Features

Progressive rock is a term that's been used widely for 50 years. But it can still be difficult to pin down what it actually is. Associate Professor Rob Burns from Otago University has written a book on the genre, Experiencing Progressive Rock. Video, Audio

Despite protestations of innocence by Facebook over horrific abuses of its platform, the main problem is it's working as intended, author and expert Professor Siva Vaidhyanathan says. Audio

Checkpoint - The worker, who asked for us not to use his real name, said relaxing iron-tight visa rules is the only way to stop the exploitation of his fellow countrymen. Video, Audio

Fears were high in 1928 for captain Charles Kingsford-Smith and crew when the plane, attempting the first international flight to New Zealand, lost contact in a lightning storm. Video, Audio, Gallery

Devin Abrams, who goes by the name Pacific Heights, tells Kirsten Johnstone about the vivid, visceral dream that inspired his new concept album A Lost Light, and shares the short film that accompanies it. Audio

Thirty centuries of Samoan tattooing have been chronicled in a new book released this month. Audio

To celebrate the American composer's hundredth birthday, William Dart shares interpretations of his songs from West Side Story, Candide, and Peter Pan by Nina Simone, Kiri Te Kanawa, Little Richard, and Tom Waits among others. Audio

MC Tom Scott's new album debuted at #1 on the local album chart this week. It’s conceptually ambitious, features some of New Zealand’s finest musicians, and deals with life's big questions. Video, Audio

This weekend 12-year-old Zeeah Rona Waerea-Tamai sings with the APO for its Worlds Collide programme in Manukau. The free concert brings together classical music, waiata, Pasifika culture and popular show tunes.

It wasn’t until the late 2000s that long-tailed bats - long thought to prefer secluded and quiet forests - were confirmed to be living in and around Hamilton city, and more recently in Auckland and possibly Tauranga. Video, Audio

Opinion - Chelsea Manning is a hero - someone who should be welcomed to New Zealand with open arms and mind (and a special direction visa), writes Craig Tuck and Dr Thomas Harré.

Five top acts have made the shortlist for the 2018 APRA Silver Scroll Award, recognising excellence in songwriting - Marlon Williams, Troy Kingi, Chelsea Jade, The Beths and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.

 "Waiata all have relevance, they have facts, they have ideas and are evidence of the representation of that particular community." Professor Taiarahia Black describes the role of Māori song as we haere ra Maori Music Month. Audio

An Auckland family's rental house has a rubbish dump and swamp underneath it, which is attracting rats and mosquitoes and they say it's also making them sick. Video, Audio

Elizabeth Kerr reviews the NZSO performing two works by Stravinsky and then Rachmaninov's Second Symphony. Audio

Thirty centuries of Samoan tattooing have been chronicled in a new book released earlier this month. Audio

The ZIP project is on its way to eradicating predators from 12,000 hectares of Westland, using a combination of rivers, AI cameras, animal psychology and egg mayonnaise. Video, Audio

Nick Bollinger uncovers the story of American collector Ron Kane, his deep connection with New Zealand music and the all-star tribute album made in his memory. Audio

Five top acts have made the shortlist for the 2018 APRA Silver Scroll Award, recognising excellence in songwriting. The artists include Marlon Williams, Troy Kingi, Chelsea Jade, The Beths and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.

Listen: Nick Tipping plays jazz by guitarists Pat Metheny, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and John Scofield, a live number from Mulgrew Miller, and a classic from Mike Nock. Audio

New wave synth-pop guru Tom Bailey was one of the biggest pop stars in the world with Thompson Twins in the 1980s. He chatted with Wallace Chapman about fame, pop's decline and his love of New Zealand. Video, Audio

It's nearly the end of the month and that means there'll be a new classical podcast soon. And just a few days left to download Elgar's wonderful Enigma Variations.

A new documentary made by young Kiwi film-makers will resonate with the thousands of New Zealanders who have lived through an eating disorder. Video, Audio

Conquerer of Mt Everest, philanthropist and now fashion icon - Sir Edmund Hillary's grandchildren took to the catwalk last night to parade a line of clothing inspired by the great New Zealander. Audio