Kelli from the Tron

19/02/2024

15/01/2024

Read all about the Hamilton East by-election candidates from 👇
https://hamilton.govt.nz/your-council/elections-and-representation/hamilton-east-ward-by-election-2024/candidates/

Some faces we know, but a few newbies in the mix too.

Voting (for people who live East of the river) opens January 26th. It's a 📫 postal vote 🙄 with voting closing on the 17th Feb. Results 19 Feb.

Thanks to Paula Southgate Mayor of Hamilton for joining me on Free FM this morning.

18/12/2023

Just had my last interview with Paula Southgate Mayor of Hamilton for 2023 on Free FM. Thank you for joining us every month! 🙏

We're in for a long hot summer, so we started with a reminder to take care if swimming in the river. The Wellington Beach jetty has gone, and we can have our say in what happens there next year.

If you believed 'Residents groups" the proposed increase in rates is due to cycleways and speed humps - spoiler alert that's less than 0.5% of the budget - cost increases are actually due to increased inflation, interest ($19m extra next year alone), costs for absolutely everything and insurances. Boring but true.

From March, Hamilton City Council will start officially consulting on the Long Term Plan (LTP) - and that's the best place to have your say - share your ideas, what do you want more of or less of.

To wrap it up, Mayor Paula shared three highlights - pictured ... including the award winning Te Kete Aronui Rototuna; Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct (Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park & Hamilton Zoo entranceway) and the Magical Playground in Claudelands.

They're all community projects we can be proud of - so if you enjoy them please let the elected members know in the LTP next year - it gives them the support they need to do more of that :)

05/12/2023

While I had FOMO at not joining a protest this morning, I did get the opportunity to talk to Lady Tureiti Moxon on Free FM about their kaupapa on this National Day of Action.

🖤Whakahōnore Te Tiriti o Waitangi - Honour the Treaty
🖤Puritia Te Aka Whaiora - Keep the Māori Health Authority
🖤Kia mau ki Te Reo Māori - Treasure our Māori Language
🖤Auahi Kore Aotearoa - Smoke Free New Zealand

28/11/2023

Local hard rock band Static are about to hit the road for their Pulling the Trigger EP release tour. They joined me in the Free FM89.0 studio this morning to chat about how the band formed, what's helped them along the way (including the NZ Music Commission) before sharing the title track off the EP.

Have a listen to the podcast 🎧 https://accessmedia.nz/Player.aspx?eid=f5bcac29-9c4d-458d-8dae-6804f502e610

Get your ticket to Friday's gig at Last Place
https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/87011/Statics-Pulling-The-Trigger-EP-Release-Tour.utr

Photo credit Nivara Lounge

27/11/2023

I'm super proud of the mahi Bike Waikato do - supporting safer streets for people who want to walk, scoot or cycle. (Also, fewer cars = less congestion when I need to drive, so win-win.). As a parent to a pre-teen (insert big eye roll), I'm also trying to help our young people have more independence, by not needing us to take them everywhere in the car!

Welcome to our new Bike Waikato committee!

At our October AGM, we elected six new volunteers to our executive committee. We've been hard at work behind the scenes to get ready for the next year of cycling advocacy.

Thank you to those who attended our AGM and all those who continue to support us. Stay tuned for more Bike Waikato news!

28/10/2023

Te bad as Book Nook
Read and return
Take one home bro
Donate a weird as book

Hamilton Festival Of Weird - Kirikiriroa & go to the website for the festival timetable
https://hamiltonfestivalofweird.nz/

25/10/2023

Formed in the mid 00's to chase bottles of Woodstock at open-mics, Dick Dynamite and the Doppelgangers brought psychobilly (described as less cheesy than rockabilly, with some jazz and punk) to the Tron where they quickly gained a bit of a cult following... so fans will be amped to know they're resurrecting (perhaps for the last time) for 'Halloween Hangover' on November 10th at Last Place.

On Free FM 89.0 yesterday I had a chat with Sam and you can listen to the podcast here 🎃http://accessmedia.nz/Player.aspx?eid=d5f0a398-a6bf-45fc-a110-607fc649c5ba

Get your tickets quick 🔥Dick Dynamite & The Doppelgängers with guests The Crypt Daddies

19/10/2023

Just what we all wanted... another election 🙄😅
Seriously though, tap the shoulder of people you think will represent our communities well.

Nominations open next month with voting in February.

The National Party candidate won the Hamilton East electorate on Saturday and has formally resigned from his role as an East Ward Councillor.

18/10/2023

🎧What do you call weird? Well we're going to find out in a few weeks when freaks, geeks, weirdos and misfits make their way to the CBD for Hamilton Festival Of Weird - Kirikiriroa

Lauren Kerr-Bell, one of the Festival organisers joined me on Free FM to give the low down on the installations, events and activations popping up.

Have a listen to the podcast 👇 http://accessmedia.nz/Player.aspx?eid=9ae49871-5899-48f4-a0cc-ef54495022f6

18/10/2023

"Driving indigenous people off their land because you want it for yourself is called colonisation" and it's happening right now in Palestine 🇵🇸

To continue to show solidarity from the other-side of the world, there are more rallies organised, including here in Kirikiriroa. Rally for a Free Palestine Sat October 21

You can also sign a petition to close the Israeli embassy visit https://www.psna.nz/

Please have a read of this article if you aren't aware of what's happening in Gaza. It was written by John Minto, who you'll be familiar with from the Halt All Racist Tours / 1981 Anti-Apartheid movement.

https://www.thepost.co.nz/a/nz-news/350093182/our-political-leaders-have-failed-us-and-failed-palestinians.

OPINION: There are times when I feel ashamed to be a New Zealander. This is one of them.

16/10/2023

Can you help us create a buzz in Frankton?. 🐝

The Hamilton City Council has recently developed a new pocket park for Frankton, with seating, planter boxes and best of all, play equipment! A previously under-utilised space on Kent street is now being enjoyed by families, people who work in the area and is used for the Frankton Market each Saturday.

But, there’s one thing missing… which we think will make all the difference. The wall at the back of the park is a - boring - blank canvas, oozing potential to make the space buzz!

The Riff Raff Public Art Trust alongside other Frankton champions, have put pen to paper applying for partial funding successfully from Len Reynolds Trust, Creative Communities Scheme, and in-kind support from Hamilton City Council.

Being so close to our funding target, we’ve commissioned one of our favourite local artists ‘’ - known for vibrant and quirky works of art, to design and paint the 4x6m mural.

Now we need YOUR help.We’ve set up a Give a Little page and are asking the Frankton community to pitch in. Can you help us create a buzz in Frankton?

The-riff-raff-are-creating-a-buzz-in-frankton

12/10/2023

“One of Wales’ best-kept secrets…righteous bilingual noise pop”

Katie from CHROMA joined me on Free FM89.0 ahead of their Garden Place gig at lunchtime on November 4th, as part of Hamilton Festival Of Weird - Kirikiriroa. They're part of an exchange between Cardiff and Waikato Unis- which our very own Half/Time took part in earlier this year.

In this podcast you'll hear our korero about their music, bilingualism and their upcoming debut album "Ask for Angela" which is out on the 20th October. 🙌

Have a listen 🎧 http://accessmedia.nz/Player.aspx?eid=b375aea9-cdaa-4444-884b-61dd885a1a74

12/10/2023

I wasn't going to get political online, and tbh been doing my darndest to avoid election coverage this year. I just feel incredibly disillusioned with our political system and this toxic election. I want it to be over.

However, not voting makes it that little bit easier for racist, selfish, climate denying, dog whistling, conspiracy pushing parties and candidates to win. And screw them right?

I'm not going to lie, and say - "I don't care who you vote for, just vote". Join me, and vote for people and planet. 💚🖤❤️

Voting booths are open everywhere (including at Go Eco in Frankton) look for orange signs.

👉If you are enrolled, just rock up.
👉If you're not enrolled yet, you can enroll & vote at the same time (you'll need ID to do this). Go to vote.nz to find out more.
👉Check that all the 18-24year olds that you know are voting! It's their future we should be thinking about.

2 voting days left.

11/10/2023

Street theatre, acrobatics, puppeteering, abstract installations, and performances of underground original music...Hamilton Festival Of Weird - Kirikiriroa coming soon 😳🥺🫣😬🤔🤷‍♀️

Hamiltonians urged to embrace their inner weirdness for a unique festival.

29/08/2023

Birthed in the wild wastes of downtown Hamilton, New Zealand, Stone Clones plays a mix of hard rock, stoner rock, punk rock, and prog rock, with a fresh and modern twist.

This morning on Free FM Calum Ray, guitarist for the band joined me to share a bit about their songwriting process, influences and why they think it's important to support opportunities for young people to connect with other musicians and the wider community. 🎸👏

They're organising a gig called All Ages Welcome, and being joined by and Sure Brake at Nivara Lounge on September 8th.

Tickets are only $5 and from Undertheradar.co.nz

All Ages Welcome, Nivara Lounge, Hamilton Fri, 08 September

21/08/2023

Despite half the world being on fire, or drowning... climate still doesn't appear to be a priority for our politicians, who are the decision makers and purse-string holders.

That's why it's more important than ever that we all do what we can to elevate climate as an issue before the election.

Here are some tips for asking questions at election events you might be attending over the next (less than) two months...

Asking politicians the hard questions

21/07/2023

Ok, please don't hate me... but in this episode, I talk to Paul the Other One about how undecided I am about who to give my Electorate vote to... (though my party vote is safely with the Greens) and that despite the fact I think every National party policy is stupid, I haven't ruled out giving my Electorate vote to their candidate (Tama Potaka) yet...

Why? Purely because I think he might be able to help educate the conservatives who are struggling with the changes that need to happen, like... co-governance, constitutional transformation, bi-linguialism and reprioritisation of matauranga and te ao maaori - things he understands and can help bridge the gap with.

We'll come back to where I am closer to the election - but hopefully listening to this podcast each week gets you thinking. 🤔

What do our Gallery know about theirs?

20/07/2023

Link to the Free FM podcast of Friday's kōrero with Scott Tiffany, GM of Pukete Neighbourhood House - talking about the work they do, progress of their new facility - and how you can help.

https://accessmedia.nz/Player.aspx?eid=37ba9dc5-8f28-4f80-b28b-972276c5136e

19/07/2023

Community houses play a vital role in Kirikiriroa, so I'm stoked that Pukete Neighbourhood House are edging closer to a purpose built facility to do the awesome work they do for us. 🙏

In my kōrero on-air with Mayor Paula yesterday, she summed it up nicely by saying it'll create "a better, brighter, more accessible community space".

To support the new community space there's an easy (and quick) way you can help. Type a few sentences (or more) of support via the Hamilton City Council consultation process for the "Proposed partial Reclassification of Ashurst Park".

If you miss the deadline, just message your favourite councillor and key them know 😅

More info and to share your voice 📢
https://haveyoursay.hamilton.govt.nz/parks-and-open-space/ashurst-park-reclassification/

18/07/2023

Gotta admit, my brain switches off when sports are involved, but even I get how awesome this tournament is for the city and women's sport.

We also discussed some of the work happening 'behind the scenes' in response to reforms like the RMA & Local govt review.

Finally, Pukete Neighbourhood House is tantalisngly close to a new purpose built facility... but I'm giving that kōrero a separate post to ask for your help...

Mayor Paula Southgate Mayor of Hamilton joins us 8.10am on the third Tuesday of each month.

07/07/2023

This opinion piece highlights the double standards in place for white men vs waahine maaori in politics. Nobby & Wayne - media indifference. Kiri & Tory - headline news. If you can't see the underlying misogyny and racism, look harder please.

Women, and especially maaori are more likely to receive abusive messages and threats from the public and the media are absolutely fuelling this. The impact, aside from threats to their safety, will lead to us having fewer waahine step into high profile roles, the very place we need to be.

Sigh. I'm tired of this. Mainstream media suck. Strength and aroha to Mayor Tory Whanau & Kiri Allan - Labour MP

But who's behaving badly?

20/06/2023

This morning on Free FM 89.0, I was joined by Fatuma, a Youth Worker for Shama Ethnic Women's Trust, to talk about some of their Youth programmes - from volunteering, fun activities, connecting to their heritage and .... an upcoming Ethnic Youth Volleyball tournament (all genders)🏐

It's happening on July 2nd at Hamilton Boys' High School - if you're 12-16 years old register 👇

Email [email protected] or go to shama.org.nz for more info

Free FM are proudly supporting this event 👍

Listen to the podcast 🎧http://accessmedia.nz/Player.aspx?eid=850f8451-2e6a-4d7f-bb12-fb420f572913

09/06/2023

Wow, incredibly disappointing to hear how this meeting unfolded. 😟

The concept of a 20min city is urban planning that allows you to have (most of) everything you need (like nature, parks, shops and work) close to where you live. It reduces travel time, increases accessibility to services, builds more cohesive neighbourhoods and improves quality of life. 💚

Unfortunately & weirdly it's been hijacked by conspiracy theorists, including the Hamilton Residents & Ratepayers association. 🤷‍♀️

I'm sorry you had to go through that Angela O'Leary - Deputy Mayor of Hamilton

Ryan Hamilton 4 Hamilton Do better!

https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/a/nz-news/350019375/i-ve-never-seen-it-to-that-extent-city-leaders-flee-conspiracy-mob

08/06/2023

I haven't been paying much attention to politics lately...tbh I'm a bit over the dogwhistling, bu****it, big money lobbying & snail's pace taken over issues that are urgent. 🌏

Politicians are not leaders, they're purely a vehicle through which decisions can be made, at the community's say so. Our big problem is who is and isn't being heard...

That said, I jumped at the chance to be involved in Paul the Other One latest project "The public Gallery" which will track six of us in the lead up to the election. Have a listen, subscribe and let me know what you think.

🎧 Listen on your fav podcast platform
👀 Watch

Welcome to the Public Gallery - a new limited podcast series from Paul... The Other One in the lead up to the 2023 General Election in Aotearoa New Zealand.W...

31/05/2023

Hamilton - Public meeting with Nasser Mashni
On Free FM yesterday I spoke to Palestinian Australian activist Nasser Mashni who is touring Aotearoa to talk about the way forward for Palestine, 75 years after Nakba (the catastrophe).

Whether you're a supporter of Palestinian freedom or want to learn more, please come to the event tomorrow 5.30pm at Go Eco.

Podcast available, but tbh you'd be better off coming to the event, so you don't have to hear me say... "But that's not fair"... it's a rare occasion when I become speechless...

Http://accessmedia.nz/Player.aspx?eid=68b93e2a-d481-44e5-90c2-b22f39fc9d10

30/05/2023

I recently enjoyed a day at Pirongia lodge, ziplining, rock climbing, abseiling and giving archery a go with POWA: Pirongia Outdoor Women's Adventures

While I've tried these things before (and love outdoor climbing) I definitely recommend it as being a great way to try something new, perhaps physically or mentally challenging, with support, kōrero and laughs from the group.

If you're interested in new and/or outdoorsy things join the group, or follow First Step Outdoors for future adventures. Big thumbs up!