

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
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Jun 29, 2025 • 24min
Regaining trust in a world of disinformation
Rather than shrug helplessly over a lack of trust in journalism, two New Zealand journalists are rolling up their sleeves to tackle the issueTwo Kiwi news executives are part of a very serious effort by journalists to try to claw back not just trust in media institutions, but in society…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 27, 2025 • 21min
How to ride a horse, if you don't have a horse
Ange Brady, a representative on the board of the New Zealand Pickleball Association, shares the fascinating origins and rapid growth of pickleball in New Zealand. Alistair Goodwin, co-founder of Hobby Horsing NZ, dives into the whimsical world of hobby horsing, detailing its evolution from a playful pastime into a serious sport. Both guests highlight the community spirit surrounding these unconventional sports, showcasing their accessibility and appeal across generations. Get ready to explore two of the most exciting trends in Kiwi sports!

Jun 26, 2025 • 24min
The double-whammy bill natural gas users have to pay
New Zealand is running out of gas and prices are rising - but that hasn't stopped some households from hooking upNatural gas is a dwindling resource, and exploration isn't turning up much. So what happens when New Zealand runs out - and why are some new users still hooking up?…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 25, 2025 • 25min
A speedbump, not a roadblock for Iran's nuclear programme
Information about Iran's nuclear programme is highly secretive, but experts say the bombings may not have been a huge setback US President Trump said his bombs 'obliterated' nuclear facilities in Iran, but a nuclear scientist here in New Zealand says 'you can't destroy knowledge'It's a long time since we've been on the edge of our seats wondering if a full-blown nuclear war is about to happen.But many had that sensation when the US President said last weekend that Iran's nuclear facilities had been "completely and totally obliterated".Trump's bullseye claim is now in question but the bombing had many experts talking about the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 at the height of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union."They were very real fears and there were some very close calls, in particular during the Cuban Missile Crisis we now know the world came incredibly close to nuclear conflict," international law and nuclear weapons expert Anna Hood of Auckland University says.People feared then that the "Cold War would turn hot". Since then we have had volatile moments and right now the risk is heightened, she says."There were higher numbers of weapons during the Cold War. We have seen some level of disarmament since then but we haven't seen enough movement in the last few years. The numbers are still very high."Not only have the numbers stayed high, but countries are trying to upgrade and enhance the weapons they do have, she says."I would like to hope that most states, all states, wouldn't go there [nuclear war] or even if they've got nuclear weapons that that's not what they'll use but I think there are very serious risks in terms of what happens in the heat of a conflict, in terms of accidents."Hood focuses much of her time on the numerous nuclear issues afflicting the world today and how to work towards a nuclear-free world."We are a long way unfortunately from that," she admits, pointing to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists' annual Doomsday Clock showing we are closer than ever – 89 seconds to midnight, and catastrophe.Hood tells The Detail why the US strike on Iran is a violation of international law and the possible consequences.While the impact of the B2 stealth bomber attacks is still not clear, senior physics lecturer at Auckland University David Krofcheck says it does not end Iran's nuclear amibitions…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 24, 2025 • 22min
The big 'but' in our slow economic recovery
As far as New Zealand's economic recovery goes, we're still crawling out of our deep recessionary hole - and we've just hit a global glitch Quarterly figures are supposed to point to where our economy is heading, but any hopeful messages in them last week have just been blown out of the water…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 23, 2025 • 24min
At the Cannes Lions, a cheeky New Zealand advert comes out on top
Sir Graham Henry beamed into the world's most prestigious ad awards to congratulate New Zealand on being 'the best place in the world to have herpes'Of a pool of more than 26,000 entries at the Cannes Lions, a New Zealand ad came out on top. Turns out, Kiwis are good at ads - and having herpes.…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 22, 2025 • 24min
'Nowhere to go' for more than 100,000 Kiwis
Unaffordable housing, the high cost of living, and 'very intentional decisions' by the government see a spike in homelessness.An advocate for people sleeping rough says homelessness is reaching 'crisis levels' and he's seeing children as young as nine turn up for emergency accommodation. What's gone wrong in Aotearoa?…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 18, 2025 • 23min
The thinking way to win a war
Innovation in warfare features in Ukraine's David and Goliath fight with Russia …Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jun 17, 2025 • 25min
Funeral costs in the spotlight
Gillian Boyes, Chief Executive of the Funeral Directors Association, shares her insights on making funerals more affordable and meaningful. She discusses the rising costs of funerals and the emotional strain this places on families. The conversation highlights innovative ideas like coffin clubs as cost-saving measures. Boyes also addresses the need for regulatory reforms and advocates for transparency in funeral pricing. A focus on cultural considerations, especially for Māori families, adds depth to the discussion about honoring loved ones while managing financial burdens.

Jun 16, 2025 • 23min
Rural innovation sets the scene for New Zealand's future
Chris Harper, from Kiwifruit Leather Innovations, focuses on turning kiwifruit waste into sustainable leather alternatives. The discussion highlights cutting-edge agricultural innovations showcased at Fieldays, including eco-friendly solutions for farming. Harper shares insights on transforming waste into valuable products and the importance of collaboration with local designers. The podcast also touches on the potential revival of New Zealand's wool industry, emphasizing sustainability and market adaptability in the face of synthetic fibers.