Five-time Paralympic medallist Adam Hall visited residents of Elmslie House this week (Wednesday June 21) to chat to them about his life as an athlete.

Adam’s visit was part of Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu National Volunteer Week (June 18-24), which honours volunteers across the country. 

Adam told the Elmslie residents he was sure their life-long stories would be “a lot better” than his tales of 30 years in the snow industry.

Skiing had been beneficial for his mind and body, Adam said. He has had 20 competitive seasons as a para-athlete and is currently training for his sixth Paralympics in Italy in 2026.

Elmslie resident Barbara (106) and Elmslie House activities coordinator Gilly Pugh with one of Adam’s gold medals.

“It’s been a remarkable journey full of successes and ups and downs,” he said.

“Life is all about experiencing those ups and downs and learning from the experiences along the way.

“For me, having the opportunity to spend time with folk like yourselves, to also hear the journeys and the lives you guys have experienced as well, I think really puts things in perspective."

Elmslie House resident Rosemary, formerly owner of the Cardrona Hotel, remembered being dropped off on Mt Cardrona by Sir Tim Wallis and his helicopter - before the development of Cardrona Alpine Resort - and marvelling at the snow-covered basin spread out before her.

Rosemary and Mary Lee made a wonderful day of it on their touring skis, and “then we started dreaming of a skifield”, she said.

Elmslie residents were also joined by regular canine visitor Meg and her handler.

Another resident named Peter said he gave up skiing after “the young hoons started snowboarding”.

“I didn’t want to end my skiing career with two broken ankles,” he joked.

Ninety-eight-year-old Joy remembered cross country skiing on the Rock And Pillar Range when she was a student. She had a clear memory of the students being bussed up the hill while their instructor walked alongside the bus on his skis.

While the Wānaka App was at Elmslie House, the residents were also visited by two Hato Hone St John Pet Therapy dogs, Ziggy and Meg, and their handler.

Ziggy and Meg were obviously much loved and appreciated visitors.

Volunteer South invited leaders in its core focus areas to volunteer with a local organisation or community group of their choice during National Volunteer Week, with Adam being just one of them.

“New Zealand is a nation of volunteers – more than a million people volunteer, giving their time and energy to make a difference in their communities,” Volunteer South regional lead Gillian White said.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App