A woman has been charged over a fatal car crash on the Crown Range earlier this month.One person was killed and seven more were injured in the two-vehicle crash between a car and a van on the alpine road on Sunday November 3.Hamilton woman Anneli De Los Santos, 50, has made her initial appearance in court.She appeared in Hamilton District Court yesterday morning (Tuesday November 12), charged with careless driving causing death, Stuff reported.Joyce Fesico, reported to be a close relative of Anneli’s, was killed in the crash.Anneli also faces five other charges of careless driving causing injury to five other victims in the crash.Stuff said she was remanded on bail and without plea.She will appear again in Hamilton District Court on December 4.PHOTO: Suppled

Wānaka Mediterranean Market’s owner, grocery wholesaler Bidfood NZ, has confirmed the business’s wholesale side will close at the end of this month, with the retail side to close by the New Year.Bidfood NZ CEO Phil Struckmann told the Wānaka App he advised the market’s 30 staff of the decision on Friday (November 10).Last week Phil said Bidfood was consulting with Wānaka Mediterranean Market staff on a proposal to close the business of 23 years, and the consultation period would finish on Friday.On Monday (November 11) he told the Wānaka App that Bidfood was “not in a position to change our proposal”.“It hasn’t been an easy decision,” Phil said.“We bought the business in 2006; it’s very much been a part of Bidfood and we don’t take this lightly.”The closure proposal followed “a lengthy and exhaustive analysis”, he said.Phil said he put the proposal to the Wānaka staff members in “good faith” asking them if they had local knowledge which could change the picture, he said.“I personally took on every bit of feedback … but didn’t see anything that would work.”The reason for the closure was that the business was “between a rock and a hard place”, he said.“We’re getting too big for that site but can’t afford to move anywhere else.”He said the lease at 6/22 Ardmore had two years left, and while the landlord indicated the business could get a longer lease Phil said it couldn’t grow on that site.“Relocating is way too expensive.”The retail side of the business will remain open “through December”, Phil said, and after Christmas and New Year it will “clear the stock and close the doors”.Its wholesale operation will close sooner, on December 1, after which Bidfood’s Queenstown branch will provide deliveries to Wānaka.He said the decision to close the retail arm after Christmas was to “give staff the best possible option to find a new job”.He said Bidfood has also offered staff the opportunity to relocate to work in other branches, and for those who can’t “there’s a compensation process to go through”.Bidfood had offered staff compensation “over and above what’s in their contract”, he said.The Wānaka Mediterranean Market has operated in Wānaka since 2001.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A public playground is planned for Hāwea Flat after a collaborative effort by the Hāwea Playground Committee and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).A QLDC representative confirmed this week that funding for a playground at Long Grass Place has been brought forward from year three of the Long Term Plan to the current financial year.“We’re continuing to work with the committee on final plans and look forward to getting spades in the ground soon,” the representative said.QLDC acknowledged the “amazing mahi” done by the playground committee, a subcommittee of the Hawea Community Association, which was formed a few years ago to help address the shortage of playgrounds in the Hāwea area.Playground committee member Louise Merrall said it was a “big win” to get the Hāwea Flat playground funding brought forward.Given the growth, particularly in the number of young families, in the Hāwea area, it is a “well-placed investment”, she told the Wānaka App.Louise said when the playground committee was formed there was just one public playground in Lake Hāwea, at Peter Fraser Park.“We formed a committee, had concept plans drawn up, held focus groups and posted surveys, all to understand what people wanted,” she said.The committee eventually narrowed down their focus to the Sentinel Park Reserve in Hāwea and Long Grass Place in Hāwea Flat.When Longview’s new playground was installed by the developer only a short distance from Sentinel Park “we didn’t see it as a good use of funds to have two offerings very close to each other”, Louise said, and Long Grass Place became the committee’s main focus.The concept plans for the Long Grass Place playground, which have been passed on to council, feature “traditional playground equipment -- swings, slides, climbing equipment, and that sort of thing”, she said.Louise said the committee still had plans in the works for Sentinel Park Reserve which it hopes to progress.The QLDC representative said the Long Grass Place playground was able to be brought forward after the parks team decided Wānaka’s Warren Street playground, initially earmarked for a $400K upgrade this year, “still had plenty of life in it”.“Hence we’ve been able to prioritise Long Grass Place and defer work at Warren Street – originally planned for this financial year – for another two to three years,” they said. “No additional new playgrounds in the Upper Clutha are planned this year but the parks team will continue its usual inspection, repair and renewal work where needed.”PHOTO: Wānaka App

