A picnic in a paddock with a Hollywood star and 140 special guests has benefited Dunstan Hospital.The event at Sir Sam Neill’s Two Paddocks vineyard was a celebration of wine and good food for all of its wine club members, but also turned into a fundraiser as well.The Two Paddocks Posh Picnic raised $35,300 and Sir Sam matched it dollar for dollar.He personally presented Dunstan Hospital chief executive Hayley Anderson with the $70,600 donation yesterday.“This is something close to my heart, particularly as they have been very good to me here recently when I needed some pastoral care.”The Two Paddocks Posh Picnic in Earnscleugh with 140 guests from its wine club. Sir Sam said he was aware staff in the health sector were overworked and underfunded, “and that’s why we are doing our little bit to help.”“And I want this to be a reminder to the wider community about how important this place is.”  He said Dunstan Hospital services were vital and central to the community, and the work was challenging and onerous, also exacerbated by an increasingly aging population.“People not only get old but come here to get old,” he said of the Central Otago district, “and I count myself as one of them.”Sir Sam was diagnosed with stage 3 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma - a form of blood cancer - in 2022, and underwent chemotherapy treatment after his cancer diagnosis.  When asked how his health was he said “remission was a wonderful thing.”People enjoying the posh picnic who came from as far away as The United States and Singapore to be involved. PHOTO: Anda Bulgakova from BrandStories The 77-year-old has been in many leading roles in both dramas and blockbuster movies and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1991 for his services as an actor.At the 2007 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DCNZM).When knighthoods were returned to the New Zealand royal honours system in 2009, those with DCNZM or higher honours were given the option of converting them into knighthoods. Sir Sam chose not to, saying at the time the title of Sir was "just far too grand, by far,” according to Wikipedia.However, in June 2022, he accepted redesignation as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.Hayley said she was incredibly grateful for the donation to the hospital, and an announcement would be made about where it would be used, in due course.“Health is tough and good news doesn’t come along every day, so when it does and to this extent, this gift is a significant one.”She said Dunstan Hospital was an incredible place, and reiterated Sir Sam’s sentiment “we don’t realise how important our health and services are until we need them.”The hospital had a significant range of services that many people were not always aware of, and 85 per cent of people were able to be treated onsite at Clyde.“We are facing significant financial headwinds and they will continue, and every day we’re thinking about how can we deliver more, fund more, and how can the community support us.”

Dunstan ward Otago regional councillor Alexa Forbes said the response from the community about her not standing again this October have been positive, and made her feel that her efforts have been recognised.The Queenstown-based regional councillor was more ‘green’ than her fellow Dunstan ward elected members Michael Laws and Gary Kelliher, and was disappointed when the new National Government intervened in the Regional Land and Water Plan.Cr Forbes said she was most proud of representing the headwaters and shining a light on the issues and opportunities there. “Te uta te tai – from mountains to sea, this is the system approach and we’re seeing a recognition of this in our council.”However, that was not all of her work alone, and she really wanted to acknowledge Kai Tahu “who have thought about that for generations and been generous in imparting their knowledge and expertise,” and also her fellow councillors, chair and chief executive who have been willing to work on understanding the issues faced in the Upper Lakes area. She was also proud of what she’d achieved in public transport despite huge barriers.“I really see public transport as the way forward for QLDC and CODC transport issues (currently Queenstown is experiencing dreadful congestion, but it will hit our other towns in due course if we don’t solve the problem).”She said in such constrained geographical areas - particularly Queenstown - communities couldn’t keep building more roads and parking, and another solution was needed.“Cable ways are in the future, but planning will need to ensure people can get to the cable way stations.”She was really disappointed by the New Zealand Transport Authority Waka Kotahi (NZTA) failure to provide agreed active transport – the A7 trail between Jacks Point and Frankton and the Jim’s Way to Hardware Lane pedestrian/cycle bridge were examples. “Public transport won’t work properly if people can’t safely get to bus stops. Every bus trip starts with a walk, cycle or scooter trip so this network is essential if we are to provide an alternative to the private car.”Cr Forbes advocated for better environmental outcomes for Lakes Wakatipu and Wānaka. FILE SHOTCr Forbes was also very sad to have seen what she described as “the first slip” in the environmental status of Lakes Wānaka and Wakatipu.  She said monitoring of those lakes showed the measurements were going the wrong way.  “This needs to be reversed. That might be our most urgent job.”Cr Forbes said once leaving council, she would probably volunteer her time in the environmental or conservation space, and felt there was potential for the region to underpin the economy with the work that improved rather than degraded the environment.“For example, earning export dollars with our cutting edge conservation technology and methods. We could also export environmental and conservation knowledge and education and attract visitors specifically to study with our experts.”She believed concentrating on more tourism ‘bums on seats’ to try and extract more dollars was a “zero sum game” where communities and environment were the losers and corporate interests, many overseas based - the winners.“We don’t have to go that way, but we do need to invest in the alternatives.”

More records have fallen to Aspiring Athletes Club (AAC) runner Phoebe Laker.Despite high winds at a recent meet at the Caledonian in Dunedin, Phoebe (16) “set the meeting alight” with an outstanding run in the 400m, which combined all the women’s grades over age 16 into one race, AAC senior coach Michael Beable said.“In what virtually became a time trial for her, she recorded a major personal best (PB) of 0.82 second, with a stunning one-lap time of 55.34 seconds,” he said.Headwinds of at least 4.8m/s on the home straight ruled out the possibility for athletes to record their fastest times in the 100m, with most off their best by about 0.5s.Women athletes in the 200m, from left, Phoebe Laker, Anna Grimaldi, Georgie Bruce, and Jorje Gibbons.In the 400m Phoebe set new Otago records for girls aged 16-17 for the ninth time.She also broke the Otago age-18 record (previously held by noted NZ representative Anna Smythe) by a significant margin of 0.42s.Phoebe is now unbeaten in the 400m over more than two years.“Her 400m run on Saturday suggests that in calmer conditions there are even better times to come for her this season,” Michael said.After her strenuous run in the 400m, Phoebe managed the next day to set a second PB (by 0.33s) at the provincial champs in the women’s 200m, in which she ran in 24.91s into a 0.8m/s headwind.She won ahead of strong opposition that included current NZ Secondary School representative Jorje Gibbons (18) (by 0.33s), and NZ Para-Olympic 200m champion Anna Grimaldi (by more than 1.5s).The Caledonian crowd were getting accustomed to Phoebe ringing the stadium bell to announce a new PB - a new initiative from Athletics Otago.In other events, Niamh Townsend was second in the women’s 100m, and fourth overall in the women’s 200m. Georgie Bruce was fifth in this race, second fastest in the 400m (in 61.63s) and second in the women’s discus with a throw of 29.53m.Ryan Enoka, sole competitor in the men’s U20m hammer, threw a pleasing 36.40m, as well as 29.22m in the discus throw to place second.In the under-16 category, 13-year-old Ruby Samy from AAC went well, placing fifth in the girls’ 100m with 14.14s, and fourth for a PB in the 200m (28.64s). She also achieved a PB in placing second in the girls’ U16 long jump with a leap of 4.41m. Harriet Grant also achieved a second placing, with 8.84m in the U16 triple jump.PHOTOS: Supplied

Rising cycling star Kim Cadzow has started another year strong after earning two wins at Cycling New Zealand Elite National Time Trial and Road Race earlier this month.Kim (23), who lives in Luggate when she is not training with EF Education-Oatly WorldTour team in Europe, said she was “super happy” to take both the national road and time trial champion titles.“It's not something I believed I could achieve - [winning] both in one year,” she said.Kim has a knack for surpassing expectations: she was selected to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games just a few years after she first took up the sport.She has also earned a spot as a full-time professional cyclist employed with EF Education-Cannondale and she spends most of the year training and competing all over Europe.It’s an impressive upward trajectory for any cyclist, but especially one who only started cycling after she finished school.Kim spoke to the Wānaka App after returning to Europe last week.“This year will be busy,” she said. “I started my season in January racing on the road for my team EF and this will continue until October. “Some of the racing can last for up to eight days and some one day events. In one year I will race around 45-50 days.”Despite her rapid success, Kim is taking a steady approach to the sport.“This year I'm looking forward just to keep progressing my cycling and finding out where my limits are,” Kim said.“I am still incredibly young in the sport so I continue to look to develop and improve while enjoying the riding.” PHOTO: Supplied

Hāwea Flat biathlete Campbell Wright - aka ‘The Golden Mullet’ - has succeeded in proving his first silver medal for the USA team was “not a fluke”.After winning silver on Sunday (February 16) in the 10km sprint of the IBU World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, Campbell went on to win another silver medal in the 12.5km pursuit the following day.“Campbell may be wearing a USA jersey but is bringing Wānaka's winning ways to the podium,” Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust (owner of the Snow Farm and Merino Muster Ltd) trustee John Burridge said.In Monday (February 17) night’s event, which included two prone shootings and two standing shootings, Campbell missed one fewer shot than the gold medal winning leader JT Boe (Norway), and was just 8.6 seconds behind him at the finish.John said Campbell started 28 seconds behind JT and was “clearly closing the gap in the last lap, which made for an exciting finish”. “I am beyond words in terms of Campbell doubling up on yesterday's miracle,” John said.  “For biathlon he has rattled the Norwegian firmament… I am sure there is very special snow at the Snow Farm.”Eric Perrot (France) came in third.Campbell, who holds dual citizenship in New Zealand and the USA, joined the US biathlon team in July 2023. “Had to prove it wasn’t a fluke,” Campbell posted on social media following the race. “I enjoyed every single metre of that race, and felt Team USA cheering every step of the way.”Watch Campbell’s reaction when he shoots clean at the last standing shooting here.PHOTOS: Supplied

Wānaka athletes Simone Maier and Hamish Elliott both placed second in their respective Coast to Coast Longest Day races on Saturday (February 8).The two athletes were the defending champions for the men’s and women’s events, and the favourites to win again this year.The race started on the West Coast and traversed the width of the South Island, crossing the main divide and finishing on the East Coast with the finish at New Brighton Beach, Christchurch.Simone was on the brink of making history as she chased her sixth victory in the women's category, which would’ve made her the first woman to secure six titles, surpassing the legendary Kathy Lynch (Motueka).She placed second to Deb Lynch (Porirua), at 13:10:30 just four minutes behind Deb’s 13:06:11.“It was fantastic,” Simone said.“It’s second place but I wanted to race, and I did say whoever beats me deserves it, and, today, Debbie had an amazing race.”Hamish, the defending men's champion, claimed his first title in 2024 with a remarkable time of 10 hours, 48 minutes, and 53 seconds.  This year he placed second (11:33:47) to Tasmanian Alex Hunt, just four minutes behind the Australian’s time of 11:29:20.Find a full list of results here.PHOTOS: Supplied

The addition of an occupational therapist to the Community Link team will provide another service at the one-stop community support and connection centre.Community Link manager Kate Murray said she was delighted to welcome Ana Amador to the role, where she will support families, whānau and individuals to overcome barriers to their wellbeing and achieve their full potential. “Her passion for helping people and her unique blend of professional experience and cultural insight will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our community services,” Kate said.“Ana’s dedication to supporting individuals through life’s challenges perfectly aligns with our mission to help the Upper Clutha region thrive.”Ana, who is originally from Mexico City, completed her three-year occupational therapist training at Otago Polytechnic starting in 2018.After graduating, she spent three years working at not-for-profit youth services provider ADL, focusing on community mental health, particularly supporting youth with mental health challenges.Ana said she was particularly passionate about helping people navigate complex systems and services.“I want to help the community when people need a helping hand,” Ana said. “For many, these services can be complicated, especially for those who aren’t used to them.”At Community Link, Ana will work across a range of areas including youth, children, schools, hospitals, mental health, older people, disabilities and addictions. Ana said her personal experiences as a woman from Mexico have equipped her with the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. “Coming from a different culture has helped me understand how to remove barriers and be open-minded,” she said. “I come to this role with an open heart and no judgment, and I hope that’s something that will help as I grow into the role.”Kate said Community Link was “excited to see the positive impact Ana will have in her new role”.Learn more about Community Link here.PHOTO: Supplied

A local woman plans to swim the length of Lake Wānaka - 44km - to raise funds for freshwater conservation and the next generation of swimmers.Wānaka Swim Club member and part-time coach Livi Schmid is tackling “the greatest challenge of my career” in the long-distance swim next month and she has already received donations towards her goal of raising $20,000, to be split equally between WAI Wānaka and the Wānaka Swim Club.“Every contribution will help protect our freshwater resources and support the swim club’s work in developing young swimmers,” Livi said.Livi chose to support those organisations “to shine a light” on the declining health of the lake and to inspire the next generations of swimmers to take on their own challenges.Originally from the USA, Livi chose to make Wānaka home two years ago and it was while coaching at the club she discovered “a first sense of community” since moving to New Zealand.She saw “firsthand the positive impact on local youth through the sport of swimming,” she said.Although she’s swum since childhood, lake swimming is a relatively new experience.Livi Schmid PHOTO: Elie Babin“I started lake swimming for the first time last summer. It's been a challenge to learn the technique and battle unpredictable conditions,” she said. Livi said being able to talk to experienced lake swimmers such as Cameron Stanley, who set a record swimming Lake Wānaka in 2020, has been invaluable: “He's been a great mentor and given me a good idea of what the training entails.” Fitness training and swimming 40-plus kilometres in the lake each week is the basis to her preparation but it has been the mental challenge she has found “especially difficult”. She said handling full time work, fundraising, and publicity on top of training for this marathon effort “can feel overwhelming at times” but having the support of family and friends and causes she believes in keeps her going.“I have been a swimmer my whole life, and I wanted to see if my body and mind could handle it. If not now, when?” the 24-year old said.  On the day, Livi plans to have at least two support boats, two kayakers, and up to three support swimmers “who will get in and out of the water with me”.“It takes a village to take on a challenge this size, and I'm so lucky to have mine.” Livi has established a Givealittle page for the ‘Liv to Swim’ event and she has already received $5,700 towards her goal: “I'm thrilled with the progress we've made so far, and if we can even reach half of the $20k goal, I will be ecstatic.”Donations can be made here.  The swim is scheduled for the weekend of February 15 - depending on weather and lake conditions.

The Hāwea Community Association (HCA) has a new chair, new Lake Hāwea resident Dave Currie.Dave, who describes himself as a “recent arrival from Raglan”, has lived in the township for three years.He said his background is in managing a wide range of companies and not-for-profit organisations, and he had worked extensively in sport administration.“I am passionate about the environmental legacy we will leave our grandchildren, how...we retain the essence of what draws us all here to this very special place while accommodating the inevitable growth that will take place,” he told residents in a community newsletter.“Working collectively, collaboratively and developing strong partnerships with all groups who call this place home seems to me to be important.”“Hāwea is a special place, it's worth advocating for,” he said.Dave has bought a house in Lake Hāwea and has enjoyed developing a native garden, helping out with plantings around the lake foreshore and enjoying the walking and mountain bike trails in the area.Dave said the new HCA committee intends to launch an updated website by the end of February “to develop an easy means of harnessing community input”. The first community session is planned for March 15, 2025.Dave acknowledged the energy, time and commitment that former HCA chair Cherilyn Walthew committed to the position over the past few years.PHOTO: Supplied

A cabinet reshuffle this past weekend means a new Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Louise Upston, replacing Matt Doocey, who held the role since 2023.Prime minister Christopher Luxon announced the reshuffle on Sunday (January 19), which included former transport minister Simeon Brown to replace Dr Shane Reti as health minister.The PM said tourism and hospitality is “a critical industry for promoting growth and employment in regional New Zealand”.He said his refreshed team would be “focused on unleashing economic growth to make people better off, create more opportunities for business and help us afford the world-class health and education Kiwis deserve”.Louise said she was feeling honoured to have picked up the new role.“Tourism is so important for my electorate of Taupō and New Zealand,” she said. “It brings in billions of dollars from international visitors each year, right down to those little purchases that keep the local cafes and motels humming in our regions.”The switch to Simeon Brown for health minister has raised questions about his stance on the Dunedin Hospital rebuild.The PM said he had heard concerns from people that “they expect to see even more progress” in establishing targets and refreshing leadership in Health NZ to ensure they can access the care they need, when they need it.Health is a priority area in 2025, he said. “Simeon is an outstanding and diligent minister who has done an excellent job delivering on the Government’s priorities. Off the back of that performance, I have decided his skills are best placed to take leadership of our health system going forward.”PHOTOS: Supplied

