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From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
More than 20 residents living in nine central Queenstown apartments have been given notice to move out so their homes can be converted to short-term Airbnb rentals.
The tenants were given 90 days’ notice in December that their leases would end in March.
… View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
More than 20 residents living in nine central Queenstown apartments have been given notice to move out so their homes can be converted to short-term Airbnb rentals.
The tenants were given 90 days’ notice in December that their leases would end in March.
“It’s s..., just horrible,” said one tenant, who had no idea where she would be able to find a home in Queenstown’s strained rental market.
A spokeswoman for property manager Tahuna Management Ltd said the apartments were built specifically to be leased as visitor accommodation in about 2018.
When New Zealand’s borders were closed due to Covid-19 in 2020, the owners decided to lease them as long-term rentals.
The return of international visitors and rising interest rates were behind the decision to return to Airbnb.
The apartments had resource consent for 365-day visitor accommodation and the owners had a commercial rate – abut 50% higher than standard rates, she said.
“Now the tourism is back and the town is busy it’s only natural that they’ve reverted back to Airbnb.”
Many other Queenstown apartment and house owners were making similar moves, she said.
Despite reports of up to 40 tenants being affected, she said the correct number was 20-something.
That was cold comfort to the tenants who are looking for new homes in a tight property market where dozens of people are vying for leases.
Two, who work in tourism and hospitality, said they would consider returning to their home in Melbourne if they cannot find somewhere to live.
“We’ve been applying for apartments and rooms, but every room has about 300 messages on Facebook,” one of the tenants said.
They saw one room “the size of a closet” for $450, couple rooms were going for $380, and hostels were charging $350 for a week in a bunk bed.
“People are just working to pay for accommodation – it’s getting a bit ridiculous.
“I want to stay. I love the place and I don’t want to go home, but if I have nowhere to live and I’m losing $300-$400 a week on a bunk room, what’s the point in staying?”
The shortage of worker accommodation has led to many tourism and hospitality businesses closing at key times because they do not have enough staff to open full time.
Two Wellington tenants will return to their home city. One said she was thinking of returning home anyway, but the lease cancellation cemented her decision.
“Everything is overpriced in Queenstown, not just accommodation,” she said.
A couple from Christchurch having been paying $600 for a small two-bedroom apartment in the block.
They were expecting either a big rent increase or a change in the lease so were not surprised to hear it was moving to Airbnb.
“It’s unfortunate, but not unexpected.”
His partner said the situation was “shit, just horrible.”
It was hard enough to find a place to live in Queenstown without such a big group all looking at the same time, she said.
However, she understood the landlord’s perspective.
“You think about how much we pay in rent, and they can probably get that a night with Airbnb.”
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Liana Smith hiked for three days to plunge into Otago’s remote Lake Unknown and do her part in a challenge to swim all 344 lakes in the South Island.
Smith is a hiking guide and accomplished swimmer who completed the “triple crown” of New Zealand swims … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Liana Smith hiked for three days to plunge into Otago’s remote Lake Unknown and do her part in a challenge to swim all 344 lakes in the South Island.
Smith is a hiking guide and accomplished swimmer who completed the “triple crown” of New Zealand swims last year – swimming Lake Taupo (40.2km), Cook Strait (22km) and Foveaux Strait (28km).
She is also a member of the Queenstown-based Southern Lakes Swimming Club, which established the Lake Attack Aotearoa 2023 challenge, encouraging swimmers everywhere to help complete the goal of swimming all 344 South Island lakes before May.
“I love pushing myself, and I'm in constant pursuit to find my physical and mental limits in life,” Smith said.
The challenge gave her an excuse to take on the solo expedition to Lake Unknown, in Mt Aspiring National Park, which had been on her adventure list for a few years.
It is also the most remote and ambitious of the 50 swims logged so far on the Lake Attack website.
Others include a New Year's Day swim in chilly Lake Alta at the Remarkables ski area, undertaken by several members of the club including Paul Jaquin who swam in the 8C water without a wetsuit.
The challenge was open to everyone and people needed to swim for only 10 minutes to log the event.
The 344 South Island lakes were those identified on Topographic maps, but more were being added as people found them, Ashford-Tait said.
Swimmers were also encouraged to log useful information on water quality and biodiversity, which would be collated by club members.
The challenge opened on Christmas Day and there had already been participants from the south, Christchurch and Blenheim.
While the club would like to see every lake swum, the website does warn swimmers to be safe, not swim if the water quality is not suitable, and avoid spreading lake nasties such as didymo.
Queenstown teenager Jacob Marriott is leading the statistics on the group’s website so far with the most swims completed (23), the longest time swimming (370 minutes) and the furthest distance swum (11.3km).
Whether your pet likes taking an afternoon nap or leaping that gap (that’s a little too big for them), you can relax knowing they’re covered by a trusted pet insurer.
Sign up with Southern Cross Pet Insurance today.
Many high schools report that vaping is a growing issue despite the 18+ legal smoking age and this has been associated with the proximity of schools to vaping retailers.
Recent amendments have been made to The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Act to limit nicotine in … View moreMany high schools report that vaping is a growing issue despite the 18+ legal smoking age and this has been associated with the proximity of schools to vaping retailers.
Recent amendments have been made to The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Act to limit nicotine in products and cease supply to those born in/after 2009. Less retailers are to be approved and product packaging made less appealing.
Until March 15, public submissions will accepted regarding these changes, especially around the location and quantity of retail stores as well as the appeal and addictiveness of smoked tobacco products.
Following the 4th October recall of all Pam's berries due to the risk of Hepatitis A, an error has been made and affected product was released again for sale to the public on the 15th of January.
If you have bought Pam's berries over the weekend or have Pam's berries in your … View moreFollowing the 4th October recall of all Pam's berries due to the risk of Hepatitis A, an error has been made and affected product was released again for sale to the public on the 15th of January.
If you have bought Pam's berries over the weekend or have Pam's berries in your freezer, we urge you to check the use by date and return the product if affected.
The affected product has a use by date stating 14/08/2024 and include:
Pams brand Mixed Berries 500g
Pams brand Two Berry Mix 1kg
Pams brand Two Berry Mix 750g
Pams brand Smoothie Berry Mix 500g
Pams brand Raspberries 500g
Pams brand Raspberries 350g
The products are sold at Trents Wholesale and Raeward Fresh stores throughout the South Island and in Pak’n Save, New World and Four Square stores throughout New Zealand.
If you have consumed these products with the stated use by date and feel unwell, seek medical help immediately. If you have any questions about the products you have bought you can contact Foodstuffs Ltd on 0800 245 114.
Splash some colour around your home these holidays with paper roll pals, breakfast trays and a stationery caddy finished in Resene testpots.
Find out how to create your own.
Did you know you can enjoy a cooler finish with Resene CoolColour Planning to use a dark coloured paint or wood stain on your home?
Choose a Resene CoolColour finish that will help reflect more heat and keep your place cooler.
Available in a wide range of colours and products from your … View moreDid you know you can enjoy a cooler finish with Resene CoolColour Planning to use a dark coloured paint or wood stain on your home?
Choose a Resene CoolColour finish that will help reflect more heat and keep your place cooler.
Available in a wide range of colours and products from your local Resene ColorShop.
Ryman provides comprehensive care options in a community where caregivers become family.
Joyce is a resthome resident at Logan Campbell Village. Between regular walks with lifestyle coordinator Ramon, participating in village activities, family visiting and keeping them up to date via email, … View moreRyman provides comprehensive care options in a community where caregivers become family.
Joyce is a resthome resident at Logan Campbell Village. Between regular walks with lifestyle coordinator Ramon, participating in village activities, family visiting and keeping them up to date via email, 92-year-old Joyce certainly enjoys a full life.
With the many friends she has made and the special bond she shares with her caregivers, the village has become an extension of Joyce’s family.
Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between today and 29 Jan and participate in the Great Kiwi Quiz! The questions are based on our beautiful country so test your skills and see if you know New Zealand as well as you think you do.
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to… View moreGrab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between today and 29 Jan and participate in the Great Kiwi Quiz! The questions are based on our beautiful country so test your skills and see if you know New Zealand as well as you think you do.
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to win a $200 Prezzy Card, with a total of $10,000 worth of Prezzy Cards to give away. The more correct answers you enter, the higher chance you have of walking away with a Prezzy Card this summer. For more information and to submit your answers, click here.
The team at Stuff and Sunday Star-Times
Stuff is doing a story on little free libraries. Nationwide they can be found in everything from fridges to bus stops and little red cupboards.
Please send a picture and short description of your library. Do not forget to tell us where it is.
nicholas.boyack@stuff.co.nz
River-stone markers are the perfect way to identify your freshly planted seeds and seedlings, while adding a decorative touch to your vegetable garden. Use a range of Resene testpot colours to suit the produce you have growing.
Find out how to create your own.
Start the new year with a nourishing Antipodes’ night cream moisturiser. Subscribe to NZ House & Garden for 1 or 2 years and receive a FREE Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream worth $68. You’ll have until 22 January to take up this fantastic deal.
Antipodes is New … View moreStart the new year with a nourishing Antipodes’ night cream moisturiser. Subscribe to NZ House & Garden for 1 or 2 years and receive a FREE Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream worth $68. You’ll have until 22 January to take up this fantastic deal.
Antipodes is New Zealand’s Scientific Green Beauty brand, enhancing global beauty rituals with plant-powered, results-driven skincare featuring the world’s purest ingredients. To take part in this offer use the code ANTIPODES at checkout.
The team at Stuff and NZ House & Garden
This easy-to-make climbing frame adds height, structure and style to your garden and vegetable beds; paint in your favourite Resene hue to add the colour.
Find out how to create your own.
Based on the comical and moving # 1 New York Times bestseller, A Man Called Otto tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grumpy widower who is very set in his ways. When a lively young family moves in next door, he meets his match in quick-witted and very pregnant Marisol, leading to an … View moreBased on the comical and moving # 1 New York Times bestseller, A Man Called Otto tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grumpy widower who is very set in his ways. When a lively young family moves in next door, he meets his match in quick-witted and very pregnant Marisol, leading to an unlikely friendship that will turn his world upside-down.
Experience a funny, heart-warming story about how some families come from the most unexpected places.
#AManCalledOtto, in cinemas January 1 – book tickets here!
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