Nights for Wednesday 12 November 2025
8:10 The Prime Minister mulls asset sales
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says his government may consider selling off assets to help balance the books. While this wouldn't happen this term, the PM says there is a "legitimate conversation" to be had if National is reelected.
Dan Brunskill is interest.co.nz's political and economics reporter based in the parliamentary press gallery. He joins Emile to discuss.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at a press conference in Auckland. Photo: MARIKA KHABAZI / RNZ
8:25 The House
Tonight, on The House, Louis Collins looks at the Ministerial Statement on the report of the Indepedent Police Conduct Authority.
8:30 Midweek Mediawatch
Colin Peacock joins Emile Donovan to discuss the week in media news, including high-profile resignations at the BBC, New Zealand's bombshell IPCA report, and internal ruptures in Te Pāti Māori.
People shelter from the rain outside the entrance to the BBC in London on 10 November, 2025. Photo: HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP
9:05 Nights Riddle
Tune in throughout the night for a series of riddle clues.
Be the first to text in the right answer and win a Nights mug.
Text 2101 or email nights@rnz.co.nz
First clue:
I am a person - an icon of the 20th century, many of my outfits instantly recognisable, and much-parodied, though I’m MUCH more than just fashion, darling. I grew up in the lap of luxury; and my one true love is alone in Italy.
Second clue:
I am a fictional character. My first name contains three consecutive vowels. My second takes after a wind instrument - though I’m better known by my royal title. I have a twin brother. We met late in life and shared many moments together, some that in retrospect I really wish weren’t broadcast.
9:15 Europe correspondent Christian Smith
Europe correspondent Christian Smith joins Emile Donovan for the latest on the BBC, a German court ruling against Open AI/Chat GPT for misusing music lyrics, Milanese prosecutors investigating 'sniper tourists' from the siege of Sarajevo, and what the English are saying about All Black's visit to London this weekend.
ChatGPT and OpenAI emblems are displayed on a mobile phone screen for illustration photo. Gliwice, Poland on February 21st, 2023. Photo: BEATA ZAWRZEL
9:30 Iconic racehorse Phar Lap reimagined in new musical
When we heard there was a musical about thoroughbred racehorse Phar Lap selling out in Sydney, we had to find out more.
The production's writer and composer Steven Kramer joins Emile to share where Phar Lap sits in the pantheon of Australian cultural icons, why he chose 'electro-swing' for the music, and how he's getting Australians to buy tickets to the theatre en masse.
An undated handout photo of Phar Lap. Photo: AAP
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.
10:17 The Detail
Today on The Detail, as AI share prices soar, some economic doomsayers have started to ring the warning bells of a bubble risk
A Ruapehu District local can see smoke from their property over 25km away Photo: Supplied
10:45 The Reading
What is it to be a New Zealander? How is it that some of our recently arrived immigrants seem to put us to shame in terms of our understanding, not just of the rest of the world, but of ourselves?....Tonight's reading is part two of Fellow Citizens by Owen Marshall, read by Stuart Devenie,
Photo: Grahame Sydney
11:07 Pocket Edition
In the first episode of this six part series, presenter George Kay offers us an overview of Bowie's career.
David Bowie Photo: flickr.com
