Podcasts about Lyttelton

I think we'd be biting off our nose to spite our face if we turned our back on this overseas company wanting to take over the running of the port of Lyttelton. Because this could be exactly the type of in-road to foreign investment that the government has been banging-on about but hasn't yet managed to pull off. Tell that to the unions, though. Which are all antse about executives from global port operator DP World being in Christchurch and wanting to do a deal to manage the port here for as long as 30 years. The port company and the port's owner - Christchurch City Holdings Limited - aren't saying much. Other than acknowledging speculation over what they describe as “a potential proposal” involving DP World and the port company. But the maritime union isn't holding back - making all the usual noises. Which you would expect it to make. Saying it would be a terrible move. Not just for Canterbury. But a bad move for the South Island and the whole country. It says profits would head overseas and it must not happen. But before you fall for all the noise, I want you to think about Fremantle, in Australia. Because it is just noise. Saying something should stay locally-run for the sake of it staying locally-run is noise. There's nothing the unions are saying about this that convinces me that the port company and the council which owns it shouldn't, at the very least, think about it. You might remember Fremantle from the 1987 Americas Cup. It's also a major port. A major port which has been operated by the same company that wants to run Lyttelton port for the past 20 years. And we need to be looking at Fremantle before swallowing all the rhetoric regarding this potential deal at Lyttelton. Because, in December last year, the company started work on an $18 million rail connection at the port. To move more freight by rail - from 22 percent to a third of the freight it handles. The company itself paid for this. What's more, it plans to have spent $1 billion upgrading port infrastructure in Australia by 2028. Which is exactly what it could end up doing here. And, if the port company and Christchurch City Holdings are in fact having these negotiations, then that's exactly the sort of stuff they should be talking about. They should be saying to DP World, if we agree to let you run Lyttelton port for the next 30 years, we want to see the same infrastructure investment you're making in Australia. Remembering too that Lyttelton needs to spend as much as $900 million on its expansion work. And, if they did manage to get that kind of commitment as part of any deal, then we'd be on to a winner. Not that I'm drinking all the Kool aid. Because there have been issues in Fremantle since DP World took over 20 years ago. The unions over there have accused it of putting profits ahead of jobs. But those kinds of accusations are made about the Lytelton port company already. The unions in Fremantle aren't happy about DP World wanting to use more automation. Of course they wouldn't be happy about it. Thing is, though, unions here are going to be concerned about all those things irrespective of who is running the show. So why not have an outfit with the money behind it running the port and investing in the port in a way we can only dream about? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I had the joy of using State Highway 1, south of Christchurch, over the weekend. Which is a bit of a goat track. And it's why there is a bit of excitement about the government announcing that it wants to look into making it a four-lane highway. At least between Christchurch and Timaru. Which, to many people, is a no-brainer. This is part of a wider study the government wants done into transport links between the ports at Lyttelton and Timaru. As well as a better highway, replacing the bridge at Rakaia and the role rail plays in freight movement will also be looked at. Which is only happening because it's election year. So that, when the National, Act and NZ First leaders turn up during the campaign and people start asking them about State Highway 1, they can say they're doing this study and kick it to touch until the 2029 election. But a four-lane highway - at least between Christchurch and Ashburton - is something that's been talked about for years. Which I've always thought is a no-brainer. But - after driving down south and back up again at the weekend - I've been thinking, would it actually be worth it? Is it really a priority? And what other government funding we might miss out on? Not that we're like a pig in muck when it comes to road funding. In the most recent round of government funding for roads, just 6 percent went to the South Island. Which, as I said at the time, was nothing short of pitiful. I wasn't alone. Leeann Watson from Business Canterbury said, considering the South Island's contribution to the national economy, the amount we get back in road funding is definitely out of whack. In terms of the government's upcoming study also including the potential replacement of the bridge at Rakaia, we've had construction consultant Mike Blackburn saying that needs to happen. Sooner rather than later. Mike says it's urgent because of the number of people moving south, buying houses in places like Ashburton and commuting into Selwyn or even into Christchurch. And that's where I'm landing, too. I reckon we need to face up to the fact that we're never going to have four lanes on State Highway 1, south of Christchurch. And I think we need to focus our attention on getting something done about the bridges at places like Rakaia. Not that I no longer think a four-lane highway would be brilliant. And not that I no longer think we're being ripped off not having one. But the reality is, it will never happen. New bridges, though, are a much easier sell when it comes to government funding. Because if a bridge packs a sad, you're shot. Yes, there are always alternative routes. But, especially when it comes to freight movement, the bridges between Christchurch and Timaru are much more of an issue than the two-lane highway. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a recent tour around Aotearoa and Australia playing support for Nick Cave, Lyttelton's Aldous Harding returns with her fifth album, Train On The Island on May 8. Hear two advance singles, followed by new music from Swedish pop icon Robyn and some bracing West African voodoo funk from "the Devil's Prime Minister", Antoine Dougbé.

