Conversations with Wāhine

National Council of Women New Zealand
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Sexuality
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    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.

  2. 1d ago

    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.

  3. Jul 6

    Isabel Corfiatis, 5th July

    Harita and Hayley interview Wellington filmmaker Isabel Corfiatis ahead of the Doc Edge Film Festival 2026 about her debut feature documentary Music and the Mystical Experience, screening in Auckland from 24 June to 12 July and Wellington from 15 to 26 July. The film follows musician and sound engineer Michael Sutherland and a collective of more than twenty New Zealand artists collaborating on a six hour musical work designed for use in psychedelic therapy. Filmed primarily in Wellington over three years, it explores creativity, healing, collaboration, and the role music can play in therapeutic settings. This is Isabel’s first feature and first documentary, and she’s taken on an incredibly hands on role across directing, cinematography, editing, and co producing. The project originally began as a short before naturally growing into a feature as the team realised there was simply too much story, process, and conversation to contain in fifteen minutes. The documentary was inspired after Michael completed the six hour composition and, through an APRA mentorship with Tiki Taane, was encouraged to document both the music and the wider creative process behind it. Isabel then came on board and helped shape it into a feature focused on collaboration, process, and the human stories behind the work. She speaks really thoughtfully about making ambitious independent work with a tiny crew, Wellington’s creative community and why the city became such an important backdrop for the story, and approaching a topic that some people still see as controversial through a deeply human lens. Screening dates: Auckland: Takapuna Beachside Cinemas Sun 12 Jul 1:15 PM Wellington: The Roxy Cinema - Sat 18 Jul 5:45 PM (nearly sold out!) Christchurch: Sat 1 Aug 8:15 PM - Jack Mann Theatre, Koawa Studios, Canterbury University It'll also be available on the Doc Edge website (Doc Edge) from 27th July-10th Aug.

  4. Jun 29

    Julie Baker and Liz Cotton, 28th June

    What role can museums play in inspiring the next generation of innovators, scientists, and creative thinkers? In this episode, Laura is joined by Elizabeth Cotton and Julie Baker from MOTAT (the Museum of Transport and Technology) in Auckland. Together, they explore the power of curiosity, hands-on learning, and the important role museums play in connecting people with science, technology, and history. Drawing on their diverse backgrounds in museum leadership, engineering, education, and science, Liz and Julie share their experiences, insights, and passion for creating meaningful learning opportunities for people of all ages. Whether you're interested in education, innovation, or simply love discovering how things work, this is a fascinating conversation you won't want to miss.

  5. Jun 21

    Jazida, 21st June

    Jazidais a queer and culturally diverse entertainer, producer and dance teacher based on Ngunnawal Land in Canberra. 21st Century Burlesque Magazine says “I will not forget her any time soon” and listed her in the Top 50 most influential burlesque industry figures across the globe for the past 3 years in a row. Jazida is recognised as one of Australia’s premiere burlesque performers, having performed at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, headlined at the Perth International Burlesque Festival in 2019, featured at the Australian Burlesque Festival 2019, headlined/taught on the Australian Burlesque Cruise 2020, and currently being a headlining member of the Finucane and Smith Collective, regularly touring shows across Australia over many years. Her creativity, professionalism and dedication to her craft has seen her with many awards and accolades. She won the Canberra Local Business Awards for Outstanding Performing Arts in 2020, her solo show "Exotic Hypnotica" won the Canberra Critics Circle ACT Arts Award, her feature show “Catch Jazida” won Best Dance at the Adelaide Fringe Festival Weekly Awards, she won Miss Burlesque ACT in 2016, was nominated for ACT Woman of the Year in 2020 and is currently a member of the ACT Minister for Arts Creative Council. As well as being a performer, Jazida works to elevate alternate performing arts and support the industry by producing shows through her production house, Jazida Productions, and delivering artist professional development programs through her Alternate Performing Arts Hub, Flazéda. She is the creative director and founder of Jazida’s Fabulous Fan Dancers, is the current producer of Miss Burlesque ACT, current producer of Apprentease ACT, and the co-director of the Australian Burlesque Museum.

  6. Jun 18

    Erika Grant, 14th June

    Erika Grant is an artist primarily working in the areas of music and costume, but loves to dabble in all sorts of different mediums. Beginning with music when she was just a wee bairn playing in orchestras and classical ensembles, since she’s become a grown up she’s played in all sorts of bands, acts and groups, including but not limited to “Orchestra of Spheres”, “Cookie Brooklyn and The Crumbs”, “Fertility Festival” and Rosie Langabeer’s “Best Most Happiest Fun Sexy Cabaret of Good Fortune and Prosperity”. She’s made music for film, theater and marching bands, and is currently creating Gong Baths for the people of Wellington. Erika is also an Astrologer and Music Teacher, and is fascinated with the ideas of shamanism, quantum physics and magic and myth. Erika is also involved in 3 Loemis festival shows between 9-21 June: Night Market, The Night Crossing, and Beata Nox.

  7. Jun 18

    Mycah Keall and Brooke Wharehinga (Waenga play) - 7th June

    “In today's volatile climate this play is a chance to ask – how do I make my own voice count? How do I make my vote count?” says director, Jim Moriarty. Waenga premiered at the Kia Mau Festival in 2025 and was presented to hundreds of students in schools during 2025 and early 2026, alongside a tour with Taki Rua. In this new expanded version Te Rākau are adding their Theatre Marae flair, bringing more songs, more action and more deeply important kōrero. The lower North Island tour kicks off on 19 June in Pōneke, opening the new Wellington City Council central city arts space at 3 Market Lane, before heading to more than 17 other venues. The play features music by Rameka Tamaki (Out the Gate) and an ensemble of eight talented actors including Hariata Moriarty (Cousins, Whakapapa), Tamati Moriarty (After the Party), Mycah Keall (Waiora), Regan Taylor (Waiora, The Maori Sidesteps), Brooke Wharehinga, Matiu Rata, Rylee Herewini, and Ryan Holtham.

  8. Jun 2

    Paige Tapara, 31st May

    Paige Tapara is a New Zealand singer-songwriter and key team member at Play It Strange, a trust facilitating youth songwriting, where she works in marketing, operations, and mentorship. Known for her own pop success, she now helps run national songwriting competitions, judges projects, and mentors students in the music industry.

  9. Jun 2

    Anita Lowry- RespectEd Aotearoa, 24th May

    Sophie and Harita chat to Anita Lowry- CEO of RespectEd Aotearoa (formerly Sexual Abuse Prevention Network) This interview was done earlier this year, but with the latest news about funding being cut, we thought it was very timely to release the interview this weekend. You can also find out more and contribute towards their mahi here: www.respected.org.nz

  10. Jun 2

    Ragnar Anderson - Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa, 17th May

    In recognition of May - Menstrual Awareness Month, join us for a conversation with Ragnar Anderson, Senior Research and Policy Advisor at Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa. Ragnar’s work and research explore sexuality, wellbeing, and parent-child communication around bodies, relationships, and reproductive health. Among other things, we chat about the Wheel of Fertility and the importance of early menstrual awareness, breaking stigma through education and open dialogue, and how communities can support healthier, more informed conversations about sex and reproductive wellbeing.

  11. May 10

    Newtown Fest & Kristin Paulse - 10th May

    Kristin Paulse is a South African–born, Auckland–raised performer now based in Melbourne. She is deeply grateful and incredibly proud to be returning home to join the New Zealand company of &Juliet. After spending the past three years working and touring extensively across Australia, this homecoming holds special significance as she steps onto New Zealand stages once again, surrounded by the community that first nurtured her love of performance. Australian theatre credits include Hairspray (Dynamite), Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (cover Tina Turner and ensemble), and most recently Mimi Marquez in RENT at the Sydney Opera House — a career highlight and her first lead role in Australia. In New Zealand, Kristin appeared as Gloria in Madagascar the Musical and Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors at The Court Theatre. She also toured nationally as Tina Turner in Showtime Australia’s Simply The Best – The Tina Turner Tribute Show, performing in theatres across the country. Alongside her theatre work, she has been a regular performer at live music events around Tāmaki Makaurau. Kristin is especially humbled to be part of bringing &Juliet to Aotearoa and to share the stage with such extraordinary Kiwi talent. Leading this production on home soil is a true full-circle moment, and she feels immense gratitude for the audiences, mentors and supporters who have shaped her journey from Auckland to Australia and back again. Beyond musical theatre, Kristin is a singer-songwriter who releases original music under the name KRISTN, with her work available on all major streaming platforms. She dedicates this season to her family and the community who have always championed her dreams. Kristin is currently starring in the Explora Journeys season of & JULIET, as Juliet herself. The musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told - Romeo and Juliet. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? The all-kiwi cast is coming to the St James Theatre 9-24th May.

  12. May 8

    Joanna Joy and Ro Munn - 3rd May

    "Wellington's best kept secret" Joana Joy has rapidly established herself as a formidable presence as a comedian and MC in Antipodean comedy. With a background as a professional dancer and cabaret performer, she brings physical comedy, easy charm and witty authenticity to every room. With over 12 years industry experience, JJ has performed at large scale events such as WOMAD (NZ), Twisted Frequency Festival, Woodford Folk Festival (AU), Melbourne International Comedy Festival and on lineups alongside Ben Hurley, Joe Daymond, Justine Smith, Angella Dravid, David Correos. Mo (Mamaeroa) Munn is a multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, improviser and writer based in Wellington, New Zealand. A regular on the professional stand-up circuit in Pōneke, Mo has taken shows to the NZ International Comedy Festival, NZ Fringe Festival, NZ Improv Festival and Chicago iO Festival. She also performs in, produces and directs improvised, experimental and sketch comedy shows – and has experience MCing comedy shows and other gigs.

  • 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
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © (C)Wellington Access Radio
  • Show Website
    Conversations with Wāhine