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 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:01:45 Z en 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 https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-05-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-05-april-2026/ On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 5 April 2026, Aussie comedian Felicity Ward is heading our way for the upcoming comedy festival, she joins Francesca to talk about being unashamedly extroverted and how Dancing with the Stars changed her life in unusual ways. Film director Bart Schrijver has used his experience walking the length of New Zealand to make his new film 'The North'.  Bart tells Francesca of his experience on the Te Araroa trail and why he turned it into what has been called the ultimate hiking film. Yesterday, marathon swimmer Jono Ridler completed a history making journey. 90 days, 1367 kilometres and more than 468 hours swimming in the ocean with nothing more than togs, swim cap and goggles. Jono tells Francesca the impact the swim has had on him. Francesca talks the pros and cons of the Tom Phillips documentary, while there's a clear case for the story to be told, she says the OIA documents released this week complicate things. And did you know bumble bees can survive days in water without drowning? Dr Michelle Dickinson explains. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:12:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-how-to-deal-with-easter-chocolate-cravings/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-how-to-deal-with-easter-chocolate-cravings/ Another Easter weekend means there's more hot cross buns, chocolate eggs, and other sweet treats that can add to the afternoon cravings. Many people experience a predictable 2–4 PM craving window, and it’s not just about blood sugar - with the brain's reward system calling out for dopamine and energy. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:06:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-easter-figgy-and-oozy-caramel-loaf/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-easter-figgy-and-oozy-caramel-loaf/ Easter figgy and oozy caramel loaf  Fig topping   125 gm unsalted butter   150 gm soft brown sugar  6 figs, stem removed and cut in half  Cake mix   225 gm unsalted butter, softened   225 gm caster sugar   4 eggs   3 tbsp milk   100 gm whole ground almonds   1/2 tsp salt   1 tsp ginger powder   150 gm flour   Serve with yogurt or ice-cream To start: Line a small cake loaf tin approx. 20cm x 12cm with greaseproof paper and then grease with a touch of butter.   Melt butter in saucepan over a low heat. Add sugar and stir over heat until the mix becomes foamy and pale (2-3 minutes). Pour evenly into the greased loaf tin. Place the half figs, flesh side down and set aside.   Preheat oven to 180*C.   Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. In another bowl, lightly beat eggs together with milk. Gradually add eggs to butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in ground almond, baking powder, salt, and ginger. Gently fold in flour. Pour cake mixture over figs, place on a baking tray and bake for 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes before sliding a warm knife around the edge of the dish to loosen. Carefully invert to turn loaf out onto a board Slice into thick pieces, serve hot with yogurt or ice-cream. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 04 Apr 2026 23:58:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-the-research-that-bees-can-survive-underwater-for-days-without-drowning/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-the-research-that-bees-can-survive-underwater-for-days-without-drowning/ Sometimes, the most exciting scientific discoveries don’t come from carefully planned experiments, they come from accidents. A scientist was storing hibernating bumblebee queens in a refrigerator. These bees were in a deep resting state called diapause which is basically a kind of suspended animation that helps them survive winter. Condensation from the fridge dripped into the containers, leaving the bees submerged in water, by the time they were found, it was assumed they had drowned, but they hadn’t which led to the question, can bees can survive underwater? The results were published in the journal Royal Society Proceedings B. Bumblebees don’t have lungs, and like most insects they breathe through tiny openings in their bodies connected to tubes that deliver oxygen directly to their tissues. If those openings are blocked, for example with water, you would expect the bee to run out of oxygen pretty quickly. To figure out how they survived, the researchers placed hibernating queen bees in water and carefully measured how much carbon dioxide (CO₂) they produced. They found that the bees reduced their metabolism by more than half, producing 75 percent less CO₂ almost immediately and their metabolism continued to slow over time . But that wasn’t the whole story. The researchers also found signs that the bees were partially switching to anaerobic metabolism which is a way of producing energy without oxygen (similar to what happens in your muscles during intense exercise). This process isn’t ideal long-term but it can keep organisms alive in tough conditions. And there was one more clever trick. Scientists believe the bees may be using something called a “physical gill.” This is a thin layer of air that clings to the bee’s body underwater, allowing oxygen to diffuse in and carbon dioxide to diffuse out. It’s a bit like carrying your own tiny oxygen bubble. When removed from the water, the bees slowly woke up over several days and carried on as normal. This discovery could have real implications as bumblebee queens often hibernate underground, sometimes in areas that flood.   This ability to survive underwater could be a crucial survival strategy and reminds us that insects are far more resilient than we give them credit for.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 04 Apr 2026 23:51:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-entertainment-correspondent-on-the-miniseries-bait/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-entertainment-correspondent-on-the-miniseries-bait/ Bait is the latest TV miniseries capturing the attention of entertainment fans on Prime Video. It follows a struggling British Pakistani actor, played by Riz Ahmed, as tries to audition for the role of James Bond. Entertainment correspondent Steve Newall explains further. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 04 Apr 2026 23:40:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/peter-bird-kaiwise-founder-on-the-app-designed-to-help-kiwis-make-healthy-food-choices/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/peter-bird-kaiwise-founder-on-the-app-designed-to-help-kiwis-make-healthy-food-choices/ New studies show an alarming rate of Kiwis life off ultra-processed diets, especially considering 70 percent of packaged foods in NZ supermarkets meet this criteria. A new app created by a Kiwi nurse is looking to help us navigate the supermarket shelves and make healthier choices. KaiWise founder Peter Bird says the nation's food system is 'broken' and his own health issues inspired him to help Kiwi shoppers make a change. "Being a practical chap - I'm a farming boy from way back - you just had to get on and make things happen yourself. And I just thought - what can I do?" LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 04 Apr 2026 23:20:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/peter-dunne-former-minister-and-commentator-on-chris-bishop-losing-key-roles-in-national-reshuffle/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/peter-dunne-former-minister-and-commentator-on-chris-bishop-losing-key-roles-in-national-reshuffle/ Chris Bishop's been turfed out as National's campaign chair in favour of Simeon Brown - signalling a potential dent in his relations with the PM.  The National MP's also lost his Leader of the House and Associate Sport Minister roles in yesterday's Cabinet reshuffle, but is replacing outgoing MP Judith Collins as Attorney General. Former Minister and commentator Peter Dunne says Luxon might be trying to give Chris Bishop a warning on where he stands in the party. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 04 Apr 2026 23:09:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/jono-ridler-auckland-open-water-swimmer-on-completing-his-record-1367km-swim-the-length-of-north-island/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/jono-ridler-auckland-open-water-swimmer-on-completing-his-record-1367km-swim-the-length-of-north-island/ A long-distance swimming record's been broken by a New Zealander wanting to protect our ocean. Open-water swimmer Jono Ridler has swum more 1300 kilometres, from the top of the North Island to the capital - with only his togs, goggles, and swim cap. His trip was segmented, starting in January, and ending in Wellington only yesterday. Ridler says yesterday was 'incredible', with lots of Wellingtonians coming out to help celebrate the cause. "All of the excitement of the moment, the joy of finishing, the sadness of ending what has been an all-consuming mission - just a lot of different emotions."  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 04 Apr 2026 22:32:29 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-should-the-tom-phillips-netflix-doco-be-made-at-all/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-should-the-tom-phillips-netflix-doco-be-made-at-all/ On Thursday afternoon, almost 300 pages of police emails, text messages and documents were released about the Tom Phillips Netflix documentary, following an Official Information Act request. What was released raises real questions about the appropriateness of the relationship and communication between police and the production company - and whether the doco should be made at all.   The planned Netflix documentary sits right in the middle of the tension between public interest storytelling, and the welfare of vulnerable children. It is not just a media issue - the information that was released poses legal, ethical, and social questions.   On one hand, there is a clear argument for the documentary to go ahead. The Phillips case gripped the nation: three children were missing for nearly four years before being recovered after a violent police confrontation in 2025. A documentary could provide transparency, explain police decision-making, and help the public understand how such a prolonged disappearance was able to happen.   From the production company perspective a documentary is a good business opportunity. Global true-crime documentaries sell, and this story has undeniable international appeal. Producer Dame Julie Christie isn’t one to sit around discussing placing levy's on streaming services, rather she believes in producing globally appealing content they will buy. So, it was no surprise to learn this doco would be broadcast on Netflix - Christie has always walked the talk.   However, the OIA documents complicate things. They show that filmmakers were granted unusually high levels of access to police operations, including briefings and access to a crime scene, in what could be seen as an exchange for police oversight of the final product.   This raises two concerns. First, it risks turning the documentary into what critics describe as “police PR,” rather than an independent account. The police have final sign off on the editing of the documentary, which implies they have a certain amount of control over the narrative.   Second, it suggests the production company was given privileges beyond what is typical for media. The production company was given a heads up about Philip’s death before his family or the media, which the Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has expressed regret for.   The Commissioner also added that the documentary was not always handled in line with the usual protocols and processes that apply to documentaries police are involved in. That’s not on the production company, which clearly built a good working relationship with police and were just doing their job when asking for co-operation and access. If it’s granted, they’re not going to turn it down.   But where most New Zealanders will be wary of this documentary is when it comes to the welfare of the children. Experts and family members have already warned that a film could retraumatise them, particularly given their prolonged isolation and the ongoing process of reintegration. There are court injunctions limiting what can be reported, signalling that the legal system prioritises their protection over public disclosure. But if there was not this documentary there will only be another one - or a book, or articles. Everyone has an opinion on this story; the interest won’t go away.   The Police Commissioner said, “There were strict conditions in place to protect the children and sensitive police operational information,” Let’s hope that’s the case.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 04 Apr 2026 22:13:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/kirk-jones-and-robert-aramayo-director-and-lead-actor-of-i-swear-on-the-films-impact/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/kirk-jones-and-robert-aramayo-director-and-lead-actor-of-i-swear-on-the-films-impact/ British newcomer Robert Aramayo was the talk of this year's BAFTA awards after he walked away with the Best Actor victory. The leading role that saw him beat out Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet, and Michael B. Jordan was his depiction of  Scottish Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson in I Swear.  Robert Aramayo and director Kirk Jones explained why it was important to tell Davidson's story in the most authentic way. "I think it was a shared responsibility, really. We all felt that we wanted to make a good, authentic version of his life." LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:38:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/fiona-samuel-kiwi-actress-and-writer-on-her-new-play-helen-clark-in-six-outfits/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/fiona-samuel-kiwi-actress-and-writer-on-her-new-play-helen-clark-in-six-outfits/ The life and journey of former Prime Minister Helen Clark is set to be explored in a new play set to hit Auckland's ASB Waterfront Theatre this April. Helen Clark in Six Outfits will trace her journey from the farm in Waikato where she grew up all the way to taking on the top role in the Beehive. The play was written by Kiwi actress and writer Fiona Samuel - and she says she worked to find the story in the facts about the former Prime Minister's life. "I did know that there was going to be humour in it, but I thought - humour alone won't get you through an evening in the theatre, you've got to have some substance. So what is the substance here? What are the moments, what are the other characters?" LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:11:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-truth-about-ruby-cooper-and-the-secret-society-of-librarians/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-the-truth-about-ruby-cooper-and-the-secret-society-of-librarians/ The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent. Liz Nugent is particularly good at writing about dysfunctional families - I first loved Lying in Wait and the more recently, Strange Sally Diamond. In this new one, Ruby and her sister Erin live a sheltered life in Boston, but when Ruby’s 16, something awful happens which sends shockwaves through the family and tears them all apart. Ruby builds a new life in Dublin where she spends decades trying to outrun the past, but it’s never far away and someday, somehow, there just might be a reckoning. The Secret Society of Librarians by Kate Thompson. Historical fiction, based during WW2 with much of the story being recreated from actual events. It’s about a group of librarians from various places in England and Poland, who trained together and became very good friends - in particular, two of them - Joyce in London and Dorotha who’s incarcerated in a Polish ghetto, Despite everything which is going on around them, they’re determined to keep getting books into the hands of readers as a means of escapism and of comfort.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Mar 2026 23:47:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-with-her-tips-for-saving-money-on-hotels/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-with-her-tips-for-saving-money-on-hotels/ Travel expert Megan Singleton has revealed her secret trick for getting discounts on hotels. In the months before your trip, if you open Booking.com and reserve a refundable room and lock it in for the dates you need, come back and check about two days before your payment will be taken. Then, you go back into Booking.com and add your dates in again and see what the prices are, and it's likely you'll find that prices have dropped. Read more about Megan's travel tips here.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Mar 2026 23:42:54 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-did-labour-miss-a-beat-this-week/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-did-labour-miss-a-beat-this-week/ This week on The Sunday Panel, broadcaster and journalist Wilhelmina O’Keefe and Newstalk ZB Wellington mornings host Nick Mills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Labour's Chris Hipkins has refused to offer up a solution to the fuel crisis, after the Government rolled out their divisive relief scheme. Do we think Labour missed a beat, especially considering we're in an election year? Speaking of which, do we think the Government should have given everyone free public transport for a year instead of their relief package? Would this have been a better move? LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Mar 2026 23:32:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-29-march-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-29-march-2026/ On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 29 March 2026, newcomer Robert Aramayo shocked at this years BAFTAs by beating Hollywood heavyweights Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothee Chalamet to win the lead actor award.  This week he tells Francesca what went through his head when his name was read out and the impact his win has had on the film 'I Swear'. Fiona Samuel was given a two word brief when asked to write her latest play, those words were Helen Clark.  The result is a satire 'Helen Clark in Six Outfits'.  Fiona talks about how a frustrating element of Clark's career inspired the show. In light of closures for both McCain and Watties this week, Buy NZ Made Executive Director Dane Ambler is calling for policy that prioritises New Zealand suppliers. Francesca reflects on missed opportunities for Chris Hipkins this week. And it turns out cockroaches form long term relationships by doing something a little bit unexpected to their prospective partner - Dr Michelle Dickinson has the details. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Mar 2026 23:12:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-explains-the-viking-wellness-trend/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-explains-the-viking-wellness-trend/ Viking wellness is a new spa trend that's growing in popularity, raising questions as to the overall benefits. The trend involves dry sauna and winter-sea swimming; hot and cold immersion traditions commonly found in Nordic countries such as Iceland, Finland, and Norway. The fast-growing Viking wellness trend often sees the hot-cold experiences paired with nature-based activities like barefoot walking and forest bathing. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explained the health benefits of this new trend further.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Mar 2026 23:07:00 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-ham-and-pineapple-and-chunky-tomato-pizza/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-ham-and-pineapple-and-chunky-tomato-pizza/ Ham and pineapple and chunky tomato pizza  Cook time: 10 minutes  Prep time: 10 minutes  Serves: 6 200 ml warm water   9 gm dried yeast (1 pkt)   9 gm sugar   120 gm wholemeal flour   250 gm flour   2 tsp salt   2 tbsp sunflower oil   Chunky pizza sauce   1 onion, roughly diced   2 cloves garlic, crushed   6 large tomatoes, chopped   1 stick rosemary   1 tbsp honey   salt and pepper   Cured ham   Pineapple,   Sliced 100 gm cheese, grated  Place warm water in a small bowl and crumble yeast into it. Add sugar and leave to ferment for 10 minutes.   Combine flours and salt in an electric mixer bowl. Add oil to fermenting yeast, then add this to flour mix.   Mix with dough hook for 4 minutes. Place dough in a clean bowl and cover with a damp, clean tea towel. Leave in a warm place until doubled in size. Knock dough back and form into 100 gm balls. Cover and rest for 10 minutes. Using a rolling pin, roll balls out into pizza bases and place on baking trays or in pizza trays ready for topping.   For the chunky tomato sauce, combine all ingredients in a saucepan and place over a medium heat. Simmer for 15 minutes or until reduced by about one third.   Preheat oven to 220*C.   Spread pizza sauce over bases, then a little cheese, followed by the ham and pineapple. Finish with a little more cheese over pizzas, season, and cook in oven for 10 minutes.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:52:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-the-new-research-into-cockroach-relationships/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-the-new-research-into-cockroach-relationships/ Cockroaches are not usually associated with romance.  But scientists publishing in the journal Royal Society Open Science have just discovered something surprising - some cockroach couples appear to form exclusive, long-term partnerships. And the way they start that relationship is by eating each other’s wings.  Researchers already knew that during courtship, Salganea taiwanensis cockroaches sometimes chew off and eat their partner’s wings. What they didn’t know was whether this strange behaviour had a deeper social purpose.  To find out, scientists designed an experiment to test whether the wing-eating ritual might actually help form a pair bond between the insects.  In the study, researchers observed two types of cockroach pairs:  Couples that had already eaten each other’s wings  Couples that had not yet performed the ritual  Each pair was placed inside a small nest environment, similar to the wooden spaces they inhabit in nature.  Then researchers introduced an unfamiliar cockroach into the nest and observed how the pairs reacted.  Cockroach couples that had already completed the wing-eating ritual became highly aggressive toward intruders.  They rammed into the stranger repeatedly to drive it out of their nest. Across hundreds of recorded attacks, almost none were directed at their partner.  By contrast, cockroach pairs that had not yet eaten each other’s wings behaved very differently. They were far more passive and rarely defended the nest aggressively.  This suggests the wing-eating ritual may act as a kind of biological commitment ceremony, triggering the formation of an exclusive partnership.  Pair bonding, forming a long-term relationship with one partner is something scientists often associate with vertebrates like humans, birds, and some mammals.  Seeing this kind of selective partnership behaviour in an insect is unusual.  The researchers say their work provides the first experimental evidence that insects can form exclusive partnerships using behaviours similar to those seen in animals with much more complex brains.  Cockroaches are biparental, meaning both the male and female care for their young.  Because their offspring develop slowly, having two committed parents dramatically improves the chances that the young will survive.  From an evolutionary perspective, forming a stable partnership makes sense.  Studies like this remind us that even insects can have surprisingly complex social behaviours.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:44:02 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/john-berry-pathfinder-kiwisaver-co-founder-on-the-kiwisaver-changes-set-to-take-effect-this-week/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/john-berry-pathfinder-kiwisaver-co-founder-on-the-kiwisaver-changes-set-to-take-effect-this-week/ If you notice your pay packet feels a little lighter from next week, it's due to incoming changes coming to KiwiSaver. From April 1, the default KiwiSaver contribution rate will increase from 3 percent to 3.5 percent, a phased move which will take the default rate to 4 percent in 2028. Pathfinder KiwiSaver co-founder John Berry says this will give people more money to enjoy their retirement with, but we're still behind Australia in this regard.  "Australia at the moment, their contribution rate is 12 percent. We've got another step up coming in two years' time, that's already locked in...we need to go further, slowly further, over time." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:32:05 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/barry-soper-newstalk-zb-senior-political-correspondent-on-the-governments-fuel-crisis-relief-package/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/barry-soper-newstalk-zb-senior-political-correspondent-on-the-governments-fuel-crisis-relief-package/ The Government unveiled their fuel crisis relief support package aimed at low-income households, and it's sparked a divided response. About 140,000 families with children will receive an extra $50 per week through a boost to the In-Work Tax Credit, beginning April 7. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's made the right move with this, given that it won't require as much borrowing and add to existing debt.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:10:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-tim-welch-auckland-university-expert-explains-why-govt-should-have-offered-free-public-transport/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-tim-welch-auckland-university-expert-explains-why-govt-should-have-offered-free-public-transport/ The Government has unveiled their support package aimed at helping households through the fuel crisis, but one expert has explained why a new solution is needed. A temporary $50 weekly tax credit for about 143,000 eligible lower-income families with children has been implemented, and it will continue for a year, or until the price of 91 drops below $3 a litre for four weeks in a row. Auckland University expert Dr Tim Welch says free public transport would cost the country less - and the data shows it would benefit more people. "The data really shows that it would go beyond just the working lower income people that would currently benefit from the payment - students, beneficiaries, single working adults, single out-of-work adults, people on super. It'd just be a much broader impact." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Mar 2026 21:59:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dane-ambler-buy-nz-made-executive-director-calls-for-policies-to-prioritise-nz-suppliers-amid-closures/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dane-ambler-buy-nz-made-executive-director-calls-for-policies-to-prioritise-nz-suppliers-amid-closures/ There's growing calls for Kiwis to buy New-Zealand made products as pressures mount on our manufacturing sector and local producers. This follows the recent announcements of closures of both McCain and Heinz Wattie's processing sites.  Buy NZ Made executive director Dane Ambler says we need to nip this in the bud now, as demand collapses. "There's growing international competition, so now is really the time to back local and step in and get as much support as we can."  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Mar 2026 21:42:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-heres-the-labour-partys-biggest-problem/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/francesca-rudkin-heres-the-labour-partys-biggest-problem/ The reason why Labour leader Chris Hipkins has an uphill battle leading into this year’s election, regardless of what the polls say, has been on show this week. I am not talking about awkward personal posts. I’m talking about his politicking.   About a month ago, Chris Hipkins delivered his State of the Nation speech in Auckland. Some described it as boring. Others saw it as an effort to come across as mature and disciplined, to convey a reassuring voice to Kiwis that Labour would act calmly and firmly to deal with cost of living and affordability issues.   But credible Hipkins was replaced with snippy Hipkins this week when he was asked how Labour would deal with the fuel crisis if it was in power. His response was to say “the Government needs to come up with a plan.” He went on to add, “they are the ones sitting in the hot seat.”   Now, no one expects a politician to come up with a solution on the fly - but in an election year voters are looking for more than performative politics. We want to understand how the opposition would handle a crisis. We want to be reassured they would respond with ideas and constructive competence.   In his State of the Nation speech Hipkins said he would put affordability at the heart of all decisions. But the impression he gave this week is that he can’t be bothered putting some thought into how he would deal with the biggest affordability problem currently impacting New Zealand homes and businesses. It was an opportunity to impress, and he gave it a miss.   The Hipkins quip irked for another reason. We shouldn’t be paying opposition MPs just to perform occasionally in the house and in front of the media. We’re paying them to understand their area of responsibility and show leadership. We’re paying them to have the expertise to challenge the government and advocate effectively for better outcomes for Kiwis. And right now, many of these Kiwis are worried about the price of fuel.   The other news that made it a difficult week for Hipkins was the revelation he knew something he claimed he didn’t. In its efforts to put Covid to bed once and for all, the Labour party is relying on the Royal Commission largely accepting that the response was appropriate and well managed, and on Hipkins, the former Minister of Health, taking a humble line and acknowledging they didn’t get everything right.   But there was a hiccup this week with the discovery of a paper trail implying Hipkins knew more than he was letting on about risks associated with a second Covid vaccine dose for teenagers. Did Hipkins just forget or did he get his timeline mixed up? Who knows. But it’s not a good look and makes the negative legacy of Hipkins’ role as Heath Minister and Prime Minister during the Covid years harder to move on from.   The success of Hipkins staying on as leader of the Labour Party depends on being able to shed the past and grab the future. Neither has gone well this week. The bigger problem for the party is there is no one to replace him.   LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 28 Mar 2026 21:13:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/awhimai-fraser-and-hamish-mouat-kiwi-singer-and-actress-and-juliet-director-on-launching-the-hit-musical-in-nz/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/awhimai-fraser-and-hamish-mouat-kiwi-singer-and-actress-and-juliet-director-on-launching-the-hit-musical-in-nz/ & Juliet has taken Broadway and the West End by storm and earned 8 Olivier nominations and it's set to debut in New Zealand. The show was created by Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read and it offers a new twist on the Shakespeare classic, where Juliet gets to live out her own story - soundtracked by Max Martin hits everyone knows.  Kiwi actress and singer Awhimai Fraser is set to star and director Hamish Mouat is in charge of bringing the show to life - and they're promising everyone will be on their feet by the end.  "There's great humour in it, but there's great heart and there are these really amazing stories of discovery and identity and standing up for yourself and what you believe in and who you believe you should be." LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:41:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/madeleine-sami-kiwi-actress-on-the-release-of-the-second-season-of-deadloch/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/madeleine-sami-kiwi-actress-on-the-release-of-the-second-season-of-deadloch/ Kiwi actress Madeleine Sami's been successful across the Tasman, and she's drawing in more international acclaim. Fresh from directing a NZ series called The Sanctuary in West Auckland and getting the nod to be the new host of The Traitors, she's back on our screens for the second season of Deadloch, and it's a hit with critics.  She says it feels 'pretty cool' to be part of something that people are really connecting to, and it's a privilege to be part of the series. "I'm really grateful and I'm happy and I'm excited, it's so exciting to get to go to a place like Darwin, which is so far away from New Zealand, and so different."  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:14:09 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-look-what-you-made-me-do-and-kids-wait-till-you-hear-this/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-look-what-you-made-me-do-and-kids-wait-till-you-hear-this/ Look What You Made Me Do by John Lanchester. This book is marvellous - the premise being that every marriage has its own language which is meaningless to anyone listening in. A new Netflix show called Cheating becomes the talk of the town and appears to contain verbatim words and phrases which were unique to Kate and Jack - but Jack has died and Kate’s left wondering whether their long and faithful marriage was actually something else entirely. How else could the scriptwriter have possibly known?  Kids, Wait till You Hear This! by Liza Minnelli. This is the memoir of the famous Liza with a z……she writes about growing up with her mother, Judy Garland, who was troubled and difficult and of course immensely talented; and about her career which started when she joined Judy on stage as a very young child and progressed to Broadway when still a teenager, and the subsequent remarkable career, addictions and many marriages. It’s full of famous names. She’s had an extraordinary life, and this is it in her own words.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Mar 2026 23:49:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-whether-the-conflict-in-the-middle-east-is-changing-peoples-travel-plans/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-whether-the-conflict-in-the-middle-east-is-changing-peoples-travel-plans/ The conflict in the Middle East has continued for another week, and there's concerns from industry experts about it impacting tourism. Intrepid Travel’s chief executive recently confirmed travellers are delaying their plans until the second half of the year in the hope disruption caused by the Iran war will be resolved. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton says people are concerned about the impact of fuel prices driving up the cost of flights. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Mar 2026 23:42:33 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-should-the-government-intervene-in-the-looming-fuel-crisis/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-should-the-government-intervene-in-the-looming-fuel-crisis/ This week on the Sunday Panel, journalist, TV producer and commentator Irene Gardiner and partner at Freebairn and Hehir lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is proposing rules that would remove minimum legal-size limits for commercial fishers across popular fish species like snapper and trevally. This has sparked some outrage - what do we make of this?  The Middle East conflict is continuing to drive up fuel prices, and more people are using public transport. Should the Government intervene? And if they should, how should they?  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Mar 2026 23:31:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-whether-creatine-supplements-are-worth-the-hype/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-whether-creatine-supplements-are-worth-the-hype/ Creatine is the latest wellness trend for building muscle and boosting brain health, but is it really all it's pumped up to be? It’s primarily considered a fitness supplement, but doctors are increasingly curious about its potential longevity and mental health benefits.   Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Mar 2026 23:17:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-22-march-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-22-march-2026/ On the Sunday Session with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast for Sunday 22 March 2026, Madeleine Sami's Emmy nominated show Deadloch is back for season two, filmed in the Northern Territory, Madeleine tells Andrew about the insanity of filming in the croc infested area and questions how much the high temperatures impact the locals. Smash hit musical & Juliet is being brought to New Zealand by a team of local creatives, two of those, actress Awhimai Fraser and director Hamish Mouat talk about reimaging the show for Kiwi audiences. Minimum fish sizes could be scrapped for commercial fishers, TV fishing host Matt Watson is not happy and explains why.  While Andrew points out there may be some good aspects to the current escalating fuel prices. Dr Michelle Dickinson has been at an AI conference this week which is likened to the Super Bowl of AI - so what did she learn and what does the future of AI look like? Michelle with all the latest in AI. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Mar 2026 23:12:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-the-latest-ai-developments-at-nvidia-gtc/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/dr-michelle-dickinson-nanotechnologist-on-the-latest-ai-developments-at-nvidia-gtc/ NVIDIA GTC took place last week in San Jose, where thousands of developers and industry experts gathered to discuss the latest AI breakthroughs. The sessions revealed how AI was set to shape every major industry, with plenty of experts discussing the next steps for this new technology. Nanotechnologist Dr Michelle Dickinson was at the event, and she revealed how AI was set to impact the business and medical sectors, among others. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Mar 2026 22:57:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-entertainment-correspondent-recaps-the-2026-oscars/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/steve-newall-entertainment-correspondent-recaps-the-2026-oscars/ The 98th Academy Awards took place last Monday in LA, with the major prize going to One Battle After Another. It dominated the night with six wins  - including Best Picture and Best Director, edging out Sinners. Best Costume Design went to New Zealander Kate Hawley for Frankenstein, and the Weta FX team won Best Visual Effects for Avatar: Fire and Ash. Entertainment correspondent Steve Newall recapped the 2026 event. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Mar 2026 22:43:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/greg-lumsden-national-excavator-operator-competition-chief-organiser-recaps-this-weekends-event/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/greg-lumsden-national-excavator-operator-competition-chief-organiser-recaps-this-weekends-event/ The Civil Contractors New Zealand Cable Price National Excavator Operator Competition officially wrapped up this weekend. The event took place at Manfeild Park during Central Districts Field Days on March 20-21, where top operators faced off to take home the title. The competition's chief organiser, Greg Lumsden, revealed what makes someone a successful operator in this context.  "We've got a massive, big Connect 4 game that the two diggers play - so there's two 13-ton diggers on each side and they play Connect 4." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Mar 2026 22:33:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/ethan-griffiths-newstalk-zb-political-reporter-ahead-of-winston-peters-state-of-the-nation-address/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/ethan-griffiths-newstalk-zb-political-reporter-ahead-of-winston-peters-state-of-the-nation-address/ A prediction that the New Zealand First leader will be feeling confident heading into a set-piece speech today. Winston Peters will be giving his State of the Nation address in Tauranga today.  Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths says we can expect a policy and an election announcement this afternoon - and that the state of the polls will be giving Peters a boost.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Mar 2026 22:07:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/matt-watson-fishing-host-voices-disapproval-with-new-fishing-rules-proposed-by-oceans-and-fisheries-minister-shane-jones/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/matt-watson-fishing-host-voices-disapproval-with-new-fishing-rules-proposed-by-oceans-and-fisheries-minister-shane-jones/ Fishing host Matt Watson has been quick to voice disapproval with a bill proposing to remove almost all minimum legal-size limits for commercial fishing operators. The proposed laws would apply to a range of popular fish species, including snapper, trevally, butterfish and tarakihi - and recreational fishers will still have to follow all current minimum size limit rules. Watson says this won't address destructive fishing methods - and that these terms are 'madness'. "The notion that - well, these fish are gonna die anyway, we might as well keep them and sell them is ridiculous, because the reason that there is a size limit is because fish have to be able to get to reproductive size to be able to restock the ocean. So instead of addressing - stop catching undersized fish, you're legitimatising it." LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Mar 2026 22:02:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mauro-barsi-ema-head-of-legal-on-the-association-calling-for-an-employment-disputes-resolution-system-review/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mauro-barsi-ema-head-of-legal-on-the-association-calling-for-an-employment-disputes-resolution-system-review/ The relationship between employers and employees is getting more and more fraught when they come into dispute - and there's growing calls for change. The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) is calling for a review of the employment disputes resolution system, as they've voiced concerns around employment advocates. EMA Head of Legal, Mauro Barsi, says the association has observed that the system is becoming much more difficult to navigate, and costs are getting higher. "Some of the decisions that we see are increasingly more difficult for employers to navigate, ongoing. It's just getting harder and harder to employ people."  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Mar 2026 21:41:39 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/andrew-dickens-are-there-good-things-coming-from-high-petrol-prices/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/opinion/andrew-dickens-are-there-good-things-coming-from-high-petrol-prices/ Well, the whole world is talking about petrol, how to get it, and how expensive will it get while the unrest in the Middle East continues. News outlets world wide are warning of hard times to come and leaders are playing a waiting game to see how the cards fall.  But it’s not all doom and gloom.  Rather than waiting for the state to take the lead, citizens are modifying their behaviour.  And it’s not all bad. In Auckland, Tuesday was the busiest day on public transport since 2019 (pre-Covid).That's 7000 trips higher than the previous busiest day, which was two weeks ago.  Looks like Tuesday has become bus day. Or train day. Or ferry day. North Shore Facebook pages are full of wonder, of people marvelling at where the congestion has gone. One wag saying that all that was needed to sort out Lake Road was a Middle East war. Why didn’t we try that sooner? It’s encouraging to see more people choosing public transport and trying it out. And it seems that people are just trying it out a day or two per week, so that it’s not too dramatic a change to a lifestyle. And what has been lost in arguments over the funding of public transport is that it helps roads and drivers. If 7000 people more than ever took public transport on Tuesday, then it’s estimated that that’s 5000 cars off our roads. The roads are then less congested and the commute for the people who have no option to take public transport, like tradies and deliveries, is easier, more efficient, faster and also cheaper. That’s good for productivity. Other benefits are a drop in online shopping from Temu, Ali Baba and the like. It’s not major yet, you can still buy stuff at ridiculously low prices - but people are counting their pennies. That is reducing the unprecedented level of shipping that criss-crosses the world, and analysts are forecasting that shipping costs will increasingly hit the prices which will temper the fever.  And that’s actually a good thing. For a long time, I’ve been wondering how you can buy a $3 t-shirt from China that somehow makes it to your letterbox in New Zealand. And how is that sustainable? And how damaging must it be with the planes and the vans buzzing here and there worldwide.  So sure, times are tough - but to be fair, we can start learning the lessons now for the days when oil runs out and we can no longer take fossil fuel transport for granted.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 21 Mar 2026 21:13:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/holly-shervey-and-emmett-skilton-crackhead-creator-and-director-on-the-new-locally-produced-dark-comedy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/holly-shervey-and-emmett-skilton-crackhead-creator-and-director-on-the-new-locally-produced-dark-comedy/ Crackhead is a new, locally produced dark comedy, and it's getting plenty of positive reviews. Created and written by actress Holly Shervey, Crackhead is loosely based on Shervey’s own experience of addiction and psychiatric care.  Holly Shervey and her husband, director of the show, Emmett Skilton, explained the creative process behind creating the show. "When we finally start to take it off the page, I see Holly really embracing it - she mentioned it's cathartic, she is very liberated by doing this." LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:41:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/charlotte-mcconaghy-australian-author-speaks-ahead-of-auckland-writers-festival-appearance/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/charlotte-mcconaghy-australian-author-speaks-ahead-of-auckland-writers-festival-appearance/ Australian author Charlotte McConaghy’s novel Wild Dark Shore has been widely reviewed as one of the must read books of 2025.  It also saw McConaghy named on the longlist for the Women’s Prize for Fiction.  