The Radio Wānaka Breakfast Podcast

We touched on a reminder for teachers to be careful about what they share online. It all comes down to protecting students. No photos, videos, names, or anything that could identify a child. Even sharing schoolwork can be risky. There’s also professionalism and boundaries to think about, with parents and students able to see what’s posted. The simple rule… if you’re not su...

In this episode, we catch up with Upper Clutha Rams number 8 Jake Burtenshaw as the team gears up for the 2026 season. Jake runs us through a strong preseason with three wins on the board and plenty of fresh faces pushing for spots. He talks about what makes rugby in Upper Clutha special, with a tight-knit community backing the team every step of the way. We also get a laugh with a classic team st...

Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts joins the show to talk about preparations for the busy Easter weekend in Wānaka. She runs through how Police will be out in force to keep things safe for both locals and visitors, and why it’s so important everyone plays their part. There’s a strong reminder around drink driving, with recent high readings showing just how risky it’s been, and the rea...

Warbirds Over Wānaka is nearly here, and the countdown is well and truly on. Taylor and Ed are getting pumped for what’s shaping up to be an epic weekend of aviation, with some seriously impressive aircraft and displays lined up. A couple of quick reminders too… there’ll be road closures in place, plus a free community event happening on Friday if you want to soak up the atmosph...

In this episode, David Gibbs from Community Link joins us with some great news for the Cold Kids campaign. The recent Hirepool Golf Classic has raised an impressive $48,400, giving a real boost to local families heading into winter. David breaks down what that support actually means on the ground, from help with heating costs to essentials like health support and school uniforms. He also explains...

this episode of Radio Wānaka as we catch up with Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary. Peter shares the story behind his family’s legacy, including the Himalayan Trust and the incredible work it does supporting communities in Nepal, from building schools to improving healthcare. We also chat about the Summit Challenge and how it helps raise funds for this important cause, plus why events...

on this episode of Radio Wānaka Breakfast as we catch up with Stephanie from Abbeyfield Wānaka. She shares the story behind Abbeyfield, a unique way of living for seniors focused on community, connection, and companionship. We dive into the charity’s mission to bring this model to Wānaka, and how it’s set to make a real difference for locals who want to stay in the place they call home...

With Jordaine Wilson, We run through what’s hot… and what’s not  We chat the rise of “girl golf” and why more women are hitting the course, petrol panic buying as prices climb, and Jack’s recent online scam experience with a reminder to stay sharp online. Plus, we point you to the cheapest fuel in town and look ahead to the Wānaka Wine and Food Festival. S...

We’re excited to bring you this one! We’re joined by Mikayla , the stage manager, Logan from the cast, and Olive , the choreographer behind Mount Aspiring College’s Chicago Teen Edition . They take us behind the scenes of the show, from bringing such an iconic musical to life, to the challenges along the way and the buzz building ahead of opening night. We chat about the hard wor...

In this episode, we chat with Liam Grey, Sustainable Energy Manager at Aotea Electric Wānaka, about how solar is becoming a smart way to cut costs as fuel prices climb. Liam breaks down how solar can take the pressure off household bills long term and why pairing it with EVs and battery storage is a game changer. We also get into how EV batteries can double as home storage, helping protect you fro...

In this episode of the Wānaka Breakfast Podcast, Yonah from House to Travel Wānaka shares her go-to tips for planning a trip to Hawai‘i. She breaks down the easiest way to get there, including a smooth domestic connection from Auckland to Honolulu. Yonah also highlights the must-try food truck scene, serving up fresh seafood and that classic laid-back island vibe. Plus, she reckons the North...

Jack chats with Lisa from Zoomi’s Dog Training Adventures about growing backlash from Cromwell dog owners over proposed tree removals at Sand Flat Road. More than 700 people have signed a petition, worried the move could wipe out a big chunk of the town’s off-leash dog walking space. Lisa shares her take as both a local business owner and dog trainer, explaining what it could mean for...

Ed Taylor , General Manager of Warbirds Over Wānaka , joins us to talk about the countdown to the air show. With just three weeks to go, momentum is building and early signs suggest a huge turnout, following strong crowds recently seen at local events. Ed shares the latest on preparations, including updates on the grandstands, fencing setup, and the spectacular lakefront show planned for this year...

In this episode, Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts joins us after a busy weekend at the Wānaka A&P Show. With around 45,000 people attending across two days, she talks about the great atmosphere at the event and the strong sense of community on display. Fiona also touches on a few disappointing moments, including an arrest made during the show, and the work police were doing behind the scenes to k...

We catch up with  Rosa and Margo from Two Raw Sisters , the Kiwi sisters helping people cook confidently and make healthy eating feel simple. They share the story behind how Two Raw Sisters began, and how their approach focuses on making good food realistic for everyday life rather than complicated or restrictive. We also chat about the first small step anyone can take to make eating well eas...

Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts from New Zealand Police joins the show with the latest update from the local force. She’s recently returned to town after time working in another department and has plenty to catch us up on. From incidents on the Skyline Track to a busy week ahead with a major event in town, Fiona talks about police focusing on road safety, impaired driving, and staying visible...

Annabel Roy from the Wānaka A&P Show joins Jack to chat about what’s coming up at this year’s event. The show’s shaping up to be bigger and better, with plenty of new attractions and activities for the whole community. From the fast-paced Jet Russell Race to the always popular home industry competitions, there’s something for everyone. Annabel also runs through the prac...

We catch up with Upper Clutha Rams number eight Jake Burtenshaw to talk about the season ahead. Jake reflects on the team’s back-to-back success and what it takes to keep that winning culture going. He also shares how changes in the coaching staff have shaped the squad, and why unity, confidence, and staying level-headed will be key this year. With plenty of insight and a few laughs along th...

On this episode of The Breakfast Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca Kennedy from the Wānaka and Hāwea Libraries. We talk about how our local libraries have become true community spaces, places to connect, learn and try something new. From Reading to Dogs with Arlo to LEGO Club and supervised video gaming sessions, there’s plenty happening for kids and families. We also cover the wider communi...

After years of locals asking why they had to leave town for something as routine as an x-ray or ultrasound, change has finally arrived. In this episode, we chat with Nicky McCarthy from the steering committee at Health Action Wānaka about what the new access to publicly funded radiology services means for the Upper Clutha. Publicly funded x-rays and ultrasounds will now be available right here in...

Jordaine Wilson is back with this week’s must-do recommendations across Wānaka and beyond. We chat about the return of the Mt Iron Dog Bowl, a cosy local cinema experience that’s perfect for a night out if you pick the right seat, and a brand-new cookbook that might just level up your kitchen game. From wagging tails to un-comfy seats and fresh recipes, it’s your quick guide to w...

Country star Jackie Bristow joins us on the podcast ahead of her special hometown show at Paddons Paddock in Wānaka this Sunday.  Jackie chats about life between Nashville and NZ, the stories behind her songs, and what the local crowd can expect from this intimate summer gig. If you’re heading along or just love a good behind-the-scenes yarn with a Kiwi artist doing big things overseas,...

Allan Dippie from Willowridge Developments joined us on the show to chat about the Three Parks Town Meets Country Charity Ball, happening March 14. He shared what’s in store for the night, including live music from Jenny Mitchell and La Social, a full banquet, and a chance to connect with the community. The ball is raising funds for the local school, with tickets priced at $235. It’s s...

Jack Moody opens up about his epic win at Challenge Wānaka 2026. The Kiwi triathlete walks us through the day from the freezing start line to the brutal bike leg and gutsy run home. He shares how he kept his head in the game, reeled in the race leader, and backed himself when it mattered most. Confidence, smart prep, and the lift from the local crowd all played a part. Now with his focus turning t...

In this episode of the Radio Wānaka Breakfast Podcast, Jordaine Wilson joins us for a big pop culture catch-up. We’re diving into whether massive award shows like the Grammys and the Super Bowl still hit the same, or if social media clips and memes have kind of taken over. Jordaine shares her take on the moments that actually cut through, including Justin Bieber’s slightly cryptic Gram...