Dunedin's ice man Neil Gamble is just easing back on the heavy workload he has shouldered for the past 13 years.
Gamble (64) was appointed manager of the Big Chill ice rink in 1996 and continued in this role when the Dunedin Ice Stadium was opened in October 2004.
Ice has been Gamble's life and passion and he has spent long hours preparing the smooth surface that has been instrumental in giving the Dunedin Ice Stadium an international reputation over the past four years.
The stadium is regarded as the best ice arena in the Southern Hemisphere and this has been highlighted by the number of international teams that visit Dunedin to use the facility.
These include the Australian Olympic curling and the New Zealand speed skating teams.
The facility has also attracted top international coaches to Dunedin to work at the stadium.
It is the quality of ice that attracts these teams and it is a tribute to Gamble's expert treatment that has given the Dunedin Ice Stadium this reputation.
"I have done the hard yards and been on duty at public sessions," Gamble said.
"I'll still do the administration but I want to ease back my work load.
"I just want to work ordinary hours, have the weekends to myself, and spend more time fishing for blue cod from my boat at Shag Point."
Gamble has been on duty for long hours and has been the public face of the ice stadium.
During the school holidays he has worked seven days a week and at other times he has worked 12hr days.
Since beginning work at the Big Chill Gamble has only had five weekends off.
This includes just two free weekends at the Dunedin Ice Stadium.
"I'll still be there but I want to pick the days I work and not be on a set roster," Gamble said.
Gamble enjoys fishing, but he is also keen to spend more time in his vegetable garden at Shag Point.
"I like relaxing by thinning carrots," he said.
Gamble had a health scare three years ago when he had a heart attack.
He has recovered, but has decided to adopt a more sensible approach to work and enjoys life more.
Gamble is confident in the staff he has appointed to take some of the workload off his shoulders: Jay Black (administration), and Reece Aitken and Simon Christos as trainee ice masters.
