The "lungs" of the Queenstown Lakes district - land in the rural general zone - needed to be protected, Dame Elizabeth Hanan told commissioners yesterday during a hearing for private plan change 39 (Arrowtown south).
An incident on Lake Wakatipu last week prompted Coastguard New Zealand to issue a reminder to boat users of "a few simple rules" before going out on to the water.
Queenstown has been chosen as the venue for Cookie Time's first Cookie Bar, which is also the biscuit company's first store outside its Christchurch headquarters.
Change was inevitable, but managing it would be the key to the success of Arrowtown's growth, the "instigator" of Plan Change 39: Arrowtown South told commissioners on the first day of a hearing in the town yesterday.
Saturday, May 1 5.40pm: Friend gets into car for a ride. Brings with her slice of fruitcake, fresh from oven. Cannot even look at cake for fear I will eat it whole and maybe also take...
An estimated 5000 house-holds in Gibbston, Arrowtown and Wanaka, plus some areas of Alexandra and Cromwell, were left without Internet or phones for about three and a-half hours yesterday, after a contractor struck a fibre optic cable near Lake Hayes.
New Zealand's online safety organisation NetSafe will be holding its first international conference on "cybercitizens" in Queenstown later this month.
The immediate flood risk may be over in Queenstown, but the Queenstown Lakes District and Otago Regional councils will remain "in a state of preparedness", Queenstown Mayor Clive Geddes says.
Arrowtown will host a "colourful, cultural extravaganza" next week when Mantra Indian Restaurant hosts its third Bhangra night.
Lake Wakatipu continued to recede yesterday, measuring 311.312m at 3pm.
Plans to develop a section opposite the Arthurs Point Tavern, co-owned by former Queenstown Lakes District Council councillor Rick Pettit, have been shelved indefinitely.
The Wakatipu's first healthy heart club is extending its programme, meaning more residents will benefit from advice about exercise, diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The Wakatipu Aero Club is marking its 40th anniversary this year and to celebrate it is offering local residents discounts on an introductory aeronautical experience, with a qualified instructor.
Saturday, April 24 9am: At base of Queenstown Hill. Have never walked this hill before. Never wanted to. Still don't, but am here. Is first group session with Lindauer Ladies. We deserve bonus points for turning up.
Queenstown residents feared the worst but were able to breathe a little easier yesterday after predictions a swollen Lake Wakatipu would inundate the central business area failed to come true.
Water has reached parks and roads, affecting two business on the Queenstown waterfront - Bathhouse restaurant and Vesta Cafe - after Lake Wakatipu rose 10cm overnight and rain continues to fall.
Queenstown retailers have not been the only ones waiting anxiously to see what effect forecast rain would have: the Wakatipu Rugby Club has had to postpone its club day.
If the amended proposed plan change for the Arrowtown boundary is approved by commissioners, up to 30 homes could be built beside decommissioned sewage ponds in Jopp St, a hearing was told yesterday.
Creating an urban boundary for Arrowtown would push up house prices in the town and "frustrate" the Queenstown Lakes District Council's provision of affordable housing in the district, a planning and environmental consultant said yesterday.
Opinions were divided over the Queenstown Lakes District Council's proposed Arrowtown Boundary yesterday, during the first day of a scheduled five-day resource consent hearing.
