Morning Report

Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 22 January

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has given his speech to world and business leaders at Davos in Switzerland; Deb Glasgow has lived in Oakura for decades, and says last ni...

Lawn Bowls competition takes place in Taranaki

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hundreds of lawn bowlers have descended on Taranaki this week for the region's men's open fours competition - considered one of the largest and most p...

An update from Tauranga mayor Mahe Drysdale

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tauranga has been battered by wind and rain that has caused several slips. Mayor Mahe Drysdale spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

US Correspondent Zach Montellaro in Washington DC

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on the latest news from the United States with US Correspondent Zach Montellaro in Washington DC.

Sports Chat for Thursday 22 January

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sporting world.

Market Update for Thursday 22 January

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Not everyone happy with Warbirds fighter jet plans

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Warbirds Over Wanaka is bringing some of the world's most advanced fighter jets to the South Island this Easter - but not everyone will be cheering. K...

State of emergency remains in place in the Coromandel

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A state of emergency remains in place in the Coromandel. Carole Williams, the owner of Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Clean up set to begin in Northland

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

To Northland now, where clean-up is underway after hours of torrential rain yesterday. Northland Civil Defence Group Controller Jenny Calder spoke to ...

Minister Mark Mitchell speaks to RNZ from Coromandel

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Local states of emergency remain in place in Whangarei, Coromandel, Hauraki, the Bay of Plenty and Tairawhiti. Emergency Management and Recovery Minis...

Pressure for incorporated societies to re-register

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Consumer Affairs Minister is urging the nearly half of incorporated societies who haven't done so yet to re-register, or be dissolved. Political r...

An update on weather conditions in Coromandel

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Reporter Charlotte Cook spoke to Lauren Crimp from Coromandel

Gisborne also hit by heavy rain and strong winds

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gisborne is one of the regions currently being hit hard by heavy rain and strong winds with a precautionary state of emergency declared at 5pm last ni...

Latest weather information from MetService

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mmathepelo Makgabutlane from MetService spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Sports Chat for Thursday 22 January

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sporting world.

Market Update for Thursday 22 January

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Oakura homes evacuated due to landslide threat

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Two dozen homes in the settlement of Oakura on Northland's east coast were evacuated yesterday because of the threat of landslides. Ngatiwai Trust Boa...

Prime Minister announces 2026 election date

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister has announced an election date of November 7. Acting political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

More than double an average month's rainfall falls in a day

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Some communities have copped more than double an average month's rainfall in a day. Ahead of the deluge... red weather warnings and multiple states of...

Update from Thames-Coromandel District mayor

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Five local states of emergency are still in place in regions hardest hit by yesterday's weather event, though red warnings have lapsed in Northland an...

An update on conditions in Gisborne with mayor Rehette Stoltz

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gisborne is waking up to very soggy conditions after a night of heavy and persistent rain. Mayor Rehette Stoltz spoke to Lauren Crimp.

Oakura resident says weather is some of the worst she’s seen

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Deb Glasgow has lived in Oakura for decades, and says last night's weather was some of the worst she's ever seen. Deb spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

New passport rules send UK travellers into tailspin

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Travellers are in a tailspin after they discovered new passport rules for travel to Britain - with some now having to find out if they or their childr...

Donald Trump addresses world leaders in Davos

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has given his speech to world and business leaders at Davos in Switzerland. Politico Europe finance correspondent Kathryn Carlson spoke t...

How weather is affecting farmers in Bay of Plenty

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Federated farmers Bay of Plenty provincial president Brent Mountford has been speaking to farmers in the area this morning and spoke to Lauren Crimp.

MetService update on current weather situation

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Thapi Makgabutlane from MetService spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

New surveillance cameras installed in Winton

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A Southland town has overcome years of disagreements over privacy and costs to go ahead with new surveillance cameras. Phil Pennington reports.

Tolaga Bay East Coast Uawa Civil Defence update

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tolaga Bay East Coast Uawa Civil Defence spoke to Lauren Crimp.

An update on weather conditions in Coromandel

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

RNZ's Charlotte Cook spoke to Lauren Crimp from Whitianga.

Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 21 January

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Heavy rain and strong winds continue to hit the upper North Island; Auckland Transport has plans to purchase three new diesel vessels as electric ferr...

Kingston Flyer to take on cyclists in Tour of Southland

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Cyclists on Wednesday morning's Tour of Southland stage will also be taking on the Kingston Flyer vintage steam train. Kingston Flyer General Manager ...

The latest news from Australia with Rebekah Holt

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Correspondent Rebekah Holt spoke to Lauren Crimp from Tasmania.

What does 2026 have in store for interest rates?

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lauren Crimp about what could happen to interest rates this year, and what it means for mortgage holders.

Sports Chat

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Market Update

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Whangarei residents urged to stock up on supplies

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Whangarei residents in the hard-hit northeast coast are being urged to stock up on supplies and have emergency plans ready. Northland Civil Defence Em...

Parents say gross negligence led to sons death in care

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The parents of a 20-year-old who died under compulsory care are devastated that no-one is being held accountable for what they believe was "gross negl...

New Upper Hutt Performance Academy charter school set to open

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Upper Hutt's NZ Performance Academy Aotearoa aims to attract students trying to juggle their sporting commitments with academics. Academy's CEO Karen ...

New charter schools prepare to open for first time

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

At least five new charter schools are set to open this term. Altum Classical Academy principal Christian Pera spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Chris Hipkins speaks ahead of Labour caucus retreat

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Labour's ranks are meeting in West Auckland today where they are expected to outline their priorities heading into this year's election. Party leader ...

New round-the-clock urgent care clinic in Otara

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

South Aucklanders who know what it's like to wait hours at Middlemore Hospital hope Local Doctors Otara, a round-the-clock urgent clinic will mean the...

Sports Chat

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Market Update

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Is screen time for children always a bad thing?

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Research has linked childhood screen time with poor mental and physical health, but a digital education expert says it's not all bad. Professor Cheryl...

Auckland Transport plans to purchase more diesel ferries

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland Transport has plans to purchase three new diesel vessels as electric ferry trials continue. Auckland Transport programme director of the low ...

Online racial attacks muddy debate over rockpool stripping

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Calls for Asians to be deported and threats of physical violence are among the latest social media comments aimed at people accused of stripping rockp...

More rain hits already flood-ravaged Northland

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Heavy rain and strong winds continue to hit the upper North Island Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell spoke to Lauren Crimp.

Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 20 January 2026

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Luxon gave his annual scene setting speech in Auckland on Monday to a crowd of 700 people hosted by the Auckland Business Chamber; New res...

New asteroid named after Kiwi photographer

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An award-winning New Zealand photographer who's had an asteroid named after him for his work in space sustainability says it's a "tremendous thrill." ...

Skipper lucky to be alive after six hours clinging to debris

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

More than six hours. That's how long Nick Destounis was in the water, clinging to floating petrol containers with his two crew after his boat suddenly...

New hate crime and gun control bills introduced in Australia

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government is expected to introduce bills in parliament today on hate crimes and gun control. Australia C...

Sports news for 20 January 2026

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Speculation season around who will be the new All Blacks coach.

Business news for 20 January 2026

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For the latest from the business world, we have business reporter Jeffrey Halley.

Is owning a home no longer the strong investment it once was?

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New data shows the old adage that house prices double every ten years hasn't been true in the past decade - and some commentators are saying it might ...

Thousands of 'ghost houses' remain empty in Queenstown

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As Queenstown's population booms, and its house prices soar, experts say a largely invisible force is having a major effect on the housing market. Kat...

Sociologist discusses how Minneapolis is responding to ICE

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A US Defence official has said 1500 soldiers are on standby as an option to deploy to Minneapolis as protests continue. Minneapolis Sociologist Nicola...

Concerns over possible new rough sleeper rules

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Community housing advocates are worried the police will soon be given powers to move rough sleepers on from public spaces. Community Housing Aotearoa'...

PM speaks to Morning Report ahead of National Party retreat

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Luxon spoke to Melissa Chan-Green following Monday's State of the Nation speech.

Trump doubles down on Greenland threats

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Washington correspondent Simon Marks spoke to Lauren Crimp.

Sports Chat for 20 January 2026

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Market Update for 20 January 2026

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Research reveals Kiwis not protecting themselves from sunburn

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New research shows many New Zealanders aren't paying enough attention when it comes to skin cancer prevention. Report co-author Dr Bronwen McNoe spoke...

Residents describe Northland flooding as worst in living memory

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Longtime residents of flood-damaged Oakura in Northland describe the weekend's rain as the worst in living memory. Glenn Ferguson, who runs the commun...

Former mayor pushes back on claims by Tim Shadbolt’s wife

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Former Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark disputes claims made at Sir Tim Shadbolt's funeral that his colleagues have blood on their hands. Otago/Southlan...

Christopher Luxon delivers State of the Nation speech

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Luxon gave his annual scene setting speech in Auckland on Monday to a crowd of 700 people hosted by the Auckland Business Chamber. Politic...

Morning Report Essentials for Monday 19 January

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The government is working on stopping busloads of people stripping rockpools of sea life in north Auckland; Pharmac is seeking clinical advice on whet...

