Your weekly fix of local news, views and sport from Wanaka.
16
inside: Govt steps in at Tarras School PAGE 16 PAGE7 PAGE 11 PAGE 13 sun views New track strategy Wells wins Permaculture talk The Aspiring Beginnings Early Learning Centre has won an award from the Heart Foundation for promoting healthy eating and physical activity. PAGE 9 Aspects of Tarras School are to be overseen by a Ministry of Education-appointed manager. PAGE 2 THUR 26.03.15 - WED 01.04.15 WANAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER AIMEE WILSON + JESSICA MADDOCK WANAKA SUN PHOTO: SUPPLIED Two local men swam about half-a- kilometre to shore on Monday after their dinghy sank in freezing Lake Hawea. The men, who do not want to be named, were fishing from a three to four metre aluminium dinghy on the western side of the lake when the wind got up. One of them told the Wanaka Sun the dinghy was “turned by a wave and swamped” before sinking. It took the men, who were wearing lifejackets, an hour to swim to shore. They made their way to Leap Hut, where two trampers – from Wellington and Golden Bay – were staying. One of the trampers walked about 16km to Hunter Valley Station to raise the alarm and the men, who are in their forties, were collected in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, exhausted but uninjured. They were now reflecting on a frighteningly close call, he said. Queenstown Lakes District harbourmaster, Marty Black, said the men’s experience was a good example of the life-saving capabilities of life-jackets. “They are safe. That’s the main thing.” Mr Black said this summer had been one of the harbourmasters’ busiest seasons to date, but “touch wood, we haven’t had any major incidents.” The team of harbourmasters has spent 450 hours patrolling the district’s lakes and rivers on jetskis and boats this summer, with Glendhu Bay the most popular boating area. The Queenstown Lakes District Council was the only local authority in the country to issue offence notices to water users, as opposed to just warnings, and Mr Black said this had caught out many people from other areas. The district’s harbourmasters had attended 70 callouts and issued 50 offence notices since December. “That’s quite a lot – that’s right up there.” Mr Black said, in comparison, Environment Canterbury told this week’s Maritime New Zealand meeting it had issued 400 verbal warnings and eight written warnings. “I told them ‘we’re cleaning up your guys’ mess’. These guys come down from Canterbury over the holidays…” In the Queenstown Lakes District and some, but not all, other parts of the country, anyone in a watercraft which is 6m long or less – including kayaks, paddleboards and jetskis - must wear a lifejacket at all times. Long, cold swim to shore for fishermen Wild about weed…Cromwell boaties Andrew Burton (left) and RJ Wilson are campaigning for better control of lagarosiphon on Lake Dunstan. Read more on page 3. Health award for AB’s
Transcript
inside:
Govt steps in at Tarras School
page 16
page7
page 11
page 13
sunviews
New track strategy
Wells wins
Permaculture talk
The Aspiring Beginnings Early Learning Centre has won an award from the Heart Foundation for promoting healthy eating and physical activity. page 9
Aspects of Tarras School are to be overseen by a Ministry of Education-appointed manager. page 2
Two local men swam about half-a-kilometre to shore on Monday after their dinghy sank in freezing Lake Hawea.
The men, who do not want to be named, were fishing from a three to four metre aluminium dinghy on the western side of the lake when the wind got up.
One of them told the Wanaka Sun the dinghy was “turned by a wave and swamped” before sinking.
It took the men, who were wearing lifejackets, an hour to swim to shore.
They made their way to Leap Hut, where two trampers – from Wellington and Golden Bay – were staying.
One of the trampers walked about 16km to Hunter Valley Station to raise the alarm and the men, who are in their forties, were collected in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, exhausted but uninjured.
They were now reflecting on a frighteningly close call, he said.
Q u e e n s t o w n L a k e s D i s t r i c t harbourmaster, Marty Black, said the men’s experience was a good example of the life-saving capabilities of life-jackets.
“They are safe. That’s the main thing.”Mr Black said this summer had been
one of the harbourmasters’ busiest seasons to date, but “touch wood, we haven’t had any major incidents.”
The team of harbourmasters has spent 450 hours patrolling the district’s lakes and rivers on jetskis and boats this summer, with Glendhu Bay the most popular boating area.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council was the only local authority in the country to issue offence notices to water users, as opposed to just warnings, and Mr Black said this had caught out many people from other areas.
The district’s harbourmasters had attended 70 callouts and issued 50 offence notices since December.
“That’s quite a lot – that’s right up there.”
Mr Black said, in comparison, Environment Canterbury told this week’s Maritime New Zealand meeting it had issued 400 verbal warnings and eight written warnings.
“I told them ‘we’re cleaning up your guys’ mess’. These guys come down from Canterbury over the holidays…”
In the Queenstown Lakes District and some, but not all, other parts of the country, anyone in a watercraft which is 6m long or less – including kayaks, paddleboards and jetskis - must wear a lifejacket at all times.
Long, cold swim to shore for fishermen
Wild about weed…Cromwell boaties Andrew Burton (left) and RJ Wilson are campaigning for better control of lagarosiphon on Lake Dunstan. Read more on page 3.
health award for AB’s
Thursday 26.03.15 - wednesday 01.04.15page 2
sunnews
No one will be prosecuted for the burn-off on Hillend Station which engulfed Wanaka in smoke last October.
S e v e r a l p e o p l e complained to the Otago Regional Council (ORC) about the burn-off, which left properties covered in ash as the smoke reached lake level when the wind dropped.
The regional council said it had investigated the incident, including interviewing “a large number of people,” over the past few months.
Its legal counsel, Peter Kelliher, said “there was
a difference of opinion of the seriousness of the effects of the fire. “By a fine margin, we were not satisfied ORC could prove beyond reasonable doubt the fire was offensive or objectionable beyond the boundary.”
It had instead issued a formal warning, he said.
The regional council can prosecute if a fire is found to be “objectionable and obnoxious beyond the boundary,” under its air plan.
Hillend Station is owned by Trade Me founder Sam Morgan, who lives in Wellington, and managed
by Mike Scurr. Mr Morgan tweeted an apology to people in Wanaka after the fire.
While many residents were worried about the burn-off, which occurred above Mount Aspiring Road, the Otago Rural Fire Authority’s Central Otago deputy rural fire officer, Pete Scarlet, said at the time it complied with the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 and the Forest and Rural Fire Regulations 2005.
It was lit in appropriate conditions and well-managed, he said.
hillend station off the hook
Aspects of Tarras School are to be overseen by a Ministry of Education-appointed manager.
The limited statutory manager (LSM), Paul Ferris, a retired principal of Dunedin’s Kavanagh College, said he was visiting the primary school for the first time tomorrow and, until then, did not know the issues.
“But we don’t normally put a LSM in unless there’s some tension in the place. I’m going to investigate what that tension is.
“The board and the principal appear to have issues they both have to deal with and that’s all I know.”
Mr Ferris said Tarras School’s Board of Trustees, comprising three members, was still in place and would continue to run the school. His tasks included taking over the board’s role as employer of the school’s staff and the board’s communications.
Mr Ferris said he was expected to report back to the ministry by the end of May with a plan of how to deal with any problems. A LSM was expected to help a school return to self-management within 12 months, he said.
Tarras School has a roll of 13 pupils. Most schools had about five trustees, Mr Ferris said, but
three was adequate for such a small school. A community discussion was needed about the future of the school, he said.
The ministry’s head of sector enablement and support, Katrina Casey, said “an independent consultant had confirmed deterioration in the relationship between the board and the principal.”
Ministry staff had met the board members and would work with them to determine the amount of support the school needed to address the issues, she said.
Govt steps in at Tarras School
A new mobile phone application a n d w e b s i t e p r o m o t i n g breastfeeding-friendly facilities has been launched, with 50 venues in Central Otago and Queenstown already involved. Released by the WellSouth Primary Health Network and Southern District Health Board, the initiative covers Otago a n d S o u t h l a n d . T h e a p t l y named BURP (Breastfeeding’s Ultimate Refuel Place) app directs mothers to the nearest breastfeeding-friendly public place, whether it be a cafe, restaurant, library or museum. Venues are displayed via an icon
on a map. Photos of the venue also feature in addition to an opportunity for mums to feedback on their experience. The app is also linked to a website which links mothers to the local breastfeeding support options and information. WellSouth Health Promotion Co-ordinator Sarah Berger says “the new app provides easy and up to date information and is useful for families when unfamiliar with cafes and facilities in another town. “It also provides an opportunity to create staff awareness at public venues which all contribute to normalising breastfeeding and to reinforce to mums that it’s okay
to feed your baby in public. It has been emphasised to venues the only requirement to being part of BURP is to have staff supportive of breastfeeding.” The app also lists what additional facilities each venue may have, such as whether they have a toilet, change table or play area. You can access BURP by downloading it for free for smart phones, or viewing the website at www.burpapp.co.nz – this provides a mobile-friendly version for iPhones. If you are at a public venue, and wish to be included on the BURP app for free, contact [email protected]
Burp your way to better breastfeeding
phoTo: Supplied
Thursday 26.03.15 - wednesday 01.04.15 page 3
sunnews
Aimee Wilson
WAnAkA sun
stAff RepoRteR
WAnAkA sun
The new Cardrona Distillery and Museum is taking shape, with the first of the wall panels for the distillery building being erected this week (pictured with site foreman Matt Burgess).Amalgamated Builders Ltd began construct ing the complex on January 5.
Desiree Whitaker, who is behind the project, said two of the distillery wall panels had been erected and the rest of the panels, which were being made in Timaru, were expected to be delivered soon.
The framing of the barrel house had also been erected and cladding the building was the next stage.
Desiree said once the walls were completed, concrete for the first half of the distillery floor would be poured and the stonemasons would begin the schist cladding.
The complex would also include a perfumery and Desiree said the perfume roses planted last year were
well-established “and have survived the rabbits, thanks to Shirley Jones,” who is overseeing that aspect of the operation.
Another 750 Damask roses would arrive this winter, followed by the same number next year, taking the total amount to more than 2250 and “a lot of pruning!,” Desiree said.
The complex is being built near the corner of Cardrona Valley Road and the road to the Snow Farm, opposite the entrance to Cardrona Alpine Resort.
It will comprise three buildings, which will form three sides of an open, garden courtyard.
Clad in schist stone and corrugated iron and screened by vegetation, the complex will have a total footprint of 700sqm and be up to 8m high in places.
The single malt whisky distillery will also produce vodka and fruit liqueur.
progress on Cardrona distillery
Lagarosiphon continues to be a problem in Lake Dunstan, and now recently there have also been threats of it in Lake Hawea.
Cromwell boaties Andrew Burton and John “RJ” Wilson have been battling authorities to have the lake cleaned up for months.
The weed has been lying around the Lake Dunstan foreshore, rotting and smelling, and they believe it was ruining the experience for swimmers, boat users and tourists.
Boffa Miskell carries out lakeweed control for Land Information New Zealand (Linz), and last did some work in December, mainly around boat ramps and swimming areas.
But the pair believe it is still a mess and said there was no reason why the weed can’t be controlled like it has been in Lake Wanaka and Wakatipu.
Linz is responsible for the lake bed and jointly funds the lagarosiphon management plan with Contact Energy.
The good news is while Linz spent about $100,000
on lagarosiphon control annually, it was likely to increase to about $135,000 due to increased weed growth during spring.
John and Andrew also met with Contact recently, and said there was a possibility the lake could be lowered over 48 hours to expose the weed to direct sunlight, which would kill it.
“They said it was difficult but they would look into it,” John said.
Meanwhile, the Guardians of Lake Hawea have received calls in recent weeks about a weed showing starkly at the head of the boat harbour.
John Taylor said in a recent community report, it was in fact pond weed rather than lagarosiphon.
However, the inner harbour could be a classical area for growth, as it prefers silty or sandy substrates, and grows in up to 8m depth.
John Taylor said because of the lake’s 8m variation, it would prevent lagarosiphon growing, but people needed to stay vigilant.
“It is excellent that people are being vigilant and caring and are reporting any weed sightings.”
Wanaka has the highest recorded incidents of chimney fires in the Central / North Otago area, hence our concern as these fires can lead to house fires.
The cooler nights are fast approaching and, like most of us, you will be starting to think about keeping warm. If you haven’t already, purchase your fire wood for winter now. This allows it time to dry out before you need to use it. Burning wet wood is the primary cause of chimney fires.
Chimney fires can cause house fires due to the extreme heat (1200 degrees Celsius) that these types of fires burn at. At this temperature, chimneys crack or, in the case of a metal flue, they distort which may allow embers to float out of the cracks and set light to the fine, combustible material in the roof void. Often the extreme heat is enough to set light to timber in the wall cavity where the chimney or flue is positioned. Embers rolling out of the chimney also have been known to cause house fires. In this instance, they roll down the roof into the guttering and set light to dry leaves and the building paper under the corrugated iron. To avoid this, keep your gutters clean and free of leaves, or use a gutter guard. If you have a chimney fire, phone the Fire Service on 111. We will check your
chimney to ensure no damage has occurred during the fire.
Most people enjoy the warmth of a cosy fire in winter. Unfortunately, as in most things we do in life, there is a downside to this favourable pastime. Maintenance and burning dry fire wood comes to mind when you think of chimneys. When you burn wet wood, the steam coming from the wood carries unburnt particles from the wood into the chimney. Convection currents carry these particles to the top of the chimney where they are normally carried into the atmosphere. However, in the winter months when
the particles reach the cooler part of the chimney above the roof line, the steam condenses and this creates a lining on the chimney known as creosote. Given the right conditions, creosote is highly combustible. Burn your fire wood hot and fast, this assists in stopping a creosote build-up. Burning fire wood with the dampers closed or closing them too soon causes the smoke to linger in the
chimney longer and this makes it more likely to build a creosote lining in the chimney.
A choked up chimney presents a real fire risk.
Fire officers attend an out of control chimney fire.
Thursday 26.03.15 - wednesday 01.04.15 page 5
sunnews
crimescene
For non-emergency advice or assistance from Wanaka Police call 443 7272. You can also find us on Facebook. In an emergency always dial 111. To provide information
anonymously, call the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
With Easter just around the corner, there are a number of events happening over the next month or so that will increase foot and road traffic in town, and throughout the district.
Central Otago Police will be focusing on those busy periods in the attempt to ensure that the road toll remains at zero.
Alcohol consumption and drink driving remains a big focus in and around Wanaka.
Locally, police have been busy dealing with drink-driving (two this week), locating suspended drivers due to excess demerit points, dealing with an incident at Post Office Lane on Saturday night involving a few rugby players, an arrest for Breach of bail at Makarora, two minor vehicle accidents (one at Puzzling World, one at Pembroke Park), and also a plane crash up the Motatapu Valley.
Police are also wanting information about a stolen Elite tandem trailer regn. S567P that was taken from the lakefront on 15th March. Please contact the station on 443-7272 if you have information of the trailer.
Lake Hawea Fire Brigade’s Team Cotter (pictured) came third in the women’s section of the Wajax Rural Firefighters Competition held in Hawea on Saturday. Team Cotter included Michele Cotter and her daughters Amie and Teresa, and Karen Wilson.The firefighting competition is held annually and began in Omarama in 1971. Teams from Otago and Southland enter the competition, which is the biggest
of its kind in the country and attracts hundreds of volunteer firefighters each year. It is named after the Wajax portable pump. Teams compete in timed events involving rural firefighting equipment. The event pictured required team members to running 30m with equipment, setting it up and pumping from a water source and knocking down targets with the water.
Third placing for Cotter family team
photos: John taylor
Thursday 26.03.15 - wednesday 01.04.15page 6
sunnews
Thursday 26.03.15 - wednesday 01.04.15 page 7
Staff RepoRteR
Wanaka Sun
sunnews
Internationally renowned Canadian permaculture expert Stefan Sobkowiak is coming to Wanaka this Easter. Fortunately for locals interested in this type of farming, he’s not here on holiday – he’s here to teach. He is on a tour of New Zealand which includes workshops and talks on building productive, profitable, permaculture-inspired food-growing systems.
Stefan has been teaching edible gardening, landscape design and permaculture for 25 years. He was a university lecturer for eight years and has master’s degrees in landscape architecture, wildlife biology and wildlife management.
In the words of the man who invented the term permaculture (Australian Bill Mollison), it is “…a philosophy of working with, rather than against, nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless labour; and of looking at plants and animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single product system”.
Permaculture is about growing species together which support each other, eliminating the need for artificial additives. Local permaculture practitioner Ben Elms (aka Doctor Compost), says he wouldn’t just plant a tree in the middle of some grass, but would have a host of other plants around it which would be beneficial to the tree, to each other and to birds and insects.
“It’s being organic and growing species together which support each other, thinking about your climate, noticing
the frosty areas and the hot spots, and observing,” Ben said. “Lots of people are getting into it around Wanaka, or doing it without realising it. It works well here.”
Stefan Sobkowiak bought an apple orchard in Quebec twenty years ago and gradually converted it to organics. In 2008 he pulled out every tree and changed to a permaculture system. He now has hundreds of different crops but says it is less work, has greater yields and is a lot more fun. Called Miracle Farms, Stefan’s is the largest permaculture fruit orchard in eastern North America and incorporates chickens and sheep.
Stefan’s “Beyond Organic New Zealand Tour” includes a film screening and Q and A on Saturday April 4 in Wanaka and full day workshops in Hawea (April 5) and Arrowtown (April 6).
F o o d i s memories and that is why at the Spice Room we make simple food with a touch of love. Five years back we had the good fortune of starting our restaurant, The Spice Room in this lovely town of Wanaka. We have since opened another in Queenstown. Our combined experience in the food & beverage departments, has helped us introduce some new gastronomic experiences to the people of Wanaka. Our menu varies in choices from wild venison and goat, to vegan, sugar-free, dairy free and gluten-free options. The increasing patronage continues to fuel our energies & we
put in our efforts with double the zeal. We actually look forward to serving those who have not tried our specialities. We hope that the goodness & taste of our dishes will
be whispered into their ears b y s o m e o f our guests & we will have the pleasure of having them at our premises. In this competitive market if we are able to do well it is solely
because we believe that the satisfaction of our guests is the most important thing for us and pleasure of serving them simply brings us all Happiness.
Want to be part of our monthly dining feature?Running once a month, the Wanaka Sun dining feature focuses on the wonderful
dining options available through Wanaka, Cromwell and the surrounding areas.
- 8cm wide x 5cm high advert in full colour- One free ‘feature’ article on your establishment- A3 posters displayed around town
- Promotion through social media- Distribution to homes and businesses across Wanaka, Hawea, Cardrona, Luggate, Tarras, Cromwell and surrounds
For more information or to book, contact Jake Kilby on 03 443 5252 or [email protected]
For just $70 + GST per month, receive the following:
Thursday 26.03.15 - wednesday 01.04.15 page 9
Every Thursday for the past seven years the Wanaka Rowing Club has painstakingly delivered the Wanaka Sun.
But the club has decided it is now time to hand over the reins and the newspaper is looking for a new sports or community group to jump onboard.
Rowing club secretary Marg Galloway said it had been a very successful fundraiser and the $26,000 the club received every year (12 cents a paper) enabled it to buy a large fleet of boats.
“We’ve had grants from various trusts as well,
but this has been a great ongoing fundraiser that has kept our costs right down,” she said.
Among the club’s members are possibly two of the country’s oldest paper deliverers – Bill Macdonald (83) and Jill and John Blennerhassett.
To win the contract, the sports or community group would need to have a good, reliable membership to carry out the 29 “beats.”
The rowing club had 29 members and it took them about an hour to do each “beat,” of around 100 newspapers.
For more information, contact the Wanaka Sun on 443 5252
Looking for new group to deliver the Wanaka SunAimee Wilson
WAnAkA sun
CAroline HArker
WAnAkA sun
sunnews
Newspaper delivery Contract available.
Would suit local sports club or community group.
For more information contact the Wanaka Sun
Call 03 443 5252
The Aspiring Beginnings Early Learning Centre has won an award from the Heart Foundation for promoting healthy eating and physical activity. The centre received the Pā-Harakeke gold star Healthy Heart Award at a special ceremony last night (Wednesday, March 25).
The centre provides children with morning and afternoon tea and a two-course lunch every day.
Senior teacher Jen Rawson said they decided to trial having a cook at the centre for three months in 2010. It was so successful the cook is now employed on a permanent basis.
“We’re always trying to improve our service for our families,” Jen said. “A lot of our children come from working families and it’s great for the parents to know the children have been well-fed
and had their main meal for the day.”Elizabeth Horrell is the centre’s cook.
She caters for 30-35 children and six staff every day, using the foundation’s Healthy Heart guidelines.
“I cook two white meat meals, two red meat meals and one vegetarian meal each week,” she said. “We also cater for any dietary requirements, don’t use any processed meats and work hard to reduce sugar content in the food.” Elizabeth uses vegetables which are grown by the children in the centre’s garden. The Heart Foundation’s Healthy Heart programme is free for early learning centres and promotes healthy eating and physical activity for children under five years old and their families. In Otago it is funded by the Ministry of Health and the WellSouth Primary Health Network.
Pictured are (from left) senior teacher Jen Rawson, Nova Strudwick, 2, Thea Schofield, 2, and cook Elizabeth Horrell.
Health award for Aspiring BeginningsphotoS: Supplied
Thursday 26.03.15 - wednesday 01.04.15page 10
farmingnewsA monthly column by Kim Reilly of Federated Farmers, on issues affecting the Upper Clutha’s rural community…
Once every three years, councils must consult with their communities and prepare a Long Term Plan. These plans set out the council’s long-term focus, describe the activities it intends to provide, and specify which community outcomes are i n t e n d e d t o b e a c h i e v e d . Importantly from a ratepayer’s viewpoint, these plans also need to clearly specify who is going to be footing the bill for each of these activities. As 2015 is a Long Term Plan year, the Otago Regional Council, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Central Otago District Council will all have their plans out for consultation in March and April. Up until this year, Long Term Plan documents have been lengthy with a lot of complex detail included. This proved to be a bit of a deterrent to some ratepayers getting actively or fully involved in these processes. However, following changes to the Local Government Act 2002, it should now be simpler for ratepayers to have a say on these plans. This year, councils are to put out a relatively brief “consultation document” for feedback, with
supporting information made available on the council’s website for those who seek a greater level of detail and information.
The consultation document should provide a summary of everything the council intends to do and should clearly indicate how and which ratepayers will be expected to pay for it. Topics ratepayers may want to provide feedback or comment on could include how they believe their regional or district council should function, what activities or services council should provide, and what level of rates and charges they consider to be appropriate for each activity. This year in Otago, a key focus for rural interests will be on ensuring that key projects previously committed to, as part of the implementation of Plan Change 6A, are adequately resourced and funded. We will also be looking closely at how these implementation costs are going to be allocated. As a ratepayer, it’s your right to have a say on how the long term vision for your region or district should look. While we encourage landowners
to get involved in the process, we’re aware that, for many, there simply won’t be the time to do this. Federated Farmers helps our members by actively submitting on and presenting hearing evidence for most council Long Term Plans in New Zealand. Overall, we submit on about 68 Long Term or Annual Plans each year. For us, it’s an opportune time to ensure councils’ intentions and directions fairly meet the needs of our members and the broader rural communities. We will also be keeping an eye on how councils across the country approach plans this year and whether the changes the government intended for this important consultation are actually achieved in practice. To keep track of when your local council is going to be releasing its plan, either ring it and ask for specific dates, or check out its website.
- By Kim Reilly, FedeRated FaRmeRs
south island Regional Policy manageR
photo: Supplied
Long Term Plan season – time to get involved
Thursday 26.03.15 - wednesday 01.04.15 page 11
sunnews
• Albert Town• Modern renovated kitchen and bathroom• Open-plan kitchen, living and dining room• Hidden Sunny courtyard• Wood fire and heat pump• 4 bedroom
• Large separate laundry• Garage and carport• Established easy care gardens• Fully irrigated• Large bordered vegetable garden• Private back deck – ideal for a spa!
Private and sunny home on a large
established section
Phone 027 405 1040 Viewing by appointment only
$409,000Trademe # EEE439
Q u e e n s t o w n L a k e s D i s t r i c t councillor Ella Lawton is working on a strategy to guide the development and maintenance of tracks in the Upper Clutha for the next decade. The Upper Clutha Track Network Strategy is being launched online today (March 26) with a request for feedback from the public before an action plan is produced. Ella is chairing a steering group behind the strategy, which includes representatives of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, the council, the Department of Conservation, Bike Wanaka and Lake Wanaka Tourism. Upper Clutha Tracks Trust (UCTT) chair Alan Gillespie said there is a need for a co-ordinated and collaborative approach with so much interest in cycling in the area. “Otherwise we get two different groups such as Bike Wanaka and the tracks trust planning tracks in the same area,” he said. “The new strategy will lead to better outcomes for the whole community.” Alan said other issues which would benefit from the development of a strategy include how to charge commercial interests using tracks which were built for community use, and ways to ensure track maintenance was adequately funded. Projects currently being developed by the UCTT include the Hawea school track – linking Lake Hawea with Hawea Flat School, a 5-7km track down the Motatapu River and proposals to continue the Clutha
River track from Luggate to Lowburn. Ella said the district’s network of tracks provides an alternative to travelling by car, as well as recreational and economic opportunit ies . “Some likely components of the action plan will be better signage across the track network,” she said. “The five key components of the strategy vision are: connected Upper Clutha communities, enable walking and biking, needs of an active community, development and maintenance a n d c o l l a b o r a t i v e p l a n n i n g . ” In June last year the council gave the steering group a grant to employ a tracks coordinator. Ruth Harrison got the job and has met with a wide range of community groups involved in the track network, including community associations, recreational groups, bikers, walkers, horse riders and commercial operators to discuss strategy. She has concluded that Upper Clutha residents see the track network as a major community asset which needs to be maintained and developed further. Funding the development and maintenance of the track network will continue to be challenging, she said, and funding will need to be sought from as many sources as possible, as there is no guaranteed future funding source. Pictured: Upper Clutha Track Network steering committee chair Ella Lawton (left) with tracks coordinator Ruth Harrison.
Tracks groups to collaborate
phoTos: supplied
Thursday 26.03.15 - wednesday 01.04.15page 12
sunnewsGolfer Helen Davis was awarded the over-all prize after six rounds of golf played each month over Summer at the Tarras golf club, which was presented by Fiona Chapman of World Travellers Wanaka.
Soccer in the Upper Clutha appears to have a booming future with record numbers of juniors signing up for the season, but the local club is looking for help.
“We have 272 registered members this year in comparison to 165 last year (a 65% increase)This is absolutely fantastic, but has put an unexpected work load on our small committee with sorting
out extra teams and finding more coaches,” Wanaka Associated Football club committee member Catherine Emerson said.
With 26 teams this year compared to 16 last year, sponsorship funds for uniforms, balls, bibs, goalie tops, trophies, coaches’ bags and other items are also being sought she said.
Junior soccer needs help
Staff RepoRteR
Wanaka Sun
Up-and-coming local swimmer Noel Bisson,17, won six medals in his age group and two other Wanaka athletes posted personal best times at a recent national event.
Noel , Jamie Toepfer,13, a n d J a s m i n e Murray,13, from the Wanaka Swim Club were among 300 swimmers from 86 clubs who attended the 2015 NZ Division 2 Competition held in Dunedin last week.
Noel won gold in the 100m freestyle, silver medals in the 50, 200 and 400m freestyle and 200m backstroke and bronze in
the 100m backstroke.“It was pretty cool to be racing at a national event
with swimmers from all over New Zealand. I didn’t start swimming
until I was 14 so I’ve had to work pretty hard to qualify to swim at the national level.”
“The Wanaka Swim Club has been awesome, we all support and encourage each other. Our coach Fiona Hezinger makes sure we train hard and gets us ready to race.”
The club currently has 70 swimmers aged between 8 and 17 years-old with head coach Fiona Hezinger assisted
by Merryn Johnston who was poolside at the Dunedin competition.
Fair go! Re: Cars for Sale On RoadFair go Wanakasun! That’s a pretty offensive, and with its
confusing road arrows, poorly thought out cartoon (March 12-18). After poking around your spectacular country and its accommodating people for nearly four weeks, we must have been a nuisance some times, but unintentionally. You spend a lot of money to get people like us to come and we spend a fair bit when we get here, but a slag like the cartoon leaves a nasty taste.In an effort to be constructive, maybe your readers could suggest some ways to improve the road safety situation in regional areas. Here are a couple to start ......* More, lots more, pull-out bays for us nervous visitors to pull into and let others pass .... and for photos. Proper ones, signposted a couple of hundred metres beforehand, not a bit of dirt with a 200ft ditch next to it.* Road arrows after every bay and junction as a reminder for the “Right Lane” drivers.
Be nice. We’ll keep coming anyway, but we need a bit of help when we get here.
Kingsley Waterhouse122 Modillion AveRiverton Western Australia041 991 4066
TXT MESSAGE
BOARD
TXT THE WANAKA SUNTXT THE WANAKA SUN
sunviews
The views expressed in The TexT board and in The
LeTTers To The ediTor are Those of The auThor aLone
and noT necessariLy Those of The wanaka sun.
The media has been very patient over the past fortnight waiting on the NASA balloon launch, and still managing to write about it, without the news getting too stale.After almost two weeks of daily updates postponing the big event, finally last Monday we were all given the okay to head out to the airport – where caffeine was promised. Report in time was 6am but by 8:15am it was all called off again. So close, but no.One reporter commented on the media contingent of about 10 hovering around a large bacon and egg pie in the safety of an aircraft hangar.Another published a photo of a group looking skyward when the balloon in a box on the back of a truck actually made it out onto the runway.As campaign manager Dwayne Orr said to media and council officers assembled at Wanaka Airport once it had been postponed for the ninth time - “welcome to ballooning!.”Hopefully by the time you have read this it will all be over. And hopefully it was really exciting.
ediTorial
issue 706 Thursday March 26, 2015
Phone: 03 443 5252 Fax: 03 443 5250 Text view: 021 0849 0001 Text classified: 022 0786 778 www.thewanakasun.co.nz
Address: 5 Gordon Road, Wanaka Postal: PO Box 697, Wanaka
Free delivery to Wanaka, Wanaka surrounds and Cromwell urban and rural mailboxes, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wanaka, Albert Town, Hawea. Distributed to motels, hotels and cafes plus businesses in the
Wanaka central business district and to drop boxes in Wanaka and Cromwell. WRITE TO THE EDITORLet the community know your views.
sport results
Although they look bad, there is a good reason why cars are for sale on the side of the road. Most of the wired world utilises free classified websites to sell their lower priced vehicles. Until recently, New Zealand did not have a free classified website, only paid auction sites.
To avoid fees, people starting using social media sites to sell their goods. Unfortunately, social media struggles to sell items over a few hundred dollars, hence the cars are still there. The other problems with social media, although it is free to use, it is far from free.
Social media companies sell ads to local businesses, these ads are served to local eyeballs. The money our local and national businesses spend on these then leaves our community and our country, destined for foreign ownership. This money used to be spent with local publications such as the Wanaka Sun. Social media platforms pulled millions of dollars out of New Zealand last year, and to make matters worse, they paid less in taxes than a bartender.
If you want to support local, spend your time and your money locally, advertise with the Wanaka Sun instead of foreign social media and use local websites. Nathan WeathingtonFounder of PostaNote
(Abridged)
Wanaka Bridge CluB results. Cardrona Stakes 2. North/South:- Marian Furneaux, Ann-Louise Stokes 63.97%1.Allan Kelly, Kate Gibbons 62.79% 2. Ena Leckie, Laraine Shepherd 57.70%3. East/West:- Terry Wilson, Max Shepherd 60.97%1. Mary Gibson-Collings, Sherril Harries and Jane & Owen Hay-ward 60.22% 2= Friday Bridge 20 March. North/South:- Hans Li-macher, Claire Williams 65.05%1. Elizabeth Irvine, Shona John-stone 53.94%2. Lyla & Bryan Hensley 53.47%3. East/West:- Ena Leckie, Deirdre Lynch 55.56%1. Jan Cunningham, Jan Wyn- Wil-liams 54.86%2. Mary Gibson- Collings 54.40%3.tarras golf resultsWomen’s World Travellers Wanaka Stableford Competition-Ma-ria Wilson 46 points, Helen Davis 42, Chris Illingworth 35, Jan Gibson 34, Margaret Sell 34, Pat Holder 33. The over-all winner after 6 rounds- Helen Davis, 2nd-Maria Wil-son, 3rd-Adrienne Rowley.Men’s Stableford-Doug Wilson 50 points, Richard Pullar 41, Graeme Rive 40, Tom Moore 38, Bonar Rowley 37, Dick Loeff 32
Medals for wanaka swimmers
FlaShing StRObe lightS On pivOt iRRigatORS annOying yOu - they dO nOt COmply with the diStRiCt lighting plan - Ring the COunCil and inSiSt they aRe tuRned OFF until they hv ReSOuRCe COnSentS.
why iS petROl alwayS abOut 10 CentS a litRe mORe in wanaka than QueenStOwn aRe we being Ripped OFF?
hOOdie tuRned intO blaCk peak nO need FOR text CheeRS jOhn
bRing baCk daRRyl . bRing baCk buCk.
nOt a gOOd 4 OuR lOvely tOwn 2 aRRive and See CaRS 4 Sale On main ROad 22 COunted ReCently what Can be dOne abOut thiS.
dOg pROblemS and CaRS On the ROad bRing baCk enFORCement OFFiCeR daRRyl
happy biRthday Cuddlebunny, FROm yOu knOw whO
gentleman SeekS lively bROadminded lady FOR COmpaniOnShip. wateRSpORtS and mORe.
iSiS, CyClOne pam and all SORtS. but FiRSt wORld whingeRS Only wine abOut Ski Field pRiCeS.
Dear Kingsley, Thanks for your letter. First off, may I say it’s nice to get noticed! I’m sorry you were offended by my cartoon, they are designed to be lighthearted and occasionally provoke. This is only the second complaint in 5 or so years.. I must be doing something wrong! This cartoon was hurriedly drawn when tourist driver behaviour was more in the news. Funnily enough the cartoon was intended to highlight the often knee-jerk reactions of residents and locals, and actually make people think about the messages we send our visitors and how we tell them..Maybe it was too subtle..Please keep coming back to NZ and next time you are in Wanaka, I’ll buy you a beer to wash away the nasty taste!Penbroke
a reply from penbroke
Thursday 26.03.15 - wednesday 01.04.15page 14
20 word limit - deadline Tuesday 4pm - standard network rates apply
02 20 786 77802 20 786 778For FREE listing text your advert to
For FREE listing text your advert to
sunclassifieds
Body & Mind
ayurveda Massage or another Ayurvedic treatment: A unique experience of self-healing and relaxation. Call Martin 443 5712. www.ayurvedaora.com
we see opportunities with our minds. Yesterday’s impossibilities are today’s reali-ties. Christine Jacques Clinical Hypnotherapist Ph:443 4008, Ph:0274903022
Children s meditation and virtue s classes. . Expression s of interests...0211950850
hoT Qigong at Hot Yoga Fusion. Come and enjoy deep relaxation for body and mind reju-venation. Friday 7.15pm. Contact: James 027 528 0396 [email protected]
2 resCue kittens 4 sale. Perm residents only. Dsxd,wrmd,fld,vet chkd. 1 male (black), 1 fe-male (tabby). Text 0211111098.
BeauTiFul China tea cup bird feeders, great for attracting wax eyes and bell birds to your garden. Makes the perfect present. $25. Phone or text 021 680 110
noTiCesagM wanaka rock climbing club wednes-day 1st of april at 7:30 p.m. LONESTAR. All welcomeBeyond organiCs NZ Tour: Permaculture For information on local film screening, public talk and workshops visit www.beyondorganic-nztour.com Or contact James Samuel on 021 252 0653 or via [email protected]’s Been to Archangel or Bannock Brae? There are lots of fabulous local wine stories that we want to share with you! www.wa-nakawinetours.com WINETRAIL (946387)
wanaka salvaTion Army Family Store Opening Hours - Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9.30am-4pm. We look forward to see-ing you there!
donaTions kindly received. Please drop into the store or for larger items phone the Salvation Army Family Store on 03 443 5068
Business neTworking International. The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportu-nity to grow your business. Contact Rudy for information 027 703 4037
Tour spain with Julie Le Clerc May /June Small Group Fantastic Itinerary More informa-tion Email [email protected] or local call 443 9425
wanaka priMary School ‘Op Shop’ open Tues & Thurs - 12 midday to 4pm. Use Koru Way entrance, off Totara Terrace, alongside the steps.
services
easTer/auTuMn arT SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION available, Albert Town. Queenbed room. Suit non-smoking, quietliving, respectful couple/single. Ph Maryann 03 4436463, 021 1101160
Mini MusCles Indoor Movement, Music and Play at Proactive Gym. Every Friday. 9.30am for crawlers & walkers under 2 years, 10.30am for 2, 3 & 4 year olds & 11am for ba-bies. Everyone welcome. $5 p/hr, $1 for extra children.
wanaka pharMaCy is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open until 7pm every single day. Ph 443 8000
raTs, MiCe, spiders or flies; if it is a pest, call Jae Services. We’ll take care of it. 443 1150
Fun Fun fun! Come try the original Surly Fatbike. Rent/demo/sales. Good Rotations, 34 Anderson rd, Wanaka, www.goodrotations.co, 034434349.
need a portable chiller trail-er for your function or wed-ding? Come and speak to us at Wanaka Liquor Centre. 1 Ardmore Street. Ph 03 443 1466
prosThesis (BreasT form) local fitter Registered with Ministry of Health and will take care of your claim Appointment phone 443 9425
sMarTMoTion reCenTly added to our electric bicy-cle range. Good Rotations, your local e-bike specialist. 34 Anderson Road, Wanaka, w w w. g o o d r o t a t i o n s . c o , 03.4434349
Bra proFessionally fit-ted 200 sizes so you will get a perfect fit - Beautiful design NO underwire private appoint-ment ph 443 9425
wanT your colours done? Always look your best? Book an appoint-ment with experienced Colour Consultant 4439425
wanT To give your bicycle wings? LEKKIE Summit electric motor kits are the perfect so-lution! Good Rotations, www.goodrotations.co, 034434349.
oak Flooring from $70/m2. 15mm thick, 4mm solid oak, pre or unfinished. www.sum-mitflooring.co.nz or email [email protected].
