Hosts: Simon Duffy & Chris Butler
Guests: Ruth Roebuck (General Manager) and Kerry Sunderland (Pukapuka Talks Programme Lead) – Nelson Arts Festival

In this episode, Simon and Chris sit down with Ruth Roebuck and Kerry Sunderland to discuss the creative energy and community spirit behind the Nelson Arts Festival. They share insights into how the festival continues to evolve, the stories and ideas driving the Pukapuka Talks programme, and what makes Nelson’s arts scene truly special.

Proudly supported by Uniquely Nelson.

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 Recorded at the Marist Clubrooms in Nelson
 Hosts: Les Edwards & Chris Butler
 Proudly supported by The Turf Hotel and NBS – Supporting Locals for Over 160 Years

Welcome back to the Mako Rugby Roundup. This week, Les and I are joined by Tasman Mako Head Coach, Gray Cornelius, as we wrap up the 2025 season.

Gray shares his reflections on the season, from the strong start to the lessons learned, game management insights, and player development heading into 2026. We also discuss the structure of club rugby, player pathways, and standout performances from the squad.

We finish the episode with a look at the NPC Final between Canterbury and Otago, and our own reflections on another great year of Mako Rugby.

That’s a wrap on the 2025 season of the Mako Rugby Roundup.
 A huge thank you to our sponsors, The Turf Hotel and NBS, for their ongoing support, to our guests throughout the year, and to everyone who listened, shared, and supported the show.

We’ll see you again next season on the Mako Rugby Roundup.

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Recorded at The Turf Hotel in Stoke, hosts Les Edwards and Chris Butler wrap up the NPC quarterfinal weekend and look back on the Tasman Mako’s 2025 campaign. The focus is on results, stats, and standout performances from the season — plus a look ahead to the NPC semifinals and international rugby scene.

The episode breaks down Tasman’s season in numbers, key milestones, and farewells for departing players including Quinten Strange, Levi Aumua, Sione Havili Talitui, and Fletcher Anderson. Les and Chris also discuss the newly announced All Blacks Grand Slam Tour squad and the All Blacks XV European Tour lineup.

Proudly supported by NBS – Supporting Locals for Over 160 Years, and recorded at The Turf Hotel, Stoke — home of the Mako Rugby Roundup.

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Recorded at The Turf Hotel, Stoke
Hosts: Les Edwards & Chris Butler
Guest: Kyren Taumoefolau - Tasman Mako - Chiefs - Tonga
Proudly supported by NBS

This week we’re joined by one of the youngest stars in the Tasman Mako squad — already making waves on the international stage with Tonga and lighting up the NPC with Tasman.

Kyren shares his journey from Marlborough Boys’ College Rugby through Tonga Sevens, Moana Pasifika, the Rugby World Cup with Tonga , and his time with the Tasman Mako — plus his exciting move to the Chiefs for 2026.

Also in this episode:

• NPC Round 10 results and Round 11 quarter-final fixtures
• Rugby Championship wrap-up
• Congratulations to the Tasman Referee Blazer recipients
• Les shares a few final thoughts as we wrap up the regular season

Huge thanks to NBS and The Turf Hotel for keeping the Mako spirit strong both on and off the field.

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NBS - Gina Dellabarca – Chief Executive and Howie Timms – General Manager, Commercial

Talk Nelson is very proud to be associated with our Naming Rights Sponsor – NBS, who have been supporting locals for over 160 years. We recently caught up with Gina Dellabarca – Chief Executive, and Howie Timms – General Manager, Commercial, to chat about NBS’ history, community investment, and finance offerings — especially timely now that spring is in the air. Tune in to hear their insights and what’s ahead. NBS is not a registered bank.

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Welcome back to the Mako Rugby Roundup, proudly recorded at the Turf Hotel.

This week, Les and Chris are joined by one of the brightest young stars in the Mako ranks — Cooper Roberts (#238). We cover his rugby roots in Blenheim, his debut in the Mako jersey, his New Zealand U20s experience, and his goals for the future. Cooper also takes on some quickfire questions about position preferences, speed on the field, and team culture.

Also in this episode:

• NPC Round 9 results and a look ahead to Round 10
• Rugby Championship updates and the All Blacks’ campaign
• Women’s Rugby World Cup final results
• Congratulations to Nelson Bays U16s, crowned South Island Champions, and to all our local age-grade teams

Special thanks to The Turf Hotel and NBS – proud sponsors of the Mako Rugby Roundup.

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In this episode we partner with Uniquely Nelson to chat with Toby O’Sullivan, Regional Manager, and Gerard Casey, Stakeholder Manager from Isaac Construction. Recorded at Noel Leeming Nelson, the discussion covers Isaac Construction’s work in the region and the upcoming Bridge to Better project that’s about to get underway.

Special thanks to Uniquely Nelson

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In this episode, Les and Chris are joined by Tasman Mako Team Manager Huw Beynon. They discuss his experience with the NZ U20s World Cup campaign, insights from this year’s NPC season, and the crossover between basketball and rugby management. Huw also shares his perspective on the challenges and highlights of the season so far,  BIG NEWS on his future, plus we get into a fun quickfire round.

We wrap up with the latest rugby updates, including NPC Round 8 results and Round 9 fixtures, the Rugby Championship, and the Rugby World Cup semi-finals and finals.

Special thanks to our sponsors: The Turf Hotel and NBS.

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This week we welcome a very special guest — Tone Ng Shiu, All Blacks Sevens representative and Tasman Mako flanker. Tone shares his journey from Napier to the world stage, with more than 200 appearances on the World Sevens Series, Olympic and Commonwealth medals, and the transition back into fifteens rugby. We also talk about his adventure with the Bengaluru Bravehearts and life as a dad of twins.

Les and Chris cover all the Bunnings NPC Round 7 results and Round 8 fixtures, updates from the Rugby Championship, and a preview of the Rugby World Cup 2025 Semi-finals.

Thanks to The Turf Hotel & NBS – proud sponsors of the Mako Rugby Roundup.

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Coming to you from The Turf Hotel, this week Chris is joined by co-hosts Skippy and Neil as we wrap up another big week of football across the Top of the South and beyond and the final show for 2025.

We cover Nelson Women’s League results and final standings, the 2025 Price Charity Shield, Gould & Tout Trophy, AR Hurst Trophy and Master’s Cup results, South Island Women’s Football and South Island League updates, a full wrap of the 2025 Soccer Ashes, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers for England, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland, plus Premier League Matchweek 4 fixtures and the managerial change at Nottingham Forest with Ange Postecoglou appointed head coach.

Big thanks to The Turf Hotel and NBS for supporting Football Focus throughout the 2025 season.

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