Afternoons for Tuesday 26 August 2025

 

1:10 Is it still safe to put down a deposit for building work?

The story today of homeowners who say they have been dupped by a Wellington based construction company has highlighted the potential fishhooks for those needing building work done.

So what should homeowners be mindful of when getting building and construction work done?

John Tookey is Professor of Construction Management at AUT and talks to Jesse.

1:20 Find out why a little lamb took a ride on the Otago Harbour Port ferry.

The phrase "be careful what you wish for" comes to mind with this next story. 

For more than two years the Otago Harbour Port to Port ferry has advertised an option for passengers to "add a sheep" to their ticket. 

It was added to the website in jest, but on Saturday, a joke became reality.

Port to Port ferry operator Rachel McGregor chats to Jesse.

1:35 Why Daffodil Day feels more urgent than ever before

This Friday is Daffodil Day, the Cancer Society's annual appeal for donations, and this year the Chief Executive says Daffodil Day feels more urgent than ever. 

One in three New Zealanders will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and of course, the disease doesn't just affect them, it extends to family, friends, and anyone close to them. 

Leading the campaign this year is Mandy Evans.

1:45 Podcast Tuesday: A supernatural theme

Panels Executive Producer Jose Barbosa is with Jesse to share a couple of his favourite podcasts both of which have a supernatural or paranormal vibe to them.

Uncanny : BBC Audio | Uncanny - Season Four

Sasquash Chronicles: (49) Sasquatch Chronicles Episodes - YouTube

2:10 Book Critic: Catherine Ross shares her recommendations

There's a theme in today's book recommendations all of them are non-fiction and all of them are written by women, but our critic says that shouldn't stop young, not so young, women and men reading them.

Director of Library at Auckland Grammar School's Catherine Ross is with Jesse. 

Today's books:

For Ages 11+ Normal Women (Young Readers Edition) By Philippa Gregory
For Ages 13+ The Ancient Guide to Modern Life by Natalie Haynes
A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern
For Ages 14+ Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wyn-Williams

2:20 Update on Oz with Brad Foster: Erin Patterson is back in court

Convicted triple murderer Erin Patterson is back in front of the court, and the cameras, for her sentencing trial, which is also a chance for victims to read their impact statements.

Friend of the show Brad Foster is keeping an eye on developments for us. He chats to Jesse about this and other issues hitting headlines across the Tasman.

2:30 Music feature: Dianne Swan on songwriting legend Jimmy Webb

It's time for our music feature... and today we're looking into the career of songwriting legend Jimmy Webb

Jimmy was responsible for some of the most loved songs of the 60s... Jimmy wrote songs for the likes of Frank Sinatra... Barbra Streisand... Art Garfunkel and Donna Summer.

Bob Dylan singled out Jimmy's "Wichita Lineman" as the greatest song ever written.

Dianne Swann joins Jesse to discuss.

3:10 Feature interview: The Bite Club you really don't want to be part of

The first rule of Bite Club is that you don't really want to join. Dave Pearson started Bite Club about 12 years ago after surviving an attack by a three-metre-long bull shark off the coast of New South Wales. He found himself isolated and misunderstood. People make jokes and accused him of being cruel to sharks. So, he started the Bite Club for people who have lived through attacks by apex predators including crocodiles and lions. There are more than 500 members of Bite Club, including some Kiwis. Pearson reflects on what it takes to relearn to trust the ocean and each other.    

3:30 Spoken Feature: Thrift - The RNZ podcast that's all about saving you money.

It's time now for Thrift and this week: Juggling bills is hard, especially in a new country. 

As Ashburton's Pasifika community grows, they're sharing their hacks on heating, local resources and gardening. 

Katy Gosset drops in for a visit and finds out how their taro is surviving the Mid-Canterbury winter.

3:45 The pre-Panel

Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel.