Now That's an Idea

In this conversation, Jack and Scott Casley discuss the significance of amateur radio, particularly in emergency situations. Scott shares insights about the Gisborne Radio Club, the importance of radio communication during disasters, and the technical aspects of radio wave propagation. They explore the global connections made possible through amateur radio, the necessity of licensing, and the community's involvement in emergency communications. The discussion also touches on the evolution of radio technology, the relevance of Morse code, and the cultural impact of radio communication.More about the Gisborne Radio Club here: https://www.zl2aa.nz/Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Gisborne Radio Club02:57 The Importance of Amateur Radio in Emergencies05:28 Understanding Radio Communication and Propagation08:22 Global Reach of Amateur Radio10:51 Licensing and Regulations in Amateur Radio13:48 Emergency Communications and Community Involvement16:26 The Evolution of Radio Technology18:56 Learning Morse Code and Its Relevance21:52 The Future of Radio and Digital CommunicationKeywordsAmateur Radio, Gisborne Radio Club, Emergency Communication, Radio Waves, Morse Code, Long-Distance Communication, Radio Technology, Community Involvement, Licensing, Radio HistoryMusic by Lenny Lawns

In this conversation, Jack speaks with Paul Naske and Panapa Ehau from Rua Bioscience about their journey in the cannabis industry, focusing on sustainable economic development for their community. They discuss the evolution of the company, the transition to a capital light model, and the current state of their sales and market presence. The conversation also touches on their share raise initiative, advocacy for decriminalisation of cannabis, and the broader societal implications of cannabis legalisation. Throughout, they emphasise the importance of community impact and intergenerational wealth.Rua's Captial Raise:https://www.ruabio.com/news/capital-raiseRua's Push to Decriminalise:https://www.ruabio.com/tell-parliament-decriminaliseChapters00:00 Introduction to Ruhr Bioscience01:10 The Journey of Ruhr Bioscience07:41 Founders' Perspectives and Company Values12:02 Pivoting Business Models in Cannabis15:52 Current Market Strategies and Sales Growth22:12 Future Aspirations and Share Raise Discussion24:26 Intergenerational Goals and Community Impact28:10 Investment Opportunities and Company Growth33:21 Navigating the Cannabis Market: Medical to Recreational36:27 Advocating for Decriminalization and Social Acceptance42:35 The Unique Mission of the Company: Beyond ProfitKeywordsRua Bioscience, cannabis industry, economic development, medicinal cannabis, share raise, decriminalization, sustainable business, community impact, intergenerational wealth, New Zealand cannabisMusic by Lenny lawns.

This week, Jack catches up with Ngahuia Mita to discuss the significance of Tairawhiti Waka, a double-hulled sailing canoe that serves as a platform for education, cultural connection, and community involvement. Ngahuia shares her personal journey into the world of waka, the educational benefits of sailing, and the importance of fostering future leaders and guardians of the ocean. They also touch on the emotional and mental health benefits of being on the water, the diverse community involvement in Tairawhiti Waka, and future plans for voyages and research.KeywordsTairawhiti Waka, waka haurua, ocean voyaging, cultural education, leadership, community involvement, mental health, Polynesian navigation, maritime traditions, kaitiakitangaChapters00:00 Introduction to Tairawhiti Waka02:04 The Purpose and Function of Tairawhiti Waka08:17 The Educational Value of Waka12:14 Personal Experiences at Sea16:15 Future Voyages and Research20:52 Knowing more about the Waka

In this episode, Jack speaks with Sheridan Gundry from Heritage Tairāwhiti about the power of storytelling, preservation, and connection in our region’s history. Sheridan — a longtime journalist turned historian — shares her passion for uncovering the human stories behind Tairāwhiti’s landmarks, rivers, and communities.From the tales that shaped the Taruheru River to the exhibitions and events that bring the past to life, this conversation dives into how local heritage work keeps memory alive and helps us understand where we come from. It’s a celebration of people, place, and the stories that bind them together.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Heritage and Storytelling03:04 Sheridan Gundry's Background and Journey05:56 The Importance of Heritage and Community09:00 Telling Compelling Stories of the Past11:47 Exploring the Tarahiru River's History14:55 Engaging the Community Through Events18:10 Transitioning from Journalism to History21:01 The Future Vision for Heritage TairawhitiKeywordsheritage, storytelling, history, Gisborne, Tairawhiti, community, culture, preservation, events, education

In this episode, Jack sits down with artist and researcher Dayna Raroa (Ngāti Porou) to talk about the upcoming exhibition, MŌWAI: The Weight of Water. The project transforms community research on the impacts of severe weather—particularly Cyclone Gabrielle—into a powerful creative response.Dayna shares how her work bridges kaupapa Māori research, community voices, and art to highlight the emotional and spiritual toll of disasters. With contributions from over 40 local creatives, the exhibition makes research tangible, accessible, and healing for the community.MŌWAI: The Weight of Water, held at the Marina Building opens to the public on 6pm on September 27 and will run until October 3.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Exhibition and Research02:37 The Impact of Severe Weather on Communities04:55 Community Engagement and Creative Responses07:39 Personal Stories and Emotional Responses10:04 The Role of Art in Research12:20 Exhibition Details and Community InvolvementKeywords: Dayna Raroa, art exhibition, severe weather, community research, emotional impact, Māori culture, health and well-being, creative responses, Cyclone Gabrielle, Tairāwhiti Arts Festival

In this episode, Debbie Gregory, former Gisborne Herald chief reporter and council candidate, to talk about her journey, her passion for waste management and recycling, and her vision for a more sustainable Tairāwhiti.Debbie's idea? She see's Gisborne having a proper recycling center in Gisborne where waste is seen as a resource and delt with locally rather than shipped off at an extravagent cost. Debbie reflects on the bureaucratic challenges of council work, and stresses why community involvement is essential in reducing waste and carbon emissions.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:28 Career Journey and Community Engagement10:16 Waste Management Initiatives15:03 Challenges in Local Governance19:47 Vision for the Future and Closing Thoughts20:57 Pop-Quiz🎵 Intro music by Lenny Lawns👉 For bonus content and the best way to support the show: https://nowthatsanidea.substack.com/#Gisborne #WasteManagement #Recycling #Tairāwhiti #DebbieGregory #LocalPolitics #Sustainability

In this kōrero, Alexandra Boros talks about local politics, community engagement, and the revitalisation of Gisborne and the wider Tairāwhiti region.Alexandra’s big idea? Attracting young professionals to Gisborne and making it a destination for early-career talent. She believes bringing young people here will create a stronger energy for the next generation and help build a vibrant, connected city.👉 The best way to support the show (and get access to bonus content) is by subscribing on Substack: https://nowthatsanidea.substack.com/🎶 Special thanks to Lenny Lawns for the intro music.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Local Politics and Community Engagement02:17 Personal Background and Connection to Gisborne04:20 The Rise of Water Polo in Gisborne05:52 Revitalizing the CBD: A Vision for Gisborne08:25 Attracting Young Professionals to Gisborne11:16 Addressing Housing and Community Needs13:45 Creating a Vibrant City Center15:31 Closing Thoughts and Community Commitment16:15 Pop quizKeywordslocal politics, community engagement, Tairāwhiti, water polo, revitalization, young professionals, housing, city center, Gisborne, community development

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with former editor of the Gisborne Herald, Jeremy Muir. Now a council candidate for Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, we discuss his candidacy, background, and vision for the region.Jeremy’s idea: create stronger and more connected communities by shifting how local governance operates. He believes collaboration, cultural change within council, and real engagement with rangatahi are key to unlocking Gisborne’s potential.Our kōrero covers:Jeremy’s background in community development and journalism.His motivation for running for council and pushing for real change.The importance of collaboration, relationships, and culture shift in governance.Innovative solutions for local challenges and engaging youth in decision-making.Why strong social connections are the foundation of resilient communities.The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted rapid-fire quiz.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jeremy Muir02:30 Motivation for Council Candidacy04:03 Challenges in Local Governance05:38 Vision for Strong Communities07:56 Building Connections and Relationships09:50 Culture Shift in Governance12:41 Practical Steps for Change16:15 Community Resilience and Support17:26 Closing Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions18:00 Pop quizKeywordsJeremy Muir, Gisborne, council candidacy, community development, governance, local government, collaboration, strong communities, election platform, Tairāwhiti

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, councillor Rob Telfer about his first term on the Tairāwhiti council and why he’s standing again.Rob’s idea: shifting council culture. Rob wants to move away from fear and box-ticking towards a council that communicates openly, manages risk wisely, and backs opportunities for growth.He shares his perspective on:-The role of irrigation projects in driving economic development-Representing rural voices and keeping them at the decision-making table-Making council more accessible and responsive to the communityMusic by Lenny LawnsChapters00:00 Introduction to Rob Telford04:37 Understanding Council Dynamics09:40 Culture Change in Local Government14:57 Irrigation and Economic Growth17:30 Closing Thoughts and Candidate Pitch18:45 Pop QuizKeywordsRob Telford, Tairawhiti, council, local government, economic development, irrigation, culture change, communication, decision making, community engagement

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with Rauhinia Parata, a current councillor running for re-election in the Māori Ward. Rauhinia shares her experiences in local governance, the challenges of working across ward boundaries, and her commitment to strong community representation.Rawinia's idea: a perspective shift on council. That means supporting more housing, businesses and forestry, and creating more recreational spaces for whānau across Tairāwhiti.The kōrero also explores the value of Māori wards in council, the realities of decision-making, and why Rawinia believes voter engagement is key to shaping the region’s future.OVERVIEW00:00 Introduction to Rawinia Parata03:13 Experience as a Māori Ward Councillor06:06 Building Relationships in Council08:46 Vision for the Future: Housing and Community11:13 Championing Parks and Recreation13:55 Improving the Consenting Process16:39 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action19:51 Pop QuizKeywordsMāori Ward, Rauhinia Parata, Gisborne District Council, community representation, local government, housing issues, forestry industry, council dynamics, voting, public service

In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with Sam Gibson — maybe better known as Sam the Trap Man — to talk about his candidacy for local council in Gisborne/Tairāwhiti. Sam shares his background in conservation and community work, and why listening to constituents is central to his approach. Sam's idea: we need for greater resilience in the face of environmental challenges, including more targeted native forest and cutting red tape for farmers. Our kōrero also touches on funding for biodiversity initiatives and the high costs of road maintenance caused by heavy industry. Keywords:Sam Gibson, sam the trap man, local governance, environmental resilience, community involvement, biodiversity, council elections, Gisborne, New Zealand, road infrastructure, public engagement