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Beijing benefits ānaka’s gold duo could spark a rush on places at
W Mount Aspiring College.
Former student Zoi Sadowski-Synnott will eventually come home to Wānaka with an Olympic gold and silver, and Nico Porteous will also have a gold to show his family following his brilliant performance last weekend at the Beijing games. “In terms of the school benefitting from the success of our Olympians we have had a number of enquiries from students around New Zealand, and some international inquiries about attending the college,” principal Nicola Jacobsen told the Sun this week. “When the Covid situation allows, it is certainly something that myself and the school board will be looking into.” She said the impact on the school from the success of Queenstown Lakes athletes had been immense. “It's not an everyday thing to meet or know an Olympian, but in Wānaka it is. For our young people it is great as they can see what it takes to be able to compete at that level, and with a number of young people competing on the international stage there is the knowledge of how to get there, the support needed and the training and dedication, which makes our top athletes role models not just for their sport but also for the journey it takes to get there.” Meanwhile, the Australians are “claiming” Wānaka’s second gold medal winner – albeit tongue in cheek. The West Australian got in ahead of Porteous’ golden freeski halfpipe effort. “Pavlova, Russell Crowe and Phar Lap,” the publication opened with. “There’s been a few New Zealand-born things Australians have tried to claim over the years and ski sensation Nico Porteous is no exception.” It noted the 20-year-old was born in Hamilton and raised between Christchurch and Perth - where he attended Christ Church Grammar School. The story even had a class photo as evidence. In Wānaka, though, Nico and brother Miguel were celebrated very much as home-grown successes as Nico collected gold – and was immediately congratulated by older brother Miguel who finished 11th. The focus remains on the Olympics today, on Page 12.
Nico Porteous became New Zealand’s second gold medal winner at the Beijing Winter Olympics when he won the men’s freeski halfpipe final.
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CAMERA CLUB ‘IN FOCUS’
Kathy Tweedie looks forward to the weekly offering of photographs from fellow Wānaka Camera Club members published by the Wānaka Sun. “I've enjoyed the many different approaches to photography that you have showcased over the past few weeks,” she says. Kathy, a member of the club for four years, has her work featured today – and the selection underlines the variety of ideas and imagination which goes into their work. “I have focussed on ways to enhance pictures using natural frames, reflection, using items from around the home to compose a photo and inverting photos for a very different look, such as with the flower pictures. “I’m not sure I’d go as far as saying creative - but that’s up to you.” Keep watching for more offerings from the club.
Using reflection for interest.
Using items from around the house.
Natural.
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Another reflection.
Same photo, different look. THURSDAY 24.02.22 - WEDNESDAY 02.03.22
Fire and Ice – double exposure.
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Community poser: who gives a rat’s? More gold Public feedback on the latest stage of the Wānaka lake walkway was so low community board members have been encouraged to look at what the problem is. Just 21 submissions were received in an online submission process, prompting deputy mayor Callum MacLeod to bemoan that the feedback was “less than a statistical anomaly”. The communication issue was also picked up later by Cr Niamh Shaw, who noted there was an election looming in September and the board had only recently survived a move to abolish it. She suggested the chair’s report to meetings should include a detailed assessment of the work the board had done
to share with the community. New Zealand heads into a local Government election year with a history of declining polls. At the 2019 polls the Queenstown Lakes turnout was 47.1 percent – down from 54.1 three years earlier. The present term has seen publicity, nationally, over Māori wards and the Three Waters Reform. QLDC does remain in the public eye through Otago Daily Times coverage, but nationally media coverage of regional and district councils has also fallen. It means for some rural areas, voters read very little news generated by journalists. Some of those councils have increased
their own communication department size a consequence. Cr MacLeod asked how community feedback on issues could be “driven north”. “I refuse to believe no one gives a rat’s,” he said. He suggested involving and empowering the district’s community associations improve feedback levels. Deputy chair Ed Taylor took a different view. He said when he was elected six years ago the plans for the boardwalk were on the table. He suggested the issue might be impacted by a “bit of fatigue”. “Six years on maybe people are just sick of it and want to get it done.” *See chairman Barry Bruce’s column, page 8.
on the vine
Callum MacLeod
Children sign up Youngsters at Montessori Children’s House in Wānaka will be looking for their sign during the Paralympics in Beijing. They helped make this sign to support New Zealand’s athletes there – Taranaki’s Corey Peters and Wānaka’s Adam Hall and Aaron Ewen. It will travel with the team. Hall’s daughter Gracelynn attends the children’s house. The Paralympics run from March 4 to 13 and you can read about one of the New Zealand team members on page 12 today.
