Books
Winners of The Surrey Hotel Writers Residency Announced
Steve Braunias joins Jesse to announce the winners of what he calls the strangest writers residency award in New Zealand. Now in its ninth year, The Surrey Hotel writers residency award celebrates… Audio
Book review: Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York
Dean Bedford reviews Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York by Andrew Lownie, published by Harper Collins. Audio
Book Critic: Putting Ali Smith in the spotlight
Ali Smith is a Scottish author, playwright, academic and journalist. She's a pretty prolific writer, over the last ten years writing 14 novels, 5 short story collections and 8 plays. Book critic Pip… Audio
The book helping our kids see the extraordinary in the ordinary
Author and illustrator Giselle Clarkson has a new book to share. Giselle's first book 'The Observologist' has been a huge international success, translated into 10 languages and the recipient of… Audio
What do we get out of Jacinda Ardern's children's book?
Where does Mum's Busy Work fit when women with young kids are struggling to stay in the workforce?
Fast Favourites with singer-songwriter Julia Deans
She joins Perlina Lau to share some of her cultural picks Audio
Bill Bryson: A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0
Much-loved American British journalist and author Bill Bryson is heading back to our shores for two shows in February 2026. Audio
Polluted minds: How industrial emissions may have driven a violent crime spree
In the 1970s, the Pacific Northwest was home to some of the most notorious serial killers in US history.
Playing Favourites with Nadia Lim
Celebrity chef, clinical dietitian, bestselling author and farmer, Nadia Lim shares the music tracks that have underlined some of the key moments in her life Audio
Book reviewer: Kate de Goldi
Kate de Goldi joins Susie to discuss The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman and A Truce That Is Not Peace by Miriam Toews. Audio
Exciting times for book lovers as Booker short list revealed
RNZ executive editor Jeremy Rees reads and reviews every book shortlisted. He spoke to Jesse. Audio
Book review: Dead Ends by Laura Borrowdale
Holly Walker reviews Dead Ends by Laura Borrowdale, published by Tender Press. Audio
Independent Chinese bookstores start a new chapter abroad
From Auckland to Rotterdam, the outlets are emerging worldwide as community hubs for cultural exchange.
Twilight turns 20: How the vampire saga changed young adult fiction forever
Stephenie Meyer's debut novel, Twilight, was published in 2005 - the first in a series that went on to sell over 100 million copies worldwide.
What is The Booker Prize and how does it work?
How many books do judges have to read? How fast? How much money is there in the win? And why has it been the source of controversy?
This year's Booker Prize shortlist unveiled
153 books were whittled down to six. Judge Sarah Jessica Parker described the process as "real agony".
Book review: The Elements by John Boyne
Cynthia Morahan reviews The Elements by John Boyne. Audio
Book Critic
Book reviewer Claire Mabey reviews Omnibird by Giselle Clarkson, Secret Art Powers by Jo Randerson, The Last Living Cannibal by Airana Ngawera. Audio
Elli and the story of the couple who saved her from the Nazis
An extraordinary Dutch couple who risked their lives sheltering a Jewish girl in World War II, wound up living peacefully in Paekākāriki.
Book review: The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Ralph McAllister reviews The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman. Audio
