Features

Described as the US's best all-around alpinist, Conrad Anker says his recent film Meru, with climbers Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk, is an authentic documentation accepting the cold and hunger and exposed nature of a climb.  Video, Audio

In Ōtara, South Auckland, they've been experimenting with new ways of providing to those in need. including a Monday night soup kitchen combined with an open-mic talent night. It has been an extraordinary success. Video, Audio, Gallery

Schools and parents always want the best for children, but a researcher has opened a can of worms by denouncing rigid rules on school lunchbox food. Audio

The Incredibles theme song is back as the sequel opened last week in New Zealand. Pixar film music has been performed by numerous orchestras around the world. Upbeat curates a few favourites.

A navy ship that started its life supporting oil rigs is changing tack to protect the Pacific Ocean from old warships leaking oil, writes Eva Corlett. Video, Audio

One of the great string quartets of the world, the Takács Quartet visited these shores last year and toured for Chamber Music New Zealand. Here we catch them in Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre.

The classic rock era started with Sgt Peppers in 1967 and ended in 1999 when Napster nailed a Nine Inch Nails release, music writer Steven Hyden says.  Audio

Aotearoa is not immune to stirrings of republicanism, but expert Sean Palmer of Monarchy New Zealand is adamant it's worth staying royal: for price, security, equality, and for democracy itself. Audio

Welsh harpist Catrin Finch and Senegalese Kora player Seckou Keita have collaborated on the album Soar. It is a meeting of two cultures that value oral tradition, and a "family reunion" for their stringed instruments. Audio

Three Porirua teenagers who became internet sensations after a video of them singing the New Zealand national anthem went viral have been invited to sing at a Silver Ferns game. Video, Audio

In a blast from the political past, the former McGillicuddy Serious Party president is publishing a new edition of the party's manifesto in a 328-page book.  Audio

Pasifika women in Aotearoa New Zealand are twice as likely to die from breast cancer than Palagi women. Audio

Our free classical podcast this month is Enigma Variations by Sir Edward Elgar played by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Antony Hermus.

Members of the Cook Islands environmental group, Te Ipukarea Society, were appalled by the rubbish they found on a recent trip to isolated Suwarrow Atoll.

The Kiribati Government has criticised a film documenting the nation's struggles with climate change, saying it does not follow ethical standards.

The Porirua teenagers who became internet sensations after a video of them singing the New Zealand national anthem went viral have been invited to sing at a Silver Ferns game.  Video, Audio

My Heels Are Killing Me looks at the cultural significance of the Aloha shirt which Hawaiians have been wearing since the beginning of the 20th century as a way to connect to their culture. Audio

Smaller housing developers are being locked out by bureaucracy costs, and experts say the government must connect people with expertise so affordable housing, particularly for Māori, can be built. Audio

Nick Bollinger reviews an orchestral and apocalyptic set from Welsh alt-pop artist Gruff Rhys, who is also a member of Super Furry Animals. Audio

LISTEN: Mark Rogers plays new music from Holly Arrowsmith, classic Americana from the Handsome Family, soul from King Curtis and blues from Sonny Boy Williamson. Audio

In the latest episode of RNZ's FIFA World Cup podcast, Emile Donovan and Max Towle discuss penalty drama, and Spain going for a shockingly early siesta. Audio

Opinion - Week two: The Jacinda-baby-mania media frenzy is over for now and we're waiting for the next social media post about our First Baby, Amy Williams writes. 

Could Dunedin be the country's future tourism mecca? An American travel writer thinks so. She has recently raved about the southern city in a CNN travel article. Audio