Nominations for the 2025 local body elections are now officially open, and most local elected representatives have confirmed their plans to run for office again, while a few remain tight-lipped.At least three out of four Wānaka councillors elected to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) have confirmed they will run for office again this year.Lyal Cocks, Barry Bruce and Cody Tucker say they are putting their hats in the ring again, while deputy mayor Quentin Smith did not respond to the Wānaka App’s query.Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair Simon Telfer said he hopes to share his decision in the next few weeks; board member John Wellington confirmed he will stand for the board again, but not QLDC (as he did three years’ ago); Chris Hadfield also confirmed he would stand for the board; and Linda Joll said she was unsure.Meanwhile QLDC hopes to increase participation in the election with the launch of its 2025 local election campaign, The Highest Vote, on Friday (July 4).The campaign invites voters to “take part in democracy at new heights”, with special high-altitude ballot boxes available at Cardrona Alpine Resort’s ticketing office (1,670m) and Treble Cone’s ticketing area (1,260m), hosted by RealNZ.QLDC will also host a one-day voting box at the Crown Range lookout on October 10. Residents who prefer to vote closer to home can do so by post or at voting boxes located throughout the district. A map of voting locations and further information will be available on the QLDC website.  The Crown Range lookout will host a one-day voting box on October 10. PHOTO: Wānaka AppTo stand for election, candidates must be enrolled voters and nominated by two voters from the area they wish to represent. QLDC said it “encourages people of all backgrounds to consider standing, no prior experience needed”. “How our district moves forward involves everyone who lives here, so it’s important that our elected officials reflect the values and ideas of our diverse community,” QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said. “Now is a great time to learn more about the challenges and rewards, either for yourself or for friends and family who you think would make great local leaders.”In 2022, 43.05 percent of eligible voters in the district cast their ballots. This year, QLDC hopes to surpass the national average voter turnout of 44.5 percent.  Nominations for both QLDC and the WUCCB opened on Friday (July 4) and will close at 12pm on Friday August 1.  Voting papers will be delivered between September 9-22, and the voting period is September 9 to October 11.The QLDC website provides information on who can stand for election, how to get nominated, and how to campaign when the time comes. 

The Upper Clutha Tracks Trust is confident it will have completed its new 5km ‘true right’ track along the Hāwea River by Christmas.The track is designed to allow walkers and cyclists to get away from the trust's busy commuter cycle route between Wānaka and Hāwea on the other side of the river.While it will be simpler and more rugged, it will still be accessible for adaptive bikes and strollers. The trust said it is intended to cater for experienced cyclists and walkers looking for a natural, minimally constructed experience, while still maintaining family-friendly access and stunning river views.As part of the new track, trust chairman David Howard said small clearings would be established on off-shoots from the track to allow walkers and cyclists to ''stop, take a breath, dangle their feet in the river and, perhaps, get out the rug for a picnic”.The track will be simpler and more rugged than the existing river track.The track, on Department of Conservation land, will run from the Lake Hāwea dam to Camphill Road and has Queenstown Lakes District Council resource consent.At the UCTT’s meeting last month, trustees gave the go-ahead for tenders to be called to form some of the more difficult parts of the track near the kayakers’ wave at the Camphill Bridge, create some new track, widen some sections of existing tracks, and construct a boardwalk across a wetland.A survey has already been completed to ensure the track does not affect lizards, and the trust is talking to Contact Energy about where track users can cross the dam at the head of the river.While work has yet to start, David is confident it will be ready by Christmas.The amount budgeted for the project is $154,000, and while there is still a shortfall, trust founding member John Wellington believes the trust can - with caution - continue with the project while further funding is sought.Major contributors so far have been the Central Lakes Trust ($38,346), Otago Community Trust ($30,000), New Zealand Bike Trails ($1500), and Hāwea Community Association ($3000).The trust has just received $2,500 from the final Wheels to Wānaka event.''We also received a $1,000 donation, out of the blue, from a charitable trust we had not heard from before,” John said.''We have just launched a give-a-little page, and we are gradually building up our supporter members.''Meanwhile, the trust is holding back on plans to upgrade the existing Wānaka to Hāwea track.The trust is aware rough parts of the track are in dire need of upgrading, however John said the only responsible approach is for the trust to be sure the work is completely funded before beginning work.''Unfortunately, we missed out on a grant from the Lotteries Board and are now back at the drawing board looking at how to get this big maintenance job across the line,” he said.PHOTOS: Supplied

Skiers and snowboarders took their first trips up the new Soho Lift yesterday (July 5).The high-speed six-seater chairlift unlocks access to 150ha of skiable terrain in Soho Basin, expanding Cardrona Alpine Resort’s ski area from 465ha to 615ha.Snowmaking facilities are not in place at Soho Basin for this winter season so skiers and snowboarders have had to wait for enough snowfall before their first ride in the new chairlift.Cardrona held a Soho Lift blessing ceremony last month (June 29) ahead of its opening, with speeches from representatives of Ngāi Tahu including Komene Cassidy, RealNZ CEO Dave Beeche Doppelmayr’s Garreth Hayman and tourism minister Louise Upston.The new lift has capacity for 3,000 passengers per hour. PHOTO: Belle Grace“It was incredible to celebrate with all the generations of Cardrona and RealNZ, including both the Lee and Hutchins families,” Cardrona and Treble Cone chief mountains officer Laura Hedley said."To get this lift and terrain open, after decades of dreaming of what could be... it's a pretty emotional moment for our entire team."Early-season conditions still exist, so the terrain was mostly ungroomed and for advanced level skiers and snowboarders only.The Soho Lift is 1,237m long, with 75 chairs, and a vertical rise of 379m.It has 11 towers and is the same model as the $23M Shadow Basin chairlift by Doppelmayer at The Remarkables.

New populations of a rare and threatened native fish species have been found in three locations in the Cardrona Valley thanks to research funded by the inaugural Donald Scott Memorial Scholarship in Freshwater Ecology.The Clutha flathead galaxias, a critically endangered species found only in Central Otago, was detected in two previously unrecorded populations - and a third population rediscovered after 20 years - during a field survey led by Otago-based researcher Isaac Davies.The project, instigated by a donation from Patricia (Pat) Scott with ongoing support from the Otago Fish & Game Council and Clutha Fisheries Trust, surveyed 30 streams throughout the Cardrona Valley.All three populations of Clutha flathead were found in small, trout-free headwaters, highlighting the importance of natural fish barriers in protecting vulnerable native fish.The Clutha flathead galaxias is a critically endangered species found only in Central Otago. PHOTO: Isaac DaviesIsaac Davies, a postgraduate researcher at the University of Otago and the inaugural recipient of the Donald Scott Memorial Trust Scholarship, said the discovery adds significantly to understanding species interactions in the region’s freshwater ecosystems.“The Cardrona remains a valuable sports fishery, but this project shows there’s also room to recognise and protect the special native species still hanging on in remote corners,” he said.While most of the research into the Clutha flathead has been in the Cardrona catchment, field work has also been done in the Nevis, Little Valley near Alexandra, Queensbury, and near Lawrence.As well as distribution mapping, the research has expanded into the Clutha flathead’s life history - including spawning age, egg size, abundance, and the downstream drift of newly hatched larvae. These insights will help inform how native and sports fish can be managed together in shared catchments.“The scholarship made it possible to investigate key questions about how this species survives and how to protect it,” Isaac said. “Reading about everything Dr Scott contributed to freshwater management in New Zealand made me incredibly honoured to be the first recipient.”The Donald Scott Memorial Trust Scholarship was established to honour the legacy of the late Donald Scott, a pioneering freshwater advocate. His wife Pat played a central role in launching the scholarship fund in 2022 through a donation.“The outstanding work in the discovery of these new populations of rare galaxiids by the first scholar of the Donald Scott Memorial Scholarship proves the worth of Fish & Game's ongoing commitment to scientific research and to being kaitiaki of the taiao,” Pat said.Otago Fish & Game chief executive Ian Hadland said the research aligned with the organisation’s balanced approach to species management.“We’re committed to supporting resilient ecosystems that support both native fish and a world-class sports fishery,” he said. “This work, guided by our Regional Species Management and Interaction Policy, shows the value of partnerships in getting there.”The research also identified priority sites for environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, which will provide an even clearer picture of where native fish populations remain and how to protect them.

