First Up for Thursday 18 June 2020

5:53 AM.It's the time of the week where we talk to our local leaders around the country, This week it is the turn of Mayor Tania Gibson of the Grey District on the West Coast of the South Island. Audio

5:50 AM.The Trade Minister has announced New Zealand will formally begin free trade negotiations with the UK, making NZ one of the first countries to negotiate with a post-Brexit Britain. Stephen Jacobi, the… Read more Audio

5:44 AM.A potential treatment for covid-19 is a step closer to reality with a promising study involving hamsters showing a 97% reduction of coronavirus in lungs within 48 hours of treatment. Dr Jacob… Read more Audio

5:37 AM.Not knowing when she'll see her partner again is something young netballer Elle Temu is working through as the ANZ Premiership returns. Temu's partner is the Warriors rugby league forward Isaiah… Read more Audio

5:32 AM.Queues at testing stations for Covid-19 are increasing following two new confirmed cases. Experts say anyone who has symptoms should be tested but the new cases may be causing more panic, and big… Read more Audio

5:25 AM.The Maitai Valley, a few minutes east of central Nelson City, has been brought into focus by plans for a large-scale housing development. The proposed Mahitahi/Bayview development could see up to 700… Read more Audio

5:11 AM.Heading across the Tasman with our commentator in Australia Pam Corkery Audio