Breakfast Southland with Chitty

South Otago dairy farmer and footy nut Mathew Korteweg is back with his weekly dose of farm life, footy chat, and good humour. This week he reflects on the highs and lows on and off the paddock — and channels his inner Jim Hickey & gives his take on State of Origin heading to New Zealand.

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Former Gore Lions President John Speden joins us to look back at the creation of Gore’s iconic trout statue, gifted to the town in 1989. He recalls why the Lions wanted to build it, how it was modelled on a real Mataura River trout, and how it went from a bold idea to one of Southland’s most photographed landmarks. With voting now open in the Name That Trout competition, John reflects on what the original Lions team would think of all the excitement today.

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Barry Roughan joins us to reflect on 60 years of the Southern Shears — an event his father, Les Roughan, helped establish. He shares stories from the early days in the Ram Pavilion, the growth and venue changes over the decades, the support behind the scenes, and the family’s long connection to shearing. Barry also talks about the evolution of the sport and what the 60‑year milestone means to him. 

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This week’s catch‑up with Annie Nelson takes a turn into everything she’s officially had enough of. Plenty of laughs & plenty of nonsense.

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South Otago dairy farmer Mathew Korteweg joins us for his weekly catch‑up. We check in on how he survived his first pre‑season footy training, the team bonding happening off the field, and why he’s still skipping around the farm with a spring in his step. Mathew also shares his thoughts on the Winter Olympics and what he’d do if he discovered $200,000 hidden in a ceiling.

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Gore District Council’s Craig Sinclair and WasteNet’s Ali Green break down the new three‑strikes recycling system rolling out across Southland. They explain why it’s being introduced, what counts as a “strike,” what happens if a household gets three red tags, and how the focus remains firmly on education — not punishment. They also share how residents can reduce contamination and the number‑one thing to double‑check before putting your bin out this week.

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After walking the length of Aotearoa from Cape Reinga to Bluff, Shane Bichan reflects on the moment he reached the finish line — and the thousands of stories he carried along the way. He talks about the support from strangers, the grief and resilience shared with him on the road, and what it means to have raised more than $34,000 for Te Hauora Murikauhaka Charitable Trust. 

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Southland Rural Support Trust Chair Simon Hopcroft joins us with an update on the Trust’s recent work supporting farmers through wellbeing, financial pressures, relationships, and weather events. He also previews their major presence at this year’s Southern Field Days, including the Honda generator giveaway and the auction of a high‑spec transportable home, with all profits supporting the Trust. Simon shares how the project came together & what the fundraiser will mean for their work. 

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Shirley, Kim and Taryn are in for this week’s Locker Room Ladies! We’re unpacking the latest beauty trend of tattooed freckles — are we into it, or hard pass? Plus, a quick-fire round of “Vibe & Unsubscribe”: what we want more of in 2026, and what we’re officially saying goodbye to. A fun, fast, slightly unhinged catch‑up with the girls.

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The Gore A&P Show is back this Saturday, February 7th, and it remains one of the South Island’s biggest one‑day events. Vice President Bruce Eade joins us to talk through the huge line‑up for 2026 — from horses and livestock to the kids’ zone favourites like the Big Dig, plus food, music, crafts, and the buzzing Market Tent. We also dive into the excitement of hosting the FMG Young Farmer of the Year regional final alongside the Juniors and AgriKids competitions. And yes… Bruce explains the chaos and charm behind the famed Mr Rabbit event. Everything you need to know before heading to the Showgrounds this weekend.

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