Let the thaw begin, well for the rest of the week anyway, as for the first time in more than two weeks, my little thermometer not recording a temperature less than zero degrees this morning. But in the absence of the frosts that we've all come to loath, we should hopefully have some snow this week according to David Crow. Although the freezing conditions have been a hassle for the majority, you'd be rolling in business if you were a Plumber, Panel Beater, Physio, or someone who sells chains, etc.

The conditions have also hit the wallets of some of the major tourism operators, especially Shotover Jet and Queenstown Rafting, with ice blocks the size of surfboards floating down the river. But if you were a skifield, things would be more rosier with Nzski.com having record numbers over the school holidays.

I always find it ironic when places like Sunshine Bay record frozen ground to depths of up to 70cm... that makes me laugh. But in saying that, when the next power bill comes, you'll probably hear a collective sigh from local residents that have had to crank up the heater to ward of hypothermia.

Another record that wont be getting celebrated is Arrowtown's air becoming the most polluted in New Zealand. Now, I've already ranted about this issue before, but it must need said again. 'Education' on this issue is the one things that's lacking. I have to read in the paper about this, and 5 minutes on google provide more answers than any given to date by local authorities. One hourly reading was more than 14 times the national accepted level. Maybe the council should be sending out information on how to get the best out of one's fireplace, or handing out spot fines for serious offenders.

That's it from me this week, so let's all hope we get some more snow soon, as I'm yet to have a powder day and it's almost August.

Nathan - Queenstown.com Editor.