This episode explores how New Zealand’s approach to health and wellbeing has transformed over the past century, from state-run health camps and free school milk to jazzercise and the revolutionary invention of brunch.

Archival audio in this series is from the RNZ collection at Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.

Unpacking shifting attitudes toward public health, nutrition, fitness, and alcohol, tracing a journey from nourishing underfed children to grappling with rising obesity rates, from 6 o’clock pub closures to sipping wine with brunch, and from smoky offices to smoke-free taxis.

Along the way, it celebrates iconic moments of Kiwi grit and sporting spirit, from record breaking Jack Lovelock to teenage swimmer Meda McKenzie’s epic channel crossing, reminding us that despite our indulgences, New Zealanders have always had a knack for pushing boundaries and giving things a bloody good go.

Guests:

• Mary Wilson
  Distinguished journalist and former long-time host of RNZ’s Checkpoint, celebrated for her sharp interviewing skills and commitment to public-interest journalism.
• Guyon Espiner
  Investigative journalist with a 30-year career across print, television, and radio, including 14 years covering politics from the press gallery in Wellington.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details