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
Franklin Road residents say lights have lost their sparkle
December 20, 2023 18:38 - 3 minutes - 3.17 MBResidents of an Auckland street famous for its festive lights say the tradition is losing its sparkle. For 30 years, Franklin Road in Ponsonby has blessed the city, as almost every home is decked out with Christmas decorations. But now residents are fed up with street vendors who they say are ruining the tradition. Our reporter Jordan Dunn has the story.
Early Business News for 21 December 2023
December 20, 2023 18:35 - 2 minutes - 2.61 MBLatest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.
Trump ineligible to run for office on Colorado's ballot
December 20, 2023 18:24 - 6 minutes - 5.63 MBDonald Trump has responded to the Colorado Supreme Court ruling that he is ineligible to run for office on the state's ballot next year. The Court says Section 3 of the 14th amendment of the US constitution bars anyone engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding office. In its ruling it said the rarely used provision should apply to Trump because of his actions on the day his supporters stormed the Capitol building in 2021. Trump called it "a sad day for America". Washington D.C. C...
NZ is 'exploring' joining non-nuclear part of AUKUS says Prime Minister Luxon
December 20, 2023 18:19 - 4 minutes - 3.81 MBThe Prime Minister has returned from Sydney, using stronger language on defence and the nuclear security pact between Australia, UK and the United States. Christopher Luxon says New Zealand is 'exploring' joining the non-nuclear part of the AUKUS agreement and wants New Zealand to do its share of 'heavy lifting' in its alliance with Australia. RNZ political reporter Giles Dexter is in Sydney.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis on mini-Budget
December 20, 2023 18:12 - 7 minutes - 6.99 MBPressure is on for the Finance Minister to provide detail on how the government will deliver promised tax cuts as the country's economy slows. Nicola Willis unveiled the mini-Budget on Wednesday alongside Treasury's half year update. She has so far found $7.5 billion by slashing funding from initiatives like Let's Get Wellington Moving, Fair Pay Agreements and the Emissions Trading Scheme. Finance Minister Nicola Willis spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Nicola Willis unveils mini-Budget, Labour demands explaniation
December 20, 2023 18:09 - 2 minutes - 2.7 MBLabour is demanding the coalition government explain how it will deliver its promised tax cuts. Finance Minister Nicola Willis unveiled her mini-Budget on Wednesday, but it contained few details on how tax relief will be delivered and how much it will cost. She's confident changes to tax thresholds will be rolled out responsibly next year. Here's our political reporter, Katie Scotcher.
Top Stories for Thursday 21 December 2023
December 20, 2023 17:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBLabour says yesterday's mini budget has left the country none the wiser about how the government will fund its tax cuts; Chris Luxon talks up increased defence ties with Australia, the UK and the US; Donald Trump has responded to the Colorado Court ruling that he is ineligible to run for office on the state's ballot next year; Auckland's famous Franklin Road lights have lost their shine for some residents; And Grant Robertson is with us to talk about yesterday's mini budget.
Hawke's Bay youth learning traditional Māori carving on old power pole
December 19, 2023 19:53 - 4 minutes - 3.67 MBHawke's Bay youth are learning traditional Māori carving by turning a power pole into a couple of pou, under the guidance of a local master. The power pole was damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle, so lines company Unison donated it to the YMCA to be carved into pou that will stand tall outside the Hastings building. Reporter Lauren Crimp went to see the artists in action.
Shearer Sacha Bond breaks world record
December 19, 2023 19:47 - 5 minutes - 5.03 MBKing Country shearer Sacha Bond has taken out a world record by becoming the first woman to shear more than 700 sheep in a nine-hour day. She reached 720 on Tuesday at Centre Hill in Southland, 59 more than the previous record holder. It was one of eight attempts to break shearing records for the summer, with the next scheduled in Wairarapa this Saturday. Shearing Sports New Zealand's Doug Laing spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Ravindra picked up by Chennai in IPL auction
December 19, 2023 19:37 - 6 minutes - 5.58 MBFourteen New Zealand cricketers went under the hammer in the Indian Premier League auction - including rising star Rachin Ravindra. Six of them were 'sold' to the League's franchises. Daryl Mitchell was bought by the defending champion Chennai Super Kings for $2.7 million. Pace bowler Lockie Ferguson is going to Royal Challengers Bangalore for $385,000. And after a strong Cricket World Cup last month Ravindra has been on the outer with Black Caps selectors for the T-20 format, but the al...
Market Update for 20 December 2023
December 19, 2023 19:31 - 1 minute - 1010 KBMarket Update for 20 December 2023.
