World Politics
Peters talks defence, trade with US Secretary of State
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has spoken to his US counterpart about defence and trade this morning.
How Texas Republicans want to dismantle Democratic districts
It's all part of a cut-throat struggle to tilt the outcome of next year's US midterm elections before voters even cast a ballot.
Netanyahu says Israel to resume Gaza negotiations to end war, free hostages
It was the Israeli prime minister's first response to a temporary ceasefire proposal put forward by Egypt and Qatar that Hamas has accepted.
Israel begins offensive on Gaza City
After nearly two years of war, and with no end in sight, Israel's exhausted military may face a manpower problem.
Tensions ramp up between Israeli and Aussie leaders
Australia correspondent Nicole Johnston spoke to Lisa Owen about tensions ramping up between the Israeli and Australian Prime Ministers, as the Albanese government repsonded to Netanyahu's comments. Audio
Israel begins first stages of offensive on Gaza city
Israel has begun the first stages of its controversial offensive on Gaza city. The Israeli government believes it is one of the last Hamas strongholds, and where the remaining hostages are thought to… Audio
Bill to redraw electoral boundaries of Texas passes
United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about a divisive bill to redraw electoral boundaries in Texas which has just been drawn, as well as the Trump administation continuing its… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 21st August 2025
In today's episode, the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points on Wednesday, as expected; Plane spotters lined the streets of outside Whenuapai air base last night to watch the… Audio
US Airforce's largest plane lands in Auckland
Plane spotters lined the streets of outside Whenuapai air base last night to watch the United States Air Force's largest plane touch down. NZDF Auckland Base Commander Group Captain Brett Clayton… Audio
Musk must face lawsuit claiming he ran illegal US$1m election lottery
An Arizona resident alleges voters had no real chance despite being told winners would be chosen randomly.
NZ facing toughest national security environment of recent times - report
Foreign interference, espionage, and online radicalisation threats have increased since last year, the Security Intelligence Service says. Audio
Israel prepares to launch expanded military operation in Gaza
Israel will call up 60,000 reservists, as it prepares to launch an expanded military operation in Gaza City. Tel Aviv correspondent Blake Sifton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Why Putin is not ready to meet with Zelensky, and may never be
Analysis: The Russian President has no reason to acquiesce at this point. Having made zero concessions, he has seen payoffs including the summit in Alaska.
The Brain Drain Backstory
Corin Dann and Guyon Espiner dig into New Zealand’s decades-long “brain drain” to Australia – why it happens, how politicians have tried (and failed) to stop it, and whether it’s really as bad as it… Audio
Musk puts brakes on plans for new political party - report
It comes after the billionaire unveiled the 'America Party' in July after a public dispute with US President Donald Trump on the tax cut and spending bill.
Finnish MP, 30, dies inside Parliament
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, alongside many MP, described the news as deeply shocking and tragic.
Hamas accepts new Gaza ceasefire deal, Israel not responded
Hamas says it has accepted a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release proposal, presented by Arab mediators. Tel Aviv correspondent Blake Sifton spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Donbas: The object of Putin's desire and the crux Ukraine war
As negotiations over a potential deal to end the war intensify, much of the discussion has centred around a part of the country's east.
Europe correspondent Christian Smith
Journalist Christian Smith joins Emile Donovan to discuss an extraordinary Ukraine summit in Washington, anti-government riots in Serbia, and the return of football. Audio
Leaked audio reveals ex-Israeli military chief calling 50,000 deaths in Gaza 'necessary'
The former head of Israeli military intelligence can be heard saying the deaths are "necessary and required for future generations".
