Books
Ockham New Zealand Book Awards longlist revealed
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 29 January 2026
Winston Peters has intensified his attack on his own government's Free Trade Agreement with India claiming up to 20,000 Indians will be able to come into the country and the agreement will result in… Audio
Book review: Three of the best from 2025
This Compulsion in Us by Tina Makereti published by Te Herenga Waka University Press, Overseas Experience by Nicola Andrew published by Aporo Press, and Clown Town by Mick Herron published by… Audio
Heartbreak and joy: a New Zealand doctor's time in Nepal
What Was I Thinking is full of anecdotes from working and family life and is interwoven with his own poetry. Audio
Jacinda Ardern among contenders at NZ's biggest book awards
Nine debut authors appear on the longlist announced today, including the former prime minister for her recent memoir.
Cop-turned-author drops his fake pen name
The pen name, Nathan Blackwell, came from a "complete lack of self-belief" and fear, Chris Blake says.
Book review: Three of the best from 2025
Jenna Todd of Time Out Bookstore three of her favourite books from last year: The True True Story of Raja the Gullible by Rabih Alameddine, published by Little Brown Books, Service by John Tottenham… Audio
Book review: Three of the best from 2025
Flashlight by Susan Choi, published by Vintage, Mana by Tame Iti, published by Allen & Unwin, Careless People by Sarah Wynn Williams, published by Pan Macmillan. Audio
Books on Seddon
We're continuing our tour around the country to visit second-hand book stores. and today we're in the Waikato gold mining town of Waihi. Audio
Tessa Vincent on the importance of long-term thinking about climate change
London based New Zealander Capacity Building Manager for the International Climate Councils Network's Tessa Vincent speaks to Maggie Tweedie and Mark Williams about the need for political leadership… Audio
John Prins: Pastoral Care
Auckland writer John Prins has been described as a bold new voice in New Zealand fiction - with the release of his debut novel Pastoral Care. The New Zealand Listener's voted it in their Top 100 books… Audio
The literary stories that resonated with Claire Mabey
New Zealand children's writer and books editor for The Spinoff, Claire Mabey, joins Maggie Tweedie and Mark Williams to share some of her favourite books right now. Audio
Growing generations of readers in Aotearoa
Chief executive of Read NZ Te Pou Muramura Juliet Blyth joins Maggie Tweedie to discuss Writers in Schools program and its success. Audio
Chertsey Book Barn
We're off now to meet another bookshop owner - one who sells pre-loved books. Reviews of the shop we're visiting today say it's a 'treasure trove a books at great prices' and 'a maze of books" -… Audio
Barbara Else - Much-loved author wins top award
Barbara Else is a New Zealand writer, editor, and playwright who has written for both children and adults. Late last year she received a Prime Minister's Award for literary achievement. It's one more… Audio
The Dickensian Book Store in Featherston
Last summer on Summer Weekends we travelled around the country visiting preloved bookshops and met their owners. It seemed a lot of you had your favourites that we didn't manage to get to - so we're… Audio
Book Recommendations to start the year with Lisa Adler
Lisa Adler joins Maggie Tweedie and Mark Williams on the show with some book recommendations for the new year. Audio
After an epic journey, the Riley family's world was shaken
A hundred years ago two missionaries lapped Australia in a tiny car with barely the power of a mower. An Aussie family followed their journey.
One children's author sweeps Gisborne's most-borrowed books list
Dav Pilkey wrote all five of Gisborne's most-borrowed library books last year.
Why the Heated Rivalry TV series understands gay men better than the book
Based on the popular novel by Rachel Reid, the TV series follows the sexual encounters and budding romance of two closeted athletes,
