Nights

We find out about the Whale Tales Project, an incredible immersive public art trail celebrating Aotearoa, art, and marine conservation with Livia Esterhazy, CEO of World Wide Fund for Nature - New Zealand.

We follow up on our interview from last night with Patrick Phelps about the extension of OceanNAGold's mine at Wharekirauponga in the Coromandel . Lots and lots of you were moved to get in touch - in fact it's been a while since we've had so much correspondence following an interview. One of those who emailed was Catherine Delahunty, Chaiperson Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki. We'll speak to Catherine and hear the concerns her group has about the proposed mine.

Our first guest if Chef (and former Depute Mayor of Queenstown) Margaret McHugh. She joins us to talk about her new book, The Real McHugh. Part memoir, party cookbook it's a guide to her eventful life and some of her favourite dishes.

Patrick Phelps from Minerals West Coast joins us once again. he's taking a look at the extension of OceaniaGold's mine at Wharekirauponga, 10 kilometres north of Waihi. in the Coromandel which is causing a lot of controversy in the region and beyond.

Shannon Byrne joins us from Darwin.

Our Cultural Ambassador from the world of contemporary dance, director and choreographer Malia Johnston is joined tonight by Ross McCormack for a chat about being back in the rehearsal room and preparing for shows again after what feels like a 2 year break.

On Wellington Anniversary Day, Historian Andre Brett takes a look at the New Zealand provincial system of government. We find out how it worked, why we dumped it, whether it cast any more of a legacy than the provincial holidays, and why we even choose to mark them.

One of Bryan's end of year challenges is to persuade some of his fellow night shift workers to perform a carol. This year the RNZ Xmas Eve Scratch Chorus performed The Twelve Days of Christmas, with lyrics updated by former RNZ reporter and regular guest on The Panel with Wallace Chapman, Sally Wenley. Feel free to listen and sing along yourself.

Bryan takes a look back at the year that was.

Chris Brandolino, principal scientist in NIWA's forcasting team looks ahead to the summer. Will we get one?