Afternoons
Episodes
Is there a "quiet crisis" in community sports?
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
According to Chris Tremain, there just aren't enough volunteers to keep things running in community sports and as a result kids are missing out. Forme...
What exactly is hantavirus and how worried should we be?
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
An outbreak of the deadly hantavirus has led to an ocean cruise turning into a nightmare. Three passengers of the cruise ship MV Hondius have died, on...
The Pre-Panel for Wednesday 6 May
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's the little show that can: ten minutes of sense and nonsense with Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan, whether it makes you smile, or grimace, it'l...
Should women reject the idea of having it all?
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A decade ago, women were told to lean in, to chase the promotion, own ambition and grab a seat at the table. But lately, more women are hitting pause ...
Easy Eats: Herb and Lemon Crumbed Beef Schnitzel
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kelly Gibney joins Jesse to share this week's Easy Eats recipe, herb and lemon crumbed beef schnitzel with beetroot and carrot salad.
Heading Off to Bulgaria!
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Time for our weekly travel segment, Heading Off. Each Wednesday after two pm, we chat to someone who's been travelling and get a chance to learn all a...
Stories from the Kakapo Files
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Time now for the Kakapo Files, where the kakapo chicks are growing up fast and starting to leave home, which comes with risks. A couple of weeks ago o...
A new local magazine that's celebrating all things music
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
At the Taite Music Prize awards the Outstanding Music Journalism Award went to Rosa Nevison, Flynn Robson, and Sam Elliott for their new magazine call...
How you can see the rare comet crossing New Zealand's sky
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past week, stargazers have been craning their necks to see a rare comet crossing the New Zealand sky. We thought we'd better talk about this ...
Why screen time could lead to long term harm for our kids
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kiwi researchers are calling for action after completing a study that shows screen time could lead to long term harm to our children's development. Ch...
What does scrapping the Broadcasting Standards Authority mean?
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It has just been announced that the Broadcasting Standards Authority is being disestablished, and self-regulating options will be looked into. So, wha...
The pre-Panel for 5 May 2026
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The show within a show, the little show that could, call it what you will, Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan will always make you smile as they previ...
Feature Interview: Can being super rich affect your brain?
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The rich and famous have gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Met Gala, for a dinner where a ticket costs around $100,000 U.S. That kind...
You're the Judge
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Every Tuesday we take a dilemma and ask for your help in solving it. This week we're looking at emoji usage - and what to do if your boss chooses some...
Podcast Critic: 'Expanse: The Nannup Four'
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ximena Smith, Afternoons podcast critic, joins Jesse to share what she's been listening to: 'Expanse: The Nannup Four' 'Everything Is Fake and Nobody ...
Book Critic: 'Empire of AI' by Karen Hao
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Verb Wellington's Claire Mabey chats to Jesse about what she's been reading: Empire of AI by Karen Hao The Other Catherine by Lauren Keenan Hekate by ...
Mayoral Minutes with Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Mayoral minutes, where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing, how they're working to solve them and what makes...
RNZ Podcast: Thrift
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As fuel costs rise, Katy Gosset talks to a transportation engineer about thrifty ways to get around instead of using the car.
Meet the nurse giving award winning care
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Clinical nurse Bini Mathew has been awarded the Aged Care Association 2026 Nurse of the Year. Bini is based in Palmerston North where she oversees two...
The Kiwi startup looking to clean up our steel
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Now to a "cleantech" startup aiming to eliminate carbon emissions from the making of steel. The idea involves replacing carbon with hydrogen, and Cull...
Why are we falling out of love with marriage?
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Stats NZ released the latest marriage figures yesterday and they show a continual decline. 17,481 marriages and civil unions were registered in 2025, ...
How likely are pay rises this year?
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's that time of year when many companies will be doing performance reviews and the idea of a pay rise gets floated. But with inflation and cost of l...
The Pre-Panel
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's a show within a show! Guaranteed to make you smile, or grimace. The Panel team previews tonight's edition of their programme.
Feature Interview: Why we've underestimated value of small talk
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A five-second chat with a stranger can sometimes do what a week of self-care can't. Tiny moments like a comment in the supermarket line, a quick excha...
How does the Baby Reindeer creator's new series stack up?
