Bit of muscle behind musical
Bit of muscle behind musical
In an seldom seen fusion of tradesmen and musical theatre, the Queenstown construction community is getting behind Wakatipu High School's production of Grease.
Joe Dodgshun
Shotover Jet's new boat has carbon fibre pod
Shotover Jet's new boat has carbon fibre pod
Shotover Jet has let slip it has been working on a new jet-boat prototype since last year, featuring a carbon fibre passenger pod - a first for the industry.
'Strong connection' sets course
'Strong connection' sets course
Five years from its inception, the Queenstown Resort College has grown from a modest operation catering for 11 students to a fully-fledged tertiary institution with a student population of just under 300. For the final in the Queenstown Times' series of graduate profiles, Joe Dodgshun spoke to former QRC student George Gaddum, who is in England settling a contract to run overland safaris through Africa.
New classroom eases ECE pressure
New classroom eases ECE pressure
The shortage of early childhood education (ECE) in Queenstown is no longer a pressing issue, the owner of the recently expanded Queenstown Montessori Preschool says.
Gondola bike-lifts will be back
Gondola bike-lifts will be back
Queenstown's reputation as a mountain-biking destination is set to take off following Skyline Queenstown's decision to reintroduce gondola-assisted riding with an extended season from September.
Taxidermist moves business south
Taxidermist moves business south
More than 80 years after his great-grandparents travelled from Dunedin to Hawea to collect hunters' trophy animals, a fourth-generation taxidermist has brought the Central Otago connection full circle by moving to Queenstown.
Safety award for chopper firm
Safety award for chopper firm
Queenstown's Over The Top helicopter company has qualified for the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Operator Safety Award for 2010 - the twelfth year it has received safety award honours.
Snowshoeing tours making strides
Snowshoeing tours making strides
NZSki is not the only organisation waiting for the winter weather to arrive.
Shotover tourists joined by PM
Shotover tourists joined by PM
Four Australian visitors had the surprise of a lifetime in Queenstown yesterday when they became the three-millionth Shotover Jet passengers, riding in the same jet-boat as Prime Minister John Key and his entourage.
Globetrotting on agenda
Globetrotting on agenda
Five years from its inception, the Queenstown Resort College has grown from a modest operation catering for 11 students to a fully fledged tertiary institution with a student population of just under 300. Joe Dodgshun spoke to graduate Makoto Bruderer, who is hoping to start an agri-tourism business with her parents in southern Italy.
Bad weather is all club wants now
Bad weather is all club wants now
Unlike most sports groups, the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club is hoping for bad weather over the next two months to lubricate its new cyclocross track at Jardine Park.
Aspen pupils, principals to visit
Aspen pupils, principals to visit
A delegation from a high school in Aspen will visit during next month's Queenstown Winter Festival in a renewal of a relationship with Wakatipu High School.
No makeover just maintenance for declining holiday parks
No makeover just maintenance for declining holiday parks
The Glendhu Bay and Wanaka Lakeside holiday parks are badly in need of a makeover but will have to make do with maintenance for now.
Shaping Our Future forums
Shaping Our Future forums
An "outstanding quality of thinking" has contributed to the success of the inaugural Shaping Our Future forums, held in Queenstown and Wanaka over the past few weeks, the initiative's steering group says.
New radio station soon for Wanaka
New radio station soon for Wanaka
A new and commercial-free music radio station may hit airwaves as early as next month, says John Stapleton, the owner of Queenstown radio station Revolver.
Nepal trip a revelation for Arrowtown teen
Nepal trip a revelation for Arrowtown teen
Wakatipu High School pupil Tessa Hughes signs the visitors' book at the Sir Edmund Hillary-founded Kunde Hospital - the highlight of her recent trip to Nepal with Everest Treks' Youth to Everest programme. Photo supplied.
Arrowtown teenager Tessa Hughes is home and barely unpacked from an "eye-opening" two-week visit to Nepal, but is keen to go back.
The Wakatipu High School pupil said it was "amazing" to be home after some of the living conditions she saw in Nepal with Everest Treks' Youth to Everest programme.
October 2013 limit, options for cabins
October 2013 limit, options for cabins
Cabins at the Arrowtown Camping Ground next to Jack Reid Park will have to be removed by October 2013 at the latest, while their Frankton counterparts were handed a reprieve until 2018.
Work starts on school's arts complex
Work starts on school's arts complex
Construction has started on Wakatipu High School's new drama and music building which will double learning space for the subjects and include a basement wired for a recording studio.
Mayor opposes advice idea
Mayor opposes advice idea
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden has spoken out in opposition to outside consultation being sought on the recruitment of directors for Queenstown Lakes District Council-owned companies.
QRC provided vision, tools for success
QRC provided vision, tools for success
Five years from its inception, the Queenstown Resort College has grown from a modest operation catering for 11 students to a fully fledged tertiary institution with a student population of just under 300. Joe Dodgshun spoke to graduate Jehan Driver, who started his own adventure travel and sport company, Quest Adventures Asia.