
Resident embraces radio to encourage involvement
Deborah Hull-Brown is not shy about trying something new. At age 72, she has developed the skills to produce and host her own radio programme.
Ms Hull-Brown moved from Auckland to Dunedin two years ago, following the death of her mother, whom she had cared for for eight years.
Intent on engaging with a wide range of community groups and activities, the advocate for volunteering approached OAR FM with making an arts show in mind.
The idea morphed into a broader programme, delivering content of interest to older listeners.
Super City is aimed at encouraging others in the 60-plus age group to make the most of life.
Through interviews and newsy updates, the show explores the interests, initiatives and supports available to super seniors in Dunedin.
Ms Hull-Brown's own experience has turned her into a strong advocate for access radio.
There was room for other seniors to follow her lead and step up to the mic, she said.
"The staff at OAR are really gentle with someone like myself and they take the time to help you as much as you need, until you're confident."
Super City is broadcast fortnightly on Mondays at 11am on 105.4FM and 1575AM. Podcasts are available from oar.org.nz and other major platforms.
Feedback and items of interest for older listeners can be emailed to dunedinsupercity@gmail.com.
By Jeff Harford,
Community Liaison, OAR FM

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
New show to explore Pacific voices, culture
Iree Chow hosts Pacifically Speaking on OAR FM. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Pacific communities in Dunedin can expect to hear more of their own stories on-air and online, thanks to the efforts of local woman Iree Chow. Ms Chow launches her radio show and podcast Pacifically Speaking on OAR FM today. A "proud Chuukese" from the Federated States of Micronesia and Chinese Solomon Islander, she relocated to Dunedin with her husband in 2023. After contributing to the radio station's coverage of Solomon Islands Language Week last year, Ms Chow saw the opportunity to develop a show that considered the wider experience of communities of Pacific people in Dunedin. "I really hope we can explore the vibrant diversity of the Pacific through personal narratives, cultural insights and conversations that uplift Pacific voices. "I'm really excited to platform some of communities we often don't get to hear from, across Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia. They have such powerful stories," Ms Chow said. She hopes the programme will appeal to anyone wishing to learn about other cultures, including those with a shared experience of relocating to Dunedin from other countries. Pacifically Speaking is broadcast on Thursdays at 9am on 105.4FM and 1575AM. Podcasts are available from and other major platforms. A full schedule of OAR FM programmes can be found at By Jeff Harford, Community liaison, OAR FM


Otago Daily Times
23-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Resident embraces radio to encourage involvement
Deborah Hull-Brown hosts Super City on OAR FM. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Deborah Hull-Brown is not shy about trying something new. At age 72, she has developed the skills to produce and host her own radio programme. Ms Hull-Brown moved from Auckland to Dunedin two years ago, following the death of her mother, whom she had cared for for eight years. Intent on engaging with a wide range of community groups and activities, the advocate for volunteering approached OAR FM with making an arts show in mind. The idea morphed into a broader programme, delivering content of interest to older listeners. Super City is aimed at encouraging others in the 60-plus age group to make the most of life. Through interviews and newsy updates, the show explores the interests, initiatives and supports available to super seniors in Dunedin. Ms Hull-Brown's own experience has turned her into a strong advocate for access radio. There was room for other seniors to follow her lead and step up to the mic, she said. "The staff at OAR are really gentle with someone like myself and they take the time to help you as much as you need, until you're confident." Super City is broadcast fortnightly on Mondays at 11am on 105.4FM and 1575AM. Podcasts are available from and other major platforms. Feedback and items of interest for older listeners can be emailed to dunedinsupercity@ By Jeff Harford, Community Liaison, OAR FM


Scoop
10-07-2025
- Scoop
Ōkahu Bay Haul-Out Plan: A Smart, Local Solution To Protect Auckland's Marine Environment
Auckland the City of Sails - currently lacks a public haul-out yard in its central harbour. This surprising gap in a region with the most boats per capita presents a serious biosecurity risk. With international vessels arriving regularly and over 4,000 recreational boats on the water, marine pest management is now urgent. The New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club (NZMYC) - long-time advocates for responsible boating and organisers of the iconic PIC Coastal Classic Yacht Race - is leading a practical, community-led proposal to help address the issue: reopening the Ōkahu Bay haul-out yard on a reduced seasonal scale (May to December). This isn't about expansion - it's about reactivating a proven, ratepayer-funded facility to help tackle growing marine biosecurity threats, with strong community support behind it. 'Since the 2022 closure, local haul-out options have become limited,' says Adrian Percival, Commodore of NZMYC. 'As a result, many boat owners must now travel between regions simply for hull cleaning - raising the risk of spreading invasive pests like Fan Worm, Caulerpa, or the Northern Pacific Sea Star, a serious threat to shellfish and New Zealand's multi-million-dollar aquaculture industry.' Bruce Kendall, MBE, Olympic Gold Medallist, Howick Local Board Member, passionate sailor, and environmentalist supports the concept. 'The Tāmaki River is a unique ecosystem and has so far avoided some of the current plague of marine pests. The more boats that travel from the city and up the river to haul out the higher the risk. He adds: 'Many boating clubs around the country operate haul outs successfully on a volunteer basis. Bucklands Beach Yacht Club has operated a seasonal haul out for many years using the same model as that being proposed by NZMYC. This proposal needs to be accepted for the sake of the environment if nothing else.' While no single measure can solve Auckland's marine biosecurity challenges, this proposal reduces the interregional pest transfer, supports sustainable maintenance, and helps protect the Waitematā and Hauraki Gulf ecosystems. It also strengthens partnerships between recreational users and environmental goals. 'New marinas are being built without haul-out facilities. That's left a glaring gap in a city defined by boating,' says Percival. 'This proposal helps close that gap by using existing infrastructure and a community that's ready to lead.' The site already supports a range of community activities, including waka ama, dinghy storage, parking, and educational programmes. NZMYC is committed to working alongside existing users to ensure inclusive and collaborative use of the space. With thoughtful planning, everyone wins. More than 1,600 public submissions were received on the site's future, with 64% in favour of retaining haul-out capability. The proposal has also received positive engagement from Auckland Council and the Ōrākei Local Board. 'We support a vision for green spaces - but parks and healthy harbours can work together,' says Percival. 'This is about protecting our marine environment and using existing assets wisely. It's a practical solution that reflects what Aucklanders value.' Approving this plan would give the Board a rare opportunity to create a lasting legacy - one that reflects leadership in protecting the Hauraki Gulf, and one that future generations will thank them for. A locally led operation like this — small in scale but high in environmental value — empowers the boating community to take responsibility for their impact. 'It may be small, but it's smart, effective, and community-driven — a real example of the little yard that could,' says Percival. A decision from the Ōrākei Local Board is expected on 17 July. Supporters are encouraged to share their views with the Board at orakeilocalboard@ or by attending the meeting in person: 3:00pm, 17 July St Chads Church & Community Centre 38 Saint Johns Road, St Johns, Auckland