Best Auckland Conversations Podcasts (2025)

1
Australia debating introducing controls on AI growth 7:30

11h ago7:30

7:30

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about Australia wrestling with whether to introduce a new regulatory regime to try to control the unharnessed growth of artificial intelligence. It comes at the cost of many people's jobs while the profits flow to the overseas tech giants controlling the technology.…

1
White Ferns immersed in conditions ahead of Cricket World Cup 4:06

11h ago4:06

4:06

The White Ferns are leaving no stone unturned ahead of this year's Cricket World Cup in India. Linking up with the Chennai Super Kings, a select group of New Zealand batters are spending weeks immersed in the conditions they're likely to face at the global tournament in September. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.…

1
Review ordered into product labels 7:46

11h ago7:46

7:46

The government has officially labelled product labels a problem and ordered a review. It said we currently have 30 codes, standards and regulations, and that is too many, with the current requirements costly, frustrating, complex and outdated. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson spoke to Lisa Owen.…

1
St John plan to axe community programmes 4:00

11h ago4:00

4:00

Devastation, dismay and shock were some of the reactions to St John's plan to axe a raft of community programmes. Hato Hone wants them gone by next year as part of decade-long strategy. 1100 volunteers could go, those are people helping out in emergency departments and rest homes, pick up groceries for those unable to, reading and offering companio…

1
Gas shortages force Taranaki business to temporarily close 9:13

12h ago9:13

9:13

A gas shortage could force a Taranaki business to shut down its fertiliser production plant for up to four months. Ballance Agri-Nutrients is warning if things dont improve, businesses maybe forced onto an energy roster, with rotating times for production. The Kapuni Plant uses gas to power their production and as a raw ingredient for fertiliser th…

1
Allegations of over-crowding, soiled beds in respite care 6:59

12h ago6:59

6:59

A woman who has moved her elderly parents out of multiple rehab and respite facilites because of serious concerns, including over-crowding, mistakes with medication and unchanged soiled bedding, said sweeping reform is needed in aged care. The woman, we're calling Sandy for privacy reasons, said earlier this year her father, who has dementia, was d…

1
Rising cost of utilities sending people to laundromats 5:09

12h ago5:09

5:09

The cost of power, gas and water is sending growing numbers of people to their local laundomat to wash and dry their clothes. But with laundry businesses subject to these same financial pressures, they're not exactly awash with cash either. Checkpoint visited a dozen or so laundromats to ask people about the cost of doing laundry in this tough econ…

1
Thousands of students compete in country's biggest maths competition 3:45

12h ago3:45

3:45

Maths was the winner on the day, as thousands of school pupils across the motu have competed for glory in a the country's biggest maths competition. The Times Tables Rock Stars Mathematics Competition was held earlier today, with the event involving two corresponding 30-minute quizzes across the North and South islands. Erica Stanford was keeping a…

1
Evening business for 7 August 2025 4:30

12h ago4:30

4:30

News from the business sector, including a market report.

1
Former All Black Richie Mounga returning to NZ 3:25

12h ago3:25

3:25

Former All Black, Richie Mounga is set to return to Aotearoa midway through 2026. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

1
Dog therapy service open to taking on St John volunteers 5:05

12h ago5:05

5:05

The president of a dog therapy organisation is open to working with St John volunteers whose services will soon be axed. As Checkpoint revealed last night, Hato Hone St John is plans to can its community programmes for hospital volunteers, community carers and pet therapy services. Vicky Graham is president of Canine Friends Pet Therapy, whose volu…

1
'Good chance' Trump, Putin, Zelensky meeting coming soon - Trump 5:26

12h ago5:26

5:26

United States correspondent Zach Montellaro spoke to Lisa Owen about Donald Trump who has said there's a 'good chance' a meeting between himself, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky could soon happen.

1
Is AI the future of deciding prices? 7:10

13h ago7:10

7:10

Delta Airlines has hit turbulence after it publicly stated it wants AI to set 20% of its domestic ticket prices by the end of the year, raising concerns about so called survellience pricing. Delta has since issued a statement saying it does not intend to use AI to leverage individual consumer-specific data such as prior purchasing activity, but sev…

1
Datacom at 60: Leading NZ’s tech giant into the AI era 42:30

24h ago42:30

42:30

This week's episode of The Business of Tech marks a historic moment: the 60th anniversary of Datacom, New Zealand’s largest homegrown IT company. I was joined by Datacom’s Group CEO Greg Davidson, who has overseen nearly two decades of remarkable change, steering the Christchurch-founded company through tidal waves of technological innovation. “It …

1
UK set to start turning around asylum seekers 4:23

1d ago4:23

4:23

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about the UK being set to start turning asylum seekers around within a matter of days, as well as several countries meeting in Geneva in hopes of finally reaching an agreement on plastic.

1
Navy conducting survey of Zealandia lake 2:52

1d ago2:52

2:52

The Navy has descended on a Wellington eco-sanctuary, but it's not to prevent an invasion, pests or otherwise. Instead, they are conducting a survey of the Zealandia lake, which is good practice for their crew and useful information for the sanctuary. Kate Green reports.

1
Evening business for 6 August 2025 5:14

1d ago5:14

5:14

News from the business sector, including a market report.

1
Auckland to host Pacific Championship test matches 4:12

1d ago4:12

4:12

Auckland will host a a cracking quartet of rugby league test matches later this year. The Jillaroos as well as Tonga and Samoa's men and women, come to town to contest the Pacific Championship starting in October. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

1
Unemployment worse than it looks - Kiwibank 5:10

1d ago5:10

5:10

Unemployment is at a nine year high, of 5.2%. But Kiwibank believes the topline figure doesn't paint the full picture of how bad things really are. In the past year 16,000 more people have joined the snaking queue of people looking for work, bringing the total number to 158,000. Kiwibank economist Sabrina Delgado spoke to Lisa Owen.…

1
Seafood industry welcomes proposed overhaul of fishing rules 3:41

1d ago3:41

3:41

The seafood industry has welcomed a proposed overhaul of fishing rules as common sense reform that will allow for sustainable growth in the sector. But there is concern the changes will further threaten already-fragile marine environments, and transparency. Changes to the Fisheries Act will allow for greater catch limits when fish are abundant and …

1
St John to axe raft of community programmes 10:10

1d ago10:10

10:10

St John is planning to axe a raft of community programmes including its hospital volunteers, community carers and pet therapy services. In an email to volunteers, Hato Hone St John said it has had to make some tough decisions about where it can have the greatest impact with the resources it has, as it looks to its 10 year strategy. Hato Hone Deputy…

1
Locals divided over fallen pohutakawa tree 3:27

1d ago3:27

3:27

A fallen pohutakawa tree at a prestigious North Shore apartment complex has locals divided over whether it should be saved or sawn to bits. A factious Devonport Takapuna Local Board meeting took place today to decide the fate of the tree that fell at Takapuna's Sands Apartments in 2022. It may have fallen but it's still very much alive. Residents o…

1
Rotorua sleeping pods for homeless no longer being used 5:52

1d ago5:52

5:52

The maker of sleeping pods being used to house some of the homeless in Rotorua has said it is disheartening to see the project just tossed to the side. Julie King of Love Soup came up with the idea to use some of Tuff Roto-Moulders' pods - which are insulated, lockable and traditionally used for camping to create her Village of Hope. Rotorua has be…

1
Long running Auckland book shop on brink of closure 4:58

1d ago4:58

4:58

One of Auckland's best loved and long-running bookshops is on the brink of closure now its landlord, the Catholic Church, wants to sell up the historic central city property. Hard to Find books moved to the old Newton convent eight years ago, something the owner hailed a 'miracle' after they were forced out of their Onehunga store because of rampan…

1
80 years since Hiroshima nuclear bomb 4:32

1d ago4:32

4:32

Asia correspondent, Chris Gilbert spoke to Lisa Owen about the 80 year commemoraiton of the US dropping the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima.

1
World Triathlon Tour returning to NZ 4:14

1d ago4:14

4:14

After a 16-year absence, the World Triathlon Tour will be returning to New Zealand. Tauranga is set to host the 2028 World Triathlon Championship Series Final as part of a three-year partnership deal confirmed today. The government is investing $2.65 million from the major events fund to support Triathlon New Zealand in staging the events. Sport re…

1
Three generations of cobblers sustaining the trade 6:32

1d ago6:32

6:32

Shoes are the soul of this Dunedin family. Cobbler Greg Paul has taken over the Country Cobbler in Mornington after its owner retired. Paul was taught by his father and now his teenage son is learning the trade, making three generations of shoe menders. In an increasingly disposable world mending and re-using is the flip side to fast fashion. Cobbl…

1
Unemployment at a nine year high 9:20

1d ago9:20

9:20

Figures released today show unemployment is at a nine year high, at 5.2%. But Auckland is ahead of the pack on 6.1%. In the past year 16,000 more people have joined the snaking queue of people looking for work, bringing the total number to 158,000. Finance Minister believes the worst is over, but some economists believe it's even worse than it look…

1
Evening business for 5 August 2025 3:34

2d ago3:34

3:34

Evening business for 5 August 2025.

1
Warriors disappointed in two match ban for Dolphins player 3:40

2d ago3:40

3:40

The Warriors have expressed their disappointment in the two match ban handed to a Dolphins player for breaking Warrior Jacob Laban's leg. Felise Kau-fusi caused the injury after diving at Laban's legs during their NRL clash on Friday night, sidelining him for the reminder of the season. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.…

1
Prime Minister in Papa New Guinea to mark 50 years 3:46

2d ago3:46

3:46

While our foreign minister was a no show for the Cooks Islands celebrations, the Prime Minister has been in Papua New Guinea to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties there. Christopher Luxon spoke to parliament today, before getting a live mortar firing demonstration this afternoon. But it all comes against the backdrop of China's growing influence in t…

1
Community aims to stop Takapuna golf course conversion 4:11

2d ago4:11

4:11

"My lifetime's work could be gone". That's the message from the head green keeper of Takapuna's beloved golf course as the community tries to stop a big chunk of it being turned into a wetland. The council has proposed converting half the course into a flood storage and recreational area to avoid a repeat of the suffering caused by the 2023 Aucklan…

1
Garden shed, garage building rules to be loosened 8:00

2d ago8:00

8:00

The government has anounced rule changes for garden sheds, garages and backyard studios. Under the new rules single sheds or building structures under 10 square metres can be as close to your property boundary as you like. Single storey detached garages or studios up to 30 square metres will only have to be a metre back from the boundary with the n…

1
The colour black: A longstanding Kiwi fashion staple 3:41

2d ago3:41

3:41

It's long been a fashion staple, and it only takes a look to many of our sports teams or fashion designers to see New Zealanders have long had a love affair with the colour black. In our capital's recycle boutiques - black is the colour above all else that dominates. It even appears to be more popular than usual. Mary Argue reports.…

1
SPCA staff facing abuse 6:43

2d ago6:43

6:43

The SPCA isn't just dealing with animal abuse its staff are increasingly in the firing line; facing verbal and physical threats. There has been 70 incidents reported so far this year, but the animal welfare protection agency believes the numbers are much higher with some staff just putting up with daily abuse. In one case a worker in Hawke's Bay ha…

1
Dame Lisa Carrington back in the boat 4:13

3d ago4:13

4:13

Dame Lisa Carrington is back and she hasn't missed a beat. The eight-time Olympic champion is back with the elite Canoe Sprint squad after answering an SOS call from the national selectors. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

1
How can kids understand money without cash? 7:44

3d ago7:44

7:44

How do you teach kids about the money and its value when cash is increasingly invisible, and transactions are often online or via cards? Co-founder of the SquareOne app thats helps children understand finance and managing their money, Jamie Jermain spoke to Lisa Owen.

1
New focus on conflict raging in Sudan 5:05

3d ago5:05

5:05

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about the new focus on the conflict raging in Sudan, particularly its impact on the humanitarian situation.

1
Auckland environmentalist wins berm battle 8:27

3d ago8:27

8:27

A long time Auckland environmentalist won the battle to protect a bunch of berms he has planted in an urban style jungle over decades. But plants on another grass verge will be removed by Auckland council after complaints from some residents in a nearby apartments. Freeman's Bay resident Mark van Kaathoven has been working on the berm gardens outsi…

1
UK government looking at harsher punishments for people smugglers 3:46

3d ago3:46

3:46

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thompson spoke to Lisa Owen about the UK's government looking to introduce harsher punishments for people smugglers, as well as moves to evacuate sick children from Gaza.

1
Auckland's CRL map unveiled 3:05

3d ago3:05

3:05

A glimpse of a new era in Auckland Transport has been unveiled today. At Britomart Station an updated map gives commuters a preview of the new stations and rail-lines they will use when the long-awaited Central Rail Links opens. The over-budget and over-time CRL is nearing completion, but officials aren't ready yet to say exactly when it will open.…

1
Evening business for 4 August 2025 5:31

3d ago5:31

5:31

News from the business sector, including a market report.

1
Penrith Panthers coach forced to apologise for team trainer 3:37

3d ago3:37

3:37

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has been forced to apologise for the actions of a team trainer. Corey Bocking has been labelled a disgrace for disrupting a Titans conversion attempt, costing them a potential victory. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

1
Hospital ward full of patients with no medical need to be there 7:32

3d ago7:32

7:32

A ward of people at Northshore Hospital that have no medical reason to be there, but can't be discharged because they have nowhere to go for further care is the tip of the iceberg, according the Aged Care Association. The 20-bed ward was created in May for patients and RNZ understands the people there were not under the direct care of doctors, but …

1
'Better vocational pathways' to be included in NCEA overhaul 8:02

3d ago8:02

8:02

As part of it's overhaul of NCEA, the government has said it plans to work with industry to develop bette vocational pathways for students. Advocacy and stakeholder engagement lead at the Employers and Manufacturers Association, Joanna Hall spoke to Lisa Owen.

1
NCEA qualification to be replaced with new system 4:04

3d ago4:04

4:04

After more than 20 years as New Zealand's official secondary-school qualification, the government has pulled the pin on the NCEA. By 2030, the National Certificate of Educational Achievement will be gone. It will be replaced by a basic literacy and numeracy award at Year 11, and the Certificate of Education and Advanced Certificate of Education at …

1
Toddler found stowed in suitcase under bus 2:39

3d ago2:39

2:39

A 27-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with ill-treating a toddler who was found inside a suitcase, stowed under a bus. Oranga Tamariki said the case is "distressing", while locals in Kaiwaka, where the toddler was discovered, have been left shocked. Kim Baker Wilson reports.

1
Events scheduled for Christchurch's new central city stadium 4:25

4d ago4:25

4:25

The countdown is on for the long -awaited opening of Christchurch's new central city stadium. The 25,000 seat Te Kaha, officially known as One New Zealand Stadium, finally opens in April. But the fight for events, including concerts and All Blacks tests, is heating up and hopes of a South Island NRL league club dashed, at least for now. So what wil…

1
Parker named in All Blacks Rugby Championship squad 4:02

4d ago4:02

4:02

"He's intimidating." Those were the words All Blacks coach Scott Robertson used to describe one of the unexpected bolters who has been named in his squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship. That very big new name is Simon Parker. Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.

1
University building AI Maori pronunciation tool 6:38

4d ago6:38

6:38

Auckland University is building a new AI tool that will give te reo Maori learners real time feed back on their pronunciation. The $1 million project involves language experts, linguists, engineers and computer scientists. Head of Auckland Universitie's Te Puna Wananga, Dr Piata Allen spoke to Lisa Owen.…

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