Sarah Johnston’s Best of Jesse Mulligan
27 Oct 2020
Ngā Taonga has a regular spot on RNZ’s Afternoons with Jesse Mulligan where we share sound archive recordings.
Sarah Johnston's appearance on the Jesse Mulligan Show, RNZ
Always fascinating, this segment has been handled by Sarah Johnston since 2016. Johnston has a great knowledge of the collection of the former sound archive and supplies material to productions and the public in her roles as a Senior Client Access Liaison.
We’ve collected some classic cuts from the last few years. If you’re a regular listener, do you have a favourite? The segment airs early on Wednesday afternoons.
Sarah Johnston's appearances on Jesse Mulligan:
The Sesquicentennial – from 1990 marking 150 years since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, these recordings include novelty songs and broadcasts of commemorative events.
UFOs and Close Encounters – hear about the Kaikōura Lights and other inexplicable sightings.
Dogs! – the Lunar Year of the Dog brought out some doggy gems. Includes dog whisperer Barbara Woodhouse, and Darkie the rat killer.
Endangered native birds – for 2017’s Bird of the Year competition, some recollections that track the decline and revival of native birds.
Cook Islands – radio broadcasts from the Cook Islands before and after 1965 independence.
Broadcast to schools – school students from the 1930s–1980s may recall these special broadcasts of music lessons, social studies or science topics.
Hero image: Sarah Johnston in the RNZ studio.
Radio broadcaster Jesse Mulligan.
Chinese New Year – includes special recollections of New Year commemorations or gold miners in 19th century Central Otago.
Visits from United States Presidents of the past – marking the 2016 US election, these recordings from past visits include Lyndon B. Johnson and Bill Clinton.
Early Māori broadcasts – some of the earliest radio broadcasts of Māori are shared here, including a major hui at Tūrangawaewae Marae.
The six o’clock swill – recordings of booze and drinking culture, both for and against.
80s Kiwi sports anthems – the name says it all, includes ‘Sailing Away’ and some classic tunes from jingle maestro Murray Grindlay.
New Zealand and Tonga – have a listen to radio connections between the Pacific nations.
Trains – rail stories and memories. Brilliantly, the ‘train impersonator‘ mentioned was ‘tracked’ down the following week.
Death of Princess Diana – do you remember where you were?
Royal Weddings – always a popular occasion! British Royal couples tying the knot.
Rugby on the radio – more sports anthems, including the incredibly catchy “Give it a Boot Robbie”.