Saturday Morning for Saturday 16 December 2023

Saturday Morning will be back on air Jan 27, 2024

 

8:10 Michael Cunningham: A decade after The Hours comes Day 

Michael Cunningham won a Pulitzer prize for his novel The Hours, which was adapted into an award-winning film, and saw Nicole Kidman scoop an Oscar for her performance as Virginia Woolf.

It's been a decade since his last novel, but now he's back with Day, A Novel​.

The story, centred around a family, is set on a single day, over three years, spanning the pandemic.

8:45 Graham Leonard: The faultlines that shape and shake New Zealand

What drives New Zealand’s faultlines and earthquakes, and what does it mean for us? 

Principal Scientist at GNS Graham Leonard joins us to explain the faultlines that built Aotearoa and how they continue to shape and shake the land.

Research indicates there is a 75 percent probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, and there is a four out of five chance that it will be a magnitude 8+ event. 

Less likely to occur, but potentially the largest source of earthquake and tsunami hazard in New Zealand, is a quake on the Hikurangi subduction zone, located off the East Coast of the North Island.

Plus, there's plenty of other less well known but still risky faults.

9:05 Ruth Shaw: Wee bookshops and huge love for dogs

Septuagenarian Ruth Shaw's plans for a quiet retirement were derailed last year when her memoir The Bookseller at the End of the World, became an international bestseller.

The book chronicled her incredibly adventurous life, including time on the high seas, working with King's Cross sex-workers, and decades fighting for the environment.

The Manapōuri bookseller runs three wee bookshops, and as well as human visitors, she has plenty of canine customers as well. 

Her new book, Bookshop Dogs, is about them, and also Ruth's own very special dog Hunza.

9:20 Takács Quartet violinist Edward Dusinberre

Musician and author Edward Dusinberre is first violinist in the renowned Takács Quartet - one of the world's greatest string quartets.

During his 30 years with the quartet, Edward has also authored two books - most recently Distant Melodies: Music in Search of Home, a combination of memoir and music history, looking at how music is tied to home, displacement and isolation.

The Takács Quartet will be playing at Nelson's Adam Chamber Music Festival in February. 

9:45 Organic gardener Kath Irvine: How to grow tomatoes

Tomatoes are a favourite backyard crop but can be tricky to grow.

Luckily, organic gardener Kath Irvine has some simple strategies to set you on the path to an abundant crop.

Warm air and soil, good drainage, companion plants, and compost are all on her list. 

Kath is the author of The Edible Backyard. She joins Susie from Bluff.

10:05 Playing Favourites with Anika Moa

Multitalented wāhine Anika Moa joins us for this year's final Playing Favourites.

An ubiquitous part of the music scene for decades, more recently she's turned her hand to TV and radio presenting including TVNZ show 'Anika Moa ​Unleashed'.

With a trade-mark interview style that combines cheek and earthy charm, she's managed to reveal a whole new side to guests such as Sir Ashley Bloomfield.

Her interview series for RNZ called 'It's Personal' is due to air early next year.

11:05 Best books with Kate De Goldi and Elizabeth Knox

Prodigious readers Kate De Goldi and Elizabeth Knox are in to share their favourite books.

We hear their top five books of all time; a selection of new titles, old obsessions, and their recommended must-read series.

Kate De Goldi is one of New Zealand's most celebrated authors and an Arts Foundation Laureate. Elizabeth Knox is the author of thirteen novels including The Vintner’s Luck, and The Absolute Book.

 

11:45 Talking turkey with Josh Emett

Chef Josh Emett spent a decade working with notoriously hot-tempered and foul-mouthed Gordan Ramsey. 

In 2011, he became a judge on New Zealand's version of reality television show Master Chef.

More recently, his passion for food has seen him on Waiheke Island, taking over the reins of the Oyster Inn. 

He joins us to talk turkey, and ham, and duck, and share some tips and tricks to ensure an ace Christmas dinner. 

 

 

Books featured on the show:

Day, A Novel
By Michael Cunningham
Published by 4th Estate GB
ISBN: 9780008659998

Bookshop Dogs
by Ruth Shaw
Published by Allen & Unwin NZ
ISBN: 9781991006264
 

Music played in this show

Song: Antonin Dvorak - First movement of Opus 106 
Artist:  Takács Quartet
Played at: 9:25am 

Song: Dreams in my head
Artist:  Anika Moa
Played at: 9:45am 

Song: Politician 
Artist: Kora 
Played at: 10:10am 

Song:  Evergreen 
Artist: Yebba
Played at: 10:20am

Song: All your ships have sailed 
Artist: Troy Kingi 
Played at: 10:30am

Song:  Back to Black 
Artist:: Amy Winehouse 
Played at: 10:45am

Song:  Mariella 
Artist: Khruangbin, Leon Bridges 
Played at: 10:57am