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Tory Whanau says she's received hundreds of messages of support after admitting to having a drinking problem. But some councillors are questioning whether she's up to the job. The Wellington mayor revealed to RNZ yesterday she's getting professional help after another drunken episode in public earlier this month. Nick James reports.
Twenty long-term tenants have been moved out of a Rotorua lodge for safety reasons after it was found to be an "extremely high fire risk" and that doors were dead-bolted shut at night. The Spa Lodge in the city's CBD was issued two dangerous building notices - the second after a fire broke out on its deck last week. RNZ believes four other hostels - potentially linked to the Spa Lodge - will have safety inspections on Thursday. Rotorua Lakes mayor Tania Tapsell spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau has admitted to more drunken antics in a central city bar. She's confirmed to RNZ she has a drinking problem after multiple council sources, including supporters of the mayor, told RNZ about footage showing her in an intoxicated state. Our reporter Nick James has been investigating and he joins us now. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341947884112
An Auckland labour-hire company is at the centre of a major immigration investigation, after allegations from migrants who paid thousands for their visa but received little work. RNZ understands hundreds of workers have accredited employer work visas and were promised work with Prolink NZ - but some have been left broke and jobless, while others aren't working enough hours to get by. Reporter Lucy Xia has the story.
Anger continues to surge against the new Government's plan to repeal smoke-free legislation. The National-led government wants to scrap limitations on the nicotine content of vapes, the number of stores able to sell tobacco products, and the world-leading tobacco product ban for anyone born after 2008. New Health Minister Doctor Shane Reti told RNZ the laws would drive the black market and increase retail crime. Chief executive Dr Rachael Hart says the Cancer Society is united with its health sector allies in opposition to the planned changes. Hart spoke to Corin Dann.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has questioned the independence of state broadcasters RNZ and TVNZ, saying the outgoing government bribed the media. That $55 million Peters referred to there was the contestable Public Interest Journalism Fund, introduced by Labour Government in 2020 and administered by New Zealand On Air. The fund came to an end in June this year. Winston Peters hasn't responded to our request for an interview - neither has his deputy Shane Jones. RNZ's charter requires the broadcaster to be independent, including providing "reliable, independent, and freely accessible news and information". Willie Jackson was the broadcasting minister for the previous government. Jackson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
State broadcasters RNZ and TVNZ have had their independence called into question by the new deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters. Peters accused the two outlets of taking bribes from the previous government. He also questioned whether the two organisations will take heed of the government's new edict for government departments and agencies to alter their use of te reo Māori. Massey University senior journalism lecturer James Hollings spoke to Corin Dann.
The winner of the 2023 Booker Prize will be announced this morning - with the ceremony in London starting at 10am. From a civil war in Ireland, to the son of Jamaican immigrants in Miami and a remote island off the coast of Maine, the contenders span topics, locations and style. RNZ's Jeremy Rees took on the daunting task of reading all the finalists - he spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
The recently passed changes to the Resource Management Act, the RMA, look set to be dumped by Christmas. Incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his cabinet will be sworn in at Government House Monday morning. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Corin Dann.
New cabinet ministers are being sworn in by the Governor General at Government house. National leader Christopher Luxon was first and is now officially New Zealand's 42nd Prime Minister. RNZ's Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch with the latest.
Radio broadcasting in Vietnam, part 2. Radio New Zealand Pacific celebrates 75 years of shortwave broadcasting. Part one of a conversation with Glen Tapley of WEWN and George Ross of Trans World Radio at HFCC B23 in Australia.
A round-up of the week's agricultural news with RNZ rural news reporter Monique Steele.
Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.
The coalition government is confirmed. Kathryn gets the immediate analysis on the policies and ministerial positions from RNZ political editor Jane Patterson and political commentator Tim Hurdle. Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, was the National Party Campaign Director in 2020. He is a director of several companies, including Museum Street Strategies, a public affairs firm.
The incoming government is set to announce its full cabinet and ministerial portfolios on Friday, as well as revealing which election promises made the cut. Coalition talks between National, ACT and New Zealand First came to an end Thursday afternoon. Christopher Luxon confirmed to the Governor-general that the three parties would be able to form a government - just shy of six weeks after the October election. RNZ political editor Jane Patterson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Kim Hill is hanging up her headphones at midday tomorrow after her last Saturday Morning programme. After 38 years in total with RNZ and international broadcasting awards from around the world and at home. On Sunday there will be a face to face interview with Jim Mora.
The coalition government is confirmed. Kathryn gets the immediate analysis on the policies and ministerial positions from RNZ political editor Jane Patterson and political commentator Tim Hurdle. Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, was the National Party Campaign Director in 2020. He is a director of several companies, including Museum Street Strategies, a public affairs firm.
Incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon flew to the capital on Wednesday night to finish up coalition negotiations. The National Party leader has told reporters at Auckland Airport that he and the ACT and New Zealand First leaders are 'really close' to a final agreement. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
The leaders of both National and ACT are in the Capital, where it's expected a coalition deal will soon be announced. Who will be deputy prime minister appears to be one of the final hurdles to be resolved. The incoming prime minister Christopher Luxon has not ruled out the possibility of the role being shared between Winston Peters and David Seymour. Meanwhile, National's deputy leader Nicola Willis has ruled herself out. Kathryn speaks to RNZ political editor Jane Patterson.
