Here Now

Here Now is about the journeys people make to New Zealand, their identities and perspectives, all of which shape their life here.

Hosted and produced by Kadambari Raghukumar

On air:

Mondays at 1.45pm on RNZ National

Podcast title 'Here Now' in front of a colourful background with overlaid shapes. A map of New Zealand is also overlaid over the coloured shapes.

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Starting from ground up

Rajni Kumar landed in New Zealand from small-town Punjab about 20 years ago with zero English and no idea what she would end up doing for work. Over the years since, she's grown her thriving seedling business from ground up – NZ Veggies, successfully navigating the landscape and language all at once.
New episode
Supplementary image for episode: Starting from ground up

"Sovereignty at stake" - Iran war

The bombings on Iran come after weeks of negotiations between Iran and US. Iranians living in New Zealand talk to Kadambari Raghukumar about their views on the war that's killed over 1000 people so far.
In this aerial handout picture released by the Iranian Press Center, mourners dig graves during the funeral for children killed in a reported strike on a primary school in Iran’s Hormozgan province in Minab on March 3, 2026. Iranian media have reported hundreds of Iranian casualties, including at a girl's school, although AFP reporters have not been able to verify tolls independently. The war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran spread across the Middle East, threatening to plunge the global economy into chaos, with Lebanon and Gulf energy exporters dragged into the conflict. (Photo by Iranian Press Center / AFP) / XGTY / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / IRANIAN PRESS CENTER" - HANDOUT - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Ballet's comeback queen - Mayu Tanigaito

Born in Japan, Mayu Tangaito traveled across the globe to join the Royal New Zealand Ballet 2012. She’s since become one of the most recognizable faces of New Zealand ballet. In this episode she talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about making a come back after injuries and becoming a mother.
Lightscapes by the Royal New Zealand Ballet, 27 July to 12 August 2023. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court.

Back to Basics - Esmail Fathi

Multi-instrumentalist Esmail Fathi grew up during the early years of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, when most music came under a ban. In Christchurch, today he leads the Persian traditional music ensemble Simurgh—alongside fellow multi-instrumentalist Liam Oliver. In this episode Esmail reflects on a wealth of his memories, at a time of turmoil and transition in Iran.
Back to Basic: Esmail Fathi

Back to Basics - Gold Tooth

Enhancing aural and oral health in New Zealand is what's been driving selector, curator and DJ GoldTooth after migrating from the UK. In this episode, GoldTooth talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about growing up as Eelam Tamil immersed in the global sounds of London.
Back to Basic: Goldtooth

Back to Basics - Henrique Morales

From Rio Grande Do Sul in southern Brazil, singer and musician Henrique Morales joins Kadambari in this episode of Back to Basics - sounds that he grew up with.
Back to Basics: Henrique Morales with guitar and mic.

Back to Basics - Ch!nonso

Back to Basics delves into the foundational music artists grew up with, before moving to New Zealand. In this episode, Kadambari Raghukumar is in conversation with Auckland-based, Nigeria-born singer Ch!nonso. From Ijebu Pleasure club to releasing music under his own name, Ch!nonso is now an unmistakable voice in Auckland’s music scene with a style that bridges his worlds. Starting off in church choirs and university boy bands in Nigeria, Ch!nonso was a 2025 APRA Silver Scroll finalist in New Zealand with artist Mazbou-Q's 'Torque'. So, when we go back to basics what were the foundational sounds for Ch!nonso?
Back to Basics: Ch! Nonso with floral background

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