Wānaka’s Aitken’s Folly Vineyard collected two gold, a silver and a bronze award at the New Zealand International Wine Show. Gold medals were awarded to Aitken’s Riverbank Rd Chardonnay 2019 and Aitken’s Riverbank Pinot Noir 2017. The Aitken’s Riverbank Rd Pinot Noir 2021 picked up a silver medal and the Aitken’s Riverbank Rd Riesling 2021 took out a bronze award. “We have always had confidence in our wines and now that has been reaffirmed by the judges who seem to have been equally impressed,” co-owner Ian Percy said. “Of all the gold medals awarded – 29 in the Chardonnay category – Aitken’s Folly is by far the smallest vineyard. The quality of what we can produce from our small family-owned Wānaka vineyard probably surprises some of the bigger producers.” The vineyard also collected a gold medal last year for its 2018 Chardonnay. The award-winning wines have been showcased at public winetastings around the country and the Champion Wine of the Show will be named on Monday. The New Zealand International Wine Show is New Zealand’s largest wine competition.
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Fraudsters target show customers
Scammers are attempting to con businesses linked to the cancelled 2022 Wānaka A and P Show. An unsolicited email – sent to the Wānaka Sun – offers to sell information about the list of “registered participants” in the show. The email doesn’t contain the usual grammatical give-aways in email scams but refers to the show as an “expo” and is sent from “Bailey Gibson, Sn Business Analyst” – but provides no information about who she works for.
The email was sent twice in two hours last week – it didn’t get beyond the Sun’s email filter and went straight to the spam folder. In the weekly police report column today on Page 8, Senior Constable Bruce McLean reports police had taken a report of “yet another fraud where sadly someone has scammed their way into a bank account and taken thousands of dollars” He said it had become a weekly occurrence in Wānaka “so I can only imagine how many other
areas are affected by this same behaviour”. Jane Stalker, the show’s events manager has been approached by the Sun for comment. “Due to increasing concerns about the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, and to help protect the health and safety of our customers, the expo has been cancelled,” the email begins. “However, if your agenda is to increase your sales and revenue by reaching out all the attendees, do let me know. We can provide you with the list of registered participants.”
It suggests it will offer contact details for 2000 businesses at a discounted cost. Phishing is an attempt to steal money, or identity, by getting victims to reveal personal information - such as credit card numbers, bank information, or passwords - on websites that pretend to be legitimate. The 85th Wānaka Show was to have run on March 11 and 12. Organisers announced earlier this month that it could not go ahead under the Covid traffic light system.
Lakes clinics to go ahead Funding clinics will go ahead under the red traffic light setting – but by appointment only, says Grants Manager for Central Lakes Trust Mat Begg. “Having conferred with the other funders in the district, we have agreed at a red traffic light setting we can still hold our scheduled funding clinics, not as drop-in sessions, but by appointment only, through a new online booking system,” he says. The trust is the largest philanthropic trust per capita in the Southern Hemisphere. Since opening in 2000 it has distributed more than $118m into a range of community projects and services throughout the Central Lakes area. Appointments will be 15 minutes long and can be booked through the Central Lakes Trust website, www.clt.net.nz . The first clinic is to be held in Cromwell on March 9 at Central Lakes Trust offices with the teams from Department of Internal Affairs, Aotearoa Gaming Trust, Central Lakes Trust,
Otago Community Trust and Central Otago District Council available either on hand, or via Zoom to help community groups who are looking for funding or have questions around the funding process. “We had to cancel many of our funding clinics in the latter part of last year due to COVID restrictions at the time,” Mat Begg said. “We trialed a clinic in December under the same system, just to make up for some clinics that hadn’t happened, and the booking system worked really well.” Those wanting to attend will need to present with their ‘My Vaccine Pass’, socially distance and wear a mask. “There will be a limit of two representatives per group,” says Mr Begg. “We will see how these first three funding clinics of the year go and take it from there.” A second funding clinic is being held in Queenstown, March 15 and a third in Alexandra two days later.
Mat Begg says a December trial showed how the funding clinics could continue.
