Locals are being encouraged to have their say on a draft plan which will determine how local landmark Mount Iron is used, managed and preserved.The draft Reserve Management Plan (RMP) for Mount Iron is now open for public submissions and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) community services general manager Kenneth Bailey said the council hoped to hear from a wide range of people from across the community.“This plan has been guided by feedback from the Upper Clutha community and discussions with mana whenua and sets out how this valued landmark can be enjoyed, used, maintained, preserved and enhanced,” Kenneth said.“The Parks team has worked alongside the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board to incorporate the wide range of feedback and develop the draft plan.“It’s now time to hear if that’s supported by the wider community and reflects their recreational and ecological aspirations.”Read more: Planning for Mt Iron: coffee carts, parking, mountain biking and moreThe draft plan imagines a reserve maintained as an ‘undeveloped slice of the outdoors’ within a busy town. PHOTO: Wānaka App The draft 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’.It aims for the reserve to ‘unite residents and visitors, bringing the community together to protect its cultural, ecological and recreational values’.The RMP is being created because last year QLDC purchased 100 hectares of land on Mt Iron and Little Mt Iron and more recently it took over the day-to-day management of another 50 hectares. RMPs are used by QLDC to detail the objectives and policies for different public spaces and help with day-to-day and long-term decisions on how reserves and open spaces are used, managed, and developed.QLDC parks manager Dave Winterburn encouraged people in the community who have questions about the draft plan to visit the Parks team at a community drop-in session on Mount Iron Track. “All are welcome to come along and chat to the team and elected members at the community drop-in events to be held on the Mount Iron Track near Allenby Place Carpark on Wednesday 16 October between 4.00-6.00pm and Saturday 19 October between 10.00am-12.00pm,” Dave said.“The Parks team will continue to engage closely with the community and interested parties to inform the planning of this public reserve and ensure this much-loved site is cared for and protected, now and into the future.”View the draft plan and provide a submission by November 29 here.

The NZ Mountain Film Festival Charitable Trust (MFFCT) has announced $5,580 in grants from funds raised through its charity auction in June.The Trust, which promotes “healthy and active lifestyles” through its annual mountain film festival, has been divvying up funds since 2013 for youth development, inspiring people to reach their full potential and helping people with disabilities get into outdoor activities.The festival hosts a National Tour and funds raised through it are granted to successful applicants.Recipients from this year include Wānaka’s M!NT Charitable Trust, which received $1,000 for a three-day mountain programme, alongside Cardrona Alpine Resort, to deliver a safe and supportive environment for those with intellectual disabilities to participate in skiing and snowboarding.Wānaka Backyard Trapping received $830 to complete a full circuit of protection, via ground-placed mammalian traps, around Mount Iron. The MINT Charitable Trust received funding for a three-day mountain programme, alongside Cardrona Alpine Resort to deliver a safe and supportive environment for those with intellectual disabilities to participate in skiing and snowboarding.Rare endemic wildlife in the reserve includes tomtits, brown creepers, NZ falcons, Kawarau geckos and tussock skinks.MFFCT said the trapping project will continue the focus of increasing native biodiversity – plants, birds, lizards and invertebrates – through ongoing pest eradication. Wānaka’s Kahu Youth received $1,500 to support its 'Youth vs Wild' programme for local rangatahi. The two-day intensive programme is loosely based upon the television series 'Man vs Wild' teaching youth basic survival skills and participating in thrilling activities in nature. The programme will be facilitated by professional adventure guides and supported by two Youth Development workers with a capacity for 10 young people in the programme.Whenua Iti Outdoors received $1,000 from the MFFCT towards purchasing a beach wheelchair. Whenua Iti offers an amputee family camp, and said the beach wheelchair will be a major asset.Last year the group ran a camp for 8-12 year olds with physical disabilities. A stand up paddle board that was funded by the MMFCT came into its own during this camp, ensuring that those tamariki who were not confident or able to paddleboard on their own were still able to experience the joy of being on the water. The Diamond Lake Conservation Trust received $1,250 to assist in setting up a new trapline along the Motatapu River. Find out more about the NZ Mountain Film Festival Grant Scheme here.The 23rd NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival will take place in Wānaka next year from June 20-24 and Queenstown from June 26-27.PHOTOS: Supplied

A high-speed electric passenger lift system linking the Cardrona Valley to the Cardrona Alpine Resort and Soho ski areas is among three local projects announced in the government’s fast-track approvals projects released today (Sunday October 6).The gondola is part of a Blackmans Creek Holdings Limited project, which lists developer John Darby as the sole director. The project will establish on-mountain visitor accommodation, guest facilities, and workers' accommodation.A development to establish 263 high-density units at Mt Iron Junction, and the controversial Bendigo-Ophir gold mining project were also selected for fast-track approval.In total the government announced 149 projects nationwide.“The 149 projects selected by the government have significant regional or national benefits,” regional development minister Shane Jones said.“They will make a big difference in the regions by delivering jobs and growth and develop a pipeline of major projects to help boost the economy.“The 149 projects chosen by Cabinet ... will be listed in Schedule 2 of the Bill once [it] is reported back from the Environment Committee in mid-October. Once the Bill is passed, they will be able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority to have an expert panel assess the project and apply relevant conditions."The minister said the Fast Track Approvals Bill is a key part of the government’s plan to rebuild the economy and cut through "the red and green tape" that has made it more and more difficult to build the projects New Zealand needs.Find the list of all projects here.PHOTO: File

