NZOwnership & classification
Founded: 1995
Ownership
RNZ (Radio New Zealand) is a Crown entity wholly owned by the New Zealand government. It operates as Radio New Zealand Limited under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995, with its shares held on behalf of the Crown and a board appointed by the responsible minister. Its modern public-broadcasting form dates to the 1995 Act, though state radio in New Zealand traces back decades earlier.
Funding
RNZ is funded almost entirely by the New Zealand government through the broadcast-funding agency NZ On Air and direct Crown appropriations. It carries no commercial advertising on its core services and was never reliant on a licence fee (the fee was abolished in 1999).
Affiliation & stance
RNZ is the country's non-commercial public-service broadcaster, statutorily required to be editorially independent and politically balanced through a charter. Because it is state-owned and state-funded rather than commercial, it is correctly classified as STATE, with a centrist newsroom stance.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 259
90/100
Factual
88/100
Objective
539
Articles
539
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
El Niño is here! What’s El Niño, again?
Grey power politics
Local board votes for widespread intensification in Auckland's central suburbs
More than 5000 teens fail NCEA numeracy test four times or more
Twenty-four arrests, drugs, guns and cash seized in year long police operation across North Island
One dead after five overdose on fantasy in separate incidents
'Crying out to be heard': How the manosphere is hurting Kiwi boys
Widespread fibre outage in central Auckland suburbs
‘Slid on the road’: Diesel spill sends drivers skidding, causes delays on busy Auckland road
Recent coverage
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
Person seriously injured after vehicle collides with horse in Canterbury
A person was seriously injured in a collision involving a vehicle and a horse in Canterbury, New Zealand. The incident highlights the potential dangers of road accidents involving livestock, though specific details about the circumstances, such as the cause of the crash or the condition of the injured individual, were not provided in the headline. Such incidents are relatively rare but raise concerns about road safety and the need for measures to prevent similar occurrences. The event underscores the importance of awareness and caution for drivers in areas where animals may be present.
Te Koutu from Rotorua wins Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Title
Te Kapa Haka o Te Koutu from Rotorua won the Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Title at the National Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Competition held over three days in Tauranga. Over 40 groups participated, with Te Wharekura o Māngere from Auckland taking second place and Te Wharekura o Kirikiriroa from Hamilton securing third. The competition emphasized themes of youth leadership and cultural expression through traditional Māori performance. Performers highlighted stories of ancestry, identity, and contemporary issues facing Māori communities. Educators praised the talent and dedication of the current generation of students, noting the role of kapa haka in preserving and promoting Māori language and traditions.
Charity WanderSearch, which provides trackers for at-risk people, sees big jump in interest
A New Zealand-based charity called WanderSearch has seen a significant rise in demand for its tracking devices, which are used to locate vulnerable individuals who might go missing. The increase follows high-profile cases, including the discovery of an 81-year-old woman in Christchurch after she went missing for four days and the tragic death of 79-year-old Elizabeth Nicholls, who was missing for nearly three weeks. The devices, worn as necklaces, allow police and volunteers to track individuals quickly in emergencies. One user, Brittney Smith-Guerin, described how the device helps keep her autistic daughter Tui safe, as Tui tends to wander and lacks awareness of danger. WanderSearch’s Canterbury program manager noted a 30% increase in requests over six months, attributing it partly to rising dementia rates and recent attention on such cases.
Potential human rights abuses uncovered at Dunedin's Wakari Hospital - ombudsman
Health New Zealand has announced plans to close a ward at Wakari Hospital in Dunedin following findings by the chief ombudsman, John Allen, which revealed potential human rights abuses. Inspectors identified severe issues including long-term seclusion, prolonged restraints, unauthorized medication use, denial of personal finances, and punitive measures such as rewarding basic necessities for 'good behavior.' One individual was reportedly secluded for nearly 18 months, while others faced physical and mental harm due to restrictive practices like being tied down on an EVAC mat. Allen described these actions as potentially constituting torture and criticized the lack of improvement despite previous calls for upgrades. While Health New Zealand stated patients would be relocated and efforts to reduce seclusion are underway, the Ministry of Health confirmed an investigation into the allegations and acknowledged the need for systemic change to ensure proper care for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Weather: Rain, wind and snow to disrupt start of school holidays
An article by Patrick Manning, a Massey Journalism student, reports on severe weather conditions expected to impact the start of school holidays in New Zealand. Torrential rain, heavy snowfall, and gale-force winds are predicted to affect various regions, including the South Island and parts of the North Island. The weather system is expected to bring orange rain and wind warnings, with gusts reaching up to 130 km/h in Canterbury, posing challenges for travelers. Meteorologist Brayden White warns of potential road closures and advises drivers to exercise caution. The weather is projected to worsen throughout the week, particularly affecting the Marlborough and southern Wairarapa areas, with possible heavy rain warnings and gales. While conditions are expected to improve by the second half of next week, further watches and warnings remain likely.
Waikato Hospital ward will not be ready until 2027, health minister says
New Zealand's health minister, Simeon Brown, confirmed that a new 28-bed ward at Waikato Hospital, originally scheduled to open in 2026, will not be ready until 2027. The delay stems from 'additional acoustic testing' and challenges related to site selection, including proximity to a helipad and potential noise concerns. The ward is part of a national initiative to add 140 modular beds across the country, aimed at reducing pressure on emergency departments and improving patient wait times. While Brown insists the project remains on track and emphasizes the need for more beds at Waikato Hospital, Labour has criticized him for ignoring expert warnings about inadequate planning and site suitability. The controversy highlights tensions between expediting healthcare infrastructure and addressing logistical and environmental constraints.
Advisory group proposes axing pay parity for early childhood teachers
An advisory group has recommended ending the government-subsidized pay parity scheme for qualified early childhood teachers in New Zealand. The group presented three options, all of which involve modifying or eliminating the current pay structure. Two options suggest introducing a pay scale for early-career teachers, while the third proposes a completely new framework that may include unqualified staff. Advocacy groups and experts have expressed concern over weakening pay parity, which incentivizes hiring fully qualified teachers. Since 2022, the government funded services that committed to paying teachers according to a scale similar to those in schools and kindergartens. However, this scale became outdated by late 2023, and from October 2024, services were no longer required to follow these rates for casual or relief teachers. Current pay scales range from $57,358 for newly qualified teachers to $96,820 for those with advanced qualifications. The advisory group acknowledged support for pay parity but noted concerns about complexity and financial strain on services and families. It suggested simplifying the funding system by reducing the number of funding bands for early childhood
Mother charged with manslaughter after death of 3-year-old
A 33-year-old mother has been charged with manslaughter following the death of her three-year-old child in Auckland's Devonport on New Year's Day. Police were called to the family's home on Kerr Street around 11 pm on 1 January, where the child was found dead. Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe confirmed the charge as part of an ongoing investigation but stated that police would not provide further comments due to the case being before the courts. The accused appeared in North Shore District Court on Friday and is scheduled to appear in Auckland High Court on 15 July.
Exhibition celebrates Porirua's trailblazing Pacific women
An exhibition titled 'Marama Malama: Te Manava Moana Women' at Pataka Art and Museum in Porirua, New Zealand, highlights the contributions of Pacific women who have shaped the region over the past 50 years. The exhibit, timed with Matariki, showcases portraits of local Pasifika community leaders and their legacies, including the pioneering work of Elaine Uluave-Annandale, the first Pacific woman elected to Porirua City Council in 1983. Her daughters, Gagau and Sose Annandale-Stone, are featured in the exhibition and emphasize the importance of remembering the sacrifices of earlier generations. Other honored figures include Teremoana O-Maua-Hodges, a Cook Islands educator known for developing Tivaivai research methods. The exhibition aims to celebrate cultural heritage, inspire current leaders, and foster reflection on the ongoing impact of Pacific communities in New Zealand.
Emergency services rush to scene of bus and car crash in Dunedin
A single person was injured in a collision between a bus and a car near the intersection of Tomahawk Road and Domain Avenue in Dunedin on Friday. The incident occurred shortly before midday, prompting emergency services including one ambulance, one operations manager, and two rapid response vehicles to arrive at the scene. According to Hato Hone St John, the patient was assessed on-site and transported to Dunedin Hospital in a moderate condition. Police confirmed that the road remained open after the crash.
Man charged after assault on North Shore bus last month
A 37-year-old man has been charged following a serious assault that occurred on a North Shore bus in Auckland on 21 June. The incident, which lasted approximately nine minutes, was recorded on CCTV and described as unprovoked. The victim suffered significant injuries and required medical attention. Police were unable to locate the suspect immediately after the attack, but he was later arrested and charged with intentionally causing injury and impeding someone's breathing. He is set to appear in court on Friday.
Heads-up on El Niño gives rural sector time to prepare
The article discusses the potential impacts of an incoming strong El Niño weather pattern on New Zealand's rural sector, particularly focusing on the risk of a dry spring in northern and eastern regions. Forecasters warn that this could lead to drier soils, increasing the likelihood of drought conditions in areas like Canterbury and north Otago, while western regions may receive above-average rainfall. Agriculture experts advise farmers to prepare for varied conditions, considering factors such as water infrastructure, feed management, and wildfire risks. The potential economic impact of a dry year is highlighted, with an estimated 0.4% reduction in GDP during past El Niño events. However, global factors, such as the performance of other dairy-producing nations, could influence the overall economic outcome.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
