Nights for Friday 12 September 2025

8:10 Initiative to clean up New Zealand's tramping huts and tracks

Tramping huts and tracks, operated by the Department of Conservation, are much-loved, but sometimes a bit humble.

Now everyone from families to experienced trampers are being encouraged to pick up a broom for some spring cleaning.

It's being organised by the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand.

Mick Abbott is the vice president, and he's been coordinating the Love our Huts campaign.

8:20 This Weekend: The Wellington Brick Show & The Hobby Horse 

It's Friday night - so we take a look at what New Zealanders have planned for the weekend.

In Lower Hutt, the region's largest LEGO exhibition is returning! And it's going to be their biggest in over ten years.

The Wellington Brick Show will feature over one hundred and fifty LEGO creations, from castles to pinball machines to aquariums, made by enthusiasts in the community.

The event is organised by the Wellington Lego User Group, or WELL-LUG, and it's open for the public to enjoy.

Pete Robson is part of the organising committee, and he joins Mark Leishman.

Meanwhile in Marlborough this Sunday, the local Riding for the Disabled is putting on a fundraiser, with a twist.

It's a Hobby Horse tournament - wooden sticks with a horse head.

Teams will make their own hobby horses and then compete in dressage, show jumping and an obstacle course... for glory, but also to raise some money for charity.

The Marlborough Riding for the Disabled Manager Joanne Ross joins us to explain.

8:40 Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

It's time for our weekly catchup with Nights' resident screen critic Dan Slevin.

Tonight, Dan reviews Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale ((in cinemas)) Highest 2 Lowest (Apple TV+) and NCIS: Sydney (TVNZ+)

 

9:05 Nights Quiz

Do you know your stuff? Come on the air and be grilled by Mark Leishman 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 Out Lately with Finn Johansson

He's back, and no doubt ready to inform, educate and entertain us with an array of eclectic music.

Featuring:

• Charlie Vettuno: Iconic Pt. 2 (Featuring Elijah Blake) 
• Hemlocke Springs: The Beginning Of The End
• Faetooth: October

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

This evening on The Detail - The whole world is trying to chase down the likes of Google, Microsoft and Meta for more income tax, and New Zealand is no exception

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10:45 Focus on Politics

In Focus on Politics, political reporter Russell Palmer examines the relationships between the coalition partners and how they might change closer to the election. 

11:07 RNZ Music: The Phoenix Foundation

In November 2023 The Phoenix Foundation celebrated the 20th Anniversary of their debut album Horsepower.

The band embarked on a series of concerts across the motu performing the album in its entirety along with crowd favourites from their back catalogue.

RNZ was at The Hollywood in Auckland to capture this unique performance.