Afternoons for Wednesday 31 January 2024

 

1:15 Kōkako sightings sought in South Island

There's been some excitement for bird lovers recently, with a possible sighting of a Kōkako in Southland.

The endangered songbird was once thought to be extinct in the South island.

Inger Perkins is the manager of the South Island Kōkako Charitable Trust, who have put a call out for help identifying the bird.

She speaks to Jesse.

1:25 Nelson plane spotters get new viewing windows

Good news for plane spotters in Nelson - the airport has created six viewing windows in the fence line, giving an unobstructed view for enthusiasts.

Dan Hay is one of Nelson's most active plane spotters, and he worked with Nelson airport in choosing the best locations to get a close up of the action on the runway.

1:35 NZ a step closer to banning 'forever chemicals'
New Zealand is about to become one of the world leaders in banning harmful chemicals in cosmetic products.

The Environmental Protection Authority, or EPA, announced yesterday that from December 31st 2026 they will ban per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances from use in these products.

PFAS's are often called 'forever chemicals' as they take a long time to break down and can become toxic at high levels, damaging both the environment and consumers.

Melanie Kah, associate professor for the School of Environment at the University of Auckland speaks to Jesse.

1:45 Heading Off: Kawau Island

This week on heading off we speak to Elisabeth Easther about travelling to Kawau Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

Each week we're talking travel in this segment, if you have something to share, a hack, a wonderful trip, a hidden gem for visitors in your hood - please text 2101 or email jesse@rnz.co.nz.

2.12 Podcast Critic: Ximena Smith

Today Ximena talks to Jesse about The Studies Show, a podcast by two British science writers. She's also been listening to season two of Things Fell Apart, a show by Jon Ronson exploring 'culture wars'.

2:20 Bookmarks with Emile Donovan

This week on Bookmarks we speak to the new host of Nights, Emile Donovan.

3:10 The toxic era of fame for women

On her 18th birthday, Harry Potter star Emma Watson  watched in disbelief as out of control tabloid paparazzi got down on the pavement to take pictures up her dress.

When it came to women in the early 2000's, nothing was off limits says writer Sarah Ditium.

Her new book reflects on the way 9 women, including Brittany Spears and Lindsay Lohan, were subjected to systematic sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination and how that treatment shaped the way women would see themselves for years to come. 

Her new book is called Toxic: Women, Fame and The Noughties.

3:35 Stories from Our Changing World

Reckon you're sneezing more this summer? Science says you might be right.

Coming up on Our Changing World, Justin Gregory finds out about a device tracking pollen levels in Auckland.

3:45 The Panel with Nalini Baruch and Peter Dunne