The Free Breakfast

Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk gives her fortnightly update on the district.

Georgie Dansey, spokesperson for Te Huia, joins Gary Farrow in the studio to discuss the future of the Hamilton to Auckland passenger rail service, ahead of the public meeting at The Ramada By Wyndham, 287 Victoria St, Hamilton Central on 4th May 2024 at 2.30pm.

Every May is NZ Music Month and Edwin spoke to Cath Andersen, Chief Executive of the NZ Music Commission about the history of the initiative and how it benefits the industry.

The dramatic tale of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, hits the stage at Riverlea Theatre on May 11 and promises to be a sensory spectacle for audiences. Director Greg Hack and actor Mike Williams discuss the show with Cate Prestidge. Bookings are open now at iTicket.co.nz

Chris Tallman from the Kiwi Scrabblers in Kirikiriroa Hamilton gives an insight into the Scrabble renaissance taking place in the Waikato and around the world.

Created by Free FM, Hamilton, New Zealand

Sarah Verran, chief executive of Brain Tumour Support, joins Free FM's Gary Farrow in the studio to talk about Brainy Beanies - an exciting campaign bringing together the community to raise much needed funds to support individuals and whānau living with a brain tumour. For more info, see https://braintumoursupport.org.nz/brainy-beanies

Bike Waikato chair Melissa Smith talks about the protected cycleway on Hamilton's Rifle Range Road, and the controversy which surrounds it, in her fortnightly update on cycling news in the Waikato.

Local singer/songwriter Keb Hart joins Ed in the studio to talk about releasing his latest EP and gives a live performance to boot!

Waipā District Council Deputy Mayor Liz Stolwyk joins Mike Williams to discuss the enhanced annual plan and other council documents going out for public consultation, plus balloons and dragonboats.

Cate Prestidge talks to director Glen Mathews and actor Anita Synders about The Borrowers - on stage at Riverlea Theatre April 6 – 20. This enchanting new play by Charles Way is based upon the award-winning children’s literature classic by Mary Norton.

Kelli Pike joins us for the debut of our new feature, a monthly Go Eco update.

Mayor Jacqui Church discusses arts and culture in the Waikato district, including the filming of the Minecraft movie.

Bike Waikato chair Melissa Smith talks about her presentation of her studies into Environmental Planning, the cycling symposium in Wellington, and the Government Policy Statement (GPS).

Waikato textile researcher and academic Rebekah Harman speaks with Cate Prestidge about her latest project ‘Worn Well’ - an exploration of the clothes we love, and why we love them. Rebekah has an interest in fashion and sustainability and wants to hear from you about the things you have kept in your wardrobe, and why. Listen here and have a go at the short survey before April 10 or check them out on Instagram @sustainable_clothing_research

Waipa deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk talks about the enhanced annual plan, a third Cambridge river crossing, and four years since the first lockdown.

New NZ film 'The Mountain' is being released on Thursday March 28. It's the first feature film for director Rachel House, but the three young stars are also marking their debut in the world of cinema. Elizabeth (Beth) Atkinson is the pivotal character Sam in this story about finding your roots with new friends.

Kenyan-NZ reggae artist Muroki joins Cate Prestidge to talk about his latest EP release, Timezones.

Greg Johnson's 13th studio album, Thunder In Fall was Free FM's feature album last week and he's now in the country again for a 10-stop tour, including Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. He spoke with Cate Prestidge about working on the album.

Melissa Smith, co-chair and spokesperson at Bike Waikato, joins us for a fortnightly update, covering Hamilton City Council's cancelled cycling and pedestrian infrastructure projects.

Boon Sculpture has been in the city for the past month but vandalism has affected some work. Boon Arts Trustee Nancy Caiger talks to Cate Prestidge about this year's installations and the mahi that goes into creating this distinctive additon to Hamilton's landscape.

Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk talks about the extraordinary change in council's approach to its Long Term Plan, which has been permitted of councils around the motu by central government in the face of the changing financial situation with the scrapping of Three Waters.

Chaplin is based on the real-life story of Charlie Chaplin, the iconic film actor, writer, producer and director. The new musical spans the comic’s entire career, and is on-stage at The Meteor in Hamilton April 13-20. Free FM's Mike Williams had the producer and director of the play, Jonty Climo, in the studio to talk about the show.

After seven years of involvement with Free FM, in various guises, Kelli Pike hosted The Free Breakfast for the final time today. She took the opportunity to share some thoughts about her journey on air, and her passion for Kirikiriroa.

The Twits by Roald Dahl, adapted for the stage by David Wood, tells the story of the spiteful Mr and Mrs Twit. Director Lorna Ashton, and Janine Swainson starring as Mrs Twit, join Mike in the studio to discuss the show as part of the Hamilton Arts Festival on 23 February, 25 February and 3 March.

One of the acts in this year's Hamilton Arts Festival is Kōpū — a cheeky ballad of a show sharing the songs of our young wāhine Māori as they navigate this world, hairy nipples first, following in the footsteps of our naughty nannies from the kāuta. A kāhui whetū of multi-talented performers weave live music, performance, poetry, and poi to share a hilarious honest account of their experiences of wāhinetanga now: the duality of being fiercely everything at once. One of the performers, Tuakoi Ohia, talks with Cate Prestidge about the show. Kōpū is on stage at the Emporium of Scintillating Wonders, Hamilton Gardens, on Saturday 24 February at 8:00pm.

Canadian singer/songwriter Tina Turley is back in the country again (she was last here almosta a year ago) and will be seen on stage at the Pirongia Bonnets, Blues and BBQs Festival this Saturday (17 February) and at Frankton Thunder on 10 March. She joined Mike Williams to talk about her work, and her affaection for this part of the world.

Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate speaks to Mike about the ‘massive’ impact on projected rates after councils have been instructed to retain water services.

The first-ever To The Front Kirikiriroa holiday programme is coming to Hamilton in the school holidays of July 2024. Born from Girls Rock Camp Aotearoa in 2017 the gender-inclusive music development programme encourages young women, trans, intersex, takatāpui and gender diverse youth to embrace their creativity in a safe space. Guided by experienced music industry professionals, this newest edition of To The Front is the fourth location in New Zealand to host the programme, and we welcomed Lora Thompson and Lauren Kerr-Bell on this morning’s Free Breakfast to tell us more.

Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk updates us from the council chamber.

Kirikiriroa duo Bird Machine are launching their second EP on Feb 23, including the single 'You'll Be Fine'. They joined Mike in the Free FM studio to play the song live, and to talk about their upcoming Hey Human EP.

Melissa Smith, co-chair and spokesperson at Bike Waikato, takes stock of the cycling infrastructure projects that have been cancelled in Kirikiriroa by central government - but also on the flipside, celebrates those that will be going ahead. She also discusses the activities taking place in the region over Bike Month.

Multi award winning singer and composer Taisha Tari spoke with Cate Prestidge about her journey into music, her career highlights, exploring her whakapapa and her new show Woven, which will debut at the Hamilton Arts Festival.

The Minister of Transport Simeon Brown has written to Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate and Hamilton City Council’s Chief Executive Lance Vervoort, to inform them of his decisions regarding the Transport Choices programme. All projects put on hold at the end of October 2023 will not receive any further funding, and therefore will not proceed to implementation/construction as part of the Transport Choices programme. On the Free Breakfast, we run through some of the projects impacted.

Grant Haua is home and ready to showcase his new album Mana Blues at Biddys backbar Hamilton on Saturday 3 February. Mike speaks with him on the Free Breakfast and shares a song - Pukehinahina by Grant Haua feat. The Inspector Cluzo.

On the agenda with Melissa Smith from Bike Waikato this week - Ride to Ngaaruawaahia (& back) on Saturday 17 February, and the importance of an accessible city, with a spotlight on the lift at Rotokauri Transport Hub which is going to be out of service next week.

Bike Waikato chair Melissa Smith talks about the AGM, and CERF projects put on hold under the new government.

Kelli Pike talks to Lady Tureiti Moxon about the National Day of Action and standing up to anti-Māori policies, particularly protecting the Māori Health Authority, te reo Māori, the Smokefree Aotearoa policy and honouring Te Tiriti.

The Back Porch Bluegrass Concert will be taking place in Wellington on Saturday 9 December, brought about by Paul Trenwith, the host of Free FM's Back Porch Bluegrass Show. In this podcast, Paul speaks about it with Free Breakfast host Mike Williams.

Peter van Vroonhoven, Chair of Magical Bridge Trust, talks with Mike Williams about the opening of Hamilton’s first fully accessible playground, which officially opens in Claudelands Park today at 4pm. The playground is designed for use by anyone, especially those with diverse disabilities and special needs and is the first of its kind in New Zealand (and the first outside the US). The new playground was built in collaboration with Hamilton City Council and Magical Bridge Trust, a charitable trust started by passionate members of the disability community.

Kelli Pike talks to local hard rock band Static, who are touring the North Island in December.

Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate joins Mike Williams to discuss the financial pressures facing Hamilton City Council and their likely impact on the budget for the city's Long Term Plan (2024-2034). The first draft of the budget is due to be tabled at a council meeting on November 28-29.

Mike Williams talks with Shan – talent development manager for the Misty Flicks Film Festival – and film maker Adam Harvey, who has a penchant for horror.

Tom Kay, Forest and Bird's Freshwater Advocate, talks to Kelli Pike about 'Making Room for Rivers'.

The 2023 Misty Flicks film festival – a uniquely local event celebrating film makers in the Waikato region – runs from November 24-26 at the Regent Cinema in Te Awamutu. Two of the featured film makers, Pam Kaval and Nathan Higgins join Mike Williams to discuss their films and their passion for cinema. To qualify to be part of the fetsival your film must have been shot in the Waikato region, or Central New Zealand region, or have a connection with these regions through cast and crew. As a region, we have a lot to offer and we have a growing pool of people with the necessary skills and talent to cement the Waikato as a great place for story-telling on film.

Kirikiriroa-based Portland, Oregon ex-pat Brandon De La Cruz talks with Cate Prestidge about his music and his Muse.

Kelli talks to Sam Kimber-Bell from Dick Dynamite and the Doppelgangers who are resurrecting for a Halloween Hangover gig on November 10th.

Gary talks to Bike Waikato chair Melissa Smith, who gives a cyclist's perspective on the experience of driving a car in Kirikiriroa.

Mike Williams talks with Jumpin' JB (Jerry Balderson) host of the uniquely quirky show, The Paleface Parabola, which is about to celebrate its 100th episode on Free FM (next Wednesday night). Jerry hails from Hacketstown New Jersey, USA and is our most distant content creator. He talks about his background and how he came to become involved in making a radio show for a station half a world away.

Waikato mayor Liz Stolwyk talks to the upcoming road and infrastructure works in the district.

Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk describes her experience at the opening of the NZ Liberation Museum in Le Quesnoy, France.

Kelli talks to Lauren Kerr-Bell about the upcoming Festival of Weird.

Katie from Welsh band Chroma joins Kelli to talk about bilingualism in music, ahead of their Festival of Weird gig in November.

Bike Waikato chair Melissa Smith covers World Car Free Day and Biketober in her fortnightly catch up on the Wednesday Free Breakfast.

Mending the Mind is a student-led campaign designed to elevate the well-being of others. Ollie Newport and Finn Myles join Cate to talk about how they’re sharing positivity on the Wintec campus.

Emma Sinclair is Project Lead for an initiative to reduce single-use waste and make sustainable choices simple via a reusable coffee cup system, soon to be implemented at five cafes in Kirikiriroa. The Lets Reuse Hamilton scheme launches on October 5 and is being led by Impact Hub Waikato with support from Hamilton City Council. She talks to Mike Williams about the idea and how it aims to reshape the way we view grabbing a coffee to go.

Kiwi indie musical legend George D Henderson talks with Cate Prestidge about the ideas behind The New Existentialists latest release, a “doom metal” single called ‘Invocation’.

Kelli Pike speaks with Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate for the monthly update on what's happening in council.

Mike Williams talks with Adam White, director of the 2023 Waikato Hospital variety revue, Virus Ridiculus! The show is booked in for two performances at Clarence Street Theatre, October 19 and 20th. Virus Ridiculus! highlights the many varied talents of staff of the Waikato Hospital and surrounding hospitals and also other medical personnel. It is a show full of comedy, music dancing etc. Interested in takling part? Contact Adam by emailing adam.white@waikatodhb.health.nz

Waikato mayor Jacqui Church discusses the recent arsons in Huntly*, and the idea of a new railway station at Tuakau. *NOTE: A man has been arrested in connection with the fires since this interview was conducted.

Mike Williams talks with Dsve Moore, diretcor of the play The Full Monty, which starts its run at Te Awamutu's Woolshed Theatre from Saturday September 2. Ticket sales support prostate cancer research and are available through iTicket.co.nz... They have Ladies Night performances on the Fridays.

Update on what is going on in the Waipā district, particularly Cambridge, with deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk.

The Raglan wharf upgrade and Taupiri water outage are among the updates on what is going on in the Waikato district, with Mayor Jacqui Church.

Kyle Mewburn has been writing full time for over 25 years, creating dynamic picture books for children and writing youth fiction. Kyle spoke with Cate Prestidge about her work & upcoming workshop in Hamilton.

Author Graci Kim was inspired by stories of Korean mythology when she wrote her ‘magic infused’ novels. She spoke to Cate Prestidge ahead of her upcoming appearances for Hamilton Book Month.

Sylvia Giles joins Free FM's Gary Farrow in the studio to talk about the Waikato Draft, a monthly newsletter of what's on in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, with magazine-style content arriving into your email inbox once a month.

Defensive cycling is the topic on this fortnight's interview with Bike Waikato chair Melissa Smith.

Raymond McGrath is a storyteller who creates work for print and moving media. He’s coming to Kirikiriroa as part of Hamilton Book Month, including running a practical, creative workshop on story developments and publishing.

Dunedin writer Gay Buckingham speaks with Cate Prestidge about growing up in The Catlins and the way the natural environment influences her work. She will be in town for Hamilton Book Month on August 22.

Juanita Rojas is host of the new Free FM podcast 'Encouraging Conversations' – she talks to Kelli Pike about the podcast's focus, preventing sexual violence in ethnic communities.

Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate joins Kelli Pike to talk about localism (theme of the recent LGNZ conference), plus pulling levers to increase affordbale and transitional housing.

Waikato District Mayor Jacqui Church joins Free FM's Gary Farrow for the first of her fortnightly interviews about what's on the agenda for the district. Church is so passionate about her role as mayor that she has chosen to live in a caravan near Council HQ, with one constituent fondly dubbing her the "gypsy mayor".

Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk fills us in on the latest on the council table, with a focus on public consultation over gambling, dog by-laws, and how ratepayers can make a submission.

Labour List MP for Taranaki and the King Country, Angela Roberts, discusses the upcoming general election, and the newly announced Auckland Harbour crossing and its relevance to the motu as a whole.

Former Writer in residence at Waikato University, Richard von Sturmer, is returning to Kirikiriroa for Hamilton Book Month He speaks with Cate Prestidge ahead of the launch of his book Walking with Rocks, Dreaming with Rivers: My Year in the Waikato.

Feana Tu’akoi started writing stories when her children were young, and now has over 230 titles to her name. She speaks with Cate Prestidge about her early life and works, including her latest book Lopini the Legend, which will be launched during Hamilton Book Month.

Bike Waikato chair Melissa Smith talks with Free FM's Gary Farrow about the Climate Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) projects that were approved by Hamilton City Council, and also has a look at further proposals yet to be considered before the Transport and Infrastructure Committee.

Founder of Ride Your Trike NZ, Liam Carter joined Mike Williams to talk about their next fundraising event, a Rock N Roll night which is a fully accessible family event to be held on Saturday August 26 at Zeal in Hamilton with snacks included with a ticket. Fundraiser and celebration of self-propelled community mobility for mixed abilities with any proceeds going towards Ride Your Trike NZ Kirikiriroa activities and promotion.

Lee Murray is a multi-award winning novelist, with over 40 titles. She recently returned from Stoker.Con, an international festival for writers in the horror and speculative fiction genres, where she won her 5th Bram Stoker award. Lee joins Cate Prestidge ahead of her appearance on the Fiction Panel and workshop, taking place as part of Hamilton Book Month.

Hamilton Book Month is about to kick off, starting with the Fiction Panel on Tuesday August 1st. Panelist, writer, reviewer and lawyer Brannavan Gnanalingam joins Cate Prestidge to talk about his influences, the ideas and inspiration for his seven novels to date, and how he approaches his work.

Scott Tiffany, general manager at Pukete Neighbourhood House, talks to Free FM's Kelly Pike about the services the house provide, the programmes they run, and hopes of expanding their centre and operations.

Bike Waikato chair Melissa Smith speaks about CERF (Climate Emergency Response Fund) projects, which are up for approval in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, with Free FM's Gary Farrow.

Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate covers the FIFA Women's World Cup, local government reform and the potentially effects on them of a change in central government, and the proposed partial reclassification of Ashurst Park.

Matthew Bannister talks with Cate Prestidge about his new book on the subject of NZ duo, The Front Lawn.

Mike Williams catches up with versatile NZ superstar Jackie Clarke as she gets intot he final few gigs of her Jackie Goes Prima Diva tour!

Cate Prestudge talks with AJ about the Disability Arts Festival Trust event 'Launched' which is back for 2023. Launched 2023 is at Southwell School's Performing Arts Centre, 200 Peachgrove Road, Hamilton. Entry for spectators is by koha/gold coin. There will be two Shows, again this year, one at 10.30am and the other at 6pm. Participants and spectators are very welcome to come to one or both events.

Cate Prestidge talsk with Chris Green, guest director at Morrinsville Theatre, about the play Stones in His Pockets. It's an Irish tragi-comedy featuring two actors, playing 15 characters on stage and it opens for a six-performance season from July 7. Tickets are available from iTicket.co.nz.

Fieldays, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' visit to China, and National's campaign launch are all on the agenda for Jamie Strange, Labour MP for Hamilton West, as he speaks with Mike Williams on the Free Breakfast.

Kelli talks to deputy mayor Angela O'Leary about the Annual Plan, demolition of Founders Theatre, safety of elected members and infrastructure.

Kelli talks to Fatuma from Sharma, about the upcoming Ethnic Youth Volleyball Tournament and how to register.

Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk fills us in on the latest on the council table - including a "sinking lid" approach to gaming machines, and public spaces by-laws.

Labour List MP for Taranaki and the King Country, Angela Roberts, discusses Labour's recent Budget announcement, Fieldays, and the looming General Election.

Dr Ala Farah joins Mike Williams in the studio to discuss the current conflict in Sudan, and the public event Together for Sudan that will be taking place on Saturday 17 June, 10.30am, at Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts in Hamilton.

Professor Nick Agar joins Mike Williams in the studio to talk about 'Bots vs Beings: How Will AI Impact Your Life and Work?' - an open panel discussion on Tuesday 13 June 2023, 5:45pm Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts.

Kelli talks to Palestinian activist Nasser Mashni about the way forward for Palestine, after 75 years of Nakba.

Now in the twilight days of his time in Parliament, Labour MP Jamie Strange, who has represented the Hamilton East electorate for the current term, reflects on the 2023 Labour Party Conference, the handful of policies that were announced, and his plans to maintain a local focus in the coming months leading up to the General Election.

The Road to Zero - is it possible to have zero serious injuries of fatalities happening on our roads? Melissa Smith, chair of Bike Waikato, discusses it with Free FM's Gary Farrow in their fortnightly catch up.

The Hamilton-Auckland train has now hauled 100,000 passengers since it began. Jennifer Nickel, chair of the Climate Action Committee at Waikato Regional Council, talks about it with Free FM's Gary Farrow.

Two songwriting students at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu have had their owns songs released under a school initiative. Te Kura Central North kaiako Trevor Faville talks about the programme to Gary on the Free Breakfast.