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The Detail

Join The Detail team six days a week as they make sense of the big stories with the country’s best journalists and experts.
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Episodes

For the love of Wellington

Despite the scandals and leaky pipes, Wellingtonians want the rest of the nation to know that their city is still unbeatable The capital city has been getting a tough time in the headlines lately, but locals say it's the same creative, beautiful place they've loved for a long time Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 29, 202523 minEp. 1414

Fake citations causing real-world damage

AI-hallucinated scientific research and legal precedents are making their way into academic papers and court cases, highlighting AI's real-world impact The world's most cited cat had a brief, successful run. Then Google Scholar brought his career to an abrupt halt. Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 28, 202522 minEp. 1413

Mayday call for New Zealand's sinking cruise industry

Cruise ship visits to Aotearoa are down, and industry insiders worry that the economic fallout for the tourism industry will be severe Red tape, high costs and tough rules have cruise companies turning their backs on New Zealand, and our cruise industry on the brink of sinking Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 27, 202525 minEp. 1412

The industry-killing crisis

As the natural gas supply dwindles, a glasshouse grower fears for its future, and the future of growing food in New Zealand Tomato grower warns the gas supply crisis could threaten the hothouse industry, end thousands of jobs and send consumer prices even higher Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 26, 202524 minEp. 1411

In an economic slump, tech startups are in hot demand

Inside the Auckland event where tech startups pitch to New Zealand's wealthiest investors, the economic outlook is sunny At the Icehouse Showcase, tech start-ups vie for the attention - and cash - of some of New Zealand's richest, in a stark contrast to the economic slump across the country Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 25, 202525 minEp. 1410

When protecting us from the evils of the internet backfires

When it comes to making the internet safer for children and better for society the devil is in the detail - and those details are often overlooked A recent wave of morally-motivated lobbying has succeeded in making big changes to global gaming and internet laws. Critics say there are potentially dangerous consequences. Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 24, 202523 minEp. 1404

Bonus: Amanda Gillies speaks with Reverend Frank Ritchie on the re_covering podcast

Amanda Gillies speaks with media chaplain and broadcaster Reverend Frank Ritchie on his podcast re_covering, to unpack the one story that most impacted her personally and professionally. Gillies was on the way to an interview when she got a call confirming Newshub’s closure. Despite the shock, she continued on – and in the telling of a brave Te Kūiti amputee’s story was reminded what had first drawn her to journalism. Watch the video version of the episode here. After a tip-off, Amanda Gillies d...

Aug 23, 202549 minEp. 1409

Rings fellowship making tracks to NZ

Lord of the Rings cast members still hold New Zealand close to their hearts after 25 years, and several are making plans to return Kiwi actor Bruce Hopkins catches up with his fellow cast members from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, when they appear at a massive fan convention in London Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Two of the big stars from last weekend will be coming to Auckland for Labour Weekend's Armageddon convention in Auckland - Elijah Wood, or Frodo Baggins to Rings fans, and Andy S...

Aug 22, 202522 minEp. 1407

Downfall of the clueless, wannabe, soldier spy

New Zealand's first-ever conviction for attempted espionage has been handed down, but the solider at the centre of the case was less James Bond and "maybe more like a bumbling wannabe-spy" A former New Zealand soldier convicted of attempted espionage wanted to defect to a foreign country. Instead, he'll serve time in military detention, and is likely to have his name suppression removed. Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 21, 202523 minEp. 1408

On rate capping, lessons from across the Tasman

As rate payers feel the pinch, plans for rate capping offer welcome relief. But councillors here and across the Tasman have warnings. New Zealand householders are likely to get some relief if councils are forced to cap rates - but the plan could punish those already keeping rates low Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 20, 202524 minEp. 1406

Who's afraid of Aotearoa

A growing list of rollbacks of Māori language and culture beg the question: is the Government pushing New Zealand towards an identity crisis? From taking Māori words out of children's books and government agency names to switching the order of languages on passports, te ao Māori's place in NZ - and the country's cultural identity - are under threat Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 19, 202524 minEp. 1405

A city with a cashflow problem

Auckland's economy is falling behind that of the South Island and rural areas, and there's no government hero coming to the rescue Retailers say it's the City of No Sales, productivity is wasted sitting in traffic and much of the inner city is broken. Does Auckland have better times ahead? Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 18, 202525 minEp. 1403

Northland's unprecedented crime surge

Beautiful Northland should be New Zealand's paradise but a surge in violent crime, drugs and poverty is even putting off police from moving up there Nine homicides in just four months have stretched Northland police, who have had to turn their back on other crimes, triggering an "unprecedented" mayday call for out-of-town help Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 17, 202523 minEp. 1402

Jess Sayer gives life to the author behind Frankenstein

The Queen of Goth - Frankenstein author Mary Shelley - is the inspiration behind a new play written by Jess Sayer The playwright behind a new production centring on the gothic author of Frankenstein shares her inspiration for the story Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 15, 202522 minEp. 1393

The razzmatazz of a bullseye sport

It's gone from a boozy pub game to a mega millions sport - darts' world tour is on in Auckland this weekend At the New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland this weekend, there's big money, professional mindsets, and for spectators, a 'very exciting night out' Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 14, 202524 minEp. 1401

A boom in businesses going bust

New Zealand is on track for a record number of liquidations this year - again - but it's not all doom and gloom for Kiwi businesses The rising cost of living and a pandemic hangover have put the pressure on businesses, sending nearly 1300 into liquidation already this year Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 13, 202523 minEp. 1400

Past the point of safe return, nowhere to go but Antarctica

After a risky rescue mission to Antarctica, the commander and pilot's blow-by-blow of the 20-hour round trip to McMurdo Station The Defence Force's Antarctic rescue mission involved hot refuelling, night vision goggles, minus 30 degree temperatures and the black hole effect Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 12, 202525 minEp. 1399

Clearing out the confusion over NCEA changes

A lesson in the big NCEA reset. The Detail puts an RNZ education specialist to the test on the major education system overhaul. Reactions to the government's NCEA reset vary from welcoming the abolition of a confusing system, to fear that poorer communities will be left behind Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 11, 202523 minEp. 1398

Sinking millions into Auckland's heritage buildings

Auckland museum's asbestos problem is being described as an octopus with more than eight tentacles - and one that comes with a whopping price tag Two Auckland heritage buildings have been the centre of attention - one because it's finally getting funding for restoration, the other because it's facing a mult-million dollar asbestos problem Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 10, 202524 minEp. 1397

Reality TV's Achilles' heel

This just finished season of reality TV show Love Island UK kicked off with misogyny and bullying - and soaring viewership Reality TV shows are becoming increasingly problematic as bigotry and sexism thrives - and the audience starts to believe that it's all very normal Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 08, 202521 minEp. 1395

Will NZ move with the tide over Gaza?

With starvation reaching a crisis point in Gaza and an impetus to pressure Israel to pull back, New Zealand's reactions to the conflict remain muted As Palestinians in Gaza increasingly bear the brunt of conflict, and international support for Israel wanes, there are questions over New Zealand's continued low key approach Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 07, 202523 minEp. 1396

Battling apathy over local government

It may seem as if no one cares about the level of government ruling over potholes and parks, but the number of candidates for his year's elections are up Local body elections are struggling to spark interest in spite of candidate numbers rising. Councils govern so much of our lives, but it seems we don't care who's in charge. Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 06, 202524 minEp. 1394

Lies and U-turns from Trump's team over the Epstein files

There are signs that the previously unwavering MAGA base of Donald Trump is starting to turn on him as he becomes increasingly embroiled in the Epstein files. Donald Trump's supporters said he would be going after the satanic cabal of pedophiles in the Democrat party when he gained power again. But now they are in charge, the rhetoric has dried up. Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 05, 202522 minEp. 1392

An FBI director on Kiwi soil

FBI Director Kash Patel's visit to New Zealand has been described as important, useful, and mutually beneficial - but it's also business as usual There was a flurry of excitement when parliamentary journalists outed the head of the FBI at the Beehive - but was Kash Patel's visit really a big deal? Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 04, 202523 minEp. 1391

Sweeping reforms to laundering laws

There's no doubt that money laundering is a problem in New Zealand, but we shouldn't be catching parents trying to open bank accounts for their kids in our criminal net Past government moves to chase down dirty money have had the unfortunate effect of tying up ordinary New Zealanders in red tape. Now there are moves to change that Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 03, 202524 minEp. 1390

Pushing our buttons to loosen our wallets

It doesn't matter if it's health messages or supermarket campaigns, consumers are having their behavioural buttons pushed in expert ways Two of our big supermarket chains are in the throes of promotional giveaways that couldn't be more different - but they're pushing the same buttons to make us change our shopping habits Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Aug 01, 202521 minEp. 1388

Netball still under pressure in spite of TV deal

Great for netball fans, maybe not so great for players - it's unlikely they'll be hit in the pocket after a new deal with free to air TV was signed this week New Zealanders will be able to watch the 2026 netball premiership live and free to air for the first time in 18 years, but there are many unanswered questions over the TVNZ deal Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Jul 31, 202523 minEp. 1389

Axe falls on history

When one of our smallest ministries is shredded in the name of saving taxpayer dollars, critics say it feels like cultural vandalism A world class website documenting New Zealand's history could be allowed to wither and die with cuts confirmed at the Ministry for Culture and Heritage Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details...

Jul 30, 202523 minEp. 1387

When it's worth waiting for democracy

The government's suite of amendments to electoral law haven't gone down well, but that's not stopping them from pushing ahead with the changes… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jul 29, 202524 minEp. 1386

Balancing risk with overreach in our terror laws

Rights groups are concerned a government spotlight on terror laws will see protest, freedom of speech and advocacy endangered … Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jul 28, 202523 minEp. 1385
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