First Up for Thursday 9 December 2021

5:49 AM.It's a countdown to the 15th of December when Auckland's border will lift in time for the Christmas and Summer holidays. Yesterday the Government rejected criticism over Auckland's ongoing isolation… Read more Audio

5:44 AM.Central Otago Fruit growers say they are confident they will have enough workers to pick this summer season despite border closures. Usually New Zealand relies heavily on Pacific island RSE workers… Read more Audio

5:36 AM.Every year Stoats kill large numbers of native wildlife. But how and WHY were they brought to New Zealand? Professor Carolyn King is the author of a research paper into the arrival on effect of the… Read more Audio

5:26 AM.It's that time where we cast our eyes around the country and have a chat to our Local Democracy Reporters, joining Nathan Rarere is Felix Desmarais in Rotorua. Audio

5:18 AM.This Christmas the SPCA wants pet owners to remember some simple tricks to keep your fur babies safe over the holidays. Our reporter Ella Stewart spoke with SPCA scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan… Read more Audio

5:06 AM.We begin this morning in Europe, where Germany has sworn in its 5th Chancellor since 1974.. Joining Nathan Rarere from the world's coldest place, is our correspondent based in Sweden, Anita… Read more Audio