Afternoons with Jesse Mulligan

1:17 Dunedin researcher wants Cook Islanders to dance for health

A PHD student at the University of Otago has developed an exercise programme that includes traditional Cook Island dance, to help people improve their health. 

Early results from observational studies of the programme have been promising. 

Jesse speaks to Troy Tararo-Ruhe who's in his final year of PHD study at the University of Otago School of Physical Education, Sports, and Exercise Sciences.

1:23 Viv's Kitchen sells 200,000th cream horn

Viv's Kitchen in the Manawatū sold its 200,000th cream horn this morning. 

The cafe is well known for the cone-shaped pastries and in recent years its popularity has skyrocketed. 

Jesse speaks to Viv Withers who co-owns the kitchen with her husband Kevan.

1:30 Political update - An escape, a leak, and a resignation

A 50-year-old man has been arrested after he cut through fence ties in a 1.8 metre fence to break out of a managed isolation facility in Hamilton

National MP Jian Yiang has announced his retirement from politics and National MP Michael Woodhouse has revealed he also received emails containing Covid-19 patient details.

Jesse speaks to political reporter Jo Moir.

1:35 First New Zealander to become a Chartered Master Mariner

Captain John Mansell was awarded Chartered Master Mariner status at a ceremony in Wellington on Wednesday. 

He is the first New Zealander to receive a prestigious maritime award from the Nautical Institute of London.

Jesse speaks to Captain John Mansell about his career.

1:50 Calls for NZ wool to be used in Govt buildings and homes

A Southland farmer is calling for New Zealand wool to be used in all publicly funded buildings and KiwiBuild homes, for carpeting and insulation. 

A petition has been started and signed by more than 7,000 people. 

Jesse speaks to South Otago sheep and beef farmer Amy Blaikie who started the petition.

2:10 Ali Ventura's film picks

Ali reviews Endings, Beginnings, out now at the movies and The Vigil which is out in cinemas on July 16th.

2:20 NZ Live The Beths

What a treat for our return to fresh music on NZ Live post lockdown. Today we're showcasing The Beths on the day they release their second album Jump Rope Gazers.

3:08 Bring Back the Corned Beef.

Jess Daniell from Jess’ Underground Kitchen says corned beef has fallen off the chef's radar in favour of trendy new dishes. She's created her own special recipe called Bring back the corned beef and has included it in her new cookbook - My Underground Everyday. She's about to open a new store in Devonport and has launched a new range of supermarket meals 

3:16 Music 101: Charlotte Ryan

Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from midday 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.

3:25 Ask the builder

Builder Stan Scott joins us today to answer some of your DIY questions - he won't get through them all as the list is growing - but he will have a good crack!

3:35 Critter of the Week Tiger beetle

Sticking with invertebrates that have charismatic megafauna in their names, this week is the common tiger beetle. This fly-sized ground beetle is known as the fastest running beetle, reaching speeds of up to 8km per hour says Doc's Nicola Toki. Their larvae, also called ‘butcher boy’ (haha) live in 15cm holes in the ground for more than one year. Both adults and larvae are aggressive hunters of other invertebrates.

3:45 The Panel with Alexia Russell and Mike Rehu