Shane Gilchrist

If there is one memory of Amy that burns brightest, it is of the late jazz-soul-pop star as a teen.

The life, thoughts and deeds of James K. Baxter have been chronicled via his prose rather than his poetry, by a man who has been both friend to and scholar of the New Zealand literary great, writes Shane Gilchrist.

In The Lives of Colonial Objects, even the seemingly ordinary can offer exceptional insights. And, as Shane Gilchrist discovers, cultural value can be counted in various ways.

Don't judge an album by its cover. The Phoenix Foundation's sixth studio effort is a defiant statement of intent from New Zealand's enduring sonic voyagers, writes Shane Gilchrist.

New Zealand-born, Australia-based film-maker Margot Nash's latest project, The Silences, could hardly have been more personal, writes Shane Gilchrist.

The forthcoming Dunedin Fringe Festival might offer a smorgasbord of performers from far and wide, yet its heart beats with home-grown talent, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Thomas Hocken had a passion for collecting that has left many in his debt. Donald Kerr, author of a new book dissecting that curiosity, discusses vision and tenacity with Shane Gilchrist.

A bit of research has Bic Runga reaching for new highs with Tiny Ruins, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Having roamed from ground-breaking 1980 play Foreskin's Lament to crime fiction and places in between, Greg McGee traverses time and the spaces of northern Italy in his new book, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Former Dunedin, now Auckland-based, film-maker Rebecca Tansley's latest project celebrates a little known classical pianist, much of its resonance having to do with the man rather than the music, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Central Otago artist Nigel Wilson might live in a place celebrated for its wide skies, but he doesn't actually like to paint them, writes Shane Gilchrist.

News that Central Otago Health Services Ltd and the Southern District Health Board reached agreement this week over funding for Dunstan Hospital came in the wake of a groundswell of support for the hospital from the community it serves. Shane Gilchrist talks to a group of battlers about an earlier fight to retain health services in the district.  

Poet Sam Hunt's collaboration with Dunedin group David Kilgour and the Heavy 8s has resulted in an album born of instinct and intuition, writes Shane Gilchrist.

The international guest for this year's iD Fashion Week, Doris Raymond, has a passion for vintage clothing that has opened doors to glamour and glitz, paved the way to a Hollywood store and prompted a television show. In short, taste and tenacity have helped put her above the pack, writes Shane Gilchrist.

As Jody Direen celebrates the release of her second self-funded album, the Wanaka singer discusses country-pop, Nashville, ambition, reality and a willingness to roll up her sleeves with Shane Gilchrist.

As a child, Helen Macdonald attempted to sleep with her arms behind her back, as a bird would with folded wings. Little wonder then that she has penned an award winning book about her attempts to train a hawk, writes Shane Gilchrist.

He might have been on the cover of Rolling Stone, but Dennis Locorriere doesn't take himself too seriously, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Award-winning playwright Dave Armstrong has not one but two productions at Wanaka's Festival of Colour. And both ask plenty of questions, writes Shane Gilchrist.

The story of Sir Clifford Skeggs is one of a self-made man afraid of neither risk nor hard work. The former Dunedin mayor discusses public office, oysters and his varied endeavours with Shane Gilchrist.

New Zealand Poet Laureate Vincent O'Sullivan has a new collection of verse, some of which is old, vintage even, writes Shane Gilchrist.