A new director has been appointed for Otago Polytechnic’s central campus, which is split across locations in Cromwell in Wānaka.Drawing on the local environment, the central campus offers programmes ranging from high country farming, horticulture, and electrical trades through to outdoor education, avalanche safety and snowsports.John Christie, who will begin in his role on January 20, said he was excited to get started."I've really got an interest in making sure our young people have got good opportunities for training,” John said. “And not just young people, but anybody really that has got an interest in learning."He is joining Otago Polytechnic after 10 years as manager of Enterprise Dunedin (the economic development team at Dunedin City Council), which followed 20 years as chief executive of the Otago Chamber of Commerce.The role means a move from Dunedin to Cromwell for John."The location's fantastic,” John said. “Cromwell and Wānaka are great campuses, and there's real opportunity there to get close to the community. “Especially in those areas where you can see the industry growth, like horticulture and agriculture areas.""There's also your traditional trades like electrical, mechanical, and building which are much needed when you're seeing the growth in housing in this part of the country."Members of the Otago Polytechnic senior leadership team will join John later this month at a community event which is aimed at helping future-proof the central campus."This is Central Otago's campus. I think it can be anything they want it to be,” John said. "I think the community have got a lot of the keys to what the success will look like for the two campuses, and we'll be looking for their support.""So the first bit of this role will be listening to the local community and finding out where those needs are. And I'm confident if we're given the opportunity to deliver that, it'll be a very exciting place for people to study."PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka Freeskier Luca Harrington (20) has claimed another Freeski Big Air World Cup win this morning (January 11).This win follows Luca’s career first World Cup win last weekend.“This is absolutely incredible, I did not expect this to happen, it’s been such an honour to be here [Krieschberg, Austria] and to put down two runs again and walk away with the win is incredible,” Luca said. Luca dominated from the first of three runs, posting the highest single jump score of the day with a flawless switch right triple corked 1620 esco grab which was awarded a huge 95.75 points out of a possible 100. He immediately backed that up with the third highest score of the day (92.00) on his second run, stomping a right triple corked 1800 safety grab for a combined winning score of 187.75, nine points clear of his nearest competitor. “I switched up my game plan today so I was a little unsure coming in, but I am glad I did it and I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me to this moment, my friends, my family, Hamish McDougall [Luca’s coach], Snow Sports New Zealand and all my sponsors, I wouldn’t be here without them.” Luca said.Men’s Big Air World Cup Podium [L-R] Matej Svancer AUT (2nd), Luca Harrington NZL (1st), Leo Landroe NOR (3rd). PHOTO: FIS Park & PipeLuca was joined on the podium by local hero Matej Svancer of Austria in second and Norway’s Leo Landroe in third. Luca is now focusing on the LAAX Open World Cup where he will compete in Freeski Slopestyle.

Fish & Game has a new operations manager for the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes.Jamie Ward (49) will be based in Cromwell and he will be responsible for overseeing Fish & Game’s operations in the local area, including fisheries and game bird management, habitat restoration, and community engagement.“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Otago Fish & Game,” Jamie said.“I’ve always been drawn to wild places, and this role offers an incredible opportunity to work in and protect these environments.Born and raised in Southland, Jamie’s early experiences fishing in the Aparima River sparked a lifelong love for the outdoors.Having studied chemistry at the University of Otago, he honed his scientific expertise over 20 years at AgResearch, where he led the deer science programme, before joining Otago Fish & Game.Jamie’s connection to the land and his understanding of farming practices will be invaluable in fostering positive relationships with landowners, Otago Fish & Game said.Jamie said he was looking forward to connecting with the local community, licence holders and mana whenua, “and working together to ensure a sustainable future for our region’s fisheries, game bird resources and their habitat”.“I am keen to support communities, connecting waterways and wetland protection with fishing and hunting to preserve these resources for future generations.”A keen trail runner and experienced big game hunter, he is also passionate about introducing new people to the outdoors and sharing his knowledge.PHOTO: Otago Fish & Game 

As a young lawyer starting his career, the desire to give back to his community led Wānaka resident Anthony (Tony) Shaw to begin more than 40 years of community service, primarily with New Zealand's leading provider of services for people with intellectual disabilities.Tony has been appointed to be an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the New Year Honours List for services to people with intellectual disabilities and the community.Tony was born and raised in Christchurch, with a mother who was involved in the church and “always doing things to help other people”.“I’d like to think my upbringing taught me what was right and wrong,” he told the Wānaka App.After studying law and taking a job in Timaru (with the expectation of staying a few years), he found he had “landed on [his] feet”, and stayed more than 40 years in South Canterbury.“I always felt I should give something back to the community,” Tony said.“The IHC role has been the most significant community work I’ve done. I’ve enjoyed it, it’s a phenomenal organisation in terms of what it’s achieved.”The organisation started in 1949 with a group of parents who wanted a better life for their children than living in institutions - they wanted them in the community, Tony said.IHC provides some services to children and young people, and some assistance to families, but most of its services are provided to adults. IHC has $1.8B in property assets, and is the second largest provider of public housing (behind Kāinga Ora) with 2,700 houses.The organisation provides services for some of the most vulnerable people in NZ, Tony said.“Many can’t communicate for themselves, many need assistance with all their physical needs, and overlaying all that many of them have significant intellectual disabilities.“Despite all the challenges I really love the organisation, love the work I do, see real value in it.”He was a single man in his 20s at the beginning of his career when he was approached to join the IHC branch committee. He had had nothing to do with IHC, and was something of an outsider as most other volunteers were parents of a child with an intellectual disability, he said.Tony has held a range of leadership roles within IHC since accepting that invitation to join the Committee of the IHC South Canterbury Branch in 1982.He joined the IHC New Zealand Inc Board in 1998, and served as New Zealand president from 2003 to 2005. He rejoined the national board of IHC in 2019 and has been chair since 2020, helping guide the organisation’s 4,000 people with intellectual disabilities and 4,000 support staff through the Covid-19 pandemic.He has held leadership roles on related boards, including the IHC Foundation Charitable Trust, Accessible Properties New Zealand, IDEA Services and the Donald Beasley Institute Trust. In 2005, he was made a Life Member of the IHC, one of only 11 people to receive this distinction.The almost 43 years he has been involved in the organisation included some “arm twisting” into roles, but he admits he was always up for the challenges.IHC is currently suing the Crown for failures to provide proper education services for children with intellectual disabilities. The organisation had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars pursuing the claim which they hope will be settled in their favour in 2025.“That level of advocacy is something that IHC can do because we are by far the largest provider in the sector,” Tony said.“We’re big enough and tough enough to be able to take on those sorts of challenges. We see ourselves as a very strong advocate for people with intellectual disability and long may that continue.”Tony has also undertaken other volunteer work throughout his career, including being on kindergarten committees, involved in the South Island Masters Games, training and mentoring young legal and business professionals through the Law Society and South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, and acting as MC for the Timaru Rotary Club’s Celebrity Auction from 2001 to 2013 - raising between $20,000 and $65,000 each year.“If I didn’t have the support of [my wife] Raewyn and my family, and the significant support of my law firm, I wouldn’t have had the time and inclination to do what I did,” he said.After retiring from his legal practice in 2022 and moving to Wānaka, he has continued to be involved in IHC and is involved as a volunteer with Wānaka Community Patrol and Wheels to Dunstan.Tony calls Wānaka his “playground”, and he and Raewyn are active in golf, biking, skiing, walking, boating, and water skiing. “We are living in paradise,” he said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A new board member will help Central Lakes Trust (CLT) manage its investments and provide grants to worthwhile groups and projects in the community.Simon Flood has been appointed to the CLT board. replacing Hetty Van Hale, who has stepped down after two terms on the board.He brings over 25 years of experience in the global investment management industry.Simon joined the CLT’s investment committee as an independent member in January 2022 and was appointed chair of the investment committee in August 2023. He also currently serves as the chair of Queenstown Airport Corporation. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the investment committee and look forward to being more involved in the greater operations of CLT,” Simon said.CLT chair Linda Robertson said Simon’s appointment followed a robust, externally facilitated selection process, which attracted a strong field of candidates. “We are confident Simon will bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the board table,” she said. Linda thanked Hetty for her service.“Hetty has been an exceptional leader and a dedicated advocate for our community,” she said.“Her vision and unwavering commitment have had a profound impact, and we are deeply grateful for her mahi and the positive changes she has driven over her two terms.”CLT is a charitable trust that offers financial support for charitable initiatives.It funds charitable projects with the aim of improving the lives of local residents and creating lasting positive impacts in the region. Since its inception in 2000, CLT has grown its asset base to $490M+ and it has distributed more than $146.6 million into a wide range of community projects and services.PHOTO: QAC

Writing as L A Joye, Wānaka author Lauren Sleeman has released an historical murder mystery set in Southland. Wrongdoings involves a small-town murder during the privations and losses of wartime in New Zealand.Lauren was born in Southland and is proud of her southern roots.  “I wanted to write an easy-to-read story of my beloved birth province Southland, a story which encompassed old-school, colloquial Southern humour and history,” she said. “With this in mind, I chose one of my favourite genres, crime fiction, with a flawed lead character who, like many men of this era, endeavoured to contribute to society while suffering under the shadow of the ‘Great War’, World War 1.” The main character, Detective Inspector John MacBride, has his demons due to the after-effects of WWI. He’s ready to retire when a saxophonist from a visiting US Marines jazz band is found murdered on the banks of the Ōreti River.The detective faces hostility, red herrings and the Marine’s bullish commanding officer determined to protect the reputation of the US Marines at all costs. Can he discover the truth about what happened to the Marine who left behind more than just stories of contraband activities and a string of broken hearts across Southland? “I selected the year 1943 because it was a significant year in southern history with the tragedy of the Hyde rail disaster,” Lauren said. The cover of Wrongdoings.Between 1942 to 1944, United States servicemen were stationed in New Zealand, bringing about an economic boom and “a certain intrigue”, Lauren said, especially for young Kiwi women - which resulted in marriages for approximately 1,500 US servicemen. “Several themes of the story also reflect my work as a psychotherapist,” she said. “The phenomenon of narcissism would not have been as evident in the 1940s as it is now, but narcissistic individuals can and do cause great harm, no matter the era. Likewise, PTSD known in the 1940s as shellshock, along with domestic abuse and violence are also perpetual problems in society which frequently remain hidden. Consensual sex versus rape is another issue alluded to in the story.” Lauren’s earlier books were mythological fiction, incorporating the insights and experience she gained in her work as a Jungian psychotherapist. After spending some years living in both Sydney and Auckland, she moved back to her childhood holiday home in Wānaka where she writes fulltime. The paperback edition of Wrongdoings is available to order from bookshops nationwide through Relish Books.PHOTOS: Supplied

Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) celebrated the academic achievements and service of its junior students at its 2024 Junior Awards ceremonies last week (years 7-8 on Thursday December 12, and years 9-10 on Friday December 13).MAC principal Nicola Jacobsen said the awards recognised academic, artistic, cultural, sporting and service achievement. “We pride ourselves on being a place for all students to grow and be proud of who they are, and we encourage students to make the most of the curriculum opportunities available, and to get involved in all aspects of school life,” she said. Highest academic achievers Year 7 (L-R): Tenki Watanabe, P J Foxley, Bill Dobson, Emily Boswell, Sami Reid, Edie Yandall, Tyla Scherger Highest academic achievers Year 8 (L-R): Emily Anderson, Logan Davidson, Malcie Cervelli, Sam Seville, Finn Tomes, Travis Clarke (Absent: Jack Sutherland)“Academically, our results are well above the national average and reflect our focus on the core skills of numeracy and literacy, as well as a range of other subjects designed to prepare our students for their future pathways. “We also place a strong emphasis on our values which represent what we stand for as a school community and inform how we treat ourselves, each other and our environment.”The best all round student awards went to Bill Dobson and Edie Yandall (year 7), Emily Anderson and Alice Chaly (year 8), Emma Head and Deacon Gwilliam Browne (year 9), and Zoe Waddington and Madi Smith (year 10). Best all round students Years 9 & 10 (L-R): Emma Head (Y9), Principal Nicola Jacobsen, Madi Smith (Y10), Zoe Waddington (Y10) (Absent: Deacon Gwilliam Browne)Highest academic achievers Year 9 (L-R): Blanka Lewis, Stella Harper, Oscar Adams, Bella Wright, Lily Brown, Amber Gemmell, Liam Thomas, Sierra Emmitt Academic awards for the highest achievers in each class went to: PJ Foxley, Edie Yandall, Bill Dobson, Tyla Scherger, Emily Boswell, Sami Reid, and Tenki Watanabe (year 7); Emily Anderson, Logan Davidson, Travis Clarke, Sam Seville, Finn Tomes, Malcie Cervelli, and Jack Sutherland (year 8); Blanka Lewis, Sierra Emmitt, Liam Thomas, Bella Wright, Lily Brown, Amber Gemmell, Oscar Adams, and Stella Harper (year 9); Phoebe Cervelli, Nieve McRae, Max Evans, Vinnie Vickers, Winifred McAllister Brown, and Charlie Gibson (year 10). Other awards included special academic awards, service and premier awards, Tititea trophies (for representing the school values), arts and sport awards, awards for sustainability and culture, and recognition for national and international achievements.“I am very proud of our junior students and thankful for the support they receive from their families and whānau, and our local community,” Nicola said. Highest academic achievers Year 10 (L-R): Vinnie Vickers, Charlie Gibson, Max Evans, Winifred McAllister Brown, Nieve McRae, Phoebe CervelliThe ceremonies also featured a haka pōwhiri performed by Te Mākahi o Tititea (MAC’s kapa haka group), and performances by the MAC junior band, the MAC Orchestra, Bella Wright, and student band ‘Rip Cord’. MAC thanked prize sponsors Wastebusters, Racers Edge, Revology, and Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka. PHOTOS: Supplied

The Queenstown Airport director appointed by the minority shareholder, Auckland International Airport, will change in the new year.Mark Thomson has confirmed his intention to resign from the board effective January 1, 2025. Mark, the chief commercial officer for Auckland Airport, joined the Queenstown Airport board in June 2017. He will be replaced by Mary-Liz Tuck, Auckland Airport's chief planning and strategy officer.At Auckland Airport, Mary-Liz Tuck has leadership responsibility for master planning, strategic capital planning, strategy, regulation, and sustainability. She is also a trustee for the airport marae Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa. Queenstown Airport chair Simon Flood has welcomed her appointment and acknowledged Mark’s service.“Mark has made a valuable contribution to the QAC board over several years,” Simon said.We’ve greatly appreciated Mark’s airport-specific knowledge, as well as the breadth of his property and retail experience. On behalf of my fellow directors and the QAC team, I thank him for his service.” Simon said he would welcome Mary-Liz to the board table in the new year. “At Queenstown Airport, we are embarking on a significant infrastructure delivery programme and Mary-Liz’s airport master planning and sustainability expertise will be welcome,” he said.Mary-Liz said she was delighted to be joining the board “at an exciting time for the airport as it looks to progress delivery of its Master Plan and lean into the challenge of decarbonising aviation”. Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers said the airport continues to perform strongly in a highly competitive market and earlier this year delivered a record dividend to council of $14.7 million. He said Mary-Liz would add “fresh insight and governance skills to the board to help it build on this success”. PHOTO: Supplied

The Queenstown Airport director appointed by the minority shareholder, Auckland International Airport, will change in the new year.Mark Thomson has confirmed his intention to resign from the board effective January 1, 2025. Mark, the chief commercial officer for Auckland Airport, joined the Queenstown Airport board in June 2017. He will be replaced by Mary-Liz Tuck, Auckland Airport's chief planning and strategy officer.At Auckland Airport, Mary-Liz Tuck has leadership responsibility for master planning, strategic capital planning, strategy, regulation, and sustainability. She is also a trustee for the airport marae Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa. Queenstown Airport chair Simon Flood has welcomed her appointment and acknowledged Mark’s service.“Mark has made a valuable contribution to the QAC board over several years,” Simon said.We’ve greatly appreciated Mark’s airport-specific knowledge, as well as the breadth of his property and retail experience. On behalf of my fellow directors and the QAC team, I thank him for his service.” Simon said he would welcome Mary-Liz to the board table in the new year. “At Queenstown Airport, we are embarking on a significant infrastructure delivery programme and Mary-Liz’s airport master planning and sustainability expertise will be welcome,” he said.Mary-Liz said she was delighted to be joining the board “at an exciting time for the airport as it looks to progress delivery of its Master Plan and lean into the challenge of decarbonising aviation”. Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers said the airport continues to perform strongly in a highly competitive market and earlier this year delivered a record dividend to council of $14.7 million. He said Mary-Liz would add “fresh insight and governance skills to the board to help it build on this success”. PHOTO: Supplied