Timeline
This page contains all audio and news items we publish, in chronological order, with the most recent first.
Rarotonga paddling festival 'for all' wraps up
The Matson Vaka Eiva wrapped up over the weekend with paddlers from around the world celebrating camaraderie amongst competition.
Liam Lawson confirmed in 2026 Racing Bulls lineup
It will be the New Zealander's first full season competing for one team after starting 2025 in Red Bull and being demoted to Racing Bulls after two races.
Solving a murder with no hard evidence, and a dead suspect
No forensic clues meant police relied on a bunch of criminals - many with dishonesty convictions and muzzled by a code of silence.
Attacking waiting lists with a mobile surgery truck
New Zealand's operating theatres are severely under pressure, but a big blue articulated truck has been travelling up and down the country helping out with day surgery for 23 years. Audio
'If you want war, then we can fight': Putin warns Europe
Just before the meeting, Putin warned Europe that it would face swift defeat if it went to war with Russia. Audio
RNZ Pacific News at 10am for 3 December 2025
The latest RNZ Pacific news and sport. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 3 December 2025
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel; The Government says it's working with social media, tech, and telco companies to tackle scams… Audio
Australia: PM's wedding, AI plan lacks 'guardrails', social media ban lawsuit
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton on the PM's wedding, a national plan on artificial intelligence has been released, but it won't include "mandatory guardrails" like risk-management systems. And… Audio
Rugby 7s: Fiji will face NZ in Cape Town pool play
The next stop on the HSBC SVNS Series is South Africa, with the tournament kicking off on Saturday night. Audio
'We just want justice': Anger as inquiry into girl's ice-skating death ruled out
Kymani Hiley-Hetaraka, 13, was not wearing a helmet when she fell at Alpine Ice. She died in hospital two days later.
Lead exposure up in last year: latest stats
A leading world expert in lead poisoning says there's still more work to be done on reducing exposure. The latest New Zealand data shows total lead absorption notification rates increased for both… Audio
Rates cap divide: Ratepayers cheer as mayors urge caution
South Wairarapa Mayor Fran Wilde said more detail was needed from the government to answer important questions on the banded rates cap.
US political analyst says NZ can ride out America first focus
A US political analyst says New Zealand needs to ride out the current America first focus of President Donald Trump's second term, and that opportunities are there to strengthen relations. Audio
Pacific news in brief
A round-up of news from around the region, including an Australian bank pulling out of Nauru.
Only two sectors avoided a pay cut this year
Local government administration roles, and healthcare and social services were up slightly, but everyone else ended the year worse off on average.
'Cheap, tacky and tired looking': Do we need public Christmas tree displays?
Towns and cities across Aotearoa are hoisting their trees into place - symbols that, for many, come with a hefty price-tag.
Westpac launches scheme to help owners protect homes from extreme weather
The interest-free loans can be used on measures such as installing ground moisture barriers under homes and improving drainage.
New ferry details surface in briefings to MPs but final cost remains unknown
The replacement Interislanders will be diesel hybrids, more manoeuvrable, and save on certain operator costs, Ferry Holdings has told select committee.
Prisoner hospitalised after alleged assault by cellmate
It comes amid a Corrections review of a risk assessment tool used in deciding whether prisoners are suitable to share a call, after two suspected murders in nine months.
Census concerns over the 'cost of getting it wrong'
Stats experts warn the cost of getting government data up to scratch could far outweigh the millions saved by scrapping the Census. Audio
Principal, officials clash amid claims CCTV shows mouldy meals weren't leftovers
The authority says it's more than likely that some lunches provided last week remained at the school and were not refrigerated. Audio
'How hard change is': Women's Refuge CEO reflects after three decades
As she passes the mantle, Dr Ang Jury says she had hoped she would have worked herself out of a job by now, but stayed because the need never abated. Audio
Massive traffic queues as crash closes major Auckland motorway during commute
The two-vehicle crash, involving a car and a truck, was reported at 4am on northbound lanes by the Coronation Road off-ramp.
Tonga's parliament to elect new prime minister next Monday
Almost two weeks after Tonga's general election, four MPs - including two former prime ministers and a former speaker - are being floated as potential candidates for the top job. Audio
Race to get aid to Asia flood survivors as toll nears 1300
Torrential monsoon season deluges paired with two separate tropical cyclones last week.
Only two sectors avoided a pay cut this year
Local government administration roles, and healthcare and social services were up slightly, but everyone else ended the year worse off on average.
Women's Refuge leader stepping down after three decades
After three decades working at Women's Refuge, Dr Ang Jury is stepping down and handing over the mantle. She spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
'Gift to the retailer': What to know about gift cards this Christmas
New rules come in next year, but consumers are still being warned to be aware of short expiry dates on gift cards this festive season. Audio
Will they or won't they? Ministers at odds over key policy
Willis says the government won't be sending "cheques for billions of dollars" offshore, but an expert says this could have real-world trade and legal risks. Audio
Sports Chat for 3 December 2025
An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere. Audio
What to watch out for when shopping this Christmas
Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been talking to some people who say there are some things to watch out when shopping this Christmas. Audio
National Guard shooting-accused pleads not guilty from hospital bed
The Afghan man appeared in court virtually to plead not guilty to charges over the shooting of two National Guardsmen.
Dairy prices hit near two-year low after eighth consecutive fall
The average price at the global auction fell 4.3 percent following 3 percent drop two weeks ago.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Moscow
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is in Moscow to meet President Vladimir Putin, and present him with an amended plan to end the war in Ukraine. BBC's Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse spoke to… Audio
Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel. Audio
'Grinch' mayor may save Winter Festival
Max Brough who campaigned on a rates cap dressed as the Grinch in New Plymouth's Christmas Parade last weekend.
Sports News for 3 December 2025
Liam Lawson has retained his seat in Formula One and will remain with Racing Bulls. Audio
Critics launch campaign against second Mt Victoria tunnel
Green MPs and former and current councillors spoke out against the project, saying it's too expensive, too disruptive and too focused on cars. Audio
What makes a perfect Christmas tree?
With only 22 sleeps until Christmas, people throughout the country are hunting for the perfect tree. But that doesn't always mean a fir, spruce, pine or plastic. Pretoria Gordon reports. Audio
News in Niuean for 3 December 2025
The latest news in Niuean language (Vagahau Niue) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network. Audio
UK MPs launch inquiry into Crown Estate after Andrew revelations
It comes after it was revealed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had not paid rent on the 30-room mansion he lived in, in more than two decades.
Some authors to get payments from AI start-up
A number of New Zealand authors whose books were used to train AI have found out they're getting a payout. One of the authors in line to get a US$3000 is Rose Carlyle, who spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Are Kiwi attitudes to drinking changing?
Are our attitudes to drinking changing faster than we think? A new milestone for Kiwi brand AF drinks suggests they are. Its founder, Lisa King spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
One dead, another seriously injured after crash near Whakatāne
It's believed the car crashed into a river off State Highway 2.
Increasing number of charities de-registered
New figures from the Department of Internal Affairs show 815 charities have de-registered this year, that's up from 640 last year. Despite a slight increase in voluntary deregistration, the Department… Audio
News in Samoan for 3 December 2025
The latest news in Samoan language (Gagana Samoa). Audio
Market Update for 3 December 2025
Market Update for [Date Month Year] Audio
The most popular books at the library this year
So many books have hit the shelves this year, but what caught readers' and listeners' attention in New Zealand?
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter tells White House to stop using her music
One of her songs was used in a video, showed federal immigration enforcement officers chasing people and detaining them.
Sports Chat for 3 December 2025
An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere. Audio
The dos and don'ts of workplace Christmas parties
It's that time of the year when workplaces are winding down, the Christmas parties are gearing up, and the line between "festive" and "HR headache" can get pretty thin. Employment and Manufactures… Audio
School principal responds to claims over mouldy lunches
Food safety officers say the mouldy lunches given to some students at a Christchurch school were likely old ones the school gave out accidentally. The school's principal, Peggy Burrows spoke to Ingrid… Audio
Person seriously injured in assault on central Wellington street
Police said the person was seriously hurt early on Wednesday morning.
Public meeting held over Wellington tunnel plans
Too expensive, too disruptive and too focused on cars. Those are some of the criticisms leveled against plans to build second Mt Victoria and Terrace tunnels in Wellington, which were heard at a… Audio
Sports News for 3 December 2025
Football Ferns failed to send retiring captain Annalie Longo off as a winner after falling to a 2-nil defeat in the second and final match against Australia in Adelaide Audio
Concern over government commitment to Paris Agreement
There's concern about the government's commitment to meet its Paris Agreement targets. Lawyers for Climate Action's director Jessica Palairet spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
'I just wanted to be a good policeman': Inside Police Commissioner's fraught first year
And the c-word that defined the start of Richard Chambers's tenure.
Changes to England and Australia for second Ashes Test
Spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks will replace paceman Mark Wood in an otherwise unchanged England side for the second Ashes test in Brisbane later this week.
Why flying is still the safest way to travel
Aviation under pressure: Airbus A320 glitch adds to a year of crashes, questions, and shaken confidence
News in Tongan for 3 December 2025
The latest news in the Tongan language(Lea Faka-Tonga) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network. Audio
Insolvency data reveals an economic 'game of two halves' - expert
The latest report from BWA Insolvency for the September quarter showed a rise in the number of companies folding, but fewer than this time last year.
New weapon in war against invasive yellow-legged hornet
Tracking technology will allow hornet hunters to follow them back to the nest.
Government aims to tackle scams hitting Kiwis
The Government says it's working with social media, tech, and telco companies to tackle scams targeting New Zealanders, after criticism the companies weren't doing enough. Minister of Commerce and… Audio
Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Taranaki
MetService says storms have been forecast for the Stratford and New Plymouth areas today.
NZ Rugby boss calls on government to use sport for international investment
The NZ Rugby CEO is exiting the building - what legacy does he leave and is the game in a better place than where he found it?
Casper Ruud returns to ASB Classic
World No 12 Ruud is the second highest ranked player behind No 9 American Ben Shelton to confirm their entry for the tournament in January.
Morning Rural News for 3 December 2025
News from the rural farming sector. Audio
Molloy censured, fined by Vet Council for Grace Millane suppression breach
The prominent restaurateur deliberately flouted a High Court suppression order while the jury was still deliberating.
First Up - The Podcast, Wednesday 3 December
On today's First Up pod: Nabil Ahmed Rufai in Africa tells us about a radio DJ's been recruiting fighters for Russia's war in Ukraine; after smashing it in Dubai, the Black Ferns Sevens are now in… Audio
'The whole world stops': Delegation heads to FIFA World Cup draw
New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell and All Whites coach Darren Bazeley are on an important mission in North America this week.
Former England batter Robin Smith dies at 62
Smith established himself as a belligerent middle-order batter known for his ability against fast bowlers.
Early Sports Chat for 3 December 2025
An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere. Audio
Liam Lawson confirmed in 2026 Racing Bulls lineup
It will be the New Zealander's first full season competing for one team after starting 2025 in Red Bull and being demoted to Racing Bulls after two races.
Man convicted of fraud wanted to serve community as priest
A man who fraudulently obtained $1.8 million in Government Covid-response funding wants to serve his community as a priest. Jimmy Ellingham reports. Audio
Air NZ announces additional capacity on domestic routes
Destination Queenstown says a 9% boost in flights to the region is good news for the whole country. Destination Queenstown and Lake Wanaka Tourism CEO, Mat Woods spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
World News Wrap for 3 December 2025
Let's catch up with what's been going on around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins. Audio
Sports News for 3 December 2025
Liam Lawson will be on the Formula One grid next season. Audio
Pacific Waves 3 December 2025
Tonga's caretaker PM leadership 'weak' - journalist; PACER Plus agreement marks five years; Prevalence of burnout among NZ Pacific people 'alarming' - study. Audio
Tonga's caretaker PM leadership 'weak' - journalist
It's been almost two weeks since Tonga held it's national general election and the country is yet to find out who their prime minister will be. Audio
PACER Plus agreement marks five years
Members of the PACER Plus trade and development agreement have concluded an annual meeting in the Solomon Islands. Audio
Prevalence of burnout of NZ Pacific people 'alarming' - study
A new study reveals an alarming prevalence of burnout among New Zealand-born Pacific peoples, highlighting urgent cultural and structural challenges impacting well-being. Audio
Black Ferns Sevens Jorja Miller on Dubai win, Cape Town prep
Rugby star Jorja Miller joined the programme fresh off a world series win in Dubai Audio
Get your Christmas cards posted soon but who sends letters?
Reporter Ke-xin Li meets some young Kiwis who are connecting by writing letters Audio
News in Cook Islands Maori for 3 December 2025
The latest News in Cook Island Maori ( Te Reo Maori Kiki Airani), brought to you by our partners Pacific Media Network Audio
Wonderful World of TradeMe with Emma Bacon
A round of golf with Richie McCaw, a Mt Maunganui apartment and a 1920s Rolls Royce - they're all on TradeMe this week. Audio
Nigerian defence minister resigns
Nigeria grants asylum to a presidential candidate from Guinea-Bissau - Nabil Ahmed Rufai reports from Ghana Audio
How NZ can combat the rise of kleptocracy
Today's dictators aren't just seizing power, they're stealing unimaginable wealth and hiding it in Western banks, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anne Applebaum tells Guyon Espiner.
NZX seen as forward-thinking
ASX-listed Locate Technologies says it is moving to New Zealand's Exchange in pursuit of a faster pathway to growth.
Anne Applebaum
"Ruled by thieves." From Putin to Trump, the global web of dictators stealing vast wealth and laundering it through the West is on the march. Video, Audio
Stan Walker - "I Am"
To close the season on the campus of Waikato University's Tauranga campus, the team translate Stan Walker's "I Am," a powerful waiata about identity, pride, and knowing your worth. Video, Audio
A year of aviation turbulence
Aviation under pressure: Airbus A320 glitch adds to a year of crashes, questions, and shaken confidence Audio
Principal at centre of mouldy lunch fiasco says she's hurt by Seymour's comments
The School Lunch Collective is investigating after mouldy mince was served up to students at Haeata Community Campus yesterday.
Inside the White House's Christmas decor
Decorations include a 6000-piece Lego portrait of President Donald Trump and a 54kg gingerbread version of the White House.
Police arrest man in Invercargill after he fled when spoken to
Police spiked the man's car on State Highway 6, south of Winton, causing him to crash into a water table.
'Absolutely untrue': Principal disputes Food Safety report on rotten lunches
"We rely completely on the Compass Group to deliver and then take the food that isn't eaten," says the principal at the centre of the saga. Audio
Veterans ruling: Govt plans 'could include a legislative response'
The government is facing an extra $1.4 billion liability, but has not ruled out further legal action.
Thrift shop gets over 520kg in donations this year alone
And staff say they love working at Te Oraka so much, they'd do it for free.
News in Samoan for 2 December 2025
The latest news in Samoan language (Gagana Samoa). Audio
Rhian Sheehan: Putting sound to space
Wellington-based composer Rhian Sheehan has featured everywhere from BBC documentaries to National Geographic and Netflix, as well as across our screens here in Aotearoa. Audio
Shower Thoughts: Why does frozen ice cream get harder?
To help answer this we're joined again by friend of the show, Professor Richard Easther, from the University of Auckland. Audio
Top cop doesn't believe police have a culture problem
Building trust and confidence in police is an "absolute priority", the police commissioner has told a Select Committee as part of Parliament's Scrutiny Week.
'Gun fanatic' ex-police officer to stand trial in Victoria over weapons cache
A a nine-day search found 91 firearms, 111 firearm parts, 36 alleged explosives ordinances and 72 chemicals containers.
The man who came close to designing New Zealand's official flag
Ten years ago, New Zealand started the process of picking - and ultimately not picking - a new flag. Designer Kyle Lockwood was at the centre of it all. Audio
Public Service Commission 'likely' to run social media ads again
Social media is a "critical channel" for people to get information, and it is "entirely appropriate" to participate, says the Public Service Commissioner.
Frustrations boil over in Taurua territory - but will other zones follow?
A special general meeting has been called within the Waikato Bay of Plenty zone over frustrations with Netball New Zealand and its leadership.
Molloy censured, fined by Vet Council for Grace Millane suppression breach
The prominent restaurateur deliberately flouted a High Court suppression order while the jury was still deliberating.
New RBNZ governor repeats laser focus on low and stable inflation
Anna Breman started her five-year term on Monday.
'Wicked' problems need a new approach
Former chief science advisor and now Director of the Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures, Sir Peter Gluckman, says we can't begin to solve New Zealand's problems without what he calls consensual… Audio
Pacific pushes Tuna Commission on high seas fishing
"Our priorities are albacore and high seas transshipment," Marshall Islands official says, as Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission members meet.
