Conversations With Wāhine: Recent Episodes
National Council of Women Wellington
Join our hosts are we interview inspirational guests who are leading change in their fields within the country, and the globe.
We champion the work Wellington women are achieving in their respective fields and amplify their voices in the community.
This podcast is brought to you by the National Council of Women Wellington Branch.
Available on Access Radio, and our Zoom calls can be found on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuYNLhj7bYyEmUqi_e8VKqg
You can also find us by searching "Consersations with Wahine" on facebook and instagram
Harita interviews Lee Martin.
Renowned singer-songwriter Lee Martin delivers a poignant reflection on life’s unpredictable journey with her latest indie-soul offering, ‘5 Year Plan’. This evocative track captures the friction between our grand designs and the gritty reality of time slipping through our fingers.
Lee is an old soul with a versatile writing style that completely bypasses mainstream clichés in favour of raw, probing narrative. The Christchurch-based artist spent her childhood absorbing the rule-breaking mastery of greats like Van Morrison and Pink Floyd, building a sonic identity heavily rooted in emotional resilience. After finding critical success with her 2024 album Dreamers Dawn, Martin has stepped into her most authentic era yet with her latest album, Marlene—a project she describes as an unfiltered reckoning of her own life chapters. We sat down with Lee to discuss her musical evolution, growing through life's messy realities, and why she has finally stopped chasing external approval.
‘5 Year Plan’ provides a candid look at the sensation of being suspended in time—navigating the disappointment of faded dreams, lingering habits and mistakes, and the heavy weight of unmet expectations. It is an anthem for the quiet endurance and resilience required to keep moving forward when the path forward looks nothing like the blueprint, and life doesn’t unfold the way you imagined...
The song’s emotional core is anchored in its shifting narrative. Martin highlights the passage of time and the idiom that “time waits for no man” with the lyrics, "I’m 15 years in on my 5-year plan" which then evolves into, "I’m 18 years in on my 5-year plan.."
“These lines are the heartbeat of the track for me - my favourite parts of the song, indicating the chaos of lost time and the feeling of being stuck in motion. Meanwhile years later, here’s me still working on that 5 year plan”, Martin explains.
The constant shifting of the goalposts, and the deflating realisation that you’re still a work in progress is, in the end, all ok because it’s better to embrace and grow through the chaotic and messy reality of life, rather than being disappointed in an imaginary, less than perfect finish line.
‘5 Year Plan’ follows on from previous single and video, the musically restrained yet emotionally potent ‘Feel’, an ode offering an empathic and judgement free lens through which to view intense vulnerability and self-destructive behaviours. With her trademark velvet vocals and masterful storytelling, the South-African born, Ōtautahi-based artist explores the vulnerability of "growing through the mess".
‘5 Year Plan’ is a soulful tribute to resilience and the courage it takes to remain in motion when life remains stubbornly off-script. Lee Martin is an indie-soul musical powerhouse celebrated for her lyrical depth and commanding vocal presence. Her music weaves together soulful grit and folk-style storytelling, making her one of Aotearoa’s most compelling voices.
You can follow her on socials here:
Harita interview Alayne Dick.
Alayne is a multi-talented, queer comedian, writer, and performer based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). Known for her sharp, relatable wit and delightfully unhinged storytelling, she has quickly become a standout fixture in the Australasian comedy and improv scenes.
Alayne first made waves on the fringe circuit, winning the SYNZ Tour Ready Award at the NZ Fringe Festival and earning a nomination for Best Spoken Word at the Sydney Fringe Festival. Her comedic footprint expanded significantly following a breakout sweep at the Wellington Comedy Awards, where she picked up nominations for Best Comedian, Breakthrough Comedian, Best Show, and Best Joke.
Audiences across New Zealand and Australia know her best from her hit solo stand-up hour, Purple is the Gayest Colour, which she successfully toured to the Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and Auckland. The wildly popular show hilariously dives into growing up cringe in the 2000s, dial-up internet fanfiction, and her ultimate evolution into a "Bunnings gay".
Beyond stand-up, Alayne is a veteran improviser with the acclaimed troupe Tiny Dog and a brilliant screen writer, having secured a seed grant from the NZ Writers Guild. Whether she’s performing on stage at the NZ International Comedy Festival Gala, appearing on TV3's Best Comedy Show On Earth, or bringing chaotic group chats to life with sock puppets, Alayne delivers a potent blend of comedy that you won't soon forget.
You can follow her in instagram: (1) Instagram
Harita interviews Zoe Vera.
Following hot on the heels of her previous Live Harder single releases ‘Good Enough’ and ‘Twelve Feet Under’, latest stand-out track ‘Dizzying’ captures the emotional tension between both wanting and fearing love. A reflection of the courage it takes to open your heart when faced with the thrill of a new, exciting connection, while feeling paralysed by past relationships and unhealed wounds
“For me, ‘Dizzying’ is about being fearless and open to the thrill of experiencing love again, even though you’re still nursing raw, residual pain. It’s an emotional tug-of-war when you’re feeling swept up in something new, but still wary due to past lessons”, says Zoë.
A widely relatable track, ‘Dizzying’ masterfully pairs a vibrant, upbeat melody with sharp moments of introspective tension. Known for her lyrical honesty, raw vulnerability and emotive vocals, it’s through her music that Zoë cathartically explores themes of resilience, identity and growth.
Her soon to be released EP, Live Harder, produced by highly respected, multi-talented musician Danny McCrum, delves into her experience with trauma and the journey of rebuilding her life, which allows her to draw on a profound well of strength and survival to inform her lyricism.
Zoë is set to further build on the widespread radio and industry acclaim received to date from previous tracks which have already received international and local airplay on numerous radio stations, including a highly coveted debut interview with powerhouse broadcaster The Hits.
With a sound that leans into musicality, sophistication and creative substance setting her apart from predictable pop genre conventions, Zoë Vera is an exciting new presence on the New Zealand music scene, and has quickly become an artist to watch.
Wrap your ears around ‘Dizzying’ and 'Live Harder' now!
Aisling Waldron is a Senior policy Advisor at Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention Center and serves on the Governance Board of ECPAT Child Alert. She previously led Prevention and Education initiatives at the Department of Internal Affairs tackling online harms, including child sexual exploitation and terrorist and violent extremist material online. In 2025 she accepted a role as Global Director of Monitoring for Cybersmarties, an Irish based education social media platform. After failing to be paid for 6 months, Aisling resigned and is now one of the key whistleblowers against CyberSmarties Ltd and its founder Diarmuid Hudner, acting on behalf of a victim group spanning multiple countries.
Shari Brewer is an Australian based content strategist with a background in education and digital business development. She has built and managed multiple online platforms across content marketing and e-learning, with a strong focus on supporting small business owners with their authentic voice in an AI-centric world. In 2024 she and a business partner invested their savings in an Australian Cybersmarties franchise to introduce the platform into Queensland schools. Things did not go to plan, and despite a signed contract guaranteeing the return of their deposit and countless empty promises to return the funds, she remains out of pocket more than 12 months later.
Together Aisling and Shari are pressing the authorities to investigate the company and founder. They have secured a front page story in the NZ Herald as well as in the Irish Mail on Sunday formal investigation and accountability. They continue to work tirelessly to ensure that companies and systems set up to protect children are themselves held to account.
They are continuing to raise funds for their legal case in the Irish courts, which has the extra layer of challenges since Aisling and Shari don't live in Ireland. Every donation and share helps bring them one step closer to justice:
Fundraiser by Shari Brewer : Justice should be within everyone's reach. Fairness matters.
Content Warning: sexual themes, including rough sex and strangulation/choking.
Award winning educator and researcher, Samantha's research interests are in gender-based violence and abuse, and she is an internationally recognised expert on pornography, ‘rough sex’ and sexual choking/strangulation. She is the author of 'Pornography, rough sex and gendered harm: Just sex on screen?'.
Bryn &Ku’s Singles Club returns for season 2 bringing with it, new relationships, big milestones, but with the same heartfelt friendship and comedy that got the first season of the docuseries nominated for Best Factual Series, and winner of Best Presenter: Entertainment at the NZ Screen Awards in 2025.
After a groundbreaking first season that captured the hearts and laughs of audiences across the nation, two of our best comedy talents; Billy T James award-winning comedians Brynley Stent and Kura Forrester, navigate the hilarious, and honest reality of life after their quest for love,facing the truth when you find it, and what happens after you do. Bryn & Ku’s Singles Club is created, hosted, produced and directed by a creative team of women, which includes Director and Co-Creator Sophie Dowson and Producer Jin Fellet alongside Stent and Forrester, premiering on July 7th, on The Spinoff and YouTube.
While last season focused on the unified single journey and the search for connection, the stakes have changed; season 2 finds Bryn and Ku navigating their different life stages, and once again, travelling across Aotearoa, exploring the evolving dynamics of love, community, and the relatable pressure of “happily ever after”.
Kura has traded the city for Muriwai with her partner Mark and is navigating the daunting, exciting journey of impending parenthood whilst still adapting to being in a serious adult relationship. Meanwhile, Bryn is facing her own crossroads; at 36, she’s at the start of a relationship with a younger partner and the looming expiry date of her UK visa. From freezing eggs to deciding where in the world she truly belongs, Bryn’s journey is a transparent look at the big life questions many Kiwi face.
Director and Co-Creator of the series Sophie Dowson, comments, “Bryn and Ku have an authentic comedic chemistry that is rare to find. After the incredible response to the first season, it’s been a joy to dive back into their lives. This season isn’t just a copy of the first; it’s an evolution and shows us the many pathways that life can take us. We’re capturing the honest reality of what it is to be in a relationship in Aotearoa today—a topic that is just as relatable, and perhaps even more complex, than being single.”
While the series remains firmly rooted in comedy, it continues to shine a light on the human need for connection. Bryn and Ku aim to empower the show’s audience—whether single, partnered, or somewhere in between—by showing that the journey toward self-discovery never truly ends.
The series is produced by The Spinoff and is made with the support of NZ On Air.
Bryn & Ku’s Singles Club Season 2 will release all 6 episodes on Tuesday, July 7th, on The Spinoff website and YouTube, with weekly releases following on Instagram and Facebook.
Brynley Stent is an award-winning comedian and actor based in Tāmaki Makaurau, best known for her offbeat, absurdist character comedy. Since graduating from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School in 2013, she’s worked across theatre, TV, and live performance – collaborating with professional theatre companies, creating original work, and writing for some of New Zealand’s biggest comedy shows.
Her TV writing credits include Jono and Ben, Funny Girls, Golden Boy, The Vloggingtons, and My Favourite Dead Person. As a performer, she’s appeared in series like Creamerie, Funny Girls, Golden Boy, and played Kelly-Anne Johnson on Shortland Street.
Brynley’s also a familiar face in NZ comedy, with regular appearances on Taskmaster NZ, Celebrity Treasure Island, 7 Days, Have You Been Paying Attention NZ, and Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee. Her solo shows at the NZ International Comedy Festival have been critically acclaimed, and in 2021, she won the Billy T Award for her show Soft Carnage.
Kura Forrester (Ngāti Porou) is a distinguished actress, comedian, and writer with over 20 years experience in Aotearoa and internationally.
In 2019, Kura won the prestigious Billy T Award for her stand up comedy show “Kura Shoulda Woulda”. Her most recent hour, “Here if you Need” has aired as a special on TV3, and earned Kura a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Kura has made significant contributions to stage and screen as an actor and improviser, with memorable appearances in New Zealand series, Shortland Street, Double Parked, Taskmaster NZ and Educators.
Kura also works as a theatre practitioner and has performed in multiple renowned shows throughout the country, most notably Camping Half of the Sky and Perplex.
Most recently, Kura wrote and presented the TVNZ series Appropriation Nation.
Harita and Haley interview Wellington filmmaker Isabel Corfiatis ahead of the Doc Edge Film Festival 2026 about her debut feature documentary "Music and the Mystical Experience", screening in Auckland from 24 June to 12 July and Wellington from 15 to 26 July.
The film follows musician and sound engineer Michael Sutherland and a collective of more than twenty New Zealand artists collaborating on a six hour musical work designed for use in psychedelic therapy. Filmed primarily in Wellington over three years, it explores creativity, healing, collaboration, and the role music can play in therapeutic settings.
This is Isabel’s first feature and first documentary, and she’s taken on an incredibly hands on role across directing, cinematography, editing, and co producing. The project originally began as a short before naturally growing into a feature as the team realised there was simply too much story, process, and conversation to contain in fifteen minutes.
The documentary was inspired after Michael completed the six hour composition and, through an APRA mentorship with Tiki Taane, was encouraged to document both the music and the wider creative process behind it. Isabel then came on board and helped shape it into a feature focused on collaboration, process, and the human stories behind the work.
She speaks really thoughtfully about making ambitious independent work with a tiny crew, Wellington’s creative community and why the city became such an important backdrop for the story, and approaching a topic that some people still see as controversial through a deeply human lens.
Screening dates:
Auckland: Takapuna Beachside Cinemas Sun 12 Jul 1:15 PM
Wellington: The Roxy Cinema - Sat 18 Jul 5:45 PM (nearly sold out!)
Christchurch: Sat 1 Aug 8:15 PM - Jack Mann Theatre, Koawa Studios, Canterbury University
It'll also be available on the Doc Edge website (Doc Edge) from 27th July-10th Aug.
What role can museums play in inspiring the next generation of innovators, scientists, and creative thinkers?
In this episode, Laura is joined by Elizabeth Cotton and Julie Baker from MOTAT (the Museum of Transport and Technology) in Auckland. Together, they explore the power of curiosity, hands-on learning, and the important role museums play in connecting people with science, technology, and history.
Drawing on their diverse backgrounds in museum leadership, engineering, education, and science, Liz and Julie share their experiences, insights, and passion for creating meaningful learning opportunities for people of all ages. Whether you're interested in education, innovation, or simply love discovering how things work, this is a fascinating conversation you won't want to miss.
Harita interviews Dillon Jo.
Dillon Jo are a queer, female-fronted four-piece creating dreamy, genre-blurring indie rock inspired by dream pop, shoegaze, folk and alt-rock. Formed in Wellington by Betty Smith and Georgie Levien in early 2025, the band has quickly made waves with a string of local performances, supporting acts including The Rions, Foley, Wet Denim, Hemi Hemingway and Coast Arcade, while building a reputation for their expansive live sound.
Following a standout showcase at Wellington’s San Fran in 2024 featuring Sure Boy, Casual Healing and Mikeyy, Ones To Watch returns to the capital with another round of fresh talent.
Ones To Watch continues to champion Aotearoa’s thriving music scene, shining a spotlight on the next generation of artists making waves across the country. Since its inception, the programme has showcased an impressive range of musicians across genres spanning pop, indie, rock, electronic and hip hop, celebrating the very best of local music.
You can find out more about Ones to Watch here: OTW-NZ
Lindy Hume is an Australian opera and festival director, who has worked throughout Australia and internationally.
She was born in Sydney. Her father taught primary school and also worked as a film censor. Her mother was a psychologist at the University of Sydney.
Lindy was Artistic Director of West Australian Opera (1992–1996), OzOpera and Victorian State Opera (1996–2001), and Director of the Perth International Arts Festival (2004–2007).
She was appointed as Director of the Sydney Festival in 2008,and led it from 2010 to 2012.
As of June 2017 she is Artistic Director of Opera Queensland. Her productions for Opera Queensland included a 2014 season of Verdi's Rigoletto inspired by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. She fosters the creation and presentation of performance in regional Australia, and performances in eight regional Queensland centres of Puccini's La bohème in 2014 featured local singers in the chorus.
Her freelance productions also included a season of Gluck's Iphigénie en Tauride for Sydney's Pinchgut Opera, described by Hannah Cunningham of The Sydney Morning Herald as "a near perfect production".
Lindy has a long association with New Zealand Opera spanning over 2 decades, having directed 8 previous operas for the company.
The first opera she directed for NZ Opera was back in 2002, when she directed a highly acclaimed production of Bizet's Carmen. It was a massive success and traveled across the country, firmly cementing her relationship with New Zealand audiences.
Lindy is currently in Wellington directing her 9th opera for NZ Opera: The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart’s most famous opera, playing at the St James Theatre on 17, 19 and 21st June. Further info can be found at nzopera.com
Harita interviews Erika Grant.
Erika is an artist primarily working in the areas of music and costume, but loves to dabble in all sorts of different mediums. Beginning with music when she was just a wee bairn playing in orchestras and classical ensembles, since she’s become a grown up she’s played in all sorts of bands, acts and groups, including but not limited to “Orchestra of Spheres”, “Cookie Brooklyn and The Crumbs”, “Fertility Festival” and Rosie Langabeer’s “Best Most Happiest Fun Sexy Cabaret of Good Fortune and Prosperity”. She’s made music for film, theater and marching bands, and is currently creating Gong Baths for the people of Wellington. Erika is also an Astrologer and Music Teacher, and is fascinated with the ideas of shamanism, quantum physics and magic and myth.
Erika is also involved in 3 Loemis festival shows this year, Night Market, The Night Crossing, and Beata Nox.
Harita and her friend Jelisha were lucky enough to get an interview with British pop boyband, 5IVE, ahead of the NZ concert in May.
If you haven't heard of them before, they were famous all over the world in the late 90's- early 2000's and all 5 members recently reunited for a world tour.
Huge thanks to Nancy from BlackOut Music for organising this interview!
Caught in the legislative machinery of “move-on” orders, Connie, a young wahine Māori - finds herself in a police holding cell where everything is in question: her freedom, her future, and whether survival is even possible in today’s political landscape. Witnessing the inequity of Connie’s experience, her friend Peyton begins to realise what a Tangata Tiriti partnership really means, while Grayson, a young Māori lawyer, navigates a justice system that demands more than it gives.
“In today's volatile climate this play is a chance to ask – how do I make my own voice count? How do I make my vote count?” says director, Jim Moriarty.
Waenga premiered at the Kia Mau Festival in 2025 and was presented to hundreds of students in schools during 2025 and early 2026, alongside a tour with Taki Rua. In this new expanded version Te Rākau are adding their Theatre Marae flair, bringing more songs, more action and more deeply important kōrero. The lower North Island tour kicks off on 19 June in Pōneke, opening the new Wellington City Council central city arts space at 3 Market Lane, before heading to more than 17 other venues.
The play features music by Rameka Tamaki (Out the Gate) and an ensemble of eight talented actors including Hariata Moriarty (Cousins, Whakapapa), Tamati Moriarty (After the Party), Mycah Keall (Waiora), Regan Taylor (Waiora, The Maori Sidesteps), Brooke Wharehinga, Matiu Rata, Rylee Herewini, and Ryan Holtham.
“I hangaia tēnei whakaari arā, ko Waenga, mā ngā rangatahi Māori kia kite ai i a rātou wheako i a rātou whakaaro hoki ki runga i te atamira.”
“The show Waenga was created so that rangatahi Māori could see their voices and their experiences told on the stage.” – say Hariata and Tamati Moriarty.
A sharply prescient story of systemic violence, racism and hope, which resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, Waenga delves into the challenges of rangatahi Māori trying to change the system, from the outside and the inside.
The marae and the theatre are both communal sites for engagement. Director Jim Moriarty describes Theatre Marae as “essentially a hui – a gathering of people to share in a whole of life experience.” During the creation of Waenga, Hariata and Tamati worked extensively with high school students to help inform their characters’ journeys, ensuring the experiences depicted felt relevant, relatable and real.
A radio play of the production has been produced by Radio New Zealand, and will air on Culture101, and be available online, in June.
For this tour, Te Rākau are bringing Waenga not just to the theatre, but into marae, schools, community centres, universities and more, to ensure the work can be experienced by all.
“Waenga is a show that really speaks to Māori and all New Zealanders because it tackles real issues we’re facing together as a country." – Theatreview
WAENGA
Book tickets at www.eventfinda.co.nz/tours-festivals/2026/waenga
3 Market Lane, Arts Centre, Wellington City
19 June – 5 July
Aotea College, Porirua
7 – 9 July
Te Tūhunga Rau, Strathmore
14 July
Orongomai Marae, Upper Hutt
17 July
Wainuiomata Marae, Wainuiomata
18 July
Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre, Hastings
20 July
Waitara High School, Taranaki
28 July
Horowhenua College, Levin
31 July
Wairarapa Events Centre, Carterton
4 August
More dates coming soon is Pahiatua, Palmerston North, Feilding, Whanganui, Ōtaki, Paraparaumu, and Te Awa Kairangi.
For schools bookings contact:
terakau@terakau.org
Mycah
Mycah Keall (Taranaki Tūturu) has worked predominantly in kaupapa Māori theatre for the last six years alongside companies Te Rākau Hua o te Wao Tapu, Tawata Productions, Kia Mau Festival and Taki Rua Productions. She has a Bachelor of Creativity from Te Auaha and has just completed a full year of full immersion Te Reo me ona Tikanga ki Te Wānanga o Raukawa. In 2021, she was awarded the Tungia Baker & Taki Rua Emerging Writers and Actors Scholarship. Mycah is dedicated to ensuring Māori voices, reo and pūrākau remain at the centre of her creative practice.
Brooke
Brooke grew up in Te Whanganui-a-tara surrounded by the performing arts and developed a deep love for them. Waenga will be her fourth production with Te Rākau, and she has had the opportunity to work across many different roles within Te Rākau as both choreographer and performer, each experience building her confidence and sense of identity.
Anita Lowry (Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa , Ngāti Porou) is the Chief Executive of RespectEd Aotearoa, a charitable trust dedicated to an Aotearoa free from sexual violence and its harm. She has a background in union advocacy in pay equity and has contributed to kaupapa Māori and feminist organisations including Te Whare Rokiroki Māori Women’s Refuge and the Board of Wellington Rape Crisis.
Anita is recognised for her leadership in the prevention of sexual violence and building safer, more equitable communities across Aotearoa.
Paige Tapara is a New Zealand singer-songwriter and key team member at Play It Strange, a trust facilitating youth songwriting, where she works in marketing, operations, and mentorship. Known for her own pop success, she now helps run national songwriting competitions, judges projects, and mentors students in the music industry.
In recognition of May - Menstrual Awareness Month, join us for a conversation with Ragnar Anderson, Senior Research and Policy Advisor at Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa. Ragnar’s work and research explore sexuality, wellbeing, and parent-child communication around bodies, relationships, and reproductive health. Among other things, we chat about the Wheel of Fertility and the importance of early menstrual awareness, breaking stigma through education and open dialogue, and how communities can support healthier, more informed conversations about sex and reproductive wellbeing.
Harita interviews Kristin Paulse.
Kristin Paulse is a South African–born, Auckland–raised performer now based in Melbourne. She is deeply grateful and incredibly proud to be returning home to join the New Zealand company of &Juliet. After spending the past three years working and touring extensively across Australia, this homecoming holds special significance as she steps onto New Zealand stages once again, surrounded by the community that first nurtured her love of performance.
Australian theatre credits include Hairspray (Dynamite), Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (cover Tina Turner and ensemble), and most recently Mimi Marquez in RENT at the Sydney Opera House — a career highlight and her first lead role in Australia.
In New Zealand, Kristin appeared as Gloria in Madagascar the Musical and Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors at The Court Theatre. She also toured nationally as Tina Turner in Showtime Australia’s Simply The Best – The Tina Turner Tribute Show, performing in theatres across the country. Alongside her theatre work, she has been a regular performer at live music events around Tāmaki Makaurau.
Kristin is especially humbled to be part of bringing &Juliet to Aotearoa and to share the stage with such extraordinary Kiwi talent. Leading this production on home soil is a true full-circle moment, and she feels immense gratitude for the audiences, mentors and supporters who have shaped her journey from Auckland to Australia and back again.
Beyond musical theatre, Kristin is a singer-songwriter who releases original music under the name KRISTN, with her work available on all major streaming platforms. She dedicates this season to her family and the community who have always championed her dreams.
Kristin is currently starring in the Explora Journeys season of & JULIET, as Juliet herself. The musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told - Romeo and Juliet. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? The all-kiwi cast is coming to the St James Theatre this May.
"Wellington's best kept secret" Joana Joy has rapidly established herself as a formidable presence as a comedian and MC in Antipodean comedy. With a background as a professional dancer and cabaret performer, she brings physical comedy, easy charm and witty authenticity to every room. With over 12 years industry experience, JJ has performed at large scale events such as WOMAD (NZ), Twisted Frequency Festival, Woodford Folk Festival (AU), Melbourne International Comedy Festival and on lineups alongside Ben Hurley, Joe Daymond, Justine Smith, Angella Dravid, David Correos.
Mo (Mamaeroa) Munn is a multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, improviser and writer based in Wellington, New Zealand.
A regular on the professional stand-up circuit in Pōneke, Mo has taken shows to the NZ International Comedy Festival, NZ Fringe Festival, NZ Improv Festival and Chicago iO Festival. She also performs in, produces and directs improvised, experimental and sketch comedy shows – and has experience MCing comedy shows and other gigs.
Harita interviews Imogen Stone.
Born and raised in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, New Zealand, Imogen Stone is a multi-disciplinary performing artist, aerialist, creator, director & producer. Over the past 13 years her career has taken her all over the world, performing within some of the largest Arts Festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe and Glastonbury Festival.
Closer to home, her broad skillset has seen her work with the likes of Wētā Workshop and World of Wearable Art as an aerialist, acrobat, puppeteer and movement collaborator.
Auckland Live is proud to present the Auckland premiere of Everybody Knows, the new show from award-winning circus comedy trio Laser Kiwi, developed in partnership with Hannah Playhouse in Wellington. Part of the 2026 New Zealand International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo, the season plays in Wellington 5 – 16 May at the Hannah Playhouse and Auckland from 19 – 23 May at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre.
Eleonora interviews Rachel Macindoe Baker.
Rachel is the creator of Chrysalis, is an artist and animator based in Wellington. She studied Media Design at Victoria University of Wellington, where she loved experimenting with mixed media in her projects and finding new ways to tell stories visually. Rachel started her career in 2021 as an animator at Wētā FX. While her professional background is rooted in VFX, she retains a lot of passion for the vibrant, hand-crafted nature of 2D animation.
Harita interviews Anji Kreft.
Long time Kiwi, but originally from England, Anji has been performing since she was a kid. As an adult, she’s performed in London's West End, national & international T.V – Director, TV & Radio Presenter, Vocalist, Voice Over Artist, Actress, Comedienne. You may have seen her in Coronation Street back in 2006 or when she was a childrens TV presenter. She's done THE LOT!
Bats Theatre will host the premiere season of STAUNCH from 30th April to 2nd May. It is a compelling one-woman performance written and performed by Anji.
STAUNCH is an intimate and heartfelt work exploring love, laughter, and discovery. Through personal storytelling, Anji reflects on her relationship with her mother and the powerful truths revealed after her passing. The result is a warm, engaging production that blends humour, reflection, and emotional depth.
Performed in Anji’s signature inclusive and welcoming style, the show breaks the fourth wall and invites audiences into a shared theatrical experience, with optional participation.
In this episode, Laura and Sophie chat with Melissa Hannan.
From the workshop floor to empowering women across New Zealand, Melissa shares how she’s breaking barriers in the automotive world through Girls ’N’ Gasoline, creating a supportive, no-judgement space where women can learn, build confidence, and take control of their vehicles.
Harita chats to musician, Georgia Knight.
Banished Music proudly welcomes Georgia Knight back to Aotearoa, following her standout solo performance at The Others Way. After captivating audiences with a spellbinding set that lingered long after the final note, Georgia brings her singular world of sound back to New Zealand stages, expanded, immersive, and more powerful than ever, this time with her full live band.
Naarm-born and sometimes Aotearoa-based, Knight crafts other worldly pop from auto harp, dusty loops, synth textures, and avant-garde edges. Her 2023 EP Hell on Bent Street established her as a rising force, with appearances at Dark Mofo, Rising, Camp A Low Hum, and shows alongside Blonde Redhead and Mogwai. It’s been a big 12 months for Georgia. Her independently released debut album Beanpole, earned praise from Sharon Van Etten, Arab Strap, and BBC Radio 6 Music.
Supporting the album, she was booked for a string of highly coveted festivals including The Great Escape in the UK, Golden Plains and Phoenix Central Park in Australia, The Others Way and Port Noise here in NZ.
Now touring her new album Beanpole, recorded with Andrew ‘Idge’ Hehir, she returns with a fuller, more immersive live show, intimate, cinematic, and impossible to look away from. Alongside the tour announcement, Georgia has unveiled a reworked version of her single Desire, featuring additional production from Ōtautahi-based producer, songwriter and musician Chris Wethey. Originally released in 2025 as the first single from her acclaimed album Beanpole, the track offered a first glimpse into her evolving sonic territory, this new iteration pushes that evolution even further.
Please note: since recording this interview on 9th April, Georgia's Auckland and Wellington shows on 11th and 12th April have been postponed due to Cyclone Vaianu - you can follow her on instagram (@georgiaknightclub) to be updated on the new show dates
Harita and Eleonora interview Jacqueline Coats and Fifi Colston.
Jacqueline directs, and Fifi is doing the costumes and design for, a new children's play, HELP! A Monster Ate My Story, which is heading to Wellington’s Circa Theatre from 7 to 19 April.
Fifi is a multi-disciplinary artist, costumier, novelist, and children's book illustrator, with over 50 published and award-winning titles (including some of The Little Yellow Digger series and Nadia Lim’s Marvin series).
Jacqueline has a passion for music, theatre, and community. With an MTA in Directing from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, plus a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Education Management awarded from the University of Leeds, she has worked as a director, assistant director, and staging director for opera and theatre companies, festivals, and orchestras across the motu, including NZ International Festival of the Arts, NZ Opera, Victorian Opera in Melbourne, CubaDupa in Wellington and many more.
In this episode, Laura is joined by Nadine Tereora, Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand Automobile Association.
They explore her career journey, the defining traits of impactful leadership, and the realities of women stepping into C-suite roles. Nadine also shares candid insights on staying grounded, protecting your energy, and building a career that doesn’t come at the expense of your life beyond the office.
LadiesKickBrass! The Hoot'n'Annies, Wellington’s all-wāhine second line band, bring New Orleans jazz, funk, and bold pop covers to CubaDupa. Their dynamic blend of brass and percussion will ignite the streets, sparking dance and joy. Join the party - feel the beat, feel the power!
In their seventh year of playing, the Hoot'n'Annies are a collective of non-professional musicians passionate about performing and encouraging more women in music - especially brass! They all have "day-jobs" that include public servants, teachers, librarians, software engineers and NGO support, and like to take on challenges in their musical journey whilst supporting each other through life. They range in age from "young" to "Hoot'n'Granny" (of which they have 2), but they are all young at heart, especially when the music starts.
They'll be performing at Cuba Dupa on 28th and 29th March.
We're joined with 3 of the band members, Paula, Jeanette and Clare.
You can find them on socials here:
(7) Facebook
Hoot'n'Annies (@hootnanniesnz) • Instagram photos and videos
Author, Aisling Ní Bhaldraithe and Illustrator, Bex Falconer sit down with your hosts, Eleonora and Haley Rachel Rolls for a refreshing, and at times, hilarious chat.
Aisling and Bex have created a picture book that’s playful on the surface but grounded in bigger ideas about identity, confidence, and representation in children’s media.
Peter the Colourful Panda; He doesn’t look the way he’s expected to, but learns that standing out isn’t a problem to solve.
You can purchase this inspiring story at https://www.amazon.com/PETER-COLOURFUL-PANDA-beautifully-illustrated/dp/B0FXL1RB16 along with a variety of other online retailers.
Eleonora and Laura talk to Sara Dore, Director of Empower Physio & Pilates on the Kāpiti Coast, and one of New Zealand’s most experienced DMA Clinical Pilates clinicians.
With over 30 years in physiotherapy, Sara has spent nearly two decades teaching physios across New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. She specialises in pelvic health, breathing retraining, and rehabilitation, and is deeply passionate about helping people move well and feel well at every stage of life.
Tune in as we explore the power of Clinical Pilates, the importance of breath, and how targeted rehabilitation can transform the way we live, move, and age.
For more info:
Physiotherapy – DMA Physiotherapy | Clinical Pilates
Bradcliff Breathing Method NZ | Find a clinic
Physiotherapy for Pelvic Floor Disorders | Find a PNZ Physio
Pelvic Health Professionals | Find & Compare Pelvic Health Professionals
Continence NZ Pregnancy Guide
The bladder and pelvic floor | Jean Hailes
Menopause | Jean Hailes
Harita chats to South African comedian and actor, Schalk Bezuidenhout, ahead of his NZ tour, about his life as a comedian who tours the world, and what growing up in South Africa was like.
You can follow him on IG here: Instagram
He will be performing his latest show, Hey Hey Divorce, in Wellington on 11 March and Auckland on 13 March as part of the NZ comedy festival. You can buy your tickets here: Schalk Bezuidenhout
Join Laura and Eleonora for a beautiful kōrero with Te Ataahia Hurihanganui.
We explored the responsibilities that come with cultural visibility, as a māmā first and foremost, but also through her growing consulting business, and her recent mahi with the NZ Festival of the Arts….but especially through the fear of unintentionally sparking a “fashion” of moko kauae in a tiny fishing village in Sicily.
Laura and Harita talk to Dr Siouxsie Wiles, a microbiologist by training and a passionate science communicator with decades of experience working with the media and collaborating with artists, designers, and illustrators.
In 2019, she was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to microbiology and science communication. Siouxsie became a household name in New Zealand for her COVID-19 communication work, being named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year in 2021. But this work also made her a target for harassment, abuse, and death threats, and in 2021, she began legal proceedings against her employer, the University of Auckland, over their lack of support.
After a gruelling legal battle that finally ended earlier this year, the Employment Court ruled that the University had breached its contractual obligations to protect Siouxsie’s health and safety, as well as its good employer obligation, by failing to act in good faith, and awarded her $225,000 in costs and damages.
Harita chats to Meilani Payne and Madelain Vai-Little who are co-directors of this years Shooting Stars Pasifika Youth Initiative programme, Taula.
Meilani Payne is a Master's of Cross-cultural Psychology Student at Victoria University of Wellington going into her thesis year. From the island of Enuamanu, Atiu in the Cook Islands, she shows her dedication to equitable outcomes for her community through her studies and extra-curriculars. She is currently co-directing the shooting stars programme and has written various scenes for their upcoming showcase: Taula.
Madelaine Vai-little is a graduate from Victoria University of Wellington, having studied Theatre and Media Studies. Maddy is a proud Samoan and Māori young wahine with a deep passion for Pasifika Performing Arts. This year, she went on a Performing Arts Education tour around New Zealand and has also been co-directing the shooting stars programme. Additionally, she has been a part of the writing process for the shooting stars upcoming showcase: Taula.
Shooting Stars:
Part of the Wellington Pasifika Festival, this programme sees a group of young Pasifika actors create a show which tells Pasifika stories. This performance is their theatre debut. The Shooting Star programme brings new artforms and performers to the Pasifika Festival, upskills a new cohort of Pasifika and Māori performers and celebrates Pasifika art. Created by Karl Kite Rangi with support from WCC City Events and with assistant directors Meilani Payne and Maddy Vai-Little.
Taula:
Wellington City Council's Shooting Star Programme proudly presents an original theatre production, which debuts at the Hannah Playhouse on Saturday 7 Febrary 2026! This production centres themes of identity, belonging, the passing down of cultural traditions and the importance of family, both present and past. The story follows young people navigating their identity whilst figuring out their place in Educational spaces. Taula is performed by Māori, Pasifika and Asian rangatahi who are emerging and aspiring actors. Join us for a 50-minute show followed by a short talanoa/chat afterwards.
Booking Link: https://events.humanitix.com/shooting-star-programme
About the Pasifika Festival and Shooting Stars: https://wellington.govt.nz/news-and-events/events-and-festivals/pasifika-festival#shooting
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/shootingstars.programme/
Harita and Sophie sit down with activist and 2023 Young New Zealander of the Year, Shaneel Lal.
Harita interviews Aotearoa artist Karra Rhodes following the release of her new album Hometown Therapy.
Laura and Harita are joined by Anna Osborne, Sonya Rockhouse, and director Rob Sarkies to talk about the Pike River mine story, a journey of loss, courage, and the enduring fight for justice.
Harita and Haley chat with the wonderful Suzy Cato, one of Aotearoa’s most loved children’s entertainers, for a heartfelt chat about her life, career, and the magic she’s brought to generations of Kiwi kids.
Eleonora and Harita sit down with author Murdoch Stephens to talk about his book Visa Now and the inspiring work he’s doing to advocate for refugees.
Harita and Reesha chat with radio personality Jay-Jay Feeney about her career in radio, her personal journey, and what she’s learned from sharing her life so openly with listeners.
Harita and Haley talk with journalist Alison Mau about the stories that shaped her career and the deeply personal journey behind her latest book, “No Words for This”.
Laura and Harita interview Hariata Moriarty and Angie Meiklejohn ahead of their theatre performance Out the gate.
Harita and Laura talk to Raybon Kan, award-winning New Zealand comedian, writer and social commentator.
Zoe Moon (Mahal) is a powerhouse artist whose music dances between strength and softness. Born in Hawai‘i and raised in Aotearoa, the Pōneke-based songwriter blends Folk, R&B, and soul into a sound she calls Folk R&B. With lyrics that cut to the truth and a voice that glides from rich lows to angelic highs, Zoe’s music is both eclectic and deeply moving.
Fresh from attending the GRAMMYs with her legendary father Taj Mahal, and with a Silver Scroll–nominated single The Letter, Zoe is cementing her place as one of Aotearoa’s most exciting voices. Her charting single In Person lit up playlists across NZ and Australia, while collaborations with TOI, Estère, Tami Neilson, and her father showcase her wide-ranging artistry.
Proudly embracing her roots as a Black New Zealand/American woman, Zoe Moon creates songs that are heartfelt, fearless, and unforgettable.
She is performing at the Wellington Jazz Festival on Friday 17th October, and you can buy tickets here:
Real Black for Me: Zoe Moon presents the music of Roberta Flack |
From the rugby field to the unexpected turns of life, Erin Rush joins Ash and Laura to talk about resilience, opportunity, and the beauty of serendipity.
Aditi Tiwari is running for the Pāuatahanui General Ward in Porirua this October 11. Laura and Harita spoke with her about her goals for the role and her journey through the campaign.
Haley interviewed Teal Mau about his campaign for Wellington City Council in the upcoming elections. Hear his vision and what he hopes to bring to the city.
In this episode, Louise from the NCWNZ Ōtautahi Christchurch Branch talks with current Christchurch City Councillor and 2025 mayoral candidate, Sara Templeton. Sara shares her journey from being elected to her local Community Board in 2013, the highs and lows of public service, and the challenges she sees for women in politics.
Marie Pollisco is the current chair of her local Community Board. In this interview with Louise from the NCWNZ Ōtautahi Christchurch Branch, Marie discusses the practicalities of running for office, her decision to run again in October 2025, and the delicate balance of advocating for her community with decision-making responsibilities.
Peri Zee is running for Mayor of Upper Hutt in the October local elections. Laura and Harita spoke with her about her campaign and vision for the future.
Andrew Little, running for mayor, and Afnan Al-Rubayee, running for council, join Harita and Haley to share their campaigns, visions for Wellington, and the priorities they want to focus on for the community.
Laura and Haley talk with the inspiring Dame Carolyn Henwood — retired District and Youth Court judge, trailblazer in youth justice reform, founding member of Wellington’s Circa Theatre, and champion of creative change through the Henwood Trust.
Harita dive into a brilliant conversation with Tamara Buckland—founder of The Wild Ones, a free, bold community for disruptors and changemakers. Tune in as Tamara shares her fresh take on leadership, mental health, and how to lead with guts and creativity.
In this episode, Louise from the NCWNZ Ōtautahi Christchurch Branch chats with Vicky Southworth who was elected as a councillor to Environment Canterbury in 2019 and re-elected for a second term in 2022. Vicky discusses her decision to run after seeing a need for women to put themselves forward for leadership positions.
Harita and Eleonora sit down with Wellington-based comedian Meaghan Fisher for laughs, stories, and a peek into her journey to the Raw Comedy Fest semifinals.
Aisling interviews Isabell Zitzelsberger from Wild Chix who is building a community where women have a safe space to learn and step out of the comfort zones to explore and experience traditionally male outdoor pursuits such as hunting, fishing and sailing.
Aisling interviews Gemma Rose a Breathwork Facilitator who specialises in helping others break free from limiting beliefs and survival states in the nervous system to create a life they love.
Aisling and Laura interview Kate Fenwick also know as Waste Ed Kate, a self proclaimed bin-fluncer who helps Kiwi's reduce, reuse, and rethink the way we live.
Harita interviews Shayni Couch about her forthcoming documentary which sees Shayno return with her newborn baby to the mountain in Norway to retrace the steps of her husband’s final base jump.
Harita interviews Dr Natalie Robinson about her forthcoming documentary 'Mighty Indeed' which follows three women from different generations as they explore a hidden world underneath the Antarctic sea ice.
Aisling and Laura interview Chantelle Cobby who has created a substack call 'In Our Twenties' - a collection of stories documenting the experiences of 100 women in their 20s from around the world.
Harita interviews Zoe Crisp who is Peppa Pig in the upcoming tour over the school holidays.
Eleanora and Laura speak to Dr Helen Andrae the Associate Dean Students Faculty of Architecture and Design at Victoria University Wellington
Eleanora and Laura interview Jthan Morgan, the director of 'The Tīwhas: A Matariki Spectacular' which takes the audience on a journey through the stars of Matariki.
Sophie and Hartia interview Kia Mau performer Hibiscus ahead of her show 'What the Fa'afafine!'
Harita speaks to Kia Mau performers Stela and Ella ahead of their performance Gates to Memory.
Aisling and Harita interview Jane Conolly, the Irish Ambassador to New Zealand about her role.
Harita speaks to comedian Ocean Denham ahead of her show - A Hot Girl and Her Suzuki Swift, in Wellington's 2025 Comedy Fest.
Harita and Reesha interview comedian Jess Karamjeet ahead of her upcoming show 'RAY!' in the Q Theatre in Auckland.
Laura and Harita chat to Dr. Jo Prendergast.
Dr Jo Prendergast is a New Zealand based comedian, improviser, and actor. She is also a psychiatrist, author, and film producer. Jo is often tired.
Jo trained as a doctor in New Zealand and did specialty training as a psychiatrist in Sydney Australia. She has worked in a wide range of settings with teenagers and adults in public mental health services and private practice in both New Zealand and Australia. She currently works in the area of childhood trauma effects as an assessor for ACC in New Zealand.
Jo’s teenage mental health book for parents ‘When Life Sucks’ was released by Harper Collins in New Zealand and Australia in September 2023 and the UK June 2024. The book was written using Jo’s unique voice as a psychiatrist, comedian and parent of teenagers.
Jo started standup comedy in 2017 at the age of 48. Jo was nominated for Breakthrough Comedian at the NZ Comedy Guild Awards 2020. She was long listed for the prestigious Billy T Award in September 2023. Her multi award-winning debut comedy show ‘Jo Ghastly: The Cool Mum’ sold out the entire season with 5- star reviews at Adelaide Fringe 2023, had full houses at the NZ International Comedy Festival 2023 and toured to Melbourne Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe in 2024. Jo’s second solo show ‘Cancer and Cartwheels’, about Jo’s victory over breast cancer (and her cartwheeling ability) toured the South Island NZ January 2024 and was programmed in the 2024 NZ International Comedy Festival.
Screen appearances include Niall Johnson’s feature film ‘The Stolen’ and TVNZ’s ‘Adam and Eve Show’. Jo has featured as a guest on a wide range of TV, radio, and podcasts in NZ and Australia including The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show, The Project, Channel 9 Today Extra, ABC Weekend Breakfast and TVNZ Breakfast. In the UK Jo has appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live and Insane in the Men Brain.
Jo brings her unique combined experience as a psychiatrist, comedian, author, parent and cancer survivor to media and podcast interviews, her comedy shows and conference presentations.
Sophie and Ais interview Philippa Yasbek
Philippa Yasbek is an economist with a background in public policy and a career in the public service. She recently authored "Shining a Light: Improving transparency in New Zealand's political and governance systems" for the Helen Clark Foundation, which recommends improvements in the domains of lobbying, political party funding, access to official information, beneficial ownership information and full criminalisation of overseas bribery.
Philippa also has an interest in public health and co-founded a group advocating for firearms safety. She is the Deputy Chair of the Ministerial Arms Advisory Group and a Member of the Advisory Committee for Global Action on Gun Violence. Philippa is a former Board member of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand and former Chair of the body corporate of an earthquake prone building.
Our team were live at the Newtown Festival and got to chat to lots of different attendees throughout the day!
Harita and Reesha interview Bryan Victor Lim an entrepreneur who has developed a wedding planning and design business, a 2D animation studio and host of the podcast and video series Misfits.
Eleonara and Harita interview music therapist June Potifara in celebration of Music Therapy week (10-15 April 2025).
June speaks about what she does as a music therapist, why she chose this career, what she covered in her masters thesis, and how she weaves her Samoan culture into her therapy work.
You can find out more about June here:
WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - JUNE POTIFARA — thecoconet.tv - The world’s largest hub of Pacific Island content.uu
Lalagaina o Manatu: Weaving Pasifika wellbeing approaches into Music Therapy for enhanced practice in disability learning support setting.
And you can find out more about Music Therapy week here:
Music Therapy Week 2025 | Registered Music Therapists | NZ
Harita and Sophie interview the directors of the Marimari film which follows one indigenous woman’s fight against the insidious influence of sanguma – sorcery violence.
Aisling talks to Claire Dinhut aka Condiment Claire about the release of her first book, the history of food and how food varies across cultures.
Harita and Aisling meet with Ella Shepherd and Fleur Kelsey from Abortion Law reform NZ (ALRANZ).
We catch up with students from the University of Minnesota who are visiting New Zealand
Harita and Sophie speak to Shu Run Yap and Evelyn Kunda about Marimari film - An unfiltered view into Evelyn's world as she rescues and rehabilitates survivors of sorcery accusation related violence.
Laura and Ais chat with Kat, the Wellington Tradie Lady about how she got involved in the construction industry and her experience of working in a trade as a woman.
We interview Alok Vaid-Menon an American writer, performance artist, and media personality ahead of their Wellington show.
Aisling and Eleanora interview Dr Gill Greer, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and CE of New Zealand Family Planning.
Harita interviews Nimisha Tailor, author of The Female Digital Revolution, which was released in December 2024.
Laura and Sophie talk to Gentiane Lupi, a professional boxer, kickboxer, MMA and Muay Thai fighter
Aisling and Laura chat with Yessenia Sandoval, founder of Endo Warriors Aotearoa. Endo Warriors are a charitable organisation with a mission to raise awareness and provide education on endometriosis and menstruation. Their objectives include enhancing support and medical care for individuals affected by endometriosis, combating period poverty, and offering free products to those in need, and more.
Aisling and Viola interview sports legend Jody Cameron! Jody is considered one of the country’s most talented female players, having played 60 games and represented New Zealand in Women's Basketball in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Today Jody leads the Te Hāpaitanga Sports NZ program for emerging and high potential female coaches.
Harita and Eleanora interview Belinda Brown, CEO of Crohn's and Colitis New Zealand. Belinda's journey with IBD, began at the age of 26 when she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Despite the challenges this diagnosis presented, Belinda has turned her personal experience into a lifelong commitment to supporting others facing similar battles.
Maxine Scheckter specialised in patisserie at Ferrandi L’ecole du Gastronomie, and worked in Michelin starred restaurants, including Heston Blumenthals restaurant The Fat Duck before opening Sugar Flour in 2018, at age 22.
Laura and Aisling have fun chatting to Katy who runs My Walk in Wardrobe, a social enterprise that runs sustainable fashion markets in Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki & Manawatu regions of NZ.
Aisling talks to Kate Tomsett a clinical educator who works with the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia to deliver “PPEP Talks” (Period, Pain, and Endometriosis Program). The Foundation works to provide awareness, education, clinical management and research around issues such as endometriosis.
Laura and Harita interview Susie Robertson, CEO of Kaibosh Food Rescue. Susie's passions are people and planet with a strong focus on fairness – which is why she loves Kaibosh.
Aisling interview Dr Ellen Joan Ford who spent ten years in the NZ Army leading soldiers on operations in NZ and overseas before completing her MBA and PhD to focus on the experiences and well-being of women leaders in the NZ Army.
Laura and Harita interview local tattoo artist Maria Carroll also known as Miss Crude Tattoo.
Laura and Viola speak with Anita Edwards & Hana Jensen from the Wellington Women's Health Collective.
Harita and Jenna talk to Frankie McPhail, founder of Southward Gin and Whisky Distillery.
Aisling and Harita talk to author Anke Richter about Decult, New Zealand's first cult conference that will gather cult survivors, academic experts, advocates and activists – in person and live-streamed.
Harita and Aisling chat with singer songwriter Grace Petrie about all things comedy, singing and touring ahead of her New Zealand shows.
Harita, Hayley and Katherine interview Jess Hong, New Zealand actress best known for her recent role as Jin Cheng in the Netflix series 3 Body Problem.
Aisling, Hayley and Harita meet with Dr Claire Achmad the Chief Children's Commissioner for Mana Mokopuna.
This is a special live recording of the recent panel event: Women at the Table for Climate Change hosted by the Wellington Branch of the National Council of Women. The panel featured:
- Chloe Swarbrick, Co-Leader of the Green Party.
- Jacqui Ruesga, Manager of the International Carbon Markets team at the Ministry for the Environment.
- Gill Greer, Former President of the National Council of Women of New Zealand and CE of New Zealand Family Planning.
- Jessica Palairet, Executive Director at Lawyers for Climate Action NZ Inc.
- Noelene Nabulivou, Executive Director of Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for Equality.
- Moderated by Sue Kedgley, Author and former Green Party MP
Harita, Hayley and Aisling speak with Isabella Harrison who has recently left high control group Gloriavale Christian Community.
Harita and Haley interview Maria Belén Bogado. She has been Ambassador of the Argentine Republic in New Zealand since February 2021. She also served from 2006 to 2015 at the Argentine Embassy to the Kingdom of Spain.
Aisling interviews Kate Spencer (Creatif Kate), a Wellington-based producer, comedian, poet and preacher responsible for spicing up the capital with events like Femmes and Thems Comedy and her solo show Squirt.
Harita and Laura interview Dr Daphne Rickson about Music Therapy NZ and the upcoming 50th Anniversary Conference.
Harita speaks with Abby and Alia from Midnight Confessions. A show that explores everything from fantasies and the age-old questions of cutting a fringe, to
jealousy and playing pretend with your best friend for the last time and more.
Aisling speaks to Charity Norman about her upcoming new novel 'Home Truths' which was released on 30th July.
Aisling interviews Jessica Maddox, an assistant professor in the Department of Journalism & Creative Media at the University of Alabama, where she studies content creators, influencers, social media platforms, and the tech industry. She is the author of "The Internet Is For Cats: How Animal Images Shape Our Digital Lives".
Harita is joined with Wellington based comedians Inidie Vine & Katy Borrows! They talked all about breaking into the comedy scene, their mental health journey's and the 2024 Raw Comedy Quest competition.
Viola and Aisling are joined with Tas, a Wellington businesswoman with over 20 years of experience in business development, sales and marketing who is passionate about all things sexual wellness.
In 2019, she began working as the business and product development manager at Wholesale Solutions, an Australasian B2B adult and sexual wellness distribution company. The following year, she founded Share Satisfaction, the first 100% New Zealand-owned and operated luxury adult toy brand that makes high-quality sexual wellness products accessible to everyone, regardless of relationship, status, gender or sexuality.
Aisling and Harita are joined Mathilde who is in Wellington on a 6 month student internship with the National Council of Women New Zealand.
Aisling and Harita are joined by actor and director Lyndee-Jane Rutherford. She has starred in numerous television series and was most recently seen in Wellington Paranormal. She was nominated for actress of the year at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards in 2003 and won Best New Director in 2006. In July 2023 Lyndee-Jane directed the four week sell out season of Prima Facie at Wellington’s Circa Theatre.
Harita and Haley interview the amazing Ramona Diaz, an Emmy Award-winning Asian American filmmaker known for her compelling character-driven documentaries.
Harita and Haley interview Jalena Keane-Lee and Hawane Rios.
Jalena Keane-Lee (Director, Producer, Cinematographer) is a filmmaker who explores intergenerational trauma and healing through an intersectional lens. She was named a 2023 Adobe x Sundance Woman to Watch, and is the recipient of the Gotham Documentary Fellowship, Creative Culture woman filmmaker fellowship, Wyncote Fellowship and NeXt Doc Fellowship. Jalena is the winner of Tribeca Through Her Lens 2020 and DocPitch 2022. Her short films have streamed on POV and Criterion Collection, played at over 50 film festivals, and won best short at LA Asian Film Festival in 2020 and the Jury Award at Sundance in 2023. Jalena co-founded Breaktide Productions, an all-women-of-color production company that has won two Cannes Lion awards for branded content. Jalena is currently working on her first feature-length documentary which participated in the 2022 Sundance Edit and Story Lab.
When the massive Thirty Meter Telescope is proposed to be built on Mauna Kea, an uprising of kiaʻi (protectors) in Hawaiʻi and around the world dedicate their lives to protecting the sacred mountain from destruction. Through the lens of mothers and daughters in three Native Hawaiian families, her latest documentary, Standing Above the Clouds explores intergenerational healing and the impacts of safeguarding cultural traditions.
We are also privileged to have Hawane, one of the protagonists in this film, join us for this interview. Hāwane Rios is a Mauna Kea Protector and a singer/songwriter from Puʻukapu, Waimea on the Island of Hawaiʻi. She was raised from an early age in the traditional art forms of chant and dance of her people which created a strong foundation for her passion of music and songwriting. She knows her lineages, cultural traditions, and music, driving her commitment to aloha ʻāina (love for the land) and the collective responsibility to care for and protect Mother Earth. She is the recipient of a 2020 Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Contemporary Album of the Year and has won multiple Big Island Music Awards.
For the past twelve years, Rios has stood on the frontlines of the Protect Mauna Kea Movement and alongside her family as a petitioner in the court system in resistance to the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope. Her outreach work has taken her to many places and has connected her to many different justice movements rooted in standing up and speaking up for the rights of the land and water. She continues to support the efforts of the movement through her educational outreach work with the non-profit organization, Mauna Kea Education and Awareness, and through her work as a musician, dancer, and chanter.
Standing Above the Clouds is showing in Christchurch on 28 and 30th June, Auckland and Wellington on 14 July, and virtually 15-31 July
Jalena Keane-Lee (jalenakeanelee.com)
(Hāwane Rios – Artist – Songwriter (hawanerios.com))
Standing Above the Clouds - Documentary Edge (docedge.nz)
Harita interviews Subina Shrestha about her upcoming film in the NZ Doc Edge Film Festival- Devi.
Award-winning filmmaker and journalist Subina Shrestha has had her stories in the likes of the New York Times and Al Jazeera. Her Al Jazeera documentaries have been used by various educational institutions including Columbia Journalism School and by human rights organisations in the Hague to discuss modern day slavery. Her coverage on Nepal’s earthquake earned her an Emmy nomination. She was also a 2017 Nieman fellow at Harvard.
Her latest documentary film, Devi which will be screened at the New Zealand Doc Edge Film Festival between 23 June and 31st July, traces one Nepalese activist’s path from survivor of sexual violence to seeker of justice. In 1997, a 17-year-old Devi, was arrested, accused of being a rebel, tortured, and raped in custody. A civil war had just begun. Rebel leaders revealed her as a rape ‘victim’. Tagged with this shameful taboo, Devi battled depression, social ostracism, joined the rebel frontlines, and rose through the ranks, even serving as a member of the parliament when the war ended. Shot as an immersive verité, the film travels with Devi, as she consolidates the voices of survivors. As Devi confronts her former lawyer and her counsellor, the film dives into deeply intimate and vulnerable moments. Through her diary, supported by archives and sweeping images, Devi reconstructs history erased to rewrite her new destiny.
Devi is screening in Christchurch on 27 June, Auckland and Wellington on 13 July, and virtually 15-31 July.
You can buy tickets here- Devi - Documentary Edge (docedge.nz)
(5) Subina Shrestha | LinkedIn
Subina Shrestha - The Kathmandu Post
'Devi' Traces Path of Sexual Violence Survivor (variety.com)
Harita and Viola interview the amazing comedians Lesa MacLeod-Whiting and Samantha Hannah about their new podcast 'Are we pals?'
This week Hartia and Ais are delighted to be joined by Deborah Frances-White! Deborah is a London-based comedian, author and screenwriter as well as host of the hugely successful podcast, The Guilty Feminist.
This episode Aisling, Harita and Viola are joined with Fay Bird. Fay grew before moving to New Zealand in 2009 in search of a better work life balance. As part of her self described mid life crisis she purchased a motorbike and hasn't looked back! Since then she's been biking through India and is about the head back for a Himalayan tour in September.
Halyley and Aisling are joined by Dr Jane Gregory, a clinical psychologist, misophonia researcher and author of the book Sounds Like Misophonia: How to stop small noises from causing extreme reactions.
Aisling and Hayley are joined by Caitlin Taylor, a personal stylist and style coach that helps you learn to appreciate and love the body you have, and to be confident in making the right style choices that make you feel amazing. In this episode they discuss online shopping, fashion do's and the trends we don't want to see coming back!
Harita Gandhi-Kashyap, Haley Rachel Rolls, and Viola talk with singer, Deva Mahal!
Deva Mahal was born with music in her blood. Beginning from her upbringing in Kaua’i, Hawaii to discovering her voice in New Zealand. Deva’s star continued to rise in New York City where in 2018, she released her aptly named debut album, RUN DEEP, followed by a series of singles and independent releases in 2019.
She has distinguished herself as song writer by being a finalist for the 2021 Apra Silver Scroll and the 2019 A2IM Indie Awards; as well as providing her original composition and performance to open the 2020 Biden/Harris inauguration and 2021 rally for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. And, she's worked with a number of international musicians; as well as local heroes we know and love.
We talk about her childhood, barriers in the music industry, her performance for the Joe Biden/Kamala Harris inauguration, working with the World Of Wearable Arts, and much more!
This interview took place on 20/12/2023
Listen in while Haley Rachel Rolls and Harita Gandhi-Kashyap chat to Jessica Hammond, the Ohariu candidate for TOP - The Opportunities Party.
13/03/2024
We talk about what she has learnt during the last 3 general elections, what policies Jessica and TOP would introduce if they were in parliament, how she manages family life with a busy career, health obstacles, her passions for writing plays, comedy and blogging and much more.
Harita and Laura interview Neelu Jennings, a disability advocate who is legally blind and has no sense of balance after a brain injury when she was a teenager. Neelu campaigned for the Green Party in the Hutt South electorate during the 2023 election. Neelu is also the founder of the “Integrated Sports” which allows disabled people to play sports with their able-bodied community and she is an avid athlete.
This episode Harita and Laura are joined by Emma Maguire. Emma specalises in writing, directing and choreography while also running Wellington based theatre company - Tempest Theatre.
Aisling and Laura interview Kate Morris who is directing the upcoming play 'A View from the Bridge' by Arthur Miller. Kate is originally from Liverpool and has lived in Wellington since 2021. She back a background in acting and the arts however this play marks her directorial debut.
The play and explores themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and justice within the Italian-American immigrant community in Brooklyn. The story revolves around Eddie Carbone, who takes in two illegal immigrant cousins, Marco and Rodolpho. However, as one of the cousins forms a romantic relationship with Eddie's niece, tensions rise, leading to a tragic and explosive climax.
Viola and Laura interview Madeleine Meech, a first year Engineering student at the University of Canterbury (Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha).
Maddie is one of the 2023 winners of the best pitch award at the Engineers without Borders Award Showcase, hosted in Cairns, Australia.
When she is not studying for her engineering degree Maddie loves to play underwater hockey and spend time with friends and family.
Harita and Viola interview visiting lecturer, Wendy Lutter, and 3 students from the University of Minnesota IBUS 3019 class to talk about equity in international business, gender inequalities and injustices in leadership in business as well as New Zealand's gender equality in action. They speak about what their course covers, what they've learnt about different countries in comparison to USA, and the vast differences between states within America.
Wendy brings her class to New Zealand every year for 2 weeks in January to see New Zealand's gender equity in practice, so they can take this knowledge back home, in hope to make USA a more gender equal and equitable country for future generations.
Aisling and Harita interview Ariel, a former award winning professional dancer, studio owner and choreographer, juggled her time while raising one little boy, to then give it up when the second son came along. Now she has returned to freelance judging, and dance, as well as full time mumming, and mixed media art on the side.
Harita and Aisling interview Kita and Ngarangi who both grew up in rural areas. Both women juggled difficult homelives, school and working throughout their childhood. In this episode they talk about their experiences growing up and how to forged their careers.
Harita interviews Chiou See Anderson, President of National Council of Women Australia.
Chiou See Anderson is Business graduate of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), a Fellow Certified Practising Accountant (FCPA), a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Programme twice (2001 and 2016) and has a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University (2003). In 2006, she was awarded a PhD scholarship at Bond University but left in 2009 to commence construction of Elements.
Chiou See acquired John Paul College’s disused football fields in 2003 and founded Elements Retirement Village @ Springwood. It took a total of 15 years to design and build her dream retirement community consisting of 123 homes. In 2018, she met the Founders of Conpago, a QUT tech innovation and was appointed Chairperson in 2019. In 2022, Chiou See acquired a small Brisbane retirement village in Carindale from the Vacenti Group.
Also in 2019 Chiou See was elected President of the National Council of Women of Queensland. Her 4th one-year term concludes later this year.
In 2021, Chiou See was elected President of the National Council of Women of Australia for a three year term.
In May 2022, she was elected as Assistant Treasurer and Chair of Public Relations for the International Council of Women. Chiou See is the only person in Australia with the Women Councils to ever hold simultaneous offices across State, National and International.
