A joint council assessment of the supply of land for housing and business in this district has identified a “staggering” deficit of supply in the short term.The Housing and Business Capacity Assessment (HBA) 2025 report, from Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) in partnership with Otago Regional Council (ORC), was considered by QLDC at its final council meeting for the triennium last week.Its key findings show an expected surplus of dwelling supply in the medium and long term (10 to 30 years) - due to increased “infrastructure investment and development opportunity within the planning frameworks”, but in the short term (three years) net shortfalls in residential dwelling and in the medium and long terms in business land are predicted - to be constrained by infrastructure limitations, primarily in Whakatipu.The Wānaka Ward shows a small surplus of 180 dwellings, but with projected shortfalls in Wānaka’s township - also primarily as a result of infrastructure capacity limitations.“The amount of infrastructure deficit and shortfall is absolutely staggering,” Wānaka councillor Quentin Smith said.“There is a crisis of infrastructure in achieving those outcomes we approved in the last meeting… I’m not quite sure where we’ve departed in the resource management world from aligning resource and management and resource management. I just can’t grasp the extent to which we’ve overzoned relating to [the] resource available to us to provide the infrastructure.”He used growth and the impact on infrastructure in Lake Hāwea as an example, and said the issue would be an important one for the incoming council.Councillor Quentin Smith said the report reveals a “crisis of infrastructure”.QLDC planning and development general manager Dave Wallace said the HBA provides a crucial resource for understanding how planning and infrastructure decisions will affect future land availability, ultimately helping to guide sustainable growth and development in the district.“We’re expecting population in the Queenstown Lakes District to grow by 80 percent and reach 97,500 over the next 30 years, which means more housing is needed, more businesses to support those residents, and more infrastructure required to service their needs,” Dave said.“The HBA highlights our current infrastructure constraints and future shortfalls in residential, commercial, and industrial land, ultimately guiding proactive planning decisions and identifying what we’ll need more of to continue growing well as a district.”The HBA adopts a high growth scenario to set housing bottom lines, setting out a requirement for an additional 27,100 new dwellings in the district over the next 30 years, with 9,100 required by 2033 and a further 18,000 by 2053.While substantial plan-enabled housing capacity already exists in the district, the HBA identifies infrastructure limitations that result in a district-wide shortfall of approximately 1,000 dwellings in the short term, especially in the Whakatipu.A surplus of dwellings is expected in the medium and long term as investment planned for infrastructure and development opportunities increase.Land for business is also projected to grow strongly over the next 30 years, but recent zoning changes and further infrastructure constraints show more capacity is required for retail and commercial operations, most notably 36 hectares of industrial land in the long term.Council said it will now explore alternative funding and financing tools to accelerate infrastructure delivery in priority development areas, in addition to developing an updated Spatial Plan which will help identify the location of additional land to meet demand. PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The heart-breaking subject of baby loss will be marked this week in Wānaka, as well as around the country.Baby Loss Awareness Week (October 9-15) provides an opportunity for parents, families and whānau to come together and remember the lives of their babies who have died. A group of people, organised by Wānaka midwife Emily Sancha and local counsellor Liz Maluschnig, gathered on Sunday (October 12) at the baby memorial wall at the Wānaka cemetery for a candle lighting and remembrance ceremony.The ceremony was followed by warm drinks and cupcakes made by Food for Love.“Candles were lit, songs were sung, stories were shared and the lives of treasured babies were honoured,” Emily said.The memorial, initiated by Shirley Rowley in 2011, contains plaques bearing the names of infants on a circular wall. Plaques can be ordered from the Queenstown Lakes District Council website. This week Wānaka’s regular Death Cafe will also honour Baby Loss Awareness Week. “We remember the babies born sleeping, those who were carried, for the shortest or longest time but never held, those who were held but could not be taken home, those who came home but could not stay,” Death Cafe facilitators Liz Maluschnig and Su Hoskin said.Liz and Su said the Death Cafe is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. The event will take place at the Edgewater Pavilion from 1.30pm on Wednesday (October 15). All are welcome.Also on Wednesday landmarks across Aotearoa will be lit up in pink, blue, and purple to remember babies who have been lost.A local woman who has experienced baby loss told the Wānaka App she appreciated the efforts to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.“So much around baby loss has traditionally been cloaked in secrecy,” she said.“It means when it happens, it is so shocking and isolating. Things are getting so much more open now which is great so this can only help keep that openness expanding.” She said Shirley Rowley was one of the people who made an effort to connect with her following the loss of her babies, to share her story and tell her about the baby memorial.“I do feel it is important and useful to mark your baby's life somehow - in whatever way seems fitting and comfortable to yourself and your family if appropriate - just for your own sake really. It can help counteract that societal pressure to forget and move on for everyone else's comfort, in a personal way. It is notfair to expect parents to deny or forget any of their children, but that attitude can still prevail.” PHOTO: Alpine Images

Today's power outages -Tuesday October 14, 9am till 3.30pm - Lake Hawea Albert Town Road.Upcoming outages - Wednesday October 15, 8.30am till 4pm - Butterfield Road, Camphill Road, Kennels Lane, Lake Hawea Albert Town Road,.Thursday October 16, 8am till 12noon - Ballantyne Road.Monday October 20, 8.30 am till 4.40pm - Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road and Motatapu Road.Tuesday October 21, 8.30 till 4.40pm - Studholme Road and Heaton Park Drive.Wednesday October 23, 8.30am till 4pm - Cons Track, Studholme Road.Wednesday October 23, 9am till 4pm - Aubrey Road, Hunter Crescent, Kahu Close, Kakapo Court, Kamahi Street, Kapuka Lane, Kirimoko Crescent, Kowhai Drive, Makomako Road, Matipo Street, Mohua Mews, Pukeko Place, Rata Street.Wednesday October 29, 7am - 730am and 6pm - 6.30pm - Gordon Road.Wednesday October 29, 9am till 3pm - Golf Course Road.Thursday October 30, 9am till 2pm - Maori Point Road.To keep up to date with power outages click here.

The race for the fourth and final Wānaka Ward councillor seat remains tight, with only 18 votes separating candidates in the preliminary count released this afternoon (Monday October 13).Incumbent councillor Cody Tucker is behind Yeverley McCarthy by a narrow margin, with Yeverley on 1,953 votes and Cody on 1,935. The gap has closed significantly since Saturday’s progress result, which had Yeverley leading by 122 votes.“It came as a very big surprise to me because I was rung on Saturday … and told ‘congratulations you’re a councillor’ and I burst into tears,” Yeverley said.“They told me I had won and they told Cody he had lost. It was not very well done.”Yeverley said she and Cody were both advised the margin was big enough and unlikely to change.Cody Tucker said he has been planning his future after Saturday’s result and is “struggling to process” the updated count.“I was told on Saturday it was enough of a buffer not to change the result,” he said.“I think we’re both taken aback by it.”The preliminary result excludes special votes, which are still to be verified and counted.Three councillors have already been confirmed for the Wānaka Ward: Nicola King, Quentin Smith, and Niki Gladding. The addition of either Yeverley or Cody will complete the ward’s four-member team.This year’s election has seen major change across the Queenstown Lakes District, with a new mayor and several new councillors elected. Once the official count is confirmed on Thursday (October 16) the successful candidate will join the new council ahead of the first meeting of the new triennium.After the preliminary result the voter return was 39.85 percent, being 12,399 votes, excluding special votes.PHOTOS: Supplied

A new freedom camping bylaw has been approved for the district, despite councillors raising concerns about its impact.Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) adopted the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025 at its last meeting for the triennium (October 9), with staff saying the bylaw will “manage freedom camping activities across the district and ensure areas remain safe, protected and accessible to everyone”.Some councillors, however, were not convinced.Concerns were raised about freedom camping on rural roads, inconsistencies in how the bylaw is interpreted across the district, and the potential for the bylaw to be legally challenged.Deputy mayor Quentin Smith (and the only incumbent Wānaka Ward councillor to be returned following Saturday’s election) voted against the bylaw.“This has been a tough one for me and I am really torn on it,” he said.“I can’t quite give myself to approve something that enables freedom camping in the urban areas. Reluctantly, understanding the consequences, I can’t bring myself to support it today, but I understand why others do.”Councillor Niki Gladding (as of Saturday now a Wānaka Ward councillor) said there was a chance the bylaw could be legally challenged (as was the previous bylaw).“I think this is going to impact some people more than others. It’s going to come down to education, signs, all of that stuff,” she said.The new bylaw will come into effect on December 1, 2025.Concerns about freedom camping on rural roads were reflected in submissions and by councillors.Council staff noted they were restricted by a “permissive” national law - the Freedom Camping Act 2011 - which permits freedom camping by default on most council land around the country.Councils can create bylaws to prohibit or restrict freedom camping in specific areas, but only to “protect the area, protect the health and safety of people who may visit the area, and protect access to the area”. Considerations such as the impact on amenity and economic concerns on private property and other land not managed or controlled by QLDC are excluded.QLDC staff said this contributes to “a complex situation”.Almost 400 submissions - most raising concerns about freedom camping - were considered by a hearing panel of councillors and amendments made to definitions, conditions, available parking areas and spaces.The new bylaw allows freedom camping in 15 specified restricted areas, subject to specific conditions. It also allows freedom camping on sections of rural roads, subject to conditions including how close to the road a freedom camper can park their vehicle.Freedom camping will be prohibited on most - but not all - roads within the district’s urban areas.QLDC community services general manager Ken Bailey said the new bylaw will address a range of “perceived problems” associated with freedom camping in the district. “Queenstown Lakes is the most popular place for overnight free camping in New Zealand, and this has led to a range of adverse impacts on land controlled and/or managed by QLDC,” he said.“Given the context, it is difficult for the new bylaw to balance community concerns, with those who seek opportunities for freedom camping, and the limitations set out in the Freedom Camping Act 2011.”He said council officers are now focused on developing a communications and education programme ahead of the 2025/26 summer period to raise awareness of the new bylaw and where and how freedom camping will be permitted across the district.Councillors also approved the introduction of camping conditions at the Luggate Red Bridge Reserve to improve the management of freedom camping there.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

The weekend election results delivered some shocks to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) elected members, including a new mayor and the loss of three incumbent Wānaka Ward councillors.Mayor elect John Glover said change is “urgently required in our district”.He said he would immediately begin “the process of restoring trust in council”, so residents can trust council will listen to them, “spend ratepayers’ money as if it was their own”, and “do the right thing for communities”.Specifically, he promised to review QLDC’s “financial practices” in order to minimise rates increases.Quentin Smith, the only Wānaka councillor to retain a seat, said he felt fortunate to have escaped “the apparent clear out” of councillors across the district, with only five out of 11 incumbents getting back.   “It is clear that the ratepayers sought change and I look forward to being part of a change council,” he told the Wānaka App.“It’s an exciting mix of councillors and mayor delivered by the voters and I look forward to contributing to this new look team.“I feel for the outgoing councillors. It’s a really tough gig and a fairly unceremonious departure to be voted out, their email just stops working on Monday. I appreciate and thank them for their service.” Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer told the Wānaka App he is feeling positive about the coming term with a refreshed lineup and new mayor.“We have a mayor that speaks of Wānaka as ‘we’ rather than ‘you’. That is refreshing,” he said.“Two board members [Simon and new member Kathy Dedo] secured more votes than all other candidates (bar the mayor) so that is a strong mandate for progressive and positive change and the leadership role the community board can play. “This is going to be Wānaka's term.”Simon said the board will develop a strategy of what the members want achieved in the Upper Clutha over the next three years. “Annual budgeting meetings with the QLDC finance team are already in the diary. Personally my focus will be on modernising the town centre, new sports fields on Ballantyne Road and continuing our active transport roll out.”He said he has the “energy and experience” to continue chairing the board, but “that decision will be made collectively by the team”.The new Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board comprises Simon, Kathy, John Wellington, and Chris Hadfield. The four Wānaka Ward councillors are Nicola King, Quentin Smith, Niki Gladding, and Yeverley McCarthy.PHOTOS: Supplied/Jeannine Tuffin/Wanaka App

Wanaka’s property market continues to reflect its reputation as one of New Zealand’s most desirable lifestyle destinations. According to the latest REINZ statistics for August 2025, the local real estate scene is showing signs of both strength and subtle shifts in buyer behaviour.The median sale price for residential properties in Wanaka surged to $1,580,000, marking a 17% increase compared to August 2024. This growth underscores the enduring appeal of the region, driven by its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and increasing national and international interest.While property prices continue to rise, the median days to sell a home also extended - from 40 days in August 2024 to 87 days in August 2025 - reflecting a more deliberate pace in buyer decision-making. This may be influenced by a broader range of listings and evolving affordability considerations. Sellers remain confident, with the median listing price increasing from $1,250,000 to $1,550,000, underscoring strong belief in the enduring value of property in the current market.Sales volume has remained healthy, with a steady number of transactions across both established homes and sections. The market for vacant land is also active, though data lags due to the timing of new developments being titled.Overall, Wanaka’s property market remains robust, but the extended time to sell hints at a shift toward a more balanced dynamic between buyers and sellers. For those considering entering the market—whether buying or selling—understanding these trends is key to making informed decisions.Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to track Wanaka’s evolving real estate landscape.RogerTel: 027 222 2092email: roger.ellis@colliers.com38 Helwick Street, Wānaka

