war on council waste.He revealed the move on Wednesday afternoon at a conference of mayors, councillors and officials - who could be heard groaning as his speech went on.Representative group Local Government New Zealand says they do go through their finances line by line every three years, in consultation with communities, as is legally required through the Long Term Plan process.Opposition parties say councils are being hung out to dry, and the government's actions simply do not match Luxon's pre-election commitments to localism and devolution.Luxon's speech called on councils to "rein in the fantasies", delivering a hardline message they should be living within their means and cut spending on the nice-to-haves.He said the government wanted a constructive relationship with councils, but that "localism and devolution comes with both rights and also responsibilities", a throwback to his announcement earlier in the month cracking down on beneficiaries.He said the government would abolish the four wellbeing provisions in the Local Government Act, and introduce performance benchmarks that would see councils collect and publish data he said they should already be familiar with: "financial performance" and "customer service delivery".He also wants a kind of crackdown on council officials keeping information from councillors, and maybe a limit for council spending on so-called non-core projects.It was about getting local government back to "doing the basics brilliantly", he said.Local Government New Zealand president Sam Broughton, mayor of Selwyn, took issue with that framing of council spending. He noted councils were investing heavily in infrastructure and did what they could to avoid unnecessary spending."Councils go line by line through our budgets every three years, that's what a long term plan is. We do it in a transparent way with our communities with input and consultation from our communities and it's really great to have that level of input. To suggest that we don't already do that - we do."Selwyn mayor and LGNZ President Sam Broughton is campaigning to "give rates a rest", pushing for new ways for councils to bring in revenue. PHOTO: RNZ / Reece Baker"At the moment all growth that we produce in the country is based on transport corridors, water and waste water systems and that's all put in by local councils. And yet all of the benefits of that growth accrue in Wellington here, all the GST, all of the income tax comes back to Wellington."He reiterated his call for councils to be provided with a range of new ways to collect revenue - including tourism levies - as well as councils' desire for a four-year term.Luxon highlighted Tākina, Wellington's new convention centre, as a prime example of wasteful spending - particularly with yet another case of water mains bursting just down the road, particularly considering its unprofitability.Wellington City mayor Tory Whanau said it was set up for a different purpose."I'm also very proud to be hosting this at Tākina, our world class convention centre, built to bring events like this to our capital city and stimulate our local economy. This event alone will bring in a million dollars to boost our city."She also won resounding applause from the audience for criticism of the government's Māori wards legislation, passed three weeks earlier, which requires councils to hold a referendum on their Māori wards."Localism also means that councils should decide for themselves on the use of Māori wards," she said.Wellington City mayor Tory Whanau PHOTO: RNZ / Reece BakerProtesters outside the venue also cried foul over the government's legislation.LGNZ has been vocal about its own position on the wards, saying other types like rural wards do not require a referendum.Broughton in April said it was a complete overreach by a "coalition government that prided itself on talking about localism ahead of the election".Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Daran Ponter on Wednesday had his own message in response: "At this conference, we're leaning into localism and we're celebrating activism," he said - a reference to ACT MP Cameron Luxton's criticism of the "activist mayors" opposing the bill during its first reading.The referendums will be yet another cost imposition councils say they need new funding tools for, before the year is out.Luxon has promised more details in the coming months on city and regional deals, one solution National proposed ahead of last year's elections. It will, he says, include how they will work - and what the government will expect in return."This year's been really hard for councils, grappling with increased costs, very few funding leavers, as we went line by line through our long term plans and understood costs and the consequences for our communities," Broughton said."Our council for example is spending 85% of our capital spend on transport, water and wastewater over the next 30 years. That's where the investment is in councils."Opposition cries foul over Luxon speechLabour said the government was hanging councils out to dry."The government is ignoring its responsibilities to councils and setting up local elected officials to take the blame for its lack of action," Labour local government spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said."The LGNZ conference was an opportunity to give the sector some support into the future. Instead, the prime minister gave local elected officials a patronising lecture. It's completely out of touch."The Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick was also aghast."Some pretty absurd statements about how local govenrment need to live within their means despite just last year a report being tabled which showed that local government has been drastically underfunded, especially based on international benchmarks, for decades," she told RNZ."Luxon's rhetoric on localism is hollow, it is absolutely meaningless. And hearing from those who were in the room when he delivered his speech it appeared as though it was completely tone-deaf, and completely out of touch, and completely the opposite of localism."

Transpower expected to announce today (Thursday August 22) whether it is adjusting the Alert Contingent Storage Release Boundary to help with power shortageThe sector is in crisis with many businesses closing due to skyrocketing prices.Winstone Pulp International is the latest business that plans to shut two sawmills as a result of high wholesale energy prices.Domestic consumers were also concerned about power prices.Transpower is expected to reveal today whether or not it will let generators take more water from hydro lakes to combat the current power shortage.It wants to increase the buffer applied in calculating the Contingent Storage Release Boundary (CSRB) from 50 GWh to 320 GWh from 1 September 2024 until 1 October 2024.Latest figures from Transpower show national hydro storage is at 55 percent and is among the lowest levels ever recorded for this time of year.'Severe effects' on the environmentThe idea was open for consultation, with 11 submissions made in total.One was from The Guardians of Lake Hāwea, a group who ensure that Lake Hāwea's water quality, biodiversity and ecosystems are maintained and managed sustainable and safely.Chair Geoff Kernick said the group did not agree lifting the buffer was the best solution and said it was likely to have "severe effects on the local environment, with dust storms already occurring each time there is a north westerly wind".Spring snow melt and normal summer rainfall would not be enough to raise the lake to average levels by next winter meaning inadequate water storage to meet national electricity requirements next winter as well, he said.There were also concerns with gravel and silt, he said."There can be a lot of issues with this silt... picking it up with the wind and blowing it down towards town and this has a very negative impact on people, on what people can do, but also on the environment," Kernick said."It is a possibility that the lake level may not recover very quickly if we don't get normal spring rains, the lake level could stay low for a long time, so these aquatic plants would die."Sector at 'crisis point'Auckland University Associate Economics Professor Stephen Poletti was hoping it went ahead."We're in a situation which is a bit of a crisis really, I mean we've got top companies actually shutting down, not just shutting down temporarily, but shutting down permanently so its having a big impact on the economy."So I hope they do relax those contingent reserves, but it's like the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, we never should have got to this situation," he said.However, he said there needed to be more long term solutions put in place.One option would be to prioritise the expansion of rooftop solar throughout New Zealand.Poletti said this would only add significantly to the overall electricity supply, but also help bring down prices.'Use your powers' - MinisterThe Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones said the Electricity Authority needed to "man up" and use its full powers to rein in electricity companies over skyrocketing prices, which has forced at least one large manufacturer to shut down its operations.Shane Jones told RNZ on Wednesday that power companies where celebrating huge profits and the Authority had not been properly exercising its powers over them to ensure proper electricity supply and affordability.

Wānaka Police have dealt with a range of incidents over the last week, including a serious family harm incident yesterday (Wednesday August 21).Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said police were called out to the incident in the early hours of the morning.“A 34-year-old male was arrested without incident and will be facing numerous family harm related offences,” she said.Another person is facing numerous charges for an incident last Friday (August 16).The driver fled from police near Anderson Road at approximately 11.16pm.“The vehicle accelerated heavily exceeding the posted speed limit,” she said. “Police lost sight of the fleeing vehicle and located vehicle debris and a dislodged pedestrian barrier.”Fi said police must decide if the immediate risk to safety posed by the fleeing driver justifies an immediate response involving a pursuit and the driver was not pursued on the night.“...however, the male driver has been located and is facing numerous charges including failing to stop for red and blue flashing lights, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.”This was one of a handful of local driving-related offences from the past week.Four people were caught drink driving in Wānaka following breath test screening.“The highest reading was 704 [micrograms of alcohol per litre],” Fi said.The legal limit is 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre.A reading between 250 and 400 can lead to a fine or being given demerit points; 400 or higher can lead to being disqualified from driving and being either fined or imprisoned.Fi said all drivers should be vigilant and expect the unexpected.A younger person was “so engrossed in their phone on Friday, they were completely oblivious to walking out onto a road in front of a vehicle near a busy intersection”, she said.The driver of the vehicle was alert to what was unfolding because they were a police officer in a police vehicle.“Devices are distractions and interfere with safe decisions around our roads/driveways,” Fi said.A lot of drivers were caught out on Monday (August 19) when the cold front came through, she said.“The weather event created many calls for service up on the Crown Range ranging from accidents to people ‘unable to stay on the road’ in the conditions.“A serious accident closed the road, State Highway 6, on the other side of the Crown Range on Tuesday morning.”Fi said a “steady amount” of ski field property is still being brought into the police station from Cardrona and Treble Cone.Anyone who has lost something on the ski field can head into the station to see if it is there.Wānaka Police also have a drop box for anyone wanting to drop off smaller found items outside of office hours.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: Wānaka App

Rhythm and Alps has released what organisers say is “one of its most impressive lineups yet”.The annual New Year’s festival is returning for its 14th time on December 30 and its first lineup drop was released this afternoon (Wednesday August 21).Headlining acts will include legendary Kiwi band Shapeshifter, chart-topping EDM-pop sensation Becky Hill, as well as English DJ and RAM Records co-founder Andy C.This year’s festival will feature one of its most impressive lineups yet, organisers said.The initial lineup drop also includes rising star Badger, who is known for his eclectic mix of UK garage, bass house, and jungle; Australian dance royalty Bag Raiders; and South Coast hype machine Big Twisty (DJ set). There’s also Cassie Henderson, Charlotte Plank, Sir Dave Dobbyn, Elemeno P, Grafix, Issey Cross, Oppidan, Rova, Sin & Brook, The Butlers, Wax Mustang, and X Club.Across the different acts there’s everything from early 2000s rock to funkadelic surf-rock, hip hop to drum & bass, and pop to garage.English DJ and RAM Records co-founder Andy C is another headliner this year.Each year Rhythm & Alps welcomes close to 10,000 partygoers and 6,000 campers to the Cardrona Valley for the two-day event. Rhythm & Alps hinted at even more to come for the upcoming festival.“This year, Rhythm and Alps is taking things to a whole new level,” organisers said in a statement.There will be two new stages, some “thrilling” site additions, plus more “incredible” lineup drops.Kiwi rock band Elemeno P are also set to perform at R&A.Tickets for the Rhythm & Alps festival are available here.PHOTOS: R&A/Supplied

A male climber has died today after falling 50 metres while rock climbing in the rocky crags overlooking the Matakauri Park walkway behind Gorge Road Retail Centre on the outskirts of central Queenstown – a popular spot for climbers.Queenstown Police Senior Sergeant Steve Watt says the tragedy occurred around midday and police and emergency services, including St John Ambulance staff and the Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Team, rushed to the scene.Unfortunately, the man, understood to be with a female companion, had died during the fall and the matter has been referred to the Coroner.He was climbing off a popular track up to cliff faces overlooking Gorge Road, on the right as the road heads to Arthurs Point.Watt says police could not release the man’s age or where he was from, or any further details about his climbing experience, until his next of kin have been advised.Police remained at the scene for some time gathering any items of interest to help ascertain what happened.

Queenstown Lakes ratepayers shouldn’t get too excited about their estimated $485 each share of Queenstown Airport Corporation’s (QAC) record $19.6M dividend, which was announced this morning (Wednesday August 21).Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) share of the dividend - $14.7M - will be used to pay down debt, mayor Glyn Lewers has confirmed. QLDC holds 75.01 percent of QAC shares, so its portion of the annual dividend is $14.7 million, which equates to about $485 per ratepayer.Glyn said this was a “strong result for QLDC”, and around $3.4M beyond earlier forecasts. “The dividend will be used to pay down debt as per council’s adopted policies and it will therefore enable more breathing space for managing council’s debt ceiling,” he said.The council’s average net debt to total revenue ratio over the current draft Long Term Plan’s ten year period is estimated to be 259.5 percent (which is within the council’s limit of 280 percent).The LTP says council’s approach has been to remain within a 280 percent borrowing limit to ensure there is sufficient contingency in case of an emergency event, unforeseen maintenance, or changing legislative requirements.Glyn acknowledged the airport’s strong performance.“As 75.01 percent shareholder for the QAC, QLDC welcomes a very positive year and successful financial outcome for the airport. This is a very strong performance and shows that the strong leadership of the board and the executive has developed and maintained a stable, high-performing organisation that delivers on the needs of the community,” he said.Read more: Queenstown Airport announces record dividend, big plans for infrastructurePHOTO: Supplied