Sean Plunket
Key says foreign forces still needed in Afghanistan
The Prime Minister says Afghanistan would be turned into a global breeding ground for terrorism if foreign forces were to withdraw from the country now. Audio
Top Stories for Friday 6 August 2010
Where did the big jump in unemployment come from? How will we cope with a Pacific Forum meeting on top of the Rugby World Cup and up to four million people are now affected by flooding in Pakistan. Audio
Girl Guides launch campaign against airbrushing
The Girl Guiding Association of the United Kingdom is calling for the compulsory labelling of all airbrushed images of models and celebrities, so young woman are not given unrealistic goals of beauty.
…Ethical investment bill missed opportunity - Labour
The Labour Party says National's decision not to support its ethical investment bill shows it's afraid of taking a leadership role. Audio
Delayed pensions may be unfair to Maori
A proposal to raise the age for pensions has been criticised for being unfair to Maori. Audio
Fonterra considers lowering payout to dairy farmers
Fonterra is considering whether to lower its payout to dairy farmers after a drop in international dairy prices. Audio
New Zealand-born teenager starts circumnavigation of globe
The New Zealand born Dutch teenager Laura Dekker has begun final preparations for her solo around the world sailing adventure. Audio
Friends question what happened to New Zealand surfer
The family and friends of a New Zealander surfer found dead in Indonesia are still waiting to find out how he died. Audio
School leaders urge review of entire school system
Teachers and principals say changes to the Ministry of Education announced this week don't go far enough. Audio
Second wave of swine flu sweeping country
Health officials say the country is in its second wave of swine flu, with a significant rise in people suffering illness. Audio
Security fears after death of soldier in Afghanistan
Security fears after death of soldier in Afghanistan Audio
Huge canal proposed for Canterbury
A massive irrigation canal system stretching from the very north of Canterbury to its Otago border is one just one of the options being considered as a long-term solution to the region's water issues.
…Soldier's death raises fears about security in Afghan north
The first death of a New Zealand's solider in Afghanistan is raising fears about security in the north of the country, which until now has been widely regarded as one of Afghanistan's safer areas of… Audio
Planning underway to repatriate NZ soldier's body
Planning is underway to repatriate the body of Lieutenant Timothy O'Donnell who was killed in an attack in north-east Bamiyan in Afghanistan on Tuesday. Audio
Phil Kafcaloudes with news from Australia
We cross to Melbourne now to join Phil Kafcaloudes... Audio
Time running out for national standards agreement
The Principals Federation says it needs to know within the next two weeks if the government will work with it to change the national standards. Audio
Coroner's report finds DHB mental health care seriously wanting
A coroner's report into the death of a mentally ill patient at Auckland hospital has found that she was not cared for properly. Audio
Councils must meet RMA deadlines or give discounts
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast is accusing the Government of reacting to pressure from big business in imposing financial penalties on councils who are slow to process resource consents. Audio