Racers Edge has been a cornerstone of Wānaka’s outdoor adventure scene for 35 years – and counting. Now they’re paving the way to protect the environment at the heart of it all.
Founded in 1989 to cater to Wānaka’s fledgling ski industry, this iconic business quickly adapted to the town’s expanding needs. From bikers and runners to hikers and thrill-seekers, Racers Edge exists to kit out adventurers with top-notch gear and next level service.
This year, their passion for the great outdoors sparked a desire to ramp up their efforts to protect it. As a founding member of Love Wānaka’s Impact Partner Programme, 1% of Racers Edge’s proceeds now support local environmental efforts. And their customers have the opportunity to contribute, too.
We caught up with co-founder and long-time local Charles Cochrane to have a yarn about why they became an Impact Partner, what impact their funding will have, and how their customers can get stuck in. Plus, Charles throws in a few tips for Wānaka businesses thinking about joining the movement.
Racers Edge began as a makeshift ski rental operation in an old fruit shop – fridge boot drying oasis and all. A crew of skiers wanting to put their skills to good use, so they could get back into nature asap. After 35 years of expansion and evolution, Racers Edge made the big call to go back to their roots and consider the legacy of their business. A passion for the outdoors and a responsibility to protect it.
Supporting Love Wānaka was a natural step in the right direction, with the opportunity to contribute to local environmental projects that they cared about – as locals, adventurers and business owners.
“Racers Edge is all about being the first to the punch, so we jumped at the chance to become one of the first local businesses to sign up. We love that all funds go directly to the local causes close to our hearts, it was a no brainer.” – Charles
As the go-to for bikers in Wānaka and with strong-ties to Bike Glendhu, Racers Edge chose to allocate their funds to Te Kākano and the Bike Glendhu Planting Promise project. Their ongoing contribution will go directly towards growing native trees and shrubs, to be planted by staff, riders and community volunteers in the hills of Glendhu Bay.
With an inspiring goal of planting 30,000 native trees in the hills above Glendhu Bay by 2030, this injection of funding and support will provide a welcomed boost.
“These micro forests will provide a habitat for native species, reduce atmospheric carbon, and connect passionate outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities to give back and play a role in the protection and regeneration of the environments they explore.” – Charles
As Racers Edge are donating 1% of their profits to the planting of native trees and shrubs, every beanie, boot and board purchased adds to the fund. And if you’re on the other side of the counter, you can boost your support by adding a donation to your purchase. It’s as simple as checking the box at checkout online, or letting the team know you’d like to do your bit in-store. An additional $5 covers the cost of a tree, while $10 covers the tree and nest required for it to flourish in.
For those wanting to get their gloves dirty, Te Kākano holds Nursery Sessions every Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning throughout summer, where volunteers help with propagating native plants, watering and preparing seedlings for planting.
Bike Glendhu also hosts public planting days throughout spring and autumn and welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities. Keep an eye on Bike Glendhu’s socials to find out when and where. And if you’re at “BG” through the season, keep an eye out for the watering stations throughout the park. Keeping those little guys hydrated is just as important as planting them.
Love Wānaka provides an opportunity for our industry to come together and leave a legacy we can be proud of. By supporting Love Wānaka, you’re supporting the network of local organisations driving environmental action throughout our rohe | region so it thrives long into the future.
Impact Partners pledge to donate 1% of their proceeds to Love Wānaka year-on-year, accelerating grassroots environmental action and giving back to the people and the place that make it all possible. It’s simple, convenient, and most importantly, impactful.
As well as the bevvy of perks that come with being an Impact Partner, you can confidently share that every trip, booking, purchase or experience makes a difference – that’s good for business, and the environment.
Find out more about becoming an Impact Partner right here, and be sure to make a beeline for Racers Edge next time you need to stock up on outdoor kit.
“When Wānaka comes together as a community, cool things happen. Let’s show our locals, our visitors, and our kids what we’re about, and play our part in protecting the environment we all benefit so much from. Because without it, we quite literally would not exist.” – Charles
