Lately for Thursday 1 October 2020

Photo: RNZ Andrew Robertson

10:20 Tougher measures called for returnees from large Covid-19 outbreaks 

New Zealand reported 12 new Covid-19 cases today, the highest daily number in a month.

Ten of the new cases have arrived on the same flight from India while one came from the United States and the other from the Philippines via Taiwan.

Karyn Hay speaks with Otago University epidemiologist Dr Michael Baker who's calling on the Government to consider additional measures for returnees traveling from countries with large coronavirus outbreaks.

University of Otago epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker Photo: University of Otago Wellington / Luke Pilkinton-Ching​

10:30 Vote for New Zealand's Penguin of the Year

The polls have opened for New Zealand's Penguin of the Year.

Karyn speaks with Felicity Kibble from the National Aquarium about the contestants and the voting process for the winner.

Penguin of the year candidates from left, Martin, Draco, Mo. Photo: National Aquarium of New Zealand

10:45 The Rest Is History: New Zealand's Opera past and present

It's time for the Rest is History, where we look back at the news of the week, in the past! On the 29th of September 1862 the first ever professional opera performance in New Zealand took place at the Royal Princess Theatre in Dunedin. 

It marked the beginning of a tumultuous love affair between New Zealand and opera that continues to this day. To sing the highs and lows of this story kiwi concert and opera bass Martin Snell speaks with Karyn from Munich, Germany. 

Kiwi opera performer Martin Snell (right) on stage in Europe Photo: Supplied