November in Wānaka wasn’t just about long evenings by the lake and the first taste of Summer – the property market was buzzing too! Here’s what went down.Dwellings were in demand, with 45 sales and a median price of $1,464,500. Homes are taking about 40 days to sell, which feels pretty balanced. Buyers are clearly still keen to secure their slice of paradise before the holiday season kicks in.Sections were even busier, with 55 titled and/or sold at a median of $570,000. That’s a lot of people planning their dream build - maybe picturing those epic mountain views or a spot to park the boat for summer adventures. Land is still a hot ticket in Wānaka.Looking at suburbs, Wānaka town vicinity led the way with 82 sales and a median of $653,500, likely a mix of smaller homes and sections close to the lakefront. Albert Town topped the charts for price at $1.335 million, while Hāwea and Luggate followed at $1.105 million and $1.138 million respectively. These spots are perfect for those chasing a quieter vibe but still want easy access to the lake and ski fields.Whether you’re dreaming of a summer BBQ on your own deck or planning a build with views of Roy’s Peak, the market is alive and well. Wānaka’s charm isn’t slowing down, and neither is the demand for a piece of it.If you’re thinking about buying or selling, feel free to send me a message. I’d love to chat and help you make the most of this vibrant market.In the meantime, I hope you have a chance to kick back and enjoy the upcoming festive season!Merry Christmas,Roger

Wānaka based Paralympian Corey Peters has opened his downhill campaign with a second-place finish at the FIS Para Alpine Downhill World Cup in Santa Caterina, Italy, early this morning (Wednesday December 17).The result marks Coreys’ first downhill race in nearly four years, following his gold medal-winning performance at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, and signals a strong return to the speed discipline as he builds towards the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics.“I think my key takeaway from today is that even though I haven't raced downhill for nearly four years, the skills and the ability are still there, so it's really helped the self-belief and self-confidence as we move forward into the rest of the speed events throughout the season, and onto Milano Cortina 2026,” Corey said.“Preparation over the last six months has certainly contributed to this result, specifically the training trips we do to Chile.”Conditions added to the challenge, with snowfall throughout the race softening the course and limiting visibility as athletes reached speeds close to 100km/h. Despite that, the men’s sitting field was tightly contested, with the top five athletes separated by just 0.71 seconds.Corey finished only five-hundredths of a second behind Norway’s Jesper Pedersen, who took the win, while Jeroen Kampschreur of the Netherlands claimed third.The Santa Caterina World Cup is a double-header, with Corey set to race again Thursday morning (New Zealand time).PHOTO: Alexandra Blum/Heiko Mandl

Bike Wānaka has been given in-principle approval to construct mountain bike trails on Mount Iron Recreation Reserve.The decision allows Bike Wānaka to fund and build a series of trails once resource consent and design details are completed, with mountain biking potentially starting as soon as next summer.It will include one uphill shared-use track for walkers and bikers, and a network of downhill trails for mountain biking only. The uphill trail will suit intermediate riders, while the downhill tracks are aimed at advanced riders.The Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) approved the trail building project at yesterday’s (Tuesday December 16) meeting.Council staff emphasised this was only the first stage, with a full trail plan for all Mount Iron users still being developed.However, the meeting highlighted tensions among competing uses of the reserve. Guy Steven, a long-time Mount Iron walker, warned that some recently created tracks are near threatened plants. “I would suggest these trails be considered as part of the overall plan rather than approved early,” he said.The organisation’s trail plan. IMAGE: SuppliedThe Upper Clutha Lakes Equestrian Access Group also raised concerns. “All user types – including horse riders – should be considered equally together from the outset,” they said.Hidden Hills resident Andrew Bartholomew warned that access via Hidden Hills Drive, which has no formal parking, could worsen congestion. He said Wānaka already had “fantastic mountain bike trails”. The advantages of immediate approval for Bike Wānaka were ‘spurious”, he said.Board members debated the pros and cons but ultimately backed the project. Chair Simon Telfer said the decision gives young riders a long-awaited opportunity. “We’ve got an established community group…who are prepared to fundraise to remediate public bike tracks,” he said. “I’m really conscious of the fiscal challenges facing QLDC and I think we should be really grateful to our community group partners.”Councillor Cody Tucker said that while he recognised “concerns and problems” raised by other users, the provision of bike tracks was ultimately a “win-win scenario”. QLDC staff said the full trail plan for the reserve – an integrated network of walking, biking, and horse-riding trails – is expected in early 2026.

New signs of summer appeared this week in the district: information boards outlining the area’s water restriction status.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has erected the signs to advise residents of the current water alert levels, and what they mean.When temperatures rise and rainfall lessens during summer, “demand for water skyrockets”, the council said.“This puts our network under strain at a time when we’re facing the heightened risk of potential wildfires.”QLDC said it will continuously monitor water production versus reservoir levels and how much water is being used throughout the district.“If we see demand rising faster than we can refill our reservoirs, we’ll introduce the appropriate restrictions. It's vital we have enough water in our network to respond to an emergency like a wildfire.”The new signs explain what to expect at different alert levels: 0: Please use water wisely at all times.1: Sprinkler restrictions. Use from midnight to 6am only.2: Sprinkler ban, Hand-held hosing only.3: Total outdoor water ban at all times.There will be seven water restriction status signs in the Upper Clutha, a QLDC spokesperson told the Wānaka App: two in Luggate, one in Wānaka, two in Albert Town, and two in Lake Hāwea.The council also shared tips for water conservation.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka athletes are at the forefront of the New Zealand Team’s newly revealed uniform for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, with twins Fin and Cam Melville Ives among those set to wear the kit on the world’s biggest winter sports stage.The New Zealand Team uniform, unveiled this week, will be worn by athletes across training, competition, village life and official ceremonies when the Winter Games get under way in Italy in February 2026.Recently selected NZ Team freeski halfpipe athlete Fin Melville Ives said wearing the uniform was a proud moment.“Growing up in New Zealand, it's so awesome to see all the idols repping the silver fern, it means so much to show it off while representing the country,” he said.The uniform includes technical outerwear for mountain environments, training layers for daily use, and ceremonial pieces for official Olympic moments.His twin brother, NZ Team snowboard halfpipe athlete Cam Melville Ives, said stepping into the uniform brought the Olympic dream closer to reality. “I’m so hyped to be able to compete next year, alongside my brother and wear the fern on my chest, repping New Zealand,” he said.“Putting on the kit makes it all feel real; it’s a reminder of how much work has gone in and how proud we are to represent Aotearoa.”New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Nicki Nicol said the uniform had been shaped by athlete input to ensure it met the demands of elite winter sport. “The athletes collaborated closely to make sure the design delivers on both performance and style,” she said.Among the items is the Epiq Down Parka, which will be worn during ceremonies, alongside high-performance jackets, trousers and anoraks designed for harsh alpine conditions.PHOTOS: Supplied

Following concerns raised about enforcement of the district’s new Freedom Camping Bylaw, some locals have also been eyeing the full carpark at Mt Iron, wondering who is responsible for enforcing camping restrictions there.Last week residents of Allenby Place 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.Some locals have also raised concerns about the number of freedom campers at the nearby Mt Iron carpark off SH86.Read more: Freedom camping enforcement: ‘A bucket in a tsunami’A Wānaka App reader said there were 25 vans at the carpark one morning last week (Tuesday December 9), with “pots and pans lying on gravel, [and a] lady getting dressed”.However, the Mt Iron carpark is administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and freedom camping is not prohibited in the carpark. “We are working towards transferring Mt Iron and the carpark to council control,” DOC operations manager Charlie Sklenar told the Wānaka App.At that point it could be subject to the council’s Freedom Camping Bylaw and/or reserve restrictions. “Currently, we work collaboratively with council to try [to] minimise any issues that may arise, noting that we both have limited enforcement and infringement options,” Charlie said.A Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesperson said the council’s summer ambassadors are “including this carpark on their regular rounds to let campers know it’s a much-loved community reserve which should be treated with respect”. “They actively encourage campers to use local campsites,” he said. PHOTO: Supplied

Southern District Police are reminding motorists they will see police anytime, anywhere and in any weather this summer, as the roads get busier with more people visiting New Zealand and travelling to see loved ones.Alcohol breath screening tests will be required of all drivers, particularly in the lead-up to the festive season and New Year’s Eve.On a recent weekend more than 5,000 breath tests were completed during 13 alcohol checkpoints in Alexandra, Roxburgh, Wānaka and Queenstown.More than 200 drivers had consumed alcohol, and 22 people were processed for driving with excess breath alcohol and will face charges.Three drivers had their licences suspended for very high alcohol levels. Southern District Road Policing Manager Inspector Sarah Thorn is urging all motorists to take responsibility in keeping the roads safe.“Summer is a busy time on the roads, and in people’s calendars, with lots of people moving about the district, and plenty of events where alcohol is present,” she said.“We need people to remember the four main things you can do to keep yourself safe on the roads. “Make sure everyone’s buckled up, put distractions away, keep your speed in check, and please – if you are impaired, by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, don’t get behind the wheel. “It’s that simple. Arrange another way home and go and collect your vehicle the next day.“A minor inconvenience is a far better option than being involved in a serious crash.”Inspector Thorn said motorists will be breath tested any time they are stopped, as well as at dedicated checkpoints.“Every drink-driver we take off the road reduces the potential for that driver to create a situation where someone’s loved one dies or receives serious injuries on our roads,” she said.“We all need to do better and stop accepting people dying on our roads is what happens when driving. Let’s make it a summer to remember for all the right reasons.”PHOTO: Wānaka App

A squad of 17 Wānaka Rowing Club (WRC) athletes donned the club’s black and gold checks at last weekend’s (December 13-14) 2025 Meridian Otago Championships on Lake Ruataniwha.Near-perfect weather over the weekend delivered stunning water conditions, setting the scene for a number of highlights and important firsts for the club’s younger rowers, and providing a strong platform to build toward the rest of the summer racing season.McKenzie Hay and Jasper Lambert both rose to the challenge of racing in a single scull for the first time, gaining valuable experience on the championship stage.The club’s larger boats also showed strong progress, with the men’s novice coxed quad sculls and the under-17 girls’ coxed quad sculls both performing well in the A finals. The regatta also provided an opportunity for several new double combinations to race together for the first time, benefiting from the exceptional conditions.Master rowers and coaches Matt Rickard and AJ Humphreys took to the water over the weekend, while assistant coach Philip Massey contributed his expertise from the boat park.Master rower and coach Matt Rickard also took to the water over the weekend.That momentum now carries into a busy January for the club, which will be fundraising at a number of local events before returning to Twizel for the Canterbury Championships on January 17 and 18, followed by the South Island Championships on January 31 and February 1.WRC junior regatta coordinator Tracey Pedersen said she encouraged locals to head to Twizel to watch the racing. “The regattas make for an easy day trip and offer great entertainment for the whole family,” she said.Entry is free, and spectators are advised to pack a picnic, hat and deck chair, although food and beverage options are also available on site, she added. PHOTOS: WRC

A new collaboration between WAI Wānaka and Chrissy Wickes is designed to “make the invisible visible”.Chrissy has painted one of the powerboxes on McDougall Street with aquatic animals including macroinvertebrates - small, spineless invertebrates which play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem through nutrient cycling and pollutant detoxification.“These species are directly impacted by stormwater drains flowing into our lakes, rivers, and waterways,” WAI Wānaka community activator and educator Franzi Heidtke said. “With the powerbox located opposite the Wānaka Community Hub, on a busy route for those coming from Queenstown, and close to Bullock Creek and Lake Wānaka, we felt it was the perfect spot to spark awareness.”Artist Chrissy Wickes with the finished mural, created in collaboration with WAI Wānaka to highlight the importance of healthy waterways.When WAI and Chrissy approached Aurora Energy separately about doing something with the power box, the company put them in touch.They worked together to decide what each side of the powerbox would depict, and landed on the longfin eel, mayfly, stonefly, and the kōaro, also known as the climbing galaxias.“Everything on that box is found in our lake,” Chrissy told the Wānaka App.“The invertebrates are really key,” she said. “It’s really cool to do these teeny weeny little things that are insignificant in their appearance but very significant in their meaning and importance.”The top of the box features one of WAI’s key messages, ‘drains are streams’, to drive awareness and action around looking after stormwater drains.Chrissy put the finishing touches on the powerbox on Monday (December 8).She said she loved bringing a burst of colour and meaning to an everyday streetside object.“It reminds us that our lake is such a treasure.”PHOTOS: WAI Wanaka

The Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) is determined not to “kick the can down the road” on a number of long-standing local issues, including lakefront development, revitalisation of the town centre, more sports fields, and a performing arts facility.Members of the board presented their priorities for 2026 to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) staff at a workshop last week (Tuesday December 9).Board chair Simon Telfer said one of the board’s “top projects” is the upgrade of down-town Wānaka.This follows “thousands of volunteer hours” by the community-led Heart of Wānaka plan, and years of work by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) on a masterplan for the CBD.Read more: Heart of Wānaka group hands over ‘living document’“This community is not kicking that can down the road any longer,” Simon said.“We want to invest in the town centre for future generations.”The board also highlighted the need for progress on the remaining stages of the Lakefront Development Plan, including a new jetty and a clearer path from the McDougal Street toilets and carpark through to Stoney Creek.Simon said the board was starting to “chunk projects down” to make them more achievable.The Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board.Active transport is also a priority, he said.“Town is expanding and we want to make sure the network expands with it,” he said.The development of more sports fields was also highlighted. The half hockey field sized multi-use turf at Wānaka Recreation Centre is able to be utilised for some games, but is not suitable for full sized football, hockey or rugby games.Council is currently planning for a sports hub at 101 Ballantyne Road, and a range of community and sporting activities and facilities has been proposed for the site.Read more: Land marked for sports fields subject to High Court caseOther priorities for the board include the Wānaka Airport Future Review, progress towards a performing arts facility, a parking management strategy, and a community park for Lake Hāwea’s Timsfield subdivision.Progress on an upgrade for the CBD, including a parking management strategy, is on the list of priority projects. Running throughout the discussion was the role of the Wānaka Asset Sales Reserve (WASR), a financial reserve established from the sale of land at Scurr Heights in 2016. The reserve is intended to deliver enduring community benefits and contribute to legacy projects for the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward. Since its inception there has been debate over which projects should be funded from the WASR, and how much say the Wānaka community should get in how the money should be spent.Simon made it clear the board would identify what projects it considered were an appropriate use for the fund, and deputy mayor Quentin Smith made a plea that council "stop squeezing the same lemon harder and harder, which is us - the ratepayer”.In 2025 this year the QLDC approved guidelines for the WASR’s use, which currently stands at $4,823,079. QLDC staff will update the board at its meeting this week (Tuesday December 16) with an updated balance following the recent sale of council-owned Ironside Drive property. PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Queenstown Airport is ready to welcome thousands of holidaymakers as the summer season kicks into high gear.About 150,000 passengers will pass through the airport between December 20 and January 4. Nearly 57,000 of those will be flying across the Tasman and about 93,000 will be travelling on domestic routes. This is on par with last year's summer holiday numbers.Saturday December 20 is expected to be the biggest day for Christmas arrivals, with more than 5,500 people expected to fly into Queenstown.The following two weekends will also be particularly busy, with more than 10,000 passengers a day flying in or out on December 27 and 28, and January 2-4.Head of operations, compliance and safety Juliet Breen said Queenstown Airport is well-prepared for the festive rush."Summer is always a special time in Queenstown. We love the excitement in the terminal as people fly in to spend Christmas with whānau or head off on adventures."The airport will work closely with its airline partners and border agencies to keep things running smoothly."We've also boosted