National

Thousands have flocked to Ahuriri Napier for the IronMāori, an annual indigenous triathlon with races for everyone. Race director Donna Whitiwhiti spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio

Massey University will stop funding its Students Association from next year, a move that the student body says will set an alarming precedent for the future of independent student unionism in New… Audio

The Prime Minister is accusing the opposition of playing politics with youth mental health, in its criticisms of Gumboot Friday founder Mike King. Red Door Recovery Addictions Practitioner Justine… Audio

First Up reporter Leonard Powell dressed up as RAYGUN the Olympic breakdancer, and visited three of Auckland's Halloween hotspots. Audio

Despite strong backlash from the community, the Central Hawke's Bay District Council has voted to establish a trust deed that could revive the controversial Ruataniwha Dam. Central Hawke's Bay mayor… Audio

Iwi from the top of the South Island are celebrating a hard won victory in the High Court which has made an interim ruling they are entitled to thousands of hectares of Crown land and millions of… Audio

Former eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne is back at the High Court in Auckland on Friday, facing sentencing for methamphetamine possession. Reporter Finn Blackwell spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio

A new report has laid out what caused the Cook Strait ferry Aratere to run aground near Picton in June - but it could be another 18 months before investigators say how it could have been prevented or… Audio

A survivor and expert of abuse in care are urging the Government to announce details of a redress system by the time a public apology is given in parliament. Ellen O'Dwyer reports. Audio

I Am Hope charity founder Mike King has attracted criticism for comments around alcohol, saying that in some cases alcohol has prevented young people from taking their lives. Minister for Mental… Audio

New Zealand has signed a trade deal with the Middle East Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Trade Minister Todd McClay spoke to Ingrid… Audio

For the first time in the A-League, two New Zealand tribes will go to war. On Saturday afternoon the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC will meet in a first-ever Kiwi derby, pitting the Phoenix - in… Audio

The families of those who died during last year's severe weather in Auckland hope unanswered questions about their deaths will be addressed by a coronial inquest. Maia Ingoe reports. Audio

The Associate Education Minister says he wants to give attendance services more money in a bid to tackle the growing truancy crisis. David Seymour spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio

Families of children enrolled with Te Kura variously describe the distance education school as essential, hopeless and a life line. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports. Audio