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How to slow down and be productive

27 May 2024

Work isn't working. We are so busy staying busy, with constant emails and new message apps, we end up exhausted says professor Cal Newport.  Audio

Monday 27 May 2024

Available Audio (7)

 

1:15 Infrastructure deficit report released

The Helen Clark Foundation have teamed up with engineering company WSP to release a major new report into our infrastructure deficit.

That deficit was recently estimated by ASB to be up to $1 trillion over the next 30 years.

The report Bridging the infrastructure Gap: Funding and financing for a resilient Aotearoa New Zealand considers who should pay for what, when and how.

It grapples with questions of intergenerational fairness, as well as the role of user pays systems like toll roads.

Kali Mercer explains the importance of their work to Jesse.

Large Sanitary Pipeline Installation. Construction Industry Theme. Foul Sewer.

Photo: 123RF

1:25 Man made structures causing issues for freshwater wildlife on the West Coast

Research is underway on the barriers on the West Coast which are stopping young freshwater fish to travel upstream to feed grow into adult fish.

A number of species are in trouble because of man made barriers to fish passages.

DOC's looking at what can be done to free up those pathways in order for the freshwater wildlife to survive.

Freshwater science advisor to DOC Nixie Boddy talks to Jesse.

Whitebait

Whitebait Photo: SUPPLIED / Shelley McMurtie

1:35 Scrabble competition heating up

This coming weekend the New Zealand Association of Scrabble Players (NZASP) is hosting the 44th National Scrabble Championship in Wellington.

Tournament director Liz Fagerlund says it's refreshing to see a crop of younger players taking part.

Liz joins Jesse to talk about competitive Srabble tactics and the future of the game.

No caption

Photo: Creative commons

1:45 Feature album

2:10 Television Critic: Linda Burgess

Today Linda talks to Jesse about The Tattooist of Auschwitz on Neon and Clarkson's Farm on Prime Video.

2:20 Made in NZ: Rocking Horses

This week on Made in NZ we meet Shona Garven who's dedicated her business to making and restoring rocking horses.

The Rocking Horse Place is based in Turakina just south of Whānganui.

Shona explains her passion and business to Jesse.

Rocking Horse made by The Rocking Horse Place

Rocking Horse made by The Rocking Horse Place Photo: therockinghorseplace.co.nz

2:30 Expert Feature: Electricity

Electricity - how do we generate it, how does it get from a hydro-station to our kettles, and where is the technology involved heading?

To answer these questions and more today we have Glenn Nicholson, senior lecturer in electro-technology at the Unitec Institute of Technology in the studio with Jesse.

If you have any questions for Glenn please text 2101 or email jesse@rnz.co.nz.

high voltage powerlines

High-voltage power lines. Photo: 123RF

3:10 How to slow down and be productive

Work isn't working. We are so busy staying busy, with constant emails and new message apps, we end up exhausted says professor Cal Newport.

He maintains we need to replace fast with slow  and focus on quality over quantity to add meaning to our professional lives and to make work more sustainable.

His new book makes the case for a modern philosophy in the workplace. It's called Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment without Burnout.

Slow Productivity book cover

Slow Productivity book cover Photo: supplied

3:35 Here Now

In this episode of Here Now,  Phil Vine explores the uncanny similarities between New Zealand and Iceland - he's also surprised by the differences. Like a family of Bad Santas who'll steal your sausages at Christmas time.

The rift valley in Iceland marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Photo: 123rf

3:45 The pre-Panel