The election last October delivered a number of ‘change’ candidates – myself included. So a fair question to ask is “what has changed?” six months on.
My priority has been fostering inclusivity around the council table – no a and b team, sharing workloads, responsibilities and opportunities. Allowing councillors space to lead agendas on their committees, and supporting our governance role of oversight and organisational accountability.
We agreed on a new committee structure to better achieve this and have recruited three exceptional individuals to sit on our Risk & Assurance committee. Finance is a stand alone committee and we have a new Organisational Excellence committee with governance of a fair chunk of the organisations ‘what we do and how we do it’. We are in the advanced stages of building a board of directors for the new councilowned company that will deal with water and wastewater in the district and are ready to shortlist candidates to fill QLDC’s CE position on a permanant basis. I believe that in order to deliver meaningful change we need the right people in the right places and a team of councillors working towards better outcomes for our community. No winners, no losers. Better decision making. And that takes time. A measure will be how well we navigate some imminent decisions that are potentailly very divisive. Our response to some significant proposed rates rises. Do we accept a regional deal agreement that might be more hui than doi. Our approach to governments’ stick wielding ‘hurry up’ to mix and merge with other district councils as regional councils are abolished.
As councillors we are moving into the ‘how to make meaningiful and lasting change’ discussion. A move away from council BAU.
Restoring community trust is a key outcome we are striving for. Being open, being out there, being honest. It will take time to shift the dial here. We hear the cynicism. We took time to ask community groups and stakeholders what they are looking for in our next CE. We are trying to be more out there in the media. We are using councillors as advocates to government on your behalf.
Our ongoing challenge is how on earth do we ensure that infrastructure and services keep pace with our supercharged rate of residential growth? It takes time, money and people to ensure pipes and drains go to the right places at the right time but when fast track planning potentially delivers the equivalent of the population of Wānaka into the Whakatipu basin that becomes incrimentally harder.
The district builds five times more housing per head of population than any other large council in the country. This can only end well if government funds and delivers on its functions – state highways that aren’t gridlocked, schools that aren’t bursting at the seams and access to health that meets our needs. We welcome the investment in health recently announced by Minister Brown and look forward to constructive and collaborative discussions with other crown agencies that lead to wider investment in the district.
Good relationships around the council table, with our communities, with mana whenua, with government.
These foundational steps don’t make for sexy, newsworthy, clickbait headlines but without them we won’t make the meaningful change that we know is needed. John Glover, Mayor, QLDC
Sofia Taquet, Zelia Grizzo and Natasha Wilson on stage at Showbiz Queenstown’s 9 to 5 The Musical
ON THE APP THIS WEEK
2026 NZ Bird Conference & Birds New Zealand AGM 30 May-1 June
The 2026 NZ Bird Conference and Birds New Zealand AGM will be held in Wānaka on King’s Birthday weekend at the Lake Wānaka Centre. About 200 ornithologists and bird enthusiasts are registered to attend Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest annual conference on birds and bird research, which has been held in a different location every year since 2005 (except 2020).
The keynote speakers will be Hoani Langsbury and Paul Kavanagh. Hoani Langsbury (Ngaio House–Ecologist, Ōtākou. Kāi Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Waitaha, Rapuwai, Kati Hawea) will speak about a Te Ao Māori approach to ecological and conservation management through a practitioner’s lens. Paul Kavanagh is Chief Executive of the Southern Lakes Sanctuary which is a landscape-scale conservation project located in the Queenstown Lakes District and will speak about integrating technology with grassroots conservation in the context of their project. There will be more than 40 speakers including Nic Rawlence, Dawn Palmer, Katinka Rexer-Huber, Inka Pleiss, Colin Miskelly, Alan Tennyson, Ian Armitage, Mike Bell, Oscar Thomas, Ann-Katrin
Schlesselmann, Ilse Corkery, Phil Battley, Francesca Cunninghame, Graham Parker, Isabelle Beaudoin, Erin Marshall, Julia Kovács, Olivia Rowley, Olivia Ediriweera, Rahman Rasyidi, Theo Atkinson, Louise Bodt, Ian G. Van Tets, Scott Bourke, Daniel Cocker, Sarah Forder, Anya Kruszewski, Philippa Agnew, Guozheng Li, Christopher Bycroft, Scott Jarvie, Cilla Wehi and Quinn Berentson.
The speakers will cover a wide range of subjects, including moa de-extinction, bird behaviour, bird conservation, habitat use, migratory movements, breeding success, predation, population trends, banding, bird songs, bird diets, at-sea ranges, genomics, evolution, seabird bycatch, new research technologies including aerial drones and remote tracking technology, and the work of Birds New Zealand.
Study birds featured will include Little Spotted Kiwi, Kea, Antipodean Albatross, Saddleback, Little Penguin, Fiordland Crested Penguin, Emperor Penguin, Black Stilt, NZ Fairy Tern, Bellbird, Black-fronted Tern, Southern NZ Dotterel, Yellowhead, Fernbird, NZ Falcon, Red
Knot, South Island Pied Oystercatcher, NZ Fantail, Silvereye, Black Petrel, Chatham Taiko, Chatham Petrel, Sooty Shearwater, Grey-faced Petrel, Fairy Prion, Hutton’s Shearwater and NZ King Shag.
There will also be a poster session, a photo competition, workshops and post-conference guided field trips. At the end of the conference, Birds New Zealand will hold its AGM and present its annual awards (The Robert Falla Memorial Award, Meritorious Service Awards, Student Presentation Awards, Poster & Photo Competition Awards).
by Sue Fea
Frankton volunteer firefighter Paul Halsted has gone down in history as the Frankton Volunteer Brigade’s first ever chief fire officer, with the busy brigade continuing to see increasing callouts year after year.
Paul, formerly in charge of the brigade as senior station officer, was bestowed with the new honour by FENZ Otago Lakes group assistant commander Nic McQuillan early last week.
McQuillan says the increasingly busy Frankton brigade has previously come under the jurisdiction of the Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade and its chief fire officer, Terry O’Connell. “Paul was just officer in charge before, and this is definitely a promotion. It’s a big deal for the brigade as it’s the inaugural one,” McQuillan says.
“It’s very timely for Frankton to become its own entity and time to recognise all the hard work that’s gone into getting the brigade to the stage where its fully functioning on its own,” he says.
Paul, 45, first joined the Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade in early 2008 and was a volunteer there until moving to Frankton in 2017, clocking 18 years’ service in total so far.
He says they’ve always had a great relationship with Queenstown as a subbrigade and been given a free rein to run the Frankton station as they see fit with Queenstown’s support. “It’s super humbling for me for sure, but it’s a team effort and we have a great team,” Halsted says. “I’m super chuffed.”
Station officer Karl Argyle says Frankton’s callout numbers continue to climb with 127 from 1 January this year until Friday, 15 May, compared with 301 for all of last year. That includes 24 fires, 38 motor vehicle accidents, four medical callouts, 49 alarm activations and 12 other (miscellaneous) callouts. Argyle says 2024-25 saw 271 callouts, the previous year 258 and the year before 244.
“We’re getting almost one callout a day now and we’re currently up about 10 callouts on this time last year. Our numbers are way higher,” he says.
Halsted says that’s put pressure on the brigade’s 30 loyal volunteers, which includes eight women, and they’ve just had to recruit six more prospective firefighters – one a woman.
It’s a far cry from the handful of men who put their hands up at a public meeting to form a separate Frankton volunteer brigade in 1973, with only a handful of callouts annually in those initial years.
The officers say that while not much will change in the day-to-day running of the brigade the new structure will allow more room for leadership roles and greater growth with experienced firefighters able to train up newcomers. “We will gain a few more leadership roles so there’s that potential for people to climb up the ranks,” Halsted says.
The new appointment will be followed by the appointment of a deputy chief fire officer yet to be announced.
Frankton Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Paul Halsted, right, being congratulated on his new appointment by FENZ Otago Lakes group assistant commander Nic McQuillan
Social English Classes
Queenstown
Frankton
CRIMELINE
by Sue Fea
Critical and serious injuries - Grievous assault in Hallenstein Street
The two victims of an alleged grievous assault at a Hallenstein Street address just after 11pm on 8 May – one who was in a critical condition and one serious, have both been discharged from hospital, one facing further surgery, Police say.
Two men, aged 20 and 37, will reappear in the Queenstown District Court on Monday, 18 May, Sergeant Tracy Haggart says.
Two ambulances responded to the incident and a St John spokesperson says the two patients – one in a serious condition and one critical, were transported to Lakes District Hospital.
Acting Senior Sergeant Iain Notman says those allegedly involved in the grievous assault were known to each other. Two men, 20 and 37, were taken into custody at the scene without incident. They were charged with obstructing Police and two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, he says.
A scene guard was in place at the weekend, while a scene examination took place.
Watch out for your neighbours!
A 47-year-old Frankton man has been charged with serious assault after becoming incensed with his Frankton neighbour’s coughing on Saturday night, 9 May.
Senior Sergeant Glenn Wilkinson says the man was charged after taking exception to the noise coming from the unit next door around 10.30pm, allegedly confronting the male occupant by punching and kicking him as soon as he opened his door. The victim sustained minor injuries, and the incensed man was charged with assault with intent to injure, Wilkinson says.
Keeping score
Four young Queenstown men were let off with formal warnings for fighting in a public place after a fight broke out at 4.20am on Sunday, 10 May, in Camp Street over a recent football match in town. Haggart says the fight allegedly broke out between two groups with men, aged between 24 and 35, actively punching one another.
Last drinks
A 35-year-old Queenstown man refused service at a bar in Eureka Arcade just after 1am on Friday, 8 May, was arrested after allegedly struggling with a security guard while being removed from the premises. Haggart says the man was charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting Police. He appears in court on 26 June.
78-year-old cyclist knocked off her bike on highway
A 78-year-old woman cyclist was knocked off her bike on the Lake HayesArrow Junction Highway at 5.45pm on Wednesday, 13 May, after being hit by a Nissan X-Trail vehicle that had slowed to almost a stop to avoid her as she moved out around a road cone, Haggart says. The Nissan, travelling in the same direction as the cyclist on the shoulder was allegedly hit from behind by a Toyota Landcruiser driven by a 29-year-old Christchurch driver. The Landcruiser following the Nissan had failed to slow down in time, allegedly colliding with the first vehicle pushing it into the 78-year-old cyclist, knocking her off her bike, Haggart says. The cyclist suffered minor scrapes and bruises, and an infringement notice was issued to the alleged offending driver.
Wooden truss falls on builder – Moderate injuries
A builder was taken to Lakes District Hospital in a moderate condition with what was believed to be suspected spinal injuries after a wooden truss fell on him soon after 12.30pm on Thursday, 14 May.
Frankton Fire Brigade volunteers were called to the scene and lifted the man down from a building site in Metzger Road, Hanley’s Farm, using a special scoop, Station Officer Karl Argyle says.
A waiting St John Ambulance crew then treated the patient, transporting him to Lakes District Hospital in what a spokesperson says was a moderate condition.
Crashes while parking
A 20-year-old Christchurch woman allegedly crashed into a parked vehicle in Brisbane Street at 6pm on Saturday, 9 May, after mixing up drive and reverse while trying to park her vehicle, Haggart says. The vehicle began to roll downhill, and she says the woman panicked and accelerated while in reverse, crashing into the parked vehicle.
Monday to Friday 7:30-5:30pm
Level 1, 30 Grant Road, Five Mile Shopping Centre www.curiousminds.co.nz
qt-manager@curiousminds.co.nz | 03 974 4650 Find us on Facebook
COMMUNITY NOTES
Information Clinics for all service personnel
On Thursday, 21 May between the hours of 10am - 2pm, Queenstown and Arrowtown RSAs in conjunction with Veterans Affairs New Zealand are offering information clinics for all service personnel, whatever their service or age, at the Queenstown Events Centre, Joe O’Connell Drive Frankton.
WE KNOW YOU ARE OUT THERE IN OUR COMMUNITY and also aware that in the “Book of Life” there are chapters that we would prefer to forget. We, however, would like you to be aware of what support your local RSA and
New Zealand Veterans Affairs can offer you due to your service for your country.
New Zealand Returned and Services Association, commonly known as the RSA, was established in 1916. It was formed by returning Anzac soldiers during World War I to provide support and welfare for servicemen, women and their families, and to foster comradeship.
Veterans Affairs New Zealand (part of the New Zealand Defence Force) provides support, entitlements and recognition to former and current military personnel with qualifying service and their families. This is to ensure veterans can be well at home, at work, and in their communities.
In 2014 the Veterans Support Act was passed to provide services specifi cally for those whose well-being has been affected by their military service.
In April 2025, the government introduced new legislation to recognise more former defence personnel as veterans. The government proposed a stand alone Veterans Recognition Bill, for more information regarding this come along to our clinics on 21 May. You never know, you may be entitled to support of some kind that you weren’t aware of.
On a more local note Queenstown and Arrowtown RSAs operate alongside each other managing commemorations in the Wakatipu
area. Both maintain an executive committee to support veterans and their families.
In terms of offering comradeship to veterans in the Wakatipa area, social events are held each week on a Friday between 5pm - 7pm at the Queenstown RSA, located in the Queenstown Memorial Centre. Anyone can pop in for a chat, a game of pool or darts, a coffee, or drink. We have entertainment with the Ukuladies musical group, toasted sandwich nights – tastiest and cheapest you will fi nd in town. We welcome new members.
Our local RSAs are small groups of men and women who work tirelessly in our communities with generosity and warmth. We want to get stuff done and provide support in our everexpanding community. The Queenstown RSA has an impressive library of military history and books, which are able to be borrowed.
Back to our clinic: Come along to the Events Centre, Joe O’Connell, Drive Frankton, between 10am – 2pm on 21 May. We are looking forward to meeting with you.
T&Cs apply, contact us on 03 442 9995 or email
T&Cs apply, contact us on 03 442 9995 or email
to plan your next function.
WINTER IS COMING
The temperature is dropping, Coronet Peak’s Snow Factory is pumping and winter is well and truly on its way. It’s a good time to start preparing for the colder months ahead, from tuning up your equipment to ordering firewood, getting your gutters cleaned, learning how to correctly put on snow chains and more. Here are some ways to get ready for the winter 2026.
1/ Check your gear: If you’re here for skiing/snowboarding/ mountain activities, it’s probably a good time to pull out last year’s gear and give it a good once over. Book any equipment in for a tune before the tourists descend on town. Last year there were a few pre-season deals to be had, so look out for special offers. If anything needs replacing, you’re in luck with the Whakatipu Ski Club Annual Snow Sale coming up, plus lots of stores are having pre-season sales such as Browns Ski Shop. The op shops have a good selection too – worth a peruse.
2/ Get your health in check: Start taking supplements now to bolster your immune system, pop by for your flu vaccine and hope that you get away without illness this winter. Prioritising sleep, managing stress and regularly exercising will also help your immune system. It’s also a good time to evaluate the warmth and dryness of your house as this will go a long way towards keeping you healthy.
3/ Employers and employees: It’s a great time for employees to change roles into something new and exciting, and for employers to secure staff before the rush. There’s always a lot of movement in Queenstown’s job market during winter as the population grows and seasonal work becomes available – there are some great opportunities to be had. The Lakes Weekly or Jobfix are both good places to have a look for local jobs, or list themsee the current offer of advertising for two weeks and only paying for one.
4/ Get the house ready: Clean out those gutters, get your chimney swept, order firewood, service the heat pump, get your switchboard upgraded, sort annual pest control and do a good old spring clean. It’s a perfect time to upgrade your heating — Gary Anderson is offering up to 50% off selected heaters. Once it gets colder – and darker –you’re not going to want to be scrambling. Get onto those annoying jobs, all the ones that have been put in the ‘later’ pile. Get those pests under control and gone for the winter with Spiderban. The load that winter appliances can put on your electronics can cause safety issues, so be sure to do a good check and get any upgrades done – House Electrical can help you out here.
As
Locals’ deals
to name a few.
Head to queenstownnz.co.nz/locals-may for a extensive list of what’s going on.
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is inviting proposals from experienced food and beverage operators keen to run the café at the Queenstown Events Centre (QEC) in Frankton.
The café sits in the main foyer of QEC and serves a busy flow of gym-goers, swimmers, sports teams, event attendees, and whānau using the facility every day.
With the current licence approaching its end, QLDC is seeking an experienced operator to commence from 21 July 2026.
All proposals need to be submitted by 5.00pm on Friday 22 May 2026.
Visit www.qldc.govt.nz/cafe-rfp for
and to submit.
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART
THEATRE - AT THE
GALLERIES
9 to 5 The Musical
EVENT
Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world. 9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss (Franklin Hart Jnr.). In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down.
When: Thursday, 14 May – Saturday, 23 May
Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown
Snow Fest
You’re invited to Snow Fest! Celebrating Queenstown’s earliest-ever start to winter, thanks to Coronet Peak’s new Snow Factory. Held between Coronet and town, they’re bringing back some of Queenstown’s best Winter Festival traditions – with a fresh take. Keen to get amongst it? Check out the two days of events that are planned around King’s Birthday Weekend. There’s a rail jam, polar plunge, après at Altitude, snow dig, and suitcase race. They’d love to see you there!
