Crisscrossing music styles from pop songs to symphonies, haka to hip-hop, each episode takes a theme and explores how New Zealand songwriters and composers have interpreted it over the past century.
In a land of immigrants, everyone has roots that lead back to somewhere else. One way to maintain those roots is to sing about them. Featuring songs by Six60, Mahinarangi Tocker, Shayne Carter, Tha Feelstyle and Little Bushmen. John Psathas talks about the old and new roots of his music.
Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ songwriting.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details (https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/song-navigator?share=60b29ecb-fb45-44e9-8b82-58ff9e26eb31)
27 Oct 2026
Creatures
From ngā manu to mythical monsters, creatures have inspired songwriters across all genres. Featuring songs by Hirini Melbourne, the Topp Twins, Phoenix Foundation, Gareth Farr and Bill Manhire. Interviews include Phoenix Foundation members Conrad Wedde and Sam Scott. By Nick Bollinger.
Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ songwriting.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details (https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/song-navigator?share=d3efd43c-486e-414b-a85e-6d0c5ef7a54f)
20 Oct 2026
Celebration
What is Aotearoa’s idea of a party, and what is its soundtrack? Why is a song about excessive drinking embraced while the national anthem sung in te reo Māori causes offence? These questions are discussed and illustrated with songs by Th’ Dudes, The Exponents, Daphne Walker and the Harmonic Resonators. Dudes frontman Peter Urlich reflects on the life of ‘Bliss’.
Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ songwriting.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details (https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/song-navigator?share=fe8c1170-c83f-43d3-a54d-e2d6393bf273)
13 Oct 2026
Loneliness
Loneliness is one of the universal themes of popular song. But do New Zealanders have their own variety of loneliness? This episode compares a 19th century waiata aroha – addressed to an absent whaler – to a Dave Dobbyn hit.
Featuring Tiny Ruins, Princess Chelsea and Don McGlashan expressing their own varieties of loneliness. Chelsea Nikkel talks about how loneliness informs her songwriting, and we hear archival recordings of Paeroa Wineera. By Nick Bollinger.
Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ songwriting.
Episode thumbnail credit: Princess Chelsea photographed by Myriam Semaani, 2018
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details (https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/song-navigator?share=5f8136f6-abac-4ff5-a6a4-50e29a43f9ac)
6 Oct 2026
Journeys and Arrivals
Anyone coming to this country has made a journey – for some, a journey to the unknown. This episode compares journeys and arrivals, and different types of song they inspired. Featuring compositions by Tipene, Naked Spots Dance and Douglas Lilburn. Interviews with rapper Tipene Harmer, music professor Robert Hoskins and members of 80s post-punk group Naked Spots Dance. By Nick Bollinger.
Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ songwriting.
Episode image credit: At the hui to award the Victoria Cross to Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu, Ruatoria. Alexander Turnbull Library. Ref: PAColl-6301-60.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details (https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/song-navigator?share=4a6cebd2-39b6-4be0-a11d-4db62d7badfb)
29 Sept 2026
Heroes and Villians
Every country has its heroes and villains. Who are ours? What can our songs tell us about them – and ourselves? Featuring songs by Trillion, the Howard Morrison Quartet, Dudley Benson, Helen Henderson, and Sven Olsen’s Brutal Canadian Love Saga. Interviews with songwriters Helen Henderson and Nigel Beckford. By Nick Bollinger.
Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ songwriting.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details (https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/song-navigator?share=e0fdc6a0-0026-4620-9e3b-6eead594e4a9)
22 Sept 2026
On the Land
The land means different things to different songwriters. In this episode we hear songs about rivers, mountains, famous streets, and the spirit of the land itself. Songs by The Warratahs, Anthonie Tonnon, Te Kaahu and the New Zealand Youth Choir, plus interview with composer Tuirina Wehi. By Nick Bollinger.
Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ songwriting.
Episode image credit: Robin Morrison, Angel at Ahipara, 1992, courtesy of {Suite} Gallery the Robin Morrison Estate
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details (https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/song-navigator?share=f1d097c4-ce09-494e-ad91-f21764f408a2)
15 Sept 2026
Utopian Dreams
Aotearoa has a long history of people arriving in search of a better life. This episode examines songs inspired by utopian dreams. Featuring songs by OMC, Dave Dobbyn, The Kini Quartet, and Crowded House, plus an interview with Ryan Raggett. By Nick Bollinger.
Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ songwriting.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details (https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/song-navigator?share=5babb9dd-e707-49fd-a652-2addeaa73d55)
31 Aug 2026
Introducing: Song Navigator
Join Nick Bollinger as he takes an elemental New Zealand theme and examines the ways different songwriters and composers have interpreted it over the past century. Part music discovery, part social history, Song Navigator crisscrosses decades and styles from pop songs to symphonies, haka to hip-hop and more.
Podcast made with the support of APRA NZ, celebrating a century of NZ songwriting.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details (https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/song-navigator?share=7e3c68cc-a02b-4b52-8c20-ea8c84fd2183)
Contact Song Navigator
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
