This is Kiwi The Spinoff

World-class athlete Sarah Hirini has spent nearly a decade as captain of the national women’s sevens team. Through the course of her career she’s clocked up Olympic gold and silver medals, a couple of Rugby World Cup wins and in 2019 was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. She was also winner of the NZ Sports Leadership award at last year’s Halberg Awards. There’s no doubt Sarah is truly inspirational, but what sets her apart is her leadership style – nuanced, caring, and focused on lifting up others in their own leadership journey. Listen to our final episode for season two of This is Kiwi to find out how this champion athlete turned her passion for rugby into a pathway for personal growth and empowerment for others.

This episode was recorded in November, 2023.

A Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network.

At just 22 years old, Nico Porteous is one of New Zealand's most accomplished athletes. He first made his mark on Aotearoa sporting history at 16 when he became our youngest Olympic medalist, claiming bronze in the men's freeski halfpipe. In 2022 he soared even higher in Beijing, clinching an Olympic gold to add to his two X Games gold medals alongside being made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Nico's accolades speak volumes, but beyond the medals there’s a depth of character and wisdom that belies his age. Nico joins Jane to discuss his journey to global success, how he navigates intense performance pressure and the values shaping his life beyond the slopes. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with a remarkable role model.

Stay tuned for the final episode of this season:
26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadership

A Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network.

In sharing daily dad life with his social media following of nearly two million, Louis Davis challenges fatherhood stereotypes by being meaningfully present for his family. Join Louis as he sits down with Jane Yee and, through genuine humour and heartfelt anecdotes, offers an alternative narrative about the role and responsibilities of fathers. As he shares his wisdom on the beauty of whānau, the joys of parenthood and the importance of integrity, Louis' story serves as a poignant reminder of life's simple pleasures and the power of genuine connections.

Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday:

19th February - Nico Porteous on the process of performance
26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadership

A Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network.

Kendall Flutey is on a mission to help create a better future for kids all over the world. As the founder of financial literacy software Banqer, Kendall is focusing her ambition for good in a bid to empower the next generation towards a future of financial wellbeing. Combining unbridled passion, a generous spirit and tenacious business acumen, Kendall is a force to be reckoned with in the entrepreneurial space. She joins Jane Yee to discuss what it means to be intentional in all areas of life and share wisdom from her journey that can benefit us all.

Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday:
12th February - Louis Davis on modern fatherhood
19th February - Nico Porteous on the process of performance
26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadership

A Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network.

Te Aorere Pēwhairangi is a dynamic content creator dedicated to making te reo and te ao Māori accessible. After a promising rugby league career was cut short by injury, Te Aorere moved into translation work which led to TV presenting roles and a dedicated following on social media where he connects with hundreds of thousands. Te Aorere talks to Jane about his commitment to his people, including his campaign ‘Waewae the 35’ that raised $115,000 for Cyclone Gabrielle-stricken communities. Recently recognised as a local hero by Kiwibank, Te Aorere is on a mission to serve, inspire and make a meaningful impact in Aotearoa.

Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday:
5th February - Kendall Flutey on focusing your ambition
12th February - Louis Davis on modern fatherhood
19th February - Nico Porteous on the process of performance
26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadership

A Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network.

What happens when you take on your trauma with the whole world watching? Jazz Thornton joins Jane Yee for a raw and entertaining kōrero between friends that exposes the reality of turning your pain into purpose in a very public way. The young mental health advocate and social media star speaks openly about the highs and lows of sharing her life through a lens and reveals what motivates her to show up for others every day, even as she continues to work through her own intense historic trauma. With an unwavering commitment to hope and demonstrating a resilience that is both remarkable and inspiring, this is Jazz Thornton as you’ve never heard her before. 

Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes each Monday:
29th January - Te Aorere Pēwhairangi on​ finding inspiration
5th February - Kendall Flutey on focusing your ambition
12th February - Louis Davis on modern fatherhood
19th February - Nico Porteous on the process of performance
26th February - Sarah Hirini on growth and leadership

A Kiwibank series in collaboration with The Spinoff Podcast Network