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by Lakes Weekly Editorial Team

This is the last issue of the Lakes Weekly for 2024 and as the year wraps, it is time to reflect before turning our attention to the promise of a New Year ahead.

Every year has its ups and downs and for this district the rollercoaster just keeps on rolling. It would be fair to say we long term locals are getting a bit fed up with this relentless push to accommodate more and more within the mountainous edges of Lake Whakatipu.

No finger pointing please, because we are all part of the problem, growing up or moving here, building businesses that need tourists, and generally taking advantage of the sheer remarkableness of this stunning district.

But we do all keep asking, why will the BP roundabout roadworks in Frankton take so long, why has the road to nowhere taken so long, why start another roading project if you can’t finish the first one??? When will the powers that be, take a look around, read the mood of the people who live here and just stop for bit, and let us live without disruption. We do deserve it. Don’t we?

On a positive note, after the mad rush to Christmas comes for most of us, a chance to take a breather. If only briefly, like for one day, there will be calmness around the Basin. Then the population swells many times over, with friends and family, holiday homeowners, and domestic and international tourists all visiting. The ‘Full House’ sign goes up. That’s a fact of life in New Zealand’s most iconic drawcard destination.

With so many people here for the next few weeks, getting around, getting a park, going to the supermarket, or getting a lunch reservation will be a challenge, so book early and have patience on the roads, and with front line staff.

Our offices are closed from Wednesday, 18 December, until after New Year so it’s a nice break for us, but not everyone gets that time off. Tourism, transport and hospo businesses are gearing up to be slammed and our emergency services will also be ready to meet the inevitable demand this time of year brings. If you are one of them, thank you, from all of us. You make all that we love about living here possible.

From our family at Queenstown Media Group to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We have our summer holiday edition out next week, so if you are on holiday and looking for inspiration, pick it up and enjoy. Our Queenstown App is also pushing on through, so check on there for all the latest news.