In this conversation, Jack speaks with Paul Naske and Panapa Ehau from Rua Bioscience about their journey in the cannabis industry, focusing on sustainable economic development for their community. They discuss the evolution of the company, the transition to a capital light model, and the current state of their sales and market presence. The conversation also touches on their share raise initiative, advocacy for decriminalisation of cannabis, and the broader societal implications of cannabis legalisation. Throughout, they emphasise the importance of community impact and intergenerational wealth.
Rua's Captial Raise:
https://www.ruabio.com/news/capital-raise
Rua's Push to Decriminalise:
https://www.ruabio.com/tell-parliament-decriminalise
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ruhr Bioscience
01:10 The Journey of Ruhr Bioscience
07:41 Founders' Perspectives and Company Values
12:02 Pivoting Business Models in Cannabis
15:52 Current Market Strategies and Sales Growth
22:12 Future Aspirations and Share Raise Discussion
24:26 Intergenerational Goals and Community Impact
28:10 Investment Opportunities and Company Growth
33:21 Navigating the Cannabis Market: Medical to Recreational
36:27 Advocating for Decriminalization and Social Acceptance
42:35 The Unique Mission of the Company: Beyond Profit
Keywords
Rua Bioscience, cannabis industry, economic development, medicinal cannabis, share raise, decriminalization, sustainable business, community impact, intergenerational wealth, New Zealand cannabis
Music by Lenny lawns.
In this episode, Jack Marshall sits down with Julian Kohn, Chair of the Eastland Wood Council, to unpack the challenges and opportunities facing the forestry industry in Tairāwhiti. There are plans afoot to convert the East Coast's most unstable land into permanent forest. What does the forestry industry think of that?
This episode discuss the region’s ongoing battle with land erosion, the role of forestry in managing vegetation cover, and what sustainable land use could look like for the future.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Eastland Wood Council and Julian Cohn
05:52 The Role of Eastland Wood Council in Forestry
09:07 Plans for Permanent Vegetation Cover
18:56 Challenges and Opportunities in the Forestry Industry
23:28 Future of Forestry on the East Coast
29:07 Road Infrastructure and Its Impact on Forestry
This week, Jack catches up with Ngahuia Mita to discuss the significance of Tairawhiti Waka, a double-hulled sailing canoe that serves as a platform for education, cultural connection, and community involvement. Ngahuia shares her personal journey into the world of waka, the educational benefits of sailing, and the importance of fostering future leaders and guardians of the ocean. They also touch on the emotional and mental health benefits of being on the water, the diverse community involvement in Tairawhiti Waka, and future plans for voyages and research.
Keywords
Tairawhiti Waka, waka haurua, ocean voyaging, cultural education, leadership, community involvement, mental health, Polynesian navigation, maritime traditions, kaitiakitanga
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tairawhiti Waka
02:04 The Purpose and Function of Tairawhiti Waka
08:17 The Educational Value of Waka
12:14 Personal Experiences at Sea
16:15 Future Voyages and Research
20:52 Knowing more about the Waka
This week Jack sits down with Chamber of Commerce President Ashley Fisher discuss the current economic landscape of Gisborne. The region has challenges as businesses bare the brunt of it with their bottom line. All too often council is in the mix. So what can be done?
Ashley talks about the impact of central government policies on local businesses, the need for efficient processing of resource consents, and the potential for growth through investment in local industries.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Gisborne's Economic Landscape
02:36 Challenges Faced by Local Businesses
05:30 Industry Recovery and Economic Outlook
08:59 Innovation and Hidden Gems in Gisborne
13:36 Gisborne's Competitive Advantage
16:10 Employment Opportunities and Job Market
19:58 Vision for Gisborne's Future
Keywords
Gisborne, business challenges, economic landscape, innovation, competitive advantage, local economy, industry insights, community development, council policies, job opportunities
Music by Lenny Lawns
In this episode, Jack speaks with Sheridan Gundry from Heritage Tairāwhiti about the power of storytelling, preservation, and connection in our region’s history. Sheridan — a longtime journalist turned historian — shares her passion for uncovering the human stories behind Tairāwhiti’s landmarks, rivers, and communities.
From the tales that shaped the Taruheru River to the exhibitions and events that bring the past to life, this conversation dives into how local heritage work keeps memory alive and helps us understand where we come from. It’s a celebration of people, place, and the stories that bind them together.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Heritage and Storytelling
03:04 Sheridan Gundry's Background and Journey
05:56 The Importance of Heritage and Community
09:00 Telling Compelling Stories of the Past
11:47 Exploring the Tarahiru River's History
14:55 Engaging the Community Through Events
18:10 Transitioning from Journalism to History
21:01 The Future Vision for Heritage Tairawhiti
Keywords
heritage, storytelling, history, Gisborne, Tairawhiti, community, culture, preservation, events, education
Jack talks with Ora Barlow from Raukūmara Pae Maunga, an iwi-led conservation project restoring well over 100,000 hectares of native forest on the East Coast.
Fresh off a $6 million funding boost, Ora shares how the team is reviving biodiversity, creating local jobs, and proving that when people care for the land — the land gives back.
This is a story of indigenous leadership, community resilience, and the fight to keep our forests alive.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Raukūmara Pae Maunga and Funding Success
02:58 Scale and Impact of Conservation Efforts
06:11 Historical Context and Initiation of the Initiative
09:01 Vision for Sustainable Ecological Tourism
11:51 Personal Journey and Community Involvement
16:00 Future Vision and Ongoing Challenges
18:46 Understanding Forest Health and Community Engagement
25:13 Ways to Get Involved and Support
Keywords
Raukūmara Pae Maunga, conservation, indigenous leadership, ecological restoration, community engagement, funding, sustainable tourism, environmental health, New Zealand, biodiversity, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Apanui, Department of Conservation
In this episode, Jack sits down with artist and researcher Dayna Raroa (Ngāti Porou) to talk about the upcoming exhibition, MŌWAI: The Weight of Water. The project transforms community research on the impacts of severe weather—particularly Cyclone Gabrielle—into a powerful creative response.
Dayna shares how her work bridges kaupapa Māori research, community voices, and art to highlight the emotional and spiritual toll of disasters. With contributions from over 40 local creatives, the exhibition makes research tangible, accessible, and healing for the community.
MŌWAI: The Weight of Water, held at the Marina Building opens to the public on 6pm on September 27 and will run until October 3.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Exhibition and Research
02:37 The Impact of Severe Weather on Communities
04:55 Community Engagement and Creative Responses
07:39 Personal Stories and Emotional Responses
10:04 The Role of Art in Research
12:20 Exhibition Details and Community Involvement
Keywords: Dayna Raroa, art exhibition, severe weather, community research, emotional impact, Māori culture, health and well-being, creative responses, Cyclone Gabrielle, Tairāwhiti Arts Festival
In this episode of Now That’s an Idea Mateawa Keelan talks about life in Ruatoria and running for council. Mateawa shares her passion for Māori representation, rural voices in governance, and future-focused community well-being. Her idea is to strengthen Te Tiriti o Waitangi in council.
From local markets that support whānau and hapū to embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori perspectives into council decision-making, Mateawa makes the case for why cultural understanding and resilience are essential for the East Coast.
💡 Full archive + bonus content: https://nowthatsanidea.substack.com/
🎥 Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:00 Community Resilience and Local Economy
05:40 Motivation for Council Involvement
07:49 Māori Representation in Local Government
10:04 Embedding Māori Values in Governance
12:48 Operationalizing Māori Perspectives
15:31 Cultural Understanding in Decision Making
18:09 Future-Focused Community Well-being
20:30 Candidate Pitch
22:17 Pop Quiz
🎶 Thanks to Lenny Lawns for the intro music.
In this episode, Debbie Gregory, former Gisborne Herald chief reporter and council candidate, to talk about her journey, her passion for waste management and recycling, and her vision for a more sustainable Tairāwhiti.
Debbie's idea? She see's Gisborne having a proper recycling center in Gisborne where waste is seen as a resource and delt with locally rather than shipped off at an extravagent cost.
Debbie reflects on the bureaucratic challenges of council work, and stresses why community involvement is essential in reducing waste and carbon emissions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:28 Career Journey and Community Engagement
10:16 Waste Management Initiatives
15:03 Challenges in Local Governance
19:47 Vision for the Future and Closing Thoughts
20:57 Pop-Quiz
🎵 Intro music by Lenny Lawns
👉 For bonus content and the best way to support the show: https://nowthatsanidea.substack.com/
#Gisborne #WasteManagement #Recycling #Tairāwhiti #DebbieGregory #LocalPolitics #Sustainability
In this episode of Now That’s an Idea we have Meng Foon — former Race Relations Commissioner and long-time Mayor of Gisborne.
Meng talks about his journey into politics, the role of community engagement, and the lessons he’s learned from decades of public service. He also shares insights on how to evaluate council candidates, the importance of the ward system, and what can be done to boost voter turnout in local elections.
Even after stepping away from formal politics, Meng remains deeply committed to Tairāwhiti and to strengthening community life.