The Upper Lakes Integrated Catchment Group is asking the community for feedback on its draft Catchment Action Plan (CAP).Once complete, the Upper Lakes CAP will be a long-term, community-led plan for managing land, water, biodiversity and wellbeing values of the Upper Lakes catchment, building on existing work and setting out local priorities for action.The draft CAP is the result of Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) 2021-24 Long Term Plan, ORC environmental implementation manager Libby Caldwell said.“The Otago community provided feedback to ORC that they would like to see a community-led approach to how to achieve environmental outcomes, and out of this the Integrated Catchment Management Programme was developed,” she told the Wānaka App.ORC started the first CAP in the Catlins, which is now in the implementation phase, and the Upper Lakes is the second CAP to be developed.It is now at the halfway mark, and a survey has been released for public feedback.“The survey is a good opportunity for the group to check with a wider audience how much the draft work aligns with their expectations,” Libby said.“The survey results will be incorporated into the work to date, which is really the scene setting for the CAP – that is, the vision, values, pressures and goals.”“The next stage…is to develop actions that will mitigate the pressures and/or enhance the values which have been identified which work towards achieving the long term goals of the plan,” Libby said.“For example this could include planting natives, wetland enhancement, predator control, wilding conifer control, mahika kai, etc.”The Upper Lakes Integrated Catchment Group features representatives from a wide range of groups including WAI Wānaka, Guardians of Lake Hāwea, Guardians of Lake Wānaka, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Otago Fish & Game, and many more.Have your say on the draft Upper Lakes CAP here before June 15.The group will also be holding a public hui in Wānaka in August to update the community on progress on the CAP. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Two of New Zealand’s most decorated winter Para athletes have been named to represent Aotearoa at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.Adam Hall and Corey Peters were officially selected this week, with Adam set to become the first New Zealand Para athlete to compete at six Winter Paralympics – equalling the national record for most Paralympic appearances.“Winning selection for my sixth Paralympic Winter Games is an immense honour,” he said.Adam made his Paralympic debut at Torino 2006, winning gold in Vancouver 2010, another gold and a bronze at PyeongChang 2018, and two more bronzes in Beijing 2022.The Wānaka skier, who was born with spina bifida, will compete in the Men’s Slalom Standing and Men’s Giant Slalom Standing events in 2026.Corey, a three-time medallist, returns for his fourth Games after a brief break to welcome daughter Valentina in 2022, and recover from injury.“Being selected for my fourth Paralympic Games is more than an honour - it’s a testament to years of resilience, growth, and unwavering passion,” he said.Corey, a sit skier from New Plymouth, won silver at Sochi 2014, bronze at PyeongChang 2018, and gold and silver at Beijing 2022. He’s been named for the Men’s Downhill Sitting, Super-G Sitting and Giant Slalom Sitting events.Paralympics New Zealand chief executive Greg Warnecke said the pair’s selection reflects their continued success and legacy.“Both Para alpine skiing legends have consistently delivered on the biggest stage banking an incredible nine Paralympic Winter Games medals between them,” he said.A second team announcement may be made in February 2026. The Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games will run from March 6-15, 2026.PHOTOS: Paralympics NZ

Are you a trustee of a trust? If so, it’s time to take a closer look at your trust in light of the changes brought about by the Trusts Act 2019 (“Act”). While it may seem like a chore, reviewing your trust is essential for several reasons; ensuring that the trust remains effective, compliant, and serves its intended purpose.The Act introduces new requirements and obligations for trustees, enhancing transparency and accountability within the trust administration process. The Act imposes obligations on trustees to provide information to beneficiaries and keep them informed about the trust’s administration. This means trustees must maintain accurate records and be prepared to disclose information when requested. If your trust has been operating under a veil of secrecy, now is the time to reassess its transparency practices.A review allows trustees to assess the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of the trust structure in light of changing circumstances. Over time, the needs and objectives of the settlor and beneficiaries may evolve, requiring adjustments to the trust deed or its administration. By conducting a thorough review, trustees can identify any inconsistencies or gaps in the trust's provisions and take the right steps to address them.Furthermore, reviewing the trust provides an opportunity to evaluate its financial performance and asset management strategies. Trustees must ensure that trust assets are being managed prudently and in the best interests of the beneficiaries. Assessing investment strategies, risk management practices, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements can help trustees safeguard the trust's assets and optimise returns for beneficiaries.Conducting a regular review of the trust demonstrates diligence and good governance on the part of the trustees. It fosters trust and confidence among beneficiaries and other stakeholders, reinforcing the integrity of the trust structure and its administration.To navigate these changes and safeguard your trust, get in contact with Checketts McKay Law. Their expertise can guide you through the process, providing peace of mind and clarity around your trust. Trust in their experience to secure your trust’s future. 17 Dunmore Street, Wānaka 

