The government will need to get its chequebook ready if it plans to welcome more tourists to our shores, the mayor of Queenstown says.The new Minister for Economic Growth Nicola Willis has set her sights on a wealthier economy, and says attracting more tourists would help to make that happen."I want all tourists because, ultimately, it's not the government that decides how much a tourist spends when they come to New Zealand. That tourists will make that decision," she told RNZ."Our job is to make it easy for them to come in the door, easy for them to come to New Zealand, make this a really attractive destination and then when they get here, I've great faith in our tourism providers that they'll do everything that they can to get as many dollars out of those back pockets as possible."Her plan was to smooth our tourist visa requirements, boost overseas marketing, examine how the international visitor levy should be spent, and work with airlines to ensure tourism continued to grow.Minister for Economic Growth Nicola Willis. PHOTO: RNZ / Samuel RillstonePre-Covid, communities in popular destinations including Queenstown were under pressure from the influx of visitors.But Willis said communities wanted more people in employment and more cash in tills."There will be all sorts of arguments made against why people might not want more tourists in their town," she said."Our message is actually when we've got more tourists coming, more tourists spending, that's good for jobs, it's good for growth and it's good for the wealth of individual new Zealand families so that's what we're driving for."The Queenstown Lakes district has more tourists visiting now than it did before the pandemic.Queenstown Lakes Mayor Glyn Lewers. PHOTO: RNZ / Niva ChittockMayor Glyn Lewers said they were already delivering on the minister's goal."When I first started as the mayor, I think it was one resident night to every 30 visitor nights. It is now one to 47," he said."We support a big chunk of the visitor economy - the actual residents and the ratepayers here."He was on board with more growth, but said tourism's social licence had taken a hit with the locals, and they needed support to pay for roads and pipes to cope with additional visitors."If that is to increase, I would expect a very serious investment in actually accommodating those visitors because a small ratepayer base can not sustainably keep supporting the tourism industry, especially when those GST receipts or the economic, financial growth that we create is sent up to Wellington," he said.Willis said she wanted to work with communities to tackle those challenges.Tourism is at about 82 percent of its pre-Covid visitor levels.Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram said there were definitely opportunities to grow especially outside of the peak summer season."It's also important to ensure that we're investing in New Zealand to make sure that the growth that we do receive occurs in a balanced way," she said."When I talk about balance, what I'm talking about is the fact that we include economic, community and environmental considerations when thinking about how we want to grow."But it was not just the tourism industry that needed to get on board with growth."Tourism funding has been a hot topic for many, many years and if we're wanting to really supercharge tourism in New Zealand, I think we should also be thinking about how we ensure that our communities and our local government partners have got the funds that they need to ensure that that growth is well planned for and well managed on the ground," she said.Ingram said the industry was ready to roll up its sleeves and roll out the welcome mat, but it needed to be balanced and sustainable growth.Willis did not rule out boosting Tourism New Zealand's funding, but said the first step would be examining how it was using its existing funding and if it was the best use of the funds.The new Tourism and Hospitality Minister would be urgently engaging with the industry to figure out how to make her goal happen and which markets should be targeted, Willis said.But she would like to see Chinese tourists back to pre-Covid levels - arrivals were sitting at 60 percent for the year to October.

Wānaka retailers have been positive about summer trading so far this season, with the town full of visitors, and the feeling of “a slow and steady turnaround” - in the words of one long-term retailer.Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat told the Wānaka App that many local businesses have reported strong trading this summer, particularly those in hospitality, outdoor activities, and retail.“It was fantastic to see Wānaka so vibrant over the Christmas and New Year period, with a noticeable influx of visitors,” Glenn said. “The majority of visitors were domestic travellers, with many staying in campgrounds, Airbnbs, or visiting friends and family, which added a real buzz to the town.”Glenn said while several businesses did “very well, others found trading steady but more tempered, with the cost of living and broader economic pressures affecting discretionary spending”. “Nonetheless, the overall feedback has been positive, and it was encouraging to see such strong support for local businesses,” he said.Paper Plus manager Chris Lumsden said the town had been “pumping” and restaurants “chocka”. Chris said trading was “not like the old days post-Covid when Auckland got released and came down here and went crazy, and everyone thought they’d died and gone to heaven in retail”.But, he said: “We’re happy - ticking over fine. We’re meeting budgets and targets and that’s the key.”“It seems that everybody is getting a bite of the cherry,” he added.Kai Whakapai Eatery and Craft Beer Bar owner Nick Aubrey said the Christmas and New Year peak had been “very busy” as usual.“We continue to see lots of people come through,” he said, adding that volumes have eased slightly in mid January and “it was great to see local faces back in town”.“Things have slowed down to more sustainable and normal summer volumes,” he said.More visitors are expected to flow into town for long weekends (such as Waitangi Weekend and Chinese New Year) and up-coming events such as the A&P Show and Motutapu Bike Race, Nick said.“I think things will be on par for previous years. We’re very happy,” he said. “The new venue has been an absolute game changer for us to be able to deliver peak volumes and keep wait times [minimal]. Our new dining area has been well utilised.”While there continued to be some staffing challenges, Nick said, “Overall as a town there’s some really positive energy coming out of hospitality”. Long-term Wānaka retailer Steve Hart, who owns MT Outdoors stores in central Wānaka (Dunmore Street) and Three Parks, said his business was seeing more visitors make it out to Three Parks.“We’re doing probably half our business in Three Parks, which is mainly locals, but we are seeing more and more tourists coming here,” he said.Three Parks is beginning to attract more visitors, a local retailer says. The Little Brewer cafe in the MT Outdoors Three Parks store is attracting “a constant flow” of customers, Steve said, from tradies and more administration people working nearby.The positive feeling in Three Parks is more obvious than in central Wānaka, he believed.“Tourists are holding on to their money. You only have to go onto Wānaka to see the number of people but [it’s] not really translating into the number of items sold,” he said, adding that trading is “definitely patchy” across different locations and services.Nonetheless, Steve said he believed the town was at “the tail end of the economic downtown - based on 40 years of seeing it go up and down”.“It has been more difficult, the whole last year.. But it has had the feel, since early December, of a slow and steady turnaround.”Glenn said the Wānaka Business Chamber was optimistic about 2025.“Wānaka continues to be a destination of choice for both domestic and international visitors, and with ongoing community support and innovation from our local businesses, we’re hopeful for a productive year ahead.”PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Snow Farm’s annual report for 2024 has highlighted an eventful season at the country’s only cross country ski area, including the opening of a new day lodge.The construction of the carpark and new day lodge before the opening of the ski season - a $900,000 project - has left the organisation with a debt of over $200,000.Board chair Samuel Belk said repayment of the debt is a priority for the organisation before funding the next stage of development.The board’s priorities for the next few years include: to develop a new toilet building jointly with QLDC; develop a water supply, water storage and solar electrical system; and planning and fundraising to eventually complete stage 2 of the base-building and construct a groomer shed.The report said there had been significant growth each year in the utilisation of huts and more moderate increased visitation by members of the public to walk or bike the trails at the Pisa Recreation Reserve.Samuel said the board plans to improve communication to the public about the reserve's unique attributes.“Public awareness continues to increase but we still can’t help but feel that the conditions and opportunities for activities are not widely understood,” he said.For the upcoming season Snow Farm is seeking volunteers to assist from 10:30am to 1:30pm with tasks like greeting guests, managing car park flow, and helping with bag transfers.“We are also looking to hire casual and part-time local staff, particularly those interested in returning annually, as they bring invaluable experience to our team,” the report said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A Wānaka environmental group has made a submission in support of the proposed Helios solar farm in the Maniototo. The Upper Clutha Environmental Society, led by Julian Haworth, has often lobbied against development in the area, however was one of 35 out of 171 submissions advocating the project to go ahead.The society believed the visual effects of solar power were significantly less than those associated with wind power, especially large-scale wind turbines.It also strongly supported the provision of the battery energy storage system as part of the solar farm. “The society is aware that many similar large-scale solar/battery storage developments have been successfully built in places such as Australia, California and Texas, among others,” the submission said.Both the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Otago Regional Council (ORC) remained neutral in their submissions, with both outlining several concerns they wanted addressed if consent was granted.The regional council was supportive of renewable energy projects that would bolster the resilience of its communities and assist with New Zealand’s response to challenges and obligations with respect to climate change.But it had also been made aware of community concern with the current proposal around the risk to the environment from the potential of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) being compromised, most likely through fire, and any resulting discharge of contaminants to the environment, particularly the groundwater resource.ORC considered that for a large commercial operation - and one which was a new land use activity for the region - the application needed to provide greater clarity on its assessment of risk to the groundwater resource from any potential compromising of the BESS. DOC was interested in the ecological effects of the proposal, including adverse effects on Australasian Bittern / Matuku-hūrepo ( Botaurus poiciloptilus) - which were present in the Maniototo basin.Australasian bitterns were classed as ‘nationally critical,’ the same threat classification as kākāpō, indicating they were heading towards imminent extinction unless conservation management activities were successful.DOC was concerned about the risk of bird strike, displacement and deterrence, with solar arrays.“As photovoltaic energy projects grow in New Zealand, gaining more comprehensive monitoring, data on ecological effects will be critical for an understanding of their effects, particularly on New Zealand avian species,” the submission said.A resource consent hearing will be held in due course and updates posted on the Central Otago District Council website.PHOTO: Supplied

Emily Rutherford says she feels "personally victimised" by iPhone's weather app.Rutherford, who co-owns the Kiwi Water Park in Lake Dunstan, Central Otago, said the app kept reporting the temperature in her area was up to 5C cooler than MetService predicted - and even MetService could be under-estimating the summer heat.She worried it was putting off potential customers."It keeps saying the weather is awful in my location and it means people think it's awful… they aren't coming along on the days that it says it's awful."At the moment it says it's 18C and raining - but at the moment it's 25, warm, a little bit cloudy but still sunny and warm. The weather keeps being miles different to what it is."WeatherWatch head forecaster Philip Duncan said it was a known issue. International firm The Weather Company provided data to Apple, Samsung and Google, he said."They get weather data from satellites, from weather observations - they've got thousands of them in New Zealand - aircraft and cellphones themselves."But he said unlike other countries, where more local data was available to be overlaid to provide a more detailed picture, in New Zealand the structure of Niwa and MetService data made that harder."In Sydney you get 'there's a downpour coming in one minute' and it nails it. In New Zealand, the Government has chosen to let Niwa and MetService be the gatekeepers of that."The Government doesn't understand what New Zealand is missing out on by letting NIWA and MetService have commercial privilege to public data. Most people don't log on to the MetService - if you're an 18-year-old going to the beach, you grab your phone."NIWA meteorologist Tristan Meyers said he was not convinced that was the reason."Australia is commercialised too - it's a cost-recovery. It costs a lot to put weather stations everywhere and catalogue data. They all have different ways of accessing that data and getting that data."The data was just one part of a forecast, Meyers said. The other part was the prediction model being used."The weather model Apple uses might not be as good for that location... some models don't perform that well in some areas. Others perform better in other areas."For instance, the Met Office, the Bureau of Meteorology and NIWA, we all run local, high-resolution weather models. The apps - NIWA weather or even MetService - they're underpinned by those more local high-resolution tailored forecasts."Apple wouldn't be using those. If she was using a different app like NIWA's or MetService's it might be more accurate in some ways and less in others."It's nothing to do with commercialising data... New Zealand is definitely not the only place where you have to pay some cost-recovery to access it."Duty Minister Nicola Grigg said it was not something she could comment on.Apple also did not want to comment.In September, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins announced a merger of weather forecasters, with NIWA taking over MetService. However, MetService would remain New Zealand's authorised meteorologist, responsible for providing warnings and advice on severe weather.RNZ has approached MetService for comment.

Cardrona Alpine Resort plans to expand the Pines Carpark, adding to the suite of upgrades it is undertaking.The ski area has submitted a resource consent application to significantly expand the carpark - located approximately one kilometre up the Cardrona access road - and replace the temporary buildings on-site with a permanent building.The new building, Cardrona said, would have “improved weather protections and toiletry facilities”, and the expanded carpark would be able to accommodate 420 vehicles.Cardrona said this would “improve visitor experience and transportation options”.It “…will allow more people to utilise shared modes of transport [and] the proposal is effectively increasing the existing park ‘ride services”. Cardrona’s base complex is also getting an upgrade.Plans were approved in October for a 619m2 building with retail services on the ground floor and food and beverage facilities upstairs.The existing retail and administration building will be demolished to make way for the new one.There are also changes to the ski field itself in the works.The ski area is developing a new chairlift and ski runs in the Soho Basin which, together with the Willows Basin, make up the Soho Ski Area.Earmarked to open for winter 2025, the new six-seater chairlift will service around 150ha of terrain. PHOTO: Cardrona Alpine Resort

Base Streetwear owner Chris Walsh said he’s “pretty stoked” to be celebrating 25 years in business in Wānaka.Base is 25 years old today (December 24), as it started on Christmas Eve 1999 on the corner of Helwick and Dunmore Streets.The store is now one of the oldest in Wānaka, Chris said, and “one of the longest standing streetwear stores in New Zealand”.“We’re proud of this achievement,” he told the Wānaka App.Chris celebrating the milestone with staff.“We are very proud to have been a part of the Wānaka community for so many years and a destination store for many visitors.”Chris said Base, which has a range of top labels including many New Zealand brands, has always tried to create a fun shopping environment for both customers and staff.“We love what we do… we’re pretty stoked to have made it this far as a stand alone business in Wānaka.”Chris shared his top tips to survive in retail: “Love what you do; Look after your team and customers; Have fun at work; and be consistent and the best you can be”.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Wastebusters had plenty to celebrate at its recent annual general meeting (AGM), general manager Gina Dempster says.The AGM brought together founding friends, long term supporters and staff past and present to reflect on a year of impact, achievements and growth. In just 12 months, the team welcomed 14,640 attendees to their circular economy workshops, held events and work in schools, provided real recycling to 444 local businesses, delivered Enviroschools to tamariki in 20 schools, and sponsored 74 education and community not-for-profits.Wastebusters also celebrated winning the Supreme Business Award at the Wānaka Business Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards. Gina Dempster said she credits the success of Wastebusters to the dedication and hard work of the entire team of 55. “Our continued success is only possible thanks to our committed, quirky, and exceptional team,” she said. “From the shop and yard to recycling, events and engagement, our crew has built a truly unique circular economy hub where our community can connect, learn and take action for our environment.” Wastebusters continued to innovate in 2024, Gina said, introducing new programmes and events.It became the South Island foundation hub for Every Bite, a national food waste prevention programme helping households shop and cook more mindfully. Looking ahead to 2025, the not-for-profit will expand Every Bite, increase its impact through circular economy events leadership and zero waste workshops for business and home, and continue popular events, including the ReFashion show, Repair workshops and the Low Waste Living series. Wastebusters is also actively seeking to secure more land to continue its environmental work for the community through their vision of Wastebusters 2.0 Circular Economy Education and Action Hub, Gina said. Next year will mark a significant milestone - Wastebusters’ 25th anniversary.“Almost 25 years ago, Wastebusters was built by the community for the community,” Gina said. “From the zero waste visionaries who founded Wastebusters to every person and business who has worked, supported, shopped, recycled, donated or attended one of our workshops, we have built something special together.“We’re looking forward to celebrating 25 years of impact, fun and dance moves with you in true Wasties style.” Planning for the 25th anniversary party will begin in the new year.PHOTO: Wastebusters

Wānaka has hosted three festivals in the past fortnight, which have attracted visitors and “brought a vibrant atmosphere to town”, according to Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat.The Wānaka Fete was held at the A&P Showgrounds on Saturday November 30, followed by Wānaka Beerfest the next Saturday (December 7) and Wānaka Gather Market on Sunday (December 8).“From the feedback we've canvassed among our members so far, there have been mostly positive reports, especially from retailers and hospitality providers,” Glenn said.“They've noted increased foot traffic and sales, particularly over two nights, along with a boost in food sales, which has impacted the local economy.”Beerfest patrons Gina, Dan and Fliss. The inaugural Wānaka Fete was billed as a celebration of “artisanal producers, delectable cuisine, and first class shopping”.Co-organiser Abby France said she was “absolutely thrilled” by how the fete went.“We will definitely be back,” she said.The annual Wānaka Beerfest at the A&P Showgrounds attracted around 1,600 people and it featured 22 vendors. Organiser James Julian said his team was “delighted with the outcome”.Patrons at Wānaka’s Beerfest on Saturday December 7.“The event is run mostly by festival-loving volunteers where the aim is to boost local vendors, and business in Wānaka during the off-season,” he said. “The sun shone, and the atmosphere was jovial as it is most years.”The third Gather Market took place at the Venue on Cardrona Valley Road and organiser Emma Mowat told the Wānaka App the event attracted approximately 900 people.“We had 60 amazing vendors, from online businesses to side hustles, creatives and delicious food,” she said. “We're so proud to create a lovely space for them to sell their products.” Glenn said the festivals “not only enhance our community's profile as a destination but also contribute positively across various sectors, including retail and hospitality”.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Plans for a five-level private hospital and ‘healthcare precinct’ at Wānaka’s Three Parks have been outlined in a resource consent application lodged with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) last week.The plans by Wānaka-based investment company Roa - and designed by architects Warren and Mahoney - centre on a 6,300m2 private surgical hospital, on the corner of Sir Tim Wallis Drive and Deering Street.The additional ‘health precinct’ will include four new buildings for a mix of allied medical services such as consulting, procedural and treatment rooms, with hospitality and retail offerings at ground level, application documents said.A 19.5 metre tall commercial building has also been approved for the opposite corner of Sir Tim Wallis Drive and Deering Street. Roa says its four-storey mixed use commercial building, Aspiring House, will offer street level retail and upper-level office space. ‘Meeting local health needs’The current application claims the proposal will “provide significant regional benefits, by helping to meet the current and future health needs of the Upper Clutha and Queenstown Lakes' rapidly growing population”.It says the proposal has the potential to increase private sector competition and innovation; reduce the number of people travelling to Dunedin, Invercargill, or Christchurch for healthcare; and benefit the region’s economy by supporting population growth and creating employment.The hospital (left) includes a helipad.The hospital would “provide surgical services for the wider region, and the allied health buildings have the potential to provide a wide range of health services”, from optometry to acupuncture, and health coaching to medical research.But what of the provision of publicly-funded health services, which Roa CEO Mike Saegers told the Wānaka App was “an absolute priority” when the project was first revealed in May this year?The application says it does not include public health services, although the hospital could be expanded in the future, something which “could enable an integration of future public health services”.It goes on to say that Roa “is open to public health services being provided as part of the proposed health precinct”, adding, however, that “any decisions about this are for Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora”.Private vs publicly funded careIn May, Mike told the Wānaka App that Roa was “looking at all options” and engaging with the public health sector about ways to provide publicly funded health care. “Ultimately, we’re building what’s within our control, which is a five-level hospital, four operating theatres, 70 plus beds and a 24 hour emergency department,” he said.Health services were top of mind for local elected representatives at the time, following a packed public meeting on the topic facilitated by the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board.When Roa’s hospital plans were first announced, key stakeholders said they would continue to advocate for publicly-funded health services.Health Action Wānaka (HAW) spokesperson Monique Mayze said the community needs to “continue advocating hard to ensure the provision of, and access to, actual healthcare services is equitable and benefits everyone”. The proposed view from Deering Street through the pedestrian street.QLDC deputy mayor Quentin Smith said he would “keep advocating for public services to come alongside” the planned health precinct, and mayor Glyn Lewers said he was disappointed that Health NZ/Te Whatu Ora had not provided a “roadmap” to meet the entire population’s health needs.“Providing access to effective services for everyone in our community is paramount,” he said. Read more: A ‘void’ in health care planning as private plans proliferateA Te Whatu Ora spokesperson told the Wānaka App earlier this year that, while it is committed to working with community leaders and others to design and deliver services that meet the community’s health needs, “this needs to be balanced across other planning processes within Health NZ”. “Planning for the Otago/Southland area is part of our national, whole-of-system approach to delivering healthcare services,” she said.She noted that the private Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital in Queenstown has undertaken publicly-funded surgeries for some orthopaedic, ophthalmology, plastics, urology, and general surgery patients.“Health New Zealand Southern currently outsources some planned care surgical procedures to the private healthcare sector, as we work hard to reduce surgery wait times.” Next stepsRoa’s hospital project missed out on the government’s Fast Track Bill in October, but Mike told the Wānaka App he remained focused on delivering the “straightforward” consent application. The now-submitted proposal requires a non-complying activity land use consent under the Proposed District Plan. Roa has volunteered that it be publicly notified.The plans are being considered by QLDC. IMAGES: SuppliedRead more: Roa plans $300M private hospital in Wānaka

It is potentially lights out for Aotearoa's largest solar power company, leaving some customers in limbo.And the government's asking questions about more than $100 million that has already gone from its Green Investment Fund to the company.SolarZero, which provides solar power systems, with no upfront costs but multi-year leases, has been put in liquidation.Employees have been advised that due to unsustainable operating losses, and liquidity constraints, the business cannot continue to operate.User advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa's chief executive, Mike Casey, said solar remains the future, but the delivery model has moved on.Casey told Checkpoint the technology itself is "100 percent the future" and was the cheapest energy available to New Zealand households.Business models "come and go" and it was about getting the most affordable energy in human history to Kiwi households.Casey said SolarZero "put solar on the map" and accelerated installations in New Zealand, but a changing market and a decrease in prices meant its business model did not have a long-term future.These days, Casey said it was cheaper for households to own the panels and batteries, financing them on their mortgages rather than leasing them.But New Zealand was still far behind Australia in the update of solar panels.Where 35 percent of households in Australia had rooftop solar panels, just 3 percent of Kiwi homes had them.The average install in New Zealand was about five kilowatts, costing $10,000.In Australia, the average was 10kW, and about $20,000.Casey said New Zealand needed to fix the rules and regulations to inherit the "well oiled machine" that was the Australian solar industry.It was "unfortunate" the customer had lost the option of SolarZero but the right business model "will prevail in this country".

Public transport options to shuttle workers from Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell to Wānaka and Queenstown are being explored by Otago Regional Council (ORC).At ORC’s monthly meeting in Balclutha last week, councillors agreed to push on with a study of shared transport options, as part of a wider strategic direction on public transport across the region.Dunstan ward councillor Michael Laws asked whether the study would be consulted on with the public, and chief executive Richard Saunders said that would depend on whether there would be significant changes.He said it was disappointing that Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) was not partnering with ORC in supporting the work across the region.The initial proposal was for a public bus service just to Queenstown, but Michael said given that Wānaka and Hāwea were booming as well, particularly with the trades, that route needed to be explored as well.“Not all workers are turning left at the Cromwell turn off, they are heading right as well.”Councillor Andrew Noone congratulated Michael on promoting public transport and connectivity, and said who knew what the communities would look like across the region in a decade’s time.Councillor Gary Kelliher was the only councillor who voted against the transport study.Otago Regional Council already runs a subsidised bus service around Queenstown. PHOTO: SuppliedAfter the meeting, he said he didn’t think it would be supported enough.“We have a public transport system that runs at a loss at the moment.”He believed what people wanted and what the regional council could actually provide were two different things.For example, not all workers would be wanting to leave at the same time every morning or returning at the same time at the end of the day. Unless it ran on the hour every hour it wouldn’t be sustainable, he said.“So we’ll end up with an empty bus.”With the cost of living crisis, he was not supporting the “nice to haves,” and said the regional council had to do better with its ‘must haves.’The transport team would now work with the finance team to understand the full rating impact on the decision, to inform future decisions on the Annual Plan.

Five Wānaka building companies have been singled out in the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards 2024.The annual competition recognises the best homes, builders and craftspeople from around the country. “Wānaka featured strongly with five spectacular local homes making the top national selection,”Registered Master Builders Central Otago president and CDL Building managing director Justin Carnie said.The local winners - each of whom built a home recognised in the top 100 - were Bayview Construction Wānaka, CDL Building, Level Construction, Dunlop Builders and Jennian Homes Wānaka.The central Wānaka ‘Sanctuary Central’ (built by Level Construction) took out the supreme award in the regional arm of the competition earlier this year, and it added to its award haul with three new awards in the national competition, including an award for bathroom excellence.Regional winner ‘Sanctuary Central’ (built by Level Construction) received an additional three awards, including an award for bathroom excellence. PHOTO: Samuel HartnettThe 307m2 ‘Brick and Style’ (built by Dunlop Builders) received two new awards in the national competition, including an award for sustainability.‘Go Big or Go Home’ (built by Bayview Construction Wānaka), ‘Mountain High’ (built by CDL Building), and ‘Southern Charm’ (built by Jennian Homes Wānaka) each received one new award.‘Go Big or Go Home’ (built by Bayview Construction Wānaka) was one of five local projects to be named among the top 100 homes. PHOTO: Caydn Thomson, ImageWorks“Our community certainly can be proud of the calibre of projects produced by the teams of dedicated professionals,” Justin said. “These individuals are committed to setting the benchmarks for quality across residential construction in New Zealand.”Justin said Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards are a key platform for celebrating excellence in residential construction.See all the 2024 winners and award details here.

Solar power company SolarZero, which has an office in Wānaka, has been put into liquidation, leaving some customers worried about the contracts they have signed with the company.The company - which offers customers solar power systems with no upfront cost but an ongoing, multi-decade lease - said the directors had requested its shareholder appoint a liquidator.It said directors had requested its senior lenders take enforcement action, and appoint another provider Verofi, to ensure power service for customers was not interrupted."The directors have advised company employees that due to unsustainable operating losses, and liquidity constraints, the business is unable to continue trading in its current form."As a result, the company has ceased operations from 4pm [Tuesday]. Russell Moore and Stephen Keen of Grant Thornton have been appointed as the liquidators of SolarZero."SolarZero is owned by GRP III Regional Holdings Ltd, part of the BlackRock Group.It was founded in the 1970s and has 160 employees throughout the country and offices in Auckland, Christchurch and Wānaka.SolarZero directors said the company had explored a range of options for a restructure."Regretfully, SolarZero and its key stakeholders were unable to find a viable solution to sustain the business."This is a tough day for SolarZero teams, who have worked hard to build a more sustainable New Zealand. Today's decision is not a reflection on their work or commitment."Customers posting on SolarZero's Facebook page were concerned about their contracts being honoured. One wrote: "Our contracts still stand and we still get the second battery free after 10 years, correct?"Another asked: "Can we please have a heavily discounted liquidator sale buy back scheme. Feels like a liability on the roof now."PHOTO: lighthunter/123RF

A long-awaited second large-scale supermarket chain has plans to open in Wānaka.An application to build a Woolworths supermarket in Three Parks was lodged with the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) yesterday (Monday November 18).Woolworths New Zealand is planning a 3,810m2 supermarket - comparable in size to New World Three Parks - and it is planning to offer pick-up and delivery services of its groceries.It will be a “state of the art, full service store designed to meet the needs of the growing local community,” Woolworths New Zealand director of property Matt Grainger told the Wānaka App. The proposed Woolworths supermarket (green rectangle) and retail shops will be on the same side of Sir Tim Wallis Drive as Mitre 10 MEGA.If approved, the new supermarket is set to be located in Three Parks on the south side of Mitre 10 MEGA, diagonally opposite New World Three Parks.As well as the supermarket itself, the Woolworths will include 200m2 of separate retail, food or beverage tenancies.The supermarket would be known as ‘Woolworths Three Parks’.The proposed site layout.The development would also feature a publicly accessible open space/plaza alongside Sir Tim Wallis Drive, and there would be parking for more than 180 cars, as well as provision for campervans and bicycles.“It’s great to be at this stage with our proposed new supermarket and we look forward to working with the council as the application progresses,” Matt said.QLDC is currently considering Woolworth’s New Zealand’s application.IMAGES: Supplied

Wānaka news and information service, the Wānaka App, has been acknowledged at the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards, winning the Excellence in Professional Services category at a gala dinner on Saturday November 9.Wānaka App director Tony O’Regan said it was a win for the community.“We’re very fortunate to live in a community that cares deeply about its wellbeing,” Tony said.“It is reflected in the engagement we get with local news stories and local information.”The Wānaka App is a digital-only publisher, distributing to a mobile app, website, and weekly newsletter.Tony said more than 220,000 people read the Wānaka App in the past 12 months recording 1.5M reader sessions and 8.8M page views.“The reach is amazing but our real focus is on the Upper Clutha community and ensuring it has a strong local news source,” Tony said.“It was a real thrill that the judges acknowledged the work our team does and how important local news is.”Learn about all the award winners at the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards here.A key contributor to the Wānaka App’s award, judges said, was the innovative software solution it developed to distribute content to readers. The software is designed as a “software as a service” (SaaS) platform and licensed to other local community news services in New Zealand and Australia.“The software is a great opportunity for us to share what is working in local news and help other publishers have success in their market,” Tony said.This is the third time the Wānaka App has been recognised at the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards winning Outstanding Innovators in 2017 and Outstanding in Innovation in 2019.The Wānaka App launched in 2016.PHOTO: Sarginson Photography

Cardrona residents and visitors will have new options for eating, drinking and shopping if a new commercial complex billed for the village is approved.An application for a 1,730m2 commercial precinct has been lodged with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).The proposal includes restaurants, food kiosks and retail space, as well as small-scale visitor accommodation.There is also a covered 650m2 ‘market place’, spas, a sauna, and outdoor areas.The spas and sauna will be open to the public as well as visitors staying in any of the four self-contained visitor accommodation units. Urban designer Paula Costello said the retail part of the precinct was “likely to include a number of different selling places including café, sports retail or hire (cycle/ski) and other tourist or craft type retail”.It would feature “a series of smaller tenancies both retail and hospitality focussed…useful in terms of enabling the start-up of small businesses, especially in locations such as Cardrona (a small settlement)”, she said.If approved, the precinct would be located on Cardrona Valley Road, just north of the Cardrona Valley General Store and a few hundred metres from the Cardrona Hotel.A handful of major projects for the Cardrona area have been announced in recent years, including Mt Cardrona Station (a development with more than 600 houses, a hotel and golf course), which is under construction.There have also been big plans announced for the Cardrona skifield, including a new base building, an expansion into Soho, and - by a separate company Darby Partners - a valley-to-Soho gondola with guest facilities and accommodation.Developer Carpe Cervisiam is behind the commercial precinct project.QLDC is currently considering Carpe Cervisiam’s resource consent application.IMAGE: Supplied

Wānaka Mediterranean Market’s owner, grocery wholesaler Bidfood NZ, has confirmed the business’s wholesale side will close at the end of this month, with the retail side to close by the New Year.Bidfood NZ CEO Phil Struckmann told the Wānaka App he advised the market’s 30 staff of the decision on Friday (November 10).Last week Phil said Bidfood was consulting with Wānaka Mediterranean Market staff on a proposal to close the business of 23 years, and the consultation period would finish on Friday.On Monday (November 11) he told the Wānaka App that Bidfood was “not in a position to change our proposal”.“It hasn’t been an easy decision,” Phil said.“We bought the business in 2006; it’s very much been a part of Bidfood and we don’t take this lightly.”The closure proposal followed “a lengthy and exhaustive analysis”, he said.Phil said he put the proposal to the Wānaka staff members in “good faith” asking them if they had local knowledge which could change the picture, he said.“I personally took on every bit of feedback … but didn’t see anything that would work.”The reason for the closure was that the business was “between a rock and a hard place”, he said.“We’re getting too big for that site but can’t afford to move anywhere else.”He said the lease at 6/22 Ardmore had two years left, and while the landlord indicated the business could get a longer lease Phil said it couldn’t grow on that site.“Relocating is way too expensive.”The retail side of the business will remain open “through December”, Phil said, and after Christmas and New Year it will “clear the stock and close the doors”.Its wholesale operation will close sooner, on December 1, after which Bidfood’s Queenstown branch will provide deliveries to Wānaka.He said the decision to close the retail arm after Christmas was to “give staff the best possible option to find a new job”.He said Bidfood has also offered staff the opportunity to relocate to work in other branches, and for those who can’t “there’s a compensation process to go through”.Bidfood had offered staff compensation “over and above what’s in their contract”, he said.The Wānaka Mediterranean Market has operated in Wānaka since 2001.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Wānaka’s not-for-profit community enterprise Wastebusters was announced the supreme winner of the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards at a gala dinner at Rippon Vineyard last night (Saturday, November 9).In addition to securing the top award, the zero waste hub won the Community Contribution Award and the Business Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award, recognising its commitment to environmental and social impact.A record 67 entries were received for the awards hosted by the Wānaka Business Chamber.“The record number of entries this year highlights the determination of our business community to not only survive but thrive in tough times,” Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat said.“We’re proud to recognise and support these businesses that continue to contribute to the strength of our community.”Despite a challenging year marked by reduced visitor numbers, rising operational costs, and the lasting impacts of post-COVID economic pressures, the resilience and innovation of the Wānaka business community shone through, Glenn said.An outstanding business commendation award was presented to rock supplier Wānaka Stone in recognition of its dedication to quality craftsmanship and significant contribution to the local building and design industry.“Wānaka Stone stood out for their leadership in the industry, their innovative solutions, and their dedication to not only their craft but to supporting their employees,” convenor of judges Lynley Lischner said.“Their commitment to training, career development, and creating pathways for growth sets a remarkable standard for businesses overall.”Just under 1500 votes were cast via the Wānaka App for the People’s Choice Award which was won by Architecture + Design Library, a shared resource for design professionals and anyone building or renovating.Architecture + Design Library won the People’s Choice Award, donating its $500 prize to the charity Food for Love.“It was fantastic to see the community rally behind their favourite local businesses,” Glenn said.The Wānaka App was announced as the Excellence in Professional Services Award winner. Director Tony O’Regan said the award reflected a highly engaged community that has a thirst for local news and information.“Being part of the fabric of our community motivates us,” Tony said.The Wānaka App won the Excellence in Professional Services Award. “Local news and information is so important to our community's well-being and we are grateful to have that recognised.”The category winners and finalists:Excellence in Customer Experience – Supported by Drive AccountingFinalists: Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, The Next Chapter, WastebustersWinner: Mitre 10 Mega WānakaExcellence in Visitor Experience – Supported by Lake Wānaka TourismFinalists: Bike Glendhu, nzbiketrails, Wānaka Helicopters GroupWinner: Bike GlendhuExcellence in Trade & Industrial Sector – Supported by FindexFinalists: Architecture + Design Library, Wānaka Solar, Wānaka StoneWinner: Wānaka StoneExcellence in Primary & Consumer Goods – Supported by Cardrona and Treble ConeFinalists: Balance Me, Rippon, Sidekick SodaWinner: RipponExcellence in Professional Services – Supported by Aspiring LawFinalists: Constructive Consultants, Greenhawk Chartered Accountants, Mike Pero Mortgages Wānaka and Queenstown, Schistrockmedia (Wānaka App)Winner: Schistrockmedia (Wānaka App)Community Contribution Award – Supported by Queenstown AirportFinalists: Food for Love, Wānaka Golf Club, WastebustersWinner: WastebustersStrategy, Innovation & Business Solutions Award – Supported by Batchelar McDougall ConsultingFinalists: Architecture + Design Library, Bike Glendhu, Fluid Visual CommunicationsWinner: Fluid Visual CommunicationsBest Emerging Business Award – Supported by Air New ZealandFinalists: Green Fox, nzbiketrailsWinner: Green FoxBusiness Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award – Supported by Queenstown Lakes District CouncilFinalists: Green Fox, Greenhawk Chartered Accountants, WastebustersWinner: WastebustersEmployer of the Year Award – Supported by EASI NZFinalists: Greenhawk Chartered Accountants, Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, Wānaka StoneWinner: Mitre 10 Mega WānakaPeople’s Choice Award – Supported by Wānaka AppWinner: Architecture + Design LibraryJudges Outstanding Business Commendation AwardWinner: Wānaka StoneSupreme Award – Supported by Milford Asset ManagementWinner: WastebustersThe Wānaka Business Excellence Awards are supported by Milford Asset Management, and media partner, the Wānaka App.PHOTOS: Sarginson Photography