WTS Waikato

February is Bike Month in Kirikiriroa Hamilton – so for this episode of WTF Waikato, producer Gary Farrow spoke to cycling advocates, Richard Porter of Bike Waikato, and Sasha Coburn of Coffee Culture. And it turns out, cycling is a lot more normal than many would think – it’s the system that puts up barriers.

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

Pekapeka, or long-tailed bats, are native to Aotearoa, and an essential part of the Waikato region’s ecosystems. On the 23rd of January, WTF producer Gary Farrow attended the educational Bat Fun Day at Hamilton Gardens, and met Harvey, a strong advocate for the bats who he instantly thought would be great to talk to for WTF.

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

There is a Book Fairy in Kirikiriroa Hamilton. She discretely hides books around the city, for people to find and read, before leaving it somewhere public for the next person. The fairy’s identity is largely unknown – but WTF producer Gary Farrow had a special chat with her, down at a Book Fairy picnic in Garden Place, and also spoke to prominent supporter and philanthropist Nancy Caiger.

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

A range of delicious concoctions are being brewed in Kirikiriroa Hamilton. Made up of native plants, harvested with the help of a team of trained Rongoā practioners, Waikirikau Fermented Tī is now available to the community through a humble pop-up taproom in Frankton. Amy Tihema-Madden is the creative mind behind Waikirikau. WTF producer Gary Farrow went down to the pop-up taproom, at 206 Commerce St in Frankton Village, to hear her story and, of course, try some of the drinks.

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

Creative Waikato has big plans and hopes for the wider arts scene. WTF producer Gary Farrow hears from chief executive Jeremy Mayall about what the not-for-profit is doing in 2021.

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

Jade Petaera-Nikora, residing in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, is starting a new personal blog and service called Azure Healing NZ. WTF producer Gary Farrow hangs out with Jade to learn more about her theta healing methods – and to experience some of them himself.

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

DEKA was an iconic Kiwi brand – some would even say, it still is. It ceased operation in 2001, but still standing in Huntly is the last remaining DEKA Sign, and for this episode, WTF Waikato producer Gary Farrow went to Huntly to speak with two men who have allowed the sacred DEKA Sign to live on.

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

How can a cow live its life to the fullest? A beef farm worker at Hautapu introduces us to his unique relationship with his bovine herds.

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

The blue-wattled, silver-sheened North Island kōkako lives on the slopes of Mt Pirongia, after being reintroduced five years ago by Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society. Volunteer Brian Bowell takes WTF Waikato producer Gary Farrow on a trip to try glimpse the elusive bird.

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

Sex is a contentious topic – but does it really have to be? In the Waikato and the rest of the world, it’s an ongoing conversation. While sex is an integral part of the human experience, a lot of aspects of it are still taboo – even some relatively basic ones that are relevant to a lot of people, let alone sexual aspects that are more niche. WTF Waikato producer Gary Farrow speaks to Louise Bourchier, a sex educator from Kirikiriroa Hamilton.

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