A magnitude 3.5 earthquake struck just 40 kilometres north-west of Wānaka this morning near Mount Aspiring.The quake, which occurred at 5.49am at a depth of five kilometres, was lightly felt across the district. GeoNet describes it as 'unnoticeable'.There are no reports of damage.IMAGE: GeoNet

Wānaka Police have dealt with trespassing, a fire caused by young people lighting fireworks, drink driving, speeding, car crashes and careless driving in the past week.One man was trespassed from a property in Wānaka after pressuring people for money and a few days later a 56-year-old man was trespassed from the Albert Town Camping Ground.A member of the public reported a group of young people lighting fireworks, which created a small tussock fire at the Northlake pump track, and locals stepped in to help before fire trucks arrived, Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said.“This irresponsible behaviour is concerning,” she said. “It could have resulted in more serious consequences.”Wānaka Police responded to a “steady number” of driving complaints throughout the week including “reports of vehicles crossing the centre line, unsafe passing manoeuvres and inconsiderate driving”.They also included “a report of a vehicle travelling 40 kph across the Crown Range with a row of 50 cars following”.There were two “very high” excess breath alcohol (EBA) readings across the weekend, Fi said.In the first, police were called to a vehicle that had driven into a water race at Loess Lane, Hāwea Flat, and the driver had an EBA reading of 1,288mg (the legal limit for driving is 250mcg).In the second, a driver failed to stop at the Aubrey and Anderson Roads roundabout and crashed into the turning car. The driver returned an EBA reading of 1,508 mcg.“It goes without saying how disappointing this behaviour is,” Fi said.Kayak and dinghy owners leaving their vessels near a waterway should ensure they are secured and a name and phone number is included on them. This will help locate owners if the vessels are lost and prevents the risk of an unsecured vessel leading to a SAR response.Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A record-value slate of auction and raffle prizes have been donated for next weekend’s Hirepool Charity Classic Trilogy golf tournament.Hosted by the Wānaka Golf Club, the three-day tournament is a popular fixture on the local sporting calendar and since its inception in 2004 has raised more than $500,000 for local charities. This year’s charity of choice, Community Link, went straight to work sourcing prizes as soon as it learned it had been selected.“We set ourselves a goal of about 100 different items, and at current count we’re up to about 123,” Community Link general manager Kate Murray said.“The team have been contacting a wide range of businesses for prizes - accommodation providers, golf courses, restaurants, experiences, activities and wineries - to try and source a diverse range of prizes. “We’re thrilled with the generosity and response from our community and are so grateful to all the local businesses that have supported us.” Auction items available include a Milford Sound glacier flight and landing thanks to Southern Alps Air, as well as a night at the exclusive Minaret Lodge plus helicopter transfers, meal and a guide, which is valued at over $8,000. There are several golfing prizes including rounds at Gibbston Valley Golf Club, Millbrook, The Cairns Golf Course and Russell Coutts’ exclusive Barley Station. Tournament convenor Marc Simmons said the tournament hadn’t seen such high value prizes before.“They are very prestigious prizes, and it will be interesting to see how far the bidding goes,” he said.The tournament will run from Friday March 20 to Sunday March 22, and there will be plenty of opportunities to bid and buy raffle tickets for both competitors and members of the public. To make a bid on any auction items contact Yeverley McCarthy on [email protected] or head along to the Wānaka Golf Club. The final auction will take place on the Sunday afternoon, once the competition has wrapped up.PHOTO: Supplied

The Wānaka Community Patrol is calling for more volunteers to help keep the Upper Clutha community safe.The patrol has quietly been operating for more than a decade. Established in 2014 by local residents, the group works alongside local police as an extra set of “eyes and ears” in the community.Volunteers patrol Wānaka and surrounding areas on Friday and Saturday nights in a marked patrol car, usually for around four hours between 8pm and 2am.Wānaka Community Patrol chair and spokesperson Bruce Hebbard says the group currently has 15 active patrollers, but 25 would be the ideal number. “You could never have too many,” he said.Bruce said much of the patrol’s work happens quietly behind the scenes and goes unnoticed, with small issues dealt with before they escalate.Each shift begins with volunteers checking in with police to see if there are any areas or issues that require attention.“They may ask to look out for certain cars, to travel around certain streets where noise has been reported, or to look around… areas where theft/burglaries have taken place,” Bruce said. Some tasks are as straightforward as straightening road cones, while other times volunteers are called upon to help members of the public or check for untoward behaviour around an area.On a recent patrol, volunteers located a distressed woman and contacted police, who were able to help get her home safely.Volunteers patrol in pairs and don’t intervene in situations where they may be at risk. In those cases, police are called.Volunteers should have good community awareness and common sense, Bruce said.The joining process includes simple paperwork, an online quiz, and a low-level police vetting check. No prior experience is required, with training provided ‘on the job’.Patrollers are encouraged to complete at least one shift a month. Many current volunteers are retired, and those involved often find the role rewarding.“They say they get… satisfaction in helping the community,” Bruce said.Anyone interested in joining the Wānaka Community Patrol can contact Bruce Hebbard (027 613 3724 or email [email protected]). Find more information here.PHOTO: Supplied

Camp Hill Bridge will be temporarily closed to vehicles for a week at the end of March, so crews can install sections of a new wastewater pipeline on the structure as part of work to upgrade Upper Clutha’s wastewater network.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) advised the bridge will be closed from Tuesday March 24 to Thursday April 2, between the hours of 8.30am and 6.00pm each day.“This means the final school bus in the morning can use the bridge, but any afternoon traffic (including afternoon school buses) will need to use Gladstone Road, Cemetery Road, Domain Road, Capell Avenue, and SH6,” QLDC said. Alternatively, road users will be able to use Luggate Red Bridge, SH8A, and SH6.The new pipeline is part of a major upgrade planned for the Upper Clutha wastewater network, scheduled for completion by early 2027, designed to significantly increase capacity and support future growth in the Hāwea area.Read more: Bigger than Ben Hur: Multi-million dollar wastewater upgrades on the booksThe Hāwea River track will remain open during the bridge closure period, QLDC advised. PHOTO: Wānaka App

A power outage in the Upper Clutha this morning affected more than one thousand customers at its peak before power was restored.The unplanned outage occurred just after 11am, affecting 1,127 properties in Albert Town, Hāwea Flat and Wānaka South.Power was restored to all customers shortly after 12.40pm, a spokesperson for Aurora Energy told the Wānaka App.“The cause is not yet known, and our engineering team is investigating,” the spokesperson said.“We know outages are inconvenient and thank everyone affected for their patience.”PHOTO: Supplied

A Wānaka mother and son are feeling “very, very lucky” after securing flights out of bomb-stricken Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.Deb Jamieson and her son Rocco (19) had stopped in Abu Dhabi for a week in the sun after Rocco competed in the Milano Cortina Olympics, where Rocco made the finals in the snowboard Big Air event.The pair were planning to fly to Seoul on March 3 on Etihad Airways but their flight was cancelled following military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel (on February 28), which led to retaliatory strikes by Iran on Gulf states with US bases.The Jamiesons told the Wānaka App last week they felt “helpless and stuck” in their hotel room, with bombing taking place close by.Read more: ‘Helpless and stuck’ in Abu DhabiOn Monday (March 9) Deb confirmed the pair had made it to Zurich.“We’re feeling very, very lucky right now,” she said.Their exit wasn’t straightforward, however.“Just as we were about to walk out of the room with our bags, the alert came through and bombing started about 30 seconds later,” Deb said.“We thought for sure our flight would be cancelled.”  When the bombing settled the Jamiesons went to the hotel lobby but they couldn’t leave the hotel until the alert was lifted. “As soon as we could we got a taxi to the airport and checked in straight away,” Deb said.“We were sick to our stomachs the whole time, just staring at the departure board fearing the bombing would start again and we wouldn’t get out.” Eventually they boarded, but they weren’t able to relax until they reached air space over Europe, five hours into the flight. The pair are now in Zurich waiting for Rocco’s father Aaron to join them.PHOTO: Supplied

