Live events and screenings for the New Zealand Mountain Film and Book Festival (NZMFF) 2024 have ended but thrill-seekers and armchair adventurers can still enjoy the festival’s films from the comfort of home for the month of July.NZMFF festival director Mark Sedon told the Wānaka App he was thrilled with the response from people who came along to the in-person events in Wānaka and Queenstown.“Our numbers were a little down on last year, which is not surprising considering the current cost of living crisis, but we are stoked at the turnout and the feedback we received from the festival,” Mark said.“People were raving about the films and speakers and we met several people who travelled from all over the world to see the festival.”All 64 films are still available to view online until the end of July.Mark and his wife Jo started the NZMFF in 2002 after they were inspired by a festival in Australia’s Blue Mountains and it has been a regular fixture on the local calendar ever since.This year’s festival included 64 films and 17 guest speakers.“Running the seven-day event was exhausting on Jo and I but we were rallied on by regular visitors, the many thanks, the laughter, the chatter and the feeling of community the festival enables,” Mark said.The Wānaka App attended Subterranean, Eternal Flame, and Keep it Burning.Read our reviews on some of the films here.These and all other films which featured at the in-person festival will be available to view online for audiences in New Zealand and Australia until July 31.Either select an online festival pass for access to all festival sessions for $69.95 or book by session (usually 2-2.5 hours and 2-3 films) for $11.95.View the full programme for the online festival here.PHOTOS: NZMFBF

Upper Clutha community and non-profit groups, including Community Link, WAI Wānaka and Out and About Wānaka have received funding from Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) 2024-2027 Community Fund.They are among 69 groups in Queenstown Lakes, 29 of them operating mainly in Wānaka, to receive support from the fund.“Applicants were able to request up to three years of operational or project funding through this round,” QLDC community partnerships manager Marie Day said.QLDC councillors approved the funding at a meeting last Thursday (June 27), committing $4.974M for the three-year period until 2027 and around $1.78M for the coming year.There was a jump in applications from community not-for-profit, voluntary or charitable groups seeking financial support, with 94 applications submitted.Sixty-nine groups in Queenstown Lakes will benefit from the 2024-2027 Community Fund, with close to $5M allocated for the 2024-2027 period.“We realise there are growing challenges and pressures on community groups due to the current economic climate and rising operating costs,” Marie said.“A significant portion of the grants provided were to support operational funding to sustain the ongoing activities and administration to help these organisations keep doing valuable work in our communities.”Local groups which received one-off funding included Wānaka Playgroup ($2,000), Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Centre Trust ($3,000), Wānaka AFC ($10,000) and Out and About Wānaka ($10,000), among others.A larger proportion will receive multi-year funding, including the Upper Clutha History Society ($15,000 each year for three years), Community Link ($125,000 each year for three years), Wānaka Community Workshop Trust ($16,000 each year for three years) and Kahu Youth Trust ($20,000 each year for three years).The largest multi-year grant across the district is for the Whakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group, which will receive $450,000 each year for three years.Given the opportunity for groups to apply for three years’ funding in this round, a smaller community funding round will be made available for community organisations to apply for grants for 2025-2026, QLDC said.Marie said the diversity of applicants, which covered work ranging from social services to environmental protection and youth and education to tracks and trails projects, was encouraging.“Their efforts will greatly benefit our community, enhance wellbeing and foster a stronger, more connected district.”PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Wānaka App always enjoys the armchair thrills at the New Zealand Mountain Film and Book Festival, hosted right here in Wānaka, and this year’s offerings were no exception.Subterranean (directed by Francois-Xavier De Ruydts) is a classic thrill-seekers adventure story which follows two groups of cavers as they try to cave further into two Canadian caves than anyone ever has before. You can feel every claustrophobic step watching the cavers as they try to wedge themselves through tiny openings, claw their way through mud-filled caves, and dive in deep, dark, never-before-explored underwater caves.This reporter had expected heroism, but the humour throughout the film was a pleasant surprise.Revisiting a 1993 base jump from the Great Trango Tower.The cavers’ relentless enthusiasm for exploration goes some way in helping us non-cavers understand the appeal - but we still think it’s a sport better enjoyed by proxy.Eternal Flame (directed by Nicolas Boassard) was something of a trip down memory lane, as it recreated the 1993 ascent of the 6258 metre Great Trango Tower followed by an historic base jump. This reporter saw the film in 1993 and vowed never to jump off anything again, so watching the remake (including split-screen comparisons with the 1993 film) in a comfortable seat 31 years later was a blast. Keeping it burning: Edu Marín, his father Novato, and brother Alex.The two French climbers repeating the 1993 effort gave kudos to that team’s pioneering efforts. The 2023 duo said they were neither the best climbers nor the best base jumpers, but were just motivated. Well, okay. Technology has come a long way since 1993 (when the jumpers’ helmet-mounted cameras were enormous), but the emotional reaction to successfully completing the base jump seemed to be just as intense.Keep it Burning (directed by Guillaume Broust) followed a professional Spanish climber who took his “dream team” - his brother and 70-year-old father - to free climb the Nameless Tower the Karakoram. This was a pleasure to watch, not just for the family dynamics (a hilarious, nuggety dad and his equally hardcore sons) but the extraordinary climbing on the flawless rock tower. Avalanches, altitude sickness, a very long storm, and a demanding route were just bumps in the road for this motivated family - making for a great experience for the armchair adventurer.PHOTOS: NZMFF

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) says this morning’s (Monday July 1) flooding at Aubrey Road was caused by the failure of erosion and sediment controls on private property.After the heavy overnight rain, a water retention plant flooded at a new residential development above Aubrey Road (on what used to be farmland).Police and Fire and Emergency NZ were on site with QLDC this morning after 10.30am to redirect the water from Wineberry Lane to Aubrey Road, where a large pool formed in an empty section.Properties between the plant and Aubrey Road were also affected, with media reports of at least one house being flooded.“The property owner, council contractors and emergency services have worked to prevent any further flooding and pump water from affected properties,” QLDC  spokesperson Sam White told the Wānaka App this afternoon.Sam said the council’s monitoring and enforcement team are now investigating the incident. “As such, it isn’t appropriate for council to make any further comment until this investigation is complete.”Read more: Emergency services manage flooding, Aubrey RoadPHOTOS: Wānaka App

Emergency services and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) are on site to manage flooding at Aubrey Road today (Monday July 1).Firefighters are pumping water from Mt Roy Terrace (adjacent to Aubrey Road), on to Aubrey Road and over to the south side of the road, where a large pool has formed in an empty section.Water is also pooling on to the road at the same location, which is about 300 metres east of the Aubrey Road and Anderson Road roundabout.Traffic management is in place, reducing traffic to one-way where pooling on the road is at its worst.Flood water is being pumped across Aubrey Road to a vacant section.“Our priority is working to fully understand the cause and origin of the flooding, and its impact on residents,” QLDC spokesperson Sam White told the Wānaka App.“At this stage, the issue appears to be unrelated to previous intermittent flooding at the Anderson Road/Aubrey Road intersection, and is some distance away from the new roundabout.”QLDC said it would provide an update in due course.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The recent community clean up of the Cardrona River bank near Wastebusters resulted in a massive tonne of rubbish being collected in under two hours.More than 50 volunteers turned up during National Volunteer Week for the event, which Wai Wānaka organised in partnership with Love Wānaka and Wastebusters.“Our river clean-up was along the Cardrona River below the bridge off Ballantyne Road – an area of the river that is often overlooked and could use some love,” Wai Wānaka communications and educator Jaylene Harper told the Wānaka App.“Together in under two hours we collected over one tonne (1,000 kgs) of rubbish from the area, some of which was part of a litter audit that is input into the national ‘Litter Intelligence’ programme.“We were blown away by the support and how much we managed to collect in under two hours. There are still a lot of big items out there to collect in the future, that’s for sure.”Wai Wānaka said the group was “blown away” by the support.Local businesses Wānaka Civil and Interlink Ltd brought trailers to the event and collected large items, transporting everything to landfill that couldn’t be recycled. Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka held a burger and sausage sizzle with the proceeds going to WAI Wānaka.After the clean-up the group gathered for afternoon tea and contributed to a ‘vision board’ of what they would like to see developed in the area.Ideas included native planting above the river (where broom and gorse currently grow), walking tracks, bird habitats, and an art mural under the bridge. Jaylene said the volunteers were a diverse group, from families to retirees to businesses - many of which lived or worked nearby, or walked their dog there.“I live in Wānaka and feel very passionate about this place and this is a section of the Cardrona River that has been neglected for some time, so it’s really valuable to come out together and  clean it up,” volunteer Ollie said.Jaylene said Wai undertakes regular beach clean-ups at sites throughout the area.PHOTOS: Supplied

Plastic Free July begins today (Monday July 1) and Wastebusters is encouraging community members to get involved with events helping people curb their plastic usage.The annual event is a global movement aimed at raising awareness of the number of single-use plastic items that are part of everyday life, and providing advice on how to avoid them. Participants commit to reducing or eliminating plastic waste from their lives for the month of July.“Key to this year’s Plastic Free July is the idea that the smallest change or swap to your habits can lead to significant change,” Wastebusters communication manager Ruth Blunt said.“Eighty-nine million people around the world took part in Plastic Free July in 2023,” she said.“When you think about a figure like that, you see how small individual changes can have a massive impact.”Over the course of the month, Wastebusters will be encouraging and supporting people to ditch plastic and single-use packaging for waste-free alternatives. There will be online tips with its ‘just one swap’ campaign and competition, and in-person events to help people make changes that benefit the planet as well as the wallet, Ruth said.On Wednesday (July 3) a free evening event at Freshlink will show attendees how to make the most of the refill options available around town.Closing out the month, Wastebusters and Plastic Free Wānaka will host Plastic Free Drinks at Wastebusters’ Reuse Shop on July 31 with discussions and hands-on DIY solutions to help people cut single-use packaging. Ruth said the event was an opportunity to learn about Wānaka’s SUCfree movement and Wastebusters’ vision for the future, enjoy nibbles and have fun with Wastebusters’ zero waste crew and make either a beeswax wrap, oat milk or scent jars.Spaces are limited and booking is essential via the Wastebusters website.Wastebusters Plastic Free July initiatives are supported by the Queenstown Lakes District Council Zero Waste District Programme.PHOTO: Wastebusters

A new sports services hub for Wānaka sports clubs aims to relieve the stress on clubs facing increased administrative challenges due to a lack of resources.The Upper Clutha Sports Services Hub will provide administrative, financial, governance and advocacy support to local clubs, Sport Central community sport advisor Tiny Carruthers said. “The hub is a valuable step to strengthening club systems across the district,” he said.“This model will tap into the huge wealth of volunteer and professional expertise and channel that in a way that will practically support our club system.”Sport Central began discussions about club resourcing in the middle of 2023, engaging the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and local clubs. Research identified a strong need for increased club support and identified the areas of greatest focus.After a review of various delivery models by a working group, the hub has been established and registered as an incorporated society, giving it the ability to generate sustainable funding and contract staff to provide the support services directly to clubs. Initial seed funding has been provided by Queenstown Lakes District Council.“The hub will be led by a management committee made up of local volunteers, bringing a range of skills and significant experience in governance, finance, legal, funding and administration,” Tiny said.“A club liaison group, facilitated by a Sport Central representative, will engage clubs through quarterly hub events with the first session to be held on Wednesday August 21.”Upper Clutha Sports Services Hub chair Glenn Peat said the hub will be an important vehicle for forging connections between sport and the business community.“We really hope our local businesses will get behind this initiative and explore where they can support the great work that our volunteer clubs are out there doing every day,” Glenn said.Local businesses interested in engaging with the hub and volunteers who are able to contribute their time and experience are invited to connect via email at [email protected]: File

Members of the community are invited to weigh in on Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) proposal to transfer the nine elderly housing units it manages to the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT). The council is proposing a transfer of its five Wānaka units and four Arrowtown units for one dollar, QLDC property director Quintin Howard said.QLCHT is a non-profit with a range of housing programmes for low-to-middle income earners in Queenstown Lakes, including a senior housing programme.“If adopted, this would enable tenants access to additional resources, and for their homes to be managed by a specialist community housing provider,” Quintin said.Read more: New future for council rental housing discussedQLCHT chief executive Julie Scott said the community housing provider specialises in housing the “more vulnerable members of our community”.“We have the expertise to manage these units while also providing wraparound support services to ensure tenants can maintain their own physical and emotional wellbeing needs.”The trust purchased land adjacent to the Wānaka units in 2022 and the transfer would allow QLCHT to build at least 12 units across both sites, Julie said.If the transfer goes ahead, it would represent “a big win for our local seniors by providing greater capacity and security as our local population grows and ages,” she said.Quntin said while the idea to transfer the units is “quite simple”, it must follow a specific process to remove the houses from QLDC”s schedule of assets.“So once consultation has closed and we’ve collated all submissions, there’ll be an opportunity for submitters to speak to a hearings panel which will then make its recommendation back to council,” he said.The consultation period begins on Thursday June 27 and ends on Sunday July 28. Full details of the proposals and how to make a submission can be found on QLDC’s online engagement portal Let’s Talk once consultation opens. Printed information will also be available, and submissions able to be made in written form, at QLDC libraries and offices. PHOTO: Wānaka App

A newly unveiled mural at the Kahu Youth space in Paetara Aspiring Central has ‘breathed life’ into the space just ahead of a full fit-out. Kahu Youth volunteer manager Jo Lewis said around 150 Upper Clutha youth contributed to the mural project, which was made possible with funding from the Otago Community Trust. “We’re absolutely thrilled we fulfilled our brief and we have something everybody involved is so proud of,” Jo said. “It felt like the first breathing of life into our new space and in what is going to be a great community asset for Wānaka.”Kahu Youth Trust board chair Randall Dobbs said the fit-out of space is due to begin next month, a “very exciting” next step for the youth-focused charitable organisation.Approximately 100 young people contributed to the painting of the mural. PHOTO: Deanna GerlachIt is one of a handful of local organisations which secured space in Aspiring Paetara Central, which had its official opening last October.A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the mural took place earlier this month and Jo said rangatahi took “a lot of pride” in their contribution to Kahu Youth’s new base and built excitement for the fit-out. She thanked the Upper Clutha Youth Council (UCYC) - a youth-led organisation which is mentored by Kahu Youth - and local artist Chrissy Wickes for helping to make the mural project happen. The paint was sponsored by Resene, Jo said. The UCYC secured funding from the OCT Rangitahi-Led Fund and employed Chrissy - the artist behind murals at the Dinosaur Park and Wānaka Primary School - to host a series of workshops with youth to help shape their ideas into a mural design.Jo estimated that 50 youth took part in the workshops and another 100 helped with painting in a “completely youth-led” process.Seeing the pride the young people took in the project was inspiring, Jo said.“It helped them realise they can make a difference and they have a voice that is worth being listened to. That is what is represented to them and they are so proud of that.”Kahu Youth exists to help encourage, educate and entertain youth aged 11-24 in the Upper Clutha.

Entries are now open for the 2024 Wānaka Business Excellence Awards, organised by the Wānaka Business Chamber in partnership with Milford Asset Management. Wānaka Business Chamber board chair Jo Learmonth said the chamber is delighted to organise the popular event, which culminates with a gala dinner on November 9.“The Wānaka Business Chamber is committed to our vision of supporting the development of strong businesses, connected economic networks and a thriving community,” Jo said. “The Wānaka Business Excellence Awards epitomises every aspect of this and we look forward to coming together in November to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our local business community.”Businesses of any size are encouraged to enter the awards, which feature revamped categories, clearer questions and criteria, and a simplified entry and judging process, following feedback from previous awards.A new independent judging panel comprises 11 local, experienced business leaders and specialists led by businessperson and brand strategist Lynley Lischner as convenor of judges.“Businesses should leap at the opportunity to enter the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards to showcase the innovation and best practices that have delivered strong results for their business,” Lynley said.