Afternoons for Friday 8 February 2019

1:10 First song

1:15 Nelson fire update

As you may have heard in the news, the huge fire in Nelson continues to burn out of control.

So far the fire has destroyed a house and a farm building, and forced residents of Pigeon Valley, where the fire began, to evacuate.

For the latest we're joined from the cordon at Pigeon Vally Road in Wakefield by RNZ's reporter Ben Strang

1:20 Karaoke Boiz play hits Auckland

Imagine if the Spice Girls was actually a karaoke band set up in the heart of Waikato by a Kiwi bloke named Wayne.

That's the premise of Karaoke Boiz, a new play currently showing at the Q Theatre on Auckland's Queen Street.

We're joined on the line by one of the show's creators and writers, Kermath, to tell us more.

1:25 Being the parent of a transgender child

How should you react when your teenage child tells you they're transgender?

It seems like a simple question, but for a lot of parents it takes them into unknown and poorly-understood territory.

Sharyn Forsyth runs NZ Parents of Transgender Children - a support group which helps parents guide their children through a testing emotional and psychological period in their lives.

She joins us to talk about the experience, the challenges, and the important things to keep at the front of your mind in this situation.

And RNZ's Susan Strongman has written a piece exploring the issue of gender self-identification and the emotional toll of the cumbersome processes as things are - you can find that here.

1:35 Spreading the joy of monarch butterflies

In many parts of the country, a monarch caterpillar pops up as rarely as a blue moon - but in Christchurch, Napier, Wellington, and a few other spots, people are inundated with these cute crawlers.

So New Zealand's Monarch Butterfly Trust has set up a Facebook page to match up people with a caterpillar surplus, with those with a shortage.

Jacqui Knight from the Trust joins us to explain why it's a good idea to spread the monarch love, and how people can get involved.

1:40 Great album

2:10 Film Review with Richard Swainson

Richard reviews Cold War and Ralph Breaks the Internet

2:20 NZ Live Katie Thompson

It's a complicated world for musicians and songwriters these days, when everyone has all the music ever made at the touch of a button. But the best way of getting on is getting close to your fans. And that's where Christchurch alt-country artist Katie Thompson is an expert.

She's currently completing her third album. And like the first one, 2009's 'Tall Poppy', it was crowdfunded. Her fans, about half of whom are outside New Zealand, also support her with monthly subscriptions on Patreon. In return, she plays shows at people's houses and does fan-only live video streams.

3:10 How to make plum Jam - with Julie Biuso

Julie shares her recipe for her favourite jam, plum jam, and also gives us a 101 on jam making - how to make the perfect jam from start to finish. You can see her full recipes for both here. 

3:20 Talk the Walk: Moturua Island track

Fleur Corbett, DoC ranger for the Northern North Island, has chosen a little track compared to the Great Walks which she dubs "a real gem". 

It's on Moturua Island in the Ipipiri Islands, which many people will know as the Bay of Islands.

It has a circular walk which can be started from any one of four bays on the track, and can take as little an hour - or as long as you want.

3:25 Critter of the Week Whittakers Skink

This week's critter is the exceptionally rare nocturnal Whittakers Skink, which can live 10 times longer than most tropical lizards. DoC's Threatened Species Ambassador, Nicola Toki tells us about this endangered lizard.

3:45 The Pre-Panel Story of the Day and One Quick Question

4:05 The Panel with Julia Whaipooti and Alan McElroy