Afternoons for Thursday 18 December 2025

1:10 Celebrating 75 years of Christchurch International Airport

Today marks an important anniversary in New Zealand's aviation history. 

75 years ago today, the ribbon was cut on Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand's first international airport. 

President of the Aviation Historical Society of New Zealand Reverand Dr Richard Waugh joins Jesse for a bit of a history lesson. 

1:15 How underwater turbines could help power New Zealand

A huge study has been underway to find prime locations for underwater turbines, which are powered by the tides - something known as Tidal Stream Energy. 

As it turns out, the Cook Strait might be the perfect place, and researchers estimate that Aotearoa could produce up to 93 percent of the electricity it currently using methods like underwater turbines. 

To give us his reaction, Craig Stevens, Professor of Physics at the University of Auckland chats to Jesse.

1:25 Find out how to create a neurodivergent friendly house

As diagnoses of autism and ADHD rise, more people are thinking about how their homes can better support neurodivergent needs

The aim of neurodivergent-friendly design is to help reduce stress and improve mood and focus. 

Eddie Page is an Australian architect and co-founder of firm Maxwell & Page. He speaks to Jesse.

1:35 The ins and outs of a 3D printed house - yes, you read that correctly. 

The country's first on-site 3D-printed home has been built in South Auckland's Waiuku 

While a small number of 3D-printed concrete houses have already been built in New Zealand, this is the first one to be constructed entirely on-site.

The four-bedroom house was built layer by layer using a computer-controlled concrete pour.

The result is being billed as an energy-efficient, durable home constructed in a fraction of the time and with minimal waste.

Amcrete director and experienced Master Builder Kirill Ilin talks to Jesse.

1:45 Great album: To Pimp a Butterfly

Every Thursday we give away a great album to our lucky link three winner and thanks to Real Groovy record store, this week we've got Kendrick Lamar's album To Pimp A Butterfly for one of you. 

Now Kendrick Lamar might not be standard Afternoons fodder but he is an absolute superstar, widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, he was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, becoming the first musician outside of the classical and jazz genres to receive the award.

2:10 Group Chat with Perlina Lau and Kate Rodger

It's time to talk about the topics clogging up your group chats, the conversations offering respite from Christmas chaos.

It's our last chat of 2025 so we've got the whole gang together, Culture 101's Perlina Lau, film critic Kate Rodger and Afternoons Senior Producer Olivia Wilson. Today they talk about: the BBC versus President Donald Trump, voice messages and highlights of 2025.

2:30 A-Z of Aotearoa: N for Northland

It's time for A-Z of Aotearoa, where we take you through a subject that plays a huge role in New Zealand life.

We're working our way down the Alphabet from A for Aviation to Z.

This week we officially cross the halfway point with the 14th letter of the alphabet - N

We considered Nuclear Free, The Nikau Pine, and the NZX, but we landed on N for Northland or Te Reo Māori Te Tai Tokerau.

Home to just over 200,000 of us, or 16 people per square kilometer, as well as places like Ninety Mile Beach, Kai Iwi Lakes, Bay of Islands, and our tallest tree Tāne Mahuta.

Sometimes referred to as the Birthplace of the nation, its history stretches all the way back to the 13th century.

 Ralph Johnson and Peter De Graaf chat to Jesse.

3:15 Your Money with Mary Holm 

Time to talk money matters now, personal financial whizz Mary Holm is with Jesse and today she's looking at mortgages and whether it is better to pay them down or invest. 

3:35 Critter of the week fund recipients!

Thanks to those of you who purchased critter of the week merchandise, it's meant we raised more than four thousand dollars to give away to conservation charities. 

Many of you got in touch with your projects and why you need some money, there are so many people doing amazing things in the conservation space, so we're thrilled to be able to give you a boost.

Jesse got the lovely job of surprising some of the lucky recipients.

3:45 The pre-Panel 

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel.