Latest news with #Wanaka
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Film follows paraplegic former kayak instructor's journey
A new film Riverbound - The story has just begun follows a former professional kayak instructor, now paraplegic, as he takes to the water for the first time since an accident left him paralysed from the waist down. The subject of the film, known simply as "Yak", had his life-changing accident six years ago. The twelve minute short shows him packrafting through wild rapids on the Upper Buller Gorge with a big smile beamed across his face as he takes to the water once again. The film has its world premiere and is a finalist at the NZ Mountain Film Festival in Wanaka, Queenstown in June, and online throughout July. Kathryn is joined by filmmakers Deane Parker and Dylan Gerschwitz, plus Yak himself, to tell us about the wild ride he's been on. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Otago Daily Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Wanaka skier proud of win
Wānaka's Craig Murray proudly accepts the first-place prize at the Inaugural Yeti Natural Selection Ski in Alaska's backcountry. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED Wānaka's Craig Murray has won the inaugural Yeti Natural Selection Ski event, held in the Alaskan mountain ranges. The Red Bull sponsored-competition took place on April 18 among the Tordrillo mountain range in Alaska. Wanaka athlete and film producer Craig Murray took the first-place prize with pride as he displayed some trademark moves. "I feel incredible. Today has been something out of a dream. This whole setup being out here in the Tordrillos is crazy ... I honestly can't believe I ended up in the finals and ended up taking it out," he said. The three winners of the Yeti Natural Selection Ski (from left) Sam Kush, Craig Murray and Marcus Eder. Utilising a knockout format, over and over again Murray delivered his trademark huge, fluid lines for which he is so well-known and respected in the international ski community. Murray continued to rise to the occasion in the final round with a precision-crafted run that earned him an 85 and ultimately, the win. Attacking the face with a shockingly fast, smooth line, Murray strung together a series of stylish 360s and flips, lacing them seamlessly from top to bottom. His composure under pressure and ability to flow through complex terrain with freestyle finesse exemplified the Natural Selection vision: freeride meets freestyle at its highest level. Murray was joined on the podium by Sam Kush of Canada in second, who also competed in the final round alongside Murray. Italy's Marcus Eder had the next highest score from his semifinals bracket and finished in third place overall. — APL
Otago Daily Times
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Grimaldi rounds off brilliant year with top Otago award
Paralympic champion Anna Grimaldi has capped off a breakthrough season on the track by being named athlete of the year at the Athletics Otago awards last night. It was a dream season for the 28-year-old, who was crowned the T47 200m champion in Paris after soaring home in a personal best 24.72sec to set an Oceania record. She also won bronze with a personal best, and Oceania record, of 12.20sec in the 100m and finished fourth in the long jump in Paris. Grimaldi, who was named para athlete of the year at the Halberg Awards, had earlier won silver in the long jump, and bronze in the 100m, at the world para athletics championships in May. Grimaldi, who was the flag bearer for the Paralympics opening ceremony, also won Otago para athlete of the year, while her coach, Michael Jacobs, was named elite coach of the year. Ultramarathon superstar John Bayne won male winter athlete of the year for his efforts in the gruelling discipline. He finished sixth at the IAU 24hr race in Australia and was the second-last Kiwi standing in the backyard ultra world team championships in Otematata, where Bayne ran 72 laps, beating his personal best by 21 laps. Long-distance runner Catherine Lund was named female winter athlete of the year and junior summer athlete of the year. Among her highlights, Lund competed in the 5000m at the world under-20 championships in Peru, where she finished 16th. Ariki athlete Shay Veitch won senior summer athlete of the year after a return to form after injury in early 2024. Veitch laid down the sixth-fastest time in New Zealand history with 10.34sec in the 100m at the Potts Classic, lowering his previous best of 10.64sec to win the event. He was also part of the Otago 4x100m relay team that won gold at the national track and field championships and won the national long jump title. Veitch's coach, Michael Beable, was named development coach of the year for his work with Veitch and his Wanaka athletes. Raylene Bates was recognised for her contribution to athletics, having served as the Paralympics chef de mission and was head of the local organising committee for the national track and field championships. Bates also coaches several Otago athletes, including Paralympian Holly Robinson, who won bronze in the shot put in Paris, and Dunstan seated thrower Mac Denniston, who landed on the podium at the Oceania championships. Joan Merrilees was named official of the year for her tireless work behind the scenes. She also put in countless hours upskilling polytechnic students to be officials at the national track and field championships.
