A power outage in the Upper Clutha this morning affected more than one thousand customers at its peak before power was restored.The unplanned outage occurred just after 11am, affecting 1,127 properties in Albert Town, Hāwea Flat and Wānaka South.Power was restored to all customers shortly after 12.40pm, a spokesperson for Aurora Energy told the Wānaka App.“The cause is not yet known, and our engineering team is investigating,” the spokesperson said.“We know outages are inconvenient and thank everyone affected for their patience.”PHOTO: Supplied

A Wānaka mother and son are feeling “very, very lucky” after securing flights out of bomb-stricken Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.Deb Jamieson and her son Rocco (19) had stopped in Abu Dhabi for a week in the sun after Rocco competed in the Milano Cortina Olympics, where Rocco made the finals in the snowboard Big Air event.The pair were planning to fly to Seoul on March 3 on Etihad Airways but their flight was cancelled following military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel (on February 28), which led to retaliatory strikes by Iran on Gulf states with US bases.The Jamiesons told the Wānaka App last week they felt “helpless and stuck” in their hotel room, with bombing taking place close by.Read more: ‘Helpless and stuck’ in Abu DhabiOn Monday (March 9) Deb confirmed the pair had made it to Zurich.“We’re feeling very, very lucky right now,” she said.Their exit wasn’t straightforward, however.“Just as we were about to walk out of the room with our bags, the alert came through and bombing started about 30 seconds later,” Deb said.“We thought for sure our flight would be cancelled.”  When the bombing settled the Jamiesons went to the hotel lobby but they couldn’t leave the hotel until the alert was lifted. “As soon as we could we got a taxi to the airport and checked in straight away,” Deb said.“We were sick to our stomachs the whole time, just staring at the departure board fearing the bombing would start again and we wouldn’t get out.” Eventually they boarded, but they weren’t able to relax until they reached air space over Europe, five hours into the flight. The pair are now in Zurich waiting for Rocco’s father Aaron to join them.PHOTO: Supplied

WAI Wanaka is encouraging locals to take action for freshwater this month, ahead of World Water Day on March 22.The local community organisation, which works to protect local waterways, has lined up a series of activities - from yoga sessions to beer donations and a dawn plunge - to encourage locals to reflect on the value of clean water and support WAI Wānaka.“Nature doesn’t come with a clear price tag, and as a result it is often undervalued,” WAI Wānaka CEO Cat Dillon said. “Even our most seemingly pristine alpine lakes are facing increased pressures, from contamination to invasive species. “Caring for this freshwater isn’t free, but the cost of doing nothing is far greater.”Freshwater across the region faces ongoing threats from population growth, land-use changes, climate pressures, and invasive species, putting drinking water, recreational safety, biodiversity, and community wellbeing at risk, Cat said. Research shows that healthy lakes and rivers also improve mental health, reduce stress, and strengthen social connections.“Healthy lakes and rivers don’t just support ecosystems – they support people,” Cat said.“Our community thrives because of these natural assets. Protecting them is an investment in our future, and for generations to come.”Locals can get involved by participating in next Friday’s (March 20) dawn plunge at 7am at Wānaka lakefront, or buy purchasing a Rhyme X Reason WAI collab 'Day for It' beer from the Rhyme X Reason brewery, Verve, Brew Bar, Cork, Sofi, Arc, Relishes, Big Fig, The Albie Tavern or Muttonbird, with $1 from every pint sold going towards WAI freshwater mahi.Other business are also supporting the cause, with Allie May Yoga donating ten percent of all Wednesday session bookings in March, Ripe donating a portion of their ticket sales, and Ground Up donating 15 percent of all taproom sales on World Water Day.Find more information about the upcoming initiatives and ways to give at the WAI Wānaka website, where there are additional resources on how to take action, donate or get involved with the organisation.PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

Local bakers, crafters and gardeners still have a couple of days left to enter the home, junior and family sections of the Wānaka A&P Show’s Home Industry section. Online entries will close on Thursday (March 12) at 4.30pm, so there’s still time to whip up a batch of your best baking, pick your favourite flowers, or cook up your favourite sauce. “Home Industry competitions are a celebration of everyday skills, creativity and pride in a job well done,” Wānaka A&P Show organisers said.“Entries range from baking, preserves, flowers and produce through to needlework, photography, woodwork, arts and crafts. “What makes this section so special is its inclusiveness: preschoolers enter alongside grandparents, first-timers compete next to seasoned exhibitors, and everyone is welcomed with the same encouragement.” Home Industry committee member Sarah Godfrey said the Home Industry section brings the whole community together.Sarah and her family entered last year for the first time; her mum placed second for ginger crunch, and her children earned commendations of their own. “They were absolutely thrilled,” she said. “It made the show even more special for us.”Winning flowers at last year’s Wānaka A&P Show.Each year home Industry entries are displayed in the Shepherdess Home Industry Pavilion over both show days (Friday March 13 and Saturday March 14).Among the wide range of entertainment at the show - livestock competitions, equestrian events, trade stalls, food vendors, family entertainment and much more - the Home Industry is still a firm favouriteSarah encouraged anyone who is considering entering in the Home Industry section to give it a go.Find everything you need to know about the Home Industry entries here and enter here. PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Queenstown Lakes Libraries is launching ‘Sign-up Month’ this March with a campaign to boost membership among adults and young people.Queenstown Lakes District library services manager Sue Gwilliam said adults aged 20-40 are under-represented in membership numbers and the campaign aims to get more people using library services.Sign‑up Month is also an opportunity to highlight the range of library services available, Sue said.“It would probably surprise most people just how much our libraries offer,” she said. “While we remain a haven for booklovers - with more than 100,000 physical books on our shelves - we’re also navigating the growing digital world.“Check‑outs for eAudiobooks and eBooks continue to grow, and our members are making great use of the Libraries, Libby, and Borrowbox apps.”Queenstown Lakes Libraries recently launched access to UniversalClass, an online learning platform offering hundreds of courses from finance and investment to science and psychology.The libraries host a wide range of free community events, often in partnership with local groups, including Te Kākano flax‑weaving workshops, Reading to Dogs, te reo Māori conversation classes, and teen book clubs.Recent survey results show strong community support for Queenstown Lakes Libraries. Results from QLDC’s Community Insights Survey 2025, showed 78 percent of respondents were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the libraries and a year earlier the survey showed 89.5 percent of survey participants agreed that Queenstown Lakes Libraries increased feelings of happiness and wellbeing.Throughout March, there are also special promotions for children and the young at heart. Library members can enjoy half‑price entry to Alpine Aqualand’s hydroslide at Queenstown Events Centre by presenting their library card or app, and children under 18 can also enter a competition to win tickets to the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Dazzlehands, with entry forms available at all local libraries. Joining the library is simple, Sue said: Head into your local library with ID and proof of residence. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Frontline dog control staff at councils around the country say legislative change is essential to protect communities from the risk of dog attacks.Local Government NZ (LGNZ) have responded to a request from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Local Government Simon Watts last month, following the death of a woman who was attacked by dogs in Northland on February 17.That same week, residents of Queenstown Lakes district publicly expressed their frustrations over the lack of council action over threatening and dangerous dogs.This included multiple complaints about as many as three mixed breed/pig dogs on a property in Luggate roaming onto other properties, mauling cats, killing hens, attacking a dog, and rushing at children.Read more: Council has ‘dropped the ball’ on dangerous dogsThe ministers had asked LGNZ to consider what can be done to reduce violent and fatal dog attacks.LGNZ sought “frontline insights” from dog control staff around the country, and