Breakfast Southland with Chitty

Four‑time world champion and Golden Shears legend  Joel Henare joins us ahead of the Southern Shears. We talk about his extraordinary run of titles, the moments that stand out most in his career, and what keeps him driven after winning almost everything there is to win. Joel also shares why he’s so committed to mentoring young woolhandlers, the influence of his family’s deep shear...

Counsellor and Māori bodywork practitioner Jenni Lee Reardon returns to share her reflections on the unique magic of the Shepherdess Muster. She talks about what happens when women finally get space to slow down, the transformative power of connection without expectation, and how creativity, kōrero, kai and fun can shift emotional weight. Jenni Lee explains the changes she sees in women over the t...

As the Southern Shears celebrates 60 years, long‑time shearing instructor and former President Chas Tohiariki reflects on the people, passion and pride behind one of Southland’s most iconic events. Chas shares how he first got involved, why teaching young shearers still drives him, and the evolution he’s seen in skill and attitude over the decades. He talks about the community spirit t...

Rose Dickson and Dana Turnbull join us to chat about this Friday’s East Gore Basketball Festival — a free community event celebrating the success of the Neighbourhood Play System at East Gore School. We talk about the impact NPS has had on tamariki, how kids can enter teams of three on the day, and what families can expect with a free BBQ, special guests and a fun, friendly atmosphere....

Annie Nelson joins us for her weekly catch‑up, kicking off with a classic Woo‑Woo Wingly Tingly Wednesday then we shift gears and explore the small things in life that make the biggest difference.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s Locker Room Lads chat gets lively with Damon, Q and Cameron weighing in on the proposed Rugby Park upgrades — and the big public consultation now underway. We break down what the new report says, why urgent repairs are needed, and what a revamped, multi‑use stadium could mean for Invercargill. The lads also react to the story of a teacher who found himself in hot water afte...

As the Southern Shears marks 60 years, woolhandling trailblazer Raelene McConachie looks back on how the discipline first entered the competition in the early ’90s, the challenges she and Jeff McKenzie faced, and how the sport has transformed. A life member and industry leader, Raelene shares standout memories, the importance of opening doors for young competitors — especially women &m...

Bobbi Brown, GM Regional Strategy at Great South, joins Council Chitchat to unpack the new housing survey being run by Gore and Southland District Councils. She explains how it ties into the wider ‘Beyond 2025 Southland’ strategy, what questions locals will be asked, how privacy is protected, and why strong community input is crucial for future housing and infrastructure decisions. See...

South Otago dairy farmer and footy nut Mathew Korteweg is back with his weekly dose of farm life, footy chat, and good humour. This week he reflects on the highs and lows on and off the paddock — and channels his inner Jim Hickey & gives his take on State of Origin heading to New Zealand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Gore Lions President John Speden joins us to look back at the creation of Gore’s iconic trout statue, gifted to the town in 1989. He recalls why the Lions wanted to build it, how it was modelled on a real Mataura River trout, and how it went from a bold idea to one of Southland’s most photographed landmarks. With voting now open in the Name That Trout competition, John reflects...

Barry Roughan joins us to reflect on 60 years of the Southern Shears — an event his father, Les Roughan, helped establish. He shares stories from the early days in the Ram Pavilion, the growth and venue changes over the decades, the support behind the scenes, and the family’s long connection to shearing. Barry also talks about the evolution of the sport and what the 60‑year milestone m...

This week’s catch‑up with Annie Nelson takes a turn into everything she’s officially had enough of . Plenty of laughs & plenty of nonsense. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Otago dairy farmer Mathew Korteweg joins us for his weekly catch‑up. We check in on how he survived his first pre‑season footy training, the team bonding happening off the field, and why he’s still skipping around the farm with a spring in his step. Mathew also shares his thoughts on the Winter Olympics and what he’d do if he discovered $200,000 hidden in a ceiling. See omnystudi...

Gore District Council’s Craig Sinclair and WasteNet’s Ali Green break down the new three‑strikes recycling system rolling out across Southland. They explain why it’s being introduced, what counts as a “strike,” what happens if a household gets three red tags, and how the focus remains firmly on education — not punishment. They also share how residents can reduce...

After walking the length of Aotearoa from Cape Reinga to Bluff , Shane Bichan reflects on the moment he reached the finish line — and the thousands of stories he carried along the way. He talks about the support from strangers, the grief and resilience shared with him on the road, and what it means to have raised more than $34,000 for Te Hauora Murikauhaka Charitable Trust .  See omnyst...

Southland Rural Support Trust Chair Simon Hopcroft joins us with an update on the Trust’s recent work supporting farmers through wellbeing, financial pressures, relationships, and weather events. He also previews their major presence at this year’s Southern Field Days , including the Honda generator giveaway and the auction of a high‑spec transportable home , with all profits supportin...

Shirley, Kim and Taryn are in for this week’s Locker Room Ladies! We’re unpacking the latest beauty trend of tattooed freckles — are we into it, or hard pass? Plus, a quick-fire round of “Vibe & Unsubscribe”: what we want more of in 2026, and what we’re officially saying goodbye to. A fun, fast, slightly unhinged catch‑up with the girls. See omnystudio.com/l...

The Gore A&P Show is back this Saturday, February 7th, and it remains one of the South Island’s biggest one‑day events. Vice President Bruce Eade joins us to talk through the huge line‑up for 2026 — from horses and livestock to the kids’ zone favourites like the Big Dig, plus food, music, crafts, and the buzzing Market Tent. We also dive into the excitement of hosting the FMG...

Nathan Cameron and Q are in for the Locker Room Lads, diving into the real cost — and real need — of insurance. The boys also chat about what they’re doing to stay strong, nimble, and in top shape as they get older.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annie Nelson joins us for her weekly check-in, unpacking the new “word of the year” taking over 6/7 — and revealing her answer to Dry July and Steptember… introducing  Fibruary . We also toss around some creative (and questionable) ideas for “Name That Trout.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined by Lisa Tai, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand, to talk about how RMHC supports families with a child in hospital far from home. Lisa explains what makes the service so special, what a stay actually provides, and why the House to House challenge this March is vital. She breaks down how every kilometre — and every dollar raised — helps keep families t...

GDC Planning Manager Morgan Smith joins Chitty to break down the Gore District’s Proposed District Plan in plain language. We cover what’s changed now the decisions are out, how the new zoning works, what the updated flood‑mapping means for locals, how biodiversity and Māori cultural values are recognised, and what property owners should look for in the ePlan. Plus — who can appe...

South Otago dairy farmer Mathew Korteweg checks in fresh from a family holiday as we talk farm life, family life, and the looming pain of the first pre‑season footy training.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tussock Country promo & event coordinator Annabel Roy previews the festival that transforms Gore every May. She shares the vibe first‑timers can expect, hidden‑gem events, what’s special about Tussock Country Late Night, and why visitors from across NZ and Australia keep coming back. Plus the best tips for planning your schedule and grabbing tickets before the crowds arrive. See omnystud...

Grant “Nisbo” Nisbett joins me to debrief a massive sporting weekend — from Super Rugby pre‑season realities, to Carlos Alcaraz completing a career Grand Slam at just 22, the Black Caps’ tough T20 series against India, and Sam Ruthe smashing Sir John Walker’s long‑standing mile record. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.