Morning Report

Voters turn Gisborne and Hawke's Bay blue

October 17, 2023 19:42 - 3 minutes - 2.91 MB

Gisborne and Hawke's Bay have three new National MPs, after the previously Labour-held seats turned blue in the election. There's Catherine Wedd for Tukituki, Katie Nimon for Napier, and Dana Kirkpatrick for the East Coast. With the region still knee-deep in recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle, there's pressure on the new MPs to get it right. Kate Green has been speaking to locals about what they need.

Tradies question Te Pūkenga training

October 17, 2023 19:26 - 3 minutes - 3.2 MB

Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers are unhappy with the training their apprentices have been getting at the super-institute Te Pūkenga. They say the quality of assessment is poor and courses are often cancelled, meaning some people are taking longer than five years to complete their apprenticeship. Sector leaders say the problems pre-date Te Pūkenga and they're working on fixing them. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

Wellington councillor urges new govt to sort out earthquake strengthening laws

October 17, 2023 19:21 - 5 minutes - 4.59 MB

A central Wellington city councillor is urging the new government to sort out earthquake strengthening laws, saying apartment and building owners are not a bottomless pit of money. The call comes as the council demolishes a derelict and disused earthquake-prone heritage building after it caught on fire on Sunday and strengthening costs for the heritage-listed Town Hall blow out again. Councillor Iona Pannett says it's not just heritage buildings caught up in costly quake-proofing - but a...

Pike River families thank retiring MP Andrew Little

October 17, 2023 19:15 - 5 minutes - 4.74 MB

The families of those who died at Pike River are thanking retiring Labour MP Andrew Little for his work as the minister responsible for re-entering the mine. Little announced his resignation on Tuesday. Members of the Pike River Reference Group Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse spoke to Corin Dann.

"Now isn't the time for rushed decisions" says Hipkins

October 17, 2023 19:10 - 4 minutes - 4.17 MB

Chris Hipkins has emerged from the first meeting with his caucus following Saturday's election defeat, still the leader of the Labour Party. The meeting at Parliament ran for nearly two hours, but he told reporters afterwards they needed time to farewell departing MPs and give those staying a chance to talk over the implications of the result. He says any future decisions about the leadership are up to the caucus, but for now he's leader at a critical time. Political editor Jane Patterso...

Sports News for 18 October 2023

October 17, 2023 19:06 - 2 minutes - 2.26 MB

The Netherlands caused a stunning upset by beating South Africa by 38 runs in a rain-shortened World Cup game in Dharamsala. Beaten in their previous two matches, the plucky Dutch side overcame a top-order collapse to post a competitive 245-8 in the 43-overs-a-side contest.

Some changes expected for All Blacks semi-final clash with Argentina

October 17, 2023 18:55 - 2 minutes - 2.57 MB

The All Blacks preparations are well underway for their Rugby World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina on Saturday, with a few changes expected in the team which will be named on Thursday. Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Corin Dann.

Aviation and deer industry pioneer Sir Tim Wallis dies aged 85

October 17, 2023 18:51 - 4 minutes - 4.18 MB

Aviator and deer industry pioneer Sir Tim Wallis has died at age 85. From Greymouth, Sir Tim built a career which began with his family's timber business, while he enjoyed spending much of his free time hunting deer and developing live capture methods now used across the globe. He became one of New Zealand's wealthiest businessmen through deer farming - and as his wealth accumulated, he began to buy and restore old World War 2 planes. What began as a hobby grew into the New Zealand Fight...

Local councils facing cost pressures across the country

October 17, 2023 18:47 - 4 minutes - 4.17 MB

The Christchurch mayor says the council is looking down the barrel of an 18 percent rates increase if it does not make some major cost savings. The City Council is working on its ten-year-plan, and mayor Phil Mauger says the plan has started out with a proposed 18 percent rates increase. Many councils around the country are also facing cost pressures. Selwyn mayor and Local Government New Zealand president Sam Broughton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Cuts to services possible as Christchurch City Council tries to avoid rate rise

October 17, 2023 18:44 - 3 minutes - 3.04 MB

Cuts to public services like libraries and swimming pools could be on the cards for Christchurch, as the council scrambles to avoid an 18 percent rates rise next year. The Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says the council is $2 billion in debt and is looking at every way to save money. Anna Sargent reports.

Report shows rescuers couldn't get vital resources before Cyclone Gabrielle

October 17, 2023 18:35 - 5 minutes - 5.06 MB

Firefighters were left scrambling to find vehicles, communications equipment, extra staff, and air support as Cyclone Gabrielle bore down on the country. Newly released reports from the days leading up to the deadly event show rescuers couldn't get hold of vital resources as a much bigger storm than expected hit. As the cyclone loomed over Northland, the national equipment manager said - quote - "Mobility for our teams is rapidly becoming a showstopper," Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Da...

Biden to visit Israel as Gaza blockade continues

October 17, 2023 18:26 - 7 minutes - 7.01 MB

US President Joe Biden is due to arrive in Israel on Wednesday local time as the Israeli military prepares to escalate its offensive against Hamas militants. Joe Biden's visit will mark a significant show of US support for its top Middle East ally. Israel continues to tighten its blockade of Gaza, including by restricting the entry of fuel, and bombarding the area with air strikes that have killed thousands of Palestinians and displaced hundreds of thousands more. Correspondent Ross Cull...

Labour's Andrew Little to leave politics

October 17, 2023 18:17 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MB

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has paid tribute to long-serving Labour MP Andrew Little, who announced his departure from politics on Monday. Little - who was elected in 2011 - has chosen not to take up his list seat, clearing the way for another Labour MP to return to Parliament. Little led the Labour Party from 2014 until 2017, when he stood aside for Jacinda Ardern, and has held ministerial positions including justice, immigration, and Treaty of Waitangi negotiations. Little spoke to Cor...

Hipkins to stay on as Labour leader

October 17, 2023 18:09 - 6 minutes - 5.67 MB

There's been no way to sugar coat it for Labour Party members after a humbling defeat in the general election. And in the wake of their defeat, many MPs are considering their futures with the Party. List MP and former leader Andrew Little has been the first to announce he's leaving. Leader Chris Hipkins is sticking around, although whether he will remain leader long term is still up for discussion. Hipkins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Business News for 18 October 2023

October 17, 2023 17:54 - 5 minutes - 4.9 MB

Business news for 18 October 2023.

Business News for 18 October 2023

October 17, 2023 17:54 - 5 minutes - 4.9 MB

Business news for 18 October 2023.

Inflation eases but fuel prices continue to climb

October 17, 2023 17:45 - 7 minutes - 6.73 MB

Inflation figures have eased slightly, but petrol prices continue to rise. Ia Ara Aotearoa, Transporting New Zealand, says those fuel prices will put extra pressure on businesses and families in the coming months. Ia Ara Aotearoa policy analyst Billy Clemens spoke to Corin Dann.

Hipkins commits to stay on as leader

October 17, 2023 17:41 - 3 minutes - 3.4 MB

Chris Hipkins says he's still got a bit of fight left in him, committing to stay on as Labour leader - for now, at least. The caucus met on Tuesday to farewell its departing MPs, and to dissect and digest Labour's election drubbing. And while MPs are backing Hipkins to stay on, one senior MP says there are one or two others with aspirations. Political reporter Giles Dexter was in the media scrum as the politicians emerged.

Early Sports Chat for 18 October 2023

October 17, 2023 17:35 - 3 minutes - 3.1 MB

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Early Sports Chat for 18 October 2023

October 17, 2023 17:35 - 3 minutes - 3.1 MB

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Morning Rural News for October 18 2023

October 17, 2023 17:25 - 4 minutes - 3.74 MB

News from the rural farming sector.

Early Business News for 18 October 2023

October 17, 2023 17:22 - 1 minute - 1.39 MB

Latest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.

Situation in Gaza 'disastrous' says UN Refugee communications director

October 17, 2023 17:15 - 5 minutes - 5.19 MB

Three thousand Palestinians have been killed and at least 600,000 people have fled the northern Gaza Strip heading south after Israeli military warnings. Despite the exodus south Israeli air forces are striking Southern Gaza saying they are targeting Hamas positions. Israel has blocked supplies of food, water, fuel, and electricity since the deadly Hamas attacks on 7 October. A spokesman for the Gaza ministry of health says in another update that because of power cuts and a scarcity of f...

Morning Rural News for 17 October 2023

October 16, 2023 23:37 - 6 minutes - 6.02 MB

The seaweed sector is hoping some changes will be made so it can grow and profit from the lucrative wild algae, which is worth more than $20 billion a year globally. Monique Steele has the rural news.

NZ's best croissant awarded to Wairarapa bakery

October 16, 2023 19:57 - 2 minutes - 2.64 MB

What does it take to make New Zealand's best croissant? Using 27 layers of butter is a good place to start, says Michael Kloeg, head baker and owner of the Clareville Bakery in Wairarapa.

Concerns over unregulated healthcare assistant workforce

October 16, 2023 19:53 - 3 minutes - 3.55 MB

They're one of the biggest workforces in the country - more than 30,000 healthcare assistants are currently working in hospitals, aged care facilities and private homes. But some within the sector say this unregulated workforce is increasingly being used as cheap substitutes for nurses, without the training, recognition or pay. Ruth Hill reports.

Pre-election climate promises about to be tested

October 16, 2023 19:46 - 5 minutes - 5.4 MB

Christopher Luxon's pre-election promise that the country's climate targets are not for changing may be about to be tested. National's pre-election statements were unequivocal that neither the Zero Carbon Act nor New Zealand's international climate pledges were up for negotiation. But ACT campaigned hard on repealing the Act and NZ First leader Winston Peters, shared misinformation minimising human impact on the climate. RNZ Climate Change correspondent Eloise Gibson spoke to Corin Dann....

French star upset with NZ referee after loss to South Africa

October 16, 2023 19:43 - 3 minutes - 3.03 MB

French hearts were broken on Monday when their national rugby team were knocked out of their home World Cup at the hands of defending champions South Africa. French star Antoine Dupont pointed the finger squarely at New Zealand referee Ben O'Keeffe, questioning a number of decisions he and his team made during the match. RNZ's rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Market Update for 17 October 2023

October 16, 2023 19:32 - 1 minute - 1.2 MB

Market Update for 17 October 2023.

Auckland Council to confirm buyouts of flood damaged homes

October 16, 2023 19:26 - 5 minutes - 4.98 MB

'A kick in the guts' is how an Aucklander waiting for a buyout for her flood damaged home is describing the council taking back five percent as an administration fee. Auckland Council will start to confirm category three properties by the end of the month and offer 95 percent of the pre-storm value of an insured property. Aleysha Knowles' Birkenhead home was completely flooded in January and remains yellow-stickered and unliveable. She says the pay out would leave her $200,000 out of poc...

Cyclone affected communities ditch Labour for National

October 16, 2023 19:16 - 7 minutes - 7.2 MB

Communities badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle have voted to ditch their Labour representatives, in favour of National. Based on the preliminary election results, the party has achieved decisive victories in Hawke's Bay and Te Tairāwhiti, but the margin is narrower in Wairarapa. So, what will change for those still dealing with broken homes and roads, piles of silt, and daily disruptions nine months after the cyclone? Three new National MPs: for Tukituki, Catherine Wedd; Napier, Katie...

National to keep preliminary talks behind closed doors

October 16, 2023 19:10 - 6 minutes - 5.97 MB

As the National Party waits for crucial special votes to come through on the third of November, its already started on the work to open coalition negotiations with ACT and NZ First. The final results will determine what shape the new government will need to take, and what support National will need. National is in preliminary talks with both ACT and NZ First, and has vowed to keep all negotiations behind closed doors. National deputy leader Nicola Willis spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Almost 150 reports of relationships between teachers and students

October 16, 2023 18:56 - 3 minutes - 3.22 MB

There's been almost 150 reports of sexual relationships between teachers and students in schools in the last six years. Figures released under the Official Information Act show out of 148 reports, so far 21 teachers have had their registrations cancelled. But a survivor and a victim's advocate says instances of abuse are likely to be much higher than what's being reported. And a warning, Ashleigh McCaull's report contains details that may upset some listeners.

Te Pāti Māori secure four of seven Māori electorate seats

October 16, 2023 18:50 - 4 minutes - 4.14 MB

Te Pāti Māori have continued the momentum of their 2020 election win and secured an additional four seats in Parliament. The party has claimed victory in Waiāriki, Te Tai Hauāuru, Te Tai Tonga and Hauraki-Waikato, four of the seven Māori electorate seats. Co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa Packer and Rawiri Waititi will return, along with Te Tai Tonga's Tākuta Ferris and Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, Aotearoa's youngest ever MP. Māori political commentator Shane Te Pou spoke to Corin Dann.

