Saturday Morning

This week Claire Mabey was announced as the winner of the Lynley Dodd Children's Writers Award. Claire's she's the founder of Verb Wellington, LitCrawl Wellington, and books editor at The Spinoff. She's also a beloved children's writer. Her new children's book Cass & the Beast comes out on the 4th of August. She speaks with Susie Ferguson.

Grassroots Recycling is a volunteer-run scheme that has diverted more than 200,000 food and beverage cartons from landfill in the Nelson region. Since its inception in 2022, it has mobilised volunteers, cafés and families to repurpose hard-to-recycle materials. It's also Plastic Free July - so for a little inspiration let's talk to organiser Jemima Jones to talk about the initiative.

When you think of Antarctica it's more likely that cold and ice come to mind than magma and ash; but the continent is home to the largest volcanic region on Earth. Far more than an icy wilderness; beneath Antarctica's ice lies a geologically active continent shaped by volcanoes, rifting, earthquakes and mountain building. Places like Mount Erebus, Scott Base and the Ross Sea are some of the most scientifically important locations on Earth. Graham Leonard is a Volcanologist and Principal Scientist at Earth Sciences NZ. He speaks with Mihi Forbes.

The Commonwealth Games are underway in Glasgow, one of those rare tournaments celebrating para-athletes in tandem with other competitors. For tetraplegic rugby player Dr Amanda Lowry breaking her neck hasn't stopped her from competing. She's on court on Saturday in fact, at a national Wheelchair Rugby League competition in Porirua. Amanda's is an incredible story - and one she's using to advocate for others. Her PhD thesis A body that needs a body is an unflinching look at highly impaired para-athletes and the critical role carers play - and the recognition they deserve. Amanda has presented at the International Paralympics Committee, and wants para-athletes to shine in an able bodied arena.

90's icon, Macy Gray is heading to New Zealand. Since breaking out with the 1990's megahit 'I try', Macy's gone on to sell millions of albums, earn numerous awards (including a Grammy), and is regarded as one of the greatest R&B and soul artists of her generation. Macy Gray's impact is huge, and she's back this October, touring the country with six shows. She speaks with Susie Ferguson about overcoming a lack of confidence, the power of being a 'diva', and what's in stall for New Zealand fans.