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The 2026 NZ Bird Conference and Birds New Zealand AGM will be held in Wānaka on King’s Birthday weekend at the Lake Wānaka Centre. About 200 ornithologists and bird enthusiasts are registered to attend Aotearoa New Zealand's largest annual conference on birds and bird research, which has been held in a different location every year since 2005 (except 2020).

Sean Kelly will bring his show of Irish music played to the backdrop of Super 8 films from his father’s collection.

Police say it’s extremely fortunate that they weren’t dealing with a fatality in a three-car vehicle collision late yesterday afternoon (20 May) at Arrow Junction, where there have been a number of accidents recently.

Battle lines are being drawn over the country's energy future, with Labour promising to pull the plug on a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal if it wins the next election. MPs and leaders from six parties clashed over fossil fuels, blackouts, power prices and whether the country's biggest electricity companies should be broken up at an energy debate in Queenstown on Monday afternoon.

A Queenstown architect for almost 50 years and Queenstown Lakes District councillor for nine, Gillian Macleod also juggled motherhood - four kids, and multiple voluntary roles, amid the many meetings.

People head into council offices for many reasons: to register a dog, attend a meeting, report an issue, or get advice in person. But which location best suits the future needs of our community, and why?

On Thursday, 21 May between the hours of 10am - 2pm, Queenstown and Arrowtown RSAs in conjunction with Veterans Affairs New Zealand are offering information clinics for all service personnel, whatever their service or age, at the Queenstown Events Centre, Joe O’Connell Drive Frankton.

Following an announcement last Friday from Minister of Transport Chris Bishop, Queenstown Trails is delighted to announce a partnership with Waka Kotahi NZTA and Queenstown Lakes District Council to deliver more vital active transport infrastructure in the form of the Pūāhuru Bridge at Jims Way, a walking and cycling crossing of State Highway 6, to enable a safe and integrated passage to Frankton from the eastern suburbs of Ladies Mile and Lower Shotover.

The two victims of an alleged grievous assault at a Hallenstein Street address just after 11pm on 8 May – one who was in a critical condition and one serious, have both been discharged from hospital, one facing further surgery, Police say.

Weeks before ski field lifts usually start spinning, Queenstown's Coronet Peak has flipped the switch on a $2 million "snow factory" to lay down the first coat in Autumn. Crews have started producing snow from a high-tech fridge-like machine housed in shipping containers that can operate in temperatures of up to 20 degrees.

Showbiz Queenstown are bringing 9 to 5 the Musical to the Memorial Centre this week. The show features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie.

The fast-track referral of a sprawling gondola and housing proposal - despite council warnings about missing details and limited benefit - is being described by a Queenstown councillor as a real disappointment.

He may not have taken out the official ‘Queenstown Top Bloke’ crown, but Junior Apolosi - one of the iconic contest’s most celebrated contestants, wins the unofficial title hands down, according to his mates.

An expansion to Lakes District Hospital's emergency department in Queenstown will begin within months as part of a $180 million boost to healthcare in the Otago Central Lakes area.

The Wakatipu Toy Library — a beloved community-run service lending quality toys, games and play equipment to hundreds of local families — is facing its most urgent challenge yet.

Local hot sauce company Hell Cat Hot Sauce has taken home a win at the prestigious Mr. Chilli awards. The awards are the authority on the hottest hot sauces here and across the ditch - the competition is open to New Zealand and Australia.

The Big Bike Film Night celebrates cycling in all its different shapes and forms. The programme aims to inspire, featuring a great mix of short films designed for two-wheel enthusiasts.

Emergency services are warning motorists to take extra care heading into the season of “frosty mornings and slippery roads” after a concerning number of traffic crashes around the Wakatipu recently before winter even arrives.

It only took 11 years for retired engineer Mark Hosie to make his mark in his beloved Arrowtown, celebrated recently for his role in motivating the local troops to victory in the battle to retain the quaint, historic town’s gold-rush era charm.

Kia ora, neighbours! We are thrilled to announce that LitFest is back, marking our second year running this district-wide celebration of literacy, and thanks to your incredible support, the festival is growing!