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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Gisborne election draws exceptional number of candidates
August 24, 2022 20:48 - 3 minutes - 3.27 MBThere's a real race on for the local elections in Gisborne, with the highest number of candidates in 21 years. More than 40 people are competing for 14 seats. Tairāwhiti reporter Tom Kitchin has more.
Disabled woman worried those who rely on in-home care could suffer
August 24, 2022 20:43 - 3 minutes - 2.94 MBA disabled woman is worried those who rely on in-home care could suffer or even die because the help is inconsistent and they are often left to fend for themselves. Matty Angel asked the Health Select Committee for an inquiry into the in-home care model that relies on companies who want to make a profit. Rosie Gordon reports.
Migrant nurses discouraged by immigration settings - National Party
August 24, 2022 20:39 - 3 minutes - 3.24 MBNew Zealand is struggling to attract migrant nurses, as the country continues to grapple with desperate nursing shortages - particularly in the aged care sector. National Party immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford says the government's immigration settings are disadvantaging New Zealand's ability to attract healthcare workers. She spoke with Corin Dann.
Market Update for 25 August 2022
August 24, 2022 20:31 - 1 minute - 1.66 MBBusiness update for 25 August 2022
'Covid cases must isolate immediately' - Baker
August 24, 2022 20:28 - 4 minutes - 4.11 MBA public health expert says people who get Covid-19 should isolate as soon as possible after they develop symptoms. Case numbers have been dropping over recent weeks, and the rolling average of hospitalisations has dropped by more than 20 percent in the past week. Otago University Professor Michael Baker says it's been assumed that people with Covid-19 are infectious for a day or two before they develop symptoms. He says new information shows the greatest risk of spread is from when a pe...
Questions whether consumers are getting raw power deals
August 24, 2022 20:24 - 4 minutes - 3.87 MBConsumer advocates are questioning whether electricity users are getting a raw deal as the big three state-controlled power companies post big profits. Meridian Energy yesterday reported a 55 percent increase in its full-year net profit, to $664 million. Combined with Genesis and Mercury, the three 'gentailers' made a combined annual net profit of $1.35 billion. Consumer Advocacy Council chair Deborah Hart spoke to Corin Dann.
Minister expects supermarket legislation to be in force next year
August 24, 2022 20:18 - 4 minutes - 3.96 MBThe country's two supermarket giants have been told to loosen their grip on the grocery sector and let other retailers into the wholesale market that they currently dominate. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark warned yesterday that if that doesn't happen Foodstuffs and Countdown will be forced to sell goods at fairer prices set by the incoming Grocery Commissioner. He spoke to Susie Ferguson.
Soldier killed in Ukraine named
August 24, 2022 20:11 - 7 minutes - 7.17 MBThe New Zealand soldier killed in Ukraine has been named. He was Dominic Abelen from the Royal NZ Infantry Regiment's 2/1Battalion based in Burnham and was fighting in Ukraine while on leave without pay. RNZ understands he was shot in the chest and killed while attacking a Russian trenchline in the east of the country. People who knew him say he was highly thought of in his corp and as a fighter in Ukraine. Aaron Wood is a former soldier and co- founder of No Duff - a volunteer Veterans ...
Sports News for 25 August 2022
August 24, 2022 20:06 - 2 minutes - 1.93 MBKane Williamson has returned from injury and will captain the Black Caps in next month's Chappell-Hadlee one-day series against Australia while fast bowler Trent Boult is also included, despite being released from his contract with New Zealand Cricket. Williamson missed the final two games in the Black Caps maiden ODI series win in the West Indies earlier this week but is available for the three-match series in Cairns.
Proposal to introduce 'friendly' wasps to Manawatu-Whanganui
August 24, 2022 19:56 - 4 minutes - 4 MBManawatu and Whanganui could soon be home to a new foreign wasp. Horizons Regional Council has made an application to import and release the bud-galling wasp to control the spread of an invasive acacia shrub. Council's biosecurity and biodiversity manager Craig Davey says the critter will be quote, the "friendliest wasp you'll ever meet". He spoke to Corin Dann.
Government considering cutting senior teaching role
August 24, 2022 19:50 - 3 minutes - 3.37 MBThe government wants to make a surprise cut to a senior teaching role so it can cover a hole in its budget. More than 3000 teachers have the so-called within-school teacher job which pays them $8000 a year for extra work. Axing it would save $24 million a year. But the government can't do it unless teacher unions agree. Education correspondent John Gerritsen spoke to Susie Ferguson.
Blenheim greengrocer keeping up supply despite road trouble
August 24, 2022 19:47 - 2 minutes - 2.49 MBA Blenheim green grocer says he's been able to maintain good stocks of veges for sale throughout the floods, because of the goodwill of others. Flooding and slips threatened to cut off regular vegetable supplies to Gavin Williams, of Williams Green Grocers. But help from Nelson growers ensured that didn't happen. Williams spoke to Corin Dann.
Far North residents planning to leave over healthcare access
August 24, 2022 19:45 - 3 minutes - 3.35 MBSome Far North residents say their access to basic healthcare is so bad that they're planning on leaving the region. This comes after revelations that a shortage of health workers means there wil be no doctor on duty at Rawene Hospital in the evenings or overnight. Sam Olley reports.
More than 130 jobs lost at Ruapehu after poor season
August 24, 2022 19:40 - 3 minutes - 3.44 MBThe axing of a third of the staff at Mt Ruapehu's skifields is sending reverberations across the region. About 135 people have lost their jobs, as one of the warmest, wettest winters on record leaves the slopes at Whakapapa and Turoa almost bare of snow. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, which runs the two skifields, says Turoa is now closed and will require a significant snow dump to reopen. Ruapehu District Deputy Mayor Karen Ngatai spoke to Susie Ferguson.
Rough start for Adrian Rurawhe as speaker
August 24, 2022 19:30 - 5 minutes - 4.61 MBIt was a terse beginning for Labour's new speaker on his first day in the house. The formalities descended into yet another attack on Labour by estranged MP Gaurav Sharma - causing shock and anger on the government benches. This time his allegations were aimed directly at Mallard - who had taken his new place beside the freshly independent MP up at the back of the chamber. Adrian Rurawhe spoke to Corin Dann.
Trevor Mallard finishes up as Speaker
August 24, 2022 19:25 - 3 minutes - 3.61 MBIt's been the worst kept secret in Parliament - Trevor Mallard heading off to Ireland as ambassador and handing over the reins as Speaker to Adrian Rurawhe. The formalities descended into yet another attack on Labour by estranged MP Gaurav Sharma - causing shock and anger on the government benches. This time his allegations were aimed directly at Mallard - who had taken his new place beside the freshly independent MP up at the back of the chamber. Political editor Jane Patterson was ther...
Grocery retailer doubts lower prices will follow rejig
August 24, 2022 19:20 - 4 minutes - 4.07 MBOnline groceries retailer Supie doubts that the Government's move to force the country's supermarket duopoly to open to competitors will lead to lower prices. The Government has told Foodstuffs and Countdown they must loosen their grip on the grocery sector and let other retailers into the wholesale market that they currently dominate. It's also warned that if this doesn't happen, they'll be forced to sell goods at fairer prices, set by the incoming Grocery Commissioner. Supie founder Sa...
Former NZ soldier in Ukraine proud to see other New Zealanders on front line
August 24, 2022 19:10 - 6 minutes - 6.15 MBA former New Zealand soldier fighting in Ukraine says he's proud to see other Kiwis on the front line - even though one of his countrymen has given his life for the cause. The Defence Force announced yesterday a soldier, who was on unpaid leave, had been killed. RNZ understands he was fighting with Ukrainian forces in the east of the country. In New Zealand the man had been based at Burnham Military Camp. The Defence force says he was not on active duty in Ukraine. Reporter Charlotte Coo...
Sports News for 25 August 2022
August 24, 2022 19:07 - 59 seconds - 950 KBThe return of pace bowler Matt Henry from injury is the only change to the Black Caps ODI squad for next month's Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia in Cairns.
