
The Sunday Session
9am-12pm Sun

THE SUNDAY SESSION WITH FRANCESCA RUDKIN
9am-Noon
Sink into your Sunday with the best session around.
This is the show that delivers a little bit of everything.
News, opinion, analysis, lifestyle and entertainment – we’ve got your Sunday morning listening covered.
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Tākuta Ferris standing by controversial social media post - report
Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris is standing by his controversial social media comments, according to recent reports. Ferris posted a video this week defending a previous...
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'Nervy': Sky Sport commentator unpacks eventful Saturday in NZ sport
Last night was a big one for New Zealand sport, but it didn't quite go the way many Kiwi fans were hoping. The Warriors' NRL finals hopes were dashed after their...
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'Perilous moment for America': Expert speaks on the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's death
The Governor of Utah is calling for calm, following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old was killed while speaking at an event...
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Andrew Lownie talks new book promised to expose Prince Andrew
Historian Andrew Lownie has written a new book designed to be the final nail in the coffin of Prince Andrew. Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York is...
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'Soak up every moment': Downton Abbey cast members talk about the end of the series
After 15 years, Downton Abbey is set to come to an end. It's taken six seasons, 52 episodes and two films - but this week the third film, Downton Abbey: The Grand...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: Buckeye and Saving Elli
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. This is set in a small Ohio town at the very end of WW2 when two people become caught up in victory celebrations and have a brief romantic...
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Explained: How can we deal with delayed or cancelled flights?
Megan recently tried to fly to Hawke's Bay, but her travel plans ground to a halt after rolling sea fog stopped the flight in its tracks. Air New Zealand requested...
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The Sunday Panel: How do we get people engaged in voting?
This week on the Sunday Panel, journalist and TV producer Irene Gardiner and Partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about...
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Francesca Rudkin: There's nothing like sport to unite the country
Growing up, my mother used to say that life is 95 percent anticipation. It’s in the wait, the build-up and the preparation where the joy is often found. Often the...
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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 07 September 2025
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 7 September 2025, after 15 years, the end of Downton Abbey is here. Key cast members join...
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Erin O'Hara: How does 'sarcobesity' work?
Sarcobesity refers to the coexistence of diminished muscle mass and increased fat mass, but what does that mean from a health-based perspective? The condition can...
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Mike van de Elzen: Father's Day Beef with Café de Paris butter
Father's Day Beef with Café de Paris butter Cook time: 5 minutes Prep time: 20 minutes Serves: 6 6 x beef steaks Flaky salt Cracked pepper 150 gm unsalted...
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Eggs are off the hook: New study clears them of cholesterol blame
For years, eggs have been breakfast’s most controversial ingredient. Despite being packed with protein and essential nutrients, they’ve carried the weight of dietary...
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The White Lotus headed for France in season 4 - report
Popular murder mystery comedy-drama series The White Lotus is reportedly set to be located in France for the upcoming fourth season, according to new reports. Series...
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Under His Command: Second instalment of Destiny Church doco set to come out
Veteran broadcaster John Campbell investigated Destiny Church in a five-part documentary series earlier in the year - and the second instalment is due to come out...
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Adam Pearse: Can we expect any announcements from NZ First today?
The bulk of New Zealand First's announcements are expected today for the final day of its annual conference. Party members and supporters have gathered in Palmerston...
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'Great for our game': Former All Black on Kiwi side's Eden Park victory
Coach Scott Robertson has praised the All Blacks' response to their bad day in Buenos Aires. The All Blacks have defended their formidable Eden Park record with...
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Francesca Rudkin: I wish Auckland was vibing as much as Christchurch
So, while we were on a break, I went to Christchurch to see my son for his 19th birthday. It was a fleeting visit. I flew down on a Friday and home on Saturday afternoon,...
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Whitcoulls Recommends: The Cut Throat Trial and The Vanishing Place
The Cut Throat Trial by S.J Fleet. I assume that the author’s name is a pseudonym as they’ve published previous books under the moniker of The Secret Barrister –...
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New Orleans: How the city bounced back after Hurricane Katrina
New Orleans was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago, and the damage didn't stop there. The levies around the city broke in the days after the Hurricane,...
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The Sunday Panel: Should the taxpayer cover the legal costs of the COVID inquiry?
This week on the Sunday Panel, Coast Day host Lorna Riley and Senior PR Consultant at One Plus One Communications, Damien Venuto, joined in on a discussion about...
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Are Vitamins and Supplements necessary or a waste of money?
Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara covers in detail whether we need supplements and are multivitamins good for you? What are some of the supplements that...
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Kiwi indie rock band 'The Beths' releases 4th studio album
Kiwi indie rock band The Beths have released their 4th studio album titled 'Straight Line Was A Lie.' Lead singer Liz Stokes and guitarist Jonathan Pierce joined...
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Asian Greens: What are they and how do you use them?
Asian greens and Chinese greens are terms used for any number of leafy green vegetables that find their origins in Eastern Asia. These are typically a staple of...
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Dr Michelle Dickinson: How does lightning begin?
Scientists have debated over two main theories of how lightning starts for years. Some say it's due to a build up of static electricity between particles in clouds,...
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'Catch this one in the cinemas': New Shayne Carter doco promises 'beautiful' experience
The new documentary on musician Shayne Carter titled 'Life in one chord' has been described as one to watch in the cinemas by flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall. He...
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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast: 31 August 2025
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for (DAY DD Month YYYY), a few years ago, author Lee Child walked away from his Jack Reacher series...
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Jack Reacher series author releases autobiographical collection
Since the late 90s Lee Child’s name has been synonymous with Jack Reacher. The books selling over 100 million copies worldwide and Reacher becoming one of the most...
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Black Ferns face Japan in round 2 of Women's Rugby World Cup
The women’s Rugby World Cup has entered round two in England. The Black Ferns face Japan in their second cup match tomorrow morning. Former rugby player Alice...
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COVID, Iran and the new Business Visa: A review of this week's local politics
NZ Herald political reporter Jamie Ensor joins Francesca Rudkin to review this weeks' top local politics stories. Is it normal for the taxpayers to pay for the legal...