Nights for Thursday 19 March 2026
8:10 Southland's New Data Centre
A new $3.5 billion data centre planned near Invercargill has certainly got people talking. Datagrid New Zealand has received resource consent for the 78,000-square-metre facility, which will be built in Makarewa, north of the city.
It will be the second-largest power user in the country, but many questions remain about what will be New Zealand’s first AI data centre. The company says the project will boost the Southland economy and help ensure New Zealand stays relevant in the world of artificial intelligence. But many remain skeptical about the benefits of the mega-project.
Peter Griffin is a Wellington-based science and technology journalist - he joins Emile for a chat.
An early artist impression of Datagrid's data centre in Makarewa, north of Invercargill. Photo: LDR/SUPPLIED
8:25 Why are our young people so unhappy?
The World Happiness Report just dropped for 2026 - it's an annual study that looks at wellbeing of people right around the globe. It found that while happiness in New Zealand remains high - we rank 11th out of 147 countries, (and beating the likes of Australia, and the United States), when it comes to our young people, the news is very unhappy.
Since the early 2010's the well-being of those aged15-24 in Aotearoa has had some of the worst decline in the world. In fact, we're ranked a shocking 126 out of 136 countries for changes to youth happiness. This years report links heavy social media use as a key factor behind this decline.
But what does all this tell us about New Zealand - and how should we react?
Joining us Emile is AUT well-being economist, Associate Professor Stephanie Rossouw.
Photo: Unsplash / Traveler Geek
8:35 Inside Wellington's new library
This past weekend, the brand new, revamped, Wellington Central Library - Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui - reopened to much public fanfare, with over eleven-thousand visitors on the first day alone.
Closed since 2019 for earthquake strengthening, the new look space - which cost $217.6 million - has everything from 3D printers and sewing machines, to a recording studio full of musical instruments and of course, thousands and thousands of books.
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little reckons that the re-opening represents a turning point for the city ... and with other revitalisation projects nearing completion, that the future is brighter for Wellington.
So, is Wellington back?
One of the people who has been writing about and enjoying the space, is Claire Maybe, she joins Emile for a chat.
Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
8:45 The Museum of Broken Relationships
Every few weeks Nights is putting a foot in the door of some of the weirdest and most wonderful museums the world has on offer.
Tonight's museum explores moments, items or just memories often associated with one of the worst times in a persons life . . . We're talking about breakups.
The Museum of Broken Relationships is based in the capital of Croatia, Zagreb but has also toured all around the world including here in New Zealand.
On display are mementos from relationships that once held great promise but ultimately ended in heartbreak.
To find out more about the ethos behind the museum Emile is joined now by founder and director Dražen Grubišić.
Photo: Public domain
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.
For each question answered correctly, a quizzee gets their name put in the draw for the weekly prize: the coveted Nights mug.
9:25 Matthew Marshall: Classical Guitarist
We do a slot occasionally, Tell Me About Your Instrument, last year we did the first, we learned all about the triangle with Sam Rich from the NZSO - and tonight, we are learning all about .. the GUITAR.
Matthew Marshall is one of New Zealand’s finest classical guitarists - professor of music and dean of arts at Sunway University Malaysia
He has a new album out, Xenon Halos, utilising his unusual guitar in an unusual way - and earlier on he popped into the studio to tell me about his instrument - and to play us some music.
Matthew Marshall Photo: Supplied
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 - 'Stupid Rules' is the new book, written by a Kiwi professor, that aims to throw out the rule book.
Natasha Hamilton-Hart's new book: Stupid Rules: Reducing Red Tape and Making Organisations More Effective and Accountable Photo: Supplied
10:45 The Reading
'Men Behaving Sadly' offers fictional portraits of five Kiwi blokes.. .Today - the taming of Dan the wayward bear of a man.
11:07 The Mixtape
Bret McKenzie first won the world over as one half of musical-comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, turning deadpan humour and deceptively sharp songwriting into an international phenomenon. Alongside Jemaine Clement, Bret went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album, and took home the Best Original Song Oscar for his work on 2011's The Muppets. He's just released his second solo album, Freak Out City, and joins Kara on The Mixtape to share six favourite songs.
Bret McKenzie with his Best Music (Original Song) Oscar for 'Man or Muppet' at the 2012 Academy Awards. Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP
