RNZ - All Programmes

Tongan and Scottish artist Benjamin Work talks about his Pacific Contemporary Artist Award, presented at the 30th Arts Pasifika Awards in Tamaki Makaurau, which hosted the ceremony for the first time. His Sydney Biennale work uses 30 metal forms based on a Tongan dance paddle, with whalebone inlay. It is linked to an 1863 whaling voyage, when a captain took pacific people and sold them into the Peru slave trade. Benjamin traces the story back to a family question about his great-grandfather's green eyes. He also talks about his first visit to the Venice Biennale.

Arnav Taode, event manager of the Auckland Diwali Festival 2026, speaks to Perlina from the festival. Originally from Pune in India, he grew up moving around the country with his family, which gave him a lifelong interest in Indian arts and culture. He moved to New Zealand in 2014, went to the festival in his first year, and was struck by its scale. He has returned almost every year since, including as a stage designer.

The top stories and other headlines at midday

ReliefAid is a New Zealand charity delivering emergency humanitarian aid to families in conflict zones. Jim speaks to founder Mike Seawright.

A couple of years ago Mary McGreevy started a TikTok account sharing obituaries that caught her eye.

On November 3, Americans decide which party will control the US Congress. So what does Donald Trump think will happen?

Emanuel Kalafetalis from Research NZ discusses its survey which asked respondents whether politicians should receive protection as they go about their work.

Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science including the surprising link between intelligence and how attractive you think you are.

Norwegian crime writer Jo Nesbo has sold more than 60 million books worldwide, but his literary career began almost by accident.

Tom Cridland aka Sir El Tom John learnt to play the piano in 2021 as part of his effort to quit drinking.