Matthew Theunissen
Why road congestion eases during School Holidays
New data released from the Census may come as a surprise. For the first time, Stats NZ asked people about their main means of travelling to their place of education.
128-thousand respondents said… Audio
Woman came to aid of abducted teenager
A woman who came to the aid of a teenager after she was abducted and sexually assaulted says it sounded from her screams like someone was being murdered. Police suspect the attack on Friday afternoon… Audio
'He tried to run us over' - woman who aided abducted teenager
A woman who came to the aid of a teenager who was abducted and sexually assaulted says the attacker or attackers almost ran her over as they were fleeing the scene. The 17 year old was forced into a… Audio
All Blacks' biggest fan going to all NZ games at RWC
And before the Rugby World Cup began, we asked our social media team to track us down the All Blacks' biggest fan.. And we think they've found her.. Aucklander Kate Lawless and her husband have always… Audio
Tech commentator shocked at Spark Sport's patchy rugby coverage
A technology commentator was shocked at the quality of Spark Sport's rugby coverage which interrupted Saturday night's stream of the game between the All Blacks and the Springboks. The feed was… Audio
SPCA: don't shop at High St pet stores
The SPCA is urging people not to shop at high street pet shops after the franchise 'Petstop' was fined 10-thousand dollars for failing to properly care for a kitten, a water dragon and two geckos… Audio
Alzheimer's and dementia stigma the biggest challenge
One of the biggest challenges facing people living with Alzheimer's and dementia is how their condition is viewed by others. So, to mark World Alzheimers Awareness Month this September, First Up is… Audio
Father grateful for work of Southern DHB's only neurosurgeon
First Up managed to track down the family Mr Fleming was referring to. Ollie Leuthart is now 23 and has recently graduated with degrees in Philosophy, Politics and Economics and also in Psychology and… Audio
Calls to save Big Fresh animatronic food characters
A set of giant animatronic food items which simultaneously thrilled and terrified a generation of New Zealanders is up for grabs on TradeMe The 11 characters from the defunct Big Fresh supermarket… Audio
Paul Buchanan:drone attacks on Saudi oil plants a first
Strategic analyst Paul Buchanan says Saturday's drone strikes on Saudi Arabian oil facilities represent the first time non-state actors have used drone technology to such devastating effect. Yemen's… Audio
Teaching NZ history could change how we see ourselves
An education researcher who's spent years trying to get critical New Zealand history taught in our schools is applauding the Government for making it compulsary within three years. The Prime Minister… Audio
Deaths predicted if measles outbreak not contained
A child and an adult with measles are in a critical condition in intensive care and health authorities says deaths are likely if the outbreak centred on Auckland is not contained. As of yesterday… Audio
Police not aware of threats to Southern, Molyneux, court hears
A court has been told that police were not aware of any threats to two far right Canadian speakers, despite Auckland Council banning them from speaking at a council venue because of safety concerns.
… Audio
Human Rights Commission wants employers to reveal pay scales
The Human Rights Commission is calling for employers to be made to reveal their pay scales so staff can find out if they're earning what they should be. It hopes this will help close the gender pay… Audio
Direct route to cheese rolls: flights between Auckland and Invercargill begin
It's never been easier for Aucklanders to head to Southland for a weekend of Bluff oysters, cheese rolls and stunning scenery, or for Southlanders to go to the big city for the day, now that Air New… Audio
Pressure on Fullers after breakdowns, stranded passengers
Pressure is mounting on Auckland ferry company Fullers to hand over control of its operations to the council after a rough few months.
On Thursday, hundreds of passengers were left stranded in… Audio
Why so few contenders vying for council seats in NZ?
They're some of the most important leaders in the country and can make decisions that can have huge impacts on our communities. So why are so many positions in the upcoming local government elections… Audio
Goff makes environment central plank of re-election campaign
Auckland's Mayor Phil Goff is campaigning on improving the region's natural environment and tackling climate change but admits he's going to need a lot of support from central government to do this… Audio
Mayoral race: 'Aucklanders want honesty'
The head of Auckland's Chamber of Commerce wants the city's mayoral candidates to be more realistic about what they're promising Aucklanders. Incumbent mayor, Phil Goff, officially launched his… Audio
Fonterra's Spierings payout 'beyond belief' - Shane Jones
Former Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings is under fire for receiving a $4.7 million payout when he left the dairy giant last year.
The revelation follows the news the country's largest company… Audio
