GZ Life

Putting together a world class event of this scale, distance and duration is not easy. Expedition events throw up unique challenges and when you consider how far teams and logistics can be stretched, how unpredictable the weather can be, how hard it is to provide up-to-date live coverage when teams are in the middle of nowhere, you can understand why Race Directors look so haggard before the event even begins. We wanted to get it right from the start and that meant finding individuals capable of ensuring seamless delivery and the very best experience for the participants. We doubt that a more experienced group has ever been involved in putting together an expedition adventure race.

WARREN BATES

EVENT CREATOR

2009 Adventure Racing World Champion, 11 World Championships (including five top 6 finishes), over 30 expedition races covering most continents.

ANNA BASTIN

EVENT MANAGER

Competed in various endurance races including the Southern Traverse and 24hr World Rogaine Championships. Loves any event that involves a map.

ADAM FAIRMAID

RACE DIRECTOR

Southern Traverse winner, adventure race career spanning over 20 years, and veteran of many expedition length races, including Eco Challenge.

MARGO BERRYMAN

MEDIA MANAGER

Magazine publishing, radio broadcast, television production and communications. Managing editor of QT, Life Synergy, and Style Magazines.

IAN EDMOND

TECH MANAGER

20 years adventure racing, multiple international podium placings, and a computer science degree, Ian brings a unique knowledge and experience to the team.

NICOLE FAIRWEATHER

RACE COMMS

Over 15 years in sports event management sector that includes; The Southern Traverse, The Pioneer and Queenstown Marathon. A very keen ultra runner.

ANNABELLE LATZ

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook and Instagram guru, journalist, photographer, ultra runner, horse whisperer, sheep musterer, media motivator with a love of adventure.

WAYNE ALLEN

EVENT SAFETY MANAGER

Queenstown-based NZMGA ski guide, avalanche management, water safety, traffic safety, medic and extensive work for the film industry.

KEREN MCSKIMMING

COMPETITOR LIAISON

Keen multisporter, competed in the Spring Challenge and Wild Descent race. A history of volunteering for adventure races and supporting teams in the past.

PAULA ROGERS

VOLUNTEER MANAGER

A popular crew member who helps organise our amazing volunteers. Coordinates Netball Southland, supported winning team at Southern Traverse.

ROSEMARY PARKIN

COMMS & HQ MANAGEMENT

Worked on multiple GODZone events, Rosemary has that special ability to manage a busy HQ and stay up all night and keep comms and logistics running smoothly.

ADRIAN BAILEY

SPONSORSHIP MANAGER

Adrian represented his native country Wales around the world at numerous events. Dabbled in multisport and adventure racing events. Loves the microphone too!