In September 2022, she was one of 13 eminent women from around Australia to be appointed by the Prime Minister Cabinet to the Women Economic Equality Taskforce. This taskforce was established to provide independent advice to the Australian Government to support the advancement of women’s economic equality and achieve gender equality as committed to in the Women’s Budget Statement October 2022.
Chiou See and Brendan have a blended family of 6 children and one grandchild.
Aimee and Harita interview these 3 inspirational women who are heavily involved in NZ football and FIFA.
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Helen Mallon is the Chair of Capital Football Board, the governing body for football across the Wellington region, encompassing the Wairarapa, Horowhenua and Wellington city. Helen is also the first female to have ever held this role in Wellington. Helen’s involvement with football spans over 30 years having held a number of roles at both local and national levels, and she is also a member of the NZ Football Appointments Panel. Helen has a strong commitment and desire to promote and develop football opportunities for all and as part of the governance team at Capital Football, she has the opportunity to make this goal a reality.
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Maia holds a UEFA B Licence and is due to complete her OFC / NZF A Licence assessment. She brings an exciting range of experience to help take the Western Springs Women's program to the next level.
Maia is from the Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand's first ever professional women's team, where she was their performance analyst. She was recently in Fiji as New Zealand U19 Assistant Coach competing at the OFC U19 Women's Championship to qualify for a place in the 2024 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup.
Maia's journey to Springs has seen her work in The Netherlands, Canada and for the last 4 years, in Wellington. Her time in Wellington has seen her take on the role as Head Coach for Capital Football. Maia coached Capital Football to two 2nd place finishes in the National Women's League and South Central Series during 2020 and 2021. Alongside the coaching, Maia was responsible for the Women's & Girls and Talent Portfolios at Capital Football where she was instrumental in establishing the partnership with the Wellington Phoenix for the first professional girls academy programme in 2021 as well as delivering the first federation led Women in Leadership Programme.
Maia was part of the first cohort of Te Hāpaitanga, a High Performance Sport New Zealand programme designed to elevate high performing female coaches which has recently provided her access to top academy and women's environments in the UK and The Netherlands, senior coaching mentors, as well as spending a week with the Football Ferns as they prepare for the FIFA Women's World Cup. The Te Hāpaitanga programme and her work with Christian Penny has helped depended her understanding of and application of Te Ao Māori frames through coaching.
As a player, Maia has won the Kate Sheppard Cup with Coastal Spirit and the National League with Mainland Pride, as well as representing New Zealand at U17 level.
- Sandy Cumpstone was the Legacy & Inclusion Manager at the 2023 Women’s World Cup (WWC)
Sandy comes to Capital Football from the New Zealand Police where she has served for the last eight years. She is well known throughout football circles for her work on various committees and her advocacy for the female game both at Wellington United and through the CF Women’s Advisory Group.
Harita and Haley interview Brittany Farrant-Smith.
In her recently published book, "Living Full," she provides straightforward explanations of the physical and behavioral signs of eating disorders, along with a clear understanding of the inevitable consequences if recovery isn't pursued. The book also offers valuable advice for friends and family supporting individuals with eating disorders, featuring activities, checklists, case studies, and practical tools to break the cycle and take positive steps towards lasting recovery.
A free-spirited individual passionate about mental health and advocating against the harmful effects of diet culture. She initially wrote this book as a personal accountability tool while battling her own eating disorder, but it evolved into a means of offering support and companionship to others facing similar challenges. She has always aspired to be a motivational speaker, and her journey to recovery has inspired her to share the message that recovery is possible for anyone.
This book was released in June 2023, and can be found in all good bookstores!
Harita and Aimee interview Veena Otari, who participated and was a team leader in the 2023 Global Enterprise Experience through Victoria University, Wellington. She talks to us about the university project initiated by Deb and Dai Gilbertson where students are put into teams with students all over the world, and have 3 weeks to come up with a business plan that addresses a sustainable development goal, and a business that could be picked up and realistically started by someone in the future.
You can find out more about GEE here: Home (geebiz.org)
In the studio, Haley and Harita interviewed Harinder Sidhu, Australia's High Commissioner to New Zealand.
Listen in to hear about her experience as a diplomat, Australia and New Zealand's relationship, what she's working towards now, and an uncanny encounter.
25/10/23
Ms Sidhu was appointed as Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand on 31 March 2022.
Ms Sidhu is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and was most recently Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Secretary. She has previously served overseas as Australia’s High Commissioner to India and in Moscow and Damascus.
In Canberra, she has served in DFAT in senior leadership roles, as well as in the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Office of National Assessments and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Ms Sidhu holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney.
Brought to you by the Wellington branch of The National Council Of Women New Zealand.
This was recorded over zoom on 02/11/2023
To watch our video recording, visit https://youtu.be/8IB-4zOnNzY
Abhi Chinniah is a self-taught portrait photographer and writer. Born in Ōtautahi Christchurch to Jaffna Tamil Malaysian parents, Abhi grew up in East Coast Malaysia and now lives in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Drawing from her lived experiences, Abhi uses portraiture to elevate marginalised voices honing in on women of colour, migrant communities and colourism. Her debut photographic series, 'Light Skin Dark Skin,' explored the journeys people have to take because of the colour of their skin. Her subsequent photo essay, 'A Migrant's Path,' followed the stories of migrant groups in Aotearoa and how these groups seek out belonging when separated from their roots. 'Light Skin Dark Skin' and 'A Migrant's Path' went on to be acquired by The National Library of New Zealand.
Her widely acclaimed photo essay 'Melanin Rising' used portraits, essays and interviews to understand skinlightening practices and media representation of dark-skinned people. Abhi currently resides in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.
You can read more about her here-
A Migrant's Path: Q&A with Photographer Abhi Chinniah - WOMAN (womanmagazine.co.nz)
Abhi Chinniah | Ramii Studio | New Zealand Portrait Photographer | Aotearoa Photographer | Writer
Abhi Chinniah - Overview | Bergman Gallery
Her current work - A Migrant's Path - is on in Queenstown until 19 November 2023.
Harita, Lily and Tracey interview the Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality - Stephanie Copus Campbell, while on her recent trip to New Zealand
26/6/2023
Ms Copus Campbell has extensive experience working across the public, private, philanthropic and community sectors in Australia and the Indo Pacific. She has served as head of Australia's bilateral aid programs with Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Tuvalu and head of Australia's Pacific Regional programs. Ms Copus Campbell has worked in senior executive roles with CARE Australia and the Oil Search Foundation.
Stephanie is a founding Director on the Femili PNG Board (providing services to survivors of family and sexual violence) and the PNG City Pharmacy Ltd. Board. From 2018 to 2023 she was Chair of the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority Board (the third largest province in PNG).
Stephanie holds a Master of Philosophy from Cambridge University (UK) in international relations and a bachelor's degree from the University of California in political science, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is currently undertaking a Masters of Social Work through the University of Melbourne. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She volunteers in palliative care at Clare Holland House Hospice and as a wildlife carer and rescuer for ACT Wildlife.
The Ambassador for Gender Equality is a lead advocate for Australia’s work on gender equality and the human rights of women and girls.
Brought to you by the Wellington branch, of The National Council Of Women New Zealand.
Harita chats to 3 of the Invisible Narratives exhibition artists from Kshetra Collective- Mandy Rupa-Reid, Mandrika Rupa, and Tiffany Singh, The exhibition explores Indian migration to New Zealand and the various social constructs involved.
The exhibition is on at the Portraits Gallery in Wellington CBD until November 12th.
This was recorded via Zoom.
Audio quality will be affected.
Join Tracey Lee Hopfler and Natasha J. Carrasco Stillman for a zoom chat with New Zealand Labour Party MP Shanan Halbert- MP for Northcote.
They covered education, Māori tertiary institutions, The Treaty Settlement Bill for Te Whakatōhea, and more!
21/08/2023
This was recorded over zoom - Audio quality will be affected.
Before he was elected to Parliament Shanan spent 15 years in education leadership and management at tertiary institutions and he is now putting the skills he learned to use for the work he is prioritising for Northcote:
Improving local transport infrastructure, better and cheaper public transport and new walking and cycling links to Albany, Takapuna and across the Waitematā
Investment to make our great local schools even better
Building the warm, dry homes local families need and working with local agencies to welcome them to our community
Supporting local businesses to thrive and future-proof themselves with support to get online, access the skilled staff they need locally and improve their productivity.
Brought to you by the Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand.
northcote #education #politics #Elections #Elections2023
Join Haley Rachel Rolls, Jenna Clark-Hannah, Harita Gandhi-Kashyap, and our humorous guest, New Zealand Labour Party's Sarah Pallett - MP for Ilam, for conversations about the health system, free prescriptions, ethics, politics, family, and more.
28/09/2023
See our zoom call on https://youtu.be/TUrIQQb_4jI
Sarah Pallett - MP for Ilam
Currently, Sarah sits on the Health Select Committee, the Petitions Committee, and is the Chair of Labour Wāhine Caucus.
She is a member of the New Zealand Parliamentarians' Group on Population and Development, and the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians New Zealand Group.
Sarah also belongs to the Health, Wellbeing, and Social Services Caucus Committee, the Justice, Foreign Affairs, and Trade Caucus Committee, and sits on the Parliamentary Service Commission Artworks Sub Committee.
Before entering Parliament, Sarah was Chair of Labour Women's Council and was the co-founder of the Canterbury Women's branch of the Labour Party.
Sarah is an experienced midwife, working both at Christchurch Women’s Hospital and as a rural midwife.
Join your hosts Aimee Tang, and Harita Gandhi-Kashyap as they chat to New Zealand National Party MP Emma Chatterton for Remutaka about education, gender issues, social change, her Remutaka electorate, and much more.
See our 21/09/2023 zoom call on:
https://youtu.be/Xst0EoqvWU0
Emma Chatterton has been selected as National’s candidate in Remutaka for the 2023 General Election.
Ms Chatterton is currently a senior leader at Wellington-based social investment company ImpactLab. She has previously worked as a teacher, including as director of a Hutt Valley school’s music centre and is also a trustee of Whirinaki Whare Taonga in Upper Hutt.
Brought to you by the Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand.
#educationmatters #socialimpact #socialchange
Join Harita Gandhi-Kashyap and guest Celia Wade-Brown.
Previously Wellington, New Zealand's Mayor, she's a candidate for Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand in the upcoming elections.
See their zoom call on: https://youtu.be/R9UGV4sXlhQ 05/09/2023
Elected as Councillor and then Mayor of te Whanganui-a-Tara, she led Wellington towards being a truly Green capital. Previously, she was a teacher, then worked in IT.
Celia led a number of important city projects, improved earthquake resilience, funded core infrastructure, introduced Environmental and Climate Change Grants, led our Council be the first in Aotearoa to pay the Living Wage, and started the construction of a full cycle network. She founded Living Streets Aotearoa, and is on the Boards of Predator-Free Wellington and Walk21.
In 2017, Celia moved to the Wairarapa and live in a solar-powered tiny house. She's an active member of WaiP2K, a biodiversity project, on the local Walking and Cycling Advisory Group and started the Wairarapa Walking Festival.
Brought to you by the Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand
Listen in while your hosts Haley Rachel Rolls Harita Gandhi-Kashyap, and Aimee Tang chat to New Zealand National Party MP,
Louise Upston MP about child support, tourism, employment, "back room bureaucracy," cost of living, and more.
20/09/2023
Louise is the Member of Parliament for #taupō, a seat she has held since the General Election of 2008.
In December 2016, Louise became a Cabinet Minister and was appointed Minister of Corrections. She was also the Associate Minister of Education, Associate Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment and Associate Minister for Primary industries. She previously held roles in Land Information, Local Government, Women, Social Investment, Whānau Ora and Land Information.
Before being appointed a Minister, Louise was Government Chief Whip for two years and was Junior Whip for one year.
Louise is currently the Spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Child Poverty Reduction, and Family Violence Prevention.
Join your hosts, Haley Rachel Rolls and Harita Gandhi-Kashyap as we chat to New Zealand National Party MP's Penny Simmonds MP and Chris Penk MP about Education, Youth Crime, Māori Representation, Ram Raids, Boot Camps, and more.
11/09/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkyqI_kSyJQ&ab_channel=ConversationsWithW%C4%81hine-NCWNZRadio
Penny Simmonds MP is the Member of Parliament for Invercargill, New Zealand, elected in 2020. She is currently the Opposition Spokesperson for Tertiary Education, Spokesperson for Disability Issues Associate Spokesperson for Agriculture, and Associate Spokesperson for Transport, and sits on the Health Select Committee.
Prior to her election to MP, Penny was Chief Executive of Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) from 1997 – 2020.
Chris Penk is MP for Kaipara ki Mahurangi, and joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2000, which included serving as an officer of the watch on the HMNZS Te Kaha. He also worked at Government House as aide-de-camp to the Governor-General in 2003. Later, Chris joined the Australian Defence Force and fulfilled his dream of serving in submarines, being appointed navigating officer of HMAS Sheean in 2006, and finally was stationed in the Northern Arabian Gulf in late 2007.
Chris returned to New Zealand in 2008 where he completed his legal training. This culminated in his admission to the bar in 2010 and working as staff solicitor in Auckland. In late 2015 he established his own firm, leaving Ong & Penk Lawyers behind in late 2017 to enter Parliament as successor to Sir John Key.
Brought to you by Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand
Listen in while your hosts Haley Rachel Rolls and Harita Gandhi-Kashyap chat to New Zealand Labour Party MP Camilla Belich MP about parental leave, 90 day trials, fair pay agreements, unions, emissions reductions targets, dental care, and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDX7EuRyCtk...
7/09/2023
Camilla Belich MP has worked as an employment lawyer and has been standing up for others since she was a teenager. She now brings these experiences to her role as a List MP based in Epsom and Chair of Labour Auckland Caucus.
Elected in 2020, Camilla is the Deputy Chair of Parliament’s Education and Workforce Select Committee, Chair of the Labour Education and Workforce and Select Committee and is also a member of the Regulations Review Select Committee.
While at Law School, Camilla was elected Co-President of the New Zealand University Students Association. In 2005, she led a successful campaign for a fairer student loan scheme, culminating with Labour’s 0% student loans election policy.
She has worked extensively on pay equity policy and on legal claims seeking equal pay for work.
Brought to you by the Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand.
Join your hosts Haley Rachel Rolls, Harita Gandhi-Kashyap, Jenna Clark-Hannah, and our special guest, New Zealand National Party's Tama Potaka for Hamilton West.
We cover a range of different topics, from supermarket chains, cost of living, growing your own vegetables, education, school attendance, housing, building infrastructure for productivity, youth crime, ramraids, bootcamps, to school lunches, and much more.
28/09/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lME-RYRarjU...
Before Tama Potaka was our National MP for Hamilton West, he was the chief executive of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, he also worked as a senior advisor to the NZ Super Fund. He spent more than seven years as a general manager at Tainui Group Holdings in Hamilton and played a pivotal role in many of Tainui’s developments in the city and driving results for Waikato.
He has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University and a Master of Laws from Columbia University.
Tama is married to Ariana and they have three children – Tiaria, Te Awarua and Aorangi.
Brought to you by the Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand.
Listen in while your hosts, Aimee and Harita Gandhi-Kashyap are joined by Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand's MP, Ricardo Menéndez March MP, to talk political engagement within youth, improving the political system, the culture within parliament, the climate, and our international responsibilities, migrant exploitation, rental rights, dental policies, and more.
25/09/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-37H996ECI...
Ricardo Menéndez March MP is a New Zealand activist and politician who, since 2020, is a Member of Parliament for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand in the House of Representatives.
He moved to New Zealand from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, and worked as a film projectionist for a decade in Auckland.
After that role, he worked in hospitality, then in migrant advocacy.
He served as male co-convenor of Young Greens of Aotearoa New Zealand in 2016.
For the 2020 New Zealand general election, Menéndez March was placed tenth on the Green party list, and ran for the Maungakiekie electorate.
His current portfolios are:
Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Food Safety, Health, Immigration, Rainbow Issues, Senior Citizens, Social Development
Sports and Recreation, and Tourism.
In April 2023, the Greens confirmed that March would be contesting former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's Mount Albert, New Zealand electorate during the 2023 New Zealand general election as part of a "two ticks" campaign.
Brought to you by the Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand.
Join your hosts, Aimee, and Harita Gandhi-Kashyap as they chat to New Zealand Labour Party MP's Jenny Salesa MP, and Terisa Ngobi - MP for Ōtaki about housing, ethnic communities, unemployment, crime, gangs, public transport, lowering the voting age, increasing the seats in parliament, and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RCZ3Huqvik...
25/09/2023
Hon Jenny Salesa MP is MP for the #panmure-#Ōtāhuhu electorate, in which she lives with her two daughters, husband and extended family. She is the Assistant Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives and Chair of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee.
Jenny graduated from the University of Auckland with a BA/LLB in 1996. She has 25 years’ experience working as a public servant in the New Zealand health and education sectors, with NGOs and as a politician. She has also spent time living and working in America, where she implemented, and spread to other cities, an evidence-based health initiative developed in Michigan.
She was the MP for the Manukau East electorate from 2014 to 2020 and, following the 2020 boundary changes, was elected as the MP for Panmure-Ōtāhuhu. She was Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Tongan-born Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister.
Terisa Ngobi - MP for Ōtaki is born, raised and educated in Levin; a proud #horowhenua local.
She has three children with her Husband Henry who is originally from Uganda, Africa. Terisa is of Samoan and Scottish heritage predominately and therefore identifies as a Pasifika/Scotts woman, however also acknowledges her Chinese, German and Irish ancestry.
Terisa sits on two select committees, Social Services and Transport.
She is the Chair of the Infrastructure, Environment and Transport Caucus and Labour Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Champions for Accessibility Legislation (PCAL) Group. Further Terisa sits on the Pacific, Union, Rural and Women’s Caucus’ and the Asia, Africa and Pacific Parliamentary Friendship Groups.
Listen in while your hosts Haley Rachel Rolls and Harita Gandhi-Kashyap chat to New Zealand Labour Party MP's Greg O'Connor, and Jan Tinetti MP about crime, gangs, ram raids, poverty, equality, education, and more.
02/10/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0-xCjlcpF4...
Greg is the Member of Parliament for Ōhāriu, a local Wellington, New Zealand electorate. He had a unique journey to Parliament, having been elected after a long and successful 41-year career as a Police Officer.
After chairing the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee and as Deputy Chair of the Finance and Expenditure Committee, Greg was promoted to the role of Deputy Speaker.
Greg is standing for Ōhāriu in 2023, having represented the area since 2017.
Jan Tinetti MP is a list Member of Parliament based in Tauranga, New Zealand.
She is currently the Minister of Education, Minister for Child Poverty Reduction and Minister for Women.
Jan pursued a career in primary school teaching which saw her working in schools in Invercargill and Greymouth before embarking on a career as a school principal. Over her 20 years as a primary school principal, she led across four schools across Southland and Tauranga.
Jan’s last position as principal before entering politics was Merivale School, in one of Tauranga’s most financially disadvantaged communities.
Brought to you by the Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand.
The team were glad to have New Zealand National Party's MP Judith Collins back after technical issues resulted in our previous studio shoot recording being lost!
But . . . this time, your hosts Haley Rachel Rolls and Tracey Lee, have fresh questions about politics, gene technology, cancer treatment, AI, biotech, asparagopsis seaweed, her role as Science Innovation and Technology Spokesperson, and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akhdYiuuSdo...
21/09/2023
First elected in 2002, she has a long history within NZ politics, and has been creating meaningful change across a wide range of portfolios ever since.
She became the second female leader of the national party; serving as the leader of the opposition from 14 July 2020 to 25 November 2021. Now's she's the spokesperson for Foreign Direct Investment, Science Innovation and Technology, land information, and digitizing government.
Judith Collins is currently the National MP for Papakura, New Zealand.
Brought to you by the Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand
Join in on a sweet interview with your hosts Haley Rachel Rolls, Harita Gandhi-Kashyap, and guests, New Zealand Labour Party MP's Tamati Coffey and Ingrid Leary MP for conversations featuring surrogacy, journalism, media framing, our fertility rates, adoption, the economy, a wealth tax, our recession, (or lack thereof.) and . . . . Tamati's dodgy internet connection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3JHqzwrtss...
The interview took place on 14/9/2023
Tamati Coffey is an award winning New Zealand TV Presenter, who took up the broadcasting career immediately after finishing an Honours degree in Political Science at Auckland University.
In 2020, he was re-elected for a second term as a Labour Member of Parliament, pledging to work hard as a champion for Te Ao Māori in the Waiariki region, but for all New Zealanders too.
He is Chair of the Maori Affairs Select Committee, who process treaty settlements and work hard on legislation that bring the Crown and Māori together as partners. He is also a member of the Environment Select Committee, providing a Māori voice as we seek to reform the Resource Management Act, including an advocate for reform of water allocation policies.
Ingrid Leary MP became the MP for Taieri in October 2020.
Ingrid is the Chair of the Finance and Expenditure Committee and sits on Economic Development Science and Innovation, having previously sat on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade.
She is Co-Chair of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarian NZ Group, Co-Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China and Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan.
Prior to Parliament, Ingrid was an international relations specialist, lawyer, parliamentary press secretary, university lecturer and broadcaster. In 2006, Ingrid received the New Zealand Special Service Medal for her broadcasting work in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in Aceh. She is also a Fellow of the Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism Center.
Join Haley Rachel Rolls and Tracey Lee for a conversation with New Zealand Labour Party MP's Arena Williams MP, and Ibrahim Omer MP.
We touch on education, Victoria University, Health, education, refugees, migrant workers, exploitation, and more.
10/08/2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYHRMlbnhZQ...
Ibrahim Omer List MP and Candidate for Central Wellington, became an MP to represent communities who often struggle to have their voices heard. His experience spans fleeing his home country, being in a refugee camp, working as a minimum wage cleaner, graduating from university, and representing low paid workers as a union organiser.
He left his home country of Eritrea in 2003 spending years in UN-run refugee camps where he worked as an interpreter. He was then detained on suspicion of being a spy, it was only when the UN stepped in that he was rescued and offered the chance to come to New Zealand.
He is now running as Labour’s candidate in Wellington Central, the city he has called home since his arrival in Aotearoa.
Arena Williams (MP for Manurewa) is a lawyer and mother of two, she lives in Manurewa with her husband and two young children.
Prior to her election Arena has served as a member of the Waitematā District Health Board and on the Unitec Institute of Technology's Te Rūnanga Advisory Group.
Arena grew up in South Auckland, where her father served as a Papakura City councillor for many years, and her mother continues to work as a GP. Professionally, Arena has worked for one of Aotearoa's leading corporate law firms. Arena has a strong background as a community organiser. She was involved in student politics and was a candidate for the Labour Party in Hunua in 2014.
Brought to you by the Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand
Join Haley Rachel Rolls and Harita Gandhi-Kashyap as we chat to New Zealand Labour Party MP's Rachel Brooking, and Dan Rosewarne about the Hauraki Gulf, Māui dolphins, our environment, the military, Russia/Ukraine and more.
14/09/2023
https://youtu.be/xdtcnBIWoA0
Rachel Brooking is a Labour List MP based in Dunedin, New Zealand and Otago.
Degrees in science and law from Otago University, two decades practising law (including working for the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment) and experience as a company director meant Rachel Brooking was well-prepared when she became an MP in 2020.
She has been a member of the Finance and Expenditure, Environment and Regulations Review select committees. In April, she was made a Minister, holding the portfolios of Oceans and Fisheries, Food Safety, Associate Environment and Associate Immigration.
Dan Rosewarne is a Labour List MP based in North Canterbury, New Zealand.
He enlisted into the NZ Army at the age of 18 and completed an Auto Heavy Engineering apprenticeship. After several years in this role, Dan moved up through the ranks and took on various mentoring, training and logistics management roles.
With the NZDF, Dan has served on several operational tours, including two to Afghanistan. It is these experiences that have helped shape Dan’s views on the importance of equality, social justice and providing opportunities for everyone to get ahead.
Some of Dan’s career highlights include deploying as part of the regional assistance mission to the Solomon Islands in 2008 and providing disaster relief to Christchurch after the 2011 earthquakes. Most recently, Dan was involved with the coordination and distribution of essential supplies into Kaikoura immediately after the earthquake.
Brought to you by Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand.
Haley Rachel Rolls and Harita Gandhi-Kashyap are joined by New Zealand National Party's Nicola Willis MP for a quick chat about journalism, politics, her tax plan, a wealth tax, the emissions trading scheme, and more.
11/09/2023
https://youtu.be/SsqhwF3gZXI?si=Jrf9v7b_CB5b2jCO
Nicola Willis is a List MP based in Wellington, New Zealand, having entered Parliament in April 2018. She is National’s Deputy Leader, spokesperson for Finance and Social Investment, and National’s candidate for the Ōhāriu electorate in the upcoming general election.
Prior to becoming an MP Nicola held a number of senior management roles at New Zealand dairy co-operative Fonterra. Her work at Fonterra included leadership of the business’s global trade strategy team, membership of the global incident management team, operational management of Fonterra-owned farms and work on a number of major projects alongside Fonterra’s global customers, manufacturing teams and farmer shareholders. Nicola also served on the boards of Export NZ and policy think-tank the New Zealand Initiative.
Nicola was a senior advisor to Prime Minister John Key during his first term in Government, having been a member of his winning 2008 campaign team, a senior advisor during his time as Leader of the Opposition and a researcher for then opposition education spokesperson Bill English.
For more of our interviews, search for Conversations With Wāhine on your favourite podcasting platform.
NationalParty #newzealand #politics #Elections2023 #emissionstradingscheme #WealthTax #journalism #nicolawills
Brought to you by Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand
Join Harita Gandhi-Kashyap and Haley Rachel Rolls for a conversation with New Zealand Labour Party MP's Steph Lewis MP for Whanganui and Dr Anae Neru Leavasa MP about the medical system, Covid 19, our grocery duopoly, ethnicity considerations within healthcare, and more.
07/09/2023
Watch our zoom video over on https://youtu.be/82v0DCYLhx8
Steph Lewis is our Labour candidate for #whanganui.
Borrn in Whanganui; she grew up between Kaitoke Prison village, where her Dad worked as a Prison Officer, and her family’s farm in Waverley.
She's worked as an employment advocate, a lawyer, an advisor, and an investigator.
Steph played a significant role in securing Government funding for the Whanganui Port redevelopment during the 2017 campaign. She currently co-chairs Labour's Economic Development Committee, where she helps develop policies to create jobs and raise incomes in our regions.
Dr Anae Neru Leavasa is a passionate, hardworking advocate and has served as the inaugural MP for Takanini, New Zealand. He has lived in #South Auckland for over 30 years. He is married and has two young children.
Leavasa's parents immigrated from Samoa in the 1980s, and after surviving metastatic bone cancer, Dr Anae was inspired to train as a Specialist GP to provide support to his community. He graduated from the University of Auckland Medical School and became a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.
He currently Chairs the Health, Wellbeing and Social Services Caucus Committee and is the Deputy Chair for the Health Select Committee.
Brought to you by Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand
Join Haley Rachel Rolls and Harita Gandhi-Kashyap with our guest, New Zealand National Party MP, Barbara Kuriger.
Listen in while we discuss the dairy industry, legal aid, farming and emissions, water quality, scientific developments, and more.
30/08/2023
Now in her third term, Barbara brings experience, enthusiasm, drive and direction to her role as MP for Taranaki-King Country.
She splits her time between her electorate, Wellington and other parts of the country, as the demands of her responsibilities require.
With her lengthy career in dairy farming, and agribusiness, Barbara is a former board member of DairyNZ, Primary ITO, Taratahi, Dairy Women’s Network and NZ Young Farmers. She was 2012’s Dairy Woman of the Year and made a Fellow of the NZ Institute of Directors in 2014. Barbara has a Strategic Leadership MBA and is a past scholarship recipient of the Food & Agribusiness Market Experience (FAME). She is a judge of the Rural Games Trust awards.
Brought to you by the Wellington Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand
Tune in to listen to your hosts Haley Rachel Rolls and Tracey from Conversations With Wāhine interview Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand MP for Rongotai, Julie Anne Genter MP
13/09/2023
Julie Anne is working for sustainable and just communities, advocating for infrastructure that prioritizes people and climate. She joined Parliament in 2011, addressing issues like climate change, health, and housing. From 2017 to 2020, Julie Anne was the Minister for Women, and Associate Minister of Health and of Transport.
Haley and Harita chat to Golriz Ghahraman (Greens MP) and Gina Dao-McLay.
Listen in while we talk about the defense force, wealth tax, lowering the voting age, and more.
16/08/2023
Golriz Ghah-raman is an Iranian-Kiwi refugee and made history as the first ever refugee to be sworn in as an MP, having arrived in Aotearoa as a child asylum seeker with her family from Iran.
Her studies at Oxford, and her career as a human rights and constitutional lawyer in New Zealand and overseas have been focused on holding governments to account, restoring communities after war, empowering women engaged in peace and justice initiatives, and in NZ, she has successfully advocated on human rights issues before the Supreme Court.
She has volunteered her skills to advance justice reform, refugee and migrant rights, and for family carers of disabled persons.
Gina started their political journey as the Co-Convenor of the nationwide Young Greens network and becoming Co-Director of Make It 16, the campaign to lower the voting age which recently won their appeal against the Government in the Supreme Court.
At 18, Gina was given the Trailblazer award at the 2020 GirlBoss Awards, and is now the running greens candidate for Mana.
Tune in to hear Haley Rachel Rolls and Harita Gandhi-Kashyap interview Soraya Peke-Mason MP Labour MP for Rangitikei
28/08/2023
Soraya has her roots planted in the Rangitīkei electorate. It has been her home for over two decades after working in Australia during the 1990s where she established businesses in construction, tourism and hospitality. She is uri o Te Awa Tupua o Whanganui, has iwi connections to Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa in Marton, Ngatī Haua in Taumarunui and Uenuku in Raetihi. She chaired her tribe Ngāti Rangi in Ohakune through its Post Settlement Governance process in 2018. Soraya has never forgotten her humble beginnings; coming from a whānau who worked in meat processing, cleaning and factory work. Her current business portfolios are in land utilisation, forestry, Māori tourism and honey. She is a JP, former member of Whanganui DHB and completed Executive Master Business of Administration at Massey University.
Tune in to hear your hosts, Haley and Aimee interview Labour MP Glen Bennett for New Plymouth and his Mother, Judith Bennett.
14/08/2023
Glen has worked across social and business enterprise, restorative justice, community development and youth support, among a host of other accomplishments, and Judith, an avid motorcycling enthusiast, has been a long serving member of the Salvation Army, and the author of "What A Ride," an intriguing book, detailing a collection of stories and insights into her experience working with women behind the wire
Grab some snacks, click the link in the original description, and settle in for sweet conversations with the inspirational Mother and Son duo.
Aimee and Aisling speak with Courtney Johnston the Chief Executive of Te Papa. She joined Te Papa as Director of Audience and Insight in 2018 before being appointed as the youngest Tumu Whakarae Chief Executive in December 2019. She is also a trustee of Arts Wellington, the Wellington Performing Arts Trust and The Pantograph Punch. She was the visual arts commentator for RNZ’s Nine to Noon programme from 2010 to 2019.
Harita and Aisling speak to Christchurch based journalist and author Anke Richter about her best selling new book, "The Cult Trip" about all things cult related, how people get into them and what she found during her research and interviews, and what led her to write this book.
The YWCA is a proud feminist organization championing gender equality around the world. YWCA’s Wellington Branch board-people Isabel and Rhianna come on the show to promote the fund they’re launching for young women, E-hine fund. Listen in to learn what it provides funding for and how Wellington women can apply.
Interviewed by Harita Gandhi-Kashyap
Not so fun fact: every 10 years your period might cost you around $4000 in products that will also cost the environment untold damage if they’re non-biodegradable. Tackling period poverty and the environmental catastrophe at the same time, Shuari Naidoo is an award-winning social entrepreneur on the show to tell her success story of launching Moraka Menstrual Cups.
Interviewed by Harita Gandhi-Kashyap
We take the opportunity during Wellington’s Fringe Festival of luring a roaving theatre producer into the studio. Jenoveva Roberta is producer of and actor within three plays during the Festival. We’re interested to know more about a theatre production and stage-acting lifestyle and whether it’s as romantic as it sounds.
Interviewed by Harita Gandhi-Kashyap
Suzanne Tamaki, AKA Native Sista, is the acting City Events manager for Wellington City Council and as luck would have it for the Council, a brilliant artist in her own right. She founded Pacific Sisters, a collective of artists of the Wellington Pacific community, and comes on the show to talk about the challenge of supporting Wellington to embrace Māori and Pacific culture through public arts and events. Fun Fact: Suzanne is the niece of Tuhoe living legend Tame Iti.
Interviewed by Prudence
Wellington has a long history of theatre and Amy Mclean is a passionate new member of this vibrant community. She’s recently graduated in Theatre and Film from Victoria University, and now aspires to continue her studies in New York. She discusses the feminist themes in her most recent work and how influential women are within theatre today.
Interviewed by Ayesha and Lily
Jenny, a Nurse Manager and Debby, a Nurse Team Leader, both work in aged residential care (ARC) and want to point out they deserve to be paid the same as DHB nurses. The fact that aged care is a specialist field even suggests ARC nurses could demand more in a pay parity claim.
Interviewed by Prudence
What's it like to curate an exhibition in the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa? This year Lizzie Bisley brought Surrealism to Wellington and notes how active women were in the Surrealist movement and how complex the movement's attitudes were to women's bodies. She then discusses the challenges she faced trying to emphasize women's impact on the movement inside Te Papa's space.
Interviewed by Lily
Young female leadership in advocacy and activism is breaking new ground around the world. Here in Wellington, we invite Katherine and Hana, two leaders of the Free Fares Campaigners calling for legislation to make public transport free for children, young people, and students, and everyone carrying a community services card. What’s it like running a campaign and how can listeners get involved?
Interviewed by Prudence Stone
Hear from candidates for Wellington mayor in the upcoming election on issues that matter for women. We ask the candidates for Mayor: If you are elected Mayor of Wellington City, how will you prioritise issues regarding wai, wāhine and Te Tiriti o Waitangi?
Local body elections will be held later this year. In Wellington City, this means registered voters will have the right to vote in a new Mayor. For NCWNZ, this election is an opportunity for candidates to discuss issues that are central to our city and to our conversations within the Wellington Branch: wai (water), wāhine (women), and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Let’s become collectively informed at the #NZWomensDebate22 and learn more about what our Mayoral candidates plan to do to achieve a #GenderEqualNZ.
NOTE: This debate was recorded live via a webinar on 20th Sep 2022.
Rebecca Mathews is a Wellington City Councillor running again this year in local elections as a Labour candidate. Rebecca got involved in politics as a longstanding champion of the Living Wage Movement, getting the Wellington Council to commit to paying its contracted employees salaries that afford them the cost of living. We ask her what’s next if she’s elected back in later this year.
Interviewed by Prudence
Ionna Pannett is a Wellington City Councillor running again this year in local elections as a Green candidate. Iona is always involved in the Tick for Kids movement every national election and is a staunch environmentalist and children’s rights activist. We ask her the priorities she focuses on next if she’s elected back in later this year 2022.
Interviewed by Prudence Stone and Ayesha Asif
Afnan Al-Rubayee kiwi Iraqi mother, a professor at Victoria University running for Wellington City Council as a Labour candidate. If elected she will be the first ever refugee Councillor for Wellington and is keen to discuss how she plans to champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Poneke Promise.
Interviewed by Ayesha Asif and Harita Gandhi
What is it like to be a journalist? Vandhna Bhan is a field reporter for TVNZ with a background in local radio, on the show to tell us about the field and what her role entails. She notes the workplace culture has come a long way in encouraging gender and ethnic diversity among reporting staff, but not necessarily the audiences.
Interviewed by Ayesha.
Tory Whanau is a mayoral candidate in the Wellington City Council elections! She is former Green Party Chief of staff and her transition from behind the scenes party strategist to the local govt election podium makes an interesting story. We ask her what the burning issues are in her campaign. Fun Fact: Tory was NZ's youngest lotto winner back in 2003.
Interviewed by Prudence and Harita.
Cath Wallace, Vice Chair of the Environment and Conservation Organisations, a peak body for working to protect the environment, has plenty to say about New Zealand’s position on climate change action, following Minister James Shaw’s trip to COP 26. New Zealand’s emissions reduction plan is inadequate, vested less in action and more in buying credits; Cath likens this to kicking a can down the road and calls it very dangerous. The planet can’t wait!
Interviewed by Ayesha Asif
Sue Kedgeley, former New Zealand politician for the Green party, a longstanding food campaigner and environmentalist but as her recently published book '50 years a feminist' makes clear, a longstanding successful fighter for women’s rights. Sue discusses her book and reflects on the second wave of feminism she was part of starting.
Interviewed by Harita and Prudence
If we want to have an inclusive society, we have to improve our Crimes Act. Dr. Neda Salahsour analyses the government’s crackdown on hate speech with its six proposals to amend the law, including increasing the number of groups protected to include pregnancy, disability, employment status, sexual identity and ethnic beliefs. Does it go far enough? Listen in to hear what Dr. Salahsour has to say.
Interviewed by Ayesha Asif and Harita Gandhi