When: Friday, 29 – Saturday, 30 May Where: Various locations around town
Winter Market
Digital Skills for Seniors
Do you (or someone you know) want to feel more confident using a computer, phone or tablet? This relaxed, supportive four-week course is designed especially for seniors who want to learn at a comfortable pace. It’s a free course, but you do need to enrol with Southern REAP. Computers are provided or BYO device.
When: Tuesdays, from 19 May – 9 June, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Free Community Craft Night: Ekphrastic Creative Writing Workshop
Join Te Atamira on the third Tuesday of each month for Community Craft - a free, drop-in night to explore creative forms like writing, sewing, and dance. All levels and ages welcome. Come along and hone a craft! The next event will be a workshop on ekphrastic writing. Learn about its history and draw inspiration from the Infinite Possibilities exhibition at Te Atamira.
When: Tuesday, 19 May, 7pm – 8pm
Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
Pink Ribbon Breakfast
The Edge is hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast at Odd Saint to raise vital funds for breast cancer education, research and patient support. Join them for a fun morning with a delicious breakfast and give back to a worthy cause. Tickets are $50pp + booking fee. Your ticket includes Odd Saint breakfast, filter coffee, a glass of bubbles, live DJ set, charity auction with exclusive prizes and $20 donation to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
When: Thursday, 21 May, 7.30am – 9am
Where: Odd Saint, 1 Earl Street, Queenstown
Signature Fly Tying & Yarns with Ollie Bassett
Please come and join Remarkables Market for the first of their 2026 Winter Market Series. Hot food, hot drinks, brunch and lunch options, crafts and winter specials. Live music and free parking on site.
When: Saturday, 30 May, 10am – 2pm
Where: Corner of Red Oaks and Hawthorne Drive, Remarkables Park
BONES: A One Man Play by Julian Noel
BONES is a one-man play by Julian Noel. At some point, someone in the family has to tell the truth. It’s drawn from real stories – the kind most families never speak aloud. On a bare stage, Julian Noel shifts between characters, memories and moments that shaped a life. An old woman. A pastor. A child. A boy trying to make sense of it all. And then, finally, himself. There’s nowhere to hide.
When: Saturday, 23 May, 4pm – 7pm Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
More events available at WHAT’S ON on the Queenstown App
Download the Queenstown App today
ARTS MARKET
Join Patagonia Tāhuna at their Fly Bar for an evening with Ollie Bassett as he ties a selection of his signature patterns, shares stories of chasing fish around the globe, and provides tips on fly design and technique to improve your angling. Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve tied flies since you were a child or your young ones are interested in fly fishing. Head to olliebassettflytying.splashthat.com to RSVP - walk ins are also welcome.
Bring in your broken treasures: clothes, shoes, electrical appliances, electronics, toys, bikes, jewellery, and more. One of the volunteer Repair Heroes are willing to have a go at anything. Learn how to fix your favourite jumper, give some TLC to that trusty toaster, and save them from ending up in landfill. Free event! Repair Revolution is created by Wastebusters and supported by QLDC Zero Waste District Programme.
When: Saturday, 23 May, 10am – 2pm
Where: Salvation Army, 8 Pin Oak Avenue, Frankton
Whakatipu Ski Club Annual Ski Sale
The WSC Snow Sports Sale is an annual community event and a well-loved pre-season fixture for the Queenstown Lakes district. The annual sale enables individuals and families to buy and sell snow sports gear at affordable prices. It’s really a sophisticated swap shop with anything reasonably priced guaranteed to sell.
When: Sunday, 24 May, 10am – 12pm
Where: Queenstown Event Centre, Joe O’Connell Drive, Frankton
HOSPOGUIDE
Pizza Night 15% off large pizzas, dine in or takeaway*
Quiz at 7pm!
your team on 03 442 5555 or info@lokalqt.co.nz
Everyday Café 1904 Coffee and Scone $10
Tuesday No Public Sessions Free to Watch Hockey from 4.15pm
Calico 8.30pm
Everyday Bar 1904 Cocktail & Bowls $25 Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm
Café 1904 Daily Coffee and Bowls for $15 between 10am and 12pm
Everyday Bar 1904 Beers and Bowls for $20 from 4pm to 6pm
Everyday Café 1904 Waipiata Pie and Bowls $25
Everyday Bar 1904 $8 Premium Beers $8 Spirits & $10 Gibbston Valley Wine
Everyday OPEN TO PUBLIC Everyone Welcome
Thursday Limited Ice Bumper Cars from 1.15pm3pm
Friday SKYCITY STAMPEDE VS CANTERBURY RED DEVILS TICKETS ONLINE
Saturday SKYCITY STAMPEDE VS CANTERBURY RED DEVILS TICKETS ONLINE
Sunday FREE TO WATCH ICE HOCKEYSUNDAY SOCIAL LEAGUE 5.15pm-10pm
Monday Closed for Public Sessions Free to Watch Ice Hockey from 5.30pm Wednesday FREE TO WATCH ICE HOCKEY - JURASSIC LEAGUE 6.30pm-10pm
Monday / Tuesday RR Burger & Pint for $28 ALL DAY GF/Veg Available
DJ Stubacca 9pm
241 Pizzas starting from 5pm
Wednesday/Thursday Loaded Chips & Pint for $24 OR Hog Chips & Pint for $30 ALL DAY
DJ Aidan 9pm
$3 slices from 8pm - 10pm
Rob Glen 9pm
Friday Spice Bag & a Pint for $26 ALL DAY GF/Veg Available
$10 Jagerbombs | $10 Coronas |
$6 Beer handles 7 days a week Open 12pm to Late Everyday
Tuesday Dave Arnold from 8pm
Mo Ackerman from 8pm
DJ Mad 9pm
Family deals from 5pm
$7 Jack Daniels & Coca-Cola & Absolut & Sprite RTDS
Latin Party from 11pm
Hangry As has taken over the Rhinos Kitchen – Check out the menu on insta @hangryas_ queenstown
8am - 9am Coffee Happy Hour 50% off when you byo keep cup Everyday Happy Hour 3pm - 5pm
Orange from 8.30pm
Live music with Peti from 6pm
Dave Arnold from 8.30pm
Dave Bell from 7.30pm Monday Sean Tinker from 8.30pm
Dave Bell from 6pm
Tai Forrester from 6pm
HOSPOGUIDE
$10 House beer & wine
$16 Cocktails
R20 Venue. Drink Responsibly. Spend & Win
Spend $25 of food at Level Two Bar & Lounge and go in the draw to WIN 2x standing tickets to a SkyCity Stampede game!
R20 venue. T&Cs apply. Limit one entry per day.
Also serving Lamb Shanks, Blue Cod and other delicious southern classics
Super Rugby & NRL $10 Espresso martinis 3-5pm
Promote your bar/pub’s gigs
From events and televised sports games to mouthwatering food and drink specials, dynamic DJs, and live music. Join in on the fun! Cat@qmg.co.nz | Kylee@qmg.co.nz
SnackMenu&CabinetSelectionAllDay www.queenstowngolf.co.nz 755PeninsulaRoad,KelvinHeights QUEENST SUN-TR BRUN LOCAT 8am-5:30 Main Menu 8 Snack Menu & Cabin www queenst 755 Peninsula Roa OWN’S AP CH ION pm daily am-2:30pm et Selection
8am-5:30pmdaily MainMenu8am-2:30pm
Arts+Culture
Live Irish music with a backdrop of Super 8s
Sean Kelly will bring his show of Irish music played to the backdrop of Super 8 films from his father’s collection. The sensory-rich experience will blend authentic Irish music together with authentic imagery, with a goal to entertain and enlighten, leaving the audience with an elusive sense of wonder.
Originally from Ireland, Kelly came to New Zealand in 1990 and has been playing music every year since then. He started working as a full-time musician around 12 years ago and has been loving it. The show will feature his original music alongside a curated collection of songs from other artists. He will also share dialogue on a tumultuous time in Northern Ireland’s history, as well as the short films, which were captured by his father in Derry and Donegal from 1958 to 1988.
“He’s recorded incidents of trouble and also urban landscapes of Derry and people, also rural landscapes in Donegal, where we used to escape any trouble to the sanctuary of, which is in the Republic of Ireland,” Kelly says.
BBC Northern Ireland learned that Kelly’s dad had some good footage of historic events, including the Pope’s visit to Ireland, and an orca that came up the River Foyle that was named Dopey Dick. They offered to digitise the his entire collection of movies as long as they were able to use them.
by Jessica Allen
“I didn’t, sort of, realise the significance of this historical record, particularly in the likes of Derry, that was badly affected by the troubles. Buildings that my dad took pictures of and videos of in the 50s and 60s, which were blown up in the 70s – they don’t exist anymore – so there’s that great historical record that I, and we, now have access to.”
Kelly saw the stories on BBC Northern Ireland and felt that they needed to spread further, which is why he decided to take them around New Zealand, and hopes to continue on to as many countries as possible.
“It’s also entertaining. Some of the movies are funny and I have either written songs to go with the music or used other people’s songs that seem to fit in to what’s on the screen. But it’s taken an awful lot of editing to get 20 songs either edited or written to sync up.”
Kelly explains that beyond the Irish history shown, it’s just a nice time casual capsule of a period that is gone – people will often come up
"I didn’t realise the significance of this historical record, particularly in the likes of Derry, that was badly affected by the troubles."
to him after shows commenting on old cars, the lack of mobile phones, the fashion, and more. “30 years of special occasions and special events makes quite interesting footage, rather than today, where people are posting pictures of their breakfast.”
Kelly will tell stories alongside each of the videos – some short, some much longer – as well as about the accompanying music. He’ll also be on vocals, whistles, bodhran and guitar, accompanied by Jono Lonie on fiddle and electric mandolin, and Maree Limpus on AV and cello. While he doesn’t want to give away all the music in the show, you can expect to hear Amazing Grace, Nothing Else Matters by Metallica, and The Time I Love So Well by Phil Coulter.
“And in my tribute to Elvis, we sing Can’t Help Falling In Love, which runs the show out. There’s videos of couples and it represents everybody that’s in love – I think it’s always a nice thing to leave people with. Some of the stuff is quite profound, we have people laughing, we have people crying, but I think leaving people with that sense that love conquers all is a nice way to finish off the show.
Sean Kelly will play at Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall on Friday, 22 May, at 7.30pm. Tickets and more information can be found at events.humanitix. com/sean-kelly-and-the-super-8
Where would a Council office work best?
People head into our offices for heaps of reasons: to register a dog, pay rates, or get advice in person. But which location will best suit the needs of our growing community? Now’s the time to share your views on a future home for Council services. How about central Queenstown, something closer to Frankton, or somewhere else? And is the current office in Wānaka working for the Upper Clutha? Get full details and have your say before 21 June at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/cab
Learn how to fit snow chains
Prepare for winter driving with our FREE chain fitting workshop. Gain hands-on practice fitting your own chains to your vehicle (don’t forget to bring them along!). Come and see us in the Queenstown Events Centre car park (Frankton) between 10.00am –1.00pm, Wednesday 3 June.
Robins Rd closed for wastewater upgrades
We’d like to thank everyone for their patience as work continues on Robins Road. The section between Hamilton Road and Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel will be closed to all traffic until August for important wastewater upgrades. But all nearby businesses, shops and hotels remain open. Get the latest updates at www.qldc.govt.nz/robins-road-ww
LitFest returns for 2026
Queenstown Lakes Libraries is hosting a vibrant programme of FREE literary events this May and June, celebrating stories, creativity and community. Enjoy author talks, poetry workshops, neurodiversity sessions and more. Explore the full programme and book your spot at https://qldclibraries.govt.nz/whats-on?tag=litfest
Skippers Road closures (rescheduled)
Skippers Road will be temporarily closed at the saddle through to around the 3.5km mark for maintenance during certain weekday hours from 8 –19 June (weather dependent). Closures will be 8.30am –12.00pm then 12.30 –4.30pm Mon –Fri. The road will open at midday for 30 minutes to allow vehicles to pass in both directions. Weekends are unaffected.
