Mobile air quality monitoring stations in the Upper Clutha are helping Otago Regional Council (ORC) track levels of PM2.5 - a fine particulate pollutant produced by combustion - and gather data to better understand air quality challenges across the region.ORC air quality scientist Sarah Harrison said the council’s 2024 air quality report had detected PM2.5 at seven locations around Otago.“Monitoring smaller sizes of particulate matter like PM2.5 is a significant step forward,” Sarah said.“These finer particles pose greater health risks, and by expanding our network, we’re better equipped to inform policy and protect community wellbeing.”Two local monitoring stations, located in Albert Town and Wānaka, are providing insight into concentration patterns specific to the Wānaka area. Sarah said the information collected will help identify where the highest concentrations occur and why.She said air quality can vary a lot depending on factors like housing density, types of emissions, topography, how sheltered an area is, and wind speed and direction.ORC’s air quality monitoring network will continue to be upgraded throughout 2025, with more co-location and calibration work planned to enhance the accuracy of its instruments.Alongside its monitoring programme, ORC is also running its annual ‘Burn Dry, Breathe Easy’ firewood campaign, reminding residents of practical steps they can take to reduce harmful smoke emissions from home heating. In Otago, much of the region’s PM2.5 pollution comes from wood burning for home heating - particularly in winter, when concentrations peak.Burn Dry, Breathe Easy tips:Stack your firewood off the ground and out of the rain.Use a wood moisture meter to check if your firewood is dry enough — less than 25 percent moisture means more heat and less smoke.Build fires with scrunched-up paper or firelighters, dry kindling, and dry firewood for a well-heated, low-smoke burn.Never burn wet or green firewood, treated wood, or household rubbish, as they can release harmful toxins.Overnight, make sure flames remain visible when you turn your fire down to reduce smoke build-up.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wastebusters is looking for volunteers for its last Repair Revolution event before winter, which is coming up on June 15.The Repair Revolution events are all about giving well-loved items a second chance - people can bring along broken items to have them fixed or to receive advice on how they could be repaired.Volunteers are crucial to these events and last year they helped fix more than 300 items.Wastebusters is keen to hear from anyone with repair skills who can lend a hand for the upcoming event, whether they’re a fix-it pro or just keen to lend a hand.Volunteers have helped fix a range of items at previous Repair Revolution events - from small electricals and bikes to camping gear, shoes, film, bags, clothing, toys, and even small furniture. Wastebusters would especially like to hear from bike mechanics, electricians and someone who is skilled in replacing zips who are available for the next event.For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, email [email protected] or click here.The Repair Revolution event will take place on Sunday June 15, from 10am to 2pm, at the Wānaka Community Workshop and Fabricate (15 Gordon Road).The Repair Revolution is part of Wastebusters’ Resourceful Communities project, supported by the Queenstown Lakes District Council Zero Waste District Programme.PHOTO: Wastebusters

Part 2: When the Storm Moves In: Living the “New Abnormal”I want to tell you something you might not believe yet: you’re doing better than you think.If you’re here, reading this, you’ve probably already taken those terrifying first steps to help your teen. You’ve called the GP, contacted therapists, spoken to school. You’ve started to piece together a new language, a new way of showing up. And now… now you live in what I can only call the new abnormal.It’s a weird, wild place to be.This post is about what comes next—not for your child, but for you. For your partner. For your other children. For your wider support crew. Because when your teen is in crisis, you don’t get to pause your life. You have to keep living, feeling, working, parenting, partnering, showing up. And none of it is easy.1. The Emotional Roller CoasterThis stage is emotionally feral. You’ll feel everything, sometimes all in the space of an hour. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure of grief and fear and love:SadDesperateBored (yes, that too—waiting is boring)HopefulFuriousPatient and endlessly impatientEmpathetic and completely numbYou’ll cry over a cereal bowl, then put your “everything’s fine” face on for work. You’ll sit next to your teen, aching to reach them, then walk into the hallway and scream silently into your fists.It’s exhausting—but you’re not broken. You’re adapting. You’re in training. This part of the journey is where you learn how to stay standing in the storm.2. Be Prepared (Even If You Don’t Know What For)There were times we felt like we were drowning. We scrambled for stop-gap solutions and watched them fail. We made plans, then tore them up.Eventually, we realised something painfully simple: our only job was to say “I love you and I’m here.” That’s it.It sounds easy. It’s not. It’s firefighting. Long stretches of silence and anxiety, followed by bursts of adrenaline and panic when something spirals. It’s unbearable, but you do it because you must.Looking back, I wish I’d felt more empowered to call on everything available. We hesitated to call 111 or go to ED. We were embarrassed. We didn’t want to seem dramatic. We didn’t want to upset our son more.But I want to tell you this clearly: if you’re worried, make the call. Take them to ED. Call the police if they’ve gone missing. Even if everything calms down in the waiting room, it was still the right thing to do. It tells your child: “I see you. I believe you. You matter.”3. You Become the Punching BagThis part is hard to write, but I promised honesty.When your child is in crisis, their pain has to land somewhere. And often, that place is you. They lash out. They say things they don’t mean. They beg you to go away, then fall apart when you do. It’s whiplash—and it hurts like hell.My partner and I coped like two little figurines in one of those old cuckoo clocks. Only one of us was emotionally available at a time. When I was hopeful, he was in despair. When he found strength, I fell apart.It caused tension. Arguments in whispers behind closed doors. Jealousy when one of us could comfort him and the other couldn’t. But it also gave us a way to take turns. To carry each other. To hold the line together, even when we were barely hanging on ourselves.You’ll say the “perfect” thing one day and be met with eye rolls and fury the next. It’s a volcano ride. You won’t always get it right. Keep showing up anyway.4. Create Dorky, Safe MomentsFind your family glue—however small or silly it might be.We became Catan fanatics. Ridiculously so. Our teen would sit with us and argue about sheep and wheat and occasionally laugh. It was safe ground. No pressure. No “How are you feeling today?” Just us, muddling through an imaginary game board, being a team.Find your thing. A weekly movie night, cooking together, video games, whatever works. These rituals won’t fix everything—but they anchor you. And your child needs to see life go on.5. Don’t Forget the Rest of Your FamilyI neglected myself completely in the beginning. No surprise there. But I did try to manage how much pressure was falling on everyone else.Our younger son—his little brother—became a quiet rock. He offered banter, normality, laughter. I worried it was too much for him to hold. But over time, I saw it shape him into someone strong, kind, and wise beyond his years.Still, I made space for him to just be a teenager too. I’d take him out, just us two. Let him vent about school and forget for a moment that his brother was struggling.You don’t have to be perfect at this. You won’t be. But try to remember; you are not just supporting your child—you’re holding up a whole web of people. Check in with your partner, your parents, your friends, your siblings. They might not know how to help, but they’re probably worried too.6. This is Not ForeverThis might be the hardest truth to hold onto when you’re in it. There’s no handbook. No timeline. You want it to be over, and you want to know how to fix it—and neither of those things are in your control.But this: it is not forever.The skills you’re learning now—holding space, showing up, enduring the hard bits—they’re skills for life. They are painfully earned and endlessly valuable. They are what will carry you all through this.One day, you’ll look back and realise you survived something unimaginable. And not just survived—but grew.Your family’s story might not look like ours. That’s okay. There’s no single way through. But I promise you: love, persistence, and a healthy dose of dark humour will get you further than you think.More soon.This post is the second in our journey. Read Part 1: "When the Lights Dim: A Parent's First Steps into Teen Mental Health".The next chapter will explore what recovery starts to look like, how the fog begins to lift, and what it means to slowly trust again.With love and in solidarity,A parent still learning, always loving.Counselling & Mental Health Services - Central OtagoCommunity NetworksPath Wānaka - more information on our websiteContact us: [email protected]

After extensive local input, a document detailing a ‘community vision’ for Wānaka Airport has been shared by the Wānaka Stakeholders Group (WSG).It imagines Wānaka Airport as a “locally led, independent, smart, and future-oriented aviation hub that balances local needs, economic vitality, and environmental impacts”. The airport should also “support a vibrant mix of aviation activities, local businesses and [research and development], while remaining proudly run by and for the Upper Clutha community,” the community vision document says.The incorporated society - which successfully lobbied against jet expansion at Wānaka Airport in 2021 - launched the community vision at its AGM in late May.WSG chair Meg Taylor said that after a quiet few years it appeared that “plans for Wānaka Airport are taxiing towards take-off again”.Meg Taylor PHOTO: Wānaka AppIn April Queenstown Lakes District Council announced it had hired Egis NZ Ltd to develop a masterplan for Wānaka Airport and it is in the process of obtaining a Qualifying Aerodrome Operator Certificate.Read more: Next steps for Wānaka Airport to be outlinedThis year and next will be “decisive years” for the future of the airport, Meg said.“It is important that everyone in the Upper Clutha carefully considers what they think is the best strategy for our local airport and for this community over the next [five, 10 and 15] years. It’s essential that we have the information needed for informed choices and that there is widespread local input into airport consultation.“With this in mind and to spark debate we are presenting a vision which better reflects the airport’s role in the Upper Clutha community.” Meg said there were two foundation principles to the community vision: a community airport with strong local governance, and separation from Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC).“Wānaka Airport needs robust governance and the Upper Clutha community should have a determining role on its governing board,” Meg said. “If Wānaka Airport is governed by a board that genuinely represents Upper Clutha communities (as happens at a number of overseas airports such as Aspen, Jackson Hole, Telluride or Vail) then Wānaka Airport could be managed and planned for with confidence.”The long-term community vision also envisions the airport has grown with committed and enterprising management; it is guided by strong governance; it has long-term intergenerational thinking as a central pillar; and it is “not driven by shareholder demands or a growth-at-all-costs mindset”. Meg said the community vision document had been created by WSG alongside advisors in the community and following consultation with residents and community associations in the Upper Clutha, as well as the Wānaka Airport Users Group and Wao Aotearoa.WSG said the community vision is still in draft form and any feedback is welcome. Read it here.

