Anthony Hoy Fong has carved out a hugely successful career, cooking for US presidents, Oprah and has worked with NBA legend Shaquille O'Neill to design school lunches for kids in Miami. Culture 101 speaks to Anthony Hoy Fong about his menu and cooking hang-style lamb on the steps of the Met.
This year's Bruce Mason Playwrighting Award has been awarded to Anders Falstie-Jensen. In 2015, Centrepoint won the Adam Award for Best New Zealand Play. Falstie-Jensen has been an artist in residence at the Basement Theatre in Auckland and has also worked with the New Zealand International Film Festival, Massive Theatre Company and Douglas Wright Dance Company.
In the lead up to Christmas we've been looking back at the best books and television of the year. This week - it's time to look at the best films - with Kate Rodger.
Dr Penelope Jackson speaks to Culture 101 about the fascination with art and crime and why writing about it can be complicated and difficult.
When we think of the late comedian, writer, satirist, and performer John Clarke - aka Fred Dagg, words like legend and icon often come to mind. But for his daughter Lorin, there's also another description - simply - Dad. Lorin Clarke speaks to Culture 101 about dissecting comedy as a family, dealing with his passing and how this documentary came about.
Stand-up comedian, writer and MC, Michele A'Court - is one of Aotearoa's most recognisable faces. She joins us for our final Culture 101 of the year - as our Fast Favourite guest this week.
The Tamaki Makaurau contemporary artist speaks to Culture 101 about why she's leading the charge to save the creative space.
TV reviewer Karl Puschmann shares his top TV picks for the year.
He speaks to Culture 101 about whether panto in Aotearoa is different to rest of the world and their approach to casting and staging for this production.
Legendary James Cameron on Avatar Fire and Ash.
Come January, the top Elvis impersonators from Australasia will descend on New South Wales to battle for the title of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist. It's part of a global competition to find the best who can represent the legacy of the King. Over two days, Elvis experts will sing, shake and rock and roll to audiences and judges - with the winner earning a spot in the semi-final round held in Memphis, Tennessee during Elvis Week in August next year. One of those eyeing up Memphis is Wellingto...
RNZ's Angie Skerrett has been finding out about the photographer who wasn't afraid to see things differently through the lens.
The academic, teacher, mentor, art historian, and multi-award-winning author joins Perlina Lau share some of her cultural favourites.
Best Books of 2025 with Time Out Bookstore's Jenna Todd.
Perlina Lau talks to the creator of a new musical, based on a beloved children's book written by the late Margaret Mahy.
Dunedin-based Artist Jane Marshall Fitzgerald was born in Ashburton and she joins Culture 101.
Bloke of the Apocalypse is a new animated Kiwi series which has hit YouTube. Creator Charlie Faulks speaks to Culture 101.
Arts news. .
Genuine and Stable is Uhyoung Choi's debut as a playwright and is based on his experiences as a former immigration lawyer.
The sculptor, video artist, and writer has been chosen as this year's Harriet Friedlander Fellow and joins Culture 101.
Silo Theatre's Artistic Director joins Culture 101 for Fast Favourites and to preview the programme for the 2026 season.
This episode explores the life and overlooked legacy of botanical artist Fanny Osborne, who created exquisite illustrations of New Zealand's native plants, including an extinct mistletoe, from her home on Aotea Great Barrier Island. Curator Kate Waterhouse discusses her efforts to bring Fanny's work to wider recognition, revealing how her art provides a critical window into New Zealand's pre-colonization environment and its rich cultural significance. The discussion also touches on Fanny's personal life, her family's support for her talent, and the challenges of life on the remote island, emphasizing the historical and ecological importance of preserving her unique artistic record.
Will a recent change to the screen rebate make a difference to our struggling screen sector? NZ producer and screen writer Matthew Metcalfe tells Culture 101 we need to look at how to invest and grow New Zealand talent. He says billions has been spent on incentives but where are the big New Zealand actors. Matthew Metcalfe tells Culture 101 there are some hard and uncomfortable truths facing the industry right now.
Potter Sarah Harrison joins Culture 101 from Aotea Great Barrier to talk about life on the island and the creative community that lives there. Sarah's craft and relationship with the island are intertwined - and have been for 30 years. She describes herself as an anomaly being able to make a career out of ceramics, which she puts down to living on Aotea.
Publishing has been struggling in this age of on-line content, but a trio of Auckland women have taken the plunge and launched a new glossy magazine called Veil. The high-end luxury bi-annual mag has released its first edition and editor Margie Riddiford explains what is behind Veil, and who it's for.
Arts news for 30 November 2025
Art collector Greg Moyle has promised 20 artworks worth around $5m to the Auckland City Art Gallery. It is one the most significant bequests in the gallery's history and includes works by Rita Angus and Ralph Hotere. The accountant, financial adviser, and former Auckland City Councillor hopes his collection of New Zealand 20th century art will be exhibited rather than stored.
The Dynamotion dance troupe are back with a new show for the Christmas season. Featuring big dance numbers and lip-syncing to narration, the format of the comedy show is an audience favourite. Created by powerhouse duo - Lara Fischel-Chisholm and comedian Tom Sainsbury the show will be running at Q Theatre from 10-20th December, Co-founder Lara joins Culture 101 for Fast Favourites.
Scultpure on the Shore in Tamaki Makaurau winds up this weekend. The biennial exhibition has been showcasing more than 120 artworks by both established and emerging artists.
Artist Josh Lancaster doesn't want you to look too closely at his paintings. Instead, he hopes his work will transport people to moments in their lives and evoke their memories.
