Join Brent Harbour, on a journey through time and resilience with Don Brown, a key figure behind the transformation of the Hump Ridge Track. Ever wondered how a humble sheep track from the 1900s evolved into an iconic walking trail? Discover the power of community spirit as Don shares the story of Tuatapere, a town that refused to succumb to economic despair in the 1980s. Through sheer determination, the locals rallied to create a path that would not only revive their struggling community but also celebrate their rich heritage.

As we explore the intricacies behind this monumental project, you'll hear about the challenges of securing land access and the pivotal role of volunteers in transforming an ambitious vision into reality. Don recounts standout moments and introduces us to the unsung heroes who've been instrumental in this endeavor, culminating in the track earning Great Walk status. Whether you're passionate about hiking or fascinated by tales of community triumph, this episode promises inspiring insights and unforgettable stories from those who dared to dream big.

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https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/the-southland-app/id1125930150
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.p9605GI

Ever wondered what it takes to reimagine the landscape of adventure racing? Join us as we explore the riveting journey of Andy Magness, a veteran competitor and race director, who’s on a mission to redefine the New Zealand adventure racing scene. With roots in alpinism and a life-changing pivot after the Eco Challenge, Andy, alongside his brother Jason, tackled the formidable Primal Quest in 2006. Now, he’s back with the Magnificent Adventure Race, a dynamic event set to link the South Island to the global racing circuit, offering competitors a breathtaking blend of challenging navigation and diverse terrains across Southland and Otago. Experience firsthand Andy's dedication to crafting a world-class race that promises novel routes and a community-focused spirit, all while showcasing New Zealand’s stunning natural beauty.

Hear about the behind-the-scenes collaboration necessary to bring this ambitious event to life, highlighting Andy’s work with the Department of Conservation to merge conservation efforts with thrilling adventure. With over 40 international and local teams already signed up—some spots still open due to last-minute withdrawals—the anticipation for a competitive debut is palpable. Among the contenders is a promising youth team from New Zealand with a history of international success, setting the stage for a memorable race. Join us to discover how Andy’s vision is not just to create a race, but a legacy, aiming to attract international attention and elevate New Zealand’s presence on the adventure racing map.
https://www.fearsociety.co.nz/the-magnificent

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https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/the-southland-app/id1125930150
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.p9605GI

Curious about how a newly established foundation plans to capture an estimated $1.25 trillion in intergenerational wealth transfer to bolster community projects? Join us as we sit down with Sarah Hannan and Rachel Cockburn from the Southland Foundation. They reveal their ambitious mission to emulate the success of Tauranga’s Acorn Foundation, focusing on creating a perpetual giving model that ensures long-lasting support for Southland’s regional development and well-being. Sarah and Rachel share their strategic insights on building a substantial capital base, allowing the Foundation to continuously support vital community initiatives even as government resources dwindle.
In this episode, we also explore the mechanics behind the perpetual giving model and its transformative potential for Southland. Rachel walks us through the meticulous process of selecting community projects, emphasizing the importance of donor-directed funds and expert distribution committees.
https://southlandfoundation.org.nz/

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https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/the-southland-app/id1125930150
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.p9605GI

What happens when an engineer decides to trade blueprints for baking sheets? On this episode of The Outlet, we sit down with Murray Gray, an engineer turned award-winning pie maker, who shares his incredible journey from his garage kitchen to national acclaim. Discover how Murray's innovative spirit and meticulous attention to detail have led him to craft pies that stand out in one of New Zealand's most prestigious food competitions.
Join us as Murray opens up about his unique pie recipe, its fascinating historical roots, and the premium ingredients that set his creations apart. We'll also explore the local legends and international influences that have shaped his renowned mutton mince and breadcrumbs pie, and hear about the community pride his success has brought to Mataura. This isn't just a story about pies; it's a testament to passion, precision, and perseverance.

Download The Southland App Here:

https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/the-southland-app/id1125930150
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.p9605GI

Discover the inspiring journey of the Tuatapere Predator Free Team as Tony shares their remarkable conservation efforts since their inception in 2023. How did they overcome the hurdles of rallying local support and securing necessary permissions? Learn about the profound ecological importance of totara and matai trees within their reserve and the transformative impact of their predator control initiatives. Tony sheds light on the impressive statistics of predators trapped, the revival of bird life, and forest regeneration, all thanks to the innovative use of automated AT220 traps. Uncover the thrilling discovery of long-tailed bats in the local reserve and their crucial role in ecosystem health. From Environment Southland's listening posts to community involvement spearheaded by local school children, hear about the essential strategies that have fostered a thriving environment for these vulnerable species. 

