Morning Report
RNZ National’s flagship news programme, known for breaking news stories and incisive interviews with politicians, newsmakers and commentators from Aotearoa and around the world. Hosted by Ingrid Hipkiss and John Campbell.
Episodes
Early sports update
An early morning sports news update.
New rules require asbestos testing for sand-based products
A consumer watchdog says new rules requiring testing for asbestos contamination are a positive move, but most shoppers would expect testing is already happening. Luka Forman reports.
World news wrap for Wednesday 28 October
Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.
Kiwibank economist Jarrod Kerr previews today's OCR decision
If the prevailing attitudes from economists and financial markets are to be believed, we could be seeing another hike in the official cash rate today... just 10 sleeps from election day. Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr spoke to John Campbell.
Morning Report Essentials Tuesday 27 October
Fire and Emergency board chair on chief's resignation; Christopher Luxon on campaign and enrolment rates; Labour's Tangi Utikere on Kerrin Leoni's exit; Lawyer questions ACC's approach to investigating claims; Unions raise alarm over private share of health spending
Project Jonah warns Aucklanders to give orca space
A pod of orca caused quite a stir in Auckland, after swimming remarkably close to the city's waterfront on Monday afternoon. The animals were spotted moving through the Waitemata Harbour, attracting crowds of whale watchers along the shoreline. Some even swam into Westhaven Marina. But there were some concerns people might be getting a little too close in their excitement. Project Jonah's Dar
The green green grass of Eden Park
If you're struggling to control the surging spring growth in your lawn and garden, spare a thought for Eden Park's head groundsman Blair Christensen.
Nine-night Awakino Gorge closure sparks detour calls
A transport lobby group says the closure of the Awakino Gorge on State Highway 3 for nine consecutive nights reinforces the case for an investigation into an alternative detour for when the economic lifeline is shut. Taranaki Reporter Robin Martin reports.
Early sports update
An early morning sports news update.
Market Update
The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.
How a possible OCR rise could affect your mortgage
It's OCR week again, and many economists are expecting an increase. But what does that mean for home loans? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been looking at it and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Backroads to the Beehive: Central Otago's changing face
Central Otago's economy is outpacing New Zealand's thanks to the dominance of dairy and other primary industries. But it's an area where once proud farming towns are also struggling with an ageing population and changing identity. In the third of a six-part series called Backroads to the Beehive, South Island Correspondent Tim Brown goes deep into Otago's interior.
Kerry Purdy renews call for Blue Spring closure
South Waikato locals are pleased visitors seem to have heeded their calls to think twice before travelling to a popular tourist spot over the long weekend. More than 100,000 people have visited Putaruru's Te Waihou Blue Spring since last year, and with it came worries about dangerous parking and rubbish dumping. Tirau ward councillor Kerry Purdy has been asking for a temporary closure of the
Labour's Tangi Utikere on Kerrin Leoni's exit
Labour's former candidate for Tamaki Makaurau plans to run as an independent. Kerrin Leoni resigned from the party after video and photos emerged of her wearing Labour gear with campaign hoardings at a whanau fundraising event attended by Mongrel Mob members. Labour's Tangi Utikere spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Christopher Luxon on campaign and enrolment rates
Voting is now open, with party leaders using Labour Day to cast their votes. But anyone not already enrolled will not be able to vote. The Electoral Commission says it'll have final numbers by the end of the week, with 92.5 percent of people enrolled as of Friday. National party leader Christopher Luxon spoke to John Campbell.
Waitakere Hospital ICU ready but has no staff or patients
A long-awaited intensive care unit at Waitakere Hospital is fully equipped and ready to go but has no patients, no staff and no operating budget. There was a lot of excitement when it was announced five years ago as the first intensive care unit for West Auckland. The six bed unit was meant to be open by the end of this year but there is now no set opening date. Reporter Rowan Quinn spoke to
Insurers report thousands of student mental health claims
Foreign students are making thousands of insurance claims for mental health problems and industry insiders say they need more support. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.
Sports update
An early morning sports news update.
Market update
The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.
Vets urge owners to put dog health before looks
New Zealand vets want people to be more aware of the health conditions associated with some breeding practices, and to prioritise health over looks. Some of the features that make dogs look cute can also make their lives uncomfortable, and Kiwi vets are asking owners whether it's worth it. Professor Dan O'Neill from the UK's Royal Veterinary College is a leading expert in the field and is vis
Campaigning ramps up as voting booths open
Voting booths are now open. Labour Day was a holiday for most people, but not politicians, who hit the booths, streets and hustings, hard. Labour says it will form a government by Christmas, while Christopher Luxon says a coalition will take as long as it takes. Political reporter Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira followed it all.
Heather Keats on what to expect from the strong winds
Strong wind warnings remain in place for Wellington and the upper South Island this morning. Yesterday, the gusts were so strong, people were blown off bikes and car wing mirrors went flying, with a stretch of Oriental Parade closed due to safety concerns. Planes couldn't land and as many as 20 flights were diverted. MetService's head of weather news, Heather Keats spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Lawyer questions ACC's approach to investigating claims
A lawyer who's specialised in ACC claims for nearly 30 years says it's tougher than ever to get compensation and treatment costs paid. Wellington lawyer Hazel Armstrong is worried about the way ACC is investigating claims. She spoke to John Campbell.
Business news for 27 October 2026
An early morning update from RNZ's business team.
Unions raise alarm over private share of health spending
A report commissioned by healthcare unions says almost half of public health spending is being channelled into the private sector. The report was commissioned by Public Futures Aotearoa, a coalition of healthcare unions including the nurses, senior doctors and the Public Service Association. It says 80 percent of the increase in public health funding over the past three years has gone to the
Update from Tel Aviv ahead of Israel's election
Israeli voters are preparing to go to the polls for the first time since the October 7th Hamas attacks, Israel's worst security failure, and Israel's invasion of Gaza, estimated to have killed more than seventy thousand people. Correspondent Blake Sifton spoke to John Campbell from Tel Aviv.
Morning rural news
The latest rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.
Sports update
An early morning sports news update.
World news wrap
Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.
Fire and Emergency board chair on chief's resignation
The head of Fire and Emergency has quit, more than a month after the Minister of Internal Affairs said she no longer had confidence in him. In September, Brooke van Velden accused Kerry Gregory of keeping significant information from her for a year, which she said breached her trust. Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board chair Raveen Jaduram spoke to John Campbell.
Morning Report Essentials Friday 23 October
Chloe Swarbrick discusses increase in threats to; ACC requests for historic patient notes add to GP workload; Lillian Hanly on Labour's response to candidate's gang; Heather Keats previews Labour Weekend's weather
Latest news from Australia
We cross the Tasman to talk to our correspondent Richard Willingham from ABC in Victoria.
Ross church celebrates 160 years on the West Coast
For this week's regional spotlight, we're heading to a tiny community called Ross, south of Hokitika. And while Church attendance may be decreasing generally, all pews will be filled this Sunday in Ross's St Patrick's Catholic Church, as it celebrates its 160th anniversary. The building is the oldest surviving structure on the West Coast, Parishioner Biddy Manera spoke to John Campbell.
Market Update for 23 October 2026
Business update for 23 October 2026.
Susan Edmunds on Airbnb's checkout rule changes
If you've stayed in an Airbnb before you might be familiar with it. You're left with a list of chores to do before you leave, and then handed a cleaning fee on top of that. Airbnb is taking some steps to change that. RNZ money correspondent and host of the No Stupid Questions podcast, Susan Edmunds spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Goldsmith makes plea to Epsom voters as seat hangs in balance
National MP Paul Goldsmith made a plea to Epsom voters last night, as he faces a future outside of Parliament on current polling. Act's David Seymour has an iron grip on the seat, while Goldsmith is asking for people to do things differently this time around. RNZ political reporter Giles Dexter was at last night's candidate meeting.
Weekly Sports Panel: Abby Wilson and Lima Sopoaga
1 News Sports Editor Abby Wilson and All Black and Manu Samoa player, Lima Sopoaga join Morning Report for this week's sports panel.
Researchers find flaw affecting 70 percent of the web
The discovery of a critical weak spot in the way websites are built has forced governments and agencies around the world to shutdown webpages. Researchers working with AI discovered the vulnerability in the programming language used by as much as 70 per cent of the internet. While the fix is relatively easy, many of those affected might not even know they are at risk. Dave Parry, a professor
Kāwhia trust moves to stop vehicles driving on beach
Sick and tired of people driving over pipi beds, fish spawning habitat and seabird nests, a Kawhia based trust is putting poles up to stop vehicles getting on to the beach. Onepu Charitable Trust is blocking Kawhia Beach from tomorrow. Waikato Bay of Plenty reporter Rachel Moore reports.
Sea hare's unusual defence surprises Hawke's Bay scientists
Hawke's Bay scientists have discovered some rather interesting creatures during their annual survey of the region's rocky reefs.Among them: a little sea hare that can release dye when it feels threatened. Georgina Flowers is a coastal scientist at Hawke's Bay Regional Council. She spoke to John Campbell.
Petrol prices rise 19 percent as long weekend looms
Yesterday's inflation numbers showed petrol prices for the year rose 19 percent. The average cost of 91 unleaded is now sitting at $3.55 on price comparison app Gaspy. As Kiwis look to the long weekend for the chance for a roadtrip, they'll be keeping an eye on the petrol gauge as well. The AA's Terry Collins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Hawke's Bay children face two-year wait for dental checks
Hawke's Bay children are facing a two year wait for community dental check ups, and some have been waiting since 2023. The region is ranked the worst in the country - with more than half of its children still overdue to see the dentist. RNZ Hawke's Bay Tairawhiti reporter Alexa Cook has the story.
Sports Chat for 23 October 2026
An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Market Update for 23 October 2026
Business update for 22 October 2026.
Outdoor early childhood centres set for formal recognition
The government has announced plans to formally recognise nature-based early childhood education centres. These are centres where children spend most of their time learning and playing outdoors. David Seymour says the plan is to remove unnecessary barriers and clear the pathway for centres to grow Nature education consultant Celia Hogan has been pushing for clearer licensing requirements for o
Chloe Swarbrick discusses increase in threats to MPs
In three weeks over September to October, Parliament's specialist security team handled 216 requests, and some form of security response was deployed in almost a third of them. Speaker Gerry Brownlee called the rise "astronomical" and told RNZ he's concerned about the safety of MPs. Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick spoke to John Campbell.
ACC requests for historic patient notes add to GP workload
A Christchurch GP says a recent increase in ACC requests for decades worth of patient notes is taking up valuable appointment time. Primary care is under major pressure with strong demand and long patient waitlists. Dr Rachelle Pound, a specialist GP at the Christchurch Doctors practice and a fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of GPs spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Lillian Hanly on Labour's response to candidate's gang meeting
A video has emerged of a Labour candidate speaking to Mongrel Mob members about enrolling to vote, and changing the government. Kerrin Leone was in her red Labour jacket, but says the event was a whanau function where some of those present were whanau gang members. Labour leader Chris Hipkins has heavily criticised Green and Te Pati Maori candidates for their recent election campaign visit to
Business News for 23 October 2026
Business News for 22 October 2026.
Porirua research highlights scale of type 2 diabetes epidemic
A quarter of patients at one Porirua general practice are diabetic or pre-diabetic. This is a finding of research co-led by Porirua Union and Community Health Service GP, Dr Bryan Betty who says the findings reflect a broader problem in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation. Dr Bryan Betty spoke to John Campbell.
An update on US midterm election race with Nick Harper
In the United States, the midterm elections are looming. The Republicans currently hold the majority in the House and the Senate, but the Democrats could win back control of one, or even both. The Republicans have been polling badly, making seats which are usually safe for the party, competitive. Correspondent Nick Harper spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss from Washington.
Morning Rural News for 23 October 2026
News from the rural farming sector.
Sports Chat for 23 October 2026
An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
What matters most to voters in Te Tai Tokerau
New Zealand's northernmost Maori seat, Te Tai Tokerau, stretches all the way from Cape Reinga to Auckland's North Shore. It's a hugely diverse electorate with one of the most intriguing contests in the country. Reporter Peter de Graaf asked voters what matters most to them, and who's likely to get their support come election day.
World news wrap
Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.
Heather Keats previews Labour Weekend’s weather
Parts of the country are in for a Labour weekend scorcher, with temperatures set to hit the high twenties, before wet and windy weather returns on Monday. Metservice's Head of Weather News, Heather Keats spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Morning Report Essentials Thursday 22 October
GP says early intervention is key to easing hospital pressure; Brownlee says threats against MPs have worsened significantly; Senior doctors urge parties to address specialist shortages; What Israel's new Pacific partnership means for the region
Kiwis urged to record calls of endangered wetland bird
Holidaymakers are being asked to do a little homework this long weekend to help one of New Zealand's endangered birds. Labour weekend happens to coincide with the start of the mating season for the often secretive Australasian Bittern, or matuku-hurepo. It means its distinctive booming calls will be a little more prevalent around wetlands in the coming weeks. There are fewer than a thousand l
Woman's bid to register her dog as an assist dog hits barriers
A deaf woman with a health condition has hit barriers getting her dog registered as a disability assist dog. There are eight organisations that certify and train disability assistance dogs, allowing the animals and their handlers access rights in public places, such as supermarkets, libraries and on public transport. But only one organisation will consider dogs that are already in a disabled
What Netflix's move into advertising means for Kiwi media
Experts are warning that the rollout of ads on New Zealand's biggest streaming service could be ushering in a huge shift in the local market. Netflix holds about 50 per cent of the streaming audience in New Zealand and in March it will roll out its ad-supported services to Kiwi viewers. But what does that mean for local content producers who rely on advertising dollars? Massey University prof
Franklin community fights to save its century-old hospital
A small rural community in Auckland's south is fighting to save its hospital. The Franklin Memorial hospital served the local community for more than 100 years before closing for refurbishment in 2024. But now health authorities say they have no plans to renovate or re-open the doors. Rachel Moore reports.
