The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

ACT leader David Seymour outlined his party's strategy for the 2026 election this morning. Over 100 people piled into the Rydges Hotel in Christchurch for Seymour's State of the Nation speech. Former Minister and commentator Peter Dunne says ACT is polling well and if they handle their campaign well, they could find themselves in a similar spot to the last election. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com...

There's growing calls to find pathways to bring CAR-T cell therapy to New Zealand. The current trial of the life changing cancer treatment is set to end at later this year, but there's no clear path to making it available through the public health system. Malaghan Institute Clinical Director Rob Weinkove says this treatment will improve many people's outcomes. "Much of the infrastructure is there...

Safety's been called into question after a collision at yesterday's SailGP event in Auckland landed two athletes in hospital.  The opening day of racing was called off early - when New Zealand’s Black Foils lost control and went spinning into France.  Kiwi Louis Sinclair suffered compound fractures in both legs and a French athlete was also injured.  Sailing professor Mark Orams, sa...

What an incredible weekend of sport, with the T20 Cricket World Cup, Super Rugby Pacific, and SailGP sweeping into Auckland – more on that in a minute - some of the world’s best trail runners hit Rotorua for the Tarawera Premier Ultra-trail Marathon and the Winter Olympics continues to provide stunning performances, triumphs and disappointments, scandals and feel good moments.    I’ve be...

Pod Save America is one of the world's most successful news and politics podcasts and the team's set to take their show to our shores. The Hopefully Just Visiting tour will have live shows across Australia and New Zealand, with the one-off Auckland show taking place at Bruce Mason Theatre this week. Founder and podcast co-host Tommy Vietor says it's hard to encourage people to pay attention to pol...

In 2023, comedian Tom Sainsbury released his award-winning murder mystery podcast Small Town Scandal. The podcast is being re-launched as a television show coming to Neon and Sky, with the series following disgraced journalist Toby Buchanan as he investigates the murder of his millionaire uncle. The show stars Sainsbury himself, as well as Kiwi actress Morgana O'Reilly. "It's changed from the podc...

The Sisterhood Rules by Kathy Lette, who must be one of the funniest women in the world. It’s about twin sisters who have been estranged for five years, ever since Verity stole Isabel’s husband - but they come together to take their mother in hand when they discover that she’s taken up with a much younger man and is having a fabulous time, running through the money which might otherwise be their i...

Thai Airways recently confirmed the return of its non-stop flight route from Auckland to Bangkok - set to launch in the second half of 2026. The Covid-19 pandemic saw a halt to flights, which included the direct link between the two cities, shutting down in March 2020. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton explained further - and revealed her itinerary for a perfect four days in Thailand. LIST...

Well, congratulations to all the parents out there of school-age children - most returned to school last week, only then to be home again for the long weekend. Anyway, as of tomorrow, there’s a sense the year begins proper now and we can all get on with 2026. I am no longer a parent of school children, and to be honest I find that a relief. Getting your child educated isn’t always straight forward...

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 8 February 2026 . Rural New Zealand, an automatic mower and murder ... Tom Sainsbury and Morgana O'Reilly share all the behind the scenes details of bring Tom's award winning podcast to life on the tele. Pod Save America is one of the worlds most listened to new and political podcasts.  The team head to New Zealand this...

Today on the Sunday Panel, partner at Freebairn and Hehir lawyers, Liam Hehir, and journalist and TV producer Irene Gardiner joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Is this the year of Winston? How much power does he have in the current election year? Should we worry about him potentially becoming Prime Minister? It's been a big few days for entertainment -...

Meal prepping is viewed as an easy way to stay healthy and get ahead of a busy week - but how can we make the most of it? A busy schedule is one of the top reasons why people choose quick takeout meals, which are often high in calories and a contributor to expanding waistlines.  Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara revealed how to take advantage of meal prepping. LISTEN ABOVE  See...

