As the number of Asian restaurants in New Zealand booms, many Kiwis are becoming expert users of chopsticks. First Up's Ke-Xin Li meets the East Auckland craftsman who noticed a gap in the market and started making chopsticks using New Zealand native wood.

It has been two and a half months since the last confirmed sighting of the pest, but North Shore residents are being reminded to stay vigilant. Mike Inglis, Regional Commissioner at Ministry for Primary Industries, tells First Up about work to eradicate the pest.

The humble soup makes a comeback, green vegetables in good supply and last chance for NZ persimmons.

Correspondent Katherine Firkin has the latest from Washington, D.C.

We've got lots of jokes this week, including Hana's one about a snail on a ship. Plus, Codi's in with Cool to Korero, Peyton talks about the book Barkell & Mrs. Arkell, and there's a Brain-Teaser from eight-year-old Ayana.

The latest news and sport from RNZ Pacific.

Buntheun - Cambodia tattoo

Psychiatrists say the lack of data on the most pressing shortages, and absence of comprehensive planning, make new funding look piecemeal

A wrap of the day's big stories

All the top stories and other headlines from the day