Our resident artist
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Southern Light treat Our weekly series of shots from the Wānaka Camera Club continues to produce one remarkable shot after another. On Page two today you can see the world through the lens of a Mount Aspiring College teacher who loves to shoot the night sky – and here’s an example, his Aurora Australis Pano. See more on page 2.
Better the devil you know… hey would be happy to see it debated, but Upper Clutha’s elected representatives lean towards remaining under the wing of the Queenstown Lakes District Council. The Wānaka Sun put the question to the area’s three district councillors and four board members and none came out in favour of a break away, though one said he would back it if the finances stacked up. Debate over Wānaka’s future was sparked by resident Dean Rankin late last year. The Wānaka born business – he owns Spannerworx on family land on the outskirts of town – launched a petition call660338660338sddfging for the community to go it along in local government. Rankin maintained he was not into local politics, but wasn’t happy with QLDC efficiencies and costs and believed locla businesses were missing out on jobs to out of town contractors. His petition asking for support for an investigation and review by the Local Government Commission noted Wānaka, Hāwea and the rest of the Upper Clutha were growing rapidly, “but are we still fairly
T
represented by the Queenstown Lakes District Council?” “It's all going through the filing process now,” Rankin told the Sun this week. “It not a quick process and I think the local government commission will have a good look at it for us.” Board member Jude Battson told the Sun she understood the sentiment behind the breakaway calls. “There is constant catch up by QLDC, ORC, Waka Kotahi and other government agencies to meet the infrastructure and community needs to match the population growth.” Board chair Barry Bruce also appreciated the sentiment expressed by some on this discussion but believed in this case size mattered. Councillor Quentin Smith didn’t know whether a smaller counicl would be viable. His deputy Ed Turner didn’t favour a break away and Chris Hadfeld didn’t think it would stand Dean Rankin put the cat among the pigeons with a petition late last year, but debate has dropped off since then. up financially. District deputy mayor Calum MacLeod getting an extra seat at the local bodyelections there was an onbligation to address shortfalls in suggested waiting to see how having an increase this year worked out. the existing system. voice at the council table, with Upper Clutha Niamh Shaw said before changes were made *What the councillors said - see page 7.
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CAMERA CLUB ‘IN FOCUS’ Gareth Hodges is a maths teacher and dean at Mt Aspiring College who moved to Wānaka s little over four years ago. “One of the attractions was the amazing landscapes and clear night skies which are my two main areas of interest when it comes to photography,” he explains “Night Sky/Astro is definitely the field of photography that gets me most excited and I probably put the most time into improving. I also enjoy taking photos for at various school events such as the formal and various sporting events. If I wasn't a teacher, I think I would like to be a sports and landscape photographer”.
Lake Tarawera.
Dart River.
Doubtful Sound.
Nugget Point Lighthouse at sunset.
Moke Lake Astro.
Lake Wānaka at Dawn.
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THE WĀNAKA SUN
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Recycling: back to the future Fund open Wastebusters in Wānaka is welcoming the Government’s move to put a bounty on containers as part of their recyclingpush. The organisations says their zero waste hubs in Wānaka and Alexandra “are keen and ready to go”. Wastebusters General Manager Tony Pfeiffer said after over a decade of campaigning, Wastebusters is thrilled to finally have a Government proposal for a beverage container return scheme (CRS) on the table. Under the proposed CRS, a 20c refundable deposit would provide an incentive to recycling of beverage containers. At present about half the contaiers in New Zealand are recycled. Based on overseas evidence, Environment Minister David Parker expects that to rise to as much as 90%. “It’s quite shocking that as a nation we buy over two billion drinks a year, but only one billion containers are recycled, meaning that the other billion containers are landfilled, stockpiled or become litter,” said Tony. “I remember trading empty soft drink bottles in for cash back when I was a kid,” he said. “You have to wonder why we got rid of a recycling deposit/ refund system in the first place.” The Government is proposing a mixed model of sites for container returns, using a combination of depots and supermarkets. Tony welcomed this model, saying using zero waste hubs as CRS depots would provide a onestop zero waste shop. “When our community pops in to get their recycling refunds, they will also be able to ask questions of our recycling staff, do a “behindthe-scenes” recycling tour, sign up for a waste minimisation workshop, buy their Bokashi zing, do some second-hand shopping and/or drop off
for ideas
PHOTO: Si Williams
Each of these soft drink bottles would be worth 20 cents when recycled under the proposed beverage container return scheme.
household goods for reuse. “Being a CRS depot would add to the package of zero waste services we provide to the community. And as depots, Wastebusters would provide added benefits compared to just dropping the containers back to the supermarket; through zero waste education, community engagement and greater resilience and connection.” Wastebusters employs over 60 people in reuse, recycling and education at two sites, diverting waste from landfill and keeping resources in circulation. Tony said that the vision of the Wānaka and Alexandra communities in setting up Wastebusters zero waste hubs over 20 years ago had paid off.
“They are ready to go as CRS depots, and that puts us in a great place to help our communities to get maximum benefit from the proposed CRS recycling scheme.” “A CRS scheme should cover the costs of quality recycling for beverage containers; freeing up money for waste reduction in our communities.” The package of proposals announced by David Parker included standardising kerbside recycling rules around the country and adding food scrap bins to kerbside collections. Tony said Wastebusters supports the moves to get food scraps out of landfill, where they contribute to climate change through release of methane.
Even a casual glance at society today tells us that things are not right. To many, the world seems to be spinning out of control. Growing numbers of men and women face the future with anxiety and confusion. The world seems locked in a downward spiral that is fast reaching a climax. This book gives you the insight you need to make sense of what is happening in the world around you. You’ll learn where our world is headed, how you’re involved and how it will all end.
Applications for funding from the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Waste Minimisation Community Fund have opened. The fund, established in 2018, supports initiatives to reduce the generation of waste in the Queenstown Lakes District and divert waste from landfill. Council has a total of $120,000 to distribute – up to $100,000 for community projects that encourage enduring change in behaviour, and up to $20,000 for commercial waste minimisation or resource recovery projects. Last year Wānaka’s Community Workshop and Wanakup were awarded grants for projects. “The diversity of the projects we were able to support is exciting and will help us realise our ambition to become a sustainable, zero-waste community,” QLDC Waste Minimisation Project Officer Kath Buttar said. In 2022, the Council is looking for projects with clear and measurable outcomes of tangible benefit to the community. It is particularly interested in initiatives that address gaps in existing programmes, create new opportunities to minimise waste, and encourage community participation. Applications must be made online at www.qldc.govt.nz/wmcf and close on April 29.
