Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) celebrated the service and achievement of its senior students at its 2024 Senior Awards ceremony on Wednesday night (October 30).Josh Moody was named Dux for academic excellence of the highest order, Amy Benson was named Proxime Accessit for academic excellence, and Tom Sides was named Best All-Round Student. Also announced at the event were the college’s new head students for 2025: Ania-Kanu Saklani, Charlie Roy, Ryan Enoka, and Lucy Radford. MAC principal Nicola Jacobsen said the awards also recognised student achievement across a range of disciplines. “We pride ourselves on being a place for all students to grow and be proud of who they are, and encourage our students to not only make the most of the curriculum opportunities available, but to get involved in all aspects of school life,” she said.“We want every MAC graduate to leave our school equipped with the skills and self-knowledge they need to contribute to the common good and flourish in a complex world.”MAC Proxime Accessit for 2024 Amy BensonShe said MAC students’ academic results were “well above” the national average, and the school places strong emphasis on values.“Observing our senior cohort of 2024, I feel very confident our students will go on to make a positive contribution to our society,” she said.The ceremony included performances from the college leavers’ band, the classical group, the jazz combo, the college choir, Angelo Dale performing ‘Crazy’ by Gnarls Barkley, an original song ‘Shapes’ performed by Bryne Bloxham, Otis Murphy and Calum Martineau, and a haka pōwhiri performed by Te Mākahi o Tititea (MAC’s kapa haka group). 2024 Best All Round Student 2024 Tom Sides with MAC Principal Nicola Jacobsen.See the full list of awards recipients below.Academic awardsYear 11 Highest achievement: Noah Moody (mathematics, history, economics and business), Bede Laming (agriculture and woodwork), Francesca Peters (English, geography, event and entertainment technologies), Tommy Cotter (music and level 2 calculus), Denali Emmitt (level 2 statistics), Jack Sides (level 2 physics), Nico Pettit (te reo Māori), Ethan Highsted (science), Georgia Davies (art design), Sophia Menlove (outdoor pursuits), Zoe Gumpatzes (art painting and photography), Phoebe Laker (Spanish), Sam Harper (physical education), Quinn Bailey (computer studies), Millie Slaven (spatial product and design), Laila Wray (food and nutrition), Ashley Beaton (mechanical engineering), Susannah West (drama).High achievement: Jack Sides (level 2 calculus and economics and business), Mikayla Botting (English, drama and level 2 physics), Rhian Telfer, Madi Lovelock (economics and business), Jack Stanley (mechanical engineering), Ruby Smith, Kaitlyn Tooley, Maja Griffith-Jones (English), Dani Maguire, Sam Harper, Zoe Gumpatzes, Kasey Brooks (mathematics), Denali Emmitt, Alianna Hay, Caroline Smith (science), Nico Pettit (maths and science), Susannah West (science and English), Phoebe Laker (physical education), Tommy Cotter (computer studies), Tasmin Murphy, Dougal McConnell (outdoor pursuits).Year 12Highest achievement: Dan McKean (computer studies), Archie Bruce (English), Lachlan Hay (outdoor pursuits and physical education), Grace Thomas (geography and history), Lucy Liddell (chemistry and food and nutrition), Cody Brett (woodwork), Amber Leslie (art painting), Ania-Kanu Saklani (Spanish), Dorothy Anderson (financial capability), Elizabeth Pell (economics), Jessie McNeil (event and entertainment technologies), Max Bretherton (mathematics and statistics), Sam Wilson (music technology), Will Blyth (business), Alex Coupland (psychology), Ayla Howard (photography), Chloe Field (tourism), Monty Brown (gateway), Ryan Enoka (te reo Māori), Sophia Lyon (art design), Chloe Murray (music), Rebecca Blanc (agriculture), Amelia Latchford (biology), George Allwood (mechanical engineering), Mia Waite (drama) Joseph Combe (spatial and product design).High achievement: Ryan Stembridge (psychology and English), Lucy Liddell (biology and English), Dan McKean (level 3 calculus), Lucy Johns, Axel Macdougall, Douglas Wise (English), Cody Brett (outdoor pursuits), Aria Winter, Cholula Brown (mathematics and statistics), Barnes Metcalfe (physics), Midori Osnabrugge (chemistry).Year 13Highest Achievement: Elsa Buckley (chemistry, physics and academic English), Josh Moody (biology and psychology), Ruby Ives (agribusiness and food and nutrition), Will Anderson (gateway and financial capability), Katie Lawrence (statistics and outdoor pursuits), Sophie Walsh (visual art painting), Oisin Corbett (spatial and product design), Alexis-Sofia Harvey-Wills (economics), Daniel Clark (pathways), Anton Jones (computing), Eva Gilbertson (mathematics and statistics), Otis Murphy (music), Suki Leigh (drama), Mackenzie Hall (event and entertainment technologies), Emily Lovelock (English), Aryenyo Emasu (visual art photography), Hamish Tye (visual art design), Ollie Baldwin (business and enterprise), Sacha Swanson (te reo Māori), Tai Treadwell-Burke (calculus), Tom Sides (history), Hunter Tuck (woodwork), Anna Worsley (materials technology), Annie Wells (Spanish), Taylah Jones (tourism), Lulu Pettit (geography).High achievement: Jodie Wellwood (physics and biology), Hunter Webb, Annie Wells (English), Amber Robinson (geography), Matthew Botting (physical education), Oisin Corbett (psychology), Alexis-Sofia Harvey-Wills (business and enterprise), Ollie Mann, Sean Byres (outdoor pursuits), Emily Schmidt (mathematics and statistics), Elsa Buckley (biology), Tai Treadwell-Burke (chemistry), Tom Sides (academic English).Special Academic Awards: Tommy Cotter, Dan McKean (science and technology scholarships), Tom Sides (history), Josh Moody (mathematics scholarship), Alyssa Fellingham (outdoor pursuits scholarship), Oscar Leigh, George Allwood, Anna Worsley (effort in workshop), Cody Brett (woodcraft workmanship).National achievements: Olive Sinclair, Olivia-mae Stanley (dance), Noah Burrows (surf rescue), Sophie Fountain (equestrian), Sylvia Trotter (skiing), Nico Pettit (biathlon), Phoebe Laker, Amaya East, Cody Armstrong, Millie East, Matthew Botting (athletics), Lily Wilson (2025 St John National cadet).International achievements: Grace Thomas, Hannah Thomas (dance), Heidi Kendrick (equestrian), Angus Smith, Sophie Smith (rodeo), Josh Moody (triathlon), Fin Melville Ives, Luke Harrold (skiing) Carter Guichard (road cycling), Baxter Pollard (biathlon), Cam Melville Ives (snowboarding).Premier sports awards: Millie East (girls’ sports), Tom Sides (boys’ sports).Service awards: Ben Pell, Zoe Raffills, Neve Brugman, Tom Sides, Lulu Pettit, Aryenyo Emasu, Nicole Power, Caspar Waddington, Jessica Gould, Vida Osborne, Kyan Prince, Tane Haines, Ben McMurray, Jodie Wellwood, Kate Ritchie, Sophie Walsh, Evie Pendlebury, Josh Moody, Abbey Ragg, Annika Massey, Isabella Noble-Kirkbride, Ella Sarginson, Ruby Ives, Emily McCarthy, Lola Underwood-Vize, Lily Wilson, Alexis-Sofia Harvey-Wills, Lottie Hunt, Will Anderson, Zavier Taylor, Eben McCamish (students in the community with distinction), Alexis-Sofia Harvey-Wills (students in the community – special recognition), Alexis-Sofia Harvey-Wills, Zoe Raffills, Sacha Swanson, Josh Moody (house spirit), Lulu Pettit (special recognition - sustainability), Jodie Wellwood, Katie Lawrence (whole-hearted contribution), Zavier Taylor, Daisy Sanders, Alexis-Sofia Harvey-Wills, Ella Sarginson (special recognition), Ruby Ives (student council recognition).Duke of Edinburgh International Awards: Dani Maguire, Ruby Ives, Jazz Gillespie, Phoebe Gillespie, Ania-Kanu Saklani, Lili Kaler, Ella Asberg, Zoe Gumpatzes (bronze), Chloe Murray, Katie Lawrence, Lola Ritchie, Olive Sedon, Ruby Smith, Tom Sides, Zavier Taylor (silver), Amy Benson, Lucy Radford, Lulu Pettit, Anton Jones (gold).Cultural awards: Rāhana Brett (te ūkaipō), Sacha Swanson (te korowai o te mātauranga).Arts awards: Otis Murphy (wholehearted contribution to the arts).External scholarships: Abbey Ragg, Alexis-Sofia Harvey-Wills, Amber Robinson, Amy Benson, Annie Wells, Annika Massey, Anton Jones, Aryenyo Emasu, Baxter Pollard, Ben McMurray, Coco Bentley, Daisy Sanders, Ella Sarginson, Elsa Buckley, Eva Gilbertson, Freya Hawker, Hugo Corin, Hugo Sinclair, Hunter Webb, Isabelle van der Wilt, Isla Hearley, Josh Moody, Katie Lawrence, Kyla Go, Lena Pollard, Lewis Turner, Lily Wilson, Lucy Laker, Millie East, Neve Brugman, Nicole Power, Renee Cunningham, Ruby Ives, Sacha Swanson, Sophie Walsh, Tai Treadwell-Burke, Tom Sides, Vida Osborne, Zavier Taylor, Zoe Laws.Scholarships: Lily Wilson (medical), Otis Murphy (music), Lottie Hunt (law), Ollie Baldwin (art), Beau Gordon, Kyle Millar, Will Anderson, (vocational), Ania-Kanu Saklani, Tyler Gawn (leadership), Zavier Taylor, Kate Watson, Ben McMurray, Tai Treadwell-Burke (leadership and role model), Lily Wilson (polytechnic and medical).Premier awards: Josh Moody (dux), Amy Benson (proxime accessit), Lucy Radford, Nico Pettit, Ryan Enoka, Toby Mills, Amy Benson, Josh Moody (best all-round students), Tom Sides (best all-round student overall).PHOTOS: MAC

A photographic artist from Wānaka has won two awards at the prestigious New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year Awards 2024.Richard Young was the winner in two major categories at this year’s awards: the landscape category and the wildlife category.“This is my first time entering the competition in several years, so it's particularly rewarding to have my work recognised,” Richard said. The landscape category winner catches a local scene: leaves falling from poplar trees next to the Clutha/Mata-Au River on a misty autumn morning.Richard said he has photographed the same patch of woodland every autumn since 2017.“The concept for this photograph arose from knowing these trees and developing my expression of them. It forms part of a larger body of work called ‘Metaphor’ which explores my relationship to trees within the landscape.”A photograph of two emperor penguins leaping out of a hole at the edge of an ice pack earned Richard his second award at the competition.Emperor penguins burst from a hole in an ice pack in Antarctica in Richard’s second winning photograph.He captured the scene at the McMurdo Sound in Antarctica after hours of observation.Richard’s landscape-focused work has won awards in numerous international competitions, including Best Landscape at the Banff Mountain Photography Competition in 2010, and his work has been widely exhibited across New Zealand, Canada, America and England.He is a full-time nature and landscape photographer and the founder of New Zealand Photography Workshops, which provides photography workshops, courses and tours.New Zealand Geographic said there were more than 6,000 entries in this year’s competition, and “33 deserving winners”.The winning photographs are on display in Britomart in Auckland until the end of November and they will be published in the November/December issue of New Zealand Geographic Magazine. PHOTOS: Richard Young

Year 12 Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) student Harrison Eastwood has been selected as the first-ever recipient of the Kurano Music Event Grant.Established this year by 24-year-old multi-award-winning musician Rakuto Kurano, the grant offers a unique opportunity for a MAC student to plan and present their own music event, supported by $400 in funding and mentoring by Rakuto.Rakuto visits Wānaka frequently as the artist-in-residence at the Aspiring Lifestyle Village and as artistic director of the Magic Carpet Music Trust, a charitable trust he co-founded with local music patron Lyn Milne, MNZM.Read more: Opening up the world of music: Lyn Milne, MNZMHarrison said the grant was an awesome opportunity and he was excited to see how his chosen event would play out.“My event will feature the band I am in, ‘Superficial', and we plan to play a small ticketed concert at Rhyme x Reason Brewery,” he said."We think it will be a really fun way to put our band out into the Wānaka community, and we plan on having another band support us and play some tunes too.” Harrison said the music course at MAC had helped him rekindle his passion for music and the arts. “Having access to all of the equipment and connections I need to jumpstart myself into the world of music is super cool. Since I began taking music at MAC, I have started practising all of the instruments I love, finding new music, and making new friends. “I'm thinking about pursuing something in the music industry in the future and I definitely give MAC a lot of credit for that, especially the never-ending support of our head of music Mr Doyle.”Rakuto Kurano PHOTO: Heather Joy MilneThis year’s grant selection committee included Kurano, Lyn Milne, and Taylor Williams (Karen Walker International general manager retail and sales). Rakuto developed an interest in event management during his first year at the University of Canterbury, when he realised that musicians can’t simply focus on practising their instruments and wait for opportunities to come their way.“With this in mind, I took the initiative to organise my own events and concert tours and it’s the reason I have established the grant,” he said.The grant is part of a trio of music awards he has launched this year to encourage musical talent at MAC.The others (the Kurano Composition Award and Kurano Musical Performance Award) recognise exceptional skills in composition and performance respectively.

Eighteen-year-old Lily Wilson has been selected as Hato Hone St John’s National Cadet for 2025.Lily was one of six St John Youth who were shortlisted for the role and during the school holidays she travelled to Christchurch for a presentation and interview.Being selected was “pretty exciting”, Lily told the Wānaka App.She said the role will involve ”being the voice of the young people in our youth programme across New Zealand”.“I will be heading to a variety of events to represent youth and meet youth at the same time,” she said.St John Wānaka cadet and Wānaka Primary School student Riley Syben competing at the St John South Island Regional Youth Competitions.Lily is currently the South Island Cadet for 2024. She was the first person from the Wānaka branch to receive the honour, and she is the first person from Wānaka to be selected as the national cadet.She is in her final year of high school this year and next year she will fit in her national cadet duties around studying nursing at the University of Otago.Lily has been involved with St John since she was six-years-old; she said her experiences in St John have inspired her to study nursing. She sees herself continuing to be involved with St John.Wānaka cadets with their awards following the St John South Island Regional Youth Competitions.Lily’s selection as national cadet was one of a number of achievements by Wānaka’s St John Youth over the school holidays.A six-person contingent attended St John South Island Regional Youth Competitions (showing their skills in areas like first aid trauma, drill and healthcare) and returned with great results.Lily, as well as other Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College students Daisy Speak, Tenki Watanabe, Caleb Cotton-Everitt and Blake Cotton-Everitt, and Wānaka Primary School student Riley Syben, took part.Daisy and Riley placed in nearly every event and took out second overall; Tenki and Caleb competed against each other, with Tenki achieving third overall and Caleb second; and Blake and Lily took out first place in their competition.Riley was also awarded the novice award, given to a cadet competing for the first time who amplifies the values of St John.  Learn more about St John youth programmes here.PHOTOS: Supplied

Following an “enormous” number of applications for the role of principal of Wānaka Primary School (WPS), the school board has announced the successful applicant.Rob Rush, who is currently principal at Clearview Primary in Rolleston (near Christchurch), will begin at Wānaka Primary in the new year.Long-serving principal Wendy Bamford will retire at the end of this year.WPS board chair Brendan Hearle said the number of applicants for Wendy’s role has been “double the normal response rate in New Zealand”.  Rob has more than 20 years’ experience in education.“We had applicants from all over New Zealand and overseas which is testament to the hard work that all of the teaching staff and management have put into this school, hence making it known as one of the best schools in New Zealand,” he said.Rob comes with a wealth of experience with over two decades in the education sector in New Zealand, Brendan said.“Rob has both been a teacher and principal of several schools in both the North and South Island and is a keen mountain biker and multisport athlete so will fit in well to our community,” he said.“The Board would like to formally welcome Rob to the Wānaka community and we look forward to working with him from 2025 onwards.”PHOTOS: Supplied

Wānaka author Kate Gordon-Smith has tapped into everything she loves about dogs and children’s adventure stories when creating the second book in her Red Collie Mysteries series for young readers aged seven to ten. Maddison McQueen and the Disappearing Dogs continues the adventures of ten-year-old Maddie and her red-and-white Border Collie, Ruby, who readers met in the first Red Collie Mystery, Maddison McQueen and the Cupcake Mystery, which was released earlier this year.In the new book, Kate continues with the Wānaka setting, fast pace, and short chapters of the first book but delves into a more complex mystery when Maddie’s best friend’s puppies are stolen. “The feedback I’ve had about the first Red Collie Mystery has been enormously encouraging,” Kate said.“There’s nothing better for an author to hear that readers really enjoyed their book and are keen to read the next story in the series.” Among the reviews for Maddison McQueen and the Cupcake Mystery, Leila Austin writing for The Sapling said: “Sure, this book might be cute and sweet, but it’s not at all shallow. Gordon-Smith has done an artful job of writing a rip-roaring plot but sneaking in all kinds of thoughtful details that give her world a rare depth for a junior fiction series.”“Writing the Red Collie Mysteries has been so much fun and my own red-and-white collie, Kenzie, makes me laugh and gives me ideas for the books all the time," Kate said. "Maddie’s fictional dog is a mix of Kenzie and our first much-loved Border Collie, Ruby, who was very smart and not nearly as goofy and noisy as Kenzie." Kate is working on the next two books in the series, both of which she intends to release next year.Kate's books are available at Paper Plus Wānaka.

Three local organisations have teamed up to bring neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis to Wānaka to talk about parenting teenagers.Nathan, who has a background in child counselling, teaching and social service management will present ‘The Teen Brain’ on Monday October 14 at the Lake Wānaka Centre.During adolescence, parts of the teenage brain “shut for renovations”, Nathan says.He will present research-based tips and practices to help enhance parents, caregivers and teenagers cope with this “tricky time”.‘The Teen Brain’ is being facilitated by Path Wānaka (formerly Wānaka Alcohol Group), Community LINK and Central Otago REAP after a handful of locals secured the date.“The three organisations jumped in to make this happen as we are well aware of Nathan’s credentials,” Central Otago REAP education lead (schools and ECE) Julie Musumeci said.She said the local community was very lucky to have someone of Nathan’s calibre and experience here for the second time.Attendees can be “completely comfortable and confident” that any tips or advice they receive is the right, evidence-based information, Julie said.Anyone with children or whānau in their pre-teen or teen years will benefit from the talk, she said.Path Wānaka chair Randall Dobbs told the Wānaka App Nathan spoke in Wānaka in 2016, with a session on pre-school and primary children and another on teenagers.“He was really good,” Randall said. “He was full of energy and gave great examples.”“I would expect for this event he will put on a really good show.”The talk is the first to take place since Path Wānaka’s refresh, which has included a new name, a bolstered operation, a revised mission statement and a status as an incorporated society and registered charity formalised.Read more: Refresh for Path WānakaRandall said Path Wānaka aims to be a “central source” for the sort of high quality information on young people and parenting which people like Nathan provide.‘The Teen Brain’ talk will take place on Monday October 14 at 7pm at the Lake Wānaka Centre.Tickets are $30, plus booking fee. Buy tickets here.PHOTO: Nathan Wallis

An annual pay packet of $479,486 has been approved for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) boss Mike Theelen.His performance review process took account of council’s performance against its capital works programme, resource consent delivery, and the council’s credit rating, with the final pay decision based on national benchmarking advice.QLDC mayor Glyn Lewers said Mike had demonstrated “capable and strong leadership” throughout his tenure and in particular during the past year. “Rapidly changing government priorities, major capital investment needs, maintaining high-quality levels of service to the community, and responding to the myriad needs of significant and sustained growth in the district is a relentless challenge,” Glyn said, adding that Mike continues to tackle the challenge “head on”.Councillors approved the remuneration package at their meeting last week (Thursday September 19), following an annual performance review process completed by the QLDC chief executive performance review committee, which comprises mayor Glyn Lewers and councillors Lyal Cocks (Wānaka) and Lisa Guy (Arrowtown-Kawarau).Lyal told the Wānaka App he acknowledged it may be difficult for ratepayers to comprehend a 15 percent pay increase for the council CEO after the delivery of an austere Long Term Plan.“The role is a big role,” he said, adding that Mike is managing a range of issues based on “political decisions”, including the controversial Manawa and Lakeview projects.“CEOs are fair game for anything that goes wrong. That’s why he gets paid the big dollars, because the buck stops with him.”The performance review process was facilitated by independent specialist consultants, Decipher, and the chief executive position was benchmarked with local government market data. The position had not been assessed since 2019 as the last review (due in 2021) was paused due to the Covid-19 response. CEOs’ pay is benchmarked against the local government rate and market rate, and Lyal said QLDC has resisted using the market rate and instead stuck to the local government rate.“We did it as a process, we did it based on benchmarking, based on his performance, and that’s where it’s at,” Lyal said.Mike’s key performance indicators (KPIs) are reviewed each year and last year new KPIs were included, for example more detail on council’s capital expenditure and “quick wins”.Mike performed well on ‘quick wins’, such as the council’s “quick and effective” response to the cryptosporidium outbreak late last year, and the response to the directive from the Local Government Commission for QLDC to prepare an action plan to address perceived inequities with the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward.Lyal pointed out that, on a per capita basis, QLDC staff service more resource consents than any other council in the country, including Auckland.Glyn said in the past year, QLDC council delivered 88 percent of the capital programme (a substantial increase from previous years). “Maintaining council’s AA- credit rating in a notably challenging economic environment has been a further achievement,” he said.Glyn also cited Mike’s influence on “a positive workplace culture” and “highly engaged staff committed to serving the community”, as well as Mike being respected at a regional and national level in championing the district’s needs.Glyn said council is an increasingly complex business and the Queenstown Lakes district has ongoing growth challenges and fiscal constraints.“Few people can deliver on this and fortunately for us Mike is one of those who can,” Glyn said.“I continue to thoroughly enjoy working alongside Mike and his team who are forward-thinking, innovative and dedicated public servants.” Mike joined QLDC as chief executive in February 2016 and was reappointed for a further five years in November 2020 (effective from February 2021).PHOTO: Supplied

The altruism of one of Wānaka’s youngest volunteers was celebrated at the Kahu Youth Volunteer Awards last Friday (September 14).Sixteen-year-old Jessie McNeil has done nearly every type of volunteering, from planting trees to working with school volunteer committees and even travelling to Nepal to help with the construction of a school.Jessie was presented with the Supreme Award at Friday’s awards night, a long-running annual event designed to showcase the positive contributions of young people in the Upper Clutha.Jessie is also a member in the Rangatahi-Led Fund group with the Otago Community Trust, a long-serving Upper Clutha Youth Council member, a volunteer with Kahu Youth and a ranger with Wānaka Girl Guides.11-13 category winner Mia Reardon“Volunteering is a way of connecting with other people and making a difference no matter the size,” Jessie said. “For me there's a deep sense of fulfilment that comes from knowing you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself.”In addition to the Supreme Award, the Kahu Youth Volunteer Awards celebrate volunteers across three age categories.14-16 category winner Oscar SearleThey included 11-year-old Mia Reardon, who was the winner of the 11-13 age category, having completed 70 hours of voluntary work over the past eight months.She has volunteered with Te Kura O Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) in the library, helped with the mural project and Matariki celebrations at Kahu Youth, and supported a range of initiatives at St John. Fourteen-year-old Oscar Searle, who won the 14-16 age category, was recognised for extensive volunteer work on a wide range of multisport events and ski events, as well as with the Wānaka Football Club and Kahu Youth.In the 17-18 category, 17-year-old Ryan Enoka was the winner, having undertaken volunteering as a coach with Aspiring Athletes, at a range of other sport events, and a range of voluntary roles at MAC, among others.Kahu Youth volunteer manager Jo Lewis said she was blown away by the “sheer amount of volunteering” done by the winners, as well as many other nominees.17-18 category winner Ryan Enoka with Kahu Youth Trust chair Randal Dobbs“The interesting thing is that, for these kids, volunteering is not box ticking for them; it comes from a place of altruism,” she said. “They just love the rewards of what they get out of it.”Nominees, winners and supporters made up the 60-strong crowd who attended the awards at the Lake Wānaka Centre’s Armstrong Room, and included live music from MAC band ‘Superficial’.PHOTOS: Kahu Youth

Māori language (te reo Māori) is being given a local boost by the growth in Te Ao Māori at Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC), as well as the increasingly visible presence of the school’s kapa haka group.The role of Te Ao Māori and kapa haka is growing in the school community, and the school wharenui (meeting house, which was opened at the beginning of 2023) provides a focal point.The Wānaka App visited the wharenui ('Te Puna Wānaka') on Tuesday afternoon (September 17) - during the nationwide Māori Language Week (Te Wiki o te Reo Māori).“It’s really special to have this space here,” MAC Te Ao Māori teacher Candace Carroll said.Te Reo teacher Raihania Chadwick weaving flax baskets (kono) with year 13 students Sacha (left) and Tai.The wharenui is used for kapa haka practice, Māori performing arts, and language classes, and has been used to host visiting groups.Candace said the kapa haka group caters for students from year 7-13, and it performs five or six times a year at community events, such as the powhiri for new Cardrona staff, and the recent opening of the Snow Farm’s new base building. On Tuesday, the focus was on poi.Thirteen-year-old Alice Chaly said she “really enjoyed” being involved with kapa haka, adding the indigenous culture is “more celebrated here” than in her native Australia.Alice said the community aspect of kapa haka was a drawcard. “We’ve got a close bond,” she said.MAC has events running throughout Māori Language Week - including flax weaving and poi practice - organised by MAC’s student-led cultural committee.  Today (Wednesday September 18) MAC’s annual house haka competition will take place, and this evening the term’s whānau hui will be held. On Friday the kapa haka group will visit Te Kura Take Kārara, helping “build connections” between the schools.MAC head Te Reo Māori teacher Kaz Roberts said she had seen “a lot of positive change” during her time at MAC, and was grateful for a senior leadership team “that has supported kaupapa Māori initiatives”. “Te Reo Māori is a compulsory part of our junior curriculum and students are able to take Te Reo right through to NCEA Level 3,” she said.“We are fortunate to be able to introduce Māori Performing Arts into our junior modules and we are starting to see benefits school wide. For example, we are developing our cultural competency in upskilling our students and staff in how to welcome visitors with a mihi whakatau or pōwhiri.“It has been fabulous seeing other learning areas implementing different tasks and using Te Reo Māori such as a PE class that were using mau rakau at Lismore Park [on Wednesday morning]. All of this helps to normalise Te Reo Māori and weave it back into something that connects us all as New Zealanders.”Every year since 1975 New Zealand has marked Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - a time for all New Zealanders to celebrate te reo Māori and to use more Māori phrases in everyday life. This year's theme (September 14-21) is 'Ake ake ake – A Forever Language’. PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Strong technical knowledge, organisation and willingness to learn have earned Sam Hoskins the title of Southern 2024 Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year.Sam, who works for Dunlop Builders, took first place in the competition, which recognises excellence among carpentry apprentices and raises awareness of career opportunities in the building and construction industry.Being assessed included a written presentation, a two-hour practical challenge, an interview with four judges and, lastly, a site visit to Sam’s current project.Judges said Sam’s performance in the competition was “outstanding”.“Working with a solid team, Sam is on the path to becoming a well-rounded and skilled carpenter,” they said.It was Sam’s second time entering the competition: last year he came second and he said he had decided to enter to challenge himself despite finding it “really nerve wracking”.“I was happy to get second last year but the one thing I let myself down on was in the practical challenge as I was really nervous and made some silly mistakes,” he told the Wānaka App.“My main motivation was to go back to the practical challenge and improve on that element,” he said. “I was really happy as I felt like I did that.”Sam will head to Auckland in November to compete against the other top apprentices from each region, which will include a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel and a six-hour practical skills test. Competing in the regional competition over the past two years has built Sam’s confidence and he is looking forward to competing at a national level.“It’s nice to go in with confidence,” he said. “I’m feeling pretty good about it.”He said he has been impressed by the time, quality and care that the organisers put into the competition.Sam is also grateful to his employers, Dunlop Builders, who have been “incredible”.“They’re such a good company and really supportive,” he said.Sam will compete for the national Registered Master Builders CARTERS Apprentice of the Year title on November 7-8.PHOTO: Supplied

Holy Family Catholic School Wānaka principal Jo McKay has resigned.Jo has been the principal of the local year 0-8 school for the last ten years and she will depart at the end of term three.The school’s board shared the news of Jo’s departure with the school community in a letter yesterday (Wednesday August 21).“Jo has been an exceptional leader and a cornerstone of our school community, and her departure is a significant moment for all of us,” board chair Rebecca McElrea said.“We are incredibly proud that she has been headhunted for a national position in the education sector.”Jo has guided the school with “unwavering dedication” over the past ten years, Rebecca said.“She has consistently fostered the best possible educational environment for our children, always keeping their best interests at the forefront of every decision.”“Under her leadership, we have seen excellent results across the board, a true reflection of her commitment to our students' success.”Angela Scoullar has accepted the position of acting principal for the last school term of the year.“Angela’s experience and deep understanding of our school’s values and culture will ensure a smooth transition as we begin the process of finding Jo’s permanent successor,” Rebecca said.“While we are saddened by her departure, we are also filled with hope and confidence as we move forward, building on the strong foundation that Jo has laid.”Jo’s last day with Holy Family Catholic School Wānaka will be September 27.PHOTO: Holy Family Catholic School

A Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) student has been selected as one of eight New Zealand students who will travel to Brazil to develop their entrepreneurial skills.Alexis-Sofia Harvey-Wills (Year 13) will participate in LatAM Biz, a joint programme between the Latin American Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence and the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES).In Brazil, Alexis-Sofia will work with students from New Zealand and Sāo Paulo to pitch a solution to a business challenge relating to sustainable development goals.The aspiring businesswoman said she was excited to be selected and she is looking forward to developing her knowledge of business on a global, sustainable scale among like-minded people.“When I heard I’d been selected, my head filled with thoughts of colour, music, culture and food,” Alexis-Sofia said. “In addition to developing my business skills and knowledge, I am looking forward to making lifelong memories and connections, and exploring a new country.”Alexis-Sofia attended the Entrepreneurs in Action weekend in Wellington earlier this year through the YES programme as part of her Level 3 Business and Enterprise studies at MAC.“It was this experience, along with my passion for enterprise, that motivated me to apply for the LatAM Biz programme,” she said.She said the YES programme had helped her “become a more confident and curious individual who feels ready to face challenges and is optimistic about the world of business”.Alexis-Sofia will travel to Brazil on September 28 for LatAM Biz.“I can't express how excited and grateful I am for this incredible opportunity and I'm absolutely thrilled to represent the Young Enterprise Scheme and Mount Aspiring College in Brazil.”Alexis-Sofia is planning to study a Bachelor of Commerce at university.She said she aims to “positively contribute to our economy and environment, and to hold a senior leadership role in a New Zealand-based business, and also work overseas”.PHOTO: MAC

