Afternoons

We're going to talk pay equity now, because a new podcast is looking into the Government's controversial decision to overhaul the pay equity regime. As a result of that decision, dozens of active pay equity claims were cancelled. Labour has said, if elected, the pay equity conversation will be back on the table, so it seems this issue might not be going away anytime soon. Shortchanged is a four-part podcast trying to make a serious issue entertaining and educational. Project Gender's Ange Meyer is gender equity specialist and hosts Shortchanged joins Perlina.

Tomorrow the cost of posting a letter will shoot up yet again. NZ Post is increasing standard mail letter prices by 70 cents, meaning a medium-sized letter will cost $3.60, a large letter $4.90, and an oversize letter $6.20. NZ Post says it's facing rising costs and needs to keep their services reliable, but critics say the price rises are coming at the same time as postal services are becoming less accessible, especially for rural communities. We'd love to know what you think about the price rises, but also how often you post mail, 2101 on the text machine. To tell us how the price changes impact those who live and work rurally, Perlina is joined by Sandra Kirby, Chief Executive of Rural Women New Zealand.

Olympian, former Auckland mayor and founder of Les Mills gyms, Les Mills Snr has died aged 91. We talk to his son Phillip Mills about the legacy he leaves behind.

There's no doubt it is hard work owning and running a restaurant, the recent spate of hospitality closures are a very bleak reminder of that. So how do you make it work in 2026 when more people than ever seem unable to make ends meet? We chat to Sean Yarborough from Auckland's Broke Boy Taco.

Afternoons TV critic Caitlin Cherry is with Emile to share what she's been watching: Stalked (Neon) Pernille (Netflix) 5 Seasons

It's time for our weekly expert feature where we select a subject and put your questions to the people who know it best. Today we're talking about flowers - specifically the native flowers of Aotearoa. We're lucky enough to have so many beautiful native species in New Zealand, in fact our guest today reckons there's approximately 2200 of them. It's Victoria University Emeritus Professor of Botany Philip Garnock-Jones, author of the Ockham Award-winning book "He Puawai: A Natural History of New Zealand Flowers". If you have questions for Philip send them through to 2101.

Grab your shades and a pack of gum, because it's time for our Monday afternoon clubbing session. Each week we visit a club or society around the country. If you have one that you think Emile should join, then please do get in touch. 2101 on text or [email protected]. This week Emile is joined by Chantelle Gerrard from the NZ branch of the SCA.

Our favourite Australian Brad Foster is with Emile to share what's hitting the headlines across the Tasman. This week he chats about NSW Government's decision around shark prevention and what on earth is going on at Channel Nine?

Looking at the recent polls, National and Labour's fall in popularity means attention turns to the smaller parties, which will become key players come November 7th and the days after it. This year's general election will mark 30 years since New Zealand moved from the First Past the Post voting system to mixed member proportional representation or MMP. Fans of MMP say the change has delivered a more diverse Parliament. But critics argue it has also given smaller parties and fringe interests disproportionate influence. So it begs the question: Is our MMP system still fit for purpose? Is there a better way? Marcus Ganley is a public law specialist with firm Franks Ogilvie but was previously a ministerial adviser to the Clark government and held senior roles in Australian federal politics, he did his thesis on the first MMP election back in 1998.

Let's talk cheese now because in case you needed reminding, we are really good at making it. The recent International Cheese and Dairy Awards for 2026 saw 4500 entries from over 20 countries, including New Zealand. This year six New Zealand producers submitted a combined 118 entries and from that won 41 medals .. including a supreme award. Here to explain why our cheese stands out from the rest and how the sector is doing right now, Emile is joined by International cheese judge and New Zealand Ambassador for these awards, Franco Sessa.