Canyon Brewing makes its mark in beer awards

by October 29, 2019

New Zealand’s most scenic brewery made its mark on the beer scene with a haul of medals in the country’s most prestigious awards, less than 18 months after opening.

Canyon Brewing, which crafts its award-winning beer alongside the iconic Shotover River, was up against stiff competition in the Brewers Guild of New Zealand annual awards.

There were a record number of 955 entries across beer and cider categories for this year’s competition, just over half of them from small breweries like Canyon.

That didn’t stop the brewery from bringing home a silver medal for its Red IPA, and bronze accolades for its NZ Ale, Pale Ale, Haven XPA, and its Sour Cherry Ale in the fruit and flavoured category.

The awards, in their 13th year, have a huge reputation across the globe as one of the most prestigious accolades a brewer can win.

All Canyon’s beer is handcrafted on site in the ‘on-display’ microbrewery, which also serves up fresh, flavoursome food in its restaurant, open seven days a week.

Head brewer Jono Kauri and his team are delighted with the awards wins, which reflect the brewery’s mantra to deliver well-constructed, balanced and clean beers that while approachable, are also memorable.

“It’s about letting the raw materials and ingredients shine through into the finished beer,” says Product Development Manager Justin Koen.

“We pay close attention to detail throughout the brewing process, from paddock to pint, to ensure our brews are of outstanding quality, and the awards are testament to that.

“We’re thrilled to have shown that the beer we produce down here in Queenstown more than stacks up against many larger and more established breweries. It shows it shows the standard of success a small dedicated team can have.”

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Accolades come thick and fast for Ziptrek Ecotours

by October 29, 2019

The accolades are flowing thick and fast for the team at Queenstown’s Ziptrek Ecotours.

Last Thursday (October 24) Trent Yeo won the PATA New Zealand Trust Emerging Tourism Leader Award in the prestigious New Zealand Tourism Awards, recognising his work as an outstanding tourism professional.

And last Friday (October 25) Ziptrek Sales Executive Kenny Wynter was announced as the only Queenstown-based member on the seven-strong YoungTEC Executive team for 2020.

YoungTEC is an arm of the Tourism Export Council which offers support, education and networking opportunities to young tourism professionals.

Trent says his award, while recognising his achievements in setting up the pioneering zipline company in tandem with multiple roles in industry organisations, events and working groups throughout New Zealand, could not have been achieved without his ‘team’.

“The tourism leader award isn’t just about me; it recognises the hard work of all the crew, past and present, who have contributed so much in the almost ten years we’ve been in operation,” he says.

Ziptrek Ecotours is a recognised leader in business innovation, eco-tourism and sustainable business practice, and Trent says the award could not have come at a better time for the business and the industry as a whole.

“Entering the award brought into sharp focus how much time and effort I’ve put not only into  Ziptrek but into the wider industry,” he says. “I’m really excited to be at the peak of my career when the New Zealand tourism industry is moving so strongly towards developing our sustainability on a global scale.”

The judges recognised Trent’s ability and commitment to go beyond his own business and demonstrate what they called “great examples of transformational leadership”, impressed with giving his time and generosity to the industry at the same time as the business recorded excellent achievements.

They also praised his entrepreneurial approach and innovation, and his dedication to responsible and sustainable tourism.

Meanwhile, Kenny said he was “excited to contribute, collaborate, learn and listen” in his role on the YoungTEC executive to continue to improve on New Zealand’s unique tourism offering.

New YoungTEC executive team member Kenny Wynter of Ziptrek Ecotours

He began his tourism journey by studying for a degree in International Tourism Management, and his passion for social licence meant his dissertation explored Corporate Social Responsibility.

After graduating he was naturally drawn to work for Ziptrek Ecotours, giving him an introduction to the world of eco-tourism. After working for them for a year, he left to gain international experience before returning to Ziptrek in 2017.

“I’ve been working to spread the word about their stance as the pioneers in eco-exhilaration ever since,” he says.

His other industry roles include being a member of the BYATA steering group for Queenstown, taking issues and initiatives to a national level, and also being an active member of Queenstown Young Professionals.

Multi-award-winning Zipline Ecotours is celebrating ten years in business this year, as the pioneers of ziplining and eco-tourism in New Zealand.

For a little more on Trent, check out this awesome Destination Queenstown clip:

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Villas among the vines – luxury Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa opens in December

by October 16, 2019

Villas among the vines – luxury Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa opens in December

Central Otago’s most exciting luxury offering is on final countdown to opening.

Located in the heart of Central Otago’s founding winery, Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa will offer the ultimate in relaxed luxury, fine wine, culinary excellence and 5-star personal service.

In just over two months, its doors will swing open to reveal a stunning architecturally-designed lodge complete with striking feature fireplace, soaring ceiling, sun-filled conservatory, al fresco dining area, an exclusive restaurant and a Lodge Cellar overflowing with historic vintages.

With a locally-sourced schist stone exterior mirroring the rugged Central Otago environment, Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa will be firmly planted in the vineyard’s rich history.

The world-class luxury accommodation experience is oozing with sophistication, sleek interior and exterior design, accompanied by lush landscaping and peaceful water features.

Twenty-four beautiful, sumptuously comfortable and modern villas are nestled just above the first vineyard block ever planted in the valley, in perfect view of the vines and distinctive Central Otago landscape on adjacent hills.

A secluded on-site spa will be a luxurious retreat for health, beauty and wellbeing, offering a serene, relaxing environment for a range of indulgences including – fittingly – vinotherapy treatments.

Gibbston Valley Winery CEO Greg Hunt says the Lodge & Spa gives guests the opportunity to connect with the land and the winery experience on another level.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have created a totally unique and completely enriching new experience for guests,” he says.

“It’s more than just unwinding among the vines – it’s about exploring the vineyard and gaining an intimate, deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes workings of a world-class winery to a degree that’s not available anywhere else in the world.

“Going at their own relaxed pace, guests will be able to take the time to indulge in outstanding food and wine and really experience Gibbston Valley in all her glory.”

A highlight of the Lodge experience will be the opportunity to sample exquisite cuisine, carefully created to pair beautifully with premium, handcrafted Gibbston Valley Wines.

The exclusive Lodge menu is the brainchild of renowned Chef Anthony Gradiska, guided by the seasons and fresh produce grown in his Chef’s Gardens scattered around the Lodge and Spa buildings.

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa is set to have a distinct sustainability focus, going to great efforts to do away with single-use products and introducing eco-conscious options throughout the entire operation.

The diversification of the vineyard has been an involved four-year planning project to ensure all elements of the Lodge & Spa meld seamlessly with the iconic look and feel of Gibbston Valley and the 30-year-old winery.

Additional Lodge features include a small wine education theatre, private meeting rooms, and unique indoor and outdoor spaces for intimate boutique weddings.

Each villa, boasting a modern, sophisticated décor, open plan indoor living space and the latest technology, also features a secluded sun-washed courtyard surrounded by lush landscaping and a private covered deck with dining area.

As a matter of course, a selection of premium Gibbston Valley Wines personalized to guests’ preferences greet visitors on arrival.

Customised concierge services round out the experience by providing the very best advice and local knowledge on wine tasting, cycle tours, walking tracks and packages for activities on-site and throughout the wider Central Otago region.

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa is set on 1000-acres of privately-owned land, dotted with many kilometres of exclusive biking and walking trails. The Queenstown Trail, New Zealand’s most popular Great Ride, passes the property and provides access to over 130kms of off-road trails between Gibbston, Arrowtown and Queenstown.

Luxury experience packages available at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa include the Wine Immersion, Food & Wine Indulgence, Relax & Revive, Romantic Escape and Ride the Vines.

Rates start at $825NZD per villa. For further information and bookings go to www.gibbstonvalleylodgeandspa.com

 Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa – what you need to know

  • Villas feature 100m2 of private, open plan indoor living space
  • Bathrooms feature a large walk-in shower, separate feature tub and dual basins
  • Complimentary bike use included for guests
  • Private wine tastings and intimate dinners available in the Lodge Cellar
  • Seasonal à la carte restaurant menu
  • Exciting range of wining, dining and leisure activities on the doorstep
  • Shuttles available for guests into Arrowtown and Queenstown
  • Spa features three private treatment rooms, a sauna, secluded hot pools and small gym
  • Just 20 minutes from Queenstown’s International Airport
  • Lodge & Spa designed by Queenstown architects Wyatt + Gray
  • Villa design by Space Studios
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Tonnes of carrots for a good cause

by September 26, 2019

Carrots, anyone?

A Queenstown company has 10 tonnes of organic carrots to give away to schools, charities and people in need, at two different locations in the lower South Island.

Organic Solutions owner James Porteous got his hands on the huge amount of BioGro certified organic carrots from Willowmere Organic Farm, a 300-acre property in Hororata, just outside Christchurch.

Organic Solutions often buys produce from the Canterbury farm, to supplement the 16 organic crops grown on its own organic Oamaru farm. But, in this case, Willowmere didn’t have time to sort through the tonnes of carrots picking out the good and getting rid of the bad, and were planning to dispose of the lot.

That’s where the Organic Solutions team came in. Once James found out they were destined for compost, he knew he could make something work. Willowmere offered him an amazing deal he couldn’t resist, and his staff soon began sorting through the carrots.

Traditionally Organic Solutions buys about one tonne of carrots a month, so the current haul is nearly a year’s worth all at once.

The carrots are currently for sale at Thai2Go Queenstown and Thai2Go Timaru, both owned by Organic Solutions, for the small price of $10 for 5kg. But schools, charities and people going through a tough time are being encouraged to pop in and pick some up for free.

“Because we have so many organic carrots available at once we want to offer them up to good causes,” says James. “This way they don’t go waste and it might brighten up someone’s day.

“Wasting food really goes against our ethos at Organic Solutions, so whatever we can’t use will be sent to our worm farm and turned into worm castings.”

Carrots will be used in both Thai takeaway locations and distributed to some Queenstown restaurants with which Organic Solutions has business relationships.

The bulk of the carrots are being stored in Oamaru and are available for the next few weeks in Queenstown and Timaru, if not sold or given away before then.

Carrots 101 – all you need to know

  • Carrots are one of the most sprayed and chemically grown crops in New Zealand
  • Organic carrots usually retail at $7.99 a kg because all weeding has to be done by hand
  • Carrots are about 10% carbs, consisting of starch, fibre and simple sugars
  • Extremely low in fat and protein
  • Excellent source of Vitamin A (beta carotene)
  • Linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease
  • Improved eye health
  • Bugs Bunny loves them

Organic Solutions owns and operates Thai2Go Queenstown, Queenstown Wholefoods, Oamaru Organics, Thai2Go Timaru and Worms to Waste.

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Cancer Society Ball returns to Queenstown

by September 26, 2019

After a three-year hiatus Queenstown’s local Cancer Society is bringing its annual fundraising ball back to life.

On November 23, the Queenstown Memorial Centre will wind back the clock to the 1920s for a Great Gatsby Ball raising funds for the charity.

The Cancer Society of New Zealand – Southland/Otago Division event is proudly sponsored by Naylor Love among a long list of other generous businesses.

Tickets cost $165pp and include a delicious dinner from local catering company Flying Trestles and complimentary refreshments, followed by an evening jam-packed with entertainment.

Cancer Society Event and Community Campaigns Co-ordinator Shantelle Cockroft-Gerken says it’s going to be a night to remember.

“There will be more than just a traditional ball and dinner – it’s going to be an evening bursting at the seams with divine food and amazing entertainment with an incredible line-up of local talent.

“We really hope the community rallies around us for this event because money raised goes straight back into Otago and Southland services, it’s not dispersed throughout the country.”

She says there’s already people enquiring about tables for end of year Christmas events.

A jazz band will kick off the evening followed by local stand-up comedian Hugo Huntington, comedy duo Wando and Simoe performing their interactive ‘magic’ show, music from RED Entertainment and a 1920s-style interactive, demonstration performance from Salsa Queenstown.

Cancer campaigner Blair Vining’s brother Shaun will speak during the night.

A selection of canapés and refreshments will be offered to guests at the beginning of the evening, followed by a banquet feast, finishing with a dessert platter. A cash bar will available on the night.

