8:10 Is our governance system outdated?
Is New Zealand obsessed with government and negligent about governance? And what’s the difference between the two?
They’re probably not questions most of us lay awake at night pondering on – but maybe they should be.
Earlier this week the government announced major public sector cuts with plans to axe 9000 jobs; but perhaps there are other reforms our politicians should be focusing on instead?
A new essay by political scientist Dr Claire Robinson argues the bigger issue here isn’t our politicians or their antics in the headlines – it’s whether New Zealand’s public governance system itself is still fit for purpose.
To discuss in detail, she joins Emile Donovan on the show tonight.
Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
8:25 The House
Tonight on our Parliament show – The House – Louis Collins looks at the tactics behind the members bills up for debate this week.
Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
8:30 Are we pushing kids too hard in sport?
You may remember about a month ago we spoke to friend of the show and journalist Greg Bruce, who was made redundant last year and has since turned to AI chatbots in an effort to set himself on the path to financial success.
Well, we thought we’d invite him back on the programme to see how things have been going.
In between appearances, Greg has also written a piece for the Listener about the mental and physical pressure parents are placing on their children when it comes to sport, and how it’s wreaking havoc on young bodies and ruining their experience of sport.
He joins Emile to catch up on the show tonight.
Photo: matimix/123RF
8:45 The great mongoose dodge
New Zealand has a higher proportion of introduced species than any other country.
From Deer to ferrets, hedgehogs, possums, and rats, wallabies, weasels and wild goats – these species all have a detrimental effect on our environment.
Journalist Naomi Arnold – says we should thank our lucky stars that the mongooses introduced into New Zealand in the 1880s never took off.
She has written about the great mongoose dodge for The Spinoff and joins Emile on the show tonight.
Photo: Wikicommons
9:05 Nights Quiz
Do you know your stuff? Come on the air and be grilled by Emile Donovan as he dons his quizmaster hat.
If you get an answer right, you move on to the next question. If you get it wrong, your time in the chair is up, and the next caller will be put through.
For each question answered correctly, a quizzee gets their name put in the draw for the weekly prize: the coveted Nights mug.
9:25 How do you cast the next James Bond?
Auditions for the next James Bond film are underway, according to Amazon MGM Studios, meaning the Daniel Craig era is very much in the rear-view mirror of Bond’s Aston Martin DB5.
Craig starred in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and finally 2021’s No Time to Die.
But who will succeed Craig as 007 in the next chapter?
Speculation is growing over one of the most calculated, high-stakes casting decisions in Hollywood.
A-listers Idris Elba, Henry Cavill and Cillian Murphy are rumoured, while up and coming names include Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi.
Whoever it is, they’ll star in a film directed by Canadian Denis Villeneuve (dir. Dune, Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, Sicario, Prisoners).
James Bond is such a cultural cornerstone that the casting decision will likely cause OUTRAGE online. Or glee. Depending on your echo chamber.
James Chapman is the author of Licence to Thrill: A Cultural History of the James Bond Films. The book is described as ‘the definitive scholarly study of the history of the James Bond films.’
He joins Emile Donovan on the show tonight to discuss the challenges casting this iconic role.
jacob Elordi, Idris Elba and Cillian Murphy have all been tipped to be cast as the next James Bond.
Photo: Getty
9:45 Pacific Waves
A daily current affairs programme that delves deeper into the major stories of the week, through a Pacific lens, and shines a light on issues affecting Pacific people wherever they are in the world. Hosted by Susana Suisuiki.
10:17 The Detail
Tonight on The Detail – The Government’s announcement of massive public sector cuts has ramped up the election year battle – even between Coalition mates.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Public Service Minister Paul Goldsmith speak to media after a pre-Budget announcement.
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
10:45 The Reading: The New Ships Episode 8
Tonight on Episode 8 of Kate Duignan’s ‘The New Ships’: Peter has reluctantly sold the Castlepoint bach but is consumed with doubts about when, or if, he will see his son again.
11:07 The Mixtape
Tony Stamp is joined by Carmel Bennett, the General Manager at Music Helps charity, picking some favourite songs on The Mixtape.