A raw and grounded conversation on mental health, leadership, and why mental health education needs to start early. Sir John Kirwan, one of New Zealand’s greatest rugby players, shares how his own lived experience has shaped the work he’s doing today, using his platform to drive meaningful change for the next generation.

Through the Sir John Kirwan Foundation and Mitey, an initiative designed for New Zealand children, schools are supported to deliver an evidence based approach to mental health education from Years 1 to 8. It’s about giving young people the language and tools to understand their wellbeing before it becomes something heavier.

Host Clare Irons also explores the experiences that shaped JK’s perspective, from Māngere to time spent in Italy and Japan, and how culture, relationships, and family have influenced the way he understands emotion, resilience, and leadership today.

Rosie shares her journey into the art world and what it really takes to run a contemporary gallery. From discovering artists and curating exhibitions to balancing intuition with the realities of running a business, she offers an honest look at the decisions behind the scenes.

The conversation explores how galleries shape culture, the importance of relationships with artists and collectors, and how art can bring new energy to a region already known for its natural beauty. It’s a thoughtful discussion on creativity, community, and the quiet influence art can have on a place and the people who experience it. Listen now on the Mountain Club Podcast.

The retreat has championed regenerative tourism practices, from the way the retreat is built, to the immersive experience they offer. Host Paddy Kluts also dives into Damian’s newest venture, Longevity Labs, a platform designed to help people better understand their health through diagnostics, data, and personalised insights, giving individuals the tools to take a more proactive approach to long-term wellbeing.

This conversation is packed with reflections on authenticity, personal and professional evolution, and what it really means to build something meaningful in New Zealand. Nadia shares the challenges and joys of putting herself at the centre of her brand, the realities behind entrepreneurial success, and how her definition of success has changed over the years.

You’ll also hear about the unique aspects of New Zealand’s food culture, the importance of connecting people to where their food comes from, and why Nadia is so passionate about empowering future generations through food education.

Whether you’re curious about food entrepreneurship, discovering Nadia’s journey or just want some inspiring stories of resilience and passion by an inspiring kiwi, tune in.

You’ll hear how Ali has woven together a life of professional growth and outdoor adventure, building a career at the forefront of tech with Lawview while helping to shape the local entrepreneurial scene through Startup Queenstown Lakes (SQL). The conversation touches on Queenstown’s unique blend of work-life balance, the under-appreciated joys of summer on the lake, and why partnerships and community are the backbone of thriving startups.

Whether you’re passionate about tech, entrepreneurship, building connections, or simply love a good story about carving your own path in a stunning corner of the world, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to jump in.

Join us for powerful insights, plenty of laughs, and a reminder of what makes Queenstown such a special place to live, work, and grow.

You’ll hear candid insights about infrastructure delivery, funding, and planning - think cable cars, the future of local healthcare, and the big lessons learned from both the public and private sectors. Ross Copland and Paddy share real talk about political courage, valuing engineering know-how, and how Queenstown can become a model for growth across New Zealand. Whether you’re interested in business leadership or passionate about the future of the region, this episode is packed with inspiration and straight-up home truths.

Together, they explore the origins and growth of Mountain Club, the flourishing Queenstown community, and the role of shared passions like mountain biking in breaking down social barriers.

Sam Stubbs shares how Simplicity’s mission as an “anti-poverty machine” is helping to shape a more equitable New Zealand through innovative investment vehicles, accessible housing, and infrastructure projects that are designed with longevity and quality in mind.

The episode covers everything from why long-term renting could be the future for Kiwi communities, to the importance of giving - not just money, but skills and time - to create true change. Get ready for a wide-ranging chat that touches on housing affordability, the power of purpose, and how intentional connections can shape happier, more resilient societies.

Whether you’re a business leader, mountain bike enthusiast, or someone looking to live well and give back, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights. So grab your headphones and join us for a deep dive into what it means to build places - and lives - where everyone has the chance to thrive.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Join our host Clare Irons and Natalie as they discuss fashion as a catalyst for self-expression and adventure, redefining style norms and embracing the need for connection.

Tune into this insightful conversation with our host Clare Irons and Nat and Kristen from Powrsuit.

Now, as a Co-founder & GP at VentureOn Partners, he works with exceptional B2B SaaS companies in Australia and New Zealand, creating custom growth strategies and leveraging his industry insights to help them succeed. Ricky also supports the ANZ tech ecosystem through mentoring, speaking, and hosting the 'SaaSy Talk Unfiltered' podcast. Tune into this insightful conversation between Ricky and Paddy Kluts.