Russell Brown
Columnist & features writer
Rusell Brown is a freelance journalist based in Auckland
The listener.co.nz is the website of the award-winning New Zealand Listener, which has been covering the political, cultural and literary life of Aotearoa New Zealand for 80 years with features on current events, politics, social issues, health, technology, arts, food, culture and entertainment.
Check out Russell’s latest content
Stellar fella: Brian Cox dives deeper into our solar system’s mysteries
New technology takes physicist Brian Cox on a new space journey.
Trans and pregnant: A journey of love and parenthood in Wellington
Documentary focuses on love and family in a trans journey.
Russell Brown: The two tiers of cannabis use
One group has safe, legal access to cannabis and everyone else is a criminal.
Move over Brokenwood, there’s a new murder mystery show in town
The creator of Queenstown-set A Remarkable Place to Die hopes it has a sense of fun.
The right to WFH is now a culture war issue
Productivity matters, but there are better ways to measure it than a roll call.
Live and Let Die: A revealing series about Dai Henwood’s life with cancer
Dai Henwood’s TV show takes an unconventional and considered approach.
A eulogy for Doug Hood, the kind of individual all cultures need
Doug laboured so others could shine, saw what needed doing and worked out how to do it.
The man who rewired Kiwi rock
Doug Hood wired together much of the country’s left-field bands and music business.
PM’s speech to the local government: Mana-diminishing or what ratepayers wanted to hear?
Response to PM's speech to local councils depends on where you stand.
Russell Brown: Lost on the roads of progress - a family farewell
A last journey involves memories, highways and byways.
Russell Brown: Apart from Luxon’s arrival and the traffic, Big Gay Out was a relaxed occasion
The PM's quick retreat meant he heard the protesters, but no one got to hear from him.
Russell Brown: The 15-minute city has been taken from concept to conspiracy theory
Cars represent freedom, even if that means the freedom to be stuck in traffic.
Spin doctors: Why Kiwis are joining the vinyl revival
Music is available at the touch of a button, but records are still on the rise.
TV preview: Is this the new Country Calendar?
New series Shepherdess puts focus on rural women.
Russell Brown: Climate change denial is coping with the unthinkable
It's hard to grasp: Earth’s hottest September on record and dolphins dying en masse.
How broadcasters will be tackling election night and who’s on their guest lists
Your television and radio guide for election night.
TV preview: Jay Blades - Learning to Read at 51
Repair Shop host opens up on learning disability.
Russell Brown: The social media platform that looks a lot like Twitter, but isn’t
Bluesky escapees found a place to chat without an incontinent troll marching in.
Russell Brown: Holding on for an update to the IRD’s music playlist
It's hard to imagine being on hold and not hearing Poi E, Sierra Leone and Welcome Home.
Succession star shines in true scandal TV drama where man fakes his own death
Writer has shaped the true story into a beguiling and entertaining TV yarn.
Russell Brown: Fringe beliefs always find a home in politics
Trevor Loudon isn’t the only ZAP student to find a home with Act.
Doco shines light on profound impact Dr Ranginui Walker had on NZ
Interviews with his children and grandchildren provide insight into family expectations.
Former ABs to open up on their decision to leave the team in upcoming doco
New doco is quite a lot more than a World Cup primer or a player confessional.
Why are there two shows where ex-All Blacks explain France to us?
To find an ex-All Black these days, all you need do is reach for the remote.
What TVNZ+’s move into sport means for fans on the couch
Spoiler: It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s more sport available on your television.
Why comedian has joined Forest & Bird boss in new endangered species TV series
An upbeat programme about the gloomy subject of species loss, will it work?
New history streaming platform has facts at your fingertips
Well-told tales of bygone eras are back in vogue on platforms such as History Hit.
BBC series follows post-war UK migrants down under
Subplots turn what could have been a generational sweep into a family drama with frills.
Couples Therapy NZ: Why Amanda Cox counsels couples on TV
The Auckland psychotherapist explains why she agreed to be on the reality show.
Shortland Street’s newbies unmasked
Who’s the new surgical team scrubbing in on the clinical soap?
Match Fit: League Legends: TV series shows refreshing look at rugby league
Those wondering what the next season could bring - it turns out it’s gone to a new level.