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Encouraging start to boating, swimming season
Encouraging start to boating, swimming season

07 January 2025, 4:06 PM

There have been few incidents on the Upper Clutha’s lakes and around rivers during the holiday break: an “encouraging” start to the season, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) waterways regulatory services manager Craig Fahey says.Craig, who oversees the council’s waterways team and the harbourmaster contract, said while it has been “incredibly busy”, most people have been complying with safety rules.“On the whole behaviour on the lakes has been really positive,” Craig told the Wānaka App. “Thankfully there’s been very few reported incidents and no accidents during this period which is really encouraging.”“The trends are more volume in every area, more jet skis, more people using all types of recreational craft so more pressure on ramps and launch areas for the two week holiday period,” he said.“We’re largely really happy with the way people cooperated, understanding the pressure on resources.”He said Saturday December 28 was probably the busiest day on the water (Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea and the Clutha/Mata-Au River) the district has ever had.The waterways team also estimated more than 500 passive users (people swimming or floating) were on the Clutha River on New Year’s Day.Despite concerns raised on social media by locals about the conflict between jet boats and passive users, Craig said there had not been any reported incidents of concern.“It’s something we’re keenly aware of and the harbormaster is actively monitoring as much as resources allow,” he said.The number of unauthorised motorised craft using the river between the Outlet and the Albert Town bridge had reduced this year because of ongoing monitoring and education, Craig said.In general, there have been reports of “the occasional person who breaks the rules”, including a few incidents of vessels exceeding the speed limit close to the lakeshore, he said.There have also been complaints on social media about the reduction in space for boats at the Wānaka marina (due to completion of stage five of the Lakefront Development Plan and a new walking and cycling track), but Craig said ramp management meant boats and cyclists and pedestrians were managed “smoothly” during the busy period.Craig said the waterways team expects a very busy January and into February on the lakes and rivers but “the real peak holiday period influx seems to have abated”.Meanwhile, periods of rain and wind during the festive season meant a relatively quiet few weeks for Wānaka’s Coastguard.The Coastguard, which is based at Eely Point, focuses on rescuing people on the lake including assisting those who have broken down.Coastguard president Jonathan Walmsley said the lake had been “relatively quiet” so far this summer.Wānaka Coastguard president Jonathan Walmsley PHOTO: Wānaka App“We had a couple of calls a week ago on the same day. One was a breakdown at Mou Waho and one had run out of fuel north of Ruby Island,” he said.Both boats were towed home safely.Apart from “a couple of other calls” the year had so far not been particularly busy, Jonathan said.“I think the combination of not so great weather and wind has resulted in less than perfect conditions for the lake,” he added.Coastguard will be supporting the Upper Clutha multisport annual event this coming weekend, and will also support the Ruby Island swimming event at the end of January.

New rating valuations underway for Queenstown Lakes 
New rating valuations underway for Queenstown Lakes 

07 January 2025, 4:04 PM

Work is well underway on Queenstown Lakes District’s latest general property revaluation with an expected delivery date of the first quarter of 2025.Completed by independent valuers Quotable Value (QV) on behalf of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), ratings valuations provide an updated rating value for properties, which are used by the council in setting rates for the next three years.New three-yearly rating valuations are being prepared for every property in the district, QV South Island revaluation manager Melanie Halliday said. New values being processed for every property based on its most likely selling price if it had sold on September 1, 2024, Melanie said.The new rating valuations will provide QLDC with an equitable basis for setting rates for the following three-year period starting from July 1, 2025.Melanie said rating valuations are carefully calculated utilising all recent local property sales.“We have also visited a large number of properties throughout the Queenstown Lakes District, particularly those that have been issued building consents in the last three years,” she said."Following careful analysis of all the data by our team of expert property valuers, the updated rating valuations will be independently audited by the Office of the Valuer General to ensure they meet rigorous quality standards, before the new rating valuations are confirmed and eventually posted to all property owners.”Rating valuations are not intended to be used for any other purpose besides helping councils fairly allocate rates. This includes raising finance with banks or as insurance valuations.If property owners do not agree with their new rating valuations, they have a right to object through the objection process, which commences for approximately six weeks from when the new rating values are issued. These details will be posted with all Notice of Rating Valuations once the revaluation has been completed and certified.Property owners can find out more about rating valuations here.PHOTO: Wānaka App

More summer events ahead 
More summer events ahead 

07 January 2025, 4:00 PM

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) wants to bring families together and help round off the summer break with a Teddy Bears Picnic at the Wānaka Recreation Centre.Families should mark their calendars for Saturday February 1, when the Teddy Bear’s Picnic returns to Wānaka.There will be “plenty of entertainment for kids of all ages”, QLDC said, with the event featuring music, interactive games, face painting, bouncy castles and more.The Teddy Bear’s Picnic is part of Summerdaze, a collection of events happening district-wide over the summer months. This will be the fifth year in a row for the event.The purpose of Summerdaze is to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors, celebrate their neighbourhood and spend time with each other.  It kicked off with the Rainbow Run - a 5km fun-run at Eely Point - in late November.Later in the summer the Picnic in the Park will return.The Picnic in the Park events (taking place locally in Luggate and Makarora) will feature free BBQs, a games trailer, sports activities, face painting, a library pop-up tent, and QLDC elected members in attendance.QLDC said families who plan to attend the Teddy Bear’s Picnic can enter their kids in a colouring competition ahead of the event to put them in the running for prizes on the day.As well as events in Wānaka, there are a range of Summerdaze events happening on the other side of the hill.Find more information about the colouring competition here, as well as more details about the Teddy Bear’s Picnic and other upcoming Summerdaze events.PHOTO: QLDC

Wide range of artists at annual exhibition
Wide range of artists at annual exhibition

06 January 2025, 4:00 PM

Locals will get the chance to view art by around 150 artists from all over New Zealand at the upcoming Craigs Investment Partners Aspiring Art Prize 2024.Visitors to this weekend’s exhibition can expect a wide variety of media, from oil painting to drawing and mixed media, Aspiring Art Prize event manager Kelcey Radford told the Wānaka App.The annual exhibition is now in its 18th year and typically draws hundreds of entrants and visitors.One of the special things about the exhibition, Kelcey said, is that it features never-seen-before pieces.“None of the art has ever been viewed in public before,” Kelcey said.The exhibition will be open at Holy Family School between Saturday and Monday (January 11-13) following the opening night on Friday (January 10).Kelcey said the opening night would feature music, drinks and nibbles and give ticketholders the very first opportunity to view (and purchase) the art. In addition, award winners will also be announced on the night, she said.Judges are selected each year by principal sponsor Craigs Investment Partners, she said.Kelcey said there are still “a handful” of tickets left for the opening night.The Aspiring Art Prize is a fundraiser for Holy Family Catholic School’s art programme.Kelcey said the annual event was possible thanks to the work of “loads of really dedicated parent volunteers”.Buy tickets to Friday night’s opening night here.To attend the exhibition between Saturday and Monday, head to Holy Family School (entry $5).PHOTO: Supplied

Southern Lakes communities tackle youth mental health
Southern Lakes communities tackle youth mental health

