Good news for Reuben
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Arnaud rides high
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Visit our new showhome 22 Glen Dene Crescent, Northlake, Wanaka Open Wednesday to Sunday 1pm – 4pm – 03 443 2196 gjgardner.co.nz
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DELIVERED AND FREE
EDITION 1072
Now it’s meal with wheels
Executive officer Bex Sarginson, right, pictured with Alice Watson and her son Ronan and the new Vitara.
trust born out of a desire to put food on tables has been given a major boost by the Hugo Charitable Trust. Food for Love in Wānaka was established almost six years ago and has grown into an active volunteer organisation that has provided thousands of meals. Last week the Hugo Charitable Trust presented Food for Love with a donation of $34,000 for a new Suzuki Vitara. Food for Love recruits volunteers to provide home cooked meals, prepare bulk cooked meals, and deliver meals. It also provides supplementary weekend meals for the elderly where these meals
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are not supplied by the providers of the five-day service. “From a few neighbourhood meals to 4600 meals to date in a year, Food For Love is a significant undertaking,” Food for Love board chair Marilyn Duncan said. Food for Love is now a charitable trust and one of its founders, Bex Sarginson, is the Executive Officer. “We are so fortunate that Alice Watson, granddaughter of Hugh Green, referred Food for Love to the Hugo Charitable Trust. Alice recognised the need for a vehicle to support Food for Love in its work,” Marilyn said. The Hugo Charitable Trust was
established in May 2017 by Maryanne Green, the eldest daughter of Irish philanthropist and businessman the late Hugh Green, known in Ireland as Hugo. Maryanne worked closely at Hugh’s side for over 25 years where she developed a deep understanding of Hugh’s philanthropic priorities and wishes. Maryanne set up the Hugo Charitable Trust to continue Hugh’s philanthropic legacy and to give back to the people of New Zealand. “Food for Love is very grateful to the Hugo Charitable Trust for their gift helping us support people facing challenges with a warm, delivered meal,” Marilyn said.
At your service… Carol Angland shows of some of the meals provided by Food for Love in Wānaka.
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CAMERA CLUB ‘IN FOCUS’
The carpet salesman.
Wānaka Camera Club member John Grey takes readers half way around the world today to illustrate his skills with the camera. John’s selection of shots come from a visit to Turkey. “Street photography is the genre that best describes my interest,” he says of his tours of shops and markets... “photojournalism may be too flattering!” One of his favourite pastimes is wandering when travelling and photographing what catches his eye, and Istanbul is one of his favourite cities to do this, because there are subject matters in abundance. “Hopefully before too long it will be safe for travelling again,” he says.
The egg seller.
Discussion group.
Girls engaged in their pursuits.
Blue Mosque sunset.
In the back streets.
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Looking at our landscapes Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is asking for the community’s views on what people value most about a range of priority landscapes across the district. The feedback will help Council draft landscape schedules to be included in the Queenstown Lakes District Plan. Submissions close on Sunday. A landscape schedule describes the values and elements of an area that people care about. They are used to assess resource consent applications and determine what development can be accommodated in the area without compromising these values and elements. QLDC General Manager Planning and Development Tony Avery encouraged people to consider the specific areas identified through the process and to share what it is about these locations that matters most. “We want to know what our district’s distinctive landscapes mean to you, and what you value about our lakes, rivers, alpine, high country and rural character areas,” said Mr Avery. “These values could include how an area looks, the quality and quantity of its vegetation and wildlife, your own experience of being in the landscape, the impact it has on your sense of wellbeing, its historic or cultural significance,
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what it tells us about how it was created, and the recreational benefits we get from it.” Council is drafting one schedule of landscape values for each of the 29 identified areas plus the entire Upper Clutha rural character landscape following direction from the Environment Court. “Using the Queenstown Hill and Ferry Hill outstanding natural feature as an example, some may regularly enjoy using this area’s public walking tracks and value the recreational opportunities provided there, while others might love the spectacular views from the Queenstown Hill summit,” said Mr Avery. “This is the stuff we want to hear about. By sharing your feedback you can help us capture what’s important to the community and include it in our toolkit for assessing development proposals.” Following this feedback process the landscape schedules will be completed and formally notified as a District Plan Change later in the year. For more details go to letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/ landscape-schedules. Mr Avery encouraged anyone with questions about the project to contact a QLDC duty planner during office hours - phone 03 443 0024 or email pdpsubmissions@qldc.govt.nz.
Ace dressers
The Fab 4 reckon their looks were much more fabulous than their skill set at the finals night of social tennis in Wānaka last week. The four, from left Ben Goodwin, Sarah Searle, Cat Nicholson and Neil O'Donnell went Hawaiian to cap off their first season in the six-week competition which attracted about 80 players. O’Donnell reckoned the competition was glorious and his novice team loved the social competitive spirit. The A grade was won by the Smart Aces - Margo Beattie, Carolyn Oakley-Brown, Lockie Hunt and David Lawn.
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They’re angling for trouble “…it is much cheaper and less stressful to simply get a licence and follow the rules” - Hamish Stevens Close to one in ten anglers checked by Central South Island Fish and Game are breaking the rules. With over five months of the sports fishing season completed, the Central South Island Fish and Game Council (CSI Fish and Game) says it is disappointed with the eight per cent “non-compliance” its ranging team has encountered. Since October 2021, 592 anglers have been interviewed by rangers, and 48 were found to be offending. “Anglers who choose to fish without a licence or otherwise break the rules can expect to have their gear seized and end up in court,” CSI Fish & Game Compliance Coordinator Hamish Stevens said “So it's not a risk worth taking, and it is much cheaper and less stressful to simply get a licence and follow the rules.” The most common offence was fishing without a licence. Other offences included using more than
one rod, fishing out of season, being more than 15 metres from their rod, fishing for sea-run salmon without salmon endorsement, failing to produce sea-run salmon endorsement when salmon fishing, exceeding the daily bag limit, causing injury to released fish and using illegal bait. Stevens says the eight per cent is higher than normal. “It is disappointing that this many anglers are not sticking to the rules. Regulations are put in place to protect fisheries and ensure that the harvest is sustainable so that future generations of anglers can enjoy the fishing experience.” All anglers who target trout, salmon, perch and other sports fish in freshwater must have a sports fishing licence and adhere to fishing regulations. Anglers should check their regulation guides and ensure they adhere to the rules, which can differ between waterways, Stevens said.
