https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/rss NZME THE SUNDAY SESSION WITH FRANCESCA RUDKIN9am-Noon Sink into your Sunday with the best session around. This is the show that delivers a little bit of everyth Mon, 25 May 2026 18:56:20 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/heather-mitchell-australian-actress-on-playing-us-supreme-court-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg-in-her-solo-show/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/heather-mitchell-australian-actress-on-playing-us-supreme-court-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg-in-her-solo-show/ Heather Mitchell is regarded as one of Australia's most well-known and hardest working stars, and she's taking on a new, unique role on stage.  RBG: Of Many, One debuts at Auckland theatre company this week, and will run until June 7th - and Mitchell portrays the late US Supreme Court Justice. It's a one-woman show, where Mitchell portrays Ginsburg from the age of 13 to 97, and she plays numerous characters across a story that lasts almost two hours. "Really, all it requires is being present and in the moment and being there, for those imaginary characters."   LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 24 May 2026 01:12:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/sir-dave-dobbyn-kiwi-musician-ahead-of-his-selected-songs-encore-show-in-auckland/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/sir-dave-dobbyn-kiwi-musician-ahead-of-his-selected-songs-encore-show-in-auckland/ Dave Dobbyn is regarded as a national treasure among Kiwi music fans, and he's set to hit the stage this July. From Th’ Dudes to DD Smash to a highly successful solo career, he's made an impact on New Zealand music, with many of his hits becoming Kiwi anthems. He's set to do a one night show in Auckland later this year, 'Selected Songs Encore' - a follow-up to last year's 'Selected Songs' tour. "It was a real thrill and I warmed to it, because every time you play for an audience, you just become closer - and that's a pretty satisfying feeling."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 24 May 2026 00:57:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-five-and-famesick/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-five-and-famesick/ Five by Ilona Bannister. This is a highly entertaining and cleverly constructed thriller based on the premise that on a suburban train station one morning there are five minutes until the next train, five passengers waiting, and five minutes until one of them dies. The narrative gives the story of each of these people so that you develop a real understanding of them, all the while wondering which of them will be the unlucky one, and it effectively makes the reader become the judge, jury and executioner. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Famesick by Lena Dunham. Lena Dunham became extremely famous in her early 20’s as the writer and lead actor in the TV series Girls and has maintained a high profile since. Her memoir is fascinating - she’s struggled with debilitating sickness for much of her life and survived addictions, celebrity and a fair amount of public humiliation - all whilst working frenetically, displaying early and rare talent, and she puts it all on the page in this book which I couldn’t put down. She’s a very talented writer and her own life has given her a remarkable canvas against which to tell her story.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 24 May 2026 00:46:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-with-her-favourite-recipe-from-new-orleans/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-with-her-favourite-recipe-from-new-orleans/ Megan Singleton was recently in New Orleans, and she's opening up about the best food she tried there. Brennan's is a historic institution best known for their Bananas Foster, and Megan's written down the recipe for the highly requested dish. Read more here. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 24 May 2026 00:42:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-should-a-reduction-in-public-service-roles-also-mean-a-reduction-in-politicians/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-should-a-reduction-in-public-service-roles-also-mean-a-reduction-in-politicians/ This week on the Sunday Panel, journalist Simon Wilson and Coast Day host Lorna Riley joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more!  Nicola Willis announced that public service jobs would be slashed, and it's been viewed as controversial. Do we need these cuts? Should a reduction in public service roles also mean a reduction in politicians? Surely if the state shrinks, so should the number of politicians? The Enhanced Games are set to kick off in the US tomorrow - what do we make of this? Does this send the wrong message?  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 24 May 2026 00:34:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-whether-health-star-ratings-are-helpful/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-whether-health-star-ratings-are-helpful/ The star ratings Kiwis use to hunt out healthy food in the supermarket have been called into question, with experts wondering if they really help.  Some say it can help compare the nutritional profiles of similarly packaged foods, but some say its voluntary nature and algorithms mean it can sometimes be misleading or fail to reflect whole-food healthiness.  Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 24 May 2026 00:18:48 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-24-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-24-may-2026/ On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 24 May 2026, Dave Dobbyn doesn't agree to many interviews, but today he joins Francesca to reflect on his career, why he never wants to stop performing and how Parkinson's has changed his life. Heather Mitchell has been called Australia's hardest working actress and her latest role shows why.  Heather tells Francesca just how demanding her latest solo show is and why she is so passionate about the role portraying Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Auckland FC are A League champions, Sky Sport analyst Jacob Spoonley tells Francesca just how much this historic win means for the club and for the whole of football in New Zealand. Francesca looks at the good and the bad messaging from the Government this week and implores the Government to make systematic changes without being nasty or bringing people down. And the panel talk about tomorrow's "Doping Olympics", The Enhanced Games, taking place in Las Vegas tomorrow.  Ethics aside, are they just a little bit cuiorus to see what these athletes can do. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 24 May 2026 00:12:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-fish-cakes-with-curry-lime-mayonnaise/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-fish-cakes-with-curry-lime-mayonnaise/ Fish cakes with curry lime mayonnaise  Cook time: 30 minutes  Prep time: 15 minutes  Serves: 6 500 gm gurnard fillets   1 cup milk   4 medium agria potatoes, peeled   Zest of 1 lemon   ½ cup parsley, chopped   1 red chilli, finely chopped   ½ red onion, finely chopped   Salt and black pepper   2 eggs, lightly beaten   1 cup milk   2 cups panko crumbs   3 Tbsp sunflower oil   Curry lime mayonnaise   2 egg yolks  juice of 2 limes   1 tbsp curry powder   Pinch salt   Pinch sugar   1 tbsp Dijon mustard   1 cup sunflower oil Preheat oven to 180*C.   Place the fish and the milk into a pot and bring to the boil then turn the heat off and allow the fish to cool in the milk.  Meanwhile, cook the potatoes by starting them in cold salted water bring to the boil. Turn down until just tender, drain and mash with a potato masher. Set aside.   Remove the fish and flake it into a bowl containing along with the potato, lemon, parsley, chilli, onion and seasoning. Mix until combined. Roll the mix into golf ball sized balls, then press to flatten slightly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.   Crumb the fish cakes by rolling them first in the egg and milk then in the panko crumbs. Pan fry until golden and crispy, then finish in the oven for about 10 minutes.   Curry lime mayonnaise  Place all the ingredients except the oil into a food processor and blitz for 30 seconds. Then with the motor running gradually add the oil until the mix is smooth and creamy. Season and serve.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 24 May 2026 00:08:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-reveals-how-you-can-improve-your-balance-without-standing-up/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-reveals-how-you-can-improve-your-balance-without-standing-up/ When we think about exercise that improves balance and agility, most of us picture standing workouts like yoga, squats, balance boards, maybe even tai chi. But new research published in the journal PLOS ONE suggests something surprising - you may be able to improve your balance while lying flat on your back. The researchers found that just 10 minutes a day of simple floor-based exercises improved people’s balance and side-to-side agility in as little as two weeks. Humans are actually built in a fairly awkward way. Our centre of gravity sits high in the body, around the chest area, balanced above a relatively tiny base: our feet. In engineering terms, we are basically top-heavy towers wobbling around on two narrow supports. To stay upright, the body constantly coordinates signals between the core muscles, hips, legs, ankles, and nervous system. When that coordination weakens, balance problems, injuries, falls, and back pain can follow. Most exercise programs focus on strengthening either the 'core' or the legs separately. But researchers wanted to test something different: what happens if you train the body to coordinate both systems together? The researchers designed a simple routine performed entirely in a lying-down position. Participants lay on their backs and completed a short series of movements including:  Gentle abdominal tightening  Small pelvic lifts similar to mini bridges  Controlled heel slides  Ankle flexing  Toe movements resembling a “rock-paper-scissors” motion   The routine was low intensity, required no equipment, and took only about 10 minutes to complete. Participants repeated the exercises daily for two weeks.  After the program, participants showed measurable improvements in balance and agility.  Researchers observed:  Reduced body wobbling while standing still  Better stability with feet close together  Faster side-to-side stepping movements   Interestingly, participants did not become significantly stronger or more powerful.  That suggests the improvements likely came from the nervous system becoming better at coordinating the body, essentially improving communication between the trunk and legs.  It seems like the exercises may have trained the body to work smarter, not necessarily harder.  Balance is one of those abilities we rarely think about until we begin losing it.  Because the routine is gentle and performed lying down, it could potentially help:  Older adults  People recovering from injury  Those with limited mobility  People intimidated by traditional exercise  Anyone wanting a low-impact daily routine   This study highlights something scientists are increasingly discovering about the human body: small, consistent movements can have surprisingly meaningful effects. Sat, 23 May 2026 23:54:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-entertainment-correspondent-on-the-2026-fred-award-finalists-being-revealed/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-entertainment-correspondent-on-the-2026-fred-award-finalists-being-revealed/ 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of The Fred Award, with guests encouraged to dress in 'Gumboot Glam'. The 2026 Comedy Festival is almost over, with the Last Laughs Awards Gala taking place 7PM at SkyCity Theatre tonight. Entertainment correspondent Steve Newall unpacked the nominees further. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 23 May 2026 23:47:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-adam-storey-sports-scientist-and-former-olympic-coach-on-the-first-enhanced-games-taking-place-this-week/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-adam-storey-sports-scientist-and-former-olympic-coach-on-the-first-enhanced-games-taking-place-this-week/ The first Enhanced Games start tomorrow in Las Vegas, with performance drugs allowed in swimming, track, weightlifting and strongman events.  Medical supervision will monitor the 40 elite athletes competing for millions of dollars as it streams online. Sports scientist and former Olympic coach Dr Adam Storey says this competition goes against what New Zealand organisations support, as the nation prides itself on avoiding performance enhancers. "To see what's going to happen in Las Vegas over the next few days, it's a little bit concerning - and also really disappointing."  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 23 May 2026 23:26:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/ethan-griffiths-newstalk-zb-political-reporter-ahead-of-budget-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/ethan-griffiths-newstalk-zb-political-reporter-ahead-of-budget-2026/ Budget 2026 is set to be unveiled this week, and there's plenty of speculation about what it might bring. Ahead of Thursday's big reveal, new announcements about defence spending, education, and healthcare have been released. Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths says the Government's looking to be 'bold' this time round, with their controversial announcement over public service job cuts raising some eyebrows.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 23 May 2026 23:06:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/chris-penk-defence-minister-on-the-governments-planned-investment-into-maritime-security/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/chris-penk-defence-minister-on-the-governments-planned-investment-into-maritime-security/ The Government says drones are the way of the future for our military.  As part of a $1.58 billion investment in maritime security ahead of the Budget, the Government will invest in two different types of unmanned aerial aircraft for collecting intelligence. It says there are manufacturers and suppliers of the technology here already.  Defence Minister Chris Penk says it's important to invest in the best technology. "I'm really pleased that we've managed to find some creative ways to do things a bit differently in defence, as well as the dollar figures involved." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 23 May 2026 22:49:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/jacob-spoonley-sky-sport-analyst-and-former-footballer-on-auckland-fc-claiming-the-a-league-title/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/jacob-spoonley-sky-sport-analyst-and-former-footballer-on-auckland-fc-claiming-the-a-league-title/ The title-winning play may have come off the field for the Auckland FC football side. They've beaten Sydney FC 1-nil to win the A-League title, after staying at an Auckland hotel on Friday to simulate an away game. Sky Sport analyst and former footballer Jacob Spoonley says Auckland FC's rapid success in the A-League is historic. "The amount of success, and so soon, is something that truly sets Auckland apart from the pack."  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 23 May 2026 22:39:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-will-changes-to-social-welfare-really-fix-the-economy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-will-changes-to-social-welfare-really-fix-the-economy/ In 2023, the National Party’s main campaign messaging was around the economy, and how the Labour-led Government had mismanaged the economy and country, causing high inflation, rising living costs, and increasing crime. It wasn’t surprising then that the 2024 and 2025 budgets were all about fiscal discipline, a halt to excessive spending, reduced borrowing and “living within our means.” Tax cuts aside, the Government has, for the most part, managed to present its decision making as fair and reasonable. Too reasonable for some people’s liking. Ruth Richardson argues that Nicola Willis has not gone far or fast enough in restoring New Zealand’s fiscal position, and that the Government is balancing political caution with fiscal repair, instead of making harder and more impactful structural changes. This week, the Government presented a harder edge as it doubled down on reducing the number of public servants and rearranging parts of New Zealand’s welfare system. Once again, messaging was key. Some of it was good. Some just made the Government look mean.   A change in social housing policy was announced, which aims to balance the support provided for those struggling in social housing with those struggling in private rentals. We absolutely want to make sure those who can look after themselves do so, and those in genuine need are able to access social housing. However getting those in social housing to fit the bill with increased rents to subsidise people in private rentals doesn’t appear to be getting anyone ahead - we’re just asking one disadvantaged group to help another.   There is some interesting thinking around this policy - changing the RMA to allow for an increased supply of long-term, low-rent properties, or properties catering to people with mental health issues or disabilities, so that people can move out of social housing and into private rentals while still getting an accommodation subsidy isn’t a bad idea. If you can pull it off. But Nicola Willis’ flippant comment that social housing tenants had "won the lotto" - which she expressed regret for - reduced the big picture down to a policy that implied the Government reckons you’ve got it too good so are going to kick you out of your home.   This week, Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston introduced the Disability Support Services Bill to Parliament. While supposedly intended to provide clarity and stability to the system which supports thousands of disabled New Zealanders, it did pretty much the opposite for those who look after a disabled family member by sidestepping a 2025 Supreme Court ruling. The Bill allows the Government to now claim the Crown is not the employer of family carers, those who care for loved ones, sometimes 24/7 and sometimes for their entire lives. It had been a long hard battle for carers to be heard and recognised, and it feels like a recently resolved issue of fairness has been sacrificed.   While people affected by the announcements this week may not naturally vote for the current Government, New Zealanders respond well to a sense of fairness. Regardless of who we vote for, we’re a decent bunch and don’t want to see policy decisions that feel like the final tug of the rug from underneath New Zealanders genuinely in need, at a time when fuel and other costs are increasing.   This doesn’t mean we can’t change systems. This doesn’t mean we can’t find a more efficient, sustainable and fairer means of looking after as many New Zealanders in need as needed. But you don’t have to be or look mean doing it.   Thursday is Budget day. The Finance Minister has reduced the amount of new money the Government is giving themselves for day-to-day spending, and is still working to get the books back in balance and the debt curve bending down. Are changes to the public sector or social welfare going to cut it? Maybe it’s time to also rethink tax cuts, landlord tax incentives, tobacco breaks and many of the other electio... Sat, 23 May 2026 22:22:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/tommy-emmanuel-australian-guitarist-on-the-start-of-his-living-in-the-light-tour/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/tommy-emmanuel-australian-guitarist-on-the-start-of-his-living-in-the-light-tour/ Tommy Emmanuel's a big name in the acoustic guitar world, and he's set to start a new tour. Throughout his career he’s performed with bands like Air Supply and Men at Work, headlined tours around the Globe and toured with Eric Clapton and John Denver. Among his many career awards, he’s won a Grammy for best instrumental arrangement and is one of only 5 ever Chet Atkins certified guitar players. His Living in the Light Tour starts in Auckland at the Town Hall tonight. "I feel it's my calling to play for people, because when I play, people get happy. So I don't call it the music business, I call it the happiness business. I play, you get happy - everyone's happy."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 17 May 2026 01:40:00 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/patrick-radden-keefe-investigative-journalist-on-his-new-book-london-is-falling/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/patrick-radden-keefe-investigative-journalist-on-his-new-book-london-is-falling/ Award-winning journalist Patrick Radden Keefe has made a name for himself by taking complex true crime stories -  mysterious deaths, greedy families or shadowy underworlds -and bringing them to light. Patrick has written six books, all best sellers - with Empire of Pain and Say Nothing being the standouts. His latest book is London Falling, a story of London teenager Zac Brettler who mysteriously fell to his death in 2019, and it's available in stores now.  "Part of what I was trying to do with this book was look at the way in which any of us as parents, when we're parenting an adolescent  - particularly these days when everybody's on their phones - is that the child we thought we knew can start to become somebody unrecognisable."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 17 May 2026 01:10:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-three-reasons-for-revenge-and-the-valley/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-three-reasons-for-revenge-and-the-valley/ Three Reasons for Revenge by Dervla McTiernan - a terrific crime thriller set in Melbourne, about Judith Lee, a detective who is drawn into a nasty case that has the police baffled. Alexis Turner walks into the police station to report an assault which Judith recognises as the mirror of an identical assault which was brought to her attention some years prior. Then three people (one of whom is Judith) each receive a beautifully wrapped box with an individually tailored, insidious gift inside which will tear their lives apart. Somehow, these things are connected and Judith embarks on a race against time to stop the perpetrator and save innocent lives.  The Valley by Asher Emanuel - the culmination of over two years of field research and hundreds of hours of interviews, this extraordinary book follows three Hutt Valley men through courtrooms, prison, hospital, rehab, boarding houses and welfare offices, two of whom are recidivist offenders, the other being their legal aid lawyer. Told largely in verbatim dialogue, it’s a remarkable up-close and personal account bringing the realities of the New Zealand criminal justice system to life through the voices of those who experience it first-hand.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 17 May 2026 00:47:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlarge-writer-on-how-hotels-are-stopping-the-dawn-dash-for-sunbeds/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlarge-writer-on-how-hotels-are-stopping-the-dawn-dash-for-sunbeds/ Holidaymakers have revealed how some hotels and resorts are cracking down on people reserving sun loungers with towels, after a man won a payout over the practice.  This follows the man successfully suing his tour operator for allowing the practice to take place while he was on holiday with his family in 2024, claiming he spent 20 minutes a day trying to find a sun lounger early in the morning. Bloggeratlarge writer Megan Singleton explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 17 May 2026 00:41:09 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-do-we-think-the-governments-taking-the-right-approach-with-secondary-students/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-do-we-think-the-governments-taking-the-right-approach-with-secondary-students/ This week on the Sunday Panel, director at Capital Ben Thomas and Newstalk ZB Wellington mornings host Nick Mills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has unveiled their new system designed to replace NCEA. Do we think parents and students are getting enough clarity around the curriculum and how assessments are going to go? What does this mean for the humanities? Do we think the Government's taking the right approach here? LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 17 May 2026 00:33:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-whether-or-not-peptides-live-up-to-the-hype/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-whether-or-not-peptides-live-up-to-the-hype/ Peptides can benefit health by offering targeted benefits, such as weight loss (semaglutide), injury healing (BPC-157), and immune support - but there's risks involved too. While FDA-approved peptides are generally safe under medical guidance, many others lack safety studies, and improperly sourced peptides may contain contaminants, leading to severe reactions. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 17 May 2026 00:17:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-17-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-17-may-2026/ On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 17 May 2026, investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe has spent his career bringing little known true crime stories into the mainstream.  He joins Francesca to talk about his new book 'London Falling' which follows the parents of teenager Zac Brettler as they uncover the truth behind their sons death. Legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel performs live in studio and talks through is six decade long career. Education Minister Erica Stanford runs us through the new national secondary school qualification announced to replace NCEA, while Francesca discusses how funding Wegovy could be a gamechanger in New Zealand. And ever struggled to get a sun lounger on holiday? Well one fed up tourist has sued his tour operator over his inability to secure a sun bathing spot. Travel contributor Megan Singleton runs us through the case and why it has hotels and resorts cracking down on lounger hoggers. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 17 May 2026 00:12:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-the-research-revealing-why-crabs-walk-sideways/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-the-research-revealing-why-crabs-walk-sideways/ If you’ve ever watched a crab dart across a beach, you’ve probably noticed something strange - that they almost never walk forward.  Instead, they scuttle sideways with surprising speed and agility, a movement so iconic it has practically become the defining feature of crabs themselves.  Now, scientists have published in the journal eLife that they believe they know where this unusual walk came from.   Researchers studying crab movement discovered that sideways walking likely evolved only once in the history of “true crabs,” a group known scientifically as Brachyura.   That’s remarkable because in evolution, useful traits often appear independently many times. Wings evolved separately in birds, bats, and insects. Streamlined body shapes evolved in dolphins and sharks despite them not being closely related.  But sideways walking? Scientists think crabs only invented it once, and then stuck with it. The researchers studied how 50 different crab species moved, filming them individually in specially designed arenas that mimicked their natural environments. When they mapped those movements onto the crab family tree, a striking pattern appeared - most modern crabs inherited their sideways movement from one ancient ancestor.   At first glance, walking sideways seems awkward.  But for crabs, it may actually be a survival superpower.  Crabs have wide, flattened bodies with legs that naturally extend outward. Moving sideways allows them to move faster and more efficiently without constantly twisting their bodies.  A sideways-moving crab can rapidly dart left or right in unpredictable bursts, making it harder for predators to anticipate where it will go next.   Today there are nearly 8,000 known species of true crabs living in environments ranging from deep oceans to rivers, forests, and even land.   The scientists believe this evolutionary shift happened shortly after one of Earth’s major extinction events: the Triassic–Jurassic extinction around 200 million years ago.   At that time, the world was changing dramatically and nature was opening up entirely new ecological opportunities. Crabs may have arrived with the perfect new adaptation at exactly the right moment.  Scientists often talk about “carcinization” the repeated evolution of crab-like body shapes across different crustacean groups. Oddly enough, becoming crab-shaped has happened multiple times in evolutionary history.  But sideways walking appears to have been much rarer.   That suggests some behaviours are surprisingly difficult to evolve, even if they turn out to be highly successful once they appear.  It’s easy to dismiss a crab’s sideways scuttle as just a quirky detail of nature.  But this study suggests it may have been one of the most important movement innovations in marine evolution.  A single change in how an animal moved may have helped crabs spread across the planet, adapt to countless environments, and become one of the most successful groups of crustaceans on Earth.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 17 May 2026 00:07:06 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-curried-pumpkin-and-coconut-soup/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-curried-pumpkin-and-coconut-soup/ Curried pumpkin and coconut soup Cook time: 30 minutes  Prep time: 15 minutes  Serves: 6-8 1 crown pumpkin, peeled and de-seeded  2 medium sized onions  10 cloves garlic 1 tbsp garam masala  1 tbsp ground coriander  1 tbsp ground cummin  1 tsp tumeric   1.5 ltr vegetable stock  400 gm coconut cream 1 cup cream  100 gm butter  Salt  Sunflower oil Heat a pot, adding in a touch of oil before sweating the onions and garlic, followed by the spices. Cook out for a few minutes. Add in the pumpkin and continue to stir until the pumpkin is fully coated. Cover the pumpkin with the vegetable stock, coconut cream and salt.   Bring the soup up to a boil. Turn down and simmer for a further 30 minutes or until the pumpkin is well cooked. Using a blender or using stick blender, blend the soup well and slowly add in all the butter and cream. Check the seasoning.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 16 May 2026 23:59:39 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-entertainment-correspondent-on-christchurch-s-one-nz-stadium-hosting-first-concert/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-entertainment-correspondent-on-christchurch-s-one-nz-stadium-hosting-first-concert/ Over 37,000 people were welcomed to Christchurch's new One New Zealand Stadium for the venue's first concert. The Once in a Lifetime show was headlined by Six60, Kaylee Bell, Cassie Henderson and Synthony, among others. Entertainment correspondent Steve Newall explained further.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 16 May 2026 23:54:00 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/richie-laming-aotearoa-stone-skimming-championship-organiser-on-this-years-inaugural-event/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/richie-laming-aotearoa-stone-skimming-championship-organiser-on-this-years-inaugural-event/ New Zealand's best stone skimmers got the chance to show off their skills at Wānaka's Lake Hāwea this weekend. The inaugural Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championship just wrapped up this weekend, with the money raised by the event going to Melanoma NZ.  Organiser Richie Laming says an event like this had been floated at Lake Hāwea in the past - and it's a prime location to skip stones. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 16 May 2026 23:43:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/azaria-howell-newstalk-zb-political-reporter-on-acts-brooke-van-velden-announcing-a-pregnancy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/azaria-howell-newstalk-zb-political-reporter-on-acts-brooke-van-velden-announcing-a-pregnancy/ ACT's Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden has announced she is pregnant. The Tamaki MP in March revealed she would leave Parliament this year and won't be standing at the election.  She explained that this isn't why she's standing down, but she says it seems like it was meant to be - and she is thrilled to be starting the journey into motherhood.   Newstalk ZB political reporter Azaria Howell says the baby is due within days of the November election.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 16 May 2026 22:56:14 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-mccracken-new-zealand-secondary-principals-council-chair-on-the-new-system-designed-to-replace-ncea/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-mccracken-new-zealand-secondary-principals-council-chair-on-the-new-system-designed-to-replace-ncea/ Out with the old...and in with the new secondary school qualifications, with more detail on what's replacing NCEA revealed. Year 11 students will now need to get a foundational literacy and numeracy award before they pass Year 12 and 13.  Senior students will also face a compulsory exam in each subject, and must pass at least three subjects each year to pass.  But Chair of the New Zealand Secondary Principals' Council, Steve McCracken, says while the new system seems easy to understand - NCEA is still a valid qualification. "What I think we've got is actually an advancement in terms of the minister's priorities - it makes it really clear and concise and able to be read really easily." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 16 May 2026 22:44:48 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erica-stanford-education-minister-on-the-new-education-system-set-to-replace-ncea/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erica-stanford-education-minister-on-the-new-education-system-set-to-replace-ncea/ The Education Minister says the new secondary school qualifications are achievable and aspirational. Yesterday, Erica Stanford announced senior students will need to pass three out of five subjects to achieve the new certificates.  The new system will be phased in from 2028 and reward students with endorsements for passing all five subjects.  Stanford explained that the first tranche of the curriculum has been sent out for consultation. "They're going to be dropping it in three tranches, just to not overwhelm the sector. I've got a group of principals who are keeping an eye on it - the curriculum advisory group." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 16 May 2026 22:25:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-we-need-to-make-the-most-of-wegovy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-we-need-to-make-the-most-of-wegovy/ On Thursday, Pharmac announced it has added semaglutide, better known by its brand name Wegovy, to its list of medicines suitable for future funding. It’s on the Options For Investment list which is for medications that Pharmac would like to fund if it has the budget to do so.   Hopefully this will come about sooner than later. I’m not talking about funding it for every Tom, Dick and Harry who wants to lose a few kgs, but for the seriously obese who are dealing with all the risks and diseases that come with it - such as diabetes, renal failure, cardiovascular disease and impacts on joints.   At this stage the criteria for funding the drug states it would be available for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 50 and also to those with a BMI of more than 35 and at least two co-morbidities.  Last week, an article in the NZ Herald caught my attention and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. The title of the article was: Leading causes of death by age in New Zealand. I know, it’s a cheery number.  Now, while the when and where of our deaths is largely unknown to many of us, the data explains how we’re likely to die depending on how old we are.  In our 20s, external injuries are the leading cause of death. These are classified as intentional - suicide, self-harm or assault - or unintentional, including falls, burns, vehicle crashes, dog bites and drownings.   As we move into our 30s ‘all cancers’ become the leading cause of death, but in our 40s a trend emergences that stays with us until our 80s and beyond. The ‘all cancer’ group remains the leading cause of death but heart disease moves into second. As we age, suicide reduces, and the chance of dying from respiratory diseases, diabetes, or strokes also increases.   Not hugely surprising, right? But when clearly defined by the data and in graphs, it’s a little confronting. It’s a simple way to look at how to prioritise health care, and as I found an effective motivator to encourage people to do what they can to beat the odds.  So yes, let's fund Wegovy. Think of the impact it could have on our over-burdened health care system, and the country’s productivity. This drug could be a game changer for young people and their mental health, for those unable to work due to weight related issues, and those who could potentially end up needed a heart transplant.   But it’s also worth starting slow. When it comes to criteria for funding the drug, we need to start with those most at risk, and who will benefit the most from it. With one in three New Zealand adults regarded as obese - being labelled obese shouldn’t be enough to qualify. Like all drugs, there are side effects and risks and more research is needed to determine long term effects.   But hey, when you’re got a tool as powerful as this, we should be making the most of it in the most equitable manner possible.   In the meantime, I shall be doing what I can to look after myself.   LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 16 May 2026 22:14:09 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/rob-eliott-auckland-travel-show-founder-on-kiwi-demand-for-travel-holding-firm/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/rob-eliott-auckland-travel-show-founder-on-kiwi-demand-for-travel-holding-firm/ Despite the rising cost of living, growing fuel prices and ongoing concerns about inflation, the demand for travel still hasn't dropped. The Auckland Travel Show is on this weekend, and it's clear demand is alive and well, but there are some new trends emerging.  Founder Rob Eliott says people have redirected their plans - with plenty still planning trips for Asia and the Pacific Islands.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 10 May 2026 01:05:54 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-whether-starmers-leadership-is-under-threat-after-local-elections/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-whether-starmers-leadership-is-under-threat-after-local-elections/ UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is up against it, with growing calls for a leadership challenge. Labour had disastrous local election results, with right-wing party Reform making huge gains. UK Labour MP Catherine West says she will trigger a challenge to Starmer's leadership if Cabinet doesn't. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the results are a vote against Starmer. "People don't know who he is, people don't know what he stands for, nothing has changed. This summer will mark two years of him being in power and he hasn't delivered the change people wanted."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 10 May 2026 00:40:33 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/aidan-donoghue-victoria-university-students-association-president-on-the-government-scrapping-the-fees-free-scheme/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/aidan-donoghue-victoria-university-students-association-president-on-the-government-scrapping-the-fees-free-scheme/ University student groups want the Government to reconsider the scrapping of the fees-free study scheme.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed it'll end at the Budget, with 2026 being the final year students are eligible.  Victoria University of Wellington Student Association President Aidan Donaghue says it's being binned as the cost of living bites.  "There's huge opportunity costs...we can't work full time while also studying. So energy, heating, groceries, fuel - those are all just compounding on students as they try and better themselves."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 10 May 2026 00:30:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-calamity-club-and-the-wife-the-maid-and-the-mistress/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-calamity-club-and-the-wife-the-maid-and-the-mistress/ The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett. She wrote a book called The Help fifteen years ago which was a sensation at the time and subsequently made into a movie. This new one is also set in Mississippi, in 1933, during Prohibition and the Great Depression. Birdie’s family are impoverished, so she travels to visit her sister who’s married to a man of means in another town, hoping to get some financial support - but when she gets there finds that things are not at all as she’d imagined them to be. She meets another young woman down on her luck and the two of them embark on a high risk money making scheme - a brothel called The Calamity Club, from which they reap very considerable benefits but always under threat of discovery by the authorities. There’s a second thread to the story about a young girl named Meg who after being abandoned by her mother is being brought up in the local orphanage, and her life intersects with these women in what are eventually life changing ways.  The Wife, The Maid and The Mistress by Ariel Lawhon whose most recent new book was The Frozen River. As with her other writing, this is based on real events - in 1930’s NYC, a judge stepped into a taxicab and simply disappeared - he was never heard from again, and it haunted New York society for years. This fictional account tells the story of the judge’s wife, the maid who cleaned their apartment and the showgirl who had been his lover, and posits a totally compelling and credible answer to the mystery. With access to some archival material from the times she’s done a great job of recreating what might have happened.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 10 May 2026 00:15:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-10-may-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-10-may-2026/ On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 10 May 2026, Francesca speaks to comedian and author Pax Assadi about his new book full of excerpts from his life, 'Mortified'.  Aidan Donoghue from the Victoria University Wellington Student Association shares his thoughts on the Government's decision to scrap the fees free scheme. He says it's another kick in the guts for struggling students. Francesca gives her thoughts on the ex-CRL bosses' comments on the expensive project: Yes, it's over budget. But weren't you the guy making those decisions?  And doctor Michelle Dickinson shares a research paper that asks the question, 'How do you give CPR in space?'. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 10 May 2026 00:13:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-will-the-end-of-fees-free-uni-drive-more-talent-out-of-nz/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-will-the-end-of-fees-free-uni-drive-more-talent-out-of-nz/ This week on the Sunday Panel, Director at 818, Chris Henry and journalist and editor, Jo McCarroll, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Government has confirmed fees-free uni is over and done ahead of the Budget. What kind of impact will this have? Would it be better to find other ways to support young people? Are we worried it will be another factor that will drive young talent from New Zealand? Do we think interest-free student loans are on their way out?  The Government's given councils three months to put forward merger proposals, or it will force them to join up under its own process. Do we think this is enough time? What will this mean for jobs? LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 10 May 2026 00:05:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/morgana-o-reilly-kiwi-actress-on-her-nz-international-comedy-festival-event/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/morgana-o-reilly-kiwi-actress-on-her-nz-international-comedy-festival-event/ Kiwi actress Morgana O’Reilly has made the leap to the world of comedy, with her newest project proving successful at the NZICF. Stories About My Body examines years of growth and change, as Morgana looks back on her stories and memories and diary entries. She says it took a while to craft the project - and it adds more cinematic touches to the one-woman show. "I think the whole thing is essentially a love letter...to all of your 13-year-old selves, all the way up until pushing babies out of one's body."  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 09 May 2026 23:50:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-whether-seed-oils-are-bad-for-you/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-whether-seed-oils-are-bad-for-you/ Seed oils like canola and sunflower oil have attracted controversial claims about harmful effects - but should we be worried? Some argue they fuel chronic inflammation and disease, while others have pointed out that they lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. Naturopath and wellness research Erin O'Hara weighed in - and revealed which oils are better for you.  LISTEN ABOVE  Sat, 09 May 2026 23:29:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-mothers-day-crumpets/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-mothers-day-crumpets/ Mother's Day crumpets  Cook time: 10 minutes  Prep time: 30 minutes  Serves: makes 10-15 375 ml warm water  250 ml milk  1 tbsp dried yeast  1 tbsp raw sugar  400 gm plain flour  1 tsp baking powder  1 tsp baking soda  Pinch of salt  Sunflower oil for cooking Combine the water, milk, yeast and sugar in a jug and set aside to activate.  Place the flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Slowly stir in the yeast mixture and continue to mix until smooth.  Cover with a clean damp towel and set aside somewhere warm to ferment for a hour.  The batter should start to bubble during this time.   10 minutes before you start to cook the crumpets, dissolve the baking soda in a little water. Mix through the batter and set aside.  Heat a large cast iron frypan over a medium heat. Add a touch of oil and spread it around. Drop in some 10cm crumpet moulds or steel pastry cutters. Spoon in about 1/4 cup of crumpet batter into each mould. Allow the bubbles to rise to the surface for a couple of minutes before removing the moulds. After 5 minutes, flip and continue to cook on a low heat until golden.  Repeat until all the batter is used.  Serve hot with marmalade and butter. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 09 May 2026 23:01:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-how-cpr-can-work-differently-in-space/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-how-cpr-can-work-differently-in-space/ Space tourism is now a thing, and it probably won’t be too long before that tour consists of an orbit around the moon. We already have a situation where astronauts spend months living in space stations far from Earth.    Now, imagine someone suffers a cardiac arrest.  On Earth, CPR is a life-saving skill we take for granted. Push hard and fast on the chest to keep blood flowing to the brain and organs until medical help arrives. But in space, things get complicated very quickly.  Research published in the journal Microgravity are now exploring a question most of us have never considered: how does blood move through the body during CPR when gravity is reduced?  CPR relies heavily on gravity and body positioning here on Earth. When you compress someone’s chest, you are helping pump blood through the cardiovascular system toward vital organs like the brain.  But in space, astronauts float. Without gravity, rescuers can’t brace themselves properly, and the body itself behaves differently. Fluids shift upward toward the head, the heart can shrink slightly over time, and circulation changes in ways scientists are still trying to fully understand.  That means traditional CPR techniques may not work as effectively in reduced gravity environments like the moon, Mars, or spacecraft.  Researchers have proposed several “space CPR” methods over the years, but there has been a major problem: nobody has really been able to measure what is happening inside the body during those attempts.  The Concordia research team developed a remarkably advanced CPR simulator designed specifically for hypogravity environments.  At first glance, it looks like a medical training mannequin. But inside, it contains a surprisingly realistic artificial cardiovascular system.  Instead of simply measuring how deep chest compressions are, the system measures whether blood is actually moving effectively through the body.  To test the system, the researchers took their mannequin aboard a specially modified Falcon 20 aircraft used for space science experiments.  The plane flies in steep arcs called parabolic flights. During parts of the flight, passengers experience brief periods of reduced gravity, similar to what astronauts feel in space.  During these moments of hypogravity, the mannequin received automated chest compressions while sensors tracked how fluid moved through its artificial arteries.  One of the key measurement points was the carotid artery, the major vessel that carries blood to the brain.  The team observed measurable differences in blood pressure compared with Earth-based CPR. Systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure were all higher in reduced gravity conditions.  The body appears to respond differently to CPR in low gravity than it does on Earth.  That’s an important discovery because it suggests Earth-based assumptions about resuscitation may not fully apply in space.  As humans spend more time away from Earth, medical emergencies become inevitable and unlike on Earth, there is no ambulance coming.  Future astronauts may need to handle life-threatening emergencies entirely on their own, with limited equipment and delayed communication with Earth.  Understanding how CPR works in reduced gravity could one day save lives millions of kilometres from the nearest hospital.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 09 May 2026 22:55:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/pax-assadi-comedian-and-tv-host-embraces-embarrassing-moments-in-new-book-mortified/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/pax-assadi-comedian-and-tv-host-embraces-embarrassing-moments-in-new-book-mortified/ Pax Assadi has revealed the unlikely source of inspiration for his new memoir. His new book, Mortified, is far from a highlight reel - it focuses on the shame, the cringe and all the stupid things that leave many wanting to die from embarrassment. Assadi says he was in a 'creative zone' developing stand-up when the book concept came to him. "I just thought it was cool, counterculture thing to do against the backdrop of our social media society that is obsessed with making sure we all look pristine - and I'm just kind of sick of it. I'm a little bit sick of us all pretending like we're all perfect."   LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 09 May 2026 22:47:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/thomas-coughlan-nz-herald-political-editor-on-winston-peters-revealing-the-government-plans-to-scrap-fees-free-uni/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/thomas-coughlan-nz-herald-political-editor-on-winston-peters-revealing-the-government-plans-to-scrap-fees-free-uni/ There's concerns about what the Government's latest pre-Budget announcement means for students. Winston Peters told Newstalk ZB on Friday that they'd get rid of the final free year of tertiary education, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed it.  She says they will have more to say on it in due course. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says it's likely the Government isn't thrilled with Peters leaking these details - and it wasn't pre-authorised by Willis or anyone else.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 09 May 2026 22:11:54 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-maybe-we-need-to-keep-the-crl-costs-in-perspective/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-maybe-we-need-to-keep-the-crl-costs-in-perspective/ I can’t wait to get onto Auckland’s CRL. I can’t wait to check out the overly grand stations. And I can’t wait to experience moving around our city in a way residents of other modern cities around the world have been doing for decades.  More so, I can’t wait to see if it does what it was intended to do - transform the city's rail network from a "one-way cul-de-sac" into a two-way through-system, designed to double the network's capacity and improve accessibility across the region.   It’s been a monster of a ride getting this underground railway built, and yes it’s costs a bundle, but I was intrigued this week that those most vocal about the decision making and costs are the people responsible for the project.  Good on former CRL boss Sean Sweeney for coming out and calling it how he sees it. We need people with experience expressing views on how we do things in this country. Sweeney oversaw the CRL, and its many cost increases and associated challenges for six years, and admits he would do things differently if he had his time again. He feels the main issue with the CRL was that it was over-specified. It’s not just the CRL, he also thinks the Christchurch stadium could have been built for less. As much as Cantabrians are enjoying the stadium, I’m sure there are many who feel the same way.   Building infrastructure is a bit like buying a house. When you buy you’re convinced you’re being ripped off and then 7-10 years later you’re generally pretty happy with the price and capital gain. I’m sure that over the next 10, 20, 100 years we’ll feel pretty pleased with ourselves for future proofing these investments: a platform long enough to cope with extra train carriages in anticipation of Auckland’s population growth, and a roof on Christchurch’s stadium.  Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop took the opportunity to reinforce National’s ‘fiscally responsible’ stance by ordering a review into the build, while still trying to stay positive about a project which will open on his watch. It was a bit of a headline grab. An effort to look proactive in response to the criticism. But anything that costs $5.5 billion, and was as difficult and disruptive as the CRL has been, should be reviewed and learnt from. Preferably before we launch into a second Auckland Harbour crossing. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown also piped up, expressing his long held view on the cost of the CRL, saying the project was “set up poorly” and he would take a tougher approach to projects.   But weirdly, I don’t hear Aucklanders talking about it the same way as those who were or are involved in it. Remember City Rail Link Limited was formed between the National Government and the Phil Goff-led Auckland Council in 2017 to jointly fund and oversee it through to completion. Both local and central Government are responsible for this project.  While the CRL has been a torturous affair, especially for those living, working or trying to run a business around its construction, most locals just want it to open, for it to make a fundamental change to how we get around our clogged up city, and can’t wait to give it a try. Spending $2 billion more on the CRL is worth a discussion, but maybe we need to keep it in perspective. Superannuation currently costs the country over $24 billion annually and is estimated by Treasury to cost over $45 billion in 10 years. The reluctance of political parties to thoughtfully address this is neglectful. So, enjoy the fancy infrastructure where you can, there’s unlikely to be much more on the way.  LISTEN ABOVE   Sat, 09 May 2026 22:01:53 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/karen-hao-journalist-and-author-on-her-new-book-exploring-the-impact-of-ai/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/karen-hao-journalist-and-author-on-her-new-book-exploring-the-impact-of-ai/ No-one knows what the future of AI has in store for us, and one journalist has raised concerns about the impact of the technology. When investigative journalist Karen Hao started looking into Sam Altman’s OpenAI, she had hopes for the technology, but extensive research and unparalleled access to those closest to the AI arms race left her with a different view.  Her work in this space has made her one of the foremost tech journos covering AI.  She’s been listed in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.   She's heading to New Zealand for the Auckland Writers Festival with her book EMPIRE OF AI: Inside the Reckless Race for Total Domination. "My criticism of companies that use this kind of rhetoric is that they are essentially just leveraging the lack of a shared definition as a way to just hype up their technologies."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 03 May 2026 01:49:48 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/luuka-jones-yaxley-kiwi-olympian-on-doubling-for-charlize-theron-in-netflixs-apex/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/luuka-jones-yaxley-kiwi-olympian-on-doubling-for-charlize-theron-in-netflixs-apex/ Olympic paddler Luuka Jones-Yaxley's lined up an unexpected project after her success in Paris.  