Special trees on private land could be set to lose protected status under new resource management laws, sparking concern among several groups that work with and promote trees.

Twenty percent of people over the age of 65 have put off going to the doctor or dentist because of the cost, and more than 17 percent do not own their own home, according to a new report.

The latest RNZ Pacific news and sport.

Last week Auckland's Manurewa High School returned to the KBB Music Festival after three years of not having enough students to create a band. But, with the encouragement of a passionate music teacher, they got to attend alongside 50 schools at the end of last week. What makes this pretty special is that most students in the band hadn't played an instrument before this year and it was the very first time they'd performed on stage. The school band's director Michael Telford spoke to John Campbell.

The Hawke's Bay Coffin Club donates hundreds of baby coffins to hospitals every year but can't keep up with demand because the group doesn't have a permanent space of its own. The club is run entirely by volunteers, anyone can become a member which then allows you to buy and design your own personalised coffin. Alexa Cook reports.

A contentious development on Auckland's North Shore has passed a significant hurdle by being referred into the fast-track approvals regime. That is despite the concerns raised by some in the Devonport community who oppose a development that would install up to 90 apartments and a 50-room hotel in the suburb. Peninsula Capital managing director Mark Hiddelston spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

One calls it a miracle. The other calls it a mess. Two Kiwi women operated on by the same surgeon on the other side of the world came home with vastly different outcomes. Health New Zealand calls the operation experimental and dangerous, warning patients not to go overseas for it. But as investigative journalist Anusha Bradley reports, both women feel they had no other option.

An early morning sports news update.

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

Corin Dann is here to talk Money and housing affordability has fallen back to its long-term average, following the big spike in prices seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.