An outstanding science communicator who became a household name in New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic, but paid a harsh price for her brilliant work. Award winning, energetic Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles talks bioluminescent superbugs, infectious diseases, Covid, sexism, misogyny, menstrual cups and reinvention.

25 years ago, the people of Ngāi Tahu settled a dispute with the New Zealand government - a settlement which dates back to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 and has sealed the fortunes of the tribe into the future. Tipene O’Regan was the lead negotiator for Ngāi Tahu, and since negotiating the settlement has gone on to lead development of the tribe’s archive, a crucial project to enhance tribal learning and record keeping.

A conversation with Professor Lisa Ellis: as we face a complex matrix of pressing realities, philosophy provides a vital framework for understanding and addressing them. It challenges us to re-examine our assumptions about many of these issues, and how we consider, discuss and solve them.

Dame Anne Salmond is a leading social scientist and New Zealander of the Year 2013, whose life-long work has focussed on the history and anthropology of the Pacific and in particular Māori. She has a long-standing interest in environmental issues. Dame Anne’s perspective on our past, present and future is fascinating and enlightening.

Long before European settlers arrived in New Zealand, Māori called Aotearoa home. As in many parts of the world, colonisation was swift and dramatic, with a new social framework, land ownership structure and laws replacing the Māori way of life, making life very difficult for Māori. In this interview, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s top legal scholars - who herself is also Māori - shares her perspectives and talks about the future. A positive and enlightening interview.

Clean energy is a very big topic. There’s also a lot of excitement (and hype) about new technologies which promise to revolutionise energy production, transportation, smart infrastructure and life in general. Hydrogen is right up there. But how much of this is real?

Some of us might have thought about what we want done with our remains after we die. Burial alongside family members? Cremation, with our ashes scattered in a special place? But how many of us have considered giving our body - all of it - to science? Well, as it turns out, according to journalist and author Jackie Dent, quite a few …

In this episode, Dr Lucy Pollock reflects on 30+ years in geriatric medicine, emphasising the importance of understanding older patients as individuals with unique life stories. She highlights the societal challenges of ageing, the need for empowerment through information, and the misconceptions surrounding ageing and health. She advocates for honest conversations about ageing, the impact of loneliness, and the role of technology in supporting older adults. She also addresses the complexities of polypharmacy and the pressures faced by healthcare providers. Ultimately, she encourages families and older adults to engage in meaningful discussions about ageing and to prioritise well-being and autonomy.