Frankly Friday: Recent Episodes
Anne Dawson
Join Tracey as she chats to Amna Haroon from the Pakistan Association of New Plymouth about the EID Gala later this month. Tracey also talks about opening night of the Right Royal Cabaret Festival.
Tracey talks with Sinead and Aimee from Age Concern Taranaki about Elder Abuse in our community and what you can do to help, how to recognise it, where to get advice, and about the forthcoming awareness week.
Tracey chats with Bex and Andrea from Age Concern Taranaki to hear all about what they do to support seniors in our community.
Today we launched “Acts of Awesome” with Sentiments Flowers on Frankly Friday where we reward a local hero for helping someone out – not looking for those heroes in capes, but those everyday ones. Tracey also talks about the up and coming Right Royal Cabaret Festival and speaks with performers.
Tracey chats to Inglewood Lions Club, artists from the Right Royal Cabaret Festival, and the team from Stratford on Stage.
Angela and Heather from 'Seasons For Growth' join Tracey to chat about the programme, how it works, and how you can get involved right here in Taranaki.
Tracey talks with Chris Herlihy from Taranaki Pride Week to hear all about the festival running from 7th-13th April. Check out www.pridetaranaki.co.nz for more information on all of the events planned.
Today Terry Hancock from On The House joins Tracey to talk about their organisation and the many people they support in our community to repurpose and distribute food to. They talk about who and how they assist them, the volunteers, sponsors, and their vision.
The final part of our series with OMV STEAM Lab presenters. Today Phill speaks with Frau Knotz and Liv Sisson.
Joining Tracey this week is Matt Low from Kahu Glen Feijoa Farm, Andrea Rowe from the Fine Line Company & Matt Lamb from Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki as we explore local produce featuring at this year's Taste of Taranaki Pop Up at WOMAD 2025.
Today we meet Professor Rochelle Constantine, Marine Biologist, and one of the speakers for WOMAD 2025’s OMV’s STEAM Lab. Then Phill meets with Josie Hunter-Annand, Associate Programme Director for WOMAD Aotearoa.
The first of three episodes highlighting the OMV STEAMLab stage at WOMAD 2025. Anne chats with two of this years speakers, husband and wife Dr Anne Gaskett abd Dr Greg Holwell, who share their passion for everything relating to the natural environment and ecology, particularly insects, fungi and orchids.
Jamie Allen shares the journey of the Taranaki Retreat, from the initial building challenges right through to today and the Waimanako Hub, right in the middle of town. We touch on the wrap-around support that is the basis of the kaupapa of the Retreat, as well as first approaches for help and the complex issues around those sleeping rough in the CBD. Finally we discuss funding and, in particular, the next fund-raising event for the Retreat that needs your support - the Annual Duck Race.
Paul Rangiwahia and Andrew Murray host Access Radio Taranaki's newest programmes, The Well.I.Am Podcast, based on Paul's 'Mental Health W.O.F'. They share their stories with Anne and chat about their show. Toni Marie Smith joins in at the end to promote the short film, Designated Dating Location, having its premier in Ngāmotu
Hayden Thorpe is the founder of Restoke - a free programme that incorporates surfing, nature, good conversation, food and therapy. He and his team aim to change the way we deal with mental health on a social level, by teaching people to surf and teaching people to thrive through encouraging positive mental health
Tracey Blake is the new Station Manager at ART. Anne takes this time to get to know a little more about her - her background and is in store for Access Radio Taranaki.Then hear from Taranaki's latest world champion - Ice Swimmer, Madeline Hobo. Thanks to Robin Martin from RNZ, for sharing this interview with Madeline.
Kāren Hunter, is a multi-talented veteran of the Aotearoa music industry. She is musician, astrologer and healer, and is bringing all of her talents to New Plymouth during the Festival of Lights. She shares her story and her music.
Gayleen Schreider and Graeme Sykes talk with Anne about the Inglewood community, St Andrews Church and it's need for earthquake strengthening, and the 6-day long summer fete they have organised to raise funds for the project. Featuring the music of Ōpunake singer songwriting duo, Moemoeā, who will be busking during the fete.
