STICKING POINT

In this extract from her new book Sticky: the secret science of surfaces, NZ resident Laurie Winkless examines the origin of Post-it Notes and superglue, and finds out why lotus leaves are so damn slippery.

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED

Kiwi comedy has come of age, with an increasingly diverse collection of performers bringing our particular brand of humour to the world.

‘You have to pinch yourself'

Two laid-back bros from South Auckland are turning heads at one of the world’s premier opera houses.

Heaven only knows

A spirited, kooky debut novel about making good after a loved one is gone.

FACING UP TO BIAS

Very few people believe they are prejudiced against others. But according to the author of a deeply thoughtful book, most of us are kidding ourselves.

Duty & desire

An exploration of the relationship between a mother and son is interwoven with a love of language.

Wielding a big stick

The Commerce Commission’s final report into our grocery sector brings welcome news for shoppers and struggling local producers.

Need for speed

Uptake and expansion of 5G have been slow in this country, but that will change as new technologies arrive.

Long-haul misery

The risks of long Covid and suffering serious complications from the virus mean Omicron must not be taken lightly.

DECIDE AND ACT

Russia’s harsh, blitzkrieg-style invasion of Ukraine comes from a sense of threat forged by centuries of conflict.

BITTER JUSTICE

Jury trials for rape can be traumatic for victims, and have low conviction rates. But are calls for judge-only trials warranted?

BATTLE of THE BBC

It may be touted as the public broadcasting model for New Zealand to follow, but the UK’s favourite media outlet is facing an “existential threat”.

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

For Ukrainian-born Alla Shymanska, emigrating to New Zealand opened a chasm fi nally bridged by universal human values.

WHEN THE BULL BUCKS

User-friendly apps haved lured hordes of new investors to the sharemarket during the pandemic. But with 2022 looking volatile, are they prepared for what could be a wild ride?

Useful idiots

In Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, you can watch Russian-lan-guage TV channels, so its citizens would have been able to hear the favourable reporting of Vladimir Putin’s now-infamous speech declaring Ukraine had no right to exist.

Sunday DRIVE

TVNZ show Sunday celebrates its 20th anniversary this month. Former reporter Ian Sinclair recalls some personal highlights.

STATE of MIND

Dementia is about to become an increasingly urgent problem for many Kiwis. While scientists grapple with its complex causes, prevention remains a useful tool.

Real tyranny

I remember flying from Stockholm to Moscow in July 2014, and the shift in atmosphere as we left a free democracy and entered a city in which everything was so subject to surveillance that all behaviour felt deliberate and willed, as if we were acting being ourselves.

Putins in the ranks

The invasion of Ukraine urgently reminds us of the value of laws, whether for international trade deals or vaccine mandates.

From Russia with love

The action of a nuclear power invading a Euro-pean country in the 21st century must be weird to witness from almost any place around the world. There are some things that we thought were consigned to the history books, and to see them enacted with all their dreadful consequences is a shock to the system.

To Put It Bluntly

Tactlessness has its place; the trick is in knowing when tact is needed.

Many Happy Returns

More than 2.8 million New Zealanders are in KiwiSaver – way ahead of forecasts. So why aren’t we making the most of our investments? Here’s how.

The Day The Donald Did Auckland

The property mogul and future President spent nine hours in the Queen City spruiking a casino bid.

A Marathon, With Sharks

Kiwi swimmer Kim Chambers was the first woman to swim a dangerous stretch of water off the California coast.

Breakfasts Of Champions

One day, Peter Cullen decided to invite a few people to breakfast at his law office. He never imagined his idea would turn into a fixture on the capital’s social and political calendar. 

When Ought Self Met Real Self

There is freedom to be found in not living up to others’ expectations.

Led On A Murray Dance

A famed American comic and a German cellist are bringing their unique collaboration to NZ.

Rhymes Of An Ancient Mariner

Hello Sailor founding member Harry Lyon’s solo debut is a raw, relevant rocker.

Hot And Cold Cases

A new batch of crime tales features a scrap of tartan in a sandwich of outback and Nordic noir.

Touched By Its Intimacy

A sharply observed portrait of an on-off romance has the makings of a classic.