A person has died and several others are injured, following a crash on State Highway 6 between Queenstown and Kingston this afternoon (Thursday December 20).The crash, involving two cars and a tour bus, was reported to police at 4.05pm.A person from one of the cars was confirmed deceased at the scene and at least two others are reported to have critical injuries.At least two people from the bus are reported to have serious injuries and a number of other people have moderate injuries police said.State Highway 6 north of Kingston is expected to remain closed for several hours.Motorists are urged to delay travel where possible.

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Owners’ Association (NZMCA) has continued to criticise Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) approach to freedom camping, saying the council is firmly to blame for any negative impacts from camping this summer.This month the NZMCA told its members that QLDC had “deliberately created” an “open slather” approach to freedom camping in the district.“They are hanging their ratepayers out to dry with a deliberate choice that has opened the door to a potential free-for-all for irresponsible freedom campers,” NZMCA CEO Bruce Lochore said in the group’s December newsletter.QLDC stopped enforcing its 2021 Freedom Camping Bylaw after it was revoked by the High Court in early November after the NZMCA challenged the bylaw’s legality.“The bylaw restricted freedom camping in a number of areas in the district. Without it those restrictions are lifted,” a QLDC spokesperson told the Wānaka App last month.Read more: Council stops enforcing freedom camping, legal costs mountHowever, campers should not assume they can camp on any public land without checking if any other restrictions apply (such as restrictions under the Reserves Act regarding temporary and permanent accommodation).The national Freedom Camping Act 2011 also requires that vehicles be certified self-contained to freedom camp and QLDC has continued to enforce this. Bruce Lochore told members the NZMCA had told QLDC “their proposed bylaws didn’t meet the requirements of the law and [we] offered to work with them to ensure that they did”.“Even after we had won the case, Justice Osborne gave QLDC the opportunity to find a solution for this summer. We could have pushed for the bylaw to be quashed but we didn’t; instead we reached out in good faith to QLDC to offer an olive branch to avoid the current situation.“We should have known better – QLDC rejected our assistance and asked the Court to quash the bylaw.”NZMA’s CEO says there is potential for a “free-for-all for irresponsible freedom campers this summer”. PHOTO: Wānaka AppHe said QLDC has blamed NZMCA for the lack of freedom camping controls this summer, but, he said: “... any negative impacts from the QLDC’s decision need to be laid at their door”.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App he was disappointed the group continued to “actively antagonise QLDC and its residents”.“I have personally extended the invite on a number of occasions to NZMCA to work constructively,” he said.“I extend an open invite to Bruce Lochore and his board to arrange a public meeting in Wānaka with an independent facilitator so they can make their case and explain what they want.  “Their continued approach of aggressive and expensive legal action is perplexing when they refuse to engage with the community they impact both financially and in terms of effective management of issues in our community.” QLDC was approached for comment.Read more: Council’s freedom camping bylaw ruled invalidRead more: New freedom camping bylaw to cost another $100k

Local agencies are urging parents to help ensure their children have a safe New Year’s period.Queenstown Lakes District Council, NZ Police, Hato Hone St John and harm prevention organisation Red Frogs have teamed up to share safety messaging ahead of the busy holiday break.Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers said while he wanted visitors and locals to enjoy New Year’s, it should be done safely and respectfully - and supplying alcohol to minors was “a red line”.Each year huge numbers of visitors travel to Wānaka for the Christmas and New Year’s period and many congregate on the lakefront on New Year’s Eve for the community celebrations.The agencies said they want to ensure the young people attending New Year’s Eve events - and spending time in Wānaka around that period - have parental supervision and, crucially, aren’t supplied with alcohol.“We see it every year and our job is to minimise that,” Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said.Parents also needed “to be on the same page with us” when it came to supplying alcohol to minors and it is something police would be “hitting hard”.“We’ll be enforcing it. We make no apologies for that,” Fi said.Queenstown Lakes District Council, NZ Police, Hato Hone St John and harm prevention organisation Red Frogs have teamed up to encourage safe New Year’s behaviour. PHOTO: Wānaka App“In the past we have taken prosecution action against a parent/caregiver for supplying alcohol to a minor,” she said. “This was a direct consequence of the state that we found their child.”She also encouraged parents to attend the community events with their children or teens.Red Frogs national director Ray Thomson said the agencies want young people “to have a fun time - and we want them to have a safe time as well”.The organisation will have volunteers around the Wānaka CBD from December 29-January 1, offering free pancakes, water and a chill-out zone to encourage safe behaviour.Ray said while Red Frogs liked looking after young people “you [parents] also have a role and responsibility”.He had four ‘top tips’ for parents: Have open conversations with your teens about their plans; remind them to stay with their friends; leave no young person behind; and “tell your teens to visit Red Frogs”.

Hāwea Flat’s Presbyterian church, St Ninian’s, has been listed for sale for the first time since its construction before World War II.The Hāwea congregation has “outgrown” the church, Hāwea minister Reverend Aaron Johnstone said.“We’re selling St Ninian’s as a part of our process to build a new church within the Longview subdivision [at Lake Hāwea],” he told the Wānaka App.The church, which is adjacent to the Hāwea Kindergarten and Hāwea Flat School, was built between 1937 and 1938 by the Hāwea community under the guidance of celebrated architect Dr Elmslie. “There is a wonderful history of St. Ninian’s evolving with its congregation over the past 90 years,” Aaron said.“It has been a place of comfort and worship, and today, it continues to thrive as a hub of life and connection.” The interior of the church.Aaron said the local congregation had “lovingly maintained the building over the decades”. The vestry was added in 1956, and in 1959, an agreement with the local school provided water access, enabling the addition of a small kitchen and washroom. During the Depression in the 1930s, the church supported workers and their families building the Makarora–Haast road under challenging conditions. Evening services continued during the 1950s Ministry of Works efforts to construct the Hāwea Control Dam. “Although we’ve outgrown the space, we remain committed to honouring the vision of our founders and continuing to serve the community,” Aaron said. The church has a Queenstown Lakes District Council Category 3 Historic Heritage designation, which allows for internal alterations while preserving its exterior. It is being sold by Century 21 Wānaka.PHOTOS: Supplied

A temporary cell tower in Albert Town will help Two Degrees manage increased demand over the summer months.The trailer-mounted cell tower features a 12.8m high pole and three panel antennas, located on the road reserve opposite Templeton Street.A similar tower was in place for three months last summer.A representative from Two Degrees said it was seeing “insatiable demand” for high-speed data from customers.“Data usage on the network continues to double year on year, with similar growth expected in future”.The company said it is hoping to build a permanent telecommunications facility in Albert Town in the next two-to-five years.“We are currently working on other network enhancements that will improve Albert Town capacity until then,” they said.“We are upgrading our existing sites in Wānaka and investigating a new site on the other side of Mt Iron which will de-load the capacity of the current site servicing Albert Town.“These changes may mean we do not need the temporary summer [tower] from next year.”Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) approved Two Degrees’ resource consent application for the cell tower.It is expected to be in place until the end of February.PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said incidents of note this week included a 53-year-old male being arrested and charged with breaching his bail (on Tuesday December 17).The previous week (December 9), police were called to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on Mt Aspiring Road.Festive season preparation“The Wānaka Police wish all our community a very happy Christmas and New Year,” Fi said.“The team will be working hard to ensure that we all enjoy it safely, on our roads, in the community and throughout the festive season.” Wānaka is starting to get busy for the festive season, and Fi asked that people “be respectful and sensible, look after your mates and ensure everybody stays safe especially in relation to functions”. Patience is key on the roads, she said. “Make sure you plan ahead, drive fresh, and your vehicle has been serviced. Drinking? Don’t drive. Have a sober driver organised or plan to use public transport. The risk is not worth taking.” She also advised people to prepare well when heading into the outdoors. “Whether you are exploring some of the finest tracks the country has to offer, or enjoying a day on the water, please let somebody know where you are going, when you’ll be back, and take the appropriate gear. Enjoy the holiday season, have a great summer, and remember to keep yourself and everybody else safe.”Facebook scams continue“This week a member of the public brought to our attention a scam that has been localised,” Fi said. The scam was hosted on the Facebook platform and is likely a duplication from an authentic site but purporting to being a local Wānaka retailer.  “We can’t find any evidence of the business being legitimate and we have asked Facebook to remove it,” Fi said.“We have referred the matter to our cyber-crime team who may be able to track down the owner of the site. My instincts tell me that this is one of many scams that have origins overseas.”She said key red flags for people to be wary of are the recency of the account being ‘registered’ or created on Facebook, a local address with no number, fake reviews, and low trust score ratings.“If you think it is a scam, do your diligence,” she said. Fi said Southern District Police have an Investigation Support Unit based in Dunedin that is inundated with “very believable websites which are popping up all over the show”.If people think they or someone they know has been the victim of an online scam, fraud, abuse and harassment or other criminal activity online they can report online or call 105. Providing as much information as possible (such as bank statements, emails, texts, social media accounts) helps in processing reports. Find more information here.Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A Wānaka man who killed Royalburn Station's head butcher in a head on crash has been sentenced to three years and eleven months in prison in the Invercargill High Court.Hayden Richard Hurst, 29, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after he hit Outrega Anderson's car on State Highway 6 near Gibbston in December last year.Justice Lisa Preston said when Hurst got behind the wheel that morning, his blood alcohol level of 131mg was more than double the legal limit, he had over twice the high risk legal limit of MDMA in his system, and he wasn't wearing corrective lenses.It was the morning after his work Christmas party in Queenstown. His employer had booked accommodation, but Hurst decided to drive to his home in Wānaka.He drove recklessly and dangerously for half an hour before the fatal crash, veering into oncoming traffic and forcing some drivers to leave the road to avoid a head on collision, Preston said.Hurst was also disqualified from driving for four years after release and ordered to pay Anderson's family $10,000 in emotional harm reparation.In a victim impact statement, Anderson's family said it was a senseless act that left them with a true life sentence, with overwhelming and unbearable grief some days.The effects of his sudden death was catastrophic made even more upsetting by his mum's alzheimer's preventing her from being able to properly grieve her son, they said.One of his nephews had anxiety and feared another of his loved ones would die in a car crash, they said.They describe Anderson as a beautiful, kind and compassionate soul, with a talent for art and burgeoning career.His workmates described him as a rock of Royalburn Station, saying his death had left them heartbroken and with a gaping hole in their lives.They challenged Hurst to ensure he made every effort to become a better man, to never drive while intoxicated again and help others to learn from his mistakes.Justice Lisa Preston said their victim impact statements spoke of a kind, beloved and highly respected man whose life was cut far too short.PHOTO: RNZ / Tess Brunton

Wānaka para alpine ski racer Adam Hall finished in third place at the FIS Para Alpine Slalom World Cup held in Tignes, France, overnight (Monday December 16). This result marks the 30th World Cup podium of Adam’s career and his hundredth World Cup start. “I had a really good day, I am really happy, met some big milestones today and it is a great way to start my season,” Adam said.“I have had an incredible lead up into these races with amazing training and it’s so rewarding to see weeks and months of training come through into my competitions.”Adam during competition at Tignes.Adam said the result is his best start to a season and a successful way to begin preparing for his sixth Paralympics in Milano Cortina in 2026. Slalom rankings are determined by the first and second run times of each athlete combined. Adam was sitting in fourth position after the first run and found more speed in his second run to secure a podium finish.Adam finished in bronze medal position, 2.87 seconds behind the winner Arthur Bauchet of France. Aaron Lindstroem of Sweden finished second. Adam will be back on snow tonight (December 17) for another World Cup race. PHOTOS: Gregory Picoult

The government is removing four wellbeing provisions from the Local Government Act, saying councils were using them to justify spending on nice-to-haves.The local government minister says the provisions were leading to rates increases, but Labour says there is no evidence of that.On Monday, Simeon Brown said the government wanted local government to get back to basics, namely pipes, potholes, and core services."It is clear that rates are out of control. These increases are unacceptable to ratepayers, and unacceptable to the government," he said.Brown said the wellbeing provisions (adding the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of communities to the statutory purpose of local government) had increased the scope of what councils were focusing on."We see so many examples up and down the country where councils, you know, the convention centres, the hotels that they look at, and all of these other things that they want to spend money on, and you look at the language. They use the four wellbeings to justify the decisions that they're making, and we're saying that party is over," he said.Brown said there was evidence from the Department of Internal Affairs that showed wellbeing provisions led to about two percent higher rates growth each year.'Complete fabrication' - HipkinsBut Labour leader Chris Hipkins said there was no evidence."I think it was a complete fabrication in the claims that Simeon Brown was making today. There is no clear data that shows that there is a cause-and-effect factor here," he said.Chris Hipkins says the government is trying to blame councils for its own failures. PHOTO: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneHipkins said the government was pushing the blame onto councils for the consequences of its own decisions."One of the biggest things driving up rates up and down the country at the moment is the need to upgrade water infrastructure. The previous government had a plan in place to make sure that the cost of that was being carefully managed, that central government had a role, and that ratepayers weren't going to end up picking up the whole of the tab. This government scrapped that, and that is one of the reasons that rates are now going up," he said.In addition to removing the wellbeing provisions, the Department of Internal Affairs would also release yearly benchmarking reports on councils, looking at a number of metrics:Rates - so that ratepayers know the amount of rates levied per unit, the change in rates since the previous year, and the forecast change in rates over the next 10 yearsCouncil debt - including debt per rating unit, percentage change in council debt since the previous year, and forecast change over the next 10 yearsCapital expenditure - including a breakdown by activity class such as roading and water servicesBalanced budget - to show whether a council is balancing its budget or borrowing to support expenditureRoad condition - so that ratepayers can compare the state of their local roads with councils across the countryBrown said the reports would improve transparency, and the first would be ready before the local government elections next year."Voters can actually directly compare their council's performance with another council and be able to make up their mind as to whether or not the councilors or the mayor are actually performing adequately," he said.Hipkins said councils already provided detailed information about their short-term plans, long-term plans, and capital investment plans."This is about the government managing the politics of the fact that rates are going up because of decisions that the central government has taken, rather than because of decisions that local government is taking," he said.The ACT Party welcomed the focus on accountability.Celia Wade-Brown PHOTO: VNP / Phil SmithIts local government spokesperson Cameron Luxton said New Zealanders deserved council candidates focused on respecting ratepayers and getting the basics right."ACT is also pleased to see real accountability to ratepayers with the first benchmarking report, so Kiwis can see how their council stacks up against others in terms of rates, debt, and spending. Some healthy competition between councils is long overdue," he said.The Green Party said the government was punching down on councils, and that wellbeing projects were not nice-to-haves, but things like libraries, community centres, and sports fields."Today's announcement makes it clear that 'Luxon localism' has nothing to do with supporting local democracy but everything to do with dictating from the top down what communities should think is important," the Greens' local government spokesperson Celia Wade-Brown said.Further work, such as looking at rates capping, which sets a maximum percentage by which a council can increase rates each year, would take a little longer.Brown said Cabinet expected to make decisions by February, with a view to introducing legislation midway through 2025.PHOTO: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) staff will look into options for applying for a revenue-to-net-debt ratio of up to 350 percent in order to help critical infrastructure.Under the current policy by the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA), which QLDC secures most of its debt from, QLDC is able to borrow up to 285 percent of its revenue.However, LGFA voted in November to allow high-growth councils to apply for up to 350 percent of their revenue.QLDC has been informed by the LGFA it is expected to qualify as a high-growth council.Some councillors were wary of progressing the possibility of higher revenue-to-debt-ratio when it was discussed at last week’s full council meeting (Thursday December 12).Deputy mayor Quentin Smith asked about the impact on rates and councillor Niki Gladding questioned whether the council was “match fit” to take on more debt.QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said the agenda item was “just signalling we are looking into it”.Councillors were not making any decisions on additional debt at that time, he said.A QLDC report said additional debt could provide “extra headroom”.If QLDC was approved, it would be on the basis that “investment in growth will provide an additional revenue stream that will support the additional debt”, the report said.Local government minister Simeon Brown also said the revenue-to-net-debt ratio could help fast-growing councils fund greater investment in critical infrastructure.“The LGFA is the lowest cost provider of financing available to councils, and this arrangement means that councils have additional financial capability to fund infrastructure, roads, and other core infrastructure in their cities and regions,” Simeon said.Councillors agreed QLDC staff could investigate the possibility further.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The committee behind plans for an affordable senior housing facility in Wānaka says it needs to acquire land to get the project off the ground.Earlier this year a group of locals teamed up to begin the process of establishing an ‘Abbeyfield’ house in Wānaka.Abbeyfield is a housing model designed to provide affordable, ‘family style’ rental accommodation for seniors.There are 14 Abbeyfield houses around New Zealand, run by volunteer trusts where tenants share meals prepared by a housekeeper (who also takes care of grocery shopping and cleaning the communal areas) and rents are capped. Other Abbeyfield houses have been made possible through “a variety of land acquisition models”, Abbeyfield Wānaka committee member Lyal Cocks said.They have included land donations, discounted sales, partnerships with developers, and council land leases, Lyal said.The committee is hopeful a suitable site will be found soon.Lyal said Wānaka needs a “long term solution” for senior housing.Between the high rents, the high cost of living, and shortage of smaller properties, many seniors who do not own property here are struggling to get by - and having to consider leaving the area.That challenge is what inspired a group of locals to begin the process to establish a local Abbeyfield house.Lyal said once land is secured, it could take as little as 18 months to construct the building.From that point fundraising for the $4.5M fit-out cost will accelerate, Abbeyfield Wānaka head of fundraising Stephanie Fieldsend said. “We are relying on the support of the entire community to make this happen,” Stephanie said. “It’s not just about providing housing; it’s about recognising the value of our senior residents and ensuring they can continue to live in Wānaka and be part of the community’s future.”PHOTO: Supplied

Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) celebrated the academic achievements and service of its junior students at its 2024 Junior Awards ceremonies last week (years 7-8 on Thursday December 12, and years 9-10 on Friday December 13).MAC principal Nicola Jacobsen said the awards recognised academic, artistic, cultural, sporting and service achievement. “We pride ourselves on being a place for all students to grow and be proud of who they are, and we encourage students to make the most of the curriculum opportunities available, and to get involved in all aspects of school life,” she said. Highest academic achievers Year 7 (L-R): Tenki Watanabe, P J Foxley, Bill Dobson, Emily Boswell, Sami Reid, Edie Yandall, Tyla Scherger Highest academic achievers Year 8 (L-R): Emily Anderson, Logan Davidson, Malcie Cervelli, Sam Seville, Finn Tomes, Travis Clarke (Absent: Jack Sutherland)“Academically, our results are well above the national average and reflect our focus on the core skills of numeracy and literacy, as well as a range of other subjects designed to prepare our students for their future pathways. “We also place a strong emphasis on our values which represent what we stand for as a school community and inform how we treat ourselves, each other and our environment.”The best all round student awards went to Bill Dobson and Edie Yandall (year 7), Emily Anderson and Alice Chaly (year 8), Emma Head and Deacon Gwilliam Browne (year 9), and Zoe Waddington and Madi Smith (year 10). Best all round students Years 9 & 10 (L-R): Emma Head (Y9), Principal Nicola Jacobsen, Madi Smith (Y10), Zoe Waddington (Y10) (Absent: Deacon Gwilliam Browne)Highest academic achievers Year 9 (L-R): Blanka Lewis, Stella Harper, Oscar Adams, Bella Wright, Lily Brown, Amber Gemmell, Liam Thomas, Sierra Emmitt Academic awards for the highest achievers in each class went to: PJ Foxley, Edie Yandall, Bill Dobson, Tyla Scherger, Emily Boswell, Sami Reid, and Tenki Watanabe (year 7); Emily Anderson, Logan Davidson, Travis Clarke, Sam Seville, Finn Tomes, Malcie Cervelli, and Jack Sutherland (year 8); Blanka Lewis, Sierra Emmitt, Liam Thomas, Bella Wright, Lily Brown, Amber Gemmell, Oscar Adams, and Stella Harper (year 9); Phoebe Cervelli, Nieve McRae, Max Evans, Vinnie Vickers, Winifred McAllister Brown, and Charlie Gibson (year 10). Other awards included special academic awards, service and premier awards, Tititea trophies (for representing the school values), arts and sport awards, awards for sustainability and culture, and recognition for national and international achievements.“I am very proud of our junior students and thankful for the support they receive from their families and whānau, and our local community,” Nicola said. Highest academic achievers Year 10 (L-R): Vinnie Vickers, Charlie Gibson, Max Evans, Winifred McAllister Brown, Nieve McRae, Phoebe CervelliThe ceremonies also featured a haka pōwhiri performed by Te Mākahi o Tititea (MAC’s kapa haka group), and performances by the MAC junior band, the MAC Orchestra, Bella Wright, and student band ‘Rip Cord’. MAC thanked prize sponsors Wastebusters, Racers Edge, Revology, and Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka. PHOTOS: Supplied

Summer Holiday ProgrammeYouth, get ready to soak up those summer vibes in our holiday programme! We’ve planned epic adventures and activities, great times with friends, and fingers crossed - plenty of sunshine!There’s something for everyone, with activities including; softair paintball, Highlands, hiking, QT adventures, Kiwi Waterpark and much more. Activities are supervised by Youth Workers and are planned for youth aged 11yrs+.   CLICK HERE for more info and to book. If cost is a barrier to participation please contact [email protected] *Drop-in Sessions at our Youth Centre We are stoked to run drop-in sessions these Summer Holidays from our new Youth Centre located within Paetara Aspiring Central. Our Youth Centre has all the fun stuff like, a cool pool table, air hockey table, creative arts and crafts, music gear, supervised gaming stations and an outdoor chill space. All drop-in sessions are free for youth aged 11yrs+ to come along and hangout and are supervised by Youth Workers. No bookings required.  December Summer Holiday ProgrammeCLICK HERE for more info and to book. If cost is a barrier to participation please contact [email protected]

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) has released November’s market sales data for the Upper Clutha and it shows a strong uptick in real estate sales.The theme for November is ‘double of everything’ compared to November 2023.House sales doubled, section sales doubled, and apartment sales doubled.In total there were 70 sales for the month including 40 house sales. Four of which were more than $4M.This is a very positive indication of a change in mood by buyers as they look to make the most of lower interest rates and improving confidence. We’re really starting to see momentum build after a challenging year for real estate sales.The medium house price remained at $1.3M, which is consistent with where it was positioned in October. If sale volumes continue at this level then we are likely to see the supply levels reduce in 2025 and this is a key pre-cursor to a potential lift in sales values.If you're in the market to purchase a home, it is a very good time to be buying, as we expect upward pressure on prices through 2025.Early 2025 is looking to be a key selling period with warmer summer months benefiting from market momentum.November also saw positive signs for section sales which will be welcome news to tradies, architects and those at the front end of the construction industry. It was the first time for a while that we had meaningful movement in higher value sections from those willing to invest in larger builds.The Ray White Wānaka team will be active during the holiday period and happy to assist with market information, appraisals, and purchasing interest. Feel free to get in touch.Ray White Wānaka is situated at Sir Tim Wallis Drive Wānaka. Find out more here.

A survey of the tourism and hospitality workforce shows more than half these workers earn less than the living wage ($27.80), while 23 percent have reported experiencing bullying or harassment.Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat said the results highlight some critical issues, and local feedback echoes the concerns raised. “It’s troubling to see the prevalence of bullying within these sectors, particularly given how significant they are to Wānaka’s workforce and our local economy,” Glenn told the Wānaka App.“From a local perspective, while many of our businesses in these industries provide great opportunities and are seen as pillars of our community, the feedback we’ve received echoes the national concern. Ensuring that these workplaces are not just thriving but also supportive and safe for everyone is very important.”While the survey results showed some improvements for this workforce, such as improved training opportunities, they also showed continued areas of concern such as bullying. Glenn PeatThe survey results showed that just over half of all respondents (51.0 percent) reported earning less than the living wage. This increased to 71.8 percent for front-line workers and 30.0 percent for managers and supervisors.There was also no change in the number of respondents who reported experiencing bullying or harassment (23.0 percent) from the 2022 survey, while reports of witnessing bullying or harassment (32.4 percent) remain very similar to 2022 (33.9 percent).Other results found only 58.4 percent of respondents felt they could always take sick leave when they were unwell; and only 50.5 percent of respondents stated they could always take their contracted breaks.Improvements since the 2022 survey included the percentage of respondents stating that ‘training opportunities are good’, which increased from 40.5 percent in 2022 to 57.2 percent in 2024.Respondents being paid less than the minimum wage ($23.15) fell to 0.9 percent in 2024 from 7.5 percent in 2022, and overall job satisfaction increased to 67.5 percent in 2024 from 62.2 percent in 2022.Improvements were also shown in reported compliance with sick leave, holiday pay, opportunities for promotion, and receiving supportive feedback from managers.Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey said there was “clearly… room for improvement with the results showing job satisfaction is low and the levels of bullying and harassment in the workforce have not improved”.He said he would work through the survey data with hospitality leaders.Glenn said the Wānaka Business Chamber was “looking to actively work with” its members to address issues raised by the survey.   “While disappointing, this survey is a great tool for all of us,” he said.“It not only sheds light on the areas needing urgent attention but also offers a chance to rally together as a community to support positive change in our predominant industries.”The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment commissioned Dr David Williamson from the Auckland University of Technology to conduct a follow-up survey to the landmark He Tangata 2022 tourism and hospitality workforce survey.Find the Workforce Survey results here.PHOTOS: Supplied

Wānaka Primary School (WPS) students and staff farewelled outgoing principal Wendy Bamford on Friday (December 13) with an event featuring songs, dances, haka and speeches.Wendy began her teaching career 50 years ago, teaching in Christchurch, Twizel, Omarama and Clyde before she became the WPS principal.She is retiring at the end of this year after 20 years in the role, and early in the ceremony she was presented with a handmade quilt, to which every current student had added a logo or message.Deputy principal Jason Cowan told Wendy he hoped it would “remind you of the difference you’ve made in so many of our lives”.One of the pods’ performances.Every student at the school, past or present, had special memories with Wendy, fellow deputy principal Jennie Croxford said.She would be remembered for her “singing, playing guitar, doing drama and art - her passions”.Fancy dress days were also a highlight for Wendy, who was once stopped by police on her daily commute from Bannockburn to Wānaka in full fancy dress, Jennie said.Students were often sent to Wendy’s office when they had completed a standout piece of writing or art, and Wendy would cover their books in stickers after seeing or reading their work.“Many of you are also lucky enough to have Wendy teach you in your classes,” Jennie added.Wendy hugs a student after the haka.Each of the school’s pods (year levels) prepared a special performance for Wendy.Pod one sang ‘Cover Me In Sunshine’; another pod performed a rewritten version of ‘These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things’; and another performed a short play about the ‘Wonderful World of Wendy’.The farewell ended with an emotional haka performance by the whole school.Wendy thanked the school for “all the memories and experiences”.“I feel very loved,” she said. “Thank you so much for the last 20 years.”Wendy’s successor, Rob Rush, will take over as WPS’s new principal from 2025.Read more: New principal for Wānaka PrimaryPHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group has removed 1,700 wilding pines from the 2,000-hectare Stevenson’s Peninsula at Lake Wānaka. The work was carried out between November 7-29, and involved a total of 409 hours of intensive clearing, supported by funding from Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).The Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group (UCWTG) is a relative newcomer to the fight against wilding pines, and the Stevenson’s Peninsula operation was their first major wilding pine control operation.Read more: Group makes headway in battle against wilding treesLeft uncontrolled, the peninsula would ultimately be cloaked in an exotic pine forest which would displace the native kanuka, grey shrubland and snow tussock grasslands.Where wilding pines were sparse, ground crews were dropped in and out by helicopter.The work was funded from grants provided to the group by QLDC and ORC, and a contribution from Mount Burke Station landowner Tim Burdon.“As a landowner I could not afford to achieve control on this scale,” Tim said.“It is hugely satisfying to be part of the collaboration of public/private funding to clear Stevenson's Peninsula of wilding pines in one operation."The work was completed by Central Wilding Tree Control and Landcare Services and Aspiring Helicopters, with the help of Wānaka Water Taxis for boat access. Ground crews used chainsaws to fell the coning trees in sometimes very challenging terrain. Where wilding pines were sparse, ground crews were dropped in and out by helicopter.“It is in everyone’s interest to protect the outstanding landscapes and native biodiversity of the Upper Clutha area,” ORC project delivery specialist - biosecurity programmes Gavin Udy said. “ORC are proud to support UCWTG’s efforts in protecting our beautiful Otago landscapes.”The UCWTG commended Tim’s involvement in removing the wilding pines on his property and helping protect the outstanding natural landscape on the doorstep of Wānaka. PHOTOS: Supplied

Update 2.40pm: The road is now open.Two people have been transported to hospital with moderate injuries following a crash this afternoon (Saturday December 14) on the Lindis Pass.The crash involved a vehicle and two people, and was reported to police around 12:40pm.The road (SH8) was closed for two hours near Birchwood Road.

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