Opening up the conversation about the ‘D-word’ - death - is behind the latest collaboration between local women Liz Maluschnig and Su Hoskin.Liz and Su have run the local Death Cafe since 2019, offering space for a conversation about death with the view to making the most of life. More recently, they have begun offering a service to the community called Final Acts of Kindness, which offers guidance and support to people whose loved one has died or is dying.“The people who love you most are the people who will care for you the best,” Liz told the Wānaka App. “We want to make every part of the death process personal and meaningful to the loved one and their family… people don’t realise you can go from the deathbed to the grave or the crematorium without a professional involved.” This approach takes planning, however, she said. “There’s a lot to know about so you need to be prepared.”She gave the example of a local man who died recently, with a “very loving” funeral where “his community of friends gathered together and everyone contributed something to help fulfill his wishes”.It was “a Rolls Royce service” at a low cost, she said.“That’s why we run the Death Cafe, so people can start talking about the D word without being squeamish, especially preparing for death and doing things alternatively or sustainably .”This weekend (Sunday June 8) Liz and Su are bringing a ‘Death without Debt’ seminar to Wānaka.The seminar will be led by Fergus Wheeler, one of the people who set up the Death Without Debt movement in New Zealand. He will talk about funeral planning, wills, powers of attorney, probate, advance care plans, and more.Su and Liz will talk about how people can keep their loved one at home during and after death, how they can take care of their body, make their own coffin, and even make a shroud. People can also do the related paperwork themselves, and use their own car to transport their loved one.“We’re just saying - hey, there’s a different way to do this,” Liz said. “This is not for everybody. I imagine it would only be two percent of people. Some people just like to do things differently.”She said a DIY funeral is more sustainable, eco-friendly, and natural, as well as being lower cost. The average price of a funeral in New Zealand is over $10,000 (and higher in Wānaka) but a ‘Death Without Debt’ funeral could cost closer to $2,000. Death without Debt will take place at the Wānaka Community Hub on Sunday (June 8) from 11am - 3pm. The Death Cafe takes place monthly, with the next scheduled at 3.30pm at Edgewater on June 16.PHOTO: Wānaka App

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging motorists not to get caught out as snow is forecast across the South Island leading into the weekend. Heavy snow warnings or watches have been issued by the MetService from today (Friday June 6), with heavy snow down to 300 metres potentially causing travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines in Central Otago and Canterbury, from the Rangitata River southwards.“We got off relatively lightly with the snow so far this week,” NZTA system manager Mark Pinner said. “If you are heading away for the weekend, and especially if you are travelling on highways at higher elevations, make sure you are prepared and plan ahead.” Queenstown lakes is facing potentially heavy snow to 400 metres, and snow is expected to fall about the Dunedin-Waitati Highway (SH1) from about 10am. Mountain passes across the island may be impacted as snow accumulates. In addition to accumulating snow, the accompanying cold temperatures create risks of frost and ice on the roads. “Make sure that if you are driving in these conditions, that you adjust your speeds and following distances accordingly,” Mark said. “If you can avoid or delay travel on roads while there is elevated risk, that’s sensible.” NZTA said it will keep a close eye on the State Highway network around the south and respond with its crews as required.Click Roads in your Wānaka App for the latest conditions.PHOTO: Stock Image

Wānaka cafe and restaurant Urban Grind will close its doors next week, and will be replaced later this month by a new Italian restaurant.The cafe on Ardmore Street, owned by hospitality group Dropping Inn, will close its doors at 2pm on Monday (June 9) in preparation for new proprietors to take over next week. The new restaurant - Bambina by Giovi - will be developed by Queenstown-based Giovi Fine Food.The Wānaka restaurant will be the fourth for the brand, with Italian restaurants already operating in Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown. Giovi Fine Food founder Giovanna Boventi says the restaurant will bring an authentic Italian culinary experience to Wānaka.“I am very happy to bring our fresh, homemade pasta, ravioli, lasagna and other delicatessen to Wānaka after successfully serving locals and tourists in Giovi and Farelli in Queenstown, and Bianca in Arrowtown,” she said.“Bambina will be a piece of Italy right in the heart of Wānaka and we look forward to continuing the legacy with the customers of Urban Grind, although with a different twist.”After a short refurbishment, the restaurant will hold a soft opening on June 27, with the full restaurant opening on June 28. Dropping Inn director Matt Laming said Urban Grind has been a Wānaka institution since the business opened 14 years ago, but the time was right for the change of ownership.“We’re inviting the community to come into Urban Grind next Monday and enjoy a free slice of cake with every coffee purchased as a final celebration,” he said.Any customers holding Dropping Inn vouchers or loyalty points will still be able to redeem them at alternative Dropping Inn venues (b.social, Hāwea Hotel,Treehouse, and Hello Ranger).PHOTO: Supplied

The New Zealand Government has announced proposed new rules that will make it easier to build ‘granny flats’—small stand-alone dwellings—on residential and rural properties that already have a primary home. Currently, building such a dwelling generally requires a building consent and, depending on location and land use rules, a resource consent as well.The proposed reforms would remove these barriers in certain cases, aiming to support more flexible housing arrangements and increase supply.Key Criteria for Exemption from Building ConsentFurther details on the criteria for exemption from building consent is available in this link (Exemption Criteria) however the key points are summarised below:The dwelling must have a simple design and meet the Building Code;The net floor area must be no greater than 70 square metres;Construction must be completed by authorised building professionals;It must be intended for use by a single household or family; andHomeowners need to notify the local council before commencement of construction and after completion.Resource Management Act (RMA): Ancillary to the above, work is in place to develop new National Environmental Standards that will require councils to permit granny flats in rural and residential zones without need for a resource consent. It is also important to note that existing granny flats or those under construction are not expected to benefit from the exemptions. Local Impacts for Wanaka and Central OtagoCentral Otago—including towns like Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, and Ranfurly—is already facing housing pressure due to population growth, urban migration, and a shortage of smaller, more affordable housing options. Here’s how the proposed changes could impact the region:1. More Housing Flexibility for FamiliesFamilies in Central Otago often have strong local roots and a preference for keeping whānau close. These new rules will make it easier to build self-contained units for elderly parents, adult children, or even live-in carers—without needing to subdivide land or go through a lengthy consent process.2. Relief for the Rental MarketWith the influx of new residents and limited rental availability in places like Wanaka and Cromwell, granny flats offer a quick and cost-effective way to create more housing3. Economic Opportunity for the Construction SectorThe local building and trades community stands to benefit from a streamlined process. Smaller builds, like granny flats, can be turned around faster, creating steady work for builders, architects, and suppliers across the region. Removing the requirement for building consents (under strict criteria) lowers administrative costs and speeds up delivery.When Will These Changes Come Into Effect?The Government is targeting early 2026 for the introduction of these changes. In the meantime, councils and industry professionals will be preparing for the shiftFAQsQ: Will this affect existing granny flats?A: No. The exemptions are expected to apply only to new builds that meet the new criteria after the legislation takes effect.Q: Do I still need to involve the council?A: Yes. You must notify the council before and after construction, even if you are exempt from needing formal consent.Q: Are these rules already in effect?A: Not yet. They are expected to be implemented by early 2026, pending final legislation.Q: Can I use the granny flat for short-term holiday lets like Airbnb?A: This will depend on your local district plan. Some areas may restrict short-term rentals, so it’s important to seek legal advice first.Q: What if my property is zoned rural?A: Under the proposed environmental standards, both rural and residential zones will be included—making this especially relevant in regions like Central Otago. 17 Dunmore Street, Wānaka 

News that funding has been restored for an Upper Clutha public transport business case has been welcomed by local community figures.The decision was made at Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) meeting on Wednesday May 28 to allocate $250,000 from the council's general rates to fund a business case for public transport in the Upper Clutha.Read more: ORC councillor supports public transport fundingKathy Dedo, who led the Community Link public transport shuttle trials in 2022 and 2023, told the Wānaka App she was “delighted” the funding had been reinstated.The primary goal of the shuttle trials was to gather data to support long-term planning, she said. “While we provided a short-term service, it is [ORC’s] role to develop and provide public transport and the business case is the next step toward this becoming a reality in our region.” A business case would “further investigate the need and feasibility of public transport in the Upper Clutha, and start to inform costs and the model of service [which] could eventually be offered”, she said. Community Link’s reports on the shuttle trials have been provided to ORC and should factor into the business case development, she added.A ‘definite need’ for public transport Community Link general manager Kate Murray said the organisation “definitely” sees a need for public transport here.“[T]his includes our seniors that are unable to get to the supermarket or medical appointments and the wider population that for medical reasons such as injuries or eyesight impairments are unable to drive (short term or long term) that then struggle to get around the Upper Clutha,” she said. “Alongside this we are increasingly having requests for people seeking help to get to Queenstown for medical appointments.” Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer said his wish list for public transport includes “express, peak time services between Wānaka and Hāwea, Luggate and Queenstown Airport”.  “This will reduce emissions, pressure on the Albert Town bridge and general congestion in town,” he said. Kathy Dedo, Simon Telfer, and Cherilyn Walthew. PHOTOS: Supplied/Jeannine Tuffin/Supplied“Given there won't be a bus stop on every corner the public transport system has to tie into the active travel network so residents can walk, bike or scooter to and from pick up points. “If we are really progressive we should leverage technology to make the service more 'on demand' than completely scheduled. Hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel for those who want to travel more socially, cost effectively and environmentally responsibly.”Request for ‘accessible and consistent public transport’ Hāwea Community Association (HCA) acting chair Cherilyn Walthew told the Wānaka App the HCA - a strong supporter of public transport given the area’s rate of growth - had already spoken with ORC staff to discuss the community’s needs, requesting that long-term planning for the area incorporates public transport routes, even if public transport is not immediately available.“This includes things like the Capell Avenue extension which we believe should be approached with [public transport] in mind, including future bus routes and stops, along with cycle lanes and walking paths to ensure we maximise the opportunities for people to get out of their cars and connect with public transport routes.”Cherilyn said the HCA is also keen to see “tangible links and considerations in relation to [Queenstown Lakes District Council’s/QLDC] Climate Action Plan”.“The HCA supports a highly functioning local urban township with good public transport links that meets the needs of the population. This means accessible and consistent public transport.” QLDC deputy mayor Quentin Smith, who is also a member of the Public and Active Travel Advisory Group - a joint forum of ORC and QLDC - said he was “pleasantly surprised and a little shocked” that the business case was reinstated.  “It remains uncertain if or when this could lead to a funded service but it is a step in the right direction and allows the groundwork to get done,” he said.  

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is seeking permission for the harbourmaster to use a speed restriction buoy on Lake Wānaka as a temporary mooring for runaway vessels.The council said there was a “critical need” to use the buoy as a temporary mooring because private vessels often slip their moorings.They would “aid the harbourmaster… in emergency situations to temporarily secure vessels adrift, or as immediately necessary to provide for the safety of the waterway,” QLDC said.QLDC is asking for use of the buoy near the Wānaka Marina as the temporary mooring.It is also asking to use the buoys on Lake Wakatipu - at Pigeon Island and Queenstown Bay - for the same reason.In its resource consent application QLDC said it was important to note the buoys would be used as moorings for short-term emergency purposes only and they would be “distinct from traditional moorings”.QLDC also wants to use the buoys to help make firework displays from the lake possible.It asked to use them to “secure a fireworks barge/vessel on occasion to support community events”. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wellington-based photographer Nick Netzler will return to Wānaka later this month to share an exhibition he has created following an eye-opening experience with WAI Wānaka.Nick travelled to Wānaka earlier this year as part of Creative NZ’s Pacific Arts Nature Residencies, where Pasifika photographers capture the stories of New Zealand’s rural communities, and he says he was struck by Wānaka landscape and how the community looked after the land and its resources.“This was a whole new experience for me. As someone from urban Wellington, spending time with WAI Wānaka and their community really opened my eyes,” Nick said.“I was surprised by how familiar it felt, like working with whānau. The way we came together and valued the environment felt very natural for me from a Pasifika worldview.”Nick’s residency was one of two in the 2025 pilot, and WAI Wānaka partnerships lead Michaela Blacklock said the organisation was thrilled to be involved with the debut.“This has been a fantastic initiative and opportunity for WAI Wānaka,” she said. “To have Nick spend time with the team, in action, seeing and learning what we do and documenting it visually, is exciting.”Nick said the experience was “a big learning curve seeing how hands-on and practical the work is to keep the waterways healthy and flowing”.“I was in awe of the beautiful Wānaka landscape and the community’s efforts to protect it.”Nick will be back in Wānaka on Thursday June 19 to present a digital photography exhibition and give an artist talk about what he learnt during his time with WAI Wānaka.The event will take place at the Wānaka Community Hub from 6.30pm.Light refreshments will be provided before Nick’s presentation, WAI Wānaka said.It’s free to attend but attendees are asked to RSVP - by emailing [email protected] - to keep track of numbers.PHOTO: Nick Netzler

Members of the public will get their say on a proposed organisation - independent from council - to deliver water services in this district.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) elected representatives discussed the issue at their meeting last week (Thursday May 29), and agreed - with the exception of councillor Niki Gladding - to public consultation on a proposed Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO).A WSSCO would operate as a council controlled organisation to manage and deliver drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services in the district, and to own QLDC’s current water assets and their associated debt and liabilities.Councillors raised concerns at the meeting that the costs of such a model could be much higher than estimated, and out of council’s control.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith said neither of the models proposed (a WSCCO and an in-house council model) provided “an affordable solution for water provision into the future”, despite three versions of the report having been delivered.“None of these have dealt with the fundamental problem which is affordability,” he said, adding that in ten years’ time the cost for water users in the district would “one way or another be unaffordable”.“I don’t have particular faith that a WSCCO model automatically provides better expertise or better professional governance,” he said.Mayor Glyn Lewers argued in favour of the WSCCO, saying political parties were “forcing” councils to go with a WSCCO model and eventually “a more amalgamated version across the country”.“You’d have to have your head buried in the sand to think that’s not going to occur over the long term,” he said.“In my time as mayor I’ve had to deal with the cryptosporidium outbreak, the current Shotover Plant [non-compliance], also we’re trucking waste from Hāwea, all rooted in decisions made long before any of us turned up.“It is political interference that has got us to this point and has made us pay more for water now.” Glyn said QLDC was about to spend $1.47B on capital works over the next ten years.“I’d rather have a group of professionals focus purely on that, delivering and driving a cost to the ratepayer as efficiently and as effectively as possible. I think the water [WS]CCO is the only way that can happen. As councillors we know we don’t have [the] capability to figure it all out amongst ourselves.” Councillor Barry Bruce told the Wānaka App he preferred the WSCCO model, “as it puts ‘waters operations’ on a more business-based approach and takes away political influences that have not always worked in the best long-term interests of our communities”.He was concerned about “the relatively short consultation period and the complexities of the process”, and said he had advocated for more opportunities for residents to learn about the proposed model.There will be four weeks’ consultation on the proposal, which must be considered as part of central government’s Local Water Done Well plan to address New Zealand’s water infrastructure challenges. Read more: New water model proposed for districtPHOTO: Supplied

Members of the public have been invited to have their say on a draft Climate and Biodiversity Plan (CBP) for the next three years, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance native biodiversity, and increase community resilience to climate impacts.The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) draft plan said “steady progress” had been achieved six years after QLDC declared a climate and ecological emergency - “but more needs to be done”.“The scientific evidence is clear: we must act decisively to reduce emissions, restore biodiversity, and strengthen our resilience to the changes ahead.”The plan outlines 51 key strategic actions — from rewilding and revegetating council land to predator and trapping control, wild conifer management, and cat management initiatives.Other proposed actions include implementing targeted investments to reduce the council’s greenhouse gas emissions, developing a robust climate risk assessment and reporting framework, and strengthening the resilience of the local food system.QLDC resilience and climate action manager Bill Nicoll said lessons from the current CBP have been factored into the development of the new draft.  “These include a commitment to stronger communication, storytelling and relationship building, as well as the need to continue the progress of a wide range of actions that are currently underway.”Councillors approved the draft CBP for public consultation at Thursday’s (March 29) council meeting, with mayor Glyn Lewers describing it as “a great piece of work”.Read the full CBP and have your say via the survey at Let’s Talk here.Council is also asking for feedback on a second environmentally focused plan - Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2025. Read more: Bold vision for zero wasterOnce the CBP survey closes the feedback will be taken into consideration before a final CBP is presented to council for adoption in late July.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Warbird aircraft engineers are eligible to apply for Warbirds Over Wānaka Community Trust scholarships this year, along with Warbird Pilots, as the scholarships resume and expand.Since 2016 scholarships worth a total of $40,000 have been awarded to young Warbird pilots to help them get valuable time flying historic aircraft - but they were put on pause after the airshow was cancelled in 2020 and 2022 due to Covid-19Following the successful 2024 airshow, the trust was now in a position to resume the scholarships, Warbirds Over Wānaka general manager Ed Taylor said.Read more: ‘Best Warbirds ever’“The original scholarships were restricted to pilots but we’ve now decided to increase the amount of the scholarships and expand who can apply,” he said. “This means Warbird aircraft engineers are now eligible.”Each individual scholarship will be worth up to $10,000 following each successful airshow, Ed said. The number and value of scholarships awarded will remain at the discretion of the trust scholarship team.Applications for the 2025 scholarship round will open on July 1 with application forms available now at the Warbirds over Wānaka website. Applications will close on July 31 and successful recipients will be announced in September.PHOTO: Supplied

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) released its winter outlook on Friday (May 30), predicting a warmer than average winter with above or normal rainfall for the Southern Lakes region.NIWA’s principal forecasting scientist Chris Brandolino said, while NIWA doesn’t explicitly predict snow, if it is warmer than average “it may be a bit tough to get low elevation snow events”.“The odds for a banner snow year [are] not looking ripe,” Chris said.“There’s going to be a lack of southerlies this season.”Chris said that while snow to low elevations is less likely, it may be little changed above 1,500 metres.Cardona Alpine Resort’s base elevation is 1,670 metres, the Snow Farm’s is 1,520 metres, and Treble Cone’s is 1,260 metres.Despite predicting generally warmer temperatures, Chris said the Southern Lakes will still have cold snaps and frosts but they will be less frequent. There will be a cold snap at the end of this week (June 6-9), he said.“We could see some snow - good news for you - to low elevation for the South Island.”NIWA’s forecast stated that ocean temperatures around New Zealand are unusually warm, and airflow over winter is expected to be primarily from the north, which makes it hard to find any long or persistent cold snaps in the next three months.Read more about NIWA’s winter forecast here.IMAGE: Supplied

Queenstown resident and former mayoral candidate Nik Kiddle has announced he will run for mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) later this year.Nik contested the mayoralty unsuccessfully in 2019 against incumbent Jim Boult, following his opposition to Boult’s bed tax proposal.Nik was a member of a tax equity lobby group which said the proposed levy (five to ten per cent applied to visitor accommodation in order to help fund tourism infrastructure in the region) would have disastrous consequences for accommodation providers’ profits.The former owner of Villa Del Lago now says it’s time for “big improvements” at QLDC, starting at “the top”.“New leadership is vital to rebuild a trusted well functioning team,” Nik said.“The mayor must return to forging consensus among elected representatives and opening up the council’s administration to community led views.“No more back room deals, no more selling out to drive corporate profits. Transparency and information sharing must become the new norm. Care with ratepayers’ money must dominate decision making and prioritisation must deliver first on core business.”Nik said while QLDC rates have been increasing there has been “a deterioration in the quality of life here”. “This council has got us into a great deal of trouble over sewage, transport and housing. Productivity is suffering. Neighbourhoods and the environment are suffering. All these issues need fresh leadership to drive improved outcomes.”  Nik said QLDC’s relationship with central government also needs to be improved. “We’ve got a golden opportunity now to grab new resources. But we need a leader focussed on options that exist, instead of peddling a pipe dream of new law so council can tax business turnover.“This must be our focus now without distractions over outdated complex ideas. Current leadership is mired in the past and needs to be swept aside to achieve success.” He criticised a lack of compliance with regional standards, and public transport decisions which “fail to take account of our district’s unique needs, whether it’s school buses or miles of traffic cones, traffic jams and drawn out roading ‘improvements’.”  “We can do way better. The best strategy to improve our council is to vote for change and ‘tick Nik’,” he said.Glenorchy resident and Shaping Our Future executive officer John Glover announced in April that he will contest the mayoralty. Read more: John Glover to contest mayoraltyLocal body elections will take place from September 22, 2025.PHOTO: Supplied

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has released its draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) and it is asking the community to have its say.The draft WMMP outlines a bold vision to move together towards zero waste and a circular economy, QLDC said, focusing on an approach that avoids waste altogether by changing behaviours, or manages waste and used materials better with the right tools, services, and facilities. As part of developing the draft, QLDC hosted stakeholder workshops and a public webinar in September 2024, input from which helped shape the priorities and actions outlined in the plan.   “We’ve worked with key groups in our community to shape a new direction for how we respond to the waste challenges in our district,” QLDC infrastructure committee chair and councillor Gavin Bartlett said.“Council has an important part to play in leading this work, but minimising our waste will require our community to work together, collaborating on opportunities and making change happen."  Changing the story of how our district’s waste is minimised or managed relies on working together on innovative but achievable solutions, QLDC strategy planning manager Sophie Mander said. “This WMMP is a draft, and we invite everyone to provide feedback on whether you think these are the right actions to take, together.” The plan, which outlines how the district will manage and reduce waste, is updated every six years under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.Since the 2018 plan was adopted, progress has included a new three-bin kerbside collection service, boosted public education, the introduction of community composting hubs and the annual Waste Minimisation Community Fund, and a commitment to a future kerbside organics collection.Partnerships with local organisations including Wastebusters, Sustainable Queenstown, and Wao have also been key to helping reduce waste, Sophie said.   “Progress has been made, but there’s still a long way to go,” she said. “This is a crucial opportunity for the community to help us define the next chapter.”  Find more information and to have your say on QLDC’s draft WWMP here.  PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka’s Ellesse Mote Andrews has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for services to cycling.Ellesse (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu) is a world champion cyclist and four-time Olympic medallist. She became the second New Zealander to win three medals in a single Olympic Games, and now ranks as New Zealand’s sixth most successful Olympian. Ellesse grew up in Luggate and attended Wānaka Primary School and Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC, where her mother Angela taught music) until her final two years when she attended St Peter’s in Cambridge.“It was the right move for me and my family, but I was always gutted not to be a MAC survivor of all seven years,” Ellesse told the Wānaka App.Ellesse said she loved growing up in Wānaka, where she was “exposed to so many amazing sporting opportunities and amazing people along the way”. “I also loved my creative side and have so many amazing people in the community who played a part in influencing that side of my life too. Coming back to Wānaka feels like I’m coming home - the most special memories and very special people.”Ellesse set a new world youth record at the 2017 Junior Track Cycling World Championships and was recognised with the Halberg Emerging Talent Award. She went on to win three gold medals and a silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games, and two golds and a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics. Ellesse Andrews in action. PHOTO: Cycling NZIn 2023, Ellesse became the first New Zealand female sprinter to claim a world title, winning gold at the World Championships. She was recognised as Cycling New Zealand Road and Track’s Female Track Cyclist of the Year in 2022 and 2023, and has been a top-five finalist in the High Performance Sport New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year category for three years running. “It is so special to be receiving this honour,” Ellesse told the Wānaka App this week. “But I think it’s important to acknowledge the amount of people who have influenced me in my cycling journey. I want to say thank you to all of them too as I would not be where I am today without them.”Through her role in the Athlete Leaders Group, Ellesse has been an important advocate for her teammates, and a key driver of applying tikanga Māori to Cycling New Zealand’s programme. She has given back to the community through speaking engagements, mental health awareness campaigns and voluntary roles at community events, including Cambridge’s Cycling Festival.Ellesse (centre) with her parents Angela and Jon at the World Champs in Italy, 2017. PHOTO: SuppliedSport and recreation minister Mark Mitchell said the 2025 Honours List recognises “the outstanding depth of talent, dedication, and leadership across New Zealand’s sport sector”.“My congratulations to all our sportspeople honoured this year. Your contributions continue to shape New Zealand’s sporting legacy and inspire us all,” he said.

Kāhu Youth is proud to host One Day School, a specialised programme for gifted tamariki.A gifted child is one who has the potential of exceptional performance (top 5%) compared with what other children of the same age can do. It is involuntary, they are born gifted. Performance, however brilliant, is essentially an outward manifestation of an inner reality – the distinctive way in which the gifted child perceives and responds to what he or she observes, experiences, discovers, is told or taught.Common traits of the giftedExceptional vocabulary especially in area of interestProlific reader, often of texts beyond peersUnderstands the abstractCreative solutions to problemsLoves to learn and gain informationBeyond peers in one or more curriculum areaEnjoys conversations that analyse, go deepExceptional memoryIntense emotionsCurious and questions unexpectedlyAdvanced or sophisticated humourNeeds the understanding behind the factsEnjoys discussions with adults or older childrenStrong sense of morals and justicePerseveres for lengths of time on a taskPresenter: Danielle Nicholson, teacher for One Day School and Mt Aspiring College's Kitenga.What: Tips and proven practice for parents of gifted children of any age.When: Wednesday June 11, 7-8pm and Tuesday June 17, 7-8pmWhere: Kāhu Youth Centre, Paetara Aspiring CentralThere will be time for questions and a chat after, with tea and biscuits. Supervision provided for school age children.For more info email: [email protected] or visit kahuyouth.org Photo Credit: Deanna GerlachKāhu Youth Centre, Paetara Aspiring Central