Informing and supporting the community since 1978.

There’s no wonder that we have a bit of history.

From humble beginnings…

David and Shirley Jaquiery, the owners of Wanaka Cameracraft, introduced the Upper Clutha Messenger in the days before Wanaka had any means of direct communication. It started as a single page Community Diary in 1978.

1978
The Messenger was born.
1978
1988
The Messenger grew to 6 pages.
1988
1999
The flood

We are proud to have never missed a publication date, even when The Messenger offices were flooded with half a metre of Lake Wanaka in 1999.

1999
2004
Wanaka Touristcraft

was bought by the Miller family and changed to Print It Wanaka Ltd.

2004
2008
Colour pages

The Messenger started printing colour pages and relocated from Helwick Street to 11 Brownston Street.

2008
2011
Christchurch Earthquake

The Wanaka community came together to help the Canterbury region – The Messenger ran a double page spread of events/notices of aid.

2011
2013
Crime Line

Keeping us informed (and scratching our heads).

“This week a male wearing a pirate costume on Ardmore Street walked up to an injured female who was sitting down and stole her crutches!?!?!?!”

2013
2018
40 years young

5,300 copies printed each week and still delivered FREE of charge.

2018
2019
Wanaka Publishing

Print It Wanaka was sold and The Messenger now comes under the Wanaka Publishing umbrella.

2019
2020
The Pandemic

From 25 March – 29 April we were available online only due to the COVID-19 Lockdown.

2020
1978
The Messenger was born.
1988
The Messenger grew to 6 pages.
1999
The flood

We are proud to have never missed a publication date, even when The Messenger offices were flooded with half a metre of Lake Wanaka in 1999.

2004
Wanaka Touristcraft

was bought by the Miller family and changed to Print It Wanaka Ltd.

2008
Colour pages

The Messenger started printing colour pages and relocated from Helwick Street to 11 Brownston Street.

2011
Christchurch Earthquake

The Wanaka community came together to help the Canterbury region – The Messenger ran a double page spread of events/notices of aid.

2013
Crime Line

Keeping us informed (and scratching our heads).

“This week a male wearing a pirate costume on Ardmore Street walked up to an injured female who was sitting down and stole her crutches!?!?!?!”

2018
40 years young

5,300 copies printed each week and still delivered FREE of charge.

2019
Wanaka Publishing

Print It Wanaka was sold and The Messenger now comes under the Wanaka Publishing umbrella.

2020
The Pandemic

From 25 March – 29 April we were available online only due to the COVID-19 Lockdown.

The team.

Paul Miller
Managing Director

Paul needs little introduction. He has been a Wanaka local since 1976 and became the proud owner of The Messenger in 2004 (on April fool’s day). He occupies an office but we are not sure what he actually does. Most likely dreaming up a new business venture or the next trout fishing trip.

Vicky Osborne
Manager

Vicky started working with the Messenger in 2015. She is our Manager and keeps us all in line… well tries to. When she is not proofing the Messenger, sorting our accounts, or organising the next issue of The Wanaka Info Guide, you will likely find her skiing, fishing, or on the netball court.

Laura Varns/Katie Wroblewski
Messenger Coordinator

Laura joined us in 2022, and is originally from Yorkshire, England. She will be your main point of contact for any Messenger related queries. Laura enjoys being out boating on the lake in summer and sitting by the fire with a book in winter. In her spare time (which there isn’t much of with a small child in the mix) she enjoys creating art, particularly portraits. Laura is currently on maternity leave, but don’t fret, Katie will be taking great care of you while she is away.

Andrew Miller
Graphic Design

Andrew is your friendly, helpful Graphic Design man. He also comes from the UK originally, but even though his accent might confuse you, don’t call him English (he is Scottish). He has lived in Wanaka for since 2005 and has nearly got his ‘local’ certificate. When not making The Messenger and all the ads therein beautiful, he will be playing, watching, listening to, or thinking about football (YNWA).

Daisy
Messenger Mascot

Introducing Daisy (The Messenger mascot). Daisy can be found by Paul’s side when she decides to come into the office. She likes pats and walks.

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