Morning Report
24,497 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 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
Wellington Phoenix back in A-League
January 15, 2024 19:48 - 3 minutes - 3.52 MBThe Wellington Phoenix have returned to the top of football's A-League men's table after a thrilling match in Parramatta at the weekend. The Phoenix came from behind against the Perth Glory to win 4-3. The win puts them on equal points with Melbourne Victory, but the Wellington-based side has a superior number of wins. The top two teams play this weekend in what is sure to be a blockbuster clash in Wellington. To discuss the Phoenix's season so far and to preview this Friday's game, form...
Principals' Federation president says charter schools lacked oversight
January 15, 2024 19:42 - 4 minutes - 4.45 MBDocuments obtained by RNZ from the Ministry of Education have revealed major gaps in the monitoring of charter schools between 2013 and 2018, some of which the government of the day declined to address. The gaps included student achievement, finances, property and even whether the schools were attracting the priority learners they were intended to serve. The details come from "close out" reports completed in 2019. President of the New Zealand Principals' Federation Leanne Otene spoke to ...
Fiji meth bust stuns anti-drug advocates
January 15, 2024 19:35 - 5 minutes - 5.07 MBAnti-drug advocates in Fiji are stunned following yesterday's mammoth methamphetamine seizure. Almost eight hundred containers filled with the drug were found in an under-construction home in Nadi. Police have provided no figure on the dollar amount of the seizure, but New Zealand trends suggest a street value in the hundreds of millions of dollars. An investigation is now underway into allegations that prominent figures and officials may be connected to the reportedly multi-million doll...
Long-awaited Mataura sign gets complaints
January 15, 2024 19:27 - 3 minutes - 3.09 MBA long-awaited sign in the Southland town of Mataura is causing a stir after complaints it doesn't stand out enough. At a town meeting in 2005, it was decided that the signs at the entrance of Mataura should be replaced because they'd fallen apart. Fast forward to 2024, and the town finally has a sign welcoming people - but not everyone is happy. Mataura Ward Councillor Neville Phillips spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Levelling out of housing market expected
January 15, 2024 19:24 - 3 minutes - 2.78 MBThe real estate industry is expecting the market to level out this year, with just a small increase expected in house prices. The latest QV House Price Index shows the average value increased across all of the main urban centres - but at subdued levels. Nationally, the average value rose 0.6 percent in the December quarter bringing it to $905,070. Krystal Gibbens reports.
Iowa caucus kicks off amid freezing temperatures
January 15, 2024 19:19 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MBThe U.S election isn't being held until the fifth of November, but all eyes are on Iowa as the race to be the Republican nominee begins. Caucus votes - which are cast by registered Republican voters gathered at caucus sites across the state - are the first litmus test for each candidate's viability. But candidates and their campaigns are worried the extremely cold weather will keep voters home, with temperatures dropping as low as minus-18 degrees Celsuis across the state. To give us som...
Ngati Kahungunu prepares for nationwide hui
January 15, 2024 19:10 - 7 minutes - 6.74 MBAn iwi leader is hoping the national hui summoned by Kiingi Tuheitia this weekend will give Maori a clear vision of the future. In December, the Kiingitanga called a nationwide hui at Tuurangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia, over concerns about the coalition government's plans for Maori. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Maori Development Minister Tama Potaka met with Kiingi Tuheitia yesterday, ahead of this weekend's hui. Neither Christopher Luxon or Tama Potaka responded to requests to ...
Sports News for 16th January 2024
January 15, 2024 19:06 - 2 minutes - 1.83 MBSports news for 16 January 2024
75th Emmy Awards
January 15, 2024 18:57 - 2 minutes - 2.72 MBThe Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced this afternoon, with HBO's Succession set to dominate with a whopping 27 nominations. The awards were initially scheduled for September, but months of strikes by Hollywood writers and actors meant the ceremony had to be pushed into the new year. Today's event marks the 75th anniversary of the first Emmy Awards, with the occasion being marked by winner's trophies having the milestone engraved on its base. Ahead of the red carpet, we're joined fr...
Nauru severs diplomatic ties with Taiwan
January 15, 2024 18:53 - 3 minutes - 3.35 MBThe small Pacific nation of Nauru has severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan following its recent presidential elections. The Nauru government will seek resumption of diplomatic relations with China, stating it was in the country's 'best interest' to do so. It leaves Taiwan with only twelve diplomatic allies, including Palau, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands in the Pacific. Anna Powles is an Associate Professor at Massey University's Centre for Defence and Security Studies. She spoke to Char...
