737 days ago

That Wānaka Tree is joined by Wānaka Shark

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

That Wānaka Tree is world famous but the shark swimming around it may elevate it to new social media heights.

No-one knows where the shark, or to be precise the shark’s fin, came from and local social media posts have divided opinion in the small town.

Posting on Facebook on Monday, Joanne Young said April Fools was over and the stationary fin spoiled the lake's beauty.

“Can it be removed?” she asked.

But Jess B Clark called for the “weed tree” to be removed instead, while Kieran Kaiwai suggested someone jump in and tackle the shark.

Others suggested it would need Department of Conservation and Otago Regional Council involvement involving a lengthy report and an 80% rates rise.

Tony Vial suspected it might be the work of a random Sharks supporter, before adding his own “Go the Warriors”.

Todd Jeremy Owen said he had seen the fin in other spots, including Lake Hawea.

"That Taniwha is way older than that weedy willow,” he said.

Tracy Sarah Jones looked forward to seeing the next 20 million lonely tree shots accompanied by the great shark fin.

While Amanda Waldo had another ominous warning for regular lake users.

"If the duck itch doesn’t get you...” she wrote.

For now, the big questions are unanswered. Will the shark remain? And will it ruin the perfect shot of #thatwanakatree?

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More messages from your neighbours
15 hours ago

Poll: If you could rewind time, would you choose a different career?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It might not be too late for you, but some people look back and wish they had taken a different career path.

If you could go back in time, would you choose something different? Let us know what you would have chosen in the comments below.

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If you could rewind time, would you choose a different career?
  • 59.9% Yes
    59.9% Complete
  • 40.1% No
    40.1% Complete
  • 0% Other - I'll share below
    0% Complete
257 votes
8 days ago

Poll: Is your nearest emergency department up to scratch?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Concerns have been raised about Nelson Hospital with complaints of lack of staffing and excessive wait times. Do you have confidence in your local emergency department?

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Is your nearest emergency department up to scratch?
  • 36.3% Yes, it serves us well
    36.3% Complete
  • 62.9% No, I have concerns
    62.9% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
1665 votes
2 days ago

Ding-ding! Back for round six!

Prospa

The Prospa Local Business Hero Awards are back! We're looking for local businesses that have stood out over the last 12 months - and by nominating a business in your community you could win some incredible prizes. Got an amazing mechanic? Know a super friendly pharmacist? Maybe you're gatekeeping a fab hairdresser. But it's time to spill!

Champion the incredible local businesses that make our New Zealand Neighbourhoods special by nominating them to be the 2025 Prospa Local Business Hero.

Nominations are now open – nominate your Local Business Hero now.
Nominate now

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