Shortly after retiring from the high-performance canoe Slalom at the Paris Olympics, Luuka received a call and an offer to appear as Charlize Theron’s stunt double in the Netflix film Apex.  She says the offer felt like an 'April Fools joke' at first, but she was on a plane to the South Island to begin filming before she knew it.  "I just received at text from a friend down in the South Island and he called me and said he's been doing a bunch of water safety on some films and that this film had approached him and they needs a kayak double for Charlize Theron - and it kind of went from there."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 03 May 2026 01:37:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-yesteryear-and-london-falling/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-yesteryear-and-london-falling/ Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. Natalie Heller Mills drifts into marriage with a real loser, and in a last desperate attempt to help him make something of himself, gets her father in law to fund them onto a remote ranch in Idaho where she raises a brood of kids, embraces a traditional way of life, and sends it all via Instagram to a rapidly increasing audience. The trouble is, Natalie doesn’t entirely subscribe to the situation she finds herself in - and when one day she wakes up in the year 1855, in exactly the environment she’s been emulating, the things she’s been espousing and pretending to live like suddenly become all too real. This is terrifically well done - full of side-eye and quips to the reader amid a situation from which there is no escape. London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe. He’s the author who gave us the wonderful Empire of Pain a few years ago. This is about a young man whose fall from the balcony of a high end apartment block beside the Thames was filmed by MI6 cameras across the river. Zac Brettler always wanted more, and passed himself off as the child of a Russian oligarch which ultimately resulted in him getting in with the wrong crowd. Despite the footage, the Metropolitan Police refused to investigate and when Radden Keefe got involved he found a great deal to answer for. This is fascinating, investigative writing of the highest order.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 03 May 2026 01:09:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-her-most-recent-trip-to-new-york/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-her-most-recent-trip-to-new-york/ Travel expert Megan Singleton's been in New York seeing the sights, and making some unexpected discoveries.  After she learned the Abyssinian Baptist Church was booked out, she checked out the spring blossoms in Central Park, explored the Met and visited Little Island - which is built on wine glass shaped stilts across 4 acres in the Hudson River.   Read more of Megan's travel tips here. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 03 May 2026 01:03:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-what-could-acts-immigration-policy-do-for-nzs-economy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-what-could-acts-immigration-policy-do-for-nzs-economy/ This week on The Sunday Panel, broadcaster and journalist Wilhelmina O’Keefe and Resident Economist at Opes Partners, Ed McKnight, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! ACT has recently revealed their new immigration policy - what do we think? Is this going to attract the right people to New Zealand? A lot of what ACT is talking about here is just about enforcing existing laws - have we been too soft in the past?  There's been disagreements in the coalition this week - do we see them lasting until the election? Is Winston Peters trying to get one over Chris Luxon?  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 03 May 2026 00:53:25 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-explains-how-additives-are-affecting-your-gut-microbiome/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-explains-how-additives-are-affecting-your-gut-microbiome/ Additives are added to processed food to keep it fresher for longer but these might unexpectedly affect the health of the microbes in our guts. A diverse microbiome is key for our overall wellbeing, as it influences everything from our mood to our metabolism and our brain health, and processed food can have a harmful impact. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explained further.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 03 May 2026 00:38:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-we-need-more-civility-in-this-election-season/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-we-need-more-civility-in-this-election-season/ Last week I started my editorial with: ‘Well, it was a rather chaotic, eventful week in politics wasn’t it’, and went on to speak about how I thought it was a mistake that the Prime Minister has decided to decline appearing in a weekly spot on TVNZ’s Breakfast.   But it appears that ‘chaotic’ and ‘eventful’ is likely to be how we’re going to describe the next 27 weeks until the election, if the coalition can hold itself together through to November.   The nonsense and the scheming this week included what could quite possibly have been a leaked story about embattled TVNZ reporter Maiki Sherman, lawyers letters flying between media companies keen to report the juicy details, Winston Peters releasing emails under an OIA request revealing the Prime Minister’s potentially damaging views on the US war against Iran, and a feisty retaliation by the National Party on NZ First. All I could think at the end of this week was - surely both the media and politicians can do better.   I get it - everyone is coming out firing on all cylinders - that’s what you’ve got to do in election year. National has a new campaign leader and communications adviser, and I am sure many National voters like the new fighting spirit being shown by the Nats. After all, the Foreign Affairs Minister was out of line this week.   But with Winston Peters stating, 'No, we won’t do a deal with Labour or their Marxist and separatist mates', then you’d think that having ruled out being part of an opposing coalition there would be some shared effort to sell this one to voters.   The number of people who this week said to me, 'I don’t want to vote for any of them' was a bit of a surprise. Civility is often put aside during an election year, and yet I think it’s what most of us are craving right now. We’d like the people we have entrusted to run the country to act like grown-ups and get on with the job without the backstabbing.  Budget month is going to be tough, and yet all National and the coalition have to do to sell this budget is deliver it straight-up. We all know the story - whatever economic recovery and confidence we were gaining heading into 2026 has been wiped out by decisions made elsewhere in the world.   It’s not just our story - it’s happening everywhere. This week, the Bank of England warned inflation could hit 6.2 percent in the UK by early 2027, and food prices could rise by 6-7 percent by the end of this year. In Australia inflation rose to 4.6 percent in March, with an expectation it will peak higher with consumer prices now growing at their fastest pace in two and a half years.   No. It’s not the economic recovery story National was hoping to campaign on, but with little policy or innovation coming from the Labour Party there is an opportunity to double down on their fiscally responsible approach to managing the economy.   The revelation of Christopher Luxon’s support for the war wrecking our economy - isn’t helpful for him. But what would be more damaging is having coalition party leaders calling out each other for poor judgement over the coming months. Luxon has done a good job keeping the coalition together, but if they’re going to spend the next 6 months sabotaging each other rather than continuing to work on how they can come together on policy, selling the budget will be the least of National’s problems.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 03 May 2026 00:22:29 Z