Timeline
This page contains all audio and news items we publish, in chronological order, with the most recent first.
No money in Budget for 'key' drone
Last week's Budget had nothing in it for a key type of drone the government says is crucial to transforming the navy. Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Zealandia eco-sanctuary seeks new fence
Wellington's most famous fence is nearing the end of its life, with a design for its replacement underway 25 years after it was first installed around Zealandia. Kate Green paid them a visit. Audio
Chch CBD could be NZ's loudest
Christchurch City Council is looking to raise city noise limits from 60 to 65 decibels, making their CBD the loudest in the country. Central ward councillor Jake McLellan spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Waitangi Tribunal told health system 'failing' Māori
The Waitangi Tribunal has been told the health system is failing Māori with one woman detailing how her son has been let down multiple times. Māori news journalist Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira is covering… Audio
Victims reporting sexual assaults increases
A victims' advocate is crediting the Me Too movement for a big increase in the number of people reporting sexual assaults. Support agency HELP Auckland's Kathryn McPhillips spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Health policy expert questions govt's health spending
The Finance Minister Nicola Willis says one in five taxpayer dollars is now going into the health system, with record investment in frontline services. But a leading health policy expert says based on… Audio
'Chilling effect': Union raises concerns over ministers' interference after leaks
Stronger whistleblowing laws and more emphasis on free and frank advice are needed to balance out a crackdown on leaks, the Public Service Association union says. Audio
Sports News for 8am 29 May 2025
Dame Lydia Ko is pursuing a first ever U-S Open win but says it 'wont define her as a person' should she never achieve the feat. Audio
PM Luxon on public servants who leak to the media
The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, says public servants who leak to the media are undermining the government, and the public's trust in it. Luxon spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Top NZ rower arrested in the US over incident after regatta
Rowing NZ bosses have launched an independent inquiry into the tour to the States after a member of the elite squad missed his flight home because he was in police custody. Audio
CHAII and Stan Walker lead nominations for Aotearoa Music Awards
The breadth and depth of the New Zealand music industry will be on show on Thursday night at the Aotearoa Music Awards. Recorded Music NZ Head of Legal & Business Affairs Christy Whelan spoke to Corin… Audio
Lorde plays pop-up show in Auckland
"Auckland I wanna play you something ... Meet me in the city tonight? Message me if you're keen." That was a message that sent Lorde fans in a WhatsApp group into a frenzy on Wednesday afternoon… Audio
Seymour changes who decides how much ECE teachers are paid
It will be left up to individual centres to determine the starting salary - rather than be set by the government according to the pay parity scheme. Audio
Charlie Woods wins his first American Junior Golf Association title
The 16-year-old son of golfing great Tiger Woods won the title with a three-shot victory.
Health NZ on theatre nurses industrial action
For the next month nurses at Auckland City, Starship and Greenlane hospitals will refuse to take 'on-call' shifts. They say Health New Zealand's latest pay offer doesn't keep pace with inflation or… Audio
Chaos in Gaza on first day of aid after weeks of hunger
Palestinians have been pushed towards famine after an 11-week blockade on aid.
Theatre nurses in Auckland to take industrial action over pay
More than 370 theatre nurses in Auckland are taking industrial action in protest over pay and chronic understaffing. Starship nurse Haim Ainsworth spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Pizza store robber leaves police scanner with his DNA on it at scene
He tried to claim his DNA was found on the scanner because he'd been selling them some months earlier.
Pacific News in French for 29 May 2025
The latest RNZ Pacific news in the French language (La Langue Française). Audio
NZ Rower arrested after incident in USA
Rowing New Zealand has launched an independent review after a top athlete was arrested during a recent tour to the United States. Sports correspondent Dana Johannsen spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Budget abandons young parents and whānau, a youth advocate says
A kaupapa Māori youth service is warning against benefit sanctions, saying they will mean people 'end up on the street'.
PSA criticises members who leak info to media
The Public Service Association has come out criticising members who leak information to the media, while also criticising Ministers who seek cherry picked advice on key policies. PSA national… Audio
Christopher Luxon on his biggest political surprise so far
And Chris Hipkins questions Te Pāti Māori's priorities, as RNZ sits down with Labour and National to reflect on 18 months.
Former Kiwi league player on dangers of Run It Straight
A former Kiwis rugby league player who has had his fair share of head knocks says Run It Straight is dangerously "stupid". Former boxing promoter and league player Dean Lonergan spoke to Ingrid… Audio
Tech entrepreneur Sir Ian Taylor remembers the day electricity came to his home
The small east coast town in where Sir Ian grew up in the 1950s was, late arrival of electricity notwithstanding, a thriving place, he says.
One in six New Zealanders experienced discrimination last year - survey
Seventeen percent of adults reported experiencing discrimination, with racial discrimination the most common.
Science sector faces biggest overhaul in decades, warns cuts will put new research at risk
The sector is facing its biggest overhaul in decades.
Career Grand Slam still on Lydia Ko's mind as US Open looms
Dame Lydia Ko admits the prospect of achieving a career grand slam is providing some motivation as she seeks a landmark fourth golf major.
Sports News for 7am 29 May 2025
Poland's four-time champion Iga Swiatek crushed British star Emma Raducanu to advance to the third round at the French Open, stretching her winning run in Paris to 23 consecutive matches. Audio
Science heats up in the fire lab
From flaming tornadoes to burning couches, scientists are setting stuff on fire to prepare for our changing wildfire risk.
More sexual assault victims making police reports, data reveals
The proportion of adult sexual assault victims making police reports has more than quadrupled since 2018, and a victims' advocate is crediting the Me Too movement.
'Don't go far enough': Industry unimpressed by government targets
The targets come after a review found the approval process wasn't always allowing timely access to the products.
New feature allows faster payments for small businesses
Accounting software firm Xero has joined the ranks of firms enabling contactless payments.
News in Niuean for 29 May 2025
The latest news in Niuean language (Vagahau Niue) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network. Audio
UK Consul-General visits Northern Marianas
Paul Rennie called the trip "overdue" but essential, as the United Kingdom looks to deepen ties with island communities across the Pacific.
Package believed to hold drugs washes up on Norfolk Island beach
A package believed to contain about 40 kilograms of cocaine has turned up on a Norfolk Island beach. A statement from the Australian Federal Police said the package, which is...
Horowhenua Kāpiti rugby union threatens to cancel games if referee abuse continues
A provincial rugby union in the lower North Island is threatening to cancel games if abuse towards their referees continues. Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Football Chief Executive Corey Kennett spoke to… Audio
Defendant recalls discovering dead body in her bed
Rau Tongia was shot in the back at his Karori home in December 2020
Sick landlord fails in bid to move back into his home
The landlord says he's currently living in a garage.
What customers and hairdressers make of a law change
Regulations Minister David Seymour said he was making cuts to 'pointless bureaucracy'.
ECE teachers concerned over changes to pay for new teachers
A union for early childhood educators says changes to pay for new teachers undermines decades of progress towards fair pay. Hamilton based ECE kaiako Zane McCarthy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Early Sports Chat for 29 May 2025
An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere. Audio
Everything's coming up roses as Rural Women marks centenary
A rose created for the occasion is already two thirds sold.
Pedestrian struck by car in Christchurch dies
The man was hit by the car in the suburb of Halswell last Friday.
French surgeon sentenced to 20 years for abusing children
Cries of "shame on the justice system" rang out in a separate room where victims watched the proceedings, according to two sources.
US to ban foreign officials over 'flagrant censorship' on social media
The US will impose visa bans on foreign nationals it deems to be censoring Americans, with suggestions the new policy could target officials regulating US tech companies.
Infratil eyes sale of $1b in assets as it targets stronger growth
Its chief executive says no decisions have been made on what's for sale, through the retirement business was one option considered in the past.
State of Origin: 'Brave' New South Wales too good in game one
New South Wales have opened the three-match series with an 18-6 win over Queensland in Brisbane.
Mainstream health system failing Māori, Waitangi Tribunal told
Maia Honetana says the now scrapped Māori Health Authority would have made all the difference to her family's care.
