Breakfast Ashburton with Luke Howden

Lots of banter this week with Alice Breading - From Ashburton College Prelim Athletics, to Winter Games, to our chance to nominate someone for the Mid Canterbury Sports Awards. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Reive is our Winter Games Guru from NZHerald who shared what Alice Robinson was facing into the Super G event. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mt Somers Reserve Board has proposed scaling back the Mt Somers Domain Campground to a self-contained only site. A public meeting was held Wednesday night. Cr Deb was there and shared with Luke how it went. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Paddy Bradford from Ashburton Golf Club to clarify the etiquette around sinking a hole in one, and to preview the Harvey Norman Classic this weekend.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps ran riot over UAE at the T20 Cricket World Cup overnight. Luke caught Andrew to ask about yet another record being set. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local history buff Shirley Falloon dropped by to share a few more local teachers among the longest serving in Mid Canterbury See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Mum Stacey Broadbent was back with her take on the new Ralph Finnes flick "Choral"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seasoned traveller Mike Yardley shared a glowing review of a recent trip to Mid Canterbury with Jack Tame on sister station Newstalk ZB. Luke was keen to find out if his take on our piece of paradise was genuine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Liz was in to explain how the budget for the road to the new Ashburton River Bridge has blown out from $7.5mil to $20milSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Winter Games guru Chris Reive from NZHerald to ask what Zoi faced in the Big Air final this morning See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A woman in the States has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest serving teacher... 67yrs!! Luke was keen to try and find the longest serving Mid Canterbury teacher. Many suggested it could be John Hooper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The South Island Motorhome Show and Country Fete is a not to be missed event for those interested in purchasing a new or used motorhome or caravan, looking to sell an existing motorhome or caravan, wishing to purchase accessories for a present or future vehicle or just wanting to look at ‘what’s new in the marketplace’ and socialise with like-minded people. It's on at Ashburton Showgrounds the weekend SAT 21 and SUN 22 FEB. Open to the public 9am - 4pm on Saturday, and 9am - 3pm Sunday. Entry just $5! Hosted by the Lions Club of Ashburton. To find out more, or to book your spot at the event, click here: https://www.southislandmotorhomeshow.co.nz/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duncan Barr and Mark Cressey from the Rescue Warriors dropped by ahead of their 3000km tour of the country in support of the Westpac Rescue Chopper. Luke began by asking why the group of 12 is split in two. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duncan Barr and Mark Cressey from the Rescue Warriors dropped by for a chat ahead of their 3000km tour of the country. Luke continued by asking what they are allowed to take with them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mid Canterbury Relay for Life is back SAT 21 MAR. Aimee Cosgrove was in to explain how it works and how we can sign up See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's SuperBowl Sunday in the States! Someone there gearing up for it is former Ashburton local Mitch McCannSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Goes without saying the cruddy Summer weather has taken a toll on local grain farmers. Luke caught up with Fed Farmers Mid Canterbury Arable President Bevan Lill to ask how our cropping friends are getting on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirl was back for another natter. This time reflecting on getting her license. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big kites are back over Lake Hood tomorrow, including some coming from as far as Germany! Luke caught up with Simon from Peter Lynn Kites to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time the Murrell Summer Challenge is being held here in Ashburton this long Waitangi weekend. Luke caught up with organiser Jodi to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Breading from Sport Canterbury was back to run over local sport happenings See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Croft from Specsavers Ashburton was with us to share the importance of booking in for that regular eye check See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate and Leanè were in for our first Ashburton College update of the new year! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Meager, Local MP and Associate Minister of Transport, joins Luke to discuss the government's overhaul of the driver's license system. He shares the reasoning behind extending the learner's period from six to twelve months and the benefits of scrapping the full license test.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Bridget Frith about "Tiny Town" coming to Ashburton. Essentially a mini roleplay town with 10 sections - from a summer theme with an ice cream stand and beach area, to a supermarket there's so much for kids to explore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Man Joe was back to share his thoughts on "Song Sung Blue", about the ups and downs of Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning and Thunder. Starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wendy Hewittt, Coordinator of the Rural Driver Licensing Scheme, shares her thoughts on the government's changes to the driver's licensing system. The new system extends the learner's license from six to twelve months and scraps the full licensed test. Wendy discusses the potential benefits of this change, including reduced costs and less stress for young drivers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rakaia salmon statue is back after a near $300k repair job. Luke caught up with sculptor Phil Price to ask about the work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke's buddy Hayden accidentally flushed his car key down the toilet on the weekend. Luke caught up with Dean Talbot to find out if it's common and if he had any handy advice to prevent finding ourselves in a similar situation... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADC boss Hamish Riach was in to talk how local Councillors are in annual planning mode with a couple of big workshops starting today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of local families and kids are crashing back into routine with schools back this week. Luke caught up with Dr Alex Bartle from the Sleep Well Clinic to share in some of his tips. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Alex Bartle from the Sleep Well Clinic was in to help us get back into sleep routine. Luke asked if he had any tips to help calm stress and nerves that can keep us up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Taggart from the Hinds Young Farmers Club won our Aorangi Regional Final on Saturday. Luke caught him to reflect on some of the challenges and ask what's to come.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Alderson was in to cover off some of the big weekend sporting plays including the Aussie Open and Sam Ruthe charging on to become the fastest Kiwi ever! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most local kidlets are back to school today, which includes those at Tinwald. Luke was able to check in with Principal Pete Livingstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spotted on Facebook thanks to Specsavers Ashburton asking for your lost key stories. Aileen had a great one! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voice of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition Te Radar was with us to wrap the Aorangi Regional Final held at Woodbury Domain on Saturday See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hokonui is again proud to support the ANZ Business of the Year Awards, back at Ashburton Aviation Museum FRI 20 FEB. Luke caught up with Gary Manning to share the deets. Book your tickets before they're gone here: ANZ Business of The Year Awards - Ashburton District CouncilSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Liz was back for the new year. Luke asked why Council won't put a gantry each side of the Tinwald Viaduct to prevent further hits, and the opportunity next week for local young people to learn how to get into business with the King's Trust. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke had a surprise for fire enthusiast and afternoon host Peter Mac to consider adding to his collection... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Mark Medlicott from Mid Canterbury Cricket to ask about the next Hawke Cup game MC vs North Otago at the Domain Oval this weekend. Also the return of junior grades. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carolyn Clough was in to share highlights from her bucket-list trip to New York over the new year break. She also told us about the Advance Ashburton Scholarship evening on tonight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go and cheer on our local candidates in the Aorangi FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Final. This is where top talent will compete for a coveted spot in the Season 58 Grand Final! It's the first of seven Regional Finals. This year’s contest promises plenty of excitement for spectators, with highlights including fast-paced, head-to-head challenges as finalists race to complete tasks in just 30 minutes. Adding to the energy are future farming stars competing in AgriKidsNZ and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year contests, with finalists in all age categories advancing to the Grand Final in July 2026. It's being held at Woodbury Domain on SAT 31 JAN, 8am start. Luke caught up with convenor Penny to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke was joined by John Law from the MetService to ask if we can (finally) expect an improvement in the weather for what is the last week of the school holidays for many kids See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo was back to look over weekend sporting highlights including the Black Caps getting crushed in India, Sam Ruthe breaking more records, and some surprises from the Aussie Open See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Beau Paparoa from AA Insurance to ask if we hit the Tinwald Viaduct - Are we covered?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Alderson was in to preview some of the sporting action for the weekend ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed Sheeran rounds off his "Loop" Tour of NZ with two big shows in CHCH this weekend. Luke caught up with Caroline from Venues Otautahi for what we need to know if heading along. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A devastating landslide at Mount Maunganui, triggered by Tauranga's wettest day on record, has left multiple people unaccounted for. Luke caught up with Brian Kelly for the latest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders are back at Melvern Park CHCH today with "The Long Run" - raising funds and awareness for the Child Cancer Foundation. Leading the charge for Charlotte's Army is Hayley McLeod who Luke caught up with to ask about the day. You can donate to them here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.