John Cowan hosts ‘Real Life’, a weekly nationwide chat show on Newstalk ZB featuring a different high-profile guest every week. John talks with them about their life, their upbringing, their passions and their view of the world.

Real Life With John Cowan

Duncan Greive - Founder of The Spinoff

Josephine Bartley has been showing up for the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki community for over a decade — first on the Local Board, then as a city councillor. She’s the first Pacific woman elected to Auckland Council, and she’s not afraid to get stuck in, whether it’s helping clean up after floods, pushing for fewer liquor stores, or standing up for safer streets.

She grew up in Māngere, raised by hardworking Sāmoan parents who came here chasing a better life. Inspired by people like David Lange, she studied law to stand up against unfairness — especially the kind that people in her own community faced. Her journey’s always been about service and doing the mahi to make a real difference.

When she’s not working, you’ll probably find her baking coconut buns (pani popo), attending local events, or just being present for her people. She loves where she lives and is always doing her best to make it better for everyone.

Josephine Bartley has been showing up for the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki community for over a decade — first on the Local Board, then as a city councillor. She’s the first Pacific woman elected to Auckland Council, and she’s not afraid to get stuck in, whether it’s helping clean up after floods, pushing for fewer liquor stores, or standing up for safer streets.
She grew up in Māngere, raised by hardworking Sāmoan parents who came here chasing a better life. Inspired by people like David Lange, she studied law to stand up against unfairness — especially the kind that people in her own community faced. Her journey’s always been about service and doing the mahi to make a real difference.
When she’s not working, you’ll probably find her baking coconut buns (pani popo), attending local events, or just being present for her people. She loves where she lives and is always doing her best to make it better for everyone.

Josephine Bartley - Auckland City Councillor

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1632e3f4-a78a-45e6-8da6-b2be0084907b/transcript

Born in Wellington in 1944, Peter struggled at school with what would now be recognised as dyslexia. He left Wellington Tech at age 15 and worked as a telegram delivery boy before securing his first butchery job in Seatown, where he learned the trade. After moving to Auckland, Peter opened his own butchery on Rosella Road, where a sign outside his store reading "Rosella Meats, home of the Mad Butcher" gave him his famous nickname. He grew his business significantly, particularly through radio advertising, and found time to pursue other passions, including an unwavering support of rugby league and championing various charitable causes.

Peter’s philanthropic work earned him a Queen’s Service Medal in 1991, and later, he was made a Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He has been married to Janice for many years, and together they have two grown daughters and four grandchildren.

Born in Wellington in 1944, Peter struggled at school with what would now be recognised as dyslexia. He left Wellington Tech at age 15 and worked as a telegram delivery boy before securing his first butchery job in Seatown, where he learned the trade. After moving to Auckland, Peter opened his own butchery on Rosella Road, where a sign outside his store reading "Rosella Meats, home of the Mad Butcher" gave him his famous nickname. He grew his business significantly, particularly through radio advertising, and found time to pursue other passions, including an unwavering support of rugby league and championing various charitable causes.
Peter’s philanthropic work earned him a Queen’s Service Medal in 1991, and later, he was made a Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He has been married to Janice for many years, and together they have two grown daughters and four grandchildren.

Sir Peter Leitch - The Mad Butcher

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/67dbd276-29f4-4814-8cbd-b2b7008494ca/transcript

Kahira Olley (Ngāti Rongomai, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Toa), after experiencing family violence for 25 years, established the Save Our Babies Charitable Trust and initiated programmes to support and empower victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Rotorua.

Her initiatives offer a safe space for women and girls to talk about their experiences and receive guidance and support. As well as support groups, they include a community fitness group, a free school lunch programme, free clothing through ‘Boutique of Aroha’, and a photoshoot and runway event with models who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. She was also recently a finalist in the Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year (2025).

Kahira Olley (Ngāti Rongomai, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Toa), after experiencing family violence for 25 years, established the Save Our Babies Charitable Trust and initiated programmes to support and empower victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Rotorua.
Her initiatives offer a safe space for women and girls to talk about their experiences and receive guidance and support. As well as support groups, they include a community fitness group, a free school lunch programme, free clothing through ‘Boutique of Aroha’, and a photoshoot and runway event with models who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. She was also recently a finalist in the Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year (2025).

Kahira Olley MNZM - Domestic Abuse Advocate

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5fafa2f3-07ba-4458-a5b8-b2b0007508d2/transcript

Duncan Greive - Founder of The Spinoff

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