First Up Podcast Options

5:16 AM.To Europe now, where - as we've just heard, Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations have been muted under threat of new Russian strikes on the capital - with Nathan Rarere from Sweden is Anita Purcell… Read more Audio

5:06 AM.We begin this morning in London - Nathan Rarere was joined by our correspondent Ellie Jay. Audio

5:52 AM.Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma was expelled from the Labour caucus yesterday, having spent the past fortnight making allegations of bullying and gaslighting by party whips, fellow MPs and staff from… Read more Audio

5:49 AM.Nelson remains in a state of emergency with Civil Defence urging people to limit non-essential travel. Schools are also being advised to remain closed for the remainder of the week. Joining us now is… Read more Audio

5:44 AM.The Palmy Drag Fest is fast approaching. Not the normal hoons in Toyotas along Fitzherbert Ave that we know and love, its a show at the Regent Theatre in Palmerston North with Drag Queens and Kings… Read more Audio

5:27 AM.It doesn't get more Kiwi than the ole-Buzzybee - and this week on TradeMe you could be the star of your town's Christmas Parade - it's a Buzzy-Bee float up for auction. And a Piha grand design. But… Read more Audio

5:16 AM.To the Middle-East now - where we cover everything from ice-cream to nuclear deals - joining me now from Doha is our correspondent Alex Baird. Audio

5:06 AM.We begin this morning in Australia - from Brisbane Nathan Rarere was joined by Pam Corkery. Audio

5:55 AM.To Wellington where as we've heard from Nicola Willis, anti-government protesters are gathering this morning, just over five months since the occupation of Parliament's grounds ended. The protest is… Read more Audio

5:47 AM.Each week we talk with the deputy leaders of both of the country's largest political parties and this morning it's the turn of National's deputy Nicola Willis. Nick Truebridge spoke to her ahead of… Read more Audio

5:38 AM.From Nelson to neighbouring Marlborough now where we join Local Democracy Reporting programme journalist Maia Hart, who's been covering the floods in the region. Audio

5:35 AM.A team of tradies and volunteers have joined forces to help flood-stricken Nelson residents repair their broken homes. Hundreds of residents are still waiting for an assesment of damage to their… Read more Audio

5:27 AM.The first cruise ship to visit New Zealand in 29 months glided into the Waitemata Harbour earlier this month. 25 more of the floating hotels are scheduled to arrive before the end of the year… Read more Audio

5:14 AM.To Japan now where Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has contracted Covid-19 just after the country's summer vacation. He was apparently one of the holiday makers who took the virus to all corners of the… Read more Audio

5:53 AM.The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern arrived in Nelson last night and will today survey the damage caused by the region's devastating floods. Hundreds of homes have been evacuated due to flooding and… Read more Audio

5:46 AM.A man labelled a murderer for 36 years who wrongfully spent 19 years behind bars has filed a claim for compensation, which if accepted could see the largest such payout in New Zealand history. Alan… Read more Audio

5:38 AM.A rest home that has been in operation for 89 years is shutting down due to staff shortages. In four months, St Joseph's Home of Compassion elder care facility in Upper Hutt will close its doors for… Read more Audio

5:25 AM.As we do most Mondays - it's time to head to where the produce is at it's most fresh - and that's to the markets with our Minister of both fruit AND veggies - Glenn Forsyth. Audio

5:15 AM.Now, to the story of an adventurous little bird who always come home, but only after taking a few unexpected detours. Young 4RBBY is a godwit and usually you'd find them flying back from Alaska at… Read more Audio

5:06 AM.We begin this morning in the United States of America, where in California they're ripping up their lawns for climate change - but first basketball legend Kobi Bryant's wife is in court.. Joining Nick… Read more Audio

5:49 AM.Entire Northland towns remain entirely cut off due to the rain that's been pelting down for the past 48 hours or so. Schools were closed yesterday to allow children to get home before being blocked by… Read more Audio

5:46 AM.The Environment Minister David Parker has opened the Ohakea Rural Water Scheme, ending years of uncertainty for local residents. In 2017, households near the Manawatu town of Sanson were told their… Read more Audio

5:35 AM.The government has allocated almost 15 million dollars towards upgrading the country's last four remaining Maori boarding schools. The Maori Development Minister Willie Jackson announced the final… Read more Audio