RNZ
Nueva Zelanda
Jesse Mulligan presents an upbeat mix of the curious and the compelling, ranging from the stories of the day to the great questions of our time.
The pre-Panel: Your daily dose of stuff and nonsense
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 on Klara and the Sun
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.
Bookmarks with Petrina D'Rozario
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"]
Easy Eats: Mexican steak and rice with lime sour cream
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
Heading Off to Japan!
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"]
Stories from Our Changing World
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 back on the road - find out why!
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"]
The New Zealand teenager who's got a UK book deal!
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!
Explainer: How do the Maori Seats work?
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"]
How to maintain your individuality in a crowd
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"]
The pre-Panel: Your daily dose of stuff and nonsense
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.
You're the Judge
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"]
Tech Tuesday: Sony's PlayStation Emulator Nightmare
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"]
Book Critic: Ordinary People Like Us, John of John reviewed
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"]
Mayoral Minutes: Matamata- Piako District Mayor Ash Tanner
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"]
Why pet events are booming!
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"]
Find out about the first ever Aotearoa Festival of Design
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"]
A new initiative to bring shoppers to Wellington city!
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"]
How do we manage natural attractions and tourists?
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"]
Screen Legend: The one and only Kim Novak!
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.
The pre-Panel: Your daily dose of stuff and nonsense
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.
TV Critic: East of Eden
Actor and Afternoons critic Claire Chitham reviews East of Eden (Netflix). [picture id="4KDLCJL_Oamaru_Netflix_Photos_27_Actor_Christopher_Abbott_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]
Expert Feature: Antiques, collectables and vintage items
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"]
Jesse Goes Clubbing
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"]
OZ Update: What's happening in Australia?
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!
Explainer: What are the US midterms and why should we care?
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.
How can you be sure gluten free food is actually gluten free?
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.
Why aren't our children playing outside anymore?
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"]
The Pre-Panel : Your daily dose of stuff and nonsense
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.
Critter of the Week: Northern Striped Gecko
Nicola Toki and Jesse discuss the northern striped gecko (Toropuku inexpectatus): a stripey, night-shift specialist found on the Coromandel Peninsula. With its long, grippy tail and secretive forest habits, this rare reptile is so elusive it was discovered only in 1997 and did not get its own species name until 2020. Now, years of patient monitoring and some very tiny radio backpacks are helping researchers uncover how it moves through native forest.
Weekend Stuff: How to make the most of transitional spaces
Design expert Sylvia Sandford is with Jesse and she's keen to talk us through transitional spaces like entries, hallways, staircases and back porches.
What's on Country Life this weekend?
Country Life is the RNZ show that puts the spotlight on rural New Zealand and shares the stories from rural New Zealanders. It's on air tonight at 7pm and again tomorrow morning at 7am .. and of course always on rnz.co.nz Country Life's Anisha Satya is with Jesse to share what's on the show.
Food: Kingfish Crudo, Yuzu Fennel & Kombu Dressing
Tom Newfield from Christchurch bistro Earl joins Jesse to share a recipe. This week he has whipped up Kingfish Crudo, Yuzu Fennel & Kombu Dressing.
Film Review: Klara and the Sun and Tenzing
Film Critic Kate Rodger is with Jesse in the Auckland studio to share what she's been watching. This week she's reviewing - Klara and the Sun (in cinemas now) and Tenzing (in cinemas now and on Apple TV).
Freaky Friday
It's time for Freaky Friday! Every week we delve into the mysterious and the unexplained. If you've got a Freaky Friday story you'd like to share - text us on 2101 or email me at Jesse@rnz.co.nz Today we're joined by John in Greenlane in Auckland.
Why older New Zealanders are stressed about housing
A new report on healthy ageing has found that for many older New Zealanders stress around housing costs is a huge issue. And interestingly, not just for the homeowners who still have a mortgage to pay off. The report is called 'For the Long Run', and Denise Cosgrove joins Jesse to talk through what it found. Denise is chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing.
What's going on with the reduction of spotted shags?
One of the Hauraki Gulf's seabird populations is in serious trouble. The number of kawau tikitiki, or spotted shags, has halved over the past decade. A new study has been looking at why, Auckland Museum Senior Research Fellow Dr Matt Rayner is one of the researchers behind the study, and he is with me to share what they've found.
How diesel price spikes are making construction more expensive
There has been a lot of talk about the rising cost of petrol and diesel ... according to newly released numbers from Stats NZ .. diesel is now 55.8% more expensive than a year ago. And while of course that means pain at the pump, the flow on effect hits some industries especially hard. Like the building and construction sector. To discuss, Julien Leys, Chief Executive of the Building Industry Federation of New Zealand joins us.
The pre-Panel: Your daily dose of stuff and nonsense
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.
Political Group Chat
Political Group Chat is Afternoons' space for friendly disagreement and good faith debate about the week's political news. Joining us today are comedian and political commentator Tim Batt, screenwriter and Free Speech Union member Dane Giraud, and Victoria University's political scientist Lara Greaves.
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