Episode Playlist
Episode 406 - Viv Stanley Part 2 of 2( 0:29:26)
Episode Information
Viv Stanley chats about what it’s really like to share a home with a long-time friend. She talks about balancing different habits, keeping communication open, and planning together as life changes. From dividing up tasks to supporting each other emotionally and practically, Viv shares why the arrangement works so well when the fit is right.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 3/03/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 405 - Viv Stanley Part 1 of 2( 0:29:38)
Episode Information
Viv Stanley shares how she and a long‑time friend chose to buy and live in a spacious, future‑proof home together in Feilding. After selling their separate houses, they designed a setup that balances independence and companionship, with two private living areas, equal master bedrooms, and accessible features. Viv also talks through the legal planning, shared costs, and clear agreements that make their co‑ownership secure, practical, and friendship‑friendly.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 24/02/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Manawatu Conversations Episode 404 - John Dermer Part 2 of 2( 0:29:7)
Episode Information
John Dermer describes his long involvement in farm forestry
Farm forestry began in the 1950s and spread nationwide
He planted mainly radiata pine on his farm
Trees were used for timber, shelter, and land protection
Creeks and rivers were fenced and planted early
Pruning and thinning aimed to produce clear wood
Floods in 2004 caused major damage despite planting
Trees did not prevent severe erosion in extreme floods
Government support helped with recovery and repairs
Farming reforms in the 1980s were financially traumatic
Forestry became part of farm diversification
Dermer later served in national farm forestry leadership.
Published: 17/02/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Manawatu Conversations Episode 403 - John Dermer Part 1 of 2( 0:28:17)
Episode Information
John Dermer grew up on a farm and began farming work in 1963.
He spent two years at Homewood Station in the Wairarapa.
He later studied for a sheep farming diploma at Massey University.
John valued formal agricultural education and lifelong learning.
He used farm advisors throughout most of his farming career.
Boarding at Whanganui Collegiate was a positive and formative experience.
After Massey, he completed a period of compulsory army training.
His father bought additional farms so both sons could farm.
John worked steep hill country and undertook major land development.
Community cooperation was strong in earlier farming districts.
He eventually took over the Cheltenham family farm in 1974.
He farmed there for 45 years and raised his family on the land.
Published: 10/02/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Manawatu Conversations Episode 401 - Eric Bodell( 0:28:49)
Episode Information
Radio was once the main source of entertainment in the family home
Families gathered around the radio for music, requests, and shared routines
Television later disrupted this shared listening culture and changed family life
Palmerston North originally had only one commercial radio station, 2ZA
Non-commercial national radio later filled a gap for listeners seeking alternatives
Once all radio stations operated on the AM band, now most have switched to FM.
Technical staff numbers were once large and essential to daily broadcasting
The arrival of private and FM radio greatly increased competition and choice
Modern networking has weakened the local presence of many radio stations
Civil defence emergencies revealed serious flaws in centralised broadcasting systems
Low-power community FM stations proved effective in local crises
Volunteer-run stations like Radio Woodville show the enduring value of local radio
Most radio stations are now streaming on the internet with potentially greater coverage than FM.
Published: 27/01/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Manawatu Conversations Episode 400 - Glenn and Carol Cunningham( 0:27:56)
Episode Information
Glenn and Carol moved from Lower Hutt to Ashhurst for a rural lifestyle.
They bought two and a bit acres of bare paddock land around 2007.
The move followed a chance overnight stay during a campervan trip.
They sold their renovated Lower Hutt home and started from scratch.
They lived in a garage for about a year while building and fencing.
All services had to be planned, including power, water, and access.
Carol commuted long distances while Glenn worked locally.
Over time they planted extensively and learned by trial and error.
The block now supports animals, gardens, and mature trees.
Water and wastewater systems are fully self-contained and regulated.
They learned practical skills and relied on helpful neighbours.
The lifestyle has been hard work but deeply rewarding.
Published: 20/01/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Manawatu Conversations Episode 391 - Franco Vaccarino Part 1 of 2( 0:28:3)
Episode Information
The City Mission began in the 1970s as the Anglican Social Work Trust in Palmerston North.
It started a Friendship Centre for isolated seniors with transport and social events.
Renamed City Mission in 2019, it still runs weekly entertainment for 60–70 older people.
Fitness and stretch classes help seniors stay active and mobile.
Funding comes partly from the Anglican Church but mostly from grants and donations.
A programme supports senior former refugees with English and social connection.
The Space Programme helps new parents of babies make friends and share advice.
The Mission aids rough sleepers with food and works with other local groups.
Volunteers are central, running events, driving vans, and offering support.
A new community garden will grow food and friendship for all ages.
Published: 18/11/2025 3:00:00 p.m.
Manawatu Conversations Episode 385 - Dianne Broadley part 1 of 2( 0:28:32)
Episode Information
Dianne Broadley grew up in the Wairarapa in the 1940s–50s, surrounded by music from her family and community.
Her mother sang, played piano, and attended dances, while her father sang on horseback during farm work.
Music shaped family life, with singalongs, church, and radio programs central to her childhood.
At school she enjoyed pop hits like Connie Francis, Cliff Richard, and Elvis, discussed eagerly with friends.
A farm worker who played accordion and piano sparked family singalongs of popular songs at home.
She studied piano to grade seven, though shyness made public performance difficult.
Boarding school introduced her to guitar, later joined by ukulele studies at teacher’s college.
Her folk interests deepened in Wellington through Peter, Paul and Mary, Bob Dylan, and local cafés.
She joined folk clubs, played with groups such as “For Folk’s Sake,” and embraced community performance.
Music remained a lifelong presence, linking family, education, and cultural traditions
Published: 7/10/2025 3:00:00 p.m.