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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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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