Science Fiction
Materials: Fact of Fiction - Tricorder
MacDiarmid Institute Associate Investigator and Research Scientist at the Photon Factory in the School of Chemical Science at the University of Auckland, Michel Nieuwoudt gives us her take on Star… Audio
Science fiction helps build mental resilience in young people
Historically, those who read sci-fi and fantasy have been stigmatised as nerds, but research by Professor Esther Jones shows sci-fi and fantasy may help young people cope, especially with the stress… Audio
Niall Ferguson: 'Cold War II is happening now'
Renowned historian and author Niall Ferguson says the increasing toxicity between the US and China is a sure sign that we are living in Cold War II. And he thinks it's likely that things will continue… Audio
New research shows science fiction books are good for young readers
New research points to science fiction books being good for young readers, particularly in these times. Audio
Materials Fact of Fiction - Spiderman's Silk
Dr Paul Hume, MacDiarmid Institute Postdoctoral Fellow at Victoria University of Wellington looks into the science behind Spiderman's silk. Audio
The World Science Fiction Convention comes to New Zealand
New Zealand is hosting the World Science Fiction Convention later this year. This is a major event for fans of traditional sci-fi, fantasy, horror, speculative fiction and all the other sub-genres of… Audio
William Gibson: Why our 'now' is getting shorter and shorter
William Gibson has imagined the near future more convincingly than anyone else for four decades now. His latest sci-fi thriller, Agency, is a book with both feet placed firmly in the future that will… Audio
Tom Bailey from the Thompson Twins back with new album
New wave synth guru Tom Bailey is releasing a new album 25 years after his success with Thompson Twins, whose 80s hits include 'Hold Me Now', 'Doctor Doctor', and 'In the Name of Love'. Four years ago… Video, Audio
Sam Gao's Middle Earth, Wandering Earth and WETA
From Beijing with no English, to working as WETA's Art Director's and China Business Development Manager, Sam Gao is taking Wellywood to China - and a sneak preview into China's first major science… Video, Audio, Gallery
Karen Joy Fowler: We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
From writing about contemporary manners to science fiction and historical mystery, Karen Joy Fowler is one of those authors who is hard to pin down by genre. She talks to Kathryn Ryan about… Audio
Children's author Raymond Huber blends science and fiction
It's a love of both science and writing that helped versatile Dunedin writer, Raymond Huber carve a niche for himself in the crowded children's book market, here and overseas. His children's novels… Audio
Andy Weir shoots for the moon in 'Artemis'
It's 2068 and the Kenyan flag is flying from a settlement on the moon... American author Andy Weir follows up his global hit The Martian with a new novel called Artemis. Audio
James Gleick: 'Time travel is what makes us human'
Science writer James Gleick's latest book tracks the evolution of time travel as an idea. While in reality it's not possible, he says, through memories, movies, novels and hope, we are all Time Lords.
…Nights' Science - Computer Science
Prof. Mark Apperley from the University of Waikato shares examples of how science fiction sometimes becomes science fact. Audio
Sci-fi author Nnedi Okorafor
Nnedi Okorafor has made a name for herself by weaving politics, magical realism and African culture into her science fiction. Her work is stark and evocative and is often chosen as someone to read for… Audio
Aotearoa Futurism part two: South Pacific Futurists
In part two of Aotearoa Futurism, Sophie Wilson and Dan Taipua survey space Maori, Astronesians and South Pacific Futurists who achieve self-determination through music, technology and the farthest… Audio
Aotearoa Futurism part one: Space Maori and Astronesians
If Afrofuturism is where science fiction and technology meets popular culture of the African diaspora, could it be happening in Aotearoa too? In part one of Aotearoa Futurism, Sophie Wilson and Dan… Audio
NZ On Screen - Sci-Fi
This Labour Weekend Armageddon Expo celebrates all things science fiction, supernatural and fantasy. NZ On Screen Content Director Irene Gardiner was inspired to look back at some of our favourite NZ… Audio
Soundtracks From The NZIFF - Ex Machina
Portishead's Geoff Barrow and British composer Ben Salisbury collaborate on the score for Alex Garland's thought provoking psy-fi film Ex Machina. Ryan Smith explores some of the results - a fitting… Video, Audio
Emily St John Mandel: Canadian Author
Emily St John Mandel's latest novel 'Station Eleven' recently won the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award for Science Fiction. She visits the Auckland Writers Festival this week, and tells Eva about… Audio
