Breakfast Southland with Chitty

Milton’s Shane Bichan checks in from his walk the full length of Aotearoa, raising awareness for those affected by suicide. He shares where he is today, how the body and mind are holding up, standout moments from the past week, and how it feels to be inching closer to home — and to Bluff. Plus, Chitty reveals what Shane has roped her into…

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Jack Hilton breaks down Waikoikoi’s four‑run nail‑biter over Appleby in a rain‑shortened T20 final at Queens Park. He talks rivalries, game‑changing performances from Jason Osborne and Ben McCall, the crucial work of the groundsman, and what’s ahead as the competition shifts into the longer formats.

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Deputy harbour master Conrad Adams explains the region’s new “lifejacket library” — a simple idea that could save lives. He talks through how the initiative works, why ACC partnership matters, the rules everyone needs to know on our waterways, and how compliance and safety are tracking this summer.

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West Otago’s own Aj Aitken joins Chitty with his trademark mix of farming insight and footy chat. They cover the much‑needed rain across the region, the surprising “out‑the‑gate” farm prices currently shaping the rural economy, and what to expect as Super Rugby pre‑season gets underway.

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Nathan and Tom jump in for this week’s Locker Room as we unpack the major $13.6 million commercial subdivision planned for Eastern Southland — and what it could actually mean for the region going forward. 

We also dive into a bigger conversation triggered by a local story, raising the huge question of what really happens when you're not insured, and who ends up footing the bill.

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Annie Nelson joins me for our weekly catch‑up, and things get unexpectedly deep… and hilarious. We chat about what it really means when you suddenly start doing things outside your normal routine — are you chaotic, evolving, or secretly brilliant? According to Annie, I might be a creative genius in the making… and apparently I could be about to write a book?!

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Southland cycling star Josh Burnett joins the show after writing his name into the history books, becoming just the sixth rider ever to win three or more Tour of Southland titles. Josh reflects on a brutal final day, an intense battle with rival Matt Wilson, and how close he came to missing the Tour altogether after a broken arm. Racing professionally in Spain but winning at home in front of familiar faces, Josh shares what makes the Tour of Southland so special, the role his teammates played, and when the magnitude of this incredible achievement might finally sink in.

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Ellie Metcalf and Tegen Henderson are taking on the gruelling HYROX Auckland event — not just as a fitness challenge, but to raise awareness and vital funds for mental health. What began as an $800 fundraising goal has already surged past $5000, thanks to overwhelming community support. Ellie and Tegen share why this kaupapa is deeply personal, the importance of early and accessible mental health support, how they’ve trained for the challenge, and the powerful message they hope listeners take away about checking in and reaching out.

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Think you’re good at skipping stones? Richie Lamming is taking it to the next level with New Zealand’s very first Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championships, coming to Lake Hāwea this May. Richie explains how stone skimming became a competitive sport, what makes the perfect skim, and why Lake Hāwea is the ideal venue. With around 150 competitors, world‑record distances in play, and funds being raised for Melanoma NZ — plus hopes of sending Kiwi champions to the world champs in Scotland — this is a uniquely Kiwi event with a powerful purpose.

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The Riversdale Maize Maze is coming and for three days only, and it’s more than just twists, turns and tall corn. Hilary Kelso from the organising team joins us to talk family fun, BBQs, clever clues and the big community causes behind the maze. The event is raising money for the Waikaia Forest Trails and Riversdale School’s new playground — with affordable entry, surprises inside the maze and plenty of laughs along the way. Grab the family, support local, and get lost on purpose.

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