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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Union 'dismayed' at National's involvement in proposed medical school
September 05, 2023 18:13 - 4 minutes - 4.27 MBThe Tertiary Education Union says it's dismayed at the extent the University of Waikato's Vice Chancellor worked with the National Party on its proposal for a new medical school in Hamilton. Documents, seen by RNZ, show that before an announcement on the plans, vice chancellor Professor Neil Quigley was in constant contact with the party's health spokesperson, Dr Shane Reti, telling him a medical school could be a 'present' for a future National government. The union has previously criti...
Fire engulfs three storey building in Invercargill
September 05, 2023 18:08 - 1 minute - 1.75 MBA blaze in Invercargill's main street has seen six people evacuated from a three-storey building. Reporter Bill Hickman spoke to Corin Dann.
Sports News for 6 September 2023
September 05, 2023 18:06 - 1 minute - 995 KBSpain's World Cup-winning women's team coach Jorge Vilda has been sacked, 10 days after FIFA suspended the country's football federation president for kissing national team player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth.
Top Stories for Wednesday 6 September 2023
September 05, 2023 18:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBTop stories for 6 September 2023 Otorohanga mayor Max Baxter calls for fugitive Tom Phillips to hand himself in. Spain's World Cup winning football coach is sacked amid the ongoing Luis Rubiales kiss scandal Accounting firm KPMG investigates drink spiking at a company social event.
Cardrona Valley set to host sled dog racing
September 04, 2023 20:55 - 3 minutes - 2.9 MBCardrona Valley will come alive this week to the sounds of dogs and mushers - competing in the country's only sled dog racing event on snow. The South Island Siberian Husky Club will host about 40 entrants and nearly 100 dogs - in classes ranging from eight-dog teams to single-dog entries. Dog sled racer - or musher - Simon Hampton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Pet Refuge enlists NZ icon to help raise funds
September 04, 2023 20:52 - 3 minutes - 2.85 MBAnimal shelter Pet Refuge has enlisted the help of the iconic Buzzy Bee to help raise funds to keep its doors open. Pet Refuge provides temporary shelter for pets from violent homes while their owners escape abuse. Pet safety is a major factor preventing people from leaving abusive relationships, with a Women's Refuge survey finding 53 percent of women delayed leaving family violence - fearing for the safety of their pets. Pet Refuge founder Julie Chapman spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Worldwide search for Paul McCartney's original Höfner bass guitar
September 04, 2023 20:45 - 5 minutes - 4.98 MBA worldwide search has been launched to find one of the planet's most iconic musical instruments - Paul McCartney's original Höfner bass guitar. It's called the Lost Bass Project and they're appealing for information as to where the guitar ended up. Nick Wass is with the Höfner musical instrument company and is leading the charge to find the world's most recognisable guitar. First Up's Nathan Rarere asked him about the history of Paul's guitar.
Problem Gambling Foundation wants stricter rules for casinos
September 04, 2023 20:38 - 6 minutes - 5.95 MBThe Problem Gambling Foundation would like regulators to bring in stricter rules for casinos. SkyCity had over a quarter of a billion dollars wiped off its market value yesterday, after Internal Affairs applied to suspend its gaming licence. It accused the casino of failing to uphold its host responsibilities relating to the amount of time a customer was able to spend gambling. Andree Froude of the Problem Gambling Foundation says people can spend five hours gambling in a casino before h...
Invasive species cost $423 billion internationally according to report
September 04, 2023 20:24 - 4 minutes - 4.18 MBThe impact invasive species have on biodiversity is costing the world around $423 billion, with costs quadrupling every decade since the 1970s. That comes from a new report out today on the drivers behind biodiversity loss around the globe. The top five are invasive alien species, land and sea-use change, direct exploitation of organisms, climate change, and pollution causing massive losses. Dr Angela McGaughran, a senior lecturer and principal investigator of the Invasomics Lab at the U...
