Afternoons

Simon Wilson on the climate crisis

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Time to solve some of the world's problems. Simon Wilson is here to help put some wrongs to right and today he's focusing on a huge issue; how we prep...

NZ Sports History with Duane Kale

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for New Zealand sports history and today Jesse is joined by our most successful male Paralympic swimmer Duane Kale. Duane won four golds, a ...

The Beckhams, Kanye West and Blake Lively.

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A lot has been happening in the world of pop culture over the last few weeks, and for my next guests, the notifications on their group chats have been...

The benefits of being a hands-on grandparent

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A study out of Netherlands has shown that being a hands on grandparent is good for your brain. Researchers found that grandparents who had some childc...

Who will be the next All Blacks Coach?

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's been just over two weeks since Scott Robertson was sacked as the All Blacks Coach. We're now in prime speculation territory: what really happened...

Why it matters if the ocean around NZ gets warmer

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Scientists say the ocean around NZ is warming twice as fast as the global average; now a new research project out of the University of Auckland is goi...

49.5 degree temperatures in Australia - How would you cope?

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We begin today in Australia, which is currently experiencing a record-setting heatwave. And it's not just the high temperatures, it's also the longevi...

The Pre-Panel

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Wallace Chapman and producer Jose Barbosa preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.

The Kakapo Files are Back!!

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Kakapo Files podcast is back with what is set to be the biggest breeding season of all time for our favourite parrot. To listen to the full episod...

Feature interview: The often-unseen cost of fame

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Singer-songwriter Katie Waissel shot to fame on The X Factor in 2010, the same season that launched One Direction. Since then, she's spoken candidly a...

Bookmarks with Hone Kouka

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for Bookmarks, and today we're joined by celebrated playwright and director Hone Kouka A special 30th anniversary production of his play 'Wa...

Easy Eats: Kelly Gibney's Green Tart

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly Gibney is back with her first Easy Eats recipe for 2026. The recipe is here! A few shortcuts like store-bought pastry and frozen spinach make th...

Heading Off: Let's go to the US of A!

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for Heading Of, our chance to travel to places from the comfort of our homes. This week we are off to the United States with Nick Robinson, ...

Over your job? Find out why it's never too late to change careers

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us have been back at work for a couple of weeks now and some of you might be realising your job is no longer sparking joy. In fact, according ...

Why the new Waikato Regional Theatre is creating a buzz

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Over the weekend a brand-new theater opened on Hamilton's Victoria street, it kicked off with an opening show from Teeks on Friday and spent the weeke...

Political Polls - Are they worth the hype?

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There's Verian, Reid Research, Ipsos, Curia, all of which survey Kiwis to - theoretically - give a sense of how we're feeling about the parties and po...

The Pre-Panel for 27 January 2026

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Wallace Chapman and producer Tessa Guest preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.

Feature Interview: Wellness? Just eat the ice cream!

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For a healthy 2026, ignore most of what you hear from the multi-billion-dollar wellness industry and just eat the ice cream.

Podcast Critic reviews Blood Relatives from The New Yorker

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Elliot Childs with his pick of podcasts: Talk Easy and In the Dark Season 2: Blood Relatives (The New Yorker)

Book Critic: Some recommendations for younger readers

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With a week or so left of school holidays for some, it's a great chance to get kids in front of books not screens .. Catherine Ross is the Director of...

Mayoral Minutes: Tararua District Mayor Scott Gilmore

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We're introducing a new segment where we speak with a local mayor about what's happening in their area... the challenges they're facing... how they're...

Things to do in the never-ending school holidays!

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's Tuesday the 27th of January and for many of you, the school holidays are still going. Some of you might in fact be wondering if they will ever ac...

What's bugging you? Ruud "The Bug Man" Kleinpaste is in studio

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it's a story idea, interview request or a correction, we love hearing from you. Briana emailed us over the break with an issue she was hoping ...

Is weight loss medication like Ozempic worth trying?

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Did you set a New Year's Resolution? And more importantly, have you stuck to it? Global data and research shows that weight loss and health related go...

What is ICE and why does it seem to be tearing the USA apart?

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Over the last few months there has been consistently heated debate around the tactics, and indeed presence of, immigration agents in the United States...

Feature Interview: What could 2026 hold?

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

"This is Donald Trump's world and we're all just living in it", so begins the annual issue of The Economist magazine's "The World Ahead in 2026" editi...

