Features

Mysterious bubbles off the Kaikōura peninsula are a ‘magical silver lining’ – and a potential tourism boon – from last Monday's quake. Video, Audio

When Amanda Nguyen was sexually assaulted at university in the US, she thought that was the worst thing that could ever happen to her. Audio

The violent deaths of more than 80 gay men in the 80s in Sydney has been described as an epidemic of gay hate crime.    Video, Audio

State of the art technology mimicking muscle movement has been recognised by the Royal Society. Audio

Chocolate fish, jandals, Beethoven’s fifth symphony - all part of our cultural identity, according to Rachel Hyde. Audio

At the Movies: the mega-profitable Harry Potter world returns, the stylishly-sadistic The Neon Demon, a masterpiece from Almodóvar and a clever thriller about faking the moon landing. Video, Audio

When the earthquake struck at two minutes after midnight, the ground ripped apart at 3km a second. Timing, writes Alison Ballance, really is everything. Video

David Long's been working on the score for Roger Donaldson's film on Bruce McLaren, an orchestral composition, and a new album with band, Teeth, alongside Luke Buda from Phoenix Foundation.  Audio

Nick Bollinger considers the seventies-centric pop of teenage duo The Lemon Twigs. Audio

The 7.8 magnitude quake has changed Kaikoura's coastline significantly. Do we know what the future of New Zealand's seafronts will look like? Video, Audio

Covers are a way for artists to pay homage to musicians they admire, to reveal something new in a song, or to radically flip a song’s meaning. Here are some good examples. Video, Audio

Douglas Dare has all the tools of a traditional tunesmith. A classically-trained pianist, he can pen a memorable melody, and deliver it in a plaintive, emotive voice. But... Audio

Trevor Reekie presents music from from Ireland, Senegal, Mongolia, Barcelona, and a brief chat with the man behind Romani brass band, Fanfare Ciocarlia. Audio

Roger Hall's Jack and the Beanstalk offers the traditional pantomime tunes and comedy, with a script which has evolved following recent shifts in international politics. Audio

So much has happened since the Kaikōura earthquake made an indelible mark on New Zealand - both geologically and emotionally. We look back at a traumatic week. Video

How do fans and critics influence musicians and how can an audience – both online and offline – shape an album? Audio

Mark Rogers wishes a happy birthday to Dr John, and pays tribute to Leonard Cohen, Leon Russell and Mose Allison. Audio

Inmates at Auckland Prison are helping to build an education centre, which it's hoped will be among the country's most sustainable. Video, Audio, Gallery

Famous emperor penguin Happy Feet’s carer, veterinarian Lisa Argilla, talks about her plans for a new wildlife hospital in Dunedin. Audio, Gallery

A user's guide to navigating the almost fathomless world of digital music through Bandcamp the online direct-to-fan music portal. Audio

UK singer-guitarist Lianne La Havas will be supporting Coldplay in Auckland in early December. Nick Bollinger speaks to her about her music and roots. Audio

Shared stress, hard times and living at close quarters satisfy an ancient necessity for human community, says war-reporter Sebastian Junger.  Audio

Kimbra talks moving to New York, new tunes, staying inspired and returning to the home she misses to play Rhythm and Vines. Video, Audio

Kelly Thompson is a Melbourne-based makeup artist, fashion photographer and illustrator; she talks with Sonia Sly about building her business from the ground up. Audio, Gallery