RNZ: Morning Report

Nicolas Maduro and Cilla Flores have pleaded not guilty on charges of narcoterrorism; The ransom threat from hackers who have stolen 400,000 patient files from Manage My Health is set to expire; New Zealand house prices have finished 2025 in the red, according to Cotality's latest Home Value Index; Historian Dr Matthew O'Meagher explains how Venezuela has changed from being a regional economic powerhouse; Woolworths sold more than 1.7 million hot cross buns last Easter - and that demand has them back on shelves just days after Christmas.

Woolworths sold more than 1.7 million hot cross buns last Easter - and that demand has them back on shelves just days after Christmas. RNZ's Life Editor Lucy Corrie spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Residents fed up with frequent sewage overflows ruining what should be their picturesque coastal view. Felix Walton reports.

Historian Dr Matthew O'Meagher explains how Venezuela has changed from being a regional economic powerhouse. He spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

An update on the latest sports headlines with Joe Porter.

An update on the markets with Jeffrey Halley.

New Zealand house prices have finished 2025 in the red, according to Cotality's latest Home Value Index - but there are early signs the market could be turning.

First-home buyers are making up the biggest share of Queenstown property purchases in nearly two decades - but getting a foot on the ladder is still proving brutal in New Zealand's most expensive district. Katie Todd reports.

Nicolas Maduro and Cilla Flores have pleaded not guilty on charges of narcoterrorism. US correspondent Zach Montellaro spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The ransom threat from hackers who have stolen 400,000 patient files from Manage My Health is set to expire. Chair of the General Practice Owners Association, Angus Chambers, who is also a GP spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Health Minister Simeon Brown provides an update on Manage My Health data hack; Manage My Health and Neighbourly have both been hit by data breaches; Former New Zealand Prime Minister and UN leader, Helen Clark says the actions of the United States in Venezuela breach international law; The holiday toll period stands at seven - less than half the previous year's toll of 15.

The holiday toll period stands at seven - less than half the previous year's toll of 15. NZ Police Director of Road Policing Superintendent Steve Greally spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Reporter Peter de Graaf talks to the Puzzleman about his puzzle shop's remarkable longevity.

US correspondent Nick Harper spoke to Melissa Chan-Green with the latest on the United States actions in Venezuela.

The ASB Tennis Classic starts today in Auckland, but local star Lulu Sun won't be taking part. Joe Porter spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister and UN leader, Helen Clark says the actions of the United States in Venezuela breach international law. Clark spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Manage My Health and Neighbourly have both been hit by data breaches. Paul Spain, CEO of Gorilla Technology spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Latest on information for patients, ransom and possible release of details on darkweb, government action - Health NZ, police, GCSB.

Katherine Halkett, a Venezuelan woman living in New Zealand spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Finance minister Nicola Willis has ended the year on a high with a surprise 1.1% increase in GDP for the most recent quarter; Gloriavale's leaders have announced they'll challenge the forced closure of its school; Auckland Council is securing more burial and cremation spaces as the city's cemeteries begin to run out of capacity; We crossed the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Kerry-Anne Walsh; One News Sports Editor Abby Wilson and former All Black captain Taine Randell discuss this weekend's sport action.

Before they head off for summer, the Morning Report team asked the leaders of each of the political parties what their message to New Zealanders was this Christmas.

We crossed the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Kerry-Anne Walsh.

Country Life producer Gianina Schwanecke tagged along with a rural postie making the rounds ahead of Christmas.

Auckland Council is securing more burial and cremation spaces as the city's cemeteries begin to run out of capacity. Auckland Council's Park & Community Facilities General Manager Taryn Crewe spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Government is providing financial support for schools facing large bills for replacing carpet, curtains and other items because they've had contaminated asbestos sand on site. Lynda Stuart, Principal of May Road School and a member of NZEI Union spoke to Corin Dann.

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Savings account rates generally aren't offering enough interest to keep up with inflation. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Corin Dann.

We hear from Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson, along with ACT Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour.

One News Sports Editor Abby Wilson and former All Black captain Taine Randell discuss this weekend's sport action.

The airports are preparing to welcome travellers from near and far with today set to be Christchurch Airport's busiest day yet. Auckland is also gearing up for a busy day - it expects about 29,000 people to walk through its terminals today. Kim Baker-Wilson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Time for some more Christmas messages from political party leaders. We hear from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters and Te Pati Maori co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

The Government is shutting down its road cone hotline early, saying it's done what it needed to do. Dave Tilton, chief executive of traffic management firm Parallax spoke to Corin Dann.

Some principals say the Education Review Office isn't giving schools in poor communities enough credit for the challenges they face. Jason Miles, Vice President of the New Zealand Principals' Federation spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Morning Report producer Georgie Hanafin asked Christmas grocery shoppers in Christchurch about some of their non-negotiables for Christmas dinners. RNZ Cookbook, Kathy Paterson spoke to Corin Dann.

Gloriavale's leaders have announced they'll challenge the forced closure of its school. Liz Gregory from the Gloriavale Leavers Supporter Trust spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The parents of a 13-year-old who died by suspected suicide after contacting multiple helplines are pleading for better information sharing by crisis services. Ruth Hill reports.

Finance minister Nicola Willis has ended the year on a high with a surprise 1.1% increase in GDP for the most recent quarter. Port of Auckland chief executive Roger Gray spoke to Corin Dann.

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

We've got some Christmas messages from the political leaders at Parliament to bring you throughout the programme. First up we have the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Labour leader, Chris Hipkins.