Conversations with Wāhine

National Council of Women New Zealand
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Brought to you by the Wellington Branch of New Zealand's National Council of Women. Tune in to listen to vibrant interviews and debates about the issues affecting us and the opportunities there are to have a say.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Tom Rutherford and Suze Redmayne - 27th September

    Harita interviews Tom Rutherford and Suze Redmayne. When we talk about the future of New Zealand, it is easy to get caught up in the big, noisy headlines coming out of the Beehive. But if you want to understand where the country is actually heading, you have to look at the people pulling the levers behind the scenes—the electorate MPs balancing local, grassroots realities with the intense pressure of national policy. Today, we are sitting down for a deep, long-form conversation with two of the National Party’s key voices from the class of 2023. First, Suze Redmayne, the Member of Parliament for Rangitīkei. She’s a proud rural advocate, a co-founder of the award-winning Coastal Lamb brand, and the driving force behind proposed KiwiSaver amendments aimed at getting rural workers into their first homes. Joining her is Tom Rutherford, the Member of Parliament for the Bay of Plenty and Chair of the Justice Select Committee. As one of the youngest MPs in the house, he’s spent his term managing heavily debated legislation, from controversial move-on orders to sweeping infrastructure projects in the provinces. In this episode, we are skipping the standard seven-minute news soundbites. Instead, we are looking at the realities of the upcoming 2026 election cycle. We dive into what it really takes to balance primary production with climate targets, how the younger generation views law and order, and what happens when the isolation of regional life collides with the intense public scrutiny of Wellington.

  2. 4d ago

    Kate McDonald - 20th September

    Sophie and Harita interview Kate McDonald. If you’ve ever walked into a crowded room in Wellington and felt the electric, collective buzz of people talking about books, ideas, and storytelling, chances are today's guest helped build that room. Kate McDonald is the Co-Director of Verb Wellington, the creative force behind the beloved Verb Readers & Writers Festival and the iconic LitCrawl. Kate’s journey is a masterclass in creative leadership. She started at Verb six years ago as a volunteer, working her way up through many roles in the organization. Combined with years of experience coordinating events at the legendary Unity Books Wellington, Kate has a rare, ground-level understanding of what makes a literary community truly thrive. Today, she co-leads Verb alongside Gabrielle Vincent, championing inclusive spaces, amplifying marginalized voices, and reimagining how we gather to celebrate stories

  3. 4d ago

    Ricardo Menendez March - 13th September

    Sophie and Harita interview Ricardo Menendez March. When we look at the state of politics today, it's easy to get caught up in the daily media cycle—the quick soundbites, the political sparring, and the surface-level debates. But every now and then, you encounter a leader whose entire life story functions as a direct challenge to the status quo. Ricardo is a Green Party List MP based in Mt Albert, Auckland, but his path to the halls of Parliament in Wellington was anything but traditional. Born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico, he moved to New Zealand as a young adult, working his way through the hospitality and care sectors. He experienced firsthand what it means to survive on a low income, face the anxieties of the immigration system, and witness the systemic gaps in our social safety net. Instead of letting those hardships isolate him, Ricardo channeled them into fierce, grassroots activism. As a coordinator for Auckland Action Against Poverty, he became a relentless voice for the marginalized, arguing that poverty is not a personal failure, but a deliberate political choice. Now, as the Green Party’s spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, he is taking that fight directly to the government. Whether he is championing a Universal Basic Income, fighting automated welfare decision-making, or advocating for migrant worker protections, Ricardo’s definition of being "radical" means going straight to the root of the problem. In this conversation, we’re stepping away from the 30-second news clips to look at the bigger picture. We explore what it really takes to move from the streets to the select committees, how his personal identity shapes his politics, and how he maintains the audacity to dream of a more equitable Aotearoa in a highly polarized political climate. This is the second time we've interviewed Ricardo. We interviewed him in the lead up to the 2023 elections and it was great to chat about his life as well as what has happened in those 3 years since we last interviewed him.

  4. Sep 7

    Rachel Boyack - 6th September

    What does it take to stand as the unwavering voice for a region when the national political landscape is shifting beneath your feet? In this episode, Harita sits down with Rachel Boyack, the Labour Party MP for Nelson and an energetic force in New Zealand’s Shadow Cabinet. From the concert stage to the frontlines of union bargaining, Rachel’s path to Parliament Buildings in Wellington has been anything but conventional. As a trained singer with a Bachelor of Music and an alumnus of the New Zealand Youth Choir, she brought a fierce appreciation for the creative industries into public service. Before securing her seat in the 2020 election, she honed her advocacy skills as a dedicated student association president and a relentless regional organiser for FIRST Union, where she stood on the ground fighting to lift wages and guard conditions for working families across the top of the South Island. Now operating on the national stage, Rachel holds a diverse portfolio as Labour’s Spokesperson for: Arts, Culture and Heritage — Outspoken against local funding rollbacks, she treats the regional creative sector not just as a cultural pillar, but as a critical drivers of economic stability. Oceans and Fisheries — Championing immediate intervention and reviews to save threatened species like the nationwide whitebait fishery. Animal Welfare — Advancing protective standards across the board. In this deep-dive conversation, we strip back the standard political talking points. Rachel opens up about the bittersweet realities of local infrastructure battles—including the freshly contested Nelson Hospital inpatient rebuild—and why she views local climate adaptation and freshwater protection as the defining regional issues of our time. We also talk about her deep personal connection to the community, her volunteer work with the Nelson Women’s Refuge, and her drive to break the stigma around deeply personal trials like infertility and baby loss. Whether you care about the future of regional healthcare, the economic power of the arts, or what it truly looks like to navigate public life with authentic conviction, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss.

  5. Sep 4

    Nancy Lu - 30th August

    Harita interviews Nancy Lu. Nancy is a Member of the New Zealand Parliament representing the National Party, a distinguished chartered accountant, and a dedicated advocate for diverse communities and working families. Bringing a unique blend of high-level corporate expertise, Ivy League public administration training, and deep-rooted bicultural insight to the New Zealand Parliament, Nancy represents a modern generation of leadership focused on building a resilient, prosperous, and economically sound future for all New Zealanders. Born in China, Nancy migrated to New Zealand with her parents in 1997 at the age of nine, settling in Auckland. She grew up within the local kiwi education system, attending Avondale Primary School, Pakuranga Intermediate, and Macleans College. Her stellar academic journey laid a strong foundation for her career, beginning at the University of Auckland, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, earning First Class Honours in International Business alongside a double major in Accounting. Years later, committed to expanding her governance and policymaking expertise, she advanced her education internationally, completing a Master in Public Administration (MPA) at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of Government Before entering public service, Nancy established herself as a formidable finance professional and commercial strategist. A Chartered Accountant by profession, she spent years working in New Zealand, Hong Kong, and mainland China across premier global auditing firms and major commercial enterprises. Her extensive corporate portfolio includes professional tenures at PwC and Ernst & Young (EY), financial management roles at Fonterra, and strategic expertise within the international shipping and retail trade sectors. Furthermore, she contributed directly to local government development by serving as a chief financial strategist for the Auckland Council, balancing complex public financial management with community-focused growth initiatives. Nancy’s entry into formal politics was preceded by nearly a decade of active, grassroots involvement within the National Party, where she served on the National Professional Committee and contributed to community engagement initiatives. Following her election to Parliament, she has brought her commercial acumen directly to central government, serving diligently on the Finance and Expenditure Committee and taking on roles such as the Deputy Chair of the Regulations Review Committee. Her legislative priorities are heavily focused on reducing the cost of living, optimizing international trade opportunities, cutting unnecessary regulatory red tape, and advocating for impactful investments in education, healthcare, and ethnic community mental health services. As a trilingual leader fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, Nancy bridges cultural and economic divides, actively strengthening relationships between government bodies, export businesses, and diverse migrant communities. Residing in Auckland with her husband and family, she balances the demands of parliamentary life with the responsibilities of being a proud working mother. Nancy remains deeply committed to ensuring that New Zealand remains a safe, ambitious, and opportunity-rich home capable of nurturing successive generations to achieve their full potential

  6. Sep 4

    Mariameno Kapa-Kingi - 23rd August

    Harita and her brother Avinash interview Mariameno Kapa-Kingi Mariameno Kapa‑Kingi has strong whakapapa connections across Te Aupōuri, Ngāpuhi nui tonu, Waikato and Te Whānau‑ā‑Apanui. She is the Member of Parliament for Te Tai Tokerau, but her journey to Parliament has been grounded in lifelong service to iwi Māori, hapū and whānau – particularly māmā and wāhine. Before entering Parliament, Mariameno worked extensively on the frontline with Ngāti Hine Health Trust, in Whānau Ora, suicide prevention, Oranga Tamariki, the former Department of Social Welfare, Rape Crisis, and as Chief Executive of Te Aupōuri. She follows in the footsteps of her tupuna, Eparaima Kapa, who served in the 11th Parliament from 1891 to 1893. Her leadership is guided by what she calls “mokopuna decisions” – always asking whether the choices made today will leave a better future for generations to come. Note: this interview was recorded in April, prior to the announcement of her new political party

  7. Aug 18

    Sashi Perera - 16th August

    Harita and Suravi interview Sashi Perera. Sashi is a Sri Lankan-Australian comedian, writer, and self-described 'recovering lawyer'. For a decade, Sashi worked across the globe as an international refugee lawyer for the UN. Then, she made the bold choice to change her life completely. After calling off a destination wedding at the last minute and moving to Melbourne, she fell into stand-up comedy and quickly became an online sensation. She was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and recently released her acclaimed debut memoir, Standstill. We dive into career reinvention, finding your voice, and why life is full of unexpected windows.

  8. Aug 18

    Lee Martin - 9th August

    Harita interviews Lee Martin. Renowned singer-songwriter Lee Martin delivers a poignant reflection on life’s unpredictable journey with her latest indie-soul offering, ‘5 Year Plan’. This evocative track captures the friction between our grand designs and the gritty reality of time slipping through our fingers. ‘5 Year Plan’ provides a candid look at the sensation of being suspended in time—navigating the disappointment of faded dreams, lingering habits and mistakes, and the heavy weight of unmet expectations. It is an anthem for the quiet endurance and resilience required to keep moving forward when the path forward looks nothing like the blueprint, and life doesn’t unfold the way you imagined.. The song’s emotional core is anchored in its shifting narrative. Martin highlights the passage of time and the idiom that “time waits for no man” with the lyrics, "I’m 15 years in on my 5-year plan" which then evolves into, "I’m 18 years in on my 5-year plan. “These lines are the heartbeat of the track for me - my favourite parts of the song, indicating the chaos of lost time and the feeling of being stuck in motion. Meanwhile years later, here’s me still working on that 5 year plan”, Martin explains The constant shifting of the goalposts, and the deflating realisation that you’re still a work in progress is, in the end, all ok because it’s better to embrace and grow through the chaotic and messy reality of life, rather than being disappointed in an imaginary, less than perfect finish line.‘5 Year Plan’ follows on from previous single and video, the musically restrained yet emotionally potent ‘Feel’, an ode offering an empathic and judgement free lens through which to view intense vulnerability and self-destructive behaviours. With her trademark velvet vocals and masterful storytelling, the South-African born, Ōtautahi-based artist explores the vulnerability of "growing through the mess" ‘5 Year Plan’ is a soulful tribute to resilience and the courage it takes to remain in motion when life remains stubbornly off-script. Lee Martin is an indie-soul musical powerhouse celebrated for her lyrical depth and commanding vocal presence. Her music weaves together soulful grit and folk-style storytelling, making her one of Aotearoa’s most compelling voices.

  9. Aug 18

    Zoe Vera - 2nd August

    Following hot on the heels of her previous Live Harder single releases ‘Good Enough’ and ‘Twelve Feet Under’, latest stand-out track ‘Dizzying’ captures the emotional tension between both wanting and fearing love. A reflection of the courage it takes to open your heart when faced with the thrill of a new, exciting connection, while feeling paralysed by past relationships and unhealed wounds. “For me, ‘Dizzying’ is about being fearless and open to the thrill of experiencing love again, even though you’re still nursing raw, residual pain. It’s an emotional tug-of-war when you’re feeling swept up in something new, but still wary due to past lessons”, says Zoë. A widely relatable track, ‘Dizzying’ masterfully pairs a vibrant, upbeat melody with sharp moments of introspective tension. Known for her lyrical honesty, raw vulnerability and emotive vocals, it’s through her music that Zoë cathartically explores themes of resilience, identity and growth. Her soon to be released EP, Live Harder, produced by highly respected, multi-talented musician Danny McCrum, delves into her experience with trauma and the journey of rebuilding her life, which allows her to draw on a profound well of strength and survival to inform her lyricism. Zoë is set to further build on the widespread radio and industry acclaim received to date from previous tracks which have already received international and local airplay on numerous radio stations, including a highly coveted debut interview with powerhouse broadcaster The Hits. With a sound that leans into musicality, sophistication and creative substance setting her apart from predictable pop genre conventions, Zoë Vera is an exciting new presence on the New Zealand music scene, and has quickly become an artist to watch. Wrap your ears around ‘Dizzying’ and 'Live Harder' now!

  10. Jul 31

    The Cybersmarties scam: Aisling Waldron and Shari Brewer - 26th July

    Aisling Waldron is a Senior policy Advisor at Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention Center and serves on the Governance Board of ECPAT Child Alert. She previously led Prevention and Education initiatives at the Department of Internal Affairs tackling online harms, including child sexual exploitation and terrorist and violent extremist material online. In 2025 she accepted a role as Global Director of Monitoring for Cybersmarties, an Irish based education social media platform. After failing to be paid for 6 months, Aisling resigned and is now one of the key whistleblowers against CyberSmarties Ltd and its founder Diarmuid Hudner, acting on behalf of a victim group spanning multiple countries. Shari Brewer is an Australian based content strategist with a background in education and digital business development. She has built and managed multiple online platforms across content marketing and e-learning, with a strong focus on supporting small business owners with their authentic voice in an AI-centric world. In 2024 she and a business partner invested their savings in an Australian Cybersmarties franchise to introduce the platform into Queensland schools. Things did not go to plan, and despite a signed contract guaranteeing the return of their deposit and countless empty promises to return the funds, she remains out of pocket more than 12 months later. Together Aisling and Shari are pressing the authorities to investigate the company and founder. They have secured a front page story in the NZ Herald as well as in the Irish Mail on Sunday formal investigation and accountability. They continue to work tirelessly to ensure that companies and systems set up to protect children are themselves held to account. They are continuing to raise funds for their legal case in the Irish courts, which has the extra layer of challenges since Aisling and Shari don't live in Ireland. Every donation and share helps bring them one step closer to justice: Fundraiser by Shari Brewer : Justice should be within everyone's reach. Fairness matters. https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-should-be-within-everyones-reach-fairness-matters

  11. Jul 23

    Dr Samantha Keene - 19th July

    Samantha is an award winning educator and researcher. Samantha's research interests are in gender-based violence and abuse, and she is an internationally recognised expert on pornography, ‘rough sex’ and sexual choking/strangulation. She is interested in the relationship between pornography and experiences of harm and the criminal justice system responses to victims/survivors. If you require support please visit https://1737.org.nz/ They offer free, confidential 24/7 support for anyone in New Zealand, providing resources to help with your well-being. If you need brief emotional support, text or chat with them at 1737 anytime.

  12. Jul 23

    Brynley Stent, Kura Forrester and Sophie Dowson - 12 July

    Bryn &Ku’s Singles Club returns for season 2 bringing with it, new relationships, big milestones, but with the same heartfelt friendship and comedy that got the first season of the docuseries nominated for Best Factual Series, and winner of Best Presenter: Entertainment at the NZ Screen Awards in 2025. After a groundbreaking first season that captured the hearts and laughs of audiences across the nation, two of our best comedy talents; Billy T James award-winning comedians Brynley Stent and Kura Forrester, navigate the hilarious, and honest reality of life after their quest for love,facing the truth when you find it, and what happens after you do. Bryn & Ku’s Singles Club is created, hosted, produced and directed by a creative team of women, which includes Director and Co-Creator Sophie Dowson and Producer Jin Fellet alongside Stent and Forrester, premiering on July 7th, on The Spinoff and YouTube. While last season focused on the unified single journey and the search for connection, the stakes have changed; season 2 finds Bryn and Ku navigating their different life stages, and once again, travelling across Aotearoa, exploring the evolving dynamics of love, community, and the relatable pressure of “happily ever after”. Kura has traded the city for Muriwai with her partner Mark and is navigating the daunting, exciting journey of impending parenthood whilst still adapting to being in a serious adult relationship. Meanwhile, Bryn is facing her own crossroads; at 36, she’s at the start of a relationship with a younger partner and the looming expiry date of her UK visa. From freezing eggs to deciding where in the world she truly belongs, Bryn’s journey is a transparent look at the big life questions many Kiwi face. Director and Co-Creator of the series Sophie Dowson, comments, “Bryn and Ku have an authentic comedic chemistry that is rare to find. After the incredible response to the first season, it’s been a joy to dive back into their lives. This season isn’t just a copy of the first; it’s an evolution and shows us the many pathways that life can take us. We’re capturing the honest reality of what it is to be in a relationship in Aotearoa today—a topic that is just as relatable, and perhaps even more complex, than being single.” While the series remains firmly rooted in comedy, it continues to shine a light on the human need for connection. Bryn and Ku aim to empower the show’s audience—whether single, partnered, or somewhere in between—by showing that the journey toward self-discovery never truly ends. The series is produced by The Spinoff and is made with the support of NZ On Air. Bryn & Ku’s Singles Club Season 2 will release all 6 episodes on Tuesday, July 7th, on The Spinoff website and YouTube, with weekly releases following on Instagram and Facebook. Brynley Stent is an award-winning comedian and actor based in Tāmaki Makaurau, best known for her offbeat, absurdist character comedy. Since graduating from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School in 2013, she’s worked across theatre, TV, and live performance – collaborating with professional theatre companies, creating original work, and writing for some of New Zealand’s biggest comedy shows. Her TV writing credits include Jono and Ben, Funny Girls, Golden Boy, The Vloggingtons, and My Favourite Dead Person. As a performer, she’s appeared in series like Creamerie, Funny Girls, Golden Boy, and played Kelly-Anne Johnson on Shortland Street. Brynley’s also a familiar face in NZ comedy, with regular appearances on Taskmaster NZ, Celebrity Treasure Island, 7 Days, Have You Been Paying Attention NZ, and Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee. Her solo shows at the NZ International Comedy Festival have been critically acclaimed, and in 2021, she won the Billy T Award for her show Soft Carnage. Kura Forrester (Ngāti Porou) is a distinguished actress, comedian, and writer with over 20 years experience in Aotearoa and internationally. In 2019, Kura won the prestigious Billy T Award for her stand up comedy show “Kura Shoulda Woulda”. Her most recent hour, “Here if you Need” has aired as a special on TV3, and earned Kura a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Kura has made significant contributions to stage and screen as an actor and improviser, with memorable appearances in New Zealand series, Shortland Street, Double Parked, Taskmaster NZ and Educators. Kura also works as a theatre practitioner and has performed in multiple renowned shows throughout the country, most notably Camping Half of the Sky and Perplex. Most recently, Kura wrote and presented the TVNZ series Appropriation Nation.

  • 12 Episodes

About

Brought to you by the Wellington Branch of New Zealand's National Council of Women. Tune in to listen to vibrant interviews and debates about the issues affecting us and the opportunities there are to have a say.

Information

  • Creator
    National Council of Women New Zealand
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C)Wellington Access Radio
  • Show Website
    Conversations with Wāhine