World Politics
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 21st August 2025
In today's episode, the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points on Wednesday, as expected; Plane spotters lined the streets of outside Whenuapai air base last night to watch the… Audio
US Airforce's largest plane lands in Auckland
Plane spotters lined the streets of outside Whenuapai air base last night to watch the United States Air Force's largest plane touch down. NZDF Auckland Base Commander Group Captain Brett Clayton… Audio
Musk must face lawsuit claiming he ran illegal US$1m election lottery
An Arizona resident alleges voters had no real chance despite being told winners would be chosen randomly.
NZ facing toughest national security environment of recent times - report
Foreign interference, espionage, and online radicalisation threats have increased since last year, the Security Intelligence Service says. Audio
Israel prepares to launch expanded military operation in Gaza
Israel will call up 60,000 reservists, as it prepares to launch an expanded military operation in Gaza City. Tel Aviv correspondent Blake Sifton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Why Putin is not ready to meet with Zelensky, and may never be
Analysis: The Russian President has no reason to acquiesce at this point. Having made zero concessions, he has seen payoffs including the summit in Alaska.
The Brain Drain Backstory
Corin Dann and Guyon Espiner dig into New Zealand’s decades-long “brain drain” to Australia – why it happens, how politicians have tried (and failed) to stop it, and whether it’s really as bad as it… Audio
Musk puts brakes on plans for new political party - report
It comes after the billionaire unveiled the 'America Party' in July after a public dispute with US President Donald Trump on the tax cut and spending bill.
Finnish MP, 30, dies inside Parliament
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, alongside many MP, described the news as deeply shocking and tragic.
Hamas accepts new Gaza ceasefire deal, Israel not responded
Hamas says it has accepted a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release proposal, presented by Arab mediators. Tel Aviv correspondent Blake Sifton spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Donbas: The object of Putin's desire and the crux Ukraine war
As negotiations over a potential deal to end the war intensify, much of the discussion has centred around a part of the country's east.
Europe correspondent Christian Smith
Journalist Christian Smith joins Emile Donovan to discuss an extraordinary Ukraine summit in Washington, anti-government riots in Serbia, and the return of football. Audio
Leaked audio reveals ex-Israeli military chief calling 50,000 deaths in Gaza 'necessary'
The former head of Israeli military intelligence can be heard saying the deaths are "necessary and required for future generations".
Putin and Zelensky set for peace summit after Trump talks
However, one European leader warns the Russian President can't be trusted and another wants more sanctions if Russia doesn't agree to a deal.
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 19th August 2025
In today's episode, Donald Trump hopes there will be a chance for a trilateral meeting between himself, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after a meeting… Audio
The Global Treaty on Plastic fell apart - so what happens now?
The latest attempt to finalise a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution fell apart on Friday. What now? Audio
In Ukraine, a dark cloud lifts - until Trump's next move
Analysis: When the US President greeted Volodymyr Zelensky with a broad smile, the dark cloud of dread suddenly vanished.
Trump hopes for meeting with Putin and Zelensky
Donald Trump hopes there will be a chance for a trilateral meeting between himself, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after a meeting with European leaders… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 19 August 2025
In today's episode, the government's shaking up building consenting, with the goal of delivering cheaper and easier builds; Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting with US President Donald… Audio
Trump welcomes Zelensky to White House for meeting
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine. US correspondent Mitch McCann spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
