Morning Report for Wednesday 8 August 2012

8:57 AM.Back to the Olympics now, and the Chinese dragon is roaring. Audio

8:55 AM.Scientists have shown the moa survived major climate change - only to be forced to extinction by the arrival of humans. Audio

8:52 AM.The Christchurch Mayor says "it's no skin off his nose" if he doesn't travel to sister cities over the coming years, but wants the council to hurry up and decide. Audio

8:48 AM.The Chairman of a group reviewing the operations of a West Coast Maori health provider which was on the verge of being insolvent, says there's now a proposed plan to take it into the future; A… Read more Audio

8:45 AM.The Government is accusing the Green Party of cheap politics, after it declared the new fast-track plans for the National War Memorial Park are an abuse of process. Audio

8:43 AM.Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot sang what they called an impromptu protest prayer against President Vladimir Putin in February. Their fans thought it was great, but Russian prosecutors did not… 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

8:27 AM.The New Zealand middle-distance runner, Nick Willis has just finished 9th in the men's 1500-metre final in London. Audio

8:25 AM.The Public Service Association says financial constraints facing district health boards are stressing staff and affecting services. Audio

8:20 AM.It's been a quiet night on Mt Tongariro as scientists continue to assess the level of volcanic activity underground after Monday night's dramatic eruption. Audio

8:15 AM.The track and field bungle which nearly prevented Valerie Adams from competing at the London Games has widened. Audio

8:10 AM.The sailing team will also pick up their first medal tonight and another is on the cards. Audio

8:07 AM.There has already been one medal overnight - New Zealand track cyclist, Simon van Velthooven, won bronze in a dramatic keirin final. Audio

7:57 AM.The second phase of Auckland's rates reforms is rolling out this week, with the mailing out of the first monthly bills for water services. Audio

7:52 AM.Valerie Adams says she's taking some time to reflect on her future in shotput, after missing out on a gold medal at the Olympics. Audio

7:47 AM.The Labour Party's Pacific Island Affairs spokesman is calling for fellow south Auckland MP Louisa Wall to withdraw her private member's bill to legalise same-sex marriage. Audio

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

7:40 AM.Iran has reaffirmed its support for the Syrian regime, saying it will not allow the "axis of resistance" to be broken. Audio

7:35 AM.A police officer has been questioned in court about his role in the raid of Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom's home. Audio

7:29 AM.Returning now to the Olympics, and with the New Zealand team now poised on 99 all-time medals, the middle distance runner, Nick Willis, is being tipped to bring up the century. Audio

7:27 AM.Some families of the February quake victims are questioning the sincerity of an apology by the man whose firm designed the CTV building, where nearly two thirds of lives were lost. Audio

7:21 AM.Fourteen Air New Zealand Eagle Air planes have had to be grounded after safety checks found them unfit to fly. Audio

7:18 AM.The tourism industry which depends on Mount Tongariro is crossing its fingers there are no more eruptions. Audio

7:15 AM.It's been a quiet night on Mt Tongariro with scientists continuing to assess the level of volcanic activity after Monday night's dramatic eruption. Audio

7:07 AM.The New Zealand Olympic cycling team has pulled one out of the bag with Simon van Velthooven winning bronze in unprecedented fashion in the men's keirin this morning. Audio

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

6:40 AM.The families of the 115 victims of the CTV collapse have been given an assurance by the man whose company designed it, that he'll do whatever he can to help them find answers. Audio

6:35 AM.It's been a quiet night on Mt Tongariro as scientists continue to assess the level of volcanic activity underground after Monday night's dramatic eruption. Audio

6:27 AM.The Chairman of a group reviewing the operations of a West Coast Maori health provider which was on the verge of being insolvent, says there's now a proposed plan to take the organisation into the… Read more Audio

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

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

6:08 AM.The New Zealand track cyclist, Simon van Velthooven has won bronze in the men's keirin in dramatic final. Audio

6:00 AM.NZ wins cycling bronze with another medal possibility on the track;GNS continue to monitor Tongariro, all quiet this morning;Tourism industry could be damaged by more eruptions;Air New Zealand grounds… Read more Audio