In keeping with the almost impermeable wall that prevents a healthy transtasman book trade, Helen Garner is relatively unknown in New Zealand.

I'd love to meet John Crace. The Guardian columnist is acerbic, focused, appallingly funny.

Twenty years ago a film mixing social realism, gangs and domestic violence became the most successful movie ever made here.

Our love affair with Japanese food is becoming ever more intense. A whole generation of Aucklanders is growing up with the idea that the only acceptable quick lunch is a box full of cold rice surrounding slivers of salmon and cucumber.

Good fortune, rather than good management, has seen Shavaughn Ruakere snare top TV roles. Now, on the eve of her theatre debut, she talks to Alan Perrott about image, her new health kick, and rubbing shoulderswith Dame Judi Dench.

There's an ancient allure to gold. The array of gold watch options available right now only reinforces the mantra: if in doubt, keep it classic.

Stunning and soulful singing catapulted her from church choir to chart success and then on to Hollywood. But when three members of her family were murdered, it took all she had to keep going. Jennifer Hudson talks to Tim Adams about surviving grief.

The worldwide domination of a building blocks game is a triumph for the power of human imagination. John Naughton looks at how Minecraft has bewitched 40 million of us.

The rest of the world is now sending us some of their best wines, which enables us to see what all the fuss is about. These are worth checking out.

It was a night full of surprises. First we were surprised to be taken out to Le Vietnamese Kitchen's back room, and find it warmer and buzzier than in the front.

I've never felt more helpless than while lying on a slab, pants around my ankles, with someone poking around in my twig and berries.

Look sharp in graphic black and white.

Our growing ability to access on-demand entertainment is all well and good, writes Greg Dixon, but what we really need is more time.

You can always tell. No matter what time of day (though around dinner-time is always a bit of a giveaway) you just know, the moment it starts ringing.

'Tis the season for hearty comfort food and wines to match. If you’re looking for cuddly, well-made and red wines that are a bit off beat … you’ve come to the right place.

Out in the suburbs it is difficult to suppress a yawn when it is announced a new Indian restaurant is to open.

Step aside, Suzi Quattro. The jumpsuit gets a classy makeover.

The menu was a cool, hand-drawn selection of breakfast options with a Southeast Asian flair.

This is a very strange book. It's about Neil Gaiman, so it can probably afford to be.