Crispy chicken arms with hot sauce  Cook time: 2 minutes  Prep time: 45 minutes  Serves: 2 12 plump free range chicken wings   1 cup red wine   6 tbsp soy sauce   2 cups Panko crumbs  5 tbsp poppy seeds  5 tbsp sunflower oil   1 cup flour   3 eggs, beaten with 1 tbsp water   Salt and black pepper   Mike's hot sauce   1 tbsp sunflower...

From dirty blowouts to spit-up and stomach bugs, parents quickly learn that unpleasant messes are part of everyday life.   Now, new research published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology suggests that this constant exposure doesn’t just test patience - it actually permanently changes how the brain responds to disgust.  The study found that long-term exposure to bodily waste signifi...

Another Grammy Awards has come and gone, with rapper Bad Bunny making history as the first Latin artist to win Album of the Year in the 68-year history of the event.  During his acceptance speech, the singer addressed ICE and earned a standing ovation from the crowd for remarks about the Trump administration’s illegal immigration crackdown and subsequent clashes. Flicks.co.nz editor Steve New...

Jono Ridler's on a record-setting journey to swim the 1350km length of the North Island's east coast. The journey is expected to take 90 days to complete, and he's doing it all unassisted, meaning it's all done in togs, cap and goggles with no wet suit in sight.  Live Ocean co-founder Blair Tuke is heavily involved in Ridler's journey and he says he's covered over 550km so far as he reaches t...

Kiwi charity founder Tenby Powell has been recognised by the Ukrainian President for his humanitarian efforts in the country’s red zones.  Zelenskyy awarded Powell the Order of Merit for the work his charity Kiwi K.A.R.E has carried out - with the organisation raising over $7.5 million to help fund recovery during the ongoing conflict. Tenby Powell says a majority of the newer casualties are...

Another Waitangi Day has come and gone, but questions have been raised about the political drama that impacted this year's events. Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour faced some hecklers, but the big event overshadowing the weekend was Senior Labour MP Peeni Henare announcing his departure. Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Kiwi singer-songwriter Cassie Henderson had a busy year in 2025, and she's set to keep the momentum going in the new year. She's confirmed to play at the 2026 Synthony Festival, alongside Shapeshifter, Kaylee Bell and The Exponents next March.  She says she's also working on her own musical projects, and she's promised 2026 will be another exciting year.  "I have been in the studio all o...

Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy is set to return to our shores again, with his latest tour taking him across both sides of the Tasman. He's well-regarded as a master of observational comedy, and he's been a regular presence on the global comedy scene for over 25 years. He says this tour will look at how the world has changed over the last ten years - and he's promised it'll go deeper than petty griev...

Meet The Newmans by Jennifer Niven. Del and Dinah Newman and their two sons have been the stars of a reality TV series about their family life for two decades, but in 1964 it feels as though the world is changing and America is falling out of love with them. Their on-screen lives portray a perfect family, but in reality their world is imploding and they all have secrets they’re hiding from one ano...

Dolly Parton recently revealed her new SongTeller Hotel in Nashville will be open to the public this June. Fans can reserve their spots ahead of the opening, and pictures have been revealed - letting prospective travellers know what to expect. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton explained what the hotel has on offer, including a themed bar and I Will Always Love You romance packages.  ...

This week on The Sunday Panel, Coast Day host Lorna Riley and broadcaster and journalist Wilhelmina O’Keeffe joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki led a group of protestors in a demonstration at Auckland CBD. Were the police right to intervene? Should we be worried about his influence?  Prime Minister Chris Lu...

On the Sunday Session with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast for Sunday 1 February 2026, Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy is a master of observational comedy, he's heading here this week and talks about pushing the boundaries of a traditional stand up show. Cassie Henderson is a star on the rise, the Kiwi pop star talks about how she plans to top a huge year in 2025 and the impact The Voice Australia h...

There's a new exercise trend that can help improve digestion, but it comes with extra effects. 'Fart walks' are linked to improved digestion, reduced bloating and improved bowel movements. Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.