The Radio Wānaka Breakfast Podcast

This week on What's Hot, What's Not & What's Worth a Shot with Jordeian Willison ... Jordeian's social media has gone absolutely crazy, with his following exploding by 5.6 million people in just two weeks. We chat about what sparked the massive growth, how life has changed almost overnight, and some of the opportunities that have come with it, including potential brand deals and event hosting...

Among the headlines is a troubling incident involving a vulnerable student who was accidentally left locked inside a school van for several hours, prompting serious questions about safety procedures and accountability. The episode also explores new research suggesting New Zealanders are becoming increasingly likely to delay or avoid medical appointments and follow-up care. With rising living costs...

Welcome to Risk & Reward, the game where every right answer brings you closer to a bigger prize... but one wrong move could cost you everything. In this episode, contestant Jake steps up to the challenge, facing a series of increasingly difficult questions. Each correct answer unlocks a bigger reward, but after every question comes the big decision: Do you BANK IT and walk away with what you'v...

Wānaka Library is buzzing with activity this winter, and Rebecca Kennedy joins Jack on the Breakfast Show to share everything that's happening. From children reading to Arlo the library dog and after-school LEGO Club, to new community groups like the Knitting Club and Writing Group, there's something for every age and interest. Rebecca also talks about the Teen Book Club, monthly Book Club gatheri...

Today's headlines cover everything from a suspicious fire investigation to changes that could make everyday life a little easier. Police are asking for more information after a fire near Waitaki Boys’ High School, with investigators looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Government is considering introducing "click and collect" prescriptions, a move that could make it m...

Retail crime continues to be a challenge across New Zealand, and local police are working hard to keep communities and businesses safe. In this episode, Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts joins Jack to discuss the rise in shoplifting, the impact it's having on retailers, and what police are doing to identify and catch repeat offenders. Fiona explains how organised retail crime affects businesses of all...

The future of one of Cromwell's most popular dog walking areas hangs in the balance. Lisa Telle from Zoomies Cromwell joins Jack on Radio Wānaka Breakfast to discuss the ongoing battle over the Sand Flat Road Pines. What started as a fight to stop widespread tree felling has now evolved into concerns that public access to the area could be restricted altogether. Lisa explains why local dog owners...

Jack dives into the stories making headlines around New Zealand and closer to home. Are smart watches and fitness trackers helping us live healthier lives, or are they creating a whole new level of stress and anxiety? We look at the growing debate around wearable technology. Plus, new funding announced for the Upper Clutha region could open the door to fresh career pathways and business opportunit...

this episode, Jack takes a look at some of the stories making headlines around New Zealand, with a mix of local issues, national news, and a few personal observations along the way. Among the stories covered, Sports Minister Mark Mitchell signals a potential crackdown on Run It Straight events, warning they could lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. Closer to home, Albert Town residents an...

This week on What's Hot, What's Not & What's Worth a Shot , Jordaine Wilson joins Jack for another fun and honest chat covering the things people are loving, leaving behind, and giving a go. From holiday envy and social media comparisons to FIFA World Cup excitement and the fun of a good sweepstake, Jordaine shares her take on what's trending and what's not. The conversation also touches on th...

This weekend, the Upper Clutha Rams head to Ranfurly to take on the Maniototo Maggots in a match that means more than just competition points. Joining us on the podcast is Rams number eight Jake Burtenshaw, who talks about the significance of the new Patrons Cup, a trophy created to honour two respected figures who played an important role in the club's history. With the Rams coming off a bye week...

What was meant to be a routine Community Link update on The Breakfast Show turned into something very different for David Gibbs. This morning, David was surprised live on air as the winner of the 2026 Aspiring Law Community Champions Award. David volunteers around 20 hours each week supporting Community Link Upper Clutha, helping raise awareness of the organisation's services, strengthening commun...

This morning on The Breakfast Show, Sergeant Dylan Hannah-Jones from New Zealand Police joined us to discuss several incidents and safety issues from around the district. 🚔 Party Gets Out of Hand in Lake Hāwea Police were called to a party in Lake Hāwea over the weekend following reports of poor behaviour. Sergeant Hannah-Jones said it's a timely reminder for anyone hosting a gathering to have a...

Singer-songwriter Anna McKean joins us for a chat about her musical journey, the creative process behind her songs, and the story behind her latest release, Never Loved Me (Stripped) . Growing up in a small New Zealand town, Anna discovered early on that music was more than just a hobby. It became a way to process emotions, tell stories, and connect with people. In this conversation, she shares ho...

The local rugby spotlight turns to Balclutha this weekend for the annual Top Cup, a representative clash showcasing some of the best rugby talent from across Central Otago and Southern Otago. In this episode, we catch up with Upper Clutha Rams number eight Jake Burtenshaw, one of 11 Rams players selected to represent the Central Otago side. Jake explains what the Top Cup is all about, what it's li...

Thinking about auditioning for Stars in Your Eyes 2026 ? This episode is packed with tips, stories and behind-the-scenes insight from musical director David Baker. David joins Jack to chat about what really makes an audition stand out, and why it’s about much more than just hitting the right notes. From song choice and stage presence to confidence and crowd connection, he shares what contest...

ordaine Wilson and Jack are back with another episode of What’s Hot, What’s Not & What’s Worth a Shot … and this one goes everywhere in the best way possible. From sport chats and Christchurch adventures to road rage on the Crown Range, the boys dive into the stuff everyone’s talking about, with plenty of laughs along the way. It’s honest, relatable, and fe...

As winter settles in across the region, road conditions can quickly become more dangerous, with icy mornings, frosted windscreens, and distracted driving all increasing the risk of crashes. In this episode, we catch up with Sean from the New Zealand Police to chat about staying safe on the roads during the colder months and the simple things drivers can do to reduce the risks. Sean shares importan...

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to know what’s happening behind the scenes at Community Link and how they’re supporting locals across Wānaka and Hāwea. Joining the podcast is Community Link trustee David Gibbs, sharing updates on the organisation’s latest initiatives, support services, and the growing demand within the community. The conversation covers the launc...

This episode of What’s Hot, What’s Not & What’s Worth a Shot with Jordaine Wilson is packed with laughs, relatable chats, and the kind of banter that feels like mates catching up over coffee. From dealing with gloomy weather moods to poking fun at everyday habits, the conversation moves through funny moments and real-life stories listeners will definitely connect with. The te...

In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Angel of the Evening opens up about her journey into music, from discovering her voice as a teenager to creating a sound and style that feels truly her own. The 18-year-old artist shares how songwriting and poetry became an outlet during difficult moments in life, helping her navigate mental health struggles and embrace who she really is. This episode div...

In a community that prides itself on looking after its own, this episode highlights the incredible work being done by Community Link, an organisation helping support locals through some of life’s toughest moments. From providing essential support services to backing grassroots initiatives, Community Link continues to play a huge role across the Upper Clutha. This episode dives into some of t...

In this episode of the Radio Wānaka Breakfast Podcast, we catch up with Jamie Whiston after being crowned New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year 2026. Jamie shares her journey from small-town beginnings to becoming one of the country’s top hair stylists, opening up about the hard work, setbacks, and support that helped shape her career. We talk about the challenges of finding an apprenticeship,...

This week on the show, we catch up with Jake Burtenshaw from the Upper Clutha Rams as he celebrates his 50th game for the club. Jake chats about his journey from Dunedin to Upper Clutha, finding a real sense of community through local rugby, and why pulling on the Rams jersey means so much to him. We also preview the Rams’ massive clash against the Wakatipu Rugby Club for the iconic White Ho...

In this episode, Jack catches up with Mark Wilson from the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand to chat about Pink Shirt Day and the message behind the nationwide movement. They talk about how bullying has changed in the age of social media, the impact it can have on people of all ages, and what we can all do to help create more supportive and inclusive communities. Mark also shares advice on s...