Diana Manson
Diana talks about her childhood in Wānaka including tales of her family adventures, and her later experience as a working mother. She reflects on her many community contributions and learning te reo Māori.
Jan Gillespie
Jan discusses her job as Radiographer and Practice Manager of the Wanaka Medical Centre, meanwhile juggling family and farming responsibilities.
Janet Malloch
Janet has fond memories of family holidays in Wānaka as a child. She discusses the Upper Clutha Community Arts Council and building a commercial building on the lakefront.
Beryl Wayatt
Beryl reflects on managing her home life with running a guiding business and recalls ‘small town’ Wānaka. She discusses the Plunket infant health system and the “PlayCentre” early education for young children.
Jenny Moss
In her interviews, Jenny Moss discusses education in Wānaka, including the subjects te reo Māori, outdoor education and computer learning.
Helen Pledger
Helen recalls her childhood on Bendigo Station, along with the challenges and joys of living in the Tarras community. She talks about the changes she has seen in Tarras and identifies changes to come.
Sally Battson
Sally lived in Makarora in the 80s and 90s. She discusses tourism in the area and describes her vibrant life there, including re-establishing the Makarora Primary School, establishing a new community centre and improving road links to Wānaka.
Dennis Pezaro
Dr Dennis Pezaro was Wānaka’s sole GP for many years. In his 2023 interviews, Dennis covers many subjects, including his work as a GP, medical advancements, establishing medical services for ski fields, his time as Chair of the NZ Medical Association and the Wānaka Concert Society.
Graham Godby
Graham Godby moved to Luggate in 1984, working for Upper Clutha Transport. He’s interested in music, rockhounding and jewellery-making. He was also involved in creating the Luggate Fishing Competition.
Carrick Jones
Carrick Jones recalls his time as a builder and retailer in Wānaka and his wide range of interests, including rugby, yachting, squash, PTA and theatre.
Phill Hunt
Phill Hunt recalls his childhood memories of helping his father on Fork Farm and taking over the farm as a young man. He also discusses his many volunteering roles in local community groups.
Lizzie Carruthers
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Carruthers is a Maungawera valley based artist, and she discusses her process and exhibitions around Central Otago and beyond.
Bill Gibson
Bill Gibson was born into farming life at Malvern Downs, Tarras. He tells us about different breeds of sheep, artificial insemination and early Sheep Dog Trials.
Anne MacDonald
Anne recalls her time volunteering at Warbirds Over Wānaka, the 1999 floods and her involvement in various community groups.
Jo Wilton
Jo Wilton speaks of her time with the Upper Clutha History Society and the Upper Clutha Pioneer Family Register.
Sally Mackay
Sally remembers her time growing up on Glendhu Station, her education, and farming throughout her life.
Richie Hewitt
Richie talks about his strong interest in Pre European Māori history in the Upper Clutha. He has developed theories on how historic Māori lived, what they ate and where they cooked their food.
Dave Mackay
Dave recalls his time working on sheep stations in the Upper Clutha after leaving school, and his involvement with Upper Clutha Riding for the Disabled.
Noeline Dickey
Noeline remains an active participant in many community groups and recalls her time growing up, attending school, working and raising a family of five sons in the Upper Clutha.
Allan Kane
Allan Kane talks of skiing before it was a popular pastime for Wānaka locals, his involvement in various community groups, his family life and regional development.