Returning regional councillor Michael Laws says Saturday’s election results represent “the best chance to reform the Otago Regional Council since its formation in 1989”.  Michael and fellow incumbent Gary Kelliher will be joined by newcomers Matt Hollyer and Neil Gillespie to represent the Dunstan constituency at the regional decision-making table.  The pair of incumbents campaigned under the fiscally conservative Vision Otago banner, alongside unsuccessful Wānaka-based candidate Nicky Rhodes.  With Vision Otago candidate Hilary Calvert of Dunedin returned to her seat, and three other incumbents - Elliot Weir, Tim Mepham, and former vice-chair Lloyd McCall – losing seats to “candidates sympathetic to Vision Otago values”, Michael called it “a strong vote for reform”.  Gary echoed that sentiment: “While our Vision Otago grouping didn't quite get the numbers we hoped for, there are some great new elected and incumbent re-elected councillors we know will align with our thinking,” he said. “Looking at the preliminary outcome, I think we still have the chance now to make a real meaningful change to how the ORC functions, get rates reduced and get more efficient in everything it does.”  A former Central Otago deputy mayor and newcomer to regional government, Neil said he was "unconvinced" the early results could be interpreted as a “shift to the right”, as some commentators have suggested. “But I think it’s fair to say that the election of five new councillors will change the dynamics at the council table,” he told The Central App.  “Councillors are elected as representatives for their constituencies. At the council table, it is essential that they work collaboratively to be effective governors,” he said. “There’s no place for personal or hidden agendas, or pre-conceived views. All members need to ensure they fully understand the issues before them and have open minds as to the decision they will make.   “They don’t have to agree with each other but there must be respect for the differing views that will invariably arise.”  Michael said the interests of the Dunstan constituency would be well served.  “I think Gary, Matt, Neil and myself will be a very good team in promoting our districts’ interests because the ORC has been conspicuous by its absence up until now,” he said.  Newcomer Matt, who works in conservation in the Queenstown area, said the result was a “great bonus personally” as the election coincided with his birthday.   “I’m thrilled to have the support of the community…and I look forward to making a contribution.” The Dunstan councillors will join Kevin Malcolm (Moeraki), Robbie Byars and Kate Wilson (Molyneux), and Hilary Calvert, Andrew Noone, previous chair Gretchen Robertson, Chanel Gardner, and Alan Somerville (Dunedin) to form the council.Electoral officer Anthony Morton reminded voters the results were based on 85 percent of returned papers being counted, and special and last-minute votes could still affect the final outcome. PHOTOS: Supplied

Two incumbent and two new councillors have secured the four seats up for grabs for the Dunstan constituency on the Otago Regional Council, with 85 percent of votes counted. Michael Laws and Gary Kelliher are back for another term, alongside newcomers Matt Hollyer and Neil Gillespie.Michael and Gary campaigned under the Vision Otago banner, along with unsuccessful Wānaka-based candidate Nicky Rhodes, promising to rein in council spending and reduce rates.The group’s sway on the new council may be limited, with Dunedin’s Hilary Calvert the only other Vision Otago candidate elected.While new to regional politics, Neil is a familiar name in local government, retiring at this election after 27 years at district level, sitting on the Cromwell Community Board, serving as a Cromwell ward councillor and acting as deputy mayor over that time.Over the Crown Range in Queenstown, Matt works in conservation spaces after years in tourism management.Meanwhile, another Queenstown local, Ben Farrell, was unsuccessful in his bid for a regional council seat, as was Maniototo-based community advocate Amie Pont.Voting was carried out for the first time using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.The Dunstan constituency had an additional seat this year following a representation review last year, which saw Dunedin lose a seat in favour of rapidly growing inland Otago.Dunstan's councillors will be joined by Kevin Malcolm, for Moeraki constituency, Robbie Byars and Kate Wilson, for Molyneux constituency, and Hilary Calvert, Andrew Noone, Gretchen Robertson, Chanel Gardner, and Alan Somerville, for Dunedin constituency, at the council table - a mix of incumbent and first-time councillors.Electoral officer for the Otago Regional Council Anthony Morton said the result was based upon the counting of approximately 85 percent of the returned voting papers."The progress result does not include some special votes and voting papers returned today that are still in transit to the processing centre. The outcome of these elections may change once all voting papers have been counted," he said.

Based on an initial ‘progress result’ John Glover has been elected as the mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).John received 3,449 votes ahead of challengers;Glyn Lewers (2,635 votes),Nik Kiddle (1,629 votes),Darren Rewi (1,236 votes),Al Angus (712 votes) and,Daniel Shand (93 votes).Glenorchy-based John strongly criticised council leadership during his campaign saying the district deserves “a council organisation that delivers competently across the board”. “I’m very humbled, it’s great the community put their trust in me,” John told the Wānaka App.John said he plans to be in the Upper Clutha monthly for public drop-ins and will be asking the community to put a group together to specifically focus on the feeling that the Upper Clutha comes out second best.“We’ve got quite a change in councillors sitting around the table with some experienced people returning. I need to balance that knowledge and continuity with some new thinking,” John said.“It’s going to be a wonderful opportunity.”In Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward incumbent councillors Barry Bruce, Lyal Cocks and Cody Tucker have all missed out with newcomer Nicola King securing the most votes.Elected:Nicola King (2,833 votes)Quentin Smith (2,722 votes)Niki Gladding (2,256 votes)Yeverley McCarthy (1,707 votes)Not elected:Cody Tucker (1,585 votes)Craig Gasson 1,573 votes)Lyal Cocks (1,396 votes)Barry Bruce (1,088 votes)Thorsk Westphal (896 votes)The Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board now has one new face - Kathy Dedo secured the second highest number of votes to secure one of the four places on the community board.Elected:Simon Telfer (3,186 votes)Kathy Dedo (3,081 votes) John Wellington (2,380 votes) Chris Hadfield (1,871 votes) Not elected:John Bache (1,612 votes)Linda Joll (1,594 votes)Elsewhere, Heath Copland, Samuel Belk, and Melissa White were elected to the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward; and Matt Wong, Gavin Bartlett, Stephen Brent, and Jon Mitchell were elected to the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward. The voter return was just 32.93 percent of eligible voters, being 10,248 votes.The progress result is based upon the counting of approximately 85 percent of the returned votes and excludes votes in transit to the processing centre and special votes. The outcome of these elections may change once all votes have been counted, with final results expected on Thursday October 16.PHOTO: Wānaka App

Freeski Big Air world champion Luca Harrington (Wānaka) has been named the 2025 Snow Sports NZ Athlete of the Year. The awards were presented at the Snow Sports NZ Annual Awards Night held in Wānaka on Friday (October 10).Luca’s standout 2024/25 season included a string of historic achievements. He became the first New Zealander to win the Freeski Big Air World Championship title and the FIS Freeski Big Air Crystal Globe. He also claimed X Games gold and silver medals in Slopestyle and Big Air, and achieved five World Cup podium finishes.These results also earned him the title of Freeskier of the Year.Other major winners included Queenstown’s Alice Robinson, who was named Alpine Ski Racer of the Year after claiming seven World Cup podiums and New Zealand’s first-ever Alpine World Championships medal - a silver in Giant Slalom at Saalbach.240 attendees celebrated the 2024/2025 snow sports awards night in Wānaka.Eight-time winner Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (Wānaka) again took out Snowboarder of the Year. Her 2024/25 season featured four World Cup podiums, an X Games gold medal in Slopestyle and bronze in Big Air, and the FIS Snowboard Slopestyle Crystal Globe - making her the first Kiwi woman to achieve the feat.Wanaka’s Adam Hall received Adaptive Athlete of the Year after finishing second overall in the FIS Para Alpine Slalom standings - his best ranking since 2009. Adam also earned two World Cup podiums in Tignes and Feldberg.Freeride Athlete of the Year went to Wānaka’s Craig Murray, who won the inaugural Natural Selection Ski event in Alaska, impressing judges with his trademark fluid, high-risk lines.The Breakthrough Athlete of the Year award was presented to snowboarder Rocco Jamieson (Wānaka) after he secured two World Cup podiums and an X Games bronze in his rookie event.Wānaka freeski coach Hamish McDougall was named Coach of the Year, while Meg Hoyland received Instructor of the Year. Marion Rolleston and Jon Wardrop shared the Masters of the Year award.Snow Sports NZ said the awards were an opportunity to “reflect back on the season that has been” and celebrate the achievements of New Zealand’s snow sports community before athletes head overseas for the Northern Hemisphere winter.PHOTOS: Ross Mackay / Snow Sports NZ

