Thank you for using Neighbourly
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
A multimillion-dollar digital studio will be a cornerstone tenant in a $45 million Queenstown research and innovation facility.
The New Zealand arm of United Kingdom-based Target3D will construct its first studio on the ground floor of the building, director … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
A multimillion-dollar digital studio will be a cornerstone tenant in a $45 million Queenstown research and innovation facility.
The New Zealand arm of United Kingdom-based Target3D will construct its first studio on the ground floor of the building, director Shannon Dowsing announced on Friday.
The company specialises in motion capture and virtual production used in film and television as well as high performance sport, robotics and biometrics.
Recent projects include Bjork’s music videos, an augmented reality performance by singer Liam Payne at the 2021 Bafta awards and Clays, a UK-string of virtual reality clay bird shooting themed bars.
After working with the company directors in London Dowsing established sister company Rāngai in his home town of Tairāwhiti Gisborne, to train students in virtual production, and enable the establishment of Target3D.
The Research and Innovation Queenstown hub developers approached him to consider basing the business there, which also enabled the company to secure a $2m government loan to get established.
The funding came from the $18m Queenstown Economic Transformation and Resilience Fund set up to diversify the local economy beyond tourism, increase economic resilience and develop high paying jobs.
Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash also announced a loan of up to $1.25m to Loaded Reports Ltd, a Queenstown-based software company that specialises in hospitality management, on Friday.
Founded by James Arnott and Richard McLeod in 2004, the company has 13 hospitality outlets across New Zealand and 900 software customers.
It is planning to enter the Australian market next year, having raised $3.25m of equity and debt including the government loan and support from investment fund Invest South.
Research and Innovation Queenstown is in the early stages of constructing a 5400sqm building as a base to attract, enable and facilitate research and innovation activities and companies to diversify Queenstown’s economy.
It includes office space, networking areas and complementary commercial uses such as recreation, film and visual presentation theatres.
The $45m building attracted a loan of up to $22.5m from the Government’s shovel ready infrastructure fund.
The idea of the digital studio project within the Queenstown hub was initially conceived by local technology entrepreneur Rod Drury, who said it was great to see it come to life.
“I'm very excited about the educational aspects of this facility and the opportunities it will create for learning providers in Southern Lakes,” he said.
Target3D co-founder Allan Rankin said it was exciting to bring the studio to New Zealand.
“Due to the boom in demand for virtual technology, we expect the space to be in strong demand from creatives and industry, but also as a centre for R&D and learning.”
Dowsing said the total project would cost about $6m and probably employ six people as core staff but up to 45 people during production periods.
It would be useful to educators, filmmakers, game designers, and content creators, he said.
He expected it would be operational early in 2024 with a full list of projects ready to go.
There were already projects being discussed, but he could not give details of those due to commercial sensitivities.
Nash said the studio would provide diversification within the screen industry in a district better known for location shoots than in-studio screen production.
“The studio will include infrastructure to support virtual production which includes LED screens, motion capture, game engine servers, lighting, production equipment and staging.
“This will provide access for filmmakers, game designers and television producers to the latest technology.
“It also aims to encourage screen production companies to remain in the district for longer periods, therefore increasing district and regional spend,” he said.
Nationally the screen industry employs about 16,200 New Zealanders and contributes $3.3 billion to the economy annually.
Research and Innovation Queenstown director Johnathan Chen said the studio would be a key tenant and a focal point for collaboration.
“This studio creates multidisciplinary collaboration to provide innovative solutions across a number of industries, such as film, gaming, IT, tourism and even future cities.”
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Plans for a spectacular link in the Queenstown to Central Otago cycle trail are proceeding after a cup of coffee led to developer Dave Henderson withdrawing his opposition.
Henderson had threatened to go to the Environment Court over a resource consent … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Plans for a spectacular link in the Queenstown to Central Otago cycle trail are proceeding after a cup of coffee led to developer Dave Henderson withdrawing his opposition.
Henderson had threatened to go to the Environment Court over a resource consent allowing the trail to be built.
In March, he said it crossed land owned by his company The Cardrona Cattle Company.
“My sole purpose was to try to sort out some of the other landowners to reduce the cost of construction and create a better experience,” he said following the resolution with the Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust.
The trail no longer crossed his land but would travel past the Victoria Flats Landfill.
“It’s very close to the rubbish dump, which I didn’t think was ideal, but everybody else was comfortable with it.”
He had some concerns about reverse sensitivity too – cycle trail users complaining about existing activity and development in the area – but that had been resolved, he said.
“At the end of the day we had a cup of coffee and got it sorted.”
He would be an enthusiastic user of the trail, which would link his home to a development he was working on in the area, he said.
Former Christchurch mayor Sir Bob Parker and his wife, Lady Joanna Nicholls-Parker were shareholders in The Cardrona Cattle Company until April, this year.
The Kawarau Gorge Trail is part of a $26 million project connecting five Great Rides in the region.
It will include an underground tunnel near the Nevis Bluff and follow the Kawarau River to Bannockburn where it will connect with the widely acclaimed Lake Dunstan Trail, to Clyde.
Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust chairperson Stephen Jeffery said before construction could begin, the trust had to finalise some details – including creating a plan for managing lizards – for sections of the trail that passed through Department of Conservation Land.
It was hoped that approval would be in place in early 2023.
The complete 500km route will also require a route connecting Wānaka to Cromwell and the missing 13km on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail to be complete.
Jeffery said the network of trails would reinforce the profile of the region as a growing international cycling destination.
“We have already seen the outstanding success of the Lake Dunstan Trail and with the added investment into new trails the future looks particularly bright for cycling tourism in Central Otago.”
Earlier this week, the Queenstown Lakes District Council was awarded $11.8m in funding from the Government’s Transport Choices programme to progress trail improvements in the region.
It included $10.3m for an Arthurs Point to Queenstown route and $1.5m to look at more options for active travel links in Wānaka.
Hello Otago and Southland!
We want to know about incredible groups, individuals and organisations doing amazing things for others in our communities over the festive season. Simply share the details of their excellent work in below, and we'll help spread the word on Stuff!
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
It has been protecting Arrowtown’s treasures for nearly 150 years, now the former Bank of New Zealand building has been on the receiving end of community care.
The 1875 building that sits on a prominent corner site in the Central Otago town has been part of … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
It has been protecting Arrowtown’s treasures for nearly 150 years, now the former Bank of New Zealand building has been on the receiving end of community care.
The 1875 building that sits on a prominent corner site in the Central Otago town has been part of the Lakes District Museum since 1953.
It was identified as an earthquake risk in 2018 and with a seismic strengthening bill of about $3.5 million to complete the work before 2025, the future was looking bleak, long time director David Clarke said.
“We tried to the put the word about amongst the community and hoped some benefactors would come to the party, but had limited success.
Without the funding, the bank building and attached stables, which form up to half of the museum space, would have closed down.
It was only with the arrival of Covid-19 in the community and the implementation of the government’s Provincial Growth Fund that the museum was able to secure the funds it needed.
It received $2m from the fund, $1.04m from the Queenstown Lakes District Council and a grant of $456,000 from the Central Lakes Trust to upgrade internal displays.
It took three years to complete the work, which included reinstating a parapet and six chimneys, which were part of the original design in 1875 by architect Robert Lawson.
While it is the museum for the Queenstown Lakes District, which includes the larger centres of Queenstown and Wānaka, the building is also part of the distinctive Arrowtown heritage zone.
Opposite the building sit the historic Arrowtown Post Office, which still operates as a modern post shop, and another earthquake-strengthened historic building, the Fork and Tap pub.
Clarke said it was “amazing” to finish the project, which will officially open on Friday.
“It is the realisation of a lot of hard work from the staff and museum board. Of course, there’s been three years of noise and dust and all the anxiety of wondering what the future is.”
Unlike the many council-owned museums around New Zealand, the Lakes District Museum is owned and operated by a trust.
While it does receive regular council funding, it is constantly looking for the funds to survive and keep paying its staff of three fulltime and ten part-time workers.
“Covid made us realise we’re reliant on tourism dollars, but we are a museum for the community,” Clarke said.
There was also a shortfall of about $70,000 to be found from the project, he said.
Have you read our December Seniors Newsletter? Do you have a Community Services Card or know someone who does? From 1 February 2023 Community Services Card holders are eligible for a continued 50% discount on public transport. You can read more in this issue.
This newsletter also includes some … View moreHave you read our December Seniors Newsletter? Do you have a Community Services Card or know someone who does? From 1 February 2023 Community Services Card holders are eligible for a continued 50% discount on public transport. You can read more in this issue.
This newsletter also includes some good advice on how to keep up your hydration and stay safe and cool this summer.
Meeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.
We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, … View moreMeeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.
We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, it will create a lasting impact that goes beyond a treat at Christmas.
For only $40 you can donate a Christmas Box to a family in need, providing not just practical help, but much deserved hope too.
A report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled … View moreA report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled ‘‘On The Brink’’ outlines the urgent need to address pay parity for GP nurses and doctors, beef up workforce numbers and improve funding allocations for practices with the hopes that this makes heatlhcare more accessible in the community.
Are you noticing delays in getting GP appointments or long waits at after-hours care?
Any comments below may be shared in your local paper's We Say You Say column.
How to make your own Christmas terrarium painted in Resene.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t … View moreShare a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.
Ends 21 December 2022
What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how … View moreWhat better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how celebrities live, keep you up to date with interior trends, provide project ideas, and more. Be inspired to dream big about your own space - and get on the path to making those dreams come true. Sign up for free here.
We are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.
Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of … View moreWe are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.
Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of your Christmas gifts with a range of over 50 products to choose from, including our popular NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and TV Guide magazines.
Each product purchased on Mags4Gifts will automatically place you in the draw to win a cash prize - and the best part, there’s no limit on how many times you can enter! Promotion ends 8 Jan 2023, for T&Cs click here.
The team at Mags4Gifts
The Frankton and Wānaka transfer station facilities will close every Sunday from November 27 until January 8 due to staffing shortages.
Queenstown Lakes District Council infrastructure operations manager Simon Mason said work was ongoing to recruit more staff.
The Materials Recovery … View moreThe Frankton and Wānaka transfer station facilities will close every Sunday from November 27 until January 8 due to staffing shortages.
Queenstown Lakes District Council infrastructure operations manager Simon Mason said work was ongoing to recruit more staff.
The Materials Recovery Facility and kerbside rubbish and recycling collection service would continue to operate as normal.
“We’re working hard to maintain normal levels of service for the community while grappling with the same resourcing challenges as many other local businesses. As we’ve said before, this will not be resolved overnight and our key focus is on balancing the need to maintain staff wellbeing and operational safety whilst continuing our kerbside collection service and fulfilling our waste minimisation commitments,” he said.
The Frankton and Wānaka transfer stations will remain open from 8am to 5pm six days a week from Monday to Saturday in the interim.
Roles currently available include: Drivers (Class 5 and Class 2), Recycling Operators and Transfer Station Operators. Anyone interested in applying can visit wastemanagement.careercentre.net.nz... for more details.
On Monday, 21 November, the Supreme Court ruled that preventing 16 and 17-year-olds from voting is 'unjustified age discrimination'.
The current age of voting is 18 in New Zealand and lobby group Make It 16 have been running a youth-led campaign advocating for the vote to be extended … View moreOn Monday, 21 November, the Supreme Court ruled that preventing 16 and 17-year-olds from voting is 'unjustified age discrimination'.
The current age of voting is 18 in New Zealand and lobby group Make It 16 have been running a youth-led campaign advocating for the vote to be extended to our 16 and 17-year-olds.
“This is history,” said Make It 16 co-director Caeden Tipler. “Today New Zealand’s highest court has confirmed that stopping young people from voting is a breach of our human rights...The government and Parliament cannot ignore such a clear legal and moral message. They must let us vote.”
Share your thoughts below - these may be published in the We Say You Say column of the local papers.
Commissioners will reject a fast-tracked billion-dollar central Queenstown development plan unless building heights are significantly reduced.
The proposed Lakeview/Taumata development proposal includes three hotels, 500 apartments and commercial spaces on a former camping ground site.
Plans … View moreCommissioners will reject a fast-tracked billion-dollar central Queenstown development plan unless building heights are significantly reduced.
The proposed Lakeview/Taumata development proposal includes three hotels, 500 apartments and commercial spaces on a former camping ground site.
Plans for the first five buildings show some buildings will be 13 storeys high and about twice the allowable height limit.
An expert consenting panel is considering granting permission for the project under the Government’s fast-tracking legislation but is concerned the buildings are too high.
Continue reading here.
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
A teenager ended up in the intensive care unit in Dunedin with pneumonia after being made to wait in a portable building outside Queenstown’s locked hospital for three hours.
Her distraught mother Sunitha Karunakaran said watching her 18-year-old daughter … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
A teenager ended up in the intensive care unit in Dunedin with pneumonia after being made to wait in a portable building outside Queenstown’s locked hospital for three hours.
Her distraught mother Sunitha Karunakaran said watching her 18-year-old daughter struggle to breathe in the cold unit on the night of October 25 was one of the worst moments of her life.
Hospital staff had been advised of the seriousness of the girl’s condition before her arrival following blood tests at the privately-owned Queenstown Medical Centre, Karunakaran said.
However, they put her in the external building, which had a bed and small kitchen, while they dealt with other patients.
As her daughter’s condition deteriorated, several attempts to get attention from hospital staff using a buzzer outside the locked hospital were ignored, Karunakaran said.
With another child at home alone, as her husband was in Malaysia visiting family, and no indication they would see a doctor soon, the pair left the hospital at 11pm.
“I was feeling absolutely helpless all night seeing my girl suffering and unable to breathe,” she said.
The next morning staff at Queenstown Medical Centre sent her daughter, who Stuff has agreed not to name, back to the hospital in an ambulance.
Her oxygen level was down to 20%, she had a fever of 38.7C and was coughing uncontrollably.
She was put on an Otago Rescue Helicopter and sent to Dunedin Hospital where she was diagnosed with bacterial strep pneumonia affecting both lungs and spent three days in ICU.
Once stable she was moved to the general ward for the remainder of the week.
Karunakaran said the episode was “extremely distressing”.
“If [the hospital staff] had seen us that night then my daughter wouldn’t have got to the point of almost losing her life.”
Her daughter now faces a six-week recovery period and was forced to miss her last week of high school and the opportunity to apply for scholarships and complete work for assessments.
“I understand that they don’t have staff, but they don’t need to be rude,” she said.
“When I rang the bell so many times to say she’s struggling to breathe, they just ignored us. That’s the hardest part.”
Despite Karunakaran and her daughter providing a written statement waiving their rights to privacy, an unnamed Te Whatu Ora southern spokesperson declined to discuss the case.
“Te Whatu Ora does not comment on individual patients and their care for privacy reasons,” a written statement said.
It said emergency departments were currently very busy, and patients were triaged with the sickest patients seen first.
The portable building at Lakes District Hospital was used as a dedicated space for patients presenting with cold and flu symptoms who needed to be isolated, the spokesperson said.
“Patients who are allocated to this waiting space are checked and assessed regularly.”
That was not the case on the night of October 25, Karunakaran said.
Prior to their arrival at Lakes District Hospital staff had been aware of her daughter’s condition by doctors at Queenstown Medical Centre.
Her daughter had spent the day at the medical centre on an IV before going home at 6pm.
At 7pm the doctor called the family to advise blood tests revealed the teenager’s white and red blood cell counts were concerning, and she needed to go immediately to hospital.
Staff at the hospital confirmed they had spoken with the medical centre, that the situation was "urgent" and that her daughter would be seen soon, Karunakaran said.
They were told to wait in one of the two rooms in the portable building.
"It was too cold out there, but we were just ignored and told we had to wait as there were other patients who were more ill that arrived in an ambulance," she said.
She saw other patients arrive by car and be given access to the waiting room during that time.
Nurses had provided paracetamol, a Covid-19 test (which was negative), and a blanket, after Karunakaran begged for it.
When her daughter left in a helicopter to Dunedin the next day, Karunakaran had to remain in Queenstown to pick up her son from school, then arrange transport and accommodation for the family and travel to Dunedin.
After arriving she sat crying on the floor in Dunedin Hospital.
“I felt hopeless and helpless – seeing multiple doctors and nurses running in and out of her room was daunting and scary.
“I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through on that day.”
Her family had lived in Queenstown for 17 years and were devastated with their treatment, she said.
“I came to New Zealand for a better life and I have been doing community work for over 10 years.
“It’s extremely distressing to see there is no humanity in the medical area,” she said.
$5,225,000 + GST (if any)
Marketed by John Faulks
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
