Good news! There's a limited number of critter t-shirts available for last minute Christmas shopping. These will be dispatched as soon as the order goes through, and is generally still overnight delivery around NZ.

Click here to order now - first in first dispatched!

Critter of the Week t-shirts

Critter of the Week t-shirts Photo: RNZ/Liminal

 

1.12 First Song

1:17 Jupiter and Saturn align in the skies for Christmas

Jupiter and Saturn are going to appear closer than they ever have in a rare astronomical event for the next few days.

Although the reality is that they will be more than 730 million kilometres apart, to the naked eye it will be different. Gisborne astronomer John Drummond explains the rare event to Jesse.

Jupiter and Saturn

Jupiter and Saturn Photo: NASA

1:27 Elderly not drinking enough fluids

A pilot study by Massey University health researchers found that up to 40 percent of elderly hospital patients are dehydrated or near dehydration.

Professor Carol Wham lead the research and she explains to Jesse why older patients are struggling to keep up their fluid intakes and what needs to change.

File photo.

Photo: 123rf

1:35 Scam alert for Māori and Pasifika families over the festive season

Māori and Pasifika families are being warned to look out for pyramid schemes that are largely targeted at them this Christmas.

Ngā Tāngata Microfinance says the main scam to watch out for is 'Gifting/Koha Circles', many of which use cryptocurrency, and are illegal.

Natalie Vincent is the General Manager of Ngā Tāngata Microfinance explains what's going on to Jesse.

No caption

Photo: AFP

1:50 Coromandel locals take scallop decline crisis into their own hands

A rapid decline in the scallop populations on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula has seen locals place a rāhui on taking scallops this summer.

Ngāti Hei kaumatua Joe Davis explains to Jesse why a lack of official action to address the situation has led to the locals stepping in.

2:10 Film Review with Ali Ventura

Today Ali Ventura tells us what she makes of two new films out, The Dry and Wonderwoman: 1984.

Eric Bana in The Dry

Eric Bana in The Dry Photo: Supplied/AEM

2:20 NZ Live Miles Calder 

Miles Calder and a five piece band are in the studio for the NZ Live session today. 

He's got a new album in the making and a new sound to share. 

Miles Calder

Miles Calder Photo: supplied

3:08 Food with Kelly Gibney 

It's the festive season so Kelly's sharing not one, but TWO recipes to help you with some great dishes for friends and family. 

You can find her herb crusted salmon recipe here and then for a desert treat, here's her amazing GF Panforte recipe. 

Gf Chocolate Panforte

Gf Chocolate Panforte Photo: supplied

GF Chocolate Panforte

GF Chocolate Panforte Photo: supplied

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.

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Photo: RNZ / Claire-Eastham Farrelly

 

3:25 Weekend Stuff: DIY with Stan Scott

Builder Stan Scott's back to help out with any DIY jobs you might be planning over the Christmas break. 

If you've got a question about something you're planning on tackling at your place, send it to afternoons@rnz.co.nz

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Photo: Paul le Comte - five15design

3:35 Critter of the Week Chatham Island Christmas Tree

Brachyglottis-huntii in full bloom

Brachyglottis-huntii in full bloom Photo: © Colin Miskelly

In our last Critter of the Week for 2020, what better than to feature the Rautini (Brachyglottis huntii) - known as the Chatham Island Christmas Tree

The Rautini is densely clad in downy hairs, giving the plant a silvery hue.  There are no Pohutukawa on the Chatham Islands, so they don’t get a red “Christmas Tree” -  instead at this time the Brachyglottis huntii is flowering, so they have a yellow christmas tree

Rautini flowers

Rautini flowers Photo: John Ragla, CC BY-SA 4.0.

 

3:45 The Panel with Jennie Moreton and Steve McCabe