With less than a week until New Zealanders have their say at the polls, our political leaders have become remarkably good at telling us who they won’t work with.  

Christopher Luxon has ruled out Labour, the Greens, Te Pāti Māori and The Opportunity Party. Chris Hipkins has ruled out National, ACT and New Zealand First. David Seymour has drawn his own line against the left, but would consider Opportunity. Winston Peters has made it abundantly clear that Labour and Opportunity aren’t on his Christmas card list.  

The Greens, meanwhile, have kept their options open, although their preference for a change of Government is hardly a secret.

And then there’s The Opportunity Party, led by Qiulae Wong, which has pitched itself as willing to negotiate across the political spectrum - albeit with serious reservations about serving in a Government with Peters as Foreign Minister.

Welcome to MMP: the electoral system in which everybody wants the numbers, but not necessarily the people and parties that come with them.

The two big ‘ifs’ are of course the possibility of an overhang, and whether The Opportunity Party will hit 5 percent. We have to wait and see how it unfolds, but given the tight polling and steady demise of the major parties, knowing who is prepared to deal with who matters.  

Voters deserve to know what they’re voting for. If a party has fundamental disagreements with another over tax, climate policy or the role of Government, pretending those differences don’t exist would be dishonest. 

But there’s a difference between establishing principles and bolting the door before you know who’s knocking.

National’s rejection of Opportunity is the much discussed case in point. Luxon objects to its proposals for a land tax and universal basic income, which sit awkwardly with National’s low tax philosophy. That is a legitimate policy argument. Luxon is also desperate for both the party and electoral vote so has kept the messaging simple.

But if the numbers on election night leave National needing Opportunity to govern, what then? 

Does Luxon stick to his promise and risk handing the Government benches to Labour? Or does he discover that Qiulae Wong is, after all, a perfectly reasonable person to have a cup of tea with?  

The difficulty is that a change of heart would come with a price. Having repeatedly ruled a party out, a leader cannot simply welcome it aboard and expect nobody to notice. Opponents would call it desperation. Disillusioned supporters may call it betrayal. And the media would have a field day replaying every previous emphatic denial.

Yet voters may also recognise political reality. A party that negotiates a workable agreement, secures sensible compromises and delivers stable Government could argue it had put the country ahead of campaign rhetoric.  

There is a difference between changing your mind because circumstances have changed, and abandoning your principles because the ministerial cars are beckoning.

The irony is that ruling parties out potentially reduces a leader’s bargaining power. The fewer options you leave yourself, the more leverage you hand to those still at the table.  

Opportunity’s potential importance lies precisely in its ability to talk across the divide, provided it can win enough votes to enter Parliament. 

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With less than a week until New Zealanders have their say at the polls, our political leaders have become remarkably good at telling us who they won’t work with. &nbsp;
Christopher Luxon has ruled out Labour, the Greens, Te Pāti Māori and The Opportunity Party. Chris Hipkins has ruled out National, ACT and New Zealand First. David Seymour has drawn his own line against the left, but would consider Opportunity. Winston Peters has made it abundantly clear that Labour and Opportunity aren’t on his Christmas card list. &nbsp;
The Greens, meanwhile, have kept their options open, although their preference for a change of Government is hardly a secret.
And then there’s The Opportunity Party, led by Qiulae Wong, which has pitched itself as willing to negotiate across the political spectrum - albeit with serious reservations about serving in a Government with Peters as Foreign Minister.
Welcome to MMP: the electoral system in which everybody wants the numbers, but not necessarily the people and parties that come with them.
The two big ‘ifs’ are of course the possibility of an overhang, and whether The Opportunity Party will hit 5 percent. We have to wait and see how it unfolds, but given the tight polling and steady demise of the major parties, knowing who is prepared to deal with who matters. &nbsp;
Voters deserve to know what they’re voting for. If a party has fundamental disagreements with another over tax, climate policy or the role of Government, pretending those differences don’t exist would be dishonest.&nbsp;
But there’s a difference between establishing principles and bolting the door before you know who’s knocking.
National’s rejection of Opportunity is the much discussed case in point. Luxon objects to its proposals for a land tax and universal basic income, which sit awkwardly with National’s low tax philosophy. That is a legitimate policy argument. Luxon is also desperate for both the party and electoral vote so has kept the messaging simple.
But if the numbers on election night leave National needing Opportunity to govern, what then?&nbsp;
Does Luxon stick to his promise and risk handing the Government benches to Labour? Or does he discover that Qiulae Wong is, after all, a perfectly reasonable person to have a cup of tea with? &nbsp;
The difficulty is that a change of heart would come with a price. Having repeatedly ruled a party out, a leader cannot simply welcome it aboard and expect nobody to notice. Opponents would call it desperation. Disillusioned supporters may call it betrayal. And the media would have a field day replaying every previous emphatic denial.
Yet voters may also recognise political reality. A party that negotiates a workable agreement, secures sensible compromises and delivers stable Government could argue it had put the country ahead of campaign rhetoric. &nbsp;
There is a difference between changing your mind because circumstances have changed, and abandoning your principles because the ministerial cars are beckoning.
The irony is that ruling parties out potentially reduces a leader’s bargaining power. The fewer options you leave yourself, the more leverage you hand to those still at the table. &nbsp;
Opportunity’s potential importance lies precisely in its ability to talk across the divide, provided it can win enough votes to enter Parliament.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Francesca Rudkin: Could Luxon change his mind about working with Opportunity?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5b680214-01ff-46de-a8f1-b4f4015dc21d/transcript

Film director Travis Knight and his studio Laika have built up a name for themselves in the world of stop-motion animation, but his newest project is his most ambitious one yet.

Wildwood is in theatres now, after 16 years in development - and it took 6 years of filming, 233 handmade puppets and over a thousand artists to get it all done.

There's already plenty of Oscar buzz around this project, with early speculation claiming it could take home the prize for Best Animated Feature.

Travis Knight says it was 'bittersweet' getting this wrapped up.

"Now we're finally sharing this thing that we've been working on for years with the rest of the world and I'm really thrilled by the response so far."

LISTEN ABOVE

Film director Travis Knight and his studio Laika have built up a name for themselves in the world of stop-motion animation, but his newest project is his most ambitious one yet.
Wildwood is in theatres now, after 16 years in development - and it took 6 years of filming, 233 handmade puppets and over a thousand artists to get it all done.
There's already plenty of Oscar buzz around this project, with early speculation claiming it could take home the prize for&nbsp;Best Animated Feature.
Travis Knight says it was 'bittersweet' getting this wrapped up.
"Now we're finally sharing this thing that we've been working on for years with the rest of the world and I'm really thrilled by the response so far."
LISTEN ABOVE

Travis Knight: Wildwood director on the film's creative journey and the impact of stop-motion animation

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a1727518-5ecb-493a-8cf7-b4ee00068363/transcript

Oscar-winning actor Ke Huy Quan's had a memorable Hollywood career, but there's more to his story than the fame and accolades.

He got his start as a child actor, having starred in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Goonies - but he took a hiatus after he couldn't find any new roles in his 20s.

Two decades later, he made a big professional comeback and won an Oscar for his role in the hit film Everything Everywhere All at Once.

But before his big film career, he was a refugee escaping a war-torn Vietnam, and he's exploring that part of his life in his new memoir Never Say Die.

"I never thought I would have the courage to write this book, but I'm really glad I did."

LISTEN ABOVE

Oscar-winning actor Ke Huy Quan's had a memorable Hollywood career, but there's more to his story than the fame and accolades.
He got his start as a child actor, having starred in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Goonies - but he took a hiatus after he couldn't find any new roles in his 20s.
Two decades later, he made a big professional comeback and won an Oscar for his role in the hit film Everything Everywhere All at Once.
But before his big film career, he was a refugee escaping a war-torn Vietnam, and he's exploring that part of his life in his new memoir Never Say Die.
"I never thought I would have the courage to write this book, but I'm really glad I did."
LISTEN ABOVE

Ke Huy Quan: Oscar-winning actor on his new memoir 'Never Say Die'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ff761e6a-a568-4e99-838b-b4ee00013eda/transcript

London Station by David McCloskey. This is the fourth book in his series about Artemis Aphrodite Procter, a CIA operative who’s a bit of a maverick and does things by her own rules. The author used to work at the CIA and clearly knows his way around and some of the background in the stories is fascinating. In this new one, Artemis has been (reluctantly) appointed as the Chief of the CIA London’s station just as the American administration wants to cut ties with their UK counterparts and diplomatic change is in the air. This is as good as the previous titles.

Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus – who wrote the brilliant Lessons in Chemistry which has now been loved by thousands of readers. This is her first book since, about a young man who gets a job at the most prestigious, secretive and dysfunctional poetry journal in the world: the renowned Peck & Peck. Batter Gray (named after his mother’s dog) is an unusual individual who ends up working for an even more unusual business. It’s quirky and clever. 

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London Station by David McCloskey. This is the fourth book in his series about Artemis Aphrodite Procter, a CIA operative who’s a bit of a maverick and does things by her own rules. The author used to work at the CIA and clearly knows his way around and some of the background in the stories is fascinating. In this new one, Artemis has been (reluctantly) appointed as the Chief of the CIA London’s station just as the American administration wants to cut ties with their UK counterparts and diplomatic change is in the air. This is as good as the previous titles.
Peck &amp; Peck by Bonnie Garmus – who wrote the brilliant Lessons in Chemistry which has now been loved by thousands of readers. This is her first book since, about a young man who gets a job at the most prestigious, secretive and dysfunctional poetry journal in the world: the renowned Peck &amp; Peck. Batter Gray (named after his mother’s dog) is an unusual individual who ends up working for an even more unusual business. It’s quirky and clever.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Whitcoulls Recommends: London Station and Peck & Peck

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a5d4db6f-431d-43e3-8527-b4ed0187596b/transcript

Three years after the devastating fires tore through the village of Lahaina, Megan Singleton visited the seaside town as part of her day in Maui.  

Officials have been working to rebuild residential homes, and it's expected more new businesses will be opening in 2028.  

Amid the ongoing recovery efforts, Megan shared what Maui has to offer - read more about her experience here.   

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Three years after the devastating fires tore through the village of Lahaina, Megan Singleton visited the seaside town as part of her day in Maui.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Officials have been working to rebuild residential homes, and it's expected more new businesses will be opening in 2028.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Amid the ongoing recovery efforts, Megan shared what Maui has to offer - read more about her experience <a href="https://www.bloggeratlarge.com/one-perfect-day-trip-on-maui-hawaii/">here.</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Megan Singleton: BloggerAtLarge.com writer on Maui's recovery after the fires three years ago

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/2efed956-e4f9-4a0c-aff7-b4ed0186287e/transcript

This week on the Sunday Panel, Newstalk ZB Wellington mornings host Nick Mills and Resident Economist at Opes Partners Ed McKnight joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more!

Enrolments are due to close tonight, with early voting beginning on Monday. 92 percent of eligible Kiwis are enrolled, but only 69 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds are enrolled. Do we think officials have done enough to get people enrolled? How could they reach more people?

JetBlue has teamed up with Virgin Voyages to launch a child-free holiday package made exclusively for travellers over 18. Do we see this catching on? 

LISTEN ABOVE

This week on the Sunday Panel, Newstalk ZB Wellington mornings host Nick Mills and&nbsp;Resident Economist at Opes Partners Ed McKnight joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more!
Enrolments are due to close tonight, with early voting beginning on Monday. 92 percent of eligible Kiwis are enrolled, but only 69 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds are enrolled. Do we think officials have done enough to get people enrolled? How could they reach more people?
JetBlue has teamed up with Virgin Voyages to launch a child-free holiday package made exclusively for travellers over 18. Do we see this catching on?&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

The Sunday Panel: How could officials reach younger voters?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/efae43e4-9a2c-4339-9e5c-b4ed0182c4c2/transcript

Listen to the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 25 October.

Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 25 October. 
Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 25 October 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a62e91de-c1b3-4ef7-a763-b4ed017eb143/transcript

Neurowellness is an emerging health and wellness framework aimed at regulating the autonomic nervous system.

New data indicates anxiety and mental health problems are on the rise, with Gallup’s 2025 global survey of 144 countries finding that 40 percent of people are reporting high anxiety on any given day.

Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara unpacked the phenomenon further. 

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Neurowellness is an emerging health and wellness framework aimed at regulating the autonomic nervous system.
New data indicates anxiety and mental health problems are on the rise, with Gallup’s 2025 global survey of 144 countries finding that 40 percent of people are reporting high anxiety on any given day.
Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara unpacked the phenomenon further.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Erin O'Hara: naturopath and wellness expert explains the rise of neurowellness

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e5aab527-1158-4edc-8742-b4ed017e18b3/transcript

Roasted pineapple and lime custard layered meringue 

Cook time: 30-40 minutes 

Prep time: 30 minutes 

Serves: 6

1/2 fresh pineapple  

1 tsp sunflower oil  

1 tbsp dark brown sugar  

Lime leaf custard  

200ml milk  

300ml cream  

6 makrut leaves, lightly crushed  

1 vanilla pod, scraped and seeds discarded  

5 egg yolks  

100gm sugar  

Brown sugar meringue  

125ml egg whites (approx. 4-5 eggs)  

250gm soft brown sugar  

Soft cream if required

Preheat oven to 180*C. Using a sharp knife, slice skin off pineapple. Cut pineapple in half length ways and remove core. Slice each half thinly. Lightly oil a roasting tray and lay out pineapple pieces in a single layer. Sprinkle with sugar and roast for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.  

For the custard  

Place milk and cream in a heavy-based saucepan with vanilla pod and makrut lime leaves. Heat to boiling then remove from heat. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Slowly whisk in hot milk and cream. Place in a clean saucepan and stir over a low heat until the mixture coats the back of a wooden spoon. Transfer to a jug and cool in fridge.  

For the meringue  

Turn oven down to 150*C. Using whisk attachment in an electric mixer, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually the sugar while whisking, until the whites become stiff and glossy. Line a 20 x 30cm with baking paper, dotting a little of the meringue mix between the tray and the paper to keep it in place. Spoon meringue onto tray and spread out thinly. Bake for 25 minutes, remove from oven and leave to cool. Once cool, break into large, rough chunks. and assemble your Eton mess in a large glass jar. Refrigerator till required.

LISTEN ABOVE

<h2>Roasted pineapple and lime custard layered meringue&nbsp;</h2>
Cook time: 30-40 minutes&nbsp;
Prep time: 30 minutes&nbsp;
Serves: 6
1/2 fresh pineapple &nbsp;
1 tsp sunflower oil &nbsp;
1 tbsp dark brown sugar &nbsp;
Lime leaf custard &nbsp;
200ml milk &nbsp;
300ml cream &nbsp;
6 makrut leaves, lightly crushed &nbsp;
1 vanilla pod, scraped and seeds discarded &nbsp;
5 egg yolks &nbsp;
100gm sugar &nbsp;
Brown sugar meringue &nbsp;
125ml egg whites (approx. 4-5 eggs) &nbsp;
250gm soft brown sugar &nbsp;
Soft cream if required
Preheat oven to 180*C. Using a sharp knife, slice skin off pineapple. Cut pineapple in half length ways and remove core. Slice each half thinly. Lightly oil a roasting tray and lay out pineapple pieces in a single layer. Sprinkle with sugar and roast for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. &nbsp;
For the custard &nbsp;
Place milk and cream in a heavy-based saucepan with vanilla pod and makrut lime leaves. Heat to boiling then remove from heat. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Slowly whisk in hot milk and cream. Place in a clean saucepan and stir over a low heat until the mixture coats the back of a wooden spoon. Transfer to a jug and cool in fridge. &nbsp;
For the meringue &nbsp;
Turn oven down to 150*C. Using whisk attachment in an electric mixer, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually the sugar while whisking, until the whites become stiff and glossy. Line a 20 x 30cm with baking paper, dotting a little of the meringue mix between the tray and the paper to keep it in place. Spoon meringue onto tray and spread out thinly. Bake for 25 minutes, remove from oven and leave to cool. Once cool, break into large, rough chunks. and assemble your Eton mess in a large glass jar. Refrigerator till required.
LISTEN ABOVE

Mike van de Elzen: Roasted pineapple and lime custard layered meringue

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b9cf721a-473b-408e-957b-b4ed017b7c3c/transcript

Could blocking out noise during surgery stop you from feeling sick afterwards? 

If you've ever had surgery under general anaesthetic, you might remember waking up feeling nauseous, dizzy or desperately wanting to vomit. 

It's a surprisingly common side effect of anaesthesia, and despite doctors routinely giving patients medications to prevent it, many people still experience it. 

A new clinical trial suggests that simply covering patients' ears during surgery could significantly reduce their chances of feeling sick afterwards. 

The research, presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 annual conference in San Diego, raises an intriguing question about how much information our brains continue to process when we're under general anaesthetic. 

The researchers recruited 192 adults aged between 18 and 65 who were undergoing keyhole surgery and randomly divided them into two groups. 

The first group underwent surgery as normal, receiving standard general anaesthesia and medications to help prevent nausea. 

The second group received exactly the same treatment, but from the moment they were anaesthetised until their surgery was completed, they wore noise-blocking ear defenders. 

They recorded whether participants experienced nausea, retching or vomiting while recovering from their anaesthetic and during the following two days. 

The results found that only 35 percent of the ear defender wearing patients experienced nausea or vomiting within 48 hours compared to 52 percent without ear defenders (32 percent reduction). 

They also found that patients whose hearing had been protected experienced less severe symptoms during the first 24 hours after surgery. 

So why would blocking sound make a difference when someone is unconscious? 

It's tempting to think of general anaesthesia as switching the brain off, but that's not really what happens. 

The researchers suspect that sound exposure during surgery might activate stress-related responses even when patients aren't consciously aware of the noise. 

Those responses could potentially interact with the brainstem circuits involved in triggering nausea and vomiting. 

Perhaps blocking sound reduces physiological stress, or changes how the nervous system processes pain. 

The fascinating part to this study is that it challenges our assumptions about what it means to be unconscious. 

The study raises the question that if our brains can still respond to the world when we are unconscious, perhaps a quieter operating theatre could help us wake up feeling better. 

LISTEN ABOVE

Could blocking out noise during surgery stop you from feeling sick afterwards?&nbsp;
If you've ever had surgery under general anaesthetic, you might remember waking up feeling nauseous, dizzy or desperately wanting to vomit.&nbsp;
It's a surprisingly common side effect of anaesthesia, and despite doctors routinely giving patients medications to prevent it, many people still experience it.&nbsp;
A new clinical trial suggests that simply covering patients' ears during surgery could significantly reduce their chances of feeling sick afterwards.&nbsp;
The research, presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 annual conference in San Diego, raises an intriguing question about how much information our brains continue to process when we're under general anaesthetic.&nbsp;
The researchers recruited 192 adults aged between 18 and 65 who were undergoing keyhole surgery and randomly divided them into two groups.&nbsp;
The first group underwent surgery as normal, receiving standard general anaesthesia and medications to help prevent nausea.&nbsp;
The second group received exactly the same treatment, but from the moment they were anaesthetised until their surgery was completed, they wore noise-blocking ear defenders.&nbsp;
They recorded whether participants experienced nausea, retching or vomiting while recovering from their anaesthetic and during the following two days.&nbsp;
The results found that only 35 percent of the ear defender wearing patients experienced nausea or vomiting within 48 hours compared to 52 percent without ear defenders (32 percent reduction).&nbsp;
They also found that patients whose hearing had been protected experienced less severe symptoms during the first 24 hours after surgery.&nbsp;
So why would blocking sound make a difference when someone is unconscious?&nbsp;
It's tempting to think of general anaesthesia as switching the brain off, but that's not really what happens.&nbsp;
The researchers suspect that sound exposure during surgery might activate stress-related responses even when patients aren't consciously aware of the noise.&nbsp;
Those responses could potentially interact with the brainstem circuits involved in triggering nausea and vomiting.&nbsp;
Perhaps blocking sound reduces physiological stress, or changes how the nervous system processes pain.&nbsp;
The fascinating part to this study is that it challenges our assumptions about what it means to be unconscious.&nbsp;
The study raises the question that if our brains can still respond to the world when we are unconscious, perhaps a quieter operating theatre could help us wake up feeling better.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist on whether blocking out noise during surgery can reduce sickness

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/2546091e-3957-4c50-addb-b4ed01791a21/transcript

News, opinion, analysis, lifestyle and entertainment – we’ve got your Sunday morning listening covered with The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin on Newstalk ZB.

The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

In the latest episode of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, famed chef Yotam Ottolenghi talks finding the joy of cooking and talks his stage show coming to New Zealand in 2026. 

We hear from Black Grace Dance Company founder Neil Ieremia as the group celebrates 30 years of stunning performances. 

Plus Bill Bryson talks revisiting and revising his iconic book A Short History of Nearly Everything. 

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session. 

Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

LISTEN ABOVE

In the latest episode of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, famed chef Yotam Ottolenghi talks finding the joy of cooking and talks his stage show coming to New Zealand in 2026.&nbsp;
We hear from Black Grace Dance Company founder Neil Ieremia as the group celebrates 30 years of stunning performances.&nbsp;
Plus Bill Bryson talks revisiting and revising his iconic book&nbsp;A Short History of Nearly Everything.&nbsp;
Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session.&nbsp;
Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Episode 17: Yotam Ottolenghi, Neil Ieremia and Bill Bryson

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/20a442ef-5aa7-4a46-af44-b3a70010afe0/transcript

In the latest episode of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear from multi award winning and delightful Australian author Trent Dalton on his latest book, Gravity Let Me Go. He also celebrated his theatre production coming to Auckland. 

Francesca catches up with Kiwi actress Melanie Lynskey. She's taking Hollywood by storm with a starring role in Yellowjackets but came home to star in the new Pike River film. 

Plus we learn the art of writing historical novels from the iconic Ken Follett.  

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session. 

Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

LISTEN ABOVE

In the latest episode of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear from multi award winning and delightful Australian author Trent Dalton on his latest book, Gravity Let Me Go. He also celebrated his theatre production coming to Auckland.&nbsp;
Francesca catches up with Kiwi actress Melanie Lynskey. She's taking Hollywood by storm with a starring role in&nbsp;Yellowjackets but came home to star in the new Pike River film.&nbsp;
Plus we learn the art of writing historical novels from the iconic Ken Follett. &nbsp;
Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session.&nbsp;
Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Episode 16: Trent Dalton, Melanie Lynskey and Ken Follett

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/af2d1cea-9288-4f7f-9efc-b3850108008f/transcript

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear the heart-wrenching but uplifting story of Timoti te Moke - who turned his life around and is now a doctor and role model to so many.

And Francesca speaks with Dr Rachel Clarke about the fascinating world of organ donation - and the case that sparked interest around the world. 

Plus we all know Bret McKenzie from Flight of the Conchords fame. But he's gone on to produce music for Hollywood blockbusters and he talks with Francesca about his new album Freak Out City. 

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session. 

Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

LISTEN ABOVE

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear the heart-wrenching but uplifting story of Timoti te Moke - who turned his life around and is now a doctor and role model to so many.
And Francesca speaks with Dr Rachel Clarke about the fascinating world of organ donation - and the case that sparked interest around the world.&nbsp;
Plus we all know Bret McKenzie from Flight of the Conchords fame. But he's gone on to produce music for Hollywood blockbusters and he talks with Francesca about his new album&nbsp;Freak Out City.&nbsp;
Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session.&nbsp;
Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Episode 15: Timoti te Moke, Dr Rachel Clarke and Bret McKenzie

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a2559b17-1b25-497a-8e79-b3540133befa/transcript

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear from the iconic Helena Bonham Carter on her new movie Four Letters of Love and how she reflects on her storied career. 

And Francesca speaks with Owain Mulligan who ended up serving in the Iraq War after joining the Territorial Army as an outlet. He's told his story in the book The Accidental Soldier. 

Plus Canadian band Cowboy Junkies have been around for four decades and they're touring New Zealand in November. Lead singer Margo Timmins tells us the secret behind the band's longevity. 

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session. 

Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

LISTEN ABOVE

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear from the iconic Helena Bonham Carter on her new movie&nbsp;Four Letters of Love and how she reflects on her storied career.&nbsp;
And Francesca speaks with Owain Mulligan who ended up serving in the Iraq War after joining the Territorial Army as an outlet. He's told his story in the book The Accidental Soldier.&nbsp;
Plus Canadian band Cowboy Junkies have been around for four decades and they're touring New Zealand in November. Lead singer Margo Timmins tells us the secret behind the band's longevity.&nbsp;
Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session.&nbsp;
Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Episode 14: Helena Bonham Carter, Owain Mulligan and Margo Timmins

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/53319026-a0a1-4532-aac4-b32a0118e744/transcript

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear from filmmaker Celine Song on her Hollywood hit, The Materialists starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans. 

Author AA Dhand talks his latest thriller, The Chemist. Francesca asks how his experiences with abuse, violence and overdoses while running a late hour pharmacy in the UK informed his writing.  

And one of our top comedians, Chris Parker is on a nationwide tour. So he joined Francesca in studio talk New Zealand's ever-growing comedy scene. 

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session. 

Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

LISTEN ABOVE

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear from filmmaker Celine Song on her Hollywood hit,&nbsp;The Materialists&nbsp;starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans.&nbsp;
Author AA Dhand talks his latest thriller, The Chemist. Francesca asks how his experiences with abuse, violence and overdoses while running a late hour pharmacy in the UK informed his writing.&nbsp;&nbsp;
And one of our top comedians, Chris Parker is on a nationwide tour. So he joined Francesca in studio talk New Zealand's ever-growing comedy scene.&nbsp;
Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session.&nbsp;
Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
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Episode 13: Celine Song, AA Dhand and Chris Parker

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/951514dd-5196-444a-b773-b3080002c81d/transcript

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, the author and screenwriter of the novel, film and television series One Day, David Nicholls is back with a new best-selling novel. He joins Francesca to talk the his massively successful career. 

Author Kailane Bradley was also on our shore for the Auckland Writer's Festival this month - and joined Francesca to talk her debut novel, The Ministry of Time. 

And Kiwi's own country music star Kaylee Bell stops by to give an exclusive performance and to chat getting recognition around the world. 

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session. 

Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

LISTEN ABOVE

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, the author and screenwriter of the novel, film and television series One Day, David Nicholls is back with a new best-selling novel. He joins Francesca to talk the his massively successful career.&nbsp;
Author Kailane Bradley was also on our shore for the Auckland Writer's Festival this month - and joined Francesca to talk her debut novel,&nbsp;The Ministry of Time.&nbsp;
And Kiwi's own country music star Kaylee Bell stops by to give an exclusive performance and to chat getting recognition around the world.&nbsp;
Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session.&nbsp;
Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Episode 12: David Nicholls, Kailane Bradley and Kaylee Bell

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/dcbfaf59-9122-430e-9c7d-b2eb01184d45/transcript

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, actress Rebecca Gibney opens up about her newest TV project and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone.

Richard Roxburgh and journalist Peter Gresta joined Francesca to discuss their new movie The Correspondent - where Roxburgh portrays Gresta's 2013 arrest in Egypt.

And Amanda Knox tells her story of being wrongly convicted of murdering her flatmate in Italy in 2007 and surviving 4 years in prison in her new book Flee.

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session. 

Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

LISTEN ABOVE

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, actress Rebecca Gibney opens up about her newest TV project and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone.
Richard Roxburgh and journalist Peter Gresta joined Francesca to discuss their new movie&nbsp;The Correspondent - where Roxburgh portrays Gresta's 2013 arrest in Egypt.
And Amanda Knox tells her story of being wrongly convicted of murdering her flatmate in Italy in 2007 and surviving 4 years in prison in her new book Flee.
Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session.&nbsp;
Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Episode 11: Rebecca Gibney, Richard Roxburgh and Peter Gresta and Amanda Knox

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/edd13926-74f9-4741-8f0a-b2c9002fa611/transcript

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, famed UK comedian and writer joined Francesca Rudkin in studio to talk his New Zealand tour and offer some big opinions on the state of the world.

Francesca also catches up with worldwide writing sensation Jojo Moyes who has just released her latest novel, We All Live Here. 

And New Zealand's own and The Veils frontman Finn Andrews came in to celebrate the band's latest album and give a special performance. 

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session. 

Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

LISTEN ABOVE

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, famed UK comedian and writer joined Francesca Rudkin in studio to talk his New Zealand tour and offer some big opinions on the state of the world.
Francesca also catches up with worldwide writing sensation Jojo Moyes who has just released her latest novel,&nbsp;We All Live Here.&nbsp;
And New Zealand's own and The Veils frontman Finn Andrews came in to celebrate the band's latest album and give a special performance.&nbsp;
Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's&nbsp;The Sunday Session.&nbsp;
Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Episode 10: Ben Elton, Jojo Moyes and Finn Andrews

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d9b3f87e-eaea-45a9-bb5e-b2ac016ef168/transcript

In the first 2025 edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, former CIA analyst turned thriller writer David McCloskey talks his third book and how he captures CIA life. 

New Zealand's own Morgana O'Reilly is a cast member on The White Lotus and tells Francesca what it was like on set and what audiences should expect from the hit show's third season. 

And Jake Bailey captured the nation's attention when he was at high school with a cancer diagnosis. He's beaten the disease and has become a speaker on the international scene and talked his new book. 

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session. 

Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

LISTEN ABOVE

In the first 2025 edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, former CIA analyst turned thriller writer David McCloskey talks his third book and how he captures CIA life.&nbsp;
New Zealand's own Morgana O'Reilly is a cast member on&nbsp;The White Lotus&nbsp;and tells Francesca what it was like on set and what audiences should expect from the hit show's third season.&nbsp;
And Jake Bailey captured the nation's attention when he was at high school with a cancer diagnosis. He's beaten the disease and has become a speaker on the international scene and talked his new book.&nbsp;
Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's&nbsp;The Sunday Session.&nbsp;
Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Episode 9: David McCloskey, Morgana O'Reilly and Jake Bailey

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a4643f93-01e8-49ad-824f-b290011859f1/transcript

On the final episode of the summer edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear from author, podcaster and former late night talk show host Chelsea Handler joined the show before her tour to New Zealand. 

Gemma Arterton, of Quantum of Solace and The King's Man fame, talked her latest movie, The Critic. 

And award winning author Abraham Verghese spoke to Francesca before his appearance at the Auckland Writers Festival. 

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session. 

Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

LISTEN ABOVE

On the final episode of the summer edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear from author, podcaster and former late night talk show host Chelsea Handler joined the show before her tour to New Zealand.&nbsp;
Gemma Arterton, of Quantum of Solace and The King's Man fame, talked her latest movie, The Critic.&nbsp;
And award winning author Abraham Verghese spoke to Francesca before his appearance at the Auckland Writers Festival.&nbsp;
Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's&nbsp;The Sunday Session.&nbsp;
Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Episode 8: Chelsea Handler, Gemma Arterton, Abraham Verghese

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b54bc748-129e-446d-ad91-b2670149e761/transcript

Get the very best from Newstalk ZB's Francesca Rudkin as she brings you the top interviews from her chats from The Sunday Session. 

Hear from the big names globally as well as those making headlines right here in New Zealand. 

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin is the home of in depth, enlightening and entertaining conversations. 

Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Get the very best from Newstalk ZB's Francesca Rudkin as she brings you the top interviews from her chats from The Sunday Session. 
Hear from the big names globally as well as those making headlines right here in New Zealand. 
Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin is the home of in depth, enlightening and entertaining conversations. 
Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

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