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Nights for Thursday 2 October 2025

8:10 Is it time to bring back oral exams?

This week RNZ revealed several universities have given up using software to detect the use of AI in student work.

Massey, Auckland and Victoria universities say the detection was unreliable, and now let students use AI responsibly in much of their work.

So, with AI tools able to produce essays, reports and case studies in seconds, how can education providers be sure they are assessing a student's own understanding and reasoning?

Auckland University's Business School Professional Teaching Fellow Patrick Dodd tells Mark Leishman why it's time to bring back oral assessments.

people, learning, education and school concept - close up of students hands with books or textbooks writing to notebooks

Photo: 123RF

8:30 Celebrating 60 years of Porirua!

Porirua turns 60 today.

It officially became a city on October 2nd, 1965, when its population hit 20,000.

Today, it's home to 61,800 residents and Mayor Anita Baker talks about the city's history. how far it's come and why it's such a great place to live.

The popular Rangituhi / Colonial Knob walkway runs through bush and along farmland, and from the top walkers can see sweeping views of Porirua, Tawa, and up to Kāpiti Island.

The popular Colonial Knob walkway runs through bush and along farmland, and from the top walkers can see sweeping views of Porirua, Tawa, and up to Kāpiti Island. Photo: Supplied/ Dan Bailey

8:45 The Chalet in Arthur's Pass is up for sale

There is hope a new owner will breathe life back into The Chalet in Arthur's Pass.

The 1960s alpine property, which features a hotel and pub will be up for auction at the end of this month.

Bayleys' agent and auctioneer Ben Deans talks about why the opportunity would not suit the faint of heart.

The Chalet in Arthur's Pass

Photo: Whalan and Partners Ltd, Bayleys

9:05 Nights Quiz

Do you know your stuff? Come on the air and be grilled by Mark Leishman as he dons his quizmaster hat.

If you get an answer right, you move on to the next question. If you get it wrong, your time in the chair is up, and the next caller will be put through. The person with the most correct answers at the end of the run goes in the draw for a weekly prize.

9:25 Silver Scrolls shortlist, reviewed

New Zealand's premier songwriting awards will be held at the end of this month.

A shortlist of the top five songs has been released, as voted by the country's own songwriters and musos.

Jeff Wragg is a composer, producer and music educator, as well as a regular contributor to NZ Musician magazine, and he takes Mark through this year's shortlist.

Composite image of artists, from top left, clockwise, Fazerdaze (Amelia Murray), Marlon Williams, JessB, band There's a Tuesday and Mazbou Q.

From top left, clockwise, Fazerdaze (Amelia Murray), Marlon Williams, JessB, band There's a Tuesday and Mazbou Q. Photo: Supplied, Ian Laidlaw, Bandcamp, Andi Crown Photography

9:45 Pacific Waves

A daily current affairs programme that delves deeper into the major stories of the week, through a Pacific lens, and shines a light on issues affecting Pacific people wherever they are in the world. Hosted by Susana Suisuiki.

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10:17 The Detail

Tonight on The Detail - A Kiwi amateur league has become a global betting goldmine, raising red flags about the risk of illegal on-field activity

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10:45 The Reading: Garibaldi Did Not Sleep Here

Episode three of 'Garibaldi Did Not Sleep Here'.

Paul Horan travels to Italy to try to discover the truth about his illustrious and somewhat eccentric ancestor Colonel Peard who was known as Garibaldi's Englishman.

11:07 The Mixtape with Susana Lei'atau

The beloved broadcaster and Fulbright Scholar Susana Lei'ataua talks to Tony Stamp about her various artistic pursuits - theatre, singing, photography - and her years spent in New York City, as well as various stints at RNZ in different roles, and seven songs that have been meaningful along the way.