The district’s new Freedom Camping Bylaw has been in place for just over a week but locals are already reporting freedom camping numbers far exceeding the bylaw’s limits.Residents of Allenby Place have reacted to the influx of campervans to their quiet neighbourhood - now designated as one of 15 carpark sites in the district which allows freedom camping - with dismay.“As a councillor and a resident near one of the freedom camping sites I am super frustrated over the first 10 days of the new bylaw being in place,” deputy mayor Quentin Smith (who voted against the bylaw) told the Wānaka App.“My family [is] personally experiencing a pretty extreme change in our neighbourhood and massive increase in traffic at normally quiet evening time.  “The three dedicated sites at Beacon Point and Allenby Place each are typically occupied by 4pm and people continue to drive in and out for the next seven hours or so with no outcome, other than some of them choosing to ignore the three van restriction.”  There are three designated sites for camping at the Allenby Place carpark.He said on Tuesday night (December 9) there were 10 van movements in 10 minutes at 11pm at the Allenby Place carpark, which is usually dead quiet.   “In 10 days I haven’t witnessed a single night of compliance, where the new rules are being respected,” he said.    “I feel really frustrated we have been forced into this position by a freedom camping act and court challenges from the [NZ Motor Caravan Association] only to end up in a worse position than we started.”  He fears what the sites will be like in the peak of summer, and said QLDC is already receiving a lot of complaints. “I know council ambassadors are visiting and council enforcement staff and contractors are issuing tickets but it seems a bucket in a tsunami.”  Read more: Freedom camping bylaw now in place across QLDCAnother resident of Allenby Place said their home “changed overnight” after December 1.There are 18 designated sites at the Wānaka Recreation Centre.“Since then we've had hundreds of campers driving down our street trying to get one of three parks. They go from 3pm to late at night, speeding past the playground and dog park," he said."We're really worried about the fire risk. Most of these vans only have outdoor gas hobs so they have to cook outside - and QLDC has tucked the spaces right up against Mt Iron which is the biggest wildfire hazard in Wānaka."QLDC have made a crazy decision, without consideration of the impact on Allenby Place. We're only 10 days in and the residents are fed up already - something needs to change ASAP."Another resident displayed signs at the entrance to the carpark, saying ‘freedom camping = freeloading, go to a campground’, ‘Campervans: It’s full, try behind QLDC, 47 Ardmore Street’, and another sign listing the councillors who approved the bylaw, noting ‘They don’t live here’.A resident who contacted the Wānaka App said Cougar Security arrives in the evening to ticket any non-compliant parking, but the campers arrive after Cougar leaves.“That’s part of the problem. Cougar Security has been here every night. They can’t control it,” she said.The bylaw, which was put in place last Monday (December 1), prohibits freedom camping (in certified self-contained vehicles) in most urban areas but allows for 18 designated spaces at the Wānaka Recreation Centre carpark, three spaces at the Beacon Point Road carpark, and three at the Allenby Place carpark.There are also 10 spaces designated for camping at the Camp Hill Road carpark by the Hāwea River.Meanwhile, a group of Upper Clutha residents are continuing to campaign against the inclusion of Beacon Point within the designated camping areas. A petition by the group, Save Clean NZ, has gained more than 1,300 signatures. Read more: Campaign launched to ‘save Beacon Point’Residents can report non compliance and complaints to: [email protected]: Supplied

