In this special "Christmas Wrap" episode, host Clare looks back on an incredible year of connection, growth, and adventure in the Queenstown Lakes region. From unforgettable heli-skiing powder days with family and friends, to mountain biking, adventure races, and insightful conversations with inspiring guests, Clare and the Mountain Club community have plenty to celebrate.This episode dives deep into the highlights of 2025 - sharing stories of resilience, creativity, and the evolving power of human connection that makes this community so unique. Clare discusses the importance of being present, staying thankful, and fostering intentional relationships, both within Mountain Club and the wider region. You'll hear reflections on favourite moments, lessons learned, and honest, vulnerable encounters from throughout the year’s podcast episodes.Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the show, "Christmas Wrap" is a celebration of the people, places, and purposeful future that define Mountain Club. Get ready for inspiring anecdotes, thoughtful takeaways, and a heartwarming reminder to appreciate the now and look forward to what's next.
In this episode, host Clare Irons sits down with Benje Patterson - economist, strategist, storyteller, and local community leader - to unravel the fast-changing landscape of Queenstown and the surrounding region.Benje Patterson, who serves on the boards of both the Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association and the Queenstown Trails Trust, shares his unique perspective on what it means to belong in Queenstown, the challenges of rapid growth, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines life in the mountains.Together, Clare and Benje Patterson dive into big questions: how can Queenstown plan for its explosive population growth? What does housing security really look like in a place where affordability is a constant concern? They explore the critical role of infrastructure, public transport innovation, and the impact of tourism and investment on shaping the region’s future.Join us for a conversation that moves from backcountry trail runs to boardroom decisions, weaving in stories of community resilience, the power of local organisations, and hopes for a prosperous, balanced future in the mountain playground. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or just mountain-curious, this episode will leave you inspired by the energy and possibilities of life in Queenstown.
This episode is a deep dive into journeys - geographical, entrepreneurial, and personal wellbeing. Paddy sits down with Matt Chapman, a globetrotter turned Wanaka local, whose story stretches from a small town in Australia, through the bustling streets of Singapore, and finally, to the stunning landscapes of the Queenstown Lakes region. Matt shares his path from a highly scheduled, high-performing corporate life to finding balance and meaning in remote work, start-ups, and community building. We’ll hear how ultra marathons and business challenges led to the creation of ChapmanCG, and how that company’s growth and eventual exit paved the way for Matt's reinvention in New Zealand. This episode explores the importance of spontaneous adventure, nurturing wellbeing, and building connections - both professional and personal - in a place that inspires creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.From the thrill of founding global businesses to the serenity of planting thousands of trees and building a new collective for wellbeing, Matt's journey is a testament to embracing change, fostering community, and living life with intention. Get ready for a conversation about reinventing yourself, trusting in the unknown, and the magic of the mountains - right here in the heart of New Zealand.
In this heartfelt episode, Claire Turnbull, founder of Mission Nutrition and Feel Good the Find Wellness Programme, joins our host Clare Irons to talk about mental health, food, and the messy, beautiful reality of balance.Claire opens up about her personal journey - from burnout and eating disorders to helping others find true wellbeing. She shares how to end your fight with food, why sleep and morning light matter more than diets, and how to build a life that actually feels good inside and out.🎧 Honest, practical, and full of hope - this is wellbeing, without the wellness hype.
On this episode of the Mountain Club Podcast, we brought together New Zealand’s comedy legends for an honest, hilarious, and inspiring conversation. In our first live podcast we heard from Jeremy Corbett, Michèle A’Court, Emma Lange, and David Downs. We heard wild tales from their early days, how they built a career from scratch, and how comedy helped them through life’s toughest moments, including stories of overcoming cancer. With touching insights about resilience, the power of community, and plenty of laughs, this session is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose - and proof that laughter truly is the best medicine.
On this episode of the Mountain Club Podcast, Paddy sat down with Quentin, the visionary behind Snow Machine and Arrival, to talk all things Queenstown, entrepreneurship, and event innovation. Quentin shares how his love for travel and adventure transformed Queenstown’s shoulder seasons, boosting the local economy with world-class events. We dive into the power of collaboration, building community, and turning big ideas into reality. If you’re interested in the intersection of lifestyle, business, and creating experiences that matter, this conversation is packed with inspiration and insights.
It’s Wills Month, and we couldn’t think of a better guest than Jennifer Belmont - CEO of the 45South Community Foundation who quite literally brought her famous cookies (yes, cookies 🍪) to the podcast with Paddy.Jennifer shares how she’s redefined philanthropy in Queenstown, scaling from a DIY startup to a regional force with billion-dollar ambitions. At the heart of her message this month? Legacy giving. Even a simple 10% gift in your will can create generational impact without taking away from your family’s future.From Impact100’s $200k community power move to youth philanthropy (the “gateway drug to giving”), Jennifer shows how generosity, big or small, becomes a legacy. This Wills Month, she’s here to remind us: your story can live on, one thoughtful decision at a time.
In this episode, Vic Crockford, director of Heft Communications and founder of the Coalition to End Women's Homelessness, shares her journey across sectors, from community advocacy to cultural leadership. She unpacks the often-overlooked crisis of women’s homelessness in Aotearoa, where more than 57,000 women live in severe housing deprivation with wāhine Māori most affected.Vic introduces the Papatuanuku paradigm, a Māori-led housing toolkit grounded in Te ao Māori values, and urges for gender analysis to be built into policy from the start. Her work bridges housing, culture, and creativity - including supporting over 65 creative spaces through Arts Access Aotearoa.With deep roots in Queenstown and a love for the mountains, Vic brings both personal perspective and national impact. From couch surfing to community art, she challenges us to rethink what "home" really means and where creativity can belong.
What do trails really mean for Queenstown? Spoiler: it’s way bigger than bikes.In this episode of The Mountain Club Podcast, Clare sits down with Mark “Willy” Williams, CEO of Queenstown Trails Trust. From epic loops like the Coronet Track to the idea of Queenstown becoming the poster child for smart, sustainable town planning, Willy breaks down how trails fuel not just adventure but transport, conservation, community and connection.Expect talk of ski mornings, bike afternoons, predator traps, bridges that need to be built yesterday, and why Queenstown could be a global case study in doing growth right. This one’s not just for the lycra crowd, it’s for anyone who cares about the future of where we live and play.
In this episode, Alex Worker shares his remarkable journey from a global upbringing to becoming a driving force in New Zealand’s food tech revolution. Speaking from Queenstown, Alex opens up about balancing family life with entrepreneurial grit, shares insights from his time at Fonterra and Impossible Foods, and dives into his current ventures: Lilo Desserts (with a Pop Up coming to Mountain Club soon) and Nutrition from Water (NXW). He explores how New Zealand’s natural strengths and international reputation can lead the charge in sustainable nutrition and innovative food tech, especially through licensing and non-traditional export models. Alex also touches on geopolitics, Mountain Club's role in fostering connection, and his work with Future Food Aotearoa to support globally ambitious startups.
In this episode of the Mountain Club Podcast, Clare sits down with Krystle O'Neil, founder of Nourish Our Minds, to explore the journey from burnout to balance. Krystle shares her personal wake-up call from stress-related illness, her transformative experience with NLP and timeline therapy, and her mission to help ambitious people break free from people-pleasing and perfectionism.We dive into the power of the subconscious mind, the dance between masculine and feminine energy, and why success without self-love can leave us feeling empty. Whether you're chasing career goals or seeking more flow in life, this conversation is full of insights on how to reconnect with your true self, sidestep burnout, and redefine success on your own terms.
From a lymphoma diagnosis to becoming one of the first Kiwis to receive life-saving CAR T cell therapy, David Downs’ story is one of grit, hope, and purpose. In this episode, David opens up about his journey through failed chemotherapy to the pioneering CAR T treatment in Boston that gave him a second chance at life.Now an ambassador and trustee for the Malaghan Institute, David shares insights into their Phase 2 CAR T clinical trials set to transform cancer treatment in Aotearoa by next year – and reflects on what it takes to fund and scale world-class medical innovation in New Zealand’s tight philanthropic landscape.We also dive into the maturing NZ tech ecosystem, from Rocket Lab to Xero, and the power of a ‘pay it forward’ culture to drive future growth. David unpacks how national branding efforts like New Zealand Story are balancing humility with bold ambition on the world stage, and what’s next for regional innovation, including Technology Queenstown’s vision for a University of Otago campus to unlock talent pipelines and world-class research opportunities.Want more from David Downs and the Malaghan Institute? Join us at Mountain Club on Thursday 31 July, 12:30–14:30, for an unmissable panel with David, Dr Kylie Price, and Dr Lisa Connor.
In this episode of the Mountain Club Podcast, we sit down with Laura Nicol — startup operator, community builder, and host of the Calling Operator podcast. From pouring pints at Zephyr Bar to becoming Chief of Staff at Co Ventures, Laura's journey is one of bold pivots and purpose-driven impact.We unpack her deep love of Queenstown, reflections on burnout and self-care, and the power of community in fast-paced environments. With a move to Melbourne on the horizon, Laura shares her hopes for deeper connections, personal evolution, and Queenstown's potential as a future innovation hub.If you're navigating change or building something new, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a little Jack's Point perspective.
What happens when bold ideas meet big mountains? In this episode, Paddy Kluts sits down with Brad Rowe to explore the evolution of tourism in Queenstown through the lens of experience, innovation and connection.From high-flying gondolas to gravity-defying mountain bike trails, Brad shares how Skyline is building unforgettable moments and reshaping the tourism model in Aotearoa. We talk big moves like the Queenstown cable car and small-but-mighty wins—like the legendary popsicle hotline at a Los Angeles hotel.Brad unpacks how tech is transforming the visitor experience, why community collaboration matters more than ever, and what it takes to stay ahead in a fast-moving industry. Whether you're a tourism operator, a curious traveller, or a future-forward thinker, this one's for you.
Some founders make the news. Others build the future. Rowan Simpson is one of those quietly iconic figures who’s helped shape some of Aotearoa’s most successful tech stories—Trade Me, Xero, Vend, Timely—without ever chasing the spotlight.In this wide-ranging conversation, Rowan unpacks the art of getting it wrong (and why that’s okay). From his early days in Wellington’s tech era to investing in ideas that didn’t always go to plan, he shares what it really takes to build something meaningful—and why the best founders aren’t the loudest in the room.Rowan’s gift? He asks better questions. Ones that challenge the hype and centre what really matters: culture, founder-investor fit, and building for the long game. Whether you’re in the trenches of your own start-up or just love a good origin story, this episode is a masterclass in humility, insight, and seriously good storytelling.Plus, don’t miss Rowan in real life. We’re hosting the launch of his new book, How to Be Wrong, at Mountain Club Beach St on Friday 13 June. Space is limited—so if you’re keen to catch this conversation live, get in touch with the team.
What does it take to scale a global business without losing your soul? In this powerful episode, Magic Memories founder John Wikstrom reflects on three decades of bold moves, honest leadership, and human-first values. From a spark in Queenstown to building a brand that spans continents, John opens up about the magic moment that started it all, the friendships that shaped his journey, and the resilience that carried him through crisis.He shares how integrity fuelled Magic Memories' global rise, what it means to scale culture across borders, and why mentorship comes in many forms. From leading through COVID to embracing biohacking and a more grounded lifestyle, this is a conversation about business, family, and the courage to stay true to your vision.Expect honesty, heart, and plenty of wisdom from a founder who’s still shaping the future - with soul.
In this episode, Cristina Griffith from Gibbston Valley Winery shares her story of building a life and leadership style rooted in connection, resilience, and innovation. From growing her professional network into lifelong friendships to championing sustainable business, Cristina’s journey is a true reflection of Queenstown’s collaborative spirit. A conversation full of energy, insight, and the spirit of connection.
In this episode, our host Clare Irons chats with Gary Hough, Branch Manager of KiwiHarvest Queenstown & Central Lakes, the food rescue charity behind the iconic green van. Gary shares how one truck, a tight-knit team, and a whole lot of community spirit are helping redistribute over 200,000kg of surplus food a year to local charities — tackling both food waste and food insecurity.We dive into the real challenges locals face in a high-cost region like Queenstown, the environmental toll of discarded food, and the bold plans underway to rebuild local food resilience. This one’s a powerful reminder that community collaboration isn't just nice to have — it’s essential.
Our host Clare Irons and Olivia discuss the transformative role of arts and culture in Queenstown Lakes. Olivia, in her four year tenure as the Director of Te Atamira, shares her journey from fine arts to global business and back to her cultural roots, emphasising how small actions can create bold change.From community programs to art therapy and the need for creative infrastructure, this conversation is a powerful reminder of how the arts shape our world. Tune in and get inspired to take your own small, creative step today!
In this episode, Paddy Kluts talks with Rod Drury, founder of Xero, discussing his post-retirement projects, Queenstown’s growth, and his vision for New Zealand’s renewable energy future. He shares insights on mountain biking, sustainability, public infrastructure, and long-term economic strategies.Rod envisions Queenstown as a testing ground for sustainable innovation. He believes New Zealand must leverage its renewable energy potential the way Saudi Arabia did with oil, making clean energy the backbone of its economy. His work in biking, transport, and green infrastructure aims to turn Queenstown into a model for the future of New Zealand.