Persistent snow did not dampen the spirits of attendees at the official opening of the Snow Farm’s new base building yesterday afternoon (Sunday August 25).

Former prime minister Rt Hon Helen Clark, the Snow Farm’s patron, declared the base building officially open following a mihi whakatau and karakia from Ngāi Tahu kaumatua Darren Rewi, and speeches from Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust (PACT) chair Samuel ‘Q’ Belk and Snow Farm general manager Sam Lee.

“We have a world class facility here and now we’ve got the lodge to go with it, which is fantastic,” Helen told the crowd of around 60 people as the snow continued to fall.

“What stands out to me for the Snow Farm is that it’s welcoming and it’s inclusive of everyone: every age group, every ability - everyone can have fun here,” she said, adding that the facilities provide “access to the outdoors in a safe way”.

Former prime minister Helen Clark (at right) with winners of the Biathlon National Championships, which took place at the Snow Farm during the weekend.

‘Q’ Belk told the Wānaka App it was “fantastic” that a Nordic ski area such as the Snow Farm existed in a country of just five million people.

“This is some of the best cross country skiing in the world,” he said. “It’s in the top two or three percent... This way outperforms anything in North America.”

“It’s an extraordinary place, and it’s a community asset.”

Helen Clark echoed that sentiment, telling the Wānaka App that she encouraged people to “come and treasure what you’ve got in your backyard”.

PACT trustees Samuel ‘Q’ Belk and John Burridge with former Ruapehu Alpine Lifts boss Dave Mazey. 

“It’s a great community facility and everyone’s welcome, there’s something for everyone - it’s inclusive. The Lees set that tone from the very start.”

The celebrations began earlier in the day with an informal catch up with PACT trustees, Snow Farm Board members, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) deputy mayor Quentin Smith and Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward councillor Gavin Bartlett, representatives of the Otago Community Trust and Central Lakes Community Trust, the Lee family and friends. 

It was an opportunity for people to learn more about the history of the Snow Farm and also its plans to develop further - with the next proposal being a new toilet block to replace the existing line of portaloos.

QLDC elected representatives Quentin and Gavin told the Wānaka App they acknowledged the many submissions to the council’s draft Long Term Plan (LTP) asking for this improvement.

Read more: Sports and arts facilities, funding alternatives sought from QLDC

Sam Lee said “there’s still work to do”, with support sought for new toilets, and expansion of the existing base infrastructure.

“With this section of the base area complete, we will now set our sights on fundraising the $800,000 required to start this expansion work,” he said.

The Snow Farm is the only public, not-for-profit, charitable ski facility in the region. It hosts more than 15,000 users annually, including community groups, more than 36 school groups from 19 schools from Australasia and the growing Olympic sport of Biathlon.

Snow Farm staff celebrating at the new base building.

The new $750,000 building was funded solely through donations. Thanks and acknowledgements were given to the funding bodies OCT and CLT, private donors, QLDC, Breen Construction, the various trustees, the Lee family, the neighbouring Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground, and two local clubs and their keen volunteers - the Wānaka Biathlon Club and Waiorau Nordic Ski Club.

A highlight of the official programme was Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College’s (MAC) kapa haka group, who waited patiently in the snow between their two waiata.

Read more: Packed week for Snow Farm 

PHOTOS: Wānaka App