WTS Waikato

Live Action Role Playing, or LARPing for short, is an unashamedly nerdy hobby practised throughout the world. There is a LARPing community in the Waikato, and one member, James Win, kindly agreed to give us an insight on what LARPers do, and why they do it.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

The Wai Taiko Drummers are based at the University of Waikato in Kirikiriroa Hamilton. WTF producer Gary Farrow went along to their rehearsal to hear what they're all about.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

The Hamilton Slot Car Club meets every second Friday. WTF producer Gary Farrow went along, and ended up getting right into the social sport.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

Sex educator Louise Bourchier returns to WTF Waikato - this time to speak about female pleasure and the mysterious clitoris. Last year, she featured on WTF Waikato to talk about sex, and how it needs to be discussed more as an integral part of the human experience. You can listen back to that episode from December 2020 wherever you get your podcasts.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

Off the coast of Whāingaroa Raglan swim the elusive Maui dolphins. They’re the rarest species of dolphin in the entire world – and we alone have the chance to save them from extinction. WTF producer Gary Farrow visited Jasmine Hunter at the Whāingaroa Environment Centre to hear the dolphins’ story.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

The Waikato Aquarium Society is made up of people who have a passion for keeping various species of fish, aquatic plants, and other animals. Twice a year they have a Tank Crawl, where the club gets together and carpools around each other’s houses to check out their range of aquatic setups. WTF producer Gary Farrow stowed away with them.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

The Laughter Club gathers every Tuesday morning at the Western Community Centre in the suburb of Nawton, in Kirikiriroa Hamilton. Instructor Sanjay Joshi leads a session of laughter yoga, which makes use of voluntary laughter for its psychological and physiological benefits. WTF producer Gary Farrow went along to check it out – and to take part as well.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

Clans, kilts, pipe bands and steampunks were all a part of the Paeroa Highland Games & Tattoo on Saturday the 13th of February. WTF producer Gary Farrow went along to catch some of the sights, sounds and stories of Scottish culture and history.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

If you noticed any roaring engines or sonic booms in the sky above the Waikato recently, it probably came from a rocket, built by hobbyists. The New Zealand Rocketry Association’s launch site is to the east of Huntly. WTF producer Gary Farrow went along on National Launch Day to check it out.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.

The Glen Afton Line is a piece of preserved railway out in the hills among the coal mines to the west of Huntly. The Bush Tramway Club are the passionate bunch of volunteers who keep the railway working, giving rides to the public and educating them about the area’s history. It’s more than just a case of big boy’s toys, though. WTF producer Gary Farrow went along for a chat with Teresa, Colin and Ian, who all work on the old railway.

Come be enlightened to the quirkier social phenomena of the Waikato.