Features

In parts of Africa, half of the antimalarial drugs on the market are counterfeits with no active ingredients. Now a cheap infrared scanner connected to a smartphone app can identify fake medicine on the spot. Audio

Pacific nations could be the biggest benefactors of a rule change announced by rugby's governing body surrounding international eligibility. Audio

Julian Goulding swapped city life and corporate attire for bare feet and a t-shirt in Taumarunui. He now works at the local high school, shuttles trampers to the Timber Trail and sells custom-made bow ties. Audio

Grammy-winning record producer and author Ian Brennan has recorded South East Algerians in the desert, war veterans in Hanoi and maximum-security prisoners in Malawi. Audio

Saffron is the most expensive spice on the planet. We find out from a Central Otago saffron farmer how to cook with it, how to store it and how to know it's genuine. Audio, Gallery

Manager Scott Maclachlan, producer Greg Haver and hip-hop artist Kings  – three of the speakers at the NZ Music Month summit – talk about the changing face of the music industry. Video, Audio

Last November's earthquake altered the course and flow of the Clarence River in southern Marlborough, creating new challenges for farmers and a local rafting operation. Audio, Gallery

The Bay of Plenty township of Taneatua is transforming itself. Local Māori business owners – including gallery owner Tame Iti and his son Toi, a barber – are optimistic about the future of their community. Audio

VR technology is already touted as a safe, effective way to train pilots, parole officers, soldiers, bus drivers and surgeons. Now it's being used to train junior doctors in a pilot study at Waitemata DHB. Audio

Country soul singer Tami Neilson pays tribute to the musicians she loves in her upcoming show Songs of Sinners. Audio

"[Jokes help to] communicate things in a much more non-threatening way that has more of a chance of changing minds or bringing people from different camps together." Audio

Nick Bollinger reviews a surrealistic new album from England's psychedelic pop savant. Audio

The Metservice has taken a lashing on social media for its newly-upgraded smartphone app. Tech commentator Paul Brislen tells us why he's not a fan of the new, free version. Audio

Loren and Mark are from opposite ends of the earth, but met 12 years in Nashville and bonded over a shared love of bluegrass and Chet Atkins. Video, Audio

Max Towle looks at how the Black Caps have fared in this year's Indian Premiere League.

Antonio Vivaldi, best known for The Four Seasons, was actually most attracted to the bright lights of the opera house. Audio

Alex Behan, Kirsten Johnstone, Nick Bollinger, Yadana Saw and Tony Stamp share their favourite tracks from the first quarter of 2017. Video, Audio

A new book claims almost half of us have some kind of behavioural addiction involving screens or the internet, and that has worrying implications for us as social beings.   Audio

English shoegaze band Slowdive's first album after a double-decade break is impressing old fans and new. Kirsten Johnstone speaks to guitarist Christian Savill. Video, Audio

High art, conceptual art, political art, sublime art, incomprehensible art and art from way out on the fringe, Lynn Freeman's final dispatch from Venice.

It may not be perceived as glamorous, but if you’re looking for a well-paid job, with world travel prospects, manufacturing is crying out for people, its peak body says. Audio

Can comedians make their parents laugh? The Wireless' awkward new series Tough Crowd asks the 2017 Billy T Nominees to do the impossible.

RNZ Music’s Kirsten Johnstone presents a selection of local music with a youthful spirit, in honour of NZ Music Month. Video, Audio

Singer song writer Louis Baker released his new single 'Addict' today, he caught up with RNZ’s Upbeat for a sneak preview. Audio