Podcasts about whangarei

Most libraries lend out books. The Human Library lends out people. Founded in Denmark, the global initiative gives people the chance to sit down with a "human book" and have a candid conversation that challenges assumptions and stereotypes through lived experience. One of those human books is Sean Kemball from Whangarei. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, he spent years wondering why he experienced the world differently from those around him. Receiving a diagnosis helped him make sense of challenges that had followed him since childhood and gave him a new understanding of himself. Through conversations in the Human Library, he shares what it's like to live with ADHD and what changed once he finally had answers.

A quickly spreading, destructive exotic seaweed was found off the coast of Whangarei for the first time this month. It's the latest battle in a war that's been going on since caulerpa was first found in New Zealand waters five years ago. Here to find out how that fight is going is Barb, a trustee for Northland's Conquer Caulerpa. [picture id="4K8NFA7_20250420_134153_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

It's now helped over two thousand more kids after expanding its operations into Whangarei and Upper Hutt over the years. 

A Northland housing advocate is warning the number of over-65s living in their cars in Whangarei is just the tip of the iceberg. Peter de Graaf reports.

Kainga Ora has just opened Northland's biggest-ever social housing development, a 95-home complex in central Whangarei. Reporter Peter de Graaf met a few lucky tenants, and some of those still waiting.

The surplus train's left the station early in Budget news today, with the country expected to be out of deficit by 2028/29, a year ahead of predictions. Government Ministers are trumpeting that figure, alongside a focus on health and infrastructure. The Waikato Expressway will get 12 more kilometres, Whangarei a new hospital wing and new police stations are on the horizon for Whanganui and Greymouth. The biggest surprise is a tax on banks and insurers, worth roughly $50 million dollars a year. The bowel cancer screening age will lower to 56 by September and increased health funding aims to increase surgeries and reduce wait times. $450 million has been set aside for targeted support, in case the fuel crisis worsens. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says things are tough - but its not the time for lolly scrambles. She says the crisis is hitting many hard - but the country will bounce back with growth and increasing wages. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Anna Rāwhiti-Connell and Phil O'Reilly. First up, the big 7.9% rates increase has been passed in Auckland. Mayor Wayne Brown explains why it's necessary. Then, a community support centre in Whangarei is being forced to close, arguably in a time when people need it most. Manager Angela McGregor tells the story.

A Whangarei family must be doing something right... with three members of the Dinsdales having qualified to compete in the BMX Racing World Champs. Father Lance, 18-year-old son Tyla, and 13-year-old Khloe are all heading to Brisbane in July to compete against thousands of elite and amateur riders of all ages from across the world. Tyla Dinsdale spoke to John Campbell.

Three couples have taken a leap and opened a bouldering gym in Whangarei - no ropes, no harnesses and a climb of up to 4.5m.

Doctors are calling for deep systemic changes to primary care and its funding models. Dr Geoff Cunningham, a GP and partner at Bush Road Medical Centre in Whangarei spoke to John Campbell.

Teachers who were with 15-year-old Karnin Petera on a school caving trip in May 2023 gave emotional evidence at an inquest into his death in Whangarei. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

An inquest into the death of a 15-year-old boy during a school caving trip three years ago is underway in Whangarei. Karnin Petera died when floodwaters surged through the cave he and classmates were exploring during a storm. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf has more.

In part two, shop owners on Whangarei's Bank Street say the installation of a priority T2 lane on the street is severely affecting their business. The council says its just teething issues. One of the affected businesses talks to the panel and begs to differ. Then, the history of and the misconceptions around the origin of the ANZAC biscuit. And if that whets your appetite, here's some biscuit recipes for inspiration this ANZAC weekend.

Want to listen? Just do it as naughty Nike's controversy gets airtime. Whangarei parkrun says a beautiful goodbye to Colin Thorne, the eldest parkrunner in the World. Josh Wishicombe does his first parkrun. Nicola ups her p-Index to 14 at Pontefract and Danny points the way to Holme Pierrepont parkrun in Nottingham.

