Afternoons

Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan star in the shortest show on radio, where they show they really can make something out of nothing, join them to be part of their delight, or to simply despair. Wallace will also preview what's on The Panel tonight.

Every Friday Jesse chats critters with passionate conservationist Nicola Toki. This week they are talking about the Ngahere Gecko. Found across the lower-to-eastern North Island, ranging from East Cape down through the Wairarapa and into the Wellington region, these guys are playing the long game-they can live for decades (up to 30+ years)!

October is the time to be proactive in your garden .. with the days growing longer and the soil warming up, plants grow faster. Gardening guru Lynda Hallinan is with Jesse to share what you should be focusing on in your garden.

Hospitality legend, and manager of Auckland Council's The Kitchen Project, Connie Clarkson is with Jesse to share a recipe for miso snapper rice bowl. As summer peaks around the corner, this is one for our boaties and fisherfolk! You've GOT to love a good fish head to pile on the umami, nutrients and cut down on food waste while you are at it.

Time for NZ Live. Your weekly live music showcase. A private gig to play you into the weekend. Today's artist has become one of the country's most successful musicians with 100s of millions of streams across 7 albums. His latest 'Real Fruit Ice Cream' was released back in August. We last spoke in 2021 - that's four albums ago! - so we're delighted to welcome Eddie Johnson A.K.A Lontalius to NZ Live.

Afternoons critic Dominic Corry is with Jesse in the Auckland studio to share the movies he's been watching: Clayface (in cinemas) Wildwood (in cinemas)

As you know just before 2pm each Friday we like to leave you with a spooky story to take into the weekend. We call it Freaky Friday... it can be the unexplained .. the unknown or the unusual. We love it all! Do get in touch if you've got a story to share - 2101 or afternoons@rnz.co.nz [picture id="4OFO8JG_copyright_image_105527" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Wild Matata also known as fernbirds have been spotted at Lake Kohangatera in the Wellington region for the first time in 70 years. The Matata - which is classified as "At Risk" - depends on healthy wetlands for its survival. To find out more Jesse is joined by 'Greater Wellington's Jack Mace. [picture id="4L3070L_M_t_t_NZ_Fern_bird_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

2026 has seen a lot of anti Indian rhetoric in New Zealand ... a quick search online brings up pretty confronting headlines .. including the "butter chicken tsunami" comments from NZ First's Shane Jones. Earlier this week Brian Tamaki appeared in Auckland's Manukau District Court, where he denied claims he incited rational disharmony that's after he accused India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi of purging Christians in the South Asian nation in June and told his followers to reciprocate in kind and purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. In a new RNZ series - "Navigating a year of anti-Indian hate" reporter Blessen Tom went out and spent time with people in the Auckland Indian community. The series launches on the RNZ YouTube channel this week, with more to come across our platforms. Blessen joins Jesse to share what he learnt. [picture id="4JLNCZU_Media_6_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

TIME magazine recently released its list of the 300 best inventions for 2026 and two New Zealand companies have made the cut. Palmerston North Agritech company BioLumic and Leaft - a Canterbury based food company Leift - set up by Synlait Milk founder John Penno and his wife Maury Leyland-Penno - developed a process for extracting protein from Lucerne leaves. Something that previously involved a cow or maybe a sheep. TIME described their work as "The worlds most abundant protein, in a smoothie". Maury chats to Jesse. [picture id="4KJWZ8O_holding_lucerne_1_jpeg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

We're going to start the show with a discussion about the cost of living. According to many polls, it's your biggest concern in the lead up to the general election with rising living costs and flat wage growth leaving many struggling to afford the basics. Politicians are promising very different solutions to get the economy back on track, but what we wanted to know was how did we get here? and why does everything cost so much? Economist Dr Geoff Bertram traces the current cost of living crisis back to economic policies put in place in the 1980s, he's with Jesse to share his knowledge. [picture id="4JMVVUM_GettyImages_1322511398_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

It's time for New Zealand sports history and today Jesse is joined by the one and only Ian Smith. One of the perks of this job is getting to speak to sporting greats, and Ian is certainly one of them. He was New Zealand's wicketkeeper through the golden era of the 1980s and into the 90s, playing 63 Tests and 98 ODIs. First selected for the Black Caps in 1980, he went on to establish himself as one of the world's great wicketkeeper-batsmen. Ian then went on to have an incredible career behind the microphone as a commentator. [picture id="4N2US6W_copyright_image_214451" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan star in the shortest show on radio, where they show they really can make something out of nothing, join them to be part of their delight, or to simply despair. Wallace will also preview what's on The Panel tonight.

This is Afternoons chance to discuss the stories that have been in the news cycle over the past seven days. Jesse is joined by commentator and comedian Tim Batt and Victoria University's political scientist Dr Lara Greaves.

There has been a lot of talk about MMP overhang this election campaign .. we chatted to Bryce Edwards a few weeks ago to get a better understanding of what Te Pati Maori, Harry Mowbray and Don Brash are trying to achieve. Today Dr Grant Morris is with Jesse to explain the history of MMP overhangs in New Zealand.

Every fortnight we spend some time trying to solve some of the world's problems, this week Stuff columnist Verity Johnson joins Jesse to discuss what's on her mind. Today she's talking about the importance of having hope.

Let's talk relationships, Jesse is joined by Professor Kirsty Ross from Massey University's School of Psychology Please get in touch if there's a topic you'd like Kirsty and Jesse to cover at afternoons@rnz.co.nz

The film Tenzing, which tells the story of Sir Ed Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's ascent of Everest from the sherpa's perspective. is getting rave reviews from critics .. including our own Kate Rodger on Friday. It was filmed across Nepal and New Zealand and has some big stars involved .. including Tom Hiddleston as Hillary. New Zealand acting coach Dame Miranda Harcourt worked closely with the production and its cast, and she's with Jesse to share some behind the scenes stories.

Some of the world's best sportspeople have interesting quirks when it comes to which side of their body they use. Cricketers Kane Williamson and Sachin Tendulkar, for example, bat and throw right-handed but write left-handed. And there's another pattern that a sports fan has been exploring: athletes who swing a golf club from the right side but bat from the left in cricket or baseball. Sports mega fan Andrew Sim has been studding these differences and what they could tell us about how our brains work. Andrew joins Jesse to make the case for his theory of mixed handedness.

There has been a lot of talk in the many, many political debates about how to make sure New Zealand recognises its full potential. According to a new report from lobby group "Circular by Nature" we could start by looking at the economic value we're getting from our natural resources. It says each of us uses around 21 tonnes of natural resources per year - well above the global average - but despite that we get 40% less economic return from them. It argues that we can unlock missing billions by creating a more joined up circular economy. Louise Nash - one of the authors of "Circular by Nature: Realising Aotearoa New Zealand's Full Potential. What will it take?" joins Jesse. [picture id="4JHG60E_Louise_Nash_and_Kelly_McClean_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

RNZ Business Editor Corin Dann joins Jesse to explain what the new inflation figures mean for the economy and your pocket! [picture id="4JMVVDN_GettyImages_2206123883_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan star in the shortest show on radio, where they show they really can make something out of nothing, join them to be part of their delight, or to simply despair. Wallace will also preview what's on The Panel tonight.

Taika Waititi's latest film is called Klara and the Sun, based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, it's a story about love, loneliness, family and what makes us human. Klara and the Sun stars Jenny Ortega, Amy Adams and the New Zealand landscape outside Wanaka. Waititi's films often find humour and humanity in unexpected places, from Hunt for the Wilderpeople to Jojo Rabbit. This time however, he's tackling a quieter, more philosophical story. Jesse caught up with Taika a few weeks ago to talk about the film - which is in New Zealand cinemas from tomorrow.

Time for Bookmarks now and today we're joined by Petrina D'Rozario, founder and festival director of the Indian Film Festival New Zealand. It's the country's first dedicated Indian film festival, bringing more than 30 films in more than 11 languages to screens across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Opening night is on October 22 at Auckland's Hoyts Sylvia Park ...Petrina D'Rozario shares her what she loves to watch, listen to and read. [picture id="4JIKWRS_PDR_Credit_Keerti_Siag_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Wednesdays here on Afternoons means a chance to talk food .. each week Kelly Gibney joins me to brighten up your weekly meal routine. Recipe is HERE