Baby Mia slept peacefully in her Moses basket at her parents’ home in Northlake this afternoon (Monday August 19), unaware that she was the poster baby for Wānaka’s new primary birthing unit, Rākai Kahukura.Mia was the first baby born at the unit, a little over two weeks after Rākai Kahukura opened its doors to expecting families.She was delivered on Wednesday August 12 to parents Caroline Gray and Michael Warwick, with the help of midwife Peta Hosking and student midwife Emily.“It was so quick,” Caroline told the Wānaka App. “We just popped down the road, got settled in the centre, and did the breathing...” Caroline said labour had kicked in around 5pm at their home on August 12. Within three hours things had progressed and they made the call to travel five minutes along the road to Rākai Kahukura. By 11pm, Mia was in their arms.“I have to admit, this experience has been enjoyable. I’m incredibly grateful,” Caroline said. It was markedly different from the birth of their son Hayden, two, who was born in Dunedin Hospital after a three-week stay at a Dunedin AirBnB for Michael (and their dogs), and in hospital for Caroline, after it was found that the baby had moved into an unstable birthing position.“When Hayden was born we didn’t have continuity with our midwives,” Caroline said. “And it’s made just such a difference to this whole first week, and the birth, and the [family] bubble, to stay in Wānaka, be at home, have our actual midwife.”“I’m so excited for other mums to have that going forward, as someone who didn’t get it the first time.” This time around, Michael and Hayden stayed at home in Northlake and “bounced back and forwards” between home and the birthing unit, allowing Hayden’s routine to be maintained and making the transition easier.“It’s the best outcome we could have hoped for,” Michael said.Like many Wānaka parents, Michael and Caroline don’t have their own parents close by, which made the birthing unit even more valuable. Caroline said when she heard the opening date was to be July 29 she sat at the kitchen bench and wept with happiness.She acknowledged the “decades of rallying” by midwives and mothers to advocate for the unit, while women faced uncertainty around outcomes and options - including an hour’s drive to the Charlotte Jean birthing unit in Alexandra, or more than three hours’ to the base hospital in Dunedin.Caroline said Wānaka was fortunate to have experienced midwives and lots of services to support families. “Now the centre [has come in] - that one thing [will] lift it all up a level. I hope the other mums and dads can just lean into it. It’s finally come.”Caroline said it has been “a big year” for the couple, who returned to Wānaka after a few years away.“This is the little cherry on the top to be able to have our daughter here in town.”Rākai Kahukura, on Albert Town’s Monteith Street, is able to support “at least” 50 births and approximately 350-400 families each year, Te Whatu Ora Southern director of midwifery Karen Ferraccioli told the Wānaka App at a pre-opening event last month.The birthing unit supports low-risk, non-instrumental births; has options for post-natal stays closer to home; and provides early childhood services for 0-5 year olds including vaccinations. PHOTO: Wānaka App

OUT&about Wānaka will be launching a new charitable trust, community projects, and “next level” plans for Wānaka’s Pride Week 2024 at an event on Sunday August 25.In September last year the advocacy group organised Wānaka’s inaugural Pride Street Party, which attracted a strong community turnout of nearly 2,000 people.The celebration at the Lake Wānaka Centre featured everything from live music and DJs to spoken word and poetry, a craft market, food and beverage stalls, a ‘living library’, and an information market with LGBTQI+ resources.  Read more: Community comes out to support Pride Street PartyNow OUT&about is launching a charitable trust, with the key values of “respect and empathy, unity, empowerment, pride, and inclusion”, OUT&about media spokesperson Nisse Perry and festival director Ollie Harcus said.“By bringing people together, connecting, and embracing each other's differences, we aspire to create a more inclusive and understanding society in Wānaka, where every individual, regardless of their age, gender identity or sexual orientation, feels valued and celebrated,” they said. Nisse and Ollie said the group is building on the work of other local rainbow programmes (such as Queers & Beers and Queer Quarterly Reads) and is developing programmes to support parents and caregivers, and create wider support networks within the region.“We look forward to working with a range of community groups and to support them as our wonderfully diverse community grows.”The pair said that while Wānaka’s Pride Street Party 2023 was “one to remember”, this year’s event will take Pride “to the next level”.The week-long Pride festival (November 11-16) will culminate with the Pride Street Party at the Lake Wānaka Centre. “This exciting community event will have a range of activities, entertainers, and community groups involved,” Nisse and Ollie said.“We look forward to welcoming you on our journey to promote love and acceptance within the Wānaka and Upper Clutha community.”Everyone is invited for morning tea at the launch of the charitable trust and the community projects at the Wānaka Community Hub on Sunday August 25 at 11am. Please RSVP to [email protected] by Friday August 23. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Unlock the keys to community and environmental resilience with our special guest, Monique Kelly, as she gives us an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated WAO Summit happening from October 29 to November 2.Discover the innovative themes that will shape this year's event, including food resilience, better business, and climate action. Monique also unveils the brand-new "Nature Fest," designed to reconnect communities through music, film, and workshops while supporting local not-for-profits. This episode is not just about learning; it’s about turning discussions into action, especially within the tourism and construction sectors.Join us as we delve into the essential structural changes needed at governmental and business levels to foster sustainable behaviour, using the successful plastic bag ban as a case study. Hear valuable insights from Sustainable Hawke's Bay on how communities can effectively respond to disasters and learn from each other's sustainability models. We also focus on the role of different generations, including youth, in driving positive environmental change.Listen here. 