Blue wave flips safe Labour seats

October 16, 2023 18:46 - 4 minutes - 4.26 MB

Pre-election polling had long-suggested National would beat Labour at the polls. But the flip in electorates like Mt Roskill, Te Atatū and New Lynn was completely out of the blue. First Up producer Mahvash Ikram spoke to some of the surprise National winners.

Bypass around broken Ōrākei sewer main ready

October 16, 2023 18:41 - 4 minutes - 4.18 MB

A bypass for a damaged sewer main in the Auckland suburb of Parnell has finally been installed. The 2.1 metre wide main collapsed three weeks ago, creating a 13 metre deep sinkhole and sending hundreds of litres of wastewater flowing into the Waitematā Harbour every second. Watercare crews have since created a 400-metre long above-ground bypass pipe, and installed six pumps, to skip the broken section. Watercare's head of service delivery Sharon Danks spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Thousands gather at Gaza-Egypt border as fuel runs low

October 16, 2023 18:34 - 7 minutes - 6.58 MB

The UN says it's made no progress on negotiating aid desperately needed in Gaza, where hospitals could run out of fuel in the next day. Crowds of Palestinians with foreign passports are also relying on the border opening to escape Gaza. Meanwhile, air strikes are continuing on both sides, with Israeli media saying more than a hundred targets were hit overnight. Correspondent Ross Cullen spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss

France knocked out of home World Cup by South Africa

October 16, 2023 18:20 - 3 minutes - 2.83 MB

France suffered a devastating loss yesterday, when they were knocked out of the Rugby World Cup on home soil. Karim Ben Ismail is a rugby writer with French sports newspaper L'equipe. Ismail spoke to Corin Dann.

National to begin talks with ACT and NZ First

October 16, 2023 18:13 - 8 minutes - 7.97 MB

Preparations are already well underway for the National Party to launch into coalition talks with the ACT Party and New Zealand First. While voting numbers aren't finalised, it looks likely Winston Peters 8 MPs will be needed to form a solid coalition. National's Prime Minister in waiting, Christopher Luxon, will be joined in negotiations by senior MPs Nicola Willis, Chris Bishop, and Todd McClay, among others. Former NZ First MP Ron Mark has been involved in coalition talks before and s...

Hipkins' future on the agenda as Labour caucus meets

October 16, 2023 18:07 - 6 minutes - 5.5 MB

The soul searching begins on Tuesday for the drastically reduced Labour caucus which meets for the first time since it's humiliating defeat to National at the weekend. First, they'll farewell their 21 colleagues who've lost their seats and then they'll start taking a long hard look at what went wrong. It's likely Chris Hipkins' future will be on the agenda - will he stay or go? Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Sports News for 17 October 2023

October 16, 2023 18:06 - 1 minute - 1.09 MB

The New Zealand Olympic Committee believes with a history in cricket and squash, New Zealand is well placed to succeed in those sports at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Sports News for 17 October 2023

October 16, 2023 18:06 - 1 minute - 1.09 MB

The New Zealand Olympic Committee believes with a history in cricket and squash, New Zealand is well placed to succeed in those sports at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Business News for 17 October 2023

October 16, 2023 17:53 - 4 minutes - 4 MB

Business news for 17 October 2023.

All Blacks determined to not repeat mistakes of 2019 World Cup

October 16, 2023 17:49 - 3 minutes - 2.87 MB

The All Blacks must come down from the high of upsetting Ireland in one of the best World Cup quarter-finals of all time as they prepare to face Argentina in this weekend's semi-finals in France. The team are determined not to repeat the mistakes of 2019 where an impressive last eight win over the Irish was followed by a tepid performance as they were dumped out by England in the semi-finals. Rugby reporter Joe Porter is in Paris.

Massey University are being 'short sighted' over cuts, union says

October 16, 2023 17:44 - 4 minutes - 3.9 MB

The Tertiary Education Union says Massey University is being short sighted and damaging with plans to cut even more staff. The University's proposal would see 40 full time staff axed from its college of humanities and social sciences. Massey was already planning other cuts, as it faces a $50 million loss this year. TEU organiser Ben Schmidt spoke to Corin Dann

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