Policy
Chinese tourists can now travel visa-free to NZ via Australia
The government expects 50,000 additional Chinese visitors each year under the relaxed visa rules.
Beyond Trump: Luxon's quiet wins in Southeast Asia
Analysis:Christopher Luxon says he used his trip to double down on deepening ties with fast growing economies.
Why the gene tech bill has some scientists worried
A couple of weeks ago we started a conversation about the gene tech bill that it seems scientists and politicians can't agree on. We spoke to Andrew Allan, a Professor at Auckland University's School… Audio
'All it takes is one taste': Fears gambling bill will spark addictions
"Once you've tasted it, it will spiral out of control," says one man who is worried what the law change will mean. Audio
Potential changes to WOF rules coming for Kiwis
The Government is asking New Zealanders if they support changes to the Warrant of Fitness system, which would stretch out WOFs for light vehicles, to once every two years. The Automobile Association's… Audio
SPCA not consulted about pig welfare changes
The NZ Pork industry group were consulted by the government.
More Kiwis at risk of inland flooding due to changing climate
There are 750,000 people already at risk from inland flooding and that will increase as a changing climate brings wilder, wetter weather, new data shows. Climate change correspondent Kate Newton… Audio
A spotlight on aging
The aged care sector has had enough of reports describing all its many problems - and hopes a new Ministerial Advisory Group will provide some solutions. Audio
13-year-old has major surgery after eating 100 magnets
Surgeons at Tauranga Hospital had to remove part of the boy's bowel to get out the magnets bought on Temu.
NZ Police Commissioner asks Aussie counterpart for explanation
The NZ Police Commissioner has asked his counterpart in Australia for a please explain, after learning that the Northern Territory has renewed its recruitment drive for Police Officers in New Zealand… Audio
Labour MP Duncan Webb announces retirement from politics
His decision adds to a growing list of senior Labour politicians calling it quits.
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 21 October 2025
Opposition leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Morning Report; Reaction to Labour's Future Fund announcement; Auckland Transport brings back Pothole Promise; How prepared are we for a volcanic eruption… Audio
Blind-sided: Educators on curriculum changes
Some in the sector say the changes are much more than just tweaks. Audio
Educators feeling blind-sided by curriculum changes
Educators feel blind-sided by major changes to the Maths and English curriculum less than a year since the last update. Rachel Graham reports. Audio
Broughton resigns as president of Local Government NZ
It comes after a landslide loss in the Selwyn District mayoralty race.
Bill to restrict social media for under 16s introduced
National MP, Catherine Wedd has introduced a private members bill to restrict social media for under sixteen year olds and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Employers respond to claims they’re crying out for teen workers
Timothy Brown asks Canterbury employers if they are "crying out" for teenage workers following claims from the prime minister. Audio
PPTA responds to open letter from government ahead of strikes
PPTA President Chris Abercrombie spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss about an open letter issued by the government ahead of mega strike action. Audio
Union: Govt open letter has inflamed tensions between parties
Union leaders say the government's open letter to the public about looming strike action has only inflamed tensions between negotiating parties. Political reporter Anneke Smith reports. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 17 October 2025
The Health Minister will consider a law change to prevent further doctors strikes; Kaipara District Council has lodged a complaint to the Department of Internal Affairs about local election… Audio
