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Feature: Is it time to seriously consider nuclear energy?

9 Mar 2026

Nuclear energy is having a moment. There are influencers on social media and platforms like YouTube explaining why they think nuclear energy is better than burning fossil fuels. Nuclear-free New Zealand, meet nuclear influencer Kyle Hill. He's a science educator with nearly three million subscribers on YouTube. His… Audio

Monday 9 March 2026

 

1:10 Iran Conflict: Reaction to the new leader from an Iranian NZer

May 31, 2019 file photo shows, Son of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, attends a demonstration to mark Jerusalem day in Tehran. (Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto) (Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl / NurPhoto via AFP)

Photo: MORTEZA NIKOUBAZL / NURPHOTO VIA AFP

Iran's Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new Supreme leader. He replaces his father who was killed by American and Israeli airstrikes 9 days ago. 

Last Monday we spoke to Iranian New Zealand Barrister Samira Taghavi after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a move she hoped could start to bring about regime change in Iran. 

She joins us again to share her thoughts on the new leader, what could happen next, and why we should care. 
 

1:20 The Kiwi fashion brand turning clothes into a soil enhancer

Photo:

Wellington fashion brand 'Kowtow' says it has achieved a world first, turning their garments, once they reach the end of their life, into organic biochar 

This ancient process locks in the carbon contained within the garment, enriching the soil instead of releasing emissions

To talk us through the process Jesse is joined by Kowtow Founder Gosia Piatek.
 

1:30 The therapy that has the potential to transform cancer treatment

Malaghan Institute clinical director Dr Robert Weinkove supervised the research. He says most men will develop prostate cancer if they live long enough.

Dr Robert Weinkove Photo: Malaghan Institute

Medical researchers say New Zealanders are missing out on a transformative cancer treatment that's been proven to make a difference.

It's called CAR T-cell therapy. 

As it stands, Kiwis have to travel thousands of kilometres overseas to receive this treament, which in and of itself is complex and costly. 

The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research is spearheading an awareness campaign about CAR T-cell therapy this month, and clinical director Professor Robert Weinkove joins me now to discuss it.

1:45 Here Now: Kadambari Raghukumar talks to Iranians living in NZ

Podcast title 'Here Now' in front of a colourful background with overlaid shapes. A map of New Zealand is also overlaid over the coloured shapes. RNZ logo is in the top left corner.

Photo: Jayne Joyce

A week into the conflict in Iran, more than 1300 Iranian civilians have been killed, according to numbers from the UN. Here in NZ, many Iranians are feeling despair over the worsening situation. Kadambari Raghukumar shares some of their stories on the Here Now podcast. 

2:10 OZ Update: Will Australia get involved in Iran conflict?

A plume of smoke rises after a strike on the Iranian capital Tehran, on March 3, 2026. Iran stepped up its attacks on economic targets and US missions across the Middle East on Tuesday as the US president warned it was "too late" for the Islamic republic to seek talks to escape the war.  The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, with the killing of Iran's supreme leader and the Islamic republic retaliated with barrages of missiles at Gulf states and Israel. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

A plume of smoke rises after a strike on the Iranian capital Tehran. Photo: AFP / Atta Kenare

We find out what's hitting the headlines in Australia with our man on the ground there, Brad Foster.

This week we're discussing: The Federal Government considering a request for military assistance from the Gulf States that have been attacked.

Concerns for the safety of the Iranian women's soccer team that has been playing in the Women's Asia Cup and are due to return home. 

And in brief: the F1, flooding in the NT, and a wrap of weekend footy. There is something for everyone!

2:20 Jesse Goes Clubbing: Pre Vintage Car Clubs

A collage made of bubbles with images and patterns inside them.

Photo: Unsplash

Every Monday Jesse hits the clubs. If you've got a club we need to know about, be that a Jigsaw puzzle club, pug club, or stamp society get in touch.

Jesse@rnz.co.nz on the email or text 2101.

Today Mike Wilson joins us from the Pre-Vintage Car Club. 

2:30 Expert Feature: Everything you wanted to know about cosmetic surgery

Dr Zac Moaveni

Photo: Jason Saunders

It’s time for our expert feature, and today we’re taking a closer look at cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic procedures are growing in popularity here in NZ, lower costs, easier access, the influence of social media, and less stigma around having work done are all factors contributing to the rise.

Dr Zachary Moaveni joins me for the next 30 minutes, he’s an expert in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, specialising in facial procedures

Dr Moaveni runs a private practice in Remuera and is also a consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Middlemore and Starship Hospitals

So please get your questions in for Doctor Moaveni, text us on 2101 or email jesse@rnz.co.nz

3:10 TV Critic: Why Riot Women has got reviewers raving!

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TV Producer and Afternoons TV Critic Philippa Rennie joins Jesse to review the following:

Riot Women (TVNZ+)

Being Gordon Ramsay (Netflix)

3:30 Feature: Is it time to seriously consider nuclear energy?

Kyle Hill

Photo: Kyle Hill

Nuclear energy is having a moment. There are influencers on social media and platforms like YouTube explaining why they think nuclear energy is better than burning fossil fuels. Nuclear-free New Zealand, meet nuclear influencer Kyle Hill. He’s a science educator with nearly three million subscribers on YouTube. His videos don’t just explain nuclear energy, which he calls spicy rocks making steam. But his most popular content centers on his trips to nuclear power plants, as well as disaster sites like Fukushima and Chernobyl. He was also a social media ambassador for the Dogs of Chernobyl that live in the radioactive zone. He says his goal is to get people to look at the science of nuclear power and nuclear waste before deciding whether it’s good or bad.   

3:50 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's edition of The Panel. 

wallace chapman

Photo: wallace chapman