WAI Wanaka is encouraging locals to take action for freshwater this month, ahead of World Water Day on March 22.The local community organisation, which works to protect local waterways, has lined up a series of activities - from yoga sessions to beer donations and a dawn plunge - to encourage locals to reflect on the value of clean water and support WAI Wānaka.“Nature doesn’t come with a clear price tag, and as a result it is often undervalued,” WAI Wānaka CEO Cat Dillon said. “Even our most seemingly pristine alpine lakes are facing increased pressures, from contamination to invasive species. “Caring for this freshwater isn’t free, but the cost of doing nothing is far greater.”Freshwater across the region faces ongoing threats from population growth, land-use changes, climate pressures, and invasive species, putting drinking water, recreational safety, biodiversity, and community wellbeing at risk, Cat said. Research shows that healthy lakes and rivers also improve mental health, reduce stress, and strengthen social connections.“Healthy lakes and rivers don’t just support ecosystems – they support people,” Cat said.“Our community thrives because of these natural assets. Protecting them is an investment in our future, and for generations to come.”Locals can get involved by participating in next Friday’s (March 20) dawn plunge at 7am at Wānaka lakefront, or buy purchasing a Rhyme X Reason WAI collab 'Day for It' beer from the Rhyme X Reason brewery, Verve, Brew Bar, Cork, Sofi, Arc, Relishes, Big Fig, The Albie Tavern or Muttonbird, with $1 from every pint sold going towards WAI freshwater mahi.Other business are also supporting the cause, with Allie May Yoga donating ten percent of all Wednesday session bookings in March, Ripe donating a portion of their ticket sales, and Ground Up donating 15 percent of all taproom sales on World Water Day.Find more information about the upcoming initiatives and ways to give at the WAI Wānaka website, where there are additional resources on how to take action, donate or get involved with the organisation.PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

Local bakers, crafters and gardeners still have a couple of days left to enter the home, junior and family sections of the Wānaka A&P Show’s Home Industry section. Online entries will close on Thursday (March 12) at 4.30pm, so there’s still time to whip up a batch of your best baking, pick your favourite flowers, or cook up your favourite sauce. “Home Industry competitions are a celebration of everyday skills, creativity and pride in a job well done,” Wānaka A&P Show organisers said.“Entries range from baking, preserves, flowers and produce through to needlework, photography, woodwork, arts and crafts. “What makes this section so special is its inclusiveness: preschoolers enter alongside grandparents, first-timers compete next to seasoned exhibitors, and everyone is welcomed with the same encouragement.” Home Industry committee member Sarah Godfrey said the Home Industry section brings the whole community together.Sarah and her family entered last year for the first time; her mum placed second for ginger crunch, and her children earned commendations of their own. “They were absolutely thrilled,” she said. “It made the show even more special for us.”Winning flowers at last year’s Wānaka A&P Show.Each year home Industry entries are displayed in the Shepherdess Home Industry Pavilion over both show days (Friday March 13 and Saturday March 14).Among the wide range of entertainment at the show - livestock competitions, equestrian events, trade stalls, food vendors, family entertainment and much more - the Home Industry is still a firm favouriteSarah encouraged anyone who is considering entering in the Home Industry section to give it a go.Find everything you need to know about the Home Industry entries here and enter here. PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Queenstown Lakes Libraries is launching ‘Sign-up Month’ this March with a campaign to boost membership among adults and young people.Queenstown Lakes District library services manager Sue Gwilliam said adults aged 20-40 are under-represented in membership numbers and the campaign aims to get more people using library services.Sign‑up Month is also an opportunity to highlight the range of library services available, Sue said.“It would probably surprise most people just how much our libraries offer,” she said. “While we remain a haven for booklovers - with more than 100,000 physical books on our shelves - we’re also navigating the growing digital world.“Check‑outs for eAudiobooks and eBooks continue to grow, and our members are making great use of the Libraries, Libby, and Borrowbox apps.”Queenstown Lakes Libraries recently launched access to UniversalClass, an online learning platform offering hundreds of courses from finance and investment to science and psychology.The libraries host a wide range of free community events, often in partnership with local groups, including Te Kākano flax‑weaving workshops, Reading to Dogs, te reo Māori conversation classes, and teen book clubs.Recent survey results show strong community support for Queenstown Lakes Libraries. Results from QLDC’s Community Insights Survey 2025, showed 78 percent of respondents were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the libraries and a year earlier the survey showed 89.5 percent of survey participants agreed that Queenstown Lakes Libraries increased feelings of happiness and wellbeing.Throughout March, there are also special promotions for children and the young at heart. Library members can enjoy half‑price entry to Alpine Aqualand’s hydroslide at Queenstown Events Centre by presenting their library card or app, and children under 18 can also enter a competition to win tickets to the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Dazzlehands, with entry forms available at all local libraries. Joining the library is simple, Sue said: Head into your local library with ID and proof of residence. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Frontline dog control staff at councils around the country say legislative change is essential to protect communities from the risk of dog attacks.Local Government NZ (LGNZ) have responded to a request from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Local Government Simon Watts last month, following the death of a woman who was attacked by dogs in Northland on February 17.That same week, residents of Queenstown Lakes district publicly expressed their frustrations over the lack of council action over threatening and dangerous dogs.This included multiple complaints about as many as three mixed breed/pig dogs on a property in Luggate roaming onto other properties, mauling cats, killing hens, attacking a dog, and rushing at children.Read more: Council has ‘dropped the ball’ on dangerous dogsThe ministers had asked LGNZ to consider what can be done to reduce violent and fatal dog attacks.LGNZ sought “frontline insights” from dog control staff around the country, and recommended six changes which did not require legislative change: Making dangerous dogs a police priorityExpanding the use of DNA banks to identify dogs causing harm and hold their owners accountableGovernment housing providers to only allow tenants to have dogs if they are registered and have a low risk of causing harmModernise the national dog register to enable faster enforcement and identification of dog ownersEquip animal control officers with more tools and training to manage dangerous dogs and conflictDeliver more proactive registration checks and desexing initiatives. However, LGNZ reported, most frontline staff said legislative change is essential, saying “... overhauling the Dog Control Act 1996 would have the greatest impact”. ‘Little scope’ for council interventions to keep communities safe“The core problem is this: local government dog control has limited powers to take sufficient enforcement action early enough to avert serious attacks and put high risk dogs and their owners onto a positive pathway,” the report said.“The current legal settings mean that for dogs displaying moderate to high levels of aggression – often the precursors to more serious attacks – there is little scope to make decisive interventions to keep the community safe.” Frontline staff expressed frustration that they cannot step in sooner to prevent harm, even for “lower level” enforcement such as having suitable fencing to confine an aggressive dog.Frontline staff say just 20 percent of owners are responsible for 80 percent of their workThis reflects concerns raised by Luggate residents, and QLDC dog control officers also said they were frustrated they were not able to undertake more extensive enforcement.QLDC respondsA Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) spokesperson told the Wānaka App the council would support changes to national dog control legislation “that would ensure it both remains fit for purpose and that councils have the right tools … to manage dog control to protect their local communities”.While changes to the Dog Control Act are out of scope of QLDC’s bylaw and policy development process, locals will have an opportunity to have their say on local rules in this district later this year.QLDC has both a dog control policy and bylaw; they were adopted in 2020 and are due for review before June 2027.Formal consultation - including a public hearing - on a draft new local policy and bylaw will occur later in the year.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Mayors from Otago met late last week to discuss impending local government reforms, in an attempt to “start the conversation” on reforms in the region.In a video update to constituents last week, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) mayor John Glover said the meeting would consider how districts could join up and how to deliver better for their regions.“The government wants local government to simplify, and that means replacing regional councils with new amalgamated local councils,” he said.“It’s going to be really hard.”Read more: Local mayors respond to reform proposalsJohn said he’d like to hear from locals “along the way” about their priorities, what outcomes they want, and how to make the process more relevant and accessible.He said he would like feedback on what residents of Queenstown Lakes district have in common with residents of Central Otago and Dunedin, and what are the differences.“What are things we want to protect locally?”QLDC’s submission to the Department of Internal Affairs on the issue supported the intent to simplify local government.John and QLDC acting chief executive Michelle Morss said a smooth transition period and “quality outcomes” should be the priority given the scale of the reforms.They highlighted the need for bi-partisan support; for government to work in partnership with councils throughout the reform process; the need for implementation guidelines; and the need for funding for councils so that resources are not diverted from essential services.In terms of the proposed combined territory boards (CTBs) model, QLDC’s submission said the boards’ purpose should be on developing reorganisation plans, not on regional governance. The boards should also allow “a diversity of perspectives”, the submission said.QLDC also called for “more clarity on how democratic principles will be operationalised in practice for CTBs”.While consultation on the regional council proposals closed last month, a final proposal needs to be confirmed so legislation can be drafted.CTBs, which are scheduled to be established in 2027, will have two years to develop and submit regional reorganisation plans.

French rider Pierrick Burnet claimed victory in the men’s 47km mountain bike race at the Motatapu off-road event on Saturday (March 7), leading a strong international field across the high country between Glendhu Bay and Arrowtown.About 2700 competitors took part in the annual event, which featured five races including a 52km ultra run, 42km trail marathon, 47km mountain bike race, 15km trail run and a junior event.Pierrick crossed the line in 2:00:07, finishing ahead of Jono Miller (2:01:04) and Joshua Haggerty (2:05:52).Pierrick described the course as “pretty brutal”, saying practising the river crossings near the finish helped him gain time late in the race.Priscilla Thompson won the women’s mountain bike race in 2:18:48, narrowly ahead of Kate Boe in 2:19:42, with Ruby Ryan third in 2:22:26 after stopping mid-race to repair a flat tyre.The longest race of the day, the 52km ultra run, started in darkness before climbing through the Harris Mountains and descending into Arrowtown.Wānaka-based runner Luke Wilson won the men’s ultra in 6:14:59, improving on his runner-up finish in 2024. Tahiti’s Delbi Gongora finished second in 6:19:31, with Majell Backhausen third in 6:23:02.Hannah Wall successfully defended the women’s ultra title in 6:54:04, more than an hour ahead of Katherine Wright (7:56:29) and Marie Dethoor (8:29:13).In the 42km trail marathon, Jack Oates claimed victory in the men’s category in a time of 2:58:09, finishing ahead of Coast to Coast Longest Day champion Hamish Elliott (3:10:28) and Jono Pinckney (3:17:14).Winner’s of the 42km trail marathon Mel Aitken and Jack Oates.“The rivers are nice to look at, they’re not so fun to run through,” Jack said of the deeper river crossings late in the course.Mel Aitken won the women’s marathon in 3:31:53, ahead of Talia Flannery (3:49:04) and Kirsten Hall (3:51:56).PHOTOS: Supplied

The Guardians of Lake Hāwea’s concerns about ongoing lakeside erosion from high water levels were confirmed by a new slip above a popular beach - and the group is now awaiting a formal response on an erosion management plan.The slip at Scotts Beach last month happened ‘without warning”, one onlooker said.Hāwea Community Association (HCA) chairperson Jennie Harding said both the HCA and the Guardians were aware of the most recent slip, as was Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), which was looking into safety concerns.“[We] highly recommend not going there; clearly unstable unfortunately,” Jennie wrote on the Hāwea Facebook page.January lake levels approached the maximum height of 346 metres which Contact Energy is consented to operate up to, and on January 10 heavy rainfall raised the lake over this threshold.This, combined with gale force winds, caused multiple slips around the lake and “significant land loss” along the Flora Dora cliffs, according to Guardians chair Dave Currie.Read more: Erosion causes ‘significant land loss’ along Hāwea shoreErosion below Flora Dora Parade.The Guardians have asked Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Contact for an update on the company’s 2024 erosion management plan, which required Contact to identify actions to avoid, remedy or mitigate erosion on the lake margins and adjacent land adjoining Lake Hāwea township.It also required Contact to submit a new plan to ORC within two years, in consultation with QLDC and the HCA.ORC science manager Tom Dyer said ORC compliance staff are “engaging with all relevant parties” regarding implementation of the erosion management plan and consent compliance. However, ORC has not yet formally responded to the Guardians’ request, Tom said, as it is still collecting information.Contact Energy head of hydro Boyd Brinsdon told the Wānaka App the company has “interim works planned to further mitigate any risk to public safety (subject to consents)”.“We already had plans underway to build a large retaining wall with rock armour along the Flora Dora cliffs,” he said.“We’re working with the Hāwea Community Association to agree the best type of retaining wall. From there, we will seek resource consents before this work can commence.”PHOTOS: Supplied

A trust responsible for distributing millions of dollars to Otago community groups each year has added new leadership to its board.Otago Community Trust (OCT), which has granted more than $230M across the region since its inception, has appointed Toni Talijancich as a trustee and reappointed chair Andy Kilsby for a second term.Andy and Toni will help the wider board decide how to distribute OCT’s monthly funding rounds to community groups and projects making a positive difference."I am honoured to continue serving the Otago region in this capacity,” Andy said. “The work of the trust is vital to supporting the wellbeing of our communities, and I look forward to working with Toni and my fellow trustees to build on the positive impact we've achieved."Toni, an experienced business leader, said the OCT played a “vital role in strengthening communities across the region”. “I’m excited to contribute my experience to support the organisation’s kaupapa and long-term impact.”Locally, OCT plays a significant role in supporting community organisations - with recent funding rounds supporting the Wānaka Arts Society’s latest Labour Weekend exhibition, Wānaka Snowsports Clubs radio upgrades, and Wānaka Preschool Early Childhood Centre’s renovation.OCT chief executive Jemma Adams said she welcomed the appointments, and their skills and expertise. OCT is a philanthropic organisation which has invested $318.8M since its formation in the mid-1990s. Learn more about it here. PHOTO: OCT

Otago’s nine-day ‘special’ season for paradise shelduck/pūtangitangi begins today (Saturday March 7), giving hunters an early opportunity to get out in the paddock with strong bird numbers reported across the region.It makes for “a perfect opportunity to gain experience before the opening of the main 2026 game bird season on May 2”, Otago Fish & Game communications officer Bruce Quirey said.This year’s season followed an exceptionally strong moult count, with paradise shelduck numbers reaching a 35-year high.“This is shaping up as a great opportunity for hunters,” he said. “With plenty of birds about, the special season is ideal for harvesting wild kai and for junior or new hunters to build confidence ahead of the main game bird season.”Bruce said juvenile paradise shelduck taken at this time of year were particularly good eating.Hunting during the special season also helped disperse large flocks of post-moult birds grazing on rural crops - but farmers still experiencing problems with game waterfowl are encouraged to contact their local Fish & Game office.Hunters do not need elaborate decoy spreads to be successful, particularly when targeting young birds.“Simple decoys can work extremely well,” Bruce said. “Fish & Game rangers in another region checked a hunter who had taken his limit over a spread made from pieces of large black plastic drainpipe.”Home-made painted silhouettes, lightweight printed corflute silhouettes, or basic shell decoys “can all do the job”. “The key is keeping things simple, staying concealed, and setting up where birds are already feeding.”Hunters must hold a valid 2025 game bird licence (whole season or daily), check the regulations including bag limits, and obtain landowner permission before hunting private land.Special season hunting is restricted to areas at least 200 metres from open water and it generally takes place over decoys in paddocks.While there are several hunting areas around Wānaka, many hunters head to Central Otago during the season for the best spots.The ‘special’ season runs through to Sunday March 15.

Hot and windy weather has raised the fire risk in the Queenstown Lakes District to extreme, prompting Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) to suspend all fire permits in the Lakes zone for the next three days.The Lakes zone covers the whole Queenstown Lakes District, which is already in a restricted fire season.The new suspension of existing fire permits means that no outdoor fires can be lit until 9pm on Sunday (March 8).FENZ district commander Craig Gold said that any outdoor fire in the zone would cause an unacceptable risk to the community, firefighters and the environment."We have reached a critical point in the fire season, and safety is our top priority,” he said. “With risk levels now exceeding safe operating limits for land management or recreational fires, we are suspending all active permits to protect our communities and our environment."FENZ said people carrying out activities that can generate sparks, such as grinding or welding, should take extra care to do this well away from vegetation this weekend. Mowing, harvesting and similar activities should be done in the early morning or evening, FENZ said.PHOTO: Supplied

On Thursday, 12 March Dr Kris Taylor will be presenting 'Talking Masculinities: Why toxic masculinity is a concern, how it can impact your child/teen, and what you can do about it.'Over the last few years, a wave of grown men has built big online businesses 'coaching' boys and young men, from ‘dating and fitness’ to ‘money and status’. The hook is familiar: amplify insecurity, then sell the fix (such as ‘courses', ‘supplements' and 'rules for life').Not every teen is watching this content, but the messages leak into everyone’s world, and that’s the point. A ‘neo-traditionalist’ (someone who deliberately revives, adapts, or reinterprets traditional practices, cultures, or beliefs to fit modern contexts) takes on gender roles, (e.g. 'trad' relationships, 'alpha/beta' status, body ideals, sexual expectations), all shaping what feels normal in school corridors, group chats, and dating culture. The research is clear: girls, young women, and even female teachers are increasingly on the receiving end of sexist remarks, harassment, and pressure that echoes what’s being modelled online.That’s why this session is for all parents - especially those parenting girls. These ideologies shape the culture your daughters have to navigate dating expectations, coercion, body image, peer pressure, and consent.Psychology researcher and student counsellor Dr Kris Taylor will give a calm, practical crash course to help caregivers/parents understand what’s showing up online, and the tools to respond in a way that keeps conversations open, safe and steady, to avoid the family dinner spiralling into a show-down.You’ll walk away with:A clear map of the online ‘worldview’ our teens are swimming inHow “masculinity influencer” messaging persuades (often subtly)Practical ways to talk about sexism, porn, harassment, and gender normsShared language plus tried-and-tested strategies for respectful conversationsJoin us:Thursday 12 March | 6:30–8:30pmTe Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College, WānakaTickets to hear Kris Taylor speak are available here

Sixth Paralympics in, Wānaka's Adam Hall knows exactly how rare this moment is.The 38-year-old para alpine skier is preparing for what will likely be his final Winter Paralympics in Italy. But for the first time in his decorated career, he'll have a full family cheering squad on the sidelines.Adam and fellow Kiwi Corey Peters make up New Zealand's two-strong Paralympic team, and both head to the Italian Alps as genuine medal contenders. But for Adam, this campaign carries an extra layer of meaning.Born with spina bifida, he burst onto the global stage with gold in the men's standing slalom at Vancouver in 2010. Eight years later he reclaimed the title at PyeongChang, adding to a haul that also includes three Paralympic bronze medals.Now, with nearly two-thirds of his life spent on snow, he said perspective comes easily.He said he is full of gratitude for those around him, including team-mates and coaches, who have supported him. As for many top athletes though it is family who sacrifice most.Adam's seven year old daughter Gracelynn will watch her father race in person for the first time, alongside his wife Elitsa - herself a two-time US Winter Paralympian.With travel restrictions during the last games because of Covid, Hall's family and friends are making the most of seeing him in action this time."To have our daughter there watching is something special and she is at an age now where hopefully she'll be able to remember that experience," Adam told RNZ.Adam also has the in-laws, cousins and an old childhood mate from his days growing up in Outram among his supporters.He calls the Kiwi Paralympic squad "a small but mighty team" who spend a lot of their time away from family and is hoping to reward them with another podium finish in Italy."I'm just missing a silver so we'll see if we get the full set or not."His specialist event is the slalom but he'll also line up in the giant slalom."The competition is so tight now and the margins are getting smaller and I've said this before that no matter what colour, if it's a bronze or silver it feels just as good as gold."Can't be too fussy about the colour but we do strive to be on top."Adam is familiar with the Italian Alps and closely followed the Winter Olympics with interest as he'll be skiing on the same slopes around Cortina."For us we call the Olympics the test event, jokingly, they kind of iron everything out before the big show."The big show for Adam starts with the GS on March 13 followed by the Slalom on the 15th.