Notes, See New Zealand

Broken River is gearing up for another busy off-season, with a series of summer work parties planned to keep the club field in top shape before winter returns.

Upcoming dates include:

• 28 February – 1 March
• 14–15 March
• 3–6 April (Easter)
• 25–27 April (ANZAC)
• 16–17 May
• 6–7 June
• 27–28 June

From maintenance projects to infrastructure upgrades, these weekends are all about preparing the mountain for the season ahead.

If you’re keen to lend a hand, register by emailing wppersonnel@brokenriver.co.nz. Please register by the Tuesday before your chosen work party date.

Mt Olympus Ski Club is calling for muscle on February 21–22 as major summer projects roll into action ahead of winter.

This year’s focus includes a full Bottom Hut re-fresh - the biggest spruce-up it’s ever seen - including bunk re-fit, painting, window repairs and a new fire. The hand tow is being extended by 30 metres, making main tow access smoother and more efficient. Up top, there are Top Hut upgrades, with staff quarters and pantry/freezer reconfiguration underway. There’s also serious groundwork happening, with new power cable trenching to strengthen the field’s infrastructure.

These projects don’t build themselves. They’re powered by members who show up and get stuck in. Every day on the tools helps future-proof the mountain we all love - and earns work party days that convert into member discounts.

Check the latest newsletter for full details and join the mahi before winter arrives.

Temple Basin Ski Club are looking for 2 summer roles - Cook, catering for visiting school groups and a Custodian - operating the goods lift at the road, guiding groups to the tarns in Upper Bills Basin, general lodge support. You’ll work closely together and with the groups to keep the lodge clean, functional, and welcoming.

Applicants need Good fitness and confidence in alpine environments, excellent English and communication skills, First Aid certification and a NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa, with role-specific experience required. Accommodation, meals, and training are included, along with the chance to spend summer in the mountains and potentially return for winter work. Interested applicants can email bookings@templebasin.co.nz for details.

The New Zealand SailGP Team are set to return for their home event in Auckland after a rapid recovery from a dramatic crash in Perth that ended their opening weekend early. A round-the-clock repair effort has put the Kiwi crew back on track for the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland on February 14–15, setting up a highly anticipated return in front of a home crowd on the Waitematā Harbour.

Wing trimmer Blair Tuke said the team is “absolutely pumped” to be racing again. The collision with Switzerland caused severe damage to the left-side hull, but inspections confirmed the F50’s main structure remained intact, allowing repairs rather than a full replacement.

A new hull section was built in Southampton and flown to New Zealand, with the Black Foils now focused on getting back on the startline when SailGP returns to Auckland.

AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has officially launched the Kawarau Swing, the South Island’s first three-person adventure swing, at its iconic Kawarau Bridge site in Queenstown.

Suspended 43 metres above the Kawarau River, the new swing gives visitors the choice of a solo, tandem or triple ride, making it a versatile and family-friendly alternative to the classic bungy jump. Designed for those who want an adrenaline rush without the full commitment of a bungy, the swing arcs smoothly across the gorge before winching riders back to the launch deck.

The experience is open to anyone 8 years and older (with guardian consent for under-15s). Solo riders must weigh between 30–150 kg, while tandem and triple groups have a combined maximum weight of 200 kg.

Located at the original “World Home of Bungy,” the Kawarau Swing adds another chapter to AJ Hackett’s long-standing legacy of adventure innovation in Queenstown. It also broadens the appeal of the Kawarau Bungy Centre, offering an option for families, couples, and anyone wanting a thrill built around fun rather than fear.

Black Foils driver Peter Burling has been voted the winner of the MVP category in the 2025 SailGP Fan Awards, recognising a standout season at the helm of New Zealand’s F50.

Burling has led the Black Foils to two event wins this season and has them firmly in the hunt for their first Rolex SailGP Championship title.

New Zealand sit second overall, just three points behind leaders Emirates Team New Zealand, heading into the Championship-deciding Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final.

Wild Kiwi Tours, the Kiwi-founded operator was recognised for its authentic small-group adventures, strong sustainability values, and commitment to showcasing Aotearoa’s people and landscapes. The company credited its guides, local partners, and travellers for helping make the win possible. Visit Wild Kiwi Tours website.

Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, winners of the @tourismindustryaotearoa @airnewzealand Supreme Award at last night’s 2025 Tourism Industry Awards in Tākina, Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

Te Puia also took home the NZME Visitor Experience Award and the Sudima Hotel Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business) — an incredible recognition of their team, community, and commitment to excellence.

Ready for a Summer to remember? Join Festival Friends! Kia maumahara ai tō raumati! Tūhono mai hei Hoa o te Ahurei!

Festival Friends is a community for arts-lovers who thrive on sharing unforgettable live moments together. For just $49 (founding members only), you’ll unlock early access to tickets, exclusive discounts, and members-only giveaways that keep the magic of the Festival close all year round. As a founding member, your contribution helps us create the future of the Festival. More about festival friends.

Congratulations to Wildwire Wanaka for being recognised with a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, placing it among the top 10% of activities worldwide. The award highlights the experiences guests value most, based on consistent positive reviews. Well done. View Wildwire website

The Auckland Arts festival 2026. In a historic collaboration of Eastern and Western traditions, China’s prestigious Shanghai Symphony Orchestra brings two premium classical concerts to the Festival as part of its landmark Australasian-Southeast Asian tour. Performing twice at Auckland Town Hall. Click here for tickets