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After thousands of rides (and treats) in cities including Auckland and Wellington, Uber Pet is officially launching nationwide - just in time for the busy holiday season, when Kiwis (and their four-legged friends) are out and about more than ever.

Alpine safety rescuers and experts are urging hikers heading into the backcountry, especially overseas visitors unfamiliar with the area, not to rely on social media for “realistic information” about the conditions and skill level required.

Leading Central Otago law firm Todd Walker (formerly TODD & WALKER Law) is proud to announce the launch of its refreshed brand identity, unveiling a new name, visual style and website that embody the firm’s continued evolution and commitment to clarity, connection and trusted legal expertise.

Mental Health by Katherine Froggatt

Waiheke Island-based artist Julia Holden is returning to Queenstown for the opening of her exhibition, The Artist, this Friday, and to join in on a panel discussion, The Power of Collaboration, on Saturday.

Two young Australian men in their early 20s off on a mission to climb Mount Aspiring (3033m) had to be rescued by helicopter just across from the Bonar Glacier on their journey in after suffering from severe exhaustion.

A visiting Australian father and son, stranded high on the Wye Creek Track overnight in just underwear after stripping to cross a badly swollen river, were finally rescued by helicopter about 8am last Thursday morning, (27 November).

He arrived in Queenstown in 1982, a long-haired, well-travelled, jobless Auckland law graduate, fronting up to a notoriously scary southern judge.

Police netted 16 drink drivers in the Wakatipu area alone in a week (19 – 25 November) – 12 of the 22 nabbed in a mass, joint Queenstown Lakes-Central Otago Police Checkpoint operation stopped around Queenstown – the highest level allegedly blowing 928mcg.

A large section of Frankton Track will be closed for the majority of 2026 when work begins in January on a new wastewater pipeline between Queenstown and Frankton. The completed work will result in a larger, more effective wastewater system and boost capacity in the area.

A few weeks ago, we hosted our friends from the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust at Patagonia Tāhuna Queenstown for a screening of Pure Advantage’s Think Like a Forest.

International Volunteer Day (5th of December) is an opportunity to consider the huge global impact of volunteering and thank our amazing volunteers!

A 19-year-old German tourist has been charged with careless driving causing injury, and his 18-year-old German passenger is still in a critical condition in Dunedin Hospital after their vehicle smashed into a tree on the Glenorchy-Paradise Road at 9.20am on Saturday (22 November), Police say.

The Women’s Shed Queenstown has become a place where women of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn new skills, build confidence, and connect with their community. Now, this community initiative needs your help to create a permanent home.

Health New Zealand says shifting appointments out of major hospitals and into communities could spare Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes residents as many as 40,000 road trips a year.

He served for 53 years in the Glenorchy Fire Brigade, chief for almost 25 years, built notorious Wakatipu backcountry roads, leapt from choppers for Sir Tim Wallis, was chased by airborne Turkish Police with AK-47s and starred in the Lord of the Rings.

The Queenstown Christmas Show will return with a wholesome family-friendly performance.

Queenstown Lakes Libraries is inviting young readers to join this year’s Summer Reading Challenge: Forest Quest. The nature-inspired theme aims to encourage children to read over the summer holiday period and features prizes for every five books read.

Good planning and preparation don’t just make things run smoothly - they create success. A perfect example is the Queenstown Marathon, which smashed records yet again.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has received two abatement notices from Otago Regional Council (ORC) in relation to recently communicated performance challenges at the Project Pure Wastewater Treatment Plant in Wānaka.