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inside: PAGE 2 PAGE 7 PAGE 4 North swims south Festival of words wraps Ex-All Blacks sumo suit up Scooter safety sessions Landowner ordered to stop In an about-face by council, ploughing has been halted on a south Hawea Flat farm after concerns were voiced about safety and ecological damage at the site, with some questioning why the work was allowed to proceed in the first place. PAGE 3 The Luggate Community Association has sent a letter to the Queenstown Lake District Council urging it to consider alternatives to a proposed wastewater treatment plant near the township on the Luggate- Tarras Road PAGE 3 THUR 27.02.14 - WED 05.03.14 WANAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER Residents reject proposal JESSICA MADDOCK WANAKA SUN Follow, tweet and retweet with #gigatownwanaka on Twitter to earn us points. Go to www.gigatown.co.nz, click join up, register, then go to your email and confirm, then select Wanaka. supported by: For more info email: [email protected] Heading towards Glendhu Bay, ten hours into his length of Lake Wanaka swim, Roger North is pictured with safety kayaker Rod Walker and paddle-boarder Guy Alty. A local swimmer spent nearly 14 hours in “freezing” Lake Wanaka on Tuesday in what is believed to be the first solo attempt to swim the length of the lake. Roger North swam 35 of the 45 kilometres, in an effort a member of his support crew has described as “phenomenal.” For comparison’s sake, Cook Strait is 28 kilometres wide and the English Channel is 32 kilometres. And Roger is not discounting another attempt, although “not this year,” he said. The 47-year-old set off from Makarora at 6.30am on Tuesday. It was not long before the low water temperature of 12 degrees Celsius - not helped by fresh snow on the mountain tops on Monday night - started to take its toll. One-and-a-half kilometres into the swim, Roger paused for some food, but he was unable to tell his support crew, who were travelling by kayak and boat, what he wanted, as his jaw had “frozen up”. It was three hours – when the sun had come up and raised the water temperature slightly to 14 degrees – before Roger could speak. By this stage the cold had moved to his hands, which were cramping. He donned gloves made from Neoprene – or wetsuit fabric – but they filled with water and became too heavy. Eventually the lake rose a few more points of a degree, enabling Roger to swim “normally” – without gloves and at a good pace – in “beautiful conditions right down the guts of the lake.” At the 20 to 30 kilometre mark, Roger, his support crew and a couple of swimmers who had joined him briefly, noticed the “landscape did not move much,” despite the good swimming pace. When Roger stopped for some food at the far end of The Peninsula, they realised there was an oncoming current which was dragging him backwards at a rate of about a third of his swimming speed. At 8.15pm, when Roger had passed Mou Tapu Island and the lights of Wanaka were in his sights, he accepted the temperature of both his body and the water was dropping and a headwind had picked up. Despite encouragement from his support crew that he was 80 percent of the way there, he knew he had to call it a day. “Those three things were just too much. I knew I wasn’t going to make it. It was the right call.” Story continues page 2... PHOTO: AJ THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY

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Page 1: Wanaka Sun  27 Feb - 5 Mar 2014

inside:

PAGE 2

PAGE 7

PAGE 4

North swims south

Festival of words wraps

Ex-All Blacks sumo suit up

Scooter safety sessions

Landowner ordered to stopIn an about-face by council, ploughing has been halted on a south Hawea Flat farm after concerns were voiced about safety and ecological damage at the site, with some questioning why the work was allowed to proceed in the first place. PAGE 3

The Luggate Community Association has sent a letter to the Queenstown Lake District Council urging it to consider alternatives to a proposed wastewater treatment plant near the township on the Luggate-Tarras Road PAGE 3

THUR 27.02.14 - WED 05.03.14 WANAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER

Residents reject proposal

Jessica Maddock

Wanaka sun

Follow, tweet and retweet with #gigatownwanaka on Twitter to earn us points.

Go to www.gigatown.co.nz, click join up, register, then go to your email and confirm, then select Wanaka.

supported by:

For more info email: [email protected]

Heading towards Glendhu Bay, ten hours into his length of Lake Wanaka swim, Roger North is pictured with safety kayaker Rod Walker and paddle-boarder Guy Alty.

A local swimmer spent nearly 14 hours in “freezing” Lake Wanaka on Tuesday in what is believed to be the first solo attempt to swim the length of the lake.

Roger North swam 35 of the 45 kilometres, in an effort a member of his support crew has described as “phenomenal.” For comparison’s sake, Cook Strait is 28 kilometres wide and the English Channel is 32 kilometres. And Roger is not discounting another attempt, although “not this year,” he said.

The 47-year-old set off from Makarora at 6.30am on Tuesday. It was not long

before the low water temperature of 12 degrees Celsius - not helped by fresh snow on the mountain tops on Monday night - started to take its toll.

One-and-a-half kilometres into the swim, Roger paused for some food, but he was unable to tell his support crew, who were travelling by kayak and boat, what he wanted, as his jaw had “frozen up”.

It was three hours – when the sun had come up and raised the water temperature slightly to 14 degrees – before Roger could speak. By this stage the cold had moved to his hands, which were cramping. He donned gloves made from Neoprene – or wetsuit

fabric – but they filled with water and became too heavy.

Eventually the lake rose a few more points of a degree, enabling Roger to swim “normally” – without gloves and at a good pace – in “beautiful conditions right down the guts of the lake.”

At the 20 to 30 kilometre mark, Roger, his support crew and a couple of swimmers who had joined him briefly, noticed the “landscape did not move much,” despite the good swimming pace.

When Roger stopped for some food at the far end of The Peninsula, they realised there was an oncoming current which was dragging him backwards

at a rate of about a third of his swimming speed.

At 8.15pm, when Roger had passed Mou Tapu Island and the lights of Wanaka were in his sights, he accepted the temperature of both his body and the water was dropping and a headwind had picked up. Despite encouragement from his support crew that he was 80 percent of the way there, he knew he had to call it a day.

“Those three things were just too much. I knew I wasn’t going to make it. It was the right call.”

Story continues page 2...

PHOTO: AJ THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Page 2: Wanaka Sun  27 Feb - 5 Mar 2014

THURSDAY 27.02.14 - WEDNESDAY 05.03.14PAGE 2

... Continued from page 1

“The way I see it, I’ve swum Cook Strait and the English Channel, so I don’t feel too much of a failure.”

A m e m b e r o f Roger’s support crew, AJ Thompson, said it was an “incredible” performance.

“He was in remarkable shape when he got out of the boat…I kept waiting for him to fall over, but he was walking around.

“I did half-an-hour with him and it was freezing.”

Roger, who had done 1400 k i lometres of training since May last year, said “I’ve never enjoyed so much support in my whole life.”

About six members of the Wanaka Lake Swimmers group took turns to accompany him from early evening until the “bitter end,”

in addition to the four swimmers who had set out with him for an early-morning spell.

“It was like half the t o w n c a m e o u t i n support. It was incredibly humbling.”

A relay team had swum the length of the lake in

the past, but Roger’s was believed to be the first solo attempt.

“I do think i t ’s a great goal, to swim the whole lake.

“But the amount of anxiety I felt beforehand, I’m not convinced I want to try it again…the jury’s out.”

Roger said he felt so anxious ahead of the attempt, he was unable

to sleep during the preceding 48 hours.

“I need to become a faster swimmer before I do more endurance swims, to stand a chance of doing it in daylight.”

He wore three layers of Neoprene clothing, a cap and booties and followed

a nutrition plan by Wanaka dietician Emberly Wetherall. It included sports drinks and gels, l i q u i d i s e d c h i c k e n noodle soup to keep his body temperature up and bananas.

Roger is pictured in the support boat, after 13 hours and 42 minutes in the water, with his w i f e S h o n a g h North.

sunnews

PHOTO: JOHN-JO RITSON

Lake swim attempt

Learn more about the sport facility

If you would like to learn more about the proposed Wanaka sport facility, pop into the Lake Wanaka Centre this evening.

T h e Q u e e n s t o w n Lakes District Council is running a public “drop-in session” from 7pm on Thursday, February 27.

M e m b e r s o f t h e Wanaka Sport Facility Steering Group, who were running the current public consultat ion p r o c e s s , w o u l d b e available to discuss the plans, along with the council staff who would be involved in

the project.Master plans (showing

birds-eye views of the plans), and concept images of the exterior of the building would also be on display.

The council proposed building the sport facility a t t h e T h r e e P a r k s greenfield development, with construction of stage one scheduled to begin this year and be completed in late 2016.

At this stage, an aquatic centre – which was the Wanaka sporting community’s number one priority - was not included in stage one of the project.

But steering group

chairman, Duncan Good, has said that could change, if the public consultation process showed strong support for swimming pools to be included in stage one.

However, it would mean other facilities would have to be put back to stage two, he said.

S o m e c o m m u n i t y g r o u p s s u p p o r t e d building the aquatic centre on the existing swimming pool site on Plantation Road, or on Kelly’s Flat on Aubrey Road, so it remained near Wanaka Primary School, the Holy Family Catholic S c h o o l a n d M o u n t Aspiring College.

Building it near the showgrounds was other groups’ preference.

A t t h i s s t a g e t h e council had budgeted nearly $17 million for stage one.

It would be funded by rates (through a dis-trictwide annual charge of $55.01 per property), development contribu-tions, and grants from funding organisations.

However, more rates m a y b e n e e d e d , o r stage one scaled back, if the Government’s proposal to restrict which projects development contributions could b e u s e d f o r i s adopted.

