MediaWorks updates local line-ups in Manawatū, Wairarapa and Rotorua

MediaWorks has announced regional programming changes for 2026.

After more than 30 years, Chris ‘Burnzee’ Burns is stepping away from his full-time role as Breeze Manawatū Breakfast host and will be broadcasting his last show on Friday December 19.

Burnzee began in sales at Radio Taranaki in 1979, quickly moved behind the mic, and later joined 2ZA in Palmerston North on the breakfast show, where he dominated the market for years. He’s been with MediaWorks since 1994 when he moved to Classic Hits breakfast, which later evolved into the Breeze.

A local legend

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 reflection 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, which will offer an engaged, integrated and hyper-local Breakfast show.

“The Breeze will also continue to share local news and community notices, with Gareth Lischner weekdays from 6-10am,” says Wratt.

Familiar favourites, new voices

Burnzee is ready for the change, saying: “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.”

After 21 years on More FM, Wairarapa Breakfast host Brent Gare will be moving his breakfast show to the Breeze. His last broadcast on More FM will be Friday December 19, and the Breeze show will debut on January 20.

More FM’s Breakfast Club with Si & Lana will join the MediaWorks’ Wairarapa lineup from January 19.

Committed to local

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.”

On the move, Gare says: “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 a local presence back to Rotorua with a new breakfast show hosted by Max Baird on the Breeze in 2026. Baird will also continue to host Breakfast on Breeze Tauranga.

Wratt adds: “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!”

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