Illness 'unlikely' to be from spill
Illness 'unlikely' to be from spill
The Queenstown Lakes District Council says it is ''highly unlikely'' Kelvin Heights or Frankton residents became sick after sewage spilled into Lake Wakatipu 10 days ago.
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Holiday market not growing
Holiday market not growing
The Canterbury earthquake, Europe's big freeze and the ongoing global recession have combined to dent Christmas bookings at Queenstown Lakes District Council camping grounds, council holiday parks manager Greg Hartshorne says.
Lake exercise conducted
Lake exercise conducted
A joint training exercise heralding closer ties between Queenstown Coastguard and commercial operators on Lake Wakatipu - prompted by the deaths of French kayakers Yoann Firdion (24) and Raphael Soubrier (21) earlier this month - was held in the resort last night.
Hackett plans zipline and trampoline activities
Hackett plans zipline and trampoline activities
AJ Hackett Bungy has revealed plans for a $1.5 million-plus multiperson zipline adventure ride from its Kawarau Gorge headquarters, which the company hopes will be running before next year's Rugby World Cup.
Jacks Point works well
Jacks Point works well
Jacks Point is being hailed a success as the new venue for the 2010 Outside Sports Classic Kids End of School Triathlon, formerly held at Frankton.
Confidence in future of skifield
Confidence in future of skifield
It will be "business as usual" for Coronet Peak - the southern lakes' lowest-altitude skifield - despite a Niwa report showing snow levels could plunge 21% by 2040 because of global warming.
Giant tale lights Christmas spirits
Giant tale lights Christmas spirits
Thurlby Domain provided a charmed backdrop for director Caroline Hutchison's retelling of Oscar Wilde's classic fairy tale The Selfish Giant - staged in perfect conditions at the once grand homestead's ruins on Saturday.
News 'shot in arm' for rural market
News 'shot in arm' for rural market
Threepwood Farm Park developer Jim Boult says the sale of five lots at his high-end residential development over the past week is a "clear sign" buyer confidence in the rural Wakatipu market is returning as the global financial crisis begins to ease.
Freedom camping policy provides stick
Freedom camping policy provides stick
The Queenstown Lakes District Council yesterday adopted the government-advised freedom camping policy, which will give councils power to issue instant fines to offenders.
Body retrieval first task with team
Body retrieval first task with team
The helicopter pilot who led the retrieval of a climber killed on Mt Aspiring on Wednesday was on his first operation for the Wanaka Alpine Cliff Rescue Team.
New manager upbeat about two Hiltons
New manager upbeat about two Hiltons
The two Hilton-managed hotels at the Kawarau Falls Station site will be run by former Park Hyatt Sydney general manager Marlene Poynder, who says she is "upbeat" about the future of the high-end retail and accommodation village as the global recession lifts.
Plans to improve SAR response
Plans to improve SAR response
Last week's double kayaking death on Lake Wakatipu has prompted closer, more formalised ties between Queenstown's Coastguard and commercial boat operators after two meetings earlier this week.
Hilton deal to manage Kawarau Falls hotels
Hilton deal to manage Kawarau Falls hotels
Hilton Worldwide's twin hotel management deal with Queenstown's beleaguered billion-dollar Kawarau Falls Station development has been greeted with caution by Penny Clark, Queenstown chairwoman of the New Zealand Hotel Council.
Legal fees for airport dispute soar
Legal fees for airport dispute soar
Queenstown Lakes District Council's legal fees over the Queenstown Airport share sale to Auckland Airport have ballooned to $183,000 - up from $120,000 in November.
Bailiffs' safety at risk, PSA says
Bailiffs' safety at risk, PSA says
A Ministry of Justice proposal to run the Queenstown and Masterton court collections offices from nearby cities could endanger the safety of bailiffs, according to the Public Service Association (PSA).
Dead kayakers named
Dead kayakers named
Police have released the names of the two French kayakers found dead by a night-vision equipped search and rescue helicopter on Lake Wakatipu early yesterday morning.
Eminent visitors from Wellington
Eminent visitors from Wellington
St Joseph's School Queenstown hosted two high-profile visitors on Friday - recently-appointed British High Commissioner to New Zealand Vicki Treadell and deputy prime minister Bill English.
Lakeside memorial service for French kayakers
Lakeside memorial service for French kayakers
A placid Lake Wakatipu was the backdrop yesterday for a tribute to French kayakers Yoann Firdion (24) and Raphael Soubriet (21), who were drowned while kayaking on the lake in rough southerly conditions on Monday night.
Debate on relocating lake coastguard welcomed
Debate on relocating lake coastguard welcomed
The skipper of the Queenstown Coastguard, who led a search and rescue mission for the two French kayakers who drowned on Lake Wakatipu on Monday night, says he welcomes debate on relocating the volunteer operation to Queenstown Bay.
Friends mourn kayakers who perished
Friends mourn kayakers who perished
A colleague of French kayaker Raphael Soubrier (21) says workers at Queenstown's Fresh Choice supermarket were saddened to hear of his death just hours before a staff Christmas party on Tuesday night.