Margaret Mahy has been posthumously awarded a prize at the New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards.

A violin's journey invokes smiles and tears, writes Nicky Pellegrino.

British writer Neil Gaiman’s new fantasy, rooted in the darkest corners of reality, is no kids’ tale, writes Stephen Jewell.

Long-time Hollywood director Chris Columbus wants his latest success story to stay on the page — for now, anyway, writes Stephen Jewell.

Inequality means watching people close to you.

New Zealand has become a richer country in the past 30 years.

The illegitimate daughter of a 19th century British Prime Minister lived and raised a family in New Zealand.

When it comes to changing your life, CV writer-turned-career coach Tom O'Neil says it is better to make changes by degrees.

Best-selling author Barbara Taylor Bradford has dismissed erotic romance Fifty Shades Of Grey.

Legendary screen siren Ava Gardner has told all from beyond the grave in a explosive new autobiography detailing the sex, lies and booze that caused her so much heartache.

Stories told of the mostly unknown women behind US astronauts.

The materially successful but spiritually bereft Janine Harding finds herself, in her early 40s, living in a “do-up” on an island in the Hauraki Gulf, where time on her hands sets her to thinking about her family history.

The book I love most is ... Roald Dahl's Matilda, the story of a genius 5-year-old girl who overcomes all odds.

In this book full of striking images, it's the first that seems to best capture the essence of potter Barry Brickell - a 1971 portrait of the artist bent double to work inside a huge ceramic jar, his trunk vanishing ostrich-like into its clay mouth.

Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli will lift the lid on his life when he releases his autobiography later this year.

An older woman's wisdom is an asset we can all bank, writes Nicky Pellegrino.

Went to a book launch this week. Book launch? More of a relaunch of Marty Crowe's life, really.

My happy place is the cliff-top walkway at the southern end of Long Bay on the North Shore.

Rebecca Miller’s life was never going to be run-of-the-mill; her father was one of the world’s most famous playwrights. Then she fell in love with one of the world’s greatest actors.

Sharon Stephenson is haunted by screenwriter Neil Cross’ grisly creations.

Best-selling author Audrey Niffenegger tells Jessica Duchen how ballet has inspired her new direction.

Woodrow Wilson (Woody) Guthrie wrote many of his most enduring folk songs after trekking through America's dust-bowl during the years of the Depression and dispossession.

A day after publicly announcing his cancer was in remission, Kiwi cricket legend Martin Crowe has officially launched his autobiography detailing his battle with the disease.

F. Scott Fitzgerald may be closely associated with the Roaring Twenties but the American Autor's work is proving timeless.