Nights

What’s living in Chernobyl 40 years later?

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It has been forty years since reactor 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded, causing the worst nuclear disaster in human history.

Sports with Ben Strang

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined for the first time by the journalist, premier cricketer and commentator..

Small Histories with Emma Kay

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight she's talking about New Zealand's really quite fascinating history of medical advertisements.

May the 4th be with you — Star Wars Day is here

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Star Wars superfan Kristy Glasgow joins Emile Donovan on the show tonight. 

Silence from Labour as election clock ticks down

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hayden Donnell has been writing about Labour’s disappearing act for The Spinoff and he joins Emile on the show tonight. 

Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan to review: The Resene Architecture & Design Film Festival selections (in cinemas), Bait (Prim...

Digging into Aotearoa’s past: Archaeology Week begins

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's the tenth time the week has been marked - and it's all in the name of raising awareness and protecting our archeological heritage. 

The legendary Suzy Cato brings You and Me back

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

28 years on, the beloved Kiwi classic is back for a new season.

Chasing aliens: What's really out there?

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist Daniel Lavelle joins us to talk about his new book Chasing Aliens.

Billy T nominee Joel Vinsen takes his offbeat comedy on the road

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The comedian is described as absurd, dark, deadpan, frequently silly and a true original. 

What really happens when you go under anaesthesia?

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Anaesthetist Dr Marta Seretny explains what really happens.

Helen Clark on Luxon–Peters coalition tensions 

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The former Prime Minister unpacks how coalitions actually function behind the scenes.

A quest for 372 Kelvins 

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Conor Shand and Calum Jacobs are on a quest to find exactly 372 individuals named Kelvin. 

European correspondent Christian Smith

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christian Smith dials in from London with news from the other side of the world.

Julia de Bres on silence

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for our fortnightly chat with Nights' resident sociolinguist, associate professor Julia de Bres.

El Niño is on the way. What can we expect?

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

To help explain it all, Emile Donovan is joined by Earth Sciences New Zealand climate scientist Chris Brandolino.

NZ at ‘critical turning point’ as population shifts reshape economy, report warns

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Report warns New Zealand’s shifting population has reached a critical turning point.

Shower Thoughts: What is irony?

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Stephen Skalicky, Senior Lecturer in Linguistics and Applied Language Studies at Victoria University of Wellington joins Emile to explain.

Sabastian Sawe breaks two-hour marathon barrier in historic run

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sabastian Sawe has become the first runner to break the two-hour marathon barrier, headlining a record-breaking day in London.

New trade deal opens door between New Zealand and India

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Phil Goff joins the show to unpack the significance of the NZ–India free trade deal and the work behind getting it across the line.

Out Lately with Finn Johansson

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

He's back, and no doubt ready to inform, educate and entertain us with an array of eclectic music.

Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's edition of Short-Cuts Nights' resident screen critic Dan Slevin reviews: Exit 8 (in cinema), Greyhound and Finch (digital rentals) an...

The story behind ‘Len’: a musical tribute to a wartime grandfather

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A listener request brings musician Blair Morgan onto Nights to discuss his song “Len,” a tribute to his grandfather’s wartime story.

The story behind Brass Monkey Hut

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A tramper’s final wish for a remote hut has been realised with the creation of Brass Monkey Hut high on the Main Divide in Lewis Pass.

Journalist reveals secret WWII roles of New Zealand servicemen

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On the eve of Anzac Day, journalist Lawrence Watt shares the little-known World War II stories of two New Zealanders who served in secretive roles.

Auckland agency asks clients to ‘sign’ blood oath in bold new campaign

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland agency Motion Sickness is asking clients to take part in a provocative “blood oath” campaign in a statement on human creativity.

Old cassette leads to powerful family discovery in new RNZ podcast

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A forgotten cassette tape becomes the key to uncovering a family’s past in the new RNZ podcast The Sound of My Father.

Can AI build a career? One journalist’s unconventional job hunt

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist Greg Bruce is documenting his post-redundancy career experiment after turning to AI for advice on how to rebuild his income.

Should schools be exempt from Official Information Act requests?

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s Official Information Act is under review as pressure grows over delays, workload, and calls for reform.

Can You Erase a Man Like Imran Khan?

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new long-form investigation explores how Pakistan’s authorities have tried to erase Imran Khan from public life.

European correspondent Christian Smith

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We look at the latest international news making headlines.

Cross-lease property ruling could reshape homeowner rights

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A Court of Appeal ruling over a disputed cross-lease property in Remuera could have wide-reaching implications for hundreds of thousands of homeowners...

Why psychedelics are back on the medical research table

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Eighty-three years after the first LSD trip, psychedelics are again being explored for their potential therapeutic benefits.

Shower Thoughts: Is the chance of having a boy or a girl baby actually just a 50/50 chance?

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight's question: Is the chance of having a boy or a girl baby actually just a 50/50 chance?

Industry plant claims resurface as Geese digital marketing campaigns come to light 

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Long-time music journalist Chris Schulz joins Emile to discuss the growing debate around whether Geese’s rise reflects organic fan momentum or incre...

Luxon faces leadership questions after caucus meeting as speculation swirls over National unity

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Former National minister and Attorney-General Chris Finlayson joins Emile Donovan to discuss a noisy few days for Christopher Luxon.

Wisden Almanack 2026 released as editor raises concerns over cricket politics

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest edition of the Wisden Almanack, cricket’s long-running annual record of statistics and analysis, has been released, with editor Lawrence ...

Sports with Richard Irvine

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Writer and sports fan Richard Irvine joins Emile Donovan to talk about what's been happening in the world of sport.

Small Histories with Emma Kay

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's a Monday night, which means it's time to dive into history with Nights' resident historian, Emma Kay.

Positive signs in fight against yellow-legged hornet pest

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Phil Lester, an ecologist and entomologist at Victoria University of Wellington, joins Emile Donovan to discuss the latest developments and ...

State of emergency declared in Wellington

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Emile Donovan speaks with Wellington Mayor Andrew Little for the latest weather updates across the Wellington region. 

Out Lately with Finn Johansson

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

He's back, and no doubt ready to inform, educate and entertain us with an array of eclectic music.

Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nights’ resident screen critic Dan joins Emile Donovan to review Fuze (in cinemas), Blind Panic (digital rental) and Heat (TVNZ+).

Kauri Gum photographic exhibition takes place in Auckland

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kauri gum’s rich history in Aotearoa is the focus of a new Auckland exhibition, and expert David Pickens joins Emile Donovan to discuss.

This Weekend: Pro Wrestling 

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Emile Donovan speaks with Impact Pro Wrestling training coordinator Jake Sheehan about their Auckland open day and what it takes to become a pro wrest...

Entertainment giant Live Nation found operating illegally as a monopoly

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Emille Donovan discusses the possible impact on Aotearoa with Layton Lillas, president of the New Zealand Promoters Association.

Celebrity status and political ambition

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Richard Shaw, Professor of Politics at Massey University, joins Emile Donovan to discuss.

Hats, Status, and Social Rules

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bernard Capp is Emeritus Professor of History, University of Warwick and joins Emile Donovan to talk about ‘hatiquette’ through the years.

Enhanced Games raises questions over future of elite sport

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Adam Storey from AUT, who researches athlete performance and health joins Emile Donovan to discuss the implications.

Who IS the father?

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when DNA testing can’t identify a child’s father?

 Kiwi founded shoe company Allbirds pivots to AI

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fashion writer Emma Gleason joins Emile Donovan to unpack what’s behind the shift.

European correspondent Christian Smith

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We look at the latest international news making headlines 

Julia de Bres.on the language of the 'manosphere'

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight Julia looks at the language of the Manosphere.

Amendment to remove Trump ‘a long shot’ 

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Maria Armoudian is an associate professor in politics and international relations, at University of Auckland and joins Emile Donovan.

How do you absolutely, positively kill a well-resourced capital city?

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Danyl McLauchlan says it is not a sudden collapse, but the result of decades of decisions

Can a fuel crisis accelerate electrification?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Casey, chief executive of Rewiring Aotearoa and a leading advocate for electrification, joins Emile to discuss. 

Shower Thoughts: How does radio actually work?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

RNZ’s Transmission Manager Steve White joins Emile Donovan to explain.

What would happen if you threw a coin off the Sky Tower?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Richard Easther, professor of physics at the University of Auckland joins Emile Donovan.

History is made at the Sydney Royal Easter Show dog competition

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A standard poodle named Anton made history as the first ever back-to-back winner of the competition.

Are we becoming a nation of strangers?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Rob Campbell chats to Emile Donovan about why we are becoming socially isolated.

Are we heading towards a new kind of 'Space Race?'

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Priyanka Dhopade is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Auckland and joins Emile Donovan. 

Sports with Richard Irvine

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We talk sport with regular correspondent Richard Irvine.

How long should a bath towel last?

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When do you know when it's time to say goodbye to your favourite towels, and how long can we realistically expect our bath towels to last for?

Small Histories with Emma Kay

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight, we’re turning back to April Fools and the pranks that once fooled a nation.

Could private finance help solve our flood protection challenges?

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Newsroom Pro managing editor Jonathan Milne has been looking into this issue and joins Emile Donovan.

Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan with his picks for the weekend.

This Weekend: Only Fools and Horses 

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We find out about a hoof/foot race in the Maniototo.

The joy of older technologies 

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Music journalist and writer Simon Sweetman joins Emile Donovan to explain why turning off the algorithm every once in a while, can be good for us all,...

Civil Defence on staying safe as Cyclone Vaianu approaches

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

John Price is the Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management at NEMA and joins Emile Donovan.

Latest from MetService ahead of Cyclone Vaianu 

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

MetService Meteorologist John Law joins Emile Donovan.

Hollywood blockbuster highlights the wahine Māori behind famous waiata 

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We find out about the life and work of Erima Maewa Kaihau.

Historian on new evidence in the notorious Bill Sutch spy case

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Gaitanos has written about this new material in a piece on the RNZ website and joins Emile Donovan.

Politics with Natalia Albert

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The political scientist and regular Nights' contributor joins Emile Donovan.

New Zealand's least reliable cars revealed 

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Author of the Consumer NZ report, Bryan Wall joins Emile Donnovan.

How to forecast a cyclone 

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Philip Duncan is Head Weather Analyst and owner of WeatherWatch.co.nz and he joins Emile Donovan to explain.

Could this be the cheapest bus route to travel in New Zealand?

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We find out about the Number 1 bus, which travels the 55-plus kilometres between Dunedin and Palmerston.

Sociolinguist Julia de Bres on cool German words

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nights' resident sociolinguist, associate professor at Massey University Julia de Bres joins Emile Donovan.

European correspondent Christian Smith

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

News from the other side of the world.

The mathematical model explaining why the car you passed always returns

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Conor Boland, a researcher from Dublin City University joins Emile Donovan to explain.

Al Gillespie on Trump's Madman Theory with Iran

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Waikato University’s Professor of International Law, Al Gillespie joins Emile Donovan.

Why All the President’s Men is as relevant as it was 50 years ago

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney, Alexander Howard says half a century later, the film still holds up.

Shower Thoughts: What happens when my phone call is recorded for training purposes? 

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sylvie Thrush Marsh is head of HR of MyHR and joins Emile Donovan to explain.

'Distinctly Australian' audio added to film and sound archive

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Meagan Loader, chief curator at the Film and Sound Archive joins Emile Donovan.

What's behind the bizarre AI fruit drama trend? 

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the viral social media series featuring anthropomorphic fruit characters.

The world and New Zealand's place in it

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist and editor and China expert Anna Fifield joins Emile Donovan to discuss her latest post on Substack, Between Giants.

Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nights' resident screen critic joins us for some long Easter Weekend recommendations, 

This Weekend: The famous carnival at the Easter Show

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Emile Donovan talks to John Mahon about what it takes to run a successful carnival business.

The significance of the Artemis moon mission

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Astronomer and rocket fan Professor Richard Easther from Auckland University's Department of Physics joins Emile Donovan.

 National Youth Drama School celebrates 35 years

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Artistic Director Ben Fagan joins Emile Donovan. 

The case against the IOC rule change over transgender athletes

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Professor of Sociology of Sport, Physical Culture and Gender at the University of Waikato, Holly Thorpe joins Emile Donovan.

European correspondent Christian Smith

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christian Smith dials in from London with news from the other side of the world.

Midweek Mediawatch

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight broadcasting legend Phil Vine fills in for Mediawatch host Colin Peacock to debrief the week in media news.

What will a ban on greyhound racing mean for the gambling industry?

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Max Rashbrooke is a senior research fellow in the School of Government at Victoria University of Wellington and joins Emile Donovan. 

Former Olympian and NZ Chef de Mission speaks out on new gender rules 

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Emeritus Professor Dave Gerrard joins Emile Donovan to discuss the decision by the International Olympic Committee.

Shower Thoughts: How do you review an album?

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

RNZ music journalist and producer Tony Stamp joins Emile Donovan to explain.

The pros and cons of single-sex state schools

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Education researcher Michael Johnston from the NZ Initiative joins Emile Donovan to discuss the decision not to  build any new single-sex state schoo...

Investigative journalist on quashing of David Tamihere's double-murder convictions 

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mike White is an investigative journalist who has been following this case through the years. He is a senior writer for Stuff, and he joins Emile Dono...

Sports with Richard Irvine

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Writer and sports fan Richard Irvine joins Emile Donovan to talk about what's been happening in the world of sport.

Willow shortage prompts change in cricket bat rules

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s and possibly the world's premier bat maker, James Laver of Laver & Wood joins Emile Donovan.

Call for free public transport to ease fuel demand

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The University of Auckland's Dr Timothy F. Welch joins Emile Donovan,