Nights for Tuesday 2 September 2025

8:10 What's behind grade inflation at our universities?

Amazing Grades: Grade Inflation at New Zealand Universities, is the first analysis of grading patterns across all eight New Zealand universities.

The study by Dr James Kierstead with Dr Michael Johnston found the proportion of A grades has increased from 22% to 35% since 2006.

Dr James Kierstead joins Emile Donovan to discuss the report. 

8:20 The case to keep outdoor education as core school subject

There's growing concern over a government proposal to make outdoor education a vocational-only school subject.

The idea is part of the planned replacement for NCEA and would see outdoor education included on the list of subjects that could be dropped from the Education Ministry's general subject list.

My next guest believes the move would be a huge loss, not just for students, but for our workforce and society.

Celia Hogan is founder and lead educator of Little Kiwis Nature Play and has worked with thousands of children, young people, teachers, and parents through outdoor education and play over three decades.

8:35 European correspondent Christian Smith

Christian Smith joins Emile Donovan to discuss news making headlines in Europe.

Tonight, it's back to school, back to work and back to parliament this week in Britain, is the UK rolling from one political crisis to another? Russia targets EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen's plane with GPS jammer and the Venice film festival is in full swing.

8:40 Shower Thoughts: Can I make myself less attractive to mosquitoes?

We find an expert to answer our curious questions about the world and how it works. 

Tonight, on Shower Thoughts, it is officially September, the start of spring, where the days get longer and it's finally tolerable to be outside in the evening, going to the beach, having a barbecue.

But what can we do to avoid the dreaded mosquitoes?

Julia Kasper is the Lead Curator of Invertebrates at Te Papa, she is an insect expert, and she joins Emile Donovan to explain.

9:05 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 Is the Family Court system getting the balance right?

Every year, tens of thousands of families engage with New Zealand's family court. It's the site of tears, conflict, allegations and accusations. How does the law work for these families -- and is it a system that's getting the balance right?

Vivienne Crawshaw is a KC and a leading family law specialist in New Zealand with more than thirty years' experience.

She joins Emile Donovan.

9:45 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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10:17 The Detail

Tonight on The Detail - New Zealand risks missing out on the "land grab" for e-waste and is paying the price as it sends phones, laptops and batteries offshore.

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10:45 The Reading

Tonight, Rachel Foreman reads 'Pickle and Jam', a short story by Adrienne M. Frater.

11:07 Worlds of Music

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