Here Now

Christine Keller was the Head of Textiles at the Otago Polytechnic for 5 years, but things changed in 2010 when her role was made redundant. Turns out it was the perfect time to chase her aim to find sustainable alternatives to period care and started Sew On Period Care to involve the community and make reusable sanitary pads. Karthic SS chats to her in this episode.

Combating climate change, protecting biodiversity and sustaining food systems of the world were top of the agenda at the COP16 in Cali, Colombia. In this episode, Kadambari Raghukumar was in Colombia to talk to two New Zealanders attending the world's largest biodiversity conference with the aim to bring a Kiwi perspective to some of the planet's biggest challenges.

Canterbury's Polish history goes back over a century and in this episode, Kadambari Raghukumar sits down with two of the community's most active history enthusiasts to learn about how bogs became fertile vegetable gardens thanks to the blood, sweat and tears of early Polish settlers.

Two young Sri Lankans talk to Phil Vine about a film-making voyage of discovery in their homeland - telling stories of farming hardship and investigating where our food really comes from.

In Wellington this month and next, a series of public programmes mark the 50th year of the Dawn Raids. In this episode of Here Now Kadambari Raghukumar talks to artist Liana Leiataua and Pacific historian Rachel Yates Pahulu around their thoughts and experiences of events of the 70s that inform their work.

This week on Here Now, Kadambari Raghukumar checks out some arts and culture events lined up in the capital for the next few weeks ahead. The podcast features chats with musicians performing at Wellington Jazz Festival - Alda Rezende and Seth Boy; and Abhi Chinniah about her photography on display in the NZ Portrait Gallery.

What's a New Zealand citizenship ceremony really like? For hundreds of new citizens each year, this is a long-awaited milestone event - one of which producer Ruwani Pereira attends in this episode, alongside would-be Kiwis about to forge their future on New Zealand soil.

A hundred years ago Haining and Frederick Streets in central Wellington were the heart of the capital's Chinese quarter. Today, all but a few fragments are gone. Wellington Chinese Historian Lynette Shum takes producer William Ray on a tour of the Wellington's long lost Chinatown.

As the cost of living hits home, what practical, money-saving tips can we learn from some of New Zealand's diverse cultures? In this cross-over episode with RNZ's money saving podcast, Thrift, Katy Gosset joins a cooking class at Canterbury's Refugee Resettlement and Resources Centre.

Canterbury-based botanists Dr Julie Barcelona and Pieter Pelser met in the US in the mid 2000s and it was their shared love for plants in tropical jungles that brought them together. What ensued has been years of botanical discovery and adventure - and some peculiar romantic gestures.

Leandro Vasquez of Abada Capoeira Auckland joins Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode to talk about celebrating the sense of community, art and camaraderie born out of this art.

Social constructs, race and identity are topics that are perpetually on Dr Camille Nakhid's radar and in this episode of Here Now, she chats about her lengthy career in New Zealand with research and activism for minority communities.

In this episode of Voices, Kadambari Raghukumar talks to arts practitioners about the latest New Zealand on Air music fund to support pan-Asian artists and musicians in New Zealand.

Each year, hundreds of high school students compete in New Zealand's Race Unity Speech Awards. For many past winners, the awards have been a career springboard. In this episode of Voices, three past winners talk about how the awards help young Kiwis find their voices.

In this episode of Voices, Filmmaker Hweling Ow talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about her latest play "Not Woman Enough" directed by Sananda Chatterjee.

Nowroz Ali first spoke to Voices from Kabul in 2021, while he waited for one of the evacuation flights operated by New Zealand Defence Force. In this episode Kadambari Raghukumar catches up with him, a year and a half after he arrived in NZ.

The forgotten community of Banaba who were displaced from their homes to the Pacific island of Rabi in 1945, are seeking justice and restoration of their island. Banaba was all but destroyed by over 80 years of phosphate mining by British Phosphate Company (BPC) of which New Zealand was part of. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

In this Voices episode, we're talking to volunteers coming together to help the Hawkes Bay's community back on its feet again after Cyclone Gabrielle.

Professor Bruce Glavovic talks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode about natural disasters and why not just a scientific, but a social science perspective is crucial if we are going to adapt and be prepared for more turbulent climate in the years to come.

In this episode, we hear about how a Massey University electronics engineer took his love for robotics to school students in Rotorua. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

How do te reo Maori words find their way in to children's speech in New Zealand and what context do they signify? In a With a new Marsden research grant, two linguists plan to investigate this.

Gaia Dell'Arriccia left the south of France to research seabirds on Auckland's coastal islands. When Kadambari Raghukumar visits, it's peak breeding season and the Italy-born scientist is busy gathering data about the birds' lives. In this episode of Voices, Gaia tells how life a long way from the Med has been going.

In part 2 of 2 episodes on design and decolonization, we speak to Kerry Ann Lee. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

In Part 1 of 2 episodes on design, decoloniality and culturally safe practices, Kadambari Raghukumar speaks to Dr Diana Albarran Gonzalez on Mexican design and textiles that became trendy in recent years, thanks to Fridamania.

This International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, Latin American feminists in Auckland spoke to Kadambari Raghukumar about the issues the community faces when it comes to violence against women, in the context of the violent killing of Juliana Bonilla Herrera in Christchurch earlier this year.

Witnessing a powhiri for some of the Bay of Plenty's newest residents is a pretty special occasion. Justine Murray was part of it all, in this weeks Voices episode.

Exactly 20 years ago this month, Vivio Ramos decided to make a life in New Zealand bringing with him his infectious love for Cuban dance. He speaks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode on growing up in Cuba, studying dance, and making a life in New Zealand.

In this episode, UC Research Medal awardee Misko Cubrinovski talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about all things seismic, and a journey of studying quakes that began in former Yugoslavia.

Almost 40 percent of New Zealand households experience food insecurity, while 19 percent of children live in households that experience food insecurity. in this episode, Kadambari visits EKTA in Wellington, a non-profit distributing food every Saturday morning, rain or shine.

What are Pacific values and how can they be incorporated into the classroom to help Pacific students thrive? iIn this Voices episide, Kadambari Raghukumar talks to the co-authors of a book that examines this.

Caribbean-Kiwi playwright Estelle Chout's confronting and comedic new play Po' Boys and Oysters wrapped on a high last week. Kadambari Raghukumar speaks to the cast about what it means to be black creatives in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The WOW Awards are back this year in Wellington - so what's it been like for the host of international designers who finally got to attend and show their designs after a two-year wait in limbo?

In this episode of Voices, Afghan rugby players Bilal Slaimankhel and Mohammed Safi speak to Kadambari Raghukumar on what the game has come to mean to them in recent years.

In this episode of Voices, in the run up to Mental Health Awareness week we talk to South Asian mental health advocate about the gaps and challenges they see in the community. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

Wellington poet Ya-Wen Ho tells Voices why a collection of lead typefaces are so precious to the New Zealand Chinese community.

The Pacific Food Lab is a organisation aiming to change the way we think about, create and consume food with the hopes of improving our health and the environment. Big goals. This week on Voices, we meet two of the passionate people behind this cause.

International education has been forever changed by the pandemic. Now that borders have fully reopened, we hear from two students about their experiences and find out what the future looks like for the sector.

Marine mammals suffer several direct impacts of coastal development, in particular the development of ports. America-born scientist Deanna Clement's research has been a deep-dive into the lives of whales and dolphins as they forage and migrate around New Zealand's waters. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

Yuanyuan Liang's fascination with young adult literature took her down a very niche path of study - following one very celebrated Kiwi writers fantastical stories. She speaks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode of Voices.

Two linguists delve into the mysteries of English grammar with their new book on more than just misplaced apostrophes - asking fundamental questions like what is good grammar or correct form anyway with evolving languages?

Daren Kamali's hair over a period of 25 years has now been woven into a traditional Ulumate, to be preserved for many years to come.Voices talks to the artist about the revitalizing of this ancient tradition, thanks to spaces like the Auckland Museum.

A Canterbury refugee centre is starting up its own driving programme, taught in the native language of migrants. It's another step towards breaking down some of the barriers to getting a drivers licence. It comes as the Government has announced Budget funding of 86.5 million dollars to help 64,000 people get behind the wheel. Katy Gosset finds out how that funding could trickle down and meets some migrants whose driving journey has just begun.

After a two year hiatus recovering from an injury, Wellingtonian and former-refugee Ali Mashal is back to chasing his dream of professional boxing.

With rising sea temperatures affecting our fisheries and marine ecosystem, how does Cawthron Institute's Dr Norman Ragg see research helping understand shellfish coping mechanisms better?

In this episode, writer and performer Jacob Rajan talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about his journey starting in 1997 with his debut, Krishnan's Dairy.

Helping shift the refugee and immigrant experience one conversation at a time, is Tanya Nock and her space - Cultural Conversations. In this last Voices episode of a month-long series on former refugees resettled across New Zealand, Kadambari visits Nelson.

On World Refugee Day, Kadambari Raghukumar speaks to the first family of Kayan refugees to ever arrive in Nelson, back in 2008. How has life changed for the family over the years?

Sepak Takraw has helped some former refugees tap into a taste of home despite challenges to keep the sport going in Auckland. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar

From Vancouver to Auckland: violinist Andrew Beer prepares to debut a major new work in his adopted home.

At 22, David Huang founded his first AR startup called Oasis AR, continuing the 20-year-old lineage of such startups from University of Canterbury's HIT Lab. He spoke to Kadambari Raghukumar in this Voices episode.

Two best friends who started a finance podcast at the start of the pandemic look back two years later. Simran Kaur and Sonya Guptham talk to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode of Voices.

Growing up in Ireland with a fascination with stormwater, set Aisling O'Sullivan on a lifelong mission to keep waterways free from pollutants, even here in New Zealand. She speaks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode of Voices.

How did Pedro Ilgenfritz go from accounting to clowning? He talks to Voices producer and presenter Kadambari Raghukumar about his love for acting - and a growing theatre mask collection.

How did a stint in the army lead Canterbury scientist Hussam Razzaq to wanting to change lives through research? He spoke to Kadambari in this week's episode of Voices.

How does being a master distiller and Honorary Consul come together when your country is being ravaged by war? Kadambari Raghukumar talks to Oleksandr Kirichuk in this week's episode of Voices.

Inter-ethnic prejudice and discrimination were the subjects on the table at a recent online hui attended by a collective of New Zealand creatives and activists. Organisers and participants of the hui talk to Voices about highlighting and tackling these issues via honest dialogue and reflection.

Nigerian-born Aucklander Esther Olatunbosun has taken her sweet tooth to the Dubai World Expo. One of just three young chefs chosen to represent New Zealand, she has big dreams and one heck of a pav.

Zimbabwe-born saxophonist Thabani Gapara talks to Voices producer and presenter, Kadambari Raghukumar, about his journey over the years and how storytelling has been so central to his work, particularly with his recent EP.

In this episode, we're talking football, inclusivity, visas and the opportunities to play in an amateur league when you're an immigrant in New Zealand. Kadambari Raghukumar talks to Waiheke United and players from other clubs affected by the foreign-player regulation.

Growing up in a farming family in Zimbabwe, scientist Emmanuel Chakwizira talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about the differences in crop culture literally, and his work here in Canterbury.

Myint Aung San talks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this Voices episode about his dreams to change the refugee experience in camps by changing the way they're built.

In this Voices podcast, botanist and associate curator at the Auckland Museum, Yumiko Baba, shares her long-standing love for a particular native tree. Produced and presented by Kadambari Raghukumar.

in 2022's first episode of Voices, writer Shriya Bhagwat talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about exploring patriarchy and challenging stereotypes through her debut play, Kamasutra Chronicles, stalled twice before it finally premiered this month.

2021 was yet another year riddled with Covid-19 lockdowns, endless queues for MIQ spots and families separated by border closures. As the year draws to an end, we look at what this year has meant for immigrants in Aotearoa.

Auckland's diversity found a new space in the Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland Museum this year. Kadambari chats to the people involved in making this a dynamic, community-driven space.

Bringing Africa to Aotearoa, a film at a time - AFFNZ 2021

Two weeks after moving up from Raglan to Auckland to get busier with his music, Muroki speaks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode, about his journey so far as a musician.

In this episode, Auckland-based pianist Ben Fernandez, speaks to Kadambari Raghukumar about his journey growing up a very musical family in Mumbai, to arriving in New Zealand to study jazz.

What was life in the Fijian town of Levuka like for two young girls from the Indo-Fijian community? Two elders reflect in a casual conversation switching effortlessly between Hindi, Fijian and English. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar

As Sudan goes through a coup and the dissolving of the transitional government, how does diaspora in Aotearoa feel as two years of hopes for democracy in their home country seem dashed? Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar

Everyday New Zealanders will soon be given the chance play a bigger role helping new refugees settle in, thanks to a new Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship (CORS) scheme that will soon be rolled out.

Film festival programmer Vicci Ho explains why a career watching movies is harder than it seems and how she picks films to reflect a culture.

In this episode, Kadambari Raghukumar talks to the Minister for Ethnic Communities, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, along with the Green and National party spokespeople for ethnic communities - Golriz Ghahraman and Melissa Lee respectively. What is the road map ahead for refugee intakes, international students and the Royal Commission huis?

For 165,000 people waiting to become New Zealanders, the government's recent decision to fast-track visas has come just in the nick of time. But what about those who've spent years here working and studying, but still don't qualify?

Workplace Bullying - The Beat Up, Anendra Singh's debut novel, was published earlier this year. During Mental Health Awareness Week, he spoke to Kadambari Raghukumar about what more needs to be done to combat New Zealand's high rates of workplace bullying.

After her first year of being in New Zealand, Somali former refugee Fatema Mohamed, now considers started a process that could help her restore a long-lost link. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

Women's rights have come a long way in Afghanistan over the last 20 years. Will the recent Taliban takeover unravel all that hard work - and worse.

In the second part of stories from Afghanistan, Kadambari Raghukumar speaks to one Afghan waiting in Kabul for evacuation to New Zealand, and one woman who recently arrived in Auckland from Afghanistan in the first week of the Taliban's takeover.

Kadambari Raghukumar talks to Zahra Hussaini and Mahsheed Mahjor both originally from Kabul and now live in Christchurch - how has the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan affected the lives of their family and friends living there?

Tough lessons in survival and strategy led Alan Chew to become a leader in innovation and philanthropy. The 66-year-old's now garnering applause for his role in helping New Zealand combat Covid-19.

In the second part to the story of Auckland's Kings Academy martial arts club, Kadambari Raghukumar speaks to rising star kickboxer, Ethiopia-born Hayellom Tesfay.

A city-centre gym prolifically training rising stars in the kickboxing scene, prides itself on training as one large mixed family. Kadambari Raghukumar spoke to the Iran-born director, Vahid Unesi.

This week on Voices, a group of young activists get together to present an interactive timeline on the history of Palestine. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

One of Auckland's orginal squeegee stars, Sky, talks to Kadambari Raghukumar reflecting on his life growing up in the States to arriving in Auckland in the early 90s.

In Voices today, several businesses in South Auckand serving mainly Indian diaspora clients are struggling to find workers of the right profile to help at their shops.

Going between painting, installation and sculpture, Korea-born artist Seung Yul Oh talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about his practice.

A new report paints a pretty detailed picture on youth well-being amongst East and South Asian students - and some of the stats are not pretty. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar

This week on Voices, Umar Zakaria, Wellington-based jazz composer and double-bassist talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about his interpretations of Malay music through jazz improv.

Arriving in New Zealand seeking refuge to finally officially becoming one - Kadambari Raghukumar talks to Colombian, Jose Tombe about what compelled him to leave his hometown of Cali.

Commemorating their golden jubilee this month, Polynesian Panther member Tigilau Ness speaks to Kadambari Raghukumar about the significance of the groups activism over the years.

Amnesty International's report on repression of Muslims in Xinjiang was released last week. Kadambari Raghukumar spoke to the Auckland-based sister of one detainee whose case features in the report.

Artist Claudia Kogachi talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about what it's been like exploring her personal family relationships and dynamics through creative work.

An internationally-recruited doctor formerly based in provincial New Zealand, talks about professional isolation and racism that she and others like her face. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

More than a year since he became a free man and has been living in New Zealand, Kurdish novelist, journalist and activist Behrouz Boochani talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about decolonial thinking and his life in New Zealand.

This last week of Ramadan Kadambari Raghukumar talks to two women athletes observing the fast during the Holy Month.

Travel restrictions between India and New Zealand have been loosened but thousands of Indian families are still separated. Katy Gosset hears how the situation has rocked one Christchurch household.

In this episode, a 23-year-old New Zealander shares her story - a poetic journey asking questions of identity, harm, and home, while revealing the realities of living as a child in the world's refugee camps.

What does 20 years of graffiti in Aotearoa look like? One graffiti crew decided to pull together as a collective to create an exhibition that looks at old and new works and the people involved in the scene over the years.

Since November 2020 thousands from Ethiopia's Tigray region have been caught in conflict and fighting. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.