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) staff and elected members are working to understand the implications of the government’s plans to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA).The government’s proposed RMA replacement bills, which were unveiled on Tuesday (December 9), total around 750 pages and are designed to “cut red tape, unlock growth and improve environmental outcomes”, according to RMA reform minister Chris Bishop.The morning after the announcement, QLDC staff discussed the reforms with the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) at a workshop.The reforms involve “a whole suite of things” and the council is “trying to get our heads around what the impact will be”, QLDC assurance, finance and risk general manager Katherine Harbrow said.The two new bills - the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill - could be passed into law by 2026.The new system would reduce the more than 100 policy statements and plans across 78 local authorities down to 17 Regional Combined Plans, which will take two years to develop.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith, who spoke out on Tuesday against a provision for landowners to be compensated for restrictions imposed for landscape, heritage and biodiversity reasons, said at the workshop that councils were in for “a pretty wild ride”.“We’re trying to plan ahead for an uncertain future.”Read more: RMA reform could ‘bankrupt the district’ - deputy mayorKatherine said QLDC was working with other councils to navigate the changes.Mayor John Glover wonders how councils will be able to incorporate all the changes within a four percent rates increase.QLDC was also investigating the four percent rates cap proposed by the government, she said.Speaking to the Wānaka App by phone, mayor John Glover said he was wondering how councils would be able to incorporate all the changes within a four percent rates increase.The district’s “iconic landscapes” have been protected by the RMA for many years, he said.He questioned how the reforms would balance competing interests: “How do you have tourism and growth at the same?”The changes are “pretty brutal for all of us, really”, he said.Chris Bishop said additional legislation to extend existing consents which will be passed under urgency in the coming days.“These transitional arrangements make sure people are not forced to navigate unnecessary costs or uncertainty as we move from the old system to the new one.”PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The past week has been “a mixed bag” of incidents for Wānaka Police, says area response manager Sergeant Darren Cranfield.They ranged from “drunken lads on Crate Day” who tried to do a runner after using a taxi service, to arresting a man for supplying cocaine.The use of Surron electric motorbikes on public roads is an “ongoing issue”, Darren said. “We caught another one this week,” he said. “We’ve got a video of two [people] on one doing 70kph down Outlet Road… Going down the bitumen, straight onto the shingle.“One of these days it will end in tears.”He said the same two people were caught on CCTV knocking on someone’s door in the middle of the night. One of the motorcyclists was wearing a white helmet, which may have also had some black on it.“If anyone knows the identity of this person, give us a call,” he said.Darren also said the police received a report from the public of three males on the roof of Cork Bar who had previously been seen trying car door handles.“Always ring us, If you see something you think is suspicious …Don’t be afraid to ring us, we’d rather know than not know.”Darren said there were three vehicle accidents in the past week.“One could potentially have been quite serious,” he said, “a rollover of a van two or three times”.“Luckily no-one was seriously injured.”Police were alerted to two incidents this week of parents driving with young children in the car not wearing seat belts.In one case, the vehicle was on the “open road, [with] three kids, no seatbelts”, Darren said, while in the other vehicle there were two “quite young” children unrestrained.“The driver/parent got some infringement notices,” he said.He said there were also instances of people driving without seat belts and using their cell phones while driving.Wānaka Police is busy with a cell phone use campaign, and “trying to curb those habits”, he said. “It comes with a fine. If you’re that person that needs to answer your phone, put it in the back seat while you’re driving. 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: Wānaka App

As December rolls around, many clients start to wonder: Will my lawyer disappear for weeks during the festive season? It’s a fair question—legal matters don’t pause just because the calendar says “holiday.”The Myth of the Month-Long BreakThere’s a common perception that lawyers shut their doors from mid-December until late January. While it’s true that the legal industry slows down over Christmas, the idea of a full month off is more myth than reality.What Actually HappensCourt Closures: Most courts operate on reduced schedules from late December to early January. This means hearings and filings may be delayed.Office Hours: Many law firms close for a week over Christmas and New Year, but rarely for an entire month. Staff often rotate holidays to ensure someone is available.Urgent Matters: Lawyers remain on call for critical issues—think bail applications, urgent family matter, or time-sensitive commercial deals.Why It Feels Like a Long BreakThe slowdown is partly cultural. Businesses often defer decisions until the new year, and clients may avoid starting new legal processes during the festive season. Combined with public holidays, this creates the impression of a long hiatus.What You Can DoPlan Ahead: If you need legal work done before January, start early.Ask About Availability: Most firms will tell you upfront who’s covering during the break.Use Technology: Many lawyers now offer virtual consultations, even during holiday periods.Bottom LineYour lawyer probably isn’t sipping cocktails on a beach for a month straight. They may take a well-earned break, but most firms ensure continuity for urgent matters. So, while the pace slows, the profession doesn’t completely stop.Checketts McKay Law closes for the Christmas period at 5pm on 23 December 2025 and re-opens on 12 January 2026. Staff are available over the closedown period – please phone 03 440 00125 for assistance. 17 Dunmore Street, Wānaka.

