Morning Report
24,497 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★ - 11 ratingsRNZ National’s flagship news programme known for breaking news stories, incisive interviews with politicians across the political spectrum and newsmakers and commentators from Aotearoa and around the world. There's a lot to talk about in the mornings and Morning Report is covering the stories that matter to the people of Aotearoa.
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Episodes
Early Sports Chat for 2 June 2023
June 01, 2023 18:36 - 2 minutes - 2.46 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Joe Porter.
Morning Rural News for 2 June 2023
June 01, 2023 18:25 - 3 minutes - 3.56 MBNews from the rural farming sector.
Early Business News for 2 June 2023
June 01, 2023 18:24 - 1 minute - 1.36 MBLatest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.
A trail of breadcrumbs towards evidence in McCann search
June 01, 2023 18:21 - 2 minutes - 2.45 MBGerman prosecutors say a number of items recovered in searches last week may be linked to the Madeleine McCann case, but haven't been confirmed as evidence. The searches took place around a reservoir in Portugal, at the request of German investigators. German police have issued a statement confirming convicted sex offender Christian Bruckner is still a suspect in the three-year-old's disappearance in 2007. Our German correspondent Thomas Sparrow spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
On flooding, National left with more questions than answers
June 01, 2023 18:11 - 5 minutes - 5.37 MBNational has criticised the Government's latest storm and cyclone recovery plan, saying there are more questions than answers. The Government has announced a joint initiative with councils to buy out property owners unable to rebuild because their land isn't safe. There will also be funding for flood mitigation and protection work, needed before others can rebuild. But council funding has yet to be negotiated, as people wait to see if they'll be able to rebuild. National's Cyclone Recove...
Top Stories for Friday 1 June 2023
June 01, 2023 18:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBTop stories for 2 June 2023 The Government's plan to help buy out residents in storm hit areas, still leaves some questions unanswered We'll cross to Hawke's Bay and West Auckland for reaction to the plan In Auckland, it's still not clear if Mayor Wayne Brown's contentious plan to plug the city's budget hole will get council backing.
6 Million pieces of Lego bring Jurrasic Park to Tākina
May 31, 2023 20:57 - 3 minutes - 3.13 MBBuilt from more than 6,000,000 pieces of Lego, Jurassic Park has arrived in a larger than life exhibition at Wellington's new convention centre, Tākina. Australia's Ryan 'The BrickMan' McNaught, who hosts the TV show Lego Masters, is in Aotearoa with his biggest Lego creation. Our reporter Kirsty Frame got a sneak peak last night
Another false start for Great Walks' booking system
May 31, 2023 20:52 - 3 minutes - 3.27 MBHopes were high that dates for booking spots on the Great Walks would be released yesterday. But trampers and tourism businesses were disappointed, again. The Department of Conservation has had another false start with the bookings system. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more.
Power company customer satisfaction just 54%
May 31, 2023 20:46 - 3 minutes - 3.05 MBConsumer NZ's latest power company satisfaction survey has found customer satisfaction rating is just 54%. And, again, the smaller retailers are the most popular. Frank Energy also received the People's Choice award. Powershop also rated with satisfaction scores of 74% and 67% respectively. Consumer NZ's Jessica Walker was on the line.
Government denies dragging its feet on AI
May 31, 2023 20:43 - 4 minutes - 3.68 MBThe government denies it is dragging its feet in response to the widespread, and rapidly increasing use of artificial intelligence. Despite years of discussion it has no specific plan to manage its use, and protect New Zealanders from potential harm. There's broad agreement it could bring enormous benefits. However that also comes with immense risk which has not yet been fully understood. Our political editor Jane Patterson asks whether there should be government regulation, and if so - ...
Market Update for 1 June 2023
May 31, 2023 20:34 - 1 minute - 1.18 MBBusiness update for 1 June 2023
Axe hovers over National Screening Unit
May 31, 2023 20:25 - 5 minutes - 4.87 MBAs we've been reporting this morning, the axe appears to be hovering over the National Screening Unit. Te Whatu Ora revealed in March it was looking at restructuring 16,000 back-office and management jobs. And it has confirmed the National Screening Unit is under review. In a statement, Te Whatu Ora says any changes will not affect the delivery of the screening service received by the public. Sue Claridge from the Auckland Women's Health Council spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss this morning.
Answers today: rebuilding on flood-damaged properties
May 31, 2023 20:19 - 5 minutes - 5.49 MBHundreds of people whose homes were wrecked by Cyclone Gabrielle will find out today if they're able to rebuild on their flood damaged property. The Cyclone Recovery Minister said on Tuesday that assessment for low risk properties will be announced from today. Wairoa Mayor Craig Little says he expects everybody affected in his district will find out about their properties today, and it could be difficult news.
Are house prices finally bottoming out?
May 31, 2023 20:11 - 8 minutes - 7.46 MBThe fall in house prices may have bottomed out, according to latest housing data from realestate.co.nz. The data suggests average asking prices may have hit the low point following what it calls a 'turbulent few years'. Realestate.co.nz's Vanessa Williams spoke to Corin Dann.
Sports News for 1 June 2023
May 31, 2023 20:06 - 2 minutes - 2.13 MBThe Queensland coach Billy Slater has hailed his side's defence and never say die attitude after they overcame a sin binning and several injuries to claim a come from behind 26-18 win over NSW in last night's State of Origin opener in Adelaide.
The grim impact of covid lockdowns on time perception
May 31, 2023 19:53 - 6 minutes - 6.2 MBNew research has found covid lockdowns made it more difficult for us to remember when significant events happened. The peer-reviewed analysis from researchers at the University of Aberdeen found the pandemic caused distortions in how people perceive time. Less accurate recollections were also associated with greater depression and anxiety. Study author Professor Arash Sahraie spoke to Corin Dann this morning.
Teachers to vote down latest pay offer
May 31, 2023 19:45 - 8 minutes - 7.53 MBWith industrial action set to resume today, primary and secondary school teachers are frustrated. Primary school teacher Joseph Tobin, and Wainuiomata High School teacher Adam Weir, both say they will vote down the government's latest offer.
Screening gap costing babies' lives
May 31, 2023 19:40 - 3 minutes - 3.57 MBSpinal muscular atrophy is the most common genetic cause of death in New Zealand babies without treatment but it's not included in the newborn screening programme. Doctors warn that waiting until symptoms appear, the only way it's diagnosed here, means it's already too late for some children. Ruth Hill reports.
Decision day looms for hundreds of health staff
May 31, 2023 19:35 - 4 minutes - 4.22 MBDecision day is looming for hundreds of health managers and back office staff at the National Health Agency, with the axe believed to be hovering over the National Health Screening Unit. Te Whatu Ora had pointed to June 2 as its "final decision" day, but yesterday it told RNZ it would be postponing any announcements. Reporter Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Councillor questions safety of scap yard after ninth fire
May 31, 2023 19:25 - 5 minutes - 4.8 MBManukau Councillor, Alf Filipaina says lessons haven't been learned since the last big fire in 2018. He spoke to Corin Dann this morning.
Firefighters remain at the scene of 30 hour scrap yard fire
May 31, 2023 19:19 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MBFirefighters remain at the scene of a fire at a South Auckland scrap metal yard, which has been burning for more than 30 hours. The fire at the Sims Metal scrap yard in Favona shut down schools, stopped train services and sent toxic smoke billowing across the suburb, forcing people indoors. It is the ninth fire at the site and the fifth described as serious by Fire and Emergency (FENZ). FENZ District Manager for Counties Manukau; Brad Mosby spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Would selling airport shares resolve Auckland's budget hole?
May 31, 2023 19:09 - 10 minutes - 9.3 MBThis morning Aucklanders will be given an idea of what their rates rise could be, as the Council gets closer to finalising its budget. Facing a $325 budget hole, Mayor Wayne Brown is expected to make an announcement around 8.30am. He is proposing to sell the Council's 18% shareholding in Auckland Airport. But councillor Christine Fletcher is one of several who isn't sure selling the airport shares is the right move, and she spoke to Corin Dann.
Business News for 1 June 2023
May 31, 2023 18:54 - 4 minutes - 4.03 MBBusiness news for 1 June 2023
Strike action resumes as PPTA rejects government pay offer
May 31, 2023 18:45 - 7 minutes - 6.51 MBStrike action will resume today after the secondary school teachers' union rejected a revised pay offer from the government. Teachers will refuse to take year twelve classes today, with further action planed for June 6 and 8. The latest pay offer included a lump sum of $4500 and pay rises totalling between 11 to 15.5% by the end of 2024. The Post Primary Teachers' Association acting president, Chris Abercrombe, spoke to Corin Dann this morning.
Are regulations for scrap metal yards fit for purpose?
May 31, 2023 18:41 - 4 minutes - 4.17 MBEmergency services say the Sims Metal scrap yard fire in South Auckland that has been burning for about 30 hours is almost out. Three fire crews are still at the scene fighting the blaze, which prompted an emergency alert yesterday due to toxic smoke. Fire and Emergency says the smoke has died down significantly, and expect the fire will be out at around 8am. The ninth fire at the yard has raised questions over whether regulations for scrap metal yards are fit for purpose. Auckland Counc...
Early Sports Chat for 1 June 2023
May 31, 2023 18:36 - 4 minutes - 4.03 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Morning Rural News for 1 June 2023
May 31, 2023 18:26 - 3 minutes - 3.59 MBNews from the rural farming sector.
Early Business News for 1 June 2023
May 31, 2023 18:24 - 1 minute - 1.22 MBLatest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.
Napier to Gisborne coastal shipping comes to an end
May 31, 2023 18:13 - 3 minutes - 3.45 MBThe lifeline that was coastal shipping between Napier and Gisborne has ended. 18 voyages carrying almost 300 containers ran between the two towns while State Highway 2 was closed between Napier and Wairoa. The Eastland Port says customers prefer the door-to-door nature of trucks, so the shipping route will end. But the coastal shipping was much better for the environment than road freight, and there's no telling when it might be needed again. Aotearoa Shipping Alliance spokesperson Ray M...
Millions of cyclone recovery dollars return to the Government
May 31, 2023 18:09 - 4 minutes - 3.96 MBMillions of dollars of cyclone recovery funds are set to be returned to the Government. $30 million was allocated to the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce to distribute to locals in need, but only 87% of the money was given out, with almost $9 million unspent. The Government has confirmed that money will go back into its coffers. National's Cyclone Recovery spokesperson Chris Penk is furious, and says the money must stay in the region.
Top Stories for Thursday 1 June 2023
May 31, 2023 18:00 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBTop stories for 1 June 2023 Auckland Council takes another step towards finalising it deficit-busting budget. We have the latest on impending job cuts for back office health workers as the Te Whatu Ora reforms kick in. We have the latest on impending job cuts for back office health workers as the Te Whatu Ora reforms kick in
NZ paralympian Nicole Murray wins two gold medals
May 30, 2023 20:58 - 1 minute - 1.74 MBNew Zealand paralympian Women's C5 cyclist Nicole Murray has beaten her top rivals, winning two gold medals in the Time Trial and Road Race at a World Cup event in Huntsville Alabama. Nicole spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss this morning.
Indian Premier League final's man of the match Devon Conway
May 30, 2023 20:55 - 6 minutes - 5.55 MBBlack Caps batter Devon Conway was named man of the match in yesterday's Indian Premier League final. Conway top scored with 47 runs from 25 balls for the Chennai Super Kings, helping them to a 5-wicket win over the Gujurat Titans. The 31-year-old was the third top run scorer in the IPL, and is now jetting home for a well earned break. He told Morning Report's Ben Strang he was thrilled to walk away an IPL champion.
Heaphy Track reopening will breathe new life back in
May 30, 2023 20:51 - 3 minutes - 3.24 MBA small West Coast community says fully reopening the Heaphy Track will breathe new life back into the town. Last February, storms damaged the track and destroyed a vital bridge - making it impossible to walk the whole track. Karamea businesses suffered a big drop in visitors, but they're hopeful that will soon change. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more.
Academics' lips zipped on free speech
May 30, 2023 20:43 - 4 minutes - 3.79 MBLess than half of academics surveyed as part of the second annual Academic Freedom Report say they feel free to state controversial or unpopular opinions. The research found treaty and race issues were the subjects academics were most uncomfortable discussing. Free Speech Union's Jonathan Ayling spoke to Tim Watkin.
Gore ratepayers likely to see 11.5% increase in rates
May 30, 2023 20:40 - 3 minutes - 3.07 MBGore's ratepayers are likely in for a rates hike of over 11.5% but will have little say in the matter, thanks to their dysfunctional council. With months of strained relations between the mayor and councillors apparently behind them, they held an extraordinary meeting yesterday to discuss the critical annual plan in public. Our Otago-Southland reporter, Timothy Brown, was there.
Market Update for 31 May 2023
May 30, 2023 20:34 - 1 minute - 1.29 MBBusiness update for 31 May 2023
Security expert on major review of NZ spy agencies
May 30, 2023 20:27 - 6 minutes - 5.51 MBA local security expert says the government could significantly widen its definition of what constitutes a national security threat, if it accepts the recommendations of a major review of the country's spy agencies. Paul Buchanan has been looking at the 274-page report, which was written by former Solicitor General Sir Terence Arnold and promient Māori lawyer Matanuku Mahuika. It offers 52 recommendations for improving the Government Communications Security Bureau and the Security Intell...
Business and trade advocates applaud FTA launch with UK
May 30, 2023 20:23 - 3 minutes - 3.63 MBBusiness and trade advocates are applauding the start of the New Zealand-UK free trade agreement as an important milestone for the country. The trade deal comes into force today, and is hoped to expand New Zealand's economy by $1 billion annually. BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope spoke to Tim Watkin.
Brother of Whakaari victim speaks out on Worksafe failure
May 30, 2023 20:18 - 4 minutes - 4.19 MBThe brother of a man who died after the tragic Whakaari/White Island eruption says a guilty plea by GNS Science means it's taking the rap for the failings of others. The Crown Research Institute this week pled guilty to charges related to multiple field trips its staff took to the island before the eruption, and the institute's failure in its duty to the helicopter pilots who were contractors. Mark Inman, brother of tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman, says GNS Science is a scapegoat for Wo...
Not good enough, Loafers Lodge inspected twice in a decade
May 30, 2023 20:10 - 5 minutes - 4.87 MBWellington City Councillor Tamatha Paul says it isn't good enough that Loafers Lodge was only inspected twice in a decade, when it should have been checked once per year. Councillors were briefed yesterday on their performance on building audits, which found less than 4% of buildings were being audited each year. At least 20% of buildings should be audited. Tamatha Paul spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss this morning.
Sports News for 31 May 2023
May 30, 2023 20:06 - 2 minutes - 2.08 MBIn French Open news, Women's top seed Eega Shvantek made a winning start - men's world No.2 Daniil Medvedev became the highest-ranked player to exit this year's tournament and Novak Djokovic was accused of fuelling tensions with his political stance on a dramatic day at Roland Garros
Auckland mayor to address $325 million budget hole plans
May 30, 2023 19:53 - 5 minutes - 5.29 MBThis morning, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is expected to unveil his plans to address a $325 million budget hole. That will include a bid to sell off the council's 18% share in strategic asset Auckland Airport. Councillor Maurice Williamson, who is in favour of selling, doesn't think the mayor has the votes for the sale. Morning Report invited several councillors believed to be in favour of keeping the airport shares on to the programme this morning, but no-one accepted. Maurice Williamson...
Luxon on National Party housing standards
May 30, 2023 19:44 - 8 minutes - 7.96 MBThe Housing Minister, Megan Woods, has extended several invitations to the National Party to meet and talk through National's ideas for housing. This comes after National pulled its support for medium density standards that it and the government agreed upon two years ago. The agreed upon standards would have allowed for up to three three-storey homes to be build on most sites in New Zealand, without a resource consent. Both National and Labour say they still want bipartisan support for n...
Missing or dead? Details from Beckenridge hearing
May 30, 2023 19:40 - 2 minutes - 2.57 MBA detective has told a Coroner's hearing that John Beckenridge was in a dire financial position at the time he went missing with his step-son, Mike. The 64-year-old man and the 11-year-old boy disappeared in March 2015, and the hearing is being held to work out if they are missing, or dead. Anna Sargent was at the hearing.
Waihī Beach clean-up and damage assessments continue
May 30, 2023 19:38 - 3 minutes - 3.06 MBAssessors will continue work today to check buildings, roads and bridges after flooding in Waihī Beach this week. Intense rainfall quickly flooded baches, and 11 of 19 pensioner flats at the northern end of the town. Western Bay of Plenty Civil Defence duty controller, Peter Watson, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Jan Tinetti to face Privileges Committee over false statement
May 30, 2023 19:29 - 4 minutes - 4.3 MBParliament's Privileges Committee is to consider whether Education Minister, Jan Tinetti, deliberately misled Parliament. In February, she told the house she was not responsible for the release of school attendance data, but staff told her later this was wrong. However, Ms Tinetti did not correct the record until May 1 after she received a letter from the Speaker. The matter has been referred to the Privileges Committee, to decide if the Minister's delay in correcting the inaccurate stat...
Education Ministry warns teachers not to use AI to mark exams
May 30, 2023 19:24 - 4 minutes - 4.56 MBThe Education Ministry has warned teachers not to use Chat GPT to mark students' work, saying it could be unfair and discriminatory. The Ministry also says the technology, which generates written material based on prompts from users, can produce answers that are just plain wrong. Victoria University's computer scientist, Dr Simon McCallum, joined Tim Watkin to explain the limits and potential of the technology.
Will supermarkets freeze food prices this winter?
May 30, 2023 19:24 - 3 minutes - 3.1 MBCountdown is promising it will again freeze some food prices this a winter. But Foodstuffs, which followed suit last year, won't say whether it will bring back the same scheme. Kirsty Frame reports.
Primary teachers to consider new pay offer
May 30, 2023 19:16 - 3 minutes - 3.3 MBAfter calling off a nationwide strike, primary teachers have a new pay offer to consider. The potential deal includes a $4,500 lump-sum payment, and three pay rises. NZEI members will consider the offer at meetings later today. Our education correspondent John Gerritsen spoke to Tim Watkin.