Karl Puschmann is the Culture Editor and an Entertainment Columnist for New Zealand’s Herald. His fascination lies in finding out what drives and inspires creative people.
Hello, there! I’m Karl Puschmann, Culture Editor and entertainment columnist for the New Zealand Herald and its stable of premium magazines. As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a writer. A misspent youth at art school and playing in bands saw me gravitate towards writing about the arts. After completing my Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism at AUT in 2004 I freelanced for every local pop culture, entertainment and lifestyle magazine worth a damn, before becoming editor of New Zealand’s iconic music magazine Rip It Up in 2005. In 2014 I started my weekly pop culture column in the Herald before joining the entertainment desk full-time in 2016. In 2021 I became the title's first Culture Editor. Most days I talk to inspiring and creative people who are making really cool stuff. I find it fascinating to find out what drives them, to hear the stories behind their art, and to get their thoughts and views on the big topics like life, death, love, loss and everything in between. I’ve spoken to a lot of amazing people over the years, but some of the most memorable include living legends Paul McCartney and Martin Scorsese, personal inspirations Jerry Seinfeld and Johnny Marr from The Smiths and artists I admire Aldous Harding and Taika Waititi. My personal philosophy is that entertainment writing should in itself, be entertaining. That mind-set is behind everything I write.

Tash Sultana gets real: ‘I’m as self-aware as I possibly could be’
The muso on brain chemistry, relying on no one and licking Guatemalan cave toads.

Twin Flames Universe guaranteed true love but delivered real hell
Escaping Twin Flames, a new three-part documentary, dives deep into the heart of the cult.

This is who I am: Shorty’s Marianne Infante on finally being seen
How the soap taught her to be Kiwi, and how she’s bringing Filipino culture to Kiwis.

Karl Puschmann: I don’t know why you say hello, the Beatles say goodbye
The Fab Four reach the end of their long and winding road with Now and Then.

Review: Why Marvel’s newest movie is a galaxy-sized win for women
With starring roles on both sides of the camera, change is afoot in the MCU.

Karl Puschmann: Can Bill Burr’s Old Dads learn any new tricks in his woke-roasting comedy?
It’s a coming-of-age film for men in their 50s who should know better.

Tom Sainsbury on his debut horror film and being laughed at in his undies
The comedian's horror movie Loop Track could ruin tramping for generations.

Karl Puschmann: After the Party, who will you believe?
Robyn Malcolm created and stars in one of the year's best shows.

Seven years in the making: The Streets on music, movies and life
After a long hiatus, Mike Skinner is back with his most ambitious project yet.

Karl Puschmann: The diagnosis on the Frasier reboot
After almost 20 years everybody’s favourite snooty psychiatrist returns to TV.

Cabaret star Meow Meow on sex, danger and the theatre
'My legs go everywhere. What’s a girl to do with such magnificent showbiz legs?'

Karl Puschmann: What’s the deal with the Seinfeld reunion?
The man who made a career out of nothing has just teased… well, something.

Karl Puschmann: Alone is tense, stressful and creepy. You should watch it
The Netflix thriller does nothing new. This is why it’s so good.

Review: Why Kiwi star's new Dunedin-based film is a must see
Julian Dennison tackles the big topics in this local coming-of-age dramedy.

Karl Puschmann: The John Wick prequel series is action-packed and morally questionable
A puzzling and problematic casting choice threatens to take out the series.

‘I can’t live off my YouTube money’
Jordan Watson shares the reality of being an internet star.

Josh Fountain on Benee, Leisure and writing hits
Josh Fountain on new album, success with Benee and writing hits

Karl Puschmann: Doco series Telemarketers a wild ride of drugs, scams and charity
You don’t have to be mad to work for a telemarketer, but it helps …

Agatha Christie and me: James Prichard on his great-grandmother and A Haunting in Venice
He’s in charge of Agatha Christie’s company, but for James Prichard, it’s more than a job.

Is Netflix’s violent and weird 6ixtynin9 this year’s Squid Game?
OPINION: This crime-thriller from Thailand is violent, funny and extremely odd.

The rules go out the unpainted window in Three’s new reno reality show
House Rules NZ sees contestants leaving strangers to renovate their house.

Kura Forrester on cancel culture and her biological clock: ‘I’m feeling that tick louder than ever.’
The award-winning comedian and actor has a revelation talking about the big issues.

Karl Puschmann: Strange Planet is quirky, cutesy and … just a little bit dull
The creator of Rick and Morty tones it right down in this gently amusing new series.

Karl Puschmann: TVNZ’s killer comedy is a good time - unless you’re a snake
Killing It is violently funny, and at times surprisingly heartfelt.

DJ Vasan's love letter on wax
Wellington DJ honours legacy of Red Astaire with a special red vinyl record.

Karl Puschmann: The New Star Wars series is as gripping and exciting as a nice cup of tea
Ahsoka is watchable but that doesn’t mean it’s any good.

Karl Puschmann: Is Tem Morrison and Robyn Malcolm’s new drama Far North a hit or a meth?
It's addictive viewing and one taste will be enough to get you hooked.

Robyn Malcolm and Temuera Morrison tell all on 'dark' new drug TV thriller
The former 'Shortland Street' stars have reunited for a fantastic new true crime thriller.

At home with Tiki Taane: ‘I’m worried if I take my foot off the accelerator things would fall apart’
The award-winning muso tells us about the passion project he’s been working on for years.