Politics
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 26 August 2025
In today's episode, the Justice Select Committee has recommended a referendum is held to decide if New Zealand should switch to four-year parliamentary terms; Outdoor education, amongst other… Audio
David Seymour's concerns over four-year term proposal
He says people are unlikely to vote for a change unless new limits are put on government powers. Audio
Labour leader on four-year parliamentary terms
The Justice Select Committee has recommended a referendum is held to decide if New Zealand should switch to four-year parliamentary terms. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
NZ Post on suspending parcel services to US
The Trump administration's tariffs on New Zealand have left small Kiwi exporters under pressure and out of pocket. NZ Post's general manager of Export and International Solutions Jared Handcock spoke… Audio
Israeli strike on hospital in Gaza kills at least 20
Twenty people - including five journalists - have been killed in an Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza. Jerusalem correspondent for The National, a Dubai based English language news… Audio
Referendum on four-year term likely
A referendum on a four-year Parliamentary term is all but guaranteed, with the select committee recommending it proceed. Otago University law expert Andrew Geddis spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
World News Wrap
Let's catch up with what's been going on around the world with RNZ's UK correspondent Alice Wilkins. Audio
UNICEF warns of escalating famine in Gaza if no ceasefire
Humanitarian groups say the number of people in Gaza trapped in famine will escalate if there isn't an immediate ceasefire. UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Deputy PM Seymour on parliamentary four year term
Four year parliamentary terms will be HUGE on Morning Report this morning - so First Up got in first and asked ACT Leader David Seymour whose idea it is Audio
Watch: Labour v Te Pāti Māori in Tāmaki by-election debate
Both candidates hit out at the current government's policies and vowed to fight for Maori rights.
ACT pushes back against changes to four-year-term proposal
The select committee by majority recommends making changes to the proposal.
Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Ben Thomas
Gareth Hughes is the Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa is a former Green MP and is no longer a member of any political party. Ben Thomas is a former National government press… Audio
Fate of the Pacific's 'Iron Lady' could rest on a $50 box of chicken
Samoans will vote for their next government on Friday in elections that have been defined by soaring cost-of-living pressures, blackouts and political turmoil.
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 25 August 2025
In today's episode, house prices remain stuck despite lower interest rates giving first-home buyers a win, while leaving property owners gnashing their teeth; Thousands of people are opting to pay for… Audio
Foreign correspondent Seamus Kearney
Ukraine marks Anniversary Day by vowing to continue fight for freedom, Sweden reverses decades-old policy of phasing out nuclear energy, figures show Europe's summer of wildfires worst on record, and… Audio
PM Luxon on falling house prices
House prices remain stuck despite lower interest rates giving first-home buyers a win, while leaving property owners gnashing their teeth. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
NZ Post temporarily suspends shipping to US due to tariffs
A small business owner in Wellington says she's facing losing a fifth of her income, after New Zealand Post suddenly suspended shipping to the United States. Artist Pepper Raccoon spoke to Ingrid… Audio
Famine declaration will not speed up Palestinian state decision - Luxon
The Prime Minister has not confirmed whether New Zealand will recognise a Palestinian state.
PM, Mayor and Transport Minister mark start of multi-million-dollar overbridge projects
Eight level crossings at Takanini and Glen Innes will be replaced with three road bridges and three pedestrian bridges.
Criminals face pub and soccer match bans under new UK plans
The British government plans to allow judges to limit the freedoms of convicted criminals including banning them from soccer games, music concerts and the pub as part of wider reforms to cut crime and…
