Breakfast Southland with Chitty

West Otago stock agent AJ Aitken is back with his weekly rural catch-up. We talk lambing season in paradise, the final outing for Southland B this weekend, and the eye-watering $50,000 yearling bull sale that's got people talking.

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Grace Clinton and Max Buchanan from Māruawai Junior Campus join us to talk about their upcoming Market Day, where students will showcase and sell products they've been working on throughout the term. From handmade soaps and lip balms to artwork, harakeke creations and planting kits, we find out what's been involved in bringing their ideas to life, what they've learned about running a business, and what visitors can expect when the community comes along to support these young entrepreneurs.

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The Dunedin Craft Beer & Food Festival is back for 2026 and festival director Jason Schroeder joins us for a preview of what's shaping up to be one of the South's biggest weekends. We chat about the festival's growth since its beginnings in 2013, the new two-day format, the impressive music lineup, and why the event has become a must-do on the southern calendar. Plus, what first-time attendees can expect, the most popular ticket options, and why it's still one of the best opportunities to discover craft breweries from around New Zealand.

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Q and Cameron are in for The Locker Room Lads this week. We yarn about the stubborn spring weather from a farming perspective, how it's affecting people around the district, and a few ideas for staying positive when the rain just keeps coming. We also chat about the car that caught fire in Dunedin yesterday, which sparks a few stories of their own before the conversation turns to an important reminder around farm machinery, bird nets and staying safe on-farm during a busy time of year. 

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South Otago dairy farmer Mat Korteweg is back for his weekly catch-up from the farm gate. This week we chat about calving as the finish line comes into view, debrief the weekend's sporting action, and hear what Mat took away from a recent kids and social media workshop featuring Rob Cope.

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Liv Weatherburn returns with another practical life hack that's equal parts clever and country. This week she's sharing a handy tip for lamb feeders that's sure to be appreciated by anyone raising a pet lamb or helping out during the busy spring season.

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The Te Anau Ukulele Festival is back from October 1 to 4, bringing four days of music, workshops, concerts and community to Fiordland. Founder Jackie Knowles joins us to chat about how a love of the ukulele grew into a major event, why people keep coming back year after year, and what first-timers can expect, from café strums and open mics to the famous Heli-Strum high above Te Anau.

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Sisters Baileigh and Charlie join us in the Little Locker Room. Charlie shares what she might like to do when she grows up, then Baileigh steps into the political arena, launching the Alpha Party ahead of the upcoming election. From free giveaways to quirky new laws, she reveals the policies she'd introduce if she were Prime Minister and makes her pitch for New Zealand's vote.

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Māruawai College Senior Boys Basketball captain Riley Wilson, vice-captain Brodie Johnson and Hosea Pasco join us after an outstanding run to the South Island A Premiership final. We look back on a memorable tournament campaign, discuss the road to Nationals, hear about upcoming fundraising efforts, and find out how the team is preparing for its next big challenge.

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AJ Aitken joins us for his regular weekly catch-up from West Otago, covering everything from chilly spring farming conditions and activity in the sale yards to the latest on the local rugby scene as finals approach. We also chat community life beyond the farm gate, including a trip to his children's school production  "Sir David Hat & Scarf". 

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