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Life in the slow lane
Rakuto Kurano will be the first artist in residence at Aspiring Lifestyle Village.
The new book will be out next month.
The story of a man who spent 17 years living with the country’s “remotest family” before being schooled to Wānaka will be published next month. Chris Long’s memoir, The Boy from Gorge River shares the story of his life growing up at Gorge River in south Westland. Both his parents, Robert Long – who moved to Gorge River in 1980 after finding an abandoned fisherman’s house - and Catherine Stewart, have previously published autobiographies. Chris was born in 1991. Their closest neighbours were 50 km away, the closest shop 100 km and the closest small city 120 km.
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After completing his education, Chris travelled to 60 countries on six continents and took on a variety of jobs, including teaching extreme survival skills in Antarctica, working as a dog musher with huskies in Norway, and crewing on a small yacht sailing through the Northwest Passage. Chris write about stark differences in his upbringing and moving into the world of people and cities. He reflects on how opinions of his upbringing have changed, from early documentaries portraying them as outcasts and ‘weird’ to their sustainable lifestyle now being celebrated and many people wanting to know how to achieve it.
Lifestyle village in tune A Canterbury university student will be the first to take up an artist’s residency – and share his music passion with Aspiring Lifestyle Village residents. The innovative move was announced by the Wānaka lifestyle village this week. The initiative will allow the recipient to stay at the village for weekly periods three times a year, developing their work and performing at the village and local venues. Rakuto Kurano will be the first recipient. While working on his Master of Music thesis, Rakuto will share his interests with village residents and the wider Wānaka community.
His plans include forming a string quartet, giving open master-classes, composing and recording a solo violin piece around Ruby Island and sharing his composition process. Outreach work at schools, to give a better insight into the music world, is also on his radar. Village resident Lyn Milne was instrumental in organising the residency. “I was delighted to find such a perfect concert venue on my arrival to the Aspiring Lifestyle Village. The gifted grand piano and ready-made resident audience augers well for some wonderful musical events. Rakuto will
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be an ideal inaugural recipient and we look forward to welcoming a variety of artists in the future.” Rakuto has visited Wānaka several times and has performed at Rippon Hall with the Baroque Music Community and Educational Trust of New Zealand. “This is such a fantastic opportunity to be able to host a musician of his calibre in the village,” Ann Febery, who manages events and activities with the village said. “The residents are looking forward to seeing more of Rakuto and getting to know more about what it’s like to be a young, aspiring musician living in New Zealand.”
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Breakaway: What they said
Jude Battson
Barry Bruce
Quentin Smith
Ed Turner
Wānaka and Hāwea go into the 2022 local body election as part of the Queenstown Lakes District Council. But there have been calls for the Upper Clutha to think about flexing its muscles and going alone. We south the views of the seven sitting Wānaka community board members and district councillors. I get it why people like Dean Rankin feel strongly about breaking away from QLDC. The rapid growth for the Upper Clutha region has been detrimental for some people’s lifestyle. There is constant catch up by QLDC, ORC, Waka Kotahi and other government agencies to meet the infrastructure and community needs to match the population growth. The Local Government Review of roles and functions for councils has a report for public consultation due in September 2022. The current Local Government Act was enacted in 2002. Heaps has changed with growth and the way people live since then. The wait is on to see what the report contains, and if council mergers will be part of the outcome. – Jude Battson
I appreciate the sentiment expressed by some on this discussion but I believe financial reality and economies of scale would indicate there are more benefits being part of a larger organisation. The Central Government review for the future of local government has identified key shifts if local government is to meet the needs of New Zealand in the future. I believe this may provide an opportunity to strengthen the role of the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board, the challenge will be to enable more responsibility for the future of Wānaka and the Upper Clutha. – Barry Bruce I am very supportive of an informed debate and investigation on the options. It is not clear one way or the other to me if a smaller Upper
Calum Lacleod
Clutha council would be financially sustainable but if it is then I would be supportive. The local government reform plans may head in a different direction but either way the local representation of the Upper Clutha will continue to be challenged in the coming term. Both three waters and Resource Management Act reform appear to take power away from local communities. Wānaka/Upper Clutha is ideologically different to other parts of the district and we continue to need strong candidates to stick up for the values of the residents around the table. – Quentin Smith I don't favour the breakaway idea. Sounds great but would be impractical. In fact, I favour QLDC and Central Otago Districts Councils merging with stronger Community Boards in each town with reasonable budgets to get local stuff done. – Ed Turner Happy to have the discussion, however the data would seem to be pointing in another direction. There is strength in being a part of a larger
Chris Hadfield
Niamh Shaw
District. All of the current reform concepts are looking at larger entities. We have an increased voice at the council table. Let's just see how that works for us. – Calum Macleod In, perhaps, an ideal world, being more in control of our destiny would be a great opportunity. I just don’t think it would stand up financially. There would be so much duplication of staff services and more – Chris Hadfield “I think a discussion is always useful - at the least, the petition should have served as a warning flag to council that this community feels disenfranchised. I personally feel there is already a system in place, and before we start talking about Citizens Assemblies or establishing a standalone council, we (the community) have an obligation to address the shortfalls of that system. But that can only be done with strong contenders for democratic representation.” – Niamh Shaw
The Council Word Free
Climate action and the year ahead
Engage with your community board
Feedback on a new Climate and Biodiversity Plan for the district, and Council’s draft Annual Plan that sets priorities for the year ahead, opens on 21 March. Make sure you’re registered on our dedicated web portal Let’s Talk so you don’t miss the chance to have your say: letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/register
The next Wānaka Community Board meeting on 31 March will take place online and be live-streamed on Facebook @ QLDCinfo. Anyone can speak in the public forum either via Zoom or telephone. To arrange a time, simply contact the QLDC governance team in advance on governance@qldc.govt.nz or (03) 443 0024.
Free dog training QLDC and DogsZone are hosting two free training sessions on Saturday 26 March at the Wānaka Pound, Ballantyne Road. Learn about socialisation, body language, when play is OK, meeting and greeting, and recall and loose leash control. Choose either 9.00am or 10.45am and include your name, address, phone number and your dog’s ID in an email booking to kate.burns@qldc.govt.nz
Grants to help cut waste Got a clever idea that would make a real difference to the amount of waste generated in our district? Apply now for grants totalling $120,000 via QLDC’s annual Waste Minimisation Community Fund. For more info and advice on the type of projects that qualify visit qldc.govt.nz/wmcf
Love our local landscape? Help us create landscape schedules that set out the values of land throughout the district. They’ll ensure these values are managed or protected when assessing resource consent applications. What do wild and scenic areas mean to you? What about their historic, cultural or recreational value. To read more and have your say go to letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
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Phone: 03 443 8000, Top of Helwick Street, Wānaka www.qldc.govt.nz THE WĀNAKA SUN
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Trust releases new grant list Mayor applauds ‘lifebuoy’ Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult praised a Government decision to bring forward and confirm specific dates for the return of international visitors. “This news represents a vital economic lifebuoy for our district and a real boost to our community’s wellbeing at a time when we’re just about keeping afloat,” he said. “We’ve been lobbying for certainty on dates when Aussies, essential workers and visitors from around the world can return for some time. He said he wrote to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on the issue last week. “Winter would have been too late for some local businesses – sadly, we’ve seen several close already – so to know that fully vaccinated visitors and the workers we urgently need to service their visit will be here over the Easter holidays is fantastic news. It also means many friends and families will be reunited at last.” “My thoughts go out to those in our local tourism, hospitality and events industry in particular. Your resilience through very difficult times has shone through and I hope many of you will be celebrating tonight before rolling up your sleeves to prepare for next month.”
Upper Clutha groups have benefitted from the latest round of grants announced by the Otago Community Trust. Otago Community Trust approved over $900,000 in grants to support community causes in the Trust’s first funding round for 2022 – taking the total it has granted to more than $185 million since it was established. Trust chair Diccon Sim said the February funding round supported nearly 50 community organisations from a wide array of areas around Otago. Trustees were encouraged to see so many community groups continuing to plan and apply for funding for a variety of projects, programmes, and events in 2022 despite the uncertainty Covid-19 continues to bring, Sim said. Trust chief executive, Barbara Bridger said the key message the trust wanted to share was “that we remain open to funding requests and are here to help”.
Diccon Sim
“Due to the escalating Covid 19 case numbers, we are taking the extra precaution to restrict in person meetings to keep our staff and community safe, but we encourage groups to contact our team by way of phone, email or virtually via zoom.”
Capital projects were a driver for several of the applications for funding in February. A $91,000 grant was awarded to the Araiteuru Marae Council to assist building repairs to the Araiteuru Marae kaumātua flats in the Araiteuru Marae precinct. Plans for a new Peninsula pump track also received a boost with the Portobello Community Inc awarded a $70,000 grant to create an accessible pump track facility in the local Portobello domain. Otago University Students' Association also received a $150,000 boost to help replace the rood of its Dunedin building. Creative Arts Trust – Artsenta were awarded a $15,000 grant to assist with the cost of piloting a pop-up youth space in central Dunedin and Journeys Charitable Trust were awarded a $7000 to continue their innovative Journeys Programme in 2022 that empowers young women in Central Otago through adventure.
Tributes to publicity man A familiar name in the Wānaka Sun sports pages has passed on the batten. Peter – Pete - Wilson has kept readers up to date with news, views and pictures from the Wānaka Bowling Club. More than a decade after taking on the publicity role he has handed to job on to Barbara Wilson – who is no relation. His stories have been a welcome addition to the Sun – and have drawn high praise from the sport’s leaders. “If people want a benchmark for
publicity and newsletters, then look at what the Wānaka Bowling Club achieves,” Bowls New Zealand chief executive Mark Cameron said. “It is my humble opinion that the WBC newsletter is the best in New Zealand.” Pete describes it as “a job in a million”. He comes from a strong educationalist background and 11 years ago he wanted to improve communication within the club. Now, 110 newsletter editions later
he has called time on the job. As well as newsletters Pete has developed a successful website for the club and also put together a handbook for new bowlers called ‘Getting Started’. It is now into a fourth printing and hundreds of copies have been sold to clubs and bowlers throughout the country. “He has made a remarkable contribution to the Wānaka Bowling Club,” Barbara Wilson said.
Peter Wilson
Let’s Talk Upper Clutha We’ll soon be asking for community feedback on the draft 2022-23 Annual Plan and Climate and Biodiversity Plan for the district. You’ll be able to check out all the details online from 21 March. If you prefer a hard copy, keep an eye out for information distributed in the Mountain Scene and Wānaka Sun on Thursday 31 March. For full details and to have your say head to letstalk.qldc.govt.nz by Monday 25 April.
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Where the grants went From page 6 Upper Clutha Tracks Trust - $30,000 To assist with the upgrading of the Gladstone Track. The Gladstone Track is a breath-taking recreational walking and cycling track on the shore of Lake Hāwea. It starts in the township itself making it an exceptionally accessible track for the town residents and visitors. It connects to the Hāwea Conservation Park, the lake foreshore and forms part of the Te Araroa National pathway, providing stunning views of Lake Hāwea and the ranges to the north. The Gladstone track needs to be upgraded to a standard that is fit for its current level of use. This recreational track was developed to a simple standard 10 years ago and its use has far exceeded expectations. This has been compounded by the rapid growth in both the local (Hāwea) and Upper Clutha basin population since it was developed, combined with a large increase in recreational cycling that has occurred during the same period. The track, which is mostly a mown route across paddocks, has eroded badly and becomes very muddy after rain. This makes it hard to ride or walk, unappealing for many users and inaccessible for families with strollers and less able users. Lake Hāwea Community Centre - $20,000 To assist with the cost of resurfacing the Lake Hāwea community tennis court. This community asset is used for tennis, netball, youth basketball and hockey. This is mainly social but the tennis club wants to start up again once it is safe to play on. The current surface is 20 years
The Gladstone Track’s popularity has been far greater than expected – and it needs an upgrade.
old and not so safe to play serious tennis. The local community owns the Community Centre along with the tennis courts. Wānaka Alcohol Group - $9550 To assist with the cost of running the Wānaka Alcohol Group, in particular its programme delivery. Wānaka Alcohol Group (WAG) will soon launch a series of community education presentations targeting parents and youth and covering a range of topics from alcohol and peer pressure to social media and parenting strategies. The Community Educational Presentations
help parents stay abreast of the latest research in topics and issues relevant to teens. They also help adults learn new parenting skills, practice positive guidance and come together to connect and share their experiences. Wānaka Golf Club - $5000 To assist with the cost of purchasing a Pro Gator, (turf utility vehicle). The purchase will improve the quality of the playing surface at the course. This will help to convert from soil to sand greens quicker as more renovation work can be completed on the greens
with this extra piece of machinery. Aspiring Athletes Club $1500 To assist with the cost of purchasing athletics equipment. Wānaka Riding for the Disabled - $790 To assist with the cost of purchasing riding helmets. Riding for the Disabled have 20 riders and unfortunately only 12 helmets. This project is to raise funds to purchase seven additional helmets to enable all riders to have their own helmet. This is both for health and safety and Covid reasons.
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GREBE DIARY 15 March 14, 2022
Leaving the nests to us
Sponsored by
Crimeline
As summer is winding down, so is the grebe season. Although a few latecomers are still sitting on their nests, incubating their eggs or watching their last chicks hatching, the grebe team slowly starts to get ready for the off-season. Primarily, that means for us to reduce the numbers off platforms we have in the water and move them into storage where they can dry out and be maintained over winter. Every platform will get a thorough check over winter and, from experience, most of them need some kind of fixing and refurbishment to be ready for the next season. It is very interesting to see the wear and tear that these platforms show after only a few months in the water so there is a lot to do. For now, we left six platforms anchored in the bay and three are still occupied by grebes. It is questionable but definitely not impossible that these breeding attempts will still be successful as the temperatures drop. It is increasingly hard for the grebes to keep their eggs warm and successfully incubate them. In addition, we have another six platforms still attached to the marina and three are occupied by breeding pairs. Again, it will be interesting to find out if we see chicks hatching from these nests in the upcoming days or weeks. Last weekend we removed six abandoned and now unused platforms from the water. When taking the old nests off the platforms, we are always astonished by what we might find in the PHOTO: Wānaka Sun nests. That leads me to the question: “What do baby dummies, dog toys, car radio antennas, covertly watching lately, or been stopped and safety and prescription glasses, pieces of a wondered how we saw them on their phone? deceased hedgehog, Christmas tree tinsel, On Thursday there was another crash, this time on Ruby Island Road, where another single vehicle has rolled after losing control on a corner. No one was injured on this occasion. On Thursday we also attended a building site after a new air-conditioning unit was taken from The Southern Districts Health Board the building. has warned it may cut back services in On Friday night Wānaka Police joined the response to increasing numbers of its staff Otago Lakes Safter Roads Team to conduct contracting Covid. checkpoints in Wānaka. Unfortunately, three It says some staff are having to isolate as drivers were quickly found over the limit and will household contacts or stay home to look have fines associated to their driving. This trend is after family. disappointing and unfortunately regular. We will Some services across the Southern DHB continue to put checkpoints anywhere at any time. may change or scale back to allow staff to Over the weekend it was reported that the be moved to areas in the health care system batteries were stolen from the traffic lights where care cannot be deferred. These areas operating on the road from Makarora to Haast. This include services such as cancer care, nonis long term road works and while I can appreciate deferrable surgery and diagnostic procedures it can be frustrating, stealing the batteries is clearly such as radiology. not the answer, and a criminal one. Some services that may see changes Hope this week treats you well. If you see include non-urgent surgeries and non-urgent the Wānaka Police out there, don’t be afraid outpatient clinics. to say hello. “Staff across the Southern DHB are doing a – By Kim Chirnside great job to care for patients during a difficult Sergeant, NZPD
Driving home the message
Kia ora Wānaka. We’ve welcomed back our colleagues deployed to Wellington and we’ve all been busy with the day-to-day policing of the town. On Monday last week there were some adverse weather conditions which led to two crashes on Cardrona Valley Road, approaching the summit. Both resulted in the single vehicle rolling after failing to navigate their respective corners. One driver was injured. This road is not to be taken for granted when it is wet and needs more caution from drivers. On Tuesday there was an overnight burglary where a residential house was entered and a range of property taken. Thankfully this is not the norm in our town but is something to be wary of and to take the appropriate precautions with locking doors. Police have noticed some rather high speeds on the newly sealed stretch of Ballantyne Road. We have been out to enforce this 60km/h limit and a few drivers have come precariously close to losing their licence instantly by approaching 100km/h. Another focus has been the use of cell phones while driving. This is a clear danger on the road, so Wānaka Police have been conducting operations to observe and enforce this. Has anyone seen us
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pieces of a popped beach ball (see photo) and uncountable pieces of litter and rubbish have in common?”. They are all items that our family of Wānaka grebes find irresistible as nest building materials. We regularly find them weaved into old and abandoned nests when we remove them to swap over platforms or extract the platforms towards the end of the breeding season as we are doing at the moment. On one hand it is fascinating to see how these birds use the things we humans have left behind, lost, or carelessly thrown in the lake to build and improve (and maybe decorate?) their nests. On the other hand, it is very sad to see the birds exposed to all this rubbish, even in that tiny stretch of our beloved Lake Wānaka. At least the low water level at the moment enables us to regularly collect most of the rubbish around the marina. We sometimes see members of the community doing the same and we, on behalf of the grebes, are very thankful and appreciative of that! Finally, we want to mention that our grebes, even that late in the season, are still attracting a lot of very keen visitors, spectators, ornithologists and professional photographers from all over the country. Last week we had one of New Zealand most famous and eminent bird photographers in Wānaka and she planned to spend hours hiding in the vegetation around the boardwalk waiting for some good photos of our Wānaka grebes. Watch this space as we might be able to report further about the outcome of her visit. – By Markus Hermanns
Health Board stretched
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time.” Hamish Brown, Chief Operating Officer for SDHB said. “We apologise in advance to those affected by these changes and remind the Southern community to still seek out medical care if they or a loved one need it.” The Board says people affected will be contacted directly. Mr Brown said all healthcare staff were doing their best to care for patients and the community during an unprecedented time. He said it was understandable that some people who visited hospitals and healthcare providers were anxious or frustrated “but this is no excuse to take these feeling out on staff ”. Emergency and non-deferrable surgeries and procedures are being given priority, and anyone needing health advice should continue to call their GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116 or dial 111 if it’s an emergency.
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Students sent home to study Secondary school students in Wānaka have been told to study from home. Mount Aspiring College took to Facebook this week to tell Year 12 and 13 students to study at home from Wednesday to Friday. Principal Nicola Jacobsen told the Sun the last two weeks had seen a small number of students away due to Covid – but there had been an expected increase this week. “Last week our whole-school attendance was at 85 per cent, whereas Monday it was 68 per cent, and our year 12 and 13 classes had dropped to 45-50 per cent attendance,” she said. “I made the call in order to roster the year 12 and 13 students home Wednesday to Friday this
week to minimise the disruption - particularly to learning programmes, and look after people, knowing that over the next few days we may see more students, and staff, affected by Covid. Because of the long weekend for Otago Anniversary Day those students are not required back until next Tuesday. Meanwhile Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) says it is adapting staffing and work arrangements to maintain service levels as close to normal as possible in the face of Covid impacts. Figures from the Southern District Health Board show there were 1767 Covid cases in Queenstown Lakes and 300 in Central Otago
Bookings up, says Bachcare The domestic accommodation sector is reporting an increase in bookings from New Zealanders returning home, according to new data. Bachcare, New Zealand’s largest holiday home management firm, says the reopening of borders to returning expats has seen an increase of bookings made from Australia by 330 per cent. Bookings from the United Kingdom are up 42 per cent and the US also shows a 44 per cent lift - compared to the same period last year. Zaina Razzaq, Bachcare spokesperson, says their data shows most are looking to reconnect with friends and family and have reserved homes which can accommodate groups of five for up to 4-5 days at a time. She says the figures also suggest changes to the managed isolation model have come just in time for New Zealand’s ski industry with Southern Lakes district already the most popular winter destination for Kiwis returning
from overseas. “What we can see from the data is that forward bookings from overseas markets have increased significantly since changes were made to managed isolation requirements last month. “The Coromandel is the most popular area during the warmer months of March and April for the influx of Kiwis from Australia, followed by Canterbury and the Far North. “For those returning home from the UK, the Coromandel and Wairarapa are the top two destinations, followed by Waiheke Island. “Kiwis coming back from the US follow a similar pattern, with bookings picking up from February through to April. Coromandel again is the most popular, followed by the Far North and Abel Tasman. “New Zealand’s ski industry is also expected to receive a significant boost from overseas based Kiwis travelling here for the winter season,” she says.
Annual plan process continues Queenstown Lakes District Councillors were to be asked to adopt the 2022-2023 draft Annual Plan and consultation document today. It would pave the way for a consultation period running to April 25. The plan proposes a 5.96 per cent rates rise. The draft plan takes its lead from the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) 2021-2031 Ten Year Plan (TYP) with variations proposed to address evolving community needs since the TYP was adopted in June last year. These include potential adjustments relating to weather tightness claims, increased user fees and charges for some services, and optional
additional budget for the latest Queenstown Lakes District Climate and Biodiversity Plan that will also be open for community feedback during the same period. The draft plan highlights the progress made on the Wānaka Lakefront Development. The consultation process also provides an opportunity for community groups to apply for grants for one-off projects or operational costs for the 2022-2023 financial year. QLDC Corporate Services General Manager Meaghan Miller encouraged the community to have their say once the consultation period opens.
earlier this week. QLDC Chief Executive Mike Theelen said the outbreak was putting a strain on in-house teams, especially community services like sport and recreation, libraries and parks, and contractors who carry out council services like fixing water leaks, collecting rubbish and recycling. “Like any other employer right now, we are seeing staff absences either because our people have contracted the virus or are isolating as household contacts. We all have flatmates, friends and dependents who are being affected in different ways, including staff members with kids at local schools,” he said. “At the moment, the public won’t see much
change and we hope that will continue. But it’s possible that we may need to make further changes that may be more visible over the next few weeks until we’re well over the peak of the outbreak. This may include reduced opening hours, changed access to different facilities at different times, and reduced frequency of some regular services.” Council’s customer service office in Ardmore Street, Wānaka remains open. “We also have a range of services that are available online or via telephone and I would encourage people to use these methods to reduce the risk of community transmission of Covid-19 whenever possible,” Theelen said.
Trust chair to retire The Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT) board is looking for a new chair. Andrew Blair, chair and trustee since 2018, will retire from his positions at the end of April. He will continue with his other roles, including being a director of Queenstown Airport Corporation and executive chair of the Southern Cross Central Lakes Trust Hospital company. QLCHT is a not-for-profit social enterprise created to manage and deliver affordable housing to people who need assistance. It was initiated by Queenstown Lakes District Council in 2007 but is now an independent entity. “I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting the Trust’s work to provide affordable and secure housing for our community” he says. “It has been particularly rewarding to witness the pleasure that individuals and families share
when they finally achieve home ownership with the support of QLCHT. I have always viewed this as a community service which I have taken pride in contributing to, but now feels like the right time for someone else to have the opportunity to contribute to their community through the Trust.”
“Each year we invite the community to tell us if they think we are prioritising and funding services and infrastructure projects in the right way. It’s important individuals, families and groups provide their feedback so we capture the views of as many different people across the district as possible. We’ll be scheduling drop-in opportunities to talk with Council staff during the consultation period,” she said. Both the draft plan and consultation document provide a detailed breakdown showing the impact on rates – residential, commercial, accommodation and rural – that Council’s proposed work programme would have. QLDC General Manager Finance, Legal and Regulatory Stewart Burns said Council had taken steps to minimise the average rates increase taking
into account the financial impact of potential variations to TYP expenditure for the year ahead. “The anticipated average rates increase for 2022-2023 in the current TYP is 5.87%. The combined impact of adjustments and mitigating actions proposed in this draft Annual Plan move the average rates increase to around 5.96%, just inside Council’s self-imposed rates increase limit of 6%,” said Mr Burns. Copies of the draft Annual Plan and consultation document will be available from Council’s customer service offices in Ardmore Street, Wānaka and QLDC libraries. across the district. Following hearings in Wānaka on May 25 and Queenstown two days later Councillors will consider adopting the final plan at a meeting on June 30.
Andrew Blair
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TRADES AND SERVICES PUBLIC NOTICE
SITUATION VACANT
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SERVICE
THANKS Thanks to everyone who comes to Wastebusters to donate goods, shop and recycle. Your support helps us work for zero waste and a resourceful community.
This is a part-time contract position where you can co-ordinate most of your work from home, allowing the opportunity to continue or apply for work in other fields. The position will include managing a team of deliverers that are independently contracted to Ovato.
Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and 10 to 6 on Sundays. Ph 443 8000. The Salvation Army Family Store is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9.30am to 4pm and most statutory holidays. We look forward to seeing you in our wonderful store.
This role could suit an at home parent, retiree or someone returning to the workforce.
WANTED
You will need a suitable vehicle, mobile phone, computer with internet access and be able to provide short-term undercover storage. For further information please contact Mark at mark.kelly@ovato.co.nz
The Salvation Army Family Store requires good quality household goods, if you can help this would be appreciated. Your donations can be dropped at 48 Helwick street or phone for a pick up 443 5068. Single rowing scull early plastic design preferred, call Stan 0273432311
SUPERVISOR WANTED
Alcohol Licensing Applications Current alcohol licensing applications can be found at www.qldc.govt.nz/services/alcohol-licensing. Applicant / Licensee
Trading Name & Address
Nature of Business
Last Date for Public Objection
Sal's Pizza Beach St Limited
Sal's Pizza (Beach Street), 69 Beach Street, Queenstown
Restaurant
31/03/2022
Few Beers Limited
The Hayes, Onslow Road Lake Hayes Estate
Tavern
30/03/2022
Canyon Brewery Group Limited
Canyon Brewing, 1 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown
Restaurant & Brewery
29/03/2022
Nugget Point Operations Limited
Nugget Point Hotel,146 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point
Hotel
29/03/2022
The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp Limited
The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp, 49 Oban Street & 38 Coll Street, Glenorchy
Hotel
29/03/2022
Safari Kawarau Hotel Limited
Franks Market/LQ Queenstown By Wyndham, 18 Mountain Ash Drive, Frankton
Hotel
23/03/2022
Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan Limited
Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan, 265 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Queenstown
Tavern
22/03/2022
Queenstown Investments Limited
The Club, 17B Earl Street, Queenstown
Entertainment/Adult Venue
22/03/2022
If you have a query about an application, a public notice, or the notification process, you can find more information here: www.qldc.govt.nz/services/alcohol-licensing. Or, alternatively, please call 03 441 0499 or email services@qldc.govt.nz. This notice dated: 11 March 2022
Resource Consent Application RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT 1991 Details of the resource consent application and submission forms are available in the offices at Queenstown Lakes District Council, Gorge Road, Queenstown; 74 Shotover Street, Queenstown and 47 Ardmore Street, Wānaka during normal office hours (8.00am to 5.00pm). You can also download these on our website.
We are looking for a well organised person to manage the distribution of advertising material &, in some areas, local newspapers into household letterboxes.
Cromwell College: Accounts Administration and Office Support We seek a skilled, professional and suitablly qualified person to work as an Accounts Assistant and Office Support in our Administration Team. This is a full time permament position. Application information is available on our school website cromwell.school.nz. Applications close Friday 1 April 2022. Please contact the school office 03 445 1121 or email any questions to pa@cromwell.school.nz.
NOTICE Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days. Business Networking International. The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportunity to grow your business. Contact Randal Dobbs for information 021 973 043. The Salvation Army Family Store is able to collect your donations, this service is available one day a week please phone the store on 443 5068 to make a booking.
STORAGE
www.qldc.govt.nz/services/resource-consents/notified-resource-consents#public-rc or via our edocs website using the RM number as the reference edocs.qldc.govt.nz/Account/Login J & K Patrick (RM220054) What is proposed: Subdivision consent to create two residential allotments that will breach minimum lot size. The location in respect of which this application relates is situated at: 17 Northburn Road, Northlake, Wānaka ADDRESS FOR SERVICE FOR APPLICANT: C/- Emma Ryder emma@jea.co.nz John Edmonds & Associates Ltd PO Box 95, Queenstown 9300 The Council planner processing this application on behalf of the Council is Roz Devlin, who may be contacted by email roz.devlin@qldc.govt.nz Submissions will be received until 14 April 2022 and must be served on the Consent Authority, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 or email rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz. These must be dated, signed by you, and include the following information:
EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY
1. Your name, email address (preferred) postal address and telephone number. 2. Details of the application in respect of which you are making the submission including location and the Resource Consent number. 3. Whether you support or oppose the application. 4. Your submission, with reasons. 5. The decision you wish the consent authority to make. 6. Whether you wish to be heard in support of your submission. Any person may make a submission on the application, but a person who is a trade competitor of the applicant may do so only if that person is directly affected by an effect of the activity to which the application relates that: a) adversely affects the environment; and b) does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition. You may make a submission by sending a written or electronic submission to Queenstown Lakes District Council (details below). The submission should be in the format of Form 13. Copies of this form are available on the website www.qldc.govt.nz/services/resource-consents/application-forms-and-fees#other_forms Address for Service for Consent Authority: Queenstown Lakes District Council
rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz
Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348
Phone
03 441 0499
Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300
Website
www.qldc.govt.nz
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SUN TEAM WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1070 Free delivery to Wānaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wānaka, Albert Town and Hāwea. Also distributed to businesses in the Wānaka business district Average circulation: 15,000 weekly. Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 News Editor: Roy Pilott • 027 4500 115 editor@thewanakasun.co.nz News tips: editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka
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Sun Sport / Classifieds
Where there's a Will… there's a way As Covid laid waste to the close of the Division 1 to 4 junior cricket season it was great to see yet another Luggate Albion team clinch their competition in commanding fashion and for the Senior club to provide another grandstand finish. Youth: On Friday, the Mt Aspiring Youth travelled to Alexandra to square off against Dunstan High School's 'Whero' in the T20 Youth Slam final. Losing the toss, our lads were thrown the ball and Kobi Simmers took up the challenge claiming a wicket in his first over. Dunstan then settled into a rhythm and by 10 overs were travelling at over 8 runs an over. The introduction of Joe Rowley in the 12th over was timely as he removed their dangerous opener for 44 then Jack Wyeth captured another scalp in the next over to stymie the middle-order. Jackson Clark and Matt Botting's accuracy then created 'scoreboard pressure' which was dealt with superbly by Will Anderson as he snared three quick wickets to leave DHS 128/7 at the close of the innings. Anderson finished with figures of 3 for 3). Young Anderson then opened the run chase with a patient 27 runs, providing a great foundation allowing Jackson Clark at number three to unleash - punishing anything loose to
make 57 runs including five 6's and three 4's. With 106/2 on the board after 14 overs, the in-form Botting could've tickled around the remaining six overs to get the remaining runs. 'Hold my Fanta' he said, and within 10 balls, he had three 4's and a towering 6 to complete the successful run chase. The 'MAC Youth' were competition winners. Congratulations to all. Senior Reserve: In scenes reminiscent of the Senior's final triumph of last week, Luggate played host to another incredible finish as LACC Senior Reserves played off for third place in their competition against Blacks Hill Reserve XI. Paul Collins cracked 74 off 72 balls (including eleven 4's and three 6's) and Jackson Clarke a rapid 29 as the senior reserves batted first, but the innings sputtered as 136/5 became 164 all out. It Luggate’s Mt Aspiring Youth team. was left to the bowling effort to bring this match 12 runs required and, aside from a peculiar catch on his final ball completed the fightback back, and boy, did they deliver. Jackson, like Will playing his second match of score notation of WD+6 (wides and boundary for LACC with a 2 run victory. Well done guys, the weekend, collected three key wickets but it overthrow?) and a couple of singles, a tidy another great season. was the heroics of club stalwart Mike O'Connor that swayed the game. He snared three of the SITUATION VACANT four wickets picked up in a spell of 18 deliveries. BHCC crashed from 140/5 to 153/9 and Mike returned figures of 4/18. It was then down to R. Duff to prevent the
CAN YOU GET IT WRITE?
Andrews returns from injury in style Queenstown’s Ruby Andrews – out for two years with a knee injury - won the freeski slopestyle title at the FIS Park and Pipe Junior World Championships this week in Switzerland. There were two Kiwi men competing in the freeski slopestyle finals. Harper Souness (Queenstown, 16) finished fifth and Luca Harrington (Wānaka, 18), Big Air silver medallist, was 13th. While the freeskiers were throwing down on the slopestyle course the snowboarders were getting to work on the Big Air jump. Dane Menzies (Wānaka based, 16) finished just off the podium in fourth place and Txema MazetBrown (Raglan, 15) finished in eighth place. There was also success in Austria. Jess Hotter (Ohakune, 28) won the first final of the 2022 Freeride World Tour, in Fieberbrunn. She has grown her lead in the overall rankings by almost 7000 points. “I took a really heavy crash on my second run, PHOTO: Snow Sports NZ but luckily my first run was good enough to win Ruby Andrews with Snow Sports NZ coaches Kerr the event. I’m stoked for the win, but I still have McWilliam (left) and Hamish McDougall. unfinished business on the Wildseeloder and am wildcard onto the prestigious Freeride World Tour. After a hip check on run one he had to go all out already looking forward to coming back next year.” Wānaka’s Finn Bilous, Beijing 2022 Big Air and in run two. He put down a stylish run, including Slopestyle athlete, was invited to Fieberbrunn as a a huge cork 720 off the wind lip and placed sixth.
Rollers avoid the speed wobbles The Hāwea Bowling Club is celebrating the success of this year’s Friday night “barefoot bowls” competition. The new competition was open to all interested players with no prior experience in lawn bowls, and has proven to be very popular. Hāwea Bowling Club president Gary Vogel said the competition had been successful “beyond my wildest dreams” “We had full fields both before Christmas and with a new set of players this year.” In total, well over 100 people took part and the club now expects some of these novice players to take the sport more seriously. “It’s been terrific for our club, but also great for the local community in providing a weekly fun activity in a safe environment,” Gary said. The final night resulted in a closely fought competition with the team of the Wobbley Rollers being declared worthy winners of the Vogel Trophy. Competing teams received prizes
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We are looking for a talented writer with energy and passion to make The Sun shine. Is it you? Does writing community news excite you? Can you build up a contact list and get stories from our schools, service and sports clubs? Can you become the go-to person when newsmakers in our community look for publicity? Can you monitor organisations and see stories where others can’t? Are we looking for someone who will devote a day to a story? No. This role requires a quick-thinking nimble journalist who can get the balance right between quantity and quality. If it’s you, then start writing now - tell us about yourself and why you should be in our newsroom. If you are looking for a challenging role in a positive, friendly environment, plus the benefits of working in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, apply today to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz with your CV and cover letter. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.
ARE YOU OUR NEW EDITOR? A unique position in one of New Zealand’s most desirable communities has become available at The Wānaka Sun. We are looking for a full-time editor who can build on recent changes in our weekly publication and drive up readership on our on-line platform. The successful applicant will be a respected multi-skilled journalist with a reputation for outstanding communication, organisation and leadership – and someone comfortable with a camera and digital media. He or she will constantly update our website and produce a weekly print product filled with breaking news, well subbed supplied content, regular columns and great photography. Our new editor will, ideally, arrive with a sound knowledge of Wānaka. Journalism will be our new editor’s life, not 9-to-5. The successful applicant will see this role as a long-term appointment.
PHOTO: supplied
The winning Wobbley Rollers team of Curtis Hogg, Steve Wooten, and Blair Cook pictured with the Vogel Trophy.
which had been provided by Bowls New Zealand and Taylors Pass Honey. The club intends to run the competition again next summer and anticipates strong interest in participation.
Organising content and building contacts will be two of the major strengths of our new editor who will work in the community. Our new editor will be a self-starter, highly motivated and flexible. Mentoring will be available if our new editor requires it.
If you are looking for a challenging role in a positive, friendly environment, plus the benefits of working in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, apply today to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz with your CV and cover letter. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.
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Games glory celebrated
Adam Hall, in action in Beijing, added to Olympic bronze medals to his collection.
