Timeline
This page contains all audio and news items we publish, in chronological order, with the most recent first.
Brave boy tried to stop neighbour's 'horrible' prolonged assault on father
The 12-year-old is the third-youngest recipient ever to receive a NZ Bravery Award, after an experience he says he "wouldn't want anyone to go through".
The City of San Francisco vs UFPs
In the United States, San Francisco's City Attorney is suing 10 major food manufacturers over what's known as Ultra-processed Foods, or UFPs. Audio
The potential cost of changes to the RMA
This week the government announced significant changes to the Resource Management Act. Audio
Water safety warnings
Experts are warning there could be further drownings at notorious black spots this summer. Audio
Syria one year on from Assad
This week Syrians took to the streets to mark the one-year anniversary since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Audio
Bravest of the brave
The NZ Bravery Awards were announced this morning. Among the recipients, Detective Sergeant Heath Jones, for his actions during Cyclone Gabrielle. Audio
Three people honoured for roles in saving boy in danger of drowning
Australian man Jonathan Young received the bravery award posthumously as he drowned while trying to save the struggling child in Lake Whakatipu.
Mitchell's last word on McSkimming, the IPCA report and 36 emails
Police Minister Mark Mitchell talks about the moment he found out about Ms Z, his relationship with Coster and why emails were diverted from his office.
RNZ Pacific News at 7am on 13 December 2025
The latest RNZ Pacific news and sports. Audio
EU set to indefinitely freeze Russian assets, removing obstacle to Ukraine loan
The EU wants to keep Ukraine financed and fighting as it sees Russia's invasion as a threat to its own security.
Rural life in the big smoke
Being right in the middle of Auckland city and surrounded by city-dwellers comes with its challenges for Cornwall Park farm.
'It's the magic of training, the magic of animals'
Teens and kids at Bex Tasker's place find joy and life skills training farm animals.
Pacific Waves for 13 December 2025
Pacific news wrap with Christina Persico; Tongan royals lend support for new public library; Pacific sports wrap with Iliesa Tora. Audio
Pacific news wrap with Christina Persico
Pacific news wrap with Christina Persico. Audio
Tongan royals lend support for new public library
The King and Queen of Tonga are putting their support behind the build of a new community public library in Nuku'alofa. Audio
RNZ Pacific News at 6am on 13 December 2025
The latest RNZ Pacific news and sports Audio
US aims for international Gaza force deployment early next year
International troops in Gaza would deploy in Israeli-held areas, US officials say.
How to pack for a summer road trip
Few things are more frustrating than spending hours on the road only to realise you've forgotten something important.
News in Cook Islands Maori for 13 December 2025
The latest news in Cook Islands Maori (Te Reo Maori Kuki Airani) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network. Audio
KiwiRail investigating Interislander ferry steering problem
Passengers were stuck on the Kaiārahi for more than six hours on Friday night, after a "technical problem with the steering" was discovered during checks.
Kiwi-Indians celebrate sporting excellence in droves
Tens of thousands attend the inaugural Punjabi Games, Sikh Games and Kabaddi World Cup, with the home team winning the third edition of the international sports tournament.
Exhibition looks at decline in state of freshwater across Ngāi Tahu takiwā
The Unutai e! Unutai e! exhibition opens in Christchurch on Saturday and uses photographic works to highlight the realities being faced by waterways across the country.
The Logg Cabbin: 12 December 2025
Clear away the coffee table and bust out your dancing shoes for this weeks Logg Cabin. It's classics from woah to go! Grace Jones sets the pace and its dance floor gems from there to eternity. Bobby… Audio
Out Lately with Finn Johansson
Featuring new music from Western Vinyl, Begging Dog, and Martin Sagadin. Audio
NZ's last seal in zoo euthanised, leaves behind 'special legacy'
Health conditions and a deteriorating habitat has seen Auckland Zoo farewell its only seal, Ōrua.
Person dies after serious crash in Palmerston North
Emergency services were called to a two-vehicle crash on Fitzherbert East Road, State Highway 56 around 12.30pm.
The marine species that have 'totally disappeared' from Marlborough Sounds
Of the four ecologically significant species monitored at 16 sites in Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, only one remains.
Short-Cuts with Dan Slevin
Nights’ resident screen critic joins Emile Donovan to look at what’s new on the big screen as well as a few things worth watching from the comfort of your couch. Audio
Can an octopus really play the piano?
An octopus named Takoyaki or Tako, for short, has become an internet sensation after Swedish YouTuber Mattias Krantz rescued him from a fish market and then, incredibly, taught him to play the piano… Audio
Christchurch welcomes big new sports and aquatic centre
Emile Donovan speaks to Warren and Mahoney architect Brett Diprose about what it takes to design and build such a colossal community asset. Audio
'Dead duck': Decision looms on contentious Auckland rubbish trial
Aucklanders will find out next week if a six month-trial to move the weekly kerbside rubbish collection to fortnightly will go ahead next year.
White House blames Trump's bandaged hand on handshakes
As the oldest president ever elected in the United States, Trump has fiercely defended his personal health.
The trainer turning animal tricks into teen confidence
Chickens play football and sheep wave their hooves at Bex Tasker's place. She used to be a dog handler with customs and now uses her expertise in animal training and positive reinforcement methods to… Audio
The House: Crimes bill adds things outside usual rules
Parliament has been pushing hard, rushing through bills and working under urgency all week, but one bill bypassed the rules, adding things not usually allowed.
Cornwall Park The farm within the heart of a city
Cornwall Park farm is something of a hidden gem in the heart of Auckland City. But being a farm in the city comes with specific challenges. Audio
Rural News Wrap
A round-up of the week's news from the primary sector. Audio
Full Episode for Friday 12 December 2025
Full Episode for Friday 12 December 2025. Audio
Getting through a natural disaster with a disability
A new emergency preparedness guide developed by, and for, disabled people, has been unveiled.
Torrential rains unleash widespread flooding in North America
Heavy rain has triggered flooding across much of the region, closing dozens of roads and prompting mass evacuations.
Japan lifts tsunami advisory after 6.9 earthquake
It comes days after a bigger earthquake hit the same region.
Luxon and Hipkins give election year teaser
In Focus on Politics, RNZ's political team sits down with the leaders of the two major parties - National's Christopher Luxon and Labour's Chris Hipkins - to reflect on 2025 and look forward to… Audio
The Panel with Sally Wenley and Chris Clarke, Part 2
In part two, Gisborne's got a problem: rubbish dumping. All sorts of horrors are being left outside the gates of the dump - from mattresses to old fridges, to rotting animal carcasses. And it's… Audio
Stars in town, movie buffs amped for Avatar 3 premiere
Filmmaker James Cameron will be in the capital with actors Cliff Curtis and Sam Worthington for the premiere of Avatar 3: Fire and Ash.
The Panel with Sally Wenley and Chris Clarke, Part 1
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Sally Wenley and Chris Clarke. First up, a council rift is heating up in New Plymouth over the new Mayor's plan to shut down an… Audio
Ruth Richardson still willing to debate Nicola Willis
The Taxpayers Union chair is suggesting Cameron Bagrie as a moderator.
Outrage over Football World Cup ticket prices
United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about NATO's Chief issuing a stark warning for the west, as well as outrage over how much it is going to cost to support England at the… Audio
Evening business for 12 December 2025
News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio
Kiwi sporting legend's grave repeatedly vandalised
A late kiwi sporting legend has had his burial site repeatedly desecrated. The graves of Bruce McLaren and his wife, Patricia were vandalised in Glen Eden yesterday, just three months after they were… Audio
Companies fined for causing Queenstown landslip
Three companies have been fined a total of $345,000 for their part in a landslip that swamped a Queenstown cemetery and forced dozens of nearby residents to evacuate their homes during the region's… Audio
Gloriavale's ex-leader appealing sentence for sex offending
The disgraced former leader of Gloriavale is appealing his imprisonment for abusing girls and young women at the community. 85-year-old Howard Temple was this afternoon jailed for more than two years… Audio
'Sign of the times': Town's sports day winding up after 116 years
A sports event that has woven itself into the fabric of a small Southland town is wrapping up after more than a century.
Parents frustrated as Kmart refuses to cover asbestos testing
Parents caught up in the play sand asbestos contamination scare are increasingly frustrated with retailer Kmart refusing to cover their testing and clean up costs. Several of the coloured play sands… Audio
Crashing In, Not Crashing Out
OPINION |The team talk 'crashing out' (having a meltdown) and how they cope given the dysregulating political age we are living in. They discuss the importance of bilingualism in Aotearoa, eugenics… Audio
Multi-Motu Mechanics
OPINION |The girls discuss semantic drift, oceanic pattern recognition, and shared philosophies across land, time, and culture. They swing between their favourite Pan-Pacific ideologies and the ways… Audio
Eroticism, Time Travel, and Other Home Remedies
OPINION | What does eroticism have to do with land back and fighting capitalism? This week, the Orators Anonymous gals are talking about the erotic as political remedy. They unpack ancient erotic… Audio
Live Love Land Back
OPINION | Indigenous reclamation, repatriation, and reclamation for the modern girl. We're talking about the returning and restoration of land, repatriation, living on the whenua, restorative justice… Audio
Te Wā, Te Vā, Yada Yada
OPINION | Time travel, time bending, and time dilation. It's also our last episode, so the gals reflect on their time together and how their journey has been. Audio
Existential Pick 'n' Mix
OPINION An assortment of hyperfixations and theories from the Orators Anonymous girlies. This one's for the indigenous misfits and insufferable bookworms across the Pacific and around the world. Audio
Excitement bubbling ahead of premiere for third Avatar film
Excitement is bubbling ahead of the New Zealand premiere of the Avatar franchise's third film this weekend. Avatar: Fire and Ash screens at the Embassy Theatre in Wellington tomorrow night, with stars… Audio
Call for free screening in bid to eradicate cervical cancer
There is a renewed call for universal free cervical cancer screening in a bid to eradicate the disease. The State of Cancer report released yesterday shows Aotearoa has not meet its cervical screening… Audio
How to support a low-emissions farming future
A transition to low-emissions farming will need tech, support to diversify - and probably fewer cows, new research says,
Black Caps beat Windies inside three days
Jacob Duffy took five wickets as the home team cruised to victory.
Two planes come within seconds of head-on crash
The way airspace is managed is being blamed after the near miss. Audio
How to set boundaries for teens over the summer break
Boundaries with a teenager can be harder to maintain when school's out.
Black Caps take lead in West Indies test match series
The Black Caps have taken a one-nil lead in the three-match test series against the West Indies after a nine wicket win in Wellington. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe was at the Basin Reserve and… Audio
The day the climate consensus died
With bipartisanship ended, farmers will now face "the rollercoaster experience" of changing targets every political cycle, a Green MP warns.
How to keep your house cool and the power bill down
Many parts of the country have been hitting temperatures in the high 20s - and even well into the 30s. So what's the best way to cool your house down without seeing your power bill soar? Is a heat… Audio
Logging truck, car crash blocks Dunedin motorway
Emergency services are responding to a crash on Dunedin's Southern Motorway, which has blocked the northbound lanes.
Australian Olympic Committee to fund athletes with children
Australia correspondent Katie Silver spoke to Lisa Owen about the Australian Olympic Committee announcing new funding that allows athletes, who have given birth, to access a several thousand-dollar… Audio
Woman stranded in Auckland wins battle with Air NZ for compensation
Last month Air New Zealand flight 946 from Auckland to Rarotonga got all the way to its island destination but could not land despite best efforts because of strong cross winds. Instead it had to head… Audio
Hamilton Zoo announces 'deeply tragic' death of giraffe
Masamba had just celebrated his 23rd birthday, but had been declining in health.
Labour, Greens call out 'measly' minimum wage increase
Minimum wage workers will get a pay increase from 1 April, but its less than the current rate of inflation.
Palestinian baby dies of hypothermia as winter storms worsen Gaza's humanitarian crisis
Weeping and caressing the lifeless Rahaf in her arms, the baby's mother kept ululating in despair.
The Pre-Panel for 12 December 2025
Wallace Chapman previews tonight's instalment of The Panel. Audio
Gloriavale's ex-leader appeals prison sentence for sex offending
Howard Temple, 85, was jailed for more than two years for sexually assaulting six girls and young women.
Gardeners' close calls with traffic prompt flower bed shake-up
Rotorua council will replant high-risk city garden beds after a surge in near-miss incidents.
Critter of the Week: Turbott’s Weevil (Anagotus turbotti)
Jesse and Forest and Bird's Nicola Toki discuss this week's critter of the week is the beautiful and emblematic Turbott's Weevil. These large, flightless and nocturnal weevils were likely once… Audio
Passenger tries to open aircraft door mid-flight
The incident took place on a Boston to Hong Kong flight.
Music 101: Tony Stamp is in the studio
Tony Stamp is host of Music 101 this Saturday. He joins Jesse to tell us what's on the show tomorrow and shares a tune. Audio
Weekend Stuff: Getting your home clean for Christmas
It is such a busy time of year; we're well into the festive season; kids are finishing school; there are visitors aplenty and that's before we even get to Christmas Day! So how do you keep your home… Audio
Food: Turkey Burgers for the win!
Shared Kitchen's Julie Biuso joins Jesse and has a great summery recipe to share, Turkey burgers! Audio
Hot playground surfaces spark petition
Young children getting burnt on playground equipment led Renata Wiles to start the petition, calling lack of shade "crazy". Audio
Gang gathering prompts increased police for Napier
Police say there will be an increased presence this weekend with gang members expected to attend the unveiling of a headstone.
Urgent debates in Parliament go into wee hours of the morning
The House continues a packed agenda as the government tries to clear through legislation before the end of the year.
Dry, fine and sunny weather for the weekend
Although temperatures will be warm this weekend, they will be a little bit cooler than last weekend.
NZ Live: Paige!
Time for NZ Live, and today we've got Paige in the studio. The Auckland based singer signed a record deal with Sony Music in 2019 after being championed on IG by Billie Eilish Since then, she's… Audio
Faster, cheaper … but better? The devil in the RMA reform detail
Anaylsis: When the government this week unveiled reforms to finally replace the RMA, many of us would have been glad to see the back of it, writes Bill McKay.
'Control negative reporting': Samoan govt, journalists at odds over draft media rules
Samoa's new government has found itself at odds with journalists over whether the state is attempting to stifle press freedom in the country.
The year's best meteor shower is about to start - here's how to see it
The current moon phase should create perfectly dark skies to see the event.
Films: Kate Rodger on what to watch this summer
Best of 2025: One Battle After Another; Sinners; Tina What to see next: Avatar; Not Only Fred Dagg; Song Sung Blue; My Brothers Band Audio
Another bank lifts home loan rates
Wholesale interest rates are continuing to rise, which affects bank funding costs.
Freaky Friday
Time to get your freak on! Please send us your terrifying tales! It could be something that sounds spooky, a taste of the occult or a bizarre co-incidence. 2101 or afternoons@rnz.co.nz Today we're… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 12 December 2025
Sentencing is underway in Greymouth for the disgraced former leader of the Gloriavale Christian community, Howard Temple; There's outrage overseas as football fans learn how much money they'll have to… Audio
Feesh and Cheeps? We look at the evolution of the Kiwi accent
What do fish and chips, pen and six all have in common? Answer? They're some of the words we New Zealanders get mocked the most for. Some find our accent a delight, others a disaster but how did we… Audio
How can I cool down my house in summer?
Explainer - If you're starting to swelter as temperatures around the country rise, you might be wondering how best to cool your house.
Exporters 'coping' six months into US tariffs
A new report has shown while the tariffs had been "unhelpful" the impact on exporters had been manageable.
How to avoid buying unsafe toys for little kids
Whānau Āwhina Plunket is urging online Christmas shoppers to check out their 6-point checklist for toy safety.
The Tongan film going for Oscar glory
'Lea Tupu'anga/Mother Tongue' is a short film directed by Vea Mafile'o. It stars Lucianne Buchanan in the lead role, who also wrote the script. The film has been shown at 20 international film… Audio
Australia offers cash incentives for Olympian mums
When sprint kayaker Alyce Wood was pregnant with her first child, she always had an eye on returning for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
IHC settles claim with government
The service provider for people with intellectual disabilities alleged education policies disadvantaged disabled students in schools.
Why some NZ apple growers are ditching the US
One of New Zealand's major apple growers, Hawke's Bay's "Yummy Fruit", has stopped shipping to the U-S as a result to President Trump's tariffs. The 15 percent tariff essentially cancelled out their… Audio
Meet New Zealand Rugby's Referee of the Year
Ardie Savea took out Player of the Year at the NZ Rugby Awards last night, but another big award went to someone who spends 80 minutes trying not to be the centre of attention. Maggie Cogger-Orr was… Audio
Chronological queue under consideration for parent resident visa applications
Review of settings follows complaints from migrants about the unfairness of the existing ballot system that is used to allocate the visas.
Ngāi Tahu set to take 33% stake in Milford Sound Tourism
The move would help protect Piopiotahi for future generations, with talks creating a strong foundation for the future, chief executive Haylee Preston says.
Shellfish warning in eastern Bay of Plenty
Tests on mussels from Te Kaha had shown the level of paralytic toxins were more than double the safe limit.
Reddit files legal challenge against Australia's social media ban
The company is alleging that Australia's social media restrictions are being applied to the company inaccurately.
Rising production and employment sees manufacturing sector expand
The sector has been gradually recovering from the mid-year slump when the economy stalled.
