Podcasts about Queenstown

Part of Queenstown is being turned into a testing ground for ideas that could one day help cut your power bill. A new energy sandbox is being scoped to test ideas like energy sharing, plug-in solar and solar for renters in a controlled area, before any wider rule changes. Rewiring Aotearoa's Josh Ellison spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Adrien Do Carmo vit à Wanaka, en Nouvelle-Zélande, dans la région de Queenstown. Ingénieur français parti pour un premier poste chez Airbus à Madrid, il a ensuite passé une douzaine d'années en Australie avant de partir en Nouvelle-Zélande, initialement pour une année sabbatique en van, avec sa femme Iris et Bouchon, leur chien de 30 kilos. L'année sabbatique s'est transformée en nouvelle vie.Fin avril, Adrien s'est lancé sur un défi un peu fou : relier les lacs de la région de Queenstown à pied. 178 kilomètres, 7600 mètres de dénivelé, 48 heures d'effort et 4 heures de sommeil, en micro-siestes dans un sac de survie posé sur un tas de feuilles.

A search gets underway today in the hope of solving the mystery of a plane that went missing nearly half a century ago, with seven people on board. The aircraft vanished in 1978 during a chartered scenic flight from Dunedin through Queenstown, Milford Sound and Preservation Inlet. Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood, the officer in charge of the search operation spoke to John Campbell.

This weekend, a major snow sport event is hitting Queenstown named the Snow League. It is the world's first pro winter sports league that is dedicated to snowboard and freeski halfpipe competitions. Shaun White is a former Olympian and snowboarding legend, he founded the Snow League and joined D'Arcy to discuss the event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent earthquake closures of the 108-year-old Edith Cavell bridge have renewed calls for an alternative Queenstown road crossing.

Three hour school bus rides... missed firefighter call outs .. loads of Queenstown locals say traffic jams are having a real impact on their day to day life. Residents say it's not just a peak-hour problem - congestion can strike at almost any time of the day. Now the council has set up an anti-traffic congestion taskforce to tackle the issue. But, what can actually be done? To look at some of the potential solutions, Jesse is joined by Ross Copland from Southern Infrastructure. [picture id="4NJZCPJ_copyright_image_180186" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Ted returns from New Zealand to join Pav for a crucial breakdown of regulatory milestones and macro developments shaping digital asset markets. In this episode, Pav and Ted dissect the collapse of Hunter Biden's celebrity meme token, which plummeted 99% within an hour of launch. They unpack top weekly movers, focusing on Betway (BTW) and its yield-generating DeFi strategies backed by Tron Foundation, VVV's AI inference model, and PancakeSwap's surging $75M daily volume in tokenised stock trading. The boys also dive deep into the US Senate floor vote on the long-awaited Clarity Act, updates regarding the proposed US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, and upcoming rate hike decisions across the US, Japan, and Australia. Key Moments: 00:00 Ted's Queenstown highlights and Waiheke Island wineries. 01:30 Hunter Biden $Laptop Token Collapse: Analyzing fully diluted valuations and celebrity token risks. 06:01 Institutional yield strategies, Tron backing, and decentralized AI inference. 10:05 Real-world assets (RWAs) and processing $75M in daily volume. 12:37 Clarity Act Senate Vote: Final draft revisions, bipartisan hurdles, and Polymarket sentiment shifts. 21:40  Central bank updates from the US, Japan, and Australia. 26:43 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's push for government BTC holdings. Want to see what we're looking at every episode? Watch the YouTube version of the podcast here. Ready to start? Get $10 of FREE Bitcoin on Swyftx when you sign up and verify:  https://trade.swyftx.com.au/register/?promoRef=tappingintocrypto10btc  To get the latest updates, hit subscribe and follow us over on the gram @tappingintocrypto or X @tappingintocrypto If you can't wait to learn more, check out these blogs from our friends over at Swyftx. This podcast provides general market commentary and is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is NOT financial advice. We are NOT licensed financial advisors. Investing in cryptocurrency carries risk. You should always conduct your own research and seek independent financial advice before making any investment decisions. Please read Swyftx's Terms and Conditions and Risk Disclosure statement before investing.

What drives an award-winning architect to spend eleven years building a single house for his parents with his own two hands? That's the question at the heart of this deeply personal episode of Talk Design.Adrian sits down with Mark Frazerhurst, a Kiwi architect whose career began not in a design studio, but on the ski slopes of Queenstown. After graduating, Mark and his wife Kate packed their car with nothing but clothes and ski gear and drove south, determined to chase adventure. Mark became a ski instructor, working mornings on the mountain and afternoons at a local architecture firm—a lifestyle that eventually led to him founding his own practice in Auckland.But Mark's most defining project wasn't for a wealthy client. It was for his parents. The site was a nightmare: a steep, unstable cliff with no crane access, a budget of just $280,000, and a south-facing orientation that worked against everything New Zealand architects look for. On top of that, Mark's parents were living in a cramped basement rental, burning through their savings while construction dragged on year after year.What followed was a decade of Saturdays—hand-carrying timber, solving impossible problems, and building not just a house, but a bond that grew stronger with every setback. Mark's story is proof that constraints can be an architect's greatest muse, and that the most beautiful homes are often the ones built with the most heart.⏯️ EPISODE CHAPTERS:03:00 - Early Inspiration: Doodling, Art, and Discovering Architecture06:00 - Alternate Paths: Pilot Dreams, Skiing, and Finding the Joy08:00 - The Queenstown Adventure & Cutting Teeth in Real-World Design16:45 - Returning to Auckland & Setting Up Practice18:40 - The First Greenfield Home & Winning an NZIA Award21:40 - Designing for Emotion and Bringing Daily Joy to People27:35 - Introducing Angle Grinder: A Unique Family Project32:00 - The Glover Park Crater Site: Turning Constraints into Possibility33:50 - Active Living: 57 Stairs and Smart Future-Proofing36:00 - Kiwi Ingenuity, Labor-Only Craft, and Site Access41:50 - The Power of Client Trust in the Design Magic Process47:10 - Materiality: Balancing Cedar, Plywood, and Rainscreens55:00 - The Origami Concept & How "Angle Grinder" Got Its Name59:40 - Moving into the Shell: An 11-Year Family Labor of Love1:07:35 - The Petra-Inspired Reveal & Favorite Moments of Arrival1:10:50 - Internal Vistas, Overlapping Spaces, and 3D Spatial Flow1:13:30 - Framing the Ultimate Question for Photographer Simon Devitt1:16:10 - Waiheke Island Nostalgia, Sculpture Trails, and Shared Memories1:24:50 - Episode Wrap-Up & Creating Homes That Make Your Heart Sing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's one of the jewels in New Zealand's tourism crown, but Queenstown is also becoming well known for its chronic traffic jams. Just how bad is it out there? Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd hit the road to find out.

New Zealand's tourism industry has reached a milestone, with the number of overseas visitors arriving in the country two months ago surpassing July 2019 figures. John Campbell spoke to David Beeche, CEO of Queenstown-based tour operator Real NZ, about visitor numbers and sustainable growth.

In Argentina, currency collapse forced people to understand money. In New Zealand, we're too comfortable to ask where inflation comes from. In this episode, Francisco Colombo from Bitcoin Journey joins me to unpack how Bitcoin is being used in Queenstown's Bitcoin Basin: not as a speculative bet, but as a real, working alternative to cash. We cover self-custody, why Bitcoin passes (or fails) the classic tests of money, how New Zealand's tax treatment shapes everyday use, and why this is ultimately about self-sovereignty, not "number go up." If you're Bitcoin-curious but haven't done the research yet, come along this week in Auckland to get some free education.Book in a free 15-min phone call with Darcy Ungaro (financial adviser).Sign up to the fortnightly newsletter!Thank You Swyftx: With over 1 million customers across New Zealand and Australia. Ask yourself …”Where can crypto take you?". Check out Swyftx.Affiliate Links!The Bitcoin Adviser: Plan for intergenerational digital wealth.Hatch: For US markets.Revolut: For a new type of banking.Sharesies: For local, and international markets.Loan My Coins: Bitcoin lending product.Exodus: Get rewards on your first $2,500 of swapsGet Social:Follow on YouTube , Instagram, TikTok: @theeverydayinvestor, X (@UngaroDarcy), LinkedIn, or subscribe on Substack.www.radicalinvestment.co.nz________________________Disclaimer: Please act independently from any content provided in these episodes; it's not financial advice, because there's no accounting for your individual circumstances, and nothing we say is intended as a recommendation. Do your own research, and take a broad range of opinions into account. Ideally, engage a financial adviser / pay for advice!

Missed the show this week? Don’t worry! We’ve wrapped up all the greatest hits into one easy listen. (00:00) Ben gets mistaken for a shoplifter after a suspicious supermarket trip involving shaving cream and Coke... (13:20) Megan proudly makes new adult friends, only to discover she’s signed up for a Queenstown marathon weekend (22:00) Jono discovers the ultimate household hiding place lurking beneath every fridge And plenty more chaos from the week

Roger Vieira is back on The Ride Companion during the best season of his life... In this episode, Roger explains how Bernard Kerr's injury ultimately opened the door for him at Pivot, what life inside a factory downhill team is really like and whether factory support has actually made him faster or, simply given him the opportunity to show the speed he already had. Roger breaks down his first proper factory supported off-season, testing with FOX in California, riding in Queenstown, changing his approach to training and working with Bernard Kerr to improve some surprisingly specific weaknesses in his riding. We also get deep into the mental side of World Cup downhill racing. Roger explains the 'red zone vs blue zone' approach he's using with his mental coach, why World Cup qualifying creates so much pressure and what goes through his head in the seconds before leaving the start gate. Roger also explains why urban downhill brings out a completely different mentality in him, why he loves the Red Bull Cero Abajo series so much and the intricasies of downhill street racing. Once again, Roger delivers with great insights. We hope you enjoy the episode. Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion This episodes sponsors:- SKS Germany → Learn more about SKS products and the new shock pump at https://www.sks-germany.com/en/  - Get 15% off Invisiframe kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk - WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/theridecompanion/ You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/theridecompanion/ HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk

A bed tax alternative that would see councils get millions of dollars to spend on strained infrastructure is a "good start" according to one mayor. If re-elected, National is promising to give regions a share of the International Visitor Levy. That's the $100 fee many overseas tourist pay to enter Aotearoa. Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover spoke to Lisa Owen.

Megan was buzzing after getting invited on a mums' weekend away in Queenstown, until a marathon registration form landed in her inbox... Join the Itty Bitty Hitty Committee HERE!Instagram: @THEHITSBREAKFASTFacebook: The Hits Breakfast with Jono, Ben & Megan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s show: (00:00) Is under the fridge the greatest hiding place in every household? (01:50) Megan’s disastrous 3:15am attempt to clean a mouldy drink bottle (05:50) Noah and his family share their powerful Child Cancer Foundation journey ahead of Wig Wednesday (10:40) What do people yell at you when they recognise you in public? (13:05) Grace’s weekly phone-free café catch-up sparks debate (15:45) A Queenstown hotel eyelash uncovers a suspected holiday affair (27:35) Have you ever pretended to listen and somehow guessed the conversation correctly? (30:35) Producer Troy argues Stevie Wonder made the greatest album of all time (38:05) Megan’s new mum-friend group invites her on a Queenstown marathon weekend Join the Itty Bitty Hitty Committee HERE!Instagram: @THEHITSBREAKFASTFacebook: The Hits Breakfast with Jono, Ben & Megan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A woman’s romantic Queenstown getaway took a wild turn when she came back to find a mystery eyelash in the hotel room. Have you ever been the other women? Join the Itty Bitty Hitty Committee HERE!Instagram: @THEHITSBREAKFASTFacebook: The Hits Breakfast with Jono, Ben & Megan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view National's alternative to a bed tax would remove some pressure on smaller councils. The party's pledging to re-set the International Visitor Levy, putting aside $100 million a year for conservation and $50 million for tourism. The rest would go to councils, divvied up based on how many international visitor nights they host. Local Government New Zealand President Rehette Stoltz —who's the mayor of Gisborne— told Mike Hosking this allocates it fairly across the country. She says $600,000 or $700,000 represents a 1% rate rise for some smaller councils. There are some councils who are unhappy with the proposal, with both the Mayors of Auckland and Queenstown saying they would be better off under a bed tax. But Stoltz says there's a chance future discussions could fix where the policy falls short. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We chat to Kriti, who was on a Qantas flight from Queenstown to Sydney when flames started bursting from the engine just 10 minutes after takeoff. With the plane shaking, passengers screaming and the engine visibly on fire, the flight was forced to divert to Christchurch for an emergency landing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psychologist joins calls for compulsory helmets on e-scooters; ICU doctor calls for more RSV vaccination funding; Bernard Hickey on why OCR rise will hit those already suffering; Queenstown farmer funds wheelchair lift for Wellington family; Developer revives controversial Arrowtown housing project

A dad who had to lift his teenage daughter from her wheelchair up the stairs to their front door no longer has to, thanks to the generosity of a Morning Report listener. Dinson Thomas spoke to John Campbell.

On today's Agenda Podcast, ACC Head G Land and Tony Lyall are coming in hot from Queenstown, where the evening before finished off with a show from an Instagram model (00:00) Next up, are influencers ruining sport after the US Open had to be stopped so the umpire could tell off a group of them (05:00), the Black Ferns are in South Africa for a doubleheader before the All Blacks test, so will there be a flyover (11:00), and Liam Lawson is back in the Red Bull for Monza (16:00). We wrap it all up with 'Yours Please', and G Lane tells us about a game called 'Spouf' that surprisingly no one has ever heard of (18:05)... Did you know that we've launched a new Facebook Group called 'The Caravan' JOIN HERE! Brought to you by Export Ultra! Follow The ACC on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to The Agenda Podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! iHeartRadio Apple Spotify YouTube THANKS MATE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emmet Kennedy visits Ballydoyle as Aidan O'Brien opens the doors to one of the most famous training establishments in world racing and talks through his potential team for Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown and the Curragh. With seven Group 1 races across the two-day meeting, O'Brien makes clear just how important the weekend is to Ballydoyle: “Everything leads to this.”

On today's Agenda Podcast, ACC Head G Lane and Tony Lyall are coming to you live, sort of, from the beautiful Cardrona Hotel halfway between Wānaka and Queenstown (00.00)! They manage to cover it all in this special episode, including Rassie naming his team early, but will that be the team that plays (03.00)? Plus, have we been too plane-focused in the aftermath of the All Blacks' first tour loss, and will there be a special commentary if the Mooloos end up defending the shield against the Mako (14.15)? Finally, we find the man who has made the longest-ever run-up for a cricket bowl, and this could be the greatest ever achievement on the cricket pitch (21.20). Did you know that we've launched a new Facebook Group called 'The Caravan' JOIN HERE! Brought to you by Export Ultra! Follow The ACC on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to The Agenda Podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! iHeartRadio Apple Spotify YouTube THANKS MATE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clean-up efforts are underway across the Queenstown Lakes District today after a winter storm triggered slips, road closures, and emergency evacuations overnight. Nine houses have flooded, and - armed with shovels - some residents in Fernhill have been trying to stop a torrent of water from causing any more damage. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd has the story.

The Mountain Safety Council has warned of high avalanche danger across the Southern Alps. The Council says naturally triggered avalanches are likely and human-triggered avalanches are very likely across the Arthur's Pass, Aoraki /Mt Cook, Ohau, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Aspiring regions. Paul Anderson, CEO of NZ Ski, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Heather joins Trip Tales from Westchester, New York, to share her family's love for New Zealand - a place they've visited several times and love so much that they now have residency, with dreams of someday making it home.Most recently, Heather traveled to New Zealand in March 2026 with her husband and their two kids for an adventure-packed family trip through both the South and North Islands. We talk about breathtaking Queenstown and Wanaka, bungee jumping and canyon swings, Mount Cook, geothermal adventures, Hobbiton and those iconic Hobbit houses, beautiful beaches, playgrounds, hikes and so much more.This episode is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygravesIf you'd like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.comBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode:New Zealand ResidencySky Couch on Air New ZealandNorth Island vs South IslandAuckland Airport - VIP Assistance through airportQueenstown: Waterfront & Shopping District, Patagonia Chocolates & Ice Cream, TSS Earnslaw boat to Walter Peak Farm Tour (sheep, highland cows, etc), Shotover Jet, AJ Hackett Company (Kawarau Bridge Bungy: the original bungee jump), Kawarau Bungy Swing, Bathhouse Playground, Skyline Gondola and Luge, Fergburger, Cookie Time, Remarkables Park - Joe's Garage restaurantWanaka: Dinosaur Playground, Wild Wire Wanaka Via Feratta, the cinema, Rippon Winery, Roy's Peak hike, Scroggin for coffee or brunch, Big Fig for lunch, Lake Bar, Black Peak gelato, Omarama Clay CliffsOpen Hotel Alert: https://openhotelalert.com/Mount Cook: Mount Cook Lodge, Hermitage Hotel (brunch buffet), hiking (Hooker Valley Track), stargazingLake Tekapo: Mount John Homestead, playground, feed the animals, farm tourSumner Beach: Beach town outside of Christchurch, Cave Rock, Fire & Slice pizza restaurantRotorua: Hell's Gate, Geo-thermal area, mineral pools, hot springs, Redwood Forest Tree WalkHobbiton: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Green Dragon PubThe Coromandel Peninsula: Hahei, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Walnut Cottage AirbnbMatakana: Farmer's Market, Action Ninja WorldMilford SoundTrip Tales is a travel podcast sharing real vacation stories and trip itineraries for family travel, couples getaways, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. Popular episodes feature destinations like Marco Island Florida, Costa Rica with kids, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani in Hawaii, Beaches Turks & Caicos, Park City ski trips, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Portugal's Azores, New York City, Alaska cruises, and U.S. National Parks. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

A major crypto summit kicks off in Queenstown today, with hope it could attract more investment. 'CryptoWinter' is looking to cash in on the country's digital asset sector – worth more than $9 billion dollars. It brings together industry leaders, government representatives, and innovators to discuss the country's digital asset strategy and ways technology can drive investment. Blockchain New Zealand Executive Director Trevor Topfer told Mike Hosking New Zealand has a big opportunity in the ever-changing financial world. He says if we don't get moving, then we won't have a currency in the new financial system and will have to import technology. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's top restaurants have been crowned at this year's Cuisine Good Food Awards. Queenstown's Essence has taken restaurant of the year and is one of just six nationwide awarded the esteemed three hat rating. Auckland's Ahi, Cocoro, Tala, and Paris Butter, along with Hawke's Bay's Craggy Range were the other five, and Tala's founder and chef Henry Onesemo was named Chef of the Year. Cuisine Magazine Editor Kelli Brett told Mike Hosking it's an exciting time for hospitality, with the best yet to come. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tourism leader says a National about-turn on bed taxes is a massive blow to the sector. The party has promised no new taxes if returned to Government, just weeks after pondering tourist and banking levies. Leader Chris Luxon says accommodation surcharges would hurt Kiwis wanting a weekend away in Queenstown or Auckland. The mayors of both cities have expressed dismay. Destination Queenstown Chief Executive, Mat Woods, says it's a massive missed opportunity - and it could have cost Queenstown about $30 million dollars a year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queenstown filmmaker Brad Stent has been learning to row as he embarks on a journey in memory of his late father.

Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown, spoke to John Campbell about National's decision to rule out an accommodation levy, and the pressures on infrastructure in the region.

Opportunity Party as kingmaker in new RNZ-Reid Research poll; Queenstown contemplates future of accommodation levy; Weekly interview with Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon; Labour releases fiscal strategy with promise to slash debt; Police respond to two accidents in Manawatu over weekend.

Kgomotso Modise (standing in for Relebogile Mabotja) speaks to Anathi Qolo, a South African international rugby union player for the Springboks and Bulls Daisies, born in Queenstown. Anathi Qolo became South Africa’s 11th Test captain when she led the team to the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar in 2025 as a forward and respected leader who has become a prominent figure in South African women’s rugby. 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja is broadcast live on Johannesburg-based talk radio station 702 every weekday afternoon. Relebogile brings a lighter touch to some of the issues of the day as well as a mix of lifestyle topics and a peek into the worlds of entertainment and leisure. Thank you for listening to a 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja podcast. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 13:00 to 15:00 (SA Time) to Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/2qKsEfu or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/DTykncj Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mayors of Queenstown and Auckland have written to the Infrastructure Minister urging for a pause in the fast-tracking of new large-scale greenfield residential developments. But others around the country are voicing their concerns too, with the mayors of the Waimakariri and Selwyn district councils also putting their names to a seperate open letter calling for a halt. They argue their councils have meticulously planned for the high growth expected in the coming years and fast-track developments risk running roughshod over that work. Selwyn District Mayor Lydia Gliddon spoke to John Campbell.

On Friday the government announced plans to allow councils to claw back more costs from developers announced plans to allow councils to claw back more costs from developers relating to fast-tracked projects. That came as Queenstown Mayor John Glover and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown joined forces to express their concerns about ratepayers bearing the cost of developments. If all consented, projects currently being considered for fast track would add 11,000 homes to the Queenstown area.

First up, a gondola network to help reduce traffic congestion is being investigated by Queenstown. If re-elected National would allow a gondola project to receive public transport funding. The panel hears from Garreth Hayman, CEO of ropeway company Doppelmayr New Zealand. Then, the Kelburn Residents' Association is campaigning against telecommunications company Spark's proposal to build a 14.5m cell tower and equipment cabinets on a footpath in the centre of their leafy village. Sarah Wilcox, coordinator of the Kelburn Conservation Network joins the panel to discuss her issues with the project.

Could a gondola in Queenstown ease traffic woes? That's the multi-million dollar question - as National pledges to support public transit initiatives to reduce congestion if re-elected. It includes looking at a gondola to connect the airport with the town centre - paid for by the National Land Transport fund made up of fuel taxes and road user charges. Queenstown Mayor John Glover told Andrew Dickens that congestion is an urgent issue. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Riley, Aron Price, and Matt Every kick things off with visor talk, memorabilia, and a few classic golf-nerd tangents before turning to bigger-picture golf topics. The episode centers on New Zealand golf, PGA Tour playoff format ideas, and a long conversation about aging stars, young talent, and what makes a tour event feel meaningful.We discuss how to make PGA TOUR tournaments feel more dramatic, why some events should reward winners more aggressively, and which players still look dangerous well into their 40s. The crew also gets into WNBA chaos, music nostalgia, sports cards, and the kind of side conversations that make this show feel like a clubhouse hang.Key topicsIn this episode, the guys open with visor obsession, including a Phil Mickelson Bearing Point visor, a Brad Faxon visor, and a joke about opening a memorabilia shop.Aron Price shares old tournament stories from Australia, including caddying as a kid, meeting Brett Ogle and Robert Allenby, and bringing a 1995 Faxon visor back into the mix.The conversation turns to New Zealand golf, with Scott Riley pitching a stronger push around events like the New Zealand PGA and New Zealand Open.Matt Every and Aron Price talk through the geography and vibe of New Zealand courses, including Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington, Paraparaumu, and Auckland.The crew floats a marketing idea for pro ams in New Zealand, suggesting local celebrities and athletes could add more value than a standard setup.The PGA Tour playoffs and Wyndham Championship are a major topic, with Scott pushing for a more dramatic “if you win, you're in” structure.Matt offers a full alternative postseason concept where tournament winners auto-qualify for the Tour Championship and the remaining spots go to the best non-winners.The guys debate whether the PGA Tour needs more emphasis on winning, more stakes late in the season, and fewer playoff events.They break down Michael Brennan's win and why his swing, composure, and pace stood out coming down the stretch.The conversation widens to older players still producing on tour, with Alex Noren, Gary Woodland, Eric Cole, and others used as examples of longevity and consistency.Brooks Koepka gets a strong vote of confidence, with the group noting that his ball striking is still elite even if the putting has been off.The second half turns into a sports card and memorabilia segment, including a rare dual autograph card featuring KJ Choi and another Korean golfer, plus a story about Russ Stevens as a rare Donruss Rated Rookie who never reached the majors.Travis Hunter, Bo Bichette, and Jags talk appear as the guys swap between current sports and card-market speculation.The show closes with more New Zealand open chatter, pro am nostalgia, and the crew joking about how they always play better in team events.If you like living forever, and you like golf, then you're going to LOVE Live Forever Golf.Enter discount code "LFG20" for 20% off your next order at LiveForeverGolf.comStraight Down the Middle'ish is brought to you by Live Forever Golf. Check out our Final Few collection to get great deals on our clearance inventory! Free shipping on all orders over $100.

Finishing school is not a concept you hear so much about these days and if you did, you wouldn't associate them with the skills being taught at one in the South. Changing a tyre, cracking a stock whip and shooting a gun are among the subjects at the Southern Girl Finishing School. It's being run by Laura Koot on a farm in Kingston, about 45 minutes from Queenstown. Koot spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Welcome to this weeks Main Talk Birdie To Me, and as usual there are plenty of things to discuss in the world of golf.01:00Mark raises Cam Davis' form, he really has fallen off a cliff, and Nick and Mark discuss what is happening with Cam.02:00Lots of LIV news, and it really seems to change almost daily. What to make of it? Nick and Mark discuss the latest news on the LIV funding situation, and the criteria around said funding - specifically that it appears contingent on the key players re-signing with LIV.07:00We touch on next weeks Claude Harmon 3rd chat, which we recorded this week and will publish next Tuesday....it's a ripper!09:00The next LIV events10:30Nick was in New Zealand last week and bumped into Elvis Smylie in Queenstown.11:30The Fedex Cup, we discuss a few of the players who missed out, and do a deeper dive on Jason Day.15:00This week our Hostplus 'Plus for Golf' goes to Brooks Koepka, for an unusual reason. Nick explains.17:00Nick says Tiger was the master of never making excuses when he played poorly, and we discuss Jack's consistent position that he never 3-putted in a tournament, or something along those lines.20:00Our BMW Touch of Class goes to a legendary figure in South Australian golf who we lost this last week - Nick McCormack OAM.After the turn:23:30Nick's Top 5 for Betr is the Top 5 players that he'd like to see turn their form around.28:00Feedback for Southern Golf Club, we have comments and questions on LIV and the player departures, OCM and Cypress Point, Marks comments about the Cypress bunkers, and some suggestions for Nick and Mark's bespoke designed golf course.38:00Nick talks about he has never played golf in Tasmania, Mark shares some memories of playing there.40:00Feedback on the Cathedral Invitational, there's been plenty of positives, and a couple of negatives - we deal with the negatives front on.43:00Nick takes us through the global result highlights from the last week or so.47:30There's been another 59! Mark rates it on his 'patent pending official Talk Birdie To Me 59 ranker'.49:00We look at, and discuss, an hilarious premature 'anti-celebration'.51:00And for the Golf Clearance Outlet, todays masterclass from Mark is on playing bunker shots out of thick, wet, sand.Big show, love your input in the comments, and if you're enjoying the show we'd love you to share the pod with a friend!We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:Hostplus, Talk Birdie To Me's official retirement partnerBMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;The Find My Player app - follow every player on every tour;And Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Biking and trails can have a huge impact on a destination's economy and community life. Why, then, is it so difficult to fund trail maintenance, and what can your destination do about it? Aotearoa New Zealand economist Benje Patterson joins two Canadian DMO leaders to talk about common challenges in finding sustainable funding for trail networks. They discuss what's working in Queenstown and how to show residents, travellers, businesses, and government the true value of trails, with practical examples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday Feedback show today and Nick is still enjoying the show in Queenstown with the family, so we're all remote today, rather than being from Titleist and FootJoy HQ....back there next Wednesday. Onto the show...01:00Question from Paul about Lucas Herberts putting, specifically his short putting. We discuss.03:00Nick talks about something he has noticed with Lucas' putting style.04:00Mark says Lucas' preparation is as professional as you will see from anyone.05:00Nick names one of the players who prepared exceptionally when he was on tour, particularly regarding his short game. This player was a World #1 so it obviously worked.07:00What is the most 'unsexy' thing about being a golfer? Nick reveals it.08:00Oh dear....Mark has bought a new gadget. Not from Temu this time...09:00This week Kevin Kisner made some comments about trenching, Nick didn't see them, Mark did, we chat about trenching and whether it qualifies for the 'watch list' After the turn:15:00We put our third entrant into the draw to win a trip to The Cliffs at Kangaroo Island to play the course with a friend, and Mark Allen and Course architect Darius Oliver. If you want to enter, there's about 4-weeks to go: enter here.18:00A question from Mitch about Nicks reflective learning technique that he spoke about on a Monday Mini recently.19:30Nick talks about, as part of reflective thinking, how he'd capture his thoughts and use them to improve his game...how he would use reflective thinking.20:30There was one aspect of his game that Mark always did when he made a cut, and when he missed a cut he didn't do, he explains.24:00And a fun question from Tim leads to Mark revealing his pickup technique form when he was young and single. Awkward.Have a great weekend !! We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:Hostplus, Talk Birdie To Me's official retirement partnerBMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;The Find My Player app - follow every player on every tour;And Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slightly different episode today as Nick is in New Zealand on holidays for a week or so with the family, so it sounds a tad different to usual, but plenty to discuss as always!01:00Nick is in Millbrook, near Queenstown in New Zealand and gives us a snapshot of what he's doing and how it looks (hint: it is beautiful!)02:00Royal Lytham hosted the WOmens Open, and Shiho Kuwaiti had a stunning playoff win to claim the title. Nick talks about what he loves about Royal Lytham, what a course.04:00On the Open, more specifically Mens and Womens majors, Nick feels they're too close together and explains why. Mark has a different view.05:00Yesterday we confirmed in a bonus news pod that Rory McIlroy would be staying in Australia after the AO to play the Cathedal Invitational, Nick is likely to play the tournament as well....can he take Rory?06:00Massive news on golf architects OCM - they have been appointed to redo one of the worlds greatest golf courses. Mark reveals the news that he has heard from a member at the actual club.08:00We discuss Cypress Point. Mark calls it a 'sacred place', Nick says arguably the best parcel of land that a golf course is on anywhere in the world. They discuss their experiences playing the course, and what they'd love to see improved.12:00Nick talks about playing Cypress with surfer Kelly Slater.14:00Plenty of LIV news. We discuss their search for sponsorships, and Mark is doubtful that the eyeballs will be enough for the money they want given LIV 'only worked in 2 or 3 markets'. 20:00LIV's player payments are reportedly unpaid, which does not bode well22:00Nick awards our BMW Touch of Class to Donald Trump for his 'humility' in 'winning' the Club Championship at Bedminster. If you missed his comments, Nick reads them out. And for clarity, we are being sarcastic over 1) him winning and 2) him showing any humility. 23.30Mark awards our Hostplus Plus for Golf to Nelly Korda for her gift to a young fan in the UK, a real plus for golf from a superstar.25:00We discuss the winner of the Rocket Classic in Michigan, Michael rocket classic winner Michael Thorbjornsen, a very talented young pro who we love.27:00Nick found some great stats this week - average numbers from PGA Tour Pros, they make for sobering reading for aspiring pros, and Mark points out a couple of stats that if you are aspiring, or know someone who is, to turn pro that you need to be all over.After the turn:34:00Our Top 5 for Betr, Mark lists the Top 5 golf course renovations at clubs he has seen, and why. He also defines great renovations in a slightly ususual way....37:00Okay - during the Turn we saw some breaking news from our mates at Flushing It Golf about LIV, specifically that they have given a number of employees and contractors notice that their employment will end in September. We discuss this evolving story which will develop further over the coming days.39:00Nick runs through the Global results highlights.42:30Feedback for Southern Golf Club....phew okay....last weeks Top 5 swings got a mountain of feedback, and we run through some of the names you said should be there. One was mentioned above all others. Do Nick and Mark double down on their list or do they amend the 'indisputable' list, rendering the name completely ironic?50:00 Few more bits of feedback on Lucas Glover's spikes video, Cam Smiths 9 birdies in a row, and we discuss if we can claim South Korea's Jenny Shin as an Aussie?53.00And we wrap on a masterclass for the Golf Clearance Outlet from Nick live from Queenstown where he discusses Michael Thorbjornsen's 10-finger grip. Note: audio on the masterclass is a touch dodgy this week, it's listenable, but not as good as we'd like - apologies.Big show today !!! We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:Hostplus, Talk Birdie To Me's official retirement partnerBMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;The Find My Player app - follow every player on every tour;And Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A gasfitting expert says changes are needed to prevent unsafe installations, after a 12-year-old Otago boy died from carbon monoxide poisoning in the shower at his family's Haast bach. Almost eight years after Jesse Samuel's death, an inquest is being held in Queenstown to examine what can be done to stop something similar happening again. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd has more.

Queenstown's mayor is setting up a taskforce aimed at reducing congestion, with an influx of tourists contributing to significant traffic problems. Data from Queenstown Airport shows nearly 250,000 international arrivals in the first six months of 2026 - nearly 100,000 more people than in the same period in 2019. Queenstown-Lakes District Mayor, John Glover spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The number of international visitors to Queenstown is soaring above pre-pandemic levels but some locals say the town has reached a tipping point with crowding and congestion. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd reports.

Clint, Meg and Dan kick off Thursday talking about not wishing life away and being present with kids, then hunt for New Zealand’s best wake-up sound with the Jurassic Park theme as a frontrunner. They share an Overthinkers clip about a woman finding her dad and discovering his explicit SoundCloud, before discussing allegations against Jared Leto. The first call comes from Amy in Queenstown, a new drug-testing worker. Meg panics over a mysterious computer mouse package that turns out to be her mum’s lost Airbnb item. The team covers banana disease, a Fiji shark attack survivor’s advice, and sprinter Zoe Hobbs’ Commonwealth gold, then play Easy Money with callers. Dan triggers a workplace security alert while booking a spray tan, leading into “glow up to blow up” beauty disasters, and they debate a controversial post-date voicemail demanding sex, plus stories about crying to get out of trouble. 00:31 Being Present in Life 01:49 New Alarm Sound Hunt 03:13 B-List Celebrity Debate 04:32 Lost Dad SoundCloud Rap 07:44 Jared Leto Scandal Talk 09:54 First Call Amy in Queenstown 13:40 Mystery Mouse Package 17:22 Radar Bananas Sharks Sprinting 21:43 Easy Money Letter V 25:48 Theyre a 10 But Game 31:23 Funny walks debate 32:31 Helpful husband annoyance 34:21 Spray tan security scare 37:43 Glow up to blow up calls 42:32 First date voicemail drama 51:36 Easy Money game chaos 54:54 Crying to escape trouble

The cameraman behind award-winning images that helped to bring Sir David Attenborough's conservation work to life, is being remembered in a special charity event 'A Night to Remember' in Queenstown.  

Phytophthora Infestans: The Science of the Blight. Guest: Patrick Scanlan. The discussion turns to the biological cause of the famine: Phytophthora infestans, or the potato blight. Scanlan explains that Irish potatoes were grown from cuttings (clones), and this lack of genetic diversity made them uniquely vulnerable to pathogens. While Ireland had experienced localized crop failures before, the blight was a "novel pathogen" originating from Mexico. It traveled through the Americas before crossing the Atlantic to Europe in 1844–45. As a "water mold" that reproduces through spores, it spread rapidly on the wind across Ireland's dense monocrops. While the blight struck across Europe, the impact was most catastrophic in Ireland due to the population's profound dependence on the crop and a lack of alternative food sources. The organism encountered fields that had been separated from such pathogens for centuries, allowing it to sweep across every field it reached and destroy crops with unprecedented speed. 71873 QUEENSTOWN