Kiwi Yarns

Samantha Hayes was just 23 when she became the presenter of Nightline - the country's youngest presenter at the time.Since then, she has cage-dived with sharks without the main part of the cage (wild), brought the Mongrel Mob and Black Power together for an interview for the first time, and been in most Kiwis’ living rooms as co-anchor alongside Mike McRoberts on ThreeNews.2024 was tumultuous, to say the least, for Sam. She was dealing with the end of her relationship with the father of her two children when the very public and shocking announcement of Newshub’s closure came barreling through. Sam also lost a very dear friend in 2024. As you’ll hear, these are all things she is processing while learning to navigate a new life - whilst still maintaining utter professionalism and storytelling as she now presents the news solo for ThreeNews in its relatively new format with Stuff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Silver Fern number 151, Courtney Tairi.The former netball international and award-winning broadcaster was born and raised in Sydney, but, in her own words, her whānau and blood are Kiwi. Tainui is her tribe, Waikato is her river, Maungatautari is her mountain, and her subtribe is Ngāti Korokī/Kahukura.Courtney has just left Sky Sport after ten years, stepping out on her own as an independent wahine in media.She also shares the monumental change in her life after completing full immersion kura. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest works in a space that, I’ll admit, I am not remotely close to being an expert on.But when I heard Charlotte Hill, founder of True North, speak at a women’s event late last year, I was intrigued enough to open my mind and learn more. And what better way to do that than right here on Kiwi Yarns!Human Design claims to provide insights into energy dynamics, decision-making, and life purpose, with the goal of helping people better understand themselves.This episode is a fascinating discussion, and even if this isn’t typically your sort of thing, I encourage you to give it a listen. I think there could be a lesson in there for everyone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Joelle Legg have over a million followers on every social platform they’re on and are loved worldwide for their funny, relatable marriage content.They met at a flat viewing 19 years ago, have two boys, and recently swapped the hustle of Tāmaki Makaurau for a quieter life in Whangamatā.Joelle opens up about her experience with postpartum depression and the vital support Mike provided, while Mike reflects on his transition from owning Auckland’s Boxing Alley gym to becoming a full-time content creator - setting a goal to make a viral video every day!But with social media playing such a big role in their lives, how do they protect their kids from screens? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artist, illustrator, and designer Dick Frizzell is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable artists, with a ginormous back catalogue (I don’t know if you call it that in the art world) of famous works spanning pop art, stunning landscapes, commercial illustrations, and even school journals.We explore all things art, from Dick's journey to finding his place in New Zealand’s art scene to his soon-to-be-released book, Hastings: A Boy’s Own Adventure - a memoir he describes as a nostalgic love letter to his hometown of Hastings in the 1950s and ’60s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brynley Stent and Kura Forrester are two brilliantly talented comedians, actors, and writers. They’re also close friends who have just bared their souls in a new TV show all about being single.The Billy T Award winners travelled up and down the motu in search of love, delivering plenty of laughs along the way. But Bryn and Ku’s Singles Club also reveals a rarely seen, more personal side of both of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is triple gold medal-winning Paralympian Anna Grimaldi, fresh off a Halberg Award win and delivering one of the best speeches of the night.The personal milestones Anna has achieved since becoming a para athlete are nothing short of remarkable. While we often focus on sporting achievements, it’s equally fascinating to look beyond the results and gain insight into the person behind the headlines.This is a compelling, open, and raw discussion with Anna. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Adams is a former British Army officer who served in Afghanistan. He shares how his experiences there moved him to establish Taskforce Kiwi, a disaster relief charity made up of Defence Force veterans and former emergency service workers.The organisation provides crucial support to communities, offering assistance during and after natural disasters—which, as we know, are becoming all too frequent.His incredible mahi has earned him a place as a semi-finalist in this year's New Zealander of the Year Awards.*Warning: This episode discusses suicide. For free help, text or call 1737, 24 hours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now, full disclosure—today’s guest is an Australian. But before you hit skip, this Australian has played a monumental role in bringing some of the biggest events the country has seen to our largest sporting stadium, creating lifelong memories for hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders. Therefore, he gets a crack!Nick Sautner is the Chief Executive of Eden Park and during his time there, he has - in my opinion - made the stadium come alive. From World Cups to global rockstars, Nick wants Eden Park to be recognised as our national stadium. He has plans for a roof and played a key role in securing approval for the park to host 12 concerts a year—after a long, hard-fought battle with residents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A fascinating chat this week with Dr Waseem Alzaher, the founder of Cannabis Clinic - the country's largest prescriber of medicinal cannabis.The 36-year-old moved to New Zealand from Iraq when he was seven. While he admits to having had a challenging start to his medical career, grappling with his identity and purpose, he has now found his path, playing an integral role in the rapidly growing field of alternative therapy for Kiwis across the country.We discuss the challenges he has faced along the way, and the stigma that still exists within the healthcare industry and society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices