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From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
Simon Bishop has represented New Zealand and travelled around the world – all thanks to a video game.
The 32-year-old has been playing the racing simulation game Gran Turismo, developed for PlayStation, since 1999.
"I always liked cars as a kid ... and it is… View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly:
Simon Bishop has represented New Zealand and travelled around the world – all thanks to a video game.
The 32-year-old has been playing the racing simulation game Gran Turismo, developed for PlayStation, since 1999.
"I always liked cars as a kid ... and it is a very fun game to play.’’
That was when it was Gran Turismo 2, with the game now up to Gran Turismo 7, a game he himself makes an appearance in as a non-player character.
In recent years Bishop moved from playing on a controller to a portable racing rig, which includes a steering wheel, adjustable seats, foot pedals and takes pride of place in his bedroom.
It is from this corner site in his Dunedin flat where Bishop practices for about three to four hours a day during the competition season.
It was when the game moved to online racing that he realised he was good at it.
That coincided with the launch of the 2018 Gran Turismo World Championship and it had "basically been a whirlwind since then’’, he said.
He went to Tokyo, Japan, on an all-expenses-paid trip. It was his first time leaving New Zealand.
He qualified in second spot, before finishing third and coming away with the realisation “I could race with these guys”.
"It was a moment of self-belief" he said.
People often pictured e-sports, even at a high level, would involve larger people "covered in Dorito dust’’.
‘’But everybody has to be really fit, because you have to perform your best in tricky conditions,” Bishop said.
Another highlight was racing in person at the famous Nürburgring track in Germany, where he raced as part of a three-person Toyota team alongside the real 24-hour race.
"And we won. Basically that was the launching of this career."
The victory was one of the most famous moments in the world series history, decided ‘’right at the very end’’.
"That was pretty amazing ... it kick-started the entire year."
Soon he was jetting off on another all-expenses-paid trip, this time to New York, staying in the heart of Times Square.
The e-sport competition has taken him to Japan, the United States, Taiwan, Germany, Monaco, Australia, and Austria.
There was no prize money in the sport, but Bishop, who was sponsored by Logitech, said the travel opportunities made it all worthwhile.
He was heading to Austria again at the end of the month to compete in the Gran Turismo World Championship.
The top 12 people at the 30-strong event would qualify for Monaco in November, and "the goal is to make it".
"I have done two world finals, the last one in 2020, representing New Zealand," he said.
"It was always my dream as a kid ... to race cars."
One of his former teammates had moved into racing a real life car, with those drivers increasingly using simulators to train on.
While he would be considered too old for competitive racing, it would be a different story if he was 15 or 16, he said.
The people of Queenstown will celebrate the winter they hope will turn the tourist destination’s fortunes around after a lamentable two years of Covid-19.
The Welcome to Winter 2022 celebration will take place over four days starting on Thursday and include fireworks, live music, night skiing … View moreThe people of Queenstown will celebrate the winter they hope will turn the tourist destination’s fortunes around after a lamentable two years of Covid-19.
The Welcome to Winter 2022 celebration will take place over four days starting on Thursday and include fireworks, live music, night skiing and swimming in Lake Wakatipu for the enthusiastic.
Headline act Mitch James would play on the central Queenstown outdoor stage on Friday, followed by Stellar on Saturday.
Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Woods said the celebration would be happening on one of the busiest weekends of winter when the Australian and New Zealand school holidays overlap.
Kiwi musician Mitch James will be performing in central Queenstown on Friday night.
Kiwi musician Mitch James will be performing in central Queenstown on Friday night.
While everyone would benefit, the celebrations would be focused on the local community, he said.
Since Covid-19 arrived in New Zealand in 2020 and borders closed, Queenstown’s tourism and hospitality businesses have been hit by a massive drop in customers.
Just in the year to January 2021 there was a 33% drop in visitor spending in the town, down to $610 million.
Even with borders open now, many businesses were running at less capacity due to critical staff shortages and staff being hit by winter illnesses and absences due to Covid-19.
However, the winter season had started with incredible snow, which attracted strong numbers of Australian visitors, Woods said.
Many direct trans-Tasman flights have been booked out and hotels were booked about 80%, the highest levels since 2019, Woods said.
“This is the boost we need. It’s great, but it’s going to be a long recovery.”
Future Hospitality Group co-owner Bert Haines said there were ten-fold more visitors in Queenstown in recent weeks compared to the last two years.
