The sale of a much-loved family bach on Bremner Bay has sparked interest in the value of the property - it is one of Wānaka’s few remaining concrete block baches, with a multi-million dollar view, but for one family member the sale is mostly about memories.Long term Wānaka resident (and journalist) Marjorie Cook, who has spent many holidays at her grandparents’ bach, said its sale has sparked interest from many locals, including one of the original builders.The 2,814sqm property (on two titles) has been in the family for 60 years.In the late 1950s, the Lake County Council announced a subdivision by ballot and Marjorie’s grandparents - Horrie and Jessie Nelson - were lucky to be drawn for three section purchase rights.Prior to developing their property, the Nelson family camped on the land in tents and caravans, and along with their neighbours gradually cleared large swathes of kanuka from the front of their properties, providing clear views and access to the lake. Marjorie said the road in front at that time was just a gravel track. “The Nelsons and their neighbours had an informal agreement to set their houses back from the road frontage so all could enjoy a spacious aspect of lake and mountains, which is why the older 1960s baches and some (but not all) of the newer, modern houses are in what appears to be a reasonably straight line, considerably set back from the road.”The property at Bremner Bay. PHOTO: SuppliedThis “humble little house” - Marjorie’s phrase - was built in 1968, the culmination of milestones in the section’s development.The first construction was a small ablution block at the top of the section, to service family and friends camping on the idyllic block of land. Soon to follow was a large shed with a fireplace and a huge colonial style kitchen table - the scene of many family get-togethers.Various cabins were also dotted around the property, then the house was built in 1968 for the grand total of $8,700.Everything about the house was “carefully thought about”, Marjorie said, from the layout to the stone façade - which is distinctively different from the current vogue of stacked schist.Most of the stone was collected from the Haast River by her grandfather, Horrie.Trevor Norman, who built the house with Noel Faulks, remembers signing his name on the gib lining of the bach, somewhere near the kitchen.The ‘battleship cupboard’ housed everything you can imagine. PHOTO: Wānaka AppThe house remains mostly original - “not much change except for the carport which was turned into a third bedroom”, Marjorie said.A quirky artefact from the carport remains: a telephone cupboard built into the wall in the living room, which also opened into the carport. It meant any neighbours without a telephone could go into the Nelsons’ carport and access their telephone without having to bother them.The ‘battleship cupboard’ is another quirky 1960s feature. The behemoth has six cupboards across and, and is four drawers deep below. Anyone looking for something would be told “it’s in the cupboard”, Marjorie recalls. ‘Well, which one?” was the common reply, she said.Marjorie Cook (right) with her sister Judy on the boat that often did not go. PHOTO: SuppliedLife at the bach was all about the lake for Marjorie.“We swam and we rode our bikes,” she said.“We were always down at the beach any time of the year. We spent time in hammocks, reading books.”She produced a photograph of herself emerging from the lake in what looks like a storm - an early indicator of her future as a lake swimmer.Her grandfather owned a boat which seldom went, although the grandchildren spent a lot of time in it. Marjorie said there was great excitement whenever the boat actually roared into life.The Aubrey Road property in the mid-1960s. PHOTO: SuppliedThe property sale sparks so many memories it can be hard to talk about, she said.And while the marketing (23 and 25 Aubrey Road is being marketed by Craig Myles and George Wallis of Aspire Realty, via tender closing at 4pm November 7) focuses on the land, its remarkable location and its subdivision potential, this time Marjorie gets the last word:“I think it would be lovely if someone did want to live in the house.”

Precious Collaborative’s innovative approach to fashion has earned a $10,000 vote of confidence from Wools of Wānaka.The clothing brand blends high quality, locally made garments with a unique business model that is helping make sustainable fashion more accessible. At the heart of Precious Collaborative is a system that lets supporters fund the project in different ways: by buying a limited-edition coat, paying full or extra prices for garments, or even donating without taking anything themselves.Their contributions make it possible for other customers to access high quality garments at a reduced price, helping the brand balance sustainability with affordability.In the case of Wools of Wānaka, it made a donation without taking a garment - a decision described by owner Ann-Louise Stokes as “easy”.“I am in awe of [designer Claire O’Connell’s] passion and commitment to natural fibres and sustainable garments,” Ann-Louise said.The gift will help fund another production run of sold-out pinafores and shirts, cover operational costs, and support a shared exhibition space with Liz Mitchell, MNZM at the Christchurch A&P Show in November, Claire said.It is the latest in a series of generous contributions that surpassed Claire’s expectations.“I have now got three payments from generous supporters,” she said.“The first one [came] from a local Wānaka person who had no idea if this would work but wanted to support the concept and help me get started; the second payment was from someone who has no idea who I am and who asked, before they even received their coat, if they could pay an extra $10,000 so they paid $20,000; and the third payment was from someone who doesn't want a coat but still wants to support.”Claire said the support demonstrates that people are willing to support creative projects in many ways. “What I feel this gives Precious is the idea that there are many types of supporters of this kind of social construction out there, willing to support in many ways and for many reasons.”PHOTO: Supplied

Excitement is building as Wānaka snow sports athletes prepare to head overseas for the Northern Hemisphere season, with several already named in New Zealand teams and early selections for the 2026 Winter Olympics confirmed.Adding to the momentum, the Wānaka Snowsports Club has distributed $22,350 in grants to 27 athletes to support their training and competition goals over the next six months.Grant coordinator Bonny Teat said while New Zealand’s high-performance athletes are well supported through Snow Sports NZ, many aspiring competitors face significant costs. The annual grants aim to help bridge that gap and make overseas training more achievable.Among this year’s recipients are Freeride World Tour athlete Ben Richards, age-group freeride champions Aiden Fitzpatrick and Eva Small, alpine combined champions Isabel Watterson and Jesse Mutton, and promising ANC medal-winning freeskier Sylvia Trotter.Para alpine skier Bailley Unahi also received special consideration. Although outside the usual age criteria, she only began para skiing in her 20s and is pursuing Paralympic selection.The club raises funds through alpine events, social functions, and its annual Snowsports Gear Sale in May. Support from local businesses — including RealNZ Cardrona-Treble Cone, Mike Greer Homes, and Southern Land — plays a key role in the club’s activities and athlete development.The club will celebrate its athletes on Saturday, October 25, with a farewell BBQ and auction. The evening coincides with New Zealand alpine racer Alice Robinson’s first World Cup start of the season at Soelden.PHOTO: Supplied

Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) has celebrated the commitment and achievement of its students in the arts, service and te ao Māori.Principal Nicola Jacobsen said the awards on Thursday (October 23) reflected the breadth of opportunities available to students at the college. “We encourage our students to make the most of all aspects of college life so they can develop themselves in a supportive culture of personal growth,” she said.“The arts allow our students to develop the skills they need to tell their own stories and explore different perceptions of the world and their place in it, through music, drama, dance and visual art. “Developing a deeper understanding of te ao Māori within our learning community is one of our strategic priorities so it’s important we recognise those students who help grow te ao Māori at our school. “Our school values are all linked to the idea of service so we are proud to recognise those students who exemplify those values through giving their time, knowledge and skills in the service of others.” All recipients of the arts, service and te ao Māori awards.Arts Blues awards celebrate students’ work within the arts in co-curricular and extra-curricular contexts and/or in the community, recognising contribution, leadership and achievement in visual arts, performing arts, and entertainment technologies. Te Ao Māori Blues awards celebrate students’ commitment towards growing te ao Māori at MAC, including contribution, leadership and achievement in te ao Māori. Students awarded Service Blues are recognised for their high standard of achievement and commitment to voluntary service at the school and/or in the local community. All MAC Year 13 students participate in the Students in the Community programme, giving thousands of hours of their time as volunteers in the community. Students who give 50 - 99 hours of service receive a merit award, and students who give one hundred hours or more receive a distinction award. Nicola said MAC was grateful to the school staff, community members and organisations who generously dedicate their time to support students and provide opportunities for them to pursue their passions.PHOTOS: Supplied

Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) celebrated the commitment and achievement of its students in sport on Wednesday evening (October 22).Principal Nicola Jacobsen said the awards reflected the determination and skill of students who train and compete in their chosen sports while also fulfilling their other commitments at school. “We have more than 600 students who participate in around 26 different sports at MAC, and as a college, we attend more than 50 school sporting events each year,” she said.“That’s an amazing effort from everyone involved, including our students, our sports department, our teachers, our students’ families and whānau, and our local community and sponsors. “It’s incredible to see our students train and achieve such high standards, including at a national and international level.” Nicola said achieving at such a high level takes a particular mindset and helps create a culture of high performance across all aspects of school life. “Our aim is always to support our students’ dreams and these awards are one way we can recognise and celebrate our students’ achievements in sport.” The Bayne Family Trophy for Girls Sport Award went to Phoebe Laker (Year 12) and the Paul Campbell Trophy for Boys Sport Award went to Luke Harrold (Year 12). All the recipients of this year’s sports awards.The Team Performance of the Year award went to the MAC Year 9A netball team of Issy Asberg, Jordi Bright, Hana Carnie, Gabby Henshall, Zara Jennings, Honor Jones, Frankie Kisling, Elliot Lovelock, Sophia McClintock, and Charlotte Taylor. Sport Service Blues were awarded to students who have made a significant contribution to sport. Sport Performance Blues were awarded to students who have represented the school and their sport at the highest local level for two years, displaying a commitment to their team or club, and upholding the reputation of the school both on and off the field. Students who achieved national or international representation in their chosen sport this year were also recognised. Nicola said the school was “immensely grateful” to the school staff, community members and organisations who generously give their time to support the students in pursuing their sporting passions.PHOTOS: Supplied

