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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Reporter at the scene of Waipara scrub fire
February 18, 2024 19:11 - 2 minutes - 1.95 MBFire crews are continuing to battle a scrub fire in north Canterbury. The fire service was alerted to the blaze around 8pm last night. Hurunui Civil Defence opened up an evacuation centre at the Waipara hall for people who were evacuated from their homes overnight. RNZ reporter Anna Sergeant spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss from the scene.
Oppenheimer looks to sweep up BAFTA awards
February 18, 2024 18:57 - 2 minutes - 2.41 MBOppenheimer is set to ignite the BAFTA awards which are just about to get underway in London. Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, about the life of the man who helped develop the atomic bomb, is leading the charge with 13 nominations including best film, best actor and best supporting actress. Meanwhile, Yorgos Lanthimos's brilliantly bonkers Poor Things is hot on Oppenheimer's heels, with 11 nods. London based commentator Richard Fitzwilliams spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Auckland test cricket venue proposal divides opinion
February 18, 2024 18:54 - 3 minutes - 3.5 MBThe Black Caps have beaten South Africa two - nil in their recent test series, and fans are gearing up for the much anticipated Australian series. But test cricket fans in Auckland are once again enduring a summer with no tests in the city. The last test match played in Auckland was almost six years ago when the Black Caps played England. This could change though, with plans to develop Colin Maiden Park in Auckland's east. But as Morning Report Digital Producer Simon Wraight finds out, n...
Tight count for Wellington City Council byelection
February 18, 2024 18:48 - 5 minutes - 4.62 MBIt's going to be a tense couple of days for Karl Tiefenbacher as he awaits the final count from the weekend's byelection in Wellington City Council's Lambton ward. Mr Tiefenbacher was leading his Green party rival by just 624 votes on the night. Regardless of the end result, it marks a big swing away from a hefty Green majority in the ward, and an uptick for an independent centrist candidate. Karl Tiefenbacher spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Wealthy schools make millions off donations each year
February 18, 2024 18:45 - 3 minutes - 3.25 MBSchools opting for a government grant instead of asking parents for donations are worse off than most wealthier schools who still ask families for money. Results from an RNZ survey show some schools are requesting thousands of dollars from parents, and raising millions. The richest are getting over a million dollars from parent donations - much more than those signed up for a grant. RNZ surveyed hundreds of schools three years after the scheme started. RNZ In Depth reporter Farah Hancock...
Strong winds cause concern for Canterbury fires
February 18, 2024 18:39 - 3 minutes - 3.41 MBNor-westerly winds are expected in Canterbury today as firefighters work frantically to put out fires across the region. As we've been reporting this morning, a large fire is now burning in Waikari Valley, North Canterbury - forcing evacuations. Crews have also been working throughout the night at the Port Hills trying to eliminate hotspots, as that wildfire continues into a sixth day. Metservice forecaster Mmathapelo Makgabutlane spoke to Corin Dann.
Worsening cyclones prompt experts to explore new alert levels
February 18, 2024 18:36 - 3 minutes - 3.3 MBResearchers are looking at a new wind speed warning category for tropical cyclones, because they're getting stronger with global heating. New Zealand's most damaging storms tend to start as tropical cyclones, so forecasters here are watching developments. Climate correspondent Eloise Gibson reports.
Gaza and Ukraine the focus of Munich Security Conference
February 18, 2024 18:25 - 7 minutes - 7.24 MBThe wars taking place in Gaza and Ukraine were the hot topics among politicians, diplomats, and defence industry representatives at the three day Munich Security Conference, which wrapped up overnight. Among the headlines; more military aid for Ukraine; and more countries backing calls for a ceasefire in Gaza to allow desperately-needed humanitarian aid in. Leaders also paid tribute to imprisoned Russian politician, Alexei Navalny, who died in a penal colony in the Arctic Circle. The BBC...
Crews battle scrub fire in Waipara
February 18, 2024 18:21 - 4 minutes - 4.35 MBProperties near Waipara, in North Canterbury were evacuated overnight due to a large fire. An evacuation centre was set up at the Waipara Hall. Fifteen crews, alongside a bulldozer, fought the fire, moving through difficult terrain. Evacuations included residents on Waikari Valley Road and Glenmark Drive. The fire is putting more pressure on the region's already stretched resources, hard on the heels of Port Hills blaze. Fire and Emergency incident controller Steve Kennedy spoke to Ingri...
Finance Minister on PM's 'fragile nation' comment
February 18, 2024 18:18 - 3 minutes - 3.53 MBThe Finance Minister says the government is not catastrophising the country's financial position. The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon labelled the country "fragile" during his first State of the Nation address, warning there would be unpopular decisions ahead. Finance Minister Nicola Willis spoke to Corin Dann.
PM warns of unpopular decisions ahead
February 18, 2024 18:14 - 2 minutes - 2.6 MBPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is warning he will need to make unpopular decisions in order to turn around the country's fragile state. Luxon delivered the blunt assessment during his first state of the nation speech as Prime Minister. Just hours later he was surrounded by protesters unhappy with political decisions Luxon has already made. RNZ political reporter Katie Scotcher was there.
Evacuations from scrub fire in North Canterbury
February 18, 2024 18:10 - 1 minute - 1.65 MBFire crews are fighting a large scrub fire in North Canterbury. Some residents in Waipara area have been evacuated. The affected areas included Waikari Valley Road, Shell Rock Road, and Glenmark Drive. Crews were alerted to the fire shortly after eight o'clock last night. Reporter Anna Sargent spoke to Corin Dann.
Sports News for 19 February 2024
February 18, 2024 18:06 - 1 minute - 1.15 MBLewis Clareburt has claimed New Zealand's second gold medal at the Swimming World Championships in Doha.
Sports News for 19 February 2024
February 18, 2024 18:06 - 1 minute - 1.15 MBLewis Clareburt has claimed New Zealand's second gold medal at the Swimming World Championships in Doha.
Business News for 19 February 2024
February 18, 2024 17:55 - 5 minutes - 4.63 MBBusiness news for 19 February 2024
Economic boost for Coromandel with SH 25A reopening early
February 18, 2024 17:47 - 4 minutes - 4 MBThe early reopening of the cyclone-ravaged State Highway 25A on the Coromandel Peninsula increased GDP in the region by almost $86 million. That's according to a new report out by Infrastructure New Zealand, which argues planning and consenting attitudes have to change for wider economic gain. The report from the lobby group also recommends regional, or even a national, emergency panel be established to respond to other emergencies. Nick Leggett is chief executive of Infrastructure NZ, a...
Schools meeting govt decree for hour of reading, math per day
February 18, 2024 17:42 - 3 minutes - 3.14 MBSchools say they are having no trouble meeting the government's decree that they teach reading, writing and maths for an hour a day each on average. And many have already adopted the government's favoured approach to reading - structured literacy which focuses on learning the sounds of letters. The OECD's Pisa study shows 21 percent of New Zealand 15-year-olds are poor readers and 29 percent are bad at maths. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.
Early Sports Chat for 19 February 2024
February 18, 2024 17:38 - 3 minutes - 3.14 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Morning Rural News for 19 February 2024
February 18, 2024 17:27 - 3 minutes - 3.45 MBNews from the rural farming sector.
Early Business News for 19 February 2024
February 18, 2024 17:25 - 1 minute - 1.6 MBLatest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.
Strippers call on Parliament for fair working conditions
February 18, 2024 17:22 - 3 minutes - 3.55 MBSex work activists - The Fired Up Stilettos - are kicking up what they'd like to call a FUS. Nineteen strippers were fired from Calendar Girls Wellington via a Facebook post in February last year for attempting to collectively bargain for fair pay and legal contracts. A year later, the group has delivered a petition to parliament and attached was a 52-page-long paper that called for legislation to grant sex workers labour rights that are the same as those given independent contractors. O...
PM punishing those on lowest incomes – Green Party
February 18, 2024 17:19 - 5 minutes - 5.2 MBThe Green Party says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon appears fixated on punishing people on the lowest incomes. In a State of the Nation address over the weekend, Mr Luxon stressed the Government will be taking a tough stance on beneficiaries. Greens co-leader Marama Davidson says harsh sanctions on beneficiaries will only increase poverty. She spoke to Corin Dann.
Putin critic dies in custody
February 18, 2024 17:10 - 5 minutes - 5.47 MBThe death of Alexei Navalny - an imprisoned and outspoken critic of Russia's president Vladimir Putin - is prompting human rights experts to ask who's next. The penal colony where Mr. Navalny died sits above the Arctic Circle, and is largely cut off from the world. Russia's presidential elections are due to take place in one month. Mariana Katzarova is the first ever UN Human Rights Council-appointed independent expert on Russia. She spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Sports News for 19 february 2024
February 18, 2024 17:06 - 1 minute - 1.17 MBThe Wellington Phoenix beat Macarthur FC 2-1 in Sydney last night to restore their five-point lead at the top of the A-League.
