Kiwi Yarns

Tanya Carlson has been a dominant fashion designer in New Zealand for over 20 years. One of the main reasons she has been successful for so long is because she's not afraid to move/pivot/change (you catch my drift) her label along with the ever-evolving fashion industry. Tanya remembers wanting to be involved in fashion as a young girl, dressing up to do her after-school chores - so it's no wonder she's one of the country's great fashion gems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paula Bennett is literally sitting in the departure lounge waiting to walk out of a hugely successful 15 year career - a delayed election means she's having to hang on in there just a little longer. But she's pumped about her next career move (which she can't quite tell us about yet) and is well and truly done with politics. But we share some great laughs about her time in Parliament and talk about the highs and lows - even the time someone told her her bare legs weren't acceptable! And her pick for three MP's to be stranded on a desert island with is quite interesting too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hamish Pinkham and his Rhythm and Vines team have just announced their line up for the three day festival in Gisborne at New Year's Eve. Here's the thing - 90% of tickets for this year sold out mere weeks after the 2019/20 festival had finished, and all tickets were gone before a single act was released. What's the secret? Well, Hamish talks through the 17 festivals that have got them to where they are today - and why now more than ever people can't get enough of R&V. There's a couple of great artists yarns in there too! Never been to a festival? This might just hook you in... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joseph Parker is one of New Zealand's favourite sportspeople and it's not necessarily entirely down to his stellar boxing career. The former WBO Heavyweight Champ's humble and kind nature has been something that has set him apart from his opponents. He doesn't need a flashy entrance to a fight to prove who he is. Joseph also got himself a bit of a name this year for his hugely creative, very funny lockdown videos - and even admits he'd love to dabble in a bit of acting. He talks the challenges of being in such uncertain times this year, and how family has helped him get to where he is today. Oh yeah, and Joseph's never been to Hobbiton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have to admit a major bias towards this guest, because Hilary Barry has been a mentor to me over the years and during our last stint working together on Breakfast she was like my big sister. She's one of the country's most talented and loved broadcasters, through her utmost professionalism while on air, but also because it's so easy to see she cares. She's extremely hard working and passionate about what she does, but taught me a thing or to about leaving work at the door. In her spare time she loves to go out walking, but apparently has a weird walking style so look out for that! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rob Nichol is the man behind the rugby players in New Zealand. He was a massive part of successfully bringing women's rugby into line with the men's conditions. But not just rugby, Rob has been an integral part of helping all types of professional sports people know their worth. Add to that, he was once a police officer, is a qualified accountant, and does ridiculously crazy adventure racing - the past two years he's hauled himself across the South Island in the Coast to Coast with a rugby player you might have heard of - Richie McCaw. A really fascinating listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mimi Gilmour Buckley has so much passion for the New Zealand Hospitality Industry - the restaurateur and businesswoman literally completes one successful project and is already plotting the next. She co-founded the burger empire that is Burger Burger (if you haven't got your chops around one I suggest you get there immediately) and as if making a large dent in a highly competitive industry wasn't enough - Mimi has her sights set on a skincare business. Oh, and she has two beautiful girls, Olympia and Octavia. She discusses the challenges that have come along the way in a pretty non-stop life and how she is constantly learning and evolving. A wonderful woman! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tangaroa Walker is a dairy farmer based in Southland. He has amassed a huge social media following thanks to his refreshing, down-to-earth online videos showing what life on the dairy farm is like. But Farm 4 Life isn't just designed to entertain, Tangaroa uses it to educate and inspire young people to get into the industry. His passion for being on the farm is enchanting, and he devotes so much of his time helping others - because that's what makes him happy. It was an absolute joy to record this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian Tom Sainsbury is the guy that makes you sit on your phone laughing and cackling because his Snapchat characters are that damn good. His impersonations of people - from politicians to everyday New Zealanders - are so spot on that sometimes, they are more accurate than the actual person. Tom is also an incredibly talented actor, writer, producer, director and talks about the joys and challenges of working in the industry here in New Zealand. He's a true delight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ruby Tui is a ridiculously talented woman who not only lights up the rugby field, but has the exact same effect when she walks into a room. Her warmth, generosity and humbleness makes her one of New Zealand's favourite rugby players. She's always worked incredibly hard to get to where she is - and does not take that for granted. Listening to Ruby's outlook on life and attitude towards the job she loves doing is pretty special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices