Ki Tahu iwi representatives led a poroporoaki on Monday (March 10) to farewell three people who all died while in the outdoors in the Wānaka area last month.The ceremony, for the friends and family of the three, was also attended by Wānaka Police, Wānaka Search & Rescue and the Department of Conservation.The people remembered were: Hector Gaston Artigau (who was last seen near Rob Roy stream), Maelle Favergros (who fell on Mt Brewster), and Claire Connell (who was found in Timaru River).Read more: Search for Hector moves downstreamTramper dies near Brewster HutDead woman namedThe bodies of Claire and Maelle were recovered but Hector, who is believed to be located in one of the deep pools in the canyon, has not been recovered.Read more: Search for Hector ‘most difficult’ SAR operation yetPHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR) has won multiple awards for rescues over the years, but the recent search for young Argentinian tourist Hector Gaston Artigau in Mt Aspiring National Park has been “unquestionably the most difficult operation we have undertaken", according to swiftwater/canyon team leader Roy Bailey.Wānaka SAR volunteers spent over a week last month attempting to locate and retrieve the body of the young tourist who had fallen into a canyon near the end of the popular Rob Roy Track.In one of the biggest, most intensive search and rescue operations in years, Wānaka SAR's swiftwater/canyon, sub-alpine and incident management teams - with the assistance of Aspiring Helicopters - spent nine days trying to recover Hector’s body from the canyon.The effort involved more than 800 volunteer hours, Wānaka SAR chair Raewyn Calhaem said.“Sadly, while the victim's pack and several other articles were recovered, the search could not locate his body, which is believed to be trapped in one of the deep pools in the canyon,” she said.The search involved Wānaka SAR's swiftwater/canyon team being lowered by helicopter into the 60m deep canyon, along with the use of specialist equipment like a 'rescue raft' and 5m long probes.While sub-alpine team members searched the accessible banks, the swiftwater/canyon team, using the raft as a floating platform, probed the depths of pools boiling with high-pressured water, and used an underwater camera and torches to search caves in the sides of the canyon base.The search for the young man in the Rob Roy Stream was Wānaka SAR’s “most difficult operation” to date.A police spokesperson told the Wānaka App this week there is no current active searching being done for Hector Gaston Artigau, “however, consideration continues to be given to potential next steps, some of which rely on the right atmospheric conditions”. "We deeply regret we could not bring appropriate closure to Gaston's family who are dealing with this tragedy," Raewyn said. "We have not given up, but for the moment we have done all that we can."PHOTOS: Supplied

Police have confirmed that a person has died following a crash near Cromwell last night.The single vehicle crash on Cromwell-Clyde Road was reported just before midnight (March 10).The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.Enquiries to determine the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.The road was closed and has since reopened.

Teachers at Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) have been working hard to prepare for big changes as the result of a long-running NCEA curriculum review that began in 2018.MAC teachers are being upskilled and have been participating in trials in order for the college to be prepared for the changes, MAC principal Nicola Jacobsen told the Wānaka App.It is “a massive job” for individual schools to adapt to the new curriculum as it is developed, she said. The Ministry of Education and New Zealand schools are six years into the review, which is scheduled to be completed by 2027.MAC principal Nicola Jacobsen says “the most important thing is that the teacher knows the child”. PHOTO: SuppliedCurriculum changes underway The changes include what will be taught and in what sequence for each year of schooling, the teaching practices used in classrooms, and the assessment tools and practices used to monitor and respond to students’ progress. “The hardest thing for teachers is we’re working through a review process that’s been going on since 2018 and we want certainty,” she told the Wānaka App.The Ministry of Education has completed work on the history, social sciences, and maths curriculum - with the maths resources only arriving at the end of January 2025 - at the beginning of the school year. “There’s a lot of learning to do to ensure your current planning is meeting the requirements of the new curriculum,” Nicola said.MAC teachers have been “professional and practical” about it, she said, with heads of learning working quickly to get their teams on the same page.The school is still waiting for the rest of the curriculum - including science and English. A new English curriculum was expected this year, but the New Zealand Association of Teachers of English pulled out of the process after debates over whether traditional texts should take priority over modern, more diverse, texts.The new curriculum’s vision for learning places value on Te Ao Māori perspective. MAC teacher Raihania Chadwick pictured flax weaving with senior students. PHOTO: Wānaka AppPart of the proposed shift in the English curriculum is asking students to analyse the perspective taken in texts. “Those thinking skills are so critical in the world of social media kids live in,” Nicola said. “I would hope we can keep that variety and flexibility of choosing texts which are relevant to current events and the geopolitical landscape.” Professional development underway Each school is responsible for managing the curriculum change process, which includes best practice for teachers. For MAC, this means the senior leadership team coming up with a plan, and providing professional learning for teachers every Friday morning for 45 minutes. These sessions look at the changes to the curriculum, and the latest educational research on best practice. Staff professional development focuses on the new curriculum’s five pedagogies: Caring for learners and learning, connecting learning to each learner, building power-sharing partnerships, being urgent about progress, and designing for inclusion.“The most important thing is that the teacher knows the child,” Nicola said.Another outcome of the review will be a change in how students’ progress is reported to parents.Changes to assessment this year“Students [across the country] were being assessed too much,” Nicola said, and each school assessed differently - particularly for years 0 to 10.It was also assumed that all students progressed in the same way. Data shows, however, that progress for junior students is not the same for each subject.“Students will achieve differently in each subject, as their skills develop (for example, a student might make great progress with reading, but your other skills might not develop at the same pace). Having a two year progression, rather than a curriculum level, means that students have time to show how they are developing across skills,” she said.There are now developmental progressions (for MAC - years 7-8, years 9-10, and years 11-13), and for each progression, there is a set of statements for where a child should be at with their learning and achievement by the end of each stage.MAC’s reporting to parents will change this year, Nicola said, moving to measuring whether students are meeting expectations, exceeding expectations, or needing support.The refreshed report, which will be used during term 2, allows for subjects with a refreshed curriculum to report using the new curriculum requirements, as well as those subject areas whose curriculum has not yet been refreshed to report using the old requirements. A new vision for learningDespite all the challenges, Nicola said the new curriculum’s vision for learning “is fantastic”, with a focus on skills and capabilities, a strengthening of literacy and numeracy, placing value on the local curriculum as well as a Te Ao Māori perspective.“The vision is for students being ready, with strong skills in literacy and numeracy, skills in problem solving, and being creative thinkers,” she said.“It comes back to teachers role modelling the values. I spend a lot of time walking around classrooms talking to kids about their learning - what it is and why it’s important.”Nicola said MAC was still a few years away from knowing the impact that it will have on NCEA, but said the resources being provided for literacy and numeracy in years 7 and 8 “have been helpful in supporting the teaching and learning programmes for those students”.Find more information on the curriculum review here.

A range of agencies have teamed up to establish The Funding Series, designed to strengthen the capability of non-profit organisations and support sustainable funding strategies.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Huddl, Three Lakes Cultural Trust, Sport Otago, and the Conservation Alliance have joined forces on the initiative.Funding and fundraising are significant pressure points for many local organisations, Huddl project lead Fiona Reeve said."Huddl's 2024 Community Needs Assessment survey found that over 70 percent of local non-profits surveyed indicated they were facing challenges within their organisations, with funding being a key issue,” Fiona said.“We wanted to find practical ways to support groups with tools and a framework to help set them up for long-term success.”The groups have created the free, four-part series designed to cover ‘all things funding and fundraising’. The first event, Funding Fundamentals, will take place on Tuesday March 25.The two and a half hour session will provide a practical plan for identifying funding sources and the tools needed to pursue funding and grant fund raising.Further sessions will include Philanthropic Funding, Building Good Partnerships: Corporates and Non-Profits Working Together, and Funding in Practice - with more details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.QLDC community services general manager Kenneth Bailey said the agencies behind The Funding Series are able to maximise resources and build on existing funding capabilities by working together.“Sustainable funding is crucial for long-term impact, and we are pleased to support a programme that equips local groups with the skills and knowledge to thrive,” he said.The Funding Series is open to any individuals, groups, and organisations who rely on funding or fundraising to support their operations, project or event. Find more information and get tickets here.

Players from the Upper Clutha Hockey Club (UCHC) took part in the National Masters Hockey Tournament in Whangārei, enjoying the event and returning with medals.Four players from the club’s premier women’s and men’s adult teams represented UCHC across various age groups and provinces: Gaye Henderson (Auckland 60+), Rebecca Holland (Otago 40+), Damian Broadley (Wellington 55+), and Kirsty Cole (Wellington 35+).The tournament was “a huge success” for the Wānaka players, UCHC secretary Chrissi Petit said.“National Masters is a fantastic week of hockey where you get to reconnect with hockey friends from across the country, play some great hockey and enjoy a few drinks and ice baths after the games,” she said.Damian Broadley (back row, fourth from left) in the Wellington men's 55+ team, which won silver.Ninety-one teams across nine age groups (35+ through to 75+), including men and women, took part in the tournament, across two venues (Whangārei and Kaikohe).“All of us have played a fair bit of hockey so the highlight of the week was definitely reconnecting with old friends as well as supporting each other when we could,” Chrissi said. Gaye’s team won gold for the Women’s Over 60s, Damian and his team grabbed the silver for Men’s Over 55s, and Kirsty’s team also claimed the silver for Women’s Over 35s.Upper Clutha hockey players (from left) Kirsty Cole, Rebecca Holland, and Damian Broadley. The Upper Clutha Hockey Club registrations for the 2025 season are open now. Players across primary school, high school and premier (adult) grades can sign up with games starting in term two.PHOTOS: Supplied

Work is underway on a new lift at Cardrona Alpine Resort, which is expected to improve wait times at other lifts in the main basin.Construction of a new T-bar to service the terrain park is currently at the tower foundation preparation stage, Cardrona Treble Cone general manager Laura Hedley told the Wānaka App.“The construction of this lift is on track, which means it will be ready for skiers and snowboarders by the start of Winter 2025,” she said.Laura said skiers and snowboarders will be able to access the Big Bucks slopestyle course, Stag Lane, Lil' Bucks, the Gravity X course, and the Racecourse trail from the new T-bar.“The carrying capacity is between 800-1200 people per hour, which we expect will have a positive impact on wait times at other lifts - especially Whitestar,” she said.PHOTO: Supplied

The 2025 Wānaka A&P Show drew thousands of people to the Wānaka showgrounds for two days of rural fun and entertainment this past weekend (March 7-8). Locals and visitors poured through the gates, once again with more than 40,000 show-goers experiencing a packed programme of competitions, performances and displays alongside a huge array of trade exhibitors and food stalls.“With around 1,500 livestock entries, numbers remain high, continuing the show’s tradition of excellence,” Upper Clutha A&P Society chair Keith Cooper said. The renowned Jack Russell Race delivered fast-paced chaos.“Home industry competitions were another highlight, with fantastic entries from both local enthusiasts and those from further afield. Once again, the level and quality of competition exceeded all expectations.”A standout addition to this year’s show was the Agri Exchange, which created a space for farmers, agri-business leaders and the community to explore future thinking behind the farm gate. Discussions centred on practical solutions, from maximising the use of data collated on farm, to reducing emissions with fifteen organisations from across New Zealand showcasing advancements in production, science, communication, and environmental stewardship. The new Agri Exchange explored future thinking beyond the farm gate.AI-powered pest trapping gave a glimpse into technology’s role in modern agriculture, while support from MPI reinforced the government’s backing of research and real-world solutions.Thrilling competitions at the Claas Cattle Ring, the popular Mighty Mix Dog Trials, and lively performances from local and national musicians kept the showgrounds full of energy. The legendary Petfirst Veterinary Jack Russell Race delivered its usual dose of fast-paced chaos, while woodchoppers and sheep shearers wowed onlookers with their skill and precision.Wānaka A&P Show general manager Jane Stalker said the two show days were “packed with action, fun, and an incredible atmosphere”. More than 40,000 people attended the huge annual event.“Come rain or shine (and luckily, the rain was kept at bay), our exhibitors, volunteers, and attendees bring this event to life,” she said. “We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us and made this another outstanding year.”As this year’s show wraps up, organisers are already planning for 2026. PHOTOS: Supplied 

Applications for Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) annual ECO Fund will close soon.More than $1M is available for projects across Otago which protect, enhance, or promote the environment - but applications need to be in by the end of the month.ORC environmental implementation manager Libby Caldwell said interest in the fund has been high. “We want to give all applicants the best advice we can to help get their projects across the line,” she said.“There’s still time to contact staff for assistance for determining groups’ needs and eligibility.”The overall funding this year is $1.05 million, up from $918,000 last year. It is spread across six categories and is open to a wide range of applicants.Within the six categories, there is funding for projects of up to $15,000, $50,000 and $150,000.Under the different categories that can include on-ground works, biodiversity enhancement, water quality improvement, pest animal or weed control, native planting and revegetation, education, or administrative support, Libby said. Local recipients from previous years have included Friends of Bullock Creek, Hāwea Charitable Trust, Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust, and many more.“Communities know what matters most locally and these funding programmes can empower them to turn those great ideas into action,” Libby said.Staff have made some changes to the fund processes which should make applying clearer and easier for applicants to navigate, she said. “Communities that are either taking their first steps to begin a new project, or looking to continue and expand existing projects, which could improve the environment across numerous types of needs, should consider applying to the ECO Fund,” she said.Find more information about the ECO Fund here.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wastebusters will turn 25 this year and, as it celebrates a quarter century of community-driven work, it is seeking the community’s feedback.Wastebusters is carrying out its community survey this month, inviting feedback on experiences with donations, shopping, recycling, and event services.The Wānaka not-for-profit social enterprise wants to hear from the community about what it’s doing well and what it can improve on, Wastebusters communications manager Ruth Blunt said. “Whether you shop with us, recycle with us or have attended our workshops or education programmes, we want to know what you love about Wasties, and what you’d like to see from usin the future,” Ruth said.“We would really appreciate everyone who’s had a Wasties moment taking the time to let us know how we’re getting on.”Anyone who completes the survey can go in the draw to win a $250 restaurant voucher.The survey takes about eight minutes to complete.Wastebusters’ Community Survey is live and online now.PHOTO: Wastebusters

A short documentary showcasing indigenous food traditions in Wānaka has won Best Short Form Documentary at the 2025 Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) Awards.MAHIKA KAI was made possible through the Monster Children x Lake Wānaka Tourism Short Film Awards, which promotes storytelling from the Queenstown Lakes region, with emerging filmmakers working alongside local production crews.The film follows Tūmai Cassidy and his whānau as they work to rejuvenate ancestral lands through the practice of mahika kai—traditional Kāi Tahu food-gathering methods. “We’re incredibly proud to see MAHIKA KAI recognised at the AIDC awards,” Lake Wānaka Tourism head of destination Gizelle Regan said.“These awards celebrate the best in documentary and factual content, drawing filmmakers, producers, and industry leaders from around the globe.” Gizelle said the award was a milestone for Wānaka as well as the filmmakers, “reinforcing its identity as a destination deeply rooted in place, values-driven tourism, and committed to meaningful storytelling”.MAHIKA KAI was directed by Kieran Mpetyane Satour—a filmmaker of Gurindji, Pertame, Worimi, and Baloch (Afghan) heritage—and founder of GARUWA, a First Nations-owned and led production company. Watch MAHIKA KAI here.

Prime minister Christopher Luxon has officially opened the Wānaka A&P Show 2025 with a short speech praising New Zealand farmers and produce, which he described as “the best in the world”.The PM visited late this morning (Friday, March 7), as crowds began to swell on the opening day of the two-day annual show, which is expected to draw around 40,000 attendees in total.As well as opening the show, the PM presented this year’s President’s Trophy - awarded to those who have given outstanding service to the Wānaka A&P Show - to the Young family.The Home Industry section was bustling this morning with the winning selection of scones, flowers, quilts, photos and the like attracting large numbers.A couple of tents down, the Local Larder - billed as a foodie destination showcasing top producers - filled fast when celebrity chef Peter Gordon held the first of four cooking demonstrations to take place across the show.The Home Industries Tent.Wood chopping, farrier and sheep shearing competitions got underway as well as livestock events and performances at the show’s two stages.Winning blooms.Stallholders at some of the 500+ trade stalls said they had had busy mornings but expected sales to continue to pick up into the afternoon and tomorrow.The PM takes a selfie with young show-goers.Saturday is traditionally the busiest day of the show and it will feature annual classics like the Jack Russell Race, Grand Parade, as well as a huge range of other events and entertainment.The Children’s Carnival area.Find more information and to book your tickets, click Wānaka A&P Show.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

McDonald’s Restaurants NZ says it still plans to open a Wānaka restaurant, but it won’t be drawn on where it might be.A company spokesperson told the Wānaka App this week it hadn’t given up on setting up a Wānaka McDonald’s.“Our intention remains to work constructively through correct processes to open a restaurant in Wānaka,” the spokesperson said. McDonald’s Restaurants NZ was dealt a blow when independent commissioners turned down its proposal for a 447m2 restaurant and drive through at Mt Iron Junction.The company won’t appeal the recent decision, the spokesperson confirmed this week, as the appeal window drew to a close.Submitting a new resource consent application for a restaurant within the subdivision looks unlikely.Mt Iron Junction developer Steve Schikker told the Wānaka App that McDonald’s Restaurants NZ “have not talked to us about other options at Mt Iron."“I think it’s all yesterday’s news,” he said. Many of the people who made submissions on the original proposal for the Mt Iron Junction McDonald’s - which was turned down due to ‘more than minor’ adverse effects on the environment - suggested a McDonald’s would be better located in Three Parks, however the fast food giant said it deemed that area “the backblocks”.PHOTO: Supplied

The news that a “business garden” is proposed for Luggate’s commercial precinct has been welcomed by another developer keen to see the village’s commercial prospects expand.Murray Frost, who is developing the Lake McKay residential subdivision, told the Wānaka App last year he intends to transform the former Upper Clutha Transport yard into a commercial hub centred on the historic Flour Mill.While Murray’s plans are progressing slowly, he said Stuart Pinfold’s proposal to create The Green, a space for multiple small businesses on vacant land opposite the Luggate Hotel, is a welcome addition to Luggate.“I’m really pleased Stuart’s doing his bit along the road as every bit of infrastructure helps Luggate’s development,” he said.As Luggate’s residential development increases so the desire for a local commercial centre - “somewhere people can walk to” - also builds, he said.Read more: Small business hub proposed for LuggateMurray plans to develop a commercial hub concept based on the Mill site within the next 18 months and he’d like to make it complementary with Stuart’s “business garden” proposal.“I’m very focused on having a commercial precinct on that site at the appropriate time. It’s zoned for that and the site is perfect for retail.” Three or four individuals have “expressed an interest” in the site’s potential since he’d revealed his long-term plans for a commercial hub, Murray said.Construction of homes in the Lake McKay subdivision above Luggate village is expected to near completion within the next 2-3 years. He’s had the Flour Mill’s structure assessed and “it’s almost certain it will need strengthening”, but while the Mill remains the focal point of his proposed commercial hub it’s likely to be more “a monument" to Luggate’s historic past than a commercial venue, he said.“A commercial centre will be really good for Luggate.”Meanwhile, the Lake McKay residential subdivision is progressing at pace. The main part of the subdivision is approved for 140 residential sites and six lifestyle blocks. Eighteen homes are either under construction or completed, Murray said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Hirepool Charity Golf Classic will return to Wānaka next week (March 13-16).The annual tournament, held at the Wānaka Golf Club, is one of top local events on the golfing calendar.A spokesperson for the tournament said it offers two benefits to the community.“Firstly there is the weekend of great golf for keen locals and many visitors,” they said. The annual tournament will take place at the Wānaka Golf Club next week. PHOTO: Supplied“The other outstanding contribution to Wānaka is the charity auction which has, over the years, provided many thousands of dollars to local groups. “This year’s lucky recipient is the Upper Clutha Children's Medical Trust.”The Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust supports families who are finding it difficult to meet the costs associated with their children’s health needs.“Since they started the trust has helped over 400 families receive what is often life-changing diagnoses and treatment, which they may otherwise have been unable to access,” the tournament spokesperson said.Previous year’s classics have raised as much as $39,000 for their selected charity.Read more: Golf tournament raises $39,000 for Food For LoveThe tournament spokesperson said golfers and non-golfers alike can support this year’s cause.“During the golf tournament there will be raffles, a silent auction, and a live auction with some superb prizes such as golf packages, helicopter flights, paintings by recognised artists, an All Blacks jersey, top wines, luxury accommodation and many more desirable items which have been generously donated by local businesses,” they said. “Members of the public are welcome to pop into the clubhouse from Friday morning [March 14] till mid Sunday afternoon [March 16] and place bids on any of these items, and try their luck. “We hope to see you there.”

Three earthquakes struck near Haast this morning (Thursday March 6), with magnitudes ranging from 3.4 to 4.7.According to GeoNet, the quakes occurred in the same location 10km south-east of Haast, beginning at 7.37am with a 4.6 magnitude quake, followed by a 4.7 magnitude tremor at 7.49am and a 3.4 magnitude quake at 7.58am.Upper Clutha residents have reported feeling the tremors.There have been no reports of damage.GeoNet has classified the largest quake as ‘moderate’.IMAGE: GeoNet

Wānaka’s new theatre group, Onstage Wānaka, will officially launch next Wednesday (March 12) and its first show will be revealed.Members of the public can attend the launch - which is taking place at the Lake Wānaka Centre - to learn more about Onstage Wānaka and the upcoming show.Creatives of Wānaka (CoW) director and Onstage Wānaka committee member Andrea Beryl told the Wānaka App the group was born from a series of Creatives of Wānaka meetings.“It quickly became clear that there was a strong need for a dedicated theatre society,” she said.“From there, a passionate group of individuals came together to form what is now Onstage Wānaka.”Read more: Creatives of Wānaka band together with new groupThe committee has seven members, each bringing “a diverse range of skills and experience, including performance, music, finance, marketing, stage management, and production”, Andrea said.She said members are open to staging “all types of performances, from theatre to musicals”. “We know that putting on a show requires an enormous commitment. Each of us has dedicated countless hours to establishing the society and preparing for our first production, set to debut in August. The details will be revealed at our official launch.”Andrea said it will take community involvement for the group to thrive - from organisers and performers to audiences.“Wānaka is brimming with talent, and we are committed to bringing it to the stage for all to enjoy,” she said.Onstage Wānaka will be launched at the Lake Wānaka Centre, from 7.30-8.30pm next Wednesday (March 12). People interested in attending should RSVP to: [email protected]: Supplied

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will next week open its inaugural Community Insights Survey to the wider community to participate.QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said the survey provides residents an opportunity to share how they feel about council’s leadership, governance, communication, engagement, climate and environment efforts and facilities.“As part of QLDC’s commitment to transparency and delivering a high standard of services and facilities for our communities, we’ve worked with an independent research company to develop the survey and ensure its results can be trusted,” he said.“The survey’s aim is to understand residents’ trust in council processes and decision making, and their satisfaction with council facilities and overall performance.”Some questions regarding satisfaction with council will be familiar to community members who’ve previously completed QLDC’s Quality of Life survey, he said.However, the Community Insights Survey includes more targeted questions - based on an internationally recognised model - specifically aimed at measuring trust in council in a more useful and actionable manner.It will specifically monitor council performance and provide data and information as to whether its processes and decision making are trusted by residents. Utilising two surveys will ensure the focus is on both resident wellbeing and council performance and that the results can be used effectively, Mike said.The Community Insights Survey is being conducted in two parts. Approximately 3,000 randomly selected residents last week received invitations by email or post, and all residents aged 18 and over will be able to participate through the council’s ‘Let’s Talk’ consultation website from Monday (March 10).The Community Insights Survey is being conducted by Key Research on behalf of QLDC.Take part in the survey, from Monday, here.PHOTO: QLDC

The Upper Clutha Farmers’ Market has wrapped up its second market and its organiser is now looking ahead to its future.Hundreds of people attended Sunday’s (March 2) market, where around two dozen mostly local vendors sold everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to meats and cheeses, preserves, flowers and more.Live music played throughout the event, which took place next to the Luggate Memorial Centre.Market organiser Amanda Snow said she received “really positive feedback” about the market, which was the second of its kind to take place, with the first one in December 2024.Roughly two dozen vendors featured at the market last Sunday.“It’s been really rewarding getting to meet all these different vendors and creating something for the community and seeing people enjoy it so much,” Amanda told the Wānaka App.The two markets held so far have helped to “test the waters” for something more long-term.“A seasonal summer-autumn market would be our goal…[but I’m] still working out how regular that might be.”Amanda said she was “really grateful” to the vendors who had taken a chance on the market without knowing if it would be a success.She also thanked Graeme Perkins for organising the market’s live music; Luggate Community Association members for contributing their time; the Luggate Hotel for providing furniture; and her family and friends who provided support.People can look for updates on the Upper Clutha Farmers’ Market in the Wanaka App's Events calendar.PHOTOS: Supplied