Nights

Shower Thoughts: How we get stolen art back?

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight’s question: When priceless art is stolen and disappears into the criminal underworld, how do we get it back?

Are patient consent laws making it harder to train doctors?

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Ben Gray argues that New Zealand’s rigid requirement for patient consent is one of many impediments to medical training.

Fresh budget cuts battering the capital

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There's more pain on the way for our Capital city as the Government looks to cut around 8700 jobs by 2029.

Why are so many men being told they have low testosterone?

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

That is the question at the center of a longform investigation in the UK, looking into the booming world of testosterone replacement therapy.

Sports with Ben Strang

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist and sports commentator Ben Strang joins the show with news from the world of sport.

Small Histories with Emma Kay

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nights' resident historian Emma Kay joins to talk about NZ's history of anti-discrimination laws for women in the workplace. 

Meet the newly crowned women’s stone skimming champion

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Lake Hāwea near Wānaka played host to the inaugural National Stone Skimming Championships over the weekend. 

Is it worthwhile increasing banking sector competition? 

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has unveiled a plan for a new national bank

Out Lately with Finn Johansson

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Finn is back, and no doubt ready to inform, educate and entertain us with an array of eclectic music.

Shortcuts with Dan Slevin

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan to review: Caterpillar (In Cinemas), Remarkably Bright Creatures (paid streaming), and The Treasure...

This Weekend: Wellington Phoenix women take on Melbourne City

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Every Friday here on Nights, we like to take a look at what's happening around the country during the weekend ahead.

Do we absorb information better on paper or screens?

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Reading on digital devices comes with many distractions. But do we absorb information better on paper, rather than screens? What does the science say?...

Pet consent ruling likely to influence future cases

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A Christchurch landlord who refused to let his tenants adopt a golden labrador puppy has been overruled by the tenancy tribunal.

David Moscrop talks 'Too Dumb For Democracy'

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The author and political scientist is in the country for the Auckland Writer's Festival.

What's in the new Conservation Amendment Bill?

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

General manager of conservation policy and advocacy at Forest and Bird Richard Capie explains. 

How easy is it to teach a bird to speak?

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The President of the Parrot Society of New Zealand tells us everything we need to know. 

Jet fuel shortages taking a toll on Air New Zealand 

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The airline said its cutting 5 percent of routes and consolidating others - with a full-year pre-tax loss of almost 400 million dollars.

Ockham Book Awards 2026 winners announced 

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There were nine prize categories up for grabs tonight the country's premier literary honours for books written by our very own New Zealanders. 

Julia de Bres on email signoffs

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

European correspondent Christian Smith

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Could Crypto be in its flop era?

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Freelance journalist Dan Bruskill reckons crypto seem to be struggling to find its purpose. 

Found in translation: Daniel Hahn at the Auckland Writers Festival

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Daniel Hahn is an award-winning literary translator who works in French, Spanish and Portuguese with over 100 books to his name.

Shower Thoughts: Can extinct volcanoes still erupt?

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New research from Greece is suggesting that “extinct” volcanoes might not be completely out for the count after all.

The world's most passionate football supporters

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Swedish documentary maker Ragnhild Ekner travelled to eight countries following what are known as ultras groups.

A lifetime's study of weasels and stoats

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Carolyn King has spent more than 50 years studying stoats and weasels.

Sports with Ben Strang

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist, premier cricketer and commentator Ben Strang with the latest sports news. 

Small Histories with Emma Kay

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, she's here to talk about some of our weirdest inventions and achievements.

Could cheaper housing attract people back to New Zealand?

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The median dwelling price in New Zealand is now almost 30 per cent less than in Australia.

Would a 'grand coalition' work? 

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The idea is starting to gain some traction despite skeptics. 

Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's edition of Short-Cuts, Nights' resident screen critic Dan Slevin reviews: IN CINEMAS Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition - A documentary trac...

Upper Hutt goes Medieval for the Day

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tomorrow, Upper Hutt will be transformed back to the age of knights and castles for the Brewtown Bash, a fiercely contested buhurt armoured combat tou...

There's Still Life in the DVD Store Yet - In Hamilton at Least

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Remember renting DVDs? The excitement of browsing the new releases shelf or hunting through the classics section for your favourite film. Well, that e...

Celebrating Sir David Attenborough

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you aren't aware, the legendary Sir David Attenborough - turned 100 years old today ... with many well-wishers from around the globe. The broadcast...

The Auckland statue at the centre of a Japan–Korea dispute

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A proposed “comfort women” memorial on Auckland’s North Shore has sparked an international diplomatic dispute.

Is it ok to ever use someone else's toothbrush?

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Here to answer this is associate professor in oral biology Samantha Byrne.

The lavender breeder putting New Zealand on the map

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Elsie Hall is a world-renowned lavender breeder, who's patented plants are blooming in gardens around the globe.

Bringing prehistoric giants back to life

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Palaeoart is being used to recreate extinct animals as accurately as possible using fossil evidence and anatomy.

Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship sparks international investigation

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Health officials say the illness is a rare but potentially severe virus usually spread through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.

Meet the first professor of women in sport

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

 Leanne Norman has been appointed to what is believed to be the first-ever Professor of Women in Sport role.

European correspondent Christian Smith

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

A quick crash course in comets, meteors and shooting stars

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Jan Eldridge is here to clear up the confusion and give us a quick comet crash course.

New citizenship test raises questions about national identity

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says it will strengthen what it means to be a citizen. 

What Actually Makes Us Kiwi?

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do we have a shared culture or a shared story that actually binds us together, and whose version of that story are we really talking about? 

Shower Thought: Why are children so bendy?

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

To answer our question, Emile is joined by Dr Thor Bresier, a Professor at Auckland University's Bioengineering Institute. 

ANZ loses landmark class action over loan error

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A coding error in one of ANZ’s loan calculators saw it charge about 17,000 customers the wrong amount of interest. 

Do we need an overseas voice to judge our best books? 

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards approach, they’re bringing a debate with them: do we need an international judge to decide our top literary p...

What if Ozempic could do more than just weight loss?

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Emerging evidence is suggesting it can curb consumption of all addictive substances - things like nicotine and alcohol. 

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.