Hokonui announces new breakfast show line up for Ashburton and Southland

Ashburton and Southland’s popular Hokonui radio breakfast shows are undergoing some exciting changes, with Luke Howden taking over the Ashburton show and Kirstin Chittock taking over the reins in Southland.

Current Hokonui Southland breakfast show host, Luke Howden, has relocated to Ashburton and will be replacing veteran broadcaster Phill ‘Hoops’ Hooper, who is hanging up his headphones after an impressive 20 years of broadcasting in the region. 

NZME Chief Radio Officer, Jason Winstanley, says Luke is the perfect person to build upon the fantastic work done by Phill Hooper.

“We’ve been really lucky to have Hoops on our team for the last 20 years – initially as a host for The Hits before joining Hokonui. Over this time, Phill has grown wonderful relationships with our listeners and wider community through his warm and lively nature and we’d like to thank him for his outstanding contribution.

“Ashburton listeners will be left in safe hands, with Luke Howden taking over. Luke is an integral part of the Hokonui team, and we’re thrilled to see him take on this new challenge in his original hometown of Ashburton. I’m confident our listeners will love getting to know him and enjoy his great banter.”

Luke Howden, new Ashburton Breakfast Show Host says: “It’s a real privilege to be taking over from Hoops! He was the one that got me into radio, back in the early 2000s as I did some high school work experience at the station. I saw first-hand how he could unite a community through the radio airwaves, and it inspired me to pursue a career in broadcasting. It’s pretty cool that we’ve now come full circle.”

Taking over the reins of Hokonui’s Southland Breakfast Show is Kirstin Chittock, whose voice will be familiar to listeners already from her earlier days at Hokonui.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be welcoming back Kirstin Chittock to the Hokonui team, who is returning home from living across the ditch. Kirsten brings a true love for the region and passion for radio,” says Winstanley.

Kirstin Chittock says: “I am buzzing with happiness to be a part of Hokonui again! I can’t wait to make the most of the opportunity on air, as well as immerse myself back into my local roots and community.”

Janine Tindall-Morice, Regional Head - Southern Commercial says Hokonui is a valuable source for locals to keep up to date with what’s happening in their community and to help clients reach their desired audiences.

“Hokonui is a cherished and reliable audio brand that helps our clients connect with their local community. I have no doubt, that both Luke and Kirstin will do a great job building on its strong reputation, and I’m excited to see how Hokonui will flourish with their skills on our team.”   

 The new Hokonui Breakfast line up in Southland will kick off on 3 April and in Ashburton on 17 April.

ENDS