This weekend, New Zealand is making its mark at the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland, with Jay Reeve and Abbey MacDonald representing Aotearoa on the world stage.

We catch up with Richie Laming, General Manager of Lake Hāwea Station, which hosted the Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championships earlier this year, to talk about how two Kiwi stone skimmers ended up heading all the way to Scotland.

Richie takes us behind the scenes of the sport, from Abbey’s huge performance at the New Zealand championships to the controversy, competitive tactics and surprisingly serious world of elite stone skimming.

Plus, we find out how Jay and Abbey have prepared for the Worlds, what they’ll be throwing, and why there’s plenty of excitement about what the Kiwi pair could achieve.

And if you fancy having a crack yourself, the Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championships are set to return to Lake Hāwea Station in 2027.

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Local singer-songwriter Anna McKean joins Jack ahead of A Night of Dolly at Verve Wānaka.

Anna shares what’s planned for the Dolly Parton-inspired night, from live covers and Dolly favourites to karaoke, plus the special cause behind it all.

For every drink sold, $1 will go to Duffy Books in Homes, helping get books into the hands of Kiwi kids. It’s a cause close to Anna’s heart, having benefited from the programme herself while growing up.

Anna and Jack chat about the difference access to books can make, Dolly Parton’s own incredible work promoting childhood literacy, and why Dolly’s music and message continue to connect with generations.

A Night of Dolly is happening tomorrow night at Verve Wānaka, with live music, Dolly classics, karaoke and a chance to support a brilliant cause while you’re the

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This morning on Breakfast with Jack, we’re catching up on the stories making headlines around Wānaka and the wider region.

New Zealand has pulled off a big win in the Trans-Tasman Test Series, Wānaka’s Stars in Your Eyes is celebrating 35 years, and breast screening has returned to Wānaka after a decade away.

Plus, we hear from Willow Ridge Developments about positioning local businesses for the future.

It’s your quick catch-up on what’s happening around Wānaka, from community news and local milestones to sport and business.

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How much is too much for a cup of coffee?

With a Christchurch café preparing to serve a coffee for nearly $100 a cup, Jack wanted to find out what could possibly make a coffee worth that much.

Joining him is Wānaka coffee expert Bonnie Lamb, owner of Coffee Dojo, Coffee Shack and the new Beebon Coffee Trailer. Bonnie is also a champion barista and a member of the Specialty Coffee Association of New Zealand board.

They dive into the world of specialty coffee and unpack what actually goes into the price of a premium cup, from the quality and rarity of the beans to the skill of the producer, sustainability and the work that happens long before the coffee reaches your mug.

Bonnie also explains what separates an everyday coffee from something truly exceptional, and why, for some coffee lovers, paying a premium is about much more than getting a caffeine hit.

So, could a cup of coffee ever really be worth $100?

Have a listen and decide for yourself.

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Delicious Indian-inspired dishes are within reach, even on a tight budget. This episode of the podcast is all about cooking up a storm without breaking the bank. Join the host and their guest, Del, as they explore the world of Indian cuisine and share tips on how to create mouth-watering meals using common spices and ingredients you likely have in your pantry.

Del, a private chef and regular contributor to the local Wanaka Sun, shares her expertise on how to make Indian-inspired dishes without feeling overwhelmed by the thought of using exotic spices. She emphasizes the importance of using what you already have at home, like cinnamon powder, ginger, and coriander, to create a depth of flavor that's hard to beat. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can whip up a delicious Indian-inspired meal that's both nutritious and budget-friendly.

Del's approach to cooking is all about working with what you have and playing around with flavors to create something truly unique. She encourages listeners to think outside the box and not be afraid to try new combinations of spices and ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, Del's tips and tricks will inspire you to get cooking and explore the world of Indian cuisine.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about Del's approach to cooking and how you can create delicious Indian-inspired meals on a budget. With her guidance, you'll be cooking like a pro in no time.

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coming up at the Blossom Festival in Alexandra.

There’s also a major jobs story, with Woolworths considering shifting more than 100 New Zealand-based roles across the Tasman to Australia.

And with Father’s Day just around the corner, the New Zealand Herald has put together a list of gift ideas they reckon dads will actually want.

Catch up on the local stories, national headlines and everything worth knowing from around the country.

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In Dunedin, a liquor ban could be introduced around the stadium and Logan Park, with the proposal aimed at cracking down on drinking before major events.

Would you pay $100 for a single cup of coffee? The Press looks at New Zealand’s most expensive coffee and what makes one cup worth that much.

And closer to home, the Wānaka App has details on a new local series designed to help people better understand AI, how it works, and what it could mean for everyday life.

Three very different stories, from AI to alcohol bans and a seriously expensive caffeine hit. Catch up on the full discussion from Breakfast with Jack on Radio Wānaka.

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Who should pay when Wānaka’s growth creates the need for better infrastructure?

Deputy Mayor Quentin Smith joins Jack to discuss the debate over sealing the remaining gravel section of Outlet Road, where increased traffic and ongoing dust have become a concern for nearby residents.

Smith argues that developers benefiting from Wānaka’s continued growth should contribute to the infrastructure needed around their developments, summed up by the principle: “growth should pay for growth.”

But with Outlet Road being a public road, and no original consent condition requiring the developer to seal this section, the question isn’t quite that simple.

The conversation also looks beyond Outlet Road to the bigger challenge facing Wānaka: as the town continues to grow, who should pay for the roads, community facilities and other infrastructure needed to keep up?

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This morning on Radio Wānaka, Jack takes a look at some of the stories making headlines locally and around New Zealand.

The New Zealand Herald explores what really happens when screens are taken away from children, with experts weighing in on screen time and how much might be too much.

Meanwhile, winter is making itself known again, with a cold front hitting the Lower South, bringing strong winds, hail and snow and causing a few disruptions along the way.

Jack also points listeners towards The Front Page podcast for a deeper dive into some of the biggest stories making news around the country.

Catch up on the headlines, local updates and stories worth talking about from Breakfast with Jack on Radio Wānaka

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This week on What’s Hot, What’s Not, What’s Worth a Shot, we’re covering blockbuster movies, miserable weather and a game that could get dangerously competitive.

What’s Hot: A trip to the cinema to check out The Odyssey, with plenty of chat about the action, huge visuals and the full IMAX experience.

What’s Not: Rain. More specifically, commuting in it and the way a wet, grey day can completely change your mood.

What’s Worth a Shot: Psych! A party game where you and your mates answer questions, try to fool each other and work out who said what.

Movies, rain and questionable answers from your friends. It’s all in this week’s What’s Hot, What’s Not, What’s Worth a Shot.

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