AUCKLAND, Today: MediaWorks is making several regional programming changes for 2026 to strengthen its local radio presence. Chris ‘Burnzee’ Burns will finish his full-time role as Breeze Manawatū Breakfast host on Friday 19 December.
He’s been a major local voice since joining MediaWorks in 1994, after dominating Palmerston North mornings. Burnzee says he’s ready for a slower pace after decades on-air.
MediaWorks’ Director of Content Leon Wratt says, “Burnzee is, without question, a local legend and an iconic part of the Manawatū media landscape and community. He’s going out on a high – his most recent survey result saw him holding down the #1 music breakfast position, a perfect refl ection of his enduring connection with listeners.”
“We’re extremely fortunate that Burnzee will remain with us part-time, hosting local Saturday mornings in the Manawatū and contributing to Breeze Classic.
“We know listeners wanting their local breakfast fix are in safe hands with Gareth & Sarah will offer an engaged, integrated and hyper-local Breakfast show, and the Breeze will continue to share local news and community notices, with Gareth Lischner weekdays from 6-10am.”
“I have absolutely loved every minute I’ve spent on-air with the Manawatū community, but the time is right to jump over to the slow lane. I’m thrilled I’ll stay with the Breeze family and our local listeners on Saturday mornings.
“It’s been a genuine privilege to be in the homes, cars and headphones of so many in our wonderful community.” Wairarapa Breakfast host Brent Gare will shift from More FM to the Breeze, with his last More FM show on 19 December. Gare is looking forward to the shift.
“MediaWorks is committed to investing in local radio in our community, and we see this move as an exciting opportunity for Wairarapa to retain its dedicated local show, while also offering more choice into the region.” – Leon Wratt, MediaWorks’ Director of Content
The Breeze show will launch on 20 January with the same local content Wairarapa listeners already know. More FM’s Breakfast Club with Si & Lana will also be available in the region from 19 January.
Wratt says, “MediaWorks is committed to investing in local radio in our community, and we see this move as an exciting opportunity for Wairarapa to retain its dedicated local show, while also offering more choice into the region. Brent, who is also the GM for the Wairarapa region, is one of the hardest-working broadcasters in the industry and up for the challenge.”
“I’m personally really looking forward to this new chapter. I grew up with the music that the Breeze is known for; the hits I was listening to when I was 14, starting out in the industry, are now the throwbacks, and I can’t wait to play them every day on the show.”
MediaWorks is also bringing back a local breakfast show in Rotorua with Max Baird hosting the Breeze in 2026. Max will continue to host Breakfast on Breeze Tauranga as well, keeping strong local presence in both regions.
Wratt says, “Max is the perfect person to bring local breakfast radio back to the region as it’s his home city and he knows the region like the back of his hand. His father, Mike Baird, even announced his new son’s birth (Max) on his Lakes 96FM breakfast show – You can’t get more local than that!”
- For local frequencies, visit mediaworks.co.nz/audio
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