Nights

8:10 Why is ageism socially acceptable? 

Ageist stereotypes remain widespread in society, with older people often seen as senile, incompetent, nosy, lonely, or grumpy - images that reinforce negative assumptions and ignore the diversity and value of ageing populations.

June 11 is Age Without Limits Day, which is part of a movement to take action to end ageism.

Emile chats to Dr Joanna Hikaka, co-director of the University of Auckland's Centre for Co-Created Ageing Research.

An elderly woman prepares food in her kitchen. Photo: UnSplash/ Cade Martin

8:25 Sports with Jamie Wall

Nights sports whiz and RNZ journalist Jamie Wall is in the studio to discuss Mark Robinson’s resignation and what it reveals about the broader state of rugby in New Zealand.

8:45 BBC World with Pete Ross

We cross to BBC World journalist Pete Ross about the news making international headlines, including the latest on the Israeli response to Greta Thunberg's aid ship to Gaza, and how the situation is unfolding in Los Angeles after President Donald Trump sent in the National Guard to quell protests over immigration crackdowns.

9:05 Nights Quiz

Do you know your stuff? Come on the air and be grilled by Emile Donovan as he dons his quizmaster hat.

If you get an answer right, you move on to the next question. If you get it wrong, your time in the chair is up, and the next caller will be put through. The person with the most correct answers at the end of the run goes in the draw for a weekly prize.

9:25 Disbelief: The Origins of Atheism in a Religious Species

Is believing in a God a natural part of human evolution? Does having spiritual beliefs an evolutionary advantage?

Research suggests it might: that subscribing to a moral code helped early humans work together to create society.

Meanwhile, New Zealand is part of a global trend toward self-described atheism: look no further than our 2023 census, with those who stated 'no religion' making up over 51 percent of the population for the first time in this country's history.

So if we are hard-wired to believe, what does it mean when we stop believing?

Dr Will Gervais, a cultural evolutionary psychologist based at Brunel University of London, is the author of a new book: Disbelief: The Origins of Atheism in a Religious Species.

He joins Emile Donovan.

Photo: Supplied

9:45 Pacific Waves

A daily current affairs programme that delves deeper into the major stories of the week, through a Pacific lens, and shines a light on issues affecting Pacific people wherever they are in the world. Hosted by Susana Suisuiki.

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10:17 The Detail: NZ's mean testing creep

Tonight on The Detail - Means testing is creeping into our lives, Will old age pensions be next?

10:45 The Reading: Jumping Ship

'Jumping Ship' is based on Glenn Colquhoun's time living in the small community of Te Tii in the Bay of Islands. He went there 'to learn how to engage' with Maori. And there he met Aunty Rongo, an old woman whose daughter had recently died, and the two 'fell in love'.

11:07 Nashville Babylon

Every week on Nashville Babylon Mark Rogers presents the very best in country, soul and rock 'n' roll.

On this week's show, soul queen Esther Phillips covers Van Morrison, and Bonnie Raitt takes on John Prine. There's also blues from Junior Wells, reggae courtesy of Gregory Isaacs, plus an all-time classic from Nick Drake.