Latest from Culture

NZ artist’s relentless pursuit of beauty as he battles ugly illness
Famed for his neon works and public art, even serious illness can't blunt Paul Hartigan.

Why government’s Amplify strategy threatens to turn fire hose on NZ arts
Steve Thomas reads the draft strategy for the arts and wonders where the art is.

Might of the Concord: The kiwi-made amp beloved by local guitar heroes
George Driver on the "little wooden box" that powered generations of NZ's top musicians.

Actor Peter Elliott reflects on the death of a theatre titan
"Raymond Hawthorne influenced nearly every actor in NZ for decades."

History speaking: What the evolution of a modern language tells us about ourselves
New language evolution theories throw into shade rigid ideas of race and identity.

AC Grayling on his sortie onto the battlefield of woke: Social media has turned out to be an absolute sewer
Ahead of NZ visit, renowned philosopher and author AC Grayling on his latest 'woke' book.

Top honour for NZ conductor Reuben Brown
Queenstown's Whakatipu Music Festival welcomes classical musician on the rise.

Retro sexual: Max Rashbrooke on an artistic mystery
Who was mysterious artist behind Tina and her sisters, images redolent of the 60s & 70s?

World famous in NYC: Expatriate Kiwi artist finally gets his due
Almost unknown here, an exhibition of Mike Hinge's work will bring deserved recognition.

Why I’ll miss the cult-like group that vowed to listen to 107 of Haydn’s symphonies
A months-long project for Haydn fans draws to a close on Bluesky.

Mark Adams: 50 Years of photography that tells New Zealand’s stories
Retrospective of photographer Mark Adams’ 50-year career accompanies major exhibition.

TVNZ's Indira Stewart on Polyfest: From performer to reporter and backstage mum
TV journalist on 50 years of Polyfest - and her enduring links to giant cultural gathering

Bowing in the wind: NZ String Quartet prepares to dance
The NZ String Quartet joins forces with acclaimed dancer/choreographer Moss Patterson.

The dark side of genius: Remembering the life of one of NZ’s most enigmatic artists
Forty years ago, a young novice met painter Tony Fomison. A new book brings back memories.

Artist Dick Frizzell on aspirations, obsessions & guilty pleasures
Dick Frizzell once dreamt of a hairdressing salon with a fountain, then he discovered art.

He made it big in the dotcom era, now he’s making music for Ukraine
NZ software engineer turns composer to write a symphony for Ukraine.

From takeaway bars to beach cleanups: Iconic NZ poster gets a makeover to tackle plastic pollution
Classic takeaway shop poster inspires new wave of Kiwi creativity - and cleaner beaches.

Cultural Attaché Ania Upstill: Much ado about Antonio!
An occasional series exploring the influences that shape our lives.

Three’s a crowd: After 23 years, NZ musician prepares for final concerts with trio he founded
“I think the trio’s in a really good space."

2025 orchestra highlights: Bums-on-seats productions and exciting collaborations
Richard Betts continues his preview of what we can expect this year.

Never mind the lockets: Vivienne Westwood’s jewellery exhibition rocks Te Papa
Before Vivienne Westwood became synonymous with punk-era fashion, she designed jewellery.

2025 orchestra highlights: Star soloists & world premieres but a worrying omission
Richard Betts runs the ruler over the 2025 orchestral year.

Will the real Jesus please stand up?
After 2000 years, there are as many questions around Jesus and who he really was as ever.

Tim Bray’s groundbreaking contribution to children’s theatre will be much missed
Tim Bray has inspired thousands of NZ children, including my own.

Whare cry: Historic meeting house comes home from the UK
After 132 years away, a whare with links to the Pink and White Terraces awaits its return.

RNZ host hangs up his headphones after 44 years
William Dart has hosted New Horizons since 1980, its debut marked by a Listener cover.

Listener’s Songs of the Week: Christmas Edition
Music that sleighs: Top songs for a classical Christmas playlist.

Immersive audio tour Encounter reveals hidden Chinese Wellington history
Cadence Chung & Jamie Yee on exploring immigrant stories and confronting racism.

Honouring Taki Rua: A timely look at Māori theatre’s revolutionary past
Film boasts a treasure trove of cultural icons & an inspiring story of self-determination.

Top choral conductor returns to Auckland for the festive season
Performances of choral greats mean it's starting to sound a lot like Christmas.

Music: Magnificent releases of classic works by NZ-based artists
Two local classical releases make for joyful listening.

Gretchen Albrecht: The grande dame of NZ art on her legacy - and ‘selling her children’
Gretchen Albrecht knew at age 12 she wanted to be an artist; at 81, she’s ‘still here'.