Culture 101

When we think of the late comedian, writer, satirist, and performer John Clarke - aka Fred Dagg, words like legend and icon often come to mind. But for his daughter Lorin, there's also another description - simply - Dad. Lorin Clarke speaks to Culture 101 about dissecting comedy as a family, dealing with his passing and how this documentary came about.

Stand-up comedian, writer and MC, Michele A'Court - is one of Aotearoa's most recognisable faces. She joins us for our final Culture 101 of the year - as our Fast Favourite guest this week.

The Tamaki Makaurau contemporary artist speaks to Culture 101 about why she's leading the charge to save the creative space.

TV reviewer Karl Puschmann shares his top TV picks for the year.

He speaks to Culture 101 about whether panto in Aotearoa is different to rest of the world and their approach to casting and staging for this production.

Legendary James Cameron on Avatar Fire and Ash.

Come January, the top Elvis impersonators from Australasia will descend on New South Wales to battle for the title of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist. It's part of a global competition to find the best who can represent the legacy of the King. Over two days, Elvis experts will sing, shake and rock and roll to audiences and judges - with the winner earning a spot in the semi-final round held in M...

RNZ's Angie Skerrett has been finding out about the photographer who wasn't afraid to see things differently through the lens.

The academic, teacher, mentor, art historian, and multi-award-winning author joins Perlina Lau share some of her cultural favourites.

Best Books of 2025 with Time Out Bookstore's Jenna Todd.

Perlina Lau talks to the creator of a new musical, based on a beloved children's book written by the late Margaret Mahy.

Dunedin-based Artist Jane Marshall Fitzgerald was born in Ashburton  and she joins Culture 101.

Bloke of the Apocalypse is a new animated Kiwi series which has hit YouTube. Creator Charlie Faulks speaks to Culture 101.

Arts news. .

Genuine and Stable is Uhyoung Choi's debut as a playwright and is based on his experiences as a former immigration lawyer. 

The sculptor, video artist, and writer has been chosen as this year's Harriet Friedlander Fellow and joins Culture 101.

Silo Theatre's Artistic Director joins Culture 101 for Fast Favourites and to preview the programme for the 2026 season.

Writer and curator Kate Waterhouse has spent the past several years looking into the life of Aotea Great Barrier botanical artist Fanny Osborne. Kate says Fanny is one of New Zealand's forgotten artists. Fanny Osborne was born in 1852 and her beautiful botanical illustrations feature some rare native plants, including one that is now extinct. Kate shares more about the extraordinary life of Fanny...

Will a recent change to the screen rebate make a difference to our struggling screen sector? NZ producer and screen writer Matthew Metcalfe tells Culture 101 we need to look at how to invest and grow New Zealand talent. He says billions has been spent on incentives but where are the big New Zealand actors. Matthew Metcalfe tells Culture 101 there are some hard and uncomfortable truths facing the i...

Potter Sarah Harrison joins Culture 101 from Aotea Great Barrier to talk about life on the island and the creative community that lives there. Sarah's craft and relationship with the island are intertwined - and have been for 30 years. She describes herself as an anomaly being able to make a career out of ceramics, which she puts down to living on Aotea.

Publishing has been struggling in this age of on-line content, but a trio of Auckland women have taken the plunge and launched a new glossy magazine called Veil. The high-end luxury bi-annual mag has released its first edition and editor Margie Riddiford explains what is behind Veil, and who it's for.

Arts news for 30 November 2025

Art collector Greg Moyle has promised 20 artworks worth around $5m to the Auckland City Art Gallery. It is one the most significant bequests in the gallery's history and includes works by Rita Angus and Ralph Hotere. The accountant, financial adviser, and former Auckland City Councillor hopes his collection of New Zealand 20th century art will be exhibited rather than stored.

The Dynamotion dance troupe are back with a new show for the Christmas season. Featuring big dance numbers and lip-syncing to narration, the format of the comedy show is an audience favourite. Created by powerhouse duo - Lara Fischel-Chisholm and comedian Tom Sainsbury the show will be running at Q Theatre from 10-20th December, Co-founder Lara joins Culture 101 for Fast Favourites.

Scultpure on the Shore in Tamaki Makaurau winds up this weekend. The biennial exhibition has been showcasing more than 120 artworks by both established and emerging artists.