Jack McFarlane from Steve Mowat Building and Construction has been crowned the 2026 Master Builders CARTERS Southern Apprentice of the Year.

The 19-year-old impressed the judges with his technical knowledge, practical skills and the level of responsibility he's already taking on across his projects, from hanging doors to concrete and steelwork.

Jack joined us to talk about his journey into the building industry, what it was like competing against some of the South Island's top apprentices, and the support he's received from the team at Steve Mowat Building and Construction.

He also takes us behind the scenes of the competition, including the two-hour practical challenge, and shares what's next as he prepares to head to Auckland in October to compete against the country's other regional winners at the national final.

We also find out what's ahead once his apprenticeship wraps up and where he'd like his building career to take him.

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This morning’s news takes a few unexpected turns.

A paddleboarder in Florida survives a terrifying alligator attack that costs her an arm, Queenstown police investigate a crime spree involving 11 vehicles, and Brad Pitt opens up about why he started drinking again after seven years of sobriety.

We break down three of the stories making headlines today, from the frightening and serious to the surprising world of celebrity news.

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Wānaka is proving to be one of New Zealand’s solar hotspots, with around 17% of households now using some form of solar generation, compared with a national average of just 4%.

Jack catches up with Liam Gray from Aotea Electric Wānaka to find out why solar is booming locally and what’s driving more homeowners to make the switch.

They chat about Wānaka’s ideal conditions for solar, rising energy costs and the so-called “neighbourhood effect”, where seeing solar working successfully on one home encourages others nearby to investigate it too.

Liam also explains that solar isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different homes, roof types and orientations all require different approaches, which is where having local knowledge and getting the right advice becomes important.

For anyone who has looked at their power bill and wondered whether solar could stack up for their home, Liam breaks down what to consider, where to start and the options available through Aotea Electric Wānaka.

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Headlines:

• NZ Herald: A relationship dilemma is getting attention after a woman says her partner told ChatGPT he wasn’t proposing because of her weight gain.

• The Central App: A new mental health service has been announced for Cromwell, aimed at improving access to support in the area.

• Mirror: A pub has been forced to close its children’s area after complaints that some parents were letting their kids run riot.

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Sometimes it’s the simple ideas that highlight just how big a gap there was in the first place.

In this episode, Jack catches up with Leigh Hunt, the Cromwell local behind Gentle Journeys, a transport service designed to offer a little more support than simply getting someone from A to B.

The idea was inspired by Leigh’s own experience seeing the challenges her parents faced as they got older. Gentle Journeys now helps people with everything from medical and hospital appointments to shopping and everyday trips, with Leigh able to come to the door, help clients into the vehicle and make sure they get safely where they need to go.

For older people and those who may no longer drive, that extra support can make a huge difference to staying independent and connected.

Leigh shares how Gentle Journeys got started, the response from the Cromwell community and why sometimes the most important part of a journey is everything that happens between the front door and the destination.

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Headlines

NZ Herald: Forgetfulness, stress, or something more serious? A look at how to tell the difference between normal ageing, everyday stress, and possible signs of dementia.

Wānaka App: A Beacon Point community group is pushing for a year-round camping ban, following ongoing concerns about the impact of freedom campers in the area.

The Press: Robbie Williams has officially sold out all 28,000 tickets for his Christchurch show at the new One NZ Stadium.

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The Wānaka Bowling Club is celebrating an incredible milestone, 100 years at the heart of the Upper Clutha community.

On this episode of the Radio Wānaka Breakfast Show Podcast, Jack is joined by Club President Simon Nyhof and Club Captain Ian Hall to look back on a century of bowls, friendship, and community spirit.

From its beginnings in 1926 with just 24 members, the club has grown into one of Otago's largest bowling clubs, welcoming nearly 200 members of all ages and abilities. Simon and Ian share stories from the club's history, explain how the game has evolved, and discuss why bowls is attracting a new generation of players.

They also chat about the club's year-round facilities, the welcoming social atmosphere, the success of its competitive teams, and what visitors can expect during the special centenary celebrations this Labour Weekend.

Whether you're a lifelong bowler, curious about giving the sport a go, or simply enjoy hearing local stories, this is a fascinating conversation celebrating one of Wānaka's longest-standing community organisations and the people who have helped shape its legacy over the past 100 years.

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This week on Radio Wānaka, we catch up with Laura from the Upper Clutha Messenger for a look at what's happening around the community.

We chat about opportunities for local charities and community groups to share their stories, special advertising offers for new businesses, and why local organisations should make the most of the Messenger's community news pages.

Laura also highlights some of the latest local stories, including the opening of a new business in Wānaka, and shares how businesses and community groups can get involved.

If you want to stay connected with what's happening in Wānaka and the Upper Clutha, this is the perfect catch-up.

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What are the latest heli-ski conditions in the Southern Alps? We catch up with Damien from Harris Mountains Heli-Ski for the latest snow report and a look at how the 2026 season is shaping up.

After an excellent end to July, fresh snow is on the way, with a promising storm expected to refresh the mountains and create fantastic conditions for the week ahead. Damien explains what the latest weather means for the terrain, where the best skiing is, and why now is a great time to head into the backcountry.

We also chat about the wide range of terrain on offer, from gentle runs for first-time heli-skiers to steep, challenging descents for experienced skiers and snowboarders. If you've ever wondered what a heli-ski adventure is really like, Damien shares what makes the experience so memorable.

Whether you're planning your first heli-ski trip or you're chasing your next powder day, this episode has everything you need to know about the latest conditions and what to expect this winter.

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In this episode of the Radio Wānaka Breakfast Podcast, Jack catches up with Rebecca Kennedy from the Wānaka Library to find out what's happening behind the shelves.

From preschool story time and Lego Club to reading with therapy dogs, book clubs, digital support sessions and author events, the library is much more than a place to borrow books. Rebecca shares how the library is bringing people together, helping people learn new skills, and creating opportunities for all ages to connect.

Whether you're a regular visitor or haven't been in for a while, this chat might inspire your next trip to the library. Tune in to hear about the latest programmes, upcoming events, and why the library continues to be one of Wānaka's most valuable community spaces.

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