Conversations With Wāhine

Laura and Harita talk to Dr Siouxsie Wiles, a microbiologist by training and a passionate science communicator with decades of experience working with the media and collaborating with artists, designers, and illustrators.  In 2019, she was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to microbiology and science communication. Siouxsie became a household name in New Zealand for her...

Harita chats to Meilani Payne and Madelain Vai-Little who are co-directors of this years Shooting Stars Pasifika Youth Initiative programme, Taula. Meilani Payne is a Master's of Cross-cultural Psychology Student at Victoria University of Wellington going into her thesis year. From the island of Enuamanu, Atiu in the Cook Islands, she shows her dedication to equitable outcomes for her communi...

Harita and Sophie sit down with activist and 2023 Young New Zealander of the Year, Shaneel Lal.

Harita interviews Aotearoa artist Karra Rhodes following the release of her new album Hometown Therapy .

Laura and Harita are joined by Anna Osborne, Sonya Rockhouse, and director Rob Sarkies to talk about the Pike River mine story, a journey of loss, courage, and the enduring fight for justice.

Harita and Haley chat with the wonderful Suzy Cato, one of Aotearoa’s most loved children’s entertainers, for a heartfelt chat about her life, career, and the magic she’s brought to generations of Kiwi kids.

Eleonora and Harita sit down with author Murdoch Stephens to talk about his book Visa Now and the inspiring work he’s doing to advocate for refugees.

Harita and Reesha chat with radio personality Jay-Jay Feeney about her career in radio, her personal journey, and what she’s learned from sharing her life so openly with listeners.

Harita and Haley talk with journalist Alison Mau about the stories that shaped her career and the deeply personal journey behind her latest book, “No Words for This”.

Laura and Harita interview Hariata Moriarty and Angie Meiklejohn ahead of their theatre performance Out the gate.

Harita and Laura talk to Raybon Kan, award-winning New Zealand comedian, writer and social commentator.

Zoe Moon (Mahal) is a powerhouse artist whose music dances between strength and softness. Born in Hawai‘i and raised in Aotearoa, the Pōneke-based songwriter blends Folk, R&B, and soul into a sound she calls Folk R&B . With lyrics that cut to the truth and a voice that glides from rich lows to angelic highs, Zoe’s music is both eclectic and deeply moving. Fresh from attending the GRAMMYs w...

Harita and Sophie speak with Aotearoa-born, Sydney-based rising pop artist Venice Qin.

From the rugby field to the unexpected turns of life, Erin Rush joins Ash and Laura to talk about resilience, opportunity, and the beauty of serendipity.

Aditi Tiwari is running for the Pāuatahanui General Ward in Porirua this October 11. Laura and Harita spoke with her about her goals for the role and her journey through the campaign.

Haley interviewed Teal Mau about his campaign for Wellington City Council in the upcoming elections. Hear his vision and what he hopes to bring to the city.

In this episode, Louise from the NCWNZ Ōtautahi Christchurch Branch talks with current Christchurch City Councillor and 2025 mayoral candidate, Sara Templeton. Sara shares her journey from being elected to her local Community Board in 2013, the highs and lows of public service, and the challenges she sees for women in politics.

Marie Pollisco is the current chair of her local Community Board. In this interview with Louise from the NCWNZ Ōtautahi Christchurch Branch, Marie discusses the practicalities of running for office, her decision to run again in October 2025, and the delicate balance of advocating for her community with decision-making responsibilities.

Peri Zee is running for Mayor of Upper Hutt in the October local elections. Laura and Harita spoke with her about her campaign and vision for the future. 

Andrew Little, running for mayor, and Afnan Al-Rubayee, running for council, join Harita and Haley to share their campaigns, visions for Wellington, and the priorities they want to focus on for the community.

Laura and Haley talk with the inspiring Dame Carolyn Henwood — retired District and Youth Court judge, trailblazer in youth justice reform, founding member of Wellington’s Circa Theatre, and champion of creative change through the Henwood Trust.

Harita dive into a brilliant conversation with Tamara Buckland—founder of The Wild Ones , a free, bold community for disruptors and changemakers. Tune in as Tamara shares her fresh take on leadership, mental health, and how to lead with guts and creativity.

In this episode, Louise from the NCWNZ Ōtautahi Christchurch Branch chats with Vicky Southworth who was elected as a councillor to Environment Canterbury in 2019 and re-elected for a second term in 2022. Vicky discusses her decision to run after seeing a need for women to put themselves forward for leadership positions. 

Harita and Eleonora sit down with Wellington-based comedian Meaghan Fisher for laughs, stories, and a peek into her journey to the Raw Comedy Fest semifinals.

Aisling interviews Isabell Zitzelsberger from Wild Chix who is building a community where women have a safe space to learn and step out of the comfort zones to explore and experience traditionally male outdoor pursuits such as hunting, fishing and sailing.