Breakfast Southland with Chitty

National MP for Invercargill Penny Simmonds joins us to share what’s keeping her busy as 2026 kicks off. We also reflect on the life and legacy of Sir Tim Shadbolt, a man who shaped Southland’s identity for decades.

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For the first time in 2026, we head to South Otago to catch up with farmer Mathew Korteweg. Last time we spoke before Christmas, they were gearing up for the Longest Day of Golf—how did that play out? Plus, what’s happening on and off the farm as the new year begins.

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It’s a festive showdown like no other! First, we crown the champions of our Locker Room Lads vs Locker Room Ladies Lawn Wars with mystery judge Morgan Mitchell presiding over the official prize ceremony. Then, we wrap up the year with a hilarious Battle of the Sexes – who will take bragging rights into the New Year? Tune in for laughs, surprises, and plenty of Christmas cheer.

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We kick off at New World Gore with owner Tommy, setting the scene for our epic 60-second Grocery Grab – the grand prize in the Hokonui Countdown to Christmas! Then, straight off the trolley, we catch up with our lucky winner Ngaire Evans to hear how the dash unfolded, what made it into the cart, and the festive excitement that filled the aisles.

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What does the Mataura Community Board actually do, and why is now the perfect time to get involved? Gore District Councillor and long-time community advocate Nicky Coates joins us to talk about the upcoming Mataura Community Board by-election. If you’ve ever thought about making a difference in your community, this is your chance to learn what the role involves and why your voice matters.

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The Shepherdess Muster is coming to Tokanui, Southland in March 2026 — a three-day event dedicated to rest, connection, and wellbeing for rural women. To make sure more women can attend, a Southland & Clutha Scholarship Fund has just been launched. Emma Kate Rabbidge joins us to share what makes The Shepherdess Muster so special, how the scholarship fund came about, why this event matters for rural women after a challenging year & how you can help raise $15,000 by mid-December! If you’d like to support the fund and help local women get to The Muster, visit shepherdess.co.nz — every contribution counts!

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Today, we’re asking the big question: Is Annie normal when it comes to charging her phone—or is she a Type A or Type B personality? Plus, we dive into Oprah Winfrey’s ultra-luxurious tour Down Under and imagine what would be on our dream riders if we were living the high life.

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The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is coming to Auckland in February 2026, and Invercargill’s Highland Pipe Band will be part of the spectacle. Bass drummer Jack King joins us to talk about what makes this event so iconic, what audiences can expect, and how it feels to represent Southland on one of the world’s biggest stages. 

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Mathew Korteweg joins us to reflect on the highs and lows of 2025 — from life on the farm to family and footy. We talk about what Christmas looks like for the Korteweg crew, how he plans to “win the day” through summer, and the big goals he’s setting for 2026. Plus, a quick check-in on that golf swing ahead of the longest day!

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Jude, Harlee, Bailleigh and Ada wrap up the year with the ultimate festive brainstorm: What does Santa do when he’s off-duty? If he ditched the sleigh, what’s his dream ride? And forget cookies—what snacks would YOU leave out? Plus, Santa’s holiday playlist, Mrs Claus’ secret hobbies, and the reindeer’s wild off-season antics.

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