Episode Playlist
Episode 417 - Marion Abiss part 2 of 4( 0:29:18)
Episode Information
In this episode of Manawatū Conversations, host Stuart Birks is joined by Marion Abiss and Jane Bolton to explore Marion’s long-standing involvement in floral art. Marion reflects on how her interest in gardening led to creative floral design, her experiences with the New Zealand Floral Art Society, and the development of her skills through competitions, exhibitions, and community work. The discussion highlights the artistic, social, and personal value of floral art, from local displays to national shows, and the way it encourages creativity, observation, and connection with nature.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air..
Published: 19/05/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 416 - Marion Abiss part 1 of 4( 0:28:22)
Episode Information
Marion Abbess (born in Feilding in 1940) reflects on growing up and going to school during the war years—walking to Lytton Street School, school milk, simple lunches, strict but respected discipline, and learning fundamentals like reading, spelling, handwriting and times tables. Marion also shares memories of backyard gardens, saving habits, after-school life without TV, and how teaching and childhood have changed over time. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 12/05/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 415 - Lukas Dreyer Part 6 of 6( 0:30:3)
Episode Information
the discussion on prostate cancer support concludes with Dr. Lukas Dreyer, focusing on the PROSFIT programme and the practical “how-to” of pelvic floor rehabilitation. Lukas explains key pelvic floor muscles, why surgery/radiation can disrupt coordination, and demonstrates exercise approaches for urinary control, erectile function, bowel control, and overall recovery—alongside the value of group support and long-term, free access to the class. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 5/05/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 414 - Lukas Dreyer Part 5 of 6( 0:28:11)
Episode Information
Lukas Dreyer on prostate cancer and the nationwide PROSFIT exercise programme. Lucas outlines the physical, psychological, and social impacts of prostate cancer treatments, including surgery and hormone therapy, and explains how targeted exercise can improve recovery, reduce side effects, and restore quality of life. The conversation focuses on pelvic floor rehabilitation, strength and cardiovascular training, and the importance of group support for men navigating treatment and its long‑term effects.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 28/04/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 413 - Lukas Dreyer Part 4 of 5( 0:29:55)
Episode Information
LuKas Dreyer, clinical exercise physiologist at Orokinetics, focusing on the role of exercise as a vital part of cancer treatment and recovery. Lucas explains how carefully prescribed, professionally supervised exercise can improve treatment tolerance, reduce fatigue, support mental health, speed recovery, and lower long‑term mortality risk. Covering pre‑treatment conditioning, exercise during chemotherapy or radiation, and post‑treatment rehabilitation, the conversation highlights why exercise is now considered an essential, evidence‑based tool in comprehensive cancer care.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 21/04/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 412 - Lukas Dreyer Part 3 of 5( 0:29:36)
Episode Information
Lukas Dreyer discusses knee pain from the perspective of a clinical exercise physiologist, asking whether knee replacements can often be avoided. The conversation explores why X‑ray findings don’t always match pain levels, how biomechanics and muscle weakness—often starting at the hip—contribute to knee problems, and how targeted, long‑term exercise can significantly reduce pain and delay or even prevent surgery. Drawing on research such as the ESCAPE trial, the episode highlights the importance of personalised rehabilitation, consistency, weight management, and understanding how the body heals over time.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 14/04/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 411 - Lukas Dreyer Part 2 of 5( 0:27:42)
Episode Information
In this episode of Manawatū Conversations, Lukas Dreyer looks back to the beginnings of his work in clinical exercise physiology, tracing its development from South Africa in the 1980s through to its impact today. In conversation with Diane McConnell, he reflects on early research with cardiac patients, executive health programmes, military rehabilitation, and workplace fitness initiatives, highlighting how exercise can transform physical health, mental wellbeing, productivity, and family life. The discussion offers insight into how this field evolved into a recognised profession and why it remains vital for preventative health and long‑term care.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 7/04/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 410 - Lukas Dreyer Part 1 of 5( 0:29:53)
Episode Information
Lukas Dreyer outlines how Clinical Exercise Physiologists use supervised, individualised exercise as medical treatment for people with chronic illness or injury. He discusses the profession’s development in New Zealand, the growing need for these services, and the goal of maintaining independence and quality of life.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 31/03/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 409 - Daniel Morrimire Part 3 of 3( 0:29:19)
Episode Information
In this final part of the conversation, Morrie discusses the broad scope of Environment Network Manawatū’s work, from food sovereignty to circular economy projects. He explains how repair cafés, stream clean‑up kits, food‑waste reduction initiatives, and biodiversity efforts all support both environmental action and community wellbeing across the region.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 24/03/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 408 - Daniel Morrimire Part 2 of 3( 0:28:46)
Episode Information
"Morrie" discusses organising networking hui for local food and environmental groups, highlighting practical sessions on seed saving, community gardens, and food skills. He explains how Environment Network Manawatū manages grants for both individuals and organisations, and reflects on his path into environmental work, emphasising food sovereignty and long‑term community resilience.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 17/03/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 407 - Daniel Morrimire Part 1 of 3( 0:26:20)
Episode Information
Morrie shares the story behind his nickname and early Air Force career before discussing his work with Environment Network Manawatū. He outlines how the organisation supports around 65 volunteer-led groups across the region, focusing on climate, biodiversity, and food sovereignty through initiatives like community gardens and local food sharing.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 10/03/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
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.