Three local organisations have teamed up to bring neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis to Wānaka to talk about parenting teenagers.Nathan, who has a background in child counselling, teaching and social service management will present ‘The Teen Brain’ on Monday October 14 at the Lake Wānaka Centre.During adolescence, parts of the teenage brain “shut for renovations”, Nathan says.He will present research-based tips and practices to help enhance parents, caregivers and teenagers cope with this “tricky time”.‘The Teen Brain’ is being facilitated by Path Wānaka (formerly Wānaka Alcohol Group), Community LINK and Central Otago REAP after a handful of locals secured the date.“The three organisations jumped in to make this happen as we are well aware of Nathan’s credentials,” Central Otago REAP education lead (schools and ECE) Julie Musumeci said.She said the local community was very lucky to have someone of Nathan’s calibre and experience here for the second time.Attendees can be “completely comfortable and confident” that any tips or advice they receive is the right, evidence-based information, Julie said.Anyone with children or whānau in their pre-teen or teen years will benefit from the talk, she said.Path Wānaka chair Randall Dobbs told the Wānaka App Nathan spoke in Wānaka in 2016, with a session on pre-school and primary children and another on teenagers.“He was really good,” Randall said. “He was full of energy and gave great examples.”“I would expect for this event he will put on a really good show.”The talk is the first to take place since Path Wānaka’s refresh, which has included a new name, a bolstered operation, a revised mission statement and a status as an incorporated society and registered charity formalised.Read more: Refresh for Path WānakaRandall said Path Wānaka aims to be a “central source” for the sort of high quality information on young people and parenting which people like Nathan provide.‘The Teen Brain’ talk will take place on Monday October 14 at 7pm at the Lake Wānaka Centre.Tickets are $30, plus booking fee. Buy tickets here.PHOTO: Nathan Wallis

The University of Otago council has approved work to progress an ambitious development project to create a permanent presence in the Queenstown Lakes district.Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson says the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whākaihu Waka has a long history in this district and wishes to develop it further, to drive the growth of both the university and the region.“We want to be a part of the growth in the region and to be a part of innovative partnerships that uphold research and teaching excellence,” he said.“We will have a particular focus on supporting the region as a technology hub and centre for innovation.”Grant said the university wants to build on its previous work, including the delivery of rural medical training based in Central Otago, its relationship with Queenstown Resort College and its strategic framework for the region developed in 2022. He said the university had joined Technology Queenstown as a founding member to signal its desire to help develop Queenstown Lakes as “an international technology centre”.Grant said the university was keen to collaborate with the community, businesses and other tertiary institutions.“We want to create a dynamic presence in the region that drives excellence in teaching and research and finds new and innovative ways to support the growth of both the University and the region. As part of the project there is a long-term intent to develop accommodation for students and staff, most likely in a partnership model.”Grant said the development would initially focus on delivering existing programmes, executive education and research partnerships, then over the next few years look to develop tailored programmes in partnership with industry and overseas universities.“A strong presence in Queenstown and the Lakes District is a further step towards global connectivity, allowing the University to foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge, experiences and networks both regionally and worldwide,” he said.PHOTO: Supplied

A Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) grant will provide more than 1,400 entries to sport and recreation facilities and programmes for not-for-profit organisations and charities this year.Recipients have been selected for the annual Get Active Community Grant after an application process earlier this year, QLDC community partnerships wellbeing advisor Samantha Saccomanno said.“We enjoyed going through all the applications in detail and were able to give out 1,462 passes to a real variety of community groups catering to different ages and needs across the district,” Samantha said.“It’s a great way to get people into sport and recreation who might otherwise not have the opportunity.”The passes cover everything from pool entry to sports like pickleball, badminton and table tennis.In total, 12 organisations will receive free passes through the grant, this year, including ADL, Community LINK, Kāhu Youth Trust, MINT Charitable Trust, PACT and more.“Sport, recreation and play are essential for one's health and wellbeing,” Samantha said.“This grant provides the opportunity for community members to access our facilities who otherwise wouldn’t have had the means.“We’re looking forward to helping promote an active lifestyle and increase participation at our sport and recreation facilities via the Get Active Community Grant passes.”The Get Active Community Grant passes will be valid for one year running from September 1 2024 to August 31, 2025. In addition to the new Get Active Community Grant, QLDC offers a range of ‘in kind’ support for local events, fundraising and community projects across the district, Samantha said.This includes council venue, reserves or equipment hire; regulatory, resource consent and permitting fees; and vouchers that can be used as prizes in raffles or silent auctions.More information about these options is available here.PHOTO: QLDC 

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) mayor Glyn Lewers says he is “very positive” the Dunedin Hospital will be built, and also “encouraged that there is a medium to long term focus of the needs in inland Otago”.Glyn took part in a Zoom meeting with Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora Infrastructure head Blake Lepper, and mayors from other districts and chairs of regional councils on Monday (September 30).The meeting followed an announcement from the government last week that current plans for Dunedin Hospital can not be delivered on the allocated $1.88B budget. The announcement led to marches in Otago - including Wānaka - where protesters voiced their dissatisfaction at the possibility of a scaled-back hospital.Glyn told the Wānaka App the mayors were told $1.88B was the target cost for the hospital, and that Te Whatu Ora’s infrastructure team is trying to set targets within that budget.The scaling back option is “well down the bottom of the options”, Glyn said.“They made it very clear there is a clinical bottom line they are not going under.”“It’s obvious that expectations were raised [by politicians] during the campaign period and promises were made… and they have walked them back,” he said.“But there’s also a realisation that the way the procurement has gone ... has led to the point where the government has risked the further escalation of price and ‘scope creep’...,” he said.Nonetheless, he felt “a lot more confident” after the meeting that the new Dunedin Hospital will be built, “but it may not be the same” as anticipated.How did we get here? ‘Dunedin-centric’ planningGlyn said a common theme from Monday’s discussion was that “demand modelling and growing need in Otago was not accounted for as it should have been”. More bluntly, he said: “I got the impression it was a very Dunedin-centric view of the world and that was one of the drawbacks of the hospital. They needed more regional data feeding into it.”Glyn said health minister Shane Reti recently told TVNZ that population growth in Otago was “unknown” when planning for the hospital upgrade began.More than 300 people protested a scaled-down proposal for Dunedin Hospital in Wānaka on the weekend. PHOTO: Wānaka AppFor anyone who has lived in the Southern Lakes for more than a decade, that seems an extraordinary claim. Currently, Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago’s combined resident-only population is 79,000, which is similar in size to Palmerston North. Visitors to the region increase the population, and need, substantially.Queenstown Lakes has been the fastest growing area in New Zealand for many years and has had a population increase of eight percent in the last year alone; Central Otago is the third fastest-growing region. Glyn pointed out that the Ministry of Health has “only started talking” to the Queenstown Urban Growth Partnership (which undertakes a form of spatial planning), while, for example, the Ministry of Education appears to have taken “a more data and evidence-based approach to decision making”, he said.“Health is extremely politicised,” he said.In addition, while much planning had been undertaken for outpatient services in Dunedin, there was “a bit more work to be done” for inpatients, Glyn said. “If we turn the clock back six or seven years, decisions would be different, even coming down to site selection.”Silver lining for Southern Lakes?Health NZ has now acknowledged the growth in the Queenstown Lakes district, which Glyn said was “an important step”“There’s a realisation that secondary services that are closer to home will take pressure off Dunedin. Under the old District Health Board (DHB) system, health officials thought Queenstown and Wānaka could be served by Dunedin, he said.While Dunedin will always be a tertiary base hospital for those specialist care requirements, the removal of DHB boundaries now means Christchurch [and Timaru] Hospital is also an option for residents of the Upper Clutha, he said.“Those artificial cost barriers have been broken.”Health officials are also now “looking at more up to date data, they’re looking at different ways of procuring”, Glyn said.“Hopefully over time you’ll see a better efficient use of space (across Otago).” That prospect may include plans being worked on by a group of mayors and members of parliament (MPs), comprising Glyn, Central Otago mayor Tim Cadogan, Waitaki MP Miles Anderson, Southland MP Joseph Mooney, and NZ First List MP Mark Patterson.Joseph Mooney has been leading the project with the help of Queenstown business management consultant Helen Foot.Progress on mayors’ strategic health planGlyn said that project, which involves a public/private health partnership, aims to present a strategic plan to ministers at the end of this calendar year.Miles told the Wānaka App in April the project was “not about building a big building, it’s about utilising everything that’s here”, citing, for example, that maternity services could take place in Wānaka, surgery in Clyde, and renal services in Naseby - using existing staff.The Wānaka App asked Glyn if he was confident the project would yield results which would improve access to health care for Queenstown Lakes residents.“I’m pleased with it,” he said. “It has brought together all the data. Whatever the outcome, it’s brought us all together, iwi, both districts, we know what the need is. It will drive an outcome,” he said, adding he wasn’t sure what that outcome would be.Te Whatu Ora has “taken a step back” in the project, which was “a bone of contention”, Glyn said. “They’re going through a pretty tough time at the moment… That doesn’t mean we don’t talk to them.”But he was more confident about Te Whatu Ora’s understanding and acknowledgement of the regional need: “They are more aware of demands and needs of where the population base is. Health NZ is slowly getting a little more data driven .. instead of politics.”And, Glyn said: “We’re getting to a size now where we can’t be ignored anymore.”

An analysis of the Wānaka property market indicates that interest in the residential market is fairly steady but buyers are cautious.Colliers’ annual property market wrap-up and projection report says market sentiment is expected to improve in the coming year, both in Wānaka and across the region.“Wānaka remains a desirable location to live and holiday in, with domestic migration and visitor numbers providing solid local economic drivers,” Colliers Otago director of valuation Heather Beard said.According to Statistics New Zealand, population growth in Wānaka and surrounds averaged 4.5 percent per annum over the five years to 2023. In comparison, population growth across New Zealand for the same period was only 1.3 percent per annum.Still, it has been a mixed year for the local residential market.Interest and activity in the entry level range sector of the residential market remains steady with “good demand”, Heather said, while the luxury market has “generally proven to be robust”.Section sales, on the other hand, “remain slow”.“Titles have been released in several new developments in 2024, accounting for the large volume of section sales during the year,” Heather said. “However, it is worth noting that the majority of these sections were signed up in 2021 and 2022 in more favourable market conditions.”“There has only been a limited number of titled section sales in Wānaka outside of these developments between January and July 2024.”Even though interest in the luxury market has been “fairly strong”, actual transaction levels remain low.Just seven sales above $4M were concluded between January and July 2024, two of which were lifestyle properties. The highest price paid for a residential dwelling in Wānaka in 2024, to the end of August, was $7.84M, well down from the previous record sale price in 2023 of $10M for a residential property on a 2ha block.In the rental market, the “extreme rental property shortage” has eased, listings have increased, and rents “appear to be stabilising” after a period of rapid growth.The median weekly market rental in Wānaka in the first half of 2024 was $820 per week, more than $160 under the comparable Queenstown median of $975.Market sentiment across the region is expected to improve into 2025, especially with the improved outlook for interest rate cuts, Heather said.“With uncertainty and challenges facing both buyers and sellers in the market we have certainly seen the ‘wait-and-see’ approach play out this year.”Wānaka was one of the locations with “pockets of stronger activity”, along with Queenstown and Central Otago, because the attraction “as a lifestyle choice for people leaving the main cities remains strong”.Region-wide, Heather said she expected transaction volumes to pick up as the effect of decreasing interest rates gradually begins to flow through into the market. “However, highly geared homeowners will continue to be challenged until we see any significant effect on mortgage rates, which is still a long way off.”Read the full 2024 Colliers Property Market Review and Outlook report here.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Otago Regional Council (ORC) has heard community input on the council’s representation review at a hearing yesterday (Thursday October 3).A representation review is required to be undertaken every six years: ORC currently has 12 councillors, elected from four constituencies: Dunstan (3), Moeraki (1), Molyneux (1) and Dunedin (6). At present, Dunedin’s six councillors represent just over 115,000 people compared with Dunstan’s three councillors covering a population of almost 79,000. The Dunstan constituency covers both Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago.While the ORC has proposed to reduce Dunedin’s seats to five and boost Dunstan’s to four, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) says this doesn’t go far enough.QLDC has submitted that a fifth constituency - encompassing Queenstown, Frankton, Wānaka, and Cromwell - be created, with the working title ‘Upper Lakes’. “Including Cromwell would recognise the close relationship between these areas reflected in the Queenstown Lakes Spatial Plan and Cromwell’s increasing growth with challenges emerging similar to those of the Queenstown Lakes District,” QLDC’s submission said.The new constituency “should elect a number of members to fairly, effectively, and proportionately represent the growing population now and into the mid-term future (assuming no further review of representation for another six years) and the overall population trends in the wider Otago region”. Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer also submitted that ORC’s current proposal “does not go far enough in recognising the community of interest centering around Queenstown, Wānaka and, possibly, Cromwell”. He also pushed for a fifth ORC constituency represented by three elected members.ORC’s initial proposal was available for public consultation from July 10 to September 8 and attracted 165 submissions, six of which spoke at this week’s hearing.Read more: Fifth constituency recommended to ORCThe ORC report said submitters supported the initial proposal “overall”.Other comments from submitters included that smaller populations in places like Tarras need local government support to ensure local values are reflected in decision-making; and proposed upcoming large developments in the Dunstan Rohe (such as the Bendigo Goldmine) require additional representation for Dunstan. Deliberations will follow yesterday’s hearings before council makes a final decision at the October 23 meeting – after which there will be a one-month appeals/objections period.The Local Government Commission will determine the arrangements by April 2025, and they will take effect for the local government elections in October 2025.PHOTO: Wānaka App

With the bombshell news the council’s Freedom Camping Bylaw is invalid, what does this mean for freedom campers and how will locals be affected?Last week a High Court judicial review ruled the Queenstown Lakes District’s Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021 was invalid, removing the restrictions governing freedom campers in our district - in particular where they could camp.Read more: Council’s freedom camping bylaw ruled invalidThe council is working on a new bylaw, but this will require further community consultation and is likely to take nine months to produce.Meanwhile, council staff plan to produce new information, and public signs to reassure locals that freedom campers won’t be taking over public areas widely used by locals to access lakes and rivers.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) chief executive Mike Theelen told the Wānaka App although the bylaw’s restrictions have been lifted, traffic and parking rules still apply as do recreational reserve management plans which will continue to restrict freedom camping.“We can’t guarantee that all freedom campers will do the right thing. However ... public reserves have specific restrictions on temporary and permanent accommodation under the law and …these restrictions still apply,” he said.This means freedom camping will still not be permitted in popular areas such as at Eely Point, or on the Roys Bay or Waterfall Creek foreshores, or beside the Clutha River at the Outlet.“If problems arise in a particular area then council will consider what restrictions and/or enforcement tools it can use on a case-by-case basis,” Mike said.“As we have done in previous years, QLDC will employ summer ambassadors to provide visitor education alongside increased enforcement.”The bylaw challengeThe Freedom Camping Bylaw gave QLDC the ability to manage freedom camping with specific rules, restrictions and enforcement actions.Mike said the bylaw sought to balance national legislation with the needs and expectations of campers and local communities.  The “inconsiderate actions” of many freedom campers was one impetus for the Freedom Camping Bylaw. “We have consulted extensively with our community on this contentious topic and received strong feedback that the inconsiderate actions of so many freedom campers created a very negative experience for locals and other visitors alike.” The New Zealand Motor Home Association (NZMCA) challenged the bylaw on the grounds it had paid too much attention to “irrelevant” issues, such as the effect of freedom camping on neighbouring areas (such as the dumping of rubbish and waste affecting neighbouring land and streams), and that it was too restrictive.The High Court judge agreed with the NZMCA.On social media the NZMCA declared the QLDC had “jumped the gun” by advising its ratepayers the bylaw was no longer enforceable, saying the council still had an opportunity to make a submission to the court, as the final outcome from the court’s ruling is yet to be determined.Mike said the court made its final declaration that the bylaw was invalid.“Given the high level of public interest in this topic, it was important for us to share the news with our community straight away,” he said.The court has also said that parties are to file submissions “as to any additional relief that should be granted”, which relates to things like when the decision will take legal effect, but the court will not change its declaration, Mike said.     NZMCA has been unhappy with QLDC’s camping bylaw for years. The group considered a judicial challenge during the previous bylaw review in 2019 but withdrew it.NZMCA was approached for comment but has not responded to the Wānaka App.Next stepsQLDC already has work underway to develop a new bylaw to manage freedom camping, and Mike said consultation will take place in the first half of 2025. The court has been asked to clarify when the bylaw’s invalidation takes effect. This will decide if the council has to refund any fines issued since 2021 when the bylaw was adopted.QLDC also needs to consider if there are any legal grounds to appeal the decision. Council has said it would only appeal if, after analysing the decision, there appeared to be a clear error of law, and if correcting it justifies the costs of an appeal.In the meantime, QLDC plans to review its signage and maps; and publish additional information to explain to freedom campers and locals how existing restrictions (separate from the bylaw) will still apply. Council will continue to promote its responsible camping education programme which includes ensuring campervans must be certified self-contained, with a toilet and enough fresh and wastewater storage for three days without getting more or dumping waste, as well as defining the number of people allowed to sleep in the van. It will also employ “summer ambassadors” in popular freedom camping spots to promote local campgrounds, and advise freedom campers of their responsibilities not to damage or spoil the local environment, or interfere with public access.“Freedom campers are encouraged to read and understand any rules or restrictions and local community expectations for responsible camping,” the council said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Zoning for Upper Clutha primary schools has had a shake up with Wānaka Primary School’s enrolment zone expanded to include the Albert Town area while Te Kura O Take Kārara’s zone has been reduced.The local enrolment zone amendments follow consultation with the Ministry of Education.Wānaka Primary School principal Wendy Bamford told the Wānaka App the change would “reduce growth pressure on Take Kārara and use up spare classrooms at Wānaka Primary School”.Zoning for the two schools was implemented ahead of Te Kura O Take Kārara's opening in 2020.Wānaka Primary School’s roll shrunk by hundreds in the years following as the result of its restricted zone, Wendy said.The school was forced to make staff redundant and classrooms emptied.As the result of this, in September the Wānaka Primary School board made the decision to offer out-of-zone enrolments for 2025.Te Kura O Take Kārara and Wānaka Primary School also began consultation with the Ministry of Education on amending the school zones in July this year.Read more: School zones undergoing ‘rebalancing’Wendy confirmed the school board has agreed to adopt the amended zone. The school zone, which now includes Albert Town. IMAGE: SuppliedShe said this meant students within the Albert Town zone can enrol at Wānaka Primary School as in-zone enrolments from term four.Wānaka Primary School’s updated enrolment zone includes the boundaries formed between Ardmore Street and the Wānaka-Luggate Highway north along the shores of Lake Wānaka and the Clutha River outlet, as well as Albert Town.  The Te Kura O Take Kārara zone still covers central, south and west Wānaka, and Cardrona.Wendy said families interested in enrolling at Wānaka Primary School should visit the school office.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is asking residents to weigh in on proposed changes to waterway rules including the removal of ski lanes at Eely Point and other locations on Lake Wānaka.The draft Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025 also proposes the creation of ‘passage lanes’ under the Albert Town Bridge to separate swimmers and bridge jumpers from vessels.Councillors approved the draft bylaw for consultation at last month’s meeting but some, including deputy mayor Quentin Smith, noted that the existing bylaw was “working pretty well”.The bylaw should be “looking for evolution, not revolution”, he said.Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) members also recommended sticking with the status quo for the most part at a meeting in July.Read more: No big changes needed for water rules - community boardPrevious proposals to restrict bridge jumping at Albert Town have faced heated opposition from members of the public, as have proposals to reduce ski lanes.The draft bylaw currently out for consultation proposes the removal of the Waterfall Creek ski lane and the Roys Bay ski lane adjacent to Pembroke Park in addition to the Eely Point ski lane.It proposes to reduce Glendhu Bay’s eastern ski lane by 50 metres but keep the western ski lane as is.The draft bylaw proposes removing ski lanes from Eely Point, Roys Bay, and Waterfall Creek.A range of changes are also proposed for ski lanes in the Wakatipu Ward. The draft bylaw would carry over “the majority of provisions” from the existing bylaw, QLDC principal policy advisor Luke Place said.They included rules around life jackets and safe use of the Wave in Hāwea, which would remain the same.Other proposed changes include increasing vessel identification requirements and increasing the harbourmaster’s involvement and discretion over events on the water.Council staff said the draft bylaw had been informed by public engagement including online pre-engagement late last year and a public workshop with elected members in April.Submissions on the draft bylaw are open for the month of October.Read the draft bylaw and provide feedback here or find a copy at Wānaka’s QLDC office or library.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

A Wānaka rock band which was able to tour and record its first album with support from last year’s Thrash More competition is encouraging budding musicians to enter this year.The nation-wide Thrash More competition is open to high school bands and musicians up to age 25 with a $10,000 cash prize for the winner.Seven thousand dollars will go to the band or artists towards music equipment, an album release or studio recording time, and the remaining $3,000 to the winner’s chosen secondary school or community music facility.In 2023 Powder Chutes (featuring members Clarke West, Otis Murphy, Henry McConnell and Archie Orbell) won the competition and said it provided a host of opportunities.“The prize money enabled us to both continue recording our debut album, and to pay something back into the community that’s been such an important part of our journey,” the band said in a statement.The group used the $3,000 community cash prize to donate a Gibson Les Paul guitar to the Te Kura O Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) music department.“If you’re in a band, get writing and get involved in this year’s Thrash More,” Powder Chutes said.The entry period for Thrash More (funded by AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand) began this week and it closes in November, with the winner decided by a yet-to-be-announced top Kiwi band.“It has been exciting to see Powder Chutes… continue to grow from strength to strength, this past year,” AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand co-founder and managing director Henry van Asch said.He said there had been “overwhelming interest” in the competition last year.“Based on the entries we received in 2023, there is a fantastic mix of emerging homegrown musicians across New Zealand, and we hope this initiative encourages them to give it a go.”The month-long music competition is open to bands and musicians aged 13-25, from any music genre. Artists can enter the contest by filling out the official entry form via the contest website and uploading a video of their original song to social media, using the hashtag #ThrashMore and tagging @ajhackettbungynz.PHOTO: Nat Warburton

Finley Melville Ives (Wānaka, 18) has claimed the gold and Luke Harrold (Lake Hāwea, 16) has claimed the silver at the FIS Australia New Zealand Cup (ANC) Freeski Halfpipe competition.  Finley scored a 92.67 with a technical run executed with precision to take the win.“I am so stoked,” he said. “It’s so amazing and it’s such a good result at the last halfpipe competition of the season – I am really happy.” His winning run included a switch left double corked 1080 into back-to-back double corked 1260s.  Luke, who finished in second place with a score of 90.00, put down a technical run which included his trademark trick combination of back-to-back switch double alley-oop 900s on his final two hits. “There are just a few of us doing them [the switch double alley-oop 900s] on the World Cup circuit,” he said. “They are kind of my specialty, so I really enjoy doing them… it’s a super fun, floaty trick.” Both Finley and Luke said the event, held at Cardrona Alpine Resort yesterday (October 1) featured a really high level of competition.Benjamin Fethke of the USA rounded out the podium in third, and Wānaka’s Ben Harrington finished just off the podium in fourth position.  It was a tightly fought competition, with numerous World Cup athletes on the stacked start list, Snow Sports NZ said in a statement. Head freeski judge Victoria Beattie complemented both of the freeskiers’ runs.Luke’s run - the first of the day - was “incredible and… it’s always a tricky choice when the first run of the competition is put down so well”. “Fin executed his run just that little bit cleaner, landed higher on the pipe wall, showed better control through the bottom and put down a great technical run,” she said. “Those two athletes were really toying for the top.” Yesterday’s FIS ANC Freeski Halfpipe competition also included the women’s freeski category where Australia’s Indra Brown took the win; and the snowboarders also took on the pipe, where Kanoe Pelfrey of American Samoa won the women’s and Zensei Nishizuka of Japan won the men’s. Competition is set to continue today (Wednesday October 2) with the FIS ANC Freeski Slopestyle competition on Big Bucks terrain park and the age division freeski and snowboard competitions in the halfpipe.PHOTO: Ross Mackay/ Snow Sports NZ

Wastebusters has had some strange things donated over the years, but it was a first for the community enterprise to have to call in the army to help deal with an item.On Saturday (September 28) a World War I grenade - the result of a good spring clean of a local’s garden shed - was dropped off, prompting swift action by Wastebusters staff when it was found among the resident’s donations.“Fortunately it turned out that there was no explosive in the grenade, but no-one could ascertain that until the trained army experts arrived the following day to deal with it safely,” Wastebusters general manager Gina Dempster said.Gina praised the quick thinking of front yard team member Simon McKenzie and the wider crew who quickly secured the grenade in a safe place away from customers and staff and involved the police right away.Senior Constable Bruce McLean echoed the sentiment, saying “their actions were spot on, exactly right”.“If there’s any risk to a person, be it from a bio hazard, an explosive, anything, give us a call. Don’t just turn up with it,” he said.New Zealand Army personnel came to Wastebusters on Sunday (September 29) and confirmed the grenade as being a Mills 23 grenade from the early 1900s. Their assessment discovered that the grenade did not contain any explosives.Wastebusters was able to stay open during the army visit, as the grenade was contained in the upstairs area at a safe distance from staff and customers.“We are very grateful to the professionalism of both the Wānaka Police, and army personnel who responded and ensured the grenade was safely removed from our site,” Gina said.After viewing Wastebusters’ CCTV footage, police were able to track down and speak to the resident.Gina said Wastebusters has had items such as rabbit poison and ammunition dropped off before, but a grenade on site was a first.“We’d encourage everyone who supports Wastebusters to join us in putting the safety of our staff and customers first,” she said. “If you want to clear out guns or weapons, please contact the police directly, and they’ll give you instructions on what to do.“And if there’s something you’re not sure about that you’d like to donate or pass on, just give Wastebusters a call on (03) 443 8606.If we can’t accept it we’ll point you in the right direction.”If unusual items are discovered here are the options for disposing of them safely:For explosives, guns or weapons, contact the Police on 105 (non-emergency) or 111 (in an emergency).For hazardous waste, including substances harmful to people or the environment, call the transfer station on 03 341 2092.For anything else check council’s A-Z Directory.PHOTO: Wastebusters

An analysis of the Wānaka property market indicates ongoing supply issues in the tightly held commercial and industrial markets.Colliers’ annual property market wrap-up and projection report says market sentiment is expected to improve in the coming year, both in Wānaka and across the region.The Wānaka market “remains active and has been fairly resilient to the challenging market conditions experienced in other parts of New Zealand,” Colliers Otago director of valuation Heather Beard said. “However, the local market has not been completely immune to current economic conditions. Buyers are now more cautious and are taking a conservative approach.”Wānaka commercial market ‘tightly held’Heather said the local commercial property market “continues to be tightly held and buyers looking for investment opportunities in the town centre facing a limited supply of stock”.Buyers are showing more caution and are taking the time to evaluate investment opportunities thoroughly. There is a limited supply of stock for buyers looking to invest in the town centre.She cited the example of the Mediterranean Market and McKenzie & Willis building, at 6/22 Ardmore Street, which sold in August after being first listed for sale in November 2021.Retail vacancy remains low and there is also minimal office vacancy in the town centre, with no new supply of retail and office space in the short term, and “the high cost of land and construction is continuing to challenge the viability of new developments in the town centre.”Tenant demand slowed during late 2023 and 2024, but tenants wishing to enter the Wānaka market do have options in the Three Parks development, “where new supply is ongoing at a steady rate”.Read more: ‘Support local’ in challenging retail sector - business chamber boss‘Continued demand’ in Wānaka industrial marketThere is continued demand from investors for modern, high quality industrial property in Wānaka with long-term leases in place, Heather said, but the availability of stock is an “ongoing issue due to the tightly held nature of the Wānaka market”. Rents in the Anderson Heights Business Park and Ballantyne Road industrial areas have continued to increase over late 2023 and 2024, although at a slower pace than the previous two years. “Rents for existing premises are expected to stabilise going forward due to challenging economic conditions and tenant affordability ceilings being reached.“There are very few vacant, titled, industrial sites currently available to purchase in Wānaka.“There is also a supply shortage of industrial facilities, with several planned developments requiring tenant commitment before construction can commence, particularly in Three Parks.” Region-wide trends and projectionsMarket sentiment across the region is expected to improve into 2025, especially with the improved outlook for interest rate cuts, Heather said.“With uncertainty and challenges facing both buyers and sellers in the market we have certainly seen the ‘wait-and-see’ approach play out this year.”Read the full 2024 Colliers Property Market Review and Outlook report here.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Police faced a potentially explosive situation when a grenade was disposed of to Wastebusters on Saturday (September 29).Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said while she acknowledged the action was well intended, people should consider what they are disposing of and think through the implications.“This is simply not okay,” Fi said.