Susie Ferguson
Government to consider Russian sanctions bill
As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, pressure is mounting on New Zealand to adopt harsher sanctions against President Putin's regime.
At the moment, New Zealand typically follows the lead of… Video, Audio
'Magnitsky laws' campaigner Bill Browder on Russian sanctions
New Zealand could be cranking up its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as cabinet meets today.
New measures on the table include a specific law change to target Russian investment.
Other… Audio
Top Stories for Monday 7 March 2022
Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, trapping thousands of civilians trying to escape the country, we speak to the Prime Minister about what tougher sanctions they may impose, Covid case numbers… Audio
Covid-19: Studies show child vaccination effective - Turner
A leading immunisation specialist says parents should not be worried about US research showing plummeting immunity among children who received the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.
A United States study has… Audio
Ukraine invasion: Sumy civilians refusing to concede to Russia
A former Ukranian city council staffer says civilians in her hometown are refusing to bend to Russia's demands.
Tetiana Zhurba is in constant communication with those in the north-eastern city of… Audio
Covid-19: Parliament protesters kept out of marae
As many as 100 protesters fresh from the parliamentary occupation this week wanted to stay at a Lower Hutt marae, only to be told in no uncertain terms: kahore he ara, there's no way.
Kokiri Marae… Audio
Ukraine invasion: Mother of three broadcasting on YouTube from inside bomb shelter
Kyiv is still fully in the control of the Ukrainian government.
Overnight there has been large explosions on the outskirts of the city and the Russian armoured convoy remains on track for the city.
… Audio
Covid-19: Worries for disabled community if carers fall ill
Members of the disabled community are worried they'll been left on their own, unable to get out of bed or go to the toilet when the Omicron outbreak hits its peak.
Twenty-five percent of New… Audio
Union angry health workers strike called off
The union covering thousands of Allied Health workers says it's angry that it's been ordered to cancel a strike planned for today.
The PSA had already agreed to call off the planned day-long strike… Audio
Covid-19: DHBs on health workers strike cancellation
Friday's planned strike by thousands of Allied Health workers at public hospitals nationwide has been called off.
The PSA pulled the plug on the day-long strike from 6am, and a strike planned for… Audio
Top Stories for Friday 4 March 2022
Today on RNZ National... Russian forces make significant advances in the south of Ukraine. The city of Mariuopol is now in Russia's sights. Wellington's protesters regroup with some saying they hope… Audio
Covid-19: Middlemore under pressure with rising case numbers
Half of a big South Auckland elective surgery centre has been closed with staff diverted to help Middlemore Hospital cope with soaring Omicron cases.
There are 142 Covid-19 patients in the hospital… Audio
DHBs file injunction to stop health worker strike
The Employment Court will meet under urgency on Thursday to consider an injunction to stop a planned strike by Allied Health workers at public hospitals tomorrow.
The injunction was lodged by… Audio
Covid-19: Victoria University law school target of protest
The Victoria University law school was a target in the violence that erupted outside Parliament yesterday.
The law school is in the Old Government Buildings between Parliament and the Wellington… Audio
Covid-19: Parliament cleanup begins
The grounds of parliament are unrecognisable after 23 days of occupation.
There are burned tents, litter and crushed signs and grafitti strewn across the lawn.
Speaker Trevor Mallard is promising to… Audio
Covid-19: Anti-protest petition organiser on violence
The man who started the "Go Home" petition aimed at the anti-mandate protestors at Parliament says he wasn't surprised to see protestors use makeshift weapons against police yesterday.
The Change.org… Audio
Covid-19: Nearby resident on mess at Parliament
Parliament's lawn now looks more like a battleground after police wearing riot gear forcibly evicted protesters in chaotic scenes yesterday.
Tipped-over port-a-loos, scorched grass, and the remnants… Audio
Covid-19: Robertson on violent end to the 23-day protest
Parliament's grounds will be closed until further notice following protest action over the past three weeks.
In a statement put out last night by the speaker Trevor Mallard said "Due to assessments… Audio
Covid-19: Police Association on protest's violent end
It took some ugly conflict with protesters for police to take back parliament grounds. Police were pelted with bricks, paint, poles as they pushed protesters out of the grounds and surrounding roads.
…Covid-19: Parliament protest update
Dozens of protestors hurled chairs, metal poles, a length of four by two - anything they could find at the line of officers on Thursday as they worked to clear the protest near parliament.
When they… Audio