Recruitment will begin this week for an independent board of directors for the new body created to deliver water services in the district.Earlier this year Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) councillors approved establishment of the board for the district’s new and controversial water services delivery model - a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO). QLDC CCO programme director Maseina Koneferenisi said the council will initially be recruiting for the position of board chair for the WSCCO. “The new WSCCO is working to an official go live date of 1 July 2027,” she said. “A critical aspect of that is the recruitment of a professional independent board, starting with the chair. The board will be responsible for shaping the establishment of this new entity and have accountability for its governance.”Read more: Planning begins for new water services entityLast year councillors were split on whether to retain water services in-house or undertake a major overhaul of water delivery by establishing a WSCCO, but former mayor Glyn Lewers used his casting vote to push through the latter - which will see water services owned by the council.Maseina said the chair will lead the process of setting vision and strategy, shaping governance systems, recruiting the chief executive and board members, overseeing risk, assurance and performance, and setting the culture of the organisation.Extensive governance experience in highly regulated and complex high-risk sectors – ideally involving large infrastructure, commercial entities – will be a focus for the recruitment panel, she said.Having an affinity for the region will also be important. “This is a legacy role,” Maseina said, with the first chair “instrumental in building a new organisation that will serve one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most distinctive communities for generations”. Five directors will be appointed for an initial term of three years with one right of renewal, with staged reappointment provisions to ensure continuity and stability.Find more information, including a candidate briefing document and applications, here.PHOTOS: Supplied

The much-loved Dogs and Pet Show is back at the Wānaka A&P Show 2026 next month, and it’s set to be one of the most heartwarming highlights of show day. The Wānaka A&P Show is one of New Zealand’s largest agricultural, pastoral and community events, and it returns to Wānaka on March 13 and 14. Each year it brings together a mix of traditional drawcards like the equestrian, livestock and home industries events, family-friendly favourites like the Jack Russel Race, rides - and the Pet Show.The Dogs and Pet Show gives children the chance to showcase their special companions in a fun and friendly setting.Open to all kinds of pets and personalities, the classes celebrate everything from furry farm friends to beloved household pets. Categories include Best Pet Lamb, Goat, Cow or Alpaca, Best Pony, Most Unusual Pet, Best Caged Pet, Jack Russell/Terrier, Toy Dog (any breed), Sporting Dog, Labrador, Non-sporting Dog, Best Pet, and the overall Best in Show, judged by the marshall and steward.Pets must be handled by a child under 15, making it a great opportunity for young animal lovers to step into the ring and share the spotlight with their best mates. Entry is just $1, with prize money awarded for 1st ($10), 2nd ($6), 3rd ($4) and 4th ($2).Trophies up for grabs include the Fortune Trophy and the Young Cup, plus an additional $10 kindly donated by John and Judy Young.Registration will take place in the Pet Parade Ring (next to the show office) on Saturday March 14, between 9.45am and 10.30am, with all pets parading for judging at 10.45am.The Wānaka A&P Show will take place on March 13-14 at Pembroke Park and the Wānaka Showgrounds.Learn more about the upcoming and everything on offer here.PHOTO: Wānaka A&P Show 

Challenge Wānaka is now part of a major global triathlon series after the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) acquired a majority shareholding in Challenge Family, the international series that includes the Wānaka race.“For more than two decades, Challenge Family events have been built on strong local communities, athlete-first experiences, and a genuine passion for the sport,” Challenge Wānaka Trust event director Jane Sharman said. “We’re encouraged by the shared vision outlined by the PTO, Challenge Family and World Triathlon to create a more unified and visible global series.”The acquisition makes Challenge Family a key part of the newly announced Triathlon World Tour, launching in 2027 in partnership with World Triathlon. Jane said the move was a “positive evolution for triathlon - one that brings greater clarity to the competition structure and strengthens the pathways for professional and age group athletes alike”.PTO CEO Sam Renouf said the partnership creates a clearer structure for athletes, fans, and sponsors.“Challenge Family’s respected event platform, community-driven ethos and operational expertise make them a natural partner,” he said.Challenge Family CEO Jort Vlam welcomed the move.“This partnership allows us to preserve what makes Challenge Family unique while contributing to a unified, globally recognised series,” he said.Challenge Wānaka’s 20th event took place last week. Read more: An ‘incredibly special’ Challenge WānakaThe full impact of the acquisition on Challenge Wānaka is not yet clear.“We’ll continue to keep our athletes and supporters informed as more details emerge about the future structure, and we look forward to playing our part in shaping the next chapter of triathlon,” Jane said.PHOTO: Sean Beale

Today's power outages -Tuesday 24 February, 9am till 3pm - Norman Terrace.Upcoming outages -Tuesday 3 March, 8.30am till 4.30pm - Mclennan Road and Loach Road, Loach Road.Wednesday 4 March, 9am till 4pm - Edward Lane, Gladmuir Road, Gladsmuir Road, Isabella Lane, Luggate Cromwell Road, Wailana Heights Drive.Thursday 5 March, 9am till 4pm - Gladsmuir Road, Lochar Road, Luggate Cromwell Road.Thursday 12 March, 9am till 3pm - Oak Lane, Roses Saddle Rise, Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road.To keep up to date with power outages click here.

Shoppers at Three Parks could soon notice fewer dead spots and faster mobile data, with multiple networks upgrading coverage in the fast-growing commercial area.One NZ has deployed a temporary Cell on Wheels (CoW) at the site as part of a larger programme to strengthen service in the area. Many local customers will be familiar with difficulties accessing mobile data, and the CoW, deployed last Friday (February 13), has “already made a noticeable difference to network coverage”, according to One NZ.“For customers, that means faster data speeds and a better experience using their phones,” a One NZ spokesperson told the Wānaka App. They added the company was aware of performance issues in the area, "particularly at busy times”, and the CoW is one of a number of steps to address them.An upgrade to the Wānaka High site, which provides coverage into Three Parks, has just been completed, and the company has plans for another mobile site in the area later this year.Spark, another mobile network operator, is also investing in Three Parks.Spark has had a temporary cell site there since December 2023 to support growing demand. A representative said the company is planning a permanent site later this year.It did not respond to a question about whether customers have experienced data issues in the area.Meanwhile, 2degrees, New Zealand’s third mobile network operator, said it wasn’t aware of performance issues at Three Parks but said it was “keen to get any reports from customers so that we can investigate further”. A Queenstown Lakes District Council representative said staff meet regularly with telecommunications providers to plan for future growth, but the council is not responsible for cell towers or internet coverage, which are governed by central government legislation.

Wānaka residents can meet their local emergency responders, explore vehicles and equipment up close, and pick up useful tips to be better prepared for an emergency at GET READY Wānaka, a free, family-friendly event this Saturday (February 28).Attendees will have the chance to connect with the Wānaka Volunteer Fire Brigade, Hato Hone St John, Coastguard, Wānaka Search and Rescue (LandSAR), and Emergency Management Otago (EMO).The emergency preparedness expo, which will take place at Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka from 10am-2pm, is taking place for the second year in a row with the goal of spreading emergency preparedness awareness in the community.It is organised by the Wānaka Community Resilience Group (WCRG), a group of 80 residents who will be the “eyes, ears and feet” for emergency responders in the event of an emergency.The WCRG will have its newly completed bespoke emergency trailer - designed to serve as a mobile operations base - on-site at Saturday’s event.The trailer will allow the WCRG to go wherever they are most needed when an emergency occurs, a WCRG spokesperson told the Wānaka App.One of the WCRG’s other key goals is to help improve emergency preparedness among the community, as the better prepared the local community is - on an individual, household and community-wide level - the less reliant it will be on emergency services and food demands.The WCRG spokesperson said attendees at last year’s expo said they left feeling like they had a much better understanding of the unique risks in Wānaka, how to get prepared at home, and what to do in the event of a natural disaster.Saturday’s expo will feature presentations by the first responders, from 11am and 1pm, where they will explain their roles in an emergency.Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka will also showcase practical items for grab-and-go emergency kits, with simple guidance on what’s useful to have at home and how to get started.A community BBQ, supported by New World Three Parks and the Rotary Club of Wānaka, will also be available, along with the Mr Whippy ice cream van.Head along to the free GET READY Wānaka event on Saturday February 28 between 10am and 2pm.PHOTO: Supplied