Research finds music trends reflect mood of society
Music can do wonders for the mood. Researchers have discovered music can also reflect the mood of society. Markus Foramitti, one of the study's authors, spoke to Lauren Crimp. Audio
NZ navy ship shadowed by seven Chinese warships
The NZDF says the seven different warships kept a "safe and professional distance" throughout.
Midday Rural News for 12 December 2025
An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team. Audio
Eurovision winner returns trophy in protest over Israel's participation
Swiss singer Nemo says Israel's participation shows a clear conflict with the values of unity, inclusion and dignity Eurovision says it stands for.
'Stole my innocence': Disgraced former Gloriavale leader jailed
"If he wants to regard himself as a shepherd, this is not how you look after your flock," the judge told Howard Temple as he was sentenced for sexual offending.
Midday Sports News for 12 December 2025
An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team. Audio
Two planes come within seconds of head-on crash
The way airspace is managed is being blamed after the near miss.
Midday Business News for 12 December 2025
The latest news from RNZ's business team. Audio
Could a design competition help a region in need of houses?
Concerns about the rate of intensification in Tasman are causing councillors to consider "creative" solutions on how to encourage uptake.
Football fans outraged at "extortionate" world cup ticket costs
There's outrage overseas as football fans learn how much money they'll have to cough up to head along to next year's World Cup. Founder of All Whites fan club Flying Kiwis, Matt Fejos spoke to Lauren… Audio
Sentencing underway for disgraced former leader of Gloriavale
Sentencing is underway in Greymouth for the disgraced former leader of the Gloriavale Christian community, Howard Temple. RNZ reporter Tim Brown spoke to Lauren Crimp. Audio
Councillor's renewed confidence in cashless ticketing for public transport
The $1.4 billion project which will allow people to pay for public transport with their phone or card anywhere across the country has faced major delays. Audio
Mayor slams 'stupid, destructive act' as Christmas tree set on fire
A man has been charged with deliberately setting the blaze. The tree will not be replaced.
The week that was
Comedians te Radar and Elizabeth Easther share some of the lighter stories of the past week, including the seal pup rescued and released twice after being spotted wandering through suburban… Audio
Name suppression lifts for Christchurch murder victim
Her killer, Nathan Boulter, will be sentenced for her killing in February.
Sports commentator Dana Johannsen
The abrupt departure of NZ Cricket boss Scott Weenink and the future of domestic cricket, last night's rugby awards, Joseph Parker gives his first interview since news he had tested positive for a… Audio
New rules for small-scale butchers
The government is looking to cut red tape for small meat processors and is also exploring how homekill meat could be made suitable for sale.
New music with Grant Smithies
Leeds producer Nightmares On Wax (George Evelyn) has just released his 10th studio album, inspired by the sound system culture of his home city. Audio
Facebook Marketplace sale ends in kidnapping
Police said the man had arranged to meet a seller in Auckland's Wesley with intentions to buy a car.
RNZ Pacific News at 11am for 12 December 2025
The latest RNZ Pacific news and sport. Audio
NZ's last seal in zoo euthanised, leaves behind 'special legacy'
Health conditions and a deteriorating habitat has seen Auckland Zoo farewell its only seal, Ōrua.
Around the motu: Chris Hyde in Hawkes Bay
Hawkes Bay Today Chris Hyde talks about Level 4 water restrictions in the coastal community of Kairakau. Audio
19-month-old boy strangled by strapping on unsafe bed
The bed from The Warehouse was not safe, nor is the updated model, a coroner has ruled.
Police press on with prosecution of McSkimming's accuser
The woman who accused the former Deputy Commissioner of sexual offending faces charges of harassing another police officer and his wife.
Book review: Katabasis by R F Kuang
Laura Caygill reviews Katabasis by R F Kuang, published by Harper Collins. Audio
Port Vila hospital staff back at work after allowance dispute
More than 300 workers at Vanuatu's main hospital have returned to work following a spat with the Public Service Commission over unpaid earthquake allowances.
Nobel Peace Prize winner's secret sea escape
Maria Machado was in hiding due to fearing persecution.
Trump thinks more should be done to lower interest rates, White House says
The US president was "pleased" to see the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points, but wants to see further reductions in borrowing costs.
News website 'bans' Inland Revenue after alleged copyright breach
The government department can no longer take out any subscriptions to the news website after the department shared articles across a number of staff.
Kiwi-Indians celebrate sporting excellence in droves
Tens of thousands attend the inaugural Punjabi Games, Sikh Games and Kabaddi World Cup, with the home team winning the third edition of the international sports tournament.
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