John ‘J.R.’ McCormack - Risky business
He’s saved many lives in his time and risked his own a few, just for the thrill of a good ride, but these days one of Queenstown’s original 1970s rafting guides and tandem paragliding pilots, John ‘J.R.’ McCormack, is an artist, kicking back eating whitebait on the West Coast.
Read more
All outdoor fires are banned in the Wakatipu and entire Lakes Fire Zone from today (Thursday, 12 March) amid serious concerns about the fire risks in the current dry conditions with three significant vegetation fires in the Wakatipu alone in the last fortnight.
Jack’s Point residents say traffic has “dramatically increased” exiting Jack’s Point during peak hour with neighbouring Hanley’s Farm residents diverting there to use Jack’s Point’s safer and normally less clogged exit onto the State Highway.
A proposed gold mine is on the fast-track list. Proponents says it will bring jobs and money to the region, but opponents say it will be an economic 'short-term sugar hit... with long-term consequences'.
DISCOVER THE QUEENSTOWN APP
Download or update to the new Queenstown App today
Community
If you want to know the benefits of “Buddying” Ask Big Buddy Darren Ryan and his Buddy Jett Ketchel.
From August 2026, important immigration changes are coming that may affect you. These changes offer new opportunities for those working in skill level 1 to 3 roles. Creating a genuine chance for residency in New Zealand. It is important to understand that there will still be conditions and requirements to meet, and not all final policy details have been released.
Arts and culture
Theatre show SELENE, a story about the goddess and the dark side of the moon, is coming to town. A radical explosion of ancient myth, it’s about how we grow up defined by our bodies, the light (and dark) sides of us, and all the wild stuff inside of us.
In 2023, scientist turned stand-up comedian Ben Miller was the artist in residence at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – the first stand-up comedian ever selected for the programme.
Lakes jobs
Powered by Jobfix
The Locker Room Sports Bar
The Locker Room Sports Bar Brecon Street, Queenstown, New Zealand
WE’RE HIRING! Join the team at The Locker Room Sports Bar 🏈🍔🍻
Love fast-paced vibes, great food, and even better banter? We’ve got TWO spots on our roster and we’re looking for absolute legends to fill them:
Central Drycleaning Services Ltd
1/51 Gorge Road, Queenstown, New Zealand
Full-time position available.
No weekend work, no evenings.
Retail and pressing role.
Fast paced environment, with a friendly team.
Quick increase in pay level for the right applicant.
WHY ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH US
The Lakes Weekly is part of Queenstown Media Group (QMG).
QMG is Queenstown’s leading locally owned and operated media company with print, online and social platforms that engage locals with what they care about — everything local!
The Lakes Weekly delivers stories and news that connects with local so they come away each week better connected to their community. Advertising sits within this curated content environment, and it’s a trusted relationship between readers and the Lakes Weekly. Advertisers benefit from the association with the LWB brand values.
The Lakes Weekly is hand delivered to every business in Queenstown, Arrowtown, Frankton, Five Mile Remarkables Park and Glenda Drive on Tuesday. Copies are available in service stations, libraries and drop boxes throughout the region and every supermarket throughout the Queenstown basin and Wanaka.
Online the issue is available Monday afternoon, on lwb.co.nz and the Qtn App.
3,500
Printed copies
each week
13,250
Estimated weekly
readership
Latest issue