Morning Report

A long-time welfare advocate says the increasing use of sanctions against beneficiaries shows just how odious and onerous the system is. Audio

The Prime Minister John Key and the Finance Minister Bill English were unavailable for comment. The Labour Party's finance spokesperson David Parker and the Green Party co-leader Russel Norman state… Read more Audio

New Zealand authors are set to gain unprecedented exposure at the Frankfurt Book Fair which opened in Germany a few hours ago. Audio

More than 18 months since the Canterbury earthquakes the rental property shortage continues to worsen, and there are predictions it won't be easing anytime soon. Audio

A Napier councillor is accusing the government of emptying out state houses so they can sell them off to the highest bidder, sparking a housing crisis for low-income families. Audio

An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

Nato has drawn up plans to defend Turkey if necessary, as the violence in Syria continues to spill over the border. Audio

The company that failed to set up a 400 million dollar undersea cable between New Zealand and the United States says this country's broadband infrastructure will go nowhere without China's help. Audio

Employers and industry representatives are welcoming a move back to youth wages, which they say will benefit young job seekers. Audio

The father of one of eight people killed when the fishing ship Easy Rider capsized says he doesn't want the widow of the boat's skipper used as a scapegoat for the tragedy. Audio

The use of sanctions against beneficiaries failing to meet work test obligations, has more than doubled in the past five years. Audio

Police have fired tear gas and stun grenades on thousands of protesters in Greece, as the German chancellor Angela Merkel arrived for an official visit. Audio