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
Wellington City Council building audits not up to scratch
May 30, 2023 19:10 - 5 minutes - 5.32 MBEight months before the Loafers Lodge fire, Wellington City Council was warned it wasn't completing enough fire safety checks. The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) found the council was auditing 3% of buildings a year, when it should have been at least 20%. MBIE told the council in September it should do its most frequent on-site audits of the highest risk buildings, and explicitly mentioned 'budget accommodation'. Both the Wellington Mayor, Tory Whanau, and Wellingt...
Auckland mayor suggests funding local resilience
May 30, 2023 18:50 - 4 minutes - 3.8 MBAuckland mayor Wayne Brown has suggested local communities could receive funding from a $20 million storm response fund as a way of improving resilience. Many smaller communities have been isolated by recent storms, with flooding and landslides cutting them off from larger areas. As such, help has also been cut off, leaving locals to fend for themselves. Wayne Brown praised the people of Pūhoi for how they coped during the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods, when they were cut off. Rodn...
Security workers to begin bargaining fair pay
May 30, 2023 18:44 - 6 minutes - 5.53 MBSecurity workers have the go-ahead to begin bargaining for a Fair Pay Agreement. It comes as hospitality workers also move on an FPA, which sets pay and conditions across entire industries. E tū Union, which represents both groups of workers, says the agreements have huge potential for workers. E tū assistant National Secretary, Annie Newman, spoke to Tim Watkin.
Early Sports Chat for 31 May 2023
May 30, 2023 18:37 - 5 minutes - 4.84 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Morning Rural News for 31 May 2023
May 30, 2023 18:26 - 3 minutes - 3.37 MBNews from the rural farming sector.
SH2 Wairoa to Napier reopens around the clock
May 30, 2023 18:22 - 3 minutes - 3.42 MBState Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier will be open around the clock from today, after first reopening to daytime traffic two weeks ago. The stretch of road was heavily damaged in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, with damage to about 100 sites, including the Devil's Elbow and Waikare Gorge bridge. Wairoa Mayor Craig Little says there's still plenty of work to do get the region back in shape. He spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss this morning.
Early Business News for 31 May 2023
May 30, 2023 18:20 - 1 minute - 1.22 MBLatest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.
Elon Musk welcomed to Beijing
May 30, 2023 18:16 - 4 minutes - 3.98 MBElon Musk has been welcomed to Beijing by China's foreign minister Qin Yang, at the start of the business magnate's first trip to China in three years. The visit comes as tensions between the US and China are running high. Mr Musk's Tesla electric vehicle company has its largest factory in Shanghai, and China is its second biggest market after the United States. Wedbush Securities managing director Dan Ives spoke to Tim Watkin this morning.
Top Stories for Wednesday 31 May 2023
May 30, 2023 18:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBTop stories for 31 May 2023 Eight months before the Loafers Lodge fire, Wellington City Council was warned it wasn't doing enough fire safety checks. A new pay deal is on the table for primary school teachers, we'll have the details. Parliament's Privileges Committee will consider whether Education Minister, Jan Tinetti deliberately misled Parliament.
Rotorua lake levels risen after heavy rain
May 29, 2023 20:51 - 2 minutes - 2.42 MBBay of Plenty Regional Council is asking people to take extra care around the edges of Rotorua lakes. It's warning lake levels have risen significantly after recent heavy rain and people should be extremely careful as unexpected things may be lurking beneath the surface. The Council's Senior Maritime Officer, Roly Bagshaw, spoke to Craig McCulloch.
Refreshed pursuit policy could be more dangerous - Police Ass.
May 29, 2023 20:44 - 5 minutes - 5.27 MBThe Police Association predicts more people will die as a result of the police taking a harder line with fleeing drivers. The Commissioner, Andrew Coster, has freed up officers to pursue cars more frequently, after fleeing drivers events more than doubled after the police essentially stopped the chases. Association president, Chris Cahill, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Spike in abuse to weather forecasters
May 29, 2023 20:36 - 5 minutes - 4.65 MBWeather forecasters from Europe and the US, to Australia and New Zealand, are reporting a spike in threats and abuse from conspiracy theorists convinced they and sometimes governments are controlling the weather. The New Zealand forecaster Weather Watch has been dealing with a big increase in attacks like this. It's chief executive Philip Duncan spoke with Craig McCulloch.
Market Update for 30 May 2023
May 29, 2023 20:30 - 1 minute - 1.17 MBBusiness update for 30 May 2023.
Should political parties have to disclose use of AI?
May 29, 2023 20:27 - 3 minutes - 3.14 MBThe PR industry thinks political parties should have to disclose their use of artificial intelligence in campaign advertising. But advertisers are not so sure. The political parties themselves have not committed to disclosure - though it may well be coming in Europe and the US. Phil Pennington reports.
Older men particularly vulnerable among homeless
May 29, 2023 20:23 - 4 minutes - 4.31 MBThe Loafers Lodge hostel fire has shone a light on some of Aotearoa's most vulnerable people, in particular older men. They struggle to find decent accomodation, often sleeping rough or finding poor or inadequate housing. The Downtown Community Ministry - a Wellington-based service says two-thirds of those who go through their doors experience homeslessness and over 50 percent are Maori. Director of the Downtown Community Ministry, Stephen Turnock, spoke to Craig McCulloch.
Missing pair were likely in vehicle found in sea - crash expert
May 29, 2023 20:18 - 2 minutes - 2.67 MBA crash expert has told a Coroner's hearing into the disappearance of John Beckenridge and his step-son Mike that it's likely someone would've been behind the wheel of their car as it went off a cliff. The 64 year old man and the eleven year old boy went missing in March 2015. Mr Beckenridge's four wheel drive was later found in the sea at the bottom of a cliff in the Catlins, but their bodies have never been found. Anna Sargent was at the hearing.
Fog cannons: Liqour store hit over 15 times despite protections
May 29, 2023 20:10 - 6 minutes - 6.19 MBRobbed, held at knifepoint and scared to death is an experience many dairy and small business owners are getting used to as rates of attacks climb to historic levels. Robert Lee, owner of the Windmill Dairy in New Plymouth, says he feared for his life when three young people, armed with a knife and a hammer, stormed his business this month. Ravinder Singh, who owns a liqour store in Auckland's Pukekohe, says he's been hit more than 15 times, despite fitting a number of protections. They ...
Hawke's Bay Regional Council struggling to pay cyclone bill
May 29, 2023 19:56 - 4 minutes - 3.78 MBHawke's Bay Regional Council is worried the Cyclone Gabrielle response and recovery could leave ratepayers with a hefty bill. A council report has revealed it's alreday struggling to get reimbursed for some costs from NEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency including for emergency infrastructure repairs, helicopters, and generators. It says if that's not resolved, ratepayers will have to fund the shortfall. Lauren Crimp has been reading the report and spoke to Craig McCulloch.
Review needed for NZ secuirty and intelligence laws
May 29, 2023 19:48 - 5 minutes - 5.02 MBThe Government is calling for a bipartisan approach to the reviewing of New Zealand's security and intelligence laws. There are 52 recommendations in a new report on the country's spy agencies. These include overhauling the Intelligence and Security Committee, removing a distinction between warrants for spying on New Zealanders and non-New Zealanders, and defining "national security" in the law. Director of Massey University's Centre for Defence and Security studies, Dr Will Hoverd, spok...
Children's Commissioner on police pursuits
May 29, 2023 19:43 - 6 minutes - 5.52 MBThe Children's Commissioner is imploring police not to pursue young drivers. The police commissioner, Andrew Coster, announced the change to the pursuit policy on the back of a large increase in offenders racing away from police. The police association says more people will likely die as a result of the change. The Children's Commissioner, Judge Frances Eivers, spoke to Craig McCulloch.
National open to bilingual road signs - Willis clarifies
May 29, 2023 19:40 - 2 minutes - 2.3 MBThe deputy leader of the opposition, Nicola Willis, has hit back at accusations from Prime Minister Chris Hipkins that National was dog-whistling in its criticism of bilingual road signs. On Friday, National's transport spokesperson Simeon Brown said the party did not support having road signs in both te reo Maori and English, saying it would be confusing for drivers. Since then National has walked back on its opposition. Nicola Willis clarified her party's stance on First Up this mornin...
Ambulance "ramping" takes nine crews off the road per day
May 29, 2023 19:35 - 3 minutes - 3.36 MBThe equivalent of nine ambulances a day are unable to respond to call-outs because they're stuck outside emergency departments, unable to drop off patients. It's known as ramping - the time crews spend waiting for patients to be admitted - and it's increased more than three-fold nationwide since 2019. Ruth Hill reports.
Busted parking meters no barrier to issuing fines
May 29, 2023 19:27 - 3 minutes - 2.95 MBDrivers in New Plymouth are crying foul over the council continuing to issue parking tickets in the CBD despite almost half its meters not working properly. Some machines have crashed completely while many no longer accept cash, raising the prospect of an instant $40 dollar fine. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.
