Here Now's first episode for 2024 is all about creatives drawing from or away from cultural stereotypes. Join Kadambari Raghukumar as she talks about some Indian tropes around Mumbai and Delhi. 

Djs Banty and Nadine talk to Kadambari Raghukumar in this latest Voices episode on bringing African music to the club scene in Auckland. 

In this episode of Voices Kadambari Raghukumar explores the background to 'woke-ness'  

Dec events

In this episode of Voices, producer Karthic SS talks to Siddharth Nambiar, a wildlife filmmaker based in Dunedin. 

A fire gutted an Auckland sports club and took with it all the instruments of a Caribbean steelpan orchestra that also used the space. In this episode we chat to Camille Nakhid about what next for the 18-year-old cultural group? 

New Zealand has one of the world's biggest export-driven wine industries -  that attraction is huge for people from overseas who arrive here exploring opportunities in the industry. In this episode we're talking to two wine professionals from India and France who now call New Zealand home.

In this episode we talk to members from Palestinian and Jewish communities in New Zealand about the attacks on Gaza by Israel. 

Each year, a New Zealand social enterprise runs a space research incubator to help explore space-related technologies for climate change. Kadambari Raghukumar talks to the founders of Spacebase.

ACT Party wants to close demographic ministries like the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, and in this episode we're talking to community organizations who are concerned about this possibility and it's potential impact.

Food garden Christchurch

A look into a fascinating collection of glass plate photographic negatives at Te Papa - portraits of early Indian immigrants to Wellington. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. 

Floods in India claimed hundreds of lives this monsoon season, but an Indian expat in New Zealand is hoping his new invention will help bring the toll down. Produced by William Ray.

Scientists are looking for ways to adapt salmon fisheries for climate change. In this episode we talk to UK-born Dr Jane Symonds about how to save the industry from mass fish die-offs. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar

Using natural build techniques, a group of Takaka-based social entrepreneurs are excited about getting closer to the finish line of their cohousing project in development. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

A group of South American migrants spoke out recently about allegedly misleading job contracts they signed with the Auckland construction company Buildhub as part of New Zealand's Accredited Employers Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. On Voices, Kadambari Gladding sits down for an exclusive interview with Buildhub's commercial administrator Ricardo Corona-Perez.

Supporting their families back home in Samoa is the main drive of a group of ten young men. Some of them feature in this episode of Voices, produced by Justine Murray.

After a three-year absence, the most powerful images from professional photojournalists across the globe are now showing in Auckland at the World Press Photo Exhibition. RNZ's Justin Gregory speaks to the exhibition’s curator Marika Cukrowski (who is visiting from Amsterdam) and one of the winning contestants, Egyptian photographer Mohamed Mahdy.

This week, timpani and his love for classical music - Steven Logan of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra talks about all this and more with Kadambari Raghukumar.

Sheila Nguyen talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about the focus on sustainability in this FIFA Women's World Cup.  

In part 2 of our conversation around yoga and it's commodification, we talk more to Megan Sety and Vinny Lohan about their views on the topic. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

Yoga - the appreciation versus the appropriation of it. In this 2-part episode we talk to some practitioners and teachers in New Zealand about the sentiments the commodification of yoga is stirring up. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

Mexico and New Zealand first began bilateral relations in 1973. 50 years on, what does this connection mean to both the diaspora living here in New Zealand and the for Mexico? 

Jess Karamjeet talks to Kadambari Raghukumar on finding comedy through her time in New Zealand.

Growing up in Germany, researcher Mirjam Schindler always had an interest in how green spaces shape the way people interact with each other and spaces around them. In this episode, she talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about the future of New Zealand's urban geography. 

In the events in the early 1990s after the collapse of Yugoslavia Vukan Cavor's family to fled to Aotearoa. In this Voices episode we meet Vukan about keeping up his connection to his home country of Montenegro.

In Xinjiang, more than a million Uyghurs and Kazakhs have been arbitrarily held in "re-education" camps. In this episode of Voices, Kadambari Raghukumar speaks to people behind a new documentary based on testimony from family members of the detained and survivors of the camps. 

In this episode, we look back at the historical ties between tangata whenua and Indian settlers in New Zealand, through NZOM Professor Edwina Pio's latest research. 

In this episode, composer and vocalist Briar Prastiti talks about bridging her two worlds through her music - Greece and New Zealand.

In this episode, Labour's Ibrahim Omer talks to Kadambari Raghukumar on what the nomination to contest for Wellington Central means for him. 

In this episode, as the conflict in Sudan is driving thousands of people to cross borders, diaspora in New Zealand are trying their level best to help family members reach safety.  

In this episode of Voices, Kadambari Raghukumar talks to arts practitioners about the latest New Zealand on Air music fund to support pan-Asian artists and musicians in New Zealand.    

