About
Our mission
The OUT&about Wānaka charitable trust is to promote love and acceptance within the Wānaka community and Aotearoa through LGBTQI visibility and showcasing the diversity of our community. By bringing people together, connecting, and embracing each other's differences, we aspire to create a more inclusive and understanding society in Wānaka, where every individual, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, feels valued and celebrated.
Our history
The first Pride Street Party was hosted in Wānaka in 2023. The following March, OUT&about Wānaka was founded as a Charitable Trust, with the intention of focussing our efforts on one local Pride event a year.
OUT&about is aims to support the local Wānaka community through educational and entertaining events, promoting inclusivity and diversity throughout the region.
Our people
Ollie Harcus (he/him)
British-born and globally minded, Ollie has called Wānaka home since 2019. A former teacher turned hospo pro, he now runs events around town. Ollie is an ex-rugby player (Capped for England Colleges), a crossword fan, live music lover, and he is always keen to find a cute bar or restaurant spot—or just be in the mix making things happen.
Chairperson/Treasurer
Catherine Hart (she/her)
Catherine is a Wānaka local, her family having moved here in 2005. She is a writer, bookseller and project manager, with a background in theatre. Her favourite things include smutty books and delicious food, neither of which she is willing to share.
Co-founder, Chief Strategy Officer
Amber traded the U.S. for Wānaka in 2019 and never looked back. She loves the outdoors, travel, and live music. Jet boat driver by day and community-builder by night, Amber is the founder of Queers & Beers NZ (a local rainbow social event). She is passionate about creating safe, welcoming spaces and strengthening the local community.
Board member
Amber Perry (she/her)
Ben Towner (he/him)
Ben has called Wānaka home since 2019 and enjoys bringing his experience running restaurants and cellar doors to the community. Growing up in Brighton, one of the UK’s largest LGBTQIA+ cities, he values Wānaka’s openness and is passionate about ensuring it is an inclusive place for all genders, sexualities, and races. He also has a great beard.
Board member
Celine Van der Eeken (she/her)
Celine is a highly experienced event manager and producer with a track record of delivering well-run, people-first events across Aotearoa. From festivals like Rhythm & Alps and Splore to community events like Yami and Pride, her work reflects a commitment to inclusive, intentional experiences that bring people together.
She brings a rare mix of calm, organised precision and deep human care to everything she touches. Her work through OUT&about continues this ethos: creating spaces where diversity is celebrated, care is embedded, and connection is at the core.
Board member
After living up and down the South Island, AJ made Wānaka home in 2016 and runs Left Creative, where she brings local brands to life. She’s worked with community groups like Queers & Beers, Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, and Wānaka History, and helps make Santa’s Grotto magical with the Upper Clutha Community Christmas Trust. When she’s not designing, you’ll find her out on a snowboard, a mountain bike, or enjoying everything the outdoors has to offer.
Board member
AJ Spence (she/her)
Previous trustees
Jess Green
Nisse Perry
Hannah Glaeser