The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Epic thriller All the Colours of Dark was one of the must-read books of 2024 - but author Chris Whitaker's road to success was a long one.

Whitaker has suffered his share of trauma - childhood abuse, stabbing, and losing millions of pounds as a stockbroker.

He turned to writing - a move he credits with saving his life.

Ahead of his upcoming appearance at Auckland Writers Festival, Whitaker says it was a 'vulnerable' place putting h...

1985: A Novel by Dominic Hoey. Set in Auckland in the mid 80’s as the title suggests, this is the story of a young man coming of age in a dysfunctional family in Grey Lynn before it became gentrified, when the area and many of the people who lived in it were rough, not necessarily law abiding and where there seemed sometimes to be no future. Obi and his best friend Al discover a map which they believe leads to treasure, and which t...

One of the perks of using credit cards is the Airpoints rewards - but there's benefits and pitfalls involved.

A Platinum AMEX, for instance, will give you points for every $70 spent - but it comes with a higher annual fee than the Airpoints Low Fee Visa card.

You can also earn Airpoints through New World's rewards programme, but it takes a bit of spending to make a significant impact.

BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton ...

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 27 April 2025, author of smash hit 'All the Colours of the Dark' tells Francesca of the traumatic life events that inspire his writing.

Scottish expat homesteader Gillian Swinton shares her journey to living self-sufficiently in Central Otago.

New Zealand Archbishop Cardinal John Dew attended the funeral of Pope Francis overnight, he shares his experience from...

This week on The Sunday Panel, NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson and journalist and editor Jo McCarroll joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - a...

It’s a subject many would prefer not to think about, but there’s no avoiding the fact that people can struggle with issues with their pelvic floor.

A weak pelvic floor can lead to issues with getting proper exercise - as well as other complications. 

Naturopath and wellness expert Erin O'Hara reveals the signs and symptoms of a weak pelvic floor - and how to best treat this condition. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/liste...

Chicken Coq au Vin 

Cook time: 25 minutes 

Prep time: 30 minutes 

Serves: 6 

6 large bone-in chicken thighs or legs  

2 cups red wine  

12 baby white onions, outer skin removed  

2 tbsp sunflower oil  

Flaky salt and white pepper  

200gm button mushrooms  

6 rashers streaky bacon  

1 cube chicken stock dissolved in 1 cup water  

¼ cup chopped Italian parsley + ext...

Imagine seeing a colour so vivid, so unlike anything in nature, that your brain has no reference for it. That’s exactly what happened to five people who took part in an experiment published in the journal Science Advances this week. 

The newly perceived colour, which is described as a hyper-saturated blue-green shade, has been named olo, and it unlocked a visual experience that was previously impossible with natural light alon...

One of the most distinctive concert films in rock history, Pink Floyd at Pompeii, has been rereleased to theatres - along with an accompanying soundtrack.

Filmed in 1971 and released the following year, the film captures the band shortly before Dark Side of the Moon ushered in their most commercially successful phase.

Flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall recaps the experience - and explains whether or not this is worth the watch.

LISTE...

Sick of inaction from politicians around our ailing health system, two Kiwi doctors are taking matters into their own hands. 

GP Dr Glenn Colquhoun and general hospital physician Dr Art Nahill yesterday launched Hīkoi for Health: A People’s Inquiry.

They’ve hit the road in a bright yellow 'vanbulance' in a bid to protest the state of the health system - and collect stories from people who've been impacted by the health system.

Works toward improved public transport for northwest Auckland are a step closer after an investment case was endorsed by the Transport Agency, the Minister of Transport says.

The announcement on the Northwest Rapid Transit plan - which includes public transport on State Highway 16 (SH16) from Brigham Creek to the city centre and a Northwest Busway - was made by Chris Bishop earlier in the week.

NZ Herald deputy political editor Tho...

There's been an outpouring of support from all over the world as thousands gathered to pay tribute to Pope Francis.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

At least 400,000 mourners, including hundreds of foreign dignitaries, paid their respects last night at Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican.

Rome correspondent Jo McKenna says she saw flags from Croatia, Latin America and Germany - ...

A sea of mourners watched on, as the Vatican bid a final farewell to Pope Francis last night.

The 88-year-old pontiff has now been laid to rest at Rome's Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Hundreds of thousands filled out Saint Peter's Square and surrounding areas to catch a glimpse of the funeral.

New Zealand Archbishop Cardinal John Dew was among the crowd - and he said it was a 'lovely' ceremony.

"I think there were 50 heads of s...

While true crime might not be the obvious pick for comedy-based content, a familiar duo have leaned into the genre.

In Read more