New World customers in Wānaka have donated almost 700 shopping bags filled with essential groceries to the local foodbank in this year’s Family2Family foodbank appeal.At New World Three Parks, customers donated 309 bags and at New World Wānaka shoppers donated another 380 bags across the month-long appeal.That’s a total of almost 700 bags, and an additional 200 bags compared to last year. Local donations from this year’s appeal have already been delivered to the Upper Clutha’s only foodbank, the Community Link Wānaka Foodbank.“All donations have gone to Wānaka Foodbank and the support means more families in our community will have access to the essentials they need this winter,” New World Three Parks owner operator Dean Bartley said. New World Three Parks also made a $2,000 cash donation.Community Link foodbank coordinator Nicola Plumridge thanked the Wānaka community and the local New World supermarkets for their support of the Family2Family appeal. “These donations make a significant difference to our foodbank shelves as we go into the winter months,” she told the Wānaka App. “With demand for the foodbank having doubled in the last two years, the need in the community is greater than ever. Thanks Wanaka!”The Wānaka Foodbank provides food parcels to people in the community who are struggling to make ends meet.Members of the community can sign up to access the foodbank by contacting the Community Networks team or dropping in to the foodbank at the Wānaka Community Hub. Find more information about the Wānaka Foodbank and its open hours here.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Contact Energy says plans to lower the permitted level of Lake Hāwea are in the “very early days” but community opposition to the proposal is growing quickly.The Guardians of Lake Hāwea met with Contact Energy in May and were told the company intends to apply via the fast-track approvals process to lower the permitted lake level by up to six metres.Contact Energy, which operates the Lake Hāwea hydro dam, currently holds resource consent to manage the lake level between a low of 338 metres above sea level (masl) and a high of 346masl, with a contingency of another two metres lower if Transpower considers there is a major threat to security of electricity supply (described as contingent storage).Guardians of Lake Hāwea chair Geoff Kernick said Contact Energy told the group it aims to reduce the normal range to as low as 336masl and the contingency storage to 330masl.“Our position is we don’t want any change to the normal operating range of the lake or to the availability of contingent storage,” Geoff told the Wānaka App.A newsletter by the Guardians from last week said reducing the lake level could have devastating effects, including a loss of landscape values and recreational amenity, dust storms, impacts on bore water, and on the mortality of aquatic animal and plant life.The long-running local group, which works to protect and improve Lake Hāwea’s water quality, biodiversity and ecosystems, has previously opposed use of the contingency on these grounds, Geoff said.Wind-borne lake sediment at John Creek circa 1978-80 following lowering of Lake Hāwea’s level in 1976. PHOTO: Campbell collection“If in the past we’ve voiced concern about accessing the extra two metres as contingent storage then why on earth would we be happy about accessing those two metres under normal operating conditions?” Since meeting with Contact Energy, the Guardians have looked more closely at the potential impacts of lowering the lake level.Geoff said a report commissioned by Otago Regional Council (ORC) indicated that a reduction in the lake level could also have “some severe effects on the Hāwea aquifer, for irrigation and for community drinking water”. He said he was not convinced by answers provided to the Wānaka App by Contact Energy in response to a request for comment on the Lake Hāwea level proposal.The company said it was “exploring a number of options to support New Zealand’s energy security through renewable energy sources”. “We are proposing to adjust lake levels in times of extreme need so we could generate more renewable electricity at our hydro dams and manage dry year risk, particularly when demand is high in the winter,” Contact Energy head of hydro generation Blair Croall told the Wānaka AppGeoff said the Guardians were told that Contact Energy aimed to reduce the normal operating range of Lake Hāwea as well as the contingency at times of high demand.He was also wary of the company’s claims of being in the “very early days”, given the Guardians were told the company planned to take the first step in the fast-track approval process (which is designed to ‘streamline projects that deliver significant national or regional benefits’) this month. Geoff said he hadn’t had clarity from Contact Energy on community consultation on the proposal, and the company did not respond directly to a question from the Wānaka App about consultation, saying only that consultation was important.News of the lake level proposal is spreading fast and Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair Simon Telfer said the board spoke “at length” with residents - including the Guardians - during a ‘Share with Us’ community session on Wednesday (June 4).“There is growing concern in the community about the possibility of a dramatic lowering of lake levels,” he said.“This matter is moving at pace and the board has already contacted staff to understand Queenstown Lakes District Council's [QLDC] position and conviction to support the community in its concerns.Geoff said the Guardians plan to speak to ORC and QLDC at their next meetings to encourage them to take a stand.They also hope to build awareness of Contact Energy’s plans within the wider community.

Wānaka has just experienced its third-warmest autumn on record, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) says.Nationally, it was the fifth-warmest autumn recorded with 47 locations observing record or near-record high autumn mean temperatures.In Wānaka, the mean air temperature was 12.4 degrees over autumn.This was 1.5 degrees higher than normal, based on when records began here, in 1955.Queenstown had its second warmest autumn at a mean of 12.6 degrees, two degrees higher than normal.Over in Cromwell, the township experienced one of its warmest autumn days on record, at 31.6 degrees on March 2.NIWA is expecting the relatively warm weather to continue into winter.A warmer than average winter, with above or normal rainfall, is forecast for the Southern Lakes.NIWA principal forecasting scientist Chris Brandolino said the Southern Lakes will still have cold snaps and frosts - like the one we are experiencing currently - but they will be less frequent than normal. Read more: Warmer winter, fewer cold snaps - NIWA outlookPHOTO: Wānaka App

Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) students have only a few days’ left to polish their performances for the Central Otago Smokefreerockquest regional final.Forty-seven MAC students will be performing at the Lake Wānaka Centre on Saturday (June 14), along with student bands from across Central Otago.MAC co-head of arts Mat Doyle said the students have made “a big effort” in preparing for the annual event."Students have been rehearsing during lunchtimes, after school, and in their own time for months now,” he said. ‘For many, the songs they’re performing were developed as part of their NCEA coursework, so it’s been great to see them evolve from rough ideas into fully-formed originals.”The MAC students will be performing in a mix of solo acts and bands: Alex, Astryx, Dani Maguire, Empty Fields, Instant Referral, Juno, Mistaken for Strangers, Overdose, Rhythm and Rhyme, Superficial, The Fish Pie Four, The Pollinators, and Third Party.“Some of the students have been entering Rockquest for five or six years, while others are jumping in for the first time,” Mat said.“It’s a huge opportunity to connect with other young musicians from around the district and share what they’ve created.”MAC year 12 student Toby Mills told the Wānaka App that Rockquest is “an awesome event that brings young musicians from around Central Otago together each year to compete, but mainly perform and have fun in a super supportive environment”. “My first Rockquest was in 2021 and I've done it every year that I've been able to since then,” he said.“This year is my first year doing it as a drummer; previously I took part as the singer of Feed the System, however this year I'm performing in a pop/indie band called Mistaken for Strangers. “I think our [songs] are sounding pretty great and we're just doing the final touches to them this week as we get ready for the event on Saturday.” Smokefreerockquest is New Zealand's live, original music, youth event which gives young musicians the opportunity to perform live in a professional setting. The event aims to motivate young musicians to strive for success, to realise the opportunities available in music careers, and to encourage their peers to support original New Zealand Music.PHOTO: Supplied

The government has announced another multi-million dollar funding boost for Tourism New Zealand in a bid to attract 72,000 more visitors to our shores.Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said $13.5 million in funding would help to target the core markets of Australia, the United States and China over the next few years."This investment is expected to generate around $300 million in spending, which is a very strong return on investment," she said."International visitor numbers continue to climb and this boost will help drive further economic growth throughout the entire country."Less than two months ago, she announced a separate $13.5 million boost for Tourism New Zealand to fund marketing in the shorter term, with the aims of attracting an extra 23,000 international visitors by the end of March 2026 and bringing in an additional $100 million.The international visitor levy - which was nearly tripled last year - is covering the costs for both."We know how important marketing is to attract visitors, with around 14 percent of international holiday visitors directly influenced by Tourism New Zealand's marketing activity," Upston said."We want people to know New Zealand is open for business and we welcome visitors with open arms."She described the funding as the first investment in the government's Tourism Growth Roadmap, which outlines the initiatives to help the government and industry double the value of tourism exports by 2034."We know how important marketing is to attract visitors, with around 14 percent of international holiday visitors directly influenced by Tourism New Zealand's marketing activity," Upston said.Last year, Tourism New Zealand unveiled an ambitious strategy to grow tourism by $5 billion by attracting more visitors outside of summer over four years.It aimed to grow international tourism spend by 8.7 percent, or an additional $900 million in the strategy's first year.February marked the largest number of American visitors that Aotearoa had ever recorded in a month.At tourism conference TRENZ last month, Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy said that had been buoyed by airlines opening up new routes, a tailwind of a strong American dollar and focused marketing, and the outlook for American visitors remained really positive.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has issued a warning to people undertaking track modifications at the Hikuwai Reserve, Albert Town.DOC Central Otago operations manager Charlie Sklenar told the Wānaka App the agency was aware of ongoing concerns at the reserve, “including track modifications, unauthorised digging and vegetation damage such as the cutting of kānuka”.