Callum Cassidy
skechers
our people. our community.
Callum had only meant to visit his brother in Queenstown over Christmas, but he is still here three months and one working holiday extension later.
“Working retail as an assistant store manager is a lot different to what I was doing before,” he says, “but I’m loving the social aspects of it.”
“Being on my feet, talking to customers, and working with a fun team is a great change of pace.”
Living only a stone throw away from the centre means that it is the most convenient place for all his shopping needs; but he says Hikari is his favourite lunch spot.
“It’s hard to leave such an amazing place,” says Callum.
If you can’t find him in-store then you might have more luck turning to the mountains, where he’s bound to be running and exploring his bucket list locations. New Zealand’s scenery is remarkably different his hometown of Birmingham and as an avid Lord of the Rings fan, Callum has been making his way around different film locations.
“Being on my feet, talking to customers, and working with a fun team is a great change of pace.”
QT MAGAZINE
autumn issue OUT NOW!
Be sure to grab a copy of the Autumn QT magazine. You’ll find a feature on the newest stores to be welcomed to FiveMile - Mons Royale and Billy’s Espresso!
the mile.
news + happenings at fivemile.
the great easter hunt
We are ecstatic to have been part of MoreFM’s Great Easter Hunt for a second year running!
Over the past few weeks, ten deserving youngsters and their caregivers were selected from nominations sent to MoreFM and treated to an Easter Egg Hunt at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
“We had some amazing local entries, kids who are doing wonderful things for our community and kids who've been dealt a heartbreakingly rough hand. We couldn’t wait to put a smile on all these kids' faces and give them way too much chocolate!" says MoreFM breakfast presenter Joel Palmer.
The FiveMile team joined the excited group and the Easter Bunny on the TSS Earnslaw, enjoyed a farm experience at Walter Peak, and demolished an awful lot of chocolate after a hunt around the woolshed. FiveMile Centre manager Regan Allington was delighted to be there and hand over our very special sponsored eggs and vouchers from Woolworths.
“We just love supporting a community event like this,” says Regan Allington.
mons royale
opens at fivemile!
One of New Zealand’s most well-known merino apparel brands has come to Five Mile.
Mons Royale recently opened its doors in the Sudima Hotel building, a welcome addition to the centre with its world-renowned high-performance merino clothing and accessories.
Mons Royale started in the mountains surrounding Queenstown and Wanaka in 2009, when Hamish Acland and wife Hannah combined their action and adventure sports skillsets and knowledge (competitive skiing for him, design for her). Both come from High Country farms and have a natural affinity for merino wool and the mountains in which its grown.
From farm to finished goods, they source sustainable natural fibres from an ethical supply chain to create high performance apparel for every mission. Key to their success are partnerships with the world’s best in the wool industry, ensuring quality product respecting animals, people, places, planet, and our future.
Among those partnerships are New Zealand’s ZQRX Merino, the world’s leading ethical wool brand. Main manufacturing partner Shanghai Challenge is the first manufacturer in Shanghai to be awarded the new Chinese Environmental Certification, renowned for its solar powered offices, top working conditions and workers’ rights, and a high-tech water treatment and recycling system. The resulting clothing is practical and stylish, fast-drying when wet, fire-resistant, soft-feeling and holds up to 30% of its weight in water before it feels wet.
Mons Royale National Retail Manager Sandy McPhee says opening a store in Five Mile reflects their strong positioning in among the mountains, with The Remarkables mountain range and ski area a backdrop to one side and Coronet Peak ski area and multiple mountainbike trails to the other.
“When people are passionate about a sport, they’re more likely to protect its environment, so by using natural performance materials we’re reducing our impact on the planet,” he says.
“We’re perfectly placed here at Five Mile to provide outstanding sports apparel and service to the many locals who live within a short radius of the centre, and visitors staying in hotels, apartments and other accommodation in the region.
“There’s parking right outside the door and a regular bus service on the doorstep, so it couldn’t be easier. We’re delighted to be here.”
environment friendly practices
Five Mile businesses are welcoming and promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices wherever they can in their businesses.
At Flex Fitness, a counter on their water fountain records the amount of water going into gym-goers bottles and translates that into the number of plastic bottles saved from landfill – 498,000 bottles and counting since it was installed seven years ago.
A 26-bike parking enclosure has been installed in the underground car park, encouraging businesspeople in the centre to cycle rather than drive to work.
KiwiHarvest, a surplus food redistribution service for those in need, is now firmly established at Five Mile thanks to the centre’s generosity in helping it set up a sorting and delivery depot. Five Mile facilitated access to the site by removing car parks, and the delivery of power services.
Regular buses offer sustainable transport options to and from Five Mile with stops along Grant Road. A new direct Lake Hayes Estate service was recently added to the route.
'all about the bike'
at alta
World-class biking and hiking trails around Five Mile are getting busy as summer arrives. With a fully equipped bike workshop, the team at Alta can sort all your trail needs with their knowledgeable guidance on top international brands, and a wide range of rider equipment, clothing and parts.
Alta has a vast range of bikes from full-suspension, kids and e-bikes. All the bikes, all the gear, everything outdoors!
pure milk on tap
For a refreshing summer bevvy head over to Billy’s Espresso for fresh juices, iced coffees, smoothies and delicious iced teas.
Owners Bevan and Felicity are supporting young entrepreneurs from Kiwi startup Spout in bringing zero-waste milk to their customers. Premium milk is delivered in 10L kegs from local Windy Ridge Farm and hooked up to an ‘on-tap’ dispensing system, making plastic milk containers a thing of the past.
“It’s milk in its purest form, customers love it, and we’ve saved 2765 bottles from going to landfill,” says Bevan.
curious minds
Curious Minds Early Learning Centre has opened! They’re committed to providing an environment that’s safe, knowledgeable, stimulating, and surprising to kids from six months to five years old. Congratulations team!