Community Link is overjoyed at the outstanding result from its 2025 Cold Kids winter appeal, manager Kate Murray says.The campaign raised $66,000, surpassing its original $60,000 target - all of which will go towards ensuring local households can stay warm this winter.Cold Kids was launched in response to surging winter energy costs and increasing demand for support after the loss of government funding that had previously helped families in need heat their homes.The response from the Wānaka community was extraordinary, Community Link chair Ian Maxwell said.“The Cold Kids campaign is proof of what happens when a community decides not to look the other way,” Ian said.“These donations are more than financial support - they’re a message to every child and family that they matter, and that we’ll look out for each other.”The campaign drew support from across the community, individuals, businesses, and organisations alike, and donations ranged from under $10 to over $2,500.In addition to the financial support, Community Link received trailer loads of firewood, warm winter clothing, and pyjamas - all essential supplies for families facing tough choices between heating, food, and housing.“We’ve seen firsthand the relief and dignity that warmth brings,” Kate said. “From the smallest donation to the largest, every donation has helped ensure no child in our community has to face winter cold and alone.”Murray Walker and The Cucumber Sandwich Club played a key role in driving the campaign forward, Kate said, by coordinating donation efforts and engaging the wider community with energy and commitment.With the support now in place, Community Link is well-equipped to meet local demand throughout the winter. Anyone who is struggling with heating costs this winter is encouraged to get in touch with Community Link. PHOTO: Consumer NZ

Otago Regional Council (ORC) has given the green light to a $2M fund designed to back the region’s biggest and boldest community-led environmental projects.The new Large-Scale Environment Fund will be open to community-led projects across Otago, ORC environmental implementation manager Libby Caldwell said, but it will prioritise big-ticket initiatives.“This fund is targeted at environmental projects which have intergenerational impacts, local leadership, and action which is driven by communities, and alignment to ORC strategy and strategic direction,” Libby told the Wānaka App.Projects could range from waterway revitalisation or restoration to wilding conifer proposals, on-ground works, biodiversity enhancement, and so on, she said.Libby said the new fund will differ from the ECO Fund (another ORC fund supporting environmental initiatives) mainly in its large-scale focus.“[Successful applications are] likely to be projects which are of a higher value and include collaborative projects,” she said. “The specific criteria will be developed in coming months, with recommendations for council to consider.” A two stage process for fund allocation is proposed, Libby told the Wānaka App. “Firstly, interested organisations would submit a registration of interest so that assessment of their eligibility would be undertaken,” she said. “This would be followed by a more detailed proposal submitted through a request for proposal process.” “Further detail on this process will also be presented to council for approval in due course.”ORC councillors unanimously endorsed the Large-Scale Environment Fund, which will be funded from council reserves, at a council meeting in late June.Environment delivery committee co-chair Lloyd McCall said he was excited for ORC to be be able to support and enable community led environmental action at scale. “There is already significant investment that the community are contributing to environmental outcomes and to be able to support more of this to happen on the ground is vital to enhance what we have for future generations,” Lloyd said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A good turnout of locals for a cold Saturday morning during school holidays, including the attendance of 15 community groups, was a sign the Hāwea Community Association’s (HCA) fresh approach to meetings was a success.The HCA hosted a ‘community connections’ event on Saturday (June 28) morning at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre, which included a free pancake breakfast.HCA acting chair Cherilyn Walthew told the Wānaka App the organisation decided to try something different to attract people.“We figured people might come along for a free breakfast - and they kind of did,” she said.The meeting was “more about getting people out and involved in what is actually happening in Hāwea”, Cherilyn said, with display tables for groups set up around the Lake Hāwea Community Centre while the food hatch was open and cooks made and served breakfast.Tanea Hawkins (left) learns more about Community Link from Kenzie Mastronardi.Groups included everything from Hāwea’s community centre committee, the Lake Hāwea Stakeholders Group, local developers, Friends of Hāwea Flat School, Hāwea Playgroup, the Lake Hāwea Foreshore Group, and Community Link, through to the local cemetery trust and Moggy Rescue Squad.The fire brigade turned up with VR (virtual reality) goggles to show people how to get out of a burning house; the Guardians of Lake Hāwea displayed information about their opposition to Contact Energy’s proposal to lower the lake level; and Winterstellar showed their plans for a Hāwea dark sky reserve.The association holds regular community meetings throughout the year, including an AGM in October, but Cherilyn said most people who attend those meetings already volunteer with other local groups.“We are usually preaching to the converted,” she said. “We want to expand to the rest of the town. The meetings don’t have to be formal meetings, and the easy way to tell people what you’re doing is to actually show them.”Saturday’s event also gave the HCA an opportunity to tell people about the financial donations it has made over the past 12 months, which totalled $28,700. The donations included $5,000 to Community Link’s Cold Kids campaign, $1,500 to Hāwea Flat School for a mural, $5,000 to the Hāwea Food Forest for a new tunnel house, $2,000 to the Hāwea Playgroup’s new sandpit, $2,500 to the Lake Hāwea Fire Brigade for its participation in the annual Sky Tower challenge, $3,000 to Upper Clutha Tracks Trust towards the planned new Hāwea River Track, funding for planting and maintenance between Grandview and John Creek, and a donation to WAI Wānaka for a visit from the Otago University Marine Studies Aquavan.“A lot of our money comes from our green waste [facility], [and] some from donations, some from subscriptions,” Cherilyn said.“We want to encourage people to pay their subscriptions - which are only $20 annually. It goes towards good stuff.”She said the HCA also wants to get more people involved in its activities. Interested people can contact the group directly ([email protected]) or via the HCA website.Cherilyn said the success of the event means the HCA may take “a slightly different approach to the AGM” later this year.“We need to facilitate events that are more appealing to people,” she said.Cherilyn thanked Saturday’s event sponsors Fresh Choice Hāwea, Hāwea Store and Kitchen, and Pirate Pickles.PHOTOS: HCA

One of New Zealand’s most iconic buildings – the Cardrona Hotel – is on the market for the first time in more than a decade.The 162-year-old heritage-listed hotel in the Cardrona township is expected to attract significant national and international interest.The Cardrona Hotel’s current owners – Cade and Alexis Thornton and James and Fleur Jenneson – have owned the historic establishment since 2013 and describe it as a “once-in-a lifetime opportunity”.“It has always been a very busy and successful business, and we have loved our time here, but our next step is to spend more time with our young family,” Cade said.The 8613sqm property encompasses a restaurant, year-round beer garden, and 17 ensuite hotel rooms sleeping up to 44 guests.The hotel was built in 1863 and its history is steeped in the gold rush era, with many of the original relics such as the historic facade, and a glass window looking into a mineshaft in the floor of the property. It is one of the regions’ most well-known tourist attractions and a popular après ski destination, hosting everyone from international movie stars and royalty to locals.“In our time, the growth has been phenomenal, and the business has become a big beast,” Cade said.“We now employ 40-50 staff, the hotel averages 84 percent occupancy annually, and it’s often fully booked at many times throughout the year."The sale is likely to be one of the Cardrona Valley’s highest, and coincides with continued growth in the area.The hotel business and associated buildings will be sold by private negotiation.Expressions of interest are open until Friday August 15.PHOTOS: Supplied

A Wanaka-based design label has come up with a creative way to put quality clothes in front of more customers.Wanaka-based design label Precious Collaborative is selling $10,000 coats to help subsidise other items on the rack.It's selling the coats, designed by Liz Mitchell, to help subsidise a further 20 items on the rack. Instead of their true cost of $690, the items' "gift" price drops to $189 courtesy of the money from the coats.The aim is to put quality New Zealand woollen items within reach.The pinafore and women's pants from the Precious Collaborative collection.After a lengthy hiatus from the fashion business raising her three children, Precious Collaborative's founder Claire O'Connell needed a new kind of business model, she told RNZ’s Nine to Noon.“I realised if I wanted to make clothes, they were going to be expensive and most of the population wouldn't be able to afford them.”When she sent a sample off to designer Liz Mitchell, who didn’t know her “from a bar of soap" at the time, she got an immediate response.“She got this little box with a sleeve in it and a few other items on her desk, and she rang me straight away and said she would be on board with the coats.“So, she designed some coats, and we then went to launch the coats which we did in Wanaka last December and we sold one of the coats for $10,000.”At that point O’Connell, was able to put the collection into production.The collection is made from fine traditional tweed and hemp, she says.“There are pants for men, pants for women. I call them a women's cut, and a men's cut because people can wear each other's cut pants. There's a pinafore, which has sold incredibly well. There's a skirt and there's a hemp shirt.“The first four items are all tweed, fully lined tweed and the last item is an organic hemp shirt.”Everyone deserves to own something of quality they attach meaning to, O'Connell says.“We have lost the ability to attach meaning to what we purchase in a way with fast fashion I feel that deeply.”The purchasers of the coats so far (both wishing to remain anonymous), understand the concept, she says.“The second coat buyer, before they had even actually received their coat, sent me an email and asked if they could spend another $10,000 on their coat. So, they have paid $20,000.“The reason they've done that is they fully get the idea that it is not simple for people to pull themselves out of the fast fashion loop. It's not just a monetary thing, it's a mindset.”Ninety garments from the collection have been pre-sold, she says.“Ten percent of the people who bought those garments chose to pay the true price for them. They didn't pay the gift price.“So, they've done that paying it forward thing and another 5 percent of people have paid somewhere between the gift price and the true price.”PHOTOS: Jodie James

Upper Clutha residents filled the Lake Wānaka Centre to hear from associate health minister Matt Doocey and a panel of health leaders on Tuesday (July 1), but some attendees aren’t convinced the meeting will generate an improvement in access to health services any time soon.Matt Doocey was joined by minister for rural communities Mark Patterson, Health NZ Southern general manager Craig Ashton, Health NZ Southern group manager integration Aroha Metcalfe, Health NZ Southern chief medical officer David Gow, Ministry of Health clinical chief advisor rural Helen Connole, and Ministry of Health Associate deputy director-general Steve Barnes.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) deputy mayor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App that while the panel acknowledged “the issues and the inequity of health services in our district”, he saw “no real hope of much changing in the immediate future”.“The clinical services review being completed this year can only document what we already know,” he said.   The review was referred to throughout the hour-long Q&A session by Health NZ staff. The review is looking at how needs have changed in this region, with clinical services “the priority” and the location of a regional hospital “the fundamental point of the review”, David Gow said.