Afternoons for Thursday 5 October 2023

1:15 First Song: The long-awaited return of ZED

23 years on from the release of their number one debut album 'Silencer', ZED have announced they are coming back together. 

Their hits became synonymous with Kiwi radio, but after just four years and two albums they decided to call it a day. 

They've played a few reunion shows over the years, but this time they're announcing a nationwide tour and new music are on the way. 

Frontman Nathan King and guitarist Andy Lynch join Jesse.

1:25 Meet Miss New Zealand

Georgia Waddington wants to change the face of beauty pageants. 

The recently crowned Miss New Zealand is about to board a plane to Japan where she'll compete for the title of Miss International 2023. 

Georgia joins Jesse to discuss her experience and the reality of beauty pageants. 

1:35 App to explore native bush in Hamilton

A bellbird sighting in Hamilton's Mangakotukutuku Gully is a hopeful sign that efforts to restore native vegetation is working.

The council is aiming to add nearly 1000 hectares of native bush by 2025. 

As part of their efforts, the Council has launched an app to help locals and visitors learn more about the city's green areas.

Aimee Nooyen is Hamilton City Council's Community Restoration Adviser. She speaks with Jesse.

2:10 Music Critic: Jana Te Nahu Owen

RNZ's Jana Te Nahu Owen showcases new music from te reo rock project Te Tokotoru and Naarm/Melbourne-based singer and musician Angie McMahon. 

2:25 NZ Sporting History: Keith Quinn

It was only 28 years ago that World Rugby made the decision that changed the face of rugby in this country - allowing rugby union players to be paid, turning the sport professional. 

Before then, rugby union was considered a strictly amateur sport. 

Sports broadcaster Keith Quinn is one of the longest serving sports broadcasters in New Zealand and is known as the voice of All Black test rugby. He's covered every Rugby World Cup since they began and also fit 10 Olympic Games, 10 Commonwealth Games and three Paralympics into the mix.

Keith joins Jesse today.

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

New Zealand Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joins Jesse to reflect on Wayne Brown's first year in office. 

3:20 History with Dr Grant Morris: The history of NZ film festivals

New Zealand is lucky to have many film festivals to attend. But has this always been the case?

Today Dr Grant Morris explores the history of film festivals in New Zealand.

3:45 The Panel with Kathryn Graham and Phil Taylor