Afternoons

1:10 The world is changing, why isn't New Zealand?

An opinion piece in the NZ Herald caught our eye this morning, in it Former Minister for Social Development Steve Maharey writes that the world is rupturing and New Zealand isn't responding fast enough, or in in the right ways.

He joins Jesse to discuss. 

1:20 Why NZer Dame Margaret Brimble is being honoured

Auckland Professor Dame Margaret Brimble has more accolades than many of us have had hot dinners, that's an exaggeration of course but goodness me the list is long. 

She's been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society London, awarded the Royal Society London Davy Medal, and had awards from the American Chemical Society and other highly esteemed places. 

Now Dame Margaret has been named an Honorary Fellow by the Royal Society of Chemistry - that's the organisation's highest accolade. 

To put that in perspective, of the seven people named Honorary Fellows, three were Nobel Prize winners. Dame Margaret chats to Jesse. 

1:30 Stories from Waitangi Day - past and present. 

 Ralph Johnston from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds joins Jesse to reflect on some of the most memorable, historical moments of Waitangi Day commemorations. 

1:45 Wellington's new fusion energy facility: What is it and how will it work?

It'll get 35 million dollars from the Government's Regional Infrastructure Fund to build the bespoke facility, and its purpose will be to house what the company refers to as their "next generation device", Tahi. 

To explain what all of that means and how it could impact how we generate and consume energy, OpenStar CEO and founder Ratu Mataira chats to Jesse.

2:10 Relationships: How can you heal a family feud?

Here to help navigate the issues is Professor Kirsty Ross from Massey University's School of Psychology. This week she's looking at family feuds, outspoken friends and thin-skinned colleagues. 

2:20 Great Album - Theia 'Girl in a Savage World'

Each Thursday we try to showcase an album that the lucky link three winner will receive.  

We are thrilled that we have a copy of celebrated singer songwriter Theia's album 'Girl in a Savage World' to give away.

We were fortunate enough to have Theia as our first NZ Live for 2026 on Friday. Look out for some great videos of her performance on Instagram and Facebook.

2:30 A-Z of Aotearoa: O is for the big O.E!

We're making our way through the alphabet diving deep into all things Kiwiana - looking at the people, places and moments that make up New Zealand.

We're up to the letter 'O' so today we'll be discussing the "big O.E" the overseas experience that’s long been a rite of passage for young New Zealanders.

Over the next half hour, we'll hear from someone who went to London and never came back, a teenage traveller who did things a little differently and what an OE looks like in 2026. 
 

3:10 Your Money with Mary Holm: Should you buy gold?

Personal finance whizz Mary Holm is back for 2026 and today she's talking about investing in gold, silver and bitcoin. 

3:20 Survival Guide to Laneway Festival 

Laneway Festival is on at Auckland's Western Springs Park today with some big stars like Chappelle Roan headlining along with lots of local acts.

Gates opened at 1230 and the event ends at 10pm, so it's a big ole day for festival goers. Fortunately, comedian Chris Parker has made a guide of sorts to surviving the gig, especially if you are over 30.

3:35 Classical Cupid: Your chance to fall in love with some classical music! 

This is our chance to celebrate classical music, and your chance to be matched with music that suits your profile. 

Earlier in the week we asked for you to send us a dating profile of yourself and a description of the music you like, our friends at RNZ Concert then select the tunes they think will fit the bill and help sparks fly. 
Do text 2101 or email us afternoons@rnz.co.nz if you want to be paired up.

3:45 The pre-Panel 

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's edition of The Panel.