Frankly Friday

This week on Frankly Friday, proudly supported by Centre City New Plymouth, Tracey sits down with Bryan Vickery and Johanna Herbert, the new owners of Taranaki Media.
Why did they decide to purchase the media platform? What's their vision for its future? And what can the Taranaki community expect moving forward?
🎤 Tracey also asks some important questions about their backgrounds and experience in media, the responsibilities that come with reporting the news, editorial independence and impartiality.
And could Taranaki Media develop into a more formally recognised journalistic organisation, embracing established professional standards and codes of ethics?
💬 Local media, accountability, credibility and the future of journalism in Taranaki – it's a conversation worth hearing!

This week on Frankly Friday, thanks to Centre City New Plymouth, Tracey Blake sits down with Kathryn Stothers, the mother of 18-year-old Jade Evans, to share a deeply personal and heartbreaking story.
In November 2025, Jade was travelling to a family dinner near Palmerston North when a truck driver failed to stop at a compulsory stop sign, colliding with her vehicle.
Jade suffered catastrophic injuries and tragically died three days later. She was also expecting her baby daughter, Lily, who was lost alongside her mum. 💔
Following the driver's conviction and sentencing for careless driving causing death, Jade's family began questioning whether New Zealand's laws adequately reflect the devastating consequences of these tragedies.
Out of unimaginable grief came JADE'S LAW — a campaign calling for greater accountability and changes to New Zealand's road safety legislation.
In this moving conversation, Kathryn shares memories of her beautiful daughter, the family's experience navigating the justice system, and why she is determined to turn their heartbreak into a lasting legacy for Jade and Lily.
❤️ It's a conversation about love, loss, justice and a mother's determination to make a difference.

This week, Tracey catches up with Abby Packer, the inspiring Taranaki woman behind NEAT Skincare & Perfume! 🌸✨
What started as a simple idea right here in New Plymouth has blossomed into an amazing New Zealand business, creating beautiful fragrances, skincare and wellbeing products.
Tracey chats with Abby about her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind NEAT, the challenges and triumphs of building a business, and why Taranaki is such a special place to call home. 💕

From a small-town vision to a nationally recognised celebration of creativity!
This week, Tracey catches up with Megan Symons, Chair of the Taranaki National Art Awards, to talk about this year's exciting awards and the incredible journey that began 24 years ago!
Held in Ōpunakē, these awards celebrate the extraordinary talent of artists from across Aotearoa, showcasing everything from painting and photography to sculpture, fibre art and more! 🎨✨
Hear about this year's entries, the artists, the awards and the amazing community spirit that brings it all together!

This week, Tracey catches up with Jessica Parker, Festival Manager of the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival, ahead of this year's spectacular event!
From breathtaking gardens and hidden gems to exciting events, activities and experiences, Jessica gives us a sneak peek at everything this year's festival has to offer! 🌷🌻