Episode Playlist
Free Breakfast - Magical Bridge Playground - 01-12-2023( 0:20:46)
Episode Information
Peter van Vroonhoven, Chair of Magical Bridge Trust, talks with Mike Williams about the opening of Hamilton’s first fully accessible playground, which officially opens in Claudelands Park today at 4pm.
The playground is designed for use by anyone, especially those with diverse disabilities and special needs and is the first of its kind in New Zealand (and the first outside the US). The new playground was built in collaboration with Hamilton City Council and Magical Bridge Trust, a charitable trust started by passionate members of the disability community.
Published: 1/12/2023 10:00:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Mayor Paula Southgate – 21-11-2023( 0:18:40)
Episode Information
Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate joins Mike Williams to discuss the financial pressures facing Hamilton City Council and their likely impact on the budget for the city's Long Term Plan (2024-2034). The first draft of the budget is due to be tabled at a council meeting on November 28-29.
Published: 21/11/2023 9:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Misty Flicks film festival – 13-11-2023( 0:21:53)
Episode Information
The 2023 Misty Flicks film festival – a uniquely local event celebrating film makers in the Waikato region – runs from November 24-26 at the Regent Cinema in Te Awamutu.
Two of the featured film makers, Pam Kaval and Nathan Higgins join Mike Williams to discuss their films and their passion for cinema.
To qualify to be part of the fetsival your film must have been shot in the Waikato region, or Central New Zealand region, or have a connection with these regions through cast and crew.
As a region, we have a lot to offer and we have a growing pool of people with the necessary skills and talent to cement the Waikato as a great place for story-telling on film.
Published: 13/11/2023 10:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 20-10-2023( 0:18:58)
Episode Information
Mike Williams talks with Jumpin' JB (Jerry Balderson) host of the uniquely quirky show, The Paleface Parabola, which is about to celebrate its 100th episode on Free FM (next Wednesday night).
Jerry hails from Hacketstown New Jersey, USA and is our most distant content creator. He talks about his background and how he came to become involved in making a radio show for a station half a world away.
Published: 20/10/2023 10:00:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Lets Reuse Hamilton – 03-10-2023( 0:16:50)
Episode Information
Emma Sinclair is Project Lead for an initiative to reduce single-use waste and make sustainable choices simple via a reusable coffee cup system, soon to be implemented at five cafes in Kirikiriroa. The Lets Reuse Hamilton scheme launches on October 5 and is being led by Impact Hub Waikato with support from Hamilton City Council. She talks to Mike Williams about the idea and how it aims to reshape the way we view grabbing a coffee to go.
Published: 3/10/2023 10:45:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 07-09-2023( 0:13:20)
Episode Information
Mike Williams talks with Adam White, director of the 2023 Waikato Hospital variety revue, Virus Ridiculus!
The show is booked in for two performances at Clarence Street Theatre, October 19 and 20th.
Virus Ridiculus! highlights the many varied talents of staff of the Waikato Hospital and surrounding hospitals and also other medical personnel. It is a show full of comedy, music dancing etc.
Interested in takling part? Contact Adam by emailing adam.white@waikatodhb.health.nz
Published: 7/09/2023 11:00:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - The Fully Monty – 01-09-2023( 0:14:5)
Episode Information
Mike Williams talks with Dsve Moore, diretcor of the play The Full Monty, which starts its run at Te Awamutu's Woolshed Theatre from Saturday September 2.
Ticket sales support prostate cancer research and are available through iTicket.co.nz... They have Ladies Night performances on the Fridays.
Published: 2/09/2023 10:30:00 p.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Kyle Mewburn – 17-08-2023( 0:13:42)
Episode Information
Kyle Mewburn has been writing full time for over 25 years, creating dynamic picture books for children and writing youth fiction. Kyle spoke with Cate Prestidge about her work & upcoming workshop in Hamilton.
Published: 17/08/2023 12:00:00 p.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Raymond McGrath – 10-08-2023( 0:12:3)
Episode Information
Raymond McGrath is a storyteller who creates work for print and moving media. He’s coming to Kirikiriroa as part of Hamilton Book Month, including running a practical, creative workshop on story developments and publishing.
Published: 15/08/2023 2:15:00 p.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Jacqui Church - 09-08-2023( 0:14:20)
Episode Information
Waikato District Mayor Jacqui Church joins Free FM's Gary Farrow for the first of her fortnightly interviews about what's on the agenda for the district. Church is so passionate about her role as mayor that she has chosen to live in a caravan near Council HQ, with one constituent fondly dubbing her the "gypsy mayor".
Published: 9/08/2023 11:00:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 07-08-2023( 0:6:33)
Episode Information
Labour List MP for Taranaki and the King Country, Angela Roberts, discusses the upcoming general election, and the newly announced Auckland Harbour crossing and its relevance to the motu as a whole.
Published: 7/08/2023 11:00:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 03-08-2023( 0:12:53)
Episode Information
Former Writer in residence at Waikato University, Richard von Sturmer, is returning to Kirikiriroa for Hamilton Book Month
He speaks with Cate Prestidge ahead of the launch of his book Walking with Rocks, Dreaming with Rivers: My Year in the Waikato.
Published: 4/08/2023 7:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 03-08-2023( 0:13:34)
Episode Information
Feana Tu’akoi started writing stories when her children were young, and now has over 230 titles to her name. She speaks with Cate Prestidge about her early life and works, including her latest book Lopini the Legend, which will be launched during Hamilton Book Month.
Published: 4/08/2023 7:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Bike Waikato - 02-08-2023( 0:14:38)
Episode Information
Bike Waikato chair Melissa Smith talks with Free FM's Gary Farrow about the Climate Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) projects that were approved by Hamilton City Council, and also has a look at further proposals yet to be considered before the Transport and Infrastructure Committee.
Published: 2/08/2023 10:00:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Liam Carter – 01-08-2023( 0:12:2)
Episode Information
Founder of Ride Your Trike NZ, Liam Carter joined Mike Williams to talk about their next fundraising event, a Rock N Roll night which is a fully accessible family event to be held on Saturday August 26 at Zeal in Hamilton with snacks included with a ticket. Fundraiser and celebration of self-propelled community mobility for mixed abilities with any proceeds going towards Ride Your Trike NZ Kirikiriroa activities and promotion.
Published: 1/08/2023 10:00:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Brannavan Gnanalingam - 27-07-2023( 0:16:12)
Episode Information
Hamilton Book Month is about to kick off, starting with the Fiction Panel on Tuesday August 1st. Panelist, writer, reviewer and lawyer Brannavan Gnanalingam joins Cate Prestidge to talk about his influences, the ideas and inspiration for his seven novels to date, and how he approaches his work.
Published: 27/07/2023 10:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Lee Murray - 27-07-2023( 0:14:28)
Episode Information
Lee Murray is a multi-award winning novelist, with over 40 titles. She recently returned from Stoker.Con, an international festival for writers in the horror and speculative fiction genres, where she won her 5th Bram Stoker award. Lee joins Cate Prestidge ahead of her appearance on the Fiction Panel and workshop, taking place as part of Hamilton Book Month.
Published: 27/07/2023 10:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Stones in His Pockets – 29-06-2023( 0:12:4)
Episode Information
Cate Prestidge talsk with Chris Green, guest director at Morrinsville Theatre, about the play Stones in His Pockets. It's an Irish tragi-comedy featuring two actors, playing 15 characters on stage and it opens for a six-performance season from July 7. Tickets are available from iTicket.co.nz.
Published: 29/06/2023 10:00:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Launched 2023 – 29-06-2023( 0:7:14)
Episode Information
Cate Prestudge talks with AJ about the Disability Arts Festival Trust event 'Launched' which is back for 2023. Launched 2023 is at Southwell School's Performing Arts Centre, 200 Peachgrove Road, Hamilton. Entry for spectators is by koha/gold coin. There will be two Shows, again this year, one at 10.30am and the other at 6pm. Participants and spectators are very welcome to come to one or both events.
Published: 29/06/2023 10:00:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Jamie Strange - 26-06-2023( 0:10:28)
Episode Information
Fieldays, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' visit to China, and National's campaign launch are all on the agenda for Jamie Strange, Labour MP for Hamilton West, as he speaks with Mike Williams on the Free Breakfast.
Published: 26/06/2023 10:45:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Bots vs Beings - 09-06-2023( 0:20:1)
Episode Information
Professor Nick Agar joins Mike Williams in the studio to talk about 'Bots vs Beings: How Will AI Impact Your Life and Work?' - an open panel discussion on Tuesday 13 June 2023, 5:45pm Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts.
Published: 9/06/2023 9:15:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Jamie Strange – 29-05-2023( 0:11:31)
Episode Information
Now in the twilight days of his time in Parliament, Labour MP Jamie Strange, who has represented the Hamilton East electorate for the current term, reflects on the 2023 Labour Party Conference, the handful of policies that were announced, and his plans to maintain a local focus in the coming months leading up to the General Election.
Published: 29/05/2023 11:45:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Te Huia 24-05-2023( 0:8:54)
Episode Information
The Hamilton-Auckland train has now hauled 100,000 passengers since it began. Jennifer Nickel, chair of the Climate Action Committee at Waikato Regional Council, talks about it with Free FM's Gary Farrow.
Published: 24/05/2023 10:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Bike Waikato - 24-05-2023( 0:11:45)
Episode Information
The Road to Zero - is it possible to have zero serious injuries of fatalities happening on our roads? Melissa Smith, chair of Bike Waikato, discusses it with Free FM's Gary Farrow in their fortnightly catch up.
Published: 24/05/2023 10:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Keb Hart - 12-05-2023( 0:19:19)
Episode Information
Americana-tinged folk and blues musician Keb Hart from Cambridge joins Mike in the studio for an interview and a song. Keeping it local for NZ Music Month, Keb was this week's Featured EP on the Free Breakfast.
Published: 12/05/2023 9:45:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Rainbow Hub - 02-05-2023( 0:11:55)
Episode Information
Rainbow Hub Waikato is an identity-affirming charity dedicated to providing safe spaces, support and education. Team Free FM has taken advantage of their education services, and gives it a big two thumbs up! They’re launching a crowdfunding campaign to get the road to support a range of our Rainbow whaanau throughout the Waikato, and on this morning’s Free Breakfast Sese and Nate joined Kelli in the studio to talk about their work.
Published: 2/05/2023 10:00:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Jannat Maqbool – 06-04-2023( 0:12:35)
Episode Information
Jannat Maqbool joins Cate Prestidge on breakfast to talk about the first ever Ramadan Community Iftar dinner being held this Saturday April 8. The dinner is an opportunity for non-Muslim members of the community to join the breaking of the fast and share conversations with the Muslim community.
Published: 6/04/2023 12:30:00 p.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Leah Bell - 29-03-2023( 0:15:26)
Episode Information
Waikato musician Leah Bell joins host Gary in the studio to share a couple of live acoustic songs and the inspiration behind her music. Leah doesn't have any recorded music yet, which makes it even more of a privilege to hear her music on Free FM. Gary initially heard Leah playing at Nivara Lounge's open mic night in Hamilton - a great, inclusive way for musicians to start stretching their wings, and for audiences to to hear them.
Published: 29/03/2023 10:45:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Angela Roberts - 20-03-2023( 0:10:32)
Episode Information
Angela Roberts is the Labour list MP for Taranaki, the King Country, Otorohanga and Te Awamutu. She will now be appearing regularly on the Free Breakfast, speaking about the many hats she wears - staying in touch with local communities and representing them in Parliament, working on the education and workforce select committee, and being the deputy chair of the primary industries select committee, to name a few. Free FM's Mike Williams had an introductory chat with her.
Published: 20/03/2023 10:45:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Where Water Meets - 15-03-2023( 0:14:28)
Episode Information
Emily and Yyan are Where Water Meets, an existential chamber-folk band from Tasmania. Set to play a gig at Nivara Lounge on Saturday 18 March with Looking For Alaska, they join Gary on the Free Breakfast to share their work, including performances of a couple of pieces.
Published: 15/03/2023 9:45:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 10-03-2023( 0:14:50)
Episode Information
The much-loved play Calendar Girls opens at Riverlea Theatre on Saturday 18 March, staged by Hamilton Playbox -— cleebrating their 90th year this year.
Mike Williams met with director Jane Barnett and actor Hicole Domett, who plays Annie.
Published: 13/03/2023 9:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Dr Felicity Goodyear-Smith – 03-03-2023( 0:15:14)
Episode Information
A new book from Dr Felicity Goodyear-Smith, called From Crime to Care: The History of Abortion in Aotearoa New Zealand, looks into our history on the subject from pre-colonial times, through the late 19th century, and into the rapidly changing and more liberal attitudes of the post-World War II decades. But the book's particular focus is the 1970s, covering setting up the first abortion clinic in 1974.
Dr Goodyear-Smith spoke with Mike Williams about the book.
Published: 3/03/2023 1:45:00 p.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Speed Dating - 21-02-2023( 0:10:22)
Episode Information
A speed dating event suitable for people with intellectual and learning impairments, and those who are neurodiverse, is taking place on 1 March.
Organiser Wendy van den Berg joins Kelli in the studio to talk about it.
Published: 21/02/2023 9:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Rock Follies Forever 10-02-2023( 0:19:1)
Episode Information
Jackie Clarke and Jennifer Ward-Lealand alk to Mike Williams about Rock Follies Forever, one of th eheadline acts for this year's Arts Festival. The pair, plus Laura Daniel, fan-girl over the best 1970s British girl-group that never was. Rock Follies Forever is an ode to the fabulousness of the cult British TV series Rock Follies, a show chronicling the ups and downs of three fierce women climbing the ladder to success in the macho world of 1970s rock.
Published: 10/02/2023 10:15:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Elizabeth Easther – 09-02-2023( 0:16:3)
Episode Information
Cate Prestidge talks to Elizabeth Easther who wrote and performs 'A Rare Bird' – a solo show that explores the audacious exploits of ornithologist Perrine Moncrieff; an extraordinary woman who played a huge role in helping to conserve the flora and fauna of Aotearoa.
Published: 9/02/2023 12:45:00 p.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Cassandra Woodhouse - 08-02-2023( 0:11:17)
Episode Information
Hanna is an acclaimed one woman play by Sam Potter. Directed by Jennifer Ward-Lealand, it will be taking place at the Hamilton Arts Festival on 1 March. The actress Cassandra Woodhouse gives us a preview of the play and an insight into its creation.
Published: 8/02/2023 9:45:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Jacinda Ardern - 09-12-2022( 0:7:23)
Episode Information
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is visiting Hamilton on the final day of the Hamilton West by-election. She joined Mike Williams on the phone on the Free Breakfast to talk about the possible implications of the by-election after the fact.
Published: 9/12/2022 9:15:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Dr Andrea Graves – 10-11-2022( 0:17:14)
Episode Information
Animal behaviourist Dr Andrea Graves is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable expert on chickens. She speaks with Cate Prestidge about her new book ‘What Your Chickens Want You To Know’ and discusses some of the ways you can create a happy environment for chickens in your own backyard.
Published: 10/11/2022 1:30:00 p.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 04-11-2022( 0:16:14)
Episode Information
Prudence Walker, CEO of Disabled Persons Assembly NZ, talks with Mike Williams about the Mahi Tika – Equity in Employment Roadshow whihc is touring parts of the Waikato Next week (14-18 Nov).
Published: 7/11/2022 3:45:00 p.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 25-10-2022( 0:16:56)
Episode Information
Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate talks with Kelli Pike about the new City Council committee structure and leadership; safety concerns due to high profile ram raids; and challenges for the council ahead.
Published: 25/10/2022 3:00:00 p.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 20-10-2022( 0:14:28)
Episode Information
When photographer David Cook moved into Hamilton East, he was drawn to the colourful, creative and chaotic lives of his neighbours. He talks to Cate Prestidge about his photographs which are on exhibit at the moment at Waikato Museum.
Published: 20/10/2022 9:45:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Owls Do Cry - 14-10-2022( 0:12:13)
Episode Information
The iconic theatre company, Red Leap are taking their successful theatre production, Owls Do Cry on tour. The show will be performed at Hamilton’s Meteor Theatre from 26-28 October. Director Malia Johnston joins us on the Free Breakfast.
Published: 14/10/2022 10:15:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 12-08-2022( 0:16:10)
Episode Information
Mike Willliams talks to Bridgit Anderson – a documentary photographer involved in Take a moment with us, a multimedia exhibition showcasing the dreams, talents and often the loneliness of people with intellectual disabilities.
The exhibition opens Saturday 13 August at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato in Hamilton and will be open for two months. Entry is free.
Published: 12/08/2022 1:45:00 p.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 09-08-2022( 0:15:1)
Episode Information
Kelli Pike was joined by Dr Kirsty Barbour of @Taurikura to talk about the work they're doing to support Maaori candidates, and encourage voting in this year's lody body elections.
Published: 9/08/2022 11:15:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 22-07-2022( 0:19:19)
Episode Information
Mike Williams talks with Dr Vimal Kumara, Waikato University Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and organiser of the ninth cyber security challenge, taking place at at Waikato University over today and tomorrow.
Published: 22/07/2022 9:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Bird Machine – 08-07-2022( 0:16:21)
Episode Information
Bird Machine (Jenna and Luke Grbin) join Mike Williams in the studio to talk about their music and their plans. Their single 'Our Kind' is being released on YouTube today at 6pm... they gave us a special unplugged performance.
Published: 8/07/2022 10:15:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast - Rangatahi Voices – 13-05-2022( 0:12:30)
Episode Information
Rosalie Norton joins Mike Williams to talk about Rangatahi Voices, a 100% youth designed and led initiative (supported by the Waikato Regional Council), with a view to create a place for young people’s perspective to be heard by decision makers and governors of the region.
Published: 14/05/2022 2:15:00 p.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Peter Posa Album and Kickstarter - 08-04-2022( 0:22:49)
Episode Information
Peter Posa passed away three years ago, and Donald McLeod has now started a kickstarter to fund PP's first new album and the songs he wanted to put out, since the last new album in 1970. You can get in touch with Donald about the kickstarter via ddmcldesign@gmail.com or 021 289 4748. You can also sample the Peter Posa album at pinenutrecords.bandcamp.com.
Published: 8/04/2022 9:00:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 07-04-2022( 0:9:0)
Episode Information
Cate Prestidge talks to Waikato Museum curator Jon Primmer about the touring exhibition they have on site, called “Our Moon: Then, Now & Beyond”.
Published: 7/04/2022 1:45:00 p.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 02-12-2021( 0:15:42)
Episode Information
Digital eyestrain is becoming a real 21st century problem – Cate Prestidge talks with optometrist David Aldridge about what's going on and how to minimise its impact.
Published: 2/12/2021 9:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 29-10-2021( 0:23:14)
Episode Information
Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate talks about Level 3, Step 1 and working towards the next likely changes ... vaccination importance … and Three Waters, now that central government has announced that it’s forging ahead with reforms — what’s next?
Published: 29/10/2021 9:00:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 28-10-2021( 0:14:11)
Episode Information
The 2021 Boon After Dark installations have had their season extended and will now be available for people to experience until November 14. Boon Trustee Nancy Caiger spoke with Mike Williams about the project.
Published: 28/10/2021 11:15:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – Anti-Vax GPs – 08-10-2021( 0:7:8)
Episode Information
A very small handful of GPs in NZ have anti-vax views when it comes to the Covid-19 vaccinations and there's mounting concern that they could have undue and damaging influence on their patients. Mike Williams looks at the issue and why we should feel concerned about doctors who choose not to support fact-based research.
Published: 8/10/2021 9:30:00 a.m.
Free FM – The Free Breakfast – 06-10-2021( 0:12:43)
Episode Information
Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk gives an update on what's happening in the district, focussing on the Covid-19 response, given that Hamilton and Cambridge are at different alert levels.
Published: 6/10/2021 11:15:00 a.m.