Child's play

Ann Packer surveys some summery reads for young ones.

Fighting back

The hell that was slavery is relayed in all its horror in award-winning writer’s first historical novel.

Charting the abyss

Real-life adventure story reveals the daring efforts being made to map vast tracts of the world's unexplored seabed.

Songs, the key of life

Music-loving novelist Michel Faber explores the psychology and sociology behind the sounds that keep us hooked.

Austerity attractions

Auckland Philharmonia has some stellar concerts planned, despite budget constraints.

Rock of ages

Ancient rocks may foretell the future of Antarctica's glaciers as the planet warms.

It's a wind up

As humiliating as they can be, those reminders of past blunders are all part of being mates.

2024 flaxes its muscle

What's that old aphorism for something being better than nothing? That it is better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick? Well, let me tell you, that expression is pointless: everything is better than getting a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, and I have just had the extremely pointed experience to prove it.

BFR-your new BFF

A simple pressure cuff is giving hope to those people with rheumatoid arthritis who want to continue exercising.

Without a trace

Piha is world renowned for its wild surf but it has another claim to fame - six people have disappeared. Are they the victims of a serial killer and is it time for an inquiry?

Harmony preserved

Best known for being a member of one of rock's first supergroups, Graham Nash is bringing his distinctive voice to New Zealand for the first time.

Stranger things

A moving portrayal of dealing with grief and childhood wounds.

Wim & vigour

Prolific German director Wim Wenders talks about how his acclaimed new film about the life of a Tokyo toilet janitor went from side project to awards contender.

Acts of war

Two very different experiences of World War II and a rollicking read from Australia in latest summer reads.

A dog's life

They're man's best friend. We talk to them and expect them to understand, but what do they make of us?

Money and the bag

The great actor-director Orson Welles reckoned living in the lap of luxury was terrific except \"you never know when luxury is going to stand up\".

Trying for abstinence

Summer has arrived in the Far North, drying out the land, emptying the rainwater tank, spreading the scent of mānuka, sea and salt. We hear reports of a celebrity wedding in a neighbouring bay: glamorous TV news reporter Helen Castles has married sports broadcaster Andrew Saville. Castles has a solid fan base around here. I once rode in a crowded minivan to a local unveiling and the whole journey was taken up with an admiring group discussion of her journalistic exploits.

Kafka's bad dream

In the UK, the corner shop performs much the same function as the Kiwi dairy: it's where you buy basics like bread and milk until you visit a supermarket or more dedicated establishment. In many places, these corner shops also double as sub-post offices, charged with selling stamps, dispensing pensions and a multitude of other state-related issues.

A neglected founding story

Sarah Mathew, a little-heralded pioneer woman, did more to cement Auckland’s position as the country’s capital than she is given credit for, says Tessa Duder.

Ready for takeoff

A Marton man's connection to a WWII flying ace launched a lifelong commitment to keeping vintage fighters in the air.

Immigration pitch

As test cricket returns to free-to-air TV, James Borrowdale looks at how the South African diaspora has changed our summer game.

Splitting headache

Cutting ties with the European Union has failed Britons according to almost every parameter but a reversal is not on the cards anytime soon.

Wine o'clock not

Awash in powerful marketing, women are not heeding the messages on the dangers of alcohol.

Country calendars

The barbarian was at the gate. Then he was in the house. I had been smugly congratulating myself on a most civilised Christmas Day here at Lush Places.

Blackjack

Each summer, we invite some of Aotearoa’s finest writers to tell us a short tale. Here is the final instalment on this year’s theme, second acts’.

More than physical

A former GP's self-help prescription which takes a broad view of wellbeing is gaining traction, despite some colleagues' scepticism.

Ninety seconds to doomsday

New Zealand’s anti-nuclear stance at risk of compromise through our security partnerships must be upheld, says Russell Tregonning.

Buy the rumour, sell the news

More scandals and wild price swings will inevitably accompany the surging value of cryptocurrencies this year.

Spear the cooking

Broccoli is vitamin- and nutrient-rich but go easy on the type and length of cooking.

Soothe operator

Grammy-winning Pakistani singer Arooj Aftab is bringing her meditative, minimalist music to New Zealand festivals.