Phil Pennington
Defence Force's housing project fails to break ground
The Defence Force's flagship project to fix up poor housing that is bad for soldiers' health has failed to break ground two years after it was funded. Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 12 June 2025
In today's episode, the Pentagon is reviewing the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries shows export… Audio
Pentagon reviewing AUKUS security pact
The Pentagon is reviewing the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Reporter Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
NZ affected by US modernising nuclear weapons
The United States is modernising its nuclear weapons command and control system, and while it is not directly involved, New Zealand will feel the effects. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
NZ soldiers heading to Australia for Southern Hemisphere's largest military exercise
New Zealand soldiers are embarking for the Southern Hemisphere's biggest military exercise in Australia, the first since defence learned it will get a big shot in the arm. Phil Pennington spoke to… Audio
No money in Budget for 'key' drone
Last week's Budget had nothing in it for a key type of drone the government says is crucial to transforming the navy. Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 21 May 2025
In today's episode, there's a new and stark warning from the United Nations that thousands of babies could die in Gaza over the next two days if more aid doesn't reach them, the debate over the… Audio
Southland Hospital staff allegedly told they can only talk to each other for five minutes a day
Complaints to a union show staff in a department of Southland Hospital were told they could only talk to each other for at most five minutes a day. Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Defence Minister Collins doesn't want more money for weapons
Heading into next week's Budget, Judith Collins says she doesn't want any more money for weaponry even if it was offered to her. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Health Minister warned over plans to outsource surgeries
The Health Minister has been warned of a large number of serious risks to his plans to outsource surgery to private hospitals to cut public waitlists. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Trump cutting generals to make military 'more lethal', should NZDF follow?
The Trump Administration is sacking 10 to 20 percent of its generals and top officers, saying this will make its military more lethal. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Oranga Tamariki to receive $70 million IT upgrade
Oranga Tamariki is pinning its hopes on a $70 million IT upgrade, as alerts about children being abused surge. Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Community discord 'extreme risk' to Dunedin hospital build
Discord in the community and among doctors - this was an 'extreme risk' facing the scaled-back new Dunedin Hospital build, according to health authorities. Phil Pennington spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio
AI use could drive higher power demand
The country's biggest electricity lines company is warning artificial intelligence is becoming a big wildcard in how much demand Auckland faces. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
FENZ working to replace big-ladder fire trucks
FENZ moved to urgently restart a group working on a strategy for big-ladder trucks, just before one broke down in Auckland last week, stranding firefighters above scorching flames. Phil Pennington… Audio
Police warned over shifting info to cloud services
Police have been warned that shifting information to the cloud could have "severe detrimental impacts" on people if they aren't careful. Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities exposed
Two widespread communications failures in the Northland storm and Otago-Southland within two days last week have again exposed the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. Phil Pennington spoke to… Audio
Health NZ fails asset test
A report commisioned by Health New Zealand warns its current management of its hospitals and other facilities is so poor, it cannot effectively plan for upgrades or replacements, among other issues… Audio
NZ helps US Navy in race against China
New Zealand is increasingly enmeshed in Five Eyes spy satellite projects designed to primarily benefit the US Navy in its race against China. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
NZDF working to get up to speed on drone use
A major drone maker is warning that New Zealand's Defence Force should not buy any of the weapons that have not proved themselves in the Ukraine war. Phil Pennington reports. Audio