Podcasts about Wanaka

1News reporter Jared McCulloch looks at a rise in Queenstown tourism numbers and has an update on alternative transport in the area, as well as Wanaka's impact on the Winter Olympics and a local snail farm.

Andrew and Shelby have returned from their trip to the South Island and they're ready to talk about it. They discuss all of the places they stopped at, as well as the Laneway Music Festival in Auckland. Before that, they Muppets Recast Marty Supreme! It's a fun time.

Sally Battson of The Next Chapter Bookshop in Wanaka on what she's been reading. 

Episode DescriptionWe kick off 2026 with a proper catch-up after a summer of travel We unpack parenthood, boundaries, and what it actually takes to be present, not just productive.Then we go deeper into intuition and decision-making (especially under pressure), nervous system regulation as the real foundation, and why “how you do it” matters as much as “what you do”. We finish with a big conversation on AI, where it helps, where it subtly erodes creativity and independence, and why the future belongs to people who can stay human, build community, and lead with real presence.

This week we start with a big result for Maya Kingma, who has won her first professional cycling race. After previously talking about triathletes trying to make the jump into cycling, it's a result that feels genuinely significant. We then move to Lucy Charles-Barclay, who has undergone surgery, and where that leaves her as she looks ahead to the rest of the season. From there, the conversation turns to Lionel Sanders. Lionel has suggested this might be his final Kona, which has led many to wonder whether retirement could be closer than expected. As always, even a small comment from Lionel quickly becomes a talking point. We then shift focus to racing in the southern hemisphere, starting with Challenge Wanaka. With both the pro series and T100 kicking off in the south this year, Wanaka is well placed to benefit from that early-season momentum. Next up is the Ironman New Zealand start list, where names like Kristian Blummenfelt, Kat Matthews, and Kyle Smith give the race real weight. We finish the episode by looking ahead to the T100 Gold Coast, and what this season could have in store as the series continues to take shape. For 10% OFF the entire Huub range use the code "Talkingtriathlon10" at https://huubdesign.com  To support the podcast please head to: patreon.com/talkingtriathlon To watch this podcast as a video visit: https://bit.ly/3vzSss2  Or check us out on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingtriathlon You can follow James at https://www.instagram.com/bale.james85 You can follow Tim at https://www.instagram.com/tford14 You can donate to Tim's Marathon here: https://melbmara2026.grassrootz.com/beyondblue/tim-ford 

There could soon be a ban on amateur climbers attempting to scale Mount Everest in a bid to ease congestion and discourage extreme selfie hunters with little or no experience taking on the challenge. Nepal's government is looking at new rules that would require climbers to have previously summited a seven-thousand-metre-high mountain before attempting Everest. Wanaka based Adventure Consultants takes climbers up Everest, and General manager Caroline Ogle spoke to Lisa Owen.

The way to anyone's heart is through their stomach - or so we've been told. Here to test that theory is chef Del Holland sharing her love inducing recipes for Chocolate Tahini Cookies and Cheats Portuguese Custard Tarts. Del has over 20 years' experience working in world-class kitchens and as a private chef. She now resides in beautiful Wanaka, and through her social media channel Dishes with Del, she shares recipes to make during a cost-of-living crisis. She speaks with Mihi.

We're Back!its been a couple of months but the hiatus is over and Powtearoa bounces back with a boom.High Elves! We don't know much but we will tell you what we think anyway. Leagues are underway we bring you the current status (that we know of) around the nation. Then there have been a few tournaments already this year. One Day in Wanaka, Haughty Chalice and we had representatives at Cancon in Canberra. One of those kiwi travelers was the Upper Echelon himself, Doomfox! And he joins us on this bumper episode to tell how things went for him and his fellow NZ coaches. Hint....it came down to a single dice roll!So, thanks for joining us as we start of 2026 with an extra long episode. More to come we promise. Thanks for listening and keep rolling Pows.If you are not already on discord, come and join us on the NZBB Discord server here - https://tinyurl.com/joinNZBBC and please visit the NZ Blood Bowl Community FB page here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/NZBBC/ If you are not already on discord, come and join us on the NZBB Discord server here - https://tinyurl.com/joinNZBBC and please visit the NZ Blood Bowl Community FB page here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/NZBBC/ Intro music adapted from Bensound.com. Cheers Bensound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's AidStation, we have the distinct pleasure of speaking with Race Director Tom Heath about the exciting new event on the calendar, Ultra Wanaka. Ali and Matt also speak to the most powerful returning champion, L. Bartholomew of Diamond Creek, Victoria, about her go-to Rotorua trails, Race week self-care, and the update on her Dad, Ash, after his recent stroke. Matt has been accused of many things, being discursive, even downright circumstantial, but one thing he has never been in the 8 years of DCR is speechless. Thanks, Lucy. Really.   Excellent Stuff.Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.​--- --- --- Episode Links Lucy Bartholomew InstagramAsh Bartholomew DCR 247Ultra Wanaka HomeSign up for the DCR AidStation newsletter.Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on FacebookFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Guest: Andy Love Hosts: Dave Homewood Recorded: 2nd of February 2026 Released: 2nd of February 2026 Duration:  44 minutes 58 seconds In this episode Andy Love, air display coordinator of the upcoming Warbirds Over Wanaka 2026 International Airshow gives a rundown of what the public can expect to see, and he warns that tickets are selling out fast. The three-day show over Easter Weekend – 3rd to 5th of April 2026 – is looking to be a very good one with some spectacular flying acts lined up. Easter Saturday is now fully sold out but there are still General Admission and Silver Pass tickets available for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Get your tickets here!https://www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com/httpswww-warbirdsoverwanaka-comairshow/tickets Also selling fast are the bookings for the various aircraft rides available, so go to the links on this page to make your bookings:https://www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com/flight-experience Check out the line up here:https://www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com/httpswww-warbirdsoverwanaka-comairshow/aircraft-confirmed The music at the end of this episode is Wild Flower by Joachim Karud.

Jeff Morris, Race Director Ultraman Australia shares his journey into the world of triathlon and the unique challenges of organizing the Ultraman race. He discusses the decision to bring the Ultraman event to Wanaka, New Zealand, highlighting the course details, community engagement and the family atmosphere that surrounds the race.  We have a free race entry to giveaway to the IRONMAN 70.3 in Geelong in March. 00:00 – Challenge Wanaka 06:36 – Ultraman 12:02 – Jeff Morris Ultraman 53:21 – IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong 58:26 – Free race entry competition to IM703 Geelong LINKS: Ultraman at https://ultramanoz.com.au/ Challenge Wanaka https://challenge-wanaka.com/ IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-geelong Hawea Epic https://www.lakehaweaepic.co.nz/ Ruby Island Swim https://www.swimrubyisland.co.nz/ T100 https://t100triathlon.com/

McDonald's finally has the green light to build its golden arches in Wanaka, more than two years after first floating the idea. The fast-food giant's secured consent for a new restaurant in the town's Three Parks commercial area. It's almost a year after an earlier proposal was knocked back amid widespread public opposition. Queenstown Lakes Deputy Mayor Quentin Smith told Mike Hosking the bid might've gone through first time if McDonald's had aimed for a commercial zone from the start. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changement d'ambiance en arrivant sur l'île du Sud.Bérangère évoque les parcs nationaux, l'approche du glacier Franz Josef et l'étape à Wanaka, une ville connue pour son lac et son arbre emblématique planté dans l'eau. Elle raconte aussi comment ces premières étapes donnent le ton d'un road trip plus sauvage.Pour écouter l'épisode en entier :2 mois en campervan en Nouvelle-Zélande en famille-----------Si l'épisode vous a plu, laissez-moi une note 5 ⭐️ou un commentaire sur Apple Podcasts ou Spotify

A historic first for Warbirds Over Wanaka this Easter. One of the world's most advanced fighter jets, the US Air Force F-22 Raptor, will appear on all three days of the April air show. It's the only US-built fighter never sold overseas, and this will be its first visit to New Zealand. General Manager Ed Taylor told Andrew Dickens the demonstration will showcase the aircraft's full capabilities, and it'll be unbelievably loud and ground-shaking. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hoodoo Gurus are returning to New Zealand to perform at the Greenstone Summer Concert series, alongside Iggy Pop and Joan Jett, and New Zealand's very own Zed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The driver for social media content appears to be pushing people beyond their limits, and resulting in rescues. Paul Rogers is an emergency rescue volunteer in Wanaka and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Time for bookmarks now, the feature where an interesting person shares their favourite cultural picks with us and today we're joined by American singer and songwriter Santigold She's headlining this year's Rhythm and Alps festival in Wanaka - which is taking place from the 29th to 31st December

GODZONE. Peak Kiwi madness. Currently Chapter 12 of the most berserk race is unfolding in the Marlborough region. This iconic adventure beggars belief. This year's edition, over 615 kilometres, encompasses many disciplines, not a great deal of sleep, and the tyranny of navigation for the four member teams competing, all operating under the intense stress of fatigue and sleep deprivation. They mountain bike, trek, packraft, kayak, and canyon on a course that takes in 16000m of ascent. The race is expected to take five days for the frontrunners. One of the absolute legends of global adventure racing and 7-time winner of GODZONE is Nathan Fa'avae. This man has finally stepped away from the race, leaving Chris Forne, 10-time champion, to soldier on with Simone Meyer, 7-time winner Sophie Hart, and 5-time Coast to Coast champion Simone Maier. Sam Clarke is also with the team. But the Fa'avae name will still be present in the race, with daughter Tide competing in a team of teenagers. The next generation is here. The teams don't know where they are going until just before the race commences, another twist in the tale of GODZONE. The race has been staged over some of the most stunning regions Te Waipounamu (the South Island) has to offer. Wanaka, Mt Cook Aoaraki, Fiordland, the race even went north once too, 2021 in Rotorua. It's a celebration of the magnificence of our extraordinary home, an event we should all be proud of. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health New Zealand says shifting appointments out of hospitals and into communities could spare Otago residents about 40-thousand road trips a year. It's unveiled some ideas for overhauling health services in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, after vowing in July to tackle long-standing inequities. As Katie Todd reports, the pitch had a mixed reaction in Wanaka.

Esta semana compartimos la primera parte de un set grabado en un lugar muy especial. Viajamos a la otra punta del mundo, a un rincón llamado Wanaka que forma parte de Nueva Zelanda. Junto a un inmenso lago, disfrutamos de la música electrónica y la naturaleza con esta emocionante sesión de Henry Saiz. Escuchar audio

A flock of mohua have been released into the Matukituki Valley west of Wanaka, in the hopes of kickstarting a thriving new population. Katie Todd reports.

Jared updates on the storm damage to Fiordland's Great Walks, a new record average asking house price in Central Otago and Southern Lakes, an arrest over cell tower damage in Wanaka and the solar lights in Queenstown's skies.

In this episode of Untidy, Matilda and Hannah pick up where they left off after Hannah rediscovers the long-lost screenshots from ‘Gareth the Weird Tinder Guy’ and his post-date text barrage. She reads them aloud to take Matty on a journey from polite ‘go wells’ to a spectacular ‘f*ck this’ emotional implosion. Matilda shares her own encounter with an unhinged Facebook messenger whose rants somehow didn’t “violate community standards,” and the pair ponder how rejection, the internet, and a few too many can send people right off the rails. The girls swap Halloween stories, debut their brand new Untidy T-shirts, and reminisce on Hannah’s Wanaka girls’ weekend that produced a full cup and a cracking ‘Car Cassettes’ playlist just for the millennials. Hannah also talks about a brand-new podcast she co-hosts with Vedic Meditation Teacher, Georgia Vavasour, called ‘Unbound’. All about finding your place in modern spirituality, Georgia helps listeners get unbound on all of the big life questions, like, relationships, astrology, manifestation, happiness, purpose, religion, consciousness and accessing your clarity. In a digestible, accessible, practical, and light-hearted way, Georgia helps listeners, (and Hannah), to help get through the bumpy road of personal growth. References mentioned in the show: Previous episode: Live Laugh Lamb Shoulder — catch up on the ‘Gareth the Weird Tinder Guy’ saga Listen to Hannah’s Car Cassettes playlist on Spotify Listen to Unbound with Georgia Vavasour and Hannah Davison on Spotify Order your Untidy merch here VOTE FOR UNTIDY IN THE LISTENERS' CHOICE AWARD! If you’re enjoying Untidy, the best way to show your support is by tapping the ‘+ follow’ button in your podcast app and subscribing on YouTube! That way, fresh episodes will always be ready and waiting for you. Help us to keep building this supportive community — share an episode with a mate, and chuck us a 5-star review — it helps more people find our Untidy, unfiltered, and relatable chats. Thank you for listening, contributing and supporting this independent production! We’re grateful to have you here! — Hannah & Matty xx Don’t forget! Untidy is made for YOU — the people right at the heart of this steaming hot mess! Follow the show and DM us on Instagram @untidypodcast or email hello@untidypodcast.com. Your stories and ideas to help shape the show! Find us online at Untidy podcast. Find Matilda at @matootles and get your copy of The Feel Good Guide. Find Hannah at @hannahedavison and her My Big Moments children’s books at @mybigmoments. Enter code UNTIDY at checkout for 10% off your order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As desperate job seekers battle for work across the country, Queenstown and Wanaka are bucking the trend. Katie Todd reports.

The new owners of the Cardrona Hotel jumped on the investment to keep it in Kiwi hands. Central Otago's 162-year-old heritage-listed hotel and restaurant has sold, after being on the market since July. Wanaka local, Warren Barclay, will run the business - and says the new owners are high net worth Kiwis and good sorts who see potential. He says business is solid and we don't want to do anything that changes that. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A spate of arson attacks on cell towers in Wanaka and the wider Otago region has left people angry and worried about communication outages. Katie Todd reports from Wanaka.

Send us a textNews of the UM brand's expansion into New Zealand broke earlier this year during the UM Australia Livestream event, hosted by 515. Remarkably, the new event sold out immediately—even before athletes knew any details about the course. To share how Wanaka was chosen as the host site and fill in the details, I'm joined by Race Director Jeff Morris.Resources mentioned in this episode:UM AustraliaUM New ZealandIM TaupoChallenge WanakaCardrona HotelRuby Fresh WetsuitsRuby Island SwimNorsemen X TriShout outs and mentions in this episode:Jen McVeay (S2E8)Ian BlatchfordGillian WinterfordAndré KajlichShane Duffy (S4E5)Eddie SpearingTim FranklinSimon Cochrane (S4E8)Carl ReadTiffany DahlJane SharmanColleen NisbetSteve YorkTony HortonCraig PercivalWayne MetcalfSupport the showShow Contributors:Host : Larry RyanContributing Raconteur : Steve KingAnnouncer : Mary Jo DionneProduction : 5Five EnterprisesMusic : Run by 331 For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @515TheUltraPodcastInsta : @515theultrapodcastYoutube : @515TheUltraPodcastEmail : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

On this week's episode, host Caryn Antonini is joined by Mark Simmonds, Founder of Broken Shed Vodka, a super premium quality vodka with award-winning, smooth taste and sustainable distillation practices, operating out of Wanaka, New Zealand. As a master blender with 30 years of experience in the beverage industry, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and was been a pivotal force in the creation of Broken Shed vodka; He is one of three founders and currently responsible for production and quality control. For more information on our guest:Home | Clean, Crisp, Commended | Broken Shed Vodka | Broken Shed Vodkabrokenshed.comCaryn Antoniniwww.cultivatedbycaryn.com@carynantonini@cultivatedbycarynshow###Get great recipes from Caryn at https://carynantonini.com/recipes/

An action plan to help keep small airlines flying regional routes is expected to land on the desk of the Associate Transport Minster any day now. Air NZ serves 20 regional areas, but the smaller carriers are the only ones flying to places like Wairoa, Masterton and Stewart Island. From the end of next month Sounds Air is canning its flights from Blenheim to Christchurch, and Christchurch to Wanaka, due to what it has described as out of control costs. Associate Minister of Transport, James Meager spoke to Lisa Owen.

A new book, edited by Wanaka-based film-maker Nick Stevenson, showcases the best of what New Zealand has to offer mountain-bikers.

We're out in New Zealand and we had the pleasure of sitting down with Wrexham Director Shaun Harvey on the Fozcast. In this episode, Shaun gives us a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how transfers really happen — from navigating obstacles to sealing the deal.  With Wrexham now in the Championship, he also explains how the club's strategy might evolve as they push for a historic promotion to the Premier League… We also chatted about:

A group representing airlines says prices will continue to go up and more services will be lost if there is not a reset of the air industry's investment structure. Cath O'Brien from the Board of Airline Representatives is among industry representatives to call out spiralling costs in the wake of Sounds Air having to cut their routes from Blenheim to Christchurch and Christchurch to Wanaka. The rise in security levies means airlines will pay $10.91 per domestic passenger instead of $6.57 and $22.30 per international passenger instead of $13.12. Cath O'Brien from the Board of Airline Representatives spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Sounds Air has announced further cuts in their regional routes meaning tourists jumping between spots in the South Island like Blenheim and Christchurch will first have to travel north to Wellington. From the 28th of September, Blenheim to Christchurch and Christchurch to Wanaka flights will stop. The company cites escalating costs like a 145% increase in the civil aviation authority levies and a weak New Zealand dollar among the reasons for the cutback. It means 10 staff will lose their job. Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor is worried about the impact it will have on the region and spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Two popular regional flights in the South Island are on the chopping block due to what is has been described as 'out of control' costs. Sounds Air will soon can its flights from Blenheim to Christchurch and Christchurch to Wanaka. It comes after the airline cancelled its services from Wellington to Taupo and Wellington to Westport last December, and sold an aircraft. It has been seen as not just a blow to hopes of boosting tourism but also for healthcare and those needing treatment at Christchurch Hospital. Tess Brunton reports.

Questions are being raised as to why taxpayer money backs trains but not planes, as more regional flight routes are axed. Operator Sounds Air is dropping its Blenheim to Christchurch and Christchurch to Wanaka services from September, with 10 jobs lost. Despite good passenger numbers, the decision is driven by unsustainable costs, so it is having to sell part of its fleet. CEO Andrew Crawford told Mike Hosking the money spent on the train from Hamilton to Auckland would cover regional aviation in a heartbeat. He says the Government's happy to put money into trains, roads, and ferries but nothing towards regional connectivity. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is cash still king? NZ First thinks so, with a members bill looking to protect its use for all stores selling goods worth under $500. The panel speaks to a banking expert. Then, they head to Wanaka where a young entrepreneur is working hard to revive a little-known kiwi clothing brand.

Central Otago's iconic Cardrona Hotel is up for sale through private negotiation. The 162-year-old building sits between Wanaka and Queenstown. It's on the market for the first time in more than a decade. Co-owner Cade Thornton told Mike Hosking they'll be selling privately, with no real estate agents involved. He says there's been expressions of interest throughout their ownership, from overseas parties and nationwide. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a clever new marketing ploy from a Wanaka fashion designer. ‘The Precious Collaborative' are selling $10,000 coats in order to subsidise New Zealand wool products in their store. The profits of the coats are able to discount a once $700 item to under $200 – the aim to put quality NZ wool items within the average person's reach. Founder Claire O'Connell told Mike Hosking that by purchasing the coat, people are supporting so much within the country – from the strong wool industry right through to local production. So far two people have bought the $10,000 coat, and O'Connell says that since then they've sold almost 100 garments, of which 85% were bought at the discounted price. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A coat worth $10,000 is out of reach for most of us, but a Wanaka-based design label has come up with a creative way to put quality goods in front of more customers.

Wanaka's health woes have taken centre stage today at a fiery public meeting with government ministers. At the third stop on a rural roadshow, Matt Doocey, Mark Patterson and health chiefs were pressed for urgent answers, while locals laid out stories of delays and decline. Katie Todd reports.

Sally Battson from The Next Chapter in Wanaka reviews The Passengers on the Hankyu Line by Hiro Arikawa published by Penguin Random House.

Some cracking questions from Talk Birdie To Me wolfpackers this week, and Nick and Mark love chatting through them in our feedback pods.Craig is having issue off the tee, he is shanking it, and asks for a few thoughts from the boys....they have some solid advice.David sometimes gets distracted when he's over the ball if he sees some movement in his vision, and this is throwing him off....asks how Nick and Mark would deal with that. Tom loved Nicks story about having breakfast with Jack Nicklaus, if you haven't heard it you can watch it here. And Perry loves the idea of a bonus pod on the Troppo Tour, wants to hear some stories. Mark says that we have to get Wayne 'Radar' Riley on the pod to tell some stories.After the turn, we head to Wanaka in New Zealand to chase to wolfpacker Scott, who asks the boys about maintaining focus when you are playing well. Nick gives some great advice, Mark tells a brilliant story about tour pro Wayne Smith essentially helped him get another three years on tour by doing what Nick advocates, and then Scott is keen to know how Nick managed his mental focus when he was playing Tiger Woods. Great questions, great chat. We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;PING will help you play your best. See your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;Golf Clearance Outlet, visit them online here to find your nearest store.Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia.And watchMynumbers: download from the App Store or Google Play, and Southern Golf Club: with their brand new Simulator Room. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's winter and the days in Wanaka are getting shorter . . . until Jesse and Jonah notice they are getting too short. They must find the king of darkness and convince him to embrace the light before Wanaka is plunged into permanent darkness.Enjoying Maked Up Stories? Please rate and review us and share your child's favorite episode on social media and in parenting and school groups. This is the best way for new listeners to find the podcast.Maked Up Stories is a daily children's bedtime stories podcast. Perfect for your bedtime routine, your commute, or for some high quality screen-free entertainment at home. Our interactive format will ignite your imagination. Rich vocabulary with plenty of context clues supports your child's language development.To submit an intro, outro or story request visit www.makedupstories.com.For questions, feedback or to submit your child's answer to a question we ask in the show email us at makedupstories@gmail.com.Check out our sister podcast Maked Up Clubhouse, where all the storytellers are kids! https://open.spotify.com/show/1DJIjGsPGXvUi4Qmcima0K?si=8cb76c3e21b248d0Love our intro and outro music? We do do! The song is Hishtadlus by Batya Levine and you can find more of her work on Spotify.

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast we are joined by Mark Anderson a Registered Master Builder, Licensed Building Practitioner, and Certified Passive House Tradesperson based in Wanaka, New Zealand. Mark founded MA Building in 2013, driven by a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation in residential construction. Growing up on building sites alongside his father, Mark developed a deep respect for the trade, which he now channels into creating high-performance, architecturally designed homes. His passion for Passive House principles stems from a desire to build healthier, more energy-efficient homes for future generations. Connect with Mark Anderson:Website: mabuilding.co.nzInstagram: @mabuilding_wanakaPHINZ Directory: M A Building WanakaResources Mentioned:MA Building Blog: Why I Chose Passive Homes: The Real StoryPassive House Institute New Zealand: passivehouse.nz

I think I'm encouraged by the numbers of submissions into the Covid inquiry. This is Covid inquiry part two. The second part is to try and rectify the stitch up that was Covid part one from the previous Government, who were determined to set criteria that would not expose the true damage they wrought upon most of us. 31,000 have had their say this time. It is pointed out they came from all ages, all locations and were both positive as well as negative. Given Health NZ submitted on whether Wanaka should have a McDonalds, do not underestimate the establishment's ability to spend an indecent amount of time and money in putting a best-case scenario forward in a butt-covering exercise. This part of the inquiry looks into masks and mandates, vaccines and lockdowns, and 31,000 submissions tells me we are still very much exercised about the historic nature of the event and our keenness to try and come up with something that sees nothing like a repeat of the last exercise. I note the other day poor, old Chris Hipkins still tries to walk that very fine line between admitting they were in charge of a balls up and pretending it went mostly well. He is in an unwinnable place. As the last sap left standing, given Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson are long gone, he has the sorry task of defending what really were some astonishingly poor decisions. But that doesn't mean the inquiry will come up with answers. Answers such as will a pandemic be the same, or similar, or not similar at all? What sort of Government will be in? Will that Government be competent or experienced? What roll will the public service play? Will epidemiologists become household names again? Will New Zealanders sink into a myopic funk again waiting for a leader to tell them what sort of stuffed animal to put in the window? What made last time so bad was the control, and out of the control, followed the anger and fear. I'm not sure an inquiry can dictate answers or solutions around emotion. But 31,000 submissions tells you the emotion is still very, very real. At least in putting the second part of the inquiry on, we attempt to recognise how profound those dark and troubled days really were. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the help of a dream Jesse discovers that his lucky pillow gives him the magical ability to float, even when he's awake! With some encouragement from Jonah, Jesse uses this ability to make himself indispensable at the Wheels at Wanaka event. Enjoying Maked Up Stories? Please rate and review us and share your child's favorite episode on social media and in parenting and school groups. This is the best way for new listeners to find the podcast.Maked Up Stories is a daily children's bedtime stories podcast. Perfect for your bedtime routine, your commute, or for some high quality screen-free entertainment at home. Our interactive format will ignite your imagination. Rich vocabulary with plenty of context clues supports your child's language development.To submit an intro, outro or story request visit www.makedupstories.com.For questions, feedback or to submit your child's answer to a question we ask in the show email us at makedupstories@gmail.com.Check out our sister podcast Maked Up Clubhouse, where all the storytellers are kids! https://open.spotify.com/show/1DJIjGsPGXvUi4Qmcima0K?si=8cb76c3e21b248d0Love our intro and outro music? We do do! The song is Hishtadlus by Batya Levine and you can find more of her work on Spotify.

A Wanaka woman said she was made to feel like a burden when she was trying to get help in a time of crisis. She's told her story following a report that shows there are huge barriers for people in the Upper Clutha who need to access mental health support from a struggling, under-resourced system. A warning, this story from reporter Tess Brunton discusses suicide.

Jared discusses the Shotover wastewater treatment plant, NASA is back in Wanaka, an update on the Roxburgh Cinema and Town Hall, and there's been snow... in April! Jared McCulloch is a 1 News Reporter in Queenstown

Today on the podcast, Manaia shares his experience from a Wanaka stag do over the weekend... Two new podcasts out every day, in the same place as you got this one!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sporty couple Mark Smoothi and Alyssa Coe will renew their wedding vows during the challenge Wanaka Half; a triathalon that includes an almost two kilometere swim, 90 kilometre bike and a run of more than 21 kilometres. Almost ten years ago, they got married during a Wanaka challenge event that was twice that distance. They took a break half way through the marathon to say their wedding vows. Mark and Alyssa spoke to Lisa Owen.