“[Health Action Wānaka] HAW’s report is an excellent start,” he said.That report, ‘Perception versus reality: the true state of healthcare in the Upper Clutha’, released in April, identifies significant unmet needs, systemic barriers, and a lack of strategic health planning for the Upper Clutha.Read more: Healthcare crisis for Upper Clutha - reportQuestions from the roadshow audience covered funding inequities, the lack of a free blood collection service, children and young people's mental health, laboratory funding, workforce challenges, location of a regional hospital, cross party support for health service planning, public versus private health funding, and the deficiencies of the national travel assistance scheme.The panel (with Matt Doocey, right) acknowledged the clear health inequities in the Upper Clutha. PHOTO: Health Action Wānaka David said there was no defence to the “stark inequity" highlighted, while the associate health minister said: “Quite clearly the population here has got ahead of public services”.One audience member asked how health staff had “missed the growth in the last ten years”.Aroha referred to the “higher than expected” population growth in the region, while the associate health minister told the crowd of more than 300 people “you have just had significant population growth over time and investment hasn’t kept up”.A question to the panel from Quentin - “How long will it take to invest and give us health equity in this community?” - was sidestepped by Matt Doocey, who focused on the importance of his “roadmap approach” (rather than strategies and plans) to identifying problems and implementing solutions.“A large amount of the solutions are already in the community,” Matt also said, while the Health NZ staff also emphasised the need for communities to work in partnership with health service providers.Health staff said they would come back to Wānaka at the end of August with the findings from the clinical review, which needed to be “done and dusted” by December.Event MC Hauroa Taiwhenua Rural Health Network chief executive Dr Grant Davidson summed up the discussion by saying: “The inequity is being heard. Local people will put together a plan about how that inequity would be [addressed].”How long do we wait?HAW steering group member Monique Mayze told the Wānaka App it was great to see so many people turn up to voice their concerns and ask well-informed questions.She said while the clinical services planning was important, “we don’t believe that we should have to wait until the end of this process to see action on the quick wins” the group presented to health minister Simeon Brown in Auckland the same day.HAW's identified three quick wins for the Upper Clutha community: Introduction of psychiatric consultations via telehealth within 12 months; delivery of a publicly funded blood collection service within two years; and increased access to publicly funded radiology services.“There is no reason why steps cannot be taken now to start implementing the solutions we have proposed,” Monique said.The Wānaka App spoke to a few roadshow attendees as they left the event on Tuesday afternoon. One person told us she was feeling “annoyed and patronised”, saying “their roadmap is pointless unless they have buy-in”.Another long-term local said the roadshow featured “just a whole list of dodging the same questions: No real answers; It’s the same s---t.”The Wānaka App also spoke to Craig Ashton after the event, asking why it had taken health authorities so long to notice and act on population growth and health inequity in the Upper Clutha. “I can acknowledge people’s frustrations,” he said.“I think it has been signalled in many reports for a long time that the health needs of Central Otago have been unmet. The population is growing and continues to grow. Particularly over the last few years it is showing an exponential growth and that has really put to the forefront the need to do something about it.“... a whole lot of plans and strategies … have been in place for quite some time and I’ve read a lot of those and the translation of strategy into action is where we’re focused right now with the clinical services planning,” he said.Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair Simon Telfer told the Wānaka App he appreciated the Upper Clutha “turning out in droves” for the meeting. “It was excellent to hear minister Doocey reference [HAW]'s exceptional report, numerous times. The panel of ministers and senior health leaders certainly understood the inequities faced by residents. However it's unclear how quickly this understanding can turn into funding or implemented action,” he said.“As a community, let's keep the pressure on decision makers to make the provision of health services in Wānaka fairer for all.”

Wānaka Police dealt with light-fingered Aussies, a fleeing driver, and a missing teenager this past week, acting response manager Dylan Hannah-Jones said.“A group of four light-fingered Australian skiers were apprehended by police after ‘forgetting’ to pay for all of their chosen grocery items at New World,” he said. “They were tracked down to a bar in Wānaka, ejected by police and forced to return and pay for their items. “They were trespassed for their shoplifting efforts so might have to settle for Coronet Peak for their skiing now.”Police worked hard to locate missing teenager, Aiden, Dylan said.“After three and a half days, he was located safe and well by police late Sunday morning.”Dylan thanked the Wānaka community for their assistance in the search. A vehicle fled police in Wānaka on Thursday night (June 26) after being signalled to stop for dangerous driving. Police did not engage in a pursuit at the time but after some investigation the vehicle was located in Lake Hāwea, Dylan said.A search warrant was executed, impounding the vehicle for six months, and one person arrested.Dylan congratulated local drivers after last week’s heavy snow through Cardrona, which caused police no issues.“People had their chains and knew how to use them. Good work Wānaka,” Dylan said. “Lastly, as we see an influx of winter activity in Wānaka, we want to encourage our community to call us if they see people or vehicles acting suspiciously. “Sharing information on community pages can be a useful tool, but make your first call to police so we can respond quickly and stand the best chance of preventing a crime from taking place.” Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers. PHOTO: Supplied

Otago Central Lakes has taken the first formal step towards developing a ‘Regional Deal’ with central government.This week, the councils in Otago Central Lakes - Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Central Otago District Council (CODC) - officially kicked off negotiations by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with government ministers.Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers said a Regional Deal, if finalised, could address critical infrastructure needs and support sustainable economic growth in the district.“Our entire region is seen as a highly desirable place to live and visit, but we can’t manage the impact of growth alone,” Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers said. “We need to work with central government on affordable and sustainable tools that enable us to continue to manage growth and ensure the entire region retains its status as a destination of choice.”Otago Central Lakes lodged its Regional Deal proposal in February and is one of only three regions selected to progress from a total of 18 applications.Read more: Tourism to drive plan for local ‘regional deal’Details about how the Regional Deals (and their City Deal counterparts) will work have been scant but infrastructure minister Chris Bishop provided more information this week. “City and Regional Deals will be strategic 10-year partnerships between local and central government to progress joint priorities including economic growth, enabling abundant housing, better management and utilisation of local assets, and closing the infrastructure deficit,” the minister said.This district “can’t manage the impact of growth alone”, Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers says.The government will offer ‘Deal’ partners improved government coordination, early collaboration on system reforms (covering zoning, streamlined planning and land acquisition, among others), new funding and financing tools, and support to “unlock” growth sectors.The government will expect partners, among other things, to provide “a better framework/structure for regional relationships with central government, and improved asset renewals, maintenance and management including ensuring a pipeline of future infrastructure work”, the minister said. “We also expect that councils will go above legal and regulatory minimum requirements to unlock housing growth including around rapid transit corridors and where central government has invested in infrastructure.”Just last week QLDC councillors expressed mixed views on the potential of a Regional Deal.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith was wary, saying it would involve “handing over a whole lot of power and information” to central government.Councillor Lyal Cocks was more optimistic, saying a Regional Deal could provide QLDC with a path that “reduces the rates burden” on the community.While councillor Barry Bruce was concerned about the lack of information and detail available, he said QLDC needed “to go forward on a good-faith basis”.Since the MoU announcement, elected members from other councils within Otago Central Lakes have shared their support for working out a Regional Deal with central government.ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said it was a “great step forward to give the region the ability to get ahead and manage the impacts of that growth and ensure the region remains one of the greatest places on earth to live, work and play”.The MoU “... shows a commitment by the region and central government to address some of the unique challenges in our communities,” CODC mayor Tamah Alley said.“Working alongside ORC, QLDC and central government to future proof our communities across infrastructure, housing and economic growth is a smart play.” In the coming months representatives from Otago Central Lakes will negotiate with central government around the contents of the Regional Deal.Final approval will rest with individual councils and cabinet.The government hopes to have the first Regional Deal signed by the end of the year, Chris said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The annual Rotary Club of Wānaka book and jigsaw sale, which will feature thousands of second hand books, will take place this weekend for three days (Friday July 4 to Sunday July 6).The book sale has for years attracted hundreds of people to the Lake Wānaka Centre in search of a great read at a bargain price. Rotary Club of Wānaka president Marie Fitchett said the public response to donating books and jigsaws over the past few weeks had been wonderful.“We have had thousands of books and a lot of jigsaws dropped off at Mitre 10 MEGA,” Marie said.“The Rotary team are busy sorting them and preparing for the sale.”The books have been categorised to make browsing easy and are priced from $3. Some newer books and special interest books are a little more expensive.“It’s a big job to categorise and price but well worth it when we see the response and the funds we can raise for the community,” Marie said.All funds raised will go to help the Rotary Club of Wānaka support worthwhile projects and causes.The book sale will take place over three days at the Lake Wānaka Centre from July 4-6. Opening hours are 10am-4.30pm each day.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has shared its Newcomers Guide, which provides information and support to the district’s newest residents.QLDC welcoming communities coordinator Silvia Dancose said the guide was developed in collaboration with support service organisations, local education providers, businesses and newcomers.“Moving here is an exciting opportunity but can also be challenging,” Silvia said.“The guide provides newcomers with valuable local resources and services to help them adjust to life in their new home.”It provides information on how to find a place to live, work, access health care, connect with your community, learn English, manage money and finances, what to do in case of an emergency, and much more.“Having all this information accessible in one place will play a key role in helping those who choose this part of Aotearoa New Zealand to live, work or study to feel more welcome and connected, and enable them to foster a sense of community,” Silvia said.QLDC people and capability director Katie Church said one of the ways the guide could be shared is if businesses give it to new employees who are relocating to the district.“For many, moving to our district is often an opportunity to start a new job and build a new life; it’s important to help make the transition smoother and more successful by providing guidance and resources to newcomers and their families,” Katie said.“This is a great resource for employers to consider offering as part of their on-boarding process, especially for employees who are new to Aotearoa New Zealand and the region.”Printed copies have already been distributed to a range of locations including the QLDC offices, libraries, sport and recreation centres and other supporting organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Link Upper Clutha, NZ Police, Salvation Army, Plunket and local schools.Developing the Newcomers Guide is an action from the three-year Welcoming Plan that was created by QLDC to support newcomers.QLDC aims to update it biannually. Find out more about the Newcomers Guide, read an online copy and provide feedback here.PHOTO: Supplied

Electricity company Aurora has apologised to residents in the Hāwea and Makarora areas who experienced a power cut on Monday evening (June 30).“Any time the power is out is inconvenient, but especially during the winter, in the evening and over the school holidays,” Aurora future network and operations general manager Matt Settle said.“We apologise … for the power cut last night and want to reassure people we will continue to investigate the causes of the faults and put in place any necessary corrective actions.”Matt said the company was still investigating the cause, but the initial investigation had identified several contributing factors.The power went out to 2,065 customers at 5:14pm on Monday with full power restored to all customers before 8.00pm, Matt said. “We made a decision to cut the power a second time, for safety reasons, some 30 minutes later and at the request of Fire and Emergency NZ, who were notified of a power line close to the ground on Domain Road in Hāwea,” he said.In the second supply interruption 1,882 customers were affected, with power restored in stages from 9:00pm. “The majority of customers were back on by 10:06pm and the remaining 361 restored at 12:37am. “... we are continuing to investigate the causes of these two faults.” Matt said Aurora has had “a spotlight” on the Hāwea and Makarora areas since late last year, when the company first noticed an increase in the number of unplanned power outages.There were 13 unplanned outages over the past year (including Monday night’s) that affected the wider Hāwea and Makarora areas.“The Hāwea township has experienced significant growth in recent years and our regional electricity development plan that will be released publicly later this year will set out the longer-term options for enhancing and developing the Upper Clutha network,” Matt said. The long and rural single electricity lines and feeders that supply Makarora will always be more vulnerable to unplanned supply interruptions than urban networks, which have secondary back feed options, he said.“This is the case for similar networks across the country with network configurations like those that supply rural Makarora. “It's worth noting that outages are caused by largely uncontrollable factors such as vegetation, wildlife and car impacts as well as more avoidable factors such as defective equipment,” he said. PHOTO: Supplied

Community members were able to have their first say on the future review of Wānaka Airport last week at two community drop-in sessions (Friday June 27 and Saturday June 28). Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) councillor and Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) member Lyal Cocks told the Wānaka App the sessions attracted a good number of people, with steady attendance throughout Friday’s session and a larger group on Saturday.“It was pretty intense,” Lyal said. “A few people said it was a bit overwhelming, but [Egis] did get a lot of input from the people there.”Egis gave guidance on how to respond to various prompts (including the questions ‘What does living, working and playing in this unique landscape mean to you? What role should the airport play in your future?’); there were a range of stations on different topics; and participants were able to write their own responses and notes. “[Egis is] trying to get a feel for the community and what they value,” Lyal said.WUCCB chair Simon Telfer said a lot of ideas were shared at the sessions, “including support for general aviation, increasing scheduled flights, allowing broader commercial activity at the airport and better preparing for natural disaster resilience”.  Lyal said feedback included a “big push for the [consultation] process to be independent”,There were also some “robust discussions” with the elected representatives present, he said.“There’s a lot of feeling out there, a lot of mistrust in the QLDC,” he said, adding that some people were suspicious about who was leading the process.“We’ve had to work really hard to push the CEO and council to get on with this,” Lyal said. “This is very strongly being led by the WUCCB because it is one of the priorities of the community.”Feedback included support for general aviation at the airport.Wānaka Stakeholders Group (WSG) chair Meg Taylor told the Wānaka App her group was "disappointed that the current effort to engage with the public is so limited”.“We realise the Egis program is part of an ongoing process but it is at this stage that Upper Clutha locals can make their views known before the consultants come up with firm scenarios,” she said.Meg said WSG is concerned that a “dual airport strategy”, the focus of QLDC and Queenstown Airport Commission’s (QAC) approach to Wānaka Airport in 2017-2019, is still on the table.In 2019 WSG took legal action against QLDC, saying various agreements between QLDC and QAC in relation to Wānaka Airport were unlawful. The action was upheld by a judicial review.Meg said WSG continues to push for Upper Clutha people to have an ongoing governance role in Wānaka Airport. Lyal said it was important to find out what all local groups want, and WSG is just one of those groups.Egis will now assess all the feedback and identify a range of scenarios for the airport, which they will bring for another round of engagement with the community - likely to take place in August.People can also have their say online for three more weeks until July 15.Simon said it's important for "everyone to jump online and influence the future of Wānaka Airport before this part of the process closes"."I'd love to see input from younger voices too as this planning will benefit both current and future generations."Wānaka Airport is owned by QLDC and operated by QAC under a management services agreement. In July 2024 QLDC signalled its intention to develop a long-term plan for Wānaka Airport, and went on to engage consultants Egis to undertake the review. It will look at the airport’s long-term role, its economic impact, and its integration into New Zealand’s aeronautical network. It will also set the vision, values, objectives and preferred outcomes for Wānaka Airport. PHOTOS: SuppliedRead more: Wānaka Airport review open for public feedback