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Now That's an Idea

by Jack

Now That’s an Idea is a place where we stop grumbling and start scheming. Each edition pitches one way to make something better, usually with insights from someone who actually knows their stuff, occasionally from my own crackpot imagination. Why?1. There are many problemsHumans have a remarkable tendency to notice what’s wrong with the world. And we’re good at spotting problems. If food tastes bad, we complain. If traffic is slow, we grumble. But that’s only half the conversation: what are the solutions?2. We need better answersIt’s too easy to follow the path well walked. We live in a ever changing world with a flood of ideas, knowledge and answers. This blog is a chance to dive deep into ideas that are worth digging into.Each month I’ll wrangle a interviews and find folk with a ideas worth sharing. Join me in this mild attempt to make the world ever so slightly better. One idea at a time.Jack

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Episodes

  1. Radio. The Unkillable Cockroach of Media - Scott Casley #22

    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…

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  2. $500 Per Tonne?! The True Cost of Waste in Tairāwhiti - Sam Rowland #21

    In this episode, I sit down with Sam Rowland, General Manager of the Tairāwhiti Environment Centre, to talk about the future of the Coast — from forestry and erosion to food waste, recycling, and the big environmental opportunities sitting right in front of us. We dig into the region’s bold plan…

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  3. The East Coast’s Most Audacious Company - Paul Naske & Panapa Ehau #20

    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...

  4. The Future of Forestry on the East Coast - Julian Kohn #19

    In this episode, Jack Marshall sits down with Julian Kohn, Chair of the Eastland Wood Council, to unpack the challenges and opportunities facing the forestry industry in Tairāwhiti. There are plans afoot to convert the East Coast's most unstable land into permanent forest. What does the forestry...

  5. The Waka That Builds Leaders - Ngahuia Mita #18

    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…

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  6. Tairāwhiti's Future Depends on Empowering Its People - Ashley Fisher #17

    This week Jack sits down with Chamber of Commerce President Ashley Fisher discuss the current economic landscape of Gisborne. The region has challenges as businesses bare the brunt of it with their bottom line. All too often council is in the mix. So what can be done? Ashley talks about the…

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  7. Why We Must Keep Telling Our Stories - Sheridan Gundry #16

    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,...

  8. $6 Million More to Restore Raukūmara - Ora Barlow #15

    Jack talks with Ora Barlow from Raukūmara Pae Maunga, an iwi-led conservation project restoring well over 100,000 hectares of native forest on the East Coast. Fresh off a $6 million funding boost, Ora shares how the team is reviving biodiversity, creating local jobs, and proving that when people...

  9. The Art of Making Research Real - Dayna Raroa #14

    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.…

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  10. Empowering Māori Voices in Local Governance - Mateawa Keelan #13

    In this episode of Now That’s an Idea Mateawa Keelan talks about life in Ruatoria and running for council. Mateawa shares her passion for Māori representation, rural voices in governance, and future-focused community well-being. Her idea is to strengthen Te Tiriti o Waitangi in council. From…

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  11. The Future of Waste and Recycling in Tairāwhiti – Debbie Gregory #12

    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...

  12. Former Mayor Explains how Local Politics Works - Meng Foon #11

    In this episode of Now That’s an Idea we have Meng Foon — former Race Relations Commissioner and long-time Mayor of Gisborne. Meng talks about his journey into politics, the role of community engagement, and the lessons he’s learned from decades of public service. He also shares insights on how…

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  13. Why Tairāwhiti Needs Young Energy – Alexandra Boros #10

    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...

  14. Return the Rangatahi Voice to Council - Jordan Walker #9

    In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we talk with Jordan Walker, a candidate for the General Ward in Tairāwhiti. They share their personal journey of reconnecting with their whakapapa and family, and their vision for youth engagement in local government. Jordan’s idea? Putting money towards a...

  15. Former Editor Calls for a Rewrite at Council – Jeremy Muir #8

    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…

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  16. Tackling Homelessness in Tairāwhiti – Jono Samson #7

    In this episode Jono Samson to talk about his journey, his candidacy, and his vision for Tairāwhiti. Jono opens up about his personal struggles with mental health, his passion for addressing homelessness, and the values of compassion and understanding that drive his leadership style. Jono’s idea:...

  17. Time for Culture Change - Rob Telfer #6

    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…

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  18. Ready for a Challenge - Rehette Stoltz #5

    In this episode, host Jack Marshall sits down with Mayor Rehette Stoltz, discussing his candidacy and vision for Gisborne. Stoltz talks about her re-election campaign, the challenges our region faces, and her big idea: boosting water infrastructure to drive economic growth. She shares why…

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  19. Pushing for a Perspective Shift - Rawinia Parata #4

    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....

  20. Cut Waste, Cut Costs - Ian Allan #3

    In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with Ian Allan, a candidate for local council in Gisborne/Tairāwhiti general ward. Ian’s idea: expand the Environment Centre to reduce waste, cut costs for ratepayers and help the planet. Drawing on his background in technology and software, Ian...

  21. Cutting Red Tape and Boosting Biodiversity - Sam the Trap Man #2

    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...

  22. Tairāwhiti vs Wellington Control - Dr Elizabeth Kerekere #1

    In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with Elizabeth Kerekere, a candidate for local government in Tai Rāwhiti, to talk about one big idea: devolution of power and funding from Wellington to our communities. Elizabeth draws on her background in activism, education, and politics to...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Now That’s an Idea is a place where we stop grumbling and start scheming. Each edition pitches one way to make something better, usually with insights from someone who actually knows their stuff, occasionally from my own crackpot imagination. Why?1. There are many problemsHumans have a remarkable tendency to notice what’s wrong with the world. And we’re good at spotting problems. If food tastes bad, we complain. If traffic is slow, we grumble. But that’s only half the conversation: what are the solutions?2. We need better answersIt’s too easy to follow the path well walked. We live in a ever changing world with a flood of ideas, knowledge and answers. This blog is a chance to dive deep into ideas that are worth digging into.Each month I’ll wrangle a interviews and find folk with a ideas worth sharing. Join me in this mild attempt to make the world ever so slightly better. One idea at a time.Jack

HOSTED BY

Jack

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Now That's an Idea have?

Now That's an Idea currently has 22 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Now That's an Idea about?

Now That’s an Idea is a place where we stop grumbling and start scheming. Each edition pitches one way to make something better, usually with insights from someone who actually knows their stuff, occasionally from my own crackpot imagination. Why?1. There are many problemsHumans have a remarkable...

How often does Now That's an Idea release new episodes?

Now That's an Idea has 22 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Now That's an Idea?

You can listen to Now That's an Idea on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Now That's an Idea?

Now That's an Idea is created and hosted by Jack.
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