Morning Report for Thursday 17 November 2011

8:57 AM.Two weeks after re-opening, the landmark Christchurch department store, Ballantynes has thanked staff, contractors and customers for their hard work and loyalty since the February earthquake forced it… Read more Audio

8:52 AM.For the first time, a woman has won New Zealand's top science and technology honour. Audio

8:47 AM.From today, Te Manu Korihi brings you profiles of the seven Maori electorates - looking at the politicians, their personalities, and their policies, Rosemary Rangitauira reports on the Waiariki… Read more Audio

8:46 AM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

8:44 AM.Community and business leaders in Dunedin say the major political parties are not serious enough about creating jobs in the city. Audio

8:41 AM.An Otago law professor says the appointment of a foreign judge to assess David Bain's compensation claim isn't a reflection on the calibre of New Zealand judges. Audio

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

8:26 AM.The US president, Barack Obama, is due to address Australia's Federal Parliament this morning - as part of his first official visit to the country. Audio

8:22 AM.A former member of the Department of Labour's mines inspectorate has hit back at criticism of the work of the inspectors at the Royal Commission into the Pike River mining disaster. Audio

8:20 AM.Family members who've been affected by suicide say the National Party leader, John Key, has used the tragic subject in a flippant and casual nature for his own political gain. Audio

8:13 AM.Auckland University politics studies professor, Raymond Miller. Audio

8:10 AM.The National Party says its election campaign is still right on track, despite what it calls the media's attempts to divert attention from the central issues. Audio

7:52 AM.Salvors working on the stricken ship, Rena, have successfully removed the first three containers off the deck. Audio

7:47 AM.The first full-length film documenting the lives of those affected by the Canterbury earthquakes had its premiere in Christchurch last night. Audio

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

7:40 AM.The England rugby coach, Martin Johnson, under pressure after a disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign, is quitting his job. Audio

7:36 AM.The Auckland Council is likely to begin issuing trespass notices to protesters at Auckland's Aotea Square as early as today. Audio

7:25 AM.Those organising a service to mark the first anniversary of the Pike River disaster are at pains to ensure that - just one week out from the general election - the day remains non-political. Audio

7:20 AM.Part of the tea cup recordings are believed to include discussion of the Act Party's future leadership. Audio

7:14 AM.Radio New Zealand's political editor, Brent Edwards. Audio

7:10 AM.The National Party says its campaign is still on track, despite the intense pressure on its leader, John Key. Audio

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

6:38 AM.Four of the six minor party leaders who appeared on a televised debate last night say John Key should release the recording of his conversation with John Banks. Audio

6:27 AM.An iwi's planning to take further legal action if the Environment Court rules in favour of the Port of Tauranga pushing ahead with plans to deepen and widen the harbour channel; A newcomer to… Read more Audio

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

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

6:10 AM.A group of senior journalists is dismissing John Key's attempt to link his secretly recorded conversation with Britain's phone hacking scandal. Audio

6:00 AM.National says campaign on track despite focus on Key; Radio New Zealand political editor discusses campaign; Don Brash says his leadership is solid; Pike River anniversary service 'will be… Read more Audio