An invasive spider with a nasty bite is spreading its population across New Zealand - prompting warnings from experts.

The noble false widow spider has been spotted in Christchurch, Nelson, Northland and Waikato.

Massey University evolutionary ecology professor, Steven Trewick, says their bite is unlikely to kill you - but it's harmful if left untreated.

"Like most spiders, they're not going to bite you because they're not interested in you...but they do have some toxins that are similar to the toxins black widows and redbacks have."

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An invasive spider with a nasty bite is spreading its population across New Zealand - prompting warnings from experts.
The noble false widow spider has been spotted in Christchurch, Nelson, Northland and Waikato.
Massey University evolutionary ecology professor, Steven Trewick, says their bite is unlikely to kill you - but it's harmful if left untreated.
"Like most spiders, they're not going to bite you because they're not interested in you...but they do have some toxins that are similar to the toxins black widows and redbacks have."
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With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Steven Trewick: Massey University evolutionary ecology professor on the noble false widow spiders spreading through NZ

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/9d6fd939-4462-4b78-b355-b30d006dadfb/transcript

A former Trade Minister says he's very encouraged by National's election promise that it'll pursue trade talks with seven economies.

It says it would prioritise trade talks with Brazil, Switzerland, Argentina, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Uruguay and the European Free Trade Association.

It's also promised to advance negotiations with a further six countries over the next decade.

Tim Groser says if you don't aim high, you achieve low. 

"It's possible - and even if they fall short, it's certainly going to set the direction of travel."

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A former Trade Minister says he's very encouraged by National's election promise that it'll pursue trade talks with seven economies.
It says it would prioritise trade talks with Brazil, Switzerland, Argentina, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Uruguay and the European Free Trade Association.
It's also promised to advance negotiations with a further six countries over the next decade.
Tim Groser says if you don't aim high, you achieve low.&nbsp;
"It's possible - and even if they fall short, it's certainly going to set the direction of travel."
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Tim Groser: former Trade Minister 'encouraged' by Government outlining future trade plan

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/82a7a755-fe6f-4b4c-b5b2-b47f005ffe59/transcript

China's understood to have warned our Government it's planning a nuclear-capable missile test within the next 24 hours in the South Pacific.

Newstalk ZB understands China's told the Beehive today of the imminent test - the same day Australia and Fiji inked a new defence pact. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's unknown when exactly this test will take place.

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China's understood to have warned our Government it's planning a nuclear-capable missile test within the next 24 hours in the South Pacific.
Newstalk ZB understands China's told the Beehive today of the imminent test - the same day Australia and Fiji inked a new defence pact.&nbsp;
Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's unknown when exactly this test will take place.
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Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on China warning NZ it's planning a missile test in the South Pacific

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d4eb59b1-2ba8-45ba-a632-b47f00568e8b/transcript

New South Wales police are investigating whether a preschooler's death involved cannibalism.

A mother has been charged with murder after her 4-year-old son's body was found with significant arm injuries at a property in the Central Coast's Wyong.  

Police say the 32-year-old arrived at a police station on Saturday afternoon of her own accord. 

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the woman has been arrested and authorities have described the case as 'confronting' as investigations continue.

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New South Wales police are investigating whether a preschooler's death involved cannibalism.
A mother has been charged with murder after her 4-year-old son's body was found with significant arm injuries at a property in the Central Coast's Wyong. &nbsp;
Police say the 32-year-old arrived at a police station on Saturday afternoon of her own accord.&nbsp;
Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the woman has been arrested and authorities have described the case as 'confronting' as investigations continue.
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Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on police investigating potential cannibalism in NSW pre-schooler death

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/3f56931b-3b61-490a-b481-b47f00539fcf/transcript

Steven Trewick: Massey University evolutionary ecology professor on the noble false widow spiders spreading through NZ

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