Afternoons

It's time for Mayoral minutes, where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing, how they're working to solve them and what makes their community special. This week we're heading to the Tauranga, from where Mayor Mahe Drysdale joins Jesse.

Now to a "cleantech" startup aiming to eliminate carbon emissions from the making of steel. The idea involves replacing carbon with hydrogen, and CullBeck founders say it will reduce ironmaking processing times and overall costs. It also promises the generation of critical minerals - which are of geopolitical importance. Incubated at Victoria University of Wellington, the idea is now being backed by something called Aurora Climate Lab with the aim of commercialisation. CullBeck founder Martin Hacon is with Jesse.

It's that time of year when many companies will be doing performance reviews and the idea of a pay rise gets floated. But with inflation and cost of living pressures - are we dreaming to think there could be any raises in salary this year? New research just out by the job website Seek looks at this and more, to discuss we're joined by Seek country manager Rob Clark

A five-second chat with a stranger can sometimes do what a week of self-care can't. Tiny moments like a comment in the supermarket line, a quick exchange at a café are more than awkward filler says Dr. Gillian Sandstrom . They're real opportunities for connection that can boost wellbeing, build social confidence, ease anxiety, and even strengthen communities. Sandstrom is an Associate Professor of the Psychology of Kindness at the University of Sussex, and she argues we've massively underestimated the value of everyday small talk. Her new book is Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How "Small Talk" Can Add Up to a Big Life. Challenge to you: spark a conversation with a stranger and let us know how it goes! 2101 or afternoons@rnz.co.nz

It's time now for our expert feature where we tackle a topic and put your questions to the people who know it best Today, we're talking about our fluffy feline friends, cats. Around 40 percent of New Zealand households share their home with a cat, making them our most popular pet. From midnight zoomies to mysterious stares, cats have plenty of quirky habits and today we're finding out what they really mean. If you want some answers to your cat's quirks or any other questions, please text us 2101. Molly Kelsey is a former vet nurse and now works as a cat behaviour consultant, she joins Jesse.

We catch up with Brad Foster, our friend across the Tasman, to find out what's hitting the headlines in Australia.

A cool study caught our eye, and we wanted to learn more about it. A University of Waikato project is looking at taking advantage of neighbourhoods generating power through solar and seeing if that power could be shared in the community. Dr Min Zhang is the co-lead on the project and joins me now to discuss community energy sharing.