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Culture 101 for Sunday 21 December 2025

Nau mai haere mai, it's Culture 101 with Perlina Lau this Sunday, 21 December 2025.

 

12:15 Fast Favourites with comedian Michele A'Court

Stand-up comedian, writer and MC, Michele A'Court - is one of Aotearoa's most recognisable faces. She trained originally as a journalist, has written two books - and has travelled the world performing as a comedian. She joins us for our final Culture 101 of the year - as our Fast Favourite guest this week.

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Photo: Kate Little

12:30 Lorin Clarke on her father's legacy and rise to fame in new documentary

Lorin Clarke speaks to Culture 101 about dissecting comedy as a family, dealing with his passing and how this documentary came about.

Lorin Clarke & Perlina Lau

Lorin Clarke & Perlina Lau Photo: So'omālō Iteni Schwalger

13:05 Theft, fraud and forgery: Art and crime with Dr Penelope Jackson

Leading expert and award-winning art historian, Dr Penelope Jackson, has written sand contributed to books about the intersection of art and crime. She became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to art crime research and visual arts. Her latest title focuses on thefts close to home - Unseen: Art and Crime in Australia.  

Dr Penelope Jackson is a smiling woman in black-framed glasses with long blonde hair.

Dr Penelope Jackson Photo: Massey University

13:35 At the Movies

In the very last At The Movies, Simon Morris looks back on 24 years of movies – a quarter century that started with the first Lord Of The Rings, and an Oscar for Russell Crowe, and ended with two of the biggest films of the year, both made in New Zealand – The Minecraft movie and Avatar: Fire and Ash.

A still from Return of the King. The front lines of an army poised for battle, wearing shiny armour, carrying shields, and waving colourful banners.

Return of the King picked up a record-breaking 11 Oscars in 2004, including for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup. Photo: Wētā Workshop / Supplied

14:05 Best Films of 2025 with Kate Rodger

Film Critic Kate Rodger gives us her Best Films of 2025

Film critic Kate Rodger introduced the film ahead of its screening.

Film critic Kate Rodger introduced the film ahead of its screening. Photo: RNZ / Jogai Bhatt

14:30 Playwright Anders Falstie-Jensen wins Bruce Mason Award

This year's Bruce Mason Playwrighting Award has been awarded to Anders Falstie-Jensen.

One of the country's top awards for playwrighting - it comes with a $10,000 cash prize and recognises the success of a writer and their body of work. It's hoped it'll encourage their continued exploration of the medium.

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Photo: 123rf

14:37 Kiwi chef Anthony Hoy Fong cooking hangi-style lamb at The Met in NYC

Anthony Hoy Fong was raised in Auckland but after feeling burnt out from working in business here, he headed to New York in hopes to become a chef. But even after decades in the industry, Hoy Fong still strongly believes you're only as good as your last meal.

Culture 101 speaks to Anthony Hoy Fong about his menu and cooking hang-style lamb on the steps of the Met.

Anthony Hoy Fong was a chef for the re-opening of the Metropolitan Museum Oceania Galleries in New York.

Anthony Hoy Fong was a chef for the re-opening of the Metropolitan Museum Oceania Galleries in New York. Photo: Supplied

15:05 Radio Drama: Melon Cauliflower

 

Music played in this show

  • Boozoo Bajou - Signs

  • Beth Hart - Thankful

  • Massonix - Just A Little Bit More

  • The Beths - Metal

  • Beach Boys - Drive In

  • Darlene Love - All Alone on Christmas