NZ wins SailGP event in Abu Dhabi
January 15, 2024 18:51 - 2 minutes - 2.48 MBNew Zealand has won the latest SailGP event in tough conditions in Abu Dhabi. Skipper Peter Burling led the New Zealand crew to victory over the United States and Spain to record successive wins in the United Arab Emirates. Former member of Team New Zealand and AUT's sailing professor Mark Orams spoke to Ben Strang.
Auckland public transport gets more expensive
January 15, 2024 18:47 - 3 minutes - 2.98 MBA public transport advocacy group is questioning Auckland Transport's priorities after it announced a hike in fares. From next month, trips on Auckland buses, trains, and ferries will be up to 40 cents more expensive, with the council agency saying the cost of living is hitting it, too. The Public Transport Users Association is calling the change a step away from the goal of encouraging Aucklanders out of their cars . Jordan Dunn reports.
New Zealand First responds to Waikato-Tainui court claim
January 15, 2024 18:35 - 7 minutes - 6.78 MBIwi Maori from across the country are set to descend onto Tuurangawaewae marae this Saturday. The hui, organised by Kiingi Tuheitia, was called after concerns were raised about the coalition government's plans for Maori. Thousands are expected to attend. It is hoped a unified response to Government policies on use of te reo Maori and Treaty issues can be worked out. Last week, Waikato-Tainui filed a claim with the High Court arguing government policies pulling back on Maori language use ...
One NZ staff fight return-to-office policy
January 15, 2024 18:30 - 2 minutes - 2.44 MBDisagreements are cropping up between employees and employers over working from home arrangements. Some contact centre workers at One NZ - formerly Vodafone - are fighting against changes that would make them work from the office three times a week, an increase of a day from their previous arrangement. Nick James reports.
Major gaps in monitoring of charter schools revealed
January 15, 2024 18:25 - 3 minutes - 3.63 MBEducation Ministry documents reveal there were major gaps in the monitoring of charter schools between 2013 and 2018, some of which the government of the day declined to fix. The gaps included student achievement, finances, property and even whether the schools were attracting the priority learners they were intended to serve. The details come from "close out" reports completed in 2019 and obtained by RNZ under the Official Information Act. RNZ education correspondent John Gerritsen spok...
Fiji law enforcement struggle to keep up with drug trade
January 15, 2024 18:21 - 4 minutes - 4.03 MBYesterday's three and a half tonne methamphetamine seizure was one of the biggest Fiji has ever seen, local police say. Almost 800 containers filled with the drug were found in an under-construction home in Nadi. Police have provided no figure on the dollar amount of the seizure, but New Zealand trends suggest a street value in the hundreds of millions of dollars. An investigation is now underway into allegations that individuals involved in customs and the country's pharmaceutical indus...
Shoplifting claims still only allegations, law professor says
January 15, 2024 18:16 - 5 minutes - 4.63 MBA third allegation of shoplifting has emerged against Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman. Police confirmed yesterday evening they are investigating a report of shoplifting at a Cuba Street clothing store in Wellington. Otago University Law professor Andrew Geddis spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Green MP faces third shoplifting allegation
January 15, 2024 18:13 - 2 minutes - 2.64 MBA third allegation of shoplifting has emerged against Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman. Police confirmed yesterday evening they are investigating a report of shoplifting at a Cuba Street clothing store in Wellington. RNZ Political Reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Charlotte Cook.
PM meets with Kiingi Tuheitia ahead of national hui
January 15, 2024 18:10 - 3 minutes - 3.61 MBThe Government is remaining tight-lipped about a meeting between the Prime Minister and Kiingi Tuheitia, just days before a national hui centred around the coalition government's policies. Thousands are expected to converge at Tuurangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia this Saturday to participate in the hui, which will be convened by Kiingi Tuheitia. The invite was extended to Iwi across the country last December, in response to policies impacting te reo Maori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Our Mao...
NZ pipefish stand out
January 14, 2024 19:57 - 2 minutes - 2.01 MBNew Zealand's pipefish stand out from all others across the globe in a newfound peculiar way. The average-looking males are the ones to carry the babies of their technicoloured female partners. But to mate in the first place, the males must first perform a dance best described as a "wiggle" to entice their partners. Dr Sarah Flanagan, a senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury's School of Biological Sciences, spoke to Ben Strang.