Staff RepoRteR

Wanaka Sun

It started with Sam Hunt and wrapped with a rapper. The Outspoken Festival of Words and Storytelling closed last week with a sixth and final show featuring former New Zealand National Poetry Slam champion Ali Jacs and rapper/poet Tourettes (pictured).

Festival organiser Julia Le said the inaugural Outspoken had been a success, especially in attracting a varied audience to the six-show series. “We set out to engage everyone with words, not just bookworms and poetry

lovers, and have certainly seen great diversity in the audience. People who told us they had never been to a spoken word performance, not even theatre, came back for

more and that was hugely rewarding,” she said. She added that visitors had been impressed by the quality of the performances, asking if Outspoken was a national

or international event. “It made us proud no end to say it was a Wanaka initiative,” she said.

Ticket sales were strong, with seats sold to more than three quarters

of capacity. As well, more than 300 primary school children enjoyed storytelling at school and library performances, and students at Mount Aspiring College attended

a workshop with Ali Jacs.Julia said her festival

highlights included actor Sam Neill taking the stage at Carrick winery to pay homage to Sam Hunt, and the debuts of Wanaka writers Liz Maluschnig, Helena Crawford, Acacia Murray and Dylan Rimmer at the Wanaka Showcase.

Outspoken will be back in 2015. “The audience’s fantastic response this year has motivated us to raise the bar for next year. We know there are even more people out there who got curious but didn’t make it. So we’ve got 12 months to develop a programme that will be irresistible,” Julia said.

will be backFestival of words wraps,

People who told us they had never been to a spoken

word performance, not even theatre, came back for more and that was hugely rewarding.

The way I see it, I’ve swum Cook Strait and the

English Channel, so I don’t feel too much of a failure.

LauRa WiLLiamSon

Wanaka Sun

Work is expected to begin in March to get State Highway 6 (SH6) at Diana Falls re-opened to two-lane and 24/7 traffic by mid-year. The road has been reduced to single-lane traffic, with daytime opening hours only, since a major slip at the site in the September 2013. A contractor will be appointed to undertake the work, which includes installation of a catch fence above the road, a debris fence about one-third of the way up the slip face and the blasting and removal of large rocks that are considered at risk of creating instability at the site.“At this stage it is expected the works will begin within the next two to three weeks and be completed by the end of May. However, weather will be a significant factor in achieving this date,” NZTA Senior Network Manager Mark Pinner said. “It is likely that additional traffic delays will be needed throughout the day to complete this work, to ensure the safety of motorists travelling through the area and our road crews working at the site.”The NZTA said it will provide as much warning as possible regarding any delays on the route.

SH6 work to get under way

PHOTO: NZTA

PHOTO: AJ THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY

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sunnews

No replacement bridge planned

Landowner ordered to stop ploughing

Luggate residents reject proposal

In an about-face by the council, ploughing has been halted on a south Hawea Flat farm after concerns were voiced about safety and ecological damage at the site, with some questioning why the work was allowed to proceed in the first place.

Concerned parties contacted the Queenstown Lakes District Council this week after a farmer started clearing vegetation from a site situated on the terraces above the true left of the Clutha River, upstream of the Red Bridge. The site overlooks both the river and the Newcastle and Upper Clutha River tracks.

In a letter sent on Monday to QLDC chief executive Adam Feeley, Forest and Bird general counsel Peter Anderson called the vegetation clearance at the site “unlawful”, arguing it violated both District Plan standards as well as the council’s own checklist for the clearing of indigenous vegetation. According to the letter, the District Plan, for example, only allows for the clearance of indigenous vegetation without resource consent

if it is totally surrounded by pasture and other exotic species and no more than 0.5 hectares in area. A report prepared by Dr Susan Walker, a researcher at Landcare Research, for Forest and Bird, confirmed the indigenous species at the site does cover more than 0.5 hectares and is not surrounded by pasture or exotic species, but is connected to other indigenous vegetation.

A n n e S t e v e n , a landscape architect and member of the Forest and Bird Society Central Otago-Lakes branch, also said the QLDC had ample

information indicating an ecological assessment was required before work commenced.

She pointed out the south Hawea Flat area, which includes the site in question, was identified as a Recommended Area for Protection (RAP) as a result of surveying work conducted over the summer of 1984-1985. The survey report, published in 1994, singled out the presence of Raoulia Australis Scabweed, which supports the flightless beetle Allocharis, and the “uncommon” Pimelea Pulvinaris. It

also identified pastoral development as a threat to theses species. Anne said most RAPs are identified in District Plans, although this one, Lindis RAP A12, may not have been included in the Queenstown Lakes District Plan. RAPs are marked on planning maps.

Anne added the land fell under the “acutely threatened” category in the Land Environments of New Zealand (LENZ) classification system, with less than 10 percent of indigenous cover remaining.

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e

Q L D C ’ s G e n e r a l Manager of Planning and Development Marc Bretherton, the council investigated Forest and Bird’s points of concern and, in the first instance, found no breach of the District Plan. However, upon receiving further ecological advice, council contacted the landowner to advise him that an ecological report would be required, and possibly resource consent. Marc added that it was only at that point council found out tractor work had already begun at the site.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e ploughing also provoked a local tour operator to contact both Mayor Vanessa van Uden and Harbourmaster Marty Black with safety concerns.

Before work was halted, Wanaka rafting guide Lewis Verduyn-Cassels called dust in the air last Saturday the most “horrific hazard” he had experienced in 20 years of rafting on the Clutha. He said the air was thick with airborne soil, putting grit in his eyes and mouth and inhibiting navigation, and that the work posed a potential hazard to river users on windy days. “I’m glad to hear it’s been stopped,” he said.

Laura WiLLiamson

Wanaka sun

T h e L u g g a t e C o m m u n i t y Association has sent a letter to the Queenstown Lake District Council urging it to consider alternatives to a proposed wastewater treatment plant near the township on the Luggate-Tarras Road. The request comes in light of a survey of Luggate residents, in which a majority of locals rejected the plan.

T h e p r o p o s e d “ P r o j e c t Groundswell” would see a $1.3 million facility built by Fulton Hogan on the Luggate-Tarras Road about 1 km from the Red Bridge. Sludge from the Project Pure wastewater treatment site near the Wanaka Airport would be transported to the facility, similar to a large ventilated greenhouse, where the sludge would dry out over an eighteen month period. The dried sludge would then be spread as fertiliser on

nearby farmland.The community association

undertook a survey on the wastewater treatment facility i n D e c e m b e r . W i t h 2 1 8 questionnaires returned, seven percent of respondents were in favour of both the drying plant and disposal onto local farmland, while 33 percent supported the drying plant without local land disposal.

The community association’s letter added that there was a “view in the district” that a

more appropriate location for the drying plant might be adjacent to the Project Pure site at the airport. Other alternatives suggested included transporting the dried sludge to the landfill at Gibbston or disposing it onto forestry land.

The plant would require both QLDC consent for the building and Otago Regional Council consent for both the running of the facility and the disposal of the dried product.

The New Zealand Transport Agency will not proceed with plans to build a replacement bridge at the Gates of Haast, as its construction will not guarantee route security along this section of State Highway 6.

“Landsl ides, s l ips and washouts are a reality along State Highway 6 because of the nature of the terrain on which the highway has been built,” NZTA Canterbury/West

Coast Highway Manager Colin Knaggs said.

He said three years of investigations have determined a new bridge cannot be engineered to withstand a major landslide or another significant event in the area. The best option for the site is considered to be a cable-stayed bridge which would cost an estimated $35 million to build but, even if this bridge was built, the NZTA could not guarantee it would not be damaged if the Haast landslide was activated.

The Haast landslide is located just to the north of the Gates of Haast bridge and was last activated in late 1970s.

“The Transport Agency recognises the Gates of Haast is a unique site, not least because of the long detour (more than 930km) and that any prolonged closure of the highway would have a significant impact on the region,” Colin said. “An overall route strategy for SH6 through Haast Pass is considered the best solution, with the Transport Agency reviewing

the risk profile of the area.”The NZTA will undertake

a $1 million preventative maintenance programme to install sub-soil drains in the hillside above the road, to reduce slope failure and provide greater land stability at the site.

“In the event of complete slope failure, above and below the road, it is estimated the road would be re-opened within 21 days,” Colin said. “An event of this nature has an assessed f r e q u e n c y o f e v e r y 500 years.”

PHOTO: ANNE STEVEN

staff reporter

Wanaka sun

Laura WiLLiamson

Wanaka sun

Property price leapThe median price for Wanaka properties has skyrocketed in recent months - when compared to the same period a year ago - while the number of properties sold per month has remained steady.Fifteen properties were sold in Wanaka township last month, for a median price of $497,000.In comparison, 17 properties changed hands in January last year, for a median price of $460,000.However, these median prices are well down on those reached late last year.In December 2013, 16 properties sold for a median price of $667,500, compared to 13 properties selling in December 2012, with a median price of $422,000.In November last year, there were 25 sales, with a median price of $645,000, while in November 2012, 22 properties sold and the median price was $509,000.

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sunnews

inbriefPreferred suppliers: request for proposalsLocal trade services have the opportunity to become preferred suppliers to the Queenstown Lakes District Council in the latest round of tendering for professional services.Last year the Council began inviting requests for proposals to provide professional services ranging from legal and town planning to engineering and website development. Trade services are the latest areas to be offered. Commercial Manager Myles Lind said this included electricians, plumbers, tilers, painters, handymen, people providing concreting and fencing services and those qualified to undertake building warrants of fitness.The request for proposals will be advertised on the Government Electronic Tenders website and the council’s website on February 28.