“Any unauthorised digging or damage to vegetation in reserves like Hikuwai is not permitted under the Reserves Act 1977 and can result in enforcement action,” she said.A regular walker at the Hikuwai Reserve told the Wānaka App they had observed an increase in the extent of “illegal digging” in the area, as well as damage to kanuka."The size of the holes/jumps and the cut branches randomly laid have become hazards and are really concerning for the conservation of the reserve," the person said.The Wānaka App reported on the issue five years ago, after DOC initially raised concerns that random bike jumps and unauthorised bike trails through the Hikuwai Conservation Area were damaging its native kanuka environment.Read more: DOC disappointed by damage to Hikuwai ReserveLast week Charlie said DOC was considering whether additional signage or other steps are needed to help discourage the behaviour. More vegetation damage - including cutting kanuka - has been observed at the area.“We will continue to work with a number of community groups in Hikuwai who help to keep spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone while preserving our native flora and fauna.”She said reports from the community play a vital role in helping DOC respond to such concerns.“We encourage anyone who sees damage occurring or has information to report it to DOC via 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).”The Gunn Road bike park at the Hikuwai Reserve was created in collaboration with Bike Wānaka and the Albert Town Community Association to give local children a place to enjoy jumps and trails on their bikes.Bike Wānaka president Ewan Mackie said the group was “extremely disappointed to see this act of vandalism against our precious native ecosystems”. PHOTOS: Supplied

Wastebusters, in partnership with Lake Wānaka Tourism and Queenstown Lakes District Council, is hosting an accommodation industry kōrero to help drive environmental action through waste reduction.Accommodation providers, from hotels to private Airbnb owners, are invited to join industry peers and leading zero waste experts next Tuesday (June 17) over drinks and nibbles.There will be connection, practical insights and advice that will help take waste minimisation goals to the next level, Wastebusters business manager Sophie Ward said.“Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to sharpen your current waste minimisation strategies, this is your chance to collaborate, learn, and be inspired by others who are equally committed to a more sustainable future,” Sophie said. “Making a start can be the hardest part but once you realise you’re not alone and everyone’s wanting to make changes, you start to see the things that can be done that will make a real difference.”The session is designed to help accommodation providers learn from industry leaders and local success stories; gain actionable tips to reduce waste in their operations; collaborate with like-minded businesses; and be inspired to drive change in their workplaces.One attending business will win a waste minimisation plan, created by Wastebusters, to suit their operations, challenges and goals.The zero waste korero for accommodation providers will take place on Tuesday June 17, 12pm-1.30pm, at the Wānaka Community Hub.Register for the free event at Humantix.The session is supported by Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Zero Waste District Programme.PHOTO: Wastebusters

Queenstown Lakes District (QLDC) mayor Glyn Lewers has welcomed yesterday’s (Friday June 6) publication of the Otago Central Lakes health services and assets project’s strategic report.The report, which was sent to Minister of Health Simeon Brown in February, identifies opportunities to increase public health services in Otago Central Lakes by partnering with the private sector.“The strategic report aligns with the component of the Regional Deal proposal that QLDC and [Central Otago District Council] are partners to, towards developing innovative approaches to the area’s health system,” Glyn, who is also on the steering committee behind the report, said.It calls for long-overdue investment in health services and infrastructure, outlining well-documented priorities for investment needed across our region.Mayor Glyn Lewers says he is looking forward to hearing back from the minister of health on the report. PHOTO: QLDCThey include timely access to rural/specialist doctors, and after-hours care with strong clinical support; equitable, 24/7 emergency and urgent care, as close to home as possible; ambulatory services for planned appointments, including infusion services; and elderly and end-of-life care available in the community; and safe local maternity care.Other areas in the report are priority access to secondary specialist care when long-distance travel is needed; more care in the community, supported by virtual/telehealth services; and accessible mental health and addiction services.The report proposes a regional model of care delivered across three key locations: Queenstown, Wānaka, and Central Otago, with six early-stage public-private partnerships already identified - one of which is the Wānaka Health Precinct.The precinct, an initiative of Wānaka-based property investment company Roa, could feature a five-level hospital with four operating theatres, imaging services, a 24-hour emergency department and more than 70 inpatient, emergency, and post anaesthetic care beds - and it is currently going through the resource consent process.Read more: ‘Health precinct’ awaits council decisionIn the report, the steering group asked the health minister to acknowledge the report, identify immediate priorities from the six opportunities presented, and guide officials to participate in developing business cases for identified priorities by the end of 2025. Months on from sending the strategic report to the minister of health, Glyn provided a polite nudge.“We look forward to feedback and direction from the minister of health Simeon Brown on the strategic report and how this will help inform work on a health needs assessment for the area,” Glyn said.Read the full strategic report here.

