Junior netballers in Hāwea are benefitting from strong community support, including skilled coaches, sponsorship, fundraising, and even an extended season.Hāwea Flat School students previously played netball as part of school teams in the Wānaka competition, however, when Hāwea Netball Club was created in 2007, the club took the students under its umbrella.This allowed players from Hāwea Flat School and other local rural schools to play together as a team, Paula Shortall of Hāwea Junior Netball told the Wānaka App.There are three year 3 and 4 teams and three year 5 and 6 teams this season. “This year our teams have been smaller to give our kids the most opportunity to play rather than standing on the sideline,” Paula said.“There has been a lot of sharing of players amongst teams and a great club spirit.”One of the coaches, Annette Mitchell, said she was grateful for the “amazing team of coaches and volunteers”.“I'm really proud of the kids for their eagerness to learn and enjoy the game,” she said.Previously the young netballers only played for Hāwea Junior Netball in the Wānaka competition in term two but this year they have been able to branch out further.An initiative by coach Amber Wright this year allowed for another four weeks of games for the keen year 5 and 6 players, extending the season.The young netballers have played teams from Wānaka Primary School, Te Kura Take Karara, and Holy Family School.Hāwea Junior Netball entered two teams in the Millers Flat School tournament this year, and the year six team won their division.Each Hāwea Junior Netball player has received a new playing uniform this year thanks to the teams’ sponsors: Green to Gold, Wānaka Stihl Shop, and Enviroscope.The players also received subsidised club hoodies thanks to Greg Steel Construction and Pinnacle Landscape; a Lake Hāwea Family Fishing Classic grant provided new team balls and bags; and the Hāwea Shop and Kitchen provided ‘player of day’ prizes for year 5 and 6 players.The teams have also held two fundraising bake sales (to help cover the cost of uniforms) at Saturday morning netball in Wānaka, which older siblings have helped to run.Dominos, Subway and Fresh Choice Lake Hāwea have donated spot prizes for players involved in the Hāwea Junior Netball Initiative.PHOTOS: Supplied

Despite weeks of uncertainty about snow conditions, the 30th annual Merino Muster international event took place on Saturday (August 30) in bluebird conditions thanks to 10 centimetres of fresh snow and a sunny weather window.Rather than its usual 42km route around the rolling Pisa Range at the Snow Farm, the event took place on a 3km loop, with those registered for the 43km event skiing eight loops to make up 21km. The usually 21km Snow Rake required four loops (11.5km) and the Straggle Muster two loops (5km).Campbell Wright, who learned how to ski at the Snow Farm and now skis for the USA team, won the event by a comfortable margin, starting out fast and maintaining a good lead (1:04) over second place getter Uda Takatsugu of Japan.The USA’s Chip Freeman was third, and 17-year-old Hāwea Flat skier Lewis Briscall came in just 35 seconds later.Cross country skiers at the start of the 2025 Merino Muster event. PHOTO: Wānaka AppCampbell told the Wānaka App it was “actually great” repeating laps.“The snow condition is super super super nice. It made for easy skiing and just a great day,” he said.“It’s my favourite race of the year; I get the most nervous before it… I couldn’t sleep last night.“It’s also good to have a race where I can try my hardest.”Hāwea teenager Lewis Briscall, who came in a close fourth. PHOTO: Garrick CameronUSA top skiers Jessie Diggins - a previous Merino Muster winner - and teammate Julia Kern fought it out for the women’s first place, with Julia taking the win and Jessie second place.In third place was Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt of Canada.There was also plenty of local competition at the event, with Wānaka athletes making good time in the Snow Rake event, which was won by Adam Achs, with Go Suzuki in second place and Wānaka’s Louis Jones third. The women’s event was won by Wānaka athlete Nicole David, with local teenager Nico Pettit second and Kotoha Matsudo (Japan) third. Eleven-year-old Merritt Graham of Team Snow Farm sprinted the Straggle Muster course to take a well deserved win over a minute ahead of Josie Wright (14, Australia), with Jasper Lambert (13) of Team Snow Farm in third place.Local and international skiers kicking off the Straggle Muster. PHOTO: Wānaka AppAs usual, a highlight of the annual event was the one kilometre Mini Merinos race for the under-10s, which included race founder Mary Lee accompanying her three-year-old grandson Archie around the course.It was the 30th anniversary of the New Zealand Worldloppet race but the first as full members of Worldloppet after a 14 year apprenticeship as an associate member, Merino Muster race director John Burridge said.  “This year for the first time as well we introduced the Australian/NZ medal for those that completed both races in the same year with a number of Australians being the first holders of the medal,” he said.

Every year, someone asks: “But when’s Straight Pride?”It’s a question that misses the point of what Pride means, and why it still matters, especially in Wānaka, our growing rural district.Pride isn’t a competition. It’s a celebration. It’s about visibility for those questioning or struggling with their identity. It’s about creating safety and belonging for people who have historically been denied these basic needs. And it’s about showing our Rainbow community: we are here for you.Why Wānaka needs PridePride in Wānaka is more than a weekend of events. It’s about building a future where our Rainbow Rangatahi grow up knowing they are loved, safe, valued, and that they belong here.OUT&about Wānaka began Pride in response to local homophobia. Research backs the need: the 2019 Youth19 survey found around 18% of young people identify as rainbow or questioning. These are our kids, growing up in our community.Sadly, rainbow youth remain at higher risk. Around 60% report discrimination. Many experience bullying, exploitation online, or feel they must live “two lives” — one online where they find community, and one offline where they often feel invisible. And this is whyPride matters.What Pride stands forOUT&about Wānaka champions positivity, visibility, safety and belonging. We want our rainbow rangatahi to hear loud and clear: “You are seen. You are heard. You are not alone.”Pride also invites families, schools, workplaces, and community leaders to step up, to listen, to learn, and to create spaces where every young person feels safe to be themselves.How you can helpChange begins with conversation - open, caring, and without judgment. We can all make space: in classrooms, sports teams, workplaces, and around the dinner table. Being an ally doesn’t mean having all the answers. It simply means showing up, speaking up, and standing beside those who need support.So, why not Straight Pride?Because straight and cisgender people already live in a society that affirms them. They aren’t made to feel ashamed of who they love or who they are. Heterosexual youth don’t grow up hiding their identity out of fear of bullying or violence.Pride isn’t about taking anything away. It’s about adding love, colour, and understanding - for everyone.Author: Oliver Harcus (He/Him), Chairperson OUT&about Wānaka Charitable TrustOUT&about Wānaka – Get involved: Contact the OUT&about Wānaka team [email protected]

Urban intensification is the second hot topic facing the Upper Clutha which the Wānaka App has asked local body election candidates’ their views about.A Wānaka session of hearings on the Urban Intensification Variation (UIV) has been underway this week.The UIV is an outcome of the previous government’s 2020 national policy statement on urban development (NPS-UD), which directs councils around the country to remove some planning rules and plan for growth.Under the proposal, the regulations for Lower Density Suburban Residential (LDSR) zones would change to allow for building height up to 8m in most cases, and in Medium Density Residential (MDR) zones heights of 11m (+ 1m for pitched roofs).It would also allow for heights in the Wānaka CBD of 16.5m (up from 12m).Find detailed information on the proposed UIV and how it would work here.Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board candidates respondSimon Telfer: “If Wānaka continues to grow at its current rate we can't afford sprawl - we've seen what happens with traffic congestion in Queenstown. The cost of providing associated housing infrastructure and services is already a burden on ratepayers and will only increase with sprawl. So I support increased residential density in Three Parks and in the town's CBD.People make for a sustainable town centre, so giving residents the choice to live, work and play close together can bring energy, vibrancy and a smile to retailers. Public transport hubs and good walking and biking connections close to these areas provide many additional benefits to the whole community too.”Chris Hadfield: “This is basically a government directive to supposedly ensure well functioning urban environments. However in Wānaka there is a general reluctance to increase the intensity of buildings as well as the increase in the allowable height. Given the geography of the town and the relatively flat central area and the outlook residents have there is little acceptance of the plan.Should this go ahead I believe there needs to be very careful and thorough consideration given to every street that is to be considered. To date the implementation has been too broad and too little consideration given to the effects on the livability of each area.” John Wellington: “In principle I support the UIV proposal as we need to develop upwards rather than outwards as a general theme to have more efficient service delivery - water, sewerage, fibre etc and make public transport a more practical option. I do have concerns regarding for the area south of Brownston St, as a key reason for intensification is the ability to provide affordable apartments, and given the views etc, I don’t see that being delivered there.I am much more supportive in green fields sites like the soon to be developed residential part of Three Parks.”Kathy Dedo: “The 2017 LINK Upper Clutha ‘3 Questions’ survey revealed what residents value about this place and how it could be even better. Managing growth, better infrastructure, and affordability were top improvement themes. Still key issues, these highlight the tension between a desire to maintain Wānaka’s unique character and the need to do things differently to enable people to affordably live and work here.The Urban Intensification Variation (UIV) to the Proposed District Plan – part of central government’s direction to councils to loosen building restrictions and allow more and taller buildings in some areas – also tests that balance. A one-size-fits-all directive primarily aimed at urban centres doesn’t take into account our smaller town’s special character. Submissions on the UIV are mostly opposed, with concerns about increased height affecting overall village character, sun, and views across the CBD and in the proposed residential areas.Many have suggested increased density elsewhere (eg Three Parks and other greenfields locations). Intensification in highly capitalised areas is unlikely to lead to more affordable housing as this land is already very expensive. The intent of the UIV may make sense in theory, but its application as currently proposed for Wānaka doesn’t. I think any plan variation should be considered in the context of the Spatial Plan and a refreshed Wānaka Town Centre Masterplan that integrates transport and parking solutions. Intensification might be a piece of the growth puzzle, but should not be the first one put into place.”John Bache: “I understand the Urban Intensification Variation proposes managed densification through increased building heights in specific Wānaka zones - eight metres in Lower Density Residential areas, 11 metres in Medium Density zones, and 16.5 metres in the CBD.This aims to accommodate growth 'up' rather than through continued outward sprawl. I support urban intensification in principle as a more sustainable approach to growth than sprawl. However, implementation must carefully balance enabling appropriate levels of housing density with preserving Wānaka's character and community needs.When it comes to the CBD, I would prefer to limit such dramatic height increases to the Three Parks area/ new developments, rather than implementing them in the existing downtown centre which has such a special and unique character.”Linda Joll did not respond.Council candidates respondAs Lyal Cocks is one of the hearing commissioners for the UIV, he has declined to comment. Quentin Smith: “The UIV plan change is currently going through [a] hearing process and could result in increased height limits and higher densities in many parts of Wānaka. It is a government directed change through the NPS (National policy statement) for Urban development. One of the many top down legal and policy directions that are imposed on councils.It is a tricky issue, the NPS tries to apply metropolitan solutions to places like Wānaka which is a poor fit, particularly relating to transport. I support intensification and increased heights in the right places that can be efficiently serviced with transport (like public transport) and cost efficient infrastructure. I support a strategic approach to planning that has the right land use in the right places and responds to local circumstances.Things like the Spatial Plan should play a key part in land use planning moving forward even if the RMA changes.”Barry Bruce: “The NPSUD- national policy statement on urban development, is a directive from Central Government requiring councils to look at opportunities to plan for more intensified urban development, particularly close to public transport hubs and community facilities - the objective being to reduce vehicle use and encourage alternative transport modes.I have two alternative views on how intensification may be applied in this area. On one hand I believe it is essential to protect our small town character and feel - the very unique attributes that attract both permanent residents and visitors to our town. Balancing this, there may be some potential for limited intensification in the CBD area with some considerations for minimising sun shading and retaining lake and mountain views. On the other hand, I believe there may be opportunities for intensification in areas such as Three Parks without having a negative effect on the character of the town centre.A level of intensification in this area could meet some of the central government objectives, including, living close to employment, community amenities, facilities and services, thus minimising the need for vehicle travel. My conclusion is while I agree with some of the intensification objectives sought by central government, the policy does have an element of “one size fits all” and does not take into consideration the uniqueness of our area including the environment, historical and community sentiment or the lack of public transport services.”Cody Tucker: “UIV is about allowing for greater intensification of housing through higher height limits and smaller minimum lot sizes to enable denser development and more housing choice near shops, services, and transport nodes.Great for places like Three Parks, questionable for places like Hāwea south where there are currently no shops, no services and no transport nodes or public transport.” Niki Gladding: “The UIV is a proposed change to the District Plan that attempts to implement Policy 5 of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development. The requirement is to intensify specified urban environments, listed in the NPS, in line with demand for housing and the level of accessibility to jobs and commercial centres.Firstly, I support intensification in sensible locations. Unfortunately, Policy 5 is a blunt directive that makes it difficult and costly to ‘spare’ areas from nonsensical intensification. I spoke at the hearing this week because I don’t believe a Policy 5 approach to intensification is required for Wānaka as it’s not a listed Tier 2 environment. Where we don’t have to apply Policy 5, we shouldn’t. I also submitted because the proposal includes intensification in, and adjacent to, flood, liquefaction, and landslide hazards – without QLDC having done the work to understand the natural hazard risk.The council has assumed that natural hazard risk can and will be managed at the consent level – foisting the responsibility on applicants and creating uncertainty, inefficiencies, and (potentially) liabilities, in the process. Based on my experiences in Glenorchy, it's clear you can’t upzone a known hazard area and then expect to be able to reject an application based on natural hazard risk – because the zoning implies risk tolerance. Under the UIV it might also be difficult to recover development contributions for network capacity upgrades – if enabled intensification is provided for but never actually realised. We should have upzoned in fewer locations."Craig Gasson: “As an urban design principle I support intensification, building up instead of out has been proven to deliver more affordable housing in urban areas, in part because it’s more efficient from an infrastructure perspective. But, I don’t believe there’s a huge need for a lot of intensification in and around Wānaka.Certainly not in the town centre, we need to retain its character, and any height relaxation or intensification there needs to be a lot more thought out, and frankly left for another day. I have no issue with some mid rise type buildings being permitted in areas like Three Parks, that’s clearly becoming the new commercial hub of Wānaka. But I think we need to recognise we’re not yet a major urban area, we have an abundance of naturally flat and developable land in and around Wānaka. It doesn’t make sense to me to allow apartment buildings when there’s paddocks two minutes down the road.There’s certainly an argument for intensification in Queenstown and Frankton, given their infrastructure challenges, but I’m in the camp that says that overloaded infrastructure needs to [be] resolved first, before intensification, and there’s an argument that all development on that side of the hill should pause until those issues are resolved.”Yeverley McCarthy: “I am opposed to UIV in the CBD. I agree with Mark Gray who stated "the character underwrites the value of the town to residents and visitors alike and is integral to the national and international reputation of Wānaka as an alpine resort destination".The logical place for 16.5m building and intensification is in Three Parks or that vicinity where it will not impact on the uniqueness of our Waterfront/Alpine precinct.”Nicola King: “The Urban Intensification Variation (UIV) is a contentious issue. It’s being driven by the National government’s policy direction, which doesn’t recognise Wānaka’s unique character and scale. We’re being treated the same as cities like Dunedin and Whangārei - with populations four times larger than ours. Smarter planning is essential, and “up not out” has merit. But how we implement it matters.A height increase to 16.5m in the CBD would completely change the village feel that defines Wānaka. The aim of intensification is to house more people near jobs and amenities, reducing traffic. In theory that works, but here most people will still own cars — because of the town’s spread, our outdoor lifestyle, and limited transport options.Without addressing parking, we risk creating another problem. We also need to ask: who are we building for?If it is ‘affordable housing’, CBD apartments are unlikely to provide it. The Lakeview development in Queenstown shows high-rise doesn’t equal affordable. We should be realistic about where homes can be built at a price locals can manage, while protecting Wānaka’s unique character. Growth and change are inevitable, but we can shape them in a way that works for our community.That doesn’t have to mean five-storey buildings in the heart of town. I encourage all residents to read the UIV information online and make a submission. This is our chance to ensure growth happens in a way that makes sense for Wānaka.”Thorsk Westphal: “Creating further intensification and building heights under the UIV must, again, be a balanced approach between the need for additional, affordable housing and the, in my view, bigger need to preserve the character and beauty of the town as it looks today.‘We don't want another Queenstown’ is what I have heard from locals for so many years, and I agree. Intensification, including greater permissible building heights, could make sense in areas that are further from the CBD and lakefront, eg around Three Parks, where the overall appearance of Wānaka township would not be affected negatively. After all, that appearance is part of what attracts tourists to Wānaka, and is most loved by locals as well.”Mayoral candidates respondGlyn Lewers: “The Urban Intensification Variation (UIV) is a central government direction for Councils such as QLDC to meet. It is a requirement under the National Policy Statement for Urban Development (NPS-UD) policy five.The issue of the UIV was the subject of one of the first letters I received from a Minister to say QLDC was behind in its implementation and there is an expectation that the variation will proceed. The UIV was first introduced to the council table when I was a councillor; the first pass was a rudimentary blanket height lift across areas based on some qualifying matters such as; they could have access to public transport in the future.We got some weird outcomes like six storey apartments on the Hāwea lake front. We then did a second assessment with some further qualifying matters and this went out to the public for consultation.The frustrating part about the process is we could not assess infrastructure capacity as a qualifying matter. This has not been without controversy; we have had a very strong public response which is good, with varied opinions. The current state of the process is that it is at the public hearings stage, we had the Wānaka hearings this week. Next the commissioners will deliberate and make a decision.My view is that this whole process shows that one size fits all approach from the government does not work. However the NPS-UD is one of a few national direction policies that have a bipartisan approach.”   Nik Kiddle: “The council’s “one size fits all” approach to raising building heights and encouraging housing intensification needs to be modified to accommodate communities’ concerns.These include shading/sunlight, privacy and vehicle management. It must not threaten or erode the special character of our most precious historical areas. Like others in the district, I want to see respect for design guidelines and modifications to plan variations to achieve these goals.We should continue to allow higher and more dense housing in appropriate areas, up against steep surroundings and in specified greenfield developments.” John Glover: “While I consider there are places where it would be appropriate to build higher and at a greater density, I don’t subscribe to a one size fits all approach. Communities like Hāwea and Arrowtown have spent many months working to agree and verbalise what ‘good’ looks like for them in the long term, from built, amenity and spatial standpoints.I believe a better way forward would be to ask communities: ‘If you had to increase the density of housing in your area, where would be the best place to do that and what design constraints would provide the best outcome?’From the work I’ve done with many communities in our district over the years, I find they are pragmatic, objective and generally know innately what the best outcomes would look like. The trouble is, we don’t often start by asking the basic question and only consult when we have a pre-determined option.”Al Angus: “It's my experience that any proposal with ‘intensive’ in its headline is a multi level disaster for everyone and everything concerned, except the proponents that generally reap tens of millions and usually disappear as the reality and scope of the irreversible damage become clear. Easy examples are, intensive tourism, intensive dairying, intensive care, intensive housing estates are generally cheap built junk with a brooding tense atmosphere, not at all like the Disney like lifestyles in the brochures.”Darren Rewi and Daniel Shand did not respond.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Three Lakes Cultural Trust (TLCT) are teaming up to deliver the district’s first ever Creative Spaces Project.“This November, we are working to transform all kinds of spaces across the Queenstown Lakes District into sites of creative expression,” TLCT said. The project will be “a district-wide public art exhibition that goes beyond gallery walls”.TLCT, which supports and uplifts the arts, said it has invited local artists, performers and venue owners to “collaborate and bring creative energy into unexpected places”.“This is about bringing spaces to life, offering visibility to artists, and contributing to a wider cultural story for our district,” TLCT said. “It’s an opportunity to build new collaborations between artists, performers, venue owners, and creative thinkers - and to help shape something uniquely local.”Artists will be matched with potential venues.The project is a chance for venues to be showcased “in a whole new light”, TLCT said.The organisation said artists and venues would confirm their partnerships by mid September, and on November 1, the Creative Spaces Project will “come to life”.PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

Rhythm and Alps has announced the return of Synthony to the 2025 festival as an official headliner.Synthony played at the festival two years ago and there have been “many, many requests for their return”, Rhythm and Alps organisers said.The fusion of 60-piece orchestra, DJs, live vocalists and immersive visuals, is now confirmed to join the celebrations in the Cardrona Valley this December 29 - 31.Rhythm and Alps is gearing up for its biggest event yet, marking a milestone year with more than 10,000 festival goers expected to make the pilgrimage for the three-day experience.UK heavyweights Rudim3ntal, genre-defying icon Santigold, and grime pioneer Dizzee Rascal are already in the lineup, which also includes sets from Badger, Catching Cairo, Chaos In The CBD, Corrella, Disco Dom (Dombresky), Fish56Octagon, Gentlemens Club, KANINE, Kurupt FM, Swimming Paul, and The Black Seeds.There will also be dialled-in performances from Beccie B, Dick Johnson, Fiona & The Glow, Halfqueen, Lady Shaka, Natty Lou, Nice Girl, Pages Layn, SUUNE, and Th' Goodside.

Two people were airlifted to Dunedin Hospital with serious injuries and another two people sustained minor injuries in an accident on the Grandview track yesterday evening (Thursday August 28).Police were advised at 7.35pm on Thursday that a ute had rolled on the track.A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said one ambulance and two helicopters responded.“Two patients, both in serious condition, were airlifted to Dunedin Hospital,” the spokesperson said.PHOTO: Riders of Central Otago

Red Frogs NZ, a regular sight at Wānaka’s New Year events, are calling on Kiwis to lace up their shoes and take part in New Zealand’s Longest Walk Home - a fundraiser for sexual assault awareness and protection.Participants in the nationwide fundraiser are encouraged to step beyond their comfort zone by walking, running or biking 30km - or more - throughout the month of September.Every year during the New Year’s period, Red Frogs volunteers are out on the streets to safeguard young people and ensure they get home safely, often covering more than 30km across three nights - the inspiration for the 30km challenges. Volunteers provide on-the-ground support, walking alongside vulnerable partygoers late at night, offering practical care, and stepping in to prevent harm.They have done this in the Wānaka CBD over the New Year’s period over the last nine years.The first response was in Wānaka and Queenstown in 2016 and since then Red Frogs volunteers have directly supported over 1200 young people and walked thousands more to safety.Red Frogs NZ national director Ray Thomson said the fundraiser is a chance to encourage Kiwis to get behind the work they do.“For 10 years our volunteers have been walking the long walk home with young people during the New Year’s period, looking out for them when they are vulnerable and helping them to safety,” he said.‘’There are many instances of Red Froggers finding themselves in the right place at the right time, and young people turning to them for help.”“By stepping up for New Zealand’s Longest Walk Home, Kiwis can walk alongside us to raise awareness, raise funds, and raise hope for a future free from sexual assault.”Red Frogs invites individuals, workplaces, schools, and community groups to take up the challenge. Find more information here.PHOTO: Shannon Thompson

Ardgour Valley Fruit is in liquidation and a second orchard company run by the same managers is under review.Sources have told The Central App that Hortinvest owners Sharon and Ross Kirk, of Wānaka, will no longer be managing the Deep Creek Fruit company from the end of August.Deep Creek Fruit operates two of the biggest cherry orchards in Central Otago, with 51,150 trees in production at Mt Pisa across eight varieties, and a further 49,589 at Lindis Peaks.Both were started by Hortinvest in 2019, then the Kirks collaborated with Bruce and Linda Jolly to venture into apricots in the Ardgour Valley orchard, planting 50ha in the new NZ Summer varieties.Liquidators were appointed for Ardgour Valley Orchards on August 10. Deep Creek Fruit has a separate group of shareholders, and chief executive Jo Pearson declined to comment.Ross Kirk is currently the development and operations manager of Deep Creek Fruit and Sharon a director and international sales and marketing manager.The Deep Creek Fruit website lists Maurice Noone as the chairman of the board and director, along with both Richard Perry and Sharon as directors and Debbie Oakley as an independent director.In 2022 Ardgour Valley Fruit built a new packhouse at Tarras and in summer 2025 about 150 tonnes of the new apricot varieties were exported under their Temptation Valley brand.The trees, coming into their fourth season, were expected to reach full production in 2026-2027 when they planned to export 500 tonnes.Ardgour Valley Orchards also produced several cherry varieties including a distinctive, white-fleshed variety (Stardust).The Kirks didn’t respond to an email about their management contract by the time the story was published.PHOTO: Supplied

Resource consent has been approved for the Wānaka Health Precinct joint venture between Roa and Kā Rūnaka (represented by Puketeraki Ltd and Ōtākou Ltd).Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has used discretionary powers to grant the consent without the need for a hearing, following a public notification process where all 17 submissions received were supportive. The consent is for a five-level surgical hospital and helipad, supported by four purpose-designed office buildings for allied medical services, and on-site car parking.Roa CEO Mike Saegers said achieving the resource consent was “a big step forward”. “The community can now look forward to the Wānaka Health Precinct attracting medical specialties and services not currently available in the area,” he said.Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki chair Matapura Ellison welcomed the news on behalf of Kā Rūnaka. “The critical lack of health and social infrastructure is a significant and growing issue for the people of Wānaka and Central Otago,” he said. “This project is vital to meeting the future needs of this area’s rapidly growing population and we look forward to advancing the project, including the wider interests of mana whenua.”While Roa initially announced it planned to engage “a high-quality private healthcare operator to manage the hospital”, Mike told the Wānaka App it was “an absolute priority for us for these facilities to be available to everyone”. “We’re looking at all options to make that happen, and we’re engaged with the public health sector about ways to do that.” Read more: Roa announces joint venture partnership with mana whenuaIMAGE: Supplied

About 130 residents packed the Presbyterian Church in Cromwell on Tuesday night (August 26) to discuss a proposed gold mine in the Dunstan Range that opponents warn could alter the character of the region and cause irreversible environmental damage. The meeting, organised by Sustainable Tarras in collaboration with Forest & Bird and the Central Otago Environmental Society, was framed as reflecting widespread frustration at a lack of information from Santana Minerals, the company behind the proposed mine, which is seeking approval through a fast-track consenting process. Meeting facilitator Mark Sinclair said it had been left to volunteers to try to piece together the pieces of the puzzle for members of the public, and the turnout at the meeting reflected strong community interest. “There’s a significant turnout here tonight for a community the size of Cromwell…that’s because people really care about the issues we’re going to discuss tonight,” he said. Speakers challenged claims by Santana Minerals the mine would be minimally visible, with Mark highlighting chief executive Damian Spring’s remark the project would be like “a chip in your windscreen from the road”.  Visuals presented at the meeting indicating the mine would have a far greater impact on the landscape than claimed drew audible gasps from the audience. Rob van der Mark, a local vineyard owner speaking for Sustainable Tarras, said the mine would alter the region’s character, changing it from “100 percent pure” to “100 percent industrial gold mining”. He warned the approval of one mine could lead to "a free-for-all" that could threaten “what we know and love about Central Otago”. Rob also raised concerns about the proposed tailings dam - full of “chemical-laden slurry” - and its risk to local aquifers and waterways, and dust dispersal in a gully where the wind is known by locals to move through like a “freight train”. He claimed the mining company was repeatedly attempting to “fly under the radar”, not being proactive in releasing its own reports and requesting non-notified consenting processes for subsidiary activities. Matt Sole, the co-chair of the Central Otago Environmental Society, described the long-term environmental legacy of open-cast mining: “Huge opencast pits cut into the Dunstan Range….That’s not a price we should be asking our children and grandchildren to pay,” he said.  He highlighted alternative economic opportunities, including slow tourism, boutique accommodation, and the local wine and food industries, describing residents as “kaitiaki, guardians of this ‘World of Difference’.” Tourism expert Professor James Higham, who contributed via a recorded presentation, said research confirmed Central Otago residents valued “stunning open spaces...undisturbed mountains...largely untamed nature”, and these qualities were all threatened by extractive industries.  He warned of reputational risks to the region’s tourism, wine, horticulture, and creative sectors, and said mine impacts would be largely irreversible.  “Restoration measures would merely skirt around the edges. The major impacts cannot be undone ever,” he said. Rob Enright, a Wānaka-based barrister advising on the fast-track consent for Port of Tauranga’s proposed container wharf extension involving land reclamation, explained that the fast-track process is “very stacked in favour of the applicants…that’s just the nature of the beast”. He said the accelerated process compresses what, for a complex project like a gold mine, could be a three-year assessment under the Resource Management Act into roughly six months, with limited rights of appeal. It is his view a central element of the fast-track process is demonstrating regional or national benefits, and he questioned how the cost-benefit analysis will be assessed and to what extent the applicant must prove their case.  He suggested this could be a key factor in whether the project proceeds. At the end of the meeting, a question-and-answer session allowed attendees to put their concerns directly to the panel of speakers. One resident described the fast-track process as “a stitch-up”, limiting public input, while others sought clarification on who is considered an adjacent property entitled to participate under the legislation. Others queried who would benefit economically versus who would bear the environmental costs. Audience members also raised concerns about dust and air quality, with one describing conditions in mining towns as “thick grey dust … big wafts of it … it’s just everywhere”. A former geologist in the audience, with experience in the gold-mining industry, raised concerns about tailings dams, noting, in his experience, "these things do leak”. Santana Minerals CEO respondsSpeaking to the Central App on Wednesday, Santana Minerals chief executive Damian Spring addressed concerns raised at the meeting. On community information, he said: “We’re very mindful of making sure that when we’re putting stuff out there, that we’re really robust about it, understand it, and are comfortable to share it. Those parts are still moving, but when we land on it, then we’ll push it out into that public space.”Damian said the company has completed a series of studies with landscape architects.“I can categorically say that the visualisation I saw last night looks nothing like the visualisation that these experts have created,” he said, referring to an image of the proposed mine site as seen from across Lake Dunstan. An image depicting the area of the proposed mine was challenged by Santana Minerals boss Damian Spring.He explained his previous “chip in the windscreen” remark was intended to give context to the scale of the Dunstan Mountains, which cover 90,000 hectares, of which roughly 600 hectares would be disturbed by the proposed mine.On the project’s cost-benefit analysis, Damian said he is confident data will show the mine’s regional and national economic impacts are commensurate with the impacts on the surrounding environment and the project provides net benefits. He also rejected claims about potential contamination of surrounding waterways from arsenic or cyanide, saying: “Our experts need to demonstrate that we are able to manage the effects with proven technology and methods…and that’s because the regulator’s experts will be expecting that. We will essentially be a zero-discharge site during operations.”Damian said he attended the meeting to hear views from the community.“Sustainable Tarras [says it speaks] for the community, but I struggle with coming up with a definition for community because it’s so diverse. I thought it was a view from the community that was worth listening to.”IMAGES: The Central App

