Nights for Tuesday 27 May 2025

8:15 Pacific Waves

A daily current affairs programme that delves deeper into the major stories of the week, through a Pacific lens, and shines a light on issues affecting Pacific people wherever they are in the world. Hosted by Susana Suisuiki.

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8:30 The psychology behind the people standing up when the plane lands

It's possible all of human kind can be divided into one of two groups: those who remain seated, and those who immediately stand up in the aisle of the plane, despite not being able to deplane for some time.

The nation of Turkey is over it: they have announced they will be fining people who stand in the aisle before those ahead of them have disembarked - even if the seat belt sign is off!

Clinical psychologist Dougal Southerland sits down to talk to Emile to explain why people do this.

8:45 The Reading: School Story

Bullying, ever-changing course prescriptions and  power-plays in the hierarchy join the list of other problems faced by the staff at a girls college in our next story.

Denise O'Connell reads part two of 'School Story' by Barbara Anderson.

9:07 Nights Quiz

Do you know your stuff? Come on the air and be grilled by Emile Donovan as he dons his quizmaster hat.

If you get an answer right, you move on to the next question. If you get it wrong, your time in the chair is up, and the next caller will be put through. The person with the most correct answers at the end of the run goes in the draw for a weekly prize.

9:25 UK correspondent Christian Smith 

Journalist Christian Smith joins Emile Donovan for news from the UK, including a visit to Canada for King Charles, and some thrilling cheese-rolling races in Gloucester.

9:35 Shower Thoughts: How is money laundered? 

To explain what money laundering is, how it's done and how it's detected, Wellington lawyer Marty Robinson of Robinson Legal joins Emile Donovan.

10:17 Does the South Island deserve dedicated representation in Parliament?

Dunedin academic Dr Duncan Connors is proposing a special parliamentary committee be established for the entire South Island, to redress the feeling that the South misses out when it comes to funding and consideration at the national government level.

The South Island has a population of over 1.3 million, compared to the North Island's 4 million. MP for Rangitata James Meager was appointed the first-ever Minister for the South Island this year.

Duncan Connors joins Emile Donovan to make the pitch.

10:30 The welcoming world of Dungeons and Dragons 

For most of its history, the tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons was played by a small but dedicated group of fans, often tucked away in living rooms or basements, rolling 20-sided die late into the night.

But the game has seen a huge surge in popularity. Players are drawn to the game's creativity and the chance to spend time with friends in a fantasy world of their making. Plus, with free media like podcasts and YouTube series booming, D&D content is taking off around the world.

Ella Hope-Higginson is one of those people who has discovered a love for D&D.

She's part of a new D&D podcast called The Fury of the Small which is launching this Friday on The Spinoff. 

10:45 Australia set to ban the sale of machetes, will it work? 

The state of Victoria in Australia has announced a ban on the sale of machetes following a public brawl l in a Northland mall.

Australia has a strong reputation for stomping out violent weapons, with its world-leading gun laws brought in following the 1996 Port Arthur Massacre.

Australian violence expert and Principal Research Fellow at Griffith University in Queensland Dr Samara McPhedran joins Emile Donovan to examine whether banning a weapon works, or whether violent crime will always find a way.

11:07 Worlds of Music

On Worlds of Music Trevor Reekie hosts a weekly music programme celebrating an eclectic mix of trans global music, fusion and folk roots.