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Smart Talk

English, Talk, 1 season, 135 episodes, 4 days, 7 hours, 52 minutes
About
A wide variety of conversations recorded in front of audiences round Aotearoa
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"Fizziology is phun"

[picture id="4KZS1QD_31813897_l_normal_none_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"] Ever wondered why the heart is associated with love, how it beats relentlessly without thought of mind, or why your physical fitness changes your resting heart rate? Understanding how the body works is "physiology" and Julian Paton is a passionate physiologist who insists "Fizziology is phun".
3/17/202442 minutes, 33 seconds
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Exploring extraterrestrial life with Kathleen Campbell

Is there life out there beyond Earth? And why does it matter? Join former NASA researcher and University of Auckland astrobiologist Professor Kathleen Campbell.
3/10/202439 minutes, 10 seconds
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Six tributes to the writer Katherine Mansfield

A hundred years after Katherine Mansfield died at the age of 34, six writers and performers share their personal connections to the New Zealand writer's life and legacy.
10/15/202343 minutes, 21 seconds
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Monty Soutar on his novel of pre-colonial Māori life Kāwai

Kawai by Dr Monty Soutar is the first novel in a trilogy bringing to life the pre-colonial history of Maori in Aotearoa. He discusses it with Stacey Morrison in a highlight of the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival.
10/8/202348 minutes, 5 seconds
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Dr Que Mai Nguyen Phan on her latest novel about Vietnam, Dust Child

Dr Qu Mai Nguy n Phan's latest novel Dust Child sets out to subvert Hollywood movie stereotypes of Vietnamese women being subservient and passive. She talks to Paula Morris in this highlight of the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival.
10/1/202351 minutes, 17 seconds
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Dame Gaylene Preston on a life making movies

Gaylene's Take is the autobiography of an influential director who created a style of cinema unlike that of male directors of her generation. Dame Gaylene Preston talks about her career at the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival.
9/24/202345 minutes, 5 seconds
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Richard Fidler on Baghdad during Islam’s Golden Age

Richard Fidler speaks with Jack Tame about The Book of Roads and Kingdoms, bringing to life the dazzling cosmopolitan culture of Baghdad during Islam's Golden Age. A highlight of the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival.
9/17/202351 minutes, 19 seconds
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The Morality of AI, with Toby Walsh

The world of AI has leapt into focus recently, fuelled by interest in ChatGPT. Prof. Toby Walsh talks to Toby Manhire about its future, in a highlight from the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival.
9/10/202351 minutes, 20 seconds
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Three Booker Prizewinners on the Booker Ride

Three Booker Prize winners, Eleanor Catton, Bernardine Evaristo and Shehan Karunatilaka share their experience of being awarded the world's most esteemed literary prize with Karyn Hay at the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival.
9/3/202351 minutes, 58 seconds
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Louisa Lim on Hong Kong

In Indelible City: Dispossession and Defiance in Hong Kong, Louisa Lim captures the city's untold history, just as it is being erased from the official record. A highlight of the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival.
8/27/202349 minutes, 18 seconds
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The UK writer William Sitwell discusses a life of writing about food

MasterChef UK judge and restaurant critic William Sitwell joins Richard Fidler for a conversation about a life in food.. A highlight of the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival.
8/20/202351 minutes, 59 seconds
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The USA writer Colson Whitehead talks to Kim Hill

Two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Colson Whitehead has written The Underground Railroad, The Nickel Boys, and Harlem Shuffle. He talks to Kim Hill at the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival.
8/13/202351 minutes, 2 seconds
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Dr. Mahdis Azarmandi from the University of Canterbury examines racism and anti-racism

An analysis of racism from Dr Mahdis Azarmandi at the University of Canterbury's Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023.
8/6/202348 minutes, 14 seconds
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Prof. Jack Heinemann from the University of Canterbury on the rise of antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance has been creeping up for 70 years. Prof. Jack Heinemann, discusses how its doomsday scenario in this highlight of Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023.
7/30/202344 minutes, 39 seconds
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Assoc. Prof. Elsamari Botha explores the future of AI and ChatGPT in business

Assoc. Prof. Elsamari Botha looks at how AI, and language models like ChatGPT, have the potential to revolutionise the way businesses operate, at Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023.
7/23/202350 minutes, 44 seconds
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Kim Hill talks to five experts about food safety in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Is Science making our food safer? Kim Hill talks with a panel of experts at the annual seminar of the New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre
7/17/202351 minutes, 51 seconds
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Prof. Ekant Veer from the University of Canterbury on the nature of online trolling

Professor of Marketing Ekant Veer argues that online 'trolling' need not be a form of bullying, but something playful which is also good for society. From Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023.
7/16/202350 minutes, 26 seconds
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Cheryl Brown and Kathryn MacCallum explore the digital lives of young New Zealanders

Cheryl Brown and Kathryn MacCallum explore the digital landscapes that young people occupy today. A highlight of the University of Canterbury's Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023.
7/9/202348 minutes, 8 seconds
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Prof. Simon Kingham from the University of Canterbury explores what’s going on with transport in Aotearoa/NZ

What is going on with transport in Aotearoa? Prof. Simon Kingham explores what the evidence tells us about transport now and in the future, at Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023.
6/27/202345 minutes, 5 seconds
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The University of Canterbury glaciologist Heather Purdie explains why glaciers are a barometer of climate change.

Assoc. Prof. Heather Purdie explains why glaciers are the perfect barometer of climate change. A highlight from the University of Canterbury's Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023 series.
6/25/202341 minutes, 21 seconds
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The University of Canterbury economist Stephen Hickson talks about inflation

University of Canterbury economist Stephen Hickson explains how inflation arises, why it's bad for us, how we got rid of it, and why it is like toothpaste. From Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023.
6/18/202349 minutes, 34 seconds
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Nguyen Phan Que Mai: Vietnamese stories behind the war

Vietnamese author Dr Nguy n Phan Qu Mai's Dust Child tackles the difficult subject of Amerasian children, left behind when the American military fled after the Vietnam War.
3/31/202332 minutes, 14 seconds
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Dame Fiona Kidman talks about reading in the 2022 Read NZ Te Pou Muramura Pānui

The 2022 Read NZ Te Pou Muramura Panui features the eminent writer Dame Fiona Kidman talking about her life as a reader and writer.
11/20/202237 minutes, 19 seconds
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Dr Melani Anae, co-founder of the Polynesian Panthers, looks at what the protest group achieved

Fifty years ago, the Polynesian Panthers Party led a revolution against what it argued was the rampant racism of 1970s Aotearoa. Dr Melani Anae explores the impact of the Panthers movement on herself and New Zealand society.
10/23/202251 minutes, 35 seconds
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Auckland University astrophysicist Jan Eldridge explains how dying stars have created the building blocks for life on Earth

By looking to the stars we can understand where we came from and how we came to be. Dr Jan Eldridge explains how the different death throes of stars create what's needed for life.
10/16/202244 minutes, 34 seconds
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Law lecturer Dr Guy Fiti Sinclair analyses different theories about who rules the world

Conspiracists often claim that a shadowy cabal is in control of the world. But is it actually corporations? Nation states? Markets? Or no-one in particular? Dr Guy Fiti Sinclair explores the options.
10/4/202245 minutes, 56 seconds
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Dr Anna Brooks on the looming crisis of Long Covid

The term 'Long Covid' was coined in May 2020 but the virus became a pandemic before the most common post-viral condition was taken seriously. Dr Anna Brooks explores what we now know about it.
10/2/202249 minutes, 28 seconds
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Dr Angus Campbell on the pitfalls of design dominated by data

The perils of data-driven design are explored by Dr Angus Campbell. (A highlight of Auckland University's Raising the Bar talk series)
9/25/202234 minutes, 43 seconds
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Dr Kiri Dell on what Māori and Pākehā need to consider in their te reo Māori journey

Dr Kiri Dell from Auckland University's Business School explores what Maori and Pakeha need to consider for the journey towards revitalisation of te reo Maori to become a reality. A highlight of the 2022 Raising the Bar season..
9/15/202228 minutes, 18 seconds
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Architectural lecturer Julie Stout explores how Auckland’s urban design could get better

Julie Stout describes how Auckland could connect in the future to the wairua and cultures that make up Tamaki Makaurau. One of the highlights of Auckland University's Raising the Bar 2022.
9/11/202240 minutes, 9 seconds
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Assoc. Prof Peter Saxton on whether it’s possible to keep the supply of blood safe without excluding men who have sex with men

Community health expert Dr Peter Saxton explores the balancing act of keeping New Zealand's blood supply safe from infectious diseases while ensuring we have enough donors and can uphold our values as a progressive, inclusive nation. (A highlight from the University of Auckland's Raising the Bar series)
9/4/202251 minutes, 17 seconds
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Why are the shelves bare? Prof. Tava Olsen looks at what’s going on with the world’s supply chains

What's with all the stockouts and empty shelves? Dr Tava Olsen from the University of Auckland Business School with a highlight of Raising the Bar 2022.
8/25/202249 minutes, 31 seconds
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Charlotte Yates explores turning poetry into music at the 2021 Going West Literary Festival

Charlotte Yates explores the history of her series of musical collaborations between contemporary composers and the work of New Zealand's finest writers at the 2021 Going West Festival.
8/21/202251 minutes, 57 seconds
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Karlo Mila and Daren Kamali perform a rich selection of their poetry at the 2021 Going West Literary Festival

Tongan, Samoan and Palagi poet Karlo Mila reads from her book The Goddess Muscle and Fijian poet Daren Kamali performs his poetry and accompanies himself on traditional Fijian musical instruments.
8/14/202233 minutes, 41 seconds
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A Clear Dawn: New Asian Voices from Aotearoa New Zealand discussed at the Verb Readers and Writers Festival 2021

A Clear Dawn: New Asian Voices from Aotearoa New Zealand introduces three new literary voices exploring Asian experiences and identities in Aotearoa. A highlight of Verb Wellington 2021.
7/24/202239 minutes, 56 seconds
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Kyle Mewburn discusses her memoir Faking It at the Verb Readers and Writers Festival 2021

Well-known children's author Kyle Mewburn talks with Jane Arthur about her life, which has recently changed radically. (A highlight from the 2021 Verb Readers and Writers Festival in Wellington)
7/3/202242 minutes, 47 seconds
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Clare Moleta discusses her novel Unsheltered at the Verb Readers and Writers Festival 2021

Unsheltered is the riveting story of one mother’s search for her child across a climate-ravaged continent in a dystopian future. Clare Moleta talks with Pip Adam about her inspirations. 
6/26/202244 minutes, 15 seconds
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Renée looks back on a life devoted to reading in the 2021 Read NZ Te Pou Muramura Pānui

In a personal address tracing a lifetime of reading, the renowned playwright Renée explores the power of literature, and its role in shaping her own professional and imaginative worlds.
6/19/202243 minutes, 5 seconds
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Word of mouth is analysed by Marketing expert Assoc. Prof. Bodo Lang

Marketing expert Assoc. Prof. Bodo Lang explains what word of mouth is, why it works, and how much it can be trusted. And he reveals that whether it's online or face to face really matters.
6/12/202250 minutes, 37 seconds
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DNA expert advocates mapping the genome of every child born in New Zealand – for their future health

How could DNA improve our health? Prof. Justin O'Connor advocates sequencing the genomes of all the 60,000 children born in NZ each year. A highlight of Auckland University's Raising the Bar series.
6/4/202246 minutes, 47 seconds
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Wine expert Ali Lowrey on what affects a wine’s composition – soil, weather and chemistry – but above all, climate change

Ali Lowrey talks about the future of winemaking in this highlight of Auckland University's Raising the Bar Home Series.
5/28/202239 minutes, 18 seconds
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Brain disease researcher Dr Helen Murray on the risks of contact sports concussion

Dr Helen Murray explores the relationship between repetitive head injuries, contact sport and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) - a progressive brain disease that causes dementia.
5/22/202248 minutes, 51 seconds
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Assoc. Prof Matheson Russell on how democracies could become more, well, democratic

Assoc. Prof. Matheson Russell explores different models for democracy in action during an era of unprecedented polarisation. His focus? Sortition. A highlight of Raising the Bar Home Edition.
5/18/202251 minutes, 59 seconds
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Prof Andrew Shelling on how genetic testing helps predict disease

Prof. Andrew Shelling sorts fact from fiction when it comes to 'blaming your genes,' and discusses the role of genetic testing in controlling common diseases. From Raising the Bar Home Edition.
5/8/202251 minutes, 11 seconds
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Alison Jones on Being Pākehā at Word Christchurch 2021

What does it mean to be Pākehā today? Prof. Alison Jones from the University of Auckland talks to the University of Canterbury's Jeanette King in this highlight of WORD Christchurch 2021.
5/1/202250 minutes, 27 seconds
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Ngāi Tahu leader Tā Mark Solomon at Word Christchurch 2021

Mark Solomon, the former kaiwhakahaere (Chair) of Ngāi Tahu's governing council, speaks with Nic Lowe about leadership in this highlight of WORD Christchurch 2021.
4/11/202251 minutes, 41 seconds
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Two crime writers talk about their craft at Word Christchurch 2021

Two crime writers - Jacqueline Bublitz and Paul Cleave - discuss how they create memorable stories in this highlight of 2021's Word Christchurch festival.
4/4/202246 minutes, 23 seconds
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Two experts talk about the climate crisis with Kim Hill at Word Christchurch 2021

At the time of the COP26 summit held in Glasgow, Kim Hill speaks with journalist Tom Doig and veteran scientist Dave Lowe about the climate crisis. A highlight of 2021 Word Christchurch.
4/3/202251 minutes, 58 seconds
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Five Adventurous Women discuss their very different lives at Word Christchurch 2021

Dr Hinemoa Elder, Kyle Mewburn, Anjum Rahman, Julie Zarifeh and Emily Writes explore very different aspects of courage and adventure in their lives. They talk with Jo Malcolm.
3/27/202251 minutes, 59 seconds
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Former Tampa refugee Abbas Nazari at Word Christchurch 2021

In 2001, the Norwegian freighter Tampa - crammed with more than 400 asylum-seekers rescued from a sinking fishing boat - was turned away from Australia. Abbas Nazari, aged seven, was onboard. 
3/6/202251 minutes, 58 seconds
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Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin at Word Christchurch 2021

Ian Rankin, the creator of Inspector Rebus, talks live from Edinburgh with New Zealand crime writer Vanda Symon at Word Christchurch 2021.
2/27/202252 minutes
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Matt and Sarah Brown discuss how to change men’s lives at Word Christchurch 2021

Christchurch barber Mataio (Matt) Brown wrote She is Not Your Rehab with his wife Sarah. They discuss the book and the global anti-violence movement it has spawned at 2021 WORD Christchurch.
2/20/202251 minutes, 14 seconds
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Helen Kelly’s biographer discusses her life at Word Christchurch 2021

Unionist Helen Kelly left a huge impact on New Zealand's political and industrial landscapes. Helen's biographer Rebecca Macfie speaks with Jo Malcolm about her life, times and legacy.
2/13/202252 minutes
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Ben Brown delivers the Margaret Mahy Memorial Lecture at Word Christchurch 2021

Ben Brown  (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Koroki, Ngāti Paoa) speaks about the power of imagination and its deep roots in te ao Māori at the 2021 WORD Christchurch Festival.
2/6/202242 minutes, 1 second
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Voices in the Air: Sarah Johnston on 100 years of radio

Sound historian Sarah Johnston explores 100 years of radio in a talk at the National Library, focusing on the early decades and the innovative World War II radio Mobile Unit recordings.
11/19/202157 minutes, 58 seconds
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Prof. Peter O’Connor on how education can respond to terrorism

In an update of his 2017 talk, Prof. Peter O'Connor explores the complexities of terrorism from an educator's perspective. From the online version of Auckland University's Raising the Bar.
10/10/202147 minutes, 47 seconds
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Assoc. Prof. Mike Lee provides a marketer’s insights into vaccine hesitancy

Marketing expert Dr Mike Lee has kept a ten-year watch on the anti-vaccination movement. In this illuminating talk, he explores how we could develop herd immunity against harmful misinformation.
10/3/202148 minutes, 39 seconds
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Siouxsie Wiles on Covid-19, conspiracies and a life in science, at the 2021 NZ International Science Festival

Science communicator Siouxsie Wiles spoke about Covid-19, conspiracy theories and how being a goth teenager led her into microbiology, at the 2021 NZ International Science Festival.
9/19/202151 minutes, 18 seconds
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A panel of experts at the 2021 NZ International Science Festival on gene editing, mātauranga Māori and pest control

A team of experts discuss the future of gene editing to control pests, and how it connects with mātauranga Māori. A highlight of the NZ International Science Festival from July 2021.
9/12/202150 minutes, 14 seconds
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Angler Dougal Rillstone and surfer Derek Morrison on being in wild places, at the 2021 Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival

Angler Dougal Rillstone and surfer Derek Morrison talk to fellow explorer Bruce Ansley about their love for the wild places of Aotearoa. 
9/5/202150 minutes, 11 seconds
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Four Māori scholars discuss what it’s like to teach and study in the university, at the 2021 Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival

Prof. Jacinta Ruru talks with fellow Māori academics about being Māori in a university. A highlight of 2021's Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival.
8/29/202140 minutes, 47 seconds
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Jared Savage and Steve Braunias discuss crime writing at the 2021 Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival

Jared Savage and Steve Braunias explore the art of crime writing in Aotearoa. Rob Kidd chairs this highlight of 2021's Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival.
8/22/202148 minutes, 32 seconds
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Becky Manawatu discusses her novel Auē at the 2021 Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival

Lynn Freeman talks with Becky Manawatu about her acclaimed debut novel Auē in this highlight of 2021's Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival.
8/15/202146 minutes, 42 seconds
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HG Parry on her alternative history novel A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians at the 2021 Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival

The emerging author HG Parry writes complex and engaging fantasy novels. She talks to Lynn Freeman about reinventing the 18th century in this highlight of 2021's Dunedin Writers Festival.
8/8/202144 minutes, 26 seconds
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The eminent author Witi Ihimaera talks at the 2021 Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival

Master storyteller Witi Ihimaera talks with Jacinta Ruru about Navigating the Stars: Māori Creation Myths, in which he explores Māori history and identity through its mythology. 
8/1/202147 minutes, 24 seconds
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A panel discussion at Creative Matakana considers how the visual arts world has changed since 2019

Lisa Reihana, Ane Tonga, Scott Lawrie and Deborah Rundle discuss a time of change for visual art with Claire Ulenberg at Creative Matakana. Recorded in May 2021.
7/25/202142 minutes, 55 seconds
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A Wanaka Festival of Colour panel discussion about taxes - good, bad and inevitable

A panel at Wanaka's Festival of Colour considers whether taxation is love. Lynn Freeman talks to Max Rashbrooke, Prof. Lisa Marriott and Shamubeel Eaqub in April 2021.
7/18/202150 minutes, 34 seconds
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A panel discussion about how democracy can be improved, at the 2021 Wanaka Festival of Colour

