Timeline
This page contains all audio and news items we publish, in chronological order, with the most recent first.
At least 36 dead as fire engulfs high-rise buildings in Hong Kong
Another 279 people are unaccounted for, city leader John Lee says.
Calls for better safeguards after children found murdered
A child protection advocate says education officials should have done more about the disappearance of two children, who were later found murdered, hidden inside two suitcases at a storage facility… Audio
Is it cheaper to pay a mortgage or rent right now?
In both markets, people looking for a home have the power.
Mysterious disappearance of 65 bus stop seats in Auckland
Auckland commuters have been left standing after 65 bus stop benches vanished around Auckland. Local community board member Jon Turner spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Wellington super city more likely after government reforms, mayor says
Andrew Little says it's more likely the region's councils will become a super-city following reforms announced this week. Audio
Pacific News in French for 27 November 2025
The latest RNZ Pacific news in the French language (La Langue Française). Audio
News in Tongan for 27 November 2025
The latest news in the Tongan language(Lea Faka-Tonga) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network. Audio
First banks move after OCR cut
The Co-Operative Bank made the first move, dropping its floating home loan rate by 31 basis points
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers budget
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her Budget - but before she even stood to speak in the House of Commons, much of the detail was already public. Financial Times political correspondent Anna… Audio
Property managers fined for relying on QR code
Property Brokers was fined for not advertising a rent price on signs, its general manager said.
First Up - The Podcast, Thursday 27 November
On today's First Up pod: our Waikato reporter tells us the new mayor in Cambridge has a special reward for the answer to what's going bang in the night there; in Australia our correspondent thas the… Audio
Georgia prosecutor kills the historic election interference case against Trump
Trump's lead Georgia defence counsel said in a statement the "political persecution" of Trump was "finally over."
Early Sports Chat for 27 November 2025
An early morning sports news update with Nathan Rarere. Audio
Wellington mayor says council merges likely following changes
Wellington's mayor says it's more likely the region's councils will merge following reforms announced by the government this week. Ellen O'Dwyer reports. Audio
World News Wrap for 27 November 2025
Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins. Audio
British driver sobs as he admits ploughing car into Liverpool football parade
Paul Doyle has for months denied 31 criminal charges but on the second day of his trial, the 54-year-old sensationally changed his plea.
Home loan rates begin to drop following OCR decision
Major banks have already dropped their advertised home loan rates after the cut to the official cash rate. ANZ's chief economist Sharon Zollner spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Pacific Waves for 27 November 2025
Papuan activists sentenced to seven months imprisonment; PNG government tables national budget; Solomon Islands student showcases cultural heritage. Audio
Papuan activists sentenced to seven months imprisonment
Four Papuan political prisoners have been sentenced to seven months' imprisonment on treason charges for allegedly taking part in a plan to "separate a part of the territory of the Republic of… Audio
PNG government tables national budget
The Papua New Guinea government has tabled its 2026 National Budget - a money plan that reinforces the country's medium-term repair path and sets another record in scale. Audio
Marshall Islands citizens to recieve free money from government
The Marshall Islands is giving free money to more than 33 thousand of their citizens. Audio
Solomon Islands student showcases cultural heritage
A student from St Pauls primary school in Auckland says his Solomon Islands heritage is his identity. Audio
RNZ Pacific News at 6am for 27 November 2025
The latest RNZ Pacific news and sport. Audio
Cricket: Harmer routs India, South Africa complete 2-0 series sweep
South Africa completed a 2-0 series sweep against India after off-spinner Simon Harmer claimed 6-37 to bowl the Proteas to a comprehensive 408-run victory in the second test.
Godzone Adventure race begins in Marlborough: 615km in 8 days
The Godzone race kicks off today somewhere in Marlborough, Molly Spark is one of the competitors, and she's fizzing. Audio
UK: Budget Day delivered after accidental early reveal
It's budget day in the UK - Henry Riley has all the big announcements from London Audio
Founder of CCTV register in Australia urges NZ police to look into scheme
The founder of the register claims it could help police find missing people faster.
Te Aroha piggery hit with large fine over effluent discharge
A huge fine for a Waikato pig farm - RNZ's Libby Kirkby-McLeod has all the news out of Waikato Audio
Australian copper thieves cause outage in Optus services
Emma Cropper talks copper. Also weather and all the other news out of Australia. Audio
Yes, shouting at seagulls actually works
Seagulls who hear a raised voice are more likely to flinch, stop pecking at food and leave the area, a new study has found.
The fierce battle over mining on Denniston Plateau
It's long been mining country, but a proposed expansion of coal mining operations - and the backlash - leaves the region's economy and ecology uncertain.
Hamilton company to supply virtual reality training to UK defence contractor
The deal is in line with the government's push to develop a local defence export industry.
New Zealanders arrested after 36kg of meth found at Melbourne Airport
Australian Border Force officers seized the drugs after selecting two women, both aged 22, for a bag examination.
Drug smuggling former kickboxer's latest bid against deportation fails
But Karel Sroubek could still bring a judicial review of a humanitarian appeal.
Government officially misses target of 500 new police
But the associate police minister is defending the goal, saying it led to improvements across the recruitment process.
News in Cook Islands Maori for 27 November 2025
The latest News in Cook Island Maori ( Te Reo Maori Kiki Airani), brought to you by our partners Pacific Media Network Audio
The fierce battle over mining on Denniston Plateau
The West Coast has long been mining country, but a proposed expansion of coal mining operations - and the backlash - leaves the region's economy and ecology uncertain Audio
Three arrested for alleged illegal selling of cannabis
Police believed the three were part of an organised crime group in Christchurch.
Law, violence and revolution: New book examines what happens after war
Marika Sosnowski joins Emile Donovan to discuss her new book, 'Fifty-eight Facets'. Audio
Midweek - Field family funeral, highway chickens
The Field family's funeral livestreamed, newspaper readership rebound, Press shines a light on who owns Christchurch, but Stuff slips up on the story of a jobless man. Also: why did the chickens cross… Audio
UK correspondent Christian Smith
Christian Smith joins Emile Donovan to discuss news making headlines in the UK. Audio
Man charged over death of popular postie in Leeston
David Bullock was killed after being hit by a car during his last day of work before retirement.
NZ's track record of racial equality under review at the UN
Māori leaders have told a UN committee that racism against Māori has escalated under the current government.
Man dies at Mount Maunganui beach
Emergency services were called to the beach at 6.10pm.
Global demand for rare earths wreaks havoc on important river
Rare earths are at the centre of furious geopolitical competition, especially between the United States and China.
US peace plan for Ukraine drew from Russian document, sources say
The Russians shared the paper, which outlined Moscow's conditions for ending the war, with senior US officials in mid-October, sources say.
The history of the iconic chocolate fish
Senior writer at The Spinoff, Alex Casey has been taking a deep dive into the history of the chocolate fish and why they are our preferred reward for a job well done. Audio
Should tenants be able to ask for a rent decrease in the current rental climate?
Sarina Gibbon is the founder of Tenancy Advisory, and she joins Emile Donovan. Audio
Wilding pines threaten Kaikōura ranges in 'looming catastrophe'
A patch of wilding trees have been found about 3km from the as-yet uninfected Inland Kaikōura Range.
Review - Jay Kelly
Jay Kelly is a made-to-measure comedy-drama for George Clooney, about a top star wondering what he sacrificed for his career. Written and directed by Noah Baumbach (Barbie), it features Adam Sandler… Audio
Review - After the hunt
After the Hunt has ended up on Prime Video, after a promising start at the Venice Film Festival. Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich) plays a Yale professor caught in a MeToo situation, when her student… Audio
At the Movies for 26 November 2025 WEB
Simon Morris notes that A List stars are no longer enough to command big cinema audiences. Is it the end of the line for movies like Jay Kelly, starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler, Dead of… Audio
Review - Dead of winter
Dead of Winter sees Dame Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility) shunning the English costume dramas for a gritty thriller set in the frozen North. Can she rescue a kidnapped teenager, with only her… Audio
The Whip 26 November 2025
It's time for the country's most explosive 230 minutes of politics. This week Wallace is joined by Andrea Vance, Jonathan Milne and former labour MP Chris Carter. Tonight, the team discuss: is 2026… Audio
Trump administration moves to reinterview refugees admitted to US under Biden
The effort marks an unprecedented step in President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
The Panel Plus for 26 November 2025
An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Emile Donovan. Then: Rory O'Sullivan our in-house linguist is back. This week he is discussing a NZ… Audio
Mental health data won't be misused by AI navigation tool - minister
A new AI tool will be a "real game changer in providing faster and real time access to support", says the mental health minister. Audio
Drone development faces less red tape
The new rules will "provide clearer pathways for the sector to test, trial, and grow", says Space Minister Judith Collins.
'Traumatic event': Son jailed for trying to decapitate father with an axe
Frank Harris' father suffered multiple injuries - including a fractured skull, broken bones and deep cuts - in the attack.
The Panel with Verity Johnson and Nick Leggett, Part 2
In part two, Paul Glass is a blind man who was out for a walk with his guide dog Clayton last week, when he was attacked out of nowhere by another person's dog. Clayton has been left badly injured… Audio
The Panel with Verity Johnson and Nick Leggett, Part 1
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Verity Johnson and Nick Leggett First up, the reverberations are still being felt from yesterday's announcement about the government's… Audio
Thousands raised for family of guide who 'touched the lives' of many
Wānaka-based Thomas Vialletet and a US client fell from Aoraki Mt Cook's west ridge.
'We're now on the up': Willis responds to OCR cut
With interest rates coming down again, questions now turn to how many cuts might still be to come. Audio
First banks move after OCR cut
The Co-Operative Bank made the first move, dropping its floating home loan rate by 31 basis points
What Budget Day brought for the UK
United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about the country's budget day, which was preceded by a pre-budget announcement that a tourist tax could be introduced across England. Audio
Man suffers serious injuries after incident with someone he knew
The man was found seriously injured in the main town centre of West Auckland's Henderson.
Scientists discover four major turning points for the human brain
The first ever study of its kind found the brain doesn't shift into 'adult mode' until a person is in their early 30s.
Taiwan president says he will propose extra $70 billion in defence spending
The move comes as China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military and political pressure.
Evening business for 26 November 2025
News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio
How much do people fear crime in New Zealand?
New data sheds light on the public's perceptions of crime and the justice system.
Grace Wisnewski returns to Football Ferns
After taking time out of the game to deal with a serious injury and to focus on her mental health, Grace Wisnewski has fallen back in love with football. The Kiwi has been recalled to the Football… Audio
Vehicle tyres biggest source of microplastics in the ocean
Tiny parts of vehicle tyres are making up the biggest source of microplastics in our ocean, according to marine scientists. They have been looking at tyre particles on roadsides and in storm water in… Audio
Mum gets life sentence for murdering children, hiding bodies in suitcase
A mother convicted of murdering her two young children will remain behind bars for at least 17 years, after her sentencing in Auckland today. Hakyung Lee was found guilty by a jury of murdering… Audio
'It's interesting times' - how AI is changing the search for information
NZ companies are finding new ways to get noticed in AI-driven searches, but are also causing headaches for lawyers and holiday planners. Audio
OCR cut to lowest level in three years
The Reserve Bank has dropped the OCR to its lowest level in three years, down to 2.25%. Some home loan rates started to drop just minutes after the OCR cut of 25 basis points. The Reseve Bank says… Audio
Cancelled Kapuni carbon storage scheme scrapped from national emissions plan
Despite a raft of climate policy cuts, the country is still on track to narrowly meet its greenhouse gas budget - but not a 2030 methane target set in law.
Sheep dog trials return to screen in new broadcasting deal
Sheep dog trials at next year's New Zealand Rural Games will play on TVNZ's platforms.
NZ is full of paper roads, but what are they?
There are 55,000 kilometres of paper roads across New Zealand, which can be accessed by the public. Audio
AI tool to provide digital front door to mental health services
A new AI navigation tool will provide a digital front door to mental health services, according to the Minister responsible. The government says a big barrier to accessing mental health services is… Audio
No new evidence found after mine shaft search for missing Australian 4yo Gus
Police said this week's search involved the inspection of six mine shafts.
News in Solomon Islands Pidgin for 26 November 2025
The latest news in Solomon Islands Pidgin (Tok Pisin). Audio
Native freshwater fish resurfaces after a decade of searching
A native freshwater fish thought to be lost from Auckland's wetlands has resurfaced after more than a decade of searching. Populations of the elusive and endangered Waikaka, or Black Mudfish, have… Audio
Fifa to adpot tennis-style system for 2026 World Cup draw
Fifa will adopt a new tennis-style system for next week's draw for the 2026 World Cup. The draw ceremony for the first 48-team World Cup will be held next week in Washington DC. With the expanded… Audio
17 police staff still under investigation for 'misuse and inappropriate content'
Three staff have been cleared of any wrongdoing, with inquiries finding their searches were work-related.
Tradie creates flourishing garden in company carpark
It started as a tiny seed of an idea, but it has grown into a flourishing vege garden, in an unlikely spot; a concrete company carpark in Kerikeri. Now that carpark is feeding a bunch of families in… Audio
Thai woman found alive in coffin moments before cremation
Asia correspondent Katie Silver spoke to Lisa Owen about Southeast Asia being pummelled by severe weather and flooding, as well as a Thai woman who was found alive in a coffin right before she was… Audio
Are the days of lavish Christmas parties wrapping up?
It has been a year of belt tightening for many people; rising unemployment, a sluggish economy and the lurking dragon that is inflation. So as we board the sled hurtling toward Xmas at breakneck speed… Audio
Opera superstar Joyce DiDonato to perform in New Zealand
The Grammy award-winning opera singer talks with RNZ Concert's Clarissa Dunn ahead of concerts in New Zealand with the NZSO. Video, Audio
The Pre-Panel for 26 November 2025
Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel. Audio
Mayors can't represent Māori - West Coast iwi chair
Paul Madgwick has rejected the idea that mayors would represent Māori interests on the government's proposed new boards.
Police search powers in Melbourne CBD criticised as 'gross invasion'
Victoria Police has declared part of Melbourne's CBD a designated area, giving police greater search powers.
Sir Richard Branson's wife Joan Templeman, 80, dies
Sir Richard says he is "heartbroken" by his wife's passing, calling her "my best friend, my rock, my guiding light".
Why creativity is an important as health and exercise
We know the usual pillars of health; sleep, exercise, watch your diet and maintain social connections. Dr Daisy Fancourt says her research shows we need to add a fifth pillar, creativity. She's a… Audio
Close contact of a measles case released from quarantine
Acting secretary of health Roana Mataitini says the test results came back negative from New Zealand.
US climber killed in fall on Aoraki, French guide was 'careful and diligent'
Internationally-recognised guide Thomas Vialletet called the job a 'dream that came true'.
'Insufficient evidence': Former anti-corruption chief cleared of abuse of office
A controversial Commission of Inquiry into Barbara Malimali's appointment alleged that she spread confidential voter information while on the job.
Chef who sexually harassed teen colleagues sacked
His former boss says he would've fired him sooner had it not been for a "misunderstanding".
Bookmarks with Clare Bowden from Mandatory Menswear
Today for Bookmarks, we're stepping into the world of fashion with Clare Bowden, owner, founder, and designer of Mandatory menswear. It's been almost three decades since she launched the brand, and in… Audio
Exec gave teen $1000, Uber Eats for sex and pictures
The man, who described himself as a 'sugar daddy' on on Snapchat, has admitted paying a teenage girl for sex.
Hunt continues for Jeremy Robertson six weeks after mother's death
Finding the suspect in Karen Gilbert-Palmer's death is "key" to seeing justice served, a detective says.
Easy Eats: Vietnamese inspired turmeric and dill fried fish
This is Kelly Gibney's (simplified) version of Vietnamese cha ca, a dish that originated in Hanoi. Fish is marinated in curry powder, turmeric, fish sauce, sugar and dill. It's then fried and served… Audio
Music Critic: New music from Mavis Staples
Dianne Swan is here with me to talk about her music picks this week. You might remember a few months ago Dianne talked to us about Mavis Staples and her incredible career in music. Well now Mavis has… Audio
Is it cheaper to pay a mortgage, or rent?
In both markets, people looking for a home have the power.
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 26 November 2025
The mother who murdered her children and hid them in suitcases has been sentenced to at least 17 years jail; The government hopes regional councils will be gone within two years, under changes… Audio
Heading Off: Autonomous Region of Bougainville
Time for heading off, our weekly travel segment where we hear from you - our afternoons listeners - about some of your amazing adventures. We've travelled the silk road, motorbiked around the world… Audio
Hundreds of international paddlers descend on Rarotonga for Vaka Eiva
Over 700 paddlers from around the world are in Rarotonga this week to compete in the biggest week of paddling on the Cook Islands sporting calendar. Audio
Author Fleur Beale, why local stories are crucial for kids
Every year the New Zealand Society of Authors gives out the President of Honour award. The award is to recognise contributions to writing and to the NZ literary scene. This year's recipient is child &… Audio
Auckland Philharmonia: Mozart & Mischief
Auckland Philharmonia presents Mozart and Mischief. Led by Principal Guest Conductor Shiyeon Sung, the programme features British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. The evening explores a spectrum of musical… Audio
NZ is full of paper roads - but what are they exactly?
We have 55 thousand kilometres of paper roads across New Zealand. But in our team meeting we discovered that there was confusion about what paper roads are, and why they are important. To help give us… Audio
Heat alerts canned, orange heavy rain warnings issued
It comes as the east of the South Island prepares for a hot day with temperatures predicted to reach the high 20s in some areas.
NZTrio: Fantastique
NZTrio presents Fantastique, a chamber music programme featuring violinist Amalia Hall and pianist Somi Kim. For this performance, the ensemble is joined by guest cellist Callum Hall. The concert… Audio
Regional council revamp 'pretty serious attack' on Treaty rights - Little
The coalition's proposals would impact Māori representation that's been guaranteed under the Treaty of Waitangi, Wellington's mayor says. Audio
Being a fussy eater might not be as straightforward as it seems
A large study into avoidant and restrictive eating (which is an extreme form of picky eating) in children shows the issue is much more common than we thought. About 6% of children have ongoing… Audio
Secondary kill: The 1080 poison plan to eliminate feral cats
Some Stewart Islanders think they can wipe out all predators from their piece of paradise/ But there's a a controversial part of the plan.
Auckland Philharmonia: Water Music
Auckland Philharmonia presents Baroque & Beyond – Water Music, a concert programme directed by concertmaster Andrew Beer. Audio
The new live stream that's better than watching paint dry
A world first in both agriculture and patience, a live camera has been set up in the middle of Whiteside Farm's oat fields so viewers around the world can tune in at any time and experience the… Audio
Weather change ahead as heavy rain warnings issued
Heat alerts have been replaced with heavy rain warnings. John Law, a meteorologist at Metservice spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
One Love music festival cancelled, organisers cite economic climate
The country's biggest reggae music festival is the latest gig to be cancelled, with organisers blaming tough economic conditions.
$500 million indoor sport and aquatics centre to open in Christchurch next month
People will be able to whizz down a hydroslide, shoot some hoops or relax in a sauna at Parakiore as soon as the sun is up on 17 December.
Ryan Fox sets lofty goals for himself in 2026
The holiday is over for Ryan Fox and the Kiwi golfer is gearing up for what he hopes will be an even better 2026.
Midday Rural News for 26 November 2025
An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team. Audio
Fijian MP: Violence against women and girls 'permeates every dimension of society'
"The cost of violence is not only emotional - it is national."
Midday Sports News for 26 November 2025
An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team. Audio
Parliament set to debate 30 billion kina budget for 2026
The 2026 Budget totals K30.9 billion (approximately NZ$12.4 million) in expenditure, up from K28.3b this year, framed as a continuation of the country's long-term repair plan.
Ministers were warned against teen welfare crackdown, documents show
Officials said the changes could actually increase long-term benefit dependency.
Midday Business News for 26 November 2025
The latest news from RNZ's business team. Audio
'Kremlin of the South Island': Jones on the end of regional councils
The Regional Development Minister says 'green banshees' are stifling growth, as the goverment shakes up local government.
Govt hopes regional councils will be gone within two years
The government hopes regional councils will be gone within two years, under changes announced yesterday. Independent policy analyst and researcher, Jeff McNeil spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Man charged with arson over recycling facility fire
It comes as shipping containers near an Auckland business park that caught fire late on Monday night were ablaze again overnight.
Mother sentenced to 17 years jail for murdering her children
The mother who murdered her children and hid them in suitcases has been sentenced to at least 17 years jail. RNZ Reporter Finn Blackwell was in court and spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Government allocates $2.5b to keep the lights on at defence facilities
The government says defence facilities would have to close if money isn't put into upgrading them.
Experts recommend new mums stay offline for six weeks after birth
An mum says she found herself "absorbing way too much social media". "I found it was difficult to tune into my mothering instincts amongst the 'noise'."
Pygmy sperm whale washes up dead on Auckland's North Shore
The cause of death is not yet known.
Hayfever season: What are the triggers, traits and treatments?
If you're part of the 20 percent of Kiwis who suffer from hay fever - there's probably no need to tell you we're into peak season right now. Audio
Scientists discover four major turning points for human brain
The first ever study of its kind found the brain doesn't shift into 'adult mode' until a person is in their early 30s.
Mow or no mow? Lawn alternatives
Anyone with a lawn will know how often they need mowing at this time of year. Audio
Worried savers are looking for other options as interest rates fall
But experts warn that they should understand the risks they are taking.
'We just want to be treated fairly': Couple take legal action over flooded home
Neighbouring houses have been bought up and removed but Auckland Council says Brendon and Stephanie Deacon's home isn't eligible.
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