Nights for Wednesday 4 June 2025

8:10 To speak or not? The high-stakes choice in criminal trials

This week, Australian woman Erin Patterson surprised many by taking the stand in a Victoria court to profess her innocence. She stands accused of three counts of murder, and one of attempted murder, following a deathly beef wellington lunch back in 2023.

By law, defendants don't have to take the stand to give evidence. What can be gained, in the eyes of the jury, by doing so? You could come across as sincere, but you risk the opposite.

John Munro is a criminal defence lawyer based in Auckland, and he speaks to Emile Donovan about when the accused should and shouldn't take the stand.

8:25 The House

Tonight on our Parliament show - The House – Louis Collins pops in to the Health Select Committee to hear some of the oral submissions on the Medicines Amendment Bill.

8.30 The 'Senior' Kiwi footballers chasing World Cup dreams

It might not feature Messi, Mbappé or Ronaldo  but a group of Kiwi footballers are chasing World Cup glory this week.

The Seniors World Cup is an annual invitational tournament for players over 40, organised by the Seniors Football Association of Thailand and supported by the Thai FA.

New Zealand has sent a strong squad to this year's tournament, hoping to go one better than last time when they lost in the final to England.

To get a feel for how the team is shaping up ahead of the trans-Tasman clash Emile chats to David Batty, one of the team's managers. 

8:40 Midweek Mediawatch

Hayden Donnell joins Emile Donovan to debrief the week in media news, including TradeMe's investment in Stuff Digital, teething issues with the launch of Herald NOW, and some TV3 artefacts up for sale.

9:05 Nights Quiz

Do you know your stuff? Come on the air and be grilled by Emile Donovan as he dons his quizmaster hat.

If you get an answer right, you move on to the next question. If you get it wrong, your time in the chair is up, and the next caller will be put through. The person with the most correct answers at the end of the run goes in the draw for a weekly prize.

9:25 Award-winning nightlife cabaret set to dazzle Aucklanders

The legendary British cabaret La Clique was formed 20 years ago by Australian David Bates. Growing up on a sheep farm playing the piano, David is now an Olivier Award-winner and tours his Spiegeltent of eclectic acts globally.

They opened their season at the Auckland Live Cabaret Festival just last night.

David Bates joins Emile to discuss his legacy as a tastemaker and why talent is what makes cabaret sexy.

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

This evening on The Detail - The push to get under-16 year olds off social media is a cause that's united some high-powered women from all walks of life.

10:45 The Reading: In the Palace Gardens

Part two of  'In the Palace Gardens' by Sarah Quigley read by Anna Jullienne.

On a winter's afternoon in a European city, a young New Zealand woman and her male companion have taken tea and cake and return to walk in the gardens of the palace. She feels faint and anxious, realising how uncertain everything is.

You can hear part three, the final, tomorrow night.

11:07 Pocket Edition

This week on Pocket Edition, Maggie Tweedie introduces fresh music and interviews Ladi6 about creating her new album, Le Vā, which helped her heal after losing her mother.

Earth Tongue, a psychedelic rock duo and couple, Ezra Simons and Gussie Larkin dial in from Berlin, sharing their European tour experiences.