A shake-up to local government is imminent, as the government works to introduce its Resource Management Act replacement to Parliament by Christmas.On Sunday (November 23), Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told National party members there would be a "very serious shake-up coming" to local government alongside the upcoming RMA reforms."Watch this space," he said.Luxon later told media there would be "major reform coming" and the government wanted to "radically simplify" local government, but he would leave the details to RMA reform minister Chris Bishop and local government minister Simon Watts."I'm just signalling very strongly that, and it's not a surprise in my conversations I've had with local government leaders as well, that this is a country that has so many layers of management and government that actually it's stopping us from getting things done," Luxon said."It's hard and difficult decisions, but I'm sorry, we have to keep changing the way we run the country to make it simpler and easier to get things done."Earlier this year, regional development minister and New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones told a forum there was "less and less of a justifiable purpose" for keeping regional government once the RMA reforms went through.In July, Bishop told councils to halt work on district plans until the new RMA legislation took effect.Watts has also been tasked with bringing policy options for rates caps to Cabinet by the end of the year.PHOTO: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Four Square Wānaka’s local owners Sophie and James Brears are celebrating their first year in business, and they say the past 12 months have been all about investing back into the store and the community they call home.Sophie, James and their two children Henry and Georgie outside Wānaka Four Square soon after taking over the business in 2024.The couple, whose children attend local schools, took over the shop last November and have since poured their time, energy and every spare dollar into improving the shopping experience.“We’re here working in the store every day - it's very much a labour of love, so it’s really important to us that our customers can see and feel the positive changes,” Sophie said.James serving customers at the new 'staffed' checkout.Over the past year the pair have upgraded the staffed checkout area, added self-checkouts, and installed new refrigeration to allow for an expanded product range. That includes a growing selection of Wānaka produced goods such as B.Effect beer and kombucha, Pure Icecream, Wānaka Chocolate, Venus Coffee and Red Bridge strawberries.They’ve also refreshed the food-to-go section with improved hot food and salad options, introduced locally made sushi from Sushi-Mii, and Fresh Fusion ice cream will be scooped on site throughout summer.Supporting local is a priority for Sophie and James, who continue to back groups including Wānaka Primary School, Mount Aspiring College, junior hockey, netball, rugby, the Merino Muster and Ben Suncin’s Brain Trust.Ben Suncin collecting for the Brain Injury Association in store earlier this year.Looking ahead, they plan to repaint the store’s interior and exterior (while keeping its familiar façade) and increase their involvement in local events.A photo of the Jolly family standing outside the now Wānaka Four Square when it was the General Merchants Store in 1927 is proudly displayed in the store.To mark the one-year milestone, a birthday celebration will be held on Friday, November 28. The first 100 paying customers will receive free mini doughnuts from White Rabbit and a coffee. A community BBQ will run from 3pm to 5pm, and shoppers who spend more than $30 (excludes alcohol, tobacco and Lotto) will go in the draw to win a hamper. In-store specials, including $1 deals, will run throughout the day.Come in and say hi to Sophie and James and help them celebrate their first year in business.70 Ardmore Street, WānakaOpenMonday - Friday 7.30 am till 9 pmSaturday and Sunday 8 ma till 9 pmPHOTO: Wānaka App & Supplied.

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) elected representatives will consider a wide range of items at the first full council meeting of the new term this Thursday (November 27).New mayor John Glover and councillors - a mix of new and returning faces - will make decisions on issues like freedom camping, navigation safety, and traffic and parking.A big ticket item on the agenda is the 2025/2026 capital works reforecast, the first of the financial year.QLDC staff are proposing a $35.9M (20 percent) decrease to capital cost budgets, achieved mainly through updated timing, budget reprioritisation including cost savings, and by maximising external funding. Councillors will also weigh in on the chief executive recruitment process.The current chief executive Mike Theelen is due to depart the role in February 2026 and councillors are being asked to approve the next steps in the process for his replacement.Another item on the agenda is the new traffic and parking bylaw.The process to create the new bylaw began in April and it has been through a long consultation process; a new bylaw must be adopted before the end of the year.A Wānaka-specific issue on Thursday’s agenda is about an easement over part of the Wānaka Golf Course Recreation Reserve.Councillors will decide whether or not to accept the hearing panel’s recommendations over a complicated right-of-way dispute at the edge of the golf course.Because it is the first full council meeting of the new term, councillors will also be assigned a range of community organisation and committee appointments for the term.The new elected members were sworn in in a ceremony last month. The full council meeting will take place at 1pm at the Council Chambers in Queenstown.PHOTO: Supplied

It’s the last week of November and permission has been granted for Christmas preparations to move into gear around the district.First up this week is the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Dinsosaur Park on Friday (November 28) from 6-8pm.It will be a fun family evening, where people are invited to bring picnic blankets and wear festive attire. It features a show of local talent, including school groups and the famous Singing Santa.The Wānaka Fete is next up on Saturday (November 29, 10am-4pm) at the A&P Showgrounds, offering a day of shopping from artisanal producers. Santa’s Grotto - the annual magical Christmas wonderland - will be open at the Wānaka Community Hub from Saturday. Check the Christmas section in the Wānaka App for opening times.Lake Hāwea is also offering its annual Christmas Wonderland, which will be open from Wednesday December 3 through until Sunday December 14. Tickets are required, and the display is also open to groups on request.This is also the season for markets, which start this week with Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College’s (MAC) annual year 8 sustainable market this Thursday (November 27, from 4pm-6pm), above the MAC library.Budding young entrepreneurs will launch products and services they developed during their ‘Mind Your Own Business’ social science unit, with 50 percent of all profits donated to Wānaka Search and Rescue.Next week the Aspiring Village Christmas Market will take place (Friday December 5, from 10am-1.30pm).Wānaka’s Christmas Tree will be lit up from this Friday. PHOTO: SuppliedThe market is an opportunity for locals to stock up for Christmas with art, books, ceramics, plants, Christmas cakes, food, gifts and more. Food for Love is holding a Christmas bake sale of homemade treats on Saturday December 6 at New World Wānaka, from 9am. Every Christmas cake, cookie, gingerbread house, slice, cake and treat is made by Food for Love’s volunteers to help raise funds for the charity. Anyone keen to donate home baking can email [email protected] for more information.The Gather Market will take place on Sunday December 7 from 10am-4pm at the Lake Hāwea Camp, offering the opportunity to support small-scale local businesses and shop consciously for Christmas.Also on Sunday December 7 is the Hāwea Christmas in the Park from 4pm-8pm at Peter Fraser Park.There will be fun for the kids, carol singing, wine tasting, and a visit from Santa.Find the details of festive season events - including ways to give back - in the Christmas section of the Wānaka App.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has accepted Santana Minerals Ltd’s application for the development of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project under the Fast-track Approvals Act (FTA).EPA acceptance confirms that Santana’s submission meets all lodgement requirements under the FTA, allowing the application to proceed into the assessment phase. Santana Minerals CEO Damian Spring said the acceptance is a significant step forward for the project.“We are very pleased the EPA has accepted our FTA application for processing,” he said.“This is a major procedural milestone for the project and demonstrates the strength of the work completed to date. We look forward to constructive engagement with the EPA, and other agencies as the assessment progresses.” The proposal focuses on the ‘Rise and Shine’ deposit, which has been described as the largest gold discovery in New Zealand in over four decades. Santana said the project would deliver a major boost to Central Otago’s economy - adding an average of $360M in GDP each year and supporting around 350 high-paid local jobs, with many more created through flow-on effects. “Over its life, the project is expected to generate $5.8 billion in economic value and $1.8 billion in government revenue, strengthening household incomes, local businesses, and regional prosperity across Otago,” the company claims.A visual simulation of the view from State Highway 6 of the proposed Bendigo-Ophir mine during its operation phase. IMAGE: Santana Minerals/Boffa Miskel reportLocal lobby group Sustainable Tarras is strongly opposed to the company’s plans.The group’s concerns include “the size and scale of the mine right in the heart of an Outstanding Natural Landscape, the massive tailings dam which will hold 10,000 Olympic swimming pools of toxic waste, and the extensive use and storage of large quantities of cyanide solution just upstream of the Clutha/Mata Au River,” chair Suze Keith has said.The application will now be considered to determine the makeup of an expert panel. Once a panel is convened, its decision is expected to take approximately six months. “Meantime, we remain focussed on detailed planning to place orders for long-lead items and the early works programme,” Damian said. A statement from the Santana Board said subject to a positive outcome from the FTA process, “construction of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project is expected to commence in mid-2026”.The full application is available on the Fast-track website and here.

There are currently no plans in place to clean up Wānaka’s driftwood-strewn lakefront, following last month’s heavy rain.Lake Wānaka peaked at close to its first flood alert level 279.2 metres above sea level (masl) on Friday October 24.The high lake level combined with heavy winds deposited driftwood along the foreshore and damaged sections of recently rebuilt lakeside track.“The clean-up of high-profile areas of the Wānaka lakefront closest to town will be considered further once we’ve confirmed the best and most cost-effective way to dispose of the driftwood collected,” a Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) spokesperson told the Wānaka App. The council spokesperson said the QLDC parks team has also been onsite to assess recent damage on the trail between the Wānaka Tree and Edgewater Resort.“While there’s sufficient access for the public to use the track safely, we’re planning to carry out remedial work early in the New Year,” he said.A walker navigates a section of eroded track between the Wānaka Tree and Edgewater Resort on Saturday. Earlier this year QLDC widened and reinstated sections of the Waterfall Creek Track alongside Lake Wānaka, which was washed out in November 2024. The work included large stones being manoeuvered into place on the township side of the bridge before Edgewater. The council has confirmed it is working on a temporary solution to have the Lake Wānaka jetty open this summer after it was damaged by last month’s storms.Read more: Temporary solution planned to replace damaged jettyPHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group (UCWTG) is celebrating what it calls a “landmark 2024–2025 year”, highlighting major progress in its fight against invasive conifers.UCWTG chair Rob Phillips said the group made significant on-the-ground progress, formally became a charitable trust, and completed a new 10-year strategy to steer its next phase of work.He said the group’s progress was driven by collaboration.“Our partnerships with the Otago Regional Council [ORC], Queenstown Lakes District Council [QLDC] and landowners have allowed us to undertake large-scale control operations in several high priority sites as well as working with volunteers in seven community working bees to a total of 200 hours.”Formed in 2022, the volunteer-led group focuses on controlling the fast-spreading, environmentally damaging plant in the Upper Clutha. Over the past year it carried out extensive field operations across sites including Hunter Valley, Dingleburn and Glen Dene stations, The Neck, Dinner Creek, and The Camp at Lake Hāwea, as well as Mt Aspiring, Hillend, Motatapu stations, and Stevenson’s Peninsula.UCWTG also completed helicopter surveys over Stevenson’s Peninsula, areas of Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, and the lower Cardrona and Motatapu valleys.Read more: Group makes headway in battle against wilding treesIn total, the group funded control of 7,302 wilding conifers across 689 hectares, supported by more than $195,000 in funding from ORC, QLDC, Love Wānaka, the Wanaka A&P Show, and the Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group.UCWTG’s efforts in 2024–2025 led to the removal of over 7,000 wilding trees across nearly 700 hectares.The year also saw volunteers trained in more advanced control methods, building the group’s capacity for larger operations.UCWTG says there is still major work ahead, with emerging challenges including the spread of other invasive species such as Chilean mayten.However, the group reports it is in a strong financial position, with stable funding secured through to June 2027.“As we look to the 2025–2026 year, we will focus on executing our 10-year strategy, aiming for a wilding-free Upper Clutha,” Rob said.“Our goals include controlling existing infestations, enhancing community awareness and strengthening partnerships.”The group is holding a public meeting on Tuesday December 2 at the Wānaka Presbyterian Church, Tenby St, at 7.30pm.PHOTOS: UCWTG

