Features

Auckland singer songwriter Vincent H.L. has released his debut solo album, after a decade playing guitar, drums, and keys, in a lot of bands. Video, Audio

Squabbles between New Zealand and Australia have usually been lightweight affairs – until recently, writes Trevor Marshallsea.

William Dart goes to the movies and investigates a few offerings from the current New Zealand International Film Festival. A new biopic of the German singer Nico stands out. Video, Audio

Gareth Farr and Renée Liang collaborate on a work telling of a young New Zealand Chinese man searching for his roots and guided by a magical cicada and Māori ferryman. Video, Audio

These days, when people wave their hands at a gig, more often then not there's a phone in them. RNZ Music's Melody Thomas lays down the ground rules for using your phone at a concert.

Plus the Hurricanes and Crusaders gear up for the biggest Super Rugby semi-final in recent memory and and Blair Tuke and Peter Burling commit to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Get the latest on Extra Time. Audio

Performing on board the Interislander ferry in exchange for free passage is something most local bands do at some point in their career. Here's a loving tribute to 'NZ's worst gig'.

Ink sketches by two young rangatira dating back to 1818 have been restored and will go on loan to an exhibition in the UK. Video

A new book examines China’s skewed gender imbalance with a surfeit of rural bachelors and a generation of “only daughters” entering the workforce and marrying age.

David Longstreth has made a post-modern pop album of romantic sentiments and apocalyptic backdrops. Nick Bollinger listens. Audio

Hear two settings of Psalm 104, there are hymns with a Welsh connection, and a beautiful rendition of the spiritual There is a balm in Gilead, sung by the 1984 New Zealand Youth Choir Audio

The Lexus Song Quest 2018 winners have been announced and the major prizes awarded to Joel Amosa, Eliza Boom and Filipe Manu.

Māori singer Sianne Dougherty plays us a couple of her own songs, including the single 'Azalea' – a te reo tribute to her daughter and parenthood. Video, Audio

Eliza Boom, Filipe Manu, Joe Haddow, Manase Latu and Joel Amosa sing art songs with pianist Terence Dennis and operatic arias with the NZSO, conducted by Stephen Mould. Then Head Judge Lisa Gasteen will announce the winner of Lexus Song Quest 2018. Live from 7.30pm on RNZ Concert.

Riddle + Squizz is now streaming on HEIHEI – a free (and ad-free) website and app for kids aged five to nine.  Video, Audio, Gallery

Nick celebrates Hank Jones' 100th birthday, and takes a look back at the life of legendary NZ drummer Roger Sellers. Audio

Thousands of nondescript bone fragments have turned out to be a genetic treasure trove, that has cast light on the diversity of animals in New Zealand before humans arrived about 750 years ago. Audio

Aussie star Tash Sultana, 23, plays at least 10 instruments having started her musical career busking on the streets of Melbourne after recovering from drug addiction and failing to get a regular job. Video, Audio

New Zealand’s half-a-billion-dollar salmon industry could become 35 times bigger and the world’s most sustainable farming practice, an industry head says. Audio

We talk cellphone etiquette at gigs; Wellington Paranormal's Karen O'Leary is in for the Mixtape; we speak to Aussie multi-instrumentalist Tash Sultana; Kiran Dass catches up with 80s Auckland indie darlings This Sporting Life; single mum and (incredible!) vocalist Sianne Doherty performs live; and more!

These days, when people wave their hands at a gig, more often then not there's a phone in them. RNZ Music's Melody Thomas lays down the ground rules for using your phone at a concert.

Mediawatch - New Zealand’s biggest news publisher Stuff could soon be under new management as its Australian parent Fairfax Media moves towards a merger with entertainment company Nine.  Audio

At the forefront of a new scientific movement to study the habits of happy people, Emiliana Simon-Thomas says altruism and allowing yourself to feel other emotions are key. Audio

Musician and author Gareth Shute talks to Jesse about the pivotal points in the evolution of hip hop in Aotearoa. Audio, Gallery