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David Tamihere walked out of Auckland's High Court yesterday, a free man. The Crown solicitor concluded there was no longer enough evidence to support Tamihere being retried over the killing of two Swedish backpackers - Heidi Paakkonen and Urban Höglin, in 1989. David Tamihere spoke to John Campbell.

One of Waikato's most popular tourist spots might be shut this summer because of traffic and toilet issues caused by a surge in visitors. Visitor numbers at Putaruru's Blue Spring and Te Waihou Walkway doubled to 100,000 in the last year, overwhelming local facilities. Late last month, the Government announced $675,000 of funding to improve infrastructure at the spring. Tirau Ward councillor Kerry...

The first sod has been turned on a 260 metre long bridge on a particularly vulnerable part of the infamous State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier. Hawke's Bay Tairawhiti reporter Alexa Cook was there.

New Zealand First has unveiled its party list for the 2026 election. Party leader Winston Peters spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

This morning's top stories and other headlines

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

A new report says the Government's decision to make it more difficult to enter emergency housing could potentially pose dangerous implications for women and children escaping family violence. Sophie Beaumont,a researcher and development advisor for Women's Refuge spoke to John Campbell.

Israel is marking three years since Hamas launched its October 7th attack. Correspondent Blake Sifton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss from Tel Aviv.

New Zealand's primary industries could benefit from artificial intelligence - but new industry-led research suggests they're some of the least prepared to take it up, meanwhile a new report recommends genetically-modified organisms, released into the environment, should be subject to existing strict guardrails. Rural News on Morning Report with Gianina Schwanecke.

An early morning sports news update.

Politicians have been relentlessly focused on Auckland this election campaign, heavily weighting their time in the city. Home to a third of the population, it's where elections are won - and lost. Political reporter Lauren Crimp has the Tamaki Makaurau campaign story.

Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.

Residential construction costs have risen at the fastest pace since 2022 according to Cotality's Cordell Construction Cost Index which shows costs rose 1.7 percent in the September quarter. Building Industry Federation chief executive Julien Leys spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

How does climate change affect the Pacific workforce? Cracks in Fiji's coalition over plans for national referendum. Fijian language week is celebrated in Aotearoa. Pacific teams announce their Rugby League World Cup squads.

Climate change affects Pacific workforce.

Cracks in Fiji's coalition over plans for national referendum.

Fijian language week is celebrated in Aotearoa.

The latest news and sport from RNZ Pacific.

Pacific teams announce Rugby League World Cup squads.

Surfing NZ could pull the plug on National Champs being held in Piha if the future of the camp-ground remains undecided

Fare caps are on the cards if Labour leads the next government - but they're not keen on the costs of the Greens rail policy

Waipukurau has one of the highest levels of meth in the country, and the locals are fighting back.

A flight from Tanzania to Zanzibar had to be grounded after the aircraft struck and killed a zebra while taking off.

The latest news in Cook Islands Maori (Te Reo Maori Kuki Airani) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network.

It is Thursday on First Up so of course we hear from Africa where a Zebra has been hit by a plane, we find out about the on-going meth problem in Hawkes Bay and a campground in Piha hopes to get the all clear to open in time for this summers national surf competiton. First Up - Vocie of the Nathan.