Books
Why 'stupid rules' are everywhere
Stupid Rules is the new book, written by a Kiwi professor, that aims to throw out the rule book
Bookmarks with Toby Manhire
It's time for Bookmarks and today Jesse is joined by journalist Toby Manhire We've had Toby on the show plenty of times over the years, but this time we thought we'd get him in for 'Bookmarks' so he… Audio
New Zealand writer gets shoutout by Meghan Markle
The collection of poems about motherhood was dog-eared and shared to over a million people by the Duchess of Sussex.
Bonfire of the Murdochs reveals the family’s real succession drama
The author of the latest, and shortest, Murdoch biography is an outstanding journalist. But does he have anything new to say about the Australian media mogul.
Book review: A Far-Flung Life by M. L. Stedman
Melanie O'Loughlin of Lamplight Books in Auckland reviews A Far-Flung Life by M. L. Stedman, published by Penguin Random House. Audio
Book Critic: Liza Minelli Spills the Tea!
Afternoons book critic Judge Bill Hastings joins Jesse to share what he's been reading: Liza Minelli, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! (Hodder and Stoughton, 2026) Naomi Arnold, North Bound (Harper… Audio
Book review: Lyrical Ballads by Bill Manhire
Harry Ricketts reviews Lyrical Ballads by Bill Manhire, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press. Audio
Book review: A Tiny Book of 100 Big Things in Aotearoa
Mary Fawcett of Schrödinger's Books reviews A Tiny Book of 100 Big Things in Aotearoa New Zealand by Maja Zonjic, published by Floki Films. Audio
What’s My Book About: Ian Gill
Manila-based NZ author Ian Gill set out to find out more about his mother's remarkable life and the result is Searching for Billie. Audio
Thousands queue as Wellington library reopens after seven years
Two central Wellington landmarks have drawn significant crowds after years-long closures.
Niki Harré: A year as a secular priest
Compiling vows, offering priestly services, and embedding herself in church communities - she's documented her experience in a new book called The Calling. Audio
Book review: This Is Where the Serpent Lives
Jenna Todd of Time Out Bookstore in Auckland reviews This Is Where the Serpent Lives by Daniyal Mueenuddin, published by Bloomsbury Publishing. Audio
Crime writer S.A. Cosby on his 'Southern Noir' books
Kiwi audiences will be able to see S.A Cosby in person when he's here for the Auckland Writers Festival. Audio
Who's coming to the 2026 Auckland Writers Festival?
The programme for the 2026 Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tamaki has just dropped, and it's looking to be a star-studded line-up for book lovers. The programme is compiled by artistic director… Audio
Jacinda Ardern joins star-studded Auckland Writers Festival line-up
The former PM is among big literary names, from Helen Garner and Mick Herron to Captain Underpants' author Dav Pilkey.
Book Critic: Books for teens and tweens
Catherine Ross is the Director of Library at Auckland Grammar School and she always has great picks to share for younger readers. Here is her list today: For Ages 10+ Dr Zeus By James Patterson… Audio
Book review: The Old Fire by Elisa Shua Dusapin
Kiran Dass reviews The Old Fire by Elisa Shua Dusapin, published by Daunt. Audio
The real life story behind Winnie-the-Pooh
Broadcaster and former politician Gyles Brandreth explores that complicated story in his new book Somewhere, A Boy and a Bear: A Biography of A. A. Milne and Winnie-the-Pooh - he joins Emile Donovan… Audio
Book review: What to Wear by Jenny Bornholdt
Airini Beautrais reviews What to Wear by Jenny Bornholdt by Te Herenga Waka University Press. Audio
Aussie farmer who swam his way out of depression
After decades of self-medicating with beer, Brendan Cullen is now an open-water swimmer and a "sounding board" for rural people who are struggling.
