Dances, grebe chicks hatching, the 1958 hotel fire, the first ski days, and landing a plane in a turnip paddock - these are some of the stories in the new collection of audio stories launched by the Upper Clutha History Society on its website, Wānaka History.

The recordings capture the voices, memories, and experiences of local people who have helped shape the Wānaka and Upper Clutha region over the years, the society said this week.

“Listening to the voices of the people telling the stories really does bring our history to life,” Helen Howarth, one of the team’s coordinators, said.

“From stories of farming and family life to accounts of community events, change and development, the collection preserves unique perspectives for future generations.”

The Upper Clutha History Society oral history team.

So far there are more than 75 short clips organised by topics and approximately 20 ‘storyteller’ pages that include longer versions of the interviews. 

The group said this number will continue to grow as its team of qualified oral historians gather, edit, and produce first-hand accounts of historic moments, people and places. 

Wānaka History was launched by the Upper Clutha History Society in January 2025, with a new logo, website, social media accounts and a district-wide plaques and QR code programme.

Read more: History project to educate, share stories

The society is working with other local stakeholder groups to raise awareness of the region’s history, with the oral history project receiving grant funding support from Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Graham & Olive West Trust, and Wānaka Masonic Lodge.

The team is looking for someone with sound editing or podcasting skills; interested parties should contact the society ([email protected]).

PHOTOS: Supplied/Wānaka History