The 20th anniversary of the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Festival of Triathlon delivered world-class racing, emotional moments and a fitting celebration of two decades of endurance sport in New Zealand.More than 3,100 athletes took part across three days of racing, with 376 athletes — including 22 professionals — lining up for the half distance triathlon event in what proved to be one of the most exciting editions in the race’s history.The day began with a brisk 10°C start and a choppy 1.9km swim in Lake Wānaka.In the men’s field, rising Kiwi talent Ivan Abele and Robert Huisman set the tone early, exiting the water first in 23:38. Fresh off a strong performance in Tauranga, Ivan showed he belongs at the front of New Zealand’s next generation of professional triathletes. He rode assertively to complete the 90km bike in 2:07:38, holding the lead into T2 as the race favourites Mike Phillips and Frederic Funk closed in behind him. Mike Phillips and Frederic Funk applied pressure, but it was Jack Moody — fourth off the bike — who once again demonstrated why he is one of New Zealand’s most complete middle-distance athletes.Jack, who has raced Challenge Wānaka since the very beginning of his professional career, delivered a trademark run performance along the scenic but demanding lakefront course. He reeled in Ivan, Frederic, and Mike, thrilling spectators as the race unfolded in front of a buzzing 20th anniversary crowd.“It’s pretty special to get a win here again — it’s never easy,” Jack said. “The swim was slower than expected, it was just cold. The bike course was pretty honest. I was surprised I was able to stay in touch with a few of the powerhouses. When I started the run I knew I’d ridden a bit too hard — it took me about a lap to find my feet. I was very happy to get the win.”Jack crossed the finish line in 3:51:23 to claim the 2026 title, followed by Mike Phillips (NZL) in 3:54:11 and Frederic Funk (GER) in 3:54:37.The women’s race was equally gripping.Wānaka local Rebecca Clarke led decisively out of the water (25:06) and controlled much of the race, with Danielle Donaldson (NZL) and Gabrielle Lumkes (USA) close behind. Rebecca maintained her advantage through the bike, entering T2 still in command.Women winners on the podium. PHOTO: Diego BelliTamara Jewett (CAN) began the run in fifth place, having battled illness throughout race week. But the Canadian is known for her run strength, and the lakefront course became her stage.Gradually moving through the field, Tamara closed the gap and in a dramatic final stretch set a new course record of 1.21:26 held since 2020. She overtook Gabrielle and then Rebecca to claim victory in 4:29:39 — just over a minute ahead of Rebecca (4:30:43), with Gabrielle third in 4:30:46.“I’ve been sick all week, so when I came off the bike I was around fifth place and really thought the podium was out of sight,” Tamara said. “I was not feeling great — I was gritting my teeth and getting through it.“The course is gorgeous — one of the most beautiful run courses I’ve ever been on. None of it is fast, with punchy hills and chip seal and gravel. Being able to build momentum was a great confidence boost — I’m proud I just kept working it.”In a milestone moment for Challenge Wānaka, Oliver Pritchard (GBR) made his debut as the world’s first professional deaf triathlete, finishing the course in 4:16:09.“The 2026 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Festival of Triathlon has been a huge success,” event director Jane Sharman said.“It’s been incredibly special to reflect on 20 years of Challenge Wānaka — how it’s grown from humble beginnings in 2007 to what it is today.“A highlight has been reconnecting with some of the original athletes, watching the pros put on a show, and seeing the next generation — like Ivan — step up and race with courage.”

The medical assessments are in and it's been confirmed that Wānaka Freeskier Fin Melville Ives broke his collarbone in crashing out during the qualification rounds of the Halfpipe competition at the Winter Olympics.Fin, the current world champion and one of New Zealand's best medal hopes, was stretchered off after the heavy fall during his second run after being knocked unconscious.He's now recovering and remains in good spirits, jesting his injuries are "nothing but a scratch"."It was really a game of two halves," he said afterwards, with his sense of humour intact.Fin, 19, has also thanked the medical staff that have helped him so far, and his coach Murray Buchan.Wanaka halfpipe freeskier Ben Harrington, who finished ninth, dedicated his second run to Fin, saying to cameras on the slopes, "Hey Finski, this one's for you, brother, love you, let's go skiing."PHOTO: NZ Team