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Afternoons TV critic Michelle Langstone reviews: Half Man (TVNZ+) Bait (Amazon Prime Video)
Expert Feature: Everything you ever wanted to know about cats!
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time now for our expert feature where we tackle a topic and put your questions to the people who know it best Today, we're talking about our fluf...
Jesse Goes Clubbing: Carb Club
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Every Monday we like to check out a local club or society doing something cool. If you've got a club we should know about then let me know - 2101 or J...
OZ Update: What's happening in Australia?
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We catch up with Brad Foster, our friend across the Tasman, to find out what's hitting the headlines in Australia.
Heathers - Turning a cult classic into a stage show
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You might remember the film Heathers from the late 80s. It starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, and it's stood the test of time as a cult favour...
Would you share the power generated from your solar panels?
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A cool study caught our eye, and we wanted to learn more about it. A University of Waikato project is looking at taking advantage of neighbourhoods ge...
Explainer: Why is butter from America cheaper than NZ butter?
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We came in this morning to a text machine full of with messages about the American butter that's in some of our supermarkets. Most of them echoed Susi...
The Pre-Panel for Friday, 1 May 2026
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Wallace Chapman and producer José Barbosa preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.
Critter of the Week: Horse Mussel (Atrina Zelandica)
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week's critter is a gentle giant of the seafloor, a mussel so big it sticks out of the mud like a little underwater skyscraper. It filters the oc...
Weekend Stuff: Autumn to-do list with Lynda Hallinan
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Lynda joins Jesse to talk about the pros of autumn, turns out there are some silver linings about making an autumn to-do list and getting stuck into i...
Food with Julie Biuso: Borscht
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Borscht is popular throughout Eastern Europe, with countless variations. This hearty version, almost thick enough to be a stew, is meaty, smoky, and s...
Freaky Friday
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Freaky Friday is the home for all of your terrifying tales and eerie coincidences. So if you've spent a night in a haunted house ... seen an unexplain...
The podcast that helped solve the Roxanne Sharp cold case
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In 1982 teenager Roxanne Sharp was killed in the woods of St Tammany Parish, which is about 48km north of New Orleans in Louisiana. At the time police...
Frocks and Shocks! Why are school balls so expensive?
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We are officially entering school ball season which means the giddy excitement of choosing partners, dresses, suits, make up, party limos and tans. Bu...
Film Review: The Devil Wears Prada 2
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Afternoons film critic Kate Rodger joins Jesse to give her hot takes on the latest films out in cinemas. The Devil Wears Prada 2 Apex
The Kiwi couple trying to harness the ocean's energy
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On a recent trip to the Chatham Islands, Mela and David Greenslade were struck by how reliant the islands are on diesel, despite being completely surr...
Your Money with Mary Holm
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mary Holm is with Jesse to talk money matters and today she's focusing on KiwiSaver: ACT's KiwiSaver idea and the two KiwiSaver changes Mary would mos...
A-Z of Aotearoa: T for Tangiwai
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We're working our way through the alphabet to highlight people, places or events that make New Zealand, New Zealand. This week we're at T and have cho...
Relationships with Kirsty Ross
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Kirsty Ross from Massey University's School of Psychology joins Jesse to discuss issues and how to solve them. Please get in touch if there ...
Why NZ homeowners are choosing practical over pretty
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New research shows that homeowners, and aspiring homeowners, are less concerned about beautification of their homes and more focused on the practicali...
NZ Comedy Festival: How comedians work the crowd
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This weekend marks the start of the New Zealand Comedy Festival, and gosh couldn't we all use some laughter right now? Tony Lyall is one of the comedi...
The Kiwi research into evolution that's been a breakthrough
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Research by some Auckland scientists has been labelled one of the big science breakthroughs of 2025 by Quanta magazine - a renowned US publication tha...
Why is university the default for school leavers?
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For many school leavers, university seems to be the default option, and doing an apprenticeship or going into the workforce is often seen as a second-...
Feature interview: Have we created picky eaters?
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We've all seen the child who eats three foods on repeat, refuses anything green, and can't abide by food touching other food. But social historian Dr....
Easy Eats: Fish, leek and spinach pie
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Wednesday is when we share some Easy Eats- the recipes that are light on time but heavy on flavour - Kelly Gibney comes up with the dishes every week ...
Heading Off to Vanuatu
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Heading Off is our weekly travel segment where we invite listeners on the show to share some of the adventures they have been on. This week we're off ...
Our Changing World - Bioeconomy Science Institute
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Host Claire Concannon is in the field this week, so Liz Garton is with us to talk about her visit to the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
The Harlem Globetrotters on Thrills, Spills and Dunks
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In 1926, Abe Saperstein founded The Original Harlem Globetrotters - a basketball team that became known for breaking down racial barriers. One hundred...
The Kiwis taking on some of Australia's toughest roads
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dennis Renshaw and his friend David are one of two Kiwi teams driving across some of Australia's most formidable roads to raise money for cancer resea...
Why are conspiracy theories becoming mainstream?
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In fact within minutes, the internet was awash with the theories - and it seems what was once the domain of the fringe, is now the stuff of water cool...
Can marijuana really treat anxiety or chronic pain?
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For years we've been told marijuana can treat everything from anxiety to chronic pain, often with more confidence than evidence because cannabis as an...
You're the Judge
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Tuesdays we play You're the Judge - we put a dilemma to you and ask for your help to solve it - today's one is about not posting photos of your chi...
Tech Tuesday with Tim Batt
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Batt chats to Jesse about all things tech. This week, the TVNZ+ app, the big data center being built in Utah and a new EU rule about mobile phone ...
Book Critic: Murder in Paris in 1968
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Afternoons book critic Bill Hastings shares what he's been reading: Edward Chisholm, Murder in Paris '68, A True Story of Death and Glamour (Monoray, ...
Mayoral Minutes with South Wairarapa District Mayor Fran Wilde
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Mayoral minutes, where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing, how they're working to solve them and what makes...
RNZ Podcast: Thrift
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Coming up on Thrift, ready or not, retirement comes to all of us but how prepared are we? Katy Gosset takes a look.
Does consciousness survive death?
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Jesse Bering has spent almost three decades researching the way we think about the afterlife. That research led him to the work of the psych...
The NZ company sniffing out food quality
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand tech firm Scentian Bio has developed a digital nose that can be used to detect the tiny chemicals associated with everything from fruit ri...
Why education isn't enough to combat NZ's sugar problem
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We're starting today's show talking about sugar, and what we can do to reduce our consumption of it. The issues connected with sugar aren't new news, ...
Critter of the Week: New Zealand Mudsnail
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
One of Aotearoa's most successful, and most infamous, invasive exports. This week's critter is one you've almost certainly met - even if you didn't kn...
Weekend Stuff: Steps to take before hiring home help
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We know many of you are doing it tough financially right now - but there are also people who need some help keeping their house as clean as they would...
Music 101: Kara Rickard is in Studio A
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kara Rickard, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm, talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's...
Caramelised Cauliflower with Yoghurt and Sicilian Caper Raisin
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Gretchen Lowe joins Jesse with a delicious sounding recipe - perfect for the long weekend. Click here for the recipe
Film Review: 'Michael' - Is it really that bad?
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dominic Corry is with Jesse to talk films and we're going to start with the one he said is "the worst biopic he has ever had to sit through." Michael ...
Freaky Friday
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's that time of the week - time for Freaky Friday! It's the home for all of your terrifying tales, eerie co-incidents and spooky stories. So if you'...
Stories from the Hikoi mo te Tiriti
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On the 10th of November 2024 Hikoi mo te Tiriti set off from Cape Reinga for Parliament. The hikoi was a march against the Treaty Principle Bill. By t...
Funding boost to support those with eating disorders
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Eating disorders are estimated to affect somewhere between 100 and 200,000 New Zealanders. And it's an issue that seems to be getting worse rather tha...
The big, important task of taking care of our war memorials
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Including looking after the monuments. Pam Dziwulska is a specialist architect who's been working to finish restoration work on Pukekohe War Memorial ...
Explainer: What exactly is the India Free Trade Agreement?
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There has been a lot of talk about the free trade agreement between New Zealand and India this week. Winston Peters says it's an "utter unmitigated di...
How to parent when your children are split across homes
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Parenting is complicated enough, but what happens when kids are moving between two households with completely different rules, routines and expectatio...
History with Dr Grant Morris: The Archives Building
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The new National Archives building has opened in Wellington and so our favourite historian Dr Grant Morris is with Jesse to explain why having a place...
Solving the World's Problems: Simon Wilson on Hungary
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Every second Thursday we try to solve some of the world's problems with a guest; this week journalist Simon Wilson is with Jesse and we're going to ta...
A-Z of Aotearoa: S is for Silver Fern
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A to Z of Aotearoa is our regular segment where we choose topics that represent an iconic person, place or thing. This week we've arrived at 'S', and ...
Group Chat: Brand Ambassadors and Celebrity Treasure Island
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for group chat, a chance for Culture 101's Perlina Lau, Afternoons Senior Producer Olivia Wilson and Jesse to talk about the stories that wo...
From spa pool to museum: the NZ meteorite discovery
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A meteorite about the size of your fist goes on display today at the Tuhura Otago Museum. The rock - which is well over 100 years old - is one of just...
WWII: The Kiwis in the world's first special forces unit
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The soldiers in the Long Range Desert Group fighting in World War II, rapidly got a reputation as and I quote "arguably the most dashing and successfu...
The NZ referee who's been selected for the FIFA World Cup
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in 49 days, on June 11th, five days later the All Whites have their first game. They're playing Iran which has committe...
The new tool to try to prevent elder abuse
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Elder Abuse is defined as a single or repeated act, which causes harm or distress to an older person in a relationship where there is the expectation ...
Feature interview: Is teenage angst being exploited for profit?
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's never been easy to be a teenage girl. Emotions are intense, and social pressure is even worse. Girls haven't changed, but the world has. Today, a...
Easy Eats: One-pan curried chicken and rice with cauliflower
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kelly Gibney is with Jesse in the Auckland studio, and she has a delicious recipe to share, one-pan curried chicken and rice with cauliflower.
Heading Off to Botswana!
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Heading Off and today, we're off to Botswana on an epic safari adventure Linda Calder first travelled to Africa on her OE in the late '9...
Living with Dementia: Fighting for Better Care Options
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There are almost 83 thousand people living with dementia in New Zealand and that number is expected to double in the next 15 years. For Alison and her...
Why Aucklanders should stop complaining!
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Christy Tennent owns a cafe called 'Open Coffee" on Auckland's Karangahape Road and through her cafe she gets an insight into how locals are feeling a...
What is going on with the Chatham Islands?
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Chatham Islands are a paradise for birders and botanists, but locals are concerned it won't stay that way. Conservationists say that following a r...
Feature Interview: What is that voice in our heads?
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Of all the mysteries in all the world, the greatest one of all may be how our brains produce the feeling of being you. What is consciousness, the voic...
Podcast Critic: If Books Could Kill
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast critic (and RNZ newsreader) Evie Ashton shares what she's been listening to: Maiden Australia If Books Could Kill
Book Critic: Suggestions for Teens and Tweens
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Catherine Ross, the Director of Library at Auckland Grammar School, joins Jesse with her picks for the young people in your life.
Mayoral Minutes: Hurunui Mayor Marie Black
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Mayoral minutes, where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing, how they're working to solve them and what makes...
Making lawn bowls more attractive to new players
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There's a new format for lawn bowls and it's hoped it will attract new players. Five in 25 is a faster version of the game - so what would have taken ...
Why one woman is fighting for rooks
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Rooks are seen as a pest by authorities - so much so that are even programmes to eradicate them altogether. But our guest believes the rook is misunde...
Power costs more in the Far North than Wellington - Why?
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
According to new data from Consumer NZ, there is a big difference in how much you pay for power depending on where you live. It has analysed the April...
Explainer: How do weather warnings work?
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The lower North Island continues to take a battering today, with an orange weather warning still in place for Wellington. More than 150 weather events...
Luxon survives Leadership Challenge
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jo Moir speaks with Jesse Mulligan on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon surviving a leadership challenge.
TV Critic: Beef Season Two and Big Mistakes
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Executive Producer and Afternoons critic Philippa Rennie joins me to share what she's been watching: Beef - (Season Two) Netflix Big Mistakes - Netfli...
Expert: Mayor Wayne Brown on Auckland
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Time for this weeks expert feature. Today Jesse is joined in the studio by Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown. Wayne has been Mayor of New Zealand's larges...
Why attention isn't the same thing as being valued
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok encourage us to share everything. It's never been easier to be seen, but it can be hard not to feel invisible because ...