Morning Report

Morning Report Essentials Tuesday 13 October Oct 13, 2026 00:39:33 West Auckland butcher gets 1000 applications for two jobs; Audit finds access to respiratory care depends on location; Weekly interview with opposition leader, Chris Hipkins; Arrowtown locals concerned about fast-track housing; Kiwi runner Camille French wins Melbourne marathon

Kiwi runner Camille French wins Melbourne marathon Oct 13, 2026 00:05:21 Just 11 months after having her second child, New Zealander Camille French has won the Melbourne marathon. In her comeback race, French held off fast-finishing Australian Olympian Sinead Diver over the last 10 kilometres. She has represented New Zealand at two Olympics and now has her eye firmly set on Los Angeles in 2028. She spoke to John Campbell about the race.

Medics swap stethoscopes for sheet music Oct 13, 2026 00:03:41 The 84-strong New Zealand Doctors' Orchestra came together for its annual charity concert in New Plymouth recently. Since its inception in 2012, the ensemble has played 14 different centres raising almost $100,000 for hospices around the country in the process. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went along to rehearsal.

Northland primary school converts to charter system Oct 13, 2026 00:04:25 A Northland primary school has become the first state school in New Zealand to convert to the current charter system. Pakaraka School will now be run by the Society of Holistic Learners - a charitable trust led by parents at the school. Principal Patricia Simeon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss about the conversion.

Election issues for Wairarapa electorate Oct 13, 2026 00:03:52 Vaping, housing, methamphetamine and water storage were just some of the topics on the table during a Wairarapa Electorate debate last night. Alexa Cook reports on the event.

Sports Chat for 13 October 2026 Oct 13, 2026 00:02:33 An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Market Update for 13 October 2026 Oct 13, 2026 00:01:30 Business update for 13 October 2026.

Which KiwiSaver providers have the biggest balances? Oct 13, 2026 00:02:49 Money correspondent Susan Edmonds looks into the variations in balances across different KiwiSaver providers.

Arrowtown locals concerned about fast-track housing Oct 13, 2026 00:09:40 Residents and local council have been railing against a proposed fast-track housing development comprising of 1210 houses near Arrowtown, which they said doesn't have the necessary infrastructure support and would choke local roads. Joseph Mooney, National MP for Southland, spoke to John Campbell.

Weekly interview with opposition leader, Chris Hipkins Oct 13, 2026 00:07:54 Opposition leader, Chris Hipkins spoke to Morning Report.

One month since the opening of Auckland's City Rail Link Oct 13, 2026 00:06:01 Today marks one month since the opening of Auckland's City Rail Link. Despite services running on a reduced timetable, patronage has been up, with the plan to ramp frequency up to full capacity within six months. Mark Lambert, Auckland Transport's general manager of rail, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

National's approach to superannuation Oct 13, 2026 00:07:48 National hasn't included a policy around superannuation in its fiscal plan - despite earlier this year raising concerns about its long-term affordability. Instead, the party says it would like to raise the retirement age gradually, but won't set a date and wants cross-party discussions on the issue too. RNZ Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to John Campbell.

Sports Chat for 13 October 2026 Oct 13, 2026 00:02:35 An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Market Update for 13 October 2026 Oct 13, 2026 00:01:49 Business update for 13 October 2026.

School uniforms putting strain on families Oct 13, 2026 00:05:27 With the cost of living central to this election, the focus on savings has turned to school uniforms. Both Labour and ACT say they want to limit compulsory branded items and require schools to allow cheaper generic alternatives that meet their uniform rules. Otago University lecturer Dr Johanna Reidy has been researching the impact uniform costs have on families for years. She spoke to John C

Queenstown-Lakes residents oppose fast-track proposals Oct 13, 2026 00:04:01 Submissions have been made by developers to increase housing supply, but locals are deeply concerned the infrastructure is not there to support more homes going in, with the area facing major pressures in that regard already. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd reports on the concerns that locals are voicing.

National Party's Nicola Willis explains fiscal plan Oct 13, 2026 00:05:58 The National Party has laid out its fiscal plan, promising more money for health and ruling out tax cuts this term. National Party Finance Spokesperson Nicola Willis spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss about the plan and the future of superannuation policy.

Audit finds access to respiratory care depends on location Oct 13, 2026 00:06:52 A new audit by Asthma New Zealand and the University of Auckland highlights significant gaps in respiratory care across the country. Audit leader Amy Chan is a respiratory health expert based at the University of Auckland. She spoke to John Campbell about the audit findings.

Business News for 13 October 2026 Oct 13, 2026 00:07:23 Business News for 13 October 2026.

Assessing the fiscal plans with economist Shamubeel Eaqub Oct 13, 2026 00:07:46 Simplicity's chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub has a look at the parties' fiscal plans. He spoke to John Campbell.

Morning Rural News for 13 October 2026 Oct 13, 2026 00:03:58 News from the rural farming sector.

Sports Chat for 13 October 2026 Oct 13, 2026 00:02:53 An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

National unveils its fiscal plan Oct 13, 2026 00:03:40 National has unveiled its fiscal plan and despite the party's fiery rhetoric calling out other parties for failing to tackle the rising cost of superannuation, there's no sign of a firm plan. Russell Palmer reports

World news wrap for 13 October 2026 Oct 13, 2026 00:06:18 Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.

West Auckland butcher gets 1000 applications for two jobs Oct 13, 2026 00:06:14 When one West Auckland butcher needed to replace a couple of staff, he put an ad out and got a thousand applications. The managing director of New Lynn's Aussie Butcher, Reuben Sharples spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Morning Report Essentials Monday 12 October Oct 12, 2026 00:30:05 Christopher Luxon spoke to John Campbell; David Seymour on ACT's plan to cut debt and spending; Dr Lara Greaves discusses Maori electorate race; Letitia Harding on New Zealand's respiratory health burden.

Latest news from Australia Oct 12, 2026 00:04:46 We crossed the tasman to speak to our Australia correspondent, Emma Cropper

West Coast scholarships help young talent return home Oct 12, 2026 00:05:54 So each year a select group of the West Coast's youngest and brightest are offered scholarships to help them study and then bring those newfound skills back home. Economic development charitable trust Development West Coast has just awarded six tertiary student scholarships for this year, each worth up to $32,500 Four years ago, Molly Williams was among the recipients. She's now one year away

Market update Oct 12, 2026 00:02:11 The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

When can you get government support for rest home care? Oct 12, 2026 00:02:27 Would you be able to access government support for rest home care if either you or your partner needed it? It's an issue that money correspondent Susan Edmunds is frequently asked about in her weekly column and on the No Stupid Questions podcast. She spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Hokitika Primary kids launch video appeal for new principal Oct 12, 2026 00:06:53 The children of Hokitika Primary School are on the hunt for their next principal. But the West Coast can have its challenges when attracting people to move into the area. But to talk about what it takes to get people to come, we're joined by school board parent representative Owen Kilgour.

AI regulation divides National and Labour Oct 12, 2026 00:03:26 Christopher Luxon says there are serious dangers associated with artificial intelligence, but is sticking by the coalition government's strategy that takes a light touch to regulating it. Labour is promising to dump the strategy if elected. Phil Pennington reports.

David Seymour on ACT's plan to cut debt and spending Oct 12, 2026 00:06:56 The ACT Party says its fiscal plan will have New Zealand reaching surplus sooner, with $12.4 billion less debt by 2031. To do so, it is proposing to gradually raise the age of superannuation, reduce foreign aid spending and disability benefits, and ax a number of ministries. ACT leader David Seymour spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Christopher Luxon discusses welfare changes, AI Oct 12, 2026 00:08:44 Christopher Luxon spoke to John Campbell.

Trump's call for Ukraine to elect a new leader Oct 12, 2026 00:06:29 Donald Trump says it's time for Ukraine to elect a new leader, after the US President announced a deal to get diesel from Russia. Trump suggested Volodymyr Zelensky hasn't done enough to end Russia's war with Ukraine, adding the Ukrainian President was to blame for high diesel prices because of his army's strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Otago University Associate Professor James Hea

Eden Park CEO on transport issues after All Blacks test Oct 12, 2026 00:05:13 Rugby fans were left waiting almost 40 minutes for trains after they shuffled out of the All Blacks test at Eden Park on Saturday night. Auckland Transport says around 15,000 people used rail to get to and from the game. But a delay to a level crossing closure stopped trains on the East-West line, leaving hundreds of fans waiting at Kingsland Station. Eden Park's chief executive Nick Sautner

Sports update Oct 12, 2026 00:03:16 An early morning sports news update.

Market update Oct 12, 2026 00:01:52 The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Auckland Central set for another close election race Oct 12, 2026 00:03:46 Auckland's city centre, several inner-city suburbs, and the Hauraki Gulf Islands all make up the Auckland Central electorate.National won the most party votes in the last election, but Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick held on to the seat. With new challengers and a history of being a close race, Auckland Central is set to be hotly contested once again. Jessica Hopkins reports.

Training provider wants degree-equivalent apprenticeships Oct 12, 2026 00:03:04 One of the country's biggest training providers is calling for apprenticeships that are equivalent to bachelors degrees, as well as student loans and allowances for apprentices. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

Fuel prices hit record high as oil giants bank $90 billion Oct 12, 2026 00:08:03 Fuel prices have reached a record high since the war on Iran began. Motorists are now paying on average $3.60 for 91, according to price comparison app Gaspy. Energy expert David Keat spoke to John Campbell.

Letitia Harding on New Zealand's respiratory health burden Oct 12, 2026 00:05:18 Children under 15 and the elderly make up more than two thirds of respiratory hospitalisations in New Zealand. New research from the Cardiac and Respiratory Foundation NZ and prepared by University of Otago shows the number of people admitted to hospital for respiratory issues is up 16 percent in 2022. The report also shows lung cancer is killing Maori at nearly three times the rate of other

Business news Oct 12, 2026 00:05:52 An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

Risk of wider conflict after Riyadh strike Oct 12, 2026 00:07:38 Yemen's Houthis have warned against using airports in Saudi Arabia, after a deadly attack at Riyadh's international airport. BBC's Security Correspondent Frank Gardner spoke to John Campbell.

Marama Davidson on the Greens' youth jobs guarantee Oct 12, 2026 00:05:54 The Greens want the government to pay wages for thousands of unemployed young people to get them into jobs. The party has laid out its Youth Jobs Guarantee policy, promising every 16- to 24-year-old who's been unemployed for six months, a pathway into paid work. Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Morning rural news Oct 12, 2026 00:03:48 Manufacturers of crop and animal medicine products feel encouraged by recent regulation reviews, meanwhile lots of young cattle at sale yards around the country at the moment. Rural News on Morning Report with Gianina Schwanecke.

Early sports update Oct 12, 2026 00:03:16 An early morning sports news update.

Election campaign weekend brings fresh policy announcements Oct 12, 2026 00:03:49 It's been a weekend filled with frantic campaigning, handshakes, and new policies from the politicians. Political reporter Russell Palmer covers off the latest announcements.

World news wrap Oct 12, 2026 00:05:46 Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.

Dr Lara Greaves discusses Maori electorate race Oct 12, 2026 00:06:49 With the election now less than a month away, the seven Maori electorate are riveting contests. Dr Lara Greaves, Ngapuhi, Pakeha, Tarara, is an associate professor in politics at Victoria University of Wellington. She spoke to John Campbell.

Morning Report Essentials Friday 9 October Oct 9, 2026 00:32:28 Arena Williams on Labour's plan for regional air travel; Employment service founder on National's welfare changes; Party leaders address overseas Kiwis in London; The Wiggles on the business behind the big red car

Market Update for 9 October 2026 Oct 9, 2026 00:02:11 Business update for 9 October 2026.

Money correspondent Susan Edmunds Oct 9, 2026 00:02:45 Are you feeling wealthier? It's been the question of the election campaign so far but new data from Stats NZ indicates the answer is probably no, for lots of us. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been looking at it and joins us now.

Wellington water entity spends millions tackling foul smell Oct 9, 2026 00:03:26 Wellington's water entity is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to fix a foul stench that's plagued a Lower Hutt community for years. Residents have spoken out about the rotten, vomit-inducing smell caused by the Seaview sewage treatment plant, which brought on headaches for some, and prevented people from opening their windows and doors. Wellington Issues reporter Ellen O'Dwyer reports

Weekly Sports Panel: Abby Wilson and Lima Sopoaga Oct 9, 2026 00:10:42 1 News Sports Editor Abby Wilson and All Black and Manu Samoa player, Lima Sopoaga join Morning Report for this week's sports panel.

Air Chathams chief calls for rethink of regional air links Oct 9, 2026 00:07:49 The chief executive of Air Chathams says it's time to rethink regional air connectivity in New Zealand. With rising costs and the price of fuel, regional airlines are struggling at the moment - many have been assisted up by government loans in the last year, whilst recent grants have been announced to keep routes operating. In the last year Air Chathams has suspended its Kapiti service and cu

Gallery director on the return of Wellington City Gallery Oct 9, 2026 00:04:47 Wellington's City Gallery re-opens tomorrow after a two-year closure, during which the 1930s heritage building underwent earthquake re-strengthening and a full scale refurbishment. Its return marks the latest step in the rejuvenation of Te Ngakau Civic Square as the capital's civic and cultural centre, after the Central Library reopened earlier this year. And the gallery is back with a blockb

Intellectual property lawyer on the Chiefs name dispute Oct 9, 2026 00:06:26 New Zealand Rugby is going to court in a case of what it believes are too many chiefs. It launched High Court proceedings against Papua New Guinea's incoming NRL franchise to stop the new club from using the Chiefs name. NZR is seeking both an interim and final injunction stopping the use of the names "PNG Chiefs", "Chiefs", or any other similar names in New Zealand. Lawyer Kate Duckworth is

Market Update for 9 October 2026 Oct 9, 2026 00:03:12 Business update for 9 October 2026.

Sports Chat for 9 October 2026 Oct 9, 2026 00:04:49 An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Water Safety NZ chief on new lifejacket rules Oct 9, 2026 00:02:57 Lifejackets are now mandatory on all recreational boats up to six metres in length. The rule will apply to people using small recreational vessels such as jetskis, dinghies, sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats. Previous lifejacket requirements varied from region to region and the responsibility of usage was largely left to the discretion of the skipper. Water Safety NZ chief execu

Phil Pennington on Project Arcadia and Five Eyes Oct 9, 2026 00:04:42 A Defence Force commander warned New Zealand would be cut off from information exchanges within the Five Eyes intelligence group if it did not sign up to build a new digital super-system. A month later it signed up to what's dubbed Project Arcadia. The US says it will be the new digital backbone of the five militaries. Newly released briefings say Arcadia will become so foundational, includin

Employment service founder on National's welfare changes Oct 9, 2026 00:06:14 National wants to cut payments to some beneficiaries by up to $81 dollars a week, as part of its five point welfare plan, as well as introducing random drug testing. Thomas Maharaj, founder and director of Wellington employment support service, I'm In spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Arena Williams on Labour's plan for regional air travel Oct 9, 2026 00:06:39 The Labour Party is promising to make air travel more competitive, and to keep regional airlines in the air. Labour's Consumer Affairs spokesperson, Arena Williams spoke to John Campbell.

Business News for 9 October 2026 Oct 9, 2026 00:06:49 Business News for 9 October 2026.

Commerce Commission warns fuel retailers over price rises Oct 9, 2026 00:04:22 Fuel prices have reached a record high since the Iran War began, causing more pain at the pump. The Commerce Commission is charged with monitoring prices at the pump here, and says it will not hesitate to call out unjustified price rises. Commissioner Bryan Chapple spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

BBC's Dan Johnson on deadly Russian strike in Ukraine Oct 9, 2026 00:05:48 A Russian strike on a bus in Ukraine has killed at least 33 people, and wounded 18 others. Local officials are accusing Russia of targeting the vehicle to kill civilians. It follows a recent surge in Russian attacks across Ukraine, and an increase in civilian casualties. BBC Ukraine correspondent, Dan Johnson spoke to John Campbell from Kharkiv.

Morning Rural News for 9 October 2026 Oct 9, 2026 00:03:57 News from the rural farming sector.

Sports Chat for 9 October 2026 Oct 9, 2026 00:03:18 An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Bottom trawling becomes key coalition issue for election Oct 9, 2026 00:03:26 Bottom trawling could be a make or break policy when it comes time to form the next government. Opportunity, which poll after poll has been named this election's kingmaker, says it won't form a coalition unless the parties agree to a ban. Both Labour and National, which have each previously ruled out a ban on bottom trawling, have started easing their tone as November 7th creeps up. Felix Wal

World news wrap Oct 9, 2026 00:05:45 Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.

Party leaders address overseas Kiwis in London Oct 9, 2026 00:07:07 With November's election on a knife's edge, overseas voters could play a huge role in the final results. Today leaders from major political parties will be addressing a gathering of London-based Kiwis, virtually - with more joining the conversation online. It's being hosted by Flat White Meetup - a monthly gathering of expat Kiwi entrepreneurs and creatives - and Every Kiwi Vote Counts, a non

Mark Greatbatch defends NZ Cricket's new T20 league decision Oct 8, 2026 00:06:44 New Zealand Cricket is defending its decision to pursue a new domestic T20 league instead of having an NZ team join Australia's Big Bash. NZ Cricket's President and former Blackcap Mark Greatbatch spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Sports update Oct 8, 2026 00:03:42 An early morning sports news update.

Market update Oct 8, 2026 00:01:23 The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

What the election could mean for renters Oct 8, 2026 00:02:36 We've heard a lot about land tax and capital gains tax heading into this year's election. But, what if you don't own a house? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been looking at what might lie ahead for renters and spoke to John Campbell.

Rachel Moore on the mood of Hamilton East voters Oct 8, 2026 00:04:20 The people of Hamilton East are a microcosm of the nation's voters. Waikato reporter Rachel Moore hit the streets of Hamilton East to chat to the locals.

Piha campground decision could force Surfing nationals to move Oct 8, 2026 00:03:52 The on-going closure of Piha campground is expected to be resolved later this month, with the Waitakere local board set to vote on the camp's future. The campground's been shut over winter while the council looks into flood risks. Camp manager Fiona Anderson isn't the only one nervously awaiting the decision. Surfing New Zealand says they'll likely have to move the Surfing nationals from Piha

Joanne Turner on Hamilton's mental health and homelessness Oct 8, 2026 00:06:35 Concerns about rising violence within Hamilton's CBD have brought to light a much broader issue around mental health and homelessness. Last week a person was stabbed in the city centre, and locals fear the situation is only going to get worse. Some have blamed a nearby shelter, something Hamilton's Mayor strongly disagrees with. Joanne Turner, chief executive of the shelter Te Whare Korowai T

Grinding Gear Games CEO speaks to John Campbell Oct 8, 2026 00:08:15 The game Path of Exile and its sequel are now played by tens of millions of people around the world. It's also one of New Zealand's most successful games ever, as the local video game industry booms, earning more than a billion dollars in revenue in the past financial year. Meanwhile its two developers continue to run their business from West Auckland, with a staff of 265 based in Henderson.

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