Top Stories for Monday 19 February 2024
February 18, 2024 17:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBTop stories for Monday 19 February 2024: Fire and Emergency crews have been working overnight to bring a large fire in North Canterbury's Waikari Valley under control. The Prime Minister is warning he'll have to make unpopular decisions to turn around a fragile New Zealand, We'll have more on the government's plans from Finance Minister Nicola Willis. We look at the school donation system, and how some schools are making millions. Wellington swimmer Lewis Clareburt has won gold at the Wo...
Political Panel for Friday February 15
February 15, 2024 19:49 - 6 minutes - 6.03 MBListen to our weekly political panel.
Sports Chat for 16 February 2024
February 15, 2024 19:40 - 1 minute - 1.79 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Award ceremony in Gisborne for cyclone heroes
February 15, 2024 19:39 - 3 minutes - 2.78 MBGisborne residents, groups and businesses which went above and beyond during the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle this time last year have been honoured in a special ceremony. The Gisborne Super Hero Awards took place Thursday night, at the War Memorial Theatre. There were dozens of stories, lots of laughs and a few tears. Reporter Kate Green was there.
Market Update for 16 February 2024
February 15, 2024 19:38 - 1 minute - 944 KBMarket Update for 16 February 2024
Fire and Emergency briefing on Port Hills fire
February 15, 2024 19:30 - 5 minutes - 5.2 MBWe cross now to the the latest Fire and Emergency briefing.
Pike 29 memorial track opens
February 15, 2024 19:27 - 5 minutes - 4.61 MBTo the delight of our next guest and those he represents, the 11.5 kilometre Pike 29 memorial track opens on February 17. The dual walking and biking tracks, which connects the Paparoa Track Great Walk to the Pike River, has been created in partnership with DOC, Ngāti Waewae and the families of the 29 miners who perished in the Pike River mine disaster in 2010. Pike River Families Group Committee chair Colin Smith says the opening creates "an enduring memory", and real economic opportuni...
NZTA Waka Kotahi struggling with name change
February 15, 2024 19:20 - 4 minutes - 4.27 MBEmails show the chief executive of the Transport Agency ordered the only line about a partnership with Maori removed from a press release about relegating the name 'Waka Kotahi' to second place. This occurred shortly after Nicole Rosie had stressed to staff upset at the name change, and to her board, that partnering with Maori was vital and would "expand". It came days after Transport Minister Simeon Brown told the agency to change its "branding and communication in media" as soon as pos...
Worsleys Rd resident hoping to return home
February 15, 2024 19:14 - 5 minutes - 5.13 MBChristchurch resident John Joseph lives up at the top of Worsleys Road and is hoping to return home after evacuating when the Port Hills went up in flames. Joseph spoke to Corin Dann.
Port Hills resident hopeful fire under control
February 15, 2024 19:12 - 4 minutes - 4.13 MBPort Hills resident Dominique Leeming, who was also affected by the 2017 fire is hopeful that the fire is under control. Leeming says the situation feels much more under control than seven years ago. Reporter Charlotte Cook spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Sports News for 16 February 2024
February 15, 2024 19:06 - 2 minutes - 2.36 MB227 runs separates the Black Caps from a maiden test series win over South Africa; and debutant bowler Will O'Rourke says the hosts will have to work hard for victory on a tricky pitch in Hamilton.
Nurses union on mistakes with pay back system
February 15, 2024 18:55 - 3 minutes - 3.23 MBThe Nurse's union says mistakes with the pay back systems are costing nurses tens of thousands of dollars. Te Whatu Ora has paid back $250m of the almost $2 billion following years of breaches of the Holidays Act. But the Nurses Organisation says mistakes with the remediation work meant payments varied wildly. In a statement, Te Whatu Ora said the work was taking longer than planned as they continued to add more resources across their payroll teams. Nurses Organisation president Kerri Nu...
Phone ban causing problems for neurodiverse children
February 15, 2024 18:50 - 3 minutes - 3.07 MBThe Government's cellphone ban in schools is causing problems for some neurodiverse children who are struggling to get through the day. Parents say they are not able to get an exemption. Meanwhile schools are buying clocks and printing timetables as they figure out how to apply the policy. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.
Young people waiting longer to see mental health specialists: report
February 15, 2024 18:48 - 4 minutes - 3.95 MBYoung people needing specialist mental health care are waiting longer to see a specialist, according to a new report from the Auditor-General. The report evaluated whether the money spent on youth mental health services - since the 2019 Wellbeing Budget - is making a difference for people aged 12 to 24. Jason Hewett is the Auditor-General's performance audits manager.
