Breakfast Ashburton with Luke Howden

Nick Bewley was in for Paul Allison to talk the Hammers being robbed at the NZ Rugby Awards last night, and his hopes for the Black Caps as they head into Day 3 of the second test. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mid Canterbury Choir again presents its annual Christmas Concerts TODAY FRI 12 DEC. Two shows, at 12-noon and 6pm. Baring Square Church. The guest soloists will include Mid Canterbury Choir School Scholarship winners Ricky Davies, Jorja Abernethy and Sobriety Disciple. The choir is excited to be singing some beautiful Christmas music again this year, including Joy to the World, Rise Up Shepherd as well new numbers, from jazzy to very thought-provoking. Entry just $5, as well as a donation of non-perishable food for the Ashburton Salvation Army Foodbank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Acland was back for one last Farm Chat for the year. Luke was keen for his take on RMA changes, the weather, and to know what his plan is for the festive break. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ziggy Shaw is the Executive Chef at Armadillos. Luke was keen for his take on what makes a great ham. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirl was back to talk showdowns - both ham and dance! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 1200 athletes have made their way to Christchurch for the Summer Special Olympic Games on across 7 venues until Sunday. We have a contingent of 10 from Mid Canterbury. Luke caught up with team coach Colleen Lindsay to find out more about what they're instore for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frank has again lit up his place at 29 Phillip Street for our festive viewing pleasure. Luke was there for opening night to check it out See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Birthright Tree is back up at Heartland Bank on East Street. Place a gift under the tree before 23 Dec, and it will be passed onto a child growing up with a single parent. Luke spoke with Dawn Hastings to understand a little more about Birthright and some ideas of prezzies we could contribute. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenzie from Borough School was helping with our Christmas Countdown this morning See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back for an encore performance, Ashburton College Prefect-in-waiting Nate Woods who brought in Yr10s Milla and Noah to share some of the excitement as the junior school wraps the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with local builder Steve Pearce to share in his thoughts on the Government's changes to the Resource Management Act See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Man Joe Danielson was in for his final review of the year - Nuremberg. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The challenge is on between Wife Amber and Belinda from Milestone Homes to serve up the best Christmas Ham. Come try for yourself at the Showhome, 8 Strowan Ave, this Saturday between 11am - 1pm. In preparation, Luke caught up with Mike from Netherby Meats to ask what we should look out for in selecting a great Christmas ham. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Digital Guru Neysa Koizumi for her take on whether this world-first U16 social media ban in Australia will actually work. And could it work here? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lots of stuff being torn down around town at the moment, including the old Polytech Buildings on Cameron Street. Luke took a trip down memory lane with afternoon host Peter Mac and listener Rhonda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local MP and South Island Minister James Meager was back to share thoughts on the new Methven Central care home, and what we can expect from the RMA changes to be announced later today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's 16 sleeps until Christmas! Reminding us of that this morning was McKenzie from Tinwald School. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our final Council chat of the year with Hamish Riach. He was in to share Te Kaha excitement, details on the new water restrictions, and to celebrate some of the 2025 ADC achievements. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farming Families is back with the Christmas decoration competition. Simply share your photos on the Farming Families Facebook Page before FRI 19th DEC. There's a Morning Tea shout up for grabs. Frances and Jayne stopped by to share the deets with Luke. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke popped along to the official opening of Methven Central. A project that has been brought to life by the Methven Care Trust. Chair Jan Anderson shares what it means to see residents moving in as early as next week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each morning next week we have your chance to win a Christmas ham with Milestone Homes! However in announcing the exciting news yesterday, Luke got himself in trouble suggesting that Belinda's ham recipe might be the best. Cue a challenge, and a tasty chance for you to come and try some this Saturday between 11am-1pm at Milestone Homes Showroom, 8 Strowan Ave :P See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton's Donald Shearer was this week's 1News Good Sort! Luke caught up with him out the back of his TV appearance to ask a bit more about the Rural Driver Scheme he's so passionate about.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belinda Pearce from Milestone Homes Mid Canterbury stopped by to share exciting news - We have your chance to win a ham each morning next week!! There's also a chance to win by following the gnome on their Facebook page. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Croft was back from Specsavers Ashburton to share the importance of protecting ourselves from UV exposure this Summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning it was Joseph Crawley from Rakaia School who kicked off our Christmas Countdown. Luke asked what he's looking forward to from the final days at Rakaia School for the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exciting times at Intermediate tonight as the Yr8 Formal returns, waltz and all! Luke caught up with Jade Tonks to ask how the students have been rehearsing for this one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo was back to share in weekend sport including Lando Norris securing his first F1 Championship win, the shock result in the Black Caps v Windies CHCH test, and Aussie proving too strong in Ashes #2. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 12th edition of the Godzone Adventure Race has wrapped up. 32 teams battled their was through the Marlborough wilderness covering distances over 500-600ks. One of them was our very own Ashvegas Battlers made up of Hinds dairy farmer Mark Thomas, feed assessment consultant Rory Boleyn, local lawyer Katrina Palmer and Captain Tom Wing. Luke was keen to share in the highlights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo was back to look over some of the sporting action for the weekend ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NBS Ashburton Santa Parade & Market Day returns tomorrow SAT 6 DEC, with the Santa Parade starting 12:30pm. Once again rolling down Walnut Ave between West St & Oak Grove. Expect colourful floats, cheerful music, and plenty of holiday spirit! This year's theme is "Unwrapping the joy of Christmas" as picked by last year's float winners, Phoenix Preschool. Before and after the parade, explore the Market Day from 10am to 4pm in the Domain next to the Paddling Pool. Luke caught up with head elf Carol Johns to ask what else we can expect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

90yr old Merv Grewar is attempting to break a World Record for Dementia NZ! On SAT 6 DEC at Fit 4 Life Gym in Ashburton (69 Harrison Street, Allenton Mall), he will attempt to break the world record for the 100m indoor row in the 90+ age category. Come cheer him on from 3pm. Helping get him there is PT Angus McKenzie. Luke asked if Angus reckons Merv is match fit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports commentator Paul Allison was back to run over the sporting action for the weekend aheadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Come cheer on Merv Grewar as he attempts a World Record Row for Dementia NZ! At 90 years old, Merv Grewar is proving that age is no barrier to strength, determination, or purpose. On SAT 6 DEC at Fit 4 Life Gym in Ashburton (69 Harrison Street, Allenton Mall), he will attempt to break the world record for the 100m indoor row in the 90+ age category. Merv already holds the New Zealand record for the 85–89 age group, and now he’s setting his sights even higher. Rowing not just for himself, but for a cause that’s deeply personal. Merv’s late wife lived with dementia, and through this challenge he hopes to raise awareness and funds for Dementia New Zealand, supporting the many families affected by this heartbreaking condition. Merv is also planning to play with his band on the day. Check out the Givealittle page here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hakatere Marae is hosting a Tamariki Shopping Day on SUN 14 DEC. Luke caught Michelle and Tania to share the deets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught Hinds Dairy Farmer Cole Groves for one last Farm Chat of 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The worst nightmare for any hairdresser! Kim Reed from DNA was in to share how she broke her arm, just in time for the busiest time of the year!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Breading from Sport Canterbury was back to talk women's training through the holiday break, a review of the Longbeach Coastal Challenge and her exciting involvement in a big happening next week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirl was back to share the excitement of her 50th wedding anniversary, and also reflect on the niggle of heading into a festive season injured. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maysie and Lucy from The Photo Shop were in to share the plan for Santa photos in the Arcade from the 20th December See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke takes a trip down memory lane with Mumma Mel, reminding him he wasn't the biggest fan of Santa... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's back tomorrow! Ruralco Christmas Shopping Day with great deals across their store and merchants around Ashburton. Tina Thompson was in to share the details. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Meager is in Wellington for Parliament's scrutiny week. Luke was keen to ask about this, how he thinks Councils can stick to the 4% rates cap, and whether he shared in the festive tradition of Santa photos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bale display on State Highway 1 is back! Luke caught up with Natasha Moore to ask about this year's creation with a Disney theme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps head into their first test of the season v West Indies in CHCH. Andrew Alderson is there and joined Luke for a preview. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are back with the Property Brokers Best Christmas Lights Competition. Frank Sandys on Phillip Street is back to defend his 2024 title. Luke wanted to know what new surprises Frank is setting up for us this year... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Liz was in for chat on all things festive and gardening. And also the big topic of the day, her take on the Government-imposed rates cap. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Special guest of the morning.. Santa! On being here for Light Up the Night, returning for the parade this coming Saturday and a message for local kids See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo was back to share thoughts on a solid run from Liam Lawson in Qatar, eye gouging from the Boks, and the Black Caps returning to test cricket tomorrow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looks reflects on a truly magical Light Up the Night party in Baring Square Saturday night, which included 8yr old Heidi McLennan pushing the button to light up our town tree! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Mosely from Ashburton District Council was in to share some of the excitement found in the new Summer What's Guide. Pick up your copy from any Council facility or download it via the ADC website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.