Marjorie Cook

Lord of the Rings pine forest destroyed by storms

For nearly two weeks foresters (from left) Lauren Queree, Dan Stewart and Peter Fleming have been...

Lord of the Rings pine forest destroyed by storms

An unassuming pine plantation that put the small rural town of Tarras on the map of Lord of the Rings fans has been destroyed by alpine thunder-and-lightning storms worthy of a battle between Gandalf and the Balrog.

Artists feeling the effects of pandemic as public ‘battle-weary’

Central Otago Art Society president Nigel Wilson at Central Stories ahead of the society’s 65th...

Artists feeling the effects of pandemic as public ‘battle-weary’

Last year, Covid-19 heavily pruned Central Otago artists’ exhibition plans, but they quickly rebounded after lockdown, courtesy of travelling New Zealanders.

Merino Muster ‘back to old days’

Hawea Flat biathlete Campbell Wright blitzed the 21km Merino Muster celebration course on...

Merino Muster ‘back to old days’

Saturday's sunshine put a smile on the face of Snow Farm cross-country skiers, as they celebrated the skifield’s signature 42km international race, despite it being cancelled.

No smooth road for multimillion-dollar town centre development

The Cromwell Spatial Plan 2019 focuses commercial and retail development within the town centre...

No smooth road for multimillion-dollar town centre development

Cromwell’s ambitious, multimillion-dollar town centre development faces challenges from other commercial activities, earning the Cromwell Commmunity Board another reminder to “get on with it”.

Former local lawyer appointed to Silverlight consent panel

An artist’s impression of part of the Silverlight Studios proposal. IMAGE: SUPPLIED

Former local lawyer appointed to Silverlight consent panel

Former Wanaka lawyer Jan Caunter, now living in Tauranga, has been appointed to an independent consenting panel to consider the $280million Silverlight Studios development near Wanaka Airport.

Airport research expected this month

Airport research expected this month

More information about the proposed Tarras airport should be available this month, as lobby group Sustainable Tarras keeps pressure on the developer to release more research.

Supermarket expansion assurances sought

Cromwell’s New World supermarket is proposing to expand on to the Waenga Dr greenway reserve....

Supermarket expansion assurances sought

The path is not yet clear for the $7 million expansion of the New World supermarket on to a public reserve in Cromwell’s town centre.

Environmental group voices conditional support for film park

Silverlight Studios has won conditional support for its $280million film studio development from environmental lobby group the Upper Clutha Environmental Society.

Wanaka woman wants $2 million to expand beauty business

Wanaka business Kester Black's operations manager Fergus Sully and founder Anna Ross (holding...

Wanaka woman wants $2 million to expand beauty business

Wanaka businesswoman Anna Ross and her partner Fergus Sully are preparing for international take-off in the beauty products industry.

Erosion complaints under investigation

The Rockabilly Gully after heavy rainfall on August 16. PHOTO: ALAN CUTLER

Erosion complaints under investigation

Consent compliance investigation is under way after Wanaka residents and the Department of Conservation complained about erosion in Rockabilly Gully.

Design input to be sought from users

Design input to be sought from users

Robust discussion about Cromwell’s proposed $16million town hall is expected to continue.

Passersby tried to save rider

An off-duty paramedic tried in vain to save a motorcyclist’s life after coming across a crash on the Crown Range Rd yesterday.

Market still strong as Wanaka home sells for $2m-plus

Covid-19 or no Covid-19, Wanaka’s property market is still booming after a small three-bedroom...

Market still strong as Wanaka home sells for $2m-plus

A small, three-bedroom Wanaka house was sold online for more than $2.1 million last week - more than double its rateable value of $930,000 and about five times what it might cost to build today.

Covid delays assessment

Covid-19 restrictions have stymied the release of new information about the proposed airport at Tarras.

Level 3 trading rules bring customers to town in force

MT Outdoors owner Steve Hart (left) and employees Mima Kowalczyk and Charlie Palmer cannot wait...

Level 3 trading rules bring customers to town in force

Queues of customers were forming outside Wanaka outdoor equipment shops, cafes, optometrists and pharmacies during the first day of Alert Level 3 restrictions on Wednesday.

'We stopped the Auckland rich-listers. Now we’ve got to take on an even richer person'

Architects Kengo Kuma & Associates, who designed the Tokyo Olympic Stadium, say the proposed...

'We stopped the Auckland rich-listers. Now we’ve got to take on an even richer person'

A Wanaka environmental campaigner is gearing up to fight billionaire Peter Thiel's plan to build a luxury lodge on the shores of Lake Wanaka.

Three Parks developer has positive outlook

Wanaka developer Allan Dippie believes there has been ‘‘phenomenal interest’’ in commercial...

Three Parks developer maintains positive outlook

Wanaka developer and employer Allan Dippie is optimistic commercial property development prospects remain strong, despite the current Covid-19 situation.

Interest in commercial properties high

Wanaka's empty Base Backpackers building in Brownston St is for sale. PHOTO: MARJORIE COOK

Interest in commercial properties high

The Covid-19 restrictions may have put the kibosh on viewing Wanaka’s prime commercial property offerings for now, but agents expect investors’ interest to return.

Eels trailing string arouse suspicion people illegally fishing for them

Wanaka’s giant eels appear to have swallowed white string.PHOTO: LAYTON CRAIG

Eels trailing string arouse suspicion people illegally fishing for them

Several of Lake Wanaka’s famous giant eels are trailing long pieces of white string, creating the suspicion people have been illegally fishing from or near the Roys Bay jetty for the native fish.

Seven charged after caught jet-boating

Class-winning driver Mark Agnew and navigator Paul Vernel race the Dart River on the final day of...

Seven charged after caught jet-boating

Charges have now been laid against the seven men who were found jet-boating on the Makarora River last Friday and police are warning people to stay close to home for exercise and recreation.

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Marjorie Cook