Move over Hosking and Gower, these are NZ's toughest political interviewers.

Politics, old age and rest home life are laughing matters for playwright Roger Hall.

Just like Avatar, Toruk is beautiful to behold but lacking some crucial substance.

The maker of The Wire nails 1970s New York.

This strange new look at Spookers will change how you look at the house of horrors forever

Odesza just discovered Moby's Play, and the results are disappointing.

Who Owns New Zealand Now blames the housing crisis on Chinese buyers - with no evidence.

If you're not on the Billie Eilish bandwagon already, you should get moving.

Celeb chef is the guinea pig in a new health series, writes Greg Bruce.

Jim Eagles and Mark Fryer round up the best of recently released non fiction books.

The National's return succeeds in its creative focus and thoughtful relevance.

A new CD captures the Herculean challenge pianist Michael Houstoun set to mark his 60th.

Greg Fleming reviews the latest releases from Don Winslow, Sarah Bailey and Susie Steiner.

Conductor Uwe Grodd ignited an impressive conflagration of sound from his choristers.

There's a lot to love about the Royal NZ Ballet's Romeo and Juliet, says Raewyn Whyte.

A Deeper Understanding positions Adam Granduciel as a true rock music auteur.

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Venue for the NZ String Quartet's concert not up to scratch, writes William Dart.

15-year-old Billie Eilish is a new name in pop but one you're going to want to remember.

Josh Homme knows how to play Devil's Advocate on Queens of the Stone Age's new album.

Season two of Top of the Lake goes even deeper than the first.

Nell Gwynn is a highly recommended night at the theatre, writes Janet McAllister.

US composer Copland's symphonic masterpiece is gloriously restored, writes William Dart.

What's Jane Campion's point with characters in Top of the Lake, asks Greg Bruce.

Painted Ruins is a generous, expansive record with secrets to tell.

COMMENT: Richardson's "oafish, larrikin chat" is setting clock back, writes Alex Casey.

NZ Trio's Spiral promised forward motion and leaps into the unknown, writes William Dart.

APO percussionist Eric Renick hits all the right notes, writes William Dart.

Discomfort is the new normal when it comes to TV as Greg Bruce discovers.

They say the best revenge is living well. If that's the case, Kesha just won the war.