The jazz hands are out and the spotlight’s on at the Lake Wānaka Centre as Mount Aspiring College gears up for Chicago: Teen Edition.

In this episode, we catch up with the cast to get the lowdown on the show… from what the story’s all about, to what it’s really like behind the scenes in the final week of rehearsals.

What’s the vibe like inside the theatre right now?
Are the nerves kicking in… or is it all excitement?
And what’s actually harder… the singing, the dancing, or remembering every line?

Plus, we shine a light on the unsung heroes working behind the scenes, and get the cast’s best pitch on why this is one show you don’t want to miss.

If you’ve been thinking about grabbing a ticket… this might just convince you.

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Alright… this one’s guaranteed to split the room.

We’re talking parking in Wānaka… and some pretty big changes that could be on the way.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council is looking at introducing paid parking across the town centre… along with tighter time limits. The goal? Fix one of the biggest daily frustrations for locals and visitors alike… actually finding a park.

Under the early proposal, the CBD could sit around $2 an hour… with different zones across town. Spots like Pembroke Park could be a bit cheaper, while lakefront parking may sit at a similar rate. Add in stricter time limits, and the whole system is designed to keep cars moving… not parked up all day.

Because right now… that’s the issue.

Long-stay parking and workers taking up prime spots… leaving customers circling the block.

But here’s where it gets interesting…

For some locals, especially those working in town, this is a big shift away from free parking. For businesses though… it could mean more turnover, more foot traffic, and more chances for customers to actually stop and shop.

There’s also talk of an app-based system… so you only pay for what you use… and can top up your time straight from your phone.

The key thing to know… nothing’s locked in yet.

This is heading to council in July… with public consultation likely after that. And even if it gets the green light… you’re probably not seeing it roll out until around 2027.

So yeah…

Paid parking in Wānaka… it’s not here yet… but it’s definitely getting closer.

And the big question is… would it fix the problem… or just create a whole new one?

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In this episode, we catch up with local singer-songwriter Jordan Berry, who’s quickly building a name in the music scene. He takes us through his journey, from picking up a guitar at just eleven, to recording his first album and playing legendary spots like the Cavern club in Liverpool. We chat about his latest single “Elegant Affair”, what’s behind the track, and what to expect from his upcoming gig at the Hawea Hotel. From original tunes to classic rock covers, Jordan’s bringing a set that’s well worth checking out.

 

Find more: www.jordanberrymusic.com

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In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jackie Copeland, Managing Radiologist for Otago and Southland, to talk about a major step forward in local healthcare.

A brand new PET CT scanner is opening in Dunedin, bringing advanced cancer imaging much closer to home for people across the region.

We get into what this means for patients… from less travel and shorter wait times, to faster diagnoses and quicker treatment decisions.

Plus, the bigger picture… how this tech will support the local health system and improve care right across Otago and Southland.

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Fuel prices aren’t just a pain at the pump… they’re starting to impact how rural communities function day to day.

In this episode, we head out to Makarora in the Upper Clutha, where a tiny school of just 13 students is feeling the pressure.

A new government fuel relief package is offering some help, including grants for small schools, better mileage rates for relief teachers, and extra support for families getting kids to class.

But here’s the reality…

For places like Makarora, fuel isn’t just about getting from A to B.

It affects staffing, freight, and whether essential services can even keep going.

With teachers commuting long distances and no public transport options, the cost of fuel is becoming a real barrier to keeping schools open.

We break down what the support means, why it matters, and the bigger picture for rural communities across the region.

Because out here… fuel isn’t a luxury.

It’s a lifeline.

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This one starts with a bike… but it quickly becomes something much bigger.

Mikey Phelan is back on the road, reopening his Cycle for Owen fundraiser… and this time, he’s committing to taking it all the way around the world.

After already cycling from Ireland to Athens and raising over €22,000 for St John’s Special School in Dungarvan… Mikey’s now 17,000km into the journey, currently in Sydney… with his sights set on New Zealand next.

But this isn’t just about distance.

It’s about his brother Owen.

The money raised so far is already making a real impact… helping fund a new sensory garden and weather station at the school Owen attended.

Now, with more people wanting to support the cause, Mikey’s reopening donations… with a focus on improving therapeutic, creative, and sensory resources for students.

We’re talking outdoor learning gear, soft play equipment, interactive therapy tools… even funding for a creative arts teacher.

In this episode, Mikey opens up about the journey so far… the moments that have pushed him, the ones that have lifted him… and how cycling has become a way to carry Owen with him, every step of the way.

What started as “we’ll see where the road goes”… has turned into a full 29,000km mission to circle the globe… following official world record guidelines, and driven by something deeply personal.

It’s raw, it’s inspiring… and it’s a reminder of what people will do for the ones they love.

If you want to support Mikey and help grow something meaningful in Owen’s name… now’s the time.

 

 

Donate link - Please Support Cycle for Owen's Fundraising Page on iDonate

Follow the ride - Instagram

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What’s Hot
Jordaine’s all in for Anzac Day this year… heading along to the 7am dawn service by the lake to pay his respects.
It’s one of those moments that really hits home… and you can feel the whole community come together.

What’s Not
Jay's got a bone to pick… and yep, it’s the cold.
Jack Frost has rolled through town and she’s not loving it… icy starts, frozen windscreens… proper Wānaka winter vibes creeping in early.

What’s Worth a Shot
There’s a new spot turning heads in Three Parks… the True North Movement studio.
Jordaine jumped into a Pilates class and reckons it’s the real deal… fresh space, great energy, and well worth checking out if you’re keen to mix up your routine.

That’s the latest…
Catch Jordaine Wilson on Radio Wānaka, Saturday Breakfast from 6 till 12, playing Wānaka’s best music mix.

 

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This Saturday, Cromwell’s Anzac Day service is set to carry a bit more meaning than usual.

It’s being held in the brand new War Memorial Gardens on Malmore Terrace… with a restored statue now standing proudly at the centre.

RSA Cromwell President Denise Ryan says the space is a proper tribute to those who’ve served.

There’ll be a few special moments too… including a flyover… and a march starting from the Heritage Precinct.

If you’re heading through Cromwell that morning, just a heads up… Malmore Terrace will be closed for the service.

And for a lot of locals… this one’s going to feel like a real homecoming, with Anzac Day returning to a place it hasn’t been held in for a couple of years.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning on the Breakfast Show, Jack shines a light on a feel-good story with a real local impact. The food bank appeal is back in Wānaka, and right now, the need is growing.

Community Link says more local families are reaching out as the cost of living continues to bite.

The Family to Family programme has teamed up with New World Wanaka and New World Three Parks to make it easy to help.

Jack encourages listeners to grab a pre-packed bag or add a few extra items to their shop and donate on the way out. Even a small gesture can go a long way for a local family doing it tough.

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oday’s Daily Great is simple… but it hits:
“There is never regret in doing your best, which is all any of us can really do.”

Because here’s the thing…
Regret usually shows up when we know we held back.
When we didn’t give it a proper crack.

But when you genuinely give something your best…
Not perfect… not flawless… just your honest effort…
There’s a bit of peace that comes with that.

Even if it doesn’t go your way…
Even if it falls flat…
You can walk away knowing… you showed up.

And that’s all anyone can ask.

Your best will look different day to day too.
Some days you’re firing…
Other days you’re just getting through.

Both count.

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