New Zealand Listener

From the New Zealand Listener archive

September 26-October 2 2009 Vol 220 No 3620

Cover Story My brother Robin Bain by Michael Bain
Michael Bain clearly remembers the day 15 years ago when he was interrupted to take an urgent phone call from a distraught family member: “Our family in Dunedin are dead, all shot and killed this morning, except for David, the only survivor.” In the retrial this year, at which David was found not guilty of murdering his family, the reputation of almost every one of the dead family members was vilified, says Michael. Here, for the first time, he writes about them, and in particular about his eldest brother, Robin, a man who Michael says always did his best for his family – and was no killer.
Feature Success without excess by Joanne Black
Vegetable gardens and other hallmarks of a simpler life are in vogue as many people find recession-era thrift an antidote to years of excessive consumption.
Feature Dig this by Diana Wichtel
Organic vegetable gardener Xanthe White borrowed a backyard bomb site and turned it into a cornucopia. Now she wants to encourage others to do the same.
Feature Many, Many Pitfalls by Jon Johansson
Great dangers lie in going through another grand electoral mutation; instead we should be tweaking the MMP system we’ve got, says Jon Johansson.
Feature Cult fiction by Sarah Barnett
New Kiwi primetime thriller The Cult is taking on world-class blockbuster television greats.

The Lounge Jingles all the way by Fiona Rae
TV week AFL finals and Richard Pryor on Saturday Night Stand Up by Fiona Rae
TV films Cult classic: The Warriors, Sam Neil returns to Dino Island. by Fiona Rae
Radio week Cello prodigy Gautier Capuçon concert. Has Auckland lost its mojo? by Fiona Rae
Radio Frquencies Small country, big choice
TV Information Classifications and addresses
TV Informer Ashton gets cancelled – already; Melrose Place gets Heather
Cast List