Afternoons
Episodes
Why some women don't feel safe hiking alone
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Australian Sarah Gibbs has been an avid hiker all her life. Recently she decided to head off for her first multi-night solo trek and film it to show t...
Why you need to be across your heartbeat
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nearly one in three of us will develop an abnormal heart rhythm issue in our lifetime. While there is widespread awareness about heart attacks and str...
It's a time warp! Rocky Horror's Nell Campbell joins Jesse
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The 50th anniversary of the Rocky Horror Picture Show last year reignited everyone's nostagia for the classic zany musical. And that's just as well, b...
How prepared is New Zealand if there's military conflict?
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The United States has deployed its largest military build-up in the Middle East since 2003, including two aircraft carriers and thousands of additiona...
Game Over! A Brief History of Coaching Dramas in NZ
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's been quite the time for coaches in New Zealand; All Blacks coach Scott Robertson was shown the door in January and over the weekend Wellington Ph...
Solving the World's Problems: Buses for the Win!
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to solve some world problems now; this is our regular segment where we talk through possible solutions to the issues irking our guests.
NZ Sporting History with Jockey Lisa Allpress
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Time for sporting history, our chance to look back at some of the big moments in sport and celebrate some of the New Zealanders who have changed the g...
Group Chat: What went on at the BAFTAs and are DVDs back?
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Time for Group Chat now, where we discuss the stories that won't lead news bulletins but will fill up your social media feed, the news that's distract...
Explainer: What on earth is going on with Air NZ?
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has renewed his call for the government to sell its shares in the Air New Zealand arguing that owning the airline ...
Gaming for Good? How a dad connected with his teenager
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you have kids that love to play video games but you're worried about them withdrawing or disappearing behind a screen and headset - you're not alon...
Why can't the shingles vaccine funding be extended?
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Turning to health issues now, and some experts are calling for additional vaccine funding to protect older New Zealanders from shingles. Currently the...
How you can help look after our butterflies
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Time is running out to eradicate the Yellow Legged Hornet; that's according to an expert who spoke to Morning Report today. Yellow legged hornets go a...
Meet the NZer who is Australia's Top University Teacher
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We might squabble with Australia over who invented the pavlova and whether Crowded House is a Kiwi or Aussie band, but we are definitely claiming our ...
Feature Interview: Where is the world headed in 2026?
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Last year, the law of the jungle ruled the world. 2026 marks a tipping point says Ian Bremmer, president of a leading global research and advisory fir...
Bookmarks with Producer Cass Avery
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Time for Bookmarks, that's our weekly feature where we spend some time chatting to interesting people about what interests them. Today Cass Avery is g...
Easy Eats: Chicken Summer tray-bake
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today's recipe is chicken summer tray bake with courgettes, cherry tomatoes and chickpeas. Click here for the recipe.
Heading Off to France! Oh la la!
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Time for Heading Off, our segment where listeners share their travel adventures. This week we are visiting Paris, with Gregor Thompson. Gregor's love ...
Why intermittent fasting may not be the best way to lose weight
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Intermittent fasting has become a bit of a health trend, with many people using it as a way to lose weight or improve their wellbeing. But new researc...
The Massive Clean Up facing Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Wellington has had a tough ten days, the capital got hit with one of its strongest storms in decades, causing damage and power outages. And then there...
Whangamarino Wetland is in dire straits
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The internationally recognised Whangamarino Wetland in north Waikato is in decline, with a new report stating that "active intervention is critical" a...
Explainer: Why are our medical platforms getting hacked?
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As you'll have heard in the news, another New Zealand medical data platform has been hit by hackers ... just two months after patient portal 'Manage M...
Feature Interview: Why Positivity Pays Off
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Optimism can feel like a radical act these days. For Kevin Kelly, a positive outlook is not optional. The co-founder and senior maverick at tech magaz...
Podcast Critic: 'Ransom Man" and "The Real Salt Path"
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Afternoons podcast critic Ximena Smith joins Jesse to review 'Ransom Man' and 'The Walkers: The Real Salt Path'
Book Critic: The Chronology of Water
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Afternoons book critic Anna Rankin joins Jesse to talk about The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch. It came out in 2011, but the film version is...
Mayoral Minutes: Waikato District's Aksel Bech
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Mayoral minutes, our new segment where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing, how they're working to solve the...
What is "meno-divorce" and why has the term taken off online?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"Meno-divorce" is a term that is trending on the internet right now. It's used to describe a divorce that coincides with women experiencing menopause....
From the Bush to the Table: The Game2Give Movement
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There's a movement happening in the hunting community that sees surplus wild venison turned into meals for families who need some help. The West Coast...
Should you charge your adult children rent?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nowadays it seems it's far more common for young people to stay at home long past the age of 18. This could be due to the cost of living, the cost of ...
What does "Free Speech" actually mean to you?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand Parliament announced late last week that it will no longer post updates on the social media platform X - formerly known as Twitter. The mo...
Using AI to decode the sounds and signals of other species
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hearing a bird sing, a dog bark, an orca squeal has led so many of us to wonder if might be possible to talk to animals. Aza Raskin wants to listen to...
Using AI to decode the sounds and signals of other species
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hearing a bird sing, a dog bark, an orca squeal has led so many of us to wonder if might be possible to talk to animals. Aza Raskin wants to listen to...
TV Critic
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Caitlin Cherry reviews: Younger (Netflix) The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 (Netflix)
Expert Feature: Birding with Rick Szabo
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're exploring the world of Birding - otherwise known as Birdwatching - with Rick Szabo. Rick has been birding for more than 14 years and obser...
Jesse Goes Clubbing
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Monday means Jesse hits the clubs. If you've got a club you'd like him to visit, please text us 2101 or email us [email protected]. Today Jesse is ...
OZ Update: What's happening in Australia?
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brad Foster joins Jesse to discuss the latest developments across the Tasman. Today, he's talking about the return of the so-called ISIS brides, who a...
How well do U.S. based AI tools understand our curriculum?
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In 2024, the Ministry of Education released guidelines for the use of AI tools in the classroom. The guidance stated that generative AI should be used...
New Zealand's most impressive supercomputer
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Jess Robertson, National Manager of Advanced Technology at Earth Sciences New Zealand joined Jesse to speak about New Zealand's most impressive sup...
New move-on orders - where will people go?
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The government has announced it will give police new powers to issue so called move-on orders - as a way to legally get disruptive individuals out of ...
Chris Hipkins' vision for NZ
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has just delivered his State of the Nation speech. But with no new policies announced is this really going to get him over...
Critter of the Week
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The critter of the week is the newly crowned Bug of the Year 2026, the Avatar moth! This beautiful day-flying moth is only found on the Denniston Plat...
Weekend Stuff: Is your bedroom set up stopping you sleep?
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We all know how important a good night's sleep is, there is a whole industry promoting it! But have you ever considered what the environment you're sl...
Food
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Shared Kitchen's Julie Biuso joins me to talk us through this delicious twist on avocado and toast. Get the recipe here.
NZ Live
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today on NZ Live we're joined by Georgia Knight. Georgia performed songs from her debut album 'Beanpole' in the RNZ Christchurch studio.
Film Review
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Movie critic Dominic Corry joins Jesse in the Auckland studio to review: Crime 101, now in cinemas, No Other Choice, in cinemas this week, EPiC: Elvis...
Freaky Friday
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Freaky Friday time! The place for all your spooky and unexplainable stories. Jesse spoke to Jill, who shared a story of her encounter with a ghost in ...
"Profound autism" diagnosis sparks debate in autism community
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new international proposal is sparking debate in the autism community, with a diagnosis of "profound autism" now under consideration. The proposed d...
Waimarino Golf Club marks it's 100th birthday
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Now we're heading to the centre of the North Island where Waimarino Golf Club is marking it's 100th birthday this Easter. At 580 metres above sea leve...
Why are we seeing more 'states of emergency'?
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recent severe weather and flooding have seen a huge number of 'states of emergency' declared across the country. In fact, there has already been more ...
A history of royal brushes with the law
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Well, it's the story that's got everyone talking - former Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday morning UK time on suspicion of misconduct in public ...
The importance of play
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We're asking because it seems that most adults, in the midst of busy lives, have swapped play and silliness for seriousness and productivity. But ther...
Your Money with Mary Holm
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Personal finance whizz Mary Holm joins Jesse to share some tricks and tips on picking your Kiwisaver fund.
Your Money with Mary Holm
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Personal finance whizz Mary Holm joins Jesse to share some tricks and tips on picking your Kiwisaver fund.
A-Z of Aotearoa: P is for Pies!
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to continue our way through the A-Z of Aotearoa. We've been having a lot of fun with this segment each fortnight, making our way through the...
Relationships: What happens when you both retire together?
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Every second Thursday we talk about relationships with Professor Kirsty Ross from Massey University's School of Psychology Whether matters of the hear...
The Beths are back in town!
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a huge year for indie darlings The Beths who are back in the country after wrapping up an epic 70-show run at the end of last year not to me...
Local Legends: The family business looking out for the elderly
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're chatting with the team behind Jamie's Angels, a home-delivered meal service providing hundreds of fresh meals every week to elderly reside...
Explainer: What on earth is going on with Auckland's housing?
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Housing Minister Chris Bishop has outlined changes to housing densification plans for Auckland - with cabinet agreeing to lower the maximum number of ...
The Pre-Panel for 18 February 2026
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Wallace Chapman and producer José Barbosa preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.
Feature Interview: What is your time personality? Find out!
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone knows someone who always manages to show up late for everything. Some people live by the clock, believing that on time is late. Some people l...
Easy Eats: Mexican Black Bean and Corn Salad
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's Wednesday which means two things - you've made it to the middle of the week - and it's Easy Eats' day. Kelly Gibney joins me to share a yummy rec...
Heading Off on a Cruise with Amanda Gillies!
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Heading Off, our weekly travel segment where we jet around the world gathering tips and tricks for your future holidays. Do let us know ...
Stories from Our Changing World
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our Changing World's Claire Concannon chats to Jesse with the latest on the Kakapo Files plus she explains what e-textiles and sensing materials are a...
A new way to combat climate change anxiety
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Flooding, landslides, wild winds, these extreme weather events can leave many of you feeling overwhelmed about the state of our climate and what we co...
Where have all the Monarch Butterflies gone?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Globally, Monarch butterfly numbers are in sharp decline with populations in the United States dropping by as much as 96 percent. The outlook isn't go...
Would you leave your shopping to AI?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How we shop could be about to change dramatically, thanks to an AI innovation. Agentic AI can give recommendations and complete commercial transaction...
What can we do to stop dog attacks?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We're going to start today's show discussing New Zealand's dog problem and what can be done about it. The death of a Northland women after a fatal dog...
Feature: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Son?
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Spymaster George Smiley was at the breakfast-table for Nick Harkaway growing up. His father, John le Carré, born David Cornwell, would draft the Circ...
You're the Judge
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tuesdays means our regular weekly segment 'You're the Judge' where we read out an irk and get your feedback on it. Today's question is about proposals...
Tech Tuesday: Battery Power in the spotlight
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Batt is with Jesse to discuss what's got people talking in the tech world, today he's looking into advancements in batteries and the new incoming ...
Book Critic: New poetry from one of NZ's Greatess
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Claire Mabey joins Jesse to review the following books: Stepping Up by David Hill Lyrical Ballads by Bill Manhire What to Wear by Jenny Bornholdt
Mayoral Minutes: Hamilton's Mayor Tim Macindoe
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Mayoral minutes, our weekly segment where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing, how they're working to solve ...
Lunar New Year: What does Year of the Fire Horse mean for you?
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Lunar New Year! Yes, billions of people around the world are welcoming the Lunar New Year from today. This year is Year of the Horse, but 2026 i...
Could cancer actually protect against Alzheimer’s disease?
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For decades, researchers have noted that Alzheimer's disease and cancer rarely occur in the same person, sparking speculation that one may protect aga...
The family that runs fast
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand teen running prodigy Sam Ruthe is living proof that athletic talent can run deep in the family At just 16 Sam has been in the news lots fo...
Wild weather hits the South Island
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The wild weather that caused chaos in the North Island has turned its attention South and Banks Peninsula seems to be bearing the brunt. A Local State...
Can we fix it? Tackling the country's infrastructure problem.
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new report that sets out an "affordable" plan to tackle New Zealand's infrastructure has just been released. It was written by the Infrastructure Co...
Feature: How does power and prestige really work?
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Long before we know what social status is, we know how it works. There's always a popular crowd from the playground to the office and everyone knows w...
TV Critic: Local Comedy 'Small Town Scandal'
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Afternoons TV Critic Dominic Corry reviews: Small Town Scandal - Sky/NEON The Beauty - Disney+
Expert Feature: What happens to all that space junk?
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
But is the space in space infinite? What happens when satellites stop working? As the saying goes, what goes up, must come down, so will we see more s...
OZ Update: What's happening in Australia?
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brad Foster joins Jesse to talk about what's going on across the Tasman. Today he's looking at the news that State of Origin is coming to Auckland plu...
Can food be a work of art?
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Taste of Art will challenge chefs from some of New Zealand's top restaurants to transform everyday ingredients into jaw-dropping edible masterpieces T...
Taking on Olympians: "How to Dad" star gets sporty
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jordan Watson of How to Dad fame is about to find out. A new six part web series called 'Out of My League' sees Jordan pitted against former Olympians...
What's going on with our water infrastructure?
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We need to talk about the state of our water infrastructure, this week some Christchurch residents have to boil water, last week Wellington's Moa Poin...
Critter of the Week: The kahukowhai or yellow admiral butterfly
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
These speedy little flyers are found all over the country and are also shared with some parts of Australia. They resemble the red admiral butterfly, e...
Weekend Work: How do you create a path?
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mitre 10's Stan Scott is with us to answer any DIY questions you might have, and to talk us through creating a path and paving in general.
What's on this Weekend?
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We take a whirl through some of the events on in the main centres this weekend!
Music 101: New music from Bic Runga
13 Feb 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 c...
Food: Crayfish E Fu Noodles
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Friday means food here on Afternoons and today The Kitchen Project's Connie Clarkson joins us with a divine dish to celebrate Chinese New Year, crayfi...
NZ Live: Alayna lights up Studio B
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Time for NZ Live, the moment in the week when we bring you a special, live performance from some of our top musical talent. Today we are joined by Ala...
Film Review: Is "Wuthering Heights" worth seeing?
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Film critic Kate Rodger joins Jesse to review: 'Wuthering Heights' Marama.
Roadie Songs
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Roadie songs for road trips.
Freaky Friday on Friday the 13th!!
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Usually for Freaky Friday we ask for your spooky experiences, but today it felt more appropriate to settle into a ghost story. So, joining Jesse is th...
Must listen! A Survival Guide to the First Year of University
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's that time of year where students around the country are gearing up for their first year at university. But alongside o-week fun and new found fre...
Something to celebrate: A story of small business success
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Here on Afternoons, we like to focus on solutions and happy news stories, so with that in mind, we're heading to Wellington now for a rare bit of good...
Should the retirement age be raised to 72?
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We're starting today's show with a discussion on retirement age and would as always, love to hear your thoughts. The issue is back in the news thanks ...
Explainer: What exactly is a LNG terminal?
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week the Government announced plans to build a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal in Taranaki. The facility - estimated to cost "north of $2bn" - wil...
History with Dr Grant Morris
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Grant Morris joins Jesse to take a closer look at the cases that come out of The Employment Relations Authority and why they are often headline new...
Solving the World's Problems: Spotlight on Small Businesses
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Holly Bennett, the founder of Awhi Group, joins Jesse to talk about small businesses and why they become front and centre in an election year.
NZ Sporting History: Rowing's Judith Hamilton
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Time for sporting history and our guest this week has had a lifelong association with the sport of rowing, as a competitor, an elite coach and a high-...
Group Chat: "Wuthering Heights" and Olympic Confessions
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for group chat, our chance to talk about the fodder that might be filling up your chats, distracting you from chores or helping fill the sil...