PODCAST · society
Here Now
by RNZ
Here Now is about the journeys people make to New Zealand, their identities and perspectives, all of which shape their life here.
Episodes
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Recreating an old brew - bringing Applejack to NZ
Originating in colonial America as a freeze-distilled cider brandy, this heritage drop is making a comeback. Thanks to Nelson’s famous orchards and small-batch craftsmanship, local distillers—like the team behind Elsewhen—are turning local apples into a smooth spirit. Go to this episode on...
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Could sawdust, crop waste and native plants save Christchurch red zone soil?
University of Canterbury researchers are using Christchurch’s earthquake-affected Red Zone as a "living laboratory" to test eco-friendly soil restoration. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Cashing in on a global berry boom
Berries are booming on the global stage - and NZ punches above its weight when it comes to production of blueberries and boysenberries. Behind the winning varieties of the fruit, are scientists like France-born Pauline Keribiro, bringing a wealth of global experience to keep NZ competing on the...
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"A full body experience" - life amongst plants at the Allan Herbarium
Inside Lincoln’s Allan Herbarium lies a vault of over 800,000 dried plants—a living history of Aotearoa’s flora. In this episode, collection manager Dr. Ines Schönberger unlocks the cabinets to reveal how century-old pressings, rare species, and modern plant taxonomy safeguard New Zealand’s...
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China/Kiwi Coffee Crossover
Coffee is something of a staple here in New Zealand, but China has traditionally been better known for its tea drinkers. Liz Garton meets a couple of coffee aficionados and learns about China's expanding coffee culture and the kiwi crossover. Find out more about The MQ Coffee tour to its farm in...
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"We are in the golden age" - Latin American cinema comes to town
A selection of award-winning films comes to New Zealand this month, showcasing contemporary Latin American and Spanish cinema at the 24th Latin American Film Festival of New Zealand. Colombia's Ambassador to New Zealand, Isaura Duarte Rodríguez, and Massey University's Professor Leonel Alvarado...
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Training for an MMA mindset
Pushing through challenges in the sport and the industry in New Zealand, martial arts clubs like Kings Academy continue to support up and coming fighters to pursue their dreams of making it to international MMA rings. In this episode we go behind club doors to chat about strategy, gym culture…
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Chasing highs through the lows
Every year, swimmers gather in Alexandra, South Island, united in sheer mental grit. No wetsuit. No neoprene. Just a standard swimsuit, a cap, and a ton of endurance. Laetitia Berten, director of the Ice Swimming Championships joins us in this episode to talk about how she got into the sport…
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From Atoll to Hothouse
North of Auckland, Warkworth has seen an influx of people from a specific Pacific nation –all there for a very particular reason. A community built from scratch thanks to one man and his vision. Phil Vine with this episode. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Serving up warmth in wintry Wellington - EKTA continues to grow
Since forming in 2017, food redistribution charity EKTA has had more volunteers join and has seen steady growth - but the queues of people it serves has almost doubled. Keeping it all going in the face of a cost crisis, are it's reliable force of volunteers, often made of a mix of people - new...
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Reimagining Pasifika heritage and space through architecture
Often when diaspora or indigenous communities interact with civic spaces—hospitals, libraries, universities—the architecture itself can sometimes either signal belonging or a sense of alienation. Three Resene Student Design Award winners want to shift this by centering more Pasifika values and...
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Engineering for seismic safety meets feminism - Samantha Krieg on her career pivot
Samantha Krieg went from chef de partie at one of Canada’s top restaurants by age 20, to a doctoral research in structural engineering and earthquake resilience, at the University of Canterbury. Underpinning in all, was a feminist passion for shifting gender bias and breaking barriers for women…
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Teaching french flair in Christchurch - L'Aurore's bilingual classes
L'Aurore a bilingual French English class has been seeing an growing interest in Christchurch with some parents wanting to raise their children in full immersion of the language. Rachel Graham went to check out how it all works. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Alex Tan - a focus on creating "sophisticated citizenry"
Professor Alex Tan's entire life's work has centred around creating 'sophisticated citizenry' when it comes to global issues and awareness, specifically in the Indo-Pacific region. He spoke to Rachel Graham in this episode. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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US ICE raids - two Americans in New Zealand reflect on the immigration crackdown in their hometowns
Mandy Bell fled the immigration crackdown in the US with her Kiwi husband and their two children, and Sara Gibson watched from Auckland as protestors in her Minnesota hometown were killed by ICE agents. Gwen McLure speaks to them in this episode. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Growing spaces for independent publishers - Auckland's bookstores with a difference
Creating platforms where independent writers' works can be amplified and shared, is what drives spaces like Spoor and Nowhere, some of Auckland's up and coming bookstores featuring writers from across Asia. In this episode, Blessen Tom chats with the people behind the bookstores. Go to this…
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Beyond surface level - Francesca Contaldo's exploration of Daunian tattoo
It wasn't until Francesca Contaldo lived in New Zealand that she actually began to explore the realms of ancient tattoo art from her part of Italy, Puglia. In this second episode on tattooing, she joins Kadambari Raghukumar to chat about how that came to be. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for…
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Beyond surface level - Buntheun's exploration of Khmer tattooing
The Khmer connection runs deep for Cambodia-born tattooist Buntheun who joins us in this episode to talk about exploring the ritualistic art in his homeland. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Being Big Buddy
Brothers Tapan and Donny Mukerji became part of the Big Buddy programme to mentor boys without father figures in their lives and found their lives changing for the better, alongside. There are currently more than 100 boys across Auckland waiting to be matched with a Big Buddy through this…
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Seeking a sense of collective wellbeing - diaspora Africans and mental health
Africa Day is marked in May and this year Kadambari Raghukumar is out meeting people dedicated to strengthening community wellbeing understanding of mental health. This episode features DRC born Genevieve Kayembe and Zimbabwe-born Dr Michelle Musakwa. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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"A humble kai rooted in tradition" - Kai Rotorua's annual kumara harvest
Every year, Kai Rotorua's kumara harvest attracts a group of volunteers keen to connect with sustainable practices and te ao Maori. This year, the harvest circle widened even further, with students from across South Asia joining the mahi on a spring day. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more...