Free BudgeT ADVICE available at Community Networks by appointment. Call 4437799 or email [email protected]
Jp serviCes at Community Networks Tuesdays1pm and Fridays 10.30.For appoint-ments call 4437799
wheels To DUNSTAN: Free daily transport to Dunstan Hospital & Alexandra specialist ap-pointments. Also connects to Dunedin Hospital
transport. For bookings call 4437799
C o u r a g e o u s ConversaTions IN THE WORKPLACE. Not for profit training 4 May 9.30-12.30. Visit www.communitynet-works.co.nz or call 443 7799
s u C C e s s F u l F u n d i n g APPLICATIONS. Not for profit training 12 May 6-9pm. Visit www.communitynetworks.co.nz or call 443 7799
M a n a g i n g d i F F i C u l T SITUATIONS. Not for profit training 28 May 1.30-4.30. Visit www.communitynetworks.co.nz or call 443 7799
CoMMuniTy law for legal advice are at Community Networks Wednesday 8 April12- 2.30pm Call 4437799 to make an appointment.
wanaka window CLEANING profes-sional, friendly, efficient service. Enjoy those mountain views. High, awkward windows a specialty. Paolo 021 0572505/ 4432420
wanaka window Cleaning Xmas book-ings now being taken. Professional, friendly, efficient service. Book now to avoid disap-pointment. Call Paolo 021 0572505/ 4432420
Three Chairs Hair Salon Autumn special with Stephanie. 1/2 head of foils, cut and blow wave $100. Ph 443 5898
kaMp MarQuee HIRE Rectangular, oval and round marquees; exclusive lakeside locations available; event design and creation. Phone 02102934268 or [email protected]
driving lessons available. Call Nicky at Aspiring Drivers to book your lesson for profes-sional driving instruction. 0210607310
sTreeT Talk defensive driving course starts 8th April. Call Nicky at Aspiring Drivers to book 0210607310
yaMi - Youth and Adults in the Music Industry - learn from the pros how to build a career in the music industry - www.yami.nz
www.easyvisa.Co.nz For help and ad-vice with residency and work visa applications contact your local Wanaka licensed immigra-tion adviser 03 443 8386
wilson’s pesT Control & Window cleaning. Spider & Fly treatments. Do it once, do it well. Licensed & Accredited. Call anytime 03 443 6652 or www.wilsonservices.co.nz
wanaka disTriCTs Club, for affordable family dining and great bar prices. Join for just $20 per year.
vaseCToMys availaBle here in Wanaka with Dr Simon Brebner at Aspiring Medical Centre. Ph 443 0725 for an appointment to discuss.
wanted
Massage in Wanaka is looking for a sen-ior massage therapist for The winter season . Send CV to [email protected] or Ph 03 443 8448.
20 year old Male doing Rookie Academy look-ing for Accommodation from July till September. Please phone Jack on 0278401072
volunTeers needed on walking bus or crossing point one morning a week term 2. We need help! Kirsty 0272005111 [email protected]
Clean superMarkeT BAGS required, please drop these into the Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store
reTired us couple looking to rent apt/house for 5 months (Nov25-Apr15). [email protected]
volunTeers reQuired. The Salvation Army Family Store, Wanaka requires your help. Please enquire at our store or phone 03 443 5068
whaT’s onagM wanaka rock climbing club wednes-day 1st of april at 7:30 p.m. LONESTAR. All welcome
BesTselling auThor Joy Cowley work-shop “creating stories for children of all ages” saturday 28 march 12-5pm. Spiritual session 29 march 10am-1pm. www.outspokenfestival.co.nz or 021993 780 for information.
lalaland lounge Bar Wanaka. Open dai-ly from 4pm – 2.30am. Upstairs, 99 Ardmore Street.
wanaka Tweed Ride: Friday April 10th, 6-7pm. Start dusting off your tweed outfit and polishing your classic bicycle!
nz JeTsprinT Champs Easter Saturday 4th April Gates open from 11am. Oxbow Adventures Aqua Track 995 Wanaka Luggate Highway. Details Facebook Wanaka Jetsprints
alBerT Town Community Party in the Park. Sun 12th April 11am_2pm. Come and meet your neighbours. Food available.
Thursday 26.03.15 - wednesday 01.04.15 page 15
trades&servicessunclassifieds
property
employment
adve
rtise
in th
e...
p 0
3 4
43
5252
e m
arke
ting
@th
ewan
akas
un.c
o.nz
or a
dve
rtis
ing
@th
ewan
akas
un.c
o.nz
Thursday 26.03.15 - wednesday 01.04.15page 16
sunnews
Staff RepoRteR
Wanaka Sun
Staff RepoRteR
Wanaka Sun
Wanaka freeskier Jossi Wells has overcome a major injury to win the European Freeski Open (EFO) slopestyle in Laax, Switzerland, against a field of 109 men, including some of the world’s best freeskiers.
“Today was pretty personal for me,” Wells, 24, said. “The European Open was the first major international event I ever won, back in 2007. It’s been pretty tough coming back from injury this season, so to come back here and be back on my game and win, that’s pretty special.”
Wells, a member of the Cardrona New Zealand Park and Pipe team, broke his neck in a training
accident in September 2014. He returned to competition with the X Games in January this year and has spent the current northern hemisphere season getting back to top form.
Olympic gold medallist Joss Christiensen (USA), current world number two McRae Williams (USA) and last year’s EFO champion Jesper Tjäder (SWE) were among the top riders Wells beat in today’s EFO finals.
Wells’s younger brother, Beau-James Wells, 19, finished in seventh place on 79.83 after landing back to back double cork 1080s, left and right, a performance which Jossi Wells described as his “best slopestyle run ever.”
wells win after recovery
A new mass-start 14km downhill mountain bike race has been confirmed to coincide with the return of the Race to the Sky motorsport event in the Cardrona Valley. The Mega Avalanche event, run by the Cardrona Bike Park, will descend from the ski area to the Race to the Sky event village. Motorsport spectators will be able to watch the race on large screens in the village as it descends 1300m on a mixture of open trails, singletrack and switchbacks.
Mega Avalanche originated 20 years ago in Alpe D’Huez in the French Alps and attracts around 1700 participants from over 20 countries. This is the first year for the Cardrona Mega Avalanche but organisers anticipate that, due to the universal popularity of enduro racing and downhill mountain biking, the race will become an annual event. The Cardrona Bike Park will be re- open from April 4 -19 in preparation for the event.
