The Radio Wānaka Breakfast Podcast

In this episode, Jack speaks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon over the phone ahead of his visit to Lake Hāwea. The conversation covers some of the biggest issues facing Wānaka and Central Otago, including the region's rapid growth, the housing affordability challenges pushing essential workers out of the community, and what role the Government has in helping fast-growing towns kee...

In today's episode, we're covering three of the biggest stories making news across the region. A fast-track application for a proposed Otago gold mine has been put on hold, delaying the project's progress while the next steps are considered. The Queenstown Lakes District Council has pledged a wholesale review of its rates system after growing concern from the community over rising costs and fairne...

Ever wondered why some people can project their voice effortlessly while others lose theirs after a concert, sports game, or a day of shouting? In this episode, local vocal coach and singer-songwriter Anna van Riel joins us to unpack the science behind the human voice and why proper technique matters more than volume. From world-record-breaking shouts to everyday conversations, Anna explains what...

Last night Hannah and I headed along to Little Street Kitchen in Wānaka for a belated birthday dinner, and it turned into one of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time. From the moment we walked through the door, the service was exceptional. The team knew the menu inside out, offered great recommendations, and made us feel welcome from the start. We kicked things off with a couple of...

For many of us, pets are more than just animals. They're family. They share our homes, our routines, and some of life's biggest moments. So why do we form such powerful bonds with them, and why can saying goodbye be so difficult? This morning on the show, we're joined by Ellen from Vetlife Wānaka to explore the special connection between people and their pets, particularly dogs. We'll look at the...

This morning we're diving into three stories making headlines across New Zealand and right here in our region. Experts are sounding the alarm about the growing influence of the "manosphere" on young Kiwi boys and what it could mean for attitudes, behaviour, and relationships. Closer to home, a proposal to install pokie machines at a historic local pub is already generating debate and is likely to...

In this episode, we dive into a story that's sparked plenty of conversation online. A woman in the UK honoured her late dog by mixing his ashes into tattoo ink and having it applied as a cosmetic tattoo. That unusual tribute led us to ask: is something like this actually possible, and how does cosmetic tattooing work? Joining the show is Courtney from Central Clinic Wānaka, who explains the proces...

Today's headlines take us from local roads to the growing challenges of the digital world. First, the proposed speed limit review has sparked mixed reactions across the district. Some residents support lower speeds for safety, while others feel the current limits are working just fine. It's a conversation that highlights the balance between safety and convenience in our communities. Then, a concer...

Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts from New Zealand Police joins the show with an update on policing across the Upper Clutha, including some concerning speeding statistics from local roads. From motorists clocked at speeds as high as 149km/h to the risks and consequences of dangerous driving, Fiona discusses why road safety remains a major focus for police in the region. The conversation also covers th...

Stay across the stories making headlines across New Zealand in today's episode of The Daily Headlines. Jack breaks down the debate surrounding the All Whites' loss to Egypt, with questions being raised about several key refereeing decisions that may have influenced the result. Freedom camping is back in the spotlight as the Queenstown Lakes district discusses how to balance growing visitor numbers...

The ODT reports that Cory and Nicola Peterson have officially opened Little Street Kitchen, turning their food truck dream into a permanent restaurant with plenty of support from the local community. Meanwhile, in Christchurch, thousands of Warriors fans flooded the city ahead of the Cowboys clash, with parts of the central city brought to a standstill as the Wahs faithful turned out in force. And...

The World Vision 40 Hour Challenge is back, and it all kicks off today. For more than 50 years, young New Zealanders have been stepping up to take part in one of the country's most recognised fundraising challenges, giving up something they love or taking on a challenge for 40 hours to help communities facing hardship around the world. This year, participants are raising money to support children...

This week on What's Hot, What's Not & What's Worth a Shot, Jordaine Wilson joins the show for another round of opinions, observations, and a few laughs. This episode, Jordaine shares a slightly embarrassing birthday story after discovering the people around him had no idea it was his big day. It's a funny reminder that sometimes the things we build up in our heads aren't nearly as important as...

In today's episode, we're taking a look at some of the stories making news around Otago and the Upper Clutha. We start with a bizarre court case out of Dunedin, where a man admitted attempting to import Class A drugs to his mother's address using the name of his deceased grandmother. We also look at a new scholarship from the Bannockburn Arts Charitable Trust that's set to help support and develop...

Today's Headlines We're taking a look at some of the stories making news around New Zealand today. An abandoned Christchurch property has sold for more than $1 million after attracting a fierce bidding war, raising eyebrows about the state of the housing market. In Cromwell, concerns are growing over uneven pavers around the mall, with locals calling for repairs before someone is seriously injured...

The House of Travel Expo is returning to Wānaka for the first time since 2019, bringing 18 travel suppliers together under one roof to help locals plan their next adventure. In this episode, Jack catches up with Nicky from House of Travel Wānaka to chat about the upcoming Travel Expo on July 30 and why now is the perfect time to start planning your next getaway. From Europe and Asia to Africa, the...

  In today’s Headlines, we look at a story sparking strong reactions in the Waitaki District, where a councillor has reportedly received death threats after being singled out on social media ahead of a proposed 22 percent rates increase. We also highlight a positive local development, with Wānaka Search and Rescue working to secure a deep-water vehicle that would strengthen emergency re...

Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts from New Zealand Police joins the Breakfast Show for a local policing update. We discuss the recent spike in speeding offences across the district, including drivers clocked at speeds well over the limit, and why winter conditions make safe driving more important than ever. Fiona also shares details of a successful weekend rescue operation, where police helped locate...

Mount Aspiring College's Level 3 drama students are preparing to bring Buckets to the stage, a moving and often humorous production that explores friendship, time, and the moments that shape our lives. Drama teacher Emily McCrae joins the show to talk about the production, the themes behind the play, and the journey students have taken to bring it to life. Emily shares how the cast and crew have t...

 this episode, we run through three stories making headlines today. Aucklanders are being warned about an alleged bracelet scam involving people posing as monks and approaching pedestrians for money. We also take a look at New Zealand's latest Rich List, revealing the country's wealthiest people and the newcomers climbing the ranks. Plus, the UK is considering tougher rules around children's...

In this episode of the Radio Wānaka Podcast, Jack is joined by Babu Blatt, Programme Manager at Wao, to chat about building stronger local food networks and creating more sustainable communities. Ahead of the upcoming Wow Green Drinks event, Babu shares practical ideas that bring people together through growing, sharing, and producing food locally. From a seedling co-op that spreads the workload o...

n today's Headlines, we cover a mix of local, national, and international stories making news. The Ministry of Education has purchased land in Lake Hāwea for a future primary school as the area continues to grow. Overseas, NBA star James Harden has reportedly been arrested on a weapon-related charge. And there's good news for the Upper Clutha, with Lake Hāwea FreshChoice being named New Zealand's...

The Upper Clutha Rams have a big challenge ahead this weekend as they take on Alexandra in a clash that means more than just competition points. On Radio Wānaka Breakfast, Jack caught up with Rams number eight Jake Burtenshaw to talk about the team's recent win over Ranfurly, preparations for this weekend's match, and what's at stake with the White Horse Cup on the line. Jake also reflected on wha...

On today's headlines we're covering a mix of local, national and entertainment news. In Hāwea, new groundwater monitoring wells are being installed to help track and protect local water resources for the future. We'll also look at the story of a 68-year-old Kiwi who contracted a rare bacterial infection after returning from a holiday in the Cook Islands. Plus, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were spotted c...

This week on the Radio Wānaka Breakfast Podcast, Jack catches up with Laura Varns from the Upper Clutha Messenger. If you've got a growing list of jobs around the house, are planning a renovation, or need a trusted local tradie, Laura explains why the Trades & Services section of the Messenger is one of the handiest resources in the Upper Clutha. They discuss how the Messenger helps connect lo...