Timeline
This page contains all audio and news items we publish, in chronological order, with the most recent first.
New flight connecting Asia with South America via NZ
A new plane route connecting Asia with South America via New Zealand, has officially taken flight. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Sports News for 5 December 2025
Rachin Ravindra says he couldn't have imagined a better day after blasting a near run a ball 176 to help the Black Caps take control of the opening test against the West Indies in Christchurch. Audio
RNZ Pacific news at 8am for 5 December 2025
The latest news and sport from RNZ Pacific. Audio
Cafes face struggle as businesses close for holiday period
It's officially the festive season, and businesses are preparing to shut up shop for the holidays. Sarah Hussey owns three cafes throughout Dunedin called The Perc, and will be shutting two as it is… Audio
News in Niuean for 5 December 2025
The latest news in Niuean language (Vagahau Niue) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network. Audio
Vaccination efforts ramp up as measles cases rise
Sausage sizzles and family days are among the many creative ways health providers are spreading awareness of the risk of measles and getting people vaccinated amidst the current outbreak. RNZ's Lucy… Audio
Kiwis putting cost of living ahead of environment, ministry boss says
The Ministry for the Environment boss believes New Zealanders are more concerned about immediate pressures on households, than the environment.
Bachcare cancellation terms ruled unfair by court
The High Court has ruled that holiday rental company Bachcare's cancellation terms were unfair. John Small, Commerce Commission chair, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Countries quit Eurovision in protest as Israel cleared to stay
Ireland says participation would be 'unconscionable', as others join a boycott.
Former Guam delegate urges Micronesian unity to leverage US military expansion
Dr Robert Underwood says Pacific Island nations must move together if they want real benefits from the United States' expanding military footprint across Micronesia.
Concerns over Rotorua Night Market trial as sales plummet
The council began the trial in October to save in costs, enable earlier summer trading and address health and safety concerns.
News in Samoan for 5 December 2025
The latest news in Samoan language (Gagana Samoa). Audio
Market Update for 5 December 2025
Market Update for 5 December 2025 Audio
Sports Chat for 5 December 2025
An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere. Audio
Lack of human rights institutions in some Pacific nations a concern - watchdog
CIVICUS is calling on these countries "to establish national human rights institutions as soon as possible". Audio
How online retail is tracking as Christmas approaches
With the Christmas shopping season well and truly in swing - sometimes it's easier to do the Christmas shopping online instead of battling the crowds. Chris Wilkinson, Managing Director of the First… Audio
Warning over safety following electrical standards rule changes
An electrical inspector is warning lives are being put at risk by recent rule changes to electrical standards. New Zealand Electrical Inspectors Association president Warren Willets spoke to Corin… Audio
What you need to know ahead of the FIFA World Cup draw
The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be made on Saturday, so who could the All Whites be grouped with? Here's everything you need to know.
Springboks lock gets 12-match ban for eye gouge
Etzebeth is ruled out until April despite maintaining his actions were not intentional, and getting a supportive character testimonial from Ardie Savea.
'Transformed my life': Call for specialist courts to break addiction cycles
Melanie Rauth was 13 when drugs and alcohol first entered her life after her parents split. Audio
Rural communities worry about fire rise of pine plantations
The highly anticipated opening of Swedish furniture company IKEA in New Zealand this week comes as a rural community worries about the fire risk from pine planting. RNZ's reporter Alexa Cook reports… Audio
Air NZ cabin crew may strike in week before Christmas
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. E tu… Audio
Ryan Fox battles Melbourne wind to lead Australian Open
The New Zealander powered to the top of the round one leaderboard alongside Australia's Elvis Smylie and Mexican Carlos Ortiz.
Sports News for 5 December 2025
Ryan Fox carded eight birdies to claim a share of the lead after opening round of the Australian Open. Audio
RNZ Pacific news at 7am for 5 December 2025
The latest news and sport from RNZ Pacific. Audio
Living in the Moment - Web
Living in the Moment - is told from the point of view of a teacher at a boys boarding school who employs a male chef for the school canteen. The chef takes the job on condition he can have his grown… Audio
Rue de Paradis - Web
Rosalind is a single woman visiting Paris. While her time there features many disappointing moments the passage of time will allow her to reshape those memories into a more palatable account of her… Audio
Return to Harikoa Bay - Full Version - for web
This story is about an older couple who spend a weekend at a bach where they contemplate a future apart. Audio
Koru Lounge - Web
A chance encounter in a Koru Lounge between Justice Lowry and his colleague's daughter Rebecca reminds the ageing Judge of time spent in Greece long ago and a relationship that has lived on in his… Audio
Business News for 5 December 2025
Business news for 5 December 2025 Audio
Gang patch ban 'likely' behind increase in drug charges
Under questioning, ministry CEO Andrew Kibblewhite said it was a hypothesis.