Ahead of her appearance at the Auckland Writers Festival, she's opened up about the creative journey behind her iconic work. "I was concerned that my sort of level of immersion into my writing was so different than what it had been in the past, and I was worried that it was going to sort of translate into the book and into the writing - they're very normal doubts to have as a writer." LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:15:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-lake-effect-and-every-second-counts/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/whitcoulls-recommends-lake-effect-and-every-second-counts/ Lake Effect by Cynthia d’Aprix Sweeney. In 1977, just as The Joy of Sex is sweeping through suburbia, neighbours Nina Larkin and Finn Finnegan leave their respective families for a new life together in a seismic betrayal which ripples through their children’s lives and has a profound, ongoing impact on them all. Yet family bonds are not easily broken and somehow seem to stretch, bend and accommodate all the chaos and mystery and love which life throws at them. This author writes wonderfully about family dynamics - small stories about everyday people living ordinary lives which in their own way are fascinating. Every Second Counts by Charlotte Glennie. Charlotte Glennie was TVNZ’s first Asia correspondent based in Hong Kong from where she lived a frenetic life chasing down major world events, natural disasters, political turmoil and more. This is a compilation of recent world history which humanizes those involved, told with insight and fierce empathy and is a fascinating account of the stories of our times told by someone who was there and witnessed it all first hand. Highly recommended.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 14 Mar 2026 23:53:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-the-best-times-to-see-the-blossoms-in-washington-dc/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/megan-singleton-bloggeratlargecom-writer-on-the-best-times-to-see-the-blossoms-in-washington-dc/ It's spring on the other side of the world, which means it's almost peak cherry blossom season in Washington DC. There's over 3000 cherry blossom trees in America's capital, and BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton says timing is everything when it comes to seeing them in bloom. Megan outlined her travel tips - read more about what she recommends here.  LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 14 Mar 2026 23:44:29 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-are-the-government-taking-fuel-supply-chain-issues-seriously-enough/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/the-sunday-panel-are-the-government-taking-fuel-supply-chain-issues-seriously-enough/ This week on The Sunday Panel, Newstalk ZB host Roman Travers and editor and journalist, Jo McCarroll, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! The Middle East crisis is getting worse and there's concerns about what it will do to the global fuel supply chain. Do we think the Government is taking this seriously enough? Are we taking any steps to reduce our consumption?  It's nearly Easter, and the hot cross bun debate continues. What makes a good hot cross bun? LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 14 Mar 2026 23:37:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-how-to-heal-your-gut-long-term/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/erin-ohara-naturopath-and-wellness-expert-on-how-to-heal-your-gut-long-term/ Healing the gut rather than relying on long-term restrictive diets is considered a better approach to manage IBS and bloating than restrictive dieting. Irritable bowel syndrome is very common in New Zealand, affecting an estimated 15–20 percent of the population, or roughly 1 in 7 adults. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara reveals how to work through long-term gut issues. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 14 Mar 2026 23:20:54 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-hot-smoked-mussel-pate/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/mike-van-de-elzen-hot-smoked-mussel-pate/ Hot smoked mussel pate   Cook time: 10 minutes  Prep time: 10 minutes  Serves 6-8 300-400 gm darker fleshed fillets like Kahawai or Trevally  100 gm seasalt  2 cups large manuka wood chips 10 green lip mussels   2 tbsp Dijon mustard 3 tbsp crème fraiche Juice of one lemon 1 tbsp honey Pinch of paprika   Cracked pepper and seasalt 3 tbsp fennel tips & chives, chopped finely   Toasted sour dough Start by making up a salt brine by combining 100gm of salt with 1 litre of water. Whisk until dissolved. Submerge the fish fillets into the water and leave for 30 minutes to firm-up and flavour.   Place 2 x cast-iron pans onto the heat with the wood chips inside. Onto the wood chips, ball up some tin-foil and then place the fish fillets and mussels on top.   Keeping them off the wood chips. Place a lid on top of the pan and crank up the heat, causing the wood chips to smoke. Once smoking leave on high for a further minute. Turn off the heat but leaving the lids on. After 5 minutes, remove the mussel and fillets. Place half the mussels and fillets into a blender along with the mustard, crème fraiche, lemon juice, farm honey and paprika. Blitz until smooth, taste and season with salt and cracked pepper.   Chop the remaining mussels and fillets and fold through the pate, along with the fennel tips and chives. Serve with some toasted sourdough. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 14 Mar 2026 23:13:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-15-march-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/full-show-podcast-15-march-2026/ On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 15 March, author Charlotte McConaghy is behind one of 2025s must read books 'Wild Dark Shores'. She joins Francesca to talk about the unexpected success of a book that was very hard to write and the insane research trip she undertook with a toddler in tow. Holly Shervey has turned her story of drug addiction and psychiatric care into a new local TV show.  It's had rave reviews and Holly and her director husband Emmett Skilton talk about bringing her personal story to life. Petrol has been the talk of the town this week but how much do we know about how supply chain issues will impact us in New Zealand? Consultant Nathan Surendran talks us through the supply chain and what plan we need in place. Francesca celebrates the distraction of the upcoming Oscars and entertainment contributor Steve Newall has all the preview and some of his hot tips to take out the awards. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Sat, 14 Mar 2026 23:12:45 Z