Ferry passengers return to work frustrated
January 14, 2024 19:55 - 3 minutes - 3.65 MBFrustrated Auckland ferry commuters are worried the recent spate of delays and cancellations to services will continue, and cause an increasing problem as more people return to work. Close to a hundred ferry sailings were cancelled or delayed in the city last month, due to cruise ships arriving or departing from Princess Wharf. Ports of Auckland say their movements restrict ferries from travelling through the downtown ferry basin. But while cruise ships cannot move at peak times in the m...
Close call with a waterspout
January 14, 2024 19:51 - 3 minutes - 3.61 MBA West Coast resident had a lucky escape after watching a waterspout tear towards her luxury lodge, only for it to change course and clip the corner of the house instead. Awatuna Sunset Lodge co-owner Elizabeth Meaclem was with her 17-year-old grandnephew when he pointed towards a strange looking cloud on Sunday. But she knew it was a waterspout and watched as it headed directly for the house. She spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Australian Open gets underway in Melbourne
January 14, 2024 19:44 - 4 minutes - 3.98 MBThe Australian Open has begun in Melbourne with defending champions Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka beginning their tournaments last night. The tournament at Melbourne Park has been extended this year, and it is the first tournament in twenty-five years without either Federer or Nadal. To give us an update from the opening day and to discuss who to keep an eye out, tennis commentator Dave Worsley spoke with Charlotte Cook.
Lower Hutt recovers from 'mini-tornado'
January 14, 2024 19:41 - 2 minutes - 2.37 MBLower Hutt is piecing itself back together a month on from a 'mini-tornado' ripping through the city. It was part of a powerful storm that moved up the country and brought hail, heavy rain and strong winds. The Lower Hutt city centre suffered the worst of the storm with broken windows, tree debris and metal roof panels strewn across roads around the area. Mayor Campbell Barry gave Charlotte Cook an update on the recovery.
Sports Chat for 15 January 2024
January 14, 2024 19:33 - 3 minutes - 2.81 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Joe Porter.
'Extra long-haul' flights set to boost NZ's flying emissions
January 14, 2024 19:26 - 3 minutes - 3.62 MBThe main transporter of jet fuel to Auckland Airport is expecting booming growth in international flights over the next 25 years, including more 'extra long haul' journeys from Aotearoa. But an economist and climate campaigner says the kind of growth airlines are predicting will blow climate targets, unless the Government steps in. Climate Correspondent Eloise Gibson reports.
World leaders congratulate Taiwan's new president
January 14, 2024 19:22 - 5 minutes - 5.19 MBInternational leaders have been congratulating Taiwan's newly elected president, William Lai, on his victory at the weekend. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Taiwan's robust democratic system. Meanwhile, China has been accused of attempting to interfere in the election. [picture id="4KWFMKS_lai_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"] Robert Patman is an international relations professor at Otago University. He spoke to Ben Strang.
Greens stay silent on shoplifting allegations
January 14, 2024 19:17 - 3 minutes - 3.23 MBGreen MP Golriz Ghahraman and her party's co-leaders have still not fronted on allegations the senior MP shoplifted from a high-end Auckland boutique. Last week co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson confirmed they became aware of an allegation involving Ms Ghahraman and Scotties Boutique on the 27th December - then were informed of a second incident on the 5th of January. RNZ political reporter Giles Dexter spoke with Charlotte Cook.
Transport commentators respond to Light Rail cancellation
January 14, 2024 19:11 - 5 minutes - 4.67 MBThe government has fulfilled its election promise to cancel city's beleaguered Light Rail project. The plan had the potential to take up to 14-thousand-500 cars off the road, but the price soared to 14-point-6 billion dollars when it was decided to partly tunnel the rail line. Matt Lowrie is a transport commentator and editor of the Greater Auckland transport blog. He spoke to Ben Strang.
Fifty years since Dick Tayler took 10,000 metre gold
January 14, 2024 18:57 - 3 minutes - 3.12 MBMichael Voss won the New Zealand 10,000 metre championships in Dunedin at the weekend, which was part of the Dick Tayler Anniversary athletics meeting that took place in the city. It will be 50 years ago next week (25 Jan 1974) that Dick Tayler won the 10,000 metres gold medal at the Christchurch Commonwealth Games. Tayler went into those Games in good form, but wasn't expected to outperform the likes of Engand's David Bedford and Dave Black, and the Kenyan star Richard Juma. He told spo...
Taiwan elects pro-democracy president
January 14, 2024 18:51 - 3 minutes - 3.56 MBTaiwanese voters have chosen William Lai as their president in an historic election. The Democratic Progressive Party has governed Taiwan for eight years and secured and unprecedented third term. Speaking to the media, President Lai said the result was a victory for democracy. This follows accusations China had attempted to interfere with Taiwan's election. Ben Strang spoke to our correspondent in Taiwan, Patrick Fok, about the significance of this election.
King Frederik takes the Danish throne
January 14, 2024 18:44 - 6 minutes - 6.16 MBKing Frederik has officially ascended to the throne in Denmark, with tens of thousands of people turning out for the occasion in Copenhagen overnight. The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Fredriksen, proclaimed the new king from the balcony of the royal palace. King Frederik was joined by his wife - and now Queen consort, Mary - soon after, along with his four children. His succession follows the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe, who announced her decision to step down just two week...
Cooler temperatures for days ahead
January 14, 2024 18:41 - 2 minutes - 2.75 MBAfter a hot start to 2024, temperatures around the motu are set to drop as a cold front moves up the country today. Heavy rain watches are in place for Taranaki and the Tararua Ranges. Metservice meteorologist Clare O'Connor spoke to Ben Strang.
Wildfire risk rises
January 14, 2024 18:38 - 3 minutes - 2.75 MBHot, dry and windy conditions are raising the risk of wildfires across the motu. It's prompted the Wairarapa Coast move into a prohibited fire season from eight o'clock this morning, revoking all fire permits and banning open air fires. Fire and Emergency national wildfire specialist Paul Shaw says South Island fire crews responded to fourteen vegetation fires on Saturday alone. He spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Auckland business association responds to light rail project
January 14, 2024 18:33 - 5 minutes - 4.79 MBThe Government has officially scrapped Auckland's beleaguered light rail project, fulfilling its election promise. The former Labour government said the project would be completed within four years. But, six years and 228 million dollars later, not a single piece of track has been laid. Viv Beck is the chief executive of Auckland business association Heart of the City. She spoke with Ben Strang.
Waka Ama championships underway at Lake Karapiro
January 14, 2024 18:28 - 2 minutes - 1.86 MBWaka Ama's National Sprint Championships are off to a strong start at Lake Karapiro. The event, which will run until Saturday, sees paddlers of all ages compete, and is expected to attract more than three thousand contestants. Waka Ama chief executive, Lara Collins, spoke with Charlotte Cook.
Black Caps victorious in second T20 match against Pakistan
January 14, 2024 18:25 - 3 minutes - 2.95 MBThe Black Caps beat Pakistan by 21 runs in their Twenty20 match in Hamilton last night, to put the team 2-nil up the five match series. Batting first, New Zealand opener Finn Allen scored a quick-fire 74, top scoring for the home side on their way to a 194-run total. It was bowler Adam Milne who did the most damage with the ball for the Black Caps, taking four wickets for 33 runs, with Tim Southee, Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi all taking two wickets apiece. But a big talking point from last n...
Lava engulfs homes in Iceland following eruption
January 14, 2024 18:19 - 6 minutes - 6.22 MBA volcano has erupted in Iceland, near the south-west town of Grindavik, with lava flowing into the town causing at least one home to go up in flames. Footage shows fountains of molten rock spewing from fissures in the ground. The town had already been evacuated in the hours before this latest eruption, when seismic activity suggested it was imminent. It's the second volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in less than a month. Our correspondent in Reykjavík Darren Adam spoke with C...
Pressure building on Green MP accused of shoplifting
January 14, 2024 18:13 - 4 minutes - 4.34 MBPressure is building on Green MP Golriz Ghahraman and her party's co-leaders, as they continue to refuse to front on allegations of shoplifting. It's been alleged Ms Ghahraman shoplifted from the upmarket Auckland clothing store, Scotties Boutique, on two separate occasions last year. But with Ms Ghahraman overseas, the silence on the allegations has been deafening. The Green Party co-leaders once again declined our request for an interview, while Ms Ghahraman did not respond to RNZ's me...
Govt moves from light rail to other transport initiatives
January 14, 2024 18:09 - 4 minutes - 4.53 MBAuckland's light rail project has been officially scrapped. Transport Minister, Simeon Brown, yesterday announced the cancellation of the project as part of the Government's 100-day plan, saying the price was unsustainable, with costs ballooning to between $15-30 billion.Work on the project, which would have linked parts of the central city to the airport, has been paused since November. Transport Minister, Simeon Brown, told Ben Strang the coalition government would prefer to put its mo...
ASB tennis Classic finals get underway
January 11, 2024 19:56 - 4 minutes - 3.69 MBThe ASB Classic is coming to an end in Auckland, with the tournament's top seed - Ben Shelton of the USA - still a favourite to win. But the final remains a mystery with number two seed, the UK's Cameron Norrie, pulling out due to wrist pain. And the draw for the Australian Open, which begins on Sunday, is now out. Tennis commentator Dave Worsley spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Lower Hutt residents say Seaview stench continues despite fix
January 11, 2024 19:52 - 3 minutes - 3.09 MBSome residents living near Lower Hutt's Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant are not convinced work to prevent bad odours has been successful. Just before Christmas, work was carried out on a bio-filter ahead of schedule after a flood of complaints from nearby residents. But as Nick James reports some locals still have issues with the air quality.
Takaka ITM fire may have contaminated water supply
January 11, 2024 19:49 - 2 minutes - 2.32 MBResidents near Takaka are being warned a fire that destroyed the local ITM store could have contaminated their water supply. The store burned to the ground yesterday and nearly took out the neighbouring PGG Wrightson Farm Supply Store. There is now contaminants stirred up by the fire got into water supply for a dozen homes. Tasman Mayor Tim King spoke to Charlotte Cook.
South Africa accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza
January 11, 2024 19:46 - 4 minutes - 4.37 MBSouth Africa has accused Israel of carrying out genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice overight. Lawyers for the South African government presented their case at the United Nation's highest court, alleging that Israel has intentionally carried out acts of genocidal violence. Israel has rejected the accusations. Our Europe correspondent, Ishan Garg said South Africa laid out its case overnight, with Israel yet to present its side. Garg spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Tourism businesses report 'cracking start' to summer
January 11, 2024 19:42 - 3 minutes - 2.87 MBTourism businesses say Summer is off to a cracking start, with sunny days forecast and plenty of customers ready and willing to book. Summer is the busiest time of the year for many operators who are keen to embrace the boom with borders back open. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more.
Waimea Dam behind schedule as residents face dry months ahead
January 11, 2024 19:39 - 3 minutes - 3.52 MBThe long-delayed Waimea Dam in the Tasman Distrcit isn't finished or full, but local growers are likely to want to take water from it in the dry months ahead. It was hoped the $198 million dam would be full in time for summer to provide water security and reduce the need for water restrictions. But it's already more than two years behind schedule - and now the dry weather could push that out even further. Samantha Gee reports.
Wellington Water discusses new water restrictions for capital
January 11, 2024 19:34 - 5 minutes - 4.89 MBWellington is headed into increased water restrictions, and residents have been queuing for hours to get their hands on emergency water tanks. The capital will enter into level two water restrictions from Wednesday next week, meaning residents cannot use irrigation or sprinklers, and watering the garden must be done by hand. Joining me now is Wellington Water's Acting Chief Executive, Charles Barker.
Black Caps get set to take on Pakistan in first of five T20Is
January 11, 2024 19:27 - 2 minutes - 1.94 MBA former Black Cap says anything could happen tonight as the hometeam gears up to play the first of five T20I's against Pakistan. The cricket starts just after seven at Auckland's Eden Park. Always unpredictable, Pakistan's performance may be boosted by the hot weather - but the return of New Zealand's top players bodes well for the home side.. Cricket commentator and former Black Cap Peter McGlashan spoke to Charlotte Cook.
State of Emergency declared in Papua New Guinea
January 11, 2024 19:23 - 5 minutes - 5.11 MBA state of emergency has been declared in Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby, with more than a dozen people killed in ongoing rioting in the country. Widespread looting and arson broke out across Port Moresby and the country's second-largest city, Lae, on Wednesday, after police and military personnel went on strike after a "glitch" in the tax system caused pay deductions. Prime Minster James Marape is being called on to resign amid accusations of failing to run the country, while ...
Warnings train services could be slashed due to underfunding
January 11, 2024 19:18 - 3 minutes - 2.97 MBGreater Wellington Regional Council says Wellington's train services could be slashed without a significant funding increase. A fault in the train system's overhead cables on Wednesday, caused by the hot temperatures in the capital, shut down all outgoing rail services for several hours, stranding hundreds of passengers. Commuters say the fault is just one example of an increasingly unreliable network. Kiwirail is investigating what happened but local council and transport advocates say ...