Patient wants Pharmac to cover cancer drugs
September 04, 2023 20:21 - 3 minutes - 3.36 MBA gut cancer patient paying more than $100,000 for treatment wants Pharmac to fund the drugs that are keeping her alive. And she's not alone - gut cancers are one of the most common form of cancer in the country, with 5,700 New Zealanders diagnosed every year. In an open letter to the drug-buying agency, oncologists are urging for newer and better funded medication. Rayssa Almeida reports.
Vanuatu's parliament elects new Prime Minister
September 04, 2023 20:15 - 3 minutes - 3.64 MBVanuatu's parliament has elected Sato Kilman Prime Minister for the a record fifth time bringing to an end Alatoi Ishamel Kalsakau's nine-month reign as the leader of the government. The vote came after Vanuatu's highest court - the Court of Appeal - dismissed an appeal against the removal Kalsakau. Koroi Hawkins from RNZ Pacific spoke to Corin Dann.
NZ Council of Trade Unions runs 'attack' ads against Luxon
September 04, 2023 20:10 - 5 minutes - 5.09 MBThe New Zealand Council of Trade Unions has launched a highly-visible campaign which highlights - in its words - why the country will be worse off under a Christopher Luxon-led National government. The ads - on billboards and in newspapers - have been slammed by National's campaign manager Chris Bishop as a nasty "personal attack" campaign and he accused the CTU of being "intimately connected" with Labour. What impact - if any - could this sort of third-party advertising have on voters? ...
Are NZ's female athletes better off after triple world cup?
September 04, 2023 19:55 - 4 minutes - 3.83 MBHosting three women's world cups in the space of 18 months was considered a boost for women's sport in New Zealand - even before a ball was bowled or a tackle made. Now that the cricket, rugby, and football world cups are over, and the rest of the world has moved on, are Aotearoa's female athletes better off? Felicity Reid reports.
Gore District Council chief executive resigns
September 04, 2023 19:50 - 3 minutes - 3.47 MBGore District Council's embattled chief executive, Stephen Parry, has resigned after more than two decades in the job. It's been a fraught term for the local government stalwart, with the 22-year veteran of the Gore District Council sharing a frosty relationship with Mayor Ben Bell ever since the 24-year-old became the country's youngest ever mayor in last October's local elections. Stephen Parry's resignation follows a very public spat with Ben Bell, with RNZ first breaking that the pai...
Ukraine President Zelenskyy replaces defence mininster
September 04, 2023 19:42 - 4 minutes - 4.27 MBUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced his minister of defence, Oleksii Reznikov. The dismissal is not unexpected, but it does come amid a major Ukrainian offensive. President Zelenskyy has named Rustem Umerov to replace Reznikov, an experienced participant in peace talks with Russia. He was a key figure in last year's negotiations to ensure the safe export of Ukrainian grain. Luke Harding has been covering this story from London. Harding spoke to Corin Dann.
Education researchers warn voters over 'crisis' claims
September 04, 2023 19:34 - 3 minutes - 3.41 MBSome education researchers are warning voters to treat with caution politicians' claims the school system is in crisis. New Zealand children's scores in international tests have never been worse and trial-runs of literacy and numeracy tests for teenagers have had high failure rates. At the same time, NCEA achievement has fallen, and school attendance last year hit record lows. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.
Indian inspired burger takes out top prize at Burger Wellington
September 04, 2023 19:28 - 3 minutes - 3.21 MBAn Indian street food-inspired burger has taken out first prize at the Burger Wellington awards. There were more than 200 entries into the Festival this year. Burger fans across the Capital tested them throughout August and their 11,500 ratings helped determine the five finalists. Jemima Huston was there for this announcement.
Agencies locking in hundreds of millions in contracts
September 04, 2023 19:23 - 5 minutes - 4.73 MBPublic agencies have been locking in hundreds of millions of dollars of contracts for big IT upgrades even as the government pledges to cut contractor spending. The big winners so far are US tech giants, cashing in on a push towards a government push for cloud-computing. The deals create tension around the Prime Minister's election pledge last week to cut spending on contractors and consultants by $165 million next year. Phil Pennington has more.
Documents show head of Waikato University involved in National policy
September 04, 2023 19:17 - 4 minutes - 4.08 MBThe head of Waikato University was intimately involved in National's policy of establishing a medical school at the university and told one of its senior MPs it could be a "present" to a National government. Documents obtained by RNZ show Vice Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley helped National develop the policy and was in constant contact with health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti in the lead up to the announcement. Investigative Journalist Guyon Espiner spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Chris Hipkins on CTU's attack ads
September 04, 2023 19:09 - 8 minutes - 7.79 MBCampaigning for this year's election has only just begun and already accusations are flying over attack ads. The National Party has dubbed ads targeting leader Chris Luxon, and funded by the Council of Trade Unions, as disgraceful. They've vowed to leave personal jabs out of their election advertising. Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins says National is being too precious and National Party "fronts" have been running attack ads on him and his colleagues for some time. Hipkins spoke to Cor...
Sports News for 5 September 2023
September 04, 2023 19:06 - 1 minute - 958 KBAll Blacks midfielder Jordie Barrett is in doubt for this weekend's Rugby World Cup opener against hosts France. Barrett has a knee injury and failed to train for a second straight day. Assistant coach Scott McLeod says Barrett hasn't yet been ruled out of the match, but he concedes he may not be available.
Sports News for 5 September 2023
September 04, 2023 19:06 - 1 minute - 958 KBAll Blacks midfielder Jordie Barrett is in doubt for this weekend's Rugby World Cup opener against hosts France. Barrett has a knee injury and failed to train for a second straight day. Assistant coach Scott McLeod says Barrett hasn't yet been ruled out of the match, but he concedes he may not be available.
Business News for 5 September 2023
September 04, 2023 18:54 - 4 minutes - 4.03 MBBusiness news for 5 September 2023.
Business News for 5 September 2023
September 04, 2023 18:54 - 4 minutes - 4.03 MBBusiness news for 5 September 2023.
CTU runs ad campaign against National
September 04, 2023 18:50 - 4 minutes - 3.96 MBNational is facing heat from another angle after the Council of Trade Unions launched a highly visible advertising campaign explaining - in its words - why the country will be worse off under a Christopher Luxon-led government. The ads - on billboards and in newspapers - have been slammed by National as a nasty "American style" personal attack campaign and accused the CTU of being "intimately connected" with Labour. That claim is denied by the Labour leader Chris Hipkins. CTU president R...
National's foreign buyer tax raises more questions
September 04, 2023 18:46 - 4 minutes - 3.88 MBNational's proposed foreign buyers tax continues to raise all kinds of questions - whether it will raise the promised $740 million a year and if the country could face legal problems with its trading partners. National insists its plan is rock solid, Labour insists it just won't work. Political reporter Giles Dexter has been trying to find out who is right.
Early Sports Chat for 5 September 2023
September 04, 2023 18:40 - 6 minutes - 5.65 MBAn update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Morning Rural News for 5 September 2023
September 04, 2023 18:28 - 4 minutes - 3.73 MBNews from the rural farming sector.
Early Business News for 5 September 2023
September 04, 2023 18:20 - 1 minute - 1.28 MBLatest news from Radio New Zealand's business team.
National proposes to cut regulations for cyclone and flood recovery
September 04, 2023 18:09 - 8 minutes - 7.88 MBThe National Party says its approach to cyclone and flood recovery will be faster and fairer than Labour's, saying it plans to cut regulations and set up a new ombudsman to deal with issues arising from natural disasters. Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the proposal is unjustified and says providing support for families and businesses like those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle takes time if it's to be done properly. National's cyclone recovery spokesperson Chris Penk spoke to Ingrid Hipki...
