Conflict
NZ can no longer lean as heavily on the US: Defence Minister
The Defence Minister says New Zealand must contribute more to global defence alliances, and can no longer lean as heavily on the US. Reporter Phil Pennington spoke to Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira. Audio
Naval expert on Chinese navy ships in Tasman Sea
A naval and security expert says three Chinese ships sailing off the east coast of Sydney are likely just 'shadow boxing'. Retired international relations professor and honorary captain in the NZ navy… Audio
US security adviser tells Ukraine to 'tone down the rhetoric'
White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has told Ukraine to "tone down the rhetoric" and sign a minerals deal. AP International Affiliate correspondent Philip Crowther spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Defence Minister on Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea
The New Zealand military has joined with Australia to monitor three Chinese warships sailing off Australia's east coast. Defence Minister Judith Collins spoke to Paddy Gower. Audio
Hamas hands over remains of four Israeli hostages
Hamas has handed over coffins containing the bodies of four Israeli hostages, in the latest exchange under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Tel Aviv correspondent Giles Gibson spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
NZ monitoring Chinese navy ships east of Sydney
The New Zealand government is aware and monitoring three Chinese navy ships sailing east of Sydney. ABC defence correspondent Andrew Greene spoke to Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 20 February 2025
On today's episode, Foreign Minister Winston Peters wants to 'reset' New Zealand's relationship with the Cook Islands, Donald Trump has lashed out at Ukraine's President Zelenskyy on social media… Audio
Trump falling for Russian disinformation - Ukraine president
Volodymyr Zelensky was hitting back at the US president's suggestion that Ukraine was responsible for Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion.
Keeping the peace in Ukraine: How ready would NZ forces be?
Amid talks to end Russia's war against Ukraine - could New Zealand provide peacekeeping troops, and how ready are our forces? A former peacekeeper weighs in.
Audio
Russia hardens demands as it holds first talks with US and without Ukraine
Both sides said no date had been set for a meeting between the US and Russian presidents, which the leaders say they want. Audio
The Panel with Stephen Franks & Boopsie Maran (Part 1)
Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman and panellists Stephen Franks & Boopsie Maran discuss insufficient safeguarding of personal data collected at Manurewa Marae, and would you support New Zealand… Audio
Ukraine, Europe will be part of 'real' peace talks - US
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signalled that US talks with Russia this week were a chance to see how serious Russian President Vladimir Putin is about peace.
Auckland Council reviewing security after Pride protests
Auckland Council is reviewing the security surrounding Pride events for families after a Destiny Church group tried to drown out a rainbow family event on Saturday. Auckland director of community… Audio
Police investigate after Destiny Church protest Pride event
Thirty people, including toddlers, had to barricade themselves in a room at a library in Auckland at the weekend when protesters tried to drown out a rainbow family event. NZ's first openly gay MP and… Audio
Three Israeli hostages released in Gaza as ceasefire holds
Three Israeli hostages have arrived at a release site in Gaza after Egyptian and Qatari mediators helped avert a standoff that threatened to sink a fragile ceasefire.
UN peacekeeping convoy attacked in Lebanon
A 'violent attack' on a convoy taking peacekeepers to Beirut airport has injured a high-ranking UN officer, the organisation's contingent in Lebanon says.
Vance tells Zelensky US wants 'lasting' peace
The US Vice President pledged that Washington sought to secure a "lasting" peace as he held a first meeting with the Ukrainian leader.
US could send troops to Ukraine if Russia doesn't seek peace - Vance
US Vice President JD Vance has warned that the United States could send troops to Ukraine and hit Russia with further sanctions if Vladimir Putin doesn't negotiate a peace deal...
Chernobyl plant shelter damaged by Russian drone attack - Zelensky
A Russian drone attack has caused significant damage to the radiation shelter of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says
Europe fears Trump-Putin 'dirty deal' to end Ukraine war
Analysis - The US president's "lengthy and highly productive" phone call with his Russian counterpart has Europe worried the war will end favourably for Moscow.
