Afternoons for Wednesday 12 November 2025

 

1:10 Explainer: The ins and outs of the McSkimming case

If you've heard any news at all today, you'll be aware the Independent Police Conduct Authority has released a report into the Police's handling of complaints about former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming

McSkimming hit the news earlier this year when he resigned from his post. At the time Police Minister Mark Mitchell said the allegations against him were "of a very serious nature".

McSkimming was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to possessing objectionable material on his work laptop.

But it turns out there was much more to this story, and the investigation into McSkimming, than that. 

Here to explain all the ins and outs of this case is RNZ political reporter Giles Dexter. 

1:15 Congestion Charging: What does it mean for you?

Aucklanders, this is news you need to know, congestion charging is coming.

A Government bill to bring it in passed its third reading in parliament, and that means it will pass into law. 

Congestion charging is already seen in cities like London, Singapore and New York City, and usually involves charging motorists to enter the central city at peak times. 

Auckland will be the first city of the ranks - then it could be rolled out in other cities. 

To tell us what it might look like here, Matt Lowrie from transport think tank 'Greater Auckland' joins Jesse.

1:25 Trippin out on Push Push: The 90s band is back!

In some exciting news for their fans,  or anyone who wants to relive the 90s, Push Push is reuniting to celebrate 35 years of that hit single.

I'm joined by the band's frontman, the one and only Mikey Havoc. 

1:35 Universality of song: Why does music cross borders and boundaries?

Dr Patrick Savage is a musicologist at the University of Auckland who studies how music has evolved across time, languages and cultures. 

He won an early career research excellence award for His latest project in which he led a team of 74 psychologists, computer scientists, musicians and culture bearers from around the world, looking at the universality of music.

What they discovered has generated interest from around the world including the NY Times.

1:45 Heading Off: When a short escape becomes a long adventure

Time for our weekly travel segment Heading Off.

Many of you will have been on holiday and been desperate to stay longer than planned - usually logistics and life get in the way.

But that wasn't the case for our next guest, Alex Bell has just returned home after 18 months of travelling, originally he planned to be gone for only three. 

2.12 Music Critic: Troy Kingi's latest song

Music critic Sarah Thomson shares new music:

Troy Kingi & MĀ - Afters

Amamelia - Summerlong

2:20 Easy Eats: Savoury French toast with Kelly Gibney

Eggs are an easy dinner option midweek. Here they create a savoury spin on French toast, This is a flavour-packed version where eggs are whisked together with parsley, ham, cheese and a little mustard. Thick slices of bread are then soaked briefly before being pan-fried. 
A very simple little tomato salad makes for a lovely topping.

Recipe is here

2:30 Bookmarks with Richard Chen See
It's time for Bookmarks where we invite an interesting person on the show to share their favourite cultural picks with us.

Today master New York dance teacher Richard Chen See joins Jesse.

Richard has had a distinguished thirty-year career as a dancer including fifteen years as a principal performer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company

Richard is in the country to hold rehearsals for 'Esplanade' with New Zealand's most famous contemporary dance companies Black Grace 

The Black Grace dancers are staging a short tour to celebrate their 30th anniversary - playing shows in Auckland and Christchurch later this month.

3:10 Feature: Why common knowledge is key to a functioning society

Here’s a simple idea that explains a lot about how the world works: “I know that you know that I know.” It might sound complicated, but it’s the reason we stop at red lights or believe money has value says Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker. But when people start to have their own truths, when facts are not shared, we can get in to trouble. Dr Pinker unravels this idea that makes in the world go round in his new book, When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life.  

Dr. Pinker is coming to New Zealand in February for an evening of smart, stimulating conversation. Tickets are available here

3:35 Stories from Our Changing World

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel.