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What you need to know
What you need to know headlines with summaries.
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Can New Zealand deal with the bird flu?
29 Aug 2024As cases mount overseas, NZ officials are bolstering their avian influenza plan. Here's what you need to know.
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Fast Track bill changes and how it will work: What you need to know
26 Aug 2024The government has back-tracked on contentious parts of legislation aimed at getting NZ "back on track". Here's what you need to know.
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Should we be concerned about Whakaari/White Island?
23 Aug 2024The volcano is going through an "extended active period". What does that mean?
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Mpox isn't the 'new Covid': What you need to know
22 Aug 2024Explainer - How would New Zealand respond to an mpox outbreak, and how dangerous is the virus? Here are all the details.
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What you need to know about a looming electricity crisis
22 Aug 2024Generators are being given access to more water as New Zealand creeps towards electricity shortage. So how is power generated, what's the problem, and how do we fix it?
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What to do if you have found a pill disguised as a lolly
14 Aug 2024Here's what you need to know if you have received a food parcel from the Auckland City Mission recently.
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Project 2025: What you need to know about America's most controversial document
13 Aug 2024Explainer - A plan called "Project 2025" has been making waves in the US presidential race. But what does it really say? RNZ is here to explain it all.
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What you need to know about a surge in influenza A
12 Aug 2024Otherwise fit and healthy people have been hospitalised or died from influenza A this year. So what is it and why is it so bad?
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Breaking, climbing and more: The unfamiliar sports of the Olympics
10 Aug 2024Explainer - Breaking is the one new sport at the Paris Games. Sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding made their debuts at the Tokyo Games, and remain on the programme. What can we expect to see?
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Life at the Olympic Village: Athletes give us a sneak peek
Try a baguette making workshop. Get yourself a Parisian Pony at the hair salon. And what are those cardboard beds really like?
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How well are NZ politicians protected?
19 Jul 2024Explainer - The recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump sent shock waves around the globe. What kind of protection do Kiwi politicians get?
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What's gone wrong with local government?
19 Jul 2024Mayors are missing, rates are rising at record levels - RNZ asks what's going on with our councils. Audio
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Have Tenacious D been political in the past?
Fans have criticised Jack Black for throwing Kyle Gass "under the bus" with his statement, speculating he is prioritising his acting career prospects over their friendship. Video
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All you need to know about time of use charging
11 Jul 2024Explainer - The schemes aim to get traffic off roads at peak times while raising money for transport infrastructure. Here's how they could work in Auckland.
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What to know as Alec Baldwin's Rust shooting trial begins
Baldwin faces involuntary manslaughter charges, which he denies. The trial will determine whether he should be held criminally liable in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
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Gulf Harbour body discovery: What we know so far
8 Jul 2024The remains of a woman were found inside a bag fished out of the sea in Gulf Harbour. Here's what we know so far.
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What are Mayoral Relief Funds and do they actually help?
5 Jul 2024We often see mayoral relief funds set up after a natural disaster. But the amount of financial assistance they provide pales in comparison to clean-up costs. What is the role of these funds, and are…
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What a plan to 'flood the market' could mean for house prices
Here's what the Housing Minister is planning - and how it might work.
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The making of NZ's newest government organisation
1 Jul 2024A new Sports Integrity Commission has launched after six years of damning reviews.
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What is 'loss-reactive shoplifting?' An expert explains
28 Jun 2024Former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman's lawyer says 'loss-reactive shoplifting' caused her to take nearly $9000 worth of clothes. But what does this term mean?
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Biden v Trump debate: When is it, and how you can watch from NZ
27 Jun 2024It's Biden-Trump round two as the first debate of the US presidential election kicks off Friday at 1pm NZ time. Here's what you need to know. Audio
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What to do - and what not to do - in a power cut
27 Jun 2024The East Coast, Northland and Coromandel have all been plunged into darkness recently. Here's what to do if it happens to you.
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East Coast wind, rain and evacuations: What you need to know
26 Jun 2024Police have been going door to door as heavy rain and wind lashes the region, with local state of emergencies declared.
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The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care: A timeline
24 Jul 2024Explainer - The final report from the long-running inquiry has been made public on 24 July. RNZ reflects on key points.
Top News stories
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- Family pay tribute to victim of fatal stabbing at Awakeri Hot Springs Holiday Park
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