Manawatū Conversations

In this episode of Manawatū Conversations, host Stuart Birks is joined by Marion Abiss and Jane Bolton to explore Marion’s long-standing involvement in floral art. Marion reflects on how her interest in gardening led to creative floral design, her experiences with the New Zealand Floral Art Society, and the development of her skills through competitions, exhibitions, and community work. The discussion highlights the artistic, social, and personal value of floral art, from local displays to national shows, and the way it encourages creativity, observation, and connection with nature.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air..

Marion Abbess (born in Feilding in 1940) reflects on growing up and going to school during the war years—walking to Lytton Street School, school milk, simple lunches, strict but respected discipline, and learning fundamentals like reading, spelling, handwriting and times tables. Marion also shares memories of backyard gardens, saving habits, after-school life without TV, and how teaching and childhood have changed over time. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

the discussion on prostate cancer support concludes with Dr. Lukas Dreyer, focusing on the PROSFIT programme and the practical “how-to” of pelvic floor rehabilitation. Lukas explains key pelvic floor muscles, why surgery/radiation can disrupt coordination, and demonstrates exercise approaches for urinary control, erectile function, bowel control, and overall recovery—alongside the value of group support and long-term, free access to the class. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

Lukas Dreyer on prostate cancer and the nationwide PROSFIT exercise programme. Lucas outlines the physical, psychological, and social impacts of prostate cancer treatments, including surgery and hormone therapy, and explains how targeted exercise can improve recovery, reduce side effects, and restore quality of life. The conversation focuses on pelvic floor rehabilitation, strength and cardiovascular training, and the importance of group support for men navigating treatment and its long‑term effects.

Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

LuKas Dreyer, clinical exercise physiologist at Orokinetics, focusing on the role of exercise as a vital part of cancer treatment and recovery. Lucas explains how carefully prescribed, professionally supervised exercise can improve treatment tolerance, reduce fatigue, support mental health, speed recovery, and lower long‑term mortality risk. Covering pre‑treatment conditioning, exercise during chemotherapy or radiation, and post‑treatment rehabilitation, the conversation highlights why exercise is now considered an essential, evidence‑based tool in comprehensive cancer care.

Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

Lukas Dreyer discusses knee pain from the perspective of a clinical exercise physiologist, asking whether knee replacements can often be avoided. The conversation explores why X‑ray findings don’t always match pain levels, how biomechanics and muscle weakness—often starting at the hip—contribute to knee problems, and how targeted, long‑term exercise can significantly reduce pain and delay or even prevent surgery. Drawing on research such as the ESCAPE trial, the episode highlights the importance of personalised rehabilitation, consistency, weight management, and understanding how the body heals over time.

Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

In this episode of Manawatū Conversations, Lukas Dreyer looks back to the beginnings of his work in clinical exercise physiology, tracing its development from South Africa in the 1980s through to its impact today. In conversation with Diane McConnell, he reflects on early research with cardiac patients, executive health programmes, military rehabilitation, and workplace fitness initiatives, highlighting how exercise can transform physical health, mental wellbeing, productivity, and family life. The discussion offers insight into how this field evolved into a recognised profession and why it remains vital for preventative health and long‑term care.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

Lukas Dreyer outlines how Clinical Exercise Physiologists use supervised, individualised exercise as medical treatment for people with chronic illness or injury. He discusses the profession’s development in New Zealand, the growing need for these services, and the goal of maintaining independence and quality of life.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

In this final part of the conversation, Morrie discusses the broad scope of Environment Network Manawatū’s work, from food sovereignty to circular economy projects. He explains how repair cafés, stream clean‑up kits, food‑waste reduction initiatives, and biodiversity efforts all support both environmental action and community wellbeing across the region.

Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.

"Morrie" discusses organising networking hui for local food and environmental groups, highlighting practical sessions on seed saving, community gardens, and food skills. He explains how Environment Network Manawatū manages grants for both individuals and organisations, and reflects on his path into environmental work, emphasising food sovereignty and long‑term community resilience.

Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.