Spiritual Practices
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.
NZ Catholics honour 'brave and courageous' Pope Benedict XVI
The Catholic Church in New Zealand has been remembering former Pope Benedict XVI as an "influential" leader of the community.
Remember the war-weary and the poor, pope urges for Christmas
Pope Francis led the world's Catholics into Christmas today, saying in an apparent reference to the war in Ukraine and other conflicts that the level of greed and hunger for power was such that some…
A service from the East Tamaki Church of Samoa celebrating Christmas
This Christmas service from the EFKS (Ekalesia Fa'apotopotoga Kerisiano Samoa) Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in East Tamaki, Auckland, is conducted by Rev. Eperone Futi Audio
Why halal butchers made the immigration Green List
The Meat Industry Association is applauding the latest addition to the government's immigration Green List. Audio
Bookmarks with Friar Peter Murnane
Today's Bookmarks is with Dominican Friar Peter Murnane. Murnane has been a Dominican priest for over 60 years, but has repeatedly stood out from the pack for his willingness to stand against… Audio
Memorial to mark 75 years since Ballantynes fire
It's 75 years since a fire tore through the Ballantynes department store in Christchurch, killing 41 people.
A memorial service is being held at the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral this evening… Audio