Breakfast Ashburton with Luke Howden

The South Island Agricultural Field Days are back on at Kirwee this week. Many Mid Canterbury locals will be making the road trip up to it. Luke caught Committee Chair Andy Stewart to ask about the excitement that awaits visitors at this year's event. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Young Connor Mackenzie reckons Ashburton could do with a better Skate Park. So he's put together a proposal and is asking for community feedback via an online survey. Luke had Connor and mum Sheree in to ask about the campaign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Meager is the Minister for the South Island, and also our local MP. Luke got him back on the phone this morning to ask about RMA reforms, the Kirwee Field Days and what he remembers from the first L4 COVID lockdown 5yrs ago today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the success last year, Methven Lions is back with another Charity Machinery Auction at Methven Showgrounds on FRI 9 MAY. Now's the time to take a look through the back sheds and paddocks for stuff to sell. Luke caught up with Alastair Clemens to ask how it all works. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each fortnight Luke chats with Mayor Neil Brown. On this morning's agenda: The proposed 7.3% rates rise and reflecting on the first COVID L4 lockdown 5 years on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Ashburton College Principal Simon Coleman to ask what the go is with their school heating issues. They also found time to cover the fun stuff this week - Polyfest, Maadi Cup rowing, Tennis Nationals in CHCH and the South Island Secondary MTB Champs at Mt Hutt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Usually Luke chats with Ashburton District Council CEO Hamish Riach on pressing Council matters. However, Hamish is also a passionate rugby man. He served 17yrs as CEO of the Crusaders. Luke caught Hamish this morning to remember the great man Alex "Grizz" Wyllie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each Monday Luke catches up with Sporting Commentator Grant Nisbett to review the weekend sporting action. On this morning's menu rugby, Formula 1 and remembering Grizz Wyllie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Expect to see a lot of "no vacancy" signs up across the District this week as the Mt Hutt Bike Park plays host to the South Island Secondary Schools MTB Champs for the third time. Bike Methven Club Captain Stu Marr shared with Luke what we can expect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The EA Networks Centre will be bustling this coming Sunday as over 100 local kids tackle the Weetbix TRYathlon. Centre boss Richard Wood stopped by to give us a heads up on the excitement, and the road closures to be aware of. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abby Calder runs a very popular local Facebook page "Ashburton Collectables" helping people put together full sets of supermarket goodies. Luke caught up with Abby to talk Woolworth's latest offering the Cubeez, and she surprised with a very cool chance to win!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Friday Luke catches up with sporting commentator Grant "Nisbo" Nisbett to preview the weekend sporting action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Friday sporting commentator Paul Allison joins Luke to preview the weekend sporting action. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Thurs we catch up with our fav Southern Granny Shirley. This week we ask if she wants to be Ashburton's next Mayor, and how it's out with the old cars and in with the new... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's World Oral Health Day! Stats show just 16% of us are flossing our teeth daily. Luke caught up with local dentist Justin Wall to ask just how important the string is to our pearly whites... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entrepreneurial Ashcoll student Jorja Abernethy has been causing a buzz on social media with her wonderful cup creations. Luke caught up with Jorja to ask about the inspiration for getting into business and how we could help support her. Find her new Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574226202901See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Brown has dropped the bombshell announcement that he will not be standing for a third term as Ashburton Mayor. Luke caught up with him to ask why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our beloved Ashburton Event Centre needs our help! It has launched the "Funding for our Future" campaign, looking to raise $900,000 for essential upgrades and improvements. Luke caught up with Roger and Brent to ask about the work that needs to be done and the opportunities to get onboard. Find more at www.asheventcentre.co.nz and click on "Donations" in the task bar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate White is the coordinator for Keep Learning Mid Canterbury. Always exciting things going on. Luke caught up with Kate to ask about the harakeke weaving workshops this weekend and the Amazing Race returning Sat 5 April. Get your entries in now! https://keeplearningmc.nz/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All about the travellers this morning. First it was Ella Rickard sailing around the Sub Antarctic Islands. We also have Highland Heavyweight Craig Manson who found success at the recent Rural Games in Palmy North. Now his sights are set on Melbourne this coming weekend. Luke caught up with Craig to ask about these exciting times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Ashcoll student Ella Rickard has just got back from a trip around the Auckland and Campbell Islands. This was an opportunity afforded by the Sir Peter Blake Trust - an environmental leadership charity inspiring young people. Luke caught up with Ella to ask how it was. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.