Podcasts about whakatane

Here we go again with the whinge fest about Air New Zealand's prices. I get it. I try book the same flights as everybody else and when you're trying to fly some obscure route from this province to province its gets expensive. Quickly. But here we are again with politicians telling us fibs - telling us they can wave a magic wand and fix all of our problems. This time is James Meager - going in to bat for the South Island. He says flying shouldn't just be for the rich, the government is going to take action and is talking about underwriting airlines. Do we want the government underwriting the purchase of turbo prop planes? Really? We've heard this all before of course. They've gone after the banks, the supermarkets, and the price of petrol. I can't tell you how many painstaking and frustrating interviews I've done with ministers of all colours and stripes who swear black and blue they'll sort it out and then don't. What's worse? The person that punches you in the nose? Or the doctor that says they'll fix it when they know you can't? Here's the thing, if you wanna book the main trunk line, it's relatively inexpensive, providing you're not booking last minute. There's Jetstar keeping Air New Zealand honest. That's competition. But if you're flying Kerikeri to Dunedin tomorrow, guess what? It will cost plenty. Why? Because they've got you over a barrel. You need to fly. It's short notice. 8000 people live in Kerikeri and 130,000 in Dunedin, these routes are often empty. The fact is running a profitable airline in a sparsely populated country is bloody difficult. And we want them to be profitable, otherwise we have no airline and we're a backwater banana republic. And the regional players - they're no better off. Air Chathams the other week was threatening to pull out of Whakatane unless the council paid for a new Cessna. Everyone compares us to the Australians - but have a look at outback Queensland. You pay thousands just to get to Brisbane. Show me a headline about flights being cheaper from Dunedin to Bali than Dunedin to Auckland and I'll show you one about Mount Isa to Brisbane and Brisbane to Canada. Population matters and guess what? We're a blip on the radar. And as for the promise that some politician will swoop in and save the day - it's about as reliable as planes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diane discusses the latest events in Whakatane including updates on the upcoming local elections.

Matt Bullen has 38 years' experience as a mechanic in the automotive industry, he's worked for pretty much every franchise brand – from the Japanese through the Europeans – you'll find him at Excel Autos in Whakatane, and today he joined the Afternoons team to answer questions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diane discusses how Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngati Awa will cut the ribbon on 15 new homes, the council is looking into forming a new health advocacy group, while another double-figure rate rise is on the cards for Whakatane. 

An old airstrip in Whakatane has become home to rows and rows of native herbs which eventually get turned into tea. That's the work of Laureen and Dan Andrews, who left their lives in Rotorua behind nearly ten years ago to pursue a life growing native plants. Jesse talks to Dan about the ins and outs of growing organic tea.

Talkback Time with Smithy 0800 150 811. We've thrown the phonelines open for you to have your say on the sporting landscape. Let Ian know what's on your mind today featuring, Cliff from Palmerston, Finn from Whakatane, Dean from Dunedin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At midday on Saturday there's a protest in Whakatane to demand action over the closure of the hospital's obstetrics unit. Now - if you have a high risk pregnancy or need an emergency caesarian you'd have to go to Tauranga hospital which is over an hour away. Demonstrators say they've uncovered a raft of other issues at the hospital they say are symptomatic of an underfunded system. Whakatane District Councillor Nándor Tánczos, who is organising the protest, told Susie

On today's episode, ACT Party leader David Seymour has hit back at the Prime Minister's criticism of his support for Philip Polkinghorne who was later charged and then acquitted of murdering his wife, there are concerns that one in five expectant mothers living in and around Whakatane will have to travel Tauranga to give birth, Whangarei's fight against fluoridation has drawn a stiffly written seventeen-page warning from the country's top health official, Hamas says it's delaying the release of Israeli hostages until further notice , and a British study has found that banning phones in schools didn't boost student achievement or improve mental health.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Local Democracy Reporter - Diane McCarthy with the Whakatane Beacon.

Brother H shares his testimony of overcoming poverty and crime to becoming a positive role model in his community. He is a third generation member of the black power and is leading the way, making positive changes within his gang and in his town of Whakatane.

The Bay of Plenty holds several small towns worth exploring - Whakatane, Ohope, Matata, and many more. With plenty of beautiful beaches, it's a great place to take the surf board or kayak to enjoy a day out on the water. Whakatane District mayor, Victor Lucas, joins to wrap the year for the district. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midwives in the eastern Bay of Plenty say pregnant women and their babies will be at serious risk of harm with the collapse of obstetric services at Whakatane Hospital. Ruth Hill reports.

Diane discusses the gathering of Whakaari whanau for the fifth anniversary, logging workers are unable to eat due to nauseating odours, a new collaboration seeks to change the tide on water quality.

The fifth anniversary of the eruption of Whakaari White Island is unfolding in Whakatane on Monday morning, with survivors and families of those killed as well as dignitaries travelling from New Zealand, Australia and Britain to attend a memorial service. Reporter Natalie Akoorie spoke to Corin Dann.

Proposed cuts to a tertiary apprenticeship training programme in Rotorua could leave dozens of people high and dry part way through their qualifications. The proposal from Bay of Plenty's Toi Ohomai institute of technology would mean up to 20 job losses according to the Tertiary Education union. The Union claims a number of courses across campuses in Taupo, Tokoroa, Rotorua, Tauranga and Whakatane include timber machining, forest management, social and youth work and rehabilitation studies. It said the cuts could mean the complete closure of the Waipa campus in Rotorua; a dedicated training facility that currently operates a working wood manufacturing plant. Senior tutor in Forestry and Wood manufacturing Kerry Parker spoke to Lisa Owen.

So far Jesse has called Whakatane, Motueka and Kurow to name just a few. Where will my producer send him next? Let's find out.

The future of the Whakatane Sportfishing Club and two iconic local businesses are up in the air as decisions are made around the location of a floodwall to protect the town. Whakatane is getting a second airline next year. Residents around Sullivan Lake are bracing for another stench-filled summer due to past inaction of the District Council in maintaining the man-made lake. And, the 25-year-old chinaberry trees that line either side of the main Whakatane shopping street may have a short lease on life. Local Democracy Reporter - Diane McCarthy is with the Whakatane Beacon

A military mission of a different kind, to reunite a World War one medal with its whanau. The British War medal was found dropped on the ground in a carpark at Ohope beach in Whakatane just after Anzac Day in April. Whakatane man Sandy Milne picked it up and has been looking for its owner since. He's tried the RSA , the local community and police - but its all been a dead end. Sandy Milne spoke to Lisa Owen.

This week Jesse kicks off a new feature where he randomly live calls an information center.

The Opotiki Harbour project is marking a significant milestone today - the rock seawalls will be blessed and opened to visitors for the first time. 

He studied for five years at the University of Auckland, completing a Bachelors of Science in Biology and Geography, and a Masters of Environmental Engineering. After working as an environmental consultant for two years, he grew tired of office work and decided to quit his job in 2014 and see the world. One year later, he published his first novel - Stormwielder - while in Guatemala. Since then, he has honed his skills while travelling through parts of SE Asia, India, North and South America, Turkey and Europe, and now has over a dozen works to his name. Today, his adventures continue...

Diane McCarthy of the Whakatane Beacon runs through the major issues in the region.

A group of Rotorua residents wants the council to create a natural burial site, so people can be interred simply without coffins or embalming, decomposing naturally under a tree. Other regions including Whakatane and Taupo already have designated natural burial sites. Te Atawhai Aroha Trust has presented an almost 400 signature petition to the Rotorua Lakes Council designate land for a public natural burial site, Richard Bird speaks to Lisa Owen

In this episode of the 10Adventures Podcast, we chat with the inspiring Rob Hamill, who, along with his family, has made a life on a sailboat. We dive into their incredible journey of living on the water, starting with their decision to buy a yacht in 2015, and the many adventures they've had sailing through Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and beyond. Rob shares how their YouTube channel, The Cruising Kiwis, started as a way to document their travels for friends and family, but evolved into a professional venture during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Rob also opens up about his deep connection to the sea, stemming from his childhood in Whakatane, New Zealand, and his experiences as a competitive rower. We discuss the profound impact of personal tragedy on his life and how it shaped his determination to prioritize meaningful family experiences and adventures.   Join us as we explore Rob's philosophy on life, the importance of making every moment count, and the joys and challenges of homeschooling on a boat. Don't miss this captivating conversation that is sure to ignite your wanderlust.   Check out Rob's YouTube channel, The Cruising Kiwis, for more of their seafaring adventures. If you're feeling inspired to embark on your own journey, visit the 10Adventures website to browse our tours and start planning your next adventure!   Check out The Cruising Kiwi's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCruisingKiwis Visit The Cruising Kiwi's website: https://thecruisingkiwis.com/   About Us

A 1.6 km stretch of road designed to handle 150-tonne logging trucks has opened in Kawerau.

Whakatane's mayor is calling on the Prime Minister and Minister of Emergency Management to intervene to allow GNS access to Whakaari/White Island.

The Kawerau District Council is expected to adopt its long term plan which includes a 12.2 percent average rates increase.

The Whakatane branch of Michael Hill Jeweller is shutting up shop after too many break-ins. Whakatane Mayor Victor Luca spoke to Morning Report's Ingrid Hipkiss.

Submissions to Whakatane District Council's long-term plan have councillors worried that residents do not know where to head in a tsunami alert. Diane says another submitter to the long term plan is so concerned about Whakatane's total lack of preparedness for major civil defence emergency, she has organised for a team of scientists from GNS to hold a workshop and is inviting our community leaders to attend. And the town wharf in Opotiki is undergoing a major upgrade at the moment to accommodate commercial boats from local iwi Whakatohea's mussel farm to berth there.

Kelsey Waghorn's life changed forever when she, along with so many others, was caught up in the horrific Whakaari White Island eruption off the east coast of New Zealand in 2019. Kelsey, just 25 at the time, was working as a tour guide. On what should have been a regular, routine day, instead she ended up in an induced coma and sustained full thickness burns to 45% of her body.  She speaks to Ant about the toll this had on her physical and mental health, her journey with PTSD and the loss of a very close friend.  CW: This episode contains discussions of PTSD. If this episode raises any issues for you, help is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via their website lifeline.org.au. LINKS Follow Kelsey Waghorn on Instagram @kezzelsify Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITSHost: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producers: Anna Henvest & Edwina StottManaging Producer: Elle BeattieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Whakatane District Council has received over 1000 submissions to its long-term plan, more than it has ever had from any other consultation process. And the Kawerau District Council has been copping flak recently about plans to introduce fluoride its town water supply by the end of June

Anthony Clyde has been described as a serial inventor within the international e-bike industry, in fact he's been labelled the 'e-bike godfather.' His latest creation, designed in his workshop in Whakatane, is turning heads.

The Whakatane District Council is coming under fire from some quarters for high levels of spending on big projects, with consultation underway on an average 17 percent rates rise. Diane also talks about the council making changes to the district plan to make building tiny homes easier. And the Bay of Plenty Harbourmaster's decision recently to stop the safety advisory service on the Whakatane River bar has resulted in a public outcry from some members of the boating community. Eastern Bay of Plenty local democracy reporter, Diane McCarthy is based at the Whakatane Beacon.

Air Chathams claims "skyrocketing" prices being charged by Aotearoa's largest Airport will dampen demand on regional routes and threaten its viability. Auckland Airport plans to spend up to 8 billion dollars over 10 years upgrading facilities and that means airlines are facing increased user charges to cover costs. The airport says its domestic charges have been rock bottom for years and up to 50 % lower than comparable airports. Air Chathams operates services to Whakatane, Whanganui, Kapiti and the Chatham & Norfolk islands from its hanger in Auckland. Chief operator officer Duane Emeny speaks to Lisa Owen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347426680112

The issue of vehicles on beaches is dividing seaside communities throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Diane unpacks the tensions.

Mark Geraets, is an education leader with a career spanning 40 impactful years. Born in New Zealand as the youngest of seven to Dutch immigrant parents, Mark's university education journey began at 16, as the youngest student at Teacher's College. By 30, he assumed his first principal role in Whakatane, NZ. Venturing abroad, he taught […]

The Whakatane District Council plans to do up sports and leisure facilities at Rex Morpeth Park have met opposition from some residents who would rather see money spent on a new bridge. Diane backgrounds the situation. And tomorrow the Eastern Bay's biggest annual musical event will be held at Prideaux Park. Kawerau's Christmas in the Park is is a free show organised with funding by a variety of trusts. and usually attended by around 10,000 people. Eastern Bay of Plenty Local Democracy Reporter - Diane McCarthy with the Whakatane Beacon

Parents say they're shocked and angry with a Whakatane primary school after it decided to scrap a bilingual teaching unit without consultation. Te Whānau o Awatope at Apanui Primary School immerses 45 students with up to 50 percent of lessons taught in te reo Maori. Two weeks since the abrupt announcement, frustrated parents are meeting with the board of trustees in a final plea to keep the 14 year old unit alive. The board has apologised for poor communication, but says its hand has been forced due to being unable to hire a teacher. Reporter Jordan Dunn has more.

Diane discusses an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday, held by the Kawerau District Council, to determine whether to establish a Maori Ward for the district. And two groups appealing consents granted to expand and develop Otakiri Springs bottling plant are being heard in the Supreme Court this week.

Diane McCarthy checks in from Whakatane with the latest goings on. 

Floods keep rolling in, but the country's new flood rescue teams have not been there to meet them. RNZ can reveal the teams pulled back in the face of incoming storms in May despite saving 32 Aucklanders earlier in Cyclone Gabrielle. Auckland, Northland, Nelson and Whakatane went without the extra water rescue help in May in a dispute about pay, conditions and safety at Fire and Emergency. Phil Pennington has the story.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Local Democracy Reporter, Diane McCarthy with the Whakatane Beacon

We all remember wiggling our teeth out and putting them under the pillow for the tooth fairy - but this story you're about to hear isn't so sweet. Residents in a rural town on the East Cape have taken to pulling out their own teeth with pliers because dental clinics are too far away, petrol is too expensive and getting an appointment quickly is difficult. Our reporter Leonard Powell went for an election road trip around the East Cape - here's his story from his first stop in the sleepy Waihau Bay, 150 kilometres from Whakatane.

The calls gone out to find a young kiwi, a bird that is, and the nation's responded. Tuati was released into the Kohi Point Scenic Reserve two years ago with a transmitter fitted to his leg. But two months ago the male kiwi vanished in the Whakatane forest. It seems a much stronger signal on the same channel is interferring with his tracker. Whakatane Kiwi Trust Education 'Kiwi Tracker' guide Ken Laurent has been on the case, he spoke to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6335396444112

Diane McCarthy, Local Democracy Reporter with The Whakatane Beacon speaks to Kathryn about the latest news from the Eastern Bay of Plenty. In Whakatane, much loved pohutukawa trees at one of the town's most scenic locations are dead or dying, district councils in both Opotiki and Whakatane are consulting on changing speed limits from 50kmh to 30kmh, and the Trust Horizon Light Up festival is drawing good crowds.

Whakatane District Council staff there are back in their own building after the controversial redevelopment. And an emotional day for Maori ward campaigners is being commemorated on the walls of the refurbished building.

This week Country Life heads to a bull sale in northern Hawkes Bay where slips and sinkholes from this year's cyclones have not held back the stud owners from their traditional celebrations and showing off the best of their progeny. Rural postie Lee Pryor tells his story as he delivers the mail along the Whakatane coastline, something he's been doing for many years ...as have his mother and grandfather before him. Also - a vegetable gardener recounts his method of growing fruit and vegetables by the moon.

Police say Bay of Plenty Mongrel Mob boss Steven Taiatini died after being hit by a ute. Investigators believe a Holden Colorado 4 wheel drive found gutted by a fire on the outskirts of town at the weekend was the vehicle involved. Hundreds of gang members attended the 45 year old's nehu in Whakatane yesterday, with police maintaining a large presence in the area today. Finn Blackwell reports. 

Four months after Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread damage to infrastructure around the North Island, a crucial link on the East Coast's State Highway 35 has been reconnected today with the opening of the Hikuwai Bailey Bridge. The bridge connects Gisborne and Tolaga Bay with the rest of the East Coast, including Tokumaru Bay, Ruatoria and the East Cape. It's a major step in Tairawhiti's recovery after the cyclone, but stretches of the state highway are still vulnerable, and residents fear they're just another big storm away from being cut off yet again. Some people have had to change doctors and other health care from Gisborne to Whakatane as roads have become too unreliable. Kathryn speaks with Jaclyn Hankin, Waka Kotahi NZTA's regional manager of maintenance and operations for the Central North Island and Mahanga Maru, a Ruatoria local and owner of Air Ruatoria.

Monty Soutar is a respected New Zealand historian who took a big step and turned his life upside down to write a game changing novel. Kāwai For Such A Time As This, is the first instalment in what is to be a three book family saga, which went straight to the top of the bestseller lists in New Zealand and stayed there for 22 weeks. Hi there, I'm your host, Jenny Wheeler. And it's quite likely no one else but Monty has the knowledge and understanding to undertake a book like it, in the tradition of Alex Haley's Roots, introducing readers to pre-European Maori life in much the same way as Alex Haley's tale of tracing his roots back to Africa captivated an international audience. Monty tells the fascinating tale of how he came to write it and explains how all of his life experience seemed to be leading up to this point. A perfect preparation for writing a trilogy, telling a story of nation building through the eyes of its original people. Our Giveaway for this week is Free Historical Fiction for June and Sadie's Vow, my Book #1 in the Home At Last trilogy is included in a good range of other selections. GET YOUR FREE HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS Https://books.bookfunnel.com/historicalfictionfreebiesjune2023/7xpm3hb0wa (FOR IF THE BUTTON DOESN'T WORK) And don't forget if you enjoy the podcast, leave a review. So others will find us too, Links for Monty's Episode: Alex Haley Roots: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roots:_The_Saga_of_an_American_Family NZ East Coast and Gisborne: https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/auckland-to-wellington-east-coast-journey/ https://www.tairawhitigisborne.co.nz/ Whakatane: https://www.whakatane.com/ NZ Wars of 1860s: https://teara.govt.nz/en/new-zealand-wars# Ngati Porou:  https://ngatiporou.com/ Ngati Awa: https://ngatiawa.iwi.nz/ Monty Soutar Nga Tamatoa: The Price of Citizenship: C Company 28 , (Maori Battalion) 1939 - 45, in the Second World War https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/5509025 Monty Soutar: Whiti Whiti Whiti, Maori in the First World War: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51092025-whitiki-whiti-whiti-e Captain James Cook: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Cook Chinua Achebe,  Things Fall Part:  https://www.amazon.com.au/Things-Fall-apart-Chinua-Achebe/dp/0385474547 Victoria Hislop, The Island: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/922991.The_Island The Red Tent, Anita Diamant:  https://www.amazon.com.au/Red-Tent-Novel-Tenth-anniversary/dp/0312427298 Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall: https://www.amazon.com.au/Wolf-Hall-Hilary-Mantel/dp/0312429983 The Luminaries, Eleanor Catton:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17333230-the-luminaries Patricia Grace, Tu: https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/tu-9780143019206 Witi Ihimaera: https://www.penguin.co.nz/authors/witi-ihimaera Where to find Monty Online Publisher website: https://www.batemanbooks.co.nz/product/kwai-for-such-a-time-as-this/Amazon Facebook: @montysoutarauthor Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/kawai-monty-soutar/book/9781776890309.html Amazon.com.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/K%C4%81wai-Such-Time-As-This-ebook/dp/B0BPJNP3QC/ Introducing Kawai author Monty Soutar Jenny Wheeler: But now here's Monty. Hello there, Monty, and welcome to the show. It's great to have you with us Dr Monty Soutar, respected historian and author of a new NZ historical series Monty Soutar: Thank you, Jenny. I'm pleased to be beyond the show. Kia ora ki a koe. (Ed note: Greetings and Hello to you.) Jenny Wheeler: Kia ora. (Hello Yes.) Now we've mentioned in the intro about how Roots was partly the thing that sparked this and. Alex Haley's roots was published way back in the late seventies when you were just a wee toddler. So how did you come to be aware of it and what sort of an impact did it have on you when you were a younger boy? Monty Soutar: Well, no, I wasn't a toddler. I was at secondary school when I saw the series.