TV Critic: The Pitt Season Two - Does it live up to the hype?

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

TV Critic, actor, and writer Michelle Langstone joins Jesse to discuss what's worth watching - or not - on the telly. The Pitt - Season Two (Neon) Fra...

Expert: How do our brains actually work when it comes to perception?

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Time now for our expert feature - this is your chance to pick the brains of someone who knows their stuff on anything from wedding planning, space, co...

Jesse Goes Clubbing: Ham Radio Club

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After two on a Monday means it's time to hit the clubs! Jesse has chatted to the Hawkes Bay Racing Lawnmower Club ... the Christchurch Quilters... Man...

OZ Update with Brad Foster

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's an anniversary day for many in the North Island, but today also marks Australia Day so to find out what's happening in OZ to mark it, we're joine...

The heartwarming story of a hiker and a kitten

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mustering the energy to walk the Te Araroa trail is one thing, carrying an extra load while you do it, is another feat entirely. But that's exactly wh...

Are we losing the ability to think critically?

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Conversations about AI seem to be everywhere, the pros, the cons, the what ifs, the why nots, the list goes on. On Afternoons we've spent time discuss...

Why a couple of sheep farmers in Mosgiel won an award in Wales

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Right we're off to Mosgiel to talk to retired farmer Geoff Neilson. You see, Geoff and his wife Ailsa are the recipients of a new award from six major...

Was the tragedy in Mt Maunganui really "unprecedented"?

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We're starting our first show of 2026 looking at the tragic events at Mt Maunganui. While lots of locals are still in a state of shock and sadness ove...

Critter of the Week: Red Mistletoe (Peraxilla tetrapetala)

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know we have nine mistletoes native to New Zealand? Meet Peraxilla tetrapetala, the endemic red mistletoe! They are especially slow growing an...

Weekend Stuff: Lynda Hallinan shares gardening tips

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Weekend stuff with Lynda Hallinan

Food: Connie Clarkson's Coconut Chili BBQ Salmon Show

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Manager of Auckland Council's Kitchen Project Connie Clarkson joins me now with a divine sounding dish. The recipe is here

Film Review with Dom Corry

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our critic Dom Corry shares his picks from the latest crop of new releases. Avatar: Fire and Ash, released in theaters this week. The Housemaid, which...

A local take on UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena)

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On Monday we spoke with the director of 'The Age Of Disclosure' about his new documentary on UFO's .. which are now officially known as UAP's or Unide...

Chris Parkers' Christmas Survival Guide

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The irony of course is that despite it being the season when people come together to break bread and party, it's also an increasingly stressful time f...

Could tears be the key to diagnosing Parkinson's disease

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Could human tears be the key to diagnosing Parkinson's disease? Well, that's what some New Zealander researchers are trying to find out. Parkinson's d...

Time out: The sport CEOs throwing in the towel

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a huge week in New Zealand sport - but not so much for action on the field. This morning news broke of the resignation of New Zealand Cricke...

Your Money with Mary Holm

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time to talk money matters now, personal financial whizz Mary Holm is with Jesse and today she's looking at mortgages and whether it is better to pay ...

A-Z of Aotearoa: N for Northland

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for A-Z of Aotearoa, where we take you through a subject that plays a huge role in New Zealand life. We're working our way down the Alphabet...

Group Chat with Perlina Lau and Kate Rodger

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to talk about the topics clogging up your group chats, the conversations offering respite from Christmas chaos. It's our last chat of 2025 s...

The ins and outs of a 3D printed house

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The country's first on-site 3D-printed home has been built in South Auckland's Waiuku While a small number of 3D-printed concrete houses have already ...

Find out how to create a neurodivergent friendly house

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As diagnoses of autism and ADHD rise, more people are thinking about how their homes can better support neurodivergent needs The aim of neurodivergent...

How underwater turbines could help power New Zealand

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A huge study has been underway to find prime locations for underwater turbines, which are powered by the tides - something known as Tidal Stream Energ...

Celebrating 75 years of Christchurch International Airport

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today marks an important anniversary in New Zealand's aviation history. 75 years ago today, the ribbon was cut on Christchurch International Airport, ...

Stories from Our Changing World

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our Changing World's Claire Concannon joins Jesse to share some exciting news about the Kakapo Files.

Feature: A side of Bear Grylls you've never seen before

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bear Grylls has done some really hard things; fighting off a boa constrictor in a flooded ravine, drinking liquid from elephant dung in the dry Savann...

Easy Eats: Mushroom, rosemary and walnut sourdough stuffing

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly Gibney joins me to chat all things food and share a recipe. You can find the recipe here

Music Critic: Tony Stamp shares his picks

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Music 101 producer Tony Stamp suggests some songs to listen to: Sharon Jones: How Do You Let a Good Man Down Gnonnas Pedro and his Dadjes Band: Feso J...

Heading Off to Nashville, USA!

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time for heading off, our weekly travel segment, where you share your adventures and offer any tips or tricks to wannabe travellers. Today we're off t...

Comedy legend Tofiga Fepulea’i on winning the 2025 Topp Prize

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Samoan comedy legend Tofiga Fepulea'i has been named the New Zealand Comedy Trust's prestigious Topp Prize recipient for 2025 Tofiga has been entertai...

Why 'Backyard Ultra' events are taking off in NZ

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The concept of 'Last One Standing' or 'Backyard Ultra' events is simple but some might say, brutal. Participants run a 6.71km loop once an hour starti...

What you need to know before you go camping this summer

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is the last week of work for many of you, which might mean your attention turns to a summer camping trip. We are very fortunate to have 325 Depar...

Obtaining permits for trapping feral cats might get a leasier

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Currently the Department of Conservation gives out permission after a process that includes filling out paper forms and supplying maps with trapping a...

Spoken Feature: Thrift

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Katy Gosset looks at the property market, and meets two friends who have pooled resources in order to make owning a home a reality.

Feature interview: The Art of Sisu

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Danes have hygge, a cultural inclination to try to make things cosy. In Finland, they have a very different cultural trait called sisu, a quiet, i...

Update on Oz with Brad Foster

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As vigils for victims are held and more information about the alleged gunmen of the Bondi Beach attacks is revealed, Sydney residents are still reelin...

Critter of the Week Merchandise Fund

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Critter of the Week merchandise that some of you lovely people have purchased has raised more than four thousand dollars for conservation charitie...

Podcast Reviews

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Panel producer Tessa Guest is with Jesse to chat about what podcasts she's enjoying and is keen to share with us. Tape Notes, hosted by John Kenne...

DJ SuperGran: The 81-year-old joining the R & V line up!

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An 81-year-old Gisborne great grandmother has joined the DJ line-up for this years' Rhythm & Vines festival Molly Pardoe aka DJ SuperGran will debut w...

Calling all thrillseekers! Want a rollercoaster in your garden?

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If the Gold Coast theme parks are a little too spendy for you right now .. and you can't face the crowds at Rainbow's End .. fear not .. an Auckland d...

Asphalt versus Chipseal - What's the difference?

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hundreds of Papamoa residents are fighting back against a council proposal that they help pay for their own road repairs. Seven streets are set for ro...

Changes to the Foreign Buyers Ban have been confirmed

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's official .. the foreign buyers ban, which has always seemed to attract commentary - both good and bad - is changing. Policy changes to the foreig...

Here Now

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Here Now is an RNZ podcast hosted by Kadambari Raghukumar, it focuses on the journeys people make to New Zealand, their identities and perspectives, a...

Feature

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For years, it was easy to dismiss talk of UAPs, Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, formerly known as UFOs. But director and producer Dan Farah argues t...

Reaction to the Bondi Beach terrorist attack

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Vigils are being held around the world to pay tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach attack - who range in age from 10 to 87. 15 people were killed...

Television Critic: Pluribus and Malice

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our telly critic Dominic Corry is here with me to share his picks: Pluribus - Apple TV Malice - Prime Video

How do we know what supplements we actually need?

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From multivitamin gummies to creatine and collagen powders... it can feel like we're being bombarded with products that promise more energy, better sl...

The marine scientist fighting misinformation over ocean issues

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Marine scientists say New Zealanders want to engage with ocean issues but doing that is getting harder. Knowing what information to trust online is ge...

Celebrating the New Zealanders who run towards danger

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There is remarkable video footage of an Australian man tackling one of the Bondi shooters you can watch it on rnz.co.nz His act of bravery is being la...

Bondi Shooting: How locals are reacting

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Australian officials are describing the deadly attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach as a targeted, antisemitic terror attack. Police say the two people behi...

Critter of the Week: Turbott’s Weevil (Anagotus turbotti)

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse and Forest and Bird's Nicola Toki discuss this week's critter of the week is the beautiful and emblematic Turbott's Weevil. These large, flightl...