Air NZ asks customers to be patient over holiday period
December 19, 2023 19:24 - 6 minutes - 5.8 MBAir New Zealand is asking travellers to be respectful of staff and customers this holiday season as poor customer behaviour increases. The national carrier says reports of unacceptable behaviour have hit nearly 200 a month, with the severity also increasing. Air New Zealand Operational Integrity and Safety Officer Captain David Morgan spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Number of unqualified teachers working doubled
December 19, 2023 19:21 - 3 minutes - 2.88 MBThe number of unqualified people working as school teachers has more than doubled since the pandemic began. Education Ministry figures show more than 1,800 people were working in schools in December with what's known as Limited Authority to Teach. There were fewer than 900 at the same time in 2019. What's more, three of those people are working as principals. RNZ education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.
Mini-budget expected to give more detail on tax cuts
December 19, 2023 19:17 - 2 minutes - 2.67 MBThe purse strings are expected be pulled tight in the government's mini budget, released Wednesday afternoon. It will also give more detail on the tax cuts that underpinned the National Party's election promises. But the Prime Minister has hinted there won't be much to reveal, calling it a 'mini, mini, mini budget.' Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Voting on resolution to stop fighting in Gaza delayed again
December 19, 2023 19:10 - 4 minutes - 4.16 MBVoting on a resolution calling for fighting to stop in Gaza at the UN Security Council has been delayed again. There has been speculation ahead of Wednesday's vote about whether the United States would veto or abstain from the resolution. The vote was initially delayed from Tuesday amid ongoing negotiations to avoid a veto from the US. The US had said it could not support a reference to a "cessation of hostilities", but might accept a call for a "suspension of hostilities". It's now bein...
Sports News for 20 December 2023
December 19, 2023 19:06 - 1 minute - 1.8 MBAll-rounder Daryl Mitchell has fetched the second highest price ever paid for a Black Cap at an Indian Premier League auction after being sold to the Stephen Fleming-coached Chennai Super Kings for $2.7 million. Joe Porter has sports.
Data shows wait times to see cardiologists ballooning
December 19, 2023 18:57 - 2 minutes - 2.71 MBWait times to see a specialist in New Zealand are ballooning. Te Whatu Ora data shows almost 60,000 people are waiting more than four months to get a first appointment at the specialist. That's up from nearly 36,000 a year ago. Cardiology, plastics, haematology and renal medicine are seeing the most growth in the number of referrals each month. New Zealand chair of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Dr Selwyn Wong spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Police investigation finds corruption at Rimutaka Prison
December 19, 2023 18:47 - 5 minutes - 4.6 MBThe union for corrections staff says it had been sounding the alarm about corruption at Rimutaka Prison for years before complaints were taken seriously. A three-year police investigation has revealed staff were allegedly bribed with sex and money to take contraband into the prison, and six people have now been charged. Corrections Association president Floyd du Plessis spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Mother of slain police officer disappointed coroner won't open inquest into death
December 19, 2023 18:42 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MBThe mother of slain police officer Matthew Hunt says she is bitterly disappointed the coroner will not open an inquiry into his death. Eli Epiha is sentenced to 27 years before he can be considered for parole for killing Matthew Hunt and wounding another officer with a rifle on a West Auckland street in 2020. Coroner Janet Anderson says an inquest is not needed because any recommendations she could make to prevent similar deaths have already been addressed by police. Diane Hunt spoke to ...
Early Business News for 20 December 2023
December 19, 2023 18:40 - 2 minutes - 2.66 MBLatest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.
Government continuing with plans to dissolve Te Pūkenga
December 19, 2023 18:25 - 8 minutes - 8.22 MBThe government is storming ahead with plans to dissolve mega-polytech Te Pūkenga, but it's yet to shed light on how the once again separate institutes will operate. The individual polytechs have made a collective loss of $185 million this year and have no local leadership. Current Te Pūkenga chief executive Peter Winder will leave his role next month after being made redundant. Tertiary Education Minister and former chief executive of the Southern Institute of Technology Penny Simmonds s...
US asks NZ for more money to fund military satellites
December 19, 2023 18:20 - 4 minutes - 4.34 MBThe weapons race in space is heating up and the bills are going up, including for us. New Zealand is in a group the US has asked to stump up more money for military satellites. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
PM Luxon in Sydney to discuss defence and security
December 19, 2023 18:16 - 4 minutes - 3.87 MBThe Prime Minister is on a one-day trip to Sydney on Wednesday to discuss defence and security with Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Christopher Luxon says he wants to have a higher intensity of engagement with Australia, and ensure that the two countries are aligned. University of Otago director of international studies Robert Patman spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis to unveil mini-Budget
December 19, 2023 18:10 - 6 minutes - 6.36 MBFinance Minister Nicola Willis will pull back the curtain on the government's finances on Wednesday - revealing what she calls the snakes and snails left behind by Labour. Willis will debut her mini-Budget on Wednesday afternoon and says she will make clear the size of the financial challenges facing the country. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
What it takes to be a professional Santa
December 18, 2023 19:55 - 5 minutes - 4.62 MBIf you're a man with a big bushy beard, who perhaps consumes a little too much eggnog and cookies, December might be the month for you. Men fitting that description have found a way to make some extra cash this month. Morning Report producer Ellie Franco looks into what it takes to be a professional Santa.
Research shows early primates liked sugar-heavy diets
December 18, 2023 19:50 - 5 minutes - 4.81 MBNew research from the University of Otago shows our early primate ancestors were just like us. Analysis of tooth chipping patterns and cavities on 29-million-year-old Egyptian fossils suggests the monkeys and apes of the time liked a sugar-heavy diet - eating mostly soft, ripe fruits. It's a taste that has lasted through the years to humans today. Lead author Ian Towle spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
EU launches infringement proceedings against X over disinformation
December 18, 2023 19:40 - 3 minutes - 3.59 MBThe EU has launched formal infringement proceedings against social media platform X, under its wide reaching Digital Services Act. The law, which passed late last year, requires major companies to protect users against extreme content. The European Commission opened an investigation to ensure X's compliance with the law in October, after alleged disinformation and hate speech spread on the platform about Hamas' attack on Israel. Tech commentator Dan Ives spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Auckland GP waits for outcome of disciplinary panel after flouting ADHD prescription rules
December 18, 2023 19:38 - 3 minutes - 3.22 MBA noted doctor who flouted ADHD prescription rules for hundreds of patients will have to wait until next year to find out whether he will be stripped of his right to practice. Auckland GP and expert in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Tony Hanne has been before a medical disciplinary panel to decide his punishment after being found guilty of breaking the rules last year. He maintains if he didn't, patients would have been denied help in an overloaded system - but prosecutors say ...
Sports Chat for 19 December 2023
December 18, 2023 19:35 - 2 minutes - 2.49 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Joe Porter.
Market Update for 19 December 2023
December 18, 2023 19:30 - 1 minute - 1.09 MBMarket Update for 19 December 2023.
Six people charged with corruption and bribery at Rimutaka Prison
December 18, 2023 19:20 - 2 minutes - 2 MBPolice have charged six people following a three-year investigation into criminal activity at Rimutaka Prison in Upper Hutt. One prisoner, a current employee, a member of the public and three former employees are charged with corruption and bribery. Reporter Jemima Huston spoke to Charlotte Cook.
LGNZ warns rate-payers to get used to rate increases
December 18, 2023 19:16 - 4 minutes - 4.16 MBLocal Government New Zealand is warning ratepayers they need to get used to double-digit rates increases. The council umbrella group and the lead group of infrastructure management professionals, now known as Āpōpō, met on Monday to discuss how to manage looming infrastructure costs of hundreds of billions of dollars. LGNZ president Sam Broughton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Community Housing Aotearoa on Kāinga Ora review
December 18, 2023 19:10 - 5 minutes - 5.05 MBHousing Minister Chris Bishop is putting Kāinga Ora, under the microscope with rapidly growing debt of more than $12 billion. He says he's also received worrying and commercially sensitive advice about the government landlord's financial situation. This, as the waitlist for housing rises above 25,000 households. Community Housing Aotearoa chief executive Paul Gilberd spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Sports News for 19 December 2023
December 18, 2023 19:06 - 2 minutes - 2.02 MBThe White Ferns fell just short of a one-day series sweep against Pakistan and all-rounder Amelia Kerr concedes the tourists deserved to win the third and final game in Christchurch, which went to a Super Over.
Drivers warned to prepare before hitting the road this summer
December 18, 2023 18:56 - 3 minutes - 2.78 MBAuthorities are advising holidaymakers to prepare before hitting the highways this summer. Those in the parts of the North Island still recovering from storm damage are urging visitors to take it easy on the roads. Ahead of the busy holiday season, media were invited to Waka Kotahi's operations centre in Wellington. Nick James went along.
PM in hot water over tax payer funded te reo tuition
December 18, 2023 18:51 - 4 minutes - 4.41 MBThe Prime Minister is in hot water over getting taxpayer funded te reo Māori tuition while at the same time planning to axe allowances for public servants who speak the language. Christopher Luxon received lessons funded by the Leader of the Opposition budget. But he says 'in the real world' people who want to learn te reo pay for it themselves. The Taxpayers' Union Campaigns Manager Connor Molloy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Te Pūkenga faces record deficit as chief executive departs
December 18, 2023 18:48 - 2 minutes - 2.64 MBTe Pūkenga has announced the departure of its chief executive Peter Winder as it heads for its biggest deficit yet. A document obtained by RNZ shows it is expecting to lose about $93 million this year thanks to $100 million profit from work-place learning and a $185 million loss from its 16 polytechnics. It says that's due to plunging enrolments and a skewed funding system. Education correspondent John Gerritsen spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Covid hospitalisations expected to peak this week
December 18, 2023 18:44 - 4 minutes - 4.07 MBNew modelling suggests hospitalisations from the country's latest Covid-19 wave will peak this week. There have been 7,417 new cases of Covid-19 reported in New Zealand last week with a further 27 further deaths attributed to the virus. Meanwhile, the new JN.1 Covid variant is on the rise and New Zealand's supply of the antiviral medication Paxlovid are running low. Professor Nikki Turner is the director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre at the University of Auckland. Turner spoke to I...
Deputy PM Winston Peters on Pacific priorities
December 18, 2023 18:36 - 7 minutes - 6.96 MBWinston Peters says his government's priority for the Pacific is to bring unity and engagement to every country, and to see that the Pacific Island Forum works cohesively. The deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs has been meeting with the leaders of Fiji and Tuvalu in Suva, as well as the secretary general of the Forum. Peters spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Early Business News for 19 December 2023
December 18, 2023 18:35 - 2 minutes - 2.44 MBLatest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.
Govt begins work to repeal Therapeutics Products Act
December 18, 2023 18:24 - 4 minutes - 4.58 MBSitting at number 47 of 49 things in the government's 100-day plan is beginning work to repeal the Therapeutics Products Act. It was part of the NZ First and ACT party's coalition agreements and NZ First, in particular, has had a long and interesting history with attempts to regulate natural health products like vitamins and supplements - which fall under this act. So what is it about Winston Peters and the natural health products industry? RNZ In Depth's Farah Hancock spoke to Ingrid Hi...
Housing Minister Chris Bishop launches independent review of Kāinga Ora
December 18, 2023 18:17 - 6 minutes - 6.13 MBThe Housing Minister is launching an independent review of Kāinga Ora, citing his concerns about growing debt which has reached $12.3 billion. Former Prime Minister Sir Bill English will lead the review, which will report back in March next year. Minister of Housing Chris Bishop spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Police dole out fines to cellphone using drivers
December 18, 2023 18:12 - 5 minutes - 4.83 MBDrivers are more likely to be fined for speeding, talking on their cellphones, or not wearing a seatbelt than ever before. In last four years the number of infringement notices doled out by police for these offences have shot up dramatically. Phil Pennington spoke to Charlotte Cook.
Luxon to meet Australian PM Albanese in Sydney
December 18, 2023 18:09 - 3 minutes - 2.98 MBPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is being warned if he wants to strengthen New Zealand's security relationship with Australia, he'll need to boost defence spending. Luxon will fly to Sydney on Wednesday, in what will be his first overseas engagement since taking office. He expects to discuss the two countries' close security and defence relationship with Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Political reporter Katie Scotcher has more.
Top Stories for Tuesday 19 December 2023
December 18, 2023 17:00 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBChristopher Luxon is about to head to Australia on his first overseas trip as Prime Minister; Housing Minister Chris Bishop is with us to talk about his review of spending by Kainga Ora; Also Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters joins us to talk to us about his priorities for the Pacific; and the Polytech sector is in troubled waters heading towards its biggest ever deficit.
Cooking up a vegan Christmas storm
December 17, 2023 19:51 - 5 minutes - 4.68 MBChristmas, it may only be one day, but we sure make a meal out of it, especially Christmas dinner. But while you may have sorted the Christmas ham and pudding - what do you put on the table when you've got vegan and gluten free guests? Reporter Krystal Gibbens spoke to cookbook author and 2021 winner of the Great Kiwi Bake Off, Alby Hailes.
Houthi rebel activity in Red Sea affecting NZ
December 17, 2023 19:43 - 4 minutes - 3.79 MBThe Pentagon is considering striking Houthi rebel military targets in Yemen in response to the Iranian-backed militia's escalating attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The near-daily attacks are meant to pressure Israel in its war against Hamas, but their effect will be widely felt around the world. Even in far-flung New Zealand. Massey University supply chain expert Dr Carel Bezuidenhout spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
UK, Germany call for 'sustainable' ceasefire in Gaza
December 17, 2023 19:38 - 5 minutes - 4.96 MBThe UK and Germany have released a joint call for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza while French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna says an "immediate truce is necessary". The statements form part of a building international momentum... as more and more of the world's leaders call for a curtailment of violence against Palestinian civilians. Within Israel, demands to pause fighting and secure the release of hostages are becoming louder. This comes after Israel admitted its troops killed thr...
Sports Chat for 18 December 2023
December 17, 2023 19:35 - 2 minutes - 2.02 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Market Update for 18 December 2023
December 17, 2023 19:30 - 1 minute - 1.13 MBMarket Update for 18 December 2023