Afternoons for Tuesday 10 March 2026

 

1:10 What have we learnt from the Covid-19 Inquiry?

To find out what is says, and what we can learn from NZ's response, Professor Marc Wilson from Victoria University's school of Psychology chats to Jesse.

1:20 It seems like Covid-19 is back - so what can you do to protect yourself?

Wastewater analysis from PHF Science shows the number of cases are currently at the highest rate for more than six months and figures from Health NZ show there have been 50 hospitalisations and 19 deaths with the virus in the past week. 

It's been six years since New Zealand saw the rise of Covid-19, but experts suggest the country's collective immunity is waning. Wastewater analysis from PHF Science shows that the number of cases currently at its highest rate for more than six months and the latest Health New Zealand figures show there have been 50 hospitalisations and 19 deaths with the virus in the past week.

So, why are cases increasing and what can be done to reduce the risk?

To answer these and other questions Jesse is joined by University of Auckland Associate Professor and Vaccinologist Helen Petousis-Harris

1:30 Puppet master: how do you make a fake shark realistic?

Across the March and April school holidays, a theatre production called 'Swimming with Sharks' will be running at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. 

The show is a collaboration with renowned puppet theatre company 'Erth', artistic director and shark puppet master Scott Wright is with Jesse.

1:30 How do you know where your money is actually going when you give to charity?

A new report analysing more than 6,000 charitable grants in Canterbury has found a significant gap between what funders say they prioritise and where their money actually goes. The research by Fundsorter shows some causes receive only a fraction of the funding promised.

To explain further Co-founder and Chief Executive of Fundsorter lani evans joins Jesse.

1:45 Get ready to dance: Boney M's Maizie Williams is here!

The heyday of disco will make its long-awaited return to New Zealand when 'Boney M Featuring Maizie Williams' arrives next month. 

Maizie was an original member of Boney M, a band that helped define the disco-era and sold over 150 million records in the process. 

She chats to Jesse. 

2:10 Mayoral Minutes: Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley

It's time for Mayoral minutes, our new segment where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they’re facing, how they’re working to solve them and what makes their community special.

Today we're heading to the Central Otago District where Mayor Tamah Alley joins Jesse.

2:20 Book Critic: Books for teens and tweens

Catherine Ross is the Director of Library at Auckland Grammar School and she always has great picks to share for younger readers. Here is her list today:

For Ages 10+

Dr Zeus By James Patterson (co-authored by middle grade author Chris Tebbetts) Published in January 2026

For Ages 11/12+

The Experiment By Rebecca Stead Published in September 2025

For Ages 13+

No Escape By M.A. Bennett Published in September 2025

For Ages 14+

Gone for Good Sarah Crossan (verse novel) Published in February 2026

2:30 Music feature: Lou'ana on ABBA!

If any pop group in history had the knack for making a hit, it was ABBA. In less than 10 years, they had 25 top 40 hits in the UK, and 9 number-ones. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of their album 'Arrival', their highest regarded album. To take us through it all is the one and only Lou'ana.

3:10 Podcast Critic: Sick to Death and The Birth Keepers

Afternoons Podcast Critic Jemima Huston joins Jesse to share what she's been listening to.

Sick to Death by The Australian

The Birth Keepers by The Guardian

 

3:25 You're the Judge: Friendship Fallout

Every Tuesday we present an issue and get your thoughts on how to resolve it. 

This week we're looking at friends and what lengths people should take to keep a friendship alive. 

Let us know your thoughts on 2101. 

3:30 Feature: Move over nuclear families - supernuclear is even better!

3:50 The pre-Panel

Emile Donovan, in for Wallace Chapman, previews tonight's edition of The Panel.