This week's Hot 5

Aldous Harding. Photo/File

LISTEN TO: Primed to be New Zealand's next up-and-coming star, folk singer Aldous Harding has just released her second album, Party, following on from her self-titled 2014 debut. Her music has been called 'hypnotic' by The Guardian and in March Lorde said tweeted Harding was "the most interesting artist around".> Available from https://flyingout.co.nz.

Actor KJ Apa. PHOTO/FILE

WATCH:

A Dog's Purpose

follows a dog as he tries to discover his purpose in life over the course of several lifetimes and owners. Directed by Swede Lasse Hallstrom, who was at the helm of

What's Eating Gilbert Grape

and

Chocolat

, the film features New Zealand actor KJ Apa.

EAT IT: A great little snack for work or school, try DairyWorks' natural mini slices. They come in different cheeses, including tasty, edam and gouda. There are 12 pieces in each packet. The cheeses are suitable for vegeterians and gluten free. RRP $3.

READ IT: If you weren't able to get up to the wonderful Auckland Writers Festival to see American George Saunders, widely considered to be one of the best contemporary writers working today, console yourself by buying his long-awaited first novel Lincoln in the Bardo Saunders has written best-selling short stories and children's books, and this novel, set in the cemetery where Abraham Lincoln mourns his son, Willie, has received rave reviews.

TRY IT: Lewis Road Creamery, known for such treats as double caramel ice cream and chocolate milk, has released a new steak butter with the help of chef Sean Connolly of The Grill in Auckland.