Nights for Tuesday 16 December 2025

8:10 The psychology of 'checkout charity’ 

Increasing numbers of shoppers are being asked to donate money at the checkout to various charities, in the  practice is called 'checkout charity'. 

It sees cashiers ask for a small charity donation just as customers are paying for their own purchases.

However studies show it can often backfire, leaving shoppers feeling guilty.

Ekant Veer is a Professor of Marketing in the Department of Management, Marketing and Tourism at Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. He joins Emile Donovan.  

8:25 The House 

Tonight, on The House, Phil Smith reviews Parliament's round of speeches on the Bondi attack.

8:30 How to set and keep New Year resolutions

While the focus right now for most of us is on Christmas preparations  - soon enough we will be welcoming in 2026. 

And with the New Year, comes the inevitable New Year's resolutions.

So what's the key to deciding on resolutions, indeed should we even bother - and if we do, how can we actually stick to them?

Professor Kirsty Ross is Head of the School of Psychology at Massey University and joins Emile Donovan.

8:40 Shower Thoughts: How did the backstage lounge the 'Green Room' get its name?

Have you ever been standing in the shower, when suddenly, the noise in your brain clears and, in its place, appears the perfect thought?

That's a Shower Thought and each Tuesday, here on Nights we're aiming to answer those unshakable questions lurking in the back of your mind.

Tonight, why is a Green Room in the entertainment business called a green room?

Jason Gunn is a TV icon, having worked on some of our best loved shows like The Son of a Gunn Show, What Now, and Dancing with the Stars. He joins Emile Donovan to answer tonight's Shower Thought.

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

Clue #1

I am a thing, a physical, living thing, I occur in the natural world. You can see me and touch me. I have a profound impact on the world around me, but my strength is in my numbers: one of me doesn’t make much of a difference; but a thousand do. Together, we are capable of more than the sum of our parts. My life begins and ends in the ground

Clue #2

I am often consumed but seldom eaten, and if I AM eaten it's often coated in something sweet. I am highly processed, most often arriving via shipping container before undergoing a high-temperature transformation once I’ve reached my new home. I prefer warmer climates

Clue #3

I am the seed of a fruit. You’re much more likely to see me in Brazil than in India - they prefer chai. I come in four main types: arabica, robusta, liberica, and excelsa. 

9:15 The art of playing the triangle with NZSO percussionist Sam Rich

NZSO Percussionist Sam Rich joins Emile Donovan from our Wellington studio for a live performance to showcase the triangle.

He shares the many kinds of triangles he plays as well as some surprising information about the instrument.

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

On The Detail - Unaffordable housing, the high cost of living, and 'very intentional decisions' by the government see a spike in homelessness.

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10:45 The Reading:  'Girl in Red' 

Tonight we have a short story by Paul Maunder.  

A young woman opts to keep the baby from a casual relationship and to celebrate the possibility of new life.

Amy Tarleton reads 'Girl in Red' by Paul Maunder

11:07 Worlds of Music

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