Poppa Jax has made a name for herself as one of the most talented young selectors to come out of the local scene. She joins Nicholas ahead of her debut WOMAD performance. The pair discuss the origin of her name, her legendary Bolier Room debut and her go-to tracks.

From April 1st, Aotearoa households can expect an average increase of around $10 per month in their electricity bills, as lines and transmission charges rise to cover increased costs and investment in the electricity network. 

Changes to the consumer care obligations have also come into place, giving households more of a say if their power were to be cut off.

Producer Amani spoke with University of Otago’s Dr Kimberley O’Sullivan to find out more on this and which advice she has for households which experience the repercussions of the increases.

Nitin Sawhney has had an illustrious career as a composer, musician, producer, cultural advocate, collaborator and patron of the arts. He joins Nick fresh off his gorgeous afternoon set at WOMAD 2025.

Nicholas speaks to Trinidadian legend Queen Omega. They discuss her origins as a recording artist, the recent success of her "No Love Dubplate," and even try a local delicacy.

Fresh of two stellar performances at WOMAD 2025, Brazilian band Bala Desejo joins Nicholas for a discussion. They discuss the band's origins, their Grammy winning debut album Sim Sim Sim, and the possibility of future music.

Jonny is thrilled to speak with bluegrass artist Billy Strings ahead of his debut show in Tāmaki this July. 

Get tickets to the Spark Arena show here.

Dr Thomas Gregory is the co-head of the Masters of Conflict and Terrorism Studies programme in the school of Political Science and International Relations. Dr Gregory spoke to Jonny about his research into civilian casualties during the two-decade spanning conflict and occupation of Afghanistan by the western coalition led by the U.S. This research has culminated in a book Weaponizing Civilian Protection recently published by the Oxford University Press. 

Thanks to the University of Auckland.

The government has announced plans to revisit proposed Trans-Tasman rules on baby formula regulation. The plans were initially rejected following lobbying from formula companies including Danone and The a2 Milk Company, who have also shifted their stance on the standards.

To discuss the changes and what they represent for consumer confidence, Wire host Castor spoke to the University of Auckland’s Dr. Gergely Toldi.

Transmission Fission

A new report has highlighted the pressure major infrastructure projects are putting on local businesses and communities.

The research from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research shows short-term disruptions are being felt across the country: from Auckland’s City Rail Link to Wellington’s ‘Let’s Get Wellington Moving’ and CBD upgrades in Tauranga and Dunedin.

While it’s widely accepted that Aotearoa needs to invest in infrastructure to futureproof the economy, Retail NZ says more support is needed to help businesses get through the long and often disruptive construction periods.

Producer Amani spoke to Retail NZ’s Chief Executive Carolyn Young to find out more on this.