Summer Times for Wednesday 22 January 2025

9:30 New Zealand's first "bat dog"

When we think of bats we're conditioned to think of Halloween, horror films and dark caves. 

But that certainly doesn't do justice to New Zealand's native bats who, besides being quite cute, are also at risk from predators and human encroachment on their natural habitats.

Fredrik Hjelm from BioSense is the handler for Hawke, New Zealand's first dog trained to sniff out dead native bats in an effort to find out more about what has killed them.

Fredrik and Hawke join Anna in the studio.

9:45 Green hydrogen in Christchurch leading the way

Green hydrogen is a fuel that is both clean to produce and clean to use - a zero-carbon fuel.

Fabrum, based in Christchurch, is at the global forefront of clean energy transition and their latest project is all set to be trialed out on the water.          

Co-founder of Fabrum Chris Boyle joins Anna Thomas.

9:55 Geo Jumble

Tune in to see if you can untangle three New Zealand town names from three given words. Text 2101 with the correct answers.

unaffordable - shockingly - irritatingly

10:08 Live in-studio: Pony Baby

This morning we have the pleasure of hearing from an up-and-coming musical duo who are set to serenade audiences this weekend at the Auckland Folk Festival.

The partnership is between two solo artists in their own right, Taite award-winning Jazmine Mary and Silver Scroll-nominated Arahi.

Pony Baby blend together their gentle melodies with proudly country sounds like banjos, cowbells, and twangy guitars.

They released their self-titled debut album last year.

Arahi and Jazmine Mary join Anna in the studio to play some tunes.

10:45 Kiwi Susan Cutforth on the Trump inauguration

Susan Cutforth is a Kiwi living in the sun belt state of Arizona who voted for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

She touches base with Summer Times to share her thoughts 24 hours into Trump's second presidency. 

11:08 How to make a will with Gary Fitzpatrick

Gary Fitzpatrick is the co-founder of Comac Trustees, with over 30 years' experience in estate planning, administration and management of estates and trusts.

He answers your questions on wills - text 2101 or email summertimes@rnz.co.nz.

11:25 Elephant Burma's new home in Australia

When Auckland Zoo's sole remaining elephant found a new home in South Australia, it was welcome news for many. 

Elephants are social animals and are meant to live in herds. Burma had been on her own for over two years.

It's now been several weeks since she came out of quarantine in Australia and her long time keeper, Andrew Coers joins us for an update. 

11:40 New podcast exploring concussions in rugby

'Echoes of Impact' from AUT features former All Blacks Frank Bunce and Conrad Smith, along with a range of academics weighing in on the science behind concussions and minor traumatic brain injuries.

The aim is to have a healthy debate about the risks and benefits of contact sports.

Associate professor of psychology and neuroscience Mangor Pederson is one of the brains behind the podcast and he joins Anna in the Auckland studio.

11:55 Geo Jumble answers

Did you get the right answers? Tune in for the unscrambled New Zealand town names.