Policy
Australian prime minister's party launches election campaign
His government has pledged that if re-elected, it would guarantee part of a first-home buyer's home loan.
Redundancy payment cuts childcare rebates
But an expert says this was anticipated when the scheme was introduced.
US, Ukraine hold tense talks as mineral deal remains elusive, source says
A Treasury Department spokesperson also confirmed the discussions, calling them "technical in nature".
New Zealand's estuaries 'in hot water'
A high rate of sedimentation mean our estuaries are getting shallower, but the road to fixing the damage is a much deeper issue. Audio
Govt expands definition of 'veteran'
The government is expanding the official term "veteran" to cover more ex-soldiers, sailors and aviators, as well as setting up a new national day of tribute. No Duff co-founder Aaron Wood spoke to… Audio
More kids struggling with poverty than last year - official figures
The annual report on the child and youth strategy looked at poverty measures and indicators between July 2023 and June 2024.
Union fights to protect Woolworths staff pay amid restructure
Workers First Union is pushing for Woolworths senior staff members' pay to be protected, as the supermarket chain pushes ahead of with a major restructure. First Union's national retail organiser Ross… Audio
Seymour defiant despite vote-down of Treaty Principles Bill
The Treaty Principles Bill is now dead but its architect Act Party leader David Seymour is looking to resurrect something similar at the next election. Political reporter Russell Palmer has more. Audio
Thousands to benefit as Pharmac widens access to four medicines
The drug-funding agency estimated that 1200 patients would benefit this year, rising to more than 5000 annually after 2030.
New procurement rules urge wool use in govt buildings
The government says the move aims to provide opportunities for local wool producers.
Iwi, mayors, tourism partners team up to finish cycle trail
Iwi leaders, local government and Māori tourism representatives are banding together in a push to ensure the final sections of a "nationally significant" cycle trail are completed.
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 9 April 2025
On today's episode, the country's biggest exporters are trying to come to grips with what exactly the Trump's tariffs mean, while global stock markets have been volatile, taking big swings both up and… Audio
Minister Simon Watts on shut down of green investment fund
The government's green investment fund is shutting down. The NZGIF came under fire last year over its $145 million loan to failed company Solar Zero. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts earlier spoke… Audio
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
