Afternoons

 

1:15 Should the retirement age be raised to 72?

We're starting today's show with a discussion on retirement age and would as always, love to hear your thoughts. 

The issue is back in the news thanks to the Chief Executive of Milford Investments saying New Zealanders will have to work into their 70s if the country wants to afford superannuation.

The comments came as part of a wider debate being held at the New Zealand Economic Forum at Waikato University this week.

Treasury has previously signaled that it's on track to become unaffordable unless the retirement age rises to around 72.

But would any Government be up to changing the official retirement age? To discuss, I'm joined by author of The Kaka substack - Bernard Hickey

1:20 Something to celebrate: A story of small business success

Here on Afternoons, we like to focus on solutions and happy news stories, so with that in mind, we're heading to Wellington now for a rare bit of good small business news.

Today Wheel Works - a designer and manufacturer of bespoke bicycle wheels celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Founder Tristan Thomas joins Jesse.

1:30 Must listen! A Survival Guide to the First Year of University

It's that time of year where students around the country are gearing up for their first year at university. 

But alongside o-week fun and new found freedom, this life transition can be daunting. 

A 2025 report found that around 1 in 5 students will leave their original university within three semesters of starting - with some leaving study behind all together. 

So, what do students need to know to survive and thrive as a first year at uni? 

Dr Sophia Waters has some of the answers, she joins Jesse from The University of New England in Australia ... 

1:45 Freaky Friday on Friday the 13th!!

Usually for Freaky Friday we ask for your spooky experiences, but today it felt more appropriate to settle into a ghost story. 

So, joining Jesse is the community engagement co-ordinator of the PumpHouse Theatre in Takapuna, Mags Delaney-Moffatt. 

2:10 Film Review: Is "Wuthering Heights" worth seeing?

Film critic Kate Rodger joins Jesse to review:

'Wuthering Heights'

Mārama

2:20 NZ Live: Alayna lights up Studio B

Time for NZ Live, the moment in the week when we bring you a special, live performance from some of our top musical talent.

Today we are joined by Alayna, we had her on a couple of years ago when she released her debut album 'Self-portrait of a Woman Unravelling"

Today she releases album number two, 'Set Her Free' 

3:08 Food: Crayfish E Fu Noodles

Friday means food here on Afternoons and today The Kitchen Project's Connie Clarkson joins us with a divine dish to celebrate Chinese New Year, crayfish e fu noodles. 

Recipe is here.

3:16 Music 101: New music from Bic Runga

Kara Rickard host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.

3:20 What's on this Weekend?

We take a whirl through some of the events on in the main centres this weekend! 

3:25 Weekend Work: How do you create a path?

Mitre 10's Stan Scott is with us to answer any DIY questions you might have, and to talk us through creating a path and paving in general.

3:35 Critter of the Week: The kahukōwhai or yellow admiral butterfly

These speedy little flyers are found all over the country and are also shared with some parts of Australia. They resemble the red admiral butterfly, except for the bright yellow patches on the upper wings. The caterpillars depend on nettle to survive, and the dwindling host plants, as well as impacts from introduced predators is having an effect on their population numbers. As such, the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust launched the Big Butterfly Count last year to find out more information on numbers of butterfly populations around the country. It is happening right now from the 9-20 February.

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel.