Features

Tonga were left to rue another slow start as they fell agonisingly short of repeating their shock victory over France from eight years ago.

Rescued horses, ducks, cows and geese are on staff to entertain and comfort visitors at Steve and Phil Brown's farm-turned-animal sanctuary in the King Country. Audio, Gallery

Mediawatch - In recent weeks, we've seen the most concentrated climate change coverage in New Zealand's history – but it was still eclipsed by the Rugby World Cup. Audio

When it comes to contactless payment via smartphones, New Zealand has fallen behind Australia because our bank fees are so much higher. It could be time for the government to regulate these fees directly, writes Bernard Hickey. Audio

Insight - Sir John Key could be forced to stand down from one of his banking roles because of a potential conflict of interest, says Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr. Audio

Faced with having to choose just three favourite pieces of classical music to vote for in RNZ Concert's Settling the Score, Cynthia Morahan looks to the past, present and future for inspiration. Perhaps this will help your decision too?

Under the shadow of the French Revolution and its Reign of Terror, a poet and a servant-turned-revolutionary compete for the affections of a young aristocrat. Listen from 6pm on RNZ Concert.

Energy consultant Phil Stevens is converting old logs and tree trimmings into a special ingredient that enhances the soil and water on his Manawatu lifestyle block. Audio

The National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing is alarmed by the rates of hearing loss it has found among 13 and 14 year olds, and says parents should limit their children's use of personal devices.

In this episode of the "I Didn't Know That" series, we explore what you can do with those small but pesky items you’re not sure about whether they're recyclable.  Audio

Next year's Tokyo Olympics are expected to be the hottest ever, and NZ athletes are getting ready for the sweltering conditions with a special heat chamber. Video

A life-long love of classical music has inspired Carolyn Gibson, who played the cello from the age of 15, to create an enchanting piece that took seven months to complete.

Patrick Stehlin-Grevel had spent years in NZ trying to come to grips with the English language, when he found himself needing to start over again with a new language thanks to a scholarship to play rugby in Japan.

Music to put a spring in your step from musicians including The Gloaming, Kronos Quartet and Buena Vista Social Club. Listen from midday on RNZ Concert.

We usually accept old age and ill health as inevitably intertwined, but a geneticist based at Harvard Medical School says perhaps that’s not necessary in the future. Audio

The population of endangered flightless takahē has passed the 400 mark for the first time in at least a century.

Ready in a flash, this pasta with a kick is the perfect meal solution when you're running out of energy and time, but also delicious enough to serve to friends.

It’s amazing that Rachmaninov ever attempted to write a second symphony. He was destroyed by the disastrous première of his first, and fell into a deep depression. Hypnosis lead to this triumphant return to composition.

The BBC has just revealed the UK's 10 favourite hymns, and today we're counting them down to Number One. Video, Audio

During their time in Tahiti, the Endeavour crew recruited Tupaia, a master Polynesian navigator. Salina Fisher's Tuia 250 commission by the NZSO draws inspiration from Tupaia and the idea of celestial navigation. Audio

What is it best to do with dead batteries? Which supermarkets allow you to bring your own containers? Olivia Wannan from Consumer magazine shares some tips. Audio

Clarissa Dunn unwraps some of the mysteries of the human voice and demonstrates what a compelling and complex instrument it can be. Audio

This week Nick's playing jazz inspired by the rain, including Dee Dee Bridgewater singing ‘Here’s That Rainy Day’. Audio

Great songs, delivered with a charisma and heartfelt conviction. As one reviewer put it: "Hall’s vocal range is a spear soaring through high notes, and demanding higher goals for humanity." Ria Hall delivers a magnetic performance. Audio