First Up

09/11/2025

The basketball court, surrounded by kiwifruit orchards and dairy farms, is getting busy. The sun's not yet up, but car headlights cut through the darkness.

"When we first started, they were quite awkward. Some of these fellas, they wouldn't even shake your hands, but now a hug is a normal thing."

06/11/2025

Gorgeous interview with who plays love songs for animals with his pink guitar! Videos are just the sweetest...🥰🐮🐴🦉💝

French musician Plumes serenades animals around Europe, at zoos, farms and sanctuaries.. he joined Nathan Rarere for a chat.

02/11/2025

It was a bad weekend to be a koi carp in the Waikato...

Koi Carp are hard to eradicate, but more than four tonnes were removed from Waikato waterways in the latest hunting competition.

28/10/2025

🦇 We spoke with ecologist Mark Roper who engaging the public to help locate bats in Hawke's Bay! You could help! Have a listen to hear how..

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The Bat Colab founder Mark Roper is asking Hawkes Bay residents are being asked if they'd like to host a bat detector on their properties www.thebatcolab.co.nz

29/07/2025

The World Press Photo Exhibition has opened in Auckland, bringing the most captivating and thought provoking photojournalism from around the world.

There's a selection of images from 42 international photographers along with an exhibit celebrating 70 years of photos from the archives.

Nathan went to see it and spoke with curator Martha Echavarria.

27/07/2025

Andrew Oliver defied the odds, living with Fryns-Aftimos syndrome to the age of 41. He loved farming, tankers, fire engines, daily routines.

03/06/2025

A great listen, Suzy came into the studio to catch up with Nathan about becoming an ONZM!

"It sounds very grown up and really not like me, but hey, I'm going to take it thank you very much."

28/05/2025

Morena First Uppers!
We loved having him on - you loved listening to him...here's good Aussie, Justin Wolfers, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the University of Michigan
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US President Donald Trump says he has agreed to delay a 50 percent tariff on European Union imports until July 9. Professor Justin Wolfers teaches Economics and Public Policy at the University of Michigan. He translates the latest fiscal drama for Nathan.

29/04/2025

Awesome hearing Portia talk with Nate on the show this morning! 🙌

The World Cup winner says she is loving the competitive vibe as she tries to win back a place in the Black Ferns.

27/03/2025

Trumpet prodigy Celine Wu - as featured on First Up this morning!

Celine won the 2023 Under 15 own-choice category at National Brass Festival!Piece: Declaration for TrumpetComposer: Stephen BullaTrumpet Soloist: Celine WuAc...

17/02/2025

We had a visit from the amazing Kea Kids News - young reporter Jack asked Nathan about the life of a broadcaster 🎙

Reporter Jack is hitting the RNZ studio for some tips from radio announcing legend Nathan Rarere on interviewing sports stars and looking flash without breaking the piggybank.