Afternoons for Thursday 9 November 2023

1:15 From Otago University to being a sought after world renown soil expert

Since graduating from Otago university in the 90s, agro-ecologist Nicole Masters has become one of the worlds top soil experts.

For the last seven years she's been based in Montana, where she developed a successful consultancy. During COVID, Nicole made the decision to scale back that business, and refocus her attention on teaching.

Her first course launched in the USA. It's graduates now manage more than 1.2 million acres of farm land.

Now she's preparing to bring her workshops to Aotearoa. Kicking off with a "Road To Regeneration" event in Auckland this Sunday.

1:25 Rich-lister reinvigorating Reefton

The iconic gold mining town of Reefton has been experiencing a resurgence in recent years - with one man at the center of it.

John Bougen, an Aucklander who made his fortune as co-founder of the 'Dress Smart' chain of shopping malls is now in small west coast settlement giving it a bit of a make over.

For the last 10 years he's been  buying up and refurbishing a selection the towns more dilapidated buildings,  welcoming new tenants and tourists alike.

John holds a world record for visiting 191 countries in six months, he talks to Jesse about making Reefton his new home.

1:35 Newly crowned Young Horticulturist of the Year, Meryn Whitehead.

Each year young horticulturists from around the country battle it out for the title of 'Young Horticulturist of the Year'.

Fruit and vegetable growers against florists; landscapers against winegrowers - the variety within the industry is huge.

They're tested on their practical horticulture skills, leadership ability, business acumen, and industry knowledge.

And this years winner stumbled into the industry while on a trip to New Zealand eight years ago and has never looked back.

Welcome to the show and congratulations Meryn Whitehead!

1:45 Great album: Not Your Cupid

Following on from Erny Belle's recent NZ Live performance our link 3 winner today will get a vinyl copy of her album, Not Your Cupid being relased tomorrow.

2:10 Music Critic: Tony Stamp

RNZ's very own Tony Stamp joins Jesse today to talk about the Erny Belle track, Stay Golden and new music from Christoph El Truento.

2:25 NZ Sporting History: Erin Routliffe

Today on NZ Sporting history we meet Erin Routliffe who's made recent sporting history by becoming the first New Zealander to win a women's grand slam title in 44 years.

She, together with doubles partner Gaby Dabrowski, won the US open doubles title this year.

They are currently ranked 11th in the world.

Erin speaks to Jesse about calling New Zealand home after residing in Canada for many years and what's next in her stellar sporting career.

3:10 Link 3

3:15 Your Money with Mary Holm 

Today Mary has a close look at investing in shares both in Aotearoa and overseas.

She's collated some interesting numbers about how the different stocks have fared over the past five decades.

3:35 Spoken Feature BBC Witness

Joseph Pilates developed a system of strengthening exercises which are now practised all over the world. He called it "contrology", but it's now better known as just Pilates.

We hear from Mary Bowen, one of the Pilates Elders, who studied with Joseph Pilates and his wife Clara in New York in the 1950s.

3:45 The Panel with Sally Wenley and Anton Matthews