More sports half-courts may be developed in the Upper Clutha as Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) staff continue to juggle budgets to supply community facilities.A QLDC spokesperson told the Wānaka App the council currently has a tender out to market for the construction of a basketball half-court at Lake Hāwea Community Centre. “The new location will provide a dedicated space for the hoop already there and enable more use throughout the day and evening,” the spokesperson said. The half-court will be funded from the QLDC Sport & Recreation renewals budget.At a recent community services workshop QLDC staff discussed a plan to design standard half-courts to keep budgets down.No consultation has been undertaken with sports groups as yet, but council is aware of a “community desire for accessible, informal facilities” such as half-courts at Pembroke Park, Allenby Park, and Luggate, the QLDC spokesperson said.He was cautious in responding to future plans, however.“With the exception of the half-court at Lake Hāwea Community Centre, funding is limited in the current Long Term Plan. “Hence, while we’re not currently in a position to provide specific information regarding timings and funding, we’re working to identify potential options,” he said.PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka Festival of Colour has announced its headline act for the 2025 festival: Cirque Alfonse’s latest work Animal.Festival artistic director Sophie Kelly said the festival was delighted to be able to share the Cirque Alfonse act with local audiences.“In just 20 years, this rural raised collective has toured the biggest cities in the world with its truly authentic circus style and we are lucky that they will be joining us for two special performances in the Lake Wānaka Centre next year,” Sophie said.Founded in 2005 by Antoine Carabinier-Lépine and his father Alain, Cirque Alfonse is an intergenerational circus which hails from the little town of Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, Québec.Cirque Alfonse, which is known for its high-flying antics and infectious energy, has created in Animal a surreal circus experience set to an infectious live soundtrack of ‘agricultural funk’.Audiences should expect jaw-dropping acrobatics, daring juggling (everything from eggs to giant cowbells), tap dancing, absurd humour and even a tractor doing wheelies, Sophie said.The cows kick up more than just dirt in Cirque Alfonse’s Animal. PHOTO: Benoit Z LerouxAnimal is billed as a production for young and old alike, where the farm has gone haywire: the performers flip farm life on its head – and the barn upside down. The chickens sprout teeth, the ducks give side-eye and the cows kick up more than just dirt. Animal will be the headline act for the Wānaka Festival of Colour 2025 that runs from March 29 to April 6, 2025. The production is supported by Wānaka Festival of Colour’s naming rights sponsor, Milford Asset Management. The creation and touring of Animal was made possible by the financial support of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and the Canada Council for the Arts.Public ticket sales begin on November 15.PHOTOS: Supplied

The Crown Range Road is likely to be closed for two weeks to stabilise a large bluff which has begun to collapse across the road.Persistent, heavy rains throughout September and October created a number of slips on the Crown Range, particularly to the section of switchbacks nearest to the Arrowtown turnoff, which had reduced traffic to single lanes in places, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) staff said. Although more than 300m3 of debris has encroached on the road, most of the 16 slips are considered “minor”, QLDC operations manager Simon Mason said. The minor slips will be cleared first while the road remains open to traffic.But a large bluff on the Cardrona side of the alpine pass has partially collapsed, breaking through its wooden restraining barrier, known as a catch fence, onto the roadside.“The scale, complexity and safety requirements of work on the larger slip is likely to require closure of the Crown Range Road during the day for approximately two weeks (it will reopen each evening),” Simon said. Most of the work will be carried out by QLDC’s road maintenance contractor, Downer. It’s not yet known when the road closure will take place but the dates and site-specific traffic management plans “will be widely promoted in advance so drivers can make alternative plans”, Simon said.During the planned closure, traffic will be diverted to use State Highway 6 via Cromwell and the Kawerau Gorge.Simon said the closure will also provide an opportunity for a thorough inspection and maintenance along the whole road. “This is likely to cover sweeping/cleaning, pavement work, fixing minor potholes and edge breaks, and checking signage,” he said.Broken posts and boards will need to be replaced and tonnes of debris removed from several slips on the Crown Range road.This route is a vulnerable alpine pass that’s susceptible to damage caused by extreme weather and temperatures, he said.“The effects of climate change mean it’s likely we’ll see more frequent extreme weather events and hence a greater number of slips along the Crown Range and similar roads.”Simon said some “resilience improvement” funding had already been approved by New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) under the 2024-2027 National Land Transport Plan.An application to NZTA for additional emergency works funding was underway but there was no guarantee funds would be available and council would have to reprioritise existing budgets to cover the shortfall, he said.Cardrona Valley Road: 80k temporary speed limitWork will also resume on the safety improvements to Cardrona Valley Road this week.Earlier this year, a section of the road was placed under a temporary 80k speed limit while drainage, geometric improvements (reshaping road curves and corners), and safety barriers (guardrails) were installed.While the improvements were only partially completed before the winter months stopped all work, the temporary speed limits remained in place as the unfinished works were considered a risk to traffic.Fulton Hogan will stage the remaining work in two sections; the first will be completed before Christmas and the second after.“We had hoped to start earlier but recent poor weather (that also caused the slips) has delayed things,” Simon said.The estimated total cost is $4.5M. At the time the work was committed, NZTA was funding 51 percent of the project. Under the new funding model, however, NZTA’s funding assistance has reduced and council will now fund the shortfall, Simon said. PHOTOS: Supplied

An Armistice Day Remembrance Service will take place this morning (Monday November 11) at Wānaka’s Chalmers Street War Memorial at 10.50am.Members of the public are invited to join with the Returned Services Personnel for the service, which commemorates the end of World War I.The traditional two minutes’ silence will be observed at 11.00am, followed by wreath and poppy laying, Ode to the Fallen, and Last Post to commemorate the official end of World War I.Commander Lyal Cocks (RNZN Rtd), who will be present at the service, said the last post and Reveille will be played by David Leslie.Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, honors the ceasefire that ended the First World War. On this day, nations worldwide pause to remember and pay tribute to the sacrifices of those who served and fell in the line of duty. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka’s not-for-profit community enterprise Wastebusters was announced the supreme winner of the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards at a gala dinner at Rippon Vineyard last night (Saturday, November 9).In addition to securing the top award, the zero waste hub won the Community Contribution Award and the Business Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award, recognising its commitment to environmental and social impact.A record 67 entries were received for the awards hosted by the Wānaka Business Chamber.“The record number of entries this year highlights the determination of our business community to not only survive but thrive in tough times,” Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat said.“We’re proud to recognise and support these businesses that continue to contribute to the strength of our community.”Despite a challenging year marked by reduced visitor numbers, rising operational costs, and the lasting impacts of post-COVID economic pressures, the resilience and innovation of the Wānaka business community shone through, Glenn said.An outstanding business commendation award was presented to rock supplier Wānaka Stone in recognition of its dedication to quality craftsmanship and significant contribution to the local building and design industry.“Wānaka Stone stood out for their leadership in the industry, their innovative solutions, and their dedication to not only their craft but to supporting their employees,” convenor of judges Lynley Lischner said.“Their commitment to training, career development, and creating pathways for growth sets a remarkable standard for businesses overall.”Just under 1500 votes were cast via the Wānaka App for the People’s Choice Award which was won by Architecture + Design Library, a shared resource for design professionals and anyone building or renovating.Architecture + Design Library won the People’s Choice Award, donating its $500 prize to the charity Food for Love.“It was fantastic to see the community rally behind their favourite local businesses,” Glenn said.The Wānaka App was announced as the Excellence in Professional Services Award winner. Director Tony O’Regan said the award reflected a highly engaged community that has a thirst for local news and information.“Being part of the fabric of our community motivates us,” Tony said.The Wānaka App won the Excellence in Professional Services Award. “Local news and information is so important to our community's well-being and we are grateful to have that recognised.”The category winners and finalists:Excellence in Customer Experience – Supported by Drive AccountingFinalists: Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, The Next Chapter, WastebustersWinner: Mitre 10 Mega WānakaExcellence in Visitor Experience – Supported by Lake Wānaka TourismFinalists: Bike Glendhu, nzbiketrails, Wānaka Helicopters GroupWinner: Bike GlendhuExcellence in Trade & Industrial Sector – Supported by FindexFinalists: Architecture + Design Library, Wānaka Solar, Wānaka StoneWinner: Wānaka StoneExcellence in Primary & Consumer Goods – Supported by Cardrona and Treble ConeFinalists: Balance Me, Rippon, Sidekick SodaWinner: RipponExcellence in Professional Services – Supported by Aspiring LawFinalists: Constructive Consultants, Greenhawk Chartered Accountants, Mike Pero Mortgages Wānaka and Queenstown, Schistrockmedia (Wānaka App)Winner: Schistrockmedia (Wānaka App)Community Contribution Award – Supported by Queenstown AirportFinalists: Food for Love, Wānaka Golf Club, WastebustersWinner: WastebustersStrategy, Innovation & Business Solutions Award – Supported by Batchelar McDougall ConsultingFinalists: Architecture + Design Library, Bike Glendhu, Fluid Visual CommunicationsWinner: Fluid Visual CommunicationsBest Emerging Business Award – Supported by Air New ZealandFinalists: Green Fox, nzbiketrailsWinner: Green FoxBusiness Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award – Supported by Queenstown Lakes District CouncilFinalists: Green Fox, Greenhawk Chartered Accountants, WastebustersWinner: WastebustersEmployer of the Year Award – Supported by EASI NZFinalists: Greenhawk Chartered Accountants, Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, Wānaka StoneWinner: Mitre 10 Mega WānakaPeople’s Choice Award – Supported by Wānaka AppWinner: Architecture + Design LibraryJudges Outstanding Business Commendation AwardWinner: Wānaka StoneSupreme Award – Supported by Milford Asset ManagementWinner: WastebustersThe Wānaka Business Excellence Awards are supported by Milford Asset Management, and media partner, the Wānaka App.PHOTOS: Sarginson Photography

Updated 1.45pmHeavy rain over the past 24 hours has pushed the level of Lake Wānaka to its highest point in five years recording 279.014 metres at 12.15pm today (Saturday November 9).The lake level is 18.6 millimetres below the first flood level warning of 279.2 metres. Despite the rain having stopped, the lake continues to rise early this afternoon.Close to 50mm of rain fell in the 24-hour period from 8am yesterday in Wānaka, with heavier falls in the lake’s headwaters. Lake Wānaka’s level has risen more than half a metre since 8am yesterday.The walk bridge at the Dinosaur ParkThe Harbourmaster advises that anyone with small craft, kayaks, canoes, etc, tied up under the trees near the lake foreshore, or left along the foreshore, check they are secure and remove them if needed. Lake Wānaka last flooded the Wānaka township five years ago hitting a peak of 280.381 metres on December 8, 2019. At that time sandbags lined the streets in central Wānaka with water crossing Ardmore Street and lapping at the base of buildings.Above 278.111 metres the lake level is regarded as ‘high’ and a first flood warning is triggered when the lake reaches 279.2 metres, a second warning at 279.4 metres and a third warning at 280.0 metresPHOTOS: Wānaka App

Widespread flooding, fallen trees and slips have closed SH6 between Haast and Ross on the West Coast this morning (Satruday November 9). Heavy rain has been pummelling the West Coast including the Grey and Buller districts but forecasts are for the rain easing today.“Our crews will continue to clean up the fallen trees and slips around Bruce Bay, the glacier towns and south of Ross but the Knights Point cracks are of more concern,” NZTA system manager Mark Pinner said.“We will have a surveyor on site this afternoon and more geotechnical inspections by chopper Sunday morning to assess the area at Knights Point. "SH6 through Knights Point area will remain closed for the weekend with the next update for the route between Fox Glacier and Haast at 10 am Monday.”Cracks in the highway at Knights Point, the site of the major Epitaph Slip in 2012, north of Haast, require more geotechnical investigation today and tomorrow, NZTA said.Cracks in the road at Knights PointThere is no detour route for SH6 at Knights Point. People wanting to get to Greymouth or Hokitika will need to travel via Arthur’s Pass or the Lewis Pass from the east coast or delay their journeys.SH6 from Fox Glacier to Ross is closed with the next update at 3pm Saturday November 9.Haast to Fox Glacier is closed, likely through until Monday morning, with next update due by 10am Monday (November 11). An earlier closure between Makarora and Haast township (Haast Pass) has since reopened.

Further Update November 11: The Rotary Club of Wānaka Duck Race is postponed until further notice, due to the high level of Lake Wānaka.Update: The Rotary Club of Wānaka Duck Race is postponed to November 16 at 10am, due to the high level of Lake Wānaka.Previous:The race is on to discover who’s at the top of the pecking order at the Rotary Club of Wanaka’s annual duck race this Saturday (November 9).The event begins at 10am when 1,500 rubber ducks will drop into Bullock Creek for the race to the finish line at the Dinosaur Park.From there they will be closely followed and cheered on - especially by family groups - as they ‘wing’ their way on a down-river adventure.The pluckiest ducks will take home cash prizes.  This annual event has raised more than $15,000 for the Rotary Club of Wānaka in previous years and president Alan Richardson said it is on track to do the same this year.“We’ve been selling duck tickets outside Mitre 10 MEGA and New World Three Parks for the past six weeks,” he said.Alan said that when a person buys a ticket it is represented by a ‘small’ racing duck.“The first ducks across the finish line are the winning tickets,” he said.“We also have a business category where businesses purchase an executive duck for $100.“A feature of the event is the dressing up of the executive ducks with the best dressed winning bragging rights for the next 12 months.”Alan said the executive ducks will be on display at New World Three Parks on Friday (November 8) at 5pm and at the Dinosaur Park on the day of the race.Funds raised will go to the Rotary Club of Wānaka which will then be allocated to needy and worthwhile causes in the community.Subject to availability, tickets will be sold at the Dinosaur Park on race day (Saturday November 9) from 8.30am. Tickets are five dollars for small ducks.The race begins in Bullock Creek on the north side of Brownston Street (opposite the food truck park) at 10am.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The increasing popularity of Wānaka Airport for private and commercial users will see it obtaining a Qualifying Aerodrome Operator Certificate by July 2027 and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is also taking the first steps towards the Wānaka Airport Future Review. Starting the process to obtain the certificate is the latest stage in QLDC working collaboratively (as the airport’s owner) with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery said.“Becoming certified will bring the airport into line with similar facilities around the country, improving safety and providing an appropriate level of independent assurance for airport users and our wider community,” he said.“The alternative – not achieving certification – would restrict activity at the airport to below current levels which would obviously have a negative effect on current users and the local community.” Tony said Wānaka Airport was expecting more than 50,000 aircraft movements over the next year which makes it one of the busiest uncertified airports in the country.The certification process follows CAA’s completion of a safety review of Wānaka Airport earlier this year and QLDC’s submission of an aeronautical study in March 2023 at the CAA’s request, Tony said.QLDC will implement a number of measures before the specified completion date in just under three years’ time, including tree removal, airstrip widening, new fencing to improve safe access to the airstrip, and further improved safety systems. Tony said council and Wānaka Airport operational staff would continue to communicate changes to airport users in advance and be available to discuss any concerns they might have.Airport planning ahead QLDC will also begin a procurement process to seek the independent delivery of the Wānaka Airport Future Review after it was signalled through the Long Term Plan 2024-2035 (LTP) consultation process in July.Read more: Community groups call for ‘transparent’ airport planning“The future of the Wānaka Airport is an important topic for the district and it’s essential that the Wānaka-Upper Clutha community is at the heart of shaping it,” QLDC corporate services general manager Meaghan Miller said.“While in the very early stages, there are many key questions to consider, such as what the community’s vision for the airport is and what technical analysis is required before we consider any potential scenarios for its future,” she said. “If supported by elected members, this proposed process will involve extensive engagement with key stakeholders, the Wānaka-Upper Clutha community and wider Queenstown Lakes District.”  The proposed review process will be shared with councillors and the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board at a public workshop on November 12.Confirmed details for the review and subsequent community engagement will be shared after a consultant has been appointed and a timeline agreed, which is expected by February 2025. Funding to achieve certification and begin a future review for the airport was included as part of the LTP that was adopted by councillors at their meeting on September 19.Wānaka Airport is owned by QLDC and Queenstown Airport Corporation manages Wānaka Airport’s day-to-day operations on behalf of QLDC under a management services agreement. These management services include noise monitoring, property management, regulatory planning and compliance, and liaising with the airport community on day-to-day matters.PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka’s new food delivery service is off to a strong start, the company says.Delivereasy is a food ordering and delivery platform linking drivers, restaurants and customers in around 45 New Zealand locations.Wānaka was added to its delivery locations at the end of September.“We’ve been pleasantly surprised by customer engagement in the first few weeks,” Delivereasy brands and partnerships lead Jordi Boyd told the Wānaka App. “People are loving the platform but more importantly for us, feedback on the service has also been really positive.”A range of local eateries are available to order from via Delivereasy - including Now Bao, Stoked Sangucheria, Ceylon Curry Corner, The Catch, Ya Ma’s, and more.A small handful of Wānaka restaurants already offer delivery, and the now defunct WanaFeed also provided delivery services in the past, but they have been mostly limited until now. Jordi said Delivereasy “isn’t just a value add to people ordering”. “....we’re also helping other Kiwi-owned businesses get their products in front of more people at more convenient times.”Delivereasy is a NZ-owned company.PHOTO: Supplied

Just three Aspiring Athletes Club (AAC) athletes dared to brave the bad weather at The Caledonian in Dunedin last weekend (November 2).AAC coach Michael Beable said it was mostly cold - with rain, and hail – and unhelpful strong winds.Nonetheless, Phoebe Laker, a year 11 Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) student, continued her excellent form from her previous two outings this summer. Running the Mixed Open 400m race, she was the fastest woman, setting a new personal best (PB) of 56.90 seconds.  Her time also broke a set of three Otago records: for women aged 15, 16 and 17. This is at least the fifth time she has broken these records, Michael said.Her time also set new AAC records for all female categories, age 15 and above.“It was an extraordinarily good performance by Phoebe, given the appalling conditions that prevailed at The Caledonian,” Michael said.“In calmer, warmer weather she would likely have gone almost a second faster.”Phoebe had earlier run the Women’s Open race, placing second with a time of 12.37s and winning her age group. It was slightly quicker than her time of two weeks ago, but it was aided by a very strong wind (9m/s). Georgie Bruce was the second AAC athlete who competed on Saturday. She won her race, in Section 2 of the 100m, in 13.60s, and in the Men’s & Women’s Mixed Open 400m, she placed second among the women with an encouraging 63.24s. “This time might have been one or two seconds faster, in friendlier weather,” Michael said.The third AAC athlete competing was Matthew Botting (year 13 at MAC). He was close to his recent best form, with a second placing in the Mixed Open 400m, in a time of 53.36s. He was also sixth in the Men’s Open 100m, with 11.88s.These three, and most of the remaining senior members of the club, will next compete on Saturday week at the Caledonian.They all are looking forward to some quality speed training, which they will be able to do now that they have returned to their training base (the track at Three Parks) for the rest of the summer (and the winter), Michael said.“Delta have done a good job the last month in repairing the 3P ground after football’s use of it in winter. It should mean that the athletes will be able to improve on their speed, sprinting on the safer surface at 3P and with lower-cut grass,” he said.This will help the senior MAC athletes in the club as they prepare for the NZ Secondary Schools Athletic Championships, which will be held in Timaru on December 6-8.PHOTO: Supplied

The MetService has issued an Orange heavy rain warning for the headwaters of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea from this morning (November 8) to 6am tomorrow.A front brings heavy rain to western and southern parts of the South Island today and into Saturday, including spillover into the Otago headwaters.Expect 200 to 300 mm of rain near the main divide and more than 100 mm within 20 km east of the divide. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected about the divide.The MetService says it is unlikely that the warning will be upgraded to Red.Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.Anyone heading into Mt Aspiring National Park is advised to take extra care or delay travel.

