Siena Yates
Siena Yates is former deputy head of Entertainment for the New Zealand Herald
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Check out Siena’s latest content
Siena Yates: Baewatch is reality TV at its cringiest and I can't look away
COMMENT: It's uncomfortable yet ultimately fascinating viewing.
Siena Yates: The local reality show ditching mean for a rosy glow
There's no temper tantrums or expletive laden rants and TVNZ's Glow Up is better for it.
'I did a burpee. Just one. But a proper one. For the first time ever'
Siena Yates on navigating her way through weight loss surgery.
Siena Yates: Is it too soon for Prime's local Covid horror series?
Watching a show about a pandemic that's killing hundreds of thousands is uncomfortable.
Siena Yates: Do you dare watch the brutal new SAS reality show?
COMMENT: It's the reality show that pushes contestants and viewers to their limits.
Siena Yates: Why you should be watching new local comedy Sis
COMMENT: A hard out new comedy shows what life is really like for brown people.
Siena Yates: Should you turn on to NZ's political comedy Sextortion?
Popular comedian Tom Sainsbury moves off social media to lead this new political satire.
Siena Yates: Big Brother 2020 shows the game has changed
Yet it's as boring as ever, writes Siena Yates.
Siena Yates: The thrill of The Chasers
Can The Chasers spin-off Beat the Chasers live up to the hype? Siena Yates takes a look.
Siena Yates: Move aside Queer Eye, the Queens are coming to town
This might be blasphemous but We're Here is -dare I say it? - better than Queer Eye...
Why you should watch The British Tribe Next Door
The docu-series has a problematic premise, but is surprisingly sweet, writes Siena Yates.
Siena Yates: Is Queer Eye's new season on Netflix off the mark?
With all that's going on right now, is the timing of this new season too far off the mark?
Siena Yates: George Floyd's death is why we shouldn't arm our police
COMMENT: I cannot accept that. We, as a nation, must not accept that.
Siena Yates: Netflix's Win the Wilderness is Hollywood-worthy
COMMENT: The beautiful reality TV series that is much more than a game.
Siena Yates: Unbreakable is the happy ending we all need right now
COMMENT: TVNZ's new reality series is an uplifting reminder that normality is overrated.
Siena Yates' moving tribute to mum - I hope I'm still holding your hand at the end
A week ahead of Mother's Day weekend, Siena Yates reflects on going home.
Siena Yates: Tiger King is entertaining but should it be?
COMMENT: Netflix's trending true crimes series favours the superficial over substance.
Why Taika made a Hitler comedy in the age of Trump
Taika Waititi's Jojo Rabbit is up for six awards at the Oscars today.
How this unlikely band changed my whole life
Departing entertainment writer Siena Yates shares the songs that changed her life.
Siena Yates: The major problem with that Bachelorette 'twist'
Like... who thought this was a good idea in 2020?
Hot Takes: Netflix's Cheer is the new Queer Eye
Netflix is really riding this wholesome, feel-good viewing wave and we're here for it
This 10-week diet requires zero effort - so what's the catch?
When something seems too good to be true, it often is. But maybe not this time.
Top five columns of 2019: Siena Yates
These were the most read columns by Siena Yates in 2019.
Siena Yates: If the streaming wars are real, we're the casualties
We're buying into it all, but where are the original voices?
The real story behind one of sport's most historic moments
Ford v Ferrari marks a moment in sporting history, but it's not really about that at all.
Fans spin out as My Chemical Romance announce reunion
This is not a drill: It's time to rejoin the Black Parade and we are truly not ok.
Is it just me, or are horror movies boring as hell?
The bogeyman is scary because you don't see him coming, yet horror is so predictable
Marvel's not cinema? What elitist rubbish
Comment: Scorsese and Coppola think Marvel "isn't cinema" - here's why that's nonsense.
The reality talent contest you never knew you needed
Netflix has a talent show like no other - but not for the reasons you might think
SWIDT are back - and they're mad as hell
SWIDT's new statement of intent is angry, eloquent and will leave you desperate for more.
The NZ-bound musical 'making American Idiot great again'
One of the greatest concept albums of our time is coming to the New Zealand stage
Why 'we can't pat ourselves on the back' over inclusion summit
A new summit on inclusion is coming to NZ and its speakers are ready to fight.
The 'irresponsible' new Netflix movie that needs to be axed
Comment: Netflix has a wannabe-woke new teen movie.
The top 10 movies coming out of TIFF this year
Here are the films you need to keep an eye out for from the Toronto film fest.
Meet the Aussie pop star taking on racism through music
How Thelma Plum embraced her truth to create a hit album.
First look: Adolf Hitler gets the Taika Waititi treatment
Only Waititi could pull off playing an absurd and oddly lovable version of Adolf Hitler.
Wait, is te reo Māori finally going mainstream?
Comment: With Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori next week, it's time to examine where we're at.
How history-maker created Kiwi artists' 'hardest gig ever'
20 years after making history, Hinewehi Mohi is working on shaping the future.
Masturbation and terror: The teen TV show that really goes there
Forget the squeaky-clean Disney image of teen life, Pen15 gets into the real stuff.
Siena Yates: Why Celeb Treasure Island actually gives me hope
Wait... a reality TV show that actually bodes well for society? Just hear me out.
The most heartbreaking show on TV is coming to NZ
No TV show has ever made me cry more than this British hit, coming to our screens soon.
Miley is pansexual - that doesn't make her a villain
Miley's pansexuality has made way too many headlines lately. Here's why it doesn't matter.
Why putting Kiwi stars on Treasure Island could go 'tits up'
16 celebrities, two camps, one island - and only one winner. What could go wrong?
How Kiwi stars finally got me to go to Ihumātao
I've been scared to go to Ihumātao for weeks. It was two Kiwi musos who convinced me.
Meet the rapper ushering in a new era for NZ hip-hop
JessB is back with a second EP and proof that she's not going anywhere.
Is this the latest teen set to take over the music world?
At just 17, she's only been in the game for a year, but Zhavia could be one to watch
Chance the Rapper debuts - 7 years after debuting
Chance the Rapper has released his first album and it does not disappoint.
The revolutionary film that could change teen movies forever
Booksmart is a game changer for the teen genre and I can't wait to see what's next
'Iggy tryna act black': Azalea responds to haters
Iggy Azalea has spoken up in her defense... well... kind of.
Billy Porter: 'You want to talk like me? Then understand who I am'
Billy Porter is "on the move, honey" - and he wants you to join him in the revolution.
Switching Channels: Can NZ TV survive the streaming wars?
Apple's packing money and stars in the streaming wars - can NZ survive the onslaught?
Is this the most underrated TV show ever?
It came from Oprah and Ava DuVernay and it slays, so why aren't we talking about it?
Wait ... are the Jonas Brothers cool now?
The Jonas Brothers have returned and I am not mad about it.
Is 2019 ushering in a new era of queerness?
Shows like Pose and Tales of the City are changing the game of queer representation.
TV's notorious West family celebrates 150 episodes
Kiwis have been watching the West family for nearly 15 years, and 150 episodes.
Is this the secret to a successful work day?
Trying to get on top of life? Micro-scheduling could be the answer.
Forget Game of Thrones - best shows of the year still to come
These shows are gripping, beautifully made and socially and politically relevant.
Megan Thee Stallion knows sex sells - but is it enough?
Megan Thee Stallion's Fever is hot as hell, but leaves you wanting - and not in a good way
Kiwi's 'insane' road from South Auckland to Hollywood
Beulah Koale's world has changed in every way - but he probably never will.
DJ Khaled is sucking the soul out of music
DJ Khaled. Another one. (Even when there probably shouldn't have been).
Back to reality: Real reason we're mad about Thrones
Game of Thrones is over, and so is one of our biggest communal distractions.
Is this artist the future of hip hop?
Tyler, the Creator is changing hip hop for the better with his new creation, Igor.
Answer to being overwhelmed by sooo many white guys
If you're tired of hearing the same old opinions, Sooo Many White Guys is for you.
New true crime doco has lions, a poodle and ... David Lange?
Who knew one of New Zealand's wildest cold cases involves circus animals and a PM?
How fight to be heard led to unlikely new rom-com
Miranda Tapsell just wants all women to have great night in - is that too much to ask?
Why star's latest album is a quick trip to Grim Town
For the first time, going to "grim town" doesn't sound bad at all.
Destination Dining: Pastuso, Melbourne
Siena Yates visits a Victoria hotspot that has an entire kitchen just for ceviche.
Are we heading for a real-life Hunger Games?
The Hunger Games used to seem impossible ... now I'm not so sure.
Is this the album of the year - already?
Lizzo packs in vocals, personality, emotion and massive attitude on her latest album
Why I actually enjoyed that 'uncomfortable' GoT sex scene
Comment: Why Thrones' "uncomfortable" sex scene is actually kind of great
Why Billie Eilish is one of the voices of her generation
Billie Eilish's debut album is not what you thought was coming, and that's awesome.
Aldous Harding is a try-hard and she knows it
The star isn't afraid of looking like a try-hard, because otherwise "what's the point?"
'I'm gonna break down': Star overwhelmed by 'crazy' NZ gig
Billie Eilish told Kiwi fans: "I don't know how it's gonna get better from here"
Is Avengers: Endgame worth the hype? You're damn right
The final Avengers instalment is here and it does not disappoint.
This scientist turned TV star is about to blow your mind
Ella Al-Shamahi is a scientist/comedian, bringing some weird science to your TV screen
Queer-baiting: What it is and why it needs to stop now
Queer-baiting has been in the headlines more recently, but it's been a problem for years.
Why it's time to reboot 'New Zealand Idol'
I know we're still scarred from the last time, but it might be time for another try.
Comment: I'm not sad anymore, I'm mad - let's make it right
COMMENT: We have to acknowledge all our emotions - even the uncomfortable ones.
This is what a 'boss in a dress' sounds like
With her latest release, Little Simz did not come to play games.