Creating a fantasy world with Pasifika flavour
Kenneth Chapman on creating a fantasy world that reflected himself. with his children's book Lonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove. .
May 19, 2026•16 min
Nine To Noon
Smart, in-depth and relentlessly curious, host Kathryn Ryan dives into the stories shaping New Zealand and its people. Interviews and expert analysis from around the world and at home. It’s where big ideas are unpacked and everyday life explored.
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Episodes
Around the motu: Jared McCulloch 1 News Reporter in Queenstown
Health investment for Queenstown and Central Otago District, electricty conference, feasibility study on the Whoosh gondola system, the film and TV village at Ayrburn and snow making at Coronet Peak .
May 19, 2026•12 min
Book review: Have This Heart by Lawrence Patchett
Harry Ricketts reviews Have This Heart by Lawrence Patchett, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press.
May 19, 2026•5 min
Geoff Chase notches 100 PhD successes
Geoff Chase has helped 100 doctoral students get over the line and now boasts a global network of researchers across academia and industry.
May 19, 2026•29 min
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst
Annika Smethurst is Victorian Affairs editor at The Age.
May 19, 2026•8 min
New handbook to help music therapy choirs be more accessible
The co-founder of a therapeutic choir for people with brain conditions, has developed a handbook so more choirs can be established around the country.
May 19, 2026•19 min
Fees-free study didn't remove real barriers to tertiary study
New research found little evidence that the scheme had actually widened access to tertiary studies.
May 19, 2026•8 min
Calls to fulfil defence housing promise amid global security concerns
Mission Homefront is co-founded by recently retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts.
May 19, 2026•13 min
Sports correspondent Sam Ackerman
Auckland FC are one win away from glory in the men's A-League, after a record-breaking season for the Wellington Phoenix in the women's league. Sam also discusses the Warriors continuing to win in the NRL.
May 18, 2026•12 min
Suzie Miller on bringing Ginsburg's life to the stage
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the pre-eminent jurists of her time; the second woman appointed to the US Supreme Court, she served for nearly 30 years and was a champion of gender equality and human rights protections. No small feat then, to bring such an intellectual giant to the stage, but that's what Australian playwright Suzie Miller has done in her show RBG: Of many, One. The play makes its New Zealand debut tomorrow night at Auckland's Waterfront Theatre after sold-out tours in Australia. ...
May 18, 2026•21 min
Business commentator Thomas Manch
A surge in social media-fueled run clubs is boosting 'super shoe' sales and providers are dominating a multi-million dollar corporate mental health boom.
May 18, 2026•17 min
Around the motu: Kelly Makiha from the Rotorua Daily Post
Kelly discusses the $3.6 million in taxpayer funded repairs to emergency housing. She explains how the new average speed camera zone will work along with talking about an alleged nang coverup in connection with a fatal bus crash and Rotorua Boys High welcoming home its rugby heroes.
May 18, 2026•11 min
Book review: Slash by Gavin Strawhan
Gail Pittaway reviews Slash by Gavin Strawhan, published by Allen & Unwin NZ.
May 18, 2026•4 min
World authority on medieval manuscripts traces Dunedin roots
Christopher de Hamel traces his lifelong obsession with medieval manuscripts back to a childhood visit to Dunedin Public Library.
May 18, 2026•30 min
USA correspondent David Smith
During his high-stakes Beijing summit with Xi Jinping, President Trump pushed for a massive Boeing jet deal.
May 18, 2026•13 min
Northland gym hoping to capitalise as bouldering becomes an Olympic sport
Three couples have taken a leap and opened a bouldering gym in Whangarei - no ropes, no harnesses and a climb of up to 4.5m.
May 18, 2026•7 min
Canterbury researchers launching drug tests
Researchers have created a shoebox-sized, fully automated laboratory to help develop better medicines in space.
May 18, 2026•13 min
New dentistry qualifications, but struggle for all clinic staff
The New Zealand Dental Association has called for a 50 percent increase in Otago University dentistry graduates.
May 18, 2026•15 min
Off the beaten track with Hazel Phillips
Hazel Phillips was warned not to attempt the Three Passes route solo, and for 10 years, listened. But after too many false starts - bad weather, work deadlines, lack of tramping buddies - she gave up waiting and went. The tramp is for experienced backcountry trampers. It crosses Harman Pass, Whitehorn Pass and Browning Pass and is an expert-level trans-alpine route.
May 17, 2026•13 min
Life-long love of good food drives Good Chow
Jenny Yang grew up around fresh food, natural flavour, and home meals made with love and care.
May 17, 2026•15 min
Political commentators Dale Husband and Ben Thomas
Dale Husband is a long time broadcaster and Radio Waatea presenter hosting a Maori focused current affairs programme. Ben Thomas is a former National government press secretary, a columnist and a director of public affairs firm Capital.
May 17, 2026•22 min
Around the motu: Amy Williams RNZ senior reporter in Auckland
Amy discusses the expected announcement in the coming weeks over a second harbour crossing.
May 17, 2026•10 min
Book review: Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Gina Rogers reviews Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, published by Macmillan.
May 17, 2026•4 min
The search for the perfect red
The search is on for a crimson hue that is both vibrant and lasting.
May 17, 2026•16 min
Award winning doc explores thrills and risk of motorbike riding
New Zealand filmmaker Brooke Darrow has won best documentary at the London International Student Film Festival.
May 17, 2026•14 min
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney
Eurovision, Nuremburg-style court to prosecute Russia, no early release for Ratko Mladic, and further division in British Labour Party.
May 17, 2026•10 min
GPS device to keep track of boaties when cell range drops out
A GPS device that seamlessly switches to satellite once cellular connectivity is out of range, is now available for recreational boat users.
May 17, 2026•13 min
QR 'quishing' scams on rise
The rise of QR scams known as quishing.
May 17, 2026•9 min
Christchurch townhouse boom leaves some out of pocket
The head of a Christchurch-based building co-operative says a flood of townhouses on the market is causing problems.
May 17, 2026•17 min
Sports Editor Dana Johannsen
All Whites coach Darren Bazeley named his 26-strong squad on Thursday for the Fifa World Cup, two New Zealand clubs still active post the regular A-league season, three-time America's Cup winner Blair Tuke is stepping off the Team NZ boat, and the biggest names in World Surfing will be in Raglan over the next week.
May 14, 2026•11 min
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