First Up Podcast Options

5:24 AM.Last week we told you about a New Zealand woman tackling the longest certified foot race in the world. In 51 days, 9 hours and 20 minutes Harita Davies ran 3,100 miles - just shy of 5000 kilometres -… Read more Audio

5:54 AM.There are calls for sweeping changes to the horse-racing industry after two horses died in a single day at a Rotorua meet. Racehorses 'Assign' and 'Not Usual Delight' were euthanised after taking part… Read more Audio

5:50 AM.Just hours later, there was a second shooting in the US where nine people were killed in Dayton, Ohio New Zealander Phoebe Davis is living in Dayton, currently on a research residency. We often like… Read more Audio

5:35 AM.This morning Edward asks why doesn't the US go the World Trade Organisation -- the WTO -- to press home its claims that China is a trade cheat. Here's business editor Gyles Beckford. Audio

5:10 AM.As we've been reporting here on First Up - for nine consecutive weeks mass protests have taken place in Hong Kong. Over the last few days the action's ramped up - with a call for a general strike… Read more Video, Audio

5:49 AM.An Australian flying school with a legacy for training many of the Pacific region's first indigenous pilots has closed its doors after almost half a century of operation. Gil Layt's Flying school, run… Read more Audio

5:44 AM.When you think of a chandelier, the first thing that comes to mind is most likely crystal - the last thing you'd think about is fruit and veg. But that's exactly what hung from the ceiling at the… Read more Audio

5:10 AM.To Hong Kong, where protesters have taken to the streets for the fifth day in a row. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled as well as trains and roads shut down across the city in the biggest day of… Read more Audio

5:54 AM.The forecast snow has finally come, with snow falls to low levels in the south of the South Island and snow in the mountainous regions of the upper south and North Islands. But snow isn't the only… Read more Audio

5:48 AM.To the US now, where two mass shootings have taken place in less than 24 hours. The first, in the Texas border town of El Paso, saw 20 people killed and more than two dozen injured, after a gunman… Read more Audio

5:45 AM.Former All Blacks' captain and coach Sir Brian Lochore died over the weekend aged 78. He has praised throughout the country by sporting figures and the public as one of the very greatest figures in… Read more Audio

5:25 AM.We ask Glenn Forsyth about cold winter weather affecting supplies of produce. Audio

5:14 AM.Cancer care could overwhelm the entire health system, if the wrong plans are put in place. That's from the Cancer Society, who are welcoming the announcement the government will fund 12 new radiation… Read more Audio

5:53 AM.To the US, where a tenacious 11-year-old reporter has become the star of the second round of Democratic debates. It all began when Jaden Jefferson secured an interview with democratic presidential… Read more Audio

5:40 AM.A New Zealand woman is taking on the 'Mount Everest' of ultramarathons - running 3,100 miles - which is just shy of 5000 kilometres - in 52 days. It's the world's longest certified road race and it's… Read more Audio

5:23 AM.Avocado theft is on the rise in the Bay of Plenty - earlier this week police alerted residents to be "vigilant" when buying avocados of "unknown origin". On the case is our resident Fruit and Vege… Read more Audio

5:54 AM.A British farmer who shares snippets of life on his farm has gone viral. A video of what he calls 'morning rush hour' has been viewed more than 2 million times on Twitter Each morning Chris Franklin… Read more Video, Audio

5:47 AM.A 23 year old is using her own experience with mental health to push for better education for young people in all New Zealand schools. Lucy McSweeney gave a heartfelt submission to the Health Select… Read more Audio

5:39 AM.It's a new technology that's been described as the biggest thing since the internet, and advocates say it's now or never for New Zealand to get on-board. Blockchain was created for the controversial… Read more Audio

5:37 AM.What happens at the annual meeting of a public company? Here with the answer is business reporter, Nona Pelletier. Audio

5:10 AM.A vegetarian butcher reckons some farmers are threatened by the rise in alternative proteins. The Protein Tech conference in Auckland has been looking at the future of food production and consumption… Read more Audio

5:54 AM.The best pies in the land have been decided - and a mince and cheese pie from Gold Star Patrick Pies in Tauranga has taken home the supreme title. Gold, Silver, Bronze and highly commended are awarded… Read more Audio

5:42 AM.A West Coast school forced to shut when more than a third of its pupils became sick has been offered help by a Christchurch cleaning company. Staff at Westport North School donned rubber gloves and… Read more Audio