Marjorie Cook

Boardroom battles are brewing between various parties regarding access rights to the remote back country around the shores of Lake Hawea.

The organisers of the New Zealand Mountain Film Festival have announced the winners of the 2008 festival.

There was no growth in Wanaka's tourism market last summer, in line with slowing national tourism trends, according to Lake Wanaka Tourism's six-monthly report to the Wanaka Community Board this week.

Wanaka is still one of the safest places to live in New Zealand, despite between 700-800 reported crimes from July 2007 to June this year, Sgt Aaron Nicholson told the Wanaka Community Board yesterday.

Supporters of convicted greenstone thieves Dave and Morgan Saxton were last night celebrating news the pair had been released from jail on bail and appeared unlikely to complete their sentences, even if they lost a future appeal against conviction.

Convicted greenstone thieves Dave and Morgan Saxton, of Haast, kept a low profile on their first day of freedom on bail yesterday.

A tear-jerking story about an orphaned bear, the tale of a one-legged man's mission to climb Aconcagua on crutches and a Kiwi adventure in oilskins and wooden canoes are among more than 40 films to be screened at the New Zealand Mountain Film Festival in Wanaka from July 4 to 8.

Wanaka police are eyeing a prime piece of golf course reserve on Ballantyne Rd for a new police station - and possibly even a combined emergency services centre - but any development is not likely for several years.

The footpaths of Wanaka are in danger of becoming gridlocked by baby buggies.

Otago's two golden boys of the ski slopes shared the limelight at the Snow Sports New Zealand 2007-2008 Awards in Wanaka on Saturday night.

Four years ago, the Upper Clutha baby boom was causing sole Wanaka midwife Emma Bilous to tear out her hair in frustration as she ricocheted between 70 clients.

The independent management contract for the Lake Wanaka Centre is secure for the next 12 months, Lakes Leisure facilities general manager Ian Paterson confirmed at a public meeting on Wednesday night.

Five full-time St John ambulance officers are undergoing training and orientation in Wanaka this week in preparation for the winter season.

Wanaka café owner Chris Hadfield (47) has been seen but not heard around town for several years.

The winter accommodation market is in full swing in Wanaka as seasonal workers begin to arrive for the ski season.