Morning Report Podcast Options

7:35 AM.Inflation figures come out today with what's expected to be highest rate in three decades.

It comes as the economy braces for more disruption with the arrival of the Omicron variant of Covid-19… Read more Audio

7:25 AM.Businesses importing and distributing rapid antigen tests in New Zealand say the government's bulk order is crushing private supplies.

Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield says government has… Read more Audio

7:17 AM.The Government is preparing for a more hands-off approach once Omicron cases in the community grow to their thousands.

A three phase plan has been announced.

In phase one, which we're in now… Read more Audio

7:16 AM.The Ministry of Health has confirmed a suspected case of Omicron at an early childhood centre in Tauranga.

It says all those at the centre at the time are being treated as close contacts, being asked… Read more Audio

7:09 AM.New Zealand could be facing 50,000 daily Omicron infections by Waitangi weekend, according to modelling by a highly respected, overseas health research organisation, peaking at about 80,000 each day… Read more Audio

6:50 AM.Students are back at school in Fiji for the first time since April last year, but more than 200 teachers are positive for Covid-19.

This comes as the Pacific nation grapples with the third wave of… Read more Audio

6:46 AM.A new community case of Covid-19 in New Plymouth came just one day after the Taranaki region was declared Covid-19 free.

The Ministry of Health says genome sequencing is underway but in the meantime… Read more Audio

6:42 AM.Doctors are warning they won't be able to help all of their patients when there are thousands of daily Omicron infections.

The warning follows the announcement of the Government's three-phase plan to… Read more Audio

6:17 AM.The union representing prison staff is warning the loss of dozens of workers who refused to get vaccinated will disrupt prison life.

The Department of Corrections insists there is no problem, but the… Read more Audio

6:11 AM.British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has rejected opposition calls for him to resign for attending lockdown parties.

Tensions over the UK leader's job are mounting, ahead of the publication of an… Read more Audio

6:08 AM.Businesses say the government's order of rapid antigen tests has tripped up their pandemic planning.

The Food and Grocery Council says it's members are profoundly disappointed the government has… Read more Audio

8:56 AM.Waikanae bird watchers are delighted after a rare sighting over the weekend.

On Friday last week local photographer Elizabeth Taylor spotted an unusual bird and snapped a picture before posting it on… Read more Audio

8:48 AM.Australian world tennis number one Ash Barty has beaten American Jessica Pegula in the Australian Open quarter finals last night.

Barty swept the match against her highest ranked opponent so far in… Read more Audio

8:43 AM.As we've been reporting this morning, scarves and bandanas have been ruled out as acceptable face coverings under the latest covid-19 guidelines.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says under the red… Read more Audio

8:40 AM.Many musicians, actors and others in the live events industry are facing months without any income because of the move to the red traffic light setting.

They are on their own because the wage subsidy… Read more Audio

8:35 AM.A New Zealand company has raised more than $142,000 - and counting - for Tonga.

The original goal was to raise $100,000, but thanks to nearly 900 donors that target has been exceeded.

Heilala… Read more Audio

8:26 AM.Aucklanders are putting their health on the line to swim at a popular central city swimming spot.

Swimmers are flocking to Te Auaunga Oakley Creek Waterfall, but the area has long running issues with… Read more Audio

8:22 AM.The government is being called on to step in to force a multi-national agri-chemical business to clean up its New Plymouth production site which the local mayor has described as a "ticking time bomb".

8:15 AM.School teachers across New Zealand will now have to wear medical-grade masks.

While the government has said it has secured an initial supply of appropriate masks for teachers and school workers, with… Read more Audio