Don’t bin batteries or vapes
Batteries and vapes, especially those containing lithium, are highly flammable if damaged or mishandled. Please keep them out of rubbish and recycling bins. Household batteries and vapes can be recycled free of charge at Queenstown transfer station, Glenda Drive.
Alcohol licence applications
All recently lodged alcohol licence applications are on our website. Any objections must be made within 25 working days of the public notice being published. Visit www.qldc.govt.nz/services/alcohol-licensing
ON THE APP THIS WEEK
Pūāhuru (Jims Way) Bridge
Following the announcement from Minister of Transport Chris Bishop, Queenstown Trails is delighted to announce a partnership with Waka Kotahi NZTA and Queenstown Lakes District Council to deliver more vital active transport infrastructure in the form of the Pūāhuru Bridge at Jims Way, a walking and cycling crossing of State Highway 6, to enable a safe and integrated passage to Frankton from the eastern suburbs of Ladies Mile and Lower Shotover.
The bridge project, originally part of the ‘Whakatipu Active Transport Network’ has been enabled through funding commitment from NZTA via Kā Huanui a Tāhuna, the Whakatipu Transport Programme Alliance, with support from Queenstown Trails via a generous grant from the Mactodd Community Charitable Trust.
With detailed design already completed, NZTA will commence with construction of the bridge this year. Queenstown Trails will deliver the trail connections on each side of the bridge, with the new trail on the southern (Hardware Lane) side linking into the existing shared pathways in front of Bunnings and Five Mile and through the new BP intersection. QLDC is supporting these trail connections with the provision of safe crossing interventions at Tucker Beach Road, Hawthorne Drive and Grant Road. Queenstown Trails CEO Mark ‘Willy’ Williams stresses the importance of collaborations to get these projects done. “This bridge will be a gamechanger for enabling active transport opportunities, linking recreational trails to commuter trails from all corners of our community. It’s only happening because a lot of different people from different organisations lobbied and advocated for this essential crossing over a number of years.”
Williams notes this project, in conjunction with the Jacks Point to Frankton Trail also under development, solves a significant chunk of the severed cycling infrastructure from our fastest growing residential suburbs. As our roads become busier, providing alternate options for getting around will be essential for the next generation.
Those are sentiments echoed by the Lightfoot Initiative’s Co-Founder Amanda Robinson, who have also been instrumental in lobbying for this project to be delivered. “Until we have a safe and well-connected network of commuter trails, we can’t expect behavioural change to more active modes from our community. This vital connection removes those barriers, provides options for commuting and gives comfort to parents to allow their kids to cycle safely to high school.”
The project is scheduled to start construction later this year.
Pūāhuru Bridge Render. Credit NZTA
by Sue Fea
My Life story
GILLIAN MACLEOD
In safe hands
A Queenstown architect for almost 50 years and Queenstown Lakes District councillor for nine, Gillian Macleod also juggled motherhood - four kids, and multiple voluntary roles, amid the many meetings.
Now 70, she was not only very involved with Frankton Playcentre, school PTAs and the Environmental Defence Society back in the day, but also the Wakatipu Yacht Club and Ski Club, and, out of necessity, the local babysitting club. Busy mums took turns sitting each other’s kids. Passionate about preserving architectural treasures, Gillian also founded the Wakatipu Heritage Trust.
She’s never been afraid to take on a new challenge, arriving in Queenstown alone at 21, already a welltravelled Auckland architecture graduate.
“When I was 13 Dad took the family on a trip around the world in a campervan, an amazing education,” she says.
It was 1969 and in Iran the entire family was escorted to their hotel by Police and told to “put our clothes on”. “Us girls were in miniskirts and the boys in shorts. We had a whole mob following us and we didn’t know why,” she grins. They were in New York for the mass tickertape parade the day the first astronauts landed on the moon.
School holidays were spent plugging screeds of numbers into paper spreadsheets using an old calculator while her engineer dad was designing a new Auckland public transport system proposed by then mayor Sir Dove-Meyer Robinson.
“I think that’s where my love of urban design was born,” Gillian, who returned to Auckland Uni while still Mum to a teenager, says. She completed a Masters in Urban Design with First Class Honours. A graduate of Auckland’s Epsom Girls’ Grammar, Gillian earned an ‘A’ Bursary at just 16 heading to uni to study architecture. “I’d always loved art and drawing.”
Part way through she took a year off for an
exchange to Germany where her very liberal Lutheran host father divided his stipend, giving his six kids and Gillian 100 Deutschmark each and sending them off alone. “I was 18 and hitched to Amsterdam with the two 13-year-olds,” she says. “Everybody in the family smoked, including the 8-year-old, so I did too, but when my mother came to pick me up at the airport with my rollyour-owns, she threatened to take me to a hostel, so I threw them out the window,” Gillian laughs.
“When I was 13 Dad took the family on a trip around the world in a campervan, an amazing education.”
She had travelled extensively that year but returned to complete her degree, graduating top of the Auckland School of Architecture and her 70-strong class, just eight who were women then. Arriving in Queenstown to work for John Blair at 21 in the late 70s, Gillian met electrician husband of 42 years Roger Norton at Eichardt’s Pub. “He was looking for a flat and I said he could join mine if he brought a stereo. He built two huge Ferro cement speakers. It took two people to carry them in!” Roger also rewired her cold, tiny Panorama Terrace house that only had one electric socket. “I thought, ‘Here’s a man who will make things I only dream of, and on time for me, so I married him,” she grins.
At 26 Gillian launched her own practice, seeking out good tradespeople and new materials the hard way without the internet. She helped found the local Design Practice Support Group, which she was involved with for over 20 years.
“Designing 10 houses a year was the norm back then. Now it’s two. They were much simpler. Ensuites were virtually unheard of then.”
After time overseas together, eldest son Hugo
was on the way and they built a home at Sunshine Bay – Gillian designing, Roger building.
As mum of three by the 1990s, Gillian went into practice in Bathhouse Studios with local heritage architect Jackie Gillies who’d saved the historic lakefront Bathhouse which they refurbished. They both fell pregnant so Gillian, sure she’d never find a nanny for four, quit the practice but always had something ticking over on the drawing board.
In 2001 she was invited to a community meeting at actor Sam Neill’s house where a group of residents, concerned about the extent at which the council was carving up rural land for housing, urged her to stand for election.
She was the highest polling councillor that year –2001, leaving some satisfying accomplishments as her legacy – her greatest joy being a founding member of Queenstown Trails Trust. “The council wanted to sell off all the disused paper roads after pressure from landowners,” she says.
Saving the One Mile Powerhouse from demolition was another coup and as the chair of strategy and planning for five years, she helped drive a suggestion that the Jack’s Point landowners fund an affordable housing trust.
Gillian was also a strong advocate for a community swimming pool, driving the Aquatic Centre project with Rick Pettit and Christine Kelly, sent on a national tour of successful pool complexes.
The postgrad study was next, leaving youngest Jonty to survive on Roger’s mince and peas for 10 months. “I now use that urban design qualification to write to the council,” she grins.
Her swansong was their middle son’s home, which Roger helped build.
An active member of the Green Party locally, retirement has given Gillian time to pursue her passion for the environment.
“My blood pressure’s returned to normal now that I’m not responsible for other people’s money,” she smiles.
Gillian with one of her three grandchildren, Florence, on a special date recently
Gillian, second left, front row, in toga enjoying Marty Strain’s, centre, 21st fancy dress around 1980. Tony Strain in pink dress, Mike Mee, second left rear.
Gillian on her wedding day - 1984
Gillian and her friend, Diana Ward, skiing at Coronet Peak - 1981
Monthly Column
Joseph Mooney MP for Southland
It’s hard to put into words how pleased I am about the government’s announcement of $180 million of new health funding coming to Otago Central Lakes over the next four years, and a commitment to a future integrated care hospital for inland Otago.
Since entering politics, healthcare for the inland Southland and Otago community has been a major focus of mine. Our community has grown quickly over recent decades, and public health services simply haven’t kept up.
In a media piece back in 2022 I discussed the need for an out-of-the-box solution to see more public health services closer to home for people in Queenstown-Lakes, Central Otago and the Upper-Clutha.
In 2023 I had a fortuitous coffee at Frankton Marina with Helen Foot, a locally-based expert in health systems and infrastructure who was then doing all her work in Australia. We agreed to work together on trying to use innovative ways to seek to break through decades of planning inertia. Helen’s expertise has been invaluable and her work immense, putting in hundreds of thousands of dollars of pro-bono work driven by her passion for our community.
The then QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers and his then CEO Mike Theelan, and the then CODC Mayor Tim Cadogan agreed to form a working group with Helen and I, and they deserve a lot of credit for taking a leap of faith and putting a lot of work into this.
MP for Waitaki Miles Anderson, Todd Stephenson MP, and new CODC Mayor Tamah Alley then came on board, and their support has been outstanding.
WATCH REPAIRS NOW
For all your repairs, watches, clocks, batteries, key cutting & straps. Level One, Stratton House (Below Sky City), 24 Beach Street, Queenstown Mon - Fri, 9.30am till 5.30pm. Closed on Saturdays. Phone/ text: 027 217 0442
With the announcement from Health Minister Simeon Brown here in Queenstown last week, planning is now underway to expand locally delivered healthcare services, backed by new funding to grow primary, diagnostic, maternity, mental health, addiction, and outpatient services in the Otago Central Lakes region – Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell, Clyde and Alexandra.
There is also now a pathway forward at a later point for an integrated general hospital in the region. That will be a conversation for another day, including where it could be located.
70 per cent of New Zealanders who live more than two hours from a base hospital live in Otago Central Lakes. This plan is about changing that, so more patients can get the care they need locally, without travelling hours to Dunedin or Invercargill.
I’m incredibly thankful to Health Minister Simeon Brown, who took the work and the report our group prepared on board, directed Health New Zealand to prepare a Clinical Services Plan - the first one done for a region in decades in New Zealand, and the fastest one ever done, and that has culminated in this announcement.
A lot of people initially said that what we aimed to do was impossible and told me essentially not to waste my time, because people had tried for years and hadn’t really got anywhere.
However, over the last few years many more people have worked together through some at times very challenging moments, to make the impossible a reality.
Another major announcement from last week was Transport Minister Chris Bishop green-lighting a new cycling and walking bridge at Jim’s Way across SH6 just up the hill from the Shotover Bridge.
Carrying around 27,000 vehicles a day, SH6 in Queenstown is a busy state highway and this bridge will address safety concerns from locals, parents, and visitors, trying to cross the road.
I’m pretty stoked about this, I’ve been relentlessly advocating across governments to get this built (as well as other active travel infrastructure), and to keep funding for active travel in the region.
Well done to Queenstown Trails, The Lightfoot Initiative and others who also worked hard on this for years.
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST TUE (19 May) @ 6.30pm, ‘Natural Ease’ with Grant Rix SUN (24 May) @ 10am, ‘Cultivating Awareness Practice’ followed by Social Sunday
All are welcome. Donations for the teacher/centre are gratefully accepted. See www.dharmacentre.org.nz / FB
EVER WANTED TO TRY WOODTURNING? Come along to one of our sessions and have a go! The Wakatipu Woodcraft Guild meet fortnightly on a Monday night, 6pm. You’ll be amazed at what you can create. Contact Kerrie on wakatipuwood@gmail.com to enquire.
