Nights

A mega ministry merger to rule them all 

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Tim Welch is a Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland and joins Emile Donovan to discuss the new mega ministry....

Why Jane Austen still connects with readers

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Associate Lecturer in English Literature, Dr Naomi Walker explains why the author's connection with her readers is as strong as ever.

What does voter fraud claims mean for future of local body election voting?

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 Otago University Professor of Law, Andrew Geddis joins Emile Donovan.

The art of playing the triangle with NZSO percussionist Sam Rich

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sam joins Emile Donovan from our Wellington studio for a live performance to showcase the triangle.

Shower Thoughts: How did the backstage lounge the 'Green Room' get its name?

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

TV icon Jason Gunn joins Emile Donovan to answer tonight's Shower Thought question.

How to set and keep New Year resolutions

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Kirsty Ross is Head of the School of Psychology at Massey University and joins Emile Donovan to share some tips.

The psychology of 'checkout charity’

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Marketing expert Ekant Veer joins Emile Donovan.  

Sports with Jamie Wall 

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

RNZ sports journalist Jamie Wall joins Emile Donovan to look back on the biggest sports stories of 2025.

World News with the BBC

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Correspondent Rob Hugh-Jones looks at some of the events making international headlines.  

Yodelling hits a high 

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

UNESCO has officially recognised the singing style as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage. Peter Cairns teaches the art of yodelling and ...

Small Histories of New Zealand with Emma Kay 

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With Christmas just around the corner, Emma has been trawling the newspaper archives to uncover some delightfully strange, surprising, and long-forgot...

What the Bondi attack tells us about gun law reform 

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The terrible events cross the Tasman have once again put the spotlight on firearms control. Waikato University's International Law Professor Al Gille...

Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nights’ resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan to look at what’s new on the big screen as well as a few things worth watching from the comfort...

Can an octopus really play the piano?

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An octopus named Takoyaki or Tako, for short, has become an internet sensation after Swedish YouTuber Mattias Krantz rescued him from a fish market an...

Christchurch welcomes big new sports and aquatic centre

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emile Donovan speaks to Warren and Mahoney architect Brett Diprose about what it takes to design and build such a colossal community asset.

Is true crime as a form of entertainment ethical?

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jen Eastwood is a writer, reader, and host of the Sick Sad Lit podcast and joins Emile Donovan.

Why some typefaces feel different

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lecturer in Psychology, Edge Hill University Andrea Piovesan has been exploring how the shapes of letters can subtly influence our feelings.

What is a Silent Divorce?

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda Cox registered psychotherapist and co-founder of Auckland City Therapy and spoke to Emile Donovan.

Myth Takes with Ben Jackson

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben is taking us on a festive time-travel adventure through the toys and games kids played with in the ancient world.

Glyphosate safety paper retraction exposes ghostwriting in science

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand-based scientist Dr Sasha (Alexander) Kaurov formally requested the retraction, and he joins Emile Donovan. 

Award winning criminal justice advocate's call to the next generation

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tā Kim Workman joins Emile Donovan.

European correspondent Christian Smith

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A round up of the European news making the headlines.

Century-old voices reveal evolution of New Zealand accent

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Postdoctoral fellow Dr Brooke Ross from the University of Auckland joins Emile Donovan.

Day one of Australia's social media ban for under-16s

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Leo Puglisi is chief anchor and managing director at 6 News Australia and he joins Emile Donovan for his thoughts.

Shower Thoughts: How did the 111 emergency number come about?

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

MOTAT Telecoms Volunteer Brian Potter joins Emile Donovan to talk about the history of emergency phone services in New Zealand.

The internal journey of the injested Fabergé egg

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Cameron Schauer is a gastroenterologist, interventional endoscopist and a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland and he joins Emil...

What is a culture war? Nights expert Dr Julia de Bres explains

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our resident science expert, Dr Julia de Bres, sociolinguist and senior lecturer at Massey University has been giving this some thought and joins us. ...

The Richardson v Willis fiscal boxing match

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Deputy political editor at The Post Henry Cooke joins Emile Donovan to discuss the challenge. 

The clouded legacy of Dr Truby King

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emeritus Professor of History Barbara Brookes, who wrote King's entry for the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography joins Emile Donovan.

BBC World News with Rob Hugh Jones

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rob Hugh Jones from the BBC World Service joins Nights to take a look at some of the events making international headlines.

Sports with Jamie Wall

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

RNZ sports journalist Jamie Wall talks with Emile Donovan about the biggest stories in the sporting world.

Small Histories of New Zealand with Emma Kay 

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Emma has been combing the archives of the personal advertisements also known as the classifieds of papers past. 

One year since fall of Syrian leader as humanitarian crisis remains

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Founder & Executive Director of ReliefAid, Mike Seawright joins Emile Donovan.to discuss on-going crisis.

Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan to review new fantasy rom-com Eternity, Winner of this week's New York Film Critics Circle award ...

