Nights for Friday 19 September 2025

8:10 How your dirty license plate could help climate science

What if the insects that end up splattered on your car could actually help scientists study climate change?

That's the idea behind new research from University of Auckland scientists Dr Richard O'Rorke and Dr Aimee van der Reis.

They're leading a team of researchers and collaborators around the country, asking thousands of people to clean insect material off their license plates - all in the name of science.

So what can these unfortunate insects tell us about the health of our ecosystems?

The researchers speak to Emile Donovan.

8:20 This Weekend: Black Ferns watch party in Auckland

If you haven't already, make sure you set your alarm for 6am tomorrow as the mighty Black Ferns take on Canada in the Women's Rugby World Cup semifinal.

One person who'll definitely be up early cheering them on is Sarah Dewsbury, who's organising a watch party at Blues HQ here in Auckland.

Sarah speaks with Emile Donovan about the atmosphere she expects tomorrow morning.

8:30 Quiz Appendix 

Producer Bonnie Harrison joins Emile in the studio to review the week of quizzes, with the Quiz Appendix.

8:40 Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan to review the American fantasy comedy horror film Sketch, the Spanish psychological science fiction thriller Abre los ojos (Open Your Eyes), which was remade as Vanilla Sky in 2001. 

Dan will also be taking a look back at the life and work of Hollywood legend Robert Redford.

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 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:

• Brandon De La Cruz with How Many Names For Yellow
• Stella Donnelly with Feel It Change 
• Kassa Overall with Nuthin But A 'G' Thang 

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 - The Black Ferns are one win away from the finals, and the mood of the nation depends on a much-needed sporting victory

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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: Benee and the NZSO 

Tonight, we join the Supalonely superstar BENEE and the NZSO for a special performance, recorded live at The Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington.