Guy Beemish catches up with Rocky Hawkins ahead of the upcoming Hawke’s Bay & North Island Sheep Dog Trials Championships, taking place from Monday 25 May through to Friday 29 May at Brownrigg’s property on Te Aute Trust Road.

The championships will bring together 310 competitors, 410 dogs and around 4,000 sheep for a huge week of competition, stock work and rural community spirit.

Rocky shares what goes into organising an event of this scale, the importance of the volunteers working behind the scenes, and why the championships remain such a major event on the rural calendar.

Spectators are welcome throughout the week.

Guy Beemish speaking with Allan Beer from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council about rabbit control in Hawke's Bay. Tune in for practical advice and expert guidance on tailoring rabbit control to suit your property, stock and farming operation.

The discussion covers:

• Why rabbits remain a major pest issue across Hawke’s Bay

• Areas most affected, including riverbeds, coastal zones and pumice country

• Why baiting isn’t always the best solution

• How neighbouring properties can work together for better long-term control

• How to organise a FREE no-obligation consultation with HBRC’s designated rabbit control contractor

Originally broadcast on Central FM NZ - Cockies Hour, 19 May 2026

Ahead of the Q&A screening of the New Zealand documentary No Tears on the Field at the Civic Theatre, Waipukurau on 14 March at 6:30pm, John Swinburn chats with Kate Thomson on the Centralines Sports Show.

Join Coach as he sits down with one of Aotearoa’s most iconic outdoorsmen — Matt Watson, the Ultimate Fishing Legend. From jumping out of helicopters onto marlin, to turning Kiwi ingenuity into a global TV success, Matt shares the wild stories, close calls, and deep respect he holds for the ocean and life off the grid.

This isn’t just about fishing — it’s about passion, persistence, and living life on your own terms.

Whether you're a keen angler or just love a good yarn, you won’t want to miss this one.

Welcome to Cockies Hour, where we dive into the topics that shape our world, from the paddock to politics. Today, I’m your host, Steve Wyn-Harris, and I’m thrilled to welcome New Zealand former National Party leader and US political expert Todd Muller to the show.

With Donald Trump taking the oath of office as the 45th President of the United States, we’re exploring the seismic shifts in American politics and what they mean for the world. Todd brings a unique perspective as former politician and a keen observer of global affairs.

We’ll discuss the atmosphere on Inauguration Day, the challenges ahead for the Trump administration, and how New Zealand might navigate its relationship with a deeply divided America. Whether you’re intrigued, concerned, or just curious, this episode is not to be missed.

So grab a cuppa, tune in, and join us for an insightful conversation about one of the most talked-about days in modern politics. Let’s get started!

Steve Wyn Harris interview Mike Peterson about the

Donald interviews Will Foley - HBRC Councillor about the current Hawke's Bay Regional Council Revenue & Financing Policy 2023 - on the principles of how rates are set and who should pay for the services provided.

Steve Wyn Harris interviews Professor James Scott, exploring Steve's latest passion – capturing meteors, shooting stars, and fireballs in the night sky!

In this episode, Steve chats with Matt Holden, a Central Hawke's Bay farmer who has encountered a remarkable phenomenon on his farm. Join us as we explore the unexpected giant crack that has emerged after the region's recent wet weather, leaving Matt and the community astonished.

Listen to Coach's interview with Craig Bulloch - Captain of the Movember XI - they are playing a 5 day "test" against the Seddon Cricket Club as a fundraiser for Movember - local cricket icon Colin Schaw has been selected to play in the Movember XI - the game starts this Wednesday.

Donate to the cause at https://nz.movember.com/donate/details?teamId=2421230 

Your donation funds medical research, groundbreaking tests and trials, life-changing men’s health programs, and innovative treatments. You’re doing a whole lot of good for a whole lot of men – thank you.