World Politics
America's biggest health insurer is imploding
The crisis engulfing UnitedHealth hit a crescendo.
Ukraine peace process going exactly how Moscow wants it
Analysis: In the end, it's the Kremlin's plan playing out, and there appears to be little the White House will do.
Morning Report Essentials for Friday 16 May 2025
In today's episode, the Auditor General has issued a scathing assessment of Oranga Tamariki's procurement and contracting practices last year, after a day of uncertainty, Ukraine's President Volodymyr… Audio
Trump announces billions in deals during UAE visit, AI agreement signed
The deals equate to over NZ$340 billion.
Australia ramps up travel warnings for USA
The Department of Foreign Affairs has toughened its travel advice for the USA three times in just over a month in response to the Trump administration's increasingly harsh border controls.
Trump says Iran has 'sort of' agreed to a nuclear deal
Speaking at a business roundtable in the Qatari capital Doha, the US President reiterated that Iran "can't have a nuclear weapon",
UK PM in talks over third country 'return hubs' for migrants
Keir Starmer is under pressure to reduce immigration and cut the number of irregular migrants arriving on British shores.
In the extreme
Imagine if the SIS declared one of NZ's elected parties an extremist organisation - sparking calls to have it banned. Historian Katja Hoyer explains why this is happening in Germany. Audio
Wealthy Australians with over $3 million in super nervous about new tax
Perceived "wealthy" people with more than $3 million in their superannuation accounts are getting edgy about a proposed new tax that might see them pay more. The new tax managed to avoid scrutiny… Audio
Donald Trump visits Qatar in second stop of Middle East tour
In Qatar's capital, Doha, his limo got a special camel escort - but it was his meeting with Syria's new President that has grabbed a lot of the attention with Trump even describing Ahmed Al Sheraa as… Audio
US-backed aid group to start work in Gaza under heavily criticised plan
No humanitarian assistance has been delivered to Gaza since 2 March, and a global hunger monitor has warned that half a million people face starvation.
One year since New Caledonia riots
A year on from the New Caledonia deadly riots the country faces deep division over the territory's political future - and the prospect of independence from France. Islands Business Correspondent Nic… Audio
Trump not going to Turkey for Russia-Ukraine talks
It comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the Russian delegation for the talks, a list that did not include Putin himself.
'Tough guy', cybertrucks and a snub: Trump's Middle East visit so far
The US President's visit to the Middle East is certainly sending shockwaves across the region.
Converting luxury jet gifted to Trump into Air Force One may cost hundreds of millions
In a process that could take years, US agencies would need to strip the aircraft down to its frame and rebuild it with the necessary communications and security equipment.
Zelensky says he will only join Ukraine-Russia talks if Putin is present
The peace talks are pencilled in for Thursday in Istanbul.
'Cynical sideshow': UN humanitarian chief slams Israel's US-backed Gaza aid plan
Israel proposed last week that private companies would take over handing out aid in Gaza's south.
Kashmiris divided by a border, united by fear
After the latest round of conflict, families pick up the pieces in the disputed region of Kashmir, knowing peace is always temporary.
NZ travellers warned of increased detention risk at US border
Otago and Auckland Universities have alerted academic staff they may face issues travelling to the United States. Audio
US says Cuba 'not fully cooperating' with counter-terrorism efforts
The US State Department has placed Cuba on a list of countries it says did not fully cooperate with US counterterrorism efforts in 2024, reversing a decision by the Biden administration.