In Leaders Getting Coffee episode 60, our guest is The Right Honourable David Seymour, Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand and Leader of the Act Party. To many of us, it seems like David Seymour has been in the public eye for so long that we feel like we know him. And yet, as it turns out, we know very little. He grew up in a Whangarei family, with working parents and a personal ambition shaped partly by a mother who suffered from a disability. As a youngster he was exposed to business and voluntary work, all of which drove a unique work ethic and a passion for the freedoms his generation took for granted. He left the family home for life as a boarder at Auckland Grammar and soon he was at Auckland University studying for degrees in Engineering and Philosophy. He had to work his way through university to make ends meet and talks of forty hour weeks bookended by lectures and assignments. His early career focussed on engineering until the opportunity came to work for a Canadian think tank and a new career path was formed, one that would ultimately see him return to New Zealand, becoming an MP and Act party leader in 2014. On the Leaders Getting Coffee Podcast, David Seymour speaks with Bruce Cotterill about the loneliness of his early years as parliament’s sole Act MP and his focus on working with other politicians, many of whom were not natural bedfellows, to get his End of Life Choice Act passed into law as a result of a referendum in 2020. That led to him ushering in nine additional MP’s in 2020 and Act’s role in parliament has been secured as a result. David Seymour speaks proudly about taking on some of parliament’s tougher challenges, including charter schools, regulatory reform, and the treaty principles bill, as well as the End of Life legislation. This is a man who is passionate about personal freedoms and making New Zealand a better and more productive place for its people. And as one of parliament’s best communicators, he is very clear on some of the challenges ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a very tough few days for communities in the far north of the country, with some areas receiving around two and a half months' worth of rain in the past 72 hours. In Northland, Civil Defence teams are continuing to assess the damage, and residents are beginning the clean-up. Both the Far North and Whangarei districts are set to remain under a state of emergency for a further six days. To get the latest on the situation, RNZ Pacific journalist Kaya Selby is in Kerikeri.

States of Emergency have been declared in Whangarei and the Far North with storm conditions expected get worse overnight. Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangarei is under a red weather warning until 4am tomorrow. 25 schools closed throughout the region, affecting nearly 4000 students. State Highway 1 is also closed at four different locations around Northland. Civil Defence Co-ordinator in Whangaruru, Noeline Whitehead spoke to Lisa Owen.

The red heavy rain warning for Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangarei remains in place until 4am..

Northlanders are urged to take the red heavy rain warning seriously and be ready to go if they have to. The warning is in place for the eastern area from Doubtless Bay down to Whangarei until 4am Friday. An orange heavy rain warning and strong wind watch remain in place for the rest of the region, with the worst expected to hit from Thursday afternoon. Northland Civil Defence spokesperson Zach Wood spoke to Lisa Owen.

Heavy rain and wind are battering Northland, with up to 320 millimetres of rain expected to fall on the region. Whangarei Mayor Ken Couper spoke to Corin Dann.

It's time for the final manu showdown. After 12 events across New Zealand and Australia's Gold Coast, the Z Manu World Champs Grand Final is taking place this weekend on Auckland's waterfront. Jahrome Rapata-Taipari was the winner of the Whangarei qualifier, and joined Piney ahead of today's Grand Final. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the Northland town of Oakura, locals are adjusting to a new reality - no proper road south to Whangarei for as long as the next three months. The road north reopened on Saturday but it is a long detour, and the emergency route south is narrow, steep and, frankly, frightening. Peter de Graaf reports from a town picking up the pieces after last week's storm.

The Prime Minister says today's the day the Government's preparing a support package the areas severely damaged by recent weather. Recovery efforts are in their sixth day at Mount Maunganui, where six people are still missing in the aftermath of a large landslide. Local states of emergency remain in place for the Tairawhiti regions, Whangarei, Thames Coromandel and Hauraki Districts, and the Bay of Plenty. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking he's meeting with Cabinet this morning to discuss funding that's needed immediately. He says different areas need different support, and they will spend whatever they need to. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Denise L'Strange Corbet and Ed Amon. First up, we hear some local voices across the country about how the last week of intense weather has affected them and their communities. We talk to Mike in Paeroa who has been documenting the raging Ohinemuri river, Scott McKenize, the Deputy Mayor of Whangarei, and we also talk to a member of the motorcamp community in Tauranga who knows the Mt Maunganui camp well: she says the true horror of what has happened is just now sinking. Then, former National leader and MP Todd Muller has written an opinion piece regarding the crumbling international world order spearheaded by Donald Trump. Muller explains why he thinks the best bet for New Zealand is to "hunker down".

An RNZ special on the unfolding weather event in the North Island, presented by Ingrid Hipkiss. Red heavy rain warnings are in place for Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne from Tologa Bay north. Several regions have declared a state of local emergency, including Coromandel, Hauraki, Bay of Plenty, Whangarei and Gisborne Tai Rāwhiti.

Donald Trump has given his speech to world and business leaders at Davos in Switzerland; Deb Glasgow has lived in Ōakura for decades, and says last night's weather was some of the worst she's ever seen; The Prime Minister has announced an election date of November 7; Local states of emergency remain in place in Whangarei, Coromandel, Hauraki, the Bay of Plenty and Tairawhiti; Tauranga has been battered by wind and rain that has caused several slips.

Local states of emergency remain in place in Whangarei, Coromandel, Hauraki, the Bay of Plenty and Tairawhiti. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Whangarei residents in the hard-hit northeast coast are being urged to stock up on supplies and have emergency plans ready. Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller Jenny Calder spoke to Lauren Crimp.

Most flood-damaged roads on Northland's east coast have been cleared after yesterday's torrential rain brought down slips and downed trees. Whangarei Mayor Ken Couper spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

On today's episode of The Agenda, it's another pointless world first for the ACC as Finn Caddie joins ACC Head G Lane on the road to Whangarei (00:00)! While the fellas head up to join Lou Vincent, Joey Yovich and Davey as they attempt a new Guinness World Record for farthest catch of a hit golf ball, they recap a massive weekend of sport, including the All Blacks beating Wales to end the 2025 season on a win (06:10).Then, they cross to the Cricket Desk to recap the 1st Ashes Test (10:00), and the Black Caps sweeping the Windies (13:30)...Finally, they chat about the drama in the Vegas Grand Prix (17:55) and brainstorm what Dan Hooker's next 1 Minute Scrap should be (22:10)... Did you know that we've launched a new Facebook Group called 'The Caravan' JOIN HERE! Brought to you by Export Ultra! Follow The ACC on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to The Agenda Podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! iHeartRadio Apple Spotify YouTube THANKS MATE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stats NZ latest data shows nearly 73,000 New Zealanders left the country in the past year, while only 26,000 returned. Among those who believe the grass is greener there is Sean Collier, a 27-year-old lawyer and stand-up comedian from Whangarei who moved to Melbourne two years ago.

There's heartbreak among former staff of a Whangarei lion park at news that the seven surviving big cats are due to be put down this week. Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary operator Janette Vallance says the park owners, Bolton Equities, made the difficult decision to euthanise the seven lions, saying there was no options left for them. The park is now closed to the public and the property listed for sale. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf has more.

Unemployment has hit a near nine year high, at 5.3% in the three months ended September. That's 160,000 people out of work, the highest since early 1994. The percentage of unemployed young people between 15 and 24 years old hit 15.2%, with the total not in education or training rising to 13.8%. Chief executive at Whangarei-based tertiary education provider People Potential, Bronwyn Ronayne spoke to Lisa Owen.

Staff at Whangarei Hospital watched on this afternoon as firefighters worked to bring a large fire under control in their carpark. The fire damaged around 28 vehicles. RNZ's Susan Edmunds was at the scene and spoke to Lisa Owen.

In part two, a breast milk bank in Whangarei has been so inundated with donations that they had to get a new freezer. Then, it's been a busy week at the partially restored Christ Church Cathedral, which has opened it's doors to pets and their owners for the first time since the earthquakes.

Across the country today from Whangarei to Invercargill, thousands of people are expected to take part in a Day of Action for Pay Equity.

Populations of North Island brown kiwi, kaka and long-tailed bats are starting to swell as pest control efforts within Pukenui Forest near Whangarei ramp up. 

There's something going on in a once sleepy town just north of Whangarei, it involves cream buns, meat pies and a celebrity chef. Peter de Graaf reports.

If you've got a story to tell - we're talking haunting, serendipity, the odd UFO - then please get in touch. It's 2101 on the text or afternoons@rnz.co.nz Today Dave from Whangarei shares his creepy tale.

Barry & Tesh Gager are the leaders of YWAM Northland in Whangarei, New Zealand. They share their story of how the Lord gripped their heart for the church to be a light in this land and in the nations in bringing cultural healing and reconciliation. YWAM Northland - https://www.ywamzion.org.nz/Find out more about YWAM Furnace below

The company founded by Sir Michael Hill says the country has lost a special New Zealander. He died this morning aged 86, after becoming ill with cancer. Michael Hill Jeweller had humble beginnings in Whangarei, but grew to become a multi-national brand with almost 300 stores. Kim Baker Wilson reports.

Questions to Ministers Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by all her statements and actions? TAMATHA PAUL to the Associate Minister of Housing: Why has homelessness increased greater than the rate of population growth, while the rejection rate for emergency housing has grown to eight times what was reported a year ago? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his reported statement that Totara Hospice received 84 percent of its funding from the Government; if so, why does his account differ from that of the chief executive, who says the correct figure is 56 percent? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister for Economic Growth: What recent announcements has she made? Hon KIERAN McANULTY to the Associate Minister of Housing: Does he stand by his statement, "we've been really focussed on making sure that those people with genuine need for housing are given some sort of support"? DANA KIRKPATRICK to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality: What recent reports has she seen on tourism in New Zealand? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by her statement that "We want to grow, promote and support the education workforce by backing and strengthening our educators"; if so, how does offering secondary teachers the pay offer of 1 percent each year for three years back and strengthen our educators? GREG FLEMING to the Minister for Mental Health: What recent announcements has he made about Gumboot Friday? CELIA WADE-BROWN to the Minister of Local Government: Does he agree with the comments of Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton that "There's some basic things that councils have to get involved in because central government isn't stepping up to fit the needs of local communities"; if not, why not? REUBEN DAVIDSON to the Minister for Media and Communications: Does he stand by the decision to cut funding to Radio New Zealand in Budget 2025; if so, why? MARIAMENO KAPA-KINGI to the Associate Minister of Housing: How has the Government's declining of 28 percent more emergency housing applications in March 2025 compared to the year before contributed to the Auckland, Far North, and Whangarei territorial authorities reporting the highest number of homeless whanau in Aotearoa according to the Homelessness insights report June 2025? GRANT McCALLUM to the Minister for Building and Construction: What announcements has the Government made about making building in New Zealand more affordable?

Fletcher Building is using hard-to-recycle plastics as fuel for its Golden Bay cement factory, in Whangarei. 

There's a massive weekend of rugby ahead with the All Blacks' first international of the year - playing France at Dunedin at the Forsyth Barr stadium. And it's already a bit controversial with France deciding NOT to send its top tier players. Also today - the Maori All Blacks are playing against Scotland in Whangarei - marking 25 years since the two sides last met AND the Black Ferns have one of their last games here before the World Cup. We're joined by RNZ Sport's Joe Porter

Friendships will be put to one side this weekend when the Black Ferns take on the Black Ferns XV in a trial match in Whangarei on Saturday afternoon. Players admitted the hits at training have had a little extra heat behind them lately as hopefuls look to book their ticket to England. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

A senior doctor has said she's kept awake at night by having to ration care at Whangarei hospital which she says is understaffed and under resourced. Others say it's frustrating, exhausting and like being on the deck of the Titanic. Senior Northland doctors, who are union members walked off the job and onto the picket line this morning, on a 24 hour strike, after a break down in negotiations over pay and conditions. All hospitals in the region, including Whangarei Hospital and its emergency department are still open, although Te Whatu Ora says some planned treatment and appointments are being disrupted. Checkpoint called the Whangarei doctors who were striking and they spoke to Lisa Owen about thieir experiences.

A senior doctor has claimed patients are being treated in cupboards, offices and tearooms as Whangarei hospital bursts at the seams. This comes ahead of a public meeting at Forum North in Whangarei to discuss the state of healthcare in Northland. Checkpoint has been told in the last fortnight there's been several examples of patients being put in makeshift beds or wards at Whangarei Hospital. Dr Marion Leighton works in General Medicine at Whangarei Hospital and will be at the meeting, she spoke to Lisa Owen.

Dargaville residents are being asked to conserve water after maintenance teams have worked for hours to patch major breaks in the system. At one point the towns reservoir was down to 10 percent full. Water trucks from Whangarei, Maungaturoto and Ruawai have been pumping water back into the town supply, but have been struggling to keep pace. Kaipara District Council CEO Jason Marris spoke to Lisa Owen. 

Right off the back of a drought, Kaitaia, Kerikeri and Whangarei all had their wettest April in recorded history.

Feeling isolated in your homeopathy practice? You're not alone! Join us as Jess Coleman shares the fascinating results of the New Zealand Homeopathic Demographic Survey, shedding light on the current state of homeopathy in the region.   Discover the challenges homeopaths are facing, including surprising statistics about working hours and age demographics within the profession. Jess also introduces her inspiring initiative, Homeopaths NZ, which is dedicated to supporting both new and experienced practitioners in building thriving practices.   Episode Highlights: 02:09 - Demographic Survey Highlights 04:13 - Too Young to Practice? Debunking the Experience Myth 06:14 - Why Practice Hours Matter 09:44 - Details of Homeopaths NZ membership 14:52 - The Power of Finding Your Tribe 19:27 - Seeing Through Different Lenses 21:08 - How Homeopathy Unveils Your Deepest Truths 27:04 - Maybe It's Not You, It's Your Design 32:33 - Lessons from the Membership Trenches 34:30 - Creating Your Flow 36:25 - How to join the membership   About my Guest: Jess Coleman is the founder of Fruition Mind Body Health and has been practicing homeopathy since graduating from the Bay of Plenty College of Homeopathy (now the College of Natural Health and Homeopathy) in 2012. A qualified CEASE and QRA Therapist, Jess began her career at the Healing Haven Homeopathic Dispensary in Auckland before relocating to Whangarei in 2015, where she opened The Healing Haven Northland. Today, she offers online and in-person consultations at Just Thrive Studio in central Whangarei, where she also dispenses homeopathic remedies. Inspired by the lack of public awareness she witnessed at the Auckland Baby Show, Jess was driven to create Fruition—a platform to educate and empower people to use simple homeopathic remedies in everyday life. The concept took root over several years and came fully to life in 2020, aligning with her vision to make homeopathy more accessible and understood.   Find out more about Jess Website: https://fruitionmindbodyhealth.co.nz/   Sign up for her membership at https://www.homeopaths.nz/   If you would like to support the Homeopathy Hangout Podcast, please consider making a donation by visiting www.EugenieKruger.com and click the DONATE button at the top of the site. Every donation about $10 will receive a shout-out on a future episode.   Join my Homeopathy Hangout Podcast Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HelloHomies   Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eugeniekrugerhomeopathy/   Here is the link to my free 30-minute Homeopathy@Home online course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqBUpxO4pZQ&t=438s   Upon completion of the course - and if you live in Australia - you can join my Facebook group for free acute advice (you'll need to answer a couple of questions about the course upon request to join): www.facebook.com/groups/eughom