Life And Society

More people in financial hardship have been declined government food grants this year and foodbanks warn this is putting even more pressure on their struggling services. Data released to RNZ under the… Audio

This year, the allure of alcohol -free drinks is more popular than ever with a growing number of people choosing to steer clear of the booze. Globally, sales of alcohol-free beer are up six percent… Audio

A hard working Hamilton Christmas tree is a little on the tired side and needs a pretty pricey zhoosh up if its going to stay on duty for years to come. The iconic tree, that is the tallest in country… Audio

New research shows retirees are cutting down on shopping, avoiding social events and even skipping doctors' appointments to save money. Felix Walton has more. Audio

A new programme aims to save secondary school students from picking up problem gambling habits from video games. Problem Gambling Foundation director of advocacy and public health Andrée Froude spoke… Audio

Orana Wildlife Park will stop taking in new animals for six months, after two reviews highlighted four key areas that need improving. The investigations were prompted by whistleblowers' animal welfare… Audio

A woman whose holiday home was at the centre of an online scam said it has taken weeks for the host site to take the property offline. Meanwhile she's worried people will have been fleeced for a… Audio

The below-inflation lift of 1.5 percent, which comes into effect in April, brings the minimum wage up to $23.50. But the Employers and Manufacturers Union said the small increase reflects the… Audio

Auckland Zoo's had a pre-Christmas delivery, they've welcomed a bruiser of a baby southern white rhino calf. He arrived on Friday, following a speedy labour; a remarkable three minutes give or take… Audio

In today's episode, Shops on Wairoa's main street are flooding after heavy rain hit the area overnight -- with 80 millimetres estimated to have fallen, the minimum wage will rise by 35 cents next year… Audio

Approximately 140 police officers have been deployed to monitor a tangi for slain gang member in the Lower Hutt suburb of Wainuiomata on Tuesday. Reporter Ashleigh McCaull spoke to Tuwhenuaroa… Audio

On today's episode, Treasury will release its Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update on Tuesday afternoon, Local councils will come under greater scrutiny next year as the Government cracks down on what… Audio

A scientist says Santa Claus may use tricks of quantum physics to help him deliver gifts around the world on Christmas Eve. University of Auckland head of the department of physics Professor Jan… Audio

Thousands of parents around the country are all pondering a similar question right now: How are we going to cope with school holidays? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio

Police are warning there may be some traffic disruption on Tuesday as officers keep a close eye on a gang member's funeral in Hutt Valley and Porirua. Acting Area Commander Inspector Shaun Lingard… Audio

On today's First Up pod: a suspected Chinese spy with links to Prince Andrew has spoken out; we catch up with Youthline who get very busy this time of year helping people through holiday stress… Audio