staffing levels and added extra customer service support for the summer," Julie said."However, our systems will be operating near capacity, so please be patient and follow the guidance of our staff."To help get travellers into the Christmas spirit, live music, face-painting, a photo booth and other surprises are planned.A pop-up caravan selling Central Otago cherries in front of the terminal throughout December and January will also make it easy for fans of the fruit to get their summer fix.PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka freeski athlete Luca Harrington has continued a strong weekend for New Zealand snow sports, finishing third at the FIS Freeski Big Air World Cup in Steamboat, Colorado, today (December 14).The 21-year-old’s result marks his seventh consecutive Big Air World Cup podium and his third in a row this season, underlining his consistency on the international circuit.Despite the podium finish, Luca said he was aiming higher. “To be honest, I was looking for a bit more today, I had a great training and a good plan but didn’t really perform my best when it came down to it, but in saying that, I could not be more grateful to be back on the podium for the third time this season,” he said.Luca opened with a switch right triple corked 1800 esco grab, followed by a right triple corked 1980 safety grab, but a heavy landing and hand touch led to a points deduction.Under pressure in the final run, Luca repeated the triple 1980 with a critical grab, landing it cleanly to score 84.50 and secure third place with a combined 172.75.“It didn’t quite [go] to plan today from run one,” he said. “I was feeling the pressure going into that last run but still managed to put it down when it really mattered.”Americans Troy Podmilsak and Konnor Ralph finished first and second respectively. Luca’s next major event is the invite-only Aspen X Games in January.PHOTO: Andrew Wevers / FIS Park & Pipe

The independent panel assessing the massive Bendigo-Ophir gold mine has signalled its decision will likely take longer than the standard timeframe the fast-track law allows.Panel head Jane Borthwick put out a formal request (called a Minute) on Tuesday (December 9), asking the mine’s developer, Matakanui Gold Limited, a subsidiary of Santana Minerals, if it would agree to an extension.The mine is going through the government’s special fast-track consenting process for its planned open cast and underground mine in the hills above Cromwell.Jane said the decision process needs more time because the proposal is large and complex. Under the recently updated fast-track rules, the expert panel must make a decision within a maximum of 90 working days unless the applicant - in this case Matakanui Gold - agrees to a longer timeframe. However, Jane said her initial assessment suggests more time may be needed. "Based on the information before me, the scale, nature, and complexity of the application suggest that a timeframe exceeding 90 working days may be warranted," she said in the Minute. She suggested a timeframe of 110 to 120 working days, citing the sheer volume of the application, which includes 10 approvals sought, 22 proposed management plans and 10 sets of conditions.A 90-day decision would be due on July 28, if the panel begins its work at the start of February as planned, while a 120-day timeframe would push the final decision out to September 8. Jane said she will be "seeking views on this matter before forming a concluded view". Matakanui Gold Limited was directed to respond to the request by Friday (December 12), and at the time of publication no response had been uploaded to the government’s fast-track projects website. The request to extend the timeframe received approval from local protest group Sustainable Tarras."Against the background of Santana executives trying to speed up the process, reduce community involvement and minimise environmental protections, plus [Regional Development Minister] Shane Jones placing pressure on all involved to speed up and 'dig baby dig', this is welcome news," the group wrote on Facebook.  "The decision to proceed with this mine will have intergenerational and irreversible impacts. The panel needs sufficient time and space to consider all aspects of the application, and to make a considered decision." The Bendigo-Ophir mine, if approved, would be the largest new gold development in New Zealand in more than a generation. The company’s application, lodged at the start of November, includes nearly 9,400 pages of documents and 135 technical reports.Santana Minerals chief executive Damian Spring has said the milestone reflected “years of serious technical work and deep environmental assessment by New Zealand experts”.  The company anticipates the mine would produce up to 120,000 ounces of gold a year over a 14-year life, generating $5.8b in GDP and hundreds of jobs.

Upper Clutha teenagers Finley Melville Ives and Luke Harrold have made history on the world stage, finishing first and second at the FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup in Secret Garden, China, today (Saturday December 13).Finley (19) claimed the win, while Luke (17) secured second place, marking the first time two New Zealanders have ever shared a World Cup halfpipe podium in either freeski or snowboard.The result caps off a remarkable day, with two athletes who grew up training in the Upper Clutha pushing each other to the top of an international field.“I honestly have no words. It was such tricky conditions today, everyone skied so well, and it was really gnarly...so I honestly can't believe it. Super surreal,” Findley said.Fourteen men advanced to the two-run final, putting pressure on athletes to land a strong opening run. Finley delivered immediately, dropping in first and posting a 90.00-point score with unmatched consistency and height. The score stood as the best of the day, matched only by Finley in his second run.Luke entered the final as the top qualifier and dropped last in both runs. After his first run he sat second on 88.00 points, just two behind his Upper Clutha teammate. In his final run, Luke lifted his score to 89.00, but it was not enough to displace Finley from the top step.The win is Finley’s second World Cup victory, following his breakthrough win in Canada earlier this year. For Luke, it is his second World Cup podium, having also finished second at the same event in 2023 when he was just 15.American Hunter Hess finished third.Watch Finley's run here.PHOTO: Li Runsheng / FIS Park & Pipe

Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) celebrated the achievements of its junior students at its 2025 junior awards ceremonies on Thursday (December 11, Years 7 and 8) and Friday (December 12, Years 9 and 10). Principal Nicola Jacobsen said the awards recognised the academic, artistic, cultural, sporting and service achievement of junior students. “It’s wonderful to come together as a school community and celebrate our junior students and the many ways they excel and contribute to the life of our college and our community.“We are committed to academic excellence and continue to focus on the core skills of literacy and numeracy, as well as offering a range of subjects to prepare our junior students for their senior learning pathways, and life beyond school. Highest academic achievers Year 8 (L-R): Edie Yandall, Mia Reardon, Tenki Watanabe, Bill Dobson, George Cruden, Emily Boswell, and Tyla Sherger (absent: Rhys Brugman).“We also place a strong emphasis on our values which represent what we stand for as a school community and inform how we treat ourselves, each other and our environment. “I am very proud of our junior students and thankful for the support they receive from their families and whānau, and our local community.” The best all round student awards went to Bruno Blampied and Charlotte Crosbie (Year 7), Bill Dobson and Edie Yandall (Year 8), Arlo Waddington and Alice Chaly (Year 9), and Ivy Craig and Amber Gemmell (Year 10). Academic awards for the highest achievers in each class went to: Caley Clifford, Charlie Baumgren, Elsie Baker, Zuzia Wick, Lola O'Regan, Isaac Wood, Caleb Wilson (Year 7); George Cruden, Rhys Brugman, Mia Reardon, Tenki Watanabe, Emily Boswell, Tyla Scherger, Bill Dobson, Edie Yandall (Year 8); Malcie Cervelli, Finn Butland, Sam Davis, Nadia Thomas, Charlotte Taylor, Ford Mills, Chloe Chisholm (Year 9); and Laila Telfer, Amber Gemmell, Bess Wilson, Bella Wright, Blanka Lewis, Mackenzie Smith, Elsie Parsons, Merryn Foster (Year 10). Highest academic achievers Year 9 (L-R): Charlotte Taylor, Nadia Thomas, Malcie Cervelli, Ford Mills, Sam Davis, Finn Butland, Chloe Chisholm.The ceremonies featured waiata performed by Te Mākahi o Tititea (MAC’s kapa haka group), and performances by MAC student bands ‘Arrhythmia’, ‘Instant Referral’, and ‘Stranger Danger’, and the MAC Orchestra and Junior Band. MAC thanked prize sponsors Wastebusters, Racers Edge, Integrity Homes, and Mitre Ten MEGA.Highest academic achievers Year 10 (L-R): Laila Telfer, Blanka Lewis, Bess Wilson, Amber Gemmell, Bella Wright, Mackenzie Smith, Merryn Foster, (absent: Elsie Parsons).PHOTOS: Supplied

Three people have received Special Honours List New Zealand Bravery Awards for their roles in a dramatic rescue at the mouth of the Rees River in Glenorchy - which took place less than a week after a Wānaka man died in the same location while trying to save his son. In January 2023, 48-year-old Linkin Kisling, also known as Leroy Kaaho, entered the fast-flowing river after his 10-year-old son. The boy was rescued but his father did not re-emerge. His body was recovered the following day by the Police National Dive Squad. Six days later, on January 19, another young boy was pulled by the current on the Rees River into the lake, triggering a second rescue in almost identical conditions. This week, three people involved in that second rescue were recognised with New Zealand Bravery Medals (NZBM).Off-duty police officer Sergeant Harshad (Harry) Ghodke, holidaymaker Susan Burke, and Australian physiotherapist Jonny Young (who died during the rescue attempt) were all honoured for their actions.Sergeant Harshad swam out to the boy as he was dragged into deeper water by a strong undertow. Exhausted and struggling to keep both himself and the boy afloat, he instructed the child to lie on his back and attempted to return to shore for more help.Jonny saw Sergeant Harshad returning without the boy and decided to swim out to assist. He reached the child and began pulling him towards land, but the pair were separated in the current and Jonny became fatigued.Susan then swam out to the pair, reaching the boy - who by then was floating calmly on his back - and bringing him safely to shore. As she returned, onlookers shouted that Jonny had gone under. She and two others attempted to locate him, diving repeatedly despite exhaustion, but were unable to find him, and his body was recovered the following day.The citations state that Susan “ensured the rescue of the young boy” and continued searching “to the limit of her ability”, while Sergeant Harshad’s actions “addressed the immediate panic of the boy”, helping to keep him alive long enough for help to arrive. Jonny’s posthumous award recognises his “selfless bravery”.The New Zealand Bravery Medal recognises acts of bravery and is awarded primarily to civilians.PHOTO: Unsplash

If you’ve ever had teens staying in Wānaka over New Year, you’ll know it’s a world of its own. Between the crowds, the late nights, and the energy that comes with the season, it can feel both exciting and daunting. One local family hosted groups of boys from Years 11–13 for seven summers. Their story offers a reassuring, practical look at what helped them get through it.Their biggest lesson? Start talking early. Before the boys even arrived, they contacted every parent, most of whom they’d never met, to agree on expectations around alcohol, curfews, and how the group would be supervised. It felt awkward, but it set a clear foundation. Everyone knew the rules, and everyone followed the same ones.They also learned not to do it alone. Having another couple or two extra parents staying made all the difference. It spread the load and meant boundaries didn’t fall to one tired adult at midnight.There were a few non-negotiables. No alcohol brought from home. Any drinks were bought by the hosts as part of the general shop (paid for by the teens, of course). Drinking only happened alongside food, usually at dinner, after a full day outdoors. Days were structured on purpose, walking up Mt Iron, swimming, bridge-jumping, backyard cricket, tennis, cards, anything to burn energy and keep spirits high.The boys stayed in tents, cooked breakfast on the BBQ, and were responsible for dishes, bathrooms, and quick showers. Everyone ate together morning and night. Curfew meant they all met at the skatepark at 1am, then came home together. The hosts always offered pick-ups, even though they lived close by. It was never worth the risk of letting exhausted teens wander home.There were missteps. Stray kids turned up, police knocked on the door, and a few very sick teenagers needed rescuing. But the boys always talked, even when they’d had a rough night. Those late-night debriefs, food, water, coffee, and the “big chair chat” where they shared the evening gossip with the adults became their favourite part.Their message to other parents? Be clear, be involved, and be willing to work with the other adults in your teen’s world. It’s not about perfection. It’s about getting everyone home safe.A simple checklist for parents planning to host teens at New Year in WānakaBefore they arriveTalk with the other parents early — agree on boundaries, alcohol expectations, and supervision.Make sure everyone understands the same rules apply to every teen.Confirm communication plans with both parents if families are separated.Decide who is responsible for transport, shopping, and check-ins.While they’re stayingShare the load — have another couple or two adults staying as support.Set a rule of no alcohol from home; all drinks bought together and accompanied by food.Keep days structured: exercise, swimming, walks, sport, lake time, and activities that burn energy.Encourage teens to sort their own gear: tent set-up, bedding, and their share of chores.Eat together morning and night; make dishes, bathrooms, and quick showers part of the routine.Set a clear curfew and meet-up point (e.g., skatepark at 1am).Offer pick-ups and drop-offs, no matter the distance, it’s safer and teens won’t always judge when they’re too tired.When things go wrongExpect mistakes — stay calm, stay available.Look out for strays or unwell kids and be prepared to help.If police become involved, treat them as partners in keeping everyone safe.Before they leaveHave a quick conversation about the plan for the night ahead.Make sure no one drives after a big New Year’s Eve; late nights and long trips don’t mix.You’ll find practical tips, conversation starters, and planning tools on the Safe Summer Wānaka campaign page.Support them to have a brilliant time, and a safe one, and in being a legend, not a liability.Anonymous - Parent lived experience

The annual Hāwea Christmas Wonderland is entering its final weekend at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre, giving locals one last chance to see this year’s imaginative displays.Christmas elves Elizabeth Horrell and Barbara Mackenzie have been creating the wonderlands for the last seven years, and planning often begins almost a year in advance.This year’s theme, Dreams of Christmas’, began with Elizabeth’s idea of featuring a unicorn and grew from there into an extravaganza filling the centre’s main hall with a with a series of imaginative scenes - from mermaids and unicorns to an ice igloo, Santa’s seat, and much more.The main hall is filled with imaginative festive scenes with the theme ‘Dreams of Christmas’.“People have been telling us this year’s is the best so far, so that’s lovely,” Elizabeth told the Wānaka App.The wonderland was a community effort - the Wānaka Men’s Shed built a train and carriage especially for the display and contributed to a giant unicorn that took 12 months to build, with help from the team at Fabricate and other community members.Most of the decorations are Elizabeth’s and Barbara’s own, but various community members are involved in bringing the wonderland’s many moving parts to life, including a dedicated team of around six people who spend 10-12 days at the centre installing everything before it opens.Elizabeth said the Christmas train, built by the Wānaka Men’s Shed, was one of the highlights of this year’s display.Born of the pair’s love of Christmas decorating, the wonderland has come a long way since they started. “Compared to the first year it’s like chalk and cheese,” Elizabeth said.A big turnout is expected for the wonderland’s final weekend, which will include an appearance by and photo opportunities with Santa.All money raised from the wonderland goes back to the community-owned centre.The giant unicorn, a year-long project, was created with help from the Men’s Shed, Fabricate, and local volunteers.The Hāwea Christmas Wonderland is open today and tomorrow (Saturday December 13 and Sunday December 14), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre.Tickets are $2.50 for children (5+), $10 for adults, and $20 for families, with free entry for under-fives. PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board is hoping a two hour parking limit at the Stoney Creek carpark - the main access point for the Wānaka Tree - will help manage traffic at the site this summer.The board agreed to adopt the maximum parking limit (P120 zone) at its meeting in September. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will also be monitoring the site during the summer, a spokesperson told the Wānaka App.“With enforcement and signage, this will help increase turnover and create opportunities for more people to park here during the day,” the spokesperson said.People line up for the toilets at the Watersports Facility this week.“Council has previously taken steps to protect nearby reserve land and maintain clear access by installing rocks and fencing.”In February this year rocks were installed around the Stoney Creek reserve to help restore it from a “dust bowl” to a green area.Read more: Stoney Creek Reserve Restoration Sparks Parking DebateThe council spokesperson said the district is getting busier ahead of the summer holidays. “While this can naturally pose challenges, we’re committing council resources accordingly. “For example, our parking team has additional staff in Wānaka over the busy period and – as in previous years – there will be free, unlimited parking at the showgrounds.” PHOTOS: Wānaka App