Features

Opinion - UK Prime Minister Theresa May has only herself to blame for the political shambles Britain finds itself in, writes David Townsend.

Carrying their instruments and wearing traditional Pacific floral garlands, school-age children from Porirua file down a graffiti-covered alleyway and through the stage door for their dress rehearsal with Jonathan Lemalu, no less.

Widescreen - Dan Slevin recommends Daniel Day-Lewis' last film Phantom Thread as this week's new-to-streaming highlight.

New Zealand's music scene was born on beer-stained stages and smoky back rooms, and a new book by Joanna Mathers aims to document some of the culture, sounds, violence and vivacity of the venues that were so central to it. Audio

RNZ Music is the first to share a brand new track from NZ supergroup L.A.B. 'See The Light' is from the band's upcoming album, L.A.B. II.

Opinion - Christmas is a tough time for the food intolerant. Lucy Corry reveals the lonely life of a pavlova-denier. Audio

Visiting pianist Boris Giltburg stunned the audience at the Wallace International Piano Festival with this virtuosic recital. Luckily RNZ Concert was there to record it.

Former McGillicuddy Serious leader Graeme Cairns now divides his time between penny farthings, medical training and street theatre, and his latest endeavour "doing pennants" features a bicycle-powered sewing machine. Audio

It is a common belief that the experience of music comes solely from hearing it, but Rebekah Stewart has proven otherwise.

Recent violence in Papua is the result of grievances in the region that Indonesia is failing to address, the UN human rights office says. 

Voices - Migrants and travellers to New Zealand are being encouraged to learn to swim and grow their confidence in water. Audio

John Le Carré’s obsession with con artists, philanderers, fabulists and fibbers informs the new adaptation of The Little Drummer Girl, says Dan Slevin.

In declining health, Bartók somehow found fresh inspiration for a work that vividly showcases the whole orchestra. Your free classical download for December is Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra played by the NZSO, conducted by Alexander Shelley.

Facadism - the practice of gutting old buildings and leaving only the front or facade - is getting under the collar of heritage expert Allan Matson. Audio

What do you do if your culture treats mental illness like a curse? Bury it deep. Indira Stewart reports on why so many Pasifika people suffer psychological distress - and why so few seek help.

Psathas says music is a work of art and should tell a story. He likes to grab the audience from the first note and take them on an amazing adventure. Audio

The very best in Americana, alt country and blues music, hosted by Mark Rogers. Monday nights after the 11 o'clock news on RNZ National, 101 FM.

James Bond was an alcoholic who needed treatment and workplace support, University of Otago researchers say. Audio

The Fiji men's sevens team have vanquished demons en-route to winning the latest round of the World Series in Cape Town.

It is a common belief that the experience of music comes solely from hearing it, but Rebekah Stewart has proven otherwise.

Black Sheep - In part two, how Gustavus von Tempsky went from a relatively famous soldier to the uber-hero of NZ colonial history. Audio

Jonathan Goldstein leads people into their past to face the truth about a crucial life event, in the podcast Heavyweight. Video, Audio

2018 was another bumper year for New Zealand music, so some of the RNZ Music crew play and discuss some of their favourite songs of the year. Video, Audio