Wānaka’s alpine community is in mourning following the death of local mountain guide Thomas Vialletet and his client on Aoraki Mt Cook on Monday evening (November 24).Thomas, an IFMGA-qualified mountain guide, and his client died following a fall near the summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook at approximately 11.50pm on Monday, the NZ Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA) reported. The pair were part of a team of four, including two guides and their two clients, who were completing a grand traverse of Aoraki/Mount Cook.The other two members of the party were successfully brought down unharmed from the summit ridge.NZMGA president Anna Keeling said Thomas was a respected and valued member of the NZMGA. “[He was] an integral part of our guiding community,” she said. “NZMGA’s focus is now on those most affected, and our priority is supporting the family, including [his] partner and children, as well as our wider guiding community during this extremely difficult time.”Thomas was the co-owner of Wānaka-based guiding company Summit Explorers with his wife Danielle. The pair have two young children.Aoraki Mt Cook PHOTO: Wānaka AppWhile some national media reported that Wānaka Search and Rescue’s (SAR) Alpine Cliff Rescue team was involved in the rescue, Wānaka SAR chair Raewyn Calhaem confirmed that was not the case.“There was a misunderstanding and I believe that the helicopter came into Wānaka to collect a member of the Aoraki ACR team,” she said.“Although not part of SAR, Thomas was well known and respected with the guiding and mountaineering community in Wānaka. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”Mountain Safety Council (MSC) chief executive Mike Daisley said this time of year is the busy mountaineering season, with many climbers heading into the mountains.“Recent fine weather has drawn many mountaineers to the high alpine, with multiple guided and recreational teams summiting Aoraki/Mount Cook over the past week,” he said.“Current conditions on the mountain are considered ideal for mountaineering, with firm overnight snow conditions and well-filled glaciers following early spring snowstorms.”In December 2024, three climbers, including two guides from the United States and Canada, died while climbing Aoraki/Mt Cook. Their bodies were never recovered.“These mountaineering fatalities are a reminder of the high-consequence environment of our alpine mountains, especially our highest peak,” Mike said. “Mountaineering has very little margin for error. Even the most qualified professionals cannot eliminate all risk.”NZMGA says a formal investigation into the incident will take place in due course.“There will be an opportunity for the NZMGA to understand and share more about what happened in this tragic accident,” Anna said.Both MSC and NZMGA offered their sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, and the wider alpine and guiding community.A givealittle page has been created to support Thomas' partner, Danielle, and their two young children.

There are three new faces on the Central Lakes Trust (CLT) board following its recent election.Lake Hāwea resident Dave Currie, CNZM, Dr Chris Phoon, and Neil Gillespie have been newly elected to the board.They join re-elected trustees Kathy Dedo - who is also the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) deputy chair - and Trudi Webb.The CLT also has three appointed trustees: Linda Robertson, Kathy Grant, and Simon Flood.“We’re excited to welcome our new trustees to the board,” CLT chair Linda Robertson said.“Their fresh perspectives, combined with the experience of our re-elected and appointed trustees, will strengthen our ability to deliver on CLT’s mission.”CLT operates as a charitable trust that offers financial support for charitable initiatives with the goal of improving the lives of local residents and creating lasting positive impacts in the region.Each month it distributes grants to a range of community organisations and not-for-profits.Kathy, who said she felt incredibly privileged to be re-elected, said the mission was to “enhance assets and enrich lives”. “This means making wise investment decisions to maintain and grow our portfolio - this takes more of our time than granting does,” she told the Wānaka App. “This in turn enables us to support community groups and projects that enrich lives throughout the region.”Linda said the new board was a “fantastic team committed to supporting vibrant, resilient communities across our funding region".All three of the new trustees bring extensive leadership and governance expertise to the table, she said. Dave Currie has held prominent roles including Chef de Mission for New Zealand Olympic and Paralympic Teams, executive director of the Halberg Trust, and manager of the Black Caps. Dr Chris Phoon contributes significant governance experience through his involvement on national and international surgical committees and he is a founding member of the Mahu Whenua Traverse.Neil Gillespie, an Otago Regional Council councillor, has a wealth of local government knowledge with over 27 years’ experience on community boards and council, Linda said.The voter return percentage for the election was 20.45 percent.PHOTOS: 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

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

Wānaka author Shirley Deuchrass has learned “a lot” about the subject of her latest book: the native long-finned eel.Shirley, who has written biographies, history and fiction, said as a grandmother of 12 her latest books have focused on children.Mark and the Monster Eel is a picture book for three to seven year olds about a boy who is scared of eels because his sister tells him they will eat him.“I believe that the story is worth publishing, for two reasons,” Shirley told the Wānaka App.The book’s colourful illustrations are by MAC student Amber Leslie. IMAGE: Supplied“Because kids are scared of something and it creates an opportunity for teachers and parents to say ‘what are you scared of?’; and the other thing is we’re losing our native long finned eel in leaps and bounds.”Shirley said not enough is known about why the number of native eels is declining, but in her view there is one obvious culprit.“It certainly doesn’t help that we have two dams [Clyde and Roxburgh] in this area,” she said.She explained that the eels breed just once, at the end of their lives. The mature eels swim to the Tongan Islands to lay their eggs. When hatched, the larvae float back to New Zealand and the tiny eels (elvers) swim upriver.While eels can slither past obstacles in their quest, dams are too challenging.Mark and his Grannie. IMAGE: SuppliedContact Energy runs a native fish management programme to assist fish migration pathways - including eels. The elvers are collected and transported past the Roxburgh and Clyde Dams, before being distributed into lakes and rivers.Some mature eels are moved in the opposite direction, but most are lost to the dam turbines, Shirley said.This is the “adult story” underpinning Mark and the Monster Eel, she said, and it’s one she hopes more people will become aware of.The book is illustrated by Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) student Amber Leslie, who worked with Shirley to bring her vision into colour.“The really cool thing is I managed to get a student in her last year at college to do the art work,” Shirley said. “She’s a clever girl.”Mark and the Monster Eel book will be launched at Wānaka Library at 4pm on Wednesday November 26.

Three ‘hot lap’ experiences at Cromwell’s Highlands Motorsport Park aboard the V12-powered Aston Martin Vulcan Supercar (the only one in the Southern Hemisphere) will be up for grabs this summer, with all proceeds being donated to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.Formula 1's Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson will be at Highlands for just one day: Tuesday December 23.  Liam was the first ambassador of the Tony Quinn Foundation and recently met with a large group of Highlands members at the Singapore Grand Prix in early October.“I caught up with [Highlands CEO Josie Spillane] and TQ in Singapore and in passing said that I’d love to drive the Vulcan,” Liam said.  “Josie didn’t even let TQ respond, it was an immediate yes – and we locked in the date and the idea that we could do something special for charity then and there.“The Tony Quinn Foundation and everyone associated with it have been great friends of mine and more than just supporters so I try to support them where I can. It’s good for New Zealand and the sport so I like to help, especially when I’m home.”Josie said the opportunity for a hot lap in either the Vulcan or with a Formula One driver would normally be “near impossible but we’re thrilled to make it work and do it for a great cause”.“Tony is super generous with allowing us to use the Vulcan for charity, and we’ve raised over $250,000 to date for various New Zealand charities,” she said.“This is very personal for me. My friend Lou was just 44 years old when she lost her battle with breast cancer, and I’m so excited that we have been able to pull this together.”As a bonus, one of the three charity hot lap experiences will be claimed by a lucky winner thanks to the new Highlands GT Partner Shaw and Partners Financial Services, who will donate the money otherwise raised in the auction.  The remaining two Vulcan ride experiences with Lawson will be auctioned to the highest bidder with all proceeds going to charity.Shaw and Partners will provide the ride experience, plus flights and accommodation for the winner.  The remainder of the day will be a chance for Kiwi motorsport fans to ride with Lawson in one of the Highlands Lamborghini Fast Dash cars, with just 20 rides to be available for just $399 via the Highlands website.  Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner said the organisation was “absolutely thrilled” Liam will lend his time to help New Zealanders affected by breast cancer. “The chance to experience an exhilarating lap with Liam in a supercar is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and every dollar raised will directly support breast cancer patients through their greatest time of need. “With nine women diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand every day, we are so grateful to the teams at Highlands and Shaw and Partners for initiatives like this that can drive real change.”Enter by completing the form here, or by auctioning for a ride.

