Features

In the latest episode of BANG! Melody Thomas takes a trip to a Coromandel pub to hear about 'Man Cards', learns some great metaphors from James Nokise and trades communication tips with psychologist Zac Seidler. Audio

The kea have been observed to laugh and play, and an New Zealand animal behaviourist aims to find out why. Audio

Local RnB singer Ladi6 has had a big year: she’s undergone two vocal surgeries, released an critically acclaimed EP, and taken home an armful of awards Video, Audio

In episode four of Squeaky Bum Time, hosts Emile Donovan and Max Towle wrap up the first round of the group stage of the Football World Cup with the help of RNZ Music's Yadana Saw. Audio

Nick Tipping plays a mixed bag, including tracks from Vi Redd and Bill Evans, a classic from Miles Davis, and a new album by Auckland band Dog, featuring Roger Manins, Ron Samsom, Kevin Field, Olivier Holland, and guest James Muller. Audio

The music of the Sinai desert is a designated Stratocaster-free zone where jerry cans and abandoned ammunition boxes make for the best drums. Video, Audio

Sara Harvey started Agony Autie as a way to talk about being autistic, about living in a world that is too bright and too noisy - and why it's OK to "stim". Video, Audio

Long before the accolades and attention, Kendrick Lamar told RNZ Music there was nothing phony about him and his stories of Compton, South L.A.

Instruments are designed to sound beautiful, but are not always easy to hold. Now instruments are getting a 3D makeover to help ease the load and Ottawa Symphony Orchestra is leading the way.

Instead of fearing artificial intelligence we should embrace it. But we should be wary about who owns data and how it's collected, Sir Nigel Shadbolt from Oxford University says. Audio

Dairy is a cornerstone of the New Zealand diet, but author Mark Kurlansky says it's a surprise so many people are able to even consume the product. Audio

Rapper, writer and visual artist Jessica Hansell aka Coco Solid has received the 2018 Fulbright-Creative Pacific Writer’s residency.

In February, violinist Joshua Bell reunited with his longtime collaborative partner pianist Jeremy Denk for a recital broadcast live from Carnegie Hall. Tune in to Music Alive at 7:30pm to hear it. You may recognise Joshua's face from his cameo performances in the web television series 'Mozart in the Jungle'.

Nick Bollinger surveys a Nashville-recorded album by Oakland soul belter Shannon Shaw. Shannon in Nashville has echoes of Dusty in Memphis, he says. Audio

A business making meth is home-based, relatively straightforward to set up, potentially lucrative and the reason more New Zealand women are behind bars, says fashion designer Annah Stretton, who runs the charity RAW. Video, Audio

Kiwi chef Bridget Foliaki-Davis started researching her book Breakfast Around The World while on her "first proper holiday" at the 32. Audio, Gallery

While Youthline and Lifeline struggle to stay afloat, leaving calls for help unanswered, the government is funding a brand new helpline.

Jessica Gethin is in Auckland for singer Michael Bolton's 'Symphony Tour' with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. The young Australian conductor is the first female Chief Conductor of the Perth Symphony Orchestra and has been described as one of the most influential women in Australia. Audio

Congratulations to RNZ sound engineer Graham Kennedy who was awarded a 'Best Live Sound' finalist certificate in the prestigious New York Festival Radio Awards 2018 for 'Aotearoa Plus', a New Zealand Symphony Orchestra concert featuring the world premiere of Gareth Farr's Cello Concerto, Chemin des Dames alongside works by John Adams and Pierre Boulez.

Most public libraries in Ireland will soon be open until 10pm every day and overdue fines are to go in a bid to increase visitors. Ditching overdue fines here would be a fine idea, a librarian says. Audio

Once a Conservative government transport minister, Michael Portillo now makes television programmes that mix history and rail travel. He talks to Kim Hill about trains and Tory politics. Audio

The Kiwis side name three World Cup Toa Samoa players in their team for this weekend's test against England and the reaction is interesting.

The 55-kilometre traverse is the first Great Walk designed to be shared by cyclists and walkers. It will run from Blackball to Punakaiki and include a memorial track leading to the site of the former Pike River Mine. Audio, Gallery