Now That's an Idea

Jack
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Now That’s an Idea is a place where we stop grumbling and start scheming. Each edition pitches one way to make something better, usually with insights from someone who actually knows their stuff, occasionally from my own crackpot imagination. Why? 1. There are many problems Humans have a remarkable tendency to notice what’s wrong with the world. And we’re good at spotting problems. If food tastes bad, we complain. If traffic is slow, we grumble. But that’s only half the conversation: what are the solutions? 2. We need better answers It’s too easy to follow the path well walked. We live in a ever changing world with a flood of ideas, knowledge and answers. This blog is a chance to dive deep into ideas that are worth digging into. Each month I’ll wrangle a interviews and find folk with a ideas worth sharing. Join me in this mild attempt to make the world ever so slightly better. One idea at a time. Jack

  1. 03/12/2025

    Radio. The Unkillable Cockroach of Media - Scott Casley #22

    In this conversation, Jack and Scott Casley discuss the significance of amateur radio, particularly in emergency situations. Scott shares insights about the Gisborne Radio Club, the importance of radio communication during disasters, and the technical aspects of radio wave propagation. They explore the global connections made possible through amateur radio, the necessity of licensing, and the community's involvement in emergency communications. The discussion also touches on the evolution of radio technology, the relevance of Morse code, and the cultural impact of radio communication. More about the Gisborne Radio Club here: https://www.zl2aa.nz/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Gisborne Radio Club 02:57 The Importance of Amateur Radio in Emergencies 05:28 Understanding Radio Communication and Propagation 08:22 Global Reach of Amateur Radio 10:51 Licensing and Regulations in Amateur Radio 13:48 Emergency Communications and Community Involvement 16:26 The Evolution of Radio Technology 18:56 Learning Morse Code and Its Relevance 21:52 The Future of Radio and Digital Communication Keywords Amateur Radio, Gisborne Radio Club, Emergency Communication, Radio Waves, Morse Code, Long-Distance Communication, Radio Technology, Community Involvement, Licensing, Radio History Music by Lenny Lawns

    31 min

  2. 18/11/2025

    $500 Per Tonne?! The True Cost of Waste in Tairāwhiti - Sam Rowland #21

    In this episode, I sit down with Sam Rowland, General Manager of the Tairāwhiti Environment Centre, to talk about the future of the Coast — from forestry and erosion to food waste, recycling, and the big environmental opportunities sitting right in front of us. We dig into the region’s bold plan to transition 100,000 hectares of highly erodible land into permanent vegetation, and the complex mix of partners involved: iwi, foresters, ecologists, council, and community groups. Then we talk waste.Tairāwhiti sends some of the most expensive rubbish in the country to landfill, nearly 40% of it is food waste that could become nutrient-rich compost instead of dead weight in a black rubbish bag. We discuss about their plan to create community compost hubs, the push for a resource recovery centre, and how rethinking waste could save the region money while restoring the soil beneath our feet. Music by Lenny Lawns Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context 01:03 Plans for Permanent Vegetation 07:18 Funding and Financial Mechanisms 08:37 Understanding Carbon Credits 12:00 Tairawhiti Environment Centre Initiatives 12:34 Waste Minimization and Community Resilience 22:58 Recycling Challenges and Solutions Keywords environment, forestry, carbon credits, waste management, community initiatives, biodiversity, composting, sustainability, ecological restoration, resource recovery

    29 min

  3. 11/11/2025

    The East Coast’s Most Audacious Company - Paul Naske & Panapa Ehau #20

    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-raiseRua'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.

    44 min

  4. 04/11/2025

    The Future of Forestry on the East Coast - Julian Kohn #19

    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

    30 min

  5. 29/10/2025

    The Waka That Builds Leaders - Ngahuia Mita #18

    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

    21 min

  6. 22/10/2025

    Tairāwhiti's Future Depends on Empowering Its People - Ashley Fisher #17

    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

    26 min

  7. 14/10/2025

    Why We Must Keep Telling Our Stories - Sheridan Gundry #16

    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

    25 min

  8. 06/10/2025

    $6 Million More to Restore Raukūmara - Ora Barlow #15

    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

    24 min
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About

Now That’s an Idea is a place where we stop grumbling and start scheming. Each edition pitches one way to make something better, usually with insights from someone who actually knows their stuff, occasionally from my own crackpot imagination. Why? 1. There are many problems Humans have a remarkable tendency to notice what’s wrong with the world. And we’re good at spotting problems. If food tastes bad, we complain. If traffic is slow, we grumble. But that’s only half the conversation: what are the solutions? 2. We need better answers It’s too easy to follow the path well walked. We live in a ever changing world with a flood of ideas, knowledge and answers. This blog is a chance to dive deep into ideas that are worth digging into. Each month I’ll wrangle a interviews and find folk with a ideas worth sharing. Join me in this mild attempt to make the world ever so slightly better. One idea at a time. Jack

Information

  • Creator
    Jack
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Jack
  • Show Website
    Now That's an Idea