Afternoons for Friday 31 January 2025

1:15 New documentary series explores Queer Aotearoa

Aotearoa prides itself on being an inclusive, diverse, multi-cultural society but not everyone has enjoyed the same rights, the same level of visibility or acceptance.

The history of New Zealand's queer community and it's fight for full equality in all aspects of life - social, sexual, legal - has been documented in a new six part series. 

Queer Aotearoa: We've Always Been Here launches tomorrow on TVNZ+ and TVNZ1.

Jesse is joined in the studio by writer/director Harry Wynn and presenter Eli Matthewson.

1:25 Dunedin Botanic Garden horticulturist retires after 40 years

If you've ever visited the Dunedin Botanic Garden and been impressed by what you saw, the person to thank is Alan Matchett. 

Alan began as a horticultural apprentice for the council in 1980 and became Team Leader for the Botanic Garden and Cemeteries in 2001 - today he's referred to as the Botanic Garden Manager. 

He's gone above and beyond to beautify the gardens over the decades, and to engage young people in the process. 

Earlier this week he did one final tour of the gardens with the rest of the staff. 

1:35 The secret to being happy

What is the secret to being happy? You'd think people who live in the world's happiest countries would have it sussed, and maybe they do, but new research suggests they are also more likely to be unhappy.  

Brock Bastian is a social psychologist and Professor at the University of Melbourne. He joins Jesse to share his insights into how we can all achieve our own version of the good life. 

1:45 The big asteroid coming our way

An automated telescope in Chile has spotted a 100 metre-wide asteroid that scientists say could collide with Earth in the year 2032. The possibility, they say, is 1.3%. 

Still, that's enough to have triggered global planetary defense procedures. 

1:45 Freaky Friday

Tales of the supernatural and weirdness straight from the lips of the Afternoons audience.

2:10 Film Review: Babygirl and the Emilia Pérez blowback

Ms Movies, Kate Rodger reviews Nicole Kidman's latest film Babygirl. She also looks at the main Oscar contenders an opines about the Emilia Pérez 'bets musical' controversy. 

2:20 NZ Live: Strawpeople

Straight from the NZ Live archives comes a NZ Live session from August 2023. It's one of our favourites, we hope it's one of yours. 

3:08 Food: Za'atar Tomatoes w/ Sriracha Tzatziki, Corn &
Pommegranite

Gretchen Lowe has a beautiful fresh recipe which requires so little effort for such a delicious
reward. Get the recipe here. 

3:16 Music 101: Charlotte Ryan

Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.

 

3:25 Weekend Stuff: Stan Scott - DIY master

If you have any questions about building that deck or replacing those old windows in the sunroom, Stan Scott has the answers. TXT in your DIY pleas for help to 2010. 

3:35 Critter of the Week: Gherkin slug | Putoko ropiropi

Our first critter of the year looks like a pickle that sprouted eye stalks and escaped into the forest. Meet the gherkin slug, Athoracophorus papillatus – an unusual and quirky critter that is only found in Aotearoa. 

The gherkin slug is one of 21 nominees vying for the title of Bug of the Year 2025.

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman is in studio to preview tonight's episode of The Panel. He is joined by producer Richard Larsen for some silly news ripped straight from the headlines.