Afternoons for Thursday 15 February 2024

1:15 Unique to Aotearoa microbe discovered in our geothermal climate 

We're used to having rare and unique endemic species in Aotearoa such as plants, birds, insects but not microorganisms.

Microorganisms can move through water, soils and ride air currents so finding one that is endemic and stranded in New Zealand would be a world first.

But University of Canterbury Scientist, Professor Matthew Stott, has done exactly that.

He has identified an endemic genus of geothermal microorganisms. He explains what he's discovered to Jesse.

1:25 Kiwi Econet, a new way to wrap bales of hay

It's the second day of the Southern Field Days in Waimumu, the crowds have gathered - and many people around one stall in particular.

Southland farmer Grant Lightfoot has created a new type of bale wrap - a net which is made out of natural fibre that cattle can eat and digest.

It's called Kiwi Econet, and would replace the plastic that farmers currently use, which can't be recycled.

Grant Lightfoot speaks to Jesse.

1:35 Masters of the Air link to local flying hero

Many of you might be enjoying Apple TV's new Spielberg and Hanks series,  Masters of the Air, following the US Eighth Air Force unit 100th Bomb Group, on the dangerous mission to bomb targets inside German-occupied Europe in World War II.

There's an interesting New Zealand connection to this bit of World War II history.

Johnny Checketts was a motor mechanic in Invercargill who flew sixty missions with the Eighth Air Force as a fighter ace, flying as fighter cover to protect the bombers.

He was awarded the American Silver Star for his service, very unusual for someone from another country.

Johnny's son Chris Checketts talks to Jesse.

 

1:45 Link 3 album: On The Lips by Molly Lewis

Today's link 3 winner will get a copy of Molly Lewis's newest album being released tomorrow, On The Lips.

2:10 Music Critic: Marty Jones

Today Marty talks to Jesse about music from John Martyn and a Bruce Hornsby & The Range track.

2:30 NZ Sporting History: Kendra Cocksedge

Today for NZ Sporting history we look back on the incredible carerr of  Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge - a player who has earned her place among the NZ Rugby Greats she used to look up to.

The Taranaki halfback retired from the game after 30 years of playing in 2022, with a fairy tale Rugby World Cup win on home soil.

When she hung up her boots, she was the most capped Black Fern of all time and the team's record point scorer - titles she still holds, but anticipates not for long.

3:10 Link 3

3:15 Solving the World's Problems with Simon Wilson

Today NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson is looking at what we have to be more cheerful about.

3:20 History with Dr Grant Morris

Over the past year, NZ First leader Winston Peters has repeatedly referred to three famous Māori leaders in his speeches: Āpirana Ngata, Māui Pōmare, and Peter Buck.

But who were these men, and why are they so important? Dr Grant Morris talks about the trio and their legacies.

3:35 Spoken Feature BBC Witness

In 1973, a fashion show was held in France which became known as the Battle of Versailles, a duel between designs from modern America and the capital of couture, Paris.

Five American designers, including Oscar de la Renta and Halston, were invited to show their work alongside five of France’s biggest names, including Yves Saint Laurent and Hubert de Givenchy.

The aim was to raise money to help restore Versailles, a 17th Century palace built by King Louis XIV, but the media billed it as a competition between the two countries.

Bethann Hardison, one of the models, talks to Jane Wilkinson about the lasting impact of the astonishing show.

3:45 The Panel with Aimie Hines and Chris Wikaira