RNZ: Nights

For over three decades, Raybon Kan has been one of New Zealand's most distinctive comedic voices. He joins Emile Donovan on the cusp of a nationwide tour, Raybonanza.

Dr Farhana Pinu from the Bioeconomy Science Institute is here to help answer all of these questions.

Christian Smith joins Emile Donovan to discuss news making headlines in Europe, including the crisis surrounding the UK Labour Party ahead of its annual conference, JK Rowling kicks off at Emma Watson, and Turkey wants to give special status to the doner kebab.

A new statue honouring music legend Tina Turner has attracted headlines for all the wrong reasons. Famed New Zealand sculptor Joanne Sullivan joins Emile Donovan to discuss this tricky art.

Following President Trump's re-announcement of 100 percent tariffs on foreign films, Emile Donovan speaks to the President of Screen Producers NZ Irene Gardiner.

In just over three weeks' time, the Republic of Ireland will elect a new president. The three official candidates were announced over the weekend - so who's the smart money on? And what does the president of Ireland actually do? 

We cross to our friends at the BBC World Service to take a look at some of the events making international headlines. Our correspondent tonight is Rob Hugh-Jones

RNZ Sports reporter and Nights' regular Jamie Wall returns to Nights to break down the big sporting news after the weekend.

We're probably all still feeling it, and if you're not, you've no doubt heard someone grumbling about daylight saving time today. Turns out, though, we've been complaining about daylight saving for pretty much as long as it's been around.

New Zealand's earthquake rating system is set for a major overhaul, with the government saying it will now focus on buildings that truly put lives at risk.

Nights' resident screen critic joins Mark Leishman to talk about One Battle After Another (in cinemas), The Hollow Men (YouTube) and a new "secret cinema" initiative from AroVision in Wellington.

Richard McChesney is a New Zealand ultra-distance race-walker competing in the first ever six-day Ultramarathon which starts on Monday in Christchurch.

What can private car parks do to deter more people from hogging mobility car parks not meant for them? 

They're everywhere! But have you ever wondered how touchscreens actually work? Dr Fakhural Alam is a professor of engineering, computer, and mathematical sciences at AUT. He is currently developing a smart floor utilising touchscreen principles, which will enhance the safety of elderly individuals by tracking falls.

How big a role does distraction play in New Zealand's poor youth road safety record compared to things like speed, alcohol, or inexperience?

Every month on Nights, University of Waikato philosophy lecturer Dan Weijers unpacks some of life's big issues - whether it's love, death, happiness, or whether it's morally right to keep a pet goldfish.

Getting into the outdoors is one of the best things we can do for our bodies and minds. But for many people, there are hurdles such as the fear of being alone, not knowing where to start, or simply feeling unsure where to start. The Kiwi Walk & Run Trail Series aims to make getting outside accessible for everyone providing supported events and a welcoming community so anyone can enjoy walking or running safely. Silver Ferns legend and Kiwi Walk & Run ambassador Irene van Dyk speaks to Mark Leishman.

Voting rates have been falling for at least 30 years, affecting local democracies both here and overseas, but what can be done to encourage more people to turn up at the ballot box?

Science correspondent Ezzy Pearson on alien life, the toll of ultra-long-distance running, and what our four-legged friends can teach us about ageing.

Coffee businesses are finding things a real grind lately - much like the wider hospitality industry.

The insanity defence has been in the headlines recently, but for many of us it's not entirely clear what it means in practice. 

What does a chief censor do? Sit there in a comfortable room with a popcorn machine watching new-release movies and reading new release books all day? We were dying to know, so we invited Caroline Flora, New Zealand's Chief Sensor, to the Wellington studio so we could find out about her day job and all about banned books both here and overseas.

What's better for performance? Hitting the pavement outside or getting those kilometres in on the trusty treadmill at the gym? 

Do pets tend to prefer human food? Is it naughty to give it to them? 

What if the seat looks dirty like its not being cleaned for weeks? Do you brave it? What if it looks clean? 

The new Reserve Bank governor will be announced by Finance Minister Nicola Willis tomorrow.

Astrology has been around since ancient Greece and the Middle East, and even after centuries of scientific progress, it remains hugely popular today. To discuss why, British astrologer and historian of astrology Dr Nicholas Campion, joins Emile Donovan.

We cross to our friends at the BBC World Service to take a look at some of the events making international headlines. Our correspondent tonight is Rob Hugh-Jones, who is talking about the UN General Assembly in New York, the Moonies court case in South Korea and a major announcement in Germany about the state of the country's railways.

RNZ Sports reporter and Nights' regular Jamie Wall returns to Nights to break down Otago's historic Ranfurly Shield win, the Black Ferns' next steps after their semi-final loss, and why international gamblers are eyeing amateur football in New Zealand.

The world stone-skipping championship is rocked by a cheating scandal.

The Spinoff's Hayden Donnell chats with Emile Donovan on Wayne Brown's election strategy and his unexpected stance on issues you wouldn't usually associate with him - including support for cycle lanes and wetlands.

Nights' resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan to review the American fantasy comedy horror film Sketch and looks back at the work of the late Robert Redford and selects five titles that are currently available to stream in New Zealand.

Producer Bonnie Harrison joins Emile in the studio to review the week of quizzes.

Sarah Drewsbury is organising a watch party at Blues HQ in Auckland for the Black Ferns' 6:00am semifinal against Canada. 

What if the insects that end up splattered on your car could actually help scientists study climate change? Dr Richard O'Rorke and Dr Aimee van der Reis join Emile Donovan to explain.

Four in five children born from donor assistance have been told about their origins. Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Cindy Farquhar from the University of Auckland joins Emile Donovan.

To explain how we ended up with so many, and what rights the public have to use them, field adviser David Barnes from the Outdoor Access Commission joins Emile Donovan.

Classics educator and enthusiast Ben Jackson takes Emile Donovan on a tour of ancient Rome's great satirists.

With 200 people leaving the country daily, mostly to Australia, Stuff.co.nz columnists Verity Johnson and Ben Kepes join Emile Donovan to discuss New Zealand's weak economic state, and whether young people should see it as worth sticking around for things to get better.

ABC South Asia bureau chief Meghna Bali joins Emile Donovan to explain the unfolding civil unrest in Nepal prompted by a ban on all forms of social media, which has seen people killed in riots, thousands of prisoners escaped from secure facilities, and hundreds of millions of dollars of damage caused.

Associate professor at Massey University Julia de Bres joins Emile Donovan to explain the wrongs and rights of apostrophes.

Athletics commentator Sarah Cowley Ross joins Emile Donovan to explain the work going on behind the scenes to make our athletes so competitive.