the wanaka sun

Thursday 31 March to Wednesday 06 April 2011 8,300 FREEwww.thewanakasun.co.nz

Frisbee golf can be played at Lismore Park. T h e d e c i s i o n w a s announced on Monday by Queenstown Lakes District Council’s property services agent APL. It follows a campaign by members of Disc Golf Wanaka to put a course on Lismore Park, Plantation Road. Their plans were opposed by some people who claimed the park was for passive

recreation and frisbee golf did not come into this category. But members of a hearings panel concluded it was a passive recreation. On April 20 the Wanaka Community Board will be asked to adopt the decision. This latest move was welcomed by the chairman of Disc Golf Wanaka Martin Galley. “Common sense has prevailed,” he said. The club, which now has to raise $15,000 to lay out the course, will be responsible for maintaining it.

“We are confident we can raise the necessary funds,” Martin said. The public will be allowed to play frisbee golf at all times, except when the course needs to be closed for school and club events. The council will review the frisbee golf activities in two years time. Opponents to Frisbee in the park could not be contacted to make any comment.

The 2010 Warbirds Over Wanaka International Air Show accounts reveal it made a loss of $143,000. This compares with the 2008 show which showed a profit of $140,000. “The reason such a loss has been recorded is that a huge amount of money has been invested on securing the new multi million dollar visitor attraction at Wanaka Airport. This is a one off expenditure,” the show’s chief executive officer Roger Clark said.The new attraction will replace the former New Zealand Fighter Pilot’s Museum, which closed down earlier this month.“We have invested for the future to secure the Warbird Over Wanaka Air Show,” Roger said. The new all year round attraction is to be housed in the large hangar at the entrance to Wanaka Aiport. It is due to open this September. In a report to the Warbirds Over Wanaka Annual General Meeting last night (Wednesday ) it revealed the 2010 show had generated $20 million to the economy of

the Otago region.Of the total expenditure $10.6 million was spent directly by visitors through local businesses. In addition another $5 million was spent on overseas visitors to the air show in other parts of New Zealand. “We are delighted at the significant economic impact the 2010 Warbirds Over Wanaka air show had on the region,” said Roger. Income from the three day show last April was $2.5million and it had attracted 65,000 people. “This is the first time the numbers have been officially recorded,” Roger said.There was a slight fall in overseas visitor numbers due to the economic climate. However, there had been large increase in visitors from the North Island and in demographic terms there was no change with most attendees to the show were over 36 years old and male. Among the community groups to benefit from last year’s show were the Wanaka and Cromwell Rotary Clubs, Wanaka Bowling Club, NZ Nordic Sports Development and Hawea Kindergarten.

Viewpoint3

IN SIDE

A film firstPage 2

New rowing clubhousePage 3

Glorious gala dayPage 4

By Malcolm Frith

Warbirds losses

Packaging winners and losersPage 7

“I really want to try and improve the name of country

music in New Zealand.”- Jodie Direen

Jody Direen in Lake Wanaka, See profile page 5.PHOTO: ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHY LTD

Homegrown talent

Go ahead for frisbee golf By Malcolm Frith

Wanaka SunPage � Thursday 31 March to Wednesday 06 April 2011

NEWS

Bar owner sentenced

avalancheOrganisers of Wanaka’s Mountain Film Festival have been puzzling over how to get more people involved in the festival when the Lake Wanaka Centre is full each evening.

Now organiser Mark Sedon has come up with what he thinks is a world first idea: an adventure film editing competition.

“We have filmed a carbon-free adventure,” Mark said, “and we’ll give the footage to film makers from New Zealand and around the world so that they can make a three minute film.”

Mark and Wanaka cameraman Simon Rasmussen rode their mountain bikes from Lake Hawea township to Breast Hill, climbed a steep ridge, then Sedon flew off on his paraglider.

“It’s really going to show case the stunning scenery of the Wanaka/ Hawea area,” Mark said. “Plus highlight

the fantastic adventure activities that the region naturally attracts.” The idea has been supported by Lake Wanaka Tourism.

Mark expects the US$1000 first prize to attract a lot of budding

film makers. Entries to the competition open June 1 and film editing takes place from June 10 – 17, when the ten best films will be displayed online. Festival-goers will see a special screening and vote for their favorite film, with the winner announced on the last evening.

The 9th Mountain Film Festival will run from July 1 – 5. This

year’s speakers have been confirmed, with organisers Mark and Jo Sedon pleased to have finally secured Greg Child as the keynote speaker. US-based Child is an especially literate mountaineering storyteller who has been honoured with the American Alpine Club’s Literary Award for his mountaineering literature. Also speaking is Debbie Chambers, one of New Zealand’s most accomplished adventure racers, Lake Hawea climber and adventure speaker Lydia Brady, snowsports photographer and adven ture r S teve Eastwood and Kiwi hard man Steve Gurney.

The festival will feature as many as 50 adventure films, including several world and New Zealand premieres, workshops, art displays, the return of the world record ‘dyno’ attempt, live music, and an adventure trade show.

A film first

Mark expects the US$1000 first

prize to attract a lot of budding

film makers

Former Snow Sports New Zealand Chief Executive Ross Palmer, pictured, has been appointed the first Executive Director of SOS Outreach New Zealand.

Ross and a group of volunteers successfully piloted the SOS Outreach International programme in New Zealand during 2009 and 2010, prior to incorporating as a charitable trust in late 2010.

SOS Outreach NZ’s mission is to build character in under-served youth, utilising winter and summer adventure sports as a medium to instil five core values (courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom and compassion) that underpin the organisation’s activities and serve as a foundation for a multi-year curriculum.

“Through our pilot programmes we’ve already demonstrated that we can be a valuable resource for schools and existing youth organisations,” Ross said. “We’re achieving great results, and we’re addressing potential issues up front.”

Hawea Flat Primary School principal Sue Heath said, “We saw

immediate results in those who participated in the introductory SOS Outreach programme. What impressed me the most, though, is the long-term approach. I’m convinced SOS Outreach will make a huge difference in the lives of some of our students.”

Ross believes the development of these values is an investment in the future of New Zealand. “What’s more, they’re an effective way to directly deliver on central government’s stated social policy outcomes,” he said.

SOS Outreach NZ, which has its headquarters in Wanaka, will operate on a national basis in partnership with Snow Sports, utilising teams of volunteers in both the North and South Islands.

New role for RossBy Malcolm Frith

“We’re achieving great

results, and we’re

addressing potential

issues up front”

Melissa Ashby of Wanaka donated blood on Tuesday morning at the Lake Wanaka Centre. New Zealand Blood Donor Nurse Katie Aitken said more than 50 people gave blood. “We use a lot of O-blood type as this can be used on anyone,” Katie said. A lot of donated blood was used following the Christchurch earthquake so New Zealand Blood

is aiming to replenish its stocks. Melissa has given blood for years. “It doesn’t

hurt at all, it’s a healthy thing to do and helps other people,”

she said.

A Wanaka bar owner who bit the ear lobe off a customer and spat it on to the shoe of another patron has been sentenced in the Queenstown District Court.

Sean Michael Colbourne, 43, was given eight months home detention and 250 hours of community work.

He was also ordered to pay $10,000 in emotional harm reparation.

At an ear l ie r cour t appearance last February, Colbourne pleaded guilty and was convicted on one count of injuring with intent to injure Nicholas Gee, 25, who requires ongoing

skin grafts and surgery for the resultant permanent disfigurement.

The court hearing last week heard the ear biting incident happened last October during a brawl at a party following the Perfect Woman competition at the Bullock Bar in Wanaka.

Mark Sedon on top of Breast Hill. PHOTO: SIMON RASMUSSEN

Giving Blood

Here’s our pick of what’s happening around Wanaka over the next week:

Events Calendar

What: Centre for Sustainable Practice Speaker Series: Jo Pearsall and Bryan Innes on the Awhi Farm Sustainability CentreWhen: Friday April 1, 12.30 – 1.30pmWhere: 15 Cliff Wilson StreetCost: Free

What:Craft MarketWhen: Sunday April 3, 10amWhere: Pembroke ParkCost: Free entry

What: Community Board forum with Parenting4LifeWhen: Thursday March 31, 7.30pmWhere: St John RoomsCost: Free

What: Red & Black Quake Relief ConcertWhen: Saturday April 2, 2pm to midnightWhere: Lake Wanaka CentreCost: $20

If you have an event coming up email the details to [email protected]

for selection in our FREE calendar.

What: Climbing New Zealand’s National Cup SeriesWhen: Saturday and Sunday April 2 & 3, from 9amWhere: Basecamp Wanaka Climbing CentreCost: Free entry for spectators

What: Japan Earthquake Fundraiser ConcertWhen: Sunday April 3, 2pmWhere: The RiverhouseCost: $10

What: Sculpture in Central OtagoWhen: SNow until May 1Where: Rippon VineyardCost: $5

Wanaka Sun Page �Thursday 31 March to Wednesday 06 April 2011

NEWS

A film first

Surviving an avalancheLocal pro snowboarder Maria Kuzma cheated death while competing at the Verbier Extremes in Switzerland when she was dragged more than 200 metres down the face of a mountain in a avalanche during the Free Ride World Tour.

Maria was ranked third on the World Tour coming

into the last stop of the competition, with a chance of grabbing the world title as long as she had a

good run on the Bec De Ross.

“After having a good run I hit my last cliff of my run and remember thinking that there was a lot of snow where I landed, or that I landed in an air pocket or something,” she said. “It threw me over the nose of my board and I just remember having a lot of snow start to hit my shoulders and back, then I realised I was in an avalanche. After this I looked down and saw a sea of avalanche debris below me and I felt my gut drop and my eyes went massive. I’ve never had a feeling like

that before: totally vulnerable and terrified.”

Onlookers, including Maria’s twin sister Janina, watched in horror.

“I started to panic because I could see a terrain trap below and thought that I would be sucked into it and be covered,” she said. “Luckily I was able to keep myself above, and of course with hundreds of people watching I’m sure I would have been safe even if I did get covered, but this definitely scared me and all my friends watching.”

Once the avalanche came to a stop Maria took her shovel out of her pack and dug herself out of the snow. She managed to place sixth in the competition and fourth overall on the Free Ride World Tour.

She was “a little gutted” since she had been in with a chance to win the world title, she said. “I’m aiming for a much better result for next year.”

A video of the incident on YouTube has already had 3000 hits.

By Malcolm Frith

New rowing clubhouseThe mystery of the four white poles erected on Wanaka’s lakefront has been solved.

The profile poles have been put up to show the public how big the proposed Wanaka Rowing Club clubhouse would look if it is allowed to be built on the lakeside reserve at the end of McDougall Street.

The club is determined to get a new building somewhere on

the lakefront. At the moment its 22m long boats are stored in the woolshed at the showground. Last year the club put forward a proposal to build a clubhouse on the west shore of Roys Bay. However, in January the club agreed to work with the Queenstown Lakes District Council to gauge public opinion on a more open site on the lakefront.

Last weekend four poles, measuring 7m high, were placed on open ground to show the

proposed building’s height and length-16m.

“We are all excited by the help we are getting from the QLDC planners. We could not ask for a better site,” Wanaka Rowing Club spokeperson Amanda Inkster said. It would be up to the people of Wanaka to decide if they wanted to support the new site, she said.

By Charlotte Trundle

Wanaka rowing club members Amanda Inkster and Nick Blennerhassett. PHOTO: MALCOM FRITH

Roxy team rider Maria Kuzma survived this huge avalanche which dragged her more than 200 metres down a mountain face in Switzerland.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

SCHOOL HALL TAKES SHAPE: Rapid progress has been made on the Wanaka Primary School’s new million-dollar hall over the past three weeks, with the framing up and the roof already on. The new hall, which will have a capacity of 650 people, is due to open at the beginning of June.

PHOTO: SUE WARDS

Giving Blood


NEWS

Thousands of people attended Wanaka Primary School’s gala day and $20,000 was raised for the school’s future trust.

After a wet start to the day the sun came out just in time for the event. Wanaka Primary School principal Dr Wendy Bamford said the whole day had been a huge success financially and socially. “It was a wonderful atmosphere and a lovely day. Everything ran smoothly,” she said.

Popular stalls included the White Elephant and the book stall.

“The children loved all the toys,” Dr Bamford said. The highlight for school staff was watching the caretaker have his face painted, including hair painted onto his head.

Glorious gala dayBy Charlotte Trundle

After a year of fundraising the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust has begun work on two new extensions to the track network.

A track will be built between the Lake Hawea foreshore and John’s Creek as part of the Te Ararora pathway, providing views of Lake Hawea from the cliff tops. The Clutha River Track will be extended from the red bridge through to Luggate Creek, linking Luggate to the track network and providing access to the Devils Nook on the Clutha River.

“These are key track extensions,” Trust treasurer John Wellington said. “One forms part of the Te Araroa long distance footpath and

the other brings Luggate into the network.”

Since the Trust was established in 2006 it has developed the Hawea River Track, the Upper Clutha River Track and a section of the Glendhu Bay Track.

John Wellington said the Trust had struggled for a year to find funding for the la tes t t rack extensions, which had a budget of $290,000. The Central Lakes Trust and the Community Trust of Otago donated $150,000 and the remaining funds came from DOC and four or five small trusts.

“We have plenty of ideas for tracks and the only thing that’s holding us back is funding. Virtually everything we are given

goes into track building,” John said.

Wanaka business Racers Edge is donating 5% of profits from bike apparel sold each year to the trust. “The trust is very grateful for the support Racers Edge offers and would welcome similar support from other businesses,” John said.

The trust hopes to upgrade part of the riverside track at Albert Town and would also like to extend the Clutha River track as far as Cromwell. A track from Dublin Bay to Maungawera Road is another “aspirational t r a c k , ” J o h n s a i d . “We’re always looking for opportunities.”

New track extensionsBy Sue Wards

Children enjoying the Wanaka Primary School Gala Day. PHOTOS: MALCOLM FRITH

The Department of Conservation has announced the opening of Breast Hill Track above Lake Hawea, called “a sovereign track – one of the very best” by Te Araroa Trust CEO Geoff Chapple.

The new 18km long track allows access to the summit of Breast Hill (1578 m), from which trampers are rewarded with panoramic views over Lake Hawea and the surrounding ranges. “The track climbs a spectacularly steep landscape which rises from the shores of Lake Hawea,” DOC Wanaka Office Area Manager Paul Hellebrekers said.

Breast Hill track connects with the existing Timaru River track, forming a 30km loop that takes two to three days to complete. Two huts are located along the Breast Hill section: the new Pakituhi Hut and the recently refurbished historic musterer’s hut, Stodys Hut.

The track’s formation is an outcome of the recently completed tenure review on Lake Hawea Station. Thanks to

collaboration between DOC and the Te Araroa Trust, the new track also marks a significant step towards the realisation of Te Araroa, the pathway connecting the length of New Zealand.

Geoff Chapple said the 3000 km Te Araroa route linked about 300 separate tracks, “But within those 300, this is a sovereign track – one of the very best.” He gave credit to DOC for recognising its potential and getting the track resourced and built quickly and said the new track offers a way to visualise “the scope of the last ice age”. “It is a very powerful landscape, and for Te Araroa walkers headed south, there could be no better entry into Otago,” he said.

Access to the new track is situated approximately 6km from Lake Hawea township on the Timaru Creek Road. DOC recommends people intending to use the new track visit the Wanaka DOC visitor centre for further information.

A tramper enjoying the view from Breast Hill. Inset, Pakituhi Hut. PHOTOS: DOC

Sovereign track open


PROFILE

Jody Direen.PHOTO: ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHY LTD

Wanaka’s Jody Direen wants to develop a distinctive country music style in New Zealand.

“A lot of people think country music is all mournful and depressing,” Jody said. “But there’s good country and bad country, just like there’s good and bad in every music genre. I want people to realise there’s some awesome stuff out there.”

Jody will release her first album – ‘Jody Direen – here we go’ – next month. “I really want to try and improve the name of country music in New Zealand,” the 22-year-old said. “I think there is huge potential here as we are a rural country and there are a lot of people missing out on such a great, meaningful, feel-good style of music.”

Jody, who grew up in Wanaka, knew from a very early age she wanted to sing. “I’ve been singing since I was a little kid, starting with the hairspray can in front of the mirror,” she said. She used to put on concerts for her parents Derek

and Joanne, and her country-singing grandmother taught her her first country song (‘Pistol packing Mama’) on the guitar at the age of nine.

Jody started singing publicly at the age of 13 - busking outside Wanaka New World and singing a t Mount Aspiring College assemblies - and had a lot of success in competitions. She used prize money from a singing competition to purchase her first PA at the age of 18.

It was “quite difficult being the only student at MAC who was into country music,” Jody said. “I definitely felt like a bit of an out-lyer. But I stuck to my guns. I had heaps of support from my family but I also had a deep, huge passion for country music.”

Jody is obviously a very determined young woman. It can be hard work “being a country music singer in a

country where country music makes up a very small part of the music industry”, she said, but she sings full-time and has paid for her album entirely

herself. “I want to say I’ve done it on my own,”

she said.Her album,

recorded in Australia, is 12 tracks of “up-beat” country rock which include

some “obscure” covers and six

original songs. “I’ve taken the American

country rock feel and applied New Zealand experiences to it,” she said. “I would love to see New Zealand produce our own distinct style of country music. The musicians do exist here for this to happen: we just need more exposure. I would love to be able to be a starting point for that in New Zealand.”

Jody has a back-up plan, however, having completed a Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln University. “Music is a fickle industry and I know

it will be a hard road,” she said, but farming is also one of her passions. “It’s also my attraction for the country life. It’s just my life – it’s who I am.”

Jody now plans to sing as much as possible and get her music played on New Zealand radio stations. She also plans to enter some of her songs in next year’s New Zealand music awards and will travel to Australia next year to promote her album.

But Jody hasn’t forgotten her local fans. “I definitely want to thank them for support in coming to my gigs. It’s awesome to see the familiar faces turning up,” she said. She also wants to encourage people to be adventurous when they are browsing i-tunes. “Have a listen to some of the country music coming out of America and Canada – it’s such a broad genre nowadays, you are bound to find something that tickles your fancy.”

Jody will launch her album in Wanaka on April 30. “I wanted to have an official launch in my home town,” she said. “It means a lot to me.”

By Sue Wards

Jody: here she

goes

In brief

A 35-year-old Wanaka male driver has been questioned by police following an investigation into burnouts in a four wheel drive vehicle at Kingston.Police were called last Thursday after a 67-year-old man, who went to investigate the burnouts, was attacked by a passenger travelling in the vehicle. An 18-year-old man from Christchurch was later arrested and charged.

Burn out

The new Upper Clutha Life Care Medical Trust has received $14,324 from the Wanaka Golf Club’s annual three-day charity golf tournament on March 18.The Trust was founded to honour well known Wanaka resident Bill King who died in March last year.

Golfing for charity

Remember to put your clocks back one hour this Sunday. The new winter times comes into effect.

Changing times

The first joint season pass for Wanaka ski resorts Treble Cone and Snowpark has been announced for the 2011 winter season.This is the first time two fields in Wanaka have worked together to provide a joint pass. The Wanaka Park‘n Powder pass will cost $1345, with early bird season pass holders required to pay the differential fee from the early bird season pass purchase price.

Joint season pass on sale


Road upgrade

NEWS

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The national Upackit Best Packaging Awards – the brainchild of Wanaka Wastebusters – have received more than 100 public nominations for examples of good and bad packaging.

Unpackit spokesperson Sophie Ward said the Best Packaging Awards shortlist is dominated by small and medium-sized New Zealand businesses, but the eight Worst Packaging Awards finalists are all large companies, mostly based overseas.

“The Worst Packaging Awards shortlist features s e v e r a l s o - c a l l e d convenience foods which create a ridiculous amount

of waste for a snack or small meal,” Sophie said. These include Healtheries Rice Rounds, Sunsweet Individually Wrapped Prunes and Sealord Deli-menu. Brother Ink Cartridges and Oral Braun Toothbrush Heads also made the list for their excessive, non-recyclable packaging. Both were nominated more than once, with nominators mentioning the “annoyance factor” - the packaging is really hard to get into.

The companies on the Best shortlists had all thought about packaging and what happens to it at the end of its life, Sophie said. “We were happy that two classics also made the Best Awards shortlist:

By Gina Dempster

Packaging winners and losers

It was an eventful week for the Wanaka police with a range of events to report.LANDSAR were busy last Tuesday when two members of a party of nine suffered injuries. Two Wanaka alpine cliff rescue teams were flown in to perform a rescue at Wills pass in the Makarora area.We regret to report that a propeller has been stolen

from a boat moored up at Eely point. The propeller was stolen from a Volvo motor. It is likely the thief took time to remove the propeller. If you witnessed anybody working on a boat in that area we would like to hear from you.Last Thursday a number of drug warrants were executed in the Hawea flat area, this uncovered a cannabis cultivation and two arrests were made. Two males are facing charges.Two crashes were reported to us in the Robinsons bridge area which is near the Blue Duck Flat. Both crashes occurred in a road work area and the direct cause was loss of traction on gravel. Please be careful when transferring from tarmac to gravel it can catch you out.At 10am on Friday a 4x4 vehicle pulled out of the give way junction at

Ballantyne Road with the intention to turn right onto State Highway 84 (near Hedditch Street). Unfortunately the driver did not see a motorcycle heading towards Wanaka. Luckily the motorcyclist braked hard before the collision. The rider received minor injuries.Wanaka police received two reports of theft of wood from the Meadowstone drive area. Both reports state a small amount of wood was taken. It was likely the wood was taken at around 11:30pm last Thursday. It is likely the wood was carried by hand.Police stopped a drink driver in the early hours of Saturday morning in Cappell Avenue in Lake Hawea. The male driver has had his licence suspended and is facing a court appearance.A local male was processed for drink driving having failed to stop when required to do so for police. He was pursued by police, coming to stop having run out of petrol. He will now appear in Queenstown district court charged with failing to stop, reckless driving, sustained loss of traction and drink driving.

Have a great week from the boys and girls in blue.

- Crime line by Constable Peter Reed.

CRIMEline

The humble egg carton and the swap-a-crate have been around forever, but they’re still doing a great job.”

The shortlists are now on the unpackit website and winners will be chosen by public vote. The Unpackit Roadshow of Joy left Wanaka this week to tour the country and encourage people to vote for the Best and Worst Packaging Award. Award winners will be announced on May 6. The packaging awards are part of the Demystifying Packaging Choices project, designed to help consumers make better packaging choices, supported by the Ministry for the Environment’s Waste Minimisation Fund.

Wanaka Wastebusters general manager Sue Coutts with finalists in the Unpackit Best Packaging Awards

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The upgrading of Cemetery Road in Lake Hawea began on Monday (March 27) and will continue until the middle of May.

The project involves alteration to the vertical alignment of the road to improve sight lines, overlay of new road metal, sealing of Cemetery Road from Domain Road to the end of the existing seal on Cemetery Road and provision for a footpath along the northern side of Cemetery Road.

It is likely that the road reserve to the north of the road will be dug up in the future for services to and from planned new sub-divisions so the current works will include a rudimentary footpath only.

The QLDC will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum and delays will be minimal, however an alternative route is available via the lakefront.


Simon Laughton and his team are always looking for new ways to make their work better and more efficient and their latest move is to bigger and better premises.

S o u t h e r n L a k e s Panelbeating has moved into the big blue shed at the end of Gordon Road. It’s a brand new building which is easy to find and it gives the team plenty of room to work on bigger vehicles like boats, trucks and buses.

The latest move is just part of owner Simon Laughton’s quest for excellence. Simon is a perfect ionist who likes to turn around panelbeating jobs as

quickly and efficiently as he can, to minimise inconvenience to clients. He makes sure he has the latest equipment, he uses premium products and paints and now he has a more spacious modern workshop.

The team has moved into the big blue shed their high-tech spray booth, computerised colour-mixing room and high-tech spectrometer: a portable computer which identifies the variant of paint colour on a vehicle. “This computer helps us to identify the right shade, faster,” Simon said, “because each colour can have up to nine variants.”

S o u t h e r n L a k e s Panelbeating uses the Spies Hecker paint system: a top quality, reputable brand that’s been around a long time. “We’ve got cutting-edge technology from a cutting-edge paint company,” Simon said.

“A lot of people don’t realise it doesn’t matter who they’re insured with, they can get repairs done anywhere they choose,” Simon said. “We use premium materials for the cars, we aim for fast turn-around times and we communicate with the customers.”

Find Simon and the team in the big blue s h e d a t t h e e n d o f Gordon Road.

Welcome to the big blue shed

Simon Laughton, Tyler Trembeth, Vince Saunders and Shane Hurndull of Southern Lakes Panelbeating outside their new premises.

Southern Lakes Panelbeating, 27 Gordon Road, WanakaPhone 03 443 1613

* ADVERTORIAL

Wanaka Sun Thursday 31 March to Wednesday 06 April 2011


NEWS

Images taken by local photography business Alpine Image Co have appeared in both the UK Vogue Royal Wedding edition and Australian Vogue this month.

Alpine Image Co co-owner Anna Allan said pictures she took at a Wanaka wedding in 2009 will appear in an advertisement for British bespoke bridal wear designer Julie Dutton in the UK Vogue. “I have shot hundreds of weddings, and seen some beautiful gowns, but to this day, Emma’s dress remains my favourite,” she said. “The detailing of the beading across the back was to die for.”

The bride and groom flew out from the UK to get married in Wanaka. The bride wore a 1930s-inspired designer gown

and the groom wore a bespoke Saville Row suit. The couple stayed at Tiritiri Lodge and flew to Mt Roy for photos after the ceremony. Anna said the couple has kept in touch with her and they plan to return to Wanaka in 2012 for anniversary photos.

Anna also heard this week that commercial photos Alpine Image Co took for local company 1791 Diamonds will appear in Australian Vogue this month. “We are just over the moon that images from a small Wanaka photography studio are appearing in international magazines o f t h i s ca l i b r e , ” Anna said.

Anna and Miles Allan set up Alpine Image Co 12 years ago and have won 28 awards for their wedding and portrait photography.

In VogueBy Sue Wards

Members of the Wanaka community have rallied together to ensure the success of this weekend’s Red & Black Quake Relief Concert, organiser Lynne Christie said.

“We live in an incredible town,” Lynne said. She and the organising team are busy with final arrangements for the event, which will run for 10 hours, feature 10 acts and aim to raise $10,000

for the Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal.

The concert will cover most musical genres, including country, acoustic folk, reggae, pop, soul, rock, funk, hip-hop and dubstep. The line-up features The Slur-Tones, J Geek & The Geeks, pictured above, Soulsystem, Liv McBride, House of Mountain, Switch Sanchez and Nacoa, and Cairo Knife Fight. Local talents Mercury Brigade, Mount Aspiring College singers, GMan,

Jenn Shelton, Sam Orbell and Maenad will also perform.

The event will also include autions, a jumble sale and face-painting for the children. Organisers have secured more than 60 sponsors for the event.

The Red & Black Quake Relief concert will take place on Saturday April 2 in the Lake Wanaka Centre, from 2pm until midnight. Two zones, indoor and outdoor, will run simultaneously to ensure people do not miss out.

By Sue Wards

Red & Black relief

The Wanaka Sun will celebrate its 500th edition on April 14 by offering readers the chance to experience some of Wanaka’s most spectacular attractions.Up for grabs is a voucher for two adults to experience the Wanaka Nature Encounter, a new day-long product from Eco Wanaka Adventures and Ridgeline Adventures which includes a cruise to Mou Waho Island, a highcountry 4WD tour and a wine tasting at Rippon Vineyard.To go into the draw to win a voucher for two adults to

experience the Wanaka Nature Encounter you need to answer one question each week for three weeks.This week’s question is: What rare native bird, extinct on the mainland since 1920, lives on Mou Waho Island?Go to www.thewanakasun.co.nz to see last week’s question.Send the answers, along with your name and contact details, to [email protected] or call in to the Wanaka Sun office, at the top of the escalator in Spencer House mall.

500th edition giveaway


NEWS

Teacher and soldier

The Wanaka Quake Support Drop In Centre garage sale on Saturday raised $750 for Community Networks to provide on-going support for Christchurch families in the Wanaka area.

All items sold in the garage sale, including books, clothes, baby gear, camping gear and furniture, had been donated by the Wanaka community. A donated flat screen television and DVD player was gifted to St Columba’s Church for use in their planned community centre to acknowledge the daily support by volunteers.

Wanaka Sun Quake Food Bank Drive organiser Nikki Heath said, “We wanted to carry on offering the support to the people who had benefited so much from the

centre. But we knew this wasn’t the long term plan for this building and we just hoped that, given the success of this centre, a similar one would be established in the future.”

On average 50 to 60 people used the centre each day with numerous local people calling in to drop off food, clothing and other supplies.

“Volunteering at the centre was very rewarding,” Nikki said. “We could see people change from a shattered state, many in shock, to their old happy, self-confident selves.”

Nikki believes the success of the centre showed there is a need for this type of centre in Wanaka. “It showed that we have a caring community that can support people in a time of need,” she said.

Wanaka Community Networks manager Heather Clay agreed a centre which the wider community could utilise would be a good idea. “A true one-stop-shop big enough for the likes of other community groups is the idea we have been talking about,” she said.

A coffee morning at 10am each Friday, from April 8, at St Columba’s Anglican Church will give continuing support for Christchurch families who have moved to town. “This has been arranged by Rachael Ashby from St Columba’s. We will discuss the community, answer questions and offer support to the families,” Nikki said. “We will also explain new grants available to displaced families and help them to integrate into the Upper Clutha community.”

The support continuesBy Charlotte Trundle

A Wanaka teacher who is a territorial force soldier in his spare time was deployed to Christchurch three days after the February 22 earthquake.

Holy Family School teacher Paul Cartlidge, along with eight other men from the Central Otago Platoon of 4th Otago and Southland Battalion, spent ten days helping in Christchurch as part of Operation Canterbury Quake Two.

His unit’s main roles were to man the checkpoints on the central business district, patrol the inner CBD to deter or catch looters and others without permission to be there, and to respond to any situations arising on the checkpoints.

“ W e d e f i n i t e l y experienced things outside the normal experience but we weren’t exposed to the level of things the Urban Search and Rescue were,” Paul said. He described

the scene as apocalyptic. “It was pitch black, no people or power. All the places I grew up around were destroyed,” he said. “It was very eerie: lots of damage, abandoned flowers on the side of the road, handbags, half eaten lunches and glasses of wine. A transistor radio which was left on was the only sound.”

Paul’s unit was equipped with night vision goggles. One night they spotted a looter in a quake damaged building and called the police, who arrested the man. “It was great to put our training into use and help our own people and put back into the community,” Paul said.

He said the people of Christchurch had been very receptive to the army. “There were lots of food and drinks delivered to us at all hours of the day and night,” Paul said. “There will be an on going army commitment for a long time to come.”

By Charlotte Trundle

Paul Cartlidge in the turret of a Light Armoured Vehicle. Below: Paul with students Grace Thomson, Tineke Bangma and Lukas Schafer.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

PHOTO: CHARLOTTE TRUNDLE

Pictured at the Quake Support Drop In Centre are volunteers and visitors who attended a final farewell tea party last Friday when the centre closed.

PHOTO: NIKKI HEATH


Parking

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VIEWPOINTEdITOrIal

Damper Bay Developers wanting track to glenDhu moveD? okay But you aint getting consent to BuilD 6 houses there anyway!

happy BirthDay neD, hope it’s a super smashing great one, anD you get BirthDay cake in school! love auntie r & uncle J.

when we take green waste to the tip, coulD we get a chit to get a Discount when we Buy compost.??

this year we’re going to experience four unusual Dates. 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11 anD that’s not all...take the last two Digits of the year in which you were Born -now aDD the age you will Be this year, anD the result will Be 111 for everyone...!! this is the year of money..!!! this year octoBer will have 5 sunDays, 5 monDays anD 5 saturDays. this happens only every 823 years... these particular years are known as `moneyBags`...

you know the speeD of light, so what’s the speeD of Dark?

wake up wanaka. the wonDer of sex was the funniest show i have seen in years, why Do you not support these shows?

why isn’t there a “welcome 2 wanaka” sign!

winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting anD autumn a mosaic of them all. (horowitz)

Kindness and generosityTo all the amazing Wanaka people,From the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank all those kind people who helped our family after the earthquake. Your kindness and generosity was very humbling. Asking for help does not come easy from independent, hard-working people whose lives have been changed forever. I would like to thank my family from Hawea Flat - Dave Roberts and Tanya Phillips for borrowing caravans from friends for us and our dad to live in. Kind friends also gave us food: cakes were made and clothes given to us. Dave and Tanya embraced the large influx of extra mouths to feed and always made us feel welcome.Our dad’s place had been red-stickered in Sumner, I went past his place the other day, it is still bordered up and there is no news of when he can ever go home. His friends have been dispersed around New Zealand. His social network and life turned upside down and for a 75-year-old it is quite tough. But Wanaka people have embraced Cantabrians and dad.Mount Aspiring College, what an amazing job you have done for those children affected by the earthquake. Our daughter attended your school and how kind you all were to her and the other children. The kids were so much better off getting out of Christchurch, getting out while the dust settled, and the aftershocks that continue to haunt us.To all the fantastic volunteers at the church and all the donations they received from Wanaka people - it was all truly amazing. As dad had no time to get things from his place he now has warm clothes and knows where to go to have a chat. You guys are fantastic.We are all back in our munted house ready to face whatever is put in front of us but we will always be very grateful to you all.

Denny Roberts, Colin and Rose Hammond. Christchurch

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Congratulations to all the hard working staff and parents at Wanaka Primary School for raising $20,000 at their first Gala Day at the new school.

When I looked out of my window first thing last Saturday morning it was pouring with rain and I have to admit I was not looking forward to taking my two granddaughters to the event.

But what a change when by 10am the sun came out and the crowds flocked in making it a huge success.

However, it’s interesting to note that two other major events held in Wanaka struggle to make any real profits. Yet between them they brought in a total of $23.47million to the local economy. This must be worrying for the organisers who experience rising costs every time they stage Warbirds Over Wanaka and Challenge Wanaka.

Over the years these two major New Zealand professionally organised commercial events have put the town firmly on the international map. To lose them would be catastrophic.

But how can we ensure they continue and secure their futures. Should local businesses now become much more financially involved? Without the ‘golden goose’ many businesses in Wanaka would struggle to survive.

In other countries, businesses go out of their way to become involved in major events. They realise the long term financial benefits. Remember the old saying “speculate to accumulate.”

Ed.

HeartfeltWith grateful hearts we – Juliette’s North Island family - send armfuls of thanks to her South Island Team for the overwhelming love and support for her, which has come from your Top Town of Wanaka and surrounds. We have been “blown away” by your tremendous gestures of love, the fantastic fundraising, the phone calls, presents, texts, the beautiful cards with encouraging words and the wonderful help from Guenter and Irma.Despite this difficult turn in her life’s journey Juliette has shown amazing fortitude and great humour as she works positively towards the best outcome. We are so proud of her and we can all certainly feel the loving and supportive vibes from Wanaka urging her gently to good health again. Juliette has now completed the chemotherapy side of the treatment after radiation and very successful surgery by her amazing surgeon and his special team who we are so grateful to.She has now only one further operation to recover from and that should be it. Your thoughtfulness and kindness to our darling has been amazingly uplifting to all our spirits during these challenging months. We thank you for your loving thoughts and kindness and we are so grateful to you all.

Patty and Rolf Clouth

Thank youThe true meaning of compassion and heart-felt-giving was demonstrated by so many in Wanaka, while gratefully received by those in need after the February 22 Christchurch earthquake. It came in all shapes and sizes, people organising and offering accommodation, providing food, baking, vouchers for meals, welcome packs, support, services, a listening ear, friendship, clothing, a warm smile, a knowing nod, bedding and household basics, a day sailing, fundraising activities, prizes, schooling for shaken children and so much more.I want to mention one place that I know made a huge difference to a large number of people affected by the quake, The Quake Drop In Centre on Brownston Street. From the donation of the building, to the long list of volunteers who were there to offer assistance and a listening ear, to those who coordinated the centre or provided counselling, to everyone who called by to drop in the array of well needed donations. There are so many to thank. But I’d like to express my appreciation of the tireless hours and energy Nikki Heath contributed in her behind-the-scene’s coordination of so much at the centre. “He wahine toa koe”. Kia ora, thanks. And Wanaka you have shown a yet another ‘arm’ of your community spirit.

J McArthur,Wanaka

Stolen woodTo the people who stole our wood – that is the lowest. To steal from a pensioner and an evacuee from Christchurch. Goodness knows what they must think of people in Wanaka, but you are not from here are you? Too lazy to get your own wood, you’d rather steal it! We have worked for ours, and at 76 and 75, up until two years ago, we collected it all. Get off your bums and go back to where you came from. If you steal any more it will be orange so anybody seeing orange wood burning – they stole it!While I am writing – There is going to be a bad accident on Meadowstone Drive. You are driving too fast and if you see an old woman out taking your registration number it’s going to the police. There are too many young children on this Drive, accidents will happen. The silly people hanging on to car doors on skateboards must have fallen off as I haven’t seen you lately! A name for you people – stupid, uninteresting, boring.

Name withheld. Regarding parking a car on Brownston Street by the reserve. It is strange to me that some time ago one would be fined heavily for angle parking their car unless parked parallel beside the roadside. I have noticed during such times of cricket, soccer matches, late afternoon games on the reserve and indeed the A&P Show cars angle parked – yet none were fined for doing so. I see no harm at all with this, but I certainly would like to know the reason why the change of ruling by the QLDC or is there?Rules for one and not for the others!

Peter ChamberlayneWanaka

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WANAKA SUN DEADLINES Bookings close Midday Friday, Copy for ads Friday 5.00pm

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Issue 498Thursday 31 March 2011

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WanaKa PharMacy is your PharMacy. We are open for you until 7pm 7 days a week. Top end of Helwick Street, across from the Police Station. Ph (03) 443 8000

PUBLIC NOTICESfundraiser for JaPan – Riverhouse concert Sunday 3rd April. Local acts from Wanaka and around NZ!!! Tickets at VideoEzi $10pp, proceeds to Japan. If wet we will be inside. If sunny BYO picnic. Map on the ticket! See you there.

crafT MarKeT This sunday from 10am, Market Corner, Pembroke Park. Handmade arts and crafts direct from the artist to you.

3 seaTer couch - dark red couch for sale, great for eating chips on $150 ONO. Call Adam 021 029 49218

My naMe is ToM. I am moving to Wanaka early May for the Otago Polytech Ski Instructors course. Looking for a full board situation till October. I am honest, reliable, easy going and relatively self sufficient but I need food and water! I have my own transport. Contact Jenny 021 461561 or Tom 021 02721374 or email [email protected]

Joiner aVaiLaBLe, April-July. Qualified with 8 years experience in Wanaka. Onsite or factory work. Own tools, hard working. Rich 0275263695.

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CONSTRUCTION

waNaKa Bowls ResUlts Men’s Pairs Champions, Tom Malcolm and Ken Allison, Runners-up, Michael Barnett and Kay Chartres Men’s Singles Champion, Murray Finn Runner-up, Tom Malcolm Progressive Tournament Skips, Kerry Suckling 1 Pat Gray 2 Michael Barnett 3 Thirds John Gale 1 Bruce Hamilton 2 Steve Roper 3 Leads Roger Dozell 1 Dot Roper 2 Trevor Tovey 3

laKe Hawea GolF ResUlts Match Play 27-3-11 Kay Todd Bt Jennifer Recordon 5/4 Joe Cotter Dennis Costello 5/4 Joy Hanson Maire McElrea 4/3 Brent Allison Terry Griffen 2up Colin Hanson Gerry Browne 2up Red Stevenson Mark Bankshaw 2up Nearest Pin Steve Trevathan Two/s Brent Allison, Gerry Browne, Steve Trevathan, Dennis Costello

waNaKa BRIdGe ResUlts Mt Iron Stakes 1.: North/South:- Helen Cornwall, Madeline Reveley 58.02% 1. Allan Kelly, Terry Wilson 57.92% 2. Pamela Buchanan, Barbara Waterworth 56.98% 3. East/West:- Freda Ryder, Sandra Simmers 62.83% 1. Pat Gray, Jean Stokes 60.11% 2. Mark Harry, Errol Kelly 59.77% 3. Boswell, Marion Cameron and Errol Kelly, Daphne Stewart 51.79% 3=

SPORT RESULTSO P E N H O M E S D I R E C T O R Y SPORT RESULTSAddress Time Date Price Agent

HERON GREEN, RIVERSIDE PARK 1-4pm 2/04/11 Show Home STONEWOOD HOMES

HERON GREEN, RIVERSIDE PARK 1-4pm 3/04/11 Show Home STONEWOOD HOMES

62 FRYE CRESCENT, ALBERT TOWN 2-2.30pm 2/04/11 $360,000 SOUTHERNWIDE

LOT 26 POPPY LANE, ALBERT TOWN 2-2.30pm 2/04/11 $565,000 SOUTHERNWIDE

5 POPPY LANE, ALBERT TOWN 2.30-3pm 2/04/11 $619,000 SOUTHERNWIDE

1158 AUBREY ROAD 3.15-3.45 2/04/11 Auction SOUTHERNWIDE

5 WYNCHWOOD LANE 4-4.30pm 2/04/11 $550,000 SOUTHERNWIDE

73 MANUKA CRESCENT 4pm 31/03/11 Auction HARCOURTS

48 ROCHE STREET 4.30pm 31/03/11 Auction HARCOURTS

73 MANUKA CRESCENT 11am 2/04/11 Auction HARCOURTS

41 MCDOUGALL STREET 11am 2/04/11 Auction HARCOURTS

ALBERT TOWN EAST (7 X 1 ACRE SECTIONS) 11.30am 2/04/11 $230,000 HARCOURTS

73 MANUKA CRESCENT 12pm 2/04/11 Auction On-site HARCOURTS

48 ROCHE STREET 12.30pm 2/04/11 Auction HARCOURTS

48 ROCHE STREET 1pm 2/04/11 Auction On-site HARCOURTS

39 KINGS DRIVE 1pm 2/04/11 Auction HARCOURTS

7 CRIFFEL PLACE 1.15pm 2/04/11 Auction HARCOURTS

7 CRIFFEL PLACE 2pm 2/04/11 Auction On-site HARCOURTS

145 WARREN STREET 2.30pm 2/04/11 Auction HARCOURTS

145 WARREN STREET 3pm 2/04/11 Auction On-site HARCOURTS

59B STUDHOLME ROAD 11am 3/04/11 $1.195m HARCOURTS

15 ANDERSON ROAD 11am 3/04/11 $355,000 HARCOURTS

16 LAKEVIEW TERRACE 12pm 3/04/11 $495,000 HARCOURTS

38 HARDIE PLACE 12pm 3/04/11 Deadline Sale HARCOURTS

5 HIKUWAI DRIVE, ALBERT TOWN 12pm 3/04/11 Auction HARCOURTS

2 MATHESON CRESCENT, ALBERT TOWN 1pm 3/04/11 $729,000 HARCOURTS

5 POPPY LANE 1pm 3/04/11 $619,000 HARCOURTS

51 NICHOL STREET 1pm 3/04/11 $575,000 HARCOURTS

39 KINGS DRIVE 1pm 3/04/11 Auction HARCOURTS

31 STONEBROOK DRIVE 2pm 3/04/11 POA HARCOURTS

249 RIVERBANK ROAD 2pm 3/04/11 By Negotiation HARCOURTS

23 HUECHAN LANE 2pm 3/04/11 $495,000 HARCOURTS

9 TYNDALL STREET 2pm 3/04/11 Auction HARCOURTS

41 MCDOUGALL STREET 2pm 3/04/11 Auction HARCOURTS

38 MATARAKI PLACE 3pm 3/04/11 $640,000 HARCOURTS

10A MEADOWBROOK 3pm 3/04/11 $595,000 HARCOURTS

307 RIVERBANK ROAD 3pm 3/04/11 $875,000 HARCOURTS

30 DALE STREET, ALBERT TOWN 11am 2/04/11 $385,000 FIRST NATIONAL

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April 1pm FIRST NATIONAL

taRRas GolF ResUlts Opening Day:Ambrose- Tom Moore, Craig Still, Colin Pledger, Mark Hervey nett 56, 1st; Robert Gibson, Brad Paterson, Simon Maling, Jonny Trevathan nett 58, 2nd; Mike Young, Murray Hyndman, Jan Allen, Jan Gibson nett 58.2, 3rd; Yev McCarthy, Margaret Sell, Stephanie Still, Lynn Rae nett 59, 4th


SPORT

Wanaka FC faced a young and lively Queenstown Galaxy squad at Pembroke Park last Sunday in their second match of season. The teams were evenly match but Wanaka took an early lead with Pauly Hodgson’s volley from the edge of the box for the only goal of

the first half. An Allan Carmichael free kick deflected off Aiden Butler to give Wanaka their second goal 55 minutes into the match. Central midfielders Allan Wilson and Ian Bell maintained the pressure on Queenstown and the team’s hard work paid off when, ten minutes

from time, man of the match Allan Carmichael scored the third goal.The win puts Wanaka top of the league. They look forward to a home tie this weekend against the Wanaka Youth Development squad. Kick off is at 2.45pm at Pembroke park.

Top of the table

Nicky Samuels stuns

BIKE WISE: Makarora School’s 11 students have developed bike riding skills and raised more than $600 for Christchurch schools this term. The children participated in a sponsored bike to school event on Friday March 18, with several parents, community members and Constables Phil Vink and Mike Johnston riding with the children. Constables Emma Fleming and Sergeant Aaron Nicholson provided support with escort vehicles. The three older children biked the 10kms from Makarora township to school in a strong head wind, while the younger children biked 2.5kms. Afterwards the children, their parents and volunteers enjoyed a breakfast of waffles at the Community Centre. $660 was raised for schools affected by the Christchurch earthquake. Makarora School principal Lynley Ward said the school is grateful to those who helped make it a successful event.

A survey carried out by the Challenge Wanaka Sports Trust reveals the 2011 event generated revenue of $3.47 million towards the town’s economy.The survey was conducted with 81% of the athletes taking part and just over 60% of the spectators who attended. This year’s Challenge Wanaka

and Lake Wanaka Half attracted a total of 1226 athletes and 6000 spectators. The total cost of staging it was $400,000. The organisers are currently finalising the accounts, but they expect to break even. Last year’s event made a profit of just $12.50.“It is a very expensive event to prepare and stage,” Challenge Wanaka race director Victoria Murray-Orr said.

“The biggest expense we have is traffic management, which this year cost $40,000,” she said. Prize money totalled $70,000, which includes $11,250 each to the male and female winners.This year’s race raised $9000 towards local charities. This includes $5000 to the Upper Clutha Medical Trust.

By Malcolm Frith

Challenge boosts economy

Wanaka’s Nicky Samuels has stunned the triathlon world with her maiden ITU World Cup victory, taking the title in spectacular fashion in Mooloolaba over a world class field including world number one Emma Moffatt. Nickyn won the Australian race in typical style, swimming s t rongly before riding away with Daniela Ryf on the tough and undulating 40km bike leg to establish a lead of more than a minute on a chasing pack that included Moffatt and last year’s rising star and world number 11 Barbara Riveros Diaz and defending champion

Vendula Frintova.“It hasn’t really sunk in yet but it was great to be on that podium, to hear the anthem and to see the New Zealand flag. The conditions certainly played to my

advantage and despite the choppy water meaning you could hardly see anything, I was third around the first buoy. “For two years my coach and I have been working

towards qualifying for the London Olympics. That is the goal later in the year and we will continue to build towards that,” Nicky said. The win was worth US$6,250 to Nicky, but more importantly it will earn the 28-year-old huge kudos and respect from the international triathlon community and vital ranking points for both Nicky personally but also Triathlon New Zealand towards qualifying three athletes for a start at the London Olympic Games next year.

Some of New Zealand’s strongest competitive sport climbers will compete in Wanaka this weekend.The Climbing New Zealand’s National Cup Series starts on April 2 with the f irst round at Basecamp Wanaka Climbing Centre.Local sport climbing club Cliffhangers will host the

competition and seven c lub members will compete. “For a young club it’s awesome,” Basecamp manage r and Cliffhangers coach Loz Ogle said. “The more support for our local climbers the better.”Club members Liam Paulin Kemp and Josh Rogan will compete in Youth D (under 12), 14-year-

olds Stefan Schwarz, Callum Carbon and Finn Fairbairn will

compete in Youth B and Stephan Vogt and Ruby Urquhart will compete in Youth A. Sport cl imbing involves ascending routes which can be of extreme gymnastic difficulty, making it an exciting sport for spectators as well as competitors. The competition begins at 9am on Saturday at Basecamp Wanaka.

By Sue Wards

NZ climbers competing

Cliffhangers climber Stephan Vogt on the roof at Basecamp Wanaka.

PHOTO: CLiFFHANGERS

Nicky Samuels on the podium.

PHOTO: SUPPLiED

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