Afternoons for Monday 2 February 2026

 

1:10 Explainer: What are NZ's critical minerals?

In January 2025, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment published the Crown's mineral strategy with a goal of doubling our mineral exports to three billion dollars by 2035. 

On Friday, we learnt that to achieve that goal MBIE is looking to develop a "non-binding critical minerals framework" and has been having discussions with the US on the supply of critical minerals. 

To explain what this all means, Jesse talks to Sefton Darby, is a former National Minerals manager at MBIE, and now consults on geo-politics and political risk. 

1.20 Which bug is the mightiest of the year? Bug of the Year is on!

You've probably all heard of Bird of the Year, but Bug of the Year might be new to you. 

Much like the name suggests, it is a competition pitting critters against each other. (Yes, we know the word "bug" only covers one type of insect but the competition organisers think Bug of the Year is way catchier than Invertebrate of the Year.)

Joining Jesse to fight for their bug - University of Auckland Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles and Jonathon Ridden from Canterbury Museum.

Click here if you want to vote. Voting closes on February 16th, results will be released on March 20th. 

1.30 Stan Walker shares his latest single 'One Life'

Fresh off a busy summer of shows and festival appearances, Stan Walker is back with a new single. 

It's called 'One Life', and Stan worked with a pretty legendary hip-hop figure to bring it to life. 

It also features a special appearance from New Zealand rapper Nauti. 

 Stan Walker and Nauti chat to Jesse. 

1:45 Here Now: Back to Basics with Ch!nonso

In the new series of the podcast for 2026, Kadambari Raghukumar kicks off with Back to Basics - and in this episode she's chatting with singer Ch!nonso  (CHIH- NONSO) on the sounds of his childhood in Nigeria.  

2:10 OZ Update: What's happening in Australia?

We get the latest on news from Australia with our man on the ground Brad Foster. 

2:20 Jesse Goes Clubbing!

This week Jesse hits the Machine Knitters Club - and chats to club delegate Jeena Monk. 

If you've got a club you'd like Jesse to join for the day, message us on 2101 or email us, afternoons@rnz.co.nz

2.30 Expert Feature: Everything you need to know about Wills

It feels like every year we have conversations about the importance of having a will, and yet the number of people without one remains stubbornly high.

While it can be tempting to put it off, dying without a will can create far more problems than you might expect.

To guide us through the process we’re joined by Gary Fitzpatrick. 

Gary is the co-founder of Comac Trustees and has over 30 years’ experience in the trustee industry.

3:10 TV Critic: The latest spin off from the Game of Thrones

TV Critic Finn Hogan joins Jesse to chat all things television. He's reviewing:

Game of Thrones: Knight of the Seven Kingdoms - Neon
Ponies - TVNZ + 

3.25 Songs for a Roadie

Is there anything better than a roadie? that feeling of getting out of town, hitting the road and turning the stereo up loud?

Send us the songs you love to play on a road trip and why. Text 2101 or afternoons@rnz.co.nz

3:30 Feature Interview: Mean Mums at the School Gates

For lots of students all over New Zealand, going back to school today is about settling into a new classroom and reconnecting with mates. For many Mums, going back to school includes figuring out the parent politics and mum groups that form every year. This summer, former High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale shared her experience with adult bullying in an Essay for New York Magazine called Breaking up with my toxic mum group. She describes getting iced out of a Mum’s group she joined when her daughter was a baby. Clinical psychologist Dr. Christie Ferrari hears versions of this story all the time and offers advice on how to handle mean-mum dynamics.

3:50 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's edition of The Panel.