Three Wānaka builders have taken the top spots at the Central South Island Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year 2023. The Apprentice of the Year competition recognises excellence among carpentry apprentices and the competition tests entrants’ project management, business, presentation, and practical skills. Craig Burke (who works for Bayview Construction) was named Apprentice of the Year, Sam Hoskins (Dunlop Builders) took second, and Jackson Reardon (CDL Building) earned third place.The three local winners and all other entrants had to submit a building project and take part in a two-hour practical challenge and, from there, the top 10 progressed to the interview stage with a judging panel and an onsite visit to discuss their project.Judges said Craig’s submission stood out and during the interview “he exuded confidence and presented himself well”.His site visit, on a new build, impressed the judges, and highlighted his “profound understanding” of the practical aspects of building."During the practical competition his time management skills and commitment to maintaining a tidy site were truly commendable,” judges said. “He also demonstrated a keen desire for knowledge by consistently seeking guidance and ensuring he stayed on the right track."As the regional winner, Craig will go on to compete in the national competition in Auckland on November 9.There he will take part in a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel and an additional six-hour practical skills test before the winner is announced at a national awards dinner.PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka’s inaugural Pride Street Party was better than organisers hoped for with a strong community turnout at Saturday’s (September 9) event.The celebration at the Lake Wānaka Centre featured everything from live music and DJs to spoken word and poetry, a craft market, food and beverage stalls, a ‘living library’, and an information market with LGBTQI+ resources.  “This is better than I envisioned it,” event spokesperson Ollie Harcus said. “The community have really come together both from a rainbow perspective and our allies, so it has been absolutely amazing.”Ollie is a founding member of Out and About Wānaka, a burgeoning group of LGBTQI+ locals and allies.He said the idea for the pride event came from a desire to support local rainbow youth. It quickly picked up steam with a range of community groups supporting the initiative.“Our agencies, St John, FENZ and the police have all really stepped up and gone, you know what, we want to be a part of it,” Ollie said.A range of community groups supported the event.Ollie said the event was about bringing people together and removing any negativity around the rainbow community.A stage at the entrance to the Lake Wānaka Centre became the focal point with drag queens among the light-hearted entertainment provided.“It was incredible to see the love from the community and you know, just bring that negativity down and go, do you know what, that was an epic day. These are some epic people.”Money raised from a raffle and silent auction on the day will provide financial assistance to support Kahu Youth and Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College’s rainbow programmes.In addition to the Pride Street Party, Out and About has longer-term goals to become a charitable trust that supports the local LGBTQI+ community, Ollie said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

National and ACT could comfortably govern on the latest Newshub Reid-Research poll, which saw Labour drop to 26.8 percent compared to the previous poll taken at the end of July.National: 40.9 percent, up 4.3 points (53 seats)Labour: 26.8 percent, down 5.5 points (34 seats)Greens: 12.3 percent, up 2.7 points (16 seats)ACT: 10.1 percent, down 2 points (13 seats)Te Pāti Māori: 3.1 percent, up 0.4 points (4 seats)NZ First: 4.6 percent, up 0.5 pointsTOP: 0.7 percent, down 0.8 pointsThis result would mean 66 seats for National and ACT together, with Winston Peters' NZ First projected not to make it back into Parliament without an electorate seat.National's leader Christopher Luxon has also gained significantly in popularity, with his preferred prime minister rating rising 6.6 points to 22.5 percent, equal with Labour's Chris Hipkins who dropped 1.5 points.Preferred prime minister:Chris Hipkins: 22.5 percent, down 1.5 pointsChristopher Luxon: 22.5 percent, up 6.6 pointsDavid Seymour: 7 percent, down 3.9 pointsWinston Peters: 4.6 percent, up 0.3 pointsChlöe Swarbrick: 3.2 percent, up 1.6 pointsThe poll surveyed about 1000 eligible voters between 3 and 9 September and was weighted for demographics, with a margin of error of 3.1 percent in the 95 percent confidence interval.PHOTO: RNZ

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is urging residents to start preparing for the risk of fire early as the hot and windy weather forecast for this summer begins to arrive.The El Niño weather pattern predicted for this summer could cause higher temperatures and more intense winds, increasing the risk of wildfires, FENZ group manager Central Otago Bobby Lamont told the Wānaka App.“We have experienced La Nina over the last year or two, which means we had the heat but not the winds,” Bobby said. He said the winds, pointing the northwesterlies experienced around the Upper Clutha on Wednesday and Thursday last week as early examples of what is to come, will dry out available fuel and make fires extremely challenging to control.FENZ Central Otago is monitoring fire indices - measures of humidity, wind and available fuel - daily.“If we compare it to this time last year we are in most parts of Central Otago, including Hāwea, Wānaka, Luggate and Tarras, we are three times higher already,” Bobby said. Ninety-eight per cent of New Zealand wildfires are caused by people and there is a lot people can do to prevent them and protect themselves and their property.Bobby recommends residents visit the Check It’s Alright website for “an absolute goldmine” of useful advice. Some of that advice includes ensuring you have clear and defensible spaces around your home: keeping the grass short, clearing gutters, and ensuring firewood isn’t stacked against the house.“If we think of wildfire moving, embers will be moving ahead of the fire, so you don’t want anything near your house that can easily light up,” Bobby saidResidents should also be extra cautious if they have power lines near their homes and ensure any nearby vegetation is clipped well back.“With that wind we will see the power lines swinging and the potential for those arcing,” he said.Bobby said the local community tends to be very conscious of fire danger and proactively monitors risks and calls in any issues.Residents should visit the Check It’s Alright website to access resources to help ensure they are prepared this summer.Visit Check It’s Alright.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The final tile has been laid on Wānaka’s newly imagined Te Ara Maumahara (memory path, formerly the Millennium Path) and the pathway has been officially blessed by Ngai Tahu.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) hosted a blessing of Te Ara Maumahara and Te Huruhuru’s Map on the Wānaka lakefront on Saturday (September 9), before the final tile was laid by a Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College history student.The shared pathway runs along the Wānaka lakefront adjacent to Pembroke Park. Read more: Wānaka’s Millenium Path renamed Te Ara MaumaharaA group of people joined QLDC staff, mayor Glyn Lewers, deputy mayor Quentin Smith and members of the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board for the blessing and to walk along the path.Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board member Linda Joll walking the path with her dogs.Long term local resident Frances Copeland was one of them.She told the Wānaka App the new tiles looked good, but expressed disappointment that some of the history of the original Millennium Path had been lost.She said the original pathway was about “families in the year 2000 in the community getting together and honouring what had happened, not just in Wānaka but in the world”.“Most of [the tiles] in the original were paid for by the local people and they had the people’s family name on them. Well, that hasn’t been included. A lot of those people have died,” she said.Two French tourists reading the tiles on Saturday morning.However, Frances said the council has talked about installing an information board about the history of the pathway. Te Ara Maumahara’s tiles celebrate “an improved explanation of human history, cultural inclusion, and enhanced relevance to local history”, QLDC has said.The pathway is packed with local and global history. In just a few short metres, tiles commemorate the building of the Wānaka Hotel - and the advertising for tourists - by Theodore Russell and Charles Hedditch in 1868; the last teacher at Albert Town (Christine Munro) in 1876 - the same year God Defend New Zealand was first performed; the opening of the Luggate flour mill in 1881; and the new Luggate punt operating at the Red Bridge in 1882 - the same year Hāwea Flat School opened.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

A five-star lifestyle experience redefining later living has launched in Wānaka with the opening of the Northbrook Wānaka display suite.Northbrook Wānaka delivers exceptional five-star living for individuals seeking an unparalleled lifestyle experience in a masterplanned community.A bold vision that transcends the conventional notions of retirement living, Northbrook Wānaka comprises of 96 Independent Living Residences and 32 Northbrook Suites. All are meticulously crafted, allowing residents to relish their active lives in the lap of refined luxury.Northbrook is nestled close to the Clutha River amongst an enclave of natural beauty in the modern Northlake community, close to the many recreational opportunities Wānaka has to offer.Beautiful bike trails and walking tracks are on the doorstep and the Outlet, where the Clutha River meets Lake Wānaka, is just a stone's throw away.The beautiful amenities include a spa, heated pool, yoga studio, fitness centre, infrared sauna, and consultation rooms.Northbrook Wānaka enables autonomy and indulgence where residents are empowered to continue their dynamic lifestyles within an environment that mirrors the distinguished life they are accustomed to. Northbrook promises the pinnacle of design, service excellence, and an array of premium amenities, setting new standards for refined living.At the heart of this innovative community are luxurious shared spaces, with the lobby incorporating the restaurant, private dining, residents’ lounge and bar, and the wine and whiskey library. The neighbouring spa includes beautiful amenities for everyday wellness, including a heated pool, yoga studio, fitness centre, infrared sauna, and consultation rooms.With visionary design by internationally acclaimed design studio Woods Bagot, Northbrook Wānaka will stand as a testament to the convergence of elegance, innovation, and lifestyle excellence, fostering the new gold standard for luxury later living in the region.Northbrook Wānaka sales have now launched, offering a selection of two to four-bedroom apartments ranging from 244 sqm to 607 sqm and priced from $1.45 million to $4+ million.Experience this offering firsthand at the Northbrook Wānaka display suite, open 10 am-4 pm daily, at 62 Malvern Road, Wānaka.For more information visit the Northbrook Wānaka website.PHOTOS: Northbrook

A new Otago Community Trust (OCT) fund which offers grants of up to $5,000 for youth-focused activities has opened for applications.Nine young people have spent several weeks brainstorming the purpose of the Central Otago Rangatahi/Youth Led Fund and its criteria, and they will take the lead on final recipients.“We want to fund projects that support the development of exciting experiences and creative ideas, are long lasting, promote cultural diversity and most importantly for youth by youth,” OCT community engagement advisor Liz Harburg said.Sixteen-year-old Chloe Murray is one of the rangatahi who has helped develop the fund.“I am so excited to be a part of the rangatahi-led fund. Having such a big responsibility allows us to make sure we fund the initiatives that we know will have the biggest impact on our community,” she said.“I think it’s really important for youth to have access to funds like these so that their passions, plans and ideas can be supported and nurtured.”The Central Otago Rangatahi/Youth Led Fund is open to anyone under 25 years old living within the Central Otago District Council area and the Wānaka ward of the Queenstown Lakes district. OCT chair Andy Kilsby said enabling and trusting youth in the district to deliver projects empowers young people to make a real difference in their local communities.The fund is part of a suite of new funds under the OCT Tamariki and Rangatahi Strategy, launched in March 2022. Under the strategy $10M was ringfenced to support projects and initiatives that align with the strategy, including up to $100,000 per year being made available for youth-led projects.The fund is available across all of Otago in 2023, with Waitaki and Dunedin the first funds to launch, followed by South Otago and now Central Otago.Applications for the Central Otago Rangatahi/Youth Led Fund are open until October 8.Visit the OCT website for more information and how to apply.PHOTO: Supplied

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has appointed Dr Leslie Van Gelder as the chair to the Climate Reference Group (CRG).The CRG is an independent panel of experts who advise the council on climate and biodiversity related issues and developments and help deliver the Climate Action Plan (CAP).  Leslie is a Glenorchy resident and the co-chair of the Southern Lakes Sanctuary, and chair of both the Glenorchy Heritage and Museum Group and Glenorchy Dark Skies Sanctuary Group.She has served on QLDC’s Vision Beyond 2050 Steering Group, Regenerative Recovery Advisory Group, and Economic Diversification Advisory Group.“The Climate Reference Group is such an outstanding group of people who deeply care for this place and our future,” Leslie said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we can amplify the work that’s already taking place in the district and finding more opportunities to work together in a cohesive, strategic, and impactful way.”Councillors unanimously approved Leslie’s appointment at a council meeting late last month.She replaces the previous chair, former Wānaka resident Bridget Legnavsky, who relocated to the United States. Mayor Glyn Lewers said Leslie was an “excellent fit” for the role.“With Dr Van Gelder’s leadership, I look forward to receiving the group’s continued independent advice and guidance that’ll help ensure QLDC best navigates what is a complex, complicated, and multi-generational set of issues,” he said. Members of the Climate Reference Group include Dr Chris Cameron, Rev Evelyn Cook, Amanda Robinson, Alec Tang, Dr Barrie Wills, Eleanor Trueman, Dr Jim Salinger, Dr Lyn Carter, Tony Pfeiffer, Victoria Crockford, and Sydney Telfer.PHOTO: QLDC

Volunteer South is hosting a community event during Mental Health Awareness Week designed to match locals with volunteering opportunities that are the right fit for them. “We’re fortunate to have a great range of volunteer opportunities in the area,” Volunteer South representative Neha Gosalia said. “Whatever interest people have, there are a diverse range of organisations seeking volunteers to support their cause, and volunteers who help out not only help strengthen our community, they also give their wellbeing a massive boost.”To that end, Volunteer South is hosting ‘Find Your Perfect Match’ on Monday September 18 at the Wānaka Community Hub, with support from Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Welcoming Communities, and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.A range of organisations will be in attendance ready to chat with people who are keen to find out about connecting with their community through volunteering.“This event fits perfectly with the QLDC’s Wellness campaign and Mental Health Awareness Week,” QLDC wellbeing programmes coordinator Samantha Saccomann said. “Whether you are new to the area or have been here a while, we invite you to connect with some fantastic people and organisations in a fun, playful way.” Mental Health Awareness Week runs from September 18-24 and this year’s theme is the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ - Take Notice, Give, Be Active, Connect, Keep Learning - as a set of tools to boost mental wellbeing.Neha said all ‘five ways’ can be achieved through volunteering.“Volunteering is known to have a huge range of benefits to an individual's wellbeing,” she said.Find Your Perfect Match will take place on Monday September 18, from 4.30 - 6.30pm at Wānaka Community Hub. Light refreshments will be available.PHOTO: Rodrigo Leiva Vicencio

The annual Upper Clutha cross country event took place on Tuesday (September 5) at the Hāwea Domain, with five local schools involved.Year 5-8 students from Hāwea Flat School, Te Kura o Take Karara, Wānaka Primary, Holy Family School, and Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College took part.The 1.8km course was developed by Hāwea Flat School for its cross country last month, and involved mud, puddles and obstacles on a track snaking around the domain and making the most of its dry irrigation ditches.Read more: Domain to become ‘breathing space’ for the Hāwea community“We’re definitely going back to the domain next year without a doubt,” Wānaka Primary School deputy principal Jason Cowan said.Runners negotiate the muddy section.“The mud and the smiles made my day. Some kids went back for second rounds of mud,” he said.There were numerous displays of good sportsmanship on the course, with students fishing lost shoes out of the muddy section for runners, and teammates encouraging and supporting one another.Jason thanked Hāwea Flat School caretaker Doug Brensell for setting up the course with the help of parents, and all the parents who returned to pack it all up.A Holy Family runner shaking off the mud run.Of the 160 students who took part in the event, 80 will go on to the Central Otago cross country championships in Cromwell on September 14. PHOTOS: Wānaka App

National Party leader Christopher Luxon has ruled out a bed tax in the short term to fund Queenstown Lakes’ under-pressure infrastructure.Luxon was in Queenstown yesterday (September 7) to announce a host of new policies to boost the tourism industry and New Zealand economy.They include lifting the upper age for working holiday visas from 30 to 35 years, and allowing people to apply for a second and third work visa while worker shortages continue, while also removing the median wage requirement and fast-tracking applications.His party will task the proposed National Infrastructure Agency to work with councils to provide more funding to areas with high visitor numbers but low ratepayer bases, such as Queenstown Lakes.But, asked directly about whether the National Party supports a bed tax, or visitor levy, which Queenstown Lakes District Council is pushing for to pay for the infrastructure needed to cope with high tourism numbers, Luxon dismissed the plans."Look, the reality for us, in a cost of living crisis, that is not the right answer for New Zealand at this point in time," he says.Neither was an increase in the $35 International Visitor Levy the answer, although he said he would like to see the existing funds raised from it applied better.Instead, Luxon says National will work directly with councils on funding."I want central and local government working in a more constructive way. We've actually got to sit down with them and say 'what are the long investments that are needed in this sub-region of New Zealand'. That will be different here in Queenstown, from Hawke's Bay, from Northland to Southland to the West Coast."Let's actually identify what those projects are. We see that's the way the Brits work, the way the Australians work, so that we are actually getting long term planning in place . . . rather than band-aiding and supergluing stuff together..."On immigration, Luxon says removing the rule that employers must pay migrants 95 percent of the median wage, currently $29.66 per hour, would allow tourism businesses to "attract the staff they need at rates that reflect their skills and experience".Being able to renew work visas for a second and third time would enable NZ to compete with the likes of Australia and Canada."We want to be able to reach out and actually make New Zealand attractive again, as it once was."He believed that would enable businesses to attract "thousands or hopefully tens of thousands" of workers, paid good wages but without the cost barrier for businesses.Luxon said exploitation, highlighted in recent cases in NZ, could be avoided if "Immigration New Zealand was doing its job", pointing out that only 2 percent of businesses are audited."We do not want to see migrant exploitation in New Zealand. The images that we've all seen over the last six weeks in this country are things that we would see in other places, but never expect to see here in New Zealand."He was challenged by media on what increased migration might mean for Queenstown Lakes housing availability, where workers were already sleeping in cars.Luxon says National will increase the land available for housing by asking every council in the country to consent 30 years of housing growth."That's what many other countries do around the world. It's important that we have an infrastructure in New Zealand that's actually focused on a 30-year pipeline with decent projects properly defined like we see in Australia."Targeted rates would mean the costs were placed on the developments, rather than cross-subsidised from existing ratepayers."And what we're going to say to councils is 'if you build above your five year average, we will pay you $25k per consent, for every property that's built', to get councils participating in the benefits of growth."He reiterated National's previously announced policy to support landlords bringing more rentals to market, by enabling them to deduct mortgage interest from their taxes, and reducing the Bright Line test back to two years.And he highlighted the need to direct capital to good community housing providers, such as Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust, and also to encourage overseas capital to finance build-to-rent schemes."You need innovative housing solutions. So many countries around the world have build-to-rent projects and products that are available. Those are really good options for workers..."Last week, National announced plans to allow foreign buyers to buy houses in New Zealand again, with a 15 percent tax on properties over $2M going direct to the treasury. That would repeal the ban introduced by Parliament in 2018.Luxon says that would stimulate investment in NZ."I want to have a tech entrepreneur who wants to live six months in San Francisco and six months here in Queenstown, with an ability to buy a house, because that means they can actually make an investment, partner with a local New Zealand firm, build their knowledge, pass on their talent . . ."Luxon also announced plans to create a new 80km Great Walk in the South Island at Waiau – Toa/Molesworth, to co-invest $3M in e-bike chargers to electrifying the New Zealand Cycle Trail, and a $5M contestable fund for Regional Tourism Organisations, such as Destination Queenstown, to promote regional events.The total cost of the package of improvements will be $22M over four years. National will fund this from unallocated revenue from the International Visitor Levy.PHOTO: Queenstown App

The board of directors for Destination Southern Lakes, the new destination management organisation (DMO) for Queenstown and Wānaka, was announced yesterday (Thursday September 7).The DMO - the first of its kind in New Zealand - will oversee the implementation of the region’s destination management plan ‘Travel to a Thriving Future,’ which was endorsed by Queenstown Lakes District councillors in February.Travel to a Thriving Future sets out to ensure that tourism supports a thriving community – environmentally, socially, culturally and economically. Read more: New tourism plan adopted for districtThe plan is a partnership between Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT), Destination Queenstown (DQ), and the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), with input from Kāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation.“The Queenstown Lakes District has the ambitious goal for the region’s visitor economy to be regenerative and carbon zero by 2030,” DQ chief executive Mat Woods said.“To meet that goal, we need to get underway with delivering the projects from the DMP. It’s great to have the governance in place for the DMO so now the RTOs, QLDC and other organisations can get going with delivering the projects.”The DMO will focus on delivery of destination management initiatives as an umbrella organisation for the two regional tourism organisations (DQ and LWT) and as an independent governance group it will oversee progress at a districtwide level.The DMO board members are Murray Strong (chair), AJ Millward, Dr Kate Meyer, Dean Fraser and Kristine Dunne. The chairs of DQ and LWT, Richard Thomas and Calum MacLeod, complete the board.Calum MacLeod PHOTO: Wānaka AppCalum, former QLDC deputy mayor and councillor, is the current chair of LWT. He has served on the Wānaka Community Board and is the founder and owner of Cinema Paradiso.

Conservation organisation Southern Lakes Sanctuary will receive a significant funding contribution to continue its predator control work.The consortium of six local groups with the shared goal of increasing native wildlife and reducing introduced pests needs urgent funding to sustain its work in protecting native species and increasing biodiversity in the Southern Lakes, project director Paul Kavanagh said.A $100,000 donation each year for the next three years from AJ Hacket Bungy - the project’s first cornerstone funding partner - will go a long way.“Since we began in late 2021, the trapping network across our region has increased by 50 per cent and we are delighted to know that we are making a genuine difference for our wonderful landscapes and native wildlife,” Paul said. “But we need to keep going, and contributions from businesses and organisations like AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand can enable us to do that.”Read more: Sanctuary vision coming to lifeSouthern Lakes Sanctuary has the overall goal of enclosing a 660,000ha portion of Southern Lakes country to create a predator-free sanctuary.AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand chief executive David Mitchell said he looks forward to other businesses recognising the needs of groups undertaking crucial conservation work.“It is important for responsible tourism companies focusing on being regenerative in tourism, to not only do their part in carbon reduction measures but also support biodiversity issues.”Learn more about Southern Lakes Sanctuary and how to support it here.PHOTO: Supplied

The district’s first Womens’ Fly Fishing Forum will take place Saturday (September 9) to celebrate women in fly fishing and promote the sport to more women. Open to both experienced and beginner fly fishers, the event will include fly tying demonstrations, casting clinics, guest speakers - and plenty of time for talking fishing, event organiser and Wakatipu Anglers Club committee member Bosh Raich says.Bosh, a Wānaka resident, first developed an interest in fly fishing from friends who took part in the sport.“I was always intrigued as to what was so interesting about this sport that took up a lot of time and the people who were into it loved,” she told the Wānaka App.“I joined the Wakatipu Anglers Club in Queenstown because it’s not just about the fishing but about the social aspect too. We have great monthly fishing outings and events to go to.”Saturday’s event, taking place at the Queenstown Events Centre, will have a team of experienced fly fishers on hand to offer guidance and advice, as well as equipment available to use.Guest speakers will include Fish & Game CEO Corina Jordan, Stray South fishing guide Kristina Placko, and Otago Fish & Game officer Mason Court.Bosh, one of a number of Wānaka members of the Wakatipu Anglers Club, says it will be well worth the trip over the hill.She and the wider Wakatipu Anglers Club want to introduce the sport, which has long been dominated by male anglers, to more women.Wakatipu Anglers Club co-president John Schuitemaker said it’s not just about fishing.“It’s about building a community, fostering self-confidence, and encouraging women to step out of their comfort zones and into a lifetime sport.”Bosh said fly fishing had introduced her to a whole lot of new experiences.“You get to go into the beautiful outdoors and experience some places you never normally would and you really do take it all in as it can be hours tramping up a river following that trout.”The Wakatipu Anglers Club inaugural Womens’ Fly Fishing Forum will take place on Saturday September 9 at the Queenstown Events Centre, from 10am-2pm.The event, which coincides with International Women’s Fly Fishing Day, is completely free to attend and participants will also get the chance to win some great prizes.The club aims to run the forum annually.PHOTO: Supplied

Many of Christchurch International Airport’s claims about a possible airport at Tarras are false, according to a group called ‘Informed Leaders’.The group of researchers and scientists concerned about the proposal for a new international airport in Central Otago wrote to the project’s shareholders this week with “significant concerns” in response to the feasibility study the airport company shared last week.The letter highlights six “unsubstantiated claims or assumptions” the airport company has made, Informed Leaders spokesperson James Higham said.Read more: Flights to Southeast Asia from Tarras feasibleJames (a distinguished professor of sustainable tourism at Griffith University and honorary professor at the University of Otago) said the information was “very concerning”.“We are certain that there is significant unacceptable risk for [Christchurch International Airport Limited], its shareholders and therefore ratepayers, as well as the people of New Zealand.” In the letter (which was also sent to the prime minister, relevant ministers and Christchurch City councillors) the group said there was an “imbalance, bias and predetermined view” in the airport company’s public communications about the project, and an absence of existing science and research. Assertions that Christchurch Airport is a world leader in carbon management and claims that the aviation industry is on its way to zero carbon are false, Informed Leaders said.“Not only is their communication largely devoid of reference to rigorous supporting evidence, but many of its assertions and conclusions are contrary to scientific insight,” they said.The group also highlights similar concerns to those shared by local Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) last week about over-tourism.Lake Wānaka Tourism and Destination Queenstown said the development of an airport in Tarras is not aligned with the new regenerative tourism approach in the Southern Lakes. Read more: Tourism organisations oppose Tarras airport proposal“The need to manage future growth, rather than submit to it, is completely lost in CIAL’s plans,” Informed Leaders said. “The numbers CIAL presents do not fit with a sustainable future or economy, nor with tackling climate change.”The 79 researchers, scientists and associated professionals that make up Informed Leaders say the airport project should not go ahead.“In our view, the significant financial risks alone associated with this project are enough that it should be shelved, as those risks will ultimately fall on the people of New Zealand, and specifically our children and grandchildren. “These risks include the burden which will come as the costs of carbon increase. But there are also others.”James said Informed Leaders had offered to brief shareholders and stakeholders about their concerns based on existing, peer reviewed research insights. They are meeting with Christchurch City councillors for a second time later this month.Read the letter here.IMAGE: Christchurch International Airport Ltd

The Waitaki candidates in this year’s general election were put under the microscope on Tuesday night (September 7) at a ‘Meet the Candidates’ function at the Lake Wānaka Centre.A crowd of 121 attendees listened respectfully to candidates' views on topics ranging from the proposed airport at Tarras to climate change action and Resource Management Act (RMA) reform.Tarras airport proved a divisive topic, with the candidates split when asked for a yes or no answer to whether they supported the proposal.“Absolutely not,” Labour candidate Ethan Reille said. “Regenerative tourism does not look like building yet another airport in our local community.”Related: Tourism organisations oppose Tarras airport proposalThe Green’s Pleasance Hanson supported Ethan’s position, saying: “We need to do everything we can to get our carbon emissions down.”The pair were joined in the ‘no’ camp by Anthony Odering (New Zealand First), and Ray Bailey (New Zealand Loyal).ACT’s Sean Beamish and National’s Miles Anderson said they supported the proposed airport as long as its approval goes through the appropriate processes and the community has input.Democracy New Zealand’s Roger Small said he was “not against progress” and he supported the proposed airport as long as “there is very good infrastructure to support an airport like that”.The candidates were also split when a member of the public asked the candidates for their plan to tangibly achieve climate targets.“It's a cycle of nature,” Roger Small said. “I see the weather, these major weather events and they've always happened in the past and they will always happen in the future.”Sean and Miles said New Zealand technology could provide solutions to the climate “issue”. “We want to be able to access gene editing technology so that we can breed grasses and farm animals that produce less methane,” Miles said.“We have committed obviously to increasing our electricity production from renewable sources. We think that it's quite doable by 2030 if we utilise new technologies.”“I don't think there's any value in catastrophising at all,” Sean said. “We need to make good, logical decisions.”Ethan and Pleasance took a strong stand on climate change, emphasising that it “is real” and now is the time to act.“We want to put in place a Climate Change Adaptation Bill that will have specific measures to help us meet our goal,” Pleasance said.“We also want to create a Zero Waste Agency that will also help businesses and householders and corporations deal with zero waste.”Ethan said climate change is the single largest issue the planet faces and New Zealand is “not exempt”.The candidates also offered different views on the Resource Management Act (RMA) when asked how they would address affordable housing in Wānaka.“The first thing we'll do is we are going to repeal the Resource Management Act,” Miles said.“We're going to encourage councils to have a 30-year plan for development … We're going to introduce an infrastructure fund. We're also going to introduce another fund for councils if they meet certain targets.”Ethan said it was important the RMA reform is implemented “so that we can help local housing developments”.He pointed to the support of the Queenstown Lakes District Housing Trust, which has provided housing for more than 250 families.Meet the Candidates was a public event organised by the Wānaka Business Chamber.The general election is scheduled for October 14.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A new active travel path has been proposed which would help connect Wānaka township to Three Parks. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says it will fund and build the path, which would run from the existing pedestrian and cycling facilities at the Anderson Road roundabout to Three Parks roundabout and provide a connection to the new underpass at the Three Parks roundabout.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith said it would be “a great addition” to the region’s active travel network.The path’s route would cross Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) recreation reserve land and a small area of Department of Conservation land that is being vested to QLDC as part of the acquisition of part of Mt Iron and Little Mt Iron in May 2023.The three-metre wide shared pathway could be used by pedestrians, cyclists, mobility devices and wheeled recreational devices.Waka Kotahi is proposing to fund and build the pathway through its Low Cost Low Risk Programme and QLDC would be responsible for maintaining it.The proposal will be considered by WUCCB at its meeting today (Thursday September 7).The process to develop a Reserve Management Plan (RMP) for the Mount Iron Recreation Reserve has begun and will be completed in 2024, QLDC said, but a decision on the path is required ahead of the RMP being completed.

Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District highways have a big season of summer maintenance and repairs ahead, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says. Across the networks there is 57 kilometres worth of reseal work due to take place.Work will begin on November 6 and run through to December 20, before starting again on January 22 until the end of February next year.The amount of work due to take place is just slightly less than last year’s bumper season (the largest on the two districts’ networks in many years), NZTA maintenance contract manager Peter Standring said.  Aspiring Highways will be delivering road reconstruction and resurfacing projects on behalf of Waka Kotahi from now until mid-March.“As daylight hours increase, the warmer temperatures and dry air help new seals stick as intended to the road surface,” Peter said.“While we are pleased to have this work scheduled and people will appreciate the finished result, we ask people to take special care given the number of road crews they may come across on some key routes in and out of Central Otago and around Queenstown and Wānaka.”As well as the Waka Kotahi highways work there will also be third party private developer projects underway, which can also affect highway travel.Peter reminded drivers that road crew members appreciate a friendly wave and people slowing down to the posted speed limit near work sites. “Our crews work in all weathers and do their best to make their sites as safe as possible for everyone, including themselves.”He said when traffic volumes are high work will take place at night or outside of peak holiday periods where possible.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Council boss Mike Theelen has received a pay rise bringing his salary to more than $415K. The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) CEO’s salary increased by a little over $30K to $415,321.09 after the Chief Executive Performance Review Committee recommendation was approved by councillors last week.The pay rise marks an increase of eight per cent (including a KiwiSaver contribution of three percent), significantly more than the two percent raise he received a year ago. Mayor Glyn Lewers said the remuneration package reflected Mike’s strong leadership during “unprecedented times of change for local government”.His remuneration is now $415,321.09. PHOTO: Wānaka AppNational level changes affecting the council include the affordable water services programme, the Resource Management Act review, and the Future for Local Government review.“Council is also facing an extremely challenging environment with increasing costs, insurances and borrowing rates, while trying to balance the effect of rates on the local community during a cost of living crisis,” Glyn said.Those factors, in addition to significant building defect claims and planning and delivering for current future communities add up to a “massive” job,” Glyn said.He said Mike and his team are guiding elected council “with skill and valuable experience”.“He is a true asset to this council and the district.”Mike was previously the Christchurch City Council's general manager of strategy and planning, and led the council's recovery team after the Canterbury earthquakes.He joined QLDC as CEO in February 2016.