Conversations With Wāhine

Episode 179: Ragnar Anderson, Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa

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.

Epsiode 178: 2026 Newtown Festival

A few of our co-hosts interview some 2026 Newtown festival-goers!

Episode 177: Kristin Paulse

Harita interviews Kristin Paulse. 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 this May.

Episode 176: Joana Joy and Mo Munn

"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.

Episode 175: Imogen Stone

Harita interviews Imogen Stone. Born and raised in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, New Zealand, Imogen Stone is a multi-disciplinary performing artist, aerialist, creator, director & producer. Over the past 13 years her career has taken her all over the world, performing within some of the largest Arts Festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe and Glastonbury Festival.  Closer to home, her broad skillset has seen her work with the likes of Wētā Workshop and World of Wearable Art as an aerialist, acrobat, puppeteer and movement collaborator. Auckland Live is proud to present the Auckland premiere of Everybody Knows, the new show from award-winning circus comedy trio Laser Kiwi, developed in partnership with Hannah Playhouse in Wellington. Part of the 2026 New Zealand International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo, the season plays in Wellington 5 – 16 May at the Hannah Playhouse and Auckland from 19 – 23 May at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre.