The Mountain Club Podcast

Powering the Future: Mat Woods & Mike Casey on Leading Electrification in Queenstown

Clare sits down with Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown, and Mike Casey, CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa and Central Otago's electric cherry orchardist, for a live episode recorded for Electrify Queenstown. Together they unpack what it really means to lead the world on electrification, and why Queenstown is uniquely placed to do it. The conversation moves from the economics of running a country on its own energy, to the stories behind the shift, to the everyday decisions reshaping how New Zealanders live, work, and travel. Mat and Mike explore how a small district at the end of a single power line could become a lighthouse for a much bigger national transformation.

Capturing Place: Anika Willner on Organic Winemaking and Building a Legacy at Coalpit Winery

What does it mean to truly capture a place in a bottle of wine? Clare sits down with Anika Willner, winemaker at Coalpit Vineyard, to explore the philosophy behind organic viticulture and the deep connection between land, people, and wine. From her early years in Ohio to working vintages across Europe, Australia, and the United States, Anika shares the journey that led her to Central Otago, and together they unpack the realities of organic winemaking, from biodiversity and vine health to conservation, climate resilience, and the responsibility of farming for future generations. More than a conversation about wine, it’s an exploration of purpose, presence, and the relationship between people and the land they care for.

What Does Peace Mean to You? Artist and Photographer Stuart Robertson’s Global Search

A conversation shaped by perspective, place, and the pursuit of something deeper. Stuart Robertson, artist, photographer, and the force behind Peace in 10,000 Hands, shares how his work has taken him from Queenstown to some of the most remote and confronting corners of the world. Through experiences in places like Ukraine and Antarctica, Stu reflects on what it means to document humanity, capturing moments of connection, resilience, and quiet strength across vastly different cultures and environments. His work is less about the image itself, and more about the stories, people, and shared emotion behind it. Host Paddy Kluts explores the journey that has shaped Stu’s outlook, from his roots in Queenstown to a life spent moving between extremes, and how those experiences have redefined his understanding of community, creativity, and peace.

Beyond the Game: Rugby Legend Sir John Kirwan on Mental Health, Culture and Real Change

Please note: this episode includes discussion of mental health and suicide. If this feels close to home, take care while listening. Support is available via 1737 (NZ), free to call or text, anytime. 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.

The Art of Choosing Art: Inside Arrowtown’s Favourite Astor Bristed Art Gallery

In a town known for its history and landscapes, Rosie Bristed is helping shape New Zealand’s creative future. Rosie, founder of Astor Bristed Gallery in Arrowtown joins us for a conversation about art, place, and building something meaningful in a small but vibrant creative community. 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.