Black Caps crumble in Christchurch
The home team have just one wicket in hand after the first day's play.
Dairy owner stabbed in early morning robbery
A teenager has been arrested after the incident. Audio
American Samoa reach second round of football world cup qualifier
American Samoa has reached the second round of the FIFA women's world cup qualifier, for the first time, beating the Cook Islands 4-0 in Rarotonga.
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, fashion critic Emma Gleason is back, this time for a walk in the shoes of retro… Audio
'Forgive and forget': Historic candlestick returned to Northland church
One of three artefacts stolen from St Paul's altar in Paihia in 2022 has been handed in under mysterious circumstances.
The Panel with Steve McCabe and Holly Bennett, Part 2
In part two, a group of Hawkes Bay parents are outraged their school bus route has been cancelled with next-to-no notice. Then, an unsuspecting style of dance is enjoying a global resurgence - and… Audio
RSA boss 'gutted' after thieves rip plaques from soldiers' graves
Awarua RSA president Ian Becker said the theft showed a complete lack of respect. Audio
The Panel with Steve McCabe and Holly Bennett, Part 1
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Steve McCabe and Holly Bennett. First up, a new report looking at sexual violence in New Zealand recommends a complete rethink of… Audio
Australia rolls out National Artificial Intelligence Plan
Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about the Albanese Government rolling out its new "National Artificial Intelligence Plan" in a bid to encourage innovation and investment in the… Audio
Evening business for 2 December 2025
News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio
Tall Blacks begin world cup qualification campaign
The Tall Blacks have started their world cup qualification campaign with back-to-back losses to the Australian Boomers. Both games were decided within the last minute of play, but fans missed the… Audio
Hong Kong leader vows 'justice' as inferno investigation focuses on netting
More than 150 people were killed.
First ex-Te Pūkenga polytechs' governance councils revealed
Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says course cuts will not reduce the training opportunities available in regional centres.
Police Commissioner faces questions during Scrutiny Week
A suite of decision-makers have been put through their paces at Parliament today - facing questions as part of a jam-packed Scrutiny Week. In the last half hour, a hearing with the Police… Audio
Tom Phillips High Court hearing over injunction ends
Lawyer Linda Clark filed an urgent injunction, preventing media from publishing certain details related to the case, hours after Tom Phillips was shot.
'Fall from grace' for former Covid-19 response lead who stole $1.8m
Alister Thorby spent the fraudulently obtained DHB funds on buying a house, vehicles, and overseas travel.
Thunderstorm warning issued as torrential rain, hail and possible tornadoes forecast
The hot start to summer is expected to take a turn.
Food safety officers at Christchurch school after rancid meals served
Food safety officers have today been at the Christchurch school which yesterday was delivered rotten and stinky meals as part of the Government's school lunch programme. Haeata Community Campus, which… Audio
Mum worried about making house safe after play sand tests positive for asbestos
A Lower Hutt mum whose kids' Kmart play sand tested positive for asbestos says she's stressed out and worried about whether she's done enough to make sure her kids and house are safe. Several coloured… Audio
Crate Day revellers warned to watch for nesting birds
Environment Canterbury rangers, other agencies and volunteers will be out in force on Saturday to protect nesting birds on Crate Day.
New weapon aiming to destroy hornets to be introduced
A new weapon that aims to destroy invasive yellow hornets and their nests is about to be introduced in Auckland. Advanced tracking technology from the Netherlands has arrived to help Biosecurity New… Audio
Renewed call for argiculture minister to be removed
There is a renewed call for the Minister responsible for animal welfare to be stripped of his portfolio over allegations of an "egregious conflict of interest". Animal rights organisation SAFE… Audio
'Please walk on me': NZ flag exhibition shocks councillor
The controversial installation includes a New Zealand flag laid on the floor, inviting people to "please walk on me".
Murder accused 'lied to police', Crown says
The man known only as Rajinder in on trial for murdering Gurjit Singh, who was found dead on the lawn of his home after being stabbed more than 40 times.
Black Caps' Test Championship campaign kicks off
The Black Caps' Test Championship campiagn has kicked off in Christchurch, with the first of three test matches against the West Indies getting underway this morning. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke… Audio
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