Tracey Roxburgh

A lakes district winery is bucking industry trends and investing $2.5 million in capital works as it expands its operations, including its wine tourism venture.

Former mayor Warren Cooper has questioned why the Queenstown Lakes District Council now wants to consult on the strategic alliance between Queenstown and Auckland Airports, a deal he regards as a "fait accompli" it having been announced in July.

The controversial airport strategic alliance, an issue that has divided the community for the past five months, looks set to dominate today's Queenstown Lakes District Council meeting, the last for 2010.

A tiny community in the Kawarau Gorge is in the running to be named the 2011 Community of the Year, part of the New Zealander of the Year awards.

Queenstown Airport Corporation has decided not to pursue night flights to and from the resort, chief executive Steve Sanderson said yesterday.

Jetstar's first transtasman flight from Melbourne will arrive in Queenstown today, representing an increase of more than 50% in capacity to Queenstown by the airline.

Without the Star Alliance, New Zealand would be a "poorer nation", Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe said yesterday.

Air New Zealand deputy chief executive Norm Thompson yesterday welcomed a move by the Queenstown Lakes District Council to seek independent commercial advice on the strategic alliance between Queenstown and Auckland airports.

Queenstown is bidding to attract many of the 85,000 new passengers flying into Auckland from China on a new air service.

Air New Zealand likes to do things a bit differently, and the 80 delegates from about 31 airlines, along with 24 international media representatives at the Star Alliance conference were treated to some of the best Queenstown has to offer last night.

A Wanaka accountant's photograph, which won first prize in Christchurch International Airport's competition to find the South Island's most scenic rugby field, will help the Otago Rugby Football Union "balance the books", ORFU vice-president Eion Edgar said yesterday.

Air New Zealand would wait "a couple of weeks" before deciding what to do about its in-flight safety video which made headlines across the country yesterday.

A hand-picked, designer-look collection of accessories is now available online, in a new business launched by two Queenstown women.

Air New Zealand and the Queenstown Airport Corporation yesterday briefly set aside their legal battles over the controversial strategic alliance with Auckland Airport as Queenstown's $4 million baggage-handling system was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Bill English.

Wellington man Kevin Patterson says he blames himself for the death of his partner and climbing companion Lynne Marie Osborne, of Dunedin, on Mitre Peak in April this year.