Sports News for 5 September 2023
September 04, 2023 18:08 - 3 minutes - 3.59 MBThe All Blacks are sweating on the fitness of midfielder Jordie Barrett ahead of this weekend's Rugby World Cup opener against hosts France in Paris.
Top Stories for Tuesday 5 September 2023
September 04, 2023 18:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBTop stories for 5 September 2023 Accusations are flying over the use of political attack ads - we'll speak to Labour leader Chris Hipkins. We look at the proposed Waikato University medical school and how the Vice Chancellor backed the National Party policy. Despite efforts to cut spending on consultants, public agencies are spending hundreds of millions on big IT contracts.
NZ bowler Tayla Bruce wins world title
September 03, 2023 20:52 - 3 minutes - 3.64 MBChristchurch bowler Tayla Bruce came storming home to win the women's singles crown at the World Bowls Championships in Australia yesterday. Down 18-16 against Canadian Kelly McKerihen, Bruce won three points on each of the last two ends to power home to a 22-18 victory. She became the third New Zealand woman to win the world title, joining Elise Wilkie - who won two titles - and Val Smith. World Champion Tayla Bruce spoke to Corin Dann.
Ancient fossil discovered in Canterbury
September 03, 2023 20:43 - 3 minutes - 3.54 MBThe discovery of an ancient fossil in Canterbury is suggesting a group of sea birds originated much closer to home than previously thought. Dubbed the Zealandian Tropicbird, it's one of the first fossils of its kind to be found in the Southern Hemisphere - up until now all others had been from the Northern Hemisphere. Canterbury Museum senior curator natural history Paul Scofield, who co-authored the paper on the research, believes it's around 62 million years old. Scofield spoke to Ingr...
Tech experts call for parties to announce AI strategy
September 03, 2023 20:40 - 3 minutes - 3.13 MBTechnology experts are urging Labour and National to announce an AI strategy before the election. The rapidly advancing technology is being used for everything from faking photographs to cheating on homework. But neither party has announced a policy for how they would deal with it. Felix Walton reports.
Black Caps beat England in thrid T20
September 03, 2023 20:37 - 4 minutes - 3.77 MBIt was the third time lucky for the Black Caps in the early hours of this morning. After losing their first two T20 matches against England, the Black Caps cruised to a 74-run victory at Edgbaston. Opener Finn Allen top scored for the Black Caps with 83, while Glenn Phillips scored a quick-fire 69 to help the team post 202 for 5 from their 20 overs. In response England only managed 128 with Kyle Jamieson and Ish Sohi both taking three wickets. The BBC's Henry Moeran joins us now.
Market Update for 4 September 2023
September 03, 2023 20:32 - 1 minute - 1.59 MBBusiness update for 4 September 2023.
Free dental for under 30s doesn't go far enough says dentist
September 03, 2023 20:24 - 4 minutes - 4.15 MBAn Auckland dentist says the Labour Party's free dental care for under 30s is a good start but doesn't go far enough. At the party's campaign launch on Saturday, leader Chris Hipkins announced, if re-elected, annual check-ups, teeth cleaning, basic fillings and extractions would be free by 2026. Dr Hugh Trengrove, the Clinical Director for Hospital and specialist dentistry in Auckland, says those changes should happen immediately. Trengrove spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Campaign launches contrast in style
September 03, 2023 20:17 - 7 minutes - 6.73 MBIt was a tale of two campaign launches over the weekend, as Labour and National jump started their election runs. Labour sought to make a splash by announcing they'd make dental carefree for under-30s, if elected next month. National decided against releasing any new policy, instead publishing eight promises should it be elected, including cutting inflation and limiting health wait times. Political commentators Shane Te Pou and Ben Thomas spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Restore passenger rail protestors block Terrace Tunnel
September 03, 2023 20:16 - 2 minutes - 1.92 MBRestore passenger rail protestors are out again in Wellington this time in the Terrace Tunnel. Bill Hickman reports.
Te Tai Rāwhiti in for a hot, dry spring
September 03, 2023 20:14 - 2 minutes - 2.41 MBTe Tai Rāwhiti is likely in for a hot, dry spring after months of wet weather. Niwa's latest forecast shows rainfall, soil moisture and river levels are likely to be below average. It's a much-needed respite and means delayed repairs to the badly damaged roads can finally get going. Kate Green has the story.
Nearly 5,000 women claim ACC for birth injuries
September 03, 2023 20:10 - 3 minutes - 2.92 MBNearly 5,000 women have had claims for birth injuries accepted by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) since cover was expanded nearly a year ago. And while nearly all claims are now being accepted, compared with just 30 percent in the 12 months before the change was made, experts are struggling to explain why case numbers are fewer than expected. Investigative journalist Anusha Bradley reports.
Singer Jimmy Buffett dies age 76
September 03, 2023 19:56 - 3 minutes - 3.08 MBIf you didn't already guess, that's the 1970s smash hit Margaritaville, and its writer, Jimmy Buffett, has died at the age of 76. The singer-songwriter was most known for Margaritaville, but his other hits include Fins, Come Monday and Son of a Son of a Sailor. Hollywood International Filmmaker magazine editor in chief Sandro Monetti spoke to Corin Dann.
Te Whatu Ora 'disappointed' over strike action
September 03, 2023 19:51 - 5 minutes - 4.89 MBTe Whatu Ora is "frustrated and extremely disappointed" senior doctors and dentists it employs will take strike action tomorrow. In a third mediation with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, Te Whatu Ora offered salary increases over the next year of between $15,000 and $26,000. The union didn't accept the offer and is set to go on a strike is set to take place tomorrow afternoon, forcing about 250 procedures to be deferred. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists execut...
National's tax policy faces scrutiny
September 03, 2023 19:42 - 8 minutes - 8.06 MBThe scrutiny of the National Party's tax plan is forcing the party to dig in with its assurances that it's credible. It comes as the governing Labour Party, tax and trade experts, dispute the legitimacy of several elements - especially its foreign buyer tax. National's finance spokesperson Nicola Willis yesterday told TVNZ's Q+A that it sought advice about whether the foreign buyer tax would breach New Zealand's tax treaties after it released the policy last week. The New Zealand Initiat...
Couple cry foul after being locked out of Facebook Marketplace
September 03, 2023 19:36 - 3 minutes - 3.31 MBA New Plymouth couple are crying foul after being locked out of a Facebook Marketplace account from which they run their business and generate their livelihood. They say Meta has offered no explanation for why the account has been removed and all attempts to contact the tech giant have failed. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.
Election campaign begins with major party launches
September 03, 2023 19:24 - 3 minutes - 3.44 MBThe election campaign has kicked into a new gear - with the two major parties launching their bids to take power. Both Labour and National put on a grand show in Auckland over the weekend - seeking to rally and expand their support bases. RNZ political editor Jane Patterson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
National kick-off election campaign
September 03, 2023 19:13 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBChristopher Luxon is guaranteeing a National government would achieve eight key commitments if the party wins next month's election. The National leader launched his party's election campaign in South Auckland on Sunday after being introduced to the stage by his two children. He outlined a pledge card, with promises ranging from tax cuts, to tougher sentences and better education and health services. National Party campaign manager Chris Bishop spoke to Corin Dann.
National and Labour launch campaigns
September 03, 2023 19:09 - 3 minutes - 3.54 MBFire the starting gun. The election campaign has kicked into a new gear - with the two major parties launching their bids to take power. Both Labour and National put on a grand show in Auckland over the weekend - seeking to rally and expand their support bases. But both events were also targeted by fringe protesters, determined to cause disruption. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch was at both events.
Sports News for 4 September 2023
September 03, 2023 19:06 - 1 minute - 1.08 MBThe Black Caps have kept the T20 series against England alive with a 74 run victory in game three at Edgbaston.