Dr Helen Petousis-Harris knows all about vaccines, and she’s been watching closely as scientists around the world try to find a coronavirus-killer. So, when the breakthrough comes, what happens next? And how prepared is New Zealand? Meanwhile, Adam gets bumped, and Eugene takes flight. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter; Adam on Twitter Support Stuff Our email: viruspod@stuff.co.nz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...
Jul 23, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Former Stuff journalist Amy Maas moved to New York last year. Within months the city that never sleeps was almost unrecognisable. She describes what it was like to live in New York as it became an epicentre for the coronavirus. Eugene and Adam delve into a round-up of recent scientific developments, and one of them can’t help himself from bursting into song – and no it’s not Thank You Baked Potato. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on T...
Jul 16, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 51
New Zealander Anna Fifield, the Washington Post’s Beijing bureau chief, has recently returned to China. She describes what it’s like on the ground in the country where the virus began, and where so much is riding on what happens next. And she gives us the lowdown on the menu inside China’s 14-day hotel quarantine. Meanwhile, Adam and Eugene discuss whether Adam is infectious. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter; Adam on Twitter...
Jul 09, 2020•34 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Dr Rod Jackson is a professor of epidemiology at Auckland University, so, not someone you'd expect to have been happy about the border bungles at the coronavirus quarantine and isolation facilities. But he was – and he joins the show to explain: hear him out and you might agree. He also talks about a statistical measure shedding light on the impact of the virus, and how he became a YouTube hit. Meanwhile Adam and Eugene discuss the unexpected side-effects of experimenting on your kids. Links: Cl...
Jul 02, 2020•34 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Scientists in New Zealand have been growing and studying the virus that causes Covid-19. Why would they do that, and what’s it like to knowingly be in the same room as this deadly organism? ESR senior scientist Lauren Jelley joins the show to explain all, and how a Hollywood movie about a viral outbreak set her on a path to the lab. Meanwhile Adam and Eugene imagine what might have been. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter; Ada...
Jun 25, 2020•20 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In six months we’ve learned so much about the virus that causes Covid-19 but there’s still so much that seems unclear. And one of the biggest questions is: how much should we worry about asymptomatic cases? Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins the show to explain what we know – and don’t know. She also takes a look at this week’s border bungles, and the risks that remain. Meanwhile Adam and Eugene propose a death metal cover of Thank You Baked Potato. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Fu...
Jun 18, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 47
So, it seems we’ve all-but eliminated coronavirus – but what risk is there of a second wave? Dr Shaun Hendy joins the show to explain where the weak points are, and how community transmission could get away on us. Stuff National Correspondent Katie Kenny has discovered there’s not as much transparency about the wage subsidy as we thought. And Eugene and Adam talk sport. No, really. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter; Adam on T...
Jun 11, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 46
We might be in level 1, but that doesn’t mean the stress of this global pandemic has disappeared. Job losses, worry for family – it can be hard. Mental health advocate Taimi Allan joins the show to talk about coping strategies – and what to do when people ask you for help. Stuff senior reporter Andrea Vance explains why we should worry about the authoritarian ways of lockdown life. And Adam and Eugene burst into song. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus ...
Jun 09, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Keeping track of where we’ve been is going to be one of the “Golden Rules” of Alert Level 1. So why is the government’s official contact-tracing app proving to be such a flop? Stuff’s Brittney Deguara finds out why the app isn’t making the impact it should. Senior reporter Tom Hunt looks into why film crews got special permission to cross our closed border – and why other people didn’t. And Adam finds a hidden musical treasure. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff co...
Jun 04, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 44
The race is on to establish a Trans-Tasman bubble, but meanwhile our Pacific neighbours are in strife. Cook Islands News editor Jonathan Milne joins the show to talk about pandemic life in Rarotonga, the impact on the country’s tourism-dependent economy, and NZ’s paternalistic attitudes. Stuff’s Alison Mau reports on what Kiwi-style bubbles could teach other countries fighting the virus. And Adam toys with the idea of reviving a famous investigation. Links: Click here for every episode of Corona...
Jun 02, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Professor Juliet Gerrard has the ear of the Prime Minister when it comes to science – that’s her job: chief science advisor. She’s been monitoring the virus since early January, and comparing notes with top government scientists from around the globe. In this extended interview, she talks about the view from inside the government’s Covid-19 machine and what it’s like when scientists become more high-profile than All Blacks – and reveals her lockdown baking habits. Links: Click here for every epi...
May 28, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Remember that simpler time when we were just worried about the catastrophic warming of the planet? Stuff’s climate change editor Eloise Gibson explains what impact global Covid-19 lockdowns have had on the Earth, and what opportunities they might present. Stuff business reporter Susan Edmunds raises an eyebrow at the Government’s new two-tier benefits system. And Eugene faces the toughest interview he’s ever encountered. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavir...
May 26, 2020•34 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Professor Simon Kingham, the chief science advisor to the Ministry of Transport, says coronavirus has already changed the way we move about, and there’s more change to come. He talks about the future of transport – and his role in advising the UK government on its border and quarantine plans. Steve Kilgallon has been looking into how lockdown meant very different things for white and blue collar workers. And Adam and Eugene download the tracing app and are shocked to discover it’s not half as fu...
May 21, 2020•34 min•Season 1Ep. 40
The World Health Organisation has warned the virus which causes Covid-19 may stick around forever, and become an “endemic” disease. Dr Heather Hendrickson joins the show to explain what that means – and how endemic viruses behave. Stuff national correspondent Katie Kenny previews the new government app that’s meant to simplify contact tracing. And Adam watches an old movie which – get this – is based on the crazy premise of a virus bringing the world to its knees. As if! Links: Click here for ev...
May 19, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Theatre legend, Equity president and 2020 New Zealander of the Year Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand reveals how performing artists have coped with the shutdown of every venue in the country (which in her case includes staging a play on Zoom instead). Stuff’s Kylie Klein-Nixon bids a bittersweet farewell to lockdown karaoke, baking and dog-walks. And Eugene is very rude about Adam’s hair. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter; Ad...
May 15, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In an extended interview, deputy PM and foreign minister Winston Peters reveals how Chinese officials pushed back against New Zealand entering lockdown. He discusses the huge operation to repatriate Kiwis and the government’s fears that the returnees might bring Covid-19 infection back home with them, and shares his lockdown foraging secrets. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter; Adam on Twitter Support Stuff Our email: viruspod...
May 14, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 37
China and the US were already scrapping before Covid-19 came along, and now they’re blaming each other for the virus. International relations expert Professor Robert Patman of Otago University explains what’s behind the name-calling – and why the post-Covid global order could favour small countries like New Zealand. Stuff reporter John Anthony breaks down the breakdown of Air New Zealand. And Adam waits for a courier package. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coro...
May 13, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Lockdown was, by the government’s own account, “the most significant and widespread interference with human rights in New Zealand in living memory”. Even so we mostly went along with it because the public health argument was compelling. But what of the legal argument? Stuff political reporter Thomas Coughlan joins the show to explain why the law behind lockdown is being debated. George Block reveals the curious case of a positive test with a difference. And Eugene seizes another excuse to sing, ...
May 12, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Dr Ayesha Verrall was the scientist called in to the Ministry of Health to make a critical audit of the country’s contact-tracing system – and she found it wanting. She joins the show to talk about why contact tracing is still so important, and whether the country is ready for this week’s move to level 2. Steve Kilgallon reveals the surprise twist which has kicked the events industry while they’re down. And Adam has fun with a political Plague Playlist offering. Links: Click here for every episo...
May 11, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 34
We all saw the pictures of Kiwis panic-buying booze before lockdown. But how has six weeks of lockdown life actually changed our drinking habits? National correspondent Steve Kilgallon has been finding out. And Tracy Watkins joins the show to critique the communication skills of communications graduate Jacinda Ardern over the past few months. And Adam and Eugene honour their promise to Hilary Barry and get all fancy for Friday. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff co...