Each year, hundreds of high school students compete in New Zealand's Race Unity Speech Awards. For many past winners, the awards have been a career springboard. In this episode of Voices, three past winners talk about how the awards help young Kiwis find their voices.

In this episode of Voices, Filmmaker Hweling Ow talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about her latest play "Not Woman Enough" directed by Sananda Chatterjee.

Nowroz Ali first spoke to Voices from Kabul in 2021, while he waited for one of the evacuation flights operated by New Zealand Defence Force. In this episode Kadambari Raghukumar catches up with him, a year and a half after he arrived in NZ.

The forgotten community of Banaba who were displaced from their homes to the Pacific island of Rabi in 1945, are seeking justice and restoration of their island. Banaba was all but destroyed by over 80 years of phosphate mining by British Phosphate Company (BPC) of which New Zealand was part of. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

In this Voices episode, we're talking to volunteers coming together to help the Hawkes Bay's community back on its feet again after Cyclone Gabrielle. 

Professor Bruce Glavovic talks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode about natural disasters and why not just a scientific, but a social science perspective is crucial if we are going to adapt and be prepared for more turbulent climate in the years to come.

In this episode, we hear about how a Massey University electronics engineer took his love for robotics to school students in Rotorua. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

How do te reo Maori words find their way in to children's speech in New Zealand and what context do they signify? In a With a new Marsden research grant, two linguists plan to investigate this. 

In this episode of Voices - Gaia Dell'Arriccia left the south of France for seabird research on islands off Auckland's coasts. This summer Kadambari Raghukumar meets her to see how it's all been going for the scientist during peak seabird breeding season. 

In part 2 of 2 episodes on design and decolonization, we speak to Kerry Ann Lee. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. 

In Part 1 of 2 episodes on design, decoloniality and culturally safe practices, Kadambari Raghukumar speaks to Dr Diana Albarran Gonzalez on Mexican design and textiles that became trendy in recent years, thanks to Fridamania.

This International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, Latin American feminists in Auckland spoke to Kadambari Raghukumar about the issues the community faces when it comes to violence against women, in the context of the violent killing of Juliana Bonilla Herrera in Christchurch earlier this year.

Witnessing a powhiri for some of the Bay of Plenty's newest residents is a pretty special occasion. Justine Murray was part of it all, in this weeks Voices episode. 

Exactly 20 years ago this month, Vivio Ramos decided to make a life in New Zealand bringing with him his infectious love for Cuban dance. He speaks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode on growing up in Cuba, studying dance, and making a life in New Zealand.

In this episode, UC Research Medal awardee Misko Cubrinovski talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about all things seismic, and a journey of studying quakes that began in former Yugoslavia.

Almost 40 percent of New Zealand households experience food insecurity, while 19 percent of children live in households that experience food insecurity. in this episode, Kadambari visits EKTA in Wellington, a non-profit distributing food every Saturday morning, rain or shine. 

What are Pacific values and how can they be incorporated into the classroom to help Pacific students thrive? iIn this Voices episide, Kadambari Raghukumar talks to the co-authors of a book that examines this.

Caribbean-Kiwi playwright Estelle Chout's confronting and comedic new play Po' Boys and Oysters wrapped on a high last week. Kadambari Raghukumar speaks to the cast about what it means to be black creatives in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The WOW Awards are back this year in Wellington - so what's it been like for the host of international designers who finally got to attend and show their designs after a two-year wait in limbo? 

In this episode of Voices, Afghan rugby players Bilal Slaimankhel and Mohammed Safi speak to Kadambari Raghukumar on what the game has come to mean to them in recent years. 

In this episode of Voices, in the run up to Mental Health Awareness week we talk to South Asian mental health advocate about the gaps and challenges they see in the community. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

Marking six years since New Zealand's oldest surviving Chinese type collection came under the guardianship of Victoria University, the Wai-te-ata Press, celebrates 'full form' script that the New Zealand Growers Journal was once printed in. 

The Pacific Food Lab is a organisation aiming to change the way we think about, create and consume food with the hopes of improving our health and the environment. Big goals. This week on Voices, we meet two of the passionate people behind this cause.

International education has been forever changed by the pandemic. Now that borders have fully reopened, we hear from two students about their experiences and find out what the future looks like for the sector.

Marine mammals suffer several direct impacts of coastal development, in particular the development of ports. America-born scientist Deanna Clement's research has been a deep-dive into the lives of whales and dolphins as they forage and migrate around New Zealand's waters. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. 

Yuanyuan Liang's fascination with young adult literature took her down a very niche path of study - following one very celebrated Kiwi writers fantastical stories. She speaks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode of Voices. 

Two linguists delve into the mysteries of English grammar with their new book on more than just misplaced apostrophes - asking fundamental questions like what is good grammar or correct form anyway with evolving languages?

