Crimeline: Youth arrested – breach of bail

Youth arrested: breach of bail
A local youth was arrested over the weekend after a group of youths were allegedly identified on a private yacht moored in Queenstown Bay. The individual was charged with unlawfully takes motor vehicle, unlawful gets into a motor vehicle, unlawfully gets onto a ship and escapes custody. He was also dealt with for allegedly breaching his current bail conditions and will appear in youth court on these charges – he has been remanded to a youth facility.

“A reminder for local residents to be vigilant with regards to the security of their vehicle’s with there having been a number of cars stolen in recent months,” Sergeant Blair Duffy says. “Unfortunately, a number of these vehicles have been left overnight, unlocked and with keys in the ignition.”

Alleged drug dealer arressted
A 64-year-old local man was arrested and charged on 30 September for alleged supply of cannabis and possession for supply of cocaine after a search warrant was executed. Queenstown Police continue to encourage members of the public to share information in relation to drug related offending and are reminded they can do so anonymously courtesy of Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).

Two new volunteer fire brigade deputies
A rapidly growing population means greater responsibility falling on the basin’s faithful, dedicated firefighting volunteers and with the Frankton Brigade now its own standalone brigade and another long-serving Queenstown volunteer stepping aside the Wakatipu has two new deputy chief fire officers.

Marc Manderson has been appointed Frankton Volunteer Fire Brigade’s inaugural deputy chief fire officer, a position now needed with the expansion of the wider Frankton area requiring Frankton to be a sub-brigade recently.

Marc has been a volunteer firefighter for 12 years. With Frankton becoming its own brigade, Paul Halstead was recently made Frankton’s first ever chief fire officer.

Long-standing firefighter Bobby Lamont, a volunteer for the brigade for 26 years, has reitred after the last eight years as Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy chief fire office.

Duncan Fisher has been appointed as the new Queenstown deputy chief fire officer to replace him.

Bobby, who’s also Fenz Otago assistant district commander, says while it was a tough decision to step aside from the brigade the balance of family, work and fire brigade had become increasingly difficult to manage.

Fenz warns don’t be complacent as spring heats up
Meanwhile, Fire and Emergency is warning people not to be complacent as spring heats up and the much-heralded Super El Nino is expected to bring drier than normal conditions heading into summer.

Otago Lakes assistant district commander Nic McQuillan says people may become complacent, even if there is the odd downpour of rain. “People are still having fires as we’re in an open season and we’re in that zone where everybody relaxes and winter is nearly over,” McQuillan says. “We’re still seeing fires. People are disposing of hot ashes and lighting wee fires. We’ve already seen a sizeable grass fire off Malaghans Road and a substantial blaze at Alberttown so people need to be super weary and supervise any fire.”

In preparation for what is expected to be a dry summer for many parts of the district, McQuillan says people should stack their firewood away from their house and clear any dead leaves and branches 10m out from their house. It’s a good idea to prune trees close to their homes too. (See checkitsalright.nz)

Former long-time local fire risk management officer Stu Ide reiterates those calls and says while we’ve yet to see the predicted super-hot conditions eventuate everyone needs to be on alert this spring and heading into summer.

“People preparing to go away camping and the likes in those drier seasons could be in real trouble if we get what they’re predicting,” he says.

With the excitement of the barbecue season and cooking outside again, they’re urging Kiwi blokes to give the fat collection tray underneath the barbie a good spring clean too. “We had a few of those fires around Frankton last year so take those preventative measures,” Ide says.

Expect the unexpected in the backcountry – Super Niño
With the summer season just around the corner and a “super El Niño event” predicted, DOC is calling for people to be prepared for all conditions when heading outdoors.

DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming says people should be prepared for intense weather systems. More rain and wind is predicted, especially around the Southern Lakes area, which Fleming says could lead to more storm damage, slips and tree fall on tracks, as well as flooding around the region.

“With increased winds also likely, people should be extra cautious using gas cookers in the backcountry and always check its alright before lighting any fire on public conservation land,” he says.

“When tracks and structures are damaged, it takes time to assess them. DOC rangers work hard to get things back on track, but we can’t be everywhere all at once,” Fleming says. “If you’re heading out in the first good weather window after a significant storm, be prepared for slips and tree fall. Some places may be unpassable; know when to turn back. If you come across damage in the backcountry, be sure to report it to DOC.

“You can’t control the weather, but you can control your plans. Be prepared for all conditions and have a safe summer season enjoying and giving back to nature.