From Papakaio to the world, Shelley is the perfect example of where determination, dedication and ambition can take you. Shelley is a former New Zealand tennis number 1, and spent 10 years competing on the world circuit as a tennis professional. She has played with, and against some of the best in the game, and still gives back to the sport through…

A lifetime of commitment and service to Our district is why many of us will know Helen, She is passionate, determined and gets things done. Helen on the podcast was open, honest and real. She did not sugarcoat the tough seasons in life but shares with us how to navigate them and come out the other side with hope and grace. Helen, thank you for stan…

Doctor, Oncologist, Senior lecturer, Academic, Husband, Father no matter his title Chris Jackson is a bloody good bloke. From challenging the norms at high school to being a voice for change in the medical profession, Chris is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. Normally we would say North Otago is better off with people like Chris in i…

We left last week's podcast asking Hayden about writing his first book, as far as suspense goes it doesn't get better than this. Will he write a book… Will it be on last names in New Zealand, famous sports personalities or his beloved W.B.H.S? The wait is over, all will be revealed on today's podcast plus much more.…

One of the most enjoyable Friday nights all year was spent chatting with Hayden Meikle on the podcast. The conversation flowed, anecdotes enjoyable and we didn’t want to leave. Hayden regaled us for well over 1 ½ hours with his story and it's for that reason we have split it into two parts. If you know Hayden then you’ll love this one.…

The 7th child of 10 from a good North Otago Catholic family Peter Rae enjoyed growing up in North Otago. He may reside in Christchurch and have business interests around New Zealand but he still loves coming home to Oamaru. From ‘Waitaki Transport’ to the ‘Last Post’, Peter's entrepreneurial foresight has left its mark in the history of our distric…

As a young boy growing up in China remembering the Japanese going through his village Peter Lee has traveled a long way. Peter’s journey to North Otago is different than most and very interesting. He is well respected in the community and those that know him well, remember Peter as a very hard worker and great businessman. Thank you for your time P…

Our interview with Kevin Murdoch was great, Kevin known as the ‘Commodore’ in some circles is passionate about Oamaru and most importantly the harbour. When he is not busy renting cars, disposing of deceased wildlife or teaching young ones to sail you will find Kevin at his art gallery in the old part of town. Pop in and say hi.…

With 6 try’s and one drop goal Ralph darling was second highest point scorer for North Otago in the 2019 Heartland rugby competition. He wasn’t a winger, fullback or a first five but a front rower. Will he hang up the boots this season or lace them up for another crack at the title? If you know Ralph he is easy going, laid back and it was great to …

Deputy Mayor, Queens Service Medal recipient, Community leader. No matter the title, Hana Halalele is a blessing to North Otago and the Pasifika community. Hana is very humble, hard working and one of our visionaries. She uses her voice to promote others and that is why Hana is a North Otago Legend. Thanks Hana for everything you do, you’ll never k…

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and moving to Oamaru as a child was a huge move for Jimmy McGeown. Jimmy tells us what it was like to settle in a new land with his family and the opportunities he’s had since. Most in town would know the McGeown family, their quick wit and always ready to lean a hand. Thanks Jimmy we needed a laugh.…

What can change in four years? Well for Peter Breen the answer is a lot. Today’s podcast was brilliant, to see where a young lad who grew up in the Waitaki district can get to with a little hard work, a dream and the passion to see it all come to pass. Peter has a great story to tell and we were honoured he squeezed us in while back in NZ on holida…

You may know Bill Kingan but did you know he spent many years overseas volunteering in a third world country? Bill and Shirley have taken their skills, knowledge and Kiwi ingenuity into remote villages to be a blessing and make a difference. Bill’s vision for helping others is why we think he is a bit of a legend.…

Merry Christmas from Gazza and Damo. Thanks for listening to the podcast and all the best for a successful 2023.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

In truth Oamaru was only going to be a stepping stone for Clare Kearney, but like most of us she fell in love with the Waitaki District and stayed. We are glad she did as her wealth of governance experience has been needed and appreciated over the years. From School boards to chairing Network Waitaki, Clare has been a vital part of making things ti…

