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Friday 17 October 2025

1:15 The Genetically Modified Organisms bill hits a roadblock

The long proposed Gene Technology bill has hit another roadblock on its way to become law.

New Zealand First is concerned that there aren't enough protections for human health and the environment, the same view as Labour and the Greens.

So what exactly would the gene tech bill allow in its current form... and are the concerns valid?

Composite of dairy cow, grass and DNA double helix.

Photo: Unsplash / RNZ composite

1:25 The race to zero emissions concrete

Every year we use somewhere in the ballpark of 10 million tonnes of the stuff here in Aoteraoa New Zealand. Globally it's in the tens of billions... Each of those tonnes is estimated to produce about 180 kilogrammes of CO2e.

SmartCrete CRC are one of the organisations working on solutions. CEO Clare Tubolets speaks to Jesse.

This is a head and shoulders photo of Clare. She is stood on the street, but the background is very soft focus.

Photo: Supplied

1:35 Tom Cawood: from playing rugby for Scotland to curing Rock Snot

Afternoons listener Tom Cawood shares a story that takes him from playing rugby for Scotland, to becoming an expert in nail care and attempting to cure the South Island's Didymo rock snot issues.

This is a photo of two black and white newspaper cuttings featuring a teenage Tom Cawood.

Photo: Tom Cawood

1:45 Freaky Friday: Mychelle

Listener Mychelle shares her Freaky Friday story.

If you have a freaky tale to tell please get in touch on 2010 or Afternoons@rnz.co.nz

Pahīatua Camp as used for displaced refugees, 1949-1952.

Pahīatua Camp as used for displaced refugees, 1949-1952. Photo:

2:10 Film Review: 'Black Phone 2', 'Tron: Ares', 'The Woman in Cabin 10'

If you're looking for something to watch at the movies this weekend, you've come to the right place. 

Film critic Dominic Corry is here with his best picks which are full of thrills, spills and screams, oh and Ethan Hawke.

 Black Phone 2 (Theatres)
Tron: Ares (Theaters) 
The Woman in Cabin 10 (Netflix)

2:20 NZ Live: The Bats

We welcome a stalwart of Aotearoa's indie scene, The Bats. 
Formed in 1982, The Bats have been rocking for over 40 years. Their 11th album 'Corner Coming Up' is out today.

The Bats are performing in the RNZ Christchurch studio. This image is taken through the control room glass over the shoulder of the viola player.

Photo: Alex Harmer

3:08 Food: Pesto two ways

Julie Biuso from Shared Kitchen joins us to talk all things pesto. Plus she delivers two delicious recipes.  A rocket pesto and an almond and basil.

This is an image of a small bowl of bright green rocket pesto next to some toasted bagel halves.

Photo: Julia Biuso

3:16 Music 101: 

Kara Rickard host of Music 101 talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.

Kara Rickard at the Civic

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

3:25 Weekend Stuff: Lynda Hallinan's gardening tips

It's time to talk about the stuff you get up to in your weekends now and today we've got Lynda Hallinan here to chat all things gardening.

Lynda Hallinan

Lynda Hallinan Photo: Lynda Hallinan

3:35 Critter of the Week: Kauri Greenhood Orchid

Photo of Kauri Greenhood Orchid

Photo: Indy Marshall CC-BY-NC

Every Friday Jesse chats to Forest and Bird Chief Executive Nicola Toki about an endangered critter. 

Today the focus is on the kauri greenhood orchid. Like many flowers in New Zealand, pterostylis agathicola might seem unassuming, but this cryptic little wonder is part of a complex ecosystem of flora and fauna. 

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel.

wallace chapman

Photo: wallace chapman