Morning Report

Qiulae Wong on working with both sides of politics; Reaction to last night's poll and debate with Jo Moir; Woolworths removes in-store butchers across New Zealand; Felicity Roxburgh discusses Free Trade Agreement

An Anglican vicar who previously performed professionally with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, is making a return to the stage after 24 years. North Canterbury vicar Toby Behan, who performed lead roles in RNZB productions, retired from performing in 2002, and for the past seven years has been leading the Anglican Parish of Rangiora. But now, the 52-year-old is set to play the King in the RNZB's Chr...

The Woolworths supermarket giant will now have no in-store butchers in this country, as all stores move to a centralised meat processing supply. Peter Martin, a butcher apprenticeships manager at Skills4Work spoke to John Campbell.

New data has compared how New Zealand's pension system stacks up to the rest of the world. And this year, it's marginally more favourable. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been looking at this and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An early morning sports news update.

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

National and Labour's health spokespeople talk about the issues facing the sector, and their plans to fix it. National's Simeon Brown and Labour's Ayesha Verrall spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The cost of living continues to be New Zealanders' number one concern in the lead up to the general election and organisations helping those who are struggling to afford the basics want parties to address rising inequality. With less than a month till voters go to the booths, the immediate household pressures of housing, food and fuel loom large. Amy Williams reports.

Christchurch and Hamilton are a sellout for the Black Caps versus India T20s, with Auckland's Eden Park match heading towards a record crowd. The five-game series opens to a sold out crowd at Hagley Oval tomorrow night. New Zealand Cricket's chief marketing and commercial officer Glenn Critchley is heading to the Garden City this morning and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An independent Upper Hutt supermarket is asking locals if they want to own a piece of the business. Plenty Foods has launched a campaign to gauge interest in an equity crowdfunding offer, as it looks to raise capital and compete with the major supermarket chains. Its founder, Henry Hutcheon spoke to John Campbell.

An early morning sports news update.

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

The latest 1News-Verian poll has shown a surge in support for National, sitting on 32 percent, up from 28 last week and five points clear of Labour. Political reporter Lillian Hanly summarised the latest leadership debate and RNZ's Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to John Campbell.

ACT says trades training should be put on equal footing with university, arguing schools have focused too heavily on getting students into degrees. Its new policy would expand access to vocational subjects and introduce an Industry Award for senior students who complete industry-led study. Palmerston North Boys' High School offers its students a pathway into the trades. Its Principal David Bovey s...

Poll after poll suggests the Opportunity Party will hold the balance of power after November 7th. The party is pitching itself as able to work with both the left and right blocs - and according to the polls neither would have the numbers to govern without them, although last night's 1News Varian was coming close. National Party leader, Christopher Luxon, repeatedly rules Opportunity out. Opportuni...

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

EV and sustainability advocates are challenging politicians to front up with election ideas to rapidly electrify the country's transport network. They say tackling the country's dependence on imported energy would make a huge difference to the cost of living, now and in the future. But they're perplexed by the lack of attention the issue's had on the campaign trail and want to know - where are the...

If you're often on social media, you've probably seen the deluge of low-quality, artificial intelligence generated material, clogging up your feed. Labelled as "AI slop", it's made its way into this year's election campaign, with different political parties, and even the electoral commission using the tool to create promotional material. But is the use of AI resonating with voters or falling flat?...

The family of the man accused of attacking Australian MP Helen Haines, say they were long-time friends of the politician. 43-year-old Brendan Nugent has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. He is due to appear in the Wangaratta Magistrates' Court today. BBC's Simon Atkinson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss from Wangar...

Agricultural intensification was a hot topic during a political debate on freshwater, meanwhile global dairy prices are on the up again as New Zealand milk production hits a new record. Rural News on Morning Report with Gianina Schwanecke.

An early morning sports news update.

The Drug Foundation is calling for changes to the way drug users are treated and supported, to reduce the number of fatal overdoses. Last year 169 people died from suspected drug overdoses, according to a new report from the Drug Foundation, which analysed coronial and Te Whatu Ora data. It puts the number at more than 1000 families grieving their loved ones over the past decade. Health correspond...

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

The Free Trade Agreement with India has come into effect. It will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95 percent of exports, with wins for kiwifruit, apples, meat, wool, coal, forestry, and more. International Business Forum Executive Director, Felicity Roxburgh spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Chris Hipkins on Labour's campaign and coalition plans; 'On a roll' campaign targets young voters; Ngai Tahu welcomes Trade Me pounamu ban; Pirongia businesses band together as bridge closure hits trade; Maggie Cogger-Orr makes rugby refereeing history