First Up - The Podcast, Thursday 29 May
On today's First Up pod: Tess Brunton tells us about a new form of farming in Otago; we've got the weekly political catch up with the Opposition, Labour's Priyanca Radhakrishnan wakes up early and… Audio
News in Tongan for 29 May 2025
The latest news in the Tongan language(Lea Faka-Tonga) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network. Audio
Morning Rural News for 29 May 2025
News from the rural farming sector. Audio
Morning Rural News for 29 May 2025
News from the rural farming sector. Audio
Early Business News for 29 May 2025
Latest news from Radio New Zealand's business team. Audio
Germany to help make long-range missiles for Ukraine
Germany has told Volodymyr Zelensky that it will help make long-range missiles to defend Ukraine from Russia. Journalist Shannon Redstall spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
French surgeon sexually abused 299 patients
A former surgeon in France has been given the maximum sentence in one of the largest cases of child sex abuse the country's ever seen. Paris correspondent Ross Cullen spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Sports News for 6am 29 May 2025
Erin Routliffe and Belarusian partner Victoria Azarenka have been beaten in the first round of the doubles at the French Open by Italian Olympic champions Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, the second… Audio
Pacific Waves for 29 May 2025
A gruesome video of violence in Enga provence in Papua New Guinea is circulating on social media causing public outrage in the country; Tonga like many parts of the Pacific has been contending in… Audio
Gruesome viral video sparks calls for justice in PNG
A gruesome video of violence in Enga provence in Papua New Guinea is circulating on social media causing public outrage in the country. Audio
Tonga's ongoing battle against methamphetamine
Tonga like many parts of the Pacific has been contending in recent years with surging drug use problems. Audio
Study to inform longterm plans for Manawanui wreck
Next steps for the wreckage of the Manawanui are to be determined by an independent study combining an assessment of the wreck itself and the environment in which it lies. Audio
Labour's Priyanca Radhakrishnan on govt conservation spending
Labour's Priyanka Radhakrishnan talks conservation, dog parks and immigration emails Audio
UK: London Mayor comes out in support of cannabis law reform
Henry Riley has an update on the Liverpool car attack and charges are revealed in the case against Andrew and Tristan Tate Audio
Shake up of Sport New Zealand in the pipeline
It follows an independent review into the organisation which is responsible for sport and recreation nationally.
Otago escargot? Snail farm launched in Queenstown
RNZ's Otago reporter Tess Brunton reports on the launch of the country's first commercial snail farm Audio
Economist Justin Wolfers breaks down US tariffs
US President Donald Trump says he has agreed to delay a 50 percent tariff on European Union imports until July 9. Professor Justin Wolfers teaches Economics and Public Policy at the University of… Audio
News in Cook Islands Maori for 29 May 2025
The latest news in Cook Islands Maori (Te Reo Maori Kuki Airani) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network. Audio
Our Changing World – Wildfire science heats up
Smoke explosions. Fire tornadoes. Burning couches. It all happens in the fire lab: a purpose-built facility where researchers can set safely stuff on fire and study how it burns, for science. New… Audio
Kelp, Pōhutukawa forests could slow down tsunamis - research
The study also found 'natural bioshields' significantly reduce the amount of sediment moved in some locations.
Regional airlines hanging on in a high-risk business
The small plane routes that keep our country connected are becoming increasingly fragile links.
The headwinds facing regional airlines
The small plane routes that keep our country connected are becoming increasingly fragile links. Audio
State of Origin Game 1: NSW Blues win season opener against QLD Maroons 18-6
State of Origin: Blues seal dominant Game 1 win
RNZ Music Pocket Edition 28 May 2025
This week on Pocket Edition, Maggie Tweedie introduces new music and interviews London-based New Zealander Arjuna Oakes. Voom performs live, debuting their first new record in 19 years. Audio
Defendant recalls discovering dead body in her bed
Rau Tongia was shot in the back at his Karori home in December 2020
New Zealand unlocks commercial catnip market
Muttley's Estate manufactures and sells gourmet pet wine for anxious cats and dogs. There's lighter beverage Champawgne, and deeper blends like Purrno Noir. Audio
Midweek - Herald streaming, RNZ falling, Deputy Dave deepdives
The Herald's new streaming news show, RNZ National listeners tuning out, David Seymour's political past under the spotlight. Audio
Are headlights getting brighter?
It's a combination of headlight bulbs changing, car heights rising, and automation technology taking away driver discretion. AA principal policy advisor Terry Collins joins Emile Donovan to explain. Audio
For the love of leaks
Editor of Politik.co.nz Richard Harman joins Emile Donovan to talk about receiving leaks, how journalists can use them, and what leaks say about the government agencies they originate from. Audio
What did the House get up to during Budget urgency?
MPs were stuck in the House from Thursday afternoon until midnight Saturday, when they debated a long list of legislation under urgency. The House breaks down the bills.
Murder trial told of swapped SIM card, shopping list
As homicide detectives searched Erin Patterson's home following deadly lunch she was switching SIM cards.
The godfather of AI on his biggest fear
It's the question that keeps Geoffrey Hinton up at night: What happens when humans are no longer the most intelligent life on the planet?
Sexual assault survivor says ACC retraumatising victims
The woman says she shouldn't have to recount the details of her assault to strangers after it's already been proven in court.
Samoa parliament to be dissolved in June, election date to come
Samoa's parliament will be dissolved next week and the country will have an early return to the polls.
El Cheapo Cars to pay customers $340k after failing to give key loan information
Borrowers who had a loan that was varied between 2015 and 2021 may be eligible for compensation.
'Don't do it': Former All Black warns against Run It as schools act to ban viral trend
Palmerston North teen Ryan Satterthwaite died after playing a Run It-style game this week. Audio
NZ Rugby condemns 'run it straight' as Warriors distance themselves
Calls are growing louder to ban the game in the wake of a teenager's death in Palmerston North. Audio
Auckland Philharmonia: Mozart's Jupiter
British conductor Leo Hussain leads the Auckland Philharmonia in a richly varied programme, opening with Tchaikovsky’s 'Mozartiana', his tender tribute to the composer he revered. The evening also… Audio
Dengue outbreak: Big clean up campaigns underway in Rarotonga
The Cook Islands declared a dengue fever outbreak on Thursday. Audio
New classrooms, school welcome but mayor says more needed
Selwyn is celebrating the announcement of $108 million for a new school, 52 more classrooms and a future school site.
Hairdressing regulation changes a 'waste of time'
One hairdresser says there are bigger issues facing the industry. Audio
US scolds Russia for stoking WW3 fears after Trump's 'playing with fire' remark
Top Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev has dismissed Trump's criticism of Putin.
Dengue outbreak: Big clean up campaigns underway in Rarotonga
The Cook Islands declared a dengue fever outbreak on Thursday.
Review - Bob Trevino likes it
Bob Trevino likes it, sees Lily Trevino saddled with this year's worst father, Bob. Let down once again, she searches the internet for another, better Bob Trevino - and finds one. Based… Audio
Review - Tarrac
Tarrac is an Irish-language feelgood tale of an amateur team of women rowers who enter the semis in County Kerry. Can they beat the 20 year jinx? And will they pronounce the name of the sport? It's… Audio
At the Movies for 28 May 2025
Simon Morris looks at three different films with one thing in common. They all feature "chosen families" - an Irish rowing team in Tarrac, an extended family of sisters, neighbours and a mischievous… Audio
Review - Lilo and Stitch
Lilo and Stitch - the latest in a string of Disney animated films remade in live action. Lilo is a lonely Hawaiian 6 year old who wishes for a best friend and gets Stitch an anarchic alien who lives… Audio
Education Ministry asks RNZ to help investigation into leaks - we declined
It also invited RNZ to meet with Michael Heron KC for "a brief chat" about what may have been shared or shown.
Childrens' consent for photos should always be considered
New guidance on photography and filming will help empower children, says the privacy commissioner. Audio
'High and ongoing' risk of more OT privacy breaches
The ministry is being compelled to do more to fix its deficient training, data sharing and privacy systems.
Bookings for Milford Track sell out in 40 minutes
23,500 bookings have been made so far across the Great Walks with the Routeburn and Milford in high demand.
Waiuku's $383k safety improvement project paused after criticism
The Auckland Transport proposal has been a source of contention among the local community.
Hospital worker assaulted on way to work in Christchurch
Police say two people on an electric scooter hit the woman in the back.
Person critically injured in crash, SH5 closed in Bay of Plenty
Another person has moderate injuries.
Man arrested after 'violent' assault on woman
The attacker used "extreme force" on his victim after an early morning argument, police say.
'Very good news': PM Luxon says OCR cut will help Kiwis
The benchmark rate drops to its lowest in more than two years
Banks cut home loan rates - but where to from here?
Banks had already started to cut their interest rates, ahead of an expected drop in the official cash rate (OCR) on Wednesday.
The Panel with Anna Dean and Allan Blackman (Part 2)
Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Anna Dean and Allan Blackman. Audio
Moment of Calm: In the late Autumn sun.
Bryan Crump revels in the autumn sun, while recording a few birds in the Wellington hills. Audio
Nelson Tasman residents warned to prepare for more heavy rain
Intense rainfall left parts of Nelson underwater earlier this week.
Nobby Clark delays policy over diversity concern
The Invercargill mayor has drawn the ire of some councillors after stalling the council's new procurement policy over concerns with a diversity question.
SpaceX's Starship megarocket blows up over Indian Ocean
Signs of trouble emerged quickly before the ship began spinning out of control.
The Panel with Anna Dean and Allan Blackman (Part 1)
Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Anna Dean and Allan Blackman. They discuss the latest OCR shift and youth interest in ultra-violent sports, which today's guest says is… Audio
Warriors' Webster, Fisher-Harris push for rep window around Origin
The pair want a return to international fixtures to break up the NRL club schedule.
Lack of neurologist 'endangering patients'
Palmerston North Hospital's two part-time neurologists are on leave, leaving doctors to consult with specialist in Wellington.
Injured fans at Liverpool FC victory parade share stories
United Kingdom correspondent Alice Wilkins spoke to Lisa Owen about how injured football fans who were at the Liverpool FC victory parade when a car drove into the crowd have been sharing their… Audio
'No mates today': Origin snub can't dampen Capewell's Queensland support
The Warriors second-rower has been part of two Maroons series victories, but isn't wanted for the 2025 opener.
Evening business for 28 May 2025
News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio
Govt invests $108 million in education in fastest growing district
Education Minister, Erica Stanford, said the Selwyn district in Canterbury is getting a new 12 classroom primary school, 52 new classrooms at other existing schools as well as the government… Audio
Threats to referees appear to be escalating
Referee abuse is once again rearing its ugly head. However, the threats now appear to be escalating. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen. Audio
The mission to complete Kelly Tarlton's final quest
Hamish Williams' podcast about the astonishing story of Kelly Tarlton, and what he hopes to find at the bottom of Northland's Doubtless Bay.
Hairdressing changes welcomed by customers, raising hairs with some in industry.
Regulations Minister David Seymour said he was making cuts to 'pointless bureaucracy'.
5-year-old shares story of survival after Israeli air strike
A silhouette of Ward Sheikh Khalil quickly spread around the world.
Sport NZ board member and former police office on Run It craze
Ryan Satterthwaite suffered a catastrophic head injury and died on Monday after playing a version of the game where competitors plough into each other at full speed with no protective gear. At an… Audio
High School bans Run It Straight games on grounds
A high school has banned Run It Straight tackle games on its grounds, denouncing them as nothing more than violence. Gisborne Boys' High School told its 820 students about the ban on Monday, just… Audio
Ministry of Education hunting for source of leaks to RNZ
The Education Ministry has appointed a Kings Counsel to hunt the source of a series of leaks to RNZ. The ministry wrote to RNZ to share an internal message announcing the investigation by Michael… Audio
Govt releases findings of Sport NZ independent rapid review
The government has released the findings of independent rapid review of Sport New Zealand. The report, released by the minister for Sport and Recreation Mark Mitchell, has recommended potential… Audio
Fonterra tipped to announce second season of bumper milk prices
Dairy farmers basking in a windfall season are in for more good news.
Sick landlord fails in bid to move back into his home
The landlord says he's currently living in a garage.
Privacy Commssion puts out new advice to protect children
The Privacy Commission has put out new filming and photography advice for organisations in a bid to protect children and young people. Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster spoke to Lisa Owen. Audio
'Vulnerability is the new sexy': Māori men discuss health, well-being at symposium
Around 200 men gathered to listen to several leading figures in Māori health.
Hundreds of Auckland nurses start on-call strike
More than 370 theatre nurses are striking over chronic and ongoing staff shortages.
Palau ready to host Mini Games
Twenty-four countries are going to be represented at the event, where athletes will compete across 12 sports.
North Korea speaks on Trump's plans for missile shield
Asia correspondent Erin Hale spoke to Lisa Owen about how North Korea has had some strong words about Donald Trump's plans for a golden dome missile shield, how the new Pope seems to be turning his… Audio
Former All Black warning people about Run It game
A Former All Black is warning people off the Run It Straight game, where competitors smash into each other at full speed, after a teenager died playing a version of the social media driven trend at… Audio
Super Rugby Pacific: Both Savea brothers to start against old team
There's something riding on every game in the final regular season round, here's the line ups.
Paradise lost and found
Briar Prastiti's new work 'The Garden' gets its New Zealand premiere this weekend. Video, Audio
The Pre-Panel for 28 May 2025
Jesse Mulligan is joined by The Panel host Wallace Chapman to preview this evening's programme. Producer Sam Hollis joins the boys to chat about their shared interest in true-crime stories. Audio
Private company to grant building consents in 10 days or less
Government hopes the authority will speed up construction and increase housing supply.
Our Changing World: Inside a fire lab
New Zealand experiences more than 4,500 wildfires every year – and the risk of big, destructive wildfires is increasing with climate change.
Ellen Rykers visits the fire lab at the University of… Audio
Telehealth just 'hit and run' medicine
A leading GP says the new 24-7 health service due to go live soon is not fixing the problem. Audio
Feature interview - ADHD
There's a global shortage of ADHD medication, making it hard for some Kiwis to access drugs that are commonly used to manage symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD care… Audio
Gold Coast charity offers down on their luck Kiwis a ticket home
New Zealanders in Australia are ineligible for governmental support for general homelessness. Audio
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