Morning Report for Monday 2 September 2013

8:56 AM.Time to hear from our Melbourne correspondent Phil Kafcaloudes, where the looming election dominates all the news. Audio

8:53 AM.A support group is being credited for helping Cantabrians settle in Nelson after escaping the earthquakes. Audio

8:50 AM.The leaders of a Northland rates rebellion last week drew first blood in their 25-million-dollar court battle with the Kaipara District Council. Audio

8:48 AM.A expert in environmental law believes the public's say on deep sea oil and gas exploration will be reduced, under a new Government proposal;A long-time lieutenant of the Maori King has been selected… Read more Audio

8:43 AM.The Christchurch mayoral race is heating up with the main contender, Lianne Dalziel, having her official launch interrupted by another candidate. Audio

8:40 AM.New Zealand rowers will bring home 5 medals from this weekend's World Rowing Championships in Korea. 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

8:23 AM.Lawyers say changes to legal aid, which come into effect today, will force more people to represent themselves in court, leading to more guilty pleas. Audio

8:18 AM.The Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has dismissed claims the Labour Party is headed for inevitable defeat as the election campaign across the Tasman enters its last week. Audio

8:16 AM.Employment law reform, including a higher minimum wage and a living wage, is emerging as a priority for a future Labour government, whoever leads it. Audio

8:05 AM.The United States says it has clear evidence that Sarin gas has been used by Bashar al-Assad's forces in Syria. Audio

7:57 AM.Many baby boomer expatriates say they have no interest in , or desire to, return home to New Zealand, after finding opportunity and success overseas. Audio

7:53 AM.The Ranfurly Shield, more affectionately known as the "log o' wood", has returned to Hawke's Bay for the first time in 44 years. Audio

7:50 AM.Otago's victory lap with New Zealand rugby's most coveted prize is over, now Hawke's Bay has claimed the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 44 years. Audio

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

7:35 AM.The former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has been discharged from hospital and returned home. Audio

7:27 AM.The Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, has visited Sri Lanka to ease tensions in the wake of the Fonterra contamination scare. Audio

7:25 AM.Critics say promises to introduce the so-called Living Wage from the two main contenders for the Labour Party leadership, would be a handbrake on the economy. Audio

7:21 AM.Labour's leadership candidates are pushing ahead with their intensive campaign, hitting the road to meet party faithful around the country. Audio

7:14 AM.The New Zealand journalist, Wayne Hay, has been released by Egyptian authorities. Audio

7:10 AM.The United States says it has evidence that the deadly nerve gas sarin has been used in attacks on the Syrian people. Audio

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

6:35 AM.Contenders for the Labour Party leadership have made pledges to introduce a living wage. Audio

6:27 AM.An expert in environmental law believes the public's say on deep sea oil and gas exploration will be reduced, under a new Government proposal; A long-time lieutenant of the Maori King has been… Read more Audio

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

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

6:12 AM.More support for would-be exporters is needed to help meet the Government's goal of the country earning more from overseas. Audio

6:00 AM.Evidence of Sarin in Syria as Obama delays strike;New Zealand journalist released in Cairo;Labour's would be leaders show united front despite rivalry;Labour leaders contenders boost calls for… Read more Audio