Nights

8:10 Inside the world of online prediction markets

If you're a homeowner or trying to become one, you were probably keeping a close eye on the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Official Cash Rate announcement today.

But there was another group financially invested in the decision, not because of their mortgage, but because they had money riding on the outcome.

On the online prediction market Polymarket, users were able to place bets on whether the central bank would hike, cut, or hold.

But their future in New Zealand looks uncertain after the Department of Internal Affairs said it believes Polymarket and other similar platforms are gambling sites, not financial instruments.

To help us dive into this we're welcoming back Night's resident philosopher Dan Weijers from Waikato University who wrote his post-doctorate on the ethics of using prediction markets to forecast terrorist attacks

8:25 The House

Tonight on our Parliament show - The House – Louis Collins looks at something that doesn't come up all too often in Parliament, but is always guaranteed to prompt  constitutional debate – retrospective lawmaking.

8:30 Midweek Mediawatch

Colin Peacock joins Emile Donovan to debrief the week in media news.

Tonight, coverage of the Brenton Tarrant court hearing, the Judicial Conduct Hearing of Judge Ema Aitken and HBO is coming to NZ.

9:06 Nights Riddle

Tune in throughout the night for a series of riddle clues.

Be the first to text in the right answer and win a Nights mug.

Text 2101 or email nights@rnz.co.nz

Tonight's clues: 

I am NOT a physical object, you cannot touch me, you cannot hold me, but you can see me. I am exclusive - a members-only club, with new recruits only admitted once a year, and the process shrouded in mystery. 

I have almost 4,000 members worldwide - together we are, in a way, the sum total of human experience. We speak a language in which no human is fluent, but with which almost every human is familiar. If a picture is worth a thousand words, I’m worth at least ten. 

I am happy, sad, suspicious. I am titillated, I am forlorn, I am frustrated. I am food, church, nationalism - I am crying with laughter. 

9:10 European correspondent Christian Smith

Christian Smith dials in from London with news from the other side of the world.

Tonight, students are taking their universities to court over their education during the pandemic, a court hearing over man charged with burning a Quran and has the mystery of Hannibal’s elephants been solved?

9:25 The growing popularity of admin parties 

Is there a subscription you keep meaning to cancel? Is your inbox overflowing, like sewage into Wellington's bays? Is life getting on top of you?

Maybe you need.an admin night.

Grabbing a few friends, some good food, and setting aside an hour or two of your evenings to tackle mundane and boring life admin, together,

It's the brainchild of American writer Chris Colin, who first popped the idea in the Wall Street Journal.

He joins Emile Donovan.

9:45 Pacific Waves

A daily current affairs programme that delves deeper into the major stories of the week, through a Pacific lens, and shines a light on issues affecting Pacific people wherever they are in the world. Hosted by Susana Suisuiki.

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10:17 The Detail

Tonight on The Detail - Too many grapes, international headwinds and a dramatic drop in drinkers is proving problematic for our wine producers.

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10:45 The Reading

Goneville is a rock'n'roll coming of age story by Nick Bollinger, who was just 18 when he went on the road with the band Rough Justice and its smoky-voiced, charismatic leader Rick Bryant. 

Tonight Nick gets a call which opens up the 'Pandora's box' which rock'n'roll proves to be and leads him ever deeper into the music.

11:07 Enzology #9: Conflicting Emotions 

Split Enz are reuniting for the first time since their one off concert in 2009, and to mark the occasion in the lead up to thier headline performance at Electric Avenue, 

To coincide with this  RNZ Music presents Enzology - The Story of Split Enz, produced and presented by Jeremy Ansell. 

Tonight, episode 9: Conflicting Emotions.