Long-time Hāwea resident Dick Cotter, 98, was celebrated by Movember NZ for being the country’s oldest Movember participant this year.Dick was one of 11 men from Lake Hāwea who helped raise more than $1,500 for Movember NZ.Movember is an annual, global event which encourages people to grow moustaches (or fundraise in other ways) during November to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues, specifically focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.Movember New Zealand is the local chapter - and money raised each year funds research, treatment and awareness programmes for its key focus areas.Last month, the Hāwea Community Movember team committed to four weeks of moustache-growing and fundraising. “Their efforts, combined with the generosity of families, friends, and the wider community, raised an impressive $1,572.20,” the Hāwea Community Association (HCA) said in its latest newsletter. Ten of the 11 members of the Hāwea Community Movember team, including Dick Cotter (centre, back).“We are absolutely thrilled with this result.“Dick’s dedication, humour, and magnificent moustache captured hearts both locally and across the country.”The campaign wrapped up in true Hāwea style, the HCA said, at the community meet and greet last Friday (December 5) at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre.“The final evening was a fantastic celebration, with each team member presenting their carefully cultivated 'mo' for community judging,” they said.“Laughter, applause, and plenty of moustache admiration filled the room as votes were cast for three fun categories.”PHOTOS: Supplied

A chapter of Cycling Without Age (CWA), an international programme in 41 countries, has been set up in Wānaka.The worldwide movement aims to provide joy and vitality to all through the magic of bike rides.It enables older people, or those less mobile, to get out of their homes or retirement villages and go for a ride in the fresh air, under the power of a volunteer pilot’s pedals on a specially adapted bike.Wānaka Cycling Without Age’s Lucy Benson told the Wānaka App the group has been working on the project for a few months after setting up an incorporated society.“[We] have secured funding for a specific electric trike to carry elderly passengers,” she said. Lucy and friend Beth Campebll first heard about CWA when watching a short film about it at the The Big Bike Film Night.“We thought it was amazing and hadn’t heard of it before,” she said.“We’ve slowly made strides to set it up in Wānaka.”The group has secured $13,000 in funding from the Grassroots Trust for a bike, which is expected to arrive from Australia in February or March next year.Lucy said Beth has visited Elmslie House where there was great interest in the programme.“The pilot can chat to the people and engage with them, and get them out and about,” Lucy said.“You have two people on it - your buddy, or your grandchildren.”The idea “fits really well” in Wānaka with its network of tracks, she said.There are 3,500 chapters of the not for profit CWA around the world. An Alexandra chapter of CWA launched in 2022, and Beth said the Wānaka group has trained with them. Lucy invited interested people to visit the Wānaka Community Hub on Thursday (December 11) from 4-5pm to find out more about CWA. “If you know about it already and want to get involved, come along. It’s great to have people with different skills.”

The government’s proposed new planning system, announced today (Tuesday December 9), contains a “frankly bizarre” provision which has the potential to bankrupt Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), according to the deputy mayor.Resource Management Act (RMA) reform minister Chris Bishop has announced a new planning system “to cast off the shackles imposed by the broken [RMA], and set New Zealand on a path to economic growth that lifts our living standards and protects the environment”.QLDC deputy mayor Quentin Smith, who was formerly a planner, said the council is still “getting [their] heads around the proposed changes”, some of which the council saw coming and was preparing for.“However, the one really quite frankly bizarre provision is … the suggestion that landowners should be compensated for restrictions imposed for landscape, heritage and biodiversity reasons,” he said.“With 97 percent of the QLDC district being Outstanding Natural Landscapes/Features or similar, the impact on our district seems extreme and council’s ability to financially compensate land owners would be very limited. “As a district we literally bank on the landscapes and natural values that draw people here and there has been very hard work over many years to protect those values. This appears at face value to put that at risk.    “On face value it has the potential to bankrupt our district,” he said.The provision, titled ‘recognising efforts to help nature’, sets out the possibility of regulatory relief - including cash payments, reduced rates, no-fee consents and other measures - for people significantly affected by land-use restrictions related to outstanding natural features, and similar protections.Ninety-seven percent of this district is within the Outstanding Natural Landscapes/Features zone or similar, and the impact on the reforms could be extreme, says the deputy mayor.Quentin said QLDC was already “well advanced” in preparing for some of the new spatial planning and infrastructure rules and the likelihood of fewer consents.“And there are some good and bad that could come from that,” he said.“We will have to take some time to absorb the implications.”Two bills will be introduced to Parliament this afternoon by the government, which aims to pass them into law in 2026: a Planning Bill and a Natural Environment Bill which would require regional councils to support development of both a regional spatial plan and a natural environment plan. Combined territories boards would be the decision-making body for the new planning instruments. Each territorial authority will also develop a land-use plan, which will be brought together into a single regional plan.Chris Bishop said the new planning system will be easier for local government to use and navigate and deliver better value for ratepayers.He and local government minister Simon Watts said the new system will work alongside the proposed local government reforms “to reduce complexity, cut duplication and improve outcomes for communities”.“The new planning system will mean fewer consents, faster decisions and a strong focus on the issues that genuinely matter for communities and the environment.”The government has also announced a “rapid review” of regional council functions before the new boards are established to determine whether any functions should be centralised or discontinued.Read more: Local mayors respond to reform proposalsFind more information on the new planning system here.New Zealanders will be invited to have their say on the legislation via the Select Committee process. The consultation on the government’s local government reform proposals are open until February 20, 2026 via the Department for Internal Affairs website.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Jenny Mitchell and Avalanche City are among the first acts confirmed for the 2026 Wānaka A&P Show. Organisers say the initial release represents one of the most substantial and varied entertainment lineups in recent years.Both artists will feature on the main stage during the day and as part of the expanded show bar programme, with live music scheduled through until 7.30pm on both show days.A&P Show general manager Jane Stalker said the enhanced end-of-day offering reflects increasing demand for welcoming spaces where people can stay and connect.“Providing relaxed entertainment options at the close of each show day encourages visitors to stay a little longer, unwind, and enjoy the atmosphere,” she said.Local musicians Sloer, Andrew Logie, Sean Tinker, and Cemetery Road have also been confirmed, along with cooking and food demonstrations from Two Raw Sisters.The event will again highlight its rural roots with equestrian and livestock competitions, shearing and dog trials, and interactive experiences celebrating the skills and traditions of the agricultural sector.Further announcements on rural activations, demonstrations, competition timetables, and special features will be released from January as planning continues.The Wānaka A&P Show is one of the country’s largest and longest-running agricultural events, and organisers expect the 2026 edition to further strengthen its reputation.Tickets are on sale here: A&P Show.PHOTOS: Supplied

Challenge Wānaka has announced the launch of the Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka Adaptive Challenge for 2026, timed to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. One of Challenge Wānaka’s fastest-growing events, the Adaptive Challenge is open to anyone aged 10 years and over with a physical or intellectual impairment.More than 40 athletes took part in 2025, and Challenge Wānaka organisers said they expect the number to increase in next year’s event.“Demand continues to rise as word spreads about just how inclusive, supported and celebratory this event is,” event director Jane Sharman said.She said one of last year’s most memorable moments came from a young athlete who “pushed himself to the limit” and inspired his father to participate in 2026.“It’s a reminder that the Adaptive Challenge isn’t just life-changing for participants; it motivates entire families to move, aspire and be part of something meaningful,” Jane said.Supporting next year is Challenge Wānaka Ambassador Shaz Dagg, a New Zealand Elite Paratriathlete and the first female amputee to complete the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. Known for saying “I may only have one wing, but I can still fly”, Shaz embodies the fearlessness and strength the event celebrates, Jane said. She will return to the Coast to Coast this summer in a team with Gemma McCaw before heading back to Wānaka to support the Adaptive Challenge.The event is supported by long-standing partners including Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka, Sport Central and the Mint Charitable Trust. The Adaptive Challenge includes a modified triathlon course tailored to a wide range of abilities and athletes can complete the event with a support person.Learn more about the Adaptive Challenge, as well as the other 2026 Challenge Wānaka events, here.PHOTO: Supplied

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) has closed out the year with more than $2.1M in community grants, including investment in education in the Upper Clutha.At its final meeting for 2024, the trust signed off on $2,188,484, in funding for organisations across the region - bringing its total grants since inception to more than $170M.A large chunk of the month’s grants - more than $765,000 - will go towards the Central Otago Principals Association School Referral Programme (COPA), which supports students with complex learning, behavioural and mental health needs through personalised interventions.Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College is among the schools set to benefit, alongside Wakatipu High School, Cromwell College, Dunstan High School, and Roxburgh Area School.The initiative benefits both students and staff by ensuring tailored support where it’s needed most, CLT chief executive Barbara Bridger said.“Education is the foundation of strong communities,” she said.“By empowering schools to tailor support for students with complex needs, we’re helping create environments where every learner has the opportunity to succeed.”It was a substantial funding round for local grants more broadly.Friends of Bullock Creek received a $19,500 operational grant; Hāwea Flat School got a $19,583 boost for its pool upgrade; and Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust benefited from an operational grant of $25,000. Te Kura o Take Kārarara also received $10,000 for fencing for its play area; while Upper Clutha A&P Society got a $7,284 grant for a kitchen upgrade; and a $55,985 grant for the Wānaka Squash Club will go towards its bathroom renovations.A substantial half a million dollar grant will help fund the new Presbyterian church and community centre in Hāwea. Read more: Church hub planned for LongviewPHOTO: Supplied

Two Australian men in their early 20s had to be rescued by helicopter near the Bonar Glacier while attempting to climb Mount Aspiring on Tuesday evening (December 2).Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Team coordinator Russ Tilsley said the pair set off their personal locator beacon at 8pm after realising they couldn’t go on due to severe exhaustion.The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter was dispatched with two Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue volunteers on board. It was able to land near the pair and pick them up.“They’d got up just across the Bonar Glacier and were completely and utterly exhausted,” Russ said.“One of them had collapsed he was so exhausted, so they had to raise the alarm.“It’s a long hard climb and they’d underestimated what was involved.”Russ said the men were 'walking in' on the first day of a planned two-day climb.“It’s a long way in and they’d underestimated the distance and obviously weren’t fit enough and in condition,” he said.The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter dropped the pair to their car at Raspberry Flat.

Kahu Youth is super excited to be launching our summer holiday programme for Youth 11yrs+, we have planned four weeks packed with exciting experiences, challenges and just genuine fun! From beach days to climbing beside waterfalls to doing arts and crafts there is something for everyone see below our activity schedule. Booking is essential and spaces are limited so get in quick to lock in your child's spot! Wednesday 17 to Friday 19 DecemberMonday 15 - closed.Tuesday 16 - closedWednesday 17 - Beach BBQ 9am-3pm (Price $10)Thursday 18 - Kiwi Waterpark 9am-3pm (Price $40)Friday 19 - Christmas Crafts and Lunch 9am-3pm (Price $20)Monday 12 to Friday 16 JanuaryMonday 12- ClosedTuesday 13 - Oxbow 9am-3pm (Price $80)Wednesday 14 - Wild Wire 9am-3pm (Price $90)Thursday 15 - Canyoning 9am-3pm (Price $90)Friday 16 - Escape Room Wanaka & Clip N climb 9am-3pm (Price $30)Monday 19 to Friday 23 JanuaryMonday 19 - ClosedTuesday 20 - Mana Kohine Girls’ Pamper Day 9am-3pm (Price $60)Wednesday 21 - Gondola & Luge 9am-3pm (Price $40)Thursday 22 - Downhill Go Karting 9am-3pm (Price $65) Thusrday 22 and Friday 23 - Pulse 9am-3pm, Wellbeing - physical activities, nutrition and meditation. (Price $100)Monday 26 to Friday 30 JanuaryMonday 26 - ClosedTuesday 27 - Beach BBQ day 9am-3pm (Price FREE)Wednesday 28 - Kiwi Waterpark Girls Only 9am-3pm (Price $45)Wednesday 28 - Arts & Crafts 9am-3pm (Price $25)Thursday 29 - Jet Boating 9am-3pm (Price $50)Thursday 29 - Pottery & Candle making 9am-3pm (Price $25)Friday 30 - Fishing Trip with catch a fish Wanaka 9am-3pm (Price $45) To book and for more info see kahuyouth.org If cost is a barrier please email [email protected] Paetara Aspiring Central, 35 Plantation Road, Wānaka

Retirement living and aged care services provider Arvida Limited has submitted a resource consent application for a retirement village at three neighbouring sites in Wānaka.The company is proposing a seven-stage development of a “private, gated lifestyle retirement village”, according to the documents submitted.It would include a club house, cafe, care facility with up to 28 units, up to 165 villas, an indoor pool, pickleball courts, and parks and walking and cycling paths across 8.7-or-so hectares.“The proposal has been comprehensively and carefully designed by a team of experts in designing, constructing and operating retirement villages in New Zealand,” the application says.Arvida has 34 ‘communities’ nationwide including Queenstown Country Club, a high-end retirement community with independent living, aged care and specialist dementia care.Arvida would be Wānaka’s fifth retirement village, following Aspiring Lifestyle Village (which opened in 2010), Alden Elmslie Wānaka Village (formerly owned by Presbyterian Support Otago), Northbrook (now open in Northlake), and Metlifecare (under construction at Three Parks). Arvida Wānaka would be located on Riverbank Road.The sites are zoned lower density suburban residential and retirement villages are provided for as discretionary activities.However the proposal is listed as a non-complying activity which the applicant said “is required as two of the proposed buildings breach the permitted building height standard”.The applicant said the retirement village will provide a “relatively substantial” amount of additional housing for the elderly.“The contribution of housing choice to the elderly is assumed to be significant locally.”JTB Architects said the retirement village “draws on the character of Central Otago’s rural vernacular, with single storey pavilion style buildings, gabled roof forms, and a palette of schist, timber, and metal cladding”.QLDC is currently vetting Arvida Limited’s application.PHOTO: JTB Architects

Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College’s (MAC) school board has reaffirmed its commitment to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.“The board, college leadership and staff stand united in their affirmation of Te Tiriti,” a joint statement from principal Nicola Jacobsen and presiding board member Niamh Shaw said.“We believe that giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is fundamental to the fulfilment of our school vision of being an inclusive and sustainable learning environment that inspires our students to be.”MAC is now among more than 1,300 New Zealand schools which have publicly reaffirmed they will continue giving effect to Te Tiriti.It follows the government’s decision earlier last week to remove schools’ obligations to give effect to Te Tiriti.Nicola and Niamh said the school’s board, leadership and staff are united in their affirmation of Te Tiriti. PHOTOS: SuppliedEducation minister Erica Stanford said the treaty was the Crown's responsibility, not schools’.In their statement Nicola and Niamh said that “the college’s commitment to Te Tiriti is already woven into everyday life at the school”.“It represents that when our community and our school do well, we all do well.“Te Tiriti also underpins our values, and supports the sense of identity, wellbeing, and access to equitable educational opportunities for all our students.“We honour Te Tiriti through our recognition of te ao Māori, including the teaching of te reo Māori, the celebration of Māori performing arts through Te Mākahi o Tititea (the MAC kapa haka group), our annual house haka competition, and our observation of tikanga (protocols and customs).“We are proud that our students can share in the richness of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Māori culture and heritage, and we believe that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

Upper Clutha locals will feature in an upcoming portrait exhibition at Te Atamira which celebrates the creative talent of the Queenstown Lakes District and beyond.  The Artist features 20 portraits by multidisciplinary artist Julia Holden.  Eleven artists from varied fields - mostly local to Queenstown and Wānaka - stood as a living canvas for the creation of their portrait.Members of Wānaka band Powder Chutes, which formed when the members were all students at Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College, feature in the exhibition.Other portraits include ‘The Vintner’ featuring Duncan Forsyth of Mount Edward Wines, ‘The Jeweller’ featuring local jewellery designer Jessica Winchcombe alongside others including architects, a breadsmith, a sculptor, a composer and more. Well-known comedian Tom Sainsbury from Auckland also took part.  Te Atamira director Ruth Heath (formerly executive director of the Southern Lakes Festival of Colour) said the body of work “shines a light on the people in our everyday lives who make meaningful contributions to our world, often in ways that go unrecognised or taken for granted”.“We’re delighted to present such an engaging portrait exhibition at Te Atamira, one that breaks with tradition and challenges perceptions of what a portrait can be, and who we consider to be an artist,” she said.Building on a body of eight works begun in Dunedin in 2024 and a self-portrait recently housed in the NZ Portrait Gallery as part of their exhibition Me: Artists Paint Themselves, the new works completing the collection to be exhibited are the result of Julia’s two-month residence at Te Atamira between August-October 2025.   The exhibition opened on Friday (December 5) at the Manaaki Nui gallery space at Te Atamira (Remarkables Park, Frankton).IMAGE: Supplied

