Irish-born New Zealand-based author Sharron Martin's latest novel, Cygnet River, is set amid the Troubles in Ireland and shines a light on the experiences of women during this time.

James has more on the Budget funding to secure the Waioweka Gorge and Gisborne's elderly and solo parents fear higher costs under social housing reforms.

Elizabeth Heritage reviews Te Kaikaukau: The Swimmer - I te Ao o te Reo by Witi Ihimaera Smiler published by Auckland University Press.

Brad Poulter's new memoir Built for This, traces the journey from a small-town upbringing through deployments to Afghanistan and the Gulf of Oman, exploring the personal and professional challenges he faced along the way.

Australia correspondent Karen Middleton looks at the opinion poll that suggests Pauline Hanson's far-right One Nation party is now the most popular political party in Australia.

A study has found mobile health workers with defibrillators would be more effective saving people having a cardiac arrest, than having the device fixed in a public location.

New Secretary for Children and Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki, Amanda Malu is taking on the task of working out how to best improve services.

The All Whites are facing midfield injury setbacks with Ryan Thomas and Joe Bell ruled out of their upcoming warm-up matches. Across other sports, the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs are locked in following a final-round ladder shake-up, the Warriors narrowly lost 20-18 to the Panthers in a top-of-the-table NRL clash, and pole vaulter Imogen Ayris secured a career-best Diamond League silver in Rabat.

Ashley Andersen knows what romantasy readers want - because for years she's been one herself.

A merger of two major second tier banks is proposed, and Nicholas also discusses the ongoing struggles going on at telco operator Spark. He also covers latest market movements, and insolvency figures.