Adam Hall returns to Wānaka with two medals from the Beijing Paralympics and Aaron Ewen plans to get to the beach. The pair made up two thirds of the New Zealand contingent at the games which ended at the weekend. New Plymouth’s Corey Peters also won two medals and the haul – gold, silver and two bronze, caps off a wonderful winter Olympic series for both New Zealand and Wānaka New Zealand finished 15th out of 46 nations on the medal table. Ewen, who became Paralympian 228 in
PHOTO: OIS Photos
Beijing, finished his campaign on a high, a feeling he’ll enjoy through the rest of the Kiwi summer before returning to the ski fields. He finished with an 11th place in the Men's Downhill Sitting and ninth place in the Men's Slalom Sitting and Men's Super-G Sitting. Recording two top-12 finishes at the Paralympics is a long way from where he has been. As a teenager Ewen was a promising mountain-biker, but suffered a spinal chord injury as a 16 year-old that left him without movement in his legs. Chef de Mission Jane Stevens said the games were a massive learning curve for Ewen.
PHOTO: Getty Images / Paralympics NZ
Aaron Ewen was looking forward to sme tme on the beach after his Paralympic efforts.
“The experience he has gained in his first Paralympics will no doubt work as a catalyst for him to achieve great things in the future. He has experienced the ups and downs of performance at the highest level, and this gives him the understanding of what he needs to work on going forward.” Adam Hall was also delighted with his campaign finish and hopes it will inspire others: “We’re fortunate that the hard work that we've had and the challenges that we have overcome to get here paid off. And I think together as a team and the nation back home in New Zealand, every
Mac rowers’ golden weekend
From left, coach Rachel O’Connell, Lola Ritchie, Annika Massey, Lucy Maibach, Annie Wells and coach Matt Rickard carry cox Thomas Mitchell after their gold medal winning effort.
There were gold medals, finals and plenty of outstanding rowing on show from Mt Aspiring College athletes last weekend at the South Island Secondary Schools Rowing Regatta at Lake Ruataniwha. The three days event was a conclusion to the season for much of the squad and also a lead in to the Maadi Cup competition for those racing at the end of this month. The school sent a squad of 17 rowers to Twizel, including 13 novice rowers in their first year of competition, and a number who have had less than six months experience in the boat. All of the team performed very well in what was a mixed weather weekend with some very challenging water conditions on both Friday and Saturday, and near perfect conditions on Sunday. Notable performances included a determined effort from the girls u18 novice coxed four of Chole Murray, Sophia Tuck, Lucy Radford, Skye Watson and Thomas Mitchell cox who endured extremely choppy conditions to finish a very commendable 5th in their heat, the last before wind conditions
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forced a short course format. The same crew (with the experienced Jess Gould in for Abbey) racing in the girls u15 coxed quad sculls also received praise when despite a very sketchy stalled start, they overtook two other crews to finish very strongly. In a similar vein it was a commendable effort for Anton Jones in the boys u16 single sculls who faced very difficult water in an outside lane to finish in good form. Coach Rachel O’Connell singled Anton out for his composure in the windy conditions. Jem Curtis and Phillip Massey in the boys u17 double sculls did extremely well against very well drilled competition to finish 5th in the A final, a great achievement for this developing combination, with Phillip describing it as his most enjoyable race to date. In another A final showing for Mount Aspiring College, Phillip, this time in combination with Thomas Mitchell in the Boys u18 novice double sculls, should be very pleased with their performance keeping amongst the pack throughout the final.. The highlight of the weekend came in the Girls
U18 novice coxed quad sculls who have been improving all season and working especially hard over the past two weeks to increase their boat speed. The crew of Lola Ritchie (stroke) Annie Wells, Annika Massey, Lucy Maibach and Thomas Mitchell (cox) were thrilled to end their season on a high with an extremely satisfying gold medal performance which saw them outrace the second placed Columba College crew by a comfortable seven second margin. The girls pairs of Annie and Lola, and Annika and Lucy also shone as both crews also made it through into the A finals of the girls u18 novice double sculls - a wonderful showing for a small squad. A powerful start saw Lola and Annie lead from the outset and claim the Gold Medal over Craighead by 11 seconds. Coaches Rachel O’Connell, Matt Rickard, Rob Bruce and AJ Humphreys have done a great job with the squad to have them racing fast at the business end of the season and deserve a huge shout out for their skills and commitment to the rowers. – By Karen Wells
THURSDAY 17.03.22 - WEDNESDAY 23.03.22
New Zealander can be proud of what we've been able to do and, and represent and stand for. “Hopefully, we can inspire and motivate just one or two people to get out there and do something. “There's so many facilities and resources out there... Just go to Google, go to whatever it is and search for it. And get out there, get involved. There's all sorts of different pathways and opportunities to get into any sport you want to.” “We definitely celebrate together as a team, which is awesome, but we've all sacrificed so much. We have amazing family and friends and support network back home.”
Exhausted Wright takes a break Wānaka’s Campbell Wright will take a deserved break from competition after the Biathlete succumbed to exhaustion this week. Wright, who impressed against older and more experience athletes in the Olympic biathlon, subsequently contracted Covid when he was favoured to win a IBU Junior world championships at Soldiers Hollow, in the United States. This week his results were below expectations in Italy and it transpired he was exhausted. His father Scott explained that Campbell was tired after a stressful World Cup Season. “At The WC’s he needed to be so focused and he said to me it’s incredibly stressful. If he makes one mistake at a WC he is essentially last. Plus, the year’s pressure to try and achieve Olympic selection added more pressure. “Then there was Covid. He competed with Covid but thought it was a simple cold. And because he was Campbell he tried his hardest knowing he was the favourite to win the Junior world champs. He was terribly disappointed. “Then he had to isolate due to Covid and didn’t train for 10 days prior to this race. In an American motel room. Not the greatest to lift spirits”. When he finally tested negative, he went to board his flight from New York to Milan and discovered his flight had been cancelled – leading to a 12 hour delay. By the time he boarded his flight he had not slept for 27 hours. “So basically no sleep, jet lagged, no training previous the 10 days, coming off a stressful WC season… trying to do everything when other teams had a full contingency of support staff and recovering from Covid” his dad said. “So it was a miracle he didn’t get last.” The curtain has been draw on Wright’s season and he is now “officially” on holiday.
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