Ian Johnstone

A paradise called Te Maika. Helen arrives from London and is given 'three months' by the locals. But she stays 15 years! Audio

A love affair in letters - James proposes to Helen, who is still in London, and receives her reply in a 'Dr Who' telephone box on the beach. Audio

McNeish settles in a decrepit house on a sand spit, a full day's journey from the nearest book shop, but exults in his discovery of a New Zealand he didn't know existed. Audio

McNeish's final return to New Zealand sees a dream, and his hopes, dashed. But a small miracle occurs and hope is rekindled. Audio

Jame's returns to New Zealand for the second time. A meeting with Sheila Chichester (wife of the solo sailor, Sir Francis)and a touch of drama on board the ocean liner, The Oriana. Audio

Enter a dog and a sheep stealer, James McKenzie. A chance mention on a BBC radio programme leads to an abrupt change in fortune. Audio

In London McNeish's life turns around - his book, Fire Under the Ashes, is a success. He also falls in love with a Czech refugee, Helen. Audio

In Wellington James meets with 'Mr Punch in naval uniform', the poet, Denis Glover. A falling out with the NZ broadcasting Corporation sets James on a return path to England. Audio

James meets his Aunt Jean, 'the brown sheep of the family' who is troubled by a ghost. It's his first encounter with his Maori past. Audio

After years abroad, McNeish comes home to try to rescue his marriage. New Zealand is barely recognisable -- a foreign country. Audio

While with Danilo Dolce in Sicily, James is caught up in a rebel movement that is challenging the Mafia, and the government. Audio

James travels to a forgotten corner of the Mediterranean - Sicily. There he meets social reformer, Danilo Dolce. It is to be a life changing experience. Audio

James enters the London theatre, working with the eccentric genius Joan Littlewood. On the way to becoming a playwright, as he imagines, he comes down with a bump. Audio

The young James McNeish, to his father's dismay, leaves a secure job in Auckland and sails for Europe. He is penniless, but determined to become a writer. Audio

In the last hour of Chris Laidlaw's last programme on Radio NZ, Chris - with guest interviewer Ian Johnstone - becomes the latest subject in our occasional series where prominent New Zealanders talk… Audio

A couple who have fostered 82 babies, a prominent poet and novelist, and the country's most successful rugby sevens coach are among the New Zealanders named in the Queens Birthday honours. Audio

This week, in the final installation of New Flags Flying for the year, Ian Johnstone, Michael Powles and Chris laidlaw look at the Pacific from the perspective of the former colonisers, taking a look… Audio

This week we look at Micronesia and the damage done to some of those tiny nations of the Pacific during colonisation. Audio

The winds of political change had swept across the Pacific from Samoa and the people of the New Hebrides were politely beginning to assert their own self-determination. Audio

Dr Teresia Teaiwa joins Ian, Michael and Chris to talk about the role of Pacific women in political upheaval, and how some managed to overcome mistrust, suspicion and sexism to make major… Audio