Reviews
Atlanta artist has echoes of Nina Simone on album offering fresh takes on classic soul
Graham Reid reviews Baby Rose and The Broken Heartbreakers' latest albums.
Latest from Entertainment
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Gin Wigmore packs a lot of life into her raw and vulnerable comeback album
Graham Reid reviews new albums from Gin Wigmore and Lenny Kaye.
Listener Songs of the Week: New tracks by Alabama Shakes, U2, Beck, Leroy Clampitt, QOTSA, and more
Weekly musical picks from writers at the NZ Listener magazine, with playlist links.
When and where to watch Kiwis in action at the Commonwealth Games
A viewing guide for the games, which kick off on July 24.
Why the live-action Moana is all at sea
Just ten years on, the animated hit gets a soulless remake.
Primavera tells a familiar story of genius held back
Gifted protégé of Vivaldi struggles to live life on her own terms.
Otago Boys’ High sets the scene for author Breton Dukes and The Broken Heartbreakers
Breton Dukes looks to his youth in honour of The Broken Heartbreakers' latest album.
Sam Neill: The final Listener interview
In his last chat with the magazine, Neill pondered his life, love, career and cancer.
An old person’s guide to the Rolling Stones
Featuring some picks from the band's back catalogue and a review of their latest.
Film director Andrew Niccol on coming home and the Jacinda Ardern movie that collapsed
The Hollywood writer-director returns home with his most personal film yet.
Olivia Wilde’s The Invite earns top marks for its witty script and strong cast
As well as directing, Olivia Wilde stars in polyamory comedy of manners.
Listener’s Songs of the Week: New tracks by Reb Fountain, Louis Baker, and more
New and intriguing songs selected by NZ Listener magazine writers.
Will this be Auckland’s most glorious, chaotic and completely alive show of the year?
Auckland supergroup Exploding Rainbow Orchestra set to shine in biggest performance ever.
NZ International Film Festival 2026: What’s in it and when it’s coming to you
NZIFF programme of some 130 films is in the can. Here's 10 wide shots to what's on offer.
Listener’s July viewing guide updated: Anya Taylor-Joy and Hannah Waddingham on the run, Will Ferrell on the golf course, and more
What's worth watching on television and streaming platforms this month.
Nearly 40 years since Solitude Standing, Suzanne Vega has mastered the art of resilience
NZ is one of the few places where her 1987 3 million-selling sophomore album reached No 1.
Inspiration from a trailblazer: Massive Theatre's Sam Scott on what makes her tick
Sam Scott, the mentor behind some of NZ's most celebrated actors, tells what inspires her.
Irredeemable characters make this French saga hard to love
Far from funny, the film's characters are unlikeable and their plight uncompelling.
Listener’s Songs of the Week: New tracks by Phoebe Bridgers, PJ Harvey, Teeks, Rolling Stones, and more
New and intriguing tracks selected by music writers at the NZ Listener magazine.
Music: Delaney Davidson comes out swinging; Office Dog bites
Graham Reid reviews new releases from Delaney Davidson and Office Dog.
Matariki on ice: Rangi Mātāmua heads to Scott Base
Documentary led by Rangi ‘Mr Matariki’ Mātāmua premieres at the Doc Edge Film Festival.
Toy Story is a winning franchise but it’s running out of power
Toy Story 5 is a fun adventure but stops short of challenging kids' screen-time habits.
In an uptown funk: Can Karangahape Rd’s music scene survive?
Surveying the damage to famous entertainment strip after a run of closure announcements.
Finn Andrews’ The Veils come back from the dead on new album
New albums from The Veils and Olivia Rodrigo reviewed.
Live review: Japanese psychedelic group goes down a storm
Acid Mothers Temple proved intense and relentless without being onerous
Listener’s Songs of the Week: Jonathan Bree and Princess Chelsea are on fire in steamy new track, plus Gin Wigmore, Mel Parsons, Johnny Marr, Graham Coxon and more
New and intriguing songs from music writers at the NZ Listener magazine.
Actor Jarod Rawiri: ‘I remember at high school thinking being a working solo dad would be cool’
Jarod Rawiri on art, aroha, music, memories and the things that matter most in life.
Why new Kiwi tv drama Head Girl is sheer poetry and completely radical
Surprise, admiration and "how cute" among reactions to new drama inspired by poetry book.
King of clubs: Remembering pioneering DJ and producer Roger Perry
Simon Grigg pays tribute to a man who had an unmatched influence on Auckland nightlife.
'Jools Topp was like a wild animal that might get spooked and bolt at any moment' – Don McGlashan on recording the untouchable girls’ untameable songs
The Kiwi music great on Topp Twins' legacy, with a tribute by comedian Chris Parker.