A range of items will be auctioned off including a premium economy return flight package to anywhere in Europe for two people, kindly donated by Singapore Airlines.

The ball runs from 7pm till late at the Queenstown Memorial Centre on November 23. Up to 23 tables of 10 are available, individual tickets $165, table of 10 $1650.

Tickets on sale from September 26 via Shantelle Cockroft-Gerken on [email protected]

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Go Orange named Deloitte Fastest Growing Services Business two years in a row

by September 26, 2019

The awards keep coming for Queenstown and Fiordland tourism operator Go Orange.

For the second year in a row, it was announced today (Thursday September 26) that Go Orange has been named the Fastest Growing Services Business in Dunedin and the lower South Island by Deloitte.

Go Orange won the same award for the first time last year, with revenue growth of 209%, and went on to rank 37thon the national Deloitte Fast 50, announced later in the year.

“It’s an outstanding result for any company to be recognised for its contribution to the continued growth of the New Zealand business economy, but to do it two years in a row is exceptional,” says Go Orange General Manager Luke Taylor.

“We’re absolutely stoked with this latest award which recognises the hard work and dedication of our team across all our businesses in Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound.”

It’s been a year of fast-paced success and industry accolades for Go Orange.

Less than two weeks ago it was named AWS Legal Fiordland Tourism Operator of the Year 2019. Within the past year Luke Taylor was named TIA emerging Leader of the Year, and Go Orange was a national finalist in the Humankind Employee Experience Awards.

Go Orange is also currently nominated as a finalist in the best tour/activity category of the Australia & New Zealand Adventure Tourism Awards 2019 and is an entrant in the innovation category. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of tourism businesses in both countries.

The latest results are all the more remarkable for a tourism brand that was formed just over two years ago with the merger of a number of Queenstown businesses. It re-structured from a solely backpacker-focussed brand to one which aligns with a much wider range of travellers and demographics.

It delivers outstanding New Zealand visitor experiences with cruising, whitewater rafting, jet boating, kayaking and coach connections in Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford and Doubtful sounds.

In the past year it has launched a new Milford Haven cruise experience in Milford sound, a Go Orange jetboat experience, a bespoke Unimog fleet for rafting experiences, a new coach fleet and a new Queenstown ferry service.

“Our mantra is ‘Go Beyond’, inspiring and challenging visitors to become travellers, to go deeper, further and beyond the average tourist, and I’m incredibly proud of our team who have built an adventurous, fun and innovative brand,” says GM Luke Taylor.

Go Orange will attend the 2019 Deloitte Festival of Growth in November, where the national Deloitte Fast 50 index, national category winners, national Rising Star winner and national Master of Growth index are announced.

 

M: 027 337 7907 

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Pioneering Ziptrek Ecotours founder finalist in top New Zealand tourism awards  

by September 26, 2019

Pioneering Ziptrek Ecotours founder finalist in top New Zealand tourism awards  

From architecture to guiding, outdoor education to tourism, with a degree of self-deprecation Trent Yeo says he “wandered with purpose” into the tourism industry.

Ten years down the track, what he’s achieved in setting up pioneering zipline company Ziptrek Ecotours, in tandem with multiple roles in industry organisations, events and working groups, on boards, as a speaker, facilitator, participant or host, is now being recognised.

This week he has been named a finalist in the prestigious New Zealand Tourism Awards in the Emerging Tourism Leader category, recognising his work as an outstanding tourism professional.

The Queenstown-based multi-award-winning Zipline Ecotours is celebrating ten years in business this year, as the pioneers of ziplining in New Zealand and a recognised leader in business innovation, eco-tourism and sustainable business practice.

At its heart, it’s an eco-tourism company, aiming to educate and inspire others towards long-term environmental and sustainable practices. And Trent could not be more proud of what the company has achieved.

“Ziptrek Ecotours is now woven into the Queenstown’s deep tourism heritage,” he says. “Tens of thousands of people every year now hear a story of humanity’s link to our natural world.

“I am passionate about travel as a multiculturally influenced Chinese-Malaysian-Australian proudly in Aotearoa. The effect of empathy of places and people through travel is profound, and tourism has to be of ‘net good’ for the individual, community and planet.”

Trent says the value he brings to the wider tourism industry is as a generalist, a collaborator and with connections outside tourism.

“I’m optimistic and macro-focussed, simultaneously patient and impatient about delivering with more impact. I’m in tourism because it counts, because tourism is an investment in people.

“This may seem grand, but the emotional component of tourism is the most powerful aspect of tourism; the experience economy. We must transform thinking around humanity’s role in sustainability.”

Much of Trent’s value to the industry is through tourism and across other sectors, such as technology, startups and future focussed projects.

Forty percent of his time is spent on unpaid work, direct and indirect tourism and ‘extracurricular’ work on a national or local level, as a business leader and citizen.

“I’m very proud to be a finalist in the awards and to be a part of this amazing industry of people in Aotearoa,” says Trent. “There are some outstanding finalists in all categories and I’m looking forward to the awards night in October.”

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VisitorPoint celebrates new tourism industry partnership

by September 26, 2019

VisitorPoint celebrates new tourism industry partnership

A new tourism business partnership between New Zealand’s top brochure distribution company and Australia’s leading online booking platform is being hailed as a ‘win win’ for the travel trade.

VisitorPoint, New Zealand’s only national distributor of tourism information, has joined forces with global travel-tech group, Adventium Technology.

VisitorPoint BDM Stacey Scott says the new partnership, which aligns specifically with Adventium’s TravelDesk product, has amazing synergies and benefits for both businesses.

VisitorPoint currently distributes over 3,500 brochure titles from New Zealand tourism operators throughout the country. The new arrangement will mean all current and future users of the Adventism TravelDesk booking platform throughout Australia and New Zealand will have a seamless platform on which to order stock through VisitorPointOnline.

“Rather than requiring independent log ins, users will be able to click a button while within TravelDesk and choose the stock they’d like to order,” says Stacey.

“They’ll be dispatched within 24 hours from one of our three warehouses in New Zealand, meaning accessing stock has never been easier. As new outlets come on board, they’ll be automatically given log ins so there’s no delay in accessing the titles we manage.

“It’s fantastic news for TravelDesk outlets, but also for our operators as it means more than 600 outlets in Australasia now have access to their print collateral at the click of a mouse, and consumption is measurable through our client reporting system.”

Ms Scott says TravelDesk has a range of benefits for VisitorPoint outlets as it is a simple booking system, enabling them to generate revenue by booking national and international travel products from their brochure displays.

Adventium Technology’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, Selina Kelly, says “We are dedicated to providing the content and functionality our travel agents need into the TravelDesk system to give them greater efficiency and make their lives easier. Both TravelDesk and VisitorPoint are focused on supporting agent and operator growth throughout the region, making this a great partnership for us and our clients.”

About VisitorPoint

VisitorPoint is New Zealand’s only national distributor of tourism information, having distributed brochures throughout New Zealand for more than 30 years.

It operates three warehouses in Christchurch, Auckland and Queenstown equipped with full teams of warehouse staff working in tandem with 19 merchandisers, as well as sales and marketing and senior management teams.

It is a company that likes to innovate — last year it introduced live online reporting for its clients, and it supports print companies which share its sustainable print visions.  It has over 2000 physical display outlets throughout New Zealand and operates 38 distribution circuits.

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Vollie wins amateur playing spot in NZ Open

by September 24, 2019

Vollie wins amateur playing spot in NZ Open

Sometime golfer Rachel Edmond has been a regular volunteer at the NZ Open at Millbrook Resort and The Hills since out-of-town friends convinced her it would be fun, and they could stay at her house.

For the past five years she’s been a ‘walker scorer’ among the team of 400-plus volunteers who are the engine room of the prestigious event.

But at the volunteer thank-you BBQ this year that all changed – when her name was drawn out of the hat to win a coveted amateur playing spot for next year’s championship.

“You never imagine your name will be called out and that the dubious pleasure of playing in the Open will be bestowed upon someone much more deserving,” she says.

Southlander Rachel, 51, a golfer for about 15 years, is a member of the Royal Wellington Golf Club and used to play off a handy 8 handicap. A two-year golfing hiatus however, resulting in a hip replacement in December, has her admitting she’s a long way off playing to that figure.

“I decided I’d need to implement a schedule of regular practice and play starting before the end of September. That gives me about five months to have a chance at achieving respectability.”

She loves living in Queenstown and usually plays with friends at Millbrook, Arrowtown Golf Club and occasionally The Hills.

“Of course it’s a huge treat for any amateur golfer to have the opportunity to play in an event such as the NZ Open, but I sense the reality will be a little startling,” she says. “It’s not the Saturday stableford.”

This Thursday (Sept 19) the NZ Open is launching its SBS Bank Volunteer Programme at Millbrook Resort as it says ‘thank you’ to around 30 hardworking volunteers from Cromwell Golf Club with a free 18-hole shotgun-start competition.

Cromwell volunteers have been a mainstay of the event over the years, taking ownership of a number of holes and managing them under the keen eye of Cromwell golf stalwart John McDonald.

The SBS Bank ‘army’ of volunteers take on a wide range of integral behind-the-scenes roles throughout the Open and relish the opportunity to get behind the ropes.

While many are local or from regional golf clubs, overseas volunteers are also part of the mix, with some coming each year from as far away as Scotland, California and Australia.

Next year’s NZ Open will be held from February 27 to March 1.

Anyone keen to help out can register for the SBS Bank Volunteer Programme through the website

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Plans finalised for Major Community Precinct at Remarkables Park, Queenstown

by September 24, 2019

Plans finalised for Major Community Precinct at Remarkables Park, Queenstown

A multi-generational community precinct has been announced today for Remarkables Park, Queenstown’s fast-growing commercial, visitor accommodation and residential district.

Remarkables Park Limited said detailed plans had been finalised for a centrally-located community precinct to include a medical clinic, retirement village, a major new Salvation Army centre, a community centre, adjacent recreation park, and a further kindergarten and student tuition building.

The community precinct is immediately south of Wakatipu High School and extends from Red Oaks Drive through to Mountain Ash Drive.

Remarkables Park Ltd executive chairman Alastair Porter said the geographically-central approximately 4.5 hectare precinct was within the urban boundaries of the Shotover and Kawarau bridges. Its close proximity to the bulk of the Queenstown population made it a “socially and economically desirable” location.

The multi-storey Queenstown Clinic is designed to house a wide range of facilities including a General Practice doctors, a pharmacy, café, physio and sports rehabilitation facilities, Skin Institute Queenstown, a dental surgery, ophthalmology centre, and patient visitor accommodation.

The Pacific Radiology MRI unit, currently housed in a nearby relocatable building, will be able to move into the ground floor of the Queenstown Clinic.

The top floor of the clinic has been designed to accommodate a private hospital facility. Following a decision by Southern Cross to build outside the urban boundaries, Remarkables Park Ltd (RPL) says it is in discussion with other parties for this facility.

Mr Porter said that, as a large scale developer with centrally-located land outside the airport’s noise boundaries, RPL believed it was also a “responsible approach” to hold land aside within the planned community precinct for future consideration for hospital expansion facilities to service Queenstown in the long term.

A large, vertical retirement village with space for up to five tower blocks, all with exceptional views, is planned as part of the community precinct. It will feature a pool, exercise facilities and other desirable retirement amenities.

The approved two-storey Salvation Army building will house a large shop, offices, meeting rooms and a congregation area downstairs, with more office and administration space upstairs. Building is expected to start in 2020.

The clinic is ready to go to the Queenstown Lakes District Council Design Review Board in October and the retirement village, kindergarten and tuition centre are all in design stages.

“It’s important to note that this precinct is designed as a cluster of co-located key community facilities in an area that is already fully-zoned for this purpose,” said Mr Porter.

“In the case of a major civil defence emergency it’s also in very close proximity to the airport, fire services, the existing hospital, the Events Centre, the High School and Remarkables Primary School, and close to where the conference centre is being built.”

A Queenstown Trails Trust bike and walking trail bordering the north side of the community precinct will connect the precinct to Remarkables Park’s Market Street, and to the Kawarau riverbank trails and further high-density residential to the north.

Mr Porter has been working on the Queenstown Clinic and community centre plans with Skin Institute Queenstown director Dr Hans Raetz.

“We’ve been working on this for a long time and I’m delighted that we are finally at the stage where it is ready to go,” said Dr Raetz.

“It’s the perfect location, extremely centrally located, and great to be clustering medical facilities alongside other major community hubs such as schools, a community centre and other care organisations, high-density residential and the Remarkables Park Town Centre.”

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Housemart Queenstown top of its field in property management

by September 24, 2019

Housemart Queenstown top of its field in property management

An outstanding culture and a client referral rate that would be the envy of any other business has once again propelled a Queenstown-based property management company to the top of its field.

The eight-strong team at Housemart Queenstown left larger city firms in their dust as they picked up the title of Property Management Company of the Year for the second year running.

Not to be outdone, team member Nadia Hubbard picked up a top three placing in the Property Manager of the Year category while Housemart owner Hayley Stevenson also grabbed a podium position as a finalist in the Business Development Manager of the Year awards category.

Since launching in 2011, Housemart has established a solid reputation as one of the best property management firms in the country, leading the way with innovative systems, technology, service and customer care.

It’s won multiple awards over the years which Hayley puts down to its investment in workplace culture, building the entire brand on the values of internal and external relationships.

“Focusing on our internal office environment and culture means our property managers are proud to be part of the Housemart brand and this shines through to their clients,” says Hayley.

“Our big focus on culture means we’re able to foster authentic and meaningful connections and deliver exceptional service to clients, which in turn pays off with 99% of clients coming from referrals.

“We’re the rental specialists in Queenstown and we only do property management, we’re not interested in being involved in sales.”

Housemart picked up the latest awards for its already groaning trophy cabinet at the annual 2019- 2020 Leading Property Managers Association Awards, held in Auckland.

Hayley Stevenson said they were “extremely excited” to receive their awards and accolades.

“We’re still a very small company compared to many in our industry which makes it even more special. We’d like to thank locals for their amazing support, the owners and our fantastic clients who rent our homes, and of course the dedicated team of tradespeople who help us on a daily basis.”

In recent weeks Housemart also made the top three in New Zealand for the REINZ Property Management Company of the Year Award, in the medium business category.

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Ziptrek Ecotours supports planting programmes in build up to Conservation Week

by September 24, 2019

Leading eco-tourism company Ziptrek Ecotours supports planting programmes in build up to Conservation Week

Staff from Queenstown’s leading eco-tourism company Ziptrek Ecotours joined green-fingered students to plant flaxes and native grasses as part of a nationwide Paper4Trees programme.

Ziptrek’s strong sustainability commitment means it has been a gold sponsor of the Paper4Trees programmes for the past seven years.

Yesterday it supported students from eight Central Otago Enviro Schools from Cromwell, Wanaka, Alexandra, Queenstown, Tarras and Clyde in planting over 40 flax and Toi Toi in the Matakauri Wetlands on the outskirts of Queenstown.

Paper4trees is a waste minimisation and tree planting initiative that rewards schools and preschools with one native plant for every two cubic metres of paper and cardboard recycled.

The initiative is supported by the Otago Regional Council, Wanaka Wastebusters and the Queenstown Lakes District Council, with QLDC Mayor Jim Boult praising their efforts.

Queenstown’s award-winning Ziptrek Ecotours is celebrating 10 years in business this year, as the pioneers of ziplining in New Zealand. At its heart, it’s an eco-tourism company, aiming to educate and inspire others towards long-term environmental and sustainable practices.

Next week Ziptrek is throwing itself into a number of new initiatives as part of Conservation Week.

On Monday (Sept 16) it hosts a panel discussion in partnership with the Department of Conservation on tourism’s role in conservation. It will be held at the Ziptrek Shop at 45 Camp Street, Queenstown, from 6pm to 7pm.

On Thursday (Sept 19) there will be a Predator-Free Partners in the Wakatipu trapping workshop presented by Ziptrek and the Kiwi Birdlife Park at the Park from 5.30pm to 7pm.

The week finishes on Friday September 20 with a look behind the scenes at Ziptrek on site at the Ziptrek Tree House on Gondola Hill from 10am.

All events are listed on Eventfinda and Facebook Events. All are welcome and the events are free.

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