Israeli forces conduct 'targeted operation' in Khan Younis hospital
February 15, 2024 18:40 - 5 minutes - 5.23 MBIsrael says its special forces are carrying out a targeted operation inside the main hospital in the besieged Gazan city of Khan Younis. Medics inside Nasser Hospital say Israeli forces fired into the hospital, killing a patient and injuring several others. A doctor at the hospital says the situation is escalating 'every hour and every minute'. Video footage from the scene shows medics rushing with patients on stretchers through a smoke-filled corridor while gunshots ring out in the back...
Donald Trump faces dual hearings in Georgia and New York
February 15, 2024 18:35 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MBFormer US President Donald Trump has faced dual hearings this morning in Georgia and New York. Trump chose to attend the hearing in Manhattan, this one concerned a motion to dismiss the case brought against him related to a hush-money payment to adult-film star Stormy Daniels. He says all charges against him are politically motivated. The judge rejected the motion to throw out charges, instead scheduling Trump's first criminal trial to begin in March. Meanwhile, in Georgia, the defence i...
Competitive shooters want to use outlawed semi-automatic guns
February 15, 2024 18:28 - 4 minutes - 3.76 MBMP's have heard strong arguments for and against allowing competitive shooters to use banned semi-automatic firearms. The weapons were outlawed in a crackdown after the March 15 terror attacks in early 2019. Now the Government is being asked to change the law and allow people to use the guns for sport. Political reporter Anneke Smith has more.
Wellington Councillor on council's proposed cuts
February 15, 2024 18:25 - 5 minutes - 5.43 MBWellington's Mayor Tory Whanau says her council won't be binning better public transport, revitalising the city or climate initiatives to pay to fix the city's water pipes. Instead Wellington City Council is looking at congestion charging and increasing parking fees. One councillor unhappy with the response is Nicola Young. Councillor Young spoke to Corin Dann.
Man threatening parent and child fatally shot by police
February 15, 2024 18:20 - 2 minutes - 2.13 MBA man was fatally shot by police on the afternoon of Thursday February 15 after fleeing a police stop and threatening a parent and child with a firearm. Police say they stopped the man just after midday on Ulster Street in Hamilton. The driver fled and later crashed in the Matamata-Piako area, more than 50 kilometres away. He was then shot by police after threatening a parent and their child. The Independent Police Conduct Authority will be notified and a Critical Incident Investigation ...
Emergency Minister's update on third day of fire
February 15, 2024 18:14 - 4 minutes - 4.24 MBThe Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell spoke to Corin Dann from Christchurch.
'It's all go, smoke everywhere': Port Hills resident
February 15, 2024 18:10 - 3 minutes - 2.98 MBFirefighters are out in force again battling to bring the huge Port Hills Fire under control. For a second night ground crew worked in the dark trying to contain the blaze and protect houses. Around 80 houses are still evacuated but people in Hoon Hay Valley Road and Early Valley Road were allowed home late Thursday afternoon. Fire and Emergency is warning they need to stay alert as they may have to leave again, quickly, if conditions change. Others on Worsleys Road are still waiting and...
Sports News for 16 Februrary 2024
February 15, 2024 18:06 - 1 minute - 1.29 MBDavid Bedingham scored his maiden test century as South Africa handed New Zealand a victory target of 267 on day three of the second test in Hamilton, with the Black Caps reaching 40 for 1 at stumps.
Business News for 16 February 2024
February 15, 2024 17:56 - 3 minutes - 3.6 MBBusiness news for 16 February 2024
Tracking agricultural methane emissions via satellite
February 15, 2024 17:50 - 6 minutes - 5.93 MBScientists are hoping a satellite used to track emissions will give them new data they'd never be able to get on the ground. The MethaneSAT project, led by the US Environmental Defense Fund, will track methane emissions around the world. New Zealand will lead the initiative's agricultural study gathering data on emissions from agriculture. The satellite is set to launch in the coming weeks. Dr Sara Mikaloff-Fletcher is NIWA's Science leader for the agricultural programme. Dr Mikaloff-Fle...
Port Hills fire eases overnight
February 15, 2024 17:47 - 4 minutes - 3.73 MBThe light from the Port Hill flames could be seen from the central city on Thursday 15, but the following morning was a different story. At least 80 firefighters, 27 trucks, 14 helicopters and two fixed wing planes were involved in battling the blaze. On Friday morning the thick smell of smoke was the only reminder of the blaze which Fire and Emergency had been unable to contain. Our reporter Charlotte Cook was at the cordon on Worsleys Road.
Early Sports Chat for 16 February 2024
February 15, 2024 17:40 - 4 minutes - 4.42 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.