Timaru found itself on the front page of the Wall Street Journal last week, in a story about US doctors moving to work there. Keiller MacDuff reports from Timaru.

A Mount Maunganui residents group is frustrated at the slow progress in getting Mauao re-opened, after January's deadly landslide. President of the Mount Maunganui Ratepayers, Residents and Retailers Association Michael O'Neill spoke to John Campbell.

The latest news in Samoan language (Gagana Samoa).

Jet fuel costs have surged because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Airlines including Lufthansa and United Airlines are among those considering raising ticket prices, and cancelling flights. The Independent's travel correspondent Simon Calder spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A farmer is repurposing a vintage 1970s motel on State Highway 1 in the Rangitikei District and duck hunting season starts this weekend. The latest rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

On todays First Up Pod - It's Friday!! So we are talking all things fruit with Glenn, Alice joins us with all the world wide news and Nabil beams in from Africa. First Up - The Voice of the Nathan!!!!!

An early morning sports news update with Nathan Rarere.

The Australian company planning a vast open-cast gold mine in the hills near Cromwell has gone head to head with its new neighbours at a hearing before a fast-track panel. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd reports.

Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.

It's a big weekend for football fans. Auckland FC face a must-win elimination final against Melbourne City FC on Saturday - lose, and their season is over. And the Wellington Phoenix women are into the A-League semifinals in Brisbane on Sunday evening. Former New Zealand All White, and football commentator Jacob Spoonley spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.