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Gondola project may aim for winter 2029 
Gondola project may aim for winter 2029 

24 February 2025, 4:06 PM

The company behind the proposal for a gondola linking the Crown Range Road and the Cardrona and Soho ski areas can now officially apply to make the project a reality.Late last year Blackman Creek Holdings Ltd’s plans for a gondola (as well as ski area development including visitor accommodation, guest facilities and workers' accommodation) were made public when it was named as one of 149 projects listed for inclusion in the Fast Track Approvals Act.Earlier this month (February 7), listed projects - selected for their potential for regional or national significance - were given the green light to lodge their applications at the new Fast Track website.While Blackman Creek Holdings Ltd (which lists developer John Darby as the director) has not yet lodged its application, newly-public information says the company hopes the gondola will be operational by 2028.“...construction of the gondola, infrastructure, and associated base facilities is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with completion targeted before the 2028 winter ski season,” application documents submitted on behalf of Blackman Creek Holdings Ltd said. The construction of on-mountain visitor and staff accommodation “will commence immediately after completing the gondola and base facilities construction”.“The aim is to finish this stage ahead of the 2029 winter season.”The documents said the company behind the proposal had a strong background in ski area development and management in Queenstown Lakes dating back to the 1980s.The project aims to create “world class” facilities, address “much needed” staff accommodation, and provide “faster and safer” access to the two ski areas via the gondola.The Fast Track Approvals Act is designed to streamline the planning process for significant projects and ”cut through the thicket of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes”, according to infrastructure minister Chris Bishop.Chris said any of the 149 listed projects can now lodge substantive applications and “expert panels will consider these applications, decide whether or not each project receives approval, and attach any necessary conditions to those approvals.”As well as the gondola project, two other local projects - a development to establish 263 high-density units at Mt Iron Junction and the controversial Bendigo-Ophir gold mining project - were selected as listed projects.Neither of them has made a substantive application yet.PHOTO: Supplied

Santana’s fast track application just weeks away
Santana’s fast track application just weeks away

24 February 2025, 4:04 PM

Just weeks out from Santana Minerals lodging resource consents for its Central Otago gold mine near Bendigo, lobby group Sustainable Tarras has become more active with its campaign against it.Speaking in the public forum of the Otago Regional Council meeting last Wednesday (February 19), and publishing a media release days later, the group has released two videos about the scope of the project and their concerns.Sustainable Tarras spokesperson Suze Keith said the group was concerned that “most people have no idea what’s coming”.The company confirmed to the Central App it was planning on submitting its fast track application as soon as possible, likely in March/April.Engagement manager Vicki Blakeborough said they were continuing to gather information that would inform its application for consents.An aerial shot of the Bendigo area.“As information comes to hand, we are sharing this on our website, and at drop-in sessions in the Tarras and Cromwell communities. We would encourage those that would like to find out more about the project to come along to our drop-in sessions, or to get in touch with us.”In a statement, the company said they would also like to point out that while the project would be assessed under the Fast-Track approval process, there was mandated legislation and standards that would need to be met.“This includes the Resource Management Act and associated regulations and national policy statements. “The Fast-track is a process to facilitate projects of national significance and gives due weighting to the social and economic benefits that it will provide through improved infrastructure, well paid jobs and a major economic stimulus, all funded through private investment not central government.”Sustainable Tarras was encouraging people who cared about Central Otago to make some noise, ask questions of their local council and politicians and spread the word. “If we’re going to have any influence over the fast track consenting process, we really need help.”The group has spent the last few months researching what was proposed and gathering information from the mining industry about similar operations, including the Macraes gold mine.Bendigo wine grower Rob van der Mark and Suze spoke to ORC and gave their perspective on what they called ‘industrialisation’ of the valley, and the impacts on the nearby Shepherds Creek.“Pro-mining politicians and mining executives have made questionable, sweeping statements about ‘economic benefits’, but we think most people will be horrified when they realise what is involved. "The size, scale and risks associated with this fast-tracked project are ‘off the charts’, totally contradict the values of the area, and people in Central Otago and beyond need to know what’s coming.”Santana said the mitigation of environmental effects such as wide-spread pest control and conservation of threatened species would make the project one that Central Otago and New Zealand would be proud of.PHOTOS: Supplied

New $50,000 community fund launched by Queenstown Airport
New $50,000 community fund launched by Queenstown Airport

24 February 2025, 4:00 PM

Queenstown Airport has launched an annual fund to provide financial support to local charities and community organisations.Administered by the Wakatipu Community Foundation, the annual Queenstown Airport Community Fund will distribute $50,000 in grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, to eligible not-for-profits operating in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts.A statement from Queenstown Airport said it aims to create a meaningful and lasting impact by empowering grassroots organisations that contribute to the wellbeing of the region’s people and environment."As a key gateway to our region, we recognise our responsibility to give back and support the communities that support us," Queenstown Airport partnerships and marketing manager Vanessa Hartnell said. "The Queenstown Airport Community Fund is a way for us to invest in local organisations that are making a real difference, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive."The fund will add to the $150,000 the airport already contributes through its sponsorships and partnerships programme each year."We are delighted to partner with Queenstown Airport to facilitate this new community initiative," Wakatipu Community Foundation CEO Jennifer Belmont said.“Local charities and not-for-profits play such a key role in our communities, and this fund will provide some extra support to help them continue their work.”Applications for the Queenstown Airport Community Fund will open on March 3, with organisations located in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts encouraged to apply.Find more details, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, here. Applications close at 5pm on April 7.PHOTO: Supplied 

Decline in lake health needs urgent action - community group
Decline in lake health needs urgent action - community group

23 February 2025, 4:04 PM

A community group is urging elected representatives to help coordinate urban water management in the Upper Clutha, warning that Lake Wānaka’s declining water quality requires urgent action.A NIWA report presented in December last year rated Lake Wānaka’s water quality as ‘good’, the first time its rating had dropped from ‘excellent’.The report said Lake Wānaka had the highest concentration of lake snow of all lakes in the district, its ecological health had declined over the longer-term, and it noted a reduction in deep water vegetation, likely the result of declining water quality.“We know the lake water quality has been downgraded and we need to understand and act accordingly,” Lakeside Road Enhancement Group representative Mandy Bell told Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board members at Thursday’s (Thursday February 20) meeting.A community-wide catchment plan was created eight years ago to bring together 13 groups working to improve water health and it has been the basis for some “really positive work programmes over the last eight years,” Mandy said.“What we need now is an urban catchment plan,” she said. “It will provide us with a clear direction, a work plan which allows us to maximise resources, and leverage people… to…do the work that is needed.”Mandy has been involved in water health initiatives in the Upper Clutha for many years, including a long period as the chair of WAI Wānaka and recently with Aotearoa New Zealand Catchment Communities Group.She is currently involved with the Lakeside Road Catchment Group, which is one of a number of parties - from community-led ones to larger organisations - doing their bit for lake health.“We need to maximise our scarce resources and work together,” Mandy told the community board. An urban catchment plan would “pull together the good work happening across the community, put the challenges in one plan, and help enable enduring [lake] health”.She asked the community board to support the development of an urban catchment plan.The community board is “one of the many that need to sit around the table and work together,” Mandy said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Tourism to drive plan for local ‘regional deal’ 
Tourism to drive plan for local ‘regional deal’ 

23 February 2025, 4:00 PM

A focus on tourism drives a new proposal to fund infrastructure and boost economic growth in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Central Otago District Council (CODC), and Otago Regional Council (ORC) have teamed up to push for a regional deal with central government to address critical infrastructure needs and support sustainable economic growth.The joint proposal outlines a long-term vision to strengthen the region’s dominant tourism and viticulture industries while tackling pressing growth pressures. “Our part of the country is an economic powerhouse, but there is urgency to address critical infrastructure needs and deliver affordable housing,” QLDC mayor Glyn Lewers said.The plan’s primary objectives are to use tourism to boost economic growth, “transform the transport system”, secure energy needs for the future, and use private investment to deliver public health services.Read the proposal here.Councils plan to leverage private investment to deliver public health services, noting that “medical tourism contributes to both the economy and the community”.Last year councils were invited to submit proposals for a ‘Regional Deal’ to work with central government on a 30-year ‘vision’ and a 10-year plan, with proposals needing to demonstrate how any deal would unlock productivity, connectivity and housing.In December the three councils co-signed a letter to express their interest in submitting a proposal and since then elected members and staff from the respective councils, along with representatives from the private and public sectors and iwi, have been working together to refine a proposal to put to central government.The joint proposal presents a collective vision to support dominant industries, maximise investment and visitation, and ensure the region remains an attractive and liveable destination, Glyn said.“We continue to grow but we need to grow well to retain and boost what makes our region special,” he said.The proposal will be discussed and voted on by councillors at QLDC on Tuesday (February 25) and at CODC and ORC on Wednesday (February 26). If the three councils agree to support the proposal, the next step would be to submit it to the Department of Internal Affairs. If the Otago Central Lakes proposal is selected, more work will be carried out to negotiate and agree the details of the deal.“The packages set out in the proposal are a starting point for negotiations and will still need to be formally agreed by the three parties and any delivery partners,” a joint statement from the three councils said.PHOTOS: Supplied

Harrington and Barclay make NZ snow sports history
Harrington and Barclay make NZ snow sports history

22 February 2025, 10:31 PM

Wānaka athletes Luca Harrington (20) and Ben Barclay (23) have made history for New Zealand snow sports in Canada this morning (Sunday February 23).The two freeskiers finished in second and third place respectively at the FIS Freeski Slopestyle World Cup, marking the first time two Kiwi athletes have ever shared a Park & Pipe World Cup podium. “It was extremely special, we have put so much work in together - we train together every day, we travel together, so it was amazing to stand together on the podium,” Luca said. Ben was equally pleased, saying “if there is one person I’m not too fussed bumping me down [from second into third] it is Luca. Luca has been on a tear this season, so to join him on the podium is a dream come true, it was amazing.” The course in Stoneham encouraged the athletes to get creative. With two jumps at the top of the course and then three rail pads providing numerous line options, it was a competition that showed the diversity of the rider’s skillsets.Ben opted for a technical run to show off his skills, including back-to-back double corked 1620s on the jumps and a bio 810 out of the first rail feature. Dropping at the start of the field, he was initially positioned in first place, before Matej Svancer of Austria and teammate Luca leapfrogged him with their final runs. Luca, a big air specialist, made the most of the jumps putting down a switch right double corked 1800 Japan grab into a switch left double 1620 safety grab. He then laced together a technical rail section that included a gravity defying 450 gap between two rail features. Matej remained in the lead to take the win, with Luca in second and Ben in third with just 0.54 points separating the two Kiwi men. For both athletes this is their career-second Slopestyle World Cup podium. It is Luca’s best Slopestyle World Cup result (previous result was a third) and Ben’s first World Cup podium in just over three years (last podium was January 2022). Snow Sports NZ park & pipe head coach Tom Willmott was thrilled but not surprised with today’s result. “Luca and Ben both delivered world-class slopestyle runs this morning, and making history for NZ snow sports is the cherry on top,” he said. “I am stoked to see the boys execute their competition runs so well and to see both Luca and Ben share the podium is something very special. I also want to acknowledge the exceptional work of their lead coach Hamish McDougall, his dedication to all the athletes he works with is second to none."

More records fall to young runner
More records fall to young runner

21 February 2025, 4:06 PM

More records have fallen to Aspiring Athletes Club (AAC) runner Phoebe Laker.Despite high winds at a recent meet at the Caledonian in Dunedin, Phoebe (16) “set the meeting alight” with an outstanding run in the 400m, which combined all the women’s grades over age 16 into one race, AAC senior coach Michael Beable said.“In what virtually became a time trial for her, she recorded a major personal best (PB) of 0.82 second, with a stunning one-lap time of 55.34 seconds,” he said.Headwinds of at least 4.8m/s on the home straight ruled out the possibility for athletes to record their fastest times in the 100m, with most off their best by about 0.5s.Women athletes in the 200m, from left, Phoebe Laker, Anna Grimaldi, Georgie Bruce, and Jorje Gibbons.In the 400m Phoebe set new Otago records for girls aged 16-17 for the ninth time.She also broke the Otago age-18 record (previously held by noted NZ representative Anna Smythe) by a significant margin of 0.42s.Phoebe is now unbeaten in the 400m over more than two years.“Her 400m run on Saturday suggests that in calmer conditions there are even better times to come for her this season,” Michael said.After her strenuous run in the 400m, Phoebe managed the next day to set a second PB (by 0.33s) at the provincial champs in the women’s 200m, in which she ran in 24.91s into a 0.8m/s headwind.She won ahead of strong opposition that included current NZ Secondary School representative Jorje Gibbons (18) (by 0.33s), and NZ Para-Olympic 200m champion Anna Grimaldi (by more than 1.5s).The Caledonian crowd were getting accustomed to Phoebe ringing the stadium bell to announce a new PB - a new initiative from Athletics Otago.In other events, Niamh Townsend was second in the women’s 100m, and fourth overall in the women’s 200m. Georgie Bruce was fifth in this race, second fastest in the 400m (in 61.63s) and second in the women’s discus with a throw of 29.53m.Ryan Enoka, sole competitor in the men’s U20m hammer, threw a pleasing 36.40m, as well as 29.22m in the discus throw to place second.In the under-16 category, 13-year-old Ruby Samy from AAC went well, placing fifth in the girls’ 100m with 14.14s, and fourth for a PB in the 200m (28.64s). She also achieved a PB in placing second in the girls’ U16 long jump with a leap of 4.41m. Harriet Grant also achieved a second placing, with 8.84m in the U16 triple jump.PHOTOS: Supplied

Organisations team up for winter crop competition
Organisations team up for winter crop competition

21 February 2025, 4:04 PM

The Wānaka A&P Foundation is the sponsor for the upcoming 2025 Upper Clutha Winter Crop Competition.Organised by the Rotary Club of Wānaka, the competition judges the quality of local winter feed crops based on entries received from local farms and donates proceeds to worthy causes.It has become a staple in the agricultural calendar, bringing together farmers, agribusinesses, and the wider community to celebrate excellence in winter crop farming, Rotary Club of Wānaka Winter Crop committee chair Deans Hudson said.“The Upper Clutha A&P Society has kindly offered to help with the promotion of the competition and provide its support, with an end goal of raising funds for the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust and the local fire brigades of Tarras, Luggate, and Lake Hāwea,” Deans said.“These organisations will benefit from the fundraising dinner and awards ceremony, which will be held in the Upper Clutha Rugby Clubrooms on Friday, May 16, 2025.”The Wānaka A&P Foundation is administered by the Upper Clutha A&P Society.Society chair Keith Cooper said the initiative was a “particularly good fit with the Wānaka A&P Foundation’s strategy of supporting the Upper Clutha rural community.”The collaboration between the Rotary Club of Wānaka and the Upper Clutha A&P Society strengthens the competition’s presence in the local rural community and ensures continued support for key beneficiaries, Deans added.This will be the fourth time the Rotary Club of Wānaka has hosted the Winter Crop competition. Over the years, more than $120,000 has been donated to local beneficiaries, primarily the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust, through the generosity of Upper Clutha’s farming community and supporting businesses.Both farmers and sponsors alike are encouraged to participate in the well-established competition, which helps ensure critical local services continue to receive funding.PHOTO: Supplied

Strong start to year for Luggate cyclist
Strong start to year for Luggate cyclist

21 February 2025, 4:00 PM

Rising cycling star Kim Cadzow has started another year strong after earning two wins at Cycling New Zealand Elite National Time Trial and Road Race earlier this month.Kim (23), who lives in Luggate when she is not training with EF Education-Oatly WorldTour team in Europe, said she was “super happy” to take both the national road and time trial champion titles.“It's not something I believed I could achieve - [winning] both in one year,” she said.Kim has a knack for surpassing expectations: she was selected to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games just a few years after she first took up the sport.She has also earned a spot as a full-time professional cyclist employed with EF Education-Cannondale and she spends most of the year training and competing all over Europe.It’s an impressive upward trajectory for any cyclist, but especially one who only started cycling after she finished school.Kim spoke to the Wānaka App after returning to Europe last week.“This year will be busy,” she said. “I started my season in January racing on the road for my team EF and this will continue until October. “Some of the racing can last for up to eight days and some one day events. In one year I will race around 45-50 days.”Despite her rapid success, Kim is taking a steady approach to the sport.“This year I'm looking forward just to keep progressing my cycling and finding out where my limits are,” Kim said.“I am still incredibly young in the sport so I continue to look to develop and improve while enjoying the riding.” PHOTO: Supplied

‘Corbridge Resort’ proposal in limbo
‘Corbridge Resort’ proposal in limbo

20 February 2025, 4:06 PM

More details have been revealed on plans for the development of land near Wānaka Airport, which could include a 36-hole golf course, two hotels, restaurants, and both residential and visitor housing.The Corbridge Downs landowner, South Island Office (SIO), submitted its plans for a proposed 'Corbridge Resort’ to the government’s Fast-track Approval process in May last year, but the application did not make the government’s list of approved projects.It proposed “an integrated resort development including … golf course, associated visitor accommodation including two hotels and short stay units, two golf club houses, restaurants, guest amenities (spa, gym, pool etc), residential activities and worker accommodation and resort maintenance facilities”. The proposal suggests the golf course would be created in two stages, providing both private and pay for play options. The plans also include a driving range and a pro shop.The proposal includes “lakeside apartments” and boathouses.Fifty bedrooms for staff accommodation were also part of the application, as well as up to 323 accommodation units - a mix of 150 guest units for short-stay guest accommodation, 60 units for short-stay guest accommodation, and 113 residential units (with the option to be used as short-stay guest accommodation).Stage one of the project would see 18 holes of the golf course completed, along with a club house and worker accommodation complete within two and a half years from approval, the application said.The second stage would see the hotels and first half of the visitor accommodation and residential units completed within three and a half years of approval, and the final stage would see the second 18 holes of the golf course, a club house and second half of the visitor accommodation and residential units completed within four and a half years of approval.The red border shows the location of Corbridge Downs (border may not be exact)SIO’s application for Corbridge Downs materials was published on MBIE’s website last month (January 2025). Some parts of the application were withheld under the Official Information Act, including information relating to ‘applications still being considered’. There is currently no application for such a development on the Queenstown Lakes District Council list of current resource consent applications, and SIO has not responded to the Wānaka App’s request for comment, so the proposal’s progress is unclear.Corbridge Downs was billed to become a $280M film park after Silverlight Studio was granted resource consent to construct a film park (complete with studios, production offices, a film school, a screening theatre, and an exhibition centre) in December 2021 under the Covid-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act.Despite the studio owners securing approval for various facilities, MBIE decided in 2023 to no longer provide it with funding support.MBIE comment on the SIO application for ‘Corbridge Resort’ noted that: “Silverlight has not progressed the development so the Applicant has recommenced its own planning with respect to the site. These plans are underway but have not yet been the subject of detailed consultation or engagement with potentially affected parties due to the Silverlight project”.Read more: MBIE funding withdrawn from SilverlightThe Christchurch-based SIO has declined to respond to various requests from the Wānaka App about the private equity company’s plans for the Wānaka site.IMAGES: Supplied

No public feedback on cell tower a surprise
No public feedback on cell tower a surprise

20 February 2025, 4:04 PM

Wānaka’s community board has expressed frustration about the notification of new cell phone towers being left to the “eleventh hour”.The issue was raised at yesterday’s (Thursday February 20) first Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) meeting for the year, when considering a Connexa application for a new cell tower at Forest Heights Reserve.WUCCB chair Simon Telfer said he was “very surprised” that Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) had received no public feedback on the notification, despite it having been advertised in the Otago Daily Times and the Wānaka Sun.“I think we need to act on these things sooner, and not at the eleventh hour,” he told QLDC parks property planner Matt Judd.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith (who is not a member of the WUCCB but attends the meetings) asked Matt if QLDC had advised all landowners adjoining the reserve a cell tower was proposed; the answer was ‘no’, but, Matt said, “It’s a question of how far you go with that notification”.“They’re either on an adjoining property or they’re not,” Quentin said. “It is a matter of procedure.”A resident near the proposed cell tower site told the Wānaka App they were surprised to read about the proposed cell tower in the WUCCB agenda.“I didn't know anything about it, and it is in my backyard,” the resident, who asked not to be named, said.The resident questioned whether QLDC’s approach to notification was adequate, adding that the fact council received no submissions on the issue was “a red flag”.“Some issues are more scintillating than others, but my suspicion is that people didn’t know about it rather than people didn’t care,” they said. “I do think some scrutiny in general would be in order. [It is] symptomatic of how anyone is supposed to participate in democratic practice if the quality of engagement is not good enough.”Quentin told the Wānaka App “we could definitely do more than the legal minimum of a newspaper notice”.He added that the board must “really [put] pressure on the telecom companies to fulfil their industry best practice required by the code of practice”.  “Council often get blamed for cell towers like at Hāwea and even Dungarvon Street. This just reinforces [that] council and community have little control over them and that the processes don’t really work that well for stakeholders.” The WUCCB agreed to grant Connexa a license for the tower, subject to resource consent, and members highlighted the need for Connexa to adhere to its code of practice.The tower will extend mobile coverage to areas not covered by other towers, including Lake Wānaka near Beacon Point, across to some of the western shoreline of the lake, and to Roys Peak, according to Connexa.It will replace a temporary tower which was installed on the reserve in 2017 because the network had reached capacity months earlier.“If we didn’t grant this license… the flow-on effect would then be cell towers in road reserves in multiple locations through residential areas to get the same coverage or capacity,” Matt said.The cell tower could be up to 12.9 metres and QLDC planned to require additional planting to minimise the visual impact and, if appropriate, require the mast to be painted to blend in as much as possible, Matt said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Festival fans pay it forward
Festival fans pay it forward

20 February 2025, 4:00 PM

A new initiative at this year’s Wānaka Festival of Colour is helping more people in the community access the festival’s world class performances.The ‘pay it forward’ option at checkout allows ticket buyers to donate the cost of a ticket to someone who might not otherwise be able to attend, festival executive director Ruth Heath said. “Thanks to the generosity of our festival-goers, we’ve sent more than 30 free tickets across a broad range of shows, including ones sold out, to Community Link to share with their clients,” Ruth said.She said the ‘pay it forward’ initiative was a “triple win”.“Donors feel great about giving, we receive the ticket sales, and the recipients get to enjoy an unforgettable festival experience that has been gifted by a caring person in the community.”Community Link general manager Kate Murray told the Wānaka App the initiative was “a treat many of our clients wouldn’t have thought possible”.“We’ve already seen first-hand how powerful it is for people to be given the opportunity to attend events like these. It’s not just about the show itself – it’s about offering people moments of fun, connection, and belonging,” she said.“It’s an amazing opportunity for those who often feel excluded from cultural events, and we’re thrilled the Festival of Colour selected Community Link to be part of it."Anyone who would like to ‘pay it forward’ can add a gift ticket when they complete an online booking..“It’s heartwarming to see the community rally behind this and we’d love to spread the word and keep the kindness rolling,” Ruth said.Wānaka Festival of Colour will take place from March 29-April 26.Read more: Wānaka Festival of Colour reveals ‘fabulous lineup’ PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

Low lake level within normal range
Low lake level within normal range

19 February 2025, 4:04 PM

Low rainfall over the past month has resulted in a notable drop in the level of Lake Wānaka but it is not out of the ordinary variation range, Guardians of Lake Wānaka chair and WAI Wānaka trustee Don Robertson says.Data supplied by NIWA at the time of writing (the afternoon of Wednesday February 19) showed a lake level of 276.456 metres above sea level.The level fell around 35cm in the past month but, after light rainfall, increased a little in the previous couple of days from the month’s low of 276.407 metres above sea level.It was still well above the lowest recorded level, which was measured on September 25, 1935, at 276.26 metres above sea level.Beacon Point Road Beach looking more like a tidal inlet than an alpine lake on Wednesday.Don said the drop in lake level is unlikely to have an impact on aquatic health.“In the ranges we are seeing, in normal circumstances I wouldn’t expect to see very much in the way of impact on biodiversity or anything else,” Don said.“If it carries on down like this it could get to the point where it is causing damage to plants.”The foreshore below Bullock Creek on Wednesday.The median level of Lake Wānaka (between 1962 and 2023) was 277.22 metres above sea level, with most years falling within 0.19 metres of this range, according to a report completed by aquatic ecologist Ian Hawes for Otago Regional Council (ORC).The lake level has “considerable year-to-year variability”, the report said.Don noted that the low lake level had made visible a substantial alluvial plain where Bullock Creek enters Lake Wānaka.It is the result of the “huge increase in sediment” entering Bullock Creek from the Alpha Series subdivision, he said.A forecast for heavy rain overnight on Wednesday suggests the lake level will trend upwards.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Autumn Harvest Festival returns 
Autumn Harvest Festival returns 

19 February 2025, 4:00 PM

Wao Aotearoa has launched tickets for its annual Autumn Harvest Festival and it is encouraging business and community members to support the festival. The season-long festival will feature workshops, tours, and the annual Upper Clutha Apple Drive, and its keynote weekend of workshops will take place from March 14-16.Workshop events will teach participants how to grow, harvest, prepare and preserve their own food, master hot and cold smoking of fish, forage for edible wild herbs, and much more.Last year’s workshops all sold out so participants are encouraged to book quickly.This year the festival will also feature a film night for the first time, with a screening of ‘Wilding’, which follows a young couple's daring to ‘rewild’ their 400-year-old estate.“The Harvest Festival is more than a weekend event - it’s part of the Wao Aotearoa Food Resilience Programme, which aims to strengthen our local food system and increase our knowledge on how to grow and process food,” Wao Aotearoa said in a statement. “By connecting people to practical skills, expert advice, and community workshops, we’re preparing the Southern Lakes to thrive—no matter what challenges come our way.”As well as attendees, Wao Aotearoa is also hoping to hear from individuals in the community who would like to partner with the festival in some way.“To run this impactful weekend, we’re seeking a principal sponsor or a group of supporters who share our vision of a stronger, more self-reliant community,” Wao Aotearoa said.“Whether you’re a business leader, a community advocate, or someone passionate about food security, your support can make a lasting impact.”Find more information and tickets for the Autumn Harvest Festival here.Anyone who is interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities can get in touch with [email protected]: Wao Aotearoa

Queenstown Airport to pay $7million dividend
Queenstown Airport to pay $7million dividend

18 February 2025, 5:00 PM

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will receive a $5.2 million dividend as the major shareholder of Queenstown Airport, which has marked a strong start to the financial year.Releasing the airport’s interim report (for the six months to December 31, 2024) Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) chair Simon Flood said the business had started the financial year well with a strong financial performance and significant progress towards its strategic goals.“Following our first-half results, we are pleased to be able to distribute an interim dividend of $7 million, which will be paid out to shareholders this month,” he said. “In determining the level of the dividend to be distributed, the board has considered not only our results for the period under review, but also our commitments in the foreseeable future.”QLDC will receive $5.2 million as the major shareholder (75.01 percent) of the airport. Auckland International Airport Ltd will receive 24.99 percent of the $7 million dividend. Queenstown Airport has been busy, with a total of 1,343,006 passengers passing through the terminal in the first six months of this financial year (FY25). QAC said this represents a six percent increase compared with the same period the previous year. Revenue for the first half of the financial year was up 22 percent and profit up 27 percent compared with the same period the previous year. Simon said airport operations ran smoothly during the peak winter weeks and over the summer holidays, when record numbers of passengers travelled through the terminal. The growth in passenger numbers was driven by continued demand for travel to and from Queenstown, with particularly strong trans-Tasman numbers, he said.The airport will continue its capital investment programme, including work on the Queenstown Airport Master Plan, he added.“Looking ahead, we expect passenger numbers to remain strong, producing steady revenue and a solid full-year result. We will continue to focus on enhancing the passenger experience, and ensuring we are well-prepared for an extended period of infrastructure delivery.”QAC’s interim results include revenue of $40.4 million; earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $29.5 million; and a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $16.2 million.PHOTOS: Supplied

Regional council ‘a work in progress’ - report
Regional council ‘a work in progress’ - report

18 February 2025, 4:04 PM

An independent performance evaluation report by Local Government New Zealand’s ‘Te Korowai’ has highlighted both strengths and weaknesses at the Otago Regional Council (ORC). ORC chief executive Richard Saunders said the report is “a good step in benchmarking where the regional council is at, and more importantly which areas need focus to deliver the best outcomes”. “The report identifies ORC’s strengths and weaknesses, through the eyes of staff, councillors, iwi partners and other stakeholders; both the positives and areas where improvements are needed”. He acknowledged there was “plenty to focus on” in the report’s ‘area of improvements’.The report recommended the regional council consolidate its State of the Environment report to stocktake Otago’s environment, provide a better explanation of the approach to land and water planning, further its investigations into the management of ORC investments, and continue to develop the approach to catchment management.It also “needs to grow further to address issues such as land and water management”, the report said.“In the background, there is an emerging question of mitigation of climate change effects that needs to be addressed catchment by catchment.”Te Korowai also recognised ORC’s strong commitment to building science and environmental capability, achieving quick turnaround times and reduced costs for those seeking consents, plus delivering a financial strategy greatly simplifying the rating regime. ORC’s overall performance in the report was rated ‘Mauri tū – Active’, which recognised there are some highlights and considerable work in progress to build council into a mature institution and in developing the planning and regulatory frameworks.The rating categories range from Mauri moe - Inactive (lowest) to Mauri oho - Aware, before Mauri tū – Active and lastly Mauri ora - Thriving (highest).Richard said the report provided a “great insight” into how the ORC can further evolve to meet demands “from the up-front environmental issues through to back-room strategies and streamlining the delivery of services”.“A plan for the next steps will be developed alongside ORC’s broader Business Improvement Framework,” he saidThe plan and regular progress reports on implementation will be provided to council along with reporting on business improvement initiatives, including the Efficiency Review implementation, he added.The report will be presented to councillors at today’s (Wednesday February 15) meeting. PHOTO: ORC

From ‘show to snow’ for organic waste
From ‘show to snow’ for organic waste

18 February 2025, 4:00 PM

The Wānaka A&P Show has teamed up with Wānaka Wastebusters and Cardrona Alpine Resort to tackle organic waste.All organic materials from this year’s show - including food waste from trade exhibitors and attendees, as well as livestock waste - will be collected and transported by Wastebusters to Cardrona, where they’ll be composted as part of the resort’s ‘Plant a Seed’ initiative.  ‘Plant a Seed’ turns composted materials into fertiliser for native plantings across Cardrona and Treble Cone, supporting endemic wildlife and helping restore the natural landscape. Cardrona and Treble Cone general manager Laura Hedley said the partnership was “a great opportunity to highlight how we all have a part to play in sustainability and conservation”. Diverting the show’s organic waste in this way “marks a significant milestone in our sustainability efforts,” Wānaka A&P Show general manager Jane Stalker said.The ‘show to snow’ project also “marks a significant milestone in our sustainability efforts, demonstrating our commitment to reducing the show’s environmental impact”, Wānaka A&P Show general manager Jane Stalker said.Wastebusters has worked with the Wānaka A&P Show for over 10 years, providing recycling services, advice and diversion of horse manure and food waste to private composting. “We're really excited to be part of the next phase of their sustainability journey, collecting food waste from show goers and all hospitality providers and to compost it locally on the mountain at Cardrona,” Wānaka Wastebusters’ business development manager Sophie Ward said.“Our staff will be on hand at the show helping people get their waste into the right bins to help divert as much waste from landfill as we can.” Jane said the partnership with Wastebusters provides show organisers “with the metrics that will enable us to monitor our waste outputs and incorporate this in our year-on-year planning to ensure continuous improvements”.The Wānaka A&P Show - one of New Zealand’s biggest agricultural, pastoral and community events - will return to the Wānaka Showgrounds and Pembroke Park on March 7-8.It will feature traditional drawcards like the equestrian, livestock and home industries events and family-friendly favourites like rides, food trucks and the entertaining Jack Russell race.PHOTOS: Supplied

Search for Hector moves downstream
Search for Hector moves downstream

18 February 2025, 12:16 AM

The search for 21-year-old Hector Antigua has shifted downstream, NZ Police say.Hector was reported missing on February 6 after a friend and hiking companion saw him fall from a rock into Rob Roy Stream during a hike in Mt Aspiring National Park.Police followed a promising lead yesterday (Monday February 17) but did not locate Hector. A NZ Police spokesperson said police had received reports from a member of the public about what was believed to be an item of interest in an area of Rob Roy Stream.“Police searched the area locating the item, however it was not as originally reported, and was instead a white rock,” the spokesperson said. A couple of days earlier, on Saturday February 15, the Police National Dive Squad and Wānaka SAR Swift Water Rescue Team also searched an area of the canyon with underwater cameras and light equipment.The NZ Police spokesperson told the Wānaka App the search will now move further downstream “due to exhausting all search avenues in the canyon”.Search teams were quickly deployed to the area when Hector (an Argentinian national) was reported missing just before 5pm on February 6.Some of the early search efforts were hampered by extreme hazards and limited visibility.Last Thursday (February 13) police said they had located a number of personal items along the stream which were believed to belong to the missing man.Hector arrived in New Zealand in September 2024 and he recently worked at a cherry orchard in Alexandra.More than $15,000 has been raised to help Hector’s mother, Adriana Calomarde, travel to New Zealand to be closer to the search for her son, via a Givealittle page.PHOTO: Supplied

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