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Obituaries
The life and times of Eddie
Sam, pictured at a graduation ceremony
Farewell for Sam On Waitangi Monday the Wānaka Skate Club celebrated the life of member Sam Castle who was found unresponsive in his bed on January 28. Sam was highly respected in the skateboard/snowboard scene in New Zealand. He was an innovator and trailblazer of the sport and also an empathetic and caring person who put a lot of thought into his actions and how others were feeling. Sam was one of the most gifted and technical skateboarder/ snowboarders that Wānaka had in the 1990-2000’s. He was the first person I saw doing double kick flips and switch back 9’s years before they were the
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norm. He briefly had his own label, Very Tech, in Wānaka in the early 2000’s. The Wānaka Skate Club, Friends and families have passed their condolences to Sam’s family and friends around New Zealand. Our love, thoughts and support go out to Sam’s daughter Stevie. Thank you to all who contributed to the Aotea Brest plate for Stevie that symbolises protection, eternal love and support from all around. We would like to thank all the people who came together, have helped and shown support during this time. We are truly blessed to have such a great community. – By Olly Burke
We acknowledge, the sad passing of Edmund 'Eddie' Lowe at Dunstan Hospital February 5 at the age of 81. On February 10 his life was celebrated at The Holy Family Catholic church in Wānaka with Bishop Colin Campbell presiding. This was followed by a gathering at the family home to further celebrate and toast the life and times of Eddie, loved by family and friends alike. Eddie and wife Rose holidayed in Arrowtown throughout their lives but after enduring the Christchurch earthquake and its aftermath, it was the tranquillity of Wānaka that they decided to retire to in 2017. He enjoyed playing bridge and connecting with the Chinese community here Eddie was a New Zealand born Chinese. His mother Esther, landed in New Zealand with her parents from Havana, Cuba in the mid-1920s and Harry Lowe (his father) immigrated from Guangzhou, China. Eddie was born in 1941 joining three older brothers, Gavin, Raymond and Desmond, while six more siblings, Sherman, Simon, Richmond, Joy, Pauline and Lee followed later. Eddie attended St Joseph's Primary School, then went to Marist for secondary schooling in Invercargill. Outside school hours they all contributed to running Lowe’s Fruit Shop in both Invercargill and Bluff. In the late 50s after his schooling, Eddie spent time in Auckland. It was in Auckland that Eddie caught the 'Sport' bug, playing both basketball and soccer for the Auckland team at the National Chinese Double Tenth Sports Tournament. Eddie established lifelong friendships during this time but unfortunately, this period of his life ended abruptly when his father passed away. Eddie returned to Invercargill to assist in running the family business. Eventually he opened the first Chinese restaurant 'The Willow' in partnership with his wife Rose in Invercargill with his mother Esther cooking. Eddie's love of basketball continued to develop in Invercargill where he joined the Cub's Basketball Club with Johnny Noble
THURSDAY 24.02.22 - WEDNESDAY 02.03.22
Eddie Lowe
as coach. He also continued participating in the 'Double Tenth' initiating a Southland team. His passion for basketball dominated his free time outside of his obligations to the family business for the next two decades. Eddie played basketball well, was a fair but firm referee both locally and nationally, but he excelled at coaching after having attended various coaching clinics from revered overseas mentors such as John Wooden. Eddie went on to coach Southland Women's teams and in 1973 coached the Southland junior men’s basketball team. The skill of this team along with Eddie's knowledge of coaching was a winning formula and the team won the national tournament on the North Shore of Auckland. In his retirement Eddie Lowe's Cookbook was selfpublished with the help of his daughters. Eddie is a tribute to the concept that hard work leads to success, and he loved to share his culture and heritage with others. We salute you Eddie, your efforts have been exceptional; he is survived by his wife, Rose, daughters, Kim, Kiri, Lee-Ana plus his five grandchildren. This obituary to was submitted by John Horan and was written with the of Eddie's daughters. – By John Horan
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Counselling available for businesses
Business leaders are being encouraged to consider counselling as they enter the third year of the Covid pandemic. A counselling service has been extended to all staff of small to medium (SME) businesses in the Queenstown Lakes District. Take Stock is an initiative by the Southern Lakes Business Recovery Group and offers three free confidential counselling sessions through provider Benestar. The sessions are available by phone or video call and can be as soon as the same day if needed. “We know people and businesses are struggling as we enter the third year of the pandemic. We are hearing that people are fatigued and they are burning out. I think
everyone is feeling it,” Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Economic Development Manager Peter Harris said. The service, initially available for SME business owners has been extended to include staff. “Omicron has added new stress on business owners and their workers, and it can be tough to know who to talk to when those around you are also struggling,’ Mr Harris said. “For those people who have never had counselling, it can feel like a strange idea to share your stress with a stranger. Benestar is staffed by professionals who are there to help you get through, and you don’t have to be at a crisis point to access this service.”
“We’re not suggesting counselling will fix everything – it won’t make the pandemic go away or solve financial difficulties, but in its small way we hope it can help.” He said small and medium businesses are crucial, not only to the district’s economy, but also to the wellbeing of the community. “When people are stressed and worried there can be a ripple effect across whanau and communities. No one is immune to the challenges the last few years have brought us.” Mr Harris said Take Stock has been offered specifically for SME businesses because many smaller companies can’t afford an employee assistance programme (EAP) for their staff, whereas most larger
businesses have their own EAP service. Take Stock is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Recovery Fund and coordinated through the Southern Lakes Business Recovery Group. “We’re encouraging people to take this initiative up now. We have funding in place for the next six months.” The service is free and confidential, and employers will not be made aware if their employee takes up the service. For more information call 0800 360 364 and ask for Take Stock or email counsellingsupportnz@benestar.com and quote the Take stock programme - or visit www.benestar.com.
Peter Harris
Read on: this fest stays At a time when hundreds of organisations around the country are releasing statements confirming their events have been cancelled or postponed, one is going the other way. Organisers of the NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival released a statement this week saying they were forging ahead with their 20th event. The festival is scheduled to run in Wānaka from June 24 to 29 and in Queenstown from June 30 to July 2 – as well as online from June 24 to July 24. The event is a celebration of adventurous sports and lifestyles presented for adventurers, film and book enthusiasts and armchair adventurers. It is a competitive event and an opportunity for filmmakers and authors to showcase their work, receive merit and win cash prizes. Festival Director Mark Sedon says contingency planning was put in place when Covid-19 first struck in 2020 and the addition of an online component to the festival will enable the event to go ahead. “Two years ago, we put planning in place for three separate 100-person events across three separate venues so we feel confident that we can use a similar format again in 2022, if needed,” he said. “We will be following My Vaccine Pass requirements and the organising team are
Festival organiser Mark Sedon.
