New Zealand Listener

New Zealand Listener is the country’s most respected general interest magazine, bringing you a wide variety of news, stories, columns, reviews, plus TV listings, every week.

Masthead

Compelled to care • The proposed Mental Health Bill fails to address one of our most glaring mental health inequities, says Anthony O’Brien.

Climate delayism

“Quote Marks”

10 Quick Questions

Bright Lines

Eyes wide shut • The government’s instinct over Operation Epic Fury is to pretend nothing has changed.

Seal of dishonour

On being labelled mad

Baiting by default

Fantasy island

Going tribal • Kiwi voters can be categorised into five distinct groups, and as politicians well know, their preferences and whims will decide the 2026 election.

The More The Merrier

Ruling The Void • NZ Election Study data suggests voters, over time, are behaving more like reef fish.

A judge descends • Veteran court observer Steve Braunias on the judicial hearing that considered the curious case of Judge Ema Aitken.

No walk in the park • The Instagram symmetry of Taranaki Maunga is luring unwary climbers into trouble. The mountain’s guardians are encouraging visitors to show more respect.

Trail blazers • It took a stagecoach accident in the 19th century to spur the charting of paths across the high seas.

Grande dame of song • Karen Grylls is stepping back from heading our national choir. Classical columnist Richard Betts puts the case for higher honours.

Villains & victims • New thrillers roam from Boston to pre-war Brazil to Western Australia and the Scottish Highlands.

Fresh thinking needed • Eminent legal scholar offers a hopeful but flawed argument for liberalism in the face of populism.

Short cuts

Seeing stars • Purple prose and laborious worldbuilding mar this first fantasy tale in a promised series.

Sherlock’s sunset • Spanish author brings a metafictional flourish to his homage to Conan Doyle.

Ockham finalists

Lessons in sisterhood • Intelligent, affectionate tale of sisters’ lives as they intersect with turbulent times.

Toil and trouble • Fast and spare fairytale reimagining of the Macbeth story holds the reader’s attention.

Bestsellers

Her final highland fling • Outlander star Caitríona Balfe reflects on how the concluding series has taken her from lassie in love to granny of the revolution.

More than romance • What keeps fans watching Outlander? Dionne Christian offers an explanation.

Triumph of the spirit • Douglas Wright’s dance masterpiece Gloria is being staged in Aotearoa for the first time since his death.

Point of return • Last year, folk musician Adam McGrath suffered a stroke. But he’s back on stage and ready to feel the fear.

Brat simmer • Pop superstar’s soundtrack captures the yearning undercurrents of the movie.

Revisited Engelbert’s greatest B-side.

Shaken to the core • The story of a cult-like Christian movement is spellbinding.

Flying solo • Doco on Samoan singing siblings hits a high note.

Red cardie brigade • The new season of Call the Midwife still offers lessons from the past for today’s troubles.

Tv Picks of the week

How to watch the Oscars

Tv Films

Hidden charms • Three of our top musicians are exploring new territories.

Strange brew • Many teabag manufacturers have abandoned petroleum-based plastics as strengtheners, but that doesn’t mean the bags are plastic-free.

Seoul food • Hot favourites from Sydney-based Korean restaurateur Kenny Yong-soo Son.

Spirit of adventure • Marlborough’s Astrolabe lives up to its name...