Features

New Zealand is investigating allegations Niue's Premier has illegally made himself the sole beneficiary of his country's state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Babies have an astonishing ability to pick up any language they’re exposed to so why is learning a new language as an adult such hard work? Audio

Kiwis wanted something more radical than Kiwibuild, says urban planning lecturer Bill McKay, but the new housing authority could help with supply, and shared equity with affordability. Audio

It’s comedy or tragedy this week on Netflix, according to Widescreen's Dan Slevin.

Black Sheep - Why do some historians think an NZ-born traitor was "instrumental" to the Japanese victory in Singapore during WWII? Plus allegations of a cover-up and the 'watery grave' which ends Patrick Heenan's story. Audio

US space agency Nasa has landed a new robot on Mars after a dramatic seven-minute plunge to the surface of the Red Planet.

Bella Hristova and Michael Houstoun continue their journey through the Beethoven Violin Sonatas, with this recital including the much-loved 'Spring' sonata.

Fleetwood Mac with its new lineup, which includes our very own Neil Finn, is halfway through a 52-date US tour. RNZ Music’s Melody Thomas (and her US-based ex-pat mum and sister) were lucky enough to see them perform in San Jose, California.

Two Cents' Worth - NZ has had a recession every year-ending-in-8 since 1968. Apart from 1948, the other '8' years in the century since 1918 weren't great either. Is 2018 the exception, and if so, why?  Audio

High-tech digital pioneer Ian Taylor is bringing virtual reality to Otago prison to help inmates learn to read while they fix cars, Leigh-Marama McLachlan writes. Video

Charlotte Wilson concludes her road-trip with a visit to the light-filled Dunedin studio of Kushana Bush. Audio, Gallery

Fleetwood Mac with its new lineup, including Neil Finn, is halfway through a 52-date US tour. RNZ Music’s Melody Thomas saw them perform in San Jose, California.

The question of whether police can wear their uniforms in Auckland's Pride Parade next year has caused a huge row. Parade chair Cissy Rock talks to Kim Hill about the controversy that has divided the rainbow community. Audio

Analysis - Are New Zealand the biggest poachers of rugby talent world-wide? Some stats released this week suggest the northern hemisphere sides are worse by a country mile.

International journalists were startled when Chinese officials prevented them from reporting some events at the APEC summit in Papua New Guinea this week.  Audio

American singer Julia Holter infuses sweet and lush pop with complex sonic explorations and avant-garde literary references on her new album Aviary. Audio

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Bike Auckland has been making a concerted effort to make cycling activism more relatable and accessible under level-headed communications manager Jolisa Gracewood. Audio

Before kicking off their nationwide tour, Wellington supergroup Congress of Animals treat us to a stripped-back acoustic sing-along version of their song 'Shine' and chat to Yadana Saw. Video, 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.

It was the "concert of the year" according to many who attended. Pianist Lars Vogt plays with and conducts the NZSO in music by Mozart, Webern and Beethoven.

Not only the "default food for anyone short on money, or time, or a kitchen", instant noodles are also a triumph of modern food production, according to journalist Celia Hatton. Richard Scott checks out her podcast The Eternal Life of the Instant Noodle. Audio

Māori Television is replacing news and current affairs shows next year with a 'Māori Media Hub' to deliver "news as it happens” online and on TV. Mediawatch asks its chief editor why - and how that will be done.    Audio

Tami Neilson performs live at Auckland's Town Hall as part of her SASSAFRASS! tour, August 2018. Audio

VIDEO - Latinaotearoa is an Auckland band who fuse South American beats and Spanish vocals with classic Kiwi roots vibes. They play us a couple of tracks from their third album Influencis et Collabis. Video, Audio