Rnz: Afternoons With Jesse Mulligan

Rooks are seen as a pest by authorities - so much so that are even programmes to eradicate them altogether. But our guest believes the rook is misunderstood and is on a mission to defend them. Kate White chats to Jesse.

According to new data from Consumer NZ, there is a big difference in how much you pay for power depending on where you live. It has analysed the April 1st electricity price rises and discovered that the Far North will have annual cost increases in the range of $140 to $420, while in Wellington, the same household can expect an annual increase of between $102 and $305. Kerikeri currently has amongst the highest average electricity prices in the country, which was about 20 percent above the national average. So, why is the cost of electricity increasing a lot more in some regions than others? Powerswitch manager Paul Fuge is with Jesse.

The lower North Island continues to take a battering today, with an orange weather warning still in place for Wellington. More than 150 weather events - things like landslips and flooding - have been reported so far. Flights are cancelled, and schools and council facilities are closed today. In the wake of all this, many are asking why more serious warnings were not issued. Jesse is joined by Dr James Renwick, Professor of Climate Science at Victoria University and former Principal Climate Scientist at NIWA.

Following a lengthy and uncertain caucus meeting this morning, RNMZ political editor Jo Moir speaks with Jesse Mulligan on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon surviving a leadership challenge.

Executive Producer and Afternoons critic Philippa Rennie joins me to share what she's been watching: Beef - (Season Two) Netflix Big Mistakes - Netflix

Time for this weeks expert feature. Today Jesse is joined in the studio by Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown. Wayne has been Mayor of New Zealand's largest city since 2022 and in that time it's fair to say, you're not left wondering how he feels about issues. Honesty that seems to be working for Aucklanders as he romped home in the latest election.

Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok encourage us to share everything. It's never been easier to be seen, but it can be hard not to feel invisible because attention isn't the same thing as being valued. Author and journalist Jennifer Breheny Wallace says people don't just want to be noticed, they need to feel like they count. Research shows that when people truly feel they matter, they're more resilient, more engaged, and more generous. But when they don't, the effects can be serious, fueling loneliness, anxiety, and burnout. Her new book explores why this need is so powerful, and how we can recognize our impact at home and at work. The book is called Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose.

Every Monday at this time Jesse likes to go clubbing, what better time than hitting the clubs than Monday afternoon? We've chatted to pigeon racers, lawnmower clubs, machine knitters, and an historic arms community. If you're a member of a club of society you think we should know about then get in touch, Jesse@rnz.co.nz

Brad Foster joins Jesse to talk about the stories hitting the headlines in Australia. Today he'll cover Australia's most decorated soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, Victoria's new Minister for Boys and Men and some sport.

The National Opera Studio in London is a long way from Rarotonga - but that's where rising opera star Ridge Ponini is heading after being accepted into the world-class training facility.

Our next guest is on a mission to make Mangere greener. Justine Skilling is a Mangere local and she has dedicated her PhD study to improving the tree canopy cover in the South Auckland suburb. That's because 30 percent tree canopy cover is the ideal amount - but Mangere has just over eight percent. Justine joins me now to explain how she's going to make it happen.

Parts of the lower North Island are under an orange heavy rain warning, and as you will have heard in the news, rain has already caused some chaos in Wellington. Already today Wellington's Fire and Emergency has responded to over 180 call outs, the interisland ferry service is cancelled, and one person is reported missing. But it's not just the capital that is under alert .. the warning covers Wairarapa, Tararua area and Kaikoura Coast & North Canterbury east of Lake Sumner. RNZ Senior Journalist Ellen O'Dwyer has been out and about in Wellington since 6:30 this morning, she updates Jesse on the latest.

While many people are focusing on National and the Prime Minister's popularity from the latest polls, we're keen to discuss the Green Party. Yesterday co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chloe Swarbrick delivered their 'State of the Planet' speeches in Wellington calling for a national plan to electrify homes, transport and industry with natural energy, as a response to the fuel crisis. The Greens remain steady on around 11 percent in the polls .. but should they, and could they, be doing more to show they can lead the country rather than position themselves for another term of supply-and-confidence? To discuss Jesse is joined by Democracy Project founder Bryce Edwards.

Nicola Toki joins Jesse to put the spotlight on a New Zealand critter that's endangered. This week it is the squeaking longhorn beetle.

Tony Murrell from Tony Murrell Gardens joins me to discuss what to do with your plants that are struggling to thrive.

Connie Clarkson loves this dish because, apart from being tasty, it's so good for you too. A recipe from Southern China, this recipe is perfect for cuts of meat which requires long looking. Think chuck, shin, brisket, it's fantastic value for money, really easy, healthy (only 1 tsp oil is used) and gravy is aromatic and very lush. Beef is a very nutritious package, containing 'a lot in a little' - protein, zinc and vitamin B12 - just one serving of lean chuck steak, trimmed of fat, contains less than 10g fat! All ingredients readily available in the supermarket.

Fridays are when we talk films here on Afternoons, our critic Dominic Corry joins Jesse with his recommendations: Fuze and The Mummy - both in theatres this week.

Jesse whips around the country sharing some of the events on this weekend for you to get amongst.

Freaky Friday is our home for all your ghost stories and brushes with the supernatural. If you have a story to share we'd love to hear from you, text 2101 or Jesse@afternoons.co.nz Today's Freaky Friday guest initially got in touch with this story two years ago, but emergency back surgery meant he had to postpone our chat, so we're delighted to finally say hello to Phil Power

Move over Ryan Fox and Dame Lydia Ko, there's a new Kiwi golfer heading for the world stage. Tauranga Dad, James Goatley, is off to the UK next month to represent New Zealand and compete for a world golf title too. A mini golf title. James chats to Jesse.