Nights for Thursday 5 February 2026

8:10 Calling all curlers in the north!

Every four years, New Zealanders get a front-row seat to some of the quirkiest and most fascinating winter sports thanks to the Winter Olympics. 

This morning, the action kicked off with mixed doubles curling - a sport with a small footprint here but a long history. It's been played in the South Island since the 1840s.

Now Auckland is about to get its own slice of curling history - a dedicated rink is opening in the city this year. Until now, if you wanted to play on ice made just for curling, you'd have had to head south to Dunedin, Alexandra or the tiny town of Naseby.

Lorne de Pape is an Auckland Curling life member and 2006 Winter Olympian. He talks to Mark Leishman about what this will mean for the sport in the north. 

 

8:20 Flexing it: The Push-Up Challenge

Get ready to flex those arms! 

Starting today, thousands of Kiwis are gearing up to get moving for mental health with the nationwide launch of The Push-Up Challenge. 

Almost 19,000 people are set to take part, all aiming to push themselves over the next few weeks to support mental wellbeing.

It's free, open to everyone and it's not just about exercise - it's about sparking conversation, connecting with others and showing support for those who are struggling.

Shaun Robinson, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation speaks to Mark about how Kiwis can get involved.

 

8:30 Trading in nostalgia 

Did you collect comics as a kid? Or maybe you traded Weet-bix cards with your friends?

Regardless of whether it was a childhood interest that faded or grew into an adult hobby, if you're looking for something different to do in Wellington this long weekend, the Card and Collectables Show is a chance to trade, add to your collection of collectibles or even learn some card games. 

Organiser Scott Waldrom explains to Mark why nostalgia is such big business.  

 

8:35 Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin

Nights' resident screen critic, Dan Slevin is back with more movie and TV recommendations. 

Tonight his picks are Space 1999 (Derek Wadsworth/ATV Music), We Bury the Dead (Hilditch, 2024), Death by Lightning (Makowsky, 2025) and This Is New Zealand (Macdonald, 1970). 

 

9:08 Nights Quiz

Do you know your stuff? Come on the air and be grilled by Mark Leishman 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 Out Lately with Finn Johansson

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

It's Finn Johansson. 

Tonight he joins us from the Laneway Festival where he'll wax lyrically about Changing World by My Morning Jacket, I'll Change for You by Mitski and Let Me Reflect/Uber from O'Hare by Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon. 

 

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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10:18 The Detail

Today on The Detail - Kiwi grit on ice. Skins, snow and scrutiny: How the 2026 Winter Olympics is unfolding for our athletes. 

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10:45 The Reading

Jed Brophy reads the short story 'Neighbours' by Owen Marshall in which a helping hand uncovers a surprising past.

 

11:06 The Mixtape

Kara Rickard is joined by L.A.B. frontman Joel Shadbolt who picks some of his favourite songs.