Scooter safety sessions

Add bundled books to your shopping list for this year’s Wanaka A and P Show. Wanaka Public Libraries Association (WPLA) co-chair Claire O’Connell is setting up a book sale as a fundraiser for the library. Run through the Kip McGrath stall at the show, the sale will be managed and run by members of Wanaka’s home-schooling families as a business project. Discontinued library books packaged together according to themes will be on offer for a gold coin donation, Claire said.Claire was named co-chair of the WPLA, along with Sue Coutts, at the group’s AGM last Thursday. Committee members Norma Savage, Alison White, Kate Sidey and Marilyn Duncan were also elected at the AGM.

Book booth for show

Students in years one to three at Wanaka Primary School took part in one-hour scooter s a f e t y s e s s i o n s o n Monday and Tuesday with Constable Phil Vink and Queenstown Lakes District Council School Travel Plan Coordinator, Kirsty Barr. Pictured

are year one pupils from Wanaka Primary School celebrating safe scootering with Constable Phil Vink.

S c o o t e r i n g i s a n increasingly popular form of transport with primary-aged students in the region. According to a QLDC Student Travel Survey undertaken from February 25 to March 1 last year, two percent of

students surveyed used a scooter to get to and from school. While this was a small percentage, i t w a s g r o w i n g , u p from nearly nil in 2010. When asked about their “preferred” travel modes, nine percent of students choose scootering. The children learned how to check their scooters were set up safely, including having handlebars at

the correct height and practiced skills such as cornering, emergency stops and gliding.

According to Kirsty, this was the first time scooter safety sessions had been held at the school. The sessions are based on a successful Swiss model, which saw 30,000 Swiss children scooter-safety trained between 2007 and 2012.

Laura WiLLiamson

Wanaka sun

PHOTO: LAURA WILLIAMSON

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THURSDAY 27.02.14 - WEDNESDAY 05.03.14 PAGE 5

sunnews

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

PHOTO: NIKKI HEATH

Concert and barbecue with Mel

The Bitches’ Box & Mel Parsons have announced they will be performing in the Luggate Memorial Hall on March 14, and they will host a fundraising barbecue dinner for Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust on the same night .

Singer/songwriter, Fly My Pretties band member and two-time Tui Award finalist, Mel Parsons, will start off the night with a set of country/folk songs. She will be followed by The Bitches’ Box - a romp around the kennels with actresses Amelia Dunbar and Emma Newborn who have recently been

described by the UK Times as “fall-off-the-chair funny.”

With a desire to provide rural audiences w i t h a c h a n c e t o experience a truly unique night out, the women originally got together to tour NZ wool sheds in 2012, including a sold-out show in Wanaka. Since then

they have performed more than 60 sold-out woolshed shows, and numerous festivals.

The show will begin with the fundraising barbecue at 6pm, before the women take to the stage at 7pm.

See sunspots for details

Staff RepoRteR

Wanaka Sun

Remarkables Theatre, in its second year hosting the competition, is bringing Pint Sized Plays to Wanaka this Sunday (March 2). The concept originated in Wales and invites entries of plays between five to ten minutes long, that can be performed in the actual bar area of a pub, using only available furniture and any props that can be carried by the cast. There are no restrictions in terms of theme, with subjects from Elvis impersonators to murder, and settings from a fish bowl to Las Vegas included in this year’s line-up.The theatre group has received more than 70 entries from around the world and ten plays will be showcased on the performance night at Gin and Raspberry (7pm). The audience votes for the one they like best and, as the votes are being tallied, the audience watches a winning play from Wales.The Wanaka Sun has two double passes to give away to the Wanaka performance, simply tell us who is hosting Pint Sized Plays. Entries via email to [email protected] by Friday 5pm.

Pint Sized Plays in town

ticketgiveawayticketgiveaway

Wanaka is closing in on one million points in the nationwide Gigatown competition, but it’s too early to rest on our laurels. If Wanaka’s points continue to climb at the same rate, the one million mark will be reached in approximately 26 days, according to Gigatown W a n a k a c o m m i t t e e member Kelly Good.

Kelly added that daily points accumulations for the Gigatown Wanaka campaign had been

steady so far, and that our total, 923,530 points yesterday, more than 500,000 points ahead of second-placed Masterton. Other towns, however, had made significant gains, with Masterton and Queenstown both recently jumping to second and fifth place respectively, their scores helped by winning recent Gigatown mini-competitions with high point values.

The current Gigatown I n s t a g r a m m i n i -competition, in which participants must post a video on Instagram

that demonstrates the speed and capacity d i f f e r e n c e b e t w e e n gig fibre and existing broadband, closes today at midnight, with every eligible video earning 1000 giga-points. “We have a good steady daily gain and the current mini competition will hopefully bring some further points to the table. Wanaka is doing a fantastic effort in coming together for this competition and consistently working to gain points on the l e a d e r b o a r d , ” Kelly said.

for Gigatown Wanaka

One million within a month

Silver for Montessori

LauRa WiLLiamSon

Wanaka Sun

Montessori Children’s House Wanaka celebrated receiving its Enviroschool Silver status plaque yesterday. The children, parents and teachers all worked together to create a sustainable community. Examples of its sustainable practices include composting, tending a vegetable garden and harvesting the produce, and reusing and recycling in their arts and crafts projects.

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THURSDAY 27.02.14 - WEDNESDAY 05.03.14PAGE 6

sunnews

Staff RepoRteR

Wanaka Sun

The Wanaka Squash Club, Wanaka Rowing Club, the Mount Aspiring College 1st XV team, the Wanaka Volunteer Fire Brigade, Upper Clutha Lions, Upper Clutha Plunket, Wanaka Yacht and Power Boat Club and Wanaka Cub Scouts are among the groups to benefit from about $25,000 in donations in exchange for work the Wanaka A and P Show.

“It’s vital for the smooth running of the Wanaka A and P Show that we enlist the help of local community groups and organisations,” show coordinator Jane Stalker said. “In acknowledgement of that, and in return for their help and effort over the two days, we are more than happy to give these groups donations to their cause. It’s important for

us to give back to the community that supports us. It’s a win-win.”

The Wanaka Squash Club has been manning the gates and collecting money from show visitors for several years and this year will split the job with the MAC 1st XV team.

“It’s our only fundraiser of the year so it’s very important for us. We hope to build more squash courts and upgrade the facilities, so this fundraiser will go towards that,” club president Jeff Limmer (pictured with Jane) said.

A select number of

registered charitable organisations, including the Wanaka Toy Library, F r i e n d s o f W a n a k a Animal Shelter and #GigatownWanaka will benefit from a free site at the show. This year’s show is on March 7-8.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Donations for smooth running

Wanaka A and P ShowThe Wanaka Sun has teamed up with the Wanaka A and P Show to give away a family pass valued at $40. Enjoy two days of livestock and equestrian action, plus live music and great food and shopping. Celebrity guest Marcus Lush will officially open the show and Olympic medallists Sarah Walker and Lisa Carrington will also attend as The Glammies judges.The Wanaka A and P Show will be held at the showgrounds from 8.30am to 5pm next Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8. To enter the competition email [email protected] or find us on facebook and tell us what you look are forward to seeing at this year’s show.

ticketgiveawayticketgiveaway

PHOTO: ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHY

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THURSDAY 27.02.14 - WEDNESDAY 05.03.14 PAGE 7

sunnews

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A sumo-sized night of “fun” raising at the Lake Wanaka Centre on Saturday raised close to $20,000 for the Upper Clutha Junior under-13 Australia rugby tour. An audience of 170 watched local and national celebrities, including ex-All Blacks Andrew Hore (pictured)and John Timu, wrestle for a good cause.

The evening was compered by Queenstown Lakes District Councillor Calum McLeod and local electrician Marcel Moore. A passionate haka by the under-13 rugby team and led by Jesse Robertson, who was celebrating his 12th birthday, opened the proceedings.

Ex-All Black Andrew Hore was more than happy to be in Wanaka “helping out the rugby boys.” He congratulated the boys on their fundraising efforts and said that this was an important part of the overall experience.

“I think it’s great. It makes you value everything your parents put into you to help you make it as a young sportsman. If it was just given to you,

you wouldn’t have the same appreciation. The hard work will really pay off when they go on tour.”

Dressed in inflatable “sumo” suits, the wrestlers faced off in pairs. John Timu was the overall winner on the night.

Auctioneer Jeff Kerr did an excellent job of rallying the audience, in between rounds of wrestling. Businesses and individuals donated high-end prizes such as helicopter flights, jet boat rides, catered meals and an All-Blacks jersey signed by Richie McCaw. More than $12,000 was raised through the auction and raffles prizes alone.

The Upper Clutha Junior under-13 Australia rugby tour will take place in April this year, with 27 boys taking part. Each boy has been set an individual fundraising target of $500, with additional funds raised through group efforts such as the Sumo night, hosting of a marquee at the Cromwell Races, sausage sizzles, clearing stones from the Kirimoko subdivision, collecting, bagging and selling sheep manure, and collecting and selling pine cones.

Ex-All Blacks sumo suit up

PHOTO: BOB MOORE

Staff RepoRteR

Wanaka Sun

Staff RepoRteR

Wanaka Sun

Aussie tractor club to support NZ kids

A number of very large, orange tractors may be seen on local roads this weekend as a group of Australians journey around the South Island to raise money for children with cancer in New Zealand.

The trip, organised by members of the Chamberlain 9G Tractor Club of Western Australia, started in Christchurch last week, and will travel 2500km before finishing in Methven 25-days later. The Aussies will also be joined by North and South Island Chamberlain 9G owners.

Tractor Trek organiser Ron Bywaters (pictured with Kerry Bywaters) said New Zealand was an ideal location to hold a tractor trek.

“The scenery is spectacular, the people friendly and as our speed will be 30-40kph, we will have time to smell the roses,” he said. “Our club has been raising funds for charitable organisations since its inception and over that time some $140,000 has been raised. Our beneficiaries include the Royal Flying Doctor Service

and Children’s Hospitals. As our children, grand-children and great-grand-children are our future, we concentrate mainly in providing help in that direction. With cancer being such a diverse

problem area, the Child Cancer Foundation ticked all the boxes for us.”

The Child Cancer Foundation acting CEO Simon Lala is grateful to the tractor trekkers

for their support: “We receive no government funding and so rely on the support of generous New Zealanders, and are delighted to welcome this wonderful group,” he said.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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Page 8: Wanaka Sun  27 Feb - 5 Mar 2014

THURSDAY 27.02.14 - WEDNESDAY 05.03.14PAGE 8

Survey reveals low Grebe numbers

Long-term solution for slip

sunnews

Jessica Maddock

Wanaka sun

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A survey of Lake Wanaka has indicated it is home to just eight or ten pairs of Great Crested Grebe birds whose chicks have a high mortality rate.

And a local zoologist, John Darby, said it was likely the low numbers were due to a lack of suitable habitat.

John surveyed the lower part of the lake – from Wanaka to the Minaret Mountains - over the past three months, and also received reports of sightings of Grebes on the upper lake, around where the Makarora River flowed in.

The number of Grebes on Lake Wanaka was low compared to Lake Dunstan and Lake Hayes. A one-day survey of Lake Dunstan on January 25 saw 40 individual birds and John has counted 140 adults and chicks on Lake Hayes.

Grebes built their nests on floating vegetation which was attached to the lake bed via, for example, branches and tree roots, and changes in the level of the lake left nests either submerged

or high and dry. In comparison, Lake Dunstan and Lake Hayes had reed beds which provided a better habitat for Grebes.

John, former assistant director and head of sciences at the Otago Museum, believed the lack of suitable habitat was also affecting the chicks’ mortality rate.

The two pairs of Grebes he followed during the survey laid 15 to 18 eggs between them, in seven clutches, but only one pair produced chicks and even then it was only two.

This was despite Grebes – unlike

other birds – laying three or four clutches of two to five eggs a season. Most birds laid just one clutch a season.

Grebes were also unique in that they laid their eggs about 48 hours apart and incubated each egg as soon as it was hatched. Most bird species did not incubate their eggs until the full clutch was laid.

To deal with having eggs and chicks at various stages of growth, Grebes took their chicks with them, on their backs, (pictured) when they left the nest to get food.

John’s survey was believed to

be the first attempt to ascertain the birdlife on Lake Wanaka.

He believed a more extensive survey was required, as an indicator of the “health and wealth” of the lake. “Having such data adds an additional monitoring tool that may guide management of what is a truly remarkable asset – including the birds.”

However, the cost and logistics of surveying such a large lake were prohibitive. The surveying to date had been carried out using kayaks and a four-hour powerboat trip which was donated to the cause.

John had also recorded the presence of other bird species on Lake Wanaka, including Scaup, Mallard, Mallard x Grey, Shoveller, Paradise Duck, Grey Duck, Grey Teal, Australian Coot, Whitefaced Heron, Canada Geese, Pied Shag and Black Shag. He said while the list was incomplete, it indicated a “reasonable” variety of birdlife, but low numbers.

Great Crested Grebes were related to albatrosses and penguins and their lineage was ancient, dating back about 40 million years.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

staff RepoRteR

Wanaka sun

Upper Clutha Plunket is gearing up for its Annual Bear Hug Appeal from March 3 to March 9. During the week Plunket will have collection points at New World and Paper Plus, and there will also be a chance to donate at the Dinosaur

Park (from 11am to 3pm on Saturday).

T h e n o t - f o r - p r o f i t organisation is very active in the Upper Clutha area. In addition to antenatal classes and the well child program, Plunket offers support for and facilitation of parents’ groups, provides first aid and other essential parenting education

sessions, offers car seat hire services and breastfeeding and nappy change facilities at community events (it will have a marquee at next week’s Wanaka A and P Show).

As part of the fundraising effort, Paper Plus Wanaka has invited parents to bring their prams, with kids in them, to see how many prams they can

fit inside the store at 11am on Tuesday (March 4).

“It’s all good fun and for a great cause,” Paper Plus Wanaka Owner Chris Lumsden said. He had no idea how many prams could fit in his store, but he will donate $5 per pram to the Upper Clutha Plunket, and one lucky person will win $100 worth of books.

How many prams can fit in Paper Plus?

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THURSDAY 27.02.14 - WEDNESDAY 05.03.14 PAGE 9

sunnews

One year on, the new owners of The Bakery factory and café in Frederick Street are busy feeding “tradies” and other locals looking for delicious food at bargain prices. Owned by baker Jason Danielson, his sister Delwyn and brother-in-law Ian, The Bakery is very much a family business. The same team also own The Doughbin, The Queenstown Bakery and

the famous Kai Pai brand of pies. Jason makes the pies himself and the current best seller is Butter Chicken, closely followed by Classic Steak and Cheese. Manager Jizelle Greaves, who also manages The Doughbin, said anyone can buy pies, bread and slices at wholesale prices at the Frederick Street shop, whether they want just one pie or a selection of goodies

for a work meeting or to take home. “Our customers love the pies, the chilled-out atmosphere and fast service at Frederick Street,” Jizelle said. “And there’s always heaps of parking out here which makes dropping in easy.”

The Bakery is open from 7am until 4pm Monday to Friday.

Delicious food at bargain prices

* ADVERTORIAL

inbriefCustomer service is keyResults of a new Colmar Brunton survey shows how Kiwis respond to good and bad customer experiences.Businesses should focus on the customer experiences they deliver because of how customers react to their experiences – good and bad – and the influence it has on business growth.“Our survey shows that most Kiwis take action as a direct result of customer experiences,” Colmar Brunton CEO Jacqueline Ireland said. “The first response is to tell others about their experience and then they look at changing their behaviour.”Results showed 70 percent told others about their good experiences and 58 percent shared their bad experiences, but those with bad experiences told more people (11 or more). People with bad experiences are most likely to pick up the phone (41 percent) or post on Facebook (20 percent) to tell others, compared with 25 percent of people who shared good experiences by phone and 13 percent who posted on Facebook.Great service and helpfulness were highlighted as the overwhelming reasons behind a good customer experience, ahead of price. Poor customer service was the biggest turn off (43 percent) with long waiting times (16 percent) and poor communication or a lack of follow up (14 percent) also contributing to bad experiences.

A family affair at the showThree local teenagers with a combined 37 years of experience competing in the Wanaka A and P Show are preparing their horses for another outing at next month’s show.

Eighteen-year-old Cate Howie has competed in the show since she was three; this will be 16-year-old Alannah Stalker’s 13th show, and Zoe McNeilly, who is also 16, has been entering for a decade. And their links to the 77th annual event go back a lot further – Zoe’s great grandfather, Connell Gawn, was the president of the Upper Clutha A and P Society in 1947 and her grandfather, Pete Gordon, and her grandmother, Dee Gordon, were the presidents in 1981-82 and 1993-94 respectively. Pete and Dee are also life members of the society.

Both Cate and Alannah’s mothers, Fe Howie and Jane Stalker, are organisers of the show, with Jane holding the position of secretary since 1997.Alannah’s father, Doug Stalker, is the current junior vice-president and her grandparents, Alex and Aylene Stalker, sat on the A and P Show committee for many years.And Cate’s father, Ross Howie, is a voluntary helper at the event.

Alannah and Zoe will compete in the local classes on the first day of the show, on Friday March 7,

and all three riders will compete on the Saturday.

Cate has entered the open championship round-the-ring and the 1.2-metre show-jumping on her stationbred gelding, Just Jackson.

Alannah and her horse, a thoroughbred gelding called AirTime, have entered the round-the-ring competition and the best lady rider over jumps section.

Zoe will compete in the saddlehack classes, on her warmblood-cross gelding, Knightly Venture.

Meanwhile, riders from the Hawea Wanaka Pony Club took out first place in all four categories of the Tapanui One Day Event – which involves dressage, show-jumping and cross-country jumping - on February 16.

Club chairwoman, Julia Thomson, said it was believed to be a first for the club.

“It was a total landslide for HWPC. We are so proud of all of our riders. They have all worked so hard.”

Alannah won the open category; Zoe the training category; Alex

Thomson was first in the pre-training category, and Arabella Chapman-Cohen took out the introductory category, with Molly Todd coming fifth.

Charlotte Chapman-Cohen was third in another section, for beginners.

The Mount Aspiring College team – which includes Zoe, Alannah and Alex - also won the team event.

Pictured at the Tapanui event are, from left, Zoe, Charlotte, Penelope Chapman-Cohen, Alannah, Molly, Arabella and Alex.

Jessica Maddock

Wanaka sun

The ANZ Netball Grant Scheme is calling for entries from the netball community to receive a share of $100,000 of netball grants.

A N Z H e a d o f S p o n s o r s h i p , S u e M c G r e g o r , s a i d a l l C e n t r a l O t a g o netballers should have

the opportunity to play their best.

“We want to hear from every netball player, fan and team in the region who needs assistance. Whether it’s for new uniforms or new goal posts, applying for an ANZ Netball Grant might help you get what you need to reach your goals,” she said.

The scheme offers $100,000 worth of grants that can be used for everything from gear, new uniforms, coaching equipment, or repairs to hoops and courts. School teams, social teams, individual players and fans are all eligible to apply for a grant and can apply online before June 3.

Netball grants up for grabsFishing comp staff RepoRteR

Wanaka sun

The Lake Hawea family fishing competition was held last weekend, with 47 fish weighed in on the first day, despite strong winds on the water. The 130 entrants included Lake Hawea’s Darrin Rowe who won the heaviest salmon (0.788kg) and Albert Town’s Marilyn Oliver who won the heaviest fish caught by a female (1.598kg). The Wigg family, with a combined condition factor of 84.7, won the best family catch category.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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THURSDAY 27.02.14 - WEDNESDAY 05.03.14PAGE 10

Some of New Zealand’s best waterskiers will compete in the Wanaka W a t e r s k i O p e n o n Saturday, including a local girl who has just qualified for the New Zealand Waterski Championships.

The annual Wanaka

Waterski Open has been held at Paddock Bay on Lake Wanaka since 2010 and usually attracts 35 to 40 competitors from throughout the South Island.

A m o n g t h e m wil l be 11-year-old M e g H a r r a w a y , o f W a n a k a , w h o h a s just qualified for the New Zealand Waterski

Championships, being held at Easter in Auckland.

T h e t o u r n a m e n t involved five slalom categories, from novice to open.

The open sect ion would include high-p r o f i l e w a t e r s k i e r s C r a i g R o d g e r s o f C h r i s t c h u r c h , w h o was last year’s winner,

and Chris Brown from Timaru, competing alongside local athletes G e r a l d H a r r a w a y ( p i c t u r e d ) , G a r e t t S h o r e a n d C h a r l i e Cochrane.

Gerald, the Wanaka W a t e r s k i C l u b ’ s President, said people c o u l d e n t e r o n t h e day, by 7 .30am at Paddock Bay.

sunnews

Waterski champs this weekend

Earthworks to extend the High Street trail at Treble Cone will make it easier for intermediate skiers and snowboarders to traverse to the Home Basin from the

Saddle Basin. The new extension, which was under construction in January and February, will provide a new al ignment and a longer, wider, gentler gradient. Earthworks and tussock planting were completed last week. The new trail

is 400 metres long, with an average width of ten metres and an average gradient of ten degrees.

TC is also extending the Jazz Kids Fun Trail, adding more min i ro l le rs a nd small children’s jumps.

Earthworks extend trail

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Staff RepoRteR

Wanaka Sun

JeSSica Maddock

Wanaka Sun

Players can register now for the 2014 hockey season, with training for most grades starting later in term one and competitions beginning in term two. The youngest teams in the club – the Fun and Mini Sticks – train on Wednesday, with Sunday matches; the year five and six Kiwi Sticks train on Thursday, with matches on Saturdays; and the Kwik Sticks (year seven and eight) train on Tuesdays, with Wednesday matches. The club trains at the Warren Street turf and plays matches at the Cromwell turf.

Hockey season to start

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sunviews

TXT MESSAGE

BOARD

021 986 786 021 986 786 TXT THE WANAKA SUNTXT THE WANAKA SUN

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE TEXT BOARD AND IN THE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHOR ALONE

AND NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE WANAKA SUN.

EDITORIAL An editorial appeared in a national newspaper last week in which the writer opined that watching the Winter Olympics had been like witnessing a bunch of Kiwis “on an expensive ski holiday.” You’ve probably heard about it, but if you haven’t, give it a Google. The writer accused our snow sports athletes of being lazy, unprofessional, low achievers who were obsessed with dating apps. Unfortunately for her, the untimely article ran on the eve of the men’s ski halfpipe event, when Jossi Wells, Beau-James Wells and Lyndon Sheehan made NZ Winter Olympic history with three top-ten finishes, a feat they accomplished shortly after speed skater Shane Dobbin took seventh in the 10,000 metre event, and two days before Janina Kuzma finished fifth in the women’s ski halfpipe. This was despite being in fields littered with American, French, Austrian and Canadian athletes, all from countries with much larger populations than ours, bigger mountains, longer winters and larger pools of funding. The Wanaka Sun has been covering the Wells brothers since they were little nippers tearing up the slopes at Cardrona at twice the speed of the big folk around them, and we know this: they, and the athletes who went to Sochi with them, got there because they work hard, really hard, ski though pain and give up a lot of their youth to pursue a sport they are both immensely passionate about and immensely good at. Holiday? We think not. Thanks for making us proud.

Issue 650 Thursday February 27, 2014

Phone: 03 443 5252 Fax: 03 443 5250 Text view: 021 986 786 Text classified: 022 0786 778

Address: Upstairs Spencer House, Wanaka Postal: PO Box 697, Wanaka

Editorial manager: Ruth Bolger [email protected]: Jessica Maddock [email protected]

Caroline Harker [email protected] Production: Adam Hall [email protected]

Advertising: Amanda Hodge [email protected] Jake Kilby [email protected]

Accounts: [email protected]

Printed by: Guardian Print, Ashburton Delivered by: Wanaka Rowing ClubPublished by: Wanaka Sun (2003) Ltd Distribution: 7500

Free delivery to Wanaka, Wanaka surrounds and Cromwell urban and rural mailboxes, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wanaka, Albert Town, Hawea. Distributed to motels, hotels and cafes plus businesses in the

Wanaka central business district and to drop boxes in Wanaka and Cromwell.

Shameful saga

No it is not Nimby

Friends and coffee

HEY DRIVER OF THE OLDER WHITE SUZUKI 4X4 WITH THE ROOF RACKS, BIKES ARE ROAD USERS TOO! I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES BECAUSE YOU DIDN`T GIVE WAY TO ME WHEN YOU SHOULD HAVE CNR AUBREY AND ANDERSON. NEXT TIME YOUR REGO GOES TO THE COPS OR WORSE YOU HIT A CYCLIST.

TO THE DOG WHO SHAT HIS/HER WAY UP MT IRON TUE MORN...COULD U PLEASE TAKE YR OWNER BACK THERE TO PICK UP YOUR `DEPOSITS`. BAGS SUPPLIED!!!

THE WASPS ARE BACK, PLEASE CHECK YOUR PROPERTY AND YOUR NEIGHBOUR`S IF IT`S A HOLIDAY HOME. WE ALL NEED TO HELP ERADICATE THIS HORRIBLE PEST.

BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPONSORS OF THE AUCTION FUNDRAISER FOR THE KIDS RUGBY TEAM AT SUMO SAT NIGHT ESP JO GILBERTSON FOR THE HILARIOUS CONTRIBUTION OF THE PARSNIPS AND THE ACCESSORY. THE PARSNIPS ARE STILL TO BE USED!

WHY IS TRADITIONAL FARMLAND BEING CUT UP AND SOLD OFF BY DEVELOPERS AT A PROFIT AND THEN 2 HAVE CATTLE FREE RANGE GRAZING IN OUR WATERWAYS POLLUTING OUR WATERS?

WHO ARE ALL THESE WHINING PEOPLE ABOUT DOGS ON MOUNT IRON GET OVER IT. HAVE WE GOT THAT PRECIOUS. DJANGO

I DO KEEP LEFT WHILST WALKING BUT AM SICK OF CYCLISTS THAT DON`T HAVE THE SKILL TO RIDE AROUND WALKERS. STAY OFF THE FISHERMAN`S TRACK UNTIL YOU CAN RIDE A BIKE PROPERLY!

WHAT’S WITH THE MAN ON THE POPULAR WALKING TRACK BY THE LAKE, WALKING HIS 2 HUGE HUSKIES. HE MIGHT HAVE MORE CONTROL OF THE POWERFUL DOGS IF HE TAKES 1 AT A TIME OR GO TO A TRACK WERE LOCALS AREN’T WALKING THEIR SMALL DOGS, COS MY DOG WAS JUST ABOUT THEIR MINCEMEAT, APOLOGIES WOULD OF BEEN NICE.

Is it just me or is there great irony in the QLDC conducting a series of forums on our libraries after Mayor Vanessa van Uden and her financial hatchet man, chief executive Adam Feeley, have cut staffing numbers in half, in the process laying off a number of loyal, knowledgeable and long-serving employees. Before the cuts the Wanaka public made it abundantly clear how much it valued the Wanaka Library. The community clearly told the council it did not want staffing or service levels reduced. Mayor van Uden and Mr Feeley didn’t listen. Now they are running expensive surveys on what the public wants. It doesn’t give me great confidence in their management abilities. So while Mayor van Uden and Mr Feeley may be counting the money they may have saved by sacking so many people, they should not lose sight of what they have lost. They have lost the confidence and trust of a significant proportion of the Wanaka community because of the way they handled the library debacle. And while I can’t speak for those who lost their jobs or those who still remain as library employees, if it was me I would feel betrayed by a council which rewarded dedication and hard work, often unpaid, with a ruthless determination to slash budgets regardless of the social cost, regardless of what the community wanted, regardless of considerations beyond the mere financial. A shameful saga and I guarantee our libraries are not the better for it.

