Roman scandals

Sarah Watt reviews two major titles at this year's Italian Film Festival.

Rising tide

Twenty years on from the foreshore and seabed hikoi, the issues behind it have not subsided.

The balance of Powers

The Naked and Famous star is unashamedly indulgent in his new solo album.

Love, love me Who

New Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa and producer Russell T Davies talk about getting by with a little help from their friends.

Raising the barre

Why acclaimed Kiwi director James Napier Robertson-took on the bruising true story of an American ballerina in Russia.

A dickens of a novel

Historical novel is rich in women characters from all levels of Victorian society - including some from real life.

Parental advisory

A vibrant collection of essays sets out to answer one less-than-simple question: what makes a mother?

Unhappy endings

Leslie Jamison anatomises her broken marriage in a candid new memoir - but who or what was really to blame?

'I am still quite overwhelmed'

Ginette McDonald is good with voices. Now, a new anthology celebrates the long and varied career of the actor who brought us Lynn of Tawa. Just don't call it a valedictory.

A long Trekka north

Almost forgotten in this country, NZ's only homedesigned, mass-produced motor vehicle has a new following in Europe.

Matters of time

The writer of a brilliant new time-travel novel has online fanatics to thank for indulging in her 'very silly thing' about polar exploration.

Our very special friend

After 10 years of under-the-radar diplomatic moves, NZ and the US are closer than in decades. Whatever happened to our independent foreign policy?

Missing in action

In this edited extract from Never Not Working, Malissa Clark looks at the effects of workaholism on others - at home and at work.

Hopelessly devoted

In an interview and book extract, researcher Malissa Clark explains that workaholism is about more than being last out of the office. And she should know.

Bare market

Perhaps it's a reaction to the growing social and environmental pressure against its very existence but fashion is making its diktats ever more strident. Pants as in knickers, briefs, grundies - are now considered an outer-wear outfit.

Old poker face

After Winston Peters made smooth international appearances as Foreign Minister, said good things at the United Nations and then got into a dispute with former New South Wales premier Bob Carr, I read a press secretary's description of him as \"shy\".

On a sticky wicket

Sixteen years ago in Manchester, New Zealand lost a cricket test to England after Monty Panesar, the spinner, took six wickets for just 37 runs. It was a memorable performance, and Panesar was duly hailed as the best English left-arm spin bowler of his generation.

Blocks to building

The OECD is the latest organisation to highlight our dysfunctional economy but neither National nor Labour seems capable of delivering change.

The rest is history

Rest - both sleep and non-sleep - is essential to help our overstressed bodies and minds repair themselves. But many of us remain in a constant state of 'fight, flight or freeze'.

Right and power

Israel is profiting financially and extending its global technological influence in response to the October 7 massacre, says investigative journalist Antony Loewenstein.

Dolphins be damned

Is SailGP's future in this country really under threat because of an at-risk marine mammal?

Orwellian irony

Our thinking about one of the 20th century's best-known writers is being challenged by the 'smelly little truths' Anna Funder uncovered about George Orwell's marriage.

The alchemist

Talent and a little magic have taken state-house kid Moses Mackay to the heights of Italian opera. He's coming back to sprinkle some of his gold dust around.

Good Lord, he was scandalous

Lord Byron still fascinates 200 years after his death, but more for his bohemian lifestyle than his poetry.

Stars in their eyes

Debut novel a heady mix of grief, astronomy and love.

Dark matter

Ngaio Marsh-style whodunnit set among academia attached to the Mt John Observatory.

Mirren's mirror on Meir

Dame Helen talks about playing Golda Meir, Israel's iron lady, during a pivotal chapter in the controversial politician's long career.

Game, set and match

Love, sex and great tennis take centre court in this highly charged drama.

Silence is golden

Dog and robot tale a five-star gem.

Still screaming

Pearl Jam's 12th album proves the senior statesmen have what it takes after 33 years.