Fog cannons: Shop owners say funding criteria is too narrow
May 29, 2023 19:25 - 3 minutes - 2.79 MBDairy and vape store owners are still unhappy with moves by the government to help protect them from robbery by extending funding for fog-cannons in their shops. A $4000 dollar subsidy was was set up last year affter the death of Auckland dairy worker, Janak Patel in an aggravated robbery. The government says an extra $11-million dollars for the scheme, will make thousands more retailers safer. But, shop owners spoken to by RNZ say they are scared to go to work because the criteria for f...
Waihi Beach flash flood damages homes and baches
May 29, 2023 19:17 - 7 minutes - 6.42 MBCrews will be on the ground at Waihi Beach today assessing the fill extent of the damage from yesterday's flash flood. Dozens of people were evacuated. Katikati-Waihi ward councillor Allan Sole says the area flooded rapidly inundating homes and baches. He spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Fog cannons: Hipkins on scheme's $11-million top up
May 29, 2023 19:10 - 7 minutes - 7.01 MBThe government is spending a further $11-million dollars on its fog cannon scheme amid a surge in applications from retailers for the devices. The demand for fog cannons is up dramatically - but ram raids are up too - and National says it's all smoke and mirrors. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins spoke to Craig McCulloch for his weekly interview slot.
Sports News for 30 May 2023
May 29, 2023 19:06 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBNovak Djokovic has launched his quest for a record-breaking 23rd men's Grand Slam singles title with a straight sets first-round win at the French Open.
Sports News for 30 May 2023
May 29, 2023 19:06 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBNovak Djokovic has launched his quest for a record-breaking 23rd men's Grand Slam singles title with a straight sets first-round win at the French Open.
Business News for 30 May 2023
May 29, 2023 18:54 - 4 minutes - 4.4 MBBusiness news for 30 May 2023.
Civil Defence update on Waihi Beach flash flood
May 29, 2023 18:46 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MBIt's not known yet many homes at Waihi Beach north of Tauranga are uninhabitable after a flash-flood swept through yesterday afternoon. Dozens of people had to be evacuated and have spent the night staying with family and friends. Peter Watson from Civil Defence floodwaters were waist deep at their height. He spoke to Craig McCulloch.
Fog Cannons: National says focus should be on crime prevention
May 29, 2023 18:39 - 7 minutes - 6.52 MBRam raids are up 55% nationwide over the past three months, with 68 in April alone. In response to calls for support the government is rolling out an $11-million dollar boost to its fog cannon fund, saying they're making small retailers feel safer in their business. National Party police spokesperson Mark Mitchell says the government needs to focus more on preventing crime. He spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Early Sports Chat for 30 May 2023
May 29, 2023 18:36 - 3 minutes - 3.5 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Morning Rural News for 30 May 2023
May 29, 2023 18:25 - 3 minutes - 2.99 MBNews from the rural farming sector.
Early Business News for 30 May 2023
May 29, 2023 18:23 - 1 minute - 1.21 MBLatest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.
Fog cannon scheme gets $11-million top up
May 29, 2023 18:13 - 5 minutes - 4.91 MBThe government's boosting funding for fog canons to protect small businesses. It's adding another $11-million dollars to the scheme and expects a further 3350 fog cannons could be subsidised by the end of this year. Sunny Kaushal is the Chair of Dairy & Business Owners Group.
Spain PM calls snap election
May 29, 2023 18:13 - 5 minutes - 5.26 MBSpain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez has made a surprising move calling a snap election in July. It closely follows local elections held over the weekend, which saw the ruling Socialist Party do poorly. Mr Sanchez says the the results of the local elections are the driving reason for dissolving Spain's parliament early. Freelance journalist James Badcock is in Madrid and spoke to Craig McCulloch.
Dozens evacuate Waihi Beach homes after flash flood
May 29, 2023 18:09 - 3 minutes - 2.99 MBDozens of people living at Waihi Beach north of Tauranga have spent the night with friends and family after evacuating their flooded homes yesterday. 60-millimetres of rain fell during a cloud burst just after two yesterday afternoon, and floodwaters were up to waist deep. Civil Defence says most people evacuated had found accommodation with family and other members of the community for the night. There has also been significant damage to the roading network in the region around Waihi. W...
Sports News for 30 May 2023
May 29, 2023 18:06 - 1 minute - 952 KBInternational Cricket Council officials are to head to Pakistan to secure the country's participation in this year's 50-overs World Cup in India which is in doubt for political reasons.
Top Stories for Tuesday 30 May 2023
May 29, 2023 18:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBTop Stories for Tuesday 30 May 2023. The government is spending another 11-million-dollars on its fog cannon scheme - we get reaction from dairy and vape store owners. Crews will this morning begin assessing the damage at Waihi Beach after yesterday's flash flood. Ramping is becoming an increasing problem - With ambulances stuck at Emergency Departments waiting for patients to be admitted.
Australian strongman wins Iron Hand arm wrestling
May 28, 2023 20:45 - 5 minutes - 4.81 MBStrongmen from across the world were in West Auckland on Saturday for the Iron Hand - New Zealand Open arm wrestling tournament. Teams from Uzbekistan and Australia competed against New Zealand's best for a first prize of $5,000 in the right arm open category. In the end, Australia's Lachlan "Anvil" Adair took the title of Iron Hand. His arch-rival and New Zealand number one, Maateiwarangi "The Beast" Heta-Morris, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Chiefs make top spot
May 28, 2023 20:40 - 2 minutes - 2.17 MBThe Chiefs have sewn up the top spot on the ladder with one weekend to spare, beating the top ranked Australian side, the Brumbies, 31-21 in Canberra. They've only lost one game all year. RNZ sport reporter Joe Porter spoke to Craig McCulloch.
A big year ahead for Black Ferns
May 28, 2023 20:37 - 3 minutes - 3.19 MBThe World Champion Black Ferns have a big year ahead. There are more top-level tests on home soil than ever before, and the players will have to get used to a new coaching staff. The team had their first camp of the year in Wellington last week. Rugby reporter Joe Porter, caught up with some of the team to discuss the new pressures and opportunities for the Black Ferns in 2023.
Market Update for 29 May 2023
May 28, 2023 20:30 - 1 minute - 1.27 MBBusiness update for 29 May 2023
Netball: Auckland Stars make Premiership final
May 28, 2023 20:27 - 2 minutes - 2.64 MBThe Auckland Stars overcame a four-goal halftime deficit to beat the Central Pulse in their elimination final in Porirua last night, making the ANZ Premiership final. The Pulse lead 29-25 at the half, but the Stars flipped the script in the third quarter, winning it 16-8, and then held their nerve over the final quarter to claim the glory. They'll now play the Mystics in the final this coming weekend. RNZ's netball reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Wine and cheese business networks don't cut it anymore
May 28, 2023 20:24 - 3 minutes - 3.17 MBThe country's ethnic business leaders say they want to be included in mainstream business networks. More than 100 leaders and two MPs attended the first business forum for the ethnic community, held in Auckland last week. Our reporter Amy Williams was there.
Infrastructure needed before National's housing plans
May 28, 2023 20:16 - 6 minutes - 6.23 MBA construction expert says the National Party needs to invest in infrastructure to be able to deliver on their housing plans. Yesterday, National announced its Going for Housing Growth Plan to fast-track development on land in urban and greenfield spaces. John Tookey is Professor in Construction Management at AUT, he spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss this morning.
Labour Congress: Deputy PM Carmel Sepuloni on policy announcements
May 28, 2023 20:10 - 5 minutes - 5.23 MBElectioneering is now in full swing, with both major parties running attack lines about the prospect of the other running the country, come October. Labour held its election year congress in Wellington at the weekend, releasing little in the way of policy, but issuing plenty of warnings about a change of government. National is accusing Labour of resorting to scaremongering, saying it can't campaign on its track record of delivery. Deputy Prime Minister, Carmel Sepuloni, spoke to Craig M...
National withdraws from bipartisan housing policy
May 28, 2023 19:53 - 5 minutes - 4.63 MBThe National Party has withdrawn from a bipartisan housing policy it helped draft. The Medium Density Residential Standards were viewed by some as a gamechanger in helping the country address its chronic housing supply problems. But National now wants councils to be able to opt out. The National Party's housing spokesperson Chris Bishop spoke to Craig McCulloch.
Life in mental care system said to fail vulnerable rangatahi
May 28, 2023 19:50 - 3 minutes - 3.43 MBA teenager, who has spent his entire life in care, says the system is failing the mental health needs of vulnerable rangatahi. A recent Mental Health Wellbeing Commission report found a quarter of 12 to 17-year-olds in need of mental health care are being admitted to adult inpatient services due to lack of age appropriate units around the country. Advocates are calling for an urgent response to what is being called a youth mental health crisis. Our reporter Rayssa Almeida's story include...