05 January 2025, 4:04 PM

Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group is offering five free or low-cost Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Aotearoa courses between January and March 2025, aimed at empowering adults across the Southern Lakes region to support youth mental health. According to the 2022/23 New Zealand Health Survey, more than half of young New Zealanders aged 15 to 24 experience anxiety or depression, and those with moderate to high distress levels have nearly doubled since 2016/17. Te Hau Toka’s subsidised two-day courses, run in partnership with local community organisations and licensed workforce provider Te Pou, aim to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to assist young people (ages 11 to 18) experiencing mental health challenges or crises.This includes recognising signs of depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, non-suicidal self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and psychosis. Participants will also be trained in a five-step mental health action plan to support youth in crisis until professional help is available. “During our one-year pilot, we focused on training local professionals who work with youth, including social workers, school staff, community agencies, and youth trusts,” Te Hau Toka chair Adell Cox said.“With 155 individuals certified, we’ve made a strong start and are now the largest group of Youth Mental Health First Aiders in New Zealand. “These free or low-cost community-based courses will make this internationally recognised, evidence-based training more accessible to parents and others who want to help, equipping them with the tools and confidence to support young people when they need it most. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.” The courses will be led by up to 10 accredited local trainers embedded in their communities and familiar with local challenges. Their expertise and ability to deliver courses regularly are crucial to the growth and long-term sustainability of the Youth Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa programme.While this is Te Hau Toka’s final initiative before its funding concludes in the second quarter of 2025, the group’s members - comprising health, local government, the seven rūnaka, and not-for-profit organisations - remain committed to advocating for initiatives like Youth MHFA Aotearoa that foster lasting, positive change. Te Hau Toka youth specialist Karyn Munro, who played a key role in introducing the programme to New Zealand, will continue as lead regional trainer and as a national Youth MHFA Aotearoa trainer for Te Pou. “By training more adults across the region and the country, we are strengthening the safety net for our rangatahi and building communities that are more informed, compassionate and prepared to respond to mental health crises,” Karyn said. There will be a two day course in Wānaka (February 18 and 25), from 8:30am–4:30pm at the Lake Wānaka Centre. Contact Path Wānaka for booking details.PHOTO: Supplied

Summer training for long jump champ
Summer training for long jump champ

05 January 2025, 4:00 PM

These summer holidays are more about days at the track than days at the lake for one former Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) student.Wānaka athlete Ryan Young has been at home training for the summer competitions ahead, which will culminate in the NZ National Championships in Dunedin (March 6-9).Ryan currently has the second best Long Jump, and Triple Jump, of all males in New Zealand.Aspiring Athletes senior coach Michael Beable told the Wānaka App Ryan’s recent results in Auckland events confirm Ryan “as the most successful, former MAC athlete, ever, in jumping at national level”.Ryan usually trains on an all-weather (rubber surface) track in Christchurch, and he told the Wānaka App the grass feels “pretty long” on the track at Wānaka’s Three Parks.Being home is less of a holiday and more about training, he said, with his routine of sprinting, jumping, and weight training.“I’m probably training five or six times a week from an hour to two and a half hours.” Ryan has been competing in athletics in Wānaka since he was ten-years-old. The Aspiring Athletics Club encourages young athletes to do running, jumping, and throwing until around 13 or 14 when “you can start picking a couple of events”, Ryan said.Ryan preparing to land at the McKinnon Shield meeting.He advised young Wānaka athletes “to give everything a crack”.“I’ve always enjoyed long jump. Michael got me into the triple jump and I’ve been chipping away at both.”He said he was “really happy” with his progress.Ryan set a substantial personal best (PB) of 7.11m when winning the long jump at the McKinnon Shield meeting in Auckland on December 14.Michael said long jump is Ryan’s less favoured jumping event, and his greater potential may be in the triple jump (in which he jumped 14.32m off a short runup in Auckland on November 30).Ryan’s next long jump competition will be the Lovelock Classic meeting in Timaru this Saturday (January 11).“I hope to keep improving,” he said, adding that he is aiming to jump “7.20-ish”.PHOTOS: Supplied

Historic win for Wānaka freeskier Luca Harrington
Historic win for Wānaka freeskier Luca Harrington

04 January 2025, 8:00 PM

Wānaka’s Luca Harrington (20) has won the FIS Freeski Big Air World Cup in Flagenhurt, Austria this morning (January 5).The win is a career milestone for Luca, marking his maiden World Cup win and his first Big Air World Cup podium. It is also the first time any New Zealand freeskier has won a FIS Big Air World Cup.“I don’t have words right now, I have been working really hard for the past few years, making finals has been huge,” Luca said.“To put down these two tricks tonight and walk away with the win is just the most insane thing ever, the biggest dream come true, and I am just so grateful.”Watch Luca's run hereAfter finishing fourth in the last Big Air World Cup in Beijing, Luca was hungry for higher honours. He put down a flawless switch right triple corked 1620 with an esco grab for his first trick, impressing the judges with a score of 94.80 and the highest score overall.Dropping into run two, Luca stomped a right double corked 900 bring back Japan grab to solidify his lead with a total combined score of 186.60. For the third and final run the athletes dropped in reverse order, meaning Luca was the final athlete to drop in. He watched the nine competitors before him, all trying to top his score, but his high scoring tricks were untouchable. Podium celebrations in Klagenfurt today.Luca dropped into his first ever victory lap as he took the win, throwing down a crowd-pleasing double back flip for his final run.Timothe Sivignon of France finished in second position and local athlete Matej Svancer of Austria rounded out the podium in third to the delight of the home crowd.The competition was held in a stadium in front of a roaring crowd on a purpose built scaffold jump.The Big Air format consists of three runs, with the best two run scores counting for a total combined score. The two scoring tricks must be performed in different directions, with the third and lowest scoring run a throwaway.Luca will look to carry this momentum into the Kreischberg Big Air World Cup on Saturday January 11.PHOTOS: Credit Buchholz / FIS Park & Pipe

Air quality breaches increased
Air quality breaches increased

03 January 2025, 4:04 PM

Otago Regional Council (ORC) recorded 37 breaches of national air quality standards this past winter, 16 more than in 2023. Air quality is generally worse in winter due to an increase in the use of fireplaces for home heating, ORC air quality scientist Sarah Harrison said.Normally, warm air rises and takes pollution with it, but in winter, cold air gets stuck under the warmer air, holding the pollution near where people breathe, she said.“Concentrations of particulate matter, an air pollutant measured by ORC, vary year to year and many Otago towns have the geography and climate that allows pollution to build up, rather than disperse. “Exceedances of the national air quality standards are generally due to a combination of emissions, the environment they are emitted into, and the local weather situation on the day.”The 37 breaches of ambient air quality were all publicly reported, as required under the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NESAQ, 2004). The NESAQ requires ORC to measure particulate matter emitted into the air with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less (PM10) - about a fifth of the width of a human hair.ORC is currently refreshing its approach to managing air quality, a statement from the regional council said. It is updating its Air Quality Strategy (which provides the overview of how ORC is working to improve air quality) and reviewing its current Regional Plan: Air (which provides the regulations to manage and improve air quality). PHOTO: Wānaka App

New operations manager for Fish & Game
New operations manager for Fish & Game

03 January 2025, 4:00 PM

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

From batteries to bullets: Council lists hazardous rubbish items
From batteries to bullets: Council lists hazardous rubbish items

