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Spinning Yarns With Sian, Dunedin (2025)

10/07/2025

Kia ora, kia ora, kia ora!

In lieu of a new Spinning Yarns With Sian episode this week, episode #7 with moa expert Quinn Berentson about de-extinction is a fascinating listen:
https://www.mixcloud.com/Radio_One_91fm_Dunedin/spinning-yarns-with-sian-episode-7/

It is a pertinent topic right now, considering Sir Peter Jackson’s commitment to back the de-extinction of the South Island giant moa (which stood up to 3.6 metres tall and weighed around 230 kilograms), in collaboration with Ngāi / Kāi Tahu and US biotech firm Colossal Biosciences.

After listening, share in the comments what you think about de-extinction. Is it ethical?

Image: Moa by Colossal Biosciences.

08/07/2025

Spinning Yarns With Sian Episode #91:
On Thursday the 19th of June, my guest on Spinning Yarns With Sian on was the electric !

Karoline Park-Tamati, known as Ladi or Ladi6’s, first foray into the entertainment industry was in 1999 in Sheelahroc - Aotearoa New Zealand’s first all-women hip-hop crew, alongside Tyra Hammond and Sarah Tamaira. Ever since, Ladi has been a trailblazer in the traditionally male-dominated world of hip-hop and R&B. Known for her emotional authenticity and boundary-pushing electronic soul music, her tracks will envelope you Like Water.
Her latest album Le Vā, which dropped in early June, is her most personal project to date. Le Vā represents a recalibration of her signature electronic soul sound and a becoming. Several tracks pay homage to her mother Fuarosa, who sadly passed in 2020.
Throughout her amazing career, Ladi has released albums Time Is Not Much in 2008; The Liberation Of… in 2010, which produced hit single ‘Like Water’; Automatic in 2013, which produced hit single ‘Ikarus’; and EP Royal Blue 3000 in 2017, which produced hit singles ‘Guru’ and ‘Royal Blue’.
She frequently collaborates with her husband Brent Park, known as Parks, and has preformed with Fat Freddy’s Drop, Scribe, Shapeshifter, The Roots, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Jhene Aiko and the late Gil Scott-Heron, to name a few.

We had a kōrero about creating Le Vā; processing grief; paving her own way; navigating the entertainment industry; and her advice for up-and-coming artists. For a Diamond of a kōrero, click: https://www.mixcloud.com/Radio_One_91fm_Dunedin/spinning-yarns-with-sian-episode-91/

Photo: Ladi. Supplied.

07/07/2025

Spinning Yarns With Sian Episode #93:
On Thursday the 3rd, my guest on Spinning Yarns With Sian on was conservation champion Jim Fyfe!

Jim Fyfe has been a leader in conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly in the Otago region for more than two decades.
The recipient of the 2023 Wild Dunedin Hero Award, Jim is best-known for his work with the rarest sea lion in the world: New Zealand sea lions/pakake.
When Jim began working as the lead ranger with sea lions, they weren’t commonly seen on mainland New Zealand beaches, having been exterminated over a century earlier. In 1993, a lone cow was discovered at Taieri Mouth in Dunedin/Ōtepoti, having swam up from the Subantarctic Islands. Lovingly dubbed “Mum”, she gave birth to the first pup born on mainland New Zealand in over 150 years and signalled the return of sea lions. Mum is now memorialised at St Clair beach and is the only sea lion you can hug.
Since then, sea lions have been slowly increasing on mainland New Zealand; however, they have returned to an environment very different to the one in which they evolved. So a major component of Jim’s and the staffs work has been responsive. In 2015, 11 sea lions pups were born, mainly on the Otago Peninsula. In 2024, 29 pups were discovered and tagged in the Otago region.
One of the other projects Jim has been involved in for decades is volunteering on Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua, which served as a quarantine station from 1863 - 1924.
Jim has not only paved his own illustrious career in conservation - he has paved the way for many others, and will forever have an impact on conservation.

We had a kōrero about working with sea lions; collaborating with mana whenua and communities; and his most memorable conservation cases. Click to listen: https://www.mixcloud.com/Radio_One_91fm_Dunedin/spinning-yarns-with-sian-episode-93/

Photos: Jim Fyfe in action, by Sian.

07/07/2025

Spinning Yarns With Sian Episode #92:
On Thursday the 26th, my guest on Spinning Yarns With Sian on was the magnetic Alex Matthews!

Alex originally hails from Guernsey in the Channel Islands and relocated with her family to Aotearoa New Zealand two decades ago. Until recently Alex worked in the entertainment industry for years. She was drawn to the Arts as a teenager and her eye for beauty led her to pursue photography.
Throughout her career in the entertainment industry, Alex worked as a Photographer, at festivals including Rhythm & Vines and at Drake, Neo, Ed Sheeran and Lorde concerts. Her accreditations as a Camera Assistant and Special Effects Assistant (SFX Assistant) include Netflix TV Show Cowboy Bebop, a 2021 live action series based on the 1998 Japanese anime; and various commercials, including for KFC (she’s the lesser known 12th ingredient that gives KFC commercials that extra spice).
Alex is also an environmentalist and often expresses her passion for immersing in nature and conserving Papatūānuku/Earth in her photography - .

We had a kōrero/discussion about building a career in the entertainment industry; the importance of networking; combating toxic environments; and being your best advocate. Click to listen: https://www.mixcloud.com/Radio_One_91fm_Dunedin/spinning-yarns-with-sian-episode-92/

Photo: Sian and Alex.

02/07/2025

Spinning Yarns With Sian Episode #93:
This Thursday, my guest on Spinning Yarns With Sian on is trailblazer Jim Fyfe!

Jim Fyfe has been a leader in conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand, specifically the Otago region for more than two decades. The recipient of the 2023 Wild Dunedin Hero Award, Jim is best-known for his work with the rarest sea lion in the world: New Zealand sea lions/pakake.
When Jim began working as the lead ranger with sea lions, they were infrequently seen on beaches on mainland New Zealand. In 1993, a lone cow dubbed “Mum”, was discovered at Taieri Mouth in Dunedin/Ōtepoti. She gave birth to the first pup born on mainland New Zealand in over 150 years. As sea lion numbers grow on mainland New Zealand, a major component of Jim’s work has been responsive, as they have returned to an environment very different to the one in which they evolved. For example: streets and some beaches bustling with vehicles.
In 2015, 11 sea lions pups were born, mainly on the Otago Peninsula. In 2024, 29 pups were discovered and tagged in the Otago region.
One of the other projects Jim has been involved in for decades is volunteering on Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua.
Jim has not only paved his own illustrious career in conservation - he has paved the way for younger generations and will forever have an impact on conservation.

We will be having a kōrero about conservation; his work with sea lions; engaging with communities and mana whenua; and what the past two decades has taught him. Tune into 91FM between 12 - 1 pm!

Photo: Jim with Mum statue by Peter Mcintosh.

25/06/2025

Spinning Yarns With Sian Episode #92:
This Thursday the 26th, my guest on Spinning Yarns With Sian on is the effervescent Alex Matthews!

Originally from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, Alex and her family relocated to Aotearoa New Zealand about two decades ago. Before leaving Aotearoa a few years ago to go travelling, Alex worked in the entertainment industry for years. Alex has always had an eye for beauty and became involved in the Arts as a teenager.
Throughout her years in the entertainment industry she worked as a Photographer, including at festivals such as Rhythm & Vines and at Drake, Neo, Ed Sheeran and Lorde concerts. Her accreditations as a Camera Assistant and Special Effects Assistant (SFX Assistant) include Netflix TV Show Cowboy Bebop, a 2021 live action series based on the 1998 Japanese anime; and various commercials, including for KFC. (Finally outed as the lesser known 12th ingredient that gives KFC commercials that extra spice).
Alex is also an environmentalist, and her passion for immersing herself in nature and conserving Papatūānuku (Earth) is often expressed in her photography - .

We will be having a kōrero (discussion) about how she paved her own way; navigating the entertainment industry; and becoming your own advocate. Tune into 91FM between 12 - 1 pm - all misfits welcome!

Photo: Alex Matthews. Supplied.

16/06/2025

Spinning Yarns With Sian Episode #91:
Back with a bang! This Thursday the 19th, my guest on Spinning Yarns With Sian on Radio One 91FM is the magnetic Ladi6!

1999 was Karoline Park-Tamati, known as Ladi or Ladi6's, first foray into the entertainment industry as Sheelahroc group member alongside Tyra Hammond and Sarah Tamaira - Aotearoa New Zealand’s first all-women hip-hop crew. Ever since, Ladi has been a trailblazer in the traditionally male-dominated world of hip-hop and R&B. Known for her emotional authenticity, trend-bending, and boundary-pushing electronic soul music, every Aotearoa household will know a single of hers.
Years in the making, her latest album Le Vā is her most personal project to date. Le Vā represents a becoming and a recalibration of her signature electronic soul sound. Several tracks pay homage to her mother Fuarosa, who passed in 2020.
Throughout her incredible career, Ladi has released albums Time Is Not Much in 2008; The Liberation Of… in 2010, which produced hit single 'Like Water'; Automatic in 2013, which produced hit single 'Ikarus'; and EP Royal Blue 3000 in 2017, which produced hit singles 'Guru' and 'Royal Blue'. She frequently collaborates with her husband Brent Park, known as Parks, and has preformed with the likes of Fat Freddy's Drop, Scribe, Shapeshifter, The Roots, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Jhene Aiko and the late Gil Scott-Heron, to name a few.

We will be having a kōrero about her album Le Vā and national tour; solidifying her place as Aotearoa's queen of hip-hop and R&B; processing grief; navigating the entertainment industry; and remaining grounded. Come share our space - tune into 91FM between 12 - 1 pm!

Photo: Ladi, supplied.

28/05/2025

Kia Ora! I’m sorry, the next Spinning Yarns With Sian episode will not be until Thursday the 12th of June.

You can listen to any of the previous 90 episodes here: https://www.r1.co.nz/programme/thursday/spinningyarns

I’m currently catching some rays somewhere in mystical Indonesia ☀️

13/05/2025

Spinning Yarns With Sian Episode #90:
This Thursday the 15th, my guest on Spinning Yarns With Sian on is the inspiring Tina Reece!

Tina Reece is the Fundraising Coordinator for , a branch of Hospice/Te Kahu Pairuri o Aotearoa. Since beginning with Hospice she has helped raise the extra $5.5 million needed to fund specialist palliative services across the Otago region.
Originally from Dunedin/Ōtepoti, Tina has spent the past 18 years in the United Kingdom working for charities, including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and Women’s Aid on engagement, communications, public affairs and fundraising. For two years she was also seconded to the Welsh Government to advise on preventing violence against women and girls; of which a recent study found that 1 in every 12 women will be a victim of violence annually in the UK.
Tina recently returned to Aotearoa New Zealand and is loving being a part of the dedicated team helping to secure funding and support for Otago Community Hospice.

We will be having a kōrero about the meaningful work Hospice does; the misconceptions about Hospice; the importance of making an Advanced Care Plan; preventing violence against women and girls; and elevating one another. Tune into 91FM between 12 - 1 pm!

Photo: Tina Reece. Supplied.

13/05/2025

Spinning Yarns With Sian Episode #89:
On Thursday the 8th, my guest on Spinning Yarns With Sian on was the exceptional Dr. Philippa Agnew!

Dr. Philippa Agnew is the Science and Environmental Manager at the .
In 2006, she began working at the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony, after completing her Master’s at the University of Otago, having studied the blue penguins/kororā at Taiaroa Head/Pukekura. In 2009, she developed a research programme at the Ōamaru colony. She used both the long-term monitoring data and new foraging research to complete her PhD at Otago. Philippa is now one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading blue penguin scientists.
Other projects she has initiated have been the development of the rehabilitation facility at the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony, the underpass on Waterfront Road and the Bushy Beach yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho advocacy programme.
Philippa also actively advocates for wildlife in the Otago region and is a member of the Otago Conservation Board, the Waitaki District Council’s Harbour Area Committee, the IUCN’s Penguin Specialist Group and the National Oiled Wildlife Response Team.

We had a kōrero about why blue penguins are so endearing; their physiology; the importance of conservation; and her advice for people keen to follow in her footsteps. Click to listen: https://www.mixcloud.com/Radio_One_91fm_Dunedin/spinning-yarns-with-sian-episode-89/

Photo: Philippa Agnew. Supplied.

13/05/2025

Spinning Yarns With Sian Episode #88:
On Thursday the 1st, my guest on Spinning Yarns With Sian on was the delightful Leon Chu!

Leon Chu is the Operations Manager at the and a Tour Guide at .
It’d be fair to say that Taiaroa Head/Pukekura feels as much home to Leon as it is to the Northern royal albatross/toroa, who are an endemic and nationally vulnerable species.
In the early 90’s, Leon immigrated with his family to Aotearoa New Zealand from China. He initially resided in Ōamaru and then moved to Dunedin/Ōtepoti for his high school and university studies. He gained a degree in database engineering, majoring in communications and media studies at the University of Otago.
When he first started at the Royal Albatross Centre in 2007, he intended to stay for one season (ah, tale as old as time). In the eighteen years since, he has built his expertise in the tourism sector and held positions in corporate, private enterprises and not-for-profit organisations.

We had a kōrero about Northern royal albatross; Taiaroa Head’s unique history; Little penguins; and the importance of conservation. Click to listen: https://www.mixcloud.com/Radio_One_91fm_Dunedin/spinning-yarns-with-sian-episode-88/

Photo: Sian and Leon by Laura.

07/05/2025

Spinning Yarns With Sian Episode #89:
This Thursday the 8th, my guest on Spinning Yarns With Sian on is the brilliant Dr. Philippa Agnew!

Philippa is the Science and Environmental Manager at the . In 2006, she began working at the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony, after completing her Master’s at the University of Otago, having studied the blue penguins/kororā at Taiaroa Head/Pukekura. In 2009, she developed a research programme at the Ōamaru colony. To complete her PhD at Otago, she used both the long-term monitoring data and new foraging research. Philippa is now one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading blue penguin scientists.
Other projects she has initiated have been the development of the rehabilitation facility, the underpass on Waterfront Road, the Bushy Beach yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho advocacy programme, and the overall protection for blue penguins in Ōamaru.
Philippa also actively advocates for wildlife in the Otago region and is a member of the Otago Conservation Board, the Waitaki District Council’s Harbour Area Committee, the IUCN’s Penguin Specialist Group and the National Oiled Wildlife Response Team.

We will be having a kōrero about all things blue penguins; conservation; and responding to wildlife in crisis. Tune into 91FM between 12 - 1 pm!

Photo: Philippa. Supplied.

Spinning Yarns With Sian

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