Arts
The stars behind new Matariki roadrip movie KOKA
A new film about a Māori elder and a troubled young woman who bond during a Matariki road trip - KOKA - is about to hit cinemas. Audio
Tributes pour in for Maurice Gee
The death of Maurice Gee has prompted many New Zealanders to pay tribute to the late novelist. Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador Kate de Goldi spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Respected Kiwi writer Maurice Gee has died, aged 93
The author penned more than 30 adult and children's novels, and won many, many awards.
Bold Tahitian novelist Titaua Peu connects us back into the Pacific
Located in the centre of the Pacific, Tahiti's closest large land mass is Aotearoa New Zealand. It is where, from Raiatea, Maori migration canoes left in what is thought to be the late 13th Century or… Audio
How painting pet portraits restored artist Julia Holden
Multi-disciplinary artist Julia Holden is better known for her live performance art, clay work and animated paintings so when she started painting pets and animals, it wasn't a turn she saw coming. Audio
Regional Wrap goes to Ōpōtiki
A gateway to Tairawhiti East Cape from the north is the town of Ōpōtiki in the Bay of Plenty. As a creative hub local organisation Ōpōtiki Arts has a new leash of life with this year 95 members in… Audio
A road movie like no other: Kath Akuhata-Brown's Kōkā
In the new feature film Koka an elder Maori woman, under the celestial guidance of Matariki, makes a long journey home in a car that's seen better days. For Koka's director, Kath Akuhata-Brown of… Video, Audio
Good Bitches Baking: New cookbook pays homage to family
Good Bitches are still baking across the country and the collective has just released its third cookbook Familiar Foods. But it's not the classics you may be imagining but rather family recipes; some… Audio
Groundbreaking storytelling with a sculpture park you can drive through
Te Ahu a Turanga is a new $824 million 11.5-kilometre four-lane highway connecting the Lower North Island East to West. It opened this week. it is, in effect an enormous sculpture park you can drive… Audio
Errol Morris: Separated
Oscar-winning filmmaker Errol Morris's 2024 documentary Separated explores the US government's family separation policy at the southern border during the first Trump administration, when an estimated… Video, Audio
This Weekend: New Zealand Latte Art Championships
Event organiser, and New Zealand's first barista champion, Emma Barkland Webster joins Mark Leishman. Audio
Inclusive Performance Academy goes viral
The creative arts programme for young people living with disabilities is the brainchild of Fiona McKenzie, with her son Jasper helping bring the vision to life behind the scenes. They join Mark… Audio
Australian comedian turns scamming experience into cabaret
When Australian comedian Michelle Brasier was scammed by a stranger, she didn't report it. Instead, she extended her hand in friendship and turned the experience - into a cabaret. Audio
New literary voices honoured
Books from ten emerging New Zealand writers will be celebrated and amplified in a new initiative from The Coalition for Books. Audio
What looking at art does to your brain
When looking at a great work of art, does your heart race? A new neuroaesthetics study looks at how art and beauty can affect us physically and mentally. Audio
Fred Award-winner Angella Dravid
Angella Dravid took home the Fred Award for best show at the 2025 New Zealand Comedy Festival. Audio
Bookmarks with Peau Halapua
Violinist and musical director Peau Halapua talks to Jesse about her life, career, and favourite things. Audio
Dame Julie Christie
Has reality TV crashed and burned in New Zealand? Reality Queen, Dame Julie Christie, on our troubled TV industry and the pros and cons of offering tax breaks for films made downunder. Video, Audio
Rotorua school girl juggles rehersals, roadtrips in Annie role
11 year old Rotorua schoolgirl Gracie Bradley has won the lead role in Auckland Theatre company's production of Annie. She's one of three young starlets filling the role. Now she is juggling school… Audio