recommended six changes which did not require legislative change: Making dangerous dogs a police priorityExpanding the use of DNA banks to identify dogs causing harm and hold their owners accountableGovernment housing providers to only allow tenants to have dogs if they are registered and have a low risk of causing harmModernise the national dog register to enable faster enforcement and identification of dog ownersEquip animal control officers with more tools and training to manage dangerous dogs and conflictDeliver more proactive registration checks and desexing initiatives. However, LGNZ reported, most frontline staff said legislative change is essential, saying “... overhauling the Dog Control Act 1996 would have the greatest impact”. ‘Little scope’ for council interventions to keep communities safe“The core problem is this: local government dog control has limited powers to take sufficient enforcement action early enough to avert serious attacks and put high risk dogs and their owners onto a positive pathway,” the report said.“The current legal settings mean that for dogs displaying moderate to high levels of aggression – often the precursors to more serious attacks – there is little scope to make decisive interventions to keep the community safe.” Frontline staff expressed frustration that they cannot step in sooner to prevent harm, even for “lower level” enforcement such as having suitable fencing to confine an aggressive dog.Frontline staff say just 20 percent of owners are responsible for 80 percent of their workThis reflects concerns raised by Luggate residents, and QLDC dog control officers also said they were frustrated they were not able to undertake more extensive enforcement.QLDC respondsA Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) spokesperson told the Wānaka App the council would support changes to national dog control legislation “that would ensure it both remains fit for purpose and that councils have the right tools … to manage dog control to protect their local communities”.While changes to the Dog Control Act are out of scope of QLDC’s bylaw and policy development process, locals will have an opportunity to have their say on local rules in this district later this year.QLDC has both a dog control policy and bylaw; they were adopted in 2020 and are due for review before June 2027.Formal consultation - including a public hearing - on a draft new local policy and bylaw will occur later in the year.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Mayors from Otago met late last week to discuss impending local government reforms, in an attempt to “start the conversation” on reforms in the region.In a video update to constituents last week, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) mayor John Glover said the meeting would consider how districts could join up and how to deliver better for their regions.“The government wants local government to simplify, and that means replacing regional councils with new amalgamated local councils,” he said.“It’s going to be really hard.”Read more: Local mayors respond to reform proposalsJohn said he’d like to hear from locals “along the way” about their priorities, what outcomes they want, and how to make the process more relevant and accessible.He said he would like feedback on what residents of Queenstown Lakes district have in common with residents of Central Otago and Dunedin, and what are the differences.“What are things we want to protect locally?”QLDC’s submission to the Department of Internal Affairs on the issue supported the intent to simplify local government.John and QLDC acting chief executive Michelle Morss said a smooth transition period and “quality outcomes” should be the priority given the scale of the reforms.They highlighted the need for bi-partisan support; for government to work in partnership with councils throughout the reform process; the need for implementation guidelines; and the need for funding for councils so that resources are not diverted from essential services.In terms of the proposed combined territory boards (CTBs) model, QLDC’s submission said the boards’ purpose should be on developing reorganisation plans, not on regional governance. The boards should also allow “a diversity of perspectives”, the submission said.QLDC also called for “more clarity on how democratic principles will be operationalised in practice for CTBs”.While consultation on the regional council proposals closed last month, a final proposal needs to be confirmed so legislation can be drafted.CTBs, which are scheduled to be established in 2027, will have two years to develop and submit regional reorganisation plans.

French rider Pierrick Burnet claimed victory in the men’s 47km mountain bike race at the Motatapu off-road event on Saturday (March 7), leading a strong international field across the high country between Glendhu Bay and Arrowtown.About 2700 competitors took part in the annual event, which featured five races including a 52km ultra run, 42km trail marathon, 47km mountain bike race, 15km trail run and a junior event.Pierrick crossed the line in 2:00:07, finishing ahead of Jono Miller (2:01:04) and Joshua Haggerty (2:05:52).Pierrick described the course as “pretty brutal”, saying practising the river crossings near the finish helped him gain time late in the race.Priscilla Thompson won the women’s mountain bike race in 2:18:48, narrowly ahead of Kate Boe in 2:19:42, with Ruby Ryan third in 2:22:26 after stopping mid-race to repair a flat tyre.The longest race of the day, the 52km ultra run, started in darkness before climbing through the Harris Mountains and descending into Arrowtown.Wānaka-based runner Luke Wilson won the men’s ultra in 6:14:59, improving on his runner-up finish in 2024. Tahiti’s Delbi Gongora finished second in 6:19:31, with Majell Backhausen third in 6:23:02.Hannah Wall successfully defended the women’s ultra title in 6:54:04, more than an hour ahead of Katherine Wright (7:56:29) and Marie Dethoor (8:29:13).In the 42km trail marathon, Jack Oates claimed victory in the men’s category in a time of 2:58:09, finishing ahead of Coast to Coast Longest Day champion Hamish Elliott (3:10:28) and Jono Pinckney (3:17:14).Winner’s of the 42km trail marathon Mel Aitken and Jack Oates.“The rivers are nice to look at, they’re not so fun to run through,” Jack said of the deeper river crossings late in the course.Mel Aitken won the women’s marathon in 3:31:53, ahead of Talia Flannery (3:49:04) and Kirsten Hall (3:51:56).PHOTOS: Supplied

The Guardians of Lake Hāwea’s concerns about ongoing lakeside erosion from high water levels were confirmed by a new slip above a popular beach - and the group is now awaiting a formal response on an erosion management plan.The slip at Scotts Beach last month happened ‘without warning”, one onlooker said.Hāwea Community Association (HCA) chairperson Jennie Harding said both the HCA and the Guardians were aware of the most recent slip, as was Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), which was looking into safety concerns.“[We] highly recommend not going there; clearly unstable unfortunately,” Jennie wrote on the Hāwea Facebook page.January lake levels approached the maximum height of 346 metres which Contact Energy is consented to operate up to, and on January 10 heavy rainfall raised the lake over this threshold.This, combined with gale force winds, caused multiple slips around the lake and “significant land loss” along the Flora Dora cliffs, according to Guardians chair Dave Currie.Read more: Erosion causes ‘significant land loss’ along Hāwea shoreErosion below Flora Dora Parade.The Guardians have asked Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Contact for an update on the company’s 2024 erosion management plan, which required Contact to identify actions to avoid, remedy or mitigate erosion on the lake margins and adjacent land adjoining Lake Hāwea township.It also required Contact to submit a new plan to ORC within two years, in consultation with QLDC and the HCA.ORC science manager Tom Dyer said ORC compliance staff are “engaging with all relevant parties” regarding implementation of the erosion management plan and consent compliance. However, ORC has not yet formally responded to the Guardians’ request, Tom said, as it is still collecting information.Contact Energy head of hydro Boyd Brinsdon told the Wānaka App the company has “interim works planned to further mitigate any risk to public safety (subject to consents)”.“We already had plans underway to build a large retaining wall with rock armour along the Flora Dora cliffs,” he said.“We’re working with the Hāwea Community Association to agree the best type of retaining wall. From there, we will seek resource consents before this work can commence.”PHOTOS: Supplied

A trust responsible for distributing millions of dollars to Otago community groups each year has added new leadership to its board.Otago Community Trust (OCT), which has granted more than $230M across the region since its inception, has appointed Toni Talijancich as a trustee and reappointed chair Andy Kilsby for a second term.Andy and Toni will help the wider board decide how to distribute OCT’s monthly funding rounds to community groups and projects making a positive difference."I am honoured to continue serving the Otago region in this capacity,” Andy said. “The work of the trust is vital to supporting the wellbeing of our communities, and I look forward to working with Toni and my fellow trustees to build on the positive impact we've achieved."Toni, an experienced business leader, said the OCT played a “vital role in strengthening communities across the region”. “I’m excited to contribute my experience to support the organisation’s kaupapa and long-term impact.”Locally, OCT plays a significant role in supporting community organisations - with recent funding rounds supporting the Wānaka Arts Society’s latest Labour Weekend exhibition, Wānaka Snowsports Clubs radio upgrades, and Wānaka Preschool Early Childhood Centre’s renovation.OCT chief executive Jemma Adams said she welcomed the appointments, and their skills and expertise. OCT is a philanthropic organisation which has invested $318.8M since its formation in the mid-1990s. Learn more about it here. PHOTO: OCT

Otago’s nine-day ‘special’ season for paradise shelduck/pūtangitangi begins today (Saturday March 7), giving hunters an early opportunity to get out in the paddock with strong bird numbers reported across the region.It makes for “a perfect opportunity to gain experience before the opening of the main 2026 game bird season on May 2”, Otago Fish & Game communications officer Bruce Quirey said.This year’s season followed an exceptionally strong moult count, with paradise shelduck numbers reaching a 35-year high.“This is shaping up as a great opportunity for hunters,” he said. “With plenty of birds about, the special season is ideal for harvesting wild kai and for junior or new hunters to build confidence ahead of the main game bird season.”Bruce said juvenile paradise shelduck taken at this time of year were particularly good eating.Hunting during the special season also helped disperse large flocks of post-moult birds grazing on rural crops - but farmers still experiencing problems with game waterfowl are encouraged to contact their local Fish & Game office.Hunters do not need elaborate decoy spreads to be successful, particularly when targeting young birds.“Simple decoys can work extremely well,” Bruce said. “Fish & Game rangers in another region checked a hunter who had taken his limit over a spread made from pieces of large black plastic drainpipe.”Home-made painted silhouettes, lightweight printed corflute silhouettes, or basic shell decoys “can all do the job”. “The key is keeping things simple, staying concealed, and setting up where birds are already feeding.”Hunters must hold a valid 2025 game bird licence (whole season or daily), check the regulations including bag limits, and obtain landowner permission before hunting private land.Special season hunting is restricted to areas at least 200 metres from open water and it generally takes place over decoys in paddocks.While there are several hunting areas around Wānaka, many hunters head to Central Otago during the season for the best spots.The ‘special’ season runs through to Sunday March 15.

Hot and windy weather has raised the fire risk in the Queenstown Lakes District to extreme, prompting Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) to suspend all fire permits in the Lakes zone for the next three days.The Lakes zone covers the whole Queenstown Lakes District, which is already in a restricted fire season.The new suspension of existing fire permits means that no outdoor fires can be lit until 9pm on Sunday (March 8).FENZ district commander Craig Gold said that any outdoor fire in the zone would cause an unacceptable risk to the community, firefighters and the environment."We have reached a critical point in the fire season, and safety is our top priority,” he said. “With risk levels now exceeding safe operating limits for land management or recreational fires, we are suspending all active permits to protect our communities and our environment."FENZ said people carrying out activities that can generate sparks, such as grinding or welding, should take extra care to do this well away from vegetation this weekend. Mowing, harvesting and similar activities should be done in the early morning or evening, FENZ said.PHOTO: Supplied