Sports Chat for 22 October 2026
An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Market Update for 22 October 2026
Business update for 22 October 2026.
KiwiSaver tax debate heats up between Greens and Act
The Green Party says Act's KiwiSaver policy is only going to make the wealthy wealthier. The party wants to take tax off KiwiSaver returns. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been talking to them and spoke to John Campbell.
Redrawn boundaries add new dimension to Tāmaki contest
For decades, the Auckland electorate of Tamaki has been one of the safest National seats in the country. But after a shock result at the 2023 election, the eastern suburb has become a much more interesting contest, especially with the boundaries being redrawn to include Point England. This year, National wants to win it back, nominating Mahesh Muralidhar as the first candidate of Indian herit
Senior doctors urge parties to address specialist shortages
The union for senior doctors says while they welcome the attention placed on the shortage of nursing staff and GPs, political parties should also consider how they could help bolster the workforce of specialist doctors. Sarah Dalton heads the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Naylor Love CEO on whether construction is bouncing back
If the latest GDP figures are anything to go by, it seems the construction sector is starting to bounce back after a tough few years. Back in February, we checked in with the country's largest privately owned construction company - Naylor Love - whose main focus lies in commercial projects. The picture was mixed, with CEO Bruno Goedeke saying things were looking up. And so, eight months later
First rat-free result offers hope for Raukumara kiwi
A big conservation project on the East Cape is thrilled to discover no traces of rats in a large block of the Raukumara Range where a small but mighty population of kiwi live. Hawke's Bay Tairawhiti Reporter Alexa Cook reports.
Jo Moir's analysis of the minor parties' debate
Minor parties have a major role to play in this election, and last night they took to the stage to make their case to voters in the New Zealand Herald's Powerbrokers debate. RNZ's Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Lauren Crimp breaks down the Powerbrokers debate
Minor parties have a major role to play in this election, and last night they took to the stage to make their case to voters in the New Zealand Herald's Powerbrokers debate. Political reporter Lauren Crimp watched it unfold.
Market Update for 22 October 2026
Business update for 22 October 2026.
Sports Chat for 22 October 2026
An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.
Iwi wants hundreds of Māori taonga returned from British Museum
East coast iwi Ngati Kahungunu is calling on the British Museum to return hundreds of Maori taonga, currently held in its collection. The Iwi's chairman says many of the items may have been taken from their whenua and burial grounds, and he wants the New Zealand Government to help bring them home. But a UK law makes it difficult for the museum to permanently return items from its collection.N
Dunedin refuge faces record demand as it marks 50 years
A Dunedin refuge is facing unprecedented and escalating demand as it marks 50 years of supporting women and children. Otepoti Dunedin Whanau Refuge triaged close to 150 referrals in September alone - usually it's closer to 90 and even that figure has jumped in recent years. Tess Brunton reports.
Brownlee says threats against MPs have worsened significantly
New Zealand MPs are facing growing threats and abuse, prompting Parliament to ramp up security. Speaker Gerry Brownlee says the situation has worsened significantly, with a specialist parliamentary security team handling more than 200 requests for help in just three weeks. It comes as Australian MP Helen Haines remains in a critical condition following a serious attack in her constituency. Ge
GP says early intervention is key to easing hospital pressure
Primary health continues to be a huge issue this election, with early intervention seen as a way of easing pressure on hospitals. GP Dr Geoff Cunningham is a partner at Bush Road Medical Centre in Whangarei. He spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Business News for 22 October 2026
Business News for 22 October 2026.
Venues Ōtautahi prepares for huge week of sport
Christchurch has kicked off the biggest week in its sporting history. The Silver Ferns played Australia last night. The Black Caps face India tonight and on Saturday. Plus there's the NPC final between Canterbury and Northland on Labour Day. Add to that, the Rugby League World Cup doubleheader at Te Kaha Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Caroline Harvie-Teare is the chief executive of Venues Otaut
Dan Johnson on fresh push for Ukraine ceasefire talks
US special envoy Steve Witkoff has met with President Vladimir Putin in Russia. He presented the Russian leader with suggestions for the basis of a ceasefire, and suggested a renewal of trilateral peace talks with Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Yuri Ushakov has since commented that Russia is ready to resume the talks next month. It comes after Mr Witkoff met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr
Morning Rural News for 22 October 2026
News from the rural farming sector.
Recommended
Moana Nui Podcast
Goodfellow Unit
The Last Breath — A Podcast About Death And Dying
Heart Hub Podcast
Perimenopause Weight Loss and Wellness
Fijian Language Week Podcasts
The Reality Machine
CONmunity Podcast
The Tourism RESET
Election 2026: The Front Bench
History of Aotearoa New Zealand
PodCastaway