👉 For bonus content and the best way to support the show, head to: https://nowthatsanidea.substack.com/
🎶 Thanks to Lenny Lawns for the intro music!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Meng Foon
01:33 The Journey into Politics
03:06 Engagement and Community Connection
05:15 Voting Dynamics and Local Elections
07:58 Māori Wards and Representation
10:08 Advice for Voters and Candidates
12:23 Life After Politics and Community Involvement
Keywords
Meng Foon, politics, local elections, community engagement, council candidates, Tairawhiti, democracy, rugby, leadership, public service
In this kōrero, Alexandra Boros talks about local politics, community engagement, and the revitalisation of Gisborne and the wider Tairāwhiti region.
Alexandra’s big idea? Attracting young professionals to Gisborne and making it a destination for early-career talent. She believes bringing young people here will create a stronger energy for the next generation and help build a vibrant, connected city.
👉 The best way to support the show (and get access to bonus content) is by subscribing on Substack: https://nowthatsanidea.substack.com/
🎶 Special thanks to Lenny Lawns for the intro music.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Local Politics and Community Engagement
02:17 Personal Background and Connection to Gisborne
04:20 The Rise of Water Polo in Gisborne
05:52 Revitalizing the CBD: A Vision for Gisborne
08:25 Attracting Young Professionals to Gisborne
11:16 Addressing Housing and Community Needs
13:45 Creating a Vibrant City Center
15:31 Closing Thoughts and Community Commitment
16:15 Pop quiz
Keywords
local politics, community engagement, Tairāwhiti, water polo, revitalization, young professionals, housing, city center, Gisborne, community development
In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we talk with Jordan Walker, a candidate for the General Ward in Tairāwhiti. They share their personal journey of reconnecting with their whakapapa and family, and their vision for youth engagement in local government.
Jordan’s idea? Putting money towards a rangatahi democracy fund to empower young voices and ensure rangatahi have a real say in decision-making. They also advocate for reinstating the Youth Council, promoting sustainability, and strengthening Māori representation in governance.
From navigating the challenges of local politics to reimagining youth involvement, Jordan’s kōrero highlights the urgency and opportunity to build a council that listens to its young people.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jordan Walker
05:19 Jordan's Journey and Background
09:35 The Importance of Family and Whakapapa
10:01 Jordan's Political Ideas and Priorities
12:12 Establishing a Rangatahi Democracy Fund
18:40 Engaging Youth in Local Governance
26:17 Navigating Politics and Compromise
31:14 Timeline for Implementation and Closing Thoughts
Keywords
election, youth engagement, local government, democracy, Māori representation, community, politics, arts, sustainability, Tairāwhiti
In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with former editor of the Gisborne Herald, Jeremy Muir. Now a council candidate for Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, we discuss his candidacy, background, and vision for the region.
Jeremy’s idea: create stronger and more connected communities by shifting how local governance operates. He believes collaboration, cultural change within council, and real engagement with rangatahi are key to unlocking Gisborne’s potential.
Our kōrero covers:
The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted rapid-fire quiz.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jeremy Muir
02:30 Motivation for Council Candidacy
04:03 Challenges in Local Governance
05:38 Vision for Strong Communities
07:56 Building Connections and Relationships
09:50 Culture Shift in Governance
12:41 Practical Steps for Change
16:15 Community Resilience and Support
17:26 Closing Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions
18:00 Pop quiz
Keywords
Jeremy Muir, Gisborne, council candidacy, community development, governance, local government, collaboration, strong communities, election platform, Tairāwhiti
In this episode Jono Samson to talk about his journey, his candidacy, and his vision for Tairāwhiti. Jono opens up about his personal struggles with mental health, his passion for addressing homelessness, and the values of compassion and understanding that drive his leadership style.
Jono’s idea: building stronger community support systems that reduce homelessness, tackle mental health challenges, and help people find their strengths and purpose. He believes a more connected, compassionate community is key to unlocking Tairāwhiti’s potential.
We discuss the importance of community-led solutions, innovative approaches to social issues, and why Jono believes participation in local democracy matters more than ever.
Chapters
00:00 Electioneering Insights
07:49 Addressing Homelessness
15:32 Community Solutions and Support
20:51 Personal Journey and Resilience
22:27 Pop Quiz
Keywords
Jono Samson, mayoral candidate, mental health, homelessness, community support, local government, Tairāwhiti, New Zealand, election, social issues
In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, councillor Rob Telfer about his first term on the Tairāwhiti council and why he’s standing again.
Rob’s idea: shifting council culture. Rob wants to move away from fear and box-ticking towards a council that communicates openly, manages risk wisely, and backs opportunities for growth.
