1:15 Rabbit Watch set up for a nationwide eradication of rabbits!

A new initiative is underway to rid the country of its rabbit problem once and for all, which is estimated to cost the country 75 million dollars in lost production every year.

Rabbit Watch has been set up by one of NZ's leading pest control companies, who is remaining anonymous to keep discussions unbiased.

They're looking for farmers and lifestyle block owners and farmers to sign up to create a nation-wide network of rabbit eradication.

Natalie Jarman from agri-strategic marketing company, Whatever Marketing, has been tasked with bringing the project to life. She speaks to Jesse.

Rabbit sitting up Photo:

1:25 Cupboards bare at the Downtown Community Ministry

As the busy holiday period draws near for foodbanks and others supporting struggling families, the cupboards are completely bare Wellington's Downtown Community Ministry.

They're launching their official appeal tomorrow, but are concerned their stocks are already lower than they normally are before heading into the Christmas period.

DCM's Stephen Turnock talks to Jesse.

Volunteers with donation box with foodstuffs on grey background - food bank, foodbank

Photo: 123rf

1:35 White Ribbon Day in a week

White Ribbon day is next Friday, it's a global movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls.

There are a number of events being held in the lead up to the day, including a motorcycle ride here in Aotearoa.

David White has worked with White Ribbon since the murder of his daughter Helen Meads at the hands of her husband in 2009.

David speaks to Jesse about the work he does in prisons to try and get the message through to men who have been violent to women.

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Photo: RNZ Pacific Sara Vui-Talitu

1:45 Antimicrobial Awareness Week starts today

Today marks the start of  World Antimicrobial Awareness Week and while it's not the most catchy name, it's a topic hugely important for the health of humanity.

The World Health Organisation has named anti-microbial resistance, or AMR, one of the top 10 global health threats facing the world.

The Ministry for Primary Industries has put out information to pet and farm animal owners what they can do to help.

Deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle talks to Jesse.

antibiotics

Photo: Public Domain

She Said Poster

She Said Poster Photo: Universal Pictures

2:10 Film Review with Dom Corry

Today Dom talks to Jesse about She Said, which details the New York Times investigation into Harvey Weinstein. He's also seen The Menu, a black comedy about haute cuisine.

2:20 NZ Live: Soaked Oats

Today Soaked Oats are in to perform for NZ Live. Today is also the day they release their latest album Working Title.

The band formed in Dunedin in 2017 and have since then played in the U.S, Australia and big festivals at home such as The Great Escape, Laneway, Rhythm & Vines and WOMAD.

They join Jesse in the Auckland studio, fresh back from playing in Australia.

Soaked Oats

Photo: Mark Barber

3:08 Asparagus recipes with Kelly Gibney

It's asparagus season and Kelly Gibney has two tasty recipes to share to make the most of the abundance of the vegetable right now.

She talks to Jesse about making a salad that to serve as a main, it's asparagus, zucchini ribbon, halloumi and quinoa salad. You can find how to make this at home here.

And she's got a fuller dish to make as well, it's a recipe which could be either a main or a side, it's asparagus, avocado & paprika rye croutons with tahini & yoghurt dressing. You can find the details of that recipe here.

Asparagus avocado salad (L) and asparagus halloumi salad (R)

Asparagus avocado salad (L) and asparagus halloumi salad (R) Photo: Kelly Gibney

3:16 Music 101: Charlotte Ryan

Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm 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 Gardening with Tony Murrell

Today landscape designer Tony Murrell is back in the studio to answer any gardening questions you might have. He's also going to, ahead of a heavy rain forecast this weekend, talk about what to do with your newly planted gardens when there are deluges of water on their way.

Text questions to 2101 or email jesse@rnz.co.nz.

20 May 2019, Hessen, Frankfurt/Main: A garden snail crawls over a leaf covered with raindrops. In the coming days, May should continue to show its cool and rainy side.

Photo: BORIS ROESSLER / DPA / dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP

3:35 Critter of the Week the water boatman

If you've ever looked at a pond and seen little bugs swimming across the surface, chances are you've seen this week's critter - the water boatman, Sigara arguta.

Water boatmen are little boat-shaped bugs that paddle about on the water's surface using their legs like oars. They scoop up pond scum for dinner and drink it through their straw-like mouthparts.

Water boatman

Water boatman Photo: supplied

3:45 The Panel with Ella Henry and Phil Taylor