OJ In The Morning
OJ In The Morning is a fresh, local, radio-style podcast connecting South Canterbury through music, stories, and community.
Hosted by Owen Jackson (OJ), the show blends conversation, local insight, interviews and OJ style features all delivered with the warmth and familiarity of a true morning radio experience.
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Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
55 min
Another big helping of local people, local stories and local connections on this week’s OJ In The Morning!
🍻 The Chat: I settle into the lounge chairs at Hector Black’s with owner Tim Black for a great yarn about the story behind the bar, the real Hector, doing business in Timaru’s CBD, Rammstein the pig, red tape — and even Tim’s idea for horse polo on the beach!
🏉 Weekend Whistle: A quick look at what’s happening in sport around the region.
🚂 Community Catchup: Warren McKenzie from the South Canterbury Model Engineers Club joins me to talk about the club and what they’ve got happening.
🌾 Man On The Land: “Mr Rugby” Jeremy Sutherland swaps rugby for rural life as we talk about growing up on the family farm at Albury, the importance of farming to South Canterbury, what he’s hearing from rural communities — plus, yes, we do sneak in some Heartland rugby!
🍽️ Community Catchup: Di Hay from Venture Timaru has everything you need to know about SCOFF – South Canterbury’s Outstanding Food Festival, running through until 27 September.
😁 Weekend Smile File: Kirsty Burnett wraps things up with plenty happening around the region — and perhaps a slight problem with knowing exactly when Pleasant Point’s Got Talent is on! 😂
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 OJ Introduction02:54 The Chat – Tim Black | Hector Black’s16:10 Weekend Whistle – OJ Talks Sport21:30 Community Catchup – Warren McKenzie | SC Model Engineers Club23:21 Man On The Land – Jeremy Sutherland38:39 Community Catchup – Di Hay | SCOFF48:16 Weekend Smile File – Kirsty Burnett53:49 OJ Outro – What’s Coming Next Week
👍 Like, subscribe and share to help us keep telling the stories of South Canterbury.
🎙️ OJ In The MorningLocal People. Local Stories. Local Connections.

Sep 4, 2026
Sep 4, 2026
1 hr 53 sec
Another helping of local people, local stories and local connection from around South Canterbury.
This week, Dr Catherine D’Souza joins me for an important conversation about palliative care and why it’s ultimately about living well. Federated Farmers President Colin Hurst joins us for Man On The Land, talking about the state of New Zealand farming, the challenges facing our arable sector and where agriculture goes from here.
I also catch up with James Smith from The Cyclery about building a successful South Canterbury business and the changing face of cycling, there’s sport in the Weekend Whistle, and Kirsty is back with another Weekend Smile File.
And with Father’s Day this Sunday, we’ll make sure Dad gets a little love too! 😄
CHAPTERS
00:00 OJ Intro03:00 The Chat – Dr Catherine D’Souza | Palliative Care15:28 Weekend Whistle – Sport with OJ19:20 Man On The Land – Colin Hurst | President, NZ Federated Farmers35:00 The Chat – James Smith | The Cyclery53:52 Weekend Smile File – Kirsty58:48 OJ Outro – Coming Up Next Week!
🎙️ OJ In The Morning – Episode 16South Canterbury’s Weekend Magazine Show
Local People. Local Stories. Local Connection.
#OJInTheMorning #SouthCanterbury #Timaru #FathersDay #FederatedFarmers

Aug 28, 2026
Aug 28, 2026
1 hr 11 min
Another helping of local people, local stories and local connection from around South Canterbury.
This week there’s endurance sport, sideline sport, rural issues, a community catch-up, a little Dolly Parton and plenty to smile about heading into the weekend.
Chapters
00:00 Intro Show03:08 The Chat – Reon Park21:47 Weekend Whistle – John McBeth31:08 OJ’s Tribute to Dolly34:05 Man On The Land – James Emmett44:36 Community Catchup – Richard Spackman64:35 Weekend Smile File – Kirsty Burnett69:37 OJ Outro
🎙️ OJ In The Morning – Local People. Local Stories. Local Connection.

Aug 21, 2026
Aug 21, 2026
1 hr 3 min
Another big mix of local people, local stories and local connection from around South Canterbury.
This week I sit down for The Chat with Wayne Doyle and Lee King, John McBeth joins me for the Weekend Whistle, John Gregan is back with Man On The Land, and with Kirsty still away, I'm behind the controls for another Weekend Smile File.
Grab a coffee, settle in and enjoy Episode 14 of OJ In The Morning.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Episode 1402:10 The Chat #1 – Wayne Doyle23:01 Weekend Whistle – John McBeth30:16 The Chat #2 – Lee King49:20 Man On The Land – John Gregan58:15 Weekend Smile File with OJ62:15 Outro
OJ In The Morning – Local People. Local Stories. Local Connection.

Aug 14, 2026
Aug 14, 2026
55 min
Another big week of Local People, Local Stories and Local Connection!
This week I catch up for The Chat with Ryan Skelton and Jono Nelson, plus regulars John Gregan with Man On The Land and John McBeth with the Weekend Whistle.
I fill in for Kirsty on the Weekend Smile File, and we also discover a new children's book about a penguin exploring Caroline Bay, the Winter Champs starring guinea pigs, and a Full Speed Ahead Mobility Scooter Expo in Temuka.
Quite a mixture really — but that's OJ In The Morning!
🎙️ South Canterbury stories, conversations and characters all in one place.

Aug 7, 2026
Aug 7, 2026
45 min
This week is a little different!
I'm away in Nelson attending a conference, so rather than miss a week, I've put together a special "Best of OJ In The Morning" featuring some of my favourite moments from the first 10 episodes.
Whether you've been with me from the beginning or have only recently discovered the show, this is a great chance to catch up on some of the interviews, conversations and local stories that have helped shape OJ In The Morning.
A huge thank you for all your support. Every view, comment, share and subscription means a lot, and I'm incredibly grateful for everyone who's come along on the journey so far.
I'll still be bringing you my daily 60 Seconds with OJ videos from Nelson throughout the week, so keep an eye on Facebook for those.
I'll be back next Friday with a brand-new episode featuring more local people, local stories and local connections.
Thanks for watching, and I hope you enjoy this special edition.
– OJ

Jul 31, 2026
Jul 31, 2026
53 min
Welcome to Episode 11 of OJ In The Morning – South Canterbury's Weekend Magazine Show, bringing you the people, stories and events that make our region such a great place to live.
This week on the show:
00:00 Introduction01:30 Local News Review05:15 Local Weather05:53 Weekend Whistle – Brendan Laney – Rugby Personality16:10 Community Catchup – Haidee Woods – Volunteering17:45 The Chat – Marijke Bakker – Penguins First Timaru23:05 Top Three Things You Need To Know25:40 Community Catchup – Kerry Rayner – Central South Island Charity Bike Ride27:50 Time Capsule – How Old Is Harry Potter?29:40 At The Council Table – Former Mayor Janie Annear36:40 Weekend Smile File – Kirsty Burnett42:35 Man On The Land – John Gregan
Thanks, as always, for your support.
OJ
Local People. Local Stories. Local Connection. 🎙️

Jul 24, 2026
Jul 24, 2026
47 min
Welcome to Episode 10 of OJ In The Morning!
It's hard to believe we've already reached double figures, and a huge thank you to everyone who's joined me on the journey so far. Your support, feedback and encouragement continue to make this community grow every week.
This episode is packed with more local people, local stories and local connections. From community conversations and rural insights to local sport, entertainment and plenty of positive news from around South Canterbury, there's something for everyone.
So wherever you're listening—whether you're at home, in the car or out enjoying the weekend—thanks for spending part of it with me.
Let's get into Episode 10!
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Local Weather
02:35 Local News Review
06:25 Weekend Whistle with John McBeth (Sport)
13:40 SCDL Show 'Come From Away' - Petrina Chisholm
15:40 The Chat - Fred Fruisen 'Ideas Guy'
20:33 Top 3 Things You Need To Know
22:42 Timaru Booksellers Giveaway Winner
24:40 Man On The Land with John Gregan
31:50 Community Catchup - Symon Leggett - Hospice SC
36:40 Time Capsule
39:00 At the Table - Sange Malama - Labour Candidate Rangitata
42:25 Weekend Smile File - Kirsty Burnett

Jul 16, 2026
Jul 16, 2026
1 hr 8 min
,Another episode featuring local people, local stories and local connections.
00:00 Introduction to the show
01:48 Weekend Weather
02:06 Local News Review
06:09 Weekend Whistle - Sport with John McBeth
11:49 Geraldine Sculpture Trail - Rosie Woods
13:00 The Chat - Brent Birchfield
28:22 Top 3 Things You Need To Know
30:35 Neighbourhood Support - Zoe Kirk
34:36 Local Rugby - Jeremy Sutherland
41:35 'Come From Away' show - Alice Sollis
43:15 The Time Capsule - Happy Birthday David Hasselhoff
45:47 At the Council Table - Deputy Mayor Scott Shannon
60:48 Weekend Smile File - Kirsty Burnett

Jul 10, 2026
Jul 10, 2026
1 hr 47 sec
Welcome to Episode 8 of OJ In The Morning – South Canterbury's Weekend Magazine Show.
Each week, OJ brings you the people, stories and conversations that make South Canterbury such a great place to call home. From local news and community issues to sport, entertainment and plenty of good humour, there's something for everyone.
In this episode;
00:00 Intro
01:55 Local News
05:50 Local Weather
06:54 Weekend Whistle - Corbin Sprague Motorsport
11:35 "Come From Away' SCDL - Petrina Chisolm
13:22 The Chat - NIgel Davenport
30:44 Central South Island Charity Bike Ride - Robyn Smith
31:57 Top 3 Things You Need To Know This Weekend
34:15 Man On The Land - John Gregan
41:55 Time Capsule
44:10 Robyn Valentine - Wearable Arts Award Winner
53:44 Weekend Smile File - Kirsty Burnett
If you enjoy the show, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it with your friends and family. Every listener helps us continue shining a light on the people and stories that make South Canterbury special.
OJ In The Morning – Local People. Local Stories. Local Connections.
