Marjorie Cook

Wanaka multisporter Ailsa Rollinson (26) is looking forward to this weekend's 375km Gold Rush adventure race, even though she has not seen the course.

Participants in this year's Gold Rush three-day multisport race around Central Otago have increased by 20% over last year, with 91 entries (206 participants) registered.

The powerful grade four Citroen rapid on the Kawarau River proved a challenge to many of the 48 kayakers on Saturday as they battled for line honours in the extreme race and overall New Zealand championship titles.

Prime Minister John Key enjoyed a taste of rural life at the 75th Upper Clutha A and P Show in Wanaka yesterday, admiring home produce, eating bacon and lamb and test-riding lawnmowers.

Visitors flocked to Wanaka at the weekend to enjoy the 75th Upper Clutha Agricultural and Pastoral Show, which was celebrated on Friday and Saturday in calm, clement conditions.

Wanaka's leaders are plugging on with more town centre traffic-calming measures.

A decision released by Environment Court judge Jon Jackson this week criticises evidence presented by the Upper Clutha Environmental Society in the Parkins Bay case, but says society witness Julian Haworth and other appellants should not be blamed for a resource consent delay.

Bob and Pam McRae's seven-year dream finally come true yesterday when they learned a Sir Bob Charles-designed 18-hole championship golf course and 42 luxury homes had been approved for Glendhu Station.

Continuing conflict between Lake Wanaka users has prompted the Wanaka Yacht Club to suggest that either power boat activity be prohibited in Roys Bay or a 5 knot speed limit be extended over the bay.

New Zealand's extreme white water kayaking champions will be decided on the grade four-plus Citroen Rapid in the Kawarau River on March 10.

Invercargill golfer Robyn Boniface (56) triumphed over Ann Braithwaite of New Plymouth yesterday to win the national women's senior match play championship for the third year in the row.

Another site dilemma has emerged in the Wanaka Rowing Club's battle for a lakeside boat shed, after not one member supported Eely Point in the latest round of submissions to the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Police have received a report of a naked man tramping at Colquhouns beach, West Wanaka, between 11.30am and noon yesterday, sparking a fresh bout of calls for public assistance in identifying the person.

The fate of the Jackson Bay wharf in South Westland will be open for public debate next month, when the Westland District Council releases its 10-year plan for consultation.