Breakfast Ashburton with Luke Howden

Anna Redmond from the Mid Canterbury Triathlon and Multisport Club stopped by for an update on what they're up to See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maori Leader Lucius Hunt and Deputy Prefect Leane Senekal were in for one last Ashburton College chat for the year. Already looking ahead to 2026! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Mum Stacey Broadbent was in for her last review of the year on "Five Nights at Freddy's Pt 2"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tessa Grant from Wakanui School was helping us with the Christmas Countdown this morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a year for Mid Canterbury rugby! JAB got a season in despite some challenging conditions early on. Hampstead Senior B's won their grade. Celtic claimed the Watters Cup in dramatic fashion. Mid Canterbury rep women had their first season in green and gold. The A's claimed the Hanan Cup, and the mighty Hammers pulled off the perfect season locking away the Hanan Shield and Meads Cup, both in front of bumper home crowds. Luke was keen to celebrate the lot with Kenny Addison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iona Rogers was in for a chat and to perform a beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Laura was back for one last catch up this year. Luke was keen to ask if it's ok to share in a few extra treats this time of the year, how we connect with health services if we need them over the Summer break, and share in a very hectic but exciting week ahead for Laura! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke was running on fumes this morning, pulling a late night to head out and see some of the wonderful Christmas lights around town with the team from Property Brokers. Check out the list on the Hokonui Ashburton FB page. Also vote for your favourite People's Choice. Winners will be announced on the show Friday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School is back for it's 26th year, and this time we're Broadway Bound! Tutored by Jo Castelow and Sarah Hart, it’s an opportunity not to be missed. Young people aged 9 to 22-years-old are invited to enrol at www.mcsss.co.nz. The school runs from January 12 to 17 at the Ashburton Event Centre. It is a fun-filled week where lifetime friends are made and singers will be part of an incredible musical theatre production. Luke caught up with Jo to find out more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught Mayor Liz McMillian for the final time this year to celebrate the great news about the Bike Skills Park in the Domain, and reflect on her 2026 highlights See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo shares thoughts on Alice Robinson claiming her maiden podium in the Super-G overnight, and the Black Caps win v West Indies on Day 3See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aurura Fitzsimons from Methven Primary School was helping with our Christmas countdown this morningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with coach/manager Colleen Allison to ask how our local athletes got on in the Special Olympics held in Christchurch this past week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local talent Luke Glendining stopped by for a festive chat and song. Performing "Please Come Home for Christmas" by the Eagles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Matt Winter to try and make sense of how the Hammers weren't named Team of the Year at the NZ Rugby Awards last night. Was also a good chance to reflect on a season that really was out the gate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Come and have lunch on us! Tomorrow we will be at Milestone Homes Showroom, 8 Strowan Ave, from 11am-1pm serving up both wife Amber and Belinda's hams. Bragging rights on the line. Also your chance to win a ham! Luke asked Amber what goes into her yummy glaze. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo was back to talk the NZ Rugby Awards last night, the Black Caps in the 2nd test v Windies, and Chasing the Fox tonight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Bewley was in for Paul Allison to talk the Hammers being robbed at the NZ Rugby Awards last night, and his hopes for the Black Caps as they head into Day 3 of the second test. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mid Canterbury Choir again presents its annual Christmas Concerts TODAY FRI 12 DEC. Two shows, at 12-noon and 6pm. Baring Square Church. The guest soloists will include Mid Canterbury Choir School Scholarship winners Ricky Davies, Jorja Abernethy and Sobriety Disciple. The choir is excited to be singing some beautiful Christmas music again this year, including Joy to the World, Rise Up Shepherd as well new numbers, from jazzy to very thought-provoking. Entry just $5, as well as a donation of non-perishable food for the Ashburton Salvation Army Foodbank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Acland was back for one last Farm Chat for the year. Luke was keen for his take on RMA changes, the weather, and to know what his plan is for the festive break. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ziggy Shaw is the Executive Chef at Armadillos. Luke was keen for his take on what makes a great ham. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granny Shirl was back to talk showdowns - both ham and dance! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 1200 athletes have made their way to Christchurch for the Summer Special Olympic Games on across 7 venues until Sunday. We have a contingent of 10 from Mid Canterbury. Luke caught up with team coach Colleen Lindsay to find out more about what they're instore for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frank has again lit up his place at 29 Phillip Street for our festive viewing pleasure. Luke was there for opening night to check it out See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Birthright Tree is back up at Heartland Bank on East Street. Place a gift under the tree before 23 Dec, and it will be passed onto a child growing up with a single parent. Luke spoke with Dawn Hastings to understand a little more about Birthright and some ideas of prezzies we could contribute. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenzie from Borough School was helping with our Christmas Countdown this morning See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back for an encore performance, Ashburton College Prefect-in-waiting Nate Woods who brought in Yr10s Milla and Noah to share some of the excitement as the junior school wraps the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with local builder Steve Pearce to share in his thoughts on the Government's changes to the Resource Management Act See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movie Man Joe Danielson was in for his final review of the year - Nuremberg. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The challenge is on between Wife Amber and Belinda from Milestone Homes to serve up the best Christmas Ham. Come try for yourself at the Showhome, 8 Strowan Ave, this Saturday between 11am - 1pm. In preparation, Luke caught up with Mike from Netherby Meats to ask what we should look out for in selecting a great Christmas ham. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke caught up with Digital Guru Neysa Koizumi for her take on whether this world-first U16 social media ban in Australia will actually work. And could it work here? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lots of stuff being torn down around town at the moment, including the old Polytech Buildings on Cameron Street. Luke took a trip down memory lane with afternoon host Peter Mac and listener Rhonda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local MP and South Island Minister James Meager was back to share thoughts on the new Methven Central care home, and what we can expect from the RMA changes to be announced later today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's 16 sleeps until Christmas! Reminding us of that this morning was McKenzie from Tinwald School. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our final Council chat of the year with Hamish Riach. He was in to share Te Kaha excitement, details on the new water restrictions, and to celebrate some of the 2025 ADC achievements. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farming Families is back with the Christmas decoration competition. Simply share your photos on the Farming Families Facebook Page before FRI 19th DEC. There's a Morning Tea shout up for grabs. Frances and Jayne stopped by to share the deets with Luke. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke popped along to the official opening of Methven Central. A project that has been brought to life by the Methven Care Trust. Chair Jan Anderson shares what it means to see residents moving in as early as next week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each morning next week we have your chance to win a Christmas ham with Milestone Homes! However in announcing the exciting news yesterday, Luke got himself in trouble suggesting that Belinda's ham recipe might be the best. Cue a challenge, and a tasty chance for you to come and try some this Saturday between 11am-1pm at Milestone Homes Showroom, 8 Strowan Ave :P See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashburton's Donald Shearer was this week's 1News Good Sort! Luke caught up with him out the back of his TV appearance to ask a bit more about the Rural Driver Scheme he's so passionate about.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belinda Pearce from Milestone Homes Mid Canterbury stopped by to share exciting news - We have your chance to win a ham each morning next week!! There's also a chance to win by following the gnome on their Facebook page. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Croft was back from Specsavers Ashburton to share the importance of protecting ourselves from UV exposure this Summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning it was Joseph Crawley from Rakaia School who kicked off our Christmas Countdown. Luke asked what he's looking forward to from the final days at Rakaia School for the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exciting times at Intermediate tonight as the Yr8 Formal returns, waltz and all! Luke caught up with Jade Tonks to ask how the students have been rehearsing for this one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo was back to share in weekend sport including Lando Norris securing his first F1 Championship win, the shock result in the Black Caps v Windies CHCH test, and Aussie proving too strong in Ashes #2. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 12th edition of the Godzone Adventure Race has wrapped up. 32 teams battled their was through the Marlborough wilderness covering distances over 500-600ks. One of them was our very own Ashvegas Battlers made up of Hinds dairy farmer Mark Thomas, feed assessment consultant Rory Boleyn, local lawyer Katrina Palmer and Captain Tom Wing. Luke was keen to share in the highlights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nisbo was back to look over some of the sporting action for the weekend ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NBS Ashburton Santa Parade & Market Day returns tomorrow SAT 6 DEC, with the Santa Parade starting 12:30pm. Once again rolling down Walnut Ave between West St & Oak Grove. Expect colourful floats, cheerful music, and plenty of holiday spirit! This year's theme is "Unwrapping the joy of Christmas" as picked by last year's float winners, Phoenix Preschool. Before and after the parade, explore the Market Day from 10am to 4pm in the Domain next to the Paddling Pool. Luke caught up with head elf Carol Johns to ask what else we can expect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

90yr old Merv Grewar is attempting to break a World Record for Dementia NZ! On SAT 6 DEC at Fit 4 Life Gym in Ashburton (69 Harrison Street, Allenton Mall), he will attempt to break the world record for the 100m indoor row in the 90+ age category. Come cheer him on from 3pm. Helping get him there is PT Angus McKenzie. Luke asked if Angus reckons Merv is match fit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports commentator Paul Allison was back to run over the sporting action for the weekend aheadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Come cheer on Merv Grewar as he attempts a World Record Row for Dementia NZ! At 90 years old, Merv Grewar is proving that age is no barrier to strength, determination, or purpose. On SAT 6 DEC at Fit 4 Life Gym in Ashburton (69 Harrison Street, Allenton Mall), he will attempt to break the world record for the 100m indoor row in the 90+ age category. Merv already holds the New Zealand record for the 85–89 age group, and now he’s setting his sights even higher. Rowing not just for himself, but for a cause that’s deeply personal. Merv’s late wife lived with dementia, and through this challenge he hopes to raise awareness and funds for Dementia New Zealand, supporting the many families affected by this heartbreaking condition. Merv is also planning to play with his band on the day. Check out the Givealittle page here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.