Podcasts about North Island

Horse riders in the lower North Island have raised concerns over safe road access. A shared path along the Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway - a project currently under construction - prompted concern after horse riders were excluded from the path. NZ Equestrian Advocacy Network chairperson Shelly Warwick says the group's lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, citing concerns over equity. "There are alternatives for every other user if you want to take them, but they've made a shared-use path to cater for vulnerable road users to get across this community, but excluded horse riders." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, about Fonterra's Full Year result, the Synlait Milk's agreement to sell its North Island sites to US healthcare company Abbott and the current state of global milk supply... He talks with Peter 'Razor' Reynolds about his charitable organisation, Moral Compass, which helps vulnerable youth through endeavours such as hunting and fishing, his own battles as a youth in London before joining the British Army and the upcoming book on his life... And he talks with rower Ben Taylor about his recent win in the men's pair with Oliver Welch at the world rowing championships in Shanghai, being part of the bronze medal performance in the first ever mixed eight event and his reflections on a successful season before he takes a well earned break. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, about Fonterra's Full Year result, the Synlait Milk's agreement to sell its North Island sites to US healthcare company Abbott and the current state of global milk supply. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

While the earthquake-prone building system overhaul has been welcomed by many in the North Island, building owners in Dunedin are facing a different prospect. Dunedin Property Developer Russell Lund spoke to Corin Dann.

The ASX 200 kickstarted the week in style up 75 points to 8863 (0.9%). Gold was once again leading the charge as it pushed through US$3800, NST up 3.1% and NEM rising 4.0%. EVN also turned in a good day up 4.4%. Iron ore miners were a little floppy on steel demand in China and looming 7 -day holiday. FMG fell 2.1%. Copper and other base metal stock continue to push higher, 29M up 4.8% and MLX up 4.1%. Rare earth stocks saw profit taking, ILU down 3.9% and LYC modestly off. Energy stocks saw sellers, KAR down 1.7% and PDN falling 2.4% with WHC off 3.4%.Banks were firm today ahead of the RBA.  CBA soaring 2.2% with WBC up 2.0%. MQG recovered 1.3% with other wealth managers also better, NWL up 2.1% and insurers rallied, QBE up 1.6% and IAG up 1.3%. Healthcare was firm as CSL traded 2.5% higher on tariff hopes, RMD up 1.2% and MSB up 0.8%. REITs lacklustre, tech eased back in places, WTC down 1.2% and TNE up 1.5%. Retailers were flat, APE off 0.6% and SUL down another 1.0%. ALL a bright spot up 2.0%. In corporate news, MIN was down 0.8% on haul road news, SM1 up 10.4% on the sale of its North Island assets, and BVS rose 2.5% on a new CEO. Nothing on the economic front, RBA tomorrow. Asian markets mixed, China up 2.1% Japan down 1% on PM uncertainty.10-year yields easing to 4.34%.Want to invest with Marcus Today? The Managed Strategy Portfolio is designed for investors seeking exposure to our strategy while we do the hard work for you. If you're looking for personal financial advice, our friends at Clime Investment Management can help. Their team of licensed advisers operates across most states, offering tailored financial planning services.  Why not sign up for a free trial? Gain access to expert insights, research, and analysis to become a better investor.

