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What you need to know
What you need to know headlines with summaries.
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A structured literacy approach in schools: What you need to know
10 May 2024Explainer - The government from 2025 is mandating how state schools teach children to read. But what is structured literacy and how does it compare to other teaching methods?
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What we learnt from Nicola Willis' pre-Budget speech
9 May 2024The Finance Minister has done a conservative lift of the lid on her upcoming Budget. Here's what she laid out.
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Samoa's dengue fever outbreak: What you need to know
3 May 2024New Zealanders travelling to Samoa are recommended to have comprehensive insurance as the country deals with a dengue outbreak. Audio
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How do our politicians' pay packets compare?
1 May 2024Explainer - MPs are about to get a pay bump, but is it fair and how does it compare to other countries?
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School cellphone ban: What you need to know
30 Apr 2024Explainer - What will a ban on cellphones in schools achieve? Can students use them during lunch breaks? And what happens if you need to contact your child?
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Where public sector job cuts are coming from so far
16 Apr 2024Smaller agencies are making deepest cuts as they look to save costs, RNZ data shows.
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What new research about the pandemic shows
15 Apr 2024And how New Zealand's experience with Covid-19 was very different to most of the world.
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Explainer: Why do we commemorate Anzac Day?
22 Apr 2024On April 25 each year, New Zealanders at home and around the world mark Anzac Day. Do you know why?
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Proposed anti-gang laws: What you need to know
4 Apr 2024We've been hearing a lot about anti-gang measures, with new legislation going through Parliament. RNZ is here to explain what it's all about.
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The MediaWorks data breach: What you need to know
25 Mar 2024It is easy to shrug off news of yet another data breach. But experts say even basic personal information can help fuel cyber crimes. RNZ explains.
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New Zealand is in a recession: What you need to know
21 Mar 2024What is a recession and what is gross domestic product? RNZ is here to clear it all up.
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TikTok is facing a ban in the US: What you need to know
22 Mar 2024A bill calling for the forced sale or ban of TikTok passed through the United States' House of Representatives. What's next, and what does all of this mean for New Zealand?
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Mortgage break fees: What you need to know
14 Mar 2024Explainer - As big banks reduce home loan interest rates, people might be tempted to shop around. But break fees can end up costing as much or even more than potential savings.
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Is this the death of news media? What you need to know
12 Mar 2024Explainer - Not long after Newshub announced it would shut down, TVNZ shared plans to eliminate jobs. Is this a tipping point?
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The future of Premier House: What you need to know
7 Mar 2024Explainer - Despite its $37m valuation it doesn't meet healthy homes standards. But is updating it necessary during a cost of living crisis? RNZ examines its past, present, and potential future use.
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Why does Woolworth's look like it's struggling?
29 Feb 2024Explainer - At first glance, it doesn't make sense that New Zealand's second-biggest supermarket chain had a drop in earnings. RNZ clears up the confusion.
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Why are fertility rates falling?
23 Feb 2024Explainer - Fertility rates in New Zealand, and around the world, keep dropping. What does this mean?
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Covid-19 testing: What you need to know
22 Feb 2024Explainer - With all these new Covid variants, how are the old tests holding up? And what's the point of testing now, anyway?
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Fire season is here: What you need to know
15 Feb 2024Explainer - Warnings about an intense wildfire season seem to be coming to fruition. RNZ asks the experts what's going on.
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Port Hills fire: What you need to know
15 Feb 2024Evacuation centres and a recovery hub are set up to help residents as the Port Hills fire spreads over more than 650 hectares.
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Choosing a sunscreen: What you need to know
13 Feb 2024Explainer - Every summer, misinformation about sunscreen seems to grow. A bit like cancer. RNZ asks the experts for help.
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Fees free changes: What you need to know
8 Feb 2024Explainer - The new government plans to pay for students' final year of tertiary study, rather than their first. RNZ analyses the impact of the current settings and the proposed change.
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Why are trains being cancelled because of heat?
12 Jan 2024Explainer - Rail services are struggling to cope with middling temperatures in Wellington. What's going on?
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Do claims about infant swim lessons stack up?
10 Jan 2024Explainer - Some swim schools make big claims about baby and toddler classes. Here's what the evidence says.
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