Features

Jack Panther started writing music as a young teen and now – at 21 –  he'about to release his debut EP Retrospect. Audio

RNZ Music is excited to share the brand new single and video 'Storm', from Dunedin born producer and performing artist Missy.

Chairman Mao once said a single spark can start a prairie fire, and the GCSB's decision to block Spark's plans for a Huawei 5G network here definitely set the media alight in recent months, writes Jeremy Rose. Audio

There was rain, wind, scorching heat and lightning and top-notch performances... but as always the people were the real stars at last weekend's Splore Festival near Auckland.

A teenage Briton’s bid to return home after sleeping with the enemy in Syria was a huge talking point in the UK. But it also pre-occupied talk radio here, obscuring the issue closer to home, writes Colin Peacock. Audio

With a dozen new buildings like Wellington's controversial Park Mews we'd be well on the way to solving the housing crisis, writes Bernard Hickey, but it couldn't be constructed today. Audio

Poi choreographer Reweti Elliott talks about his own unique style and performer Tomika Whiu talks about his passion for haka in the latest episode of Te Ahi Kaa. Audio

Facing possible extinction from rising sea levels, the Marshall Islands is for the first time focusing on how to raise islands in this atoll nation.

A recent visit by controversial author Jordan Peterson got a lot of attention from local media outlets – even before he arrived – but they made us wait to find out what the Canadian psychology professor had actually said in public, writes Colin Peacock. Video, Audio

On Saturday night, a five-piece band formed at the University of Otago became the first NZ act to play to 50,000 people at Auckland’s Western Springs Stadium. Waveney Russ was there.

There was rain, wind, scorching heat and lightning; top-notch performances from the likes of Rudimental and The Beths; and a surprise slot from Russian punk collective Pussy Riot. And as always the people of Splore were the stars of the weekend.

When news editors realised that crime and violence-based reports rated well, entertainment overtook public interest as the primary driver of much television news, says Professor David Altheide. Audio

Astronomer Seth Shostak explores the possibility of intelligent life on other planets in the podcast So Where Are The Aliens? Richard Scott takes a listen. Audio

New Zealand could tackle its youth suicide rate by discouraging unsustainable and remote communities, according to a controversial Canadian psychologist. Video

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Kiwi band Tiny Ruins play us four tracks from their acclaimed new album Olympic Girls and singer Hollie Fullbrook chats to Jesse Mulligan. Video, Audio

Opotiki kiwifruit growers Catriona and Mark White were the first orchadists to receive NZ's top sustainable farming award last year. Audio

Debussy’s constantly shifting palette of tones and colours is a perfect musical reflection of the story’s ambiguity and symbolism. American mezzo Isabel Leonard stars as the mysterious Mélisande. Opera on Sunday from 6pm on RNZ Concert.

"[English] people are numb, people are beaten. Just unresponsive to what’s going on around them." Video, Audio

Gisborne is still looking green-ish and coastal Southland has had just enough rain to keep pastures and winter crops growing. Audio

Tattoo artist Debbie Casson specialises in giving new hope and confidence to people who've been through breast cancer. Audio

This week Eva's listening to sisters who've made a career out of their natural ability to blend and harmonise, from the Andrew Sisters in the 40s to modern singing sisters and instrumental duos.

Waikato Women's Refuge started as a one-bedroom flat and is now the largest refuge in the country. Founder Ruahine 'Roni' Albert has supported abused women and children in her community for three decades. Audio

Evening hymns make a rare (but welcome) appearance this week, including John Ellerton's The Day Thou Gavest, Lord Is Ended. Audio

Your gut's healthy bacteria count may be affected by the amount of fat in your diet, according to new international research. Audio