Wall St closed higher across the major averages on Monday as investors bought back into the AI darlings a week after scepticism rose around the sustainable growth of the sector. The S&P500 gained 0.2%, the Nasdaq rose 0.48% and the Dow Jones ended Monday's session up 0.15%. Shares of game maker EA Games rallied 4.5% after the company announced it's going to be taken private in an acquisition worth US$55bn.In Europe overnight markets closed higher to start the new trading week in the green. The STOXX600 rose 0.34%, Germany's DAX added 0.02%, the French CAC climbed 0.13% and, in the UK, the FTSE100 ended the day up 0.16%.Across the Asia region on Monday markets closed mixed with Japan's Nikkei falling 0.69%, while South Korea's Kospi index added 1.33%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 1.9% and China's CSI index gained 1.54%.Locally to start the new trading week, a healthcare rebound pushed the ASX to a positive close with the key index rallying 0.9% while the spot price of gold also reset a fresh record, propelling gold miners to new heights.Defence stocks were all the rage for investors yesterday with DroneShield soaring over 18% while EOS climbed almost 13% amid a tense backdrop in Europe with NATO boosting air-defence assets in response to new drone incursions at a key military base in Denmark last week. EOS also released a sales update yesterday revealing it is expecting full year revenue from existing contracts to be $115m to $125m in FY25 however, new orders could boost this by $25m in addition to its contract backlog with an estimated value of $299m.Synlait Milk share jumped 15% following the release of the company's full-year results yesterday. The dairy processor reported a more than twofold increase in underlying EBITDA, reaching NZ$107.2 million for FY 2025. Additionally, Synlait announced an agreement to sell its North Island assets to global healthcare giant Abbott Laboratories in a deal expected to generate around NZ$307 million in proceeds. What to watch today:On the commodities front this morning oil is trading 3.86% lower at US$63.18/barrel; gold is up 1.63% at a fresh record US$3829/ounce and iron ore is down 0.09% at US$105.35/tonne.The Aussie dollar has strengthened against the greenback to buy 65.78 US cents, 97.75 Japanese yen, 48.91 British pence and 1 New Zealand dollar and 14 cents.Ahead of Tuesday's trading session here in Australia the SPI futures are anticipating the ASX will open the day up 0.17%.Trading Ideas:Bell Potter has raised the 12-month price target on Electro Optic Systems (ASX:EOS) from $5.70 to $11 and maintain a buy rating on the Australian defence manufacturer specialising in advanced weapon systems and satellite tracking technology company following an update out yesterday including revenue guidance weaker than Bell Potter expected in the near term but strong tailwinds driving the long-term growth of the sector. Bell Potter has upgraded the 12-month TP reflecting a higher CY26e EV/EBITDA multiple due to strengthened confidence in longer term revenue growth.Trading Central has identified a bearish signal on HMC Capital (ASX:HMC) following the formation of a pattern over a period of 29-days which is roughly the same amount of time the share price may fall from the close of $3.23 to the range of $2.55 to $2.65 according to standard principles of technical analysis.

Feedback pod today and we've got some cracking questions from wolfpackers to run through.Mick has a question about slow play at his club, particularly as they have some older members.Jack is looking forward to the Australian Open and, aside from Rory, wants to know has there been any other big names revealed as coming.Wayne asks for Nick and Marks thoughts on the best Australian Open finish they ever saw.Mike once saw New Zealand's Ryan Fox hit a policeman with a wayward drive, we find out if Nick and Mark ever hit anyone.....Nick did, and drew blood, Mark was playing with a celebrity when the celebrity hit someone - and that story ended hilariously (not for the person but for us).After the turn, we have a 59 to rate, is Mark feeling generous ?Ned is heading to New Zealand in January and is after some advice on courses that he should look to play on the North Island.Richard has a solution to the length issue in golf.Jeff has a suggestion for the best drive under pressure.And following on from Jeffs suggestion, Mark ends on a sad (for him) story (hilarious for us) about a drive on the same course Jeff raises.We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:BMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;PING will help you play your best;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;And watchMynumbers and Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:News Wrap | The rise and challenges of Rockit Apples1:25 – Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses some emerging issues at Rockit Apples. North Island growers are voicing concern about the company's ability to process the growing crop, while in the South Island, a big new planting funded by the NZ Super Fund is under way.Market Insights | Tight margins, big red meat markets7:20 – AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad wraps up the global red meat markets, which are all looking strong. Lamb and mutton prices are still at record highs and the new season is looking good for most.Feds Focus | Nitrate emergency declaration ‘takes aim at farmers' 15:35 – Vice president Colin Hurst isn't a fan of the nitrate emergency declaration, saying it once again vilifies farmers who are already working to improve the state of freshwater in Canterbury.Feature | Nitrate emergency: a call to action in Canterbury24:35 – Outgoing Environment Canterbury councillor Vicky Southworth explains why she brought a notice of motion to declare a nitrate emergency to the council's final meeting of the term. She says reports on groundwater quality are worsening and the incoming council needs to prioritise the issue.The Final Word36:20 – Co-ops have served New Zealand farmers well over the years, but is it time to take a look at our relationship with the model and ask if some tweaks are needed? Some say the inability of our big co-ops to raise funds from shareholders shows that while we're happy to enjoy the value, we're less than impressed when challenges arise.

Senior reporter Richard Rennie discusses some emerging issues at Rockit Apples. North Island growers are voicing concern about the company's ability to process the growing crop, while in the South Island, a big new planting funded by the NZ Super Fund is underway.

As of late 2025, the number of New Zealanders living in Australia was estimated to be around 700,000 - a huge number for such a small country, reflecting the close relationship between our two countries. In Tasmania, it's estimated there are about 5000 New Zealanders living here, making them one of the top 5 migrant groups.It's assumed often that New Zealanders are very similar to use and don't have many challenges to settle in here, but the true picture is more complex. One thing that distinguishes New Zealand from Australia is the influence of Maori culture, something which until fairly recently was repressed. Olive grew up in a small farming community near Gisborne, a small city on the east side of the North Island. Her mother and grandmother were strong influences during her younger years and gave her a connection with Maori culture and her grandmother, in particular, practised traditional Maori healing. Losing her mother and grandmother at the age of 16 was a deeply traumatic event for Olive and for a while she fell into some unhealthy coping mechanisms. Most of her family also migrated to Melbourne and, pregnant with her first child, she joined them to be near family support.It was around ten years ago that Olive met a Tasmanian man, who she later married, and was part of the reason that brought her to Tasmania. The other was a slightly more spiritual reason, which you will her about in the podcast.You will also hear how during the COVID pandemic and the lockdown in Melbourne lead to Olive reconnecting with the Maori language and culture through online communities, something she now also shares within her local community in Tasmania.

Shelby and Andrew are back planning a trip to New Zealand's South Island and rounding out their plans for the North Island. Before that there's a Marriage Movie Minute and lots of dumb bits!

New Zealand investor confidence has dropped to its lowest level since Covid. ASB's latest survey shows sentiment is weakest in the lower North Island and among those over 60, with under 40s being more optimistic about their situation. Senior Wealth Economist Chris Tennent-Brown told Francesca Rudkin global uncertainty and the weak housing market have made the last six months challenging. He says it's not quite as bad as during the depths of despair during the pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode:Market Insights | Lamb season ends on a high1:25 – AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner joins Bryan to wrap up the season, as the last of the lambs hit the market. Farmgate returns are still sky-high and are looking good as new season lambs start to emerge. Some dry weather, particularly in eastern parts of the North Island, appear to be the only challenge at the moment.Feature | Economic trends impacting NZ farmers7:14 – ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley outlines how the changing global economic and political landscape is influencing our food and fibre sector. Exchange rates, trade wars and the continued focus on accounting for climate change are all exerting pressure. But, with farmgate returns strong, now's the time to ensure farm businesses have the resilience to withstand future shocks.Feds Focus | Farmers push back on grazing charges25:14 – Southland president Jason Herrick says farmers are annoyed at being charged for winter grazing monitoring, despite not actually being found at fault. He questions whether the approach by Environment Southland is an effective way to move the dial on improving practices.The Final Word30:41 – A report on the viability of new crop varieties for Northland food production highlights the challenges and the opportunities many regions face as the climate and consumer preferences change. How can we explore new ways to produce food while still ensuring each link in the value chain can thrive?

AgriHQ senior analyst Suz Bremner joins Bryan to wrap up the season, as the last of the lambs hit the market. Farmgate returns are still sky-high and are looking good as new season lambs start to emerge. Some dry weather, particularly in eastern parts of the North Island, appear to be the only challenge at the moment.

Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents =People from 93 nations will be calling upon their governments to Draw the Line - For People, for Peace, for the Planet - on Saturday, September 20. Demonstrations are planned in major cities across Europe, Asia, Latin America, the United States and Canada. More than 200 organizations, including 350Canada, the Council of Canadians and the Migrant Rights Network are participating. On Vancouver Island, there will be demonstrations in Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River, Courtenay and Duncan as well as the neighbouring communities of Denman Island, Salt Spring Island and Powell River. Former North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney will be among the Speakers for the event starting at 2 PM in Campbell River's Spirit Square. Some Quadra Islanders have stated they are participating. On Cortes Island, the Climate Action Network is urging people to catch the 11:55 AM ferry so they can ‘go join the folks in Campbell River.' Cortes Currents interviewed Murray Etty and Manda Vaughan, two members of the Campbell River Chapter of the Council of Canadians, who are organizing the Campbell River demonstration. Murray Etty: “We're uniting behind five main demands of the Federal Government, but also the provinces: put people over profits, fund our families and communities; refuse ongoing colonialism, uphold Indigenous sovereignty; stop blaming migrants, demand full immigration status for all; end the war machine, stand for justice and peace; and, for Mandy and me, the most important one of all is end the era of Fossil fuels Protect Mother Earth. ” Cortes Currents: What do you hope this demonstration will achieve?

Murray Etty: “ Thousands of people across this country are involved and I think it's going to really make an impression not only the Carney government, but provincial governments too. We've got to get into action here. The time for dithering and making excuses is over, but the people of Canada have got to step up and communicate to their governments.” We've gotta have a way more sending of emails, letters, phone calls, protest movements, and so on to let the governments know we mean business. It's time for a conversion to renewable energy.” Cortes Currents: What conversations have you had locally?

Murray Etty: “We've sent out a whole bunch of emails to organizations and individuals. Sue Moen just this morning said she sent more than 80 messages to people she knows. We've also put a notice in the Campbell River Mirror.”

Manda Vaughan: “We put out a request to Aaron Gunn (MP Noth Island-Powell River), he's otherwise engaged. The message went out to Anna Kindy (MLA, North Island) also, but we haven't heard of a positive reply from her yet.” “Earlier this year Elder College hosted a class on climate change (at North Island College in Campbell River). Surveys by the Guardian and other groups show that well over 60% of people globally are concerned but the majority don't feel they can broach the subject with their friends or neighbours.” “The fact is, people are concerned. We need to come out of our silos and realize others care too. What we are hoping with this rally is to encourage people to come out because climate affects all of us.”

Rob Eckford, CEO of Rua Gold Inc. (TSXV: RUA) (OTCQB: NZAUF) (WKN: A40QYC), joins me to introduce the value proposition and current work programs at their 2 district-scale gold exploration projects in New Zealand.   Rob starts off by highlighting that their team, that has developed, constructed, and run mines in Burkina Faso and Colombia, but then decided to focus on New Zealand a handful of years ago; eventually leading to the company going from private to publicly listed in 2024.   They've consolidated the land over 2 large land packages prospective for high-grade gold on both the North Island and South Island.   The Company controls the Reefton Gold District as the dominant landholder in the Reefton Goldfield on New Zealand's South Island with over 120,000 hectares of tenements, in a district that historically produced over 2Moz of gold grading between 9 and 50g/t.  The exploration team currently has 3 drills turning across the project, and anticipates an update to the Resource Estimate by year end.   The Company's Glamorgan Project solidifies Rua Gold's position as a leading high-grade gold explorer on New Zealand's North Island. This highly prospective project is located within the North Islands' Hauraki district, a region that has produced an impressive 15Moz of gold and 60Moz of silver. Glamorgan is adjacent to OceanaGold Corporation's biggest gold mining project, Wharekirauponga; north of their Waihi gold mine. After obtaining a permit later this year, drilling will commence across the Glamorgan Project.   Rob shares his background and the pedigree and experience of the management team and board of directors, and wraps us up with the capital share structure, key strategic investors, and financial strength of the Company to execute on its next initiatives.   If you have any questions for Rob regarding Rua Gold, then please email them into me at Shad@kereport.com.   Click here to follow the latest news from Rua Gold

Marcus covers the wild wind hitting Canterbury and the lower North Island, the death of Robert Redford, and words you've had mixed up for a while. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Photomission Photography Podcast – Road Trip Discoveries North Island NZ EP 343 In this episode, we discuss road tripping in NZ , Join the conversation! About the Host: Stephen Finkel discovered his passion for photography at the age of seven and has never looked back. He manages several photography-related businesses, including Photomission, and is currently a Canon Collective Community Manager. Check out Stephen's work on Instagram:

In this episode:News Wrap | Bullish outlook for the red meat sector2:19 – Senior reporter Neal Wallace has been following trends in the red meat sector both at the farmgate and market level. He looks at Beef + Lamb forecasts for the upcoming season and finds a very bullish outlook for the red meat sector. He also unpacks prospects for a new exporting season, and what it means for farm incomes.Market Insight | Livestock EYE on high spring store cattle prices8:15 – Winter's cold grip may remain across much of the country in early September, but spring store cattle prices are running hot. AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie provides a run down on some of the notable prices being fetched through North Island saleyards. With prices passing the $5.50/kg mark, Fiona muses on the possibility sales with a “$6” could become a reality this spring.Feature | Fonterra's bold move: the economics of value add14:11 – Dr Hamish Gow, professor of agribusiness at Lincoln University, talks to Richard about Fonterra's multi-billion dollar exit from its brands business, and what that means for “value add” and returns to shareholders. He pulls apart what true “value add” really is, and how it does not always mean a product must have a brand name on it to achieve it.Feds Focus | Tackling New Zealand's pest problem25:24 – Richard Dawkins, Federated Farmers national chair for meat and wool, outlines why there is a need for an integrated pest management strategy in New Zealand.He says NZ's growing pest burden has an increasingly high cost of control being imposed upon farmers and talks about how Feds would like to see greater co-ordination across all government departments and NGOs to better manage pest numbers and impact.

Winter's cold grip may remain across much of the country in early September, but spring store cattle prices are running hot. AgriHQ analyst Fiona Quarrie provides a run down on some of the notable prices being fetched through North Island saleyards. With prices passing the $5.50/kg mark, Fiona muses on the possibility sales with a “$6” could become a reality this spring.

Voting papers are about to arrive for the local body elections, but for residents in two districts they won't include anything about a mayoral contest. The mayors of Manawatu, in the lower North Island, and Hurunui, in North Canterbury, will be elected unopposed. They see it as a sign of their districts seeking consistency, although one local government academic says it could actually signal apathy. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Agpro hosted a tour of NZ in July this year. Dean and 10 other "Good Bastard's" took in the North Island with our Guide(and GB) Matt Holden. Dean and I discuss the highlights ofthe tour and how his season in Pingaring(not Pingrup!) has progressed.

Our largest-ever North Island tourism alliance is just getting started, as they work to win over Australian travellers this week. More than 70 tourism operators are attending events in Sydney today and Melbourne tomorrow under the partnership Kiwi North. It was formed in May, when 15 tourism North Island organisations joined forces to draw more attention from key markets. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Destination Director Annie Dundas told Mike Hosking that the aim is to show that the North Island has just as much to offer as the South Island does. She says the South Island enjoyed a great lift in tourist numbers from Australia, and they're hoping to see a lift of 1-2% for the North Island from this work. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Populations of North Island brown kiwi, kaka and long-tailed bats are starting to swell as pest control efforts within Pukenui Forest near Whangarei ramp up. 

Break out the books, the first literary festival for the top of the North Island kicks off later this week. 

An old school roving vegetable truck packed full of garden fresh goodies has grown so popular it is heading to towns all around the North Island, and the couple behind it are hoping to expand further. The Raetihi couple behind it, Emma and Kim Young, expanded the business from an honesty box at the end of the drive way to a mobile vegetable truck. Emma Young from Young's Vegetable truck spoke to Lisa Owen.

Surprise! Andrew & Melissa are going to New Zealand! So, on this week's episode Shelby and Andrew carve out the big plans for the time that they're on the country's North Island. We talk through some of the highlights and do some live booking (always thrilling to listen to hear someone click buttons on the internet). There's also questions about Tokyo and another announcement, a Broadway Muppets Recast and some TV and movie talk.

This week for Our Changing World, we're doing things a little differently and we catch up with Claire Concannon in person! Claire has been out and about in the central North Island learning about a community conservation project.

With rural health care under the spotlight, our guest this week sheds some light on working in a small country hospital. Sophia Zohrab is among 12 med students on Auckland University's rural medicine immersion programme, sprinkled around North Island towns. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Sophia ZohrabGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

For many older people, moving out of the family home and downsizing - either to a smaller home or to a retirement village - is an overwhelming task. A lifetime of accumulated possessions - some precious, some not - but all needing sorting and most needing a new home. It can be a painful and emotional process, says Judy Thorpe, who founded Taskmasters in Wellington, and whose team around the North Island have helped thousands of older people downsize. She shares her advice.

Weather watches and warnings are in place for much of the North Island and the top of the South Island, as a band of wild weather moves across the country. MetService's head of weather news Heather Keats spoke to Corin Dann.

All the rain hammering the North Island for the past months has filled Auckland's water supply dams to 100 percent, the first time since 2023. Watercare head of water Sharon Danks spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The battle on the frontlines of conservation continues around the motu. This week we head to the central North Island to join some of the staff and volunteers of Project Tongariro. Ecologist Nick Singers is coordinating the fight against the invasive grey willow that's taking over a wetland area, while Shirley Potter is applying a ‘let's get it done' attitude to reforesting a patch of public conservation land near her home in Tauranga-Taupō. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.Guests:Kiri Te Wano, CEO of Project TongariroShirley PotterNick SingersLearn more:Willow is an issue in many wetland areas where it binds up waterways and transforms the land. Just outside Dunedin, a team are using drone spraying to combat it near the Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau wetland complex.In the Rotopiko wetland complex, near Hamilton, the pest battle is a bit unusual: conservationists are concerned about the half a million sparrows and starlings that roost at night.The fight for the forest also continues on multiple pest fronts in the Catlins area in Otago.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The GM of PGG Wrightson Wool. The market continued to ease at yesterday’s North Island wool sale, though the rate of decline has slowed - SWI down 5 cents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wild weather is lashing the tops of both the North and South Islands this afternoon. A heavy rain warning is in place for the water-logged top of the South Island where, the MetService says, there could be a threat to life. The Nelson-Tasman region is under a state of emergency, as residents there are warned of significant flooding and possible slips. The MetService has issued an orange rain warning for the top of the North Island, as well as Taranaki, Bay of Plenty and Tairawhiti. MetService meteorologist John Law spoke to Lisa Owen.

MetService has issued a slew of heavy rain and wind warnings affecting much of the North Island and the top of the South. MetService's head of weather news Heather Keats spoke to Corin Dann.

A 15 year old school boy is cycling his way down the North Island this school holidays to deliver a letter in support of keeping Māori wards to parliament. The Whakatane High School student is due to hit the capital on Wednesday but the PM has declined to meet him when he arrives. He has been on the road with his letter for eleven days now, but it is not his first time - delivering a petition in support of Māori wards to the steps parliament when he was 10. Jack Karetai Barret spoke to Lisa Owen.

"The industry has to police itself in many ways […] for the good of the industry and for the good of the places where they operate."Join Joshua Finch and guest Marcus John, Managing Director, Thomas Miller Sydney, as they discuss wreck removal, including:The complex liabilities surrounding the Costa ConcordiaLarger ships equal larger wrecks - and pose enormous challenges when removing them. The unexpected costs as ships operate in more remote places than before such as New Zealand's North Island. And what happens if these vessels are carrying dangerous goods too? And ... a World War II Harbour Defence boat?

Heavy rain is still falling in Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, as the tail-end of a storm system moves to the east. MetService's head of weather news Heather Keats spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An apparent typo could have cost a North Island council $20 million in lost revenue. At a meeting last month, the New Plymouth District Council passed a resolution saying rates figures in its annual plan were inclusive of GST, when they were in fact exclusive of it. Now it has had to quickly correct the error and apologise to ratepayers. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin reports.

The Commerce Commission has sent a warning to Foodstuffs North Island for 'uncooperative and unreasonable' behaviour towards a supplier.

Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp has been laid to rest today on the grounds of a small church at Opaea Marae among the rolling hills of Taihape, in the central North Island. The Tāmaki Makaurau MP died suddenly last week after battling kidney disease. Māori News Journalist Pokere Paewai reports. 

Service stations in the North Island are raising alarm bells about thefts from underground fuel tanks, with two stations saying the heists are putting their communities in danger. Finn Blackwell has more.

The Government's issued a fresh warning to the major supermarket chains. Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has written a letter to Woolworths, and Foodstuffs' North Island and South Island arms, outlining her expectations. She says she's hearing of supermarkets charging more than the advertised price, and having specials and multi-buy deals that don't actually offer savings. Willis told Mike Hosking that's not good enough. She says supermarkets have publicly said again and again that they do everything they can to be good providers of service, but this doesn't look like that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The whanau of a Levin man who died in February at a beach near the lower North Island town believe one woman knows more about what happened to him than she's letting on. Police say the death of 34-year-old Michael Joseph Tamatea, whose body was found in a pond at Hokio Beach, was not suspicious. Lauren Crimp has more.

The whānau of a Levin man who died in February at a beach near the lower North Island town are questioning the police's conclusion that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Lauren Crimp spoke with his family.

Send us a textAaron Jennings transports us to the rugged landscapes of New Zealand's North Island, where hunting isn't just a recreational pursuit but a way of life woven into the cultural fabric of communities. From his earliest memories of sitting in the truck with his father and grandfather (koro) to his present-day adventures pursuing wild boars through blackberry-choked gullies, Aaron shares stories that reveal the unique hunting traditions of his homeland.Perhaps most compelling is Aaron's description of hunting's role in community support. He and his brother harvested approximately 250 deer in a single year, distributing the meat to families facing food insecurity. This practice transforms hunting from recreation into service, embodying the Māori saying "kai moti te pu" (food for the table) that guides their ethical approach.Want to see more of Aaron's hunting adventures? Follow him on Instagram at _ajdventures and experience the passion that drives New Zealand hunters to venture out every weekend in pursuit of wild game and community connection.Visit SummitBowstrings.com or call 210-701-7399 to gear up with the best. Summit Bowstrings – where excellence and innovation meet in every string.USE CODE: HSP10

The North Island and South Island are going head-to-head in a competition to see which region has the best tasting tap water. Four New Zealand district councils are vying for the coveted title, including the reigning champions, Rotorua Lakes District Council. Samantha Gee was at the grand final in Nelson.