Nights for Friday 2 May 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 This Weekend: Duck shooting season begins

Every Friday here on Nights, we like to take a look at what's happening around the country in the weekend ahead.

Tonight we're heading to Waiuku where Nelson man Phil has headed every year for the start of duck shooting season.

8:35 Tenuous Connections

It's Friday Night so it's time to put on a playlist of music with a loose theme based on an even looser starting point.

Tonight it's songs about birds.

9:07 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 Focus on Politics

In Focus on Politics, political reporter Anneke Smith takes a look at the pros and cons of public-private partnerships. 

9:40 Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

Nights' resident screen critic reviews some selections from the Italian Film Festival touring New Zealand from now until January, Japanese action-thriller Bullet Train Explosion (2025) streaming on Netflix, and Local Hero (1983) streaming on Tubi.

Check out the Italian Film Festival here

10:17 Inside Australia's 'mushroom murder' trial

The Guardian Australia reporter Nino Bucci joins Emile Donovan to recap the first week of the trial of Erin Patterson, who is accused of murdering members of her extended family by mushroom poisoning.

10:30 Out Lately with Finn Johansson

He's back, and no doubt ready to inform, educate and entertain us with an array of eclectic music.

Tonight's picks:

• Throw Me Back by Paul Cathro
• Diva by Model/Actriz
• Arcana XX: Raag Todi: Alaap On Surbahar by Neptunian Maximalism
• Arcana XX: Raag (Raudra) Todi: Drut Laya, Chaotic Polyphonic Ta by Neptunian Maximalism

11:07 RNZ Music: WOMAD 2024 Morcheeba

WOMAD 2024 features live recordings from a selection of International and local musicians captured by the RNZ Music team at WOMAD Taranaki.

Tonight's programme features Morcheeba, who were the talk of the festival, known for their unique blend of trip-hop, rock, and soul, characterized by soothing melodies and the ethereal vocals of lead singer Skye Edwards.