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Otago Daily Times
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Mt Hutt ski field pushes back opening date
By Dellwyn Moylan Mt Hutt Ski Area has pushed back its King's Birthday weekend opening to June 7 - but there will be much more on offer this season up and down the mountain. Mt Hutt has today announced the new opening date of June 7, subject to conditions "Unfortunately, the last few weeks of weather have been very unkind to us and we won't be able to open for King's Birthday weekend as we had all hoped," the snow report on its website said. "We are still holding out for an earlier opening on the weekend of 7th and 8th June but if the snow conditions/weather are still not up to par, we will revert to our original opening date of 13th June. "We will provide further updates as conditions change - but in the meantime thanks for your understanding!" A busy event calendar, on and off the mountain, has also been planned for 2025, including a special celebration to mark Matariki on June 20. For those keen for an early soak, there are limited places available at an exclusive Opuke Thermal Pools Matariki session using both the discovery and tranquillity pools. The 90-minute sessions start at 4.30am. Then make your way up the mountain to join Mt Hutt crew and members of Ngai Tahu and Hakatere Marae for the spectacular view from 2086m high on the summit of Mt Hutt. Celebrations will include a karakia (Maori prayer) for spiritual guidance and protection. For those interested in skiing there will be an opportunity to get in a few early laps as the sun comes up. Non-skiers, sightseers and stargazers are all welcome. The loading of Summit lift starts at 6.45am with a 7am start for the Summit Six Matariki sightseeing experience and karakia. On June 27 from 9am to 4pm, an exclusive locals' day will be held at Mt Hutt to say thank you to Mid Canterbury and raise funds for a local group. Anyone living between the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers for at least three months can ski for just $50 a person and gear rentals for $25 a day. The money raised will go towards the Mount Hutt College climbing wall. On September 13, the annual Peak to Pub multi-sport race returns from the summit of Mt Hutt at 2086m, starting from 9am, to the comfort of the Blue Pub in Methven at 300m. Then a week after the Peak to Pub the mountain comes to Methven township with the Methven Chill Fest. It takes place on September 20 from 4pm to 9pm. Mt Hutt and Mt Hutt Parks has a street style rail/jump session to rival all. And truckloads of snow will be transported from the mountain to Methven Bike Methven jump park (behind the medical centre), where there will be an exhibition of jumps, rails and viewing pleasure for all ages. There wlll be live music, food trucks, a bar, and more. Cost $5. Gates opens from 4pm.


Otago Daily Times
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Mt Hutt pushes back opening date
By Dellwyn Moylan Mt Hutt Ski Area has pushed back its King's Birthday weekend opening to June 7 - but there will be much more on offer this season up and down the mountain. Mt Hutt has today announced the new opening date of June 7, subject to conditions "Unfortunately, the last few weeks of weather have been very unkind to us and we won't be able to open for King's Birthday weekend as we had all hoped," the snow report on its website said. "We are still holding out for an earlier opening on the weekend of 7th and 8th June but if the snow conditions/weather are still not up to par, we will revert to our original opening date of 13th June. "We will provide further updates as conditions change - but in the meantime thanks for your understanding!" A busy event calendar, on and off the mountain, has also been planned for 2025, including a special celebration to mark Matariki on June 20. For those keen for an early soak, there are limited places available at an exclusive Opuke Thermal Pools Matariki session using both the discovery and tranquillity pools. The 90-minute sessions start at 4.30am. Then make your way up the mountain to join Mt Hutt crew and members of Ngai Tahu and Hakatere Marae for the spectacular view from 2086m high on the summit of Mt Hutt. Celebrations will include a karakia (Maori prayer) for spiritual guidance and protection. For those interested in skiing there will be an opportunity to get in a few early laps as the sun comes up. Non-skiers, sightseers and stargazers are all welcome. The loading of Summit lift starts at 6.45am with a 7am start for the Summit Six Matariki sightseeing experience and karakia. On June 27 from 9am to 4pm, an exclusive locals' day will be held at Mt Hutt to say thank you to Mid Canterbury and raise funds for a local group. Anyone living between the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers for at least three months can ski for just $50 a person and gear rentals for $25 a day. The money raised will go towards the Mount Hutt College climbing wall. On September 13, the annual Peak to Pub multi-sport race returns from the summit of Mt Hutt at 2086m, starting from 9am, to the comfort of the Blue Pub in Methven at 300m. Then a week after the Peak to Pub the mountain comes to Methven township with the Methven Chill Fest. It takes place on September 20 from 4pm to 9pm. Mt Hutt and Mt Hutt Parks has a street style rail/jump session to rival all. And truckloads of snow will be transported from the mountain to Methven Bike Methven jump park (behind the medical centre), where there will be an exhibition of jumps, rails and viewing pleasure for all ages. There wlll be live music, food trucks, a bar, and more. Cost $5. Gates opens from 4pm.


Otago Daily Times
25-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
May opening for Mt Hutt ski field
By Dellwyn Moylan Mt Hutt Ski Area is planning a King's Birthday weekend opening - but there will be much more on offer this season up and down the mountain. A busy event calendar, on and off the mountain, has been planned for 2025, including a special celebration to mark Matariki on June 20. For those keen for an early soak, there are limited places available at an exclusive Opuke Thermal Pools Matariki session using both the discovery and tranquillity pools. The 90-minute sessions start at 4.30am. Then make your way up the mountain to join Mt Hutt crew and members of Ngai Tahu and Hakatere Marae for the spectacular view from 2086m high on the summit of Mt Hutt. Mt Hutt skifield events include a Matariki celebration, multisport event, and a party in Methven. PHOTO: MT HUTT Celebrations will include a karakia (Maori prayer) for spiritual guidance and protection. For those interested in skiing there will be an opportunity to get in a few early laps as the sun comes up. Non-skiers, sightseers and stargazers are all welcome. The loading of Summit lift starts at 6.45am with a 7am start for the Summit Six Matariki sightseeing experience and karakia. On June 27 from 9am to 4pm, an exclusive locals' day will be held at Mt Hutt to say thank you to Mid Canterbury and raise funds for a local group. Anyone living between the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers for at least three months can ski for just $50 a person and gear rentals for $25 a day. The money raised will go towards the Mount Hutt College climbing wall. Methven Chill Fest, similar to a White Out Festival pictured, will take place in Methven township on September 20 from 4pm to 9pm. PHOTO: FILE / MT HUTT On September 13, the annual Peak to Pub multi-sport race returns from the summit of Mt Hutt at 2086m, starting from 9am, to the comfort of the Blue Pub in Methven at 300m. Then a week after the Peak to Pub the mountain comes to Methven township with the Methven Chill Fest. It takes place on September 20 from 4pm to 9pm. Mt Hutt and Mt Hutt Parks has a street style rail/jump session to rival all. And truckloads of snow will be transported from the mountain to Methven Bike Methven jump park (behind the medical centre), where there will be an exhibition of jumps, rails and viewing pleasure for all ages. There wlll be live music, food trucks, a bar, and more. Cost $5. Gates opens from 4pm.


Otago Daily Times
25-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Mt Hutt prepares to open this weekend
By Dellwyn Moylan Mt Hutt Ski Area is planning a King's Birthday weekend opening - but there will be much more on offer this season up and down the mountain. A busy event calendar, on and off the mountain, has been planned for 2025, including a special celebration to mark Matariki on June 20. For those keen for an early soak, there are limited places available at an exclusive Opuke Thermal Pools Matariki session using both the discovery and tranquillity pools. The 90-minute sessions start at 4.30am. Then make your way up the mountain to join Mt Hutt crew and members of Ngai Tahu and Hakatere Marae for the spectacular view from 2086m high on the summit of Mt Hutt. Mt Hutt skifield events include a Matariki celebration, multisport event, and a party in Methven. PHOTO: MT HUTT Celebrations will include a karakia (Maori prayer) for spiritual guidance and protection. For those interested in skiing there will be an opportunity to get in a few early laps as the sun comes up. Non-skiers, sightseers and stargazers are all welcome. The loading of Summit lift starts at 6.45am with a 7am start for the Summit Six Matariki sightseeing experience and karakia. On June 27 from 9am to 4pm, an exclusive locals' day will be held at Mt Hutt to say thank you to Mid Canterbury and raise funds for a local group. Anyone living between the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers for at least three months can ski for just $50 a person and gear rentals for $25 a day. The money raised will go towards the Mount Hutt College climbing wall. Methven Chill Fest, similar to a White Out Festival pictured, will take place in Methven township on September 20 from 4pm to 9pm. PHOTO: FILE / MT HUTT On September 13, the annual Peak to Pub multi-sport race returns from the summit of Mt Hutt at 2086m, starting from 9am, to the comfort of the Blue Pub in Methven at 300m. Then a week after the Peak to Pub the mountain comes to Methven township with the Methven Chill Fest. It takes place on September 20 from 4pm to 9pm. Mt Hutt and Mt Hutt Parks has a street style rail/jump session to rival all. And truckloads of snow will be transported from the mountain to Methven Bike Methven jump park (behind the medical centre), where there will be an exhibition of jumps, rails and viewing pleasure for all ages. There wlll be live music, food trucks, a bar, and more. Cost $5. Gates opens from 4pm.


Otago Daily Times
06-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Mount Hutt College turns 100
By Dellwyn Moylan Remembering the days of the old schoolyard was exactly what about 500 people did at the Mount Hutt College centennial celebrations. Some fond and not-so-fond memories were recalled by current and former staff, students, principals, board members and families at the celebration last Friday afternoon. They gathered to laugh and share stories from across 100 years of secondary schooling in the Methven district. Many of those at the celebrations recalled teachers who had made an impression that left a lasting impact on them. One in particular frequently mentioned was the late Bill Corbett. Brent Gray, a former student of the college and emcee for the afternoon, said the school played a vital role in the Methven community. 'Our school has a vital role in our community, which is deeply grounded in its place, people and purpose.' The afternoon of reminiscing including a formal welcome, tree planting, speeches, cake cutting, entertainment, and tours of the school which saw some returning students comment it looked very different from when they had attended in the 1970s. A sealed time capsule was laid in the legacy garden as part of the celebrations. Members of the student centennial committee had placed various items in the capsule including a Covid-19 test pack, a school timetable and diary, a rugby cap, letters to future students, a letter from current principal Jack Saxon, a map of the area, the latest edition of Snowfed, a photo of the schools current year 13s, a photo of the school's principals, a head student badge, a copy of the school's logo and two tea towels - one signed by all year 13 students and the other by the centennial committee. Among the guests to speak at the Mount Hutt centennial anniversary celebrations was Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown, Member of Parliament for Rangitata James Meager and Board of Trustee chair Shane Stockdill. Brown said: 'Mount Hutt College is more than a school, it is a community." "It is a place where dreams are realised. It is an honour to be here today to celebrate excellence in education and community sprit and we can look forward to a bright future here." Meagar spoke of what can be achieved when a school is strong and when it receives strong support from the community. "I can feel a sense of pride throughout the school. To the students - no matter where your path takes you, whether to further study, into a trade, or agriculture, go at it with gusto and passion," he said. For Stockdill it has been a privilege getting to know the students at the school. He sensed they would go on to achieve great things. "Our school should be immensely proud that we have grounded young people who want to succeed," he said Before the end of term all present day students formed 100 in the school grounds as a way of marking the significant event in the school and Methven life. Many enjoyed dancing and partying the night away at Methven Resort to music performed by alumni of the school.