Scorching may be the best word to describe Queenstown's weather recently, with multiple instances of temperatures higher than 30 degrees during the week. Perfect for taking a dip in the cool waters of Lake Wakatipu or even Glendu Bay over in Wanaka. This week's edition highlights what made news recently, and we have the latest photos of the skatepark construction in the Queenstown Gardens. And finally, we check out Queenstown's current status on trying to get onto the world edition Monopoly board, and the Wolverine movie makes the news again, but in a good way.

Consent has been lodged for a 5674 square metre Pak'N Save supermarket for the Remarkables Park region, and if approved this will see it 75% larger than the existing New World. Not to be outdone, consent has also been lodged for a Mitre 10 Megastore which clocks in at 8450 square metres. A modest 4 times larger than the existing Mitre 10. In a move to stem possible controversy and submissions against the consent, the developers have mentioned their intention to alter the traditional Pak'N Save colours by using earthy tones, schist, and cedar detailing.

The consent also mentions that 150 fulltime jobs will be generated, with hours of operation likely to be from 6am till midnight, as well as the addition of a Pak'N Save fuel facility. This may stimulate some competition amongst the local petrol stations, as prices remain rather close to all time records, especially BP's premium 98 which is currently sitting at $1.87 per litre.

Continuing on the consent theme, the developers of Five Mile have applied for permission to work for close to 24 hours a day. The proposed amendment to its resource consent also seeks to alter the hours of crane operation during times where a nearby runway isn't in use. Development director Justin Prain has admitted that progress on site had been slower than originally anticipated. Let's hope that the intentions of making this development the most sustainable and carbon neutral community in New Zealand are reached without too much hassle.

Moving onto press releases that we've received last week:

• Queenstown tackles the world to win a place in global Monopoly - "Vote Queenstown to get New Zealand on the first ever worldwide Monopoly board." That's the message from Destination Queenstown CEO David Kennedy following the announcement that Queenstown is one of 68 contenders vying for one of 20 spots on the new game board.
• Crowne Plaza Queenstown invests to meet market demand - 26,880 trips up a ladder, 6,720 man-hours on the job, 2,200 litres of paint, 500 rollers and 400 paintbrushes. Crowne Plaza Queenstown's freshly painted new facade may not quite rival the scale of non-stop painting at San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, but it's a major feat nonetheless.
• Call goes out for luxury Otago holiday properties - If you've got a luxury holiday house in Otago we want to hear from you. That's the message from new holiday home collection Green with Envy which launches this week. Green with Envy is a result of growing demand by high value domestic and international travellers looking for accommodation and an experience that is authentically local in nature.
• Coronet Peak Assistant Ski Area Manager Announced - Experienced management professional Nick Edwards has been appointed Assistant Ski Area Manager for Coronet Peak.
• Key manager for new-look Novotel Gardens Queenstown - Clinton Farley - Queenstown's largest hotel has secured rising hotel management star Clinton Farley as its Executive Assistant Manager.

Out of the above press releases, one in particular stands out. There is a global competition to secure Queenstown and New Zealand a spot on the World Monopoly Board. Currently Queenstown is placed at number 30 and only the top 20 are selected with an additional 2 wild card entries. You can vote for 10 places per day, everyday, so cast your vote!

And in the news for the right reasons this time as the furore dies down over the use of the Queenstown Fun Centre as storage for Wolverine Movie and their explosives, is news of the intentions to be as green and eco-friendly as possible. To quote KJ from Film Queenstown:

"A movie of this nature is a huge undertaking, over a relatively short period of time that might involve remote catering for hundreds of cast and crew, administration, set building, construction and painting. The potential for recycling is enormous and the commitment being made here is extremely proactive by the production,"

You can read the full press release here. As promised, here is the latest photo from the construction of the Queenstown Skatepark. Construction has begun for real, and is hoped to be completed by Easter. The final $80,000 needed to finish it completely is still needed, although the exact reasons for the blowout are currently being researched.

Until next week, don't forget the sunscreen,

Nathan - Queenstown.com Editor.