Jimmy Ellingham
Friend group still gathering regularly after 20 years
If you're struggling to find time to catch up with your mates ahead of Christmas, the solution might be… chicken parmigiana? Well for one group of friends in Melbourne it has certainly helped. Andrea… Audio
Water tanks are selling out in Wellington due to restrictions
Emergency water tanks are selling out across Wellington, as the region moves closer to strict water restrictions. New modelling from Wellington Water shows the chance of an acute water shortage has… Audio
PM defends using taxpayer money for te reo lessons
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is defending using taxpayer money to pay for his te reo Maori lessons when in Opposition. Mr Luxon has recently been critical of public servants being paid to learn… Audio
Kiwi teen recovering well after brain surgery in London
A Palmerston North teenager who had to travel to London for treatment after he suffered a deep brain bleed says he's on the mend. Carson Harvey says his headaches have stopped and he's now looking… Audio
Massey University confirms it's pressing ahead with its plans t
Massey University has today confirmed it's pressing ahead with its plans to cuts science courses and jobs. The moves were flagged two months ago, prompting staff and students to lobby for a backdown… Video, Audio
Cabin-living for some Wairoa locals, 10 months on
It's 10 months today since Wairoa was swallowed by its river during Cyclone Gabrielle, causing widespread destruction. What followed were days of no communication, weeks of isolation and the months of… Audio
Rescue copter patient walks 250km to raise money for service
Trevor Moore has done it! Just six months ago the 62-year-old was lying in Wellington Hospital's intensive care unit after suffering horrific injuries when cutting a tree in the rural backblocks. Now… Audio
Plans to move old Taumarunui trains after years sitting deserted
After years of waiting there are finally plans to move some of the crumbling old Auckland commuter trains blighting the main street of central North Island town Taumarunui. The local mayor says once… Video, Audio
A peek inside Granny's Christmas Grotto in Marton
For 10 years Granny's Christmas Grotto in the Rangitīkei town of Marton has brought the joy of Christmas to thousands of visitors. But after it closes its doors this year, everything will be auctioned… Video, Audio
Palmerston North will wither if Massey keeps slashing staff - professor
The citizens of Palmerston North have received a stark warning: If Massey University keeps slashing staff and courses, it will enter a death spiral, and the provincial city will wither.
Politics… Audio
Public meeting in Palmerston North over slashes at Masey Uni
The citizens of Palmerston North have received a stark warning: If Massey University keeps slashing staff and courses, it will enter a death spiral, and the provincial city will wither. Politics… Audio
Some motorists losing hundreds on car insurance - Consumer NZ
Consumer NZ says some motorists are losing hundreds of dollars a year due to their insurance policies, as premiums skyrocket. It carried out a survey which found they've increased up to 38 percent in… Audio
Lego land: Creative creations at Palmy brick show this weekend
Lego land is replacing limbo land this weekend in Palmerston North. While politicians were busy hammering out coalition arrangements, some of New Zealand's more creative minds turned their attention… Audio
Around the motu: with Jimmy Ellingham
RNZ Checkpoint reporter based in Palmerston North, Jimmy Ellingham has been speaking to Ruapehu businesses following another rocky season, Massey University staff and students are still facing… Audio
Smashed glass given new lease of life in roads and pathways
A large pile of smahed glass has been given a new lease of life for use in roads and pathways. A Manawatu contractor is crushing it up into little pieces and is hoping to soon offer the product to its… Audio
Massey University staff present 'logical' alternative plan to job cuts
Academic staff at Massey University have made a bid to save their jobs and ensure the future of sciences at the institution. Staff and the Tertiary Education Union have today sent Massey an… Audio
First Up - The Podcast, Friday 17 November
On today's First Up pod with Jimmy Ellingham - highlights from a high-stakes meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping - we get the latest from Gyles Beckford at the APEC summit in San Francisco; we… Audio
Middle East restaurant Ima owner on support for Gaza ceasefire
An Auckland restaurant had its Instagram account disabled last weekend as protests continue around the world over the conflict in Gaza. Ima Cuisine is a Middle Eastern restaurant run by Jewish Israeli… Audio
More details emerge about attempted breakout at Oranga Tamariki facility Te Puna Wai ō Tuhinapo
More details have emerged about an attempted breakout that ended in a stand-off on an Oranga Tamariki youth justice facility's gym roof. RNZ has obtained reports about the incident, revealing what… Audio
Palmerston North school teaching students practical trade skills
A Manawatu school is giving students practical help for a move into the trades after school. Palmerston North Boys' High School is giving students the opportunity to clip on a toolbelt and build… Audio
