Timeline
This page contains all audio and news items we publish, in chronological order, with the most recent first.
TORME arr Mowat: The Christmas Song
NZSO Brass Ensemble conducted by Yoram Levy.
Recorded 5 December 2025, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert Audio
LAURIDSEN arr Buerkle: O Magnum Mysterium
NZSO Brass Ensemble conducted by Yoram Levy.
Recorded 5 December 2025, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert Audio
Bomb disposal team called as Hāwera residents evacuated
Cordons were put in place, after "an item" was found on a nearby property.
TRAD arr DiLorenzo: Joy to the World
NZSO Brass Ensemble conducted by Yoram Levy.
Recorded 5 December 2025, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert Audio
TOMASI: Fanfares Liturgiques
NZSO Brass Ensemble conducted by Yoram Levy.
Recorded 5 December 2025, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert Audio
BARBER: Mutations from Bach
NZSO Brass Ensemble conducted by Yoram Levy.
Recorded 5 December 2025, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert Audio
BACH arr Mowat: Brandenburg Concerto No 3 in G BWV1048
NZSO Brass Ensemble conducted by Yoram Levy.
Recorded 5 December 2025, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert Audio
Israel sets NZ$59b defence budget despite Gaza ceasefire
The budget had seen an increase of 47 billion shekels (NZ$25.1b) compared to 2023 on the eve of the war.
Opening of Christchurch multisport aquatic centre 'Parakiore' looms
The long-delayed $500m complex will host Special Olympics events before its official 17 December launch.
The Wayleggo Cup - a Trans-Tasman sheepdog test
How do sheepdogs and handling techniques vary between New Zealand and Australia? The best teams battle it out at a Trans-Tasman dog trial contest. Audio
Low ticket sales sink Wellington's beer festival
The long-postponed Beers at the Basin has been scrapped, with organisers blaming sluggish ticket sales and reduced spending.
The Panel with Ed McKnight and Verity Johnson, Part 2
In part two, a music lecturer says streaming platform Spotify is ghosting local music, as listener stats plummet. Jesse Austin-Stewart joins the panel. Finally, a 92 year-old Te Awamutu local has… Audio
Cash cow: Tangihau Angus' record breaking bulls
Tangihau Angus near Gisborne has a habit of breaking records. Last year it set the top price for New Zealand bulls at $135,000. This year it's done it again setting a new record price of $161,000. Audio
Risqué and Rural
How an unusual business selling adult toys has found opportunity on the main street of Eketahuna Audio
Controversial flag exhibit stolen from Hastings art gallery
A piece of artwork that prompted 101 complaints in a week has now been stolen from a Hastings art gallery.
On the Farm
A wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around the country. Audio
Kim Kardashian’s brain scan shows 'low activity' - a brain expert has questions
On a recent episode of The Kardashians, the reality TV star shared some startling news about her brain.
West Indies make Black Caps sweat for test victory
The tourists still have six wickets in hand with a day left to deny New Zealand at Christchurch.
Financial Markets Authority chair Stobo steps aside during probe
Minister of Business Innovation and Employment will conduct an independent investigation into matters raised.
'Dumbfounded': Cat reunited with owner after 14 years
Paul Myburgh says Mo will be 'spoilt rotten' after their reunion.
The Panel with Ed McKnight and Verity Johnson, Part 1
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ed McKnight and Verity Johnson. First up, a Palmerston North based tenancy advocate was appalled to discover a local property for rent… Audio
Boil water notice for Paihia to continue until at least Monday
Residents there, as well as Waitangi, Ōpua, Haruru and Te Haumi have been told to boil tap water for at least a minute before drinking it or cooking with it.
Cat missing for 14 years reunited with owner
Checkpoint producer Johnny Sutherland spoke to Lisa Owen about Mo, a cat who's been reunited with his owner after going missing 14 years ago. Audio
Countries to boycott Eurovision over Israel's participation
United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about several countries announcing plans to boycott Eurovision 2026 after organisers confirmed Israel will compete, as well as Britain and… Audio
Altercation leads to fatal stabbing in Mt Wellington
A man suffered multiple stab wounds during a confrontation with a group of people in the Auckland suburb.
Black Caps dominate for second day in a row in West Indies test
New Zealand are set to draw first blood in the three match series against the West Indies in Christchurch. The Black Caps have dominated for a second day in a row, leaving a daunting task for the… Audio
Evening business for 5 December 2025
News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio
Dozens of fake stores scamming online shoppers taken down
The Commerce Commission has taken down close to two dozen fake stores scamming online shoppers. The stores advertise online and often carefully cultivate the impression they're real local independent… Audio
Bougainville independence process enters 'final leg' amid lingering uncertainty
Representatives of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville held talks this week in Port Moresby over the future of the autonomous region's political status this week.
