Breakfast Ashburton with Luke Howden

Every Thursday Luke catches up with a local farming contributor to talk rural. This week it was dairy farmer Stacey Stewart to chat about the newly created Greenstreet Catchment Group.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Thursday Alice Breading from Sport Canterbury stops by to share what's happening in local sport. This week it was the addition of a sand volleyball court to EA Networks, and looking back on the Weetbix TRYathlon last weekend.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maddie and Lucas from Base Youth Centre stopped by to chat with Luke about the Centre on Tancred Street, and a special school holiday offering they have with hip hop star King Cass! You can find more on that here: https://www.facebook.com/BASEAshburton See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Thursday Luke catches up with Alice Breading from Sport Canterbury. They started this week with a slightly different twist... Alice has just returned from a week long experience at Outward Bound. Luke was keen to hear about her experience.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton has a new sand volleyball court! Find it at the northern end of the EA Networks Centre carpark. Book a session with the front desk. Luke gatecrashed the inaugural game between ADC councillors and the Ashburton Warriors. He caught up with EA Networks Centre Manager Richard Wood and Aleena from the Warriors. Check out the video here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1079969584174132 See omnys...

Changing of the guard at Mid Canterbury Rugby. Luke invited new CEO Kenny Addison in for a hi, and departing boss Tanya Dearns in for a bye.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Man Liam Woods was back to talk Disney's new take on Snow White on now at the Regent Cinema.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head Student Yasmin and Makaleta were in for the fortnightly Ashburton College catch up. On the agenda this morning - A look back at Polyfest, an update on Summer Sports Week results, leadership and academic opportunities, and the big challenge for the student exec in support of Ronald McDonald House.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The South Island Agricultural Field Days are back on at Kirwee this week. Many Mid Canterbury locals will be making the road trip up to it. Luke caught Committee Chair Andy Stewart to ask about the excitement that awaits visitors at this year's event.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Young Connor Mackenzie reckons Ashburton could do with a better Skate Park. So he's put together a proposal and is asking for community feedback via an online survey. Luke had Connor and mum Sheree in to ask about the campaign.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Meager is the Minister for the South Island, and also our local MP. Luke got him back on the phone this morning to ask about RMA reforms, the Kirwee Field Days and what he remembers from the first L4 COVID lockdown 5yrs ago today.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the success last year, Methven Lions is back with another Charity Machinery Auction at Methven Showgrounds on FRI 9 MAY. Now's the time to take a look through the back sheds and paddocks for stuff to sell. Luke caught up with Alastair Clemens to ask how it all works.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each fortnight Luke chats with Mayor Neil Brown. On this morning's agenda: The proposed 7.3% rates rise and reflecting on the first COVID L4 lockdown 5 years on.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Ashburton College Principal Simon Coleman to ask what the go is with their school heating issues. They also found time to cover the fun stuff this week - Polyfest, Maadi Cup rowing, Tennis Nationals in CHCH and the South Island Secondary MTB Champs at Mt Hutt.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Usually Luke chats with Ashburton District Council CEO Hamish Riach on pressing Council matters. However, Hamish is also a passionate rugby man. He served 17yrs as CEO of the Crusaders. Luke caught Hamish this morning to remember the great man Alex "Grizz" Wyllie.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each Monday Luke catches up with Sporting Commentator Grant Nisbett to review the weekend sporting action. On this morning's menu rugby, Formula 1 and remembering Grizz Wyllie.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Expect to see a lot of "no vacancy" signs up across the District this week as the Mt Hutt Bike Park plays host to the South Island Secondary Schools MTB Champs for the third time. Bike Methven Club Captain Stu Marr shared with Luke what we can expect.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The EA Networks Centre will be bustling this coming Sunday as over 100 local kids tackle the Weetbix TRYathlon. Centre boss Richard Wood stopped by to give us a heads up on the excitement, and the road closures to be aware of.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abby Calder runs a very popular local Facebook page "Ashburton Collectables" helping people put together full sets of supermarket goodies. Luke caught up with Abby to talk Woolworth's latest offering the Cubeez, and she surprised with a very cool chance to win! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Friday Luke catches up with sporting commentator Grant "Nisbo" Nisbett to preview the weekend sporting action. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Friday sporting commentator Paul Allison joins Luke to preview the weekend sporting action.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Thurs we catch up with our fav Southern Granny Shirley. This week we ask if she wants to be Ashburton's next Mayor, and how it's out with the old cars and in with the new...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's World Oral Health Day! Stats show just 16% of us are flossing our teeth daily. Luke caught up with local dentist Justin Wall to ask just how important the string is to our pearly whites...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entrepreneurial Ashcoll student Jorja Abernethy has been causing a buzz on social media with her wonderful cup creations. Luke caught up with Jorja to ask about the inspiration for getting into business and how we could help support her. Find her new Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574226202901 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Brown has dropped the bombshell announcement that he will not be standing for a third term as Ashburton Mayor. Luke caught up with him to ask why.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.