Competitions
Taranaki surfers stoked to be competing together on world waves
Four Taranaki teenagers are hoping to carve up the opposition at the world junior surf champs in El Salvador.
Part of a 12-strong New Zealand team, the so-called Taranaki Grom Squad say they're… Video, Audio
Catherine Chidgey - writing short and sweet
Entries have opened for the Sargeson Prize short story competition. The ultimate winning author will carry away a hefty purse of ten thousand dollars, but it's a great opportunity for New Zealand… Audio
New Zealand gamer wins Independent Games Festival grand prize
Umurangi Generation, designed and developed by Ngai Te Rangi designer Naphtali Faulkner, the grand prize at the Independent Games Festival. Developer Naphtali Faulkner talks to Jesse. Audio
Shaken not stirred - Bartender of the Year
Our best bartenders went shaker to shaker over the weekend at the Highball New Zealand Bartender of the Year competition: two days of intense cocktail making and shaking and spirits challenges. Audio
New Plymouth teens win international award for recycled plastic glasshouse
A greenhouse cover made from recycled plastic water bottles has won a group of New Plymouth teens first prize in their division at an international Future Problem Solving conference. Earlier this… Audio
America's Cup given another $14.5m of ratepayers' money
Auckland councillors have voted to give an extra $14.5 million of ratepayers' money to pay for cost over-runs for construction of the America's Cup village after they were warned it might not go ahead… Audio
Emerging stars of kapa haka take to the stage
Upon the dawn of Mataraki hundreds of young students will battle it out at the National Secondary schools competition. Video, Audio
Award cements brewer's place in the heart of hop country
A lager made by Hop Federation, a small craft brewery in Riwaka, has been named the overall champion lager in New World's beer and cider awards, beating out big names. Video, Audio
Team NZ reveals next America's Cup protocols
The 37th cup regatta will be sailed in 75 foot monohulls, probably with foils, and teams will be required to have at least three crew members from their home country. Todd Niall reports. Video, Audio
Benjamin Baker, Jonathan Bloxham and Sam Armstrong: Egmont Ensemble
The Egmont Ensemble are in the country to perform a series of concerts on behalf of the Royal Overseas League, and to adjudicate the prestigious Pettman-ROSL Chamber Music Scholarship. Clarissa speaks… Audio
Barry Ryan: NZ Aria
Australian baritone Barry Ryan is in Rotorua this weekend to judge the New Zealand Aria competition. With 50 young singers vying for the $20,000 first prize, Barry tells Clarissa Dunn what he looks… Audio
Madison Nonoa: Christchurch Aria
The Dame Malvina Foundation Christchurch Aria is the first major vocal competition of the year. Eva speaks to the winner: soprano Madison Nonoa. Audio
The Best of Upbeat for 12 June 2015
Upbeat broadcasts from Queenstown's Michael Hill International Violin Competition, before Eva speaks to playwright Jamie McCaskill and American Wagnerian soprano Christine Goerke. Audio
Helene Pohl: MHIVC Judge
Michael Hill International Violin Competition judge Helene Pohl announces the three finalists to perform concertos with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Audio
Vanessa van Uden: Queenstown mayor
Mayor Vanessa van Uden talks to Eva about the significance of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition for Queenstown. Audio
Joseph Lin: MHIVC judge
The Michael Hill International Violin Competition holds special significance for judge Joseph Lin: he won first prize in the 2007 event. Audio
Amalia Hall: violinist
New Zealand violinist Amalia Hall performs at the Michael Hill International Violin Competition as development prize-winner. Audio
Sarah Watkins: pianist
Sarah Watkins has her hands full this weekend, as one of two accompanists for the Michael Hill International Violin Competition. Audio
Nikki Chooi and Kerry Stevens: violin demonstration
Nikki plays an excerpt on a Stradivarius and a Guadagnini violin, with commentary from Kerry Stevens. Audio
Susie Park: MHIVC judge
Susie Park joins the Michael Hill International Violin Competition judging panel from Australia where she was a busy chamber musician, before taking up a concertmaster position in Michigan. Audio