Meanwhile, in Te Wai Pounamu....

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

City approaches dead end

By JO McKENZIE-McLEAN - The Press | Thursday, 14 May 2009



NEAR FULL: Christchurch's planners are considering
how to extend the use of the 16 cemeteries that can
take burials. — JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/The Press.

The baby boomers are posing a fresh problem for the Christchurch City Council where to bury them.

A third of the city's 24 cemeteries are full and urban planners are considering how to extend the use of the 16 cemeteries that can take burials.

Last year, 835 people were buried in urban cemeteries, with the number forecast to rise over the next 20 years because of an ageing and increasing population.

"We need more land, but getting more land in Christchurch is very difficult because of the high groundwater level," council spokeswoman Christine Heremaia said.

A new council report says urban cemeteries can meet predicted demand for the next eight years, with a further 20 years covered through land development. Cemeteries in rural areas have the capacity to meet demand over 25 years, and a further 46 years through land development.

Heremaia said the council had been able to extend the Avonhead cemetery and had bought land at Ouruhia, but development of a cemetery was subject to resource consent and planning processes.

The report said: "As people become larger, full-burial caskets and plot sizes will need to be increased, which will again use more land at a faster rate than currently."



Other proposals include:

• Forming a partnership with the Selwyn District Council for the joint use of the Shands Road cemetery.

• Limiting the pre-purchase of cemetery plots.

• Marketing to boost the use of lesser-known cemeteries and ashes-interment areas.

Heremaia said the council had to consider the needs of different cultures.

Public workshops to discuss Christchurch's cemeteries are on May 19, from 5.30pm, at the council offices in Tuam St, and May 21, from 5.30pm, at the service centre in Little River.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/2409321/City-approaches-dead-end

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Police ‘offered joint’ during drugs raid

The Press | Thursday, 14 May 2009

A suspected member of an alleged multimillion-dollar cannabis-dealing ring invited police to have a joint when arrested, a court has heard.

Fifteen people face charges following a major drug bust in Buller last year.

The charges mainly relate to the cultivation and sale of cannabis between October 2007 and December 2008.

Two justices of the peace have been hearing depositions in the Westport District Court.

Yesterday, Detective Duncan Bull described the arrest of Carl Robert Grant, 39, at his Westport home on December 8.

"As I read his rights he shouted ‘Who doesn't grow dope around here?’," Bull said.

A number of cannabis plants were found in the back garden, and Bull said he found cannabis when he searched Grant's pockets.

"He said ‘You can have that as well, why don't you have a joint with us?’," Bull alleged.

The court was told Grant allegedly cultivated and sold cannabis, along with co-accused Blair Mathew Colligan, 28, of Waimangaroa, and Shane David Saunders, 38, of Cape Foulwind.

Local contacts allegedly helped grow, prepare and sell the drug, and there were supply links to Nelson, Canterbury and Wellington.

Among the accused are Paul Laidlaw, 46, of Glentunnel, and Wayne Saunders, 40, of Hornby.

Police told the hearing they placed wiretaps on cellphones and landlines used by the defendants, as well as using an undercover officer to buy cannabis.

They carried out covert property searches during the operation, codenamed Marvel. Two farms in north Buller were searched.

About 150 cannabis plants were allegedly found growing in bush. A further 80 plants and 32 seedlings were allegedly found in a house in Denniston, north of Westport.

Depositions are expected to continue for the rest of the week.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/west-coast/2409325/Police-offered-joint-during-drugs-raid

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Same place, altered name

By REBECCA TODD - The Press | Saturday, 16 May 2009

While Wanganui is heading for a controversial makeover, several South Island place names may not be far behind.

Along with adding an "h" into the North Island town's name, the New Zealand Geographic Board is considering less provocative changes to the South Island, such as formalising Tai Tapu as two words.

Selwyn District Council Mayor Kelvin Coe said he did not think Tai Tapu locals would notice the difference.

"It's hardly a big deal. It's pronounced the same with the same letters in the same order and we all know what it means whatever way it is spelt," he said.

Board secretary Wendy Shaw said 27 name changes were under consideration, most submitted by the public.

The formal spelling of Tai Tapu will be changed from one word to two and The Catlins will become a formally recognised area of Southland.

Two new lakes will also be named Lake Hood near Ashburton and Lake Opuha near Fairlie and an old spelling mistake will be corrected altering Mount Aitken to Mount Aitkin.

The mountain was apparently named after an early Southland runholder called Robert Walter Aitkin.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/national/2416033/Same-place-altered-name

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Sculptor has to ‘work hard’ to get a head

By KATARINA FILIPE - The Timaru Herald | Saturday, 16 May 2009



BREAKING THE MOULD: South Canterbury sculptor
Margriet Windhausen works on her latest masterpiece,
girl, in her Maungati studio near Timaru.
— NATASHA MARTIN/The Timaru Herald.

In her studio, a converted 90-year-old church, sculptor Margriet Windhausen is working on the head of a girl.

It is a privately commissioned bronze sculpture that will take six weeks to complete, and it took almost 10 hours of sitting and two days of work to create a clay replica.

The sculpture is one of about 400 Mrs Windhausen has made, most of which have been sold in exhibitions around New Zealand, and the rest adorn her home, which is set in 10 acres, about 40 minutes from Timaru.

What was once a Presbyterian church in Clandeboye is now her studio, and her home is an 1890s Anglican church from St Andrew's.

She and her artist husband Paul van den Bergh moved the churches to their Maungati property.

The couple came to New Zealand from the Netherlands in 1976 and after living in Gisborne, Hamilton and Invercargill, have lived in South Canterbury for 22 years.

Mrs Windhausen, who is a fourth-generation artist, said her painter father played a big role in her early training.

Mrs Windhausen's most recent artwork, Head of a Young Woman, took out the premier award at the South Canterbury Pottery Group's exhibition, which opened at Aigantighe Art Gallery this month.

The sculpture was one of four Mrs Windhausen displayed, and took about three months to complete. It may feature in her annual Auckland exhibition in January. The South Canterbury exhibition closes tomorrow, but Mrs Windhausen will continue to create about 12 sculptures a year.

"If you want to do more than 12 you really have to work hard."

She started sculpting full-time about five years ago and gave up her job as a part-time art teacher at Roncalli College in 2007.

Timaruvians may recognise some of her public artworks, the most recent being the Face of Peace bronze memorial installed at Caroline Bay last year.

She also did the Jack Lovelock sculpture at Timaru Boys' High School in 2002, the Lord Elworthy portrait outside the library in 1990, and the life-sized sculpture of boxer Bob Fitzsimmons at Strathallan Corner in 1987.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/2416235/Sculptor-has-to-work-hard-to-get-a-head

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Another chance to see kakapo

By AMY MILNE - The Southland Times | Saturday, 16 May 2009



LOOKING PRETTY: Two of the kakapo chicks, that are likely to be
on display next Saturday at the Invercargill Workingmen's Club.
— BARRY HARCOURT/The Southland Times.

I spy with my little eye something beginning with K ... kakapo.

Southerners will have the chance to see one of the rarest parrots in the world next Saturday when some of this season's chicks will be on display at the Invercargill Workingmen's Club from 10am to 4pm.

Conservation Department Kakapo Recovery Team leader Diedre Vercoe said being able to share the special birds with the public was a wonderful way to celebrate what has been an incredible breeding season.

"We are still buzzing about the population passing 100, and the rediscovery of Rangi (a male kakapo who had not been seen on the island for about 20 years) was another incredible moment."

A similar public day held last year at the club attracted more than 3000 people and Ms Vercoe hoped this year would be just as successful.

They hoped to have three chicks on display in the morning and two in the afternoon. Exact numbers would depend on how well the birds coped with the attention, she said.

Of the 33 chicks hatched this season, 20 were male and 13 female. The recovery team had hoped for more females but was still pleased with the results, she said.

The Kakapo Recovery Programme is a partnership between the Conservation Department, Rio Tinto Alcan NZ and Forest and Bird.

—————————————————————————

KAKAPO INFO:

The small but increasing kakapo population sits at 124 after this 2008-09 breeding season produced a record 33 chicks.

A total of 71 eggs were laid this season 50 were fertile but 14 failed (embryos dead before hatching).

From the total of 36 chicks hatched, three died and 26 are being hand-raised in Invercargill, while seven are being raised by their mothers on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island.

Eleven of the 26 were to be transferred back to the island at the end of this month.

The previous biggest season was in 2002 when 24 chicks hatched. wKakapo Recovery is a partnership between the Conservation Department, Rio Tinto Alcan New Zealand and Forest & Bird. The partnership, signed in 1990, is one of DOC's longest-running conservation partnerships.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/2416123/Another-chance-to-see-kakapo

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Passport thief gets away Scot free

Cheeky kea steals tourist's passport

By MARK HOTTON in Queenstown - The Southland Times | Friday, 29 May 2009



Te Anau police have identified a thief who brazenly stole a British man's passport, but will not pursue an arrest or attempt to recover the document.

A police spokeswoman said a Scottish man reported the theft of his passport from a bus heading into Milford Sound earlier this week.

The passport had been in a coloured courier bag that attracted the attention of a cheeky kea when the bus stopped at the Chasm on the Milford road.

While the driver was in a compartment beneath the bus, the kea grabbed the package. When the driver turned back, the startled kea flew off into the bush with the package. It has not been recovered and considering the size of Fiordland, is unlikely to be.

The Scottish man, who did not want to be identified, said he had been waiting for about a month for the passport to be returned from Wellington.

"Being Scottish, I've got a sense of humour so I did take it with humour but obviously there is one side of me still raging," he said.

"My passport is somewhere out there in Fiordland. The kea's probably using it for fraudulent claims or something. I'll never look at a kea in the same way."

A replacement from the British High Commission in Wellington could take as long as six weeks and cost up to $400.

"I was planning to go home to Scotland in August so I'm hoping to get that sorted pretty quickly."

He said the bus driver did not know what was in the package but his "pale expression" convinced him he wasn't joking that it contained a passport.

The Scotsman did not hold the driver or the company responsible. "They do us a great service by bringing stuff in and it was just one of those unfortunate things. It just happens.

"You can't make that sort of stuff up."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/2455044/Passport-thief-gets-away-Scot-free

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Flaming oath! Where's the fire?

By RHONDA MARK - The Timaru Herald | 5:00AM - Monday, 08 June 2009



GONE: Murray Stephenson with the hearth and
flue all that's left of the logburner after his
Timaru property was burgled.
— JOHN BISSET/The Timaru Herald.

Murray Stephenson had one of those "I can't believe my eyes" moments when he walked into the lounge on Saturday and found the logburner had been stolen.

All that was left was the hearth, the firewood, and the flue hanging from the ceiling.

Mr Stephenson has heard of cases in which thieves have got into new homes and stripped them of their whiteware and appliances but a well-used logburner, that's one he has not heard before.

Mr Stephenson bought the Talbot Rd property several weeks ago. He was at the empty house last Monday, checking on the alterations that were being done before he moved in.

The work was finished on Friday so he headed down on Saturday morning to check it out.

All was fine until he walked into the lounge and saw the logburner flue dangling from the ceiling.

"I thought my brain and eyes were not working. I waved my hand to see if it had become invisible," he quipped of his reaction to the burglary.

The black Pegasus brand freestanding logburner had been unbolted and carried away out of the ranch slider doors.

Mr Stephenson said it appeared a window had been jemmied to gain access to the house.

He has no doubt it would have taken more than one person to unbolt the logburner and take it away.

The doors had been relocked and the window pushed shut.

"There is no use crying about it. It is so unusual, but it is so frustrating.

"It's an expense that is not needed.

"There is nothing in the house," he said, at a loss to explain why anyone would go to so much trouble to steal an old logburner.

Perhaps ironically, one of the tasks he planned for the weekend before discovering the theft was checking out a bluegum tree he planned to feed the logburner next year.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/2480707/Flaming-oath-Wheres-the-fire

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Red tape mires doughnut

By MARC GREENHILL - The Press | Thursday, 04 June 2009



JAMMED: Township committee chairman Bill Woods and
Springfield's red-tape bound, “commemorative” doughnut.
— DAVID HALLETT/The Press.

A Canterbury town's giant pink doughnut remains caught in red tape but Springfield residents plan to fight for their unusual attraction.

Springfield township committee chairman Bill Woods issued a tongue-in-cheek warning of a protest hikoi yesterday as council officers confirmed the 4.5 metre high doughnut in the town's main street needed resource consent.

The Springfield doughnut, about 65 kilometres from Christchurch, was used to launch The Simpsons Movie in July 2007, capitalising on the cartoon family's namesake home town.

It was donated to Springfield by movie maker Twentieth Century Fox.



The Selwyn District Council said the doughnut needed resource consent, expected to cost up to $25,000, after an independent consultant backed its decision classifying it as an advertising sign or building.

Woods, a former Selwyn mayor, questioned the council's interpretation.

The suggestion the doughnut was advertising the film two years after the event was "grasping at straws", he said.

"The doughnut went from being a symbol of the movie to a commemoration of the movie, and they've completely ignored that."

More than 3000 people turned out for the "biggest day in Springfield's history" when it was erected, Woods said.

"Democracy still has to have its place and the majority of Springfield people still want the doughnut there."

Council planning manager Tim Harris said the independent report backed the council's view.

"It's arguable, but that's the council's position. We can't issue the certificate of compliance so we're just working through some options around that now."

Harris said the committee's options were to apply for council funding or appeal the classification.

Woods said he jokingly suggested the hikoi as it seemed to be the only way to convince elected officials to change their minds.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/2470418/Red-tape-mires-doughnut

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Runaway car takes straight up and down approach

The Timaru Herald | Tuesday, 09 June 2009



FEELING TIPSY: This is one parking method that probably won't
catch on beyond the boundaries of this Selwyn Street property.
— NATASHA MARTIN/The Timaru Herald.

A slip of the foot led to a precarious position for a young driver.

Ashleigh Leask, 18, said she had been trying to park the car in the carport of her Selwyn Street property but accidentally left her foot on the accelerator at the same time, causing the car to slip over the edge.

The incident occurred around 4.30pm yesterday. Remarkably, she escaped without injury.

"It was all a bit of a shock," Miss Leask said.

To try to prevent the car from ending up completely on the front lawn, she had slung a rope around the tow bar and tied it to a nearby post.

Miss Leask said a lot of people had already stopped by to take photographs of the car.

"Some of my friends already know about what happened," she said.

"I guess I can only laugh about it now. What's done is done."

However, she was unsure about what to do next.

"My friends have suggested getting the car out with a four-wheel-drive and a pulley, but I might even need to order a crane."

Despite the car being out of action, there is a positive side: a bus stop is only a short distance away.

And at least Miss Leask won't have to worry about parking.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/2483486/Runaway-car-takes-straight-up-and-down-approach

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

What's the bet Carey Dillon ends up getting excrement chucked all over his place, then is run out of town....


Curtains for town's last pub

The West Coast pub with no beer

By IAN STEWARD - The Press | Thursday, 11 June 2009



NEW DIRECTOR: John MacLennan will be taking over at the Empire Hotel in Kumara.
The hotel has had its licence revoked. — KIRK HARGREAVES/The Press.

Residents say Kumara had 50 pubs in its goldmining heyday.

It now has none after the Liquor Licensing Authority cancelled the licence of Empire Hotel publican Peter Jenkinson.

The loss of the pub has turned some thirsty residents against wood turner Carey Dillon, whose store and home is diagonally opposite the Empire on the main road. He campaigned to have the pub closed down.

Dillon supplied the Liquor Licensing Authority with videos showing patrons drinking and smoking on the street outside the pub. He appeared at the authority's hearing as an objector.

The authority's decision cancelling Jenkinson's licence described several cases of drunken behaviour caught on camera.

"A patron attempted to drive his four-wheel motorbike into the bar by driving it up the steps," it said.

"He appeared to be intoxicated. He tried twice to do so before going inside. No-one tried to stop him."

Four days later, patrons were seen drinking outside with Jenkinson, who did not try to get them to go inside.

"A male wearing an apron and nothing else paraded in the hotel for about an hour. When he gave evidence, Mr Jenkinson said that he gave the person a warning as soon as he became aware of his actions," the authority said.

Other tapes showed patrons of the Empire urinating in bushes outside the pub the same patron three times in one tape and throwing empty bottles across the road.

In cancelling the licence and Jenkinson's manager's certificate, the authority said: "We have seldom heard a worse summary of the previous 18 months in terms of the manner in which the sale of liquor has been conducted."

Kumara residents yesterday defended the antics, saying the town, with a population of 405, was a close-knit community where there was no trouble because everyone knew everyone else.

One neighbour of the pub said: "People might have ridden motorbikes in the bar, but it's a country pub. It's just people having fun."

Several agencies, including police and Ministry of Health, supported the application to shut down the pub.

Some residents criticised Dillon yesterday.

"No-one else in town minds," said one man.

John MacLennan, who is applying for a new licence for the pub, said Dillon could be seen "running round with his video camera" after midnight on some nights.

Dillon was unable to be contacted for comment yesterday, and his home and shop were locked.

MacLennan said Dillon had not been seen in the town since the decision came out.

He said the new licence had been applied for, and he hoped the pub would reopen early next month.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/west-coast/2490034/Curtains-for-towns-last-pub

[Magoo]

Carey Dillon will know what Coventry looks like I daresay.

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Yep....the unofficial justice can be fairly rough in some of those small West Coast towns.

[Magoo]

Come between a coaster and his pint pot and see how you go.   T'would only be the very brave or the foolish.

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Pub informer defiant

The Press | Saturday, 13 June 2009

The man blamed for the closure of a West Coast town's last pub says he is not in hiding.

Kumara residents have criticised wood-turner Carey Dillon for blowing the whistle on antics at the Empire Hotel, which shut when publican Peter Jenkinson's liquor licence was cancelled.

Dillon supplied the Liquor Licensing Authority with videos showing patrons drinking and smoking on the street outside the pub, and appeared at the authority's hearing as an objector.

Yesterday, he denied claims he had skipped town, saying he had been away on business for more than week.

There were no plans to leave his home of 30 years, he said. "I certainly haven't run away, and those persons do not concern me at all."

Threats and abusive messages had been left on his telephone since he was named this week.

"Those threats are not going to deter us from our course of action," Dillon said.

"The matter was decided by a judge. He made his decision, and it's out of our hands."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/west-coast/2497138/Pub-informer-defiant

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Bumper breeding season boosts kakapo population

NZPA | 1:08PM - Wednesday, 17 June 2009



HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU: One of the 11 rare Kakapo chicks
to be transferred back to Codfish Island at the end of June
after being hand-raised by the Department of Conservation
team in Invercargill. — NZPA.

More than two dozen kakapo chicks are being hand-raised in Invercargill following a bumper breeding season.

The Department of Conservation kakapo recovery team set up 14 years ago has seen the population of the endangered bird rise from 51 in 1995 to 124 today.

The 2008/2009 breeding season produced a record 33 chicks, taking the total population to 124, recovery team leader Deidre Vercoe said.

Twenty seven female kakapo laid 71 eggs, 50 of which were fertile, but 14 embryos failed and three hatched chicks died.

Ms Vercoe said 26 of the chicks were being hand-raised in Invercargill while seven were being raised by their mothers on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, off Stewart Island.

So many of the chicks had to be hand-raised due to a lack of ripe Rimu fruit on the island, she said.

"Some mothers were struggling to keep up with the demands of their hungry offspring, so in order to ensure their survival some of the chicks are being hand-raised."

Young chicks needed to be fed at least 10 times a day while older ones were on about five feeds a day.

"Without hand-rearing, only chicks from the 1981 and 2002 breeding seasons would have survived," she said.

The chicks will be taken to Codfish Island at the end of June where they will stay in a pen for about six weeks before their release.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2508901/Bumper-breeding-season-boosts-kakapo-population

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Tough enough for chilly dip

By BETHANY MARETT - The Timaru Herald | 5:00AM - Monday, 22 June 2009



POLAR PLUNGE: Contestants ploughing into the chilly
water of Caroline Bay for the annual mid-winter swim.
— JOHN BISSET/The Timaru Herald.

Hardy Timaru souls wearing anything from pyjamas to togas and even a dinner suit, braved the cold for a quick dip in Caroline Bay yesterday.

The mid-winter swim, run by local radio station Port FM and held annually on the shortest day, attracted about 100 people prepared to take the plunge while as many spectators watched on warmly from the sand.

Timaru's Zoe Hopa won the best dressed award for her "Rex the Robot" costume, which was made out of beer boxes and aluminium foil.

The 11-year-old designed and made the costume especially for the swim, in which she was encouraged to take part by her father.

While the shivering shoulders and chattering teeth of other participants reflected just how chilly the water was, Zoe said she didn't find it too cold at all.

She was awarded $98 and a trophy for her efforts. A number of spot prizes ranging from heaters to tents were also given out.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/2521937/Tough-enough-for-chilly-dip

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

From the Otago Daily Times

Midwinter madness takes dip

By SALLY RAE - Otago News | Monday, 22 June 2009



Warren Duncan braved the cold water at Friendly Bay yesterday to take part in Oamaru's
annual midwinter swim. — Photo by Sally Rae.

About 50 hardy swimmers braved the waters of Friendly Bay at Oamaru Harbour yesterday, for the annual Port FM Local midwinter swim.

The weather was mild, although it could hardly be described as balmy.

One entrant described the water as "freezing".

There was a variety of innovative costumes — including Santa Claus — although the more sensible opted for wetsuits rather than bathing suits.

Money raised went to the Oamaru Rowing Club.

• In Wanaka, the midwinter action was on the water, rather than in it, as several water-skiers and wakeboarders marked the shortest day with an icy circuit on the glassy lake behind a fast boat.

A large group of local residents gathered on the shores of Lake Wanaka to watch the fun.

The event has become something of a Wanaka tradition to celebrate the shortest day of the year and has grown into a popular outing down through the years, for residents and visitors alike.

http://www.odt.co.nz/the-regions/otago/62071/midwinter-madness-takes-dip

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Rousing start to Queenstown festival

By SUE FEA - The Southland Times | Saturday, 27 June 2009



AND IT'S ON: Fireworks light up the 2009 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival last night.
The 35th annual event was officially opened by Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key.
 — BARRY HARCOURT/The Southland Times.

The little people rugged up in layers of woollies were mesmerised while the big people, eyes skyward, cheered loudly as a spectacular fireworks display lit the skies over Queenstown Bay last night, launching the 35th Queenstown Winter Festival.

While a sea of concerned tiny tots sat wide-eyed atop their dad's shoulders clutching tightly, Nixon Timms, 3, of Queenstown, was unfazed and raring to go. The fireworks were "bright, like red shooting stars" but Nixon was hanging out for the icecream and lollipop treat afterwards, while Neve Short, also 3, of Queenstown, agreed after prompting from her mum that it was "better than going to bed".

Prime Minister John Key, who officially opened the festival by lighting the Rockgas Festival Flame to cheers from the crowd of several thousand festivalgoers, was the star of the show for a group of Irish backpackers and skiers.

"Who is it? Is that the prime minister ... actually? Really?" one of the group asked.

"To be honest we were just in Queenstown and didn't know this festival was on it's definitely a real bonus this (festival), and seeing the prime minister," Simon Gallagher, of Northern Ireland, said.

Mr Key, stripped of his parliamentary persona and wearing a casual ski jacket, enjoyed some light-hearted banter with festival MC and funny man Jeremy Corbett, whom Mr Key tried to encourage to take his shirt off in spite of the freezing temperatures.

As always there was a strong family component in the crowd enjoying the early-evening entertainment from outstanding New Zealand percussionists Strike and other performers.

The festival continues today with a huge lineup of events, the festival parade from 11am and an epic trans-Tasman football clash, between Wellington Phoenix and current Hyundai A-League champions Melbourne Victory, at the Queenstown Events Centre, topped off tonight by the Lindauer Masquerade Ball.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/queenstown/2544740/Rousing-start-to-festival

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

All things weird and wonderful

By WILL HINE in Queenstown - The Southland Times | 5:00AM - Monday, 29 June 2009



DIVINE: Amber Kinnaird, alias Barbie, taking to the air for Heaven Day Spar in the
More FM Birdman competition at the Queenstown Winter Festival yesterday.
— BARRY HARCOURT/The Southland Times.

People dressed as swine flu-infested pigs hurling themselves into Lake Wakatipu?

Men in indecently short skirts and three shades of lippy running in circles?

Bewildered children wondering what the heck was going on?

It must be that time of year again.

Queenstown Winter Festival 2009 got off to a roaring start at the weekend with a variety of wacky and wonderful events keeping those in the know, and the freshly initiated, amused.

In a welcome change from past years, the weather gods came to the party, turning on a succession of bright, bluish days for the start of the 10-day winter celebration.

A large crowd descended on Queenstown Bay yesterday to watch about a dozen plucky Birdman competitors throw themselves off a platform and into Lake Wakatipu. Notable efforts included a transformer-themed jet boat from Shotover Jet and a rocking Speight's van from the brewery, but both were upstaged by the final act from Heaven Spa.

Amber Kinnaird, as Barbie, and Bruce Anderson, as Ken, put on a comprehensive theatrical display with friends atop the wharf before being unexpectedly massacred by a machine gun-wielding Regan Pearce as Rambo.

Those not interested in the pantomime might have been kept occupied by the sight of Ms Kinnaird waggling her groove thing in a bikini or Mr Pearce doing backflips off the wharf.

Another crowd-pleaser yesterday afternoon was the Drag Race in Earnslaw Park, an event contested by nine shemales, including "Ilene Bothways", "Glenda Bender" and "Amanda Fiddle".

Most of the field were eliminated in knockout rounds before Nick "Shazza Rankin" Cameron edged Richard "The Tokyo Tamer" Thomas in a fiercely contested final.

A proud Bruce Davidson watched from behind the barriers as son-in-law Simon Smith collected the best-dressed prize for a ghastly fluorescent, butterfly-themed ensemble.

"It's great, isn't it," he said.

"What a lot of fun. I just don't know about his two sons watching."

Mr Smith's wife Melissa described the look as "Auckland Trash" and said she assembled the costume following a Manukau City shopping spree.

"Who wouldn't want to be married to that," she asked, beaming up at the violently attired Mr Smith on stage.

A day earlier, thousands of people had thronged the streets of Queenstown on Saturday for the Winter Festival Street Parade.

A motley mix of entrants, from superheroes to the superweird, enthralled a sizeable crowd, though some spectators noted there were fewer floats than in previous years.

Crowd favourites included Star Wars and comic book characters, while animals including dogs, a horse and a cow also drew a few smiles.

As always, the stalwarts of Queenstown tourism took the opportunity to pull out their toys, Shotover Jet, NZSki, Real Journeys and Cardrona all entering impressive floats.

The festival continues with a retro ski day on Coronet Peak today and the Great Comedy Debate tonight.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/queenstown/2547728/All-things-weird-and-wonderful

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Just another flight through paradise skies

The Timaru Herald | 5:00AM - Monday, 29 June 2009



EYES AHEAD: After 15,000 flights and 45 years, pilot Richard Rayward still
has no trouble navigating the skies. — JOHN BISSET/The Timaru Herald.

An eye specialist once told Tekapo's Richard Rayward not to pursue flying as his eyesight wasn't up to it.

Luckily he didn't listen to that advice.

Forty-five years later, and after 15,000 flights around the Aoraki-Mount Cook region, he still passes his eye test with flying colours and without glasses.

Rayward's passion for flying began nearly 50 years ago, as a cameraman for the National Film Unit.

"I was introduced to aviation and spent a considerable amount of time in the air filming from aircraft and helicopters," he said.

In 1970 he was instrumental in forming one of New Zealand's most successful scenic and charter flight services, Air Safaris, based at Mesopotamia Station in the headwaters of the Rangitata River.

Four years later the fledgling company relocated to the present site at Lake Tekapo.

It was small beginnings for the firm, with its sole aircraft, a Cessna 180, able to carry just three passengers.

Air Safaris is now one of New Zealand's leading aviation companies. Rayward and his son Tim employ 14 staff and operate 10 aircraft with the largest capable of carrying 15 passengers.

The pilot thinks he has the ultimate job and still gets a buzz every time he takes to the air.

"The pleasure I get is seeing the reactions of people we take flying. Often they are ecstatic and it is the highlight of their life," he said.

Rayward has introduced several type of aircraft into New Zealand as a first for scenic sightseeing. Flying two 15-seater Nomads from Samoa with fellow pilot, the late Tom Middleton, was a highlight.

"We island-hopped from Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and through Norfolk Island to New Zealand."

Over the years Rayward's experience and knowledge of the Mount Cook area have been called upon in locating missing aircraft or climbers.

"We have a tracking device installed into one of the Nomads that is capable of guiding us to an activated locator beacon," he said.

Any time of the year is good time to take a flight, although a clear and still winter's day is hard to beat the air is smooth and the snow-covered mountains look so pristine, he said.

Rayward loves sharing the majestic features of the region with others.The popular scenic Grand Traverse flight covers the Tasman Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park and the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/2547808/Just-another-flight-through-paradise-skies

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Another tough day at the office

By ALASTAIR PAULIN - The Nelson Mail | 1:05PM - Monday, 29 June 2009



SUPER: Motueka High School teacher Bruce Reid strolls into the surf with dignity during Sunday's
Motueka Lioness Polar Bear Swim at Kaiteriteri. — PATRICK HAMILTON/The Nelson Mail.

Reginald Perrin, aka Motueka social studies teacher Bruce Reid, walked calmly into the sea yesterday, but unlike his fictional inspiration, the only place Mr Reid disappeared was into the showers for the traditional post midwinter swim warm-up.

He was one of 33 swimmers who took to the grey sea at Kaiteriteri yesterday on a chilly afternoon for the Motueka Lioness Club's 21st annual Polar Bear Swim.

Mr Reid had been nominated "They didn't actually ask me," he said by his cohorts at the Motueka RSA Fishing Club to enter the swim. In return the club and Motueka High School sponsored him, contributing $300 to the day's fundraising.

First into the water was 10-year-old Luka Droppers, from Pangatotara, who was joined by younger sisters Cella, 4, and Yiba, 6, and his mother, Irma Jager.

She said that since the hot water cylinder at home had been broken for several days, the hot showers after the swim were good motivation.

First out of the water, in under 30 seconds, was tourist Kerray Henderson, from Roxburgh. She said the cold reminded her of Central Otago and, although doing the swim had not been on her bucket list, "it is now so I can cross it off".

Among the costumed swimmers were Ang Lyall, Sarah Markham and Fay McKenzie, who claimed to be members of MUPH, Motueka United Professional Homemakers.

"We're taking a break from our homemaking duties," said Ms Lyall. "We put down our baking for this."

Co-ordinator Barbara Wilson, one of several Lionesses running the event, said there were slightly more swimmers than usual and she was pleased with the crowd of 150 on the beach, who joined in the lolly scramble, raffles, sausage sizzle and Englefield Duck Race to raise funds for the Jack Inglis Friendship Hospital.

She declined to say how much had been raised.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/2549205/Another-tough-day-at-the-office

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Stuck in the snow

By JEFF TOLLAN - The Timaru Herald | 5:00AM - Tuesday, 30 June 2009



WINTER WONDERLAND: William Vink from Christchurch was among motorists
who had to put chains on their vehicles to get through Burkes Pass yesterday.
— NATASHA MARTIN/The Timaru Herald.

The cold came, the snow fell, the roads closed. Weather created a headache for motorists around the region yesterday and it may not be over yet.

Snow and ice in Burkes Pass, between Lake Tekapo and Fairlie, saw that section of State Highway 8 shut from 2am through to mid morning.

Senior Constable Russell Halkett of the Fairlie police said the route had become impassable, with four trucks stuck at one point.

There were no other roads to detour through, so some motorists were faced with a long wait.

New Zealand Transport Agency South Canterbury area manager Colin Hey said it was about 11.30am before the road could be reopened.

Even then, it was restricted to vehicles carrying chains and non-towing vehicles. "It's quite common for that stretch to close. It seems to pick up a dump of snow that doesn't fall elsewhere," Mr Hey said.

"It's spasmodic, but [Burkes Pass would be closed] about 10 times a year, which is a typical period; but never for a period longer than 48 hours."

He said every effort was made to keep roads open, including grading and gritting them as well as spraying them with CMA, a de-icing compound. Senior Constable Les Andrew of the Twizel police urged motorists to drive to the conditions. Yesterday he stopped a Canadian man who had been driving at 129km/h.

He said roads, especially between Pukaki and Tekapo, were wet and icy.

The MetService forecast to Friday for the Timaru area will see zero degree Celsius starts, with maximum temperatures not exceeding 10°C.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/2550919/Stuck-in-the-snow


Icy roads prove trap

By JARED MORGAN - The Southland Times | 5:00AM - Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Icy conditions at the weekend and yesterday made conditions hazardous for southern motorists and led to police reinforcing the "drive to the conditions" message.

Southland escaped Jack Frost's handiwork at the weekend, while Central Otago played host to a hoar frost, but icy conditions overnight on Sunday meant much of the lower south awoke to a frosty start yesterday.

Frozen roads in Western Southland led to several crashes attended by emergency services yesterday morning.

Winton-based strategic traffic unit Senior Constable Tony Vincent said police and emergency services attended three crashes on State Highway 96 between Browns and Spring Hills within the space of an hour on the same 300m stretch of road between 7.35am and 8.35am.

The common factor in all three was an icy road combined with speeds that were too fast for the conditions, he said.

The ice on the road was deceptive and he had come close to losing his footing when he stepped out of his patrol car, Mr Vincent said.

In the most serious crash, a 17-year-old female was taken to Southland Hospital as a precaution after she lost control of her vehicle on black ice between Gill and Mako roads.

Constable Jim Mangos, of Winton, said Winton police and St John ambulance attended the crash along with both the Winton and Browns fire services.

Ice has also plagued roads across much of Central Otago for the past three days.

An Alexandra police spokeswoman said hoar frost set in between Alexandra and Roxburgh on Saturday, which led to a slick of ice covering the highway in the Fruitlands area.

Two cars collided about 11am on Saturday and another two vehicles slid off State Highway 8 in the area that night. No-one was injured in the collision.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/queenstown/2550827/Icy-roads-prove-trap

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Mardi Gras makes many merry

By WILL HINE - The Southland Times | 5:00AM - Wednesday, 01 July 2009



MASKER'S AIDE: Donna De Mente, of Oamaru, centre, and her colourful masks, gathered
together for the Queenstown Festival Mardi Gras parade in Queenstown Bay last night.
— BARRY HARCOURT/The Southland Times.

The only thing hotter than the mulled wine was the atmosphere as Queenstown smoked, smouldered and burst into flame with the arrival of Winter Festival Mardi Gras last night.

Thousands filled Earnslaw Park and Beach Street to watch bands and acts across two stages, and eat and drink from roadside stalls.

The evening was kicked off in rhythmic style as dozens of drummers paraded along the waterfront and into the main arena.

Chaperoned by masked marchers, the drummers pumped out a clamour of infectious carnival beats.

Jasmine Singer, of Pahiatua, who watched the action in Earnslaw Park with four mates, said it was great to see the community get involved in the night's entertainment.

"This was my first parade. It's such an amazing atmosphere and I love the mulled wine."

Simone Palmer, of Australia, said she was having a great night.

"This Winter Festival thing is pretty cool. I can't wait to see what they've got for us tomorrow apart from a hangover."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/queenstown/2554090/Mardi-Gras-makes-many-merry

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A trip down memory lane

By JOSH REICH - The Nelson Mail | 12:48PM - Wednesday, 01 July 2009



SLOW COACH: Lester Rowntree, left, and Hone Ma Heke re-enacting the first coach trip with
a replica Cobb and Co stagecoach and clydesdale horses after setting up near the Wai-iti River
along State Highway 6 towards Murchison. — MARION VAN DIJK/The Nelson Mail.

Two men are taking the slow coach to Murchison to celebrate the achievements of two pioneering Brightwater brothers.

Tom and Harry Newman set off for Murchison from the Foxhill Hotel on this day in 1879, the first journey of what became Newmans Coachlines.

They carried mail on that two-day trip, but after that regularly carried passengers, and due to having strategically located stables along the route eventually could make the trip in a day.

The company, in various guises, has serviced much of New Zealand since, and Newmans Coach Lines is now operated by Transit Coachlines and Ritchies Transport Holdings.

In memory of Tom and Harry, Motueka men Lester Rowntree and Hone Ma Heke are recreating the trip, spending three days travelling to Murchison from Foxhill aboard Mr Rowntree's replica Cobb and Co stagecoach.

They are being pulled by five clydesdales Laddie, Merlin, Chief, Suzy and Jock along State Highway 6, and will sleep in, or under, the coach.

Mr Rowntree said commemorating Tom and Harry's journey was something he had wanted to do for some time.

"I've always greatly admired the Newmans, so it's awesome to finally do something to recognise their great achievements."

He said the replica coach was a fun way to travel, and clydesdales were the perfect horse as they were not frightened by the traffic.

"It's the Rolls-Royce of carriages as far as crosscountry travel is concerned."

Mr Ma Heke said anyone who saw them travelling was welcome to jump on board for a ride.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/2555588/A-trip-down-memory-lane

[Kiwithrottlejockey]

Eyebrows up, blowup dolls down in Undy 500

By WILL HINE - The Southland Times | 5:00AM - Thursday, 02 July 2009



BLOWING IN: Mark Ferguson of Queenstown and ‘Brian’ ready to race in the Mountain Scene Undy 500 (left).
NAKED AMBITION: Tim Jones, of Christchurch, on his way to taking out the Undie 500 race at the
Queenstown Winter Festival yesterday (right). — BARRY HARCOURT/The Southland Times.

At almost any other time, or in any other place, he would have faced the prospect of arrest and a padded cell.

Yesterday, he took out the best-dressed award at the Queenstown Winter Festival Undy 500 race.

Queenstowner Mark Ferguson, 42, turned heads and dropped jaws when he turned up to the underwear raceday wearing just carpet slippers and a pair of tiny white underpants which he shared with inflatable friend "Brian".

Ferguson and Brian lined up against about a dozen other semi-naked guys (none of whom had inflatable sextoys in their underpants) to race a several-hundred-metre course up and down the beach in Queenstown Bay.

Over hay bales, under hurdles and into the lake they went.

Ferguson was knocked out in an early heat, but he was not blaming the result on the rapidly deflating Brian.

"He kept me nice and warm," he said.

A veteran of the first Undy 500 at Queenstown Winter Festival 1996, Ferguson instead blamed his early exit on his decision to wear carpet slippers a poor choice, he reflected, in the era of professional sport.

The quickest man in Y-fronts on the day was Tim Jones, of Christchurch, who won $250 worth of new underwear for his efforts.

He said he chose his racing undies on the basis they were the last "cleanish" pair he had.

In the women's event Esther Liong, of Christchurch, cantered home for the win.

Ms Liong said she and Jones were running partners, and had entered the Undy 500 while on holiday from university.

Spectators were later entertained by paragliders in fancy dress, who launched off Bobs Peak before landing in Queenstown Bay. Batman made a particularly spectacular entrance, base-jumping off a glider piloted by sidekick Robin.

The caped crusader plummeted lake-ward before deploying a chute and cruising in to land on the beach.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/queenstown/2557454/Eyebrows-up-blowup-dolls-down-in-Undy-500