Books
Book review: Holding the Heavy Stuff by Ben Sedley
Cynthia Morahan reviews Holding the Heavy Stuff by Ben Sedley, published by Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand. Audio
Book Critic: The implications of AI on writing
Pip Adam has been reading and thinking a lot about how AI could affect writing. She shares books that offer insights to AI and that show how important human writers are. Empire of AI: Dreams and… Audio
Book review : Poetry Aotearoa Yearbook 2025: Breath
Sally Battson from The Next Chapter reviews Poetry Aotearoa Yearbook 2025: Breath, published by Massey University Press. Audio
Grant Robertson opens up about his life
Former Finance Minister Grant Robertson has opened up about his early life, and his political journey in a new memoir. Audio
Book review: Chemistry by Damien Wilkins
Melanie O'Loughlin reviews Chemistry by Damien Wilkins, published by Te Herenga Waka University Press. Audio
W*nkernomics: Aussie comedians' deep dive into workplace bullsh*ttery
Nine to Noon takes a deep-dive into some solutions-focused ideation, with a view to shifting the dial on how to optimise workplace relations. Audio
Hook-up culture vs boy sober: What young women want
We spoke to six young women about their experience with sex, relationships and increasingly confusing dating culture.
Twenty years of 'Bird of the Year' in one book
More than a dozen illustrators were selected, "not only because they draw beautiful birds, but because they also are dedicated to supporting conservation through their work". Audio
The robots are everywhere but why treat them as human? Poet Jiaqiao Liu
Culture 101's Mark Amery had to borrow a car this week and, while he was driving, pressed a button on the display console and a female voice startled him, speaking to him in Japanese. Mark doesn't… Audio
Teen Reads with Rosanna Williams
The digital age poses unique challenges to a new generation of readers, so what helps foster a positive relationship to reading in youth? The answer might just be the right book. Audio
Eboni Waitere: Taking the helm at the Publishers Association
Eboni Waitere (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne) has just made history with her appointment as the first Māori president of the Publishers Association of New Zealand. Audio
Esther Freud - My Sister and other Lovers
Great-granddaughter of Sigmund, daughter to British painter Lucien, and brought up by strong women, Esther Freud's new novel is about sisterhood. Audio
How to Spot a Dickhead: A Field Guide
Screenwriters Kathryn Burnett and Nick Ward, who have worked on shows like Wellington Paranormal and Outrageous Fortune, have encountered a fair few dickheads in their time, and have now become… Audio
Te Tiriti book wins Book of the Year at Children's Book Awards
A book about the Treaty of Waitangi was the big winner at Wednesday night's Children's Book Awards. Author Ross Calman spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
What does being a New Zealander mean to you?
Arohanui: My Aotearoa New Zealand compiles the perspectives of one hundred New Zealanders, including names like Beauden Barrett, Miriama Kamo, and Winston Peters. Audio
Treaty of Waitangi non-fiction wins at children's book awards
Māori writer and historian Ross Calman unpacks the complexities of Aotearoa / New Zealand's founding document in an accessible way.
Bookmarks with Neil Finn - yes, that Neil Finn!
Time for Bookmarks where each week we get an interesting person, and ask them to recommend some of their favourite books, TV shows, films, music and anything else they want to share. Today Jesse is… Audio
The art of making a great children's picture book
Claire Mabey reviews some brilliant picture books that should entertain both kids and adults. A Guide to Rocks by Sacha Cotter & Josh Morgan (HUIA) Pukeko Who-Keko by Toby Morris (Penguin). Mother of… Audio
The Blokes' Book Club
The Blokes' Book Club existed in Hamilton for a few years now, so what's the appeal? Audio
"Developing a project can feel like being lost in the middle of the ocean" Duncan Sarkies on the joy of discovery
Two years ago this month RNZ National's Culture 101 was launched. And a guest on our very first show, introducing comedy radio drama series The Mysterious Secrets of Uncle Bertie's Botanarium was… Audio