Wānaka’s ‘marathon woman’ Victoria Taylor has ended her consecutive daily marathons after being struck down with a bad case of influenza.Victoria’s last run day - and her 498th consecutive daily marathon - was Monday July 29, leaving her just two days off her next target of 500.“I’ve been badly knocked down by influenza,” Victoria said.“I ran through Covid two months ago and that was hard.”Victoria began running consecutive daily marathons on March 13, 2023 to raise awareness for mental health. At that time her goal was to break the women's world record of 151 daily consecutive marathons.“The whole motivation behind it in the first place, I was doing it because a loved one died from suicide, so I was wanting to do it to raise awareness for mental health,” she said. “I figured if that happened to the nicest person I knew something needed to be done about it.“The run went on a lot longer than planned … I was just taking it day by day. Sickness could have knocked me out at any time, I was aware of that.”Victoria said her history in sports conditioned her both physically and mentally to manage the marathon challenge but it did come with many sacrifices.“There was a lot of sacrifice to be doing it for that long,” she said. “I didn’t have time to be having a social life or anything, or spending extra money. I was too busy running.”Carbohydrate-based foods like pasta were a staple in her diet and “quite a bit” of chocolate helped settle the sugar cravings.Victoria said she set several world records during the 498-day effort, including the most consecutive daily marathons by a woman, the first woman to run consecutive daily marathons for a year, and the most marathons pushing a pram (on 221 occasions Victoria completed the marathon pushing her son in a pram).“Running a pram marathon is hard,” Victoria said.“The actual prep to make that happen to ensure Brax [her son] was happy and content the whole time I was running was just about as hard as running the marathon. “It was a mission.”The next goal for Victoria is to complete her personal trainer certificate and she said she has been approved (by Guinness World Records) to run across Australia.Read more:‘It’ll be the hardest thing I’ve ever done’: Wānaka woman to attempt record-breaking runWānaka woman's marathon effortPHOTO: Wānaka App

The move to a new premises will allow long-running local food charity Food for Love to right-size for increasing demand.Food for Love has gone from preparing and delivering 1,700 meals a year in 2020-2021 to over 9,000 meals in the last financial year. Its new space on Gordon Road - which it will be operating out of by August 12 - has plenty of room for its cooking and storage needs, an office space, and even room for a volunteer lounge. Food for Love announced its move in an email to volunteers.“We are so excited and can’t wait to share this new space with you all,” Food for Love said in the email.It gave a “heartfelt thank you” to its previous landlord, as well as the people who assisted with negotiations, contracts, insurances, budgets and logistics and made the move possible.Food for Love, a registered charitable trust, was created in 2016 and its mission remains the same as it was then - to provide home-cooked meals for families or individuals going through a hard time, regardless of whether the need is financial or personal. At its recent annual general meeting, it said an average of 180 meals were made each week, the majority of which are given to new parents (28.6 percent) and those suffering illness (22.9 percent), post surgery (18.2 percent) and injury (13.9 percent).Its total expenses for the last financial year exceeded $185k.Most of its income is derived from grants and donations as well as fundraising efforts partnering with local businesses, organisations and events, such as Mitre10, the Wānaka Business Chamber, the Wānaka A&P Show and the Hirepool Trilogy Golf Tournament.Central Lakes Trust gave a grant of more than $98k to the charity last year. Food For Love is a registered charitable trust. Find out more here.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Former Wānaka resident Hank Bilous has made his directorial debut with ‘The War On Style’, which will tour around New Zealand as well as Sydney and Torquay in Australia. One of New Zealand’s top freeskiers, Hank finished the 2020 Freeride World Tour with multiple podium finishes. He took a hiatus from skiing to finish his nursing degree and more recently he has been working as a registered nurse in the emergency department of a small North Island community.Hank said ‘The War on Style’ is inspired by his love of skiing, nursing and other interests like surfing, but it’s not specifically about any of those things.“It is really about the idea that any technical skill gives you the opportunity to express yourself and that self-expression part, really, is worth striving for,” he said.“I hope the audience can apply that concept to their own life.”Watch the trailer:Creating the film was “a real test of the concepts explored in the film in my life personally”, Hank said. “Writing a script, co-producing and directing were all new skills to me before we started this project.” ‘The War on Style’ was filmed and edited by Chris Maunsell and Sam Wave created the original score and songs.“Working [with Chris and Sam] on this project has really solidified the idea for me that collaboration is much better than competition,” Hank said.‘The War on Style’ was filmed in Wānaka, Dunedin and Gisborne.The New Zealand tour for ‘The War on Style’ will begin on July 30 and the Wānaka screening, which will be presented by Hank, will take place on August 21.Tickets and more information are available here.PHOTO: Supplied