WHAKATIPU BEEKEEPERS SUPPORTING LOCAL BEEKEEPERS with sharing knowledge, mentoring and maintaining best practice. Most importantly a group of likeminded individuals who love bees. Meeting regularly, for more info or to join us whakatipubeekeepers@gmail.com
NEW TO THE AREA OR got more time on your hands & looking to give back to your community? Altrusa International Qtwn is looking for volunteers just like you to join our women’s charitable & service organisation supporting our local community. Want to know more? Email: president.queenstown@altrusa.org.nz or message us on Facebook.com/AltrusaQueenstown
SPCA OP SHOP – 51 GORGE RD. Open 7 days a week 9am- 5pm. Pre-loved goods and clothing at great prices. Help support the ongoing work done by the SPCA. Accepting donations now. Call into store now to enquire about Volunteering. Your old goods, or your time, could help save a life.
WSCA – ROOMS FOR HIRE - Spacious, sunny rooms are available for hire to Queenstown Community Groups. The rooms hold up to 90 people, with seated dining for 40. Located on the 1st floor of Malaghan House, 10 Memorial Street, Queenstown with lift access. There are kitchen facilities, toilets, Wi-Fi, media equipment for projection onto large screen plus large screen TV. Contact us on 03 4429214 or info@wsca.org.nz for more details.
WHAKATIPU DRIVE MY LIFE ARE seeking volunteers to become mentor buddies to help our vulnerable people achieve their drivers licence. If you are interested or have any questions contact Louise Ward louise@reap.co.nz
BE A BIG BUDDY - Make a BIG DIFFERENCE to a Child in the Wakatipu Basin. This is for children aged between 4-12yrs who are in need of extra adult support and friendship. You will be matched with a child with whom you spend a couple of hours each week. BPW@familyworkssld.nz
EVERYTHING ELSE
Everything Else
NEVER BIN A BATTERY. THEY cause fires if damaged or overheated, so keep them out of all rubbish and recycling bins. Safely recycle your batteries and electronic devices at Wānaka & Frankton Transfer Stations.
FOR SALE: A VERY EFFECTIVE method of ADVERTISING –Line Ads in the Lakes Weekly Bulletin are a very effective method of advertising. Take the first step to your successful business advertising by going to www.lwb.co.nz and place your ad online. Pricing starts from $9.50
At Magic Memories, we create world class photo and video experiences for global brands. We don't just take photoswe build interactive moments.
We’re looking for a hybrid creative-technician to bridge the gap between motion design and the live deployment of our interactive camera systems. You’ll help build interactive UIs, test and re ne guest experiences, support global booth deployments and ensure every experience works seamlessly in the real world.
This is a hands-on role for someone creative, tech savvy and naturally curious - someone who enjoys problem solving, improving user experiences and guring things out.
Perfect for a recent graduate or entry level creative looking to kickstart a career in creative tech, motion graphics or UI. Experience with Adobe After E ects and Premiere highly regarded.
Think this sounds like you?
We’d love to chat - please send your CV to peopleandculture@magicmemories.com
JOIN OUR TEAM!
HVAC company looking for a qualified air-conditioning tradesman to join our team in Queenstown. Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Tradesman
• The installation of heat pumps and ducted units
• Service residential and commercial HVAC systems
• Fault finding, diagnosis and repair of HVAC systems
• An ability to work under pressure and work safely.
Full time position - 35+ hours per week
Driving License required. Experience in HVAC is essential. EST and fillers license preferred.
We can offer a great team to work within, overtime rates, your birthday off and phone allowances!!
To apply, please send your CV to info@wakatipuhr.com
Caregiver Required
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz
We are looking for a contract caregiver to provide in-home care for a gentle lady with moderate dementia. The role will work in tandem with the current caregiver to provide care over 5 days in any consecutive 7 day period..
Based in the Queenstown area, you must have flexibility to work days, evenings, and weekends to provide care on the current caregiver’s unavailability
Duties include providing individual needs such as:
• Assisting with mobility, therapy exercises, walks, outings if requested
• Simple household duties such as light cleaning, linen changing, assistance in flower garden etc
• Grocery shopping and preparing light meals
• Personal hygiene
• Keeping track of medication
We value the following qualities:
• Ability to work well in a home environment
• Ensure safety, privacy and comfort always
• Great sense of humour and genuine empathy
• Reliability
• A caring, calm, cheerful and helpful personality
• Have discretion and maturity to work in a confidential environment
• Be confident in interacting with other family members, passing on relevant information in a timely manner
Previous experience in a similar role would be desirable. Must have a current driver’s licence.
Only those with the current right to work in this job will be considered, sponsorship is not available.
To express interest please email carerqueenstown2026@gmail.com
Ph:
Smiths Craft Beer House requires CHEFS & DUTY MANAGERS
The successful candidate must have: A VALID NZ LCQ certificate/the ability to obtain one, a VALID WORK VISA good for at least 6 months and be prepared to start within a week or two.
Please pop up in person or email your CV to Chris@smithscraftbeer.co.nz
Want to work less and earn more?
Queenstown’s only escort agency, is seeking a select number of women to join our team. If you’re over 20, based in the Queenstown area, confident, adventurous, enjoy fitness and intimacy, this could be for you. Set your own hours, earn in one booking what you might make in a week elsewhere. All enquiries are confidential and obligation-free. Contact Jennifer on 021 895 131 | www.bonton.co.nz
Southern Lakes Engineering are looking for a Structural Steel Fabricator/Installer Workshop based in Cromwell. Min 5 years experience.
Must have great communication skills, be reliable and organised. Company truck included. Fun small busy team environment with regular social outings.
This is a full-time, permanent position. Applicants for this position should have a NZ drivers’ licence, NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.
