Timeline
This page contains all audio and news items we publish, in chronological order, with the most recent first.
Pro-independence split widens, another party quits FLNKS
Another founding member of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front has formally split from the indigenous pro-independence movement.
Sanctioned landlord 'just wants to bank his money', neighbour says
Murray Hill, who's been warned multiple times that his property wasn't up to standard, has been ordered to pay $33,000, remove industrial rubbish and repair holes in the roof and walls of a boarding…
First Up - The Podcast, Friday 21 November
On today's First Up pod: our Africa correspondent tells us that the US President is not going to South Africa as they host the G20 this weekend; it's been 72 years since Wales last beat New Zealand in… Audio
Early Sports Chat for 21 November 2025
An early morning sports news update with Nathan Rarere. Audio
Hawkins returns as Wales make five changes for All Blacks
Flanker Harri Deaves will debut for Wales in the Autumn international series against New Zealand in Cardiff as coach Steve Tandy makes five changes.
World News Wrap for 21 November 2025
Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins. Audio
News in Tongan for 21 November 2025
The latest news in the Tongan language(Lea Faka-Tonga) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network. Audio
Calls for investigation into asbestos contaminated play sand
As schools and homes continue to dispose of asbestos contaminated play sand - the government is being urged to investigate how this happened. Chris Peace, a Senior Lecturer in Workplace Health and… Audio
Pacific Waves for 21 November 2025
Four Tongan MPs touted as front runners for PM; Australia gives up bid to host COP31; Samoa opposition leader says PM is too sick to lead; Pasifika smoking rates halved in NZ but still "unacceptable".
…Four Tongan MPs touted as front runners for PM
Polling has closed in Tonga's national general election which is being conducted amid a massive fuel shortage in the capital. Audio
Australia gives up bid to host COP31
Australia has given up its bid to host COP 31 in 2026. Instead, Türkiye will host the United Nations climate meeting, with Australia pitching to still be in charge of the negotiations. Audio
Samoa opposition leader says PM is too sick to lead
Samoa's opposition leader claims the Prime Minister is too sick to lead the country and should be upfront about his illnesss. Audio
Pasifika smoking rates halved in NZ but still "unacceptable"
A public health professor has labelled the latest Pasifika smoking rates "totally unacceptable" despite the government celebrating them. Audio
RNZ Pacific News at 6am for 21 November 2025
The latest RNZ Pacific news and sport. Audio
Eight new MPs elected to Tonga parliament
The caretaker prime minister has kept his place in parliament for another term, winning his constituency in the general election by nearly three-quarters of the electorate vote.
What Trump's backflip on beefed up tariffs means
A surprise reversal on high beef tariffs has been a welcome relief for farmers, but with Donald Trump in the White House, celebrations are muted
Fishing boats protest Hauraki Gulf protection bill, reforms
The One Ocean protest hits the streets of Auckland on Saturday - Ross McNaughton reports Audio
US: DOJ fails over proecution of James Comey
The prosecution of James Comey is on shakey ground as Donald Trump signs the bill which will see the release of the Epstein files - Zach Montellaro reports from Washington Audio
BBC faces new woes over discredited Diana interview
The 1995 broadcast was seen as a journalistic coup, but later unravelled when it emerged the journalist had faked documents to secure the interview.
Fruit and Vege Report with Glenn Forsyth
Glenn Forsyth presents his Fruit of the Week (US pomegranates). Also vegetables. Audio
Killer was investigated four years ago for rape allegations
But police said, after reviewing all the available evidence, it did not reach the threshold to prosecute Nathan Boulter.
Can the All Blacks finish tour with win over Wales
The All Blacks face Wales in their last test of the season - Nathan talks with Welsh rugby journalist Steffan Thomas Audio
Historical artefacts returned from Germany to Ethiopia
President Trump is skipping this weekend's G20 in South Africa, Nabil Ahmed Rufai reports from Ghana Audio
News in Cook Islands Maori for 21 November 2025
The latest news in Cook Islands Maori (Te Reo Maori Kuki Airani) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network. Audio
Home pregnancy, Covid tests may be as accurate as flipping a coin
Pharmac can fund tests for use even when they have not been approved as safe and reliable by Medsafe - something that needs to change, a new study says.
Paid firefighters to strike at midday
Fire and Emergency is calling on the professional firefighters union to call off strike action planned for today.
Board directors believe economy is improving - report
The annual Director Sentiment Survey indicated 55 percent of directors thought the economy would improve over the next 12 months.
Trump's backflip on beefed up tariffs
A surprise reversal on high beef tariffs has been a welcome relief for farmers, but with Trump in the White House, celebrations are muted. Audio
Israeli fire kills four in Gaza, casting further doubt on ceasefire
Israel's military confirmed the strikes but said it was not aware of casualties.
Chinese research ships, US military active in north Pacific, monitor shows
Five Chinese research vessels, including ships used for space and missile tracking and underwater mapping, were active in the northwest Pacific.
Hundreds of Indonesians flee homes after volcano erupts
Some houses near the volcano were partially buried by volcanic ash and rock fragments.
New index challenges common beliefs about drug use and harm in NZ
A common proxy for judging a drug's harm is the extent to which it is linked to dependency.
Two dead after crash near Timaru
A third person was airlifted to hospital in a serious condition.
Is New Zealand in danger of population stagnation?
To help make sense of it all Emile Donovan speaks to distinguished professor emeritus and research director at Massey University, Paul Spoonley. Audio
All Blacks side named: Love to start in heavily rotated team
Scott Robertson has rung the changes for his final test side of the year, including one surprise recall, to face Wales in Cardiff.
Trump signed the Epstein files bill. Will he actually release them all?
There are plenty of reasons to be suspicious about how the administration might handle the Epstein files release.
'Life changing': Thousands attend world's largest indigenous education conference
Alongside keynote speakers and hundreds of presentations, discussions over the week-long hui have centred on kotahitanga and shared strategy.
Wellington City Council votes to review Golden Mile
Council officers are now predicting the project, which was budgeted to cost $139 million, could cost up to $220 million.
Ex-Philippine mayor given life sentence for human trafficking
A raid uncovered hundreds of trafficked workers including foreign nationals.
Tonga election: Two new noble representatives elected
Voting continues for the general public to elect 17 people's representatives, who will join their nine noble counterparts in the Legislative Assembly.
In her seventh decade punk legend Toody Cole shows no sign of stopping
Portland punk legend Toody Cole speaks to Emile Donovan ahead of travelling to Auckland for music festival The Other's Way. Audio
Recidivist rapist avoids indefinite prison for more sex crimes because of age
Darryl Grant Bridgeman will be 71 when his now 22-year prison term comes to an end in 2041.
Philosophy Now: Does right and wrong exist?
Dan Weijers, a senior lecturer in philosophy at the University of Waikato, joins Emile Donovan to discuss. Audio
Narco subs appear in Pacific amid warnings cartels are ramping up trafficking
In the past 12 months, three empty vessels have been found floating near the Solomon Islands.
Government eyes up privatising Lotto
Newsroom.co.nz National Affairs editor Sam Sachdeva has been reporting on the potential sale and speaks to Emile Donovan. Audio
Some coloured asbestos sand traced to 'a particular quarry in China'
It took a fluke discovery at a testing lab to uncover that they contained asbestos.
Nearly five million tyres collected in first year of recycle scheme
There are now 86 public collection points around the motu. Audio
Supermarket manager injured in brutal, surprise attack while stocking shelves
His assailant, Shamah Riley, was sentenced to prison for the attack.
'Life changing': Thousands attend world's largest indigenous education conference
Alongside keynote speakers and hundreds of presentations, discussions over the week-long hui have centred on kotahitanga and shared strategy.
China's third-highest-ranking official visits Parliament
In China's pecking order, Zhao sits only below President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in order of importance.
The Panel Plus
An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where he is joined first by Otago University senior history lecturer Chip Van Dyk. He's been looking into the behaviour of US President Donald… Audio
Landlord fined and ordered to repair, clean up property
The Tenancy Tribunal took action against Murray Lawrence Hill, who has a long history of complaints.
Max Verstappen needs a big win in Las Vegas to stay in title contention
Even if he cannot win the Formula 1 title in Las Vegas this weekend, McLaren's Lando Norris could end Max Verstappen's reign.
Foodstuffs fined nearly $40,000 for selling recalled hummus
The dip was recalled in 2023 over the possible presence of salmonella.
Criminal investigations begin into three police staff after review
RNZ earlier revealed several police staff were under investigation, including an officer who has been stood down after inappropriate material was found on a police-issued device.
