Morning Report for Thursday 4 April 2013

8:56 AM.Scientists looking to develop the clothing of the future are turning to an unlikely material for their inspiration - slime. Audio

8:53 AM.A diary kept by a New Zealand diplomat that contradicts the events depicted in the film Argo about a hostage drama in Iran in 1979 will be donated to the Alexander Turnbull Library today. Audio

8:49 AM.A co-author of the Maori rehabilitation programme in prison says less than half of the mahi is kaupapa Maori and that needs to change; Changes to rules over Maori land could make it easier for some… Read more Audio

8:46 AM.The Motor Caravan Association says it wants to avoid more court action over freedom camping and says confusion on how the law works needs to be cleared up. Audio

8:42 AM.China's long history of food scandals is being credited for increased Chinese food production in New Zealand. Audio

8:37 AM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

8:32 AM.A brief update of movements in the financial sector. Audio

8:27 AM.Under-performing land is in the government's sights as it looks to reform Maori land legislation. Audio

8:23 AM.Out of pocket Mainzeal creditors say they aren't holding out much hope of getting their money back. Audio

8:17 AM.Anglican leaders are putting forward three options to replace the earthquake-damaged Christ Church Cathedral. Audio

8:09 AM.The Prime Minister is coming under increasing pressure for shoulder tapping the brother of a childhood friend for a top spy agency job, and then not remembering it until questioned. Audio

7:56 AM.The Lord of the Rings is fiction, but the idea for the "One Ring" may have had some real life inspiration. Audio

7:54 AM.The Auckland Theatre Company may need to find a new home for its latest production after a fire badly damaged the Maidment Theatre. Audio

7:51 AM.The family of murdered 17-year-old New Zealander, Emily Longley, is preparing to attend her killer's court appeal in London. Audio

7:48 AM.The Local Government Commission says it has no power to create Maori seats on any new council it might recommend for Northland. Audio

7:44 AM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

7:39 AM.The relationship between North and South Korea has suffered a further blow, after the North blocked workers from crossing the border to work in a joint industrial complex. Audio

7:37 AM.The Governor-General and the Minister of Defence have met the Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul, as New Zealand troops prepare for their withdrawal from the country this month. Audio

7:35 AM.A post mortem examination will be carried out today on the woman whose body was dumped outside a hospital in Matamata on Tuesday night. Audio

7:27 AM.Australia's top climate scientists and science bodies have for the first time endorsed a major report that says Australia's climate has shifted permanently in some cases. Audio

7:21 AM.The liquidators of the failed construction company Mainzeal haven't ruled out taking legal action against the company's directors. Audio

7:17 AM.The Navy says a final decision on whether to attempt a recovery of plane wreckage and bodies in the waters off Kawhia will be left to the police. Audio

7:13 AM.A statement from State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie, strongly rejects the claims regarding Ian Fletcher's appointment process. Audio

7:09 AM.The Labour Party is calling for an inquiry as the Prime Minister comes under more pressure over the appointment of Ian Fletcher as director of the country's electronic spy agency. Audio

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

6:45 AM.Disgruntled Mainzeal creditors have been told to expect substantially less than they are owed by the failed company's liquidators, but have been given some hope that legal action may be taken against… Read more Audio

6:37 AM.The Labour Party is calling for an inquiry as the Prime Minister comes under more pressure over the appointment of Ian Fletcher as director of the country's electronic spy agency. Audio

6:27 AM.A co-author of the Maori rehabilitation programme in prison says less than half of the mahi is kaupapa Maori and that needs to change; Changes to rules over Maori land could make it easier for some… Read more Audio

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

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

6:13 AM.The interior of one of Auckland's main theatres has been badly damaged in a fire. Audio

6:00 AM.Labour calling for inquiry over GCSB appointment, Statement from State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie; Navy dive support vessel on way to assist in salvage operation; Mainzeal directors could face… Read more Audio