Conversations with Wāhine shines at 2025 NZ Radio & Podcast Awards

The Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA) congratulates Wellington Access Radio and the team behind Conversations with Wāhine on taking home the award for Best Access Radio Programme at the 2025 NZ Radio & Podcast Awards.

The win is a major recognition for the sector and the volunteer-led powerhouse behind Conversations with Wāhine, a programme that amplifies the voices of women through thoughtful interviews and community storytelling.

Hosted by a rotating group of wāhine volunteers, Harita Gandhi-Kashyap, Aisling Waldron, Laura Trobiani, Eleonora Bello, Sophie Kelsall, and Haley Blaylock, the show is produced in collaboration with Wellington Access Radio and funded by the National Council of Women NZ. The team has interviewed figures including Deborah Frances-White, host of The Guilty Feminist, actor Jess Hong, and artist-activist Alok Vaid-Menon.

“Just to be a finalist was a huge privilege, but winning was so surreal!’ says host Harita Gandhi-Kashyap, who travelled to Auckland for the ceremony. ‘We put this show together in a volunteer capacity, so being recognised for our work makes the last four years since we started the show so worth it.”

“We are extremely proud of the Conversations with Wāhine team,” says Wellington Access Radio Station Manager Tony Kemp. “They produce an important, entertaining, and high-quality show that absolutely deserves this award. It’s so important that the vital work of Access Radio shows are highlighted alongside commercial radio stations.’

The Community Access Media sector made a strong showing at this year’s awards, with nominations across multiple categories, highlighting the sector’s commitment to community-driven content, diverse voices, and storytelling that makes a difference.

Finalists in Best Access Radio Programme:

  • Conversations with Wāhine – Harita Gandhi-Kashyap, Aisling Waldron, Laura Trobiani, Eleonara Bello, Sophie Kelsall, Haley Blaylock – Wellington Access Radio
  • Everyday People – Camille Watkins – Arrow FM
  • Heritage Matters – Bill Southworth, Dougal Stevenson, Gregor Campbell, Judy Southworth, Sarah Gallagher, and Alison Breese  – Otago Access Radio
  • Tu Ma Tilotilo – Vesi Leilua-Toilolo – Wellington Access Radio

Finalists in Best Independent Podcast:

Finalist in Best Science and Environment Podcast:

You can listen to Conversations with Wāhine on Sundays at 8pm and Tu Ma Tilotilo on Mondays at 1pm via www.accessradio.org.nz.