Important Information

July 16 2025

Kia ora WORD Whānau,

We hope you're having a fab winter! We've got a big update for ya'll... Rob and I recently joined the Board for a strategy weekend in Wellington. It was awesome and hard: lots of big thinking, over turning of rocks and honest kōrero about what’s working, what’s not, and how we grow WORD stronger from here.

One of the toughest - but clearest - calls to come out of that weekend was this: we won't be continuing WORD in Wānaka. 

What the heck?!
WORD is feeling the pinch financially. We didn’t get the traction we needed to keep Wānaka running sustainably and also land access issues made it tricky.  We’ve realised we need to consolidate our energy where we’ve got strong footing and secure funding- in Wellington. 

Big Ups!
Wānaka, you’ve been incredible. In 4 seasons, we’ve had 475 riders with 30 Instructors  - what a ride! The local biking scene is bursting with stoke, and we’ve learned heaps about what makes WORD tick thanks to all of you.

You’ll always be a special part of our story. I want to give a huge shout out our Wānaka team especially Rob and Pete. They have demonstrated what a true youth centred MTB organisation can look and feel like. A place where people are welcomed and encouraged to love riding bikes the way they want to. The WORD vibe still will live on.

What's next?
Right now, we’re all about getting things humming in Wellington—ensuring our foundations are rock-solid so we can fully focus on what’s coming next. Behind the scenes, the gears are turning: we’re shaping fresh ideas and building positive change. When the time’s right, you’ll be the first to know.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or just want to chat, we’re here. Thanks for being part of the WORD family—your support means everything.

He rā anō ki tua  (A new day is ahead)

Ngā mihi nui

Ash, Rob and the WORD team