Upper Clutha athletes Luca Harrington (Wānaka, 21) and Luke Harrold (Lake Hāwea, 17) have both claimed second-place finishes in major freeski events in China, extending a strong start to the northern hemisphere season.Luca reached the Big Air World Cup podium (Beijing) for the sixth time in a row, while Luke impressed with a breakthrough result at the inaugural Freeski Snow League at Yunding Snow Park.Luca topped qualifying for the Beijing Big Air final and delivered two high-scoring runs - a 92.75 for a switch right triple corked 1800 and an 89.75 for a right triple corked 1980 - to finish runner-up and move into the overall World Cup lead for 2025/2026.Luca said landing his opening trick set him up for the rest of the competition. “Getting that first trick done gave me a lot of confidence going into run two,” he said. “The level of the sport is incredible at the moment and to stay at the top means the world to me.” Norway’s Ulrik Samnoey won the Beijing Big Air, with Austria’s Matej Svancer taking third.Meanwhile Luke Harrold battled his way through a demanding new head-to-head format created by snowboarding legend Shaun White. Luke was the youngest skier in the field and defeated three-time Olympic medallist David Wise in the quarter-finals and Britain’s Gus Kenworthy in the semis, delivering highly technical runs that included a switch left alley-oop double corked 1260 and a left double corked 1620.Luke Harrold in action at The Snow League. PHOTO: The Snow League / Jenny LangLuke said competing against some of the sport’s biggest names was a milestone moment. “It felt good to compete against the people I have watched skiing for a long time… it was an amazing event,” he said.In a tense final against Canada’s Brendan Mackay, Luke forced the match to a deciding third run before finishing second, with Kenworthy rounding out the podium.The Kiwi freeski and snowboard halfpipe team return to action next weekend at the opening stop of the 2025/26 FIS Halfpipe World Cup, held in the same Yunding halfpipe. Snowboarders Lyon Farrell and Dane Menzies also compete tonight in the Beijing Snowboard Big Air final.

Shoppers are being urged to stay alert as online scammers ramp up activity in the lead-up to Christmas. Police said they are seeing a rising number of fraud cases, with Facebook Marketplace a particular hotspot.Southern District Police service delivery manager Senior Sergeant Blair Dalton said simple checks can prevent people from losing money during the busy shopping period.“A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created,” he said.He said recently created accounts carried a higher risk, and buyers should also ensure the seller’s profile name matches the bank account name provided.“We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member – that’s a huge red flag,” Blair said.He urged sellers not to rely on screenshots as proof of payment.“Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through,” he said. “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage.”Due diligence was essential for high-value purchases, particularly vehicles.“If you’re buying a car on Marketplace, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it,” he said.Senior Sergeant Dalton said one piece of advice remained constant. “If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.”Police are also seeing an increase in scammers posing as banks through texts, phone calls and emails.“Key things to remember are that a bank will never contact you asking for your login information,” he said. “Your bank will also never ask you to withdraw cash or ask you to deliver your bank card for collection.”Anyone with concerns should contact their bank immediately and report what has happened.“Suspicious activity can also be reported on 105,” he said.IMAGE: Stock Image

