Afternoons for Wednesday 22 December 2021

 

1:20 How to check water quality at summer swimming spots 

Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) is urging people to check the water quality before they swim at rivers, lakes, and beaches this summer.

On the LAWA website you can check the quality of more than 750 swimming spots across the country to see if whether they are suitable for swimming, should be avoided, or should be approached with caution.

Karyn speaks to scientist Anna Madarasz-Smith about how water quality is monitored, and what to look out for.

1:30 ACC talks common Christmas injuries

If you're in full swing Christmas preparation mode - stop and listen up!

ACC had released the most common festive related injuries it deals with each year and where people should be taking extra care.

To take us through the dangers lurking during the festive season, James Whitaker ACC's injury prevention leader talks to Karyn.

1:40 Whangārei toy company an international success

A Whangārei toy-making company has become an international success, with its 3D carboard puzzles that are sold all over the world.

Dodoland was started by Hoon Kim, who moved to Whangārei from Korea in 1996, and started selling his toys at the local market.

The toys are made from cardboard, and they are intended to minimise the environmental harm caused by plastic.

Dodoland marketing lead Kevin Topham speaks to Karyn Hay about the company's story.

1:55 Afternoons Quiz Robert Kelly

RNZ producer and onetime bookseller Robert Kelly presents his weekly quiz.

2.12 Podcast Critic: Alix Higby

RNZ producer, Alix Higby, is in to talk about Fallen Angel, a podcast about the rise and fall of  Vicotria's Secret and Power: Hugh Hefner. Both podcasts are about industries fuelled by young women but ruled by middle aged wealthy men. She has some interesting insights from listening to them.

2:25 Bookmarks with Margaret Wilson

Margaret Wilson is a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, an Emeritus Professor at the University of Waikato, and Deputy Commissioner of the Waikato District Health Board. 

She's also a former MP and minister for the Labour Party, and a former Attorney General and Speaker of the House. 

Margaret tells Karyn about her varied career and also shares some of her favourite books, songs, and movies!

3:10 Clint and Ron Howard reflect on life growing up in Hollywood

Actor Clint Howard has worked alongside Henry Fonda in The Red Pony, William Shatner on Star Trek, but he says his most important role is younger brother to actor/director Ron Howard.  The two boys grew up in Hollywood, and on TV.  They say they survived being child stars thanks to their father who insisted on keeping the family unit tight, and the boys feet firmly on the ground.  We'll talk to Clint Howard about the book  the two brothers have written called "The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family."

3:35 Stories from Our Changing World

Coming up on Our Changing World: a new tool in the battle against wilding pines.

Katy Gosset finds out about a native fungus that could help slow the spread of these invasive weeds.

3:45 The Panel with Mihingarangi Forbes and Ben Thomas