Wānaka organisations are among those receiving support from the latest Otago Community Trust (OCT) funding round, which saw 31 groups share $477,110 to back projects across Otago.Path Wānaka/Ara ki Wānaka received $8,000 for its 2026 programme, which will provide youth mental health first aid courses for caregivers, parent coaching programmes, and community education on alcohol-related risks.The biggest local grant went to the Wānaka Preschool Early Childhood Centre, which was awarded $50,000 to go towards a renovation of its Tenby Street premises.The final two local recipients were Wānaka Snowsports Club, which received $5,600 for an upgrade of the club’s radios, and the Wānaka Arts Society, which received a $3,000 grant for its 2026 Labour Weekend exhibition and art sale.Youth and family, disability services and the arts were also supported elsewhere in the region in the funding round.Other grants included $4,000 for Music4Us Puoro Mō Taatou Music Education Trust’s tamariki music programme and $14,000 for Journeys Charitable Trust’s outdoor adventure programmes for young women in Central Otago.There was also $25,000 for Livingwell Disability Resource Centre’s mobile service, which operates across the wider Otago region, and $51,700 to support the stage two fitout of the Forrester Gallery in Ōamaru.The OCT is a philanthropic organisation which has invested $318.8M and granted $230.6M into Otago communities since its formation in the mid 1990s.Every month it distributes grants for community groups and projects making a positive difference in Otago communities. Learn more here. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Red Frogs NZ has now released its 2024 Aotearoa New Zealand Impact Report, confirming its more than 350 volunteers are making a meaningful contribution to safeguarding a generation and reducing alcohol-related harm.The volunteer organisation which safeguards young people in alcohol-fuelled environments, had faced the challenge of measuring its impact when success meant harm that no longer happens.The group knew it was making a difference, national director Ray Thomson said, however its impact was hard to quantify.One such measure was the 132 vulnerable young people actively cared for by Red Frogs In Wānaka over New Year’s Eve.“The report provides clear, concrete evidence of the powerful impact made by more than 350 dedicated volunteers who are working tirelessly to safeguard our vulnerable young people,’’ Ray said.“Red Frogs often operates in the grey areas of youth culture nobody wants to take responsibility for so it’s great to bring the unseen into the seen and share the some of the stories and impact of what our volunteers do.’’Independent advisory company Pluri surveyed tertiary students, key partners and stakeholders, Red Frogs volunteers, and people who encountered the organisation during the New Year’s party period, as well as studying data, feedback and stories from the organisation's activities to inform the data.Key findings of the report were the many volunteer hours delivered, the high percentage (96) of university and polytech student respondents who said they were likely or very likely to approach a Red Frogs volunteer if they required assistance at an event, and the observation by organisations that Red Frogs had a positive impact on the decision-making/behaviour of young people at events.Read the full report here.PHOTO: Supplied/Red Frogs NZ

In the first part of our conversation, Ali McCormick unpacked why traditional parenting advice often falls short and how real change happens when parents feel supported, not judged.In Part Two, we go deeper.Ali shares powerful “aha” moments from past sessions, explores how she creates a judgement-free space, and explains the ripple effect small shifts can have not just in our homes, but across our whole community.Let’s dive back in.Q: Can you share a memorable “aha” moment from a past session?Ali: In our very first group, the magic was in just hearing other people’s stories. Parents felt relief just being able to talk openly.And when I’d reflect something back to them like, “Did you hear what you just said? That’s amazing parenting right there”, they’d light up. Because we all have a negativity bias, and parents often miss the incredible things they’re already doing.One time I asked, “When’s the last time you had fun with your kids?”At first, they froze, no one could answer. Then they smiled and suddenly the stories came out. That’s what we’re alive for – those moments.Q: What makes this group different from a typical parenting course or seminar?Ali: I’ve run loads of training courses, and I’ve realised information alone doesn’t create change. I kept hearing the same thing: “I’ve done all the courses, and nothing’s changed.” Information is important, but it’s not enough.What makes this group different is the real-time, reflective coaching.This group is small, personal, and interactive. We go deeper. We figure out how to apply the ideas. That’s what makes the differenceQ: If a parent did just one thing differently this week, what would you suggest?Ali: Count to five. Take a deep breath. Ask yourself a curious question.That’s three things, I’m greedy! But honestly, that moment of pause can completely change how you respond.Q: What do you love most about working with parents in this way? What keeps bringing you back to this work?Ali: I love working with people. I love meaningful conversations. I do a lot of planning and curriculum development, but where the rubber hits the road is when I take that work into the room with real people. I love watching those small shifts ripple outward, when a parent becomes more aware, more present, more connected.They talk to their child differently. That child feels safer. Then they talk to their friends differently. That’s how change spreads.You don’t need massive transformation. You just need a nudge in the right direction, a bit of belief that it’s possible, and that builds momentum. That’s how change happens.I just think human beings are awesome. (As are plants and animals, of course, I wouldn’t want to be unfair!)The Path Wānaka Whānau Support Group — Term 4 Sessions Begin Thursday 6th NovemberLed by Ali McCormick, this is a free group coaching programme designed to support parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising teens.It’s real, practical, warm, and entirely judgement-free.Small, confidential group sessionsIn-person and online sessionsGrounded in neuroscience, coaching and positive psychology100% free to attendLearn more and register here.Got questions? Reach out to us here.Final word?You’ve got this. But you don’t have to do it alone.Join us and let’s grow through this together.

Greenstone Entertainment has confirmed the Wānaka leg of its 2026 Summer Concert Tour will take place on Saturday January 31, 2026 while its application for a resource consent with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) remains under review.Should resource consent be granted Wānaka’s Three Parks Outdoor Arena will host the long-running Gibbston Valley event for the first time after organisers confirmed plans to move the event here in July this year.Organiser Dean Calvert told the Wānaka App that the resource consent application is a process and “we're now just going through the conditions”.“We're just ticking off the conditions to make sure that whatever conditions are in there, we can meet,” he said.Dean said Greenstone Entertainment is experienced at presenting events in an urban environment, citing the 15 years the Summer Concert has performed in Taupo.“In Taupo we're in the middle of town and we're also in the middle of a residential area,” Dean said.“ The whole community gets behind it and it's great.”The large-scale concert has attracted more than 15,000 people to Gibbston Valley each year for the past 15 years, featuring major acts such as Cold Chisel, Crowded House, Alanis Morissette and ZZ Top, and contributes around $12M to the region’s economy annually.“We're gonna be using all local suppliers,” Dean said. “We've had everyone contact us, which has been great, and we've had a whole lot of volunteers looking for money. It's great for the town.”Dean said the artist lineup for the Summer Concerts will be announced on Thursday October 16.PHOTO: Supplied

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) staff say the council has received a “clean audit” in its 2025 annual report.The annual report, audited by Deloitte, reviewed QLDC’s performance - both financially and in delivery of projects and service - over the past financial year.Councillors adopted the annual report yesterday (Thursday October 9) during their last meeting before the local body elections.QLDC finance and risk general manager Katherine Harbrow said the operating surplus for the council was “pretty much bang on budget”.The council recorded an operating surplus of $53.6M for the year, compared to a budgeted operating surplus of $55.8M.Its total revenue of $323.6M was above budget by 3.1 percent, or $9.6M, and its actual operating expenditure was $271.1M (above budget by 4.2 percent or $11.1M).“A wide range of non-financial goals were also achieved,” Katherine said.Locally, they included the adoption of the Mount Iron Reserve Management Plan, the completion of the fifth stage of the Lakefront Development Plan and the agreement to earmark 20ha off Ballantyne Road for sports fields.District-wide achievements included the council, as part of ‘Otago Central Lakes’, becoming one of first three regions approved to go into negotiations for a ‘Regional Deal’, and the adoption of the Climate and Biodiversity Plan and the Economic Diversification Plan.KPIs around complaint resolution times, building consent processing times and others were achieved, Katherine said.QLDC corporate services general manager Meghan Miller said there were two “minor matters” noted by auditors - the first relating to the yet-to-be-approved Local Water Done Well plan, and the second a “technical matter” involving Queenstown Airport Corporation.She noted QLDC is accountable to the Office of the Auditor-General, which appoints the auditors.“It’s not a light touch – the auditors are with us for four weeks,” she said, thanking staff for their work on the report.“It’s a big piece of work for us, and we’re very pleased with the process it has been through.”Read the annual report here (item one, attachment A).PHOTO: Wānaka App

Winter 2025 was a “game of two halves” for local ski areas Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone Skifield, with limited early-season snowfall giving way to powder days in spring.“The second half of the season saw fantastic snowfall, particularly in September,” Cardrona and Treble Cone general manager Laura Hedley said. “Spring powder days are more and more common, and it was epic to see our guests able to enjoy great snow conditions to see out the winter.”Cardrona’s last day was Sunday (October 5) while Treble Cone closed a week earlier.Laura said she was humbled by the support for both ski areas from domestic and international visitors throughout the season, with both attracting substantial numbers of skiers and snowboarders.“This was one of our biggest winters to date in terms of numbers, and excitingly we're seeing growth in those choosing to ski and snowboard with us for multiple days,” Laura said. “This gives us confidence we're delivering great manaakitanga to our guests.”The new Soho Basin chairlift opened at Cardrona this past season, which opened up 150 hectares of new terrain and officially made the ski area New Zealand’s biggest.“We also installed a T-Bar to service some of our high-performance terrain, which has been a game-changer for our athletes training with us on our Big Bucks slopestyle course in particular,” Laura said. The team is now turning its sights to the summer season, with mountain biking, mountain carting and walking kicking off at Cardrona on December 13. “We have another busy summer of developments, including the next stage of Soho's terrain and snowmaking programme,” Laura said.“Watch this space for updates as we take things to the next level in winter 2026."PHOTO: Cardrona Alpine Resort

Queenstown Airport has been named Large Airport of the Year (more than two million passengers per year) at the 2025 New Zealand Airports Awards in Blenheim.Chief executive Shane O’Hare, who joined the airport last month, said it was an honour to accept the award on behalf of the team this week (Tuesday October 7).“In my short time in the role, I’ve been impressed by the exceptional quality of work being done and the calibre of the team,” he said.The award recognises operational excellence and major achievements over the past year, including the installation of Australasia’s first engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) - a major safety investment completed ahead of schedule and under budget.EMAS beds at either end of Queenstown Airport's runway are a significant investment in the safety of travellers and the community. PHOTO: SuppliedJudges also praised the airport’s innovation and community engagement, including the launch of the ZQN Community Fund, which distributes $50,000 annually to local charities.Queenstown Airport was also part of the Southern Way partnership, which won the Commercial Initiative of the Year Award for strengthening aviation connections across the lower South Island.The full list of winners can be found here.

Applications are closing this Sunday - for the Rotary Club of Wānaka and Kāhu Youth scholarship!Established in 2021, the Rotary Club of Wānaka and Kāhu Youth Scholarship provides $1,500 to support local youth to progress their learning - whether at university, polytechnic, trade school, or through an apprenticeship. The scholarship is designed to ease the financial burden for young people who have been out of school for at least six months, as they return to further their education and career development. The 2024 Rotary Club of Wānaka and Kāhu Youth Scholarship was awarded to Oscar Waddington. We recently caught up with him and asked him a few questions on how his first year of study has been going.How did it feel to receive the Rotary Club and Kāhu Youth scholarship? Winning the Rotary and Kāhu Youth scholarship was quite a shock, and I didn't expect to win at all. When I did though, it gave me hope for my future, and helped to kickstart my journey into university and adult life. What difference did it make?When you're a student in a busy city, every dollar matters, and the scholarship gave me the means to support my studies and find a home in Wellington, where I didn't have to be under constant pressure.How has your first year towards your history degree gone?The first year for History alone has been intense but very rewarding, and I've discovered that I have a wider range of passions than I thought. Following my passions I'm now doing a triple major in History, Political Science, and Cultural Anthropology in my BA. It's a lot of work but I'm loving every second of it.What would you say to other youth thinking about applying?To other youths I would say it is worth grabbing onto every opportunity they can get, and applying for this scholarship has helped me find what I love to study.Fast FactsWhat: Rotary & Kāhu Youth scholarship $1500When: applications close October 12, 2025Who: local youth 16-24 who have left school for 6 months and are enrolled/ registered in their first year of studyHow to apply: visit us here for more info and an application form.Photo Credit: Deanna Gerlach