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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.
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.
Our national women’s rugby team took out the Rugby World Cup on Saturday in a tense finale at Eden Park. The Black Ferns won the match by just three points taking home their sixth world title.
With public celebrations taking place following the All Blacks (men's) Rugby World Cup wins … View moreOur national women’s rugby team took out the Rugby World Cup on Saturday in a tense finale at Eden Park. The Black Ferns won the match by just three points taking home their sixth world title.
With public celebrations taking place following the All Blacks (men's) Rugby World Cup wins (2011 & 2015) as well as parades for the America's cup team, do you think similar celebration plans are needed for our winning Black Ferns women?
Hey Neighbours!
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Between now and 31 December, purchase a 3-month subscription to Sunday Star-Times for a friend, loved one (or yourself), and you'll receive a gorgeous soy candle selection worth $49 from Linden Leaves absolutely free.
Use promo … View moreHey Neighbours!
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Between now and 31 December, purchase a 3-month subscription to Sunday Star-Times for a friend, loved one (or yourself), and you'll receive a gorgeous soy candle selection worth $49 from Linden Leaves absolutely free.
Use promo code 'Christmas' at the checkout to redeem this unmissable deal!
The team at Sunday Star-Times
Skate away! Turn an old skateboard into a handy clock with a little imagination and Resene paints.
Find out how to create your own.
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| takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, showcases the latest interior trends, provides project ideas, and … 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| takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, showcases the latest interior trends, provides 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.
Turn an ordinary wooden gift box into a treasure chest with Resene paint! A place to keep Lego, figurines, and all the treasures kids love to collect. Add a unique decorative feature to the lid to make it a special keepsake.
Find out how to create your own.
At Ryman, we believe the measure of a full life is one that gets richer with age. It’s rediscovering lost passions and plunging headfirst into new ones. It’s embracing new experiences right there on your doorstep. That’s why we’re creating communities that challenge the expectation of … View moreAt Ryman, we believe the measure of a full life is one that gets richer with age. It’s rediscovering lost passions and plunging headfirst into new ones. It’s embracing new experiences right there on your doorstep. That’s why we’re creating communities that challenge the expectation of aging, while bringing job and meaning to every moment.
We are honoured to present our latest brand campaign that explores our residents lives through their eyes. From the poignant moments of life in care, to our residents continuing to push the boundaries of what they want to achieve.
Hey Neighbours, did you know that Arthritis affects more than 700,000 New Zealanders and is a leading cause of disability?
This month you could help Arthritis New Zealand by purchasing a testpot of your favourite orange.
Buy any orange Resene testpot 60 ml at your local Resene owned ColorShop… View moreHey Neighbours, did you know that Arthritis affects more than 700,000 New Zealanders and is a leading cause of disability?
This month you could help Arthritis New Zealand by purchasing a testpot of your favourite orange.
Buy any orange Resene testpot 60 ml at your local Resene owned ColorShop in November 2021 and Resene will donate $1 to Arthritis NZ! The more orange testpots you buy, the more will be donated.
For only $15 a ticket, you can win a brand-new home in Whitianga valued at over $1.2 million. Built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is spacious, open-planned and comes fully-furnished!
Make it your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or sell it … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you can win a brand-new home in Whitianga valued at over $1.2 million. Built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is spacious, open-planned and comes fully-furnished!
Make it your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or sell it – it could be all yours for only $15! Be in to win by purchasing a ticket today.
Every week, locals are being nominated for a Nice Neighbour Award and we think there's likely someone in your life who is worthy.
Whether it's someone who has been there in a time of need, has helped your family, or who regularly volunteers their time in their community - we'd love… View moreEvery week, locals are being nominated for a Nice Neighbour Award and we think there's likely someone in your life who is worthy.
Whether it's someone who has been there in a time of need, has helped your family, or who regularly volunteers their time in their community - we'd love to hear about them.
If your neighbour is picked as this week's Nice Neighbour, you’ll both receive a $25 Prezzy® card plus your special neighbour will feature in community newspapers around New Zealand as an inspiration to us all.
Let us know who should be recognised for their good deeds by nominating now.
Personalise your tree this year with adorable homemade woodland characters. Use Resene testpots to create these four cuties. Find out how to create your own.
There's a fine line between being helpful and minding your own business.
By reporter Miriam Bell:
Queenstown house prices remain the highest in the country, and its market appears to be going against the broader declining trend, experts say.
In the latest figures from Quotable Value (QV), the Queenstown-Lakes District is the only region to record a quarterly … View moreBy reporter Miriam Bell:
Queenstown house prices remain the highest in the country, and its market appears to be going against the broader declining trend, experts say.
In the latest figures from Quotable Value (QV), the Queenstown-Lakes District is the only region to record a quarterly price increase. It has the average price up 0.2% to $1.69 million in September.
On an annual basis, the average is up 11.6% from the same time last year, and it is 4.5% higher than at the start of the year.
Likewise, CoreLogic has Queenstown’s average up by 0.4% last month, and by 12.9% annually, to $1.68m in September.
In contrast, both property companies show the national average, and prices in much of the rest of the country, on a downward trajectory.
And in Auckland and Wellington, there have been double-digit price declines since the market peak late last year, according to the Real Estate Institute.
CoreLogic chief property economist Kelvin Davidson says the Queenstown market is a small market, and that means its price and sales figures can jump around quite a bit on a monthly basis.
But its prices have remained pretty stable in the last six to seven months, over a period when prices in other markets have fallen, he says.
“There is a sense of stability, rather than prices continuing to rise markedly, but that is in a market that is already expensive and which has affordability issues.
“It is not immune to trends around interest rates and lending, so I wouldn’t rule out some price falls in future, even if they are smaller than elsewhere, but currently Queenstown’s market is holding up well.”
There were concerns about the Queenstown market’s future in the early days of Covid, but the area’s physical attributes and lifestyle appeal meant it was always likely to bounce back, he says.
“Those attributes remain in play, but now the borders have opened, and tourists are returning, so there is a degree of confidence that Queenstown will be okay. It has a market that looks different to elsewhere, and is bucking the trend.”
As in the rest of the country, sales are down. There were 80 sales in September, down from 101 in August and from 106 last September, Real Estate Institute figures show.
But the institute’s regional director, Gail Hudson, says owner-occupier inquiry has increased markedly, with interest from Auckland and other areas of the South Island remaining strong.
Genuine buyers are attending auctions, and open homes are busy, which shows there is still a good amount of interested buyers, although there is less urgency, she says.
Ray White Queenstown principal Bas Smith says fluctuations in sales are not uncommon as it is a much smaller market than the focus it attracts suggests.
But the decline in sales volumes from last year was not a bad thing as the market was crazy last year, he says.
“At the higher end of the market, particularly in the $2.5m to $3m land sale space, we are finding it very busy, and activity is steady generally.”
Queenstown’s market never really has huge falls in prices, and even during the global financial crisis they held relatively steady, apart from the apartment market which had been oversold previously, he says.
“It is viewed as a safe haven, and a desirable place to live. Many people are envious of the lifestyle that they see here, especially during lockdowns.
“That has fired up people around the country and in Australia, and left them keen to come here to tap into the lifestyle on offer, and pursue remote working options.”
The market is benefitting from that, with a bit of a flow of capital from Australia and Auckland into Queenstown real estate, and little drag in prices despite the slower market, Smith says.
Another factor that puts a floor under Queenstown prices is a shortage of housing, despite continued development of areas such as Frankton, and significant planned development in Wanaka.
Harcourts Queenstown sales manager Priscilla Uhrle says a shortage of land means that when land comes on the market it gets sold before titles are issued.
This is helping keep supply tight, and the fact that many local buyers are reluctant to list until they have sold, to ensure they have somewhere to move to, also contributes to the shortage of stock, she says.
“It was a bit quieter over winter, and spring seemed to come a month late, but open home numbers have really lifted and October was very busy.
“All the auctions we have done in recent weeks have sold under the hammer, with multiple bids. One entry level house in Fern Hill went on the market last week, got five offers right away, and is now under offer.”
While sales and price figures can vary each month due to the size of the market, prices do seem to be holding up well, she says.
“The last two years have taught me there is no point in making predictions about what the market might do, but currently it is moving at a good, steady pace.”
More local first-home buyers are being pushed into the market by rising interest rates, Uhrle says.
“The wait and see approach isn’t working for them, and they want to lock in a purchase before rates go up too much more, so what rates do next could make a difference in future.”
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