The six-episode miniseries leading up to Spartacus' arrival as a captured Thracian slave will see actors Lucy Lawless and John Hannah take centre stage.

A selection of entries from the Play photo competition.

When it comes to keeping secrets, reality TV producers don't typically have the same luxuries as their scripted TV counterparts.

Just as the meanings of "gay" and "sweet" have evolved over time, "cougar" no longer refers to Felis concolor, a large tawny cat of North America and South America (endangered in some areas).

DoC restores an historic coal mine in the foothills of the Southern Alps as a heritage tourist attraction.

Four glass artists tell us why they chose the medium and what inspires their unique creations.

Hail the Warriors - but our befuddled league club should think again before getting too smug.

NZ's Next Top Model organisers say a Maori model will have better overseas opportunities because "it's a special NZ look".

Farmer Pimp have put out their first album independently, despite offers.

A selection of entries from the Play photo competition.

Stop kidding yourself, The Australian Heart Foundation says, there is no cardiovascular health benefit from eating chocolate or drinking red wine.

Australian test halfback Johnathan Thurston has confirmed he will stay with the North Queensland Cowboys for another three years.

How much will the iPad cost in New Zealand? Still no idea, but it might pay to butter up the bank manager now.

Amy Laughinghouse finds Nottingham abuzz over the outlaw's latest incarnation.

Once upon a time it seemed to me the Department of Conservation's basic aim was to lock up the vast areas under its control and throw away the key.

His restaurants are world famous, his face increasingly so, but for Nobu Matsushisa it's still all about the dining customer.

At its most pure and best, jazz is a live art where musicians disassemble, explore, then reconstruct melodies and rhythms right before your ears.

Samantha Harris's mother was one of the "Stolen Generations", removed from her parents because she was black.

Cate Blanchett is not your average damsel in distress in Ridley Scott's epic new film Robin Hood.

Cue the bubbly this month because it marks 16 years since I wrote my first wine column; even if it's not a round number, it's a good excuse to drink bubbles.

The victory of Iron Man 2, which is only available in 2-D, comes as 3-D films like Avatar and Alice in Wonderland have recently dominated the box office.

A selection of entries from the Play photo competition.

Kate Chapman takes on the old route between Bolivia's capital La Paz and the popular weekend getaway of Coroico.

Lacking the depth that the excellent Fifa 10 offered, this World Cup special is still worth it for football fans.

You couldn't accuse The Middle of raising expectations it's not going to fulfil.

Turned away from Sal Rose's doors one recent Saturday night, we came back for another go on Sunday night. Second time lucky - just.