Morning Report
24,147 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 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
David Clark 'dissappointed' with Hepatitis Foundation
November 26, 2019 17:11 - 2 minutes - 1.95 MBThe Health Minister has given a warning to the Hepatitis Foundation after an investigation found evidence of gross mismanagement and extravagant spending. The government provides one-and-half million dollars to the charity each year to help people with the disease. The Foundation's board chair spent more than 128-thousand on travel over two years and the foundation splashed out on credit card expenses and lavish dinners at top restaurants. After a Charities Services inquiry, the Ministry...
Aucklanders collecting donations for measles-hit Samoa
November 26, 2019 17:09 - 2 minutes - 2.28 MBSamoans living in New Zealand are rallying together to offer support for people back home as the number of confirmed measles cases continues to climb. As of Wednesday morning death toll stands at 32 - most of the victims children are under the age of four. West Auckland businesswomen Joyce Purcell has spent the past couple of weeks collecting donations to send to those in need. She told RNZ reporter, Chen Liu, she's working with organisations over there to find out what they need.
Sports News for 27 November 2019
November 26, 2019 17:06 - 1 minute - 1.91 MBThe New Zealand Cricket CEO David White says an investigation into finding the spectator who shouted racial insults at England cricketer Jofra Archer may not find the culprit.
Top Stories for Wednesday 27 November 2019
November 26, 2019 17:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBMillions in private money pours into state schools in rich parts of Auckland, Samoa's told there's no end in sight to a deadly measles epidemic, a Mongrel Mob leader says Simon Bridges' promised gang crackdown is doomed to fail.
Uber loses licence to operate in London
November 25, 2019 19:58 - 3 minutes - 2.89 MBUber is being kicked out of London - after repeated safety failures. The ride-sharing company initially lost its licence in 2017 but was granted two extensions, the most recent of which expired on Sunday. The firm will appeal and can continue to operate during that process. About 45,000 drivers work for Uber in London, which is one of its top five markets globally. RNZ's correspondent in London is Holly Hudson.
RMA changes to protect significant natural areas - Minister
November 25, 2019 19:55 - 2 minutes - 2.39 MBCouncils will have to work more closely with tangata whenua, landowners and communities to protect native plants and animals on private and public land under a new government proposal. The proposal makes changes to the Resource Management Act and means every council would have to have a strategy to identify and protect indigenous biodiversity. It's the the third attempt in 20 years to set such rules. Minister of Conservation, Eugenie Sage, speaks to Susie Ferguson.
Environmental lawyers hope to sway legislation
November 25, 2019 19:39 - 2 minutes - 2.81 MBA group of lawyers are striving to win over the climate change sceptics who dismiss the young climate change activists pushing for radical action. A new organisation, Lawyers for Climate Action will be advocating for legislation and policies that will ensure New Zealand meets or exceeds its obligations under the Paris Agreement. They're already pushing for changes to the very laws that underpin our rights and freedoms. Political reporter Charlie Dreaver was at Monday night's launch and f...
Ōwairaka protesters refuse to attend Tūpuna Maunga Authority hui
November 25, 2019 19:33 - 7 minutes - 7.4 MBProtesters attempting to stop the felling of exotic trees on Ōwairaka-Mt Albert in Auckland are planning to stay away from a hui called by the Tupuna Maunga Authority. The authority hopes to clear the air at the hui - and is inviting anyone who would like to attend to come along. The protesters say they feel have been backed into a corner and won't be going. Spokesperson Anna Radford speaks to Susie Ferguson.
Market Update for 26 November 2019
November 25, 2019 19:30 - 49 seconds - 830 KBA brief update on the movements in the financial sector.
Elderly walkers defiant in face of serial attacker
November 25, 2019 19:26 - 3 minutes - 3.32 MBAn Auckland group of older walkers say they will not be put off by a vicious serial attacker who has been targeting women exercising in the East Coast Bays area. Police have increased patrols after determining that four assaults are likely to be linked. In the attacks, a man has grabbed women from behind and pushed them to the ground - knocking them senseless and causing serious injuries, including a broken collar bone, broken nose, dislocated shoulder and concussion. Pam Mattson, who is...
Hong Kong elections: Victory for pro-democracy movement
November 25, 2019 19:20 - 4 minutes - 3.97 MBHong Kong's district elections have delivered an unprecedented landslide victory for the city's pro-democracy movement, leaving the government reeling. For months, young people have visibly been at the helm of demonstrations, protests and clashes, sparked by a now-withdrawn extradition bill which morphed into a broader cry for democracy and police accountability. Morning Report producer Lucy Smith spoke to RNZ correspondent in Hong Kong Grace Lee.
Hong Kong district elections: Victory for pro-democracy movement
November 25, 2019 19:20 - 4 minutes - 3.97 MBHong Kong's district elections have delivered an unprecedented landslide victory for the city's pro-democracy movement, leaving the government reeling. For months, young people have visibly been at the helm of demonstrations, protests and clashes, sparked by a now-withdrawn extradition bill which morphed into a broader cry for democracy and police accountability. Morning Report producer Lucy Smith spoke to RNZ correspondent in Hong Kong Grace Lee.
Waitangi Tribunal urged to widen Oranga Tamariki inquiry
November 25, 2019 19:16 - 3 minutes - 3.74 MBThe Waitangi Tribunal has been urged to broaden the scope of its urgent inquiry into Oranga Tamariki to also look into the practices of DHBs and the police. It is the fifth inquiry to arise following the attempted removal of a week-old baby from a Hawke's Bay mother in May. At a judicial conference in Wellington yesterday, the tribunal met with lawyers and claimants to discuss its scope and timeframe. Te Aniwa Hurihanganui was there.
Winter grazing report reccomends changes
November 25, 2019 19:10 - 5 minutes - 5.24 MBA campaigner against winter grazing has been vindicated by a top-level investigation. Angus Robson led protests against the farming practice that keeps cattle in muddy, confined paddocks. He was invited to be part of the Agriculture Minister's taskforce. The report says there have to changes such as making sure cows can lie on dry ground, have access to shelter, and continuous clean water and a balanced diet. Angus Robson speaks to Susie Ferguson.
Government will miss treaty claims deadline
November 25, 2019 18:53 - 4 minutes - 3.89 MBThe government is abandoning a controversial goal to settle all historical treaty claims by next year. Treaty negotiations Minister Andrew Little has conceded the Crown will miss the deadline, as 18 hapu and iwi groups swap negotiations, for litigation. RNZ Māori news correspondent Leigh-Marama McLachlan reports.
Black Caps coach Gary Stead on Test win
November 25, 2019 18:42 - 7 minutes - 7.15 MBEngland folded on the final day of the first cricket test in Mt Maunganui, losing seven wickets to hand New Zealand victory by an innings and 65 runs. The Black Caps' pace bowler Neil Wagner claimed his fourth and fifth wickets in quick succession to wrap up the England innings ending on 5-for-44. Black Caps head coach Gary Stead speaks to Corin Dann.
Chris Hipkins stands in for Jacinda Ardern
November 25, 2019 18:34 - 7 minutes - 7.03 MBFormer Prime Ministers Sir John Key and Helen Clark have backed plans to move Auckland's port. Chris Hipkins, who is standing for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in her usual Tuesday morning slot, speaks to Susie Ferguson.
Moving Auckland's port a 'big decision' - Chris Hipkins
November 25, 2019 18:34 - 7 minutes - 7.03 MBFormer Prime Ministers Sir John Key and Helen Clark have backed plans to move Auckland's port, but current Government ministers are more hesitant. Chris Hipkins, standing for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in her usual Tuesday morning slot, told Morning Report there's a lot of work to be done before moving the port could be a done deal. "This is a very big decision and we have to carefully work through all of the economic impacts of that, all the environmental impacts of that, the flow on...
Moeraki boulder vandalism leaves locals fuming
November 25, 2019 18:25 - 3 minutes - 3.43 MBThe country's favourite four-million-year-old mudstone attractions are getting some unwanted attention. People are carving names into the Moeraki boulders and leaving behind their rubbish, upsetting locals who are calling for better management of the increasingly popular site. Katie Todd reports.
Walker taken to court for entering closed west Auckland track
November 25, 2019 18:25 - 6 minutes - 6.18 MBThe Auckland Council is taking its first prosecution against a member of the public for walking on tracks in the Waitakere Ranges that are closed to prevent the spread of Kauri dieback. The bushwalker is facing three charges after entering a closed track three times over the last five months. Phil Goff is mayor of Auckland.
Ngāti Kahungunu claims it was 'tricked' into supporting PGF application
November 25, 2019 18:20 - 3 minutes - 3.69 MBNgāti Kahungunu says they've been tricked into supporting a Provincial Growth Funded water project they vehemently oppose. Hawke's Bay Regional Council was awarded more than $30 million from the fund for water security projects in August, after the region's leaders signed a letter of support for the package. But the iwi says the letter it signed gave no indication those projects included controversial technologies like river augmentation, which it does not support. RNZ Hawke's Bay report...
Unpublished report on Hepatitis Foundation finds 'excessive' expenses
November 25, 2019 18:10 - 5 minutes - 5.57 MBThe Hepatitis Foundation clocked up more than $128,000 dollars in travel expenses for its board chair in just over two years, was putting on "lavish'' dinners and racking up thousands of dollars on credit cards with no record of what the money was being spent on. While an investigation by the Charities Services concluded excessive expenses and gross mismanagement may have occurred, the Foundation has told RNZ there is no evidence of any wrongdoing. In the six years leading up to when the...
Sports News for 26 November 2019
November 25, 2019 18:06 - 2 minutes - 2.02 MBCaptain Kane Williamson says patience and application at the crease was key to New Zealand's innings and 65-run win over England in the first test at Bay Oval.
Business News for 26 November 2019
November 25, 2019 17:49 - 7 minutes - 7.09 MBNews from the business sector, including a market report.
School speaks about family involved in Tauranga shooting
November 25, 2019 17:43 - 1 minute - 1.54 MBA school says the family involved in a fatal police shooting in Tauranga have been getting support from the Ministry of Education before the tragic events unfolded. A man was shot dead by the police in a property on Oriana Crescent in Bellevue Sunday afternoon. The police say they were initially called after the man threatened his partner with a knife. The woman escaped later but three children, aged four, six and 11 remained in the house. The man was shot after he was found holding a ma...
Protesters remain on oil support ship
November 25, 2019 17:42 - 3 minutes - 3.73 MBClimate activists have spent a second night on board an oil support ship in Timaru. The Skandi Atlantic has been occupied since early Sunday. Police removed eight protestors on Monday. The activists want to stop OMV from drilling three oil wells in the Great South Basin off the Otago coast and the Taranaki coast next month. Rosemary Penwarden speaks to Corin Dann from the protest on board the boat.
Morning Rural News for 26 November 2019
November 25, 2019 17:22 - 4 minutes - 3.77 MBNews from the rural and farming sector.
Early Business News for 26 November 2019
November 25, 2019 17:20 - 3 minutes - 3.19 MBA brief update from the business sector.
Iwi claims it was 'tricked' over Provincial Growth Fund money
November 25, 2019 17:09 - 2 minutes - 2.33 MBNgāti Kahungunu says it's been tricked by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council into supporting a water project it strongly opposes. The Provincial Growth Fund awarded $30 million to the council for water security projects in August, after the region's leaders - including the chair of Ngāti Kahungunu - signed a letter of support. But the iwi's environment and natural resources director, Ngaio Tiuka, says they didn't find out until a month later some of the money would go towards exploring con...
Sports News for 26 November 2019
November 25, 2019 17:06 - 1 minute - 1.75 MBThe New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson says to come back from losing the toss and giving up 350 runs to England in their first innings shows a remarkable performance by his side.
Top Stories for Tuesday 26 November 2019
November 25, 2019 17:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MBInvestigation on Hepatitis Foundation finds excessive expenses, Ngati Kahungunu 'tricked' into supporting PGF application, Moeraki boulder vandalism leaves locals fuming, Walker taken to court for entering closed west Auckland track and Chris Hipkins on stands in for Jacinda Ardern.
Voting begins on Bougainville independence referendum
November 24, 2019 19:54 - 3 minutes - 3.37 MBPolling has begun in Bougainville's referendum on whether to have independence or greater autonomy within Papua New Guinea.
Civil Defence update on mobile emergency alert test
November 24, 2019 19:47 - 5 minutes - 5.44 MBMobile phones across the country were set off by the latest test of the national Civil Defense cell phone alert system on Sunday night. About 60 percent of phones were alerted in previous tests of the Emergency Mobile Alert, and while final figures aren't in yet, the director of Civil Defence, Sarah Stuart-Black, says early indications are that Sunday night's test reached more. She speaks to Corin Dann.
Class action begins on flammable building cladding
November 24, 2019 19:42 - 3 minutes - 3.52 MBLocal building owners with potentially flammable building cladding are being urged to join a class action seeking compensation from manufacturers. The law firm Russel McVeagh and an Australian litigation funder, are offering to pay any property owners to have their buildings checked for aluminium composite panels mxied with plastic. The fatal blaze of London's Grenfell Tower was blamed on the same material. The firms expect the panels to unknowingly be on hundreds of buildings here too. ...
Todd Muller on NCEA level three english exam
November 24, 2019 19:38 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MBNational's agriculture spokesperson Todd Muller wants more balance in how the country's education system portrays farmers. His comments come in response to a question in a Level 3 English paper that asked students to "discuss the way the writer explores ongoing change" in a New Zealand Geographic article. The text quoted a survey showing two-thirds of respondents blamed farmers for deteriorating water quality. Todd Muller says the piece painted a one-sided picture of New Zealand's farmer...
Todd Muller lashes out at NCEA exam
November 24, 2019 19:38 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MBNational's agriculture spokesperson Todd Muller wants more balance in how the country's education system portrays farmers. His comments come in response to a question in a Level 3 English paper that asked students to "discuss the way the writer explores ongoing change" in a New Zealand Geographic article. The text quoted a survey showing two-thirds of respondents blamed farmers for deteriorating water quality. Todd Muller says the piece painted a one-sided picture of New Zealand's farmer...
Grace Millane trial: Call to stop victims sexual history being dragged through court
November 24, 2019 19:25 - 6 minutes - 5.99 MBIn the wake of the Grace Millane trial there are calls to broaden a bill before Parliament to ensure a dead victim's sexual history isn't also dragged through the courts. The legislation, aimed at making it easier for sexual violence victims to testify in court, has passed its first reading. It proposes that unless a Judge gives permission, a witness cannot be asked about their sexual history with the defendant, nor could they be asked about their sexual preferences. Justice Minister And...
John Key on moving Auckland's port
November 24, 2019 19:17 - 5 minutes - 4.76 MBBack to our story on a campaign to move Auckland's port to Whangarei: A spokesperson for the Waterfront 2029 campaign, Michael Goldwater, said Auckland had a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock the values of its waterfront for its people and ratepayers. And now two former Prime Ministers - Helen Clark and Sir John Key - have backed the plan. Sir John spoke to Morning Report about the campaign.
US based prisoner deported to Australia
November 24, 2019 19:13 - 4 minutes - 3.96 MBA man who spent more than 16 years in a US Prison for his part in murdering tourists at a gorilla watching saunctuary, has been deported to Australia. Francois Karake, 55, was released from an immigration detention center in Miami last Tuesday and arrived in Australia on Thursday. Mr Karake along with two others was swapped to Australia, in return for imprisoned refugees, in a deal struck between President Barack Obama and then-Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Politico reporte...
Police association response to Tauranga shooting
November 24, 2019 19:10 - 2 minutes - 2.55 MBPolice officers who shot a man holding two children hostage are being stood down for 10 days. It followed a lengthy standoff after a man in Tauranga threatened his partner with a knife, before barricading himself and two children in a house. Police say they had exhausted attempts to resolve the situation peacefully, when officers re-entered the house, the man held a knife to one of the children, and the police shot him dead. Police Association president Chris Cahill speaks to Corin Dann....
Black Caps have a shot at victory in Mt Maunganui test
November 24, 2019 18:56 - 2 minutes - 2.53 MBBlack Caps all-rounder Mitchell Santner starred with bat and ball on day four of the first test against England, to give New Zealand a shot at victory today in Mt Maunganui. In reply to England's 353, New Zealand declared their first innings at 615 for 9, thanks to B J Watling's first double century and Santner's maiden test century. The pair's partnership of 261 was a seventh-wicket record. Santner then grabbed three wickets for six runs, leaving England struggling at 55 for three - tra...
Senior doctors say public hospitals in crisis due to staffing
November 24, 2019 18:54 - 2 minutes - 2.1 MBSenior doctors are warning our public hospitals are in crisis - without enough staff to provide good, safe and reliable healthcare to New Zealanders. Medical specialists are reporting crying on the way to work, due to their workload, rapid growth in patient numbers, and not enough staff to go around. The president of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, Murray Barclay, speaks to Susie Ferguson.
Advocate responds to government not following UN request on refugees
November 24, 2019 18:51 - 2 minutes - 2.21 MBThe government has rejected a UN request it increase the number of African and Middle East refugees it takes in. It was asked to increase the number of Middle Eastern refugees taken to 35 percent, and African refugees to 25 percent. Instead it increased proportions to 15 percent each. Guled Mire came to New Zealand from Somalia over 20 years ago. He's a community advocate who successfully campaigned for the government to change a discriminatory 'family link' rule which barred African and...
Government rejected request to increase number of some refugees
November 24, 2019 18:45 - 6 minutes - 6.15 MBThe government's rejected a UN request to increase the number of African and Middle Eastern refugees. New Zealand is due to accept 1500 refugees next year, about half of them from Asia-Pacific. The government announced it was dropping a requirement for African and Middle Eastern refugees to have a family link to New Zealand, which was welcomed as the overturning of a racist policy in October. However, cabinet papers show UN and government officials urged the government to increase the nu...
Calls for change around beneficiaries' relationship rules
November 24, 2019 18:41 - 3 minutes - 3.24 MBBeneficiary advocates want urgent changes to the rules around relationships in the welfare system. Child Poverty Action Group, Auckland Action Against Poverty and Action Station have written an open letter to the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, saying the rules are punitive and harmful. They say beneficiaries should be treated as individuals and shouldn't have their payments reduced or cut entirely if they get into a relationship in the nature of a marriage. RNZ's social issues reporter S...
Helen Clark, John Key back Auckland port moving
November 24, 2019 18:29 - 7 minutes - 7.14 MBTwo former Prime Ministers are backing calls to move Auckland's used car port to Whangarei. Both Sir John Key and Helen Clark have publicly backed the Waterfront 2029 campaign and are hoping to raise $250,000 to get it started. While neither the current government nor the National Party have picked a side at this point, New Zealand First has long campaigned for the shift. The campaign's spokesperson Michael Goldwater speaks to Corin Dann.
No changes to evidence bill after Grace Millane trial - Andrew Little
November 24, 2019 18:24 - 5 minutes - 4.86 MBThe Justice Minister Andrew Little is not considering changes to the kinds of evidence juries can hear about a murder victim's sexual history in the wake of the Grace Millane trial. A bill before Parliament will tighten the rules around evidence about a complainant's sexual history, to better protect against unnecessary and distressing questioning, for victims of rape or sexual assault. Mr Little says he's limited to what he can say about the Millane trial because of the possibility the ...
Union claims safety issues on school buses
November 24, 2019 18:18 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MBThe Government has delayed the awarding of tenders to run school buses that carry 40 million children a year after a union raised safety concerns. Documents show these concerns being raised with Ministers, though they have not publicly acknowledged this. The First union's concerns allege maintenance failings by a major operator, with one bus driver saying he wouldn't let his children ride the buses. Phil Pennington reports.
Morning dawns at scene of Tauranga shooting
November 24, 2019 18:16 - 2 minutes - 2.63 MBPolice have shot and killed a man after a 14 hour standoff in Tauranga. The man was holding two children hostage yesterday when police moved in and shot him. Police say there was no other option due to growing fears for the children's safety. RNZ reporter Andrew McRae is at the cordon in Bellvue Tauranga and spoke to Corin Dann.
Bellvue residents describe shooting
November 24, 2019 18:10 - 5 minutes - 5.34 MBResidents of a quiet Tauranga street have described hearing multiple gun shots as armed officers moved in on a man holding two young children hostage. The police say they had no other option as fears grew for the children's safety. Neighbours told RNZ they had little idea the lives of a four-year-old and a six-year-old were at risk.