“We’re busy... we’re actually overwhelmed by the amount of people here combined with the lack of staff available to work.”
Like other businesses he was battling staff shortages and sickness across the company’s five central-Queenstown restaurants and bars.
Queenstown's latest boutique hotel is facing an unusual quandary as it prepares to welcome Australian tourists - it can't find any trained butlers.
“It’s been a very delicate line to navigate, trying to look after our team and look after our guests,” he said.
The company would not be able to continue operating all of its venues seven days a week, he said.
Woods said it would take some more time for the number of visitors to Queenstown to build up to 2019 levels and many hotels were restricting bookings due to the staff shortages.
Also, there were more beds in town than pre-Covid, including the 227-room Holiday Inn Express and Suites in central Queenstown and three new hotels with a total of about 340 rooms in the suburb of Frankton.
The Welcome to Winter celebration would also mark the return of large events to the district.
Paid for from the government’s $50 million Regional Events Fund, it marked the end of a horror run with events expected to generate $100 million cancelled in the first four months of the year.
“I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait,” Woods said.
Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, Dunedin has fared “comparably well” compared with some other New Zealand cities, according to a new report.
Dunedin's goal is to be one of the world's great small cities and it is already trending favourably compared with other New … View moreDespite the challenges of the global pandemic, Dunedin has fared “comparably well” compared with some other New Zealand cities, according to a new report.
Dunedin's goal is to be one of the world's great small cities and it is already trending favourably compared with other New Zealand cities.
A six-month economic development progress report for the Dunedin City Council provides a progress update on the city’s goals for 2013-23, which include creating an extra 10,000 jobs and about $10,000 of extra income for each person.
The report, to be tabled at the council’s economic committee meeting on Thursday, said: “It is heartening to see that we are trending favourably against other New Zealand cities.
“Despite a very challenging period for the global economy, Dunedin is faring comparably well.’’
The report notes that employment stood at 59,016 in 2013, with the city recording 65,017 in 2021, after losing almost 1000 jobs since 2020 – the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over that same period, the city’s population increased from 123,500 to 133,300.
The average annual household income also leapt from $60,560 in 2013 to $78,862 last year.
Other key indicators showed a 24% rise in new dwelling consents and a 120% increase in non-residential consents in the year ending March 2022 compared with the year before.
Over that same 12-month period, house prices increased 8.1% but there were 14% fewer house sales across the Dunedin market. Meanwhile, car registrations increased 23% and commercial vehicle registrations almost doubled to 46%.
The economic boost comes as the city renews its focus on tractional export opportunities, including the recovery of the international education sector.
The University of Otago had 1468 full fee paying international students in 2019 but that halved to 735 in 2022.
The report highlighted the large number of construction projects under way in the city, including a new hall of residence, the major Dunedin Hospital rebuild, and a new ACC building.
John Gallaher, chairman of Grow Dunedin Partnership – which includes representatives from the Dunedin City Council, Ngāi Tahu, Otago Polytechnic, and the University of Otago – said “our collective mindset shifts from initial recovery to a flourishing future”.
“The activities undertaken by our respective partners are not only laying the foundation for our city to grow and prosper but also contributing to the wellbeing of our residents, now and in the future.”
Dunedin’s economic vision was to be “one of the world’s great small cities”.
“A place renowned as a confident, competitive knowledge centre; a community where enterprise and creativity support a productive and sustainable city,” the report says.
Shotover Jet has unveiled an electric jet boat it says is the first to be designed solely for tourism as owners Ngāi Tahu plans for a zero carbon future.
The iwi revealed its 88-point action plan to tackle the causes and effects of climate change and a host of other environmental issues at a … View moreShotover Jet has unveiled an electric jet boat it says is the first to be designed solely for tourism as owners Ngāi Tahu plans for a zero carbon future.
The iwi revealed its 88-point action plan to tackle the causes and effects of climate change and a host of other environmental issues at a ceremony in Queenstown on Wednesday.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Lisa Tumahai said the escalating effects of climate change across the Ngāi Tahu takiwā (tribal area) were having a profound impact on the iwi’s interests, activities and whānau.
“We need to rapidly evolve if we are to adapt and thrive in this brave new world.”
The iwi would take major steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions, embrace renewable energy, optimise resource use, and reduce water and ecosystem impacts over nine years.
One vital element was protecting whānau by powering marae with solar energy to make them more resilient and self-sufficient, as well as identifying jobs for Ngāi Tahu whānau in the green economy.
“We don’t claim to have all the answers, but our size and influence gives us the freedom to innovate.
“This jetboat prototype is an exciting expression of what that innovation can achieve,” Tumahai said.
Ngāi Tahu Tourism general manager Jolanda Cave said that once the jetboat prototype was put into service, the experience would be quieter and more environmentally sound, running on rechargeable electric batteries rather than fossil fuels.
The prototype project began in 2019 when Ngāi Tahu Tourism entered a co-founding agreement with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority and was awarded up to $200,000 to convert one of their petrol-powered jet boats to run on electricity.
It would take several years to confirm the commercialisation of the electric prototype, Cave said.
The tourism arm of the company aimed to make all its operations carbon-neutral by 2050.
“We all have a role to play in ensuring our world is healthier for future generations and while there is a long road to travel, the electrification of our jet boat fleet is an incredible step,” Cave said.
Tumahai said that as mana whenua the iwi were putting into action the core principles of kaitiakitanga and rangatiratanga.
“We look after our whenua, we care for our whānau and we take ethical actions and decisions for the future of our mokopuna.”
Key targets:
- A 17% methane reduction from farm animals by 2035.
- By 2030, all marae and Papatipu Rūnanga facilities to be supported to upgrade to technologies that ensure long-term resilience in energy, water and resource optimisation.
- By 2030, agri-tech solutions to be in place in specific Ngāi Tahu Farming sites to reduce water use.
- From 2022, a year-on-year reduction in synthetic fertiliser with paddock by paddock soil testing.
- By 2030, Ngāi Tahu to be actively exercising rangatiratanga over freshwater.
- By 2030, all new developments to have ecosystem enhancement plans to protect wai and mahinga kai sites.
See all the targets here.
Have you read our June Seniors newsletter? In this issue we discuss the Older Workers Employment Action Plan, Budget 2022 and hear from Equal Employment Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo. Read it here now: bit.ly...
Try to read to your child every day. It’s a special time to snuggle up and enjoy a story. Stories matter and children love re-reading them and poring over the pictures. Try adding funny voices to bring characters to life ?
Help Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these … View moreHelp Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these charities help.
Giving is easy – just pick, click and ‘Give Now’. Trade Me takes care of the rest. 100% of the donations go to the charities – Trade Me doesn’t take a cut.
The chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.
We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit … View moreThe chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.
We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit baffling with so many options and not enough help. Read why Kiwis aren’t switching and the easy steps to get your power sorted before bill shock hits.
Need to keep it stress free? Call our NZ based team on 0508 226 672, it’s free!
We’re here to help you compare, save and smile!
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View moreAre you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
Brighten up your life and home with these fun party cup dolls, beads of joy and blooming plant pots with your favourite Resene testpot colours.
Find out how to create your own.
Unleash the artist within you, showcase your DIY creative skills and spruce up an old item or completely repurpose it! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
We want to see your amazing creations so don't be afraid to go … View moreUnleash the artist within you, showcase your DIY creative skills and spruce up an old item or completely repurpose it! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
We want to see your amazing creations so don't be afraid to go all out! Check out some of the previous entires here.
Take part in the 2022 Resene Upcycling Awards. There are four great prizes worth $500 up for grabs: a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!
Hello Neighbours,
I would like to welcome our new manager to our shop on 53 Bond Street. I am sure we will see some changes.
We are open Saturday this week 10-3pm
Reading helps your child’s wellbeing, develops imagination, and has educational benefits too. Just a few minutes a day can have a big impact on children of all ages ?
THIS IS ABSURB AND RIDICULOUS. because of this, the entire Neighbourly website is choked full! pls don't have such competition here, redirect it somewhere else, like the sponsor's website.
As partners of the Elemental festival, Stuff Travel is giving away 2 amazing packages! For each you'll win 2 nights of luxury stay at Fable Auckland with a welcome dinner and daily breakfasts. You'll also get tickets to either the Takurua - Nafanua, The War Goddess or the Auckland Fried … View moreAs partners of the Elemental festival, Stuff Travel is giving away 2 amazing packages! For each you'll win 2 nights of luxury stay at Fable Auckland with a welcome dinner and daily breakfasts. You'll also get tickets to either the Takurua - Nafanua, The War Goddess or the Auckland Fried Chicken Festival.
Flights included for those out of Auckland.
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