Here Now

With a string of gigs cancelled and being compelled to stay home during lockdown, how are touring musicians coping? Lockdown Gharana shows that in collaboration lies their coping mechanism. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. Like most musicians and artists across the world, Wellington-based tabla player Chetan Ramlu had a string of gigs cancelled with the onset of lockdown level 4. Not before long...

Newly resettled former refugees who've just begun to find their feet in their new communities across New Zealand are getting by in lockdown with the help of volunteers from Red Cross. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. David Jebanayagam met Naing Minh Aung in February this year for the start of Naing's community orientation activities, but for now their only interaction is a few phone calls ea...

How do you mark and reflect upon a life-changing event while in lockdown? April 6th 1994 - the day when brewing ethnic hatred came to a head in Rwanda and opened the floodgates for a massacre lasting 100 dark days. 4 people whose lives had been impacted by that day, reflect on their experiences while under the Coronavirus lockdown here in New Zealand. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar "On Wedn...

How is the Covid-19 lockdown affecting some vital cultural and social spaces within the communities? For an Auckland woman whose entire life revolves around community - running, organizing and managing such vital spaces, the lockdown is a challenging and uncertain time. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. For a woman whose entire life revolves around serving the community, the Covid-19 lockdown is a...

Sister Irenaeus just recently turned a grand 100 years old. Reflecting on what it means to have seen an entire century's worth of events unfold, she shares the secret of her long innings. Sister Irenaeus Murphy says that turning one-hundred is "just another birthday". As she talks, she has a twinkle in her eye and a kind smile. She is very humble and doesn't like fuss, especially if...

What happens when three women - a Jew, Christian and Muslim, meet on a bus? A deep exchange on feminism and faith ensues to foster understanding of each other's cultures - fueled by copious amounts of laughter, snacks and scarf-wearing tips. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar A year ago it was at an 'iftar', the Muslim evening communal meal, that Petra Zaleski a Vicar, met Naomi Johnson of...

After the mosque attacks in Christchurch on March 15 - a year ago this week - two former refugees from across two generations had their paths intersect. How have their lives changed a year on? Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. Naima Ali was at Polyfest in Auckland when she first heard a lone gunman had attacked two mosques in Christchurch, on March 15 last year. She went to her car and locked the...

In this episode of Voices; the hosts of the podcast series Conversations with my Immigrant Parents turn their mics on their own mums. Produced by Saraid De Silva Cameron and Julie Zhu. Produced for RNZ by Saraid de Silva and Julie Zhu | Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund In this episode Voices, hosts Saraid de Silva and Julie Zhu of the podcast series Conversations With My Immigran...

What use is a language no-one else in New Zealand can speak? Ena Manuireva has the answer and is on a Mangareva mission that looks close to impossible: He wants to save his native tongue from extinction. He speaks with Kate Orgias. Being the only Mangarevan speaker in Aotearoa, doesn't seem to bother Ena Manuireva. This may be because he's a man with a mission - to keep his language, and...

The 21st-century dating scene is a fast-paced environment that's equally as flaky as it is fun. Apps like Tinder and Bumble have been a game-changer for anyone looking for love - but does technology help or hinder people when it comes to intercultural dating? Sonia Yee investigates. The 21st-century dating scene is a fast-paced environment that's equally as flaky as it is fun. Apps like Tinde...

Paris Baker only wanted to go to the mall. But her father's illness changed not only his life, but hers as well. Now the 21 year-old Tongan-New Zealander is a world bowls champion Paris Baker's love of bowls came from an act of love. At first, 15 year-old Paris hitched a ride to the bowling club with her dad, Dave Makasini, just because the bowling club was near a mall. When Dave had a stroke...

Jack and Carrie Lum are celebrating 50 years of love, family and hard work among the fruit and vege cartons, but their livelihood is under threat from big business From humble beginnings, grower-turned-green grocer Jack Lum has spent half a century cultivating a thriving business through hard work and quality produce. Jack Lum turns 77 this year and his business - Jack Lum Fruit and Vegetables in...

In this episode of Voices; we meet an elderly couple who say outdated immigration rules are unfair and need an overhaul. Produced by Sara Vui-Talitu. Ron Falconer's story is so unlikely, immigration officials didn't take it seriously at first. Now, Ron's honesty is standing between him and a life in New Zealand. Subscribe to Voices for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Radi...

In this episode of Voices; we find out how one driving school is making a real difference to the lives of refugee learners. Produced by Sara Vui-Talitu. A driving school in Auckland offering subsidies on lessons for refugees is appealing to the public for help. Due to growing demand, the Migrant Action Trust manager, Amie Maga, said they need more donations and volunteer staff and driving mentors...