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From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Plans for a spectacular link in the Queenstown to Central Otago cycle trail are proceeding after a cup of coffee led to developer Dave Henderson withdrawing his opposition.
Henderson had threatened to go to the Environment Court over a resource consent … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Plans for a spectacular link in the Queenstown to Central Otago cycle trail are proceeding after a cup of coffee led to developer Dave Henderson withdrawing his opposition.
Henderson had threatened to go to the Environment Court over a resource consent allowing the trail to be built.
In March, he said it crossed land owned by his company The Cardrona Cattle Company.
“My sole purpose was to try to sort out some of the other landowners to reduce the cost of construction and create a better experience,” he said following the resolution with the Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust.
The trail no longer crossed his land but would travel past the Victoria Flats Landfill.
“It’s very close to the rubbish dump, which I didn’t think was ideal, but everybody else was comfortable with it.”
He had some concerns about reverse sensitivity too – cycle trail users complaining about existing activity and development in the area – but that had been resolved, he said.
“At the end of the day we had a cup of coffee and got it sorted.”
He would be an enthusiastic user of the trail, which would link his home to a development he was working on in the area, he said.
Former Christchurch mayor Sir Bob Parker and his wife, Lady Joanna Nicholls-Parker were shareholders in The Cardrona Cattle Company until April, this year.
The Kawarau Gorge Trail is part of a $26 million project connecting five Great Rides in the region.
It will include an underground tunnel near the Nevis Bluff and follow the Kawarau River to Bannockburn where it will connect with the widely acclaimed Lake Dunstan Trail, to Clyde.
Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust chairperson Stephen Jeffery said before construction could begin, the trust had to finalise some details – including creating a plan for managing lizards – for sections of the trail that passed through Department of Conservation Land.
It was hoped that approval would be in place in early 2023.
The complete 500km route will also require a route connecting Wānaka to Cromwell and the missing 13km on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail to be complete.
Jeffery said the network of trails would reinforce the profile of the region as a growing international cycling destination.
“We have already seen the outstanding success of the Lake Dunstan Trail and with the added investment into new trails the future looks particularly bright for cycling tourism in Central Otago.”
Earlier this week, the Queenstown Lakes District Council was awarded $11.8m in funding from the Government’s Transport Choices programme to progress trail improvements in the region.
It included $10.3m for an Arthurs Point to Queenstown route and $1.5m to look at more options for active travel links in Wānaka.
Transform a plain bag into a summery tote with this pretty monstera leaf motif. Whether you use it as a beach bag, shopping bag or grocery bag, this simple stencilled tote is a fun and quick project you can do within an hour using your favourite Resene testpots.
Find out how to create your own… View moreTransform a plain bag into a summery tote with this pretty monstera leaf motif. Whether you use it as a beach bag, shopping bag or grocery bag, this simple stencilled tote is a fun and quick project you can do within an hour using your favourite Resene testpots.
Find out how to create your own.
Hello Otago and Southland!
We want to know about incredible groups, individuals and organisations doing amazing things for others in our communities over the festive season. Simply share the details of their excellent work in below, and we'll help spread the word on Stuff!
Calling all house and garden lovers!
This is a unique opportunity to step inside the pages of the iconic New Zealand House & Garden magazine and experience a captivating mix of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Simply enquire online and be in to win:
- Return flights for two to the NZ … View moreCalling all house and garden lovers!
This is a unique opportunity to step inside the pages of the iconic New Zealand House & Garden magazine and experience a captivating mix of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Simply enquire online and be in to win:
- Return flights for two to the NZ House & Garden Tours location of your choice
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From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
It has been protecting Arrowtown’s treasures for nearly 150 years, now the former Bank of New Zealand building has been on the receiving end of community care.
The 1875 building that sits on a prominent corner site in the Central Otago town has been part of … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
It has been protecting Arrowtown’s treasures for nearly 150 years, now the former Bank of New Zealand building has been on the receiving end of community care.
The 1875 building that sits on a prominent corner site in the Central Otago town has been part of the Lakes District Museum since 1953.
It was identified as an earthquake risk in 2018 and with a seismic strengthening bill of about $3.5 million to complete the work before 2025, the future was looking bleak, long time director David Clarke said.
“We tried to the put the word about amongst the community and hoped some benefactors would come to the party, but had limited success.
Without the funding, the bank building and attached stables, which form up to half of the museum space, would have closed down.
It was only with the arrival of Covid-19 in the community and the implementation of the government’s Provincial Growth Fund that the museum was able to secure the funds it needed.
It received $2m from the fund, $1.04m from the Queenstown Lakes District Council and a grant of $456,000 from the Central Lakes Trust to upgrade internal displays.
It took three years to complete the work, which included reinstating a parapet and six chimneys, which were part of the original design in 1875 by architect Robert Lawson.
While it is the museum for the Queenstown Lakes District, which includes the larger centres of Queenstown and Wānaka, the building is also part of the distinctive Arrowtown heritage zone.
Opposite the building sit the historic Arrowtown Post Office, which still operates as a modern post shop, and another earthquake-strengthened historic building, the Fork and Tap pub.
Clarke said it was “amazing” to finish the project, which will officially open on Friday.
“It is the realisation of a lot of hard work from the staff and museum board. Of course, there’s been three years of noise and dust and all the anxiety of wondering what the future is.”
Unlike the many council-owned museums around New Zealand, the Lakes District Museum is owned and operated by a trust.
While it does receive regular council funding, it is constantly looking for the funds to survive and keep paying its staff of three fulltime and ten part-time workers.
“Covid made us realise we’re reliant on tourism dollars, but we are a museum for the community,” Clarke said.
There was also a shortfall of about $70,000 to be found from the project, he said.
Have you read our December Seniors Newsletter? Do you have a Community Services Card or know someone who does? From 1 February 2023 Community Services Card holders are eligible for a continued 50% discount on public transport. You can read more in this issue.
This newsletter also includes some … View moreHave you read our December Seniors Newsletter? Do you have a Community Services Card or know someone who does? From 1 February 2023 Community Services Card holders are eligible for a continued 50% discount on public transport. You can read more in this issue.
This newsletter also includes some good advice on how to keep up your hydration and stay safe and cool this summer.
Meeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.
We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, … View moreMeeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.
We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, it will create a lasting impact that goes beyond a treat at Christmas.
For only $40 you can donate a Christmas Box to a family in need, providing not just practical help, but much deserved hope too.
A report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled … View moreA report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled ‘‘On The Brink’’ outlines the urgent need to address pay parity for GP nurses and doctors, beef up workforce numbers and improve funding allocations for practices with the hopes that this makes heatlhcare more accessible in the community.
Are you noticing delays in getting GP appointments or long waits at after-hours care?
Any comments below may be shared in your local paper's We Say You Say column.
How to make your own Christmas terrarium painted in Resene.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Breathe new life into an old children’s toy with a fun new look using only Resene testpots! Find out how to create your own.
Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t … View moreShare a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.
Ends 21 December 2022
What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how … View moreWhat better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how celebrities live, keep you up to date with interior trends, provide project ideas, and more. Be inspired to dream big about your own space - and get on the path to making those dreams come true. Sign up for free here.
We are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.
Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of … View moreWe are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.
Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of your Christmas gifts with a range of over 50 products to choose from, including our popular NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and TV Guide magazines.
Each product purchased on Mags4Gifts will automatically place you in the draw to win a cash prize - and the best part, there’s no limit on how many times you can enter! Promotion ends 8 Jan 2023, for T&Cs click here.
The team at Mags4Gifts
The Frankton and Wānaka transfer station facilities will close every Sunday from November 27 until January 8 due to staffing shortages.
Queenstown Lakes District Council infrastructure operations manager Simon Mason said work was ongoing to recruit more staff.
The Materials Recovery … View moreThe Frankton and Wānaka transfer station facilities will close every Sunday from November 27 until January 8 due to staffing shortages.
Queenstown Lakes District Council infrastructure operations manager Simon Mason said work was ongoing to recruit more staff.
The Materials Recovery Facility and kerbside rubbish and recycling collection service would continue to operate as normal.
“We’re working hard to maintain normal levels of service for the community while grappling with the same resourcing challenges as many other local businesses. As we’ve said before, this will not be resolved overnight and our key focus is on balancing the need to maintain staff wellbeing and operational safety whilst continuing our kerbside collection service and fulfilling our waste minimisation commitments,” he said.
The Frankton and Wānaka transfer stations will remain open from 8am to 5pm six days a week from Monday to Saturday in the interim.
Roles currently available include: Drivers (Class 5 and Class 2), Recycling Operators and Transfer Station Operators. Anyone interested in applying can visit wastemanagement.careercentre.net.nz... for more details.
On Monday, 21 November, the Supreme Court ruled that preventing 16 and 17-year-olds from voting is 'unjustified age discrimination'.
The current age of voting is 18 in New Zealand and lobby group Make It 16 have been running a youth-led campaign advocating for the vote to be extended … View moreOn Monday, 21 November, the Supreme Court ruled that preventing 16 and 17-year-olds from voting is 'unjustified age discrimination'.
The current age of voting is 18 in New Zealand and lobby group Make It 16 have been running a youth-led campaign advocating for the vote to be extended to our 16 and 17-year-olds.
“This is history,” said Make It 16 co-director Caeden Tipler. “Today New Zealand’s highest court has confirmed that stopping young people from voting is a breach of our human rights...The government and Parliament cannot ignore such a clear legal and moral message. They must let us vote.”
Share your thoughts below - these may be published in the We Say You Say column of the local papers.
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