Nights

The country's best olive oil producers have been celebrated at the annual New Zealand Olive Oil Awards, with South Island growers shining this year. One of the top awards went Akaroa's Robinsons Bay Olives, who once again took out the coveted 'Best in Show' prize. The boutique grove is owned by Chris and Annette Moore, and Chris joins Nights to talk about the secret to good olive oil.

While the investigation continues into the latest controversy surrounding Hawke's Bay Ranfurly Shield celebration, it's reminded one woman of the day she ended up baby-sitting the trophy at her house. To tell us about her Shield story, Nights is joined by Emma Helleur.

This year there will not be stickers for people who vote. No more Mr Orange Man adorning the lapels and shirtfronts of the nation. The Electoral Commission by way of explanation says the decision came about because fewer people seemed to be wanting stickers after they've voted But has the commission got it wrong? Professor in Marketing at Massey University Bodo Lang talks to Mark Leishman about whether merchandise like those stickers actually positively contribute to democracy.

Auckland's growing dog population is causing issues for the city's council owned shelters and staff. A report presented to councillors today shows a huge increase in reports of dog aggression, roaming and attacks. Auckland Council manager of animal management Elly Waitoa talks to Mark Leishman about what's causing the increase and what plans are being put in place.

Nights regular and chief economist at The New Zealand Initiative Eric Crampton joins the show once again. Tonight he's casting his eye over media funding and regulation.

Following a terrible few years it has been a bumper year for skiing on Mount Ruapehu. But despite the good year there is still uncertainty surrounding the future of the North Island's only public ski field open. Former competitive snowboarder and professor of sport Holly Thorpe talks to Nights about why she believes we need to use this opportunity to reimagine the future of our relationship with the maunga.

The BBC's Sarika Unadkat joins Nights with a wrap of world news making the headlines.

Many writers have used isolation to mine the inner reaches of the creative subconscious. Gus Hellen is following in those footsteps, The 29-year-old, has published his first book of poetry after spending a Taranaki Winter living out of a yurt. He talks to Mark Leishman about how the isolation helped his writing.

James Dwan is a silversmith who works in Waikanae, he's the man who does trophy repairs and restoration for NZ Rugby - He oversaw a major restoration of the shield earlier this year and is gutted his work has been broken in half. James talks to Mark Leishman about the shield, how it will be fixed and why he's "100%" sure the white powder is a case of mistaken identity.

Wild weather is once again causing chaos across the country, with severe winds cutting power, disrupting travel and sending trampolines flying. Along with the winds, there is also heavy rain and snow for some areas. MetService lead forecaster Amy Loots talks to Mark Leishman about the latest forecast.

Ben James from Herb's Mobile Record Store joins us once again to pick some tracks from the crates. Tonight, he's got a selection of tracks from across the ditch.

Sports commentator Bryan Waddle joins us again for a wrap of the latest sport news from the weekend as well as looking ahead for the coming week.

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

Thousands of Kiwis will be casting off across the country this weekend with the opening of the new fishing season on Sunday morning. It's a long-held tradition for many New Zealanders and big numbers are expected wih the opening this year falling on a weekend this year, and coinciding with the school holidays. Fish & Game Officer Richie Cosgrove talks to Mark Leishman about the upcoming season.

Dan Slevin joins us for his weekly chat on brand new films, both in cinemas and on streaming services.

Sadly for many people they don't live near or no longer have grandparents to spend time with. That's where our next guest can help. Founder of Grandfriends Joy Hays talks about the service which matches families with older people in their communities to help them make new connections and foster new relationships.

Nights podcast reviewer Lynn Freeman is bringing a real mix of shows with her this week.

A Maori theatre and circus collaboration is set to wow an international audience, with its World Premiere in Canada next month. The spectacle - Te Tangi a te Tui - will then open in Aotearoa in 2024.

If you've ever dreamed of driving a digger, Taranaki could be the place to head for - with the region's first 'digger park' opening it gates. Self-confessed digger enthusiast Stan Chesswas talks to Nights about his brainchild and his love heavy duty earthmoving equipment.

More wild spring weather is on the way and its looking like a like a soggy few days ahead, with most parts of the country likely to see some wet weather. Snow levels are forecast to lower to 500 metres in Southland tonight, dropping further early Saturday morning. MetService Expert Meteorologist Allister Gorman talks to Nights about what's behind the unsettled weather, and when we might see some blue skies and sunshine?