RNZ: The Detail

Five weeks out and nobody can call this election, with the declining major parties tied and minor parties surging.It's proving a "very, very tight race" for Parliament, so five weeks out, The Detail sits down with two political journalists to look at who is safe, who is vulnerable, and who is set to lose their job.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

As rugby bosses confront a financial crisis, the biggest changes in NZ rugby could be just around the corner.New Zealand Rugby is facing a financial reckoning - with millions in losses forcing tough decisions about the future of the game. So what gets cut, who pays the price, and can rugby afford to keep doing things the same way?Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The dreaded RMA has finally gone, but its replacement Acts have come in for a slew of criticism, especially from environmentalists.We've gone from 'you can't' to 'you can' when it comes to development, but the new law changes mean environmental protection is the loser.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Economist Shamubeel Eaqub recounts how the term 'zombie towns' created an outcry in rural New Zealand. Now, a decade on, he wants to understand if anything has changed in the provinces.Economist Shamubeel Eaqub finds out what's really going on in heartland New Zealand.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

While New Zealand condemns expansion of settlements on West Bank, it does not join international sanctions.Israel's ruling coalition faces a tough return to power in October general elections.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

LEGO is making a comeback in New Zealand - just as National makes a push to get Kiwi kids spending less time on screens.The humble LEGO brick is having a moment, its resurgence coinciding with a government push to get children off their devices.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

They offered their lives for their country, now veterans say they are fighting for support.They offered their lives for their country - now Kiwi veterans are fighting for support, with one retired soldier saying he nearly took his own life.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Even the heads of big tech companies are warning we must slow down on rapidly developing AI, before we lose control of it. An expert says there's a naive and embarrassing lack of political attention being paid to the acceleration of unregulated artificial intelligence.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The ministry insists the National Library Music Hire service is not being discontinued - but the PSA says change proposals show it's very much under threat. Musicians from bands, choirs and orchestras are worried a fresh round of public service cuts will mean the disappearance of a much-loved sheet music hire service.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The supermarket checkout is where the cost-of-living crisis hits hardest, and now it's the target of political parties.The election fight over your grocery bill.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

An analyst warns a fraying rules-based order threatens countries like NZ.Political trends a hemisphere away could affect us here.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

It's hoped a new district court role to help children of prisoners, as well as a research project aimed at highlighting their needs, will help change their lives. The attention on the issue comes in the wake of the Malachi Subecz inquiry, which has been a lightning rod for change.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

What happens when lobbying goes from transparent and legitimate to crossing the line in the corridors of power.A new report released this morning highlights the pros and cons of vested-interest lobbying and spotlights the lobbied, including current and former ministers, MPs and ministerial staffers.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This year's election is shaping up to be the sixth consecutive election that fewer young people are enrolling to vote.Changes to enrolment rules may mean potential voters are left without a voice.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Construction industry leaders say the government is breaking the chain of trust when it comes to the rigorous testing of building materials The future of our world-respected building research association is looking shaky with a government move to cut the dedicated levy that funds itFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

From wrongly suspended benefits to thousands denied food grants, a string of failures at the Ministry of Social Development proves damaging MSD's made a litany of mistakes over botched benefit decisions and more, but apologies in contrast are thin on the groundFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

As the geopolitical jockeying in the Pacific continues, and America voices concern again over China's influence, the US is being told to step up The US is being nudged to improve its standing in the Pacific as China muscles in - starting with turning upFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A new study highlights the high use of antibiotics in young children in New Zealand, but one expert points out it's not just an issue in kidsNew Zealand ranks fourth in the OECD when it comes to antibiotic prescriptions, but that's not a good thingFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

With less than two months to go until the election, The Detail sits down with two political journalists to talk polls, policies and whether the leaders of the big parties will survive Polls, policies and political pokes - with less than two months to go, the election battle heats upFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A small part of big road project budgets is spent on something beautiful - but under Act, it would take a back seat Act wants to cut motorway art from road project budgets. Advocates say the effort to save us money will make us poorerFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

