Nancy Swarbrick introduces us to the history of pets on Aotearoa and to her own much loved pet.

Weta artist Gino Acevedo chats about the special connection that brought him to New Zealand, and he reveals how his traditional make-up FX expertise translates into 3D visual fx for movies like Avatar and The Adventures of Tintin.

Swimmer Lauren Boyle has an Olympic Games and two Commonwealth Games relay medals under her belt at just 24. In 2011 she also managed to finish a degree in the United States, and won five medals at the World University Games at China - the most of any kiwi.

Wellington theatre director Leo Gene Peters' summer read is 'The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle' by Haruki Murakami, published by Vintage.

Our road trip around New Zealand.

You'll know Lisa Argilla from the Happy Feet story which captivated many people here and around the world earlier in the year. In her first year as Wellington Zoo's Veterinary Science Manager, Lisa has upped the zoo's profile and that of the animals she and her staff work with.

Our road trip around New Zealand.

Lynn talks to oral historians Clare Hall and Alison Parr and to Joyce Harrison who has had her oral history recorded by Alison.

Travel writer and publicist Kip Brook talks about the year in Christchurch, and tips for travelling in New Zealand.

A poem about the morning after Christmas, and the joys of the Radio New Zealand summer schedule.