Morning Report

The Rotorua Girls' Robotics Team have qualified to compete in the International Underwater Robotics Competition in Washington DC. Team member Siwan Lloyd-Jones spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio

A Canterbury University student who saw his neighbour's house burn down in a wildfire has been part of a research project aiming to protect rural homes from future blazes. Anna Sargent reports. Audio

Data from Worldline NZ shows the West Coast is bucking that trend with a 4.2 percent increase in retail spending in December, as people got out and about in the region. Development West Coast chief… Read more Audio

Petrol prices are on the rise again, and the chair of advocacy group Drive Electric says an increase in prices at the pump often leads to a spike in EV sales. Drive Electric chairperson Kirsten Corson… Read more Audio

Against all odds preparations are almost complete for Vanuatu's snap election on Thursday. RNZ Pacific editor Koroi Hawkins spoke to Paddy Gower. Audio

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Ben Strang. Audio

The Christchurch City Council is defending its decision to press ahead with long awaited sewage plant upgrades for the Banks Peninsula township of Akaroa. Adam Burns has more. Audio

An unusually large number of homeowners will have big decisions to make this year, with 80 percent of mortgages coming up for renewal in the next 12 months. Squirrel chief executive David Cunningham… Read more Audio

A climate change expert says New Zealand's wildfire risk is on the rise and the country needs to start preparing now. Victoria University wildfire and ecology researcher Dr Nicola Day spoke to Paddy… Read more Audio

The US National Weather Service is warning of powerful winds in the LA area, where several major fires are still largely uncontained. Correspondent Philip Crowther spoke to Paddy Gower. Audio

Six planets are lining up across the night sky this month in a so-called "parade of planets". Astronomer and planet discoverer Ian Griffin spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio

Lulu Sun's bad run of form to start 2025 has continued, after the Kiwi was eliminated in the opening round of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Tennis commentator Dave Worsely spoke to Paddy Gower. Audio