“There is a robust judging process in place and the judges are eager to see many entries from our amazing local businesses. “We want to understand how the business objectives have been met with good examples of how strategy, innovation and execution of the plan led to measurable results.”More information on the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards can be found here and entries can be submitted here.Entries close on July 31.Industry categories:Excellence in Customer Experience supported by Drive AccountingExcellence in Visitor Experience supported by Lake Wānaka TourismExcellence in Trade & Industrial Sector supported by FindexExcellence in Primary & Consumer Goods supported by Cardrona & Treble ConeExcellence in Professional Services supported by Aspiring LawSpecialist categories:Strategy, Innovation & Business Solutions Award supported by Batchelar McDougall ConsultingBest Emerging Business (Under 3 years) Award supported by Air New ZealandEmployer of the Year Award supported by EASINZBusiness Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award supported by Queenstown Lakes District CouncilCommunity Contribution Award supported by Queenstown AirportJudges:DevelopNZ director Linzi Ebbage-Thomas, Air New Zealand regional senior account manager Frank Gibbons, Senior leadership professional Ann Lockhart, Southern Football CEO Dougal McGowan, Destination Queenstown CEO Mat Woods, Business consultant Mike Henderson, Hojo director Andee Gainsford, Aspiring Law director Janice Hughes, OSACO Group managing director Jaydene Buckley and Health Screening CEO Carolyn Oakley-Brown.PHOTO: The Film Crew / Bunker Street Studios

A new after hours urgent care service will be available in Wānaka for 12 months starting in September.Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti said a nurse-led service would be available from 11pm-8am, seven days a week, in a collaboration between Health New Zealand and Central Otago Health Services Ltd.“I understand this is something your community has been asking for for some time,” he said.The minister made the announcement while visiting the Upper Clutha earlier today (Thursday June 27) alongside prime minister Christopher Luxon for the naming of the Wānaka birthing unit.The birthing unit, which will support around 50 births and 400 families each year, will open for pregnant women and families from July 29.The long-awaited birthing unit includes a birthing room with an ensuite and birthing pool, four post-natal rooms with ensuites, an antenatal clinic, a community room and a whānau room.It has been named Rākai Kahukura, gifted by iwi and inspired by the process and thoughts surrounding birthing with ‘rākai’ means to adorn, and ‘Kahukura’ a type of cloak.“I know this is a facility that will have incredible staff who work here and make a real difference to local families for a really important time in their personal lives, who can otherwise face quite long drives to unsuitable facilities…” the PM said.“...To have one closer to home is pretty special.”The minister said the birthing unit would support low-risk, non-instrumental births, options for post-natal stays closer to home, as well as access to early childhood services for 0-5 year olds.Services “are expected to include Well Child checks and childhood immunisations,” he said.The PM thanked everyone involved in the creation of the birthing unit for “all the hard work and effort that’s gone into bringing this birthing centre to life”. The visit included another announcement for maternity services - additional funding for a Clyde birthing unit. The minister said the Clyde birthing unit, built on the Dunstan Hospital site, should be operational by early 2026.More details of the Wānaka after hours service will be shared in due course, he said. At a meeting on health services in March Te Whatu Ora Southern group director of operations Hamish Brown had committed to putting after hours care in place by winter.The minister’s announcement of a September opening means Upper Clutha residents will now have to wait until spring.Community-led advocacy group Health Action Wānaka said it was encouraged by the announcement of the urgent care after hours service but noted that it was a ‘stop gap’; the group will continue to advocate for a “sustainable after-hours service, such as a publicly funded emergency department,” it said.Wānaka’s primary birthing unit has also been a long time coming.Te Whatu Ora - then the Southern District Health Board - purchased a six-bedroom lodge in Albert Town in June 2022 with plans to quickly convert it into a birthing unit for Wānaka families. At the time the lodge was purchased, an opening date of July 2023 was anticipated, but delays associated with the shift from the Southern District Health Board to Te Whatu Ora pushed the opening back by a year.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The location of new traffic lights in Wānaka has sparked concerns, with some residents worried the lights may be dangerously close to the roundabout at the corner of Ardmore and Brownston Streets.The traffic lights are being installed to provide a safe crossing for school students as part of the Schools to Pools route connecting schools to the Wānaka Recreation Centre at Three Parks.Locals raised concerns late last week on social media that the lights and traffic crossing - which are about 100m from the busy roundabout - are too close and questioned their practicality and safety. A commentator, who said they were a teacher, said “it will not work in any form and is in the worst place to put one”. “I believe in child safety and crossing major roads with care but the plan and place is flawed and anyone will be able to hold the traffic to ransom… someone will try to beat the lights and more risk and potential accidents may ensue. Madness?”Locals have raised concerns about the proximity of the lights to the roundabout.“An easy way to delay police and fire getting to emergencies when the traffic’s gridlocked,” said another person.It’s not clear from communication with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and NZTA/Waka Kotahi which organisation selected the location for the traffic lights.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App that the council’s design team considered a range of alternatives, including a crossing further up the hill, above Hedditch St, or one directly at the intersection with Ballantyne Road.“The design team’s preferred option was a controlled intersection at Ballantyne Road… [where] we would gain some benefits from right hand turns from Ballantyne,” he said.“But this is a state highway and the final decision sat with NZTA and their engineers.”However, NZTA media spokesperson Frances Adank told the Wānaka App a different story.“The QLDC project team presented options during the design process for the traffic signals and after discussion between the parties, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi agreed with the QLDC recommendation,” she said.The Wānaka App asked QLDC for clarification on Monday (June 24) but had not received a substantive response before this story was published.The traffic lights are not yet operational.QLDC has said active travel is an integral part of providing an accessible and safe transport network in Wānaka, and the Schools to Pool footpath upgrades “will create and encourage the use of shared, safer spaces for pedestrians, cyclists and micro mobility users”. “The Schools to Pool route will make small, quick and effective changes to our streets and the way they’re used, making it easier to embrace cycling or walking as a means of travel and creating a more sustainable environment to live, work, and play in Wānaka.”PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Two drivers who fled from police in the past week will be “held to account” for their risky behaviour, Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts says.Police are now in the process of prosecuting two fleeing driver events, one of which happened at a traffic checkpoint by the police impairment prevention team (IPT).This incident resulted in an arrest for obstruction and driving related offending. “Any incident on the road where driving behaviour is putting other people’s lives at risk is pretty concerning and the fact we’ve had two in the last 10 days is disappointing,” Fi said.“It’s completely offensive that people think they can get away with that kind of stuff.”The IPT conducted two traffic checkpoints in Wānaka with multiple breath tests completed. Fi said “speeding, distractions (cellphones) and licence breaches” have been a theme over the past week. A vehicle lost control at the corner of Aubrey and Anderson Roads and went through a fence after the driver failed to take the corner.“EBA [excess breath/blood alcohol] procedures resulted in the driver being issued with an Infringement Offence Notice for excess breath alcohol,” Fi said.‘Steady flow’ of family harmPolice in Wānaka are being kept busy with family harm incidents, Fi said, following an increase in reported cases.One recent incident related to historic family harm matters including an alleged assault on a person in a family relationship.“The alleged offender is being prosecuted, and a protection order has been issued by the court,” Fi said.In a separate incident, a Wānaka man was charged with threatening to kill/grievous bodily harm. He refused police officers’ request to give blood (for driving offending) and was found to be in possession of an offensive weapon. “His offending has resulted in him being remanded in custody,” Fi said. “We are seeing a steady flow of family harm reporting across our area, ranging from verbal arguments to psychological and physical harm. “Police are holding offenders to account as a result of family harm investigations, subsequent charges being filed, and prosecutions initiated.”Matariki plans There will be a police presence at the Wānaka Matariki event tomorrow (Friday June 28) afternoon.Organisers Kahu Youth Trust are expecting 1,500 attendees at the event, Fi said. “We encourage everyone to have a good time and be safe.”Fi reminded people that winter driving conditions are very changeable and drivers should watch their speed, drive to the conditions, and carry chains.“Please drive to the conditions, even when speed doesn’t cause the crash, it is the single biggest determinant in whether anyone is killed, injured, or walks away unharmed. A small change in speed makes a big difference to injury severity in a crash – for you and everyone else involved,” she 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 

Celebrations taking place for Matariki in Wānaka tomorrow (Friday June 27) will include kapa haka, hangi, storytelling of local Māori history and legends, light displays and more.Matariki signifies the Māori New Year, and its name is taken from the cluster of stars which rises in midwinter.“What it is for us is honouring the past and celebrating the future - that’s the way Māori recognise it,” Paul Tamati told the Wānaka App.Paul has been involved with the local Matariki celebration organised by Kahu Youth since the first event in 2010.Paul Tamati has been involved with the local Matariki event since it began in 2010. PHOTO: Wānaka AppFormer Kahu Youth manager Richard Elvey approached the Māori community asking for their help setting up a public Matariki event in Wānaka and “it was successful right from the very start,” Paul said.Over the years it has grown significantly, with around 2,000 people attending last year.Initially the hangi was the drawcard for people who didn’t understand the meaning of Matariki, Paul said.Now the annual event includes a range of performances from local tamariki, multiple opportunities to learn about Māori culture and history, and serves as an opportunity to get the community together. On the day Paul serves as the MC and the day before he works with volunteers, sharing his knowledge and teaching people the art and craft of hangi making.“I couldn’t do this without the support of uncle Dave Perry and his whānau, my wife Robyn Tamati and her team, and the support from volunteers and businesses,” Paul said.Over the years the event has grown to share Māori culture and history in various ways, through kapa haka, storytelling, fire dances and more. PHOTO: Deanna GerlachKahu Youth operations director Anna Sutherland said some of the factors in the enduring success of the local Matariki event was the focus on keeping it community based, on telling local Māori stories and highlighting what makes Wānaka unique and special.“It’s a really special time,” she said.Head along to the Dinosaur Park tomorrow between 2pm and 6pm to take part in this year’s Wānaka Matariki celebrations.A pre-dawn Haupatu ceremony in celebration of Matariki will also take place at Treble Cone tomorrow morning, involving remembrance of those who have passed, followed by cooking of kai connected to stars in the Matariki clusters.The Kāi Tahu and Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou hosted hautapu will be broadcast nationwide through Whakaata Māori, TVNZ, TV3, Sky Open and streamed on the Matariki.com website.See also: Profile: Paul Tamati - volunteer extraordinaire.

Greenstone Entertainment has announced its lineup for the annual Summer Concert Tour at Gibbston Valley, which featured Cold Chisel, Icehouse, Bic Runga and Everclear.On the 15th year anniversary of the summer concert, Cold Chisel will be celebrating 50 years since its first New Zealand tour, and Icehouse 45 years.The 2025 Summer Concert tour will play in Queenstown on January 18.Greenstone Entertainment’s Summer Concert tour has been a regular fixture on the Southern Lakes summer concert calendar.“The Summer Concert Tour has cemented itself as an annual pilgrimage where friends get together and enjoy some of the best music of our lifetime,” Greenstone CEO Amanda Calvert said.Australian rock royalty Cold Chisel will be bringing their 50th anniversary tour, ‘The Big Five-O’ across the ditch to celebrate with a Kiwi summer. After lead singer Jimmy Barnes underwent open heart surgery in 2023, the rocker said he never thought he’d see these milestone performances come together. “The Big Five-0 is a landmark moment,” he said.“There have been plenty of times where I never thought I’d live to see this day so I’m going to make the most of it. I can’t wait to celebrate with my mates and with all the fans who have been such a big part of our story. We’re gonna smash it!” Guitarist and singer Ian Moss has reassured fans they’ll hear the most popular hits in the setlist. “There are a minimum of 15 songs that our audience demands to hear. This time we’ll be playing all of them plus we’ll be throwing in lots of musical surprises,” he said.Iconic Australian band Icehouse continues to play to sell-out, capacity audiences around the world.“We loved touring New Zealand in 2017 with the Summer Concert Tour and can’t wait to be back again to be part of the 15th year celebrations in January,” lead singer Iva Davies said.Since the release of her first single ‘Drive’ in 1996, Bic Runga (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine) has been awarded almost every musical honour in New Zealand, including the APRA Silver Scroll songwriting award. “I’m excited to be part of the Summer Concert Tours 15th year celebrations. I can’t wait to perform alongside an iconic lineup of artists that I’ve admired for so long,” Bic said.Leading ‘90s alternative rock band Everclea has sold over six million records and founder, vocalist and guitarist Art Alexakis has no plans to slow down. “We’re stoked to be joining a lineup of such legendary acts. It’s been seven years since we’ve been to New Zealand and we couldn’t be more excited to get back and connect with our Kiwi fans and to be included in this awesome festival,” Art said.Summer Concert Tour ticket sales for the general public will be on sale from 12pm Monday July 1, but locals in Wānaka can secure limited locals tickets from 9am Thursday, June 27 from the Wānaka i-Site.PHOTO: Supplied

A high level proposal for regional transport - to the tune of $1.78 billion - has been agreed to by the Otago and Southland Regional Transport Committee (OSRTC).The joint transport funding bid by Otago and Southland will go before Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Environment Southland next month before being lodged with NZ Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) deputy mayor Quentin Smith is the QLDC representative on the OSRTC.“This is us putting our stake in the ground on what we think we need,” Quentin told the Wānaka App.The proposal includes road safety improvements and capital projects the council hopes to receive government funding for, he said, including “network optimisation” for Lake Hāwea, a business case for the formation of Capell Avenue, and other local road improvement projects.The plan is “high level” and has been backed up by strategic planning, Quentin said.“We’re dictated in part by the government policy statement on transport, which is shifting under the new government.”There is a “big focus from the new government on maintenance”, such as fixing potholes, and a “shift away from active travel”, he said.Quentin said the process underway is the traditional and primary mechanism for the councils to apply for funding from the National Land Transport Fund (which is funded from fuel excise duty).Different territorial authorities submit their priorities, which are filtered through to a regional programme, and so on, Quentin said.Public transport is not generally covered by the fuel excise duty and therefore isn’t part of this process, he said.Otago and Southland are collectively seeking a total $1.78B in funding from NZTA’s State Highway improvement programme, for their respective 2024-2027 programmes of activities: $1.26B for Otago and $495M for Southland. Regional transport committees will now recommend the plan to their respective councils for approval and then submit it to the NZTA. ORC will consider the plan at a full council meeting in Cromwell next month. The final submission date to NZTA is July 31.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Tomorrow’s Queenstown Lakes District Council meeting will be one of tough decisions, deputy mayor Quentin Smith says.Councillors will need to decide whether or not to adopt the draft Long Term Plan for public consultation, which proposes an average rates increase of more than 15 percent.They’ll also be asked to make final decisions on allocation of the Community Fund and Events Fund.The 15.6 percent average rates increase in the draft Long Term Plan is “in line” with the average rates increases being considered by councils around the country, Quentin said.“It’s a national issue regarding the escalations and challenges, particularly relating to Three Waters and the like, and interest rates,” he said.Mayor Glyn Lewers said the council had been hit by “so many” external factors outside its control which are affecting rates.“Everything we do is costing more to deliver, making this one of the most difficult budgets to prepare for the district,” he said.Both Glyn and Quentin said the increase was not being considered lightly.The council has significantly scaled back its capital expenditure programme, and during the past six months the council has scrutinised projects, services, programmes, and general operating costs to see where cuts can be made.There have been “some really challenging conversations around priorities and what this means for rates increases”, Glyn said.Financial pressures also affect how many groups the council can help via its Events Fund and Community Fund, which councillors will also consider tomorrow (Thursday June 27).With around $380,000 to allocate to events and 29 applications requesting close to $1M, the Events Fund, which is designed to support local events that have flow-on effects for the wider community, will also leave some event organisers disappointed.The Community Fund, an annual contestable fund to support community organisations, has a healthy budget of around $1.8M, but it has received a record 94 applications this year.“It’s always a tricky thing,” Quentin said. “We’d love to support and fund everything but we can’t.”“We’ve got to make some tough decisions.”Also on the agenda for tomorrow’s full council meeting are the Upper Clutha Landscape Schedules variation, the Queenstown Airport Corporation Statement of Intent, the Creativity, Culture and Heritage Plan, and others.The meeting will take place at 1pm at the Council Chambers, Queenstown, and it will be live-streamed on the QLDC Facebook page.

Hato Hone St John Wānaka has celebrated the installation of a brand new solar system with a community blessing ceremony on Monday (June 24) at its premises on Link Way.Last year St John won access to a solar subscription valued at $45,000 in SolarZero’s Solar Future Competition, and the system is now installed and operating.“Adding solar panels and a battery is a game changer for us,” St John Wānaka chairperson Dell Taylor said.“With a SolarZero system, we have the assurance we’ll be able to operate during civil emergencies when our community needs us the most.” Solar Zero territory manager Scott Kiddey, Solar Zero head of engineering Mark Eagles, St John Wānaka chairperson Dell Taylor, and St John Central Otago operations manager David Baillie.SolarZero chief executive Matt Ward said it was a privilege to support St John with “reliable, renewable energy that contributes to the region’s resilience as a whole”.Dell said the system will result in lower energy bills for the next two decades which will help St John focus on its community care initiatives beyond just providing ambulance services – including its youth cadet programme, outreach therapy pet programme and first-aid training.“It was a pleasure to bring the local community together and celebrate installing our system, and how it’ll help us continue serving our region,” Dell said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App