Jono, Ben & Megan - The Podcast - Jono Just Got Recruited Into New Zealand’s Most Exclusive Club | Itty Bitty Bit

Episode Date: September 15, 2026

After becoming Auckland’s accidental town crier, Jono receives an official invitation from New Zealand’s head town crier! But how many are even left in New Zealand?    Join the Itty Bitty Hitty Committee HERE!Instagram:  @THEHITSBREAKFASTFacebook: The Hits Breakfast with Jono, Ben & Megan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Town Cryer was something that, well, we just thought it was a fun little thing out and about with Jono and his last name, kind of being similar to Cryer, prior, the town Cryer. We put you out in the streets a few weeks ago and then Mayor Wayne Brown wanted you to get you part of the prestigious opening of the Auckland City Rail Link. Yeah, so I came dressed out in colonial garb and this is what it was like in front of all of the important people who run our country. And you go, smattering of applause and a lot of people going, what is happening here? So, yeah, I mean,

sort of five days after the event, slowly come into terms, I watched that Ray Gunn documentary on Netflix. I kind of feel like Raygun, you know. What's the worst that could happen? Everyone could laugh at me. Yeah, so sort of unwittingly become the face of colonisation. I mean, it happens, you know?

It can happen. Megan, you're living your life today, aren't you? Tomorrow you could be the face of colonizers. Oh, God. Yeah, you never know what's coming. It's the excitement of life. Now, producer Troy, speaking of not knowing what's coming, he said there's been some developments with the town prior.

Yeah, this thing made ripples online. It really, everyone posted about Kate Hawksby, what he loved it. She was very invested. She was crying with laughter that I'd been put in this position by Mayor Wayne Brown. But it didn't just stop at media people. This has made ripples all around the country. Right. And this morning there was a carrier pigeon outside with a message.

that I'd like to deliver to Jono now. Oh, right. So this is a rolled up piece of paper where we're handed over. Oh, no. To Johnno, what does it say? Okay, this is, and it's written in like a old, timely scroll. Can you read it?

Said, greetings. Are you questioning my reading ability of the font? Old timey, screw, yeah. Greetings, Johno, I noticed you're involved in the opening of the city rail link over the weekend is the town crier. I am not aware that Auckland has a town crier, Question mark, question mark, question mark. I am New Zealand's chief town crier

operating out of Walkworth. Oh! Am I getting a stay-in-your-lane letter here? Cease and desist? Yeah. Should you be available for an event next month? I'm here by inviting you to the 54th gathering of town criers of Walkworth

on Saturday the 17th of October. How did it? It's the New Zealand town criers meeting in Walkworth. But it's in Walkworth. I was going to say that's probably, yeah. For tea criers, it will be a unique gathering as there is only four of us left in the country. Oh, wow. Besides myself as the head town crier, I'm being joined by Jim McDonald Town Crier and Howick and others from Parvester North in the South Island.

We'll be mingling amongst the crowd, selecting the best dressed, and I understand you only perform on special occasions for the mayor, so let me know if you're interested. Dave Parker, Headtown Cryer. Wow. What an honour. The big dog. sound a little bit like a flex like he's like hey I'm head dude but what's it welcoming though he's welcoming me welcome me into the society of town criers

if you do that you need a bit of costume I need a more affordable costume yeah well the costume I don't think the costume is least three problems your bowel broke yeah so when is this thing happening when you go to this? 17th of October I'm busy that Day, I think we've got that thing on you

and I. It's Olivia Dean Day. Yeah, but Jono's free, I think, so that's good. Yeah. Why would you do this live? Are you going to be there? Well, I think...

You have to be now. I mean, it's a lovely invitation. These guys might be like the shadow government of New Zealand. They might be actually making the decisions by the clock. What are they like the free? Is it the Freemasons?

Yeah. Like, welcomed into a special secret society. It is lovely. It is lovely. Wonderful. You've found a club in your old age. You've found your people. I've finally found my people.

Please. The town cries of New Zealand. Some people do bingo, you know? Some people do sports. Others do cosplay and ring a bell and that goes. That's what you're going to be doing. Oh, well, thank you, Dave. What a wonderful invite.