Through a partnership with Community Link, a Lake Hāwea man is giving back to the region he calls home by offering free immigration consultations to those navigating the often-confusing path to staying in New Zealand.When Daniel Nimmo moved to Lake Hāwea with his wife and two young children, he was looking for the same things many others seek in the Upper Clutha, space to breathe, a sense of community, and a lifestyle that values connection over congestion.“I didn’t know what to expect when Kim from Community Link mentioned they get a few immigration enquiries,” Daniel said. “But the response has been steady, rewarding and it’s kept me busy.” Daniel’s sessions have become a quiet success story. Each week, he meets with individuals and families who are seeking clarity, reassurance, or a second opinion on their immigration process. Many are trying to confirm they’re on the right track, often following advice from a friend, employer, or HR department that may not be accurate.“The people I’ve met through Community Link have been amazing, respectful, grateful, and just genuinely lovely,” Daniel said. “They’ve come here for the same reasons we did: the outdoors, the adventure, the lifestyle. It’s been a privilege to help them.” Daniel’s own path to becoming a Licensed Immigration Adviser wasn’t planned. After 17 years in IT and corporate service delivery, he was ready for a change. A conversation with his best mate — who had a background in immigration — sparked an unexpected move. “We were bouncing ideas around and I suggested he get his immigration license again. He turned around and said, ‘I will if you will.’ So, we both did. And I love it — it’s technical, it’s people-focused, and it’s about solving real problems.”Since relocating from Auckland in 2023, Daniel has seen firsthand how misinformation can derail someone’s immigration plans, and how hard it can be to get a straight answer from official channels. “Five people at Immigration New Zealand might give you five different answers. What I offer is clarity, helping people understand their options and make informed decisions.” The consultations through Community Link are confidential and free, and while not every case can be resolved immediately, Daniel says the goal is always the same: to empower people with the right information and a clear path forward.“Immigration isn’t a quick fix — it often takes six months or more. But if I can help someone get on the right track, that’s a win. And if they need more help down the line, they know where to find me.”Daniel is available for free, confidential consultations through Community Link (03 4437799).PHOTO: Supplied

Bendigo Station owner John Perriam says he is in “the very early stages” of a proposal to set up a family medical trust, following news last week that mining company Santana Minerals had signed a binding agreement to purchase “key blocks” of the station for $55M.John told the Wānaka App “there is a lot of water to go under the bridge yet”, including Santana Minerals needing to get mining approval.“That will decide the size of our family trust,” he said.John has a personal reason for setting up a medical trust.“I have lost a lot of close friends including my late wife Heather to cancer, and life could have been much easier for them and close families if we had state of the art facilities in Central Otago,” he said.“And I have a close golfing buddy at 90-years-old who has just had to do six 12-hour round trips to Dunedin for radiation treatments.“Surely we can afford these facilities in Central Otago.”John said he was also “a strong supporter” of the Otago Rescue Helicopter Service and “would like to give more financial support”.“I would also like to see an air ambulance service established for patients and families from Central Otago,” he said.When asked for more details on the proposal, John said his thinking was still in the “very early stages”, and a family trust board would be kept “very close to our family members”.Under the deal announced last week (Thursday October 16), Santana Minerals will acquire roughly 800 hectares of the historic station, or approximately 10 percent of the farm, for mining.The proposal is still subject to Overseas Investment Office approval and the Fast Track Approvals Act process.Read more: Santana Minerals buys key Bendigo Station landJohn said last week he had come around to the idea of selling the land to Santana Minerals.“I… was determined to keep control by leasing not selling the land to Santana, but seeing the benefits the Clyde Dam has brought to Cromwell and Central Otago, and the rigorous process that new age goldmines have to go through, I have decided to stand aside and put trust into the New Zealand government process.”John said he “didn’t feel he had the right to stand in the path of” the forecast $5B in regional economic benefits.A statement from Santana Minerals said this means it now controls the ground it needs to shift from “exploration to full-scale development”.PHOTO: Supplied

The final results of the 2025 Queenstown Lakes District Council elections, confirmed at 4.12pm today (Thursday October 16), saw incumbent councillor Cody Tucker elected to represent the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward, overtaking candidate Yeverley McCarthy.Cody received 2,039 votes, securing the fourth and final seat for the ward. Nicola King led with 3,610 votes, followed by Quentin Smith on 3,394 and Niki Gladding with 2,863 votes. Yeverley was told on Saturday (October 11) that she had won a seat on council when the progress results were released. At that stage she led Cody by 122 votes with 85 percent of the vote counted.That lead narrowed to just 18 votes when the preliminary vote count was released on Monday October 13. The final result sees Cody 34 votes ahead of Yeverley and Craig Gasson.“It’s bittersweet given how it’s happened,” Cody said. “I feel quite focused … it’s made me quite sure of why I’m doing this.”The final result also confirmed John Glover as mayor, with 4,599 votes ahead of Glyn Lewers (3,244 votes), Nik Kiddle (2,108 votes), Darren Rewi (1,671 votes), Al Angus (874 votes), and Daniel Shand (125 votes).Other ward results included:Arrowtown-Kawarau (three seats): Heath Copland (1,927 votes), Melissa White (1,730 votes), and Samuel “Q” Belk (1,703 votes)Queenstown-Whakatipu (four seats): Matt Wong (2,287 votes), Gavin Bartlett (2,002 votes), Stephen Brent (1,924 votes), and Jon Mitchell (1,689 votes)Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board (four seats): Simon Telfer (3,967 votes), Kathy Dedo (3,803 votes), John Wellington (2,900 votes), and Chris Hadfield (2,235 votes)Across the district, 12,927 votes were cast, representing a 41.16 percent voter turnout. The turnout in 2022 was 43.05 percent.PHOTO: Supplied

After 14 years at the helm of New Zealand’s premier airshow - Warbirds Over Wānaka - general manager Ed Taylor has decided he has one more airshow in him before moving on.Warbirds has already advertised for a new general manager, and Ed hopes a replacement will be found in time for that new person to spend time with him in the role, including during the 2026 airshow at Wānaka Airport.Organising a biennial airshow which attracts participants and spectators from around the globe is “an interesting business”, Ed says.“You just build up and up and up, and the last three months is just full on… yeah it’s a buzz.”With such a huge outdoor event “anything can happen”, Ed said, which “can add to the excitement”.The general manager’s role is supported by “a really good team”, Ed says.He was appointed as general manager in 2012 and said his 14 years in the role have “run by pretty quickly”.“I was going to step down after the last year but I was enjoying it too much.“It's not like going to work… Previously my wife Kim and I ran the radio station, and it was a blast - I didn’t really think of that as a job either. To walk out of that and into Warbirds over Wānaka… well, I haven’t really worked.”After describing the role to the Wānaka App, Ed said “it does sound stressful”.“You learn to manage the stress levels, it’s about prioritising… There’s a lot of logistics and goodwill involved and you have a really good team around you.” No two events are the same, he said.“When I first joined the airshow I assumed they just had a blueprint and you rolled it out. But, no: Suppliers change, roads change, and so on.“You need to be a people person. One day you’re having to negotiate with aircraft owners, then with a high ranking official of the United States Airforce.”He said one of his “great thrills” is standing at the exit at the end of the event watching families leaving, “kids with bug eyes telling their parents what they’ve seen”.“You have hard core aviation fans but you need the general public to come along and you need to entertain them. When you get that it’s pretty special.”Ed chatting to ground manager Toby.One of the things Ed is most proud of is introducing the free event at the Wānaka lakefront, which attracts as many as 8,000 people.“I felt there was a slight disconnect between town and the airshow… It’s now become an integral part of our airshow. Parents can bring their kids down and not spend any money for a change.”There have been “dark times” over the past 14 years, too. “Covid was not kind to us. We were the first big event in New Zealand to cancel in 2020. Only two weeks out from the airshow. To unwind a major event like that was huge.“We lost the next airshow in 2022 because Covid wasn’t quite over. We called that one a bit earlier which was a lot less stressful. But what it meant was we were pretty much broke.”Ed said the community trust which runs the event had to rely on its funders and sponsors, who came through in spades. Locals told Ed “we won’t let the airshow fall over”, and he said one person (not even a Warbirds fan) deposited $10,000 in the trust’s bank account because they considered the event was too important for Wānaka to lose.Ed (left) looks forward to more road biking adventures with friends.“We built up to the 2024 airshow [which attracted 65,000 people] and it was huge,” Ed said.“I think Warbirds Over Wānaka has done a huge job in putting Wānaka on the map.“We’ve put a lot of money back into the community - well over $300M for the life of the airshow.”The airshow is evolving as well, Ed said, showing off new technologies and working with local groups such as Wastebusters, WAI Wānaka, and Te Kākano.Ed paid tribute to the event founder, Sir Tim Wallis, describing the team’s sadness when he died just months before the 2024 show.“We are able to do a salute to him at the airshow recognising his contribution to starting it all. I hope the show continues on forever.” Ed (70) will remain busy until the end of next year’s show, then he’s looking forward to riding his road bike and branching out into “other community things”. While he’ll “still be involved with the airshow in some way”, he is planning bike trips in Europe and closer to home - “just taking our time - it’s not a race”.“I’m sure there’ll be plenty of things to get me out there, keep me active. There are so many things you can be involved in.”He admitted to a love of drama and musical theatre and said a “back room role would be fun”. Tickets for the 2026 Warbirds Over Wānaka airshow are selling well and the event is expected to sell out again.PHOTOS: Supplied

The weekend election results delivered some shocks to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) elected members, including a new mayor and the loss of three incumbent Wānaka Ward councillors.Mayor elect John Glover said change is “urgently required in our district”.He said he would immediately begin “the process of restoring trust in council”, so residents can trust council will listen to them, “spend ratepayers’ money as if it was their own”, and “do the right thing for communities”.Specifically, he promised to review QLDC’s “financial practices” in order to minimise rates increases.Quentin Smith, the only Wānaka councillor to retain a seat, said he felt fortunate to have escaped “the apparent clear out” of councillors across the district, with only five out of 11 incumbents getting back.   “It is clear that the ratepayers sought change and I look forward to being part of a change council,” he told the Wānaka App.“It’s an exciting mix of councillors and mayor delivered by the voters and I look forward to contributing to this new look team.“I feel for the outgoing councillors. It’s a really tough gig and a fairly unceremonious departure to be voted out, their email just stops working on Monday. I appreciate and thank them for their service.” Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer told the Wānaka App he is feeling positive about the coming term with a refreshed lineup and new mayor.“We have a mayor that speaks of Wānaka as ‘we’ rather than ‘you’. That is refreshing,” he said.“Two board members [Simon and new member Kathy Dedo] secured more votes than all other candidates (bar the mayor) so that is a strong mandate for progressive and positive change and the leadership role the community board can play. “This is going to be Wānaka's term.”Simon said the board will develop a strategy of what the members want achieved in the Upper Clutha over the next three years. “Annual budgeting meetings with the QLDC finance team are already in the diary. Personally my focus will be on modernising the town centre, new sports fields on Ballantyne Road and continuing our active transport roll out.”He said he has the “energy and experience” to continue chairing the board, but “that decision will be made collectively by the team”.The new Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board comprises Simon, Kathy, John Wellington, and Chris Hadfield. The four Wānaka Ward councillors are Nicola King, Quentin Smith, Niki Gladding, and Yeverley McCarthy.PHOTOS: Supplied/Jeannine Tuffin/Wanaka App

Based on an initial ‘progress result’ John Glover has been elected as the mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).John received 3,449 votes ahead of challengers;Glyn Lewers (2,635 votes),Nik Kiddle (1,629 votes),Darren Rewi (1,236 votes),Al Angus (712 votes) and,Daniel Shand (93 votes).Glenorchy-based John strongly criticised council leadership during his campaign saying the district deserves “a council organisation that delivers competently across the board”. “I’m very humbled, it’s great the community put their trust in me,” John told the Wānaka App.John said he plans to be in the Upper Clutha monthly for public drop-ins and will be asking the community to put a group together to specifically focus on the feeling that the Upper Clutha comes out second best.“We’ve got quite a change in councillors sitting around the table with some experienced people returning. I need to balance that knowledge and continuity with some new thinking,” John said.“It’s going to be a wonderful opportunity.”In Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward incumbent councillors Barry Bruce, Lyal Cocks and Cody Tucker have all missed out with newcomer Nicola King securing the most votes.Elected:Nicola King (2,833 votes)Quentin Smith (2,722 votes)Niki Gladding (2,256 votes)Yeverley McCarthy (1,707 votes)Not elected:Cody Tucker (1,585 votes)Craig Gasson 1,573 votes)Lyal Cocks (1,396 votes)Barry Bruce (1,088 votes)Thorsk Westphal (896 votes)The Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board now has one new face - Kathy Dedo secured the second highest number of votes to secure one of the four places on the community board.Elected:Simon Telfer (3,186 votes)Kathy Dedo (3,081 votes) John Wellington (2,380 votes) Chris Hadfield (1,871 votes) Not elected:John Bache (1,612 votes)Linda Joll (1,594 votes)Elsewhere, Heath Copland, Samuel Belk, and Melissa White were elected to the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward; and Matt Wong, Gavin Bartlett, Stephen Brent, and Jon Mitchell were elected to the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward. The voter return was just 32.93 percent of eligible voters, being 10,248 votes.The progress result is based upon the counting of approximately 85 percent of the returned votes and excludes votes in transit to the processing centre and special votes. The outcome of these elections may change once all votes have been counted, with final results expected on Thursday October 16.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Freeski Big Air world champion Luca Harrington (Wānaka) has been named the 2025 Snow Sports NZ Athlete of the Year. The awards were presented at the Snow Sports NZ Annual Awards Night held in Wānaka on Friday (October 10).Luca’s standout 2024/25 season included a string of historic achievements. He became the first New Zealander to win the Freeski Big Air World Championship title and the FIS Freeski Big Air Crystal Globe. He also claimed X Games gold and silver medals in Slopestyle and Big Air, and achieved five World Cup podium finishes.These results also earned him the title of Freeskier of the Year.Other major winners included Queenstown’s Alice Robinson, who was named Alpine Ski Racer of the Year after claiming seven World Cup podiums and New Zealand’s first-ever Alpine World Championships medal - a silver in Giant Slalom at Saalbach.240 attendees celebrated the 2024/2025 snow sports awards night in Wānaka.Eight-time winner Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (Wānaka) again took out Snowboarder of the Year. Her 2024/25 season featured four World Cup podiums, an X Games gold medal in Slopestyle and bronze in Big Air, and the FIS Snowboard Slopestyle Crystal Globe - making her the first Kiwi woman to achieve the feat.Wanaka’s Adam Hall received Adaptive Athlete of the Year after finishing second overall in the FIS Para Alpine Slalom standings - his best ranking since 2009. Adam also earned two World Cup podiums in Tignes and Feldberg.Freeride Athlete of the Year went to Wānaka’s Craig Murray, who won the inaugural Natural Selection Ski event in Alaska, impressing judges with his trademark fluid, high-risk lines.The Breakthrough Athlete of the Year award was presented to snowboarder Rocco Jamieson (Wānaka) after he secured two World Cup podiums and an X Games bronze in his rookie event.Wānaka freeski coach Hamish McDougall was named Coach of the Year, while Meg Hoyland received Instructor of the Year. Marion Rolleston and Jon Wardrop shared the Masters of the Year award.Snow Sports NZ said the awards were an opportunity to “reflect back on the season that has been” and celebrate the achievements of New Zealand’s snow sports community before athletes head overseas for the Northern Hemisphere winter.PHOTOS: Ross Mackay / Snow Sports NZ

When Wānaka resident and keen tramper Paul Roy heads into the hills, he knows how quickly things can go wrong. His new podcast Search & Rescue NZ - which launches today - dives into the real-life dramas that unfold when they do.Each year, thousands of people need to be rescued from New Zealand’s backcountry. Paul, the producer of the award-winning Deer Wars podcast, retraced missions from Cascade Saddle to the Tararua Ranges, talking to those who risked their lives to save others.Listen to the Search & Rescue NZ trailer here.“I have been a tramper for over 50 years and although I have never needed it, search and rescue was always a possibility, so it was sort of on my agenda,” Paul told the Wānaka App.“And as a storyteller, either in television or radio, I was sure looking at search and rescue situations would throw up good human stories that would be very compelling as they deal with life and death situations.”Volunteer rescuers tackle extreme terrain to save lives in New Zealand’s wilderness. PHOTO: James SpeirsThe nine-part series revisits seven decades of high-stakes rescues - from early, improvised efforts to today’s co-ordinated responses by highly trained Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) teams - blending archival material, first-hand accounts and the voices of rescuers and survivors.“LandSAR personnel were very generous with their stories of rescues past, as were those who were rescued and I was able to reconstruct search and rescue operations in detail and go well beyond the usual news reports.”Paul noted the pressures confronting LandSAR teams have evolved.“I was taken back at the effects of mass tourism and social media and how many people are doing things ill-prepared and beyond their experience which in turn causes multiple call-outs for the LandSAR teams,” Paul said.Paul Roy visits a backcountry site while researching episodes for Search & Rescue NZ. PHOTO: Paul RoySix of the podcast’s episodes feature local people or locations. Paul said while he could have covered rescues anywhere in the country, the area’s geography and outdoor culture made it a fitting focus.“LandSAR in Wānaka has always had a lot of callouts,” he said. “We are surrounded by mountains, rivers, gorges with a host of outdoor sports – climbing, tramping, paragliding, kayaking – all with inherent risk.” Creating the podcast deepened Paul’s appreciation of the people who quietly risk their own lives for strangers.“The thing a lot of people, including myself, take for granted and often forget, is that almost all LandSAR personnel are volunteers. They do a lot of training and put aside their own lives to help others – sometimes at great personal risk.”He recalled former Wānaka LandSAR chairman Bill Day’s description: “LandSAR volunteers are quintessentially good bastards who get out of warm beds on stormy nights to go and look for strangers.”Search and Rescue NZ is available now on all major podcasting platforms. It will also be aired on Radio New Zealand each Sunday morning at 7am, starting this Sunday (October 12).

