Spiritual Practices
Legacy of colonisation driving decline in traditional Christian beliefs among Māori
Analysis - Religious beliefs among Māori have shifted significantly over the past two decades.
Pope Francis fires Texan bishop after criticism of reforms
The bishop had questioned the Pope's leadership of the Catholic church.
Quake strengthening begins at historic Taranaki Cathedral
Strengthening work will soon start at Taranaki Cathedral - seven years after New Zealand's oldest stone church was closed due to earthquake risk.
Expert Feature: Near death experiences
Maybe you'll see a bright light, a tunnel, or speak to someone you know who has already passed away.....Associate Professor Natasha Tassell-Matamua from Massey University's School of Psychology is our… Audio
Arbaeen: A journey of faith
An estimated 30 million people are gathered in Iraq right now for what could be the world's largest annual gathering. First Up's Mahvash Ikram spoke to a Kiwi pilgrim about her journey. Audio
'Sometimes you got to go tell some people to go screw themselves'
In October 2022 Kanye West (a.k.a.Ye) was dropped by sponsors and social media for repeated anti-semitic outbursts. Jewish hip hop artist Rami Even-Esh aka Kosha Dillz - renowned for his freestyle… Audio
Megan Dunn: worshipping art
Art writer and author Megan Dunn is taking us to church. A surprising amount of art can be found on the walls and windows of Aotearoa's places of worship. Milan Mrkusich, Doreen Blumhardt, Nigel Brown… Audio, Gallery
'Something evil': Jehovah's Witness practice of shunning
Former Jehovah's Witnesses say the religion's practice of shunning followers who leave the faith causes serious long-term harm and is a breach of human rights.
According to the religion's beliefs… Audio
The plants of the Qur'an
Botanical artist Sue Wickison has just completed a book on the plants of the Qur'an. Born in Sierra Leone, trained as a scientific illustrator in the UK, she now lives on Waiheke Island. Sue says her… Audio
Andrew Paul Wood: the history of the occult in Aotearoa
Historians paint colonial New Zealanders as "smug bucolic hobbits", but alternative spirituality was part of life for many in the 19th and early 20th centuries, says Andrew Paul Wood. The historian… Audio
'Feast of sacrifice' celebrates Muslim traditions in Aotearoa
Eid Al-Adha was celebrated in Wellington today for the second year in a row in what some hope is a "cultural shift" towards more appreciation and understanding of Muslim traditions.
Eid al-Adha celebrations draw big crowds for end holy celebration
Eid Al-Adha was celebrated in Wellington today for the second year in a row. Last year the celebration drew a crowd of around 4000 for the holy celebration which happens two months after the end of… Video, Audio
Where did the Easter Bunny come from, anyway?
From lust to Bugs Bunny - the rabbit has taken on different meanings throughout history, in global folklore and artistic symbolism. But how did it become the poster boy for Easter?
A celebration of Easter from Auckland's Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral
This climax of Holy Week in the Christian calendar features the Reverend Ivica Gregurec as presider, and music is provided by the Cathedral choir directed by Peter Watts. Audio
Muslims begin the month of Ramadan today
Nearly two billion Muslims around the world will begin the month of Ramadan this week. And 50,000 of them are here in New Zealand. Our producer Mahvash Ikram finds out how some of them are preparing… Audio
Mosque attacks gave Auckland woman confidence to start wearing hijab
The tragic events of 15 March 2019 have helped women feel more comfortable to be visibly Muslim. Audio
Four years on from mosque attacks women begin wearing hijab
Today marks four years since the March 15 terror attacks in Christchurch, described by Jacinda Ardern as one of our darkest days. The friends and families of the 51 people killed choose to mark today… Audio
Pope and protestant leaders denounce anti-gay laws
Pope Francis and the leaders of protestant churches in England and Scotland have denounced the criminalisation of homosexuality.
NZ Catholic Church to purge abusers' names from titles
The names of abusers - and their enablers - are to be removed from formal titles used in Catholic schools, parishes and clubs.
Supporters demand sainthood for Benedict as Pope Francis leads funeral
Pope Francis has led the funeral of former Pope Benedict before tens of thousands of mourners, with some calling for the late pontiff to be made a saint.