02 January 2025, 4:04 PM

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is raising awareness about the importance of responsible waste disposal with the release of its list of the top 10 most hazardous items identified in local rubbish and recycling streams during 2024.The items included batteries, ammunition, medical waste, vapes, paint, asbestos, fertiliser/agrichemicals, butane cannisters, engine oil, and gas bottles.QLDC solid waste officer Cathy Patoine said residents in the district do the right thing overall when it comes to recycling and disposing of items responsibly.“However, occasionally we see items that are incorrectly disposed of which raise a few eyebrows,” she said. “This poses serious health and safety risks to staff, including collection vehicle drivers and staff at the transfer stations, landfill and on the sort-line at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).” Cathy said she hoped to encourage the community to keep safety in mind when disposing of unwanted goods by offering guidance on how to dispose of those items properly.In Queenstown Lakes, every item that goes into the yellow recycling bin is hand-sorted as it goes through the MRF on a conveyor belt, so incorrectly disposing of items can pose a safety risk to the employees sorting at the facility.Cathy advised people to visit QLDC’s A-Z Rubbish and Recycling Directory online to find out what belongs in kerbside bins and where other unwanted items can be dropped off for reuse, recycling, or safe disposal.Find more information on the hazardous items below.1. Batteries  Batteries have sparked dangerous fires at rubbish and recycling facilities in the district this year, including one at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and another at the Wānaka transfer station pit. Batteries were the leading suspected cause of ten additional fires in collection vehicles and waste facilities this year alone, putting lives, property, and critical infrastructure at serious risk. Batteries—particularly lithium batteries, like those found in vapes—are highly flammable when damaged, mishandled, or incorrectly disposed of. Residents are urged to keep batteries and vapes out of rubbish and recycling bins. Instead, recycle them safely and for free at the Frankton or Wānaka transfer stations. 2. Ammunition QLDC has seen shotgun shells and live rounds incorrectly disposed of at its facilities, posing a significant safety risk to staff, the public, and infrastructure. Residents are reminded that ammunition must never be placed in rubbish or recycling bins, with the only safe way to dispose of ammunition is to contact your local police station. 3. Medical Waste In October, QLDC received a load of sharps and medical waste at the MRF, putting staff at serious risk. Residents are reminded not to dispose of needles, syringes, or medical waste in kerbside bins. Instead, contact your local pharmacy, medical centre, or healthcare provider, as they may offer safe disposal services or accept medical waste, including treatment drugs, to ensure it is disposed of safely. 4. Vapes Vapes frequently include components like lithium-ion batteries which are highly flammable when damaged. When the batteries get pierced or squished in the collection vehicle or at a rubbish or recycling facility, they can ignite, causing a fire which is super dangerous for rubbish and recycling collectors and the public.Recycle vapes by taking them to Frankton or Wānaka transfer stations or to specialist used vape drop off points. Check the VapeCycle website for more information. 5. Asbestos Asbestos, once widely used in construction, poses serious health risks when its fibres are inhaled. Always hire a licensed professional (see WorkSafe's website) if disposing of large amounts. Lesser amounts (up to 20-litre bags) can be disposed of at transfer stations by arrangement only, but asbestos must be double-wrapped in heavy-duty polythene, sealed, and clearly marked. 6. Paint Paints and thinners are harmful for the environment when disposed of incorrectly, particularly when they end up in stormwater systems, introducing harmful substances into waterways. Take unwanted paint or paint containers to Resene Colourshops in Wānaka and Queenstown for recycling and responsible disposal. 7. Fertiliser/agrichemicals In February, a half full bottle of cloudy ammonia placed in a mixed recycling bin caused a serious safety risk to staff when pierced on the sort line at the MRF, forming a mist that was inhaled by a staff member. Fertilisers are classified as hazardous waste and can’t go in rubbish or recycling bins but are accepted at the Frankton and Wānaka transfer stations by prior arrangement to ensure an approved handler is available to safely receive the product. 8. Butane canisters Don’t toss old butane canisters in rubbish and recycling bins. When punctured, these canisters can explode. Take them to the Frankton or Wānaka transfer stations for degassing and safe recycling. 9. Engine oilHousehold volumes of used engine oil from cars, mowers, chainsaws can be recycled at transfer stations in the district. Make sure the oil is in a clearly labelled, water-tight and sealed container – use the container that the new oil comes in, for example. Contaminated oil (eg with petrol or antifreeze) is not accepted for recycling and needs to be taken through the transfer stations as hazardous waste.10. Gas Bottles  Like butane canisters, never dispose of old or unused gas bottles in rubbish and recycling bins, as leaking gas or pressure buildup can cause a dangerous explosion. Refill or swap your gas bottles at some petrol stations (eg Caltex, BP) or Mitre 10 Mega in Wānaka and Queenstown, or take them to a transfer station for degassing and recycling.  PHOTO: Supplied

ORC introduces summer ambassadors
ORC introduces summer ambassadors

02 January 2025, 4:00 PM

Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) biosecurity team has welcomed two new summer ambassadors, who will be visiting Otago’s lakes and rivers and keeping freshwater pests and water safety front of mind these holidays.“Freshwater pests like lagarosiphon and didymo can spread very easily between waterways on people’s vessels and equipment,” ORC biodiversity community coordinator Freddie Paz said. Notice: RED ALERT! No swimming at The Camp - Lake Hāwea“However, if we can encourage boaties, kayakers, paddle boarders, jet skiers and other visitors to take a few simple steps, we can help prevent the spread.”  ORC ambassadors Kyra Martyn and Jimmy Daamen will be based out of ORC's Cromwell office through to mid-February 2025 and visiting various spots across Otago’s lakes and rivers talking to water users about freshwater pests and the Check, Clean, Dry programme. The ambassadors will also support ORC’s harbourmaster team across Otago encouraging people to be safe on Otago’s waterways over the holidays. Kyra has a keen interest in freshwater field work and pest management and graduated with a BSc in Ecology and Zoology in 2023. Jimmy graduated with a BSc in Environmental Management and Politics in 2023 and is currently working toward an MSc Geography specialising in Coastal Dune Biogeography. “The ambassadors also collect information through a survey to help us identify how new pests might reach Otago,” Freddie said. “This year is the first year that they will also talk to people about our on-water safety programme… which the harbourmaster team is running.” Lagarosiphon at Lake Dunstan. PHOTO: Clare Toia-BaileyHe said the spread of freshwater pests is the biggest risk to Otago waterways.“Freshwater pests, specifically lagarosiphon, could squeeze the life out of our country's most precious rivers and lakes. They can be spread by a single drop of water or by the smallest plant fragment.”Freshwater gold clams are a new pest to New Zealand. They reproduce rapidly and form large populations that can compete with native freshwater species. People are encouraged to take a photo and report any sightings of freshwater gold clams in Otago by phoning ORC on 0800 474 082, or completing the online reporting form. Find out more about freshwater pests in Otago, keeping safe on and in the water, and other summer safety messaging here.

Kiwi Water Park owner feels 'victimised' by iPhone weather app
Kiwi Water Park owner feels 'victimised' by iPhone weather app

01 January 2025, 5:06 PM

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.

Well-behaved New Year’s Eve; early morning crash
Well-behaved New Year’s Eve; early morning crash

01 January 2025, 1:00 AM

The Rhythm & Alps festival in the Cardrona Valley, which concluded last night (December 31) was “a good well-run event with limited disorderly behaviour and no arrests”, a police spokesperson told the Wānaka App.Police were also “overall pleased” with people’s behaviour in Wānaka overnight for New Year’s Eve, Wānaka response manager Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts said.“While it was busy, there was a good vibe and people were generally well behaved, it was great seeing people out respectfully celebrating, especially families.“Police enforced the [24 hour] alcohol ban which we know directly impacts on reducing harm in the nights leading up to the NYE and the NYE event itself,” she said.Senior Sergeant Roberts said it was disappointing to respond to a vehicle crash early this morning (January 1).“The 19-year-old female driver crashed through a fence and left the scene,” she said.The woman was apprehended shortly after at a police check point. She will be prosecuted for dangerous driving and driving with excess breath/blood alcohol.Senior Sergeant Roberts said there is a lot of planning across agencies to ensure New Year’s events are a success.“We had a fantastic multi-agency response monitoring activity and assisting members of the public across the region. She thanked Hone Hato St John, Red Frogs, PG4 Security, Fire and Emergency NZ, Queenstown Lakes District Council, and roading contractors from NZTA’s Transport Operation Centre, “all of which did an outstanding job”.Senior Sergeant Roberts said police teams will continue to be out and about during the festive season.The alcohol ban continues until 6am on Monday January 6. PHOTO: Supplied

Seeing value in advocacy: Tony Shaw, ONZM
Seeing value in advocacy: Tony Shaw, ONZM

30 December 2024, 4:00 PM

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

Inaugural Wānaka volleyball competition a success
Inaugural Wānaka volleyball competition a success

29 December 2024, 9:30 PM

Shrieks of laughter, groans of dismay and cheering resounded through Pembroke Park last week (Friday December 27) as grass volleyball courts were populated by families, friends and strangers in Volleyball Otago’s inaugural Volley Fest 2024.The event attracted a good number of supporters and cheering onlookers, and 15 teams played - with a variety of skill - on six courts from 9:00am until around 3:30pm, with spot prizes offered by local business sponsors being awarded throughout the competition.It was the first time the fun festival, an initiative of Volleyball Otago, had been held in Wānaka and the venue on the grass between the Skate Park and the Dungarvon Street car park worked well, Volleyball Otago chair Renee Flockton said.Rennee said Dunedin-based Volleyball Otago had wanted to “get out into the regions”, raising the awareness of Volleyball Otago and promoting the sport for some time but found it difficult to coordinate.But with a new operations manager, Zoe Flockton (something of a family affair), they made it happen this year “which is so awesome,” Rennee said.“It's really about wanting to get exposure for volleyball, making sure everyone has fun, but also giving families something they can all enjoy because this time of year is all about family,” she said.Six grass courts, and a seventh practice court, were set up for the volleyball competition on Pembroke Park.And it certainly seemed to attract a lot of families, many from Dunedin on summer holiday, but also others who saw the competition unfold and wanted to participate, including two college volleyball players from the USA enjoying the sun on Pembroke Park.“We were lucky; the weather gods were kind,” Rennee said.She said they had no expectations of how many players might turn up for the competition but were very happy with 15 teams.“Next year, we want to double it.”PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Wānaka Rodeo 2025 honours families
Wānaka Rodeo 2025 honours families

