The Listening Library

Great New Zealand books to listen to whenever you want them.

Produced by Duncan Smith

Cover image with olive green and cream tones featuring the text 'The Listening Library' in bold white serif font, and 'Audiobook Collection' in smaller text above. Stylized vertical book spines line the right side of the image.

RNZ exclusive

This podcast is only available on the RNZ website and apps, ad‑free and uninterrupted.

Harbouring (Part 1) by Jenny Pattrick

Resurrection of the Dolls by Owen Marshall

Season 3 / Episode 1
Owen Marshall's Return to Harikoa Bay is a collection of 33 short stories, a selection of which you will find below. Resurrection of the Dolls: Emma has a low level support role at Hoffman, Utterlay and Smith and observes the comings and goings at a small shop nearby.
Book cover for Return to Harikoa Bay by Owen Marshall

The Undertaker's Story by Owen Marshall

Season 3 / Episode 2
The Undertaker's Story is a darkly comic revenge story that plays out amongst the members of a highly respectable golf club.

Find out more

Frost Flowers by Owen Marshall

Season 3 / Episode 3
The narrator recounts his connection with the people next door, Mrs Poole and her disabled son Greg. Told by Gavin Rutherford.

Family Ties by Owen Marshall

Season 3 / Episode 5
This story digs into the complexity of the relationship between a son and his conservative father.

Rue de Paradis

Season 3 / Episode 6
Rosalind is a single woman visiting Paris. While her time there features many disappointing moments the passage of time will allow her to reshape those memories into a more palatable account of her time in the city of love.

Return to Harikoa Bay

Season 3 / Episode 6
This story is about an older couple who spend a weekend at a bach where they contemplate a future apart.

Koru Lounge

Season 3 / Episode 7
A chance encounter in a Koru Lounge between Justice Lowry and his colleague’s daughter Rebecca reminds the ageing Judge of time spent in Greece long ago and a relationship that has lived on in his memory.

Living in the Moment

Season 3 / Episode 8
Living in the Moment - is told from the point of view of a teacher at a boys boarding school who employs a male chef for the school canteen.
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