That was also a hallmark of the Otago regional councillor and former Whanganui mayor’s previous broadcasting career, but this time he does not need to go far from his Cromwell home to hit the airwaves.
Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts are playing a key role in a new national talk/news station The Platform, founded by outspoken broadcaster Sean Plunket, and launched two weeks’ ago.
There are three studios supporting The Platform, these include one in Auckland, one in Wellington and a purpose-built Gibbston Winery complex in Gibbston.
It is there that he and Queenstown’s Leeanne Malcolm carry the daytime broadcast via an app, Mr Laws said.
"I’m constantly amazed how the technology evolves.
"When I had my Radio Live talk show 10 years ago, it was a big deal that it could be broadcast out of somewhere other than Auckland — now you don’t need a radio frequency at all."
Mr Laws said app technology had revolutionised radio in the US and Europe.
"It is taking Central Otago to the rest of New Zealand."
One of the station’s key points of difference was there were "no taboo, nor banned topics", he said.
"Sean Plunket started the station to support free speech.
"He’s deliberately chosen hosts who will start the discussion," said Mr Laws.
"Nothing is too sensitive — democracy is about sharing opinions, not shutting them down."
Also in the mix, is fun, and entertainment.
A former National and then New Zealand First MP for six years from 1990, he joined Radio Pacific in 2003 and changed to Radio Live in 2005. He stepped back from his talkback programme in early 2013.
Mr Plunket will be hosting from 7am-9am, Mr Laws anchors the 9am-noon slot, Ms Malcolm hosts from noon-3pm and Martin Devlin from 3pm-6pm.
Radio Otago provides the music content.
