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How do our politicians' pay packets compare?
Explainer - MPs are about to get a pay bump, but is it fair and how does it compare to other countries?
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School cellphone ban: What you need to know
30 Apr 2024Explainer - What will a ban on cellphones in schools achieve? Can students use them during lunch breaks? And what happens if you need to contact your child?
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Where public sector job cuts are coming from so far
16 Apr 2024Smaller agencies are making deepest cuts as they look to save costs, RNZ data shows.
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What new research about the pandemic shows
15 Apr 2024And how New Zealand's experience with Covid-19 was very different to most of the world.
What you need to know headlines with summaries.
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Explainer: Why do we commemorate Anzac Day?
22 Apr 2024On April 25 each year, New Zealanders at home and around the world mark Anzac Day. Do you know why?
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Proposed anti-gang laws: What you need to know
4 Apr 2024We've been hearing a lot about anti-gang measures, with new legislation going through Parliament. RNZ is here to explain what it's all about.
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The MediaWorks data breach: What you need to know
25 Mar 2024It is easy to shrug off news of yet another data breach. But experts say even basic personal information can help fuel cyber crimes. RNZ explains.
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New Zealand is in a recession: What you need to know
21 Mar 2024What is a recession and what is gross domestic product? RNZ is here to clear it all up.
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TikTok is facing a ban in the US: What you need to know
22 Mar 2024A bill calling for the forced sale or ban of TikTok passed through the United States' House of Representatives. What's next, and what does all of this mean for New Zealand?
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Mortgage break fees: What you need to know
14 Mar 2024Explainer - As big banks reduce home loan interest rates, people might be tempted to shop around. But break fees can end up costing as much or even more than potential savings.
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Is this the death of news media? What you need to know
12 Mar 2024Explainer - Not long after Newshub announced it would shut down, TVNZ shared plans to eliminate jobs. Is this a tipping point?
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The future of Premier House: What you need to know
7 Mar 2024Explainer - Despite its $37m valuation it doesn't meet healthy homes standards. But is updating it necessary during a cost of living crisis? RNZ examines its past, present, and potential future use.
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Why does Woolworth's look like it's struggling?
29 Feb 2024Explainer - At first glance, it doesn't make sense that New Zealand's second-biggest supermarket chain had a drop in earnings. RNZ clears up the confusion.
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Why are fertility rates falling?
23 Feb 2024Explainer - Fertility rates in New Zealand, and around the world, keep dropping. What does this mean?
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Covid-19 testing: What you need to know
22 Feb 2024Explainer - With all these new Covid variants, how are the old tests holding up? And what's the point of testing now, anyway?
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Fire season is here: What you need to know
15 Feb 2024Explainer - Warnings about an intense wildfire season seem to be coming to fruition. RNZ asks the experts what's going on.
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Port Hills fire: What you need to know
15 Feb 2024Evacuation centres and a recovery hub are set up to help residents as the Port Hills fire spreads over more than 650 hectares.
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Choosing a sunscreen: What you need to know
13 Feb 2024Explainer - Every summer, misinformation about sunscreen seems to grow. A bit like cancer. RNZ asks the experts for help.
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Fees free changes: What you need to know
8 Feb 2024Explainer - The new government plans to pay for students' final year of tertiary study, rather than their first. RNZ analyses the impact of the current settings and the proposed change.
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Why are trains being cancelled because of heat?
12 Jan 2024Explainer - Rail services are struggling to cope with middling temperatures in Wellington. What's going on?
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Do claims about infant swim lessons stack up?
10 Jan 2024Explainer - Some swim schools make big claims about baby and toddler classes. Here's what the evidence says.
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Bumper year for pōhutukawa: What you need to know
24 Dec 2023Explainer - No, you're not imagining things. The pōhutukawa really are bigger and brighter this year. RNZ asks an expert what's going on.
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Covid variants, vaccines, and Christmas: What you need to know
22 Dec 2023Explainer: The virus is making headlines again in the lead up to Christmas. Here's what's going on, and what you need to know.
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What English being an 'official language' would mean
14 Dec 2023The coalition deal between NZ First and National refers to giving English official status. But what would that involve?
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Getting posted presents from A to B: What you need to know
7 Dec 2023Explainer - NZ Post's Christmas cut-off dates are flying by. Why does it take a month for a parcel to get from Auckland to London? RNZ asks NZ Post to explain how items get from A to B.
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Christmas conundrums, from gifts to parties to avoiding Covid: What you need to know
6 Dec 2023Explainer - The approaching holiday season is a time of joy. But it also involves a few tricky questions. From family gatherings to avoiding Covid and even navigating grief, RNZ is here to help. Audio
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Q+A on tropical cyclones
20 Nov 2023RNZ asks NIWA forecasting and media principal scientist Chris Brandolino to explain what a tropical cyclone actually is.
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Bird of the Century: What you need to know about pūteketeke
15 Nov 2023New Zealand's Bird of the Century is the pūteketeke but what is it and why is it so special? Here's what you need to know. Audio
Top News stories
- NZ Fashion Week's cancellation just the latest blow for under-pressure fashion industry
- Auckland's Wynyard bridge closure: Free ferries trial to take pedestrians across basin
- Canada dairy trade dispute rolls on as changes fail to comply with rules, minister says
- Multiple parties complain over Green MP Julie Anne Genter's conduct
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to cut 40 jobs, NZQA to cut 35
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