Policy
Opponents fear AI will disrupt benefit payments
Opponents of law change fear it will create a legal loophole allowing the use of artificial intelligence to cut benefits and impose sanctions on beneficiaries. But the Ministry of Social Development… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 8 April 2025
On today's episode, the government has announced a defence funding boost, we hear from the Defence Minister and the Labour leader, markets around the world have fallen amid Trump's tariff… Audio
New Zealand has joined the arms race, professor says
A $12 billion plan includes spending on "enhance combat capability, including strike capacity". Audio
Govt promises massive boost in defence spending
The coalition has promised a massive boost in defence spending up to levels not seen since the early 1990s, but there are still questions about where the money will come from. Political reporter… Audio
Medicinal cannabis users worried about new drug-driving rules
The law allows police to do random roadside tests and ban drivers for 12 hours. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 7 April 2025
In today's episode, the New Zealand share market fell more than 3.1 percent on Monday morning, the biggest single session fall since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, Households are being asked… Audio
'Surprise' island nation Tokelau targeted for US tariffs
A Tokelau official says the country received no warning of the 10 percent tariff, despite weekly contact with US officials. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 7 April 2025
On today's episode, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon discusses Trump's tariff on New Zealand, more than 50 countries have contacted US President Donald Trump to try to negotiate following the sweeping… Audio
Government considers u-turn on baby formula rules after industry shift
The formula companies wanted the government to opt out of tougher regulation, but now they want back in. Audio
More than 50 nations want to start trade talks with US after tariffs, Trump officials say
The countries have not been named and details about the talks are unknown. Audio
Musk says he hopes for 'zero tariffs' between US and Europe
Following Trump's announcement, European Union countries will be subject to a general tariff of 20 percent.
Govt considering opting back into infant formula standards
RNZ understands the government is considering opting back into trans-Tasman infant formula standards, after rejecting them last year. Anusha Bradley reports. Audio
Surprises in government's next quarterly plan
The government says it's ticked off 37 out of 40 goals in its last plan - but there's some big milestones in the next.
'Gambling by stealth' - Iwi leaders call for halt on gambling law reform
The government plans to auction off 15 online casino licenses next year.
'For the kids': Luxon hears Polyfest funding plea
Polyfest's 50th anniversary transformed from a mere celebration into a powerful call for the government to invest in Aotearoa New Zealand's largest cultural youth festival.
Petition supporting change to volunteer firefighters ACC eligibility reaches 30,000
The petition calls for volunteer firefighters to get the same ACC coverage and benefits as their paid colleagues.
Locals need more say on congestion charging plans - Auckland councillors
The transport committee is pushing for changes to a parliamentary bill
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 4 April 2025
In today's episode, heavy rain is hitting the North Island, we get the latest update, Trade Minister Todd McClay discusses what happens next after Trump has hit New Zealand with tariffs, the Auditor… Audio
Top marks for education authorities from minister
Erica Stanford says her main agencies have improved since she gave them dire satisfaction ratings last year.
Bill unbinding Treaty principles, Oranga Tamariki passes final reading
The legislation change would not require Oranga Tamariki to work in partnership with iwi and hapū.
