Lisa Owen
Why is New Zealand garlic so expensive?
At Woolworths a single bulb of garlic costs four dollars for one. Garlic imported from China is selling for three dollars and 99 cents a bag, with about a dozen bulbs in a bag. So what is the… Audio
Australian central bank cuts rates for first time in four years
The Australian central bank has handed down the country's first rate cut in over four years. Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen. Audio
62nd Halberg Awards to take place at Spark Arena
The glitziest event on the New Zealand sporting calendar has arrived with the 62nd annual Halberg Awards taking place at the Spark Arena in Auckland this evening. In one of the most competitive fields… Audio
Cook Islands and China partnership agreement released
Cooperation on seabed mining, the establishment of diplomatic missions and preferential treatment in regional and multi-lateral fora are some of the standouts in the Comprehensive Strategic… Audio
400 take to streets to protest Cook Islands PM recent decisions
About 400 people - including Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer - have taken to the streets to protest the Cook Islands Prime Minister's recent decisions. The protest took place outside of… Audio
Patients who have had weight-loss surgery overseas clogging system
A Waikato bariatric surgeon said patients going overseas for weight-loss surgery are returning with potentially life-threatening complications and clogging up an already overburdened public health… Audio
Dozens left without bags after Jetstar offloads luggage before flight
A passenger on the Jetstar's Sunday morning flight to Dunedin said dozens of people were left without their bags after Jetstar off-loaded their luggage and didn't tell them until they reached their… Audio
Seymour defends letter to police about Polkinghorne
ACT leader David Seymour has called the Prime Minister ill-advised for criticising his support for Philip Polkinghorne. In 2022, the Epsom MP wrote a 1012-word letter to police, saying Polkinghorne… Audio
Alleged extortion case by supermarket security guard referred to police
A customer said she went through the self check out at the Pak'NSave Manukau last month scanning and paying for items including two bottles of moisturiser. She said a security guard approached her… Audio
Ardie Savea named as captain for Moana Pasifika
The All Black flanker was named by coach Tana Umaga to lead his side for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen. Audio
Fallout from anti-immigration riots continues in United Kingdom
British-born teenager Axel Rudakubana killed three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event last July. Following his arrest a number of false reports spread on social media… Audio
Evening business for 29 January 2025
News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio
Questions remain on govt digital nomad visas
MPs have come away with more questions than answers on the digital nomad visa, including whether housing demand will skyrocket, or migrants will take local jobs while they're here. A parliament… Audio
Orca spotters asked to stay away from pod in Waikato harbours
A family pod of five orca have been visiting Raglan and Kawhia harbours over the past two weeks, attracting people keen for a glimpse. But the Department of Conservation is reminding jet skier and… Audio
GPs closing books and abused over wait times due to shortage
General Practice Aotearoa said the shortage of GPs is so bad that some doctors are being abused over wait times or closing their books to new patients. A Victoria University study has found 36 percent… Audio
Reversing speed limit reductions will lift economy - PM
Blanket speed limit reductions introduced by Labour will start changing, beginning with State Highway Two in the Wairarapa. A total of 38 sections of state highways will revert to their previous… Audio
First electric hydrofoiling boat joins Auckland ferry fleet
A one-of-a-kind electric boat has joined Auckland's ferry fleet, carrying passengers on a high speed tour of the Hauraki Gulf. The VS-9 is a ten-seater hydrofoiling tour boat built by Auckland-based… Audio
FENZ speaks on fires caused by battery powered devices
Earlier this month an iPad left inside a parked car in Mount Manganui exploded after its lithium battery overheated. The device was sitting on a blanket, fueling a car fire. There's also been five… Audio
Speed reductions brought to an end
Drivers wanting to travel faster on State Highways around the country will soon get their wish. 38 sections of the roading network will be reversed back to their previous higher speed limits by NZTA… Audio
Calls for govt financial support for school holiday programmes
The school holidays are only just finishing up and for many parents that means they've spent weeks juggling the stress of childcare alongside returning to work. For a lot of families, the only or best… Audio