Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has gone back to the drawing board for a process to recruit a replacement for outgoing chief executive Mike Theelen, who will step down from the role in February 2026.Some councillors expressed frustration that the process had to be “restarted from the beginning” when the new process was discussed at last week’s full council meeting (Thursday November 27), and tension was sparked over whether it would mean some councillors would have to work on a Saturday (December 20).The issue follows a stoush during the election campaign when councillor Niki Gladding criticised the selection of a recruitment agency by council’s head of human resources.She said the selection of a recruitment agency without elected representatives’ input did not follow best practice as defined by the office of the auditor general, and risked a perception of mistrust.Mayoral candidate (and now mayor) John Glover weighed in on the issue, saying he was alarmed recruiters were being considered “behind closed doors”, and urging council to halt the process.Then-mayor Glyn Lewers defended the process as appropriate, and said the recruiter would meet with the new full council to develop a recruitment process - in line with Local Government New Zealand’s good practice guide on recruiting a chief executive.Read more: Recruitment row sparks clash among QLDC councillor, mayor, and candidateQLDC corporate services general manager Meaghan Miller told councillors last week the process needed to be “moved along at pace”, with the role of recruiter advertised and candidates evaluated before Christmas.The recruitment process would be delegated to a committee (although the decision to appoint the CE would be reserved to full council), and an interim CE would have to be appointed to cover time between Mike’s departure and the appointment of his replacement.“We need to very promptly turn our attention to [this] after today,” Meaghan said.“Some [councillors’] leave applications may need to be reconsidered if we want to keep this moving.”Deputy mayor Quentin Smith said there had been “a lot of back and forth” on the issue.“We’ve got it to where we need to get to to ensure that council own the process, it’s undertaken urgently and that we have control over the decisions it wants to have control over,” he said.“This is a really important job… “Councillor Gavin Bartlett said he was concerned councillors and staff had “spent six weeks spinning our wheels on this issue when it’s so important”.“It also concerns me that machinations have happened in small groups behind closed doors, which, when we’re trying to be a council that gets things done and does it in the open and transparently, it hasn’t really looked that way to me.“Despite calls to the contrary, we had a recruitment consultant appointed and the appointment was completed by staff with the appropriate delegations to do so … with the intention that as a new council we would be able to hit the ground running and be in the position to immediately commence the work we needed to do on this most important of tasks.”Instead, he said, “we’re in the position we are in today to renew the process from the beginning”. “The way it’s played out has not really been ideal in my mind,” he said, adding he hoped the council could move forward “with more openness and transparency”.While councillor Matt Wong agreed, councillor Jon MItchell said he was pleased the council was “making a shared decision .. so we’re on a solid footing”.“I think we need to put those issues behind us,” he said.The new process was approved, with the mayor saying the council had set itself “a very aspirational window”.PHOTOS: Wānaka App/Supplied

83 Sir Tim Wallis Drive, Three Parks.

Enthusiastic locals and visitors took on the scenic and challenging Wānaka obstacle event - the Alpha Challenge - at Dublin Bay on Saturday (November 29).Determined athletes, a large crew of school-aged kids, and teams in colourful fancy dress made for a varied field and lots of interest for spectators.The Alpha Challenge course includes a hilly run (five or ten kilometers) interspersed with obstacles, including the mud run, monkey bars, a rope climb, water obstacles, walls, and more.For those in the competitive category, failure to complete an obstacle results in a penalty of 30 burpees, but those in the open category can help each other out and enjoy themselves.The Extreme Scaffolding multi rig challenged participants.Organisers said it was “an amazing day”.“The Alpha spirit was alive and well — community, challenge, and plenty of laughs,” they said.Provisional results show the overall winner of the 5km competitive event was Gareth Moore (in 31.41.8), and the female winner was Xanthe Sando (in 34.34.0).Alfie Moss was first in the 5km competitive school kids and youth category in 31.16.9, and Lara Beams was the first female (49.56.9).The 10km competitive event was won by Jaega Banga in 59.45.1, and Xanthe Sando was the female winner (1.10.10.6).Wānaka’s Sarah Veasey - a NZ representative in obstacle course running - enjoying the event.The 10km competitive school kids and youth was won by Mia Sklenar in 1.27.47.2.The top three athletes in the competitive waves qualify for the OCR (obstacle course racing) World Champs.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Wānaka freeskier Luca Harrington (21) has opened the 2025/26 FIS Freeski Big Air World Cup season in style, claiming bronze at yesterday’s (November 29) season-opener in Secret Garden, China.The defending Big Air Crystal Globe winner and current World Champion came in as one of the favourites and backed it up with another podium performance.​Luca said the level was high from the first day of training and that simply making finals was a battle, but he was happy to turn it into a podium finish on day one of the new season.“Today didn’t play out exactly as I had planned, but I played my cards well and I couldn’t be happier to be back on the podium,” Luca said. Luca delivered a highly technical run highlighted by a switch right triple cork 1800 and a right triple cork 1980, scoring a combined 176.00 to lock in third place.​American Troy Podmilsak took his first Freeski Big Air World Cup win, with Canada’s Dylan Deschamps in second. Fellow Kiwi Lucas Ball (Nelson, 17) also impressed in just his third World Cup start, making the stacked men’s final and finishing sixth overall. In the women’s freeski field, Wānaka’s Sylvia Trotter (18) made her Big Air World Cup debut and advanced to finals, finishing seventh.​Big Air finals give athletes three jumps to land two different tricks in two different directions of rotation, with their best two scores (out of 100) combined for a total out of 200. The Secret Garden stop is the first of four Big Air World Cups this season, with the tour now heading to Beijing’s Big Air Shougang for next weekend’s event for both freeskiers and snowboarders.​Snowboarders were also in action in Secret Garden, where 18-year-old Wānaka rider Lucia Georgalli made her FIS Big Air World Cup debut and finished ninth, narrowly missing the finals by just 0.5 points.PHOTO: Li Runsheng / FIS Park & Pipe

A new video series of 16 popular tracks, including the Roys Peak Track, have been launched by NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) to help make planning safe tramping adventures easier.The free Virtual Track Guides feature tracks across New Zealand, from Cape Brett Track and Te Whara Track in Northland to Roys Peak Track, and other Otago tracks including the Greenstone and the Caples.“We’ve selected a mix of day trips, overnight hikes and multi-day tramps across the range of track categories, from easy through to advanced,” MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said. “Each trip has its own unique safety considerations, and requires quality planning and preparation.” The videos bring the trips to life using animated fly-overs enhanced with graphics and expert commentary from the MSC team. Each video provides an overview of the route, highlighting the terrain and track conditions, potential hazards and seasonal factors, along with the necessary gear and safety information unique to each one.“The videos are packed with essential details and really show what each track is like, and the skills, gear and planning needed to tackle them safely,” Mike said. The series is available free on Plan My Walk, YouTube and the Department of Conservation website, as well as through other organisations in the outdoors sector. “We want to make these guides as accessible as possible, so more people can plan safe outdoor adventures,” Mike said.MSC, alongside other agencies, also launched a safety video for the Brewster Track recently, following a significant increase in rescues and two deaths in the last five years.Read more: Hazardous popular track subject of videoThe Virtual Track Guides complement MSC’s existing NZ Hiking and Tramping Video Series, also available for free on Plan My Walk and YouTube.PHOTO: Supplied

Queenstown Lakes Libraries are inviting young readers to join this year’s summer reading challenge which has a nature-inspired theme, ‘Forest Quest’, features prizes for every five books read.Queenstown Lakes Libraries children’s librarian Shana Makuta said each year the summer reading challenge is designed to inspire young readers to learn something new, have fun, and most importantly, to keep reading over the summer.“Summer reading is vital in helping prevent what we call ‘the summer slide’,” she said.“This is a regression in reading levels due to children not reading while on holiday and returning to school worse off than when they left.”This year’s reading challenge was developed by Queenstown Lakes Libraries in collaboration with Whakatipu Reforestation Trust and Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust. Prizes for young readers include a kōwhai seedling kit, stickers, and the Tree Tops card game – specially designed to showcase native plants which grow in our district.Whakatipu Reforestation Trust operations manager Sararose Brown said the project celebrated the district’s outstanding natural environment. “We think local kids – big and small – will love the challenge of collecting the full set of Tree Tops cards and along the way, discover lots of fascinating facts about our native plants and local habitats," Sararose said.Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust Manager Loran Verpillot said developing the summer reading challenge was a great opportunity to work alongside Queenstown Lakes Libraries and Whakatipu Reforestation Trust. “Environmental education is a core part of what Te Kākano does, and hopefully this game will inspire children and their parents to join some of our habitat restoration projects,” she said.Last year’s Summer Reading Challenge saw an increase in library visits over summertime - during the 2024/2025 summer period, children and their carers accounted for more than 1,900 library visits and an astounding 6,235 books checked out.The Summer Reading Challenge is available for children of all ages - head into your local library to register a child and collect the first challenge card. The challenge runs from 1 December 2025 to 14 February 2026.PHOTO: Wānaka App

People often ask me how to talk to children about death and support them in their grieving. It’s one of the hardest conversations we’ll ever have, and yet avoiding it does more harm than good.At some point I noticed that talking to kids and young people about death and grief bears distinct similarities to talking to them about sex. Not what you want to do - but another vital part of parenting - and the same rules seem to apply.In essence, be clear, keep it simple, pitch your content and detail to suit their age and development, use plain language (avoid jargon or metaphors) and be guided by their questions. I know it’s tough, but they need us to be honest. If we want children to grow up emotionally literate, able to face life’s losses with psychological flexibility, courage, compassion and understanding, we need to bring them into the conversations AND model what healthy grieving looks and sounds like. Not shut it away like some Victorian melodrama.“Be clear, keep it simple, pitch your content and detail to suit their age and development, use plain language (avoid jargon or metaphors) and be guided by their questions.”Dr Lucy HoneChildren don’t need perfect words: just the truth, told with kindness.Avoid vague language. Euphemisms like “gone to sleep”, “in a better place”, or “passed away” can frighten or confuse them. Children take things literally and may start to fear bedtime or worry that others who “go away” won’t come back.Lauren Zonfrillo has spoken beautifully about this, describing the moment she told her two and five year old children that their father, Jock, had died in an episode of The Imperfects podcast. Instead of choosing words she thought might confuse them, she told them plainly:“I’ve got some really sad news. Papa has died and he’s not coming back.”She also shares some of their raw and real questions - When did it happen? Where is he now? Do you think he’s cold? Won’t he come back, even for a cuddle? To which she repeated, '“No because Papa's dead, so he can never come back”.When Abi died, one of her 10 year old friends asked me, “Is that the only dress she can wear from now on?” Such an innocent question which reminded me how curious, literal and honest children are in the face of loss; they seem to know how to talk about death instinctively, it’s just us adults that make a meal of it. My husband, whose father died suddenly when he was 11, can still recall the odd behaviour from the adults in his life. “Why was everyone acting so strangely? I craved some normality in the face of the shock of my Dad dying. I would have liked to have been spoken to in their normal kind way, explaining how, yes, something terrible had happened, they like me were shocked and very sad, and yes we would all try and help each other through this the best we could.” Instead he remembers well intended, awkward, disarming kindness, frequent hushed conversations and sudden silences when he entered a room.You Don’t Need to Have All the AnswersIf you’re unsure what to say, start small. Offer one clear sentence, then pause and let them lead with their questions. Children process loss in short bursts: they’ll circle back when they’re ready for more - particularly if you’ve demonstrated to them that you are willing to engage them in honest, direct comms. You don’t have to have all the perfect answers - sometimes there are no answers - just show them they can trust you to tell the truth. I was struck by Lauren’s ability to meet her children’s questions with such direct honesty instead of avoidance or false comfort. That kind of straight-talking bravery takes enormous guts, but is kinder than skirting round it for everyone in the long run.We can’t protect children from loss, but we can protect them from confusion and fear. Honest conversations - however imperfect, however much we stumble, cry and falter - are better than the alternative. They’ll help them feel safe, included, seen, heard and loved.If you’d like more reflections like this, join me for Finding Your Way Weekly - my free newsletter to help you navigate life’s changes and challenges as best we can.Dr Lucy HoneAbout Dr Lucy HoneRegarded as a global thought leader in the field of resilience psychology, tragedy tested everything Dr Lucy thought she knew in deeply personal circumstances when her daughter and friends were killed in a tragic accident. Adjunct senior fellow at the University of Canterbury, Lucy is an internationally sought-after professional speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning academic. Covid-19 saw her TED talk go viral making it the most watched talk by a New Zealander, and it was recently ranked in the top 30 must-watch TED talks of all time by TEDx. With clients ranging from Apple and Amazon, to Hospice and the UN, she helps individuals, teams and communities find their way through hardship and loss. Her work is regularly featured in global media, including the Guardian, the Hidden Brain, the Washington Post, and the BBC, the Sydney Morning Herald, CBS and ABC. Author of best-seller, Resilient Grieving: how to find your way through devastating loss, and her new book, How Will I Ever Get Through This? focused on the hidden grief associated with ‘living losses’ (available for pre-order now).For more evidence-based tools to help heal from hardship, grief and loss follow Dr Lucy on social media @drlucyhone or read her blog here.

The 2025 Hato Hone St John Wānaka Service Awards Ceremony was held earlier this month at the Wānaka Districts Club.The event honoured volunteers and paid staff for their length of service and contributions. In attendance were ambulance officers, first responders, Therapy Pets volunteers, area committee members and youth leaders, cadets and their parents. “We are fortunate to have so many incredible and long standing volunteers and ambulance operations staff in our community,” St John Wānaka area committee chair Dell Taylor said. Grand Prior Award recipients Blake Cotton-Everitt and Amelia LatchfordThis year's ceremony recognised service milestones including five, 10 and 45 years, as well as the prestigious Grand Prior's award for St John Youth. The awards were presented at the ceremony by Knight of the Order of St John, Ian Rae, assisted by Ann Shepherd, Commander of The Order of St John.One incredible long-standing member of the Order of St John, Marion Furneaux, was recognised for 45 years of service and received a standing ovation from everyone attending the ceremony.The two recipients of the Grand Prior's award - the highest accolade for cadets in the St John Youth Programme - were Amelia Latchford and Blake Cotton-Everitt.Presentation to Marion Furneaux. From left: Marion Furneaux, Ian Rae, and Ann Shepherd. It requires the cadets to participate in multiple compulsory badges, gain their level two first aid certificate, undertake 100 hours of community service, and other opportunities such as cadet leadership training.This is a significant achievement for the two cadets and shows the commitment and hard work they put into the programme as well as the community, Dell said.Amelia and Blake are both in leadership roles within the division, assisting in running the division and the curriculum. They are great role models to the younger cadets and penguins, she said.  The ceremony took place on November 14.PHOTO: St John

As the festive season approaches, Community Link is calling on the community to support its annual Christmas appeal, with demand for help rising sharply and many families facing what the organisation calls “impossible choices”.Community Link chair Ian Maxwell said being involved with the support and connection centre offers a window into a side of the Upper Clutha that many people don’t see.“Behind closed doors, many families are struggling,” he said.“Sky-high rents, above average food costs, and limited access to complex health services make life difficult even for those with two stable incomes.”With Christmas approaching, the pressure is intensifying, Ian said. “Families want to create a joyful holiday with special meals, gifts, moments of celebration but for many, these are luxuries they simply can’t afford. “The reality is they can’t: parents are making impossible choices, wondering how to give their children a Christmas they’ll remember without falling deeper into debt.”Community Link’s annual Christmas appeal aims to ease that strain by providing Christmas hampers, general food support, and other essential help over the holiday period.The organisation says financial donations are the most helpful way to give, as the funds can be used where they are most helpful - whether that’s hampers, gift bags for seniors, or age-appropriate toys.Donations of food, household items, and vouchers are also welcomed, and both local New World supermarkets will soon have donation bins and will accept donations at the checkout. (Check this list to see which food and household items are most helpful). “Many locals want a strong community where no one should go without and are keen to grab the opportunity to help, and now is the time,” Ian said.Community Link manager Kate Murray is also encouraging anyone who needs support to reach out.“We hope that families in our community know they can come to us when they need help or support,” Kate said. “Just get in touch. Whether it’s food, help with household costs such as power, transport – whatever it may be – we’ll help wherever we can.” Community Link staff will be at New World Three Parks next Tuesday (December 2) to promote the appeal and talk with locals.PHOTO: Community Link

Aurora Energy has announced electricity price increases following new revenue limits for the lines company.Household electricity bills in the regions serviced by Aurora will increase by an average of around $15 per month (ex GST) from April 2026, followed by average increases of around three dollars per month (ex GST) each year after. The Commerce Commission has set new revenue limits for the company, which is responsible for supplying power to more than 200,000 people in Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, and Dunedin. The decision allows Aurora to continue upgrading its ageing network assets and meet growing electricity demand across Otago and Queenstown Lakes, it said. Aurora’s current revenue limits expire in March next year, and the Commission is required to set new limits to apply until 2030.   Commissioner Vhari McWha says the decision will allow Aurora Energy to recover up to $680.8M over four years.  “It’s in the long-term interests of consumers for Aurora Energy to continue to upgrade its network,” she said. “We are conscious of the impact on electricity bills across Otago and want to ensure Aurora Energy’s spending remains reasonable and limited to what is necessary.”Vhari said Aurora has “smoothed the recovery of revenue” across the four-year period to help reduce the initial price rise. The commission’s decision reflects rising underlying costs and the need for continued investment to ensure Aurora delivers a safe, reliable network while meeting growing demand, Aurora Energy said. 

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has transferred the ownership of five senior housing units in Upton Street to the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT), a local non-profit community housing provider.    The transfer means the units will remain in permanent community ownership, providing ongoing access to affordable housing for eligible local seniors.   QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery said the transfer allows for more specialised management of the senior housing portfolio. “The housing trust is a well-established and highly experienced provider of affordable and community housing in the district,” he said. “Its senior housing is designed to provide affordable, long-term, secure tenure in good quality homes to older people in our community. “Tenants will benefit from a high standard of care and tenancy services that comes with having the expertise and resources of a registered community housing provider.” The asset transfer will also mean the trust can obtain a mortgage to redevelop adjacent land it owns in Wānaka to further increase the number of affordable housing units available in the district in the future. “We’re excited to be bringing this important community asset into QLCHT’s portfolio,” QLCHT chief executive Julie Scott said. “With 18 years’ experience running community housing, our team is well equipped to look after these vulnerable tenants, and we look forward to developing the site further.” The transfer of titles follows formal consultation and a decision of council to remove the senior housing stock from its strategic assets register. There are four further council-owned senior housing units located in Arrowtown, which will also be transferred to QLCHT at a later date. Read more: ‘Big news’ for community housing PHOTO: Wānaka App

In New Zealand, having a legally valid and current will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected after your death.Despite its significance, many people either delay making a will or forget to update it as life changes. This oversight can lead to unintended consequences, legal complications, financial reverberations and emotional stress for surviving family members.What Is a Will?A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets—such as property, money, and personal belongings—should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to:Appoint guardians for minor childrenName an executor to manage your estateExpress your wishes for funeral arrangementsWho Should Have a Will?In short, every person over the age of 18 years. You may not consider that your assets reach the threshold to justify creating a Will, however you probably have more than what you think. Almost all estates we deal with for persons under the age of 65 will likely involve Kiwisaver funds.Why Is It So Important?1. Avoiding Intestacy and Government ControlIf you die without a valid will (known as dying "intestate"), your estate is distributed according to the Administration Act 1969, which may not reflect your personal wishes. In some cases, your assets could even end up with the government if no eligible relatives are found.2. Protecting Your Loved OnesA will ensures that your spouse, children, and other dependents are provided for in the way you intend. Without one, blended families and stepchildren may face complex legal hurdles or be excluded entirely from inheritance.3. Appointing Guardians for ChildrenFor parents of young children, a will is crucial for nominating guardians. Without this, the Family Court decides who will care for your children, which may not align with your values or family dynamics.4. Minimising Disputes and DelaysA clear, legally valid will helps prevent family disputes and reduces the risk of claims under the Family Protection Act 1955. It also streamlines the probate process, saving time and legal costs.5. Tax and Asset PlanningProper estate planning through a will can help minimise tax liabilities and ensure that more of your estate goes to your chosen beneficiaries rather than to legal fees or taxes.Why Keeping Your Will Up to Date MattersLife changes—such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, acquiring new assets, or relocating—can all affect how your estate should be distributed. In New Zealand, marriage automatically revokes a previous will, unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage. Divorce invalidates provisions related to your ex-partner, but separation does not. As life changes, so should your will.When Should You Review Your Will?The New Zealand Law Society recommends reviewing your will:Every five yearsAfter major life events (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary)When acquiring or disposing of significant assetsIf you wish to change your executor or guardiansFinal ThoughtsCreating and maintaining an up-to-date will is not just a legal formality—it’s a powerful act of care and responsibility. It ensures your legacy is honoured, your loved ones are protected, and your estate is managed according to your values. Whether your assets are modest or substantial, a well-crafted will provides peace of mind and clarity during one of life’s most difficult transitions.If you don’t yet have a will, or haven’t updated yours recently, now is the time to speak with a lawyer. At Checketts McKay we can assist with all your estate planning needs. Get in touch with one of our lawyers who can create a Will which is tailored specifically to meet your needs. It’s one of the most important documents you’ll ever create.17 Dunmore Street, Wānaka.

Increased access to healthcare services in the Upper Clutha may be a case of “jam tomorrow, but never today”, as Lewis Carroll once described a promise which cannot be fulfilled.The “proof of the pudding” of promised health care services is something locals can look forward to next year - perhaps, a senior Health NZ Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) manager told locals at a meeting in Wānaka on Tuesday (November 25).The meeting was for officials to share information about the current and future health needs of Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, along with an overview of health service planning currently underway. Despite there being 70 or so registrations for the event, only about 40 people turned up to the Lake Wānaka Centre to hear from the panel.Read more: Clinical services update coming to WānakaRachel Haggerty (HNZ director of funding hospitals, planning funding and outcomes) outlined the approach HNZ had taken to its clinical services review for the Central Lakes region, which includes Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes.“There’s no doubt that this area has grown faster than we have invested in it,” she said.HNZ is working from population modelling which suggests the Upper Clutha will have a population of 25,290 people by 2043, she said.HNZ proposes planning for more localised care, shifting care (such as IV treatment for some cancers) closer to home and into communities, and using digital technology to deliver care“Redefining the role” of hospitals is also part of the picture.HNZ’s Rachel Haggerty said progress on clinical planning in New Zealand has been “too slow”. “We can reduce 30,000 trips per year for personal health care” by delivering more ambulatory (outpatient) care locally, Rachel said.She said HNZ would like to bring specialist visits back to this area, improve access to obstetric care, and expand mental health services.After Rachel’s presentation people were invited to ask questions, and a resident of more than 20 years expressed her frustration.“We’ve got no outcomes, we’ve no actual decisions. I know you used a heap of words,” she said.Rachel acknowledged that progress on clinical planning in general has been “too slow”, and that locals may not believe in outcomes until they see them. “There’s been a lot of work done on growing services here… Next year will be the proof in the pudding.”She said the review represented a rare opportunity to “build a health service” for the area, at the invitation of a health minister who wants to see progress made.She said the HNZ would deliver its findings to minister of health Simeon Brown next month, giving him the opportunity to consider over the summer.Panel member and WellSouth CEO Andrew Swansons-Dobbs, who said the primary care network has been working closely with HNZ during the review, also told the audience he was “looking forward to the pudding next year as well”.Health advocacy group Health Action Wānaka (HAW) told the Wānaka App after the meeting the group was pleased to see HNZ has taken “a data-driven approach”. “Their focus on local provision of ambulatory care, an increase in maternity and mental health and addiction support services, and their prioritising of services for older and frail people and also urgent care, are all promising signs,” a HAW spokesperson said.The potential for public investment in new health infrastructure and the role of existing health infrastructure was not mentioned, and HNZ did not provide information about their recommended solutions, she noted.“So, it's hard to say at this stage how much access to healthcare will increase for residents of the Upper Clutha. It's in the hands of the minister of health who will decide what investment of public funds will be allocated to our community and the broader region.”IMAGES: Supplied

The Wānaka Golf Club (WGC) has struck a deal with a Wānaka developer which will compensate it for the loss of a strategic shelterbelt.Trees along the 17th and 18th hole boundary of the golf course will be removed, following a protracted negotiation between the club and local developer Allan Dippie.The decision follows six years of board consideration and negotiations with Allan’s company Three Parks Properties Limited (TPPL), after Allan asked for removal of the trees, which block sun and views from his residential area under development.The agreement will see approximately 650 wilding conifers removed from the 750-metre boundary line.In return, TPPL will cover all costs for removal, landscaping redesign, rabbit-proof fencing, replanting two trees for every one removed, including re-landscaping and maintaining the new boundary plantings, plus irrigation, the WGC said.As part of the deal, TPPL will also fund an improved driveway for greenkeeper access, and commit to a three-year sponsorship package for the club. The Wānaka App understands the club was concerned about ball strike risk with the tree removal, and the deal includes landscaping to mitigate this risk.A covenant will be registered against adjacent land (which will include new retirement village Metlifecare), permanently waiving any rights to lodge complaints about golf balls entering their properties within a 50-metre setback from the club boundary.WGC board chair Terry Carr said the decision to remove the trees “ensures the club’s future viability and removes a potential significant financial burden if we were required to remove the trees ourselves”.The club will lodge a resource consent application to remove the trees.PHOTO: Wānaka Golf Club

Predator Free Wānaka (PFW) says the government’s announcement that feral cats will be included in its Predator Free 2050 target species list is a positive step - but cautions that practical change will depend on “clear legislation”.On Friday (November 21) conservation minister Tama Potaka said the government would deliver on its campaign promise to add feral cats to the list, following a surge in public pressure and on the back of decisive public input on a predator management strategy.Feral cats are one of the most ferocious predators in the New Zealand ecosystem, feeding on rabbits, birds and birds’ eggs, rats, hares, bats, lizards, mice, wētā and other insects.They are an "increasingly significant issue” locally, Southern Lakes Sanctuary community engagement coordinator Katie Dunlop told the Wānaka App.PFW is one of the local conservation groups which forms the Southern Lakes Sanctuary consortium, and the group’s more than 130 volunteers focus on controlling rats, stoats, possums, hedgehogs and other introduced predators across more than 800 traps and 28 traplines.Predator Free Wānaka volunteers undertaking predator control work. PHOTO: Predator Free Wānaka This work has helped increase sightings of tūī, korimako (bellbird), and kererū, and improved nesting success in monitored areas - but feral cats are outside its remit, despite them being a “growing threat”.“While we do not trap feral cats ourselves, we frequently hear observations from local landowners and volunteers about cat predation on native wildlife,” Katie said.One local rural landowner had caught 20 feral cats in the last year.Inconsistent rules around domestic cat ownership, roaming, and de-sexing are among the factors that make coordinated community action difficult, Katie said.The increased awareness of the damage caused by feral cats “has helped raise awareness but it has not yet created practical change for our day-to-day operations”, she said.“Clear legislation would be needed before a community group like PFW could start to help tackle the feral cat issue.”Still, she said the government announcement was “an important step, as it signals stronger national direction and general public support”. “In practice, it could lead to more consistent rules, better tools, and improved support for protecting our taonga species.”During his announcement last week, the conservation minister said the Department of Conservation’s consultation on the Predator Free Strategy received close to 3,400 submissions, with over 90 percent backing improved feral cat management.The full Predator Free 2050 strategy will be released in March 2026, he said.Learn more about PFW, and how to get involved in their work, here.

Wānaka’s alpine community is in mourning following the death of local mountain guide Thomas Vialletet and his client on Aoraki Mt Cook on Monday evening (November 24).Thomas, an IFMGA-qualified mountain guide, and his client died following a fall near the summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook at approximately 11.50pm on Monday, the NZ Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA) reported. The pair were part of a team of four, including two guides and their two clients, who were completing a grand traverse of Aoraki/Mount Cook.The other two members of the party were successfully brought down unharmed from the summit ridge.NZMGA president Anna Keeling said Thomas was a respected and valued member of the NZMGA. “[He was] an integral part of our guiding community,” she said. “NZMGA’s focus is now on those most affected, and our priority is supporting the family, including [his] partner and children, as well as our wider guiding community during this extremely difficult time.”Thomas was the co-owner of Wānaka-based guiding company Summit Explorers with his wife Danielle. The pair have two young children.Aoraki Mt Cook PHOTO: Wānaka AppWhile some national media reported that Wānaka Search and Rescue’s (SAR) Alpine Cliff Rescue team was involved in the rescue, Wānaka SAR chair Raewyn Calhaem confirmed that was not the case.“There was a misunderstanding and I believe that the helicopter came into Wānaka to collect a member of the Aoraki ACR team,” she said.“Although not part of SAR, Thomas was well known and respected with the guiding and mountaineering community in Wānaka. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”Mountain Safety Council (MSC) chief executive Mike Daisley said this time of year is the busy mountaineering season, with many climbers heading into the mountains.“Recent fine weather has drawn many mountaineers to the high alpine, with multiple guided and recreational teams summiting Aoraki/Mount Cook over the past week,” he said.“Current conditions on the mountain are considered ideal for mountaineering, with firm overnight snow conditions and well-filled glaciers following early spring snowstorms.”In December 2024, three climbers, including two guides from the United States and Canada, died while climbing Aoraki/Mt Cook. Their bodies were never recovered.“These mountaineering fatalities are a reminder of the high-consequence environment of our alpine mountains, especially our highest peak,” Mike said. “Mountaineering has very little margin for error. Even the most qualified professionals cannot eliminate all risk.”NZMGA says a formal investigation into the incident will take place in due course.“There will be an opportunity for the NZMGA to understand and share more about what happened in this tragic accident,” Anna said.Both MSC and NZMGA offered their sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, and the wider alpine and guiding community.A givealittle page has been created to support Thomas' partner, Danielle, and their two young children.

There are three new faces on the Central Lakes Trust (CLT) board following its recent election.Lake Hāwea resident Dave Currie, CNZM, Dr Chris Phoon, and Neil Gillespie have been newly elected to the board.They join re-elected trustees Kathy Dedo - who is also the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) deputy chair - and Trudi Webb.The CLT also has three appointed trustees: Linda Robertson, Kathy Grant, and Simon Flood.“We’re excited to welcome our new trustees to the board,” CLT chair Linda Robertson said.“Their fresh perspectives, combined with the experience of our re-elected and appointed trustees, will strengthen our ability to deliver on CLT’s mission.”CLT operates as a charitable trust that offers financial support for charitable initiatives with the goal of improving the lives of local residents and creating lasting positive impacts in the region.Each month it distributes grants to a range of community organisations and not-for-profits.Kathy, who said she felt incredibly privileged to be re-elected, said the mission was to “enhance assets and enrich lives”. “This means making wise investment decisions to maintain and grow our portfolio - this takes more of our time than granting does,” she told the Wānaka App. “This in turn enables us to support community groups and projects that enrich lives throughout the region.”Linda said the new board was a “fantastic team committed to supporting vibrant, resilient communities across our funding region".All three of the new trustees bring extensive leadership and governance expertise to the table, she said. Dave Currie has held prominent roles including Chef de Mission for New Zealand Olympic and Paralympic Teams, executive director of the Halberg Trust, and manager of the Black Caps. Dr Chris Phoon contributes significant governance experience through his involvement on national and international surgical committees and he is a founding member of the Mahu Whenua Traverse.Neil Gillespie, an Otago Regional Council councillor, has a wealth of local government knowledge with over 27 years’ experience on community boards and council, Linda said.The voter return percentage for the election was 20.45 percent.PHOTOS: Supplied

A two-day science and community event focused on the future of Otago’s deep alpine lakes - the Alpine Lakes Forum 2025 - begins in Wānaka today (Wednesday November 26).Hosted by WAI Wānaka in partnership with Kāi Tahu, the University of Otago, and Otago Regional Council, the event brings together more than 25 expert speakers - from mana whenua to researchers and policy makers to community leaders.Otago’s alpine lakes are among the most pristine freshwater systems in the world, but their health cannot be taken for granted, WAI Wānaka CEO Cat Dillon said.Their ecosystems face interconnected pressures – from land-use change and nutrient inputs to climate variability and biodiversity decline.“Bridging the gap between research and action is key to protecting Aotearoa’s freshwater,” Cat said. “Real change happens when we work together – turning knowledge into action for healthy waterways.”Today’s programme, ‘Freshwater Futures’, focuses on regional science, monitoring insights and community engagement. Highlights will include research updates from leading scientists associate professor Marc Schallenberg, Dr David Plew, Aidin Jabbari and Dr Phil Novis, as well as insights into Kāi Tahu’s freshwater claim from Gabrielle Huria, and a collaborative panel event.Tomorrow (Thursday November 26) the agenda shifts with ‘Researchers’ Perspectives’, focusing on academic research and deeper scientific inquiry. Highlights will include a keynote by emeritus professor Dame Carolyn Burns, paradigm-challenging discussions led by Professor David Hamilton and a showcase of cutting-edge research from the University of Otago. The forum concludes with a collaborative session ‘Weaving Knowledge Systems Together’, closing reflections by freshwater sciences professor Ross Thompson, and a student poster showcase celebrating the next generation of freshwater researchers.Find the full lineup and buy tickets here.PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

New legislation allowing people to build granny flats of up to 70 square metres in their backyards without a building consent is now in place, and is expected to come into effect early next year.The building consent exemption for granny flats will be given effect by the Building and Construction (Small Standalone Dwellings) Bill and associated regulations, via a change to the Resource Management Act (RMA).The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) building team is preparing for changes to accommodate the legislation, a council spokesperson told the Wānaka App.Building and construction minister Chris Penk said the exemption is expected to deliver roughly 13,000 more granny flats over the next decade, meaning more work for builders without local councils managing unnecessary consenting burdens for simple building work. “Local councils will be freed up to focus their attention on more complex building work where the need for an inspection and thorough consenting processes is much greater,” he said. Chris said people will only be eligible for a building consent exemption “if their granny flats are simple in design, meet the Building Code and building work is carried out by authorised building professionals”.Homeowners will also need to notify their local council before they begin building and once the granny flat is completed.“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity,” a Wānaka resident told the Wānaka App.She said she and her husband are hoping to use the exemption to help their wider family into housing.“We have some of the highest rentals in the OECD. And a 20 percent housing deposit is going to be $300,000 plus. That’s an awful lot of money to cough up, especially if you’re starting a family at the same time and are going down to one income for a time.“What a beautiful solution it would be to have people living with their families and getting support from their families first and foremost, and not stressing about huge mortgages that they can’t afford.”The QLDC spokesperson said the building services team is preparing “for some process changes to accommodate these new Project Information Memoranda (PIM) applications relating to proposed ‘granny flat’ exemptions”. “We won’t know until early next year exactly when these will come into force, but we’re abreast of the proposed changes and working to fully understand the assessment test and requirements so we can guide our district’s construction community effectively,” the spokesperson said.Any building work on a granny flat that is either in progress now or starts before the exemption comes into effect will continue to require a building consent.Find the government’s specific design requirements for a granny flat here.IMAGE: Stock Image