Morning Report for Tuesday 22 February 2022

8:56 AM.If you've been to Potters Park in Tāmaki Makaurau chances are you've encountered a nearly six metre sculpture of a boy walking with purpose.

Now there is another striking feature on the statue, a… Read more Audio

8:53 AM.If you think Disney's The Little Mermaid accurately portrays what it sounds like under the sea you're in for a shock, but filmmakers did get one thing right, marine animals can have regional dialects.

8:46 AM.The latest Covid-19 Support Payment to a maximum of $24,000 dollars might not be enough for business operators in our tourist towns.

The government's package is available for businesses struggling in… Read more Audio

8:39 AM.Grieving families hope the scope of a coronial inquiry into the Christchurch mosque attacks is broad enough to answer lingering questions about the final moments of the 51 Muslims killed.

Almost… Read more Audio

8:36 AM.Protesters at Parliament are accused of dumping raw sewage into stormwater drains, which then ends up in the harbour.

The Wellington Regional Council is investigating and the people are being told… Read more Audio

8:22 AM.The Deputy Prime Minister Grant Roberston says the protesters have made their point and need to leave Parliament grounds.

He says politicians will not talk to protesters at the illegal protest amidst… Read more Audio

8:20 AM.Police say it's clear genuine protesters are not in control of everyone at the occupation of parliament.

Simon Oosterman organises protests and advises groups about the tactics the police might use.

8:16 AM.Protesters have addressed media from Parliament's front lawn.

An RNZ reporter heard them shouting at the balcony calling for media to "stop lying".

Susie Ferguson got an update. Read more Audio

8:14 AM.Protesters are no longer in control of the behaviour in and around Parliament, according to the Assistant Police Commissioner Richard Chambers.

He made that statement after those occupying the… Read more Audio

8:10 AM.Officers were working to reduce the perimeter of the protest around parliament when they were confronted by hundreds of protestors trying to obstruct them.

At least three officers required medical… Read more Audio

7:53 AM.President Vladimir Putin has held an impromptu meeting with Russia's powerful Security Council - amid growing fears of an imminent invasion of Ukraine.

In what's likely to be seen as a provocative… Read more Audio

7:52 AM.Cases of Covid-19 among children and teachers are forcing schools to roster entire year groups home or offer online learning for those who want it.

Education Ministry figures show at least 447… Read more Audio

7:49 AM.Police released a statement on Tuesday morning's scuffle with protesters near Parliament, which includes confirmation a man attempted to drive a car into a group of police officers and has since been… Read more Audio

7:44 AM.Most planned surgery at two Auckland hospitals is being called off as nursing numbers drop and Covid-19 cases rise.

The decision was made at a high level meeting yesterday, with the situation… Read more Audio

7:40 AM.Most planned surgery at two Auckland hospitals is being called off as nursing numbers drop and Covid-19 cases rise.

The decision was made at a high level meeting yesterday, with the situation… Read more Audio

7:28 AM.One person helping to fund the protest at Parliament is the Red Stag chief executive Marty Verry.

Red Stag has business interests in forestry, timber, property development, and tourism.

Verry spoke… Read more Audio

7:18 AM.Protesters are no longer in control of the behaviour in and around Parliament, according to the Assistant Police Commissioner Richard Chambers.

He made that statement after those occupying the… Read more Audio

7:10 AM.Police with riot shields have been confronted by hundreds of protestors on Hill Street next to parliament grounds.

Susie Ferguson and Corin Dann got an update from the ground. Read more Audio

6:50 AM.Police have made a move on protesters this morning.

Charlotte Cook was on the ground.

She spoke to Susie Ferguson. Read more Audio

6:44 AM.Children heading to schools near the occupation around Parliament's grounds are doing so under the gaze of the police this morning.

The force has again stepped up the visibility of its patrols, to… Read more Audio

6:40 AM.Hundreds of police, some with armed with shields, have stationed themselves on Aitken Street and Hill Street near Parliament this morning.

Susie Ferguson got an update. Read more Audio

6:23 AM.A UK medic says New Zealand has been a global front-runner with its Covid-19 response.

Dr Dan Goyal is a Scotland-based medical consultant and explained his viewpoint in a detailed social media post.

6:16 AM.People can expect Covid-19 restrictions to ease in about six weeks when Omicron is expected to peak.

While the Prime Minister has not a given a date for the end of restrictions, she says once the… Read more Audio

6:13 AM.The hospitality sector decimated after two years of Covid-19 describes the latest financial support being offered by the government as encouraging but too late for some to survive.

Eligible… Read more Audio

6:10 AM.Police say they are committed to returning the streets of Wellington to Wellingtonians, as a former Prime Minister says politicians should meet with the protesters.

In a statement released last night… Read more Audio