Morning Report

Political editors panel: Greens MP stood down for investigation

March 14, 2024 19:54 - 7 minutes - 6.54 MB

Listen to our weekly political editors panel.

Young chef competition canned due to lack of contestants

March 14, 2024 19:40 - 2 minutes - 1.89 MB

The New Zealand young chef of the year competition was set to be staged this weekend but it has been postponed for a year because of a lack of quality entries. One of our leading chefs says it reflects the grim state of the industry, with many of the country's best young talent moving overseas. MacLean Fraser, who would have been the head judge this weekend, is a 20-year career chef - nearly half of that time as executive chef at Wellington's Bolton Hotel. He spoke to Morning Report.

Bridge masts tower over gorge on Taranaki Maunga

March 14, 2024 19:39 - 3 minutes - 3.43 MB

Specialist builders working from ropes and in synch with helicopters have erected two bridge masts that now tower over the Manganui Gorge on Taranaki Maunga. The 100 metre Manganui Gorge suspension bridge - which is beginning to take shape - will be a major feature of the $13.4 million Taranaki Crossing. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went to take a look.

Sports Chat for 15 March 2024

March 14, 2024 19:35 - 2 minutes - 2.58 MB

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Market Update for 15 March 2024

March 14, 2024 19:30 - 1 minute - 1.3 MB

Market Update for 15 March 2024

Wide range of reactions to Wellington District Plan votes

March 14, 2024 19:24 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MB

After a drawn out debate around the district plan, Wellington City councillors have voted to increase housing density, reduce heritage protection and increase the amount of housing near rail lines. This comes as a win for those seeking more affordable housing, but goes against recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel, which stated Wellington already has sufficient capacity for development. To discuss both sides of the issue, Morning Report spoke to Wellington city councillor Nīk...

Too many people diagnosed with cancer at ED - specialist

March 14, 2024 19:20 - 3 minutes - 3.51 MB

A cancer specialist says the scarcity mentality pervading the government's approach to funding healthcare is contributing to high rates of people being diagnosed with cancer after an emergency department visit - sometimes too late to treat the disease. A new report by the Cancer Control Agency shows New Zealand has the highest rate of post-ED cancer diagnosis compared to eight similar countries. It found more than half of all lung cancers were diagnosed after an ED visit; and that rate ...

Māori sidelined in Whakapapa ski field talks - iwi

March 14, 2024 19:14 - 6 minutes - 6.3 MB

A central North Island iwi says Māori have been sidelined yet again in the latest decisions on the future of Mt Ruapehu's Whakapapa Skifield. The Government announced yesterday that it will provide seven million dollars to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to ensure the ski season goes ahead while a buyer is sought for the business. But a local hapu say the plans amount to another slap in the face for Māori. Aiden Gilbert is the chair of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua - a collective of these hapū.

Analysis: Green Party MP Darleen Tana suspended

March 14, 2024 18:56 - 3 minutes - 3.27 MB

The Green Party has suspended one of its MPs, Darleen Tana, after she was linked to alleged migrant exploitation by her husband's company. A Green Party spokesperson has confirmed Ms Tana was suspended yesterday. Political editor Jo Moir spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Green MP suspended over links to alleged migrant exploitation

March 14, 2024 18:50 - 8 minutes - 7.71 MB

The Green Party has suspended one of its MPs, Darleen Tana, after she was linked to alleged migrant exploitation by her husband's company. A Green Party spokesperson has confirmed Ms Tana was suspended yesterday. Green Co-leader Marama Davidson spoke to Corin Dann

SpaceX loses contact with rocket after successful launch

March 14, 2024 18:42 - 4 minutes - 4.37 MB

After two nail-biting and explosive test flights last year, the unmanned Starship rocket was launched from the Starbase facility in central Texas just before half past 2 in the morning New Zealand time. However, an hour later, SpaceX reported the loss of the rocket after reentry. But, despite there being no splashdown, SpaceX says its a success, and that much can be learnt from the launch. Astronomer and author Tom Kerss spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Experts warn targets are key in Road to Zero replacement

March 14, 2024 18:34 - 4 minutes - 3.9 MB

An international road safety expert says the Government must keep applying targets to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries - and that reversing speed limit reductions will drive the road toll up. It comes as officials are working on a new safety policy after the Road to Zero was scrapped. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

New study shows impact of rugby on brain disease

March 14, 2024 18:26 - 3 minutes - 3.12 MB

A brain researcher says anyone who's experienced repeated head injuries, or knocks, is at risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. The family of Billy Guyton, a former Blues and New Zealand Māori halfback who died last year aged 33, received a report from the Brain Bank this week after extensive testing, confirming a diagnosis of CTE. New Zealand Rugby says it is concerned about the possibility that repeated head impacts in rugby may contribute to neurodegenerative d...

Control centre to ease Auckland's train woes

March 14, 2024 18:23 - 3 minutes - 3.42 MB

Auckland's rail operators are promising the city's trains will run smoother, as a new control centre provides hope there will be no repeat of January's commuter train chaos. The centre will put staff from One Rail, Kiwirail and Auckland Transport into one office and aims to provide a speedier response to faults on the rail network - especially when the City Rail Link goes live. But as Maia Ingoe reports, a cloud is hovering over the project, with millions of dollars more needed to com...

Daughter of terror attacks victim on five year anniversary

March 14, 2024 18:15 - 7 minutes - 6.48 MB

Friday marks five years since the devastating Christchurch mosque shootings, and Canterbury's Muslim community will gather for its largest ever commemoration. 51 worshippers were killed after a gunman opened fire at Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre on March the 15th, 2019. This year's anniversary falls on Jumu'ah - the mandatory Islamic Friday prayer. Corin Dann spoke to Sara Qasem, who's father, Abdelfattah Qasem, was killed at Al Noor Mosque. She said the seed for positive...

Sports News for 15 March 2024

March 14, 2024 18:10 - 1 minute - 1.15 MB

New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has carded the first hole in one of this year's Players Championship.

Survivors five years on from mosque attacks

March 14, 2024 18:10 - 3 minutes - 3.52 MB

Today marks five years since the devastating Christchurch mosque shootings, and Canterbury's Muslim community will gather for its largest ever commemoration. 51 worshippers were killed after a gunman opened fire at Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre on March the 15th, 2019. This year's anniversary falls on Jumu'ah - the mandatory Islamic Friday prayer. It was that occasion five years ago which the terrorist targeted. It also falls in the holy month of Ramadan. For those left b...

Sports News for 15 March 2024

March 14, 2024 18:10 - 1 minute - 1.15 MB

New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has carded the first hole in one of this year's Players Championship.

Business News for 15 March 2024

March 14, 2024 17:53 - 4 minutes - 4.24 MB

Business news for 15 March 2024.

Capital city councillors vote for higher density housing

March 14, 2024 17:47 - 3 minutes - 3.23 MB

Campaigners for more houses and bigger apartments in the capital are celebrating major changes to Wellington's zoning rules saying it will help tackle the city's housing crisis. A majority of councillors have rejected recommendations by an independent panel and instead voted to shrink the city's protected character areas, cut heritage protection and allow high density housing near train lines. The final say on the changes rests with the housing minister. Kate Green has more.

Economist on record immigration figures

March 14, 2024 17:43 - 6 minutes - 6.15 MB

A leading economist says increased spending on infrastructure is needed to cater for this country's rapidly rising population. The latest Stats NZ figures show a net gain of 5,300 migrants in January - the lowest since October 2022. And the number arriving over the past year was more than double that of those leaving, both of these figures being the highest on record, provisionally. Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr spoke to Morning Report.

Early Sports Chat for 15 March 2024

March 14, 2024 17:36 - 3 minutes - 3.47 MB

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Morning Rural News for 15 March

March 14, 2024 17:29 - 3 minutes - 3.56 MB

News from the rural farming sector.

Early Business News for 15 March 2024

March 14, 2024 17:20 - 1 minute - 1.34 MB

Latest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.

LGNZ on nationwide rates rises

March 14, 2024 17:10 - 4 minutes - 4.21 MB

Local councils say they're facing increasing costs for basic infrastructure like roads, water and transport, and urgently need new ways to fund it. According to a report commissioned by Local Government New Zealand, homeowners are facing average rates rises of 15 percent, or about eight dollars more a week. Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry is the vice-president of Local Government New Zealand.

Sports News for 15 March 2024

March 14, 2024 17:06 - 1 minute - 1.06 MB

New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has carded a hole in one during his first round at the PGA Tour's Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Florida.

'Penalty on a plug': what people told MPs about EV taxes

March 13, 2024 19:49 - 4 minutes - 4.23 MB

The government's being told its proposed new taxes on electric vehicles are far too high. It wants to charge up to $70 per thousand kilometres driven and those who've rushed to make submissions to a select committee are not impressed. The motor industry and consumers are pushing back against what they describe as the 'penalty on a plug'. Climate Correspondent Eloise Gibson reports.

Some councils delaying long-term plans for a year

March 13, 2024 19:41 - 3 minutes - 3.42 MB

While Wellington attempts to thrash out its 10-year plan, some smaller councils are taking a different approach. Every three years, councils are supposed to refresh their long-term financial plans - know as LTPs - and ask the public for feedback. However, the demise of Three Waters and uncertainty about the future of water infrastructure has thrown up big questions. So the government has now allowed councils to postpone their LTPs for a year. Libby Kirkby-McLeod looks at two Waikato coun...

Market Update for 14 March 2024

March 13, 2024 19:32 - 1 minute - 1.35 MB

Market Update for 14 March 2024

2024 Track & Field Championships start today

March 13, 2024 19:27 - 3 minutes - 2.76 MB

Olympic hopefuls will be battling it out in Wellington over the next few days. The 2024 Track & Field Championships take off at Newtown Park in the city today and continue until the end of the weekend. Some big names will be competing. Sports reporter Barry Guy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Wellington councils wrestle with long-term water plan

March 13, 2024 19:23 - 3 minutes - 3.4 MB

The money the capital's councils are setting aside for new water pipes is not even half what Wellington Water wants for the next decade. The Hutt Valley, Porirua, Wellington and the regional councils have been drawing up their ten-year spending plans for the failing infrastructure. Representatives from all the councils will be meeting with the water utility company tomorrow. Reporter Nick James has been sifting through the facts and figures.

Labour caucus retreat an opportunity to set strong agenda - Commentator

March 13, 2024 19:10 - 6 minutes - 6.13 MB

A political commentator says Labour needs to use their caucus retreat to set a strong opposition agenda. Party members are heading to Martinborough today for an annual get-together. Commentator Shane Te Pou is a former Labour Party candidate. He says the retreat will be a chance to straighten out some policies and work on boosting the party's profile.

Book teaches history through Te Papa taonga

March 13, 2024 18:57 - 3 minutes - 3.28 MB

Te Papa has launched a book showcasing the history of the New Zealand Wars through 500 taonga from the museum's collection. The book, Te Ata o Tū The Shadow of Tūmatauenga, will be distributed to schools as part of the new history curriculum. Around 150 iwi members attended the launch yesterday where many got the opportunity to see the objects first hand inside Te Papa's archives. Pokere Paewai reports.

Watchdog to scrutinise use of eyewitness evidence

March 13, 2024 18:56 - 3 minutes - 3.19 MB

A watchdog is set to scrutinise a systemic problem that's led to some of the country's highest-profile wrongful convictions. The Criminal Cases Review Commission is investigating how eyewitness evidence is used to identify defendants. Soumya Bhamidipati has more.

Business owner doesn't want Ruapehu bailout

March 13, 2024 18:49 - 7 minutes - 6.45 MB

Ruapehu accommodation and ski-hire business owner Sam Clarkson says the latest cash handout to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is a waste of money. The coalition Government is providing 7 million dollars to ensure the ski season at Whakapapa can go ahead while a buyer is sought. But Sam Clarkson says it's good money after bad and it won't work. He spoke to Corin Dann.

Police Minister defends pay offer to police

March 13, 2024 18:40 - 5 minutes - 5.38 MB

The law and order government is clashing with police over a pay offer the union is calling a kick in the guts. The Minister is insisting the coalition does back the police, but officers are warning if the government wants them to work harder to crack down on crime they have got to be paid more. Police Minister Mark Mitchell spoke to Morning Report.

Former police minister hits out at pay offer

March 13, 2024 18:36 - 3 minutes - 3.42 MB

The Labour Party is criticising the government's latest pay offer to police, and saying they need to live up to expectations they created before the election. It was only six months ago that former Police Minister Ginny Andersen was in a similar position, copping flack for a proposed four percent pay bump. That was ultimately rejected, as this one looks set to be. Ginny Anderson spoke to Morning Report.

Student weeps over classes held in corridors

March 13, 2024 18:28 - 3 minutes - 3.51 MB

A Rolleston College student wept as she told Education Ministry staff that classes are held in corridors because the school is bursting at the seams. A community meeting was held in the Canterbury town last night to discuss the Ministry's decision to strip back plans for its second campus - even though construction is already under way. Niva Chittock was there.

New build townhouse owners sweltering in well-insulated homes

March 13, 2024 18:24 - 3 minutes - 3.16 MB

The owners of some new build townhouses in Auckland say their homes cost twice as much to cool over summer as they do to heat in winter. And experts say houses need to be future-proofed for even hotter temperatures. Some names have been changed in the following story. Krystal Gibbens reports.

House prices rising in majority of NZ suburbs

March 13, 2024 18:19 - 4 minutes - 4.49 MB

House prices are rising again in nearly 60 percent of the country's suburbs. CoreLogic NZ says median estimated property values rose in 549 of the 935 suburbs analysed in the three months to March. It says Herne Bay remains Auckland's most expensive market with a median value of $3.31 million dollars. CoreLogic's chief property economist Kelvin Davidson spoke to Morning Report.

Ruapehu mayor on latest government bailout

March 13, 2024 18:13 - 4 minutes - 3.82 MB

A Ruapehu business owner wants taxpayer funded bailouts for the mountain's ski-fields to stop and says the government must start listening to experts not officials. The coalition is providing $7 million to ensure the ski season at Whakapapa can go ahead while a buyer is sought - and $3 million in equity and loan funding to help Pure Tūroa Limited buy the Tūroa ski-field. It's the fifth rescue package in 18 months and comes with a warning - it's the last. Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kir...

Ruapehu business owner wants skifield bailouts to end

March 13, 2024 18:10 - 3 minutes - 3.28 MB

A Ruapehu business owner wants taxpayer funded bailouts for the mountain's ski-fields to stop and says the government must start listening to experts not officials. The coalition is providing $7 million to ensure the ski season at Whakapapa can go ahead while a buyer is sought - and $3 million in equity and loan funding to help Pure Tūroa Limited buy the Tūroa ski-field. It's the fifth rescue package in 18 months and comes with a warning - it's the last. Here's political reporter Giles D...

Business News for 14 March 2024

March 13, 2024 17:53 - 6 minutes - 5.83 MB

Business news for 14 March 2024

TVNZ union unimpressed with plan to cut profitable news shows

March 13, 2024 17:48 - 3 minutes - 3.34 MB

The union representing soon-to-be-made redundant journalists at TVNZ says the company has not shared relevant information about why profitable programmes should be cut. E Tū union members have unanimously rejected the broadcaster's proposal to slash almost 70 jobs. TVNZ was unavailable for an interview but said it would continue to work with the Union. E Tū spokesperson Michael Wood spoke to Morning Report.

Ghahraman's career consequences could be severe

March 13, 2024 17:44 - 4 minutes - 4.54 MB

A retired law professor says a conviction for Golriz Ghahraman could spell the end of her legal career. The former Green MP pled guilty to four shoplifting charges in Auckland District Court yesterday. Retired professor Bill Hodge expects her lawyer will seek a discharge without conviction to give the best chance of continuing her work as a human rights lawyer. He spoke to Morning Report.

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