Joan's picks: Best nonfiction books of 2023

ZB's book expert Joan Walker is here with her top choices for the best nonfiction books of 2023! Her picks are: Fire Weather by John Vaillant. Wavewalker by Suzanne Heywood. Did I Ever Tell You This? by Sam Neill. The Wager by David Grann. Our Land in Colour by Brendan Graham and Jock Phillip.…

Megan Singleton: Bloggeratlarge writer with tips for scoring great travel deals in the new year

Bloggeratlarge's Megan Singleton has a selection of tips and tricks for scoring extra travel bargains. She recommends you exercise caution when looking- because a deceptive one-way flight could have extra costs attached to the return price. Megan also suggests taking advantage of Boxing Day sales…

The Sunday Panel: The return of Parliament, increased streaming prices and Love Actually's 20th anniversary

This week on the Sunday Panel, ZB host Nick Mills and BusinessDesk editor and Cooking the Books host Frances Cook joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week- and more! The year is drawing to a close, but Parliament still has big plans for the next couple of weeks- what can we…

Erin O'Hara: naturopath and wellness expert on the mushroom coffee craze

The phenomenon of mushroom coffee is sweeping the wellness world- but are there any health benefits to this craze. Made from coffee beans and ground-up medicinal mushrooms, mushroom coffee is meant to deliver a familiar taste with less caffeine and associated risks. Naturopath and wellness expert…

Mike Van de Elzen: Classic prawn cocktail

Classic prawn cocktail: Prep time: 30 minutes Serves: 6 500-800gm raw prawn meat, frozen 1 tsp salt 5 leaves lettuce 2 lemons, cut into segments Classic prawn cocktail sauce 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp tabasco sauce 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 4 sweet and sour gherkins, d…

Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist on the benefits of anger for attaining goals

This week, we are talking anger! We are often told that positive emotions like happiness are ideal for our mental health and well-being. However, new research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that if you want to achieve your toughest goals, you need to get an…

Steve Newall: Flicks.co.nz editor on Netflix's new apocalyptic thriller 'Leave the World Behind'

Netflix's newest high-profile release offers viewers a unique take on the apocalyptic thriller experience. Based on the 2020 novel, it follows a family trying to experience a weekend away as disasters strike and technology fails- with twists and turns to figure out along the way. Flick.co.nz edit…

Mel Parsons: Kiwi singer/songwriter on her upcoming album and ongoing tour

Kiwi singer/songwriter Mel Parsons is in for an eventful few months. She's offering glimpses into her upcoming 2024 album, following on from her 2022 release 'Slow Burn'. Parsons is also opening for the The Teskey Brothers on their New Zealand tour. She says her passion for her work drives her c…

Hamish Williams: Tangiwai- A Forgotten History podcast host recalls one of the nation's most infamous rail disasters

A new podcast from the NZ Herald is exploring the worst rail disaster in New Zealand's history. 151 people died when a railway bridge over the flooded Whangaehu River collapsed at Tangiwai on Christmas Eve, 1953. Host Hamish Williams says this disaster made worldwide headlines and left a lasting …

Tom Sainsbury: comedian and podcaster on 'Small Town Scandal' getting renewed for a second season

Comedian Tom Sainsbury's mockumentary podcast 'Small Town Scandal' is set to explore more mysteries in its second season. The first season performed well and managed to scoop up an award for Best Fiction Podcast and place silver for Best Comedy and Best Creativity at the New Zealand Podcast Awards…