Afternoons
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.
Episodes
Critter of the Week: Orange Coral Fungus
Every Friday Nicola Toki and Jesse chat about a Critter of the Week. A creature that needs some attention! This week they turn their attention to the orange coral fungus. Coral fungi are also known as clarvarioid fungi - and really do look like coral.
Weekend Stuff: Building a Deck
Stan Scott is with Jesse to chat about building a deck - the do's and don't's, the materials and the regulations.
Food: Spiced Chicken and Rice
Friday means food here on Afternoons. This week Olivia Galletly, aka The Hungry Cook, joins Jesse to share her recipe for spiced chicken and rice.
At The Movies for 12 June 2026
Afternoons film critic Kate Rodger is with Jesse to talk about Disclosure Day and The Christophers (both in cinemas now).
Freaky Friday: The unexplained and unusual
It's time for Freaky Friday - your home for spooky tales. If you've had an interaction with a ghost, witnessed some unexplained lights in the sky, experienced a premonition or something soo freaky we don't even have a word for it, send us a text on 2101 or email us at Jesse@rnz.co.nz Today we're joined by Jo.
What impact do international film productions have on tourism?
The trailer for a new survival thriller starring Brad Pitt has just dropped, and it looks good. Possibly because it was filmed entirely in the South Island. That got us thinking about what goes into bringing a large international film production here, and what the Kiwi economy and tourism industries get out of it. Joining Jesse is New Zealand Film Commission's Head of International Attraction
Should our children be in streamed classes?
Do you think children should be sorted into classes based on academic ability? A recent study from the UK says streaming is beneficial - but with some big caveats. Proponents say it's great for pushing the kids in high classes, but objectors say it means kids in the lower levels don't get the chance to reach their potential. Joining us to talk through the pros and cons is University of Canter
Everything you need to know about streaming platforms
We have more than 20 video streaming platforms available to us in New Zealand .. and honestly we think it can be hard to keep up witht them all. HBO Max launches in New Zealand next week, so we thought it would be a good time to find out what streaming platform has what, which offers the best bang for you buck .. and why on earth there are so many different places to watch telly! To help Jess
How NZ's Big Buddy System is offering positive male role models
There's been a lot of talk recently about young men and their wellbeing, largely thanks to controversial influencers like Andrew Tate, who pushes messages of masculinity, saying that women belong in the home, can't drive, and are a man's property. You might have heard of online trends like 'looksmaxxing' and "red pill blue pill' all very much aimed at males. In New Zealand a local charity is
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
Our weekly segment where we discuss the big issues of the week. This week Jesse is joined by Tim Batt, Dane Giraud and Dr Lara Greaves.
Your Money with Mary Holm
Let's talk about your money now personal finance expert Mary Holm is with Jesse to discuss whether KiwiSaver is leaving people behind.
NZ Sporting History: Stephen Fleming steps up to the bat
It's time for NZ Sport History and today Jesse is joined by one of the country's greatest cricketers Stephen Fleming Stephen played 111 Tests for New Zealand and 279 ODIs, he captained the Black Caps when they won the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy which was New Zealand's first ICC trophy Widely respected for his tactical brilliance and leadership, Australian legend Shane Warne hailed Fleming as "t
Relationships: How to cope if you're the "sandwich generation"
Jesse is joined by Professor Kirsty Ross from Massey University's School of Psychology to chat about relationships. Do let us know if there are any issues you would like Kirsty and me to cover at afternoons@rnz.co.nz Today they are looking at the challenges facing the 'sandwich generation'.
Explainer: What to expect from the FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup kicks off tomorrow morning, 7am New Zealand time, when Mexico takes on South Africa. To preview the Football World Cup action Jesse is joined by former All White and previous director of the New Zealand Football Fred De Jong.
What on earth is going on with Auckland Housing Plans?
Auckland housing is back in the headlines after an Auckland council meeting this week made some future planning decisions. It looks like most Aucklanders will avoid sweeping housing changes after the councillors put the boldest visions to one side and instead voted in favour of two options that will see a concentration of future development around the city centre and transport routes. Yesterd
Why Taiwan is so keen on NZ's food and beverage exports
We're going to talk international trade now, because an article in The Post caught our eye, it states that New Zealand has become Taiwan's second largest source of food imports. In fact in the past year our food and beverage exports to Taiwan have surged 24 percent. To explain why New Zealand's goods are so appealing to Taiwan, and also how we manage the relationship given the geopolitical te
Loyalty Schemes: Are they all they're cracked up to be?
How do you feel about loyalty cards or apps? Our team is divided by those who swear by them and those who don't want them. We'd love to know what you think on 2101. We're talking about loyalty cards because Consumer NZ has taken a look at what we customers actually get out of them - especially in regard to supermarkets. Consumer NZ's Head of Research and Advocacy Gemma Rasmussen joins Jesse.
The Pre Panel for 10 June 2026
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.
Feature on Film: Why are women over 60 invisible?
A lead actor named Chris was more likely to headline one of the UK's top-grossing films over the past three years than a woman over 60. Even talking animals came out ahead according to a new study from the UK's Age Without Limits campaign. Animals were four times more likely to be the central character than an older woman. More than two decades ago, actress Geena Davis decided to challenge Ho
Smashed chicken tacos with coriander and lime sour cream
Kelly Gibney joins Jesse each week to share a recipe, this week's one is smashed chicken tacos with coriander and lime sour cream. Click HERE for the recipe!
Heading Off: Northland
It's time for Heading Off our weekly travel segment where you get to share your adventures with a captive audience. If you've got a trip you'd like to share with us, please do email us at afternoons@rnz.co.nz, we love to hear from you. Today we're staying on our beautiful shores and heading on a road trip to the far north of New Zealand.
Stories from Our Changing World
It's our weekly catch up with RNZ Podcast Our Changing World's host Claire Concannon. Today she's talking to Jesse about the realm of molecular biology.
How water pollution is stopping young athletes from competing
Raw sewage, dead animals, life-threatening logs are just some of the obstacles athletes worry about facing if they have to get into the water for their sport. New research from Waikato University has found climate change and the impact of extreme weather events have had a huge impact on getting young people into surfing, kayaking and waka ama. Joining us to talk about the concept of 'polluted
The Kiwi author representing New Zealand on the world stage
A New Zealand author has been nominated for best short story prize at the Nebulas Awards, which are considered some of the highest honours of science fiction and fantasy writing. In being considered, author E.M. Linden joins the likes of sci-fi luminaries like JG Ballard, Harlan Ellison and Frank Herbert. E.M. Linden's offering is called 'The Tawlish Island Songbook of the Dead', to tell us m
Explainer: Why the SpaceX IPO is out of this world!
Elon Musk's SpaceX is preparing to list on the electronic stock market the Nasdaq this Friday and when it does it's expected to be the largest Initial Public Offering or IPO in history. Its valuation is approaching three point one trillion New Zealand dollars (that's trillion with a T) and if that happens it would immediately rank among the world's most valuable listed companies. But it's not
Fieldays is on and looks to be booming! We chat to an exhibitor
The annual agricultural showcase opened this morning at Mystery Creek in Hamilton and it looks like it's going to be a bumper event. With the dairy sector, red meat, horticulture and wool sector all enjoying strong prices right now, the timing for Fieldays couldn't be better. More than a thousand exhibitors and vendors are there to showcase their products. Shelley Houston is the co-founder an
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.
Feature Interview: Just because we can design babies
For decades, genetic testing has promised parents a way to avoid serious inherited diseases for their children. Now some Silicon Valley-backed companies are going much further, claiming they can help prospective parents not just avoid negative diseases, but choose the "best" embryo based on predicted intelligence, health, or height. Christopher Cox is a science writer for New York Magazine. H
You're the Judge
Our weekly segment where we get your help resolving a dilemma. This week we're looking at whether a couple should break up because of the man's seemingly racist dog. We'd love your thoughts, 2101 or afternoons@rnz.co.nz
Tech Tuesday: Big issues with Tim Batt
Tech expert Tim Batt joins Jesse to discuss the tech issues hitting the headlines. Today he'll chat about META's smart glasses and how Bot traffic has overtaken human traffic online.
RNZ Podcast: NAU MAI TOWN
Ohakune - a once thriving railway town - known for its sweet carrots, and a base to get your ski season fix on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. But what about the name Ohakune? What does it mean and what's the story behind it? Let's find out more with RNZ producer Justine Murray, who is back with another season of NAU MAI TOWN a podcast about Maori place names in Aotearoa.
Book Critic
Jenna Todd, owner of Auckland's Time Out bookstore joins Jesse to share what she's been reading.
Mayoral Minutes with Invercargill Mayor
It's time for Mayoral minutes, our regular 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 Invercargill from where Mayor Tom Campbell joins Jesse.
An insight into the Filipino communities thriving
The Philippines and New Zealand are separated by more than 8,000 kilometers, but for more than 100,000 Filipinos, Aotearoa is now home. The Filipino community is one of the fastest-growing communities in Aotearoa, but behind the numbers are thousands of individual stories of migration, identity and belonging. A new book "Amóng Kinabuhi Sa Aotearoa" captures some of those stories through inter
Dream catching: The NZer who's off to win over the world
A Wellingtonian chasing his acting dream has been offered the opportunity of a lifetime. Henry Ashby has just been accepted into the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts - a school which boasts an alumni list of some pretty big names - think Richard Harris, Brian Cox, Benedict Cumberbatch. The conservatory takes in just 30 people a year so as you might imagine - competition i
The Paparoa horse rescue video that's gone viral!
The clip of a rescue of a horse called Chance who was stuck in a culvert in Paparoa (in Southern Kaipara District) has been watched online by millions of people. Chance's owner Simone Frewin chats to Jesse.
Weather Watch: We get the latest on the stormy conditions
And authorities say those strong winds are adding an extra half metre on top of very large swells. The highest wave recorded by MetService in Wellington Harbour today has reached 11 metres. A mandatory evacuation order was in place from 9am this morning for waterfront properties in Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay and Breaker Bay. For the latest Jesse is joined by RNZ field reporter Charl
The Pre Panel for 8 June 2026
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.
12 questions that could predict your risk of dementia
A simple test with 12 questions may help predict your risk of dementia, stroke, or depression says Dr Jonathan Rosand. He's the founder and director of the Brain Care Labs at Mass General Brigham and Harvard, and professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. He's developed the Brain Care Score that measures factors such as sleep, exercise, stress, blood pressure, and social connection. Th
TV Critic: Legends and Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed
Afternoons TV critic Philippa Rennie joins Jesse to discuss these shows: Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed (Apple TV) Legends (Netflix)
Everything you need to know about electric vehicles
It's time for our expert feature and today we're talking electric vehicles. The volatile situation in the Middle East has driven up fuel prices sparking renewed interest in EVs as Kiwis look for ways to cut their transport costs. While most people know that electric vehicles are cheaper to run, many of you might have plenty of questions around battery life, charging infrastructure, range, and
Everything you need to know about electric vehicles
It's time for our expert feature and today we're talking electric vehicles. The volatile situation in the Middle East has driven up fuel prices sparking renewed interest in EVs as Kiwis look for ways to cut their transport costs. While most people know that electric vehicles are cheaper to run, many of you might have plenty of questions around battery life, charging infrastructure, range, and
Jesse Goes Clubbing: MWT Meccano Club
Each week Jesse chats to a local club, which means Jesse could be taking you pigeon racing, knitting, or off to play backgammon. If you've got a club you want Jesse to join, please get in touch 2101 or Jesse@rnz.co.nz Today we're joined by Richard Feltham.
OZ Update: What's happening in Australia?
Our Australia correspondent Brad Foster joins Jesse to talk about what's making news across the Tasman, starting with Former Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer who died last night.
The small town that took on Harrods Department Store
In June 1986, for one week, the Northern Waikato town of Otorohanga officially renamed itself 'Harrodsville'. Exactly why is layed out in the new 'Harrodsville 40th Anniversary' exhibition at Otorohanga Museum, which is running from now until the end of June. Here to share the details is Otorohanga Mayor Rodney Dow.
How can you reduce the risk of falling as you get older?
At what age do we stop saying somebody has fallen over and instead say they've had a fall? It's a quirk of language that points to the fact that in our later years, taking a tumble is likely to be that much more serious. And with an aging population, staying steady on our feet is a growing concern Well, a Kiwi research team is focused on tackling that issue and supporting healthy aging with a
What are the Treaty of Waitangi reforms being looked at?
The Waitangi Tribunal has been holding a hearing for its inquiry into the government's proposed amendments to treaty clauses. It launched the urgent inquiry last month because of concerns the reforms could cause and I quote, "significant and irreversible prejudice" to Maori. When the amendments were announced, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said they would ensure references to the principles
Putting the homegrown into New Zealand coffee
New Zealanders drink 3.7kgs of coffee per person every year ... that's according to data from the International Coffee Organisation .. which puts us just out of the top twenty coffee consuming countries .. but well above the global average. It's fair to say, we've cracked drinking coffee and making coffees, so it seems only right that our attention turns to growing coffee. More than 9 thousan
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: Te Hakeke / Wood Ear Fungus
Every Friday we put the spotlight on a critter that's endemic to New Zealand and endangered, Nicola Toki and Jesse discuss the creature and then rates it. We call this segment critter of the week. This week all eyes are on Te Hakeke / Wood Ear Fungus.
Weekend Stuff with Lynda Hallinan
Weekend Stuff with Lynda Hallinan
Food: Kerala Chicken Curry
Gretchen Lowe is with us to share her recipe for Kerala Chicken Curry with Coconut, Ginger and Fried Curry Leaves.
Film Review: Backrooms and Master of the Universe
Afternoons critic Dominic Corry is with us to share what he's been watching: Masters of the Universe - new in theatres Backrooms - new in theatres
Freaky Friday: Sarah in Kaiwaka
If you have a freaky, ghostly, or mysteriously unexplained tale to share then do get in touch. 2101 on the text or Jesse@rnz.co.nz Today we're joined by Sarah in Kaiwaka.
Celebrating 40 years of Prego restaurant
It feels like every week there's another headline about another hospitality business shutting it's doors .. so we thought it was timely to celebrate one that's still going strong. Prego is an Italian restaurant that has become an Auckland institution - sitting proudly on Ponsonby Road for 40 years this year. At the 2026 Lewisham Awards last weekend, Prego picked up the trophy for Outstanding
McLaren Racing marks its 1000th Formula One Grand Prix
This weekend marks a remarkable milestone in motorsport history, with McLaren Racing reaching its 1000th Formula One Grand Prix. The team - founded by Auckland-born racing driver Bruce McLaren - made their F1 debut in the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix In a full circle moment. this weekend's race will also take place at the Monaco circuit, one of the most iconic race tracks in the world. Currently th
Explainer: What's behind the lightning storms?
Overnight a lightning storm hit the country which saw over six thousand lightning strikes - six thousand! Which got us thinking about lightning and how little we understand it. You've probably seen the flashes, and maybe even counted the seconds until the thunder arrives, but where does it come from? How does a cloud create a bolt that's hotter than the surface of the sun? And why does New Ze
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: A look back at the big issues of the week
It's time now for a new segment we're trying out, it's called Political Group Chat and it's where we look back on some of the big issues over the past week. Joining Jesse in Auckland is comedian and commentator Tim Batt. And in Feilding, screenwriter, podcaster and free speech advocate Dane Giraud.
History with Dr Grant Morris: The History of NZ and USA in War
There has been a lot of chatter this week about US and NZ relations with regard to military spending so our favourite historian Dr Grant Morris thought it was a good time to look back at the history of our two countries in times of war.
Solving the World's Problems: El Nino
We like to think of ourselves as solution focused here on Afternoons so every couple weeks, we chat about some of the world's problems and how to solve them. Steve Wyn Harris joins me to chat about El Nino and Wool prices.
NZ Sporting History with Kieran Read
NZ Sport History looks back at the people and moments that have changed the game one way or another. This week Kieran Read joins Jesse. Kieran has done it all - he won two rugby world cups, played 127 tests for the All Blacks, 52 of them as captain and racked up 157 Super appearances for the Crusaders. He's regarded as one of the greatest No. 8s to wear the black jersey.
How bad sideline behaviour is putting kids off sport
Winter sports are well under way, which means stories about poor sideline behaviour are back in the headlines. Things got so bad in Waikato a few weeks ago that all junior rugby league matches were cancelled. Sport Waikato says not only is the behaviour inappropriate, but it can actually have a detrimental effect on a kid's enthusiasm for sport. Sport Waikato CEO Matthew Cooper is with me now
How to stop a possum from threatening our native species
Possums remain one of the biggest threats to our native species, with an estimated 30 million of them roaming around. Predator Free NZ has a great library of guides and resources to help gear towards our Predator Free 2050 goal. And their latest advice is think of it as a party! Yes, actually. To explain Jesse is joined by Pest Free Banks Peninsula operations coordinator Ollie Rutland-Sims.
What is going on with all the metal thefts?
Over the last couple of weeks there has been a spate of metal thefts in the Wellington region First the EV chargers at Avalon Park were cut. Then on Tuesday evening ChargeNet reported that five of their charging locations across the region had also been hit. This fits with what we are seeing in the rest of the country. A 2025 police report found that metal thefts have almost tripled in the la
Damaging our coastlines: Should beaches get closed at night?
Oreti Beach is one of Southland's most iconic stretches of coastline, 26 kilometres in length, the bay lies between the town of Riverton and the outflow of the Aparima River. It's a place made famous by motorcycling legend Burt Munro who used it as his personal speedway while training to set his land speed records. Records that still stand to this day But now there's a growing debate about it
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.
Feature: Does the future of driving even involve driving?
For years self-driving cars felt like a technology that was always just over the horizon. Now they're here. In parts of the United States and China, fully autonomous vehicles are already carrying passengers without anyone behind the wheel. Dr Andrew Miller writes about the future of mobility in his newsletter Changing Lanes. He says we're approaching a major turning point in transport, one th
Easy Eats: Creamy Sausage Orzo with Leeks
Wednesday means Easy Eats here on Afternoons; a chance to share a recipe that is light on time but heavy on flavour. Kelly Gibney is away but we're thrilled to have Emilie Pullar here, a pasta expert who's behind The Burnt Butter Table website and Burnt Butter Pasta Instagram page.
Heading Off to Medellin, Colombia
It's time for our weekly travel segment 'Heading Off' where we explore the world via your adventures and all without having to leave the house. Today we're off to Medellin, Colombia's second largest city. Louise Amey lived in the city for 5 months, and joins Jesse to tell us all about it
Stories from Our Changing World
This week's episode is about the Pest Free Purerua-Mataroa peninsula project. At the northern end of the Bay of Islands, this peninsula is home to a large population of northland brown kiwi. Claire takes a tour with project leader Andy Mentor to learn about their work. First stop is on a slight rise that looks out over the narrow peninsula neck - an important area for the team.
Is this our most ambitious conservation project yet?
Covering more than 300 thousand hectares of the Southern Alps region, the Te Manahuna Aoraki Project is one of our most ambitious pest control projects yet. The aim is to create New Zealand's first ever pest free national park. And to help achieve that goal, the team involved is wide ranging and diverse, from existing conservation groups to the Defence Force. Oh and it's making the most of AI
Helping out couples who struggle with fertility
According to Health NZ data, more than a quarter of couples in New Zealand will inexperience infertility ... and one in eight will require medical assistance to achieve pregnancy. But of course, treatments like IVF, or in vitro fertilization, can be costly, and there are no guarantees. That's why two years ago Jaimee Lupton founded Gingernut's Angels to help provide financial support to coupl
Find out why wool is having a moment
It's not a stretch to say the last few years have been a really tough time to be a sheep farmer .. some farmers were earning so little from wool that it barely covered the cost of shearing. But things could be looking up. Last week's PGG Wrightson National Wool auction saw prices climb to their highest level in 15 years. So what's behind the turnaround, and is it here to stay? Rachel Shearer
The fan who took centre stage in La La Land in Concert!
Have we got a great story to brighten your Wednesday. Over the weekend an event called 'La La Land in Concert' was on in Sydney; that's where an audience watches the Oscar award winning film La La Land with a live orchestra and jazz band performing the soundtrack, all conducted by the film's Oscar-winning composer Justin Hurwitz. Except this performance didn't go to plan. Here to explain what
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.
How being a dad has changed, and why that's good.
The job description for fathers has changed. Once upon a time, dads were expected to provide a paycheck, lay down the rules, and keep the garden tidy. Today, many men want more. Men want to be present, emotionally connected, and deeply involved in their children's lives. Kevin Maguire has spent years writing honestly about what happens when ambition, career success and old expectations collid
You're the Judge
Every Tuesday we get your help solving an issue. This week we are looking at disciplining other people's kids. Should you? Text 2101 or email us afternoons@rnz.co.nz your thoughts!
Podcast Critic: Homing and Better Known
Afternoons podcast critic Linda Burgess joins Jesse to share what she's been listening to: Better Known (Ivan Wise) Homing (Matt Giberd)
