The Outlet Wānaka

What does it take to transform a grassroots, volunteer-driven initiative into a world-class program? Join us as we sit down with Paralympic skiing champion Adam Hall and adaptive snow sports expert Jane Stevens to uncover the remarkable journey of the Snow Sports New Zealand High Performance Adaptive Program. Jane reminisces about the early days, shedding light on the incredible evolution from a self-funded setup to a resource-rich system that nurtures elite athletes. Meanwhile, Adam's personal story takes center stage, illustrating how the program's support pathways have shaped his ascent from local enthusiast to global champion.

Discover the magic ingredients behind producing world-class adaptive athletes in New Zealand. Brent opens the curtain on the unparalleled importance of facilities like Cardrona Alpine Resort and the advantage of year-round training by leveraging both hemispheres' seasons. This segment dives deep into the comprehensive support system, featuring everything from strength and conditioning coaches to nutritionists and sports psychologists. We also delve into the significance of mentorship within the team, showing how shared experiences and resilience fuel success. Learn about the collaborative efforts across various organizations in New Zealand that provide invaluable opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

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What if embracing diversity could genuinely transform your community? Tune in to our latest episode where we celebrate Welcoming Week in Queenstown Lakes, an inspiring initiative to build a more inclusive and connected community. We sit down with Silvia and Hemi, the dedicated organizers behind this initiative, who share their personal motivations and the evolution of the event since it launched in 2022. Discover the heartwarming stories and meaningful conversations that highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Silvia discusses how Welcoming Week aims to educate and shape local organizations and migrant communities to foster a sense of belonging for everyone.
We'll also explore the tangible benefits of Welcoming Week's events, from engaging workshops to vibrant community gatherings, designed to bridge gaps and reduce misunderstandings. Learn about the challenges faced by newcomers in Queenstown Lakes and how initiatives like inclusive swimming classes and the Squash and Potluck event are making a difference. Both Silvia and Hemi share their excitement about these events and their impact. 

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Ever wondered how one person’s passion for animals can transform into a life-saving mission across an entire region? Meet Victoria Bonham, a true hero in the realm of animal welfare. She takes us through her remarkable journey from an ardent animal lover to the founder of Central Otago and Queenstown Dog Rescue. Victoria opens up about the financial obstacles her rescue faces, from soaring veterinary bills to the high cost of transportation. Despite these hurdles, she shares uplifting stories of dogs overcoming abusive pasts and finding forever homes, underscoring the profound impact community support and governmental action can have on animal welfare.

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Unlock the keys to community and environmental resilience with our special guest, Monique Kelly, as she gives us an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated WAO Summit happening from October 29th to November 2nd. Discover the innovative themes that will shape this year's event, including food resilience, better business, and climate action. Monique also unveils the brand-new "Nature Fest," designed to reconnect communities through music, film, and workshops while supporting local not-for-profits. This episode is not just about learning; it’s about turning discussions into action, especially within the tourism and construction sectors.Join us as we delve into the essential structural changes needed at governmental and business levels to foster sustainable behavior, using the successful plastic bag ban as a case study. Hear valuable insights from Sustainable Hawke's Bay on how communities can effectively respond to disasters and learn from each other's sustainability models. We also focus on the role of different generations, including youth, in driving positive environmental change. 

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What can a humble native plant nursery teach us about ecosystem health and biodiversity? Join us as we chat with Arne Cleland, a passionate advocate for native plant restoration, whose childhood experiences in national parks shaped his lifelong love for nature. Arne shares his unique journey with Pukerau Nursery, where he shifted the focus from exotic to native plants, highlighting their immense benefits in maintaining local biodiversity and ecosystem balance. We dive into the evolving dynamics of farm management and landscape design, as Arne discusses how today's generation brings fresh perspectives on plant selection, emphasizing native species for sustainability. Learn about the critical importance of native plant restoration in the Upper Clutha region and the delicate balance required between historical species and current environmental conditions. 