Remember we'd love to hear from you if you have a great travel story to share .. doesn't need to be fancy or far away! Text us on 2101 or email afternoons@rnz.co.nz Today we're heading off to Indonesia with Afternoons listener Lucy Sheridan, who celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary with a trip through the Flores Islands and Komodo National Park. [picture id="4K743O7_AFP__20250416__42GE8CP__v1__HighRes__JapanLifestyleTourism_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Our Changing World is an RNZ podcast that looks into science and nature topics .. every Wednesday Jesse chat to someone from the team about what they're investigating .. today Jesse is joined by producer Ayana Piper-Healion .. who is keen to talk about a genetic form of Parkinsons related to a single gene known as PINK1. [picture id="4K55I4L_Joan_and_Tomas_at_Parkinsons_Pacific_Support_Group_JPG" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Gary McCormick is a man of many careers. You might know him as a poet, from his time opening for Dave Dobyn, or his years on radio and tv - particularly his show Heartland from the early 90s. The through line in all of them is life on the road. Travelling around the country, collecting stories and entertaining people. The next stage of his career sees him returning to his roots - embarking on a tour with musician Adam McGrath Gary McCormick chats to Jesse. Dates: Friday 30/10 - Wall Theatre, New Plymouth, 31/10 - Q Theatre, Auckland, 14/01 - Welly, 15/01 - Palmerston North, 06/04 - Okarito [picture id="4JQUL89_Gary_and_Adam_hi_res_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

At 17, Catherine Warman is about to become a published author Her first book - Primrose the Badger - is set to be released in the UK next month by Olympia Publishers. Catherine joins us to tell us about her book and how she got a deal!

We're starting off the show today with an explainer on the Māori seats ... how do they work? why do they exist? A poll out recently gave clues of the state of the race within the seven Māori seats ... which seem to be very close. Liam Ratana is the Ātea editor at The Spinoff and chats to Jesse. [picture id="4JGVEJ6_election_2026_ma_ori_Te_Tai_Tokerau_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Ask any New Zealand sheep farmer and they'll tell you, there's always that one sheep that will not follow the flock. That impulse may not be great for the farmer, but it can be good for people. Far too often our values and priorities are shaped by what the flock is doing... what we see on social media. The great crisis of our time goes beyond polarisation and loneliness. It's the struggle to think for ourselves and develop a strong sense of self when we're constantly influenced by the crowd says professor Luke Burgis from The Catholic University of America. In his new book, he explains why we need to learn how to be part of a tribe without losing our identity. The book is called The One and the Ninety-Nine Forging Identity in the Age of Social Contagion. [picture id="4JGGSYF_luke_birgis_jpeg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan star in the shortest show on radio, where they show they really can make something out of nothing, join them to be part of their delight, or to simply despair. Wallace will also preview what's on The Panel tonight.

Every Tuesday we play You're the Judge - your chance to weigh in on someone else's dilemma. This week we're looking at whether a couple should share who they are planning to vote for in the election. [picture id="4JZHVHQ_154126125_l_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Tim Batt joins Jesse with an update on Sony's PlayStation 5 nightmare and how the same problem is now happening with other software. [picture id="4KIZM2X_000_36H78V8_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Writer and Afternoons book critic Kate Langdon joins Jesse to discuss: Ordinary People Like Us by Kelly Ana Morey John of John by Douglas Stuart Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. [picture id="4JIMS4A_Kelly_Ana_Morey_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

It's time for Mayoral minutes where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing, how they're working to solve them, and what makes their community special. Today we're heading to the Matamata-Piako District, in Waikato. Home to Hobbiton, Matamata is one of the country's leading thoroughbred towns and it's from there that Jesse is joined by Mayor Ash Tanner. [picture id="4N0LQXC_copyright_image_218986" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Each year on average New Zealand dog owners spend between $1500 to $6000 a year on their pooch, while cats cost between $650 and $1500 annually. Generally the money is spent on food, vet care and boarding fees, but a growing amount is going towards treats, clothing, bedding and pet specific events. This weekend the 'NZ Weiner Derby' caused traffic jams in Auckland, while earlier in the month the 'Golden Retriever' gathering brought hundreds of people and pets to Taupo. Alice McKinley has been running dog events for years. First the Big Dog Walk and now 'Wine Dogs' in the Hawkes Bay. She chats to Jesse. [picture id="4JJR8Y9_GettyImages_2290010351_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

