Nights for Wednesday 8 October 2025

8:10 Reflecting on the term of Tory Whanau

Wellington mayor Tory Whanau gave her valedictory address earlier today. 

She took the opportunity to call out fellow councillors who had spread salacious rumours about her during her term and said the harassment she had suffered she wouldn't wish on anyone.

In May this year, Tory Whanau announced she would not be running again for mayor but would contest the city's Maori ward seat.

To reflect on an eventful term, The Spinoff's Wellington editor Joel Macmanus joins Emile Donovan.

8:20 The House 

Tonight on our report from Parliament, Phil Smith runs through the wide range of topics that MPs leap between in debate. 

8:30 Midweek Mediawatch

Colin Peacock joins Emile Donovan to debrief the week in media news.

Tonight, the Gaza protest and vandalism at Winston Peters house, and One NZ pulling an ad featuring a protester, the critical role of RNZ Chief Audio officer has been filled and the death of a former long serving host of Police 10-7.

9:05 Nights Riddle

Emile Donovan dons his riddle master robe. Listen in from 8:00pm for a series of riddle clues sprinkled throughout the programme. 

First person to text in the correct answer wins a coveted Nights mug. Text 2101.

9:20 Counting the cost of infrastructure attacks

A suspicious fire at a Wānaka cell phone tower fire last night is the latest in the attacks on technology infrastructure.

It is the third in that area in a month and follows similar incidents in other parts of the country, particularly in Northland over the years.

Aside from loss of connectivity, the attacks have other serious implications.

Bill Bennett is an independent telecommunications and technology journalist and publisher of the The Download Weekly, and he joins Emile Donovan.

9:25 Two years on from the war in Gaza 

We've just passed the second anniversary of October Seventh, 2023, the date Hamas militants attacked Israel, and the instigation of what we now know and follow as the war in Gaza.

Two years and thousands of deaths later, and all eyes are on Egypt, where Israel and Hamas stand on the brink of a ceasefire agreement, facilitated by US President Donald Trump.

Doctor Martin Kear is from the University of Sydney's Department of Governmental and International Relations. He is an expert in Middle East politics and 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 - One expert says the government's changes on earthquake-prone buildings are more about saving money than lives - but there's some sensible stuff in there 

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10:45 The Reading: 'Garibaldi Did Not Sleep Here'

Tonight we have the final episode of 'Garibaldi Did Not Sleep Here ' 

It's Paul Horan's account of a trip to Italy to retrace the steps of his illustrious English ancestor, Colonel Peard who was deeply and somewhat enthusiastically involved in Garbibaldi's historic campaign to unite Italy.

11:07 Not for Broadcast Part One

In Not for Broadcast Nick Bollinger tells the story of New Zealand's of censored songs. Who banned these records and why?

In the first episode he delves deep into the RNZ archives in search of clues.

11:35 Musical Chairs: Rodger Fox 

Renowned trombonist and band leader Rodger Fox entertained and educated jazz musicians and  fans in New Zealand and around the world for over 50 years .

He died last year (2024) at the age of 71, but not before he left a lasting legacy on the New Zealand music scene.

Back in 2004 he sat down with RNZ Music to tell his story.