Morning Report

Business News

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

Westport to lose its only air connection

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Westport is set to lose its only air service in May - with the airline Origin Air saying it's not commercially viable. Buller District Council Mayor, ...

Members of Iranian women's football team arrive back in Iran

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Five members of the Iranian women's football team, who were granted asylum in Australia, but later changed their minds, have returned to Iran. BBC cor...

Morning Rural News

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

Early Sports Chat

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning sports news update.

West Auckland residents taking in homeless teens

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

People in west Auckland are opening their doors to homeless teenagers, to get them off the streets while more permanent housing is found. It's a progr...

World News Wrap

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Calls for Auckland air quality to be improved

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A group of health professionals are calling on the government to improve Auckland's air quality. New research suggests more than 700 Aucklanders die f...

Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 18 March

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour leader Chris Hipkins responds to claims made online by ex-wife; Weekly political panel with Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni; Foodstuffs North...

Sound of bagpipes set to take over Taranaki

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The sound of bagpipes will be echoing across Taranaki this week as dozens of bands gather for one of the biggest events on the international pipe band...

Richard Quest discusses impact of conflict on air travel

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The cost of the conflict in the Middle East is hitting airlines hard with fuel doubling in price in some regions. Some of the world's largest airlines...

Sports Chat for 18 March 2025

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Joe Porter.

Market Update for 18 March 2026

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

New report says property investors contribute $24.8b to GDP

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new report says property investors contribute $24.8 billion to gross domestic product, and sustain 126,000 full-time equivalent jobs. But not everyo...

NZTA reverses hundreds of fines

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Transport Agency has cancelled and refunded hundreds of speeding fines issued on a single day, after conceding road signs on a Lower Hutt road cre...

Weekly Political Panel for 18 March 2026

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins denies claims made by ex-wife

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour leader Chris Hipkins continues to deny a series of claims made by his ex-wife. The allegations were made on a private facebook page and have si...

Small towns being hit hardest by dental shortage

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dental clinics across the country are struggling to fill roles, with the pressure hitting smaller towns hardest. Dental Specialist Dr Robin Whyman is ...

Sports Chat for 18 March 2026

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Joe Porter.

Market Update for 18 March 2026

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Can NZ’s electricity network handle more EVs?

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Some dealers say they've had a big increase in interest, as motorists try to shield themselves from oil price shocks. Drive Electric board chair Kirst...

New school rating system introduced

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Education Review Office is introducing a colour-coded, four-point scale for rating schools' performance, which the government says will be easier ...

Tech prices set to rise as AI becomes priority for suppliers

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand consumers are being warned laptops, smart phones and even fridges are going to cost more as the price of key components jump by 400%. Sinc...

Foodstuffs boss responds to increase in food prices

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Food prices have surged, with supermarket shoppers braced for even higher totals at the till. Prices are up 4.5%, with mince up 23%. The conflict in t...

Business News for 18 March 2026

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

Should teachers give children lollies for good behaviour?

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Should teachers give children lollies or chocolates for good behaviour? Health ministry guidelines say schools shouldn't serve confectionery at all. S...

More than 400,000 Kiwis report experiencing long-covid

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

More than 400,000 Kiwis have reported experiencing long-covid in newly-released figures from Health New Zealand. Larisa Hockey from Long Covid Support...

Middle East update with BBC correspondent Frank Gardner

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Israel says it has killed one of Iran's most senior figures, its security chief Ali Larijani. His death is yet to be confirmed by Iran. BBC's security...

Morning Rural News for 18 March 2026

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

Early Sports Chat for 18 March 2026

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning sports news update with Joe Porter

Surprise find among recovering plants in Tongariro fire zone

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Native plants are making a comeback in the fire-charred areas of Tongariro National Park, but invasive weeds and animal pests pose a risk to a full re...

World News Wrap for 18 March 2026

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Effects of Middle East conflict felt by farmers

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The flow-on effects from the conflict in Iran are being felt by farmers. Fuel prices are up, and the Middle East is also a major player in fertiliser ...

Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 17 March

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Barbara Edmonds fills in for Chris Hipkins for our weekly chat with the opposition; Shane Jones addresses concern over fuel supply; The Association of...

Campaign urges Kiwis to eat leftovers instead of wasting food

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christchurch is leading a nationwide effort to stop leftovers from being forgotten at the back of the fridge. The campaign, led by Love Food Hate Wast...

Christchurch pharmacy sees morning rush for forgotten glasses

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A surprising number of people start their workday with the same problem, they've forgotten their reading glasses. One Christchurch pharmacy says the f...

Sports Chat for 17 March 2026

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Barry Guy.

Market Update for 17 March 2026

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

How high could petrol prices go?

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Petrol prices are well past $3 a litre in many parts of the country now, but just how far could they go? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to In...

Asian supermarket a sign of Auckland’s changing demographics

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The imminent arrival of a large Asian supermarket in one Auckland suburb is highlighting the changing demographics of our biggest city. Blockhouse Bay...

Push to decentralise the health system is at 'extreme' risk

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A push to decentralise the health system is at 'extreme' risk because of workforce shortages, according to a Health New Zealand internal report. RNZ's...

Weekly interview with opposition

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour's finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds spoke to Morning Report.

Political wrap

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Finance Minister is hinting targeted support could be on the way should the war in the Middle East continue to put pressure on fuel prices. Deputy...

New AI tool saving doctors valuable time in ED

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Doctors say a new AI tool used in emergency departments around the country is saving them up to ten minutes per patient. Emergency physician John Bonn...

Calls for specialist police force to patrol new City Rail Link

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A city councillor is calling for a specialist police force to patrol deep below Auckland's streets on the new City Rail Link. Luka Forman reports.

Sports Chat for 17 March 2026

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Joe Porter.

Market Update for 17 March 2026

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

EV dealers report spike in sales as fuel prices rise

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Some electric vehicle dealers say they're seeing a spike in sales as fuel prices rise. Managing Editor of NZ Autocar magazine, Richard Edwards spoke t...

Huge demand for meningococcal vaccine after Dunedin outbreak

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A Dunedin pharmacist says he has had huge demand for students wanting the meningococcal vaccine, after an outbreak of the disease was declared. Albany...

Concerns grow over NZ fuel supply due to Middle East conflict

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Associate Minister for Energy, Shane Jones spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss as energy supply concerns grow.

Medical union responds to new government health announcement

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has announced hospitals will get more staff and extra beds as part of a 25 million dollar investment, as winter looms. Association of S...

Business News for 17 March 2026

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

Christchurch community leaders uneasy with sewage plan

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A controversial plan to pump millions of litres of partially-treated sewage into the Christchurch coastline is leaving community leaders feeling uneas...

Trump ramps up call for assistance in Strait of Hormuz

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump has ramped up his calls for assistance in opening the Strait of Hormuz. Correspondent Toni Waterman spoke to Corin Dann from...

Morning Rural News for 17 March 2026

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

Early Sports Chat for 17 March 2026

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning sports news update with Joe Porter.

Luxon wraps up visit of Samoa

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister is set to wrap up his brief time in Samoa with some sore points still to be worked through. Political reporter Giles Dexter reporte...

World News Wrap

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

New alcohol reform bill introduced in parliament

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A bill aimed at reforming alcohol laws has been introduced to Parliament. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Amendment Bill will allow licensed premises t...

Morning Report Essentials for Monday 16 March

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nicola Willis is in for the Prime Minister who is in Samoa; With the conflict in the Middle East continuing, warnings over increasing costs of fuel an...

Latest news from Australia

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Crowds pack Western Springs for Pasifika Festival

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's one of the most colourful and culturally vibrant events on Tamaki Makaurau's calendar - the Pasifika Festival. Over the weekend, the event return...

98th annual Academy Awards taking place in Los Angeles

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The red carpet is being rolled out, the champagne is on ice and Hollywood is ready to crown the year's best movie. This afternoon the 98th annual Acad...

Sports Chat for 16 March 2026

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Joe Porter.

Market Update for 16 March 2026

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

New data reveals only 21 non-financial benefit sanctions issued

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Non-financial benefit sanctions are meant to be a way to prompt people back to meeting their obligations - without cutting their benefits. But new dat...

Calls for tighter regulations on mahjong venues

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Two mothers whose teenage children spent a week hopping around mahjong venues want tighter regulations for under 18s. The popular Chinese game, which ...

New rules for gift cards come into place

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gift cards sold from today must last at least three years, or clearly show they don't expire. Commerce Commission Principal Compliance Advisor Grant M...

Experts warn war in Iran could curtail economy's growth

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The government is expecting the war in Iran and the ongoing fuel crisis could curtail the economy's growth by 0.5%. Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckh...

Nicola Willis fills in for PM for weekly interview

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kiwis could be forced to ration petrol in a worst-case-scenario, should the war in Iran continue to put pressure on international oil supplies. Nicola...

School bus charters hit by rising fuel costs

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A school bus charter company says it is being hit hard by rising fuel costs, driven by increasing fuel prices because of the conflict in the Middle Ea...

Sports Chat for 16 March 2026

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Barry Guy.

Market Update for 16 March 2026

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Consumer NZ warns over new barcode standards

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The company behind the barcode standards used by retailers worldwide, says digital labelling will give people more information about products. Peter S...

Brain-injured man says ACC spying left lasting trauma

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

ACC secretly watched a man it thought might be faking symptoms of a serious head injury. It downplayed the severity of his injuries for years, and may...

Programme aims to get business ideas up and running

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Young people in Horowhenua with business ideas are gathering this morning for a programme aimed at helping them start their own ventures or get into w...

Price of petrol continues to climb

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The price of petrol is continuing to climb, as the conflict in the Middle East rages on. Waitomo chief executive Simon Parham spoke to Corin Dann.

Business News for 16 March 2026

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

Strait of Hormuz at a near near-standstill

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump says many countries will send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for shipping. Otago University's Robert Patman spoke to Corin...

Israel and Iran trade more strikes overnight

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Israel and Iran have traded more strikes overnight, as President Trump says the US is not ready to make a deal to end the conflict. Thomas Helm, the J...

Morning Rural News

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

Early Sports Chat

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An early morning sports news update with Joe Porter.

Prime Minister arrives in Samoa

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister says his visit to Samoa and Tonga is all about underscoring the family relationship - but seems reluctant to commit to visa waivers...

World News Wrap

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Shoppers warned to brace for higher grocery prices

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Shoppers should brace for higher grocery prices as the conflict in the Middle East drives up the cost of fuel and freight. That comes on after new Inf...

Morning Report Essentials for Friday 13 March

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Call for the government to encourage working from home to ease fuel costs; Nelson's mayor responds to Air New Zealand flight cancellations affecting t...

Latest news from Australia

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

The prickly truth of hedgehogs in New Zealand

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on the state of hedgehog eradication from Pest Free Banks Peninsula's Tim Sjoberg, who spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Fringe Festival underway in Dunedin

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of the week when newsmakers relax and everyday locals come to the fore in our regional check in. Today we're in Dunedin as their Fringe...

Market Update

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

What can Kiwi workers do to combat costly commute?

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What can New Zealand workers do if they're facing a costly commute as fuel prices rise? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Weekly Sports Panel

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

1 News Sports Editor Abby Wilson and former All Black captain Taine Randell discuss this weekend's sport action.

Fuel companies put on notice over pricing

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fuel companies have been put on notice by the Commerce Commission, which says it will be quick to call out any unjustified price rises at the pump. Br...

How to best prepare your home for heavy rainfall

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Flood specialists are urging households to consider what simple and low-cost steps they could take to limit damage to their home from extreme rainfall...

Pasifika Festival returns to Auckland this weekend

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This weekend sees the popular Pasifika Festival return to Auckland's Western Springs Lakeside Park. Jep Savali is the Group Manager of Major Events at...

New trial of digital food labels set to begin

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government will be trialling digital labels on food products, where customers scan a QR code to get nutritional information. Consumer NZ's Researc...

Sports Chat

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Joe Porter.

Market Update

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Call for govt to encourage working from home due to fuel prices

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The union representing public servants is calling on the government to encourage working from home, in the face of rising petrol prices. PSA national ...

Nelson mayor responds to Air NZ flight cancellations

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Air New Zealand is cancelling 1100 - affecting 44,000 passengers throughout the country over the next two months. Nelson is one city where some flight...