Morning Report

KiwiSaver has been back in the spotlight this weekend, thanks to National announcing its plan to make the scheme compulsory and increase contribution rates. It also wants employers to continue to contribute to employees who are older than 65, and plans to offer kids a kickstart. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been talking to providers about what it might mean and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

No-one has been prosecuted by the Ministry of Health for breaching tobacco packaging rules over the last year. That's despite RNZ learning an Auckland suburban dairy is hawking blackmarket smokes. RNZ has been investigating since March and has identified shops in the city allegedly selling illicit cigarettes. Finn Blackwell reports.

An early morning sports news update.

The Green Party has its tax policy ahead of the election, including wealth and inheritance taxes, and a higher tax for corporations. Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report.

Pharmacists spoken to by Morning Report say supply issues continue to hit medicine stocks. The four month US war with Iran significantly disrupted global supply chains, including the availability and cost of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. Pharmacist Lanny Wong from Mangawhai Pharmacy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

It's game two for the All Whites at the Football World Cup as they face Egypt in Vancouver later today. Kiwi fan Dan Eaton, who is travelling with the team, spoke to John Campbell.

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

New polling commissioned by conservation advocates Forest and Bird shows 64 percent of voters oppose allowing public conservation land to be sold. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Some teachers are being left traumatised and unable to work after students used AI or deepfake videos to make pornographic images of them. Field Correspondent Charlotte Cook reports.

National will make KiwiSaver compulsory for all and automatically enrol babies, putting $1500 in their accounts as a kickstart payment. Business leader Fraser Whineray spoke to John Campbell.

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

Less than a week since signing a memorandum of understanding, Iran is planning to again close the Strait of Hormuz. Starboard Maritime Intelligence analyst Mark Douglas spoke to John Campbell about what this could mean for New Zealand.

Pressure is mounting for UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign. BBC political correspondent Rob Watson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss with the latest from London.

The latest rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

An early morning sports news update.

The National Party announced major changes to KiwiSaver at the party's annual conference in Wellington over the weekend. Political reporter Lillian Hanly reports.

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

An organisation representing trampers, climbers and backcountry users says the Government's Conservation Amendment Bill is deeply problematic and risks undermining the protection of public conservation land. Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand spokesperson Robin McNeill spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Questions after autistic child wrongly treated as adult; Serious failures revealed in treatment of autistic girl; LegaSea welcomes pause on controversial fishing changes; Qantas launches new non-stop service between Sydney and London; Voluntary food labelling scheme faces criticism

Wellington has a new local celebrity. and he's got fur. A black cat called Azuki Bean is inviting himself into homes and shops. Sammy Carter visited the cat at his home on The Terrace.

From a quiet Southland street to the catwalks of Paris and palaces of Oman, a Riverton factory is helping to transform paua shells into luxury goods enjoyed around the world. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd reports.

We crossed the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Richard Willingham from ABC in Tasmania.

If you're in Christchurch this weekend, it's time to bling out your bike and snaz up your helmet with as many lights as you possibly can. Christchurch's Hagley Park will be lit this Sunday, thanks to the annual winter solstice ride - now in its 15th year. Spokes Canterbury committee member Cynthia Charron spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Thousands of people will gather today to celebrate the life of Dame Jools Topp, who died in May after living with breast cancer. The memorial is being held at Auckland Viaduct Events Centre. Event MC Miriama Kamo spoke to John Campbell.