Features

Is there anything more decadent than ditching work and other responsibilities to luxuriate in a daytime movie? Tony Stamp switches off his phone and settles in for a fortnight of film festival action.

Ōtautahi Christchurch-based writer and director Juanita Hepi talks with Bryan Crump about the multi-artform work, Hine Hōia, which is touring for Chamber Music New Zealand to five centres around the country. Audio

For Cook Island's language week Singer P Diggs talks about the new song featuring traditional Cook Islands drumming, and his hopes for raising awareness for one of the most endangered languages in the world. Audio

Principal timpanist of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Steven Logan, is very excited to show us the new set of timpani (kettle drums) that have just arrived from the Netherlands. Audio

Our four-legged best friends are the subject of a new photography book; Dogs with Stories. The work of Mardo El-Noor, the book showcases one hundred adorable dogs and their owners, elaborately staged in their homes. Audio

A new book on George Orwell’s wife Eileen O'Shaughnessy reveals him to be a darker character than existing biographies would have us believe. Audio

Rock Hudson was one of the biggest heart throbs in the 1950s and 60s during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Hudson was a closeted gay man; when he died of AIDS in 1985, it was a huge international story.   Video, Audio

Renowned chef Al Brown has just released Eat Up New Zealand: The Bach Edition, a collection of nostalgic recipes that celebrate seasonal ingredients, kaimoana, and the occasional sweet treat.  Audio

Being able to make film and TV roles ‘Polynesian by proxy’ is one of the unexpected benefits of the job for Samoan-Kiwi actor Frankie Adams. Audio

With sightings dating back to the 6th century, the Loch Ness Monster has remained a mystery - but could Nessie simply be a very large eel? Audio

Mediawatch asks RNZ’s chief executive Paul Thompson if the crisis sparked by 'inappropriate' edits to international news was due to a digital shift done on the cheap. Audio

The Sampler: The Britpop titans reflect on middle age in their restrained and polished new album. Video, Audio

Jen Chrisp cooks hearty meals for shepherds and other farm workers on a remote backcountry farm. Audio

Sending a skull emoji is the new way of saying "I'm dead, you've killed me with laughter", emoji expert Jeremy Burge tells Kim Hill. Audio, Gallery

Mediawatch - Climate might didn't get much of a mention after the National Party released its road-heavy $24 billion transport package. Audio

British filmmaker and former marathon runner Gez Medinger talks about his experience with Long Covid. Video, Audio

Many Kiwi parents seem to avoid talking to young people about sex and sexuality. The creators of an informative new app hope to spark conversation. Audio

The Sampler: Psychedelic dub pioneers African Head Charge add a new string to their bow on an impressive new album. Video, Audio

The quality of a person's sleep is often shaped by social and economic circumstances, write Mary Breheny and Rosie Gibson.

Country Life: 27-year-old Chihiro Hanyuda is this year's Bay of Plenty Dairy Manager of the Year. Audio

Husband and wife team Matt Barus and Lauren Mitchell as The Terrible Sons describe their music as ambient, indie folk music. William Dart immerses himself in their very individual and charming world. Audio

Hymns to mark the Feast of the Transfiguration today, including Christ whose glory fills the skies and Be still, for the presence of the Lord. Audio

Swing from drummer Hideo Shiraki, big band jazz from Toshiko Akiyoshi, and contemporary fusion from Takuya Kuroda and Mark de Clive-Lowe's Ronin Arkestra. Audio

Food and memories go hand-in-hand. There's no greater vessel for nostalgia than the smells and tastes of the past. The narrative may change, but the feeling is universal, writes Alby Hailes.