Podcasts about Waiheke Island

On the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Saturday 24 May 2025, award-winning playwright Leki Jackson-Bourke and emerging dance talent Justice Kalolo join Jack to discuss New Zealand's leading contemporary dance company Black Grace celebrating 30 years, and the brand new production Rage Rage. Jack weighs up whether KiwiSaver becoming means tested opens the door to superannuation getting the same treatment. Tom Cruise has delivered the 8th and final instalment in the decades-long Mission Impossible franchise - Francesca Rudkin reveals her thoughts on the nearly-three-hour epic. And, Ruud Kleinpaste shares his efforts in the collaborative work to get kiwi back on Waiheke Island. Get the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast every Saturday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, a collaborative group of Enthusiastic Restoration Organisations got together on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf. They were there to celebrate an inspirational project that commenced almost two decades ago: getting kiwi on the island. I remember having many chats with the Late Sir Rob Fenwick and his wife Lady Jennie about making the island predator-free so that these birds (and other species) could be introduced. And last week, it happened… Ten birds (some the size of a moa!) were carefully taken from a nearby island (Pōnui) and shipped by barge to Waiheke. Pōnui got its kiwi (14 of them) in 1964 and these birds thrived there on the farm and in some forested areas, resulting in a current estimate of 1500 birds. (a huge density!) The Chamberlin family looked after them well and allowed Save the Kiwi to muster the first lot of birds and take these to Waiheke. It was a huge event with all the important organisations present: Save the Kiwi, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Te Korowai o Waiheke, DOC, the Pōnui Island Landowners and, of course, the volunteers as well as a heap of primary school kids. The community made this translocation possible, Mana Whenua celebrated the momentous occasion and hundreds of people arrived to be part of this event. Over the past few years I have been visiting the Waiheke schools and suggested that the main job for the kids is to keep an eye on people walking around with their dogs. These dogs should be on a lead, no matter their size or cuteness. In an urban area, dogs are the most dangerous animals for kiwi - just one paw on the back of a kiwi is enough to cause internal damage to the bird. Even a gentle, friendly dog's playful nudge is all it takes to break a kiwi's rib bones and puncture their lungs. (A kiwi doesn't fly, therefore they have no keel that holds the rib bones together!) The Waiheke Kids are simply the advocates for responsible dog ownership: “keep them on a lead!!” The kids were also quite innovative in designing the birds' new “release burrows” This shows that Environmental Education has become “cross curricular”, with not just biology and science, but also covering creative writing, story-telling and art David Chamberlin (Pōnui Island landowner) revealed the most wonderful experiences of kiwi on their island: “They sometimes wandered into the houses, and made their presence known by putting their beaks through the courgettes”… “They walked over us as we have been sleeping outside and they were our alarm clocks at the wrong time of the day”… These translocations are really inspirational and wonderful - and I don't know if you have followed this trend, but it's happening more and more: Wellington, Taranaki, Nelson…. Imagine a return of kiwi everywhere! (Save the Kiwi have this motto: We're on a mission to take kiwi from endangered to everywhere) Then driven to Te Matuku peninsula, a quiet forest with perfect conditions to recover from the journey and find food. In the end, the birds were carefully released in the beautiful burrows. They were heard calling the next day at 6pm, indicating they were happy and went about their business in normal fashion. I reckon they'll be just fine there, for the next 30 or 40 years of their life. LISTEN ABOVEPōnui kiwi destined for WaihekeWalking the kiwi to the marae JTBirds were briefly shown to the Waiheke audience by Save the Kiwi Trainers Emma and WillThen driven to Te Matuku peninsula, a quiet forest with perfect conditions to recover from the journey and find food.Kiwi released in forest eveningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Popular getaway destination Waiheke Island's has just welcomed a group of VIPs, but they're more than just weekend visitors. Ten Kiwi have been released on the eastern side of Waiheke, Te Motuaarairoa, the most isolated side of the island. It's still the first urban Auckland area to have the national icon reintroduced. Save the Kiwi CEO Michelle Impey spoke to Lisa Owen.

We love checking in with the ongoing conservation projects around the country, and today we're heading to Waiheke Island. 

First piloted in 1997 at One Tree Hill College - the Rotary Reading Enrichment Programme has grown to cover eight schools, and two more set to begin on Waiheke Island next term. 

There's fears that people feeding sharks in Waiheke Island's Matiatia Bay area are unnecessarily increasing the risk of a shark attack. The bay is the main entry point to the island via the Fullers ferry service and is used recreationally by swimmers, kayakers and boaties. Victor Waters explains.

Shelby went on a trip! In this episode, she tells us all about her weekend trip with Ben to New Zealand's Waiheke Island. Before that there's Muppets and movies to talk about. Enjoy!

Some residents on Auckland's Waiheke Island are worried 'digital nomads' could invade their island paradise under the Government's new rules. One advocate says the island is already facing a housing crisis, and that wealthy visitors could force locals out of a dwindling supply of rentals. Felix Walton reports.

Quietly nestled away on Waiheke Island is a dirt track speedway! Still in it's 80's condition! Murry Sweetpants joins Jonny to chat about the clubs history, it's unique place on Waiheke and the woolshed party he's throwing to fundcraise for the club.

Measles, one of the most contagious diseases, remains at high risk of an outbreak in New Zealand. There are low levels of immunisation the country and a growing number of cases overseas. A briefing paper to the government has warned the Health Minister that low vaccination rates, coupled with overcrowded housing and poverty are making communities vulnerable to contracting measles. Just last week, Health New Zealand confirmed a person with measles on Waiheke Island was the eighth possible case this year. Dr Susan Jack, the National Clinical Director for Te Whatu Ora spoke to Lisa Owen.

Shelby & Andrew wrap up their little 2 episode weekend trip series with two itineraries! First, Andrew takes us to Santa Barbara before Shelby goes to New Zealand's Waiheke Island! Before that, there's a Muppets Recast of a classic musical and suits with hats. Enjoy!

The road toll is sitting at zero for the long weekend. Six people died last Labour Weekend, which is a tragedy. The road toll is the lowest Labour Weekend toll since 2013, when we had one death on the roads. Why do we think this has happened this particular weekend? Is it the Road to Zero that the previous government introduced? Is it the fact we've had some road upgrades, some potholes fixed potentially? Or is it just random stats? You know, we should really be looking at annual averages, not weekend blips which can jump around – a bit like our weekend of sport last weekend, which was a bit of a con job. It just so happened we had a bunch of sporting finals on the same weekend, it wasn't like we were comparing apples with apples like an Olympics tournament, was it? So, was it one of those situations? Or, and here's my theory, we didn't really travel much this weekend – and this is based on nothing other than my own experience. But I was on Waiheke Island at the weekend, enjoying the long weekend. Beaches were nowhere near as full as they would normally be, and this was on the good day when the weather was nice. Restaurants, same story. The wineries, the vineyards weren't as busy. Is the cost of living crisis affecting our travel? I think it is, I think it's having a big impact. Did you go away this weekend? Did you pack the car? Take the kids? Were you driving safely? That is one theory I have as to why our Labour Day road toll is currently sitting at zero. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We taste test Auckland in 24 hrs, and day trip to Waiheke Island, sampling local produce, tea and wine along the way.https://all.accor.com/hotel/A8U9/index.en.shtmlhttps://www.travellingsenorita.com

The lovely Gemma joins us on the podcast today. She was recently married at the stunning Waiheke winery Man O' War. We hear all about her experience.  A few things we cover: One night out and crossing paths before an overseas trip. Planning a Waiheke Island wedding from Melbourne. A beautiful mountaintop proposal. Choosing a dress by a New Zealand designer and the importance of traceability and sustainability when it comes to weddings. Being upfront and honest with her bridal party and understanding if they did not have the capacity for that role in their lives at that time. Navigating the guest list and some guiding principles they used. Special moments and surprises throughout their day. A few things she would change and one vendor she wishes she'd hired. How easy it is to get caught up in the details and worry too much about if everyone else is having a good time. A bit of a stressful pivot for their day-after celebrations. A blissful honeymoon. Setting boundaries throughout the wedding planning process. Where to find some amazing inspiration. Intentionally building in moments to be present into your timeline. ...and so much more! Below you can find the handles for all G & A's vendors. Be sure to check out some of their photos on IG at ⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast⁠ + give us a follow. Vendors: Photographer: ⁠@beksmithimages⁠ Venue: ⁠@manowarwine⁠ Dress: ⁠@karenwalkeratelier⁠ Flowers: ⁠@wildly.madly.deeply⁠ Hair & Makeup: ⁠@thepeach_club⁠ Stationery/Signage/Tambourines: ⁠@heyloladesign⁠ Celebrant: ⁠@sayyeswithness⁠ Music: ⁠@twomanychiefsband⁠ Rings: ⁠@culetjewellery⁠ Suit: ⁠@hugo_official⁠ Shoes, Bag & Bow: ⁠@prada⁠ Bridesmaids: ⁠@_aje_⁠ Candles: ⁠@flortdesigns⁠ Earrings: ⁠@meadowlarkjewellery⁠ Hire: ⁠@mywaiheke⁠ Also recently ⁠featured⁠ on The Future Wife blog.

