In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Waikato rugby centurion Dwayne Sweeney to discuss making his provincial debut at just 17, his career with Waikato and Morrinsville Sports, representing NZ Māori, reconnecting with his whakapapa, family, loyalty and life beyond rugby.
Former All Black and Highlanders champion Lima Sopoaga joins ShedLifeNZ to talk about the 2015 Super Rugby title, his All Blacks debut, representing Samoa and life after rugby. He also shares how family, social media and a 30-day video challenge helped shape his next chapter with Sky Sport.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ Sport, Jason Davis and Quentin Hill break down a big weekend of New Zealand sport, including the Warriors’ dominant performance, Waikato’s unbeaten start to the NPC season, the All Blacks’ continued progress and another impressive win for David Nyika. They also discuss their NPC picks, Sheilla Yama, Manu Vatuvei versus Rene Ranger, arm wrestling, local rugby, hockey and the other sporting stories that caught their attention.
Former Black Caps captain Ken Rutherford made his test debut at 19 against the greatest fast bowling attack in cricket history, scored 12 runs in his first seven innings, and came back to play 56 tests, captain New Zealand and be part of the 1992 Cricket World Cup run that stopped the country.
Jason Davis and KJ sit down with Ken on the ShedLife NZ Podcast for the full story, from south Dunedin club cricket to leading his country. Ken grew up working class on Oxford Street in south Dunedin, a few doors down from the McCullums, and was playing first class cricket for Otago at 17.
Two years later he was named in the New Zealand side for the 1985 tour of the West Indies, alongside Richard Hadlee, John Wright, Jeremy Coney and Ian Smith, and thrown straight in against Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner and Michael Holding. He talks about what that actually felt like at 19, getting hit in the chest by Holding before he could lift the bat, and why he never gave up on it.
He takes us inside the 1992 World Cup, when he was told a month out that he was not even in the reckoning, then got the call and averaged over 42 for the tournament. Beating Australia at a half empty Eden Park, Mark Greatbatch going after the new ball, Dipak Patel opening the bowling, the country getting behind them, and the semifinal against Pakistan that got away. Then captaining New Zealand. The 1994 test win at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, calling heads and batting first when the entire changing room wanted to bowl, and winning the series in South Africa 2-1. Five years at Transvaal, two seasons coaching Ireland, a long career in racing and wagering with the New Zealand TAB and Singapore Pools, and what he says is the hardest job he has ever had, CEO of Northern Districts Cricket.
Ken does not hold back on how over governed sport in New Zealand has become. There are some great yarns in this one too. The triple hundred at Scarborough on no sleep, a few quiet ones in a Swansea pub with John Wright while the game was still going, Shane Warne at the SCG, bumping into James Earl Jones in a lift in Joburg, and his son Hamish Rutherford scoring 171 on debut against England, which Ken says was a far bigger moment than anything he did himself.
A proper Kiwi story from a bloke who kept turning up.
Ryan Fox has delivered one of New Zealand sport’s great feel-good stories.
In this episode of Shed Life Sport, KJ and I unpack Foxy’s remarkable Open triumph - from nearly missing the cut to becoming a major champion. We discuss what makes him so relatable, the challenge of links golf, the pressures that come with superstardom, and why this victory could take New Zealand golf to another level.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ Sport, Jason Davis and Quentin Hill break down Waikato's opening NPC win over Bay of Plenty, the Warriors' dominant victory over the Titans, Francis Waitai's explosive first-round knockout, Saskia Elliott's WBA Oceania title win, New Zealand's Commonwealth Games success, the biggest results from Round 1 of the NPC, and their predictions for every Round 2 matchup.
Episode 4 of Talking Sport with Jason and Quentin covers a big week in NZ sport: the newly named 44-man All Blacks squad, bolters picked for the South African tour, returning players, and possible combinations ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup. They also discuss Waikato's NPC season opener against Bay of Plenty, NZ's Commonwealth Games medal performances, 3x3 basketball, boxing, the Warriors, BMX World Championships, Super Rugby Aupiki, and local hockey and grassroots sport results.
In this episode, Jason Davis and Quentin Hill head behind the scenes at the Waikato Rugby 2026 NPC season launch, catching up with players, coaches and supporters to discuss the new squad, fresh signings, the upcoming season, the Waikato FPC campaign and the excitement surrounding provincial rugby's 50th anniversary.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, filmed live at Fieldays 2026, Jason Davis sits down with singer-songwriter James Brodie to discuss his journey into music, overcoming mental health challenges, recovering from a life-changing car accident, creating his debut album Bridges, and the role faith and resilience have played in his life.
In this mini episode of ShedLifeNZ filmed at Fielddays, Mark Davis sits down with BMX legend John Kelly to discuss the restoration of the iconic Orewa mini ramp, the growth of New Zealand's BMX scene, Spa Jam 2026, developing young riders and the future of freestyle BMX in New Zealand.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ Sport, Jason Davis, Quentin Hill and Mark Davis break down a huge weekend of New Zealand sport, discussing Ryan Fox's historic Open Championship victory, Hautapu's dramatic Waikato Premier final comeback, the All Blacks' unbeaten Eden Park record, Warriors and UFC action, and the latest news from rugby, boxing, golf and BMX.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with former professional rugby player James Tucker to discuss the physical toll of elite sport, overcoming 22 surgeries, life after rugby, resilience and building a new purpose beyond the game.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Leonardo Garcia Curtis, founder of WABOOM AI and former Zyber CEO, to discuss artificial intelligence, business automation, entrepreneurship and how AI is reshaping the future of work.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ Sport, Jason Davis and Quentin Hill break down the biggest stories in rugby, rugby league, cricket and combat sports while sharing their insights, predictions and opinions on the week ahead.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis and Mark Davis sit down with Lulu Bejot to discuss his journey from ski jumping in France to BMX riding, commercial aviation, professional cooking and building a life in New Zealand.
In the first episode of ShedLifeNZ Sport, Jason Davis and Quentin Hill discuss Quentin's rugby journey, the Springbok series, the NPC season and the biggest talking points across New Zealand sport.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis and Mark Davis sit down with Jed Mildon and Nick Franklin to discuss Nitro Circus, world first BMX and freestyle motocross tricks, serious injuries and the dedication required to compete at the highest level of action sports.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with former cricketer Ollie Pringle to discuss his cricket career, the impact of life away from the game, lessons from professional sport and the decisions that shaped his journey.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with MC Mike, one of New Zealand's best known boxing announcers, to discuss the rise of the New Zealand fight scene, memorable events, combat sports and life behind the microphone.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with rugby coach Leon Holden to discuss coaching across four continents, developing players, leadership, high performance and returning home to New Zealand.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with educator Ngaire Harris to discuss growing up on a farm, teaching, building character, community values and the importance of education.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Dr Amy Marfell, CEO of Waikato Rugby, to discuss leadership, the future of provincial rugby, improving sideline behaviour and growing the game in New Zealand.
In this episode of ShedLife, Jason and KJ sit down with Shaun O'Neill, founder of Essential Talent, one of New Zealand’s leading keynote speaker agencies.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Sheilla Yama, an undefeated professional boxer and international champion, to discuss her journey from Papua New Guinea to New Zealand, balancing nursing with boxing, chasing world titles and the sacrifices required to succeed in professional sport.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Billy Brown to discuss New Zealand politics, Māori leadership, the cost of living, national identity and the issues shaping the country's future.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Brigitta Warren from RecruitNet to discuss artificial intelligence, recruitment, the future of work, changing workforce demands and the skills people will need to succeed in tomorrow's job market.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with KJ to relive some of the greatest stories from Seddon Park, discussing iconic cricket moments, behind the scenes experiences, memorable characters and life managing one of New Zealand's premier sporting venues.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Hiroshi Yoshikawa to share his family's connection to the Hiroshima atomic bombing, discussing survival, forgiveness, peace, resilience and the importance of preserving history for future generations.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Reon Paterson, Master Franchise Owner of Smith & Sons New Zealand, to discuss building a nationwide renovation business, leadership, franchising and the future of New Zealand's construction industry.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Ken Pumipi, General Manager of Prestige Concrete Specialists, to discuss commercial concreting, growing a successful business, deep sea fishing and lessons learned throughout his career in construction.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Andrew Miller, founder of RAW Coaching, to discuss leadership, high performance, coaching business owners, mindset and building successful teams.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Noddy Watts, founder of Beach Hop, to discuss classic cars, American automotive culture, Route 66, building Beach Hop into a nationally recognised event and his lifelong passion for motoring.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Paul Alderton, musician and shed builder, to discuss life in the music industry, performing with The Politicians, farming, family life and his unique journey into the construction industry.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Ramin Tavakoli, founder of Max Style Construction, to discuss leaving Iran, starting over in New Zealand, building a successful construction company and the resilience required to succeed in business.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Craig Bulloch, co founder of Mates Matter NZ, to discuss men's mental health, suicide prevention, endurance sport, personal resilience and supporting people through difficult times.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Rob Bull, founder of New Zealand Lean Academy, to discuss Lean thinking, reducing waste, improving productivity, increasing business profitability and creating better systems.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Daniel Hopper, founder of LinkedIn Local Hamilton, to discuss networking, business relationships, community building, entrepreneurship and the value of meaningful professional connections.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Cairo George, undefeated former professional boxer and boxing coach, to discuss his fighting career, coaching the next generation, judging 1 Minute Scraps and the future of boxing in New Zealand.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Ash Pramar, business owner and ultramarathon runner, to discuss entrepreneurship, preparing for a 102 kilometre ultramarathon, personal transformation and balancing business with endurance sport.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with his brother, Mark Davis, to discuss BMX, watchmaking, beekeeping, memorable life experiences and the unconventional path that led him to Waikato Sheds.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Lil Henry, entertainer, rapper and social media personality, to discuss life behind the viral videos, music, content creation and the reality behind his public persona.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with David Baker, founder of Rapid QS, to discuss quantity surveying, the New Zealand construction industry, business growth, social media and overcoming financial hardship.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Shaun George, founder of Never Surrender Boxing Gym, to discuss coaching elite fighters, building champions, creating a strong gym culture and the growth of boxing in New Zealand.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with longtime friend Ben Presling to discuss growing up in New Zealand during the 1990s, fast cars, memorable adventures, entrepreneurship and the stories that shaped their lifelong friendship.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Graeme "Mintie" Mead, one of Waikato's most recognisable sports commentators, to discuss rugby, speedway, broadcasting, community sport and the experiences gained throughout his media career.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with New Zealand heavyweight boxer David Aloua to discuss winning national titles, sparring with some of the world's best fighters, professional boxing and the dedication required to compete at the highest level.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Bernard Powell to discuss leadership, business growth, workplace culture, high performance and the habits required to build a successful organisation.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Ayden Johnstone, Highlanders prop and Waikato captain, to discuss professional rugby, leadership, life in the front row and the mindset required to compete at the highest level.
In this episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with Karl "KJ" Johnson, Head Turf Manager at Seddon Park and FMG Stadium Waikato, to discuss preparing pitches for international sport, managing world class playing surfaces and the challenges of keeping New Zealand's premier sporting venues in top condition.
In the very first episode of ShedLifeNZ, Jason Davis sits down with heavyweight boxer Francis Waitai to discuss his journey through amateur and professional boxing, winning King of the Knockouts, training with Never Surrender Boxing and the determination required to succeed in the fight game.
