Afternoons for Thursday 20 February 2025

1:15 The chilling story of Mr Asia

A new investigative podcast series from the NZ Herald delves into the rise and fall of one of New Zealand's most notorious criminal groups - The Mr Asia drug empire.

The six-part series from award winning writers John Daniell and Noelle McCarthy is out now.

1:25 Two Moriori ancestors return home

Two Moriori karapuna have been repatriated from the National Museum of Canberra after years of collaboration between Australian First Nations people, the University of Canberra and delegates from the Chatham Islands Moriori community.

The occasion was marked by a moving powhiri at Te Papa, where they will rest until they can return home to Rekohu Chatham Islands.

Joining Jesse to talk about this latest repatriation and the broader kaupapa of bringing Moriori ancestors home, is Belinda Williamson, who played a key role in facilitating the return from Canberra.

1:35 How to make a coreless apple (and why)

Dr Hilary Ireland is figuring out how to breed a coreless apple and how to grow fruit without pollinators like bees, which are worryingly declining in numbers. 

She also about the barriers of entry to science, particularly for young people. 

1:45 Great album: Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory

Our feature album today is the latest from LA based singer song writer Sharon Van Etten. 

Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory marks a departure for the usually solo musician. This is the first album she has recorded in full collaboration with her band. 

Recorded at the Eurythmics' former studio, The Church, the album is mix of '80s-style synths and Van Etten's dreamy vocals. 

2:10 Podcast Critic: two positive podcasts to lift your mood

Our podcast reviewer Alan Doak has two recommendations if you need to be cheered up a bit. 

He discusses Strangers on a Bench by singer and songwriter Tom Rosenthal who talks to random strangers who happen to be sitting on park benches around London

And the longstanding The Adam Buxton Podcast, hosted by comedian Adam Buxton who interviews a range of notable people along with silly jingles.

2:30 NZ Sporting History: Billy Stead

Today we're focusing on the career of rugby union legend Billy Stead. 

Billy Stead has been called "one of the most influential players in the early years of All Blacks rugby". 

He was the first All Blacks test captain when they played Britain's touring team in 1904, and vice captain to the 1905-to-06 original All Blacks squad. 

Lynn McConnell is an historian, sports journalist, and prolific author and he's just published 'Billy Stead's Rugby World'. 

3:15 Solving the World's Problems

Hawke's Bay farmer Steve Wynn-Harris talks about two specific problems unique to farmers: Facial Eczema (FE) and worms. 

Rather than rely on chemicals and dredging, Steve has spent 25 years breeding sheep for FE resistance. He talks about that and other ways farmers have solved peculiar problems with ingenuity and smarts

3:20 History with Dr Grant Morris 

Today, Dr Grant discusses the fascinating history of the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe. 

It's one of New Zealand's largest suburbs, the 2023 census records 47,907 residents and an extraordinary multicultural mix of people. 

3:35 BBC Witness History

In 2013, a Thai couple kissed for more than 58 hours as part of a world record attempt, but the competition was then deactivated for being 'too dangerous'.

3:45 The pre-Panel 

Wallace Chapman is in studio to preview tonight's installment of The Panel. He is joined by producer Tom Riste-Smith will provide a quirky look on the news.