Summer Times for Tuesday 6 January 2026

9:10 Our Right to Wander 

The Outdoor Access Commission has just this morning released its report on the state of public land access in Aotearoa New Zealand.   

Anna is joined by Dan Wildy, the Chief Executive of the Outdoor Access Commission - Herenga a Nuku. 

9:25 Keeping athletics on track for over 50 years 

Sylvia and Peter Maunder have spent countless hours travelling to meetings, officiating competitions, and working to ensure the sport of athletics runs smoothly at every level. 

In recognition of the couple’s service to athletics, the Paeroa couple have both been awarded the King’s Service Medal in the 2026 New Year Honours. 

9:40 No Branch? No Problem: How a Banking Bus Is Bridging the Digital Divide 

For many of us, internet banking has made everyday finances effortless — paying bills, transferring money, even managing travel overseas can all be done from a phone. But that convenience isn’t universal. What if you live hours from the nearest branch? Or if online banking feels confusing or out of reach? 

Southlander Carah Maxwell is tackling that gap head-on. Last year she helped bring banking back to rural communities, quite literally, by operating a Westpac banking bus — delivering face-to-face banking services to remote parts of the South Island. 

10:10 On the road with Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker 

Our road trip guest today may have grown up in a castle but insists she's no princess. Sophie Barker is Dunedin's new mayor - just the second woman to wear the city's mayoral chains. She's led a fascinating life and is a true Dunedin aficionado. She's with Anna to share her perfect summer roadie. 

11:10 Museum Stop: Royal Navy Museum  

Today we're stopping at the Navy Museum in the seaside Auckland suburb of Devonport to find out all about New Zealand's naval heritage. 

11.20 Callum McClean: growing salads for a living 

Callum and Amanda McLean have left the corporate world behind for a life on the land.  

They're a year into developing McLean Farm in the Horowhenua, making a living growing salad greens to feed their young family and sell at market. 

11:30 Arts & Culture with Braydon Priest 

Entertainment is on the agenda as Braydon Priest joins us in the studio — a fresh voice RNZ listeners will be hearing a lot more from. From a rainy-day cinema visit to Song Sung Blue starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, to the return of 9 to 5: The Musical at The Court Theatre, Braydon rounds up what’s worth watching on stage, screen and beyond this summer. 

11:50 Kakapo Files 

Coming up in the Kākāpō Files, Alison Ballance gets more exciting news from Whenua Hou, as well as some sad tidings. 

Geojumble answers: 

• Humiliate - Eltham 
• Telepathically - Taihape 
• Remonstrate - Masterton