29 December 2024, 7:08 PM

Three generations of one family have a long history with the Wānaka Rodeo, and this year the Wānaka Rodeo Club (WRC) will honour the McCarthy family’s contribution in a special parade during the event’s opening ceremony.Each year flag bearers (representing the four nations which compete in rodeo) ride a circuit of the arena during the opening ceremony, but at this 62nd Wānaka Rodeo those riders will be Pat McCarthy (Snr), his son Patrick, his wife Deanna, and their son George (7).Families play an important role in rodeo as they hold generations of knowledge and passion for the sport, WRC president Deanna McCarthy said.“Rodeo is a very family orientated sport, providing a safe, fun, friendly environment and there’s lots of support amongst competitors, club members, stock contractors and sponsors,” she said. The WRC has about 35 members with a good mix of experience and young enthusiasm, she said. Her son George loves being a part of rodeo and is proud to be a part of Wānaka rodeo club.“He is often found at the working bees on a shovel wanting to help planting more trees or whatever the club is doing. There is great camaraderie within our club and we have a lot of fun.”And club members are going to be busy once again as competition entries are up on 2024 which fielded more than 200 entrants.Deanna said a lot of good juniors had signed up, and a strong contingent from the North Island would be coming down to Wānaka.Women’s open breakaway roping, which was recognised as an official women’s event for the first time last year, is also proving popular, she said.“Women’s breakaway has proven to be a hugely popular event not only with women but also spectators,” Deanna said.A New Zealand flag bearer rides a circuit during an opening ceremony at Wānaka Rodeo. PHOTO: Wānaka AppBefore last year, the only open women’s rodeo event was barrel racing. Breakaway provides another opportunity for women to score points towards the women’s all round best championship which must be won in two or more events. Unlike the traditional “rope and tie”, in breakaway the cattle are only roped, with the rope “breaking away” from the steer or heifer as soon as it pulls tight. As a result, it requires very quick reactions with winners often taking only three or four seconds to complete their catch and release.Competition will be fierce in the traditional championship Open and Second Division events, from Bull Riding, Bronc Riding and Steer Wrestling to Team Roping, Rope and Tie and Barrel Racing. Junior contestants (under 15 years) will also compete in Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing and Steer Riding.Returning this year is the popular fundraising raffle. Wānaka Football Club members will circulate through the crowd selling $5 tickets and the winner splits the proceeds with the WRC. Last year’s winner took home over $5,000.The rodeo is held at the club grounds near Albert Town. Free car parking is available off SH6 about 500m north of the Albert Town bridge. The public car park is open from 9:00am and the rodeo begins with second division events at 11:00am. The entry fee (cash or EFTPOS) at the public gate is $25/adult, $50/family and children under the age of five are welcome free. Spectators are asked to leave their dogs, alcohol and glass at home. Tickets are also available online here.Central Otago performer Nia Du Plessis will provide live entertainment at 1:00pm before the opening ceremony and again after the last open events finish around 5:00pm.A bus will be available at the end of the rodeo around 6pm to ferry spectators back to Wānaka and traffic management will occur at the Albert Town bridge to ease traffic congestion.The Wānaka rodeo is part of the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association’s (NZRCA) southern Christmas circuit and one of the busiest times of the rodeo season, which runs from October through to March.Many competitors will travel hundreds of miles to attend four or five rodeos at this time of the year, from Omarama to Te Anau and Waikouaiti to Mandeville, near Christchurch.Points scored by competitors at these rodeos count towards the ultimate selection of riders qualified to compete in the NZRCA’s championship finals in March 2025.

Multi-agency ‘heroes’ prepare for New Year
Multi-agency ‘heroes’ prepare for New Year

29 December 2024, 4:06 PM

The “heroes” from NZ Police, Hate Hone St John and Red Frogs are teaming up to help ensure a safe Christmas and New Year’s period in Wānaka, Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers says.Many thousands of people travel to Wānaka for the festive season each year and a “multi-agency approach” is in place to “work together for a better outcome,” Glyn said.Police will have an increased presence; St John is readying itself for the busiest period of the year; and Red Frogs - a harm prevention organisation - is bringing 35 volunteers to Wānaka.Glyn’s message to locals and visitors over the holiday break is for everyone to enjoy themselves, but to please behave responsibly and respect the community.This was reiterated by Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts, who said the police were gearing up for “big crowds and big numbers”.“We’ve got our own contingent of police officers in Otago Lakes but we’re also supported by the Southern district with other staff coming to the area,” she said.Fi said she encouraged everyone to enjoy a safe and responsible holiday break.“We don’t want anyone to see the inside of Wānaka’s Police station cell, get a court summons, an alcohol infringement notice or be in the back of an ambulance,” she said.People need to drink responsibly, respect the alcohol-free areas around Wānaka, and make sure their children and teens are accompanied - and not supplied with alcohol, she said.Read more: Safety advice to parents ahead of New Year’s revelriesCentral Otago St John area operations manager David Baillie also encouraged residents and visitors to take care of themselves and others during the holiday season.The ambulance service sees "multiple patients who are intoxicated or suffering the side effects of recreational drugs,” around this time of year, he said.People who “choose to take these risks directly impact our emergency services and the hospital services” which are already under pressure at this time of year, he said.The “safest thing” to do is not use recreational drugs, and drink responsibly, he said.Meanwhile, Red Frogs is doing its bit by providing “a chill out zone, free pancakes and water” in Wānaka between December 29 and 31, national director Ray Thomson said.The organisation was contracted by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and dozens of volunteers will be in Wānaka and on hand to “provide support for people that may feel unsafe or unwell”.PHOTO: Wānaka App

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