Hunter Valley, Wanaka

615 days ago

Offender broke into pub for 'a beer and a feed' after ramming police cars

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Olivia Caldwell:

A ute driver rammed two police cars, fled through three small towns and broke into a pub for a “beer and a feed” before his eventual arrest.

Police notified Moorings Restaurant owner Anthony Robertson that his venue near Cromwell had been broken into at 2am … View more
From reporter Olivia Caldwell:

A ute driver rammed two police cars, fled through three small towns and broke into a pub for a “beer and a feed” before his eventual arrest.

Police notified Moorings Restaurant owner Anthony Robertson that his venue near Cromwell had been broken into at 2am after they caught the alleged offender.

“He broke in through the door, had a beer and a feed ... and off he went. We weren't involved in all the rest of the carnage,” Robertson said.

He could not say which beer the suspect chose to drink or what food he ate.

The crime spree began with a family violence incident just before 6pm on Tuesday.

As officers responded, the offender drove his Toyota Landcruiser into two police cars, damaging them.

The officers were uninjured, Sergeant Derek Ealson said.

The offender then drove through three Central Otago townships in a chase that lasted several hours.

A dog handler from Dunedin eventually caught the man in Pisa Moorings, north of Cromwell, as he tried to flee.

“He was involved in a burglary incident, and was on foot. While on foot he attempted to damage another police car with rocks,” Sergeant Mike Calvert alleged.

The dog handler had driven more than four hours from Dunedin to pursue the offender in Central Otago.

Calvert said police were reviewing where police dogs and handlers were placed.

“The Central Otago region is growing and has the same need for dog handlers as further south, where there are five dog handlers.”

The alleged offender, a 35-year-old Southland man, was remanded in custody to face 11 charges, including trespass, attempting to take a vehicle, careless operation of a motor vehicle, entering a building with intention to commit an imprisonable offence, assault with intent, assaulting police officers, threatening to kill a police officer and contravening a protection order.

He is next due to appear in the Queenstown District Court on October 25.

“While this was an unpredictable and concerning incident, we want to reassure the Central Otago community that there is no further threat,” Ealson said.

Police wanted to hear from anyone with video of the Toyota Landcruiser as it was driven through Tarras, Wānaka, Lowburn and Pisa Moorings, or video of the man’s arrest.

Anyone with information should call police and quote file number 221018/3292.

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616 days ago

Stage two of lakefront development opening to public

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Wānaka locals will soon be able to enjoy a greatly improved community space, with stage two of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan opening to the public on Friday (October 21).

“At over three-and-a-half metres wide and stretching from the Mount Aspiring Rd car park through to Wānaka’s … View more
Wānaka locals will soon be able to enjoy a greatly improved community space, with stage two of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan opening to the public on Friday (October 21).

“At over three-and-a-half metres wide and stretching from the Mount Aspiring Rd car park through to Wānaka’s town centre, the new shared pathway running alongside the lake will provide the continuous access this project has championed to date,” Queenstown Lakes District Council community services general manager Ken Bailey said in a statement.

The pathway also played host to the historic Te Huruhuru’s Map – a recreation of the first map of the area that aided early explorers, he said.

“While lawn areas have been seeded and need a few more weeks to reach their green and grassy potential, when they’re ready to host your picnic or play we’ll really start to realise what a people-friendly place we’ve got down here.”

The section of Ardmore St between McDougall and Dungarvon streets would also open back up to two lanes of traffic, and 110 new car parking spaces would be available for use along the lakefront.

Time restrictions would be trialled across the different parking bays, with a maximum limit of up to four hours in some sections to encourage considerate use of the lakefront reserve.

“The purpose of creating parking along Ardmore St was to remove the dominance of vehicles on Wānaka’s premium recreational space, and the time restriction trial is an opportunity to see how these new spaces are used and to tailor our future approach to meet the community’s need,” Bailey said.

A recommendation on parking restrictions would be made to the Wānaka Community Board for its final approval following the trial period.

Bailey thanked the Wānaka community for their patience during the upgrades, acknowledging changes to Ardmore St would have extended a few commutes and that a large chunk of the lakefront had been unavailable over the winter months.

616 days ago

Your base weekly fee is fixed

Ryman Healthcare

Retirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.

Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little… View more
Retirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.

Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little on yourself if you feel like it! Take up that hobby you’ve dreamed of or plan a holiday somewhere warm.

It’s easy to live life your way when you have freedom to do the things you enjoy. It’s another example of how we’re pioneering retirement living.
Find out more

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617 days ago

There's still time (just!) to send in your basil recipe

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

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 basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 21, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition … View more
Dear neighbours,

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 basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 21, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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619 days ago

STOP TREATING SOIL LIKE DIRT

Yates

Nourish the soil and the soil will nourish you! Healthy soil is at the very foundation of gardening success - and life itself - and this National Gardening Week Yates wants to help you grow good soil.

We’ve pulled together a bunch of ways to measure your soil health – how about planting a … View more
Nourish the soil and the soil will nourish you! Healthy soil is at the very foundation of gardening success - and life itself - and this National Gardening Week Yates wants to help you grow good soil.

We’ve pulled together a bunch of ways to measure your soil health – how about planting a pair of undies to find out how healthy your soil is? Or try a quick “worm count” test, building a “compost jar” (great fun for kids) or do a food waste audit.

Plus we’ve easy to follow steps on how to turn your food scraps & garden waste into fabulous compost.
Find out more

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620 days ago

Plant seeds every month with a subscription from Kings Seeds.

The TV Guide

Sick of expensive veges from the supermarket? Purchase a subscription to the TV Guide for your chance to win 1 of 20 1-year seed subscriptions from Kings Seeds, worth $450. Delivered monthly to your home, what better way to go green and save money than growing your own food?

Purchase a 6 month, … View more
Sick of expensive veges from the supermarket? Purchase a subscription to the TV Guide for your chance to win 1 of 20 1-year seed subscriptions from Kings Seeds, worth $450. Delivered monthly to your home, what better way to go green and save money than growing your own food?

Purchase a 6 month, 1 year, or 2 year subscription to the TV Guide before 31 October and you’ll automatically be placed in the draw to win. There are three different subscriptions to choose from to suit your needs; Vegetable seeds, Microgreen seeds, and Sprouting seeds. To view the T&Cs click here.
Find out more

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622 days ago

3 Peak Pass | $899

NZ SKI

Get The Best Price on Your 3 Peak Pass.

The 3 Peak Season Pass gives you a huge variety of terrain across Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown and NZ's best ski resort Mt Hutt in Canterbury.

No holiday blackouts, FREE Night Skiing at Coronet Peak and a whole lot more.

THE … View more
Get The Best Price on Your 3 Peak Pass.

The 3 Peak Season Pass gives you a huge variety of terrain across Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown and NZ's best ski resort Mt Hutt in Canterbury.

No holiday blackouts, FREE Night Skiing at Coronet Peak and a whole lot more.

THE EARLIER YOU BUY, THE MORE YOU SAVE. INSTALMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE.

Super Earlybird sale ends 1 Nov.
Know more

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623 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for nasturtium?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made… View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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624 days ago

Ryman residents aren’t defined by dementia

Ryman Healthcare

Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.

At Ryman villages our focus is on … View more
Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.

At Ryman villages our focus is on experience-based care rather than processes, enabling residents to live in the moment and to feel kindness, love and security.

Most of all, Ryman residents living with dementia are supported to continue doing the things that bring them joy so they can live fulfilled lives.
Learn more

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627 days ago

Get decorating and $ave with Resene.

Resene

Now’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.

Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products!

Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and … View more
Now’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.

Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products!

Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and participating reseller until 31 October 2022. Paint offers are also available at Mitre 10 MEGA and selected Mitre 10 stores. Excludes WallPrint, decals, Crown, trade and industrial products, PaintWise levy and account sales.

Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and enjoy these great savings.
Find out more

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630 days ago

Do you have great recipes for basil and nasturtium?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes and also basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition… View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes and also basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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631 days ago

Get the day’s top news with Two Minutes of Stuff

Stuff

Satiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.

Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point, the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated … View more
Satiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.

Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point, the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated experience, with items hand-picked by Stuff staff, sent each weekday evening. Sign up for free here.
Sign Up

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633 days ago

Join us in restoring Coronet Peak!

Trees that count

This planting will help to kickstart a much larger project—involving 53,000 hectares and four high country stations—that will ultimately see much of the front face of Coronet Peak recloaked in native forest.

Help us to create an ecological corridor from Mt Dewar to Arrowtown, and also … View more
This planting will help to kickstart a much larger project—involving 53,000 hectares and four high country stations—that will ultimately see much of the front face of Coronet Peak recloaked in native forest.

Help us to create an ecological corridor from Mt Dewar to Arrowtown, and also support other projects focused on the rehabilitation of Lake Hayes’ water quality by improving the water catchment on Coronet Peak before it reaches the lake.
Know more

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636 days ago

Future of NZ's largest inflateable water park in doubt - over a road

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

The owners of a popular Central Otago water park fear they won’t open this summer after being bogged down by bureaucracy.

The Kiwi Water Park opened in 2020 and is New Zealand’s largest water park, attracting 30,000 visitors last summer.

It’s based on a… View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

The owners of a popular Central Otago water park fear they won’t open this summer after being bogged down by bureaucracy.

The Kiwi Water Park opened in 2020 and is New Zealand’s largest water park, attracting 30,000 visitors last summer.

It’s based on a reserve shared by freedom campers and boaties off State Highway 8, near Cromwell.

The popularity of the area has led to a review of the entrance and a suggestion a right-turning bay is needed.

Land Information New Zealand (Linz), Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and the Central Otago District Council are all involved, but progress has come to a standstill.

Now Kiwi Water Park co-owner and marketing manager Emily Rutherford says that after six months of fruitlessly waiting for decisions, the business may not be able to open this summer.

The requirements of the water park’s licence include that any changes are made by November 4.

“In the meantime, our business planning and recruitment of staff for this season hangs in the balance. We’ve got two months till we open and we need action urgently,” she said.

The park was originally granted a six-year consent by the council to operate at the Lowburn Reserve – an area frequented by campers and boaties as well as water park users.

Last season, they shifted the park to a more sheltered area at the reserve and had to apply for a variation to their consent.

At that time, Waka Kotahi raised concerns about the number of vehicles entering the reserve, so a temporary speed reduction along the stretch of road was installed.

An agreement was made between the government departments and the business to monitor the amount of traffic using the area and concluded the majority of traffic was caused by freedom campers and boaties – and that a right turning bay was needed.

In a statement a Waka Kotahi spokesperson said the review followed a serious crash at the access to the car park used by the water park in the 2020-21 season.

All the parties agreed a right-turning bay was necessary, but there was disagreement on who would pay for it.

“If no agreement is reached on the access upgrade requirement process the consent conditions stipulate that the final decision sits with [the council] as the consent authority,” the statement said.

It was now up to the business to get a detailed design and submit it to the department, the statement said.

However, Rutherford said the cost of the right-turning bay could be prohibitive for the business, particularly without a long-term lease.

“We’ve been put in an impossible position.

“It could cost $1 million, I don’t know, but we don’t even make that in a year. How would we pay for it?”

Linz was currently renewing the lease annually. Rutherford said she would need a 20 or 30-year lease to justify the investment.

It would also take at least 18 months to design and build, so it would not be ready for this year, Rutherford said.

Even more frustrating was that the bulk of traffic was generated by freedom campers, not water park users who tended to travel in buses or family groups.

Linz could decide to close the area to freedom campers, which would resolve the problem, she said.

Regardless, the company needed LINZ to confirm the lease would be renewed.

Linz Minister Damien O’Connor told the Rutherfords this month that the department was still considering the company’s application.

“This whole process has been incredibly frustrating,” Rutherford said.

She described the Kiwi Water Park as a Covid-19 success story, which received no public funding but phenomenal support from the local community.

“It’s now two months before we’re due to open, and we should be busy recruiting locals for another summer season and contributing to the local economy.”

Linz has been approached for comment.

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636 days ago

Attention all pet owners! Win your spot on the 2023 Cutest Pet Calendar.

Sunday Star Times

The Cutest Pet Competition is back by popular demand! Show off your furry friend this October to see if you’ve got the cutest pet in the country. This year’s competition is sponsored by Wishbone, giving you the chance to win your share of $10,000 worth of pet food.

From 26 September, … View more
The Cutest Pet Competition is back by popular demand! Show off your furry friend this October to see if you’ve got the cutest pet in the country. This year’s competition is sponsored by Wishbone, giving you the chance to win your share of $10,000 worth of pet food.

From 26 September, purchase a copy of your local Stuff newspaper, find our promo ad, and follow the link to submit a photo of your pet online. If your pet is selected, they’ll feature in our promotional adverts across all Stuff newspapers for a day, plus you will receive $50 worth of Wishbone pet food so you can spoil them rotten. For more information on the prizes and to view the T&Cs, click here!

The team at Stunday Star-Times
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