Afternoons

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 ...

Jesse Goes Clubbing: Shore City Rollers Backgammon club

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Every Monday at this time Jesse likes to go clubbing, what better time than hitting the clubs than Monday afternoon? We've chatted to pigeon racers, l...

OZ Update: What's happening in Australia?

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Brad Foster joins Jesse to talk about the stories hitting the headlines in Australia. Today he'll cover Australia's most decorated soldier Ben Roberts...

The Rarotongan Opera Singer heading to London

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The National Opera Studio in London is a long way from Rarotonga - but that's where rising opera star Ridge Ponini is heading after being accepted int...

The Mangere local determined to make her suburb greener

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Our next guest is on a mission to make Mangere greener. Justine Skilling is a Mangere local and she has dedicated her PhD study to improving the tree ...

What is going on with the weather? We get the latest

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Parts of the lower North Island are under an orange heavy rain warning, and as you will have heard in the news, rain has already caused some chaos in ...

Politics: It's time to talk about the Green Party

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

While many people are focusing on National and the Prime Minister's popularity from the latest polls, we're keen to discuss the Green Party. Yesterday...

Critter of the Week: Squeaking Longhorn Beetle

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nicola Toki joins Jesse to put the spotlight on a New Zealand critter that's endangered. This week it is the squeaking longhorn beetle.

Weekend Stuff with Tony Murrell

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tony Murrell from Tony Murrell Gardens joins me to discuss what to do with your plants that are struggling to thrive.

Food: Braised Cinnamon Beef Noodles

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Connie Clarkson loves this dish because, apart from being tasty, it's so good for you too. A recipe from Southern China, this recipe is perfect for cu...

Film Review: Fuze and The Mummy

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fridays are when we talk films here on Afternoons, our critic Dominic Corry joins Jesse with his recommendations: Fuze and The Mummy - both in theatre...

A Quick Guide to What's on this Weekend

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse whips around the country sharing some of the events on this weekend for you to get amongst.

Freaky Friday

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Freaky Friday is our home for all your ghost stories and brushes with the supernatural. If you have a story to share we'd love to hear from you, text ...

The NZ mini golfer heading to the World Tour Final

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Move over Ryan Fox and Dame Lydia Ko, there's a new Kiwi golfer heading for the world stage. Tauranga Dad, James Goatley, is off to the UK next month ...

Slam Dunk! The NZ team smashing 3x3 basketball

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Now we've all heard of basketball - but have you heard of 3x3 basketball? It features half a court, one hoop, two teams, and six players. And it turns...

How to design an award-winning garden

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Landscape designer Jules Moore has just gold and 'Best Feature Garden' at the Shenzhen Flower Show - one of Asia's largest garden showcases - where Ju...

News made by Kiwi kids for kids

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kea Kids News celebrates children doing incredible things all over New Zealand, made by kids for kids, it offers a really cool perspective of what's g...

Your Money with Mary Holm

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Every second Thursday we talk to Mary Holm about money matters, today she's going to focus on laddering - the best way to invest bank term deposits. M...

NZ Sporting History: Former Football Fern Ali Riley

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Last night the Football Ferns beat Papua New Guinea 1-0 to qualify for a sixth consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup. The 2027 event takes place June & J...

Relationships

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Please get in touch if there are any topics you would like Kirsty and I to cover at [email protected]

Why Queenstown could be the next big thing for movie makers!

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It looks like Queenstown is about to get even busier with a new film and TV production village getting fast track approval from the Government. It'll ...

The new box that offers cricketers better protection

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The year was 2012, and legendary Black Cap Kane Williamson was at the receiving end of a ball from Dale Steyn. The ball hit Kane right in the box - wh...

Stories from around New Zealand and the World

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We're starting today's show talking about money matters - and just how tough some of you are doing it right now - because we're hearing that pensioner...

Feature: Fighting for more face-to-face learning in schools

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Lila Byock is a mum who got mad about how much time her young son was spending on an iPad in the classroom. He was a math whiz with traditional teachi...

Fables Debut Album 'Change is a Slow Moving Beast'

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fables is led by Auckland musician Jess Bailey, who garnered a lot of buzz with her debut EP and the singles that have teased the upcoming album. It's...

Halloumi, apple and chickpea slaw with honey and cumin dressing

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Every Wednesday we share an Easy Eats recipe - something that's light on time but heavy on taste - Kelly Gibney is with Jesse.

Heading Off

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Time for heading off, our weekly travel segment and this week we're heading to the stans, that is Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, an...

Reaction to Moana Pasifika calling time

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The news follows struggles with funding and form. Veteran commentator, Tony Johnson joins Jesse to discuss.

Stories from Our Changing World

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Our Changing World - Claire Concannon learns about a New Zealand-developed ketamine tablet aimed at helping those with treatment-resistan...

The NZ Company tracking marine activity

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Starboard Maritime Intelligence is a Kiwi company that uses technology to track marine vessel activity around the world. They're all about safeguardin...

ANZAC soldiers getting the recognition they deserve

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For the first time, World War One soldiers who died by suicide will be recognised as casualties of war during this year's Anzac commemorations. This a...

You're the Judge: Should you charge your kids rent?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Each week we take a situation and get your take on how it can be resolved - this week we're looking at whether children should pay rent if they are li...

Tech Tuesday: An AI tool too dangerous to release?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There is a lot going on in the world of tech, and not much of it good, our technology expert Tim Batt is here with the latest on leading AI company An...

Book Critic: Anna Rankin

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Afternoons book critic Anna Rankin joins me to share what she's been reading. Transcription, by Ben Lerner Childish Palate, by Shariff Burke, a debut ...

Mayoral Minutes: Thmes-Coromandel District Mayor Peter Revell

14 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 ma...

David Lomas on what it's like to bring people together

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

David Lomas has been reuniting Kiwis with their loved ones for years - and now he's back with a brand new series. Debuting tonight, David Lomas Breakt...

Feature Interview: Why are people having less sex?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

People are having less sex. It's a trend across much of the modern world. Intimacy and desire are shifting, especially among younger generations, for ...

The teenager who's come up with an ice bag alternative

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When Coromandel teenager Roman Carley was doing beach clean-up, he noticed there was a type of rubbish that kept appearing. Plastic ice bags. So, he d...

Explainer: How exactly DO you block a shipping strait?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The US began a blockade of all ships entering and exiting Iranian ports this morning - warning that all vessels - regardless of flag could be intercep...

How living with religion helps live with doubt

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Beha didn't lose his faith because a prayer went unanswered. He lost the Catholic faith he practiced his whole life because a prayer was a...

TV Critic: DTF St Louis

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Afternoons TV Critic and actor Claire Chitham shares what she's been watching: DTF St Louis

Expert Feature: What's it like in an ICU?

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Each Monday we are joined by an expert. Today it's Nic Randall - he's an anaesthetist based at Middlemore Hospital in Auckland and an expert on intens...

Jesse Goes Clubbing: Hamlug Club

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Each Monday Jesse hits the clubs - best time of the week to be there and meet some fellow clubbers. If you've got a club you'd like Jesse to join get ...

OZ Update: What's happening in Australia?

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We take ten minutes to catch up on what's hitting the headlines in Australia. Our man on the ground, Brad Foster joins Jesse.

The Boaties making waves with electric motors

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We talk a lot about electric cars, especially with fuel prices so high - but we're also a coastal nation that loves being out on the boat. New Zealand...

The Kiwi teen winning competitions on a bike he built!

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When Dylan Beca was 13 he found himself stuck on the couch with two broken collarbones, so he put the time to good use, teaching himself how to use pr...

Explainer: What is going on in Lebanon?

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

While all eyes are on Iran and USA negotiations: Israel and Lebanon are still attacking one another, to find out what is happening there, and why, we'...

Critter of the Week: The Moehau Stag Beetle

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nicola Toki and Jesse discuss the Moehau stag beetle as this week's critter of the week. These beetles measure between 2.1 to 2.7 cm, with males reach...

Weekend Stuff: What does you front door say about you?

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about all things doors with the wonderful design guru Sylvia Sanford.

Food: Sesame Chicken Cakes

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Connie Clarkson shares a cracker recipe which she says can become so many things to so many people for so many occasions - entrée, canape, lunch box ...

Film Review: The drama of 'The Drama'.

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kate Rodger is with Jesse to share what's on at the cinema. She'll chat about The Drama and do a roundup of school holiday films - GOAT, Super Mario G...

Freaky Friday

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's the home for all of your terrifying tales, occult occurrences, and spooky stories. So if you've got a haunting, a UFO, or maybe a seance gone wro...

Success Story: When volunteering becomes too popular

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We first brought you the story of the Okarito Gorsebusters six years ago. That's when the call out went out for volunteers to help clear gorse along a...

Why do so many want to drive a ute when you live in a city?

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We need to talk about the cars on our roads or more specifically the utes. Utes are brilliant vehicles for the farm, for tradespeople and for people w...

What does the Auckland deal mean for Aucklanders?

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland has signed a landmark deal with the Government promising infrastructure investment, housing, transport and economic development. There is eve...

Helen Clark responds to the play about her!

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Recently we spoke to playwright Fiona Samuel about her new work 'Helen Clark in 6 Outfits' which opened this week at the Auckland Theatre Company. Whe...

History with Dr Grant Morris: NZ and the golden age of space

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Artemis II humans have gone further into space than ever before, the last time we even came close was more than 50 years ago when we land...

Solving the World's Problems with Steve Wyn-Harris

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Thursday afternoons are when we solve some of the world's problems and this week Steve Wyn-Harris is turning his attention to what happens to the farm...

NZ Sporting History with Jump Jam's Brett Fairweather

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Time for sporting history and today Jesse is joined by Brett Fairweather You'll might know Brett as the founder and face of Jump Jam, but he is also o...

Group Chat: Would you go see Kanye West perform?

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kate Rodger and Afternoons Senior Producer Olivia Wilson join Jesse to discuss the stories that might not make the news but usually make your social m...

Why second-hand fashion is so hot right now!

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The second-hand fashion market is booming - from op shops to clothes swaps to resale apps - buying pre-loved clothing is increasingly being embraced b...

The kea conservationist getting rewarded for her work

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most people achieve their masters degrees by going to university, studying long and hard hours but a few select people are gifted them through making ...

Should we be doing more for sufferers of Long Covid?

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It might feel like the days of Covid are well behind most of us, but six years on from the initial outbreak, around 200 thousand New Zealanders are st...

Feature interview: Is an autism diagnosis becoming glamourised?

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Autism rates are soaring around the world. It's a trend that troubles Dame Uta Frith who has been studying the disorder for more than six decades. She...

Easy Eats: Smoky tomato soup with jalapeno cheese toasties

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly Gibney shares a delicious sounding recipe. Click here for the recipe

Heading Off to South America

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today we Head Off to South America for a tour of coffee, cacao and pre-colonial history. And to guide us we're joined by Fraser Alexander.

The NZ film that's got critics raving

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Against all odds, a New Zealand shoestring budget film is about to tour 21 theatres around the country. The Weed Eaters debuted at the NZ Internationa...

Iran War: A temporary ceasefire is reached, what happens now?

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We're starting today's show talking about the US and Iran. President Donald Trump has agreed to suspend bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks, sub...

Is your phone the third wheel in your relationship?

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For a lot of couples, the bedroom used to be the one place where the outside world went away. Now it's often lit by the glow of a screen. Smartphones ...

You're the Judge: I crashed my cousin's car and he's uninsured!

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Our weekly segment where we get the audiences' help on a problem. This is your chance to weigh in, give your two cents with reckless abandon! This wee...

Podcast Critic: The Idiot and Fela Kuti, Fear No Man

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Afternoons podcast critic Elliot Childs shares what he's been listening to: Fela Kuti, Fear No Man - An eight episode documentary about Nigerian Afrob...

Book Critic: How we deal with grief, hope and the act of living

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Afternoons' book critic Catherine Robertson is here to share what she's been reading: Hood's Landing by Laura Vincent (Aporo Press) The Island Retreat...

Mayoral Minutes: Ashburton's Liz McMillan

07 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 looks at loyalty cards

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How loyal are you and why? New Zealanders are signing up for more and more loyalty cards. In the first of a two-parter, 'Loyal or Lazy?', Katy Gosset ...

Explainer: Making the most of ammonia and urea as a green fuel

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We've talked a lot about fuel on the show recently, including alternative options like hydrogen, and today we're going to look at ammonia and urea. It...

Slam Dunk! The Kiwi basketballer making her mark in the US

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The United States' National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's basketball final has just been held, and for the first time a New Zealander was pa...

A possible new dam in Hawkes Bay

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We kick off today in Hawke's Bay, where the Government has just committed to a loan of $18 million towards a proposed dam. A dam on the Makaroro River...

Could this be the secret to finding happiness?

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Could this be the secret to finding happiness?

Your Money with Mary Holm

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The war in Iran is causing global market uncertainty, personal finance whizz Mary Holm joins Jesse to discuss what that might mean for you.

Relationships: How to cope when everything feels dire

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to talk relationships so Jesse is joined by Professor Kirsty Ross from Massey University's School of Psychology Do let us know if there are ...

Explainer: Why should you care about the cabinet reshuffle?

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This morning Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a cabinet reshuffle, which sees MPs Chris Penk and Penny Simmons get promoted, while MP Chris ...

Inspirational yarn: From being stuck with cancer to being cured

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier this week we talk to broadcaster Joanna Paul-Robie on her cancer struggles, and how challenging it is being stuck in the middle: alive with te...

Feature interview: How to create the love we all want to feel

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Sonja Lyubomirsky is a world renowned expert in happiness and after more than three decades of research, she says she sees a connection between hap...

Easy Eats: Chicken Dumpling Lasagne

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dish Magazine Editor and CEO Sarah Tuck joins Jesse to share a recipe hack her team discovered on TikTok.

Heading Off to Palau!

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're heading off to Palau. Palau is an island nation that's part of the Micronesia subregion. Lonely Planet destination editor Jessica Lockhart...

Stories from Our Changing World

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Our weekly catch up with Our Changing World's Claire Concannon and this week she's looking into marine plastic pollution. But first she can share an u...

Should we be tapping into more geothermal energy?

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We've been having lots of conversations about energy recently, and one area many of you have told us we should be talking about is geothermal. Geother...

The New Zealander setting up a pie shop in South Korea!

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Awkwardly it seems many parts of the world have yet to catch up on their goodness, but that's about to change, well in South Korea at least. Kristine ...

Artemis II: Humans are going back the moon!

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

NASA has begun the countdown to its first crewed mission to the Moon in 53 years! The historic mission, called Artemis II, is scheduled to lift off fr...

Should we be able to go to the pub on public holidays?

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There could be a major shake-up to our alcohol laws later today A bill going before Parliament would allow bars, pubs, and clubs to open on religious ...

How teenage hackers hijack the internet

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Teenage hackers are reaching into online systems that run governments, corporations, and everyday life. The face of cybercrime isn't always an awkward...