Business owners on a Wellington road undergoing a multi-million dollar upgrade, fear it may need to be ripped up again if water leaks persist. 

A growing 'tent encampment' in Dunedin City was entirely predictable, say groups working with rough sleepers, as concerns grow for their welfare in winter. 

Science correspondent Allan Blackman joins Kathryn to talk about the new research conducted on samples of composer Ludwig van Beethoven's hair, clipped from his head from fans as he lay dying. It's found a staggering amount of lead and other toxins in his body - could wine be to blame? And amid aurora-fever, what causes the different colours that feed into the incredible light display? Allan Blackman is a Professor of Chemistry, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology.

A year on from a divorce or long-term relationship breakup is about the right time to enter the dating world, says Auckland sex therapist Jo Robertson. "If it's too early you haven't been given enough time to reflect and grieve and feel pain. Also, if you've got kids in the picture, they haven't had enough time to grieve and to reflect. So yeah, I think a year - without wanting to create rules - is about a good time to start thinking about it," she tells Kathryn Ryan.

For New Zealand Music Month, Charlotte plays some new local music as well as a track from 70s folk-inspired LA artist Jessica Pratt. Charlotte is host of RNZ's Music 101 show.

The Fiordland Business Association has come up with a novel solution to the region's worker accommodation shortage that, if adopted, could see as many as 30 temporary homes built.

Elisabeth Easther reviews Earth by John Boyne published by Penguin Random House.

New Zealander Alex Kendall is chief executive and co-founder of Wayve AI. It's a UK company that has just received the backing of $1.7 billion to develop its AI technology for self-driving cars.

Annie Jacobsen's new book In Nuclear War: A Scenario lays out what would happen if North Korea launched a nuclear missile at the United States.

Annika joins Kathryn to discuss the detail in the federal Budget, which was revealed yesterday. She'll also look at the curious case of the red-bellied black snake dubbed 'Fluffy' that's taken up residence in a Newcastle woman's car and has eluded four expert snake catchers. Annika Smethurst is political editor at The Age

The equation is simple for the Wellington Phoenix this weekend. Win the game and they will be through to their first ever A-League Grand Final. And they'll probably get a sellout crowd behind them.

The Association of Orthodontists says a recent Health and Disability Commission report highlights what can go wrong when general dentists undertake orthodontal treatment. 

Scientists and engineers warn of greater flood risks should the government's Fast Track Approvals bill proceed as it stands.

New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson will talk to media this morning after captain Sam Cane announced his retirement from test rugby, Lisa Carrington has been beaten by fellow Kiwi Aimee Fisher at the Canoe Sprint World Cup, in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics.

For over five decades the Environmental Defence Society has been involved in legal battles to help protect New Zealand's unique natural assets.

The Warehouse has pulled the pin on its online retailer TheMarket, announcing it will close the website in June.

Peter looks at a Kaikohe housing project that's on track to be the biggest of its kind in the Far North, as well as the first complex co-built and co-owned by an iwi and council organisation.

Louise O'Brien reviews Table For Two by Amor Towles published by Penguin Random House

Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen is testifying at the former President's hush money trial in New York.

The four major banks are moving toward a system allowing customers to make payments via third parties, using bank-approved software.

There's a push for student trainees to be paid while on their compulsory job placements - as many drop out due to cost of living pressures.

Kennedy is on Northland's east coast to discuss the issue of kina barrens in the area, and some new proposals from Fisheries New Zealand to deal with the problem.

RNZ's Auckland correspondent Amy Williams joins Kathryn to talk about Ponsonby Road businesses looking to fund extra security guards in the wake of a fatal shooting.

Ten years ago London chef Max Halley quit the world of Michelin stars and fine dining to open a simple, unassuming sandwich joint.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is promising 93% of households will benefit from tax relief in the upcoming Budget, as public agencies are tasked with drastic cost-cutting targets.