Morning Report for Thursday 21 December 2023

8:56 AM.Wellington organisation Room at the Inn has been putting on a free Christmas day lunch for the past 60 years.

This year, it's one of only a few, with other providers opting out.

Room at the Inn… Read more Audio

8:52 AM.An education researcher says NCEA pass rates in the Cook Islands and Niue will "fall through the floor" if literacy and numeracy tests become compulsory in 2026.

The New Zealand government is… Read more Audio

8:39 AM.Wellingtonians are being urged to store emergency water supplies as the capital faces possible severe restrictions.

Wellington Water is preparing for level four restrictions, which would ban all… Read more Audio

8:36 AM.In the lead up to Christmas, thousands of people will arrive at Kaiteriteri Beach at the top of the South Island, to camp near the sandy shores that are the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.

… Read more Audio

8:22 AM.There has been a massive drop in referrals for mental health disorders over the past eight years.

Te Whatu Ora figures released under the Official Information Act show the biggest drop was in mood… Read more Audio

8:15 AM.It seems things have been winding down for Christmas everywhere, except Parliament.

The much-anticipated mini-budget, included an extra $7.5 billion in savings to meet the government's election… Read more Audio

8:11 AM.The Prime Minister has reiterated interest in joining AUKUS, the security arrangement between Australia, the UK and the US.

In a whirlwind trip to meet his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese… Read more Audio

8:06 AM.Henry Nicholls produced his highest score in four years as he and openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra led the Black Caps to a 7 wicket win over Bangladesh in the second one dayer in Nelson. Read more Audio

7:55 AM.L.A.B.'s In The Air is the most popular local single in 2023, according to the end-of-year charts out Thursday from Recorded Music NZ.

The industry group, which compiles the country's music sales… Read more Audio

7:49 AM.The Labour Party is slamming the government's mini-Budget for a lack of detail on the delivery of promised tax cuts.

It came alongside Treasury's half-year update, which showed the country's economic… Read more Audio

7:46 AM.An Auckland man is getting treatment for an aggressive bone marrow cancer in Germany after local treatment options were unavailable or rejected by Pharmac.

David Cotton will spend Christmas in… Read more Audio

7:41 AM.A stop has been called to a $150 million government IT project because it has gone so badly off track.

The Department of Internal Affairs admitted to RNZ on Wednesday it has called a stop to the huge… Read more Audio

7:38 AM.Residents of an Auckland street famous for its festive lights say the tradition is losing its sparkle.

For 30 years, Franklin Road in Ponsonby has blessed the city, as almost every home is decked out… Read more Audio

7:24 AM.Donald Trump has responded to the Colorado Supreme Court ruling that he is ineligible to run for office on the state's ballot next year.

The Court says Section 3 of the 14th amendment of the US… Read more Audio

7:19 AM.The Prime Minister has returned from Sydney, using stronger language on defence and the nuclear security pact between Australia, UK and the United States.

Christopher Luxon says New Zealand is… Read more Audio

7:12 AM.Pressure is on for the Finance Minister to provide detail on how the government will deliver promised tax cuts as the country's economy slows.

Nicola Willis unveiled the mini-Budget on Wednesday… Read more Audio

7:09 AM.Labour is demanding the coalition government explain how it will deliver its promised tax cuts.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis unveiled her mini-Budget on Wednesday, but it contained few details on… Read more Audio