New Zealand is facing the biggest flu outbreak in a decade putting pressure on our health system New Zealand is in the grip of Influenza A, and for our most vulnerable it's proving deadlyFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Some politicians have managed to weaponise social media for electoral purposes, but experts say if you don't have the deft touch, just stay away Politicians who think TikTok is an advertising platform for their party are wasting their time on the platform, say expertsFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Humanitarians in war zones are constantly looking at the sky as drones deliver their deadly weapons indiscriminately - in some cases they're targeting aid workers A Kiwi humanitarian says it's time we re-think the rules of war and have discussions around arming aid workersFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Developer Winton has been at the centre of several controversies, from its fast track applications to a problematic boss and suspension from the stock exchangeA hugely controversial fast-tracked housing development is not the only bump in the road for Winton Land, whose owner is under the spotlight for his behaviour Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Shane Jones' explosive 'medieval slave practices' claims raise questions over exploitation, regulation - and Jones' true intent Shane Jones has accused the kiwifruit industry of 'medieval slave practices' and called for a review of the laws governing Zespri. But with the industry pushing back, the question is whether this is a genuine systemic problem or provocative political grenade from the coalition partner.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

How to fix your house to avoid those sweltering summer nights Now we've changed our homes to keep in the winter warmth, it's time for more modifications as we try to flush out the summer heatFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

'This should never have happened' - how warnings about the Mount Maunganui landslide went unheeded, and why no one has been held accountable Questions remain over failures and accountability in the Mount Maunganui landslide, after a review found the tragedy could have been prevented, had councillors bothered to read commissioned reportsFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Every 60 minutes, three New Zealanders develop dementia, and that number is getting worse. The good news - there are things we can do to help avoid it. The number of people with dementia in NZ is set to more than double in the next 25 years. Luckily, the medical world is learning more about treatment and prevention.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The world's nicest people are sick of their southern neighbour's economic bullying, and the Canadian PM is standing firm in his refusal to give inCanadian PM Mark Carney has gone toe-to-toe with US President Donald Trump, refusing to back down to tariff demands. It's costing Canada, but they're backing Carney anyway.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Te Pāti Māori's high-stakes strategy could reshape Parliament and decide who governs - or could end the party In an election where the margins matter, TPM is focusing its campaign strategy on the candidate vote in all seven Māori seatsFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The votes of the poor and the working class have traditionally been Labour's, but the party's drift to the centre seems to be leaving that base behind It's election year and there's a cost-of-living crisis, but the traditional party of the struggling worker has moved to the middle and can't promise a rescue for the poorFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A major international study is uncovering genetic clues that suggest eating disorders aren't simply about food, weight, or control, opening opportunities for prevention and treatment Behind the devastating reality of eating disorders, scientists are finding clues written into our genes, in a landmark international study that could change treatmentsFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A recent survey found that disruptive behaviour has gotten worse in classrooms, but teachers say Act's proposal to allow them to use 'reasonable force' isn't the answer A majority of secondary teachers say their classroom time is sometimes or often disrupted by bad behaviour, but the PPTA says using physical force won't solve the issueFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

New reports expose the devastating human and financial cost of New Zealand's maternal mental health crisis After his wife's death by suicide, a grieving husband describes a NZ mental health inpatient facility as being 'unfit for his dogs to spend time in, let alone his wife who's just given birth'Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

As China and the US vie for power, Southeast Asian countries look to diversify, and that includes new and strengthened ties with New Zealand As the great superpowers battle for supremacy, power dynamics in Southeast Asia are shifting - and for New Zealand, that means strengthened partnerships with countries across the SEA regionFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

It seems like we've been tightening belts forever, but there are signs of hope for many - though not all - sectors in the latest economic numbers There are small beams of light peeping through for the economy, but don't get excited about a recovery just yet. It's uneven, and not for everyone.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Running elite sporting competition is an increasingly pricey business, making privatisation of our top codes inevitable It might not always be the best result for fans, but privatisation of elite sport and the injection of money that follows is becoming more and more inevitableFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Experts warn businesses must keep their eyes wide open when it comes to dealing with China, especially if they're in the tech or space industries This year's security threat report names China to an unusual extent, leaving questions around whether the wording might provoke our 'complicated but important' trading partnerFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

New Zealand is a nation of small businesses, but their owners don't feel their political heft is equal to that scale Small businesses say they don't want handouts - but they do want stability, both economically and in government policyFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

These are drones far removed from the little spinny craft you might see hovering above a park - and they can do so much moreA manufacturer believes local companies are more than capable of filling orders for New Zealand's defence dronesFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

More than three years of war in Sudan has led to the world's worst humanitarian crisis - and perhaps the most ignored It's been called 'the forgotten war' but a journalist just back from Sudan says we should be calling it 'neglected' insteadFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Luxon made it through yet another leadership coup, but with National divided, the polls shifting, and a new kingmaker emerging, the question is whether he can survive until election dayLuxon has survived, Penk is gone, and now National reels after a week of political chaos that's threatened to reshape New Zealand's electionFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details