First Up for Thursday 18 March 2021

5:53 AM.30,000 people turned out at Auckland's Viaduct yesterday afternoon to watch Emirates Team New Zealand make history and celebrate St Patricks Day at the same time. There was a good fireworks display… Read more Audio

5:45 AM.The Government has earmarked five million dollars for Team New Zealand to retain core members to defend the next America's Cup. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says he's immensely proud of Peter… Read more Audio

5:36 AM.Nathan Rarere is joined from San Francisco by yachting aficionado Tom Ehman. Audio

5:25 AM.Seeing Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa gliding above the water with only a small foil submerged was the ultimate showcase of New Zealand's boat building abilities. The technology can't get any better… Read more Audio

5:17 AM.The boss of MIQ is defending an apparent double standard for defence staff while they're on base OR out and about in the community. Gyms, bars, the mess hall and other communal facilties are… Read more Audio

5:13 AM.It's all talk and no action thus far for the New Zealand and Australian governments. Despite nine months of discussion about a trans-Tasman bubble, no start-date for quarantine-free travel has been… Read more Audio

5:08 AM.Many countries in Europe are now battling a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The rising covid case numbers are coming at a time when more than a dozen European countries, including Germany… Read more Audio