Leisure
TV Critic: Vladimir and Scarpetta
Actor and Afternoons TV critic Michelle Langstone joins Jesse to review: Valdimir - Netflix Scarpetta - Prime Video Audio
Culture 101: Tenor - My Name Is Pati and Oscar Pedictions
Film critic Kate Rodger joins Culture 101 to discuss Oscar predictions and the NZ documentary smashing the box office. Audio
Sailing programme teaching traditional Pacific navigation skills
Pacific and Māori learners are reconnecting with ocean voyaging knowledge while building confidence on the water in Auckland, the programme founder says.
'Breaking a sweat, having some fun': How line dancing found a home in the city
Line dancing is accessible, low-pressure, and fun to do with friends - and townies are among its biggest fans, Country Life discovered.
Weekend Stuff: Gardening with Lynda Hallinan
Let's talk about gardening now, our green thumbed guru Lynda Hallinan is with me to share some seasonal tips and tricks. Audio
Podcast Critic: Sick to Death and The Birth Keepers
Afternoons Podcast Critic Jemima Huston joins Jesse to share what she's been listening to. Sick to Death by The Australian The Birth Keepers by The Guardian Audio
Book Critic: Books for teens and tweens
Catherine Ross is the Director of Library at Auckland Grammar School and she always has great picks to share for younger readers. Here is her list today: For Ages 10+ Dr Zeus By James Patterson… Audio
Puppet master: how do you make a fake shark realistic?
Across the March and April school holidays, a theatre production called 'Swimming with Sharks' will be running at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The show is a collaboration with renowned puppet… Audio
Jesse Goes Clubbing: Pre Vintage Car Clubs
Every Monday Jesse hits the clubs. If you've got a club we need to know about, be that a Jigsaw puzzle club, pug club, or stamp society get in touch. Jesse@rnz.co.nz on the email or text 2101. Today… Audio
Gordon Watson: working with Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi
For the past two years the general manager of Auckland City FC, Gordon Watson, has won Maori Sports Administrator of the Year. In the past he also worked for FIFA at three World Cups and with… Audio
TV Critic: How to Get to Heaven from Belfast Reviewed
Actor Claire Chitham joins Jesse to share what she's been watching on the box. Today she reviews: How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (Netflix) Wonder Man (Disney) Audio
Jesse Goes Clubbing: This week he joins the Rock Hounds
It's Monday afternoon and time for me get suited and booted and hit the clubs. Jesse has been a day visitor to lots of clubs already, boosting his interest in lawnmowing, cactus, model trains, machine… Audio
Does Lower Hutt have too many pools?
A new report has found Hutt City Council cannot continue to wield the axe on staffing numbers to cut costs and instead needs to offload some of its assets to improve rates affordability.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 26 February 2026
Get out now. That's the stark warning from Foreign Minister Winston Peters to New Zealanders in Iran, as former U.S. President Donald Trump weighs possible military action against the regime in… Audio
'The trails are awesome, the location is awesome'
The Wellington Mountain Bike festival kicks off this Friday with three days of racing, shuttle runs, food, beer and entertainment in three different trail spots around the city.
Weekend Stuff: Is your bedroom set up stopping you sleep?
We all know how important a good night's sleep is, there is a whole industry promoting it! But have you ever considered what the environment you're sleeping in is like? Rachael Quin, from… Audio
Waimarino Golf Club marks it's 100th birthday
Now we're heading to the centre of the North Island where Waimarino Golf Club is marking it's 100th birthday this Easter. At 580 metres above sea level, set against a stunning backdrop that is Mount… Audio
For sale: One backyard railroad, only one careful owner
Ian Jones has spent 11 years turning his backyard into a miniature railway, complete with tunnels, bridges and over 300 metres of track.
Sewage spill cancels water activities at Island Bay Festival, thousands still attend
Thousands of people congregated at the festival which had to cancel one of its headline events, the Blessing of the Boats, earlier this week.
Survival Guide to Laneway Festival
Laneway Festival is on at Auckland's Western Springs Park today with some big stars like Chappelle Roan headlining along with lots of local acts. Gates opened at 1230 and the event ends at 10pm, so… Audio
