Breakfast Ashburton with Luke Howden

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.

Luke caught up with Scott McKenzie from NZTA Waka Kotahi for an update on Mid Canterbury roadworks See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 42nd Rakaia Fishing Competition was held over the weekend. A huge success despite the call not to host a weigh in. Luke caught up with organiser Chris for the review. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mid Canterbury Multicultural Bite and Autumn Fair is back at Ashburton Domain this SAT 7 MAR. Luke caught up with organiser Richard Fox to find out what we can expect See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Markham shares his picks into another sporting weekend See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Allison gives us a heads up on the sporting weekend ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke called on the expertise of local butcher Chris Brown from Carnivore Candy Store to help settle the saveloy vs polomey debate... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirl was in to help settle a debate raging in Howden house... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Breading from Sport Canterbury was back with our local sports take See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps have pulled off a 61-run win v Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup. Luke asked Andew if this confirms our spot in the semi finals?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Acland was in to talk contrasting fortunes between our dairy and grain farming friends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local MP James Meager was in to talk aviation, transport and banking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton’s cadet units are opening their doors to new recruits this month. The Ashburton Cadet Unit is holding open nights on THURS evenings from 6pm to 9pm at Mania‑O‑Roto Park. Meanwhile, Ashburton Air Cadets, No. 24 Squadron, is welcoming new members aged 13 to 15 every Thursday night from 7pm at Hangar 4, Ashburton Airport. Luke and Rachel share more on this great opportunity for young people to learn leadership, teamwork and new skills.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Mum Stacey Broadbent was in with her take on this English period spoof, blending Downton Abbey with Monty Python. The plot follows a lovable pick-pocket, Eric, who rises through the ranks at a unique English manor, becoming involved in a forbidden romance and a murder mystery.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Croft was in to tell us about an increasing number of eye infections he's noticing across Mid Canterbury, and how they can help us clear things up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The $1.1mil Opuke Innovation Hub is coming together at Mt Hutt College in Methven. Luke caught up with coordinator Amy Honeywell for a progress report and to find out how we can help get this exciting project over the line. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School's Rippa Rugby returns to Argyle Park tonight. Luke caught up with Kirsty Manson from Mid Canterbury Rugby to find out how big this thing actually is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Liz McMillian was in for a chat on Business Awards, new signage around the Tinwald Viaduct, and the cost to remove the cardboard bits from the Rakaia salmon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Laura was back to talk ADHD and the change to 12-month prescriptions. Also an exciting life milestone! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local firefighter Tim Clark has been abroad again helping fight bushfires. Last time we spoke he had been in Canada. This time rural Victoria, Australia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rescue Warriors are now 2 weeks into their epic 3000km trek of the country in support of the West Coast/Canterbury Rescue Chopper. Luke caught up with Duncan to find out how they're tracking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Donaldson Contracting was crowned Supreme Winner at the ANZ Business of the Year Awards on Friday night. Luke caught up with Greg to celebrate the win. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been 15yrs since the devastating 2011 CHCH earthquake. Someone who became an inspiration for many was Mayfield's very own Sam Johnson, founder of the Student Volunteer Army. Luke had him on to take a trip down memory lane. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been 15yrs since the devastating 2011 CHCH earthquake. Luke caught up with former Ashburton Mayor Angus McKay to share what he remembers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Methven Ute Muster returns on SAT 21 MAR, as part of the Methven A&P Show. Celebrating rural pride, horsepower, and community spirit. This year’s headline attraction includes a Ford Ranger world record attempt, alongside crowd‑favourite events like tug‑of‑war, multiple judged categories, and the popular Her’s Not His section. Find more and sign up via www.methvenshow.co.nz or www.proudtobeafarmernz.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports commentator Matt Markham was back to reflect on 15yrs since the CHCH earthquake, and a bit of weekend sport including the Crusaders shock loss to the BrumbiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark from MC Cricket was back to tell us about the Over-70s World Cup games being played right here in Ashburton, starting this weekend See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Commentator Matt Markham was back to preview sports action into the weekend See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, the Ashburton Community Garden on Wills Street has been transformed over the past 18 months into a welcoming and accessible space where locals can learn, connect, and help cultivate fresh produce together. All are welcome to the opening SAT 21 FEB, 10am–1pm. Guests will be treated to tours of the gardens, refreshments and a talk about the project. Find more on their Facebook page, AshburtonCommunityGarden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The big news of the morning has been the spectacular arrest of former Prince Andrew. Luke caught up with UK correspondent Gavin Grey to find out what he's facing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The South Island Motorhome Show and Country Fete is the ultimate event for those interested in purchasing a new or used motorhome or caravan, looking to sell an existing motorhome or caravan, wishing to purchase accessories for a present or future vehicle or just wanting to look at ‘what’s new in the marketplace’ and socialise with like-minded people. It's on at Ashburton Showgrounds this weekend SAT 21 and SUN 22 FEB. Open to the public 9am - 4pm on Saturday, and 9am - 3pm Sunday. Entry just $5!  Hosted by the Lions Club of Ashburton. To find out more, click here: https://www.southislandmotorhomeshow.co.nz/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers Mid Canterbury President David Acland was on to share his thoughts on Greenpeace's claims dairy farmers are to blame for reduced salmon numbers in the Rakaia River. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton Cadet Corp is hosting open nights on a Thursday for three weeks beginning TONIGHT February 19 from 6pm to 9pm at Mania-O-Roto Park, 2 Chalmers Ave. New recruits must be a least 13-years-old. If you can’t attend an open night email [email protected]. Cezarne and Theo were in to tell us more about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seals have been spotted around Mid Canterbury! Luke caught up with DOC Ranger Ian Fraser to ask where our new friends are coming from. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mid Canterbury Relay for Life returns SAT 21 MAR. Aim of the game is to raise funds to support the amazing work of our Ashburton Cancer Society. Rachel Wilson and the team have come up with a way for local businesses to get on board by investing in a wooden daffodil. Get yours here: 2026 Mid Canterbury Relay For LifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton College prefects Layla Ward and Lucius Hunt were in for our latest Ashburton College update See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Man Joe Danielson was back in to share his take on the new screen adaption of Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Kiwis in action from Italy. Luke caught up with Games Guru Chris Rieve from NZHerald for the preview. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Winter Games may be inspiring some locals to give it a go. We're pretty lucky to have Mt Hutt right on our doorstep here in Mid Canterbury. Luke caught up with Senior Instructor Sam Pringle to find out how easy it is to get into snowsports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke asked ADC CE Hamish Riach if they will be pressing charges over Greenpeace defacing the Rakaia salmon statue on the weekend. Also LTP planning and the Business Awards Friday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Rakaia Fishing Promotions Chair Chris Agnew about next week's Fishing Competition, and his take on what Greenpeace did to the salmon statue over the weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.