Morning Report

Morning Report Essentials for Monday April 20

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Weekly interview with Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon; Major flooding hits areas of Wellington; Green Party reveals new plan to electrify country; U...

Latest news from Australia

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We crossed the ditch to Sydney to talk to our correspondent Emma Cropper.

Solution sought for 'ghost' trees of Castlecliff

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Whanganui residents are on a mission to find a solution for the 'ghost' trees of the seaside suburb of Castlecliff. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin ...

Christchurch mayor rejects claims over Bromley sewage plant

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christchurch's mayor is rejecting claims his council only acted on the stench from the Bromley sewage treatment plant after it affected the whole city...

Brad Shields discusses Hurricanes clash with Chiefs

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Chiefs have joined the Hurricanes at the top of the Super Rugby table, after a dramatic game in Hamilton. Hurricanes player Brad Shields spoke to ...

Sports update

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Market update

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

New food price data shows another rise in March

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Food price data showed another rise in March, though not as sharp as February's. But takeaway coffee lovers were feeling the pinch. Money corresponden...

On the road with busy fuel tanker drivers

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

RNZ field correspondent Charlotte Cook spends a day with a fuel tanker driver.

Govt says no reimbursements for marae following Cyclone Vaianu

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government says it won't set up another dedicated fund to reimburse marae for their work leading up to Cyclone Vaianu, but is encouraging marae to...

Political update

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in politics from RNZ's press gallery team.

Update on severe weather hitting Wellington

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been alerted to more than 150 weather-related events in Wellington this morning. Dan Neely is Regional Manager of W...

Weekly interview with Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

How increased fuel prices are hitting NZ Post

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

NZ Post Chief Executive Dave Walsh spoke to John Campbell about how increased fuel costs are hitting the company.

Wellington weather update

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

RNZ reporter Ellen O'Dwyer provides an update on the weather in Wellington.

Morning sports chat

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Morning market update

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Study: Some students miss school due to not having uniform

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new study from the University of Otago has found some kids are missing school because they don't have a full uniform. Around one in five students re...

Tornado rips through part of Tauranga

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A tornado ripped through a small pocket of houses in Tauranga in the early hours of Sunday morning. Mellanee Kendrick was lying in her bed when the to...

KiwiRail boss Peter Reidy discusses fuel supply crisis

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As logistics companies grapple with huge spikes in diesel prices, KiwiRail says it's working with them to take some of their cargo. KiwiRail chief exe...

Wellington mayor gives update on the wild weather

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Wellington has experienced extreme weather this morning, with thunderstorms and torrential rain causing flash flooding in the cental city and several ...

Business news

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

Green Party reveals new plan to electrify country

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Greens want a national plan to electrify the country in response to the fuel crisis. Greens co-leader Marama Davidson spoke to John Campbell.

Uncertainty over status of Strait of Hormuz

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of violating the current ceasefire, by firing at ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Lars Jensen, former directo...

Morning rural news

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A training facility in the lower North Island could finally be revived and New Zealand's commercial coffee growing industry is also gaining momentum. ...

Early Sports Chat

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning sports news update with Nathan Rarere.

North Island hit by more severe weather

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The North Island has been hammered again by a series of severe weather events over the weekend - some with little warning. Lucy Xia reports.

World news wrap

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.

New programme aims to get get young people into dairy farming

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A group of young people with little or no farming background are getting hands-on dairy farming experience as part of a new training programme. Group ...

Major flooding hits areas of Wellington

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Another extreme weather event has hit Wellington. Morning Report producer Rachel Helyer-Donaldson spoke to John Campbell.

Morning Report Essentials for Friday 17 April

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mainfreight CEO 'frustrated' at KiwiRail, Auckland Transport; India FTA: Trade Minister still trying to woo Labour; NZTA discusses latest on national ...

Marama Royal discusses the life of Sharon Hawke

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Marama Royal, chair of Ngati Whatua Orakei, spoke to John Campbell about documentary maker and storyteller Sharon Hawke, who died last week.

Latest news from Australia for 17 April 2026

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We crossed the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Richard Willingham from ABC in Tasmania.

Concerns over koura rock lobster on Aotea Great Barrier Island

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Aotea Great Barrier Island community says overfishing is decimating the numbers of koura rock lobster. It wants the government to back its plan to...

Market Update for 17 April 2026

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Warnings of increased cost in construction secto

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A construction expert is warning major pain is coming for the sector. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been looking into it and spoke to John Cam...

Weekly Sports Panel for 17 April 2026

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

1 News Sports Editor Abby Wilson and RNZ sports reporter Joe Porter discuss this weekend's sport action.

NZTA discusses latest on national ticketing solution

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

NZTA says the national ticketing solution trial is proving successful in Christchurch. In the meantime Auckland and Wellington councils have launched ...

Political update for 17 April 2026

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on politics with RNZ Political editor Jo Moir.

New findings over how sperm whales communicate

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Researchers at the University of California in Berkeley have made the remarkable discovery that vocalised communication by sperm whales has close para...

Scientists say fuel crisis perfect time to reduce emissions

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Climate scientists say the fuel crisis is the perfect opportunity for the government to make meaningful changes to reduce New Zealand's greenhouse gas...

Sports Chat for 17 April 2026

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Market Update for 17 April 2026

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Auckland school reconsidering camp amid fuel crisis

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

School camp is a rite of passage for many Kiwi kids. But as the fuel crisis drags on, one Auckland primary school says they might have to axe theirs. ...

India FTA: Trade Minister still trying to woo Labour

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour's under increasing pressure to support the India Free Trade Agreement, but says it hasn't been given all the details it's asked for. Meanwhile,...

Fuel prices changing people's driving habits

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The high price of fuel is changing people's driving habits. Some say they've cut back on other essentials to meet the cost. Kevin Laskey, of Laskey's ...

Morning Business News for 17 April 2026

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

WoF and CoF changes worry motor industry

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The time between warrants of fitness is being extended under changes phased in from later this year. The Motor Trade Association's James McDowall spok...

US announces 10-day Lebanon-Israel ceasefire

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump has announced a ten day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. But it's unclear if Iran-backed Hezbollah will observe any cea...

Morning Rural News for 17 April 2026

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Rural families are worried about how fuel costs will impact the school run, some surprising results from a study involving sheep poo and updated lives...

Waitangi Tribunal inquiry: History curriculum under scrutiny

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Waitangi Tribunal has been told the draft school history curriculum is badly written and inaccurate. It's as the government rewrites it as part of...

Early Sports Chat for 17 April 2026

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning sports news update with Nathan Rarere.

World News Wrap for 17 April 2026

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.

Mainfreight CEO 'frustrated' at KiwiRail, Auckland Transport

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Diesel prices have climbed as much as 80% since the start of the Middle East conflict. Mainfreight is New Zealand's largest logistics and transport co...

Major fire at an oil refinery in Geelong

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Australia correspondent Emma Cropper and ABC reporter Costa Haritos spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss with an update on a major fire at an oil refinery in Geelo...

Iconic New Zealand beer going green

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

One of New Zealand's most iconic beers is going green. Speight's has upgraded its LPG boiler to electric. Lion Chief Operating Officer and NZ Country ...

Sports Chat for 16 April 2026

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Market Update for 16 April 2025

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Experts warn Otago goldmine risks unprecedented wildlife deaths

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Experts are warning that a proposed goldmine in Central Otago risks unprecedented wildlife deaths, complete erasure of wetlands, intergenerational har...

Some groups hit harder by cost of living crisis

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Data is showing older people, and women in particular, are under pressure from increased cost of living. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to In...

Retail consultants say facial recognition technology essential

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A retail consultancy group says more stores now feel facial recognition technology is essential, as staff face increasingly aggressive behaviour. Firs...

CEO Interview: Ryman Healthcare’s Naomi James

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The country's largest retirement living and aged care provider says New Zealand's infrastructure is not ready to deal with a rapidly ageing population...

Buller District mayor discusses the region’s relocation plans

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the effects of climate change are more keenly felt, many coastal communities are weighing up whether it's worth staying where they are, or if it's ...

Moana Pasifika boss hopeful club could be saved

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There might be life in Moana Pasifika yet. Chief executive Debbie Sorenson is still hopeful someone could step in to save the club. Sorenson spoke to ...

Sports Chat for 16 April 2026

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Market Update for 16 April 2026

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Proposal to give pharmacists extra treatment powers

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new proposal from Health New Zealand would allow community pharmacists to assess and treat children with conditions like scabies, head lice and conj...

Shane Jones on fuel supplies as stocks drop

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's fuel stocks have dropped for the second time in a row.. as MBIE warns delays in fuel shipments are likely to become more common. Associa...

Cost of water to rise as infrastructure upgrades get underway

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Households across the country will soon face a spike in water bills as a shake-up to water services gets underway. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

Concerns over connectivity as jet fuel prices continue to rise

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Airlines are cutting routes here and across the Tasman as jet fuel prices soar. Board of Airline Representatives chief executive Cath O'Brien spoke to...

Morning Business News for 16 April 2026

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

Whitney Hansen speaks to John Campbell ahead of Canada test

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Whitney Hansen was given the top job as the Black Ferns Coach in December. Hansen spoke to John Campbell.

BBC's Security Correspondent Frank Gardner

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Iran has threatened to shut down shipping operations in the Red Sea as well as the Persian Gulf, if the US continues its blockade of Iranian ports. BB...

Morning Rural News for 16 April 2026

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The future manager of New Zealand's largest farm is still to be determined, while high country farms could benefit from a law change - meanwhile farme...

Early Sports Chat for 16 April 2026

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning sports news update with Nathan Rarere.

Government urged to subsidise rooftop solar

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The government is being urged to subsidise rooftop solar for households in the upcoming budget. With the war in the Middle East driving up fuel prices...

World News Wrap for 16 April 2026

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with Nick Harper.

Auckland Cricket and Rugby to leave Eden Park

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby are leaving Eden Park, after the signing of a new deal for the management of the stadium. Auckland Cricket has ann...

Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 15 April

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Political panel: Chris Bishop and Vanushi Walters; India FTA: More businesses call for cross-party support; Tuvalu in state of emergency over fuel sup...

Iconic Foveaux Hotel on the market

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

One of the Southern most hotels in the world is being put on the market. The Foveaux Hotel in Bluff, is an art deco themed 10-room hotel, built in 193...

Auckland Council rolls out AI assistant for complaints

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland Council has rolled out an AI assistant to help people having problems with things like graffiti, roaming dogs and party noise. Deputy Mayor D...

Sports update with Nathan Rarere

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Market update

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Security issue at Auckland Airport

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A security issue at Auckland Airport has meant people have had to rescan their bags, with huge queues through the domestic terminal. Regan Savage, a p...

How's your KiwiSaver doing?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The past decade has been a pretty good one for investors - albeit with a few blips. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds (and her dog Spencer) speaks to ...

Worries over healthcare access on Stewart Island

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's been at least a decade since Rakiura had regular GP visits - and for a brief period last year there were no healthcare workers on the island at a...

Political panel: Chris Bishop and Vanushi Walters

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

National's Chris Bishop and Labour's Vanushi Walters joined Morning Report for the Weekly Political Panel.

Google AI directing hospital inquiries to Timaru cafe

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A Timaru cafe's phone has been ringing off the hook for the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately, many of those on the other end of the call are seekin...

Should you learn to speed read?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As surveys suggest Kiwi office workers are increasingly using AI to summarise information, a Wellington consulting group says its courses promising to...

Gore travel agent on Fonterra payout

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fonterra's sale of its Mainland Group consumer business saw shareholding farmer-suppliers take home an average of $400,000. Could retailers in dairy f...

Sports update with Nathan Rarere

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Market update: 15 April 2026

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

National ticketing solution: Delays annoy Wellington leaders

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Wellington commuters can now use contactless payments on public transport, but a nation-wide ticketing system may still be some while away. Greater We...

Forsyth Barr Stadium CEO resigns

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Dunedin Venues CEO has resigned after 18 months in the job. It's as Forsyth Barr Stadium continues its more than two-year wait for a major concert...

Support worker: Mileage rate increase not enough

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The government has temporarily increased mileage reimbursement rates for home and community support workers to offset soaring fuel prices - but it's n...

India FTA: More businesses call for cross-party support

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dozens of businesses have now signed an open letter calling for politicians to back the India-New Zealand free trade deal. Te Taumata's Hone McGregor ...

Business update: 15 April 2026

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning update on the business world from Corin Dann.

Tuvalu in state of emergency over fuel supply worries

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A state of emergency has been declared on Funafuti Island. Tuvalu's Minister for Transport, Energy Communication and Innovation Simon Kofe spoke to In...

Middle East war: Israel and Lebanon meet for talks

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's the first direct meeting between Lebanon and Israel in 40 years. Washington correspondent Toni Waterman spoke to John Campbell.

Morning Rural News: 15 April 2026

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The cranberry and citrus harvest are underway, while there's still plenty on offer at recent weaner fair and calf sales. The latest rural news with Gi...