Policy
The Ministry of Health's alcohol problem
If you don't want to face the unpalatable truth about your boozing, the alcohol lobby is on your side.
Booze warnings on hold
If you don't want to face the unpalatable truth about your boozing, the alcohol lobby is on your side. Audio
ECan chair rebuffs government's directive to stop planning
Environment Canterbury chairperson Craig Pauling says councils need to keep thinking about planning, despite the RMA Reform Minister putting a halt to district and regional plans.
Student Volunteer Army granted $50,000 for flood clean-up
The grant will pay for region-wide activities over the next four-to-six weeks based on requests by those affected.
Govt move to scrap 'four wellbeings' could undermine council stability - officials warn
Critics argue removing councils' wellbeing priorities may lower costs, but will also reduce local autonomy and risk Treaty settlement fallout. Audio
Marlborough council defies Govt to push ahead with airport safety plan
The district council says it will continue planning airport safety protections, despite government moves to freeze all environment plan changes under RMA law. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 18 July 2025
In today's episode, A pioneer of the New Zealand music scene has died. Chris Ta'aloga Faiumu, also known as DJ Mu or Fitchie, was a founder of the band Fat Freddy's Drop; Fonterra is pleased to see… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Friday 18 July 2025
In today's episode, a South Auckland principal is warning that a third of teenagers in communities like his could leave school with no qualifications; New Zealand wine brand Villa Maria putting cancer… Audio
Bill aimed at getting councils costs down passes first reading
Legislation aimed at getting local councils to keep their costs down has passed its first reading coinciding with this year's Local Government conference in Christchurch. Political reporter Russell… Audio
Real people, real lives, right now - the reality of climate change
When it comes to damage from serious weather events, the days of big pay-outs to property owners are coming to an end.
Paying for the reality of climate change
When it comes to damage from serious weather events, the days of big pay-outs to property owners are coming to an end. Audio
Students warned about promoting overseas gambling websites
The Department of Internal Affairs says influencers could face a $5000 fine. Audio
'Mark your own homework': Healthy Homes checks under fire
With no certification needed to check new rental standards, building experts and advocates are calling for independent oversight. Audio
Council $3.1m rates blunder: New Plymouth households could be overcharged by $102
New Plymouth District Council hiked residential rates 12.8 percent instead of 9.9 percent, prompting an apology and calls for a one-off rebate. Audio
National joins Labour to back pay transparency bill
A bill protecting workers who talk about pay has passed its second reading with rare cross-party backing.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 17th July 2025
In today's episode, retailers are relieved to see a reduction in bank fees for processing card payments, but say it doesn't go far enough; A finance lender is calling for the government to step in and… Audio
Calls for govt to financially support people fleeing abusive relationships
A finance lender is calling for the government to step in and help financially support people fleeing abusive relationships. Good Shepherd chief executive Emma Saunders spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 17 July 2025
In today's episode, figures provided in a just released study show since 2008 there have been an average of 36,500 symptomatic cases of campylobacter each year, 535 people on average are hospitalized… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 16th July 2025
In today's episode, the Waikato District Council is investigating a road that locals call the "rollercoaster" after a woman and two children were killed in a crash on Tuesday; New Zealanders are once… Audio
Charter schools told to keep enrolments secret
The organisation overseeing the reintroduction of charter schools has told the schools to keep their enrolments secret. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports. Audio
