In Rachel’s backyard2 min read

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Grassroots podcast radio network Onehunga.FM is once again online with a brand new podcast about – yes you guessed it – Auckland Light Rail.

Rachel Sturges is the host of the brand new podcast for Onehunga.FM’s radio show, called IMBY, an acronym for ‘In My Backyard,’ a clever play-on-words for local issues in the neighbourhood and the popular phrase, NIMBY (Not In My Backyard).

The former editor of the Onehunga Community News has stepped away from her notebook and pen, and hit the streets with a mic in hand to interview locals for the new podcast. Made with grant funding from Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board, it will focus on Auckland Light Rail, and she has already recorded all the interviews for the themed episodes, scheduled to go live from mid-September.

“It’s going to be a well-informed podcast which we hope will empower community members to be able to make decisions and engage with the project in a meaningful way,” says Rachel.

It will also provide a platform for discussion and engagement on critical issues, ensuring that local residents have a voice in any decision-making process regarding light rail.

She emphasises that IMBY is a non-political podcast and no political candidates are being interviewed. She has tried to interview a cross-section of people representing a number of viewpoints, although some people did not respond to her requests for interview.

“It’s a shame, as they would have really contributed to the conversation, and I know some of them have their views because I’ve seen them on social media,” she says.

Award-winning producer and founder of Onehunga FM, Josh Couch, set up Onehunga.FM last year, with the first podcast, Too Much Talk, with host Tim McCready. Too Much Talk, has gained many followers and Josh is hoping that IMBY will too.

Rachel has always been attracted to radio broadcasting and for a short time, worked in the newsroom at NewsTalk ZB. It was difficult to find a radio job that fitted with raising a young family, so she has worked in print media for many years. She says that doing the podcast is an unfulfilled passion that will fill a void.

“I’m very excited about this new course I’m taking in my career, and I know if I don’t take this opportunity then I will regret it,” she says. “I don’t want to live with regrets.”