Inland Revenue error shortchanges thousands of taxpayers
One RNZ reader says he and his wife would have lost about $20,000 if he hadn't noticed the problem.
Changes to rules for retirement villages
The Government's changing the rules for retirement villages including introducing an independent disputes scheme, and ensuring former residents will be repaid within 12 months. Age Concern's Chief… Audio
Surge of traffic around newly opened IKEA
The IKEA stampede and traffic jams failed to eventuate early in the day.
UK police charge man linked to Manchester synagogue attacker
Police said while Mohammad Asim Bashir had not committed an offence in relation to the attack itself, their investigation led to him being charged with other terrorism offences.
Why is the Aratere ferry still in New Zealand waters?
It was retired in August and sold for scrap in October, yet its currently sitting in Nelson Harbour.
Five people killed following strike on shelter camp in Gaza
Gaza's civil defence agency says five people, including two children, have been killed after an Israeli strike near a shelter camp in al-Mawasi. UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram, who is in Gaza spoke… Audio
Is our attitude towards nudity changing?
Kiwis have historically been viewed as more conservative on nudity at the beach compared to Europe and Australia.
Midday Rural News for 5 December 2025
Midday Rural News for 5 December 2025 Audio
Putin vows Russia will seize Donbas region by any means
Putin is digging in on one of his key demands as Ukrainian officials prepare for more peace talks that have yet to yield a deal.
Sky TV customer unhappy with how subscription rollover handled
A customer said he did not receive any notice of the rollover, and the price has risen by 50 percent.
Joe Root lights up Gabba with first Ashes century in Australia
Root marched off unbeaten on 135 off 202 balls, his 40th test ton helping England to 325 for nine at stumps.
First Up - The Podcast, Friday 5 December
On today's First Up pod: all the latest from around the world from our correspondents in Pakistan and the United States; the countdown is on to Fruit of the Year; we hear from two Auckland teachers… Audio
The cheapest and most expensive residential property sales in 2025
It's been a patchy year for the property market.
News in Niuean for 5 December 2025
The latest news in Niuean language (Vagahau Niue) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network. Audio
UK finds Putin 'morally responsible' for woman's nerve agent death
Dawn Sturgess died after spraying herself with what she thought was perfume but it turned out to be a deadly chemical.
Early Sports Chat for 5 December 2025
An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere. Audio
Figures show reoffending rates lower for AODT Court cases
A former addict who spent years going in and out of jail says the only real way out is through specialist courts that treat addiction. Morning Report producer Rayssa Almeida reports. Audio
World News Wrap
Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins. Audio
Putin visits Delhi as Russia and India seek to increase and diversify trade
The Russian president's first visit to India in four years aims to increase sales of Russian oil, and broaden business links.
News in Tongan for 5 December 2025
The latest news in the Tongan language(Lea Faka-Tonga) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network. Audio
Government rejects all climate change recommendations
A Massey University Professor says he's stunned by the Government's decision to not to include international shipping and aviation emissions in New Zealand's targets. College of Sciences Distinguished… Audio
Sports News for 5 December 2025
Rachin Ravindra smashed 176, while skipper Tom Latham ended his three-year wait for a test hundred as the Black Caps duo combined for a 279-run stand to effectively bat West Indies out of the opening… Audio
Pacific Waves for 5 December 2025
Tongan short film under consideration for the Oscars; Lack of human rights groups in the region concerning - report; Rugby World Cup 2027 pool groups released. Audio
Tongan short film under consideration for the Oscars
The award winning Tongan short film 'Lea Tupu'anga/Mother Tongue' could possibly be up for an Oscar nomination. Audio
Lack of human rights groups in the region concerning - report
A global alliance of civil society organizations says there is a lack of national human rights institutions in some Pacific countries. Audio
Rugby World Cup 2027 pool groups released
Pacific Island unions Fiji and Tonga believe their teams have been given good chances to advance past the first stage of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Audio
RNZ Pacific news at 6am for 5 December 2025
The latest news and sport from RNZ Pacific. Audio
Christmas hams up for grabs at Whangarei A&P Show
It's Whangarei's turn to host an A & P show, Nathan Rarere talked with Ellie Ball, project lead for the A&P Society Audio
US: FBI arrest man over 2020 Washington pipe-bomb on 6 Jan
An arrest overnight in the US of a suspect in the January 2020 Washington pipe bomb case - correspondent Zach Montellaro has the details Audio
Testing, testing and more testing for the country's biggest transport job
The opening has been pushed back again, the price is extraordinary, but Auckland's City Rail Link is expected to deliver the region the wow factor.
Fruit and Vege Report with Glenn Forsyth
Only two weeks to go until Fruit of the Year - no one's more excited than the Minister of Fruit and Veggies - today Fruit of the Week: NZ blackberries Audio
Tongan filmmakers make last minute grab for Oscars nomination
A Tongan film, which started as an idea that was "going nowhere" several years ago, is now being considered for an Academy Award.
Auckland teachers retire after almost 50 years at Glenfield College
Glenfield College celebrates the retirement of a number long serving teachers tonight, producer Matthew Hutching talked with two of them, Alistair Tod and David Aston Audio
Russian President begins two day visit to India
Vladimir Putin is in India for talks, Anas Mallick has the details from Islamabad Audio
95 percent of fast-track amendment bill submitters opposed
The government intends to pass the legislation by the end of the year.
Paewhiri - Scams
Kia Tupato, Kia Mataara! In this weeks episode of Paewhiri our hosts talk about how scams have impacted whÄnau. Audio
Formula 1 revs up for a three-way title showdown
Formula 1 will crown its champion in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
News in Cook Islands Maori for 5 December 2025
The latest News in Cook Island Maori ( Te Reo Maori Kiki Airani), brought to you by our partners Pacific Media Network Audio
Finish line in sight for CRL
The opening has been pushed back again, the price is extraordinary, but Auckland's City Rail Link is expected to deliver the region the wow factor. Audio
Councils prepare to tighten belts with rates relief in sight
The government is telling councils to 'live within their means' and is introducing a rates cap. It's popular with ratepayers who have seen their bills skyrocket, but councils are warning it'll come at… Audio
China massing military ships across region in show of maritime force
China is deploying a large number of naval and coast guard vessels across East Asian waters, at one point more than 100.
Kmart cancels recalls for some coloured sand products caught up in scare
Tests confirmed no asbestos in the three items, but recalls remain in place for other Kmart sand products.
Take a walk through the Franklin Road Christmas lights
Join us for a tour of one of the country's most popular neighbourhood light displays.
Sky TV customer unhappy with how subscription rollover handled
A customer said he did not receive any notice of the rollover, and the price has risen by 50 percent.
Snack balls brand recalled after plastic found inside
NZFS said specific batches of Tom & Luke's Low Carb Snacka Balls have been recalled due to the possible presence of hard plastic.
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
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
Bush poet celebrating 125 years of Banjo Paterson with one-man show
Gregory is touring a one-man show to mark 125 years since Paterson's 1901 Boer War lecture series in New Zealand and Australia. Audio
Concern new measles wave spreading undetected
"We should be really worried," the head of the Immunisation Taskforce says.
Suspicious fire engulfs multiple trucks overnight
Police are investigating a suspicious fire which damaged four vehicles at Invercargill's Queens Park in the early hours.
Day three belongs to Black Caps, Ravindra and Latham
Centuries for skipper Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra helped New Zealand set a solid foundation.
Surge of traffic around newly opened IKEA
The IKEA stampede and traffic jams failed to eventuate this morning, but it seems shoppers might have been waiting until later in the day. Audio
Secondary teachers vote to accept govt's latest collective agreement offer
The deal includes a 4.6 percent pay increase over two years.
Health and safety paralysis holding back walkway - volunteers
About 100 people crowded into the Whakatāne District Council chambers on Wednesday in a show of support for the restoration of Ōhope Beach's iconic West End walkway.
Officials and Haeata school remain at odds over mouldy meals
Haeata Community Campus principal Peggy Burrows says the footage shows the school was not at fault but Food Safety officials disagree
Police warn of rising online scams ahead of festive season
The golden rule with Facebook Marketplace is: "if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is."
Laser Kiwi: From flag design to icon
While her design never came close to becoming the official flag, Lucy Gray has certainly left a lasting impact. She chats with Emile about the legacy of Laser Kiwi, 10 years on. Audio
$283k to look into bullying claims at Starship Hospital
RNZ first reported on years-long ructions at the unit that treats abused children, Te Puaruruhau, in October.
Google’s top New Zealand searches of 2025 revealed
From sports stars to viral trends, Google's top searches reveal the year that's nearly over.
Mismanagement and procrastination over deer control
There's a lot of hand-wringing but few answers when it comes to culling the rapidly expanding deer population.
Hong Kong races to remove scaffolding nets blamed for fuelling deadly fire
The government late on Wednesday ordered the immediate removal of scaffolding nets on all public and private residential buildings.
The dos & don'ts of Secret Santa
For all the answers, Chief MyHR Evangelist Sylvie Thrush Marsh joins Emile Donovan. Audio
Italian police seek governance documents from 13 luxury fashion brands in labour abuse probe
Some of the brands include Dolce & Gabbana, Gianni Versace, Prada and Gucci.
'I was doing my laundry': Alibi of armed robber with EM bracelet doesn't wash
A judge, sentencing Hone Daniels after a jury found him guilty of the Hamilton robbery, has even labelled it as "entertaining".
IKEA opens its modular doors to Auckland
The prime minister was there, a giant Swedish meatball mascot was there, and so was Nights' traffic correspondent Hayden Donnell. Audio
Highway closed after two-vehicle crash
Three people suffered serious injuries in the incident.
Recap: Crawley, Root steady England after Starc's double strike
Re-live all cricket action as the five-test series between arch-rivals Australia and England continues.
Regiment tracing back to Korean War marks 75 years
The 16th Field Regiment has since served around the world, and veterans of many conflicts and their families marked its anniversary at Linton on Thursday. Audio
'Deeply disappointing': Former climate commissioner on govt's rejection of emission targets
Critics say the government has placed short-term economic growth ahead of the long-term consequences. Audio
Australian regulator expects the world to follow teen social media ban
After more than a year campaigning against the ban, platforms owned by Meta, TikTok, Snap's Snapchat and Alphabet's YouTube have said they will comply.
The Panel Plus
An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: The story of the rise and fall of the property group Du Val has been hard to look… Audio
First passengers touch down in Auckland on 'world's longest direct flight'
The route from China to Argentina - with a short break in New Zealand - takes more than 25 hours, with the return journey taking even longer.
'Where's the dosh?': Two violent home invasions in one night by group demanding cash
The group went on to target another address just an hour later, where a woman was held for two hours as they demanded money.
'Not going to happen': Paid firefighters reject call to end strikes
The Employment Relations Authority is referring Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Professional Firefighters' Union to facilitation.
Police helicopter deployed to Christchurch amid rise in youth crime
A 14-year-old was arrested after an Opawa dairy owner was stabbed during a robbery on Tuesday.
KiwiRail chair warns director's conflicts of interest are affecting board efficiency
During a scrutiny week hearing, Suzanne Tindal said management of the issues resulted in O'Donnell having to recuse himself from "a number of items on the board agenda".
The Panel with Marian Hobbs and Scott Campbell, Part 2
In part two, in another edition of Soapbox: The Panel edition, Sarah Bradley recounts her horror at being asked about a Super Gold Card, whilst still in her 50s. Then, an historic staircase was the… Audio
Teenager arrested for aggravated robbery as youth crime spikes
The 17-year-old is set to appear before the Youth Court on a number of charges, including burglary, aggravated robbery, and wounding.
Sydney tunnel shut over fears concrete roofing could tumble
Engineers found "a couple of large bulges" in the sprayed concrete lining, called shotcrete, of the M4 tunnel roof.
'Not going to happen': Paid firefighters reject call to end strikes
The Employment Relations Authority is referring Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Professional Firefighters' Union to facilitation.
NZ swimmer says Southern Hemisphere must unite, eyes maiden medal at LA in 2028
Two-time Olympian Lewis Clareburt says the goal is to create a school of medley swimmers in Melbourne able to rival the best in the US. Audio
The Panel with Marian Hobbs and Scott Campbell, Part 1
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Marian Hobbs and Scott Campbell. First up, health insurance premiums rose by a shocking 19.2 percent in the year to September - what's… Audio
Jury rejects sex offender's memory loss claims after new victim comes forward
Gary Claude Wilson, 74, has been on trial in the Whangārei District Court on charges related to sexually abusing a boy over several years.
Meta deleting teens accounts ahead of Aus social media ban
Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about an unofficial roll out of the country's social media ban beginning today with the tech giant Meta starting to delete accounts held on its… Audio
Wairarapa council's green initiatives in full bloom
From no-mow trials in public parks to soft plastic recycling, Carterton council is adopting sustainable practices across its business units.
