Morning Report

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

With the election now less than a month away, the seven Maori electorate are riveting contests. Dr Lara Greaves, Ngapuhi, Pakeha, Tarara, is an associate professor in politics at Victoria University of Wellington. She spoke to John Campbell.

Arena Williams on Labour's plan for regional air travel; Employment service founder on National's welfare changes; Party leaders address overseas Kiwis in London; The Wiggles on the business behind the big red car

Business update for 9 October 2026.

Are you feeling wealthier? It's been the question of the election campaign so far but new data from Stats NZ indicates the answer is probably no, for lots of us. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been looking at it and joins us now.

Wellington's water entity is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to fix a foul stench that's plagued a Lower Hutt community for years. Residents have spoken out about the rotten, vomit-inducing smell caused by the Seaview sewage treatment plant, which brought on headaches for some, and prevented people from opening their windows and doors. Wellington Issues reporter Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

1 News Sports Editor Abby Wilson and All Black and Manu Samoa player, Lima Sopoaga join Morning Report for this week's sports panel.

The chief executive of Air Chathams says it's time to rethink regional air connectivity in New Zealand. With rising costs and the price of fuel, regional airlines are struggling at the moment - many have been assisted up by government loans in the last year, whilst recent grants have been announced to keep routes operating. In the last year Air Chathams has suspended its Kapiti service and cut a s...

Wellington's City Gallery re-opens tomorrow after a two-year closure, during which the 1930s heritage building underwent earthquake re-strengthening and a full scale refurbishment. Its return marks the latest step in the rejuvenation of Te Ngakau Civic Square as the capital's civic and cultural centre, after the Central Library reopened earlier this year. And the gallery is back with a blockbuster...

New Zealand Rugby is going to court in a case of what it believes are too many chiefs. It launched High Court proceedings against Papua New Guinea's incoming NRL franchise to stop the new club from using the Chiefs name. NZR is seeking both an interim and final injunction stopping the use of the names "PNG Chiefs", "Chiefs", or any other similar names in New Zealand. Lawyer Kate Duckworth is a spe...

Business update for 9 October 2026.

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Lifejackets are now mandatory on all recreational boats up to six metres in length. The rule will apply to people using small recreational vessels such as jetskis, dinghies, sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats. Previous lifejacket requirements varied from region to region and the responsibility of usage was largely left to the discretion of the skipper. Water Safety NZ chief executive...

A Defence Force commander warned New Zealand would be cut off from information exchanges within the Five Eyes intelligence group if it did not sign up to build a new digital super-system. A month later it signed up to what's dubbed Project Arcadia. The US says it will be the new digital backbone of the five militaries. Newly released briefings say Arcadia will become so foundational, including for...

National wants to cut payments to some beneficiaries by up to $81 dollars a week, as part of its five point welfare plan, as well as introducing random drug testing. Thomas Maharaj, founder and director of Wellington employment support service, I'm In spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Labour Party is promising to make air travel more competitive, and to keep regional airlines in the air. Labour's Consumer Affairs spokesperson, Arena Williams spoke to John Campbell.

Business News for 9 October 2026.

Fuel prices have reached a record high since the Iran War began, causing more pain at the pump. The Commerce Commission is charged with monitoring prices at the pump here, and says it will not hesitate to call out unjustified price rises. Commissioner Bryan Chapple spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A Russian strike on a bus in Ukraine has killed at least 33 people, and wounded 18 others. Local officials are accusing Russia of targeting the vehicle to kill civilians. It follows a recent surge in Russian attacks across Ukraine, and an increase in civilian casualties. BBC Ukraine correspondent, Dan Johnson spoke to John Campbell from Kharkiv.

News from the rural farming sector.

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Bottom trawling could be a make or break policy when it comes time to form the next government. Opportunity, which poll after poll has been named this election's kingmaker, says it won't form a coalition unless the parties agree to a ban. Both Labour and National, which have each previously ruled out a ban on bottom trawling, have started easing their tone as November 7th creeps up. Felix Walton r...

With November's election on a knife's edge, overseas voters could play a huge role in the final results. Today leaders from major political parties will be addressing a gathering of London-based Kiwis, virtually - with more joining the conversation online. It's being hosted by Flat White Meetup - a monthly gathering of expat Kiwi entrepreneurs and creatives - and Every Kiwi Vote Counts, a non-part...

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

New Zealand Cricket is defending its decision to pursue a new domestic T20 league instead of having an NZ team join Australia's Big Bash. NZ Cricket's President and former Blackcap Mark Greatbatch spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.