Mobile air quality monitoring stations in the Upper Clutha are helping Otago Regional Council (ORC) track levels of PM2.5 - a fine particulate pollutant produced by combustion - and gather data to better understand air quality challenges across the region.ORC air quality scientist Sarah Harrison said the council’s 2024 air quality report had detected PM2.5 at seven locations around Otago.“Monitoring smaller sizes of particulate matter like PM2.5 is a significant step forward,” Sarah said.“These finer particles pose greater health risks, and by expanding our network, we’re better equipped to inform policy and protect community wellbeing.”Two local monitoring stations, located in Albert Town and Wānaka, are providing insight into concentration patterns specific to the Wānaka area. Sarah said the information collected will help identify where the highest concentrations occur and why.She said air quality can vary a lot depending on factors like housing density, types of emissions, topography, how sheltered an area is, and wind speed and direction.ORC’s air quality monitoring network will continue to be upgraded throughout 2025, with more co-location and calibration work planned to enhance the accuracy of its instruments.Alongside its monitoring programme, ORC is also running its annual ‘Burn Dry, Breathe Easy’ firewood campaign, reminding residents of practical steps they can take to reduce harmful smoke emissions from home heating. In Otago, much of the region’s PM2.5 pollution comes from wood burning for home heating - particularly in winter, when concentrations peak.Burn Dry, Breathe Easy tips:Stack your firewood off the ground and out of the rain.Use a wood moisture meter to check if your firewood is dry enough — less than 25 percent moisture means more heat and less smoke.Build fires with scrunched-up paper or firelighters, dry kindling, and dry firewood for a well-heated, low-smoke burn.Never burn wet or green firewood, treated wood, or household rubbish, as they can release harmful toxins.Overnight, make sure flames remain visible when you turn your fire down to reduce smoke build-up.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wastebusters is looking for volunteers for its last Repair Revolution event before winter, which is coming up on June 15.The Repair Revolution events are all about giving well-loved items a second chance - people can bring along broken items to have them fixed or to receive advice on how they could be repaired.Volunteers are crucial to these events and last year they helped fix more than 300 items.Wastebusters is keen to hear from anyone with repair skills who can lend a hand for the upcoming event, whether they’re a fix-it pro or just keen to lend a hand.Volunteers have helped fix a range of items at previous Repair Revolution events - from small electricals and bikes to camping gear, shoes, film, bags, clothing, toys, and even small furniture. Wastebusters would especially like to hear from bike mechanics, electricians and someone who is skilled in replacing zips who are available for the next event.For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, email [email protected] or click here.The Repair Revolution event will take place on Sunday June 15, from 10am to 2pm, at the Wānaka Community Workshop and Fabricate (15 Gordon Road).The Repair Revolution is part of Wastebusters’ Resourceful Communities project, supported by the Queenstown Lakes District Council Zero Waste District Programme.PHOTO: Wastebusters

Part 2: When the Storm Moves In: Living the “New Abnormal”I want to tell you something you might not believe yet: you’re doing better than you think.If you’re here, reading this, you’ve probably already taken those terrifying first steps to help your teen. You’ve called the GP, contacted therapists, spoken to school. You’ve started to piece together a new language, a new way of showing up. And now… now you live in what I can only call the new abnormal.It’s a weird, wild place to be.This post is about what comes next—not for your child, but for you. For your partner. For your other children. For your wider support crew. Because when your teen is in crisis, you don’t get to pause your life. You have to keep living, feeling, working, parenting, partnering, showing up. And none of it is easy.1. The Emotional Roller CoasterThis stage is emotionally feral. You’ll feel everything, sometimes all in the space of an hour. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure of grief and fear and love:SadDesperateBored (yes, that too—waiting is boring)HopefulFuriousPatient and endlessly impatientEmpathetic and completely numbYou’ll cry over a cereal bowl, then put your “everything’s fine” face on for work. You’ll sit next to your teen, aching to reach them, then walk into the hallway and scream silently into your fists.It’s exhausting—but you’re not broken. You’re adapting. You’re in training. This part of the journey is where you learn how to stay standing in the storm.2. Be Prepared (Even If You Don’t Know What For)There were times we felt like we were drowning. We scrambled for stop-gap solutions and watched them fail. We made plans, then tore them up.Eventually, we realised something painfully simple: our only job was to say “I love you and I’m here.” That’s it.It sounds easy. It’s not. It’s firefighting. Long stretches of silence and anxiety, followed by bursts of adrenaline and panic when something spirals. It’s unbearable, but you do it because you must.Looking back, I wish I’d felt more empowered to call on everything available. We hesitated to call 111 or go to ED. We were embarrassed. We didn’t want to seem dramatic. We didn’t want to upset our son more.But I want to tell you this clearly: if you’re worried, make the call. Take them to ED. Call the police if they’ve gone missing. Even if everything calms down in the waiting room, it was still the right thing to do. It tells your child: “I see you. I believe you. You matter.”3. You Become the Punching BagThis part is hard to write, but I promised honesty.When your child is in crisis, their pain has to land somewhere. And often, that place is you. They lash out. They say things they don’t mean. They beg you to go away, then fall apart when you do. It’s whiplash—and it hurts like hell.My partner and I coped like two little figurines in one of those old cuckoo clocks. Only one of us was emotionally available at a time. When I was hopeful, he was in despair. When he found strength, I fell apart.It caused tension. Arguments in whispers behind closed doors. Jealousy when one of us could comfort him and the other couldn’t. But it also gave us a way to take turns. To carry each other. To hold the line together, even when we were barely hanging on ourselves.You’ll say the “perfect” thing one day and be met with eye rolls and fury the next. It’s a volcano ride. You won’t always get it right. Keep showing up anyway.4. Create Dorky, Safe MomentsFind your family glue—however small or silly it might be.We became Catan fanatics. Ridiculously so. Our teen would sit with us and argue about sheep and wheat and occasionally laugh. It was safe ground. No pressure. No “How are you feeling today?” Just us, muddling through an imaginary game board, being a team.Find your thing. A weekly movie night, cooking together, video games, whatever works. These rituals won’t fix everything—but they anchor you. And your child needs to see life go on.5. Don’t Forget the Rest of Your FamilyI neglected myself completely in the beginning. No surprise there. But I did try to manage how much pressure was falling on everyone else.Our younger son—his little brother—became a quiet rock. He offered banter, normality, laughter. I worried it was too much for him to hold. But over time, I saw it shape him into someone strong, kind, and wise beyond his years.Still, I made space for him to just be a teenager too. I’d take him out, just us two. Let him vent about school and forget for a moment that his brother was struggling.You don’t have to be perfect at this. You won’t be. But try to remember; you are not just supporting your child—you’re holding up a whole web of people. Check in with your partner, your parents, your friends, your siblings. They might not know how to help, but they’re probably worried too.6. This is Not ForeverThis might be the hardest truth to hold onto when you’re in it. There’s no handbook. No timeline. You want it to be over, and you want to know how to fix it—and neither of those things are in your control.But this: it is not forever.The skills you’re learning now—holding space, showing up, enduring the hard bits—they’re skills for life. They are painfully earned and endlessly valuable. They are what will carry you all through this.One day, you’ll look back and realise you survived something unimaginable. And not just survived—but grew.Your family’s story might not look like ours. That’s okay. There’s no single way through. But I promise you: love, persistence, and a healthy dose of dark humour will get you further than you think.More soon.This post is the second in our journey. Read Part 1: "When the Lights Dim: A Parent's First Steps into Teen Mental Health".The next chapter will explore what recovery starts to look like, how the fog begins to lift, and what it means to slowly trust again.With love and in solidarity,A parent still learning, always loving.Counselling & Mental Health Services - Central OtagoCommunity NetworksPath Wānaka - more information on our websiteContact us: [email protected]

After extensive local input, a document detailing a ‘community vision’ for Wānaka Airport has been shared by the Wānaka Stakeholders Group (WSG).It imagines Wānaka Airport as a “locally led, independent, smart, and future-oriented aviation hub that balances local needs, economic vitality, and environmental impacts”. The airport should also “support a vibrant mix of aviation activities, local businesses and [research and development], while remaining proudly run by and for the Upper Clutha community,” the community vision document says.The incorporated society - which successfully lobbied against jet expansion at Wānaka Airport in 2021 - launched the community vision at its AGM in late May.WSG chair Meg Taylor said that after a quiet few years it appeared that “plans for Wānaka Airport are taxiing towards take-off again”.Meg Taylor PHOTO: Wānaka AppIn April Queenstown Lakes District Council announced it had hired Egis NZ Ltd to develop a masterplan for Wānaka Airport and it is in the process of obtaining a Qualifying Aerodrome Operator Certificate.Read more: Next steps for Wānaka Airport to be outlinedThis year and next will be “decisive years” for the future of the airport, Meg said.“It is important that everyone in the Upper Clutha carefully considers what they think is the best strategy for our local airport and for this community over the next [five, 10 and 15] years. It’s essential that we have the information needed for informed choices and that there is widespread local input into airport consultation.“With this in mind and to spark debate we are presenting a vision which better reflects the airport’s role in the Upper Clutha community.” Meg said there were two foundation principles to the community vision: a community airport with strong local governance, and separation from Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC).“Wānaka Airport needs robust governance and the Upper Clutha community should have a determining role on its governing board,” Meg said. “If Wānaka Airport is governed by a board that genuinely represents Upper Clutha communities (as happens at a number of overseas airports such as Aspen, Jackson Hole, Telluride or Vail) then Wānaka Airport could be managed and planned for with confidence.”The long-term community vision also envisions the airport has grown with committed and enterprising management; it is guided by strong governance; it has long-term intergenerational thinking as a central pillar; and it is “not driven by shareholder demands or a growth-at-all-costs mindset”. Meg said the community vision document had been created by WSG alongside advisors in the community and following consultation with residents and community associations in the Upper Clutha, as well as the Wānaka Airport Users Group and Wao Aotearoa.WSG said the community vision is still in draft form and any feedback is welcome. Read it here.

