Morning Report for Thursday 29 June 2023

8:55 AM.Southland has unveiled a bright vision for its future regardless of whether Tiwai Point aluminium smelter closes or not.

Beyond 2025 is the long term plan for tackling the region's challenges and… Read more Audio

8:50 AM.The number of deaths resulting from drink driving has more than doubled in the last ten years.

A 111 people died because of a drunk driver last year, a big jump from 53 deaths in 2013.

Police… Read more Audio

8:45 AM.The price of petrol and diesel's about to go up, as the government's 25 cent cut to the fuel excise duty comes to an end.

From the first of July the excise tax is back to full price, which will push… Read more Audio

8:40 AM.Labour Minister Kiri Allan has defended how her office is run, following allegations about workplace problems in her office.

A Department of Conservation staffer seconded to Ms Allan's office left… Read more Audio

8:30 AM.Today, the Wellington City Council will vote on a motion calling for the organisation to withdraw from Let's Get Wellington Moving.

If successful, it could be the end of the bold project, the… Read more Audio

8:25 AM.Prime Minister Chris Hipkins met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang yesterday as his trip to the country continues.

Chinese politicians are touting a strong and long-lasting friendship between the two… Read more Audio

8:17 AM.The Department of Corrections and Chief Ombudsman are in a public spat over a scathing report on the management of New Zealand's 18 prisons.

Ombudsman Peter Boshier says Corrections leadership are… Read more Audio

8:10 AM.Name suppression for the "prominent businessman" jailed for indecently assaulting three young men lapsed yesterday.

The case against Wallace revolved around three men who told police they were… Read more Audio

7:55 AM.Six debutants will make their Black Ferns debut tonight when the World Champions kick off their season against Australia in the opening Pacific Four and O'Reilly Cup match in Brisbane.

The uncapped… Read more Audio

7:50 AM.An estimated 50,000 properties lost power in Hawke's Bay when a cat found itself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Residents in Napier and Hastings reported losing power last night when a cat… Read more Audio

7:44 AM.Art collector, businessman, and philanthropist, Wallace has been named as the "prominent businessman" jailed for indecently assaulting three young men.

His name suppression lapsed yesterday with a… Read more Audio

7:40 AM.Another university appears to be preparing to make further staff cuts.

Massey University is working to formalise policies to axe courses with low enrolments, and eliminate duplication of courses… Read more Audio

7:35 AM.The latest cost blowouts at hospital projects, including two Bay of Plenty mental health units, are expected to triple in price to $150 million.

The latest briefings to the Health Minister also show… Read more Audio

7:25 AM.Prison guards and justice advocates are both demanding Corrections is to be held account over its treatment of prisoners including inmates being locked in cells for 23 hours a day.

It follows a… Read more Audio

7:19 AM.Wrapping up a series of meetings with the three most powerful political figures in China should have been the only thing Chris Hipkins should have been talking about as he has the diplomatic spotlight… Read more Audio

7:14 AM.One of New Zealand's best-known art collectors, businessmen, and philanthropists, Sir James Wallace, has been named as the "prominent businessman" jailed for indecently assaulting three young men.

… Read more Audio

7:10 AM.The arts community is relieved Sir James Wallace has been publicly named for indecently assaulting three young men.

The millionaire patron of the arts is said to have used his power and influence to… Read more Audio

6:47 AM.The Auditor-General has urged Auckland Council to improve its ability to respond to emergencies in a new report.

Auditor-General John Ryan recommended a range of improvements, including the council… Read more Audio

6:43 AM.Former prisoners and families of inmates say the trauma of solitary confinement will haunt them for life.

A independent report from the Office of the Inspectorate found that more than 5000 prisoners… Read more Audio

6:13 AM.Travel between New Zealand and China is set to get a little easier thanks to new direct airline routes.

Three additional routes between Guangzhou and Auckland will be introduced and the Guangzhou -… Read more Audio