Wānaka Sun

19/08/2026

Southlander Anton O'Connell is riding the length of New Zealand in memory of his friend, Olivia Podmore.

While he's at it, he's raising money for Gumboot Friday. So far, he's raised over $10,000 - enough to pay for over 60 counselling sessions for New Zealanders under 25.

He should be coming through Wanaka this weekend - so keep your eyes peeled.

Fundraising information can be found at his Instagram page:

Story below:

https://www.odt.co.nz/otago/wanaka/cycling-the-length-of-new-zealand-in-olivia-podmores-memory-o63k7my2

10/08/2026

Wanaka's Isabel Martin, 17 is now a London-bound ballerina.

She will receive a home sendoff this week as the New Zealand Youth Ballet performs at Lake Wānaka Centre before taking her place at the English National Ballet School, in London, where she will continue training toward a career as a professional ballerina.

Her Christchurch-based troupe the New Zealand Youth Ballet Co, will be putting on two performances of their Reverence & Rebellion programme on August 13 and 14 at Lake Wānaka Centre.

Good luck Isabel!!

Read more in the ODT now or the Wanaka Sun out this Friday!
https://www.odt.co.nz/otago/wanaka/wanaka-sendoff-for-teen-ballerina-tgfck6ko

06/08/2026

Wānaka professional cyclist Kim Cadzow has announced that she is stepping away from professional cycling at the age of 24.

On the surface Kim was excelling, taking 7th in the Time Trial at the 2024 Paris Olympics before winning the New Zealand national championships on the road and in the time trial. The results looked good on paper, but behind the scenes, the wheels were coming off.

We sat down with Kim and her retirement project, 12-week old puppy Daisy, to talk about the highs and lows of her life in professional cycling, and why it was best to walk away.

Read more in today's Wānaka Sun or click the link below!

https://www.odt.co.nz/otago/wanaka/i-was-better-off-stopping-the-gruelling-toll-of-reaching-the-top-qhffxytg

06/08/2026

Alpine Physiotherapy is offering free concussion tests to Mount Aspiring College students and staff every Monday.

Alpine Physiotherapy director and concussion specialist Sarah Brown said she hoped that by that removing barriers to access - like a parent taking time off work to bring a child for an appointment - more people could receive timely care for head injuries.

Read the article through the link below or in the Wanaka Sun out tomorrow!

https://www.odt.co.nz/otago/wanaka/free-concussion-tests-for-mac-staff-and-students-v2taj5mb

04/08/2026

David O'Sullivan has built two properties in Lake Hawea with affordability - not profitability - at their core.

In response to property prices in the Upper Clutha that Mr O’Sullivan said are out of reach of many working families, Mr O’Sullivan has built two two-bedroom properties in Longview in Lake Hāwea which will be listed for $834,000.

The properties are designed to be accessible to first-time buyers, while providing room for growth.

Give the story in the read through the link below or in the Wanaka Sun out this Friday.

https://www.odt.co.nz/otago/wanaka/affordability-front-of-mind-for-hawea-housebuilder-jdlvmb0r

02/08/2026

For 100-year-old Ola Reeve, a flight aboard a helicopter was the last thing on her bucket list.
Local Search and Rescue pilot Bill Day was only too happy to make it happen, and the Wanaka Sun came along for the ride.

Join us in celebrating Ms Reeve in her 100th year 🎂

Read about Ms Revee's life and her flight over Wānaka through the link below or on page 4 of the Wānaka Sun out now!

https://www.odt.co.nz/otago/wanaka/curiosity-and-wonder-secret-to-longevity-centenarian-lwyriyf4

02/08/2026

QLDC councillors will discuss the district's options for amalgamation at a Full Council meeting later this morning.

Whatever the outcome, Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer says that the outcome must be increased empowerment, and greater self-determination for Wānaka.

Amalgamation must drive greater empowerment for Wānaka

28/07/2026

Wanaka Lakes Health Centre is up for sale

Wānaka health hub on the market

23/07/2026

People of Wanaka, the Dinosaur Slide needs your help!

In celebration of the Dinosaur Slide's 50th birthday the Otago Daily Times have pitted Wanaka's iconic Dinosaur Slide - which looks recognizably like a dinosaur - against Dunedin's six-legged abomination.

The Wānaka Dinosaur Slide is currently trailing with 45% of the vote, but we can turn this around. Vote at the link below:

Dinosaur slides into its 50th birthday

23/07/2026

The latest edition of the Wānaka Sun is out now!

In this edition you can read about the next steps of public transport in Wānaka, the much loved dinosaur slide turning 50 years old and football fans supporting their home teams from across the globe.

Pick up your copy from the usual places and have a great weekend