Wānaka dancers were among more than 1,000 top New Zealand dancers who converged at the Regent On Broadway in Palmerston North last weekend for the National Young Performer Awards (NYPA).NYPA is a prestigious competitive annual dance event which gives competitors an opportunity to perform at the highest level in New Zealand.This year Wānaka’s Central Point Dance Studios took its largest ever contingent to NYPA after the dancers achieved qualifying results at regional competitions.They include five classical dancers: Lena Ibe (who lives in Queenstown and travels to Centralpoint each week), Isabel Martin, Olive Sinclair, Olivia Stanley, and Hannah Thomas - who competed against the 75 best classical dancers in New Zealand.Isabel was chosen for the semi-finals, meaning she was one of the top 16 dancers at the national event - a huge achievement for the 15-year-old. NYPA classical nominees Olive Sinclair, Isabel Martin, Olivia Stanley & Lena Ibe. (Absent: Hannah Thomas.)In addition to the five local soloists, Centralpoint also took a lyric dance troupe of 10, which included Olive, Olivia, Isabel and Lena, as well as Mia Waite, Charlotte Martin, Charlotte Sheppard, Ruby McLachlan, Casey Knights-Johnson, and Mikayla Duncan.Central Point Dance Studios owner Briony Martin said she was incredibly proud of the local dancers.She said it was very valuable “for these young dancers to have the opportunity to attend a large event such as NYPA to see and learn from other dancers and other schools and to see how big the dance industry and community is”. “It’s something we don’t always get a chance to do.”PHOTOS: Supplied 

The Wānaka business community will gather at Rippon Vineyard tomorrow (Saturday November 9) evening for a gala dinner to announce the 2024 Wānaka Business Excellence Awards.The biannual event will attract more than 170 business owners and staff to acknowledge local businesses across various categories and industries."It’s set to be a fantastic evening, celebrating the incredible achievements of our local businesses and the people who drive them forward,” Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat said.“We look forward to a night of recognition, inspiration, and connection within our community."Waitaki MP Miles Anderson and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) mayor Glyn Lewers will attend the dinner, which will be MCed by local real estate business owner Duncan Good (Ray White Wānaka).During the evening ten awards will be presented across a range of categories including customer experience, visitor experience and industry sectors.The winners of the five main industry categories will be in the running for the supreme award which will be announced at the dinner.The Upper Clutha community had the opportunity to participate in the awards through a public vote in the Wānaka App. More than 1,400 people voted in the People’s Choice Award with just 20 votes separating the top three businesses. This award will also be announced tomorrow night.The Wānaka Business Excellence Awards is organised by the Wānaka Business Chamber in partnership with major sponsor Milford Asset Management.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 Helicopters GroupExcellence in Trade & Industrial Sector - Supported by FindexArchitectural + Design LibraryWānaka SolarWānaka StoneExcellence in Primary & Consumer Goods – Supported by Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble ConeBalance 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 QLDCGreen FoxGreenhawk Chartered AccountantsWastebustersCommunity Contribution – Supported by Queenstown AirportFood for LoveWānaka Golf ClubWastebustersPHOTO: Supplied

Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone’s parent company scooped the Supreme Tourism Award at the the Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) awards on Wednesday night (November 6).RealNZ’s companies are spread over the lower South Island and in addition to the two local ski fields they include Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound adventures, Walter Peak, TSS Earnslaw steamship, Spirit of Queenstown and more.Judges noted RealNZ’s “unwavering commitment to sustainability” and lauded the business as a “jewel in the crown of the country’s tourism industry”.Its conservation projects include the Cardrona Alpine Resort project to study the Kārearea/NZ Falcon, which was recently extended for another five years.Read more: Five-year milestone for Kārearea studyRealNZ CEO Dave Beeche said the recognition by TIA reflects both the business’ rich history, and RealNZ’s continued commitment to experience delivery and conservation.“RealNZ was founded 70 years ago this year, with a foundation of delivering exceptional experiences while being at the forefront of New Zealand conservation,” he said.“That is a legacy we are proud to continue to this day through the energy and passion of every single team member. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be recognised by the judges for this mahi.”Dave said he was excited to head back to the ‘deep south’ with the award.“It’s up to us to keep shaking things up, going the extra mile, and making a difference so that every guest leaves with a great story to tell,” he said.As well as the Supreme Tourism Award, Real NZ also won both category awards it was a finalist in: the Johnston's Coachlines Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business), and the KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award. PHOTO: Supplied

Freedom camping restrictions in this district are no longer being enforced after the bylaw on freedom camping was revoked by the High Court - following a legal case which may cost ratepayers more than $400,000.A council spokesperson confirmed to the Wānaka App that QLDC has “paused enforcement” of the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) 2021 Freedom Camping Bylaw.He also confirmed the High Court “formally quashed” the bylaw 2021 on Tuesday (November 5).“The bylaw restricted freedom camping in a number of areas in the district. Without it those restrictions are lifted,” the spokesperson said.He added that campers should not assume they can camp on any public land without checking if any other restrictions apply (such as restrictions under the Reserves Act regarding temporary and permanent accommodation). The national Freedom Camping Act 2011 also requires that vehicles be certified self-contained to freedom camp and QLDC has continued to enforce this. High Court judicial review The judicial review ruled QLDC’s Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021 invalid, removing the restrictions governing freedom campers in this district - in particular where they could camp.The New Zealand Motor Home Association (NZMCA) challenged the bylaw on the grounds it had paid too much attention to “irrelevant” issues, and that it was too restrictive.In the High Court in Invercargill, Justice Osborne agreed, declaring QLDC’s bylaw invalid due to the unlawful influence and consideration of “irrelevant matters”, namely the economic impact on commercial campgrounds and the effects on private property values/amenity (such as the dumping of rubbish and waste affecting neighbouring land and streams).Read more: What now for freedom campingA costly defenceThe Queenstown Lakes district hosts six times as many freedom campers per head of population as any other district in New Zealand - and this is one of the reasons freedom camping was recognised as a problem here.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App the NZMCA had shown a “sickening” disregard for this district.“Freedom camping in our district seven or eight years ago was out of control with residents unable to enjoy reserve areas at Lake Hayes, Shotover River, Lake Hāwea, and more,” he said.“Our freedom camping bylaws and enforcement have worked effectively to contain and control the impacts of the freedom camping assault while retaining large parts of our district where self contained freedom camping was permitted.“We make no apology for prohibiting camping within our residential areas and our prime reserves. It would be nice if the NZMCA actually came to see elected members rather than the aggressive, expensive legal assault they have chosen.”This district hosts six times as many freedom campers per head of population as any other district in New Zealand. PHOTO: Wānaka AppThe Wānaka App understands the council’s external legal costs alone in defending the case came to $176,000.Quentin said that figure would not include staff time and internal legal work, and the likely overall cost to ratepayers may be more like $400,000-500,000.NZMCA: ‘A significant outcome for members’In a NZMCA board report for October 2024, association CEO Bruce Lochore called the court’s decision “a significant outcome for members”.Legal costs to Queenstown Lakes ratepayers were “completely avoidable”, he said.“Once again the council have wasted ratepayers’ money on a case they had no hope of winning. It was clear as a bell that they would never get it across the line – and we told them that. But they refused to listen and will have to cover their own costs as well as a portion of ours.” He said he was confident the outcome of the judicial review “completely vindicates the association’s decision to challenge QLDC’s freedom camping bylaw”, adding it would “prevent other councils from making similar errors, enabling more reasonable opportunities for responsible campers to enjoy travelling New Zealand in self-contained vehicles”.What now?A workshop last week for elected representatives and council staff was held behind closed doors to enable council “to obtain confidential legal advice about its position”.QLDC declined to share what was discussed at the meeting.The council has previously said it will review signage around freedom camping. It also plans to appoint four freedom camping ambassadors in the Wānaka Ward, and push the message that there are 12 camping grounds in the region.This week’s formal quashing of the bylaw was expected and “doesn’t change anything” in terms of council’s response, a QLDC spokesperson told the Wānaka App.“We'll continue to update our dedicated Let's Talk page to share information with the community and visitors about our approach to responsible camping this summer, and the development of a new bylaw,” he said.NZMCA did not respond to questions from the Wānaka App.