Wānaka skier Finley Melville Ives has claimed gold at the X Games in Aspen, winning the Men’s Ski Superpipe today (January 26) and helping deliver New Zealand’s most successful winter X Games.The 19-year-old dominated the final, landing three huge runs to take the top spot in challenging snowy and windy conditions. His victory lifted New Zealand’s overall haul to two gold and four silver medals.“It’s been super surreal,” Finley said.“The conditions were tricky, but the crowd vibe was electric. I’m just so grateful to have put down these runs in front of all the fans.”Finley led from the outset, posting scores of 89.33 and 93.33 before sealing the win with a fearless final run that earned 95.00 from the judges.Snow Sports NZ high performance park and pipe head coach Tom Willmott said the conditions made the win even more impressive.“A blizzard rolled in during warm-ups and gusty winds lingered into the finals,” he said. The victory continues a remarkable rise for the young skier, who won silver at the 2024 Youth Winter Olympics and was crowned FIS Freeski Halfpipe world champion last year.Lake Hāwea’s Luke Harrold finished sixth.Also competing today was Wānaka’s Rocco Jamieson, who finished fourth in Men’s Knuckle Huck.PHOTO: Supplied

A man who is facing arson and firearms charges following a series of attacks on cellphone towers in Wānaka has refused to answer questions from a judge.Daniel Miller represented himself at a hearing at the Queenstown District Court on Monday.The 41-year-old declined to say if he understood the proceedings, instead demanding to know if Judge Catriona Doyle was using her full and legal name.Judge Doyle said Miller appeared to be taking a sovereign citizen approach.He has been remanded in custody while he awaits a trial later this year.The attacks had been on numerous cell towers in Wānaka including Spark and OneNZ towers.Contractors removing a destroyed One NZ cellphone communications tower in Wānaka on Friday 10 October, 2025, after it was vandalised. Detective Senior Sergeant Regan Boucher had previously said the "mindless" attacks were not only frustrating for the police but posed a serious risk to the public."They can disrupt vital connectivity, including access to emergency services such as 111. The last thing we want, and I would also hope the persons responsible want, is for someone to be hurt because they couldn't call for help," he said.PHOTOS: RNZ/ Katie Todd

Four objections have been lodged to a proposed Super Liquor on Ardmore Street.The Gate Ltd has applied for an alcohol licence to operate the store at the former Countdown Wānaka Metro site, with trading hours proposed from 9am to 10pm, seven days a week. If approved, it would become the fourth dedicated liquor store on Ardmore Street, joining Wānaka Liquorland, Betty’s Liquor Store, and Bottle-O Store Wānaka.Four Square Wānaka, across the road, also sells beer and wine.A Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) spokesperson confirmed earlier this week that four objections had been received on the application.By comparison, a Super Liquor in Lake Hāwea accumulated 542 objections, many citing concerns about alcohol-related harm in the small subdivision of Longview. That application eventually went to a hearing last November and was approved by the District Licensing Committee earlier this week.Read more: Longview liquor store approved, appeal to followIt is not yet clear if a hearing will be required for the Wānaka proposal. As little as one objection can trigger a hearing, provided it is not withdrawn, deemed vexatious, or the objector chooses to be heard.Residents have until February 9 to submit objections and interested members of the public can request a copy of the alcohol licence application from QLDC before then.PHOTO: Supplied

After almost a decade as a Guardian of Lake Wānaka, a local scientist is calling for a significant increase in funding to reflect the importance of the three deep lakes in this region: Wānaka, Hāwea, and Wakatipu.“We need a substantial increase in the scale of support for these lakes,” Dr Don Robertson told the Wānaka App this month.“I would like to see a recognition of the incredible value of these lakes to the whole Wakatipu Upper Clutha basin recognised with the scale of funding [needed] to carry out evidence based management.“If we are serious about keeping these three lakes in anything like pristine condition there must be funding that reflects the true cost of protecting these lakes.” Don said while Lake Taupo and Rotorua lakes have received “$300M and counting”, all the three Southern deep lakes have received is “a little bit of funding coming through [Land Information New Zealand] for lagarosiphon (lake weed) management” - up to about $800,000 a year, and around $50,000 for some years from a “good Samaritan citizen”. Dr Don Robertson PHOTO: SuppliedThe history of the Guardians extends back to 1973 when the government passed the Lake Wānaka Preservation Act in recognition of public concerns about the potential of hydro-electric development to alter the natural level and outflow of Lake Wānaka.The Act makes provision for the protection of the natural state of the lake, and for the Guardians to advise the Minister of Conservation over preventing the lake from being impounded, controlled or obstructed; preventing the natural rate of flow from the lake from being varied or controlled; preserving the lake level and shoreline in their natural states; and maintaining and improving (where possible) the quality of water in the lake.“The Act has really only one tooth in it - and that’s the word ‘quality’,” Don said.Lake quality has been trending down since at least 2016, he said.“The lakes are still in really good condition but are declining in quality at a rate that is concerning.”One of the indicators is the measurement that freshwater scientist Dr Marc Schallenberg has made on chlorophyll A in all three deep lakes. The increase in Chlorophyll A is “the thin edge of the wedge in declining quality”, Don said.The green pigment in plants and algae (used for photosynthesis) is influenced by nutrients coming from runoff, which Don said “will include everything from communities like Wānaka and Hāwea, and will be contributing to the changes in aquatic biomass, and changes in biodiversity”.“You can’t overlook the extent of the changes in the catchments - it’s not just urban growth, which is going crazy.”Don said while he doesn’t have “hard data”, the numbers of agricultural stock units have increased in all three catchments.Lake Wānaka and the other deep lakes are the reason people come to live, recreate or tour through this region, Don says. PHOTO: Wānaka AppThere are “tens of thousands of farmed and feral mammals occupying the catchment”, as well as Canadian geese and other birds. Waste from all introduced mammals are contributing to algal growth, he said.The increase in Chlorophyll A was also influenced by the arrival of ‘lake snow’, or Lindavia, around 2004. “It’s been very concerning to see the scale and expansion of lake snow in all three lakes,” Don said.The “limited ability” of the Guardians and others to protect lake health led to the creation of the Lake Wānaka Trust, which merged shortly after with the Upper Clutha Water Group to become the Upper Clutha Lakes Trust.“The marketers got involved and we became WAI Wānaka - a very good advocacy group,” Don said.WAI Wānaka advocacy contributed to the formation of the Otago Regional Council Deep Lakes Technical Advisory Group and a Deep Lakes Management Group, of which Don is a member.“There has definitely been movement in the right direction but there’s still no suitable fund for addressing the decay of all three deep lakes,” he said.The three lakes are the reason people come to live, recreate or tour through this region, yet the lakes have been treated with “contempt or neglect”, he said, meaning the “the absence of evidence-based research to make sure that everything that goes on in the catchment supports the health of the lake”.Read more: ‘Collaboration essential’ for future of alpine lakesWhile Don plans to step back from the Guardians later this year he intends to stay on the Deep Lakes Management Group and “continue where appropriate” with protecting the health of our deep lakes. Don’s fellow Guardians are Julie Perry, Nancy Latham, and Jeff Donaldson.

The Upper Clutha community has once again shown its generosity in the lead-up to Christmas, helping Community Link deliver vital support to families and seniors across the region.More than 100 individual donations were received during the Christmas Campaign, including food, vouchers, gifts and financial contributions. Donations ranged from home-cooked treats to activity passes and essential grocery vouchers, helping ensure support matched the real needs of local households. Volunteers also gave their time, helping sort, pack and deliver parcels and hampers throughout the Upper Clutha.To guide donations, Community Link shared a list of priority items available from New World on its website. The link became the most visited page of the campaign, helping donors provide items that were genuinely useful.Thanks to this community support, over 90 food parcels were delivered in December, along with 94 Christmas hampers for families and 80 gift bags for seniors. Around 30 percent of the parcels and hampers went to Hāwea families, with the remainder supporting households in Wānaka and Luggate.Ian Maxwell, Community Link’s chair, said: “All the donations were more than just food or presents, they were acts of kindness that showed people they were seen, valued and supported, even during what can be a tough time of year.”While the campaign officially has finished, donations are still coming in and are incredibly welcome. Donations can be made on the Support Us page of the Community Link website.

Three Wānaka athletes delivered a haul of medals at X Games Aspen yesterday (January 25), with Luca Harrington winning men’s ski slopestyle gold and Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Rocco Jamieson each claiming silver in snowboard big air.Luca (21) set the tone early, overcoming fresh snow, course delays and tough conditions to defend his 2025 title. He stamped his authority with a 94.33 in round two to secure gold - becoming just the third skier to win back-to-back titles in the event.Snow Sports NZ head coach high performance park and pipe Tom Willmott said the conditions made it “a struggle on many fronts”.“Luca kept in the hunt, made the most of training, and just smashed it, scoring the highest in the first run, getting bumped down as conditions improved, only to step right up in his second run to claim the title going back-to-back following his win as a rookie last year,” he said.Zoi thrilled the crowd in the women’s snowboard big air final, scoring 94.66 for silver with a huge backside triple 1440.“Zoi landed a flawless back triple 14 first run and was able to improve on the second,” Tom said.“Given she has been out of action for a while, it was incredible for her to build right back to her best level of riding.”Rocco (19) completed the Wānaka medal haul with silver in men’s snowboard big air, landing a backside 2160 on his final run.“Rocco has been gunning for the back 21 for a while but this was his first opportunity to land this behemoth of a trick on snow,” Tom said.PHOTO: Supplied

Two Wānaka athletes stood on the podium at the X Games in Aspen today (January 24), with Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Luca Harrington both winning silver medals.Zoi (24) finished second in the Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle after saving her best run for last, scoring 93.00 to secure silver against nine of the world’s top riders. Later in the evening, 21-year-old Luca followed suit, taking silver in Freeski Big Air with a huge final score of 94.66.“I’m really happy to land that run and get the competition done pre-Olympics,” Zoi said.“The girls all have their own style and creativity and they pushed me really hard.”The Beijing 2022 Olympic gold medallist left it until her third and final run to deliver, thrilling the crowd and underlining her reputation as one of the sport’s most clutch performers.In the Freeski Big Air final, Luca brought his trademark swagger to the jumps, landing massive tricks to finish just behind American winner Mac Forehand.Luca, the reigning Freeski Big Air world champion, is one of a strong Wānaka contingent building form as the Olympic season peaks.Read more: Wānaka skiers, snowboarders boost NZ Olympic team.The X Games in Aspen mark one of the final major events before athletes turn their focus fully to Milano Cortina next month.IMAGE: X Games

A Wānaka woman who won a $4,200 cubby house, slide and swing set in a Wānaka App/McKay Brothers Building and Renovations Christmas competition has passed the prize straight on to the people she works for - expectant grandparents who had quietly hoped to win it themselves.Lynne Gerrard, who entered the McKay Brothers Building giveaway on a whim, said she was “pretty blown away” when she got the call to say she had won.“I enter a lot of competitions and never win anything,” she said.“I really didn’t expect it.”She had entered the draw while with her employers Shane and Tracey Gibson, who are preparing to welcome their first grandchild. Tracey mentioned how much she would love to win the play set, and Lynne made a promise on the spot.“I said, ‘I’m going to enter that draw too, and if I win it I’m going to give it to you’,” Lynne said. “Today is delivery day, and I think they’ll get a lot of pleasure out of it.”Tracey said the gesture had left her overwhelmed.“We’re just full of gratitude for Lynne’s generosity,” she said. “We’ve got one grandchild on the way and hopefully there’ll be more. Our family is growing, with our two older daughters moving back to Wānaka, so this means a lot.”The Cubby Slide and Swing Set built by McKay Brothers Building. PHOTO: McKay Brothers BuildingThe competition was run by McKay Brothers Building and Renovations, whose director Joe McKay said the idea came from his own children’s Christmas wish list.“I asked my kids what they wanted for Christmas and they said a swing set, so I built one,” he said. “I’m a big fan of Christmas. To be able to do something like this and make another family feel that much joy, if I’ve got the capability, why not?”The play set was built by Joe and donated with support from several Wānaka businesses including Mitre 10 MEGA, Art of Architecture, and Lakeland Contracting.

At least one local household is settling into life with a new canine companion after the landlord and tenant reached an agreement under new government rules making rentals more pet-friendly.The new rules, introduced in December, mean landlords can now only refuse a tenant’s request for a pet under ‘reasonable’ conditions, while an additional bond of up to two weeks’ rent provides certainty to property owners.Home & Co director Colleen Topping said her tenants are now enjoying life with their new dog after agreeing to install some temporary fencing and topping up their bond.She said this was a “sensible” outcome which worked for both parties.The long-running property management company started educating its landlords a few months ago on the changes, but Colleen said they “haven’t had an influx” of pet requests - at least so far.Until recently, most landlords had been reluctant to allow pets, she said.“I think there still are quite a lot that prefer not to have pets but they realise the reality of the law change.”Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT), which provides affordable homes for low-to-middle income earners in the district, has welcomed the new rules.“The new pet bond scheme… protects landlords while recognising that renters deserve animal companions too,” the trust said.QLCHT said it had always been reasonable about pets in its homes “because we know what they mean to people’s wellbeing”.Meanwhile, the government described the new rules as “win-win”.“The changes reflect the government’s focus on practical, balanced solutions that support both renters and property owners,” associate housing minister Tama Potaka said.The new rules include that:Tenants must have the landlord’s consent to keep a pet but landlords can only withhold consent on reasonable grounds.Landlords may require a pet bond up to two weeks’ rent, in addition to the existing general tenancy bond.Tenants will be liable for all pet damage to properties beyond fair wear and tearTenancy Services will enable lodgement, top-ups and refunds of pet bonds and will provide updated guidance and forms ahead of commencement.Tenants who had pets before December 1 2025 will not need new consent or be required to pay bonds.Find more information, for both renters and landlords, about the new rules, here.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Path Wānaka | Ara ki Wānaka would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our Safe Summer in Wānaka campaign, which ran from early December through the holiday period.Each year, Wānaka welcomes a large influx of visitors, including many young people arriving to enjoy the New Year celebrations and summer break. Our aim was simple: to help parents and whānau have the kōrero with their rangatahi before the party scene, and to encourage safer, more respectful choices over summer.The campaign centred on the 5 Cs, a practical framework designed to give families clear talking points:Be clear – set expectations earlyBe connected – keep communication openBe consented – understand and respect consentBe courageous – make safe choices even under pressureBe courteous – treat Wānaka as someone’s home (because it is)Alongside this, we encouraged families to better understand New Zealand’s Alcohol Supply Law, particularly when supplying alcohol to under-18s. Many parents want to do the right thing but can feel unsure about what the law expects, so we aimed to make the information simple, clear and easy to share.To reach families across the South Island, Path Wānaka contacted secondary school principals directly and ran a mix of initiatives including Facebook posts and advertising, local newspaper articles and print ads, posters, and fridge magnets placed throughout the community.Wānaka Police area response manager Sergeant Darren Cranfield noted that youth gatherings along the waterfront from 27 December to 1 January were generally well behaved, and issued a special thank you to the many parents who came into town to supervise young people during the festivities, reinforcing that parent involvement makes a real difference.Wānaka Safe Summer is a reminder that one conversation early can help prevent harm later, and that community-led prevention works best when we do it together.Image: Stock Image.

The Upper Clutha’s strong snow sports presence has been reinforced with the announcement of nine more athletes to the New Zealand team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, taking the confirmed squad to 17 competitors.The latest selections include five local athletes (bringing the Wānaka contingent to 11) including halfpipe freeskier Ben Harrington whose younger brother Luca had already secured his spot on the team.“I’m super stoked to join the New Zealand Team for Milano Cortina 2026,” Ben said.  “It’s also pretty cool to be in the same team as my younger brother, Luca, it’s a really special moment for our family.”Other athletes announced today are freeskiers Gustav Legnavsky and Mischa Thomas, along with freeski slopestyle and big air athletes Lucas Ball and Sylvia Trotter. The snowboard contingent has also been strengthened with the selection of Lyon Farrell, Dane Menzies, Rocco Jamieson and Lucia Georgalli.Snow Sports NZ chief executive Nic Cavanagh said the team has “enormous potential”.“In addition to experienced Olympians and world champions, we are seeing a crop of fearless, young athletes emerge and stamp their mark on the international stage.”He said the depth of talent coming through Wānaka-based programmes was a reflection of years of athlete development supported by local clubs, resorts, parents, and coaches.The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will be held from February 6-22 across venues in northern Italy.Read more:Olympic medal bonuses announced as Milano Cortina Games nearFive Wānaka athletes in first eight for Milano Cortina NZ TeamFull NZ Team (local athletes in bold):Ruby Star Andrews - Women’s Freeski Slopestyle and Big AirLucas Ball - Men’s Freeski Slopestyle and Big Air Ben Barclay - Men’s Freeski Slopestyle and Big Air Lyon Farrell - Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air Lucia Georgalli - Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air Ben Harrington - Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Luca Harrington - Men’s Freeski Slopestyle and Big Air Luke Harrold - Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Rocco Jamieson - Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air Gustav Legnavsky - Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Cam Melville Ives - Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe Fin Melville Ives - Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Dane Menzies - Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air Alice Robinson - Women’s Alpine Skiing Zoi Sadowski-Synnott - Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air Mischa Thomas - Women’s Freeski Halfpipe Sylvia Trotter - Women’s Freeski Slopestyle and Big Air PHOTO: Snow Sports NZ

A new McDonald’s restaurant has been approved for Three Parks, advancing a proposal that has been closely watched since an earlier bid for the fast-food chain to establish a restaurant at the base of Mount Iron was turned down.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) senior planner Ian Bayliss has granted non-complying resource consent for a 450.4m² restaurant and 24-hour drive-through on Sir Tim Wallis Drive, entirely within the Business Mixed Use-zoned portion of the site.​Ian said the Three Parks location, design changes and technical work meant the latest proposal met the Resource Management Act tests for a non-complying activity.“The proposal will enable commercial activities that serve the needs of the community and will contribute to a well‑functioning urban environment,” he said, referencing consistency with the National Policy Statement on Urban Development. He also concluded the restaurant “will maintain existing amenity values and the quality of the environment,” with adverse effects avoided, remedied or mitigated through consent conditions.The proposed site layout next to the BP station in Three Parks.The previous McDonald’s application for Wānaka was rejected after planners found its location and effects did not sufficiently align with district plan outcomes and community concerns about amenity and character. In contrast, the new consented site sits among existing and consented commercial development at Three Parks, including the BP station and large-format retail, and was assessed as generating effects no more than minor on the wider environment.​Although non-complying due to noise and signage breaches, expert reviews concluded transport, noise, lighting and earthworks effects could be appropriately managed, allowing council to approve the consent without public or limited notification.McDonald’s told RNZ it hopes to open within the next 12 months.IMAGES: McDonald’s resource consent application

Races starting every four minutes kept rowers, coaches and spectators on their toes at the Canterbury Championships rowing regatta on Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel last weekend (January 18-19).With good water conditions and a packed programme, 1,325 competitors took to the lake for a two-kilometre course for novice through to premier grades, while masters athletes competed over one kilometre.Wānaka Rowing Club (WRC) crews featured strongly across both masters and junior events, producing a series of podium finishes and promising performances.In the women’s masters coxless quad sculls, Vic Schutte, Belinda Ryan, Erin McNary and Marlee O’Keefe claimed first place with a time of 4.02.31. Vic and Marlee then backed the performance up with a third placing in the women’s masters double sculls in 4.28.42.Shane Gibson added to the masters success with third place in the men’s masters single sculls, finishing in 4.28.00.On the two-kilometre course, Wānaka’s junior squad showed “grit and potential”, WRC representative Lizzie Ritchie said.In the boys’ novice double sculls, Jasper Lambert and Duncan Turner placed first in their heat and fifth in the A final, while Travis Cooper and Finley Hughes won their heat before finishing eighth in the A final. Jack Jones and Will Persson placed fourth in their heat and went on to claim third in the B final. Jasper and Duncan also impressed in the boys’ under-15 double sculls, winning the B final.In the men’s intermediate coxed quad sculls, Alex Pedersen, Will Persson, Duncan Turner and Finley Hughes (coxed by Zoe Melville) placed third in the B final.The men’s novice coxed quad - Jack, Jasper, Travis and Finley, again coxed by Zoe - placed second in their heat and fifth in the A final.With the South Island Championships just a fortnight away (January 31 and February 1), Wānaka crews are training hard, Lizzie said.PHOTO: Wānaka Rowing Club

Freedom camping will soon be prohibited at the Mount Iron carpark, with anyone staying overnight facing an $800 fine once enforcement begins.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has taken over management of the remaining public conservation land at Mount Iron, including the State Highway 84 carpark, bringing all reserve land under one authority. As a result, the site is now a recreation reserve and overnight camping will not be permitted.QLDC parks manager Dave Winterburn said the change means Mount Iron will now be managed consistently as one reserve.“Following the official vesting of land from DOC [the Department of Conservation] under the Reserves Act 1977, QLDC is now the administering body of approximately 55 hectares of reserve land, which includes the SH84 Mount Iron carpark and the Mount Iron Scenic Reserve,” he said.“Having all the reserve land at Mount Iron managed by one organisation is a great outcome for the community and will enhance the experience for Mount Iron users long-term.”Because the area is reserve land, it is not covered by the QLDC Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025. Instead, it is managed under the Reserves Act, which means overnight camping in campervans, vehicles or tents is banned.The move comes just days after QLDC temporarily banned freedom camping at the nearby Allenby Place carpark due to “access and health and safety issues”.Read more: Temporary freedom camping ban at Wānaka siteQLDC said summer ambassadors will be onsite at the Mount Iron carpark over the coming week to educate visitors about the change, placing flyers on vehicles and advising campers before enforcement begins. New signage will also be installed, and updates made online.QLDC and DOC will also contact community groups and concession holders about the change, with a community morning tea planned at Mount Iron next month.PHOTO: Supplied

