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From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
June Baptista has spent three years singing the praises of Queenstown’s bus services. Six weeks ago that stopped.
The retired teacher doesn’t have a car so relies on buses to get to appointments and to the local high school to do relief teaching. But … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
June Baptista has spent three years singing the praises of Queenstown’s bus services. Six weeks ago that stopped.
The retired teacher doesn’t have a car so relies on buses to get to appointments and to the local high school to do relief teaching. But suddenly the buses stopped turning up.
“One evening I waited for more than an hour at the bus stop.
“Later I was told there was a reduced timetable, so I looked at the new timetable when I had to get a booster shot in town. It still didn’t come for an hour and I missed the appointment.”
Baptista is among the many bus users complaining about changes that have led to less frequent services, irregular arrivals and sometimes no buses not turning up at all.
Those affected include school children, workers, tourists and Otago regional councillor Alexa Forbes.
The regional council is responsible for providing bus services and Forbes, who lives in Queenstown and is a regular bus user, is chairperson of the Otago regional transport committee.
She said she was “nice and early” to catch a bus to an event in Arrowtown from the Frankton bus hub, but it never arrived.
“Despite the website saying it was 10 minutes away, nothing happened.”
The next bus was running 40 minutes late because of congestion from skiers coming down from Coronet Peak, and she ended up getting a ride with a friend.
Bus driver shortages are being felt across the country. In mid-July, the Otago Regional Council introduced a temporarily reduced timetable for Queenstown and Dunedin services.
This week, it said it was short 39 public transport bus drivers.
A full timetable would not be reinstated “in the short term”, transport manager Doug Rodgers said.
Queenstown Lakes mayor Jim Boult put the problem down to wages, which were about $23 an hour.
“A cleaner around here can get $27 to $28 an hour these days – no wonder they are having trouble getting drivers.”
In Auckland, bus drivers’ pay was bumped up in July to an average of about $25.62 an hour. In Wellington in December, the rate went up to $27 an hour.
The regional council and Waka Kotahi provide the bulk of bus driver wages, but bus contractor Ritchies sets the pay rate in Queenstown.
The company manager could not be reached for comment.
On Wednesday, the regional council agreed on an unbudgeted increase to ensure all drivers are paid at least the living wage as of September 1 – $23.65.
It was an increase of 90 cents, according to Rodgers, and would cost the council almost $500,000 a year.
Rodgers said the driver shortage was the sole reason for the reduced timetable, but Boult and Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins saw wider problems and wanted their councils to have more control of local bus services.
Control of bus services currently sits with regional councils.
Last week, Transport Minister Michael Wood announced a new “sustainable public transport framework” would replace that model, opening the door for more involvement from district and city councils.
This was welcomed by Boult, who provided much of the momentum behind the new, cheaper and more frequent Queenstown $2 bus service, which started in 2017.
“I’d have to say that I’m disappointed, particularly post-Covid ... that the ball has been dropped and we’re seeing services curtailed and I’m getting complaints.
“When the $2 bus was introduced we probably had a public transport system that was envied by every council. That has been eroded.”
After months of waiting, the mayors have secured an informal meeting with Otago Regional Council officials later this week.
However, Forbes warned that there would not be a quick fix.
A new governance structure would be needed, then funding would have to be considered.
“There won’t be more money in the public pot. Somehow or other the councils involved are going to figure out how this will be funded,” she said.
In Wellington and Auckland, driver pay rises were achieved by increasing rates.
Baptista hoped changes would be made soon, so she would no longer have to wait an hour for a bus that may never come.
“Can you imagine wasting all that energy and time waiting when you could have done something more productive?”
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Daffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s largest fundraising and awareness campaign, and it’s crucial to allow us to support those impacted by cancer. We offer everything from a helpline and counselling support through to transport and accommodation during treatment.
Cancer doesn’t stop, and … View moreDaffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s largest fundraising and awareness campaign, and it’s crucial to allow us to support those impacted by cancer. We offer everything from a helpline and counselling support through to transport and accommodation during treatment.
Cancer doesn’t stop, and with your help, we won’t either. More New Zealanders will get cancer this year than ever before and no one should face cancer alone. Just $24 helps get someone to treatment. Please give generously this Daffodil Day so we can continue to be a lifeline for people with cancer and their whānau.
To donate today, visit daffodilday.org.nz.
The NZ Compare Awards are back... and we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time returning as an in-person celebration with a Gala Awards night hosted by Mike McRoberts in Auckland on December 1st 2022.
Recognising excellence, leadership and innovation in the New Zealand utility … View moreThe NZ Compare Awards are back... and we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time returning as an in-person celebration with a Gala Awards night hosted by Mike McRoberts in Auckland on December 1st 2022.
Recognising excellence, leadership and innovation in the New Zealand utility sectors, the NZ Compare Awards are back for the 6th year and in response to consumer demand, we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time.
As the boundaries between the utility industries continue to blur the organisers have responded to growing demand to increase the categories and industries celebrated by the NZ Compare Awards and will now recognise excellence and achievement within New Zealand’s BROADBAND, ENERGY and MOBILE sectors for the first time.
Award categories are consumer driven and informed by the 300,000 Kiwis who use NZ Compare websites each month. Winning carries real gravitas with the Kiwi consumer and the awards represent an opportunity to be confident in the talent and vision your company has worked so hard towards. This significant event will recognise the companies that provide New Zealanders with the very best products and services across these essential industries.
The NZ Compare Awards are supported by a wide range of companies including Movinghub, Vector Metering, Chorus, realestate.co.nz and Neighbourly. The prestigious awards will recognise the companies that provide New Zealanders with the very best products and services in their industries. With a range of different categories including best home and mobile provider, best customer support, fastest service, best rural provider and best broadband innovation.
Winning an NZ Compare Award depends on a combination of criteria. These include consumer surveys and reviews on the NZ Compare websites and decisions from our expert judging panel.
"Judged by an independent panel of New Zealand experts and presented at our gala awards event, the NZ Compare Awards provide a unique stage on which we recognize and reward the achievements of the New Zealand utility sectors." said Gavin Male, CEO of NZ Compare.
So what do you think? Give a shout out to your favourite utility provider here - not just for doing their job... we want to hear about those that go above and beyond! Who should be a winner?
What are the biggest issues your region is facing? Take part in the NowNext Local survey and you could win a one of twenty $100 Prezzy Card for your opinion.
Whether it’s how happy you are or if you plan on staying long term, the NowNext Local survey is getting a snapshot of how kiwis are … View moreWhat are the biggest issues your region is facing? Take part in the NowNext Local survey and you could win a one of twenty $100 Prezzy Card for your opinion.
Whether it’s how happy you are or if you plan on staying long term, the NowNext Local survey is getting a snapshot of how kiwis are feeling.
Dear neighbours,
Meet our Houseplant Hero competition winner Alan Mckenzie! If all sheds came like that, we want one too. Congratulations to Alan and his many many houseplants.
Our passions and mahi play a large part in our legacy. When we channel that mahi into championing causes and giving back, that legacy is carried as inspiration for generations to come.
The rymanhealthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau celebrates Kiwis aged 70 and over… View moreOur passions and mahi play a large part in our legacy. When we channel that mahi into championing causes and giving back, that legacy is carried as inspiration for generations to come.
The rymanhealthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau celebrates Kiwis aged 70 and over who continue to inspire, champion causes, and give back, building lasting legacies that make us all proud to call New Zealand home.
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View moreMaking it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.
We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.
Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Three requests to remove and replace several trees on recreation reserves in Kelvin Peninsula have been approved by Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Community and Services Committee.
Council parks manager Kenneth Bailey said any carbon removal lost by removed trees would be bettered by … View moreThree requests to remove and replace several trees on recreation reserves in Kelvin Peninsula have been approved by Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Community and Services Committee.
Council parks manager Kenneth Bailey said any carbon removal lost by removed trees would be bettered by planting native and non-spreading exotic trees in the area.
The request to remove trees were made by Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, Whakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group, and Queenstown Golf Club.
“These organisations will be adhering to council’s new policy that for any tree removed on public land, two must replace it, and as these new trees start to flourish, Kelvin Peninsula will be transformed into a park-like space I’m certain future generations will cherish,” Bailey said.
The requests were:
- A request by Whakatipu Reforestation Trust to remove 100 trees near its Jean Malpas Nursery located in Jardine Park, to expand its educational garden and library of native plants nearby. Over 200 trees will be planted in this location to replace those removed.
- A request by Whakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group to remove 20 douglas fir trees from the southern side of the Jean Malpas Nursery, combating seed sources of the invasive pest threatening both the nursery and the Whakatipu Basin’s new Welcome Forest. The removed trees will be predominantly replaced with native species to improve the area’s biodiversity.
- A request by Queenstown Golf Club to remove about 290 ageing trees, mostly douglas firs, managing negative impacts on the course’s turf. The club's restoration plan includes planting two trees for every one removed, made up of both natives and non-wilding exotic trees.
No trees to be removed are ‘Protected Trees’ under the council's district plan, listed for potential protection in the proposed district plan, or ‘Notable Trees’ in the NZ Tree Register, the council said.
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Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View moreMaking it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.
We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.
Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Dear neighbours,
Have you grown these veges and fruits, and what's on your list of money savers and budget boosters?
Dear neighbours,
To celebrate National Gardening Week (October 17-25), Yates have partnered with NZ Gardener to give away some fantastic prizes to some of the most inspirational compost builders in the country. Show us your compost setup, whether it’s tiny or huge, and the best looking compost … View moreDear neighbours,
To celebrate National Gardening Week (October 17-25), Yates have partnered with NZ Gardener to give away some fantastic prizes to some of the most inspirational compost builders in the country. Show us your compost setup, whether it’s tiny or huge, and the best looking compost wins 1 of 9 Compost Kits (RRP $319 each).
So email through your best tip for successful compost and one photo of your composting setup to loveyourgarden@yates.co.nz by August 26, 2022 to be in to win.
The Queenstown Lakes District has taken the first step to force developers to contribute to community housing in an effort to combat an affordability crisis.
The region is already considered a leader in developing affordable housing within New Zealand after creating the Queenstown Lakes Community … View moreThe Queenstown Lakes District has taken the first step to force developers to contribute to community housing in an effort to combat an affordability crisis.
The region is already considered a leader in developing affordable housing within New Zealand after creating the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust in 2007.
Now the Queenstown Lakes District Council has become the first regional authority to propose a mandatory contribution on all housing developments under the district plan.
Under the proposal, known as “inclusionary zoning”, all residential subdivisions in urban areas would be required to contribute 5% of the estimated sales value of serviced lots or, for those with more than 20 lots, a 5% land contribution.
The 25 apartments are among the first of up to 4000 Housing Minister Megan Woods hopes will go through the $400m Progressive Home Ownership scheme.
Residential subdivisions in larger lifestyle blocks would contribute 1% and a contribution for units would be calculated according to floorspace.
Residential flats, social or affordable housing and retirement villages would be exempt.
During a council meeting to begin the process of including the provisions in the proposed district plan, mayor Jim Boult said housing affordability was the most difficult issue the council faced.
The proposal would go through a public submission process and likely be contested by developers in the Environment Court.
Proceeding with the plan was a “watershed development”, but the council should continue to look at other mechanisms to increase the supply of affordable housing, he said.
Economist Shamubeel Eaqub, who helped author the plan, said house prices in Queenstown increased by 40% in the last two years, in a house market that was already “extremely hot”.
Real Estate Institute of New Zealand figures released on Thursday showed the median house price in the district to be $1.2 million in July.
The council needed to increase housing supply and target housing towards people on lower incomes to ensure equitable supply, Eaqub said.
“The housing market is pretty broken whatever we do, so we need to pull on all the levers at the same time,” he said.
Councillor Quentin Smith said the average household income to house price ratio in the district was an “extraordinary” 17.2 to 1 – about 3.5 times higher than the New Zealand average.
“The average household earner in this district could never own the average house under the current model.
“This won’t be an easy process, but we need to try,” he said.
Cr Niamh Shaw said similar inclusionary zoning operated in London, Melbourne, Whistler and Aspen.
Community Housing Trust executive officer Julie Scott said the council had been negotiating a form of inclusionary zoning with developers for about 20 years.
The first deed was signed in 2003 with the Jacks Point developers and covered about 5% of the subdivision value. Of that, about $4m was used to buy land at Lake Hayes Estate and build 27 homes.
In Shotover Country it received enough land to build 44 homes.
Under the Housing Accords and Special Housing Areas Act developers were required to pay contributions of up to 12.5% in the district. The Act has since been repealed.
Inclusionary zoning was behind the trust’s success, Scott said.
“We are the envy of every other community housing provider in the country.”
The trust has helped 243 households into housing and had a waiting list of nearly 800 households.
It has developed 109 homes through inclusionary zoning and has 215 in the pipeline across the district – the majority achieved through inclusionary zoning.
The proposed plan change would formalise the process.
Kinloch resident John Glover told the council the zoning would be a tax and was “really quite perverse”.
“What you’re actually doing is taxing those who are actually providing housing.”
Business and tourism operators whose rapid growth in the district was a significant factor underlying the housing shortage should be part of the solution, he said.
Many ski fields were having their best year ever, but they were not being asked to pay under the policy.
He doubted the policy would fit within the scope of the Resource Management Act and said it would cost hundreds of thousands of ratepayer dollars to defend in courts.
Instead, the council should use the Rating Act to raise money and support the trust.
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