Just six weeks after completing the gruelling 100-mile Tarawera Ultra-Trail, Wānaka physiotherapist and endurance athlete Helene Barron faced an entirely different challenge - a diagnosis of aggressive tongue cancer.Three years on, she is inviting the community to witness her fight for survival in the documentary Onwards, which is screening at Cinema Paradiso next Tuesday (October 14).Onwards was filmed and edited by Wānaka filmmaker Ben Wallbank and it captures Helene’s journey through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.The documentary was a finalist at the 2025 Doc Edge Film Festival.The screenings will raise money for the Cancer Society’s southern division and Helene said she hopes they will also raise awareness of cancer and highlight the charity’s “amazing mahi”.“This is about supporting others navigating their own journeys, while giving back to a cause that supported me when I needed it most,” Helene said.In May 2023, Helene underwent a partial glossectomy – removal of part of her tongue – followed by six weeks of radiation therapy in Dunedin. During treatment, she stayed at Daffodil House, a Cancer Society accommodation for patients receiving treatment away from home, fondly known as ‘Cancer Camp’ by residents.“I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received from the Cancer Society during my time in Dunedin,” Helene said. “Now it’s my turn to give back.”There will be two screenings of Onwards next Tuesday, at 6.45pm and 8pm. Tickets are available via Humanitix.Anyone who is unable to attend but would like to make a donation can do so via Humanitix.PHOTO: Supplied

A prominent tourism professional and long-term Wānaka resident will take on the role of chair of the Wastebusters board. Mat Woods has been appointed the new chair of Wastebusters, it was announced by Friends of Wānaka Wastebusters (FWW) - the incorporated society which holds the shares of Wānaka Wastebusters Ltd on behalf of the community and which appoints board members. “With the upcoming retirement of our fabulous chair Sally Battson, we knew we had big shoes to fill,” FWW chair Robyn Bardas said.“As we celebrate 25-years of community enterprise and circular economy action, the Friends’ feel really fortunate to be welcoming Mat to our amazing governance team.”Read more: Wastebusters new hub plans given council green lightMat, chief executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, said he was excited to take up the new role.“Wastebusters has been leading the way to zero waste for the past 25 years, through a range of impactful activities including their famous reuse shop, their repair events, business consultancy and real recycling services,” he said.“The work it has done to accelerate behaviour change across the community in waste reduction is extraordinary. This next chapter for Wastebusters is extremely exciting, as we build on the success of the first 25 years and start to envision what Wastebusters 2.0 could look like - a bigger, better hub built for the future of the region.”FWW said retiring chair Sally Battson had been “the heart of the board since 2015”.FWW also appointed new directors Simon Millar and Erica Brooks to the Wastebusters board, and farewelled outgoing director Mike Toepfer.PHOTO: Lake Wānaka Tourism

Community Link has created a new role to tackle rising demand for its services, appointing Lindsey Schofield as relationship development manager to strengthen partnerships and ensure the organisation’s long-term sustainability.With population growth, cost-of-living pressures and reduced government support driving more people to seek help, Community Link is focused on continuing to provide vital help - from foodbank support to occupational therapy and connection events for seniors and newcomers.Read more: Food bank demand at all-time highLindsey will “focus on building Community Link’s long-term sustainability”, Community Link general manager Kate Murray said, by strengthening relationships with businesses, funders, and community organisations.Her background includes fundraising and partnership experience, and she brings an understanding of the local landscape and a proven ability to build trusted connections, Kate said.Lindsey said the role “felt like the right fit for my skills and experience”.“The organisation has such a strong ethos of care and support - helping people quickly and seamlessly,” she said. “I’m excited to be part of a team making such a positive impact every day.”Community Link operates as a one-stop support hub for the Upper Clutha, connecting individuals and families with the services they need. It delivers a broad range of programmes across the full welfare spectrum.Kate said Community Link continues to expand its services “providing vital support to families, seniors, and individuals in need”.PHOTO: Supplied

