Afternoons

1:15 The Rātā returns

Nature is putting on a spectacular display in South Westland where Rātā trees are in full bloom. 

The vibrant sight is not all that common. with rata waiting up to 7 years to bloom

The Predator Free South Westland project, which has been eliminating possums, stoats and rats from the region since 2018. sent a photographer to capture the flowering canopy. 

Predator Free South Westland Operations Director Duncan Kay joins Jesse on Afternoons

1:25 The tenth anniversary of the dress that stopped the internet

Ten years ago, Cates Holderness was working at BuzzFeed on their Tumblr page and she made a post titled "What Colors Are This Dress?" The post sparked an international debate over the color scheme of a particular dress. 

For some that day represents the last day the internet was officially fun. 

Jesse talks to Cates about that day and how it went viral and what it tells about internet and society both then and now. 

1:35 Stories from around New Zealand and the World

When was the last time you fixed a household item?  Or even thought about repairing it before throwing it out?

Advocates have long fought for stronger consumer repair rights, allowing people to access affordable, independent repair services instead of relying on costly authorised ones.

New Zealand is the only country in the OECD which doesn't require manufacturers to provide repair information and spare parts to consumers.

Hopes are high that 'The Right to Repair' amendment bill which has its first reading on Wednesday will change all that.

Jesse talks to Laura Gemmell from Eco Choice Aotearoa.

1:45 Feature album: Rubber Soul by the Beatles

2:10 Television Critic: The White Lotus season 3 and Invincible 

Brooks Alexander reviews the latest season of the pheromonal and tries out the adult animated superhero show Invincible.

2:20 Information Centre Cold Call: Havelock North

Every week we throw caution to the wind.

Jesse places a call to a randomly picked information centre somewhere in Aotearoa. It's an Information Centre Cold Call. They don't know who is calling. And Jesse doesn't know who is going to answer the phone. 

This week: Havelock North.

2:30 Expert Feature: how to flirt

Today we're looking at the art of flirting. 

It's a nerve-wracking thing for a lot of people, so today we wanted to ask about the dos and don'ts when you're trying to spark a romantic connection.

But also, what does platonic flirting look like? If you're already in a long-term relationship, how can flirting help stoke the fire? 

Today's expert is renowned intimacy coach Belinda Wiley, and if you've got questions for Belinda, you can text Jesse on 2101. 

3:10 Feature interview: why we justify stupid stuff

Everyone makes mistakes. Admitting them, that's another story. Many of us try and justify ourselves and avoid taking responsibility for doing or saying stupid stuff says Eminent social psychologist Elliot Aronson. He's a pioneer in the study of cognitive dissonance, that mental tug of war when our actions don't line up with our values.   More than 15 years ago, he co-authored a book that's in its third printing and more relevant now than ever that helps us understand why our brains make excuses for us and what we can do about it.

The book is called Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts.

3:35 Here Now

This week on Here Now, part 2 to the conversation around exploring solidarity across different tauiwi groups and tangata whenua, in one Palmerston North suburb. 
 

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallce Chapman is in to preview The Panel. Producer Tom Riste-Smith joins him for a quirky look at the news.