Features

Bret McKenzie was a hit as band leader, MC, stand-up comedian and presenter, writes Yadana Saw.

Full of nostalgia for old Russia, Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances turned out to be his last work. Edo de Waart conducts the NZSO in this popular work.

Nick Bollinger discusses a contemporary recording that recalls the golden age of Cuban dance music. Audio

After five brutal days knee deep in snow from Lake Ohau over the mountains to Wanaka, Bruce Hopkins is going for the record of the slowest walk of Te Araroa. Audio

A once-neglected Invercargill neighbourhood has come to life in recent years thanks to a volunteer-led rejuvenation project with the motto 'No complaints, only solutions'. Audio

Canadian musician Jann Arden says caring for her mum Joan as her memory failed has given her an appreciation for each moment she could have learnt no other way. Audio

A family of six can eat five healthy dinners, using the free meal planner from  Easy Choice Family Kai,  without blowing the budget. Audio

The wētā doesn't have the prettiest mugshot, and its tusks, barbs and armour can be intimidating. But a Wellington film whizz was so enamoured by it he named his company after the nocturnal critter. Video, Audio

French pianist David Fray's playing of the Schumann Concerto with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Douglas Boyd was described as impulsive, urgent and dazzling.

Neil Finn has told CBS News he doesn't see his role as vocalist with Fleetwood Mac as temporary. In their first appearance together as a band, they announced an extensive North American tour and hinted at recording together.

Crazed, dressed-up fans at one of the first showings cheered at every superhero appearance. They clearly didn't care the story made little sense, writes Max Towle.

Five years ago, a casual text from a friend led a young Yemeni-American man to his calling – restarting the coffee industry in the poor, war-torn country his parents had emigrated from, which is also the birthplace of coffee-drinking. Audio

Roy Irwin was seven years old when he saw Michael Jackson rocket onto the stage. The Aucklander says his own music – though not directly inspired by MJ  – reflects his bizarre yet playful persona. Video, Audio

Every year, 40 to 50 New Zealand babies die from Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). Preschoolers educated about safe sleep through doll-play could help tackle this, says an Invercargill nurse. Video, Audio

Grammy award-winning hip hop artist Kendrick Lamar has announced he’s coming to New Zealand.

Conserving fragments of centuries-old waka found buried in water or mud, and sending them home to their marae, is a huge privilege for archaeologist Dilys Johns. Audio

UK band Public Service Broadcasting's last two albums have been concept records based around archival footage of human progress and space exploration. Their third record is about the coal mining industry in South Wales and its collapse. Tony Stamp spoke to the band ahead of their NZ show. Video, Audio

The United States is living through an inequality crisis which is distorting and weakening its society, says renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs. Audio

A temporary photo studio in the Broad Bay community hall is capturing the "little intimacies" between local pets and their owners. Audio, Gallery

The REAL Sex Talk breaks down myths and stereotypes.

Women on the home front in WWI were supporting New Zealand troops overseas, but they weren't baking Anzac biscuits to send, says Carmel Cedro. Audio

Internet company Voyager sponsored this year's media awards. Its head Seeby Woodhouse told Mediawatch he's been spooked by what he's seen in the US and wants New Zealand's media to up its game. Video, Audio

Young poets and composers were called up for military service along with everyone else in World War One. Kate Kennedy and Roger Smith look at some of their stories. Audio, Gallery