The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Chris Luxon says New Zealand needs to change its thinking on flooding risks. Latest official data projects up to 14 and a half thousand homes will face damage from extreme events in the next 35 years. NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse says it's likely the Prime Minister is looking at eventually setting up additional resources for people in flood-impacted regions. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio...

The Government's considering a major decision over the future of NCEA following a damning report on the qualification. One of the problems highlighted is that courses can be structured around those perceived to be easier to gain credits. Another is around the lack of external exams. Education Minister Erica Stanford says the current education system has been 'massaged' to meet levels of declining...

Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell. She’s a terrific writer of domestic thrillers, and this is about Nina who’s mourning the death of her husband, Paddy, after he fell under a train. A year on she receives a gift and a note in the mail from a man who knew Paddy and is sending condolences – which develop into an ongoing relationship, but Nina’s daughter is deeply suspicious of this newcomer and starts...

Let’s talk Santa Monica. I’ve added lots of new content to this post with my favourite spots to dine with a view. Or just have a drink! I had 24 hours there but have also stayed about a dozen times all up. It’s sad how many shops are shut along pedestrianised Third Street, but there are lots more restaurants and bars to try. https://www.bloggeratlarge.com/fab-rooftop-bars-around-santa-monica/ And...

Senior PR consultant at One Plus One Communications, Damien Venuto a nd host of the Prosperity Project, Nadine Higgins join Franscesa on the Sunday Panel to discuss: Having listened to Ray with Ryan Bridge on ZB on Friday - does Wellington deserve better from its councillors? A climate policy expert has said ending buyouts for weather-damaged properties would be morally bankrupt.  Where do yo...

Former British army troop leader Owain Mulligan describes his time in the army as a hobby that got out of control. A teacher by trade, Owain joined the Territorial Army as an outlet and something to do on the weekends. Little did he know, the training would lead him to Iraq – not just as a soldier but leading a fighting troop. Owain kept a diary during his seven months in Iraq – he’s now turn...

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 13 July 2025, journalist and true crime author Steve Braunias joins Francesca to discuss how the Polkinghorne trial brought him back to the genre and why he's fond of Phillip Polkinghorne. Teacher turned soldier Owain Mulligan speaks on how his weekend hobby in the territorial army ended with him leading a troop in Iraq. An o...

Erin is a naturopath. She holds a bachelor of science (physiology) and a bachelor of natural medicine. Boosting your immunity to ward off colds and flus: As temperatures drop, colds, flu, and other respiratory infections become more common. Why do we tend to get more colds and flus in the winter months? How does the immune system fight viruses? Tips to support your body's natural defence system St...

Season 5 of Eat Well for Less hosted by Mike and Ganesh Raj, starts tomorrow on TVNZ and TVNZ+, and is this season the most timely of them all? Mike’s website – goodfromscratch.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems almost impossible for people to be bored these days.  Everywhere you look, people are staring at their smartphone screens whenever they find themselves with more than a few seconds to spare. New research published in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests we should put our phones down as it finds that letting our minds drift into a daydream actually helpsyour brain to learn. Drawing in...

Lorde tour announcement - she and Lewis Capaldi have both skipped Wellington on their tours, and with Homegrown leaving the capital, that's probably worth talking about.  Jaws turns 50 - a new Disney doco examines why it's been so enduring. Released on Friday. Plus the Trainwreck series of shows on Netflix have been dropping constantly and are very entertaining. Poop cruise! Balloon Boy! Mayo...

It was a trial that gripped the nation. The death of Pauline Hanna in her Remuera home. The arrest of her husband, eye surgeon, Philip Polkinghorne.  And his trial and acquittal, that became one of the most high profile in New Zealand history. Not only focusing on Pauline’s death but one that uncovered scandalous revelations of meth, sex and money. Journalist and true crime author, Steve...

A preliminary report into last month's Air India crash has raised more questions around the cause of the crash. The London-bound plane crashed within a minute of take-off, killing all but one passenger on board. Early findings by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau show the fuel control switches in the cockpit had been cut off. To discuss the preliminary findings, aviation commenta...

SEYMOUR VS UN – David Seymour is in a War of words with the UN – talk me through this Thomas. Who has overstepped the line in this case?   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday afternoon, when I heard that Ray Chung, Mayoral candidate for Wellington, was going to appear with Ryan Bridge on Newstalk ZB’s Drive to discuss the gossipy email he sent regarding Tory Whanau, I thought good on him for fronting.  7 minutes and 20 seconds later, I was as speechless as Ryan Bridge.  What a bumbling, embarrassing trainwreck of an interview.  First there was...

Nelson–Tasman is facing millions of dollars of damage following Friday's severe weather. Last week Federated Farmers was calling for help for the farming community over the level of damage from previous flooding in the area. So what impact has this latest round of rain had on an already battling farming community? Kerry Irvine is Federated Farmers Nelson Tasman Provincial President. He joins Franc...

This morning a group of organisations have published an open letter to the Prime Minster in the Herald on Sunday. The letter calls for the Government to make comprehensive reforms of the energy market. Consumer NZ and the Employers and Manufactures Association are two of the organisations behind the letter. Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy and EMAs Alan McDonald join Francesca Rudkin to discuss. LISTEN A...

Antonia Prebble has basically grown up on our TV screens, and she's looking back on a major milestone this week. This Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the first episode of Outrageous Fortune, and Prebble's been reflecting on all the memories that came out of that shows. She says she felt like she grew up within her role on Outrageous Fortune - and the experience 'changed her life." "If I'd h...

It's safe to say that Kiwi comedian Guy Montgomery's been having a successful time across the Tasman. He found fame in New Zealand through hit shows like Have You Been Paying Attention and Thank God You're Here - but across the ditch, Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont-Spelling Bee has been picked up for another season and he's been nominated for a Logie at the Australian Television awards. Montgomery says...

Isola by Allegra Goodman. In the 16th century, Marguerite is born into great wealth but after being orphaned at the age of three a guardian, Roberval, is appointed, who over several years steals her entire fortune. Destitute, her only option is to rely on him for everything and when he takes her on an expedition to sea she falls in love with his servant. Incandescent with rage, Roberval abandons t...

Megan Singleton's continued her journey into Santa Monica, California - and she's been taking in the sights, sounds and rooftop bars. She's been working her way through the area's best-reviewed restaurants and eateries, and she's even experienced the infamous driverless taxis in the region. Read more about Megan's experience here.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

This week on the Sunday Panel, Coast Day host Lorna Riley and managing director at 818, Chris Henry, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Foodstuffs North Island is looking at disestablishing roles at Victoria Park New World, after it was gutted by a blaze last month. The workers have expressed disappointment - what do we make of this? New research has r...

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 6 July 2025, comedian Guy Montgomery and his spelling bee are making waves in Australia, so much so, he's up for a Logie. He tells Francesca just how badly he wants to win that award for household bragging rights. Outrageous Fortune turns 20 this week, key cast member Antonia Prebble joins us to reflect on the show and talk a...

Ice baths and cold plunges have grown wildly popular in recent years, thanks to podcasters, social media influencers, professional athletes and others touting their benefits.  They have been found to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation after exercise, improve circulation and they've been linked to mood enhancement and stress reduction. Health and well-being coach Kent Johns explains furth...

Three-cheese French quiche  Cook time: 30 minutes  Prep time: 10 minutes  Serves: 6 people  2 sheets savoury pastry   6 eggs   1 cup cream   Salt and pepper   Cheeses cut into small dice. These can any three you wish to choose or better still use up.   Camembert   Gorgonzola   Tasty cheese  Preheat oven to 180*C.   Grease a 26cm flan...