Breakfast Ashburton with Luke Howden

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.

A casual looking Council boss Hamish Riach was in ahead of another big bus trip around the district... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Relay for Life is on this Saturday!! Luke caught up with Aimee Cosgrove to find out it's not too late to get a team in, but you need to get that registration in by end of play today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Team Hokonui Walkie Talkies fundraiser for Relay for Life is... Bulk packs of toilet paper! Find details on how to order on the Hokonui Ashburton FB page. This thanks to the generous support of Rob Glenie and Crest Clean, and Rachael O'Reilly from Alsco Uniforms Fresh n Clean.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Canterbury Polyfest returns to Hagley Park this weekend. Expecting over 40,000 people across 2 days. Ashburton College is sending it's largest crew ever to showcase and celebrate Pacifika. Luke caught up with lead teacher Hannibal to ask about the effort that's gone into the routine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick was in for a crook Paul Allison to preview some of the sporting action into this weekend See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dear Effie Charity Ball is back tomorrow night, and it's a sell out! Luke caught up with Symone to find out what we can look forward to. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton Car Club is hosting the NZ ClubSport Championship this SAT 14 and SUN 15 MAR. Catch grass motorkhana & autocross Saturday at 526 Frasers Rd, in Tinwald from 8.30am. The sealed bent sprint on Sunday is at Seaside Rd, Wakanui from 8.30am. Spectators to both days are welcome. Lions members will be set up selling food and coffee. Luke caught up with Bryce to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allenton Pharmacy was at risk of losing its NZ Post counter in proposed changes. But the community has spoken!! Luke caught up with Gail Punselie to share in the wonderful news! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tall Ferns had their first World Cup qualifying game v Spain in Puerto Rico this morning. Luke asked Roasty what our chances are of making the top 4See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David shared his take on the Heinz-Watties news, and burn off season See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirl came armed with some great fundraising ideas this week See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Breading from Sport Canterbury with local sport happenings See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris and Lorraine from First Retail were in town last week tasked by Ashburton District Council to take a look at our CBD. Chris stopped by for an extended chat with Luke to explore the reason for the visit, some opportunities we could be missing, and his suggestion of a couple of bold plays we could try... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Liz was in for a belated Council chat this week looking back on a big weekend for women's empowerment and how now is the time to have our say on open spacesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harold needs our help! Kim Wall from Life Education Trust was in to talk the wonderful work of Harold the Giraffe and how we can give them a helping hand by signing up as a friend of Harold. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dietitian Lea Stening was at Ashburton College last night hosting a session on "How to Grow an Athlete". Luke was keen to find out what the main points were... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mickayla shares how team RMF Silva has been raising funds for Relay for Life by hosting a building bake sale See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The centennial Mayfield Show is on this Saturday! Luke caught up with show president James Murdoch to ask about all the fun we can expect See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They've done it!! Luke celebrates the Rescue Warriors crossing the finish line with Duncan Barr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Markham shares his take on weekend sport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Markham was back to run over the big plays for the weekend ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Allison was back to set the sporting menu for the weekend See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sold-out Selwyn Sounds concert returns to Lincoln Domain tomorrow. Luke caught up with organiser David to ask what locals need to know heading alongSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 7yrs with the Crusaders, Methven's Dallas McLeod is leaving at the end of the season to join Exeter Rugby in the UK. Luke was keen to hear from him why now was the time to make the move.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Captain Grant Stewart spent 5yrs as a NZRAF loadmaster working on the Hercules. Luke caught up with him to talk their next pending mission to go help rescue Kiwis stuck over in the Middle East  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirl shares her thoughts on the state of the world and whether she would have held onto $230,000 found in the ceiling... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They've done it! Team Muscle has scaled over 3000kms from Bluff to Cape Reinga in support of the Canterbury/West Coast Rescue Helicopter. Luke was keen to share a well earned congrats with rider Willy Leferink. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Golden Shears are on in Masterton. Luke caught up with shearing contractor Lynn Smith to ask about the local Mid Cantabs featuring up there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Breading from Sport Canterbury was in to share some local happenings, including the return of the River Trail Marathon this weekend See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Black Joss Ross shares his take on NZR naming Dave Rennie as the new All Blacks coach See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruralco CE Tony Aiken was recognised with Excellence in Business Leadership at the ANZ Business of the Year Awards last month. Luke asked what the award means for him and the team, with a bit of golf banter thrown in as well See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo was back with his take on the cricket and Dave Rennie's appointment as the new All Blacks coach See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head Prefect Gabriel Fifita and Head of Cultural Committee Kalotia Ula were in for this week's Ashburton College update. Catch the scoop on the upcoming Polyfest. Also Ako interviews this week, and students away competing in the South Island Rowing Competition and Senior Boys' Aoraki Volleyball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Alderson previews the Black Caps' World Cup semi-final match against South Africa tonightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish Riach shares details on Council's annual grants round, now open. They're making the process easier with the new Fund Finder tool. There's nine grants available, covering a wide range of projects from biodiversity to school sports. Find details at www.ashburtondc.govt.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jo Taylor was in to celebrate 30yrs of Ashburton Zonta Women's Day Breakfast this Sat. Featuring speaker Jude Dobson. Jude will share the incredible story of Pippa, a secret agent in World War 2 tasked with sending crucial messages to London that helped the Allies. Limited tickets left from Preen on East Street, $45 each. Or jump on the Hokonui Ashburton FB page to win!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke chats with Stacy May, a registered social worker and founder of May She Flourish - a practice supporting mothers through the transformative journey of motherhood. Stacy shares her personal experience of navigating the challenges of motherhood, and the importance of recognizing the profound shift that occurs in women's lives after becoming mothers. They discuss the concept of matrescence, a term that's gaining recognition, and the need for a supportive community to help mothers feel validated and empowered. This conversation highlights the often-overlooked aspects of motherhood and the importance of seeking help when needed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rescue Warriors are now three weeks into their epic 3000km tour of the country in support of the Canterbury/West Coast Rescue Helicopter. They're getting close to the finish now! Luke caught Duncan Barr from Team Live for another update. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADC boss Hamish Riach was in to share an update on the Mt Somers Domain Campground situation and the opportunity for local businesses with Chris and Lorraine from Retail First in town this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict in the Middle East has thrown the travel world into chaos. Maxine Whiting from Ashburton House of Travel stopped by to share what they're facing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abby Calder runs a Facebook page called "Ashburton Swap Group for Collectables". Luke caught up with her to find out more about the Woolies Bricks campaign and how she can help locals piece together a full set. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're set to welcome our first full lunar eclipse since 2022 tonight. Luke caught up with Astronomer Dr Ian Griffin to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world has become a scary place as war has again kicked off in the Middle East. Caught in it is local Jan McKeogh. She joined Luke to share her experience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.