Wānaka-based climate action organisation Wao Aotearoa will launch or expand a range of initiatives next year - including climate-smart building training modules, expanded food resilience projects and deeper youth involvement - as part of its 2026 strategy.The new strategy sets Wao’s focus for 2026, aiming to strengthen communities and support long-term climate action in the Southern Lakes, while looking 100 years ahead.“Our 2026 strategy is about strengthening the systems already emerging in our community - and ensuring the decisions we make today protect the wellbeing of our mokopuna 100 years from now,” Wao general manager Monique Kelly said.“We want everyone to be part of shaping that future.”Wao’s initiatives for next year include an expansion of ‘Ride for Change’, its youth-focused active-transport initiative. PHOTO: WaoNew ‘Better Building’ training modules will be launched to provide practical and accessible training for architects, builders, designers, developers, and community members.Modules will include high-performance, low-carbon building, better material choices and circular design, embodied carbon and operational energy, healthy homes and wellbeing-focused design, and future-proofed, climate-resilient building practices. Food resilience work will also scale up, the organisation said, with plans to strengthen the Southern Lakes Kai Collective and support projects such as community harvest networks, grower-led workshops and seed-sharing programmes.Transport is another focus area. Wao plans to significantly expand ‘Ride for Change’ - its youth-focused active-transport initiative - to support a shift toward healthier, low-emission travel. Residents can get involved with Wao next year through its harvest festival, volunteering, or supporting its work via donations. PHOTO: WaoMeanwhile its Better Events Collective will introduce new tools and standards to help local events reduce waste and emissions.Expanded school engagement and Wao’s youth arm, ‘Gen Wao’, will support young people to lead, influence and design the solutions they want to inherit, Monique said.Wao recently presented its annual Sustainability Award at Mount Aspiring College to Year 13 student Nico Pettit.“If we want thriving communities in 2125, we must empower the voices who will live in that future,” Monique said.Nico Pettit, the recipient of Wao’s 2025 sustainability award. PHOTO: Wao“Our youth are not just participants - they are our partners in designing long-term, resilient systems.”Members of the public can get involved in Wao’s work next year through events such as the 2026 Harvest Festival, volunteering opportunities, or supporting initiatives via donations, Monique said.Learn more about Wao here.

New Year in Wānaka was the highlight of my teens. It was the trip everyone talked about all year, a summer holiday with your closest mates and half your school year in one place. For me, it was also a chance to step away from home and enjoy a bit of freedom: sunny days, boating, and that last stretch of summer with almost no responsibility.I stayed with family friends who treated me incredibly well. I knew how much time and effort went into hosting us, so being polite and pulling my weight felt non-negotiable. Helping with dinner, tidying up, and prepping the boat were small things, but they mattered if you wanted to be welcome again.Of course, being respectful in the house doesn’t always translate to perfect decisions out of it. Having the independence to roam around town with mates was thrilling especially because I’d grown up in a strict home where parties and alcohol weren’t really part of life. Wānaka felt like a place where we could test a few boundaries.That freedom came with some hard lessons. None of us really understood drinking or the rules around the liquor ban. We wandered the streets with our cans, thinking we were being responsible by binning them properly. It didn’t matter. The police stopped us, and as an intoxicated teen, I panicked. I made up almost every detail about myself, convinced it would keep me out of trouble. It didn’t. Officers ended up driving me back to my homestay.Looking back, I realise I completely misread their intentions. They weren’t out to catch us; they were trying to keep us safe. Instead of enjoying the night I’d been hyping up for months, I was back on the couch listening to the fireworks, all thanks to a hip flask of whiskey I’d snuck out.The thing that saved me was my friends. They gave the police the right details and made sure I got home safely. Their parents were incredibly kind too. Still, the regret hit hard the next morning.Path Wānaka often says, “Add to the party, don’t shut it down.” It’s simple, but it’s true. A bit of honesty, knowing your limits, staying in touch with the people you’re staying with, and looking out for your mates can make all the difference. No one wants to be the one who misses the countdown because the night tipped too far.Anonymous.A quick word for parentsStories like this are a good reminder that even the most level-headed teens can get caught out. A simple kōrero before they leave about drinking, limits, checking in, and sticking with their mates can make a real difference to how their night unfolds.If your teen is heading to Wānaka this summer, take a moment to plan together. Agree on how they’ll stay in touch, what they’ll do if things get messy, and who they can call if they need help.You’ll find practical tips, conversation starters, and planning tools on the Safe Summer Wānaka campaign page.Explore the resources here.Support them to have a brilliant time, and a safe one. Be a legend, not a liability.