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

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.

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

Bremner Bay swimmers can now check weekly water quality results before taking a dip, thanks to a new community-led testing programme running until the end of summer.The newly formed Bremner Bay Catchment Group has begun sampling at the beach every Tuesday. After the samples are sent to Christchurch’s Hill Labs for testing, the results are published online and accessible via QR codes at the bay so locals and visitors can see when it is safe to swim.Group member Murray Gifford said the project aimed to give people practical, up-to-date information, fill a gap in existing monitoring, and improve awareness of issues affecting water quality.Samples are taken from two locations (the middle of the bay and the nearby stormwater drain which flows directly into the lake) and early testing is already demonstrating the importance of the old adage to avoid swimming for 24-48 hours after heavy rain.After a recent rain event, E. coli levels by the stormwater drain were above 2,000 - far above the 260 E. coli per 100ml considered safe for swimming. Even in the bay itself, readings rose to almost 1,500, before dropping below the safe swimming threshold a couple of days later.The testing gives swimmers timely guidance on water safety, while also showing how everyday actions affect the bay - and how the community can contribute to the group’s vision of a cleaner and safer Bremner Bay.People can use the QR code on signs on the beach to read the latest water quality testing results before heading into the water.The drain collects runoff from a wide area above Bremner Bay, “right up to the ridge, up Aubrey Road, Hikuwai, Forest Heights and so on”, Murray said.All sorts of waste can end up in the stormwater system, eventually reaching the lake. Murray said there was a recent incident where polystyrene balls from a bean bag entered the system and were left strewn across the beach.The newly-formed group is “about providing education”, Murray said, but “a long-term goal could be to get some treatment of the stormwater before it enters the lake”.The Bremner Bay Catchment Group was formed through WAI Wānaka’s Urban Catchment programme, with support from the Otago Catchment Community and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC). QLDC parks officer Nina Rongokea said it was “a great example of community action protecting freshwater and keeping people informed”.To check the latest Bremner Bay water quality testing results, use the QR codes at one of two signs at the beach, or click here.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Plenty of us have been there before – the bills come in and they add up to a bigger number than what’s in your bank account. So you have to choose – what gets paid, and what doesn’t. This is a common scenario for many businesses, particularly now when costs and revenue are often both heading in the wrong direction. When you’re in this situation, the natural temptation is to bump tax down the list. Inland Revenue doesn’t make your products or serve your customers, and paying Inland Revenue doesn’t keep stock on the shelves.It’s a tough dilemma, but putting off paying your tax is a bad idea, for several reasons. The national tax debt is now $9.2 billion and growing. More than half of this is GST and PAYE debt, which is a concern as this money really belongs to Inland Revenue – it’s not tied to a business’ taxable profits, but an incidence of trading and having employees.Unsurprisingly, Inland Revenue are keen to do something about it, and the government has increased their funding for debt collection.They’ve got several tools at their disposal too. Inland Revenue are ramping up their use of deduction notices, and they’re getting smarter at finding “hidden” assets that could be used to pay off debt. A new tool rolling out as well is reporting tax debt to credit reporting agencies. This one has the potential to really hit businesses where it hurts, as it could impact their ability to borrow or enter into supply contracts.So what should you do if you’re falling behind on tax?The most important thing is to do something. Inland Revenue are generally very accommodating of any taxpayer who genuinely wants to pay their tax, and will often enter into generous instalment arrangements or negotiate on interest and penalties.However, they’re much stricter with taxpayers who do nothing. This is where we can help. Tax agents like us can negotiate with Inland Revenue for you, discussing options to reduce the amount due and stagger payments over time. It’s often easier than you might think, and can really take a load off your mind, so get in touch if you would like to talk through your options. Alex CullTax Partner, Greenhawk Chartered Accountants0800 422 526 | [email protected] | greenhawk.co.nz91 Sir Tim Wallis Drive, Wānaka

Queenstown Lakes District (QLDC) mayor John Glover has designed a committee to allow community members to give advice to council.The mayor is calling on suitably qualified members of the community to apply for a seat on the newly re-constituted risk and assurance committee.“During the election campaign last year, we heard many suggestions about what council could do better, and spending, infrastructure and councillor oversight were often mentioned,” John said.“I would love to think that there are locals who are able to help us improve and I look forward to seeing some applications come in from our community.”QLDC mayor John Glover. PHOTO: QLDCJohn told the Wānaka App there had previously been an audit, finance & risk committee [AFRC] with external appointees.“As part of reviewing the council committee structure, I established a ‘smart spending’ committee to lead on the governance oversight of financial aspects of QLDC and re-cast the old AFRC committee as a risk & assurance committee,” he said. “In the circumstances, the opportunity was taken to seek new external appointees to work alongside the three elected members on this new committee.”Three independent members of the public will provide objective, expert advice to support the council’s governance of risk, assurance, compliance, and control environment. They will attend quarterly meetings, plus occasional workshops, briefings and training, for a fixed term of up to three years.The roles strengthen public accountability by offering independent scrutiny, challenge, and insights that enhance decision-making and organisational performance, the job listing said.“We are particularly interested in hearing from those who have expertise within a local government context of financial auditing and risk management, infrastructure procurement and project management or understanding and enabling effective governance,” John said. Find more information here. Applications close on February 1.

Immense horsepower and accurate navigation paid off at the Wānaka Jetsprints on Saturday (January 17).Thirty-five race teams and seven NextGen drivers lined up for the Golden Homes Round 3 of the NZ Jetsprint Championship at the NOVUS Glass Wānaka Aquatrack near Luggate.“The Wānaka track has tough challenges for drivers and navigators,” NZ Jet Sprint Association president Julia Murray said.“It was awesome to watch so many teams improving throughout the day. All classes delivered close exciting racing and that’s what we like to see.”Early qualifying highlighted the importance of going the right way, with many teams forced to backtrack after taking a wrong turn.Reuben Hoeksema and navigator Suzi Katavich won the Southern Jet Superboat final with 46.362, and Sam Newdick and navigator Shama Putaranui were second with 46.363 seconds.Simon and Sarah Gibbon were expected to be first but mechanical trouble kept their boat on the trailer and they had to be satisfied with third place.In three rounds of fiercely contested racing, Group A featured three identical podiums.Matt Hareb and Hayden George ran a ferocious 48.500 to take their third win of the season, while defending champions Ollie Silverton and navigator Amanda Kittow were second with 48.895. Kris Rasmussen and Holly Sutherland got part-way through their final run before parking on the grass and positioning themselves for third place. With the largest field, MTW LS Class was won by rookies Conner Nairn and navigator James Tuckey in their third jetsprint competition. Second-round winners Paddy Haden and Jay Haden took second place, with first-round winners John Verry and Grace Alder third.Rookie Gemma Johnson and navigator Richard Currie won MTW Group B with a 54.610, more than 1.5 seconds quicker than any other Group B team’s best time for the day. Hamish Clarke and Lisa Seator were second and Greg Wilson and Katie Wilson third.Cooper Silverton recorded the quickest elapsed time in the NextGen training session, and earned the right to practice a victory lap flying the chequered flag.The next round of the the NZ Jetsprint Championship will take place in Stratford on February 14.

A controversial application for a liquor store at Lake Hāwea’s Longview subdivision has been approved, but those opposing it are already planning to appeal the decision.The District Licensing Committee (DLC) has approved Keyrouz Holding Ltd’s alcohol licensing application for a 300sqm+ Super Liquor in Longview.The not-yet-built liquor store will be able to operate from 9am-9pm, seven days a week, selling vape products, tobacco and other merchandise as well as alcohol.Lisa Riley, the Longview resident who spearheaded opposition to the proposal, has already shared plans to lodge an appeal, saying the decision dismissed “the collective voice of the community”.The DLC’s 22-page decision - made public this afternoon (Tuesday January 20) - said the prospective risk of alcohol harm specific to the application was “minimal”.It referenced the “record high” of 542 objections received, but said most of them were “pre-formatted” with “no reference” to the criteria in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.“We found the evidential value of these submissions to be low…” the DLC said.Hundreds of people from the small town of Lake Hāwea lodged objections to the application. PHOTO: Wānaka AppThe DLC also claimed the Ministry of Health, which presented at a multi-day hearing in November, had been short on evidence.“We…expected more specific and expert evidence and reasoning to support the proposition that this particular application would present a real risk of generalised harm occurring,” the decision said.“No evidence was provided to show an increase in alcohol related harm or... [in] litter, loitering or anti-social behaviour near other off licence premises in the area”.The DLC - made up of commissioners Lyal Cocks, John Mann and Chris Cooney - said it accepted the submissions did “reflect the concern by many in the community”.Keyrouz Holdings Ltd has “considerable experience” operating similar stores and the DLC was satisfied it would operate safely and responsibly.Lisa said the appeal against the decision would focus on concerns the committee “discounted the scale of community opposition on technical grounds”, “marginalised public health evidence by requiring near-certainty of harm”, and failed to consider “future-focused risk”.Read the full DLC decision here.

Rescuers are again urging backcountry explorers not to rely on information, comments and advice posted on social media before heading into the hills after Wakatipu specialist alpine rescuers were called to help a man stranded on Rob Roy Glacier.Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Team coordinator Karl Johnson said a 39-year-old Cromwell climber with limited experience got himself bluffed on a tiny ledge above the glacier and trapped, with no way out. He activated his personal locator beacon around 6pm on Monday (January 12).Three cliff rescue experts flew in with the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter in perfect weather and had the man off the mountain by about 8.30pm.“He had some experience, but he wasn’t that familiar with the area, and I don’t think he’d done any proper planning or knew the exact route he should take,” Karl said.“He just got stuck on a rock ledge, one metre by one metre."Rescuers were lowered in about 30m to 40m above the man onto a snow slope,” Karl said. “It was a bit technical. We were worried that the downwash from the chopper would blow him off the ledge.“One of our team put in a couple of anchors to abseil down so we could winch him out.”The man was uninjured, but Karl said it was another example of why people should obtain the correct information from proper channels before attempting to climb or hike somewhere like that.“Don’t rely on social media. Ensure you go to the proper sources,” he said. “I understand there was a father recently asking on social media whether it was safe for his son to climb Mt Rolleston (Canterbury). Unfortunately, people who aren’t climbers and have no experience get on there and start scrolling and stirring and egging people on when they really have no idea what’s required.“Use sites like the DOC website and ask people who are out in the environment and have recent information and experience, people like the Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team, NZ Alpine Club or Mountain Safety Council,” he said. "Even local guiding companies would be able to supply you with safe, accurate information.”Karl said most of the rescues this summer have been due to people with no gear or limited skills. “Our team are all volunteers so for us that’s time away from our families and work,” he said.PHOTO: Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue

Wānaka drivers now have more options for charging their electric vehicles (EVs), with two ChargeNet high-capacity chargers opening recently at New World Three Parks.Each charger can service two vehicles at once, meaning four cars can charge simultaneously - a boost for the town’s growing EV network.“It’s a convenient, everyday location that fits naturally with how people already move around Wānaka,” ChargeNet head of operations Kivash Sewnun said.“Drivers can plug in, do their shopping, and come back to a vehicle that’s ready to go. It’s about making charging easy and part of everyday life.”According to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), by 2023 more than one in four (27.2 percent) cars purchased in New Zealand were either battery electric or plug-in hybrid - representing a ten-fold increase in just four years.  Insights from Electric Vehicle Database (EVDB) indicate they increased to close to half of new vehicle sales by 2025.Given the popularity of EV vehicles here, Wānaka is a “key location” for ChargeNet.“It’s popular with both locals and visitors, so adding more charging options is part of keeping pace with demand,” Kivash said.ChargeNet installed its first Wānaka charger on Ardmore Street in 2018, and chargers are supplied by other companies in locations including Sir Tim Wallis Drive, Studholme Road, Sargood Drive and more.EECA data from October 2024 indicates there are over 1,200 public charging points in the country, or around one charging point for every 60 EVs.“The new Three Parks site significantly increases capacity and reflects how EV charging needs in Wānaka continue to grow,” Kivash said. PHOTO: ChargeNet

Wastebusters is calling on sustainable designers and models to be part of the Wastebusters Refashion Show 2026, which is returning to the Lake Wānaka Centre in March.Now in its fourth year, Refashion features repurposed and sustainably sourced outfits, modelled by locals, and showcased at a fashion show - and each year the event has sold out.Event coordinator Abigail Hurford Abel says the show is designed to inspire people to think differently about fashion.“Slow fashion is about making clothes with intention and valuing them once they’re out in the world,” she said.“When people see what talented designers can create by putting people and planet first, it opens up ideas and gets them thinking differently about how they choose, wear, and care for their clothes.“We’ve had designers of all skill levels, backgrounds, and ages take part, all with sustainability embedded in their style. That mix is what makes Refashion so special.”Abigail said Wastebusters has already received many applications from first-time designers for the upcoming show, which will take place on March 19.Refashion gives designers “a place to share ideas, challenge fast fashion, and be part of a more thoughtful approach to design”.Wastebusters is inviting applications from sustainable designers creating clothing from repurposed or sustainably sourced materials. Designers must be available for dress rehearsals during the week of the show.In addition, it is also recruiting models to wear designers’ work on the runway. The call is open to people of all ages, sizes, and genders, with no modelling experience required.“We’re looking for people who are simply confident enough to strut their stuff,” Abigail said. “Refashion is a very supportive and fun environment, and our models are always cheered on.”Designer and model applications are now open, with limited spaces available. Apply on the Wastebusters website.PHOTO: Wastebusters

The Electrify Queenstown summit will return in May with a programme combining political debate, high-profile speakers, immersive electric experiences and practical advice for businesses and households ready to electrify.Delivered by Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, with principal sponsor Aurora Energy, Electrify Queenstown 2026 will be held across three days at the Queenstown Events Centre (May 17-19).It will feature a political debate - The Future of New Zealand’s Energy System - with representatives from National, Labour, the Green Party, and The Opportunity Party for an on-stage energy discussion moderated by journalist Paddy Gower."Electrification is vital for the future of the district and as a business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how smart energy choices can strengthen resilience and reduce long-term costs,” Queenstown Lakes District mayor John Glover said."Electrify Queenstown is valuable because it shows what’s already working, locally. It gives people practical confidence that these solutions are achievable, scalable and relevant to our community."The summit will also feature a lineup of national and international speakers shaping the future of electrification, energy and transport, along with panel discussions on everything from electrification myth-busting to finance.Attendees will be able to visit smart homes and businesses, get hands-on with the latest e-bikes, e-boats, e-vehicles, solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, and household tech, and also receive practical, direct advice in the ‘How-to-Hub’, hosted by Queenstown Electrification Accelerator.Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism chief executive Mat Woods said Electrify Queenstown continues to evolve as electrification gathers pace."Across the country we’re seeing electrification move from early adoption to the mainstream, and this summit captures that moment - bringing together political leaders, global thinkers and real-world examples to show what’s possible, what’s next, and how communities and businesses can be part of the transition.He said, with the general election this October, Electrify Queenstown 2026 will provide an opportunity to hear directly from politicians about how they plan to power New Zealand’s future.Speakers and panellists include renewable electricity advocate, entrepreneur and inventor Dr Saul Griffith, Rewiring Aotearoa’s Mike Casey, and Queenstown-based Xero founder Sir Rod Drury, all returning for a second year, along with Aotearoa environmentalist and entrepreneur Izzy Fenwick.Tickets are now on sale for Electrify Queenstown 2026, with options to attend individual days, events, or the full three-day programme.Find more information here.

Wānaka’s Campbell (Cam) Melville Ives has claimed the first World Cup podium of his career, finishing second at the Snowboard Halfpipe final at the Laax Open in Switzerland yesterday (January 18).Cam delivered a career-best performance, landing a huge second run that scored 91.00 points and briefly put him in the lead. He was eventually edged into second by four-time Olympian Scotty James, who posted a winning score of 98.75 on the final run of the competition.Cam’s final included five major tricks - a cab triple cork, frontside triple cork, backside double cork, double alley-oop rodeo and switch alley-oop rodeo - earning high marks for both difficulty and amplitude. It is the first time an athlete has landed back-to-back triple corks in competition.“First run I made a mistake early in the run, hit a wrong edge and ran out of pipe at the end,” Cam said.“Second run I adjusted the trick into a single. I felt pretty calm and relaxed… just relaxed into the feeling of when it’s warm and sunny there, and that helped with the nerves,” he said.Snowsports New Zealand high performance snowboard coach Tom Willmott said Cam had been working towards the run for a long time, experimenting with different combinations before finally piecing it together.Cam will next compete at the X Games in Aspen (January 24-26) as he builds toward the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in February.PHOTO: FIS/David Tributsch