Conversations With Wāhine

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  WAENGABook tickets at www.eventfinda.co.nz/tours-festivals/2026/waenga3 Market Lane, Arts Centre, Wellington City19 June – 5 July Aotea College, Porirua7 – 9 JulyTe Tūhunga Rau, Strathmore14 JulyOrongomai Marae, Upper Hutt17 JulyWainuiomata Marae, Wainuiomata18 JulyToitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre, Hastings20 July Waitara High School, Taranaki28 JulyHorowhenua College, Levin31 JulyWairarapa Events Centre, Carterton4 August More dates coming soon is Pahiatua, Palmerston North, Feilding, Whanganui, Ōtaki, Paraparaumu, and Te Awa Kairangi.For schools bookings contact:[email protected] MycahMycah 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. 

A few of our co-hosts interview some 2026 Newtown festival-goers!

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) FacebookHoot'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 PilatesBradcliff Breathing Method NZ | Find a clinicPhysiotherapy for Pelvic Floor Disorders | Find a PNZ PhysioPelvic Health Professionals | Find & Compare Pelvic Health ProfessionalsContinence NZ Pregnancy GuideThe bladder and pelvic floor | Jean HailesMenopause | 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: InstagramHe 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-programmeAbout 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 |

Harita and Sophie speak with Aotearoa-born, Sydney-based rising pop artist Venice Qin.

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.