Afternoons for Wednesday 24 January 2024

 

1:15 Otago University biologist made a Fellow of the International Science Council

Evolutionary biologist Distinguished Professor Hamish Spencer has received international recognition as a new Fellow of the International Science Council (ISC).

Receiving the highest honour to be conferred by the ISC, Professor Spencer was recently appointed with 100 new Fellows worldwide in recognition of their outstanding contributions to promoting science as a global public good.

He speaks to Jesse about becoming part of the distinguished group.

1:25 Solo gin distilling, the story behind Lighthouse gin

If you're familiar with New Zealand's gin scene, it's likely you've seen the label 'Lighthouse gin' on shelves and drink menus around the country.

What you may be surprised to know, is the woman behind it is a solo act.

Head distiller, Rachel Hall, is the one woman production line that makes and bottles every single bottle herself.

But, she didn't always like gin. She speaks to Jesse.

1:35 New Zealander's winning futuristic climate change story

Kiwi, Melissa Gunn, is one of the winners of an international short story competition, Imagine 2200: climate fiction for future ancestors, run by American magazine Grist.

Melissa comes from a science background, having delivered ecology and environment lectures at universities around New Zealand, so it comes as no surprise that her writing fiction writing is climate science related too.

Her winning story is set in a distant New Zealand landscape, on a coconut farm in the far north.

1:45 Heading Off: Cruise ship holiday hacks

For 2024 we're starting a new weekly feature all about travel. The idea is that its travel for all, anything from trips abroad to spending a day exploring your own back yard.

If you have any tips, travel hacks, tips, local knowledge fun ideas or a experiences to share please text 2101 or email jesse@rnz.co.nz.

Today we speak to Darnel Eparaima who enjoyed a cruise with her two young daughters, she's got some great inside knowledge about enjoying the cruise and what you can pack to save money on board.

2.12 Podcast Critic: Alex Barnes

Today Alex Barnes talks to Jesse about two podcasts, Once a Panther. Our History. Our Words and Ten Percent Happier.

2:20 Collectors corner: Christmas miniatures

For this week's collectors corner we head to the Waikato where Helen and Brian Gibson have been collecting Christmas miniatures for the past 15 years.

So impressive is the collection, they were on display this Christmas just gone at the Morrinsville Gallery.

Brian talks to  Jesse.

2:30 Bookmarks with Vi Cottrell

For Bookmarks today we meet one of the incredible founders of Trade Aid, a not-for-profit business founded forty years ago, designed to help the lives of people in poverty stricken parts of the world.

Together with her husband Vi Cottrell has been busy running the unique company which, over the years, has improved the quality of life for countless people.

She's our Bookmarks guest this week.

3:10 Tom Standage's annual predictions for the year ahead

If 2023 was the year of unpredictability, speed will be the hallmark of  2024.

Life comes at us fast says Tom Standage, deputy editor of The Economist magazine and editor of the annual forward looking special edition, The World Ahead in 2024.

Every year for the past several years, we’ve touched base with him to talk about the trends and developments The Economist foresees in a world that’s changing at mind-boggling speed.

3:35 Stories from Our Changing World

Coming up on Our Changing World, the Love Rimurimu project is aimed at regenerating Wellington's underwater forests by piloting plant outs of newly grown kelp.

Claire Concannon heads along to Worser Bay to learn more.

3:45 The Panel with Sally Wenley and Simon Pound