Stories by Katie Kenny
News
Covid FLiRT variants: What you need to know
The dominant Covid subvariant has mutated, giving rise to several new lineages, known as "FLiRT".
A structured literacy approach in schools: What you need to know
Explainer - The government from 2025 is mandating how state schools teach children to read. But what is structured literacy and how does it compare to other teaching methods?
Samoa's dengue fever outbreak: What you need to know
New Zealanders travelling to Samoa are recommended to have comprehensive insurance as the country deals with a dengue outbreak. Audio
Where public sector job cuts are coming from so far
Smaller agencies are making deepest cuts as they look to save costs, RNZ data shows.
What new research about the pandemic shows
And how New Zealand's experience with Covid-19 was very different to most of the world.
Proposed anti-gang laws: What you need to know
We've been hearing a lot about anti-gang measures, with new legislation going through Parliament. RNZ is here to explain what it's all about.
The MediaWorks data breach: What you need to know
It is easy to shrug off news of yet another data breach. But experts say even basic personal information can help fuel cyber crimes. RNZ explains.
TikTok is facing a ban in the US: What you need to know
A bill calling for the forced sale or ban of TikTok passed through the United States' House of Representatives. What's next, and what does all of this mean for New Zealand?
Mortgage break fees: What you need to know
Explainer - As big banks reduce home loan interest rates, people might be tempted to shop around. But break fees can end up costing as much or even more than potential savings.
Is this the death of news media? What you need to know
Explainer - Not long after Newshub announced it would shut down, TVNZ shared plans to eliminate jobs. Is this a tipping point?
The future of Premier House: What you need to know
Explainer - Despite its $37m valuation it doesn't meet healthy homes standards. But is updating it necessary during a cost of living crisis? RNZ examines its past, present, and potential future use.
Why does Woolworth's look like it's struggling?
Explainer - At first glance, it doesn't make sense that New Zealand's second-biggest supermarket chain had a drop in earnings. RNZ clears up the confusion.
Why are fertility rates falling?
Explainer - Fertility rates in New Zealand, and around the world, keep dropping. What does this mean?
Covid-19 testing: What you need to know
Explainer - With all these new Covid variants, how are the old tests holding up? And what's the point of testing now, anyway?
Fire season is here: What you need to know
Explainer - Warnings about an intense wildfire season seem to be coming to fruition. RNZ asks the experts what's going on.
Choosing a sunscreen: What you need to know
Explainer - Every summer, misinformation about sunscreen seems to grow. A bit like cancer. RNZ asks the experts for help.
Fees free changes: What you need to know
Explainer - The new government plans to pay for students' final year of tertiary study, rather than their first. RNZ analyses the impact of the current settings and the proposed change.
Why are trains being cancelled because of heat?
Explainer - Rail services are struggling to cope with middling temperatures in Wellington. What's going on?
Do claims about infant swim lessons stack up?
Explainer - Some swim schools make big claims about baby and toddler classes. Here's what the evidence says.
Bumper year for pōhutukawa: What you need to know
Explainer - No, you're not imagining things. The pōhutukawa really are bigger and brighter this year. RNZ asks an expert what's going on.
Covid variants, vaccines, and Christmas: What you need to know
Explainer: The virus is making headlines again in the lead up to Christmas. Here's what's going on, and what you need to know.
What English being an 'official language' would mean
The coalition deal between NZ First and National refers to giving English official status. But what would that involve?
Getting posted presents from A to B: What you need to know
Explainer - NZ Post's Christmas cut-off dates are flying by. Why does it take a month for a parcel to get from Auckland to London? RNZ asks NZ Post to explain how items get from A to B.
Christmas conundrums, from gifts to parties to avoiding Covid: What you need to know
Explainer - The approaching holiday season is a time of joy. But it also involves a few tricky questions. From family gatherings to avoiding Covid and even navigating grief, RNZ is here to help. Audio