Animals
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 25th September 2025
In today's episode, Auckland Council has voted in favour of a new housing intensification plan that clears the way for high-rise buildings of up to 15 storeys around public transport hubs; a new… Audio
A race to change laws sees a sprint to the courts
A spate of legal cases have put the Government up against industries and unions who say fast-tracked laws have been undemocratic. Audio
Why do pets seem to prefer human food over their own
Do pets tend to prefer human food? Is it naughty to give it to them? Audio
Critter of the Week
This week's critter is the New Zealand Dobsonfly (Archichauliodes diversus). They are the only representing species of this group in New Zealand. These insects are unusual, spending most of their life… Audio
Turtle rescue at capacity amid rising abandonments
There's been an increase in the number of turtles being abandoned in South Island waterways. Samantha Gee reports. Audio
Four horse deaths spur calls to ban racing
Animal welfare groups are calling for Horse Racing to be banned after four racehorses died in just three weeks on New Zealand tracks. Elin Arbez from Animal Save Aotearoa spoke to Corin Dann Audio
Bird of the Year celebrates 20 years
It is 20th year of the annual competition, and voting opens at 9 o'clock Monday morning. Forest and Bird's chief executive Nicola Toki spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Critter of the Week: Debris Cloaking Bark Beetle
The critter for this week is rytinotus squamulosus, the debris cloaking bark beetle! Audio
How do you know if your pet is in pain?
It's not always easy to tell if our pets are experiencing pain and discomfort so it's essential for owners to look for clues that our furry friends might be in pain. While acute pain can be obvious… Audio
Weka sightings spark debate over possible Dunedin return
Weka have been spotted across Dunedin in recent years. The sightings have prompted ornithologist Bruce McKinlay to start a record of the sightings, and so far he has collected 76. He spoke to Ingrid… Audio
Oturehua's looking for main street retailers due to retirement
From the neighbourhoods around Southland and Otago is reporter Tess Brunton Audio
How can we lower the dangers of rock fishing
Waikato District Council is considering blocking a rocky coastal area in an effort to prevent drownings. Audio
Science: Bumblebee puzzle buddies, waterproof spider nests
Science commentator Ximena Nelson joins Kathryn to talk about two studies that give us some insights into bumblebee and spider behaviour. Audio
Deputy PM David Seymour on pet bonds, charter schools
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour talks pet bonds and charter schools. Audio
Messengers: watching animals watching us
A new City Gallery exhibition explores the way humans and animals see each other. Audio
Getting to know our penguins
New Zealand is home to a third of the world's penguin species but unlike penguins elsewhere, ours haven't been studied a lot. Audio
Critter of the Week: Northland Tusked Weta
This week's critter is small but very fierce! The Northland Tusked Weta is around 2 cm in size, they are a beautiful orange-brown colour with bands along the back. These little critters live in small… Audio
What do you do if you come across a roaming dog?
Yesterday we spoke about Auckland's roaming dog problem after new statistics show a worrying trend in dog attacks and call outs. Probably most worrying, 228 children under 15 were attacked last year… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 4 September 2025
In today's episode, former Prime Minister Helen Clark is defending her decision to go to China's largest military parade in Beijing; In the wake of the polarising three waters, councils across the… Audio
Auckland Council impounds over 10,000 dogs in year
Auckland council's animal control staff are busier than ever, impounding more than 10,000 dogs over the past year. Felix Walton reports. Audio