Last week's podcast was full of amazing antidotes with Terry Kent letting us into his world. Today we have part 2 and we get to cover all the things that we couldn’t last week. Terry has a gift of telling a story and if you enjoyed last week you appreciate part 2. (In fairness there could have been a part 3 but we had to stop somewhere)…

You may know Terry Kent from St John’s, or Musical Theatre, or Civil Defense, or 45 South, or any number of things that he does in our community. You may think how can we fit it all into one podcast, The answer is we can’t. Enjoy part 1 with Terry and tune in next week for part 2.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

George Kelcher is a busy man and he loves a project. Today on the podcast George gives some insight into Road Metals, the North Otago crushing and aggregate supply company, and some of the projects he has been involved in. George also keeps busy being a co-owner of Guthrie Bowron Retail Home Decorating Business and a director of Whitestone Contract…

Sene Naoupu is the recently retired Irish rugby vice-captain and part of the New Zealand commentary team for the final of the ‘Women's World Cup’. If you want to be inspired and encouraged about how a young girl from North Otago rose to such great heights, then today's podcast is for you.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

Today we turned the tables and interviewed a journalist, asking the tough questions and putting him on the spot. Jim Hopkins has been involved with the media most of his life from presenting television shows to talkback radio. Jim graced the golden area of broadcasting, debating and comedy with his wit, charm and verbal dexterity.…

Chatting with Rick Selfe today you can see why he’s been successful in business and in life. Easy going with a great communication style we felt we could have talked with Rick for hours. From motorbikes to guitars we cover a lot.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

Chris Dennison started well when he rocked up with a coffee for Gary and I. To be fair I had my apprehensions about how interesting talking about wheat for 45mins would be, but how wrong was I. Chris’s natural communication gift along with his interesting life stories led to a fascinating podcast. Chris is in the ‘Guinness World Records’ and that s…

In 1994 Debbie Henderson was the first woman to win the ‘Grand National’ event in New Zealand as a jockey. After 12 years at the top life changed in the blink of an eye. On the podcast we discuss what happens when life is not fair and why you need to smile every day. If you don’t know her or her story you’ll be inspired to get up and keep going.…

Many of us know Father Wayne Healey but how many know what decision in life led him into a lifetime of service? Ft Wayne shares his early years with us and his steps in life that led him to where he is today. Ft Wayne enjoys a laugh and doesn’t take life too seriously, he was a pleasure to interview.…

Mike Gray has been busy since he moved to the district, from restoring the Tokarahi Homestead to being involved in the Duntroon community. Starting life as an Auzzie hasn’t slowed him down too much and we can now claim him as one of our own. Mike is a key member of the Waitaki Whitestone GeoparMike-Grayk trust and the Vanished World.…

Phil Williamson is New Zealand's greatest harness racing trainer and is known as “The Trotting Master’. To be honest Gary and I didn’t know Phil or much about his field of expertise but after chatting to him for an hour we were confident enough to put a wee bet on two horses trained by him at the Lates Oamaru races.…

Allan Mclay moved to North Otago when he was 15 and never left. He has done so much in, around and for North Otago it’s hard to fit it all into one podcast. The two term Mayor, businessman, visionary and entrepreneur has left his mark on Oamaru.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

He’s an Omarama local and North Otago Legend. Lindsay Purvis is a good man to know, not just for the easy going personality but for the wealth of knowledge he brings to the community. You may remember him as a farmer in Waianakarua or businessman in Omarama but his legacy will be the work he is currently doing with the ‘Otago Rural Support Trust’…

Sometimes it’s amazing what we don’t know about others. For example Nick Shearer has scaled New Zealand's tallest peak Mt Cook/Aoraki five times. Nick was there when 12 million cubic meters fell off the mountain in the 1991 landslide causing it to lose 10 meters in height. Today's podcast is a fantastic listen and maybe you’ll be inspired to conque…

There are not too many in North Otago that know as much about our history as Bruce Albiston. Bruce’s passion for Historic buildings and local history is contagious. From owning Burnside Homestead to planning the ‘Scott Centenary’ Bruce has left his mark for future generations to come.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

The highs and the lows have never stopped Ele Ludemann but the tough times have defined her and made her stronger. Ele is open and honest with Gary and I on the podcast and also shares her involvement within the community. Chatting with Ele today was good for the soul and helps you appreciate the many blessings we take for granted.…

How many people in their eighties can still play tennis three times per week? Well John MacDonald can and he still hits a few winners. John also talks about changes in the district after WW2 and what a young lad had to do to earn one shilling and what that would buy in town.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

Today we interviewed Russell Goodsir and recorded some important history of our district. Russell helped build the rail bridge across the Waitaki and worked on the Benmore dam. He has built the retaining walls around Oamaru and laid thousands of pavers for St Kevins drive. On top of all this he was a New Zealand tug-of-war champion and a keen fishe…

If an event is happening in Oamaru there is every chance that Graeme Clark is involved behind the scenes somewhere. From Victorian heritage celebrations to the Penguin Club. Clarkie is the Chair of the ‘Whitestone Civic Trust’ that does a lot of great work preserving our heritage buildings for future generations. Find out what his favourite heritag…

Heart of gold is how I would describe Adair Craik. Adair is a multi talented sports women and business leader in North Otago. She is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get things done. A big part of her business is focused on non-profit organizations and a big part of her spare time is helping the next generation of athletics have all the opport…

Scientist, farmer, director, trustee and QSM, Jock Webster is a busy man in our community. In today’s podcast we talk about the many benefits that irrigation has brought to North Otago and the humble sunflower that has helped create a successful business. Jock is a family man and has passed onto his children a legacy that continues to bless the com…

It’s Sergeant Beveridge. Many young people have uttered the words ‘It’s Sergeant Beveridge’ over the last 36 years, some because they were on the wrong side of the law and others because it was Derek who believed in them and was there when they needed someone they could trust. Derek has helped more teenagers than he cares to remember, and North Ota…

Ko te joker e pai ana ki te ora (The joker who enjoys life) He calls himself the class clown or joker but in truth Al Bell just loves life and doesn’t take it too seriously. Today’s podcast was a laugh and if Mr Bell taught you over the years you’ll know why. Al shares about teaching in the district and opens up about his art and why it’s a passion…

From ‘Beauty Queen’ to ‘Godzone’ Kristy Jennings (Wilson) shares with us where life can take you when you say yes. A truly remarkable story of opportunities and persistence, overcoming fears and pushing yourself to the limit. Kristy is humble in her achievements and still a proud North Otago girl.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

A Businessman, hunter, and good bloke. Today we set out to chat with Barry Wilson about hunting in North Otago but got so much more. Barry shares some history of the district when recounting his first job and we found out what it takes to create a wetland for the community to enjoy.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

Every town needs a Sally Ann Donnelly. Someone who is hard working, a visionary and generous. Sal is unique and always puts others 1st, she has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity and gives freely of her own time to see the community blessed. Sal, North Otago loves you.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

Dr. Seuss said it best when he said: "Kid, you’ll move mountains!" "Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest." “Oh the places you’ll go! - We think this sums up Kelli Williams, and after listening to her podcast you'll see why.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

Four rowers, one cox and an exceptional coach put North Otago on the map in 1962. Win Stephens and his crew had the support of the entire district as he chased Gold at the Commonwealth Games. In part Two Win Stevens Continues to tell his story. Will the Oamaru four of Win Stephens, Bill Smedley, George Paterson and Keith Heselwood bring home the go…

Four rowers, one cox and an exceptional coach put North Otago on the map in 1962. Win Stephens and his crew had the support of the entire district as he chased Gold at the Commonwealth Games.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

How far can you push your body, what is a normal heart rate for a competing athlete? On todays podcast we chat with Logan Docherty a young man chasing an Olympic dream.By House of Breakthrough Oamaru

Gary and Damien interview Ian Hurst, former All Black and North Otago legend! Ian tells a good story and shares about his first All Blacks tour and what it was like playing alongside some of the greats. Ian also answers the question circulating around about a hole in one on a world famous golf course. Ian has offered to come back on the podcast one…