Central South Island Fish & Game Compliance coordinator Hamish Stevens displays some of the equipment and catch seized from angler this season.
The Council Word Meet your Community Board
Love our local landscape?
The Wānaka Community Board is holding its next public drop-in session on 6 April at Wānaka Recreation Centre. If you’ve got a question, compliment or grumble that your local elected members can help with then come along between 12.00-1.00pm for a cuppa and a chat. No appointment needed.
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. Feedback closes Sunday 3 April. Full details at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
Climate action and the year ahead Feedback on a new Climate and Biodiversity Plan for the district, and Council’s draft Annual Plan that sets priorities for the year ahead closes on 25 April. Don’t miss the chance to have your say. Full details available from Council offices, the district’s libraries or online at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
Nominate local sporting legends The Southern Lakes Motors Central Otago Sports Awards 2022 will be held in early May. Now’s the time to nominate local sporting talent including Coach of the Year and the Spirit of Central junior and senior awards. Nominations close Friday 8 April. For guidelines and forms go to www.sportotago.co.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 before 29 April 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
Kids’ holiday activities Bookings for QLDC Sport & Recreation’s school holiday programme open 4 April. For a full schedule and booking form visit www.qldc.govt.nz/active-kids
Alcohol licence applications
COVID-19 PRE DEPARTURE RAT TEST FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL Wanaka Pharmacy are now providing a COVID-19 testing service for International Pre Departure RAT Tests and Supervised RAT Tests for Travel using government approved Rapid Antigen Assays. Call now to book your International Pre Departure RAT Test ensuring that your test is within 24 hours of your international flight.
To view all recently lodged alcohol licence applications please visit qldc.govt.nz/ services/alcohol-licensing/public-notices
Phone: 03 443 8000, Top of Helwick Street, Wānaka www.qldc.govt.nz THE WĀNAKA SUN
OPEN: MON-SAT 8AM TO 6PM • SUN 10AM TO 6PM THURSDAY 31.03.22 - WEDNESDAY 06.04.22
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A monthly column by Andrew Hoggard, President, Federated Farmers.
Farm better, not less - Hoggard
Emma and Hamish Day.
‘City’ couple take dairy honours The winners of the 2022 Southland-Otago Dairy Industry Awards Share Farmer of the Year category left their city based jobs just over 10 years ago to take up farming. Emma and Hamish Day were named winners of the region’s Share Farmer of the Year category on Saturday. The other big winners were Laura Murdoch who was named the 2022 Southland/Otago Dairy Manager of the Year, and Aidan Roe the 2022 Southland/Otago Dairy Trainee of the Year. The Days left their city jobs and rush-hour traffic in Wellington to enter the dairy industry in 2011, with Hamish beginning as a farm assistant while Emma raised calves and relief milked. Hamish was a builder while Emma worked at AMP Financial Services. “Hamish was a city boy all his life but had a taste of farming through my family who are dairy farmers and he really enjoyed the diversity,” Emma said. The couple have progressed through the industry and are now contract milking for Peter and Maria Clinton on their 220ha property at Mabel Bush, Invercargill milking 700 cows. They won $13,176 in prizes plus four merit awards. Hamish entered the Dairy Trainee category while working in Taranaki in 2012 and says it was
a great experience. The couple would like to see stronger promotion of the dairy industry in schools. “Coming from an urban school in Wellington, Hamish never knew of the dairy industry as a career choice and was only offered information about trades,” Emma said. Hamish and Emma, who are both 36, find the future of technology in the dairy industry exciting and look forward to implementing it into their business. Future farming goals include another contract milking position with the ultimate goal of farm ownership. Laura Murdoch was named the winner of the 2022 Southland/Otago Dairy Manager of the Year category. Laura won $7,000 in prizes plus three merit awards and is second in command for Chris Reilly on his 83ha, 230-cow Mokotua property. The 2022 Southland-Otago Dairy Trainee of the Year is Aidan Roe who believes it’s awesome to be a young person in the dairy industry as there are so many opportunities. He is farm assistant on Peter Sanford’s 200ha Winton property, milking 560 cows. He won $6,000 in prizes and two merit awards.
Rural fuel delivery –– Rural fuel delivery Rural fuel delivery – on time, every time on on time, time, every every time time
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The Federated Farmers National Council has decided ‘direction of travel’ on two key issues – a pricing mechanism for livestock greenhouse gas emissions, and what changes are needed to policies that incentivise blanket afforestation of farmland. The presidents of the Federation’s 24 provinces joined elected leaders of the dairy and meat and wool Councils in an on-line special general meeting this month 15 to debate what have proved to be thorny issues. Bar one abstention, the vote was unanimously in favour of advocating for a series of changes that Feds forestry spokesperson William Beetham said were necessary to “even up the land use playing field” between forestry and farm production. While the vote on the He Waka Eke Noa Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership options was more mixed, the clear majority favoured the farm level levy over the processor hybrid levy, in that it better rewarded farmers who took action to address emissions. But that indication was with the strong rider that the final model meets the Federation’s bottom lines, including ones set back in November 2019. While many made comments that farmers are absolutely committed to joining fellow New Zealanders in the drive to reduce greenhouse gases, the elected Feds leaders are adamant a pricing mechanism must not incentivise, encourage, or expect to result in reduced New Zealand food and fibre production. “The core purpose should be encouraging New Zealand farmers to farm even better but not less,” Feds President Andrew Hoggard said. He noted the world had also made commitments to deal with hunger and a growing global population. Kiwi farmers
already had among the lowest emissions footprints per kilogram of meat and dairy produced. “If a pricing mechanism forces them to pull back their output, we’ll get emissions leakage less efficient producers in other countries will take up the slack and the global emissions tally will be worse.” The Council agreed to further discuss other bottom lines that would need to be met for any option to get the Federation’s endorsement. “We need as an industry to be able to say ‘no’ to the Minister if the final proposals don’t work for New Zealand and for farming,” Hoggard said. On the forestry issue, the National Council decided to push for amendments to the Emissions Trading Scheme to limit how many forestry units participants could surrender for non-forestry related activities. William Beetham said in most other countries there are limits on how much of their emissions polluters can cover by buying forestry credits or other units. Given the carbon price, the lack of a cap on offsetting was tilting land use in favour of forestry. The short-term profits available from so-called ‘carbon farming’ – essentially shut the gate and walk away plantations - were also driving up land prices, further disadvantaging existing and potential future sheep and beef farming operations, including an impact on rates, he said. The provincial presidents agreed to lobby government to amend the National Environment Standard for Plantation Forestry so that it included permanent, carbon-only forestry and further, that resource consent processes were also made non-discriminatory, meaning all land uses should be treated equally as regards their effects.
Kuriger criticises worker limits Close to one in ten anglers checked by Central South Island Fish and Game are breaking the rules. With over five months of the sports fishing season completed, the Central South Island Fish and Game Council (CSI Fish and Game) says it is disappointed with the eight per cent “noncompliance” its ranging team has encountered. Since October 2021, 592 anglers have been interviewed by rangers, and 48 were found to be offending. "Anglers who choose to fish without a licence or otherwise break the rules can expect to have their gear seized and end up in court,” CSI Fish & Game Compliance Coordinator Hamish Stevens said “So it's not a risk worth taking, and it is much cheaper and less stressful to simply get a licence and follow the rules." The most common offence was fishing without a licence. Other offences included using more than one rod, fishing out of season, being more than 15 metres from their rod, fishing for sea-run salmon without salmon endorsement, failing to produce sea-run salmon endorsement when salmon fishing, exceeding the daily bag limit, causing injury to released fish and using illegal bait.
THURSDAY 31.03.22 - WEDNESDAY 06.04.22
Barbara Kuriger
Stevens says the eight per cent is higher than normal. “It is disappointing that this many anglers are not sticking to the rules. Regulations are put in place to protect fisheries and ensure that the harvest is sustainable so that future generations of anglers can enjoy the fishing experience." All anglers who target trout, salmon, perch and other sports fish in freshwater must have a sports fishing licence and adhere to fishing regulations. Anglers should check their regulation guides and ensure they adhere to the rules, which can differ between waterways, Stevens said.
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Arts centre plans advance
Feasibility Consultant Horwath HTL has been appointed to advise on the financial viability of a performing arts centre in Wānaka. And the trust behind the venture is now looking to raise $140,000 for the work. Promoters of the plan say an arts and culture centre would be a tremendous boon for both the Festival of Colour and the community as a whole. The project has Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust backing. Aspects Horwath’s were asked to consider in their final report include: • A dedicated auditorium • Full stage with fly tower • Fixed tiered seating
• Additional flat floor rooms for rehearsals and other uses and a sprung floor for dance • Orchestra Pit that can be raised up to stage level for an extended stage • Best quality acoustics and technical capability The centre’s primary use would be for theatre and performing arts but it would also be used for visual arts exhibitions, conferences, trade shows and banquets The Lake Wānaka Arts and Culture Charitable Trust (Wact) wants to form a Feasibility Club to raise funds for the study and has already chipped in about $50,000. “The Trustees of Wact have met with Horwath’s in Wānaka and have carefully assessed
their proposition and believe it is good value,” an update from Festival of Colour organisers emailed this week says. “We all know this does not guarantee a building but it is the Trust’s best effort and insurance to make sure we make the right decision based on all available information for the Wānaka community and Queenstown Lakes region.” Feasibility Club members will be acknowledged in the completed facility as the early stage supporters group and their contribution will be at least $1000. Meanwhile, the Whakatipu Music Festival will be an Easter highlight for the Queenstown Lakes district. The festival, from April 15 to 18, will showcase
music from 100 musicians including Aotearoa’s leading and emerging artists, plus an array of Queenstown Lakes talent. Workshops and public talks will be hosted throughout the week. New Zealand musicians Madeleine Pierard (Soprano), Robin Wilson (Violin), Bridget Douglas (Flute), Andrew Joyce (Cello) and Stephen de Pledge (Piano) will perform. Joining them will be contemporary quartet Tararua showcasing Taonga Pūoro and a dozen emerging artists. Queenstown Lakes musicians including Dale Gold and a variety of community ensembles will share the Queenstown Memorial Centre stage.
Flood protection plans unveiled
What could change…
Otago Regional Council (ORC) is proposing amendments to rules that help minimise the risk and impact of flooding events, as part of a bylaw review currently underway. The Flood Protection Management Bylaw 2012 safeguards flood protection and land drainage assets owned or under the control of the Regional Council. “Around 1600 properties in Otago have such assets near or on them, so we’re keen to get word out there about this review,” ORC Commercial and Regulatory Lead (Engineering), Alison Weaver, said. Public consultation is open from today and runs to May 2. The bylaw controls the type of activities that can be carried out on and near these important assets and outlines when people need to talk with ORC, and if necessary, apply for a Bylaw Authority, or ‘written permission’ to do works. This ensures that the maintenance and the performance of the assets is not inadvertently affected by the actions of people near the assets. After reviewing the Bylaw, ORC is proposing a series of amendments to update the regulation. “Flooding can cause significant and longlasting damage to people’s homes, properties and livelihoods, as we’ve recently seen at Westport, North Island’s East Coast and in eastern Australia recently,” Ms Weaver says. “That’s why the effectiveness of our flood protection infrastructure is so critical.
Proposed changes to the Current bylaw include: • Expanding the land disturbance restrictions to include all earthworks • Allowing cultivation within 20m of a defence against water (such as a floodbank, spillway or training wall) and within 50m of a groyne or cross-bank • Recording that it does not apply to ORC employees, or persons authorised by ORC, who are carrying out maintenance or emergency works on its flood protection assets • Adding of the Albert Town rock buttress and Shotover training line and associated flood protection vegetation to the relevant schedules • Restrictions around the planting or growing of shrubs, hedges or trees within specified areas • Restrictions around removing trees on or near defences against water • Restrictions around removing or altering structures between the bank of a river and any associated defence against water • Combining ‘plantings’ and ‘anchored tree protection’ under ‘flood protection vegetation’ and implementing specific rules (e.g., restricting stock grazing) within these areas, including the Lower Waitaki River • Provision for an objections process • Additional details on the revocation process (when authorities are cancelled) including the ability of ORC to revoke an authority immediately where flood protection works are compromised • Adding diagrams of drains, overland flow paths and defences against water on ORC’s website from March 31. • Expanding the details required in the application form • Updating maps in the Schedules
The new bylaws would protect bodies of water.
“This review of our Flood Protection Management Bylaw, as required under the Local Government Act, is a great opportunity to update the Bylaw and ensure it is fit for purpose. “We welcome all feedback on the proposed amendments.” Proposed amendments include changes to requirements around the planting, growing or removal of vegetation in specific areas that are near ‘defences against water’ (such as flood banks, spillways or groynes), and amends a range of definitions to support changes in the Proposed Bylaw. ORC is proposing to expand land
disturbance restrictions to include all earthworks in the draft proposal, which also includes updated maps and more details about how people can object to ORC decisions. Two new areas are proposed to be included in the Bylaw, the Albert Town rock buttress and Shotover training line, and associated flood protection vegetation. The full list of proposed changes is available on Council’s YourSay website. Council will hold a hearing on May 4, to hear submissions received on the proposal. For more information go to www.yoursay.orc.govt.nz.
What’s on
The Wānaka Community Board represents Upper Clutha when plans for the district are made and rates are set.
YOUR MIND
Drop into the Wānaka Recreation Centre between noon and 1pm on Wednesday 6 April and let us know what is important to you.
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THE WCB WORD
A regular update from Wānaka Community Board Chair, Barry Bruce
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Crimeline
Hunting the hunters
PHOTO: WĀnaka Sun
I hope everyone is making the most out of this outstanding run of weather we are having and taking in all that our town has to offer. I would like to start of this weeks Crimeline by bringing your attention to some unlawful hunting. On March 20 at around 8:15pm a boat on Lake Wānaka, north of The Faces near Glen Dene Station, was observed using a firearm to shoot at wild animals on private land. There were two males onboard, the boat is described as a hard top Mclay, possibly a 725. The back half of the hull appears dark in colour with a large mural/picture on the side. Police have images of the boat and are keen to hear from the owner or anyone who may know the owner. Police have been kept busy over the past week undertaking their gardening duties. A number of cannabis plants have been located and seized by Police around the area. Burglaries continue to be a trend in our community. Again, this is a timely reminder that whilst you may trust your fellow Wānakaites and leave properties or vehicles unlocked, there are some in our community who look for any opportunity to take your highly valuable and
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personal belongings. Please be vigilant and lock your homes and vehicles. The youth of Wānaka have come to the attention of police for a variety of reasons over the past week. This may be due to them being up to no good, metal health, driving or social media. Please check in with your children and ensure you know what they are up to, thinking and feeling. It doesn’t have to be an awkward conversation, just a check in and it is always worth following up with where they say they are going. Alcohol and drugs have been a strong influence in many of the cases we have dealt with this week including youths. We attended a near miss between a motocross bike and a pregnant female in the Dublin Bay area. The motorcyclist fell off soon after which indicated his level of ability. Dublin Bay is a road including a 4wd track around the bay. If it is not a road legal bike you cannot ride it on Dublin Bay Road. This week we are focusing on speed, restraints and distracted drivers. Leave your phone alone while driving and make it click. – By Andrew Bremner Constable
There’s a lot to talk about this month, literally. The Queenstown Lakes District Council is running a host of consultations and we need to know what our community thinks, so we can influence decisions. Let’s Talk Upper Clutha The draft 2022-23 Annual Plan and the draft Climate and Biodiversity Plan are both up for discussion. You can read the details and provide feedback at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz until April 25. A public drop-in session for those keen to chat about the plans will be held at the Lake Wānaka Centre from 3-6pm on Monday. The Annual Plan is the work programme for the year and lists key priorities for QLDC to deliver on behalf of the community. It sets out proposed spending on capital projects, and budgets for services such as rubbish collection, recycling, parks and community facilities. Importantly, it shows how these affect the rates you pay to keep the district humming. The Climate and Biodiversity Plan explains how we’re going to respond to climate change in our district. The plan has more than 60 actions, ranging from improving public transport to building food security. Community Grants Applications for grants for one-off community projects or operational costs for the 2022-23 financial year are considered as part of the Annual Plan process and also close on April 25. For details, see www.letstalk.qldc.govt.nz Waste Minimisation Applications for grants from QLDC’s Waste Minimisation Community Fund, which has $120,000 to distribute, are also open. The fund supports projects to minimise the generation of waste across the district and to divert waste from landfill. Recipients last year included the Wānaka Community Workshop Trust, Wanakup, and the Wānaka-based Wao Charitable Trust. Money also went to a food rescue charity, a worm farm for a preschool, schemes to salvage materials from building sites, and a project to compost food waste from a hotel. If you have a great idea to solve a waste problem, apply online at www.qldc.govt.nz/wmcf. Mount Iron acquisition QLDC is in the process of acquiring more than 100ha of land on Mount Iron and Little Mount Iron, but to settle the deal it needs resource consent for vegetation clearance, and approval to acquire and classify the area as Recreation Reserve. Hopefully, this will be granted by the end of the year. There will be no immediate changes to public use of the Mount Iron walking tracks, and Council will work closely with the community,
iwi, and the Department of Conservation on long-term plans for the area. If you're interested in this project, subscribe to a regular update at www.qldc.govt.nz/ mount-iron-acquisition. Water upgrade Good progress is being made on the Western Wānaka water upgrade. Golf Course Road is still limited to one lane of traffic. The southbound lane is open for resident and business access only. Access to Golf Course Road is via Ballantyne Road only with a diversion in place along McDougall and Brownston streets. Work along Golf Course Road is expected to be completed by the end of April/early May. Work on the pipeline will then continue along the remaining streets. Both the pump station and pipeline are expected to be complete by the end of 2022. Relationship Manager Council has appointed a Community Associations Relationship Manager, who will work closely with the board and support recognised community associations in Upper Clutha. Amy Wilson-White starts in this new role on May 2. Elections Local government elections will be held in October. Now’s the time to think about who you would like to represent you on the Council and Wānaka Community Board. Or consider standing yourself! Nominations open on July 15. Drop-in session An easy way to give us feedback on the Council’s plans is to drop into the Wānaka Recreation Centre between noon and 1.00pm on April 6. Members of the Wānaka Community Board will be available for an informal chat about any issue, large or small.
