Breakfast Ashburton with Luke Howden

A celebration of 125 years of the Fairfield Freezing Works (C.F.M.), organised by Historic Places Mid Canterbury, is on SAT 22 NOV at Fairton Hall, 2pm. All former employees, suppliers, truck drivers, fat lamb drafters, and former shareholders connected to CFM and Silver Fern Farms more than welcome. An opportunity to reconnect with old colleagues, reminisce about the past, and enjoy afternoon tea together. Historic Places Mid Canterbury will unveil photographic panels in the hall and hold several short talks about CFM’s history. Tea, coffee, and scones will be served (gold coin donation for afternoon tea). Attendees are asked to RSVP by THURS 20 NOV via phone or text to 021 065 2252.  Luke caught up with Lal Mulligan to share in some of the history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has decided to pull funding from Kai for Kids supplying three local schools. Gutting news for our awesome team on the ground. However, they are determined to keep boxing on for the sake of many other local Tamariki. Jo Taylor was in to share the future for this wonderful local charity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Man Joe Danielson was back in with his take on the latest in the Predator franchise. A role reversal of sorts as this time we're rooting for the bad guy..!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Cup Day! Luke caught up with 7-time cup winner Ricky May who is hoping to drive Mid Canterbury entry "American Me" to victorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADC boss Hamish Riach was in to talk the new parking enforcement camera car trial See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Racing commentator Matt Markham was also back to share his picks for Cup Day See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Smith from the TAB was back to share his picks for Cup Day See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Armistice Day - the 11th hour of the 11th month marking the end of WW1 back in 1918. There's the chance to reflect on that this morning at Ashburton RSA. Luke caught up with President Rob Aldridge for the deets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aimee Cosgrove was in to share in exciting times for the Cancer Society including the return of the Mid Canterbury Relay for Life, and our chance to win a freshly refurbished 1975 Morris Minor Mini! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Beweley was in for Grant Nisbett to look over some of the highlights from a stacked weekend of sport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mt Hutt College Principal Jack Saxon has returned from a 12-week sabbatical which took him across the globe to USA, Thailand, Singapore and Japan. Luke sat down with Jack for an extended chat about the trip, including his deep dive into the world of AI, and also the excitement of the Opuke Innovation Hub he's returned to.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Usually this time of the year our Ashburton Bridge would be inundated with nesting Black Billed Gulls. However this year there's none to be seen! Luke was keen to flock to the facts with gull expert Donna Field from Environment CanterburySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports commentator Paul Allison was back to preview sporting action this weekend See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congrats to Southern Traverse Homes who have been voted the Best Tradies in Mid Canterbury! Luke took a road trip to Methven to catch Jason, Sheldon and Simon. Thanks to our friends at EA Networks - The BEST local lines company enabling our regionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught Declan McCormack from Samoa to ask what it's like leading the Heartland 15 side See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tia Fasi is a trainee cable jointer at EA Networks. Luke caught up with her to ask about the risks in the role, and what it's like working in a traditionally male dominated field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton local Craig Manson is back competing at the Hororata Highland Games this weekend. Luke was keen to find out what he's instore for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Commentator Elliott Smith is in Edinburgh with the All Blacks. Luke caught him for a preview on Sunday morning's game v ScotlandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught commentator Elliott Smith from Edinburgh to preview the All Blacks v Scotland Sunday morning See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton Fire Chief Jeff Marshall joined Luke to share some handy reminders for those planning to let fireworks off this weekend See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke was asking about syndicates on the Hokonui Ashburton Facebook page. This as Granny Shirley was off to Cadrona Distillery to check on her investment... A cask of whiskey!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tia Fasi is an apprentice cable jointer at EA Networks. Luke caught up with her to ask why she chose this as a career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Southern Mid Canterbury Garden Tour is on SUN 9 NOV, from 10am – 4pm. Explore some stunning local gardens around Hinds, Coldstream, Ealing, and Winslow. Also the chance to view displays by local artists. Fundraiser for Southern Netball Club and Southern Tennis Club. Tickets just $40 for the tour, or $65 for the Garden Tour & Gourmet Picnic Lunch. Get yours from Humanitix or Lushingtons. Luke caught up with Ginny to find out what's instore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're celebrating tradies thanks to EA Networks. One on the rise is apprentice cable jointer Tia Fasi at EA Networks. She recently won best trainee in the country at the Connection Competition! Luke caught up with Tia to ask about the big surprise she faced on the day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught David Acland from Mt Somers Station for some Farm Chat See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Sauer is the Dean of Faculty of Applied Tech (Trades) at Ara Canterbury. Luke caught up with him to do a bit of tradie myth-busting See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rakaia Lions is back with the Family Fireworks Extravaganza this SAT 8 NOV, starting 6pm at the Rakaia Domain. Luke caught up with organiser Tracey Cameron to share in the deets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke met a few more of next year's group of Ashburton College Prefects - Leane, Gabriel and Lucius See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with local vet Hannah Evans from VetLife to get her take on letting off fireworks this Guy Fawkes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Sauer is the Dean of Faculty of Applied Tech (Trades) at Ara Canterbury. Luke caught up with him to ask how they are helping to mould the next lot of local tradies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ian Hyde from Ashburton District Council was in to remind us of the rules and considerations this Guy Fawkes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Mum Stacey Broadbent was in with thoughts on Robert Sarkie's Pike RiverSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Sauer is the Dean of Faculty of Applied Tech (Trades) at Ara Canterbury. Luke caught up with him to ask how they are helping to mould the next lot of local tradies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a bit of perseverance, Luke managed to connect with Ross Stackhouse who is over in Melbourne for the festival of racing. And to his surprise, son Daniel was also keen to jump on the call! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught racing commentator Matt Markham for his picks on this year's Melbourne Cup See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Smith from the TAB was in to share his picks ahead of the 165th Melbourne Cup See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loch Tantau is the Head of Maths at Mt Hutt College. Luke caught up with him to share some reassuring words for students heading into NCEA exams from today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Liz was in for Council chat - Inauguration meeting, selecting Richard Wilson as Deputy, the Methven Community Board and examsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Ashburton lad Aiden Rodley is with the TAB at Flemmington covering the Melbourne Cup. Luke caught up with Aiden for his picks of the day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hospice Mid Canterbury Jingle and Mingle is on SUN 23 NOV at Staveley Boutique Lodge. Tickets: $65 (from Kowhai House or Humanitix here). Following the success of the much-loved Christmas Experience House Tours, this brand-new event brings together some of our most requested demonstrations and festive highlights. A day of festive inspiration - featuring live demonstrations such as glazing a Christmas ham, Christmas tree trimming & styling, creative gift wrapping, building festive platters, making gravlax salmon, show-stopping desserts, flower arrangements crafting Christmas lanterns and Christmas table styling. Ticket also includes a fresh roll with lamb or ham, a glass of bubbles, slice of famous Christmas cake and lucky ticket spot prizes. Luke caught up with Angela and Anne-Marie to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with ring master (burner) Jay from Spicy Boys to review Ashburton's first Chilli Eating Competition at the Show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with winner of the Great Ashvegas Chilli Eating Competition Jesse Painter. He's a three-time national finalist. He shared the importance of clearing out those chillies from your system post-match... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Competitor Zennith's take on the Great Ashvegas Chilli Eating Competition at Ashburton A&P Show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Show President Ben Stock tried his taste buds in the Great Ashvegas Chilli Eating Competition on Sat. Luke caught him afterward to ask how he found the experience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught Nisbo live from Chicago to reflect on the All Blacks win over Ireland to kick off the northern tour See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Measles is starting to spread. Health NZ has announced a vaccination week to encourage people to protect themselves. Luke caught up with Dr Laura to ask about this incredibly contagious disease and how the MMR vaccine works. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toby from RD Petroleum came runner-up in the Great Ashvegas Chilli Eating Competition at the A&P Show on Sat. He was beaten by a 3-time national finalist. Luke was impressed to learn for Toby this was a first!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's showtime! The Ashburton A&P Show is on today and tomorrow, gates open both days from 9am. Luke caught up with Carmen Lye from the organising committee to ask what she's looking forward to.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Elliott Smith live from Chicago ahead of the All Blacks v Ireland Sunday morning See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dayna Galloway from The Parenting Place was back with thoughts on Halloween trick or treating See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.