Charlotte Cook
Defence Force staff feared they might be stuck in Antarctica
Twelve Defence Force staff feared they might be stuck in Antarctica after a series of delays and aircraft breakdowns delayed their return home for more than a month in a rapidly closing window of… Audio
Extended wait time on NZ passports
The Department of Internal Affairs is warning New Zealanders to apply for new passports at least two months before they need the document. Midday Report presenter Charlotte Cook spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
NZDF presence in Middle East under greater pressure
The coalition announced in January that the Defence Force would send a team of six to help plan strikes against Houthi rebels targeting ships, the deployment is part of a US-led operation to protect… Audio
Consumer NZ warns of dental scams
Consumer New Zealand is sounding a warning about dental scams after an investigation into a suspended dentist. Consumer's senior investigative journalist Chris Schulz spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Heavy rain continues to fall on West Coast
Fears of flooding are mounting on the West Coast, with heavy rain closing roads, pushing up river levels and cutting power. West Coast emergency management group controller Te Aroha Cook spoke to… Audio
Fielding early childhood teacher guilty of serious misconduct
A Feilding early childhood teacher who forced food out of children's mouths, smacked them and locked them in rooms has been censured and struck off.
The Disciplinary Tribunal has found Pitter Patter… Audio
Defence Force warns Government over its 'dire' state
The Defence Force is again warning the Government it's in a dire state, calling it vulnerable and hollow and describing the Navy as extremely fragile.
Staff have left in droves and it is now looking… Audio
Good samaritan hides $50 notes in poor communities
An Auckland construction company manager is spreading goodwill around the country in a very unique way. He's hiding 50 dollar notes in poorer communities - using social media to drop clues.He's only… Audio
Former bootcamp inmate warns Government to be selective over plans
A former bootcamp inmate is warning the Government should be selective about who they choose for their youth military academies.
Wayne attended the Rangipo Prison Farm corrective training facility in… Audio
NZers fighting in Ukraine make plea for more resources
New Zealanders fighting in Ukraine are making desperate pleas for more weapons and resources.
It's two years on from Russia's invasion and New Zealand has committed $100 million of support in that… Audio
Port Hills resident hopeful fire under control
Port Hills resident Dominique Leeming, who was also affected by the 2017 fire is hopeful that the fire is under control.
Leeming says the situation feels much more under control than seven years ago.
…Port Hills fire eases overnight
The light from the Port Hill flames could be seen from the central city on Thursday 15, but the following morning was a different story.
At least 80 firefighters, 27 trucks, 14 helicopters and two… Audio
Firefighters continue to battle the blaze in Port Hills
Firefighters are continuing to battle the major blaze in the Port Hills.
It's now 630 hectares in size and has a 12 kilometre perimeter.
Reporter Charlotte Cook spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Port Hills: 'the smoke is just growing and growing'
Our reporter Charlotte Cook was half-way up Worsley Road as smoke continued to billow over the Port Hills in Christchurch.
Cook spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss Audio
Port Hills fire: 'a sea of properties have been evacuated'
The fire on Christchurch's Port Hills continues to rage Thursday morning.
The blaze, which broke out near the top end of Worsleys Spur road just after 2pm Wednesday, has burnt through 100-hectares of… Audio
Big jump in Kiwisaver financial hardship withdrawals
More and more New Zealanders are withdrawing their Kiwisaver due to financial hardship.
According to figures from Inland Revenue - in 2022 - there were 18,000 withdrawals on hardship grounds, but… Audio
Principals' Federation president says charter schools lacked oversight
Documents obtained by RNZ from the Ministry of Education have revealed major gaps in the monitoring of charter schools between 2013 and 2018, some of which the government of the day declined to… Audio
Close call with a waterspout
A West Coast resident had a lucky escape after watching a waterspout tear towards her luxury lodge, only for it to change course and clip the corner of the house instead. Awatuna Sunset Lodge co-owner… Audio
Wildfire risk rises
Hot, dry and windy conditions are raising the risk of wildfires across the motu.
It's prompted the Wairarapa Coast move into a prohibited fire season from eight o'clock this morning, revoking all… Audio
Writer calls for National Wine Museum
A wine writer and columnist wants to see a National Wine Museum established to properly collate and preserve the country's wine history.
John Saker, the editor of wine newsletter Te Whenua, says New… Audio