Breakfast Ashburton with Luke Howden

Andrew Alderson was in to cover off some of the big weekend sporting plays including the Aussie Open and Sam Ruthe charging on to become the fastest Kiwi ever! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most local kidlets are back to school today, which includes those at Tinwald. Luke was able to check in with Principal Pete Livingstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spotted on Facebook thanks to Specsavers Ashburton asking for your lost key stories. Aileen had a great one! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voice of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition Te Radar was with us to wrap the Aorangi Regional Final held at Woodbury Domain on Saturday See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hokonui is again proud to support the ANZ Business of the Year Awards, back at Ashburton Aviation Museum FRI 20 FEB. Luke caught up with Gary Manning to share the deets. Book your tickets before they're gone here: ANZ Business of The Year Awards - Ashburton District CouncilSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Liz was back for the new year. Luke asked why Council won't put a gantry each side of the Tinwald Viaduct to prevent further hits, and the opportunity next week for local young people to learn how to get into business with the King's Trust. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke had a surprise for fire enthusiast and afternoon host Peter Mac to consider adding to his collection... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Mark Medlicott from Mid Canterbury Cricket to ask about the next Hawke Cup game MC vs North Otago at the Domain Oval this weekend. Also the return of junior grades. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carolyn Clough was in to share highlights from her bucket-list trip to New York over the new year break. She also told us about the Advance Ashburton Scholarship evening on tonight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go and cheer on our local candidates in the Aorangi FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Final. This is where top talent will compete for a coveted spot in the Season 58 Grand Final! It's the first of seven Regional Finals. This year’s contest promises plenty of excitement for spectators, with highlights including fast-paced, head-to-head challenges as finalists race to complete tasks in just 30 minutes. Adding to the energy are future farming stars competing in AgriKidsNZ and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year contests, with finalists in all age categories advancing to the Grand Final in July 2026. It's being held at Woodbury Domain on SAT 31 JAN, 8am start. Luke caught up with convenor Penny to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke was joined by John Law from the MetService to ask if we can (finally) expect an improvement in the weather for what is the last week of the school holidays for many kids See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo was back to look over weekend sporting highlights including the Black Caps getting crushed in India, Sam Ruthe breaking more records, and some surprises from the Aussie Open See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Beau Paparoa from AA Insurance to ask if we hit the Tinwald Viaduct - Are we covered?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Alderson was in to preview some of the sporting action for the weekend ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed Sheeran rounds off his "Loop" Tour of NZ with two big shows in CHCH this weekend. Luke caught up with Caroline from Venues Otautahi for what we need to know if heading along. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A devastating landslide at Mount Maunganui, triggered by Tauranga's wettest day on record, has left multiple people unaccounted for. Luke caught up with Brian Kelly for the latest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders are back at Melvern Park CHCH today with "The Long Run" - raising funds and awareness for the Child Cancer Foundation. Leading the charge for Charlotte's Army is Hayley McLeod who Luke caught up with to ask about the day. You can donate to them here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Breading from Sport Canterbury was back to share some local happenings to kick off the new yearSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Acland was back for Farm Chat to tackle the weather, politics, and how things are looking pretty good into the 2026 farming yearSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirley was back for the new year - sharing thoughts with those brave/mad folks out camping in this wet weather!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Boost Literacy Initiative is looking for volunteer tutors for 2026!  Help children across Mid Canterbury make positive gains in literacy in our local schools. The commitment is 4 hours a week (two mornings, March-Nov, term time). No experience needed - full training, resources and support provided. Cover provided if you need time away. Join a friendly and supportive team making a real difference in our communities. To find out more, contact Helen Breach - Boost Coordinator either by email [email protected], or phone 027 507 1633. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton Intermediate Principal Brent Gray shares some insight to the demolition of the 2-story block on Grey Street, and what they hope will be built in its place. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Miller was in to tell us about the Masters Golf Tournament being held at Ashburton Golf Club this coming Sunday, and details on the new Forceback competition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton's musical maestro Jo Castelow was in to reflect on another great season of Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School, and to look ahead to Variety Theatre's big production of "Footloose" with auditions being held this weekend! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another day, another restaurant opening in Ashburton. This time it's back in the old Speights Ale House building on Burnett Street. Simply called "The Ale House". Luke caught up with leaseholder Happi Aulakh to wish him well on opening day See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Run Walk Ashburton Summer Series returns to Ashburton Domain tonight. Luke caught up with Gary Whiting to ask how it works and how we can get along See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADC boss Hamish Riach was back for the first Council chat of 2026 and it was all good news - Water restrictions have been lifted, and we've got more Government money for roading! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with local MP James Meager for the first time this new year for his take on PM Chris Luxon's state of the nation speech, and how he rates his chances of keeping his job into this election year... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Boyce was at Ed Sheeran in Auckland on Saturday. Luke was keen to find out what we can expect from his Christchurch shows this coming weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo is back for the new year. And what a way to kick things off - a historic series win for the Black Caps in India! Also talking the novelty of the Black Clash on Sat, and Razor's cut from the All BlacksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warbirds over Wanaka returns Easter weekend. Luke has booked his spot. He caught up with General Manager to ask about the exciting news that for the first time, the US F-22 Raptors will feature at this year's event!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First guest of 2026! Luke caught up with Neil McCann from ADC to ask about the new health warnings at Lake Hood, and continuing water restrictions for Ashburton township. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He does it so well! Sport Commentator Paul Allison wrapped the sporting year that's been in poetic fashion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In what is quite possibly the most heart-warming story of the week, Luke caught up with Timaru Mayor Nigel Bowen to learn how locals have come together to replace the town Christmas tree after an arson attack. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke was stoked to hear the Ashburton Community Christmas Day Lunch is back for 2026! Anne Allott shared the plan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo was back for one last chat for 2025 to touch on the cricket, and reflect on his highlights See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlotte and Kylie from Property Brokers were back in to share the results of the Property Brokers Best Christmas Lights Competition See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aimee Cosgrove was in from the Cancer Society to reveal the winners of their big car raffle, and the amazing news they have raised over $80k!! What a wonderful Christmas present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know it's Christmas when the Ashburton Silver Band stops by for a live performance of "Jingle Bells"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local ladies choir the Decibelles made their debut radio performance with a wonderful version of "Mary did you Know". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke went along to the opening night of the Council's Great Santa HuntSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADC Infrastructure Manager Neil McCann was on to share an update on the containers in Lake Hood, and how the Domain water pump is coming back online this week See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirley had a few festive reminders to share in our last catch up for the year See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greenstreet Dairy Farmer Stacey Stewart was in for one last Farm Chat of the year See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Breading was in for one last time to reflect on a few sporting highlights from the year that was See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Alderson is at Bay Oval ready to cover the third and final test Black Caps v West Indies See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Great Santa Hunt returns to Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum TONIGHT from 5pm. Luke caught up with Manager/Curator Shirin Khosraviani to ask how it works. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Molly Harrison stopped by for a chat and to perform for us "Christmas Lights" by Coldplay See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with James Meager for one last time this year to reflect on the 2026 political year that's been See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.