Policy
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 9 July 2025
In today's episode, Sir Peter Jackson is backing an ambitious project effort to bring back the Moa from extinction, and it is being led Ngāi Tahu, Canterbury Museum, and Colossal Biosciences; Health… Audio
Union on Health NZ scrapping plans to cut maternity beds at Wellington Hospital
Midwives and specialists begged Health New Zealand to abandon the proposal to cut maternity beds at Wellington Hospital - and at an emotional meeting with staff, it has. MERAS Union co-leader Caroline… Audio
Health NZ changes mind on plans to cut maternity beds at Wellington Hospital
Health bosses driving controversial plans to cut maternity beds at Wellington Hospital have changed their minds. Health NZ acting chief executive Robyn Shearer spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Uber in Supreme Court over drivers employment rights
Multi-million dollar rideshare company Uber took it's fight over drivers employment rights to the Supreme court today. The Court is deciding whether it's drivers should be considered employees. This… Audio
Day two of hearings on Regulatory Standards Bill under way
The second day of hearings for the contentious Regulatory Standards Bill is under way at Parliament. Reporter Lillian Hanly spoke to Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira. Audio
Economist on Regulatory Standards Bill
While critics are lining up at Parliament to oppose David Seymour's anti red-tape bill, others are fronting up to defend it. Economist Bryce Wilkinson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Day two of hearings on the Regulatory Standards Bill
The second day of hearings on the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill will get underway at Parliament on Tuesday. Former prime minister and constitutional lawyer Sir Geoffrey Palmer spoke to Ingrid… Audio
Changes to make it easier to open a bank account for children
The Government is set to make changes to anti-money laundering laws to make it easier for bank accounts for children to be opened. Massey Business School associate professor and banking expert Dr… Audio
Call for alternative education rule change
Teachers at last-chance education programmes for troubled teens say allowing them to keep students beyond the age of 16 would change lives. RNZ's education correspondent John Gerritsen reports. Audio
Weather agencies' merger set to fix gaps exposed by Cyclone Gabrielle - NIWA
NIWA's manager for climate, atmosphere, and hazards says merging with MetService and GNS will create a more efficient and integrated weather prediction system.
Harsher jail terms to come for 'coward punch' attacks
The Government is changing the law so a coward punch, or king hit, is a specified offence with jail terms of between eight years and life. Walk without Fear Trust Spokesperson Mike Angove spoke to… Audio
US Senate back debating big beautiful bill
The US Senate is back debating Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill" this morning, after a long weekend of late-night negotiations and changes. POLITICO's Senior Legal Affairs Reporter Josh Gerstein… Audio
Harsher penalties announced for 'one punch' attacks
The government says new penalties for those who hurl coward punches will reflect the gravity of their crime. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
The bill that's left people dazed, confused and angry
Is the Regulatory Standards Bill the key to better law making for the future, or a gigantic waste of time and an affront to democracy?
The Bill that's left people dazed, confused and angry
Is the Regulatory Standards Bill the key to better law making for the future, or a gigantic waste of time and an affront to democracy? Audio
Watch: Luxon holds media stand-up at Parliament
The Prime Minister holds first post-cabinet conference following China trip
Auckland's new dog rules: What you need to know
Updates are being introduced on where and how dogs can be walked throughout the Auckland region.
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 30th June 2025
In today's episode, the weekend's severe storm devastated parts of the South Island, particularly the Tasman and Marlborough regions. The Prime Minister spoke on recent allegations that public money… Audio
Thousands gather in Budapest to defy ban on Pride events
Hungarian lawmakers passed legislation barring Pride events and permitting the use of facial recognition to identify participants.
Part of Canterbury's airspace permanently allocated for test flights
From 7 August, six areas will be permanently designated for aviation companies to test tech.