New Rules for Investor Visa Holders: What It Means for Wanaka PropertyThe New Zealand Government has passed a targeted change to the overseas investment rules that opens the door for certain investor visa holders to buy or build a high-value home here, under conditions. This change is designed to attract international capital and deepen investor engagement in local communities without undermining protections for New Zealand’s broader housing market.Let’s break down what’s happening, who it applies to, and what it could mean locally.What’s Changed?Under the Overseas Investment Act 2005, most overseas persons are restricted from buying residential land in New Zealand. The Government has now added a new consent pathway for certain investor visa holders. This pathway lets eligible investors apply for consent to buy or build one high-value residential property, while the general restrictions remain in place.For readers in Wanaka and Queenstown, where premium properties are an important part of the local market, this is highly relevant.Who Can Use the New Pathway?The new rule applies to people who hold one of these visas:Active Investor Plus (AIP)Investor 1Investor 2The $5 Million ThresholdTo qualify under the new pathway:The purchase price of the property must be at least NZ$5 million; orThe combined cost of buying land plus building a new home must exceed NZ$5 million.This threshold means the pathway is aimed squarely at the top end of the market.Buying or BuildingEligible investors can either:Buy an existing high-value residential property, orBuy land and build a new homeWhere a build is involved, consent will be granted with conditions such as:A requirement that the house is built;Reporting to the Overseas Investment Office on progress and cost;A potential requirement to sell the land if the build isn’t completed or the combined land and build costs fall below the threshold.When Does It Take Effect?The Government has passed the law change, and it is confirmed that these new provisions will come into effect in early 2026. Until then, current overseas investment rules continue to apply. You can already enter into contracts conditional on obtaining Overseas Investment Office consent once the rules are in force.How You Can Use the PropertyOnce consent is granted:The property can be lived in as a main home;Used as a holiday residence; orUsed to operate a business. The above are subject to compliance with other laws, including local planning laws. There are no use-restrictions under the Overseas Investment Act. However, buying a home this way does not count toward the qualifying investment requirement for the visa.Not All Land Is EligibleThe pathway applies only to residential land that is not otherwise sensitive under the Overseas Investment Act. Residential land means land that is categorised as ‘residential’ or ‘lifestyle’ for the purposes of the district valuation roll. There are other types of sensitive land that are not eligible for this consent pathway, including non-urban (rural) land larger than 5 hectares, some land adjoining the seabed or foreshore, and some land on islands.What This Means for WanakaWanaka’s premium property market is likely to be among the few places in New Zealand where this pathway might see interest, particularly for bespoke homes, lakefront properties and architecturally distinctive builds that comfortably exceed NZ$5 million.This development doesn’t open up the wider housing market to overseas buyers, but it does create a new, controlled opportunity at the top tier of the market. It may support activity in luxury boutique development and bespoke residential projects In SummaryA new overseas investment pathway allows certain investor visa holders to buy or build one residential property worth NZ$5 million or more.This change comes into effect in early 2026. Consent is required and if granted, will be subject to conditions.The policy aims to attract high-net-worth investors while protecting housing accessibility for most New Zealanders.For Wanaka’s high-end property market, this change may bring new interest from international buyers who are looking to invest in New Zealand.For those looking to invest in New Zealand and utilise this new consent pathway, it is important to take legal advice on your specific circumstances. The law comes into effect on 6 March 2026.Caitlin [email protected] Dunmore StreetWānaka

A report signalling major changes to zoning in the district has been approved.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) councillors gave the green light to an independent hearing panel’s recommendation report for the Urban Intensification Variation (UIV) last week.The UIV, and intensification generally, involves allowing denser housing and commercial development, QLDC planning and development general manager David Wallace said. The adopted UIV includes a ‘refined’ approach to height and density across the district from recommendations made by an independent hearing panel, comprising independent commissioners David Allen, Ian Munro, and Lyal Cocks.Greater heights and density will be possible on generally greenfield land in ‘Wānaka South’.The plan has been a long time coming - it was first broached in 2023, under direction from the central government National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) to build ‘out and up’.Read more: Urban intensification: Growth ‘up and out’ proposedThe plan includes a focus on intensification in areas with higher accessibility and proximity to commercial and community services, such as Wānaka’s town centre and Three Parks.Some of the key decisions as part of the recommendations include:A Suburban Residential Zone (SRZ) will enable more flexible two‑storey infill housing by increasing current permitted heights from 6.5m or 7m currently to 8m.The Medium Density Residential Zone (MDRZ) will be retained, and a new zone - Medium Density Residential A Zone (MDRAZ) - will allow greater height and density.Greater heights and density will be enabled on generally greenfield land in Wānaka South, increasing current permitted heights from 8m to 11m and removing density requirements of one residential unit per 250m2 net site area.The High Density Residential Zone (HDRZ) will be retained, with a new zone called High Density Residential A Zone (HDRAZ) to allow for greater height and density at Three Parks.The new HDRAZ will allow for building height of 16.5m and a tiered approach for any building greater than 24m to be discretionary activity.Existing zones and lower height limits in smaller settlements like Lake Hāwea will largely be retained.QLDC council staff will publicly notify the decision and alter Proposed District Plan provisions to reflect the recommendations. There will be a 30-working day period where appeals can be lodged to the Environment Court from the date of public notification of the decision. The panel’s recommendation report, revised chapter provisions, and maps of the changes can all be viewed on the QLDC website.Read more: More residential growth for ‘South Wānaka’ PHOTOS: Wānaka App

Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) science teacher Sarah Graham loves an excuse to learn new ideas and skills.She recently accomplished that and more at a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) camp for teachers. Sarah was one of around 30 educators who took part in the School to Skies/Seas teachers’ live-in camp hosted by the Royal New Zealand Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The six-day camp, held at Devonport Naval Base and RNZAF Base Auckland, offers teachers of Years 5 to 13 students insight into the world of the NZDF.“This has been the best week of professional development I have experienced,” Sarah said. “I am really excited to take what I learnt over the six days and share it with my students.” During the camp participants were given hands-on experience in the maritime and aviation industries, designed to provide them with new educational tools and ideas, as well as demonstrate career opportunities for their students.Sarah near the open ramp of a C-130J Hercules in flight, which she said was “amazing” to experience.Sarah took part on a colleague’s recommendation. “I have an interest in military aviation. I also love any excuse for an adventure and learning new skills,” she said. “My brother is in the army reserves, my uncle is ex-army and I have cousins in the air force.” She said she was impressed with the variety of choices for careers. “There’s the opportunity to work in a number of different roles, and they have the ability to change trades, to pursue new pathways.“You’re getting paid to train and study, and there are travel opportunities all around the world.” During the camp the teachers visited HMNZS Aotearoa, the navy’s maritime sustainment vessel and largest-ever ship, and were taken for a flight in a C-130J Hercules. “The Hercules flight was amazing and such a privilege. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The days were long - 6am to 8pm - but it was worth it, Sarah said. “I am very grateful for the access we have been afforded, and the behind-the-scenes views have been incredibly eye-opening,” she said.PHOTO: NZDF

Community theatre society, Onstage Wānaka, which produced last year’s musical, Blood Brothers, is preparing to audition locals for its new show, ‘That Bloody Woman’.The rock-concert style show brings humour and energy to a story many New Zealanders will recognise: Kate Sheppard’s campaign that led New Zealand to become the first country to allow women to vote. “We chose That Bloody Woman because it’s high-energy, funny and tells one of the most powerful stories in New Zealand’s history,” Onstage Wānaka president Andrea Beryl said.It shows the realities women faced in the late 1800s and the journey Kate Sheppard took to get the Electoral Bill passed and change history.Onstage Wānaka will hold auditions from February 28 to March 1, Andrea said.“So far we’ve had a great response, but if there are any males out there thinking about it… we’d love to hear from you,” she said. The show will tell a familiar story with humour and energy, promises Onstage Wānaka. Onstage Wānaka will also host an information evening about the auditions next Thursday (February 19) at the Lake Wānaka Centre for those who want to find out more about the show and what’s involved.That Bloody Woman was written by Luke Di Somma and Gregory Cooper, and has been performed across New Zealand since 2015. The production will be directed by Lisa Clough, with Graeme Perkins as musical director. Choreography will be led by Nina Hermanns, with Hannah Gillespie as assistant choreographer.All information about the auditions can be found on Onstage Wānaka’s website.The Lake Wānaka Centre curtains will be drawn on That Bloody Woman from July 10-18. PHOTOS: Supplied

Wānaka-Luggate Highway/State Highway 8 is closed near Wānaka Airport following a four-vehicle crash this afternoon (Monday February 9).A police spokesperson said emergency services received reports at around 2.30pm of a crash near the intersection of Stevenson Road and the highway.Hone Hato St John said one ambulance, one PRIME responder, and two helicopters responded to the accident.“One patient, in moderate condition, has been airlifted to Dunedin Hospital,” a St John spokesperson said.“Two further patients, both in minor condition, were assessed and treated at the scene.”NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the accident is causing delays for traffic in the area and emergency services are providing directions at the site.

Santana Minerals will not know whether its Bendigo-Ophir gold mine can proceed until late October, after a decision to set the project on the longest assessment timeframe requested by local authorities.The decision follows a January conference where councils, government agencies and iwi argued the project was too complex to be assessed within the shorter timeframes initially sought by the applicant.In a formal minute issued under the Fast-Track Approvals Act, panel convenor Jane Borthwick confirmed a 140-working-day timeframe for the decision, with the expert panel due to begin work on February 25 and a final verdict required by October 29.Jane said the scale and technical complexity of the application, along with the number of unresolved issues and the fact the proposal falls under several different laws and agencies, justified both the extended timeframe as well as the appointment of a seven-member panel.Outstanding information requests and the likelihood of expert conferencing, mediation or hearings were also factors in her decision.The Bendigo-Ophir proposal, lodged by Matakanui Gold Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Santana Minerals, includes open-cast and underground mining above Cromwell.At the January conference, Otago Regional Council, Central Otago District Council and Department of Conservation all argued the project could not be properly assessed within a compressed fast-track timeframe, citing the size of the application, the number of matters still in contention, and concerns about the pace and depth of pre-lodgement engagement.Iwi Kā Rūnaka also raised concerns about the scale and longevity of the project’s potential effects, including the possibility treaty settlement issues could arise.Jane said if such issues were triggered during the process, additional time would be required for the panel to consider any amendments, though the overall statutory timeframe could not be extended.The mining company initially sought a 30-working-day decision period and later indicated it would accept 60 working days.“The applicant has not persuaded me that 60 working days is an appropriate timeframe,” Jane said.“The application is substantial in scale and technically complex...more complex than the nearest comparable case.”The expert panel will be chaired by Hon Matthew Muir KC, with members Gina Sweetman, Philip Barry, Roger MacGibbon, Tim Mulliner, Peter Kensington and Douglas Johnson, bringing expertise across mining, planning, environmental science, hydrology and geotechnical engineering.A panel nominee put forward by Central Otago District Council was not included.Santana Minerals chief executive Damian Spring said the confirmation of a firm decision date marked an important procedural step for the project, providing him a “clear line of sight”.“From our perspective, certainty around process and timing is what matters, and we now have that.”He said while a shorter time frame was preferable, the company was now focused on working constructively with the panel and other participants in the fast-track process.Participant comments on the application are due on April 10, with the company’s response on April 17.A spokesperson for mine opposition group Sustainable Tarras said group members were "relieved" to see the longer decision-making timeframe and the larger sized panel of experts."We are cautiously optimistic that this panel will be able to identify the gaps in the data, the overstated economic case, and the underestimation of environmental impacts," the group said in a statement released after the decision was published."We also remain hopeful that the panel will invite a wide range of affected parties, including ourselves. We have therefore taken steps to engage experts in areas where we believe we can add evidence to what we understand the agencies will be submitting."

After an action-packed 4 weeks of school holiday adventures, we’re kicking off Term 1 with more adventures full of fun and connection. We’re offering after-school clubs, drop-in sessions, and PULSE—our exciting fitness programme. Check out the details below, for more info and to book visit - kahuyouth.orgAfter-school ClubsKahu’s after-school clubs are filled with great activities for youth 11years+. Clubs start back Monday 9 February, it's not too late to join! Games Club - Monday 3:30pm - 5:30pm. Cost $45.Come and be part of our Kāhu gaming community with Youth Worker (and resident nerd) Connor, where like-minded youth can hang out, play, and enjoy gaming together. Putiputi Adventure Club - Wednesday 3:30pm - 5:30pm. Cost $150.Fully booked. Creative Corner - Tuesday 3:30pm - 5:30pm. Cost $50.Creative corner, facilitated by our crafty Youth Worker Bridie, is a place to come and express your creative side through art such as painting, ceramic and design. Fitness Club - Friday 3:30pm - 5:30pm. Cost = $100 Our boxing sessions are returning through the Kāhu Friday Fitness Club. Expect boxing, strength training, and wellbeing work that will push you, build confidence, and teach new skills.Drop-In SessionsOur drop-in sessions are free and open for rangatahi 11yrs+ for general hangouts with friends and fun. Activities are youth led and can include; pool, air hockey tables, basketball, arts and crafts and more.Our youth centres are safe, inclusive spaces and are supervised by Youth Workers. Youth are able to come and go as they please, we are unable to supervise youth once they leave the centre. Paetara Aspiring Central - Term 1Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, Friday 3:00pm - 5:30pm Lake Hāwea Community Centre - Term 1Tuesday 3:45pm – 5:30pm Ride the Kāhu Van to Hāwea Youth Centre!Every Tuesday after school from PAC, hop on the van to Hāwea Youth Centre. Heading back? We leave Hāwea at 5:30pm. Only 10 spots -  bookings here.Lake Hāwea Community Centre - Drop-In Activities:Tuesday 10 February - Arts & Crafts afternoonTuesday 17 February - Pool tournament Tuesday 25 February - Disc Golf Tuesday 3 March - Marble Races Tuesday 10 March - Chill & Movies Tuesday 17 March - Melty Beads Tuesday 24 March - Gaming DayTuesday 31 March - Sports Day PULSE is Back!Attention Year 9 -10 students! Kāhu Youth is bringing back PULSE – an action-packed fitness programme designed to build resilience, strength, and teamwork.When: Starting Wednesday 25 February and finishing Friday 27 March, 2 sessions per week, Wednesday 7:00am – 8:30am and Friday 7:00am – 9.00amWho: Year 9 & 10 students (Year 7, 8 and 11 by exception)Cost: FreeFor more info and to book visit - kahuyouth.orgPaetara Aspiring Central, 35 Plantation Road, Wānaka

The Guardians of Lake Hāwea are concerned that continued high lake levels will result in more cases of erosion and land loss along Hāwea’s shoreline.Guardians of Lake Hāwea chair Dave Currie told the Wānaka App the group has been working with Contact Energy and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), and is waiting to hear from Otago Regional Council (ORC), following multiple slips and significant land loss along the face of the cliffs below Flora Dora Parade last month.“We’re a bit grumpy,” Dave said.In January lake levels were approaching the maximum height of 346 metres (which Contact is consented to operate up to), and on January 10 heavy rainfall raised the lake over 346m.The high level combined with gale force northerly winds caused multiple slips around the lake and “significant land loss” along the Flora Dora cliffs, Dave said.The Guardians met with Contact Energy, which committed (with the help of QLDC) to provide temporary fencing above the cliffs to ensure community safety.However, Dave said, it remains clear Contact wishes to maintain lake levels close to 346m through until the end of winter to help provide for winter power needs.“... at this level more severe weather events may result in further slips occurring,” he said.“We feel that track infrastructure is now increasingly at risk.”While Contact has consent to operate at this level, the Guardians have reminded the company of its consent obligation to avoid and mitigate the impact of erosion, Dave said.“In 2024 they produced an erosion management plan with a number of options on how infrastructure would be protected, these have not been discussed with us in detail nor a preferred option agreed to.”Dave said the Guardians believe one of the options in the plan, “or something else more appropriate needs to be urgently agreed to, consented and actioned”.“As a result, we are making extensive representation to [ORC], the regulator in this matter, to determine why these consent provisions have not been met, and how they plan to ensure action is taken.”The 2024 plan 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 Hāwea Community Association.

The district council has installed portaloos at the Wānaka Recreation Centre carpark to “relieve pressure” on facilities over the summer.Local lobby group Save Clean NZ, which wants freedom camping banned at Beacon Point, says installation of portaloos at the site, which has 18 carparks designated for self-contained freedom campers, shows the “system is not working”.“Freedom camping is supposed to mean self-contained,” the group posted on social media last week.“The two new portaloos at the Rec Centre say otherwise.”A Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) spokesperson told the Wānaka App the portaloos were installed as “a temporary measure to help relieve pressure on existing WRC facilities over the summer peak”. “The freedom camping sites and increasing visitor numbers this summer have meant the additional use of indoor facilities,” the spokesperson said. “The additional portaloos help to ensure that inside and sports field toilets remain available for all users.”He said freedom camping vehicles must still be certified self-contained, with a valid warrant displayed to freedom camp. The two portaloos: a sign freedom camping isn’t working, or simply a way to ensure public toilets remain available for all users?“This means a vehicle must have a toilet and campers must be able to live in the vehicle for three days without getting more water or dumping waste. “Part of our education campaign is that campers must use a public toilet or the one onboard their vehicle.”Save Clean NZ, however, said installation of portaloos shows that “people [are] using the carpark as a toilet”. “The system isn’t working and locals are paying the price,” the group said.“If ratepayers are funding toilets, what’s next?”The council spokesperson said enforcement officers work in the nighttime hours and issue infringements to any campers they find breaching the rules, including to those without a valid self-contained warrant.The Wānaka Rec Centre sites are designated in the QLDC Freedom Camping Bylaw, which was put in place in December. The bylaw prohibits freedom camping (in certified self-contained vehicles) in most urban areas but allows for 18 designated spaces at the Wānaka Recreation Centre carpark and three spaces at the Beacon Point Road carpark. Three spaces designated at the Allenby Place carpark were removed last month after QLDC said the area had experienced access and health and safety issues.Read more: Temporary freedom camping ban at Wānaka siteFreedom camping enforcement: ‘A bucket in a tsunami’PHOTOS: Supplied

Game bird hunters are being encouraged to take advantage of a nine-day season in March in Otago for paradise shelducks/putangitangi after a record trend count.The March 7-15 ‘special season’ follows a 35-year-high trend count of paradise shelducks during annual monitoring by Fish & Game at 95 moult sites around the region.Otago Fish & Game officer Mason Court said about 26,600 paradise shelduck were counted on wetlands, ponds and lakes across Otago in late January.“The March special season is a chance to harvest some wild kai and to encourage junior and new hunters to hone their skills before the regular season starts in May, as paradise shelducks can be easier to hunt than other game birds,” he said.After moulting, paradise shelduck feed heavily once they can fly again. The nine-day season also helps to disperse large flocks and lessen their impact on rural crops.“However, any farmers with issues of game waterfowl affecting their crops are encouraged to contact their local Fish & Game office,” Mason said.For the March special season, hunters can use their 2025 game bird whole season licence or can buy a daily licence from the Fish & Game website.Special season hunting for paradise shelduck 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.Mason said hunters will need to check the regulations for conditions around the special season, including bag limits and hunting locations.For example, hunting is not permitted within 200 metres of open water during the nine-day season. All other game bird species remain protected during the special season.“Shooting game birds on private land requires permission, but this often can be obtained as simply as a knock on a farmer’s door and a polite request,” Mason said.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A light 3.6 magnitude earthquake caused slight shaking in Wānaka tonight (Sunday, February 8).The earthquake struck at 10.42pm just south of Luggate at a depth of 5 kilometres.GeoNet described it as 'light', although one Luggate resident said it "felt like a truck hitting the house".An Albert Town resident told the Wānaka App it sounded like "a loud bang and our whole house shaking". There have been no reports of damage.IMAGE: GeoNet

Two Wānaka athletes will lead the New Zealand Team into the opening ceremony at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games this morning (February 7), after snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and freeski athlete Ben Barclay were named flag bearers.The pair were announced as Ngā Pou Hāpai Tāne and Wahine during a special team gathering at New Zealand Lodge in Livigno, led by NZ Team chef de mission Marty Toomey (Wānaka) and attended by teammates, friends and whānau.“I feel very honoured to be selected as flag bearer, this is incredibly special,” Zoi said.“To share this with Beano (Ben) who I’ve spent a lot of my career with, not only on my snowboard but off it too, is special … I’m proud to be sharing this moment with him.”Ben said wearing the kākahu was a powerful experience.“It’s an honour to wear the kākahu and be chosen as a flag bearer alongside such a good friend as Zoi. To lead the team into the opening ceremony is a privilege for both of us,” he said.“When the kākahu was put on our shoulders it gave me a bit of a shiver, it’s an honour that not many people get to experience and to carry that forward throughout this Olympic experience will be incredible.”NZ Team Chef de Mission, Marty Toomey presented the kākahu (cloaks) to Zoi and Ben.“These two are not only incredible athletes, but incredible human beings,” he said.“Both Zoi and Ben embody the leadership qualities we value in the New Zealand team. They work hard, they stay grounded and they lift the people around them.”Marty presented Zoi with Te Hono Ki Matariki, while Ben received Aroha Atu Aroha Mai.The opening ceremony for the 2026 Olympic Games takes place today (February 7) at 8am (NZT).NZ Team Winter Games schedule.PHOTO: Supplied

Councillors have approved an early step in establishing the board for the district’s new and controversial water services delivery model.In a tense meeting last year, councillors were split on whether to retain water services in-house or undertake a major overhaul of water delivery by establishing a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO).Former mayor Glyn Lewers used his casting vote to push through the latter - which will see water services owned by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) but run independently by a board of industry professionals.Councillors and staff began laying the groundwork for the recruitment of those professionals yesterday (Thursday February 5), at the first full council meeting of the new year.They resolved to appoint five elected members to oversee the appointment of the WSCCO’s establishment board.Those elected members will undertake initial recruitment and recommend appointments for the board, which is to include up to five members who are appointed from the outset.The WSCCO will begin ‘day one’ at the start of July next year, council staff said.Council staff have been progressing the ‘WSCCO establishment programme’, the transition to a WSCCO, since councillors resolved to change models last year.The decision to switch models came on the back of significant public opposition to a WSCCO, with 89 of 119 submissions asking to keep water services in-house.Council staff said “key workstreams” underway for the establishment of the WSCCO includeincorporation activities, development of the WSCCO constitution, an interim Statement of Expectations, as well as preparation for the recruitment of the inaugural chief executive and establishment board.PHOTO: Supplied

The use of creativity as a tool for wellbeing is at the heart of an innovative programme re-launching in Wānaka next week.Wānaka Community Wellbeing - which ran locally from 2021-2024 and is back thanks to new funding - encourages participants to explore art while supporting their overall wellbeing and connection with others.The free classes are open to anyone aged 17 or over who is experiencing mental distress or ongoing health issues.“It’s been well proven that being creative can have significant benefits to a person's mental health,” Wānaka Community Wellbeing co-facilitator and local artist Chrissy Wickes told the Wānaka App.“When people express themselves through art and take the time to experience the present moment, it can give the mind a good rest. The process of creating can be extremely playful. “The end result is of less importance. It is more about the sheer joy of creating."She said sharing the creative process and space with others also “builds whakawhanaungatanga, a strong, healthy relationship with others in the group”.The local programme is an outreach arm of Artsenta, a Dunedin-based organisation which has been delivering creative wellbeing classes for 40 years.Starting next week, two classes will run in Wānaka weekly. Wednesday sessions will focus “more on community” and may involve sketching a scene in public or attending an artist’s talk. Friday sessions are “facilitated art sessions” exploring a range of media, Chrissy said.Participants don’t need to meet any specific criteria, like having received a diagnosis, to take part, and the sessions are non-clinical.Instead the focus will be on creativity, connection and - above all - “having fun”.Chrissy will be facilitating the classes with Nicky Young, and numbers will be capped at around 10 people per session.With two years of funding secured from the Ministry of Social Development and Te Whatu Ora, people can take part for as long as they like.There is also no need for any art experience, and no tools are required - it is as simple as showing up, ready to get creative, Chrissy said.The first Wednesday class will take place next week. Wednesday classes will take place at the Wānaka Community Hub while Friday’s classes will be at the Wānaka Arts Centre beside Wānaka Library (both from 10.30am-1pm).People who are considering attending can email to register: [email protected] or call Nicky on 0274683511 if you have any questions.PHOTO: Supplied

