A short documentary showcasing indigenous food traditions in Wānaka has won Best Short Form Documentary at the 2025 Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) Awards.MAHIKA KAI was made possible through the Monster Children x Lake Wānaka Tourism Short Film Awards, which promotes storytelling from the Queenstown Lakes region, with emerging filmmakers working alongside local production crews.The film follows Tūmai Cassidy and his whānau as they work to rejuvenate ancestral lands through the practice of mahika kai—traditional Kāi Tahu food-gathering methods. “We’re incredibly proud to see MAHIKA KAI recognised at the AIDC awards,” Lake Wānaka Tourism head of destination Gizelle Regan said.“These awards celebrate the best in documentary and factual content, drawing filmmakers, producers, and industry leaders from around the globe.” Gizelle said the award was a milestone for Wānaka as well as the filmmakers, “reinforcing its identity as a destination deeply rooted in place, values-driven tourism, and committed to meaningful storytelling”.MAHIKA KAI was directed by Kieran Mpetyane Satour—a filmmaker of Gurindji, Pertame, Worimi, and Baloch (Afghan) heritage—and founder of GARUWA, a First Nations-owned and led production company. Watch MAHIKA KAI here.

Prime minister Christopher Luxon has officially opened the Wānaka A&P Show 2025 with a short speech praising New Zealand farmers and produce, which he described as “the best in the world”.The PM visited late this morning (Friday, March 7), as crowds began to swell on the opening day of the two-day annual show, which is expected to draw around 40,000 attendees in total.As well as opening the show, the PM presented this year’s President’s Trophy - awarded to those who have given outstanding service to the Wānaka A&P Show - to the Young family.The Home Industry section was bustling this morning with the winning selection of scones, flowers, quilts, photos and the like attracting large numbers.A couple of tents down, the Local Larder - billed as a foodie destination showcasing top producers - filled fast when celebrity chef Peter Gordon held the first of four cooking demonstrations to take place across the show.The Home Industries Tent.Wood chopping, farrier and sheep shearing competitions got underway as well as livestock events and performances at the show’s two stages.Winning blooms.Stallholders at some of the 500+ trade stalls said they had had busy mornings but expected sales to continue to pick up into the afternoon and tomorrow.The PM takes a selfie with young show-goers.Saturday is traditionally the busiest day of the show and it will feature annual classics like the Jack Russell Race, Grand Parade, as well as a huge range of other events and entertainment.The Children’s Carnival area.Find more information and to book your tickets, click Wānaka A&P Show.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

McDonald’s Restaurants NZ says it still plans to open a Wānaka restaurant, but it won’t be drawn on where it might be.A company spokesperson told the Wānaka App this week it hadn’t given up on setting up a Wānaka McDonald’s.“Our intention remains to work constructively through correct processes to open a restaurant in Wānaka,” the spokesperson said. McDonald’s Restaurants NZ was dealt a blow when independent commissioners turned down its proposal for a 447m2 restaurant and drive through at Mt Iron Junction.The company won’t appeal the recent decision, the spokesperson confirmed this week, as the appeal window drew to a close.Submitting a new resource consent application for a restaurant within the subdivision looks unlikely.Mt Iron Junction developer Steve Schikker told the Wānaka App that McDonald’s Restaurants NZ “have not talked to us about other options at Mt Iron."“I think it’s all yesterday’s news,” he said. Many of the people who made submissions on the original proposal for the Mt Iron Junction McDonald’s - which was turned down due to ‘more than minor’ adverse effects on the environment - suggested a McDonald’s would be better located in Three Parks, however the fast food giant said it deemed that area “the backblocks”.PHOTO: Supplied

The news that a “business garden” is proposed for Luggate’s commercial precinct has been welcomed by another developer keen to see the village’s commercial prospects expand.Murray Frost, who is developing the Lake McKay residential subdivision, told the Wānaka App last year he intends to transform the former Upper Clutha Transport yard into a commercial hub centred on the historic Flour Mill.While Murray’s plans are progressing slowly, he said Stuart Pinfold’s proposal to create The Green, a space for multiple small businesses on vacant land opposite the Luggate Hotel, is a welcome addition to Luggate.“I’m really pleased Stuart’s doing his bit along the road as every bit of infrastructure helps Luggate’s development,” he said.As Luggate’s residential development increases so the desire for a local commercial centre - “somewhere people can walk to” - also builds, he said.Read more: Small business hub proposed for LuggateMurray plans to develop a commercial hub concept based on the Mill site within the next 18 months and he’d like to make it complementary with Stuart’s “business garden” proposal.“I’m very focused on having a commercial precinct on that site at the appropriate time. It’s zoned for that and the site is perfect for retail.” Three or four individuals have “expressed an interest” in the site’s potential since he’d revealed his long-term plans for a commercial hub, Murray said.Construction of homes in the Lake McKay subdivision above Luggate village is expected to near completion within the next 2-3 years. He’s had the Flour Mill’s structure assessed and “it’s almost certain it will need strengthening”, but while the Mill remains the focal point of his proposed commercial hub it’s likely to be more “a monument" to Luggate’s historic past than a commercial venue, he said.“A commercial centre will be really good for Luggate.”Meanwhile, the Lake McKay residential subdivision is progressing at pace. The main part of the subdivision is approved for 140 residential sites and six lifestyle blocks. Eighteen homes are either under construction or completed, Murray said.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The Hirepool Charity Golf Classic will return to Wānaka next week (March 13-16).The annual tournament, held at the Wānaka Golf Club, is one of top local events on the golfing calendar.A spokesperson for the tournament said it offers two benefits to the community.“Firstly there is the weekend of great golf for keen locals and many visitors,” they said. The annual tournament will take place at the Wānaka Golf Club next week. PHOTO: Supplied“The other outstanding contribution to Wānaka is the charity auction which has, over the years, provided many thousands of dollars to local groups. “This year’s lucky recipient is the Upper Clutha Children's Medical Trust.”The Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust supports families who are finding it difficult to meet the costs associated with their children’s health needs.“Since they started the trust has helped over 400 families receive what is often life-changing diagnoses and treatment, which they may otherwise have been unable to access,” the tournament spokesperson said.Previous year’s classics have raised as much as $39,000 for their selected charity.Read more: Golf tournament raises $39,000 for Food For LoveThe tournament spokesperson said golfers and non-golfers alike can support this year’s cause.“During the golf tournament there will be raffles, a silent auction, and a live auction with some superb prizes such as golf packages, helicopter flights, paintings by recognised artists, an All Blacks jersey, top wines, luxury accommodation and many more desirable items which have been generously donated by local businesses,” they said. “Members of the public are welcome to pop into the clubhouse from Friday morning [March 14] till mid Sunday afternoon [March 16] and place bids on any of these items, and try their luck. “We hope to see you there.”

Three earthquakes struck near Haast this morning (Thursday March 6), with magnitudes ranging from 3.4 to 4.7.According to GeoNet, the quakes occurred in the same location 10km south-east of Haast, beginning at 7.37am with a 4.6 magnitude quake, followed by a 4.7 magnitude tremor at 7.49am and a 3.4 magnitude quake at 7.58am.Upper Clutha residents have reported feeling the tremors.There have been no reports of damage.GeoNet has classified the largest quake as ‘moderate’.IMAGE: GeoNet

Wānaka’s new theatre group, Onstage Wānaka, will officially launch next Wednesday (March 12) and its first show will be revealed.Members of the public can attend the launch - which is taking place at the Lake Wānaka Centre - to learn more about Onstage Wānaka and the upcoming show.Creatives of Wānaka (CoW) director and Onstage Wānaka committee member Andrea Beryl told the Wānaka App the group was born from a series of Creatives of Wānaka meetings.“It quickly became clear that there was a strong need for a dedicated theatre society,” she said.“From there, a passionate group of individuals came together to form what is now Onstage Wānaka.”Read more: Creatives of Wānaka band together with new groupThe committee has seven members, each bringing “a diverse range of skills and experience, including performance, music, finance, marketing, stage management, and production”, Andrea said.She said members are open to staging “all types of performances, from theatre to musicals”. “We know that putting on a show requires an enormous commitment. Each of us has dedicated countless hours to establishing the society and preparing for our first production, set to debut in August. The details will be revealed at our official launch.”Andrea said it will take community involvement for the group to thrive - from organisers and performers to audiences.“Wānaka is brimming with talent, and we are committed to bringing it to the stage for all to enjoy,” she said.Onstage Wānaka will be launched at the Lake Wānaka Centre, from 7.30-8.30pm next Wednesday (March 12). People interested in attending should RSVP to: [email protected]: Supplied

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will next week open its inaugural Community Insights Survey to the wider community to participate.QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said the survey provides residents an opportunity to share how they feel about council’s leadership, governance, communication, engagement, climate and environment efforts and facilities.“As part of QLDC’s commitment to transparency and delivering a high standard of services and facilities for our communities, we’ve worked with an independent research company to develop the survey and ensure its results can be trusted,” he said.“The survey’s aim is to understand residents’ trust in council processes and decision making, and their satisfaction with council facilities and overall performance.”Some questions regarding satisfaction with council will be familiar to community members who’ve previously completed QLDC’s Quality of Life survey, he said.However, the Community Insights Survey includes more targeted questions - based on an internationally recognised model - specifically aimed at measuring trust in council in a more useful and actionable manner.It will specifically monitor council performance and provide data and information as to whether its processes and decision making are trusted by residents. Utilising two surveys will ensure the focus is on both resident wellbeing and council performance and that the results can be used effectively, Mike said.The Community Insights Survey is being conducted in two parts. Approximately 3,000 randomly selected residents last week received invitations by email or post, and all residents aged 18 and over will be able to participate through the council’s ‘Let’s Talk’ consultation website from Monday (March 10).The Community Insights Survey is being conducted by Key Research on behalf of QLDC.Take part in the survey, from Monday, here.PHOTO: QLDC

The Upper Clutha Farmers’ Market has wrapped up its second market and its organiser is now looking ahead to its future.Hundreds of people attended Sunday’s (March 2) market, where around two dozen mostly local vendors sold everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to meats and cheeses, preserves, flowers and more.Live music played throughout the event, which took place next to the Luggate Memorial Centre.Market organiser Amanda Snow said she received “really positive feedback” about the market, which was the second of its kind to take place, with the first one in December 2024.Roughly two dozen vendors featured at the market last Sunday.“It’s been really rewarding getting to meet all these different vendors and creating something for the community and seeing people enjoy it so much,” Amanda told the Wānaka App.The two markets held so far have helped to “test the waters” for something more long-term.“A seasonal summer-autumn market would be our goal…[but I’m] still working out how regular that might be.”Amanda said she was “really grateful” to the vendors who had taken a chance on the market without knowing if it would be a success.She also thanked Graeme Perkins for organising the market’s live music; Luggate Community Association members for contributing their time; the Luggate Hotel for providing furniture; and her family and friends who provided support.People can look for updates on the Upper Clutha Farmers’ Market in the Wanaka App's Events calendar.PHOTOS: Supplied

Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) is considering whether or not to fill its head of destination position following the official departure of Gizelle Regan from the role.Gizelle took over the new ‘head of destination’ role in May last year after LWT general manager Tim Barke resigned. She moved to Australia six months ago and has worked remotely since then.“The [LWT] board [is] grateful to Gizelle for agreeing to do this as it ensured a seamless transfer of information and institutional knowledge as well as maintaining LWT’s reporting structure as we moved forward with the Shared Services model,” LWT board chair Calum MacLeod said.The Shared Services model is a collaboration allowing LWT and Destination Queenstown to pool resources while retaining their independent brand identities and strategic focus, he said. Read more: New tourism plan adopted for district“At this stage any decision on a replacement for Gizelle’s position is being very carefully considered,” Calum said. “Our priority is to identify the best structure to support LWT’s objectives, ensuring we have the right expertise and capacity to deliver for our members and Wānaka.”Gizelle has been involved in several projects, including the short film awards A Place to Stand and as chair of Three Lakes Cultural Trust. She led the steering group behind the district-wide creative and cultural strategy, Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata. Her last day with LWT will be March 28.“Her strategic approach has laid the groundwork for a future-focused destination management framework, and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to support and grow Wānaka’s position as a world-class destination," Calum said.

It’s show week and there will be a large police presence out on the road, walking through the showgrounds, and visiting bars throughout the weekend, Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts says.“With show weekend and large volumes of traffic on the network, you will see a highly visible road policing presence on our rural and urban network,” Fi said.She advised people to be patient on the roads, and ensure there is a sober and responsible driver. She also advised people to lock their valuables out of sight if they have their vehicle at the show: “Thieves search vehicles for valuable property left in a vehicle. Thieves use a range of techniques, but most offending is opportunistic: you can minimise their opportunities.” Emergency services responded to reports of a high velocity motor vehicle accident involving two cars (one of which was towing a boat) on the Lindis Pass on Friday (March 28).  Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, a helicopter and St John ambulance were deployed to the scene. “It’s a common hot spot for vehicle accidents with dangerous driving often part of the mix,” Fi said.“What makes it particularly challenging is that there is limited cell phone coverage up there for first responders to be able to connect to emergency services.” The road was closed for a couple of hours while the scene was managed, and one of the vehicle occupants sustained a broken leg and was airlifted to Dunedin. “In my view, this incident could have been much worse; the safety features of both vehicles were no doubt a reason why there were not more serious injuries,” Fi said.The matter is under investigation. In the early hours of Sunday (March 2) a 55-year-old male was stopped on Lake Hāwea– Albert Town Road, and an excess breath/blood alcohol (EBA) procedure returned a result of 1,474 - an “incredibly high and dangerous reading,” Fi said. “He will be appearing in Queenstown District Court to face a range of additional charges including driving while disqualified and driving recklessly.”Fi said driving complaints continue to be a significant issue across the area. “There is no excuse for speeding anytime. Excessive speed, including travelling too fast for the conditions is a contributing factor in most crashes resulting in serious injury or death. We have had too many fatal crashes in our area in recent times. I make no apology that if we detect and stop drivers for excessive speeds, we will issue tickets.”If people are stopped by police they will be breath tested, she added.Online fraud related scams on Facebook marketplace, via emails, banking scams, and via One NZ and WhatsApp are ongoing, Fi said.“If you think you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam or fraud, please report the circumstances online or call 105,” she said. “Providing as much information as possible helps us in processing your report, this could include any relevant evidence and documents available e.g. bank statements, emails, texts, social media accounts.”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

Local charitable trust Food for Love will be delivering freshly made lunches to trade exhibitors at the 2025 Wānaka A&P Show.Each year Food for Love runs a pop-up cafe at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club but the addition of delivery lunches is taking place for the first time ever at this weekend’s show (March 7-8).“We know how busy exhibitors are and how hard it can be to step away from their stalls, so we’re making it as easy as possible for them to stay well-fed and hydrated during the show,” Food For Love general manager Jodie Stuart said. Anyone who orders will know their purchase is going to a good cause - all proceeds will go back into Food for Love’s mission to provide home-cooked meals to locals in need.Exhibitor orders will need to be made by 10am tomorrow (Thursday March 6).Show-goers will also be able to get their hands on an assortment of goodies - from fresh sandwiches to tasty salads and home-baked treats.Kai Pai Bakery’s famous pies, which Jodie said have been generously donated by the company, will also be on offer.A BBQ will also be sizzling with bacon butties and sausage sizzles, alongside a selection of Food For Love merchandise available for purchase.All on-the-day orders will also support Food for Love, which has seen a huge increase in demand in the last few years.“Last year alone, we prepared and delivered over 9,000 meals, thanks to the support of our incredible volunteers and community,” Jodie said.It expects that number to increase to around 12,000 this year.Book your trade exhibitor lunch here.PHOTO: Food For Love

An investigation has been launched into the death of a man on State Highway 6 (Kawarau Gorge) after he was struck by a vehicle last night (Monday March 3).Emergency services were called to the scene near Kawarau Bridge Historic Reserve at around 10pm.The man was located deceased at the scene.NZ Police said work is underway to understand what occurred, as well as to formally identify the victim, and they would like to speak with anyone who might have witnessed the incident.They would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen a man wearing black pants and a black shirt walking on SH6 near the area before 10pm, or anyone who has captured dashcam footage from the incident or surrounding times.If you have any information that may assist police in their investigation, please contact them online, clicking ‘Update Report’ or by calling 105.Please use the reference number 250304/8199.Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

The husband of an Invercargill woman found dead at Lake Hāwea last year has formally pleaded not guilty to her murder.Karen Gaylene White, 60, died at her Lake Hāwea property on March 8, 2024.In November, eight months after her death, police launched a homicide investigation.Last month, police charged Robert Joseph White with her murder.The 61-year-old appeared in the High Court at Christchurch via audio-visual link this morning.White entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge through his lawyer Ron Mansfield KC.Justice Dunningham remanded him on bail.Karen White's death was initially treated as unexplained while officers worked to establish what had happened before her death.In December, police said she was the victim of a significant assault and they believed people in the Lake Hāwea area had important information.Robert White's trial is set down for six weeks and will start in April 2027.

Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) has received a positive assessment in its latest Education Review Office (ERO) report, principal Nicola Jacobsen says.She said the report evaluated the impact of the college’s school-wide focus on improving literacy skills and developing learner agency.“The ERO report found that the majority of our learners in Years 7 to 10 are achieving at or above expected curriculum levels in reading, writing and mathematics, with equitable achievement for Māori learners,” Nicola said.“Most learners continue to achieve Levels 1, 2 and 3 of NCEA and university entrance, with increasing parity for Māori, and students also reported an increased sense of ownership and commitment to their learning goals.“We are also seeing strong development of teacher capability and confidence in prioritising literacy as a critical skill for learners to reach their potential both within and beyond school.”A 2019 ERO report which identified MAC as a ‘developing’ school sparked a raft of changes and the most recent report, in 2022, highlighted issues around literacy levels at MAC, particularly in the younger year levels.Read more: MAC works with ERO to improve literacyMAC board chair Niamh Shaw said the latest ERO evaluation was a reflection of the hard work and effort of the school’s staff.“Everyone on the board is really proud of the college’s senior leadership team and the staff on achieving such a positive evaluation, and we are delighted to have played a small part in supporting the kura on its journey,” Niamh said.The report documents the college’s ‘future priorities’, which are expected to result in improvements in students’ self-management, confidence in writing, ownership of their learning progress, levels of achievement, and attendance levels.The report notes that attendance levels at MAC are “approaching but not yet at the Ministry of Education’s national target; the majority of learners attend regularly”. “ERO’s role will be to support the school in its evaluation for improvement cycle to improve outcomes for all learners,” report author and ERO director of schools Shelley Booysen​ said. “The next public report on ERO’s website will be a School Evaluation Report and is due within three years.”The ERO is the New Zealand government’s external evaluation agency that provides monitoring and evaluation of early learning services, kōhanga reo, puna kōhungahunga, kura and schools.Read the full 2025 MAC ERO report here.PHOTO: Supplied

A young local rider is taking on equestrian events in this week’s Wānaka Show (March 7-8), hoping for “a good day” with her ponies.Boh Fairmaid, 11, has been riding and competing since she was just five years old.She will be riding Ashton Eye Candy in the section C showing; jumping My Masterpiece in show jumping and ‘round the ring’; and riding TF Straight talk in working hunter and show jumping.Boh’s mother Sarah told the Wānaka App that Boh hopes her ponies have “a good day” at the Wānaka Show.“She has two young ponies that will need to deal with a big atmosphere so that will be their challenge,” she said.Boh attended show jumping and the Show Hunter Nationals in Christchurch this year and won the Category C Championship title on TF Straight Torque. Ashton Eye Candy - a pony Boh has taken from green broken - recently won the supreme exhibit at the Mt Benger Show. Boh also won the ‘rising star’ category A show hunter on My Masterpiece at the national championships.Boh has been competing in equestrian events since she was five-years-old.“After the showing season is over Boh hopes to go eventing in the autumn,” Sarah said.Keep an eye out for Boh and her ponies on both Friday and Saturday at the Wānaka A&P Show.PHOTOS: Supplied

Otago Fish & Game staff successfully relocated more than 500 trout from a stranded pool in the Lindis River after being alerted by a concerned member of the public.It also responded to another public report of fish stranded in a pool near Lake Hāwea.The fish rescued from the Lindis River included brown trout weighing up to 2.2kg and rainbow trout up to 1.8kg.Otago Fish & Game operations manager Jamie Ward said the fish had been trapped in a shaded pool that initially had water flowing into it.“However, as the week progressed, conditions in the river worsened, and the fish became increasingly stressed,” he said.“A decision was made to relocate them downstream to Lake Dunstan to ensure their survival.”Electric fishing equipment was used to carry out the relocation in the most effective and least harmful manner, with the fish transported using oxygenated tanks to give them the best chance of survival. Otago Fish & Game also successfully relocated fish back into Lake Hāwea on Thursday (February 27).More than 100 fish were relocated, including brown and rainbow trout up to 1.8kg, as well as several native fish species, such as bullies. Over the past month, Otago has experienced dry conditions, making it increasingly likely that fish may become stranded in isolated pools.“While Otago Fish & Game strives to respond to issues of sportsfish welfare, it is not feasible to save every fish in distress,” Jamie said. “These are wild animals that we manage, and sometimes the environment, whether natural or altered, can inflict some pretty harsh outcomes.”Interventions must be carefully prioritised based on accessibility, available time and cost viability for Fish & Game licenceholders, he said.“We greatly appreciate the care and engagement of the public in reporting these incidents, as timely intervention is crucial good outcomes for stranded fish."PHOTO: Ben Sowry

Three Aspiring Athletics Club (AAC) competitors at a recent International Track Meet (ITM), held at Christchurch’s Nga Puna Wai centre (on Saturday February 22), did both themselves and the club proud.In the ITM Women’s B Grade 100m at the well-attended athletics meeting, Phoebe Laker (16) and Niamh Townsend (19) sprinted impressively into a tough headwind.In a tight battle, in adjoining lanes, they placed second and third respectively, with times of 12.65s and 12.66s – separated by just 1/100th of a second.Senior NZ representative sprinter Jordyn Blake (25), who trains at Wanaka’s Three Parks track over the Christmas holidays, won well in 12.32s. In fifth place (in 12.89s) was Anna Grimaldi - Halberg recipient of the ‘Para Athlete of the Year’ award.Phoebe, more of a 400m specialist and unbeaten over this distance for more than two years, underlined her sprinting versatility by winning the Women’s B grade 200m in a time of 24.46s ahead of a strong field, which included NZ heptathlon champion Maddie Wilson of Canterbury and noted Auckland athletes.It was a significant personal best (PB) for Phoebe, by 0.45s. This followed closely on the heels of the 0.33s PB she set the previous Sunday (February 16) in winning the women’s overall 200m race at the Otago-Southland Championships.“In just six days, she’s reduced her best time for the 200m by a substantial 0.78s,” AAC senior coach Michael Beable said.Phoebe (who only turned 16 earlier this month) broke three Otago women’s 200m records - for grades 16-17. She even broke the age 18 record by 0.23s.“Such a marked improvement in provincial records is a rare achievement in sprints, where records are normally just chipped away at incrementally, often by just a 1/10th or even a few 1/100th of a second,” Michael said.Niamh also competed in the 200m, placing third in the Open Women’s C grade race with 26.44s, into a headwind.In the Men’s Open Triple Jump, AAC’s Ryan Young (20) competed for the first time in an international field, which comprised jumpers from Australia, Japan and South Africa.His best jump of 14.31m, off a shortened runup, was only one centimetre shy of his PB. It placed him sixth, ahead of the other NZ athlete in the field, Matt Walsh of Auckland.The three AAC athletes at the ITM will now finish off their training in preparation for the Athletics New Zealand National Championships, to be held at the Caledonian in Dunedin (March 6-9).In another competition, Matthew Botting improved on his 400m at a competition in Auckland on Sunday. Now in his first year at AUT, Matthew (18) ran a time 52.61s - a PB by 0.43s - in very blustery conditions. “It means that he has the potential for a sub-52 second 400m soon, in calmer weather,” Michael said.Matthew will join his AAC senior clubmates for the Nationals in Dunedin, where he will contest the Men’s Under-20 400m, as well compete for Otago in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.PHOTO: Supplied

A local balloon landing last week has been called “a perfect landing” by the balloon company, although it caused some surprise to road users.The Adventure Balloons NZ balloon landed on Kane Road (up from the Luggate Red Bridge) near a carpark.Adventure Balloons NZ co-owner Michaela Church told the Wānaka App it was “a perfect landing”.“We see no issues with that landing at all,” she said. “The pilot chose to land there. It was simply… that there was a nice clean car park on the side of the road. The pilots are trained to land somewhere that is considered safe and easy to access for packing up of the balloon. “The weather was what would have been considered perfect for ballooning on that day. It was not a hard, difficult, or unusual landing, it was a perfect landing.”NZTA spokesperson Andy Knackstedt said there were no legislative requirements for balloons landing on roadsides.“More likely a general prohibition on blocking the roadway/obstructing traffic,” he said, adding that NZTA was not in a position to comment on the specific case.Ten passengers were treated for minor injuries after an Adventure Balloons NZ balloon had what the company described as a “speedy landing” in Queensberry last December.Read more: Ten with minor injuries following hot air balloon crashPHOTO: Supplied