The Panel with Ali Mau and Mark Knoff-Thomas, Part 2
In part two, the government's smartphone ban in schools wasn't met with enthusiasm by everyone, but a new ERO report says it's been a success so far. Stratford High School principal Cameron Stone… Audio
Wellington City Council votes to review Golden Mile
Council officers are now predicting the project, which was budgeted to cost $139 million, could cost up to $220 million.
NZSO - Symphonic Dances
Experience exciting British saxophonist Jess Gillam who joins the NZSO to show off the vast expressive range of the saxophone and enjoy the world premiere of a new NZ composition. Conducted by Gemma…
China's third-highest-ranking official visits Parliament
In China's pecking order, Zhao sits only below President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in order of importance.
From Olympics to drug lord: Federal officials unveil more charges against snowboarder
The new charges against Ryan James Wedding include murder, witness tampering, money laundering and drug trafficking.
NZ politicians react to failure of Australia-Pacific COP bid
Australia and Pacific nations jointly bid to host the 2026 summit in Adelaide, but have been in a months-long stand-off with a rival bid from Türkiye.
'Nothing is gonna change overnight': One in four women abused by a partner
Report shows in Australia and New Zealand, 24.5 percent of women have been sexually or physically abused by a partner. Audio
The Panel with Ali Mau and Mark Knoff-Thomas, Part 1
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Mau and Mark Knoff-Thomas. First up, the government is hitting pause on puberty blockers, saying the medication is unproven and… Audio
Blenheim residents warned to be cautious after rubbish fire
Fire crews were called to the Resource Recovery Centre in Wither Road at 2:50pm on Thursday.
Kmart sold 67k units of potentially asbestos-laced play sand
The sand is part of a massive recall. Audio
Australia loses out on the right to host major world summit
Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about Australia losing out the right to host a major world summit on climate change to Turkey, as well as META warning under 16's they have two… Audio
Evening business for 20 November 2025
News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio
Composed Silver Ferns navigate most difficult season to date
Analysis - The Silver Ferns will be able to look back on a season like no other.
Two Waikanae incidents are likely linked, police say
One man died while another was left with serious injuries within hours of each on Wednesday.
Silver Ferns overcome stomach bug to seal win over English
The Silver Ferns overcame a stomach bug and the weariness of a long season to seal a series win over the England Roses this morning. The team now leaves Manchester to head in their own directions… Audio
Peters pledges to revoke ACT's Regulatory Standards Bill
The coalition is in the throes of internal warfare - with Winston Peters and David Seymour slinging barbs over the Regulatory Standards Bill. In a stunning about-face today, Mr Peters has pledged to… Audio
Polling closes in Tonga's election
Polling has closed in Tonga's national general election which is being conducted amid a massive fuel shortage in the capital. There are 71 candidates vying for a seat in parliament including eight… Audio
Government move to halt prescriptions for puberty blockers
A move to protect children or state sanctioned harm? The government's upcoming halt on new prescriptions for puberty blockers has provoked strong feelings on both sides of the debate: supporters say… Audio
Kmart sells nearly 70k units of potentially asbestos laced sand
It has been revealed Kmart has sold tens of thousands of potentially asbestos laced children's play things. The retail giant confirmed it has sold 67,000 units of coloured children's sand that are now… Audio
Butter prices are falling at global auction, so why not in shops too?
Dairy prices fell for the seventh time in a row, with butter falling the most. Audio
Trump moves to strip protections for endangered species
Trump administration officials defended their proposal as common sense.
Eight injured in crash south of Hokitika
Four were hurt seriously after the crash that closed part of SH6.
Over four million tyres collected in first year of recycle scheme
The equivalent of more than four and half million rubber car tyres have been collected in the first year of a recycle scheme. Tyrewise is governed by a charitable trust and funded by the fee that is… Audio
Frontline firefighters to get say in what fire trucks to buy
Fire and Emergency was told five years ago to come up with a plan for what type of big trucks it needs and where to put them.
Air NZ flight to Nelson forced to return to Auckland
Fire crews were called to the airport just after 3pm after an "engine shutdown" was reported.
Queenstown council issued abatement notices after wastewater failures
It comes after a series of failures at Wānaka's wastewater treatment plant.
Driver of faulty truck that killed a man jailed for three years
The driver and owner of a dodgy truck with a litany of faults that ploughed into a roadworker on the job has been jailed for three years. Ashik Ali's truck had a non-operation order issued in 2021… Audio
Calls for increased public awareness about domestic violence
There are calls for a public awareness and education campaign about domestic violence, after fresh data has revealed its prevalence around the globe. A new report from the World Health Organisation… Audio
'Stone cold killer' feral cats officially designated predators
After initially suggesting feral cats stay out of the Predator Free plan, the government has done a U-turn, announcing they are now a target.
Wales vie to end seven decade losing streak against All Blacks
The last time the All Blacks lost to Wales there was no Harbour Bridge in Auckland, Elvis Presley hadn't released any music and Queen Elizabeth II was about to make her first visit to New Zealand. The… Audio
Feral cats to be added to Predator Free 2050 hitlist
"Stone cold killers". That's how Conservation Minister Tama Potaka describes feral cats, which he's just added to the Predator Free 2050's hitlist. It means that feral cats will join the likes of… Audio
Business owner jailed after worker killed by unregistered truck
Company director Ashik Ali's truck rolled backwards when its brakes failed hitting roadworker Johnathon Walters.
Dentist accused of treating patients while license suspended named
Dr Jacob Goldenberg and his company, Total Health Dentistry, face 21 charges.
US military officials in Ukraine to discuss end to war
US correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about a number of US military officials visiting Ukraine to discuss bringing an end to the war with Russia, as well as more twists and turns in the… Audio
Thousands of insurance claims lodged due to wild weather
A wind storm on 23 October cut power to tens of thousands of homes, tore off roofs and downed trees and fences.
Are mobile phones a distraction while eating out?
Is the mobile phone becoming the dominate side dish during meals out? A top new resturant in London's Mayfair is banning phones in a bid to encourage diners to immerse themselves in the dining and… Audio
Polls close in Tonga general election
While more than 64,700 had registered to vote, only those in the country could vote as there are no overseas voting provisions under the kingdom's electoral laws.
Dentist accused of treating patients while license suspended named
Dr Jacob Goldenberg and his company, Total Health Dentistry, face 21 charges.
Peters vows to repeal Regulatory Standards Bill; Seymour hits back
"We did our best to neutralise its adverse effects and we will campaign at the next election to repeal it," Peters told Radio Waatea.
Remembering Sir Donald
Tenor Simon O'Neill pays tribute to the great New Zealand bass-baritone Sir Donald McIntyre, who died earlier this month. Video, Audio
Govt's puberty blockers move attracts strong reactions
Cabinet has signed off on plans to halt new prescriptions for puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria, pending the results of a major clinical trial in the United Kingdom, expected in…
'You need expertise': Concerns over proposal to axe wildfire specialists
More than 140 jobs could be cut as part of FENZ restructure proposal. Audio
'A divorce between two parents': Te Pāti Māori MP breaks silence
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke says she's observed the "division" of Te Pāti Māori.
The pre-Panel 20 November 2025
Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel. Audio
The Pre-Panel 20 November 2025
Wallace Chapman and producer Tessa Guest preview tonight's instalment of The Panel. Audio
Brown says govt officials have engaged 'consistently' with NZ
The Cook Islands Prime Minister says ministers and officials have engaged "consistently" with New Zealand through every formal channel to address tensions with Aotearoa.
'Much-loved' teacher dies in Fiji diving accident
Kevin Hu, a maths teacher at Takapuna Grammar School, died earlier this week.
Your Money with Mary Holm
It's time to talk about your money now, personal finance whizz Mary Holm joins Jesse and today she's going to address some of your feedback. Focusing on home ownership versus renting and investment… Audio
Trump signed the Epstein files bill. Will he actually release them all?
There are plenty of reasons to be suspicious about how the administration might handle the Epstein files release.
'Much-loved' teacher dies in Fiji diving accident
Kevin Hu, a maths teacher at Takapuna Grammar School, died earlier this week.
Government exploring monitoring of undersea cables
Over a million kilometres of subsea data cables power the internet, while lying among them are also gas, power and other pipelines.
Police investigating 16 complaints in Auckland local body election
Police investigations are underway following fraud complaints in relation to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board election in Auckland.
Trump leads boycott of G20 summit
The high-powered gathering represents 85 percent of global GDP and two-thirds of the world's population, but the US won't be there.
Police investigating 16 complaints in Auckland local body election
Police investigations are underway following fraud complaints in relation to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board election in Auckland.
NZ Sporting History: The one and only Barry Magee
It's time for NZ Sporting History, and today Jesse is joined by our oldest living Olympic medalist Barry Magee. Barry is best remembered for taking home Bronze in the 1960 Rome Olympic marathon. In… Audio
Digger goes for a swim at Waitaria Bay jetty
Work to replace a Marlborough Sounds jetty has taken a dive after a digger got stuck and became submerged.
'Ikale Tahi to focus on options for Scotland test
Tonga's head coach believes despite their recent losses to Argentina and the All Blacks, Scotland will be tough to beat at home.
Group Chat: the issues filling up your feeds
It's time now for group chat, a chance for us to talk about the topics filling up your phone, distracting you from work or helping pass the time while you wait for coffee. Culture 101's Perlina Lau… Audio
Oral Questions for Thursday 20 November 2025
Questions to Ministers TEANAU TUIONO to the Minister of Conservation: How will his decision to allow commercial ring-netting inside the Hauraki Gulf's high protection areas while banning recreational… Audio
Tonga election: Two new noble representatives elected
Voting continues for the general public to elect 17 people's representatives, who will join their nine noble counterparts in the Legislative Assembly.
Chatham Islands' waka dated back to 1400s
The waka was unearthed by father and son Vincent and Nikau Dix.
Person killed in Mt Eden crash
Police have confirmed a person died at the scene following a crash in the Auckland suburb on Thursday morning.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 20 November 2025
The coalition government has announced a ban on new patients accessing gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues - also known as puberty blockers - from next month; Anti-stalking campaigners are… Audio
Can water fluoridation affect kids' IQ? A 40-year study says no
A New Zealand dental surgeon says the 40-year study clearly shows fluoridation is safe for people of all ages. Audio
Schools to be barred from opting out of international tests
A government bill will force schools to take part in global maths and reading tests and speed up intervention in failing schools.
Find out why the GM debate isn't just about food or labels
Recently on the show we've been talking a bit about Genetic Modification, and the Gene Technology bill currently in front of Parliament. So far, we've mostly focused on food. The pros, cons and issues… Audio
What exactly is a water crematorium?
When we talked about how the country is running out of cemetery space last week we were inundated with your messages. So when we saw that the NZ's first water crematorium, which was opened earlier… Audio
'Chaos everywhere': Witness feared bus would hit shops during crash
The crash, involving buses and a car, happened on Apirana Ave in Glen Innes.
Anti-stalking legislation passes third reading in Parliament
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says stalking is an "insidious behaviour" and the legislation was long overdue.
Ultra Processed Food - what should we be eating instead?
Yesterday on the show we started a conversation with Professor Boyd Swinburn about ultra processed foods, and new research he has been part of that shows just how damaging these foods are. Lots of you… Audio
Butter prices falling at global auction - why not in shops too?
Dairy prices fell for the 7th time in a row at last night's Global Dairy Auction with butter - a hot topic of conversation this year - falling 7.6%. When prices were on the up a few months ago, the… Audio
Should I kick my diet soft-drink habit? Where do I start?
Here are three evidence-based strategies to help you adjust.
Plan unveiled for luxury apartments to replace iconic Wellington fruit shop
Some locals back the plan, but others are worried it could change the character of their village. Audio
NASA rejects alien spacecraft 'rumours' as new pictures of comet released
NASA has released fresh images of the interstellar object called 3I/ATLAS.
Tonga election: Polls open for voters to elect new parliament
There are 71 candidates vying for a seat in parliament, including eight women. Audio
Association marks National Celebrant's Day
Thursday marked National Celebrant's Day. The Celebrant's Association vice-president Brenda Chapman spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
40-year study into water fluoridation released in United States
A major study into water fluoridation in the U.S has been published. The study looks at the cognitive effect of fluoridation and looks at data over 40 years. Professor of Sociology at the University… Audio
Luxon greets China's top legislator at start of rare visit
Zhao Leji is the country's third most powerful political figure after President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
Swiss man charged after fatal crash in North Canterbury
The 32-year-old man is facing a charge of careless driving causing death.
Midday Rural News for 20 November 2025
An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team. Audio
Midday Sports News for 20 November 2025
An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team. Audio
Nvidia beats earnings expectations, even as bubble concerns mount
Nvidia has posted strong revenue and profits that exceeded Wall Street's expectations.
150,000-person country defies odds to qualify for World Cup
Curaçao is easily the least populous country to go to the World Cup, Haiti has flourished despite the conflict and famine affecting the country.
Midday Business News for 20 November 2025
The latest news from RNZ's business team. Audio
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