“A big thank you to the team at Wastebusters who managed the situation extremely well. My advice, if you discover an unexploded ordnance, or if you are unsure of its status… don’t touch it, leave the area and call 111. Certainly don’t transport it to another location.”She said police and the New Zealand Defence Force will activate an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squadron to neutralise the ordnance.“The EOD unit will attend any part of New Zealand, 24/7, 365 days a year to assess, remove, or destroy any potentially hazardous explosive items, which is what happened on this occasion.”Later on Saturday a male was involved in a fight at Bullock Bar. “On police arrival he was aggressive, swearing and verbally abusive towards police,” Fi said. The man was warned for disorderly conduct, but police were called back later and he was arrested. “The male is facing charges of escape[ing] custody (he ran off and was located after being placed under arrest), disorderly behaviour and possession of cannabis,” Fi said.Vehicle vs power poleLast Thursday (September 26) at around 5 am police were called to “an incident involving a vehicle versus power pole on Aubrey Road”, Fi said.  The driver was assessed by ambulance staff at the scene and there were no injuries. The driver has been charged with excess breath alcohol (903), dangerous driving, driving contrary to terms of zero alcohol and breach of bail. Police opposed bail and the driver has been remanded in custody.“This is a disappointing incident. Police will continue to do everything within our power to remove recidivist drivers off our roads. The consequences are immense, on so many levels,” Fi said.On Sunday night (September 29) a male who was driving west on Meadowstone Drive failed to see a car parked on the side of the road. The single occupant male driver left the scene before police arrived, without leaving his details with any of the witnesses. “The driver has since been located and spoken to. He has been charged with careless driving,” Fi said.She said there were “some pleasing results” over the past week reported by the Impairment Prevention Team (IPT), with 501 vehicles stopped through checkpoints in Wānaka and drivers screened for alcohol. There was one excess breath/blood alcohol (EBA), awaiting blood results, Fi said.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

Wānaka snowsports athletes Finley Melville Ives and Rocco Jamieson have reached the podium in their respective Big Air competitions today (Monday September 30) at Cardrona Alpine Resort.Both athletes were competing in the FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Big Air with Finley finishing third in the freeski event and Rocco third in snowboard.The event was held in perfect conditions with more than 60 ski and snowboard athletes (representing seven nations) seeking valuable FIS and ANC points.Lucas Ball (16, Nelson) was crowned the men's FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Freeski Big Air champion putting down a technical triple cork 1800 with a safety grab. Australia’s Cameron Waddell finished in second place, with Finley in third.  The men’s snowboard field was stacked with World Cup podium athletes dropping in alongside up and coming local riders. Japan’s Hiroto Ogiwara took the win, with Arrowtown’s Lyon Farrell (25) in second place and Rocco in third.Madeleine Disbrowe (Queenstown, 16) won the women’s Freeski Big Air.  The Cardrona NZ Freestyle Nationals is being held at Cardrona Alpine Resort this week (September 30 – October 4). The age division NZ National Champions will be crowned in Skier-Cross, Boarder-Cross, Freeski & Snowboard Halfpipe and Freeski and Snowboard Slopestyle. At the end of the week the overall National Champions will also be crowned for all age divisions.PHOTO: Ross Mackay

The Wānaka Business Chamber has announced the finalists for the 2024 Wānaka Business Excellence Awards in association with Milford Asset Management.The Chamber said the selection process has been rigorous and the finalists chosen for their outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence in their respective fields."The judging panel had the difficult task of evaluating an incredibly diverse and innovative group of businesses,” Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat said. “What stood out this year was the level of adaptability and forward-thinking that so many businesses demonstrated, particularly as they navigated recent economic challenges.”A revamped application and judging process, designed to make it more accessible for businesses to enter, resulted in a record number of entries.“It’s a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit here in Wānaka that we’ve seen such strong engagement with the awards,” Glenn said. “We look forward to celebrating not only the finalists but the broader business community that continues to drive our region forward."Glenn congratulated all the entrants and said he hoped the process allowed business leaders to step back from day-to-day operations and reflect on their progress.The winners of the 2024 Wānaka Business Excellence Awards will be announced at the awards gala dinner at Rippon Hall on November 9.Tickets to the awards gala dinner can be purchased here.Finalists for the 2024 Wānaka Business Excellence Awards are:Main Industry CategoriesExcellence in Customer Experience – Supported by Drive AccountingMitre 10 MEGA WānakaThe Next ChapterWastebustersExcellence in Visitor Experience – Supported by Lake Wānaka TourismBike GlendhunzbiketrailsWānaka Helicopter GroupExcellence in Trade & Industrial Sector - Supported by FindexArchitectural + Design LibraryWānaka SolarWānaka StoneExcellence in Primary & Consumer Goods – Supported by Cardrona Alpine Resort and TrebleConeBalance MeRipponSidekick SodaExcellence in Professional Services – Supported by Aspiring LawConstructive ConsultantsGreenhawk Chartered AccountantsMike Pero Mortgages Wānaka & QueenstownSchistrockmedia - The Wānaka AppSpecialist CategoriesStrategy, Innovation & Business – Supported by Batchelar McDougall ConsultingArchitectural + Design LibraryBike GlendhuFluid Visual CommunicationsBest Emerging Business Award – Supported by Air New ZealandGreen FoxnzbiketrailsEmployer of the Year – Supported by EASI NZGreenhawk Chartered AccountantsMitre 10 Mega WānakaWānaka StoneBusiness Sustainability & Environmental Impact – Supported by Queenstown Lakes District CouncilGreen FoxGreenhawk Chartered AccountantsWastebustersCommunity Contribution – Supported by Queenstown AirportFood for LoveWānaka Golf ClubWastebustersPHOTO: Bunker Street Film Co