Nights for Thursday 12 February 2026

8:10 The implications of the rise in the space launch limit

The government is raising the total number of space launches allowed from New Zealand to 1000, as the cap set at 100 in 2017 comes close to being breached.

The current limit was expected to be reached this year, while the new limit would not be reached until 2050.

Laura Revell is Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry at the University of Canterbury. She joins Emile Donovan to discuss the change and the rise of space industry in New Zealand,

8:25 The House

Tonight on our Parliament show – The House – Phil Smith focuses on the bills that get extra time and attention this week. 

8:35 The geography of personal tax

Inland Revenue data shows that Auckland pays just under 38 percent of the country's personal tax, despite having just over 33 percent of the population. 

Meanwhile Wellington pays 12.7 percent and has 10.5 percent of the population, while Northland has 3.5 percent of the population and carries 2.8 percent of the tax bill.

These figures are based on information for the 2023 financial year.

So what's behind these regional variations?

Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen joins Emile Donovan.

8:45 In defence of Te Papa and its unseen national art collection

Last week on Nights we spoke with Paul Little, who wrote in the Listener about criticism of Te Papa and its role as our national art gallery.

Many expressed their frustration that only a small fraction of the significant New Zealand art in the museum collection is on display.

That interview and article sparked a lot of discussion about what Te Papa is doing, though not everyone agrees the museum is failing.

Dina Jezdic is an art critic, curator, writer and academic who says the value of a national gallery isn't just what's displayed on the wall, She joins Emile Donovan. 

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.

For each question answered correctly, a quizzee gets their name put in the draw for the weekly prize: the coveted Nights mug.

9:20 How the rocket salad leaf reveals the history of Italian migration

Rocket salad leaves - the ubiquitous garnish of the cafe culture boom found on everything from pizza to smashed avo.

But if you've ever watched a cooking show, you may have seen it also referred to by another name - arugula.

It's the same plant, so why do English speakers use two completely different names ?

Matt Absalom is a Senior Lecturer, Italian Studies at the University of Melbourne and joins Emile Donovan to explain.

9:35 New tool to identify flood-prone Auckland properties

Last year, TradeMe and OneRoof integrated Auckland Council's flood data into their platforms to give potential buyers better information about a property's risk level.

The move was part of a broader push over the past four years to encourage Aucklanders to know their risk level and be prepared for future floods.

Nancy Baines is a principal advisor on flood risk and Nick Brown is the head of intelligence at Auckland Council's Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience department.

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 Detail

Tonight on The Detail - More than 600 million litres of untreated sewage have poured into Wellington water, leaving beaches empty and questions over who's responsible

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10:45 The Reading

Goneville is a rock'n'roll coming of age story by Nick Bollinger, who was just 18 when he went on the road with the band Rough Justice and its smoky-voiced, charismatic leader Rick Bryant. 

In episode two tonight we pick up the story with the young Nick Bollinger.

11:07 The Mixtape: Matt Gibb

Tony Stamp sits down with TV presenter Matt Gibb to learn more about his life and career and to hear six of his favourite songs.