Chris speaks with Chinese author and journalist Xinran Xue about her riveting new read "Message from an unknown Chinese Mother" and gains an insight into the societal predisposition for sons in a country that's recently legislated against having more than one child.

Nigel Stirling visits Ireland to look at how the global recession has turned the roar of the Celtic tiger into a whimper.

Penny MacKay considers the provision of Christian education in state-run primary schools.

New Zealanders have been bagged as bad savers but is that fair?

Sue Ingram investigates research that suggests arson by young people can indicate a link to other more serious offences

In the wake of the Hone Harawira email controversy Richard Pamatatau explores the extent of racism in New Zealand.

Is the worst of the recession over? Naomi Mitchell looks at the predictions for how the economy will fare in the year ahead.

Gael Woods asks whether the new National Standards system for primary school students will lift achievement

Lois Williams looks at the main Treaty claim of Northland's Ngapuhi people and their arguement for Maori sovereignty

Sue Ingram asks whether 25 is the new 18, with developing research that suggests the brain only fully matures in the mid-20s