Autumn Newsletter 2026

Hi all,

He is a snippet from our Autumn newsletter. 

Autumn has quietly crept in, and there’s already a cool bite in the air… brr. 
Bring back those balmy summer days any time.
There’s plenty happening at your favourite radio station.

We were delighted to host the 
Minister for Broadcasting, the Honourable Paul Goldsmith, along with Napier MP Katie 
Nimon for a recent visit and interview.

Our Napier pop‑up studio continues to be a fantastic asset for our Napier-based 
broadcasters. If you live in Napier and would like to record closer to home, give station 
manager Kelly a call for a chat. And just a reminder — if you can’t make it in to record, 
we have a mobile recording system called VoxPops that you can use straight from your 
phone. The quality is excellent, it works anywhere, and it’s very easy to use. Get in 
touch if you’d like more details.

We’re excited to welcome several new shows to the airwaves, and just as thrilled to 
have ‘Kainga Pasifika Services’ and ‘Living Life’ with Annemarie and Ginny returning.
Sadly, after seven wonderful years of broadcasting her much‑loved show Food for Life, 
host Heather Barrow is heading to the UK. We wish Heather all the very best for the 
future — and who knows, maybe one day we’ll hear her back on air with us. 
We certainly hope so.

We also said farewell to Two Cherished Voices:

We’ve received some sad news with the recent passing of two 
beloved broadcasters from our Radio Hawke’s Bay family.

Herb Pettersen, host of the faith-based program At Close of Day, was 
a pillar of our station since 1995. Over nearly three decades, Herb 
created close to 1,400 episodes — each one a thoughtful reflection 
to end the day. His gentle voice and unwavering dedication touched 
countless listeners. Herb’s legacy lives on in the hearts of our 
community and in the programs he left behind.

We also remember Alex Kerjes, the insightful voice behind 
The Exit Interview. Alex joined us in November 2025, bringing clarity 
and compassion to the complex world of employment law — from 
job interviews to final farewells. His episodes remain available on 
our website, continuing to inform and guide.
To Herb and Alex — thank you for your wisdom, your warmth, and 
your words. You’ll be deeply missed.

Lots of good things in the pipeline, keep up the great work, everyone. Look forward to 
seeing you all soon.

If you wish to receive our full newsletter, please email info@radiohawkesbay.org.nz, and we will put you on the mailing list.

Ken, Kelly and Nat.