A small Nelson company is making the case for plug-in solar systems. These are two panels - and they plug into an inverter in the wall to contribute to the house's electricity consumption, and reduce the demand from the grid. This mode of solar power is illegal in New Zealand at the moment, but the Ministry of Regulation announced in May it was conducting a review into several forms of solar- and included plug-in panels. Because the panels can be moved and placed on balconies in apartments, they...
Jun 24, 2026•12 min
Health New Zealand has been adding extra staff and beds and increasing community care to get ready for the pressures of winter ills.The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine says many New Zealand hospitals are already operating at, or above, 100 percent capacity even before the peak of the flu season.Among the suite of potentially severe winter illnesses is the highly infectious RSV - or respiratory syncytial virus. The disease often affects young children and while there is no vaccine app...
Jun 24, 2026•13 min
Despite a somewhat shaky start to the peace deal between the United States and Iran, fuel prices here have been falling. Oil tankers resumed moving through the Strait of Hormuz after the agreement was reached. But it remains to be seen when or if, petrol prices will return to pre-war levels. The Commerce Commission has reminded businesses they need to pass through those reductions to customers. It's head of fuel is Louise Stephenson.
Jun 24, 2026•15 min
Science commentator Allan Blackman joins Kathryn to discuss a study which looked at how oxygen sneaks into wine bottles, even when they're corked - does it really matter though? He'll also talk about a deeply flawed World War II asbestos report that the researchers never retracted - what impact has that had. And the US President keeps talking about "destroying" Iran's uranium stores - but how easy is that to do, really?
Jun 23, 2026•11 min
This month marks the 140th anniversary since the eruption, which came in the early hours of June 10. It was one of New Zealand's worst natural disasters - with the death toll at 150.
Jun 23, 2026•19 min
Tess talks about the rates row in Waitaki, Dunedin Council's battles with options for the flood prone south of the city, Tuhura Otago Museum is among those calling for a dedicated fund for cultural institutions and the newish postmistress of Central Otago's historic Ophir Post Office.
Jun 23, 2026•11 min
Laura Caygill reviews My Year in Paris with Gertrude Stein by Deborah Levy, published by Penguin Random House. Part biography, part journey through Paris, part story of friendship and coming to understand the modern world - a real gem.
Jun 23, 2026•5 min
Professor Wayne Cutfield joins Kathryn Ryan to talk about his career in paediatric endocrinology, leading up to his recent win of the 2026 College Medal by The Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Jun 23, 2026•31 min
Australia correspondent Karen Middleton looks at the deaths of two birds on a West Australian beach which has confirmed the arrival of bird flu to the country.
Jun 23, 2026•12 min
A group of Whangarei residents have stepped in to save a second hand bookshop after its owner died earlier in the year.
Jun 23, 2026•8 min
New research into pay gap information is backing mandatory reporting as a way of increasing staff retention and boosting productivity.
Jun 23, 2026•12 min
Social media is driving increased demand for cosmetic injectables and tattoos with some people too embarrassed to complain when things go wrong. Is regulation needed?
Jun 23, 2026•16 min
New Zealand sports fans are facing a mixed bag of results as the national football team struggles against Egypt at the World Cup, while the White Ferns' T20 World Cup defense is also in serious jeopardy. The Black Caps bounced back strongly against a struggling England side in their second test, matching the excitement of Dave Rennie naming his first All Blacks squad with surprising new selections.
Jun 22, 2026•13 min
Everyone loves a good psychological thriller, and Auckland writer Anna Woods is making her mark in the genre, with her debut novel LIT. It's a dark and compelling story that explores love, manipulation - and the secrets people can keep from those closest to them. Anna was already an award-winning short story writer - in 2023 she won the Sargeson Prize with her work Pig Hunting. Her first full novel is set in Auckland and at an architecture firm, where one of the founding partners has disappeared...
Jun 22, 2026•16 min
Japanese-owned meat processor Anzco Foods has acquired the Greenlea Group for $800 million, while apple exporter Crasborn Fresh Harvest faces imminent liquidation over unpaid taxes. Meanwhile, a leaked OIA request hints at internal turmoil at the FMA involving its outgoing CEO and suspended chair, coinciding with shareholder bickering ahead of Eroad's upcoming annual general meeting. Calida Stuart-Menteath is co-editor at the NBR.
Jun 22, 2026•16 min
Zaryd discusses rates rises for Whanganui District Council, a quadrangular tournament marking 100 years, and more.
Jun 22, 2026•8 min
Cynthia Morahan reviews I Eat the Stars by Sarah Wilson, published by Penguin Random House.
Jun 22, 2026•7 min
He announced his decision late last night, saying he accepted he was not best placed to lead Labour into the next general election.
Jun 22, 2026•11 min
His work has been captured in an award-winning series called The Last Dolphin Hunters, which opens tomorrow in Auckland.
Jun 22, 2026•23 min
President Trump faces mounting political pressure due to intense domestic criticism over Swiss peace talks with Iran.
Jun 22, 2026•9 min
Odyssey creates artificial intelligence models of real world settings for things like robotics and self-driving cars to be trained
Jun 22, 2026•12 min
It has begun automating some of its KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals, as applications reach record highs.
Jun 22, 2026•10 min
The Government has told councils to come forward with plans or face having amalagamation plans made for them.
Jun 22, 2026•20 min
Bill brings us up to date with the latest on Auckland's housing intensification plan, what might the new mega-Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport look like, and celebrates bi-partisan support for the 30-year infrastructure plan.
Jun 21, 2026•12 min
Auckland business owner Zarnya Mulvay believes if you're going to eat cake, it should be worth it.
Jun 21, 2026•13 min
Neale, Brigitte and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the National Party's annual conference.
Jun 21, 2026•26 min
Keiller discusses the latest on the opposition to a planned development on a golf course in the township of Pegasus, and more.
Jun 21, 2026•10 min
David Hill reviews Cape to Bluff Vol. 2 by Simon Devitt and Andrea Stevens, published by Simon Devitt Photography.
Jun 21, 2026•5 min
At the age of 56, she has managed to finish Japan's Tsugaru Strait on her second attempt.
Jun 21, 2026•9 min
There's not much Waikato dairy farmer Jim van der Poel hasn't been involved with in the past 40 years.
Jun 21, 2026•27 min
