World Politics
Xi's RSVP a snub to Trump, but inauguration invite still a big deal
Analysis - Getting Xi to fly across the world would be an enormous coup for the president-elect - which makes it politically unfeasible for the Chinese leader.
Amazon donates $1.7m to Trump inauguration
Amazon is planning to donate US$1 million (NZ$1.7m) to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, a person familiar with the matter told CNN.
Morning Report Essentials for Friday 13 December 2024
On today's episode, ACC levies will soon go up for earners, businesses and motor vehicle owners, the country's second most senior police officer is on leave pending an investigation, an inflammatory… Audio
Meta donates $1.7m to Trump's inaugural fund
The donation is a departure from past practice by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who declined to endorse a candidate for the election.
Saudi Arabia World Cup win sends shockwaves through football
Analysis: However, protests over human rights will fall on deaf ears, David Mark writes.
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 12 December 2024
On today's episode, the government has announced its plan to replace the Interisland ferries, but there are still many questions to be answered, an Otago University legal expert has described the… Audio
South Korea police chief arrested as martial law fallout continues
![This handout photo taken and released on December 7, 2024 by the South Korean Presidential Office shows South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering an address at the Presidential Office in Seoul. - South Korea's embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol stopped short of resigning on December 7 over his declaration of martial law, with a vote to impeach him hours away and mass street protests planned in Seoul. (Photo by Handout / South Korean Presidential Office / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Handout has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [2024] instead of [2023]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure...](https://media.rnztools.nz/rnz/image/upload/s--w5PjzhLH--/ar_16:10,c_fill,f_auto,g_auto,q_auto,w_288/v1733885533/4KFC2P4_AFP__20241207__36PP3UH__v5__HighRes__CorrectionSkoreaPoliticsUnrest_jpg?_a=BACCd2AD)
He is the latest top official to be arrested in a widening investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law attempt.
K-pop light sticks fire up impeachment protests in South Korea
One of the advantages of the light sticks is how sturdy they are, says Kim Do Heon, a Seoul-based music critic.
Israel says it will destroy Syria's heavy strategic weaponry
It is hoping to head off any threat that could emerge in the fallout of president Bashar al-Assad's overthrow.
'Are you always late?' - Kim Hill meets Boris Johnson
An abrupt introduction set the tone as RNZ's Kim Hill sat down for a long chat with the former British Prime Minister, to ask if he's trying to "salvage" his career.
Syrian NZers celebrate end of Assad regime
Syrian New Zealanders are celebrating their country's freedom from afar. Kate Green watched on as the group expressed their delight. Audio
Emergency teams work to free prisoners in Syria
Our Middle East correspondent Trent Murray spent the day at the Israeli border with Syria. Murray spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Prisoners freed after Assad regime falls in Syria
Emergency teams have been sent to Saydnaya prison, searching for survivors potentially detained in its notorious hidden underground cells. BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner spoke to Corin Dann.
…Whether Boris Johnson is Attempting to Salvage His Political Career
If you put Kim Hill and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a room together - this is what you get. A fiery yet invigorating conversation about Johnson's political career and his new book Unlea… Audio
What the fall of Syria's regime means for the world
Analysis: What to expect amid the swirling currents of proxy powers after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government. Audio
Who is Bashar al-Assad, the ousted Syrian leader?
Assad is known for a brutal rule over Syria, which has been devastated by a civil war since 2011.
Trump calls for immediate Ukraine ceasefire
"I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act," Trump says.
Celebrations in Syria as president reportedly ousted
President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled Damascus as rebels entered the Syrian capital.
South Korea president survives impeachment after vote boycott
Yoon Suk Yeol has been facing intense pressure to stand down as leader, after his shock bid to declare martial law was aborted.
Musk spent over US$350m to help elect Trump
The huge donations made Musk one of the biggest underwriters of a presidential campaign in US history.
