First Up for Friday 8 April 2022

5:49 AM.A former Minister of Defence says it's time New Zealand provided lethal aid to Ukraine. Ron Mark, who oversaw the country's armed forces between October 2017 and November 2020, says the government's… Read more Audio

5:45 AM.And as you'll have heard Dan Carter is this morning over at Eden Park where he's trying to kick 1598 goals in 24 hours to raise funds for UNICEF. He's been at it since 7 o'clock last night - he took a… Read more Audio

5:38 AM.The cyclone which has developed near New Caledonia is still swirling its way through the Pacific - for an update on its progress, and what effect it might have on our week is weather watcher Philip… Read more Audio

5:24 AM.To the Friday fresh produce markets we head - joining Nathan Rarere is our Minister of Fruit and Veggies, Glenn Forsyth...Fruit of the Week: NZ Limes! Audio

5:19 AM.Since 7 o'clock last night, All Black legend Dan Carter has been kicking for the posts at Eden Park to try and convert 1,598 kicks - which is the record number of points he scored in 112 tests. It's… Read more Audio

5:15 AM.In what could be a world first, tomato beer is on the cards if you're in Auckland this evening, Anthony Tringham is the Chief Tomato Officer for curious croppers who grow interesting and unusual… Read more Audio

5:15 AM.To Africa now where Russian mercenaries are suspected of the slaughter of 300 people in Mali. Joining Nathan Rarere from Ghana is our correspondent Nabil Ahmed. Audio