With just six weeks to go before ‘the roar’, NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is reminding hunters to prioritise fitness and preparation to prevent severe injuries in the upcoming deer rutting season. The roar hunting season marks the time of year when stags are most vocal, calling to attract the attention of hinds, and hunters head out in large numbers for the best hunting of the year.Around Wānaka the hunting area comprises 20,000 hectares in the Craigie, Albert, Minaret and Rumbling Burn western tributaries of the lake and Mt Burke to the east of the lake, according to the Department of Conservation (DOC).“Hunting during the roar involves covering steep and uneven terrain while carrying heavy loads, increasing the risk of mishaps,” MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said. “Good fitness and physical preparation reduce the risk of serious injury and help hunters get more out of their time in the hills.” The reminder comes as part of MSC’s #ROARfit campaign, which encourages hunters to improve their fitness, build endurance and strength, and plan thoroughly before heading into the hills.Severe hunting injuries double over the roar during March and April, which can lead to “time away from the things people love, including hunting, and also impact work and family life - so it’s worth putting in the effort to get prepared”.MSC recommends hunters start by reviewing their fitness progress. “If hunters are struggling to meet their training goals, they may need to reassess their roar and aim for a less ambitious plan,” Mike said. “For those with a good baseline fitness, there’s no better training than time in the hills with a loaded pack.” As well as getting physically prepared, MSC encourages hunters to get their gear in order and plan for emergencies. “We suggest hunters get together to make a plan B, in case someone gets injured or the weather packs in, and support and encourage each other to do the best preparation.”Five top tips for getting roar-ready:Review your progress. How’s your fitness? Do you need to increase your training? If you’re struggling, do you need to reset your goals for your Roar hunt?Hit the hills with a pack. There’s no better way to get prepared than spending time in the hills with a loaded pack on your back. Take it easy as this is still training.Talk with your hunting party. Make sure everyone knows the trip plan and is getting prepared. Support and encourage each other.Have a Plan B. Identify exit routes and decide what your party will do in an emergency or if things don’t go to plan, such as someone getting injured or the weather packing in. Check your gear. Make sure your gear is in good order, and repair or replace any items. PHOTO: Supplied

“I’m struggling so much with my daughter leaving for college. I never appreciated how awful this would be, and I don’t feel I can talk to others about it without sounding ridiculous.” Over the years, I’ve had many parents write to me with words just like these. One even confessed, “I hope you don’t think I’m a total fruit loop for reaching out, but life feels empty and I’m a bit lost.”The truth is, what they’re experiencing isn’t ridiculous at all. It’s grief - empty nest grief - and it hurts.It’s that time of year in many parts of the world when children leave home, off to new schools, apprenticeships, university, college, or overseas adventures. Maybe it’s their first big departure. Or perhaps you’ve had them back under your roof all summer, only to watch them pack up again. Either way, their absence can leave you feeling utterly bereft.What Empty Nest Grief Really IsAre you aware that you’re grieving? In all likelihood, that’s exactly what’s happening. And I want to reassure you, that’s okay. In fact, it’s wholly understandable, and entirely appropriate.Psychologist Pauline Boss called this ambiguous loss: situations where a loved one is physically absent but psychologically present; I think of it as hidden grief, the kind that isn’t always visible to others, but can be felt so deeply.When our boys first left, I found myself shutting their bedroom doors. It was easier not to walk past and see the absence staring back at me. Closing those doors wasn’t about denial, it was about coping - one small act that helped me steady myself until the ache softened.I first wrote about the last term of parenting as we knew it almost a decade ago, when our eldest was about to leave school. Back then, I could only imagine what this stage might feel like. Now, living without our boys under our roof, I see how those early endings and this empty nest grief are part of the same story - reminders that life never stands still, but also proof of the work we've put in and how much we care.Sometimes the hardest thing is the packing - but the silence and emptiness after they’ve gone feels even worse. To read the full blog — exploring why this grief matters, how letting children go is a mark of success, and ways to stay connected without crowding — click here.

This week will mark one year since the disappearance of young Argentinian tourist Hector Gaston Artigau at Mount Aspiring National Park. On Thursday February 6, 2025, Hector set off on a day hike along the Rob Roy Glacier Track.He is believed to have fallen into the canyon, which led into a river, and has not been seen since. Police Search and Rescue (SAR) teams extensively searched the canyon, river, and surrounding areas. “Police have exhausted all available lines of enquiry…, but sadly Hector has not been found,” Police Otago Lakes Central Area Commander Inspector Paula Enoka told the Wānaka App this week. “At this stage, the disappearance of Hector remains an open investigation and we continue to appeal for information that may help us understand what has happened to him.”The search for Hector was “unquestionably the most difficult operation we have undertaken", Wānaka SAR swiftwater/canyon team leader Roy Bailey said last year.Wānaka SAR's swiftwater/canyon, sub-alpine and incident management teams - with the assistance of Aspiring Helicopters - spent nine days trying to recover Hector’s body from the canyon.The effort involved more than 800 volunteer hours, Wānaka SAR chair Raewyn Calhaem said.“Sadly, while the victim's pack and several other articles were recovered, the search could not locate his body, which is believed to be trapped in one of the deep pools in the canyon,” she said.Anyone with information about Hector’s disappearance should contact Police either online or over the phone (105), and quote file number: 250212/2832.Read more: Search for Hector ‘most difficult’ SAR operation yetPHOTO: Supplied

The big event of the past week, the Wānaka Summer Concert, was a well-behaved affair with only one arrest, says Wānaka Police area response manager Sergeant Graeme Hamblett.“All in all, it was a very successful concert,” he said.“We had one individual that decided to get himself a little bit too inebriated and for his behaviour he got arrested and escorted from the event.”Graeme said a lot of alternative transport - including bikes - was used, and groups leaving the concert in cars had sober drivers.“So positive kudos to everybody,” he said.Last week police stopped what they believed to be a taxi on Beacon Point Road due to excessive speed, Graeme said.“At the time, two passengers were in the vehicle and the driver failed a passive breath test,” he said.“On further inspection of the vehicle, officers suspected something more sinister was afoot, as the illuminated taxi sign was duct taped to the roof of the vehicle, there was no electronic trip meter, and no Passenger Service Licence on display.” The 35-year-old male driver pleaded guilty and was convicted and sentenced in the Queenstown District Court: fined $1,640 ($1,000 for plying for hire, $640 for drink driving) and disqualified from driving any motor vehicle for six months.Last week police arrested a 32-year-old male for taking videos up women’s skirts in the Wānaka CBD.The behaviour was “highly concerning”, Graeme said.The man appeared in the Queenstown District Court on Monday (February 2).Graeme said a public tip-off led to the arrest of a “dynamic duo” - a 24-year-old male and 20-year-old female - for multiple instances of shoplifting between the two New World supermarkets.The couple also appeared in the Queenstown District Court on Monday. A 40-year-old woman was arrested for burglary on the weekend.“It’s one of those insecure home premise type scenarios. Another opportunist went into the AirBnB, uplifted some car keys and took the vehicle from the driveway,” he said.“The victim was actually at the summer concert at the time.”The coming days are expected to be particularly busy on Southern District roads, with Waitangi Weekend travel combined with the annual Burt Munro Challenge motorcycle festival in Invercargill from February 4–8.The Burt Munro Challenge attracts several thousand participants, spectators and visitors from across New Zealand and overseas, so it will significantly increase traffic volumes throughout the wider Southern District.To help keep people safe, Southern District Police will have dedicated road policing staff highly visible across the district, including the use of checkpoints and fatigue stops.All road users, including motorcyclists, are urged to:Avoid driving or riding while tired or impairedStick to posted speed limits and drive to the conditionsEnsure vehicles and motorcycles are roadworthyWear appropriate safety gear, including seatbelts and approved motorcycle protection.Graeme advised motorists to be patient, and to call police if they see any dangerous driving.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: Supplied

Hāwea teenager Elizabeth Pell is taking the next step in her dance career, starting at London Studio Centre later this year.After receiving offers of study at three of London’s top dance schools, she recently visited all three, eventually selecting London Dance Centre for its versatile training which focuses on a dancer’s chosen pathway: in her case contemporary dance.“The other two institutions were also extremely good but were focused on a narrower area of dance, and I decided that the broader opportunities would be better for me,” Elizabeth said.Elizabeth, now 17, has been dancing since she was two, but only returned to the idea of pursuing it seriously at 16.“When I was little I always imagined continuing dancing but slowly lost my passion as I got older and gave up on the idea,” she told the Wānaka App. “It wasn't until I was 16 when I decided to pursue my dreams and look at furthering my dance training after finishing school.”Since then she has put in the time, sometimes committing up to 12 hours a week at Centralpoint Dance Studios, with a schedule that included private lessons, teaching younger dancers and preparing for competitions.Practice and choreography continued at home: “I never do things half-hearted”.She also choreographed Onstage Wānaka’s production of Blood Brothers last year, which she said was an “awesome experience”.Centralpoint Dance Studios said it had been a privilege to work alongside and support Elizabeth in Wānaka.Her selection to the three dance schools was “a true testament to her commitment, artistry and determination”.Elizabeth will begin her three-year degree in professional dance performance at London Studio Centre in September.She hopes to go on to work in teaching and choreography alongside performance.PHOTO: Supplied