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 Fri, 01 May 2026 17:33:11 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/james-reyne-lead-singer-of-australian-crawl-on-his-the-fall-of-crawl-tour/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/james-reyne-lead-singer-of-australian-crawl-on-his-the-fall-of-crawl-tour/ James Reyne is regarded as an Australian musical icon thanks to his success in Australian Crawl, and he's set to celebrate the band's success in his new tour. Alongside the full band, Reyne will be performing the hits of Australian Crawl next month in Auckland and Wellington. Reyne says he knows it's unusual to celebrate the fall of a band, but it felt right. "I'm very grateful for that, as I get older, I realise how grateful I am."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Apr 2026 01:25:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/jazz-thornton-influencer-and-mental-health-advocate-on-her-brand-new-documentary-series/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/jazz-thornton-influencer-and-mental-health-advocate-on-her-brand-new-documentary-series/ Influencer and mental health advocate Jazz Thornton has been campaigning hard for stalking to be criminalised, with new reforms set to be added to the Crimes Act next month. Thornton was targeted by obsessive messages from a stranger overseas back in 2024, and things escalated when the individual flew to New Zealand and turned up at her house. Inspired by her own story and those of others, Jazz has created a new documentary ‘Stalked’ - which is coming soon to Sky.   "It was the unpredictability, and you have the commander of the police on the phone and all of these detectives, and cameras are getting installed in your house...and you know there's concern from the police and you can't know why." LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Apr 2026 01:04:47 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-other-catherine-and-murder-in-paris-68/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-other-catherine-and-murder-in-paris-68/ The Other Catherine by Lauren Keenan: this is the story of two women bound together through generations of a family, each making their own way in a turbulent world. In 1793, eighteen year old Catherine is sentenced to the colonies and finds herself in the abject misery of the hold of a convict ship sailing to Australia where, despite the horrors and deprivation, she manages to forge enduring bonds with some of the other convicts. Two generations later, another Catherine - known in her native reo as Keita - finds herself and her loved ones caught up in the arrival of sealers and whalers to the shores of Aotearoa, and a profound change to their way of life. History and blood unites these two women, each of whom navigate their way through periods of great change. Murder in Paris ’68 by Edward Chisholm. Paris in 1968 was a world of chic, celebrity and glamour alongside a parallel underworld in which the demimonde lived dangerous and darker lives. Alain Delon was a movie star of the era - globally famous, he moved in fashionable circles. When a young man was found dead on a road outside Paris it was initially assumed he was indigent, but his clothes and well manicured fingernails told a different story and he was soon linked to Delon. This is extraordinary narrative nonfiction in which politicians, police, diplomats, gangsters, petty criminals and a raft of famous names became caught up in scandal and corruption.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:41:15 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-her-experience-in-nashville/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-her-experience-in-nashville/ BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton's been exploring Nashville and taking in the city's history. She got to go to the Grand Ole Opry and listen to the Oakridge Boys singing Elvira - as well as take some studio tours. Read more about Megan's experience here. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:34:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-was-luxon-right-to-back-away-from-tvnz/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-was-luxon-right-to-back-away-from-tvnz/ This week on The Sunday Panel, Partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir and Coast Day host, Lorna Riley, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Luxon's dropped the weekly TVNZ Breakfast programme - what do we make of this? Is this a smart move by Luxon here...or a misstep? Especially in an election year? It's ANZAC weekend - did the dawn services and commemorations hit different yesterday given current world events? After years of waiting, Christchurch's Te Kaha Stadium is finally open. What do we make of this? Will we try the deep-fried pie sandwich?  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:23:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-26-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-26-april-2026/ On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 26 April 2026, in 2024 mental health campaigner Jazz Thornton feared for her life when a stalker flew to New Zealand and turned up on her doorstep.  She was shocked to learn New Zealand had no laws in place to protect her.  She joins Francesca to talk her own situation and her new documentary Stalked. It's been 40 years since the end of iconic Australian band Australian Crawl, lead singer James Reyne is commemorating the end with a tour, he joins Francesca to talk about the hey day of the band that shaped the sound of Australian music. When Dr Clive Price moved to New Zealand from the UK, he saw gaps in our bowel screening processes. He joins Francesca to talk about what he's doing to help younger people be more proactive about bowel screening. Francesca looks at Christpher Luxon's decision to cancel his weekly Breakfast interview with TVNZs Tova O'Brien and questions whether it makes him look like he can't handle the pressure. And the panel discuss Anzac Day and whether it hit a bit differently this year with the current world situation. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:09:14 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-the-health-benefits-of-mushrooms/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-the-health-benefits-of-mushrooms/ Mushrooms have been found to have plenty of health benefits - and they  enhance immunity and protect the brain through high levels of antioxidant compounds. They also give you a Vitamin D boost, improve gut health and have been linked to reduced cancer risk. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:02:59 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-mikes-anzac-biscuits/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-mikes-anzac-biscuits/ Mike's ANZAC biscuits Cook time: 20 minutes  Prep time: 5 minutes  Serves: 12 cookies  1 1/2 cups rolled oats 1/2 cup shaved coconut 1/2 cup chopped almonds 3 tbsp sunflower oil   3 tbsp honey 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp baking soda Water if required Combine oats, coconut and almonds into a mixer   Add oil, honey, baking soda and vanilla   Mix well until combined and form into small cookies (smaller cookies are healthier cookies) and place onto a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Flatten down with enough room around each cookie. Bake for 20 minutes in a low 150c oven until golden brown. Cool completely before eating, and enjoy. Store in an airtight container for as long as it takes to eat them! LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Apr 2026 23:52:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-the-pros-and-cons-of-designer-dogs/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-the-pros-and-cons-of-designer-dogs/ Walk through almost any neighbourhood today and you’ll see an oodle - Goldendoodles. Labradoodles. Cavapoos. Cockapoos. These 'designer dogs' have exploded in popularity, often chosen for a simple reason - they’re supposed to be easier.  Easier to train. Better with kids. A perfect blend of the 'best' traits from two breeds.  But a new scientific study suggests the reality might be a lot messier.  Crossbreeding isn’t new, but “doodles” are a modern phenomenon.  The logic seems straightforward. combine two desirable breeds (like a poodle and a Labrador), and you’ll get a dog that inherits the best of both.  It’s a concept rooted in something called hybrid vigour, the idea that mixing genetic lines can reduce inherited health problems and improve traits.  But behaviour isn’t that simple. In a study published in PLOS One, researchers set out to test whether these popular beliefs hold up.  They focused on three common poodle crossbreeds:  Cockapoos (cocker spaniel × poodle) Labradoodles (Labrador × poodle) Cavapoos (Cavalier King Charles spaniel × poodle)  And compared them to their purebred parent breeds. Instead of relying on anecdote, they collected large-scale behavioural data from over 9,400 dogs, one-third of which were crossbreeds. Their owners completed detailed surveys covering 12 behavioural traits, including:  Trainability  Aggression Attachment to owners Fear responses Excitability Interaction with other dogs  Across the dataset, the results challenged the popular narrative.  Crossbreeds showed more behavioural problems in 44 percent of comparisons and they showed fewer problems in only 10 percent. In other words, doodles were more likely to have behavioural challenges than their purebred parents, not less.  The differences weren’t trivial.  Across all three crossbreeds, researchers found higher levels of:  Non-social fear (e.g. loud noises, unfamiliar objects) Separation-related behaviours (distress when left alone) Excitability and over-arousal  Cockapoos stood out the most, showing the highest levels of undesirable behaviours compared to their parent breeds. Cavapoos also showed elevated issues, but Labradoodles were more nuanced - better behaved than poodles, but worse than Labrador retrievers.  Behaviour is what scientists call a complex trait, it emerges from the interaction of genetics, environment, training and early life experiences.  The data showed that owners of crossbred dogs were more likely to be first-time dog owners and rely on non-professional training advice  This is important information as a dog’s behaviour isn’t just what it is, it’s what it experiences.  As demand for designer dogs has surged, so has poor breeding practice.  High demand can lead to:  Less controlled breeding Reduced focus on temperament Stress on breeding dogs Early-life environments that aren’t ideal  All of these factors can shape behaviour long before a puppy ever reaches a home.  This study isn’t really about whether doodles are “good” or “bad” dogs. It’s about how mixing two breeds doesn’t guarantee a specific behaviour and what matters most is:  Early socialisation Consistent training Environment Informed expectations  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Apr 2026 23:46:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-entertainment-correspondent-on-the-upcoming-2026-taite-awards/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-entertainment-correspondent-on-the-upcoming-2026-taite-awards/ Marlon Williams, Geneva AM, Tom Scott and Jazmine Mary are among the nominees up for the 2026 Taite Music Prize. The award, named in honour of late Kiwi music journalist Dylan Taite, celebrates the best of New Zealand's musical output. Ahead of the ceremony on April 29, entertainment correspondent Steve Newall recapped the nominees. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Apr 2026 23:28:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/claire-sherwood-sunday-session-investigative-reporter-on-the-deep-fried-pie-sandwich-available-at-te-kaha-stadium/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/claire-sherwood-sunday-session-investigative-reporter-on-the-deep-fried-pie-sandwich-available-at-te-kaha-stadium/ After years of anticipation, Christchurch's new One New Zealand Stadium is finally open for business, and the city's food and drink scene is ready to reach a new audience. The stadium opened with Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round, and one new delicacy on the menu has caught the attention of the wider public. Sunday Session investigative reporter Claire Sherwood got to try the deep-fried pie sandwich and she's outlined her thoughts. "The pie itself was pretty significant, like a good inch thicker, a big steak and cheese pie - then double deep-fried. It was super, super crispy."  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Apr 2026 23:14:52 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/nathan-surendran-wise-response-society-chair-on-new-zealands-response-to-the-ongoing-fuel-crisis/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/nathan-surendran-wise-response-society-chair-on-new-zealands-response-to-the-ongoing-fuel-crisis/ Some experts have raised concerns that the Government's fuel response is not proactive enough. A month ago, the Government detailed our response phases and what would trigger a move between phases - but the country remains in level one with no restrictions.  Wise Response Society chair Nathan Surendran says margins are getting eroded and the economic outlook is worsening as a result. "We should at least be at phase two, we should be saving, we should be conserving fuel - it takes time for people to adapt, they have to think through what they can actually do without." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Apr 2026 22:49:14 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/barry-soper-newstalk-zb-senior-political-correspondent-on-luxons-decision-to-back-out-of-weekly-tvnz-breakfast-interview/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/barry-soper-newstalk-zb-senior-political-correspondent-on-luxons-decision-to-back-out-of-weekly-tvnz-breakfast-interview/ The Prime Minister's pulled out of his weekly TVNZ Breakfast interview - as a row escalates between the broadcaster and the National Party. TVNZ says Chris Luxon's office informed them he'll no longer appear every Monday, and consider interviews case-by-case. Luxon will continue to appear on Newstalk ZB and RNZ.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the party's also laid out a complaint against TVNZ over the 'aggressive' conduct of the journalists.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Apr 2026 22:24:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-clive-price-gp-on-launching-his-own-bowel-cancer-screening-company-to-address-ongoing-shortfalls/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-clive-price-gp-on-launching-his-own-bowel-cancer-screening-company-to-address-ongoing-shortfalls/ Bowel cancer is the biggest cause of cancer deaths in Kiwis under 50, but plenty of experts have raised concerns over the current screening process. New Zealand's national screening programme doesn’t kick in until 58, and advocates are calling for more to be done to screen younger Kiwis. GP Dr Clive Price recently moved from the UK, and he's set up a screening company called Truescreen to fill the gaps. "It's about just filling that gap in the market, really, and offering a service to Kiwis."  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Apr 2026 22:14:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-is-luxon-cracking-under-the-pressure/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-is-luxon-cracking-under-the-pressure/ Well, it was a rather chaotic, eventful week in politics wasn’t it? Some actual business took place - the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement was confirmed by Labour agreeing to support it, the Finance Minister acknowledged the economy had been disrupted by the volatility of oil prices since the Iran conflict began, and the Prime Minister took it upon himself to call for a caucus confidence vote after weeks of speculation about his leadership - securing his position now and most likely until the election.   But it was also a week of nonsense. Aside from this rare slip of dissent within the National Party, it was also a week of coalition friction, unnecessary comments about Willis' weight and migrants, and apologies or refusals to apologise. It was a week of whining about the media, bizarre late night door knocking, and a complaint laid by the National Party about those persistent door knockers from TVNZ’s political team. And then the Prime Minister put his foot down and decided to cancel his regular Monday morning TV slot on TVNZ’s Breakfast show. The door-knockers had given the Prime Minister a passable excuse to step away from Breakfast, where he has been struggling with interviews, and he took it. He’s entitled to. As Heather du Plessis-Allan noted on Friday afternoon, we have very good access to politicians here in New Zealand. And yet, it’s a mistake. It looks weak in a week when the PM was trying to look like he was in command.   The relationship between politicians and the media is a co-dependent one, but the balance shifts in an election year when politicians need the media a little more to give them visibility to sell policy, and project leadership, credibility and authority; quite simply - they need to be heard.   Of course, the media needs politicians too. Just look at the headlines and attention Tova O’Brien’s interactions with the Prime Minister have given Breakfast. Beyond creating content and audience engagement, there is the more substantial reason the media need politicians, and that is of course to hold them to account. And for that you need access.   I don’t mind Christopher Luxon’s faffs - his missteps in interviews. There’s something refreshing about his lack of political intuition, his inability at times to swat a question away without answering it. He appears human. He should be more relaxed about the gotcha-moments and not get flustered trying to get out of them.  I know - it’s easier said than done when you are in the national spotlight. But with his leadership confirmed, National needs to do something to improve its polling and solidify their position leading the coalition come election day. TV appearances are a long-standing and recurring weakness - the Prime Minister hasn’t appeared in TVNZ’s Q & A with Jack Tame since December 2024 - so it’s understandable this is a step they’ve taken.   But Judith Collins’ words about Jacinda Ardern cancelling her weekly interview slot with Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking in 2021 keep ringing in my head. As the National leader at the time she told a radio station, "I think what you're seeing is the absolute arrogance of this Government." She went on to question whether Ardern didn’t like hard questions. "The point is those hard questions are actually what you get paid for” she said.   You might be able to pick and choose whose hard questions you answer, but be careful it doesn’t look too much like you just can’t handle the pressure.   Anyway, only 28 more weeks until the election. There’s little chance it will be boring.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:59:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/tusekah-kiwi-musician-reveals-how-she-got-to-open-for-olivia-dean/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/tusekah-kiwi-musician-reveals-how-she-got-to-open-for-olivia-dean/ Kiwi singer Tusekah's been building up a reputation as one to watch, and it seems like some other major artists have taken notice. She's supported a range of notable artists including PJ Morton, Deva Mahal, and Olivia Dean on tour. She says opening for Olivia Dean represented a lot of firsts for her, and she revealed that getting the gig was just a matter of reaching out and staying persistent.  "It was just really surreal - and then the support that I got from her audience was amazing as well, so I'm super grateful to have had that opportunity."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:40:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/tearepa-kahi-and-alex-tarrant-director-and-lead-actor-on-bringing-the-story-of-sgt-haane-to-life/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/tearepa-kahi-and-alex-tarrant-director-and-lead-actor-on-bringing-the-story-of-sgt-haane-to-life/ On this day in 1943, the actions of young 28th Māori battalion solider, Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi, changed the course of World War II in North Africa. Just before midnight, Manahi led a group of soldiers up a vertical cliff to capture the Tunisian town of Takrouna from Axis powers - he took hundreds of prisoners, carried injured comrades down the mountain and protected locals from danger.  Up until now, Haane’s story has largely been kept alive through his descendants but it’s now been turned into a film. Sgt. Haane was directed by Tearepa Kahi and stars Alex Tarrant - and the pair are committed to bringing this story to life.  "I knew there were things about his story that were familiar, and when you're a storyteller, you want to get off the beaten track and into the unknown world. So it was sort of sitting down with what was unknown, what remained - what stones remained unturned."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:17:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-ending-writes-itself-and-other-peoples-bodies/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-ending-writes-itself-and-other-peoples-bodies/ The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke. This is set on a remote Scottish island to which seven aspiring authors have been invited, and when they arrive find that the reclusive famous author who lives there has died, and his publisher is desperate to find someone who can write the last chapter of his unfinished manuscript. There is an enormous payday for the successful writer, but as they settle in for the contest the bodies start to pile up and they find that they’re writing crime in the middle of a crime scene. Evelyn Clarke, the author of this is actually two people, both of whom are established writers and they’ve taken the opportunity through this novel to skewer the publishing industry whilst delivering a very Agatha Christie-esque mystery thriller.  Other People's Bodies by Megan Nicol Reed. Set in Auckland, this is the story of a group of women who join a gym which is operated by an enigmatic man named Lars, where they discover friendship, shared goals and become drawn more and more into his orbit. As things go on though, something in the dynamic changes and his influence and control of their lives becomes overbearing and somewhat sinister. Lars is married to Priya, in a relationship where the power balance is uneven, and she reaches a point, watching, where she must decide if she should step out of the shadows and intervene, whatever the cost.  LISTEN ABOVE   Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:59:51 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-her-recent-experience-in-new-orleans/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-her-recent-experience-in-new-orleans/ Megan's on another visit to New Orleans and she's found some new spots to check out. She's being checking out the local cuisine and exploring the bars - and the historic Storyville Museum. Read more about her experiences here.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:54:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-do-we-see-luxon-getting-rolled/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-do-we-see-luxon-getting-rolled/ This week on the Sunday Panel, TV producer, journalist, and commentator, Irene Gardiner and host of The Front Page podcast, Chelsea Daniels, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Is National in a pickle? The party underperformed in another poll and it's sparked discussions about Luxon's future as a leader. Do we see him lasting ahead of the election? Do we see him getting rolled? The new Michael Jackson biopic is out in theatres this week - will we see it? Can we separate the artist from the art?  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:40:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-reveals-whats-behind-the-dad-bod-and-how-to-prevent-it/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-reveals-whats-behind-the-dad-bod-and-how-to-prevent-it/ The standard 'dad bod' is characterised by increased abdominal fat and reduced muscle definition - and one expert has issued a warning about it. These changes typically happen due to a combination of lifestyle changes, metabolic shifts, and hormonal changes after becoming a father. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara reveals how you can can improve your health and avoid the related issues.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:18:14 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-19-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-19-april-2026/ On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 19 April 2026, today in 1943, Sergeant Haane Manahi changed the course of World War II in North America.  A film has been made about his heroic efforts, director Tearepa Kahi and lead actor Alex Tarrant tell Francesca talk about the little known soldier and why they wanted to tell his story. South African born Kiwi artists Tusekah is on the rise, she joins Francesca in studio for a live performance of her latest single 'Lay Me Down'. After a short reprieve, the Strait of Hormuz is closed again. Geopolitical analyst Dr Geoffrey Miller talks about how moves by Iran and the US in the last 24 hours could threaten any peace deal between the two countries. Francesca has embraced AI for one of life's more mundane jobs - has it converted her thinking on using it more in the future? And science has found a healthier way to produce a crispy French fry, Dr Michelle Dickinson with all the details. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:14:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-omas-apple-and-rhubarb-tart/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-omas-apple-and-rhubarb-tart/ Oma's apple and rhubarb tart Cook time: 40 minutes  Prep time: 25 minutes  Serves: 6 300gm self raising flour, sifted   100gm brown sugar   1 tsp vanilla paste   Pinch salt   150gm butter   1 egg, beaten   Plain flour for rolling   Filling   1 cup raisins   3 tbsp brandy   4 tbsp warm water   3 apples   2 stalks rhubarb, peeled and diced   juice of ½ lemon   3 tbsp brown sugar   ½ tsp cinnamon   1 tbsp icing sugar Pre-heat a oven to 180 degrees. Combine flour, sugar, vanilla and salt. Cut butter into small cubes and add to flour mix. Rub together until the mix starts to fine breadcrumbs. Add beaten egg and continue to mix. Once dough is formed, remove from bowl and knead by hand to form a ball. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Take 2/3 of the pastry, wrap and return rest to fridge. Using plenty of flour, roll out to 1cm thickness on a clean work surface. Lay the pastry over your floured rolling pin, and then gently lay it in a greased 20cm tart tin. Press gently into the tin and use any leftovers to patch rips or holes. Return to the fridge while you prepare the filling.   Soak raisins in brandy and warm water for 10 minutes. Peel apples, then cut into thick slices around the core. Place in a large bowl with lemon juice, brown sugar and cinnamon. Drain raisins, add to apples and toss to coat, add in the rhubarb. Retrieve tart base from fridge and arrange apple mix inside. Roll out reserved pastry to at least same diameter as the tart and cut into 2-3 cm strips. Using a long palette knife, lift strips off work surface and lay over apple filling in a lattice pattern. Brush the pastry lattice with water and dust with icing sugar. Bake for 40 minutes, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:10:20 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-how-to-make-french-fries-healthier/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-how-to-make-french-fries-healthier/ French fries are one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and hard to resist. But there’s a catch, they’re also packed with oil, which adds extra calories and is linked to health issues like obesity and high blood pressure.  New research published in the Journal of Food Science has found a way to enjoy fries with less guilt, without sacrificing the taste and texture people love.  To make the perfect - and healthy - French fry, hybrid cooking which combined traditional frying with microwave heating was used. The result was fries that absorb less oil, cook faster, and still come out crispy.  The key science lies in what’s happening inside the potato while it cooks.  When potatoes are dropped into hot oil, something interesting happens beneath the surface.  At first, the potato is full of water, leaving no room for oil to get in. But as the heat builds, that water starts to evaporate, creating tiny empty spaces inside the fry. These spaces act like little tunnels that pull oil in.  Think of it like using a straw: Blow air into it, and liquid is pushed out, suck on it, and liquid is pulled in. During frying, the potato often ends up in that 'sucking' state, drawing oil inward.  This is where microwaves come in.  Unlike conventional frying, which heats food from the outside in, microwaves heat from the inside out. They energize water molecules throughout the potato, causing them to rapidly turn into vapor.  This creates positive pressure inside the fry, which helps push oil out rather than letting it seep in.  In simple terms: microwaves help the potato resist soaking up oil.  Faster Cooking, Less Grease  The research showed several benefits to this combined method:  Lower oil absorption → fewer calories and less fat  Faster cooking times → more efficient preparation  Maintained texture → still crispy and satisfying  Microwaves alone make fries soggy which is why the combination works so well:  Microwaves reduce oil and cook the inside  Traditional frying delivers the crispy exterior  Instead of reinventing the entire cooking process, food manufacturers could simply upgrade existing fryers by adding microwave technology. Since microwave generators are relatively affordable and widely available, this could be an easy change for large-scale food production.  Let’s be honest, most people want to eat healthier, but cravings often win in the moment. Foods like French fries are hard to give up because they taste so good.  This new approach could offer a middle ground: enjoying the same indulgent foods, but with less fat and fewer health risks.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:02:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/lorna-riley-entertainment-correspondent-on-the-2026-inductees-to-the-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/lorna-riley-entertainment-correspondent-on-the-2026-inductees-to-the-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/ Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Oasis, Sade and Joy Division/New Order will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside first-time nominees Wu-Tang Clan and the late Luther Vandross. The nominees were voted on by more than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry professionals. Entertainment correspondent Lorna Riley recapped the full list - including the nominees who didn't make the cut this time round. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:52:52 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/ethan-griffiths-newstalk-zb-political-reporter-on-whether-luxon-will-lose-his-role-as-national-leader/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/ethan-griffiths-newstalk-zb-political-reporter-on-whether-luxon-will-lose-his-role-as-national-leader/ Another disappointing showing in the polls has raised questions over Luxon's future as a leader. Multiple sources within the party have told our newsroom there's significant discontent with Chris Luxon's performance, coming close to boiling point before Easter.  Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths says these rumblings have been and gone, but the growing discussions show he doesn't have the numbers in caucus.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:43:27 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/jules-moore-gold-medalist-at-the-shenzhen-flower-show-talks-recent-victory/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/jules-moore-gold-medalist-at-the-shenzhen-flower-show-talks-recent-victory/ Kiwi Jules Moore has claimed another international victory - in the world of gardening. Moore won gold and Best Feature Garden at the Shenzhen Flower Show, with a whopping 2.1 million people viewing her garden.  She says it was an honour even being invited to the event, given the strict criteria to get in. "I got the invitation around July, and I was asked to do something that reflected New Zealand and their country, China. A bit of a merge, if you like. So I started thinking - what are we really good at?"  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:29:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/shamubeel-eaqub-simplicity-chief-economist-on-the-increase-in-kiwisaver-hardship-withdrawals/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/shamubeel-eaqub-simplicity-chief-economist-on-the-increase-in-kiwisaver-hardship-withdrawals/ KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals have spiked to their highest in a decade last month, amid rising fuel prices. According to the IRD, more than 5600 people withdrew their savings due to financial hardship - the second-highest amount ever since August 2016. Over 49 million dollars was withdrawn, a 12.6 percent increase from March last year. Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub says the cost of living crisis, and the recent spike in job losses and business closures have all cumulated into the current increase. "Mostly, what we're seeing at Simplicity is just that people have lost their jobs, they've lost their businesses, or they can't repay their mortgage - it's kind of life stuff. But the recession has real human cost."  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:03:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/geoffrey-miller-geopolitical-analyst-on-whether-iran-closing-the-strait-of-hormuz-will-impact-a-peace-deal/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/geoffrey-miller-geopolitical-analyst-on-whether-iran-closing-the-strait-of-hormuz-will-impact-a-peace-deal/ It is believed talks are set to begin in the coming days as pressure mounts on the US and Iran to reach a lasting ceasefire.  A ceasefire is in place in the region until Wednesday local time - with delegates expected to be meeting in Pakistan.  President Donald Trump says he may not extend the ceasefire if a deal isn't reached and they take hold of Iran's enriched uranium.  Iranian officials rejects claims its already agreed to handover uranium and are making demands like sanction relief and getting frozen funds unlocked.  Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller says this is why the deal is being brokered by Pakistan.  "Things were looking up, there was talk that there was going to be another meeting in Pakistan - perhaps this Monday - between Iran and the United States...it seemed like everything was coming together."  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:48:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-youd-be-a-mug-to-not-use-ai-by-now/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-youd-be-a-mug-to-not-use-ai-by-now/ So, this week I’m making a flying visit to Christchurch to help my son buy a car.   It’s taken a couple of months to find a part time job to support himself while studying, but he’s got one, and while he’s been making the most of public transport over the last year, with this job it would be much easier to have a car. I know, it’s not great timing. He’ll only be able to afford to drive to and from work.   But still, the search for a car began. We had pretty simple parameters when it came to age, km’s and cost - and after spending days looking at cars online I had a sizable list of possibilities. Yesterday, my partner and I sat down to wade through this list with the intention of comparing all the cars we’d found. But you know what - we had other things to do with our weekend so my partner said to me - let’s AI it. And then we giggled because AI is frowned upon in our household by, bizarrely, our tech savy, online loving children.   It took about 2 minutes for ChatGPT to assess the list of cars, and all their data from their listings to give me a comparative table. It looked at everything from the car’s year, its engine size, km's, fuel type, fuel consumption, safety rating, whether it had a current WOF and registration amongst other things. It summed it all up with a list of cars with the best fuel economy, safety and the best value when it comes to price vs km.   Then I got ChatGPT to list the top 5 picks out of all these cars to buy, and why. And which ones I should avoid, and why. It kindly also told me which order I should test drive them in.   Then to top off this very productive 5 minutes, ChatGPT offered me a NZ Used Car Inspection Checklist, which I was impressed with and accepted. Job done.   Here’s the thing. We’d done the hard work in finding these cars - we probably should have used AI for that too - but at least we’d learnt quite a bit as we went. Yes, we probably would have come to very similar conclusions, and I would have written a similar checklist for myself, but it would have taken us hours.   “If you’re not using AI you’re a mug”, my partner said before heading outside to mow the lawns before the rain hit.  But are you a mug?   All this car hunting was being done under the disappointed gaze of our other child who believes AI is rotting our brains.   But AI is here. So where do you draw the line?   I find this question fascinating. I can’t help but click on articles about the threat and potential of AI. When implemented with a human focus AI has the potential to change lives for the better. When created with little regulation and for financial gain, the benefit for humans is harder to judge. It’s hard to celebrate productivity gains when it’s accompanied by layoffs, and with two kids in tertiary education I’m obsessed about what jobs AI is stealing. And yet as I saw yesterday, it can be a great way to make our lives easier. I like young people with strong opinions and their anti-AI stance, and I am more interested in continuing to grow my neural pathways than lessen them, so my use of AI will always be restrained. But I think my partner is right - you’d be a mug to ignore it. Understanding and being able to use AI is going to be as necessary as being able to type was once upon a time.   AI was not used in the writing of this editorial. You can probably tell!  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:29:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/greg-johnson-kiwi-singer-songwriter-celebrates-turning-60-with-new-tour/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/greg-johnson-kiwi-singer-songwriter-celebrates-turning-60-with-new-tour/ Kiwi singer-songwriter Greg Johnson is celebrating his 60th birthday with a career-spanning national tour. His new upcoming album Somenight, Somewhere is out this October, but the tour will cover decades of hits from over the course of his career. He says he's been reflecting on his career over the years, and he's learned a lot about his own creative abilities.  "There's a consistent thing I've come to understand about myself, and that is that the one constant I've had ever since I can absolutely remember is music."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:39:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/david-lomas-famed-tv-investigator-on-his-latest-television-project/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/david-lomas-famed-tv-investigator-on-his-latest-television-project/ TV investigator David Lomas is set to discover more answers and reunite families in his new local documentary series. David Lomas Breakthrough involves the investigative reporter going to great lengths - and often great distances - to find family members who've have lost touch with a particular blood relative. Ahead of the series debuting on Three, he explained he's lost count of how many reunions he's formed, both on and off the air. "We've done a heck of a lot, we've put a lot of people together who have approached us - and one person doesn't want to do it or the story, from a television perspective, doesn't quite stack up." LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:24:54 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-keeper-and-bonfire-of-the-murdochs/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-keeper-and-bonfire-of-the-murdochs/ The Keeper by Tana French, who is one of my all time favourite authors. This is the 3rd in a trilogy which began with The Searcher and then The Hunter but you can read this new one without needing to read the others (although they’re so good I would highly recommend it). Cal Hooper, the retired Chicago detective is back, with the village of Ardnakelty in crisis as a young woman is found dead just as a local big shot has plans for the town. Factions are rife, with many residents predicting housing developments, data farms or some other modern atrocity and Cal is caught up in a protest against plans which threaten their rural way of life. This is full of terrific characters, entirely believable themes, and some exceptional turns of phrase.  Bonfire of the Murdochs by Gabriel Sherman. It was widely known that Rupert Murdoch favoured his son Lachlan as the heir to his empire, to the point where he attempted to remove Lachlan’s three siblings from the trust which had been in place for years, in order to anoint him as the rightful successor - and paid his children a billion dollars each to go quietly, but they rebelled and took the case to court. This is the story of one of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful families caught up in lawsuits, betrayals, and revenge. It has been described as being Shakespearian in its tragedy - a family ripped apart by the very man who created their empire. It makes for a fascinating read.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:04:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-her-experience-in-washington-dc/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-her-experience-in-washington-dc/ BloggerAtLarge's Megan Singleton has been exploring America, but she's noticed some extra security in Washington DC? She's staying near some of the city's biggest museums, but she's noticed extra police gathered around some key monuments. Read more about Megan's tips for Washington DC here.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:59:20 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-can-we-expect-any-resolution-from-the-peace-talks/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-can-we-expect-any-resolution-from-the-peace-talks/ This week on the Sunday Panel, host of the Prosperity Project podcast, Nadine Higgins and Newstalk ZB host Roman Travers joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! What did we think of the Artemis II mission, now that it's done. Are we excited about the new era of space exploration that this mission has brought? Does the thought of an actual moon landing excite us? What about Mars?  While Iranian and US delegates are arriving in Pakistan, it's unclear how the peace talks will go. How confident are we that we will get some kind of resolution out of these peace talks?  Are we worried about 'digital dementia'? LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:49:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-the-realities-of-digital-dementia/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-the-realities-of-digital-dementia/ Research has found excessive screen time can impact cognitive performance, leading to 'digital dementia'. The condition is growing more common in younger people, and it's largely a result of heavy screen exposure. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:35:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-chipotle-pulled-lamb-shoulder/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-chipotle-pulled-lamb-shoulder/ Cook time: 30 minutes  Prep time: 20 minutes Serves 6  1 de-boned lamb shoulder   1 small jars chipotle in adobo sauce (available from most supermarkets)   1 bottle hoppy beer   1 tbsp tomato paste   1 tbsp brown sugar   1 tsp salt   1 tsp smoked paprika   1 tsp oregano Preheat oven to 150*C.   Place the lamb in to deep roasting tray, approx 25 x 20cm. You want the lamb to loosely fit in.   Cover with the chipotle, tomato paste, sugar, paprika, salt and oregano. Time to get you hands dirty, rub all ingredients into the lamb. Then pour over the beer and mix again.   Place a large sheet of greaseproof paper over the lamb then cover the entire roasting tray with tin foil and place into your oven. Cook for 90 minutes, then remove the tinfoil, leaving the paper on and cook for a further 90 minutes.   After this time, time to check the lamb. Remove from the oven and lightly press down the flesh of the lamb. If it stays down, it's ready. If it springs back place it back into the oven. This time really does depend on the size and age of the lamb. Remove the lamb and allow to cool in the juices.   Using a fork, pull apart the meat keeping the meat and discarding the fat. Place into a bowl and pour over the juices. Season with salt if required.   Place back into a clean oven proof dish, cover and keep warm in the oven until required. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:29:25 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-explains-why-we-see-faces-in-the-clouds/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-explains-why-we-see-faces-in-the-clouds/ Have you ever looked up at the sky and spotted a face in the clouds? Or noticed a grumpy expression in a crumpled sock? If so, you’re not alone, this surprisingly common experience is called pareidolia and scientists are fascinated by it.  New research published in the journal Royal Society Open Science found that humans are incredibly good at recognising faces. In fact, we’re so good that our brains often find them where none exist, on handbags, in TV static, or even in burnt toast.  Researchers asked participants to look at everyday objects and random visual “noise” and describe what they saw.  In one experiment, participants looked at a handbag. Its zips and folds consistently appeared to form a smiling face to many viewers. But when shown random visual noise - essentially meaningless patterns, responses became much more imaginative.  People reported seeing everything from angels and dragons to demons and religious figures.  What’s fascinating is that there was nothing actually there, the images were just noise, but the brain filled in the gaps anyway.  In another experiment, researchers added a subtle vertical symmetry feature to the images which is a key characteristic of human faces.  That small tweak made a big difference and suddenly, participants were much more likely to report seeing faces. and not just any faces, but often angry ones.  Across the experiments, patterns started to emerge. Many participants tended to see male faces, and a significant number perceived those faces as angry.  One theory is that our brains rely on a kind of built-in 'face template,' which may lean toward male features. Interestingly, this bias shows up even in young children, suggesting it might be deeply ingrained.  As for the anger, evolution may play a role. When faced with uncertainty, it’s safer for the brain to assume a potential threat to prepare you for danger than risk missing it.  Pareidolia reveals something profound about how we see the world. Our brains don’t just passively receive information, they actively interpret it, often jumping to conclusions based on minimal clues.  When it comes to faces, the brain seems to follow a simple rule: detect first, analyse later.  This makes sense when you consider how important face recognition has been throughout human history. for communication, survival, and social connection.  So next time you spot a face in the clouds or a smile in your morning coffee, relax as it's just brain doing exactly what it evolved to do, finding meaning in the world, even when there’s nothing there at all.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:18:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-12-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-12-april-2026/ On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 12 April 2026, David Lomas has made a career out of solving family mysteries and reuniting loved ones, he joins Francesca to talk about some of his favourite cases and talk about how much harder it is to track people down these days. LA based singer songwriter Greg Johnson is celebrating a milestone birthday this year - instead of shying away from aging, he's touring New Zealand.  Greg joins Francesca to talk about finally accepting being 60. The completed mission of Artemis II has heralded a new era for space exploration, former NASA scientist Dr Morgan Cable tells Francesca just what this means and how soon humans could have a presence on the moon. Erin O'Hara talks through the latest research into digital dementia and just what excessive screentime is doing to our brains. And Mike Van de Elzen has the perfect recipe for the rainy Sunday night - chipotle pulled lamb shoulder. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:12:47 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/chris-henry-entertainment-correspondent-on-the-jacinda-ardern-documentary-being-nominated-for-two-emmy-awards/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/chris-henry-entertainment-correspondent-on-the-jacinda-ardern-documentary-being-nominated-for-two-emmy-awards/ The Nominations for the 2026 News and Documentary Emmy Awards have been announced, and a film about Jacinda Ardern has landed two nominations. Prime Minister is in the running for Best Documentary, and Outstanding Politics and Government Documentary - and it explores Ardern's  five-year tenure as New Zealand’s 40th Prime Minister.  Entertainment correspondent Chris Henry explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:04:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mark-wederall-canterbury-car-club-general-manager-ahead-of-the-itm-christchurch-super-440-next-week/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mark-wederall-canterbury-car-club-general-manager-ahead-of-the-itm-christchurch-super-440-next-week/ There was plenty of Supercars action in Taupo over the weekend, and now racing fans in Christchurch will get their turn. The competition will debut in the South Island, with the the ITM Christchurch Super 440 starting on Friday. Canterbury Car Club general manager Mark Wederall says this is big news for fans in the South Island, and it's one of the biggest events to hit the region. "It's massive, it's probably going to be one of the bigger events that come to Christchurch...it'll be the biggest that we've ever had."  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 11 Apr 2026 23:57:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/azaria-howell-newstalk-zb-political-reporter-on-former-national-candidate-james-christmas-switching-over-to-act/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/azaria-howell-newstalk-zb-political-reporter-on-former-national-candidate-james-christmas-switching-over-to-act/ A former National Party candidate will stand with the ACT Party at this year's election.  James Christmas is now a barrister and had worked under senior National figures including Sir John Key, Sir Bill English, and Chris Finlayson.  Christmas was considered a possible option to take on the Attorney-General role and act as a Treaty Negotiations Minister. Newstalk ZB political reporter Azaria Howell explains further - ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 11 Apr 2026 23:41:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/john-law-metservice-meteorologist-on-what-to-expect-from-cyclone-vaianu/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/john-law-metservice-meteorologist-on-what-to-expect-from-cyclone-vaianu/ Damaging gusts and severe downpours are gathering steam, with Cyclone Vaianu set to hit. Watches and warnings cover the upper half of the country, and a scattering of regions between Northland and Hawke's Bay have declared States of Emergency.  Heavy overnight gusts have already knocked out power for thousands of homes, with crews out this morning working to restore supply.  Whitianga could be cut off at High Tide - with the deluge causing flooding in the Coromandel.  Several Auckland Roads are also seeing flooding - and NZTA warns there could be more road closures across Waikato and Bay of Plenty.  MetService meteorologist John Law says strong Northeasterlies at the eastern flank of that low pressure system, are driving the large seas and strong winds around the Bay of Plenty.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 11 Apr 2026 23:07:00 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-morgan-cable-former-nasa-scientist-on-the-significance-of-the-artemis-ii-mission/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-morgan-cable-former-nasa-scientist-on-the-significance-of-the-artemis-ii-mission/ A new era of space exploration has begun, after Artemis II successfully splashed down from its journey around the far side of the moon.  The four astronauts returned 'happy and healthy' from their 10 day journey, careening safely down into the Pacific Ocean. Former NASA scientist Dr Morgan Cable says she was pleased to see the mission went well - even with a few bumps in the road. "Being able to understand how that can affect the crew, even on this shorter, 10-day mission, can really be helpful for understanding what it means to have a long-term human presence around the moon - or on the way to Mars." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 11 Apr 2026 22:52:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-what-does-the-artemis-ii-mission-mean-for-the-future-of-space-exploration/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-what-does-the-artemis-ii-mission-mean-for-the-future-of-space-exploration/ Watching Artemis II return to earth’s atmosphere yesterday, it occurred to me that watching a space mission is a bit like watching the Olympics.   You discover a new event, learn a whole lot of new words, and almost immediately think you know what you’re talking about - but really you’re a novice and have no idea of the complexity involved in what you’re watching.   But regardless of how much you understand about the engineering, physics and tech behind what has just taken place over the last 10 days, it’s been easy to be awed by this historic mission, which sent humans further into space than ever before.   The photos and descriptions of the Earth and moon from the 4 astronauts aboard Artemis II, have drawn us in.   But for all the poetic touches and strategic messaging about this being a mission to unite humanity - it’s what comes next that has really captured my attention. With the success of both Artemis I and II, the vision of building a base on the moon has become that much more realistic.   Not since 1970 and Apollo 13 have humans ventured this far from Earth. That’s a pause longer than my lifetime. After the Apollo era, NASA’s priorities shifted to programs such as the Space Shuttle program and the International Space Station, which were focused on the low Earth orbit. But the focus now is on testing and advancing new exploration systems that will allow humans to live in space. Through the Artemis programme scientists have learned valuable lessons about deep-space radiation, Orion’s spacecraft, life support and propulsion systems and re-entry heat protection.   The benefits of the Artemis II mission extend beyond NASA. Private companies, such as SpaceX and other aerospace contractors, gain opportunities to develop new technologies and expand the commercial space industry. Governments and international partners also benefit by strengthening diplomatic relationships and shared science.  Over the years there has been a lot of discussion about whether humans should return to the moon, at what cost and for what purpose? But this mission has reignited something in many of us. There is something captivating about pushing the boundaries of what is possible, of laying the groundwork for future discoveries that could benefit life on Earth and expand our presence into space.   I may not understand the physics required to make this all happen, and I have no idea how far things we’ll get in my lifetime, but the knowledge we’re on our way is inspiring.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 11 Apr 2026 22:39:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/bart-schrijver-film-director-on-his-new-film-inspired-by-the-te-araroa-trail/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/bart-schrijver-film-director-on-his-new-film-inspired-by-the-te-araroa-trail/ The Te Araroa trail, running between Cape Reinga and Bluff, is one of the world’s most diverse long distance walks - and it's since inspired director Bart Schrijver. The trail inspired his latest film The North  - in cinemas now - which has been referred to as the ultimate hiking film. Schrijver says hiking the trail was an 'interesting' experience, and it helped inspire the journey of the characters in the film. "When we were walking, I was 26, 27 - and still not really knowing what I wanted to do, and then Neil, my friend, did an internship and was looking for a job, we were on this point where we were diverging into different lives. And now...the lives of us were so different."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 05 Apr 2026 01:22:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/felicity-ward-comedian-on-bringing-her-i-wish-i-could-come-out-of-my-shell-show-to-new-zealand/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/felicity-ward-comedian-on-bringing-her-i-wish-i-could-come-out-of-my-shell-show-to-new-zealand/ The NZ International Comedy Festival is just around the corner, with many iconic comedians from all over the world set to appear. Australian comedian Felicity Ward, who fans may recognise from The Office Australia, Time Bandits or The Inbetweeners, is one of the bigger international draws, with her new show ‘I Wish I Could Come Out of My Shell’.  She says she's used to the attention being on stage brings - after years of being involved in the medium.  "I get a thrill out of being on stage, I've been doing standup since the prehistoric era. But I love stand-up more now than I did when I started, I love it."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 05 Apr 2026 01:01:33 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-it-s-not-what-you-think-and-based-on-a-true-story/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-it-s-not-what-you-think-and-based-on-a-true-story/ It’s Not What You Think by Clare Mackintosh. Nadeeka is having a relationship with Jamie but she suspects he’s having an affair and one day heads home unexpectedly to try and catch him out. What she finds when she gets there is something else entirely...her house is a crime scene and nothing is as she'd imagined. And then it gets worse as the real story of what had been going on in Jamie’s life - and mind - unfolds into a real, current day, this is what the world is like now scenario. This is certainly a book for our times and the twists and turns confirm that Clare Mackintosh writes terrific thrillers, with this one her best yet. Based on a True Story by Sarah Vaughan. Dame Elinor Kingman is one of the UK’s most beloved authors, and as she prepares to turn 70, she’s organising a huge celebration party at her estate in Cornwell. Her three children will be in attendance, as will many of her friends and the literary world’s great and good, along with a TV crew who are filming a documentary on her life. Then, the night before the party, someone sends her an email threatening to expose something they claim to know about her which could destroy her legacy, reputation and family. I’ve loved Sarah Vaghan’s books since Anatomy of a Scandal a few years ago - she’s great at writing about secrets that have the potential to derail everything and this one is great. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:45:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-her-plans-to-spend-easter-in-new-york/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-her-plans-to-spend-easter-in-new-york/ Travel expert Megan Singleton's set to spend Easter in New York, and she's revealed her itinerary for making the most of the holiday. She's set to head to a gospel church in Harlem on Easter Sunday - the Abyssinian Baptist Church founded in 1808 where Martin Luther King and Malcom X attended. She plans to catch an afternoon game at Yankee Stadium, and then head to the Plaza hotel for an afternoon high tea.  Read more about Megan's travel experiences here. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:36:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-what-did-we-make-of-the-cabinet-reshuffle/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-what-did-we-make-of-the-cabinet-reshuffle/ This week on the Sunday Panel, Director at Capital, Ben Thomas, and Resident Economist at Opes Partners, Ed McKnight, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Government had their Cabinet reshuffle last week, with Minister Chris Bishop losing a few key roles. What did we make of this? Should Chris Bishop be worried? The Tom Phillips doco - will we watch it? Given the police involvement, are we confident it’ll be an accurate account of what happened? Would we pay to own one of Bob Marley's dreadlocks?  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:23:17 Z