Jack Topzand is a long way from his hometown of Kerikeri in Northland. He has spent the last five months as a humanitarian volunteer in Ukraine and joins Jim Mora to talk about what he's experienced.

Finance minister Nicola Willis has ended the year on a high with a surprise 1.1% increase in GDP for the most recent quarter; Gloriavale's leaders have announced they'll challenge the forced closure of its school; Auckland Council is securing more burial and cremation spaces as the city's cemeteries begin to run out of capacity; We crossed the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Kerry-Anne Walsh; One News Sports Editor Abby Wilson and former All Black captain Taine Randell discuss this weekend's sport action.

Before they head off for summer, the Morning Report team asked the leaders of each of the political parties what their message to New Zealanders was this Christmas.

We crossed the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Kerry-Anne Walsh.

Country Life producer Gianina Schwanecke tagged along with a rural postie making the rounds ahead of Christmas.

Auckland Council is securing more burial and cremation spaces as the city's cemeteries begin to run out of capacity. Auckland Council's Park & Community Facilities General Manager Taryn Crewe spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Government is providing financial support for schools facing large bills for replacing carpet, curtains and other items because they've had contaminated asbestos sand on site. Lynda Stuart, Principal of May Road School and a member of NZEI Union spoke to Corin Dann.

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Savings account rates generally aren't offering enough interest to keep up with inflation. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Corin Dann.

We hear from Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson, along with ACT Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour.