OJ In The Morning

14/07/2026

🏡 Do you remember those iconic Neighbourhood Support stickers on letterboxes?

They've been a familiar sight in our communities for years, but what does Neighbourhood Support South Canterbury actually do, and why is it just as relevant today?

In this clip, Zoe Kirk explains how easy it is to get involved and why looking out for your neighbours helps create safer, stronger communities.

🎥 Watch the full Community Catchup interview here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0lIyMpSUfE

💚 Local People. Local Stories. Local Connections.

14/07/2026

14/07/2026

Wow... 1,000 followers! 🎉

When I launched OJ In The Morning, I simply wanted to create a platform that celebrates the people, stories and events that make South Canterbury such a special place to live.

Today we've reached 1,000 followers, and I just wanted to say thank you.

Whether you've watched an interview, shared a post, left a comment, suggested a guest or simply hit the follow button, you've helped build something I'm incredibly proud of.

This is only the beginning.

There are so many more local stories to tell, great people to meet and conversations to have, and I can't wait to continue sharing them with you.

Thanks for coming along for the journey.

OJ

💚 Local People. Local Stories. Local Connections.

13/07/2026

'60 Secs with OJ' - July 14th...it's Bastille Day and there could be double celebrations for France!

13/07/2026

📚 BOOK GIVEAWAY! 📚

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Crooney Crockett at Timaru Booksellers

Written by Deidre T. Lavery, beautifully illustrated by Joe Smith, and designed by Ynes Guevara, this delightful children's book was privately published with the support of a $500 Creative Communities Scheme grant, distributed by the Timaru District Council Local Arts Subcommittee, which I have the privilege of chairing.

It's always wonderful to see local creativity supported and celebrated, and the finished book is something the whole team should be incredibly proud of.

🎁 I've got TWO copies to give away!

To go into the draw, simply leave a comment below and I'll randomly draw two winners on Thursday.

Good luck! 🍀

13/07/2026

When I first walked into Port FM in 1990, I was a nervous young announcer hoping someone would give me a chance. Brent Birchfield was that person.

Over the next 27 years we worked together, laughed together, navigated the highs and lows of local radio, and shared a passion for connecting with our community.

In this special edition of The Chat, we look back on those years, how Port FM helped shape local broadcasting, and why the friendships formed along the way are every bit as important as the careers.

It's a conversation that means a great deal to me, and I hope you'll enjoy it too.

🎥 Watch the full interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7-JCwg6MUs

12/07/2026

Earlier this month, Otago/Southland's Tom Slee was crowned the 2026 FMG Young Farmer of the Year.

In this clip from Man On The Land, John Gregan talks about Tom background and the success of Aorangi farmer, Jack Taggart, who did South Canterbury proud.

🎥 Watch the full interview here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2qYoVrxrug

Congratulations again to Tom on an outstanding achievement. It's always great to see local people flying the flag for South Canterbury.

12/07/2026

'60 SECS WITH OJ' - start your day with a quick look at the weekend, the weather and what happened this day in history!

12/07/2026

🎭 Is it ever too late to discover a new passion?

For South Canterbury performer Alice Sollis, the answer is a definite no.

In this clip from The Chat, Alice talks about being a self-confessed "late bloomer" when it came to theatre. What started later in life has grown into a passion that's brought friendships, confidence and unforgettable experiences.

It's a wonderful reminder that you don't have to follow everyone else's timeline. Sometimes the best chapters of life begin when you least expect them.

🎥 Watch the full interview here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQjKPhZyFgs&list=PLq9q6xemUZFIh7xrRum8cb63mnRsyQ3Cp&index=3&t=22s

If you've ever thought about trying something new, maybe this is the encouragement you've been waiting for.

09/07/2026

🌬️ What's the story behind Geraldine's famous Nor Wester Sculpture?

It's one of the most recognisable pieces on the Geraldine Sculpture Trail, but there's much more to it than first meets the eye.

In this week's Community Catchup, Rosie Woods explains the inspiration behind the iconic sculpture and why it has become such a talking point for locals and visitors alike.

If you've ever wondered about the stories behind the artworks that make the Geraldine Sculpture Trail so special, this is a great place to start.

🎥 Watch the full video here:
👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8BPLGA0fEg

If you enjoy celebrating the people, places and stories of South Canterbury, please give the video a 👍, share it with your friends, and don't forget to subscribe to OJ In The Morning for more local stories every week.