Morning Report
24,117 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 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
Removing benefits could encourage crime - Black Power
October 29, 2019 19:17 - 7 minutes - 6.59 MBThe National Party says it will strip gang members of benefits unless they prove they don't have any illegal income or assets. The party will release a new discussion document today about its policies on social services. Black Power spokesperson Eugene Ryder told Corin Dann he's not surprised, but he's disappointed by the policy.
Judge seeks independent authority for state care abuse victims
October 29, 2019 19:10 - 7 minutes - 6.65 MBA judge who spent years speaking to more than a thousand victims of abuse is calling for an independent authority to deal with complaints. Judge Carolyn Henwood was chair of a confidential panel assisting survivors that ran from 2008 to 2015. Yesterday, she told the Royal Commission investigating abuse in state and faith-based care that inquiry victims have no access to justice. Judge Henwood spoke to Susie Ferguson about her findings.
Wales aim to break 66-year drought to beat ABs to RWC bronze
October 29, 2019 18:54 - 2 minutes - 2.75 MBAnother opportunity to break their drought against the All Blacks is giving Wales extra motivation for the third-place playoff at the Rugby World Cup. The two teams will play each other in Tokyo on Friday night after losing their respective semifinals. The Welsh haven't beaten the All Blacks since 1953, and have just three wins from 34 matches against the three-time world champions. Clay Wilson reports from Tokyo.
Radiographers strike again
October 29, 2019 18:51 - 3 minutes - 3.1 MBDistrict Health Board-employed radiographers are striking again. Apex Union has announced more than 80 'partial strikes' across all 20 DHBs. The strike affects radiology services such as general x-rays, CT and MRI scans and mammography. The union says the latest pay offer from the DHBs was punitive and included a massive reduction in promised backpay. DHBs have responded that talks have reached an impasse, and they are asking the Employment Relations Authority for help. Dr Deborah Powell...
Iwi seeks help caring for kids Oranga Tamariki wants to take
October 29, 2019 18:48 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBUp to 50 iwi members, from Wairoa to Wairarapa, have approached Ngāti Kahungunu wanting to help take care of children at risk of being removed from their families by the state. The iwi put out the call for whānau help two weeks ago. The initative comes after an attempt by Oranga Tamariki to take a baby from its mother resulted in the lockdown of Hawke's Bay Hospital in May. Ngahiwi Tomoana chairs the iwi trust board and spoke to Susie Ferguson about the call.
Tax experts want property flipping loophole closed
October 29, 2019 18:44 - 4 minutes - 3.81 MBTax officials want to change the law so that people who 'flip' houses can't avoid tax by changing the person who buys and sells the property each time. The proposed change is part of the initatives the government is making to tighten up on housing speculation after the recommendation of the Tax Working Group for a capital gains tax was rejected. PWC Tax partner - and Tax Working Group member - Geof Nightingale spoke to Morning Report.
Brexit: UK Labour Party backs general election
October 29, 2019 18:39 - 5 minutes - 4.98 MBIt's been a turbulent year for British politics, with three Brexit deadlines missed, two deals failing to get through parliament, two Prime Ministers struggling to contain splits in their own party, and a country seemingly more divided than ever. Now we can add to the mix a snap general election - likely to take place in December for the first time in nearly 100 years. The BBC's Rob Watson spoke to Susie Ferguson.
National wants tougher tests for gang members on benefits
October 29, 2019 18:25 - 10 minutes - 9.48 MBThe National party says it will block gang members and their associates from the dole if they can't prove they don't have illegal income or assets. The party will release a new discussion document today about its policies on social services. National Party leader Simon Bridges spoke to Corin Dann.
New signs tell Tongariro Crossing trampers to turn back
October 29, 2019 18:21 - 3 minutes - 3.43 MB"STOP: Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is NOT RECOMMENDED TODAY due to bad weather" - those are the words that will greet anyone trying to tramp one of the country's most popular walks in adverse conditions over summer. The Department of Conservation will display the warning on signs at the beginning and the end of the track, on the roads leading to the Crossing and will have rangers telling trampers in person to turn back if the weather's too bad. RNZ's tourism reporter Tess Brunto...
Ministry wants to ban choke-risk foods from ECE centres
October 29, 2019 18:19 - 2 minutes - 2.73 MBSausages, chips and popcorn could be banned from early childhood centres because of the choking risk they pose for under-five-year-olds. The Education Ministry says pre-schoolers are at a higher risk of choking because they have small air and food passages and they are still learning how to chew food properly. It is considering making centres follow Health Ministry guidelines that would exclude some foods altogether, and require special preparation for others. Our education correspondent...
Survivors of state-care abuse speak out at inquiry
October 29, 2019 18:14 - 4 minutes - 4.04 MBKeith Wiffin was repeatedly abused at the state-run Epuni Boys' Home in Lower Hutt when he was a child. He gave evidence at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care at its first public session yesterday. He told Corin Dann he's happy with how the inquiry has been carried out so far.
Ex-prisoner Arthur Taylor blames state care for life of crime
October 29, 2019 18:10 - 4 minutes - 3.98 MBCareer criminal Arthur Taylor has told the Royal Commission investigating abuse he never would have messed with the law if he hadn't been placed in state care. The 63-year-old is one of 28 witnesses giving evidence to the inquiry over the next fortnight. Mr Taylor told the inquiry staff at the state-run boys' home he was placed in were violent and abused their power over the children. Katie Scotcher reports.
Business News for 30 October 2019
October 29, 2019 17:49 - 8 minutes - 7.88 MBNews from the business sector, including a market report.
Canterbury University counselling service attracts complaints
October 29, 2019 17:41 - 3 minutes - 3.44 MBCriticism about unprofessional counselling and lengthy wait-lists has prompted the University of Canterbury to consider changes to its Health Centre. Student magazine Canta says an overwhelming number of students are leaving the university's free on-campus counselling feeling worse-off, after being told to 'try harder' to get better. Some complain they feel they're being dismissed before they're ready to stop counselling. The university says every complaint warrants attention and investi...
Former prisoner says state care caused life of crime
October 29, 2019 17:38 - 3 minutes - 2.89 MBOne of this country's longest-serving prisoners, Arthur Taylor, has told the Royal Commission into abuse in care, that the time he spent at the Epuni Boys' Home is responsible for his life of crime. Arthur Taylor first appeared in court in 1972 on a forgery charge and has accumulated more than one hundred and fifty convictions since. He told the inquiry the staff at the home were violent and abused their power over the children.
Morning Rural News for 30 October 2019
October 29, 2019 17:26 - 4 minutes - 4.31 MBNews from the rural and farming sector.
Early Business News for 30 October 2019
October 29, 2019 17:21 - 2 minutes - 2.8 MBA brief update of movements in the financial sector.
Brexit: Christmas election likely in UK
October 29, 2019 17:09 - 5 minutes - 5.42 MBA general election now looks very likely for the UK after opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn announced Labour will support Boris Johnson's latest effort to trigger an early poll. Corin speaks to correspondent, Olly Barratt, about the possibility of a Christmas election.
Sports News for 30 October 2019
October 29, 2019 17:06 - 1 minute - 1.91 MBKiwis coach Michael Maguire wasn't happy with their direction against Australia last Friday and that's one of the reasons he's recalled veteran Kieran Foran as playmaker for Saturday's Test against Great Britain at Eden park.
Sports News for 30 October 2019
October 29, 2019 17:06 - 1 minute - 1.91 MBKiwis coach Michael Maguire wasn't happy with their direction against Australia last Friday and that's one of the reasons he's recalled veteran Kieran Foran as playmaker for Saturday's Test against Great Britain at Eden park.
Sports News for 30 October 2019
October 29, 2019 17:06 - 1 minute - 1.91 MBKiwis coach Michael Maguire wasn't happy with their direction against Australia last Friday and that's one of the reasons he's recalled veteran Kieran Foran as playmaker for Saturday's Test against Great Britain at Eden park.
Top Stories for Wednesday 30 October 2019
October 29, 2019 17:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBThe Royal Commission's been told abuse at a state boy's home led to a life of crime. Sausages, chips and popcorn could be banned from kindergartens and playcentres. National promises to crack down on gang members wanting the dole.
Wellington City Council accused of climate hypocrisy
October 28, 2019 19:55 - 3 minutes - 3.39 MBOpponents of Wellington Airport's $1 billion expansion plans are accusing the city council of climate hypocrisy for taking a hands-off approach. Wellington City Council, a major shareholder in the airport, declared a climate change emergency in August, and has the aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Harry Lock has more.
Software in development to activate smartphones in Māori
October 28, 2019 19:52 - 3 minutes - 3.22 MBMāori working in the digital arena are about to get a boost and more opportunities to develop technology compatible with big international operations. At the moment, just 2 percent of Māori and Pasifika people have careers in STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics. However a kaupapa Māori tech company is working to change that - they've built an automatic speech recogniser that is attuned to te reo Māori. Now Te Hiku Media has received $13 million over the next seven yea...
Ministers taken to court over treatment of vulnerable citizens
October 28, 2019 19:44 - 3 minutes - 3.45 MBGovernment ministers are being taken to court over the way they treat the country's most vulnerable citizens and their parents. A disability advocate has filed papers asking the Employment Court to decide if people with intellectual disabilities have the mental capacity to be employers. The government is promising to change this, but the advocate Jane Carrigan doesn't want to wait and is going to court. Catherine Hutton reports.
Vets keep close watch on leopard seal shot in Auckland
October 28, 2019 19:35 - 4 minutes - 3.85 MBOwha the leopard seal has been injured, with vets suspecting she has been shot in the face. Owha was found with a bleeding puncture above her nostril on Friday and is being closely monitored in Auckland's Westhaven marina. Dr Krista Hupman is a NIWA marine biologist and says while it's too soon to predict her long term prospects, Owha seems to be coping.
Market Update for Wednesday 29 October 2019
October 28, 2019 19:29 - 1 minute - 1.07 MBA brief update on the movements in the financial sector
Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua launches scathing attack on umpire
October 28, 2019 19:29 - 7 minutes - 6.6 MBSpeaking at her post match press conference, Taurua called the Singaporean umpire's appointment and performance disturbing.
Workers at SkyCity Convention Centre raise safety concerns
October 28, 2019 19:24 - 5 minutes - 5.09 MBWorkers at the SkyCity Convention Centre are demanding proof that their workplace is safe after the fire which burned for three days in central Auckland. Those who have returned to work say there has been a strong smell of smoke and have reported experiencing dizziness, headaches, coughing and asthma flareups. They say they have been told not to speak to media, but have been speaking anonymously to Unite Union. Unite Union organiser for SkyCity Joe Carolan spoke to Morning Report.
EU leaders grant a Brexit 'flextension' - UK election possible
October 28, 2019 19:14 - 6 minutes - 5.92 MBEuropean Union leaders have agreed to extend Brexit until 31 January, 2020, - meaning the UK will not leave as planned on Thursday. EU Council President Donald Tusk said it was a "flextension" - meaning the UK could leave before the deadline if a deal was approved by Parliament. It came as MPs prepared to vote on an early general election on 12 December, a vote UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson lost. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn says his party wants a definite statement about no deal being ...
South Africa to face England in Rugby World Cup final on Saturday
October 28, 2019 19:09 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MBSouth Africa will face England in Yokohama for the Rugby World Cup decider this weekend. South Africa beat Wales 19-16 at their semi-final on Saturday, and England stunned the All Blacks 19-7. No side has ever won the World Cup after losing a game at the tournament, as the Springboks did in their pool opener against the All Blacks. We speak to Jamie Salmon, a former player for the All Blacks and England and Clinton van der Berg from South Africa.
Auckland's resident leopard seal injured
October 28, 2019 18:55 - 3 minutes - 3.16 MBIt's feared Auckland's resident leopard seal, Owha, has made some enemies due to her pastime of biting into and sinking inflatable dinghies at the Westhaven Marina. The three-metre seal has a serious injury consistent with being shot or speared in the face, leading to concerns about her long-term prospects in one of the country's busiest stretches of water. Matthew Theunissen went down to the marina.
All Blacks to face Wales for bronze medal after English defeat
October 28, 2019 18:50 - 5 minutes - 5.33 MBAfter being defeated by England 19-7, the All Blacks will face Wales in the third place playoff in Tokyo this weekend. The match will be Steve Hansen's last as coach and will also see off Ben Smith and captain Kieran Read. RNZ's sports correspondent is Hamish Bidwell.
Trump announces ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead
October 28, 2019 18:46 - 3 minutes - 3.75 MBUS President Donald Trump announced over the weekend at the White House that the "world's number one terrorist leader" is dead. ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi "blew himself up" when cornered by US forces who conducted a daring, two-hour nighttime raid on his compound in northern Syria. The United States Secretary of Defense Mark Esper justified the operation to media a short time ago. RNZ's correspondent in Washington DC is Giles Gibson.
Aucklanders urged not to drive due to Sky City fire
October 28, 2019 18:41 - 5 minutes - 4.77 MBAucklanders are being urged to take public transport, carpool, walk or cycle to help reduce congestion as the city returns to work after the long weekend and the fire at Sky City. While much of the cordon around the International Convention Centre has been lifted, people heading into the central city this morning can still expect significant delays. Victoria St is open as normal but Wellesley St will only be open to buses between Nelson and Hobson streets, and only two lanes will be open...
California Governor declares emergency due to wildfires
October 28, 2019 18:38 - 3 minutes - 3.17 MBCalifornia's Governor has declared a statewide emergency after strong winds whipped wildfires in the north and south of the state, forcing the evacuation of almost 200,000 people. In Northern California's wine country outside San Francisco, the Kincade Fire has grown to about 27,000 hectares while in the South of the state the Tick Fire destroyed at least twenty-two homes and threatened 10,000 more. RNZ's correspondent in San Francisco is Rachel Silverman.
Royal Commission chair to be announced 'very shortly' - Ardern
October 28, 2019 18:27 - 7 minutes - 6.56 MBPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern tells Susie Ferguson she has confidence in the processes of the Royal Commission of inquiry into Abuse in Care.
New Zealand wars commemorations continue in Waitara
October 28, 2019 18:21 - 4 minutes - 4.48 MBA dawn service has been held this morning at the pa on the outskirts of Waitara where the first shots of the New Zealand wars were fired in 1860. The ceremony kicked off the second day of Te Putake o Te Riri, He Ra Maumahara commemorations which are bring held in Taranaki. Our Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was at Te Kohia pa yesterday.
Royal Commission into state abuse starts public hearings
October 28, 2019 18:17 - 3 minutes - 3.75 MBVictims of abuse in state and faith-based care will publicly tell their stories to the Royal Commission into abuse for the first time on Tuesday. Over the next two weeks, the Inquiry will hear from abuse survivors, academics, advocates and lawyers.
Who will be the next All Blacks coach?
October 28, 2019 18:14 - 3 minutes - 3.46 MBWith the disappointment of the All Blacks early exit from the Rugby World Cup starting to fade - well at least for some of us - thoughts are now turning to who might be the next All Blacks coach. Steve Hansen is set to step down after the bronze match against Wales in Tokyo on Friday. Outgoing New Zealand Rugby boss, Steve Tew, says a four member panel will interview candidates and it's hoped a replacement will be named by Christmas. Conan Young takes a look at who that could be.
Parents refuse to be part of Oranga Tamariki review
October 28, 2019 18:10 - 4 minutes - 3.85 MBThe parents of a baby at the centre of an attempted removal by Oranga Tamariki are refusing to be part of a government review, saying they don't trust the investigation will be fair, or independent. The inquiry will look into the attempted removal of a six-day-old baby from its 19-year-old mother at Hawke's Bay Hospital. Advocates for the family have told our political reporter Jo Moir the review by Oranga Tamariki lacks credibility.
Business News for 29 October 2019
October 28, 2019 17:50 - 9 minutes - 9.2 MBNews from the business sector, including a market report.
All Blacks turn focus to Wales after World Cup defeat
October 28, 2019 17:46 - 3 minutes - 3.39 MBThe All Blacks have put the disappointment of their semifinal defeat in the rear-view mirror as they aim to finish the Rugby World Cup on a high. With their title defence over, New Zealand will take on Wales in Friday's bronze medal match in Japan. After some open and, at times, unpleasant reflection on Saturday's loss to England, they say finishing well against the Welsh is the only thing on their minds. Clay Wilson reports from Tokyo.
Te Pūtake o Te Riri continues in Waitara
October 28, 2019 17:43 - 3 minutes - 3.29 MBA dawn service is underway at the pā on the outskirts of Waitara where the first shots of the New Zealand wars were fired in 1860. The ceremony kicks off the second day of the commemorations of the New Zealand wars being held in Taranaki in 2019. RNZ's Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin is at the ceremony at Te Kohia pā.
Auckland motorists warned of delays in wake of SkyCity fire
October 28, 2019 17:40 - 1 minute - 1.83 MBMotorists driving into Auckland's city centre on Tuesday morning are being warned of significant delays because there are still some road closures because of the SkyCity International Convention Centre fire. RNZ reporter Amy Williams has more details.
Uplifted baby's parents fear Oranga Tamariki investigation will not be fair
October 28, 2019 17:38 - 2 minutes - 1.99 MBThe parents of a baby at the centre of an attempted removal by Oranga Tamariki are refusing to be part of a government review, saying they don't believe the investigation will be fair, or independent. Meka Whaitiri is Labour's Ikaroa-Rawhiti MP and a spokesperson for the family in question. She told our political reporter, Jo Moir, the family's advocates wanted the inquiry to be totally independent.
Morning Rural News for 29 October 2019
October 28, 2019 17:25 - 5 minutes - 4.66 MBNews from the rural and farming sector.
Early Business News for 29 October 2019
October 28, 2019 17:22 - 3 minutes - 3.19 MBA brief update of movements in the financial sector.
Australia take home netball's Constellation Cup
October 28, 2019 17:18 - 2 minutes - 2.62 MBNoeline Taurua is planning to lodge a formal complaint about the standard of refereeing after the Silver Ferns were on the wrong end of a very heavy penalty count in the final game of the Constellation Cup. Australia retained the Cup after beating the Silver Ferns 53 to 46 in Perth. Kiwi Goal Shoot Bailey Mes had five offensive contact penalties called against her within the first 10 minutes, and the Ferns were behind by 13 goals at halftime. Sue Gaudion called the game for Channel Nine ...
French police arrest octogenerarian over mosque shooting
October 28, 2019 17:13 - 2 minutes - 2.61 MBFrench police have arrested a man in his eighties suspected of firing shots at a mosque in Bayonne the south-west of France. Two people were injured in the shooting and the main suspected was arrested close to his home soon after. Susie Ferguson speaks to our correspondent in France Peter Allen.