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Living in Glenorchy
The Glenorchy Community website is designed and maintained by volunteer members of the Glenorchy community and provides a helpful means of communication for both locals and visitors alike.
The initial funding for the new website was provided by the Glenorchy Community Association, the Lakeside Rugby Club, the Glenorchy Branch of Rural Women NZ and many generous donations by members of the community.
The website was initiated by Vladka Kennett, who hatched the idea of the community website and set up the original version in 2011, and who was later joined by Patrick and Wendy Eardley, Ingrid Temple and Bobbie Mulgrew who spent many months creating a website that captures the spirit and beauty of Glenorchy and its residents. Wendy and Patrick have since left Glenorchy, so Kate Scott and Fiona Farquhar have joined the website trust and Sharon Aitken, Gorettie Breitenberger and Philippa Cull have all contributed their skills to posting new items on the website as they are received from community members and groups seeking to engage with the Head of the Lake community.
The website generates a small amount of income through advertising to cover ongoing website fees.
If you would like to contribute information or make a donation to the Glenorchy Community Website please contact the team at contact@glenorchycommunity.nz
If you would like to advertise your local business please email advertise@glenorchycommunity.nz
Please note that if you wish your post to be included in the weekly update email sent to subscribers – usually on Sunday night – our team would really appreciate receiving it before noon on Saturday.
Thank you Susan Miller for the awesome photo.
Glenorchy Community Association is a community based incorporated society. Membership is made up of residents and property owners living in the Glenorchy township and the Head of the Lake.
Glenorchy Community Association is a community based incorporated society. Membership is made up of residents and property owners living in the Glenorchy township and the Head of the Lake.
The principal objectives of the Glenorchy Community Association are to promote the interests, needs and well-being of the Glenorchy community with government, local government and other decision makers and support community initiatives. The Association also advocates and negotiates on specific matters on behalf of the community, when requested to do so. The Association manages and administers the community swimming pool.
The executive of the Association consists of duly elected officers, being a Chairperson, Treasurer/Secretary and general committee members.
The Community Association meets monthly on the first Thursday of the month in the Glenorchy Community Hall at 7.30pm.
Your contributions, ideas and community involvement are welcomed.
Contact: Email the GCA
Adam Klimeck – Chair
adamwilliamklimeck@gmail.com
Andrew Green – Treasurer
awgreen.nz@gmail.com
Ryan Sokolowski – Secretary
rsokolowski123@gmail.com
Damian Orman
damian@falcondevelopments.nz
John Scott
john.scott27nz@gmail.com
Jessica Burke
jesserinburke@gmail.com
Kieran McLean
kieran@voltedge.co.nz
Radka Murray
rachechel@yahoo.com
The very first school in the Glenorchy district was actually at Kinloch, which was a centre for sawmilling in 1884 when the school first opened. However, this school did not last long and in 1888, after the community had banded together to provide a building, a school was opened on the Glenorchy-Paradise Road, close to Henny’s house.
This became known as the Rees Valley School after a school opened in 1911 near the Bucklerburn, but it was Glenorchy School before the new influx of scheelite mining families meant that a school was needed closer to the township. The new Glenorchy School had to move to it’s present site in 1939 because the Buckleburn was getting perilously close to the original site, and in true Glenorchy style they found that the new building was a bit of a liability in a good nor’wester and the community needed to pick the building up and swivel it round to make it function better on windy days! = =The ebb and flow of population has a dramatic effect on schooling in a small community like Glenorchy, with the school at times bursting at the seams and at others dwindling to low numbers in a single classroom.
Last time the school roll fell to the point where it became a sole charge school with a single teaching principal was in 1987, and it regained its two classroom status in 1993. Since then a lot of energy has gone into maintaining the roll and the facilities and we are lucky enough to boast excellent classrooms, a technology room, a library and a large office space. Covered decking outside the classrooms allows the children to sit outside at break times to eat, regardless of the weather, and hard surface playing court does duty for multiple sports and games.
Education Outside the Classroom is a strong feature of the school year, including local and regional camps and tramps, and other activities such as ice skating in Queenstown and an annual ski camp to Coronet Peak.
The roll sits around the 32; there are two classrooms:
The principal is Paula Miller. The junior class is taught by the Michelle Green & Clair Winslade and the senior class is taught by Kelly Newland; and Gorettie Breitenberger as our Office Manager.
The school produces a fortnightly newsletter which includes both school and community news and it is available via email and this Glenorchy Community Website.
Contemporary Glenorchy School is a small, remote school situated at the head of Lake Wakatipu and is central to the community.
The families of our children are diverse in their economic status and their occupations. We work to provide our children with a positive, quality leaning environment in which they are secure and successful. Glenorchy School values the individual. Everyone working and learning within this environment is important.
GLENORCHY SCHOOL EDUCATION REVIEW OFFICE REPORT FROM july 2019
Glenorchy School: ‘Gateway to learning’ Waharoa ke ti arorangi
Vision: To foster lifelong learning through stimulating, fun experiences, delivered through quality teaching, while engaging the community and acknowledging our environment.
Values: Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Kindness
Contact the Glenorchy School on 442 9900 or email.
The Glenorchy School Newsletter is now available through the Glenorchy Community Website and has it’s own FB page.
This makes school news more accessible for all and helps to keep the extended community informed about what is happening at school.
The newsletter is published fortnightly, during term time only.
Community news can be put in the school newsletter by email:- office@glenorchy.school.nz
Click here for the latest School Newsletter.
Welcome to Glenorchy Playgroup – Haere mai. All parents, caregivers and young children are welcome.
We believe in the importance of providing a place where pre-school children and parents can regularly meet, feel welcomed and involved. Our playgroup will use a variety of activities to provide learning opportunities and experiences for young children.
We aim to give parents and caregivers the opportunity to learn new ways for encouraging their children’s learning in a friendly and supportive fun group.
Tuesdays: 10am – 12pm
Thursdays: 10am – 12pm
School term time only. $5/session or $30 for the term.
Contact: glenorchyplaygroup@gmail.com
About the Crèche:
Kōwhai Valley Crèche is named for its location in the heart of Tāhuna Glenorchy, which was once a thriving kōwhai valley that connected the foothills of Ka Tiritiri-o-te-Moana the Southern Alps to the top of Whakatipu Waimāori Lake Wakatipu. We are a registered not for profit community crèche governed by a board of 6 experienced community members, parents and ECE Professionals.
In our curriculum, we embrace learning opportunities that allow tamariki to explore, inquire and grow within the safety of our community and among its unique natural surroundings. This inquiry-based learning approach keeps tamariki at the centre of their own learning. We help our older tamariki to prepare for school with a focus on preschool education as well as support to develop and foster their relationship with Glenorchy School.
The Crèche was established by parents of Playgroup in 2024, making use of the premises and facilities when Playgroup is closed. The Crèche is hosted by Playgroup so Playgroup membership fees must be paid by all families enrolled at the Crèche. Parent help is also a requirement of enrolment, see more details on fees and help in the parent information pack, emailed on request.
Ages 2-5 CaptureKVC teachers
Licensed for 12 children per day
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 8.45am – 3.15pm
Year round with 2 weeks break over Summer.
Fees:
2 and under: $32 per day
Over 2s: $17 (with 6 hrs ECE funding) per day
Casual day: $60
Team: Leah Orman is our Head Kaiako, leading a team of 4 registered ECE Kaiako and casual relievers.
Click link to register an enrolment enquiry for your child:
https://www.discoverchildcare.co.nz/widget/enquiry?centreToken=4200709b-bc8f-46fc-947e-4d16beef6549
Email to request parent information pack: office@kowhaivalleycreche.org.nz
Beyond maintaining the township’s stunning natural setting, this being the facade seen by the casual visitor, Sustainable Glenorchy’s focus is to ensure, through working with nature and careful management, that the air, water and soil in our community continue to be as pure as possible for future generations.
We encourage individuals and groups in our community to embrace sustainable waste practices so that our rate of consumption does not exceed nature’s rate of replenishment, and to become more self-sufficient in our needs for food, clothing and household items, working towards maintaining an environment where noise, light, soil and air pollution are minimised and creativity is fostered.
SG envisions that Glenorchy inhabitants interested in any sustainable practice get together regularly to share ideas, stimulating one another to grow and develop new initiatives.
A key consideration for SG is climate change and the impact our carbon footprint is having on the environment. With this in mind, SG also aims to ensure that local and central government decisions that affect the people and the environment of Glenorchy are made with meaningful public involvement and discussion; with complete and reliable information; and following the required statutory processes. These decisions should be consistent with the principles of sustainable management according to the Resource Management Act (RMA) and have an overall focus similar to the Glenorchy Community Plan 2003 and Glenorchy Community Visioning Report 2016. Membership is obtained by written application and upon payment of a small annual membership fee.
Contact sustainableglenorchy@gmail.com or karenpronk@hotmail.com 022 499 4292.
Donations welcome. Bank account: 38-9026-0409294-00
Last updated 7 December 2024
The Glenorchy Battery Association was formed by a group of interested parties with the intent to ensure that what still remains of the scheelite mining industry infrastructure on Mount Judah is appropriately preserved and memorialised.
After a long hiatus, there has been recent activity up on the site. DoC is currently clearing the old State Mine adit, and The Glenorchy Battery Association has had Reid Earthworks reinstate a smaller version of the old dam, which has yet to be filled.
CaptureSHEELITE22
If you have an interest in the project, and would like to contribute, please feel free to make a direct credit donation to the account of:
Glenorchy Community Trust, ANZ bank account number 06-0949-0254226-00, with the reference “Battery”.
Well, it’s a long story, one that has been millennia in the making, as it involves the formation of an ore, the uses for which lay undiscovered from when the earth was formed until the mid-18th century, when Scheele, the Pomeranian (Swedish) scientist who discovered oxygen, chlorine and manganese, isolated and identified it as an important ore of tungsten. It acquired commercial value in the 20th century when tungsten became used in alloy steels and electric-light filaments. The mineral is named in honour of the abovementioned chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele, who obtained tungstic acid from it in 1781.
In 1872 Russian Alexander Lodygin used tungsten as the metal filament in an incandescent light bulb and in 1902 the Hungarian Sandor Just and Croatian Franjo Hanaman patented and produced the first commercial tungsten filament incandescent lamp.
CaptureSHEELITE4
Scheelite has been mined in New Zealand since 1885 but has also been mined extensively in North Carolina, California, and Nevada in the USA, Cornwall and Cumberland in England, and in Bolivia, New South Wales Australia, Siberia, Switzerland, China and France.
The ore is white, yellow, brown, or green in colour and has a vitreous to adamantine lustre. It’s really heavy, and is scientifically described as a soft, heavy metal.
Most scheelite fluoresces, the colour ranging from blue-white or white to yellow, depending upon the amount of molybdenum present. Molybdenum (Mo) is used to impart superior strength to steel and other alloys at high temperature. This and other tungsten minerals can be refined to produce finished tungsten metal which, when reacted with carbon, produces tungsten carbide, a very tough, durable compound used in munitions.
CaptureSHEELITE5
The Mount Judah product was Mo rich and hence valuable in the arms industry during the WWI, WWII and Korean wars. The mines themselves are of significant historic interest, unique in their high altitude sites, the old photos graphically depicting the arduous and dangerous aspects of the work and terrain. 
Contacts:
Paul Hansen, Chair GBA
phansen109@gmail.com
Sharon Aitken, Secretary GBA
londonshazza@gmail.com
Glenorchy Heritage and Museum Group committee members, from left, Amanda Hasselman, Leslie Van Gelder, Sharon Aitken, Alan Temple and John Richards with their new museum outpost at Kinloch; at left is a Lilliput library. Photo: Mountain Scene
A unique wooden outpost, depicting the history of Kinloch, near Glenorchy, has been unveiled.CaptureMUSEUM3
The museum outpost, the first of several planned at the head of the lake, is the idea of the Glenorchy Heritage and Museum Group, which is also planning a heritage centre in Glenorchy.
Local Mike Kingan built the Kinloch structure from timber salvaged from pioneer Bill Grant’s cottage – he ran a nearby mill in the 19th century – and from his daughter Rosie Grant’s cottages, which were taken down this year.
Group chair Leslie Van Gelder says: “We figured you don’t come up to Glenorchy to be indoors, so we wanted people to feel like the history is exactly where they are.”
The outpost’s been a team effort, she says, with members digitising photos from the group’s collection and designing and writing information panels.
“And nobody has charged their real rate.”
Van Gelder estimates it’s cost $6000 to $7000, raised principally from an historical film night it hosted last year.
Some great artifacts have also been sourced, like a hat worn by one of pioneer tourist operator Harry Bryant’s bus drivers.
Thanks to Glenorchy Book Group, a Lilliput library’s also attached to the outpost.
The group’s now working on outposts to mark the building of the Glenorchy Road and the area’s Maori history.
It also hopes in the next year or two to get underway with the heritage centre, on land near Glenorchy Hall gifted by local philanthropists – it’ll also be an outdoor structure.
scoop@scene.co.nz
At BROOMHILL, we believe food is relationship. Our Glenorchy-based gardens are spaces of learning, nourishment, and discovery, designed to help you slow down, attune to seasonal rhythms, and experience the subtle wisdom of the whenua. Through seasonal harvests, herbal explorations, and land-based workshops, we cultivate connection, curiosity, and care.
A core focus of our doing is empowering participants to grow food, fostering resilience and food sovereignty. By sharing knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience, we aim to strengthen regional food security and deepen our connection with the land.
BROOMHILL is a community-led, not-for-profit initiative rooted in the Future Whenua ecosystem and held by the Future Whenua Charitable Trust (CC60024), working to regenerate land, strengthen local food systems, and benefit community wellbeing. All income is reinvested directly into the sanctuary — supporting gardens, workshops, educational programmes, infrastructure, and community initiatives. Every effort nurtures the long-term vitality of the land and wellbeing as we engage with it.
Our `Stewardship Collective` is a seasonal programme to cultivate care for the land, learn practical skills in food growing and regeneration, and share in the abundance of the garden. It offers a rhythm of participation, reflection, and connection, rooted in the cycles of the ecosystem that sustains us.
Beyond the collective, BROOMHILL offers broader community engagement through our Seasonal Calendar. Join moon-harvests, garden activities, and other hands-on experiences that honour learning and care for the whenua and the self. These gatherings foster adaptive resilience, creativity, and collaboration, creating spaces where plants and humans thrive.
Learning and growth lie at the heart of our work. Through our local Seed Co-op, you’re invited to learn the art of nurturing strong seedlings and seed saving, all grounded in organic cultivation. These skills reconnect us with the ancient cycles of growing and sharing. Through collaboration with local and regional partners, we nurture shared sustainability and weave resilience throughout the wider community.
In this way, BROOMHILL becomes not just a place, but a living relationship — between people, land, and the unfolding future.
With gratitude,
The BROOMHILL Team
Rooted in nature, guided by seasons, shared with heart.
Caro Rennebeck & Trevor Page.
https://broomhill.nz/
connect@broomhill.nz
glenorchyseedcoop@gmail.com
phone: 027 5171030
The Glenorchy Library was first established in 1891 on the site of the Rees Valley School, about half way between Henny’s house and Hus’s deer yards at the top of Valpy’s Hill. By 1911 there were almost 1,000 items on the catalogue.
Odl Library
The Old Glenorchy Library
In 1952 the building was moved into town to the site on Islay Street, which was the second choice as it had been hoped to place the building on the school block. However, for some reason the Ministry of Education opposed this plan and the Department of Lands and Survey gave the land the old library now stands on.
In 1996 the new multi-purpose community building on the section next door opened and the library is now housed in one part of this building along with the Museum and the medical rooms. The Glenorchy Library has 5,000 items on the catalogue, including DVDs, children’s books and plenty of fiction and non-fiction.
The library is open from 1:30pm to 3:30pm on Wednesdays and 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Fridays.
As we are part of the wider Central Otago Queenstown Lakes library network, we can order in books held by any other library in the wider district and the website allows you to place holds from home and receive emails when they are received into the library here. You can also renew books by logging into the library website if you haven’t quite finished by the due date.
The old library was renovated in time for the 150th celebrations in 2012, with a perspex foyer installed so that visitors can actually step into what is probably the most-photographed building in Glenorchy!
You can email the Glenorchy Library and check out the new website or you can phone Leslie on 442 4378 during opening hours.
Glenorchy has a long tradition of nursing services, starting in the Second World War with a nurse who was provided by the Mines Department of the government to look after the scheelite (tungsten) miners who were so vital during the war.
After the end of the war Glenorchy gained its own District Nurse in the form of Mrs Gollop (pictured below), and we managed to keep hold of our own nurse for most of the following five decades.
The past decade however has seen a decline in the level of service provided, despite the community having built medical rooms for a nurse, or other medical staff, to operate from in 1996.
The medical rooms share a building with the museum and library, and are currently used for a weekly nurse clinic which runs for three hours every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm.
The clinic was threatened with disestablishment in 2011 by the Southern PHO and a sub-committee of the GCA fought to try and keep it, with some success, including getting the National Health Board Review Panel to come up and see the facilities and meet some of the patients.
In 2012 the Glenorchy Branch of Rural Women New Zealand took over the liaison role with the PHO and battled to maintain the clinic. The service was reduced from weekly to fortnightly in 2013 and to monthly for 2014, but the RWNZ Branch sourced local funds (thanks to the Flower Show Committee, the Community Building Committee, RWNZ Glenorchy Branch and Toni Chittock) to maintain a fortnightly clinic for the year. The PHO eventually confirmed that no funding will be available for the clinic from 2015.
We are extraordinarily lucky that nurse Debbie Swain-Rewi is continuing visits without any funding at all, simply because she really believes that she is able to make a useful difference in people’s lives by providing medical services here for our community.
It is sad that our health bureaucracy does not share her commitment to primary health care for rural communities and we hope that the community will continue to support Debbie and make use of her services for as long as she is able to continue.
Also on the positive side, the medical rooms are also used by a chiropractor and a physiotherapist currently and these services – which are independent operators not requiring government funding – are well used.
Glenorchy needs a resident medical professional to make similar use of the facilities and we have no doubt that the community would respond well and support anyone setting up here and offering a medical service.
Article by Kate Scott
Glenorchy’s only church, in Argyle St beside the old Library, is often referred to as the Mission Hall. The name is a reflection of its origins when it was built in 1889 by the Valpy family on their Rees Valley property for the use of the Head of The Lake inhabitants.
The Glenorchy Church 2011
In the 1950′s the church was moved to the present site in the Glenorchy village to be under the care of members of the local community. This little church has never been owned by any denomination so has always relied on the efforts of concerned locals for its upkeep. In 2009/10 a major restoration was undertaken to ensure the survival of the building as a spiritual base for locals and visitors.
Read a couple of ODT articles about the GY Church restoration here and here.
The building, available for the use of all faiths, is administered by the Head of The Lake Community Church Trust.
Services are held twice a month. On the second Sunday at 11:30 am there is a Catholic Mass. On the fourth Sunday at 3pm a Protestant service is held, led alternately by Anglican and Presbyterian ministers.
Please click here for the Church Services for 2025
Services are open to everyone regardless of denominational affiliation. A warm welcome is assured.
The church is available for those wanting an intimate setting for special events such as weddings, baptisms or vow renewals.
Contact: Rosie Ferris – rosieferris@xtra.co.nz, Phone:- 021-800151
Halcyon Speight – peter.halcyon@xtra.co.nz, Phone:- 027-4585648
GLENORCHY COUNTRY RADIO
Glenorchy Country 89.2FM is our very own radio station.
It plays a variety of music – country, rock, blues and popular hits – like nothing you’ve ever heard before. Plus news, sport, local information, weather and road information.
Chas Drader in action
Glenorchy Country 89.2 is also a great marketing instrument for businesses targeting the locals or visitors – so grab your opportunity and get in touch with Chas for a great advertising deal.
The radio station was launched in 2009 and is operated by broadcasting legend Chas Drader who has a long history in the broadcasting business.
Tune in for a new experience!
Click on this link:- https://glenorchycountry.radio12345.com/
Glenorchy Country 89.2 FM is now streaming on the internet!
Email glenorchycountry@gmail.com or call 027-5500192
Glenorchy Country 89.2 – our kind of music.
Conservation management has been part of the Glenorchy community since the first Ranger staff were based here with the gazettal of Mount Aspiring National Park in 1964 and the Ranger Station built in 1968.
Today, the Ranger Station/Field Base has a strong compliment of Ranger staff undertaking a number of work programmes in the area. The District Office and Regional Visitor Centre are both located in Queenstown some 50km down the road.
The Department of Conservation is responsible for the land management of hundreds of hectares in the Glenorchy area including part of Mount Aspiring National Park, Conservation Areas, Wild Life Management Reserves, Scenic and Recreation Reserves, Historic Reserves, Marginal and Esplanade Reserves.
In this area, the department is responsible for the management and maintenance of some 200km of tracks, 40 huts, 15 amenity and camp areas.
Five walking tracks of national/international reknown lie within the Glenorchy area:
Routeburn
Rees/Dart
Greenstown/Caples
A score of tracks ranging from Short Walksand Day walks through to ten day epics radiate out from here.
The department also has an active Bio-Assets monitoring programme centred here with at risk species including Mohua (YellowHead), native Bat, Parakeet, Kaka, Kea,Falcon and braided river seasonal migratory Wrybill but to name a few.
A number of Historic sites are maintained both actively and passively including Whakaari Conservation Area with it Scheelite history and the Invincible Gold Mine site.
Archaeological sites include those of importance to Iwi, and a number of different moa species finds including that of the most complete skeleton of an alpine moa discovered to date at 1070m.
Conservation lands afford permitted hunting opportunities for a number of species including Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Virginian Whitetail Deer, Chamois, goats.
Some waterfowl hunting is permitted on Wildlife Management Reserves and marginal strips – Hunting Permits must be obtained prior to hunting from the Department of Conservation in Queenstown. DOC permits do not allow hunting rights on private lands. Hunters must be aware of land boundaries.
The department works closely with landowners in bringing control on a number of noxious and invasive weed plants including gorse,broom, Spanish Heath, willow, Clematis Vitalba, Hawthorn, wilding pines etc. There are also Community orientated projects.
Volunteers sometimes assist Ranger staff with works across a range of work programmes.
See DOC volunteer opportunities in the area or refer to the OUR NATURAL WORLD page on this site.
To contact DOC Field Centre Glenorchy call 03 442 9937.
Ed Waite is a DOC Biodiversity Ranger based out of DOC Glenorchy Field Base and is involved in the native species work to ensure their wellbeing.
His work involves monitoring, running trap & tracking tunnel lines and species survey work.
Ed prepares these updates to bring the public up to date with local DOC programmes and activities.
To contact Ed email or call 03 442 6517
Glenorchy Book Club (GYBC) meets 7.30 the third Wednesday of the month (apart from June/July when the Pub Quiz falls on the same night, it is a Thursday).
We all read the same book, which is decided at the Christmas Party which is an optional dress up theme, partners welcome
Members take turns hosting BC in their homes, where a light nibble of wine & cheese is provided by the host.
BC is not only about books, we watch movies & TedEx talks
All welcome for more information contact:
Kath Cahill ph. 021 92 6887 or email
Glenorchy – apart from its natural beauty – is the undisputed capital of horse tracking in New Zealand. Therefore it wouldn’t be Glenorchy without the Glenorchy Riding Club…
The GYRC is a group of horse enthusiasts who – regardless of their riding skills, experience or discipline – come together to enjoy the hacking, training or events that the area can provide. We organise regular hacks to various stations, farms and some conservation areas (gratefully with the support of local farmers and DOC), often followed by a BBQ.For competitive riders or simply for those who would like to improve their riding skills – there are options of coaching by visiting respected coaches (basic schooling, dressage, show jumping).
The current goal that the club is working on is to establish a decent training base for schooling, jumping or local events.
Junior Glenorchy riders in the past and recently have excelled in events like the Springston Trophy and the club is always keen to encourage budding new riders.
There are irregular meetings as needed, an AGM every year, and the club uses the Facebook platform to keep in touch. The yearly membership is $10 (individuals) and $25 (family).
The membership form can be downloaded from the Riding Club Facebook Page:-
https://www.facebook.com/groups/glenorchyriding/or email glenorchyridingclub@gmail.com
Download:
2020 GYRC AGM MINUTES
For more information feel free to contact:
Naomi Coates (President)
Anita Holthaus (Secretary/Treasurer)
Executive Committee members:
Kelly Baker
Lisa Reid
Mark Dewsbery
Nina Grotehen
Ann Margaret
Phone: 027 464 9182
Address:
PO BOX 78
GLENORCHY 9350
The idea of forming a netball club in Glenorchy began in 2009 when a few people were considering putting their names forward to play in Queenstown teams.
The first year the team was sponsored by Ngai Tahu Property group in the forms of subs and uniforms to get them underway. In 2010 the team were sponsored by the Lakeside Rugby Club who also assisted with subs in 2011.
The same year (2011) the team came 4th in their grade.
The Glenorchy Womens Netball Club is an actively playing team in the Queenstown netball competition.
We have practise one evening per week at the Recreation ground court (new lights pending) and a game every Saturday at the Events Centre in Queenstown.
Current members are: Brylee Percy, Sonya Poplawski, Lesley Doherty, Cathy Walker, Lisa Reid, Michelle Percy, Jenny Davies, Hope Nolan, Grace Percy, Hayley Douglas, Sue Roney.
Coaches: Dianne Payne, Susie Walker
We aim for a friendly yet competitive team and we welcome all new members.
Contact person: Brylee Percy 021 251 5542
The Lakeside Rugby Club plays the odd game of rugby against visiting teams.
The small membership runs the annual Glenorchy Races which are held on the first Saturday in January (with the exception of new years day). Proceeds from the races have gone towards funding many community projects over the years. The Team Photo 2010
It also provides funding support to local youth competing at National level in sport.
President: Alistair Wallace
Vice President: Callan Grimmer
Secretary: Brylee Percy
All new and interested members welcome.
Email: lakesiderugbyclub@gmail.com
Photos © Paul Hansen www.glenorchyphotos.com
Established January 2016 the club meets every third Wednesday of the month.
All members welcome, the only criteria is that you are using yeast to convert sugars to alcohol – so beer, cider, mead, wine…any kind of brewing is not only good but fully encouraged.
We enjoy tasting each others brews and offering constructive and of course some destructive criticism. In the search for the perfect brew we share brewing tips and tricks and also brew gear. Hanging out in man caves, sheds and workshops we do things such as poker nights, BBQ’s, darts, pizzas, brew sessions, and fact finding (beer drinking) field trips.
For further info please contact co-founder Steve Hewland 021 942099 or Ben McHugo 027 255 8436
The Club holds a weekly 18 hole competition on a Sunday, starting at 3pm during daylight saving time and 1pm in the winter. Visitors are very welcome to join the competition or to play their own game. Green fees are $10 a round of golf (9 or 18 holes).
PLAY GOLF, IT’S GOOD FOR YOU!!
For further details contact: Damian Orman Ph:021-778305 or Email: Gcgclub@outlook.com
SOMEONE ONCE SAID THAT “ GOLF WAS A GOOD WALK SPOILT” HOWEVER WE SAY;
“WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN WALKING AT ALL HAD YOU NOT BEEN PLAYING GOLF!”
Glenorchy Golf Club CASUAL AND FULL MEMBERSHIPS – WHATS THE DIFFERENCE?
CASUAL MEMBERSHIP
Entitles you to a years of unlimited rounds of golf at Glenorchy Golf Club with the satisfaction that you have paid to help to maintain the course. logo golf 1
FULL MEMBERSHIP
You become an affiliated golfer and a part of your fee goes to the NZ Golf Association.
After 3 rounds of golf you are issued with an official handicap rating and you can follow your progress on www.nzgolf.com and receive other benefits of being an affiliated member including reduced green fees for most courses around New Zealand i.e. Kelvin Heights ($95 per round non affiliated, $60 affiliated).
Glenorchy Golf Club offers one of the cheapest memberships in the country
GREEN FEES $20.00
CASUAL MEMBERSHIP ONLY $100.00 per year
FULL MEMBERSHIP ONLY $185.00 per year
Please place Cash Payments in the Honesty box or pay directly to the G.G.C bank account number #01-0867-0779117-00.
Please make you sure that you enter your name as a reference so that we know that you have paid.
HAPPY GOLFING!!!
Facebook
Phone: 021-778305
St John GY
Glenorchy St John in action
In the mid 90’s it was becoming apparent that the district needed some form of emergency care system and eventually in 1995 and under the St John Ambulance umbrella Glenorchy First Response was formed.
It initially involved a team of 8 people who had completed their training and who worked on a weekly roster basis two at a time.
Over the years people have trained and come and gone leaving at this time, 2015, only 2 volunteers Callan Grimmer and Russell Varcoe as Emergency Medical Technicians with others currently training.
The best way to contact them in an emergency is to call 111, this will then set off a pager. This is the easiest and quickest way of getting hold of the Glenorchy crew. The volunteers hold down full time jobs and phoning them direct could cause a delay in getting if one of them is out of town etc.
GFR now Glenorchy St John has come a long way since private vehicles were used to get to patients after taking their equipment from the medical centre and loading their cars with the use of a Warehouse trolley.
These days there is a V8 Toyota Landcruiser which cost $100000.00 fitted out as an ambulance and was the first of its kind in New Zealand.
The community is a great supporter of GStJ always contributing to fund raising efforts and with generous annual donations by some businesses/people. This is always much appreciated and goes into making sure there is always up to date equipment etc on board the ambulance.
It must also be acknowledge that these volunteers attend regular training, usually in Queenstown but sometimes further afield. They also help out on the ambulance in town when necessary which is a big ask for a volunteer.
The Glenorchy Rural Volunteer Fire Force team after the WAJAX weekend in Hawea – coming home with 8 trophies – 6 for the girls!!!
Glenorchy Rural Volunteer Fire Force
Address: Mull Street, Glenorchy
Chief Fire Officer – Dick Watson
Secretary – Sonya Poplawski
Current Fire Season – Restricted
A Restricted Fire Season means that the lighting of fires in the open air requires a permit from the Authority. During a Restricted Fire Season gas cookers, gas BBQs and fires in permanent fire places are authorised (without a permit).
For all other fires please contact the local fire Authority.
Full responsibility for the fire is with the person lighting the fire.
Glenorchy has a strong group of SAR skilled personnel. Search & Rescue in the area is managed by the NZ Police with assistance from NZ LandSAR volunteers. These people bring different expertise and skills to search and rescue work.
SAR N
The Wakatipu Area SAR team comprise Bush, Alpine Cliff Rescue, Avalanche and Wilderness Search dogs and Swift Water rescue teams.
The group uses helicopters for much of it’s work because of the mountainous and sometimes isolated nature of incidents. Helicopters on call have night vision capacity so critical operations may be carried out during hours of darkness. Heli-winching options are also available.
The Wakatipu SAR Group is one of the busier groups in the country with some 30 operations per annum.
A number of these operations are based out of the Glenorchy area which reflects the popular and high recreational use of the area.
In case of SAR emergencies, dial 111 and ask for the Police to activate a search and rescue call-out.
The Glenorchy Community Emergency Plan is being formulated for the area based on the requirement to regard the Civil Defence Emergency Management responsibilities of QLDC.
Local authorities have a responsibility under the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Act 2002 to enable the communities to understand the risks that they face and to manage those in an efficient and effective manner.
The Glenorchy Community Emergency Plan is prepared to assist the community with a timely and prepared response to meet threats that may arise within the area which places people and/or property at risk.
The plan is reviewed on annual bases to update resources available in times of disaster.
The lead document is the QLDC Emergency Management Plan 2013-16. The Glenorchy Community Emergency Plan supplements the above document.
Threats to Glenorchy include:
Earthquake
Floods
Severe storms
Extended road closures
Extended failure of utility services
Pandemics
Contact: Richard Kennett, ph: 03 442 9948
The MUST DO reading for everyone living or coming to live in Glenorchy. Should you have an update or important addition, please do contact us!
Website:
Glenorchy has (THIS) its own website. www.glenorchycommunity.nz
Make sure you sign up for notifications.
General Information:
In addition to the website, you can keep in touch with what’s happening locally through the notice board located next to the post boxes and also by tuning into Glenorchy Country Radio on 89.2 MHz
Firewood:
Most residents cull wood from their properties. There are a couple of people around who may be able to source wood for you (ask at the Glenorchy Motors). Alternatively some of the Queenstown Firewood companies will deliver out to Glenorchy.
Rapid Numbers:
Your address may include a RAPID number. The Rural Address Property Identification (RAPID) System is a standard numbering system for rural properties in New Zealand and is an important aid to emergency services when identifying properties. The system is based on the distance to a property entrance from a clearly defined reference point, usually the beginning of the road on which it is located. A plate with the allocated number is attached to a gatepost or other place at the entrance to the property where it can be easily seen from the road.
If you have any questions regarding RAPID numbers then please contact QLDC.
Diesel:
If you need diesel for underfloor heating etc, call it an Glenorchy Motors and they can arrange for a diesel truck to deliver to your property. Delivery is usually once a week, depending on weather. Additional you should note that Glenorchy Motors is the last petrol station between here and Queenstown.
Clubs:
Glenorchy is blessed with numerous clubs catering for all kinds of interest. They are a terrific way to get to meet the locals. Particularly popular is the Rural Women, who regularly meet for fun activities and outings. If you are musically inclined, consider joining the Swanndrii Quartet. There are classes for painting, yoga, pilates and all sorts. Take a look at the ‘Clubs and Groups’ section on the Glenorchy Website.
Winter vs Summer:
Many of the Glenorchy residents work either in farming or in the tourist industry. Its worth noting that the Spring/Summer months are the busiest time of year for residents whilst late Autumn and Winter may afford a little extra time for socialising.
Postal Services:
The local post office can be found at Glenorchy Motors. You can arrange for a PO Box or rural delivery. Deliveries are usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you want to order something online and they won’t take a PO Box address then delivery can be made ℅ Glenorchy Motors.
Glenorchy Motors:
If you have big items that need picking up (including groceries and wine) within the Queenstown area, then, for a small fee, you can pop into the office and ask if Andy will call by and collect.
Medical Help:
Currently Glenorchy has a visiting nurse every two weeks (although this may change) between 11am and 1pm. The Medical Room is beside the library on Islay Street. No appointment is necessary.
As a new resident it will be important to register with a Queenstown doctor as soon as possible. For the first six months from registration you are considered a ‘walk-in’ so fees are more expensive.
Glenorchy also has a visiting chiropractor. Take a look at the notice board outside the library for details of visiting times and contact details.
Library:
The library is at 13 Islay Street. Its open on Wednesday and Friday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Talk with Leslie VanGelder the librarian.
Odd jobs:
There are a number of people who provide various and different services. Garden and home maintenance; plumbing; spraying/lawn mowing/farm maintenance and there is a local electrician. Find their details on the GY phone list on the web. And for more services look under the Products and Services section of the web.
Local Events:
Glenorchy has many terrific community events throughout the year. The biggest of these is the Glenorchy Horse Races held on the first Saturday of the new year. Race goers from all over descend on Glenorchy and it is undoubtedly the busiest day of the year for the township.
Other events held annually are the Harvest Festival, Flower Show, Summer Fair, Fishing Competition and the popular Rural Women Dinner/Dance.
During the winter months the Lodge hosts the very popular Quiz Night is held weekly over a number of weeks. Teams of four compete for highly coveted and unique prizes and all for a good cause. If you don’t have a team, don’t worry. Come on down and ask around. Newcomers are always welcome.
Phone List:
The local phone list is regularly updated by Gorettie Breitenberger. If you want to have your details on the list which is emailed to locals and also sits on the GY Website, then email
gorettie4@gmail.com
Local Veggies:
If you’re looking to buy terrific local veggies then you might like to ask Caro to put you on her mailing list for regular updates on what she may having growing.
GY School:
If you’ve got children between the ages of 5-13 then you will need to get them signed up with the local school. Talk to Gorettie Breitenberger or the School Principal, Paula Miller, about registration. Children start school here on their 5th birthday.
Glenorchy does not have a high school and older children must therefore be enrolled in a high school in Queenstown or elsewhere.
School Bus – If your child needs transport to GY school, then please advise the school. Toni drive the bus but you should direct queries through the school office.
Emergency Services:
Glenorchy has its own Fire Station and First Response as well as trained search and rescue experts. For help call 111 and they can direct locally based help to you.
Power Cuts:
With the many storms that come across the mountains, Glenorchy occasionally has power cuts. Keep a supply of candles, torches, kettle (suitable for gas or fire) and anything else you can think of that will make your time without electricity comfortable. Usually the power is not down too long. To help preserve your cold and frozen foods, try not to open your fridge doors for longer than necessary.
Weather:
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Make sure you are appropriately dressed for our warm summers and cold winters. Additionally use sunscreen as appropriate and use insect repellant to help keep away the sand flies. If you do get bitten, buy a tin of “Goodbye Ouch” which really does take away the itch.
The air is dry here so invest in a good moisturiser.
Its important to never underestimate the power of Mother Nature. Glenorchy often has some significant Thunder Storms and direct lightening hits have been know to cause serious damage to electrical goods as well as put property and livestock at risk.
If a Thunder Storm is approaching, pull out electrical goods, including your phone, from their power sockets, leaving only those in which are of absolute necessity. Additionally avoid going out in a storm and keep pets and animals safe.
Road Slips:
Occasionally there may be slips on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road which will close the road, usually only for a short period of time. Always keep spare supplies of important items including food in case you are unable to get to Queenstown.
Septic Tanks:
If your house has a septic tank then its important not to use any anti-bacterial products. The supermarkets in Queenstown supply a number of items that are safe for septic tanks. Make sure you read the labels.
Rubbish/Recycling:
Rubbish and Recycling Bins are collected every Friday morning. Any questions (including what can be recycled) then check out QLDC;s website.
Green Waste:
Green waste can be taken to the Buckler Burn site (if you don’t know where that is, get a local to point it out to you).
Large Recycling:
If you have extra recycling that doesn’t fit in your bin then you can drop it off at the Wakatipu Recycling Centre on Glenda Drive at the Frankton Industrial Estate. They are open from 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week.
Vets:
If you need a vet urgently then you can phone for assistance from Iris Scott 442 9908.
Alternatively there are vets in Queenstown.
Swimming Pool:
The GY Swimming pool (situated near the school) is open during summer months. You can obtain a key from the Trading Post (bottom of Mull Street). Payment is based on per swim or a key for the season.
Playgroup:
GY Playgroup is for the under 5’s. More can be found in the Playgroup section on this site.
Baby sitting:
There are random ads offering baby sitting within the village from local teenage girls.
Ideally ask at the Glenorchy School to start with.
Telecoms:
There are three telecoms companies: Vodafone, Spark and Lakes Internet. Ask some neighbours what they use as service can vary depending on what area you are living in.
Basic Groceries:
If you’ve run out of basic grocery items then you can try the GY Hotel, The Lodge or Mrs Woolly’s General Store.
Church:
Glenorchy has its own small Mission Hall where locals of different faiths can come together to worship. Check the schedule for the different services on the website. Any questions can be directed to Rosie Ferris.
GCA:
The Glenorchy Community Association meets on the first Thursday of every month except January. The Board of seven local residents is annually elected and anyone can attend the monthly meetings to find out more about what’s going on in Glenorchy.
