Features

The exciting Lexus Song Quest 2018 semi-final performances are now online. You can listen again here to both concerts, hosted by Clarissa Dunn.

A just-released coroner's report has ruled it wasn't suicide by cop, so how did the 21-year-old come to be shot dead in an Auckland Park? Susan Strongman reports.

Growers Kevin and Kate think there’s massive potential for cranberries on the West Coast, and have some recipes to share including Chocolate, Apricot and Cranberry brownies.  Audio, Gallery

Local hip hop heavyweights Illbaz, Melodownz, and Raiza Biza join us in the studio for an interview and live performance, featuring special guests Che Fu and Dirty. Video, Audio

Edinburgh-born Irvine Welsh was "energised by the rave scene" when he started writing Trainspotting, and says his latest book looking at middle-aged male friendship shows the breakdown of old relationship styles in a post-capitalist world. Audio

Beethoven wanted his Sixth Symphony not to merely mimic sounds from nature, but to explore the effect nature has on the human soul.  Edo de Waart conducts the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

The outgoing general manager and publisher of the Fiji Times says his job has been made difficult by the government's draconian approach to the media. Audio

Opetaia Foa'i is the leader of Te Vaka, who provided the sounds and songs of the Disney hit Moana. Video, Audio

Sand is the most extracted solid material in the world with 50 billion tonnes mined a year, used for everything from roads and buildings to mobile phones - and we’re running out.  Audio

The House - If the colour of New Zealand history has been stained burgundy, then nowhere is that more vivid than in the history of parliament.  Video, Audio

Two online provocateurs from Canada sparked debate about free speech and hate speech here without ever setting foot in the country or saying anything meaningful about New Zealand. Audio

Sing along with hymns (and lyrics) about creation including Fairest Lord Jesus and The Spacious Firmament On High. Video, Audio

Dwayne Johnson is an action figure brought to life, says Simon Morris. In the new film Skyscraper he's pitted against heights, fire and bad guys... so pretty much business as usual for the big guy. Video, Audio

Insight - New anti-money laundering regulations have come into effect. But some question if they will make any difference. Jeremy Rose investigates money laundering in New Zealand and the attempts to counter it. Audio

The 80 year old actor, writer, activist and fitness guru talks to Noelle McCarthy about existential threat, the MeToo movement and why Barbarella is a good female role model. Audio

Porridge is one of the best things about winter, says food writer Kelly Gibney. She shares with us a delicious recipe that's "essentially a way to have rice pudding at breakfast". Audio

Nick Bollinger spends some quality time with the latest epic from tenor sax titan Kamasi Washington. Audio

Head judge Lisa Gasteen has chosen the five young opera singers who will compete in this weekend's Lexus Song Quest 2018.

Nick Bollinger considers the first collaboration between singer-songwriter Laura Marling and folk-tronicist Mike Lindsay. Audio

Recording engineer Steve Garden is one of the founders of Rattle Records, home to an extensive and eclectic catalogue of essential Kiwi music releases. He chats to Trevor Reekie. Audio

Baltasar Kormákur's film about a young couple who run into a deathly storm while sailing the Pacific has impressive special effects, strong acting and a cunning structure, says Simon Morris. Video, Audio

Do we really have to be what others think we should be? A rather bossy girl and a peculiar looking wolf explore the question in a story for children by Paul Beavis.

Nick Bollinger delights in the lush folds of a fairytale concept album by Clean founder Hamish Kilgour, but fails to follow the storyline. Audio

Songwriter Lawrence Arabia is releasing a series of singles this year for what he calls "Singles Club". He chats to Jesse Mulligan and plays a couple for us. Video, Audio