 

It’s a quick catch-up on some of the stories making news today, from our own backyard to around New Zealand.

We look at plans for a proposed new health hub in Hāwea and what having more healthcare closer to home could mean for the local community.

There’s also fascinating new research suggesting the ageing brain may be adapting rather than simply declining, plus the latest on a serious incident in North Canterbury.

And we’re joined by Mark Pitaway to talk business security, secure storage, and why protecting important files and records still matters in an increasingly digital world.

A quick mix of local news, national headlines and useful conversation to get you across what’s happening today.

&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s a quick catch-up on some of the stories making news today, from our own backyard to around New Zealand.
We look at plans for a proposed new health hub in Hāwea and what having more healthcare closer to home could mean for the local community.
There&rsquo;s also fascinating new research suggesting the ageing brain may be adapting rather than simply declining, plus the latest on a serious incident in North Canterbury.
And we&rsquo;re joined by Mark Pitaway to talk business security, secure storage, and why protecting important files and records still matters in an increasingly digital world.
A quick mix of local news, national headlines and useful conversation to get you across what&rsquo;s happening today.

Jack, originally from Christchurch and a Central Otago enthusiast, has always cherished the vibrant community and stunning landscapes of Wānaka.

An avid runner, he loves exploring everything Wānaka has to offer. Now, he's thrilled to bring his passion and energy to Radio Wānaka as the new breakfast announcer - and now - a podcast too! 

Jack, originally from Christchurch and a Central Otago enthusiast, has always cherished the vibrant community and stunning landscapes of Wānaka.
An avid runner, he loves exploring everything Wānaka has to offer. Now, he's thrilled to bring his passion and energy to Radio Wānaka as the new breakfast announcer - and now - a podcast too!&nbsp;

The Radio Wānaka Breakfast Podcast

Today’s Headlines: Hāwea Health Hub, The Ageing Brain & Local Business Security

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/dd633f47-b142-40f3-a372-b4d90124440e/transcript

As AI becomes woven into more of our everyday lives, one big question is becoming harder to ignore: who is technology actually serving?

In this episode, technology journalist and author Peter Griffin joins Jack to explore the tension between innovation and consent, and what we risk giving up as powerful digital systems become increasingly embedded in society.

Peter looks at the rapid rise of AI, the growing influence of a handful of global technology companies, and the lessons we should have learned from the social media era. Are we embracing these tools without fully understanding what we're handing over in return?

The conversation also turns to New Zealand. What do we actually want AI to do for us? How do we make sure its benefits are shared widely? And how much control are we comfortable giving away?

Peter is appearing at Wao Summit 2026, speaking at Innovation vs. Consent: Who Is Technology Really For? and joining the Evening Kōrero: The Age of Complexity panel.

A fascinating conversation about AI, power, autonomy and the choices we're making now that could shape the decades ahead.

 

As AI becomes woven into more of our everyday lives, one big question is becoming harder to ignore: who is technology actually serving?
In this episode, technology journalist and author Peter Griffin joins Jack to explore the tension between innovation and consent, and what we risk giving up as powerful digital systems become increasingly embedded in society.
Peter looks at the rapid rise of AI, the growing influence of a handful of global technology companies, and the lessons we should have learned from the social media era. Are we embracing these tools without fully understanding what we're handing over in return?
The conversation also turns to New Zealand. What do we actually want AI to do for us? How do we make sure its benefits are shared widely? And how much control are we comfortable giving away?
Peter is appearing at Wao Summit 2026, speaking at Innovation vs. Consent: Who Is Technology Really For? and joining the Evening Kōrero: The Age of Complexity panel.
A fascinating conversation about AI, power, autonomy and the choices we're making now that could shape the decades ahead.
&nbsp;

Who Is Technology Really For? | Peter Griffin

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/77029ca1-f0a7-4761-a6dd-b4d90143a780/transcript

What does resilience actually look like when your business depends on the places and communities around you?

We’re joined by Tim Wells, Experience Manager at RealNZ, as part of our conversations around this year’s Wao Aotearoa Summit and its theme, Resilience in Action.

Tim shares how RealNZ is approaching sustainability across its operations, from supporting local suppliers and communities to initiatives like the veggie garden at Walter Peak and creating more locally connected, garden-to-table experiences.

We also talk about the changing pressures facing tourism, what climate change means for businesses operating in places like Fiordland and Queenstown, and why looking after people, communities and the environment has become an important part of building a resilient business.

Tim also explains why RealNZ is involved with the Wao Summit and what businesses can learn from sharing ideas, adapting and taking practical action.

A great local conversation about tourism, sustainability and what Resilience in Action can look like in the real world.

What does resilience actually look like when your business depends on the places and communities around you?
We&rsquo;re joined by Tim Wells, Experience Manager at RealNZ, as part of our conversations around this year&rsquo;s Wao Aotearoa Summit and its theme, Resilience in Action.
Tim shares how RealNZ is approaching sustainability across its operations, from supporting local suppliers and communities to initiatives like the veggie garden at Walter Peak and creating more locally connected, garden-to-table experiences.
We also talk about the changing pressures facing tourism, what climate change means for businesses operating in places like Fiordland and Queenstown, and why looking after people, communities and the environment has become an important part of building a resilient business.
Tim also explains why RealNZ is involved with the Wao Summit and what businesses can learn from sharing ideas, adapting and taking practical action.
A great local conversation about tourism, sustainability and what Resilience in Action can look like in the real world.

Resilience in Action: How RealNZ Is Rethinking Tourism

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1940cf4a-f07b-4bb5-9065-b4d60158d419/transcript

Three very different stories are making headlines around the South Island today.

First, a Gloriavale teacher has been censured following an incident where a student was struck with a vacuum cleaner pipe.

Then closer to home, we take a look at a striking Wānaka house turning heads thanks to its bold exterior cladding and distinctive design.

And in Tekapo, change is coming for visitors. The Mackenzie District Council has approved a paid parking trial set to begin by Easter next year, aimed at testing whether charging for parking could help manage busy visitor areas and shift some of the cost away from ratepayers.

Three stories, three very different parts of the South Island, and everything you need to know from today's headline

Three very different stories are making headlines around the South Island today.
First, a Gloriavale teacher has been censured following an incident where a student was struck with a vacuum cleaner pipe.
Then closer to home, we take a look at a striking Wānaka house turning heads thanks to its bold exterior cladding and distinctive design.
And in Tekapo, change is coming for visitors. The Mackenzie District Council has approved a paid parking trial set to begin by Easter next year, aimed at testing whether charging for parking could help manage busy visitor areas and shift some of the cost away from ratepayers.
Three stories, three very different parts of the South Island, and everything you need to know from today's headline

Vacuum Pipes, Bold Homes & Paid Parking

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/52d236cf-9e7b-408b-b37b-b4d601452aa4/transcript

Today’s Headlines: Hāwea Health Hub, The Ageing Brain & Local Business Security

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