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Staff and directors of Headwaters Glenorchy Eco Lodge are mourning the passing of co-founder Paul Brainerd.
Paul, a philanthropist and advocate for sustainability and community stewardship, died last week. He co-founded the Glenorchy lodge with his wife Debbi Brainerd.
Originally from the United States, Paul and Debbi first visited New Zealand 30 years ago. More than 15 years ago they settled part-time in Glenorchy, dividing their time between the township and their home in the Pacific Northwest.
Twelve years ago, the couple purchased a former campground and village store in Glenorchy with the goal of transforming them into community-focused enterprises that would donate profits to a local trust.
Mrs Woolly’s General Store opened in 2014, followed in 2018 by Camp Glenorchy, now known as Headwaters Glenorchy Eco Lodge. The accommodation was developed as the world’s first net positive energy lodge and is certified under the Living Building Challenge standards.
The lodge has received national recognition, including Sustainability Awards, New Zealand Tourism Awards, and in 2024 won both the Sustainability Award and Supreme Award at the Queenstown Business Awards.
When accepting the Queenstown award, Paul described the lodge as “a labour of love that weaves together our shared passion for integrating sustainable design with local craft and art, to create warm welcoming spaces for our guests and the locals who visit us in Glenorchy”.
Before relocating to New Zealand, Paul founded Aldus Corporation, creator of PageMaker, and is recognised as a pioneer of desktop publishing.
Following his retirement from the corporate sector, he established the Brainerd Foundation, supporting community-based conservation initiatives in North America. He was also a co-founder of Social Venture Partners, a philanthropic network combining financial support with professional expertise.
Paul and Debbi also established IslandWood, an environmental learning centre on Bainbridge Island in Washington State. The centre hosts more than 12,000 children each year for outdoor education programmes.
In Glenorchy, Paul was known for his commitment to sustainable design, environmental stewardship and community development, including supporting technology access for local schools.
Headwaters Glenorchy Eco Lodge says Paul will be remembered for his generosity, vision and dedication to community.
