Wild Sounds: Kākāpō Files II

Latest Episodes:

Introducing: Kākāpō Files II Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

In 2019 Alison Ballance followed the bumpy, rollercoaster ride that was the kākāpō breeding season. Now she returns, six years on, to do it all over again. We'll meet familiar characters, of both the human and bird kind, as well as new faces. Will the chicks born in 2019 start to breed? How will the team fare with a more hands-off approach? Will the deadly aspergillosis that surfaced in 2019 return? And with the rimu mast predicted to be big, could this be the most successful breeding season yet? First episode drops 16th December. Don't miss it.

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

New Video: Antarctica in a Warming World Nov 23, 2025

Show notes

In Antarctica in a Warming World researchers talk about the present impacts of climate change on the icy continent, and what they mean for our future. Watch now on the RNZ website - rnz.co.nz/video

Visit the RNZ website to watch the series.

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

Voices from Antarctica 08 | Under the ice Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Tiny plants that live on the underside of sea ice form an upside-down garden that feeds krill and is the base of the Antarctic food web.

This episode was first released on 16 July 2020.

To see images and read more about this episode, visit the RNZ website here: Voices from Antarctica: Under the ice

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

Voices from Antarctica 07 | What the ice is saying Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Researchers are using hot water to drill through the Ross ice shelf, to discover what has happened to Antarctic ice during previous periods of warm climates.

This series was first released on 9 July 2020.

To see images and read more about this episode, visit the RNZ website here: Voices from Antarctica: What the ice is saying

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

Voices from Antarctica 06 | Seal songs Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Alison Ballance eavesdrops on the songs of the world's southern-most mammal, the Weddell seal, and finds out about sea ice.

This episode was first released on 2 July 2020.

To see images and read more about this episode, visit the RNZ website here: Voices from Antarctica: Seal songs

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

Voices from Antarctica 05 | Waiting for Emperors Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Emperor penguin researchers are waiting for tagged birds to return, and an elderly radar system sheds light on a very windy part of the atmosphere.

This episode was first released on 25 June 2020.

To see images and read more about this episode, visit the RNZ website here: Voices from Antarctica: Waiting for Emperors

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

Voices from Antarctica 04 | Best journey in the world Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Alison Ballance meets a colony of Emperor penguins and their NIWA researchers, and finds out about making water on the frozen continent.

This series was first released on 18 June 2020.

To see images and read more about this episode, visit the RNZ website here: Voices from Antarctica: Best journey in the world

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

Voices from Antarctica 03 | Flags to physics Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Keeping Scott Base warm and well-lit no matter the weather outside, and a physics experiment that eavesdrops on messages to submarines.

This series was first released on 11 June 2020.

To see images and read more about this episode, visit the RNZ website here: Voices from Antarctica: Flags to physics

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

Voices from Antarctica 02 | Scott Base Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Alison Ballance has her first day at New Zealand's Antarctic station, Scott Base, and visits the historic Hillary's Hut.

This episode was first released on 4 June 2020.

To see images and read more about this episode, visit the RNZ website here: Voices from Antarctica: Scott Base

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

Voices from Antarctica 01 | Ice Flight Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Alison Ballance dons her extreme cold weather clothing for a trip to Antarctica - but getting to the frozen continent can take time.

This episode was first released on 28 May 2020.

To see images and read more about this episode, visit the RNZ website here: Voices from Antarctica: Ice Flight

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Wild Sounds: Kākāpō Files II

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected