Afternoons for Thursday 6 March 2025

1:15 Squash Open finds home at historic Christchurch venue 

The New Zealand Squash Open is being in held in Ōtautahi Christchurch for the first time this week but the event is likely to be remembered for more than high-octane serves and returns.

The venue is the historic Isaac Theatre Royal. Spectators can watch the action from red velvet seats under a painted dome ceiling, surrounded by ornate detailing and heritage Edwardian fabrics.  

William Shakespeare himself looks down on the action from a royal box though what he would make of the specially constructed glass squash court, is anyone's guess.

Scott Gardiner, Tournament Director for the Open has stepped away from his balcony "view" and he joins Jesse today. 

1:25 Pāpāmoa Fire Station retires siren

The familiar sound of the Pāpāmoa Fire Station siren has been silenced. With the exception of a weekly test, it will no longer fill the daytime airwaves to signal a fire emergency.  

Pāpāmoa Deputy Chief Fire Officer Pat Wilson says it's a sign of the times as the Bay of Plenty's suburban sprawl means it's easier to alert firefighters via pagers and the Fire and Emergency app.

But while the station itself may be quieter, Pat says they always need more boots on the ground. 

1:35 Teach your dog to care for native species

As much as we love kiwis, we also love our dogs, and it can be hard to accept that dogs pose a threat to our native taonga. 

An upcoming workshop in Taranaki is an opportunity for owners to learn how to prevent their dogs from hurting kiwi and other native species, but the benefits for you and your dog could go well beyond that. 

Lesley Baigent is a retired vet and kiwi dog handler. She speaks to Jesse today. 

1:45 Feature Album: 'Piano & A Microphone 1983' by Prince

Those playing Link 3 today could take home a copy of 'Piano & A Microphone 1983' by Prince. 

This was the first posthumous release following Prince's death in 2016, discovered on a cassette in his famous "Vault". 

It captures a half-hour live medley performance by Prince in his home studio with - as the title implies - nothing but a piano and a microphone. 

It includes the earliest known recording of "Purple Rain" and a cover of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You".

2:10 Podcast Critic: 'Call Jonathan Pie' and 'The Dream' 

Afternoons podcast critic Evie Ashton joins Jesse to introduce you to two new podcasts. 

'Call Jonathan Pie' is a radio phone-in show by political journalist Jonathan Pie. 'The Dream' is an investigative podcast about MLMs (multi-level marketing businesses). 

2:30 NZ Sporting History: Megan Compain

Today on NZ Sporting History Jesse speaks to a true pioneer, Megan Compain.

She was the first ever New Zealander to play professional basketball in the USA and a member of the first New Zealand team to compete at the Olympics. 

3:15 Solving the World's Problems with Ali Jones

Every two weeks Jesse gets to the bottom of a problem, be it large and global or personal and local.

Ali Jones is a senior consultant at Red PR and the problem she's trying to solve today might seem personal, but it's got big implications: when should you help someone and when should you mind your own business? 

3:20 History with Dr Grant Morris

Victoria University of Wellington's Dr Grant Morris is our portal to the past. 

Today, Grant presents the history of New Zealand and NATO.

3:45 The Pre-Panel for 6 March 2025

Wallace Chapman and producer Olivia Wilson are in the studio with Jesse to preview tonight's installment of The Panel.