Navigation for Afternoons

Afternoons for Thursday 1 May 2025

1:10 40 years of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Our first story today takes us to Waikato - where a special anniversary is being marked this week.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is celebrating 40 years since it was established in Te Awamutu.

It was set up in response to many young Māori being expelled or being failed out of school.

Since then, it's gone from strength to strength, with around a million other tauira or students coming through the Wānanga.

To reflect on its journey, and where it's at today, Jesse is joined by joined by Chief Executive, Evie O'Brien.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Chief Executive Evie O'Brien.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Chief Executive Evie O'Brien. Photo: Supplied / Te Wānanga o Aōtearoa

1:20 How to not have your funeral cost the earth

Nationwide tours are usually the preserve of musicians, comedians, entertainers, maybe the odd politician.

But much less common - people aiming to disrupt the funeral industry

But Fergus Wheeler hasn't let that put him off...

funeral, generic, coffin, death

Photo: 123RF

1:35 The social history of whaling 

Lindsay Alexander is a NZ whaling historian based in Kororareka, Russell. He has been researching the topic for more than 12 years and has written a number of books based on the real often forgotten stories of this vital part of New Zealand's past economy. 

He talks to Jesse about the drama and tragedy of tour whaling past.

Humpback whale songs have been found to have "language-like" structures.

Humpback whale songs have been found to have "language-like" structures. Photo: Supplied: Operation Cetaces

1:45 Great album: Rumors by Fleetwood Mac

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Photo: wikipedia

2:10 Podcast Critic

Today Alan Doak looks at DNA Trail: The Promise, a podcast about Laura Ancell who is searching for the real family of her late father. He also discusses Titanic - Ship of Dreams where host Paul McGann explores what is known and what is not known about the build, launch and ultimate demise of the Titanic.

This handout image taken during the historical 1986 dive, courtesy of WHOI (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) and released February 15, 2023 shows the Titanic bow. In July 1986, nine months after the discovery, a team from WHOI returned to the wreck site, this time using three-person research submersible Alvin and the newly developed remotely operated vehicle Jason Jr. The trip marked the first time that humans laid eyes on the vessel since its ill-fated voyage in 1912.

The bow of the Titanic, seen in an image taken during a historical 1986 dive. Photo: AFP / Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution / Handout

2:30 NZ Sporting History: Mike Walsh

Mike Walsh is one of our most successful coaches, leading The Black Socks to four consecutive world championship finals, winning two and taking the Women's White Socks team to the Olympics

Today we've diving into Mike Walsh's career as a softball coach.

Blacksox 1984 - single use

Photo: Mike Walsh

3:15 Solving the World's Problems

Ali Jones has more than a couple of thoughts on wastage and her recent efforts to reduce her own waste in her life. 

Garage sale, clothes for sale hanging on hanger outdoors.

Garage sale, clothes for sale hanging on hanger outdoors. Photo: 123RF

3:20 History with Dr Grant Morris

Today Dr Grant asks: Is the current state of world affairs really as bad as we think? As ever history has the answers.

Photo:

3:35 BBC Witness History

On 23 April 1985, Coca-Cola changed the secret formula of its fizzy drink and launched 'New Coke'. It resulted in public backlash and thousands of angry calls.

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Photo: AFP

3:45 The pre-Panel 

Wallace Chapman and producer Sam Hollis preview tonight's instalment of The Panel.

wallace chapman

Photo: wallace chapman