The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Back in 2023, former Labour Minister Kiri Allan hit a low point - and had to step down from politics.

After crashing her car while over the alcohol limit, she resigned from Labour and her political career came to an end.

She's shared her story and opened up about what happened that night in Wellington in her new memoir, Go Hard or Go Home.

"I carried a lot of shame, guilt...as the book says, my world shattered down and it's all my ...

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. This was actually released last year, but has had huge word of mouth enthusiasm for many, many readers and was voted onto the new Whitcoulls Top 100 last month. It’s now out in a second format and is the story of a woman’s life told through letters which she writes to a number of people important to her - some of whom are well known writers with whom she has an affinity, such as Ann ...

Megan Singleton's just returned from a multi-generational holiday in Fiji and she's outlined how to plan a similar big trip - without everything blowing apart.

They stayed at the Shangri La Resort on the Coral Coast, because it was important to find a location that appealed to a group aged 4 to 80, with a good beach, activities and a wide range of dining options.

She outlined her experience further here. 

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This week on the Sunday Panel, Newstalk ZB host KerreWoodham and Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 

Newstalk ZB celebrates 100 years today. What are our favourite memories of the station? What stories do we remember? What role does radio serve in a c...

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 9 August, in July 2023 Kiri Allan hit rock bottom.  She joins Francesca today to share her story of the burnout and the car crash that ultimately ended her political career.

Melissa George first appeared on our screens 33 years ago as 16 year old Angel on Home and Away. Melissa tells Francesca what brought her back down under for local Kiwi series Ms X, a...

The winter season brings colds and seasonal illnesses, and they can slow you down and get spread to other people.

Colds are usually caused by viruses and symptoms typically last about a week, but the most severe symptoms only occur for two to three days

Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara reveals how to ease symptoms for a quick recovery - and which remedies work the best.

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Classic bombe Alaska

Cook time: 10 minutes 

Prep time: 30 minutes 

Serves: 6

Start by scooping 6 balls of ice-cream and place them into the freezer to harden.

Now, make up the sponge by sifting flour and baking powder together. Fold lightly into egg mixture, sugar, salt, & vanilla. Then fold in the butter. Pour into greased 20cm tray.

Bake at 200 for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. 

Allow to cool ...

If you love dogs but can’t own one because of allergies, scientists may have a solution.

In a new study, published in The CRISPR Journal, researchers used CRISPR gene editing to remove the gene responsible for producing the major protein called Can f 1 that triggers dog allergies in many people. 

Using CRISPR-Cas9, the scientists edited skin cells taken from the beagles. CRISPR acts a bit like molecular scissors, cutting...

There's growing calls for another look at solar power and renewable energy following a chilly week for the nation.

The recent cold snap has brought a power warning across the country, with Transpower expecting record electricity demand.

The current Government, Labour and the Greens are all considering changes when it comes to solar power in our country, but is solar the answer to our energy issues and rising power bills? 

Rewi...

National's electoral vote success will be on the minds of its newly ranked MPs, with a fight for list positions potentially on for election night. 

The party's 2026 list sees no adjustment to its top eight, while James Meager jumps to 18 and Melissa Lee falls to 30.

Former Minister and commentator Peter Dunne says this list was reasonably predictable, with a lack of notable changes.

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The man who stood at the helm of Newstalk ZB for 17 years has weighed in on its 100-year anniversary. 

Today marks a century since the radio station's first broadcast. 

Bill Francis joined ZB in the early 80's and became station manager in 1993. 

He says it was a tough start, with the station dropping from number one in the market to number six - forcing it to change its format.

"Once it got back in front, you know i...

Today marks 100 years of ZB. There have been numerous different versions of the station over that time, different station names, frequencies, and formats. There have been many memorable hosts, a change in accents from British to casual modern Kiwi and, of course, an almost incomprehensible amount of coverage of all the major - and minor - domestic and global events of the last 100 years.  

Given the media has always been a cha...

Last year, social media personality Louis Davis was named New Zealand TikTok Creator of the Year - off the back of his family life as a stay at home dad to three girls.

He has a global following of over 3 million, and last year alone his content racked up 3 billion views.

He says his goal is to tell stories while avoiding stereotypes about his background. 

"If this is all you're going to see about Māori men and you live on the...

Dying Days by Anthony Byrt. Set in May, 1945, near the end of the Second World War, Tito’s Yugoslav army and the Allies are in a tense standoff in the city of Trieste. When a group of Kiwi soldiers go missing, tensions escalate and the unlikely pairing of a British MI6 officer and a New Zealand intelligence officer is flung together to locate them.

The Queen and Her Presidents by Susan Page. During Queen Elizabeth the Second&...

New York is an infamously expensive city, especially when it comes to accommodation, but there are many things you can see and do if you're on a budget.

Despite the city being 'frightfully' expensive - Megan Singleton has outlined her affordable hotspots, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the Staten Island Ferry, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum - and of course, the pizza slices! 

For more of Megan's travel tips and advice, check her...

This week on the Sunday Panel, Coast Day host Lorna Riley and Newstalk ZB host Roman Travers joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 

A new MSD report has confirmed that child poverty has gotten worse over the last few years. How can we fix these alarming statistics? What can we do? 

Winston Peters has prompted backlash over his controversial comments targeting a Green MP. Does there ne...

Millions turn to social media every day for entertainment, advice and information - including health advice from artificially generated sources.

Some of the videos appearing online were not created by real health experts, with plenty of content designed more around selling products over helping people answer their health questions.

Misleading AI-generated health influencers are fake online personalities and computer-generated medic...

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 2 August, Richard E Grant has been on the acting scene for almost 40 years but his latest role but be his maddest yet.  He tells Francesca what drew him to the raucous period drama Savage House and the unusual wrap present co-star Claire Foy bought him.

NZ TikTok Creator of the Year Louis Davis is an internet sensation with over 3 million followers global...