The Deep Dive Division was established in 2018 by Tua and Courtney Karalus. Based in Hamilton, its mission is to go beneath the surface and let us realise what we can all do to help nurture the health of our precious Waikato River. Tua takes us a bit deeper in this episode of WTS.

Telling the hyperlocal, controversial and quirky stories of the Waikato region under the new normal.

The Waikato Hauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust is part of a nationwide charitable organisation set up to work with farmers during times of increased mental or professional stress. The Hamilton rep for the Rural Support Trust, Neil Bateup, speaks to us on WTS.

Telling the hyperlocal, controversial and quirky stories of the Waikato region under the new normal.

When director Costa Botes heard the story of Andrew Johnstone, the Cambridge herdsman who's been on WTS several times now, he was intrigued at his friendship with his cows. Costa set out to make a film about it, but it morphed into an intimate look into Andrew’s life – and what returning to the family farm after many years means to him. Andrew joins us back on WTS to discuss the film.

Telling the hyperlocal, controversial and quirky stories of the Waikato region under the new normal.

Waitakaruru Arboretum and Sculpture Park is situated near Tauwhare Village, about 20 minutes out of Hamilton. Flora from around the world is accompanied by stunning art installations, providing a multisensory feast. It’s a hidden gem of the Waikato. The owners invited me out there to get a taste of the experience. You can visit the arboretum too with a prior booking via sculpturepark.co.nz.

Telling the hyperlocal, controversial and quirky stories of the Waikato region under the new normal.

Sneaky Feelings are a pop rock band which formed in Dunedin in 1981 and have been with Flying Nun Records since then. Founding member Matthew Bannister, who now lives in Hamilton, has been involved with innumerable other projects - including his latest, an album of songs adorned with the poetry of Emily Dickinson. It's called The Saddest Noise. Matthew speaks to WTS and shares a few songs.

Telling the hyperlocal, controversial and quirky stories of the Waikato region under the new normal.

Matt Kambic’s play The Sherpa & the Beekeeper: Summit on Everest, premiered at the Meteor Theatre in Hamilton. And Matt has plenty of other creative endeavours too. WTS met up with him for a fascinating discussion, extending from the tallest mountain in the world, to the Hadron Collider, and beyond.

Telling the hyperlocal, controversial and quirky stories of the Waikato region under the new normal.

The Cambridge Town Hall has served thousands of people in its life so far. But now, it needs help. It is no longer fit for purpose and it also requires major earthquake strengthening work. Kirsty Johnson chairs the Cambridge Town Hall Community Trust. WTS went and spoke with her inside the historic building.

Telling the hyperlocal, controversial and quirky stories of the Waikato region under the new normal.

Farmer Andrew Johnstone and music teacher Zed Brookes have been recording music in the Waikato since the days of analog – and now they’ve released an album in the digital age, by the same ethos of love for home baked music. Going by the name Brookes and Johnstone, WTS spoke to the act about their history together, and the album When Summer Falls, Break Down the Walls.

Telling the hyperlocal, controversial and quirky stories of the Waikato region under the new normal.

Saving animals and educating the public – those are the missions of Franklin Farm Sanctuary, located in north Waikato. The poultry and dairy industries in Aotearoa kill millions of animals every year. Some people think this is a practical necessity. And that’s the view which Sally Hart set out to dispel when she launched the Franklin Farm Sanctuary. WTS paid her a visit to learn more.

Telling the hyperlocal, controversial and quirky stories of the Waikato region under the new normal.

What's being built over the Waikato River is more than a road bridge. WTS spoke with Andrew Parsons, executive director of strategic infrastructure at Hamilton City Council, to gain more insight.

Telling the hyperlocal, controversial and quirky stories of the Waikato region under the new normal.