Daren Kamali's hair over a period of 25 years has now been woven into a traditional Ulumate, to be preserved for many years to come.Voices talks to the artist about the revitalizing of this ancient tradition, thanks to spaces like the Auckland Museum.

A Canterbury refugee centre is starting up its own driving programme, taught in the native language of migrants. It's another step towards breaking down some of the barriers to getting a drivers licence.   It comes as the Government has announced Budget funding of 86.5 million dollars to help 64,000 people get behind the wheel.   Katy Gosset finds out how that funding could trickle down and meets some migrants whose driving journey has just begun.

After a two year hiatus recovering from an injury, Wellingtonian and former-refugee Ali Mashal is back to chasing his dream of professional boxing.

With rising sea temperatures affecting our fisheries and marine ecosystem, how does Cawthron Institute's Dr Norman Ragg see research helping understand shellfish coping mechanisms better? 

In this episode, writer and performer Jacob Rajan talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about his journey starting in 1997 with his debut, Krishnan's Dairy. 

Helping shift the refugee and immigrant experience one conversation at a time, is Tanya Nock and her space - Cultural Conversations. In this last Voices episode of a month-long series on former refugees resettled across New Zealand, Kadambari visits Nelson. 

On World Refugee Day, Kadambari Raghukumar speaks to the first family of Kayan refugees to ever arrive in Nelson, back in 2008. How has life changed for the family over the years?

Sepak Takraw has helped some former refugees tap into a taste of home despite challenges to keep the sport going in Auckland. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar 

From Vancouver to Auckland: violinist Andrew Beer prepares to debut a major new work in his adopted home.

At 22, David Huang founded his first AR startup called Oasis AR, continuing the 20-year-old lineage of such startups from University of Canterbury's HIT Lab. He spoke to Kadambari Raghukumar in this Voices episode. 

Two best friends who started a finance podcast at the start of the pandemic look back two years later. Simran Kaur and Sonya Guptham talk to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode of Voices. 

Growing up in Ireland with a fascination with stormwater, set Aisling O'Sullivan on a lifelong mission to keep waterways free from pollutants, even here in New Zealand. She speaks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode of Voices. 

How did Pedro Ilgenfritz go from accounting to clowning? He talks to Voices producer and presenter Kadambari Raghukumar about his love for acting - and a growing theatre mask collection.

How did a stint in the army lead Canterbury scientist Hussam Razzaq to wanting to change lives through research? He spoke to Kadambari in this week's episode of Voices.

How does being a master distiller and Honorary Consul come together when your country is being ravaged by war? Kadambari Raghukumar talks to Oleksandr Kirichuk in this week's episode of Voices. 

Inter-ethnic prejudice and discrimination were the subjects on the table at a recent online hui attended by a collective of New Zealand creatives and activists. Organisers and participants of the hui talk to Voices about highlighting and tackling these issues via honest dialogue and reflection.

Nigerian-born Aucklander Esther Olatunbosun has taken her sweet tooth to the Dubai World Expo. One of just three young chefs chosen to represent New Zealand, she has big dreams and one heck of a pav.

Zimbabwe-born saxophonist Thabani Gapara talks to Voices producer and presenter, Kadambari Raghukumar, about his journey over the years and how storytelling has been so central to his work, particularly with his recent EP.

In this episode, we're talking football, inclusivity, visas and the opportunities to play in an amateur league when you're an immigrant in New Zealand. Kadambari Raghukumar talks to Waiheke United and players from other clubs affected by the foreign-player regulation. 

Growing up in a farming family in Zimbabwe, scientist Emmanuel Chakwizira talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about the differences in crop culture literally, and his work here in Canterbury. 

Myint Aung San talks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this Voices episode about his dreams to change the refugee experience in camps by changing the way they're built. 

In this Voices podcast, botanist and associate curator at the Auckland Museum, Yumiko Baba, shares her long-standing love for a particular native tree. Produced and presented by Kadambari Raghukumar.

in 2022's first episode of Voices, writer Shriya Bhagwat talks to Kadambari Raghukumar about exploring patriarchy and challenging stereotypes through her debut play, Kamasutra Chronicles, stalled twice before it finally premiered this month. 

2021 was yet another year riddled with Covid-19 lockdowns, endless queues for MIQ spots and families separated by border closures. As the year draws to an end, we look at what this year has meant for immigrants in Aotearoa.

Auckland's diversity found a new space in the Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland Museum this year. Kadambari chats to the people involved in making this a dynamic, community-driven space. 

Bringing Africa to Aotearoa, a film at a time - AFFNZ 2021

Two weeks after moving up from Raglan to Auckland to get busier with his music, Muroki speaks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode, about his journey so far as a musician.