Morning Report for Thursday 31 December 2020

8:57 AM.As the turbulent year of 2020 comes to an end, most of us are eager to put the past 12 months behind us and pin hopes on a more settled, and improved, 2021. The year brought many struggles and endless… Read more Audio

8:55 AM.Distinguished professor Dame Mary Anne Salmond is to be made a member of the order of New Zealand - the country's highest honour. She's an eminent writer and social scientist who is internationally… Read more Audio

8:50 AM.Suzanne Snively is to be appointed Honorary Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. She's being recognised for her work on anti-corruption including work across the Pacific, and has chaired… Read more Audio

8:47 AM.A standoff continues at Waikeria Prison this morning. Prisoners want to talk to Maori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi. He joins Perlina Lau on Morning Report to discuss advocacy for prisoners. Audio

8:43 AM.The United States has been wracked by Covid-19 this year -- with more than 19 million cases and 330 thousand deaths across the country. New York City seemed to successfully fight off a spiralling… Read more Audio

8:38 AM.Early in January the world watched on as China battled to contain a mysterious new virus. We take a look back at how the world's largest country has managed the pandemic with the BBC's Beijing… Read more Audio

8:32 AM.It's now been precisely one year since health authorities in Wuhan reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia to the World Health Organization. And since then, the world has waded through a crisis that… Read more Audio

8:26 AM.There were scenes of jubilation in Mount Maunganui last night as the Black Caps cricketers completed a thrilling win over Pakistan in their first test match, late on the final day. Mitchell Santner… Read more Audio

8:23 AM.Those who are digitally savvy are being urged to take some time this summer to help elderly relatives or neighbours who may find using a computer daunting. In the 2019 Budget, $600,000 was given to… Read more Audio

8:21 AM.New Year's Eve is one of the biggest nights of the year, especially for those who like to party. And for some, they'll take illegal, untested, and sometimes dangerous drugs. Dr Jez Weston, the deputy… Read more Audio

8:17 AM.Professors Anne Salmond and Mason Durie have been appointed to the Order of New Zealand - the country's highest honour in the New Year Honours 2021 list, announced today. They're among 154 people to… Read more Audio

8:13 AM.Far North residents have described relief at returning home after a massive forest fire was brought under control. More than 100 homes were evacuated after the fire broke out on Tuesday evening in the… Read more Audio

8:09 AM.Sources inside Waikeria Prison say the men who started a riot are protesting about terrible conditions and a poor Corrections strategy for Maori. Disorder started Tuesday, when fires were set in an… Read more Audio