Morning Report for Thursday 12 May 2011

8:57 AM.The Italian equivalent of Ken Ring has failed miserably with his predictions of a major earthquake for Rome. The internet has been abuzz with anticipation, ahead of the deadline for Rome to be… Read more Audio

8:55 AM.It's the first birthday of the coalition government in Britain, but there's no cake and candles, and not much celebrating. Audio

8:52 AM.Auckland blogger Cameron Slater says he's not surprised he's lost his bid to have his conviction for breaching suppression orders overturned - and is now considering what he'll do next. Audio

8:50 AM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

8:45 AM.Massey University clinical psychologist Ian de Terte has had experience working in correctional settings. Audio

8:40 AM.The man known as the Beast of Blenhein, Stewart Murray Wilson, is being kept in jail under a rarely used clause of the Parole Act. But Wilson must be released by next year at the latest and he… Read more Audio

8:35 AM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

8:29 AM.A brief update of movements in the financial sector. Audio

8:28 AM.In the wake of the amalgamation of Auckland's local bodies, councils north of Taupo are edging towards agreement on working more closely together. Audio

8:23 AM.Allan Dick is the editor of Classic Driver magazine, and a long time campaigner for a new approach to road safety. Audio

8:20 AM.Drivers snapped by police speed cameras could find they receive demerit points on their licence, as well as a fine. The change is being considered by the Transport Minister, Steven Joyce, as part of a… Read more Audio

8:18 AM.Two earthquakes have brought death and destruction to an historic town in the southeast of Spain, killing at least ten people. Audio

8:12 AM.Reports from Syria suggest the authorities are continuing to use heavy force to suppress the anti-government protests. Shelling and gunfire have been heard in the city of Homs. Audio

8:06 AM.The National Party faces a hard sell on Kiwisaver at the November election, where it will campaign to reduce the government's 20-dollar-a-week tax credit. Audio

7:55 AM.Help is pouring in for farmers in Hawke's Bay who have been left to pick up the pieces after the worst storm to hit the region in living memory. Audio

7:52 AM.In the United States, the flooded Mississippi River could take up to two weeks to recede, leaving a massive clean-up for farms and households. Audio

7:48 AM.Prisoners are finding it harder to get outside work experience ahead of their release from jail and when they are freed are more likely to be recalled for breaching parole. Audio

7:45 AM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

7:40 AM.Christchurch high school teachers forced to share classrooms in the wake of February's quake, are having to squeeze the curriculum in, in half the amount of time. Audio

7:40 AM.Campaigners say targeting drivers who break the speed limit in residential areas should be the top priority in any plans to reduce the road toll. Audio

7:35 AM.The stock market has been climbing with the NZX 50 hitting a two and a half year high at close yesterday. Shares rose, led by Telecom and Argosy Property Trust, amid signs investors are becoming more… Read more Audio

7:25 AM.Labour's attacks on the Prime Minister John Key continued yesterday, with Labour MP Chris Hipkins linking the renewal of a Government contract for BMWs to a fifty thousand dollar donation to the… Read more Audio

7:23 AM.Rebel fighters in Libya claim they've broken the siege of the western city of Misrata. They say they're now in control of the airport, after days of heavy fighting against forces loyal to Colonel… Read more Audio

7:15 AM.Businesses in Christchurch are locked in disputes with insurers who won't pay out until they have proof equipment shut away in the cordoned off red zone, is really damaged or destroyed. Audio

7:12 AM.Phil O'Reilly from Business New Zealand and Bill Rosenberg from the Council of Trade Unions debate the current Kiwisaver issues. Audio

7:07 AM.An independent actuary has labeled the Government's decision to cut one of Kiwisaver's major incentives as very risky and dangerous. Audio

6:47 AM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

6:41 AM.Christchurch high school teachers forced to share classrooms in the wake of Februarys quake are having to squeeze their curriculum in half the amount of time. Audio

6:35 AM.The Finance Minister Bill English says he believes New Zealanders will accept the argument that cuts have to be made to Kiwisaver, in order to improve the wider economy. National will campaign on… Read more Audio

6:27 AM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

6:22 AM.News from the rural and farming sector. Audio

6:18 AM.The latest from the Pacific region. Audio

6:00 AM.Actuary labels cuts to Kiwisaver incentives as very risky;Business, union leaders debate changes to Kiwisaver;Chch businesses argue with insurers over CBD access;To Libya, where rebel fighters claim… Read more Audio