Morning Report
24,497 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 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
Ministry of Education on closure of Burnside High School
March 20, 2024 18:41 - 5 minutes - 5.41 MBBurnside High school in Christchurch has closed for two days after a seismic assessment revealed two classroom blocks failed earthquake protection standards. Those same blocks passed engineering tests in 2014 - but that was before new quake guidelines were introduced in 2017. On Thursday, more than 2000 students are studying at home, and for the rest of the term the school will need to juggle classroom space. Ministry of Education head of property Sam Fowler spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Burnside High School closes due to quake risk
March 20, 2024 18:36 - 4 minutes - 4.58 MBAn abrupt closure of the South Island's largest secondary school means thousands of students are at home Thursday and Friday. Burnside High School's Board made the call after a seismic report showed that 24 of its classrooms are 25 times more dangerous in an earthquake than a similar new building. Board of Trustees deputy chair and chair of its property committee Chris Wallace spoke to Corin Dann.
Anti youth vaping groups call on Government to do more to reduce vaping
March 20, 2024 18:27 - 5 minutes - 4.85 MBAn anti youth vaping group is urging the Government to do more to reduce vaping. The Government announced on Wednesday that disposable vapes will be banned outright as a part of a crackdown on youth vaping. It also promised tougher restrictions and enforcement on retailers, with bigger fines for those who sell vapes to children. But Marnie Wilton of Vape-Free Kids NZ says wider action is needed. Wilton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
PM’s tobacco ‘talking points’ contradicted official advice emails show
March 20, 2024 18:20 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MBMinisters, including the Prime Minister, repeatedly insisted that the Labour government's smoke free legislation would increase tobacco-related crime, despite officials telling them it could have the opposite effect. The laws, which were passed by the previous government and scrapped last month, would have slashed the number of tobacco retailers, removed most of the nicotine from cigarettes and banned tobacco sales to anyone born in 2009 or later. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Hea...
GDP figures to show whether NZ is in recession
March 20, 2024 18:15 - 5 minutes - 5.37 MBIs New Zealand in recession? Economists say it will be a close-run thing when GDP figures come out on Thursday. The Institute for Economic Research is predicting Thursday's economic update will show weak growth over the three months to December. NZIER principal economist Christina Leung spoke to Corin Dann.
Palestinians in NZ call for visas for family members
March 20, 2024 18:09 - 5 minutes - 4.96 MBPalestinians in New Zealand want the government to give emergency humanitarian visas to their family members, just like they did for people fleeing Russia's war in Ukraine. About 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the 7th of October; three-quarters of its homes and infrastructure obliterated; and now, its residents are starving, with Israel preventing the free flow of life-saving humanitarian aid. The office of the Minister for Immigration, Erica Stanford, says "the issue...
Sports News for 21 March 2024
March 20, 2024 18:06 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBThe Wellington Phoenix women were aware that goal difference could play a crucial part in them making the A-League playoffs so they didn't hold back against Adelaide United last night.
Sports News for 21 March 2024
March 20, 2024 18:06 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBThe Wellington Phoenix women were aware that goal difference could play a crucial part in them making the A-League playoffs so they didn't hold back against Adelaide United last night.
Business News for 21 March 2024
March 20, 2024 17:53 - 5 minutes - 5.1 MBBusiness news for 21 March 2024.
Māoriland film festival returns for 2024
March 20, 2024 17:46 - 2 minutes - 2.49 MBThe largest Indigenous film festival in the world is back on in Ōtaki for 2024. The Māoriland festival is showing 168 feature films, documentaries and short films from nations as far apart as Finland, Kenya, Australia and Taiwan. Pokere Paewai reports.
Early Sports Chat for 21 March 2024
March 20, 2024 17:38 - 3 minutes - 3.14 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Morning Rural News for 21 March 2024
March 20, 2024 17:29 - 3 minutes - 3.19 MBNews from the rural farming sector.
Early Business News for 21 March 2024
March 20, 2024 17:28 - 1 minute - 1.1 MBLatest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.
Rainbow Storytime event cancelled after threats from Destiny
March 20, 2024 17:22 - 5 minutes - 5.21 MBRainbow storytellers, whose Rotorua library event was cancelled after threats from Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki, say kids and their parents love their performances. Rotorua Lakes Council cancelled Thursday's show after what they called "hostile dialogue" and a "rapid spread of misinformation". Sunita Torrance and Daniel Lockett perform as Coco and Erika in a show which encourages inclusivity and kindness. But Tamaki is also promising to shut down the pair's future events. Sunita an...