working hard to ensure we can operate a high-quality event whilst keeping everyone safe. “Our popular online festival is another way that people can enjoy the festival sessions. We introduced this as an option in 2020 when many of our loyal festival fans were unable to travel due to Covid restrictions. It went so well that we decided to keep it in the programme and it’s certainly a good way to ensure more people can be part of the festival even with the challenges of Covid-19.” The adventure filmmakers competition, with $7000 in prize money, has been receiving entries from New Zealand and overseas. Entries for the 2022 book competition have also been flooding in with The festival’s programme co-ordinator, Dan Clearwater, said within a few weeks of the book competition opening on January 1, the number of entries received had already exceeded last year’s total. “To get this in the first month is very pleasing,” he said. “It shows that the sector is rebounding from the initial shock of the pandemic and moving in a very positive direction.” Entries for the NZ Mountain Book competition close on 30 March 2022 and for the Film competition on 20 April 2022.
What’s on
Wānaka Community Board members invite you to meet them at Ritual Espresso Cafe, 18 Helwick Street, 4.00-5.00pm on 2 March.
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THE WCB WORD
A regular update from Wānaka Community Board Chair, Barry Bruce
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McLean B Bruce Senior Constable, NZPD Firstly, I would like to congratulate Zoi SadowskiSynnott and Nico Porteous for their terrific results in the Slopestyle, Big air and half pipe in Beijing Winter Olympics. The hard work has paid off for you both so well deserved. Also well done to those who performed their best over in Beijing. You are also champions to reach such hights in your chosen sport. I have seen a little of the Olympics but what I have seen has been impressive. Not sure if you are all aware but one of our newer officers was one of New Zealand’s top skeleton racers not that long ago. It is a sport that looks pretty intense to me, hurtling face first at 120km/h with your chin 50mm from the ice. No thanks!! Well done to our local athletes Braden Currie, Dougall Allen and Simone Maier who showed the strength of Wānaka sport at last weekend’s Coast to Coast. We attended a potential water rescue on the lake where a foil boarder seemed to be having trouble in the lake on Friday. We took a report of yet another fraud where sadly someone has scammed their way into a bank account and taken thousands of dollars. This is a weekly occurrence here so I can only imagine how many other areas are affected by this same behaviour. We seemed to have escaped better off than
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some other areas with last week’s Covid outbreak so well done with healthy practices Wānaka. We suspended several drivers’ licenses this week for excess demerits. I think it is worth thinking about when you are speeding or on your phone that you could lose your license after a few tickets. A lot of people need their licence to keep their job. Each ticketable offence can be avoided by complying with the road rules. This week we attended a fire at a local business. Thankfully it seems this was caused more from a bad practice than anything intentional and it was caught early enough this time. We followed up a complaint of an assault with a weapon and a potential retaliation. Do not take matters into your own hands. We will get a better result than you and it is not unusual for both sides to end up facing criminal charges when there is a better way. I’ve spent a bit of time on the roads this week and have seen some great driving and some awful driving. Let’s stay alert and drive to the conditions. It wasn’t all bad, however. There seemed to be plenty of romance in the air on Valentine’s Day. One young couple came to our attention when they were out in the middle of the lake on Valentine’s morning and seemed to be enjoying each other’s company on a small catamaran. Stay safe, look after each other and remember one good deed can change a grumpy day.
It has been great to see people out and about in Upper Clutha enjoying the glorious weather, our lakes and reserves during the holiday season. Now, we’re back to work in earnest. New Coastguard building Mature pine trees have been cleared at Eely Point to make way for the construction of a long-awaited Coastguard base, which is to begin soon. Additional trees that were identified as a safety risk were also removed. Significant native plantings are planned for the area, which will ensure it quickly recovers and looks attractive. Abandoned boats A gentle reminder that overnight parking is not permitted at the Eely Point Reserve. Early in March, our team will begin disposing of boats and trailers abandoned at the reserve. People were warned of this plan last year and several vessels have been removed by their owners. However, if you know someone who still has a vessel at the reserve, please urge them to move it or contact the Council. Pembroke Park irrigation A fault in the irrigation system at Pembroke Park was detected in January. This has been fixed and irrigation is now back at full capacity. Unfortunately, the problem coincided with the driest January in many years, and we acknowledge the park has looked patchy this summer. Money for irrigation and field improvements at the park has been allocated in Years 2 and 3 of the Council’s 2021-31 Ten Year Plan. Many thanks to those who raised the problem with Council, as we can only fix these things when we know about them. If you are aware of other things that need our attention, Fix It forms can be found on our website at www.qldc.govt.nz/do-it-online/contact-usfix-it and general issues can also be raised via the Snap, Send, Solve mobile app. Upgrade to water infrastructure We're installing a new water main pipe and pump station in Wānaka to improve the capacity and resilience of drinking water supply and infrastructure in Western Wānaka. The pipeline will start slightly up Anderson Road, cross the State Highway, head along Macpherson Street and Golf Course Road. Work along Golf Course Road is expected to be completed by the end of April. Following this, work on the pipeline will continue along the remaining streets. Earthworks for the pump station are about to begin. The project will cause some disruption while Golf Course
