Afternoons for Wednesday 18 February 2026

1:10 What can we do to stop dog attacks?

We're going to start today's show discussing New Zealand's dog problem and what can be done about it. 
The death of a Northland women after a fatal dog attack is the latest in a long list of dog-related incidents around the country
Just this week a Wellington plastic surgeon reported patching up dog attack victims on a weekly basis.
In Auckland, the council’s 2024-25 animal management report found that dogs had attacked 228 children under 15, alongside nearly 17,000 roaming dog complaints.
So how did we get here and what needs to change so these attacks don't become more commonplace?

Auckland Council’s Head of Animal Management, Elly Waitoa chats to Jesse.

1:15 Would you leave your shopping to AI?

How we shop could be about to change dramatically, thanks to an AI innovation.

Agentic AI can give recommendations and complete commercial transactions on your behalf - without you ever having to visit a business website directly. 

Here to explain how it could work is Stuff Money Editor, Damien Venuto 

1:20 Where have all the Monarch Butterflies gone?

Globally, Monarch butterfly numbers are in sharp decline with populations in the United States dropping by as much as 96 percent.  

The outlook isn’t good for Monarchs in New Zealand either. fortunately there are New Zealanders keen to change that. 

Franklin Farm in Auckland’s Waimauku has been growing celery for nearly 120 years. 

When the team began noticing fewer butterflies in their fields they decided to transform part of the farm into a dedicated butterfly breeding programme

Jasmine Franklin helps run Franklin Farm, she chats to Jese.

1:30 A new way to combat climate change anxiety

Flooding, landslides, wild winds, these extreme weather events can leave many of you feeling overwhelmed about the state of our climate and what we could be facing in the future.

But help could be at hand. 

The Climatics is a new people-powered climate fund that says it'll offer a practical way to take action by pooling money from everyday Kiwis and directing those funds to the climate groups doing systems-change work in Aotearoa.

The Climatics co-founders Pip Wheaton and MJ Bethell chat to Jesse.

1:45 Stories from Our Changing World

Our Changing World’s Claire Concannon chats to Jesse with the latest on the Kākāpo Files plus she explains what e-textiles and sensing materials are and how they could change the fashion industry. 

2.10 Heading Off on a Cruise with Amanda Gillies!

It's time for Heading Off, our weekly travel segment where we jet around the world gathering tips and tricks for your future holidays. 

Do let us know if you've been on an interesting journey recently, we'd love to hear from you, 2101. 

Today we're keeping it in the family with host of RNZ's award-winning podcast The Detail, Amanda Gillies. 

Amanda has been on a cruise. 14 family members, all ages, one ship - what could possibly go wrong?

2:20 Easy Eats: Mexican Black Bean and Corn Salad with Coriander Dressing

It's Wednesday which means two things - you've made it to the middle of the week - and it's Easy Eats' day. 

Kelly Gibney joins me to share a yummy recipe that's full of flavour and quick to prepare. 

This week it is Mexican black bean and corn salad with coriander dressing. Click here for the recipe. 

2:30 Bookmarks with New Zealand Opera's Brad Cohen

Today Jesse is joined by NZ Opera General Director Brad Cohen. 

Brad was appointed to that position in 2023 after establishing himself as an internationally renowned musician and conductor. 

Next up Brad will conduct the Auckland Philharmonia in 'Bluebeard’s Castle', playing at the Auckland Town Hall on 13th and 14th March as part of the 2026 Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival. 

You'll find tickets at nzopera.com. 

3:10 Music Critic: Bic Runga is back, so has she still got it?

Time for a chat with one of our great Afternoons music critics. 

It's a big one today - Bic Runga's first album of original material in 15 years. 

It's called 'Red Sunset', and Dianne Swann tells us how it stacks up.

3:30 Feature Interview: What is your time personality? Find out!

Everyone knows someone who always manages to show up late for everything. Some people live by the clock, believing that on time is late.  Some people live in the moment and refuse to be bound by a clock. We each have our own time personalities says Professor Dawna Ballard. She studies the many ways we experience and value time. She says we are living in a time when so many of us feel the need for speed. When the ‘never late’ and the ‘always late’ people collide, it’s a source of friction and frustration.  Professor Ballard explains what time personalities are, how to deal with someone who is always late, and how going slow can help you go faster.

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's edition of The Panel.