Features

SING ALONG: The NZSO perform works from renowned classical composers as well as new and traditional popular Christmas songs, featuring Australian mezzo-soprano Jacqui Dark and conductor Benjamin Northey. Audio

Country Life goes on the trail of the elusive whio at Blue Duck Station while learning about the efforts to conserve the history and preserve biodiversity. Audio

The phenomenon and history of folk horror has been explored in a new documentary, Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched (2021) screening at City Gallery Wellington. Video, Audio

Still not sure what to serve on Christmas Day? Our recipe collection is here to help.  Video

 LISTEN: Beethoven is central to British pianist Paul Lewis' repertoire, and the 250th anniversary of the composers' birth in 2022 saw the him touring the world, including this set with the NZSO conducted by Gemma New.

The presenter of the Grand Designs TV show Kevin McCloud doesn't want us to "go big or go home". Audio

Charmingly cheeky musician and presenter Anika Moa chats to Susie Ferguson. Video, Audio

In the final episode of The Detail for 2023, Tom Kitchin and Sharon Brettkelly look back on the highs and lows of life in Aotearoa. Audio

Don't let feeling disconnected from "holiday cheer" set you on a path of self-isolation, says writer Dr Jeremy Nobel. Video, Audio

Culinary icon Peter Gordon shares tips for a Christmas meal that doesn't break the bank.

Love Actually fans in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch are being treated to screenings with live orchestral accompaniment this weekend. Audio

"The more you plan and the more organised you are, the more stress you take out of the whole Christmas period" - finance writer Lisa Dudson. Audio

Although Andrew Clark is not himself a "morning person", he's loving his new 6am gig on RNZ Concert. Clark tells Jesse Mulligan that listeners seem to enjoy hearing a Scottish accent on the radio, too. Video, Audio

Christmas can be one of the hardest days of the year for separated parents in Aotearoa. How do they do it?

On this week's Nashville Babylon Mark Rogers says happy 80th birthday to rock 'n' roll legend Keith Richards. Audio

In his penultimate programme of the year, William Dart looks back at some of the local releases he didn't have time for, or didn't have enough time for in earlier programmes. Music by Ebony Lamb, Troy Kingi, Drax Project, Pickle Darling, and Dinah Lee. Audio

Rejoice - it's Gaudete Sunday! Hymns for the Third Sunday in Advent include John Rutter's Angels' Carol, Rejoice! Rejoice at Christmas time by New Zealand hymn writer Bill Wallace and Tell out, my soul, which is a paraphrase of the Magnificat. Audio

Simon Morris looks back on 2023, and notices two big changes. A lot of long-running series and franchises are coming to a close, and the biggest movies of the year are individual and rule-breaking. Audio

Americana folk duo Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields perform tracks from their upcoming album. Video, Audio

Country Life gets a tour of Whanganui's Blue Duck Station where farmer Dan Steele is working to conserve wildlife and create a sustainable future. Audio

Martin Bosley shows us how to make one of his favourite simple seasonal salads.

A disused bowling green in the rural community of Waharoa has become a fresh food oasis with the help of University of Auckland researchers. Audio

Dr Kimberly Cannady talks to Bryan Crump about her exploration of Iceland's historic turf houses, and how houses made of sods of earth affect the music made in them. Video, Audio

Insiders are warning the sport is "close to having a crisis on its hands", with revenue set to plummet once the current broadcast deal ends.