Building up our leaders A second Ignite Wānaka Leadership Academy will start in May. The programme, completed over five weeks, aims to provide leaders with the opportunity to build capabilities through their own personal development and by learning from the experience of others. The Leadership Academy enables participants to be better equipped for leadership roles and opportunities. It is open to anyone, but Ignite members get first priority.
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The Leadership Academy is for people looking at developing their existing leadership experience and who have the potential for holding senior positions or governance roles. It can be of use to business owners, team leaders in a large organisations, site supervisors, managers of not-for-profit organisations or people managing a retail or bar outlet. Organisers say the academy will cover many areas and examples of leadership to help people grow as a leader and as a person.
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Mental Health funds available More than $50,000 will go towards improving people’s mental wellbeing across the Southern Lakes region in the next few months through Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group’s Connecting Communities fund. The fund supports community-led not-for-profit activities and events across Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell, and Te Anau/Fiordland that encourage social connection and promote the Five Ways to Wellbeing and Te Whare Tapa Wha. Among the 54 groups to benefit from the second round of funding was Mint Trust Wānaka school holiday workshop for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group chair Adell Cox said the response from groups across
the region and diversity of innovative ideas to improve mental wellbeing was inspirational. “The Connecting Communities fund is really important because it gives us the opportunity to hear directly from our communities on a regular basis about what they want and need to improve their wellbeing. “Applications nearly doubled from Round one and they reflect how tough it is out there at the moment so we’ve done our best to support as many initiatives as we can to help people stay well.” Mint Trust’s Charlotte Jackson said their funding would go towards an ‘I Can’ workshop during their school holiday performing arts programme for people with intellectual disabilities. “Giant Leaps are the very best industry professionals and their ‘I Can, Speech
and Drama Academy’ helps to build communication skills, confidence and self-esteem for those with intellectual disabilities,” she said “With many of our group experiencing isolation and disengagement from the community during Covid we thought it would be a great opportunity to host this in Wānaka. We are going to hold a primary school and secondary/adult workshop during our April holiday programme to support this awesome group of people get on the stage and shine.” Eligible groups can apply for up to $1000 from the Connecting Communities fund. The next two funding rounds are July 4-14 and October 31 - November 10. For more details go to www.southernhealth.nz/tehautoka.
Young people under Mint’s umbrella like Reuben Beston will benefit from the funding.
Trust makes $10 million pledge
PHOTO: Sharron Bennett Photography
Trust Community Engagement Advisor Liz Harburg pictured with Diccon Sim.
Otago Community Trust has announced a suite of funds aimed at lifting the capability of young people in the Otago region. The Trust will invest up to $10 million over the next five years into organisations and initiatives that seek to support the region’s youth. Otago Community Trust chief executive, Barbara Bridger said in 2019 the Trust commissioned research into the youth sector in the Otago region. “We gained valuable insights into how we may fund change and the potential of our youth into the future.” We learnt that investing in community building and the support structures that wrap around a young person’s life plays a powerful and protective role for our children and young people, but current funding models do not resource or support this work well. Otago Community Trust chair Diccon Sim said that the research allowed the Trust to refresh its overarching strategic plan and develop a new Tamariki and Rangatahi Strategy. The Trust has employed a Community Engagement Advisor and trustees and staff have worked together with
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the sector to develop the suite of funds. “A lot of work has been done in the background over a number of years - reflecting the Trust’s strong commitment to fund strategically and ensure a lasting and beneficial impact for the region’s young people.” The $10 million will be invested in organisations and initiatives aimed at raising resilience and increasing capacity among tamariki and rangatahi - especially those addressing disadvantage, discrimination, exclusion, and those from the priority communities identified in the Trust’s new strategic plan, said Mr Sim. The largest of the three new funds which will be open in April is the Impact for Tamariki and Rangatahi Fund, this fund will have an annual budget of up to $2 million. It is intended to provide a small number of high investment grants with a focus on supporting projects that have the potential to be game changing and deliver long term intergenerational change. Diccon Sim said as far as the Trust is aware, this will be one of the few funds of its kind in New Zealand that offers a significant amount of funding in a region to develop the capacity of
children and young people. “We know there is already a lot of incredible work happening in this space and we expect this funding to support and build on this work and foster greater innovation and partnerships in the sector.” The second new fund is a capability-based fund which will open 1 July 2022. The Tamariki & Rangatahi Sector Capability Fund will focus on supporting capacity building among those working with tamariki and rangatahi. Grants will be up to $10,000, but larger amounts will be considered for projects with significant potential for impact or which encourage collaboration between multiple organisations. This fund is aimed at strengthening the governance and/or operational effectiveness of organisations, supporting investment in specialised training for management, staff and volunteers and enhancing cultural capability. The last of the new funds to be launched in April 2023, will be a dedicated Rangatahi-led Fund. This fund will be for youth, by youth and with funding decisions guided by youth. This fund will be focused on empowering the region’s rangatahi to initiate projects that are important to them.
THURSDAY 31.03.22 - WEDNESDAY 06.04.22
Golfers putt it there for Mint The Mint Charitable Trust says $41,660.40 was raised at the Hirepool Charity Classic Trilogy Golf Tournament last weekend. More than 50 businesses contributed to the event which ran over three days and included both a live and silent auction. Independent board member Bronwyn Coers was thrilled with the result. “We are so humbled by not only those businesses and individuals who contributed, but those who participated in the auction. The amount raised will go a long way to ensuring Mint can continue to provide the valuable service it does,” Coers said. Mint, which is set up to support those in the community with intellectual disabilities, offers holiday programmes as well as important social, cultural and sporting opportunities. Ben Wilson, Mint parent and trustee, is grateful. “We have a long list of sincere thank yous too many to name - but we wish particularly to acknowledge Hirepool and the Wānaka Golf Club for this incredible opportunity, Jude Smith, Jaimee Whinston, Bronwyn Coers, Kath Beston and our Mint team of volunteers, Penny Wilson and Duncan Good our auctioneer,” Wilson said. To find out more about Mint, contact Charlotte Jackson at activities@minttrust.nz.
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From zero to 5k in two years… Andrew Leslie stumbles to the finish line in an ungainly fashion to a warm round of applause. He has nothing left. “I’m exhausted to be honest,” he says minutes after completing a 5km run in front of his friends and family in Karori. “I completely emptied the tank. It wasn’t pretty at times, but what a sense of accomplishment.” Two years ago, the 49-year-old broke his neck in Wellington's Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park. He damaged his spinal cord and became a tetraplegic. As of December last year, there were 2282 active claims for serious spinal cord injuries across New Zealand, with 85 of these in the Otago region. The cost of supporting people with these injuries was more than $338 million in 2021, and more than $8.1m in Otago. When he was in an induced coma in an intensive care unit, Leslie’s family were told to be prepared for him being in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. It was a reality he never accepted. Leslie marked the one-year anniversary by walking back to the place of his injury to find closure and “put it to bed”. One year on, he has achieved the unthinkable. It has been a challenging and rewarding journey. “When I go back two years from now to where I was lying in the Burwood Spinal Unit to where I am now, I can’t believe it. I feel extremely lucky that I have had this sort of recovery. I know it doesn’t happen for everyone. Every spinal cord injury is different.” ACC has played a leading role in Leslie’s rehabilitation, helping him every step of the way. “The ongoing support from ACC has been a real plank in my recovery,” he says. “I love everything about running, I love how it feels. I love being in those environments. I love the fitness I get from it… to get that ability back has been an emotional experience.” Learning to run again Leslie had a seed of hope after coming out of hospital. “I had a remarkable recovery within hospital. I was able to get from my wheelchair to walking and that gave me a lot of confidence. That I could continue to improve and recover.” About a year and a half ago he floated the idea to his physio at the time. It was a well-planned and deliberate process. Leslie started in a highly supportive environment. He began in a hydrotherapy pool. He progressed into a rehabilitation gym at Keneperu Hospital and then onto a treadmill where he was supported by a harness. Almost a year ago he took his preparation out on the park. It was a big milestone. “It was about having enough confidence so I could push it a bit further in an unsupported environment,” he says. Over the past few months, Leslie has gone from
Andrew Leslie get encouragement from sister Helen to go the distance.
a restricted movement to the running motion he can complete now. “In the early days I was trying really hard to run. I would go from walking to tell myself ‘try to run’. Looking back on some videos on it, it wasn’t a run. [laughs]. It was kind of like I was marching. My knees were a bit higher than my walking gait. It wasn’t happening. Which is a similar place to where I was before I started to walk. “The question kept popping into my head so how do I run? My body wouldn’t flick into running. I would try to make it run. It just wasn’t happening.” “A watershed moment” Leslie was getting increasingly frustrated. Around the same time, he was having recurring dreams about running. “I could feel what it felt like to run. My brain was trying to work it all out. I just needed to find the right focus and approach to let it all happen.” Leslie described it as a “watershed moment”. He said to himself ‘maybe you are overthinking this’. “I felt like I just needed to let go. I had to let my body run. I knew it was in there somewhere I just had to find the mental cue to unlock it. Leslie has been searching out other methods to progress his rehabilitation. He has invested in neurophysics, yoga therapy to go with his ACC funded physiotherapy. It was a game changer. “The theory is that your body knows what to do, you have just got to have confidence in it for that to happen. Your brain can find a way to sending the messages where it needs to. You have got to move aside and let it happen.” There was a moment at Karori Park – using all of those strategies he had learned - where it all clicked. “It was a really emotional moment because I knew I had done it, I had unlocked it. All of sudden it felt like running.” From there Leslie built up to running 100m, 1km and in the build up to the run on Friday he completed 4km. He says being able to run again has helped his self-esteem. “To know that I can challenge myself and meet
those challenges. That is huge for my confidence.” Hans Wouters is the CEO of the New Zealand Spinal Trust. He described the feats of Leslie as “remarkable”. “From being told he might never walk again to running 5km in only two years is an amazing achievement,” says Wouters. “This is testament to Andrew’s remarkable grit and determination. “The New Zealand Spinal Trust is proud to have played a role in Andrew’s rehabilitation during this time. Each of the 220 spinal cord impairments sustained by New Zealanders each year are different, and everyone is on their own unique journey to improve their overall health. “Andrew’s achievements in such a short space of time are quite remarkable.” Leslie is sharing his story to help others. He wants to show people what is possible. “Maybe there is something in my story for others. I’m not suggesting that everyone with a spinal cord injury can run. Everyone is on their own unique pathway. The message I want to convey is don’t stop trying. Believe that you can improve your position.” Making a difference for others Leslie is the CEO of Recreation Aotearoa. They are focused on making a difference to New Zealanders living with a disability. He is recruiting a new staff member who will focus on improving the accessibility of active recreation. This will be primarily outdoor recreation and also focus on facilities and play spaces. “Because of the work I do I am fully aware that I can be influential in changing the system to help improve access to people with a disability into recreation.” Leslie says being in the outdoors can be a hugely important part of a person’s rehabilitation. “It fuels the mind, body and soul,” he says. “There is a strong desire to make a difference in that area around Aotearoa. My role is a connector and a facilitator there. “It has been huge for me. I want others who are living with a disability to have that experience.”
Collins wins crystal globe Queenstown’s Tiarn Collins has continued Central Otago’s extraordinary run of snow sport success by becoming the first New Zealander to claim an FIS Snowboard Crystal Globe. Although Collins finished in seventh place at the final slopestyle World Cup of the season at the weekend in Silvaplana, Switzerland, his results from previous events this season gave him enough points to secure the overall slopestyle title for the 2021/22 season. Collins won the previous weekend at the Spindleruv Mlyn Slopestyle World Cup, the second win of his career, and was third at the Mammoth Mountain
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Slopestyle World Cup in January. He finished in the top spot with 236 points, 55 points ahead of second place Leon Vockensperger of Germany who was ruled out of the Swiss leg because of injury. Mons Roisland of Norway rounded out the overall podium in third place with 173 points. This marks the end of the 2021/22 FIS Snowboard World Cup season, and in the words of Collins “it’s time to go snowboarding.” “It’s pretty cool… it’s not something that’s really on your mind at the start of the season, but once you start getting towards the end it kind of creeps into your mind. It feels good. I’m stoked.
Mackenzie, Petit score wins at bike champs Mount Aspiring College’s Arnaud Mackenzie and Nico Petit were cross country winners as the Otago/Southland Schools Mountain Biking Championships began last weekend at Coronet Peak. In Saturday’s Downhill category, the fastest girls time of the day went to up and coming Hayley Harris from Dunstan High School with a 3.39. Both the U14 and U16 sections were tightly contested with riders on the podium representing the entire area. The boys events were dominated by Queenstown based riders. Stand out performer in the U14’s was to Noah White with a winning time of 3.08. In the U16’s Rory Meek was all class with the fastest time of the day at 2.52, well in front of compatriots Oli Clark and Reon Fernandez. The boys open division was won by Ben Blewitt (2.54) under pressure from Josh Bonnar (2.55). Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager Nigel Kerr was thrilled with the quality of racing. “The racing was to a very high standard and there is no doubt we will see several of these riders on the international circuit in years to come, Kerr says. “While the field was impacted by Covid it was still competitive and feedback from riders and parents was that they were stoked to have a race at all.” Sunday’s cross country was run as a pathway event with a steep winding climb both a feature and memorable challenge. The girls event saw widespread school recognition with Paige Adams from Terrace School, Nico Petit from Mt Aspiring College and Zara Mackley from Wakatipu High School the three age category winners. Dunstan High School dominated the boys division with Eddie Adams taking the open category with the fastest lap of 10.03. The U16 category was won by teammate Cooper Millwood, also in dominating style. Mt Aspiring College offered the biggest chasing pack and were rewarded with a win in the U14 going to Arnaud Mackenzie. The weekend replaced the Skoda South Island Schools which was cancelled and will next be hosted at Coronet Peak March 2023. Two further rounds of the Otago/Southland Championships will be held in Dunedin and Invercargill in the lead up Nationals in October.
Golf results Latest results from the Tarras Golf Club: Opening day Ambrose: Skip and Margo Johnston, Bonar Rowley, Alison Caughey nett 56.2, 1, Margaret Sell, Graeme Rive, Wayne Bosley, Simon Nyhoff 58.4, 2, Averill Robson, Jan Gibson, Trevor McKinlay, Dave Allen 59.9 3. Women, Novelty last Summer golf day: Margo Johnston 1, Anne Sutherland, 2, Avril Templeton, 3, Jan Gibson 4.
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Tiarn Collins on the podium with his Crystal Globe. THURSDAY 31.03.22 - WEDNESDAY 06.04.22
PHOTO: FIS Snowboard/Stadler
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Sports awards coming to town Wānaka will host the Southern Lakes Motors Central Otago Sports Awards in early May and organisers hope it will be one of the first events in the region to be hosted indoors with more than 100 people. The awards will come with a formal dress code, three course seated meal and the guest speaker will be three-time Olympic gold medallist, Hamish Bond. Awards will cover the period from April 1 2021 to today and the nomination period runs for just over another week - until April 8. Following the success of athletes in snow sports, multi-sport events, mountain biking and wood chopping a wide range of categories is sure to be represented, Categories include: Racers Edge Sportsman, and, Gary Anderson Sound Sportswomen of the Year, Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportsman and Health 2000 Junior Sportswomen of the Year, Jennian Homes Team of the Year and a
new award - the, Forysth Barr Para Athlete or Team of the Year. The winner of all categories are eligible for the Southern Lakes Motors, Supreme Award, the Bruce Grant Memorial Trophy. Coaches are acknowledged through the Workplace First Aid Coach of the Year. Athletes who display the values of grass roots sport in Central Otago and have shown an outstanding contribution are acknowledged through the Duncan and Kelly Good, Ray White Spirit of Central Junior Award and the Wānaka Physiotherapy Spirit of Central Senior Awards. The John Fitzharris Memorial will also be handed out as a lifetime award for services to sport. Guidelines and online nomination forms can be found at www.sportotago.co.nz Nominations can be made by Regional Sports Organisations, Sport Central, clubs, coaches, whanau/family or self-nomination by the nominee.
Wānaka face newcomers Wānaka take on league newcomers Northern Hearts from Timaru this weekend in a clash between two sides well beaten on the opening day of football’s Southern men’s premiership. The 2.45pm clash on Saturday will be at the Recreation Centre. Wānaka was beaten 5-1 by Northern in a sunny Dunedin on Saturday after trailing by the only goal of the game at half time. Before Tony Sprowson capped off a fine move with a 58th minute tap in after Northern had gone 2-1 up, but they bagged two more to be well clear before adding insult to injury with a 90th minute fifth. The match was a niggly affair in the first half with both sides giving away regular free kicks. Al Julanda Al Malawi took advantage of the first real chance of the half just before the break. Northern added second after 50 minutes but after narrowing the gap to 2-1 Wānaka piled on the pressure for the next 10 minutes, only to see Josh Shackleton beaten for a third time against the run of play. When the fourth went in, the visitors were complaining about the absence of an offside flag for the third time in the half. Hearts arrive in Wānaka this weekend for their first away game at this level in 20 years and on the back of a home loss. The squad was depleted against Roslyn Wakari last weekend as a result of Covid and injuries. Other results: Queenstown 4 Mosgiel 1, Queens Park 1 Otago
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University 3, Northern Hearts 1 Roslyn Wakari 4, Dunedin City 6 Green Island 1. Meanwhile, a new senior football season kicks off this Saturday – with the first round of the Radio Central knockout cup and a 12.45pm game at the Recreation Centre between Wānaka and Charruas. Twelve teams have entered the 2022 competition despite playing numbers being affected by Covid, a busy horticultural/viticultural season and steep petrol prices. Radio Central owner (and Cromwell men’s coach) Shane Norton has recognised this reality by hosting the knock-out cup competition first, and then starting the season proper at the end of April. Teams from Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell, Alexandra and Teviot have entered the 2022. “I reckon that our top teams could easily compete in the Dunedin premier league, and probably win it. And it’s probably the most cosmopolitan comp in New Zealand with the range of nationalities competing,” Norton said. That includes, for the first time, a team composed entirely of Uruguayan nationals from Wānaka, a Brazilian team from Queenstown, and an almost complete Vanuatu team from Alexandra. Traditionally the Central Otago men’s competition has been independent of official football but discussions are underway that may see a closer alignment.
Wānaka’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Nico Porteous both won gold at the Beijing Olympics.
PHOTO: Tommy Pyatt Photography
Champion! Richie is now a (gold) star He’s Wānaka’s newest champion and he’s down to earth. Wānaka Bowling Club member Richie Muir won the Central Otago Champion of Champions singles at Alexandra's RSA Bowling club last Saturday. He beat Shaun Scott of Bannockburn 21-20 in the final after both bowlers had overcome stiff competition in the semis. Muir, who is often seen playing on the green after work in socks, is a serial winner. He earlier won the club singles for the sixth year, the pairs with Tom Malcolm for the fifth year, the triples with Malcolm and Simon Nyhof for the fourth year – and was also part of the winning four for the third year. But it's the first time he has won
the Champion of Champion open singles. His only other win at that level was the Junior 1-5s in 2017. Because he has also held three other Central Otago honours titles fours, and the mixed pairs twice with Christine Buchanan, the latest win has earned him a gold star recognising five honours. Muir is a very relaxed player. His range of shots, experience and fabulous weight have seen him win many tournaments. Perhaps he was born with bowls in his genes. His father, Ken, still plays well – and the club records show his first title there was notched up in 1979. Muir has qualified for the New Zealand Champion of Champions singles in Hastings in July.
Richie Muir, not a boots ’n all bowler…
Gold for Meg at nationals Meg Harraway has collected gold at the 2022 Nautique New Zealand Waterski Nationals on Lake Hood, near Ashburton. The 20-year-old former national Junior Worlds representative won both the Open Women's Slalom and Under 21 Women's Slalom. She scored 2.5 buoys on the 12 metre line at 55 kph to beat out New Zealand's other qualifying female skiers for the top spot on the Open Women's podium, and was nearly a full course ahead of the other Under 21 skiers in the final to win her age group class too. The series ran from Tuesday to Saturday last week. Despite Covid uncertainty and restrictions, water skiers from all over the country travelled to compete in excellent conditions, on a purposebuilt waterski lane. Gerald Harraway was also a gold medal winner for the Wānaka waterski club in the men’s over 45 slalom. The only skier in the final to shorten on the 11.25 metre line, he scored 0.5 buoys at 55 THURSDAY 31.03.22 - WEDNESDAY 06.04.22
Meg Harraway in action on Lake Hood.
kph to take out first place in a large and highly competitive division. There were medals for two 12-year-old club members. Katrina Wallis won the Under 14 Girls' tricks section and was fourth in the slalom. She posted personal best scores of 1080 in both the prelim and final rounds for tricks, plus in the slalom with four buoys at 52 kph. Genevieve Wallis collected a bronze in Under 14 Girls Overall,
PHOTO: Wood Watersports
Tricks and Jump and was sixth in the Slalom. Genevieve achieved personal best scores across all three disciplines - 680 in Tricks, 10.7m in Jump and five buoys at 49 kph in the slalom. The Wānaka Waterski Club was re-incorporated last year to support and encourage waterskiers. A recent Lion Foundation grant has enabled the club to maintain two slalom courses in Paddock and Parkins Bays.
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