

The Detail
RNZ
Join The Detail team six days a week as they make sense of the big stories with the country’s best journalists and experts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 24, 2025 • 23min
When protecting us from the evils of the internet backfires
When it comes to making the internet safer for children and better for society the devil is in the detail - and those details are often overlooked A recent wave of morally-motivated lobbying has succeeded in making big changes to global gaming and internet laws. Critics say there are potentially dangerous consequences.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Aug 23, 2025 • 49min
Bonus: Amanda Gillies speaks with Reverend Frank Ritchie on the re_covering podcast
Amanda Gillies speaks with media chaplain and broadcaster Reverend Frank Ritchie on his podcast re_covering, to unpack the one story that most impacted her personally and professionally. Gillies was on the way to an interview when she got a call confirming Newshub’s closure. Despite the shock, she continued on – and in the telling of a brave Te Kūiti amputee’s story was reminded what had first drawn her to journalism.Watch the video version of the episode here.After a tip-off, Amanda Gillies drove to Te Kūiti to meet Bev McIndoe – a woman who had survived a catastrophic accident that left half her body amputated, and who now faced losing her home after an ACC funding cut.But just five minutes from her destination, Amanda’s phone rang with news that turned her own world upside-down: Newshub was closing.In shock, she decided to push on – and in sharing Bev’s story of grit and generosity, found her own perspective shifting and a timely reminder of why she became a journalist in the first place.In this kōrero with Rev Frank Ritchie, Amanda Gillies opens up about the moment she learned her workplace of 23 years was shutting its doors, reflects on her time fronting The AM Show, and talks about her new role hosting RNZ’s The Detail.re_covering is a Media Chaplaincy New Zealand podcast series produced by not-for-profit production house Love It Media for RNZ.If you know a media professional who'd appreciate a free, independent, and confidential chat, encourage them to get in touch at mediachaplaincy.nz.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Aug 22, 2025 • 22min
Rings fellowship making tracks to NZ
Lord of the Rings cast members still hold New Zealand close to their hearts after 25 years, and several are making plans to returnKiwi actor Bruce Hopkins catches up with his fellow cast members from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, when they appear at a massive fan convention in LondonFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Two of the big stars from last weekend will be coming to Auckland for Labour Weekend's Armageddon convention in Auckland - Elijah Wood, or Frodo Baggins to Rings fans, and Andy Serkis who plays Gollum. Hobbit actors Evangeline Lilly (Tauriel, an elf) and Graham McTavish (Dwalin the dwarf) will also be there.In this podcast, Bruce Hopkins speaks to Elijah Wood, Dominic Moynihan, Billy Boyd, Sir Ian McKellen, David Wenham, Sean Astin and John Rhys-Davies at the For the Love of Fantasy convention in London. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Aug 21, 2025 • 23min
Downfall of the clueless, wannabe, soldier spy
New Zealand's first-ever conviction for attempted espionage has been handed down, but the solider at the centre of the case was less James Bond and "maybe more like a bumbling wannabe-spy" A former New Zealand soldier convicted of attempted espionage wanted to defect to a foreign country. Instead, he'll serve time in military detention, and is likely to have his name suppression removed.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Aug 20, 2025 • 24min
On rate capping, lessons from across the Tasman
As rate payers feel the pinch, plans for rate capping offer welcome relief. But councillors here and across the Tasman have warnings. New Zealand householders are likely to get some relief if councils are forced to cap rates - but the plan could punish those already keeping rates lowFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Aug 19, 2025 • 24min
Who's afraid of Aotearoa
A growing list of rollbacks of Māori language and culture beg the question: is the Government pushing New Zealand towards an identity crisis?
From taking Māori words out of children's books and government agency names to switching the order of languages on passports, te ao Māori's place in NZ - and the country's cultural identity - are under threatFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Aug 18, 2025 • 25min
A city with a cashflow problem
Auckland's economy is falling behind that of the South Island and rural areas, and there's no government hero coming to the rescueRetailers say it's the City of No Sales, productivity is wasted sitting in traffic and much of the inner city is broken. Does Auckland have better times ahead?Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Aug 17, 2025 • 23min
Northland's unprecedented crime surge
Beautiful Northland should be New Zealand's paradise but a surge in violent crime, drugs and poverty is even putting off police from moving up thereNine homicides in just four months have stretched Northland police, who have had to turn their back on other crimes, triggering an "unprecedented" mayday call for out-of-town helpFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Aug 15, 2025 • 22min
Jess Sayer gives life to the author behind Frankenstein
The Queen of Goth - Frankenstein author Mary Shelley - is the inspiration behind a new play written by Jess SayerThe playwright behind a new production centring on the gothic author of Frankenstein shares her inspiration for the storyFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Aug 14, 2025 • 24min
The razzmatazz of a bullseye sport
It's gone from a boozy pub game to a mega millions sport - darts' world tour is on in Auckland this weekend At the New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland this weekend, there's big money, professional mindsets, and for spectators, a 'very exciting night out'Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details