Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

One expert has offered a positive view on Kiwi university ratings. Four of our institutions have improved their standing in the prestigious QS World University Rankings. Auckland University is highest at 65th place, and Otago is in the top 200 for the first time since 2022. Universities NZ chief executive Chris Whelan says they're good results. "Given the funding that we have per student is less than half of, say, the equivalent in the US and well below countries like Australia or the UK - we do incredibly well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's claims the Cook Islands were left in the dark over New Zealand pausing funding.  Foreign Minister Winston Peters says a $20-million-dollar pot of development aid won't resume until trust is restored between our countries, who operate under a special relationship.  Its Prime Minister signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, without giving New Zealand any insight on the deal.  Cook Islands journalist Rashneel Kumar says the Government was caught off guard - and he explained that it has tried to ease fears the agreement with China may have caused.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwibank's chief economist says GDP figures released today show good momentum - but the next report isn't looking as good.  Stats NZ says our gross domestic product grew a strong 0.8 percent in this year's first quarter. It's much higher than predicted by the Reserve Bank and Treasury. Jarrod Kerr says there is less optimism around the quarter ending June.  "The data that we talked about was for the first quarter - obviously, it pre-dates Trump's tariff announcements, which has thrown a whole lot of uncertainty into the year. And it also predates the recent spike in oil prices."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Minister's pushing back on suggestions our geopolitical stoush with the Cook Islands will impact our relationship with China.  Winston Peters this morning confirmed the Government's halted development aid to the Cooks, with his Ministry unhappy over the lack of clarity around the island nation's cooperation deal with China.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Peters made it clear that New Zealand's issues are about the Cook Islands' lack of consultation with us.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After weeks and weeks of hearings, Erin Patterson's deadly mushroom trial is nearing its end. The 50-year-old is accused of intentionally serving a poisonous mushroom dish to her estranged husband's family in 2023. She maintains her innocence. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the jury is set to retire soon - and then a verdict will be unveiled. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs and Crusaders are set to face off this coming Saturday in the Super Rugby Pacific final. The event sold out Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium and fans are gearing up for a memorable match. Sportstalk host Jason Pine outlined his predictions ahead of the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One single psychiatrist has been approved to prescribe psilocybin or 'magic mushrooms' for treatment-resistant depression. That psychiatrist is Professor Cameron Lacey, who welcomed the approval as an opportunity to provide treatment that can change people’s lives. Lacey says there's been a great deal of interest since he got permission to prescribe psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. "I think it speaks to the demand and eagerness of which people have been following this field." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Genetic testing giant 23andMe is being fined millions of pounds by the UK's privacy watchdog following a high-profile data breach. The breach saw the personal information of seven million people stolen. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this is the most severe punishment the watchdog can impose. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's revealed top-level legal advice was sought over the Reserve Bank's battle with Treasury for funding.  The bank received less money than it anticipated in the latest funding round - which prompted Adrian Orr to quit as Governor.  NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks the issue further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict between Israel and Iran is continuing on - and it's sparked concerns among investors. US President Donald Trump has demanded Iran's unconditional surrender, as he weighs up whether to join Israel's targeting of nuclear sites. Milford Asset Management expert Andrew Curtayne explains the impact of the conflict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.