Aspiring Conversations is back for 2026, bringing together writers, journalists, artists, theatre directors, economists and activists for three days of ideas, debate and performance.Taking place from March 27-29, the arts festival will bring people together to “hear directly from those shaping the conversations of our time”, artistic director Sophie Kelly said.The festival opens on Friday (March 27) with a theatrical play reading from award-winning theatre company Nightsong, of their new work-in-development ‘The Burning House’, set at a writers’ festival. Opening night continues with ‘True Stories Told Live: Lost and Found’, where five storytellers share personal stories shaped by loss and discovery. The session features writer Jillian Sullivan, LGBTQIA+ activist Shaneel Lal, Wānaka local Paul Tamati (Te Arawa), filmmaker Peta Carey, and theatre director Ben Crowder.Saturday (March 28) begins early with ‘Breakfast with Papers: Election Year’, as top journalists Toby Manhire, Miriama Kamo (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga) and Guyon Espiner pause with the day’s headlines to examine how political stories are framed and circulated in the lead up to New Zealand’s general election.‘Trickle-Down Economics: Give Us A Break’ brings economist Shamubeel Eaqub and Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick together to examine how Aotearoa’s economic settings are shaped, what we expect our economy to deliver, and how government spending priorities could be rethought.The thinking deepens with ‘Building On The Treaty’, bringing together Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mamoe) and judge Carrie Wainwright, chaired by Annis Somerville (Kāi Tahu), to focus on how Te Tiriti o Waitangi operates in practice and the positive outcomes that come from honouring the agreement. Former Wānaka GP Lucy O’Hagan will be part of ‘Healthcare In Crisis’, a talk examining the pressures facing the health system.‘Taking Action On Climate Change’ keeps the conversation moving forward, with Jessica Palairet, Jonathan Boston, and Kay Harrison examining what real action looks like in practice, from law and policy to adaptation and the cost of delay.Saturday concludes with ‘Selene’, a new theatre experience reworking an ancient Greek myth through a contemporary lens, featuring a cinematic score by Wright and Grainger, creators of sell out hit ‘Helios’. The final day of the festival keeps the ideas flowing, opening on Sunday (March 29) with ‘Healthcare In Crisis’ with former Wānaka GP Lucy O’Hagan, as well as Rob Campbell and Boyd Swinburn, set to examine the pressures facing the health system. ‘Feel The Fear’ follows, with Kiwi rally driver Emma Gilmour, former Newshub Europe correspondent Lisette Reymer and Split Enz bassist Mike Chunn sharing personal reflections on how fear has shaped their lives and careers.In ‘People Have The Power’, Gen Z activists Shaneel Lal, India Logan-Riley (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Ngāti Hawea, Rongomaiwahine and Rangitāne ki Wairarapa) and Lola Fisher consider youth led movements, civic engagement and the role of digital platforms in organising social, environmental and political change, chaired by Rohan O’Neill-Stevens (Ngāti Apakura).The festival draws to a close with ‘Taking Off - A Celebration of Brian Turner’, honouring the late poet and environmentalist with his partner, also an accomplished writer, Jillian Sullivan, composer Janet Jennings and performers Robert Tucker and David Kelly. Guyon Espiner, alongside fellow top journalists Toby Manhire and Miriama Kamo, will examine how political stories are framed and circulated in the lead up to New Zealand’s general election at ‘Breakfast with Papers: Election Year’.Finishing on a high is the already announced ‘Kiwi Country’, as Te Radar and Ruth Spencer bring rural New Zealand’s hidden histories to life through objects, stories and audience participation.Alongside the programme, audiences are invited to gather at the festival’s café and bookshop open throughout the weekend (at the Lake Wānaka Centre), offering food, conversation and book signings with selected speakers.Check out the full Aspiring Conversations programme here.PHOTOS: Supplied

Police are investigating after one car was stolen and another eight cars were targeted in attempted break-ins in Lake Hāwea in the early hours of Sunday morning (January 18).The cars that were tampered with were parked across a wide area, including Capell Avenue, Paradise Place, Hewson Crescent, Little Maude Avenue, Lakeview Terrace, Grandview Road, and Bell Street.The stolen car was later recovered, a police spokesperson said. Police said they were also aware of “a vehicle heard doing burnouts and crashing in the area at 4am”.They are asking members of the public for help identifying a man captured on CCTV footage in the area around the time of the incidents.“We believe he may be able to assist us with our enquiries into the break-ins,” the spokesperson said.A post by Lake Hāwea Community Notices Facebook administrator Liz Matheson urged residents on the affected streets to check their CCTV footage for any unusual activity and provide it to police if they find anything.“This has affected a number of our residents, some of whom have given countless hours of their time to assist a wide range of members of our community.”Wānaka Police have warned of a “spike” in car thefts in their weekly Crimeline updates over the past year or so.Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV footage should call police on 105 and quote file number 260118/4376.Information on the incidents can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.IMAGE: Police Media/CCTV

Helping Kids Get into Property and Why It’s Becoming the New NormalFor many first-home buyers in New Zealand, the biggest hurdle isn’t choosing a property, it’s getting through the door at all.With Central Otago house prices remaining high, lending criteria tightening, and deposits harder to save than ever, more buyers are turning to a familiar institution for help: The Bank of Mum and Dad.Once the exception, parental assistance has become an increasingly common and often essential part of getting onto the property ladder. But while the intention is generous, the legal and practical implications deserve careful thought.What Is the “Bank of Mum and Dad”?The phrase refers to financial assistance provided by parents or family members to help children purchase property.This assistance can take many forms, including:Gifting part or all of a depositLending money (with or without interest)Acting as guarantorsUsing equity in the parents’ own homeCo-owning property with childrenEach option has different legal, tax, and risk implications and not all are well understood.Why Is Parental Help Becoming So Common?1. Property Prices vs WagesWhile house prices fluctuate, the long-term trend in New Zealand has been clear: prices have outpaced wage growth.For many first-home buyers:Saving a 20% deposit can feel impossibleRent absorbs the bulk of incomeTime in the market matters more than timing the marketParental assistance often bridges the gap between “almost” and “approved”.2. Tighter Bank Lending CriteriaBanks are under increasing regulatory pressure to assess affordability and risk.This means:Larger deposits are often requiredIncome and expenses are scrutinised closelyGuarantors and family support are increasingly commonThe Bank of Mum and Dad has effectively become part of the modern lending ecosystem.3. Intergenerational Wealth TransferMany parents who bought property decades ago have benefited from significant capital growth.Helping children into property is increasingly seen as:A way to level the playing fieldAn early inheritanceA practical use of accumulated equityBut early wealth transfer should be structured carefully.Common Ways Parents Help and What They Mean LegallyGifting MoneyThis is often the simplest approach.Parents gift funds to assist with the deposit, with:No expectation of repaymentA gifting certificate provided to the bankKey risk: once gifted, the money legally belongs to the child. If relationships change or the property is sold, parents usually have no legal claim.Lending Money to ChildrenInstead of gifting, parents may lend funds, sometimes interest-free.This should always be documented with:A formal loan agreementClear repayment termsConsideration of whether the loan is repayable on demandWithout documentation, loans are often treated as gifts in disputes or relationship property proceedings.Guarantees and Security Over Parents’ PropertySome parents guarantee part of their child’s loan or offer equity in their own home as security.This can be effective but it carries real risk:Parents may be liable if repayments are missedTheir own home can be exposedGuarantees can affect parents’ future borrowing capacityGuarantees should never be entered into lightly.Co-Ownership ArrangementsIn some cases, parents buy property jointly with their children.This raises important questions:Who owns what share?Who pays the mortgage and expenses?What happens if one party wants to sell?A property sharing or co-ownership agreement is essential to avoid disputes lateThe Relationship Property AngleOne of the most overlooked risks of the Bank of Mum and Dad is relationship property law.Under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, property acquired during a relationship is often shared equally if the relationship ends.Without protection:Parental contributions can be swept into the relationship poolA child’s partner may benefit from parents’ generosityTools such as contracting out agreements can help protect family contributions but they must be done properly and early.Tax and Estate Planning ConsiderationsWhile New Zealand does not have gift duty or capital gains tax in the traditional sense, parental assistance can still impact:Estate planningFairness between siblingsWills and trustsClear records and consistent planning help avoid future family conflict.Why Documentation Matters (Even in Families)It can feel uncomfortable to “lawyer up” within families. But clarity protects relationships.Proper documentation:Manages expectationsReduces misunderstandingsProtects all parties if circumstances changeGood fences make good neighbours and good paperwork makes good families.The Bigger PictureThe rise of the Bank of Mum and Dad highlights a broader reality: the path into property is changing.While family assistance can open doors, it also shifts risk, often onto parents who may not fully appreciate the consequences.Handled well, it can be a powerful way to help the next generation. Handled poorly, it can lead to financial loss and fractured relationships.For clear, practical guidance on property, estate, or relationship property matters, the team at Checketts McKay Law offers specialist support to help you structure family financial assistance safely and protect everyone’s interests. They provide straightforward advice and documentation to ensure your arrangements are secure, fair, and future-focused.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will today (Thursday January 22) consider the appointment of an interim chief executive to replace Mike Theelen in a closed-door meeting.Mike, who has been in the role for ten years, announced in August last year he would leave the organisation this February.Councillors will consider the chief executive relationship and recruitment subcommittee’s recommendation on his interim replacement, but unlike most council meetings it won’t be open to the public.“This meeting will involve consideration of confidential and private information related to employment matters,” a QLDC report on the meeting said.“While there is significant public interest in the recruitment of an interim chief executive, the interest identified above outweighs the public interest in this case.”The recruitment process was delegated to a committee, but the decision to appoint a new chief executive will be reserved for the full council.The previous council’s steps to begin a recruitment process for a new chief executive - a few months before a local body election - sparked controversy when councillor Niki Gladding criticised then mayor Glyn Lewers for selecting a recruitment agency without the input of elected representatives.Read more: Recruitment row sparks clash among QLDC councillor, mayor, and candidateNiki said the process did not follow best practice as defined by the office of the auditor general and risked “a real perception of mistrust”.Mayoral candidate John Glover - who is now mayor, also weighed in, saying he was alarmed recruiters were being considered “behind closed doors”, and urging council to halt the process.At the first full meeting of the new council in November, QLDC staff told councillors the recruitment process needed to be undertaken urgently, and that an interim chief executive would have to be appointed to cover time between Mike’s departure and the appointment of his replacement.Councillor Gavin Bartlett said he was concerned councillors and staff had “spent six weeks spinning our wheels” on an important issue, despite there having been a recruitment consultant appointed.He expressed concern that discussions on the recruitment had taken place “in small groups behind closed doors” and said he hoped the council could move forward “with more openness and transparency”.Read more: Frustration, ‘machinations’ - council under pressure to recruit new CEMike Theelen said he intends to spend more time with his family.PHOTO: Supplied

