Interlock NZ is a supportive group in the Waipa-Waikato area, creating opportunities for connection through crafts, woodwork, cooking, and social activities. It goes by the mantra that it is where Life, Disability and Community connect. Aaron and Lois Ure are the founders of the organisation, and invited WTS over for a chat.

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

Timi Barabas from Hamilton, originally from Hungary, works as a volunteer advocate for peace and the environment. She's involved with Rise For Lives, Climate Live, Peacewalk for Yemen, and Forest & Bird Youth to name a few. Timi joins us on WTS at this poignant time, as Russia wages war on Ukraine.

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

Books For Less NZ is an online second bookstore based in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, with new titles popping up weekly, and the wholesome goals of reading more accessible, affordable and sustainable. The story of business owner Anne-Marie Simpson is inspiring, as she has myalgic encephalomyelitis - more commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome. She privileged us by coming on WTS.

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

The story of a humble domestic cat’s experience of Cyclone Dovi when it swept through the Waikato serves as a reminder of the powers that the forces of nature have over our furry friends.

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

Horse riding has always been a rewarding hobby. Not only are the places you can go, the moves you can pull off, and the competitions you can enter great, but you can also form a lasting relationship with one of these majestic animals. In this episode Emma James, a horse lover from the Waikato, tells us all about her equine pursuits.

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

Throughout the Waikato and the rest of New Zealand, lie buildings, sites, vehicles, and even whole villages, that are abandoned and in a state of decay. There’s a community of photographers around the country who are fascinated by these places, and seek to give an insight into history using their cameras. One such explorer from the Waikato, Hannah Grace is kind enough to share her story.

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

The new train between Hamilton and Auckland, called Te Huia, is back on the rails again, having been out of action for three months due to the pandemic. It's a fresh start. Producer Gary Farrow speaks to longtime advocate Susan Trodden and rail scene videojournalist Lindsay Benbrook for their genuine perspectives.

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

With international travel restricted, an increasing number of kiwis are choosing to get involved in tramping or hunting here at home. Rikihana Smallman has been documenting his adventures on Facebook. We got together to talk about what tramping and hunting means to him.

WTS Waikato - Telling the stories of the Waikato region under the new normal.

Susan Mellsopp lives independently in Hamilton with a visual impairment. Her life is rich and full, but as is the case with many of us, the pandemic has put a bit of a brake things. But Susan faces even greater challenges under Covid as a person with a disability. Producer Gary Farrow visited her in the suburb of Chartwell to hear her story.

Telling the stories of the Waikato region under the new normal,

Welcome to WTS Waikato - Season Two! We take a look at the heatwave which was swept through much of the Waikato, hearing from experts at NIWA and Raglan Surf Live Saving Club.

Telling the stories of the Waikato region under the new normal.