Download The Southland App Here:

https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/the-southland-app/id1125930150
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.p9605GI

Ever wondered how young artists can jumpstart their careers and gain confidence in their craft? Tune into this episode of The Outlet to uncover the secrets behind the 51st Riversdale Mixed Media Arts Exhibition. We chat with Lois Bishop, President of Riversdale Arts, and special guest artist Linda Hannan. Lois gives us a sneak peek into the Emerging Artists Competition, a new initiative aimed at empowering young talents aged 13 to 25 with a chance to showcase their work and win a $1,000 cash prize. This event promises to breathe new life into the local art community, sparking creativity and participation. Artist Linda Hannan, renowned for her dramatic use of textures and light, shares her fascinating journey from traditional gallery spaces to a more intimate home studio. She reveals her meticulous process of layering oil paints to achieve striking realism and discusses her excitement about presenting her latest forest scenes to a fresh audience. Plus, we explore the eclectic mix of workshops and unique items available at the exhibition's gift shop.

Download The Southland App Here:

https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/the-southland-app/id1125930150
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.p9605GI

How does a childhood fascination with bagpipes evolve into mastery of the harmonica? On this episode of "The Outlet," we chat with Brendon Fairbairn, who shares his journey from being enchanted by the sound of bagpipes to becoming the overall runner-up at the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards. Brendon takes us through the intricacies of his innovative harmonica setup, blending classical and blues techniques with two harmonicas in different keys. He also opens up about the special performance he shared with his son, Liam — a touching testament to the familial legacy of music that has enriched their lives.ent to the enduring spirit of music.

Download The Southland App Here:

https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/the-southland-app/id1125930150
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.p9605GI

What does it take to transform childhood dreams into a lifelong passion for music? In this  episode of "The Outlet," Phil and Simon take us on their extraordinary musical journeys. Phil recounts his early fascination with guitars, inspired by his mother's love for The Beatles and Cliff Richard, and honed his skills under the influence of legends like Hank Marvin and Eddie Van Halen. Simon, immersed in country music from an early age, reminisces about his initial stage experiences at just four years old and shares how discovering Gary Moore and Stevie Ray Vaughan expanded his musical horizons. Their stories are a testament to the powerful impact of early influences and the dedication required to master their craft. Navigating the music industry is no easy feat, and our guests delve into the emotional and professional challenges they’ve faced. Phil shares an astounding story of an unexpected recording session with the iconic harmonica player Charlie McCoy, a serendipitous encounter that underscores the unpredictable nature of a musician's life. Both Phil and Simon open up about their battles with self-esteem and the relentless pursuit of validation within the music community. Their candid reflections offer a raw glimpse into the struggles and triumphs that define the path of many artists, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-belief.

Download The Southland App Here:

https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/the-southland-app/id1125930150
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.p9605GI

Ever wondered how a casual chat over a beer can lead to an awe-inspiring conservation movement? Join us as Ali King, founder of the Coal Island Trust, shares an incredible story of resilience, innovation, and collaboration. From eradicating stoats, mice, and deer to pioneering a globally recognized mouse eradication program, Ali recounts how initial skepticism from the Department of Conservation was transformed into a successful partnership. Hear about the monumental moment when four kākāpō were released on Coal Island, a testament to two decades of relentless effort and community spirit.
https://www.coalisland.co.nz/

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https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/the-southland-app/id1125930150
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.p9605GI

There's something undeniably magical about the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival—a cherished celebration that captures the heart of Southland and its people. That's why it's a pure delight to sit down with Lindsay Beer and peel back the layers of this iconic event's storied past. Lindsay reminisces about the festival's humble beginnings,  and the oyster-opening competitions that brought locals flocking to pubs. Lindsay recounts the tales, you can almost taste the salty air and hear the bustling sounds of the festival coming to life. As the conversation with Lindsay sails on, we uncover the exciting offerings of this year's festival, including the Thieves Alley Street Market. It's not just oysters on the plate—this episode serves up a hearty helping of what makes the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival a beacon of local pride and joy.
https://bluffoysterfest.co.nz/

Download The Southland App Here:

https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/the-southland-app/id1125930150
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.p9605GI