Now That's an Idea

In this conversation, Jack and Scott Casley discuss the significance of amateur radio, particularly in emergency situations. Scott shares insights about the Gisborne Radio Club, the importance of radio communication during disasters, and the technical aspects of radio wave propagation. They explore the global connections made possible through amateur radio, the necessity of licensing, and the comm...

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Rowland, General Manager of the Tairāwhiti Environment Centre, to talk about the future of the Coast — from forestry and erosion to food waste, recycling, and the big environmental opportunities sitting right in front of us. We dig into the region’s bold plan to transition 100,000 hectares of highly erodible land into permanent vegetation, and the complex mix o...

In this conversation, Jack speaks with Paul Naske and Panapa Ehau from Rua Bioscience about their journey in the cannabis industry, focusing on sustainable economic development for their community. They discuss the evolution of the company, the transition to a capital light model, and the current state of their sales and market presence. The conversation also touches on their share raise initiativ...

In this episode, Jack Marshall sits down with Julian Kohn, Chair of the Eastland Wood Council, to unpack the challenges and opportunities facing the forestry industry in Tairāwhiti. There are plans afoot to convert the East Coast's most unstable land into permanent forest. What does the forestry industry think of that? This episode discuss the region’s ongoing battle with land erosion, the role of...

This week, Jack catches up with Ngahuia Mita to discuss the significance of Tairawhiti Waka, a double-hulled sailing canoe that serves as a platform for education, cultural connection, and community involvement. Ngahuia shares her personal journey into the world of waka, the educational benefits of sailing, and the importance of fostering future leaders and guardians of the ocean. They also touch...

This week Jack sits down with Chamber of Commerce President Ashley Fisher discuss the current economic landscape of Gisborne. The region has challenges as businesses bare the brunt of it with their bottom line. All too often council is in the mix. So what can be done? Ashley talks about the impact of central government policies on local businesses, the need for efficient processing of resource con...

In this episode, Jack speaks with Sheridan Gundry from Heritage Tairāwhiti about the power of storytelling, preservation, and connection in our region’s history. Sheridan — a longtime journalist turned historian — shares her passion for uncovering the human stories behind Tairāwhiti’s landmarks, rivers, and communities. From the tales that shaped the Taruheru River to the exhibitions and events th...

Jack talks with Ora Barlow from Raukūmara Pae Maunga, an iwi-led conservation project restoring well over 100,000 hectares of native forest on the East Coast. Fresh off a $6 million funding boost, Ora shares how the team is reviving biodiversity, creating local jobs, and proving that when people care for the land — the land gives back. This is a story of indigenous leadership, community resilience...

In this episode, Jack sits down with artist and researcher Dayna Raroa (Ngāti Porou) to talk about the upcoming exhibition, MŌWAI: The Weight of Water. The project transforms community research on the impacts of severe weather—particularly Cyclone Gabrielle—into a powerful creative response. Dayna shares how her work bridges kaupapa Māori research, community voices, and art to highlight the emotio...

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea Mateawa Keelan talks about life in Ruatoria and running for council. Mateawa shares her passion for Māori representation, rural voices in governance, and future-focused community well-being. Her idea is to strengthen Te Tiriti o Waitangi in council. From local markets that support whānau and hapū to embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori perspectives into co...

In this episode, Debbie Gregory, former Gisborne Herald chief reporter and council candidate, to talk about her journey, her passion for waste management and recycling, and her vision for a more sustainable Tairāwhiti. Debbie's idea? She see's Gisborne having a proper recycling center in Gisborne where waste is seen as a resource and delt with locally rather than shipped off at an extravagent cost...

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea we have Meng Foon — former Race Relations Commissioner and long-time Mayor of Gisborne. Meng talks about his journey into politics, the role of community engagement, and the lessons he’s learned from decades of public service. He also shares insights on how to evaluate council candidates, the importance of the ward system, and what can be done to boost voter t...

In this kōrero, Alexandra Boros talks about local politics, community engagement, and the revitalisation of Gisborne and the wider Tairāwhiti region. Alexandra’s big idea? Attracting young professionals to Gisborne and making it a destination for early-career talent. She believes bringing young people here will create a stronger energy for the next generation and help build a vibrant, connected ci...

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we talk with Jordan Walker, a candidate for the General Ward in Tairāwhiti. They share their personal journey of reconnecting with their whakapapa and family, and their vision for youth engagement in local government. Jordan’s idea? Putting money towards a rangatahi democracy fund to empower young voices and ensure rangatahi have a real say in decision-making...

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with former editor of the Gisborne Herald, Jeremy Muir. Now a council candidate for Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, we discuss his candidacy, background, and vision for the region. Jeremy’s idea: create stronger and more connected communities by shifting how local governance operates. He believes collaboration, cultural change within council, and real engage...

In this episode Jono Samson to talk about his journey, his candidacy, and his vision for Tairāwhiti. Jono opens up about his personal struggles with mental health, his passion for addressing homelessness, and the values of compassion and understanding that drive his leadership style. Jono’s idea: building stronger community support systems that reduce homelessness, tackle mental health challenges,...

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, councillor Rob Telfer about his first term on the Tairāwhiti council and why he’s standing again. Rob’s idea: shifting council culture. Rob wants to move away from fear and box-ticking towards a council that communicates openly, manages risk wisely, and backs opportunities for growth. He shares his perspective on: -The role of irrigation projects in driving e...

In this episode, host Jack Marshall sits down with Mayor Rehette Stoltz, discussing his candidacy and vision for Gisborne. Stoltz talks about her re-election campaign, the challenges our region faces, and her big idea: boosting water infrastructure to drive economic growth. She shares why investing in water is critical for creating higher-paying jobs and how collaboration between local stakeholder...

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with Rauhinia Parata, a current councillor running for re-election in the Māori Ward. Rauhinia shares her experiences in local governance, the challenges of working across ward boundaries, and her commitment to strong community representation. Rawinia's idea: a perspective shift on council. That means supporting more housing, businesses and forest...

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea , we sit down with Ian Allan, a candidate for local council in Gisborne/Tairāwhiti general ward. Ian’s idea: expand the Environment Centre to reduce waste, cut costs for ratepayers and help the planet. Drawing on his background in technology and software, Ian talks about how innovative thinking and community engagement can reshape local governance. He emphasiz...

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with Sam Gibson — maybe better known as Sam the Trap Man — to talk about his candidacy for local council in Gisborne/Tairāwhiti. Sam shares his background in conservation and community work, and why listening to constituents is central to his approach. Sam's idea: we need for greater resilience in the face of environmental challenges, including mo...

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea , we sit down with Elizabeth Kerekere, a candidate for local government in Tai Rāwhiti, to talk about one big idea: devolution of power and funding from Wellington to our communities . Elizabeth draws on her background in activism, education, and politics to explain why local control over spending and decision-making is crucial for real community representatio...