Nights for Thursday 18 December 2025

8:10 A mega ministry merger to rule them all 

The government this week announced a new mega ministry that will take on the work of housing, transport and local government functions.  

At Tuesday's announcement Minister Chris Bishop said new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) will be at the heart of tackling some of New Zealand's greatest economic and environmental challenges, from housing affordability, our infrastructure deficit, and adaptation to climate change.

Dr Tim Welch is a Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

He joins Emile Donovan.

8:20 End of year reflections with RNZ Nights producer Tim Miller

Our executive producer pops along with some sage reflections on the nature of sport and success in this his final show of the year

8:35 Philosophy Now: Is advertising actually a good idea?

Dan Weijers, a senior lecturer in philosophy at the University of Waikato, joins Emile Donovan to tackle some of life's biggest questions-whether it's about love, death, or happiness.

Tonight's question: Is advertising actually a good idea?

It's a very timely one. Christmas ads are everywhere at the moment, and many of them are doing much more than just selling products.

8:45 Christopher Tubbs on DJing, the vibe, the music and why dancing is for everyone

DJ, producer, and considered a godfather of Kiwi club culture, Christopher Tubbs has done it all.

Spinning at world-famous clubs in Europe, running his own label and curating music for fashion brands.

From 9 pm on Boxing Day, you can catch him here on RNZ National, serving up disco heat, Balearic bliss, and everything in between all summer long.

Tonight, he joins Emile Donovan in our Wellington studio to talk about DJing, the vibe, the music and why dancing is for everyone, not just the young.

9:05 Nights Quiz

Do you know your stuff? Come on the air and be grilled by Emile Donovan as he dons his quizmaster hat.

If you get an answer right, you move on to the next question. If you get it wrong, your time in the chair is up, and the next caller will be put through. The person with the most correct answers at the end of the run goes in the draw for a weekly prize.

9:25 Science with Ezzy Pearson

For the final time this year we talk science with our correspondent Ezzy Pearson 

Tonight, some Xmas themed science research, including the science of cooking the perfect turkey.

9:35 How do I stop spiders living in my wing mirrors?

Car wing mirrors, also known as side mirrors are of course a crucial tool for safe driving.

However as well as helping us see areas outside of our peripheral vision - they also seem to be an attractive place for spiders to make their home. 

So why do our eight-legged friends choose our wing mirrors to spin their webs - and is there anything we can do to stop them from doing so?

Heiko Kaise owns Alpeco in Rotorua- a pest control business that focusses on non-toxic and environmentally friendly pest control methods, and he joins Emile Donovan.

9:45 Pacific Waves

A daily current affairs programme that delves deeper into the major stories of the week, through a Pacific lens, and shines a light on issues affecting Pacific people wherever they are in the world. Hosted by Susana Suisuiki.

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10:17 The Best of The Detail

Tonight, on The Detail, the president, the tech oligarchs, the media and AI - why we can expect a new wave of information you just can't trust

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10:45 The Reading: 'Epiphany'

An epiphany strikes Sarah in her favourite little café in Tirau thanks to a caramel slice.

Our reading tonight is a short story by a Palmerston North writer Lesley Ayers. 

'Epiphany' is read by Anapela Polataivao  

11:08 The Mixtape

Kara Rickard sits down with Soundsplash founders Naomi Tuao and Brian Ruawai who share the ups and downs of running one of New Zealand's longest running festivals.