High court reinstates Mariameno Kapa-Kingi to Te Pāti Māori
MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has been reinstated as a member of Te Pāti Māori, following an interim ruling by a high court judge, and will now attend the party's Annual General Meeting this weekend… Audio
Kmart walks back on some recalls of potentially asbestos contaminated sand
Kmart is walking back some of its product recalls following an asbestos contamination scare with kids play sand products. The retail giant is cancelling it's voluntary recall notice for three… Audio
Man caught trying to smuggle geckos out of the country jailed
A Korean national who was caught in an undercover sting trying to smuggle multiple New Zealand geckos out of the country has been jailed. Gunak Lee's lawyer argued he was a naive mule when he agreed… Audio
Critical public health roles could go under new restructure
Critical public health roles - including in emergency management, pandemic preparedness and Maori health - are on the chopping block at the Ministry of Health, with yet another restructuring under way… Audio
Biosecurity mulls how to fund hornet hunt
It's estimated the war against the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland is costing about $1 million a month. Audio
Petition urging re-instatement of school Te Tiriti obligations heads to parliament
Almost 24,000 have signed the petition since its launch in early November.
Biggest indoor sport and aquatics centre in the country prepares to open
Finishing touches are getting added to the country's biggest indoor sport and aquatics centre, which opens to the public in central Christchurch in less than a fortnight. The long-delayed $500 million… Audio
Travellers lose $600,000 in airline ticket scam
Authorities in both New Zealand China are investigating claims of a widespread scam.
Minister raises concerns over fish heading south due to warming waters
Shane Jones says there has been a drift into the South Island of fisheries resources that have historically been located in the North Island.
La'auli had achilles surgery during two-month absence - High Commission
Samoa's High Commissioner to New Zealand says speculation that the Samoan leader health "was a very sick" are false.
Sprinter Eddie Osei switches to competing for Australia
The country's fastest man over 100 metres is trading in his black singlet and hopping the ditch. National record holder Eddie Osei-Nketia has officially completed his transfer of allegiance and will… Audio
The highest and lowest priced properties sold this year
From a two bedroom apartment that went for just $15,000 to a $35 million seaside mansion, 2025 has seen some pretty remarkable property sales. Latest data from Cotality shows the national median house… Audio
Rural Communities Minister front up to select committee for scrutiny week
NZ First's Mark Patterson has clashed with opposition and coalition MPs alike over the Waikato Medical School, Jobs for Nature, and school buses.
Oranga Tamaraki looks to new design for second boot camp
Oranga Tamariki aims to run its second boot camp for serious youth offenders in March next year using a new design.
Professor sparks debate after refusing to reply to emails beginning 'hey'
A Victoria University Professor has sparked a debate over what is acceptable language after she posted on social media saying she ignores emails from students if they use the greeting "hey", as she… Audio
A district 'swallowed' by pine trees: Fears over IKEA forests
The Swedish furniture giant is one of the biggest forestry owners in a region, and it's worrying residents.
Children injured after chemical mixup at childcare centre
At least five children have been taken to hospital with chemical burns after an apparent mix up at a Christchurch childcare centre. Emergency services were called to the centre, in the suburb of… Audio
Stoicism wins the day
Australian born, Oamaru-based composer and music teacher Nikolai Valov takes this year's Composer Aotearoa! Open Prize for his setting of the William Henley poem, Invictus. Video, Audio
Air NZ changes power bank rules on flights
It comes after a number of international airlines banned the use of portable power banks during flights due to safety risks.
Killer cat that decimated black-fronted tern colony finally caught
Tarapirohe are endangered, with an estimated declining population of less than 10,000 birds.
The Pre-Panel for 5 December 2025
Wallace Chapman and producer Tessa Guest preview tonight's instalment of The Panel. Audio
Former councillor wins defamation case against Pro-Beijing commentator
Morgan (Zhi Hong) Xiao, also known as 'Demon King' (魔王) online, has been ordered to pay more than $200,000.
Teen arrested after being caught with $20,000 worth of clothing
Police located a stolen vehicle full of stolen merchandise in front of the store in the Auckland suburb of Albany.
Critter of the Week:
Jesse and Forest and Bird's Chief Executive Nicola Toki talk about this large stonefly. It is a beautiful green colour, although they have colour variation as some yellow adults are also found. The… Audio
Red-tipped bananas go viral - so what's the appeal?
Red-tipped bananas are not new to Australian consumers, but have gone viral on social media.
Auditor-General scrutinises Chatham Islands Council spending where Paul Eagle is CEO
Eagle is a former Labour MP and has headed up the council since November 2023.
Police working to resolve breath test data concerns 'as quickly as possible'
On Thursday, an NZTA spokesperson told RNZ it had paused $6m worth of police funding until the matter was resolved.
CMNZ: Piers Lane - Chopin Nocturnes
Acclaimed pianist Piers Lane performs the complete Nocturnes by Frédéric Chopin in this comprehensive recital. Presented by Chamber Music New Zealand as part of Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts… Audio
Food: Caramelised Onion Sausage Roll Wreath
Time to talk food and today we're joined by Alix Mahy, who's behind One Hand Stirring, a one stop shop for family, and budget, friendly recipes. Her recipe is here Audio
Auckland Town Hall Organ Trust & The Graduate Choir NZ
Organ soloist James Flores and the Graduate Choir New Zealand, conducted by Terence Maskell, present a diverse programme from the Auckland Town Hall. Accompanied by organist Soomin Kim, the evening… Audio
30C scorcher as hot weather heads north
The South Island is in for a hot one, before the summer heat starts to move up the country.
Man jailed for death of partner who fell from moving trailer
Andrew Mercer was driving erratically and aggressively when he swung onto a road and his partner jumped off the trailer.
Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix: What you need to know
AFC may be the most vulnerable they have ever been ahead of a New Zealand derby game in the A-League.
NZ Live: Jorydn with a Why is in Studio A
It's time for NZ Live and today we feature an artist who's all set to provide the soundtrack to your summer; it's Jordyn with a Why. Jordyn released her debut album 'Hibiscus Moon, Love & Justice'… Audio
Finance and climate ministers from NZ and Australia meet
The summit comes after Finance Minister Nicola Willis cast doubt on whether New Zealand would pay for the carbon credits it needed to meet its 2030 emissions promise.
US strikes another boat in the Eastern Pacific, killing four
The strike comes as the Pentagon is facing criticism over an earlier attack on an alleged drug vessel in which the military fired follow-up strikes, killing surviving crew members.
Shots fired outside Sydney shopping centre
Images from the scene showed officers setting up an exclusion area, with particular focus on a gym at the centre.
Film Review: Zooptopia 2 and Nuremberg
Film critic Kate Rodger joins Jesse to share her take on Nuremberg and Zootopia 2. Audio
Are pōhutukawa flowering early this year? A botanist explains
Plenty are already in full bloom, but is it unusual? Audio
New Zealand, China authorities investigate airline ticket scam
Nearly 200 victims claim to have lost a total of $600,000 paying for airline tickets that don't exist.
Freaky Friday
Every week before 2pm we delve into your strangest and spookiest experiences. As always if you have one to share, drop us a message on 2101 and our producers will be in touch. Today Jesse is speaking… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 5 December 2025
Between the FIFA World Cup Draw, a spicy A-league derby, and the final battle for the Formula 1 drivers championship - it's a huge weekend of sport; The E tu union has notified Air New Zealand of a… Audio
Why makes a successful company stand out from the rest?
It's fair to say businesses in almost every industry, right across the country, have been doing it tough recently. Which is why it is so good to celebrate excellence and shout out about those doing… Audio
How can we ensure our kids are safe playing sport?
We're all aware of the benefits of children playing sport; learning to work as part of a team, increasing fitness, developing self-confidence, the list goes on. But these benefits can only be realised… Audio
What's going on with property prices in Auckland?
House prices in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland continue to lag behind many other parts of the country Cotality has released its latest data which shows a 0.1 percent lift in values for New Zealand in… Audio
Pro-Beijing activist loses defamation case against former councillor
Morgan (Zhi Hong) Xiao, also known as 'Demon King' online, has been ordered to pay more than $200,000.
Watch: Video offers first glimpse of Wairoa's planned flood spillway
After Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, the Hawke's Bay town was given $70 million of Crown funding to provide the town with protection from future flooding.
Air NZ cabin crews may strike in week before Christmas
Air NZ says its priority is to get a deal across the line to halt a strike before the holidays. Audio
NZ rejecting emission targets risks international law breach
Analysis: The government rejected the Climate Change Commission's emissions target recommendations.
Fiji pushes to grow agricultural exports in NZ
Fiji's agricultural product exports will need to be of the best quality to compete against products from other nations when entering the New Zealand market, the country's agriculture minister says.
Person dies after truck crash north of Dannevirke
Fire and Emergency says its crews helped free the driver who was trapped.
Weekend sports preview with reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe
Between the FIFA World Cup Draw, a spicy A-league derby, and the final battle for the Formula 1 drivers championship - it's a huge weekend of sport. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to… Audio
Midday Rural News for 5 December 2025
An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team. Audio
Women in finance more than twice as likely to be sexually harrassed than men
A new survey found women in the sector are far more likely to experience sexual harrassment than their male colleagues.
Trump renames peace institute 'he destroyed' after himself
The building's owners are currently trying to get the Trump administration evicted, after it took it by force earlier this year.
Midday Sports News for 5 December 2025
An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team. Audio
School launches internal probe over mouldy lunches
The meals have come under scrutiny at a select committee as a dispute simmers over who was responsible.
A district 'swallowed' by pine trees: Fears over IKEA forests
The Swedish furniture giant is one of the biggest forestry owners in a region, and it's worrying residents.
'I'll be better': Liam Lawson reflects on turbulent season
Liam Lawson believes his early-season demotion had a silver lining, although he's adamant he would have made it work at Red Bull's top team.
Kanak pro-independence leader in New Caledonia
Christian Téin arrived back in New Caledonia on Thursday, after spending one and a half year in mainland France, following his arrest in June 2024.
Trump reportedly fires White House ballroom architect
The original architect has clashed with the president over the scope of the project, particularly the ballroom's size, sources say.
WorkSafe rule change introduces 'lethal' risk of electrocution - inspectors
A dispute has escalated over the past month as electrical inspectors repeatedly plead with officials to do a U-turn, RNZ can reveal.
Construction begins on new Waikato medical school
Construction begins on new Waikato medical school Audio
Some Air NZ crew set to strike on December 18th
The E tu union has notified Air New Zealand of a strike on December 18th, off the back of a deal with other cabin crews. Nikki Dines is Air New Zealand's chief people officer and spoke to Charlotte… Audio
Midday Report: Air NZ faces questions ahead of looming pre-Christmas strike
More to come on this breaking story.
The 'groundbreaking' drones delivering medicine
A drone successfully delivered medical supplies to Bay of Plenty's Matakana Island during a simulated emergency as part of a healthcare trial. Audio
The week that was
Comedians Pinky Agnew and Donna Brookbanks bring some of the lighter stories of the past week, including the latest stats on how many butter chickens New Zealanders ordered on Uber Eats in the past… Audio
Passengers on 'world’s longest direct flight’ grateful for Auckland breather
A new China Eastern Airlines route linking Shanghai and Buenos Aires touched down in New Zealand for two hours on Thursday.
Sports commentator Sam Ackerman
Sam discusses a big week for Liam Lawson, the All Blacks World Cup draw, Black Caps, Ashes and the A-League derby. Audio
Tax change could leave family businesses with bigger bills
Inland Revenue is planning to crack down on how owners of small companies can take loans.
Trump can keep National Guard troops in DC, for now
A federal appeals court temporarily froze a judge's ruling that would have soon required the National Guard to leave the streets of Washington DC.
US says Pentagon review sees opportunities to strengthen AUKUS submarine deal
The Pentagon has completed its review of the AUKUS project to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines and has found areas to put the deal on the "strongest possible footing," a US official…
Around the motu: Kereama Wright reports on Whakatane
Kereama discusses a local rahui on collection of seafood and Whakatane's major Nándor Tánczos on government plans to restrict rates increases Audio
Music reviewer Jeremy Taylor
Jeremy Taylor from Slowboat Records plays a brand new track from The Phoenix Foundation, new music from Dijon, who has co-produced Bon Iver and Justin Beiber, and UK born soulful singer-songwriter… Audio
Farage publicly accused of offensive, racist behaviour
A former schoolmate says the politician would make "a public ceremony" of burning the school roll when Indian surnames outnumbered Smiths.
RNZ Pacific news at 11am for 5 December 2025
The latest news and sport from RNZ Pacific. Audio
Book review: Queen Esther by John Irving
Lisa Adler of Unity Books Wellington reviews Queen Esther by John Irving, published by Simon & Schuster. Audio
Medical drone trial a success, what next?
A drone successfully delivered medical supplies to a remote island in the Western Bay of Plenty last week. Audio
Passengers on 'world's longest direct flight' grateful for Auckland breather
A new China Eastern Airlines route linking Shanghai and Buenos Aires touched down in New Zealand for two hours on Thursday.
Monty Knight's alleged killer has name suppression extended
Name suppression for a woman accused of murdering well-known Far North businessman Monty Knight has been extended.
Sprinter Eddie Osei-Nketia switches allegiance to Australia
Osei-Nketia is the New Zealand 100m and 200m record holder.
Debt levels see Fletcher Building move on funding structure
The changes would ensure greater flexibility and lower the ongoing cost of capital, the company says.
Genre-defying, Grammy-winning soprano Julia Bullock
Julia Bullock is a Grammy Award-winning American classical soprano who'll be performing in New Zealand early next year as part of the Auckland Arts Festival. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Friday 5 December 2025
Holidaymakers travelling with Air New Zealand in the lead-up to Christmas could find themselves caught out by cabin-crew strikes, despite Monday's planned industrial action being called off; An… Audio
RNZ Pacific news at 10am for 5 December 2025
The latest news and sport from RNZ Pacific. Audio
Person in hospital as car ploughs into villa
The crash, in the Auckland suburb of Grafton, was reported to police just after 7.30am on Friday.
Pacific correspondent Moera Tuilaepa
RNZ Pacific's Moera Tuilaepa with the latest from the region. Audio
Assessments start of damage from Tongariro National Park fire
The Tongariro fire earlier this month left nearly 3,000 hectares of the national park scorched. Audio
Mountain biker says they're no threat to nesting kārearea after track vandalism
Tracks on Matairangi/Mt Victoria in Wellington have been vandalised this week, with a local rider saying it appeared to be a misguided attempt to protect nesting kārearea. Audio
Record number of new listings hit rental market
The number of rental properties on the market has climbed to an 18-month high, according to the online listings platform realestate.co.nz. Audio
'A gesture of courage': Whanganui hapū celebrate settlement milestone
Lead negotiator Ken Mair said the ceremony marked a major milestone in a "long and tiring" Treaty settlement journey.
FBI makes arrest in US capital pipe bomb investigation
He is suspected of planting pipe bombs in Washington the night before the January 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol by Trump supporters.
Anote Tong: 'Our fate has already been decided'
The former Kiribati president says Australia's failure to secure its bid to host the next United Nations climate conference with Pacific nations is a missed opportunity.
Retirement Village law overhaul : does it go far enough?
The biggest overhaul of retirement village laws in two decades promises clearer rules and stronger protections for residents. Audio
Trump renames peace institute 'he destroyed' after himself
The building's owners are currently trying to get the Trump administration evicted, after it took it by force earlier this year.
GP worries crowded housing will add to measles spread in Auckland
An Auckland doctor says the tight living conditions of some families makes them more vulnerable to the spread of the virus, and at higher risk for children to develop complications. Audio
RNZ Pacific news at 9am for 5 December 2025
The latest news and sport from RNZ Pacific. Audio
Are Pohutukawa trees flowering earlier this year?
Flowering Pohutukawa trees are the sign summer is here - and many we've seen are already in full bloom. But are they flowering earlier this year? Ecologist and botanist Associate Professor Bruce… Audio
Franklin Road lights get the big switch on
For more than three decades, residents have decorated their homes for everyone to enjoy. Audio
New York Times sues the Pentagon over press access restrictions
The Times alleged the policy violated the rights to free speech and due process and will "deprive the public of vital information".
Rare PNG conjoined twins en route to Australia as case reaches 'critical' point
The boys, Tom and Sawong, were born two months ago in remote PNG.
NZ Chamber choir a hit in Europe
A New Zealand chamber choir has left its mark on Europe, with one critic calling them the best choir they've ever heard. Chief Executive of Choirs Aotearoa, Arne Hermann spoke to Corin Dann Audio
The Housing Minister says negotiate with your landlord - but how do you do that?
The Housing Minister might be encouraging tenants to negotiate a cheaper rent deal as prices drop - but how do you do it? Audio
Vandals barricading Mt Victoria mountain bike tracks
A vandal's been at work disrupting the Matairangi/Mt Victoria mountain bike tracks - leaving logs on tracks, digging holes and creating makeshift barricades through the week. Local rider Rod Bardsley… Audio
Market Update for 5 December 2025
Market Update for 5 December 2025 Audio
Cafes struggle as businesses close for holidays
The owner of three Dunedin cafes plans to shut down two over the holiday period, saying it's not financially worth it to stay open. Audio
WorkSafe rule change introduces 'lethal' risk of electrocution - inspectors
A dispute has escalated over the past month as electrical inspectors repeatedly plead with officials to do a U-turn, RNZ can reveal. Audio
How to negotiate rent decreases with landlords
Housing Minister Chris Bishop says tenants should negotiate a rent decrease, as rents fall. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has some tips and spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Weekly Sports Panel: Abby Wilson and Joe Porter
One News Sports Editor Abby Wilson and RNZ sports reporter Joe Porter discuss this weekend's sport action. Audio
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