Opening up the conversation about the ‘D-word’ - death - is behind the latest collaboration between local women Liz Maluschnig and Su Hoskin.Liz and Su have run the local Death Cafe since 2019, offering space for a conversation about death with the view to making the most of life. More recently, they have begun offering a service to the community called Final Acts of Kindness, which offers guidance and support to people whose loved one has died or is dying.“The people who love you most are the people who will care for you the best,” Liz told the Wānaka App. “We want to make every part of the death process personal and meaningful to the loved one and their family… people don’t realise you can go from the deathbed to the grave or the crematorium without a professional involved.” This approach takes planning, however, she said. “There’s a lot to know about so you need to be prepared.”She gave the example of a local man who died recently, with a “very loving” funeral where “his community of friends gathered together and everyone contributed something to help fulfill his wishes”.It was “a Rolls Royce service” at a low cost, she said.“That’s why we run the Death Cafe, so people can start talking about the D word without being squeamish, especially preparing for death and doing things alternatively or sustainably .”This weekend (Sunday June 8) Liz and Su are bringing a ‘Death without Debt’ seminar to Wānaka.The seminar will be led by Fergus Wheeler, one of the people who set up the Death Without Debt movement in New Zealand. He will talk about funeral planning, wills, powers of attorney, probate, advance care plans, and more.Su and Liz will talk about how people can keep their loved one at home during and after death, how they can take care of their body, make their own coffin, and even make a shroud. People can also do the related paperwork themselves, and use their own car to transport their loved one.“We’re just saying - hey, there’s a different way to do this,” Liz said. “This is not for everybody. I imagine it would only be two percent of people. Some people just like to do things differently.”She said a DIY funeral is more sustainable, eco-friendly, and natural, as well as being lower cost. The average price of a funeral in New Zealand is over $10,000 (and higher in Wānaka) but a ‘Death Without Debt’ funeral could cost closer to $2,000. Death without Debt will take place at the Wānaka Community Hub on Sunday (June 8) from 11am - 3pm. The Death Cafe takes place monthly, with the next scheduled at 3.30pm at Edgewater on June 16.PHOTO: Wānaka App

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging motorists not to get caught out as snow is forecast across the South Island leading into the weekend. Heavy snow warnings or watches have been issued by the MetService from today (Friday June 6), with heavy snow down to 300 metres potentially causing travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines in Central Otago and Canterbury, from the Rangitata River southwards.“We got off relatively lightly with the snow so far this week,” NZTA system manager Mark Pinner said. “If you are heading away for the weekend, and especially if you are travelling on highways at higher elevations, make sure you are prepared and plan ahead.” Queenstown lakes is facing potentially heavy snow to 400 metres, and snow is expected to fall about the Dunedin-Waitati Highway (SH1) from about 10am. Mountain passes across the island may be impacted as snow accumulates. In addition to accumulating snow, the accompanying cold temperatures create risks of frost and ice on the roads. “Make sure that if you are driving in these conditions, that you adjust your speeds and following distances accordingly,” Mark said. “If you can avoid or delay travel on roads while there is elevated risk, that’s sensible.” NZTA said it will keep a close eye on the State Highway network around the south and respond with its crews as required.Click Roads in your Wānaka App for the latest conditions.PHOTO: Stock Image

Wānaka cafe and restaurant Urban Grind will close its doors next week, and will be replaced later this month by a new Italian restaurant.The cafe on Ardmore Street, owned by hospitality group Dropping Inn, will close its doors at 2pm on Monday (June 9) in preparation for new proprietors to take over next week. The new restaurant - Bambina by Giovi - will be developed by Queenstown-based Giovi Fine Food.The Wānaka restaurant will be the fourth for the brand, with Italian restaurants already operating in Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown. Giovi Fine Food founder Giovanna Boventi says the restaurant will bring an authentic Italian culinary experience to Wānaka.“I am very happy to bring our fresh, homemade pasta, ravioli, lasagna and other delicatessen to Wānaka after successfully serving locals and tourists in Giovi and Farelli in Queenstown, and Bianca in Arrowtown,” she said.“Bambina will be a piece of Italy right in the heart of Wānaka and we look forward to continuing the legacy with the customers of Urban Grind, although with a different twist.”After a short refurbishment, the restaurant will hold a soft opening on June 27, with the full restaurant opening on June 28. Dropping Inn director Matt Laming said Urban Grind has been a Wānaka institution since the business opened 14 years ago, but the time was right for the change of ownership.“We’re inviting the community to come into Urban Grind next Monday and enjoy a free slice of cake with every coffee purchased as a final celebration,” he said.Any customers holding Dropping Inn vouchers or loyalty points will still be able to redeem them at alternative Dropping Inn venues (b.social, Hāwea Hotel,Treehouse, and Hello Ranger).PHOTO: Supplied

