Featured Programmes
Rich McCoy
Hearth Tales invites you to bask in the warm glow of creativity. Join Rich McCoy as he listens to the tales of artists, makers, creative souls and those that love them. These luminaries share their wisdom, illuminating the path. Through their stories, we discover the power of passion, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative nature of art and creativity.
Claire Williamson
A Little Bit Booked is like listening to two friends chat about their latest literary obsession. Editor and writer Claire Williamson (@accidentaltokyoite) is regularly joined by authors, book lovers, and publishing experts for in-depth interviews, reviews, and plenty of recommendations. Expect more than a bit of banter! Have a burning books question? Email alittlebitbookednz@gmail.com.
Music: Mellow Days by Pold, license: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike
Fresh FM
The Nelson Arts Festival is 11 days of unmissable arts experiences in Whakatū! 23 Oct – 2 Nov 2025. We take a look behind the scenes and hear about some of the unmissable events coming to Whakatū this October in our interview series.
Karolina Gorton, Emma Constantine
For Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 diverse community members share their stories of big life transitions that affected their mental wellbeing, and talk about how connecting with others helped them move out of isolation and distress and towards community. Created in partnership with Health Action Trust, Hikitia! and Fresh FM, these 30 minute stories encourage others to reach out and give practical tips for supporting each other.
Teresa O’Connor, Jacquetta Bell
Have you been wondering what’s the story with Māori wards? What are they and why are they important? Why is there a referendum on them in this year’s local body elections? We’re going to hear from Nelson people who know that Māori wards work and want to keep them here in Nelson and Tasman and across the motu.
Nelson Tasman Climate Forum
Get inspired for the 2025 Nelson Tasman Climate Action Festival with Countdown to the Climate Action Festival, a mini-series in collaboration with the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Starting Wednesday September 04, your opportunity to sit in on a local AA Meeting On Air.
About Fresh FM
FreshFM is a not-for-profit charitable trust funded by NZ On Air, grants and donations to provide a voice for the many voices of our community.
Our vision is that FreshFM should reflect the aspirations, creativity, experiences, stories and music of the people who live in Te Tauihu The Top of The South, and through our broadcast frequencies and on-line services, share those things with the world.
How to listen
Nelson-Tasman 104.8 FM
Nelson CBD 107.2
Golden Bay 95.0 FM
Blenheim 88.9 FM
Arts & Music
Shannon Cassidy
A spotlight on New Zealand music and musicians with loads of local content and information. Hosted by Shannon Cassidy.
Harmony Aquarian
HATU is IN Da House… from My house to your house, whether you’re in the dog house, the poor house, the nut house, the murder house, Parliament House, or the House of the Rising Sun, we’ll be dealing with some of the important issues of the day.
Darren “Lappy” Lapwood
Darren Lapwood presents some of the best songs for speedway racing. For more speedway information head to: https://www.speedway.co.nz/
Kawana Hemi
Kawana Hemi presents some of his favorite Hip-Hop and RnB, along with other sweet tunes from the last 40 years.
Pat B
Originality is a myth; there’s always a thread leading backways, sideways, you know the ways and here on Under the Influence if there’s a thread we’ll pull it. Untangling the mess of genres built on a genre, styles on a style and sounds on a sound. If it feels fresh and original then it still came from somewhere, the reimagining of an old boot, the re-envisioning of old hat. We can trace these new combinations back to the big bang, let’s copy and be happy. There’s no shame. It’s what we do. And we do it well.
We trace meandering lines from what has come before, from the artists, songs and sounds that seasoned many more after them. The strong flavours linger.
Nothing is truly original and we say that here at Under the Influence as a good thing. This show seeks to unpack, disassemble and wonder at these byproducts of both undeniable and unacknowledged borrowings.
Mark Manson
Mark Manson talks to locals and other guests about an eclectic mix of topics and issues of interest. Plus guests also provide a selection of music they are listening to.
Matt Budd and Maria Baigent
By request of our Robot Overlord, Matt and Maria start the weekend with rock (and stuff).
Chrissie Small
Stranded in Paradise is an historical music show based on the book of the same name by John Dix, and is a guide to the history of NZ Rock N Roll from 1955 through to 1988.
Fresh FM
Step into the Green Room – where musicians talk songwriting, touring, and the stories behind their music.
Shontell Mita
Shontell Mita, a Maori DJ/Musician presents a programme in Te Reo Maori and English highlighting predominantly Maori Women Musicians in Aotearoa.
Penina Uhrle
Join Penina on The Jam, with interesting topics of conversation and really good music.
Fresh FM
Fresh FM is proud to be the official media partner for Tuku 25 Whakatū. As part of our partnership, we’re launching a special programme featuring the passionate event hosts behind this year’s festival.
Throughout Tuku 25, we’ll bring you exclusive interviews with the people shaping this incredible celebration of Whakatū’s heritage—sharing their stories, inspirations, and the unique experiences they’re bringing to the community. Check out the full festival here.
Youth
Alfie Langford
Kia Ora, I’m Alfie! I’m 15 years old and lucky to call the stunning Golden Bay home. Welcome to Golden Hour—the ultimate radio show on FreshFM!
I’m here to bring some fresh energy and fun to the station.
Henley News Hounds
Henley School News Hounds are a group of Senior Students from Henley Primary School reporting on topics and events happening in and around the school.
Penina Uhrle
Join Penina on The Jam, with interesting topics of conversation and really good music.
Kath Bee
Music, stories, fun facts, strange noises and MORE! Live and off-the-cuff, Kath Bee has surprises in store for everyone (even herself!).
Multicultural Youth Nelson Tasman
A Programme by and about Multi-Cultural Youth Nelson Tasman.
Students from Nelson College for Girls
Students from Nelson College for Girls host The Dinner Club. Music, chat and fun!
Collingwood Area School Students
Collingwood Area School students host Radio Club, with school news, information and music.
Francis Ching, Millie Turuu, Bailey Bright, Phoebe Olive
Motueka High School Students present Youth and Community Affairs, Interviews, and What’s On around the Tasman Region.
Health & Wellbeing
Alcoholics Anonymous
Starting Wednesday September 04, your opportunity to sit in on a local AA Meeting On Air.
Breffni O’Rourke
Hosted by Breffni O’Rourke, this show is for you if you are likely to age, you care about someone who is aging or you are looking for a fresh perspective on your own aging.
Harold Mayaba
Join Harold Mayaba – the Lion Hugger for Real Life Stories That Change Lives
Erik Roeper
Seido Karate On-Air Dojo features conversations with the remarkable individuals who have made the club a special place to learn and grow. Tune in to hear their stories and insights.
Dean Campbell
Dean Campbell brings a range of plant Medicine music that bridges the Spiritual realms from South America, The East, New Zealand and afar.
Sally Rees
Sally Rees from Natural Nosh offers simple solutions for a healthier lifestyle incorporating a Raw Food Diet.
Thomas Spring
Join Thomas Spring for Total Wellbeing NZ, a programme about about Health and Wellbeing
April May
April May, author and founder of April May Gems and mother of five, is passionate about sharing her stories to encourage and inspire others and to restore hearts that are in need of hope.
Culture
Cultural Conversations
Tindall Foundation Stories of Otherness are first hand accounts aimed to educate and help people to speak up.
Fresh FM, Cultural Conversations
The Stories We Hold is a collaboration between Cultural Conversations and Fresh FM. This project would not have been possible without funding from the Lottery Community Fund, who have funded this collaboration.
Harold Mayaba
Join Harold Mayaba – the Lion Hugger for Real Life Stories That Change Lives
Radio Viti Te Tauihu
Radio Viti Te Tauihu serves the people through our Vosa vaka-Viti Fijian Language and Culture on air via Fresh FM across the Top of the South Island in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Introducing Top of the Morning, The Midnight Irish Breakfast Show, join Ciaran for all things Irish.
Buddhika Daluwatte
On ‘New Zealand Student Life’, we begin with the real migrant journeys. From the jitters of pre-departure to finding your footing in the Kiwi landscape, join Buddhika Daluwatte as he shares the authentic stories of migrant students navigating life and education in New Zealand.
Shontell Mita
Shontell Mita, a Maori DJ/Musician presents a programme in Te Reo Maori and English highlighting predominantly Maori Women Musicians in Aotearoa.
Multicultural Youth Nelson Tasman
A Programme by and about Multi-Cultural Youth Nelson Tasman.
Valorie Patrick
‘Yumi Talem’ or ‘Our Voice’ is a radio program that features Vanuatu’s cultures, current affairs, and the Christian principles Vanuatu is founded on.
Lorraine MacIntosh
Audio postcard from Spain by ex Nelsonian Lorraine MacIntosh.
Cultural Conversations
True stories about inspirational people who have reconstructed their lives and responded in transformational ways following huge traumatic events.
Jessica Díaz Rodríguez, Julio Díaz Rodríguez and Luz Zúñiga Vega
Jessica Díaz Rodríguez, Julio Díaz Rodríguez and Luz Zúñiga Vega host Viva LatinoAmerica! Latin American Culture, Music, Current Affairs and Interviews in Spanish.
Ethics
Kevenergy
Solar Made Simple is predicated on the responsibilities and rights inherent in us all to take part in the conversation and not just ‘Talk the Talk ‘ but ‘Walk the Walk’.
Dean Campbell
Dean Campbell brings a range of plant Medicine music that bridges the Spiritual realms from South America, The East, New Zealand and afar.
William Manu
Call to Worship proclaims the everlasting gospel of God’s love in the context of the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12.
Lindsay Wood
Climate Matters, an audio version of Lindsay Wood from Resilienz Ltd’s Climate Matters newsletter, that gives intriguing insights into climate breakdown and climate recovery.
April May
April May, author and founder of April May Gems and mother of five, is passionate about sharing her stories to encourage and inspire others and to restore hearts that are in need of hope.
Zola Rose
Change-making conversations on housing for people and planet. Enabling more affordable, connected, and regenerative places to live.
Philippa Foes-Lamb
Gardening tips with Philippa Foes-Lamb.
Jan Marsh
Jan Marsh presents Spirited Conversations recorded live at Nelson’s Yaza Cafe.
Harmony Aquarian
HATU is IN Da House… from My house to your house, whether you’re in the dog house, the poor house, the nut house, the murder house, Parliament House, or the House of the Rising Sun, we’ll be dealing with some of the important issues of the day.
GalanJAH
A BalanSING, GalanJAH selects foremost from Roots and Fruits of Sisterly Reggae, within a Global Musical Forest.
Melissa Melodious
Rise and Shine Radio Show with Melissa Melodious⚡️is about encouraging the heights and depths of life through music, wisdom & sweet inspiration. Tune in and charge up Sundays 8am. Together let’s Rise, one episode at a time.
Her Voice
April May
April May, author and founder of April May Gems and mother of five, is passionate about sharing her stories to encourage and inspire others and to restore hearts that are in need of hope.
Shontell Mita
Shontell Mita, a Maori DJ/Musician presents a programme in Te Reo Maori and English highlighting predominantly Maori Women Musicians in Aotearoa.
Maria Baigent
Maria Baigent presents an hour of Musical Trinkets, written, sung and performed by Women.
Valorie Patrick
‘Yumi Talem’ or ‘Our Voice’ is a radio program that features Vanuatu’s cultures, current affairs, and the Christian principles Vanuatu is founded on.
Christin Schäffner
Christin Schäffner presents Building Bridges 101, connecting locals across the Top of the South with how local government works. Christin interview’s political and non political figures gathering Information on issues and processes.
Students from Nelson College for Girls
Students from Nelson College for Girls host The Dinner Club. Music, chat and fun!
Vinita Chandra
Welcome to Women’s World with Vini Chandra. Join us as we explore the diverse experiences and resilient spirits of women worldwide.
Lorraine MacIntosh
Audio postcard from Spain by ex Nelsonian Lorraine MacIntosh.
Zola Rose
Change-making conversations on housing for people and planet. Enabling more affordable, connected, and regenerative places to live.
Joanna Santa Barbara
Joanna Santa Barbara presents an Eco Postcard focusing on sustainability and the environment.
Interests
John Scott
John Scott returns to Fresh FM with trivia and film reviews on John’s TnR Show.
Erik Roeper
Seido Karate On-Air Dojo features conversations with the remarkable individuals who have made the club a special place to learn and grow. Tune in to hear their stories and insights.
Joanna Santa Barbara
Joanna Santa Barbara presents an Eco Postcard focusing on sustainability and the environment.
LGBTQIA+ radio. Music by us and for us, because representation matters and so do the songs that shape us.
Hosted by Jo. Expect interviews, new music, songs from all eras, and the occasional deep dive or guest mix.
Grant Knowles
Join Grant Knowles for diverse music, funism and informative chats…
Harmony Aquarian
HATU is IN Da House… from My house to your house, whether you’re in the dog house, the poor house, the nut house, the murder house, Parliament House, or the House of the Rising Sun, we’ll be dealing with some of the important issues of the day.
Graeme Robertson
Hosted by Graeme Robertson, Nelson Science Stories shines a light on the discoveries, people, and places that have shaped the region’s rich scientific heritage. From early innovations to modern breakthroughs, each episode uncovers the fascinating stories behind Nelson’s contribution to science in Aotearoa and beyond.
Fresh FM
The Nelson Arts Festival is 11 days of unmissable arts experiences in Whakatū! 23 Oct – 2 Nov 2025. We take a look behind the scenes and hear about some of the unmissable events coming to Whakatū this October in our interview series.
Henley News Hounds
Henley School News Hounds are a group of Senior Students from Henley Primary School reporting on topics and events happening in and around the school.
Philippa Foes-Lamb
Gardening tips with Philippa Foes-Lamb.
Cultural Conversations
Tindall Foundation Stories of Otherness are first hand accounts aimed to educate and help people to speak up.
