Nights for Wednesday 11 March 2026

8:10 A reimaging of the moral world order

As the US-Israeli conflict with Iran rages on - leadership, specifically moral leadership from the Western world's biggest powers players, like the US, has been drawn into question. 

A January poll found that 61% of Americans agree the United States should be the moral leader of the world, but only 39% believe it actually is.

So is there a problem of global moral leadership? And where we should we be looking for guidance? 

Joining Emile is specialist in International Relations at the University of Otago, Professor Robert Patman

8:25 The House

Our report from Parliament - The House

8:30 Midweek Mediawatch

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

Tonight he's taking a look at the media's reaction to the Covid-19 inquiry, how local media are covering the war in Iran, the ongoing search for blogger Peter Bassett and Steve Braunias's coverage of the hearing into Judge Emma Aitken's conduct.

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

CLUE 1: I am many different things - a noun, a verb, a universal currency. I am the result of two to four years of diligent training. I can be made. I can be taken. And sometimes, I really hurt. 

CLUE 2: Sometimes you’ll see me, sometimes you’ll miss me - sometimes I’m overhead. I’m here, and I’m there. No, sorry, not there. THERE. I can be blunt - but most of the time, I’m pretty fine, all things considered. 

9:10 European correspondent Christian Smith

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

9:20 Dr Karen Grylls: One last time from the podium

One of Aotearoa's most respected choral conductors and educators Dr Karen Grylls is about to bring the curtain down on her illustrious career. 

Emile Donovan speaks to Karen, on the eve of her retirement from directing Voices New Zealand, New Zealand's premiere chamber choir. 

She founded Voices New Zealand in 1998, after she had been leading the New Zealand Youth Choir for nearly a decade.

Tickets to Karen's final show at Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts are available here

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Music featured in this interview:

• O Viridissima Virga (Hildegard von Bingen) - performed by Voices New Zealand, Horomona Horo, Pepe Becker
• Nova, Nova Ave Fit Ex Eva (Igelese Ete) - performed by Voices New Zealand from Follow That Star

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 - New Zealand track and field athletes have achieved on the world scene for decades - but now there's a new strength and diversity not seen since the 1990s.

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10:45 The Reading: Mr Allbones' Ferrets

A young man out poaching. A beautiful maiden in a mysterious house. A perilous journey to distant islands. 

All ingredients of a highly coloured Victorian romance are played out in the context of the great colonial experiment.

Episode seven of 'Mr Allbones Ferrets' by Fiona Farrell read by the late Michele Amas. 

11:07 A History of Student Radio

A five-part journey through 50 years of student radio - the stars and bands who got their breaks, the politics, the music, the piracy and the 'No. 8 wire', sink or swim mentality.

In part two: Broadcasters who would go on to become household names recall their youthful antics in student radio, the 'taste barons' attempt to limit the playing of Joy Division, and the station managers negotiate with their Student Associations, amid the volatile political climate of the mid-80s.