8:10 Bird flu is in New Zealand, here’s what to look out for
This afternoon it was confirmed that bird flu has been detected on our shores. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said a brown skua had tested positive after it was found on Petone Beach in Wellington. It comes after more than a dozen cases of the virus were detected in Australia. So just how big is this risk and what should be looking out for?
Natalie Forsdick is the President Birds New Zealand and she joins me now.
Natalie Forsdick is the President of Birds of New Zealand
Photo: Birds of New Zealand
8.25pm WORD Christchurch Festival
WORD Christchurch Festival have just announced their exciting programme for 2026.
Running from the 1st – 6th of September, the line up features bold ideas, memorable evenings, compelling stories, performances … and some famous faces.
So here to tell us more is Executive Director of the festival, Steph Walker.
Zinefest is one of the many events on the programme for WORD Christchurch Festival 2026.
Photo: WORD Christchurch 2026
8:30 Midweek Mediawatch
Colin Peacock joins Emile Donovan to debrief the week in media news.
Photo: RNZ / Jeff McEwan
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.
9:20 Singer-songwriter Agnes Obel
Renowned for her elegant, elastic voice, Berlin-based, Danish-born singer, songwriter, producer and classically trained pianist Agnes Obel is making her long-awaited return to New Zealand this September.
It’s her first time back since her sold-out 2022 tour. Over the past decade, Agnes has built a reputation for creating hauntingly beautiful music that blends classical influences, intimate songwriting and a unique sonic atmosphere. She returned to the stage last year and is now bringing her distinctive, atmospheric style of music to Auckland’s Te Paepae Theatre at the international convention centre.
So to find out what she’s been up to since she was last in Aotearoa, Agnes joins Susana for a chat.
Agnes Obel is making her long-awaited return to New Zealand this September.
Photo: Alex Bruel Flagstad
9:35 European correspondent Christian Smith
Christian Smith dials in from London with news from the other side of the world.
Union Jack flag
Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen
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
Today on The Detail – Animal lovers welcome plans for a law that criminalises coercive control using pets, but an expert in domestic abuse law isn’t so sure it will work.
10:45 The Reading
This evening we conclude our reading of ‘Malcolm and Juliet’ by Bernard Beckett, read by Stephen Lovatt.
Malcolm’s back in the running to take first prize at the Science Fair – and better still, Charlotte’s been helping him edit his tape. Malcolm’s never been happier in his short life . But will he take first prize?
11:07 Artist to Artist
In Artist To Artist Nick Bollinger takes a listen to some of the songs that songwriters have written about other songwriters, and uncovers the stories behind them.