Books
Tony Simpson: A Gent in Overseasia
In 1973, Tony Simpson - author, historian, and public servant - travelled overseas on what turned out to be an OE like no other. Audio
Poet Terry Fitzgibbon's coastal connections
Anna Thomas caught up with poet and artist Terry Fitzgibbon about his new book 'Salt: Coastal Connections' published by White Cloud Books. The book features stunning images from award winning… Audio
1964 - a quarterly journal capturing the creative side of mountain culture
A photo essay about Aotearoa's most inland surfboard shaper is the kind of content that "falls into the lap" of Laura Williamson, editor of the Southern Lakes print journal 1964. The quarterly… Audio
2004: Kate Camp
Poet and literature critic, Kate Camp talks with Kim Hill about Katherine Mansfield – perhaps New Zealand’s most famous literary daughter. Camp won the NZSA Jessie Mackay Award for Best First Book of… Audio
2018: Sian Davey
Siân Davey is a photographer with a background in fine art and social policy. Her book ‘Looking for Alice’, which… Audio
2017: Margaret Atwood
Canadian author Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel ‘The Handmaid's Tale’ was, in 2017, enjoying a resurgence of interest. The… Audio
'Terrifyingly perfect magic' - Authors and book lovers share their favourite NZ reads
RNZ asked several of Aotearoa's most noteworthy authors and book lovers to pick their favourite New Zealand-authored book they read in 2023 - whether a bold new work or a timeless classic.
Gamble to publish two books in 12 months pays off with two best sellers
Catherine Chidgey wasn't sure about having two books published in a year - but she's ended up with two best-sellers.
2022: Colm Tóibín
The author of 10 novels, Colm Tóibín speaks with Kim Hill in 2022 about his 2021 Folio Prize winning book ‘The Magician’, a fictionalised account of the life of Thomas Mann. Tóibín’s novels ‘The… Audio
Book review: Day by Michael Cunningham
Lynn Freeman reviews Day by Michael Cunningham published by 4th Estate. Audio
Book review: Life Done Differently by Lisa Jansen
Harry Broad reviews Life Done Differently by Lisa Jansen published by High Tide Audio
Book review: Boy Swallows Universe TV Tie In by Trent Dalton
Louise Ward of Wardini Books reviews Boy Swallows Universe TV Tie In by Trent Dalton published by 4th Estate Audio
Book review: Why Memory Matters
Dean Bedford reviews Why Memory Matters: 'Remembered Histories' and the Politics of the Past by Rowan Light published by Bridget Williams Books. Audio
Best books with Kate De Goldi and Elizabeth Knox
Prodigious readers Kate De Goldi and Elizabeth Knox are in to share their favourite books. Audio
Takács Quartet violinist Edward Dusinberre
Musician and author Edward Dusinberre is first violinist in the renowned Takács Quartet - one of the world's greatest string quartets. Audio
Ruth Shaw: Wee bookshops and huge love for dogs
Septuagenarian Ruth Shaw's plans for a quiet retirement were derailed last year when her memoir The Bookseller at the End of the World, became an international bestseller. Audio
Michael Cunningham on time, triangles and his new novel Day
Although Michael Cunningham began writing Day, A Novel during the Covid pandemic, his new book is not a "plague novel". "I want to read about people and their relationships and how they survived… Audio
Book review: Question 7 by Richard Flanagan
Gail Pittaway reviews Question 7 by Richard Flanagan published by Penguin Random House NZ Audio
The Best of Afternoons 2023
Host Jesse Mulligan shares his five favourite interviews from RNZ's weekday afternoon show.
Book Review: The Freedom of Emma Herwegh by Dirk Kurbjuweit
Quentin Johnson reviews The Freedom of Emma Herwegh by Dirk Kurbjuweit (translated from the original German by Imogen Taylor) published by Text Publishing. Audio