This episode explores how New Zealand’s approach to health and wellbeing has transformed over the past century, from state-run health camps and free school milk to jazzercise and the revolutionary invention of brunch. Unpacking shifting attitudes toward public health, nutrition, fitness, and alcohol, tracing a journey from nourishing underfed children to grappling with rising obesity rates, from 6 o’clock pub closures to sipping wine with brunch, and from smoky offices to smoke-free taxis.Along the way, it celebrates iconic moments of Kiwi grit and sporting spirit, from record breaking Jack Lovelock to teenage swimmer Meda McKenzie’s epic channel crossing, reminding us that despite our indulgences, New Zealanders have always had a knack for pushing boundaries and giving things a bloody good go.Guests:Mary WilsonDistinguished journalist and former long-time host of RNZ’s Checkpoint, celebrated for her sharp interviewing skills and commitment to public-interest journalism.Guyon EspinerInvestigative journalist with a 30-year career across print, television, and radio, including 14 years covering politics from the press gallery in Wellington.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
--------
45:21
Rebellion and Innovation
A collection of stories rooted in ingenuity and resistance: Ngā Tamatoa’s fight for te reo in schools, Dame Whina Cooper’s historic land march and Eva Rickard’s stand in Raglan, alongside the fight for Pasifika rights, queer rights and the religious rebellion of theologian Lloyd Geering. These are trailblazers who took on church, state, and social norms, proving that New Zealand’s progress has often come from a mix of practical problem-solving and powerful protest.Guests:Kim HillAward-winning broadcaster renowned for her incisive interviews and 38-year tenure at RNZ, including as host of Saturday Morning.Peter LinehamEmeritus Professor of History at Massey University, recognized for his extensive work on New Zealand’s religious history and awarded the MNZM for services to religious history and the community.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Exploring 100 years of Aotearoa's history through RNZ’s audio archive. Hosted by Mike McRoberts, it explores how we’ve changed, stayed the same, and what it means to be a New Zealander.
New Zealand