The first ever Aotearoa Festival of Design is happening this week in Whanganui. And in case you're asking yourself why Whanganui... it is a UNESCO City of Design, the only place in New Zealand to have the honour. The festival celebrates the role that good design plays in shaping our lives, with events for professional designers, students, and the public. The keynote speech was given by Tom Eslinger - the former global director of Saatchi & Saachi, and co-founder of the Whanganui School of Design. He chats to Jesse. [picture id="4JGS7TN_Tom_Eslinger_Headshot_BW_2026_1_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

If you've been walking around Wellington city this week you might have noticed orange posters advertising "IndieProper". It's a new initiative happening right now to help support independent retailers. The eventual goal is to become the retail equivalent of the capital city's popular Welly On A Plate festival. Jesse spoke to its co-founder - and owner of Wellington store/barbershop 'That Was Then, This Is Now' - Nat Woodhall. [picture id="4JGIJE8_Nat_woodhall_png" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Visitors have been asked to stay away from South Waikato's popular Te Waihou/Blue Spring over the long weekend to ease pressure on the tourist hotspot. More than 100,000 tourists have visited the attraction since last year. The council have put aside 20 thousand dollars to manage traffic through the area, but councillors say they can't afford to continue to shell out that kind of money and a long term solution is needed. Tirau councillor Kerry Purdy joins Jesse to discuss. [picture id="4JH2W2X_EOQVUQ7DDLV5BM7ZWZWIBQ2FJ4_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan star in the shortest show on radio, where they show they really can make something out of nothing, join them to be part of their delight, or to simply despair. Wallace will also preview what's on The Panel tonight.

To call Kim Novak a Hollywood legend seems inadequate. She was one of the biggest stars of the 1950's, working with so many of the greats; Jimmy Stewart, Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder. Then, at the height of her fame, she walked away from the spotlight.

Actor and Afternoons critic Claire Chitham reviews East of Eden (Netflix).

Every Monday we get an expert in their field onto the show to answer all your questions. Today we're talking about antiques, vintage items and collectables. Hamish Walsh owns Walsh Antiques - he's been involved in the antiques business as a collector, auctioneer, appraiser and dealer for over 35 years. [picture id="4JGNXFO_bc9036ef_402c_4c4c_89e4_d51ee9853044_jfif" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

This is our regular feature where Jesse checks out one of the many amazing clubs around the country, we call it Jesse Goes Clubbing. We have been invited to some amazing clubs and it has been so lovely talking to passionate New Zealanders about something they're really into. If you have a club or society you'd like me to visit you can get in touch on 2101 or email us at jesse@rnz.co.nz. [picture id="4JUCJCT_afternoons_clubbing_thumbnail_png" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Every Monday Jesse chats to Brad Foster about what's hitting the headlines in Australia. This week he's talking about the new Western Sydney International Airport that's opening on Sunday, some high profile court cases and sport!

The US midterm elections are coming up on November 3rd. They are seen as a key part of the American political process - a chance for voters to pick their local congressional representatives, senators and governors. But also, it's a telling report card for the government of the day, as the results come halfway through their term in office and can change the balance of power in Congress. Here to explain what we can expect and why we should care is RNZ's Digital Explainer Editor Nik Dirga.

About one percent of New Zealanders have coeliac disease, which causes a range of issues from debilitating gut problems to fatigue. Coeliac disease occurs when exposure to gluten triggers an immune response. Gluten-free food has become much more common on menus and supermarket shelves, but for people who can't eat gluten, finding something safe to eat isn't always straightforward. How can you be sure gluten free dishes are actually gluten free? To help answer that Jesse is joined by dietitian Bianca Berton-Scarlet & founder of the Gluten Free Food Festival Shayna Gaskell.

We're starting today's show looking at child's play... because new research from AUT suggests that outdoor play is something parents now have to organise, supervise and in some cases pay for! Their data shows that only one in five children in Tamaki Makaurau regularly climb trees and the number riding bikes or scooters has dropped significantly over the past decade. And get this... 43 percent of Auckland parents say they feel judged if they let their children play freely. AUT Professor Scott Duncan from AUT is part of a new initiative calling for outdoor play to be treated as an essential part of urban health and wellbeing. He chats to Jesse. [picture id="4MLHFJQ_copyright_image_245455" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Wallace Chapman and Jesse Mulligan star in the shortest show on radio, where they show they really can make something out of nothing, join them to be part of their delight, or to simply despair. Wallace will also preview what's on The Panel tonight.