A 70 year old Waiheke Island resident with a ruptured ear-drum, is frustrated that despite 5 visits to her local GP she was unable to actually see a doctor in person. Like many other parts of the country, Waiheke Island is facing a shortage of doctors. Access to healthcare for residents has been further affected by the abrupt closure of the island's only afterhours clinic last Friday, reporter Lucy Xia reports

I did want to have a look at the state of our primary healthcare – this is something we've looked at before, and I have absolutely no doubt that we will look at again. I do tend to agree with the GP advocacy group, General Practitioners Aotearoa, that the concept of the family doctor is dead. You're not going to get a Dr Finlay's Casebook again any time soon on the telly. You're not going to see a doctor who has not only looked after your primary health for much of your life, but also that of your family's. These are the kinds of doctors that have gone the way of the moa.   Where I would disagree with the GPA is that they said you wouldn't see the sort of queues for GPs that we saw in South Auckland, in Remuera. I would argue it's just as difficult for people in the blue chip suburbs to get in to see a GP as it is in the poorer areas. It's just the people with disposable incomes can have other options.   A briefing given to Dr Shane Reti when he took over as Health Minister warned that New Zealand is at least 485 GPs short across the country. Remember trying to find the GP in Tokoroa? A GP was looking for somebody to take over the practice - all sorts of offers were put out there, nobody was interested. This number's expected to grow to a shortage of between 750 and 1050 doctors in the next ten years. At least a quarter of a million Kiwis aren't enrolled with a practice. Many of them won't take on any new patients. 1,034,000 people said they struggled to access GP services because of cost in 2022/23, double the number of the previous year. And the impact of this of course is pressure on hospitals, emergency departments, specialist consultations and immunisation rates. Waiheke Island's only afterhours medical clinic closed its doors yesterday; 24 practices and clinics in Canterbury, the Southern Region, Hawke's Bay, and mid Central that provide after hours or urgent care experienced closures or reductions in hours in 2023 because there aren't enough GPs.   There is a tiny bit of good news... in March, the Health Minister pointed to work beginning on setting up a third medical school and record numbers of GP registrars as green shoot, but added, “I understand there are other parts of retention and remuneration we need to collaborate on.”   There is so much need everywhere, across every field, but GPs are in crisis. If a crisis can be something that continues for many, many years, because they have been saying for at least the past five years that they are struggling. Pre-Covid they were struggling. GPs were getting older, new doctors weren't training in the field, they were getting stressed and burnt out because they were seeing so many patients with so much need, and yet without them, they are such an important component of the country's overall health plan that you cannot have a healthy country without healthy GPs. Difficulty in accessing GPs results in pressure on EDs and poorer health outcomes once people do finally get treatment.   I've been with the same GP practice for about 25 years. I don't see the same GP; I've had a succession of really lovely, fabulous GPs come and go. The last one I was absolutely fabulous, but she now only works mornings because she's trying to manage herself, and her family, and her practice, and it's all just overwhelming. It was three weeks before I could get in to see a GP. You expect to have to wait. If it's urgent, they do their best. If it's urgent, you try and get into an afterhours clinic, but you have to have the money to pay and there has to be an afterhours clinic open near you.   So like I say, difficulty in accessing GPs no matter where you are in the country, but if you have money, if you have disposable income, you can get a result a lot more easily. Do we try and attract them from overseas? Do we try and attract young people, pay their student loans if they become a GP?  We've seen what happens when you try and attract somebody with money and all the add-ons and the bells and whistles to get to Tokoroa.  If they don't want to, they don't want to. Have the days of the family doctor gone the way of the moa? We just have to adapt to a new way, a new style of doing things.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waiheke Island's only after-hours medical centre has closed its doors leaving its 9000 residents in the lurch. Reporter Lucy Xia has more.

Holiday homes sit empty while local families live in cars and on deteriorating boats.

Residents on Auckland's Waiheke Island say renters are being pushed out of the market, with some even resorting to living in sheds. They say the island is suffering from a housing crisis driven by overtourism, as landlords convert their rental properties into BNBs. However, some business owners say it's just another symptom of a nationwide housing crisis, Felix Walton reports.

Figures show homelessnes on the Hauraki Gulf Island are the highest per capita in the Auckland region. Academics say poverty and unemployment aren't the causes; it's absentee home owners renting their properties to short stay tourists. Yet Auckland Council continues to market Waiheke Island a tourist gem, Dr Pam Oliver, an independent social researcher and long term Waiheke Island resident speaks to Lisa Owen.

A teacher from a school on Auckland's Waiheke Island say they're simply not equipped to handle rising hardship. Rayssa Almeida has more.

Avi Duckor-Jones trained as a lawyer before gaining his MA in creative writing from Victoria University's International Institute of Modern Letters in 2013. His travel writing has been published with BBC Travel, The NZ Listener and Lonely Planet, among others. Avi has worked as a writing instructor and trip leader for National Geographic, directed a school in Ghana, and is the winner of the reality television competition Survivor New Zealand. His first book, Swim, won the 2018 Viva la Novella award. He currently lives on Waiheke Island with his wife and two children, where he enjoys open-water distance swimming and works as an English Teacher Our interview begins at 25.00 We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue*An incredibly funny and relatable workplace comedy where a woman gets access to the emails of everyone in her company. Michelle recommends: Family Politics by John O'FarrellA left-wing campaigning couple's son comes home from uni and tells them he's... a conservative. If you've read a comment thread that's been controversial online in the past few years, you'll relate to many of the conversations. In this interview, we chat about:The duality of identity, and exploring this through the character of MaxChoosing the time period to set the book and how changing this affected the storyMasculinity and the influence of the 'Southern Man' advertising campaign in New ZealandExploring bisexuality and the feeling of needing to 'choose'Max's journey to finding and connecting with his birth parentsThe character of Busby and the found family that supports MaxAvi's long and winding road to becoming a writerBooks and other things mentioned:Making It by Laura Kay (a friend of the pod, listen to our previous episode here)Experienced by Kate YoungWe Are History (podcast)The VB advertising campaign I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl (TV series)The Primal Wound by Nancy VerrierFollow @aviduckorjones on InstagramMax is available in Australia and New Zealand. Thank you to the publisher for providing us copies of the books in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

As winter marches on, many Kiwis will be nostalgic for the warmer months and considering an island holiday. Waiheke Island could be the next best thing - it's only 35 minutes away from Auckland by ferry, and it includes beaches, fine dining and wineries. BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton says 47 local businesses have even come together to create the Waiheke Island Winter Passport, offering several limited-time deals. Read more about Megan's experience with Waiheke here.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Napier wine has been deemed the best in the world.  The city's Church Road Winery has won Best Chardonnay at the International Wine Challenge.  Chief Winemaker Chris Scott told Mike Hosking that they've already been struggling to keep up with demand, and he reckons this will exacerbate the problem.  Despite the local vineyard getting the accolade, France, Australia, and Spain remain top of the medal table.  Kennedy Point Vineyard, based in Waiheke Island, has won Best Syrah, taking the title off France.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlie Thomas is an artist and environmentalist based on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. With a strong connection to the ocean and all its inhabitants, Charlie shares how his passion is creating a life of stewardship, leadership, and traveling.Charlie spent his summer holidays on Great Barrier Island and has worked full-time in wildlife conservation since leaving high school when he was only 16. He has visited, or lived on, some of the most remote (and important) islands in the world, including the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and New Zealand subantarctic islands. ​During 2020, Charlie spent nine months on Kure, one of the most isolated atolls in the world, in an effort to restore the island by helping its seabirds and marine wildlife, eradicate invasive weed species, and clear marine debris. And he shares his recent expedition with the  Antarctic Heritage Trust's Inspiring Explorers Expeditions™ in South Georgia as part of the Trust's visual arts outreach team where he uses watercolor to illustrate South Georgia's incredible wildlife and landscapes.Charlie works in education and teaches young people about the importance of being guardians for our native species and spaces. His passion for nature, particularly birds, has led him to create art in all forms highlighting how we can help take better care of the planet. Visit  www.charliesbirds.com to learn more about Charlie and how he connects people of all ages and backgrounds to the natural wonders in their own backyards and in places they've never heard of before. A very special episode on Speaking of Travel! Tune in! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Natalie practices between Sydney and Waiheke Island, New Zealand, and guides clients towards spiritual awakening and psychological transformation. Through individual and couple sessions, intensives, meditation courses, and retreats, she helps them unlock their full potential and deepen their presence and connection.In our conversation we cover the integrated approach to awakening and self-realisation, exploring topics like adult stages of development, Enneagram types, attachment styles, and conscious relationships. We also chat about why we attract toxic relationships (and red flags to look out for when choosing a partner), plus so many resources and recommendations for bolstering your journey towards wholeness.This episode is for anyone looking to heal developmental trauma, evolve into their authentic self, or cultivate fulfilling relationships.Stay tuned for more powerful podcasts on holistic health and spirituality, released every fortnight. For show notes on this episode including a bunch of related resources, visit https://oneelevenhealth.com/blogs/podcast/personal-evolution-with-natalie-lascelles/ Follow us on instagram: @oneelevenhealthFollow us on TikTok: @oneelevenhealthLearn more: https://oneelevenhealth.com