Australian Open underway in Melbourne

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The first Grand Slam tournament of the year is already upon us, with the Australian Open kicking off in Melbourne. Tennis commentator Dave Worsley spo...

Latest news from Europe with correspondent Lucy Thomson

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest from Europe Correspondent Lucy Thomson in London.

Morning sport update

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sport update from Jonty Dine.

Market Update

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

How spending habits have changed over the decades

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you think about what you - or your parents - were spending your money on 30 years ago, it might be quite different to how you spend it now. Money c...

Low rate of prosecution following inquiry into abuse in care

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Police have prosecuted fewer than one in ten of the cases referred from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Timothy Brown reports.

Possible changes to Auckland housing intensification targets

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is considering lowering its housing intensification targets in Auckland after pushback from critics. Scott Caldwell, a spokesperson for...

Northlanders begin clean up after weekend flooding

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Northlanders have begun the big job of cleaning up the debris left by yesterday's flooding. Kim Baker-Wilson is in Oakura and spoke to Lauren Crimp.

Black Caps take historic ODI series win over India

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Black Caps have won the final ODI against India to take the series 2-1. Debutant Jayden Lennox spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Calls for Picton ferry terminal to move to Clifford Bay

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's been an idea floated for nearly 100 years - shifting the Picton ferry terminal to Clifford Bay for a faster Cook Strait crossing but so far, the ...

Trump push for Greenland risks ‘dangerous downward spiral’

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump is doubling down on his efforts to acquire Greenland, threatening to slap tariffs on European allies standing in his way. Nicholas Ross S...

Sports Chat

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sporting world.

Market Update

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Market Update

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Pharmac seeks advice on Wegovy government funding

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pharmac is seeking clinical advice on whether the weight loss medication Wegovy should receive government funding. Professor of Paediatric Endocrinolo...

Pharmac seeks advice on Wegovy government funding

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pharmac is seeking clinical advice on whether the weight loss medication Wegovy should receive government funding. Professor of Paediatric Endocrinolo...

Minister considering ban over rock pool harvesting

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The government is working on stopping busloads of people stripping rockpools of sea life in north Auckland. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones ...

Whangarei Mayor Ken Couper updates flood situation

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most flood-damaged roads on Northland's east coast have been cleared after yesterday's torrential rain brought down slips and downed trees. Whangarei ...

More heavy rain on the way for Northland

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Civil defence is bracing for more heavy downpours in Northland later this week while communities are still dealing with destroyed homes and buildings....

Morning Report Essentials for Friday 16 January

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A former All Blacks captain says New Zealand Rugby was left with no option but to sack Scott Robertson; With an internet blackout in place in Iran, on...

NZ Surfing Nationals taking place in Gisborne

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The New Zealand surfing Nationals have been on all week in Gisborne and they're getting to the pointy end of the competition with the men's and men's ...

What's been making news overnight in Europe

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Liucy Thompson spoke to Melissa Chan-Green from London with an update on what's been making news overnight in Europe.

Sports Chat

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Jonty Dine.

Market Update

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

No 8 wire mentality making Kiwis vulnerable to scammers

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new report from a global cybersecurity company says online scammers are using our "number 8 wire" mentality against us. Specialist systems engineer ...

New chief executive at Federated Farmers

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The new chief executive of Federated Farmers says he wants to create an "unfair" advantage for kiwi farmers at home and on the world stage. Mike Sierm...

What next for the All Blacks, and who could take over as coach?

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand Rugby have given Scott 'Razor' Robertson the cut just half way through his four year contract. RNZ Sports Reporter Joe Porter spoke to Lau...

Skilled or not: residence changes this year and who it affects

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Migrants who were told their job was skilled and put them on a path to residence say the goalposts have shifted - and some are off to Australia.

Calls to invest in environment as Govt boosts tourism marketing

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is investing $3.7 million to market New Zealand's regions internationally, encouraging visitors to travel beyond traditional hotspots d...

Sports Chat

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Jonty Dine.

Market Update

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Warnings over car heat not getting through to dog owners

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

SPCA inspectors in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato have been getting up to 4 calls a day for dogs left in hot cars this summer. Jason Blair leads the te...

Internet blackout in place as Starlink deployed to Iran

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With an internet blackout in place in Iran, only scant details about what is happening on the ground are emerging via the Elon Musk-owned internet sat...

Locals say beachcombing putting marine eco-system at risk

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Locals in northern Auckland say busloads of people are turning up to beaches and taking everything from sea cucumbers to starfish out of rockpools. Je...