The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

03/12/2023

Just a note we have had to delete the Anna Coddington giveaway post as those entered had been contacted by a spam page. Please don't send them any of your details. Deidre and Karen are our winners - both have been contacted through DM from this page.

02/12/2023

Niva and Yotam Kay are determined to encourage people to craft meals with home-grown or locally sourced food.

Niva and Yotam Kay are determined to encourage people to craft meals with home-grown or locally sourced food. The duo behind the best-selling guide The Abu

02/12/2023

Most Christmas imagery depicts snow, woolly jumpers and yule logs- which doesn't translate over to the Southern Hemisphere so easily.

Most Christmas imagery depicts snow, woolly jumpers and yule logs- which doesn't translate over to the Southern Hemisphere so easily.  Kiwi singer/songwrit

02/12/2023

Excited Kiwi mountain runners came together to run through the Kepler Track in the Fiordland National Park.

Excited Kiwi mountain runners came together to run through the Kepler Track in the Fiordland National Park. The mountain race, which takes place every year

02/12/2023

Omid Scobie’s new book Endgame has been scrutinised after the Dutch translation accidentally exposed racism within the royal ranks.

Omid Scobie’s new book Endgame has been scrutinised after the Dutch translation accidentally exposed racism within the royal ranks. This version was immedi

02/12/2023

"My request of this new coalition - as you address some of the pet projects you campaigned on, please make thoughtful, smart decisions which won’t require unnecessary, expensive fixes in the future."

Gosh, we live in an amazing country.   There’s been plenty of talk this year about how we’ve lost our mojo and the country has lost its way with the cost o

25/11/2023

Comedian and self-proclaimed 'people's princess of Aotearoa' Chris Parker is set to tour the country in the new year.

Comedian and self-proclaimed 'people's princess of Aotearoa' Chris Parker is set to tour the country in the new year. Parker's had a busy few months- he's

25/11/2023

UK Television fans will be familiar with Richard Osman's output- he's built up a recognisable presence on shows such as Would I Lie to You? and Pointless.

UK Television fans will be familiar with Richard Osman's output- he's built up a recognisable presence on  shows such as Would I Lie to You? and Pointless.

25/11/2023

Families of Israeli hostages are among the tens of thousands of people who've gathered at a public plaza in Tel Aviv - waiting for their release.

Families of Israeli hostages are among the tens of thousands of people who've gathered at a public plaza in Tel Aviv - waiting for their release. The secon

25/11/2023

Earlier this year, Te Whatu Ora estimated that the health system was 4800 nurses short, despite a 23 percent jump in employment.

Earlier this year, Te Whatu Ora estimated that the health system was 4800 nurses short, despite a 23 percent jump in employment. Nurses have been voting fo

18/11/2023

The murder of Harvey and Jeannette Crewe in their Pukekawa farmhouse in 1970 is one of the nation's most infamous unsolved crimes.

The murder of Harvey and Jeannette Crewe in their Pukekawa farmhouse in 1970 is one of the nation's most infamous unsolved crimes. Between two trials, two

18/11/2023

There's hidden depths to Australian acting legend Bryan Brown.

There's hidden depths to Australian acting legend Bryan Brown.  For over 50 years, he's appeared in 80 different film and tv projects- an impressive creati

18/11/2023

One Kiwi man is embarking on an epic 8000km run across Canada in a bid to raise money for cancer research.

One Kiwi man is embarking on an epic 8000km run across Canada in a bid to raise money for cancer research. Jon Nabbs lost both his parents to cancer in the

18/11/2023

For cities with waterways, new high-tech ferries out of Sweden could set the standard for carbon-friendly public transport.

For cities with waterways, new high-tech ferries out of Sweden could set the standard for carbon-friendly public transport. Electric boat maker Candela rec

18/11/2023

"How did we get to the point where something each and every one of us should be able to do something about needs to be recognised as a global epidemic and health threat?"

This week, the World Health Organisation launched a new Commission on Social Connection. It may sound like an online dating group; it’s not. The Commission

18/11/2023

If you just heard my interview with Jon Nabbs about his wild adventure across Cananda - you can find his fundraising link here:

Make a donation today to support Child Cancer Foundation

11/11/2023

Former Shortland Street star Michael Galvin's latest creative project promises to depict an unconventional comeback journey for boy band fans everywhere.

Former Shortland Street star Michael Galvin's latest creative project promises to depict an unconventional comeback journey for boy band fans everywhere. 2

11/11/2023

There's more to cartoonist Murray Ball than his iconic creative works, as his son reveals in a new biography.

There's more to cartoonist Murray Ball than his iconic creative works, as his son reveals in a new biography. The late Murray Ball was best known as the cr

11/11/2023

Celebrated veteran film and TV producer Robin Scholes is set to be recognised for her significant contribution to the screen production industry.

Celebrated veteran film and TV producer Robin Scholes is set to be recognised for her significant contribution to the screen production industry. Scholes h

11/11/2023

The World Health Organisation has warned Gaza's healthcare system has been brought to its knees following attacks on local hospitals.

The World Health Organisation has warned Gaza's healthcare system has been brought to its knees following attacks on local hospitals. Four hospitals in Gaz

11/11/2023

Guarantees the Bird of the Century results won't be as convoluted as our own election - despite delays.

Guarantees the Bird of the Century results won't be as convoluted as our own election - despite delays. The competition closes tonight at 5pm, and voters a

11/11/2023

"Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting we throw away democracy and go all Lord of the Flies on it, but after the fiery fun of an election campaign that felt like it lasted all year, there is something calming about being in this holding pattern."

It’s ridiculous how long it takes to count all the votes in a general election, only to get it 'mostly right' and how long it takes for several groups of a

04/11/2023

A singer-songwriter, former radio host, and television presenter, she’s been involved in the industry for over two decades.

Anika Moa is a ubiquitous presence in the New Zealand media and entertainment industry.  A singer-songwriter, former radio host, and television presenter,

04/11/2023

Bonnie Garmus' debut novel has enjoyed seemingly-instant success one year on from publication.

Bonnie Garmus' debut novel has enjoyed seemingly-instant success one year on from publication. After a decades-long career as a copywriter, she fulfilled h

04/11/2023

Charitable trust Play It Strange is going in a new direction after two decades of supporting young Kiwi songwriters.

Charitable trust Play It Strange is going in a new direction after two decades of supporting young Kiwi songwriters. Play It Strange celebrated its' 20th a

04/11/2023

The economy was a significant talking point this election- and remains one of the biggest issues the incoming Government is expected to sort out.

The economy was a significant talking point this election- and remains one of the biggest issues the incoming Government is expected to sort out. The speci

04/11/2023

"On Tuesday, the latest performance measures were released from Te Whatu Ora. They show mounting pressure on our health system."

On Tuesday, the latest performance measures were released from Te Whatu Ora. They show mounting pressure on our health system.   This release is for the 3

28/10/2023

Desert rock veterans Queens of the Stone Age will return to New Zealand for the first time since 2018.

Desert rock veterans Queens of the Stone Age will return to New Zealand for the first time since 2018. Following the release of their latest album, 'In Tim

28/10/2023

Disappointment for Kiwi rugby fans, as the All Blacks suffered an 11-12 defeat to South Africa at the World Cup final.

Disappointment for Kiwi rugby fans, as the All Blacks suffered an 11-12 defeat to South Africa at the World Cup final. The All Blacks battled adversity and

28/10/2023

Tense times in the NZME newsroom this morning. All sports reporters on deck!

21/10/2023

I mentioned on air the courageous Jade Varney and her efforts raising awareness around youth mental health. Here is her latest campaign:

900 Stones for 900 Lives in the Auckland Half Marathon.

08/10/2023

For over 40 years, the Topp Twins have been entertaining Kiwi music fans with their unconventional country sound.

For over 40 years, the Topp Twins have been entertaining Kiwi music fans with their unconventional country sound. Lynda and Jools Topp began as a pair of H

08/10/2023

More Kiwi retailers are drawn towards facial recognition technology, as crime continues to surge.

More Kiwi retailers are drawn towards facial recognition technology, as crime continues to surge. A recent Retail NZ report shows the sector has suffered o

08/10/2023

"As you will know by now, I love a general election; but there was a moment this week when I realized I was done."

As you will know by now, I love a general election; but there was a moment this week when I realized I was done.   Over it.  Counting the days until it was

07/10/2023

Black Ferns superstar Ruby Tui has had an extraordinary last few months.

Black Ferns superstar Ruby Tui has had an extraordinary last few months. Off the back of her raw and intimate personal exploration detailed in her debut bo

30/09/2023

In 2018, Kiwi author Heather Morris released the bestselling novel 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz'- and everything changed.

In 2018, Kiwi author Heather Morris released the bestselling novel 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz'- and everything changed. 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' sold

30/09/2023

Labour's Chris Hipkins brought some unexpected political fire into Wednesday's second leaders' debate, to the surprise of experts and viewers.

Labour's Chris Hipkins brought some unexpected political fire into Wednesday's second leaders' debate, to the surprise of experts and viewers. Hipkins seem

30/09/2023

Former NSW police detective Craig Semple knows the mental toll of a high-stakes job.

Former NSW police detective Craig Semple knows the mental toll of a high-stakes job. For 25 years, Semple focused on high-risk law enforcement, dealing wit

30/09/2023

National's Chris Luxon finally confirmed that he's open to collaborating with New Zealand First, if necessary.

National's Chris Luxon finally confirmed that he's open to collaborating with New Zealand First, if necessary. Recent polls show a three-way coalition betw

30/09/2023

"Both main political parties have admitted there’s a mood for change – so why aren’t people more motivated to vote for that change?"

Driving around the country this week – mainly Auckland to the Central Plateau and back, you’d be forgiven for thinking there’s only one main political part