Whāingaroa Raglan is internationally regarded for its surf breaks, its sustainable culture, and its modest size – but there’s more to the town than that. Much more. WTF Waikato heard from Mike Rarere, general manager of the Raglan Community House, to have a look at the town and hear about Whāingaroa’s looming challenges.

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

Upcycling is coming back into fashion in the Waikato – and that’s definitely the case at Go Eco in Kirikiriroa Hamilton’s Frankton. People have been gathering fortnightly this year to attend classes on how to make new, practical items from excess materials. Spoons and other utensils, bags, wreaths, plates and bowls are all in the repertoire. WTF Waikato producer Gary Farrow, and popped into the class down in the bustling Frankton Village. He had a chat with the 74-year-old who was directing the class that day.

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

The ancient peat lakes of the Waikato are being threatened by farming activity. But some noble farmers, like Andrew Hayes, are teaming up with ecologists and the NZ Landcare Trust to give the lakes a chance at survival. WTF Waikato producer Gary Farrow spoke to a power trio who are making great gains for the lakes.

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

Flourish is a leadership development programme for ethnic women in the Waikato. It is not easy for migrants or refugees to find their voice in any country, and Aotearoa New Zealand is no different. Flourish is run by the Waikato Settlement Centre specifically to empower and enable ethnic women to do anything they want to do. WTF Waikato producer Gary Farrow attended Flourish’s graduation this November, and also had a chat with the class representatives, two participants in the programme themselves.

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

The Waikato Outdoor Society is a naturist club which has just paid off the mortgage on its land in Matangi after several decades. WTF Waikato producer Gary Farrow made it along for the celebrations and to learn more about the clothes-free lifestyle.

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

BOON Street Art has become an institution in Hamilton City. Numerous talented artists’ massive murals now emblazon walls throughout the CBD. Walls that were previously drab and dull, or outright unsightly, are now monoliths of culture in Kirikiriroa. And now they’re spreading to the Waikato University campus. WTF Waikato producer Gary Farrow walked into the uni to talk to some of the BOON team while they were on the job.

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

Hamilton Car Club has been around for more than a century, and currently has over 200 members. It’s very important to the community built around it. Producer Gary Farrow heads down to the Hamilton Car Club to find out what has made it tick for so long.

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

Saviour in a Cessna. The Mission Aviation Fellowship is an integral part of the infrastructure in 30 different countries, using small aircraft like the humble Cessna. The Mission visited Hamilton Airport to explain its operation and search for new recruits to the cause. Producer Gary Farrow went along to speak with them.

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Kava is a root vegetable crop of the Pacific Islands. It’s consumed throughout the cultures of Polynesia. Its social effects play a part in many traditional ceremonies. Producer Gary Farrow went along to one of those ceremonies to get an insight for you, and talk to an expert.

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