Breakfast Southland with Chitty

Some parents do a school drop‑off. We did a school fly‑in. Join me for a roving report from a high‑country helicopter as Mila, Oliva, Crimsin and Jimi kick off day one at Mataura Primary — while Wal tries to keep things calm back in the Hokonui studio. It’s chaos, it’s wholesome, it’s very Southland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyla, Taryn and Shirley break down why “house burping” is suddenly a TikTok craze and why slow vacuuming is the internet’s newest oddly‑satisfying cleaning obsession. They also chat about social‑media friend etiquette — who gets added, who gets ignored, and who’s stuck forever in the “seen but not accepted” pile. And we play a game of guess whos coming to...

Naomi explains the Safe Night kaupapa, exactly what that $20 donation provides, why demand is rising across Aotearoa, and how the community can help — even if money is tight. She also shares the stories that stay with her and the hope guiding her leadership. To gift a Safe Night and help a woman and her children begin their journey to safety, visit safenight.nz . See omnystudio.com/listener...

Milton’s Shane Bichan checks in from his walk the full length of Aotearoa, raising awareness for those affected by suicide. He shares where he is today, how the body and mind are holding up, standout moments from the past week, and how it feels to be inching closer to home — and to Bluff. Plus, Chitty reveals what Shane has roped her into… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

Jack Hilton breaks down Waikoikoi’s four‑run nail‑biter over Appleby in a rain‑shortened T20 final at Queens Park. He talks rivalries, game‑changing performances from Jason Osborne and Ben McCall, the crucial work of the groundsman, and what’s ahead as the competition shifts into the longer formats. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy harbour master Conrad Adams explains the region’s new “lifejacket library” — a simple idea that could save lives. He talks through how the initiative works, why ACC partnership matters, the rules everyone needs to know on our waterways, and how compliance and safety are tracking this summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

West Otago’s own Aj Aitken joins Chitty with his trademark mix of farming insight and footy chat. They cover the much‑needed rain across the region, the surprising “out‑the‑gate” farm prices currently shaping the rural economy, and what to expect as Super Rugby pre‑season gets underway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nathan and Tom jump in for this week’s Locker Room as we unpack the major $13.6 million commercial subdivision planned for Eastern Southland — and what it could actually mean for the region going forward.  We also dive into a bigger conversation triggered by a local story, raising the huge question of what really happens when you're not insured, and who ends up footing the bill. S...

Annie Nelson joins me for our weekly catch‑up, and things get unexpectedly deep… and hilarious. We chat about what it really means when you suddenly start doing things outside your normal routine — are you chaotic, evolving, or secretly brilliant? According to Annie, I  might be a creative genius in the making… and apparently I could be about to write a book?! See omnystud...

Southland cycling star Josh Burnett joins the show after writing his name into the history books, becoming just the sixth rider ever to win three or more Tour of Southland titles. Josh reflects on a brutal final day, an intense battle with rival Matt Wilson, and how close he came to missing the Tour altogether after a broken arm. Racing professionally in Spain but winning at home in front of famil...

Ellie Metcalf and Tegen Henderson are taking on the gruelling HYROX Auckland event — not just as a fitness challenge, but to raise awareness and vital funds for mental health. What began as an $800 fundraising goal has already surged past $5000, thanks to overwhelming community support. Ellie and Tegen share why this kaupapa is deeply personal, the importance of early and accessible mental h...

Think you’re good at skipping stones? Richie Lamming is taking it to the next level with New Zealand’s very first Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championships, coming to Lake Hāwea this May. Richie explains how stone skimming became a competitive sport, what makes the perfect skim, and why Lake Hāwea is the ideal venue. With around 150 competitors, world‑record distances in play, and funds be...

The Riversdale Maize Maze is coming and for three days only, and it’s more than just twists, turns and tall corn. Hilary Kelso from the organising team joins us to talk family fun, BBQs, clever clues and the big community causes behind the maze. The event is raising money for the Waikaia Forest Trails and Riversdale School’s new playground — with affordable entry, surprises insid...

Award‑winning Kiwi musician Chanelle Davis stops by to talk about her new album Creature Groove and Other Songs for Kids — a joyful, imaginative collection celebrating Aotearoa’s creatures, landscapes and adventures. She shares the inspiration behind the songs, the star‑studded list of collaborators, and the brand‑new “Tadpoles” music video dropping today. Perfect for paren...

The Locker Room Ladies return for their weekly round of laughs, chaos and brutally honest opinions — this time tackling reverse‑parking etiquette, age‑gap relationships, and the rise of over‑the‑top gender reveals. It’s unfiltered, hilarious, and as always, completely relatable. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leon Black joins us to unpack the Riverton Lions’ brand‑new Grand a Lamb  competition — a fundraiser supporting the MS and Parkinson’s Society of Southland. He explains how the On the Hoof and On the Hook categories work, why National Lamb Day is part of the celebration, what’s happening on judging day, and why this could become a major annual event for local farmers....

Eastern Northern Barbarians coach AJ Aitken joins Chitty for his weekly catch‑up — fresh off a brutal pre‑season session at Dolamore Park. AJ talks how the boys are shaping up, why they’ll be hurting today, and shares a positive update on local talent Jayden Broome as he continues his recovery. Plus, AJ weighs in on the rural mood across Southland, with strong wool, lamb, venison and b...

At just 14 years old, Te Anau’s Mahe Braaksma has ridden the entire length of New Zealand — solo. After conquering 3000km on the Tour Aotearoa route with a tent, a pair of Crocs and a jar of Nutella strapped to his handlebars, Mahe rolled into Bluff ahead of schedule and straight into the history books. He joins Chitty to talk about the moment he reached the sign, the toughest and best...

Q, Hewi and Nath return for the first Locker Room Lads chat of 2026 with a heartfelt nod to Sir Tim Shadbolt — then take an unexpected detour into the wild world of small‑town scandal, rumours, and how to cope when everyone knows your business.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedy legend Paul Ego joins the show to talk about his first-ever nationwide solo tour,  STICK . From voicing the beloved Stickman to life on the road, intimate venues, and the thrill of live improv, Paul gives a funny and heartfelt look at three decades in comedy — and why now is the perfect time to go solo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With locals breaking records and kicking massive goals, we decided to see what  we could achieve if we really pushed ourselves. The results? Hilarious… and humbling.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Bichan joins us to share his powerful mission walking the length of Aotearoa to honour those left behind after suicide and bring visibility to the healing that follows. He talks about what inspired the journey, the challenges so far, and the impact he hopes to make with every step toward Bluff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mathew Korteweg joins us to talk about the power of everyday circuit breakers — the small pauses that keep us grounded both on and off the farm. He shares what’s happening in the dairy world right now, how he manages the juggle, and whether we’ll spot him lacing up the boots for Clutha again this year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmer and mum of three, Jenny Sandford, talks about finding rest, connection and inspiration at the Shepherdess Muster — and why Southland women should grab this chance while it’s here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim, Tyla, and Taryn kick off 2026 with plenty of laughs and real talk. From wedding traditions and staying in your lane to F-bombs and what's happened to Kim? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.