Nights

Flexing it: The Push-Up Challenge

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Starting today, thousands of Kiwis are gearing up to get moving for mental health with the nationwide launch of The Push-Up Challenge. 

Calling all curlers in the north!

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland is about to get its own slice of curling history - a dedicated rink is opening in the city this year. 

Nights at the Museum: The Disgusting Food Museum

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Based in the Swedish city of Malmo, the Disgusting Food Museum features more than 80 foods from dozens of countries, including fermented shark, baby m...

What words would you find in a New Zealand-specific dictionary?

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nights' resident sociolinguist Julia de Bres spent her summer break, as all linguists do, reading a dictionary: The Book of New Zealand Words (2013...

The psychology of queuing

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chief Social Scientist at the Curiosity Company Carl Davidson explains why human beings love forming single-file queues.

Becoming Australia

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Lawyer and political commentator Liam Hehir joins Nights to give the counter-argument for New Zealand becoming the seventh state of Australia.

Exploring the mysteries of the wild pigeon

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nottingham University's Will Smith has been studying them in Scotland's Outer Hebrides since 2019 and joins Emile to share his research.

Shower Thoughts: What do 'best boys' do?

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight, we demystify the title of best boy, as well as many other obscure film jobs, with none other than talented New Zealand filmmaker Rob Sarkie...

Kiwis find bad language on air increasingly offensive

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Broadcasting Standards Authority chief executive Stacey Wood breaks down the findings with Emile.

Te Papa's unseen national art collection

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Listener's Paul Little has spoken to critics, artists and gallerists who argue that a significant part of our visual story remains unseen and unt...

How embracing the hard tasks can actually be good for you

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Heard of 'friction-maxxing'? Director of the New Zealand Institute Wellness and Resilience Dr Denise Quinlan joins Emile Donovan to discuss whether ...

European correspondent Christian Smith

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christian Smith joins Emile to discuss the latest news from Europe including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor facing more scrutiny over the release of the l...

Sport with Jamie Wall

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nights sports ace Jamie Wall joins Emile in our Auckland studio to talk about Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the men’s T20 World Cup and New Zeala...

Epstein files expose power and influence

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Field, who is Associate Professor and Head of the School of Humanities at Canterbury University, joins Emile to discuss.

Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nights' resident screen critic, Dan Slevin, is back for the first edition of Short-Cuts for 2026! Tonight he's taking a look at It Was Just an Acciden...

The Weekend: Latin Festival

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Time to highlight a weekend event - and we're heading to Christchurch! Tomorrow you can feel the beat of salsa and cumbia, and smell fresh empanadas a...

Are trading card thefts being taken seriously enough?

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Trading cards might sound like child games - but some are worth more than a house. One Pokémon card sold for nearly nine million dollars. And where t...

A new public work for Wellington

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

City Gallery Wellington is on the hunt for a crowning glory to sit atop its reclaimed site in Ngakau Square, inviting pitches from local artists for a...

Ockham New Zealand Book Awards longlist revealed

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The 2026 longlist for The Ockham New Zealand Book Award was announced today, with familiar names like Dominic Hoey, Duncan Sarkies and Catherine Chidg...

Wētā FX put their mark on Stranger Things

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the midst of receiving Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for their work on Avatar: Fire and Ash, Wellington's own Wētā FX have been celebrating...

AI building tools come with risks

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's never been easier to design your dream home using AI-generated tools. But a leading construction expert warns that New Zealand homeowners coul...

What is hyrox and why is everyone talking about it?

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gary Moodie, owner of Flex Fitness gyms in Kaiapoi and Rangiora is about to compete in his very first Hyrox race.

Nights Science with Ezzy Pearson

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nights science correspondent Ezzy Pearson joins Susana Lei'ataua to talk clever cows and moon landings.

Young New Zealanders say the system is broken and they feel powerless to fix it

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Susana Lei'ataua talks to Outward Bound CEO Malindi MacLean.

Humanity’s oldest known cave art

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau led the team that discovered handprints more than 67,000 years old in Indonesia.

Shower Thought: Why are agapanthus everywhere?

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

To help us unpack Nights speaks to Murray Dawson - a botanist at Manaaki Whenua  Landcare Research who has spent years breeding low‑fertility a...

Legs out, rain or shine: Just the Kiwi way?

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealanders are famous for many things, but apparently nothing makes us stand our more than wearing shorts in the freezing rain or snow while out i...

Two thirds of New Zealanders have seen extreme content online

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The internet has long been seen as a wild west and a new report shows it might be even worse than previously thought.

Our enduring fascination with Stonehenge

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Stonehenge expert Julian Richards will be at the Whanganui Regional Museum this Thursday to give a public talk about one of the world's enduring my...

BBC World Service Lookahead with Rob Hugh-Jones

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Sport with Jamie Wall

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a whirlwind few weeks in New Zealand rugby with the shock sacking of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson after a couple of years that were mayb...

Small Histories with Emma Kay

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight she's talking about our somewhat complex web of provincial anniversary days.

In a changing world, how does New Zealand find its way?

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Leishman speaks to Nicholas Ross Smith, a senior research fellow at Canterbury University's National Centre for Research on Europe.

Out Lately with Finn Johansson

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

He's back for the last time in 2025, and no doubt ready to inform, educate and entertain us with an array of eclectic music.

Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan to review the year in movies. 

When things go wrong for Santa

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

RNZ Producer Angie Skerrett has been looking at times when things haven't quite gone according to plan.

Why does time seem to go so fast? 

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hinze Hogendoorn is a Professor in Visual Time Perception at the Queensland University of Technology and he joins Emile Donovan..

How do I stop spiders living in my wing mirrors?

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pest control expert Heiko Kaise joins Emile Donovan to answer this question.

Science with Ezzy Pearson

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight, some Xmas themed science research, including the science of cooking the perfect turkey.

Christopher Tubbs on DJing, the vibe, the music and why dancing is for everyone

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The DJ, producer, and 'godfather of Kiwi club culture' joins RNZ Nights.

Philosophy Now with Dan Weijers

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight's question: Is advertising actually a good idea?

End of year reflections with RNZ Nights' Tim Miller

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our executive producer pops along with some sage reflections on the nature of sport and success in this his final show of the year

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.