Stories by Nik Dirga

Want a break from real-life American politics? Take a mental health break by watching a movie about a US president instead.

Explainer - The United States is finally nearly ready to choose its next president. Here's what you need to know about how to watch from New Zealand.

A West Auckland photographer managed to capture Comet C/2023 A3 as it soared over the skies this week.

Explainer - You're probably hearing an awful lot about the Electoral College. But what is it? RNZ is here with a handy guide.

Analysis - Jimmy Carter is the longest-lived US president, and as he turns 100 years old this week, it turns out he was also pretty much the last of his kind.

A grim, gritty reinvention of The Penguin starring Colin Farrell may be Gotham City's darkest moment yet. Video

Analysis - Trump's temper, Harris on abortion and a last-minute Taylor Swift cameo? Here's five quick takeaways from the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

Explainer - A plan called "Project 2025" has been making waves in the US presidential race. But what does it really say? RNZ is here to explain it all.

Analysis - US President Joe Biden, who channelled perseverance and grit into a 50-year run in American politics, finally met a foe he could not beat.

Explainer - The recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump sent shock waves around the globe. What kind of protection do Kiwi politicians get?

If - and it's still a big if - beleaguered President Joe Biden drops out of the US presidential race, who might replace him?

For many Americans who now call New Zealand home, the chaotic presidential campaign has left them shaken.

Analysis - American history is littered with presidential candidates chosen at the last minute and even a few who've quit - but there are plenty of risks if that happens, Nik Dirga writes. Video

It's Biden-Trump round two as the first debate of the US presidential election kicks off Friday at 1pm NZ time. Here's what you need to know. Audio

What might happen if you were turned into a chicken nugget? In a new Korean series, it's a wacky and surreal comic ride that's weird enough to be almost great. Nik Dirga takes a look at an underrated… Video

Russia has always been a complicated place, and the fanciful historical comedy of The Great has an awful lot to say about class, sex and power. Nik Dirga looks at an underrated streaming gem. Video

Oppenheimer continues its march to Oscars domination, but there are a few New Zealand chances for golden glory as well in this year's nominees. Video

RNZ asked several of Aotearoa's most noteworthy authors and book lovers to pick their favourite New Zealand-authored book they read in 2023 - whether a bold new work or a timeless classic.

It's a most American holiday, but for many US immigrants living in New Zealand, finding their own ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Aotearoa has truly given them something to be grateful for.

Old books never die - they end up filling up banana boxes at book fair fundraisers and recycling book love to new readers, as Auckland hosts one of the country's biggest events this weekend.

Every year for 24 years in a row, hardcore movie fans have gathered in Auckland for a day-long feast of cinema. It's a 'marathon for the mind' and it's not for the timid.

New Zealand is notorious for rejecting dodgy baby names - sorry Royal, Messiah and Rogue - but an Australian journalist has named her baby Methamphetamine Rules in an experiment gone badly wrong.

It's not your average sausage sizzle. 'Low and slow' style American barbecue has found a home in Aotearoa, with restaurants serving up painstakingly cooked brisket, ribs and more.

First Person - Dozens of homes out on Auckland's West Coast were damaged or destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle. A month on, RNZ's Nik Dirga returned to Karekare and the ruins of a bach that had been a…

Multiverse epic Everything Everywhere All At Once dominated the Oscars today with seven big wins. Look back all all the action with RNZ's live blog.