Passengers trying to fly in and out of Wellington are facing further disruption Wednesday morning. More than a 100 Air New Zealand flights were cancelled on Tuesday affecting more than 6,000 people departing and arriving at the capital. MetService says Wellington Airport is unlikely to be affected by low cloud on Wednesday as conditions there are relatively clear. RNZ reporter Krystal Gibbens spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Newly-minted National MP Cameron Brewer has apologized for celebrating the return of "stale, pale males" in his election night victory speech, having ousted Labour's Vanushi Walters from Upper Harbour. RNZ has been leaked a recording of the comments - which follows the National's leader attempts to improve diversity within his party. Our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch has the story.
Defending champions New Caledonia are off to a great start at the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands - leading the field at the end of the first official day of competition. On Monday the French Pacific territory had bagged 23 medals, including eight gold and seven silver with all their gold coming from judo and swimming. But some star performances in weightlifting have kept the competition at the top close, as RNZ's Koroi Hawkins reports from Honiara.
An announcement on a deal to form the next government is inching ever-closer, with no more than three 'difficult' and 'complex' policies yet to be agreed on by National, New Zealand First, and ACT. Discussions took place all weekend over the phone, by email - and from time to time, at Auckland's Cordis Hotel which National is using as its base. RNZ political reporter Giles Dexter spent much of the weekend camped outside.
RNZ political editor Jane Patterson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
As we wait for a new government, one election did deliver a clear-cut result this week - Forest and Bird's Bird of the Century poll. The winner had considerable offshore input thanks to a celebrity comedian's campaign which generated heaps of media exposure - but also some claims of media manipulation.
As we wait for a new government, one election did deliver a clear-cut result this week - Forest and Bird's Bird of the Century poll. The winner had considerable offshore input thanks to a celebrity comedian's campaign which generated heaps of media exposure - but also some claims of media manipulation.
A round-up of the week's agricultural news with RNZ rural news reporter Sally Murphy
Day 14 of coalition negotiations today with talks expected to run into the weekend.. National's negotiating team met with NZ First but there was no meeting with the ACT party. RNZ understands that's because a deal with ACT is extremely close. Our political reporter Katie Scotcher is outside Auckland's Cordis Hotel where Christopher Luxon has just held an impromptu standup. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341281640112
Charlotte Ryan, host of Music 101 here on RNZ each Saturday afternoon from 1pm talks about what's happening on the music scene over the weekend, what's coming up on her show tomorrow and because Friday is new music day - she'll pick us a track to play.
Top stories for November 17 2023: As the waiting continues, pressure is mounting on National , New Zealand First, and ACT to form a government. Israeli military special forces are continuing to search Gaza's biggest hospital, witnesses talk about hearing gunshots. An RNZ investigation has uncovered another house where large numbers of migrants are living, some even sleeping on dirt floors under the dwelling. Investigations are continuing after a man was shot dead by police in Wainuiomata yesterday. Australia is through to the Cricket World Cup final against India.
A RNZ investigation has uncovered yet another case of large numbers of migrants crammed into a three-bedroom home in West Auckland. The home in Massey has 17 bunkbeds, and at one point had workers living in makeshift space underneath the house - a video showed workers eating in the cavity, with dirt and pebble ground beneath their feet. One worker said the house at one point had 22 people living in it, sharing two toilets, and a makeshift kitchen on the deck. He said he's only had a month of work since he arrived in August and is expected to pay $150 per week for this accommodation. It comes three months after the case of over 140 Indian and Bangladeshi workers living in crammed and unsanitary conditions across six Auckland homes. Migrant advocate Anu Kaloti spoke to Corin Dann.
The US and Chinese presidents looked to have made progress in calming tensions at a summit on the sidelines of the APEC summit in San Francisco today. President Biden and Xi-Jinping met for the first time in a year looking to reduce tensions and make progress on security and trade issues. RNZ's Gyles Beckford has been at the summit and speaks to Lisa Owen.
Peaceful protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza stopped traffic on San Francisco's golden gate bridge overnight have been arrested and removed. It happened at the same time as country leaders continued to talk business and trade nearby at a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group. Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met on Thursday. RNZ's business editor Gyles Beckford spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
The annual APEC - or Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group - Summit has kicked off in San Francisco. It's an opportunity for leaders from 21 member states to meet and talk about trade, security and sustainable growth. Labour's Damien O'Connor is there representing Aotearoa while coalition negotiations continue between National, ACT and New Zealand First. RNZ business editor Gyles Beckford spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss from San Francisco.
More details have emerged about an attempted breakout that ended in a stand-off on an Oranga Tamariki youth justice facility's gym roof. RNZ has obtained reports about the incident, revealing what happened at Te Puna Wai ō Tuhinapo, in Rolleston near Christchurch, on Waitangi Day. It's not the only incident at the facility this year. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341139583112
Unbeaten in all nine games of the Cricket World Cup so far India go into tonight's semi-final against the Black Caps. Here in the RNZ office Black Caps fan, Jesse discusses the match with colleague and India fan, Gaurav Sharma.
It's been back and forth for the leaders of National and ACT who are in Auckland Wednesday morning to meet with NZ First leader Winston Peters. Both Christopher Luxon and David Seymour were in Wellington on Tuesday with hopes of a three-way meeting. But by day's end, it was clear they had to fly back to Auckland for there to be a chance of in-person talks with Peters on forming a new government. RNZ political editor Jane Patterson spoke to Corin Dann.
It's all go at the Canterbury showgrounds Wednesday morning, as the gates open for the annual agricultural show. More than a 100,000 people came to last year's three-day event, and organisers are aiming to top that this year with kids getting in free for a second time. RNZ rural reporter Sally Murphy is at the showgrounds with Richard Lemon, an A&P show stalwart. Murphy spoke to Corin Dann.
Australia dominated the final of the Fast Five netball world series Sunday night, beating New Zealand 35 - 23. The tournament was played in Christchurch, and saw the Australians go back-to-back, having won their first Fast Five title last year. RNZ's netball reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Podcast fan and former RNZ presenter Lynn Freeman joins Nights with her podcast suggestions.
A round-up of the week's agricultural news with RNZ rural news reporter Sally Murphy.
Today marks the start of the five day Hindu festival Diwali. Jesse speaks to his RNZ collegue, journalist Gaurav Sharma to tell us more about the celebration and its meaning.
A capital gains and wealth tax is back on the table for the Labour Party. Earlier this year, leader Chris Hipkins ruled out introducing the policies, saying under a Government he leads there will be no wealth or capital gains tax after the election. The decision frustrated some in Labour's caucus, with David Parker, who was Revenue Minister at the time, relinquishing the portfolio, claiming it was untenable for him to stay in the role. RNZ political editor Jane Patterson spoke to Susie Ferguson.
National and Act had the barest majority on election night, but the picture changed with the final result, confirming that New Zealand First must be in the mix. Policy positions are being worked through to identify areas of common ground and those that will prove more challenging. Both Act and New Zealand First have raised red flags over the affordability of National's tax package. Partly funding it through a foreign property buyers' tax would be problematic for New Zealand First. RNZ political editor Jane Patterson spoke to Susie Ferguson.
Time to polish the crown: Winston Peters is Kingmaker again. The final election vote count means New Zealand First is no longer a nice to have, it's a must-have for National to form a government. The party lost two seats in the final wash up, meaning it's down to 48 MPs and with ACT's 11 it is still short of a majority. The overall head count in parliament's expanded as well; Te Pati Maori has snatched another two Maori electorates seats from Labour creating an overhang of two seats. And after the Waikato by election the total numbers of MP will be 123. National leader and incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the final count means he can accelerate negotiations toward a strong and stable government, but he can't give a time frame for delivery. RNZ's own coalition of experts speaks to Lisa Owen. Former ACT MP and Minister Heather Roy, former New Zealand First MP and Minister, Ron Mark and former National Party general Manager, Chris Simpson. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340411828112
Music 101 host Charlotte Ryan joins Kathryn to talk about a new documentary focused on Fat Freddy's Drop that's been released through RNZ. She'll also play new music from Kali Uchis and talk about Sir Dave Dobbyn's re-issue of Lament for the Numb for its 30th anniversary.
Today Claire in addition to her review, Claire Chitham, talks to Jesse about the sad passing of Matthew Perry. The beloved 'Friends' actor was found dead at his home yesterday. She then talks about Special Ops: Lioness on Amazon Prime, UK thriller series, Bodies on Netflix and a quick mention of Blind Bitter Happiness on RNZ as well as After Party on TVNZ.
The Rugby World Cup dream was crushed for thousands of All Blacks fans across the country this Sunday when their team lost the final game. South Africa beat the All Blacks 12-11 in a nail-biting, sitting on the edge of your seat match in Paris. On the day RNZ reporters were at pubs, stadiums and parks to get the play by play from eager fans watching on big screens. Our reporter Jemima Huston was in the Capital.
South African rugby fans based in New Zealand say their team's win at the Rugby World Cup in France means more than just a competition title. The All Blacks lost to South Africa by just one point in the final on Sunday. For a breakdown on the game TVNZ sportswriter Scotty Stevenson, RNZ reporter Jamie Wall and Rugby365.com editor Jan de Koning spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Winston Peters is refusing to apologise for his extraordinary attack on the former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern - in which he wrongly accused her office of hiding information from the public about the March 15 terror attack. In a social media post last night, the New Zealand First leader said that yesterday was "the first time" we'd learnt that the PM's office received information about the massacre before it took place. In fact, her office was sent the terrorist's manifesto less than 10 minutes before the first shots were fired - a detail revealed and widely reported one day later. Labour is demanding the former deputy Prime Minister remove the tweet, labelling it bizarre and clearly inaccurate - but to no avail. Mr Peters has refused RNZ's interview requests, and his potential coalition partners National and ACT are also keeping quiet. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.