Episode Playlist
Episode 433 - Tom Barry Part 1 of 2( 0:28:5)
Episode Information
Tom Barry grew up on a small dairy farm in Yorkshire, England, where life was hard and children were expected to help from an early age. An unexpected year in hospital gave him access to a much better education and opened doors that had previously seemed closed. Although his parents wanted him to stay in a secure industrial job, Tom’s passion was always agriculture. Encouraged by New Zealand agricultural leader Max Cooper, he came to New Zealand in 1968 and built a long career in agricultural research before spending 25 years at Massey University. Looking back, he says the decision to follow his own path was the making of his life, bringing both a rewarding career and the lifelong partner he met soon after arriving.
An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 8/09/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 432 - Leona Revell Part 2 of 2( 0:28:38)
Episode Information
For Leona Revell, every live performance is a unique shared experience—no two shows are ever quite the same. She believes theatre helps people feel seen and represented, just as it once gave her confidence by seeing herself reflected on stage. Whether through improv or traditional productions, theatre brings people together, builds empathy, and invites us to see the world from different perspectives. It can challenge our thinking, spark conversations long after the curtain falls, and even provide a welcome escape while supporting our wellbeing.
An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 1/09/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 431 - Leona Revell Part 1 of 2( 0:28:2)
Episode Information
Leona Revell is the Outreach Director at Centrepoint Theatre, where she's passionate about taking theatre beyond the stage and into communities that might not otherwise experience it. Her favourite approach is improvisation, which she describes as a powerful way to build confidence, joy and genuine connection through the simple idea of listening and adding. Growing up in Taranaki, school theatre sports first sparked her love of performance, leading her to study the performing arts and later teach theatre sports in Palmerston North schools. Today she helps develop Centrepoint's youth workshops and creative programmes, believing theatre brings people together through confidence, teamwork and a real sense of belonging.
An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 25/08/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 430 - Maurice Entwisle Part 3 of 3( 0:27:51)
Episode Information
Maurice remembers the farming reforms of 1984 as one of the toughest periods for rural families, with low sheep and wool prices putting many farms under real pressure. There were brighter moments too, including winning a sheep competition that earned the family a trip to Honolulu, which they extended with a visit to the United States, leaving friends to look after the farm. He recalls how warmly they were welcomed wherever they went. Back home, Maurice's wife Chris became the local rural school bus driver, earning respect with her firm but fair approach while also helping on the farm and keeping the books. Together they lived a largely self-sufficient lifestyle, growing their own food, preserving fruit, and remaining closely connected to their school and community.
An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 18/08/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 429 - Maurice Entwisle Part 2 of 3( 0:27:54)
Episode Information
Maurice Entwisle's love of practical work began early. At school he developed strong engineering skills and even won a prize for metalwork, talents that soon saw him helping neighbours repair machinery and tackle farm jobs. One of his proudest achievements was helping build a bridge across the Kiwitea Stream, using railway lines driven deep into the riverbed—a bridge that still stands after many major floods. Maurice remembers farming as long, demanding and sometimes dangerous work, but also deeply rewarding. As farming evolved from community hay baling to modern machinery, the family concentrated on sheep and cattle, while his wife Chris became a familiar face driving local school buses.
An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 11/08/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 428 - Maurice Entwisle Part 1 of 3( 0:25:27)
Episode Information
Maurice Entwisle was born in Feilding in 1937 and grew up on the family farm at Beaconsfield, a property his grandfather acquired in 1921. His early years were shaped by country life, from cycling along gravel roads to a tiny one-teacher school at Beaconsfield to later boarding at Feilding Agricultural High School. Although he never enjoyed the classroom as much as the farm, he developed practical engineering and farming skills that stayed with him throughout life. Maurice also recalls wartime rationing, radio reports from the war, and the hard work of transforming bush and rabbit-infested land into productive farmland.
An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 4/08/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 427 - Mark Kilsby Part 6 of 6( 0:27:47)
Episode Information
Mark Kilsby recalls unusual theatre experiences and roles.
He acted in two different plays on the same evening.
He raced between theatres and changed costumes quickly.
One role was a hairy godmother, another a psychiatrist.
A delayed performance nearly disrupted both productions.
He remembers a favourite review that poked fun at him.
At one stage he appeared in six plays in a year.
Theatre demanded rehearsals almost every day of the week.
He found acting a valuable escape from work pressures.
Memorable costumes included playing the clock in Cogsworth.
He believes theatre builds understanding of many lives.
Audience reactions are a vital part of live theatre.
An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 28/07/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 426 - Mark Kilsby Part 5 of 6( 0:28:2)
Episode Information
Mark Kilsby has assisted theatre productions at Boys High since 2007.
He helped students with acting and stage performance skills.
He preferred co-directing rather than leading alone.
Junior musical theatre trained younger boys for later productions.
He enjoyed watching boys grow into confident young men.
Theatre helped students build confidence and life skills.
Mark worked for the New Zealand Forest Service.
He later spent most of his career in the public service.
Many restructures changed his working life over the years.
He retired quickly and later wished he had planned more.
Retirement brought acting, theatre and unusual performance roles.
He reflected warmly on theatre, teaching and helping others.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 21/07/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 425 - Mark Kilsby Part 4 of 6( 0:28:2)
Episode Information
Mark Kilsby Part 4 of 6
Mark Kilsby shared stories from acting and volunteer work.
He took part as a Hobbit at a Wellington film premiere.
A protest stopped his chance to walk the red carpet.
He spent the day waiting in costume with hairy Hobbit feet.
He later worked as an extra in The Hobbit film.
After filming he returned home to find it had been burgled.
Mark acts as pet owners for Massey vet training.
He also helps trainee doctors practise communication skills.
For many years he has volunteered at a primary school.
He supports children aged around nine and ten with reading.
He sees teachers taking on many wider support roles.
Mark finds helping children rewarding and deeply meaningful.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 14/07/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 424 - Mark Kilsby Part 3 of 6( 0:28:2)
Episode Information
Stuart Birks and Diane McConnell continue their conversation with Mark Kilsby about his long involvement in theatre, from Palmerston North’s Summer Shakespeare productions to stage work, improv, film roles, and photo shoots. Mark reflects on the commitment and craft of performing Shakespeare outdoors, memorable theatre traditions, staying active as an actor, and the value of fitness and improvisation in keeping both body and mind engaged. He also shares stories from screen work in New Zealand productions, working alongside Dame Kate Harcourt, and the unexpected opportunities that have come through acting later in life.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with the support of NZ On Air.
Published: 7/07/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 423 - Mark Kilsby Part 2 of 6( 0:28:2)
Episode Information
Stuart Birks and Diane McConnell continue their conversation with Mark Kilsby about a life in theatre. Mark reflects on performing in Whanganui’s theatre scene, the emotional demands of roles such as Billy in Gulls, the challenge of keeping going when lines disappear, and the craft of building character through empathy, observation, and life experience. He also shares stories from two decades performing as Manuel in interactive Fawlty Towers-style dinner theatre at Haydn Country Estate, where improvisation, audience reactions, and comic mishaps made every night different.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with the support of NZ On Air.
Published: 30/06/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 422 - Mark Kilsby Part 1 of 6( 0:28:33)
Episode Information
Stuart speaks with Mark Killsby about his long involvement in local theatre, exploring how early exposure, speech and drama training, and community theatre shaped his passion, along with reflections on acting, performance skills, and the wider personal and social benefits of theatre. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 23/06/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 421 - Jacquie Nutt Part 2 of 2( 0:28:21)
Episode Information
Stuart continues his conversation with Jackie Nutt about her journey from Zimbabwe and South Africa to New Zealand, exploring her work as a lactation consultant and the development of human milk banks, along with insights into breastfeeding practices, cultural differences, and maternal health. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 16/06/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 420 - Jacquie Nutt Part 1 of 2( 0:28:50)
Episode Information
Jackie Nutt on establishing Palmerston North’s human milk bank, sharing her background as a lactation consultant, the challenges of breastfeeding support, and how donor milk helps premature and vulnerable babies while supporting mothers through early feeding difficulties.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 9/06/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 419 - Marion Abiss part 4 of 4( 0:28:47)
Episode Information
Marion Abbas reflects on rural community life in Halcombe during the 1970s–80s, highlighting school involvement, farming culture, local events, and the strong sense of connection that shaped the area. Marion shares memories of community activities, fundraising events, and how rural traditions have evolved over time.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 2/06/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
Episode 418 - Marion Abiss part 3 of 4( 0:28:51)
Episode Information
Stuart continues his conversation with Marion Evers and Jane Bolton to discuss Marion’s involvement with the Experiment in International Living. Marion reflects on her experiences hosting international students and families, describing the cultural exchange, daily life, and mutual learning that came from welcoming visitors from countries such as Japan, the United States, and Europe. The conversation highlights differences in culture, communication, and lifestyle, and explores how these exchanges shaped understanding and appreciation on both sides.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air
Published: 26/05/2026 3:00:00 p.m.
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.