The Weekend: Wellington Bike Rave

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wellington's Light the Lanes Bike Rave is being organised by Darcy Snell, who joins Emile Donovan to preview the excitement.

Walking 144 kilometres in impeccable vintage

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Russell artist Jacqui Madelin is walking 12 kilometres for 12 days to fundraise for Project Island Song, but she's doing so in style. She joins Emile ...

Words of greeting and words of the year

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Linguist Rory O’Sullivan joins the show to give us his take on email etiquette and various dictionaries' words of the year for 2025.

Laser Kiwi: From flag design to icon

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While her design never came close to becoming the official flag, Lucy Gray has certainly left a lasting impact. She chats with Emile about the legacy ...

The dos & don'ts of Secret Santa

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For all the answers, Chief MyHR Evangelist Sylvie Thrush Marsh joins Emile Donovan.

IKEA opens its modular doors to Auckland

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The prime minister was there, a giant Swedish meatball mascot was there, and so was Nights' traffic correspondent Hayden Donnell.

What we borrowed from the library in 2025

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emile Donovan speaks to Auckland Libraries Manager of Public Engagement Krissy Taylor.

Science with Ezzy Pearson

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight she's talking about Mayan cosmology, tiny T-Rex and gravitational waves.

New Zealand's obsession with property might finally be coming to an end

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Duncan Greive asks whether our collective fear of sharemarkets is finally recovering from the eighties.

Shower Thoughts: Why does frozen ice cream get harder?

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

To help answer this we're joined again by friend of the show, Professor Richard Easther, from the University of Auckland.

The man who came close to designing New Zealand's official flag

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ten years ago, New Zealand started the process of picking - and ultimately not picking - a new flag. Designer Kyle Lockwood was at the centre of it al...

'Wicked' problems need a new approach

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former chief science advisor and now Director of the Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures, Sir Peter Gluckman, says we can't begin to solve New Zealand...

Sheila Fitzpatrick: The death and lasting legacy of Stalin

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In her latest book, Sheila Fitzpatrick, one of the world's leading scholars on the history of the Soviet Union, examines both the immediate aftermath ...

BBC World Service Lookahead with Rob Hugh-Jones

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight, he’ll discuss the deadly flooding in Asia, the latest negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, and the upcoming draw for next year’...

Sports with Jamie Wall

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

RNZ sports journalist Jamie Wall talks with Emile Donovan about the biggest stories in the sporting world. Tonight, sports gambling.

History with Emma Kay

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight she's talking about how the newspapers reported the 1893 election, the first time women voted in Aotearoa.

Chef Al Brown on surviving the restaurant 'silly season'

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Al Brown is an restaurateur and businessman, the owner of Auckland stand-outs Depot Oyster Bar and Federal Delicatessen. He joins Emile Donovan to sh...

Out Lately with Finn Johansson

28 Nov 2025

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

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan for some weekend reviews and recommendations,

Whamageddon is almost upon us

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We look at the background and rules of this viral Christmas game.

This Weekend: HIIT for Hope

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight we're heading to Rolleston near Christchurch for  HIIT for Hope.

Celebrating fifty years of Wellington's Circa Theatre

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gavin Rutherford has performed in over fifty Circa shows as an actor, director, and Circa council member and joins Emile Donovan.

The best fictional bands in film history

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Ryan is the Course Director, MA in Songwriting, University of Limerick joins Emile Donovan.

The Reread with Hera Lindsay Bird

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight Hera Lindsay Bird joins us for the Reread.

Which is the coolest Super Rugby Pacific jersey?

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 RNZ sports journalist Jamie Wall joins Emile Donovan for his thoughts. 

Historian Dr Rowan Light on significance of Erebus national memorial

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It has been announced that a national memorial to the disaster will finally be built, following the decision to locate it in Christchurch.

On Law, violence and revolution', new book examines what happens after war

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Marika Sosnowski joins Emile Donovan to discuss her new book, 'Fifty-eight Facets'.

UK correspondent Christian Smith

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Christian Smith joins Emile Donovan to discuss news making headlines in the UK.

The history of the iconic chocolate fish 

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Senior writer at The Spinoff, Alex Casey has been taking a deep dive into the history of the chocolate fish and why they are our preferred reward for ...

Should tenants be able to ask for a rent decrease in the current rental climate?

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sarina Gibbon is the founder of Tenancy Advisory, and she joins Emile Donovan.

What can we learn from Australia's cigarette black market to avoid the same fate?

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

International consultant Rohan Pike is a former Australian Federal Police officer and Customs and Border Force expert. He joins Emile Donovan.

Shower Thoughts: Why do cats meow?

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Molly Kelsey is The Cat Counsellor and she joins Emile Donovan to explain 

The life and times of the small town of Herbertville 

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How a conversation on RNZ about the town has been immortalised in the book Route 52.

Are solo drinkers a problem for bars?

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Manchester bar owner has caused a furore over his policy to ban solo drinkers to his bar after 9pm.

Regional councillor, former Mayor on local government shake-up

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jono Naylor has been around all sides of the issue and joins Emile Donovan.

Meet the country's youngest ever NZ Funeral Association president 

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bradley Shaw has just been made President of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand

World news with the BBC 

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We cross to Pete Ross at the BBC World Service to take a look at some of the events making international headlines.

Small Histories with Emma Kay

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight she's talking about Madame Zenobia an Auckland fortune teller who found herself in trouble with the law.

Sports with Jamie Wall 

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We look at the big stories in the world of sport.

Why a libertarian wants more done to collect unpaid taxes 

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Damien Grant is an Auckland business owner says the current system for collecting tax arrears is broken.

Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan to review a raft of theatre on screen works: the recording of hit stage production Hamilton (2020...

The Quiz Appendix: Swimming pools and Patti Smith

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nights producer Bonnie Harrison joins Emile Donovan to review the week in quiztastic glory.

"Overlooked" cricket stalwart recognised by New Zealand Cricket

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the New Zealand Cricket Board met and elected three new life members, one of whom was the Naenae Express himself, Ewen Chatfield. He joins ...

Is New Zealand in danger of population stagnation?

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

To help make sense of it all Emile Donovan speaks to distinguished professor emeritus and research director at Massey University, Paul Spoonley.

Philosophy Now: Does right and wrong exist?

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Weijers, a senior lecturer in philosophy at the University of Waikato, joins Emile Donovan to discuss.

Government eyes up privatising Lotto

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Newsroom.co.nz National Affairs editor Sam Sachdeva has been reporting on the potential sale and speaks to Emile Donovan.

Stefan Fatsis: Why dictionaries are thrilling

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stefan Fatsis is a journalist, scrabble player and author of Unabridged: The Thrill of (and Threat To) the Modern Dictionary. He talks to Emile abou...

Science with Ezzy Pearson

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our regular science correspondent Ezzy Pearson talks life on Mars, how rubbish could domesticate raccoons and using gene therapy to combat cholester...

When I met Metallica

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As American metal heavyweights Metallica rock out Eden Park tonight, Kiwi fan Ben Sheeran shares his story of meeting the band backstage in the 90s. ...

Sex ed consultation walking out the door

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Rachael Dixon, senior lecturer in health sciences at the University of Canterbury and a health education expert, joins Emile Donovan to discuss.

Live Music: Sionna

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Live from our Christchurch studios, Irish-born folk duo Lorcan Bolster and Helen Fahy chat to Emile Donovan and play a few tunes for us.

Shower Thoughts: How do you value a property?

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time now for another one of those seemingly random thoughts that strike amidst the steam and soap suds of the shower: what determines a house valuatio...

AI covers see writers ruled out of New Zealand's top book awards

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our national book awards committee has rejected books with AI covers. It's nothing to do with the writing - just AI for the covers.

Is your Uber about to get more expensive?

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Uber contracts 11,000 drivers in New Zealand - it is our biggest ride-sharing app and yesterday, a long-running court case involving Uber came to a ...

Cutting through 'spin': David Cohen on his unauthorised biography of Jacinda Ardern

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In his new book, writer and journalist David Cohen wants to offer a different perspective on Jacinda Ardern's leadership than the documentary Prime Mi...

BBC World Service Lookahead with Rob Hugh-Jones

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our correspondent tonight is Rob Hugh-Jones, who is talking about the debate in Germany over its military buildup, the former prime minister of Bangla...

Sports with Jamie Wall

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

RNZ sports journalist and Nights' sporting guru Jamie Wall joins Emile to talk about all the action from a big weekend of sport, including where to no...

Small Histories with Emma Kay

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight she's talking about the origins of the New Zealand accent.

With a new leader and party rebrand, Opportunity aims for parliament in 2025

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Despite giving off radio silence since its defeat in 2023, The Opportunities Party has been consistently polling around 2 percent. Qiulae Wong wants ...

Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan to review Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (in cinemas), East of Wall (paid streaming) and Bla...

This Weekend: Wairarapa Walking Festival

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Wairarapa Walking Festival is already underway, running through to Sunday 23 November. The festival takes in the region's varied urban and rura...

This Weekend: Arty Little Flickers

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wikipedia describes Subbuteo as a "tabletop football game in which players simulate association football by flicking miniature players with their fing...

Lit mag pulled from Whitcoulls shelves

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Founder and editor-in-chief of Folly, Emily Makere Broadmore, joins Emile Donovan.

Thinking deeply about deepfakes

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Deepfake technology seems to be flooding online spaces and as AI-generated gets more sophisticated, the challenges will grow. Dr Yuki Watanabe from th...

How kids' TV consumption has changed in 10 years

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Senior writer and head of audience at The Spinoff Anna Rawhiti-Connell joins Emile to talk about NZ On Air’s latest research on children’s media...

Myth Takes: The Roman soldier

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Classics educator and enthusiast Ben Jackson talks to Emile Donovan what it took to run the Roman army.