Queenstown Lakes District, Queenstown

Have you got your tickets yet?

Have you got your tickets yet?

For just $15, you could win a fully furnished home in Clarks Beach, Auckland worth over $1 million. Buy your tickets today!

647 days ago

Buy more tickets today!

Heart Foundation

Increase your chances to win this brand-new, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.

Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an open-plan … View more
Increase your chances to win this brand-new, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.

Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or even sell it. Tickets only $15 – get in quick and purchase more tickets today.
Find out more

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648 days ago

Nominate your household hero to WIN $350!

The Team from NZ Compare

Costs are high making 2023 a tough year already! Who's the hero doing the hard yards to keep things running in your household?
NZ Compare wants to pay $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill!

Nominate your household Hero by clicking the button below and be in to WIN $350!
Offer ENDS… View more
Costs are high making 2023 a tough year already! Who's the hero doing the hard yards to keep things running in your household?
NZ Compare wants to pay $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill!

Nominate your household Hero by clicking the button below and be in to WIN $350!
Offer ENDS 31st March 2023.

Need more ways to save money? Comparing your power and broadband bills is one way to see if you can save more or simply switch to something that better suits your needs. If you’re paying for it, make sure it works for you!

NZ Compare can help, CLICK HERE TO COMPARE!
Nominate your hero!

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652 days ago

Are class sizes too big these days?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Primary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.

A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however … View more
Primary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.

A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however support staff can be counted as teachers so the reality is that class sizes can be much higher.
What do you think are the ideal sizes for classrooms?

Type NFP alongside your comments if you don't wish these to be shared in the We Say You Say column of the local paper.

650 days ago

Poll: How much is your monthly POWER bill?

The Team from NZ Compare

We can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.

We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, … View more
We can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.

We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, how much does your power bill usually come to?

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How much is your monthly POWER bill?
  • 63.3% Under $200
    63.3% Complete
  • 25.8% Between $200-$300
    25.8% Complete
  • 7% Between $300-$400
    7% Complete
  • 3.9% Over $400
    3.9% Complete
1124 votes
650 days ago

Don't forget to nominate a small business...

Prospa

Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?

Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.

There's been hundreds of … View more
Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?

Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.

There's been hundreds of incredible entries already but don't forget to nominate your local this week. The recognition will make their day (and they're in with a chance to win a $10,000 package!).

Share a few words about your favourite local now.
Nomiante now

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650 days ago

Your home, your safe haven

The Team from

Your home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.

We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.

Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for … View more
Your home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.

We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.

Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for emergencies. If something happens, you’re in safe hands.

We’ll take care of everything and make sure that you have what you need.

If you or a loved one are over 70, Ryman has a range of options from emergency accommodation through to townhouses or apartments available to purchase.
Learn More

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655 days ago

Poll: How much is your monthly BROADBAND bill?

The Team from NZ Compare

Internet is something we need these days for work, study, keeping in touch with loved ones or just to watch a movie! It's another bill to manage right?!

With the cost of living rising, we want to know how much your broadband bill is setting you back each month?

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How much is your monthly BROADBAND bill?
  • 28.1% Under $75
    28.1% Complete
  • 27.6% Between $75-$85
    27.6% Complete
  • 44.3% Over $85
    44.3% Complete
1593 votes
652 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for jerusalem artichokes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ … View moreEvery month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ Gardener.

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659 days ago

NZ: Share a favourite female historical figure...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We're all mostly familiar with Kate Sheppard's role in the women's suffrage movement (and her face on the $10 note) and you've likely heard of the bold, Jean Batten. But who else should not be forgotten? Tell us why!

Let's celebrate Women's History month as well as … View more
We're all mostly familiar with Kate Sheppard's role in the women's suffrage movement (and her face on the $10 note) and you've likely heard of the bold, Jean Batten. But who else should not be forgotten? Tell us why!

Let's celebrate Women's History month as well as International Women's Day (this Wednesday) by sharing some of the lesser-known, inspiring women who've played a part in New Zealand's history.

Share your thoughts below for the We Say You Say column of the local paper - write NFP if you wish your comments to be excluded.

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655 days ago

Clear the decks

The Team from Resene ColorShop Queenstown

Refresh your outdoor spaces with Resene Lumbersider and Resene Walk-on with these easy ideas.

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656 days ago

A seven-hour hike, sweat, and a trip through the Valley of the Trolls for a 'dream wedding'

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

When you think weddings, you think pampering, gloss and fuss.
You probably don’t imagine a seven-hour slog uphill, sweat and nachos.

But that is exactly what one couple chose for their big day when they hiked to the remote Lake Wilson, off the Routeburn Track.

The Valley of the Trolls, … View more
When you think weddings, you think pampering, gloss and fuss.
You probably don’t imagine a seven-hour slog uphill, sweat and nachos.

But that is exactly what one couple chose for their big day when they hiked to the remote Lake Wilson, off the Routeburn Track.

The Valley of the Trolls, complete with swampland and thick tussocks, doesn’t necessarily sound all that romantic either, but for bride Luana Schramme the tramp through the valley to her stunning wedding spot was “magical”.

Schramme, 27, and her husband Bernardo Araujo, 29, weren’t alone for their wilderness wedding – they had seven friends, a photographer and a celebrant join them on the 34km trip for the unusual ceremony.

Read the full story from reporter Olivia Caldwell here. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

656 days ago

Five years and two companies later, Queenstown finally gets e-scooters

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Will you give Queenstown's new e-scooters a go?

Beam is bringing up to 300 e-scooters into central Queenstown on a 24-month trial following agreement with the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Beam spokesman Frederick Conquer said the first few bookings had started coming in on … View more
Will you give Queenstown's new e-scooters a go?

Beam is bringing up to 300 e-scooters into central Queenstown on a 24-month trial following agreement with the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Beam spokesman Frederick Conquer said the first few bookings had started coming in on Wednesday following a small launch in the town.

Read the full story from reporter Debbie Jamieson here.

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656 days ago

Save at your local Resene ColorShop!

Resene National Head Office

Bring out the best in your home.

Get 20% off Resene premium paints, stains, wallpapers and accessories, on now at Resene ColorShops!

Come in and visit your local Resene ColorShop for expert advice and great savings!
Learn More

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657 days ago

Applications closing soon!

Rowena Jackson Retirement Village

Since 1999, our residents and team members have raised more than $5.1 million for charities across New Zealand and Australia.

Supporting fellow pioneers isn’t new. It’s in our DNA. Learn more about becoming our charity partner for 2022/23.

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657 days ago

Man who died during Motatapu race was a newlywed who buried his son three weeks ago

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Olivia Caldwell:

When Peter Murphy stood at the starting line of Queenstown’s Motatapu​ mountain bike race on Saturday, he had just buried his son three weeks earlier.

The cause of the 58-year-old’s own unexpected death, 10 minutes into the 47km race, is unknown, with an … View more
From reporter Olivia Caldwell:

When Peter Murphy stood at the starting line of Queenstown’s Motatapu​ mountain bike race on Saturday, he had just buried his son three weeks earlier.

The cause of the 58-year-old’s own unexpected death, 10 minutes into the 47km race, is unknown, with an autopsy on Monday coming back inconclusive.

On February 10, Murphy’s 23-year-old son, Daniel, died from a rare cancer – a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour.

Doctors had said his leg would need to be amputated, ending his professional dancing career. The cancer spread too quickly for radiation therapy to keep on top of it.

Jo Fuller said Murphy was heartbroken about losing his son.


The couple had been looking forward to a lot in 2023 – moving into their dream home in Wānaka in five weeks, and enjoying life as newlyweds.

They had been together eight years and married in Wānaka on December 22.

The sun shone for the ceremony, but just as Murphy was about to deliver his “off the cuff speech” a loud crack of thunder filled the air, lightning hit the sky and a downpour of torrential rain followed.

“It was an amazing day. We had the absolute time of our lives.”

Murphy and his brother-in-law, Jim Fuller, planned to do the Motatapu race in 2020 before it was cancelled because of Covid-19. Murphy had completed the race five times before.


The mates started the race together on Saturday.

“I thought he will catch me up because he’s fitter, so I went off, and then I slowed down and ... I kept looking back for him,” Jim Fuller said.

When he reached the finish line, he was told Murphy had died.

His death was a shock to those who knew him. He took medication for a heart arrhythmia, but was fit.


Jo Fuller said she snuck a hug, kiss and reluctant photo of her new husband in his lycra when she dropped him off at the start line on Saturday.


Murphy, too, snuck in one last romantic act – one he’d been doing since their first car ride together.

“He was a gentleman. I used to go and open the door to the car, and he would open it ... it took me probably six months to stop opening it myself. He did it right up until Saturday.”


The race began 9am. At 10am, Fuller was called and told there had been an “incident”.

A doctor was one of the first to find Murphy on the gravel road and attempted over 45 minutes of CPR until an ambulance arrived.

“I just thought Pete was going to be in one of the ambulances, so I ran and there was no-one in it,” Fuller said.

“I came around the corner and there was Pete lying on the road with a white cloth over him ... I just stood there and collapsed.”


Murphy and Fuller first met 30 years ago at an antenatal group – both attending with their partners of the time.

In 2014, after both relationships had ended, they ran into each other at a friend’s party.

“He said ‘look we've got 20 years of stuff to catch up on’.”

They caught up as friends, Fuller said, though Murphy had other plans.


Murphy invited himself to meet her in Singapore on her way home from running the Paris Marathon, so she couldn’t really turn him down, she said.

“That’s how he weaselled himself into my life when I made it very clear I was not interested.”

Murphy, who had a big smile, was kind, easygoing, welcoming, and a bit cheeky, Fuller said.

It would have been Murphy’s 59th birthday on Sunday. The couple were going to go to their favourite restaurant Francesca’s for pizza.


Murphy has two other children, Georgia and William. His ex-wife Robyn Murphy is based in Christchurch.

On Monday, police said they wanted to hear from anyone who saw Murphy before the race, or saw what happened.

“We know that there would have been competitors and supporters in the bike race who had travelled to Wānaka from all parts of the country,” Senior Sergeant Chris Brooks said.

“So we are asking anyone – whether you are currently in the Wānaka area or have since returned home – who may have information to please let us know, so we can help get some answers for this man’s family.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 105 or fill out a report online at 105.police.govt.nz/ using 'Update Report' and the file number 230304/1913.

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