The Outlet Wānaka

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from being the voice behind the mic to running a successful radio station? Join us as we catch up with Mike Regal, the mastermind behind Radio Wanaka, who shares the highs and lows of his journey from on-air talent to business owner. Mike's story is filled with incredible anecdotes, including the time he played a pivotal role in launching  host Brent Harbours career with an unforgettable first audition at 91FM in Auckland. They also take a trip down memory lane to explore the evolution of New Zealand's radio industry from the early '90s to the 2000s. Learn about transforming Hauraki into a rock powerhouse and the creation of legendary shows like the Morning Pirates. They discuss the seismic shifts that came with deregulation, the rise of giants like MediaWorks and NZME, and the fierce competition that defined the era.  Finally, we zero in on the unique challenges and rewards of operating a local station like Radio Wanaka. Mike opens up about the steep learning curves, technical missteps, and the unbreakable bond with the community. In an age dominated by digital media, we reflect on the enduring value of radio, especially during times of crisis. 

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What if you could explore 150 hectares of pristine, playful terrain tailored for both intermediate and advanced skiers? Get ready to meet Laura Hedley, the driving force behind Cardrona and Treble Cone Experiences, as she unveils the secrets of the upcoming ski season. Discover the exciting new Soho Basin terrain, groundbreaking snowmaking upgrades, and state-of-the-art rental services, including a cutting-edge tuning robot at Fat Tony's Workshop. Laura also shares invaluable insights gleaned from last year's dynamic pricing and capacity limits and how these lessons are shaping a smoother, more enjoyable early-season experience for everyone.

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What if the night sky you gaze upon was preserved as a natural heritage site? Join us on The Outlet podcast where we unravel the captivating efforts behind Dark Sky initiatives with our special guest, Danny Mollan. Together, we delve into the importance of preserving dark skies in the Hawea community and the Lower South Island of New Zealand. Danny tells us about the unique celestial marvels of New Zealand, including the Southern Aurora and the southern celestial pole, and outlines the steps taken towards achieving recognized dark sky status. We discuss the role of sensible lighting plans, community awareness, and the ongoing dark sky survey with the International Dark Skies organization.

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What happens when a scenic adventure turns into a fight for survival? In this  episode, we sit down with Ken  Wylie, who recounts the day he was caught in a devastating avalanche 20 years ago. Ken takes us through the critical moments before the disaster, from the overlooked morning meeting to the ominous "wumpf" sound that signaled impending doom. His vivid storytelling brings to life the harrowing experience of being swept away by the avalanche,  and the moments of awareness before he passed out. This life-altering event has since driven Ken to dedicate his career to teaching avalanche safety and risk management. We delve into the profound lessons Ken learned from his near-fatal ordeal. He discusses the importance of not only technical skills but also social courage and collaborative decision-making in high-risk environments. Ken opens up about the challenges of his recovery and how he handled the emotional toll of returning to guiding after such a traumatic experience. Plus, we get a sneak peek into his upcoming presentation at the Southern Hemisphere Alpine Conference in Wanaka and his reflections on returning to New Zealand. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in outdoor adventure, risk management, or simply a compelling story of survival and resilience.
https://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/shac
https://www.archetypal.ca/

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From guiding anglers through pristine waters to steering a brand that's redefining outdoor gear, Matt Butler of KEA Outdoors joins us to share his remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Our conversation takes you to the heart of Wanaka's breathtaking landscapes, where Matt's vision for crafting essential, innovative equipment sprouted from his experiences as a seasoned fly fishing guide. He takes us through the meticulous design process behind their flagship survival kit, built on the robust foundation of the five Outdoor Survival pillars. Matt's narrative is one of transformation and tenacity, highlighting the evolution of KEA Outdoors' product line and the strategic decisions driving the brand forward.
https://keaoutdoors.com/pages/register-investment-interest

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Embark on an adventure with us as Brent Harbour sits down with Mark Sedon, the visionary behind the New Zealand Mountain Film and Book Festival. From its roots as a quaint gathering to its rise as a beacon for adventurers worldwide, this episode uncovers the festival's exhilarating journey. Mark paints a vivid picture of what's in store for 2024, including tales from a mountaineer's icy ascents, insights from a prolific Australian filmmaker, and heart-pounding narratives from a daredevil kayaker. The conversation also ventures behind the scenes of the festival's virtual leap amid the pandemic and the meticulous craft of film selection, all underpinned by a spirit of collaboration and passion for the extreme.
https://mountainfilm.nz/programme/

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In this podcast we talk to Wanaka's very own Melville-Ives twins, whose mastery of snow sports is as compelling as their bond. Cam and Fin open up about their transition from early skiers to freestyle mavens and snowboarding aficionados. Raised by a duo of ski instructors amidst the snowy peaks of Cardrona and and Treble Cone, their journey is more than a tale of competition; it's a tribute to the infectious joy and sheer thrill of snow sports. Witness as they recount their most electrifying moments at the Winter Youth Olympic Games and unveil their game plan for the seasons ahead.

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Unlock the intricacies of Wanaka's fiscal future and the proposed visitor levies with QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers. This episode offer important insights as we grapple with the delicate balance of growth and sustainable funding in the tourism-driven economy. With Mayor Lewers at the helm, we examine the government's stance on these levies, the debate around public transport, and the potential impacts on the local government coffers and tourism sector. Get ready to understand the complex fiscal strategies that could reshape our community. Listen to Glyn's expertise and join the conversation about transforming Wanaka's economic landscape while fostering a sustainable relationship between tourism and infrastructure.

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Have you ever wondered what it's like to police paradise? Host  Brent Harbour, brings you a rare glimpse into the life of Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts, the heart and soul behind the law enforcement team in New Zealand's picturesque Wanaka. Fiona tells us about the moments that have shaped her career—from the adrenaline-fueled aftermath of Christchurch's devastating earthquake to the behind-the-scenes action during national crises. You'll get to know Fiona who found her calling at a police seminar and has since dedicated her life to the force, across five policing districts. Join us for an inspiring conversation that captures the essence of leadership and the profound sense of purpose found in the day-to-day hustle of police work. 

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There's nothing better than sitting  in a dimly lit movie theater; the scent of buttered popcorn in the air, the hush of the audience as the projector flickered to life. It's this nostalgia that Cinema Paradiso co-founder Calum MacLeod brings to life in this chat. From his childhood in Inverness, Scotland, where films like 'The Sound of Music' and 'Star Wars' became the kindling for his cinematic love affair. Calum recounts the adventurous inception of Wanaka's Cinema Paradiso, a beacon of entertainment in a small town, and the intimate community culture it nurtured—a culture that thrived on shared moments and lively intermissions. Imagine a cinema where an intermission isn't just a pause in the storytelling but a cherished interlude for camaraderie and homemade cookies. That's the magic Calum wove into Cinema Paradiso, a place where the crackle of laughter blends with the rustle of cushioned seats.  Calum's tales of this special venue unfold; from its quirky renovations and Bollywood-inspired atmosphere to the endearing resistance from locals when change loomed. These stories are a testament to the theater's unique identity—a cosy haven where film buffs could debate plot twists over a cup of tea, solidifying its role as the heart of Wanaka's film-loving community.

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