Morning Report for Tuesday 18 January 2022

8:56 AM.Seven regions across the country shattered median house price records in the last month of 2021.

The median price nationally has reached $905,000 - that's an annual increase of 21.5 percent.

But… Read more Audio

8:54 AM.Waikato's contender for the world's largest potato is heading to Scotland for a DNA test to prove it is, in fact, a real spud.

The monster 7.9 kilogram potato named Doug the Spud was unearthed by the… Read more Audio

8:50 AM.In Antarctica, scientists have been collecting samples of supercooled water under the McMurdo ice shelf.

The McMurdo is part of the much larger Ross Ice Shelf, which is thought to be in relatively… Read more Audio

8:45 AM.The Kaikōura community is concerned its pāua fishery is being stripped by huge demand from the public.

The fishery reopened in December for a three-month period for the first time since an earthquake… Read more Audio

8:41 AM.Despite a record number of consents for new homes being issued last year, builders say construction could still be delayed due to a lack of workers and materials.

There were 48,522 homes consented in… Read more Audio

8:35 AM.Soon after Saturday's eruption of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai, the sky was blocked out and ash began to fall.

Early photos from Tonga show cars, roads and streets blanketed in debris.

Ashfall from… Read more Audio

8:25 AM.After a relatively quiet summer, Northlanders are calling for regional financial support to keep businesses open and people employed.

The region remains under the red traffic light, and some don't… Read more Audio

8:22 AM.After a relatively quiet summer, Northlanders are calling for regional financial support to keep businesses open and people employed.

The region remains under the red traffic light, and some don't… Read more Audio

8:18 AM.A climate scientist says volcanic matter from the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai eruption could create unusual sunsets, once it's spread around the stratosphere.

It could also have a radiative effect… Read more Audio

8:10 AM.The extent of the damage and need in Tonga following the weekend's eruption and tsunami remains unclear, as the Defence Force prepares to send aid to the islands.

With most communication links to the… Read more Audio

7:55 AM.The world men's tennis number one Novak Djokovic has arrived back in Serbia, after he was kicked out of Australia on the eve of the Australian Open.

The tournament got underway in Melbourne yesterday… Read more Audio

7:47 AM.Former Russell McVeagh partner James Gardner-Hopkins has been suspended for two years for inappropriate sexual behaviour towards several young women.

The investigation into Mr Gardner-Hopkins began… Read more Audio

7:43 AM.New Zealand is preparing to send a Hercules with aid to Tonga today - provided it is safe.

The scale of the damage and need in the Pacific nation is still not clear, following Saturday's eruption of… Read more Audio

7:41 AM.Cutting up your credit card might be the best financial resolution you make this year.

While most new year resolutions involve health and fitness goals, Chartered Accountants ANZ recommends… Read more Audio

7:38 AM.Potential home buyers are being told they could face their pre-approvals being declined or withdrawn for many months yet.

The warnings come as an investigation begins today into whether banks and… Read more Audio

7:34 AM.Potential home buyers are being told they could face their pre-approvals being declined or withdrawn for many months yet.

The warnings come as an investigation begins today into whether banks and… Read more Audio

7:27 AM.Christchurch community leaders worry legal action against Brian Tamaki could incite further unrest from his supporters.

The Destiny Church leader has just spent his first night in custody.

He claims… Read more Audio

7:20 AM.The Director-General of Health says some parts of the covid traffic light system could need to be strengthened or adjusted if there's an Omicron outbreak in the community.

The government's due to… Read more Audio

7:17 AM.A paediatrician says the children's Covid-19 vaccine is akin to an "insurance policy" - protection against the low-risk of severe Covid.

Thousands of 5 to 11 year olds turned out yesterday to have… Read more Audio

7:14 AM.New Zealanders with whanau and friends in Tonga are anxiously waiting for communication to be restored after the violent eruption.

The lack of news has left many in a state of limbo.

Kim Moodie… Read more Audio

7:08 AM.New Zealand is preparing to send a Hercules with aid to Tonga today - provided it is safe.

The scale of the damage and need in the Pacific nation is still not clear, following Saturday's eruption of… Read more Audio