Shane Gilchrist

The writings of leading Scottish historian Tom Devine are both eminent and popular. Shane Gilchrist discusses mass migration and myths with a scholar who, for a time, outsold Harry Potter.

Last month, Elton John played his 3000th concert (at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas). Now he's about to head to Dunedin for a concert that offers the statistically inclined musician the chance to add another entry to a long list. Shane Gilchrist asks the chart-topping, globe-trotting performer a few questions.

Sucked into a "housewife vortex" for five years, Bic Runga has resurfaced with her fourth album, Belle. As Shane Gilchrist discovers, the New Zealand songwriter got by with a little help from some friends.

For the past decade the University of Otago has collaborated with NHNZ in a documentary film-making venture that, at its core, strives to produce good storytellers. Shane Gilchrist reports.

Dunedin band Ash and the Matadors spent a week in a freezing-cold hall on Otago Peninsula to craft their new album An Evening Echo, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Grahame Sydney has put down his paintbrushes in favour of photography for his latest book, a personal tribute to Central Otago. Shane Gilchrist reports.

Grahame Sydney has put down his paintbrushes in favour of photography for his latest book, a personal tribute to Central Otago. Shane Gilchrist reports.

While many of us ponder whether we'll be dancing or in the doldrums come the final whistle of tomorrow's Rugby World Cup final, Shane Gilchrist asks another question: why do we care about competition?

From Hawaii to Hamilton, John Rowles has commanded many a stage in his 64 years. And, as the big balladeer has discovered, showmanship and honesty need not be mutually exclusive. Shane Gilchrist reports.

Monday marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, the main theme of which is "Get in the Game - Training for Happiness". But what, exactly, is happiness? Dunedin psychologist Chris Skellett believes he has the answers. Shane Gilchrist reports.

Two top-10 singles, an appearance at the Big Day Out, summer festivals on the horizon and the release of its major-label debut album next week ... this year has been a big one for Six60, writes Shane Gilchrist

On an island nation such as ours, coastal fishing is akin to a rite of passage, be it at a city wharf, off the rocks or casting beyond the breakers. However, with recreation comes responsibility. Shane Gilchrist reports.

Despite its exotic tropical location, Samoan film The Orator is more concerned with the grey corners of life, writes Shane Gilchrist.

From Robbie Williams to Ozzy Osbourne, Scottish "bag-rockers" the Red Hot Chilli Pipers are having a blast, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Wanaka artist Andi Regan has won the $5000 Central Lakes Trust Excellence Award for her piece Central Bloom, which explores her use of everyday materials and features plastic cable ties, hand-dyed to create an elegant, delicate bowl.

From anthems to arias, Jud Arthur is a man for all occasions - even gardening, writes Shane Gilchrist.

If you've turned to this section of the paper hoping to escape the tide of print regarding a certain sporting tournament, bad luck. Shane Gilchrist documents a new collection of New Zealand music - all related to rugby.

For his latest project, Sean Donnelly gets funky and frivolous with the Finn family, writes Shane Gilchrist.

The Celts are coming, bringing a festival of entertainment, Shane Gilchrist reports.

From a Southland sheep farm to the big smoke, Annah Mac might have travelled a fair few miles but, with her debut album looming, the journey might just have begun, writes Shane Gilchrist.