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Wednesday 7 January 2026
On today’s show
9:10 Volunteering expertise to Tonga's hospitals: Liam Bately and Debbie Munro
On Friday, a small team of Mechanical Engineering students from the University of Canterbury are heading to Tonga to repair and maintain life-saving hospital equipment.
Coordinated by Liam Bately, student at the UC Biomed Club, the programme sees students working with ventilating, monitoring and sterilising gear alongside Tongan technicians.
Debbie Munro is Associate Professor Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury. She inaugurated the programme three years ago.
They both join Anna to talk about the initiative.
UC supports Pacific healthcare providers: Tonga National University Dean of Nursing Tilema Cama and Head of Science and Technology programmes Talanoa Hafoka, with UC student Liam Bately and Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Debbie Munro. Photo: University of Canterbury
9:25 The latest on lacrosse in New Zealand
What do you know of lacrosse in Aotearoa? Well, New Zealand and lacrosse go way back, with the first game played in Alexandra in 1877.
Today, it’s one of the fast-growing in popularity in the country. And currently, seven men’s lacrosse teams are facing off in Upper Hutt for the 2026 Asia-Pacific continental championship.
Debra Cowen, New Zealand Lacrosse Board Member, talk to Anna.
Photo: New Zealand Lacrosse
9:40 Summer stargazing
Turn your attention skywards. With our clear skies and lack of light pollution, Aotearoa has become a top global destination for stargazing.
If you find yourself under the stars these holidays, astronomer and head of Dunedin's Tūhura Otago Museum, Ian Griffin, is here to tell you what to look for.
Many parts of New Zealand enjoy uninterrupted views of the Milky Way at night – but in urban areas, stargazing is increasingly hampered by light pollution. Photo: Eyrie Photography
9:50 17-year-old author Rutendo Shadaya set to complete five-part series
Rutendo Shadaya is a 17-year-old Zimbabwean-Aotearoa recently named as one of 10 'Girls of the Year' for 2025 in the Times' inaugaural list.
Hailing from the small North Island town of Tokoroa, Rutendo is the author of three self-published titles.
On the cusp of her final year of high school, she joins Anna to discuss future plans.
Photo: B T Shadaya
10:10 On the road with Dr Mark Gittos
Our roadie guest today is a plastic surgeon based in Auckland.
Last year he travelled to Ukraine to assist doctors with the operation on a patient whose nose was taken off in combat.
Dr Mark has spent extensive time in London, with a practice based there in addition to his Auckland surgery. He joins Anna.
Dr Mark Gittos is an Auckland-based plastic surgeon. Photo: supplied
11:10 Museum Stop: Coromandel Gold Stamper Battery
Today for our museum stop we're heading back in time to the days of the Coromandel gold rush, circa 1800s.
The Coromandel Gold Stamper Battery Museum is the oldest original stamper battery in the country.
Still in operation, visitors can watch the museum in action and learn more about the region's history of gold mining and processing.
Tourist manager Ann-Marie Creech joins Anna to talk it over.
Photo:
11:25 Hoodoo Gurus to hit the road with Joan Jett and Iggy Pop
For over 40 years Aussie rockers Hoodoo Gurus have entertained crowds with their punk-tinged sound.
This summer they're pairing up with the legends of rock, Joan Jett and Iggy Pop, for the Summer Concert Tour, including dates in Taupō, Wānaka and Auckland.
With over 20 New Zealand gigs under their belts, the Gurus are no stranger to Aotearoa shores.
Frontman Dave Faulker chats to Anna.
The Hoodoo Gurus were formed in Sydney in 1981 by Dave Faulkner. This summer they'll join Joan Jett and Iggy Pop on their Summer Concert Tour of New Zealand. Photo: Christopher Ferguson
11:40 Record-breakers with Peter Janssen
Peter Jannsen joins Anna to discuss Aotearoa record-breakers.
Peter Janssen with his new book, New Zealand Pubs. Photo:
Summer Times
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