Wānaka plumber Veronika Kreitner has been crowned the 2021 Plumbing World Young Plumber of the Year – the first woman to take home the title in the history of the competition.The 28-year-old, who is employed by Wānaka’s Guy Plumbing & Gas, was thrilled with her win and credited employer Craig Guy for contributing to her development.“I didn’t expect to win at all, I was selected as a Wild Card entrant, so I really thought I was just going to go along for the experience. It’s so crazy that I’ve won, I couldn’t be happier about the result.” “I’ve been taught to be really particular with each job that I do and to always be very organised, this win is a testament proving that being meticulous with each task really does pay off,” Veronika said.The competition recognises excellence among young plumbers, who must be aged no more than 31 years old, to compete and fosters camaraderie and pride within the industry.Veronika at work.The event final had been delayed due to Covid-19 restrictions at the end of last year, and finally took place on Saturday (February 19) in Hamilton, with ten top young plumbers representing regions across the country.Participants were tasked with completing a full bathroom kit out, involving a series of plumbing disciplines to set up a shower, hot water cylinder, toilet, and hand basin. Each element was assessed by a panel of judges, in addition to a written theory test that was completed earlier in the morning. Veronika outperformed nine other competitors from around the country to win her share of $55,000 worth of prizes, including a $8,600 Toolware prize pack and $5,000 worth of Milwaukee tools and accessories.Plumbing World general manager Rob Kidd said each year he is impressed by the quality of young plumbers that participate in the competition.  “Veronika’s win is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her career in plumbing,” Rob said. “The aim of this competition is not only to recognise the talent that is currently in the plumbing trade but to hopefully encourage other young Kiwis to consider a career in plumbing.” He said New Zealand’s construction sector continues to face a growing shortage of tradespeople that will only increase until apprentices can start filling the gaps. Veronika recommended plumbing to anyone considering a career in the trades, especially other women.“There are so many avenues for growth and development within this career, which is super worthwhile if you put in the hard work and aim to always be improving your skills.”PHOTOS: Supplied

Wānaka’s Camille Gulick has set a new record for swimming the 28.6km Foveaux Strait today (Thursday February 10).The Wānaka Lake Swimmers Club president’s official time from Stewart Island to Bluff was just six hours and 57 minutes: almost an hour faster than last year’s record breaker Jono Ridler.The Wānaka App spoke to Camille soon after she arrived back in Bluff.“I still don’t believe what just happened; I can’t believe how well that went,” she said.“I genuinely just went out hoping to complete the crossing. I just had excellent conditions, the nutrition worked, my crew was on top of everything.”Camille said she kept thinking the crew was lying to her when they told her how fast she was swimming.Camille was part of Aucklander Jono Ridler’s crew last year, when he set a new record of seven hours and 52 minutes.“That was a big motivator for me doing it,” she said.Camille Gulick competes in the Trans-Tahoe Relay swim in Lake Tahoe, CA, July 2017.Camille told the Wānaka App she planned to have a shower and then “I’m heading straight to the pub. I’m definitely in celebration mode.”Wānaka Lake Swimmers Club members posted on social media that “Foveaux Strait was showing off for Camille Gulick today, and she more than matched it”. “What a swim, what a day, what an amazing effort,” one comment read. “Those of us who were here know that every second was a thing of badass beauty.”Read more: A passion for swimmingPHOTOS: Supplied

An Upper Clutha resident has been named among the winners of Recreation Aotearoa’s 2021 Outdoor Awards.The Outdoor Awards celebrate and recognise individuals and organisations that have been successful in significantly improving outdoor recreation outcomes for participants and clients. The Supreme Award - given to an individual with mana and outstanding leadership in the outdoor sector - went to Luggate resident Rachel Moore. Rachel thanked the organisation for the award and said receiving it meant “a great deal” to her.“I’m very proud to be part of our outdoor recreation sector,” Rachel said. Recreation Aotearoa CEO Andrew Leslie said Rachel had been a “significant advocate” for the outdoors through her work with organisations including Hillary Outdoors, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) over the past 30 years. “She has helped lead the charge on developing and establishing ground-breaking resources and safety guidelines for the adventure activities sector,” Andrew said.During a nine-year stint at TIA, before her move to DOC, Rachel led work to implement findings from the 2009 government review into safety in the outdoor commercial sector, led the industry to establish the SupportAdventure website and the processes for developing Adventure Safety Guidelines, and was a finalist for the Women of Influence Awards for her work influencing policy and leading change in the adventure tourism sector. The keen tramper and kayaker said she was proud to work in the industry. “It’s a privilege to work and play with so many fantastic people who truly champion Papatūānku, who live life to the full and who strive to connect others with our outdoor places.”Other award recipients included Outward Bound’s ‘Mind Body Soul’ programme, which earned the Outstanding Event/Programme Award; Te Awanui a Rua received the Māori Outcomes Award; and Discover Waitomo received the Environmental Leadership Award.Andrew said New Zealand was lucky to have many outstanding programmes, operators and individuals working hard to create outdoor opportunities. “It’s important for us to recognise these efforts and celebrate the benefits that come with them.”   PHOTO: Supplied

An abstract acrylic painting by Auckland artist Deborah Moss was judged Supreme Winner at the Craigs Aspiring Art Prize in Wānaka on Friday night.Moss’ Glowing Again was awarded the Craigs Investment Partners Prize of $10,000 at the opening night of the 15th annual exhibition at Holy Family Catholic School.The event attracts artists from around New Zealand and has become a nationally recognised art award, offering one of the biggest cash prizes ($16,500 in total) in the country. It is one of the Holy Family Catholic School’s biggest fundraisers, raising between $20,000-$30,000 each year. A record 142 pieces were entered this year. The runner-up award, a $2,000 prize went to Dunedin artist Eliza Glyn for her oil painting Sunrise From Quarantine Island. Best landscape, which was awarded a $2,000 prize, went to Christchurch artist Mehrdad Tahan for his oil painting Serenity; and the best work under $1,000 went to Tauranga artist Ulemj Glamuzina for her mixed media on canvas painting Journey from Tauranga. The round corner category, showcasing paintings on a 40cm diameter round, priced under $1,000, was won by Tuatapere artist Hayley Landreth for her mixed media painting View Across Lake Angelus. Twenty-four artworks were sold on Friday night, to the value of $40,000. The remainder is up for sale until tomorrow (Tuesday January 18), when the exhibition ends. The people’s choice award will also be announced at the end of the exhibition.Judges for this year’s Aspiring Art Prize were Cam McCracken, director of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and Jan Warburton, founder of the Jan Warburton Charitable Trust. “We were really impressed with the quality of art that is on display,” Jan said. “There’s something for everyone here – different styles and genres – and great buying opportunities.” The event is organised by Holy Family’s Friends of the School (FOTS). FOTS committee member and Aspiring Art Prize creative director Leigh Cooper says this year’s event is the biggest one to date.“The level of art received by artists, from Auckland to Tuatapere, was extremely high quality. The event continues to grow each year – in size and recognition – and we are very proud to deliver an event, thanks to volunteers in our school community, for the benefit of our school children. PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka resident Ben Suncin is planning to undertake a 12 hour walk to raise funds and awareness for the Otago Brain Injury Association.Ben, who sustained a brain injury in 1999 due to a surgeon error, will walk around Pembroke Park on February 22 from 7am-7pm.The Wānaka App caught up with Ben to discuss his journey following his brain injury.Ben has undergone 19 surgeries over the past decade to try and repair the damage done to the nerves behind his eye.“The surgeon told me I would never walk or talk again. I could hear what they were saying, but I couldn’t respond.There was no way I was accepting that as the answer for the rest of my life,” he said.Ben has retrained himself to speak and walk again.“Most people can get up out of bed and walk with no trouble, but before I can even move, I have to perform exercises to activate my brain otherwise my legs won’t work,” Ben said.The Otago Brain Injury Association has been notable in Ben’s recovery, offering support for accessing government services such as ACC and Work and Income.Liaison officer Cathy Matthews has worked closely with Ben, including providing ongoing communication development.“It takes significant effort for someone with a brain injury to communicate with people effectively,” Cathy said.Despite the long-term challenges, including limited vision and balance issues that Ben continues to experience from his brain injury, he welcomes the challenge that the 12-hour walk will bring.He encourages people to get involved and join him at Pembroke Park to “just walk”.As Ben says: “you’ve gotta use it or you’ll lose it”.People can also donate directly to Ben’s Givealittle page. All the proceeds go directly to the Brain Injury Association of Otago. PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka St John recognised the achievement of a number of its young members at an awards ceremony last Tuesday (December 14) evening.St John’s youth programmes help young people develop first aid, health care, leadership and life skills, with youth members progressing through courses offered by St John’s youth curriculum.The Grand Prior Award, presented in the form of a badge, is the highest St John youth award, and on Tuesday it was awarded to Patrick Hartley. “This is a significant achievement,” divisional manager Tina Simmonds said. “Patrick was also a non-commissioned officer (NCO) within the division and helped sessions for the younger cadets.” Patrick had to complete six compulsory badges and six other badges from the St John curriculum, plus complete 100 hours of service to the community. He will attend a ceremony in 2022 where the governor general will formally present the award. Youth members Tenki Watanabe, Gabriella McKay and Harriet Primmer were presented with super penguin awards. Super penguins (aged six to nine years old) follow a course of badges over a two to three year period including first aid, resourceful penguin, caring penguin, communication, and also St John penguin which covers the history of the Order of St John.The St John youth division programme runs during the school year. It offers the penguin programme (where kids meet once weekly to learn basic first aid and other practical life skills), and the cadet programme (which provides training in first aid and emergency skills and helps develop a sense of responsibility, decision-making and self esteem). Other awards: Wanaka Junior Award 2021 - Harriet McKay Wanaka Intermediate Award 2021 - Oliver Wyeth Wanaka Senior Award 2021 - Nikita Sinclair  Emerald Award - Hinato Watanabe, Isla Ingham, Emma Cartlidge, Harriet McKay. Sapphire Award - Holly Ingham  Leadership promotions Cadet Corporal - Holly Ingham, Ben Pell  Cadet Sergeant - Nikita Sinclair, Lily Wilson  Cadet Leader - Maddison Frazer  Find more information about the St John youth programme here or email divisional manager Tina Simmonds on [email protected]. PHOTO: Supplied

Two Wānaka dance students have been accepted for training at the New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) in Wellington next year.The teens, Isabel Martin (12 years) from Pointe Central and Hunter Cranfield (14 years) from Dance Out Loud, learned recently they would each be attending the school, travelling to Wellington for classes throughout the year.“Students are chosen from all over New Zealand by audition, ensuring those with aptitude can take classes with similarly talented dancers,” Pointe Centrale’s ballet instructor Briony Martin said.The selection process is competitive; the school trains between 25 and 30 ballet dancers in the Level 1-3 scholars programme and accepts between 20 and 25 dancers into the associates programme every year. This year 100 aspiring dancers auditioned for the associates programme alone. Isabel, who began dance classes when she was three-years-old, successfully auditioned for NZSD in 2020 and entered the ‘National Scholars’ programme for classical ballet this year as a level two scholar.  She didn’t have to audition a second time; instead her progress at the school was assessed, and in November she learned she had retained her place in the programme, graduating to level three. She will travel to Wellington twice every school term to train.For Hunter, though, it’s a new experience; he travelled to Christchurch in November to audition and earned a place as a junior associate majoring in contemporary dance.He will travel to Wellington for tuition over four weekends during the year. Briony, a former professional ballerina, said the programmes “provide the best foundation on the path to becoming a professional dancer and for students aspiring to train full-time at the New Zealand School of Dance”. Selection criteria include achievements to date and potential, aptitude, performance quality, musicality and creativity; dancers also need to be both mentally and physically ready and strong enough to manage the training should they be accepted, she said. Dance Out Loud contemporary and jazz class teacher Nina Fischer said attending the NZSD was valuable work experience in a professional environment with like-minded and highly skilled peers. “Wanaka has a lot to offer but we are still a little town with not a lot of competition. Kids are used to train[ing] in a safe environment which is nice but doesn’t push them to the next level. Having a group of talented dancers from around the country in one class will encourage everybody to work a lot harder,” she said.This is not the first time Wānaka dancers have auditioned successfully for NZSD; Zoe Frazer was a Junior Associate in 2019 and Persia Thor-Poet has just graduated from her second Year as a full-time contemporary dance student.PHOTO: Supplied

Covid-19 has damaged our community in a range of ways, including loss of income from tourists, the impact on vaccine mandates on locals, and uncertainty about the future.One group of people significantly affected by the pandemic is a demographic we seldom hear from: those vulnerable to Covid-19 because of having a chronic illness or being immunosuppressed.“You have those people in your community whether you acknowledge them or not,” Southern District Health Board medical officer of health Susan Jack told the Wānaka App.So the Wānaka App sat down with two locals: Sam, who has a chronic illness and Anna, who is an advocate for people with chronic conditions.Their names have been changed to protect their privacy.What’s it like being medically vulnerable in this community?Living in the Upper Clutha, close to four hours away from a base hospital, has plenty of challenges for people dealing with health issues, such as “money, travel, time, anxiety,” Anna said. But another challenge can be being somewhat invisible in this healthy and active community.Anna heard a local describe Covid as being about “survival of the fittest”. “That really got me. That’s coming from a really privileged place of health, and ignorance, in my opinion.”“That’s the ethos of all around here,” Sam said.The two locals said they appreciated a recent meme (‘Am I the only one who thinks that “well did they have comorbidities” is beginning to sound a lot like “but what was she wearing?”’) which refers to the suggestion that people who die from Covid deserved it.“You can live quite a long time with underlying factors,” Sam said. They agreed there are more vulnerable people in this community than people may realise, including people managing chronic illnesses, children on various medications, and the elderly.Anna said locals “talk so much about community... but people don’t know who’s in their community.”Government messaging about vaccination can include phrases like “you might want to visit your parent in hospital”, Sam said, “but what about your brother down the road, or your teenage niece?”“Wherever you read anything about that, it’s always the last little titbit at the end - the tokenistic ‘oh by the way you might want to look after the ill and vulnerable, maybe’,” Anna said.What’s it like watching the pandemic develop?Anna said she and her family have been okay until recently, but December 15 (when Aucklanders are free to move around the country) is looming.“I’m under no illusions; Covid is arriving on a plane on the 15th of December. I think we’re crazy to not be realists about that,” she said. Anna asked a medical specialist about the novel coronavirus in December 2019.“He said ‘put it this way, if it arrives in New Zealand people will be dying in their homes’. And that’s already happened in Auckland,” she said.“My main concern is a hospital bed for the people who really really need it, because they’re just not there. I think we’ve got one Covid bed in Queenstown.”How will your life change when Covid is in this community?Sam said he has reduced his usually frequent trips into Wānaka to just once a week. He hasn’t travelled out of Wānaka since Covid reached New Zealand, apart from trips to Dunedin for hospital appointments.“I’m making home my happy place and I’m not going far,” he said.Sam said he hasn’t gone to his GP for a Covid plan because he’s found it hard to get appointments since the pandemic. But he definitely does not want to be at home alone with Covid.Anna said her anxiety is so big she can’t even picture it. “I know how pushed the hospitals are at the minute, without having Covid down here, so when it does arrive I am genuinely worried for the doctors and nurses for their wellbeing and how they are going to cope,” she said, adding that doctors and nurses overseas had to hold up their phones to people who were dying so their families could say their last goodbyes.What do you think of the vaccine mandates?Sam has had three vaccinations, Anna is double vaccinated and both will get booster shots as soon as they are eligible.Anna is frustrated with opposition to the vaccine mandates, asking who has a better alternative?“Everybody hands up: What’s your best idea? How else are we going to manage it? What’s a better way?” But she also thinks rapid antigen testing should be available now.“It should be free now to everybody, not just the vaxxed.”Sam is “kind of anti the mandates” because he believes they create “an us and them culture”.  “Some people with the passport are going to feel entitled to tell people without the passport that they are wrong for thinking the way they do without actually knowing their reasons for not having a passport.”He’s also concerned that some people with the passport will think that’s all they need to be safe. “There are going to be situations where passport and non passport holders meet, such as in supermarkets. I can imagine situations where that gets hostile and I’m not sure how the staff in these stores will cope with policing those situations. Vaccinated or not, we are going to come into contact with each other.”Both Sam and Anna emphasised that the vaccine passport “does not make you bulletproof”, as vaccinated people can still catch and transmit the virus (although at lower levels than the unvaccinated).“We all still need to be careful, vaccinated or not. [The government] is selling it like it’s some golden ticket, but it’s not,” Sam said.Local businesses who say they will not discriminate against unvaccinated people under the new traffic light system are failing to acknowledge the mandates are intended to reduce the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable people. “It comes across as really insensitive. And I do feel like some people and businesses are using it as a bit of a badge of honour,” Anna said.“There’s this double standard that people have and it’s really worrying me. Someone I know locally bought their teenager drugs for their birthday and did them with them and thought it was so amazing, but they are savagely against the vaccine,” she said.“We have been so fortunate in New Zealand up to now. This government inherited a legacy of many long term problems and I believe they have done the best they can in most cases. ICU beds have been increased in well populated areas. Let’s hope it's enough.”PHOTO: Wānaka App

A former Queenstown Lakes representative is being remembered as a man with great mana after his death on Monday (November 29).Ross McRobie died overnight and the flag at the Waitaki District Council is flying at half mast as a sign of respect for the Ahuriri ward councillor.Ross had spent much of the past week with his wife Petrea and his two children, Emma and James, at his side.Waitaki District Council said Ross’s cancer diagnosis had been made just a couple of months ago and treatment began three weeks ago.“Although Ross stayed optimistic, the extensive nature of the cancers in his body meant that the treatment was too little, too late,” the council said in a statement.Before their move to Otematata in 2019 Ross and Petrea lived in Wānaka for more than a decade, during which he served as both a Wānaka Community Board member and later a Queenstown Lakes councillor.Queenstown Lakes mayor Jim Boult paid tribute to Ross as a hard-working public servant and a much respected individual.“He was a shining star in our previous council – honest, frank, not afraid to speak his mind and very committed to the best interests of the district,” Jim said. “Very deservedly, Ross will be remembered as a man of great mana. He was an excellent councillor and a very good friend. I will miss his positive outlook and enthusiasm for life greatly.” During his time at QLDC, Ross worked on many committees but it was his work as chair of the 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan steering group that he was most proud of. Jim said on leaving council Ross had said the work of the steering group was his biggest achievement and it would be transformational for the district and its residents.Wānaka-based councillor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App he was saddened to learn of Ross’s death and he would remember him fondly.“I was privileged to serve with Ross last term and enjoyed the regular drives over the Crown Range; the long talks that allowed. He was always thoughtful and generous with his time. “His dedication to community service is self-evident and he will be sorely missed by the Wānaka Community and his community in the Waitaki.”Outside local government, Ross was a chartered accountant for more than 30 years, an accredited chartered member of the NZ Institute of Directors, and a business coach and mentor. He held a number of governance roles with organisations including the New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand on Air, Snow Sports NZ and Warbirds over Wānaka and he was a previous chair of Lake Wānaka Tourism, Wānaka Wastebusters and Otago Community Trust.In his brief time with Waitaki District Council he had made a strong mark, mayor Gary Kircher said.“Ross was a very outgoing person and an awesome Councillor for the Ahuriri Ward and the Waitaki district. “I know that my fellow elected members and the many staff who knew Ross will truly miss his analytical decision-making, his energetic personality and the great banter he brought with him.”PHOTO: Wānaka App

The Upper Clutha Rugby Club inducted two new life members at its annual general meeting on Tuesday night (November 23).Richard Pledger and Nick Thompson were recognised for their contribution to the club over the past 20 years with club president Nathan Simon saying it was overdue acknowledgement.“Both Richard and Nick have made a great contribution to the club,” Nathan said.“They both played over 200 games and have been administrators. Their knowledge and expertise is regularly called upon and they’re always happy to oblige.”Richard played all his junior rugby for Upper Clutha before playing over 200 premier games for the club. He coached the club’s premier team and Central Otago where he remains as a selector.He first joined the club’s committee in 1997 and served as president. Nathan described him as “a fantastic club man”.Nick joined the club in 2002 and his 200 caps include periods as premier team captain. He joined the committee in 2003 and served as president among other roles. “He is the oracle,” Nathan said. “If you want to know the workings of the club, Nick is the go-to person.”Nathan said the life membership acknowledges Richard and Nick’s ‘unbridled commitment to the club throughout the years’.The Upper Clutha Rugby Club was formed in 1922 and now has nine life members.PHOTO: Supplied

RealNZ chief experience officer Bridget Legnavsky will play a role in a new national group created to support tourism. The long-time Wānaka resident has been named as a member of the tourism Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) leadership group, tourism minister Stuart Nash announced yesterday (November 17).“The disruption of the global Covid-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to step back and work collaboratively on a vision for tourism of the future,” Stuart said. “The Tourism ITP will focus on actions that all partners can take to address skills and career questions in the industry.” The full list of ITP leadership members is yet to be confirmed but Bridget has been named alongside 12 other members and three co-chairs.The co-chairs include Gráinne Trout, who is the chair of Tourism Industry Aotearoa; John Crocker, the national secretary of Unite Union; and Karl Woodhead, the general manager of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s tourism branch.Bridget, formerly Cardrona-Treble Cone’s general manager, was recently promoted to the new position of chief experience officer with responsibility for all Wayfare Group experiences. She and the experienced ITP team’s first priorities will be skills shortages and career progression in the tourism and hospitality sector, Stuart said.“The first stage of the ITP will focus on ‘better work’ and developing the tourism workforce,” he said.“Like any industry, success depends on those working within it. This means investing more in people, deepening the talent pool, lifting skill levels and ultimately providing better work for those in the tourism and hospitality industries.” The second priority for the ITP will be the environmental challenges posed by tourism, Stuart said.That priority will build on work started by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, the Tourism Futures Taskforce, and the NZ Aotearoa Government Tourism Strategy.“There is a huge opportunity for all of us with a stake in tourism to support and develop different pathways for people keen on a career in the industry,” Stuart said.He expected to receive a first draft of the ITP’s ‘Better Work Action Plan’ for tourism in the second quarter of 2022, after which the group will consult widely. “I’m confident the ITP will transform the industry in partnership across government, business, workers and Māori. Tourism has had its challenges but I echo the Prime Minister’s recent words: he rā ki tua – better times are coming,” Stuart said.PHOTO: Supplied

Former Otago Regional Council (ORC) chair Marian Hobbs has resigned from the council.In a statement ORC chair Andrew Noone said Marian had been a passionate, committed and spirited voice around the council table.“I want to thank Marian for contributing her knowledge and experience to the Otago Regional Council over the last couple of years,” Andrew said.Marian has not commented on her resignation but ORC Dunstan Ward councillor Alexa Forbes said Marian’s resignation would be a loss to the Otago community.“I think it’s a loss of an important and experienced environmental voice,” Alexa said.In July Marian was ousted as ORC chair by nine votes to two at a heated council meeting, and some stakeholders were reported to be angered by her approach to water policy. Previous: ORC chair ousted amid protestThe Otago Daily Times reported that Marian signed a petition in September calling for councillors to be ousted following councillors’ decision not to note council staff’s preferred minimum flows for the Manuherikia River, after concerns arose about ‘incomplete’ science.“I don’t agree with Cr Hobbs on this issue,” Alexa told the Wānaka App.“I still believe local democracy is the best way forward for us. Even with these difficulties that we’ve encountered, we generally as a council bring a diverse range of views to the table and debate reasonably well which I believe produces the best outcomes in the end.”Andrew said Marian’s resignation does not trigger a byelection.“The process from here is for council to consider a paper at its next council meeting, which will present our options for the vacated seat. Council can choose to appoint a replacement, or to leave the seat vacant until the election next year.”Marian is a former Labour Party member of parliament and cabinet minister, and the current chair of Heritage New Zealand. She took over as ORC chair after the last local body elections in 2019.PHOTO: Supplied

Two-time Paralympic gold medallist and Wānaka resident Adam Hall has been named to the New Zealand Paralympic Team heading to the Paralympic Winter Games 2022 in Beijing.This will be Adam’s fifth consecutive Winter Olympics and he says he is looking forward to showing his skills on one of the steepest race tracks in the world. “There’s been a lot of talk about the course in Beijing,” Adam said. “The course will really challenge athletes and their abilities. “That’s to my advantage. I love to pit myself against difficult tracks - it’s more fun than a plain sailing track that everyone is equally capable of completing.”Adam competes across a number of standing Para alpine ski events, in the classification LW1. Following on from his gold medal in the men’s standing Slalom at the 2010 Vancouver Games Adam was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZOM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours (2011), for services to sport.He added a bronze medal in Super Combined at the 2018 Games in PyeongChang before winning his second gold medal in Slalom. Adam was also named the winner of the Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award after the PyeongChang Winter Paralympics, an award presented to only one male and one female Paralympian at each Paralympic Games who best exemplify the spirit of the Paralympic Games and the Paralympic values.Athletes Corey Peters and Aaron Ewen were also named to the New Zealand Paralympic Team for Beijing.In addition, the following New Zealand Paralympic Team support staff have been selected: Chef de mission Jane Stevens; deputy chef de mission Lynette Grace; head coach Ben Adams; and assistant coach Scott Palmer.Jane Stevens, another Wānaka resident, has been with Snow Sports NZ for over ten years and has been part of the adaptive program and the athletes paralympic success over the past four Winter Paralympics. “Adam, Corey and Aaron will inspire a new generation of snow sports enthusiasts, both disabled and not,” Jane said. “I urge all New Zealanders to show their support by making sure to catch their performances on TV.”The New Zealand Paralympic Team will depart New Zealand later this month for the northernhemisphere competitions in Canada and Europe.The Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games will be held from March 4-13, 2022.PHOTO: Supplied

Local artist Ruby Burke has taken first place at this year’s Wānaka Arts Labour Weekend Exhibition awards.The exhibition is running at the Lake Wānaka Centre until Sunday (October 24) and Ruby received her award at the exhibition’s opening night on Friday (October 22) alongside winners in other categories.Nineteen-year-old Ruby told the Wānaka App she was thrilled to receive the award - selected from more than 100 works from artists working in a range of disciplines - for her piece ‘The Lily Princess’. She said it was “just amazing” to be recognised in her hometown, especially given she had been exhibiting with Wānaka Arts since she was 12 or 13-years-old.Wānaka Arts’ representative Whitney Oliver said judges Marc Blake (Broker Gallery) and Stacey Butler (Milford Galleries) deliberated carefully to select this year's winners.Ruby is primarily a self taught artist, having discovered her love of art after a visit to her school from a local artist when she was just 10-years-old. She recently held a 20-piece exhibition locally, which aimed to bring beauty from around the world to Wānaka for people experiencing wanderlust during Covid-19.See also: ‘Exhibition brings beauty from around the world to Wānaka’ The exhibition, which took place in August, had “a lot of support which was amazing,” Ruby said.Following her win Ruby plans to continue with her art in 2020: “I hope to keep exhibiting and work on commissions and get into some galleries in Dunedin and further afield”.Ruby received $3,000 for the first prize overall award, and six other artists received awards.The Shona Johnstone Memorial overall runner-up went to Teresa Chin, who received $2,000 for her piece ‘Go to the Water’.Five highly commended certificates went to Anique Williams with ‘Cheeky Kea’, Max de Roy with ‘Flower Study’, Mehrdad Tahan with ‘Seize the Day’; Nic Cockram with ‘Bauhaus and Background’, and Sally-Mae Hudson with ‘Te Araroa o Te Waipounamu’ (Linocut Print).Wanaka Artist Nic Cockram with his highly commended artwork 'Bauhaus and Background' (top right)Whitney said there would also be a viewer’s choice award, worth $300, given at the end of the weekend. The Wānaka Arts Labour Weekend Exhibition continues today (Saturday October 23) and tomorrow (Sunday October 24), between 9am-5pm. Entry is $5.Previous: Biggest exhibition yet for Wānaka Arts PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Mount Aspiring College (MAC) announced its senior awards on Tuesday November 16 via a live stream event.Principal Nicola Jacobsen told the school community via a newsletter that the college would miss seeing the parents, caregivers, and whānau but it was nice to know that there was an opportunity to watch the awards ceremony.The 2021 dux award went to Jess Carswell for attaining academic excellence of the highest order in Economics, Mathematics with Calculus, Chemistry and Physics. Next year Jess will be attending the University of Canterbury.The proximae accessit is Emma Davies who attained academic excellence in Economics, Mathematics with Statistics, Psychology and Spanish. Next year Emma will be studying at the University of Canterbury.Lucy Fenton was named best all round student for her wholehearted contribution in all aspects of student life. Lucy was described as passionate, driven and unreservedly altruistic, the epitome of this award. Next year Lucy will be studying at the University of Otago. Awards list Year 11  Highest achievement: Jessie Winter (mathematics and science), Ajay Quirk (computing), Anataia White (Te Reo Maori), Annalise Millar (geography), Caity Curtis (art painting and photography), Emilie Nicholson (visual art), Freja Malmo (spatial and product design), Holly James (health), Jackson Duguid (English), Kalan Nichol (woodwork), Laura Watkins (outdoor pursuits), Lily Ashe (food and nutrition), Nina Lee Smith (Spanish), Nova Gillam (agriculture), Oscar Goodwin (music), Oscar Waddington (history), Paige Gawn (drama), Sara Jewell (economics and business), Thomas Benson (physical education), Zoe Antone (mechanical engineering).High achievement: Jessie Winter (physical education and economics and business), Jaleesa Webb (outdoor pursuits and science), Jackson Duguid (mathematics and science), Isabella Soper (mathematics and science), Nina Lee Smith (English and science), Caity Curtis (mathematics), Anataia White (English), Carter Titterton (woodwork), India Yule (english), Kate Bennie (English), Lucas Buick (science), Zoe Antone (English). Year 12  Highest achievement: Layton Osnabrugge (chemistry, psychology, biology and mathematics with calculus), Daisy Orbell (music, visual art photography, and mathematics with statistics), Hayden Watson (computing and physics), Kate Harry (Spanish and business), Tai Olley (geography), Aimee Harrold (food and nutrition), Hugo Smith (economics), Kahu Allan (history), Bailey Sharp (English), Cullen Meyer (music technology), Emma Palmer (mathematics and statistics), Evie Sinclair (tourism), Harry Gilbertson (outdoor pursuits), Luka van Maren (mechanical engineering), Matai Wells (spatial and product design), Nico Semeri (pathways), Olivia Jones (physical education), Penny Bowker-Napp (visual art design), Ryan Clements (gateway), Sam Johnson (woodwork), Sophia Perkins (visual art painting).High achievement: Matai Wells (biology, chemistry, physics and English), Hayden Watson (mathematics with calculus), Luka van Maren (outdoor pursuits), Emma Palmer (psychology), Isla Henderson (physical education), Millie Cranfield (mathematics and statistics), Scarlett Norman (English), Sophia Perkins (English). Year 13Highest Achievement: Jess Carswell (chemistry, physics and mathematics with calculus), Jack Willson (materials technology and computing), Annabel Hutchison (geography and psychology), Olive Blyth (drama and music), Annelise Wedgwood (performing arts and entertainment technology), Aleisha Turner (spatial and product design), Emma Davies (Spanish), Ethan Brady (English), Georgia Robertson (mathematics with statistics), Hannah Power (outdoor pursuits), Hannah Stephens (outdoor pursuits), Holly Gibson (physical education), Isla Gellatly (mathematics with statistics), Joel Morgan (tourism), Kiri Shibahara (biology), Letitia Haig (financial capability), Lucia Brown (visual art photography), Mackenzie Barnett (mathematics and statistics), Maddi Frazer (food and nutrition), Meg Thomas (business and enterprise), Oliver Prince (music technology), Ryan Young (woodwork), Summer Rasmussen (visual art painting), Tesoro Levy (visual art design).High achievement: Emma Davies (psychology and English), Tess Treadwell-Burke (business and enterprise and mathematics and statistics), Noah Newton (outdoor pursuits), Ashley Bates (biology), Georgia Robertson (economics), Isla Gellatly (physical education), Kahurangi Nepia (outdoor pursuits), Olivia Connolly (chemistry), Zoe Smith (physics). Special Academic Awards: Abigail Schaffer (historical records), Zoe Antone, Hayden Watson (science and technology scholarships), Jess Carswell (mathematics scholarship), Meg Thomas (senior language), Thomas Benson (outdoor pursuits scholarship). National Achievements Zoe Antone (archery), Oscar Georgalli (snowboarding), Bella Sarginson, Emily Findlay, Neve Faed (rowing), Flyn Coburn (lugeing). International Achievements  Gustav Legnavsky (skiing), Billie Willson (equestrian), Holly Gibson (dance). Premiere Sports Awards Zoe Smith (fairplay), Georgie Bruce and Abby Fisher (girls’ sports), Gustav Legnavsky (boys’ sports). Service AwardsHolly Gibson, Georgie Bruce, Aleisha Turner, Olive Blyth, Isla Gellatly, Lea McTavish, Ashley Bates, Zoe Smith, Lauren Rimmer, Flyn Coburn, Danielle Carney, Piper Cavanagh, Martha Toghill, Mackenzie Barnett, Nikita Sinclair, Whitney Bennett, Annabel Hutchison, Hannah Stephens, Meg Thomas, Tesoro Levy, Summer Rasmussen, Alice Howard, Hannah Power, Meg Kilbride, Maddi Frazer, Tess Treadwell-Burke, Lucy Fenton, Lucia Brown, Georgia Robertson, Neve Stalker, Emma Davies, Mackenzie Harvey, Abhishek Rameshanand, Nicole Meyer (students in the community with distinction). Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award: Hazel Murray, Tai Olley, Lyla Chamberlain, Aneka Rossiter, Emma Patterson (bronze), Millie Cranfield, Angus Veitch (silver), Neve Stalker, Nic Battersby, Maddi Frazer, Benji Pujol (gold), Piper Cavanagh, Zoe Smith, Hadley Tamati, Tess Treadwell-Burke (house), Maddi Frazer, Jess Carswell, Flyn Coburn (whole-hearted contribution), Holly Gibson, Annabel Hutchison, Zac Scott (special recognition), Isla Gellatly (student council recognition). Cultural AwardsHadley Tamati (mana pounamu) Tawhiri Rupapera (te korowai o te maatauranga), Oliver Prince, Kahurangi Nepia (music), Lucia Brown (art), Ethan Brady (drama), Meg Thomas (speech), Tesoro Levy (writing). ScholarshipsHayden Watson, Amelia Mitchell (leadership), Anya Fearnside (medical), Zoe Smith, Jack Willson, Piper Cavanagh, Nikita Sinclair, Meg Thomas, Meg Kilbride, Maddi Frazer, Tess Treadwell-Burke, Lucia Brown, Anna Barrett, Hadley Tamati (leadership and role-model), Mackenzie Barnett, Ryan Young (engineering), Olive Blyth (music), Nicole Meyer (law), Aleisha Turner (design), Harry Gillespie (vocational).  PHOTO: Supplied

More than $50,000 has been raised for the family of a Makarora man who died on October 10. Money raised on the Givealittle fundraiser will go towards the costs associated with raising Hayden Blackburn’s young daughters, Lily and Briar. NZ Police said they were called to a sudden death in Makarora at 1.20pm on October 10. The accident occured during a tree felling and the death was not considered suspicious.Hayden, who was 34 years old, is survived by his partner Charlene and two daughters. Hayden died in Makorora on October 10 during a tree felling. PHOTO: Wānaka AppHe was a “committed father, a wonderful son, a fun-loving brother, a loyal friend and a devoted partner,” friend Mel Barlow said.“Hayden was a hardworking, dedicated family man and he would love nothing more than for his family, his girls, to be well taken care of.”Mel said she set up the fundraiser to help meet the costs associated with raising his daughters following his sudden and unexpected death.More than 300 donors have so far raised $54,427 for Hayden’s family. “While we cannot take away the pain of this tragic event, or the loss to his immediate family, we thought we would provide an opportunity for people to contribute financially, and know they are helping in some way,” Mel said. Visit the Givealittle fundraiser for Hayden’s family here.

Years of training have paid off for two Wānaka teenagers selected to represent South Island at the St John national youth competition.Seventeen-year-old Carter Hewson and 15-year-old Lily Wilson will make up part of a 24-person squad, selected from St John cadets across the South Island, who will compete together in Christchurch next April.“I’m pretty excited to be able to represent our district and region at the national competition,” Carter said.Carter and Lily are the first Wānaka St John cadets to be selected for the South Island squad at the competition, which will see three squads from around the country compete to best react to staged accident and emergency situations.Props, makeup and patients will be utilised to make the emergency situations appear as realistic as possible so the cadets react in ways that mirror how they would respond in a true emergency.Lily said she was looking forward to competing against the best St John cadets in the country.“I think it will be a really great experience for both of us and I think it's nice we get to do it together,” Lily said. “We’ll have to do a range of clinical tests and practices, as well as drills and lots of teamwork stuff.”Both Carter and Lily have been involved in Wānaka St John programmes since they were six years old and both assist with the running of the Wānaka division on a weekly basis.Carter, who is also a volunteer firefighter, recently completed his cadet leader training and Lily her sergeant training.Carter says he hopes to be a first responder in the future and Lily thinks she’ll do “something healthcare wise”. “I have a few years as a cadet before that,” Lily said.The St John national competition will be held in Christchurch on April 22-25, 2022.  PHOTO: Wānaka App

A local family is grateful for the support it’s received from emergency services and the community after their teenage son was burned in a freak accident recently.Fourteen-year-old Year 9 Mount Aspiring College student Hunter Shuker received burns to 60 per cent of his body in the late September accident. He was flown by helicopter from Lake Hāwea to Christchurch Hospital where he spent time in the ICU. He is now in the Children’s High Care Unit.Hunter is in significant pain and must endure dressing changes under anaesthesia.Jimmy and Stacey Shuker have been told their son will require extensive rehabilitation and support as he recovers. This included treatment in Christchurch and may also include travel to Dunedin for further treatment, specialist physio & counselling sessions.A Givealittle page set up by family friend Claire Walker to help with expenses has raised more than $30,000.Claire described the Shukers as “hard workers who are never out for a handout”. Another family friend told the Wānaka App the Shukers are very grateful for the support and they now have what they need to support Hunter.She said they will donate any funds they don’t use to the services which helped Hunter and services he is currently using, including the local St John ambulance service, air ambulance service and Ronald McDonald House.“They are all so impressed by the first responders, both ambulance and helicopter, and again, very thankful,” the friend told the Wānaka App.“Hunter's recovery is going very well, and they're hoping he'll be home by the end of school holidays. Obviously there will still be a long way to go afterwards, but things are looking good right now.”

The Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust has announced the appointment of Charlie Unwin as executive director of the Festival of Colour and Aspiring Conversations. The new position replaces the general manager role previously held by Laura Williamson.Charlie grew up in Wānaka, and although he has lived and worked all over New Zealand, he still calls Wānaka home. He has more than 26 years' experience working in the professional performing arts as an actor, producer and director; has successfully delivered over 20 festivals around New Zealand; and he has worked internationally with some of the biggest names in the industry.As well as his role as executive director of the Festival of Colour, Charlie is also the director of the Dunedin Arts Festival and chair of the Performing Arts Network Of New Zealand (PANNZ). He's looking forward to working on his "home festival".Charlie will be working alongside Philip Tremewan, who is programming the 2022 Aspiring Conversation festival of ideas, and Sophie Kelly, the new artistic director of the Festival of Colour arts festival.Philip said he was delighted Charlie had been appointed and outgoing general manager Laura Williamson said she was thrilled to leave the festival in such capable hands.“We’ve made huge strides over the past few years, especially growing the Festival of Colour’s free community and street programme, as well as engaging with younger and more diverse audiences through both festivals,” Laura said.“Sophie and Charlie are the right leaders to carry on with this work, and take our events to a new level.”Charlie will also be supported by Wānaka’s Abbey Lewis and Anna McConville.Laura said festival fans will not have seen the last of her: “Our former general manager, Lindsey Schofield, has been working in the box office, and I’m sure I’ll be back in some capacity too. Our festivals are fantastic events, and I hope to stay involved.”The Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust runs two biennial festivals in the Wānaka region. The three-day Aspiring Conversations festival of ideas takes place March 24-27, 2022, and the next week-long Festival of Colour arts festival will run in April 2023.PHOTOS: Supplied/Tim Cuff