Western Bay of Plenty Local Democracy reporter Alisha Evans based in Tauranga with SunLive

Stella Chrysostomou of Volume Books reviews Wrong Norma by Anne Carson published by Jonathan Cape

There are more people voting in democratic elections this year than ever before.

France's far right has failed to make a breakthrough in snap parliamentary elections. Instead, leftist alliance New Popular Front has come out on top according to exit polls.

People most at risk from shingles are missing out on the vaccine, thanks to a funding programme which gives 65-year-olds just one year to get immunised for free.

Comedians Donna Brookbanks and Irene Pink look at the lighter moments of the week, including a nine year old chess star set to become England's youngest player.

Dana discusses the Football Ferns' turbulent path to the Olympics, after coach Jitka Klimková stepped aside under mysterious circumstances. All signs are pointing to a tense series between the All Blacks and England - will the NZ public allow new coach Scott Robertson a grace period while he finds his feet? Also - a potential eligibility change for the Silver Ferns, and a look at New Zealand's rising tennis star at Wimbledon. Dana Johannsen is RNZ's sports correspondent.

Forty years on from their debut, The Jesus and Mary Chain are back with a corking new album, plus local baroque-folkers French For Rabbits, and Engelbert Humperdinck.

More ferry woes with the Interislander Kaitaki ferry's stabiliser fin missing for more than 18 months. This has resulted in sailings cancelled this week due to large swells, while rival operator Bluebridge could continue with a freight-only service. Meanwhile two KiwiRail board directors have resigned and the chairman has retired early. And parents at Wellington's St Benedict's School are taking bullying complaints to the Education Minister.

Lisa Adler from Unity Books Wellington reviews The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry published by Canongate.