Breakfast Ashburton with Luke Howden

A week into their mammoth 3000km ride the length of the country, Luke checked in with how the Rescue Warriors are getting on. They've been lucky to dodge most of the bad weather. Unfortunately one of the riders took a fall ending their campaign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fiona Boyer from Mt Hutt and NZ Ski has been lucky enough to be in Italy for the Winter Games! Luke got her on the phone to share in the bucket list experience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke catches the reaction of Local MP and Minister for Hunting and Fishing James Meager on what Greenpeace did to the Rakaia salmon statue over the weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kaidyn Broomhall, MacKenzie Currie and Struan Robertson made up the Mt Hutt College "Dream Team" and came second in the school's 2-day Coast to Coast over the weekend. Luke caught up with the lads to celebrate their effort. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports commentator Matt Markham was back to run over the big plays of the weekend See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer has not been kind to grain farmers and road workers alike. Luke caught up with NZTA Contracts Manager Scott McKenzie to ask how they have been getting on, and to find out about a big project starting in Tinwald this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The South Island Motorhome Show and Country Fete is back 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! To find out more, or to book your spot at the event, click here: https://www.southislandmotorhomeshow.co.nz/. Luke caught up with organiser Chrissy Milne to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Allison was back to run over a massive weekend of sport ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new voice to preview weekend sport - Matt Markham was in to share his take. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hokonui is proud to support the ANZ Business of the Year Awards. The Gala Evening is being held next FRI 20 FEB. Ticket sales close tomorrow! Luke caught up with organiser Vicki Pluck with what we need to know. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Acland is the Chair of Beef and Lamb. She was in to mark National Lamb Day coming up on Sunday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In preparation for National Lamb Day on Sunday, Luke caught up with our friendly local butcher Mike Hanson from Netherby Meats for tips of picking the best cuts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The iconic Coast to Coast multisport event is back this weekend. Luke caught up with veteran race commentator Brian Ashby to find out what athletes are instore for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mind Body Soul Expo brings a full day of colour, connection, and wellbeing to Hotel Ashburton on SAT 14 FEB. From 10am–4pm, visitors can explore clairvoyants, international mediums, energy healers, crystals, crafts, workshops, music, food, clothing, gifts, and plenty more. Entry is $5, with free admission for children under 15. Hosted by the Ashburton Spiritual Group, the expo also supports a great cause, raising funds for Mid Canterbury Riding for the Disabled. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton Vintage Car Club is hosting a Show and Community Day at VTNZ Ashburton, on SUN 15 FEB from 11am to 2pm. Anyone is welcome to take their car along to be on display with an entry fee of $5 per vehicle. Funds raised going to the Cancer Society. There will be raffles and a barbecue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirl was in for a natter around the Winter Games See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hinds Dairy Farmer Cole Groves was on to talk Coast to Coast, and lay of the landSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lots of banter this week with Alice Breading - From Ashburton College Prelim Athletics, to Winter Games, to our chance to nominate someone for the Mid Canterbury Sports Awards. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Reive is our Winter Games Guru from NZHerald who shared what Alice Robinson was facing into the Super G event. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mt Somers Reserve Board has proposed scaling back the Mt Somers Domain Campground to a self-contained only site. A public meeting was held Wednesday night. Cr Deb was there and shared with Luke how it went. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Paddy Bradford from Ashburton Golf Club to clarify the etiquette around sinking a hole in one, and to preview the Harvey Norman Classic this weekend.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps ran riot over UAE at the T20 Cricket World Cup overnight. Luke caught Andrew to ask about yet another record being set. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local history buff Shirley Falloon dropped by to share a few more local teachers among the longest serving in Mid Canterbury See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Mum Stacey Broadbent was back with her take on the new Ralph Finnes flick "Choral"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seasoned traveller Mike Yardley shared a glowing review of a recent trip to Mid Canterbury with Jack Tame on sister station Newstalk ZB. Luke was keen to find out if his take on our piece of paradise was genuine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Liz was in to explain how the budget for the road to the new Ashburton River Bridge has blown out from $7.5mil to $20milSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Winter Games guru Chris Reive from NZHerald to ask what Zoi faced in the Big Air final this morning See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A woman in the States has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest serving teacher... 67yrs!! Luke was keen to try and find the longest serving Mid Canterbury teacher. Many suggested it could be John Hooper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The South Island Motorhome Show and Country Fete is a not to be missed 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 the 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, or to book your spot at the event, click here: https://www.southislandmotorhomeshow.co.nz/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duncan Barr and Mark Cressey from the Rescue Warriors dropped by ahead of their 3000km tour of the country in support of the Westpac Rescue Chopper. Luke began by asking why the group of 12 is split in two. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duncan Barr and Mark Cressey from the Rescue Warriors dropped by for a chat ahead of their 3000km tour of the country. Luke continued by asking what they are allowed to take with them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mid Canterbury Relay for Life is back SAT 21 MAR. Aimee Cosgrove was in to explain how it works and how we can sign up See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's SuperBowl Sunday in the States! Someone there gearing up for it is former Ashburton local Mitch McCannSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Goes without saying the cruddy Summer weather has taken a toll on local grain farmers. Luke caught up with Fed Farmers Mid Canterbury Arable President Bevan Lill to ask how our cropping friends are getting on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirl was back for another natter. This time reflecting on getting her license. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big kites are back over Lake Hood tomorrow, including some coming from as far as Germany! Luke caught up with Simon from Peter Lynn Kites to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time the Murrell Summer Challenge is being held here in Ashburton this long Waitangi weekend. Luke caught up with organiser Jodi to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Breading from Sport Canterbury was back to run over local sport happenings See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Croft from Specsavers Ashburton was with us to share the importance of booking in for that regular eye check See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Meager, Local MP and Associate Minister of Transport, joins Luke to discuss the government's overhaul of the driver's license system. He shares the reasoning behind extending the learner's period from six to twelve months and the benefits of scrapping the full license test.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate and Leanè were in for our first Ashburton College update of the new year! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Bridget Frith about "Tiny Town" coming to Ashburton. Essentially a mini roleplay town with 10 sections - from a summer theme with an ice cream stand and beach area, to a supermarket there's so much for kids to explore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Man Joe was back to share his thoughts on "Song Sung Blue", about the ups and downs of Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning and Thunder. Starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wendy Hewittt, Coordinator of the Rural Driver Licensing Scheme, shares her thoughts on the government's changes to the driver's licensing system. The new system extends the learner's license from six to twelve months and scraps the full licensed test. Wendy discusses the potential benefits of this change, including reduced costs and less stress for young drivers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rakaia salmon statue is back after a near $300k repair job. Luke caught up with sculptor Phil Price to ask about the work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke's buddy Hayden accidentally flushed his car key down the toilet on the weekend. Luke caught up with Dean Talbot to find out if it's common and if he had any handy advice to prevent finding ourselves in a similar situation... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADC boss Hamish Riach was in to talk how local Councillors are in annual planning mode with a couple of big workshops starting today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of local families and kids are crashing back into routine with schools back this week. Luke caught up with Dr Alex Bartle from the Sleep Well Clinic to share in some of his tips. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Alex Bartle from the Sleep Well Clinic was in to help us get back into sleep routine. Luke asked if he had any tips to help calm stress and nerves that can keep us up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Taggart from the Hinds Young Farmers Club won our Aorangi Regional Final on Saturday. Luke caught him to reflect on some of the challenges and ask what's to come.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.