Weekend Stuff: Getting your home clean for Christmas

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It is such a busy time of year; we're well into the festive season; kids are finishing school; there are visitors aplenty and that's before we even ge...

Food: Turkey Burgers for the win!

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Shared Kitchen's Julie Biuso joins Jesse and has a great summery recipe to share, Turkey burgers!

Films: Kate Rodger on what to watch this summer

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Best of 2025: One Battle After Another; Sinners; Tina What to see next: Avatar; Not Only Fred Dagg; Song Sung Blue; My Brothers Band

Freaky Friday

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time to get your freak on! Please send us your terrifying tales! It could be something that sounds spooky, a taste of the occult or a bizarre co-incid...

Feesh and Cheeps? We look at the evolution of the Kiwi accent

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What do fish and chips, pen and six all have in common? Answer? They're some of the words we New Zealanders get mocked the most for. Some find our acc...

The Tongan film going for Oscar glory

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

'Lea Tupu'anga/Mother Tongue' is a short film directed by Vea Mafile'o. It stars Lucianne Buchanan in the lead role, who also wrote the script. The fi...

Why some NZ apple growers are ditching the US

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One of New Zealand's major apple growers, Hawke's Bay's "Yummy Fruit", has stopped shipping to the U-S as a result to President Trump's tariffs. The 1...

Meet New Zealand Rugby's Referee of the Year

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ardie Savea took out Player of the Year at the NZ Rugby Awards last night, but another big award went to someone who spends 80 minutes trying not to b...

The community project getting Critter of the Week merch funding

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Critter of the Week merchandise raised more than four thousand dollars for conservation charities. So we asked our listeners to send us an email w...

History with Dr Grant Morris

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand is the most beautiful country in the world ... that's a phrase that gets used an awful lot ... and whether it is true or not, doesn't seem...

Solving the World's Problems: Deliberate democracy

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Simon Wilson joins Jesse to right some wrongs - today he looks at an example of democracy in action - because he says he's "seen the future of democra...

NZ Sporting History: The Legend that is Mark Graham

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time for sporting history and today Jesse talks to rugby league legend Mark Graham. Mark started out playing for Otahuhu, then from 1977 to 1988 he pl...

Relationships

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Okay it is time to talk relationships; Jesse is joined by Professor Kirsty Ross from Massey University's School of Psychology.

What are nicotine pouches and should we be worried?

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

First we needed to worry about cigarettes .. then vapes .. and now nicotine pouches. Nicotine pouches are pretty much what they sound like - a sachet ...

What's going on at Auckland's Sanctuary Mahi Whenua Gardens?

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An Auckland community is disputing the development of housing on the site of the Sanctuary Mahi Whenua Gardens. The gardens are based on the old Unite...

Why the US wants to crack down on your social media

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The process to get into the United States could be changing. Visitors from New Zealand, and other countries like Australia and Europe, have to apply f...

Search for the yellow legged hornet widens

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Biosecurity NZ has now doubled its surveillance zone for the insect on Auckland's North Shore Biosecurity teams will now monitor an 11 km radius acros...

Feature: Why doing less could be the answer to better parenting

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the school holidays approach along with the idea of having to entertain kids during the break, Dr Camilo Oritz has one piece of advice. Relax. The ...

Bookmarks with Cameron Rhodes

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time for bookmarks, where we get interesting people to share their picks of books, music, films and anything else that takes their fancy. Today I'm jo...

BBQ courgette and sweetcorn salad with basil yoghurt dressing

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Each week on a Wednesday Kelly Gibney shares a recipe that is delicious and nutritious without being too demanding on time. Today's salad celebrates a...

Heading Off to The Great Wall of China

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our chance to travel to places others have explored - this week we are off to China.

Making the Tank Farm in AKL's Wynyard Quarter a public space.

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A few years ago, plans to regenerate and restore Wynyard Quarter on Tamaki Makaurau's waterfront were announced. But one of the issues in turning it i...

Stories from Our Changing World

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time now for our regular catch up with Claire Concannon for Our Changing World. And this week, she's got a story from RNZ journalist Veronika Meduna, ...

This "everyday Kiwi" was awarded NDF's Civilian of the Year.

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This year it's gone to Mark Taylor. Mark has contributed to the Navy for more than 35 years as both a uniformed official and as a civilian. He joins J...