THURSDAY 24.02.22 - WEDNESDAY 02.03.22
Road is reduced to one lane. The team is making every effort to get this upgrade completed as quickly as possible and we’re grateful for your patience. Contactless services The arrival of Covid-19 is challenging on many fronts, but we’ve been planning for this to ensure services and facilities can continue to meet the needs of the community. Council offices in Ardmore Street, Wānaka, remain open to everyone, so the whole community has access to a range of in-person services if they need that option. However, many things can be done online at www. qldc.govt.nz or via telephone. These include making payments, registering dogs, arranging bin collections, and applying for resource and building consents. If you can, please use contactless services to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 in our district. We also ask that everyone visiting our offices or facilities does their bit to keep each other safe–please wear a face mask correctly, maintain 1m physical distancing, and be patient. Library services Our libraries also have a great array of online resources, ranging from eBooks and free film subscription services to education programmes. Go to https://codc-qldc.govt. nz/library-online for more information. For those who do not want to visit a library for whatever reason, MyBookBag is a free clickand-collect service. Place an order online or by phone, and library staff will fill a bag with items to suit your taste, then let you know when it is ready to collect. Wānaka Library also offers a delivery service for housebound members. Looking for lifeguards Holiday activities at the Wānaka Recreation Centre pool were a big hit, with many enjoying the toys, pod racers and more. Unfortunately, the pool has had to close early some days because of a shortage of lifeguards. If you know of anyone looking for a great job with a fun team, encourage them to apply for a lifeguard position! Community drop-in session We’re keen to hear from the community, so we are going to try a new venue and time for our next WCB drop-in session. It will be held at Ritual Espresso Café, 18 Helwick Street, from 45pm March 2. QLDC will soon be consulting on its Climate and Biodiversity Action Plan and 2022-23 Annual Plan, so we’d love your thoughts on these or any other issues.
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GREBE DIARY 14 February 20, 2022
Deaths: why we need to know
There’s been a bit of shenanigans at number 11.
In may seem rather morbid that from time to time I put out a reminder to report any grebes found deceased in any lakes around this area. The following best provides why we do this. A new science paper has just been published in one of the foremost journals in the world. The short title of the paper (my version) is “discovery of two new species of parasites found in Lake Wānaka Grebes”. The full title is: “Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of the threatened Australasian crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus australis Gould 1844) in New Zealand, with descriptions of Baruscapillaria kamanae n.sp. (Nematoda: Trichuridae) and Cryptocotyle micromorpha n.sp. (Trematoda: Opisthorchiidae). Bronwen Presswell and Jerusha Bennett. Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O.Box 56 Dunedin, New Zealand. The paper is published in the Journal of Systematic Parasitology” This is the third new species of parasite described from the three grebes by Bronwen and her colleagues. So it’s not just me that has made this possible, it’s you folk out there who have discovered the dead birds and brought them to me. This is not the end of this journey. It continues because this is the first time ever that the parasites of this grebe species have been investigated and I gather there are more yet to be found. I recently mentioned in one of my diaries how much I enjoy the language of science and its methodology and I seriously enjoyed reading this paper. Some of you will be aware that for a time I collected and restored early microscopes and of course these were light microscopes (objects illuminated by light, artificial or natural) as opposed to the many varieties of the modern electron microscopes. Part of this paper outlines the preparation of parasites to be examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and I quote below: “Specimens chosen for SEM were preserved in
4% buffered formalin. They were then transferred to 2.5% gluteraldehyde in 0.1M phosphate buffer, then post- fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide and dehydrated through a series of ethanols, critical point- dried in a CPD030 Bal Tec critical point dryer using carbon dioxide, mounted on aluminium stubs, and sputter coated with gold/palladium (60:40) to a thickness of 10nm in an Emitech K575X Peltier cooled high resolution sputter-coater”. I can assure you that there are no spelling errors in the last para, but I just want to show that work like this is more than peering down a microscope or gazing at a video screen; it encompasses a huge range of fascinating technologies, disciplines and skills. Finally, the paper cites some 60 plus references, even citing one of the diaries published in the Wānaka Sun. So congratulations to Bronwen and Jerusha, this is a great piece of work. We still have a number of birds to hatch their young, 12 all told covering 39 eggs. Nests 8, 9, 1, RC, 15, 11B and 3 have hatched their young over the last week and a half. For much of the summer we have had 16 to 18 nests under observation until a pair decided to share nest 11. That seemed OK for a while, and then things fell apart. And this is where things get a bit complicated. Note that 11B also hatched two chicks this last week. Question. Was one of those from the egg that was abandoned on nest A, or were both chicks from nest B? There remains on nest B what appears to be two complete eggs and the remnants of a third. I am keen to get to them before the Black- backed gulls beat me to it. I am rapt by the fantastic paintings of grebes on the transformer on Lakeside Road just above the Boardwalk. I am reliably informed they are by Chrissy Wickes with the approval of QLDC and Aurora and supported by the Upper Clutha Community Arts Council. They are so cool. John Darby, Markus Hermanns and Dave Thomas contribute to the regular diary. – By John Darby
Message on a bottle: the new plant-based bottles come with a bit of self-promotion.
Anchor’s plastic plant Anchor has launched its plant-based bottle, which is recyclable, in the South Island. The availability of the bottle in the South Island demonstrates Fonterra’s commitment to have all packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. Anchor Blue 2L in the new plant-based bottle, landed on shelves across the South Island at the beginning of this month. The bottle is made from sugar cane. The sugarcane used in the plant-based plastic is natural, renewable, and sustainably sourced and is an alternative to non-renewable sources like fossil fuels. In addition, sugarcane captures CO2 from the atmosphere as it grows, resulting in a
milk bottle that also has a low carbon footprint. The sugarcane is made into plant-based HDPE plastic in Brazil and the bottle itself is made in New Zealand and is recyclable in kerbside recycling collections. Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Marketing Director, Mike Boness said the plant-based milk bottle was an important component in Fonterra’s wider sustainability strategy. “We have also committed to moving towards renewable energy in transport and manufacturing and finding ways to manage and reduce our emissions over the whole supply chain.” – By Rebecca Flannery
Rural fuel delivery –– Rural fuel delivery Rural fuel delivery – on time, every time on time, every on time, every time time
Commercial and residential landscaping Looking after all your joinery needs from design to installation. Also designer splash backs & appliance packages.
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THE WĀNAKA SUN
Fulton Hogan’s highly skilled team deliver your landscaping requirements from design concepts, to construction including: • landscape design • tree pruning • stonework • turf install and repair • irrigation • exotic/native plant supply • paving • ongoing landscape • timber features maintenance • water features • vegetation control and mowing. • arboriculture
www.polishedconcretecentral.co.nz
Building communities
THURSDAY 24.02.22 - WEDNESDAY 02.03.22
For a free no obligation quote call: Phone 03 440 0500 www.fultonhogan.com
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Contact Johnny Ph: 0224 SKIP IT (754 748) • W: www.skipit.nz When you want to get rid of it - just skip it!
SITUATION VACANT
THANKS
CAN YOU GET IT WRITE? 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.
SITUATION VACANT
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. 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.
THANKS
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.
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.
WANTED
Lake Hawea Golf Club wishes to thank the following sponsors for their generous contributions to our 2022 Open Tournament. With their support the day was a resounding success enjoyed by all. A1 Plastering AR Golf Beauty from within Carnie Interiors Carrfields Central Lakes Engineering Dingleburn Station Dixon Transport Down to Earth Building Farmlands Cromwell FMG Four Square Alberttown Harcourts Wanaka Hawea Hotel
Hawea Store & Kitchen Hirepool Hunting & Fishing Cromwell Luggate hotel Mark Anderson Builders Mitre 10 New World three parks New World Wanaka PGG Wrightson Alexandra Silver Fern Farms Skip Johnston Firewood Wanaka Marine
The Salvation Army Family store requires a volunteer to assist our van driver Danny on a Thursday with pickups and deliveries. If this sounds like you, please pop into the store for some more information. Lifting of furniture will be required. 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
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 Clean, dry, safe storage available now. Ezystor Self Storage, 12 Gordon Road, Wānaka, Ph: 021 242 1630.
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WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1067
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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Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.
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4pm Friday prior to publication. marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz 03 443 5252 Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Subscriptions: $175 within NZ (including GST) per year. Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.
