Raglan Community Radio

29/05/2026

Aaron is back talking local politics, catching up with Waikato District Mayor Aksel Bech fresh off the back of the WSL and straight into one of the biggest issues facing councils across New Zealand.

What could local government reform mean for communities like Raglan? Will local voices still be heard if councils get bigger? And where does Whāingaroa fit into the picture?

The pair also reflect on the success of the WSL event, local decision-making, and some of the challenges and opportunities ahead for the district.

Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of our community.

The Government wants councils to rapidly redesign local government structures – but Waikato District Mayor Aksel Bech says communities risk losing local voice if reforms become too centralised.

29/05/2026

Three interviews, three great reasons to get involved in Whāingaroa this weekend. 🎙️

Aaron is back on Raglan Community Radio and he caught up with organisers behind:
🎨 Into the Blue exhibition opening at the Old School Arts Centre
🍓 and Their Fruity Friends
🧘 A Sound & Meditation event hosted by Art + Yoga

The Fruity Quiz is officially sold out, but you can still support the fundraiser through the donation link. And if enough people put their hands up, Tom may just have to organise another one...

Listen back to the interviews and find out what's happening around town this weekend.

🎨 Into the Blue Exhibition:
https://raglanradio.com/captivate-podcast/into-the-blue-exhibition-opening-friday/

🧘 Sound & Meditation + other Art + Yoga events:
https://raglanradio.com/captivate-podcast/sound-meditation-journey-this-weekend/

🍓 Fruity Quiz donations:
https://raglanradio.com/captivate-podcast/the-fruity-quiz-fundraiser/

28/05/2026

The WSL may be over, but Raglan Community Radio still has plenty of surf content rolling through 🌊

In this Alternative Morning Show special, Annika heads behind the scenes of the World Surf League with surf filmmaker Isaac Chadwick.

The pair chat New Zealand surf culture, storytelling, and Isaac’s perspective on the WSL experience here in Whāingaroa. Listen here: https://raglanradio.com/captivate-podcast/wsl-behind-the-scenes-with-isaac-chadwick/

21/05/2026

Jane from Heart Talks has a wonderful chat with local author Sarah Johnson about her new book Not a Babe. Sarah shares the story behind the book, her writing process and what else she’s balancing in her busy creative world.

Listen here: https://raglanradio.com/captivate-podcast/heart-talks-episode-83-chat-with-author-sarah-johnson/

Not a Babe is available now from Made, Zinnia and the Raglan iHUB.

📍 Book launch
5 June at Old School Arts Centre

19/05/2026

For local surfer Alamea Ngahere, taking part in the WSL Rising Tides programme was a chance to paddle out at Manu Bay alongside some of the world’s best surfers and experience the Championship Tour up close.

Supported by .maori.boardriders and , Rising Tides gives young surfers from Aotearoa the opportunity to share waves, learn from the pros and be part of the energy surrounding the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy.

Images

17/05/2026

Raglan Community Radio catches up with , the Brazilian-American surfer currently leading the women’s world rankings at the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy.

Look out for her upcoming Round 2 Heat 3 matchup against Australia’s Tyler Wright as the action continues at Manu Bay.

16/05/2026

Annika catches up with New Zealand surf icon Daniel “DK” Kereopa for a kōrero on the unique energy of Manu Bay (Waikeri), the feminine nature of the wave and its connection to Karioi Maunga.

A thoughtful local perspective on the relationship between surfing, whenua and the spirit of Whāingaroa during the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy.

15/05/2026

Day one of the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy saw Kiwi wildcards Billy Stairmand, Tom Butland and Alani Morse take on some of the world’s best at Manu Bay.

While all three were eliminated in Round 1, they each put up strong performances in challenging conditions against elite international competition.

Tom Butland opened the event with a close heat against Luke Thompson, while Billy Stairmand pushed Morgan Cibilic in one of the day’s higher-scoring matchups.

For Whāingaroa locals, one of the standout moments was seeing 15-year-old Alani Morse make her Championship Tour debut against Bettylou Sakura Johnson in front of a packed home crowd.

A huge day for New Zealand surfing and an unreal atmosphere at Manu Bay.

15/05/2026

Roving reporter .by.annika is down at Manu Bay asking the hard-hitting questions from the athletes at the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy.

Most importantly… has tried Marmite yet? 🌊 🌊

14/05/2026

Raglan Community Radio catches up with legendary commentator , often described as “the voice of surfing”.

Since making his live broadcast debut in 2007, Joe’s commentary and deep knowledge of the sport have become synonymous with the Championship Tour and some of surfing’s biggest moments.

Joe shares his perspective on Manu Bay, what makes the wave so special, and what judges are looking for during the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy.