Breakfast Ashburton with Luke Howden

The long weekend road trip has got a lot more expensive with recent gas price rises. Luke caught up with AA Motoring Advisor Ryan Bos to ask how we can get the most out of our tank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirl was back with her take on the long weekend ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local MP James Meager was back to share the details on public holiday liquor law changes, whether we should feel guilty heading away on a road trip this weekend, and if he's in line for a promotion this afternoon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Canterbury/ North Otago Dairy Industry Awards were held in Ashburton last week. Lauren McConnachie was named Dairy Manager of the Year. Trainee of the Year was Sam O’Neill. And Marc and Megan Lalich were crowned Sharemilkers of the Year. Luke caught up with them to ask about the win and get a lay of the land. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Methven Scarecrow Trail is back for the April school holidays! Luke caught up with organiser Gillian to ask how it all works See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate and Zara from Ashburton College were in to share the sporting excitement of the past few weeksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes to Kiwisaver contribution rates kick in today. Luke caught up with Mark Grenside from Forsyth Barr to explain what's happening See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke is being driven nuts by all the flies at the moment! He caught up with entomologist Dr Paul Craddock to confirm numbers are up, and to ask what we can do about it??See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Man Joe Danielson was in to share thoughts on Ryan Gosling's latest flick, Project Hail Mary See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish Riach was in to share how Ashburton District Council is keeping a close eye on their fuel use, and what might happen if restrictions were to be realised. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confirmation that Warbirds over Wanaka is still taking flight this coming weekend, which means the Yak Aerobatic Team is still en route. They're again set to stop over in Ashburton on their way! Luke caught up with pilot Fay Emeny to find out what we might spot over Mid Canterbury skies in coming days. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Less than a week out, Warbirds over Wanaka has been dealt a savage blow with all modern military pulling out. However, Ed Taylor was keen to note the show still goes on! He spoke with Luke about adapting for the weekend ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Markham was back to run over the big plays from the weekend including points for Liam Lawson, and a tough one for Methven rugby supporters... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with coach Justin Wall to share some of the great success Ashburton College Rowers enjoyed at the Maadi Regatta in TwizelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A free walking tour, a leaf hunt, puppet workshops and water bombs are among activities in the Ashburton District Council’s Autumn What’s On Guide, out now. The popular What’s On Guide contains 20 pages of ideas to keep youngsters busy in the school holidays. Luke caught up with Sarah Moseley to take a look at some of what's on offer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Markham was back to give us a heads up on some of the big plays into the weekend See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local songbird Molly Harrison dropped by to share a packed schedule, how she's working on some new music, and to share the beautiful song she performed last weekend at the start of the Relay for Life  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tinwald Golf Club is hosting the 3500 Pairs Tournament this weekend, proudly supported by Ton’s Thai. There's over $1000 for the winning pair, alongside many other fantastic prizes. Luke caught up with Tinwald President Jeff Naish to ask about the full field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Breading was back in to tackle lots of local school sport on at the moment See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bringing up supressed school sport memories with Granny Shirley this morningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The North Otago / Canterbury Dairy Industry Awards are on tonight at Hotel Ashburton. Luke has been asked to host. He caught up with Regional Manager Georgie Sinclair to find out what to expect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Local MP James Meager for his take on the Government's response to the "fuel crisis"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drum and bass legends Shapeshifter are hitting the road this winter to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic album Soulstice. The 8-date Tour takes in some main centres Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch, New Plymouth. But also... June 20 – Methven – Memorial Hall! Luke caught up with lead singer P.Digsss to celebrate the news. Pre-sale tickets WED from 10AM for Waitomo app customers. For 24 hours only - early access to tickets, plus the chance to win one of two epic limited-edition prize packs (including $1800 fuel). Ticketek then have a 24-hour presale from 10am Thurs, before general sales from 10AM Friday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subway Cup Rippa Rugby Finals Day is on today at Ashburton Showgrounds. Luke caught up with Kirsty Arps to ask about the excitement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a fuel relief package set to help low-to-middle income families from next month. There is currently nothing being extended to our rural and transport sectors. Luke caught up with Philip Wareing Limited CE Mark Wareing to ask about the impact on their business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Luke's daughter Alice's 4th birthday! She was in for quite the surprise See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Liz was in to talk event trains, V in Methven, and the main topic of the proposed 8.71% rates rise See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yr13 student Max Duncan has been tasked this term with looking into Kiwiana origins. Luke was very interested in his discovery of a certain type of energy drink that started in Methven... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Maadi Cup regatta is underway on Lake Ruataniwha near Twizel. Luke caught up with coach Justin Wall to ask about the Ashburton College contingent going to do battle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aimee Cosgrove from the Cancer Society was back in to reflect on the Relay for Life, and to share the incredible amount we have managed to raise! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Markham was back to chat weekend sport and to share the new addition to the family! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hokonui is proud to support the Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Dr Laura Pfeifer talks cancer - from its definition, to the importance of early detection. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand cancer and take control of their health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine was in for Matt Markham to tackle weekend sport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke catches up with Sally Reid ahead of the big Relay for Life at Ashburton Showgrounds on Sat See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul sets up another big weekend of sport for us See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Casey Rose from the Ashburton Event Centre dialled in to tell us about comedy magician Jared Fell who is coming to town in June. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Breading from Sport Canterbury was on to tackle Relay for Life, Rippa Rugby and everything in between See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shirley was back for a natter on gas prices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farm chat this week was with Hinds dairy farmer Cole Groves. Luke was keen for his take on Miles Hurrell and what to do about the price of diesel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hokonui is proud to support the Relay for Life this Saturday. So too is Fit 4 Life Gym. Pip and Colleen dropped by to help us shape up for the big day See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Man Joe Danielson was in to tell us about the big screen adaption of the Colleen Hoover novel "Reminders of Him"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Layla and Isobel were in for our Ashburton College update - Supporting the Relay for Life, AshDance, auditioning for the big 2026 production and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16yr old Sophie Braas has been selected for a NZ under-17 girls basketball team to play a tournament in Las Vegas come July! Luke asks about this incredible opportunity, and a fundraising quiz night being held at Tinwald Rugby and Sport Club this SAT. Tickets available via Humanitix - Quiz Fundraiser- Help Sophie take the court in USA Las VegasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 110th Methven A&P Show is back this Saturday 21 March, promising a classic country show experience and a fantastic family day out, with something for everyone. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Immigrant Workforce,” recognises the people who help shape and sustain our rural communities.Gates open 7:30am. Adults $20, kids free entry! Luke caught up with President Mike McKenzie to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's St Paddy's Day! Luke caught up with local Irishman Gary Manning to share in the significance of the day, and to learn the one thing he needs to STOP doing!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Relay for Life is on this Saturday. Paul Hands has been tasked with cutting the ribbon to open the event. He sat down with Luke to share his story of survival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 110th Methven A&P Show is back this Saturday 21 March, promising a classic country show experience and a fantastic family day out, with something for everyone. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Immigrant Workforce,” recognises the people who help shape and sustain our rural communities.Gates open 7:30am. Adults $20, kids free entry! Luke caught up with President Mike McKenzie to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.