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Media & Technology
Why more police are using number-plate spotting tech
The number of searches by officers on automated number plate recognition systems rose from 64,000 in 2020 to almost 700,000 four years later.
Military tech moves: Lots of talk, and lots of drones
Analysis: The accelerating and dangerous world of advanced military technology is sparking more talks between governments, and more drones on the battlefield, writes Phil Pennington.
Midweek: Ever-present Pres, billionaire buy-ins, NZ life on TV
Midweek: The ever-present US President makes the most of set-piece media events. Also -billionaires seeking stakes in our media & rights to air rugby - and TV shows about life in NZ fifty years apart.
…NZ-funded methane satellite makers to fix unspecified "challenges"
A methane-hunting satellite - which New Zealand taxpayers pitched in $29m for - is being handed back to its makers so they can fix unspecified "challenges."
Could Australia hold the key to cheaper electricity?
The cost of power has been a major factor in our cost-of-living crisis but hope may be on the horizon. TheTaslink project would see New Zealand and Australia connected by the world's longest and… Audio
Time to ditch your 3G phone
Tens of thousands of handsets and other devices are likely to become redundant by the end of the year as NZ shuts down the 3G phone network.
ACC calls in contractors to fix botched IT project
In another government IT pratfall, ACC has had to pull in contractors from around the world to mount a costly salvage job. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Time to ditch your 3G phone
Tens of thousands of handsets and other devices are likely to become redundant by the end of the year as NZ shuts down the 3G phone network. Audio
Tech Tuesday
Tim Batt joins Jesse to guide us through the wonders of this gilded age. Audio
Anora wins Oscar for best film
Neon's low budget film Anora and filmmaker Sean Baker ruled the night at the 97th Academy Awards, winning five trophies including best film. Hollywood insider Sandro Monetti spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio
Surge in police using number-plate spotting tech
Police use of number-plate spotting systems has skyrocketed to nearly 700,000 times a year - or almost 2000 times every day. Audio
Police use of number-plate spotting systems skyrockets
Police use of number-plate spotting systems has skyrocketed to over 700,000 times a year or 2000 times a day. Phil Pennington spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio
Deep sea power cable across the Tasman designed to trade surplus electricity
A deep sea power cable hopes to bring cheaper electricity to both New Zealand and Australia.
Kiwi woman hands over biometric data to become AI clone for ads
Liz's likeness, voice and her mannerisms have been captured. Audio
What's inside the $400,000 Oscar goodie bags?
Holidays, cosmetics and home renovation vouchers were amongst the lush loot.
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 3 March 2025
In today's episode, a criminal defence lawyer says the investigation into the death of a man tasered by police will be complex, a new report into Wellington Water's deep-seated problems shows their… Audio
Red carpet rolled out for 97th Academy Awards
The red carpet has been rolled out and the champagne is on ice as Hollywood prepares to crown the movie royalty at the 97th Academy Awards. Entertainment guru and film critic Kate Rodger spoke to… Audio
Microsoft to retire Skype
It's the end of an era. In May the online calling platform Skype will be retired by its owner Microsoft, so that the company can focus on its Teams service. Tech commentator Peter Griffin spoke to… Audio
Lack of transparency over $29m government satellite, astronomers say
The space agency in charge has refused to say why staff and students at Auckland University are not driving the MethaneSAT satellite by now, as promised.
New Zealand's part in provoking China
Analysis: China is being called 'provocative' after live firing in the Tasman, but New Zealand has done the same. Audio