Ross Brodie flew 16 different aircraft types on his 16th birthday, Alan Butler wants to crack the big time, and Robin Kidd is an aircraft engineer on a mission. All three have been awarded scholarships as the Warbirds Over Wānaka scholarship programme returns after a six-year hiatus following the Covid-19 pandemic.Warbirds Over Wānaka general manager Ed Taylor said the scholarship panel was impressed with the high calibre of all 20 applicants, making it a tough job to select the eventual winners. “All of those who applied put forward compelling cases to back their applications,” he said.“While that makes our job harder it also shows the Warbird industry is in good shape when it comes to younger pilots and engineers coming through the ranks.”Ross is both a pilot and an aircraft engineer and is part of a family that owns and operates the airfield on Rangitata Island in Canterbury. He will be displaying at next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wānaka, showing off his aerobatic solo skills in the Tiger Moth and Chipmunk for the first time. Ross will put his $10,000 scholarship towards stepping up to flying the Harvard.Alan Butler is from Auckland where he flies as often as he can with the NZ Warbirds team at Ardmore Airport.  Fellow recipients Robin Kidd and Adam Butler. He is already type-rated in the Harvard and will be spending his $10,000 scholarship on completing advanced training with the dream of one day joining the Roaring 40s Harvard Aerobatic Display Team. The third recipient, Robin Kidd, is an Auckland-based engineer who has worked on a number of Warbird aircraft such as the iconic Spitfire. Robin will spend his $5,000 scholarship completing his remaining five papers towards becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer in the next 12 months, and the rest of the scholarship will go towards advancing his Warbird flying skills. PHOTOS: Supplied

A local yoga teacher has dedicated hours to teaching yoga and meditation to residents of a Kenyan slum, from her peaceful Hāwea Flat studio.Kate Wolfe of Dome Yoga Hāwea has been teaching yoga via Zoom to teachers at a school in Kibera - the third largest slum in the world, in Nairobi. “It’s beautiful. To share yoga with them is such a treat,” Kate said.“They’ve become like my family. The children from the school are very curious and sometimes I see them peeking in to watch the teachers practicing yoga - it’s really cute.”The Saturday sessions she has run for the past year have had an impact not only on the teachers but the wider community, she said.“Previously for us it was just work, eat and sleep,” one of Kate’s students said in an online video about the programme.“Practices like yoga and going to the gym never crossed our minds one bit… Here in Kenya practices like yoga are considered to be for the rich, that’s because they are really expensive.”“Attending Miss Kate’s sessions has really helped me personally, I feel more flexible even in doing my daily work,” she said, adding that yoga helps “in calming the body and mind”.“[Miss Kate] is an amazing instructor, very gentle with her words, and she answers all our questions.”Kate became involved through the Global One Foundation - a non-religious organisation - which runs the Kibera school and offers meditation training alongside other education programmes and the provision of meals.Kate said it was “really cool how it’s unfolding, and now we’re sharing it with the community”.This Saturday (September 27) she will be holding an open session for the whole school community in Kibera. “I taught the teachers and they taught the learners, and this Friday at 8pm we will go live and do a session for all the adults, including all the parents,” she said.Kate is also planning to undertake some fundraising yoga sessions for the school and the community over the next few months, and is looking for interested yogis to help her run these.

The Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal Negotiation Committee has appointed consultant and lobbyist Conor English as the negotiator to help steer the Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal. A Regional Deal is a 10-year agreement between central government and a region or group of regions aimed to boost economic growth through investment in local priorities like infrastructure, housing, and jobs.Conor’s appointment marks another step forward in the Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal process after participating councils officially kicked off negotiations in July by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with government ministers.Read more: Local ‘regional deal’ progresses to next stageConor, director of government relations consultancy Silvereye, is a former independent advisor to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and a former CEO of Federated Farmers New Zealand. He has experience across government and parliamentary relations, policy, agriculture, exporting, investment, technology, and smart cities.Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal negotiation committee chair Gretchen Robertson said the team was pleased to have Conor on board as negotiator.“[His] expertise will help us make the most of this opportunity and ensure we balance our growing infrastructure needs while maintaining the high-quality natural environment that we all value,” she said.“The Regional Deal is about leveraging the value created by growth, higher visitor numbers, and other potential sources of income, to enable key infrastructure investment that supports the community and visitors alike.” Queenstown Lakes District Council, Central Otago District Council, and Otago Regional Council make up ‘Otago Central Lakes’.The trio of councils lodged the Regional Deal proposal in February and was one of only three regions selected to progress from a total of 18 applications.In the coming months representatives from Otago Central Lakes will negotiate with central government around the contents of the Regional Deal, and final approval will rest with individual councils and cabinet.PHOTO: Supplied