A series of podcasts presenting council and mayoral candidates in the upcoming local body elections is now available live on Youtube.The Inside Voices podcasts are designed to be more light-hearted than investigative, driven by gentle curiosity rather than a political grilling and encouraging candidates to reveal the people behind the politics.Podcast producer Esther Whitehead said she was aiming for optimism and realism in equal measure - “a conversation that goes beyond policy to explore the people behind the campaign flyers.”“It's like having a virtual cuppa with candidates, with them all answering the same open questions across a 20-to-30-minute chat each,” she said."I wanted to create something that helps our community understand the role of councillors and the real people standing as candidates, and provide media which is accessible and different to candidate debates.”Topics covered include the candidates’ motivation to stand for council; what world views shape their decisions; and what are their beliefs about leadership and collaboration. “[We] keep things low-key and human. No ‘gotcha’ moments – just a chance to connect with people in a different way,” she said.Esther conducted similar interviews three years ago during the last council elections but only with mayoral candidates.This time she’s expanded the pool by asking all council candidates to participate as well as the mayoral candidates, and so far 23 out of the 25 have recorded interviews.Already the podcasts have been viewed more than 500 times since they went live on Monday (August 25).Esther has served as a Queenstown Lakes District councillor for the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward since she was elected in a by-election in June 2021, but has chosen not to stand again this year. Back in 2021 she was excited by the potential direction local government was heading in but that enthusiasm has waned in recent months and, for a variety of reasons, she’s no longer “prepared to put her head above the parapet”.She has a job outside council: “I’ve done my dash for the community and now I’d like to invest my energy where I feel it will be best spent,” she said.View the videos here: Candidate Videos.PHOTO: Wānaka App

More than 4,000 Upper Clutha residents have been helped by a free mental health and wellbeing support programme which marks five years this month.The Access and Choice programme - known locally as Tōku Oranga - is delivered through general practices.Funded by Te Whatu Ora and delivered by WellSouth, the programme embeds health improvement practitioners (HIPs), health coaches and support workers into the practices, offering 20-30-minute sessions at no cost. Since it began in August 2020, the programme has delivered more than 175,000 sessions to more than 56,000 people in the Southern region.Between Wānaka Medical Centre and Aspiring Medical Centre, the Access and Choice team has delivered nearly 11,500 sessions to more than 4,000 people since the programme launched in August 2020, a WellSouth spokesperson told the Wānaka App.“HIPs saw people predominantly for low mood, anxiety, generalised stress, sleep and relationship issues,” she said. “The health coach typically supported people around their physical wellbeing, weight and healthy lifestyles as well as smoking cessation.”Access and Choice programme lead Genevieve Obbeek said the programme has “changed the way we respond to mental health and wellbeing in primary care”. “People can get support early, in the places they already trust, without long waits or unnecessary barriers. There’s no wrong reason to come and see one of our team - any door is the right door, and it’s free.”The programme has helped bridge critical gaps in the health system by offering timely, practical support for people experiencing mental distress, stress, or life challenges, Genevieve said. It has also played a key role in improving equity, with services tailored to better meet the needs of Māori, Pacific, youth, and other underserved populations.In addition to individual sessions, Access and Choice has introduced group workshops and proactive wellbeing initiatives that help people learn practical skills, connect with others, and stay well. The programme has also been named as a finalist for the 2025 New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards.Find out more about how to access support here.PHOTO: Supplied

The MetService has issued an Orange heavy rain warning for the headwaters of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea from 3am-12pm Thursday August 28.An active front moving over the South Island on Thursday is expected to bring heavy rain and strong north to northeast winds.Expect 100 to 120 mm of rain near the main divide and 60 to 80 mm within 20km east of the divide. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected about the divide.Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.Anyone heading into Mt Aspiring National Park is advised to take extra care or delay travel.

Work to upgrade the supply and treatment of Luggate’s drinking water is now underway and will provide access to a new water source through two new bores, a new water storage facility, and a new ultraviolet (UV) treatment plant for the township.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) property & infrastructure general manager Tony Avery said the upgrades were initially set for 2028, but it made sense to accelerate delivery of the new infrastructure when introducing a protozoa barrier (UV disinfection) for the township this year.“The new treatment plant will ensure drinking water in Luggate remains safe and achieves compliance, and new bores will help to provide enough water to meet the needs of this growing community,” Tony said.“The project also includes development of a new long-term reservoir site up by Wānaka Airport, which will eventually include significantly increased storage capacity as part of future investment in the area.”He said some disruptions should be expected around Luggate while work is undertaken, including temporary traffic management, construction machinery movements, and possibly additional noise and vibrations in the area.The northbound lane on Church Street will be closed 24 hours a day for approximately four weeks starting from Monday September 1, so crews can excavate and trench for the installation of new water supply pipes in the area.Resident access for properties on Church Street near SH6 will be maintained, and a detour for all other northbound traffic will be in place using Shortcut Road.The protozoa barrier (UV disinfection) is expected to be operating in time for Christmas this year, and all remaining work completed by February 2026.Fulton Hogan will undertake the work.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The past week has been a busy one for Wānaka Police, who have dealt with numerous scams, search and rescue alerts, suspicious fires, and more.“Police have received numerous fraud related reports,” Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said.Generally speaking the most common scams are people selling non-existent goods on Facebook Marketplace and/or Instagram, and buyers transferring money and not receiving the goods purchased, she said.“An elderly member of our community reported being scammed out of a significant amount of money. They received a phone call from a fraudster pretending to be from Spark and said that he was testing the internet speed.  “Unfortunately, the trusting complainant followed their instructions and was able to take complete control of their computer and remove funds. Please be vigilant.”In other incidents, a female was trespassed from New World Dunmore Street on Wednesday (August 20) as a result of historic shoplifting.  Police held concerns for a missing 15-year-old, reported missing from her home in Wānaka on Friday (August 22). She was located safe and well.Police and FENZ (fire and emergency) responded to suspicious fire(s) on the Hāwea River Track at the Albert Town Campground on Monday (August 25). Fi asked anyone with information or sightings of suspicious activity to call police, quoting P063598849. LandSAR (search and rescue) responded to two people who got into difficulty in the Motatapu Track area walking towards Fern Burn Hut on Saturday (August 23).“They walked up a rough track and got to a reasonably high altitude before reaching the limit of their capabilities. They had to be extracted by a LandSAR ACR team and were recovered safely,” Fi said.A member of the public reported concerns for a female who had signed into the Brewster Hut book on Friday (August 22) saying she would return to collect her gear after climbing Mt Armstrong. Gear was left in the hut but the woman had not signed out. Police enquiries located the woman safe and well, Fi said.In road policing, speed remains a major factor in poor driving behaviour.Last Wednesday (August 20) a rental vehicle failed to give way when turning right onto Golf Course Road, colliding with an oncoming vehicle. There were no injuries and moderate damage to the front of both vehicles, Fi said.The Impairment Prevention Team was in town on Friday (August 22), and while a lot of people were tested, none converted into evidential procedures at the checkpoints. “Great to see responsible people making the right choices when it comes to drinking and driving,” Fi said.“The same could not be said for a 19-year-old male … who was the driver of a Mazda motor vehicle on Helwick Street.“He had two passengers in the car with him. He initially denied having consumed alcohol. He failed a passive breath test and underwent evidential breath alcohol procedures and will be appearing in Queenstown District Court on 5 September.”Police attended a single vehicle crash at Timaru Creek Road on Saturday (August 23). The vehicle lost traction, slid into the bank, and rolled onto its side. There were no injuries.Police received multiple calls for driving behaviour to and from the ski fields. Fi reminded people to slow down and drive to the conditions. “Expect us to follow up with driving complaints,” she said.Fi warned that snow, ice and black ice remain in the area; people should carry chains and know when and how to fit them.“Despite signs and road warnings from Queenstown Lakes District Council that chains must be fitted/carried, some motorists choose to ignore warnings. Our mountain passes are not the places to be complacent,” she said.A steady stream of lost property comes through the police drop box, and the Station Support Officer (SSO) “does a great job reuniting property with people” for people who submit a report online, Fi said.Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call 105 to make a non-emergency report. To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers. PHOTO: Wānaka App

A second round of community consultation on the future of Wānaka Airport, designed to refine the public opinions already received, begins this week with drop in sessions at the airport and the Wānaka Rec Centre.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is seeking further feedback from the community and stakeholders to evaluate the conflicting information gleaned from public submissions made in June and July this year.The drop in sessions will present potential scenarios for the airport’s future use and the participants will be encouraged to ask questions and share their views to help form the next steps.In July 2024 QLDC signalled its intention to develop a long-term plan for Wānaka Airport, and engaged consultants Egis to undertake the Wānaka Airport future review, considering its long-term role, its economic impact and its integration into NZ’s broader aviation network.An Egis project team identified a series of possible scenarios for the airport’s potential future based on the feedback from the two initial public sessions held in June, (which attracted 180-200 participants) and over 260 online submissions.A summary of the submissions indicated there was overwhelming support for the current uses and users of the airport and the possibility of attracting links to other NZ centres, such as Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland.The most important outcomes identified for the airport’s future listed connectivity, recreational activity, and employment, and that the airport should be financially self-sustaining.There were also a number of respondents who opposed further airport development.Egis aviation lead Kerr Forbes said the initial public engagement produced a strong response from the community, stakeholders and representative groups.“We are now seeing distinct scenarios that describe different potential future uses of the airport.”The new consultation round will test both mutually exclusive scenarios as well as some complimentary options on the airport’s future.“Airports are critical infrastructure that serve communities, so I encourage anyone with an interest in the future of Wānaka Airport to take part,” Kerr said.Drop-in sessions will be held on this Friday (August 29) from 4.00pm–7.00pm at Alpine Helicopters, 10 Lloyd Dunn Ave, Wānaka Airport; and Saturday (August 30) from 9.00am–12.00pm at the Wānaka Recreation Centre meeting room, Three Parks.Online feedback will open on Friday, August 29 and run until Thursday, September 18 for those unable to attend the sessions.PHOTO: Supplied

In anticipation of a cycle trail along the Clutha River linking Wānaka and Cromwell, the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust (UCTT) is preparing a ‘gateway’ trail to Wānaka.Trust chairman David Howard said this week the trust plans to develop a new four-kilometre track along the Cardrona River from The Hook upstream to the one-lane Ballantyne Rd bridge.It would connect to the previously existing but now washed out track which connects the Clutha to Hook.The track would be the initial stage of a track which will eventually link the Clutha River to The Larches on Cardrona Valley Road, via the Cardrona riverbed.David said it would include the short section linking the Clutha River track to SH6 and the entrance to Wānaka.He said the track would be “the start or finish of the long-discussed recreation track further up the Cardrona River, eventually providing access for walkers and cyclists to the start of the Department of Conservation's Little Criffel Track leading to the top of the Pisa Range”.The Trust this month applied to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) for resource consent for the ‘gateway’ trail - from Hook to Ballantyne Road, and UCTT member John Wellington said he was delighted after many years of talk and many months of planning it had reached this point.“It's fantastic to finally begin the process,” John said.Some parts of the track towards Little Criffel already exist but about 6.35km of new track would need to be formed. IMAGE: SuppliedDavid said the lower part of the river margin was ''a bit shabby'' with low ecological values according to the UCTT's ecological survey.“'It has the potential to be so much more. Creating the track will be a great way to improve recreation and conservation opportunities in the Upper Clutha's outdoor spaces.”Some parts of the track towards Little Criffel already exist but about 6.35km of new track would need to be formed.It would cross river terraces, follow 4WD tracks in places, pass by indigenous vegetation, and pass through areas of lupins, willows, and poplars.The track would be at a distance from the river to avoid users damaging the river environment.Prior to construction, an ecologist would determine the track's final alignment.It is expected the new track would have a similar surface to the existing track along Lake Dunstan at Pisa Moorings.John said affected landowners, government agencies, and the trust had come together to formulate the application.However, while he was aware of enthusiasm in some quarters for the track to eventually continue right through to Cardrona, he said any such plans for a track beyond Little Criffel would only be at the invitation of the local Cardrona community and landowners.The trust's application is seeking a restricted discretionary activity resource consent and John said he hoped to hear from QLDC by October.The initial section of track to Ballantyne Rd would cost $180,000 and fund raising can begin once consent is granted.

A $43,000 fence is being constructed along a section of lakeside reserve adjacent to Mt Aspiring Road, following concerns raised by a member of the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB).WUCCB board chair Simon Telfer told the Wānaka App that Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) parks staff had raised concerns about the health of trees along the area - from Stoney Creek to McDougall Street - under which vehicles can park.Simon said the concerns were sufficiently “urgent” that the fence was built before any consultation takes place on what he called ‘stage six’of the Lakefront Development Plan (LTD).“Over time we have seen an increasing number of vehicles parking on the Reserve, particularly on the newly seeded grass at the Wānaka Watersports facility and up by the wagon wheel,” he said.“This reduces the enjoyment of the reserve as an unencumbered green space and causes root damage to trees, particularly the beautiful oaks.“It is well known that vehicle storage under trees compresses root structures which can lead to permanent tree damage. Once damage occurs it is very difficult to reverse.”Simon said the fencing is consistent with fencing at Pembroke Park, Kelly Flat, and other reserves.He said the board had no plans to block access to the gravel road which runs alongside the lake on part of the reserve, as the intention “is to prevent parking on the grassed areas at this stage”.“A number of gaps in the fencing will allow easy crossing from the showgrounds across to the lake.”Simon said the WUCCB asked council staff at a recent workshop to do “some high level planning for the lakefront” from the McDougall St toilet block to the Wānaka Watersports facility, which is next to the Stoney Creek carpark.“Our request was for the more informal and relaxed nature of that section of the lakefront to be retained.”Simon said there is a lack of ‘wayfinding’ from McDougall Street towards Stoney Creek, and a pathway consistent with the existing path from Dungarvon Street to McDougall Street is needed.He said the section from McDougall Street to Stoney Creek will be “a new stage 6” of the LDP, which “goes all the way around the lakefront”.“It's very early days looking at stage 6... We would like to see progress but it is not urgent.”Adopted in 2016, the Lakefront Development Plan’s purpose was to formalise pedestrian/cycle access to Wānaka’s foreshore along the Roys Bay reserve.It was designed in five stages stretching from McDougall Street to the Wānaka Marina and aimed to relocate parking from the foreshore into established car parks opening up the foreshore reserve to public access and providing toilets, seating, tables and so on.Stage 4 opposite Wānaka’s CBD (from Dungarvon Street to the Dinosaur Park) is yet to be completed.A QLDC spokesperson said the bollard fencing is associated with a range of works along the lakefront near the Wānaka Watersports Facility carpark, including remediation of the grassy reserve area, defining the carpark boundary area with rocks, and fencing to protect specific areas from carparking.Funding for the fence was allocated from the unspent portion of the $432K Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF) Round 5 awarded by MBIE for the development of the Stoney Creek carpark.PHOTO: Wānaka App