New Zealand Listener

New Zealand Listener is the country’s most respected general interest magazine, bringing you a wide variety of news, stories, columns, reviews, plus TV listings, every week.

New Zealand Listener

Writers blocked • A project that has helped our finest authors thrive for more than 20 years is threatened by the axing of state funding, writes Fiona Kidman.

Letters

Rich tapestry of dysfunction • Will local government reforms finally rid us of councils’ appetite for short-term projects?

It’s not me, it’s you

Psychedelic sense

Magnum force

A disproportionate lot

Blowhard blows harder

The great indoors • As the peak of winter approaches, books editor Mark Broatch and our reviewers pick their favourites of the year so far and point to tantalising titles to come.

Back on top • Her memoir’s healthy early sales suggest Jacinda Ardern’s pulling power endures.

Success stories • The cliché of the lonely writer is far from the truth for the many illustrious names who have drawn on the strength of others.

In the key of Gee • Maurice Gee’s genius can be traced through his appearances in the pages of the Listener over the decades.

Death becomes him • With the streaming premiere of Ballard this month, legendary crime writer Michael Connelly’s career-long exploration of Los Angeles continues.

And then Laura died • Firing imagination and wit, being read to and reading are among the great pleasures of childhood.

Reading the room • Reading Ambassador and author Kate De Goldi has been preparing for her new role for years.

Lost and found • An unconventional family is at the heart of this tale of an Algerian woman finding a home in New York.

Short cuts

Murder house • A fresh take on a well-worn horror motif triumphs in the detail.

Get with the program • We take a look at the best TV of 2025 so far, starting with Murderbot, a US sci-fi show involving two prominent Kiwi directors.

Ones to watch • The Listener team’s round-up of the best TV from the first half of 2025, from Adolescence to Wolf Hall.

Coming attractions

Fame & therapy • Lorde’s latest is extraordinary for its candour.

Time to get reel • This year’s NZ International Film Festival programme is full of documentaries about local arts figures – and one former arts minister.

Lest we forget

Court smarts • Netball legends come out of retirement with something to pass on.

TV Picks of the week

TV Films

Saturday/Rāhoroi July 12

Sunday/Rātapu July 13

Monday/Rāhina July 14

Tuesday/Rātū July 15

Wednesday/Rāapa July 16

Thursday/Rāpare July 17

Friday/Rāmere July 18

Rnz National

Rnz Concert

Newstalk Zb newstalkzb.co.nz

Wind in her sails • Auckland Philharmonia’s Gabrielle Pho has been devoted to the French horn since the age of 3.

Exploring kānuka • Early results suggest a rongoā Māori plant may improve the effects of a drug with anti-ageing potential.

Health briefs

Food with empathy • Kiwi cordon bleu chef Wendy Morgan’s second cookbook focuses on simple comforts.

Bay watch • Cyclone Gabrielle has had a lasting impact on Hawke’s Bay chardonnays from 2023.

Why ‘just stop’ won’t work • Helping people who self-harm can be a long, slow process.

Round-up on herbicide • A proposed 100-fold rise in permitted glyphosate residue in food hits fierce opposition.

Rainbow Connection

Town versus country