Features

It's time local manufacturers learned some lessons from the supremacy of a certain American griller, says George Block in This Way Up's buyer's guide to BBQs. Audio

Former All Black Sir John Kirwan has encouraged residents in the earthquake-isolated town to get help if they cannot cope. Video

The story of a 1966 New Zealand garage rock song by The Bluestars who went on to influence bands around the world, presented by John Baker. Video, Audio, Gallery

Psychedelic-pop crafter Connan Mockasin contributes to a new album under the name Soft Hair. It's a soundtrack to an unmade film about a race of human-lizards living underground. Video, Audio

One of NZ's hardest-working bands, they've played everywhere from Nashville to Timaru, but home is where the heart is, and that is Lyttleton. Audio

This week, the strongest ever field has been announced for Auckland's ASB tennis Classic, the All Blacks finish up their season against France and the NZ golf team attempt to make history. Audio

During the hey-day of the CD era, Barry Tuckwell made more recordings on the horn than anyone. In musical circles he's still a household name, though now he's happily retired and living back in Melbourne. Audio

Victoria Kelly, film composer and APRA Director of Member Services, takes us through a selection of classical and popular songs that she has discovered through her musical adventures. Audio

An aerospace company has brought engineers from all over the world to the end of the isolated Mahia Peninsula on the east coast of the North Island. For locals, it's meant an injection of enthusiasm. Audio

For those hungry for the hard facts behind the time and space traveling adventures of a certain Gallifreyan Time Lord, help is at hand. Audio, Gallery

Justine Murray meets Eastern Bay of Plenty nurse Pare O'Brien, who was awarded the New Zealand Nurses Organisation's highest accolade this year. Audio

How is the movement of the earth's crust recorded then broadcast as an alert to your phone within seconds? Simon Morton heads out with some of the team from GeoNet to find out. Audio, Gallery

Pirates have captured our imagination from their inception with one person’s bloodthirsty marauder another’s hero of the realm. Audio

Joe Corre says he will set fire to Sex Pistols records, clothing and other ephemera on the 40th anniversary of the release of 'Anarchy in the UK'.

Cane toad sausages are being trialled to try to prevent wild animals from chowing down on the toxic amphibians as they spread across Australia. Audio, Gallery

Recovered gems of NZ music this week include Victoria Kelly's haunting setting of Bill Manhire's 'Love Poem' sung by Jordan Reyne with Stroma.

South London singer-guitarist Lianne La Havas is supporting Coldplay and playing her own solo show in Auckland in December. Nick Bollinger speaks to her about her music and roots. Audio

Almost 500 Cook Island men enlisted in the First World War with the first 45 arriving in New Zealand in 1915. Just over 100 years later their descendants re-enacted their arrival at Parliament to mark their contribution. Audio

Kiwi expat Jonathan Clark has photographed the Burning Man festival for years, where people go to ‘party like it’s the end of the world’. Audio, Gallery

Increasingly, the decisions impacting our lives are driven by data and made by algorithms. But are they fair?

Dance, music, projected imagery and late night talk combine to tell the story of young love with a Pacific flavor in The Beautiful Ones. Video, Audio

William Dart pays tribute to Leonard Cohen by looking at his genius with word and melody and the way he could build a simple idea to transcendence. Audio

Nick Bollinger delves into Close Your Eyes - Bic Runga's new album of mostly old songs - and discovers she remains an unfailingly musical and deeply sensitive artist. Audio

Alastair Judkins is a penguin hunter whose secret weapon is a 'super nose', a dog called Mena, who has been sniffing around Wellington’s coast. Audio