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Can strong business values drive a company to excellence? Join us as we explore this question with Matt Williams, the Director and Regional Manager at Batchelar McDougall Consulting (BMC). Discover how BMC's dedication to helping people as their core value not only shaped their service offerings in building structural design, civil, and fire engineering but also played a pivotal role in their journey to winning the Supreme Award at the Wanaka Business Excellence Awards. Matt provides valuable insights into their "best for project" decision-making approach, emphasizing its impact on successful project delivery and staff development.
In this episode, Matt shares the transformative experience of winning the Supreme Award and the significant boost it provided to both internal morale and client relationships. Learn how the recognition validated BMC's transition from a small, individually-focused firm to one with strong governance and operational management. Matt also offers practical advice for companies considering entering the awards and discusses BMC's future plans to further enhance their governance skills and seek new opportunities.

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How do high-pressure systems and temperature inversions conspire to bring bone-chilling temperatures and persistent fog? Join us as we unravel these meteorological mysteries with Lewis Ferris from MetService. We explore how certain regions, like the basins and valleys of Central Otago, are particularly susceptible to these frigid phenomena, and why viticulture and horticulture practitioners must be keenly aware of their local topography. Lewis also sheds light on the chilling effects of temperature inversions, which trap cold air and cloud cover, creating an environment ripe for frost and lingering fog. Hear about the historic cold records in places like Ophir and Ranfurly, and learn how snow can amplify the freeze, plunging temperatures into the double-digit negatives.

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Trailblazing referee Amy Eason opens up about her groundbreaking journey to becoming the first woman to officiate a Central Otago Premier Men's Rugby game. Discover how Amy transitioned from playing rugby in Palmerston North to taking on the challenging role of a referee after several injuries. Hear her recount the early memories of watching rugby with her dad and the vocal crowds she faced. Amy's story is a testament to resilience and determination, offering inspiration to anyone facing adversity in their own endeavors. In this episode, we don't just celebrate Amy's milestones; we also dive into the broader context of women in rugby officiating. From the complexities of evolving rugby laws to the significant impact of the Women's Rugby World Cup, Amy shares her aspirations of one day officiating a women's test match. Confidence, hard work, and the power of vocalizing goals are central themes, making this conversation a rich resource for women pursuing roles in sports and beyond. 

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Ever wondered how tourism can blend seamlessly with conservation efforts? Join us as we chat with David Beeche, the trailblazing CEO of RealNZ, who shares his compelling journey from organizing major events to spearheading a tourism company that’s on a mission to become the world's first carbon-zero destination by 2030. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind RealNZ's post-COVID recovery strategies, the challenges posed by labor shortages and housing issues, and the revitalization of key international markets like the US and Australia. David also opens up about his passion for conservation, detailing initiatives like bird recovery programs and the ambitious plan to reintroduce the Takahē into the Greenstone Valley. Spending his first six months in the picturesque Queenstown Lakes region, David reflects on how this stunning locale shapes his vision for RealNZ. We discuss the importance of enhancing transport infrastructure to elevate the tourist experience and the community's warm embrace of tourism, despite the pressures of growth. 

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Discover how the  Rākai Kahukura maternity unit is set to revolutionize midwifery care and early childhood services in Wanaka! Join us as we chat with Karen Ferraccioli, the Director of Midwifery Southern at Te Whātu Ora, about the transformative impact of this new facility. From drastically reducing travel distances for local families to offering a comprehensive suite of antenatal, labor, birth, and postnatal services, Karen provides a deep dive into what this means for the community. Learn about the expected 400 families to be supported annually and the innovative services designed to make care more accessible and family-centered. Karen also shares exciting details about the range of services available, including child vaccinations, well-child checks, and even a community room and playground. This episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the future of maternal and early childhood care in the Upper Clutha district, promising a positive shift for local families and the healthcare workforce alike. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation about a pivotal development in community health!

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