First Up for Wednesday 16 June 2021

5:50 AM.An investigation has been launched into whether mysterious plastic beads that have appeared scattered across Tairua Beach could be from the wreck of the Rena, which sank almost 10 years ago. It… Read more Audio

5:46 AM.Eyes will be looking skyward in Hamilton this morning where the National Fieldays are making a long-awaited return to Mystery Creek. There's a possibility of rain today but throngs of eager folk are… Read more Audio

5:38 AM.To Fiji, where the number of community cases of Covid-19 is still rising and there's a growing suspicion that a number of recent deaths have been caused by the virus, but not officially counted… Read more Audio

5:33 AM.Increasing numbers of New Zealanders are viewing China as a threat rather than a friend for the first time. At the same time, Kiwis are also feel closer to many Asian nations than before and are… Read more Audio

5:23 AM.Sensory Haven For Kids products aim to provide comfort and security for children and adults who are challenged by sensory processing differences. From fidget tools to sensory swings, they have it all… Read more Audio

5:15 AM.New research indicates that embarking on a doctoral degree in New Zealand doesn't necessarily mean students will suffer a nervous breakdown. Unlike in comparable countries where PHD students mental… Read more Audio

5:08 AM.Joining Nathan Rarere from Brisbane's winter is our correspondent in Australia Pam Corkery. Audio