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With polls indicating a very tight race this election the seven Maori seats could play an influential role in who is able to form the next government. Te Tai Tonga is the largest of those electorates and this year the race for the seat has been thrown open by incumbent MP Takuta Ferris's acrimonious expulsion from Te Pati Maori. Maori News Journalist Pokere Paewai reports.

The latest news in Niuean language (Vagahau Niue) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network.

Maggie Cogger-Orr is not only one of the top female rugby referees in the world, but has just set a new record for tests refereed by a New Zealand woman. She spoke to John Campbell.

The latest news in Samoan language (Gagana Samoa).

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

An early morning sports news update.

The deadline to enrol for the General Election is looming, with anyone not enrolled before Sunday not able to vote. 'On a roll' is a rangatahi-led campaign to get young people thinking about the power of their vote. Its director Chantelle Conroy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Residents in affected parts of Wellington's southern suburbs are calling for action as they continue to struggle with the aftermath of flooding six months on. Hundreds of people fled from their homes when severe thunderstorms overwhelmed storm water systems and flood waters swept into homes in April. Bill Hickman reports.

The theft of pounamu from Te Waipounamu, the South Island, has become so big that the thieves use helicopters to lift it out from remote parts of the West Coast. This morning, Trade Me has announced it will no longer sell raw pounamu. Poutini Ngai Tahu Runanga, Co-Chair, Francois Tumahai spoke to John Campbell.

An Australian MP is in a critical condition after being hit by a car outside her electorate office, in what's been described as a deliberate attack. Independent MP Helen Haines was hit in her north-east Victoria constituency of Wangaratta. ABC's Stephanie Ferrier spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss from outside the Melbourne hospital where Helen Haines is being treated.

This morning's top stories and other headlines

The latest RNZ Pacific news and sport.

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

It's exactly six months since a devastating storm hit Wellington, causing flash flooding and landslides. Around 4am on Monday April 20th, nearly 80mm of rain turned into torrents of water cascading down suburban streets, and saw hundreds of people escape their homes in the most frightening of circumstances. Berhampore home owner, Wendy Lindsay, is one of them and spoke to John Campbell.

France's mayors are being given the power to impose curfews, after riots across the country. Largely peaceful protests, calling for better investment in public services, turned violent over the weekend. Buildings and vehicles were set on fire, and businesses were looted. BBC's Pierre-Antoine Denis spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The latest rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

An early morning sports news update.

Schools in affluent communities say they can't afford to leave a government scheme that pays them not to ask parents for an annual donation. Nearly 1900 schools are in the donation scheme, almost 300 more than when it began in 2020. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

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

The latest news in Cook Islands Maori (Te Reo Maori Kuki Airani) - brought to you by our partner - Pacific Media Network.

Businesses in a rural Waikato town are banding together as a major road closure is forcing people to bypass the town. Chris McDonnell, owner of the Pirongia Four Square spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Tropical Cyclone Wati descends on the Cook Islands, As Super Typhoon Champi retreats from Guam; Bushfires are battering communities in PNG; and we reflect on a weekend of rugby league.

Tropical Cyclone Wati descends on Aitutaki.

Super Typhoon Champi retreats from Guam.

Bushfires are battering communities in PNG.