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A tactile type - Sydney Shep on letterpress and bookmaking
That moment when 'ink kisses paper' is every letterpress artist's most anticipated. In this episode, Kadambari Raghukumar revisits a Wellington printery that's been working with the craft for over 60 years. She's joined by book historian Sydney Shep, archivist and Guy Ngan's daughter Liz Ngan. Go...
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A love for letterpress - Kerry Ann Lee
In her latest work, A Chop that Breathes, printmaker Kerry Ann Lee incorporates letterpress and typographic ornaments that once belonged to artist Guy Ngan. Talking of her longstanding love for type and letterpress as a tool for exploring stories of identity, Kerry Ann Lee joins Kadambari...
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Music therapy - a journey into sound and mental health
Music, mental health and a real ‘maker’ mentality – key words in everyday life for Carlos Reigelhuapt Landreani, who is exploring new frontiers of using music therapy for mental health and treatment. There are fewer than 100 registered music therapists across New Zealand, and in this episode, the...
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Cuba - unending embargo
Cuba has been under US trade sanctions since 1962 and the past few months have further challenged the Caribbean nation, with tightened economic blockades by America. University of Canterbury lecturer Dr Josephine Varghese and Ambassador Luis Morejon Rodriguez talk to Kadambari Raghukumar in this...
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Roots that run deep - capris from the Cuccurullos
This week, from RNZ's Country Life, Gianina Schwaneke takes us from Italy to Wellington's south coast. Growing and eating great food is central to the Cuccurullo family who've been cultivating tomatoes from seeds first sourced in Capri in the 1960's. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Shehan Karunatilaka - a full circle back to New Zealand
Booker Prize winner of 2022, Shehan Karunatilaka is in conversation with Kadambari Raghukumar about his plans after returning to New Zealand. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Starting from ground up
Rajni Kumar landed in New Zealand from small-town Punjab about 20 years ago with zero English and no idea what she would end up doing for work. Over the years since, she's grown her thriving seedling business from ground up – NZ Veggies, successfully navigating the landscape and language all at...
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"Sovereignty at stake" - Iran war
The bombings on Iran come after weeks of negotiations between Iran and US. Iranians living in New Zealand talk to Kadambari Raghukumar about their views on the war that's killed over 1000 people so far. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Ballet's comeback queen - Mayu Tanigaito
Born in Japan, Mayu Tangaito traveled across the globe to join the Royal New Zealand Ballet 2012. She’s since become one of the most recognizable faces of New Zealand ballet. In this episode she talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about making a come back after injuries and becoming a mother. Go to…
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Back to Basics - Esmail Fathi
Multi-instrumentalist Esmail Fathi grew up during the early years of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, when most music came under a ban. In Christchurch, today he leads the Persian traditional music ensemble Simurgh—alongside fellow multi-instrumentalist Liam Oliver. In this episode Esmail reflects...
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Back to Basics - Gold Tooth
Enhancing aural and oral health in New Zealand is what's been driving selector, curator and DJ GoldTooth after migrating from the UK. In this episode, GoldTooth talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about growing up as Eelam Tamil immersed in the global sounds of London. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz…
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Back to Basics - Henrique Morales
From Rio Grande Do Sul in southern Brazil, singer and musician Henrique Morales joins Kadambari in this episode of Back to Basics - sounds that he grew up with. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Back to Basics - Ch!nonso
Back to Basics delves into the foundational music artists grew up with, before moving to New Zealand. In this episode, Kadambari Raghukumar is in conversation with Auckland-based, Nigeria-born singer Ch!nonso. From Ijebu Pleasure club to releasing music under his own name, Ch!nonso is now an...
