Alex Perrottet
PNG's West New Britain struggling after second volcanic eruption
Papua New Guinea's West New Britain province is facing a stern test of its ability to cope with disaster after the latest eruption of Mt Ulawun. Johnny Blades reports. Video, Audio
Confusion and frustration over water bottling consents
Wellington Regional Councillors realised how little power they have in managing consents for water bottling at an environment committee meeting today. Audio
Mosque shooting victims, families make pilgrimage to Mecca
After surviving the March mosque massacres that killed 51 and left dozens injured, a group of almost 200 victims and family members have arrived in Mecca to complete the hajj, one of the five pillars… Video, Audio
Thousands farewell Sir Brian Lochore on pitch he used to play on
Thousands have gathered today at a rugby pitch in Masterton to farewell rugby great Sir Brian Lochore. They heard tales of Sir Brian's life, his love not just of rugby, but farming, his wife Pam, and… Video, Audio
Abortion bill passes first reading
Parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favour of abortion law reform at the first reading of the bill. Political reporter Jo Moir says the 94-23 vote had a bigger margin than expected. Video, Audio
Savea, Read and Cane to start for All Blacks test against Australia
All Black selectors have signalled their intentions to keep the Bledisloe Cup well and truly locked away at New Zealand Rugby headquarters for another year, as coach Steve Hansen names what appears to… Audio
NZ women donate bras to support Pacific sisters
More than 1500 bras donated by government employees are heading to the Pacific, where they will give women a new sense of freedom, allowing some to go to work, nursing mothers to leave the house and… Video, Audio
Rates rebate for victims of gas explosion
Christchurch residents who can't live in their homes damaged by the massive Northwood gas explosion have been given a roughly 50 percent discount on their rates. Audio
Police to reduce numbers at Ihumātao after meeting organisers
Police will minimise their presence at Ihumātao and have promised there won't be a repeat of Monday night when a tense standoff ensued with protesters. Māni Dunlop reports. Audio
Evening business for Thursday 8 August
News from the business sector, including a market report. Video, Audio
Mystery surrounds Canadian murder suspects’ deaths
Winnipeg Free Press reporter Tessa Vanderhart says there was a collective sigh of relief in Gillam, Manitoba, as it was confirmed the bodies of two murder suspects had been found. She told Alex… Video, Audio
Parcels of cocaine wash up on west Auckland beach
An estimated $3 million worth of cocaine has washed up on a rugged west Auckland beach, much to the surprise of locals. No arrests have been made, and police are trying to work out where the drugs… Video, Audio
Manhunt continues after homeless man killed in hit-and-run
Police are continuing to search for Liam Strickland in relation to a hit-and-run incident in Christchurch yesterday, in which a well-known homeless man was killed. Logan Church reports. Video, Audio
MPs debate abortion reform
MPs are about to vote on the highly contentious issue of abortion reform. As Political Editor Jane Patterson reports, the legislation has not just caused division in Parliament, but also prompted… Audio
Tiny house dispute heading to court
Tiny house owners are clashing with authorities over what they say are unfair and inconsistent regulations. With no specific legislation for tiny houses, some councils are treating them as structures… Audio
Aucklanders urged to conserve water as dry spell continues
Aucklanders are being asked again to conserve water, after a record dry start to the year, and no good outlook for the rest of it. Video, Audio
$12m in meth seized during major nationwide drug bust
Ten people have been arrested and more than $1 million in cash and assets seized in a major nationwide drug bust today. Reporter Katie Scotcher spoke to Detective Inspector Greg Cramer. Video, Audio
Pedestrian dies after being hit by fleeing driver
A man has died after being hit by a fleeing driver in the Christchurch suburb of New Brighton, with a police search now underway for a suspect linked to the incident. Video, Audio
Shamubeel Eaqub: Low OCR will help export sector
The Reserve Bank has sprung a major surprise with a bigger than expected cut to the Official Cash Rate to a new record low of 1 percent. Economist Shamubeel Eaqub says the move will have the biggest… Audio
Pressure mounts on Julie Anne Genter
National's launched a three-pronged attack against Green MP and government minister Julie Anne Genter, as she continues to come under pressure over a letter she wrote to the Transport Minister. Audio