Charmian Smith

Knox Church stands solid and seemingly unchangeable, a striking landmark on George St, but the congregation has seen many developments in the church's 150-year history. Charmian Smith reports.

The contrast between a loved and respected public figure and the private angst of his tragic family life makes a strong theme for Richard Huber's play written to celebrate Knox Church's 150th anniversary.

Knox Church has stood proudly in George St for almost 125 years, its 50m spire still soaring over surrounding buildings. However, the magnificent edifice had a rocky start.

Keith Stewart, author of several wine books and at one time wine columnist for the Listener, is opinionated, often cynical and not afraid to investigate shady happenings in the wine industry - he blew the whistle on various wine scandals in the 1990s, so it's no surprise to find this magisterial tome also full of his strongly held convictions.

The children's section of Dunedin's free library service has turned 100, while its book bus has notched up 60 years. Charmian Smith looks at how they are faring in a changing world.

In the past couple of decades many stories of the sufferings of the Chinese people have been published in the West. Xinran, who will be talking in Dunedin on Thursday, is one of the more prolific writers of this genre.

The spectacular coastline north of Dunedin is full of hidden gems and history. Charmian Smith does a reconnaisance for The Taieri Rotary Club's Heritage Homes of the Coastline tour on March 7.

Dunedin City Council meets this week to debate the place of pokie machines in society. Charmian Smith looks beyond the flashing lights to some of the deeper issues.

Dunedin has many secret gardens, tucked away down driveways or private roads. Charmian Smith visits one created by a couple in their 70s.

Seven singing and dancing young Irishmen, eyes smiling and voices shining, are coming to Dunedin. Charmian Smith meets one of the Seven Irish Tenors.

A rare sailor's diary casts light on the reality of travel to the antipodes in the 19th century. Charmian Smith takes a look.

Dunedin's heritage buildings and splendid views might make the city's reputation, but behind and beneath is the often ignored infrastructure that allows the city to function. Charmian Smith discovers some of Dunedin's hidden engineering heritage.

Antonio Pasquale believes it's better to build a business on trust rather than control, and puts people and the environment before profits, but he still manages to do well.

The Kiwi camping holiday has a long tradition with families going back to the same sites and meeting the same friends year after year.

With 17 million books sold in 23 countries and 19 languages, Diana Gabaldon has many fans around the world. Charmian Smith caught up with the American novelist in Dunedin this week.

Villas can be found everywhere in New Zealand, large or small, grand or modest, single or double-storeyed, highly decorated or plain. Charmian Smith talks to architect Jeremy Salmond, one of the authors of a new book, Villa: From heritage to contemporary.

Princes St and the Exchange area, where the Toitu stream once flowed into the harbour, was where local Maori beached their canoes on the tidal mud flat and also where the first European settlers landed

Once the financial heart of the city, the Exchange has seen better times. But things are changing.

The Otago militia originally planned to build its headquarters and drill hall at the top of Dowling St, but the land was needed for the expansion of Otago Girls High School.