Features

Basque pianist, Marta Zabaleta calls her programme 'Chopin in Mallorca', combining music Chopin wrote during a near-disastrous holiday on that Spanish island in the Mediterranean, with music by Spanish composers.

It was 90 years ago today the small township of Murchison, between Nelson and the West Coast, was torn apart by New Zealand's third-deadliest earthquake on record. Video

A study by a heavy metal groupie-turned-developmental psycho-pathologist Dr Tasha Howe explores the experiences of 1980s heavy metal groupies, fans and musicians vs other music fans. Turns out the kids are alright! Audio

Watch - Many New Zealanders are desperately pleading for Pharmac to fund life-saving medication for them or their families. Video, Audio

Scientists in Samoa are hoping a new collaboration with New Zealand researchers will help them discover new cancer medicines from native plants and marine organisms.

The Cook Islands is likely to follow Samoa in banning the biopic about the international pop star, Elton John.

The Vanuatu Prime Minister has reshuffled his cabinet in the wake of yet another failed motion of no confidence brought against him.

Instead of helping people connect with art, the language that's used to describe it often shames and alienates them, says Vanessa Crofskey. Audio

Recipe - A classic, nourishing pumpkin soup is just the thing for these cold winter evenings, and if you hate chopping and peeling, then roasting the pumpkin whole first saves a lot of effort.

An expert in Pacific development issues has been recognised by Victoria University in Wellington as one of six Distinguished Alumni in its 2019 Awards.

Mediawatch - Two contrary political opinion polls this week raised big questions about their quality and the purpose. Is it time the media confronted contradictions in its reporting? Audio

The Detail - Is the government swapping one bad habit for another by encouraging smokers to move to vaping, as a way of curing their addiction?  Audio

Watch - New Zealand in 1900 had seen nothing like it - a mega-mansion, the largest wooden house in the land. It’s survived earthquakes, vandals and squatters. Frank Film asks, what next for McLean’s Mansion?

This week RNZ Concert celebrates the life and music of Jacques Offenbach for his 200th birthday. Here, Elric Hooper and Des Wilson look at the life, times and music of one of Europe's more colourful characters. Audio

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Former lawyer Elisha Watson first met refugee families as a volunteer. Then got the idea of creating an underwear business to employ some of them. Audio

Watch the 1932 horror film Vampyr here, anytime.

Incurably curious filmmaker Louis Theroux speaks to Noelle McCarthy about his "semi-fictional" onscreen self and the man who'll appear on an Auckland stage next January. Audio

Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Poulenc’s devastating story of faith and martyrdom. Listen to the final Met Opera of the season on RNZ Concert from 6pm.

On her new album, Kiwi songwriter Jan Hellriegel serves up "suburban philosophy" with a candour that is totally refreshing, writes William Dart. Video, Audio

When NZ-based scuba diver Kristine Zipfel jumped into the ocean off Mo'orea she expected to open her eyes to life and colour – instead she found little life apart from seaweed.

David Morriss is all at sea this week with music by Ireland, Mendelssohn, Beethoven and more.  All smooth sailing, we hope!

Rangitikei farmer Tom Welch thinks he may be the only person in New Zealand producing pumpkin seeds commercially.  Audio

This week, Pick and Mix celebrates La Vie Parisienne in honour of Jacques Offenbach's 200th birthday. Listen on RNZ Concert from 12 noon.

Indira Stewart hosts RNZ's new 5am show First Up, and she's also an accordian player and former NZ Idol contestant. She talks to Tony Stamp about five of her favourite songs. Video, Audio