Feature stories

In our Autumn issue we take you behind the scenes. Photo by Michelle Holt

Go behind the scenes of the Wairau Māori Art Gallery. Photo by Michelle Holt.

AA Directions features

In our Autumn issue we go behind the scenes of Shortland Street, inside the ANCAP crash lab, into the Royal New Zealand Ballet rehearsal studio and at Te Papa. We find out what it takes to put on a major event like the Napier Art Deco Festival, a warbirds airshow or a high-tech drone show and discover how a programme of work comes together at the Wairau Māori Art Gallery. We also chat with grief and resilience expert Dr Lucy Hone about her top tips for managing challenging times.

Behind the scenes RNZB

Behind the scenes at the Royal New Zealand Ballet

We chat to Callahan Laird, Artist at the RNZB about what it takes to be a fulltime dancer.

Behind the scenes Shortland Street

Behind the scenes of Shortland Street

We visit the set of Shortland Street to find out how New Zealand's longest-running soap is brought to life.

Behind the scenes of the Napier Art Deco Festival

What does it take to transport a whole city back to the Jazz Age for a weekend?

Behind the scenes ANCAP

Behind the scenes of an ANCAP crash test

We reveal the secrets of the ANCAP crash lab.

Dr Lucy Hone Interview

Q&A: Dr Lucy Hone, resilience researcher and grief expert.

Renowned TED speaker and resilience expert Dr Lucy Hone offers practical advice for those dealing with loss.

Behind the scenes at Te Papa

Behind the scenes at Te Papa

What does it take to curate a major New Zealand photography exhibition at Te Papa Tongarewa?

Behind the scenes of a Warbirds airshow

We investigate the logistics and planning that goes into a vintage aircraft show.

Behind the scenes of the Wairau Māori Art Gallery

How does the programme of exhibitions come together at the first-ever public art gallery dedicated to contemporary Māori art?

Behind the scenes of a drone show

What goes into creating a high-tech aerial display using drone technology?

Explore feature stories from our archives

Macarena Carrascosa, Roller Skate Coach

Macarena Carrascosa, Roller Skate Coach

26 February 2026

Macarena Carrascosa has built a career as a professional roller skating coach in Auckland.

Flossie Pallesen, Balloon and Bubble Artist

Flossie Pallesen, Balloon and Bubble Artist

26 February 2026

Flossie Pallesen is a Nelson-based children's entertainer, specialising in giant bubbles and balloon art.

Martin Van Tiel, Pyrotechnic Expert

Martin Van Tiel, Pyrotechnic Expert

26 February 2026

Dr Martin Van Tiel is responsible for creating some of New Zealand's biggest and best fireworks displays.

Drew Stanton, Location Scout

Drew Stanton, Location Scout

26 February 2026

Drew Stanton is a location scout whose job it is to find many of the spots that appear on our screens.

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Editor's picks

Marinekeeping: an underground aquarist

Jenna van Ginkel provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her job as an aquarist at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's.

How to avoid a head-on car crash

We share important safety advice about what to do if you’re facing a head-on collision.

Flossie Pallesen, Balloon and Bubble Artist

Flossie Pallesen is a Nelson-based children's entertainer, specialising in giant bubbles and balloon art.

Survival story: caught in a volcanic eruption

William Pike tells his story of being injured and trapped when Mount Ruapehu erupted.