The New Zealand Government has announced proposed new rules that will make it easier to build ‘granny flats’—small stand-alone dwellings—on residential and rural properties that already have a primary home. Currently, building such a dwelling generally requires a building consent and, depending on location and land use rules, a resource consent as well.The proposed reforms would remove these barriers in certain cases, aiming to support more flexible housing arrangements and increase supply.Key Criteria for Exemption from Building ConsentFurther details on the criteria for exemption from building consent is available in this link (Exemption Criteria) however the key points are summarised below:The dwelling must have a simple design and meet the Building Code;The net floor area must be no greater than 70 square metres;Construction must be completed by authorised building professionals;It must be intended for use by a single household or family; andHomeowners need to notify the local council before commencement of construction and after completion.Resource Management Act (RMA): Ancillary to the above, work is in place to develop new National Environmental Standards that will require councils to permit granny flats in rural and residential zones without need for a resource consent. It is also important to note that existing granny flats or those under construction are not expected to benefit from the exemptions.Local Impacts for Wanaka and Central OtagoCentral Otago—including towns like Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, and Ranfurly—is already facing housing pressure due to population growth, urban migration, and a shortage of smaller, more affordable housing options. Here’s how the proposed changes could impact the region:1. More Housing Flexibility for FamiliesFamilies in Central Otago often have strong local roots and a preference for keeping whānau close. These new rules will make it easier to build self-contained units for elderly parents, adult children, or even live-in carers—without needing to subdivide land or go through a lengthy consent process.2. Relief for the Rental MarketWith the influx of new residents and limited rental availability in places like Wanaka and Cromwell, granny flats offer a quick and cost-effective way to create more housing3. Economic Opportunity for the Construction SectorThe local building and trades community stands to benefit from a streamlined process. Smaller builds, like granny flats, can be turned around faster, creating steady work for builders, architects, and suppliers across the region. Removing the requirement for building consents (under strict criteria) lowers administrative costs and speeds up delivery.When Will These Changes Come Into Effect?The Government is targeting early 2026 for the introduction of these changes. In the meantime, councils and industry professionals will be preparing for the shiftFAQsQ: Will this affect existing granny flats?A: No. The exemptions are expected to apply only to new builds that meet the new criteria after the legislation takes effect.Q: Do I still need to involve the council?A: Yes. You must notify the council before and after construction, even if you are exempt from needing formal consent.Q: Are these rules already in effect?A: Not yet. They are expected to be implemented by early 2026, pending final legislation.Q: Can I use the granny flat for short-term holiday lets like Airbnb?A: This will depend on your local district plan. Some areas may restrict short-term rentals, so it’s important to seek legal advice first.Q: What if my property is zoned rural?A: Under the proposed environmental standards, both rural and residential zones will be included—making this especially relevant in regions like Central Otago. 17 Dunmore Street, Wānaka 

News that funding has been restored for an Upper Clutha public transport business case has been welcomed by local community figures.The decision was made at Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) meeting on Wednesday May 28 to allocate $250,000 from the council's general rates to fund a business case for public transport in the Upper Clutha.Read more: ORC councillor supports public transport fundingKathy Dedo, who led the Community Link public transport shuttle trials in 2022 and 2023, told the Wānaka App she was “delighted” the funding had been reinstated.The primary goal of the shuttle trials was to gather data to support long-term planning, she said. “While we provided a short-term service, it is [ORC’s] role to develop and provide public transport and the business case is the next step toward this becoming a reality in our region.” A business case would “further investigate the need and feasibility of public transport in the Upper Clutha, and start to inform costs and the model of service [which] could eventually be offered”, she said. Community Link’s reports on the shuttle trials have been provided to ORC and should factor into the business case development, she added.A ‘definite need’ for public transport Community Link general manager Kate Murray said the organisation “definitely” sees a need for public transport here.“[T]his includes our seniors that are unable to get to the supermarket or medical appointments and the wider population that for medical reasons such as injuries or eyesight impairments are unable to drive (short term or long term) that then struggle to get around the Upper Clutha,” she said. “Alongside this we are increasingly having requests for people seeking help to get to Queenstown for medical appointments.” Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer said his wish list for public transport includes “express, peak time services between Wānaka and Hāwea, Luggate and Queenstown Airport”.  “This will reduce emissions, pressure on the Albert Town bridge and general congestion in town,” he said. Kathy Dedo, Simon Telfer, and Cherilyn Walthew. PHOTOS: Supplied/Jeannine Tuffin/Supplied“Given there won't be a bus stop on every corner the public transport system has to tie into the active travel network so residents can walk, bike or scooter to and from pick up points. “If we are really progressive we should leverage technology to make the service more 'on demand' than completely scheduled. Hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel for those who want to travel more socially, cost effectively and environmentally responsibly.”Request for ‘accessible and consistent public transport’ Hāwea Community Association (HCA) acting chair Cherilyn Walthew told the Wānaka App the HCA - a strong supporter of public transport given the area’s rate of growth - had already spoken with ORC staff to discuss the community’s needs, requesting that long-term planning for the area incorporates public transport routes, even if public transport is not immediately available.“This includes things like the Capell Avenue extension which we believe should be approached with [public transport] in mind, including future bus routes and stops, along with cycle lanes and walking paths to ensure we maximise the opportunities for people to get out of their cars and connect with public transport routes.”Cherilyn said the HCA is also keen to see “tangible links and considerations in relation to [Queenstown Lakes District Council’s/QLDC] Climate Action Plan”.“The HCA supports a highly functioning local urban township with good public transport links that meets the needs of the population. This means accessible and consistent public transport.” QLDC deputy mayor Quentin Smith, who is also a member of the Public and Active Travel Advisory Group - a joint forum of ORC and QLDC - said he was “pleasantly surprised and a little shocked” that the business case was reinstated.  “It remains uncertain if or when this could lead to a funded service but it is a step in the right direction and allows the groundwork to get done,” he said.  

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is seeking permission for the harbourmaster to use a speed restriction buoy on Lake Wānaka as a temporary mooring for runaway vessels.The council said there was a “critical need” to use the buoy as a temporary mooring because private vessels often slip their moorings.They would “aid the harbourmaster… in emergency situations to temporarily secure vessels adrift, or as immediately necessary to provide for the safety of the waterway,” QLDC said.QLDC is asking for use of the buoy near the Wānaka Marina as the temporary mooring.It is also asking to use the buoys on Lake Wakatipu - at Pigeon Island and Queenstown Bay - for the same reason.In its resource consent application QLDC said it was important to note the buoys would be used as moorings for short-term emergency purposes only and they would be “distinct from traditional moorings”.QLDC also wants to use the buoys to help make firework displays from the lake possible.It asked to use them to “secure a fireworks barge/vessel on occasion to support community events”. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wellington-based photographer Nick Netzler will return to Wānaka later this month to share an exhibition he has created following an eye-opening experience with WAI Wānaka.Nick travelled to Wānaka earlier this year as part of Creative NZ’s Pacific Arts Nature Residencies, where Pasifika photographers capture the stories of New Zealand’s rural communities, and he says he was struck by Wānaka landscape and how the community looked after the land and its resources.“This was a whole new experience for me. As someone from urban Wellington, spending time with WAI Wānaka and their community really opened my eyes,” Nick said.“I was surprised by how familiar it felt, like working with whānau. The way we came together and valued the environment felt very natural for me from a Pasifika worldview.”Nick’s residency was one of two in the 2025 pilot, and WAI Wānaka partnerships lead Michaela Blacklock said the organisation was thrilled to be involved with the debut.“This has been a fantastic initiative and opportunity for WAI Wānaka,” she said. “To have Nick spend time with the team, in action, seeing and learning what we do and documenting it visually, is exciting.”Nick said the experience was “a big learning curve seeing how hands-on and practical the work is to keep the waterways healthy and flowing”.“I was in awe of the beautiful Wānaka landscape and the community’s efforts to protect it.”Nick will be back in Wānaka on Thursday June 19 to present a digital photography exhibition and give an artist talk about what he learnt during his time with WAI Wānaka.The event will take place at the Wānaka Community Hub from 6.30pm.Light refreshments will be provided before Nick’s presentation, WAI Wānaka said.It’s free to attend but attendees are asked to RSVP - by emailing [email protected] - to keep track of numbers.PHOTO: Nick Netzler