Evening business for 4 december 2025
News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio
Black Caps well in control of first test against West Indies
The Black Caps are well in control of the first cricket test against the West Indies in Christchurch, as day three belonged to the kiwis who now have a lead of well over 300. Sports reporter Jonty… Audio
Rates cap puts future infrastructure projects at risk ‒ Marlborough mayor
Local government inflation was 3.3 percent this year, meaning almost all of a 4 percent rates cap would have been used to cover inflation, Nadine Taylor said.
Code browns strike again in Invercargill pool
Last week, the learners pool closed for 1 hour 45 minutes due to a faecal contamination incident,
Soliders gather to mark 75 years since military unit formed
A blend of former soldiers posted from a range of conflicts, gathered together today to mark the 75th year since their military unit was formed. The 16th Field Regiment was formed to fight in the… Audio
IKEA opens its doors to excited Auckland shoppers
After all the planning and waiting, the Swedish furniture megastore IKEA has opened in Auckland. While hundreds of customers, including the Prime Minister celebrated the much anticipated store… Audio
Government rejects stronger climate targets
A government decision to reject stronger climate targets is pitiful, and will cost households in the long run, scientists, advocates and opposition politicians say. The coalition today released its… Audio
NZTA pauses millions in funding over false police breath tests
The New Zealand Transport Agency has frozen $6 million dollars of funding to police until it's satisfied they've met their alcohol breath test targets. It comes after RNZ revealed 30,000 breath tests… Audio
Air NZ flight attendants threaten to strike week before Christmas
Air New Zealand says there will no longer be strike action affecting long-haul or regional travellers, but other disruptions remain possible.
Canterbury police arrest 'brazen tagger' for over 500 graffiti tags
The 23-year-old man will be appearing in Court on charges of entering agricultural land with intent and wilful damage for graffiti.
Olympic swimmer Lewis Clareburt to dive into training in Australia
Two time Olympic swimmer Lewis Clareburt will dive into training in Australia in the new year as he chases the dream of a medal at the LA 2028 games. The 26 year old has announced he's moving from… Audio
South African neo-Nazi leaves Australia after visa revoked
Matthew Gruter was among 60 people who stood outside NSW parliament holding a sign that said "abolish the Jewish lobby".
Long awaited changes coming for retirement villages
Long-awaited changes are coming for retirement villages meaning residents will be fully repaid within 12 months of leaving a unit, but some advocates are worried they still don't go far enough. The… Audio
Did the IKEA traffic chaos eventuate?
Auckland commuters spotted digital motorway signs with warnings to beware traffic delays with IKEA opening in Auckland this morning. The Swedish homeware store takes up a whole block in Mount… Audio
Rugby World Cup draw happens two years before tournament
The first of two big World Cup draws happened this week, with the Rugby World Cup version happening last night in Sydney. The timing of the draw has raised a few eyebrows as the tournament is about… Audio
What the World Cup draw means for the All Blacks
Watch: The Wallabies in pool play and the Springboks in a quarter-final, but what else does the draw tell us, asks Jamie Wall.
Schools left to foot the bill for asbestos sand clean-up
The Ministry of Education says childcare centres and schools are legally responsible for funding asbestos-contaminated sand removal. Audio
Photos released from Jeffrey Epstein's private island
United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about a number of new photos from sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's island that has been released to the public, as well as a Pentagon review… Audio
Companies making ultra processed food sued in the US
San Francisco is suing the makers of ultra processed food or UPFs, arguing local government is picking up the bill for the serious health consequences from their products; including conditions like… Audio
The Pre-Panel for 4 December 2025
Wallace Chapman and producer José Barbosa preview tonight's instalment of The Panel. Audio
Boil water notice issued for Paihia, Ōpua and Waitangi
People in three Far North towns have been warned to boil their tap water before drinking or cooking with it.
Bringing Pixie Williams' voice back to vinyl
Blue Smoke was first released in 1949, when it arguably made Pixie Williams New Zealand's first pop star. Now seventy seven years later, Holiday Records is bringing Pixie back to vinyl. Here to tell… Audio
Scrutiny Week: A cascade of diminishing attention
Parliament's biannual Scrutiny Weeks involve a sudden glut of oversight, but what reaches the public is only a glimpse behind the curtain.
Your Money with Mary Holm
It's time to talk money matters with Mary Holm now and she brings us good news on mortgages! This week's topics: 1. Official cash rate dropped again. 2. Fewer people behind on mortgage payments 3… Audio
Police still cannot say if machete linked to killing of Kyle Whorrall
It has been five months since police investigating the American student's death announced they had found a machete close to where he was attacked.
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