Tracey Roxburgh

Is it a bach, or is it a box? The answer: both.

Among the list of former All Blacks - widely regarded as some of the best rugby players of all time - to play against former French internationals in Queenstown later this year are three men who never got a test cap.

The final piece of Jigsaw Central Lakes' puzzle has been put in place, with the generous donation of a brand new Kia car to the Queenstown-based organisation.

The 2011 Parklife Invitational freestyle boarding and skiing competition will not be held at the Queenstown Rec Ground.

An assurance has been given to the Wilding Conifer Group the Queenstown Lakes District Council will battle on its behalf to secure funding from the Otago Regional Council to fight wilding pine spread.

Calling all photographers - the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival wants you.

Queenstown had a "globally unique" asset in the Ben Lomond Forest mountain bike park which, in its inaugural season, has been hailed a "fantastic success".

The controversial alliance between Queenstown and Auckland airports has cost Queenstown ratepayers more than $560,000 so far, and the final cost in litigation costs and legal fees is still to be determined.

The inaugural Wallace and Gibbs Art 2 Wear exhibition opens at the Lakes District Museum tomorrow.

Arrowtown business owners spoken to yesterday were shocked to read in the Otago Daily Times they faced a possible 20% rates rise to pay for a rebranding and marketing exercise for the historic township - but Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden said the rates hike was "highly unlikely" to happen.

The first day of winter yesterday was, ironically, greeted in Queenstown with a balmy temperature of about 15degC, clear blue skies and light winds - and the announcement Coronet Peak Ski Area would not be opening for the 2011 ski season on Saturday as planned.

Warm weather this week means NZSki's plan to open Coronet Peak ski area on Saturday is in doubt.

Less than a week after Queenstown hosted Trenz, the resort has been named as the host for Australia and New Zealand's largest education and student travel trade show.

Former All Black Justin Marshall, former Wallaby Michael Brial and former Highlander Kelvin Middleton christened the new soccer/rugby goal posts at the Remarkables Primary School on Friday.

Queenstown Lakes District 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) co-ordinator Jono Sutherland has wasted no time bringing the district's plans up to date with other centres, proudly reporting: "we're not behind now".

Ambulance officers spent from 10am to 4pm at New World on Saturday giving residents and visitors free blood-pressure checks.

The future of Wakatipu rugby looks to be in good hands, with one school roll boasting two Marshalls, three Brials and a Middleton - with more to come.