Afternoons for Wednesday 27 November 2024

1:15 Keeping grocery bags a local thing

A Taupo-based company is working to reduce New Zealand's reliance on imported packaging

Following the single-use-plastic ban in 2019 two childhood friends looked into who was manufacturing paper locally and discovered that much of the paper produced here was exported to Asia, converted into paper bags, and then sent back to New Zealand 

The friends then set up 'Gratpak' and began manufacturing bags here. They now supply 25 to 30 million bags a year to Foodstuffs.

'Gratpak General Manager Stephen Folcarelli talks to Jesse.

1:25 The fight to get the young involved in civic life

Our cultural relationship without the USA usually flows in one direction, from them to us.

But for some things they are looking to us, here in Aotearoa.

Caroline Klibanoff is currently visiting on an Eisenhower fellowship. 

Her aim - to learn how we incorporate youth into civic life and set up a similar system back home.

1:35 New Zealand Geographic opens its books

"The media sector is now forecasting its own death". "For the first time, I'm looking at the future with genuine concern."

That's direct quote from NZ Geographic owner James Frankham. He wrote those words a month ago. They sit right at the top of an article about why the publisher has opened its finances to the public.

Jesse asks James if the bid to bring in more money and convert subscribers to stakeholders has worked.

1:45 Heading Off: Coronet Peak Hill Climb

It's been called one of the world's most scenic and shortest car races. Winding up the ski access road of Coronet Peak it measures just 2.7kims long.

With this year's race upon us Jesse talks to Vice President of the Queenstown Car Club Matty Pester.

2.12 Music Critic: new music from Jeff Madd and The Lovely Eggs

Duanne Swan brings two new songs to fill your lug holes: Power and Money by Jeff Madd and Memory Man by The Lovely Eggs. 

2:20 Easy Eats with Kelly Gibney: Cherry Tomato and Ricotta Tart

This gorgeous (almost foolproof) tart is an easy weeknight dinner but will also shine for summer lunches and picnics. Using a mixture of different coloured cherry tomatoes will add extra visual appeal. Get the recipe here.

2:30 Bookmarks with Sarah Foster-Sproull

Jesse talks to dancer, choreographer, and senior lecturer in Dance Studies Sarah Foster-Sproull about the books and music that inspire her.

 

3:10 Feature interview: how to be smart about smart homes 

Technology is now all over our homes, with cameras on door bells, and refrigerators that keep shopping lists.  Our homes may be getting smarter, but are we asks trend forecaster and author Karen Rosenkranz. She says all these automated, artificial intelligence guided appliances are actually disempowering.  A little bit of discomfort rather than just convenience, can actually strengthen our resilience. She makes the case for getting smarter about smart homes.

3:35 Stories from Our Changing World

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallce Chapman joins Jesse to preview tonight's episode of The Panel. They are joined by producer Sam Hollis with a fun question provoking look at the news.