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Wānaka birthing unit moves a step closer After three years of active protesting and endless meetings, sweat, blood and tears a commitment has been made for a new birthing unit to be built to service Wānaka, Hawea and the surrounds. The Ministry of Health approved a business plan for two new primary birthing units in Clyde and Wānaka in December. The Clyde unit is planned for vacant land on the Dunstan Hospital site, but the Wānaka unit location has yet to be announced. The current building occupied by the Central Otago Maternity Unit in Alexandra (formerly known as Charlotte Jean Maternity Hospital) is scheduled for closure following the opening of the two new units. A spokesperson for Southern Districts Health Board said it was difficult to put an exact date of opening due to Covid-19 but both units are expected to be completed in 2024. According to SDHB approximately 100 births are recorded in the Wānaka and Hāwea areas each year and there are a further 200 in other areas of Central Otago - a total of 300 per year. Roughly a third of these women will attend Central Otago Maternity Unit for the delivery of their babies. The remaining 200 will travel to Dunedin because they need more advanced care in a secondary hospital, or because they choose to birth in Dunedin. A very small number will
travel to Invercargill or Queenstown. For the past two years SDHB has worked with communities and stakeholders to understand the needs of the Central Otago region. The new primary birthing units will offer a closer service for the growing population and most likely a more stress-free transition in to mother and fatherhood. The architect for the projects will be announced in the coming weeks and then the process for a construction partner will commence. The next part of the process is to hold a series of stakeholder design workshops to ensure the development of a coherent building which is in tune with its local surroundings and provides a welcoming and comfortable space for the community, the spokesperson said. The feedback providers, including staff, community members and Lead Maternity Carers will have the opportunity to participate in a ‘walk-through’ of the spaces that they have been involved in designing. At present 5.2 full time equivalent LMC’s work in Central Otago, along with several casual midwives. There are also approximately 10 independent Lead Maternity Carer midwives across Central Otago not employed by the SDHB. – By Aimee Owens
Helping out the heroes Business South has led an initiative to support health care workers. Southern Heroes is a support network developed in partnership with the Southern District Health Board, the Wānaka, Queenstown and Southland Chambers of Commerce, and Volunteer South. It provides a mechanism for businesses and communities to donate time to help out Southern DHB and other health providers in the southern district with non-clinical, non- contact tasks. “We realise that the business sector is also under
immense strain, but for those who are able to, we want to rally businesses and communities in the south to support the heroes in our health system who are on the frontlines of this outbreak,” says Mike Collins, Business South Chief Executive. “We’re asking that organisations spare even one person for one hour to help out and make a difference to our health workers and our local community. Any support you can provide, no matter how small, will be truly appreciated.” For more details go to www.business-south.org.nz
PUBLIC NOTICE
N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Creative Communities Scheme Funding Round Open Funding is now available for community–based arts groups for performances, events, and workshops that will provide a variety of opportunities for participation in those activities. The Creative Communities Funding Round is now open and will close at 5.00pm on Friday 25 February 2022. Applications available from Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) website at www.qldc.govt.nz/services / funding/arts. For any enquiries, please contact QLDC’s Relationship Manager Arts and Events Jan Maxwell via phone 03 441 0469 or 027 233 7934, or email jan.maxwell@qldc.govt.nz.
Alcohol Licensing Applications Applications for alcohol licences in the Queenstown Lakes District are published as public notices and shared on Queenstown Lakes District Council’s website at https://www.qldc.govt.nz/services/alcohol-licensing/publicnotices/current-public-notices. Members of the public may object to an application for an alcohol licence if they have an interest in the application that would be considered greater than the general public. Any objections must be made within 15 working days of the public notice being published on QLDC’s website. More information on this process can be found online at https://www.qldc.govt.nz/services/alcohol-licensing/have-your-say-on-alcohol-licenceapplications. If you have a query about an application, a public notice, or the notification process, you can find more information here: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/services/alcohol-licensing/public-notices. Or, alternatively, please call 03 441 0499 or email services@qldc.govt.nz.
Heritage Incentive Grant now open Applications are being accepted for grants to assist with the maintenance, professional advice, and reimbursement for building or resource consent costs for historical buildings, sites or objects (including trees) within the Queenstown Lakes District. This grant is for private property only and only approved projects are eligible. If you have a project and wish to make an application for the Heritage Incentive Grant, please contact with Jan Maxwell via email at jan.maxwell@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 0469. For more information, head to https://www.qldc.govt.nz/community/community-funding.
Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz
Public Notice | P ā n u i Notice of Intention to Revoke Recreation Reserve - 121 Plantation Road, Wānaka PURSUANT TO SECTION 24 OF THE RESERVES ACT 1977 The land described in Schedule A of this Notice (the Land) is vested in the Queenstown Lakes District Council under the Reserves Act 1977 as recreation reserve.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MUM
How did they do it? As I put Tobias down for a nap, I try to figure out how I’m going to cram a week's worth of housework into 60 minutes. That’s right, I have 60 minutes (if I’m lucky) to sort through the pile of laundry, wash dishes, vacuum, clean the shower, clean the fridge. You name it, it’s on the list. It's days like these when I think of my nan. By the time my grandmother had reached her mid twenties she had four children with a fifth one on the way. That’s five times the amount of laundry and five different sleeping schedules to keep up with. When I actually think about it, that's five times the number of dishes to clean, five times the number of mouths to feed, five times the number of toys to put away, the list goes on. On a good day, I'm lucky if I tick three things off my list. So how did she do it with five children and no car? My partner’s grandmother had four children, lived in a block of flats in North London, worked
THE WĀNAKA SUN
The Ministry of Education has requested that they acquire the property from the Council, to support roll growth at Mt Aspiring College. The Council is considering the reserve revocation and subsequent disposal of the property, pursuant to Section 24 of the Reserves Act 1977 as the Site is no longer needed for reserve purposes because:
part time and didn’t have a car. Everytime I find myself struggling, running late, or on the brink of tears, I ask myself “how did they do it?” My nan didn’t have the luxury of bundling the kids into the car at the last minute. I don’t know what it’s like to deal with siblings but I can imagine it would have involved a lot of fights and many tantrums. There would have also been many trips to the supermarket, doctor appointments, school uniforms to keep clean, homework to help with, and so much more that I can’t even comprehend. They didn’t have comfy front packs, child carriers, or high end strollers. They didn’t have Dr Google or useful tips from mumfluencers. So how did they do it? I know it was a different time and there was a lot less pressure on mum’s to work back then but to me, these ladies are superheros. I don’t think they ever got quality time to themselves. Any spare hour was spent prepping lunch boxes, cleaning, cooking, and ironing clothes. I often think we have it hard but then I think of my nan having to run around after four under fives in an age before technology. And I can’t even keep up with one. So here’s to our grandmothers - the unsung heroes. – By Daisy Watford
a. the swimming pool on the Site has since been decommissioned and replaced with a superior facility at the Wānaka Recreational Centre; and b. there is already high quality recreational space to meet the needs of the community in the area. Pursuant to Section 24 of the Reserves Act 1977 the Council has an obligation to publicly notify its intention to revoke the reserve classification by way of this Notice. Any person or organisation may object to or make submissions with respect to the proposed revocation. More information can be obtained from the Council’s agent, APL Property, PO Box 1586, Queenstown, phone 03 442 7133 or email queenstown@aplproperty.co.nz. Submissions and objections will be required no later than 24 March 2022 and should be sent to APL Property as above. Schedule A: The reserve is legally described as Lot 1, DP 22331, and is known as the “old Wānaka pool site”. THIS NOTICE is given on behalf of Queenstown-Lakes District Council by APL Property, PO Box 1586, Queenstown, phone 03 442 7133.
Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz
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Sun Sport
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New classic Pro-Am golf announced A new event has been announced by the organisers of the New Zealand Golf open. Set to be played over the weekend of April 2-3, the one-off Pro-Am event will be called the Millbrook Classic. The event aims to provide support for golfers adversely affected by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic which has limited playing opportunities. When announcing the cancellation of the 2022 New Zealand Open, tournament organisers indicated they intended to hold a smaller Pro-Am event that could be hosted within the red light setting of the Covid Protection Framework. The Millbrook Classic will feature New Zealand Professionals, some of the country’s best elite amateur players and will have a total prize-purse of $150,000. New Zealand Open Tournament Chairman John Hart says the team recognised the need to support New Zealand based players who have The Millbrook Classic Pro-Am will be hosted at the award winning Millbrook Resort. had a difficult time in the past two years. “Since the pandemic hit our shores, Kiwi The Millbrook Classic invited professional own costs and the accommodation and golfing professionals have been faced with restrictions field will comprise 28 playing spots including costs of one of the invited professionals for the not only cancelling events here in New Zealand, two elite amateurs, and each player will be paired Millbrook Classic. but also affecting the ability to travel to with a paying amateur. “Our aim is to make this a special occasion tournaments throughout the world,” he said. The amateur field entrant fee will cover their for the professionals, with prize money being
PHOTO: millbrook.co.nz
distributed across the whole field. This will allow visiting players to stay at Millbrook Resort for the three nights at no cost, and any costs of getting to and from the event being well and truly offset by the prize pool,” said Hart.
Our eye on the Games Thanks to the support of the Snow Sport NZ the Wānaka Sun has been able to bring readers pictures from the Beijing Winter Olympics. Here’s another selection from the last week.
Brothers Miguel (left) and Nico Porteous.
PHOTO: Tommy Pyatt Photography
Freestyle skier Margaux Hackett.
PHOTO: The NZ Team
PHOTO: The NZ Team
Freeskier Ben Barclay overcame the odds to finish 10th.
Rain causes pain once again... In surely the most disrupted season on record, another rainy Saturday resulted in the cancellation of almost all cricket for Albion-Luggate teams. It left only two matches going ahead either side of the affected day. Youth: given this grade play on a Friday evening, a match would have been possible if it wasn't for the frustration of this team being defaulted against by their Cromwell opposition. Unlucky lads. Division 1: shifted to a sunny Sunday morning, our Volts took on Molyneaux Firebirds and prevailed comfortably. Sending the Alexandrians into bat, our boys, led by a sensational 5/5 haul by
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William Noble-Kirkbride and 3/25 by Division 2's Toby Hartnell, bowled out MCC for 67. In reply, the Volts had great knocks throughout their innings - it included James Muir (24), Ryan Keenan (26), Rosco Rowley (28) and another blistering effort from Sam Harper (49). They finishing their 25 overs at 195/7. The Hāweanladen Volts are an exciting prospect for the club’s future. Division 3: Friday after school saw Albion Heat take on their intra-club buddies the Albion Flames on the brand new pitch at 3 Parks. Batting first, Heat batsmen made small contributions with Noah Williams’ 12 the top score as they
reached 99. With 12 wickets lost in their innings and 10 from their opposition this was a game for the bowlers, as the Flame's Harper Norman (3 for 5)and John Quirke (3/4) proved. In reply the same duo had excellent batting figures and together with Hamish Jamieson's run-a-ball 14, Logan Davidson’s efforts and Oliver Simpson's 10 compiled 125. With wickets evenly shared across the Heat bowlers and a heap of catches snared by both teams the match that launched Wānaka's newest cricketing asset was a cracker - well done to all, including the weatherwatching coaches! – By Duncan Spear
THURSDAY 24.02.22 - WEDNESDAY 02.03.22
Here’s how… Division 3 Flames coach Brendan Quirke addresses the team before taking the field.
THE WĀNAKA SUN
