Morning Report

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

The Port of Auckland has reported a record profit of $111 milion, up 30 percent from last year. It's seeing strong container and car volumes, and is delivering a $55 million dollar dividend back to Auckland Council. The port has had a remarkable turnaround after historic issues with worker safety, disputes and delays. Port of Auckland Chief Executive Roger Gray spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Some of New Zealand's most serious runners are in Otago for the race, thought to be the country's longest ultramarathon. Organiser Jill Wolff spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss about the 320 kilometre race.

A community is up in arms over plans to send stormwater runoff into a native forest where an 800-year-old kauri tree lives. Resource consent has been granted for a housing development near Parry Kauri Park in Warkworth, which allows stormwater from four of the 12 lots to be diverted into the park's stream. Auckland Council says any adverse effects on the park will be minimised. Luka Forman reports...

With only 11 sitting days left until the House rises for the election, about 100 bills remain for Parliament to consider. Dr Michael Swanson, honorary research fellow at Otago University's politics programme, spoke to John Campbell about the lawmaking trends in this term of Parliament.

An early morning sports news update.

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Money correspondent Susan Edmunds looks into what has pushed up the price of instant coffee.

The Education Ministry has commissioned consultants to report on the effectiveness of teacher education and graduates' readiness to work in classrooms. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

Nicola Willis and Barbara Edmonds joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.

Metservice's head of weather, Heather Keats, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss about the severe weather warnings and watches issued for the upper and central South Island.

Mayors across the country have been expressing their dismay this week - as the government introduces a rates cap, and National rules out a bed tax.

Former RNZ host Charlotte Ryan interviewed Dolly Parton in 2023. She spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss about the music stars life and legacy.

An early morning sports news update.

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

A trip into the Auckland CBD could cost peak-time commuters as much as seven dollars a pop under new congestion-charge options released by the council yesterday. One of the three options released would see commuters charged to cross a cordon that includes inner-city suburbs like Newmarket. Newmarket Business Association ceo Mark Knoff-Thomas spoke to John Campbell.

Councils around the country fear the rates cap will reduce the scope and quality of services they provide. Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A plea for help over sky-rocketing hospitalisation rates of spre-schoolers for flu-related illnesses. Data from PHF Science shows significantly higher rates of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection than any other ethnicity or age-group, with this month the worst by far. The data for the week ending August 16th shows the Pasifika population had the highest hospitalisation rates by far - including in t...

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

The government will cap Council rates increases at 4% from 2029, with limited exceptions. It says the move will ease cost-of-living pressures, and get councils to focus on the basics. At the same time the historic city deal between Auckland Council and the Government is under pressure, after the Prime Minister ruled out a bed tax if National is re-elected - the deal committed to consider an accomm...

US correspondent Ira Spitzer joins John to talk about Parton's life.

It's been a record season for kiwifruit company Seeka, meanwhile farmers are busy with lambing and calving but also keeping a watchful eye on the forecast. Rural News on Morning Report with Gianina Schwanecke.

An early morning sports news update.

The health system has been given a dire diagnosis at a public meeting where experts and advocates called for more funding for workforce and infrastructure. The 'health of our nation' community meeting brought together clinicians, patient advocates and health leaders to discuss the pressures the system is under. Penny Smith was there.

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