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On Wednesday 1 July, Arrowtown School proudly hosted our second Whakanuia-a-Matariki-ki-Kā-muriwai, bringing together tamariki, whānau, and the wider community to celebrate Matariki.
This year marked a special milestone, with all four local education centres coming together for the celebration: Arrowtown School, Arrowtown Preschool, BestStart Arrowtown, and Te Kōhanga Reo o Whakatipu Waimaori. It was wonderful to see learners from preschool through to Year 8 celebrating side by side, strengthening the connections that make our community so special.
The afternoon began with a warm welcome from Māori astronomer Gemma Cribb, who later shared her knowledge of Matariki and its significance. She was supported by an opening karakia led by Cory Ratahi, setting a meaningful and reflective tone for the evening.
Throughout the afternoon, students took part in a range of activities centred around the values of Matariki, including collaborative art, waiata, goal setting, and reflection. As the sun began to disappear behind the hills, students from every centre took to the outdoor stage to perform kapa haka. Seeing our youngest learners through to our Year 7 & 8 students sharing their culture with pride was a highlight of the celebration.
The kapa haka performances were followed by the much-anticipated hāngī lift, expertly and enthusiastically commented on by Cory Ratahi, creating an exciting moment for the many whānau gathered to watch.
The evening continued with a vibrant community atmosphere as each centre hosted food stalls. The hāngī, boil-up, fry bread, sausages, baking, and hot chocolates were all incredibly popular, while the fire pit became a favourite gathering place.
Beautiful artwork created by each of the four centres transformed the school into a colourful celebration of Matariki. Each display represented one of the stars associated with the Matariki cluster alongside Puanga, reflecting themes of remembrance, wellbeing, the environment, aspirations, and coming together as a community.
Ngā mihi nui to everyone who joined us. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year.
arrowtown village association news
arrow river reserves
Following QLDC’s publication of the Arrowtown Riverside Reserves Concept Plan earlier in the year, some minor works are due to be carried out shortly. Clearing of some sporadic and unviable willow will occur along the river trail and in the Ramshaw Lane overflow car park. Replacement tress will be planted in the spring. The informal trail from the skate park will be mulched to create a more obvious meandering trail off the main river trail. Contractors will be present for a couple of weeks with replacement bollards and fencing also being installed across the reserves.
The AVA understands that a landscape designer is developing a concept for Wilcox Green Car Park to potentially formalise and limit parking, increasing efficiency to maximise use without encroaching onto the reserve. Also, a reminder that the planned replacement of both Arrow River Bridges is also due later in the year.
long term plan 2027
The AVA, Arrowtown Promotion & Business Association (APBA) and Arrowtown Planning Advisory Group are planning a public forum in September to hear your views on the future of Arrowtown. Particularly in relation to CBD infrastructure, traffic, parking, buses, pedestrian priority and provision for cyclists. Keep your eyes out for dates at Atheneum Hall.
fast track development
Fast Track proposals continue to dominate headlines in the press and online. Projects planned at Morven Ferry Road and Gibbston Valley are likely to have a significant impact on Arrowtown. Contact “Queenstown Smart Growth Initiative” to learn more or reach out to our Ward Councillors to discuss your views.
Nick Fifield – AVA Chairperson
2026 club prizegiving celebrations
As another successful season draws to a close, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our players at our 2026 Club Prizegiving celebrations. These events are an opportunity to recognise the outstanding performances of our junior and senior rugby players, as well as our netball teams, while also acknowledging the incredible people who make our club what it is. We extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated volunteers, coaches, players, sponsors, families, and supporters whose commitment, generosity, and hard work have helped make the 2026 season such a success.
We invite all players, families, and supporters to join us as we celebrate another fantastic season together.
Junior Rugby Prizegiving
Date: Friday, 31 July 2026
Venue: Clubrooms, Jack Reid Park
Time: TBC @Arrowtown Rugby
Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association invites you to their AGM
Thur 20th August 2026
St John’s Presbytarian Church
Drinks from 5.30pm AGM from 6pm
RSVP to: info@arrowtown.com
Senior Rugby & Netball Prizegiving
Date: Saturday, 1 August 2026
Venue: Clubrooms, Jack Reid Park
Time: 6:00 p.m
We look forward to seeing everyone there as we reflect on the season, celebrate our award recipients, and thank everyone who has played a part in another memorable year for the Arrowtown Bulls.
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basin bulls go unbeaten on unforgettable tour
Nine Year 8 players from Arrowtown School were part of the 26-player Basin Bulls squad that enjoyed an unforgettable rugby tour of Sydney and Orange, finishing the tour with a perfect five wins from five games — an outstanding achievement against strong Australian opposition. Away from the rugby field, the boys also made the most of the experience, enjoying treetop climbing, Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, a fun visit to Bondi Beach, Taronga Zoo and an NRL match between Manly and North Queensland at Brookvale Oval. The successful tour was made possible thanks to coaches Ben Evans, Brendon O'Reilly, Carrick McLellan, Brad Robertson, Pete Reid and Stefan Cammell, manager Mel Patterson and tour doctor Romain Kuhm.
A huge thank you also goes to the players and parents who spent the past year fundraising, along with the many sponsors whose support helped make the trip possible. It was an incredible effort from everyone involved and an experience the boys will remember for years to come.
Photo credit – Hikari Fujimoto
business directory
accountants
Mike Wallace–Management Services
43 Homeward Bound Dr 027 616 9007 bars/cafés/resturants
Arrowtown Bakery
1 Ballarat Arcade, Buckingham St 03 442 1587
child care
Arrowtown Preschool
Cotter Ave & Durham St 03 442 1416
cleaning services
Slithy Toves
slithytoves33@gmail.com 021 079 6233
handyman services
Dux Property Services
duxpropertyservices.co.nz 027 777 3623
hairdressers
D’OR Hair Stylists
Unit 14, Royal Oak Complex, Arrow Lane 03 442 1890
health & beauty
Back on Track Physiotherapy
57 Buckingham St 03 442 6616
Massage Therapist Renata Garbin
www.renatagarbin.nz 021 0256 4680
Reflexologist Mark Hunter
www.movingtostillness.com 021 804 990
Unichem Arrowtown Pharmacy
20 Buckingham St 03 442 0975
Immigration
Arrowtown Immigration HS 027 834 5473
43 Ramshaw Lane WB 021 184 3309 law
Aspiring Law www.aspiringlaw.co.nz
4 Buckingham Street 03 443 0900
photography
toddweeksphoto
todd.weeks@bayleys.co.nz 021 645 022
local club notices
Arrowtown Bowling Club 03 442 1905 Club Day Thursday. New members welcome – coaching available –More info phone Jill 027 619 5182
Arrowtown Entertainers
A local group of entertainers who love to perform and sing. Programmes include: Anzac Day, Christmas, music hall singalong, popular variety songs from shows etc. If interested, please contact Faye 03 442 2802. New members welcome.
Arrowtown Golf Club 03 442 1719
Club days–Mens every Wednesday & Saturday. Ladies 9 & 18 holes Thursday. Phone the golf shop for more information.
Arrowtown Library 03 442 1607 Hours: Mon–Fri 10 am–5 pm. Sat 10 am–2 pm. Reading to Dogs: Tues 3.30–4.30 pm, during School Term Time.
Arrowtown Menzshed 027 284 8814
The Menzshed (Preston's Drive) is open daily for members. An annual fee of $50 allows all facilities to be used for woodworking and community projects. New members welcome. Phone Russell Heckler 027 2848814 for info.
Arrowtown Scouts
Want to know more about the Arrowtown Scout group? We are catering for Boys and Girls aged 6-17 years. For more info email: arrowtown@group.scouts.nz
Arrowtown Village Association
Join the Arrowtown Village Association, the voice of Arrowtown. We work to protect & enhance the unique character of our town. Visit arrowtownvillage.nz to learn more.
Dorothy Browns Bookclub 03 442 1964
Meet the 1st Tuesday/Wednesday of each month at the cinema. Newcomers welcome.
Mainly Music
We meet every Tuesday of each term at St johns Community Church hall at 10am My contact details are Eileen Toner 0272486513 or etoner1@gmail.com
Petanque
Sundays 3 pm, Library Green. All welcome! Plunket 0800 933 922 Little fingers playgroup, Mondays 10–12 pm. Fun Fridays 10–12 pm. Remarkable Mothers group, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month, 11–1 pm. Gold coin donation. All welcome. For all current information, LIKE the Arrowtown Plunket Facebook page.
Shotover Country Music Club
Shotover Country Music Club is in recess for the winter months.
Contact: Barbara Kerr 027 229 7244
Wakatipu Garden Club
We meet on the 2nd Monday every month. New members welcome. For further information. Contact Jennie Burt 0273060415.
Whakatipu Line Dancers 020 4111 9081
MON: Absolute Beginners ~ 9am-10am
Beginners/Improver ~ 10am-12pm
WED: Improver/Intermediate ~ 10am1:30pm Lake Hayes Pavilion. All Welcome. Cost $10. mollycrawford56@gmail.com
