Afternoons

 

1:15 Success eradicating invasive weeds from the Emerald Lakes

Some of the biggest draw cards are the stunning Emerald Lakes near the summit of Mt Tongariro, but unfortunately, these have been under threat for some time thanks to an invasive weed species.

For the past five years the Department of Conservation has been working hard to rid the lakes of these weeds.

This morning they announced the initiative has been a success, with the most recent tests showing no trace.

George Taylor, Operations Manager for the Tongariro District, speaks to Jesse.

1:25 Does the location determine a driving test outcome?

It's long been thought that where you choose to sit your driver's licence test impacts how easy or difficult it will be to pass.

Well, new data released by Waka Kotahi has given credence to this.

It shows that pass rates are significantly lower in regions like Otago, Wellington, and Auckland compared to rural areas.

In Auckland, the pass rate is actually less than 50 percent.

Mark Revill-Johnson from NZ Institute of Driver Educators speaks to Jesse.

1:35 Outstanding NZ Food Producer awards

Some of Aotearoa's best locally produced foods have been recognised in the Outstanding NZ Food Producer awards.

Ranging from large scale producers to smaller artisan operators, the award recipients are a reflection of the amazing food created with local ingredients all over the country.

Lauraine Jacobs, chef, author and internationally respected food and wine writer led the 25 judge panel for the awards.

1:45 Freaky Friday

Our weekly segment where we ask listeners to share their strange and spooky stories. If you have a spooky tale to share, email afternoons@rnz.co.nz with the details!

2:10 Film Review with Dom Corry

Today Dom talks to Jesse about the romantic drama Challengers and horror caper Abigail.

2:20 NZ Live: Sam Cullen

For NZ Live today we have Invercargill, born Sam Cullen. 

He currently he lives in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and a brand new EP out today.

It's called Love Again. Sam in our studio for NZ Live this week.

3:08 Chocolate and ginger pudding

Today Martin Bosley shares a fantastic recipe that combines the smooth full texture of a mousse with the creamy chocolate flavours.

Martin tells us how to make his chocolate and ginger pudding. You can find the recipe here.

3:16 Music 101: Charlotte Ryan

Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.

3:25 Gardening with Lynda Hallinan

Lydna talks to Jesse about some easy plants for beginners. They are as follows: 

1. Ligularia reniformis

2. Lomandra Lime Tuff

3. Sedum Autumn Joy

4. Hydrangea Limelight

5. Alstroemeria Indian Summer

3:35 Critter of the Week

You might have come across the creamy white spiral shells of this week’s critter on the beach. The enigmatic ram’s horn squid, Spirula spirula is a squid-like cephalopod mollusc.

 

They look a bit like an ‘alien burrito’ and have a light-emitting organ at the tip of their mantle.

 

3:45 The pre-Panel