History
'The other RNZ' - the remarkable story of radio sets in Aotearoa
2025 marks the centenary of Radio New Zealand. Yet broadcasting is one thing, the technology to hear it another. And there was once an entirely different company called RNZ - pioneer radio… Audio
What went wrong in Russia?
Thane Gustafson discusses his new book The Perfect Storm: Russia’s Failed Ambitions and the Future of Energy. Audio
Lynne Olson - resistance at Ravensbrück
New York Times bestselling author, historian and White House correspondent Lynne Olson's new book The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück tells of defiance in a notorious women-only Nazi concentration camp. Audio
The 21-year-old gearing up for a bellringing marathon
When you think of bellringing in an old cathedral, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn't today's youth. Audio
A Stellar Sonic Tonic
RNZ Concert marks Matariki 2025 with a Stellar Sonic Tonic of historical sounds and (mostly) heavenly music. Audio
Podcast Critic - Missing in the Amazon & Heavyweight
Ximena Smith joined Jesse to review Missing in the Amazon - a new 6-part investigative series from The Guardian about journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous rights advocate Bruno Pereira who went… Audio
Derelict Wellington building allowed to exist for 'far too long' - minister
Heritage NZ is "deeply disappointed" at the Wellington building's seemingly imminent demolition and says refurbishment is still achievable.
Expert Feature: Architecture with Jessica Halliday
Jessica Halliday is an architectural historian and director of Te Putahi Centre for Architecture and City Making. She also launched the Open Christchurch festival, to showcase that cities exceptional… Audio
Back to Basics - the sounds of Brazil with Leandro Vasquez
The unmistakable sounds of Brazil, even to the untrained ear are an instant invitation into the world of carnival and caipirinhas – but that’s the good stuff. Some of these sounds come from places of… Audio
Hundreds expected to celebrate legacy of Māori health pioneer
The Tā Māui Pōmare Annual Commemorations have drawn mana whenua from around the motu since 1936 to commemorate Aotearoa's first Māori Health Minister.
From generation to generation - a century at Daisybank
Strong family support, innovation and a dash of good luck have seen the Harvey family of Wairarapa clock up a hundred years on Daisybank Farm near Martinborough. They're banking on a similar mix to… Audio
More cuts proposed at Ministry for Culture and Heritage
The axe is hovering over historians and staff who create digital content used by schools and the public.
History of with Dr Grant Morris
Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, artificial intelligence has gone from strength to strength. We are now at the point where it is threatening to displace whole occupations and take over… Audio
NZ Sporting History: Phil Gifford on Stu Wilson
New Zealand rugby lost another great this week with Stu Wilson dying at the age of 70. For most of his career, Stu served as a winger, playing 85 games for the All Blacks and almost 200 for… Audio
Could California actually leave the US?
Explainer - After the US military was called in over anti-Trump protests in LA, perennial talk of California seceding sparked up again. Could it really happen? Audio
Exploring the dinosaur 'River of Death'
Seventy-two million years ago in Alberta, Canada thousands of dinosaurs were killed by one devastating event. The mass grave is hidden beneath the slopes of a lush forest and nicknamed the "River of… Audio
Catherine Knight: An Uncommon Land
The commons or common land are cultural and natural resources available to all members of a society. In Europe they are prevalent but when early colonists came to Aotearoa they instead prioritised… Audio
Rugby world mourns former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson
The rugby world is mourning the death of former All Blacks wing and captain Stu Wilson, who died in Tauranga at the age of 70. Regarded as one of the world's best attacking players when he played for… Audio
BONUS Kelly Tarlton's Final Treasure Hunt
Presenting a new RNZ podcast: Kelly Tartlon's Final Treasure Hunt. This story has everything! Kidnapping, smuggling, scurvy, and imaginary islands full of Jewish gold... Make sure to follow Kelly… Audio
Fire destroys Paihia waterfront landmark
There was heartbreak in Northland today after fire destroyed a landmark which has graced the Paihia waterfront for more than 50 years. Once Kelly Tarlton's Museum of Shipwrecks and later a popular… Audio