RNZ: The Detail

Leaks, lies and leadership. The Wellington mayoral race was shaping up to be dull but now a dirty politics scandal is splitting the capitalIt was heading towards the most boring mayoral campaign in the country - now Wellington's race has turned chaotic with a backfiring bombshell of an email…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

With an increase in drugs coming through Auckland Airport, border officials focus on trying to stop the imports before they reach our shoresA customs officer at New Zealand's biggest airport says it's not just the amount of drugs coming across the borders that is surprising, but the fact that smugglers aren't really bothering to conceal it…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

New Zealand's orange roughy stocks are under fresh scrutiny, and a major fishery faces closureWhat was once called the "white gold" of our oceans is now at risk, and conservationists are fighting to save the country's orange roughy population…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

There are some horror stories about the wreckage left behind when people die without leaving a will, but now something watertight is easier to draw up than ever before Most people don't want to talk about their death and post-mortem wishes when they're young, but there are so many reasons to have that conversation, and to write a will…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

As the James Gunn version of Superman is released in cinemas, we look at the history of a character that truly owns the word iconicSuperman is, in theory, long past retirement age, but different iterations of the American hero continue to land on our screens and in comic books…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

There is no room for error when the All Blacks face French firepower in Wellington tomorrow night, and a long-time rugby journalist says fans would be smart to keep bets small Between injuries and a surprisingly strong French B-side, the All Blacks have their work cut out for them. A long-time rugby journalist says Saturday's showdown in Wellington is anyone's game.…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

There's a second life in single-use medical devices, but getting Pharmac on board with the money-saving venture has been a battleA Canterbury company is successfully remanufacturing so-called single use medical devices, with the potential to save our cash-strapped health sector a wad of money…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The Erin Patterson case has gripped international audiences, in Australia's 'biggest crime story since the Azaria Chamberlain case' of the 80s.The Australian mum-of-two served up deadly mushrooms to her in-laws during a Sunday lunch. Nearly two years later, a jury has found her guilty of murder.…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

With Fiji in the midst of an HIV outbreak, UNAIDS warns that other Pacific Islands countries have all the risk factors of a similar crisis…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to grow dope, but producing marketable medicinal cannabis is a regulatory nightmareNew Zealand has very few ventures producing medicinal cannabis, and the one that's doing really well doesn't sell directly to New Zealanders…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Tourism can only happen when conflict ends - and there's been recognised with a Nobel Peace Prize nominationA Washington-based, Auckland-educated Samoan man nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize says tourism is the only real peace dividend…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Getting people out and home when they're trapped in a war zone is a dangerous and politically delicate task - here's how it's doneWhen you're away from home, huddling in a bomb shelter with the missiles are incoming, getting out isn't just a matter of boarding a planeIt is dangerous, diplomatically delicate and extremely expensive…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The terrorist label has been dropped from extremist group the Proud Boys, but its ideology still lurks online in New ZealandNew Zealand has lifted the terrorist group designation from the extremist group the Proud Boys, sparking fears their members may resurface…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

After a rebuild was cancelled, the former tenants of a social housing development in Auckland have seemingly 'disappeared' Despite a housing crisis, Kainga Ora is scaling back new builds. In one Auckland suburb, a cancelled development has uprooted hundreds.…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Is the Regulatory Standards Bill the key to better law making for the future, or a gigantic waste of time and an affront to democracy? A look at what the Regulatory Standards Bill will do, and why there's no clear answer to the question of whether it will achieve its aims…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Rather than shrug helplessly over a lack of trust in journalism, two New Zealand journalists are rolling up their sleeves to tackle the issueTwo Kiwi news executives are part of a very serious effort by journalists to try to claw back not just trust in media institutions, but in society…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Two non-traditional sports - hobby horsing and pickleball - have gained popularity in the last several years, and Kiwis are joining in the funHobby horsing involves elements of gymnastics and horse riding, and pickleball is a mashup of several other racket sports. Both are unconventional - and gaining traction quickly.…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

New Zealand is running out of gas and prices are rising - but that hasn't stopped some households from hooking upNatural gas is a dwindling resource, and exploration isn't turning up much. So what happens when New Zealand runs out - and why are some new users still hooking up?…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Information about Iran's nuclear programme is highly secretive, but experts say the bombings may not have been a huge setback US President Trump said his bombs 'obliterated' nuclear facilities in Iran, but a nuclear scientist here in New Zealand says 'you can't destroy knowledge'It's a long time since we've been on the edge of our seats wondering if a full-blown nuclear war is about to happen.But many had that sensation when the US President said last weekend that Iran's nuclear facilities had been "completely and totally obliterated".Trump's bullseye claim is now in question but the bombing had many experts talking about the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 at the height of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union."They were very real fears and there were some very close calls, in particular during the Cuban Missile Crisis we now know the world came incredibly close to nuclear conflict," international law and nuclear weapons expert Anna Hood of Auckland University says.People feared then that the "Cold War would turn hot". Since then we have had volatile moments and right now the risk is heightened, she says."There were higher numbers of weapons during the Cold War. We have seen some level of disarmament since then but we haven't seen enough movement in the last few years. The numbers are still very high."Not only have the numbers stayed high, but countries are trying to upgrade and enhance the weapons they do have, she says."I would like to hope that most states, all states, wouldn't go there [nuclear war] or even if they've got nuclear weapons that that's not what they'll use but I think there are very serious risks in terms of what happens in the heat of a conflict, in terms of accidents."Hood focuses much of her time on the numerous nuclear issues afflicting the world today and how to work towards a nuclear-free world."We are a long way unfortunately from that," she admits, pointing to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists' annual Doomsday Clock showing we are closer than ever – 89 seconds to midnight, and catastrophe.Hood tells The Detail why the US strike on Iran is a violation of international law and the possible consequences.While the impact of the B2 stealth bomber attacks is still not clear, senior physics lecturer at Auckland University David Krofcheck says it does not end Iran's nuclear amibitions…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

As far as New Zealand's economic recovery goes, we're still crawling out of our deep recessionary hole - and we've just hit a global glitch Quarterly figures are supposed to point to where our economy is heading, but any hopeful messages in them last week have just been blown out of the water…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Sir Graham Henry beamed into the world's most prestigious ad awards to congratulate New Zealand on being 'the best place in the world to have herpes'Of a pool of more than 26,000 entries at the Cannes Lions, a New Zealand ad came out on top. Turns out, Kiwis are good at ads - and having herpes.…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Unaffordable housing, the high cost of living, and 'very intentional decisions' by the government see a spike in homelessness.An advocate for people sleeping rough says homelessness is reaching 'crisis levels' and he's seeing children as young as nine turn up for emergency accommodation. What's gone wrong in Aotearoa?…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Innovation in warfare features in Ukraine's David and Goliath fight with Russia …Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Even funeral directors believe death could be done better, but how to achieve that is up for debateA funeral bill is one you never want to have to pay, but there's a push to make the whole ordeal cheaper and better…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Dozens of innovators showed off their wares at Fieldays, offering solutions to problems - and a bit of hope From waterway-mapping robots to leather made from kiwifruit, Kiwi innovation on display at the southern hemisphere's biggest rural expo…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A decade after major overhauls to health and safety in New Zealand, WorkSafe is getting a reboot. Critics aren't convinced it will save lives. With more that 70 workplace deaths in New Zealand every year, a WorkSafe reboot isn't surprising. But critics say the changes aren't likely to save lives.…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Lepidopterists fear our butterfly and moth numbers are on the wane They're not just beautiful, they help pollinate our flowers and grasses. But are moths and butterflies starting to disappear?…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

At Fieldays, exhibitors from around the country - and the world - come to show off the latest farming innovations…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Predator Free 2050 was hit by a budget blow, and now the 'moonshot' goal is under threat The environmental sector worries that the future of a predator-free Aotearoa is in jeopardy after the Government swung the axe in the latest budget…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

New Zealand universities are being urged to seize the day when it comes to America's turmoil over foreign studentsWhile Donald Trump is busy burning down foreign student income, New Zealand is quietly looking at how we could cash in…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

It may seem that as an ordinary person, cutting emissions is too big a job. But homeowners have a large part to play…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The issue on how to save on superannuation is a political no-go, with one gallery editor describing the debate as 'uranium wrapped in barbed wire'Means testing is being introduced on a wide range of benefits. Questions are being asked over how long it will be before superannuation is targeted.…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A marriage of bass drops and bow strings, Synthony strikes a chord from Christchurch to Calgary Lights, strings, action: Sythony started as small, one-off show in Auckland nearly a decade ago. Today, it's selling out venues around the world.…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Researchers brace for an uncertain future and warn of lasting damage after a funding shake-upScience has been sidelined by the Budget, despite the Government saying they back the sector, and insiders expect a deep impact of funding cuts…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

For the undocumented, NZ-born children of overstayers, life ends when they turn 18Two decades after a change to citizenship laws, the NZ-born children of overstayers are finding themselves undocumented and without a path forward…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The push to get under-16 year olds off social media is a cause that's united some high-powered women from all walks of lifeSocial media is already off limits for under 13 year olds - but it isn't enforced. A new campaign aims to not only change that but to life the age to 16…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

There are pros and cons ethically with mined and lab diamonds, but one certainly gives you more sparkle for your dollarDiamonds may be forever but at the moment they're not holding up in value. Prices are sinking as a major disruptor floods the market.…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Boots, banjos, and big crowds - country music finds its voice in New ZealandHeartfelt and homegrown, country music is enjoying a Kiwi revival, with two dedicated stations and a boom in artists…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Gambling regulation is moving to take online operators into account, but doubts are being expressed as to how effective it will beThe Problem Gambling Foundation fears the details we don't know about when it comes to licencing online casinos will be the devil that trips up addicts…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The small plan routes that keep our country connected are becoming increasingly fragile links…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Climate fix, or fossil fuel lifeline - the truth behind the country's first carbon capture and storage projectThe country's first carbon capture and storage project raises hard questions - like whether it's over before it begins…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Donald Trump's claims of a white genocide in South Africa betray the influence of his billionaire expat friends, including Elon Musk The US President was at his undiplomatic worst when his South African counterpart turned up at the Oval Office, but the ambush did swing the spotlight on what's happening there…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details