Steve Green has had a fascinating career in the computer industry. He has witnessed a myriad of changes and been at the forefront of many. He talks with Anne about his motivation for launching his new radio show, The Computer Chap Show, and shares his stories and philosophies.
You've heard of dyslexia but how about dyscalculia? Gary explains dyscalculia, how it can affect your life and the cool technology he's working on to help the numerically challenged. Andy Bassett also joins the show to talk about, and play tracks from his new EP, Surface Noise.
Lisa is passionate about helping people to preserve their stories. Tune in as she chats with Anne about what inspired this business, and why she thinks stories are so important.
Elric has just returned from an epic European cycle adventure. Hear all about Elric's ride and all the sustainable wonders he met along the way.
Tracey Blake shares openly about her struggle with weight control and her experience of having a gastric bypass.
Andre Nobbs has been described as 'Actionman'. Listen to find out why, and hear him sing and play, as he talks with Anne to promote the upcoming local singer songwriter showcase event at the Speigeltent, 'Mountain Roots'.
Anne talks with Marcia Millard of Age Concern Taranaki about the Volunteer Visiting service and a whole lot more.
October is Taranaki Heritage Month and Rob Green, from Heritage Taranaki, is in to talk about some of the highlight events so far and other events, coming up, that are still to be enjoyed.
Ōpunake is showing the way when it comes to community and today's guest makes a huge contribution. Aretha McAdam is the Facilities Manager at Coastal Care Ōpunake - a community hub offering a large and diverse range of services. She talks with Anne about the latest developments at Coastal Care Ōpunake
Anne is joined by Jane Roseman, of Val Deakin Theatre, and Dominique Blatti, of the band La Mer. Find out about the some of the people and inspirations behind their collaboration - a new show called 'Connections'.
Clarissa and her best friend Maria co-host a Spanish language show and ART - Una Lloradita, y a seguir. Clarissa talks with Anne about their show, their friendship and how she has learned to live with endometriosis. What is endometriosis and why is it so hard to get a diagnosis and treatment?
Andy and Megan are along to share the many ways Creative Taranaki supports our local creative community, and to invite you to join one of the Toi on Tour hui series they are hosting throughout September.
Anne meets with new guests every Friday to give a voice and platform to those in our community.
Brett Morrison is the instigator of the Pride of Place art exhibition, running for the next month in New Plymouth's CBD. 21 Taranaki artists raising money for four local mental health charities doing the important mahi in out community. Listen to find out more about Brett, the artists, and the charities: Taranaki Retreat, Horses Helping Humans, Building Wellness and Rural Support
Tune in to meet Julia, a multi-talented artist from Prague. Hear how Taranaki Maunga has grabbed Julia by the heart, inspiring her to stay and open a gallery on Ngāmotu's main street.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of connective tissue disorders. It is a debilitating illness that goes largely un- or mis-diagnosed, and that affects roughly 1 in 3,000 people. One of those people is Evie, who talks with Anne about the illness, the symptoms, the search for a diagnosis, and the impact of EDS on their life.
Jackie Morrow and Fred Kumeroa are, respectively, Secretary and Chair of of Grey Power (South Taranaki). Their proposed Pensioner Housing scheme could go a long way to address a problem that more and more pensioners are facing - the shortage of rental housing for the elderly. But they need the local and central governments to get on board, and they need your support. Listen to find out more.
Elizabeth is our local coordinator for StarJam which is a non profit, providing music and movement workshops for disabled youth. They are known as Jammers. She shares information and stories about the work she does and the programmes on offer for young Jammers in Taranaki.
Valerie Barraclough shares some of the challenges and insights relating to raising a child with autism. She is determined to make a difference in her role on the Board of Autism Connex in Ngāmotu and has been instrumental in bringing Mind Over Manner to town. Mind Over Manner uses the power of theatre to realise the potential of differently wired minds. Together, Autism Connex and Mind Over Manner are bringing Neurodiversity workshops to New Plymouth.
Anne meets with new guests every Friday to give a voice and platform to those in our community.
Anne meets with new guests every Friday to give a voice and platform to those in our community.
Toni Smith and Kurt Biesiek are working together on a cool project, making movies, and are asking for help from the community to make sure it happens.
Kristina Hillock is a Marine Technical Advisor with DOC. She talks about their current campaign focussing on the Māui Dolphin in the waters off the Taranaki coastline. Then find out more about current DOC work in and around the Taranaki coastline from Cameron Hunt, Senior Marine Ranger for DOC.
Franzi knows that imagination is the beginning of creation, play fuels creativity, and that inspiration connects and drives us. Listen to find out how she brings these three concepts together in her amazing children's art groups.
Anne meets with new guests every Friday to give a voice and platform to those in our community.
Anne meets with new guests every Friday to give a voice and platform to those in our community.
Seasons for Growth Taranaki have been offering support for children and families going through a time of grief and loss for 20 years. Judy Wood has been part of this fab organisation for most of that time, and was in talking with Anne about the wonderful work they do.
Indian Ink Theatre Company are bringing their latest show Dirty Work to Taranaki and Anne was lucky enough to chat with one of the actors. Tessa Rao is a Kiwi actress of European and Indian descent. She recently starred as the Green Ranger on Netflix’s Power Rangers: Dino Fury.
Anne meets with new guests every Friday to give a voice and platform to those in our community.
Anne meets with new guests every Friday to give a voice and platform to those in our community.
Meet Phillip - wood carver, creative soul, survivor. Hear how he plans to use his life lessons to build community
'Garden to Table' immerses tamariki in rich learning for life - how to grow, harvest, prepare and share. Hear all about this inspiring programme that is being brought to our local schools by Taranki Regional Coordinator, Heather Allington, as well as some interviews with tamariki involved in Garden to Table.
Anne meets with new guests every Friday to give a voice and platform to those in our community.
The annual Stratford Shakespeare Fest NZ is about to kick off. Brendon Hornell is along to share the upcoming highlights of the week-long festival
The chair of the newly-formed Taranaki Singer Songwriters Development Trust, Karen Clarke, joins Anne to celebrate the wealth of talent in Taranaki and share the news about what's happening around the motu in that singer-songwriting space
Hannah and Liam are passionate about their journey to zero waste, and invite the rest of New Zealand to join them on 'The Rubbish Trip'.
Anne meets with new guests every Friday to give a voice and platform to those in our community.
Meet ART's new Community Liaison! Phill shares a little of his journey to Access Radio Taranaki, as well as his passion for Improv theatre.
Meet Tony Skilling, the man behind many of the beautiful photographs of the motu that are posted on Facebook, and that document many aspects of life in Taranaki. Also, local band Fin Rah Zel are getting set to perform at WOMAD this year with a warm-up gig in Inglewood this weekend. Lead vocalist, Brian Norton is in to share some of their music.
Taranaki Animal Save is part of the national Save organisation, promoting animal rights and the end of animal exploitation. Members of the group, Summer and Elin, talk with Anne about live animal exports and much, much more.
A few years ago, when Waitara High School teacher Matarahi Skipper reminisced about life in Japan, his students were so inspired they asked if they could go. This year he will lead a second group of students on their trip-of-a-lifetime to Japan. Anne is joined by Mata and students Siarra, Frankie and Jess, to talk about the fundraising they're doing to get there, and what the trip will mean for them.
Cass Gray is the Neighbours Aotearoa Connector for Taranaki, based in Ngāmotu, New Plymouth. She is passionate about growing, connecting and strengthening neighbourhoods across Taranaki. She talks with Anne about connections, breaking down barriers and the importance of community, as well as how everybody can do something small - or large! - that lets you know a neighbour that bit better.
The Flannagan Cup is an iconic open-water swim being held on Waitangi Day at Ngamotu Beach. This event has been running every year since 1916! Iain McCallum and Paul Feltoe are two veterans from the Flannagan Cup Board. They join Anne to talk about the event and about swimming and water safety in general.
Dominique Blatti is the founder and coordinator of Taranaki Classical Guitar Summer School. Listen in to find out what this year’s 6th edition has to offer participants and audiences. TGCGSS 2024 will take place from 14th-20th January, in New Plymouth.
Anne meets with new guests every Friday to give a voice and platform to those in our community.
Anne meets with new guests every Friday to give a voice and platform to those in our community.
'Modern-day troubadour' Julian Raphael, plus Laura and Dave, are in to talk about the Taranaki Sings project and invite the community to come and be part of the Speigelfest street performance, featuring no less than seven community choirs.
Ashwani and Pankti, from the New Plymouth Indian Community, talk about Diwali - what it means to the Indian community, and how its celebrated - in the lead up to New Plymouth's Diwali celebrations. Anne talks about Shake Out earthquake drills, tsunami evacuation zones and the importance of knowing your zone and having a plan for when the s**t hits the fan
Anne meets with Simon Velk and Grant Carter, of Taranaki Health Foundation, who talk about the work they do raising funds to add value to our hospital. Then Rob Green from Heritage Taranaki pops in to give an update about the events that are coming up for Taranaki Heritage Month.
Doug, from The Junction Re-Use Shop, comes in to chat about the latest developments at The Junction, which include recycling tetrapak packaging into SaveBoard - a sustainable building material. Amanda, from the Performing Arts Collective is in to promote their upcoming performance. Based around the theme of Mardi Gras, it promises to be a fun-filled, chaotic party.
Cauliflower ice cream? Really? 'Startup Weekend Taranaki returns to empower the region's enterprising dreamers.' Organiser of the upcoming Startup Weekend in Oakura, Dan Thurston Crow talks with Anne about the weekend and how they work. He is joined by two past Startup participants, Jenni and Simeon, who talk about their experiences and the businesses that grew out of their respective Startup Weekends.
What is heritage? Whose heritage is it? Rob Green and Susanne Rawson of Heritage Taranaki talk about the inaugural Taranaki Heritage Month, 1 Oct - 5 Nov, during which these questions and more will be explored. Then Anne is joined by MP Glenn Bennett, NPDC Councillor Amanda Clinton-Gohdes, and quilter Lesley Ault, who talk about the 'Taranaki Apart Together Project, grown out of the first Covid lockdown, resulting in the beautiful patchwork quilt that is hanging in ART window for the next mnth.
To mark Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, Liz and Callum share their Te Reo Journeys and chat with Anne about the importance of Te Reo Māori to New Zealanders. Then Anne is joined by Sam Mahy, Taranaki Suicide Prevention and Postvention Coordinator with Tui Ora, who promotes the activities and events that are part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Helen Gaudin and Sarah Foy, from MSD, discuss superannuation: who can, and how and when to apply, Kiwisaver in relation to the Super, and the Gold Card. Then Todd Vevers, from Taranaki Emergency Management Office. talks about business resilience, Shakeout Day (27 October) and its focus on tsunami safety, and the role of TEMO during extreme weather events.
Danni is one half of the duo 'In the Shallows', which is combining forces with another duo 'Looking For Alaska' for a Spring Tour. Ahead of their New Plymouth date, Danni talks with Anne about the two duos, their similarities and differences, and how they fit together. Then Mikaela Nyman talks with writer Roland McKellar ahead of the book launch of his biography of R. H. Morrieson - the writer and person behind Taranaki's Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Awards.
Ever thought of vocational training through virtual reality? Skills VR have. Rachel Matela from Skills VR talks through the how and the why of VR training, which is now available through MSD. Then Lara Durville talk about her research project focusing on caregivers and how they look after their own health and wellbeing.
The esteemed Atamira Dance Co is bringing their dance performance piece, "Te Wheke" to New Plymouth. Anne talks with one of the directors, Kelly Nash. Te Wheke (The Octopus) is based around the late Rangimarie Rose Pere's model of hauora, which aligns a Matauranagi Maori dimension of health and wellbeing to each of the eight tentacles.
Then Anne talks with New Plymouth personality Muzza the Mullet, about town, family, and the mullet.
After being closed for two and a half years, NZ's borders have now re-opened to international students. Rachel Berndt from Venture Taranaki, talks about what this means for the region, Dean from PIHMS gives an educator's perspective, and Veronica shares her journey as an international student from China, pre-Covid, who is now back to resume her studies.
Carla Moore is the driving force behind the community collaboration, 'Flourish', which focuses on parenting education and support. Together with her 'super-volunteer', Deborah Baker, they speak with Anne about Flourish, the community needs the organisation sets out to meet, and the amazing range of ways they offer to meet those needs.
Graham Walker is a busy man. He talks with Anne about Multiple Sclerosis, being on the Consumer Council for Te Whatu Ora Taranaki, and (his passion project) the Bertrand Road Suspension Bridge, which has its 125th anniversary this weekend.
Erin Tate is from the Waitara Food Bank and Food Secure Waitara. In a pre-recorded presentation to the North Taranaki community (from 27 June), Erin shares plans to address the growing issues of food security, resilience and sovereignty and to offer support for North Taranaki whanau to have access to nutritious and filling kai.
Gillian Campbell is the Interim District Director of the new Public Health entity for or region: Te Whatu Ora Taranaki. Today she talks with Anne about the transition from the Taranaki District Health Board, why the changes are needed, the goals for the new entity and what it means for you, the people who depend on their services.
July 1 is Canada Day. Jacqueline Hogler celebrates her home country's national day by sharing stories and Canadian music.
Anne talks with Michael Muggeridge, of the band T-Bone, ahead of their performance at 4th Wall Theatre on the day their debut album is released. Think crawfish and grits, zydeco and bluegrass, and a whole lot more. In the second half, Hoani Eriwhata of Ngati Te Whiti, talks about Puanga and how it relates to Matariki, then Chade Julie of Stratford District Council about the Matariki events being held in Whakaahurangi/Stratford.
"Poipoia te kakono ia puawai" - nurture the seed and it will blossom.
Andre Manella invites local singer-songwriters to participate in an exciting upcoming weekend retreat where they will learn from the best!
Elaine Rollins, Assistant Curator at Govett Brewster Art Gallery introduces the current exhibition "There Is No Other Home But This" Laura, local singer-songwriter sings her new single "Safety in Numbers" live in the studio.
Mikaela Nyman talks with Govett Brewster Art Gallery's Theresa Tongi, ahead of the Lalaga Pasifika festival. Then Anne chats with comedian Paul Ego, ahead of the 7 Days live show, coming to New Plymouth.
Meet ART's new faces: Trisha Daly, admin, and Mikaela Nyman, community liaison. Two women who have led really interesting lives. Today they share some of their stories and let us get to know them a little more.
Join Betsy and the Reckless, live in the studio, in a chaotic, fun 'party-in-the-house' as they launch their new single 'My Baby Don't Know'!
A show of two halves. In the first half Anne talks with two highly acclaimed singers in their own right; Gilly Darbey and Vikki Clayton, who come together in a fun duo known as the Wayward Divas. The second half encourages the celebration of Taranaki's food and drink producers. A fine range of high-quality products can be experienced through the Taste and Tales trails that are happening over the next 2 weeks.
Andy Bassett chats with Anne about the stories behind the songs on his new album, The Orchid Thief.
The man behind LTOBM, New Plymouth's Mohamed Doughty, talks about his new EP 'Licorice', his life, and motivations. Featuring the tracks from the EP 'Licorice'.
Meet Ross Bennett, this month's exhibiting artist in Access Radio Taranaki's ARTspace. Ross talks about his life, his style and his art. His paintings are a colourful, bold representation of the world around us.
Taranaki Chamber of Commerce is all about community connections and partnerships. Today Maura Young, Partnership Manager for TCoC talks about 'Circulate' and their initiative that connects NFPs and businesses. Momo Martin, of Theory Food and Eat a Rainbow Foundation is one person who has been supported by Maura and the Chamber.