He shares his perspective on:
-The role of irrigation projects in driving economic development
-Representing rural voices and keeping them at the decision-making table
-Making council more accessible and responsive to the community
Music by Lenny Lawns
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rob Telford
04:37 Understanding Council Dynamics
09:40 Culture Change in Local Government
14:57 Irrigation and Economic Growth
17:30 Closing Thoughts and Candidate Pitch
18:45 Pop Quiz
Keywords
Rob Telford, Tairawhiti, council, local government, economic development, irrigation, culture change, communication, decision making, community engagement
In this episode, host Jack Marshall sits down with Mayor Rehette Stoltz, discussing his candidacy and vision for Gisborne.
Stoltz talks about her re-election campaign, the challenges our region faces, and her big idea: boosting water infrastructure to drive economic growth.
She shares why investing in water is critical for creating higher-paying jobs and how collaboration between local stakeholders can help Tairāwhiti reach its potential. We also kōrero about community engagement and why younger voters need to be part of the conversation.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Mayor Richard Stoltz
05:56 Challenges and Opportunities in Leadership
10:57 Championing Water Infrastructure for Economic Growth
15:42 Collaborative Efforts for Water Management
20:34 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement
25:23 Pop-quiz
Keywords
Gisborne, water infrastructure, economic growth, local government, community engagement, mayoral candidates, resilience, youth council, environmental sustainability, voter turnout
In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with Rauhinia Parata, a current councillor running for re-election in the Māori Ward. Rauhinia shares her experiences in local governance, the challenges of working across ward boundaries, and her commitment to strong community representation.
Rawinia's idea: a perspective shift on council. That means supporting more housing, businesses and forestry, and creating more recreational spaces for whānau across Tairāwhiti.
The kōrero also explores the value of Māori wards in council, the realities of decision-making, and why Rawinia believes voter engagement is key to shaping the region’s future.
OVERVIEW
00:00 Introduction to Rawinia Parata
03:13 Experience as a Māori Ward Councillor
06:06 Building Relationships in Council
08:46 Vision for the Future: Housing and Community
11:13 Championing Parks and Recreation
13:55 Improving the Consenting Process
16:39 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
19:51 Pop Quiz
Keywords
Māori Ward, Rauhinia Parata, Gisborne District Council, community representation, local government, housing issues, forestry industry, council dynamics, voting, public service
In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with Ian Allan, a candidate for local council in Gisborne/Tairāwhiti general ward.
Ian’s idea: expand the Environment Centre to reduce waste, cut costs for ratepayers and help the planet.
Drawing on his background in technology and software, Ian talks about how innovative thinking and community engagement can reshape local governance. He emphasizes the importance of “falling in love with the problem, not the solution,” and shares his vision for waste management, affordability, and building a more resourceful community hub.
The conversation also explores Ian’s approach to collaboration and why he believes councils need to embrace risk-taking to drive positive change.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction to Ian Allan
06:34 Political Awareness and Motivation
09:20 Addressing Local Economic Challenges
11:24 Vision for the Environment Center
17:56 Waste Management and Community Engagement
21:04 Pitching for Council and Collaborative Governance
23:37 Pop Quiz
Keywords:
Ian Allan, Gisborne local election, Tairāwhiti council candidates, Environment Centre NZ, waste reduction, sustainable communities, affordable housing NZ, local government reform, community engagement, innovation in governance
In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with Sam Gibson — maybe better known as Sam the Trap Man — to talk about his candidacy for local council in Gisborne/Tairāwhiti.
Sam shares his background in conservation and community work, and why listening to constituents is central to his approach.
Sam's idea: we need for greater resilience in the face of environmental challenges, including more targeted native forest and cutting red tape for farmers.
Our kōrero also touches on funding for biodiversity initiatives and the high costs of road maintenance caused by heavy industry.
Keywords:
Sam Gibson, sam the trap man, local governance, environmental resilience, community involvement, biodiversity, council elections, Gisborne, New Zealand, road infrastructure, public engagement
In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we sit down with Elizabeth Kerekere, a candidate for local government in Tai Rāwhiti, to talk about one big idea: devolution of power and funding from Wellington to our communities.
Elizabeth draws on her background in activism, education, and politics to explain why local control over spending and decision-making is crucial for real community representation. She shares her vision for Tai Rāwhiti, where council decides how to spend its resources to meet local needs directly — instead of waiting on Wellington.
We also dive into the challenges of infrastructure funding, and why building strong relationships across political lines is key to making lasting change.
If you care about local democracy, community voice, and shifting power closer to the people, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Keywords:
Politics, activism, local governance, Tai Rāwhiti, infrastructure, youth development, devolution of power, community engagement, Elizabeth Kerekere, candidates