A Dutch photographer who spent 2025 in New Zealand capturing its natural beauty has launched an exhibition of her favourite photos - with all sale proceeds going back to the local community.Sterre Heijnen’s exhibition, ‘Breathe Aotearoa’, is open for viewing at the Wānaka Recreation Centre as part of the Creative Spaces Project.“Working as a travel photographer, I’ve spent the past year exploring New Zealand - going on countless beautiful hikes, discovering incredible places, and taking pictures along the way,” Sterre told the Wānaka App.“I wanted to do something meaningful with all the photos I’d taken, and creating an exhibition felt like the perfect way to share that experience. New Zealand’s nature and wildlife is so unique compared to the rest of the world, so I wanted to highlight just how special it is.”Five of the 11 photographs in the exhibition were taken around Wānaka. One of Sterre’s favourite photographs is ‘Summit Kea’, which she took at Treble Cone.“It was an extremely windy day but the views were gorgeous as always and just as I made it to the top a Kea flew over and landed right next to me,” she said. “The Kea kept flying around me and playing in the snow so I got out my camera and that’s when I captured the shot of the Kea taking off with the mountains in the background. “It was such a magical moment being all alone at the TC summit looking out over Lake Wānaka with such a beautiful and special bird flying around me.”Proceeds from all sales of Breathe Aotearoa photographs will go to the Love Wānaka Community Fund, which supports climate, conservation, and biodiversity projects in the district.“Over time, I’ve really fallen in love with Wānaka - its incredible landscapes and the sense of community that helps protect them - and I wanted to contribute to preserving the nature and supporting the people who care for it.”Visit the Breathe Aotearoa exhibition at the Wānaka Recreation Centre now or contact Sterre directly for sales here.Read more: Creative spaces project to create district-wide gallery.PHOTO: Supplied

A bidding frenzy over 10 blocks of Mainland butter helped drive Food For Love’s most successful fundraising effort yet, with a total of $64,559 raised through a sold-out gala and Bayleys Wānaka’s Plate Up For Love campaign.The butter auction alone fetched an astonishing $11,500 - believed to be a national fundraising record, surpassing the $10,000 raised from 20 pounds of Anchor-brand butter at an Auckland event in September. Food For Love volunteer Di Somerville started with a $5,000 offer, which snowballed as others in the room spontaneously pledged extra amounts from $50 to $1,000 to boost her bid.“It was such a fun, crazy moment,” Di said. “What I loved most was seeing everyone come together to give even more back to Food For Love.”Held at Edgewater Resort on Friday night (October 31) and hosted in partnership with Bayleys Wānaka, the gala raised almost $55,000 from live and silent auctions, while the Plate Up For Love campaign added another $10,000.It was “pure community magic”, general manager Jodie Stuart said. “The generosity in the room, combined with Bayleys Wānaka’s support, has been amazing.”Bayleys Wānaka branch manager Loua Boshoff said the company was proud to support a charity that makes “a tangible difference in the Upper Clutha region”.“Food For Love is a lifeline for many local families,” she said. “We’re honoured to support their work and thrilled to see the community respond with such generosity.” The evening also marked the conclusion of Bayleys’ Plate Up For Love campaign, which saw 19 local eateries donating proceeds from selected dishes throughout September.Loua announced $10,000 raised and presented awards to Federal Diner (People’s Choice) and Cardrona Hotel (largest contributor).Guests heard from celebrity chef Nadia Lim, ONZM, and mountaineer Lydia Bradey, ONZM, while local woman Cherie Sloan shared how Food For Love supported her family following her husband’s brain cancer diagnosis.“Cherie’s story reminded everyone why we do what we do. Behind every meal is a family facing a tough time,” Jodie said.Since 2016, Food For Love has grown to more than 170 volunteers, delivering over 9,000 home-cooked meals each year to Upper Clutha families in need.PHOTO: Food For Love

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