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Nights for Monday 16 June 2025

8:10 Is this the end of the Iranian regime?

Former Australian ambassador to Lebanon and research scholar at ANU's Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies Ian Parmeter joins Emile Donovan.

Israeli air defence systems are activated to intercept Iranian missiles over the Israeli city of Tel Aviv amid a fresh barrage of Iranian rockets on June 16, 2025. The Israeli military said early on June 16 that it was striking surface-to-surface missile sites in Iran, its latest move in three days of escalating conflict between the rival states. "The IDF is currently striking surface-to-surface missile sites in central Iran," Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Nadav Shoshani wrote on X. "We are operating against this threat in our skies and in Iranian skies." (Photo by Menahem Kahana / AFP)

Israeli air defence systems are activated to intercept Iranian missiles over the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. Photo: AFP / Menahem Kahana

8:30 West Coast's Regent Theatre saved by Council

For nearly a century, the Regent Theatre in Greymouth has been the beating heart of the town's culture and arts community.

But for more than a decade, the West Coast Theatre Trust has been battling under financial pressure, mostly due to $650,000 of debt needed for earthquake strengthening work.

Last week, the Grey District Council decided to throw the theatre a lifeline and voted to take over the loan - but that's not the end of the work to save the community asset.

Trust chairman Andy Ross joins Emile Donovan.

8:35 Sports with Jamie Wall

RNZ sports whiz and journalist Jamie Wall joins Emile Donovan to debrief the week in sport.

8:40 BBC World Lookahead with Jonathan Frewin

BBC World journalist Jonathan Frewin joins Emile Donovan to look at some of the events making headlines internationally, including Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, an upcoming debate in the UK House of Commons on decriminalising abortion, and the upcoming deadline for the sale of TikTok if it is to remain functional in the United States.

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 Maurice Gee remembered

Historian and Maurice Gee biographer Rachel Barrowman joins Emile Donovan to reflect on the life of one of New Zealand's most beloved and enduring novelists.

Respected Kiwi author Maurice Gee.

Respected Kiwi author Maurice Gee. Photo: Supplied/Nelson City Council

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: Van Velden steers WorkSafe toward a softer touch

A decade after major overhauls to health and safety in New Zealand, WorkSafe is getting a reboot. Critics aren't convinced it will save lives. Amanda Gillies reports.

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10:45 The Reading

Part five of Glen Colquhoun's 'Jumping Ship', based on Glenn's time living in a small  Bay of Islands community at the end of the 20th century.

There he met Aunty Rongo, an old woman whose daughter had recently died. And together they journeyed a long way in understanding and acceptance.

11:07 Nashville Babylon

Every week on Nashville Babylon Mark Rogers presents the very best in country, soul and rock 'n' roll.

On this week's show there's classic country from Marty Robbins, a soul smash from Bob and Earl, blues courtesy of Magic Sam plus a birthday tune for Eddie Hinton.