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2025 Wrapped
To wrap up the year, some of the conversations on the podcast that took us from Trinidad to Spain and Germany to Zimbabwe - some of our fave Here Now episodes from across the year. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Ankur Bassi - "A good person makes a good player"
Growing up, Ankur Bassi was certain he would one day play cricket for India, and he worked hard every day to get there. But a freak injury meant it would never happen. So, Ankur found a new dream - as a coach - and a new home, too, at Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club in Wellington, New Zealand. Go to...
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"A hundred years cures everything" - a tale of Dalmatians in Auckland
The Dalmatian community in Auckland has embedded itself in Westie Culture, but it wasn’t always so. The Dallies as they call themselves have faced considerable discrimination, bias and resistance - Phil Vine with this episode. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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The Afghanistan Aotearoa Marathon
A marathon in its second year brings Kiwis and Afghans together - former refugees, community members, and allies—who are crossing the finish line not just for themselves, but to keep a vital movement alive, celebrating Afghan culture one stride at a time. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more...
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To each, their own outlet
Self-published children’s author and a keen student of the local Salsa Club, Argentina-born Adriana Litchfield joins Justine Murray to talk about her culture and creative outlets in a new community. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Darfuri diaspora - grief and hope from afar
Today, in Darfur, we are seeing history tragically repeat itself as the RSF carries out atrocities across the region. From afar in NZ, families who once escaped the violence of 2003, share a sense of grief and hope over the current conflict in Sudan. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Changing careers, continents and cheese for Nelson
A Nelson makes cheese the way their family would - in Italy. Flavia and Flavio Spena made a career shift along to bring Italian tradition to the region and have successfully turned their artisan cheese brand into a local hit. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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"A sonic embodiment of cooperation" - 30 years of Gamelan
30 years ago a set of instruments from Bali were brought to University of Canterbury and formed the first Gamelan ensemble in Christchurch, under the guidance of Professor Elaine Dobson. Three decades on, after a short period of disuse the ensemble was reestablished in 2017 under Justin DeHart…
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Fertility and her future - Shamin Yazdani's deep dive
Filmmaker Shamin Yazdani tackles a personal dilemma in her latest documentary - to freeze her eggs or not. She chats to Kadambari Raghukumar about the journey she went on as she explores the topic through conversation with some close ones. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Share Kai - towards closer communities in Christchurch
A collective of former refugee women come together in Christchurch to share stories, kai and community. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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More wiggle room - Home-based care and new migrant mums
As home-based early childcare picks up in popularity, Barnardos-employed mother and daughter duo Iman and Hanin Taqieh speak about how it helped change their lives as new mums. Making shifts in their careers to become homebased educators was a decision that gave them flexibility and purpose after...
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Will sanctions work?
Last week, New Zealand upped its ante by lowering the cap on Russian crude oil as part of its sanctions, while about 20,000 people rallied in Auckland calling for sanctions against Israel. In this episode, what's the sentiment on the ground when it comes to sanctions against Israel and Russia?...
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A matter of Afghan pride - Breaking Bread: Part 4
Breaking Bread this week features Kadambari Raghukumar in conversation with Agha Naqshbandi and his wife Wahida Niazi, who are mastering with pride, their Afghan skills of breadmaking in the South Island. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Breaking Bread with pide - "Nothing like woodfire"
The humble pide, is a historic staple from Anatolia and at this bakery in West Auckland, Mustafa Suphy and Anil Ozbal sing praises of their Turkish traditions of baking while enjoying a fresh pide, washing it down with a Turkish coffee. Credits: Video and images: DOP/Editor - Craig Gladding...
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"No Injera, no life" - an ode to the Ethiopian staple
No Ethiopian meal is complete without this fermented staple accompaniment and in today’s podcast, Kadambari Raghukumar is breaking bread with her Ethiopian friends in West Auckland at Goju, with injera. Credits: Video and images: DOP/Editor - Craig Gladding Director/ Producer - Kadambari…
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Breaking Bread with Meinolf Kraeling: "Old bread is not hard, having no bread is."
This one's for the carb connoisseurs amongst us - Breaking Bread features our community's beloved bakers and in this first part, master baker Meinolf Kraeling is in conversation with Kadambari Raghukumar, about his deeply ingrained German love for bread. Credits: Video and images: DOP/Editor -...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Here Now have?
Here Now currently has 288 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Here Now about?
Here Now is about the journeys people make to New Zealand, their identities and perspectives, all of which shape their life here.
How often does Here Now release new episodes?
Here Now publishes regularly with 288 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Here Now?
You can listen to Here Now on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Here Now?
Here Now is created and hosted by RNZ.
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