On Thursday, 12 March Dr Kris Taylor will be presenting 'Talking Masculinities: Why toxic masculinity is a concern, how it can impact your child/teen, and what you can do about it.'Over the last few years, a wave of grown men has built big online businesses 'coaching' boys and young men, from ‘dating and fitness’ to ‘money and status’. The hook is familiar: amplify insecurity, then sell the fix (such as ‘courses', ‘supplements' and 'rules for life').Not every teen is watching this content, but the messages leak into everyone’s world, and that’s the point. A ‘neo-traditionalist’ (someone who deliberately revives, adapts, or reinterprets traditional practices, cultures, or beliefs to fit modern contexts) takes on gender roles, (e.g. 'trad' relationships, 'alpha/beta' status, body ideals, sexual expectations), all shaping what feels normal in school corridors, group chats, and dating culture. The research is clear: girls, young women, and even female teachers are increasingly on the receiving end of sexist remarks, harassment, and pressure that echoes what’s being modelled online.That’s why this session is for all parents - especially those parenting girls. These ideologies shape the culture your daughters have to navigate dating expectations, coercion, body image, peer pressure, and consent.Psychology researcher and student counsellor Dr Kris Taylor will give a calm, practical crash course to help caregivers/parents understand what’s showing up online, and the tools to respond in a way that keeps conversations open, safe and steady, to avoid the family dinner spiralling into a show-down.You’ll walk away with:A clear map of the online ‘worldview’ our teens are swimming inHow “masculinity influencer” messaging persuades (often subtly)Practical ways to talk about sexism, porn, harassment, and gender normsShared language plus tried-and-tested strategies for respectful conversationsJoin us:Thursday 12 March | 6:30–8:30pmTe Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College, WānakaTickets to hear Kris Taylor speak are available here

Sixth Paralympics in, Wānaka's Adam Hall knows exactly how rare this moment is.The 38-year-old para alpine skier is preparing for what will likely be his final Winter Paralympics in Italy. But for the first time in his decorated career, he'll have a full family cheering squad on the sidelines.Adam and fellow Kiwi Corey Peters make up New Zealand's two-strong Paralympic team, and both head to the Italian Alps as genuine medal contenders. But for Adam, this campaign carries an extra layer of meaning.Born with spina bifida, he burst onto the global stage with gold in the men's standing slalom at Vancouver in 2010. Eight years later he reclaimed the title at PyeongChang, adding to a haul that also includes three Paralympic bronze medals.Now, with nearly two-thirds of his life spent on snow, he said perspective comes easily.He said he is full of gratitude for those around him, including team-mates and coaches, who have supported him. As for many top athletes though it is family who sacrifice most.Adam's seven year old daughter Gracelynn will watch her father race in person for the first time, alongside his wife Elitsa - herself a two-time US Winter Paralympian.With travel restrictions during the last games because of Covid, Hall's family and friends are making the most of seeing him in action this time."To have our daughter there watching is something special and she is at an age now where hopefully she'll be able to remember that experience," Adam told RNZ.Adam also has the in-laws, cousins and an old childhood mate from his days growing up in Outram among his supporters.He calls the Kiwi Paralympic squad "a small but mighty team" who spend a lot of their time away from family and is hoping to reward them with another podium finish in Italy."I'm just missing a silver so we'll see if we get the full set or not."His specialist event is the slalom but he'll also line up in the giant slalom."The competition is so tight now and the margins are getting smaller and I've said this before that no matter what colour, if it's a bronze or silver it feels just as good as gold."Can't be too fussy about the colour but we do strive to be on top."Adam is familiar with the Italian Alps and closely followed the Winter Olympics with interest as he'll be skiing on the same slopes around Cortina."For us we call the Olympics the test event, jokingly, they kind of iron everything out before the big show."The big show for Adam starts with the GS on March 13 followed by the Slalom on the 15th.

The Environment Court has made a final decision on the long-running Sticky Forest appeal, ruling that the last seven hectares of the site be rezoned from rural to large-lot residential (LLR).The 51-hectare Sticky Forest - on Wānaka’s skyline, between the Clutha River outlet and the Kirimoko residential subdivision - has been the focus of several court decisions over the past few years.Earlier rulings had already allowed 19 hectares to be rezoned to LLR and lower-density suburban residential (LDSR), while 25 hectares remain protected as part of the Dublin Bay Outstanding Natural Landscape (ONL).The remnant land had “remained unresolved following earlier decisions”, the court said in its ruling on February 2. After reviewing public submissions and expert planning advice, Environment Court judges J Hassan and S Tepania and Environment Commissioner J Baines confirmed that LLR zoning is more logical than rural for the remaining seven hectares. The appellants - Mike Beresford and Theo Bunker (both now deceased), and Lorraine Rouse - had not sought rezoning of this remnant land.Sticky Forest has been used informally by members of the public for biking and walking for many years. It has a complex ownership history: the Crown gifted it in the 1960s to 57 Māori grantees under the South Island Landless Natives Act as substitute land after they lost ownership of the Hāwea-Wānaka block known as ‘The Neck’. The list of owners has since grown to more than 2,000 descendants.Previous appeals and court decisions have described Sticky Forest as a “conundrum” due to the unique set of circumstances surrounding the land.Queenstown Lakes District Council has been directed to update the district plan and planning maps to reflect the new zoning for the last piece of Sticky Forest. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR) has been awarded LandSAR New Zealand’s Takina Mai award for innovation.The award recognises the series of training videos produced by Wānaka SAR’s sub-alpine team, which cover locator beacon response, radio communication, use of ‘grab bags’ for urgent response, medical kit and drug use, and helicopter safety.“Over the past year Wānaka SAR has demonstrated exactly what ‘Takina Mai’ represents - drawing others forward through shared learning,” LandSAR NZ said in the award presentation.“These resources are not just helpful – they are smart, accessible, and forward-thinking.”LandSAR NZ said the “structured, high-quality training videos” strengthen organised group training, ensuring consistency, clarity, and operational readiness.“In an environment where volunteers balance work, family, and service, Wānaka SAR has recognised the importance of flexible, modern training solutions – and delivered them.”Wānaka SAR chair Raewyn Calhaem said the group was “honoured and delighted” with the award.“As the busiest ‘back-country’ all-volunteer SAR group in New Zealand, we are constantly seeking ways of advancing our already very high level of skills and we’re thrilled to get this recognition from the national body,” Raewyn said.“Our volunteers are constantly striving to ensure they are 'mission-ready' at all times and invest hours in training and mission preparation. “The outcome is a highly-trained volunteer team who perform search and rescue missions at a professional level”.Wānaka SAR consists of specialist incident management, alpine, sub-alpine, canyon/swift-water, drone and search dog teams. It regularly responds to over 30 emergency call-outs a year on behalf of NZ Police and the Rescue Coordination Centre.Last year its operations covered nearly every form of outdoor pursuit, from mountaineering to paragliding, canyoning to wind surfing - all over the Mt Aspiring National Park and from the Wānaka Lakes area to South Westland.Read more: Busy year for ‘world class’ Wānaka SARPHOTO: Geoff Marks

One week from today, the gates will open on two action-packed days of animals, entertainment, food and rural competition as the Wānaka A&P Show returns for 2026.The annual event is one of New Zealand’s largest agricultural, pastoral and community events, and it will take place on March 13 and 14, promising a wide range of entertainment and offerings from music to shopping, and cooking demonstrations to home industry competitions.“We can’t wait to welcome you through the gates,” Wānaka A&P Show organisers said.Traditional favourites will return in force. Equestrian events will once again fill the rings, while cattle competitions showcase top breeds and rising young handlers. Sheep shearing demonstrations and the New Zealand Supreme Merino Show will highlight the skill behind the country’s wool industry.In the Rural Village, sparks may literally fly during the Blacksmith and Farrier competition; woodchoppers will battle it out in the trans-Tasman Veteran Axemen Test Series; and the ever-popular Mighty Mix Dog Trials showcase the partnership between farmer and dog.Families will be well catered for. The Radio Wānaka Farmyard will be packed with friendly animals, and children can show off their best mates in the Pets and Dogs competition. And of course, the long-time favourite Jack Russell Race is back.Read more: Kids and pets - a highlight of A&P ShowFood lovers can head to the Life & Leisure Local Larder, with tastings, cooking demonstrations and guest presenters Two Raw Sisters championing local produce, and across the grounds, more than 550 exhibitors will offer everything from farm machinery to homewares, clothing and locally made goods.In the evenings, live music will keep the atmosphere going at the Scapegrace Show Bar, with Jenny Mitchell performing on Friday and Avalanche City on Saturday.Read more: Revamp of the A&P Show bar There’s lots more to do and see: get a taste of it at the Wānaka A&P Show before experiencing it in person from next Friday (March 13).The public gates will open at 8.30am and close at 5pm on both Friday and Saturday (March 13-14).PHOTO: Supplied

The Wānaka wedding industry has wrapped up one of the busiest weeks of the year, showing the local industry is thriving.The main wedding season runs from October through April, with January and February typically the most in-demand months. Those working across the sector say bookings have returned to, and in some cases surpassed, pre-Covid levels.“It has certainly bounced back,” Tregold wedding planner Samantha Stout told the Wānaka App.The Rippon wedding venue. PHOTO: Luisa ApanuiAt Rippon, events manager Siena Hatton-Brown said the venue would host more than 60 weddings this season.“It’s been a really successful season,” she said.Celebrant Sophia Shortcliffe, of Married with Friends, said the company has officiated more than 350 weddings in the past 12 months, with almost 115 taking place this year alone.“We’ve seen significant growth after… Covid,” Sophia said. “The long-term vendors who have been around five-plus years are really thriving.”Destination weddings are contributing to the growth. Local make-up artist Emilie, of Emilie Plowman Makeup, said more than half of her clients this season have travelled from Australia, others have come from Canada, the United States and parts of Asia. Most of her New Zealand clients are also from outside Wānaka.While Wānaka’s scenery is a drawcard, a strong network of planners, venues, caterers, photographers, celebrants and stylists means a couple’s wedding can be organised entirely within the region.“One of the best things about Wānaka that stands out… is it really is a group effort, we all… band together to make sure everyone has the perfect day,” Siena said.This collaboration has supported both larger traditional weddings and the growing niche market of elopements, which Alpine Florists owner Vera Yakzhik said is “booming”.Samantha said elopements have always been popular with a certain market, but that market has grown.“It was already there, but it’s a wider net than before… There seems to be a trend at the moment for either small micro-weddings or large, big-budget weddings.”

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has begun early-stage planning for Priority Development Areas (PDAs) in Wānaka - locations which have been identified for growth.Six PDAs were identified in the 2021 Spatial Plan, which provides a ‘roadmap to the future’, setting out a vision and framework for how and where the district will grow by 2050.As part of that work each PDA needs a structure plan - a 30-year roadmap to guide how an area grows, from where homes, shops, and parks go, to how people get around and where key services are placed and staged.Two of the four are already completed and QLDC is now turning its attention to South Wānaka and the Wānaka CBD-Three Parks corridor. Wānaka South (mostly undeveloped land located between Riverbank Road and the existing township) could eventually fit more than 5,000 homes, a local centre, and new transport links, according to QLDC. Meanwhile the Wānaka Town Centre-Three Parks corridor could add around 2,000 homes, along with more shops, offices, and community facilities.QLDC staff told the Smart Growth committee on Tuesday (March 3) it planned to deliver a single, integrated structure plan covering the two Wānaka PDAs.“At this stage we’ve only really just started beginning work,” the staffer said, adding that technical, ecological, hazard, and cultural reports are currently underway.They said they anticipate it will take around two years to complete the structure plan - and community input will be an important part of the process.“We’d really like to use this as an opportunity to have some really meaningful community participation as the structure plan progresses.”QLDC is also beginning work on a structure plan for Frankton.Staff said they intended to make some headway on the structure plans before discussing further with councillors and, later, beginning community consultation.Councillor Cody Tucker said there were many advantages to structure plans, which help to guide the placement of essential infrastructure and services to ensure development of well-functioning, cohesive communities.Though they set the direction for future development, structure plans do not change zoning.PHOTO: Wānaka App