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Running a regional airline is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a high-cost, high-risk business with very little margin for error. While Air New Zealand happily scoops up the profitable main routes, smaller communities like Wānaka are left reliant on independent operators with the courage and financial stamina to fill the gaps.

Two backcountry skiers had to be rescued in challenging conditions on Saturday evening – one from steep terrain high above the Doolans Basin near the Remarkables, the other from the south face of Black Peak, near Treble Cone.

After ten years in the position, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Chief Executive Mike Theelen has announced his departure from the organisation in February 2026.

Both charities and companies need capital. How to achieve both profit and public good at the same time, especially in these economically straitened times, is the subject of our Catalyst Kōrero, later this month, Thursday, 28 August.

Government plans to charge overseas tourists to visit Milford Sound and other popular spots are "double-dipping" says Queenstown Milford User Group chair James Stokes.

It's a bloke-dominated run for mayor this time around.

One of New Zealand's best-known adventure rides is celebrating 60 years in business after evolving from a simple five-person riverboat into an iconic thrill-seekers' attraction.

Celebrated painter Dick Frizzell is coming to Queenstown to discuss his new memoir, Hastings, at the launch of the Queenstown Writers Festival 2025 programme.

At least eight dogs were rushed to vets in Queenstown over the weekend after eating rabbit poison Pindone.

Queenstown Lakes mayor Glyn Lewers used his casting vote to push through a major overhaul of the district’s water services, backing the creation of a new council-controlled organisation despite the majority of public submissions opposing it.

A team of tamed ferrets has been making short work of a long-eared problem in the battle against Queenstown's rampant rabbit population.

After three years of controversy and complaining, only two dozen people in Queenstown Lakes have put their names forward for October's council election so far.

The Central Otago Whine Tour will return this Friday and Saturday, bringing talented female comedians to Rhyme X Reason and Sherwood.

Southern Lakes Heli-Ski has invested in 40 more avalanche airbag backpacks for guests on its trips, to supplement its safety programme, chief guide Tarn Pilkington says.

A 56-year-old Queenstown man allegedly punched a 50-year-old Australian tourist for accidentally turning the wrong way down one-way Buckingham Street in Arrowtown.

One of New Zealand’s most renowned rugby writers throughout his successful 66-year career, Arrowtown’s Bob Howitt has notched the names of many of New Zealand’s most famous All Blacks into his belt, also writing the biographies of many.

Sir Michael Hill has died. The founder of the well-known chain of jewellery stores was 86.

At Patagonia, we believe in using business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. When we opened our first store in Aotearoa in January 2024 - Patagonia Tahuna Queenstown - we set out to create more than just a retail space. We envisioned a community hub.

Local food help agencies have been inundated with demand, churning out record numbers of food parcels this winter, amid an unprecedented need to feed everyone from migrants awaiting visas to local families.

Two local Superheroes will be honoured on Saturday night (3 August) for their 25 years of tireless devotion to the Queenstown Fire Brigade, racing to call-outs at all hours, interrupting family camping trips and literally facing the heat on the frontline.