Hong Kong introduces new security law Article 23
March 20, 2024 17:16 - 4 minutes - 4.51 MBHong Kong's new security law will usher the territory "into a new era of authoritarianism". That's according to Human Rights Watch, who are reacting after Hong Kong's China-controlled legislature voted unanimously in favour of new, broad-based security powers. The legislation, known as Article 23, will target espionage, treason, and foreign political interference - however with vague definitions as to what constitutes these crimes. It also applies to Hong Kong residents and businesses re...
IMF tells Govt to get spending under control and ensure any tax cuts are affordable
March 20, 2024 17:12 - 4 minutes - 3.93 MBThe Government is being told to get spending under control and ensure any tax cuts are affordable. Those were among the key issues raised by the International Monetary Fund in its annual health check of the New Zealand economy. It says the economy faces growth of around 1 percent this year, perhaps doubling the year after, and that the Reserve Bank needs to stay the course in holding interest rates high to get inflation under control. But it's the need to get government finances under co...
Sports News for 21 March 2024
March 20, 2024 17:06 - 1 minute - 1.17 MBThe Wellington Phoenix women recorded their biggest win of the A-League season with a 4-nil victory over Adelaide United in Porirua last night.
Top Stories for Thursday 21 March 2024
March 20, 2024 17:00 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBTop stories for Thursday 21 March 2024: Palestinians in New Zealand are urging the government to give their family members in Gaza emergency humanitarian visas to come here. Are we in recession? Economists say it will be a close run thing when GDP figures come out today. We have E-mails that show the PM's tobacco 'talking points' contradicted official advice he'd received.
Polyfest gets underway in Auckland
March 19, 2024 19:57 - 2 minutes - 2.39 MBPolyfest, the world's largest Maori and Pacific Island secondary school cultural festival, opened in Auckland just over an hour ago with a flag-raising ceremony and a mass haka powhiri. More than 8000 students will be competing over the next four days on the various Polyfest stages - Cook Islands, Maori, Niue, Samoan, Tongan, and the Diversity stage which features cultures such as Chinese, Fijian, Indian and Korean. And as well as performances there is a mix of traditional food, arts and...
Speculation mounts over new James Bond
March 19, 2024 19:52 - 4 minutes - 4.2 MBSpeculation is mounting that British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been offered the role of 007, formerly played by Daniel Craig. UK's Total Film reporter Neil Smith spoke to Corin Dann.
Record number of sea lion pups near Dunedin
March 19, 2024 19:49 - 2 minutes - 2.72 MBThe number of sea lion pups being born near Dunedin is the highest it's ever been. The youngsters have been using coastal roads as their playground and some roads have been temporarily closed to protect the pups. The Conservation Department's Coastal Otago biodiversity ranger Jim Fyfe spoke to Corin Dann.
Red seaweed blankets Hibiscus Coast beaches
March 19, 2024 19:45 - 2 minutes - 2.41 MBThick layers of red seaweed are blanketing beaches on Auckland's Hibiscus Coast. Both Orewa and Red beach are covered in the hair-like seaweed which has been on the shorelines for more than week - and is starting to smell. Locals say they've never seen anything like it. RNZ reporter Melanie Earley paid a visit.
Government's first carbon auction of 2024 on knife-edge
March 19, 2024 19:40 - 4 minutes - 4.33 MBThe Government's first carbon auction of the year is on a knife-edge, following revelations companies are holding onto more surplus credits than previously suspected. The credits are essentially permits to emit carbon. If Wednesday's auction fails, Cabinet will have to wait until at least June to learn if it will earn hundreds of millions of dollars to help pay for tax cuts. RNZ Climate Correspondent Eloise Gibson spoke to Corin Dann.
Sports Chat for 20 March 2024
March 19, 2024 19:37 - 1 minute - 1.32 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Market Update for 20 March 2024
March 19, 2024 19:31 - 2 minutes - 2.19 MBMarket Update for 20 March 2024.
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's career honoured at Parliament
March 19, 2024 19:27 - 2 minutes - 2.73 MBDame Kiri Te Kanawa's illustrious career has been recognised by parliament with heartfelt speeches, waiata and even a couple of job offers. The opera singer celebrated her 80th birthday this month. Jemima Huston was at Parliament and filed this report.
Salvation Army concerned homelessness will increase under Govt's strict approach to Kāinga Ora tenants
March 19, 2024 19:23 - 4 minutes - 3.95 MBA Salvation Army director says its housing unit doesn't have the space or resources to take in more evicted Kāinga Ora tenants. Ian Hutson, Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit director, says he's concerned homelessness will increase under the Government's stricter approach to disruptive tenants. Hutson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins on disability funding changes
March 19, 2024 19:10 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBLabour's leader Chris Hipkins says people with disabilities are paying the price for what he terms the coalition government's fiscal incompetence. Whaikaha - the Ministry of Disabled People - has narrowed the rules for accessing financial support. The changes mean money is only available to cover wages for carers, not their travel or accommodation. Hipkins spoke to Corin Dann.
Sports News for 20 March 2024
March 19, 2024 19:07 - 2 minutes - 2.2 MBWorld Rugby has announced a raft of changes it hopes will speed up the game and prevent new viewers from turning away.
Tween leads steal show at world premier of The Mountain
March 19, 2024 18:56 - 3 minutes - 3.33 MBThe 'tween' leads of New Zealand's latest feature film stole the show at the world premiere of The Mountain in New Plymouth Tuesday night. A joyous and heartfelt drama, the film follows three children on a mission to find healing under the watchful eye of Taranaki Maunga. Our Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin joined the cast and crew on the red carpet at the TSB Showplace.
Grant Robertson leaves Parliament after 15 years
March 19, 2024 18:48 - 8 minutes - 7.38 MBAll governments make decisions with "imperfect information" but retiring MP and former finance minister Grant Robertson says his experience during the Covid pandemic was an "extreme sports version of that". Robertson leaves Parliament on Wednesday after 15 years as an MP - he will deliver his valedictory speech in the House Wednesday night. RNZ's political editor Jo Moir asked him about the criticism that as finance minister he spent too much money at a time when inflation was growing. T...
Disability Issues Minister Penny Simmonds on changes to funding
March 19, 2024 18:39 - 9 minutes - 9.04 MBThe Government's being accused of blindsiding the disabled community when it changed funding for some services this week. Joshua Perry lives in his Dunedin home and says the individualised funding cut will mean he can't afford to pay for caregivers to travel with him for work and shopping. Disability Issues Minister Penny Simmonds spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
DOC to increase prices for huts on great walks
March 19, 2024 18:27 - 4 minutes - 4.14 MBThe head of an outdoors organisation says the Conservation Department's price hikes for the Great Walks will make the experience too expensive for New Zealand families. The department is increasing prices at most Great Walk huts and campsites by 18 percent from July. Children's fees are back, and foreign visitors can expect to see costs increase by 50 percent. Federated Mountain Clubs president Megan Dimozantos spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Callaghan Innovation 'tens of millions' short for urgent building work
March 19, 2024 18:20 - 4 minutes - 4.22 MBA confidential document leaked to RNZ says one of the country's top research institutes, Callaghan Innovation, is tens-of-millions-of-dollars short for urgent building work, some of which is needed to keep staff safe. It warns that hazardous goods storage is not up scratch in some laboratories and it is likely health and safety risks will increase if no action is taken. RNZ understands some staff are sceptical about the claims - they say the state of facilities is an excuse to downsize t...
Autism NZ chief on changes to disability funding
March 19, 2024 18:10 - 5 minutes - 4.65 MBThe Ministry of Disabled People's announcement that it's restricting the help disabled people can get has left many blindsided. Respite care, accommodation and noise cancelling headphones are some of the things to go. Disabilities Issues Minister Penny Simmonds says "the Government's coffers are not an endless open pit" and that there has been a cost blowout. Autism New Zealand chief executive Dane Dougan spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Sports News for 20 March 2024
March 19, 2024 18:04 - 1 minute - 1.3 MBWorld Rugby has revealed plans aimed at "reimagining rugby's entertainment factor", including 20 minute sanctions for red cards, quickening of ball from the ruck and maul, and a set time to complete scrums and lineouts.
Business News for 20 March 2024
March 19, 2024 17:54 - 4 minutes - 4.06 MBBusiness news for 20 March 2024.
Government keen to cut delays in building consent system
March 19, 2024 17:48 - 4 minutes - 3.67 MBThe Government is making efforts to demolish delays in the building consent system by forcing councils to front up with data every quarter. Applications for consent must be done within 20 working days but many are taking a lot longer much to the frustration of builders and people waiting for renovations or a new build. The delays also cost money. Building and Construction minister Chris Penk spoke to Corin Dann.
Police and defence force warns cuts could weaken services
March 19, 2024 17:45 - 3 minutes - 3.33 MBThe top brass at police and defence have warned MPs the government's spending cuts could weaken frontline services. Public sector bosses have been questioned at Parliament's Select Committees over the last month about the potential impact of the coalition's public service trim. While most chief executives remained tight-lipped about their savings proposals, some hinted the six-and-a-half to seven-and-a-half percent cuts will have consequences. RNZ political reporter Katie Scotcher has mo...
Early Sports Chat for 20 March 2024
March 19, 2024 17:42 - 4 minutes - 3.7 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Morning Rural News for 20 March 2024
March 19, 2024 17:31 - 3 minutes - 3.56 MBNews from the rural farming sector.
Early Business News for 20 March 2024
March 19, 2024 17:27 - 2 minutes - 2.17 MBLatest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.
Slash and unused wood could become biofuel in Northland
March 19, 2024 17:22 - 4 minutes - 3.79 MBNorthland's unused wood waste left over from felling and processing trees - including slash - could be transformed into biofuel and used for clean energy. A report from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority shows up to 99 per cent of the power needed for the region's manufacturing sector could come from the waste. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority chief executive Dr Marcos Pelenur spoke to Corin Dann.
Chemotherapy services to become permanent in Wairoa
March 19, 2024 17:09 - 3 minutes - 3.04 MBPatients in Wairoa can now rely on ongoing chemotherapy services, rather than travelling hours for treatment. Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has confirmed chemotherapy treatments, which were first offered in northern Hawke's Bay town in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, have now become permanent. Clinical staff in the Hawke's Bay had been trying to get chemotherapy in Wairoa for the past five years. Hawke's Bay Hospital Clinical nurse manager Laura Ledger spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Sports News for 20 March 2024
March 19, 2024 17:05 - 1 minute - 1.13 MBHooker Wayde Egan has been named to start for the Warriors NRL game against the top of the table Canberra Raiders in Christchurch on Friday night. England effected two run outs against the White Ferns in yesterday's opening T20 of the series in Dunedin which the visitors won by 27 runs.
Top Stories for Wednesday 20 March 2024
March 19, 2024 17:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MBTop stories for 20 March 2024 :We speak with the head of Autism New Zealand, and the Disability Issues Minister. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's illustrious career has been recognised by parliament. Labour leader Hipkins on disability funding changes.
Australian trade minister causes stir by declaring NZ to be more trusted than US
March 18, 2024 19:52 - 4 minutes - 4.11 MBAustralia's trade minister Don Farrell caused a stir in Canberra on Monday when he declared New Zealand to be more trusted than the United States. The ABC's defence correspondent Andrew Greene spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Defence Force warns Government over its 'dire' state
March 18, 2024 19:44 - 4 minutes - 4.24 MBThe Defence Force is again warning the Government it's in a dire state, calling it vulnerable and hollow and describing the Navy as extremely fragile. Staff have left in droves and it is now looking at making it easier to meet the minimum entry requirements for education, health and fitness. The exodus of people has now slowed but there are still huge problems. Midday Report Presenter Charlotte Cook spoke to Corin Dann.
Rowing NZ should limit Maadi Cup regatta says South Auckland principal
March 18, 2024 19:39 - 3 minutes - 3.64 MBA South Auckland school principal says Rowing New Zealand should limit the Secondary Schools rowing regatta to older age groups, to ease the cost of the sport on families and make it accessible to a wider range of students. The yearly regatta is where the Maadi Cup is raced. This year it's in Twizel and the schools taking part are almost all from rich private schools or high decile state schools. Otahuhu College Principal Neil Watson has started the first rowing team at the school in 50 ...
Sports Chat for 19 March 2024
March 18, 2024 19:38 - 2 minutes - 2.26 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.