The Radio Wānaka Breakfast Podcast

We’re joined by Rebekah Kennedy from the Queenstown Lakes Libraries to chat about the many ways the library brings the community together. From kids reading with dogs to book clubs, Lego Club, and digital help sessions for seniors, there’s something for everyone. Rebekah also shares how their social English classes are helping create a welcoming space for people from all walks of life...

We’re joined by Robert Glenn, a Scottish-born musician now calling Wānaka home, to chat about his journey from playing Oasis covers with mates to becoming a full-time performer and releasing his own original music. Robert opens up about life as a working musician in small-town New Zealand, the challenges and rewards of putting your own music out into the world, and why consistency has been o...

In this episode, we catch up with Jane Sharman from Challenge Wānaka to chat about the exciting future of the event, including the brand-new format for 2027 featuring a 100km distance triathlon. Jane also talks us through changes to the bike course, the introduction of RaceRanger technology to help monitor drafting and performance, and why community support continues to be such a huge part of what...

In this episode, we’re joined by Glenn Thurston from MentalHunts, an initiative focused on breaking down the stigma around mental wellbeing within New Zealand’s firearms and hunting community. Glenn chats about why MentalHunts 101 was created, the challenges many firearms licence holders face when it comes to asking for help, and the importance of creating safe, judgement-free conversa...

In this episode, we catch up with Upper Clutha Rams number eight Jake Burtenshaw after the Rams’ dominant 54-nil win over Arrowtown. We break down the big result, look ahead to the always massive John Scott Shield and Speight’s Jug clashes, and chat about the buzz building around Ladies Day, celebrating the incredible women behind the club. It’s a great insight into the team, the...

In this episode, Jack catches up with Jordanie Wilson for a fun, laid-back chat covering everything from music to sport and creative hobbies. The pair talk about the upcoming Shapeshifter show in Lake Wānaka, with Jordanie sharing how he recently got hands-on at a wax carving jewellery workshop and discovered a new creative side. They also dive into Warriors chat, player stats, and the excitement...

Joining us on the Radio Wānaka Breakfast Podcast is Caleb Moore from The Wānaka Project… a local initiative all about making music easy, accessible, and a whole lot less intimidating. We chat through Caleb’s journey into music… from picking up the guitar in his early days, to building a space where creatives can connect, collaborate, and actually give it a go. We also get into...

In this episode, we’re joined by Sergeant Dylan Hannah Jones from New Zealand Police, breaking down what’s been happening on our local roads and what you need to know heading into winter. We get the latest on drink driving and crash complaints around North Lake, plus some of the more unbelievable excuses from people caught riding without helmets. We also chat winter driving, from check...

We’re joined by Quinn McCutcheon, a 16-year-old kayaker from Aotearoa, gearing up to represent New Zealand at the Canoe Slalom Junior World Champs in Poland. Quinn takes us back to how it all started in Year 7, and how that early spark turned into a serious pursuit at the top level. He breaks down the tough selection process, going head-to-head with the best in his age group, and what it&rsq...

In this episode, we catch up with Kathy Dedo, Deputy Chair of the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board, for a rundown on the big issues shaping the region right now. With the 2026–27 Annual Plan consultation now closed, Kathy explains what happens next… from submissions being reviewed, to hearings in mid-May, and final decisions expected in late June. She also addresses the growing con...

The first ever Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championship is hitting Lake Hāwea Station on May 16, and it’s shaping up to be a beauty. We catch up with Richie Lamming from Lake Hāwea Station, who’s behind the idea, to find out how this unique event came to life and why it’s all about backing a good cause, raising funds for Melanoma New Zealand. It’s not just about skimming stones...

We caught up with Jake from the Rams ahead of a big one tonight. After the bye and three weeks on the road, they’re finally back on home turf at the Upper Clutha Rugby Grounds. The boys have had a solid start to the season with three wins, but Jake says they’re still building and finding their rhythm. He also gave a shout to some of the newer faces like Josh Cock and Jack Easy, who&rsq...

Jordaine Wilson’s back on the Radio Wānaka Breakfast Show, diving into what’s hot, what’s not, and what’s worth a shot around town. She’s unpacking the arrival of Uber in Wānaka, and let’s just say… Jack isn't a fan of the app. Closer to home, she’s also sharing her take on proposed paid parking in the CBD, and what it could mean for local businesse...

In this episode, we catch up with Nicky McCone from House to Travel after her family getaway to Samoa. She shares what it was like staying in traditional fale accommodation, swapping luxury for something more raw and authentic… and why that slower pace felt completely different to her trips to Fiji. Nicky also explains why actually experiencing destinations matters when planning a holiday&h...

The jazz hands are out and the spotlight’s on at the Lake Wānaka Centre as Mount Aspiring College gears up for Chicago: Teen Edition. In this episode, we catch up with the cast to get the lowdown on the show… from what the story’s all about, to what it’s really like behind the scenes in the final week of rehearsals. What’s the vibe like inside the theatre right now?...

Alright… this one’s guaranteed to split the room. We’re talking parking in Wānaka… and some pretty big changes that could be on the way. The Queenstown Lakes District Council is looking at introducing paid parking across the town centre… along with tighter time limits. The goal? Fix one of the biggest daily frustrations for locals and visitors alike… actuall...

In this episode, we catch up with local singer-songwriter Jordan Berry, who’s quickly building a name in the music scene. He takes us through his journey, from picking up a guitar at just eleven, to recording his first album and playing legendary spots like the Cavern club in Liverpool. We chat about his latest single “Elegant Affair” , what’s behind the track, and what to...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jackie Copeland, Managing Radiologist for Otago and Southland, to talk about a major step forward in local healthcare. A brand new PET CT scanner is opening in Dunedin, bringing advanced cancer imaging much closer to home for people across the region. We get into what this means for patients… from less travel and shorter wait times, to faster diagn...

Fuel prices aren’t just a pain at the pump… they’re starting to impact how rural communities function day to day. In this episode, we head out to Makarora in the Upper Clutha, where a tiny school of just 13 students is feeling the pressure. A new government fuel relief package is offering some help, including grants for small schools, better mileage rates for relief teachers, an...

This one starts with a bike… but it quickly becomes something much bigger. Mikey Phelan is back on the road, reopening his Cycle for Owen fundraiser… and this time, he’s committing to taking it all the way around the world. After already cycling from Ireland to Athens and raising over €22,000 for St John’s Special School in Dungarvan… Mikey’s now 17,000k...

What’s Hot Jordaine’s all in for Anzac Day this year… heading along to the 7am dawn service by the lake to pay his respects. It’s one of those moments that really hits home… and you can feel the whole community come together. What’s Not Jay's got a bone to pick… and yep, it’s the cold. Jack Frost has rolled through town and she’s not loving...

This Saturday, Cromwell’s Anzac Day service is set to carry a bit more meaning than usual. It’s being held in the brand new War Memorial Gardens on Malmore Terrace… with a restored statue now standing proudly at the centre. RSA Cromwell President Denise Ryan says the space is a proper tribute to those who’ve served. There’ll be a few special moments too… inclu...

This morning on the Breakfast Show, Jack shines a light on a feel-good story with a real local impact. The food bank appeal is back in Wānaka, and right now, the need is growing. Community Link says more local families are reaching out as the cost of living continues to bite. The Family to Family programme has teamed up with New World Wanaka and New World Three Parks to make it easy to help. Jack...

oday’s Daily Great is simple… but it hits: “There is never regret in doing your best, which is all any of us can really do.” Because here’s the thing… Regret usually shows up when we know we held back. When we didn’t give it a proper crack. But when you genuinely give something your best… Not perfect… not flawless… just your honest e...

Councillor Cody Tucker joins us to talk about the latest rates increase hitting Hāwea. He breaks down the annual plan, with rises of 22.3% for Hāwea, 20% for Cardrona, and 29% for Luggate. Cody’s raising concerns around transparency too, saying the consultation document doesn’t clearly explain why these increases are so high. And he’s hearing it from locals, especially in rural a...