Around the motu: Jonathan McKenzie, Editor of the Waikato Times

Jonathan McKenzie, editor of the Waikato Times, joins RNZ to discuss a range of developments in Hamilton, New Zealand. The conversation begins with the launch of Hamilton’s 'City Guardian' — a one-person initiative funded for a year to tidy public spaces, clean up bird droppings, and report infrastructure issues. McKenzie humorously notes the role’s popularity with retirees and letter writers to the paper, framing it as a low-key, community-focused solution to urban maintenance. He then shifts to local government priorities, including the mayor’s pledge to reduce rates from 14.5% to 6–7% by separating water charges and restoring two hours of free parking in the CBD — a move praised by retailers who say it brought people back to town. The discussion also covers the $10 million runway extension at Hamilton Airport, funded partly by a $6.5 million government loan, which will allow larger aircraft like A330s and 787s to land, boosting freight and tourism. The Hamilton Gardens, now a major earner at $2.59 million in six months, are highlighted as a world-class attraction that’s evolving with a proposed $27.50 entry fee for visitors. Finally, McKenzie shares a quirky story about a $1,000 Wagyu steak and cheese pie with 23-karat gold flakes, baked by Shane Kearns in Tiro and devoured by competitive eater James Webb, who ate 13 in 15 minutes.