National
Top Stories for Tuesday 15 February 2022
Today on RNZ National From midnight tonight, the country moves to Phase 2 of the Government's Omicron plan, meaning shorter isolation periods and more relaxed contact tracing Snowboarder Zoi… Audio
New record for Foveaux Strait swimmer
Monumental hardwork paid off for Arrowtown swimmer, Liana Smith yesterday, when she completed a record breaking Foveaux Strait swim. Liana Smith talks to Jesse. Audio
More rain headed for Westport
The latest deluge has subsided on the West Coast but residents tired of evacuating their homes can't rest easy.
The MetService said a heavy rain warning issued for central New Zealand this weekend… Audio
Day 4 of the Parliament Protest
Protesters on Parliament's lawn have increased their presence four days into the occupation.
Tents, gazebos and food stations have been set up as the contingent prepare to hold the line over the… Audio
Remaining rubbish removed from Fox River landfill
Thousands of kilograms of rubbish were washed out to sea in 2019, when an old landfill on the banks of the Fox River became exposed during flooding.
Now, three years later, the remaining rubbish has… Audio
Submissions close on bill to widen ACC cover for birth injuries
Submissions close today on a bill to widen ACC cover for birth injuries.
However, the Green Party, doctors and injured women say its scope is too narrow and many won't get the help they need.
Ruth… Audio
Covid-19: Sturdier barrier fencing erected at Parliament
Sturdier barrier fencing has now been installed across the front of Parliament, protecting the buildings from the protesters camped on the lawn.
About 100 people are wandering around the lawn and… Audio
Covid-19: Parliament protest update
Protesters and police are gearing up for another day at Parliament.
Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell says 150 police have been brought in on top of the 900 hundred staff… Audio
Country of origin rules come into effect Saturday
From Saturday, a trip to the supermarket or greengrocer could look a little different, with new country of origin food labelling requirements coming into effect.
The new rules aim to make it easier… Audio
Covid-19: Wellington Mayor on Parliament protest response
Wellington's entering day four of anti-vaccination mandate protesters on the grounds of Parliament, and many in the city are fed up.
The police put up floodlights on the forecourt of Parliament last… Audio
Covid-19: Dawn breaks on Parliament protest
Police are bracing for the arrival of more protesters on Parliament's grounds, as demonstrations enter their fourth day.
Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell says 150 police… Audio
Covid-19: Wellington central retail down 70 percent due to protest - Retail NZ
Central Wellington city business is suffering this week, with people staying at home to avoid protesters camping out on the grounds of Parliament.
Retail NZ says the protest has reduced trade by at… Audio
Covid-19: Parliament protest update
In Wellington police and protesters will face off again today on Parliament grounds.
One hundred and twenty two people were arrested yesterday and charged with trespass with more arrests expected… Audio
Unseen history of Fiordland to feature in new documentary
An expedition into one of Aotearoa's most remote areas has unlocked some long-hidden secrets, and will give Kiwis a glimpse into an unseen past.
The six-day expedition last week into Fiordland's… Video, Audio
Convoy co-organiser has returned south to collect more protesters
One of the South Island organisers of the protest at parliament said he was disgusted with what he said is police violently arresting people.
He's gone back to Invercargill to bring a second convoy… Audio
Westport is on watch as rivers rise
A state of emergency was been declared in the Buller region following record rainfall over a 24 hours period.
Westport was isolated by numerous road closures and parts of the town are braced for… Audio
Critical service businesses can now apply for RATs
From Thursday, businesses could register as a "critical service", which would allow their workers to skip Covid-19 isolation requirements as long as they returned daily negative rapid antigen tests.
… Audio
Protesters are arrested as ground is cleared
Dozens of protesters were arrested as tensions reached tipping point and police advanced across Parliament grounds.
The Speaker of the house this morning authorised the closure of the Parliamentary… Audio