Why toxic masculinity is a concern, how it can impact your child/teen, and what you can do about it. Teen boys don’t wake up one day and decide, “Ah yes, today I’ll download some misogyny.” It’s usually quieter than that. A clip here. A “self-improvement” reel there. An algorithm that keeps feeding the same flavour of content until it starts to feel like truth.That’s why ‘toxic masculinity’ matters. Not because masculinity is bad (it’s not), but because some online spaces sell a narrow, brittle version of it: dominance over empathy, entitlement over respect, feelings are a weakness, porn is education, and consent is negotiable. That worldview can show up as sudden contempt, harsh jokes, controlling behaviour, obsession with status, anxiety about “being a real man,” or pressure to perform sexually before they’re ready. It can also land as loneliness and shame, because the loudest voices online often promise belonging, then charge boys with impossible rules to earn it.The ‘manosphere’ (think Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, Sneako, Fresh and Fit, and plenty of smaller clones) can be sticky because it mixes relatable truths (“life is hard,” “work on yourself”) with harmful conclusions (“power is everything”). Teens are still building identity and values; the internet is happy to build it for them.So how do we step in as parents, without making every chat feel like an interrogation?1) Lead with connection, not correction.Start with curiosity: “What do you like about his content?” “What do you think he gets right?” When your teen feels heard, they stay in the room.2) Teach pattern-spotting.Ask: “Who benefits if you believe this?” “What’s the evidence?” “What’s missing?” You’re building critical thinking, not winning a debate.3) Name your non-negotiables clearly and calmly.Respect. Consent. Dignity. End of story. Consistent rules, solid boundaries, steady grown-ups - it works.4) Talk about porn like a safety conversation, not a shame sermon.Porn is performance, not a relationship guide. Discuss consent, pressure, body image, and what healthy intimacy actually needs - care, mutual respect, and choice.5) Offer better role models.Point to men who model strength with kindness. Courage isn’t cruelty. It’s integrity.Dr Kris Taylor’s evening presentation on 12 March is for all parents will be a practical crash course to help whānau understand what your teens are seeing online, and how to talk about gender norms, sexism, harassment, misogyny, and pornography without alienating them. If you’ve been thinking, “I need a game plan,” this is your night.Learn more and book your tickets here.

Challenge Wānaka is the main event of the week, Wānaka area response manager Sergeant Graeme Hamblett says.“We expect to see a significant increase in traffic volume to the area hitting its peak Friday and Saturday.” He asked people to be patient and considerate with their driving behaviours and with other road users.“Drive to the conditions, keep a safe following distance and stick to the speed limits. If you have the urge to look at your mobile phone, pop it in the glove box when you’re driving, and if you feel the need to have a few social drinks… consider using alternative transport to get home safe – local taxi services, uber, sober driver should always be the go-to options… however the best option is always the non-alcoholic soft drink.”Recently local police conducted an operation targeting the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 18. “Unfortunately, a prominent local business failed by supplying alcohol to a minor,” Graeme said.“This is a timely reminder to all local business operators, who offer the sale and supply of alcohol as part of their service, to ensure you have robust policies and practices in place to mitigate harm relating to alcohol in our community.”The case mentioned is currently before the Alcohol Regulatory & Licencing Authority. “Police have continued to see questionable driving behaviour on our local roads this week, including passengers not wearing seat belts and unrestrained children,” Graeme said. “When a vehicle is moving, and is fitted with safety belts, they must be worn.“If you are 15 or older, it is your responsibility to ensure you wear a seatbelt. The driver is responsible for ensuring children or young passengers under 15 are kept safe. By this I mean wearing a seat belt, using a child car seat or booster seat. “In either case, if you are caught not abiding these simple road user rules you could be issued with a $150 on-the-spot fine.” Police are appealing for witnesses after an alleged assault at the BP in Three Parks on Wednesday (February 18) at around 1.35pm.“If you witnessed this incident or have any information which may assist the investigation, please contact Police on 105 quoting file reference number 260220/6973,” Graeme said.Read more: Information sought after daytime assaultCall 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.PHOTO: Supplied

A musical playground project for Three Parks has received a funding boost from Central Lakes Trust (CLT).Musical playgrounds are generally located in public spaces like parks and are designed to encourage greater involvement in music-making and musical experiences in young people.Wānaka Musicians Incorporated (WMI), the organisers of Wānaka’s long-running Stars in Your Eyes shows, are behind the local project, for which installation will begin shortly and the playground is expected to be up and running by April.“This playground offers so much more than entertainment," WMI secretary David Baker said. "It gives the community a fun, inclusive environment to build social and developmental skills through music and invites families to spend meaningful time together."It will be located at Three Parks’ ‘coffee corner’ near the Wānaka Recreation Centre and petanque court, on land provided by Willowridge Developments.Money raised through Stars in Your Eyes over the past few years has funded the playground and the $20,000 grant from CLT will fund benches and sail shades for the location.The CLT grant to WMI forms part of the $1.4M in grants CLT handed out in its first funding round of the year.The musical playground will be located at ‘coffee corner’ near the Wānaka Recreation Centre. PHOTO: Wānaka AppWMI is one of five Upper Clutha community groups or organisations to receive funding in this round.Others include the Upper Clutha Community Arts Council, which received $12,000 to help deliver its upcoming Wānaka Autumn Art School 2026. The school allows participants to step away from their everyday lives for one week and delve into a new art medium.This year’s art school will run from April 13-17 and there are still spots available for some of the classes.Predator Free Wānaka - which recently installed an 18km trapline as part of its predator management efforts in the Upper Clutha - received $8,894 towards trapping and monitoring supplies.Read more: ‘Team effort’ to install 18km traplineThe last local recipient was Path Wānaka, which aims to connect parents, whānau and caregivers to the tools, knowledge and skills they need to support teenagers.It received $23,600 towards its running costs for 2026.

A local trust which provides grants for a range of community initiatives has appointed a new intern, Jennifer Huddleston, to work alongside the other trustees for the next 18 months.Jennifer will be the second intern to join the Central Lakes Trust (CLT) board in this round, in an initiative chair Linda Robertson says is “mutually beneficial”.“While the initiative is designed to support the intern’s governance development, we also benefit from the knowledge, perspective, and experience they bring to the organisation.”Jennifer lives in Alexandra and has been actively involved in community governance across Central Otago for several years. She is currently a board member of Te Ara Tīrama: Youth Impact Network, a new organisation designed to empower young people to connect, collaborate, and create change in their communities.Jennifer won’t have decision-making powers or voting rights, but will attend all board and relevant committee meetings and take part in all board activities during her term.She replaces Michael Rewi, the previous board intern, whose internship concluded at the end of 2025.CLT is a charitable trust which provides grants to charitable initiatives benefitting people in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, with the aim of improving the lives of local residents and creating lasting positive impacts in the region.PHOTO: Supplied

Police are appealing for witnesses after an alleged assault in broad daylight at a busy local service station this week.They are asking the public for any information they may have about the incident, which took place at approximately 1.35pm on Wednesday (February 18).“The incident happened on the forecourt of the BP Service Station, Sir Tim Wallace Drive.” Wānaka Police area response manager Graeme Hamblett said.Police have not released further details about what occurred, or the number or ages of those involved.They are now urging anyone who may have been nearby at the time, or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage, to come forward.“If you witnessed this incident or have any information which may assist the investigation, please contact Police on 105 quoting file reference number 260220/6973,” Graeme said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Plenty of us have been there before – the bills come in and they add up to a bigger number than what’s in your bank account. So you have to choose – what gets paid, and what doesn’t. This is a common scenario for many struggling businesses. When you’re in this situation, the natural temptation is to bump tax down the list. Inland Revenue doesn’t make your products or serve your customers, and paying Inland Revenue doesn’t keep stock on the shelves. It’s a tough dilemma, but putting off paying your tax is a bad idea, for several reasons. The national tax debt is now $9.2 billion and growing. More than half of this is GST and PAYE debt, which is a concern as this money really belongs to Inland Revenue – it’s not tied to a business’ taxable profits, but an incidence of trading and having employees.Unsurprisingly, Inland Revenue are keen to do something about it, and the government has increased their funding for debt collection.They’ve got several tools at their disposal too. Inland Revenue are ramping up their use of deduction notices, and they’re getting smarter at finding “hidden” assets that could be used to pay off debt. A new tool rolling out as well is reporting tax debt to credit reporting agencies. This one has the potential to really hit businesses where it hurts, as it could impact their ability to borrow or enter supply contracts.So what should you do if you’re falling behind on tax?The most important thing is to do something. Inland Revenue are generally very accommodating of any taxpayer who genuinely wants to pay their tax and will often enter into generous instalment arrangements or negotiate on interest and penalties.However, they’re much stricter with taxpayers who do nothing. This is where we can help. Tax agents can negotiate with Inland Revenue for you, discussing options to reduce the amount due and stagger payments over time. It’s often easier than you might think, and can really take a load off your mind, so get in touch if you would like to talk through your options. Alex CullTax Partner, Greenhawk Chartered Accountants0800 422 526 | [email protected] | greenhawk.co.nz91 Sir Tim Wallis Drive, Wānaka

Bullock Creek will benefit from modifications made to the nearby Alpha Series stormwater retention pond when work starts next week to improve the infrastructure.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery acknowledged Bullock Creek’s importance, shown through the many years of volunteer work by community groups to preserve the area’s ecological significance and community heritage.“Following development activity in the upstream catchment, council has been exploring opportunities to improve how stormwater enters and flows through Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs Wetland, into Bullock Creek, and on to Lake Wānaka…,” Tony said.“I’m pleased to share that we're progressing several modifications to the Alpha Series stormwater retention pond nearby, which will lessen the impact of urban stormwater runoff entering this highly valued natural environment and help protect this feature for future generations to enjoy.”Friends of Bullock Creek, a group which works to protect and enhance Bullock Creek catchment with a range of activities - including advocacy for more protection of the waterway - said the improvements were a step in the right direction.“We are optimistic that the current QLDC project will improve the quality of stormwater making its way into Bullock Creek,” Friends of Bullock Creek told the Wānaka App.“We continue to support the QLDC solution being the Stone Street Pipeline Diversion Project as outlined in the Long Term Plan.”Tony said the modification project will begin next Monday (February 23) and include modifications to the existing outlet on the nearby retention pond to reduce standing water, allowing for more gradual release of water from the pond, as well as water quality improvements through a longer and modified flow path and the planting of hundreds of native plants.Installation of a flow retention device on the nearby retention pond will also help manage high discharge rates, Tony said.Some disruption is likely around the western end of Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs Wetland while crews work in the area, which will include construction machinery and truck movements near the site, and may include some noise and vibration.PHOTO: Wānaka App

The Hāwea Community Association (HCA) has again raised concerns about access to a popular lakefront reserve, saying freedom camping continues to take a toll on the area many years after it first raised the issue.Sixteen years ago, in 2010, the access route to Craig Burn reserve was blocked with boulders by the HCA, a move which put freedom camping into the national spotlight. Locals were sick of the impact of freedom camping in the area, and the HCA said the move was made out of desperation.In 2018 locals again blocked access to the reserve with rocks; some saying there were 15 to 25 campers parked at the lakeside reserve each night, with many leaving human waste and litter behind - despite there being toilet facilities available.Then in 2024, Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), which manages the reserve, installed boulders and fencing at vehicle access points beyond the main car parking area at Craig Burn. “These measures were put in place following concerns from local community members about the environmental impact caused by freedom campers and other vehicles entering this fragile ecosystem,” LINZ land and waterways leader Lee Farnhill told the Wānaka App.This summer has led to more issues with freedom camping, HCA chair Jennie Harding told the Wānaka App this week.This includes the vandalism of the one toilet at the reserve, which has been temporarily replaced with a portaloo.Jennie said the HCA has been liaising with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), and has had discussions with LINZ prior to Christmas about access to the reserve.Jennie said the HCA is concerned that LINZ will “close off access completely, which will impact sportspeople”.“[The] Freedom Camping Act has a lot to answer for,” she said.A QLDC spokesperson said repairs are underway on the toilet, with completion expected by mid-March. PHOTO: Supplied

A familiar lakeside pastime will have a competitive edge on May 16, when New Zealand’s first-ever stone skimming championships takes place at Lake Hāwea.Organiser Richie Laming, Lake Hāwea Station’s tourism manager, said the event is part serious sport, part tongue-in-cheek fun.“You can only take it so seriously – it is stone skimming,” he told the Wānaka App. “But we are going to be producing national champions.”Around 150 competitors and the same number of spectators are expected to line the lake to compete in open men’s and women’s categories. The winners in each category will also go home with much more than national bragging rights - they’ll head to the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland, with organisers planning to cover the costs.Richie said it might be the “most outrageous prize in stone skimming history”.There is currently no clear frontrunner in stone skimming in New Zealand, Richie said, with most of the competition “dominated by our northern hemisphere counterparts.”Entries for New Zealand’s inaugural event are open to anyone looking for some competitive fun, Richie said. “If you’re not skimming well it’s humorous; if you are, it’s competition.”Richie Laming says entries are open for anyone looking for competitive fun.The idea to host the country’s first stone skimming championships came from the lake itself.“We’ve always thrown around the idea because Lake Hāwea, on a classic inversion layer day, is so calm,” Richie said.When he shared a Lake Hāwea stone skimming video on social media and it got “a couple of hundred thousand” views, that sealed the deal.The championships will include round robins, semi-finals, and finals, and there will be food, entertainment, raffles auctions, and “really cool engaging events throughout the day”, with proceeds from the event going to Melanoma NZ.Though the goal is to keep the event lighthearted, the mechanics of accurate scoring are pretty technical.“Thrown lanes will be GPS marked; then we will ideally have a drone over the top looking at stones as they’re thrown; there will also be a surveying trig measuring where the stone ends; and we will also have people out on the water backing up the trig system as well.”Richie said he is looking forward to showcasing the landscape and community to visitors.“What we are really looking at shaping is an event that surprises people – we want them to come away and think ‘what a cool celebration’.”The Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championships will take place on May 16, with May 17 a backup day for weather.PHOTOS: Supplied

A Wānaka-based adventure consultant says she agrees that anyone wanting to climb Mount Everest should have previously summited a 7000 metre high mountain at least once.Nepal's government is considering the new rule that would require climbers to have previously summited a 7000m high mountain in Nepal before attempting Everest which is 8848m high.New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first people known to reach Everest's summit in 1953.But recently the mountain has been been in the spotlight over increasing pollution with discarded climbing gear, tents, oxygen canisters and human waste.And the traffic jams with climbers literally nose to tail at dangerous pinch points as more people attempt Everest.Wānaka-based Adventure Consultants takes climbers up Everest and its general manager Caroline Ogle said they had strict rules around who they took to Everest but there was a real mix of people on the mountain.She said there were some operators, such as hers, which had been on the mountain for many years and ran well-resourced expeditions ensuring that only experienced climbers came onto Everest."Unfortunately there are a lot of teams that are a) quite large in size and b) their climbers don't have necessary experience before heading onto the mountain and those factors combined can mean that people do get into trouble and that's what you end up seeing in the headlines."Adventure Consultants advised anyone who wanted to climb Everest to follow a programme which started with a mountaineering course and to ensure they had a lot of climbing experience either in New Zealand, the European mountains or in the United States, she said."So building up experience on multiple 6000 to 7000m peaks and ideally another 8000m peak before going on to Everest."But often the climbers do not want to put in the preparation, she said."And we often see them turning up on other climbing teams who are just happy to accept their money for a place on their expeditions."A lot of people including influencers have been documenting their Everest trips on social media in the last few years with some willing to put in the work and some less so, she said.Ogle said she agreed that climbers wanting to take on Everest should have climbed a 7000 metre peak at least once."But the key caveat here is the proposed regulations require climbers to have climbed that 7000m peak in Nepal, where as lots of climbers who are already on their Everest pathways, they may have climbed a 7000m peak in South America or Kyrgyzstan or even 7000m peaks in Tibet or Pakistan - but under these proposed regulations those would not be applicable."That requirement could set back climbers who were wanting to take on Everest and had already climbed a 7000m peak, but just not in Nepal, she said."Summiting Everest (is) definitely not a walk in the park, it's an extremely serious and dangerous mountain and you need to have experience before doing that."PHOTO: File

Wānaka’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott has added a silver medal to her Winter Olympics tally after a thrilling slopestyle final at the Milano Cortina Games in Italy early today (February 19).The 24-year-old claimed second place in the snowboard slopestyle final, delivering a strong third run when it mattered most to secure the podium spot.Zoi qualified first but after her opening run of the final a score of 73.01 put her in third place and a 77.61 second run left her in fourth.In an event where your best run counts, Zoi needed a high scoring last run to make the podium. On her final attempt she produced a clean, high-scoring run that lifted her into silver medal position with an 87.48 score. The gold went to Japan’s Mari Fukada with 87.83, and bronze to Kokomo Murase.Zoi's slopestyle silver makes her the most decorated snowboarder in the world with a total of five Olympic medals, and her second of the 2026 Winter Olympic games after claiming silver in the Big Air event.Read more: Zoi soars to Olympic silver in Big AirEarlier Wānaka-based Dane Menzies finished seventh in the men’s snowboard final.PHOTO: NZ Team