Red Frogs NZ is launching a school safety pilot in Central Otago this December, ahead of its 10th annual New Year’s response in Queenstown and Wānaka.The non-profit, which works alongside Queenstown Lakes District Council, police and St John, is known for its on-the-ground volunteer presence during New Year’s celebrations – particularly in youth hotspots like Wānaka and Queenstown.Each summer, thousands of teenagers – many underage and unsupervised – travel from across the South Island to mark the New Year in the Lakes District.While many enjoy the festivities safely, a significant number experience alcohol or drug-related harm.Last year, an incident involving around 300 teens took place at Wānaka’s Dinosaur Park on January 2. It occurred after the coordinated safety response had ended, and agencies have since signalled plans to boost their presence in Wānaka this New Year.Read more: Multiple assaults at Dinosaur ParkRed Frogs has supported more than 100,000 young people since its first Queenstown Lakes response. More than 1,200 individuals have received direct care – including being walked home, having emergency services contacted, or being monitored until sober.This summer, more than 60 Red Frogs volunteers from New Zealand and Australia will be based out of the Lake Wānaka Centre and the Queenstown Memorial Hall.Red Frogs NZ media spokesperson Shannon Thomson said the organisation has received new funding from Health NZ’s Alcohol Harm Prevention Community Action Fund. The funding will support the development of a school-based safety programme to be piloted in Central Otago, and then rolled out from South Canterbury south in 2026.“This is about helping communities prepare, especially parents, so they understand the local environment and how to best support teen safety over New Year,” Shannon said.PHOTO: Supplied

The government is backing community housing providers to deliver “more social homes for less cost”, a move a local provider says is “big news for the community housing sector”.The introduction of a new loan guarantee scheme will give community housing providers better access to debt financing at a lower cost and on more flexible terms from banks.Under the scheme, the Crown will guarantee 80 percent of loans provided to eligible community housing providers by participating banks.Long-running local community housing provider Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT) said this means it can refinance existing debt and fund new developments at rates that reflect stable government contracts rather than commercial risk profiles.“In the past, community housing providers faced commercial lending costs that hamper growth,” QLCHT announced this week. “This new scheme changes that equation.”QLCHT has more than 1,500 households on its waiting list.“Cheaper finance means more homes built faster,” QLCHT said. “Every percentage point saved on interest rates translates to more families housed.”“The government's new policy to support community providers recognises what we've known for years: local organisations understand local needs best.”The scheme can support up to $900M in both new lending and the refinancing of up to 50 per cent of community housing providers’ existing lending, housing minister Chris Bishop said.“It can support up to $80M in scheme loans for each community housing provider.”He said the ambition for the social housing system is a level playing field between community housing providers and Kāinga Ora. “The underlying ownership of a house – whether public or private – should be irrelevant,” he said. “What matters is the provision of warm, dry homes to those who need them, along with social support if required.”PHOTO: QLCHT

It is kārearea/NZ Falcon nesting season again, and a local group is asking for sightings of the birds to be reported.The Kārearea Project, led by Cardrona-Treble Cone, is now in its seventh year of research to understand and protect kārearea in Central Otago. Kārearea are about halfway through their nesting season, and the project is following multiple nesting pairs - but it is seeking more to help understand the local population better.Despite being an endemic species, with a high threat classification and low population density, kārearea are poorly studied, project member Tom Reeves said.“Our aim is to estimate the breeding population size and territory size, quantify nest survival rates and causes of nest failures, estimate adult survival rates, and identify management actions that benefit the conservation of this endemic raptor,” he said. “To do this effectively we need to monitor as many pairs and nests as possible.” Tom said the group is interested in any kārearea sightings, especially of pairs, nests or nesting behavior (territorial swooping, pairs returning to a similar spot again and again, fledglings).“We are also interested in any information on threats or fatalities of kārearea (predation, window strike, persecution, vehicle strike, electrocution).”  Tom said the group is interested in reports from across the district. If people observe any of these behaviours they should make a note of location (GPS/map screenshot/detailed description) and what the birds are doing and report the sighting here, email [email protected], or call on 0220203647. “Any photos are a great help too,” he said.People are advised not to approach any suspected falcon nest as this could cause nest failure or injury to themselves or the birds.

Four writers will be taking it outside this month as part of the Three Lakes Cultural Trust’s Creative Spaces project, and they are inviting locals to pick up their pens and join in.Wānaka's Laura Williamson, Queenstown's Bethany Rogers, and former Wānaka residents Liz Breslin and Annabel Wilson will be presenting 'Field Notes' on Sunday November 30 in and around the Wānaka Scout Den and Eely Point.The four will present a reading from their recent works, followed by a walking workshop, in which participants will take a short easy walk with several stops, each designed to inspire creative flow in a different way."Everyone will get the chance to start a new piece of writing, or to work on something they've already started, through a series of site-specific prompts," Laura said.Annabel said the workshop will involve a "wayfinding approach", whereby walking becomes a writer's tool, bringing together body and mind."We hope you’ll come away with some fresh ideas and connections. And there will be a chance for some kōrero and sharing of our kupu at the end."Participants should bring a pen, notebook, comfortable shoes and a desire to get inspired, Laura said.Running from November 1–30, the Creative Spaces Project is a collaboration between Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Three Lakes Cultural Trust, pairing local creativity with unexpected spaces and places across the Queenstown Lakes District. Field Notes Wānaka is supported by the Upper Clutha Community Arts Council.PHOTO: Wānaka App

As we get closer to the end of the school year, I start to think about the summer ahead and what it will be like for our young people. Many will have a summer job, some might pick up more responsibilities around the home - like looking after younger siblings - while others will be looking forward to the outdoor activities the summer brings. Navigating some of the freedoms our teenagers seek over the summer break can be tricky, and may even cause a bit of family tension. It’s not easy hearing, ‘You’re the only parent who says no!’, or ‘You’re just so unfair!’ (often with a few other choice words thrown into the mix). Coming back to your family values and age-appropriate expectations - with the law as a helpful guide - can make these conversations easier. These discussions often touch on staying out later, alcohol use, and other potentially risky situations. Local community organisation Path Wānaka connects parents, whānau and caregivers to the tools, knowledge and skills necessary to support young people through their teenage years. Path’s ‘Safe Summer in Wānaka’ information can be found on their website where you’ll also find other valuable resources and support services for parents, whānau and young people. Tips for parents and whānau Know who your teenager is spending time with and where they plan to be.Connect with other parents if your teen is staying overnight elsewhere. Create a safe exit plan. Agree on a code word your child can text if they need an excuse to leave a situation that feels uncomfortable. You can then call and ‘need’ to pick them up - a simple way for your teen to exit safely while maintaining their mana. There are so many ways to make the most of the incredible environment we live in. Spending time with the young people in our lives can be as simple as a walk down the Outlet Track, a visit to a pump track, or cooking and gardening together - small moments that build skills and connection. With a bit of planning and by staying connected, we can make sure this summer is safe, positive, and enjoyable for everyone.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is working on a temporary solution to have the Lake Wānaka jetty open this summer.The jetty was damaged in the severe weather in late November and signs currently warn lakegoers not to use the jetty, which is partially submerged. A QLDC spokesperson said the council had accessed the jetty and conducted an inspection, but was tight-lipped about its condition about whether it is likely to be repaired or replaced long-term.Council staff are working through a “comprehensive analysis and evaluation of all the options”, the spokesperson said.“Once finalised [council staff] will submit a report to the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board for review as we seek direction on the best course of action.”Concepts for a new, reimagined jetty were shared by RMM Landscape Architects earlier this year, which deputy mayor Quentin Smith said at the time he would “welcome and encourage”.Read more: Creative designs for ‘long overdue’ new jettyThe spokesperson said the options for the jetty’s future would be made public at the community board meeting in February.They confirmed the council hopes to have a short-term fix in place so the popular lakefront jetty can be used during the warmer months.“We’re currently working on an interim solution to keep the wharf open and accessible to locals and visitors over summer.”PHOTO: Wānaka App

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has received two abatement notices from Otago Regional Council (ORC) after it breached its consent at Wānaka’s Project Pure wastewater treatment plant.The situation is “disappointing” but QLDC is cooperating fully with the ORC, QLDC general manager property and infrastructure Tony Avery said.“Our teams are committed to ensuring the operation returns to full compliance as quickly as possible,” he said. Earlier this week QLDC said performance issues at the Wānaka plant during upgrade works had led to ponding in disposal fields, surface run-off and nitrogen levels exceeding consent limits.Read more: Wastewater problems strike Wānaka’s Project PureQLDC had been upgrading one of its reactors when higher flows from winter school holidays and heavy rain events placed strain on the facility’s biological treatment process“With the recent upgrade work now complete, and all three reactors operating as expected, we’re already seeing material improvements in the treated wastewater quality,” Tony said. “We will continue to keep the community informed while we work through these issues.”PHOTO: Supplied

Tributes have been flowing for long-time Wānaka GP Dr Dennis Pezaro, who died on Sunday (November 16), aged 83.Described by his family as a “devoted country GP for 60 years”, Dennis has been remembered by locals as a welcoming doctor who offered wisdom along with health care.In a speech he gave in 2014, Dennis said he believed “that everyone I met had something in their life, of great worth, to be respected, treasured, enjoyed, and that the healthcare interaction was to facilitate this core of their being, whether with laughter or tears, medicines or hugs, tea or whisky”. Dennis moved to Wānaka, with his wife Olwyn, in 1973 as the town’s only GP, working initially in cooperation with the practice and hospital in Cromwell.His practice grew quickly.“He worked six days a week and on the seventh day he worked as well,” a long term friend of the Pezaros told the Wānaka App.Dennis was “on every committee”, they said.He became very involved in Wānaka life and community projects, including the development of Treble Cone and Cardrona skifields.Wānaka Medical Centre supplied all the early medical services on the skifields and the GPs were granted early recognition as partial radiologists to take x-rays.Dennis has said they “developed significant experience and some expertise in acute trauma”. “On the worst weekend before wrist guards were invented we set 20 broken wrists and my own experience is of reducing about 80 dislocated shoulders and about eight dislocated hips.”Dennis joined the executive team of the NZ Medical Association in 1992 and was chair from 1995-6.He is survived by Olwyn, and his family Sarah and Andrew, Avi, and Kit; Carmel; Daniel and Carolyn, Zac and Aria.A memorial service will take place in the New Year.Note: Some information has been provided by Upper Clutha resident historian Ken Allan from notes of a speech Dennis gave in 2014.PHOTO: Supplied

More families are settling into new Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT) homes in Lake Hāwea’s Longview subdivision as the not-for-profit trust reports steady progress on its largest Upper Clutha development to date.QLCHT provides affordable housing for low-to-middle income earners in the district, made possible when it receives land from developers through a contribution process with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC). QLCHT has received all 58 sections from Longview developer Universal Developments - whose subdivision was approved under Special Housing Area legislation - and more than half have now been built on and are home to singles, couples, and whānau.“Thirty-three homes are complete and allocated under our various programmes with a further 12 currently under construction,” QLCHT chief executive Julie Scott told the Wānaka App. Earlier this week QLCHT said it had a couple of extra properties in Longview which will be ready by February or March next year, and encouraged interested parties to register.They include two-bedroom homes for $430,000 and three-bedroom homes for $485,000 under the trust’s Secure Home programme, which is based on a leasehold ownership tenure.Demand for QLCHT homes is generally very strong because the trust offers a range of housing programmes priced well below the open market, Julie said.More affordable QLCHT homes are in the pipeline at Longview.“The balance, 13 sections, are currently in the design phase with construction expected to commence early 2026,” Julie said.She said the trust was grateful to Universal Developments for the land and to QLDC for facilitating the process.The Longview builds sit alongside a range of housing projects QLCHT has underway across the Queenstown Lakes district.Read more: Family ‘stoked’ with home ownershipPHOTO: Wānaka App

Academy Award–nominated producer Chelsea Winstanley, ONZM, will visit Wānaka next month for a special screening of TOITŪ: Visual Sovereignty and an in-person Q&A. Her appearance is one of the headline moments in Te Atamira’s new ‘Wahine in Film’ weekend programme, which brings a series of screenings and artist talks to Queenstown and Wānaka on December 6 and 7.Chelsea is the first Indigenous female producer nominated for an Academy Award and a producer of the Oscar-winning film Jojo Rabbit.TOITŪ: Visual Sovereignty is her debut directorial feature and goes behind the scenes of the largest Māori art exhibition in Aotearoa’s history, tracking Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art’s record-breaking success as well as the tensions that emerged.The ‘Wahine in Film’ weekend will bring TOITŪ to Wānaka. Te Atamira director Ruth Heath, who recently marked three months in the role, said bringing the screening and Q&A over the hill is a significant and exciting step. “I am thrilled to bring such acclaimed wāhine to our region,” Ruth said. “It is particularly special to welcome Chelsea Winstanley - an artist of international standing whose work continues to amplify Indigenous voices. “Our partnership with Cinema Paradiso is also an exciting first for Te Atamira as we broaden our reach to Wānaka.“I know we have an engaged audience here who love the arts.”The Wānaka screening is part of a wider weekend of kōrero, artist talks, and films featuring Dame Gaylene Preston, Dame Robin White, and Julia Holden hosted by Te Atamira, Queenstown's arts and culture centre.The TOITŪ: Visual Sovereignty film screening and Q&A with director Chelsea WinstanleyWill take place on Sunday December 7 at 2pm at Cinema Paradiso ($21).Learn more about this and other upcoming Te Atamira events here.PHOTOS: Supplied

A group of First Foundation scholars are in Wānaka this week learning what sustainability looks like when it’s lived, not just talked about.The scholars — part of the nationwide four-year First Foundation programme — are spending the week working alongside Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, gaining hands-on experience in native regeneration and community-led conservation.They will also visit Treespace, and Contact Energy’s Clyde site, where they’ll see renewable energy generation in action and learn how large-scale infrastructure plays a role in the country’s sustainable future.First Foundation CEO Kirk Sargent said the trip is part of the foundation’s effort to reduce its carbon footprint while continuing to deliver its work across the country. “We can’t remove travel from what we do, but we can take responsibility for it,” he said.“Supporting a project like the Wānaka Catchment Group through Trees That Count means our offset has a real, local impact.”This year the foundation has directed its Trees That Count donation to the Wānaka Catchment Group’s Wai Ora Project, a local initiative focused on improving water quality and biodiversity through riparian planting, fencing, and farm-based restoration. The Wai Ora Project has already planted 52,000 natives, installed 22 kilometres of riparian fencing, and protected 94 hectares of land from stock.The project has also connected farmers, environmental groups, and schools around shared goals for freshwater health. “Working with groups like Te Kākano, Treespace and Contact Energy helps our scholars understand kaitiakitanga in action,” Kirk said.“They’re seeing how local action and large-scale industry both play a role in New Zealand’s sustainability story.” The foundation’s core mission is breaking down barriers to tertiary education for talented young New Zealanders from low-income backgrounds. Each scholar receives financial assistance, a dedicated mentor, and exposure to the world of work. This week, that “world of work” includes planting, learning about renewable energy, and connecting with community leaders who are shaping a sustainable future, Kirk said.PHOTO: Te Kākano 

Wānaka’s Sam Harper (17) achieved a rare feat on Saturday (November 15) at the Luggate Cricket Ground, scoring a double century (233 runs) and taking five wickets for the Wānaka Cricket Club in its win against Queenstown Coronet.Sam’s 233 (not out) came off just 126 balls and his bowling conceded just one run finishing with figures of five for one.“It [batting] felt good and I was definitely seeing the ball well,” Sam said. “I was pretty happy with it.”Sam said it was the first time this season he’d been asked to bowl, being called on when Queenstown were cruising in its run chase. Despite his “tired legs”, Sam’s bowling stint, in partnership with team mate Will Anderson (4/11), changed the match resulting in a 180 run win.Sam scored 121 for Otago against Auckland at the national under 17 tournament earlier this year.Team mate Jono Homer, who batted with Sam for much of his innings on Saturday, said it was a pleasure to watch.“He was playing all the shots and when someone's in that form you don’t want to stop them facing,” Jono said.“It was pretty noticeable in preseason just the way he [Sam] was hitting the ball - it was just a different sound to everyone else batting.”In just three matches this season Sam has scored a 70 ball hundred and a 19 ball fifty to go with his double century.In a post on social media the Wānaka Cricket Club said that “to have a game like that at any age is almost unthinkable, let alone for a 17 year old”.Earlier this year Sam captained the Otago U17 cricket team at the national tournament where he was one of the top five batters at the tournament scoring a century against tournament winners Auckland.PHOTOS: Supplied