Animals
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 29th August 2025
In today's episode, Waikato Police are investigating a fresh sighting of who they think was fugitive Tom Phillips and one of his children; More details of the night the Loafers Lodge hostel caught… Audio
Dead Stoat mystery on Stewart island solved
The dead stoat unexpectedly found on a track on stoat-free Rakiura/Stewart Island last month was likely transported there from the mainland according to the DOC. DOC's National Eradication Manager… Audio
Find out why a rescued Kiwi has become an internet sensation
An injured kiwi snacking on some tasty looking worms has become an online star. Audio
Secret whale gathering point found in Southern Ocean
Researchers have tracked New Zealand's southern right whales, discovering a spot in the ocean where they converge.
Critter of the Week: The Jaw Moth is in the spotlight
Critter of the Week is our chance to put the spotlight on some of our endangered creatures. This week we're turning our attention to jaw moths, they're considered to be the most primitive living… Audio
How long is too long to leave your pet at home alone?
Most pet owners will tell you that in an ideal world you'd spend all day with your four-legged friend, but in reality, life and work can often get in the way. Well, Australia is looking to do… Audio
Animals used in space research have few protections
Dr Anna Marie Brennan is a senior lecturer in law at the University of Waikato, where she specialises in outer space law and she speaks to Mark Leishman. Audio
A conservation success story!
We're no strangers to endangered animals on this show, but today we're pleased to share a conservation success story. Tawaki, or Fiordland Crested Penguins are the third rarest of the world's 18… Audio
Tauranga puts down fewer dogs than neighbouring towns
Dogs in Tauranga are less likely to be put down compared to neighbouring towns in the Bay of Plenty. Libby Kirkby-McLeod finds out what's making the difference. Audio
Te Papa's colossal squid turns one hundred
Te Papa's colossal squid turns one hundred this year. Te Papa curator and resident squid expert Kerry Walton joins Emile Donovan to mull it over. Audio
Expert Feature: Dinosaurs
Today we are talking all things Dinosaur. Did they really have feathers? Could they talk to each other? Did a T-rex and a velociraptor ever meet? To answer those, and whatever else you can throw at… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 11th August 2025
In today's episode, the first submissions have been heard by a People's Select Committee designed to challenge the government's rushed changes to the Equal Pay Amendment Act; A Northland cardiologist… Audio
Three sea lions shot dead near Ōamaru
The Department of Conservation says three endangered sea lions were shot at the mouth of the Waitaki river on Saturday. DOC's operations director for the South Island Aaron Fleming spoke to Charlotte… Audio
Much-loved donkey visits threatened by programme axing
A Dunedin woman hopes to find a way to keep bringing joy to residents of rest homes and dementia units in the wake of St John's decision to axe its animal therapy programme. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 7 August 2025
In today's episode, a Christchurch man says he has applied for hundreds of jobs with no success, and despairs about what to do next; New Zealand's unemployment rate has hit 5.2% - the highest since… Audio
SPCA staff facing abuse
The SPCA isn't just dealing with animal abuse its staff are increasingly in the firing line; facing verbal and physical threats. There has been 70 incidents reported so far this year, but the animal… Audio
Leopard seal song compared to nursery rhymes
Researchers in Australia have found that leopard seals in Antarctica sing under the ice and their songs have similiaries with the way humans sing nursery rhymes to children. The study's lead author… Audio
Critter of the Week: Mokopiriakau granulatus - the forest gecko
This week's critter of the week is the moko piriakau, also known as the forest gecko. They are renowned for their ability to easily camouflage to their surroundings and their incredible climbing… Audio
Trained ferrets leading charge against Queenstown pest rabbits
In the battle against Queenstown's exploding rabbit population, a team of trained ferrets is leading the charge. Jim Curry and Jacqui Elson believe in the power of using pests, to fight pests. Katie… Audio
'Very cunning': Unexpected hitchhikers troubling mechanics
There has been a spike in cases of rats chewing through the electronics of cars, with insurers also reporting an increase in damage claims. Audio