May 08, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 33
The economy has taken a hammering – so what will it take to get it out of its sickbed? Ahead of the Budget next week, Stuff business journalist Tom Pullar-Strecker gives us an Economics 101 lesson, then outlines what to expect. Investigative reporter Martin van Beynen has been looking at the Rosewood Rest Home cluster tragedy. Meanwhile, will the Level 2 rules enable Adam to finally trim those nostril hairs? Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage E...
May 07, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 32
These days, everyone’s an instant epidemiologist and mathematical modelling guru. But we thought it was time to speak to an ACTUAL expert. Professor Michael Plank joins the show to talk about his work on the models projecting the potential carnage of Covid-19. Stuff press gallery reporter Henry Cooke climbs inside the trans-Tasman bubble that everyone’s been talking about. And Adam rediscovers a Plague Playlist song that’s a real scream. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Ful...
May 06, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Throughout lockdown, TVNZ’s Hilary Barry has been busting out tiaras and old frocks for ‘Formal Friday’. She explains the background to the Covid-19 fad that swept the planet, and reveals the startling talent that she has, till now, kept on the lowdown. And Adam downloads a tracking app – but does he actually know who he’s handing his data over to? The WOBA investigation continues. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter; Adam on T...
May 05, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Could a weekend of Level 3 partying and beach-going delay the transition to Level 2? Stuff’s Kamala Hayman joins the show to discuss how good weather and confusion over rules drew droves of people out of their bubbles. Stuff national correspondent Steve Kilgallon explains why clusters are so important – and so dangerous. Meanwhile, Adam and Eugene stumble on a new hard-hitting investigation. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter;...
May 04, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Opposition Leader Simon Bridges joins the show to explain why he thinks New Zealand’s lockdown has dragged on too long. Will the election have to be shifted? And after the reaction to THAT Facebook post, does he have any regrets? Bridges also reveals a surprise addition to his personal bubble, and what he splashed out on as a Level 3 treat. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter; Adam on Twitter Support Stuff Our email: viruspod@s...
May 01, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 28
It seems almost crude to ask – but, is it possible to profit from the Covid-19 crisis? Former Stuff business journalist Richard Meadows is holed up in Mexico City where he’s pondering questions like this. He joins the show to explain what he’s discovered, and to how he intends to emerge from lockdown as “fit as a jailbird”. And Stuff reporter Kirsty Lawrence joins the Where’s the Flour investigative team – and cracks the case. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff cor...
Apr 30, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 27
International travel – remember that? So when will we fly again, and what will that look like? Stuff travel editor Trupti Biradar explains why the airline middle seat may be doomed – and why we need to start planning trips within New Zealand. Meanwhile, political reporter Thomas Coughlan sticks up for Donald Trump – kind of. And the Where’s the Flour investigation takes a new, shocking turn. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter;...
Apr 29, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Around the world there’s been talk of Covid-19 immunity passports – dividing the population into the had-its and the had-nots. But what do we actually know about immunity to coronavirus? Scientist Dr Jo Kirman joins us to explain. And Stuff writer Kylie Klein-Nixon discusses flour and the nation’s obsession with baking, inspiring an investigation by Adam and Eugene: Where’s the Flour? Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter; Adam o...
Apr 28, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Gosh, so that was level 4, huh? How’d we go? Stuff writer Nikki Macdonald joins the show to get all nostalgic about the way we were and brings important facts to the table – like just how much beer did we drink? Podcast aficionado Katy Atkin names the five podcasts that you should get into (aside from this one, of course). And Eugene dusts off his reporter’s notebook. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter; Adam on Twitter Plague ...
Apr 24, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Comparing NZ to Australia is our national sport, says Finance Minister Grant Robertson. He ain’t wrong. So naturally, people have been comparing the two countries’ coronavirus responses. Luke Malpass, stranded in Sydney, describes the view from the other side of the ditch. Steve Kilgallon talks about schools in Level 3. And Eugene is kinda over it all. Links: Click here for every episode of Coronavirus NZ. Full Stuff coronavirus coverage Eugene on Twitter; Adam on Twitter Plague playlist: Quaran...
Apr 23, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 23
