Features

The Omicron variant has caused serious disruption to schooling overseas. As Aotearoa prepares for an Omicron outbreak, calls to close schools as case numbers rise are expected, Jin Russell writes.

The New Year is a good time for a clean start for our homes, and author, journalist and editor Wendyl Nissen says you can do so without overloading your household with chemicals. Audio

The story of titipounamu, New Zealand's smallest bird, on Otago Peninsula, told by Karthic SS, a wildlife film maker and podcast producer based in Dunedin. Audio

It's possible to reduce pain and discomfort by strengthening the body to support itself without shoes, podiatrist Paul Thompson says. Audio

James Ryan, a 12-year-old Cantabrian, has been fascinated with the natural world since he can remember. The fascination is now a book called  Nature's Wildlife Weapons, which he has just written. Audio, Gallery

Opinion: As the government prepares to deal with a looming Omicron outbreak, this won't be the only major issue it will have to tackle this year, Nathan Cooper writes.

Many musicians, actors, technicians and crew in the live events industry are facing months without any income because of the move to the red traffic light setting.

The US prison system amounts to a modern-day form of slavery based on lies about the underclass it is exploiting, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges says. Audio

The next five years are critical in a switch to electric cars, a UN Climate Champions team member says. Audio

More than five weeks after torrential rain set off a series of giant mudslides that washed away the Banks Peninsula road, the only way out is a steep hike over a saddle to neighbouring Paua Bay. Video, Audio

Listen - Stephanie Alexander's 50-year career includes being the owner-chef of several restaurants, the author of books and countless articles about food, she shares some favourite summer recipes with Kathryn Ryan. Audio, Gallery

Olympia Yarger always dreamed of being a farmer, but she would be farming maggots. Now she runs a company in Australia that uses maggots to turn food waste into animal feed, fertilizer and a plethora of other products. Audio

This week Yadana Saw shares some unexpected gems from Robert Palmer, Aaradhna, Massive Attack and more. Video, Audio

"Get boosted" was the recurring message from staff and locals at Manurewa marae's mass vaccination event on Sunday.

Analysis - Australia's National Security Hub co-convener Sascha-Dominik Bachmann analyses how the unfolding Ukraine-Russia conflict poses a threat to New Zealand.

Best of 2021 - RNZ sound engineer Andre Upston talks us through seven songs he personally recorded, including Aldous Harding's unforgettable performance of 'Horizon' at Auckland's Whammy Bar. Video, Audio

Vehicles are pouring into a roadside stall on the Kapiti Coast to buy milk from Faith Farm Fresh - one of about a dozen dairy farms around Aotearoa that sell raw milk via self-service vending machines. Audio

In her new book Don't Sweat It, Nicky Pellegrino gets real about her own experience of menopause and suggests lifestyle changes that can help with the symptoms. Audio

The waiata 'Pūmau' is IA's first collaboration with singer/songwriter Pianika Duncan. Video, Audio

Thinking about ditching the cigarettes once and for all? Dr Lyndy Matthews from Quitline shares some tips. Audio

Mountains To Sea Wellington is an organisation that gives freshwater and marine education programmes to schools and communities, connecting people to nature and building understanding through science and exploration. Audio

Plenty of well-loved favourites in this week’s programme of listener requests, including The old rugged cross, What a friend we have in Jesus, and When I survey the wondrous cross. Audio

 Nick's Summer Songbook Series continues on Inside Out with a show dedicated to the music of Duke Ellington. Audio

Watch - Don't expect realism from this psychological drama about Diana, Princess of Wales, says Sam Rillstone.