Afternoons

Thursdays means it's time for group chat where we talk about the news that doesn't make the bulletins but might be all over your social media feeds. Joining Jesse is Kate Rodger, Culture 101's Perlina Lau and Afternoons' Senior Producer Olivia Wilson.

Our next story is especially pertinent today as much of the country gets lashed by wild weather. Researchers warn New Zealand is stuck in what they call "disaster inertia" - failing to learn lessons from repeated extreme weather events To discuss Jesse is joined by Judy Lawrence, Adjunct Professor at the Victoria University School of School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences

Quantum physics - it's a heavy topic for a Thursday afternoon, but stay with us, because what if quantum physics could help you charge your mobile phone or other devices in super quickly? Using quantum physics, our next guest has just helped develop the world's first quantum battery prototype. Dr James Quach is a Science Leader at Australia's national science agency, where he leads the Quantum Batteries Team.

As the conflict in the Middle East continues, so does our pain at the pump. Earlier this week the government announced a fuel relief package, giving an extra $50 per week for New Zealanders who qualify. But is subsidising private cars and fossil fuels the smartest approach? And are there other levers we could be pulling? Dr Timothy Welch, an urban planning researcher at the University of Auckland chats to Jesse.

PayWave and card surcharges are back in the news today. Those are the fees you pay when you choose not to put your card into the EFTPOS terminal. Today the ACT party said that the Government's proposed ban on surcharges is dead, however Commerce & Consumer Affairs Minister, National's Scott Simpson, has said he's hopeful the ban will be in place by May. So here to help us work out what's going on, and how the surcharges actually work, Jesse is joined by Professor Claire Matthews. Claire is the head of Massey University's School of Accountancy, Economics & Finance.

It's Wednesday which means a chance to talk food. Kelly Gibney is away but we're stoked to have Dish Magazine's Chief Executive and Editor Sarah Tuck with Jesse and she's going to share a recipe that evokes comfort.

Time for heading off now! Our weekly travel segment where we jet around the world gathering tips and tricks for your future holidays. Let us know if you've been on an interesting journey recently and would like to tell New Zealand about it - 2101 is the text number. Joining us is Graham Mackenzie who is taking us to the Bugaboo Mountains, Canada.

Louis Theroux's recent documentary, 'Inside the Manosphere' put the spotlight on some really concerning content and content makers circulating online. These influencers are widely popular despite seemingly spreading messages of hate - so are they resonating with our boys and if so, what can we do to combat it? Here to give us her perspective is Dr Samantha Keene, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology and a gender-based violence researcher at Victoria University.

If you've noticed one too many leaves starting to change colour and you're doing everything you can to hold onto those summer vibes, this conversation might be exactly what you need. From the 26th - 29th of March in Christchurch's Sumner, it's The Single Fin Mingle. Founder, Ambrose McNeill spoke to Jesse.

All this talk of supply chain issues has led to a resurgence of interest in self-sufficiency, to find out how you can live off the land we're joined now by Author of 'The Good Live: A self-sufficiency and modern homesteading guide" Gillian Swinton.

New Zealand vegetable growers have been dealt another blow with McCain announcing it is closing its Hastings vegetable processing plant by January 2027. That news comes as Watties proposes to stop all production of frozen vegetable lines in New Zealand, affecting 220 growers in Canterbury. These announcements got us thinking about our food systems: what we produce versus what we import, how much we pay for food and how it is all worked out. And unlike more than 100 other countries, New Zealand doesn't have a national food security plan So if we see disruptions to global food supply chains - similar to what we're seeing with oil right now - well.... then what? Jesse chats to Katy Bluett from Future Food Aotearoa

Most parents have a favorite child. There's no sense in pretending otherwise, the kids know it and if parents are honest, they know it too says Dr Laurie Kramer. She's a psychology professor at Northeastern University and a renowned expert in sibling relationships. Instead of ignoring the topic of who's the favorite, a better approach is to acknowledge the different treatment each child gets and to talk openly about it. When kids feel less favored, the effects include poorer mental health, more strained family dynamics, and even lower academic outcomes. Dr Kramer offers practical advice on how to talk about favoritism and how to help siblings get along.

Each week we ask for your help with an irk, a tricky situation or a problem. It's called You're the Judge. This week we're discussing whether a single friend should have to split the cost of a bach rental 50/50 with her friend and her kids. Text 2101 or email [email protected] with your reckons and we might even call you!

Afternoons Podcast Critic Linda Burgess joins Jesse to share what she's been listening to. The Rest is Politics US The News Agents The Slow Newscast

Author Kate Langdon joins Jesse to discuss The Correspondent by Virgina Evans and Gravity Let Me Go by Trent Dalton.

It's time for Mayoral minutes, our segment 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 Kapiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow joins Jesse.

A few weeks ago, Jesse spoke to University of Otago Professor Michael Baker who was part of a team of experts calling for the Misuse of Drugs act to be thrown out. They argue that rather than reducing drug-related harm, the 50-year-old act is "instead a major driver of harm". During that conversation the success of Portugal's' decision to decriminalise the possession of all drugs for personal use was discussed and it was clear from the messages we received that you wanted to hear more. We reached out to Steve Rolles who is a Senior Policy Analyst at Transform Drug Policy Foundation, he joined Jesse to discuss whether Portugal's drug law reform has been successful.

Here on Afternoons, we are always keen to highlight positive business stories. Especially those small businesses who are trying to make the world a better place along the way. So, when we heard the about a local jeans manufacturer in Auckland who is doing just that, we were keen to find out more. Roskill Supply Co is the brainchild of Gregory McNeil, he joined Jesse.

With all the issues surrounding fuel supply at the moment we wanted to check in on Hydrogen. Does it offer us a pathway away from imported fuel? What's the situation with it here in New Zealand? And long term, could it be a replacement for our diesel use? Dr. Linda Wright from the Hydrogen council spoke to Jesse.

Citizen's advice Bureau's national policy advisor Louise May joins Jesse to respond to the government's support package.

The iPhone didn't start the loneliness crisis around the world. Long before technology, other forces were reshaping our lives. We've exchanged independence, convenience and loosening the neighborhood and community ties for more privacy and control. That tradeoff is what brought us here, say Dr Erik Larson and Andrew Trousdale. They explore the limits of technology, the strain it puts on human connection, and what it might take to rebuild it in an essay on the Substack AfterBabel called "Scrolling Alone".

Afternoon critic Caitlin Cherry shares her thoughts on: Resident Alien (Netflix) The Walsh sisters (TVNZ on demand)

It's time for our expert feature, where we take on a topic and put all your questions to the relevant expert. Today we're joined by funeral celebrant Carla Rotondo Carla is here to talk about funerals, how to give your loved one the best possible send-off and how to truly honour their life and story. If you have a question for Carla, text us on 2101 or email us [email protected].

Every Monday afternoon Jesse hits the clubs. We'd love to hear from you if you're part of a cool club - the quirkier the better. Text us 2101 or email [email protected] Today we're talking to Gabby Ugalde from Aracnation - an aerial arts club.

We get the latest from our man in Australia, Brad Foster, on what's hitting the headlines there.

We're going to talk manufacturing now, because our next guest says, as an industry it gets a bad rap. Especially with young people. And that's an issue because the industry predicts that there will be a manufacturing workforce shortfall of up to 40,000 later this decade To discuss, Catherine Lye from Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, joins Jesse.

A new play about Helen Clark is set to hit Auckland's ASB Waterfront Theatre this April 'Helen Clark in Six Outfits' tracing her journey from a Waikato farm girl to New Zealand's first elected female Prime Minister. The play is written by award winning playwright Fiona Samuel, who wrote last year's Pike River, she tells Clark's story through the lens of her wardrobe, highlighting how often Clark was judged on her appearance, rather than her political shrewdness. Fiona Samuel who was awarded 'the member of the New Zealand order of merit' for services to television and theatre joins Jesse.

A council in Amberley Beach - north of Christchurch - is proposing what could become the country's first planned coastal retreat. The costal adaptation plan gives owners of the towns 109 properties the option to move to a new site further in land. Land the council have already purchased for $3.8 million But as seen at a fiery public meeting last week not all of Amberley Beach's current residents are happy with the plan Jesse talks to Hurunui District Council Mayor Marie Black.

This week's critter of the week is the waka leafhopper. As the name would suggest, these tiny leafhoppers look like miniature waka. They measure under 1cm and are light brown in colour. Endemic to Aotearoa, they live in wetlands and salt marshes in close association with their host plants which are wire rush and oioi (jointed rush). Their unique appearance allows them to blend into their surroundings and avoid notice from predators.

Time for our weekend stuff segment, like the name suggests, we get expert advice on what we might do in the weekend. Today we've got the brilliant Rachael Quin from The Housekeeper to share some cleaning tips. Do send in any questions you might have - 2101 or [email protected]

Friday means a chance to talk food, this week Martin Bosley from Yellow Brick Road is shares his pork chop recipe.

Afternoon Critic Dominic Corry is with Jesse to share what he's been watching: I Swear (in theatres next week) Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (in theatres this week) War Machine (on Netflix)

It's time for Freaky Friday, your home for spooky stories and eerie coincidences. If you have an experience to share, please get in touch on 2101 or email at [email protected] and one of my producers might give you a call Today we're speaking to William.

It's time for Freaky Friday, your home for spooky stories and eerie coincidences. If you have an experience to share, please get in touch on 2101 or email at [email protected] and one of my producers might give you a call Today we're speaking to William.

Christchurch based Jessica Urlich is a Sunday Times best-selling author, who is rapidly making a name for herself internationally. Her latest, the poetry collection 'They Bloom Because of You' is described as testament to the power of mothering. This week she was given a big boost by someone very famous; we find out what it means to her!

Mahera Maihi won the local hero title at the New Zealander of the Year awards this year. And for good reason, Mahera is the founder of Ma Te Huruhuru - an organisation focused on combating youth homelessness. She talks to Jesse.

Earlier this week, Kate Hawley was honoured with the Oscar for Best Costume Design for her work in Frankenstein. She chats to Jesse about the win, the ceremony and rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty.

Last Thursday we celebrated The University of Auckland's Clocktower turning 100 by chatting to William Hamill from the University. After that conversation we got an email which said: "With regard to your interview about the Auckland University clock I'd like to advise a correction to what your guest said. He said the Art Gallery clock was made overseas, but it was made in Wellington NZ by the firm of W. Littlejohn & Son on. I've been maintaining this clock for the last 35 years." That was from a man called Michael Cryns. We wanted to know more, so we got him on the phone to chat.

Money matters are front and centre for many of you as the effects of the war in Iran are felt here. It can be nervous times watching investments and KiwiSaver balances wobble. But that's not the only reason you should be across your KiwiSaver. Changes are coming from April 1st, Mary Holm is with us to discuss what they are and how you can make the most of them.

Time for sporting history, our chance to look back at some of the big moments in sport and celebrate some of the New Zealanders who have changed the game. Shiray Kaka is a Black Ferns Sevens superstar who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics, as well as bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. She also knows about resilience having faced three painful ACL injuries, but she shows off her sense of humour even in the most trying times, which could be why she has one of the largest social media pages of any rugby player in the sport.

Every fortnight Professor Kirsty Ross from Massey University's School of Psychology joins me to help with those tricky predicaments we sometimes find ourselves in. Do let us know if there are any topics you would like Kirsty to cover at [email protected] Today we're talking about managing adult sibling relationships; navigating narcissists and when do you stop paying for your kids?

Aiutaki in the Cook Islands is home to about two thousand people, with around 40 thousand tourists visiting annually. It is also home to a lot of rubbish, which, according to our next guest, wasn't being dealt with properly. So he came up with a way to help. Garth Falconer joins Mark to explain how.

The Rural Games over the weekend saw fencing competitions, the NZ gumboot throwing championship, and our very own International Champ of tree climbing Steph Dryfhout. Last year Steph had a golden run across the international circuit, finishing as the Woman's World Champion in Christchurch - the first time the 50-year-old international event had ever been held in New Zealand. Steph joins Mark for a chat.

It's not a stretch to say we have a problem with roaming dogs, especially in Auckland and Northland, where three out of the four recent fatal dog attacks took place. Lots of people have been calling for change and now it looks like the Government is taking action. It has combined forces with the SPCA to invest nearly 1.2 million dollars into programmes to desex roaming dogs. But does that go far enough? To discuss, Mark is joined by SPCA Scientific Officer Dr Alison Vaughan.

We're going to start today's show talking about petrol .. because as our next guest told Morning Report, all bets are off over NZ petrol prices after Iran's gas fields were struck overnight. So how can you make sure you get the most out of a tank of petrol? AA fuel spokesperson and former general manager of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority Terry Collins shares some tips and tricks.

Conan O'Brien may have just hosted the Oscars, but the award for best sidekick in a reality checking role belongs to his longtime assistant turned podcast co-host, Sona Movsesian. She never hesitates to remind him that even if he is a comedy legend, he's still the guy who has to ask her where his phone is. On Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, Movsesian brings her trademark mix of curiosity, impatience, and unfiltered honesty often cutting through Conan's antics. Now she's channeling that same sharp humor into motherhood. In a new book out later this year, she writes about raising twin boys and realizing that parenting may be even more chaotic than working for Conan.

Wednesday means Easy Eats, a meal that is full of flavour but doesn't take hours to prepare, Kelly Gibney is away, but we're thrilled to have Shared Kitchens' Julie Biuso here to share a recipe. Click here for the recipe

Time for Heading Off our chance to share in your travel adventures without leaving the house. If you have been somewhere interesting, whether somewhere in New Zealand or overseas and you'd like to chat to Jesse about it on the radio please do get in touch You can text on 2101 or email me at [email protected] Today we're speaking to Kate who recently went to the Chatham Islands.

Host of Our Changing World Claire Concannon joins Jesse to talk about the North Island brown Kiwi.

A $3 billion data centre in Southland is being touted a game changer - delivering the most significant upgrade to New Zealand's digital infrastructure in a generation. Datagrid has received resource consent for a 78,000 square-metre data centre, which will be built in Makarewa, north of Invercargill. The development is descibed as an "AI factory", a data centre built to serve AI technology. So what are the implications for something of this size, and should we believe the hype around it? David Williams is Newsroom's South Island editor - and has been following this development for years - he joins Jesse to discuss.