Lynn Freeman talks about democracy with Max Rashbrooke, Oliver Hartwich and Katherine Errington in this highlight from Wanaka's Festival of Colour in April 2021
7/11/202151 minutes, 54 seconds
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A trans-Tasman panel explores how e-commerce can reduce its environmental footprint

A trans-Tasman panel explores how e-commerce can operate in an environmentally sustainable way. Paul Barclay hosts this ABC discussion with experts from NZ and Australia.
7/4/202151 minutes, 59 seconds
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Auckland University’s Prof. Frank Bloomfield on research into premature babies

Huge strides in the care of pre-term babies have been made in the last few decades. Prof. Frank Bloomfield reports on this history, and current research, in this Raising the Bar 2021 highlight.
6/27/202151 minutes, 35 seconds
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Auckland University’s Assoc. Prof Katie Fitzpatrick on the state of health and sex education

In a Covid-19 era of fevered concern about health, why is health education in schools not done better? Assoc. Prof Katie Fitzpatrick considers why at Raising the Bar 2021.
6/20/202144 minutes, 23 seconds
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Auckland University’s Dr Suresh Muthukumaraswamy on research into the therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs

Since the 1950s researchers have known psychedelic drugs could have medical applications, but what of research today? Associate Professor Suresh Muthukumaraswamy talks at Raising the Bar 2021.
6/13/202144 minutes, 15 seconds
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Auckland University’s Dr Jemaima Tiatia-Seath reflects on her career as a leading Pasifika academic

A brown girl is in the ring. Dr Jemaima Tiatia-Seath (the co-Head of the School of Māori Studies and Pacific Studies) explores life as a Pasifika academic. A highlight from Raising the Bar 2021.
6/6/202137 minutes, 11 seconds
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Auckland University researcher discusses how safe vaping actually is

How safe is vaping as an alternative to smoking? The bioengineer Dr Kelly Burrowes talks about what current research shows in this highlight from the Auckland University's Raising the Bar 2021.
5/30/202139 minutes, 17 seconds
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Dr Nicholas Rattenbury on how life might be discovered on alien worlds

The astrophysicist Dr Nicholas Rattenbury talks about how alien life might be discovered on alien worlds in this highlight from the 2021 season of Auckland University's popular Raising the Bar event.
5/23/202145 minutes, 6 seconds
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Assoc.Prof. Scott Optican on how legal police stings are in New Zealand

Associate Law Professor Scott Optican on the legality of court evidence obtained by different undercover policing techniques in New Zealand. A highlight of Auckland University's Raising the Bar 2021.
5/16/202151 minutes, 53 seconds
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Five writers read their letters to Katherine Mansfield at Word Christchurch 2020

Celebrating 50 years of the Katherine Mansfield Menton Fellowship, five writer read their letters to New Zealand's most famous author. A highlight of Word Christchurch 2020.
5/9/202151 minutes, 50 seconds
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Pip Adam talks about her novel Nothing to See at Word Christchurch 2020

Pip Adam discusses her novel Nothing to See - one of the most talked-about books of 2020 - with Carl Shuker in this highlight of the 2020 Word Christchurch Spring Festival.
5/2/202142 minutes, 23 seconds
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Eileen Merriman and Carl Shuker talk medical misadventure at Word Christchurch 2020

Eileen Merriman and Carl Shuker discuss their novels A Mistake and The Silence of Snow, which take medical mishaps as a starting point. A highlight of the 2020 Word Christchurch Spring Festival.
4/18/202147 minutes, 14 seconds
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Leading poet Bill Manhire talks to John Campbell at Word Christchurch 2020

New Zealand's leading poet of this generation, Bill Manhire, talks to John Campbell in this highlight of the 2020 Word Christchurch Writers Spring Festival.
4/11/202149 minutes, 35 seconds
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Laura Jean McKay and Philip Armstrong discuss animals in literature at Word Christchurch 2020

Philip Armstrong's poetry and Laura Jean McKay's award-winning novel The Animals in That Country feature animals as significant characters. The authors talk at 2020 Word Christchurch.
4/4/202145 minutes, 8 seconds
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Cookbook writer Annabel Langbein talks about her life at Word Christchurch 2020

From a childhood fascination with cooking, to possum trapping and living off the land as a hunter and forager, Annabel Langbein has always been obsessed with food. A 2020 Word Christchurch highlight.
3/21/202150 minutes, 1 second
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Mosque attack survivor Farid Ahmed talks at the Word Christchurch festival

Farid Ahmed talks about his wife Husna, who died in the terror attacks in Christchurch on 15 March 2019. A moving highlight of the 2020 Word Christchurch Spring Festival.
3/14/202151 minutes, 13 seconds
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Elizabeth Knox discusses The Absolute Book at the Word Christchurch festival

Elizabeth Knox talks to Noelle McCarthy about her most recent novel The Absolute Book. A highlight of the 2020 Word Christchurch Spring Festival.
3/7/202151 minutes
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Three more authors at the Word Christchurch festival read original stories about courage

Hosted by John Campbell, some of Word Christchurch's most distinguished writers respond to the theme of courage: Behrouz Boochani, Laura Jean McKay, and Witi Ihimaera. The second of two hours.
2/28/202151 minutes, 10 seconds
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Three authors at the Word Christchurch festival read original stories about courage

Hosted by John Campbell, some of Word Christchurch's most distinguished writers respond to the theme of courage: Elizabeth Knox, Mohamed Hassan and Becky Manawatu. The first of two hours.
2/21/202146 minutes, 50 seconds
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A panel discussion at the Word Christchurch festival involving four adventurous women

Four adventurous women discuss their lives with Miriama Kamo in the opener to the 2020 WORD Christchurch writers' festival
2/14/202148 minutes, 58 seconds
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Ben Brown delivers the 2020 Read NZ Pānui on youth justice and the power of words

In a powerful address, Lyttelton poet Ben Brown explores the impact of deprivation and cultural estrangement on generations of our boys, as well as the redemptive power of words.
2/7/202150 minutes, 53 seconds
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Karyn Hay looks at both the challenges and rewards for a New Zealand musician in her 2020 Lilburn Lecture

The 2020 Lilburn Lecture is delivered by RNZ presenter and New Zealand music figure Karyn Hay exploring the reality of life for local musicians and songwriters. Recorded at the National Library.
11/3/202038 minutes, 9 seconds
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Three experts discuss the role of photonics in measuring climate change

Kim Hill chairs panel discussion about the measurement of climate change with Prof. Donna Strickland, Dr Thomas Baer and Prof. David Hutchinson.
11/1/202052 minutes
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National, Labour, Greens candidates discuss arts policies for the 2020 General Election

An Election 2020 debate on the arts, with MPs from National, Labour and the Greens exploring their policy differences and similiarities. Miriama Kamo is in the chair.
10/11/202051 minutes, 41 seconds
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Julia Roberts presents a world-wide media event – Nations United – on the UN’s development goals

Nations United explores the significance of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. In the midst of a pandemic radically transforming our world, it sets out what must be done.
9/27/202032 minutes, 42 seconds
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John Bluck explores a life-long love of the movies in New Zealand

Writer John Bluck shares a very personal perspective on how moviegoing in New Zealand reflects our character, history and preoccupations.
8/30/202049 minutes, 15 seconds
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John Bluck reads his series of essays about the pleasures of mowing the lawn

John Bluck explores the past, future, and current state of lawnmowing in a light-hearted but informative talk in six closely-cropped chapters.
8/23/202039 minutes, 25 seconds
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Assoc. Prof Siouxsie Wiles on how glowing superbugs can help develop new medicines to fight infection

The University of Auckland's Assoc. Prof. Siouxsie Wiles explains how glowing superbugs help in the development of new medicines to fight infection. From Raising the Bar 2020.
8/16/202051 minutes, 40 seconds
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Prof. Darl Kolb considers the impact of working from home during the Covid-19 lockdown

An informal talk from Prof. Darl Kolb about the experience of working from home, recorded during 2020's online version of the University of Auckland's Raising the Bar series.
8/9/202046 minutes, 30 seconds
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An Atlas of Aotearoa is discussed by a panel at the 2020 NZ Festival of the Arts

Meng Foon talks with author Chris McDowall, and contributors Nadine Anne Hura and Veronika Meduna about an Atlas of Aotearoa in this highlight from the 2020 New Zealand Festival Writers' programme.
7/26/202032 minutes, 18 seconds
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A year after the Christchurch terror attacks, a panel discussion considers the state of racism in NZ

12 months after the Christchurch terror attacks, Guled Mire chairs an NZ Festival discussion with Alison Whittaker and Nyadol Nyuon from Australia, and Anahera Gildea and Jack McDonald from Aotearoa.
7/19/202046 minutes, 4 seconds
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Cardiac surgeon Samer Nashef discusses The Angina Monologues at the 2020 New Zealand Arts Festival

Cardiac surgeon Samer Nashef talks with Carl Shuker about risk, mistakes and how heart surgery has changed in this highlight from the 2020 New Zealand Festival writers' programme.
5/24/202051 minutes, 56 seconds
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How we count women’s work is discussed at the 2020 New Zealand Arts Festival

Kristen Ghodsee and Marilyn Waring talk to Kathryn Ryan about the fight for valuing women's economic contribution to society - at the 2020 New Zealand Festival writers' programme.
5/17/202050 minutes, 10 seconds
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Serhii Plokhy discusses his book Chernobyl: History of a Tragedy at the 2020 New Zealand Arts Festival

Serhii Plokhy argues that the catastrophe at Chernobyl was a nuclear disaster waiting to happen. He talks to Toby Manhire.
5/10/202051 minutes, 35 seconds
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Bart van Es discusses his book The Cut Out Girl at the 2020 New Zealand Arts Festival

Bart van Es discusses The Cut Out Girl, his remarkable true story of how a Jewish girl in the Netherlands was hidden by his family from the Nazis during World War II. 
5/3/202051 minutes, 43 seconds
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Omani author Jokha Alharthi discusses her novel Celestial Bodies at the 2020 New Zealand Arts Festival

Jokha Alharthi, the Omani author of Celestial Bodies, talks about her literary world and what winning the Man Booker International prize has meant for Arabic literature and for herself. 
4/26/202047 minutes, 4 seconds
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Laurence Fearnley and Long Litt Woon discuss grief, loss and the power of scent in their writing and lives

Two very different books celebrate the importance of scent and sensory experience in coming to terms with loss. The authors Laurence Fearnley and Long Litt Woon talk with Jessie Bray-Sharpin.
4/19/202051 minutes, 50 seconds
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Kim Hill speaks with Dr Kristen Ghodsee about her book Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism

Kim Hill speaks with Dr Kristen Ghodsee about her book Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism in this highlight from the 2020 New Zealand Arts Festival writers' programme.
4/12/202051 minutes, 58 seconds
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Kinley Salmon discusses the impact of robotics on work, at the 2020 NZ Arts Festival

Kinley Salmon, the New Zealand economist and author of Jobs, Robots & Us, talks about the future of work in a time of rapidly-developing automation. A 2020 New Zealand Arts Festival highlight.
4/5/202050 minutes, 2 seconds
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Rebecca Priestley discusses her book Fifteen Million Years in Antarctica with the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Juliet Gerrard

At the NZ Arts Festival 2020, Rebecca Priestley talks about Antarctica with the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor Juliet Gerrard.
3/29/202047 minutes, 7 seconds
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Rajorshi Chakraborti discusses his book Shakti with Lynn Freeman at the 2020 NZ Festival of the Arts in Wellington

At the NZ Arts Festival 2020, RNZ's Lynn Freeman talks to Rajorshi Chakraborti about his novel Shakti, a fantastical story which has insights into the real-life world of India today.
3/22/202050 minutes, 39 seconds
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A panel discussion about LGBTQ+ life in New Zealand

Thomas Sainsbury talks with Louisa Wall MP, Prof. Welby Ings, Professor Emeritus Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, and award winning artist and filmmaker Tanu Gago.
3/1/202050 minutes, 58 seconds
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Dr Ross McDonald considers whether money or happiness is more important

The history and current trends in economics, and Bhutan's alternative to GNP, is discussed by Dr Ross McDonald from the University of Auckland during the 2019 Raising the Bar night.
2/23/202026 minutes, 30 seconds
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The use of robots in health care and education explored by Dr Craig Sutherland

The current and future uses of robots in health care and education is discussed by Dr Craig Sutherland from the University of Auckland during the 2019 Raising the Bar night.
2/23/202024 minutes, 45 seconds
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Digital surveillance and propaganda are explored by Dr Ethan Plaut

The interrelationship between the history of propaganda and our world of digital surveillance is discussed by Dr Ethan Plaut from the University of Auckland during the 2019 Raising the Bar night.
2/16/202025 minutes, 54 seconds
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Prof Benedikt Fischer discusses the pros and cons of legalising cannabis

The pros and cons of legalising cannabis is explored by Professor Benedikt Fischer from the University of Auckland during the 2019 Raising the Bar night.
2/16/202026 minutes, 2 seconds
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Assoc. Prof Tim Kuhner on inequality and officially-sanctioned corruption

Corruption at government level and within society is discussed by Assoc. Prof. Tim Kuhner from the University of Auckland during the 2019 Raising the Bar night.
2/9/202024 minutes, 56 seconds
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Assoc. Prof Damon Salesa on the increasing significance to NZ of its Pacific populations

The increasingly Pacific nature of New Zealand society is explored by Assoc. Prof. Damon Salesa from the University of Auckland during the 2019 Raising the Bar night.
2/9/202026 minutes
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Beauty in the Renaissance was a serious matter for women of wealth

Beauty treatments for women during the Renaissance are discussed by Dr Erin Griffey from the University of Auckland during the 2019 Raising the Bar night.
2/2/202025 minutes, 21 seconds
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Gut Bugs' influence on our health is surprising

The role of gut bugs in health is explored by Dr Wayne Cutfield from the University of Auckland during the 2019 Raising the Bar night.
2/2/202026 minutes, 20 seconds
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Dr Mohamed Alansari on how digital technology has affected learning

Mohamed Alansari explores what he has learnt from his research on learning in a digital world. Recorded at the Raising the Bar night in partnership with the University of Auckland.
12/29/201944 minutes, 46 seconds
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Prof Olaf Diegel surveys the current and future state of 3D printing

The current and future impact of 3D printing is discussed by Prof Olaf Diegel from the University of Auckland during the 2019 Raising the Bar night.
12/22/201942 minutes, 48 seconds
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Experts in astrobiology and microbial evolution discuss the origin of life with Kim Hill

Kim Hill explores what life is, where it began and what conditions it needs with two astrobiologists, an expert in microbial evolution, and an expert in Matauranga Maori, at Auckland University.
12/15/201951 minutes, 59 seconds
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James Cameron and Aaron Hawkins: Changing how we live in the world

Noelle McCarthy talks about the environment and environmental politics with film director James Cameron, and Dunedin's new Mayor, Aaron Hawkins. Recorded at Otago Museum.
12/8/201951 minutes, 59 seconds
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Director and ocean explorer James Cameron on Challenging the Deep

Noelle McCarthy talks with the film director James Cameron about his passion for exploring the natural world, and its connection to his career in cinema. This event was recorded at Otago Museum.
12/1/201951 minutes, 59 seconds
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Awkward Conversations about colonisation and doctrine of discovery – with Dayle Takitimu and Glenis Philip-Barbara

 Dayle Takitimu and Glenis Philip-Barbara discuss colonisation and doctrine of discovery. Alex Perrottet is in the chair.
11/24/201949 minutes, 41 seconds
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Awkward Conversations about Pākeha identity – with Assoc. Prof. Avril Bell and Anne McGuire

Assoc. Prof. Avril Bell & Anne McGuire talk about what Pākeha identity means with Alex Perrottet.
11/17/201947 minutes, 42 seconds
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The Lilburn Lecture 2019

In 'Breath of the Birds' Dame Gillian Whitehead discusses the origin of taonga puoro, their revival, and how she has used traditional Māori musical instruments in her compositions.
11/16/201951 minutes, 51 seconds
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Lani Wendt Young on how the digital era is changing writing and reading for the better

Reading and writing in the digital era is celebrated by Lani Wendt Young, who charts the increase in brown, Pacific and LGBTQ voices. More people then ever are reading what speaks directly to them.
10/27/201949 minutes, 52 seconds
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Leading historian Vincent O’Malley discusses The New Zealand Wars

The New Zealand Wars are discussed by historian Vincent O'Malley and Mihingarangi Forbes in front of an audience at Te Papa.
10/27/201949 minutes, 2 seconds
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The Packaging Dilemma: how to keep food safe and save the world from plastic waste

Kim Hill discusses the complexities of packaging and waste with four experts - Sharon Humphreys, Mike Sammons, Prof. Juliet Gerrard, and Assoc. Prof. Xiaomeng Wu. 
10/20/201950 minutes, 47 seconds
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The true cost of a disordered food system: a panel discussion

Kim Hill explores the true cost of abundant cheap, fatty and sugary food with Dr Sally Mackay, Dr Matire Harwood, Deborah Manning and Prof. Hugh Campbell.
10/13/201951 minutes, 53 seconds
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How to make the civil justice system more accessible, discussed by a panel of experts

Guyon Espiner talks at Parliament with Dr Bridgette Toy-Cronin, Justice Forrest Miller and Leo Watson. Recorded in July 2019 in association with the University of Otago.
10/6/201951 minutes, 49 seconds
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The cost of climate change on our coasts, discussed by a panel of experts

Guyon Espiner talks with a panel of University of Otago experts: Associate Professor Janet Stephenson, Dr Ben France-Hudson. Dr Caroline Orchiston and Professor Lisa Ellis.
9/29/201951 minutes, 58 seconds
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Awkward Conversations about museums, culture and history – with Karl Johnstone and Eloise Wallace

In this fourth panel discussion Tairawhiti Museum director Eloise Wallace talks with cultural heritage expert Karl Johnstone. Alex Perrottet is in the chair.
9/15/201942 minutes, 39 seconds
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Awkward Conversations about intertwined Gisborne histories – with Dr Jill Chrisp and Karen Johansen

In this third panel discussion, Dr Jill Chrisp and Karen Johansen discuss with Alex Perrottet how their life together is affected by their families being on the opposite sides of Gisborne history. 
9/8/201942 minutes, 28 seconds
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Awkward Conversations about councils, racism and identity – with Andrew Judd and Meredith Akuhata-Brown

Alex Perrottet talks with "recovering racist" Andrew Newton and local body candidate Meredith Akuhata-Brown about race, colonisation, and identity. Recorded on location in Gisborne's Smash Palace.
9/1/201950 minutes, 8 seconds
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Awkward Conversations about race and identity – with Dr Wayne Ngata and Mai Chen

Alex Perrottet talks with Dr Wayne Ngata and Mai Chen about race, colonisation, and identity from the different perspectives of tangata whenua and tauiwi. Recorded in Gisborne's Smash Palace.
8/25/201949 minutes, 39 seconds