Southern Stories

In this gig is you'll almost certainly be dealing with some extreme personalities. It's the business of dog grooming. Sonia Yee went to Parklands, Christchurch to investigate the ins and outs of this… Read more Audio

Sonia Yee continues looking at the history of one of Christchurch's most successful family-run companies. The Skjellerup name was synonymous with gumboots and rubber soles. Audio

Sonia Yee joins is with a story about the famous Skjellerup family in Christchurch - long associated with the development of the rubber industry in New Zealand.

Sonia Yee finds out about the famous Skjellerup family in Christchurch. They've long been associated with the development of the rubber industry in New Zealand. Audio

Studies suggest that at least 7 percent of New Zealand adults are likely to experience some form of anxiety or mood disorder. Anxiety is defined as: a state of uneasiness and apprehension, for the…

Studies suggest that at least 7% of New Zealand adults are likely to experience some form of anxiety or mood disorder. Anxiety is defined as "a state of uneasiness and apprehension, for the most part… Read more Audio

Sonia Yee is in the deep South where she meets a man interested in history and storytelling whose path crossed with one of New Zealand's most revered writers. Audio

Have you ever kept a side of yourself hidden from your friends and loved ones? Sonia Yee finds out what it's like to live a secret life - in this case, the life of a cross dresser. Audio

The Southland Motorcycle Club is gearing up for their 5th annual Burt Munro Challenge, in Invercargill. We go to a barbeque with the Southland Motorcycle Club, where sculptor Roddy McMillan has been… Read more Audio

In the final of this three-part series Memories of Ohai we hear from Bruce Allen, Laura and Walton Goldsmith, and Melvin Robinson about underground mining tragedies, the decline of the town, an… Read more Audio

In its coal-mining heyday there were over 1200 people in Ohai. Now there's less than 300 with only 12 of the old miners remaining. Audio

Sage Forest visits Ohai, a Southland coal town built on mining, now surviving on memories. Audio

Many of us have our roots in Scotland and may find ourselves responding to the call of the pipes. That's what happened to Sage Forest as she headed South through the Heartland. Audio

Ambergris is excreted by only 3-4% of Sperm whales and washes up on beaches all over the Southern Hemisphere. Mature pieces are prized for use in some perfumes. Fresh ambergris is black with the… Read more Audio

The historic fishing village of Mullet Bay boasts a permanent population of two.It's known to travellers as Cosy Nook. A beautiful spot known for its geology, wild coast and quaint cribs. Sage Forest… Read more Audio

QSM recipient Ian Becker is a busy man. He volunteers for Vietnam Veterans, is the president of the Awarua RSA, a past Rotary president and runs a successful recycling business. It's a recycling… Read more Audio

Sonia Yee finds out from Christchurch Celebrant School tutor Mary Hancock what qualities she looks for in new celebrants and why celebrants need to train. Audio

In 2008, the self-help and motivational market was estimated at a worth of US $11 billion dollars.But beyond the books and seminars presented by motivational speakers across the globe, there are other… Read more Audio

Tucked away in a quiet Christchurch cottage is jazz and blues musician Stu Buchanan. He's humble for a man who has worked with international performers such as Nat Adderly and Shirley Bassie. Sonia… Read more Audio

For some, the City Mission is a life-saver. They're an organisation dedicated to helping those in need. For Margaret Gilbert, working at the Christchurch City Mission is 'feel good,' but there is a… Read more Audio