Business News for 25 August 2022
August 24, 2022 18:54 - 4 minutes - 4.32 MBBussiness news for 25 August 2022
Food and Grocery Council backs govt supermarket move
August 24, 2022 18:48 - 4 minutes - 4.24 MBThe Food and Grocery Council is backing a move to force this country's supermarket giants to allow competitors to enter the market. The Government told Foodstuffs and Countdown yesterday they must loosen their grip on the grocery sector and let other retailers into the wholesale market that they currently dominate. It also warned that if this doesn't happen, they'll be forced to sell goods at fairer prices, set by the incoming Grocery Commissioner. Food and Grocery Council chief executiv...
Nelson faces major freight delays due to floods
August 24, 2022 18:47 - 2 minutes - 2.76 MBFreight entering and departing Nelson is facing significant delays as many roads in the region remain closed. Flooding and slips in the Nelson and Marlborough region have closed more than 40 roads. Ia Ara Aotearoa - Transporting New Zealand says it's frustrating for freight trucks who are having to make long detours. Chief executive Nick Leggett spoke to Corin Dann.
Early Sports News for 25 August 2022
August 24, 2022 18:44 - 3 minutes - 3.01 MBA brief update from the RNZ sports team.
Kiwi fighting in Ukraine on why he joined battle
August 24, 2022 18:44 - 2 minutes - 2.39 MBRNZ understands a New Zealand soldier who has been killed in Ukraine was fighting in the east of the country. The man was on unpaid leave from the defence force In New Zealand, he'd been based at Burnham Military Camp. The solider is not the only New Zealander fighting in Ukraine. Reporter Charlotte Cook spoke to a former member of the Defence Force who is also fighting in the war-torn country on Wednesday. He is currently the only Kiwi in the multinational fighting unit called the Dark ...
Morning Rural News for 25 August 2022
August 24, 2022 18:26 - 4 minutes - 3.75 MBNews from the rural and farming sector.
Early Business News for 25 August 2022
August 24, 2022 18:25 - 1 minute - 1.25 MBA brief update from the business sector.
Ukraine celebrates independence day amid war
August 24, 2022 18:21 - 3 minutes - 3.57 MBUkraine is celebrating Independence Day six months after the invasion by Russia began. The invasion has resulted in immense destruction, the displacement of millions of Ukrainians and the deaths of what is thought to be tens of thousands of people including the death announced yesterday of a New Zealand soldier. New Zealand freelance journalist Tom Mutch spoke to Susie Ferguson.
Marlborough vintners look forward to drier soils soon
August 24, 2022 18:17 - 4 minutes - 3.98 MBHeavy rain in Marlborough has left large areas of grape vines standing in water. Winemakers say it's not a problem yet, but it will be if the rain continues and soils can't dry out properly soon. Independent Marlborough viticulturalist Stu Dudley spoke to Susie Ferguson.
Sports News for 25 August 2022
August 24, 2022 18:06 - 57 seconds - 929 KBSports news for 15 August 2022
Top Stories for Thursday 25 August 2022
August 24, 2022 18:00 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBTop stories for 25 August 2022 Countdown and Foodstuffs are told to loosen their grip on the wholesale market. Newly independdent MP Gaurav Sharma lashes out at the outgoing Speaker, Trevor Mallard Also a third of workers at Mt Ruapehu's skifields lose their jobs because there's no snow. And Manawatu and Whanganui could soon be home to a new "friendly" foreign wasp
NZ's biggest drag show hits Palmerston North
August 23, 2022 20:55 - 4 minutes - 3.69 MBThe Palmy Drag Fest is fast approaching. Not the normal hoons in Toyotas along Fitzherbert Ave that we know and love, its a show at the Regent Theatre in Palmerston North with Drag Queens and Kings, set to attract more than a 1000 attendees. Reporter Leonard Powell tracked down those involved to find out more about the phenomenon.
New photos of Jupiter from James Webb telescope released
August 23, 2022 20:51 - 4 minutes - 3.72 MBNew, unprecedented images of Jupiter have been captured by the worlds largest and most powerful space telescope. The James Webb Space Telescope images show auroras, giant storms, moons and rings around Jupiter that astronomers are describing as "incredible". Olivier Witasse from European Space Agency spoke to Morning Report.
Te Atiawa iwi moving ahead on property plans
August 23, 2022 20:46 - 3 minutes - 3.37 MBTe Atiawa is re-establishing its presence on the New Plymouth landscape - in more ways than one - as the iwi realises its property aspirations. On one side of town an unloved tower block is coming down brick by brick, while across the CBD a former government building is being transformed into an iwi headquarters. RNZ Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.
Advocacy group not happy with Oranga Tamariki Bill passing
August 23, 2022 20:43 - 3 minutes - 3.39 MBControversial legislation to restructure how Oranga Tamariki is monitored has passed its final hurdle in Parliament. The Oranga Tamariki Oversight Bill will remove the country's top watchdog for young people, the Children's Commissioner, in favour of a new system. The bill has met fierce political and social opposition. Advocacy group for children in care VOYCE Whakarongo Mai chief executive Tracie Shipton spoke to Corin Dann.
Union warns NZ could be caught short on toilet paper
August 23, 2022 20:37 - 4 minutes - 4.35 MBThe pulp and paper workers union says we could soon be in the grips of a toilet paper shortage - if a Kawerau production company continues to lock out its workers. One hundred and forty-five production staff have been locked out of Essity mill, which produces Purex, Sorbent, Libra and Handee, since the beginning of the month. The workers are pushing for an inflation adjustment in their collective agreement, but so far negotiations have failed. Pulp and Paper Union Kawerau union secretary...
Market Update for 24 August 2022
August 23, 2022 20:31 - 1 minute - 1.31 MBBusiness update for 24 August 2022
Civil Defence still monitoring situation in Marlborough
August 23, 2022 20:29 - 2 minutes - 2.34 MBCivil Defence Marlborough regional controller Richard McNamara, is continuing to monitor a clean-up that he estimates will cost "at least" $100 million. He spoke to Corin Dann.
Marlborough town's community spirit not hit by rain
August 23, 2022 20:26 - 3 minutes - 2.84 MBThe rains have washed a lot of things away in the small Marlborough township of Canvastown, but not its community spirit. Residents of the settlement this past week moved as swiftly as the fast flowing nearby river to fortify what has become their key place of refuge, the local Pelorus Tavern-Trout Bar. For a town cut off from much of the world right now, including supply routes, life at the pub is "doing pretty well," says landlady Kaycee Polkinghorne. She spoke to Susie Ferguson.
Woman linked to bodies in suitcases could be extradited
August 23, 2022 20:19 - 5 minutes - 5.09 MBlaw expert believes the extradition of a woman in South Korea linked to the two children found dead in suitcases would be relatively straightforward - if it meets the criteria. An Auckland family made the grisly discovery of the childrens' remains earlier this month after buying the contents of an abandoned storage unit in an online auction. South Korean police say the woman, a Korean-born New Zealander in her 40s, arrived in the country in 2018, but there has been no record of her depar...
Commentator on Gaurav Sharma's options
August 23, 2022 20:14 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MBWhile Gaurav Sharma remains in parliament, he has the platform to create ongoing headaches for Labour. He says he still has texts from Labour Party colleagues and other evidence of bullying he's prepared to make public. University of Auckland senior political lecturer Dr Lara Greaves spoke to Corin Dann.
Hamilton West reacts to Gaurav Sharma expulsion
August 23, 2022 20:10 - 3 minutes - 3.12 MBHamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma was expelled from the Labour caucus yesterday, having spent the past fortnight making allegations of bullying and gaslighting by party whips, fellow MPs and staff from the Prime Minister's office. Sixty Labour MPs yesterday voted to expel Dr Sharma from the party, while one opposed and another abstained from voting. Reporter Tom Taylor visited Hamilton West in the wake of the decision to find out what's next for the electorate and its rebel MP.
WorkSafe performance measures changed after failures
August 23, 2022 19:52 - 2 minutes - 2.58 MBNational is describing Worksafe's new performance measures as waffly and vague, amid warnings they will reduce the regulator's accountability. Worksafe's health and safety targets have been scrapped, and 40 new performance measures bought in after it failed to meet most of its old ones. Here's investigative journalist Anusha Bradley.
Report warns protections against spying on kids too weak
August 23, 2022 19:48 - 4 minutes - 4.26 MBA new report says measures in place to stop big tech companies spying on our schoolchildren appear far too weak. Overseas, the multi-billion-dollar spread of online learning has triggered lawsuits, investigations and controversy. Phil Pennington is looking into this.
Christopher Luxon on Brian Tamaki's new 'Freedoms NZ' party
August 23, 2022 19:42 - 5 minutes - 4.67 MBA new political party has emerged on parliament's lawns. About 2000 supporters of the Destiny Church-led Freedoms and Rights Coalition staged another anti-government rally at Parliament. Its leader Brian Tamaki put himself at centre stage, announcing a new coalition of three parties called Freedoms NZ. National Party leader Christopher Luxon has previously been asked by media if he'd work with fringe parties - but there hasn't been a firm answer. Luxon spoke to Susie Ferguson.
Wellington businesses thankful protest ended quickly
August 23, 2022 19:36 - 2 minutes - 2.51 MBWellington businesses whose takings were crippled by the Parliamentary occupation earlier this year feared another slow day because of the protest yesterday. In the end takings were down, but the biggest feeling was one of relief, after the Freedoms and Rights Coalition march ended by mid afternoon and the parliamentary lawn promptly emptied. Jimmy Ellingham reports.
Government expected to announce supermarket wholesale changes
August 23, 2022 19:29 - 3 minutes - 2.78 MBThe Government is expected to use another tool from it's arsenal to tackle the increasing cost of living. It's anticipated the next the next step in supermarket reforms will be announced later today which will be aimed at opening the supply of wholesale groceries to smaller rival companies. Officials say the new plan should help families to get a fair deal at the till. Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy spoke to Corin Dann.
Nelson insurance broker mucking in on clean-up
August 23, 2022 19:23 - 5 minutes - 5 MBFifteen houses are red stickered and hundreds more are yellow in Nelson - with many people unable to return home. There's also widespread, massive damage across the top of the South Island with farms badly affected across the region. Insurance companies are expecting a growing number of claims over the days and weeks ahead. Somebody who's "gumboot deep" in the clean-up after the ferocious rains in Nelson is local insurance broker Chris Collins. Collins spoke to Susie Ferguson.
South Korea seeking woman linked to bodies in NZ suitcases
August 23, 2022 19:20 - 2 minutes - 2.74 MBSouth Korean police say it'll be difficult to pursue a woman who's thought to be a relative of two children whose bodies were found in luggage that had been in an Auckland storage locker. A family made the grisly discovery earlier this month after buying the contents of the abandoned storage unit in an online auction. Immigration records show the Korean-born New Zealander arrived in South Korea in 2018, but there has been no record of her departure since, according to Seoul police. They ...
Chris Bishop on Trevor Mallard resignation
August 23, 2022 19:13 - 6 minutes - 5.93 MBThe Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard has formally resigned from the role and will officially bow out this afternoon. Mallard will be taking up a diplomatic post in Ireland from January next year. The Governor-General has accepted his resignation, and the current Deputy Speaker Adrian Rurawhe is likely to replace him. Mallard declined to be interviewed. The opposition hasn't been a fan of Mallard's refereeing of political theatre over recent years. In fact, National MP Chris Bishop put...
Gaurav Sharma not going quietly after Labour expulsion
August 23, 2022 19:09 - 3 minutes - 3.38 MBThe now-independent MP Gaurav Sharma isn't going quietly, saying he still has texts from Labour Party colleagues and other evidence of bullying he's prepared to make public. The caucus overwhelmingly voted to expel him nearly two weeks after he first made his explosive claims against some of Labour's most senior figures. It all began after three staff complained about him - Dr Sharma pushed back, disputing those complaints and objecting to the hiring freeze imposed - which would continue...