From mountains to canyons, Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR) had a busy year in 2025.The all-volunteer group remains one of the busiest backcountry SAR units in the country, responding to 29 call-outs on behalf of NZ Police and the NZ Rescue Coordination Centre. "If you're lost, missing or injured, we'll come and find you," Wānaka SAR chair Raewyn Calhaem said."That's what we do. “The majority of our jobs have happy endings but some searches do result in tragic outcomes and we need to be mentally prepared for that as well.” The 29 SAR operations in 2025 covered nearly every form of outdoor pursuit, from mountaineering to paragliding, canyoning to wind surfing - all over the Mt Aspiring National Park and from the Wānaka lakes area to South Westland, Raewyn saidOne such search, in March last year, was for young Argentinian tourist Hector Gaston Artigau, who fell into a canyon near the Rob Roy Track. Wānaka SAR swiftwater/canyon team leader Roy Bailey said it was “unquestionably the most difficult operation we have undertaken". The volunteers spent more than 800 hours trying to recover Hector’s body.Read more: Search for Hector ‘most difficult’ SAR operation yetWānaka SAR comprises six specialist teams - alpine, bush, swift-water/canyon, search dogs, incident management, and most recently, the addition of a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle) group. The teams also deploy out of this area when required.Most call-outs happen over the summer period and 2026 has shown no signs of being less intense, Raewyn said.Canyon team on a search, January 2026.In the first 12 days of January there have been four searches requiring 484 hours of volunteer time, including the Wānaka team sending specialist drone and canyon teams to help with searches in the Tasman and Lake Ōhau areas. This included the search for Connor Purvis, who went missing after leaving to climb Mt Huxley in late December. His body was discovered on January 7.Read more: Body found in search for missing tramper“The community is very fortunate to have a group as dedicated and multi-skilled as Wānaka SAR operating in this area,” Wānaka Police area response manager Sergeant Darren Cranfield said.“They are world class.” Wānaka SAR is a registered charity relying solely on grants and donations. Find more information or make a donation here.PHOTOS: Wānaka Search and Rescue