Simon Morris

We think of New Zealand literature as matter of fact, no-nonsense, social realism territory. But beneath the stoic surface we seem to have an extraordinary fantasy life. Margaret Mahy, The Vintner's… Audio

When the Chinese dreamed up the terrible threat "may you live in interesting times" they were probably thinking about a year like 2020. In a world that's been locked down, divided and cut off, it's… Video, Audio

We like to think that art is a seamless connection between the mind or heart of the artists and their audience or public. But of course it's not. The writer has a pen or a keyboard, the actor has a… Audio, Gallery

TV executive Andrew Shaw is about to be formally be handed the title he probably warranted about 30 years ago. The New Zealand TV Awards have named him the TV Legend for 2020. It's an award given to a… Audio

Writer Jenny Robin Jones - like so many people - was always fascinated by the United States - just the idea of it intrigued her. And like anyone who's even passed through the country, you soon… Audio

Julia Parnell is the director of Six60: Till The Lights Go Out, a documentary that charts the band's meteoric rise. Six60 are the biggest local band ever - even if they're yet to crack it overseas… Audio

There's nothing quite like a Christmas pantomime - England's major contribution to the holiday season. But we seem to like it in New Zealand too, especially at Wellington's Circa Theatre. There's… Audio

Babyteeth is a touching comedy-drama about a family trying to keep their ailing daughter away from an unsuitable boyfriend. Stars Eliza Scanlen (Little women) and Essie Davis (Miss Fisher’s Murder… Video, Audio

Auckland's Basement Theatre has long been an important part of the city's theatre scene, not least for promoting New Zealand material and encouraging exciting young talent. Now Executive Director… Audio

Many of New Zealand's endemic birds may not fly well if at all, but they're still a challenge for artists wanting to sketch them in the wild. The nocturnal species pose an extra degree of difficulty… Audio, Gallery

Writer Owen Marshall, artist Grahame Sydney and poet Brian Turner have combined forces to produce a colourful and golden book called Landmarks. It's an ode to Central Otago and the people who live in… Audio, Gallery

A new collection of Bill Manhire poems is undoubtedly an event. Even if our first Poet Laureate includes a very backhanded compliment on the cover: "Being the leading poet in New Zealand is like being… Audio

Film lovers - not just here but around the world - were shocked and saddened by the news of the death of Bill Gosden yesterday. Bill was the long-time director of the New Zealand International Film… Audio

How culturally diverse is New Zealand television and when did things start to shift? Sonia Yee explores the making of character Dr Grace Kwan - the first Asian character to become part of mainstream… Audio

Rebecca is the latest version of the Daphne Du Maurier classic. Starring Lily James, Armie Hammer and Kirstin Scott-Thomas. Video, Audio

Into the Darkness tells of the effect in a Danish family of the Nazi occupation during the War. Directed by Lars Von Trier's long-time editor Anders Refn. Video, Audio