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Nights for Wednesday 5 February 2025

8:15 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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8:30 What is Padel? The world's fastest growing sport

Padel is a racquet sport combining parts of tennis, squash and badminton. 

The internet buzzes with suggestions celebrities like Shakira, Formula 1 drivers and footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo all dabble in a bit of padel. 

A new "padel house" has just opened in Wellington with four indoor courts.  

Luke Neira is the founder of Padel Wellington and he speaks to Maggie Tweedie who tries to find out what all the fuss is about.

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8:45 The Reading: Civilisation - Twenty Places on the Edge of the World

Today's reading comes from Civilisation - twenty places on the edge of the world by Steve Braunias, which was a winner in the general non-fiction category of  the 2013 NZ Post Book Awards. Today, Steve washes up at the Collingwood Tavern in Golden Bay and has a bit of a yarn with Buttons, Gorsey and Tink.

9:07 Nights Quiz

Do you know your stuff? Come on the air and be grilled by Maggie Tweedie 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.

The quiz is themed - find out more about tonight's theme on Nights' Facebook page.

9:25 Myth Takes with Ben Jackson

Nights resident classics educator and enthusiast Ben Jackson is back for 2025!

Tonight we are going on a great and perilous journey talking all thing's Homer's Odyssey, the epic poem, in light of the new Christopher Nolan adaptation slated for 2026.

Photograph of the marble bust of Homer in the British Museum, London.

The ancient Greek poet Homer is considered one of the most revered and influential authors in history, and the study of his works is one of the oldest topics in scholarship. Photo: Public Domain

9:35 Midweek Mediawatch

On Midweek Mediawatch Colin Peacock talks to Maggie Tweedie about the "fake" news article which put New Zealand's relationship with the United States to the test, Tim Jago's name suppression finally being dropped and a new documentary on All Black's legend Jonah Lomu

Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) holds his hand over his heart during the singing of the national anthem before a Webb Ellis Cup match between the All Blacks and England. (Photo by Jean-Yves Ruszniewski/TempSport/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)

Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) holds his hand over his heart during the singing of the national anthem before a Webb Ellis Cup match between the All Blacks and England. (Photo by Jean-Yves Ruszniewski/TempSport/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images) Photo: Jean-Yves Ruszniewski

10:17 Unemployment continues to grow but who's bearing the brunt?

Unemployment is back to its highest levels since the Covid-19 pandemic shut doors across the country.

156,000 New Zealanders are without work, or 5.1 percent of the working age population.

Of the 32,000 jobs lost last year, 85 percent were men.

To tell us more Maggie Tweedie talks to Brad Olsen, chief executive and principal economist at Infometrics.

10:30 Memory of Grace Millane helping women escaping domestic violence

British traveler Grace Millane's name is known in households around New Zealand after her tragic murder while on a Tinder date in Auckland in 2018.

But Grace’s memory now lives on in a remarkable way through the Love Grace Handbag Appeal, an initiative combining Grace’s love for handbags with a mission to help women escaping domestic violence.

Every year between Valentine’s Day and International Women’s Day, thousands of Kiwis assemble and donate handbags filled with essential items to help women passing through Women’s Refuges.

These bags, more than just practical gifts, are symbols of love, empowerment, and support for women starting over after unimaginable hardships.

Maggie Tweedie speaks to the NZ Love Grace Handbag Appeal organiser Kylie-Ann Kearney.

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Where to get help - family violence

10:45 Bringing the Nordic sound to Aotearoa

Swedish-Finnish vocalist and educator Anna Fält is touring Aotearoa this month.

As well as performing across the country, Anna has been hosting workshops where those curious about Nordic folk music can learn from her.

She joins Maggie Tweedie to share a glimpse into the rich folk traditions of her home countries.

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11:07 Pocket Edition

On this week's episode of Pocket Edition Maggie Tweedie shares acts she's seen perform live across Aotearoa's summer festival circuit.