Kennedy Warne discusses the journey of trans-Pacific rower Tom Robinson, and Cole Brauer, who is days away from finishing one of the most demanding solo yachting events: the Global Solo Challenge. Kennedy also discusses a strange new art installation on Waiheke Island's Sculpture on the Gulf Exhibition.

For most wine drinkers, Sauvignon Blanc is THE white wine of New Zealand. We're here to debunk yet another myth and challenge you to think about NZ Chardonnay! From the focus of organic / biodynamic / regenerative farming to low intervention winemaking, winemakers let the chameleon varietal shine.  The land, the climate, even within the same vineyard is creating amazingly different expressions of Chardonnay and we're super excited to share them with you!We explore Chardonnay from Central Otago to Auckland through interviews with wineries and wine makers - this is a must listen episode for sure!Felton Road Wines, Bannockburn, Central Otago, South IslandWinemaker Blair Walter deep dives the distinct soil types even within same vineyard giving unique expression to their Chardonnay.  Passion for land as evidenced in their biodynamic farming practice leaves the true impression of care for NZ's land, - the soil just feels and smells different as if it's a living breathing organism.Te Whare Ra, Marlborough, Northern part of South IslandWinemaker Anna Flowerday who partners (with her husband,  Jason, tends some of the oldest vineyards in the region with some dainge back 20+ years or more.  Organic / Biodynamic farming, minimal intervention winemaking (no fining agents, yeasts, winemaking and small batch focus, hand pick / hand sort grapes, keep 100% control of the vineyard to bottle) add complexity to their Chardonnay. Anna shares her humor as she describes their wines by pairing them with celeb personalities which is a fun idea, but you totally get it when you listen to her tell these storiesKumeu River, Auckland, North Island and Hawke's Bay (purchased in 2017) Paul Brajkovich shares Kumeu River's history as family owned, long legacy of growing grapes and making wines back to the 1940s.CHANCE OF A LIFETIME - similar to 1976 Judgement of Paris moment, Paul shares a blind tasting where Kumeu River's Chardonnay's are placed against a range of Premier Cru and Village Burgundies from the best producers.  The panel of well known somms, wine critics and the like blinded the wines and Kumeu triumphed over top white Burgundies in every flight apart from one, where it came first equal (tied).Man O'War, Waiheke Island, part of Auckland region but distinctly separateTakes 45 min ferry to island and another 45 min bus ride to the winery on the opposite side of island and you'll find yourself at Man O' War, an enormous 4500 acre farm - about 20% of total island - full of animals, beehives, gardens, vineyards, lodging for staff etc…  plus76 vineyards!Cecelia Bravo hosts and shares how Man O' War is going against the grain with their Chardonnay!While many of NZ's Chardonnay wines don't make it to the export market, we highly encourage you to seek some out and hopefully we'll get the word out for more and more distributors to get these lovelies into the US or wherever you're listening!Cheers and, as always, LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE!Thanks for joining Somm Women Talk Wine! Check out our socials for more fun filled wine exploration!Instagram:@somm_women_talk_wine@kristiwinenerd@charissehenryfw@kmayfield109All episodes are also on our website:SommWomenTalkWineCharisse and Kristi

There's growing concern for the fate of kororā penguins on Waiheke island with several found dead and others severely malnourished this moulting season. During January to March, adult kororā penguins shed their waterproof feathers to grow new ones. But as Louise Ternouth reports, a lack of food in the Hauraki Gulf means many birds aren't making it, renewing calls for urgent action.

We're in Auckland, New Zealand where it's summer! Elle-Armon Jones from The Big Foody tells Brent about the cool wine making Waiheke Island, traditional Hangi, and the difference between British and New Zealand fish & chips. Plus, settling a coffee dispute and getting kicked out of a country over cheese. [Ep 262] Show Notes: The Big Foody Vineyard Cottages Ananda Tours Man O' War Vineyards Three Seven Two Obsidian Wines Timmy Smith Kumeu River Parnell Farmers Market Grey Lynn Farmers Market Mahoe Cheese Mount Eliza Cheese The Hangi Master The Lodge Bar Brent's Auckland Foodie Travel Guide

A popular Waiheke Island hotspot is being put up for sale.  The Tantalus Estate Vineyard was established in 2016 as a wine and beer tasting spot, a restaurant, and an event venue.  The past few years have been difficult for many business owners on Waiheke, with Covid restrictions, accommodation costs, and limited worker availability.   However, the vineyard's majority owner, Bruce Aitken, told Mike Hosking that the prospects for the business appear to be strong.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aucklanders hopping to and from Waiheke Island are celebrating a new competitor offering trips on the route, with Island Direct setting sail for the first time today. Its 50-seater vessel is scheduled to complete 18 crossings between Auckland CBD and Waiheke most days, and some of its tickets are going for nearly half the price of the long-running ferry operator Fullers360. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Marika Khabazi were up early to catch the very first Island Direct ferry [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341026381112

Traversing the globe, Jill heads over the ditch to talk to Mike Woods from Obsidian Wines on Waiheke Island about their Bordeaux blends and less common varietals - and why they make them so well. @thewineshowaustralia @obsidianwines

There are growing concerns for the Hauraki Gulf's penguins with ten chicks found starving and dozens dead on Waiheke Island in the past few weeks. It has conservationists worried that we could be seeing a repeat of the mass die-off of kororā in the summer of 2017-2018. The deaths are thought to be due to over-fishing and rising sea temperatures, which drive the fish the birds feed on into deeper water where they can't catch them. Reporter Louise Ternouth and camera operator Tim Collins have the story.

People who travel between Auckland and Waiheke Island are celebrating promised savings, with a new ferry operator making waves in the Hauraki Gulf. From next month, Island Direct will operate a 50-seater passenger services across to Waiheke Island, with some tickets going for nearly half the price of the long-running Fullers360 ferries. The new operator says its fares are also 100 percent bookable at no added cost. Finn Blackwell has more.

Waiheke Islanders will soon have a new option for getting across to the city. Susie finds out more from Island Direct's David Todd - including how the service plans to offer lower fares than its competitor, Fullers.

A spate of baby penguin deaths has raised concerns there could be a repeat of a catastrophic breeding season of five years ago, where there were mass fatalities of korora. On Waiheke Island alone seven baby penguins have been found emaciated. One has had to be put down. In the summer of 2017- 2018 hundreds of penguin chicks died. Native Bird Rescue on Waiheke Island is providing intensive care to the struggling underweight baby penguins. Karen Saunders from the team speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6339496515112

Check out https://mondumo.com/ for Colin's touring company.Waiheke Whisky https://waihekewhisky.com/ Glengarry Wines https://www.glengarrywines.co.nz/Join us in this episode as we sit down with the multifaceted whisky enthusiast, Colin Mairs. Juggling roles at the local spirits shop, Glengarry Wines, and as the Brand Ambassador for Waiheke Whisky on the scenic Waiheke Island, Colin brings a wealth of knowledge and insider perspectives to the table.Dive into a spirited conversation exploring the evolving landscape of New Zealand whisky. Together, we discuss the burgeoning growth and the obstacles faced by the industry. Colin shares his insights on what's propelling NZ whisky forward, the hurdles slowing its stride, and the public's perception and palate for this golden spirit.But that's not all – we also delve into Colin's touring company, offering a sneak peek into the immersive experiences it offers. Plus, we reflect on the influential “Sense of Place” book by renowned whisky writer Dave Broom, discussing its impact and relevance to the NZ whisky narrative.Whether you're a whisky aficionado or just curious about the drink's local scene, this episode promises a blend of wisdom, passion, and a dash of spirited fun! Reach out with your thoughts or queries at distilnationnz@gmail.com or connect with us @distilnationnz on all social platforms. Cheers to exploring the NZ whisky wave with Colin Mairs!

Here's a chutney that's described as having a cult following. Jenny's Kitchen tamarind chutney was first made on Waiheke Island in 1998 by Jenny Stewart and is now found on shelves all around the country. The inspiration behind the chutney came from a trip to Fiji where Jenny and her husband Hilton were introduced to the tamarind fruit. Jenny then worked on cooking it into a sauce here and was convinced by friends to sell it at their Waiheke Island markets. Now, with Jenny's Kitchen having changed hands to new owners, the popular chutney is sold in stores all over the country. Kathryn speaks with Jenny's Kitchen owner Cathy Knight, who with husband Grant Hunter, bought the operation back in 2014.

Welcome to another captivating episode of the Dental Slang Podcast! In this episode, we're delving into the fascinating world of tooth wear with none other than the esteemed Dr. Andrea Shepperson, a leading dentist and educator hailing from the picturesque shores of New Zealand. Dr. Shepperson has dedicated her career to the intricate study of tooth wear and the interdisciplinary reconstruction of worn dentition. As she takes us on her journey, her passion for unraveling the mysteries of this dental condition shines through, and she makes a compelling case for going beyond the conventional teachings. Tooth wear, she reveals, is not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. It can range from mild to severe cases and is often erroneously attributed to bruxism. Dr. Shepperson emphasizes the critical importance of distinguishing between various forms of tooth wear, urging us to comprehend the nuanced differences between adaptive and active wear. This episode isn't just for seasoned dentists; it's a goldmine of knowledge for newcomers too. Dr. Shepperson dives deep into the multifaceted aspects of tooth wear – from its origins to risk assessment and management strategies. She's on a mission to overhaul the way we educate dentists, going well beyond what's traditionally covered in dental school. Dr. Shepperson's teaching facility on the enchanting Waiheke Island in New Zealand offers mentoring programs and courses dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of tooth wear. But it's not just about understanding the science – it's about communicating it effectively. Dr. Shepperson underscores the importance of using plain language to help patients grasp the causes and effects of tooth wear. Plus, she's got her sights set on patients' diets, including those tempting fad diets and acidic beverages that can exacerbate the condition. She also opens our eyes to the possibility of using salivary biomarker tests for diagnosing conditions like gastric reflux, taking dental diagnostics to a whole new level. And when it comes to tracking tooth wear progression, she's all in for leveraging digital technology. This isn't just about staying on top of the latest trends; it's about using these tools to ensure accurate diagnoses and data-driven treatment choices. In conclusion, this episode is your ticket to a deeper understanding of tooth wear. Dr. Shepperson's wisdom is a compass guiding us towards more effective patient communication, digital innovation, and, of course, better care. Oh, and don't forget to check out her comprehensive book on tooth wear, a must-have resource for dental professionals eager to expand their knowledge. And for those eager to connect with the brilliant Dr. Andrea Shepperson, head over to her website at andreashepperson.com and explore the wealth of wisdom she offers. If you're looking to dive deeper into tooth wear, her customized programs in New Zealand might just be the next step on your dental journey. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to revolutionize your approach to tooth wear – it's all right here on the Dental Slang Podcast!

Celebrated musician Don McGlashan has been inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame. He joined one of his first bands, Ethos, at the age of 15, then came Blam Blam Blam, The Front Lawn, The Mutton Birds, and a highly successful solo career. Don McGlashan is about to hit the road for a 20 date tour around the country, starting on Waiheke Island on Saturday night. He'll be showcasing songs from his latest album, Bright November Morning which was released last year, alongside some old favourites. He spends a lot of time in Vancouver these days, but is also involved in a range of projects here, including coaching an Auckland musician he met while he was an inmate, and Don was working on the TV series, Songs from the Inside. He's also working with the North Shore Brass Band, who are celebrating 100 years this year.

 In almost no time at all, Te Korowai O Waiheke, a Predator Free 2050 initiative, has eliminated close to 100 percent of the pest species, meaning Waiheke is very close to becoming the largest island in the world to have eradicated stoats.

Botanical artist Sue Wickison has just completed a book on the plants of the Qur'an. Born in Sierra Leone, trained as a scientific illustrator in the UK, she now lives on Waiheke Island. Sue says her passion for the natural world and history was nurtured during expeditions with her amateur botanist father. Together they would locate, collect and identify botanical specimens. After becoming fascinated with the plants mentioned in Islam's holy book she began an 8 year research collaboration with a Pakistani scientist to identify the specimens. The resulting book, Plants of the Qur'an is about botany, history and culture and includes reference to many present day consumables such as pomegranates, grapes, ginger and garlic.

The price of petrol and diesel's about to go up, as the government's 25 cent cut to the fuel excise duty comes to an end. From the first of July the excise tax is back to full price, which will push unleaded 91 prices closer to the three dollar mark. Meanwhile on Waiheke Island, residents are paying about three dollars twenty-six for a litre of 91. First Up reporter Leonard Powell jumped on the ferry and paid them a visit.

Gabriel Young, owner of Terra & Tide in Waiheke Island, New Zealand, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her day-tour operator's guided walks, zip-lines excursions, wine tours and much more. It's the perfect escape for your clients looking for a quick island getaway after a long flight to Auckland. This is the first of a series of videos from a New Zealand fam trip created by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit https://terraandtide.co.nz or www.duatravel.com. If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Tania Aroha-Twentyman is a Homeopath and consciousness coach, based on Waiheke Island in New Zealand. She shares how Homeopathy is changing the lives of people around the world, how consciousness plays a part in helping people move forward with their lives and becoming aware of their current state.   SUPPORT ME IN PROMOTING HOMEOPATHY    FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @like_treatslike On my official Instagram, you'll find the latest guest podcast reels, show trailers, special messages, features on my upcoming guests and much much more.  Your follow will help 'promote and create more awareness' for Homeopathy around the world.   JOIN MY FACEBOOK PAGE @liketreatslike Your follow will help 'promote and create more awareness' for Homeopathy around the world.   SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL @like_treatslike   THE HOMEOPATHY HEALTH SHOW ON UK HEALTH RADIO – The World's Number 1 ‘Talk Health' Radio   JOIN THE CONVERSATION - BE INSPIRED   LISTEN VIA PODCAST APPS Just search ‘Homeopathy Health' or 'Atiq Ahmad Bhatti' on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, Amazon Music, Podbean, Pocketcast, iHeart Radio, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Boomplay and YouTube.   LISTEN VIA ‘UK HEALTH RADIO' www.ukhealthradio.com/program/homeopathy-health   LISTEN VIA MY WEBSITE www.liketreatslike.co.uk/radio-and-podcast   LISTEN VIA MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@like_treatslike Don't forget to hit subscribe!

Leading Auckland tourism businesses have thrown their weight behind a campaign aimed at attracting more Australian here. Visitor numbers have plummeted since Covid, with half as many Aussies flying in last December, compared to pre-Covid arrivals. The multi-media campaign will run until mid-June, encouraging Aussies to pop over for the weekend, the week, or longer. EcoZip Adventures on Waiheke Island features in the campaign.  Founder Gavin Oliver talks to Lisa Owen.

The government's big push to get a new harbour crossing project underway, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown commissions another review of options for the future of the council-owned Ports of Auckland and the issue of the wealthy and their helicopters and the flights they generate, especially in sensitive environments like Waiheke Island.

Top stories for 23 March 2023 We look at how multinational businesses lobby our government. Auckland's economic development agency fights for more funding just as the Council gets ready to slash its budget. New data shows house sales are at a 40-year low, just 60-thousand were sold last year. Also, why does Waiheke Island need 62 helipads ? There's anger in the community... We'll speak to the chair of the local board.

Waiheke Island locals are angrily contesting a new council report which claims helicopters aren't overly noisy or unsafe. The report says chopper activity is at similar levels on Waiheke Island to other parts of Auckland. There are sixty-two helipads on the island, with applications for more coming in steadily. Waiheke Island local board chair Cath Handley spoke to Kim Hill.