Afternoons

 

1:15 Wool grading tutors sought after the retirement of two greats

Wool has been one of our primary products and exports for over half a century, but even greater than the quantity of our wool is the quality.

However, the resignation of New Zealand's only two wool classing tutors has the sector worried.

The Certificate of Wool Technology and Classing course managed through SIT will not be taking any students in the interim while it looks for replacement tutors.

Given that you MUST pass the course to become a wool classer, it is vital to the continues quality of what we produce.

Wool classer and New Zealand Wool Classers Association registrar Marg Forde speaks to Jesse.

1:25 Post-partum underwear, a winning idea for Massey University student

Massey design student Isabel Nicholls has taken out the university's Grand Ideas competition with her comfortable, eco-friendly, health-prioritising postpartum underwear.

They're called 'Nurture', and they're designed to support new mums through postpartum bleeding and pain relief, and care for tears and scars.

As the competition's winner she'll receive seed funding to develop the product further.

Isabel Nicholls speaks to Jesse.

1:35 Speedpuzzling competition set to start in Aotearoa

If you're a fan of jigsaw puzzles and you fancy yourself as a bit of a whizz at getting them done in a jiffy - there's now a competition for you to show off your skills.

Competitive speedpuzzling is coming to our shores and  yes it's a thing, currently any competitive puzzlers have to go to Australia to participate in any official events.

Mona-LynnCourteau is part of a group which has just set up the NZ Jigsaw Puzzle Association. She speaks to Jesse.

1:45 Freaky Friday

Our weekly segment where we ask listeners to share their strange and spooky stories. If you have a spooky tale to share, email afternoons@rnz.co.nz with the details!

2:10 Film Review with Dom Corry

Today Dom talks to Jesse about  new Netflix movie Unfrosted, horror/thriller The Strangers and family fantasy film IF.

2:20 NZ Live: Louisa Nicklin

You may have spotted her playing guitar, or bass, or saxophone for some of your favourite Kiwi bands, but a few of years ago Louisa Nicklin took the plunge and stepped out on her own.

Her self-titled debut album dropped in 2021, and praise quickly piled on for her detailed arrangements and visceral songwriting.

Perhaps it's unsurprising then that she started out in the classical world, leaving the Te Koki New Zealand School of Music with an honours degree in contemporary classical composition.

She'll return with her sophmore effort 'The Big Sulk' on the 23rd of August, and the album's lead single 'Thick' is out now.

She's also performing a set at the Wine Cellar in Auckland on the 29th of May as part of the venues 20th birthday celebrations.

3:08 INCA style | jalapeño poppers, bacon, goat's cheese and honey

Today's recipe has a little bit of heat to warm you up on these colder days.

Nic Watt, chef and restaurateur for MASU, INCA and Akarana Eatery, joins Jesse to share his recipe for a tasty morsel that you can make at home for guests or special treat for a night in with loved ones.

You can find out how to make his jalapeño poppers with, bacon, goat's cheese and honey here.

3:16 Music 101: Charlotte Ryan

Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.

3:25 DIY with Stan Scott

Builder Stan Scott's back today to help with some handy hints and tips for your DIY projects or repairs around the house.

If you have any questions for Stan please text 2101 or email jesse@rnz.co.nz.

3:35 Critter of the Week: pūtawa or bracket fungus

This week’s critter is the pūtawa or bracket fungus (also known as white punk, pangu or morepork bread). The fruiting body of this fungus looks a bit like a caramel-coloured flying saucer that crashed into a tree. Pūtawa can grow to be 30 cm across and 10 cm thick.

Pūtawa has a fascinating history. Dried pūtawa burns very slowly and can even hold an ember for days, so it was a very important fire-lighting tool for Māori. Smouldering pūtawa could easily be moved from place to place to start new fires. 

3:45 The pre-Panel