Afternoons for Monday 24 November 2025

 

1:15 What proposed changes to the Building Act could mean to you

Building and Construction minister Chris Penk has announced some proposed changes to the Building Act which will shake up who is liable for defective building work. 

For years, all parties involved in a build have been jointly liable for problems - but now the Government wants to see only those responsible pay out.

And that's not all it is keen to introduce mandatory building warranties for new homes or major renovations plus the maximum penalties builders face are going up.

To help us understand the proposal Jesse is joined by Master Builder Chief Exec Ankit Sharma.
 

1.25 How to make a blockbuster movie in ten days for ten grand

That's what a couple of Kiwi filmmakers have done with "Notes from a Fish" which hits cinemas next month.

Co-directors Tom Levesque and Romy Hooper are with Jesse.

1.35 What is forensic toxicology?

Five hundred toxicologists from around the world have converged on Auckland for their annual meeting.

They're sharing their world-leading work in what is an ever-evolving toxicology environment.

To talk more about this and the fascinating world of forensic toxicology - Matthew Hosking from PHF Science is the meeting chair and Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann who is the Head of the Drug Intelligence Unit at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Monash University's Department of Forensic Medicine.

They join Jesse. 

1:45 One long song:  "All My Friends" by LCD Soundsystem

Time now for one long song - our chance to play a song as it's meant to be - in its entirety - our only rule is it needs to be over seven minutes.

We'd love to hear from you if you have a suggestion, get in touch afternoons@rnz.co.nz

Today's long song is All My Friends by LCD Soundsystem.

2:10 Television Critic: Happiness and the Celebrity Traitors effect

Our critic Linda Burgess joins me now with her recommendations:

Happiness - TV3. 
The Celebrity Traitors - ThreeNow

2:20 Jesse Goes Clubbing

Monday is club day here at Afternoons because our team is determined that Jesse hits the clubs. 

So if you have a club you'd like Jesse to join for the day please get in touch - we'd love to hear from you at  afternoons@rnz.co.nz

Today, Jesse is talking to Peter from The Wairarapa Railway Modellers Club.

2.30 Expert Feature: Everything you need to know about wedding planning

Wedding season is well underway and while weddings can be one of the happiest days of a couples' life ... it can also be one of the most stressful.

How do you avoid blowing your budget? How do you manage your in-laws expectations? And how much should you spend on the gift?

Whether you're newly engaged, about to tie the knot, or you're attending a wedding as a guest in the coming months, fire through your questions.

Lisa Langsford is a celebrant and wedding planner at 'With love weddings' and joins Jesse. 

3:10 Feature: Could encouraging boys to read help lift their mental health?

Real men read books. For Dr. Shilo Brooks books, not barbells at the gym or bros on social media, shaped the kind of man he wanted to be. After a rough childhood, his second stepfather showed him that great literature can build strength, depth, and character. Now a former Princeton professor and the President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, he argues that the drop in boys’ mental health mirrors the drop in boys reading. His new podcast, Old School, invites well-known men to share the books that shaped them, and encourages everyone to read.

Link to his podcast is here

3:35 Here Now: The Afghanistan Aotearoa Marathon

A marathon in its second year brings Kiwis and Afghans together - former refugees, community members, and allies—who are crossing the finish line not just for themselves, but to keep a vital movement alive, celebrating Afghan culture one stride at a time.

Here Now's Kadambari Raghukumar went to meet some of the people taking part. 

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel.