Breakfast Ashburton with Luke Howden

Alice Breading from Sport Canterbury was back to share some local happenings to kick off the new yearSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Acland was back for Farm Chat to tackle the weather, politics, and how things are looking pretty good into the 2026 farming yearSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirley was back for the new year - sharing thoughts with those brave/mad folks out camping in this wet weather!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Boost Literacy Initiative is looking for volunteer tutors for 2026!  Help children across Mid Canterbury make positive gains in literacy in our local schools. The commitment is 4 hours a week (two mornings, March-Nov, term time). No experience needed - full training, resources and support provided. Cover provided if you need time away. Join a friendly and supportive team making a real difference in our communities. To find out more, contact Helen Breach - Boost Coordinator either by email [email protected], or phone 027 507 1633. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton Intermediate Principal Brent Gray shares some insight to the demolition of the 2-story block on Grey Street, and what they hope will be built in its place. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton's musical maestro Jo Castelow was in to reflect on another great season of Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School, and to look ahead to Variety Theatre's big production of "Footloose" with auditions being held this weekend! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Miller was in to tell us about the Masters Golf Tournament being held at Ashburton Golf Club this coming Sunday, and details on the new Forceback competition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another day, another restaurant opening in Ashburton. This time it's back in the old Speights Ale House building on Burnett Street. Simply called "The Ale House". Luke caught up with leaseholder Happi Aulakh to wish him well on opening day See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Run Walk Ashburton Summer Series returns to Ashburton Domain tonight. Luke caught up with Gary Whiting to ask how it works and how we can get along See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADC boss Hamish Riach was back for the first Council chat of 2026 and it was all good news - Water restrictions have been lifted, and we've got more Government money for roading! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with local MP James Meager for the first time this new year for his take on PM Chris Luxon's state of the nation speech, and how he rates his chances of keeping his job into this election year... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Boyce was at Ed Sheeran in Auckland on Saturday. Luke was keen to find out what we can expect from his Christchurch shows this coming weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo is back for the new year. And what a way to kick things off - a historic series win for the Black Caps in India! Also talking the novelty of the Black Clash on Sat, and Razor's cut from the All BlacksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warbirds over Wanaka returns Easter weekend. Luke has booked his spot. He caught up with General Manager to ask about the exciting news that for the first time, the US F-22 Raptors will feature at this year's event!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First guest of 2026! Luke caught up with Neil McCann from ADC to ask about the new health warnings at Lake Hood, and continuing water restrictions for Ashburton township. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He does it so well! Sport Commentator Paul Allison wrapped the sporting year that's been in poetic fashion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In what is quite possibly the most heart-warming story of the week, Luke caught up with Timaru Mayor Nigel Bowen to learn how locals have come together to replace the town Christmas tree after an arson attack. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke was stoked to hear the Ashburton Community Christmas Day Lunch is back for 2026! Anne Allott shared the plan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo was back for one last chat for 2025 to touch on the cricket, and reflect on his highlights See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlotte and Kylie from Property Brokers were back in to share the results of the Property Brokers Best Christmas Lights Competition See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aimee Cosgrove was in from the Cancer Society to reveal the winners of their big car raffle, and the amazing news they have raised over $80k!! What a wonderful Christmas present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know it's Christmas when the Ashburton Silver Band stops by for a live performance of "Jingle Bells"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local ladies choir the Decibelles made their debut radio performance with a wonderful version of "Mary did you Know". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke went along to the opening night of the Council's Great Santa HuntSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADC Infrastructure Manager Neil McCann was on to share an update on the containers in Lake Hood, and how the Domain water pump is coming back online this week See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirley had a few festive reminders to share in our last catch up for the year See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greenstreet Dairy Farmer Stacey Stewart was in for one last Farm Chat of the year See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Breading was in for one last time to reflect on a few sporting highlights from the year that was See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Alderson is at Bay Oval ready to cover the third and final test Black Caps v West Indies See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Great Santa Hunt returns to Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum TONIGHT from 5pm. Luke caught up with Manager/Curator Shirin Khosraviani to ask how it works. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Molly Harrison stopped by for a chat and to perform for us "Christmas Lights" by Coldplay See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with James Meager for one last time this year to reflect on the 2026 political year that's been See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Redmond from the Mid Canterbury Triathlon and Multisport Club stopped by for an update on what they're up to See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maori Leader Lucius Hunt and Deputy Prefect Leane Senekal were in for one last Ashburton College chat for the year. Already looking ahead to 2026! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Mum Stacey Broadbent was in for her last review of the year on "Five Nights at Freddy's Pt 2"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tessa Grant from Wakanui School was helping us with the Christmas Countdown this morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a year for Mid Canterbury rugby! JAB got a season in despite some challenging conditions early on. Hampstead Senior B's won their grade. Celtic claimed the Watters Cup in dramatic fashion. Mid Canterbury rep women had their first season in green and gold. The A's claimed the Hanan Cup, and the mighty Hammers pulled off the perfect season locking away the Hanan Shield and Meads Cup, both in front of bumper home crowds. Luke was keen to celebrate the lot with Kenny Addison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iona Rogers was in for a chat and to perform a beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Laura was back for one last catch up this year. Luke was keen to ask if it's ok to share in a few extra treats this time of the year, how we connect with health services if we need them over the Summer break, and share in a very hectic but exciting week ahead for Laura! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke was running on fumes this morning, pulling a late night to head out and see some of the wonderful Christmas lights around town with the team from Property Brokers. Check out the list on the Hokonui Ashburton FB page. Also vote for your favourite People's Choice. Winners will be announced on the show Friday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School is back for it's 26th year, and this time we're Broadway Bound! Tutored by Jo Castelow and Sarah Hart, it’s an opportunity not to be missed. Young people aged 9 to 22-years-old are invited to enrol at www.mcsss.co.nz. The school runs from January 12 to 17 at the Ashburton Event Centre. It is a fun-filled week where lifetime friends are made and singers will be part of an incredible musical theatre production. Luke caught up with Jo to find out more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught Mayor Liz McMillian for the final time this year to celebrate the great news about the Bike Skills Park in the Domain, and reflect on her 2026 highlights See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo shares thoughts on Alice Robinson claiming her maiden podium in the Super-G overnight, and the Black Caps win v West Indies on Day 3See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aurura Fitzsimons from Methven Primary School was helping with our Christmas countdown this morningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with coach/manager Colleen Allison to ask how our local athletes got on in the Special Olympics held in Christchurch this past week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local talent Luke Glendining stopped by for a festive chat and song. Performing "Please Come Home for Christmas" by the Eagles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Matt Winter to try and make sense of how the Hammers weren't named Team of the Year at the NZ Rugby Awards last night. Was also a good chance to reflect on a season that really was out the gate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Come and have lunch on us! Tomorrow we will be at Milestone Homes Showroom, 8 Strowan Ave, from 11am-1pm serving up both wife Amber and Belinda's hams. Bragging rights on the line. Also your chance to win a ham! Luke asked Amber what goes into her yummy glaze. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo was back to talk the NZ Rugby Awards last night, the Black Caps in the 2nd test v Windies, and Chasing the Fox tonight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.