Summer Weekends for Saturday 17 January 2026
9.05 What’s next for the All Blacks?
To kick us off, it’s the story dominating headlines: Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson’s departure from the All Blacks.
Sports journalist Jamie Wall joins Susana to tell us the latest.
Scott Robertson. Photo: SANKA VIDANAGAMA
9.10 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals
The Waka Ama Sprint Nationals have been making waves on Lake Karāpiro this week.
With more than 4,500 competitors, from ages 5 to 85, it’s been the largest nationals in the sport's history.
Saturday is the final day of races and the competition is really heating up. Lara Collins, Chief Executive of Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ, joins Susana to tell us more.
The 2026 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals Photo: Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ
9.30 The Dickensian Book Store in Featherston
Last summer on Summer Weekends we travelled around the country visiting preloved bookshops and met their owners.
It seemed a lot of you had your favourites that we didn't manage to get to - so we're off again...
Photo: David Adams
Dave Adams and his wife Patsy run the Dickensian Bookshop and Tearoooms.
Dave joins Susana to chat all things preloved books.
Photo: David Adams
9.45 It’s Quiz Time!
Where would a weekend radio show be without a quiz?
Over the next two weekends we'll be touching base with four quiz meisters - to hear how they run quizzes - their favourite categories and possibly some tips.
They'll also have a curly question or two for you - if you're first with the answer - you'll win!
Today Susana is meeting Wairarapa based, Chris Cogdale.
Photo: 123rf
10.05 Fonoti Pati Umaga - Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan
Fonotī Pati Umaga was raised in Wainuiomata given two options from his father about his future, either become a church minister or a lawyer.
He followed his heart and chose music.
Everything changed 20 years ago when he fell and became a tetraplegic. After years of challenges, Fonotī re-gained a sense of purpose.
In March, a production will premiere to showcase the musician’s extraordinary life.
Susana sits down to talk with Fonotī.
See the music video for SIVA here.
Photo: Supplied
10.35 Barbara Else - Much-loved author wins top award
Barbara Else is a New Zealand writer, editor, and playwright who has written for both children and adults.
Late last year she received a Prime Minister’s Award for literary achievement. It’s one more acknowledgment of her work and contribution to literature in New Zealand.
Barbara joins Susana to talk about her writing career.
New Zealand writer Barbara Else. Photo: Penguin Books New Zealand
11.05 Russell Radio marks 75 years
This year, 2026, marks the 75th anniversary for a very special radio station.
Russell Radio was established in 1951 - but it's not your typical radio station - no music and no talkback - although they will definitely respond to callers.
Russell Radio - in Kororaeka, exists to keep boaties, their family and friends safe.
Station manager Stephen Crockatt joins Susana.
The Russell wharf in Northland. Photo: 123RF
11.25 A sporting weekend in Tauranga
It’s a huge sporting weekend in Tauranga, with two events drawing thousands to the city.
First up, the Mount Festival of Multisport and then the T20 Black Clash.
Sporting legend and Tauranga Mayor, Mahé Drysdale, joins Susana for a chat.
Team Rugby's Leon MacDonald is out during the Black Clash T20 match between Team Rugby and Team Cricket at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Photo: Blake Armstrong/Photosport
11.45 Island roundup: Aotea Great Barrier Island
We're taking a virtual tour of some of New Zealand's outer islands on Summer Weekends.
First up is Aotea Great Barrier Island, where Susana meets Orla Cumisky.
She’s the owner of the local Irish pub. They discuss remote life, the thriving music scene, and what her pub is a global first in.
Photo: RNZ / Kate Newton
