Conflict
PM Luxon describes war in Gaza as 'catastrophe'
The Prime Minister has described the war in Gaza as an absolute catastrophe. Otago University Professor of International Relations Robert Patman spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 22nd July 2025
In today's episode, Cabinet has approved the business case for a third medical school, but the total budget has reduced from $380 million to $230 million, with the university expected to stump up the… Audio
Foreign Minister on NZ condemning war in Gaza
New Zealand is among 25 countries and the European Union that have released a joint statement urging that the war in Gaza must end now. Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters spoke to Ingrid… Audio
Twenty-five countries condemn the killing of Gazans
New Zealand is among 25 countries and the EU that are signatories to a joint statement condemning the quote "horrifying" killing of hundreds of Gazans trying to get food from Israel's aid operations… Audio
Iran to hold nuclear talks with European powers
Iran, Britain, France and Germany will hold nuclear talks in Istanbul on Friday, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson has confirmed.
Syria believed it had US, Israel green light to enter Sweida
Syria's government misread how Israel would respond to its troops deploying to the country's south this week, according to sources.
Israeli fire kills 67 people seeking aid in Gaza, health ministry says
It is one of the highest reported death tolls among repeated recent cases in which aid seekers have been killed. Audio
More than 60 Palestinians killed waiting for aid in Gaza
More than 60 Palestinians have been killed while waiting for UN aid trucks in northern Gaza - according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The National News Jerusalem correspondent Thomas Helm spoke to… Audio
Trump says he will help Afghans stuck in the UAE
Many were detained for years after fleeing Afghanistan when the United States pulled out and the Taliban took power.
Ukraine proposes new round of peace talks with Russia
Russia says it is 'ready to move quickly' on a peace deal with Ukraine, but its 'main goal' is to achieve its 'objectives'. BBC's Ukraine Correspondent James Waterhouse spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Zelensky offers Russia more talks next week
Ukraine's president says Kyiv has sent Moscow an offer to hold another round of peace talks, and that he wants to speed up ceasefire negotiations.
Clashes rage in Druze region as Syria struggles to enforce ceasefire
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has criticised Israel for airstrikes during the week as Israel-Syria tensions intensify.
Albanese condemns Israel's actions in Gaza as 'completely indefensible'
The Australian PM says he told Israel's president directly that his nation was losing global support. Audio
Pope 'saddened' after Israel strike on Gaza's only Catholic church kills three
The head of a Catholic charity says the raid on the church where hundreds have been sheltering is "totally unacceptable".
Israel strikes Damascus: Syria withdraws from Suwayda to avoid 'open war'
At least 169 people have been killed, and 200 others injured during several days of clashes.
Who are the Druze and why is Israel bombing Syria to protect them?
Explainer: Syria has been wracked by a new wave of deadly sectarian violence that has placed the spotlight on the Druze minority.
What will it take to rebuild Ukraine?
Sonia Khush from Save the Children in Ukraine says there must be an investment in the education and skills for the younger generation of Ukrainians after the war. Audio
At least 20 Palestinians killed in food site crowd crush
At least 20 Palestinians have been killed in a crowd crush at a food distribution site in Khan Younis in the south of Gaza. Tel Aviv correspondent Blake Sifton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Scandal and a scramble in the battle for Wellington's mayoralty
Leaks, lies and leadership. The Wellington mayoral race was shaping up to be dull - but now a dirty politics scandal is splitting the capital.
How friendly-fire torpedoed a mayoral campaign
Leaks, lies and leadership. The Wellington mayoral race was shaping up to be dull but now a dirty politics scandal is splitting the capital. Audio
