Life & Society

After multiple obstacles and delays, the first steps in a $36 million plan to explore the 2.3 kilometre-long entry tunnel at the Pike River Mine have been taken. Families of victims were emotional… Audio

A Muslim community advocate is welcoming the terrorism charge being laid against the man accused of the Christchurch attacks. Brenton Tarrant now faces 51 charges of murder, 40 of attempted murder… Audio

There were cheers - and some tears - as the Pike River mine was re-entered yesterday, nearly nine years after disaster struck. 29 men headed out to work on the 19th of November 2010, and didn't return… Audio

St John Ambulance CEO Peter Bradley says he's been on a roadtrip meeting more than 1000 ambulance staff and he's committed to giving them more resources and more money. He spoke with Checkpoint… Video, Audio

National MP Alfred Ngaro says he regrets sharing a Facebook post comparing abortion to the Holocaust as he confirmed he's looking at starting his own political party. Audio

Paramedics are furious that a $21 million boost to the country's ambulance services won't result in any pay increases for them - instead going towards building repairs and recruitment in Auckland. Audio

Eight and a half years after the Pike River explosion claimed the lives of 29 men in one of the country's worst ever workplace disasters, three men finally re-entered the mine's drift today. Logan… Video, Audio

Here's a crazy idea: people should be promoted to leadership roles in politics and in business based on talent. Simple enough, right?  Audio

It all starts off with theatrical workshops and isn't looking to overwhelm students with a hard line message. It's part of the ongoing responsible drinking programme the Tomorrow Project and Matt… Audio

Next week the Government will deliver what it refers to as a "Wellbeing Budget" and for one academic it presents an opportunity.  Audio

An animal rescue charity is calling for greater protection of animals after continued investigations have found more abused animals in puppy farms across New Zealand. HUHA which stands for Helping You… Video, Audio

We all know about the importance of volunteering, a way of contributing to society by giving time and skills to help other people. Here on First Up we're going to follow some volunteers who uproot… Audio

Young Muslim RNZ journalist Isra'a Emhail gives a special insight into what it was like covering the Christchurch mosque attacks - and seeing her own community torn apart.  Audio

New research by Women's Refuge has revealed the extent to which domestic abusers use animals to control their victims. Video, Audio

The Pike River mine will finally be re-entered tomorrow but the event is so low key that the public wasn't told until the news leaked out this afternoon. Video, Audio

New Zealanders are generating record amounts of waste, despite promises from the government that it would turn our rubbish habits around. Video, Audio