Leisure
Locals want popular swimming spot reopened
Record temperatures have highlighted a long-standing bugbear - declining access to once-popular swimming spots. Audio
Kerikeri swelters while access to swimming spots dries up
The Northland town of Kerikeri has been smashing temperature records in recent days - but the sweltering conditions come as the town loses access to once-popular swimming spots. Reporter Peter de… Audio
NZ crowns first national women’s Scrabble champion
Scrabble boards were put to serious use as New Zealand hosted its first national women's Scrabble championship in Auckland. Twenty competitors battled for the title, with Joanne Craig finishing third… Audio
Deadly weekend at beaches and rivers as Kiwis escape heat
It was a deadly weekend at the country's beaches and rivers as kiwis hit the water to escape the scorching sun. Water Safety NZ chief executive Glen Scanlon spoke to Melissa Chan-Green. Audio
Search on for inaugural women's national Scrabble champion
Twenty contestants will face off in Auckland over the weekend for the word-forming crown.
nat'We'd be bored just sitting in a house': The couple caravanning around NZ
How Stella and Paul Richards packed up their home - and cat - to hit the road 3 years ago.
How to get yourself out of a reading rut
Has a screen stolen your love of books and left you in a no book zone you can't get out of?
Hoodoo Gurus to hit the road with Joan Jett and Iggy Pop
For over 40 years Aussie rockers Hoodoo Gurus have entertained crowds with their punk-tinged sound. This summer they're pairing up with the legends of rock, Joan Jett and Iggy Pop, for the Summer… Audio
Meet the Puzzleman of New Zealand
Louis Toorenburg was just a toddler when someone gave him a puzzle, starting a lifelong obsession.
The puzzle shop that's been open for 50 years
Reporter Peter de Graaf talks to the Puzzleman about his puzzle shop's remarkable longevity. Audio
Frustration as Auckland's storm-damaged tracks still shut off
It's nearly three years since the double-hit of the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, and little progress has been made.
Lakes Festival delivers a one-day rave marathon in Hagley Park
Review - The festival delivered a high-BPM, drum-and-bass-heavy day that felt both like a post-Christmas purge and a warm-up for a crowded festival summer, writes Adam Burns.
How can I get water out of my ear after swimming?
While water usually drains naturally, a few tips can help speed things up and prevent swimmer's ear.
Staycation activities in New Zealand's main cities
If summer traffic and crowds have made you stay put this year, here are some ideas that keep you and your kids engaged, without breaking the bank.
Watch: This is what a rip looks like
Do you know what to do if you get caught in a rip? Or how to respond if you see someone else in trouble in the water?
Water pollution warnings for Wellington, Lower Hutt
Public water safety warnings have been issued for swimmers for Wellington's south coast and Lower Hutt swimming spots, due to pollution from wastewater.
The Panel with Andrew Clay and Denise L'Estrange-Corbet, Part 2
In part two, New Zealand's Yoga Teacher of the Year, Hamish Kenworthy, celebrates the rising popularity of the practice. Audio
Weekend Stuff: Lynda Hallinan shares gardening tips
Weekend stuff with Lynda Hallinan Audio
Film Review with Dom Corry
Our critic Dom Corry shares his picks from the latest crop of new releases. Avatar: Fire and Ash, released in theaters this week. The Housemaid, which is in theaters Christmas Day. Audio
Group Chat with Perlina Lau and Kate Rodger
It's time to talk about the topics clogging up your group chats, the conversations offering respite from Christmas chaos. It's our last chat of 2025 so we've got the whole gang together, Culture 101's… Audio