The Linbury Prize exhibition at the national theatre in London presents the work of the 2025 prize recipients.12 emerging stage designers have been selected for their technical skill, artistic ability and creative vision as the brightest talent from across the UK.The exhibition is being made accessible to blind and partially sighted people through the use of the NaviLens codes not only to navigate around the exhibition but to hear descriptions of the prize winning Theatre Designer's work too.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey visited the national Theatre to explore the Linbury Prize winning Theatre Designer's work through the use of the NaviLens app on his iPhone and the codes dotted around the exhibition. Before going round the exhibition he caught up with Jock Maitland, Design Skills Coordinator from the Learning Department at the National Theatre to find out more about the history of the Linbury Prize and why the National Theatre wanted to provide greater access to the exhibition to blind and partially sighted people through the use of the NaviLens codes.The Linbury Prize Exhibition continues in the Lyttelton lounge of the foyer of the Lyttelton theatre at the National Theatre in London until 6 June 2026 and more details can be found by visiting - https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/about-us/skilled-makers/linbury-prize/ (Image shows photograph of one of the costume designs by Kathy Udaondo, an off-white or cream coloured dress with long wide sleeves, a high neck, a wide skirt and long strips of the same fabric draping down the front of the dress from the shoulders. There is a blurred orange light in the foreground out of focus, perhaps a piece of furniture, and an abstract and illuminated blue wooden clad wall behind)

As part of the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the First Four Ships in Lyttelton in December 1850, Frieda Looser will speak about Fendalton connections among those who came on the George Seymour. Frieda comments, ‘It is always important to recognise, research and respect the contributions and histories of tangata whenua and earlier migrants.'

On Saturday night I was in Lyttelton for a gig and saw a guy sleeping on the bench outside the local supermarket, which took me a little bit by surprise. Maybe I need to get across to Lyttelton more often. But that's the kind of thing we will see way more of if the Government goes ahead with this idea of banning homeless people from congregating and sleeping rough in central business districts. Because instead of being an answer, it just raises another question: where would they go? We know where they'd go. The suburbs. They wouldn't go away. And even though I can't stand being asked for money all the time when I walk through town, some sort of CBD ban isn't the solution. It would start in Auckland apparently and eventually be implemented elsewhere around the country. This hasn't come from the Government itself, which is being all mealy-mouthed about it. It's come from Newstalk ZB's senior political correspondent, Barry Soper. He says the Associate Housing Minister, Tama Potaka, has been talking to community housing providers and has suggested to them that such a law is on its way. Now I'm a realist and I know that we are never going to get rid of homelessness. That's because there are so many things that lead to someone not having a roof over their head. And I reckon most of us are only two or three steps away from being homeless ourselves. It wouldn't take that many setbacks in our life before we looked up one day and realised we were sleeping under a blanket on Hereford Street or Queen Street. But banning rough sleepers from downtown areas is not the answer because what happens when the rough sleepers start moving into the suburbs? I know the Government will say “aww, we're not just kicking them out, we're providing the old wraparound services.” But this isn't a solution, it's just moving the problem elsewhere. And, if I had to choose where in town the rough sleepers should be, give me the CBD any day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered what happened to some of the damaged timber from the Lyttelton wharves after the Canterbury earthquakes? The tough ironbark they were made from was too good not to be rescued and Oxford's Steve Evans was just the man for the job, as Mark Leishman discovered. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Steve EvansGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

If you voted in this year's local body elections, congratulations. You can consider yourself a member of a very exclusive club. Because, this year, voter turnout around the country was the lowest it's been in 36 years. Which is pitiful. So pitiful that I don't even think my idea of having just one main voting day - like we have for central government elections - would make much of a difference. In fact, I think there's only one way to fix it. Something which has already been tried somewhere else with immediate results. Because something needs to be done. Because local councils matter. They have far more influence on our daily lives than central government ever will. Our councils are responsible for the roads we drive on everyday. They're responsible for getting the rubbish collected and getting water services to our houses and making sure the sewers work properly. They run our libraries. All sorts of things that we use and rely on every day. Our councils are the majority owners of key infrastructure services. Christchurch City Council, for example, has the airport, the Port at Lyttelton, the Orion electricity lines company and others. Not worth taking an interest in who is leading these outfits? Or having an influence in who is leading these outfits? Sixty-eight percent of us don't think so. Talk about apathy. Andrew Geddis - who is a political scientist at the University of Otago - reckons that one of the main reasons for the low turnout is that the voting period is just way too long. And people just forget about the voting papers sitting on the kitchen bench. He also points out the benefit of having one main voting day - like we do in the central government elections. I used to think the same. But I see only one solution. Which is something people talk about in relation to central government elections. But I think we need it for local government too. Compulsory voting. Because, after this pitiful turnout in this year's elections, we need a kick up the jacksy - and making it compulsory to vote is the only way to achieve that. In Australia, compulsory voting in federal elections was introduced in 1924 and, since then, voter turnout has never fallen below 90 percent. More relevant, though, is what they've done in Tasmania. Three years ago, Tasmania made voting in local government elections compulsory, as well. And just like compulsory voting in federal elections sorted out the low participation problem, the same thing happened in Tasmania with their local body elections. In just one election, voter turnout increased by 44.6 percent. Councils in Tasmania have four-year terms - so the 2022 turnout is the most recent example. But it shows you, doesn‘t it, how compulsory voting in local body elections works. And how it could work just as well here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Mickey-Jo headed to the National Theatre in London to see one of this year's most anticipated new productions - Inter Alia starring Rosamund Pike.From the team that brought West End and Broadway audiences PRIMA FACIE (playwright Suzie Miller and director Justin Martin) comes this new collaboration depicting a judge trying to balance her important and demanding work within the legal system with an increasingly strenuous home life as a wife and mother. As it progresses, the play poses challenging moral questions as these two key aspects of our protagonist's identity are forced into conflict.Check out the full review for Mickey-Jo's thoughts on this play, and to find out why he had such a strong emotional reaction to it...• 00:00 | introduction01:38 | context / overview07:50 | performance / impact12:29 | the writing (spoilers)18:03 | direction (spoilers)23:21 | highlight (spoilers)About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 80,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two homes in Lyttelton remain under threat after a landslide on Thursday night saw several people evacuated. Adam Burns spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

There's a lack of enthusiasm for a ferry service between Wellington and Lyttelton. According to Local Democracy Reporting, Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon believes the Government should consider reinstating the service, which ran from 1895 to 1976. National Party's Vanessa Weenink told John MacDonald the idea is harking back to the old days. She says she's unsure what the business case would be, and is unsure if it would work out. Labour's Tracey McLellan says it's a romanticised idea. She told MacDonald she can't see this one working, and it's still taking three years to get the Cook Strait Ferries sorted. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a lack of enthusiasm for a ferry service between Wellington and Lyttelton. According to Local Democracy Reporting, Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon believes the Government should consider reinstating the service, which ran from 1895 to 1976. National Party's Vanessa Weenink told John MacDonald the idea is harking back to the old days. She says she's unsure what the business case would be, and is unsure if it would work out. Labour's Tracey McLellan says it's a romanticised idea. She told MacDonald she can't see this one working, and it's still taking three years to get the Cook Strait Ferries sorted. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's indie darling, singer-songwriter Marlon Williams is back with a brand new album. The Lyttelton local is known for his crooning vocals, taking home many awards over his career, which started when he was just 17 and includes credits in a few Hollywood blockbusters. Now in his 30s, his new album Te Whare Tiwekaweka is his first Maori language album. And it's been a long time coming. A documentary about the making of the album, Marlon Williams: Nga Ao E Rua - Two Worlds is an intimate look behind the scenes, following Marlon over his five year journey to reconnect with his lost ancestral language in order to make this album. The documentary's set to be released nationwide on May 1st. And the album's out now.

Mickey-Jo recently headed to the National Theatre in London to see their latest production, a new staging of Michael Abbensetts' ALTERATIONS.The play stars Arinzé Kene and is directed by Lynette Linton in its largest ever staging, with additional material contributed by Trish Cooke.Check out this new review for Mickey-Jo's thoughts on this production, its performances, and what it has to say about immigration, identity, and the black experience in 1970s Britain.•00:00 | introduction02:19 | synopsis05:56 | characters / themes11:43 | creative choices15:14 | performances•About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 75,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

I'm starting to wonder whether it was just a fluke that we managed to build things like the big hydro dams back in the day without them falling over. Without them falling apart. Cracking under the pressure. Because, when you consider achievements like that, it makes it laughable that we don't seem to be capable anymore of really simple stuff like fixing roads. An example is Halswell Junction Road, in Christchurch. Three repairs in the past 12 months and now it needs to be done a fourth time. The local councillor has had a gutsful, and I don't blame him. What are some other examples that show just how average we've become? What about that time they flooded Cromwell and created the new lake? Was it just a fluke that we pulled that off without it leaking all over the place? The Lyttelton tunnel. How on earth did we do that without it caving in? We used to be able to do all those things. These days, we can't even fix a road properly. We can build rockets and send them into space. We can build boats that win the America's Cup. In fact, we're better at those things than we are at fixing roads. Which is crazy, isn't it? City councillor Andrei Moore is saying today that the repair work on Halswell Junction Road has been sub-standard and parts of it still aren't level. What's more, people are telling him that their houses are being shaken by traffic more than ever. So why's that, do you reckon? I'll tell you what I think but, first, here's the council's explanation. Its head of transport has told our newsroom that the problem with Halswell Junction Road is that it isn't strong enough for them to use asphalt, and so they have to use chip seal. And, obviously, chip seal is hopeless on that particular road - which is a major route. The thing is, it's not just Halswell Junction Road, is it? It seems to be everywhere. All over the place - so-called repairs are being done, over-and-over again. Maybe calling them “repairs” is generous, because something is only repaired once it doesn't need fixing again. And do you know why this is happening? It's easy. She'll be right. This “she'll be right” attitude is rife everywhere. It's rife in councils, where the processes they use to hire contractors has become so complex, that once a roading outfit is in the system, they're pretty much there for life. Even if they do cruddy work - they're in the system, they've got a purchase order number, invoicing is all set-up and it's way too much work for the council to find someone who might do the job better. And hey, we can still tick things off the to-do list - even if we have to get them back to do it all over again in three months time. She'll be right. The companies that do the actual work. If it doesn't work first time, we'll come back and sort it out. Don't bother telling the council that chip seal is hopeless and we should be using asphalt. Don't upset the apple cart. She'll be right. Job for life. And you and I, we're part of the problem too. Because, generally, we just shrug our shoulders and put up with this lame she'll be right attitude when, what we should be doing, is making more of a noise about it. And when I say noise, I mean actually putting people into these councils who are prepared to push back when they hear nonsense such as Halswell Junction Road not being strong enough to take the weight of asphalt. I'm talking about putting people into councils who will push back at that and say, do something about that. Don't just keep pouring chipseal. Make the road stronger. People who will challenge the way their council monitors performance and quality. People who will do there everything to get rid of “she'll be right”. Because, until that happens —until everyone ups their game— nothing is going to change. And the same repairs are going to continue to be done over and over again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a failed attempt 12 months ago, when it had to be moved to Lyttelton, Sail GP makes its debut in Auckland this weekend. Glen Larmer reports.

A pared-back cruise season is underway in New Zealand. The Diamond Princess has docked in Lyttelton this morning, after being in the capital over the weekend. The New Zealand Cruise Association says port calls and passenger numbers are expected to be down 20 percent overall this year. Chief executive Jacqui Lloyd told Mike Hosking costs are largely to blame. “What we've seen over the last year is increases in port fees, increases in government levies, increases in regulation, but also we need to throw across the top of that geopolitical concern.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Royal New Zealand Navy vessel, the HMNZS Canterbury, has docked in her home port of Lyttelton for a five-day visit. Delphine Herbert had the chance to go onboard.

A tough day for Christchurch sailing fans, who've watched SailGP in Lyttelton for the past two years. It's been confirmed the event is leaving the city. ChristchurchNZ Destination and Attraction General Manager, Loren Aberhart, says the main issue was the Marine Protection Act. "It has restricted the ability to race in Lyttelton, because it's a marine mammal sanctuary." SailGP says it's working to finalise next year's destinations through discussions with New Zealand and international partners. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is red tape harming our country's event industry?  Christchurch's SailGP event has been overshadowed by CEO Sir Russell Coutts suggesting the event is unlikely to return to Lyttelton.  Saturday's race was called off when dolphins were seen on the course, the race taking place in a marine mammal sanctuary.  Labour's Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking that it's unfortunate since the event was such a big deal for New Zealand, but at the same time Coutts was aware that it was being held in the middle of a reserve.  National's Mark Mitchell said that we need to find ways of attracting and supporting international events in this country.  He told Hosking that we don't have the luxury of cherry picking, and we need to find a way to successfully hold these events.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lyttelton Harbour master was called out by name by a grumpy Sir Russell Coutts. Sir Russell has called the dolphin protection policy extreme and said it's astonishing the amount of influence the iwi has over the authorities. He said, "In particular, Guy Harris, the harbourmaster, has been extremely restrictive in prohibiting practice for our international teams." Guy Harris speaks to Lisa Owen.

The Prime Minister says it's too hard to hold events like SailGP in New Zealand.  The two-day event in Lyttelton over the weekend was overshadowed by CEO Sir Russell Coutts' comments after a dolphin spotting cancelled the first day of racing.  He claimed there's too much red tape around the event.  Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that there's a lot of obstructions when events are held in the country.  He says the Government wants to see a lot more international events in New Zealand, but we make it too hard.  The Government is also interested in looking at the banking sector's competitiveness.   A draft Commerce Commission report last week found the big four lack competition, have price matching strategies, and focus on profit margins which stifles innovation.   Luxon says the Government will agree and disagree with different aspects of the report.   He told Hosking that once a final version of the report is released, the Government will make a decision on how to respond.   Luxon says that could involve something like a Select Committee where the banks are questioned around profits.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch NZ is keeping the door open to SailGP, hoping racing can happen again in Lyttelton next year. Last weekend's event has been marred by debate on measures to protect dolphins, with SailGP CEO Russell Coutts casting doubt on future hosting plans. A dolphin sighting meant Saturday's race was cancelled. Christchurch NZ's Loren Aberhart says a contract's been signed, but they are still open to discussions. "But I think from our perspective, when you look at the way it went yesterday- it was incredible. And Pete Burling texted me saying it was the best SailGP he's ever done." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Sail GP driver Peter Burling has described their victory in Lyttelton yesterday as the best day he's ever had in the series.

Commentary there of New Zealand's crew winning the Sail GP regatta yesterday after the first day of racing was abandoned on Saturday when a dolphin was sighted on the course. And a Lyttelton councillor says it would be a pity if the race did not return to Christchurch next year - given the benefits to businesses and the community. Sir Russel Coutts suggested Sail GP would not return to the city, as he called the dolphin policy "extreme" and said minority interests were holding up the event. Coutts did not respond to Morning Report's invitation to come on the show and Sail GP managing director Andrew Thompson declined. Banks Peninsula councillor Tyrone Fields spoke to Corin Dann.

New Zealand have stormed to the top of the SailGP overall standings after winning their home event in Lyttelton.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday 25th March 2024, the police speak about the deadly Gisborne brawl and Mike gets to Britain to hear the latest on Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis. Police Minister Mark Mitchell answers questions on when we will turn a page on crime, plus his thoughts on the producer of the show being assaulted over the weekend with nothing being done.   Andrew Saville and Guy Heveldt joined the Commentary Box to discuss the first day of SailGP in Lyttelton being called off and what to do with the Crusaders. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A displeased Sir Russell Coutts has slammed authorities for preventing SailGP racing yesterday at Lyttelton. A dolphin sighting on the course forced the cancellation of three fleet races. Organisers are hopeful racing will commence as scheduled at 3 this afternoon. Coutts, the SailGP CEO, believes that the 'extreme protocols' in place this weekend are unprecedented. "Unfortunately, yesterday was another example of there being almost no balance in the decision making, another example of New Zealand being handcuffed by unprecedented layers of bureaucracy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lyttelton is gearing up for the return of SailGP this weekend, and local businesses are hoping it will fill their sails too. It is the second time the port town near Christchurch is staging the 2 day event, after its debut 12 months ago. Parking restrictions and road closures, which halted the expected inflow of people into Lyttelton's central hub, sparked grumbles. 12 months later, business owners are eager to underline they're open for the party. Reporter Adam Burns was in Lyttelton

More than 22,000 people are expected to descend on Lyttelton on March 23/24 for the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix. It's the ninth event on this season's 13-event calendar - which is heralded as the biggest ticketed sailing event in the world. But what happens behind the scenes for an event like this? Dan Shanks has an excellent idea - he's executive chef of Venues Otautahi and the person in charge of feeding everyone. And an exceptionally high bar has been set for this Sail GP event: nearly everything on the menu has been sourced locally. Dan joins Kathryn to talk about what it takes to showcase Canterbury's food on the global stage.

Bestseller-Autorin Anke Richter ist zu Gast! (Was scheren mich die Schafe)Sie verrät ihre Lieblingsorte in ihrer Heimatstadt Lyttelton.Kontakt mit uns: - hol dir unseren Newsletter- Folge uns auf Instagram - oder facebook - mit Chris durch Dunedin: ALL IN DUNEDIN

In this episode, Tom & Cameron are joined by Peter Hall from Lyttelton Distillery Co, taking you on a spirited journey through their diverse range of spirits. Dive into a world of unique flavours as Peter shares the inside scoop on their renowned gin, the exciting development of new gin varieties, the zesty allure of their limoncello, and the rich depths of their rum.Get a behind-the-scenes look at the crafting process of each spirit, uncovering the passion and precision that goes into every bottle. Peter also sheds light on the inspirations behind their creations and what sets Lyttelton Distillery Co apart in the world of artisanal spirits.This episode is not just about tasting notes – it's a deep dive into the craft of distilling, the innovation in flavours, and the journey of a distillery making its mark in New Zealand's vibrant spirits scene.Whether you're a connoisseur of fine spirits or simply curious about the art of distillation, this episode offers a ton of insights and stories. Have questions or comments? Reach out to us at distilnationnz@gmail.com or engage with us on social media @distilnationnz.Join us in raising a glass to the artful creations of Lyttelton Distilling Co!

A fire in Christchurch's Port Hills on a dry breezy day had residents hoping they weren't in for a repeat of the disasterous 2017 blazes. And it raises questions about whether we need to be on high-alert this fire season. At least four fire crews and three helicopters managed to contain today's blaze in just over an hour, but State Highway 76 between the city and Lyttelton closed to allow firefighters to carry out their work. The fire is now contained but earlier in the afternoon several locals told our reporter Rachel Graham they were getting ready to move. New Zealand's in for an El Nino summer. In the past that's meant stronger or more frequent winds from the west, causing drier conditions. And Europe has already experienced record breaking temperatures during its summer coupled with devastating and deadly wild fires. Fire and Emergency wildfire manager Tim Mitchell speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341462438112

An investigation into the deaths of two port workers within six days of each other has found major safety issues within the stevedoring industry. Atiroa Tuaiti from Auckland and Don Grant from Lyttelton both died in April last year. In a report released today, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission found a haphazard approach to safety, with poor regulatory oversight and a lack of industry-wide standards. Krystal Gibbens reports.

An icon of Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour is set to re-open tomorrow, after being damaged in the Canterbury Earthquakes. The Governors Bay jetty, locally known for its extraordinary length and unofficial jetty jump competitions, has been closed since 2015. Now, it's back to its former glory, just in time for summer. Niva Chittock went for a sneak peek ahead of the official opening. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6338047392112

Not everyone in Lyttleton's onboard with visiting cruise ships with concerns the influx of passengers puts a strain on public transport and the tourists arent spending locally. More than 70 cruise ships have visited Port of Lyttelton in the past 12 months. A community meeting was held last night ahead of the season that starts in November and opinions are divided . Reuben Davidson is a member of the Banks Peninsula Community Board. He's also standing for the Labour Party in the Christchurch East electorate. He was at the meeting last night and spoke to Lisa Owen. The New Zealand Cruise Association said in a statement that if you look at card spend, data shows it's not correct to suggest passengers don't spend much money when they come to shore, although they may spend it in different places to locals. Regarding buses, it said there is a higher cost for cruise shuttles because these aren't subsidised like public buses. It said the industry is working with local authorities to alleviate pressure on infrastructure and to better manage passenger flow on and off Lyttelton Port. It's also committed to achieving carbon net zero by 2050. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6332655011112

Lyttleton locals will have a chance to voice their frustrations tonight on how cruise ships are disrupting their community. Environment Canterbury says when the ships are in port bus services struggle to keep up with the added demand from tourists - especially routes in and out of Lyttelton. Tourism groups along with the port company and the Cruise Association will come together to hear out residents and pitch some solutions. Loren Heaphy from the city's council's economic development agency ChristchrchNZ will also be there. Heaphy spoke to Corin Dann.

For everything WoM related from Tickets to Events, Merch, Tracks, Podcasts head to:⬇️https://link.v1ce.co.uk/wordofmouthevents⬆️See below for what events are incoming!

For everything WoM related from Tickets to Events, Merch, Tracks, Podcasts head to:⬇️https://link.v1ce.co.uk/wordofmouthevents⬆️See below for what events are incoming! WORD OF MOUTH 2023 DATESSAT 10TH JUNEFox StourtonSAT 17TH JUNEBoat Party, StourportSAT 24TH JUNEPunchbowl, BridgnorthSAT 8TH JULYSocial Beats, LyeFRIDAY 14TH JULYCrown Wergs, Tettenhall FRIDAY 21ST JULYRed By Night, WaterfrontSAT 29TH JULYPink Flamingo Terrace Party, ShrewsburySAT 5TH AUGUSTHimley Hall, Dudley

I first realised it this week, running through the city and around Hagley Park on one of those beautiful, still, cold South Island evenings.   For me, it was a long time coming. Twelve years and three months, all up.  Maybe others felt it earlier. Maybe others haven't reached the point yet. I know those who've lived in Christchurch right throughout, who never left the city, might have a completely different perspective, and that's ok.   But as a Cantab at heart, for the first time I feel I can say it with absolute confidence. It's emphatic. Christchurch has crossed the threshold. For the first time since 2010 I reckon the city today is better than it was before the quakes.  There's no one thing. There's one project or development that's pushed it past that point. It's a collection of little things that make Ōtautahi so good.  For starters, the city. Finally the Cathedral isn't just lying in ruin. The remote-controlled digger cleaning up the masonry and bird crap finished its job in record time. The build's progressing, and fast.  Te Pae, Christchurch's glorious new convention centre, is a stupendous venue. Across the road, Tūranga, the new library is surely the best of any big city in New Zealand. The art gallery is amazing. The Margaret Mahy playground is the stuff dreams are madeof for kids and adults alike.  The food in Christchurch is so good. Christchurch's old strip was seedy as, but Riverside Market, The Terrace, and New Regent Street have energy and life.   The central city's new shape works with Ōtakaro, the Avon River. The water's clear and clean and meanders from the gleaming new buildings down near the splendid historic Arts Centre, and into the World-class Botanic Gardens.  I bristle with envy when I think of all the things on Christchurch's doorstep. Taylors Mistake, New Brighton, and Sumner have surf. Mt Hutt has snow. Lyttelton has perhaps the most interesting music and arts community in New Zealand. Hagley Oval has a gorgeous cricket ground and the Christchurch Adventure Park is the gateway to World-class mountain biking.   There are young people in the city and they want to be there. At a time when many New Zealand universities are being forced to cut jobs, Canterbury University is hiring. This year, they tell me the university is on track for a record number of students. Domestic enrolments are up. International enrolments are up. There are students from 100 countries studying at Canterbury, from Mozambique to Myanmar to Mongolia. The number of people enrolled is up 7% at the end of March compared to the same time last year. It's the University's 150th birthday this year, and the halls of residence are at absolute capacity.   The cost of housing in Christchurch is so much cheaper than Auckland, and the quality is so much less depressing than in Wellington. It's younger than Tauranga, more coastal than Hamilton and warmer than Dunedin.   I know it's not perfect. I know how much pain and stress it's taken to get things to this point. I'm under no illusions that places out East – Bromley, in particular – have a hell of a long way to go. The sprawl North and West means the traffic can be a total pain.  But with good leadership and planning, the city should only get better. Maybe it's too big. Maybe it's too expensive. But just imagine the atmosphere in town for that first All Blacks test in Te Kaha.   Years ago when I was living in New York, I asked the city's chief urban designer about lessons from Manhattan's recovery after the 9/11 attacks. He had a tear in his eye when he spoke to me about the transformation he'd experienced.   “Instead of asking yourself what happens if you get it wrong, ask yourself the opposite,” he said.   “What happens if Christchurch is too good? What happens if you remake your city and it's so good that everyone wants to live there?”  I don't reckon we're far off. Christchurch has energy. Christchurch has mojo. Christchurch is better than ever.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Environment Canterbury says ratepayers are bearing the brunt of having to put on extra public transport, to get cruise passengers from Lyttelton to Christchurch. Chairman Peter Scott says it could cost the council $500,000 to accommodate passengers next season. He says that could balloon to $1 million and they can't impose that on ratepayers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local communities around Christchurch's port are calling for urgent action to slow the spread of huge sea worms. In some cases, Mediterranean fanworms have grown to more than half a metre long. Populations in Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour have increased in recent years, hitching rides on boats and encroaching on native species. Niva Chittock reports.

For everything WoM related from Tickets to Events, Merch, Tracks, Podcasts head to:⬇️https://link.v1ce.co.uk/wordofmouthevents⬆️See below for what events are incoming! WORD OF MOUTH 2023 DATESBANK HOL SUN 9TH APRILGrainstore, WolverhamptonSAT 22ND APRIL Dunstall Park, Wolverhampton RacecourseBANK HOL SUN 30TH APRILVilla Park, BirminghamBANK HOL SUN 7TH MAYDudley Town HallFRIDAY 19TH MAYCrown Wergs, TettenhallSAT 20TH MAYThe Crown, PattinghamBANK HOL SUN 28TH MAYCrown IverleySAT 3RD JUNEGrainstore, WolverhamptonSAT 10TH JUNEFox StourtonSAT 17TH JUNEBoat Party, StourportSAT 24TH JUNEPunchbowl, BridgnorthSAT 8TH JULYSocial Beats, LyeFRIDAY 14TH JULYCrown Wergs, Tettenhall FRIDAY 21ST JULYRed By Night, WaterfrontSAT 29TH JULYPink Flamingo Terrace Party, ShrewsburySAT 5TH AUGUSTHimley Hall, Dudley

The international spotlight is on Lyttelton as competitors prepare for SailGP this weekend. Tickets have sold out for the New Zealand leg of the highly anticipated series, with thousands expected to descend on the port town. US skipper Jimmy Spithill told Mike Hosking that thanks to international TV audiences the competition has exceeded targets so far. He says that so far the streaming of the races on CBS in the United States has surpassed multiple major sporting events - including Formula 1. The Australian adds that it's a sign of the event's broader appeal, and an important milestone for the growing sport. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time in 11 years, Ōtautahi has welcomed a cruise ship. No large ships have docked in Lyttelton Harbour since the earthquakes destroyed the previous berth. Reporter Niva Chittock and cameraman Nathan Mckinnon headed along to the welcome party.  

Support the podcast: patreon.com/thehemingwaylist War & Peace - Ander Louis Translation: Kindle and Amazon Print Host: @anderlouis

Marlon Williams' voice has been turning heads since he was a teen singing in the church choir – it was enough to convince Bradley Cooper to cast him in A Star Is Born, in which his character performed a beautiful version of Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" alongside Brandi Carlile. He continues to act to this day, but it's music for which Marlon is perhaps best known. He was raised in the small New Zealand town of Lyttelton, and cut his teeth in New Zealand before relocating to Australia, after which he toured the world on the back of his 2015 self-titled debut album and its follow up, Make Way For Love. Marlon now lives back in New Zealand, which is where he was when we caught up in late July. And while we talk about his entire life and career in this interview, we started by talking about his new album, My Boy…

More people have been forced to evacuate in Canterbury overnight because of flooding and slips. Civil Defence says a few residents in the Waimakiriri district left their homes because of surface water damage. and in Christchurch, four households were evacuated in Lyttelton and Redcliffs because of slips. In Selwyn, high waters in the Selwyn River forced a number of precautionary evacuations overnight. It's the second evacuation near Selwyn River this month. Environment Canterbury rivers manager Leigh Griffiths spoke to Corin Dann.

Having moved to Joshua Tree after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, husband-and-wife duo Maryrose and Brian Crook are back on home soil for a string of shows with their swirling psychedelic-rock act The Renderers. The five-date tour marks the pair's first proper New Zealand shows in 10 years and sees them joined by Lyttelton-based musicians Joe McCallum (Nadia Reid, Delaney Davidson) on drums and Anita Clark (Motte) on violin and vocals. The pair's visit to Aotearoa has also included a Christchurch exhibition of large-scale paintings by Maryrose that draw on traditions of surrealism, still life and folk art.

Al Park is about to release his first solo album in 20 years, Pony, featuring songs written from the 1970s to now.