Summer Times for Thursday 12 January 2023

09.10 Designed to last

Do you have one of those appliances that just goes and goes because it's so well designed and well made? Bryan Wall is a product test writer at Consumer New Zealand and has done a series called Design for Life - looking at appliances and products which have more than stood the test of time. He joins Anna to talk about three of his favourite products - the green metal Husqvarna sewing machine, the Kenwood Chefmate mixer and the New Zealand made Zip toaster.

09.25 The rise of glamping 

Glamping has become a multi-billion dollar global business and in New Zealand glamping spots have popped up all over the country. These sites often have large tents equipped with beds and other home style comforts. Jessica Walsh spent years travelling the world working in the film industry and attending music festivals and those experiences helped to shape her business. 

09.35 Civil defence update from Tairawhiti

A state of civil emergency remains in place in the Tairawhiti region after Cyclone Hale swept through - leaving behind a trial of damage and destruction. Photos out of the region - especially around Tolaga Bay - show bridges and roads washed away, and flooded farmland. Civil Defence officials have held a briefing and we get an update from Gisborne Civil Defence Emergency Management Manager Ben Green.

09.45 Tourist buzz back in Queenstown

The familiar tourist buzz is back in Queenstown and operators are rubbing their hands in glee after two years of Covid saw visitor numbers nosedive. At Coronet Peak the skifield has been turned into a downhill bike track and manager Nigel Kerr says international bikers are flocking to the area for a major downhill race next weekend. He tells Anna it's nice to have tourists back enjoying the attractions, the scenery and the many activities and events on offer.

10.10 Advice from the anti self-help guru

The modern day's self-help guru, Mark Manson, is back with a documentary based on his best-selling book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a  #@%!   Largely filmed in New Zealand while the rest of the world was in lockdown, the documentary continues the book's aim to help us live more contented, grounded lives. Anna speaks with Mark about why the anti self-help message strikes a chord with today's society.

10.30 Lockdown dreams inspire kiwi author's new series

Best-selling Kiwi author Soraya Lane has launched a new book, written during Covid lockdowns as she dreamed of travel, fun and romance. Released this week, The Italian Daughter - a love story spanning generations, is the first of a new eight book The Lost Daughters series. The series has been sold in 15 countries. The Canterbury-based author speaks to Anna about the book and what inspires her writing.

10.45 Museum stop: Buried Village and Museum of Te Wairoa

Our museum stop today is near Rotorua by the shores of Lake Tarawera. The Buried Village at the Museum of Te Wairoa features displays about the devastating Tarawera eruption in 1886, and the history of the Māori/Victorian village of Te Wairoa, bringing the stories to life. The museum has its own impressive history having been in the same family for four generations. Owner Dave McGrath joins Anna to share its attractions and treasures.

11.06 On the road with Chris Brandolino

Taking us on a road trip today is a man who lives and breathes the weather - NIWA forecaster Chris Brandolino. The weather has certainly been giving us something to talk about. Wet and stormy in the north, and sunny and sizzling in the south. Add to that 2022 was the country's hottest year on record. 

 

11.35 Dutch New Zealand band My Baby

Gospel, blues and ancient folk melodies followed by a course of seventies funk, Moroccan gnawa and Indian raga. Those are just some of the musical influences for the Dutch-Kiwi group My Baby who are touring New Zealand. You can find details and tour dates here. 

 

Urban Jumble Daily Quiz 

We've come up with a daily quiz to test both your word and geographical skill. Every day we're giving you three words. Within each word are letters which spell out a New Zealand town or city. Each letter can only be used once. While some words may have more than one answer, the correct answer must be the town or city we're thinking of. So have a pen and paper and a map at hand and have a go. 

Words and solutions for January 12

Pheromone - Ohope

Loneliness - Nelson

Notwithstanding - Winton