15 Jan 2010

introducing...

Happy New Year! It’s been so good to see so many people enjoying Lakes Leisure facilities over the holidays.

With plenty more free time to come, especially for kids, this edition of ‘At Your Leisure’ highlights our School Holiday Programme and week-long holiday swim programmes in Queenstown and Wanaka.

Elsewhere you can read the exciting news about Queenstown’s role in the Rugby World Cup plus a search for budding musical actors to take part in a new production of ‘Oliver!’ in May.

With new fitness classes at our gym and a host of forthcoming events, we have heaps to keep you busy in 2010. Read on for more details.

school holiday programme

The fun continues!
Our school holiday programme is in full swing with heaps of fun-packed activities every day. Separate programmes for juniors (5-7 years) and seniors (8-12 years) run Monday to Friday until Wednesday 3 February.

Programme hours: 8.30am-3.30pm (drop off permitted between 8.30-9.30).
Late session: 3.30-5.10pm (additional cost $10 per session).
Daily prices from $22 (juniors) and $25 (seniors).

For more information and to download an activity programme and booking form click here.

Booking is essential and payment must be made in advance either at the Events Centre reception or by calling 03 450 9005. If applying for an Oscar subsidy, please book direct with Alana Talbot on 03 450 9103.

rugby news

Super 14 – Queenstown style
The Highlanders will take on Western Force at the Events Centre on 10 April. But we’re planning a very special family day out that will be much more than simply a superb game of rugby. Tickets and hospitality packages are now available. A fantastic atmosphere will be matched by excellent facilities as Good Group Hospitality deliver our public bar, corporate packages and functions.

We will update you on family entertainment that will make up the day in future editions of At Your Leisure. Meanwhile, Highlanders’ Coach Glenn Moore is enjoying a settled squad with some sublime talent in the ranks. New All Black Ben Smith, youngster Israel Dagg and Southland rookie Robbie Robinson add flair to an exciting backline while All Black trio Adam Thompson, Jimmy Cowan and Tom Donnelly return to the pack following the All Blacks’ northern tour.

For tickets and more info call 0800 111 290 or click here.

We have two great options for hospitality at the game including private marquees in the GoodGroup Hospitality Village and a post match event to be held in our new feature “The Lineout Bar”. For more information contact Tina Mathieson on 021 771 103 or email events@lakesleisure.co.nz.

Lakes Leisure would like to thank match day sponsors Good Group Hospitality, Northern Southland, Destination Queenstown and SJ Allen in helping support the event.

Queenstown to host Rugby World Cup stars
An announcement just before Christmas confirmed that Queenstown will host Ireland and England plus one other qualifier during RWC 2011.

This is great news for the Southern Lakes. Not only does it highlight the great training facilities we have here but it also gives the whole region an opportunity to showcase our unique landscape, attractions, hospitality and passion for sport to fans at home and abroad.

Spin It Wide is the catch-cry developed by the Southern region coordination (Otago, Queenstown and Southland) to encourage the local community to get involved in preparations to host the tournament.

A two year project, Spin It Wide included a short film featuring prominent local personalities and landmarks which has proved a great way to demonstrate what’s happening around the region.

Check out the videos on the official website www.spinitwide2011.co.nz.

events

Search for stage stars
Our friends at Showbiz Queenstown are celebrating 50 years of one of the world’s best-loved musicals by staging a dazzling new production of ‘Oliver!’ in May.

There is a pre-audition information evening during their AGM on Thursday 4 February. Anyone interested can get more details on the production, receive audition tips from those in the know and make an audition appointment.

Auditions take place from 12-14 February as follows:

Friday 12 February – orphans (from 4.00pm)
Saturday 13 February – principals and adult company
Sunday 14 February – recalls (plus extra auditions, if required).

For more information contact Hilary Finnie on 442 0441 or visit www.showbizqt.co.nz.

Event equipment for hire
Get your event off the ground and avoid freight costs by hiring your event equipment direct from Lakes Leisure. We’ve purchased a whole range of kit on the Council’s behalf including eight portaloos, two portacom blocks, a 20ft chiller container and a movable 3 x 82-seat tiered unit. A marquee and generator will be arriving soon. These are available to hire at standard and charitable rates along with 700 chairs, power boxes and 1600m2 of carpet tiles.

To see the full brochure click here. For bookings contact 0800 111 290 or email bookings@lakesleisure.co.nz.

aquatics

Summer Holiday Swim Programme
There’s still time to enroll your child in our intensive summer holiday programme. Only $42.50 per week for five lessons, this is a great way to improve technique and confidence before Term 1. Ages from 3 years and up.

Aqualand Swim School:
•    Week 1 – 18-22 January
•    Week 2 – 25-29 January
Wanaka Community Swim School:
•    1 Week only – 25-29 January

Book your place on 03 450 9115 (Aqualand) or 03 443 9334 (Wanaka).

Improve your swimming
There are many Lakes District adults who are poor swimmers and who understand the need to swim well for their own safety, health and fitness and to encourage their children. For this reason, adult swimming is a focus for our swim schools this year.

Term 1 swim classes begin at Alpine Aqualand and Wanaka Community Pool on Monday 1st February. There’s a comprehensive programme for all ages from babies to adults, as well as private lessons and we’re encouraging adults to get enrolled and improve technique. Free assessments are available to ensure that you or your child join the right class.

For more info click here or contact:

Alpine Aqualand Swim School – 03 450 9115 / swimschool@lakesleisure.co.nz
Wanaka Community Swim School – 03 443 9334 / wanakapool@lakesleisure.co.nz

Meeting the Challenge
Our challenge to swim the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu in our awesome lap pool has been a great success.

Huge congratulations to Paul van der Kaag, the first person to complete the 155km swim – great effort Paul! Well done to Sharleen Downing, Brooke Gardiner and Warren Ross who have also completed the challenge.

You have until 28 March to get around the lake so keep lapping. There are plenty of spot prizes still up for grabs thanks to the generous support of Grind Cafe, Hamills, Pete Ross Automotive and Onsen Hot Pools.

Keep an eye out for our winter challenge swim – more details soon.

Join our Team
Lakes Leisure is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join its Aqualand team.

If you enjoy helping people learn new skills then why not become a casual instructor with our Swim School. Previous experience isn’t necessary as we provide full training plus the opportunity to gain an industry qualification from Swimming NZ. Applications close 27 February.

In addition, we’re recruiting full and part time positions for our Pool Crew. Qualifications and previous experience are preferred but training will be provided. The role would especially suit students looking for after school work. Applications close 20 January.

Click here for more details and how to apply, or collect an application form from Alpine Aqualand reception.

health and fitness

Start 2010 fitter than ever
If your new year’s resolution is to get fit, lose weight, tone up (or even all three) there’s no better way than joining Alpine Health & Fitness.

Our friendly and affordable facility opened in October and has proved popular with people of all ages and abilities. As a result, we’ve just added some more fitness classes and bought some new equipment so grab yourself a timetable and come along.

Fully qualified trainers are on hand to design a programme that works for you and give you heaps of advice.

Remember that gym membership also includes group fitness classes and unlimited access to our three swimming pools around the region.

Alpine Health and Fitness Centre is open 6am-9pm weekdays and 8am-8pm on weekends. Click here to join up or contact fitness@lakesleisure.co.nz / 03 450 9117 for more info.

For all the latest Alpine Health & Fitness news tune into Richie’s blog.

Fitness fun for kids
Play Time has started again for 2010. For times click here (see bottom of fitness class timetable).

Try Thump Boxing for free
Thump is a brand new boxing-for-fitness course starting on 1 February. All fitness levels are welcome and no boxing experience is required. Contact is with gloves and pads only – the perfect stress buster.

Come along to a free trial on Monday 25 or Thursday 28 January at 6.30am. For full details contact Karl Dennis on 021 0223 3041 or karl.platinum@gmail.com or click here to download a flyer.

what's on guide

ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup
15-20 January Queenstown Events Centre

The top 16 youth cricket teams from around the globe are in New Zealand to contest the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Group B featuring South Africa, Australia, Ireland and USA play daily at the Queenstown Events Centre from Friday 15 to Wednesday 20 January. Entry is FREE so come along to see future Test stars in action.

Click here for a match schedule. For more details call 0800 111 290.

Michael Hill New Zealand Golf Open
28-31 January The Hills, Arrowtown

The country’s premier golf championship is once again in our region. With the date moved back into the summer holidays, this is the perfect opportunity for families and golf fans of all ages to get down to The Hills to watch some world-class play. Click here for more info.

Tickets on sale now – call 0800 GOLF TIX (0800 4653 849) or visit www.ticketdirect.co.nz.

The More FM Winery Tour
15 February 2010 Millbrook Resort

Roll out your picnic rug, open a bottle and enjoy one of the musical highlights of the year. Kiwi music legends Tim Finn, Bic Runga and Dave Dobbyn will take the stage as the nationwide More FM Winery Tour 2010 visits the spectacular setting of Millbrook Resort.

It’s almost a decade since the trio first appeared together, so don’t miss this rare chance to see them again performing their own hits and each other’s songs.

Tickets available from www.ticketdirect.co.nz or 0800 4 TICKET.
$75 or $85 on the gate (subject to service fees). Children 12 years and under go FREE if accompanied by a paying adult.

Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel Pre-Season Tournament
19 - 21 February 2010 Queenstown Events Centre

Catch some of the world's best netballers right here in Queenstown when the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel takes on five other teams in its annual pre-season tournament.

The Firebirds, Mystics, Tactix and Pulse will battle the mighty Steel along with the Australian Institute of Sport's emerging talent side.

This 3-day tournament takes place at the Queenstown Event Centre with tickets available for day and evening sessions. The evening sessions will include Southern Steel feature games against the Mystics (Friday) and Firebirds (Saturday) as tournament highlights.

It’s fantastic that the Southern Steel continue to support the region and it will be almost impossible to see these first class teams in great form for such great prices ever again.

Last year's inaugural tournament attracted sellout crowds to the Events Centre so get in quick.

Tickets on sale now – visit www.ticketdirect.co.nz or call 0800 4 TICKET.

Fresh Choice Women’s Duathlon and Triathlon
27 February Lake Hayes Pavilion

For more information click here.

Australia v New Zealand Women's ODI Cricket
3 March Queenstown Events Centre

Free entry! For more information click here.

Otago v Canterbury 4 Day Cricket
12-15 March Queenstown Events Centre

Free entry! For more information click here.

Grumpy Old Women
25 March Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall

After a sell-out UK tour and West End run, the hit comedy finally comes to New Zealand with an all-Kiwi cast. TV leading lady and Dancing With The Stars diva, Geraldine Brophy is joined by Pinky Agnew and Lyndee-Jane Rutherford in this hilarious show which unites women of a certain age behind a common fear of graying hairs and sagging rears.

Tickets $59.90 adults, $45.90 children/students, $55.90 groups (8 or more).

Available from TicketDirect (prices subject to service fees).