Afternoons for Friday 22 August 2025

1:15 What will Fonterra's sale mean for New Zealanders? 

Fonterra has agreed to sell its consumer businesses to French multinational dairy company Lactalis - the world's largest dairy outfit. The proposed $3.8 billion sale still requires approval from Fonterra shareholders and if it goes ahead, would include Mainland, Anchor, Kapiti ice cream and milk powder brand Anlene. Forsyth Barr Senior Analyst Matt Montgomerie discusses with Emile Donovan. 

1:20 Afternoons' Poetry Day Competition

It's National Poetry Day - a nationwide eruption of words, voices, and creativity.

Regular listeners of Afternoons will know that for us it means its Afternoons' Poetry Day Competition.

Here's how it works, poet and author Tracey Slaughter is here to share the six words for you to use to create a poem.

You have until 2pm to send it to us at afternoons@rnz.co.nz or 2101 on the text machine, then after three Tracey will be back with the winner of the competition.

1:25 What next for Ponsonby's Dorothy Butler Bookstore?

New Zealand's Dorothy Butler was an internationally recognised advocate for children's literacy and ran her first bookshop from her home while she and her husband went on to raise eight children.

A recipient of the Margaret Mahy Award, Dorothy died at the age of 90 in 2015 but her legacy continues with The Dorothy Butler Children's Bookshop, situated for the last 40 years on Jervois Road in Auckland's Ponsonby.

A familiar fixture for many parents, children and schools, it has weathered the challenge of digital reading on screens, determined that as many children as possible should have the pleasure of opening a book and being drawn into its pages.

Change is afoot however - at a time when bookshops - and retail in general - have been doing it tough, the current owners have decided to pass Dorothy's mantel on. 

The shop is up for sale. Helen Wadsworth is one of the co-owners and she joins Emile. 

Go here if you are keen to know more

1:35 Armageddon Expo fans rejoice; this year's line-up is out and is awesome!

It's the 30th anniversary of the convention which celebrates all things pop culture. 

In a time where events and festival like these are less and less financially viable, how is it that Armageddon has kept the wheels turning for three decades? 

Is the world of comics, TV, anime, and gaming far less niche than we think? 

The founder of Armageddon Expo Bill Geradts is with Emile.

1:45 Freaky Friday: Ghostly story from Russell

Time for Freaky Friday, our weekly showcase of your spooky stories, baffling mysteries, and eerie co-incidences.

If you have a Freaky Friday story to hare - 2101 on the text or afternoons@rnz.co.nz via email, please remember to include your number.

Today we're joined by Leigh.

2:10 Film Review: How does Naked GUN 2025 stack up?

Kate Rodger chats to Emile about Naked Gun and Workmates.

2:20 NZ Live: Geneva AM is in the studio!

It's NZ Live time, your weekly showcase of Aotearoa's finest musicians.

and today I'm joined by Waiheke based award winning producer and vocalist Geneva Alexander-Marsters also known as Geneva AM

Her debut album Pikipiki was released last Friday.

3:08 Food: Cooking for one with Connie Clarkson

Connie Clarkson is the manager of Auckland Council's The Kitchen Project and earlier this year was named as one of Aotearoa's Top 50 Women in Food and Drink.
Connie pointed out to us that the world caters for couples: twin share tour packages, supermarkets bundle product, loaves of bread .. things that often seem to cut singles out. 
But single households are on the increase, and reportedly single portion "ready to eat" meals are one of the highest growth items on the shelf.

So Connie is here today to show that a whole chicken is not just for couples or families, she's got four great recipes to share with chicken .. this afternoon we'll look at two of them .. saving two for next time she's here. 

Recipes are here and here

3:16 Poetry Day Competition Winners!

It's National Poetry Day which means it is Afternoons' Poetry Day Competition ... earlier in the show we gave you six words and asked you to send us your poem,

Poet and author Tracey Slaughter has been reading and assessing the entries .. and is back with me to annnounce the winners .. 

Oh and as well as getting your work read out on radio, winners will get the 2025 Poetry Aotearoa Yearbook 'Breath" as well as an Afternoons tote bag.

3:25 How long is too long to leave your pet at home alone?

Most pet owners will tell you that in an ideal world you'd spend all day with your four-legged friend, but in reality, life and work can often get in the way. 
Well, Australia is looking to do something about that with potential new laws that could see dog owners having to spend at least three hours with their pets every day - regardless of any other commitments. 
That got us thinking about the best environment for your pet .. dogs, cats, chickens and hamsters. 

Megan Alderson from Auckland's The Strand Veterinarian is here to share her views 

3:35 Critter of the Week: The Jaw Moth is in the spotlight

Critter of the Week is our chance to put the spotlight on some of our endangered creatures. This week we're turning our attention to jaw moths, they're considered to be the most primitive living moths, dating back to a time when flowers weren't around. 

That's not only what makes them special - they have magnificent hair, as the photo shows!

Forest and Bird Chief Executive NicToki chats to Emile. 

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel.