Summer Report for Friday 10 January 2020

8:50 AM.Today's holiday hotpot - Picton.

It's the small transport hub near the top of the South Island, and gateway to the Marlborough Sounds.

Marlborough District's deputy mayor and Picton resident, Nadine… Read more Audio

8:45 AM.Beach-goers at Piha are being forced to defecate in the sand dunes, because the public toilets are closing before many head home.

Residents say that each night security closes the toilet at about… Read more Audio

8:42 AM.Record low rainfall in Northland has the region on the brink of drought. NIWA says the region has experienced a string of dry years, topped by an even drier 20-19, and no let-up is in sight.

Many… Read more Audio

8:35 AM.Despite a national bushfire crisis raging since September, Australia is only now entering what is considered to be its worst fire months.

The danger is predicted to be greatest today due to hot… Read more Audio

8:29 AM.A blow to the mornachy and a blow to the queen - the Duke and Duchess of Sussex' decision to step back as senior royals has apparently "blindsided" the Royal Family.

A blow to the monarchy and a blow… Read more Audio

8:25 AM.An elderly Hawkes Bay woman who has mobility issues has been told "housework is a great way to maintain a good level of health" as she is informed she is no longer eligible for housework help by the… Read more Audio

8:20 AM.The United States says it's ready to engage in serious negotiations with Iran, following the assassination of top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani, and missile strikes on US bases in Iraq Donald Trump… Read more Audio

8:10 AM.United States officials believe a Ukraine airliner that crashed in Iran - killing all 176 people aboard - was mistakenly shot down by Iranian air defenses.

The crash came just hours after Iran… Read more Audio