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Culture 101

Perlina Lau hosts a weekly show about creativity and culture in Aotearoa.
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Episodes

Regional Wrap: Sarjeant Gallery wins major architecture prize

This time last year we took Culture 101 on the road to the new, revamped Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui. To those unfamiliar with this Whanganui landmark, the gallery was founded in 1912 by Henry Sarjeant who left a huge sum of money - the equivalent of over $70 million in today's terms - to establish the space "as a means of inspiration for ourselves and those who come after us". After extensive renovations to restore, upgrade, earthquake strengthen and add an extension to the 1...

Nov 23, 20258 min

Fast Favourites: Best actress winner Antonia Prebble

She's one of the country's most beloved actors and on Friday night, took home the New Zealand Screen Awards for Best Actress in a Series for the second time for her role in the comedy Double Parked Season 2.

Nov 22, 202514 min

Could this be this country’s finest map?

Elizabeth Cox's book, 'Mr Ward's Map,' decodes a remarkable 1891 survey of Wellington, detailing every street and building. This episode explores the map's creation and its continuous 10-year updates, offering a unique historical record of a rapidly growing capital. It uncovers the city's vibrant cultural diversity, the hard work of women, and poignant stories of childhood and poverty in Victorian Wellington, challenging common perceptions of the era.

Nov 16, 202517 min

In a first NZ artist Yvonne Todd turns to AI

One of New Zealand's leading photographers and artists, Yvonne Todd has announced she is now only working in AI. We believe as a professional in Aotearoa, she may be among the first.

Nov 16, 202520 min

Poet Tusiata Avia on "the most challenging book I've written"

A year ago, on Culture 101 we played a recording of Tusiata Avia reading a commissioned poem for the 2024 Arts Foundation's Laureate Awards. It was entitled 'I'm writing you a poem about art'. In it, Avia wrote, "I hope writing poetry doesn't get me into trouble…. again."

Nov 15, 202522 min

Winner of Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement, poet Dinah Hawken

On Thursday evening, poet Dinah Hawken was one of three recipients of a Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement. The others were, for fiction, Barbara Else and non fiction, Ross Calman. The awards have been made annually since 2003. They are managed by Creative New Zealand and decided by its governing Arts Council following public nominations and recommendations from an external panel. Dinah Hawken will publish her 11th book of poetry in 2026, Peace and Quiet. Her debut collection, It Ha...

Nov 09, 202523 min

Regional Wrap: Maungaturoto

Local artist David Gunson joins us to talk about the arts scene there and the town's new art gallery.

Nov 09, 20257 min

Lulu Sun: Our leading tennis player on the rise

Born in beautiful Te Anau, since age 5 tennis star today Lulu Sun has lived around the world. Formerly representing Switzerland, since 2024 she has again called New Zealand home.

Nov 08, 202513 min

Hamish Coney: the auction of the collection of late curator Ron Brownson

In 2023 Aotearoa lost one of its most beloved curators and supporters of contemporary photography, and Maori and Pacific art and artists, Ron Brownson. When he died Brownson was Senior Curator New Zealand and Pacific Art at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. He had been at the gallery since becoming a research librarian there in 1978.

Oct 26, 202523 min

Regional Wrap: KOAST Art Trail with Joan Honeyfield

Each week Culture 101 puts the spotlight on a different part of Aotearoa for our regional wrap. KOAST Arts Trail has been taking place this Labour Weekend in the Bay of Islands and the Far North. The region is home to many artists, visitors and art collectors. Over the four days, an art trail including Russell, Doubtless Bay and Kaitaia gives an opportunity to enjoy the area and visit different artists and galleries. In Kerikeri, the Turner Centre is taking part in KOAST. Joan Honeyfield is both...

Oct 26, 20259 min

Century old Maori carving completed after 115 years gifted to British people

Last month, a century-old Maori carving was restored and gifted to the British people. Carved originally in 1910, by master carver Tene Waitere, the pou was completed by his great-great-great grandson, Robert Schuster Rika, to honour the legacy of the first indigenous woman to study at Oxford University.

Oct 25, 202517 min
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