Features

As John Key steps out of the limelight, RNZ's John Campbell looks back on an accidental politician with a magical ability to sell his party to the people. Video

More and more young men are turning to steroids to bulk up, but is it worth the risk?

Now that the Lark has ascended, flown away and settled in a tree somewhere, you might enjoy another feast of melody from Vaughan Williams, which is free to download in our monthly classical podcast.

The Young Turks is the most popular news and current affairs show on YouTube, host and founder of the US network Cenk Uygur says it represents the new mainstream. Audio

William Dart considers Boots No 1, American country singer Gillian Welch's album of demos, outtakes, and alternate versions, of songs from her first album Revival. Audio

The best thing you can do for your baby’s brain is to get in their face, says educationalist Nathan Mikaere-Wallis. Audio

Angus Hervey wants to break us out of the "negative feedback loop" by spreading good news – and he says there was no shortage of it this year. Audio

Silver Scroll winner Thomas Oliver has chosen to cover a much loved song for his brand new video. RNZ Music gives you the first look at it, and some background.

Ruby Porter on beginning as bovril and why family is about more than genes.

Love is rooted so deeply in the brain it resides next to our primal urges thirst and hunger. And we might as well face it, we humans are hopelessly addicted to it. Video, Audio

In 1976, Legendary US band Little Feat made a memorable tour of New Zealand. Nick Bollinger examines the reasons behind the group's cult appeal. Video, Audio

From fake new to truthful hyperbole, political shake-ups and the loss of luminaries, Toby Morris and Toby Manhire reflect on a turbulent 12 months.

Fans were out in force last night for a midnight screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Dan Slevin reviews.

A psychological programme aims to help offenders better adjust to living in the community when they are released from prison. Audio

New Zealand jazz from Tessa Quayle, Nick Granville and Susan De Jong; overseas greats Thelonious Monk, and Snarky Puppy. Brad Mehldau plays Radiohead, Frisell plays Marvin Gaye. Audio

A new record for the world's biggest wave has just been declared and it’s a doozy. At 19m it's big enough to swamp a six-storey building, or our very own Tāne Mahuta. Audio

A clinical trial is underway to see whether a straightforward blood test can measure brain damage to help treat athletes and car-crash victims suffering from head injuries. Audio

In this edition of Great New Zealand Albums we go back to 1987. NZ had declared itself Nuclear Free and a country band – The Warratahs – were serious-up-and-comers. Audio

Elliott Childs absorbs the atmospheric pop of Baltimore’s Flock Of Dimes, with it's synth pop influences, understated guitar and rich vocals. Audio

Questions, uncertainty, and trying to feel normal. Chessie Henry on how her family's life has changed since losing their home in the Kaikōura earthquake

Māori singer and entertainer Bunny Walters, known for the hits Brandy and and Take the Money and Run, has died aged 63. Video

Seeing South Pacific culture on movie screens worldwide is a ‘dream come true’ for Kiwi musician Opetaia Foa'i - one of the songwriters in Disney-Pixar’s Moana. Video, Audio

British comedian David Baddiel is something of a polymath with success on television, stage and as a novelist - but he says at heart he's just a storyteller. Audio

The warm folk sounds of Albi and the Wolves performing songs from their debut record, One Eye Open, live in the studio. Audio