Mark ThomasHawea Flat

Opposition to the exploitative proposal for an additional 1600 sections across the rolling terraces between Aubrey Road and the Clutha River is widespread and well founded. Many enlightened locals, as well as residents from surrounding neighbourhoods, oppose PC45 because it is not required to meet the foreseeable demands for urban growth. Community expectations, as articulated in the Wanaka Structure Plan, determined that the Northlake area would not be developed for many years. Expert evidence presented at the hearing proved that the potential to grow the population of Wanaka is more than sufficiently catered for via the present zoning in the District Plan. There is also potential for QLDC to facilitate a more concentrated, cohesive and sustainable urban environment/ Wanaka township through the upcoming District Plan review process. Urban/peri-urban sprawl is not the way of the future. Most residents acknowledge, appreciate and cherish the existing values of this open landscape and I sincerely hope that “name supplied” reflects on their short-sighted dig at the legitimate concerns of the local community.

A CutlerAlbert Town

It was a breezy morning as I began my usual early walk from the car park to Mount Iron peak. The pathway always seemed a challenge no matter how many times one does it as it zig-zags steeply past the seat and first stile. What a relief. The second breath and the path leading its way to the summit appeared much easier. Imagination, not really, perhaps I was deep in thought that time. The view most rewarding whatever the weather, giving the achiever great satisfaction. The way down: It is great to be alive.In the lines of this, I am thinking of those of us who are grieving the loss of a dear one. A walk during the present days, yes, the path so steep, sometimes so difficult we could give up. The unexpected times when tears flow. The storm of sadness heals. We need friends, we need to smile and give smiles, even if there is a touch of sadness inside us. People love smiles: make someone else happy.I hold onto my faith, the blessings all around me. My special piece of the bible (John 14v27) encourages me. Bea was always positive and I was never to be otherwise. She loved the verse “without love the most magnificent things are useless.” Oh how we adored each other.There are two choices when one wakes in the morning. Be sad and stressed out or “good morning Bea, come on, let’s have a great day.” Being cheerful helps in the healing, a sense of humour – a laugh or two. Hold on to happy memories, never forget. Planning to do something special every so often is a good idea. Then there’s coffee. Friends I meet for coffee make a good start to the day. I write this to encourage people. I don’t like to see people sad. We can’t always run away from grieving.

Carpe diemPete Chamberlayne

A serious discussion

I write in response to the unsigned letter about Nimbys (Wanaka Sun, February 20). I attended all six days of the Plan Change 45 meetings and to hear its proceedings described as a forum for Nimbys is to miss the seriousness of the discussion that went into considering the issue at hand, which is the importance of the District Plan for the future growth of Wanaka.My decision to buy property on Aubrey Road was influenced by the District Plan. A lot of work and professional advice goes into this planning, which is important to maintain the quality of life in any city and to give structure and predictability to its growth. If a District Plan can be radically changed to fit the needs of each developer that comes along, why have a plan at all? We trust that the council members will give serious thought to each and every change that is proposed and consider the needs and wishes of all citizens involved, as they make their decision.

Bruce A. Paulson

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THURSDAY 27.02.14 - WEDNESDAY 05.03.14PAGE 12

Staff RepoRteR

Wanaka Sun

sunsport

Young Oliver is en route to Russia to support his dad, Wanaka snowboarder Carl Murphy. Carl is set to compete in the Para-snowboard Cross event, which will be part of the Olympic programme for the first time at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. The Paralympics will run from March 7 to 16.

Go Daddy!

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Services to netball

Yvonne Brew, one of Netball Upper Clutha’s l o n g e s t s e r v i n g volunteers, was awarded a Netball New Zealand S e r v i c e A w a r d o n Saturday, February 22, in Hamilton.

“This award is not easy to get and for a volunteer in Wanaka to receive this, it is absolutely awesome,” Netball Upper Clutha President Teresa Alexander said.

T h e a w a r d w a s a surprise for Yvonne, who thought she was going to Hamilton with Teresa to learn about new practises being introduced to junior netball.

Y v o n n e h a s b e e n

involved in netball in the region since 1988 and has taken on various different roles at a committee level. In 2009, Yvonne received life membership of Netball Upper Clutha. For a number of years she has also run the Saturday morning primary grade netball league.

“We are thrilled to

see Yvonne receive this prestigious award and thank her for the endless hours of volunteer work she does,” Teresa said.

Last season, Netball Upper Clutha had about 420 players aged from five through to seniors, as well as a number of coaches and umpires.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Teams from Mount Aspiring College will compete against teams from Cromwell College, Dunstan High School, Wakatipu High School and Roxburgh Area School in this weekend’s South Island Secondary Schools’ adventure racing championships in Cromwell.About 30 teams would take part and have 12 hours to complete the course, which includes trekking, mountainbiking, kayaking, running and abseiling. The teams only get the course details on Friday night, to map and plan ahead of a 6am start on Saturday.“It’s not necessarily about winning, the kids just really love this event because they’re trying to find their own way out there without any help from adults. They really learn a lot about themselves,” event co-ordinator Bill Godsall said.Bill said adventure racing was growing in popularity amongst secondary school pupils and competing at a school level provided a great pathway for them to continue with the sport when they left school.

Youth adventure racers

Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick Street, Wanaka

/ WanakaPharmacy

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OPENING HOURS: 8.30AM TO 7PM MON-SAT 10.00AM - 7.00PM SUNDAY

Page 13: Wanaka Sun  27 Feb - 5 Mar 2014

THURSDAY 27.02.14 - WEDNESDAY 05.03.14 PAGE 13

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employment

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THURSDAY 27.02.14 - WEDNESDAY 05.03.14PAGE 14

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“Quality mechanical repairs at an a�ordable price.”

body and mindLAMININE SUPER healing food of the 21st century. Listen to http://www.healingsuperfood.com/phyllis-interview.mp3 Helping everybody at every level. Jan Rockliff 0276 412 019, Sonia Hunt 0212 487 771, Jodie Rainsford 021 356 343

LYMPHATIC CLEARANCE (MLD) Support immune system, relieve lymphoedema, swelling, pain. Gentle therapeutic treatment. Ph Maryann 443 6463, 0211 101 160

YOGA FOR your well being. Small classes in a peace-ful setting. Contact Jill at 443 7655 or [email protected] for more information.

27 FEB 7:30PM QUARTZ CRYSTAL SINGING BOWLS in QUEENSTOWN! Special $10 group ses-sion shared with fantastic folks. All welcome. 022 097 4596 for info.

ABHYANGA MASSAGE or another Ayurvedic treat-ment: A unique experience of self-healing and relaxa-tion. Call Martin 443 5712, www.ayurvedaora.com

ANGEL INTUITIVE in Wanaka - certified by Doreen Virtue. Call Linda on 0211468041 to arrange an angel card reading.

ANTENATAL MUMS n Bubs YOGA! Bring your new blessing with. Each THURS 1:30 PM. 181 Cemetery Rd. $12 classes. Jen 022 097 4596

BEGINNERS BOXING and fitness class, Mondays 6pm at 7 Gordon road. All welcome, casual/weekly op-tions available. Contact Sanna 0212010954

CELLULAR DETOXIFICATION by professional clinic. BioPulse detox treatment 50% off 1st visit. We meas-ure your results. Wanaka Wellness 4434668

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM Technique (EFT) or Tapping. Wanaka Wellness Centre Monday 3rd March @ 7 pm. $20 pp. Bookings essential. Contact Homeopath Linda Baker 0211468041.

EXPERIENCED HOMEOPATH and Healer at Wanaka Wellness Centre. Visit www.intelligenthealth.com for details or call Linda on 0211468041 for an appointment.

GENTLE YOGA connecting movement with breath, & You. 9:30 EA WEDS. 557 Aubrey Rd. $12 classes. Mats available. Jen 0220974596

LYMPHATIC CLEARANCE: Support immune system, relieve lymphoedema, swelling, pain. Gentle therapeu-tic treatment. Ph Maryann 4436463, 021 1101160

MASSAGE THERAPY. Neuromuscular therapy and sports massage. Robyn Clements Dip massage ph 027 678 7731

MASSAGE: LOMI LOMI (THERAPEUTIC Hawaiian) relaxing, nurturing, peaceful space. Ph Maryann 4436463, 021 1101160

MUAY THAI boxing, intermediate class, Wednesdays 6pm at 7 Gordon road. All welcome, casual/weekly op-tions available. Contact Sanna 0212010954

NATURAL HEALTHCARE solutions from professional clinic. Full detoxification protocols. Starving not need-ed! Holistic healthcare 4435991. At Wanaka Wellness

PERCEPTION EVENING each Wed 7PM at Wanaka Wellness Centre. Always something cool on exploring consciousness and connection! $5 donation.

PRENATAL YOGA in Hawea! Each Weds 7:00 PM. 181 Cemetery Rd. $17 classes. Jen 022 097 4596

QUARTZ CRYSTAL singing bowl sessions for deep re-laxation/energy balancing. 1.30PM each Mon. $25 pp. 181 Cemetery Rd HAWEA Jen 022 097 4596

RECONNECT WITH a sense of deep peace and love for FREE! View 15 min film The Message at WWW.LIVING-PRESENCE.ORG

SARAH CHRISP ND.DipHom Natural Health Practitioner 15yrs experience NZ & Asia. For consulta-tions call 0224253899 or [email protected]

SPIRITUAL HEALING. Empowering and enabling you to heal your body and life. Robyn Clements ph 027 678 7731

WORK IN Progress course held once a month at the Wanaka Wellness Centre. Facilitated by homeopath and healer Linda Baker. For more information call Linda on 0211468041.

YOGA IN HAWEA! Gentle movement with breath in-struction. 181 Cemetery Rd ea Mon, Tues & Thurs at 9:30AM! $12. Jen 022 097 4596

employmentDUTY MANAGER Wanted for Wanaka Districts Club, Call Noel on 0274299330 .

employmentEXPERIENCED WAITERS required for exclusive ca-tering company.CV’s to [email protected]

for sale ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHIC Cards & prints for sale. View on facebook Erica Leather Photography. Tel. 0212572708.

BEAUTIFUL BICYCLES for ladies and gents. Good Rotations Bicycle Shop, 34 Anderson Rd, www.goodrotations.co

BLACK VANS size men’s US 7.5 - brand new never worn $60 tel 443 2133

BOYS ORANGE and grey ski jacket and matching sa-lopettes in excellent condition - hardly worn . Size 9-10 years $100 . Tel 443 2133

BRAND NEW RAMSEY WINCH for sale. 12 volt, 15,000 pound capacity $1,100 o.n.o. 022 176 2748

CARGO BICYCLES to transport kids and stuff!Come and check out what is possible, 34 Anderson Rd, Good Rotations Bicycles

CARPET PIECES. Secondhand. Both 3mx3m approx. Different piles. Both a shade of brown. At cromwell. 50 dollars each. 034453325-0279257161

FOR SALE. Mobility scooter. Pegasus. New 2011 sel-dom used. Phone 4437061

FOR SALE: Brand New Thule Karrite Odyssey 470L Gloss Black Roof Box. Never used, in original wrap. $650. Ph 0279088426.

HOUSE FOR PRIVATE SALE ideal rental invest-ment, holiday house or first home. View on trademe #693764472 (no agents thanks).

HULA HOOPS? Hand created, fun inspired hoops made in hawea. Available online. Www.fantailhoops.kiwi.nz or call 02108289987

NEED A little help on those hills? Try an electric bike! Rent or buy at Good Rotations Bicycles Wanaka 034434349

NEW PADDLEBOARDS in stock! Naish & Mistral sup’s & accessories. Demos available Call Miles @ Alpine Sup 0211858001

NIKON DSLR kit. D60 3 lenses, bag, batteries, charg-er, tripod. Excellent intermediate kit. $295 ph or txt 0274400504

ONKYO 5:1 system. Absolute basement bargain must go $450 ph or txt 0274400504

ORGANIC EXPRESS. Wanaka’s online fresh fruit and vege store. organicexpress.co.nz

POTATOES POTATOES potatoes ,bring your buckets and we will do the digging. Heather desiree and jersey bennie 2.00 per kg 42 kennels lane maungawera 9am to 3pm every sunday

POWACADDY GOLF CART and battery charger, Needs new battery, $100 ono, Ph 4439132,SOFA/CHAISE 3 seater Excellent condition, $240 or near offer Ph 0275530096

THE ORIGINAL compost tumbler. Perfect working order, makes heaps of the good stuff. $125 ph or txt 0274400504

TRUE CERTIFIED organic skincare for Face, Body, Mum & Baby now at Soulfood, Wonder room, Wholefood Haven and online at Organic Express.

TRUE ORGANIC skincare. Read about founder Nicki Hanning in the latest GOOD magazine. Skincare that inspires.

TRUE, SKINCARE that inspires you live authentically and be your true beautiful shelf. Created by local mum and natural therapist Nicki Hanning.

VEGE BOXES, juice boxes and staff fruit boxes all available at organicexpress.co.nz

BEAUTIFUL CHINA tea cup bird feeders, great for at-tracting wax eyes and bell birds to your garden. Make the perfect presents $25 ph or txt 021 680 110

notice

DOGS WANAKA desperately needs donations to help vaccinate, microchip, register and spay the puppies and kittens in our care. www.facebook.com/dogswanaka

ENTERPRISE AND Staffing Innovations NZ - Employment advice for both Employers and Employees. Gift Economy Rates available. Phone 021 665 013 for further information.

notice FREE! ONE click on Facebook and Wanaka’s internet capabilities may multiply 10 fold+! VOTE ASAP IN THE GIGABYTE TOWN COMPETITION!!!

HAWEA PLAYGROUP, Mon Tues Thurs 9.30am-12.30pm, funky playground, wendy house, arts’n’crafts, friendly buzz, everyone welcome, find us on Facebook

BIRTHDAY PARTIES!! Hawea Playgroup is available 2 hire, only $30/4hrs. Great location with sandpit, trikes n toys galore. Call/txt Tina 021 021 45117.”

LATEST LADIES lunch destination...beautiful Old Cromwell Historic Precinct. Fabulous food, unique shop-ping. Lakeside on Melmore Tce. www.oldcromwell.co.nz

LIFE STORIES writing and book design. Memoirs, his-tories, letters, diaries - transcribed and published. www.timeofyourlife.co.nz. Contact [email protected] or 443 4629.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR WELLBEING. Workshop for NFP organisations. Wednesday 12 March. To register call Community Networks 034437799

ORGANIC PRODUCE - support all your local growers in the one place. organicexpress.co.nz

PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP. March 9th for ages 7-11yrs & March15th & 16th for ages 12-18yrs. Email [email protected] or go to www.perfor-manzwanaka.wix.com/performanz

ST NINIANS monthly family church service 10am this Sunday, 2 March, Hawea Flat. All ages welcome.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED in Wanaka for Plunket Bear Hug Appeal Week from 3rd – 9th March! To register interest call 443 8799 or email [email protected]

WANAKA DISTRICTS Club, for affordable family dining and great bar prices. Join for just $ 20 per year.

YR 12 student available for babysitting. Experienced with references and St.John certified first aider. Call Aoife Baker on 0210755677 or 4436492

rentOFFICE SPACE for lease, above Francesca’s. 48sq me-ters, plus great shared kitchen and meeting room. 24hr access. 443 1243

WINTER RENTAL: charming independent studio, for single or couple from May until end of ski season. Apply to [email protected]

services

ASPIRING MASSAGE WANAKA. Est 2004. Deep Tissue - Relaxation. Trevor Bailey. Full time massage since 1994. Ph 4432993 or 0274222455. www.aspiring-massagewanaka.co.nz

BOBCAT SERVICES: Earthmoving, tree transplant-ing, hard landscaping, section clearing. $75/hour, travel costs may apply. Steve 022 176 2748

CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE restoration – for all mo-torcycle maintenance. Tyres, oil, batteries, chains and brakes. Top brands, top service, pick-up and delivery. Contact John Holgate 0274322917

CYCLE INDOCHINA. Free colour brochure available now. Set departure join in tours. www.activeadventure-tours.co.nz 034452323

DRIVING LESSONS available. Call Nicky at Aspiring Drivers to book your lesson and become a confident and safe driver. 0210607310

FREE BUDGET ADVICE at Community Networks Wednesday 12 March.For appointments call 4437799.

HAIR@HOME!! 100% Italian hair products competetive rates, free shellac with every cut&colour, CND Acylic/Gel nail extensions 0226541230

HOUSE INSURANCE get a quote online now PLUS contents, Cars, Boat. www.bradleynuttallsouth.instant-cover.co.nz

HOUSE-SITTER AVAILABLE from 1 May. Happy to pay some rent too. Prof 38yr female. Call Petrina 0212045083.

JP SERVICES at Community Networks Tuesdays1pm and Fridays 10.30.For appointments call 4437799

LEAD LIGHTS /stained glass windows, lampshades and decretive mirrors designed and made to suit indi-vidual needs. restoration welcome. Phone 443 5530 for more info.

RUGS AND Blinds. Call Jae Services for a thorough clean. 443 1150

servicesMOVING SOLUTIONS Ltd. Full Pack service or cart only. I will get you 3 free quotations and you decide. Call [email protected] 021 048 2729

SUPERANNUATION DO you need to apply? You can do it at Community Networks Tuesday 11 March, Call 443 7799 for an appointment.

VASECTOMYS AVAILABLE here in Wanaka with Dr Simon Brebner at Aspiring Medical Centre.Ph 443 1226 for an appointment to discuss.

VINTAGE CAR restoration, mechanical & electrical, MOTOR HOME & CARAVAN repair and restoration. Steve Rumore 443.8854 or 022.176.2748

WANAKA WINDOW CLEANING professional, friendly, efficient service. Enjoy those mountain views. High, awk-ward windows a specialty. Paolo 021 0572505/ 4432420

WHEELS TO DUNSTAN:Free daily trans-port to Dunstan Hospital & Alexandra specialist appointments,Bookings call 4437799

wanted

ACAPPELLA WOMEN’S choir seeking a conductor. Please make enquiries to Kirsty at 0272005111.

A. PRO.10’S MACHINE.! IN. “GOOD ORDER” P.H ; TEXT O276318445,. THANK YOU.

1-2 BDRM house or unit wanted to rent from May. 38yr prof female. Wanaka, Albert Town or Luggate. Petrina 0212045083.

BOOKCASES (WOODEN) wanted. One tall and one for large books. Call paolo 4432420

GRUBBER FOR garden jobs wanted. Call paolo 4432420

HELP, PLEASE, is there an indoor pool available for use by a manual lymphatic drainage practitioner to use in behalf of clients? Will pay. Phone 0275783040

HOUSE HUNTING?WOULD u like2 consid-er sharing?longterm local looking4 place and person,female only.please contact kel asap 0223119113

HOUSE RENTAL needed from now until Easter for 1 careful tenant and 2 cats please contact Amanda 021 680 110

LOCAL MOTHER daughter require 2bdrm+ home.pre-fer wanaka,long term,furnished.will consider anything.good refs.please contact kel 0223119113

MUSIC WANTED. Piano version of ‘The Rose’ for a wedding. Phone 443 8681.

P.A WANTED real estate agency background familiar with power point property suite & excellent communica-tion & presentation skills ph 4432815

TWO BED apartment/house in Wanaka wanted to rent. Please call Antony on 022 614 9192.

WANTED - House swap this winter. Fancy a week in Auckland at the stunning Cheltenham beach? 10 mins to Britomart (Auckland Central) on the ferry. Stunning 3/4 bed villa (with car!) on beach front street (Rata Rd). Anytime late July - August. Call Mary on 021 615 007

WANTED A pro ‘10’s machine! it’s a medical device; any make./ in good order. for an “old guy” cheep? p.h. tx 0276318445. thanks

WANTED: 3 people required to test prototype time-ma-chine. Safety not garuanteed sorry. 0279466628.

WANTED: BIG screen projection TVs. Dead, obsolete or unwanted. For educational science project. Free pick-up. Steve 022 176 2748

what’s on‘COMMUNICATE FOR LIFE’ two day Personal Development course. Learn invaluable life skills in this award winning course. March 22/23 www.yourlifeliveit.com | [email protected]

LALALAND WANAKA. Great drinks on our outdoor deck with lake views. Open daily 4pm – late. Level 1, 99 Ardmore Street

PAPER PLUS Pushchair Challenge – Tuesday 4 March at 11am. How many prams will fit into the store? $5 per pram (with kids in them) donated to Upper Clutha Plunket and $100 worth of books given to one lucky person!

CONNECT WITH passed loved ones 19 Mar 7-9PM in Arrowtown with experienced psychic medium Miriana Fowler. Details & $30 tickets at 022 097 4596!

THE BITCHES’ Box & Mel Parsons Pre-sale tickets are $33 + booking fee available online now at event-finder.co.nz; Limited door-sales $40 may be available on the night if not sold out prior. For further information & booking details go to: www.bitchesbox.com. Cash only on the night.

Page 15: Wanaka Sun  27 Feb - 5 Mar 2014

THURSDAY 27.02.14 - WEDNESDAY 05.03.14 PAGE 15

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Page 16: Wanaka Sun  27 Feb - 5 Mar 2014

THURSDAY 27.02.14 - WEDNESDAY 05.03.14PAGE 16

Staff RepoRteR

Wanaka Sun

sunsport

WANAKA BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS: Mt Barker Pairs 1. North/South:- Marg Grieve, Ann-Louise Stokes 65.51%1. Heather Wellman, Deirdre Lynch 65.05% 2. Helen Mathewson, Laraine Shepherd 55.90% 3. East/West:- Michael Chapman Smith, Peter Recordon 67.75% 1. Murray & Jenny Pryde 64.49% 2. Noeline Raffills, Fran Holmes 57.61% 3. Friday Bridge 21 February. North/South:- Lynne Fegan, Maggie Stratford 64.86%1. Heather Wellman, Deirdre Lynch 60.66% 2. Noeline Goldsbrough, Linda Hodge 55.07% 3. East/West:- Gor-don& Gail Freeman 67.42% 1. John Cook, Susan Welsch 57.01% 2. Marion Furneaux,

Jenny Pryde 56.82% 3. Clu-tha Pairs 3. North/South:- Daphne Stewart, Deirdre Lynch 54.29%1. Lynne Clay, Michael Metzger 52.38% 2. Alan & Denise Bunn 51.43%3. East/West:- Jason Benton, Noeline Golds-brough 71.67% 1. Lynne Fegan, Caroline Field and Gerry Schwartz, Susan Welsch 56.11% 2=

LAKE HAWEA GOLF RESULTS. 23.2.14. Sta-blefords. Men. 1 Tony Ar-scott 46, 2 Joe Cotter 43, 3 Rick Johnston 43, 4 Gerry Browne 41, Dick Sullivan 41, Peter Recordon 41, Ty-ler Hale 41, Josiah Carnie 41. Ladies Alison Brown 34. Closest pin. no 1. Rick

Johnston. Two’s Rick John-ston no 1, Kahu Vincent no 3 & no 18. Birds / Net Eagles Rick Johnston.

WANAKA BOWLS RE-SULTS Week ending 21: 02:14 Friday Progressive Skip 1 Coleen Landsbor-ough 2 Glad Cross 3 John Barton. Third 1 Jim Skeggs 2 Dot Roper 3 Jon Barron Lead 1 Shirley Ironside 2= Iain Fletcher, Bron Kane 3 Tony Price. Wanaka Bowls Results Week ending 28: 02:14 Monday 2x4x2 24:02:14 1 Marj Morrish and Jon Barron 2 Scottie Cul-verwell and Sandy Morris 3 Trevor Tovey and David By-ers on c/b from George Rus-sell and Rob Mathewson

sport results

Sochi success for Wanaka athletes

Phoebe rides to gold

Success for seniors

Soccor season starts

Triple line construction

It was a winning weekend for both local senior cricket teams after a weekend off. The Albion Seniors played Queenstown at Luggate Cricket Ground. Albion was 198 all out with contributions from Tim Cotter, 72, and Ben Purvis, 57. Queenstown’s Eric Stanfield took six wickets for 20 runs. Albion’s Gareth Tate took four wickets for 16 runs and, with Queenstown all out at 122, the home side won by 76 runs.The Senior Reserves played Black Hills at Pembroke Park. Sean Webber was the best of the batsmen, scoring 37, with the home side winning by six wickets.

Football practice has already started in the Upper Clutha, for the under-6 to under-17 age groups. The junior club has six age groups that train on Wednesdays during the season: under-6, under-8 and under-10 train from 3.30pm until 4.30pm, and under-12, under-14 and under-17 train from 4.30pm.The final date for registrations for the Wanaka Associated Football Club 2014 season is March 5.

Construction is underway on a new intermediate triple line at Cardrona Parks NZ. The triple line will provide park riders with a smooth progression from the Weston’s Gap beginner park to the Heavy Metal park and it will range in size from five to ten metres long from lip to knuckle.

sportbriefOnly a medal could have made it better. One of New Zealand’s most successful Winter Olympic campaigns ever finished on Sunday, with Adam Barwood’s above-expectations 25th placing in men’s slalom. And then it was Wanaka’s Jossi Wells’ turn in the spotlight again, leading his team-mates into Fisht Olympic Stadium as New Zealand’s flag-bearer at the closing ceremony on Monday

morning. The 15-strong New Zealand

Olympic team delivered 11 top-16 finishes, including four “Olympic Diploma” top eight placings. The team’s best performances all came from Wanaka-based athletes competing in ski halfpipe, which made its debut on the Olympic programme at Sochi. This included a fourth, sixth and ninth respectively for Jossi, Beau-James Wells and Lyndon Sheehan in the men’s event, as well as a fifth place finish for Janina Kuzma in

the women’s halfpipe. Wanaka Skelelton racer

Katharine Eustace racer finished a credible 11th, in a performance that saw her beat the 2013 world champion. A Wanaka nod should also go to Amy Sheehan. Though she skis for Australia, Amy is a Wanaka local, and her tenth place in women’s halfpipe was widely celebrated in her home town.

New Zealand’s last appearance at a Winter Olympic Games, at Vancouver in 2010, yielded no top eight performances and four

top 16 results. The prospects are looking

even better for the New Zealand Paralympians who are set to compete at the Sochi Paralympic Winter Games starting on March 7. Both Adam Hall and Corey Peters reached the podium at the 2014 IPC Alpine Skiing National Championships and NorAm Cup held in Aspen earlier this month, and former world number one para-snowboarder Carl Murphy is a hot medal pick for the games.

Five young athletes, Paul Wright, Nick Toepfer, Alex Young, Julius Staufenberg a n d P h o e b e Young, travelled to Rotorua last week to compete in the National M o u n t a i n B i k e Championships. The course, which was a lot more technical than last

year, included a rock drop section that caused some anxiety, but an easier route had been built that was compulsory for the under-15 age group. Despite a few minor spills and some tired riders, the Wanaka contingent were all happy to have competed.

Phoebe (pictured r i g h t ) w o n t h e under-15 girls and

was awarded the National Champion t i t l e . P a u l w a s placed third, in a competitive field of 26 riders in the u n d e r - 1 7 m a l e category, and Julius was placed second i n t h e u n d e r - 15 boys.

The next main race is the Oceania Championships i n M o u n t H u t t (March 15-16).

Staff RepoRteR

Wanaka Sun

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Encouraging junior athletesStaff RepoRteR

Wanaka Sun

Wanaka’s Nicky Samuels, Dougal Allan and Braden Currie are among the high profile athletes who will be encouraging young athletes competing in the inaugural Northlake Junior Duathlon

event this Sunday.The run-bike-run event,

hosted by World Multisport and two-time Coast to Coast champion Braden Currie, includes a run through the Northlake subdivision and an off-road bike course. There are three age categories: 5-6 years, 7-8 years and 9-10 years, and

organisers hope to run the competition every year.

The aim of the duathlon is to inspire children to be involved with sport, in all the proceeds donated to the Wanaka and Hawea Flat primary schools to assist with the purchase of new sports equipment. Organisers hope children will

enter through their school or the duathlon’s Facebook page before the weekend, but they can enter on the day.

The duathlon starts at 10am, with registration from 9am to 9.30am. There will also be a gourmet barbecue, a slip and slide, music and games.